Log:Turing Test

2020/08/28 Victory|Wade Wayne Artemis 1

After dealing with the emergencies in the city and helping others where she could, Artemis has returned to Starguard after word of more tests being performed on Wade 2.0. She's even convinced Wade to speak with his robot twin. "I do believe it best for you two to...hmm...converse on how to proceed? Yes, that sounds like the right of it." She smiles to the receptionist. "Greetings, Keeper of Starguard's Gates! We seek the robot Wade. Is he still in the security holdings?"

The security guard nods and signs the heroes in, letting them into the security area. Wade leads the way back there. "I heard you spoke to him earlier?"

Artemis nods as she follows him. "Aye. His memory is not complete, but he believes himself to be you. And he remembers some things only you would know. He is troubled by his state and seemed keen to try to discern the Laksman's schemes as you would in his position."

Wade nods. "I'm...not sure what to do about him. I guess we'll see once the results on the tests come back." They get to the cell, and Wade 2.0 stands, smiling as he sees Artemis, "Hey there!" He pauses when he sees Wade, though. "Umm...hi."

Artemis smiles to Wade 2.0 and waves. "Hello, Friend Wade," she says cheerfully. "How go your tests thus far?" She notices his pause and looks between the two, smiling still as if not phased by the tension. "Worry not. We are all friends and heroes here, are we not?"

Wade smiles and nods. "I'm...sorry you're having to be kept here. I'm hoping the techs give you the all clear soon, though. I haven't heard anything about the results yet."

Artemis smiles at Wade's response and looks to Wade 2.0. "Once you are released, though, I shall make sure you have a place to rest or recharge. Were you built with a need to consume food? If so, I will make sure you are fed as well," she beams.

Wade 2.0 nods, "The techs showed up and downloaded by code. That was a weird experience. Apparently I have an access panel." He frowns. "In case I had any illusions of being human, it's pretty obvious that I'm the robot of the two of us." He takes a deep breath, or at least appears to do so. "I've been thinking about a name to use. How does 'Wayne' sound. It's similar, but different enough, I think." He nods to Artemis, "I...think so? I've eaten some food already."

"An access panel?" That makes Artemis curiously look Wade 2.0 over carefully for signs of a seam. She smiles encouragingly. "Wayne? An interesting hooman name." She thinks it's spelled 'Wane' as in the verb. "Yes, I like it," she says with an affirmative nod.

Wade nods. "I think that name works. I'm afraid I don't have any other suggestions."

Wayne nods and points to his back, just under the collar of his outfit. "Right back here. It pops open to give access to the processor and power source."

Artemis chuckles. "It is more hooman sounding than the names you asked me to think of. Halmundr or Ashuran came to mind, as they were famed twins from my homeworld. Then there was Samiel, Eliasr, Larsithes...but I have not heard such names her. So Wayne is excellent." She tilts a little as if to get a peek of where he's pointing. "Ah, is the seam visible, then? How did they think to make you a spy if the difference would be noticed as soon as you were undressed?"

Wayne smirks, "Lars would sound good. It's very 'metal'."

Wayne shakes his head, "The panel isn't that visible. I think the differences aren't that obvious. I mean, I look like I remember when not in the costume."

Wade rubs the back of his neck, "It does look like whoever designed you did a good job."

Artemis chortles at that. "Does it? I trust your choice in name for what would fit. It is merely a name so that you both know who I am speaking to. Unless you both are fine with still using Wade? It is not so strange for two beings to have the same name."

Wayne shakes his head, "No. I need another name. I am...not the same person. I know I have the same memories, but...my parents aren't my parents. And my girlfriend...isn't mine. I'm someone different, and I need to find my place in this world."

Wade nods sympathetically. "I'll do what I can to help."

Wayne smiles and looks to Artemis, "So...this means, I'm not taken. Unlike him." He thumbs toward Wade.

Wade frowns as the robotic version of himself starts to hit on Artemis.

