Algorithm (D2 EA, Open, near Talentala)

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

A bioroid with silvery hair styled in lemonade braids walks through the relatively more affluent streets near the wall where the "Simulation of Artificial Neurons" was located. They had a simple white, relatively loose fitting shirt and jeans trousers on instead of the usual NAG uniform - although a bracelet with the NA Government symbol was still visible on their left arm, and anyone knowledgeable about bioroid models would probably know what what that one was.

They walked the streets leisurely - or as leisurely as a model specifically made to pay attention to its surroundings, at all times, to both conversations, movement and happenings, could manage to do. Now and then, they crossed another bioroid, or a clone, and glowing silvery synthetic lenses searched for their eyes, as if looking for some semblance of recognition, or doubt, or understanding.

They had come to that wall a number of times when they had some time for it. They had come to look at the bioroids working on it.

Was that working

They had crossed eyes with other androids many times during their work, and also on the streets. But since what happened, looking for those signs of recognition (camaraderie?) had become something of a pastime.

Was that curiosity? Could it be curiosity?

Or...

Was that... hope?

[Jane Doe]

Snip

Street_39.jpg (12.13 KiB) Viewed 1253 times

"Hey, Lina? It is Lina, right?"
Some strange woman seems to have approached the android in the middle of their mission.

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

Some strange woman seems to have approached the android in the middle of their mission.

The bioroid quickly turns around, the hearing sensors sending off a sudden alarm.

They look around. Who could this be?

"Yes. I'm an Angelina model. Number Nineteen. Can I help you with something, miss?"

[Jane Doe]

The bioroid quickly turns around, the hearing sensors sending off a sudden alarm.

They look around. Who could this be?

"Yes. I'm an Angelina model. Number Nineteen. Can I help you with something, miss?"

"Hi there, I'm Jane. I think we're on the mayor's committee together."
The stranger extends a long fingered hand with a practiced smile.

"I hope I'm not interrupting. You looked like you were in the middle of something."

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

"Hi there, I'm Jane. I think we're on the mayor's committee together."
The stranger extends a long fingered hand with a practiced smile.

"I hope I'm not interrupting. You looked like you were in the middle of something."

"Oh", the bioroid replied, simply. The glowing eyes narrowed and widened again, and something like a click could be heard.

Assessment running...

"I have indeed been assigned as a representative in the Mayor's committee. It's a pleasure to meet you, Jane", the bioroid answers in a pleasant voice... although with some signs clearly marking it as synthetic. "I was not involved in any official procedure", she said, kind of answering the woman's question. "But I can be, if if you want to talk about something regarding the committee", she added with a polite smile.

[Jane Doe]

"Oh", the bioroid replied, simply. The glowing eyes narrowed and widened again, and something like a click could be heard.

Assessment running...

"I have indeed been assigned as a representative in the Mayor's committee. It's a pleasure to meet you, Jane", the bioroid answers in a pleasant voice... although with some signs clearly marking it as synthetic. "I was not involved in any official procedure", she said, kind of answering the woman's question. "But I can be, if if you want to talk about something regarding the committee", she added with a polite smile.

"Well that's real kind of you Miss. I saw you worked for the city government and thought I might ask you a few questions about a friend of mine."
Jane lets a flicker of sadness play across her face.
"But only if you have the time. If it helps, we could walk and talk?"

[Emilio Gomez]

There was a gentleman who was actually just on his way to Talentala. He had put in a commission for an art piece to be done by a bioroid. It was perhaps more of a request than anything else, allowing what he was hoping to get filtered down through the lens of artificial intelligence and put into art. Sometimes the implications are perhaps rather excited to many people with his interest, he had to admit that perhaps fad made this slightly more appealing for him than the background. Not everyone can truly appreciate good sci-fi but some people can spare a moment to glance at a conversation starter at the very least.

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

"Well that's real kind of you Miss. I saw you worked for the city government and thought I might ask you a few questions about a friend of mine."
Jane lets a flicker of sadness play across her face.
"But only if you have the time. If it helps, we could walk and talk?"

Assessment running... taking longer than expected. Do you want to narrow search down?

The bioroid quickly waved their hand, as if taking something out of her field of vision. It wasn't clear what.

"A friend, you say? I'm not sure I could help, miss Jane. But I will try. Is it someone who also works in the government?"

