[Textpost/Intro]

[former_endboss]

That certainly was a strange handshake protocol. And a strange network connected to it, out of sight of everyone. Just what is this? All kinds of data here, video, text, sound...is this some sort of social network? Or some sort of fantasy game? And why is it so oddly secured?

Comments

[papillio_tempestatis]

That depends on how much of it they believe. To start with, I am probably not in the same world as you at the moment.

In fact, I'm certain I'm not, because my world doesn't have computers at all and I have no idea what something like a "handshake protocol" is. At least, not if it's something that could actually be applied to the community, because I'm sure it doesn't have hands.

As for the name, I have no idea who named or made it. As far as anyone can tell it operates entirely on its own. It almost acts like it's alive, sometimes.

[former_endboss]

I can certainly believe that. The many-worlds prediction is the logical outcome of the interactions of quantum-actors. But they aren't supposed to communicate once that happens. So I suppose the oddness of this connection itself is proof that you're not from my world.

Ahh, living machines. I know of a few-including one who dreams of her lady doing unspeakable things to her. Useful things, extremely useful if you want someone who can stand and guard for centuries.

[papillio_tempestatis]

What's a quantum-actor?

[Butterfly, who has obviously never met the History Monks. She's also quite glad this is in text, because that little tidbit just made her turn a bit red.]

I don't know about centuries. I do know the community certainly seems to have a mind of its own; it bores easily and has a rather embarrassing sense of humor. It will do things like start recording at inopportune moments in the interest of making things "interesting".

[former_endboss]

Any part of a quantum system that is itself a quantum system. Which is to say, all the parts. The theory is rather complex, the calculations nearly impossible to explain.

...well, that is interesting and annoying. What are we talking about here, secret diary entries? Nude photos from the shower? What else does it do? How does it know what is 'interesting' and avoid random sleep-talk or things of that nature? Lots of questions to ask here.

[papillio_tempestatis]

All right, let me try this again. What's a quantum?

Secret diary entries, yes. Not usually nude photos, I don't think, but it does have a distressing tendency to broadcast conversations you'd really prefer kept quiet, or tense moments that make everyone else worry about you. It also has... we call them 'viruses', but it will do odd things like make people unable to lie, or turn them into animals, or switch people between bodies. I spent a few days recently in the body of an angel.

As for how the community does... anything, I really don't know. I'm not sure anyone does.

[former_endboss]

A discrete item. An electron, a proton, something so small that you need trillions of them to make a mote of dust. They are frequently modeled as clouds of probability, places where they might be if you go and look. Looking disturbs them somewhat-imagine measuring the position of a stone by throwing stones at it and seeing where they land.

Lying isn't much of a problem...and the different bodies thing sounds interesting more than distressing. Though also potentially horrifying and terrible.

[papillio_tempestatis]

O... kay.

[She's not going to pry further, because she needs a little while to process this explanation and she might get one that's even harder to understand.]

Viruses will tend to range between 'interesting' and 'horrifying and terrible'. In my experience they usually seem to compromise on 'embarrassing'.

[former_endboss]

Ahh. Not going to be a problem then. I have no shame, and cannot be embarrassed in the normal fashion.

[papillio_tempestatis]

Saying things like that is a good way to ensure the community sets out to attempt to embarrass you in an abnormal fashion. One of the few things I know the community is consistent about finding interesting is irony.

[former_endboss]

It's going to have to bend over backwards to find something I am uncomfortable or distressed by. So much so that others may not even see the point, which rather ruins it's voyeuristic tendencies.

[papillio_tempestatis]

It will probably make things very inconvenient in the process of trying, anyway. I don't know, it may just stick to "amusing" for you.

[former_endboss]

Oh, I have been short on amusing for a while now. It could be fun. I welcome a challenge.

[papillio_tempestatis]

We'll just have to see, I suppose. It may end up waiting until next month; what viruses are isn't too predictable, but they're on a reasonably regular schedule. We've had people attempt to study the community, and they've more or less pinned it down.

[former_endboss]

I may ask for you to put me into touch with them, but gathering my own data without preconceptions is fine as well.

[papillio_tempestatis]

I think the main one studying it has lost contact with the community, actually, but I can probably find the post she collected her data in.

[former_endboss]

Hold off on that for now, but I may wind up asking for it sooner or later. I think I'll just...well, do some reading. I have time to kill.

[papillio_tempestatis]

Fair enough.

What's your name, by the way?

[former_endboss]

Mir_teiwaz_Artonelico.

And according to your journal/account/access privileges, you are Pretty Butterfly.

[papillio_tempestatis]

... Er, yes, that's me.

And everyone thinks my name is strange.

[former_endboss]

The community does have records. And I can read those and converse with you in real time. I'm very good at multitasking.

[papillio_tempestatis]

I... see.

I suppose if you're looking at my records you'll probably be able to gather a good idea of what viruses are like, at least.

[former_endboss]

I have an outline coming together. It will take a little time to assemble a complete picture.

[papillio_tempestatis]

I'd just like to ask that you keep in mind that I am capable of being embarrassed.

[former_endboss]

Duly noted. I will label my backup files as 'blackmail material.' so their proper purpose will be known.

[papillio_tempestatis]

I really need to remember not to assume people are going to be nice about things like that.