006: Welcome to Yamaguchi Starport

[terrymixon]

”She looks off the stage at Walt. "I'm sorry, Walt, but you would make a terrible prince consort. I like you, but I'm going to have to friend zone you."

While William is picking his jaw up off the ground and stammering, Walt smiles, nods to Cuenca and says,

”Don't be sorry. I always knew I was never fit for the position…and way out of my league.”

He claps his friend William on the back and congratulated him as he pushes him forward toward the Princess.

"I appreciate your understanding," she said. Then she focuses on William.

[terrymixon]

"There is no need," Bilis said. The blonde steps over and pulls two rings from somewhere in her gown...

Garvin thanks Bilis but despite his genuine appreciation for the needful gift seems a little disappointed.

"We can still steal the ring you spotted," she whispers in your ear. "It'll be the real wedding ring."

[terrymixon]

While you are all out, Roscoe tasked the droids on the ship to feed the vessel the Malleable that had been collected to increase the ship size to 1,200 tons and to reconfigure it for larger quarters. This is useful as it seems some of you will be cohabitating. Those who are not will get larger quarters anyway. After all, you never know!

I'll need you to pick your new housing. Roscoe will suggest to Jaelah that they take the set closest to the kitchen. If she disagrees, I'll move the lable. The guards will want to be close to the princess, too. Other than that, tell me what to tag as yours.

viewtopic.php?p=709222#p709222

[Thumper]

Walt smiles at Bianca:
”I wouldn’t ever do such a thing to Lucius. He’s my friend, and you’re my friend, and you are his, and he is yours. Tell you what, Bianca. When you think you know me well enough to create my ideal classy lady, go ahead and do it. I drop my telepathic shield to you. Feel free to exploit that.

You are likely to discover I’m far more complex than what you now think, or what you’ve seen in our short time together. But you’re pretty dang smart. Surprise me when you think you know my match! It could be two!

If you’re wrong and I turn her down, what then? He winks and chuckles under his breath.

Far left room

[terrymixon]

Walt smiles at Bianca:
”I wouldn’t ever do such a thing to Lucius. He’s my friend and you’re his. Tell you what, Bianca. When you think you know me well enough to create my ideal classy lady, go ahead and do it. I drop my telepathic shield to you. Feel free to exploit that.

You are likely to discover I’m far more complex than what you now think, or what you’ve seen in our short time together. But you’re pretty dang smart. Surprise me when you think you know my match! It could be two!

If you’re wrong and I turn her down, what then? He winks and chuckles under his breath.

Far left room

“But you see, you wouldn’t be. I’m not kidding when I say the instances are truly separate. I, Bianca Bilis, am Lucius’. You cannot have me. Erica Bilis would be a separate entity. The master unit’s base memories would be hers to start. She will never have known a man’s touch. That person could be yours and only yours. I would never have shared her memories, past or future.

“I will create Erika—and my other sisters—for you, Arkar, and Spicoli, and then you can decide. If you reject them, then the experiment has failed and that sister will be reabsorbed by my master matrix. You are complex, but success isn’t figuring you out right away. It’s getting it right in spite of setbacks. What do you have to lose?

“I’ve given you all a lot to consider. We will talk tomorrow. Enjoy the reception.”

And with that, she heads back over to Metz.

So noted. Also, I expanded the post you responded to. Might have more information now and I clarified that she was speaking about her sisters, not herself. She won’t be stepping out on Lucius. She is off the market.

[ateno]

“I will create Erika—and my other sisters—for you, Arkar, and Spicoli, and then you can decide. If you reject them, then the experiment has failed and that sister will be reabsorbed by my master matrix. You are complex, but success isn’t figuring you out right away. It’s getting it right in spite of setbacks. What do you have to lose?

"Um, no, leave Erika where she is, you might not understand, but the more we get away from the humans the less we are like them and the more we will fulfill the history of the ancients. Does not seem that way now, but soon we might decide that a world is not worth the resources and just delete it. Not my thing."

