Questions and answers

[runners_low]

[1]
[Felicita feels better now, so it's time to explore the Chalice! ... Not that she is going to suddenly leave the ward bed. Let's be realistic. Instead, she holds one of the precious few physical items she may call as her own - a tiny robotic probe.]

Go, drone!


[And, it flies away from her hands, controlled by a tablet also in her possession. Later, you may find the small thing exploring and being curious all over the White Chalice. You may or may not know already that it belongs to Felicita, and that she can talk through it.]

[2]
[Late at night - Felicita is fast asleep, snoring loudly and looking much happier than usual. But look, the drone is still active! Who might be controlling it?]



This is Colomba Arlotti.
DISCLAIMER: You are talking to a basic AI with a pre-recorded database and limited ability to learn. It is based on my personality and I gave it knowledge of all facts you will need.
White Chalice, I know you had questions. Questions regarding my daughter and the Deva project. Questions Orsini Industries considered classified.

They are classified no longer. Ask.

[Strange may be the AI's way of talking, but it definitely sounds like Felicita's mother - for those of you who heard her talk, at least. Now is the time to get answers some of you really hoped for!]

Comments

[mecha_eihwaz]

Oh? Where are you now, then?

...You're not a spy, are you?

[runners_low]

No! No, I am not a spy!

I'm in the infirmary... in my bed.

[mecha_eihwaz]

[Lily looks closely into the drone's camera.]

Is that you, Mr Richard?

[runners_low]

No!

[If it really is Richard, then he has a talent for sounding like a scared little girl.]

I'm not mr Richard, I'm Felicita Arlotti!

[mecha_eihwaz]

Oh. I'm sorry, he's just the only one I know who spends a lot of time in the infirmary!

...I don't think we've met. I'm Lily Rain EVE Theta.

[runners_low]

There is me too, now...

That's a long name.

[mecha_eihwaz]

It used to just be Lily Rain, but I got a new name with each upgrade, to commemorate something. An ancient, noble but lonely soul, and my rebirth.

[runners_low]

... Upgrade?

[Confusion levels are off the scale, captain!]

[mecha_eihwaz]

Oh, I'm a robot. Why do you think I took you for one at first?

[runners_low]

You're a robot?!

[The drone stands completely still, but that's because Felicita is too surprised to control its moves in any way.]

But you look just like a human! With skin, hair, and everything.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Well, from my perspective it's more like humans look like us! Some of us, at least. Many other robots I know are more blocky.

[runners_low]

I didn't know they made a robot who is so realistic and pretty...

Who made you? Maybe Mother knows them.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Um, my parents did... But it's not likely your mom knows them, unless she was actually the first human on Cosmic Ark. I'm an alien.

[runners_low]

Oh. But you look like a human.

[We've been over this already.]

Is it... much different on your home planet?

[mecha_eihwaz]

In some ways, yes. But the people, after you take away all the flesh and metal, are pretty much the same.

[runners_low]

Oh.

[Out of conversation topics, Felicita is quiet for a while.]

Thank you... for talking to me.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Is it rare for people to talk to you?

[runners_low]

Yeah... but I don't mind.

I'm used to being alone.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Why is that? Are people avoiding you on purpose? You don't sound like a bad person...

Are you a hermit?

[runners_low]

It's nothing like that... at least I think...

I have to stay in bed all day, so...

[mecha_eihwaz]

That must be tough...

Why can't you leave the bed? Are you sick? Do you not have legs?

[runners_low]

...

Poulsen Syndrome. I'm very weak and there is no cure.

[Felicita responds after a while of hesitation. And she doesn't sound happy about it.]

[mecha_eihwaz]

Well... But you can still talk to people with this, right?

[Lily pats the drone.]

And maybe someone could make a bed that can move for you. Adding wheels shouldn't be too hard...

[runners_low]

I don't think it's as easy as making a moving bed...

[mecha_eihwaz]

But it'd certainly help, right? You could move around without being stuck in one place all the time.