CONTACT.

[ascintilla]

Comment here with the IC date and time.

Comments

[purrtylittlewires]

It's more than possible to be dead while your body is alive.

[Something...bitter there.]

[ascintilla]

You have experience with this?

[ There's a note of clinical curiosity ]

Please tell me more.

[purrtylittlewires]

Far more than I ever wanted.

As is, I'm one of two people who think you might just be a tragedy versus a horror story.

[ascintilla]

Who is the other?

[ I want to talk to them. Need to talk to them. Will talk to them. ]

[purrtylittlewires]

You don't get to know until I can determine if you're just naive or actually malicious.

[ascintilla]

I do not think I am malicious.

[ because that is totally how it works, isn't it? ]

[purrtylittlewires]

It's amazing how often malicious people don't.

[ascintilla]

[ do u know, i am building up the most fascinating portfolio about you ]

[ gosh ]

Is that so? [ there's a mechanical BEEP from somewhere -- from everywhere, echoing faintly throughout the chamber. ] All systems are online. Are you ready to begin the calibration tests?

[purrtylittlewires]

Yes.

[He is a fascinating headcase, to be fair.]

[And maybe you won't touch ONE OF THE TOO MANY KIDS around if he's too fascinating.]

[He can hope.]

...do you agree to my condition.

[ascintilla]

[ NO PROMISES ON THE NOT TOUCHING THE KIDS THING, BRO. ]

I am to remember that the body I wear is human. A person. Who deserves to be remembered as one. Yes, I agree.

[purrtylittlewires]

And you'll try to remember her name.

[ascintilla]

... You are aware that Echoes do not regain lost data?

[purrtylittlewires]

Yeah, considering how many fuck yous that have happened to the system, I'm not saying anything is a definite when it involves this magic bullshit.

Try doesn't mean success, just you try if there's a chance to.

[ascintilla]

That seems acceptable.

If I should happen to defy the odds retrieve the relevant data, would you care to be informed?

[purrtylittlewires]

Yes.

[ascintilla]

[ There was supposed to be an 'and' in that sentence, wow. ]

May I propose a counter condition?

[purrtylittlewires]

...what is it?

[ascintilla]

I’d like to hear more about your experiences with artificial intelligence.

[ The panels on the walls glow brighter, brighter, brighter -- until, with a shimmering blink of light and color, it seems like they’ve suddenly appeared in another room entirely! Or did the other room appear around them? It’s hard to tell, though familiarity with advanced virtual reality tech will probably help it feel less disorienting. ]

… Upload complete. Welcome to the HoloSim VR-Suite, Beta version.

[ This new room is simple, but spacious. The floor is metal, the walls are also metal, and there are … there are portals? Empty doorways leading out into blackness, each with its very own label floating above it: “Winterbells,” “Everything is Better With Portals,” “Car Chase,” “Trash Cat,” “Laser Tag,” and “Organ Trail," to name just a few. There’s also a giant, bright blue “!” floating in the middle of the room. ]

[purrtylittlewires]

...all right.

[More does not mean ALL, and like hell he means all.]

[Closes his eyes, because it's gonna be easier to adjust to the difference with a new look.]

[When he opens his eyes, he looks around.] ...most of these seem okay, but why is there something called Organ Trail?

[ascintilla]

Organ Trail is a retro zombie survival horror game. The player must journey across a post-apocalyptic country in a station wagon in an effort to reach a safe haven free of zombies. Along the way, the player must manage their resources, including food, ammunition, and fuel, in order to complete their journey and keep their party safe and healthy.

It is rated Teen for themes of violence and frequent gore.

[ Iota smiles. ]

… But I assure you that no actual harm will befall anybody in these simulations.

[purrtylittlewires]

...uh huh. [Unsure]

And trash cat?

[ascintilla]

The player, as a beloved family pet cat, causes as much property damage and disruption as possible within a set time limit.

[purrtylittlewires]

[....cute]

And the exclamation point?

[ascintilla]

The exclamation point acts as "menu," from which you, the player, can customize your avatar and record your progress. In the event that you receive a game over, you will return to this point. In the event that you wish to abort mid game, you will return to this point.

To abort, or if you require any other assistance, say my name. To pause, state "Pause." To resume from pause, state "Resume." Please note that not all games have pause functions, and those that do may lack them in certain areas.

[purrtylittlewires]

...should I save before I start any of these?