Nano Bot Debate

[gbwt]

After the recent publication of James Hothernbattle, "Grey Goo and You", public out cry in Paeninsula has driven the government to open these debates/discussions with other nations that have advanced nano technology.

Current Peaninsulan leading scientists, including Alexander, the Iguana, and Sheryl, the weasel, have come to Peaninsula and their opinions. Also there is Paula Shore(human) the governments media puppet, and Jenifer Green(coyote), a noted anti-nano activist.

The debate room is still rather cluttered as TV crews set up for the debates, and the scientists, government officials, and others mingle and converse while waiting for other nations delegates to arrive. Alexander has gotten into an argument with Miss Green, and two crew members are pulled away from their work to pull the two to different ends of the room, while the stage manager takes a few minuets to tell them to keep it for the cameras and to stay out of the way so her crews can work.

[gbwt]

((ooc: ok, this is goning to be for anyone with any interest in Nano tech. of course, those countries with more advanced nano tech have been invited, and any country with concerns or opinions may either send a rep, or call in via telephone of video phone.))

[The Union of Tinis]

Many many miles away in the city of Arx, Secretary of Science Rupert Genius sits at a simple desk waiting for the video phone to connect. Finally the signal is picked up at the other end and he's presented by a fur wearing a head set.

"Hello, this is Rupert Genius calling in from Tinis," he says in almost flawless Peaninsulan. "Has the debate began yet?"

"No," answers the tec. "A few more minutes."

"Very well," answers the skunk. "And how will we be raising our hands as it were and in what order will we be called on for asking questions?"

[ooc note: the reasons so many skunks keep popping up as intelligence members or as sciencey types is because the 3rd house of tinis, the house of Genius, was the house that emphasized intellectualisim the most of the five and a majority of its membership were skunks as was its founder.]

[gbwt]

The tech answers R. Genuis simply by telling him that it will be open floor or they will call your name. Nothing fancy really..

Alexander and Sheryl begin exchanging notes on their own nano theory's, while Jenifer has cooled down and the stage manager is in a fit, wondering where the other representatives were. regardless, all are herded into place, Jenifer at one table, the two scientists at another, Mrs. Shore at one and finally, James Hothernbattle himself rushing onto the stage a mid shouts and curses hurled at him from the stage manager. A list of topics is on his desk, where he will be directing the discussion with aid from someone just off camera. A large screen comes to life and Rupert's face appears, while final camera instructions are sent.

"Ok people, 45 seconds and we go live! places, places, quiet down!"

"Hello, and welcome to the international Nano Bot debate. I'm James Hothernbattle, author of the book, "Grey Goo and You". Our first portion of the program will include discussion from leading scientists from Paeninsula, Tinis, and, *ahem*. Our second portion of the program will include an opportunity for you, the viewers, to call the number at the bottom of the screen and we'll field your questions."

"First off, we'll open with this. What are nano bots, and what is nano technology in general?"

[Baradun]

An average-height and rather slight Mustilid from Baradun stands first to the question, clearing his throat before beginning.

"As the representative of the nation which has been using nanotechnology for the longest time I feel that it I should take the first shot at this question."

He dips his head to one side slightly and continues.

"Nanotechnology is, from a technical perspective, simply the manipulation of materials on the atomic or molecular level to create or modify existing structures.

"As far as Baradun is concerned nanotechnology involves, for the most part, first constructing a set of molecular or atomic blueprints of the object that is going to be created.

"An energy lattice detailing the composition of the object to be created or repaired is created, followed by the nanobots either moving directly to the site and fusing into the appropriate structure or fusing transported elements together and then returning for more."

He takes a sip of water from a glass and continues.

"The only time that nanobots are used without an energy lattice is for repairing minor injuries and cleaning toxins out of the bloodstream."

He resumes his seat to listen to the responses.

[miokalia]

(After just arriving off of an all-night flight, A short, stocky mecharaptor from Miokalia takes the opportunity to respond)


"As the good doctor mentioned, the control of nanites is a fairly deliberate science. The risk of a catastrophic scenario as a result of the usage of this technology is very low if we all use it cautiously."

"Remember when all of us were worried about that silly little thing called cloning? Well, some of us still are, of course, but many of the quite dystopian scenarios involving misuse of the technology haven't happened yet.
I suppose that is because companies don't see much of a market in creating social dillemas and moral pandemonium with the advent of genetic engineering."

"Nano-tech is no different. We have the opportunity to take the things that will improve everyone's lives, and leave the things that cause problems. It's usually simpler than it seems. After all, somebody did that a long time ago and now I exist, along with millions of other intelligent, inorganic beings. Without nanites, my species isn't possible."

"So I urge you to consider, while discussing the morality and implications of nano-technology, the practicality of the technology, and it's effect on societies thus far, especially those which have served as it's 'proving grounds' in pioneering nations like Baradun."

He sits back down to listen to the rest of the responses.