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

Rory allowsed Nova to lead the way, quite distracted by trivial things herself. Well, not really trivial, seeing as they were also unbelievable. She could still hardly believe Nova is real , that they're walking arm in arm, and that she's going back to the apartment of the most famous idol in the galaxy... even if it sounds like said idol has never actually been in said apartment. She wondered if Nova could feel her excitement through their touch somehow, or hear the unusually rapid beating of her heart. It was an embarrassing thought, and made it even harder for her to calm down. In time, they arrived at Nova's car. It's definitely nice - even compared to the taxis Rory rides in, and since luxury is all they can compete on, taxis are generally pretty nice nowadays. If Rory cared to own a car, she could probably afford one like this, but it would make quite a dent in her personal fortune. She settled into the soft seat, enjoying the feeling for a moment before she told the vehicle to head for the pre-programmed destination of home it silently rose from its place on antigrav magnets and was soon soaring through the streets, just as silently. Then, hearing a sob, she turned to Nova - and started reaching out to her instinctively before pulling her hand back. She listened to what the idol has to say, growing rather despondent at what she knows the honest answer would be, but forcing herself to smile warmly and reassuringly, as any decent idol can. I'd like to help in any way I can, Nova, but... I'm not sure how helpful I can be. You see, controlling your body is kind of instinctive for those of us who are... ah, were born human, I mean, she replied, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. That, or it's something we learn when we're too young to remember it. Controlling ourselves is just something we do , and we can't even explain how we manage it. She tilted her head, trying to make her smile a little more encouraging. But maybe if I know more about you, Nova, I'll be able to give you some advice. Rory mostly wanted to satisfy her own curiosity about Nova, and she knew it, but it's true she might learn something about the other idol that she's actually able to help with. Unfortunately, Nova's explanation doesn't much help in that regard. Rory understands the principles - she was good at science, and though she preferred physics to biology, the words aren't lost on her - but she doesn't have a good enough understanding of them to know what any of it truly signifies. There was no doubt in her mind that Nova understood far more about her own body than Rory does, even though Nova was having trouble adjusting to it. Also... occasionally those ears of Nova's twitched, and Rory lost her train of thought entirely for a moment, a blush rising to her face each time. She'd record it on video, if she could somehow do so without Nova noticing. That's fascinating, Rory replied, wearing her smile still - it was second nature by now. And what Nova was saying truly was fascinating. Rory just wished she could think of some way to help. An idea came to her. It was a little whimsical, but maybe it would comfort Nova. Actually, even to me... to everyone... there are a lot of times when life feels like a dream, even when you're awake, Rory explained. It happens when you're so focused on something there's no room in your mind for anything else. We call it 'going with the flow', or 'being in the zone.' It's a good thing for us performers - you can't get scared or trip up when you're in that state. Her smile felt a little more genuine now. Have you had the chance to perform in your new body yet, Nova? she asked. I'm sure you'll understand once you do. Just then, the car arrived at its destination, noting its landing with a clear chime. Rory squeezed Nova's hand, as gently as she could while making it felt. Let's go see, then, she replied. It took some of the excitement out of seeing Nova's apartment knowing that Nova had never seen it either, but it was entirely possible she'd already personalized it in VR, and someone else had set it up in reality. I'd be happy to keep you company for as long as you wish, Nova. After all, I don't have anywhere I need to be anymore, do I? Rory grinned in self-deprecating amusement.