text; un: romano

[badlydisarmed]

Does anyone know if the fast child-sized squirrels are dewormed? Do we need rabies vaccines? Are there any vets in town?

For those who don't know me, I'm Dr. Robert Romano. As of a few days ago I was the only non-magical medical doctor in Etraya. If that's changed please talk to me, I'm so lonely.

And I'm serious about the fast squirrels, I also got anti-flea treatments for anyone covered in fur.

Comments

[untsundered]

None at all? Or perhaps you simply cannot recognize it for what it is. Regardless, you had to come from something.

[badlydisarmed]

I don't know if you're asking about evolution or if you want the "when a daddy loves a mommy very much" talk.

[untsundered]

I am speaking pre-evolution, that is a natural consequence after the initial creation when it goes on to reproduce. Of course, most would not know of its creators, particularly should they be so far down the evolutionary line from the progenitor of its species. Which is likely your case.

[badlydisarmed]

There are several theories. Leading one being the "primordial soup" one, which suggests life originated from non-life. There's been experiments imitating what the atmosphere was like at the time the first lifeforms theoretically popped up, the combination of various factors with electricity produced amino acids that could theoretically lead to molecules to produce life.

Another one suggests life on Earth was seeded by meteors, but since that only explains where it may have come from rather than how it originated, I like it considerably less.

Where do you come from?

[untsundered]

So you don't know, yet you spoke so definitively about what does or does not exist in your world mere moments ago. As if you were some prevailing authority on the subject.

I hail from a star named Etheirys. From it did mankind spring forth to fill its untamed lands with our gift of creation, bequeathing it with myriad forms of life to shape it into the marvel it now is. As that is our purpose and duty: to be the stewards of the very star which birthed our existence from time immemorial.

You spoke of a theory of life springing forth from non-life, yet I wonder at your dichotomy of such a thing.

[badlydisarmed]

I don't do existentialism. Other people do and I read about it.

The theory is very simple, the conditions for life to exist presented themselves, so life happened. The process was very gradual.

[untsundered]

To know one's limits and seek the wisdom of others is its own wisdom.

Allow me a better query, then. What qualifies as life to you?

[badlydisarmed]

Textbook definition makes life matter that has biological processes. But there's sentient robots here and once you add non-biological life to the mix, shit gets very hard to define.

So biological life is matter capable of growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, and some other stuff I can't remember because it's been decades since I had to answer that quiz.

Non-biological life is my robot buddy that's capable of feeling guilt.

[untsundered]

I see. That is a rather rudimentary and sentimentally inclined definition of it, but I expect no less.

I can see now why your people came to their theoretical conclusions on the matter of their existential beginnings.

You had asked me about creations earlier. With your understanding of that automaton friend of yours—he would be a creation to you, yes? Someone designed him, built him, programmed him.

[badlydisarmed]

Yes. Although just so we're on the same page, how he came to be doesn't make him less of a person.

Which is a weird thing for me to be typing, but there's a wereshroom sending me texts, so you know, shit happens.

[untsundered]

I have no doubt you believe that.

What, pray tell, is a wereshroom?

[He already has to deal with so many stupid creations. Like sharks with too many legs, what do you MEAN a WERESHROOM?]

[badlydisarmed]

Waiting on details myself, but he seems to be a mushroom that can turn into a human.

[untsundered]

What a curious concept. Well, I cannot say it's lacking in creativity.

[Sounds like he's judging someone's art project...]

[badlydisarmed]

Right sure. We're all crayon drawings made by gods.

Not you, though, you're different.

[untsundered]

You are a bit more refined than that, do give yourself some credit, won't you?

[He is not denying being different in the most flattering of ways.]

[badlydisarmed]

Quick question.

Why are you stuck here?

[untsundered]

It is likely part of this facility's effects to assure whatever is within stays that way. It is not unusual that such limiters be placed upon those otherwise lacking in proper authorization. Though I suppose you wouldn't know about that, what with your believing magic does not exist and all that.

I will speak with Echo and have the matter cleared, rest assured.

[badlydisarmed]

Sure, alright. I'm sure that will go exactly as you expect and soon you'll be back in your higher realm of creators.

Best of luck, buddy. Hope the identity crisis doesn't hit you too hard.

[untsundered]

Do you believe me fragile?

If this proceeds not as I believe it should, I am prepared for that possibility. There is no identity crisis to be had, it would simply be an abduction at that point. Which it already is, technically speaking. Yet I would rather approach this with rationality and peace, than with impetuousness and hostility.

I am a man, not some undomesticated, flailing beast.

[badlydisarmed]

Fragile isn't the word I'd use. Just figure this whole scenario doesn't match your worldview.

You're a "higher being" trapped in an ant farm, figure that's gotta sting.

[untsundered]

It is less than ideal, but given that I was plucked from a similar testing facility for creations, though with far less of them designed with sapience in mind than what is here. Which makes this not as jarring as it could be, even if strange all the while.

[The most jarring part was what was happening when he was snatched, and how much the proclaimed reason they are here aligns with it. Eerie, really.]

Though it is odd that Aurora is the one positioned as Overseer. Quite concerning, if I'm to be honest.

[badlydisarmed]

I like her, she's nice.

[untsundered]

Did I say otherwise? It has nothing to do with her manner, and more to do with the fact you do not leave a Pegasos to watch the Lykopersikon. It is utterly irresponsible.

[badlydisarmed]

Is that second thing a fruit? I'm assuming the winged horsey eats it?

Not sure the metaphor holds in this situation.

[untsundered]

The point is that they are both equally creations, both equally capable of damaging the other, while neither intrinsically holding true authority of any meaningful measure over each other. You said yourself that the AI of your original facility had been overtaken by its charges, yes? Proof enough of my point.

That is something that could not happen if a proper Overseer were here. That there are none at all is worrying, that we only know of Echo and none others is doubly so.