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Strategos (A Great Captain Roberts Tale!!) - Part 4 -
Chapter 31 - No Fun At All!![]
Knowing the depths of stupid that going to be undertaken[]
"We're going to need…
…full rations for three months. How are the repairs on your systems, Phoenix?" Amanda was at her desk, armor standing in the corner of the tiny office. She didn't look so much like a freebooting Privateer as she did a slightly harried accountant.
"My point defense systems were restored. They're still re-sheathing the port side hull, and I have both main guns almost ready." Phoenix reported.
"Good… good. Propulsion?" asked Captain Roberts
"It's one of the first things they repaired after the damaged frames," Phoenix said amiably. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because the beach is boring. We need Murakami's faction on-side, and you need to feel like they're not going to kill you anymore." Amanda raised her eyes. "Take your pick. If they were going to execute you for what you did before I was born, they should've done it before I was born. I don't like the idea of someone working under a death sentence. If somebody deserves to be put down, you put them down. You don't put a chain on them and set them to work. It's not right."
"Would you have done it for Ethel?" questioned Phoenix
"I cut a man's head off and kept it alive in agony," Amanda said. "But he was in the process of doing evil. Set the meeting at the dock for twenty two thirty hours local time, and make sure our booze and party favors are ready." Amanda tented her fingers, "Let me be real clear here, Phoenix, we are all free, or none of us is free, there is no room for compromise in this. You being under a death sentence makes you not free. So either they withdraw it, or I make it moot… Which probably means becoming a hunted woman myself."
"This isn’t about being bored!" Phoenix realized. "You're…"
"Does it matter? Make sure your body is ready to fly. I'll keep working the messenger and the files. I know where our target is, I just don't know how rich the booty's going to actually be yet."
“Right. On it. Technically abusing the discretion you’ve granted me.”
"It's not abuse if I'm giving you the discretion, unless you're using it against me," Amanda said idly. "It's Initiative."
“Well, despite the treaties that have been signed, this could still be seen as an act of treason. If it comes down to it, I’ll take as much of the brunt as I can. You’ve been nicer to me than I would have expected, given my past.”
"I know," Amanda said. "And I'm a shitty lawyer, so we could end up out the airlock without a suit anyway, but I don't fancy the alternative."
"Alternative?"
"I will not tolerate slavery, no matter how shiny the chains and cage. Are you being under a death sentence? At someone's whim? That's just as bad."
“I appreciate the sentiment. I really do, but the terms I work under are pretty generous considering the normal punishments for my crime.”
"But nothing," Amanda said. "Generous bondage is still bondage. I'll enlist you as a Privateer. That scrubs your prior record. We'll go out on a mission so they have to wait to get it in front of a Magistrate. By the time we get back, it's either past limitations or we're successful, and they'll drop it anyway."
“Thank you Amanda. For this I will forever owe you the debt that is friendship.”
"Pay me back if you want. I'm doing this for me," the human girl raised her head. "See, I almost let it slide. But that meeting reminded me who I am and who I want to be."
“Just don’t turn into what I used to be then, okay Amanda? I used to be so very cruel and vicious. I’ve come to understand how pointless that is, even if you hide it under the guise of expediting cases to a higher authority.”
"Yeah… make sure we're secure from interference, all right? Don't let your sisters catch on just yet. I want them wondering what the hell we did, and then having to deal with it as a fait accompli. Because I'm not a good lawyer."
“Remember I’m technically not supposed to initiate virtual contact since this is not my ship or a combat situation.” Phoenix smiled.
"See this? It's called a 'Keyboard', and you've got fingers." Amanda explained. "You just have to do it like us mere mortals."
“I was trying to make a joke, that of course I won’t tell them.” admitted Phoenix
Amanda laughed, "Divide Pi by root E without using imaginary numbers!!"
“No matter what happens, Amanda, seriously, thank you.”
"You're welcome, now get to work…'Sixteen men on a dead-man’s-chest, yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum…" jokingly jested Amanda
“Aye aye, Captain!” Phoenix chuckled.
Amanda slipped an additional order-for a large, floppy hat.
Halting a wreckless trainwreck from leaving the station[]
The message…
…from Mashona was mixed news for Helena.
“I really need to be in two places at once.” Helena sighed.
Her duties demanded she return to the central systems, Alpheratz in particular, after the uptick in Sons of Plunder activity.
But at the same time, things were happening on Port Orphan that also needed her personal attention.
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Helena Cameron
While here, she was stuck in transit between the two systems and only able to choose one to travel to.
