GalaxyRaider

Myriad Reality

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What?

@Techspert

...
*Slowly walks into the room*

Myriad Reality

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And as long as the problem with mom stays solved, we can—
*Opens the door*
...

@Techspert

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*Stands in the recovery chamber, deactivated*

@Etcetera

*Freezes in the doorway, shocked*

Myriad Reality

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*We land back in the same hall we entered from originally*
You know, it feels like ages ago we were here last.

@Techspert

A lot has happened, for sure.
*Makes my way to the office the same way as before*

Myriad Reality

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*Grins, and then pushes the button, warping us both back to the office*

@Techspert

*Takes a look around to regather my bearings on arrival*

Myriad Reality

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Thanks Isaac...
*Looks up, then at the button on your shirt*
You ready to go back in, Pink Stuff?

@Techspert

You know…
*Chuckles*
I’m all for nicknames, but I really hope that one doesn’t stick. Let’s do it.

Myriad Reality

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...
*Takes a deep breath, and then lets go*
I’m sorry, I had to get all of that off my chest. Today has just been... today is awful.

@Techspert

No need to apologize. I hear it. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure this day doesn’t turn into more days than it needs to.

Myriad Reality

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How do I know that what I feel is anywhere as meaningful as the things you feel? And how can I ask you to trust me when I say it is? A machine that can fool people is not the same as the person being fooled.

@Techspert

Rhythm. If I could, I would pull that stigma out if you right this instant. I wish you’d never learned that way, because our physical makeup has nothing to do with our feelings. You have a soul, I have a soul, and that’s what matters. We are people. Every concern you have as a navi is just as valid as mine as a person made of nasty pink stuff.

Myriad Reality

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I just... I’m so scared that it really is all fake. For all I know, I’m just really good at pretending to be alive. I don’t know what to think when everything screams that I’m subhuman.

@Techspert

Well, firstly, I’d like to formally state that you’re not. And to have existential dread like that is actually very human, so everything checks out. Besides, humans aren’t that great of a bar anyway.

Myriad Reality

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But what if I really don’t? Mom once had a natural life, and I haven’t. How do I know that what I experience is the same as what you experience?

@Techspert

Here's my opinion on it. Does it really matter if it's the same as what I experience? in the end, you care for me, and you care for you family, and we-
*Pokes you in the chest, just below the neck*
All care for you. Those feelings don't need to be identical to be valid.

Myriad Reality

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All of those things that mom said.... what if she was right? What if I really am just a machine deluding itself? What if I’m not really alive?

@Techspert

I know it's a scary thought, but you have to take two things into consideration. One, the "delusion" actually being real. Unlike Data's thought experiment, Melody didn't actually experience an alternate reality, just an internal crisis. Two, the fact that you feel at all, and care about the possibility, kinda disproves the possibility in itself, don't you think?