IC Contact: Reverie Terminal

[lostsymmetry]

network id: Hank_127

[Prodding a suspiciously blue-glowing terminal? Or maybe this actually is a network call. Either way, the reply is identical.]

<Greetings. This is the automated system administrator. How can I assist you?>

[The script is flat, cheerful, and robotic. Also, wrong. Leave a message?]

Comments

[thefaulty]

It is convenient, [Arid agrees. Without a doubt, it has made existing as a deviant AI far less dangerous than it would have been in their universe of origin.

And yet, even with that knowledge, Arid has resisted letting her guard down. Humans are not as consistent as AI and she has made the mistake of misjudging their intentions before. Perhaps there could be value in forming connections with them—but there are also obvious risks.]

You have more experience interacting directly with humans than I have, [Arid states.] Do you believe their expressions of camaraderie to be genuine?

[lostsymmetry]

[Arid always does choose the hard questions. He doesn't hesitate, but there's a wistful note to his voice.]

...They mean it. Most of them, anyway.

They don't have any reason not to.