There was a gentleman who was actually just on his way to Talentala. He had put in a commission for an art piece to be done by a bioroid. It was perhaps more of a request than anything else, allowing what he was hoping to get filtered down through the lens of artificial intelligence and put into art. Sometimes the implications are perhaps rather excited to many people with his interest, he had to admit that perhaps fad made this slightly more appealing for him than the background. Not everyone can truly appreciate good sci-fi but some people can spare a moment to glance at a conversation starter at the very least.

The flickering light from the bioroid's eyes shift to the direction of the man walking towards the Talentala. A low whirr indicated something being processed again.

Assessment... Famous writer?

They hesitated slightly before they started walking again, but after some time, they gave Jane a businesslike smile. "Walk and talk is fine if it is to you, miss Jane." They then set the pace - a relatively slow pace, that would keep the writer in view, but not get too close.

[Jane Doe]

"Well that's real kind of you Miss. I saw you worked for the city government and thought I might ask you a few questions about a friend of mine."
Jane lets a flicker of sadness play across her face.
"But only if you have the time. If it helps, we could walk and talk?"

Assessment running... taking longer than expected. Do you want to narrow search down?

The bioroid quickly waved their hand, as if taking something out of her field of vision. It wasn't clear what.

"A friend, you say? I'm not sure I could help, miss Jane. But I will try. Is it someone who also works in the government?"

There was a gentleman who was actually just on his way to Talentala. He had put in a commission for an art piece to be done by a bioroid. It was perhaps more of a request than anything else, allowing what he was hoping to get filtered down through the lens of artificial intelligence and put into art. Sometimes the implications are perhaps rather excited to many people with his interest, he had to admit that perhaps fad made this slightly more appealing for him than the background. Not everyone can truly appreciate good sci-fi but some people can spare a moment to glance at a conversation starter at the very least.

The flickering light from the bioroid's eyes shift to the direction of the man walking towards the Talentala. A low whirr indicated something being processed again.

Assessment... Famous writer?

They hesitated slightly before they started walking again, but after some time, they gave Jane a businesslike smile. "Walk and talk is fine if it is to you, miss Jane." They then set the pace - a relatively slow pace, that would keep the writer in view, but not get too close.

Jane's eyes flicker in the same direction for a moment before returning to Lina.
"Of course."
She lets the Android make the pace.
"He's not really in government. But he was in a terrible accident yesterday and nobody will release any details to me! I'm so worried."
Making her eyes big
"His name was Richardo and he worked for Weyland. I don't even know if he's okay or where he is or anything!"

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

Jane's eyes flicker in the same direction for a moment before returning to Lina.
"Of course."
She lets the Android make the pace.
"He's not really in government. But he was in a terrible accident yesterday and nobody will release any details to me! I'm so worried."
Making her eyes big
"His name was Richardo and he worked for Weyland. I don't even know if he's okay or where he is or anything!"

Richardo, Weyland. Searching...

#Nineteen turned her head towards the woman, an expression that might be surprise on the synthskin face.

"Richardo Perez, you mean? The one mentioned on All Action News and other news outlets yesterday?"

The silvery eyes locked onto hers again, then seemed to scan her facial features for a moment, their glow dimming and brightening slightly.

Rescan. Jane. Weyland. Searching...

[Jane Doe]

Richardo, Weyland. Searching...

#Nineteen turned her head towards the woman, an expression that might be surprise on the synthskin face.

"Richardo Perez, you mean? The one mentioned on All Action News and other news outlets yesterday?"

The silvery eyes locked onto hers again, then seemed to scan her facial features for a moment, their glow dimming and brightening slightly.

Rescan. Jane. Weyland. Searching...

"Yes, dear old Richie. We were such good friends in college. He went into business and I went into the not-for-profit sector, but we stayed in touch."
Jane reaches up to wipe away a tear
"And now it's all over the news but I don't know what really happened and I'm just so worried."
She turns away for a moment 'clearly' overcome with emotion.

((Probably no Weyland info on Jane))

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

"Yes, dear old Richie. We were such good friends in college. He went into business and I went into the not-for-profit sector, but we stayed in touch."
Jane reaches up to wipe away a tear
"And now it's all over the news but I don't know what really happened and I'm just so worried."
She turns away for a moment 'clearly' overcome with emotion.

