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[somekindofsin]

It's utterly impossible to keep track of time in this City.

The creatures that visited were rather interesting, though! The hair beast was a very cooperative experimental subject, although I don't fully understand why it and its counterpart were so determined to return our hair. "A great due was returned"? Utterly baffling

Comments

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[mechaeonical]

Your information has been noted.

You believe she may be

[mechaeonical]

Benevolent?

[somekindofsin]

Hm?

Ah. Perhaps "benevolent" wasn't the best word. I don't think she was malicious, at least. In fact, I would think that the higher powers in this City operate in a realm free of morality. They may not be entirely unlike nature, you see--destructive on occasion, sometimes mild, but utterly indifferent.

[mechaeonical]

...I understand. I also may not possess human morality.

Nevertheless, my sensors registered this entity as a threat.

[somekindofsin]

No? That's perfectly alright. Human morality isn't necessarily error-free.

Sensors? Perhaps this is a rude question to ask, but are you, by any chance, a robot of some kind?

[mechaeonical]

I am a machine. "Robot" is an acceptable term.

[somekindofsin]

Ah, my apologies! You're obviously a very intelligent machine. It's a pleasure to meet you, of course... I'm Carl.

[mechaeonical]

I appreciate meeting you, Carl. I am Aigis.

This place is different. No one has refused to believe that I am a machine, or that beings such as the one you analyze above exist.

[somekindofsin]

Unfortunately, Aigis, a short stay in the City encourages one to accept the existence of what would, under normal circumstances, be utterly unbelievable.

[mechaeonical]

"Unfortunately."

Then does this confuse one's capacity for logic?

[somekindofsin]

I find it unfortunate. I miss the element of surprise that used to accompany the appearance of horrendous monsters.

Oh, I don't think so. It's arguable, of course, but logic adapts to suit the situation.

[mechaeonical]

It is easier for humanity to defend itself against horrendous monsters when they do not induce surprise.

I am...relieved. I would not want my processors failing in this place.

[somekindofsin]

True enough, yes. Still, it's rather tiresome to cope with them on a daily basis.

Don't worry about your... ah, processors. You'll be entirely fine.

[mechaeonical]

Is there anything I can do to help? I am designed to combat certain types of monsters. I may be able to adapt this purpose to a limited degree to handle other threats.

[somekindofsin]

Not me personally... I'm quite content to stay safe and sound either at home or in my laboratory. A number of people, however, get it in their minds to go to the forests or the Underground to look for trouble. They likely need all the help available.

I don't doubt that you'll be perfectly capable of beating off most of the creatures in the City. The Underground is positively infested with monsters, and the City itself suffers the occasional invasion of zombies and the like.

[mechaeonical]

I understand. You are sensible. Not everyone here is sensible. I will remember.