Arkar looks down embarrassed.

"Its time to open everyone's present!"

Arkar passes out the slightly heavy off balance boxes to everyone.

"Don't worry its the same for everyone! Got one for myself."

Inside are three matched throwing axes.

"I just like the design, it's nice to work on something and not have to pay for it."

Arkar has a grav bot bring out some boxes.

And here are some targets.

"Who needs a lesson?"

Arkar

[terrymixon]

“I will create Erika—and my other sisters—for you, Arkar, and Spicoli, and then you can decide. If you reject them, then the experiment has failed and that sister will be reabsorbed by my master matrix. You are complex, but success isn’t figuring you out right away. It’s getting it right in spite of setbacks. What do you have to lose?

"Um, no, leave Erika where she is, you might not understand, but the more we get away from the humans the less we are like them and the more we will fulfill the history of the ancients. Does not seem that way now, but soon we might decide that a world is not worth the resources and just delete it. Not my thing."

“it seems that companionship would help mitigate such impulses rather than exacerbate them, but since you both feel so strongly about this, I will do as you ask. I don’t understand your choices but if that is your decision then it is what it is. If you ever change your minds, come see me.”

She leaves you to the rest of the party.

[ateno]

“it seems that companionship would help mitigate such impulses rather than exacerbate them, but since you both feel so strongly about this, I will do as you ask. I don’t understand your choices but if that is your decision then it is what it is. If you ever change your minds, come see me.”

"I will, just so you know here are your throwing axes."

Arkar gives her the bow.

I would like one of those pocket universe rings though, please."

Arkar

[terrymixon]

“it seems that companionship would help mitigate such impulses rather than exacerbate them, but since you both feel so strongly about this, I will do as you ask. I don’t understand your choices but if that is your decision then it is what it is. If you ever change your minds, come see me.”

"I will, just so you know here are your throwing axes."

Arkar gives her the bow.

I would like one of those pocket universe rings though, please."

Arkar

“I made them for everyone.” She pulled out rings for the three men. “Use them in good health.”

if these rings are not to taste for wedding bands, a shopping trip to get your heart’s desire can be arranged. Neither Roscoe or Bilis will be upset. They’re still learning and chalk it up to that.

Roscoe will broach the subject with his bride. “It seemed that Aster and Garvin did not care for the rings as wedding bands. I may have made a mistake in presenting them as such. Do you want something different? Should we go on a shopping trip to get the authentic item? Perhaps as a group?”

[Thumper]

Walt-
”This, Bianca, is exactly why I need time. If a “sister” is made, and must grow and develop her own personality over time she is sentient. But, if she is unwanted by me later, she is reabsorbed…is she really independently sentient? Is she truly a person or a personage? If she is, by “dissolving” the undesired her, are we committing murder?

It hurts my head. Gotta sort this out.”

[terrymixon]

Walt-
”This, Bianca, is exactly why I need time. If a “sister” is made, and must grow and develop her own personality over time she is sentient. But, if she is unwanted by me later, she is reabsorbed…is she really independently sentient? Is she truly a person or a personage?

It hurts my head.”

“She would be. My nature isn’t a human one. But perhaps you are right. Once created, they would deserve to continue their lives even if you rejected them. I am still learning what being human means and thank you for the correction. It would be wrong to have the matrix reabsorb them. This is a complicated matter.”

[Thumper]

Walt, knowing this discussion is getting heady, puts on the medallion. Then he has a thought: now that they're Ancient, can they wear the medallion longer? He’ll leave his on until he feels deleterious effects.
"I know I'm right, Bianca. To be sentient means that the individual has rights...in this case, the right to life. This is precisely why I defended Roscoe so fiercely against others' unfounded prejudices and fears when the Guild first formed. It's why I did it again when Roscoe dropped the crates on the crooked cop. Defending you against them was also part of my calculus. I think I even made that thought clearly verbalized at the time.

