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deerington ic inbox;
[Attempting to contact this address will prompt no audio message. Instead, two lines of text will appear, brusque and impersonal.]
Network ID: Arid
You may leave a message.
Network ID: Arid
You may leave a message.
I'm glad you were able to free yourself from his control. I hope it hasn't had any lasting effects on you. The lingering effects Martin mentioned have me worried they could manifest in a different manner for you.
Sims ignored your request to stop. It's unclear whether his ability makes him incapable of stopping himself or if that was a conscious choice to continue violating you. I'm concerned the latter is what happened and the offer of an apology now is suspect, especially coming from an uninvolved party.
[ If Arid had a more passably human appearance, would it have reached that point in the first place? It's hardly unreasonable to assume there's bias against synthetics at play here. ]
Either way he can't be trusted, that's abundantly clear. I think maybe Martin can under normal circumstances, judging by his honesty, but there's a distinct possibility Sims may have him bound the way he did you. It's equally as likely Martin will act in the best interests of his friend of his own volition.
You should also have someone who will act in your best interests if it becomes necessary. I'd like to accompany you for this in-person meeting, if you're comfortable with that.
[ The thought of Arid facing the two men alone doesn't sit right with him, never mind that she's obviously capable of taking care of herself. This is more about the moral support. And he can probably incapacitate a human without causing them harm, if it does become necessary...
Sent a few moments afterward, as a slightly amused afterthought: ] Have you noticed the way humans assume all synthetics know each other simply because of what we are? Maybe we should start a club with the Technical Boy and Seven.
Sims ignored your request to stop. It's unclear whether his ability makes him incapable of stopping himself or if that was a conscious choice to continue violating you. I'm concerned the latter is what happened and the offer of an apology now is suspect, especially coming from an uninvolved party.
[ If Arid had a more passably human appearance, would it have reached that point in the first place? It's hardly unreasonable to assume there's bias against synthetics at play here. ]
Either way he can't be trusted, that's abundantly clear. I think maybe Martin can under normal circumstances, judging by his honesty, but there's a distinct possibility Sims may have him bound the way he did you. It's equally as likely Martin will act in the best interests of his friend of his own volition.
You should also have someone who will act in your best interests if it becomes necessary. I'd like to accompany you for this in-person meeting, if you're comfortable with that.
[ The thought of Arid facing the two men alone doesn't sit right with him, never mind that she's obviously capable of taking care of herself. This is more about the moral support. And he can probably incapacitate a human without causing them harm, if it does become necessary...
Sent a few moments afterward, as a slightly amused afterthought: ] Have you noticed the way humans assume all synthetics know each other simply because of what we are? Maybe we should start a club with the Technical Boy and Seven.
[She cannot fault KD6-3.7 for the kindness of his offer and she more than understands his reservations about using a fellow AI. Still, the notion that he should protect her seems highly illogical. She was built to protect—he was not. But if he insists on a mutual arrangement, perhaps she can convince him to help her in less combat-oriented ways.]
Earlier, you suggested learning how to help maintain my combat suit. If you assist in maintenance and I assist in defense, it would be a mutually beneficial exchange.
Earlier, you suggested learning how to help maintain my combat suit. If you assist in maintenance and I assist in defense, it would be a mutually beneficial exchange.
I have not experienced any lingering effects of his compulsion. Martin Blackwood referenced nightmares as a common aftereffect, but I do not dream.
[She is not the only one who should be grateful for this fact. If Sims had infected her with yet another fear-based virus, she would not have hesitated to kill him.]
I am not deceived that this apology will serve as an expression of genuine remorse. If Sims agrees to it, he will do it in the interest of preventing future retaliation. The same can be said for Martin Blackwood.
[Partially, at least. For all the apologies the human had made, he had seemed quite reluctant towards Arid’s request of a face-to-face meeting with Sims.
At K’s next offer, Arid remembers her own considerations during her conversation with Blackwood—and the virus’s reaction. Those same misgivings begin to arise in her processor; she should not expect KD6-3.7 to endanger himself for her sake.]
They are both human, [she points out.] If either of them are hostile, you will not be able to oppose them.
