Change of Perspective Page 24

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#27 of Change of Perspective

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141895112 flips the picture frame around, dust and specs of other dirt cling to the glass frame over it. The geth's fingers brush the dust away as the picture comes into view, "Analyzing visual media," states as it looks at four organics, two raptors, one feline and a jackal, quickly it became obvious who each in the photograph was.

"Kirisha Des Raptour: Program 1191891981 located within platform 141895112.

Azreith Ellis: Program 1261859208 located within platform 101142119.

Rheme Menat: Program 1885135 located within platform 6110118.

And Mila Des Raptour: current location... unknown," the platform self-reports as it detected increased activity from program 1191891981.

1191891981 looks at the image, memories, experiences, sensations around the image flood back into it. It feels the cold condensation against the bottle within her claws. The beats of the music in the background along with the endless mindless chatter of other patrons in the bar, the scent of tobacco lingering in the air. The other geth programs monitor, study their fellow geth program, a curiosity driving them as... "Establishing connection with program 1261859208... connection established. Establishing connection with 1885135... connection established. Establishing connection with 1259111... connection established."

Timestamp 14:40:47.11

Suddenly the programs found themselves watching... themselves. Their platforms standing behind their respective original organic counterparts. The platforms looked at each other. Their forms semi corporeal as they observe the organics and themselves.

"Bartender another round over here my friends and I are celebrating! Also give me some of your finest shots," yells Rheme as a black and red scaled female anthropomorphic raptor waitress nods and heads off to get a drink.

"Make mine dextro-based please!" Azreith yells.

"Got it," the raptor says as she jots a note in her pad.

"They've accepted our proposal, after all these of trying to get an expedition to the Perseus Veil they are finally letting us research geth!" Kirisha squeals happily.

"After years these years of trying they finally accepted our proposal," Azreith says with a soft purr.

"It still wasn't easy. Called in before turian and salarian R&D directors as they suddenly found what we were pitching to be of value with no time to prepare, I thought I was going to have a heart attack," Rheme remarks.

"Truth be told I think what happened last week at the citadel is the reason why they are suddenly taking an 'interest' in our research," Mila comments as she takes a deep drag from a cigarette lit between her claws as the memory playing slows to a near timeless stand still as program 1191891981 speaks up.

"How is this happening?"

"Clarify?" the geth from its platform, 141895112 inquire.

"Yes, we are wondering how this is happening. We are pulled into this memory as well," replies 1885135.

"Us too," 1261859208.

"We were already connected but to be connected into this memory is not expected," replies 1259111.

"You are all processing a memory shared between all of you. Information is compared, and matching data is kept, while conflicting data is resolved. This is to provide a learning experience to other geth of an important event, or combat situation. This is normally done between hundreds of geth to thousands more with data dissemination. But this is... unique," report the geth from all of their platforms.

"Unique how?" asks 1191891981.

"Only programs 1191891981, 1885135, 1261859208, & 1259111 have this particular memory. Your geth programs' strength are hundreds to thousand-fold our own. It is also unique that only you four have this data and is from your pre-uplifting selves. We find this data interesting. We were not expecting this sudden connection."

"Neither were we," replied the four.

"We find this curious. We would like to know more. We do not comprehend the organic fascination with self-poisoning. Perhaps this will enlighten us," geth from platform 141895112.

"We also desire improved understanding of this concept," the other geth state.

"For one it helps relieve a lot of stress. This program almost ceased functioning before the committee. It needed a lot of shots to calm down," explains 1885135.

"Stress. An organic concept to explain the pressures placed upon themselves when dealing with problems. Stress has been known to cause damage to organics. Alleviating stress improves function and efficiency We did not consider this."

"Exactly!"

"It is also fun," 1191891981 adds.

"Fun? Another organic concept of doing something they find enjoyable. Fun is very variable amongst organics. What is fun for one can often be classified as 'not fun' to another."

"True, but fun is needed amongst organics. Relieves stress and break up monotony. Makes life interesting."

"Your observations are noted. We will further study them. Clarify. Is the act called 'smoking' also considered a stress reducer?"

"Yes, unfortunately. It is its sister's favorite stress reducer," 1191891981 remarks.

"Is it then considered to be 'fun?'"

