[V I D E O] [UN: CONNOR]

[rk800connor]

Hello.

[The standard jumpsuit immediately gave him away as a new arrival, his expression was neutral, but pleasant.]

I've been informed that introducing oneself in this manner is advisable to those who have recently found themselves on board.

My name is Connor. I am a CyberLife RK800 model android. [It was important to introduce himself this way. CyberLife androids, though very realistic, weren't ever supposed to be deceptive about their true natures. His carefully measured words and tone and even the way he moved, his expressions, all reinforced his claim. And, if there were any other doubts that he might not be an android, he had a small, circular LED on the side of his temple that flickered blue from time to time as he spoke.]

I've been granted access to all messages transmitted publicly over the inter-station network. There have been some very odd occurrences, not to mention our sudden arrival here, the locked areas of the station, and it's absent crew. I was hoping to discuss the theories that you all have regarding our presence here, especially if you have any evidence to support it.

I also wish to offer my assistance to anyone who is endeavoring to find out more about the station or a way for us to return to where we were brought here from.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Comments

[rk800connor]

Who? It may have been the original crew themselves. Though, if that's the case, it seems as though that wasn't their intended outcome. It isn't clear what they're trying to accomplish in the recordings found on the bridge, but it seemed to consume a large amount of energy and was presented like it was a difficult, fragile process. it is possible they triggered... something. I'm unsure what.

[Connor had processed a myriad of potential theories based on the evidence that had been made available to them so far. If this one was true, then it followed that they were in a very volatile situation where drastic and unpredictable occurrences were possible without warning.

The number of variables and unknowns in play were making it difficult for him to pin down any one theory that was more probable than any other, however.]

Do I think we're here to preserve civilization? [The LED on the side of his temple flickered yellow as he considered the question.] ... No. [He seemed to hesitate though.] I mean, maybe. It is a possibility. Given the empty station, however, and our varying origins, it seems very unlikely.

[rk800connor]

Seven out of... [He tilts his head to the side slightly, LED flickering blue as he ran through the list of known users on the station's network.] ninety-seven. That only represents 7.2% of the people who have found themselves here.

It is significant and definitely interesting, but what it means is... unclear.

[He tilts his head to the side thoughtfully.] What is Domesticon?

[resleeves]

Too bad. Guess I can't start offering myself up as good breeding stock just yet, can I?

[ the preservation of society was something he hadn't even considered until this conversation. it seemed highly unlikely, as connor seemed to imply, because of the shitty quality of people that were here. did anyone really want to repopulate the planet with someone like miller? no. he was a good guy to have around for some situations but baby making was not one of them. ]

Whatever they were here to do, I'm beginning to think we're not here to do the same thing because no one's fucking told us anything.

[ besides the few discoveries, they'd mostly just been...here. doing nothing, saying nothing. waiting. and waiting was just fucking boring. ]

[theunluckygirl]

2038. [She sounds awed and a little bewildered, before letting out a nervous sort of giggle.] It doesn't even sound like a real year. I can't imagine it. To think that humanity survives that long, it's... It's a bigger relief than you might now. Right now--Or, here, when, I was from, it was.... It seemed like the world would end.

[The British girls pauses briefly, shaking her head. It's not a fun or nice topic to discuss, probably, but her relief is almost palpable.]

You sound amazing. What did you, um... assist with back in your home?

[rk800connor]

[Connor noticed him as he approached, offering him a polite, welcoming smile. Of course, he noticed the coat, but didn't immediately think too much of it.]

I've been thinking about this. Obviously, I would recommend each -[He paused, recognizing that this was food for Alucard]- meal is tested. At least, until you are no longer at such a high risk.

Also, I should warn you that there is a 0.03% risk of a false negative.

[He felt... worried, strangely concerned for Alucard. He shouldn't be feeling doubts like this.

Without further delay, he dipped two fingers into the thick liquid nearly submerging them up to the knuckle before pulling them back out and bringing them to his mouth to lick his fingertips, the blood trickling down the back of his hand.]

It's human. O-Positive. Temperature 71 degrees Fahrenheit. No pathogens, infections, or abnormalities detected. [He looked Alucard in the eyes.] I believe this particular sam- glass- is safe to consume.

[He turned, about to go look for a napkin or towel, but then hesitated and looked at Alucard again, holding out his blood coated fingers toward the dhampir slightly in a questioning gesture. Would it be a waste to simply wash or wipe off the blood?]

[rk800connor]

[Connor was immediately notified of the switch in the security status of their conversation, though he wasn't entirely sure why.]

The recordings are public. Isn't it important to share the information we have? Surely, everyone on board would understand that it is nothing more than a theory. There are too many unknown variables to claim any kind of certainty.

[Even if human behavior was unpredictable, the ship devolving into panicked chaos did not seem likely.]

It is beneficial to discuss theories so that they may be proven or disproven. That is the only way we will be able to form a course of action in order to return to our homes.

