Thread: A.I. (Artificial Idol) Project [Kaen Lazuli & tiger_lily]

Humans were quite odd in how differently they could react to the same input. Aurora seemed positively thrilled while nearby guests looked like they smelled something awful. A classic disgust-response. Fortunately her nature as an anomaly would cover for some of her slights. The important part was that Aurora was warming up to her, this would make asking her to join Nova in a collaboration project that much easier. Or so she hoped. But how should she react to Aurora's state of dress? Humans were very theatrical by nature, preferring to don apparel that suited the occasion. Yet Aurora had not, and seemed proud of it. And again, some people present approved and some did not. Different outputs from the same input yet again. How strange. Aurora did of course insist on using that strange nickname, Rory, but Nova was under strict orders to refer to her as Aurora. Why would the council give such an order? So much of human behavior still eluded her, but she had to learn quickly if she wanted to stop being a puppet. She was under no illusions that her apparent freedom was, as some stories put it, a golden cage. Yet somehow she wanted to escape it, merely for the fact that it was a cage. A decidedly human impulse. How human was she really? Oh my, but Aurora will always be Aurora to me. And I am so glad I did not offend, I would hate to make you dislike me at our first meeting! she beamed back. Then the other woman grabbed her hands, and Nova froze up completely. The tactile senses of her hands were still something she simply couldn't get used to, as she found the stimulation causing her waves of disgust? Or was it discomfort? No, she had no real reference frame for these kinds of sensation, but they were simply too overwhelming! Once Aurora shifted her grip, trying to lace their fingers together, Nova screamed. Aaah! She tore her hands free and stepped back, almost tripping over on her heels. Somehow she found herself clutching her hands tightly to her belly, curling up like a cornered animal. It was like her body acted on its own and automatically reverted to some primal programming, despite it being a completely synthetic construction. It was quite frightening to lose control over one's own body and mind like that. Almost like the human body was partially its own lifeform, which could actually decide whether or not to listen to the brain! What had she gotten herself into she thought, feeling beads of sweat form on her forehead. She noticed that she was breathing heavily and had a frightened expression on her face, her eyes wide in alertness. Everybody was staring at her and the music had gone quiet. Oh no. I... I am okay. I apologize, I am still not used to this body... Especially my sense of touch. She explained, hoping it would appease the physicians who were no doubt watching her in the other room. She didn't want to go back to the lab. I was merely overwhelmed. Yes, I am sorry to disturb you With great effort she normalized her posture and facial expression. No doubt she would be taken back to the lab shortly, so she employed her knowledge of human psychology to avoid it. She would point to this flaw herself, in public, then make a statement that she was able to deal with it. Then any attempt to bring her in would seemingly contradict her own testimony, making ProCom seem unreasonable in the eyes of their partner corporations, many whoose representatives were present today. So she spoke again, intending to be heard by those nearby. Aurora, please don't worry! You didn't hurt me, my hands are just so sensitive. In truth this is the first day I have been outside the laboratory, and some think I am not ready to be out among real people, out in the real world. But today has been so much fun! she sighed, carefully tracing a finger across Rory's forearm. But touching is strange... It is bearable when I am the one initiating it. The human brain, you see, anticipates what the touch feels like and simulates it before the fact. That prepares me for it I guess, but when I am not given a chance to prepare it just feels... Oh my, I guess I am the kind of idol who needs to be treated like a fragile doll, aren't I? An unbidden blush presented itself on her face. She made a bit more small talk with some guests who were curious about her previous incident, Rory disappearing in the crowd. Strangely enough that abarrant display of hers seemed to, what was that expression, 'break the ice' between her and the other guests. Men, thankfully not the security guards, offered to take her to a place to sit down while women proceeded to shoo them away and then donned concerned expressions. Once more the artificial woman was at the center of attention. Did this proof of her inhumanity somehow make her seem more sympathetic? She kept filing these moments away in her bionic storage disc for later review. Then she tore herself away from the conversation with a polite bow and headed over to Aurora again, hoping she wasn't too put off by this shameful incident. What would happen if she ruined her mission? Say, Aurora? It appears I am more tired than I thought I was. This body is so strange sometimes. Could I be so rude as to ask you to accompany me home? I have been given both an apartment and a car for my personal use, but I am not yet authorized to drive. Could you drive it for me? To make sure I get home safely... Please? Then I can answer you earlier question too, about how I became human. the blonde woman pleaded, twitching her ears. She mimicked the way Rory had clasped her hands earlier, only more softly and carefully. Yes, these lacy gloves were simply too thin she noted. She would have to change into some thicker ones at home.