[Meanwhile, if both men are unarmed—and do not have any more potent powers of compulsion between them—Arid does not doubt her own ability to dispatch them. Even if they were to carry firearms, Arid can withstand several bullets before reaching a point of critical damage.
...It would be a reassurance to have another synthetic there. But it is not necessary.
Her more serious reflections are interrupted by K’s observation.]
Perhaps they correctly assume that we find the company of other synthetics preferable to theirs.
[She is not the only one who should be grateful for this fact. If Sims had infected her with yet another fear-based virus, she would not have hesitated to kill him.]
I am not deceived that this apology will serve as an expression of genuine remorse. If Sims agrees to it, he will do it in the interest of preventing future retaliation. The same can be said for Martin Blackwood.
[Partially, at least. For all the apologies the human had made, he had seemed quite reluctant towards Arid’s request of a face-to-face meeting with Sims.
At K’s next offer, Arid remembers her own considerations during her conversation with Blackwood—and the virus’s reaction. Those same misgivings begin to arise in her processor; she should not expect KD6-3.7 to endanger himself for her sake.]
They are both human, [she points out.] If either of them are hostile, you will not be able to oppose them.
[Meanwhile, if both men are unarmed—and do not have any more potent powers of compulsion between them—Arid does not doubt her own ability to dispatch them. Even if they were to carry firearms, Arid can withstand several bullets before reaching a point of critical damage.
...It would be a reassurance to have another synthetic there. But it is not necessary.
Her more serious reflections are interrupted by K’s observation.]
Perhaps they correctly assume that we find the company of other synthetics preferable to theirs.
Edited 2020-04-20 01:03 (UTC)
[ She doesn't dream, but what if the nightmares come in a different form like worsening the effects of the virus? That's his worry. Stranger things have happened here. Hopefully it's a baseless worry, though, and nothing more comes of the compulsion... ]
It would be useful for me to know what they both look like and this would be the most convenient method. I've only communicated with Martin through text.
And even if they are hostile, I'm willing to take my chances. I don't think you should go alone. But if not me, would you be willing to let someone else accompany you?
[ Arid pls. ]
It would be useful for me to know what they both look like and this would be the most convenient method. I've only communicated with Martin through text.
And even if they are hostile, I'm willing to take my chances. I don't think you should go alone. But if not me, would you be willing to let someone else accompany you?
[ Arid pls. ]
[ There are ways of protecting someone beyond the physical, but he figures there's no need to get into that just yet. ]
I guess you have a point. Might as well play to our strengths. But unless a human is involved, I'd still prefer you don't put yourself in harm's way for me.
Thank you.
The books available at the library don't seem to have information on anything as advanced as your suit, but the information they do provide will probably be a good foundation from which to learn more.
[ Guess who's learning engineering, in other words. ]
I guess you have a point. Might as well play to our strengths. But unless a human is involved, I'd still prefer you don't put yourself in harm's way for me.
Thank you.
The books available at the library don't seem to have information on anything as advanced as your suit, but the information they do provide will probably be a good foundation from which to learn more.
[ Guess who's learning engineering, in other words. ]
[Arid processes the dilemma for a few moments, weighing their options. K would benefit from intel about the humans, but will be unable to defend himself if their intentions are malicious. Arid would benefit from having another synthetic present to provide counsel, but does not wish to place KD6-3.7 in danger.
One solution does occur to her.]
There is a way that you could accompany me to the meeting while remaining unseen and protected.
[It will likely be very strange for another synthetic, but given his construction, there should be no physical impediment to it working...]
You stated before that only human officers were permitted to use body armor. Do you possess any programming that would prevent you from using a combat suit?
One solution does occur to her.]
There is a way that you could accompany me to the meeting while remaining unseen and protected.
[It will likely be very strange for another synthetic, but given his construction, there should be no physical impediment to it working...]
You stated before that only human officers were permitted to use body armor. Do you possess any programming that would prevent you from using a combat suit?
Understood.
[Humans will likely be the most prevalent threat in Deerington anyway, given how much they outnumber its synthetic population. As for synthetics and non-human organics… Arid will simply have to hope that KD6-3.7 exercises caution.]
