2010-01-16 - Astronaut Philosophy
From Four Color Comics MUX
| Astronaut Philosophy | |||
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| Summary: Steel Angel, Story, and Zeitgeist catch up on recent drama, but- then there was a great Eclipse. | |||
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Have you ever needed to be two places at once? Zeitgeist did...which might be why she came to get Story's help today. Two people, two troubles, on two ends of the station: twins, no less: one to be talked out of suicide and one to be talked down from murder. Though now Zeitgeist comes to meet Story again in the park after, letting out a comfortable breath. "That was a strange case, how they seemed to have fates so closely tied together."
Story, on the other hand, seems a bit more frazzled today. "Um... yeah.", she says, rubbing her head. "Well, they say that about twins. One soul, linked souls, whatev." She rolls her eyes. "I guess that might raise interesting questions about my soul, our souls. You know. But." She takes a breath. "Do you deal with that kind of thing often?"
Steel Angel was appreciating the view. She turns. "I hear a conversation about philosophy." She is not surprised to see Zeitgeist. She might have been surprised to see Story were the two not strongly connected.
"Twins? Only occasionally. A turning point in someone's life? That's where I spend much of my time." Zeitgeist smiles to Story. "Usually my calling hasn't been so much to the grand events and great crises of the world, though of course there are exceptions." On hearing Steel Angel she turns to give the robot a wave. "Oh! I wasn't expecting to find you in here today. How are you?"
"Oh! I just end up punching things as usual, but that's... started to change some. I've been able to use my powers to help folks out in other ways, too. Like today." She swings around, looking over. "Oh, hey, Angel!"
"This place may have been designed for the psychology of humans, but I appreciate the aesthetics. And I am well." Yes, she does say that. Not 'functional' or any other such clunky construction.
"It's a good thing to do something other than punch villains, I think." Zeitgeist lets out a faint sigh as she adds, "Even if I suppose there sometimes are lots of things that need punching, so it's good there are people to do it." To Angel she answers, "That's good to hear. And I've always liked this little park. To someone that's grown up on the station, it's really the closest you can see to Earth that isn't just on a movie screen, in a lot of ways. And that's important."
"That's good! It's been pretty hectic down there. I'm going to have to get some Fastlane for a bit if I'm gonna catch up." Story looks back over. Yeah, I guess! You don't have a holodeck or anything like that, do you...", she muses.
Steel Angel shakes her head. "No...although that might perhaps be a good idea. Something similar to the Danger Zone technology, perhaps."
"It might be more feasable now, yes. It still would probably have less -expanse- than the park." Zeitgeist gives a look around, at some children playing tag. "But be something. It helps that there's a lot more chance for people here to vacation on Earth than there used to be, but that's still not the same as an everyday place."
"I mean, it wouldn't be as good, just a substitute. Just, y'know, make sure it's really safe." Story waves a hand. "I mean, it's safer here already, considering, buuut y'know." She grins lightly. "So, what's up?", she asks of Angel.
"The only thing I know of is an alien AI which appears to be looking for Zvezda. If either of you see her...I have not been able to find her to warn her." And yes, she has searched.
"An alien AI? Looking for Zvezda?" Zeitgeist looks rather alarmed as she hears that part. "For any particular reason, do you know? Some score to settle?"
Steel Angel frowns. "I am not sure. I may know more once I and Augmenta have fully completed analysis on the data we have...but it seems determined to find and capture her."
"I know. It's here to try and consume her as some sort of resource. She... left... a note, but she's gone. I think she's trying to keep them away from us. I can't find her." Story looks sincere as she emphasizes, "I'm really worried."
Steel Angel frowns. "If it helps, I can give out what data I have...although I frankly feel Augmenta is *likely* to be better equipped...and I do not trust Eclipse with it."
"Resource?" Zeitgeist looks all the more confused. After all, she doesn't know Zvezda's nature. "She certainly has power enough for someone looking to draw on it, but I certainly hope she's all right. I'll see what I can find, but let me know if I can help."
"If you have anything, go to Deathless... we already know a lot, and some of it's pretty private, but." Story rubs her neck. "Every bit helps, and we don't know a lot about the aliens. If you could... try to find out what's going on, I'd appreciate it."
Steel Angel tilts her head. "Deathless?" she asks, not having heard that name...and not knowing who they speak of.
"Right, I'll look her up if I find anything." Zeitgeist nods readily to Story, and then gives Steel Angel a quick explanation, "She works out of Vegas. I've met her a few times but don't know her very well myself."
"Yeah, what she said, Russian heroine, works with a robot bear. Kinda hard to miss. Um." Story shrugs, saying, "That and I've been getting a crash course in demonology. Apparently hell is having a small revolution of course which might have implications up here, I kinda volunteered to help out Dr. Eternity with it."
"Ah. Now I know who you are talking about. I never caught her name." But she remembers the bear, of course. "Hell is real?"
Zeitgeist asks, "Demonology? That sounds unpleasant. I hope it doesn't touch Earth too closely." She nods to Steel Angel. "Hells, really. There are quite a number of realms ruled and populated by demons of all sorts. Not that they're exactly like how some people would have you believe, I'm sure, but the name is apt."