If a creation of yours is truly sentient and independent, she has the inherent right to continue her own existence...whether I accept her or not. That right is given to her, not by the decree of any government, but by natural (or what some call "divine") law. It is also why I will not accept a "servant" person.

I clearly see that having a human mate, outside of perhaps one of Ciencia's personal guard, is unacceptable. And even that has no possibility of perpetuating our species, as it would be a childless match. Your proposal is the only truly successful proposal...and not just for creating a Minimum Viable Population...but a truly equal match. Purely an aside- If we were concerned about a Minimum Viable Population, some or all of us would practice Polygamy in the form of Polygyny.

We just have to be careful about how we go about this. Perhaps knowing me better will give better insights into what will be a successful match. That match need not be perfect. In fact, it is often choosing to work through our differences in thought, background and personality, that cause relationships to flourish in the long run. That is what I meant when I said previously that I want a partner to challenge me. My psionics would not permit me to have such long term relationships until I finally gained control of them. It is only the last few years that I have learned these lessons.

Surprise me when you think the time is right, and you think there is a solid probability of a compatible and successful match. Enjoy playing matchmaker.

By the way, I have to believe that it wasn't the fact that Ancients' were Ancients' that led them to destroy themselves. I have to believe that if these types of fundamental principles permeate our new population, we can do a better job of surviving and living alongside Humans, Vargr, Droyne, Aslans, and whatever else we find out there. I don't fear the power of being an Ancient. I fear it's abuse and the damage ignorance can cause. Like anything, a tool can be used for good or evil. I intend to study during our ship Jump transit time. These two topics are definitely areas worth focusing in on during my research and studies.

There I go, waxing philosophical again. Sorry."

[joertexas]

Roscoe will broach the subject with his bride. “It seemed that Aster and Garvin did not care for the rings as wedding bands. I may have made a mistake in presenting them as such. Do you want something different? Should we go on a shopping trip to get the authentic item? Perhaps as a group?”

"No, these are perfectly fine," Jaelah says. "I took it as an expression of your concern for me. I can't think of a better symbol for our marriage." she walks with him to the table, where there are no special tables set, since most of the group are guests of honor. "Soon, we will have a home on this site, where we can entertain in a more convenient setting."

[Tiglath]

The guards will want to be close to the princess, too. Other than that, tell me what to tag as yours.

I reckon Aster will want as short a work commute as possible so either of the stateroom adjacent to room 10. Ciencia will likely want the same convenience and also needs to be co-located with her body guards so that will expand the "cluster" of rooms near their offices.

[terrymixon]

The guards will want to be close to the princess, too. Other than that, tell me what to tag as yours.

I reckon Aster will want as short a work commute as possible so either of the stateroom adjacent to room 10. Ciencia will likely want the same convenience and also needs to be co-located with her body guards so that will expand the "cluster" of rooms near their offices.

I put Garvin and Aster behind the offices. Ciencia and William are across the hall from Fredrick and Terresa. That leaves Arkar to choose from between Ciencia and Willam/Walt and Fredric and Terresa/Void.

[terrymixon]

Roscoe will broach the subject with his bride. “It seemed that Aster and Garvin did not care for the rings as wedding bands. I may have made a mistake in presenting them as such. Do you want something different? Should we go on a shopping trip to get the authentic item? Perhaps as a group?”

"No, these are perfectly fine," Jaelah says. "I took it as an expression of your concern for me. I can't think of a better symbol for our marriage." she walks with him to the table, where there are no special tables set, since most of the group are guests of honor. "Soon, we will have a home on this site, where we can entertain in a more convenient setting."

He nodded. "I've been putting floorplans together and will have several options to present to you in a few days. Whichever of them is closest to what you want can then be tweaked to meet our needs. Bilis and I can create construction droids to build it once that is done."

