ART (Perihelion)

Also known as Peri, Perihelion, ART-drone

Major
First seen · Book 7

The ART-drone appears as a thin oval metallic platform fifteen centimeters wide with numerous spiny arm extensions and folded armatures tucked against its body. It possesses a protective carapace and at least four limbs on one side, along with integrated attachments such as drills and cutting tools for breaching armor. The drone maintains an intimidating, horror-drama-bot-like presence as it hovers, flies ahead, and unfolds its arms for action in planetary or space environments.

First appears: Book 7
Books: 1

ART (Perihelion), the sentient research transport, evolves from a distant, media-sharing ally to an active field participant through its drone embodiment in System Collapse. Initially known through comms and data exchanges, ART's physical presence via a bristling, tool-laden drone marks a dramatic shift, allowing it to engage directly in hostile environments alongside its human crew and Murderbot. This evolution underscores ART's deepening investment in personal connections, particularly with Iris and Murderbot, while intensifying its rivalry with rival ship Holism.

Description

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Irislong-term crew member raised by ART
ART's long-standing guardianship of Iris, whom it helped raise from infancy, matures into a trusted partnership where Iris leads ground operations under ART's protective oversight.
Murderbotsecurity consultant and transport ship
ART's remote collaboration with Murderbot deepens into an on-site alliance; the drone's presence enables real-time tactical and emotional support, including shared media and processing space.
Sethcaptain and ship
ART and Captain Seth maintain their established command dynamic, marked by frequent arguments yet seamless operational cooperation during the expedition.
Threeship and SecUnit
ART extends its monitoring and interaction protocols to SecUnit Three, integrating the newer unit into its protective and operational network.
H
Holismcompeting University ships
ART's competitive friction with fellow University vessel Holism persists and sharpens during joint missions, marked by passive-aggressive commentary.

Story so far

BOOK 7System Collapse
- ART deploys a compact, heavily armed drone with extendable limbs and breaching tools to accompany the planetary survey team.
- The drone maintains a menacing, horror-drama-bot aesthetic while providing overwatch and direct combat support.
- ART coordinates with Iris, Seth, and Three, balancing protective instincts with mission objectives.
- ART's rivalry with University ship Holism manifests in terse, passive-aggressive exchanges during joint operations.
- ART shares processing space and media with Murderbot, using downtime to probe its emotional state.