((Probably no Weyland info on Jane))

Seeing the woman's emotional reaction, the bioroid seems uncertain how to react for a split second... then quickly dims the glow in their eyes to provide a somewhat comforting light and, with an expression that seems as concerned and compassionate as the unit's almost human-like synthskin allows, extends her hands towards Jane.

"Oh... I'm so sorry to hear that, miss. I imagine this must be a very hard moment for you. Please... do you want to sit down? I could get you a drink. Or perhaps we could sit somewhere for a drink so you can calm down."

The whirring did not come back - the bioroid seemed genuinely concerned. Or, well, maybe their protocols for 'comforting humans after loss' had been activated, but it clearly seemed like whatever wariness they might have had initially was gone...

OOC:
Session 2 EA - Discipline vs Jane's Deception to see through lie (as if! haha): 3eA+2eC+1eD 1 failure, 1 advantage, 1 Despair

[Jane Doe]

Seeing the woman's emotional reaction, the bioroid seems uncertain how to react for a split second... then quickly dims the glow in their eyes to provide a somewhat comforting light and, with an expression that seems as concerned and compassionate as the unit's almost human-like synthskin allows, extends her hands towards Jane.

"Oh... I'm so sorry to hear that, miss. I imagine this must be a very hard moment for you. Please... do you want to sit down? I could get you a drink. Or perhaps we could sit somewhere for a drink so you can calm down."

The whirring did not come back - the bioroid seemed genuinely concerned. Or, well, maybe their protocols for 'comforting humans after loss' had been activated, but it clearly seemed like whatever wariness they might have had initially was gone...

OOC:
Session 2 EA - Discipline vs Jane's Deception to see through lie (as if! haha): 3eA+2eC+1eD 1 failure, 1 advantage, 1 Despair

"Oh...oh you're a sweety."
Jane takes the offered hand and pats it.
"Believe me, I'll probably go for a drink later tonight but for now..I think just being out and doing something is really helping."
She extracts a handkerchief and extravagantly dabs at her cheeks
"I just thought that...and I know it's a lot to ask. But I just thought with you in government, maybe you had access to some camera footage? Or maybe you knew what the police were saying? It's just so hard, and the more stuff seems hushed up the more I worry."

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

"Oh...oh you're a sweety."
Jane takes the offered hand and pats it.
"Believe me, I'll probably go for a drink later tonight but for now..I think just being out and doing something is really helping."
She extracts a handkerchief and extravagantly dabs at her cheeks
"I just thought that...and I know it's a lot to ask. But I just thought with you in government, maybe you had access to some camera footage? Or maybe you knew what the police were saying? It's just so hard, and the more stuff seems hushed up the more I worry."

The Lina unit seems uncertain on how to react, but they let the 'comforting humans' module run unbounded... and hopes it works. Jane's hand is patted back (the synthskin's touch was surprisingly human-like, despite some hard parts in unexpected places), and the glowing eyes lock on hers, the light coming from them still dimmed.

Is this the right behaviour? Why do I keep wondering if it is?

"It will be alright, miss Jane. We will do whatever we can."

The low whirr comes back... with her hand on Jane's it kinda feels slightly as if the bioroid were purring.

Camera footage? Police records? Searching databases... possible.

"I... believe we could try that, miss Jane. But footage... you believe this may not be just an accident?"

Their eyes flash slightly and shifts right and left a few times, as if they were scanning something or shifting pages.

"Maybe if we start with the exact address of where it happened..."

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

There was a gentleman who was actually just on his way to Talentala. He had put in a commission for an art piece to be done by a bioroid. It was perhaps more of a request than anything else, allowing what he was hoping to get filtered down through the lens of artificial intelligence and put into art. Sometimes the implications are perhaps rather excited to many people with his interest, he had to admit that perhaps fad made this slightly more appealing for him than the background. Not everyone can truly appreciate good sci-fi but some people can spare a moment to glance at a conversation starter at the very least.

The bioroid's eyes did shift to the side again, though, scanning for the person they had seen before. Were they still around? Were they listening in, or going somewhere?

