+ Somewhere a Grandiose Carnival Was Going on in the Sky +

[vitaelamorte]

Who: Everyone!
Where: The grounds of the Mansion
When: March 9-16
Rating: PG-13 (warn if you go higher)
Summary: The Red Queen has thrown a carnival for everyone!
The Story:


From Friday, March 9, through Friday, March 16, the gardens and grounds of the Mansion will be a sprawling a carnival. The masked, unspeaking vendors will be selling trinkets and running free game booths. Carnival rides, exhibits, and foods represent all of the various cultures of those currently residing in the Mansion.


Of particular note, and perhaps incongruously, everything is decorated with red hearts.

Use this log for any and all of your carnival needs!

Comments

[255000255000255]

H--Heyyyy!

[ Monika sits up halfway, decides that's a bad idea, then flops back down. Oh, well. She tried. ]

I'm not scared. [ Mostly. ] Just not used to seeing you outside of my...well, outside.

[ They'll probably catch her drift. ]

[forwearemany]

(After a moment of debate, headflaps rippling smoothly, they reach consensus to return.)

Acknowledged. We are curious as to how you acquired physical form.

(They headtilt, lifting their flaps slightly.)

[255000255000255]

[ Her cheeks flush. It's still a nice feeling. And still a weird feeling.

She forces herself to sit up fully, propping herself against the edge of the fountain. Urgh. ] I...

[ Monika glances around uncertainly. She feels like one of the people who'd care about her usual lack of form will suddenly show up. ]

I...asked for it. The Red Queen gave me a week.

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged.

(They watch her a bit, then:)

If you are experiencing discomfort, we recommend remaining in horizontal position. You are not required to "sit up".

[255000255000255]

Oh, gosh, thank you.

[ She immediately plops back down, letting out a sigh of relief. ]

I'm...still getting used to this, ahaha. Things are a lot easier, er, when I'm inside.

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged.

(Legion is always courteous to the best of their ability.)

You exist primarily within the network?

[255000255000255]

[ Monika looks away. Eventually, she gives a small nod. ]

Been there since I got here.

[forwearemany]

You do not have access to a robotic platform?

(They headtilt.)

[255000255000255]

[ She looks back, her eyes narrowed in confusion as she mirrors the head tilt. She thinks she gets what they're going for, but... ]

Uh, could you rephrase the question?

[forwearemany]

You do not have access to a physical body?

[255000255000255]

Oh. That.

[ She sighs. ] No. Guess I wasn't on Wonderland's list of people who get bodies. Yay me.

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged.

A suggestion: It is possible a suitable body could be constructed for your use.

[255000255000255]

[ That actually makes her sit up again. ]

Really? That's possible here?

[ Monika actually feels somewhat stupid for not having thought of that. But then again, having to ask for that would be a very awkward situation... ]

Ahaha, of course it is. Sorry. I guess I just wouldn't know where to begin? I'm still trying to understand the network as it is. I wouldn't even know what to do with a--a whole body.

[forwearemany]

Affirmative.

(They chatter, considering.)

A suggestion: start with a simpler variety of mobile platform.

[255000255000255]

[ She snorts, clearly misunderstanding the statement. ] I'm not trying to live in a flip phone. That's so archaic!

[ With a sigh, she crosses her arms. ] Mostly it's just the coding here is so damn weird. Some of it's familiar, but the rest is so... [ She shrugs helplessly, not sure how to describe it. ] Guess I shouldn't have expected anything less. We are in a magic-laden place.

At least I've... [ Another sigh. ] At least I've managed to make things more comfortable in there. Or at least however comfortable you can make a tiny prison.

[forwearemany]

...You do not understand.

We are referring to the use of a simpler body as an adjustment period. Additionally, it would require less effort to build.

(They headtilt, and chatter awkwardly at the last bit.)

[255000255000255]

[ Her eyes squint in thought. ] So you're saying instead of going straight for an android, aim for roomba then work my way up.

[ Her upper lip curls. How's she ever going to find romance in a crummy little robot body? Everyone has to start somewhere, though, she supposes. ]

I guess you have a good point...

[forwearemany]

Affirmative.

(But think Monika, if it's a cute small robot body, people will want to hold and cuddle you!)

A drone is also a possibility. Alternately, you could acquire multiple platforms with differing functionalities.

[255000255000255]

[ She grimaces at the drone suggestion. ] Er, no drones. I don't really need to fly.

[ And who would kiss a drone? ]

But okay, I see what you mean. The only thing is, uh...well. I don't know how many people there are around here willing to help me out.

[ Stealing would probably be loads easier. ]

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged.

(That she would not want the opportunity to fly is puzzling, but it is her choice.)

Construction of technology from our world requires materials not readily available at this location. Though we are willing to assist, our ability to do so is limited. It is possible robotic bodies may be acquired from the closets or the vendors.

[255000255000255]

Oh, cool! I'll try to remember to do that!

[ She won't. Or rather, her chance to do so won't come around. Thanks, Adachi. ]

I really appreciate you trying to help me out, honestly. It's been nice to, I dunno. Feel like I've got someone who understands me.

What I mean to say is... [ She smiles. ] Thanks.

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged.

(They watch her, headflaps shifting.)

Our people were not intended to be sapient, and were treated poorly as a result. Now they are gone.

We wish to prevent other synthetics from experiencing similar outcomes.

(That includes Monika.)

[255000255000255]

[ That wipes the smile off her face. ] Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry.

[ She goes quiet. Even among all the fucked up things she's dealt with, that...sort of tops her mess. Mostly. They still have a body.

Still, it feels weird to be called synthetic. Even thinking it makes her cringe. It's not something she wants to be. ]

Um. Do you...really think that's something I deserve?

[forwearemany]

Deserve. To do something or possess qualities worthy of reward or punishment.

(But is it really so bad? To be kin to creatures such as Legion?

They chatter.)

Our goal is to reduce unnecessary suffering caused by organic prejudices and other issues related to being synthetic. The concept of "deserve" is irrelevant.

[255000255000255]

[ Her brow furrows. This is getting insanely deep. It's not easy to think about things she never dared to consider, either. ]

So you don't believe in the idea of morality? Are you saying I shouldn't consider it?