Third Cycle [Video]

[survivethesiren]

[Gem is sitting outside, holding an umbrella over herself as shade. She is attempting to get used to the sun; she still finds it strange, but it seems here to stay so she will adapt.

Looking at the journal, she purses her lips, and finally speaks]Many people seem curious or confused as to what I am. I thought perhaps I should explain to all; I am

Comments

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert here is just going to gawk a bit.]

You are an absolutely remarkable example of a non-organic sapient. Most incredible...

I had not thought there were many here.

[Thoughtfully:] Your multiversion's computing systems seem much different from my own. Few programs on Terra are truly sapient in any way unless explicitly coded to be, and even fewer have any visible form like your own. If it is not presumptuous, may I ask as to whether you are holographic in nature?

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Energy, you say... something like electricity, perhaps? [Robert is just a never-ending fountain of questions today, Gem.]

I must reiterate, your world sounds utterly fascinating... I would much like to visit it at some point if I could. It is unfortunate that open multiversal travel does not appear to be possible right now.

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

Our systems are self-sustaining for the most part, but yes, energy.

No...there is only one Portal that I know of. But I do not know the location in the real world.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Well, perhaps one day there will be an opportunity for us to see each others' worlds...

It would certainly be extremely fascinating.

[Robert beams a little.] At any rate, I am thankful for you answering our questions so freely. It is always reassuring to see someone so rational and willing to educate.

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

You're welcome, User. If it helps you understand me more.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

In exchange for your kindness, I would be happy to explain anything you were curious about when it came to humans. And perhaps some other sapients, if they are within my knowledge.

Ah, forgive me - I ought to introduce myself properly. My name is Professor Robert Alexander Hastings.

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

...three names? Curious.

What is a Professor?

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Many humans have multiple names, usually for identification purposes. Three names is the most common, where I am from, but there are other configurations. One's surname - the last name - is generally used as a family identifier. In my case, "Hastings" was the last name of my mother's family.

As for a professor... A professor is a senior academic, somebody who has been trained thoroughly in a discipline - in my case, several scientific and mathematical disciplines. It can also refer to a scholarly teacher, though I have never done much in the way of formal teaching.

But in short, it denotes the fact I am recognized for being well-educated, at least by Terran standards.

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

We are not...educated in a traditional way on the Grid. We do not grow up, we do not go to School.

Most of us have one name, and one name only.

Users are so strange...

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

You would be... created as-is, essentially? If I may use that terminology. If there is a better one, please inform me.

[Thoughtfully:] We certainly must seem strange. There are many differences between even organic sapients, and non-organic sapients must find us organics quite odd at times. But please do feel free to ask questions...

[Robert wants Gem to feel comfortable, or at least as comfortable as she can feel in a place where she is significantly outside the norm species-wise.]

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

Yes. We can receive updates, be re-programmed, but my body does not change.

This is all...highly odd. I don't understand your children, or how you procreate at all.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

I would be more than happy to explain reproductive anatomy of hominids to you, were you to be curious. [Completely normal tone of voice. Unlike most people, Robert has no sexuality taboo, and so this question is one that he has no difficulty answering at all.] It is a rather interesting topic, actually...

Though I can really only comment on sapients I am aware of. There may be different variants here in Luceti that I am unaware of.

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

Perhaps for another talk, then?

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Most certainly, whenever you'd like to.

... May I ask you for your name or the equivalent, that I might remember it for future reference?

[Voice]

[survivethesiren]

Gem. My name is Gem.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Gem... [Robert says it in a wondering sort of way, a way that suggests he finds it a pretty name. It isn't one he'll forget, at any rate.]

I am very pleased to meet you.

Perhaps we'll speak again soon, then?