hadriel | 012 [Video]

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012 [Video]

[It's a nice, quiet day in Hadriel, at least as far as city-wide things go, but who knows how long that'll last. So Lance is taking advantage of it, both in terms of going out for a walk to get some fresh air and also making a post on the network; he has something important to talk about, after all.]

Hello everyone. I'd like to preface what I'm about to ask by saying that I understand some here may have concerns regarding speaking about this subject over the network, and so if you would prefer to talk in person I'm willing to meet with you.

[Another reason it being a nice day is helpful.]

I'm interested in hearing opinions on the issue of the Null that posted to the network a few weeks ago. In such a complicated situation it's difficult to consider all information and every possibility, and the people here have such vastly different experiences that can lead to unique conclusions and insights. The more ideas and reasons we all have to consider, the better informed our choices can be.

[Including, potentially, ideas of what to do about the situation other than the obvious two of 'kill it' or 'let it live happily ever after'.]

If you were not here for the last battle with the Null your opinion is just as important as those of the people who were present, as you're providing a viewpoint that, although lacking in specific experience, makes up for it with objectivity.

[In other words, they may not have a personal grudge against the Null that affects their opinions.]

I'd also like to note that this is all completely voluntary, and if you don't want to share your opinion that's fine; I'm just interested in hearing what people think and why, particularly due to experience and insight I may not have on a subject like this. Additionally, individuals who are still undecided in where they stand could benefit from hearing points and arguments they may not have had a chance to consider before.

Thank you.

[Considering this is such a serious topic, it can't hurt to be a little extra polite when asking people to do something potentially dangerous, right?]

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[Oh, Aloy has Opinions.]

I think arguing that we should kill it outright without trying to assess what sort of threat it may or may not pose is short sighted and ridiculous. It could be a valuable resource, especially considering the other Null would kill it on sight.

[Yeah, that could have been said much more tactfully.]

I also think there are enough of us here with experience repairing machines that whatever communication systems it might still have could be destroyed or disrupted. I wasn't here during the last attack, but I've dealt with machines like the Null in my world.

[Yes, good, excellent; Aloy is one of the people that Name had mentioned, so her opinion is especially interesting to Lance.

And sure, maybe it could've been put more tactfully, but her assessment certainly seems reasonable.]

So you think the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and that those risks can be mitigated by the particular skills and expertise of some of the individuals here?

[Just being clear, but also seeing if she adds anything to it other than the purely logical argument.]

What do you mean regarding machines like the Null being in your world?

Yes. And I mean machines that seem connected through some sort of hivemind—they were called a swarm back home. Military robots engineered to self-replicate and learn after each battle.

Were they incapable of emotion, as the Null claim to be?

They weren't self-aware. They were weapons and worked off of basic programming and not much else.

For all we know that thing is just a trap waitin' to happen. People let it in 'round here and we'll all regret it.

That's entirely possible. Do you believe it's more likely to be a trap than not, or are you erring on the side of caution?

Both. [It's pure paranoia.] We got burnt once. Are the people here gonna really risk it happenin' again? The people from that list might not be so lucky to come back next time.

[Hm. That's a big difference, but still a more similar situation than a lot of people have dealt with, as far as he knows.]

When you say you dealt with them in your world, what did you mean?

[Was she just aware of them, or fought them, or taken them apart?]

You don't think the possible benefit of what might be learned from the Null is worth the potential risk?

[It isn't judgemental, just wondering.]

Not when it's so many lives that would be at risk. Someone riskin' themselves is one thing, riskin' others is a whole other game. I wouldn't think anyone would want the guilt of blood on their hands just for a slim chance at a little info.

That makes sense. I have to ask though, if it should turn out that the Null was telling the truth after all, wouldn't killing it also have the same end result?

[Of being guilty of having blood on one's hands.]

[It may have taken Kelson a few tries to get the video vaguely in the right position. Or at least so it was actually facing him. He was still new at this whole 'technology' thing. As he spoke, Kelson's words were steady, even and confident. While he may not be familiar with technology, this was a topic he was intimately familiar with.]

While I might not have been here for the battle with the Null, I have been in similar situations. I understand that many here value mercy, a kindness which should not be underestimated. However, I fear in this case, mercy is not an option.

Whether or not the Null under consideration is in fact dangerous is not the question, nor the point. The fact remains, as long as it lives, it represents a danger. The threat of future insurrection, whether willing or unwilling, cannot be allowed.

I pray that the outcome of this discussion is a carefully considered one.

Edited (words) 2018-04-08 04:15 (UTC)

You're not wrong. But some people would say it's one life against many. When either choice you make could lead to bloodshed, don't you think it's only right to go with the option that keeps the most people alive?

I think it comes down to how much guilt you can learn to live with. A little if I'm wrong, or a lot if I'm right.

[Although Lance can't say he necessarily agrees with the decision, it's at least clearly well thought-out from both a logical and moral standpoint.]

Thank you, for your input and for explaining. I don't think we've met before; what's your name?

[Well, that's an interesting response, and Lance considers it carefully before asking a question.]

What do you mean, about whether it is or isn't truly a danger not being the point? What exactly do you consider a thread of insurrection?

I understand our hosts' intense need to destroy it just for existing. But I can't say that would be the wisest course of action. Imagine what we could learn about the conflict between the gods and the Null - just in reading its texts to everyone, so much more has already opened up to us.

[He definitely can't argue with any of that, and even if he could it isn't the point of things anyway.]

Is there anything in particular you think we could learn from this Null? And do you believe it's worth the risk of it potentially lying and still meaning us harm?

[She was pushed to the forefront of a revolution and had to start thinking about these kind of things quick. Even she’s not sure if it’s the right decision, just the one she thought would cut down casualties.]

Not a problem. Nice that you listened instead of just yellin’ that I’m wrong. I don’t have a name. At least, I ain’t chosen one yet. I guess you got one to go by, stranger?

I'm no expert in technology, but I really do think it can't lie. So I'm not worried about that. As for meaning us harm, heh. We all mean each other harm, depending on the mood swings of the gods, so it wouldn't be anything unusual. Just another Tuesday, really.

As for what we can learn, I don't know that I want to say so openly. [IT IS WATCHING] Particularly with the gods so damn touchy as of late.

There's enough conflict here without us getting angry with each other over trying to choose the best course of action in a bad situation.

[And he remembers how poorly his last conversation with someone on the network went regarding this topic, which is not something he wants to repeat.]

Is it common, in your world, not to have a name?

[He's curious, not judging.]

Mine is Lance.

[Again, he doesn't disagree with any of that, and he kind of likes that Law states it so matter-of-factly, especially that last part.]

Perhaps we should talk in person instead; are you at the Clinic?

You’ve got a lot more maturity than half the folks I’ve met.

[Most of her own people were out for blood at the hint of a disagreement.]

Not that common. Most people had a name given to them in a bad place, so when they made it out our way they had an idea of who they wanted to be in our corner of the world. Had time to think and all. Me, not so much. Never really bothered me anyhow. Folks are pretty good at comin’ up with nicknames.

Lance like a weapon? Kinda cool.

On my part, I am a fan of second chances for most. If it is possible for one of those "gods" to turn on their own for the machines, then I believe it is equally as possible for one of the machines to do the same for us.

Edited 2018-04-08 06:12 (UTC)

I should think waiting to see how useful it could be would be the best way to go.

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