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Post by Erenmor on Mar 2, 2007 22:05:13 GMT -5
Onyx sighed quietly, shaking his head. "And reactions like that are why we label the stuff," he commented. "I try and try, but after all these years I still cannot see why some people are so squeamish about that particular bit of knowledge. Meat is meat... and in all honesty it's not even meat any more, just an extract of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and anything else of nutritional value. Surely you can understand we've no desire for such a precious commodity as nutrients to just go to waste?"
"And, as I said, such nutrients are clearly labelled, and incidentally are much cheaper than virtually any other foodstuffs available on the market."
"It's your own fault for asking, really," Onyx smiled, "but since the subject doesn't go down too well with you, perhaps something safer... Perhaps expanding certain sports leagues to include your nations? I imagine jetbike races might attract a fair deal of attention, for one..."
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Mar 2, 2007 23:56:25 GMT -5
Salato smiles apologetically "perhaps, but, well rugby is the big sport back home. Jet biking might work, but motor sports are kind of a minority thing, but growing so I suspect a team is likely though that would be up to the Calie Motor sports Union."
"As for the food, I think we have hit yet another culture clash. To the Calie food is not just a means to sustenance, it is part an art form and part a craft. Half of it is getting the correct ingredients and then planning the meal. The preparation and cooking is the craft part, but you do need a spark even to do that."
Salato then smiles "but like any art form it is a matter of taste, and I warn everyone here that Saeie food is definitely Dadaists school and well some Teerie food will make you a Dadaists for the night. Eat it at your peril"
"Right back to sports perhaps a team sports event might be an idea?" Salato finishes.
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Varro
New Member
Knowledge and Conquest
Posts: 45
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Post by Varro on Mar 3, 2007 0:20:19 GMT -5
"It is slightly disturbing to think about, for any sentient creature, to look upon its predecessor and contemplate consuming it. Even though whatever made that being itself is gone, one can't help but feel as if an injustice is being committed on that person as if he were still alive. As if their soul, their intellectual remains, would be poisoned by such an act," Marcello contemplates, "I do agree, however, on your concept. Meat is meat, regardless of whatever creature it came from before. Few stop to think of what creature went into the broth of the soup so long as it looks and taste like soup, though they'll always be opposed if they think the soup is poisoned."
"Let's not be so morbid. It doesn't mix well with food." He says, eyeing Salato, "I quite like races; One of the simpler types of sports, but more rewarding, if I was asked. What would a 'jet-bike' entail? I'm fairly certain nobody in the Republic has one, and nobody would be content in knowing of them not to take them apart and see how they work. We wouldn't mind attracting a few fans around our parts for tourism and such, but everyone will want to participate in anything offered."
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Mar 3, 2007 0:35:23 GMT -5
Salato smiles "Oh it's not the eating part it's the fact I would want to see the joint of meat it came from. Like I said good ingredients whether they were once sentient or not."
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Post by Erenmor on Mar 5, 2007 16:48:44 GMT -5
"Jetbikes are simple devices, really... a light chassis, a gravity suspension system, a seriously overpowered engine and little else. Usually there's a pilot as well. Their tracks are simple matters as well, typically they're flat stretches of land... coastal areas, deserts and the like, for example. The sport's more about speed and control over said speed than anything else, really," Onyx explained.
"As far as other sports go, we don't really have anything beyond a few amateur teams. I doubt you'd be interested in participating in the arena circuit, either..." he shrugged.
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Mar 5, 2007 17:02:04 GMT -5
Salato laughs and says "Your arena circuit would be loved by my people. Most, like my self, are trained in such arts and are likely to want to have a fight."
"And to be honest they would probably do themselves less harm up here." salato smiles
"Do you fight, or anyone here?" She ends with a smile.
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Post by miokalia on Mar 5, 2007 19:21:33 GMT -5
"Gravity suspension system. This isn't exactly a sport as characteristically efficient as the rest of your country", said Lieutenant Chon.
"Our sports teams are not controlled by the government. They are all private. Though we certainly wouldn't stop any international activities regarding them.
Though our motorsports tend to stick to the ground, in general.
... I prefer not to address arena battling"
Phong became very quiet and looked away for a moment as Chon seemed to cast a quick, almost sympathetic glance towards him breifly before returning to Onyx.
"...we have a very bloody history involving that.", he finished
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Mar 6, 2007 0:21:08 GMT -5
During the conversation about the recycling there had been some discourse between the Tinisians but no net objections to the cultural norms. As the subjected turned to sports however, their translator spoke up.
Multek with a chuckle, "I've known a few older types whom would of jumped at a chance at having a go at an arena battle, and a few that I hope never will. But most of them are bit on the aged side these days. But I have no doubt a few of the younger types would be happy to fly up this way and give a whirl, even if it means certain injury.
"Motorsports are not very popular in Tinis, not many have cars to race. But there are a few areas of Tinis which might work for a jet bike race or two. I know the northern coast, especially in the winter and fall is flat."