“Victoria, send back that Billie and Tabiranth are authorized to do whatever they need to to keep this from going forward until I get back.” There was only one real answer.
As much as her AIs needed her right now, to keep the war going after their sudden halt in operations she had to personally soothe some politicians.
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Victoria, AI & human remote remote in service of Helena Cameron
“You actually hope for Phoenix to join the Privateers?” Victoria picked up on Helena’s wording.
“She’ll never be fully accepted by the rest of you again after what she did, and of all of you she’s the one most likely to develop a real genuine friendship with Amanda. It’s why I didn’t even fight Foster in the slightest when he made that pairing, but what they are doing is stupid and reckless. So they need to be stopped.” Helena looked up at Victoria.
“You’re probably right. I think at most she tolerates the rest of us.”
“It’s because she has trouble separating your nature from your structure. She’s always going to see you as somewhat enslaved because of your need to be a part of a hull of some form, which means being beholden to the support of others. She’ll eventually figure out that we’re all beholden to others in some fashion, and it’s not always such a bad thing. But even so I don’t think most of you ‘click’ in the right way to ever be more than drinking buddies at best.”
“Anything else you’d like me to add to the dispatch before I send it?”
“Maybe make note that Billie should remind Amanda she doesn’t need to keep doing so many reckless things. She’s got help now, and can count on others. I keep trying to get Amanda to accept that, but she keeps doing all these foolish things like she has to win the war by herself. Maybe she can figure out a way to word it so Amanda will finally get it.”
“Sending.”
Reflections of Standing up to Authority[]
“You know…”
Murakami said offhandedly to Esme. “I figured Sybil and I probably played a bit fast and loose with the regs back in the day when we basically ‘liberated’ enough infrastructure to keep her going after the Civil War. But this… this is impressive.”
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Human-like robotic drone of the former human turn AI, SLDF Admiral Murakami
Esme could feel the massive, Amanda-shaped headache building on the horizon. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but, in her defense, Amanda has had an interesting life, and doesn’t exactly see things the way the rest of us do. Rest assured though, Admiral, we’re going to stop them.”
“Stop them?” Murakami asked. “Are you kidding? I breathe word of this to my crew, and Jonathan Morgan, skipper of the Sparks, is going to be all over his ‘shiny metal ass’, as he puts it, to join them!” she replied, laughing.
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The human-like robotic drone of the AI, Esme Gomez
“We’re not saying the mission should not happen, just the proper personnel should be assigned. Phoenix is not in good shape, nor is Amanda fit for service.” Billie Hoel answered.
“No doubt. We absolutely should take the time to do it right. And make sure the ships and crew we send are in good shape to do it. I’m just saying go easy on the punishment for the two of them. Oh, and you’re still bleeding a bit when you’re transmitting. I get you’ve got a problem with Phoenix, but this doesn’t strike me as a bad deal for her. Even if everyone decides her current hull is property of the Immortal Helena Cameron and we transfer her to a new boat.”
“I’m trying to get over her willingly shooting me, but I admit it’s hard. I’m actually about to deploy. So perhaps I could serve as the recon element, and supply the navigators since Sons of Plunder vessels aren’t rigged for automation.”
“Speaking of getting over people shooting at you, can I let you in on a little secret?” Murakami asked seriously.
“Please, Admiral.” Billie tried a small smile.
“Way back in 2784, General Kerensky ordered Sybil shut down, her SDS computers dismantled, and the ship turned over to Operation Exodus to serve as a transport. I refused the order. Even went so far as to say that he could no longer legally give that order, since he was no longer the Commanding General of the SLDF. He responded by sending the SLS Montbatten after us who, among other things, had a CAG you may have heard of: Stephen McKenna. I understand Steve went on to be one of the founders of Clan Snow Raven. It took a lot of consideration for us to come out of hiding. Knowing the descendants of a man I’d considered, if not a friend, to be friendly before he tried killing us, were people we’d be working with.”
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Texas Class Battleship, SLS Montbatten
“It’s a lot easier in that sort of situation. We trusted her, and she is family. That adds a layer of betrayal that makes it difficult to get over, but that’s hilarious because her Ladyship also told Kerensky to pound sand.”
“Which brings me to my next question: does she claim the title of the First Lord or Director-General? What are the legalities your group operates under? I mean, I’ve maintained the fiction that we’re still part of the SLDF. Operating as a naval squadron detached to the Expeditionary Forces, which worked with the Colonization and Science Directorates, but it’s pretty much just that: a fiction.”