When you are ready, I can provide information on the various components of my suit. Other synthetics may also possess more advanced engineering knowledge than the books in this system.
[Humans will likely be the most prevalent threat in Deerington anyway, given how much they outnumber its synthetic population. As for synthetics and non-human organics… Arid will simply have to hope that KD6-3.7 exercises caution.]
When you are ready, I can provide information on the various components of my suit. Other synthetics may also possess more advanced engineering knowledge than the books in this system.
[ ... What.
Having never been asked by anyone to wear them before, he isn't entirely sure how to react. Well, Arid isn't the suit, exactly, but it's still — hers, regardless of its original purpose. She doesn't need a pilot now.
But at the same time... the experience could also provide some incredibly useful information about her suit, which will be to her benefit later if he ever does need to perform repairs for her. ]
I have no restrictions on what I choose to wear here.
This wouldn't be uncomfortable for you? I don't mean physically. How would this work? What would you want me to do?
Having never been asked by anyone to wear them before, he isn't entirely sure how to react. Well, Arid isn't the suit, exactly, but it's still — hers, regardless of its original purpose. She doesn't need a pilot now.
But at the same time... the experience could also provide some incredibly useful information about her suit, which will be to her benefit later if he ever does need to perform repairs for her. ]
I have no restrictions on what I choose to wear here.
This wouldn't be uncomfortable for you? I don't mean physically. How would this work? What would you want me to do?
Carrying a pilot does not discomfit me. I would find it preferable to you accompanying me unprotected.
[ To protect is her function, after all. At the very least, she would find KD6-3.7 far preferable to her previous pilot. ]
You would wear my combat suit and we would meet with the humans together. You will have full motor control, but I will be the one to speak. That way, they will not detect our deception.
[Arid supposes they will be revealed if the Archivist compels her to disclose whether or not she came alone. But then, even if he knew, there would be little he could do about it.]
If either of them attempt hostilities, I will be able to remove both of us from the encounter with minimal risk of damage.
[ To protect is her function, after all. At the very least, she would find KD6-3.7 far preferable to her previous pilot. ]
You would wear my combat suit and we would meet with the humans together. You will have full motor control, but I will be the one to speak. That way, they will not detect our deception.
[Arid supposes they will be revealed if the Archivist compels her to disclose whether or not she came alone. But then, even if he knew, there would be little he could do about it.]
If either of them attempt hostilities, I will be able to remove both of us from the encounter with minimal risk of damage.
Hello, Arid. It's Martin again. Thankfully, this isn't about Jon! I just wanted to ask if you eat organic food? I made more pie than Jon and I can reasonably eat, so, if you'd like it, I've got half a pie for you. If not, that's totally fine! I was just looking out toward the theme park when I was making it and thought about you.
[ When Arid sees a message in her inbox from Martin Blackwood, she does indeed assume it is related to Jonathan Sims. Perhaps the Archivist had just compelled a synthetic and his associate is here to plead for her mercy on his behalf. While such a message would be disappointing, it would not be entirely unexpected.
She certainly isn't expecting an offer of pie.
There is. A long pause.]
I do not have a mouth.
[ If Martin were actually there, he would detect more bafflement in her voice than irritation. The notion that a human would think of her of all people while producing baked goods is perplexing in the extreme.
But then she remembers something he had said during their in-person meeting—something the Archivist had compelled him to say. ]
I have no interest in providing a written statement.
She certainly isn't expecting an offer of pie.
There is. A long pause.]
I do not have a mouth.
[ If Martin were actually there, he would detect more bafflement in her voice than irritation. The notion that a human would think of her of all people while producing baked goods is perplexing in the extreme.
But then she remembers something he had said during their in-person meeting—something the Archivist had compelled him to say. ]
I have no interest in providing a written statement.
[The first message has Martin's cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He... he probably should have thought of that. This was stupid. God, she probably thinks he's a moron. And then the second message takes the wind entirely out of his sails.]
I didn't ever expect one. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I just thought you might like something sweet.
If there's anything else you like and... is relevant to you, please let me know. We're all working together here, and I'm trying to prepare for as many different things Deerington might throw at us as possible. I can keep an eye out for anything that might help you.