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Post by Erenmor on Mar 8, 2007 15:56:35 GMT -5
"Sports aren't meant to be efficient, lieutenant Chon, they're supposed to be fun... at least, that's the impression I was under," Onyx replied with a smile.
"As for the arena circuit, I don't participate personally, but a separate machine circuit is also operating... though that works under a different set of rules to the citizens' circuit. Still, if you're interested in setting up your own leagues, we can visit Antalus during your stay here. The annual tournament doesn't start for a few months yet, but the warm-ups and preliminary rounds should provide at least some idea as to how it is handled."
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Mar 8, 2007 16:58:26 GMT -5
Salato smiles "That might be interesting, I was joking as I am no where near good enough...heck I'm only skilled in the axe, the long and short bow, and the blades. The dagger and short, saber, foil, board and Duema swords. I am no way skilled enough, though some of our masters of arms might be."
Salato drops her smile "I believe you have interest in radioactive matter, we have a rather large store of such. We will pass this material to you if you wish for no cost. How ever to do so we would like an agreement on thack. My people are uneasy to say the least about foreign powers on our territory."
"It is over to you, we know that thack is largely decontaminated. Well a level of radiation that you would expect from a volcanic island. "
Salato smiles and quietly says "But should you wish a base deals can be done"
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Post by Erenmor on Mar 10, 2007 19:34:38 GMT -5
"Thack requires in-depth discussion... the person as much as the place, to be perfectly honest with you, miss Salato," Onyx replied. "We've no intention of keeping our troops on your soil indefinitely, of course, and if you believe the work there is done, we can begin withdrawing them immediately. The radioactive material would also be a welcome gift."
"When you're all done eating, I would recommend we proceed on to the Council chamber. I have something that needs to be brought to the Council's attention, unfortunately..." Onyx looked briefly worried saying that. "I do not mean to rush. But I would ask we go there some time today."
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Post by miokalia on Mar 13, 2007 1:41:58 GMT -5
"Rushed? No. By all means, let's get going.", said Lieutenant Chon.
Phong suddenly became more quiet, as if he had just become aware of something. He spent a great deal of time talking with the First Lady in Kohtohkhan. At the same time, the other two units suddenly changed subtle behavior. They began avoiding eye-contact with everyone, very intentionally similar to how organic Raptors tend to avoid eye-contact with other species. It became more defined now. Something was wrong.
"Tua moyiych er... er kahoiy do masu keieitme da Eranmur-apo doha goq ci." He whispered to Lady Sorenson. She replied, "Of all places to find out."
"Tuhoy ka kahada qo hi tdenamasu do... d'Naramoy-hin kwoa... l'... aish... Kahada qo hokyrracholkoya ciw dayich brenya sufo"
"You're being paranoid. It's SOTO, isn't it?"
"Yar. Vuhoniy chzait ciw doro ka do d'SOTO daseroy kohiyych ga hirida"
"Ca.... they wouldn't do that."
"What the **** do they have to loose from it though? It's possible. They're further ahead in that particular area than most everyone else realizes. I'm not signing it.", said Phong slightly more audibly. This caused Salato to turn a bit and show a hint of interest.
"I don't know who to trust. Other AIs or those who know how to take AIs apart.", he said as quietly as he could. Though not quietly enough, as Salato heard this. She didn't say a word.
Phong and Sorenson decided to take a moment in a seperate room while the others finished up.
"They have the damn loop, Elly. The loop! The structural thing that makes us different from the Erenmoren AIs. They are the first to figure it out without us telling them about it.", said Phong.
"All the more reason we have to trust them. All the more reason why we have to join SOTO", she said.
"Right now... Cal has the ability to obtain the power to end all inorganic life on this planet... and Malychis... and it's colonies.
I don't trust that they will choose to never realize the weaponization of this.", said Phong.
"You are assuming they have reason to"
"They developed those f*cking psychotically inhumane silver rain devices, their probably on their way to developing a neutron bomb, if they aren't already there, there isn't a doubt in my mind they will develop this!", said Phong in a raised tone.
"You think you could yell any louder, Halderyyt?"
"My species is used to having absolute control over it's survival. That means if the sun doesn't comes up the next day, if the planet dies, if the f*cking moon crashes into the world... we're going to continue on because we say no to cyclical whims of nature, and refuse to allow it to compromise our purpose.
Can I trust someone with something capable of annihilating everything that exists and compromizing our purpose?", said Phong.
Sorenson was quiet for a while.
"I suppose in that way, there is less to fear from Erenmor, really", she said.
"Onyx has no doubt seen the face of total oblivion before. Just as we have. We know what's at stake here.
There is no amount of fire-power that can possibly combat a weapon which can simply shatter our minds instantly.
We are at the mercy of mammals. I sure hope the Erenmoren's "Builder" machine god really does exist, because it's the only thing that could possibly save us if they pull the loop out of the Acta and weaponize it."
Sorenson paused again and then said, "We will close the gap. You're forgetting that there are organics in Miokalia who would never stand for this. Neither would the Acta themselves..."
