|
>>
|
cf24af.jpg
Yellow Chocolate Posh
cf24af
>voidsong and by extension all the other kiter empire command must be crazy
A worrying possibility. If the Kiter Empire is run by the insane, it's going to be difficult to anticipate their actions and motivations.
>talk to tirzi about kitsiksu
Far too personal. Also, if I bring him up I might be too emotionally affected to retain the level-headedness vital to my survival.
>what happened while asleep
>retrieve drone
"I would like to ask a few questions first. What happened while I was asleep?"
"Well, like I said, Saba wrangled your arkots into the room next door where they've been, uh, socialising, I guess? We had no other communications arrive during the night, and Aza flew some drones around for reconnaissance. His third best drone was missing, though, so he's convinced the 'Kiter Empire' as they call themselves took it. He's not happy about it. He doesn't blame you, though. He was absolutely furious and we had to gently remind him not to stir things up by sending combat drones at 'those wretched stupid bird things'."
>arkots
"Feel free to study one or more of my arkots. I'm sure in due time there'll be a specimen you can dissect, as well."
"I didn't intend to harm them, mostly just take some measurements and run them through some simple physical tests, I've already tested their mental capacity."
"Oh? What did you find?"
"The one you called 'number six' begrudgingly completed all the simpler tests without issue, but struggled with some of the more complex tests before throwing the interface slate across the room."
"Anything else?"
"I didn't test the one wearing the blue bands but I found it independently answering the questions on an interface slate. It got all the simpler ones right and then just drew a line in the box for the harder ones. So I guess it figured out how to trick the test into thinking it was finished."
"Any others?"
"The rest I tried to test tried to eat the interface slate."
"There we go. That's what I was expecting to hear."
"I figure I'll try it again when they're fed."
"You won't get much of a different result. Arkots can be trained very easily but their capacity for independent problem solving is, well, rare. #6 and #3 are special cases."
"I have empirical evidence to back that up now. I'm mildly concerned about your comment about having a specimen to dissect soon. Short life span?"
"They're very, very, very stupid."
"Childproof everything next door, got it. There's actual babies running around, so that's something I should do anyway. We don't exactly have a creche facility this side, but, well, I'll... see what I can do?"
>neumono
"Oh. While I think about it, I authored a brief primer on neumono physiology and empathy. What little I know of it, but the empathy is pertinent."
"Ekasarra discussed it with me while you were asleep. She's... she's been coming to me for moral support. I can't claim to fully understand it. Makes me wish Nanili was here, she'd have insight. She's a kigavi. They have more of an insight into, uh, weird psychic stuff? Which is what 'empathy' sounds like to me. Weird psychic stuff. I thought she was just talking about the concept of understanding emotions at first. It was a confusing start to the discussion."
"Where is Nanili?"
"Oh. Oh, of course. No one's told you how we got here?"
"No, but before we get onto that topic, I must stress that the more their hive breaks apart, the more likely the neumono will act in increasingly violent and erratic ways."
"Is there a way to repair their hive?"
"I'm not an expert on neumono. As far as I'm aware, once this sort of degradation takes place, it's a matter of when, not if. We will need contingencies. I'm especially concerned about Kan."
"You're not the only one. Lekka apparently asked Saba to keep Kan's weapons locked up. She said that she can feel him 'slipping away'. Is that the same as 'going rogue'?"
"Probably? You would do better to ask her yourself. Be incredibly tactful if you do, however. Neumono do not like discussing such matters."
"Lekka seems the most pragmatic of the three. I'll talk to her."
"I would strongly advise finding some task for all three to do together. If they have a common purpose it may prevent or even reverse their empathy collapse."
>announce plan to win the trust of the facility
"A thought occurs. The neumono consider me a manipulative schemer. Perhaps we can use that to our mutual advantages. Make it clear that I'm being very helpful and cooperative. Perhaps if they feel they need to compete with me to earn your favour and lower my status, they'll be more cooperative."
I spoke with volume but I don't think any of the neumono heard me unless they're right outside.
"Isn't... isn't that going to backfire? Don't get me wrong, I can see exactly what you're saying, and I think it's kind of a silly but helpful idea, but if you want me to tell them that, it's just going to sound like I'm trying to manipulate them. Or like we're all a bunch of gullible idiots already dancing to your whims."
"You aren't already?"
"Uh..."
"That was a joke." I'm perhaps too deadpan in my delivery. "It is hard for me to consider anyone here gullible or foolish when there are arkots running around. You have all been incredibly helpful and shown me kindness and altruism on a level I have not seen since I was very young. Part of me considers this all a long game, a trap to spring if I ever let my guard down."
Tirzi taps my rostrum softly. I'm taken by surprise and flinch. "Oh, sorry! Still, you're worrying over nothing. Kinda ridiculous, really. If we meant any harm to you don't you think it would have happened by now? We're scientists, Sisirri, not slavers."
Part of me badly wants to believe I can count on these aliens.
The rest of me is too busy reminding me that everyone else I've ever trusted betrayed me or was killed.
If they are worth trusting, I need to make sure they stay out of harm's way or they'll get themselves killed as well.
Yes.
I can administrate them. I can guide them, harness them, keep them safe from themselves and everything and everyone else.
Yes. Trustworthy individuals are a rare resource. I must make use of them.
And if they seek to betray me, I must be in a position where their betrayal will hurt them far more than it will hurt me.
|