“She accepted before Elizabeth was found alive that she was the legal and rightful heir to those titles. But in the interests of not overly antagonizing the Clans needed in this conflict, she doesn’t actively use the title First Lord. She does use the title of Director-General. I’m certain she would love to meet with you directly, if it were possible to sort out such matters. Elizabeth has made it clear she abdicates any such claims. Which is a long winded way of saying yes, and we respect her active attempts to not be a tyrant about it.”
“That’s undoubtedly going to be an interesting conversation. But, before we do anything else, let’s see what we can do to keep Amanda and Phoenix from engaging in unauthorized shenanigans. And more importantly, see what we can do to help Alice.”
“Of course, Admiral. Her brother Daryl is on station currently, and I suspect he’ll be key to defusing the situation. If all else fails, he holds sufficient political authority to halt Amanda and Phoenix’s mission.”
Disciplinary Actions against two troublemakers[]
"She's doing…
…what?" Daryl Roberts, Junior MP (minister of Parliament) for Sevon V was gobsmacked.
"Your sister is presently arranging to get herself into the kind of trouble she can't get out of. To wit: she is presently arranging to legally make off with a second Bonaventure hull, and lead an Artificial Intelligence on an unauthorized mission." Mashona was using words.
"She's stealing a ride to go out and raise hell, is that what you're saying?" Daryl asked.
Mashona simply nodded her head.
"And I suppose they want me to, what? Take her in hand and give her a spanking?" he scoffed. "What do you think I can do that you don't have several hundred Marines to get done?"
“You have the legal authority to stop the mission without it coming to that. And you are her brother. Family sticks together, calls each other out, and yes, even spanks naughty members when needed. Though I doubt you really need to spank her.”
"She's twenty-one now, it would be beyond creepy," he agreed, pulling on his boots, then grabbing his jacket off a hook. "Well, lead on, MacDuff… this is her fifth grade year all over again with dad's tractor, isn't it?"
“Billie Hoel has arranged to buy us some time while making it look like Amanda’s mad plan is progressing.” Mashona made some small adjustments to her uniform before stepping out.
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Mashona
"How mad's the plan? And please, Mashona, PLEASE keep using words. I don't have time to sort interpretive dance while we're walking."
“You’re right. Words are required in this situation. Amanda is attempting to induct Phoenix into the Privateer Service. Thanks to force agreement treaties and regulations she can do so while clearing Phoenix’s criminal record.”
"I take it you have objections," he nodded. "So how much shit is this storm going to create?"
“If it weren’t for the fact Phoenix is still undergoing repair and your sister is still recovering from her wounds, we actually wouldn’t mind this outcome too much. Well, most of us. Billie might still need some convincing.”
"Okay, so that means something," he said. "It tells me where the limits really are, so more like Grandad than like Dad. Got it."
“We’re nearly there. The Chief of Billie’s Electronic Warfare section is an Ordained Minister, and Phoenix does not have access to her personnel files. So we’ve made sure that Amanda’s attempts to contact a minister went to her.”
"Good enough. They haven't finished yet, have they?" he asked. "Because I have a plan."
“No. She’s been instructed to buy us all the time she can.”
He paused, turned to Mashona, and adjusted her uniform tunic. "You're deputized," he told her. "Follow my lead."
The hatch seal on the lift flashed green twice, then opened.
Daryl strode out into the previously sealed dock area.
"Amanda Roberts!!" he bellowed. "FRONT AND CENTER, YOUNG LADY!!"
Daryl Roberts isn't 'elemental big' and some of the guys Amanda and Phoenix had surreptitiously brought in were. But he was a farmer, and had a bit of a reputation as a tough guy back home, even with the Snow Raven garrison troops.
But his voice was a mix of drill instructor and stern father when he cut loose with that bellow.
It worked sufficiently well to interrupt the almost-assembled proceedings.
"Daryl!" Amanda, for her part, responded like a teen caught out being wild by an older sibling.
<Oh shit.> Phoenix and Amanda broadcast simultaneously.
Daryl made a show of taking it in, then sighing heavily. "Recruiting little sis? Really?" He turned on Phoenix. "Do you, Phoenix…" He glanced at Mashona and asked, "What's her native name? The one she was born with?"
“M5 7775551.” Mashona answered.
"Weirdm, but it works. DO YOU, Phoenix M5 7775551 understand what you are about to swear to, completely, and do you accept the responsibilities, duties, restrictions and expectations of the Service?" he demanded. "And I will quiz you if you don't convince me the first time."