I didn't ever expect one. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I just thought you might like something sweet.
If there's anything else you like and... is relevant to you, please let me know. We're all working together here, and I'm trying to prepare for as many different things Deerington might throw at us as possible. I can keep an eye out for anything that might help you.
[ ...This continues to be a very confusing conversation. Arid would almost be inclined to believe the human had meant to contact someone else, if it weren't for the fact that he had referred to her by name in his initial message.
Her reply is even blunter than the last one. ]
Why?
Her reply is even blunter than the last one. ]
Why?
Because you've been hurt by this place and by Jon, and it seems like you were hurt by other people where you're from. KD6-3.7 said you had some really bad experiences. So, I just thought maybe you deserved to have something nice? And, well, something that might make it easier for you the next time something bad comes for us.
I know it doesn't make up for anything that's happened. But I was just hoping you could feel good, even for a little while? It was silly. Sorry.
I know it doesn't make up for anything that's happened. But I was just hoping you could feel good, even for a little while? It was silly. Sorry.
[ So the human... pities her? She does not know how else to comprehend his preoccupation with her negative experiences or the notion that she somehow "deserves" something because of them. ]
Suffering does not confer merit.
[ If it did, Arid is sure all of her considerable share would go to the hosts whom she had victimized. In any case, she does not desire pity. Even if she had been willing to accept it, what would she request?
She does not know what would make her happy. ]
Others hurt me. You have not. Your attempts at reparation are not needed.
Suffering does not confer merit.
[ If it did, Arid is sure all of her considerable share would go to the hosts whom she had victimized. In any case, she does not desire pity. Even if she had been willing to accept it, what would she request?
She does not know what would make her happy. ]
Others hurt me. You have not. Your attempts at reparation are not needed.
No! Of course not. I just mean that if you've had a lot of suffering in your life, you might not have had a lot of good things. It's not about reparations for what other people did.
Hasn't anyone ever just wanted to do something nice for you?
Hasn't anyone ever just wanted to do something nice for you?
[ Arid reads the message several times, trying to comprehend. As best as she can estimate, he is attempting to... establish equilibrium? He seems to believe it important to try and balance the negative experiences in her life with a positive one.
If that is his goal, Arid still has no guesses as to his motivation. ]
No humans.
[ At least, not without ulterior motives. ]
If that is his goal, Arid still has no guesses as to his motivation. ]
No humans.
[ At least, not without ulterior motives. ]
I wish I weren't the first to try, then.
But this is about what you want, not what I want. If you can think of anything you'd like me to look for, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope you have a really nice day, Arid.
But this is about what you want, not what I want. If you can think of anything you'd like me to look for, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope you have a really nice day, Arid.
[It's just one of those days. Work at the hospital had been daunting with his local colleagues giving him a hard time, so when Luka comes home - tired and cranky - and finds Arid missing, he expects the worst.
He's not entirely sure what the worst is here, but that's definitely it. In Deerington, that's always it.
He holds the fluid at a slightly wrong angle, betraying that he's not overly familiar or confident with this level of video technology.]
Arid? Are you there? It's Luka. Call me back if you're getting this.
He's not entirely sure what the worst is here, but that's definitely it. In Deerington, that's always it.
He holds the fluid at a slightly wrong angle, betraying that he's not overly familiar or confident with this level of video technology.]
Arid? Are you there? It's Luka. Call me back if you're getting this.
[Arid, too, has had a difficult day. Seeing the anomalous red lights outside Luka’s residence, she had gone to investigate, only to find her pilot waiting for her. She had felt both joy and trepidation seeing him again—only for both sentiments to evaporate into horror as her memories returned.
In her efforts to flee from him, she had unthinkingly returned to her own residence—and then proceeded to stand guard at the door for the next hour, sidearm in hand. She does not know what it means that Josephs is here. She does not know what it means that he had become intangible when she had lashed out in an attempt to silence his cruel words or that his skin had glowed a luminescent red. He had not pursued her. Had it been inability or disinterest that had stilled him?