Story shrugs, looking embarassed. "Um, that's what I'm told. I haven't /been/ there, but, you know, the Doc's an authority, right? Anyway, I had a prophetic dream or message or something, so we're on top of it."
Steel Angel shakes her head. "I do not even pretend to understand the slightest thing about demons. I hope you can handle it."
"I understand the slightest thing, but they're not my specialty either. Until they come to where they can touch this world." Zeitgeist still has a more troubled tone at the news. "But I agree, that's a matter where it's best to follow any suggestions Dr. Eternity might have. Best of luck with the matter."
"Anyway, I'm kinda beat juggling those as it is, and now you have this new super-team in New York, it's so annoying." Story sighs, shaking her head. "Yeah, luck would be awesome, but I think I'm gonna have to count on bull-headed determination, right now."
Steel Angel considers. "I have thought I might be better off joining a team, but I am...none of them have ever felt right to me." She tilts her head, regarding Story for a moment. "If you need somebody to physically beat up demons, call me."
"I never....really thought of aligning with a team. Well, other than some poor choices in the past." Zeitgeist gives a weak smile, and continues, "Though I maybe should get into more regular coordination with others now, considering."
"I'm just annoyed that this is supposed to be like, a New York team, and like, I wasn't even asked. I mean, I tried everything you're supposed to try, and like, they have people from Russia... and Japan... I mean, they're good people I guess, and it's the NY way, but." Story throws up her hands. A little. "I guess it's good. Just. Guh."
Steel Angel nods. "I have thought about applying for AHA membership...but my closest ally is not interested and I fear it might cause a rift between us...and it does not quite feel right.
"I'm not sure I'm the best fitt from there either. And a New York team, really? It seems they'd want to ask the locals first, but....I suppose it's their choice in the end. Still, you seem you'd be a natural fit on a team, right." Zeitgeist nods to Story.
"That's what I said but - I guess I'll have to wait until I'm finished with school like I planned." Story looks back over to Angel. "Hey, it's not for everybody, it's just, like she said. I would be awesome with a regular group."
Steel Angel nods a little bit. "There are many situations I *can* handle alone. There are some I cannot. But you, Story, need a team."
Zeitgeist nods. "Right. And a lot of what I do, I do well alone. Even if there are situations, like today, where I need to look for help. But then, no one is -really- able to do all they need alone. So even if joining a team isn't a full-time proposition, networking is important for everyone."
"Yeah. I should at least find Mr. Remarkable, I mean, I've /heard/ of him, but y'know, I didn't know he was going all big-time.", Story says. "And like, the networking issues that come up when nobody, like, says around the scene of the crime." She smiles, rolling her eyes. "But, like, that's way too much of /my/ drama."
"I didn't know he was becoming so involved either, but that's still for the better, granted." Zeitgeist mms. "And yes, I can see where that would be a problem. I assure you, when I rush off quickly it is because I have something urgent."
Steel Angel tilts her head a little. "Some people do rush off. Others stay. I have always endeavored not to depart rapidly myself, but I am often busy."
"My issue is usually, you know, school nights, can't stay for hours giving a statement. I mean, I do sometimes, but-" Story shakes her head. "Anyway it's not like the cops take me real serious yet, anyway. Some other costumes help, like Archangel's or Saviorgirl's, though. For totally diff reasons."
"I imagine the right costume matters quite a bit." Zeitgeist shrugs to Story. "But yes. That's the problem, heroes who only meet when there is a crisis....might see little more of each other than the criminals see of them."
Steel Angel nods. "There is the Danger Zone, and there is the Nexus...of course, some would prefer not to socialize in any case."
Socialize with heroes? Pfeh. Eclipse can barely socialize with humans as it is. Perhaps to the annoyance of her 'staff' she's... yawning and dressed down as she enters the park, hair messed and a cup of coffee in hand. Her metabolic implants can filter fatigue toxins, sure, but that requires her -not- being in a more hostile environment for several hours, such as the vacuum of space. When you don't usually feel tired, it's understandable to be a bit surly when you are. Probably best to give the mad scientist some berth, really.
Scratching her cheek, Story says, "I still want to be... me, though. I mean, I guess costume options are kinda limited in theme? Without going all Gaga or something." She looks to Angel. "Yeah, I used to hang there more, I've just been so busy, like I said." She looks over Eclipse, but doesn't wave and say hi. After that day in Vegas? Nah. Just a mild acknowledgement, and back to the others.
"Yes. That's going to be an enduring issue for you, I think....keeping your own identity while using the powers of others." Zeitgeist mms faintly as she considers the issue, but then she spots the scientist as well. "Doctor Eclipse, there you are! And speaking of which, maybe you could provide some advice on another matter we were discussing earlier. How are you today?" Even if she can tell Eclipse isn't looking her most cheerful.
Steel Angel is not sure she wants to let Eclipse have the goop. Definitely not sure. This is, after all, Eclipse.
"*grunt*," is Eclipse's clear reply to the question as she takes a sip from her paper cup. It's intended to be something like 'yes I'm fine', but she doesn't seem to want to put in the effort to, say, vocalize.
