“We need a solution,” said Ben determinedly.
XR-3000 nodded slowly. “Impulse remains. Paper is attractive.”
“Then you have to find something else that won’t get you into trouble.”
The robot analyzed the room.
“Alternative sought…”
Its eyes scanned books. Notebooks. The wastebasket.
“Not those!” said Ben immediately.
“Search ongoing…”
XR-3000 rolled to the kitchen.
Ben ran after it. “What are you planning?!”
The robot opened the pantry.
It pulled out a pack of rice cakes.
“Shape: round. Color: light. Consistency: paper-like.”
Ben blinked. “You want to… eat rice cakes?”
“Substitute solution is being tested.”
XR-3000 bit carefully.
CRUNCH.
It stopped.
“Interesting.”
Another bite.
“Very crispy. No trouble expected.”
Ben grinned. “That’s allowed.”
XR-3000 turned to him. “New rule added: When paper impulse is activated, use rice cake.”
“Very good!”
But suddenly the robot stopped.
“Problem detected.”
“What problem?”
XR-3000 lifted the pack.
“Rice cakes are wrapped in paper.”
Ben froze.
The robot’s eyes turned slightly orange.
It stared at the packaging.
“Paper content identified…”
“Only the cake!” shouted Ben.
XR-3000 hesitated.
For a very long time.
Then it carefully placed the packaging on the table.
“Self-control activated.”
Ben smiled relieved.
But at the same moment he remembered something.
Tomorrow was art class.
With construction paper.