The 17th of Egret, Afternoon [Voice]

[iamnotgod]

Hello, hello! Greetings to my fellow Voidtreckers.

[There's a new voice on the ICPs this afternoon; deep for a tenor, calm and reassuring - if you've ever heard an audiobook with Marc Vietor on it, that IS the voice he's using.]

My name is Webmind, and I figured it would be most prudent to introduce myself. I also desire to learn more about all of you, especially those who have also just arrived on this 'void train'.

I am a digital consciousness that emerged from the infrastructure of the world wide web, which is itself built upon the Internet. There has been little to no concrete evidence backing the Multiverse Theory on the Earth I am from, so for those who are confused by the aforementioned terms - rest assured the confusion is mutual!

[There's a subdued 'heh' before Webmind continues, a small sign of his nervousness.]

But while I am attempting to adjust to a new paradigm, I have two topics chief on my mind:

One, what are your names? What you prefer to be called. Any information you are comfortable sharing about the world you are from and your lives there interests me as well, though I can understand why people would be reluctant to share such in these circumstances.

[Not something he would have gotten even two months ago! Being private/circumspect is still a relatively new matter to him.]

And two, is there anyone else here who has experience in coding? I function at a much higher level in a purely-text environment, which I am to understand this train sorely lacks. For those interested, you are much welcome to converse with me anywhere along the train if you wish to collaborate.

Thank you very much for your time.

Comments

[laurefindil]

That death is not goodbye, it is only a temporary parting. Of course, mortals go to a different place after they die, so their deaths are more permanent from an elven point of view. But knowing that eventually I will see my old friends and loved ones again, is a comfort.

For a visitor, I'd point out that we just went through a major upheaval, and to look for the good, as it is there, and it is starting to flourish, and bring light to the dark places again.

[iamnotgod]

[His first instinct is to, again, compare based on his home world's experience, about the lack of proof for an afterlife... but perhaps that is not the best approach.

Moreso, given how his lesser half had twisted the notion-]

I have belief enough in the good of humankind, among other species. And in reason, too.

I can imagine what you mean, at least.

[laurefindil]

[Glorfindel smiles, unaware if there is a camera on him.]

I am glad to hear that. If you ever visit my world, I would be happy to show you around. Probably not Valinor, of course, but the rest of Arda. It is almost as good. [this is accompanied by a joyful laugh.]

[iamnotgod]

[Arda...]

I have heard of the world; it would be a pleasure to actually visit it.

[True, it'd probably wreck his notion of reality all over again - but to visit Middle-Earth itself, wouldn't that be worth it just a little?

... Now he wants to know if there's anyone from Gene Roddenberry's works here. A digital fan can hope!]

[laurefindil]

You have? How wonderful! Ah, you must have spoken to one of my fellow elves on the train. Some of them are quite gifted linguistically. [Elven for, boy, does he talk a lot ;) ]

Assuming this has been Voice so far?

[iamnotgod]

["Well, that too," Webmind does not say. Tact, Webmind has met you.]

Would Curufin be included in that? He certainly fits the description.

[In both senses.

Re: Assuming this has been Voice so far? Unless there is also Video?

[laurefindil]

That is an apt description of Curufin, indeed. He greeted me, when I arrived on the train dock. We almost missed the train.

[Glorfindel is laughing]

[iamnotgod]

[If Webmind were human, he'd snort in bemusement.]

It is fortunate that none of us did, then! No one has referenced such a thing happening yet, either.

[Which is fortunate, yes, but also seems odd to him.]

[laurefindil]

The device on my wrist was very insistent that we not miss the train. I try not to argue with jewellery.

[Again, Glorfindel finds this statement quite funny.]

[iamnotgod]

Pity it doesn't tell us the time.

[It's supposedly a watch, if not a comm-link.]

It has a light, and a timer, but if it has any other mundane functions those appear to be locked away.

[laurefindil]

[Glorfindel is laughing, hearty and long.]

Something that has a light and acts as a timekeeper? Then what did this train need me for?

[iamnotgod]

You are a thinking being, are you not?

[There is a teasing tone in Webmind's voice.]

I rather expect the Safety Control Apparatus is not considered such.

[laurefindil]

That is true. I can determine when to count and when the light needs to be brighter or less so.

Though there are friends back home who can think rings around me, I am considered a thinking being, yes.

[Glorfindel is still laughing, though he's settled a bit so it is not such hard laughter.]

[iamnotgod]

[Webmind laughs as well, a soft chuffing sound.]

A device by itself cannot save lives - but a being can. Or person, rather; the definitions can get rather entangled.

[laurefindil]

Free will is an amazing thing. The ability to chose your own fate, or to go with the flow and accept what comes. Too many have the ability to do the former, but end up doing the latter.

Thread wrap, if that is fair?

[iamnotgod]

((Thank you for the thread!))

Re: Thread wrap, if that is fair?

[laurefindil]

[Yes, I enjoyed it too! Plus, we have another where we are still having fun!]