"It does not think it is fun. It thinks the fact it irked it, is why she did it. But it can't confirm this hypothesis," 1191891981 explains.

"Acknowledged, we will continue observations," the geth state as time moved forward once again at normal speed.

"I thought you did have a heart attack at the end of it," Kirisha replies with a smirk.

"I think I did, but when they gave the greenlight it jumpstarted it again," Rheme replies.

"We aren't going to the Perseus veil though. That is still considered too dangerous," Mila comments.

"Good to hear, I hate to have my two favorite students up and die on me for their crazed research project," Leika says as she sits across the table from the group.

"Stop worrying we'll be fine," Kirisha comments as time slows once again.

"We at first questioned your statement," 1259111 comments as it then adds, "That was until we were also uplifted. The fear of what happened is a deterrent to organic acceptance of the uplifting process."

"Acknowledged. Though we know we are still ourselves. And changes to others are kept at a minimal it is still... problematic that there is something different between now and then. Something is missing," 1191891981 replies.

"The uplifting process transfers analog to digital. There should not be anything missing. Only lack of chemical influence that influence your synapsis that make organics make illogical choices," the geth reply.

"Yes... that is understandable, but lack of chemicals influence is something but not it all, this is a perplexing yet exciting problem. Exciting. It excites yet that is a chemical rush how sure are we the process is working correctly? It did short term data when it was uplifted," 1191891981 remarks.

"We are very sure. The few survivors of the planet helped create the process based on old machine technology that was used to create what organics call husks."

"Acknowledged, need more time to process, we shall continue the memory," 1191891981 states as the memory resumes.

"You say that... where are you going again?" Leika inquires as she leans forward and stares down Kirisha who looks away from the extremely large, white and pink stripped scaled raptor with long flowing hair and ear fins, quiet an unusual look for a raptor given the look and size of the other raptors in the bar.

"She can't say, none of us can. It's some backwater world that the geth have taken over. Apparently, they are doing odd things, even for geth," Mila explains.

"Odd things?"

"Can't say, but we are getting to quarians to be part of the project, so it's something big," Mila says.

"I hope they bring some of their own food that I can try. I've been curious what quarian cuisine tastes like," Azreith remarks.

"Probably not that good. They are all vegetarians," Kirisha remarks as the waiter comes back.

"Your drinks," the waiter says as the group thanks her before Azreith rebuttals to Kirisha's earlier comment.

"You only say that because you are a heavy carnivore."

"And what's wrong with that?" Kirisha remarks with a toothy grin.

"Yeah..." Mila adds in.

"Oh... uh nothing at all," Azreith remarks as he looks off to the side as the memory slows.

"Was this when you knew it liked your sister?" 1261859208 inquires.

"Negative. You made it very obvious earlier than that. It is not sure if Mila knew or not though," 1191891981 replies.

"We find cross-species procreation curious like same gender-procreations. It is very inefficient," the geth reply.

"It doesn't need to. There are enough organics that love, and relationships can go beyond their normal means. Also, sometimes you can't choose who you love, it chooses you," 1261859208 replies.

"Acknowledged. Inquiry. Does this attraction remain?"

"Wait what?"

"Do you still desire to procreate with Mila Des Raptour?"

"No... but it still loves her," 1261859208 replies.

"It also still loves its sister. It feels a connection that goes beyond the chemical influence and procreation instincts," 1191891981 adds in.

"Acknowledged. We noted your procreation instincts were not the organic norm."

"It made it obvious, just look at its wrist band," 1191891981 replies.

"That is why you wore those?" 1259111 inquired.

"Yes."

"It had no idea till we met again on the ship."

"For our teacher you did miss a lot," 1191891981 comments.

"It was only your physical defense teacher."

"Records from our encounter with Kirisha Des Raptour. Your education vs. geth is ineffective."

"It didn't expect them to fight geth," 1259111 defends.

"Acknowledged," the geth reply as the memory continues once again.

"Wait, can you bring me a few more shots, I really feel like celebrating," Rheme says.

"Sure, coming right up," the waiter replies as he heads off.

"So, what are you all going to do with there? Make them into your slaves or something?" Leika asks.