[terrymixon]

Aster sat down next to Garvin and stole some of his food. "So, how are we going to do it? Delancy's is open around the clock. How do we get the ring and still get away?"

[terrymixon]

Walt-
"I know I'm right, Bianca. To be sentient means that the individual has rights...in this case, the right to life. This is precisely why I defended Roscoe so fiercely against others' unfounded prejudices and fears when the Guild first formed. It's why I did it again when Roscoe dropped the crates on the crooked cop. Defending you against them was also part of my calculus. I think I even made that thought clearly verbalized at the time.

If a creation of yours is truly sentient and independent, she has the inherent right to continue her own existence...whether I accept her or not. That right is given to her, not by the decree of any government, but by natural (or what some call "divine") law. It is also why I will not accept a "servant" person.

I clearly see that having a human mate, outside of perhaps one of Ciencia's personal guard, is unacceptable. And even that has no possibility of perpetuating our species, as it would be a childless match. Your proposal is the only truly successful proposal...and not just for creating a Minimum Viable Population...but a truly equal match. Purely an aside- If we were concerned about a Minimum Viable Population, some or all of us would practice Polygamy in the form of Polygyny.

We just have to be careful about how we go about this. Perhaps knowing me better will give better insights into what will be a successful match. That match need not be perfect. In fact, it is often choosing to work through our differences in thought, background and personality, that cause relationships to flourish in the long run. That is what I meant when I said previously that I want a partner to challenge me. My psionics would not permit me to have such long term relationships until I finally gained control of them. It is only the last few years that I have learned these lessons.

Surprise me when you think the time is right, and you think there is a solid probability of a compatible and successful match. Enjoy playing matchmaker.

By the way, I have to believe that it wasn't the fact that Ancients' were Ancients' that led them to destroy themselves. I have to believe that if these types of fundamental principles permeate our new population, we can do a better job of surviving and living alongside Humans, Vargr, Droyne, Aslans, and whatever else we find out there. I don't fear the power of being an Ancient. I fear it's abuse and the damage ignorance can cause. Like anything, a tool can be used for good or evil. I intend to study during our ship Jump transit time. These two topics are definitely areas worth focusing in on during my research and studies.

There I go, waxing philosophical again. Sorry."

"I have been looking at our altered genome and I do not believe that inbreeding will be a concern. First, I think the issue of recessive genes is inherently controlled by our more resilient DNA. While I certainly do not believe that we should keep our genetic pool small, it will not be harmful. In any case, with the agreement of the parents, I should be able to add some external genetic diversity in any children in the womb. That would not make them less than the children of the couple, as the alterations would only present in future generations. Basically, I would modify the DNA in their reproductive organs to propagate in their children. If we follow these steps, we would reach the minimum viable threshold with plenty of diversity."

She listened to the rest of his comments. "I would not be altering the initial personality to suit you. That is why I say that the process cannot start until you are ready. I would physically make her larger than myself, more muscular, though still female in every way, and she would wake knowing that she would need to find out who you are and work to become a worthy partner. I literally can do nothing if you don't want me to make her. You will have to tell me when you are ready, since that is the only way to move forward."

[terrymixon]

Arkar needs a home. Look at the deck plans and tell me which one you like. Hit CNTR-F5 to force a refresh. There are two cabins left.

By the way, all the rooms now have luxury freshers built to hold two and allow for bathing shenanigans.

viewtopic.php?p=709222#p709222

[terrymixon]

"Its time to open everyone's present!"

Arkar passes out the slightly heavy off balance boxes to everyone.

"Don't worry its the same for everyone! Got one for myself."

Inside are three matched throwing axes.

"I just like the design, it's nice to work on something and not have to pay for it."

Arkar has a grav bot bring out some boxes.

And here are some targets.

"Who needs a lesson?"

Arkar

Roscoe will give his a try with your assistance. He's not terrible, but practice is in order.

"Thank you for such a considerate gift. I will treasure and use them often. Thank you."