♣ THIRD ♣

[mechaeonical]

It appears that either the outbreak of Apathy Syndrome has been contained, or it was, as predicted by several of those who responded to me, only a curse. My limited knowledge of the City leads me to believe the latter. I apologize for causing undue concern and alarm in the citizens of this place

Comments

[virgocentric]

These 'Shadows' sound unpleasant.

[mechaeonical]

Yes. Most people would consider an encounter with such a being unpleasant. Their lack of pleasantness is not relevant to me.

[virgocentric]

And what separates you from the realm of 'most people,' in this case?

[mechaeonical]

I am not a person. I am a machine created to eliminate Shadows.

[virgocentric]

You--

...I'm speaking to a machine?

[mechaeonical]

Correct.

I am under instructions to hide this fact when possible in my home world to avoid unnecessary shock, confusion, and suspicion which could compromise our operations. However, I have judged that my existence is less likely to induce these feelings in the already probability-defying realm of the City. Therefore I have reallocated my processors from the task of secrecy.

1/2

[virgocentric]

[Still processing oh god a potentially sentient robot]

[virgocentric]

That's... amazing. Maybe this place is worth something after all.

[mechaeonical]

Is it?

The word you have chosen has positive connotations.

Strikes deleted after he calms down a little

[virgocentric]

Yes! It's... Where I'm from, we don't have that level of technology yet. This is phenomenal.

I'm afraid words do this meeting, and your existence, no justice.

[mechaeonical]

It has become my understanding that different forms of technology develop at varying rates among the many worlds whose inhabitants are present here. It is very possible that your world has a higher level of technology in other areas than mine.

This is most likely due to the differing circumstances and metaphysical properties of each universe.

[virgocentric]

I wouldn't be surprised. If it's not too much too ask, what sort of technological advancements has your world achieved? If you protect your identity to that degree, I'd imagine there aren't many others like you.

[mechaeonical]

A limited number of humanoid tactical weapons were made, and I am the only one remaining.

In most areas of technology, my world resembles the City in which we currently reside. The year is 2009 there as well, although it was several months later than the date here when I left.

However, in matters related to the Shadows and the Personas used to combat them, technology has evolved at a rapid pace. Both Shadows and Personas have capabilities beyond explanation by current science. Some may consider them magical, although I lack the necessary data to render a verdict on this possibility at the current time, especially as the definition of the word seems to vary widely among worlds.

[virgocentric]

Weapons... But you were made with the capability of melding into human society?

It's almost embarrassing that we're behind in the android field when we're 300 years ahead in time. Though I suppose we also didn't have an issue like these Shadows to deal with either.

[mechaeonical]

My ability to meld into human society is limited, but adequate with assistance from others. It is possible that later models with enhanced social capabilities were planned.

It is highly unlikely a being such as myself would have been created with neither the need presented by the Shadows nor the opportunity presented by the Personas.

[virgocentric]

Both are impressive milestones regardless; I'm thoroughly impressed.

Would you be willing to share a name?