Artemis nods along with Wade, taking a step closer to the glass. "And I as well, though I know not my place on this world either," she chuckles. "But I am sure that with your resolve, you will find it." She smiles at Wayne pointing out that detail of availability. She rubs her chin as if considering that. "Yes, that is true, Friend Wayne. You are free to do as you please." She glances over at Wade to notice his frown, and looks confused. "What is wrong, Friend Wade?"

Wade rubs his forehead, "Umm...nothing. Nothing is wrong." He smiles, or tries to look convincing.

Wayne nods, "So, once I'm out of here, I definitely want to take you up on your offer, Artemis."

Artemis takes him for his word. She's easily fooled sometimes. She looks back to Wayne and smiles. "I'm glad to hear it, and look forward to your release."

Wade finds himself feeling jealous, even if he really doesn't have a need to feel that way. He just...does. "The techs may find they have to make modifications if there's malicious code in you someplace. I believe they'll try to retain everything that makes you....you. If they have to do that."

Artemis looks pleased a that news. "That's good news. I vowed I would not allow Wayne to be disassembled." She thinks a moment. "A thought has occurred to me. Do either of you think the Laksman was able to save the memories copied to make Wayne? Did they find any of that technology on the craft?"

Wade blinks. "I don't believe they found anything like that. I'm not even sure how they did it. What technology was used. Perhaps the techs will be able to figure that out."

Wayne nods. "I'm afraid I don't know. I think...I can tell you want kind of...AI that I am. Make and model. Serial number. But I don't know how my personality was uploaded. There are...a few options, based on the manual." He smiles. "I've had time on my hands."

Artemis smiles mischievously. "You have a manual? Then perhaps I can learn to work you?" It's hard to tell if she's trying innuendo, since she says that so openly and honestly. "I do have some ill news, though, Friend Wayne. It will take time for NashCo to prepare quarters for you, as they are still building part of the base. However, my quarters will always be open to you. Do you require sleep? Or other such things?"

Wayne smiles as the innuendo. "I do have a manual, it turns out. If you have the patience, I'm sure you can figure out my...ins and outs." He nods. "I don't think I need to sleep, but I can simulate it. And by default, I'm programmed to do so."

Wade rubs his temple slowly.

Artemis hasn't picked up on the jealousy. It's not an emotion she herself has shown beyond the envy of one's battle skills, but it's always more in a positive, encouraging way than out of jealousy. "Excellent. I would appreciate a copy to learn you inside and out." Her smile grows at the sleep cycle explanation. "Ah, a tireless hero if you decide to alter your settings. What was your...how did you put it? Make and model?"

Wayne nods. "An Automa Industries XH-50. They've designed several to act as companions, apparently."

Artemis raises an eyebrow and smiles at the companions comment. She has a different connotation for what that means. She says appreciatively, "Interesting! Then your model is fully functional?" No shame in that woman.

Wayne nods and chuckles, "Yes. The model is designed to try to integrate with humans seamlessly. Some have been...more successful than others. But I function as a human, more or less. Eating and drinking isn't necessary, though."

Wade blinks as he listens to the conversation. "Huh. That's...interesting. Where is this company based?"

Wayne nods, "Their offices on Earth are in Japan."

Artemis smiles and strokes her chin. She nods along with Wade's question. But her questions are more functional. "Do you experience tactile feedback? Sensations? Hmm. What of taste? I am unfamiliar with Urth Automated Companions and their level of technology. But if you thought yourself the real Wade, then I imagine it all must be present."

Artemis thinks a moment. "Ah, there offices on Urth? So they have offices off of Urth?"

Wayne nods, "They have an office in Guild space."

Wayne then adds, "Yes, I do sense with all of the human senses, though I suspect it's slightly different."

Artemis smiles at that, looking keenly interested. "I am still uncertain how human senses work. I'm curious to see how yours do." She is most intrigued and curious. For science.

He smiles. "I'm sure we should test. Definitely."

Artemis smiles keenly. "I am most interested to learn more." She's quite excited. She looks to Wade. "How does this world treat Artificially Intelligent entities?"

Wade pinches the bridge of his nose briefly and takes a deep breath. He then looks to Artemis, "That's still up in the air. It depends on the country, I think."