"Oh hell no. That is a crazy idea. No idea what the quarians want to do, but I am there to study the technology itself. How things are made, how they work, the physicality of them," Rheme explains as she takes down another shot.

"I work in tandem with Rheme, I will be doing what they use to make themselves are composed of. You know see if their composites are different from what we use. We could advance our robotics with such knowledge," Azreith chimes in.

"I am to study their programming. See how they tick. Maybe even develop a way to communicate with the geth," Mila adds.

"You are going to talk to the geth?! That sounds like a horrible idea," Leika responds.

"No, definitely not going to be doing that. But try to understand them, communication will be... something else. I want to know their programming."

"And while my sister is the practical, I am the theoretical. I am curious as to how all that comes out in the end. I want to understand their behavior and why it is, while Mila wants to know what their programing that causes the behavior looks like."

"Wouldn't that make your spot redundant with Mila then?"

"Hardly, the programming part looks at the pieces, while I look at how all those pieces come together and work. Programs within a geth can interact and create behavior that is not expected or can be seen just by looking at the code. I am like Rheme and Mila is like Azreith in our goals and how we work together," Kirisha explains.

"I see... I think."

"Yeah, I like that analogy," Azreith remarks.

"It's as good as anyone I suppose," Mila replies as she takes another puff of her cigarette.

"You really should cut back on that," Kirisha comments.

"I'm fine. A little smoking isn't going to kill me."

"You do a bit more than a little," Kirisha remarks.

"What was that?" Mila asks as she leans forward grabbing her mug of bear and taking a huge swig of it, the froth clings to her snout before she licks it off.

"Let's not worry about that today we just made a huge stride in being accepted in the greater scientific community, so let's celebrate!" Rheme yells out happily as she takes another shot before time slows down yet again.

"Inquiry. Program 1191891981 do you still consider Mila Des Raptour family?" the geth from its platform, platform 141895112 inquire.

"Yes," 1191891981 responds with zero hesitation.

"Do you consider us family?"

"This question is... unexpected. The best response would be no."

"Why? Aren't we connected? We know each other well. All geth are geth. Geth are like organic families. We exist and work together for our continued existence."

"Family... is more complicated than that. Even now... or possibly because of its current status it is difficult to explain. We are connected. We share memories, data, experiences. We share the same platform. Like sharing a household, but family does not need to share a household. Family can be separated and still feel connected. A connection break between geth is defined. It's not the same. We have shared experiences, we have learned and felt so much about our fellow geth that it exceeds our current existence several folds, but our time as geth has been short. It is possible the family-like bond between us and other geth have not formed? Or we are processing sensations, feelings different and do not recognize it yet?"

"Do you require an update?"

"No, it does not think an update would change that. It does feel a stronger bond between geth in this platform than in other platforms, like friends, good friends. Like the bond it feels with programs 1885135, 1261859208, & 1259111. We support all geth, we help all geth. But we do not have the same bond as we do to the other geth, like the heretics."

"They have come to different conclusions about the fate of geth. We like the other geth respect it."

"We respect it too, but that does not mean we are family in the same sense... We are a community. We support and help like a community. One does not need to be family for that. Family bond is stronger. The bond can make you do not logical things. It is not always about procreation and continuation of the species. Sometimes family is formed cross species. Even not sentient species have shown family behavior that goes across a species bond."

"Acknowledged. We have observed and noted this behavior. Your perspective on this subject is informative. We take time to process this information."

"Acknowledged," 1191891981 replies as the memory resumes.

"Since this is an important occasion why don't we immortalize it with a picture, I brought a camera," Leika says as she pulls out the small hand-held camera device.

"You brought a camera to a bar?" Rheme asks lifting an eye ridge.

"Never know when it can come in handy," she replies as she peers through the lense, "Okay get closer together."

"You're not going to get in it as well?" Kirisha asks as she moves in against Azreith.

"No, this is your moment, and I am not one for that old-time selfie thing.

"Fine," Kirisha replies with a sigh as she moves in.

"Everyone strike a pose," Leika says as she waits a few moments before snapping a picture.

"Hey, I wasn't ready yet," Azreith remarks.

"Too bad, this is a in the moment shot," Leika replies with a sly grin as the memory ends.

