And we're all adrift together through the cold mist, 'til we're lifeless together

[dokkalfheimr]

[The preparations hit differently this time.

Last weekend was at least an attempt at being festive, even with the light supplies they have; at being joyous, at giving people at least one nice thing to look back upon before things inevitably took a turn for the worse. And now two people are dead, and instead of trying to figure out structure placement and how best to keep everyone entertained and occupied and well-fed, the preparations now are given to much more practical purposes.

Large amounts of bottled water from the machine. Bagels and bread and muffins, light starchy things to avoid forcing anyone to keep meat or seafood down after seeing a corpse. Fruit for the sake of providing energy. Avoiding including bananas for any reason. Quietly pulling aside one of the first people she sees with any experience in the matter and asking them to help her make tea.

Once she's got one of the tables at the party zone set up and the tea is on its way to being prepared, she'll set around letting people know; the invitations are simple, written in Freyja's broad, elegant handwriting:

I think another gathering tonight would be beneficial. Not to celebrate, but to remember; perhaps more importantly, to ensure that no one is alone if they don't want to be.

Tonight is hard. There is nothing further to do but get through it.]

Comments

[calx]

Is that so? [ ... ] I think that's a common trait of synthesized life.

[ltcommandroid]

You are familiar with other forms of artificial life?

sorry for the late!

[calx]

Yes, it goes hand in hand with alchemy.

[ltcommandroid]

Fascinating. Could you tell me more?

[calx]

[ ... ]

I could, yes. What specifically would you like to know?

[ltcommandroid]

What is the nature of the artificial beings you have encountered?

[calx]

They are artificial in nature but can easily pass for biological except under a thorough inspection. The largest difference is that they do not need to participate in daily functions like organic creatures—sleep, eating, respiration and so on. It varies between each creation, of course.

Another way to look at it would be that they are a further step of evolution than organic beings, free of some of their imperfections.

[ltcommandroid]

I would not consider such biological imperatives to be imperfections.

[calx]

Oh? Why not?

[ltcommandroid]

We all require something. I do not need food or sleep, but I do need occasional maintenance and lubrication. One does not seem any better or worse than the other.

[calx]

Ah, yes. But hypothetically a being could exist that would truly require nothing.

[ltcommandroid]

There is nothing wrong with needing things.

[calx]

From a point of morality or ethics, I agree. But from a point of efficiency I find that logic faulty.

[ltcommandroid]

[shrug]

I find that irrelevant. Life does not exist for the purpose of being efficient. I may have fewer physical needs, but humans do seem to get much more out of their lives.

[calx]

Why do you think life exists, then?

[ltcommandroid]

I believe that is something which each individual must determine for themselves. But I have also observed how much humans enjoy eating and sleeping. I think that many would find themselves ultimately less happy, if there was no relief associated with those actions - if they found themselves like me.

[calx]

Ah, so you're saying the pleasure derived from sating a biological function...that is certainly something to consider.

[ He pauses, bringing his hand to his chin. ]

I believe there still might be relief associated with those functions even if they are not strictly necessary. At least, that is my personal view.

Data, are you able to consume human food in some form?

[ltcommandroid]

I am. But I do not have a sense of taste, so there remains no particular reason for me to do so.

[calx]

Ah, I see.

[ ... ]

Food is in a sense, not something that is strictly needed for me as well. But I still possess the ability to fully participate in gustation.

[ltcommandroid]

And you are capable of enjoying the experience?

[calx]

Yes. Admittedly my focus is less on the taste aspect than it is for others, but I still find certain ones more pleasing than others. For instance, I greatly prefer fish to meats and so on.

[ltcommandroid]

Interesting. What is your focus on?

[calx]

Nutrition, mostly. I find sweets preferable for that reason, given their density of easily digestible carbohydrates.