[anonymous - Callahan's board]

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

This weather is truly dreadful, isn't it? Shall we play a game to pass the time?

Word association. Tell me the first word to come to mind when you hear this:

Class.

Comments

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

It's my species. It's a little hard to describe what we're like to someone unfamiliar with the word, but I can try. We're largely inorganic, a blend of cybernetics and nanotechnology. A lot of people assume we're robotic for that reason, which isn't really correct.

Fortunately I don't look too different here from what I do normally, so it's not too bad. I'm not exactly 'normal' by Coluan appearance standards, however.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

[pen taps] Oh. [More pen taps, as if the writer doesn't know what to say]

Well, as long as you don't look too different? I guess, that's-- I've never met a Coluan before. I don't think we have those in my world.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Even if you did, if you're from a time comparable to this, your species and mine wouldn't have really interacted yet.

But I don't physically look that different, by human standards. I could describe the physical differences between myself now and myself before, but it might not help much.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

Oh, that might explain it then.

Ah, yes, I don't think it would help. I'm rubbish at technology. For however long I've lived, I've just never seen much use for it.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Not much use for technology? At all?

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

Is that strange? I'm sorry.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

It's more that it's strange to me. I'm from the future and my entire species are centred around and comprised of technology. Not knowing anything about it or using it is just... unusual to me.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see. I suppose it's to do with me being so far along in my years. I see it around, but I've functioned just perfectly without it so far and see no need for it.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Oh. [pen marks from tapping the page]

I suppose it's also easier since there isn't much technology here either?

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

Just as I imagine it must be very difficult for you here, without it.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

I manage. It's the adaptation to being human now that's a little more difficult.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

What is different between you as a Coluan and you as a human?

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Apart from the fact I'm organic, you mean?

As a Coluan I have external armour, the ability to regenerate damage so long as my primary centres are intact, and a wide array of weapons and tools available. If I were still Coluan here, I wouldn't have any of the problems with the... nocturnal events, and I could access computer systems directly as well.

I suppose other details are that my mind and personality are the result of complex programs that emulate emotions and such near perfectly.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

So your mind and soul are generated? Not...well, I suppose they are real, but not ah, how do I say, innate?

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

I don't understand what you mean, exactly. A soul is a theoretical concept; how can you define it enough to decide if it's generated or innate?

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

I suppose I cannot, but I just wonder if it is different for you than for us. Is there a difference in your soul from our souls?

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Assuming a soul exists, do you think it's simply the act of being born that creates it?

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

I believe so, but I am from a time and place where religion is absolute.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Then by that logic, if that's all there really is to it, I would have one as well. Coluan's aren't created from scratch, after all. There's genetic material as well.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

Ah, then I apologize for my misconception. I am unaccustomed to dealing with...nonorganic people?

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

Not many people know much about Coluans. My people... prefer to stay on Colu, for the most part. Plus it's a little personal.

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

I understand. Not many people know the truth about what I am either. Because we live so long, it is better that we don't interact with people.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

What are you, if you don't mind me asking?

[deadlyjuliet.livejournal.com]

You probably wouldn't believe me. Not many do. I...try not to speak of it as it tends to put people off.

[emotionl4arobot.livejournal.com]

There are only a few things I have trouble with believing, and they're more to do with... people expecting blind acceptance of things without wanting to find out more about the truth behind them. I've gotten better at not saying when I don't think something is true, though I've always thought honesty was more important.

You can tell me if you wish, either here or personally, or if you'd rather not, I won't push for details.