The question gnaws at her until she's startled by the chime of the Fluid on her wrist. The message ID reads as Luka. She remembers that he had prevented her from seeking deactivation, even invited her into his home to conceal her from her pilot. They are even now. Still, she hesitates to open it, reluctant to remove her attention from the door. It is only after another minute that she finally holsters her gun and allows the message to play.
If his earlier assistance had been surprising, his concern is more so now. She responds promptly. ]
I am in my own residence. My memories have been restored. [ It should be good news, but her tone is tense. Does he know something is wrong? Had he, too, seen the red figures? ]
I encountered my pilot.
In her efforts to flee from him, she had unthinkingly returned to her own residence—and then proceeded to stand guard at the door for the next hour, sidearm in hand. She does not know what it means that Josephs is here. She does not know what it means that he had become intangible when she had lashed out in an attempt to silence his cruel words or that his skin had glowed a luminescent red. He had not pursued her. Had it been inability or disinterest that had stilled him?
The question gnaws at her until she's startled by the chime of the Fluid on her wrist. The message ID reads as Luka. She remembers that he had prevented her from seeking deactivation, even invited her into his home to conceal her from her pilot. They are even now. Still, she hesitates to open it, reluctant to remove her attention from the door. It is only after another minute that she finally holsters her gun and allows the message to play.
If his earlier assistance had been surprising, his concern is more so now. She responds promptly. ]
I am in my own residence. My memories have been restored. [ It should be good news, but her tone is tense. Does he know something is wrong? Had he, too, seen the red figures? ]
I encountered my pilot.
Edited 2020-05-04 04:36 (UTC)
[Luka had just put the Fluid away and decided to stretch out on the couch when she responds after all. He hurries to sit up again and scrambles for the device, coming up on the feed immediately after playing her message.
My memories have been restored. Oh. Yeah, that explains why she wouldn't stick around. Maybe she didn't like staying in a human's house or maybe she saw no logical point in staying, now that she was back to normal. Or maybe she's the robo version of embarrassed. Did she do embarrassed? She sure did anger and contempt, so why not that. She doesn't sound particularly happy about it. Is she angry with him? Had he miscalculated, had he somehow misunderstood what deactivation would entail?
But then she mentions her pilot and Luka gapes at the camera.]
What?
[That's almost more surprising than her being back to her old self. He immediately looks around the house for signs of struggle or at least a break in but there's nothing.]
I didn't tell anyone you're here. I don't know how he could have found you here. Are you okay?
My memories have been restored. Oh. Yeah, that explains why she wouldn't stick around. Maybe she didn't like staying in a human's house or maybe she saw no logical point in staying, now that she was back to normal. Or maybe she's the robo version of embarrassed. Did she do embarrassed? She sure did anger and contempt, so why not that. She doesn't sound particularly happy about it. Is she angry with him? Had he miscalculated, had he somehow misunderstood what deactivation would entail?
But then she mentions her pilot and Luka gapes at the camera.]
What?
[That's almost more surprising than her being back to her old self. He immediately looks around the house for signs of struggle or at least a break in but there's nothing.]
I didn't tell anyone you're here. I don't know how he could have found you here. Are you okay?
I am functional.
[ She answers automatically, not considering how odd the question is until after. Luka now knows that her memory is restored, that he owes her nothing more. Why concern himself with her status? ]
He did not enter your home, [ Arid continues, wondering if perhaps that is Luka's true source of unease. ] I observed anomalous lights outside your residence. When I exited to investigate, he was there.
[ A pause. ]
I... do not comprehend our encounter. When my memory was still compromised, he appeared solid and tangible. However, once I regained my memories, he lost corporeality—as if he were a projection.
[ Had she simply mistaken those moments where he had placed a hand on her shoulder or gently steered her in the direction he chose? Or had he truly been tangible one moment and not the next? If he were simply a projection, it would lessen the danger he presents, though the fact that he is able to make contact in Deerington at all is still extremely troubling.
The tension in Arid's voice is clear in her voice. ]
Are the red lights still visible from your residence?
[ She answers automatically, not considering how odd the question is until after. Luka now knows that her memory is restored, that he owes her nothing more. Why concern himself with her status? ]
He did not enter your home, [ Arid continues, wondering if perhaps that is Luka's true source of unease. ] I observed anomalous lights outside your residence. When I exited to investigate, he was there.