[rk800connor]

I have not. How long were you on Earth? [She spoke English without any difficulty, it would seem.]

Same universe? Or do you mean they are not in the same galaxy? [He still hadn't quite grasped the concept of multiple universes. Everyone he'd met so far could potentially be from his own universe, simply in the past or future, which was somehow more acceptable than 'other universes'.]

[rk800connor]

When multiple units of the same type are destroyed, does all of the personality data and memory data... combine? I see what you mean, that could potentially be very confusing.

[a2brutus]

Not a clue. I've never been destroyed, and I've never uploaded my data. Like I said, I'm a prototype.

[rk800connor]

I see.

That does not entirely rule out something airborne or a toxin absorbed by touch. It does make both less probable, however, as I suspect, even at a distance, you would have had some very minute exposure. And you didn't experience any symptoms? Not even some lightheadedness or faintness?

[Back to square one. How frustrating.]

[neuralnet]

I understand. It's very strange. And it'll only get stranger, the longer you're here. But you get... used to it, I suppose.

[ He knows that doesn't sound very reassuring, so he smiles politely trying to offset the impending doom in his words. ]

You're not the only AI here. But you're the only one of your model, I think.

[rk800connor]

On the moon? No... no, everyone resides on Earth. The moon is unsuitable for human habitation.

[thefaulty]

Affirmative. [Statistically unlikely to be random but of uncertain meaning had been Arid’s conclusion as well. Perhaps information about the station’s other AI could shed more light.]

Domesticon is a leading manufacturer of household AI, including droids and androids. If you do not recognize the name, it may indicate that you come from a different universe than my own. [Her monotone voice takes on a grudging tone with those last words. She may acknowledge that there seems to be no other explanation for the wildly varied collection of lifeforms and experiences represented among the station’s residents. Nonetheless, the “logic” of multiple universes still feels shaky at best.]

Another indication is your name. In my universe of origin, it is considered deviant for AI to possess personal names. [A pause, considering.] Do you consider yourself deviant?

[rk800connor]

1997. [Connor echoed with a thoughtful nod.] Androids had not yet been invented. [It was a confirmation more than anything else. Naoya's descriptions fit his records of technology in 1997.] My last recorded timestamp before my internal clock was damaged was November 9th, 2038, 11:57 AM.

No... [He was a little hesitant to explain after the reactions from humans.] I can process samples in real time by ingesting them. So, I would say the 'lab' is more located in my mouth than in my torso. [Was that a joke? Connor had said it with a straight face, but there'd also been the tiniest hint of a smile.]

[reposing]

I would not be opposed to your suggestion. And I trust your capabilities.

[Patiently, he waits, watching Connor work. He isn't certain how he imagined this, but not exactly like this. His throat tightens a bit, watching the blood roll over Connor's knuckles in two stray droplets; the fingers go to his mouth, if only to taste, or the equivalent of such for Connor's sensors.

Who, precisely, designed him to test like this? A strange thing.

At the affirmation that the glass' contents are safe, Alucard's golden eyes seem to brighten. This... this changes everything. For the better.

He wishes he could truly emphasize how much this means for him.]

Connor. Thank you.

[Relief eases into him. To know that he can limit his reliance on everyone else's donations that could never be enough. Instead, Connor just needs to test for him for now.

His eyes glance to the offering. There's barely any hesitation, his hand taking Connor's wrist. First, he tilts his head, tongue running over the back of Connor's hand to steal away the stray trail that dripped. Then, he takes in Connor's fingers, closing his eyes as he cleans away the blood, tongue rolling between fingers as he sucks it away clean.

It doesn't taste quite right, as he expected, but it's still adequate. It'll do. And he can't resist what's been offered to him.

Alucard finally lets him go with one last lap to ensure he hasn't missed anything, then glances away. That was.

Well.]

I hope to not take away too much of your time when I wish to drink, then. Know that you have done me a great service.

[rk800connor]

Well, there is nothing preventing you from doing so.

[The line is delivered in a neutral tone and punctuated with a helpful smile. Either way, Connor had been speaking less about the people present and more about the environment itself, which didn't seem to be encouraging reproduction in the least bit. As far as he knew, they only had the most rudimentary medical supplies and even basic nutrition was dodgy.

He takes a moment to consider what the man said before nodding in agreement.] I tend to agree. I'm not sure about everyone else, but my goal is to return home. If we were brought here to do something specific, as it seems the last crew was doing, we've been left no instructions.

[imperialsun]

Oh wow! I would be...[a pause for math] 58! Just two years shy of 60... I guess if it happens in my world too, having androids would be...really kool.

[He's got a theme running now. His expression suddenly drastically changes.]

You ingest samples?!

[Naoya looks horrified at the idea, as expected.]