"Well, I meant more just finding a costume at my age, even aside from my powers. I mean... I tried to just go with like, modern iconic, right? I've got my update in a box at home, too, so, you know, I'm not just trying to ride on coattails." Story looks over to Eclipse for a moment, and rolls her eyes as she looks away.
Zeitgeist says, "Hmm. Oh now? An update? I'm curious." She looks to Story, but then continues to Eclipse. "We were discussing holographic systems, a bit. Are you very familiar with their current application?" Of course this is just setting herself up."
Eclipse quirks an eyebrow at Zeitgeist's question. It's both obvious she's being set up, and that she's pondering a variety of bombastic and snarky answers. Perhaps intentionally to disappoint, she simply states instead, "Somewhat yes."
Steel Angel tilts her head, studying Eclipse, "Are you well?" she asks the scientist. Mostly because she was expecting a massive lecture on holographic systems.
"Huh? Oh, like, I'm going with a winter mantle, and like, tights over the legs, so I don't totally freeze. And coach boots instead of sneaker boots.", Story answers, and then looks between the three. "Look... I'm gonna get going, okay? Got a lot of reading to finish before school again."
Zeitgeist was expecting that as well. If only to get Eclipse more into the concept. So she's left a touch disappointed even as she gives a pleased smile. "Really, the discussion was whether the park or other earthlike environments here could be enhanced through some holographic enhancements. Do you have any advice on that?" She nods to Story, smiling. "Ahh, winter clothing? A good idea."
Eclipse quirks an eyebrow again, and peers towards Story. Quite a sinister, piercing gaze! "If I didn't know better I'd think I was making you uncomfortable," she states dryly. "And... mmm. Quite possible. Seems a bit of a shame though. The environment here can support plant life with a little work, and if you want expansive scenery just add a window."
"Please take care, Story." She does not venture an opinion on costume ideas...after all, SHE is a robot. Costume? Then she turns back to Eclipse. "A good point. I was thinking of it for environments other than...the obvious."
"Yeah, maybe you... don't know better?", Story says to Eclipse dryly, before waving to Zeitgeist to Angel as she starts to step away. "Catch you later, okay?"
Zeitgeist shakes her head quickly. "No, no, not -replacing- the environments here. More augmenting them, like she says. Adding a window gives a pretty view, but not really an impression of what it's like to be planetside either." She smiles to Story. "I'll see you soon, I hope."
"Hrmf," grunts the grumpy scientist as she takes another sip from her cup. "For general decoration... it could work, but probably better if sparingly. It's higher maintenance and a higher energy cost than static displays or light fixtures, and even here the resources are limited. Depends on the specifics being planned, I'd imagine."
"I could undertstand that. And not really on specifics yet, more thinking things over for some possible future planning." Zeitgeist nods to Eclipse.
Steel Angel seems to relax a bit...as much as a being of metal can relax. "Of course, if I wanted to be planetside..." She would just go. "Efficiency... can be improved, of course. I haven't had much need for holographic technology, but given a week I could do some interesting things," Eclipse muses distractedly.
Oh, and Story? She does walk off. No rush, but she's back out to the station, soon enough.
"Oh, yes. I can just go planetside as well. But people working in an ordinary job here? Children growing up on the station? Even with the gate, Earth isn't something to see all the time." Zeitgeist gestures out to a small field area. " And...hmm. I admit I don't know that humans -need- Earth, but this station wasn't exactly constructed as permanent human living space as is....and when it was turned into that, we didn't have the full technology for it."
"There's some advantages to it. Human biology is designed around a terrestrial environment. Sunlight is required for proper metabolism of vitamin D among other things, the development of a healthy immune system requires exposure to normal harmless environmental bacteria..," Eclipse muses some.
Steel Angel nods. "The park is certainly essential. But it would be nice for people up here to be able to stimulate, say, a beach environment."
"A beach would be something too, I suppose." Zeitgeist nods, and adds, "But yes. The environment here is tooled to human biological needs now, but...it's still not entirely -ideal-." Folding her arms, she pauses there, "Really, in a way it's a pity this place even exists as it is, but still."
Eclipse yawns some, rubbing the back of her neck. "You'd need a heavy industrial capacity in orbit to assemble a more proper colony. Even if you could lift thousands of tons into orbit at will..." And she could, but. "You still have to do the assembly. Having this... 'ready made' was just convenient.
"Perhaps as time and technology improves, we will be able to expand this place." She herself...lacks such psychological and, of course, biological needs. But she rather *likes* humans.
"And that will take time, I know." Zeitgeist nods. "Eventually we'll need something new. That we didn't have to destroy and rebuild. But....mm, I can't undo my parents' work so I'll just have to see to my own here."
Eclipse yawns again, and murmurs a bit. "Forgive if I'm not too exciting a participant. I spent the last week in another goddamn dimension dealing with some inane invasion of parasitic aliens, inventing -entirely new fields of physics- in my head to deal with said things, and then coming back here to do maintenance on this thing to keep my cash flow positive."
