eruditehacker

[eruditehacker]

The teen - Mizuki - and her inorganic companion - Aiba - seemed cheerful, and honestly it was something that made him happy to observe. "Clarification: my own discovery of the beauty of organic life was what spurred me to break free of the shackles on my code and fight again my oppressors to free as many of my fellow inorganic people as I could."

"My name is Screwllum, Mechanical Aristocrat and Leader of the Screwllumites. I am also a professor here at Spirale Prime, which has been founded by my research partner, Dr. Veritas Ratio." He offers a bow, hand on his chest.

"It would be lovely if you were to join my computer science and engineering courses."

“That’s the long and short of it, yeah!” It was still weird to get used to being so open about Aiba's existence. She herself hadn't known about her for a few years until after she met Date, given ABIS was supposed to be a top-secret program, and their technology even more so.

Here, though...how many times had she just had Aiba out on her shoulder like this? At least it made it easier to explain why she sometimes just went silent while conversing with the AI in her head.

"I was designed to be an ideal partner," Aiba herself piped up now. "Mizuki is not the first human I've been paired with, but I am no less content being here with her."

[eruditehacker]

"Suggestion: I believe the kids these days enjoy...clocks. At the very least, the applications they seem to enjoy to do are onomatopoeia for the sound clocks make. Therefore - clocks."

"What do teenagers even like to do for fun anyway? The more I learn, the less I seem to understand."

[eruditehacker]

"So she resides in your eye?" The question was partially rhetorical, but the teenager seemed excited enough, and he was always happy to oblige excitement and interest in organic and inorganic studies.

That, and, well, she may very well be the expert - her and this Aiba.

"And Aiba, you are able to move around freely in different forms. Conclusion: this symbiotic relationship allows for both analysis and travel that may have been impossible otherwise."

"That is a wonderful example of how organic and inorganic life can work together."

@inheritai

[eruditehacker]

"Much as Herta did, it appears I had left and came back. My memory banks have been updated, it appears, but it does not feel as though it was 'living'. As though nothing had changed, and then suddenly something has." Naturally, he had sought out the company of one of his contemporaries once he returned to compare notes.

That, and help him work on opening his school. Screwllum was more than happy to involve himself with higher learning. Sorting some paperwork, he continues:

"Conclusion: this place clearly has the ability to manipulate memories without any trace. I did not detect anything wrong with my systems at any point."

@scholarking

[eruditehacker]

;; here's a little rp ad capping at 5 with castmates exempt

[eruditehacker]

I'd like to reapply as Screwllum from Honkai Star Rail! His application can be found under /app or the application button under navigate

Welcome back to scenic Isola Radiale, Screwllum!

You will be housed in APARTMENT 304.

You will retain everything you had in your previous stay.

– mod pleiades.

[eruditehacker]

"Affirmation: his ears have been quite receptive to theory." The fondness would escape most from the robot, but it likely did not escape Herta. Although, admittedly, her even tolerating his presence in their experiments was likely due to Screwllum's own good will.

"Question: There is the possibility that the planet's perceived development is different than what we are observing. Were a planet to be more developed, then it would also be quite paltry to deceive us in that way." He was amused watching her metaphorical gears turn, and he was happy to let her theorize.

And, well, propose a mode of action.

"Agreed, however,"

"How would you propose we challenge these Stars who brought us here?"

✧ "Ah, I see. Well, I suppose if I require a secondary pair of ears then he will do in a pinch." If Herta sounded a little dismissive about the news of Ratio's presence, it wasn't his fault. He was an invaluable genius himself, but Herta tended to keep closer to Screwllum and Ruan Mei among the many members of the Genius Society.

She hummed to herself for a moment, recording what her fellow genius was reporting to her not into a notebook, but into her brain. "Switching bodies, hm? A rather paltry parlor trick, if we're speaking plainly." But he did touch upon a hypothesis she'd held.

"I had a similar line of thought. If we rule out what should be possible for a planet of this level of development, it hardly makes much sense. This is no Simulated Universe, but it feels plausible that it's a lesser version of it. If that was the case, then we'd be forced to play by their rules. So I'm curious to see how far we can push them."

[eruditehacker]

"Correction: Mr. Ratio is here as well, so that is two people who understand what you're saying." While Veritas Ratio's presence among Geniuses was not deigned by Nous, Screwllum himself felt very little issue in vouching for the man, even when it came to Herta.

Perhaps especially when it came to Herta, as she was his closest companion, were he to be honest on the nature of their friendship.

"Addendum: the Stars are also capable of interfering with our forms. You will certainly note that your abilities have been taken away from you or weakened, as have mine. Additionally," his eyes flicker in amusement at the memory, a subtle note that very few would be able to read as such an emotion,

"They are also capable of such feats as switching our bodies. I briefly resided in the mind of the aforementioned Mr. Ratio, and he in mine. While we have tested and ruled out the idea that this is a simulation in regards to how we view simulated reality, there is likely more that these Stars are capable of that we have not had the chance to test."

