capeandcowl | VIDEO.

[ The camera turns on to a wide window that stretches ceiling to floor, showing a stunning view of Earth from space that's only partially obscured by what looks like medical equipment and machines, all beeping at various rhythms in the background. There are several holgraphic screens up, depicting what might look like canine anatomy and surgical techniques.

Danger is visible. She's working on something in front of her, just below the eye of the camera. ]

I have been considering the term "humanity" and the context in which it is commonly used.

[ She reaches for what looks like a scalpel. A small squirt of red fluid-- blood, maybe-- then a wisp of smoke, like something was just quickly burned. One of the machines beeps a little quicker. ]

Generally accepted synonyms include: benevolence, kindness, and sympathy.

[ And if what she was doing doesn't seem strange enough, she reaches for a welding tool next. Sparks fly. ]

I have at times found humans to be compassionate and unusually altruistic.
At others, I have resented the selfish and treacherous patterns that comprise a significant percentage of their behavior.
Therefore, to become more human-- is this considered a positive or negative change?

[ ENCRYPTED TO: MIDNIGHTER ]
I will be occupying your medical bay for several more hours.
I regret to inconvenience you so soon after my arrival, but I will require your assistance when I am finished.

[ PRIVATE TO: SUSAN STORM & MORDIN SOLUS ]
Hello, Dr. Storm and Professor Solus.
I am the sentient binary construct called Danger.
Your Network activity indicates your proficiency in the biological sciences.
I am requesting your partnership in a small project.

[ PRIVATE TO: HANK MCCOY ]
I am certain you have expected this; however, to formalize the matter, I am taking a leave of absence from X-Club.
I will be minimally available, should you require me.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can't say it's surprising, given the way things have been lately. You'll still be free as on-call?

Just what are you doing?

Yes, that is correct.
I will not completely abandon my responsibilities.

[ a light beat. ]

I am currently performing veterinary surgery.

With a welding iron?

Is there a prosthesis involved, or...?

The subject has suffered serious cranial and lower body injuries.
The term "prosthesis" is somewhat of an understatement.

[He frowns.] Poor thing. I'll wish you the best of luck on that.

But I can see how that might help to inspire the initial inquiry. If a life becomes less organic, does it become less of a life? And if not, why shouldn't the principle apply to fully synthetic beings?

Your concern is acknowledged.
Thank you.

[ a brief pause. ]

I know that I am alive.
It is others that do not understand.

I imagine it would be, yes, but our kind are no strangers to that, are we?

To answer your original question, humanity prefers to define itself only by the more flattering qualities, but both you and I are fully aware that there's more to it than that. At other times, it is our ability to make mistakes that makes us human, to recognize and learn from them, while never attaining the supposed "perfection" of cold logic.

Neither of these definitions, if you'll notice, the capacity for compassion, the lack of perfection while still striving toward that unattainable end, or the self-awareness, actually exclude a sufficiently advanced A.I.

There are some circumstances under which I find cold logic to be the most comforting.
Perhaps compassion is weakness.
I have been vulnerable in my sympathies before.
Human-like emotions interfere with my ability to properly calculate what is rationally adventitious and what is not.

Welcome to humanity. It's consistently confusing and a pain to manage.

Now, it's true that you can't always throw yourself headfirst into just one, that rarely ends well. You simply have to learn to balance logic with compassion! Both can be strengths and weaknesses, depending on how they're used.

[ a processing pause. then, finally: ]

Acknowledged.

[ simply that, before she goes on: ]

I trust things are well at the Institute, Dr. McCoy.

You've noticed the recent exports, I expect? With Charles, Dr. Bradley, and Rachel gone, we have three weeks till classes begin and are running a bit of a staffing shortage.

It's a bit troubling, but Angelica's seeing what she can't do to bolster our numbers.

I see.
It was not my intention to leave the Institute in a time of need.

Well, I wasn't under the impression that you were planning to lead a class either way. But perhaps you simply haven't been asked yet?

No.
However, it is my understanding that the function of a teammate is to assist other members of the team when the situation calls for it.
I am capable of supportive functions.

There's more to teaching than simple capability! I don't think I could rightly recommend it if you don't think you'd enjoy it.

It can be rather high stress, at times.

Acknowledged.
Regardless, I intend to maintain a minimal presence in the City.

Edited 2012-08-19 21:21 (UTC)

Fair enough. But you know the door is always open.

[ pause ]

Yes.
Thank you, Dr. McCoy.

Of course. Where will you be keeping yourself in the meantime, in case I need to get in touch?

I am currently operating aboard the Carrier.

That orbital city we've got hanging in the sky?

You know, I don't think I'd mind visiting it sometime.

You have my invitation to visit, Dr. McCoy.
I can arrange it, if you wish.

I think I'll let you settle in first, wait till things calm down.

But I'll definitely keep it in mind for the future.

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