considering ryansgulch

[scrutiny]

I know there is little guarantee of convincing you, but I ask you to reconsider this.

I've read the description of that place. 'Splicers' and 'plasmids' leave me concerned. You do realize the ramifications of altering DNA in such a way, don't you? We are talking genetic engineering, in case you needed further embellishment.

I'm warning you, now—I will not be a guinea pig for your amusement.

Comments

[scrutiny]

Nothing; it's quite the useful tool for scientific and medical research.

But that doesn't mean that I wish to have it done to me.

[psimera]

[That did not answer his question on why she was so upset by it at all.]

Why not?

[scrutiny]

Because it would be against my will.

Wouldn't you protest against something done to you, in the same vein?

[psimera]

...I still see no need for concern about genetic engineering in the place you describe, then. Simply don't let it happen to you.

[Oh boy are you asking the wrong person.]
Not if it was Master Porky's will.

[scrutiny]

[ ...Master what, now. ]

If it were up to her, I wouldn't have a choice. That is why I protest.

...You're a servant, of some kind, to this master?

[psimera]

[Don't diss the name, Porky's pretty terrifying.]

...
Muns don't seem to pay much attention to protests. You'll have to make your effort some other way.

I am one of Master Porky's chimeras. I suppose you could say a servant, though I am utilized most in a fighting capacity.

[scrutiny]

Chimera? You mean, like a hybrid?

A chimera of what, may I ask?

[psimera]

[He's fine with explaining. It's not really a threat and it's not secret knowledge where he's from, though perhaps random bystanders might not know.]

Chimeras are creatures created with a combination of genetic splicing and cyberneticization.

I am one of the few chimeras who was cyberneticized without any genetic splicing. I believe this is because I am the only human-base chimera currently in existence, though I understand there is another in the works.

[scrutiny]

...And as a...human-based chimera, how are you different than a normal human being?

[psimera]

Much of my internal systems are no longer biological. My thought process is partially governed by a computer and partially by an organic brain. I can be upgraded. I can be programmed, and skill sets can simply be installed - though experience will make me learn and adapt them to match me and any other individuals involved further.

[The real answer is 'I'm not human because Master Porky says I'm no longer human' but that explanation doesn't have enough of a logical basis for him to use it. It just - is his real reason, and what he's said are the additions.]

[scrutiny]

Partially synthetic, and partially organic. Even the Weyland robots aren't anywhere near as natural as that. It sounds amazing. [ Her voice is soft with wonder. ]

[psimera]

All thanks to Master Porky's scientists. [That amazing? He will take that as a compliment. Yes.]

...
Weyland robots?

[scrutiny]

Robots, from...where I'm from.

[ Which is where she assumes he's not from. ]

[psimera]

Master Porky has fully robotic constructs as well.

...
I would ask if there are any traits unique to your robots, but I believe that would be hard for you to ascertain without knowing the characteristics of Master Porky's robots.
Do you have claymen?

[scrutiny]

...Claymen? [ You've totally lost her, now. ] I'm - I'm afraid not. What are those?

[psimera]

...golems, I suppose. Men made of clay, charged by electricity to do simple tasks. Nothing similar?

I assumed if I am much more natural than your robots, then maybe they are something like claymen. But perhaps they are not visibly artificial to that degree?

[scrutiny]

No, we don't make our robots out of clay. They are completely synthetic beings, with only a layer of human skin on the outside. The rest of them is entirely mechanical.

[psimera]

Similar to Master Porky's, then.

...
Why a layer of human skin?