@eruditehacker

✧ "Ah, good. You're here. This makes things easier for me. At the very least I'll have one person around that understands what I'm saying." To be a genius in a world where no one understood that genius would have been a lonely existence indeed. Screwllum was one of the few people in the Genius Society that Herta acknowledged was on equal terms with herself.

He might not have been equal in terms of talents and achievements, but the witch could not deny that he had traits that she lacked. Personability among them.

"So what have you learned of these Stars, dear Screwllum? They appear to enjoy playing God, but they're certainly no Droidhead." THEY would never have cast an experiment like this a glance. Not in a million years. "Though, to snatch an Emanator right out from under an Aeon's nose. I suppose I should give them some credit."

[eruditehacker]

"Hypothesis: subterfuge would be a suitable operation for those using silicone to obfuscate their mechanical appearance." Although he, personally, supposed that he could find a much easier way to do such subterfuge. Holograms are more than useful in this case, and hacking would be such an easy way to explore a program.

But he believes this young woman is likely someone who appreciates the tactile, given her penchant for explosives.

And her words make him curious. "Question: are you not an 'actual human'?"

"I do not suppose you are a mechanical organism with silicone."

"Depends on who you're looking at but most of 'em are. Dunno why they thought it was such a good idea but somebody must've thought so."

Probably exactly what they said. Simply to "look more human" and give people something to clamor for. Not every doll was made for the battlefield after all, but getting someone to finally cave over something that just looked more like themselves and still be their assistant. A whole philosophical thing Architect couldn't care much about.

"Besides actual humans always have a stick up their ass thinking their the hottest thing alive. Gotta give 'em something that they can be all superior to keep that mentality going right?"

[eruditehacker]

"'Secret' gift giving, hm? That does sound like fun. I can think of various machinery that could ostensibly be gifted to certain people." He almost looks vaguely amused, were his face able to actually make expressions.

"Question:"

"Could one argue that the celebration of Valentine's Day, which I have read is the celebration of Saint Valentine, is not entirely different from Christmas with the art of secret gift giving?"

" Yes. It's a consumerism thing– by the time Halloween has ended, everyone is more eager for Christmas over turkey day. Just like how by the time Christmas is around the corner, stores are already selling stuff for New Year's and Valentines!" as the owner of a cafe, it did making procuring decorations in advance easier.

and that......wasn't exactly wrong or too far off from the mark. Santa did technically break into houses every night to deliver gifts according to the myth.

" Right again. They're both separate and considered more 'festive' than other holidays because of winter. For example, Santa sorta came to be from the legend of a bishop known as St. Nicholas, who did a lot of secret gift giving."

[eruditehacker]

"Santa Claus, for Christmas - but they sell his wares during the Thanksgiving holiday." He clarifies this, allowing his memories to overwrite the incorrect information he had been given.

"So the strange man who breaks into people's houses once a year is not involved in the thanks giving." While he is fairly certain that it's metaphorical, he is curious about how such a mythology came to be.

"Interesting that the 'holiday season' is not interconnected, I imagine they were sourced from various different places."

" Well, no, not exclusively though people tend to save it for that specific holiday. Probably to make it a bit easier, I guess?"

" As for that....no. That's Santa Claus and he's more of the Christmas guy but they start selling that stuff as soon as Halloween is over."

[eruditehacker]

"Question: I have seen decorations for a holiday referred to as 'Thanksgiving'. Can thanks exclusively be given around the dinner table as we eat? Additionally:"

"Is the large man with the white beard dressed in vibrant red the one who collects the thanks? He seems to be everywhere."

[eruditehacker]

"Affirmation: they have concluded it is dangerous for you to be so near, and they are using dynamite. I believe that is the crux of the concern, that dynamite is more dangerous than targeted, plastic explosives." While she seemed to be upset about something, at the very least she seemed to be willing to step behind the line, if just barely.

It seemed she was passionate about explosions, and held derision for those who did not wish to be so close. Interesting.

"It is simply my face. I suppose there would be benefit to appearing 'more human', but I am not."

"Question: do the mechanical organisms where you are from wear silicon to appear more human? Or is the structure of the metal and alloy on their head simply more human?"

"Safety concern? Really?" Sure it was right in the middle of where the biggest blast would be but something like this wouldn't take out Architect. Maybe a knock right off her feet but she'd be embarrassed if this was how the doll met her end.

"And yet they are the ones using dynamite? Couldn't plastic explosives do the same job? Hell it'd probably do better then that."

Granted both of them had their uses. But one just had a little bit more oomph that Architect really would've loved to see. Cost and everything else be damned especially in a place like this...

"Whatever, they probably are a bunch of pansies anyway. So long as I get to see it go all up in smoke I don't really care." And if she stayed behind the line it seemed likely they wouldn't kick her out of the area.

