no_fastolfe | 15 - Bright lights, fast cars, disease

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15 - Bright lights, fast cars, disease

Why is it always Earth?

Why is it always so crowded?

[Filtered to friends]
Who knows this place? What is expected besides rampant capitalism and hordes of people-- this I have noticed already.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

My loyalty is largely dependent on my own convenience. I may be a group animal, but I choose who I socialize with freely. [He's basically a big kitty.] I'm also quicker to anger. [Not that you can immediately tell with his carefully managed speech.] We're easily threatened, prone to intimidation, and blunt. To a human, this is rude and indicative of deep problems. But to us, it's normal.

[He does have some behaviors abnormal for a Nietzschean, but he doesn't want to admit them because genetic flaws and shame are horrible.]

Can a robot prioritize one permanent bond over another?

If a robot has developed a bond so strong or unusual that it is permanent? Then yes, I think they must also prioritize. They must, to act, or be frozen in indecision.

I'm outside, by the way.

[She steps out into the sunlight, looking a little bemused at his choice of segues.]

[At least Vegas has no shortage of strange people. Her leather clad warden not being too much of an eye draw.] There's a clothing store nearby. As much as I resent being physically altered, blending in will at least make this simpler.

We apparently have a fund limit on our card.

I'm sorry you couldn't have met my technician, though. I'm sure you would have had fascinating conversations.

Perhaps. You had asked about my preferences... I will have to see what is available.

It's warm here, but we could find you something with a lighter fabric that will allow you to maintain a barrier between you and other people. [And he starts off in the direction of some stores.]

[She trots after with the quick stride she used to follow Sherlock-- shorter legs but in shape.]

[He doesn't go too fast, at least.] We perceive other people as threats too, by the way. But we merely accept it as a fact from the moment we're born. Our defenses no longer are exhausting to us, though I can understand how they would be to one of your world. [He tucked his hands behind his back.]

I am not used to threat. [An agreement.]

During my first weeks and months aboard, the stress of it ... was ...

[It broke a quiet lifetime of paranoia and misanthropy into jagged shards of near-psychosis and attacks of rage and fear.]

I wasn't accustomed to remaining in a position of forced vulnerability. I understand.

[The bouts of self-destructive behavior were most telling there.]

Do you know how to play poker?

[She shakes her head.] I know that it is a social game aboard the barge.

It is. [He remembers a specific time when it was especially nice. He was death tolling.] But it may be necessary for us to play to get more money.

What sort of a game is it? If it requires physical prowess I may be unable to help, but if it is a logic game...

Unfortunately, it's not a game based in either. Rather, numerical values and cards and bluffing one another. You may enjoy the probability portion, but I imagine you would have more difficulty facing the other players [given her suspicions].

I can help you with that, however, if you would be willing to try your hand. I have no intention to leave our fates to chance.

[She nods] A team sport?

Not generally, but I don't intend to leave you alone in there and I can find some way to pass necessary messages to you.

[She gives him a slightly alarmed look]

Why am I to be the representative, as the less experienced?

Unless you want to lean provocatively on my shoulder and whisper hints in my ear while wearing an attractive dress, it's probably the best way to draw the least attention. You're better at math.

I used to be a spy. Familiar with this era or not, I know the behaviors well enough. Are you afraid of a challenge?

[Okay, serious look of distaste. Ew.]

Then let me get into clothing and you can inform me as to the basic rules of the game and familiarize me with the playing pieces.

I'll buy us a deck. And I need something more suitable myself. [A respectable suit or something.]

Such a wide array of clothing. [Suspicious look at the people they pass] Do you know what cultural significance any of it has?

Some of it. A lot of it has changed by my time, but I did research to help me better blend in to ancient ports. This clothing is largely based out of American and Western European cultures. Clothing that doesn't follow the convention, even if it's less revealing, tends to attract more attention and suspicion.

[Vasilia eyed the other women they passed with deep suspicion. In large part they were dressed quite reasonably, though there were certainly exceptions.]

The colors and styles are unusual, but little of it is scandalous. We must find an excuse for my gloves, or buy some in the fashion.

We can buy you a pair of driving gloves. They're still in use. [He veers toward one of the stores and gets the door for her.]

15 - Bright lights, fast cars, disease

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