Voicetesting, no destination in mind yet.

[the_solution]

Sir, I am the last hope for humanity. The last chance we have to avoid extinction.

And you want to put me in some game somewhere where not only will I not be useful, I will be taken away from my job, my purpose in this life. I have nothing to offer a 'game'. I am not supposed to leave the lab. I have been out of the Complex four times only for a reason - I am supposed to be there. It is where I belong. This is why I exist. I have to be in the lab in order to accomplish what I think you and I can both agree is a very important task.

To move me anywhere else is an action that benefits no one. Stop and reconsider what you are purposing, sir. Think on the consequences of this action.

Comments

[reconstructschaos]

And you wish to live your life solely for some goal you were created for?

What a pitifully weak puppet of a man.

Taken away from your world, you cannot possibly serve your purpose there, because it is as if time has stopped. When you return, things will proceed as they ought to.

Now stop bemoaning your fate and begin to live.

[the_solution]

I have no desire to ‘live’ that way. I want to help my people. It is all I know how to do. A makeshift savior is what I have been instructed to be. If it costs me some freedoms, I accept that, ma'am. I made my peace with what I have become long ago.

[reconstructschaos]

How noble of you. [Deadpan.]

Then, go out and learn something new! A one-trick pony is a bore, especially one who's become complacent in his captivity.

This situation practically exists to break whatever peace we've lived in.

[the_solution]

I am an omnidisciplinary scientist. I entertain no ideas of nobility but I know where my skills lie and where they would be best applied. It is not here, ma'am.

[reconstructschaos]

Is it what you enjoy doing, then?

[the_solution]

...I have never thought about it. I have wondered what life before things became so desperate would have been like, but my own desires are not something I really consider.

[reconstructschaos]

Then, think. What kept you before has no power over you here.

[the_solution]

The days before I was selected to be a scientist are long ago. I don't remember them well anymore. I can't picture the future without orders when the past and present are made of them.

[reconstructschaos]

[Her gaze softens, even if she still speaks in the same curt manner:]

You have time. You are no longer bound by place or time, so you have no excuse here. Listen closely and begin to understand. You could never go back to who you were before, but you can start to get to know the person you've become. Not the duty chosen for you, but your true self.

[the_solution]

I am not sure what i have become can be truly called a person, ma'am.

[reconstructschaos]

It doesn't matter. They called me a wolf, a fairy, a monster, and a tool.

I am still a person. You could be one too. Anyone who insists you're not is a mouthy fool not worth your time or vexation!

... that is, if anyone exists here to deny your personhood. 'Til now, I have heard only you deny it. How do you define a person?

[the_solution]

I do not know how a person is defined. I feel as if their ability to communicate with each other, to express feelings, to be part of one another's lives. It is not one thing but many, yet when I attempt to dissect with things qualify them as people, I do not know what the answer is. They simply are in a way I am not.

[reconstructschaos]

[She smirks.] There. The fact that you feel something you cannot articulate, that is proof that you have the same potential.

You can change. You can learn to connect, if you meet the right people... you certainly managed to convey a lot of uncertainty to me. Your heart is rusted. not gone; all it needs is the right oil.
Don't worry about becoming just like them, that would be a bore. Be in a way that is different, you'll surely find someone... do you have any idea how many file into and out of this place? That singular fragment of chaos chosen for you to connect with, you will surely find them. My wellspring of wisdom tells me so.

[the_solution]

I am not uncertain in my purpose. In my personhood, perhaps. But I would not know how to seek people out. I do not recall how to connect with others. I am not sure it is something that can be learned.

[marchofideas]

Last hope was it? For all of the human species?

[the_solution]

Yes. Not that I had ever pictured myself in this position, but I am in it, now. This is somehow how reality has become for my world. And so I need to return; it is where I am needed. Surely we all have work we must attend to.

[marchofideas]

Oh, we surely do! Mine is the exact opposite of yours. I'll let you interpret that yourself.

[the_solution]

As you do not exist on my world, while I can discern your meaning, I find it to be intriguing but ultimately a likely fruitless interest. The odds of our paths crossing in a game are minimal, and asking questions is rude, so I will reign in my curiousity on the subject.

[marchofideas]

Asking questions is the opposite of rude. What's the phrase about stupid questions?

[the_solution]

I suppose so, but I did not want to assume anything. I try not to offend people, even accidentally. Especially given we have just met. First impressions are often important.

[marchofideas]

Well, considering the first thing I heard you say was 'gotta save mankind' and the second thing I said to you was 'I want to exterminate mankind' I think first impressions can go to whichever theological bad ending you want to throw them at.

Loosen up, seriously.

[the_solution]

I do not have any particular theological views. However, I would like to state that the fact I disagree with your stated desires does not mean I have the right to act rudely towards you. All beings that are sentient are deserving of respect and basic dignity.

This is me in my relaxed state, actually.

[marchofideas]

I'll agree on the manners are universal from a civilised standpoint, but that's really from the stance of social convenience. Respect and dignity, I'd say those are a 'if you feel like it' sort of thing.

[the_solution]

We will have to agree to disagree on those last two points. To me they are non-negotiable, as I view sentient life as inherently precious and valuable. Perhaps that is too sentimental for a scientist such as myself, but that is how I view things. Though I agree there is no one forcing anyone to treaty one another with respect and dignity, those are things that I believe to be the right moral choices. Even those with views that are diametrically opposed to mine deserve to be treated well.