Scene: The Cyberman is standing in front of the jukebox in the diner, its metallic fingers hovering above the buttons. It has come to hear Shake It Off by Taylor Swift, for reasons unknown to anyone but itself.
Cyberman (in a mechanical, emotionless tone): “Play Taylor Swift. Song: ‘Shake It Off.’”
Jukebox (clicks, then starts playing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor instead).
Cyberman (without any change in expression, pressing the button again): “Error. Selection incorrect. Play Taylor Swift. Song: ‘Shake It Off.’”
Jukebox (clicks, then plays “Stayin' Alive” by the Bee Gees).
Cyberman (staring at the jukebox, still perfectly calm, but its voice begins to carry a hint of irritation): “Inaccurate. Comply with my order. Play Taylor Swift. Song: ‘Shake It Off.’”
Waitress (passing by, slightly amused): “Yeah, it’s a bit temperamental sometimes. Try pressing ‘Top Hits’.”
Cyberman (without moving its eyes from the jukebox): “I am not programmed to tolerate inefficiency. My instructions are clear.”
Jukebox (clicks, and now plays “All Star” by Smash Mouth).
Cyberman (eyes flashing once, its tone now colder): “Error. Song does not conform to the requested parameters. Play Taylor Swift.”
Waitress (laughing lightly): “You know, it’s a bit like trying to herd cats, that jukebox.”
Cyberman (ignoring the waitress, its tone flat and calculated): “This is a failure of the system. I will override. Play Taylor Swift. Song: ‘Shake It Off.’”
Jukebox (randomly selects “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond).
Cyberman (processing the situation, pausing for a moment, and then speaking with an even more mechanical calmness): “This is illogical. My purpose has been interrupted by inefficiency. I am recalibrating…”
Waitress (still enjoying the spectacle): “You just have to let it go. You know, like she says... shake it off.”
Cyberman (staring at the jukebox for a long moment, its voice devoid of emotion): “I have no need for this… ‘shaking off.’ I will never engage with this disorganised randomness again.”
Jukebox (clicks again and starts playing “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen).
