text; no ID

[neuralnet]

[ The question Haruto wants to ask is simple, but he doesn't want to risk the "Hideki Matsukawa" persona he's built up for himself. So, he posts using his other, anonymous communicator. ]

if you could help, but doing so would put yourself at risk, would you?

Comments

permatext

[neuralnet]

i have reason to be concerned that offering up my identity will put me in danger.

[reposing]

From us, or something else entirely?

[neuralnet]

from an organization that i cannot prove is not present aboard this station.

[reposing]

[Well. That seems a bit paranoid, but he can't really refute that. Nothing is proven yet either way.]

I understand.

My answer is "yes", if that helps you. No matter how I may feel personally about it, I would not turn my back on someone.

[neuralnet]

[ He is most definitely paranoid. But his freedom is the most important thing to Haruto, and he will cling to it with everything in him. ]

what is it that drives you to make such a choice?

[reposing]

[Softly:] Because it's what my mother would wish of me. She lived to help people. I would try to do the same as her.

[neuralnet]

[ Quietly, privately, Haruto wonders what it's like, to have a mother. Or anyone else whose image you strive to live up to. ]

what would you recommend to someone who does not have suchan inspiring presence in their lives?

[reposing]

Then I would ask if you had any empathy towards another person.

[neuralnet]

[ That's the question, isn't it? The real Turing test. It's not whether AI are sentient, it's whether they feel. Empathy, emotion... Complex words for someone with a computer for a brain. ]

i would like to think i do. or at least, something resembling empathy.

[reposing]

If you could help someone with no fear of being harmed, would you?

[neuralnet]

[ The reply comes instantly, with no hesitation for thought or deliberation. ]

yes.

[reposing]

Then I don't think it's entirely an issue of empathy.

There is nothing shameful about being concerned about your own safety. I cannot give a proper suggestion on how to think or act more selflessly. I suppose for me, it comes a little easier knowing that so long as I am alive then whatever happens to me is irrelevant. That is not something everyone can claim.

Do you want to be able to help without being afraid of the consequences?

[neuralnet]

if you were alive, but not free, that would not bother you? you would still consider captivity "irrelevant?"

[ He pauses for a moment to consider the question, choosing his words carefully. ]

i would like to stop living in fear. i do not know if that is possible.

[reposing]

It doesn't matter how it makes me feel. It must be done.

If you must protect yourself because of a legitimate fear, I could not condemn you for that. Do you not think one of us would not protect you?

[neuralnet]

[ The concept of someone protecting him, especially once they find out the truth of what he is, has literally never occurred to Haruto. He wants to think it might be more possible here than it would have been back on his Earth. He had been so sure there that as soon as someone discovered what he was, he would be turned back in to Project Integration. Here, though...? As far as he can tell Project Integration's reach does not extend to Reverie Terminal.

He had started introducing himself to all the humans he met using a false name, because at the time he didn't know whether Project Integration was behind his being brought here. Later, he kept it up for the sake of consistency and not wanting to be caught in a lie. But really, so much of him is a lie. Even 9S, a fellow AI, thinks he's human.

It would be nice to think that people would come to his defense, if he told them the truth. But how can he be sure they won't conversely be angry with him for lying to them? ]

i don't know whether i'm close enough to anyone here for them to protect me.

[reposing]

[A little wryly spoken:] Then I suppose you should start getting to know someone to determine if you're comfortable with their protection.

The people here are not perfect. I have encountered those who do not look upon me favorably for what I am, but I have also met others who are accepting. I cherish their friendships, for however long I can have it.

[neuralnet]

i guess i have some work to do.

thank you.

[reposing]

Of course.

It is my hope my words have helped you. Good luck, in whatever it is you do.