The Stages of Evolution of MINIMCOM

Stage 1: Fussy little autopilot computer.
Stage 2: Infused with uncounted peta-bytes of processor power and memory.
Stage 3: Spends so much time with humans that he becomes accustomed to their behavior. Personality forms.
Stage 4: After crash-landing on Deucado, he becomes fused into his space tug airframe using constructor units which are modified VIRUS units.
Stage 5: His personality is fully formed. He is clever, acerbic and completely self-aware.
Stage 6: Because of his dedication, he is emancipated and becomes his own entity, free to come and go as he pleases.
Stage 7: During his upgrade to the null-fold drive, he must give up a significant portion of his mass. He becomes a loving father and family member.
Stage 8: Dr. MINIMCOM. You'll have to see it to believe it.