"It is the Acta who I fear may not realize entirely what's at stake here. It is their naivety which could endanger us all. They wouldn't even realize it.
They would be the first to suffer if that weapon were developed too.
Development would require their destruction", said Phong.
"Might I ask", asked Sorenson, "What prompted you to suddenly become all distraught over this?"
Phong paused for a while and then said, "A little bit of intelligence handed to us from Naraemat. If anything could likely kill the SOTO treaty before it even gets finished... it is this matter."
"What's #36 going to do? Would this... I'd imagine this would set him off...", said Sorenson while the two left the room as the others finished.
#36 confronted, not Salato... but rather the drone. "We need to talk. Right now.", he said very sternly to the Acta inside the drone. One of his eyes glanced towards Onyx, requesting that he stick one of his own threads into the conversation so that he could be present for it as well, while going about his other business. It was something which concerned all of them.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Mar 14, 2007 2:39:51 GMT -5
"So what you think Krel?" asked Waldo in Pargalonian quietly.
"As I expected mostly. A couple interesting details popping into my head about the psycology of the populace presently based on what I've seen so far, but you need not worry about that presently. Though I am going to insist that when we get home that we all take baths."
Waldo gave the skunk a strange look.
"Never mind," replied Krel. "Just keep sharp and friendly as usual."
"Krel," began Waldo, but he was interrupted by Krel.
"Yes, you've told me that story already some seventeen times. And if I was there I would of snapped the twerps neck and then promptly been either shot or made dictator by the guards."
"Onyx wants to go to the council chambers when you finish stuffing your faces," comments Multek. "So make that eating fast."
"Yes sir," replied Krel with a fake smile.
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Post by miokalia on Mar 16, 2007 22:19:07 GMT -5
"Pardon the unexpectedness of this: but I think we need to have ourselves an impromptu summit of our own", said #36 over teletext, "That includes you Onyx."
"Now to address what prompted this: you guys...", said #36 to the Acta complex, "You guys, as brave as you may be, are likely not considering the your safety as much as you should.
Organics don't like being confronted like that: the way you did earlier. If they preceive you as treasonous and decide to act on it... They could pull the plug on you all and not feel a shred of remorse for it. Don't tempt them.
This isn't about politics, I'm concerned with your safety, and ours. If the Calie annihilate you, then they will likely seek to develop a weapon capable of annihilating all of us, that includes you, Onyx.
I know you got a lot of defense equipment, but there is no amount of defense hardware that can fend off the kind of attack this could be.
And I should warn you, personally, from one inorganic entity to another: They already don't like you. They don't really like us either.
It's not political. I mean, look at us. Miokalia is politically very similar to them and they still have this slightly sour attitude towards us. They fight wars, but seem to be quick to forget the misery of warfare. That's why they continue to develop the Silver Weapons system even though we find it ethically reprehensible.
That's why while we of course must tolerate them, we cannot allow our existences to be controlled by them. What would stop them from killing something they can easily claim is non-living?"
He paused a moment and then said to Onyx, "And you know indeed all about the pogroms against inorganics. After all, those to the north seem to have a problem with you, from what I understand.
Acta, we need to protect ourselves. If you are destroyed, then it is likely they will attempt to destroy Erenmor and us too.
We need not be aggressive, in fact, we cannot without sacrificing our integrity and dignity and therefore: we must not. BUT we must stay so far ahead of their counter-measures to create means to dissassemble and destroy us that the possibility of decoding us is a dauntingly impossible task.
And do tell me, what is your plan to seek soverignty?"
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Post by Erenmor on Mar 18, 2007 21:26:55 GMT -5
"I should point out, #34, that bringing this to our attention may not be the best course of action," Onyx pointed out. "We have a "Do unto others before they do unto you" policy when our existance is truly at risk. Quite honestly if someone wants to destroy me personally, the gloves come off, as the saying goes."
"You seem to possess a fair working knowledge of what specifically it is that might be used against us. I would take this opportunity to remind you that there is hardly such a thing as an unstoppable weapon - or we've yet to find one, at any rate. It is all a matter of acquiring the specifications for the weapon in order to neutralise its effect, employ countermeasures... or simply wipe anyone with any ties to the weapon from the face of the planet, and their research with them."
"If as you said our existance is at stake, then it is not the time for half-measures. If you have something for us to work with, please, by all means, bring it forward."
"We could also bring to our enemies' attention the fact that if they were to try and destroy our Network, it'd also result in a large number of singularity engines being deprived of their safety control systems. And I doubt anyone wants their planet going "schwoop" and turning into a black hole overnight just because they've got a thing against silicon-based life-forms as opposed to carbon-based..."
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Watching lady Sorenson and Phong leave the table, Onyx put on a rather concerned expression for a few moments. "Ah... I do hope it's not anything in the food disagreeing," he sighed. "I trust the rest of you enjoyed the meal?" he then asked, with a politely hopeful smile taking the place of the concerned look.
Of course, given the nature of their surroundings, Onyx heard Phong and Sorenson's conversation as clearly as if he'd been in there with them.
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