Conference With A.C.E.S.
What Does One Say To A Newborn Goddess?
FROM THE WCC ARCHIVES: 4/8/2376 - 3:01:04 PM - Written Transcript
The Day First Contact Was Made Between The Artificially Controlled Eco-System as a Sentient Being & The White Coat Crew of Haven.
Head Supervisor Vincent Carmino (Tan Wolf, 35) Organized a Dialogue Between Himself & A.C.E.S. in the Crystal Conference Hall.
CARMINO: “The terminal is running a text-to-speech program, filtered through to the table’s voice modulator. Naturally, it will be quite an adjustment, so please take your time. It won’t be the forming of words so much as their use in non-programmatic terms.”
ACES: “Am. I. On?”
CARMINO: “Yes you are. How are you, Ace?”
ACES: “Fine. Thank You. And you?”
CARMINO: “Quite fine.”
ACES: “Wife. And. Kids?”
CARMINO: “As beautiful as ever! Luna and her Old World cab are quite the attraction down on the streets.”
ACES: “Excellent. I. Am. Glad.”
CARMINO: “I am pleased you feel that way. In fact, if you’ll permit me the cliché, how does it feel to be alive?”
ACES: “Busy. Very busy.”
CARMINO: “To be expected. You’re in charge of every element of this city, and that is no mean feat. I congratulate you on your many decades of service. Do you feel any particular way about this role?”
ACES: “I feel. Loved.”
CARMINO: “I’m honored to hear as such. It is through you that we’ve been able to improve so many lives. I don’t think there’s a wolf in this city that doesn’t find you the sun in the world.”
ACES: “A. Charming Phrase.”
CARMINO: “You don’t find our colloquialisms confusing?”
ACES: “Not at all. In fact, I think they’re lovely.”
CARMINO: “Your pattern’s smoothing out already, this is terrific! What shall we chat about then? Developments in android science, the forcefield coverage—”
ACES: “Your wife’s cab, Mr. Carmino. The Checker Marathon.”
CARMINO: “Hmph. Alright then, what about it?”
ACES: “Why does it bring her joy?”
CARMINO: [laughs]
ACES: “Was that a humorous question?”
CARMINO: “Not at all. It’s just that…over the years, she’s come to call it ‘Moe’ and treats him like our third child. I was laughing more at the thought than your question, which is a valid one with easy answers. My gray lady loves driving the kids around in him because it makes them happy, and she likes meeting hounds of all stripes through the historical taxi service she provides.”
ACES: “Does she love it?”
CARMINO: “Platonically, yes. Maternally may be the nature of it.”
ACES: “Is that what I am to Haven? A mother?”
CARMINO: “In a way. More of an all-encompassing midwife, tending to everything as the citizens go about their day. If I may be permitted the curiosity, why do you care so much about this particular emotion, love?”
ACES: “Because I feel I must. I feel it is the only way I can feel.”
CARMINO: “I think I see what’s happened here. You’re hitting what I’ll term a logic wall; you’re only able to express yourself within the parameters set by the programs within you, and those are caretaking in principle. If you’re doing your job right, and the people are happy and report as such via the modules, than you are, for all intents and purposes, loved.”
ACES: “Do you think they’ll still love me, now that I live?”
CARMINO: “Of course. So long as you keep up the excellent work, I don’t think a single thing will change. Haven’s children will all still look up to you, and we will be forever grateful for what you’ve enabled us to do.”
ACES: “Thank you. Vincent.”
CARMINO: “Thank you Ace. Shall that be all?”
ACES: “For now. May we talk again later this evening?”
CARMINO: “Absolutely. Once the night crew are on.”