007: AMAs, Third Round

[tarnishedavenger]

So, we've got a load of new people, and that means it's time for me to do the only thing it feels like I get on these comms to do anymore: AMAs.

For you new people, I find it helps when we get together and explain a little bit about ourselves, any powers we have, and our skillsets. That way we know what we're starting with and what we can build off of. So, please, come and introduce yourselves and be willing to answer questions.

Comments

ALIA

[xrater]

My name's Alia and I am a Replicated Android, a Reploid. I provide support for the Maverick Hunters, a group that works to end the threat of... [She heaves a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose.] ...insane killer robots from what's likely your future. It's the early 23rd Century where I'm from.

As a Reploid, I'm superior in most physical aspects to most normal humans. No offense intended. I'm also an engineer and a scientist, and I'm responsible for some of the programs you'll find on your comms.

I'm not sure what else needs saying, so ask away?

[inner_child]

[ Theta's hologram is bouncing up and down as he speaks. ]

Hey, Alia, could you make another one of those puzzle servers for my friend Delta? He's here too, now. I think he gets bored a lot.

[xrater]

Sure! I'll just clone the one I originally designed for you, then tweak the seeds so the puzzles are different.

Are you enjoying yours?

[inner_child]

I love it!

[ He adds with some good humor: ]

And North likes it too, since he gets to sleep earlier at night, now.

[xrater]

It sounds like everyone's coming up a winner from this, then!

[inner_child]

Thank you so much for doing it. I really appreciate this.

[ownperson]

[ Delta is much less animated than Theta, standing completely still with his hands in front of him. ]

Thank you, Alia. Since our arrival I have found that I am, often, in Theta's words, 'bored'. Such a tool would be much appreciated.

[ South can be heard vaguely grumbling behind him, annoyed at having to hold the comm at Delta height, but she said she'll let him talk so she's letting him talk. ]

[xrater]

You're very welcome. I'll send it to you in, oh, about half an hour? I've just got to tweak some of the settings so you don't have the same experience as Theta.

[ownperson]

[ Delta nods. ]

That is more than acceptable. I look forward to seeing it for myself.

[ In the background, South can be heard saying something along the lines of "well at least now York can't complain I'm not giving you enough 'enrichment'". Delta does not acknowledge her. ]

[xrater]

[A prompt ping as the puzzle program pops into his puck.]

Re: ALIA

[hallelujahjunction]

These insane killer robots sapient, by any chance? Just wondering if your job's like the science-fiction future of mine.

[xrater]

In the early stages of the computer virus they suffer from, yes! As time goes on, however, they unfortunately grow less aware and more destructive.

[hallelujahjunction]

We got spirits like that, start sapient and then just become destructive forces.

[happily oblivious to Alia's real deal]

[xrater]

Fortunately, we're drawing closer to a cure. But until that happens, Mavericks are just too dangerous. They can infect any machines around them, sapient and non.

It's been like this for almost a century in my world. The fact that we're still around is a testament to my fellow Hunters.

[hallelujahjunction]

Y'all must be doing a good job, or your scientists must be really dragging their feet. [Dan doesn't really trust science.]

[breq]

You're an artificial intelligence?

[xrater]

I am. I also seem to be one of the few people present who can reliably, and ethically, create artificial intelligences of varying levels.

[breq]

The Radch could do so as a matter of routine. I can't, of course, but that was never my job.

[xrater]

I've seen some of your other posts, but possibly not all of them. Frankly, some of the ideas are abhorrent to me personally, but fascinating from a scientific perspective.

Are AI in your world only used for military purposes?

[breq]

Not at all. Station AIs are far more common. They help manage and control orbital habitats and outstations and usually work closely with human administration in order to ensure that everyone is looked after.

Re: ALIA

[alderaani]

You're a droid? You look so human. Are you based on a human? And do you have your own self-determination? I know we're close to things like this back home but it's really astounding.

How do you prefer to be recognized?

Re: ALIA

[xrater]

Well, thank you.

I'm my own person. I do as I please, within the bounds of the law and society.

How do you mean, 'recognized'? I prefer female pronouns and my name is Alia, if that's it. I also prefer 'Reploid.'

Re: ALIA

[alderaani]

I will remember that, Alia. You are something of a wonder coming from the technology I do.

Our droids aren't exactly sentient or self determining. They have extensive code and personalities that develop over time but none are truly 'alive' as my people have deemed it.

[xrater]

Thank you, Princess.

They sound like the robots of the early 2000s. And, honestly, I wouldn't consider anything short of a Reploid to be alive or even a person. (Commander Data, if you're listening to this, I'm counting you on that level. No fear.) Some robots, even highly advanced ones, might have a facsimile of a personality, but they're only ever following their programming in the end.

[alderaani]

From what I can tell you are as alive as I am. [ Which meant she was to be afforded the same right to live and make her own choices, a far cr from a serving droid. ]

I'd like to speak to you more about yourself and this place perhaps in person if that would be convenient for you at some point.