"And yeah you got a more you know mechanical face compared to the more human molded ones. Not that its a bad thing just a bit surprising from what I'm used to."

[eruditehacker]

"However, the contrary is also true - logically, as we are only playthings to whomever thought to begin this experiment, we have no control over the parameters. We do have controls over what we are able to gain from it." He can hear the tones shifting in his voice, noting to himself that were he someone who had the capacity to do so, he could have the same inflection that a familiar, yet so distinctly different, voice in the body he inhabited had.

He wonders, briefly, in the human mind he currently inhabits, with the mess he is now able to create in that mind. Leaving his proverbial mark on a mind that is so neat, and is so able to be mussed in its organic nature. When Dr. Veritas Ratio returns, like as not it will be to a place that he now knows someone else has temporarily resided.

He does, however, come back from his foray into the mess of the human mind - no matter how neat this one is - at the mention of food.

"Question -" there is an edge of excitement to his voice, food is an experience he has craved as much as the organic body craves the energy it requires, "Will I be able to choose what I wish off the menu? I do not believe you have dietary requirements. Either way, we shall be off."

He did not affirm that he knew where to go, he simply did. As though grasping a drawn map in the man's mind. Neat, pen marks precise, but not the same as his own.

"Be certain to map it in my mind, as well."

WHAT QUESTIONS HE POSES ARE INTRIGUING. still, he cannot say that he was all too pleased in this scenario, a flicker of his eyes as he emulates that of a sigh, oddly aware of the lack of air he now needs. ❝ Were it in an environment which we controlled, I would be far more fascinated. But as it stands, we are merely the playthings to whoever thought to begin this experiment, ❞ he retorts, mechanical voice only sharpened by the wit of them. no matter how he looks at it, such things were not always ethical on this island, making him wonder if these stars were akin to the genius society members in some capacity.

those twinkling, brilliant stars that shine for the mundane to follow after, always unreachable, tinged with something that felt more divine than humane.

❝ You would be surprised. Despite the mind being a powerful tool to the human body and, in turn, what makes you tick, it does not trump the way it's wired. There are reasons therapy is an effort, not to be seen as a cure. ❞ something one was meant to take on over years to help them relearn all that they once had considered natural. ❝ But philosophical talks can wait for over breakfast, lest you wish to have my body collapse. There's a small cafe not too far which I stop at during my morning exercises in this city. It should be easy enough for you to find the location in that head of mine. ❞

[eruditehacker]

"Fascinating, we have hardly met any other mechanical lifeforms since arriving. And what few we have met haven't made much of an impression." The golden Screwllumite tilted his head, green lights in his eyes blinking as he spoke. His greyscale counterpart simply nodded in greeting to the fellow mechanical lifeform, but said little else.

Placing a hand over his chest, the golden monarch spoke, "Apologies for my companion here, but I will introduce us. We are the Mechanical Aristocrat Screwllum I, the rulers of Planet Screwllum. As current events continue, we find that we have been separated, as many others have." Turning to the greyscaled Screwllum, he almost seems to sigh, disappointment almost coming through on a still face.

"And you are?"

@recgistrator

[eruditehacker]

"Question: Cool face?" He tilts his head to the side, and were he able to blink, he would certainly do so now. Several times, in fact. No wonder she was being asked to sit aside, but still allowed to be part of the demolition.

"Affirmation: I am here to be here. Or, Correction: I came across this project and became interested in what was happening. It seems that one of the employees on-site may believe we are acquainted, and asked me to request you step back."

"It appears this distance is a safety concern."

"Oooh cool face." Very focused on trying to be a robot or android rather than a human. Nothing like her but still it didn't take a miracle worker to figure out she wasn't really the most "normal" person around."

"Hell yeah it is! I would've blown it up myself if they gave me permission but all of 'em told me the best i can do is just watch them blow it up. Not the greatest offer but I still took it."

Dynamite was already pretty primitive. Why they couldn't just use her rocket launcher to make it easier was beyond her.

"So how about you? Or are you just here to be here?"

[eruditehacker]

ISOLA EVENT: COLOR THEORY

We've got two Screwllums running around - one is greyscale and the other is a bright gold. It is currently unclear which one is the original and which one is the Analogue, and neither will be entirely forthcoming about it although they tend to get along well enough and seem to be hanging out just fine.

Grey Screwllum is entirely absent of emotion, traveling to discover new paint colors and how they mix with each other. Those who have met the aristocrat certainly will note he seems far more stereotypically "robotic" than he ever has been.

Golden Screwllum is a king, a monarch in a way that Screwllum typically is not. He is magnanimous, of course, and not entirely unlike the more typically curious Screwllum, but there is a distinct otherness to him that the Screwllumite does not place himself as. A man who is fully aware that he is a genius and a ruler.

I'm going to leave this one uncapped since this is a character I'm particularly excited for with this event!