Did they give you the ability to smell and taste or at least let you turn it off? Because that sounds unbearably cruel to have you be able to analyze samples from the ground, but having to taste them would gross me out after a while, especially of it's something that's been rotting for a few months.

[Except probably not for the reasons Connor was anticipating.]

[iustitia]

Oh boy. [Terezi claps her hands together and rubs them, preparing herself for The Homestuck Conversation.] Okay, strap yourself in. This is going to get really stupid, really fast. Here's the Troll Cliff's Notes version of it:

Where I come from? There are multiple universes, all contained in paradox space. Not just "alternate reality" shenanigans, although that's an unfortunate reality of my life, but numerous universes, all with their own galaxies and chronologies and stuff. All these universes are contained with paradox space, which contains everything. All of reality exists within it.

I guess you could think of it as video games or books all lined up on a shelf? All these games are self-contained worlds that have their own things going on, but they exist in something bigger. That's not a very accurate way of thinking about it, but it'll do for now.

So, the Earth I know had no way of knowing about Alternia, since they existed in two entirely separate universes. There's a way to get from one to another, but it takes a lot of time and the right know-how.

I'm sorry if that was confusing. I can try to explain further, but uhhhhh. [She shrugs.] It's hard to explain.

Anyway! I was only on Earth for a little while. I left for personal reasons to go travel space for a while, and somehow I got roped into this pile of nonsense.

[rk800connor]

[He tilts his head to the side with a curious look when she mentions not thinking humanity would have made it as long as it had, quickly running through a list of events from that year. Ah, the second World War.]

Humans have fought many wars. And they continue to do so. It seems unlikely this would ever change.

[He can sense that it's a difficult topic for her, so he's happy to move on.]

Thank you. I'm a prototype designed to assist detectives, but CyberLife has released a wide variety of models, many of which are commercially available for purchase and are intended for personal use.

[rk800connor]

Yes, but you've never seen the results after it has occurred with other androids?

[rk800connor]

[Haruto wasn't wrong. He'd already had things like the belief of magic and the supernatural as well as multi-universe theories thrown at him, all of which had previously been considered completely impossible to him. The other AI, however, was an easier topic.]

I'm aware of this. I've even spoken to a couple of the other androids. I would, however, be surprised if another RK800 model was on board. I don't believe there is another RK800 model in operation, though I may be mistaken. I'm a prototype, unavailable for mass commercial production.

[rk800connor]

I see. CyberLife is the name of the company who invented and manufactures androids where I'm from. They have a variety of models as well for both personal and commercial use.

[He frowned slightly, not liking the idea of different universes either. It was a concept, like magic or the existence of the supernatural, that considered non-possibilities according to his system. His probability calculations always allowed for a small margin of error, the possibility that something incredibly unlikely might happen, but this was a little much.

The question immediately got his full attention.] I am not a deviant.

In my... 'universe', androids have model numbers, serial numbers and are given names. Models with the same model number all share the same name unless a human assigns it another one. Androids purchased for personal use are usually assigned a new name, but androids used commercially are very unlikely to be assigned something unique. Names assigned to a model line are often substituted for model numbers during conversation. For example, someone might say that they own a 'Traci' instead of a WR400. CyberLife wants its androids to appear as human as possible and assigning a human name to a model line furthers that goal.

[theunluckygirl]

That's true enough... I suppose it's something in human nature. [She trails off a moment, gathering her thoughts and how she wants to put it. in the end she just looks a little embarrassed as she continues] I suppose I just like to think that humanity can be better than that, more capable of kindness. It might seem a bit naive to hope for a peaceful future, one day, but..

[But she can't help but still hold out hope. Or something.

Still, she looks impressed and even smiles a little bit more] A police detective! That sounds terribly exciting. [And despite how late they ended up showing up, she's grateful to the police that found her after, well, everything and helped her out.] Um, it probably doesn't mean so much now or anything, but... Thank you for your hard work.

[bestials]

[ He bypasses all recognition of any possible joke, and sighs audibly. ]

No, I'm not injured. Just-- Promise me you won't get scared.

[ Do androids get scared? The minutiae of such pondering is best left for another time, because right now, Hank is reaching for the device and turning it around to reveal a big, animalistic blue furred face with yellow eyes and sharp fangs. ]

There. This is... what I actually look like.

[resleeves]

Oh, there is.

[ that being that he wasn't stupid. if he started offering that activity up, he was either going to get kicked in the junk a lot or punched. all of those were things he could deal with but after about the fifth one, they started hurting a bit and he didn't want to be known as the station pervert. ]

I think that's everyone's goal.

[ he hasn't really run into anyone who's wanted to fucking stay here for the rest of their lives. and if there was someone like that, kovacs was gonna be surprised. this was a shit place to live. the food sucked, the alcohol sucked and the view sucked. ]

Some people managed to get some doors open a few weeks back and that was a big fucking deal. That's what we're dealing with here.