[ A pause. ]
I... do not comprehend our encounter. When my memory was still compromised, he appeared solid and tangible. However, once I regained my memories, he lost corporeality—as if he were a projection.
[ Had she simply mistaken those moments where he had placed a hand on her shoulder or gently steered her in the direction he chose? Or had he truly been tangible one moment and not the next? If he were simply a projection, it would lessen the danger he presents, though the fact that he is able to make contact in Deerington at all is still extremely troubling.
The tension in Arid's voice is clear in her voice. ]
Are the red lights still visible from your residence?
Red lights?
[Luka frowns, looking around in confusion but then a moment later understanding dawns on his face.]
I think I know what you're talking about. I've encountered them, too. They... took the form of my family. I could talk to them, touch them... [There is a small, emotional falter there.] But then they vanished at dawn.
[Do humans treat you badly where you're from? he had asked. Yes. They did, had been the terse reply. Apparently her pilot had been no exception.]
If that's what you encountered, I don't think it's really him. I think it's just another mind game the city plays on us.
[And still he has sought out his fake family like a sucker over and over again ever since.]
[Luka frowns, looking around in confusion but then a moment later understanding dawns on his face.]
I think I know what you're talking about. I've encountered them, too. They... took the form of my family. I could talk to them, touch them... [There is a small, emotional falter there.] But then they vanished at dawn.
[Do humans treat you badly where you're from? he had asked. Yes. They did, had been the terse reply. Apparently her pilot had been no exception.]
If that's what you encountered, I don't think it's really him. I think it's just another mind game the city plays on us.
[And still he has sought out his fake family like a sucker over and over again ever since.]
[ As Luka explains, Arid's attention slowly shifts from the door to the Fluid screen. At first, she does not understand what correlation his family might have to her pilot, but gradually, she begins to comprehend. ]
He... was not real?
[ It is difficult to process. The Josephs she had seen had not behaved like a crude simulation. It is not just that the specter had looked like him; it had spoken like him, too, revealing secrets that Arid had divulged to nobody in this system. And yet, there had been discrepancies as well: the red glow, his incorporeality, the fact that he had shown no shock or dismay that Arid had not been destroyed.
Had it really all been a deception?
Slowly, she moves away from the door. Her pilot is not here. And though there are many other threats in Deerington, he is not one of them. ]
Will these apparitions reappear on consecutive nights?
He... was not real?
[ It is difficult to process. The Josephs she had seen had not behaved like a crude simulation. It is not just that the specter had looked like him; it had spoken like him, too, revealing secrets that Arid had divulged to nobody in this system. And yet, there had been discrepancies as well: the red glow, his incorporeality, the fact that he had shown no shock or dismay that Arid had not been destroyed.
Had it really all been a deception?
Slowly, she moves away from the door. Her pilot is not here. And though there are many other threats in Deerington, he is not one of them. ]
Will these apparitions reappear on consecutive nights?
I don't think he was, no. But yeah, they seem to come back at night. They show up more frequently in the forest.
[It's strange. Luka had been so caught up in his own grief and joy over seeing his family that he never even considered that not everyone might share this sentiment. That not everyone might encounter people they wanted to see.
Why would the city do that? Reward some but punish the others? It hardly seems fair. Then again, this whole experience hardly seems fair.]
Did he do anything? Did he harm you?
[He doesn't think it's likely but Danijela and the kids had been tangible to his touch. It slowly sinks in that just because they didn't attack him doesn't mean all the firefly ghosts are friendly.]
[It's strange. Luka had been so caught up in his own grief and joy over seeing his family that he never even considered that not everyone might share this sentiment. That not everyone might encounter people they wanted to see.
Why would the city do that? Reward some but punish the others? It hardly seems fair. Then again, this whole experience hardly seems fair.]
Did he do anything? Did he harm you?
[He doesn't think it's likely but Danijela and the kids had been tangible to his touch. It slowly sinks in that just because they didn't attack him doesn't mean all the firefly ghosts are friendly.]
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