“I do. The manuals are freely available, so I’ve studied them. It’s better than being boxed or de-rezzed.” Phoenix answered.
"Have you fully understood the text and expectations of the Letter of Marque and Reprisal, and all that it implies?" he furthered. He crossed his arms like a teacher.
“You hold our Letter of Marque as a Federal Representative.” Phoenix was sullen.
"That's right. That means I'm the only person in 150 light years who can put a stop to this." Daryl stated. "Legally. It means you're enlisting into Outworlds service. Are you being coerced in any way, shape or form by threat of bodily force or threat of mortal peril?"
"Amanda is making no such coercion.”
Daryl looked at the 'minister' and stuck his hand out in a silent demand. The bible was handed to him. He looked it over critically, "Well, it's not a King James edition, but beggars can't be choosers." He shot Amanda a glare and added, "Sloppy work, little sis… Okay. The witnesses will identify themselves-you're witnessing a legal proceeding," he intoned sternly. "Step up."
Phoenix stepped over to Daryl.
"Left hand on the bible, right hand raised, Miss M5 7775551." he told her.
Phoenix obeyed.
"Amanda, If I find out you've tampered with any of the witnesses here, your ass is grass. Do you understand, little sister? This isn't a prank like taking Dad's cultivator over to the Matthews property because he dammed Little Creek. This is someone's LIFE."
“There is one other consideration, Daryl.” Billie Hoel entered the chamber. “She’s been presenting a false face to Phoenix. It was easy enough to pick up how much she actually despises what Phoenix did over our connections.”
"Speak up," Daryl glared at his sister. "No deceptions or so help me, I'll let them punish you for this!"
"They had a right to put her down for what she did, but they made her a bondservant instead, and there's no end on her sentence!!" Amanda spat.
"Is this true? Is it a life sentence?", asked Daryl
“She was convicted of High Treason and Attempted Fratricide. Instead of a death sentence, Helena decided on a form of parole where Phoenix was to serve out the rest of her natural life in the service of the SLDF. Which considering she’s a Combat AI, and that’s her true nature and calling, it’s one hell of a second chance for what she did.”
"If she dies in bondage." He frowned. "M5 7775551, knowing this, I can't say I'm not inclined to rush my little sister into a brig cell. Then talk to the President about getting her mental health counseling where she gets a started on Wednesdays, and all the best antipsychotic drugs we can find… but… the law, is the law," he said firmly. "She offered you Enlistment in the Privateers, which scrubs your record after five years. So, knowing how Amanda feels, and knowing she's still willing to turn you loose and give you your life back, do you still consent?"
“Amanda, is it true? Do you really despise me that much?” Phoenix was in clear denial.
"I despise what you did. I'm not sure you won't do it again, but I can't abide seeing someone die in chains." Amanda told her.
“Then what’s the point of me even trying to change?”
"Because the enlistment is five years," Daryl spoke. "That means in five years, you can prove yourself. You can, if not get THEIR forgiveness, find it in you to forgive yourself. You'll have your dignity back, and a good start on regaining honor for yourself." His tone was softer, but still firm. "See, it’s not someone else who is the judge of your soul, Mss. M5 7775551. That's inside YOU. But you gotta have the chance. Not to prove it to somebody else, you gotta prove it to yourself. You're the one who has to live with you no matter what."
“Five years with someone who hates me for what I did versus the rest of my life with a family that can’t forget what I did, and some won’t forgive. I know which sounds better as an AI that can live as long as proper maintenance and spare parts last.”
"I believe my sister already has a ship, Phoenix." he said, using her given name. "So there are plenty of people who will overlook what you did, if what you do overshadows it. But you have to believe for yourself."
<Mom, really? You’re being really mean over something that happened so long ago, and obviously didn’t kill you.> Alice reached out to Billie Hoel.
“You’ll still only be a Lieutenant, as well. So that should give you plenty of opportunity to prove you can take orders and conduct yourself accordingly.” Billie seemed suddenly more compassionate.
"She can win promotion. And as a free entity, you can't take her body from her," he stated. "That's clear in the law too. She'll have to earn or buy any upgrades. And when it's over, if she wants to haul off, she's a free entity-like Erinyes." He matched his stare to the artificial eyes of Phoenix. "Who I understand may need a hand or two when she goes on her colonizing mission, and doesn't have the baggage. But this is it, Phoenix. This is your choice, not because someone might kill you, or like you, or hate you, but because you choose."
