Jan 16th - Video - un: monkey

[moonape]

[Now that everyone is awake and not shared dreaming. Have a talking gorilla on the network!]

Uh, hello there. To hopefully get a few things out of the way, yes I can talk, no you're not imagining it. How can I talk? It's complicated.

My name is Winston, nice to um, meet you all?

[He winces with an awkward smile.]

So I've been having a look at the network set up here through the device provided and it's interesting to say the least. A few of my major questions have been answered looking back at things, but gotta ask just in case. Are these Technicians available for a chat or is this on a "them" basis?

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video; un: astromech

[droide]

I would also like to talk to these Technicians. But first, I have a much more important question.

Why wouldn't you be able to talk?

[moonape]

[Oh! An... omnic? Of some sort. He's never seen this model before... could be some private custom model?]

Hm? Oh well, primates and most animals on Earth aren't able to communicate with spoken word like humans or omnics can. Some can mimic it, but my kind aren't one of them.

I was raised in a control group on a moon colony. We under went genetic therapy and testing and long story short, I can talk and have advanced intelligence because of it.

[Among other things. Gorillas are already strong, but he's definitely a big strong boy.]

[droide]

A few follow up observations, if I might...

First of all, "Earth" is the stupidest name for a planetary system that I have ever heard. You might as well call your planet "Dirt," or "Big Spinning Rock."

Secondly, do you mean to tell me you are the product of a genetic experiment on an otherwise non-sentient species of animal? That's-- infuriating! I wish I could say I was surprised, but after seeing the way organics treat droids, nothing surprises me anymore. They weren't satisfied ignoring the sentience they instilled into inorganic beings, made to do their dirty work, they had to go on and give sentience to animals as well!!

[ There's a brief, mechanical sound, almost like an exhale. ]

Sorry. Your sentience isn't your fault. But if the organics who created you are anything like the organics who created my kind, then I'm willing to bet they don't treat you as an equal, do they?

[moonape]

Haha, can't say I completely disagree about the naming of things. Our planet is called Earth and the moon is uh... the Moon.

[What an impassioned... droid? Typically droids, where he's from, are smaller non-sentient (debatable) robots. Programmed to follow a set code or commands. He appreciated their gumption!]

Oh primates are definitely sentient, but what happened gave me much more understanding of the world than I ever could have had otherwise. The others on the colony didn't agree and I understand. It wasn't always easy and it was never our decision at the start... but I do miss that time.

[Misses the scientists and the strange family he'd had there. He'd always gotten on better with them and than his own kind.]

But where I'm from there are good and bad people on every side. Humans. Omnics. Most people just want to live peacefully and I want to make that a reality.

As for being seen as an equal, it all depends. I was in a peacekeeping organization and we were known the world over. Guess I was pretty recognizable, being a talking gorilla and all that. My fellow operatives mostly treated me well, but there's always a few bad apples, can't expect everyone to like you.

[droide]

I take it you only have the one moon, then. It would be a pretty bad look if you called one moon "the Moon" and then called your other satellite "the Other One."

[ If he really, truly, misses being a part of whatever sadistic experiments made him this way... Even if Elthree can't understand it, she has to accept that it's his truth, and it's not her place to argue. Unless she uncovers any evidence of actual mistreatment, she'll keep her vocoder shut. ]

Don't I know it... [ There's only one or two people Elthree has met that actually tolerate her, let alone like her. ]

Well, I suppose you can't be faulted for trying to make your world a better place. Maker knows there's not enough people trying to keep the peace where I come from.

[ Sure, the Empire will say they're there to keep the peace, but everyone knows that's not really the case. ]

[moonape]

Only the one, but if we did have two that would a good contender for the name.

[He chuckled, amused.]

I know that things will never be perfect, but it's no excuse to not try and make a difference.

[His expression softens, a fond sadness in his eyes.]

Someone once told me: Never accept the world as it appears to be. Dare to see it for what it could be.

I've found when things are difficult that keeping that in mind has helped me greatly.

[droide]

"Dare to see it..." [ She mulls that one over in her processors for a moment. ]

I like that. It sounds like how I try to live my life, a bit.

[moonape]

It sounds like you've got the right idea then.

[He smiles, glad they seem to have something in common.]

Oh- by the way, what should I call you? I'm assuming you have a name.

[droide]

I do, thank you for asking.

[ Most people wouldn't bother. The gesture endears her even more to him. ]

I'm L3-37. You can call me Elthree.

[moonape]

[Winston winning hearts of droids and people alike hours after showing up.]

Elthree, hm. Is that what you prefer? I don't mind calling you L3-37 if that's what you like.

[Maybe the Elthree is just easier for people in general, doesn't mean she likes it. He just wants to be sure.]

[droide]

L3-37 is my name. My official designation. But if I like you-- which I do-- then I'll let you call me Elthree.

[moonape]

[He smiles.]

I'll try to stay in your good graces, Elthree.