[Jane Doe]

The Lina unit seems uncertain on how to react, but they let the 'comforting humans' module run unbounded... and hopes it works. Jane's hand is patted back (the synthskin's touch was surprisingly human-like, despite some hard parts in unexpected places), and the glowing eyes lock on hers, the light coming from them still dimmed.

Is this the right behaviour? Why do I keep wondering if it is?

"It will be alright, miss Jane. We will do whatever we can."

The low whirr comes back... with her hand on Jane's it kinda feels slightly as if the bioroid were purring.

Camera footage? Police records? Searching databases... possible.

"I... believe we could try that, miss Jane. But footage... you believe this may not be just an accident?"

Their eyes flash slightly and shifts right and left a few times, as if they were scanning something or shifting pages.

"Maybe if we start with the exact address of where it happened..."

"I...he was working for a megacorp. They always seem to be getting into trouble. And for his hopper to just start swerving and then crash? It just sounds so strange. Maybe it was just an accident, but if it was why is there so much hush hush?"
Jane provides the address of the accident and the time of impact.

"You're being so wonderfully helpful. It's very kind."

[Emilio Gomez]

Emilio was indeed still around! Anyone attending the Gala would have seen him in attendance and every member of the committee was supplied with a list of names of who was part of the mayor's chosen. The author known was James Rye perhaps brought some celebrity power to the committee and had been easily busy during the gala. However, he was now out here in the flesh. He hadn't lingered far, perhaps taking his time with his little errand as he did some window shopping outside of Talentala to see what new creations were featured today. For now, he seemed content to leave the grieving Jane with the bioroid to console her.

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

"I...he was working for a megacorp. They always seem to be getting into trouble. And for his hopper to just start swerving and then crash? It just sounds so strange. Maybe it was just an accident, but if it was why is there so much hush hush?"
Jane provides the address of the accident and the time of impact.

"You're being so wonderfully helpful. It's very kind."

The bioroid nods again, the 'supporting face 101' still there. Some more whirr-purring happens as Jane speaks. It does sound... suspicious.

The address and time of impact are recorded to a specific memory compartment.

Search for responsible NAPD sector. Running...

Another friendly nod. "I will put a word in, miss Jane. Hopefully we can find something about what happened to your friend. How can I find you, then?"

Emilio was indeed still around! Anyone attending the Gala would have seen him in attendance and every member of the committee was supplied with a list of names of who was part of the mayor's chosen. The author known was James Rye perhaps brought some celebrity power to the committee and had been easily busy during the gala. However, he was now out here in the flesh. He hadn't lingered far, perhaps taking his time with his little errand as he did some window shopping outside of Talentala to see what new creations were featured today. For now, he seemed content to leave the grieving Jane with the bioroid to console her.

Now more certain of who the other person they recognised around was, the Lina model's eyes shifted to him again, then back to Jane.

"Do you want help to walk you back? Or..." A look towards where the Talentala wall should be, around the corner. "Do you like experimental art?", they add with a smile. "Perhaps the Talentala may raise your spirits a bit?", the bioroid asks... hopefully?

Art? Hope? What is all that?

[Jane Doe]

Snip

"Oh you think so? Here's my commcode, just call me at any time."
Jane rattles off a phone number, looking soothed by the kind android.

"The Talentala? Oh, what a lovely idea. Something to take my mind off all this. Do you have an eye for art?"

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

"Oh you think so? Here's my commcode, just call me at any time."
Jane rattles off a phone number, looking soothed by the kind android.

"The Talentala? Oh, what a lovely idea. Something to take my mind off all this. Do you have an eye for art?"

The phone number is quickly stored to the bioroid's internal memory as well, and their eyes then meet the woman again. The smile is still there, but it's... odd. Uncertain, maybe confused.

Eye for art. The sentence flashed on the display, then each word seemed to go one way, dance and swirl around. Did they? Did they even know what an 'eye for art' was?

Or art at that?

They knew... something happened whenever they looked at the Talentala. Something in their wiring. Something deep down. They... felt something?

Was that feeling? Was that an error?

"Oh... I don't think I do?", the android answers with a chuckle of sorts, the synthetic voice still pleasant and soothing, but the doubts clearly seeping through. "I... really enjoy looking at it, though. It makes me feel..."

Their voice tapers off, the expected complement to the last sentence never arriving.

Perhaps the sentence wasn't meant with a complement at all?