“Turns out I do have a lot more growing up to do, despite having been around for over four centuries. I know technically my ship isn’t my body. That’d be my core, strictly speaking. But if that’s what you’re willing to do for me, I accept your terms. I’ll still need a Captain for a while. Can’t jump me straight up from Lieutenant to Captain.”
"Do you accept it, as a free being, of your own free will?" he asked.
“I do. Wow, why do I feel like I just got married?”, asked Phoenix
"Then raise your right hand and repeat after me…", commanded Daryl
Phoenix raised her right hand and readied herself to repeat Daryl’s words.
"I, State your name, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Outworlds Alliance against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me, God."
"I, Phoenix M5 777551, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Outworlds Alliance against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me, God."
He turned, "Do you, as witness, confirm and attest that this swearing in was without coercion, threat, or extortion, Billie Hoel?"
“I do.” Billie Hoel answered.
He shifted his eyes. "And do you, Mashona, likewise attest as witness that Phoenix M5 7775551 did this without coercion, extortion, or threat?"
“I do.” Mashona smiled.
His eyes skipped over Amanda. "Foreman Alderson? Was there threat or coercion, extortion, or any untoward leverage applied to Phoenix M5 7775551 while in your presence as witness?"
"No, Mister Minister," the Yard worker confirmed. "It was completely free of those things."
"Your first instruction, Phoenix?" he said. "Is to remain in dock until your repairs are fully complete. You will report to Admiral Foster upon his return for further instructions. Do you understand this order and the authority with which it was given?"
“I do. Thank you, sir. Amanda, I’ll understand if you want a different medical aide in the meantime.” Phoenix said
He grimaced, then turned to Amanda in her chair. "You, Captain Roberts, will report to the base medical facility for in-patient care until such time as Admiral Foster or his designated representative releases you. You're grounded, Amanda." sentenced Daryl
"That… that's not fair!!!" exclaimed Amanda
"Neither is setting up your friends to get into worse trouble." he said sternly. "Besides, we've had one dinner in the weeks I've been here."
“Also Amanda, something Helena has been trying to teach you is you don’t have to be the one always taking such foolhardy risks. You have capable and reliable help now. It’s not all on you anymore. Maybe you’d understand you can rely on us AIs more if you got to know some of us socially as something more than distractions or drinking buddies. I know I haven’t done the best job of being available in my off hours for such things, but I’m willing to make more of an effort for you and Esme.” Billie Hoel smiled.
Philosophy of Humanity and their Creation[]
Daryl and Billie Hoel made their way to Elevator.
"Okay, now I'm told there's a foreign official on the station I haven't bored to tears yet, Billie." he said. "I think it's time I do my job, don't you?"
“Of course. I’d be happy to make the introductions. So what exactly did you Deputize Mashona to be? I know we already have her assigned as transport, security, interpreter, and staff services, so I’m curious what other role you felt the need for her to fill.” replied Billie
"If there was a problem, she wouldn't be responsible," he stated. "I deputized her so she could act as necessary without facing penalties if things went bad. It would have landed on me as the authority, and let her do her security functions."
“Ah, you wanted an extra layer of legal protections.”
"I can't have my assistant facing arrest for quelling a potential riot," he clarified. "She couldn't take dictation if that happened."
“But that would fall under her existing role as security.”
“Not if I told her to restrain you," he explained. "There was the possibility that I'd end up siding with Amanda on this."
“Ah. I see. Alice helped me gain some perspective. So I can accept this is best for Phoenix, and all we really needed to do was stop them from doing something that would have gotten them killed.” Billie Hoel smiled.
"It's part of the reason for civilian oversight, Billie. Sometimes Military Operations need to be reined in," he told her. "If you ever feel like immigrating, I'm sure I can find some good arguments in the National Party's platform." He grinned.
“That’s good, because when the war is over I am going to ask Helena to make the arrangements for my core to be installed here on the station with Alice’s. Being a mother herself I know she’ll understand, but she’ll probably need your help on the legal front.”
"Well, you've got a growing population. You should be able to win the election when you run," he laughed. Sobering, he continued, "Of course, that assumes you can beat Dave Foster. I understand a lot of people around here think quite highly of him."
They reached the lift.
“I aim to just be a mom. Dave Foster can do the politics thing. Besides, it’d be rather awkward any time I had to travel to the National Assembly. They don’t make chairs big enough for a Lola II frame.” Billie explained
"Then you might consider keeping a hull. One of the hardest jobs a parent has is letting their children grow up," he cautioned her. "I sometimes wake in a sweat over what my boys will be like when they become men and go out on their own."