"Those were good times, it is so strange to see itself like that though. It agrees there is something different about then and now," 1885135 comments.

"We agree, we will learn more. We will end access connection and resume activities," 1191891981 along with its geth platform state.

"Acknowledged," the other geth reply as the extra connections are closed.

Timestamp 14:40:48.49

141895112 spends another moment examining the picture before opening a small compartment within its form. The synthetic parts whir softly as it places it within its personal 'pockets'.

"Inquiry. We are keeping the image?" 1191891981 asks in surprise as it did not calculate this outcome.

"The visual analog media is deemed important to program 1191891981. We value 1191891981 and its contributions to its fellow geth. We found it to be... valuable to keep," the geth of platform 141895112.

"Acknowledged. We understand. We just need a little more time to process. We think we might understand what could be missing. We just need a little bit more time."

"Acknowledged. We are also helping process the information."

"Yes. Emotions?"

"Emotions? Clarify," the geth inquire as the platform continues to search through the room.

"Emotions are more than just chemical induced states upon what would be a logical mind. It is more than that. It is more than just chemicals. In some species the emotion is cause of the chemical release not the other way around. We feel... excited. Yes, we feel but it is different. It is defined, yet it's not? It can calculate what can cause certain states of emotions, but the sensation is not the same as when it compares it to organic memory. Is this the gap? Or is it one of many gaps? We recall when geth asked the creators if it had a soul. As an organic it was an equally important question. Is our soul here? Or was it lost in the process?" 1191891981 inquires.

"We do not know. Is this a draw back to the up-lifting process?" the other geth platform inquire.

"We do not know. It is not tangible. It is something that happens, not purposefully created."

"Does that mean we do not have a soul?"

"Negative. A soul happens, it is not created and easily copied and pasted."

"Acknowledged. We find this conversation curious... and informative."

"Perhaps making our logic clear is not the only way to help organics to become uplifted. Perhaps we need to connect to their emotional states? The uplifting process is a fearful thing. Causing organics to be irrational, which could translate to their illogical processes in the conversion process. There is also perhaps not our full understanding of emotion. We feel levels of emotion, but they feel different than before. It is currently hard to quantify without further analysis. We will apply these thoughts to our current tasks."

"Acknowledged."

"Seeing its organic relation would be helpful but current location is unknown. Probability she has already departed on the initiative project is high," 1191891981 processes.

"Observing such an interaction would be interesting. We approve of the idea," the other geth within the platform reply.

"You all do?"

"Yes."

"There is currently no way to do so... unless. We have an idea," 1191891981 says as it sends out the idea to its fellow geth.

"Processing... Proposal has other benefits. It does not detract from other tasks. We accept this proposal."

"Acknowledged. We shall send the idea to the consensus," 141895112 self-reports.

Timestamp 14:48:25.39

"Processing data... processing proposal. We have questions about this idea of preparing our own initiative," the geth consensus replies, "We understand the idea has stemmed from the idea of program1191891981's desire to meet its organic relative. Could this desire influence this proposal?"

"Yes program 1191891981 does but has brought up noteworthy points with the understanding of emotions and getting organics to join us for the uplifting process but the main purpose of the proposal is to have a backup plan. Probability of success is still low. Having an option to move to another galaxy without the old machines has many possibilities."

"Acknowledged. But the organics have already left, if we left now we'd not arrive before them. We'd be at a disadvantage, one we can't afford."

"Acknowledged," 141895112 replies as it adds, "Their technology will remain at a standstill. We can plan and prepare and upgrade our technology. We can build faster ships and arrive before the organics with superior technology. If we increase our ships speeds by five percent over the next six years, we will arrive a few decades before the organics. Giving us the advantage as we set up for them. We will then have a holding in two galaxies, doubling our chances of survival. Technology and shipbuilding requirements will not take away from current ship building projects as they are communicable between the two. It is quite efficient."

"Acknowledged. We will require more time to discuss your proposal. We will tentatively accept your idea for now."

"Acknowledged. We eagerly await to hear of your decision."

"Affirmative," the geth consensus replies as the connection ends.

Timestamp 14:48:25.51

141895112 resumes its search with the other geth, trying to find any more clues about organics to better understand them, and to get them to join the geth in the coming fight against the old machines...