32

[somekindofsin]

I highly suggest that everyone take a moment to read this entry.  It's one of the most sensible things I've read in months.

As for the recent parasitic infestation, I think it's reasonable to assume that the strange phenomena this month--the star shower, the horrible stench in the center of the City, the rampant illness--are all related to it.  It's

Comments

[theotokos]

Why can't we have more sensible people like you who are sane.

[somekindofsin]

Unfortunately, I think that most people are more inclined to act on instinct than on reason. Common sense is a rare commodity here.

[theotokos]

You're absolutely right. To think I tried to reason with someone about something similar. Like not driving yourself insane here.

[somekindofsin]

Did you? That's a losing fight.

Insanity's relative. I'm considered fairly insane myself where I'm from, but I'm the very model of sanity here.

[favoritetraitor]

Carl, are you serious? Perhaps you should give it a few days... just to make sure this is something you truly wish to do... we would sorely miss your expertise if you should leave us...

[somekindofsin]

I've been thinking about it for well over a month.

You wouldn't miss me. I make most everything I find public anyway.

[favoritetraitor]

Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed. But if there's nothing I can say to convince you otherwise... nothing that would tempt you to stay...

[somekindofsin]

Now, I'm supposed to be well above giving in to temptation.

[Private to Solomon // Unhackable]

Frankly, I'm rather uncomfortable with forming any group alliances at the moment. I suspect my recent involvement with the police has tarnished my reputation somewhat, and I can only imagine that being a part of a secretive organization will cause further damage in the future. I'd like to remain entirely neutral, if possible.

I should add that I'm not certain that I trust you. It's nothing personal, of course. Well... it is, to a degree...

[Private/Unhackable]

[punchlikeagirl]

Oh god, Carl. I am soooo sorry about that. I have been thinking forever of a way to apologize that like... encompasses the scope of my embarrassment and gratitude.

[Private/Unhackable]

[somekindofsin]

I think that suffices? You're more than forgiven, of course... it was a curse, after all.

Re: [Private/Unhackable]

[punchlikeagirl]

Yeah, well, some guys might have taken advantage of it, but you didn't. That really means a lot to me.

[Private/Unhackable]

[somekindofsin]

It's no great thing--which isn't to mean that you're unattractive, because you certainly aren't!

Ah... yes.

[hiscountess]

What can you tell me about that individual?

[somekindofsin]

Marishka?

I can tell you that she's a notoriously dangerous vampire from my world who was recently incarcerated in the City and summarily released. How much would you like to know? I can go on at length.

[hiscountess]

I have time. I would like to listen to the full story.

[This is pretty much a copy-paste from a previous explanation... sorry! Also 1/2]

[somekindofsin]

Right, then. I'm from Marishka's world, as I said, and she's entirely insane, even by vampiric standards. Powerful, as well. She was sired by Dracula--or Vladislaus Dragulia--himself, who made a deal with the devil and effectively became the first vampire. Marishka is one of Dracula's three brides... I suspect she's the middling one insofar as age goes, but you must understand that it's difficult to know the history of a vampire who has been undead for centuries. I would guess that she's approximately two hundred and, given her accent, I believe she was born as a human and transformed into a vampire in Transylvania. It's likely that she's from a line of Romanian gypsies; I've heard her sing the odd gypsy tune over the network

[mechaeonical]

It could have been important, Carl-san.

[somekindofsin]

I doubt that. It doesn't seem as if I have much of importance to say today.

How do you manage issues of etiquette, Aigis? Do you have a program of some sort, or do you pick up acceptable modes of conduct as you go along?

[mechaeonical]

I have seen humans forget important matters before. It is a concern.

I am programmed with the essentials for simulating modern Japanese standards of politeness. However, I am capable of incorporating further related information as I learn it.

[somekindofsin]

We're fallible that way, even moreso when we get older. I knew a monk who forgot his own name (although he could speak Mandarin Chinese--not his first language--until the day he died, which was rather unusual).

That's remarkable! If only humans could be outfitted with programs like that, and mechanical brains while we're at it.