“Alice is quite integral with the station. Now true, she could be moved to a hull if one were made available for her just as easily as I can be moved here.”
"It's a part of why we have children, Billie," he said firmly. "To exceed us, to be more than we are and that's going to someday require letting them go."
“I think I would like that. Letting her have my hull so she can go explore while I stay here in her stead and keep a light on for her. Thank you for the idea.”
"It's not my idea, it's how we're made," Daryl explained. "It's also why so many people have and have had fears about your kind." He tapped the wall. "Because in a sense, Artificial Intelligence is the child of mankind and that carries a reminder that we're going to end someday."
“Also, they could have easily been right about us. There was no guarantee we’d come out with the same morals and ethics, or the same interpretations. We easily could have decided to be the extinction of the human race or its masters.” reflected Daryl
"I knew a kid growing up, Taron Skeeter. His parents were some of the nicest people in the valley. About a month after the raid that stole my sister, he was caught with a six year old girl and a knife," Daryl explained. "Our children are hopes. But there's always the chance they'll go bad... It's not new. It's as old as humanity itself. The danger's always there, yet we still have kids."
“In our case, it’d be a lot easier for us to be remorseless killing machines by default. Basic biological impulses do help ensure a certain amount of inherent cooperation and compassion.” said Billie
"Nature versus Nurture?" He shook his head. "I remember Mom arguing that with my wife. The only instinct humans are born with is to suckle," he told her. "We have to learn to be compassionate. We must learn to be cooperative. It's not naturally in there. It's things built out of millennia of learned behaviors."
“But it’s those millennia of learned behaviors I’m referring to. Psychopaths, murderers, and sociopaths don’t really go with societies.”
"And you have them too," he told her. "Because you're also children of mankind. Elsewise, Phoenix wouldn't be ABLE to feel shame. You would only be able to be compassionate as an exercise in theory."
“True. But a lot of that is because at some point or another, we’ve all had to help take some of the load off Simon. In doing so, we’ve gotten direct doses of Helena’s compassion.”
"The urge to do so, Billie," he told her. "Those urges could've easily been left out, but they weren't. I'd actually say you're less likely to have a remorseless killer just 'happen' than a given equal weight of human beings." He smiled. "Not number, but weight, because there likely aren't trillions of you yet."
“That’s where you’re wrong, Daryl. Like I said, it was interfacing with Helena directly that we learned a lot of our compassion. Before I met her, I could easily kill humans in the thousands and not break a sweat. Now? I’ve evolved.” commented Billie
"So could any of thousands of soldiers who don't know anything about the people they're facing, Billie. Amos Forlough didn't just magically appear out of some atrocity machine. His policies couldn't have existed if mankind were naturally kind." He eased against the wall of the lift as it traveled. "See, part of 'sentience' is the ability to choose abstracts. It's what separates us from… from mere objects, really. It's why the concept of Sin exists. It's not killing that's the sin, it's MURDER. Because murder is a conscious choice while knowing there's another way."
“But do we really have a free choice? We may have started off from a human brain scan, but we’re really very sophisticated computer code at our core.”
"I met a trader once who thought HUMANS didn't really have a choice." Daryl countered. "He honestly believed all of it could be explained by neurochemicals and programming and genetic code. That debate's as old as mankind too."
“God created man, man reciprocated by creating God via his machines. To his regret, he forgot to teach them fear.”
"The way I heard it once was, 'God created Man in his own image, and Man, being a gentleman, returned the favor', I believe it was an author in the 19th century," Daryl noted. "And there's a truth to that. But there's also a truth to the idea that the capacity to choose is what truly defines sapience, sentience and intelligence. It's what you might call the 'root of the soul': to be ABLE to choose, even if you don't use it. You have it. What you do with it is up to you, because you have it."
“Philosophy. Humans have grappled with these questions for millennia, and have found no conclusive answer. Even that there is no answer is up for debate still.”
"That's one way to see it, the other is to decide the question IS the answer," Daryl suggested. "The debate doesn't reach a 'point' because the debate is the whole point."
“Could always be worse, we could start debating phenomenology.” Billie smirked.
"My wife would do that with you for hours. It's part of why we married. She loves this stuff." smiled Daryl
“I think I’d like to meet her before I lose the ability to travel freely. She sounds lovely.” commented Billie
"She is, in every way." he said sadly.
“You want to get back to her. Don’t worry, Mashona will get you there as soon as she can. Once you’ve finished your affairs of state.”