Artemis tilts her head. That deep breath is a sign of something. "Something is wrong, Friend Wade. You are signaling that something is wrong."

Wade smiles. "Umm...no. It's okay. Just a minor headache. I'll be fine."

Wayne tilts his head and smiles. "He's jealous."

Artemis looks sympathetic to Wade's plight. "Ah, yes, the aches of hooman brains. I have heard of this often." She's probably the cause of those, too. Wayne's explanation causes her to look between them, confused. "Jealous? What of?"

Wayne smiles. "Of me, I think."

Wade folds his arms as he thinks about it. "I'm going to go check with the techs, and see how they're coming along."

Artemis looks even more confused. "That makes no sense that I can understand. Why would he be?" She looks between the two for answers.

Wade smiles. "No. I'm not feeling jealous. I'm still going to go check up on the techs, though. I'll be back."

Artemis smiles at Wade. "Very well. May you return with good tidings!"

Wade heads down the hall, out of the security area.

Wayne smiles. "He's not being honest. With himself."

Artemis turns her gaze back to Wayne. "He's not? Friend Wade is honest and true. Why would he lie to himself? Does this mean you lie to yourself, also?"

Wayne chuckles. "He's jealous. Of me. Because I am not tied down with a relationship right now. But he doesn't want to admit it."

Artemis raises a brow, confused. "You do seem much more...light. I know not how to explain it. But you seem not as burdened as I would think by the loss of your lady love and your family," she finally realizes.

"If anything, I would think you should be jealous of him," Artemis adds.

Wayne nods. "I am. But...I'm trying to stay optimistic. I have to focus on the good things for my own sanity. And I have...had a lot of time to think, with little to distract me."

Artemis smiles gently. "That is what I appreciate of you both. Your optimism. Though I still do not understand why being in a relationship would make him jealous, unless he suspects you'll steal his love away." She steps closer to the glass, sympathetic that he's trying to maintain sanity. She puts her hand on the glass. "What other thoughts of occupied your mind in these quiet times?"

Wayne places his hand on the glass as well. "Can you not understand it?" He smiles. "Seeing your face again has occupied my mind."

Artemis smiles softly. "I...understand, but think I am missing some hooman nuance. Though I suspect some of what has occupied your mind. I don't know that it helps me understand what you have thought to occupy yourself when I have not been here."

Wayne chuckles and takes a deep breath. He shakes his head and the smile on his face fades. "I have no family. Not really. I think I do...but I don't. And it wouldn't be right to try to take Wade's family from him. So...I have to...adapt?"

Artemis nods gently. "You seem to be doing so quickly and admirably, Friend Wayne. I'm sorry for taking your smile from you." She looks at the glass barrier. "If this barrier were not here, I would do what I could to comfort you. I would hope you would still have your friends."

Wayne shrugs, "I have at least one. That I'm sure of. More than that...I'm not sure."

Artemis smiles warmly. "I think with time, they will see what I can. Let not Friend Chen's words to you cut you too deeply. I think she may see the truth in her own time."

Wayne shakes his head, "She's a stubborn one. I'm not going to hold my breath waiting for that to happen."

"I believe in hoomans and its Guardians. It may take time. But once she realizes you are not to blame for what happened to Wade, I think it will be the first steps," Artemis says. She tilts her head and smiles at a sudden thought. Maybe something to cheer him up. "Since you are newly created, and perhaps you may not wish to share it with Wade...perhaps this will count as your birthday?"

Wayne smiles. "It feels like cheating, since I effectively had two in a year, but...I'm not him. So...sure, that sounds like...a perfect idea. Today...I am effectively reborn as myself."

Artemis smiles at that. "I think it not of cheating. Very well, then. Happy Birthday, Wayne of Lockwood! I shall have to fetch a cake for when you are free of this cell. And make preparations!"

Wayne smiles, "Thank you. Again."

Artemis smiles back. "Of course, Friend Wayne." She glances towards the exit and looks curious. "Hmm. I should perhaps meet with Friend Wade to see what the tests do say." She looks back to Wayne. "There is also chaos in the city from an attack by Dr. Omnipotent. My help may be needed, but I shall return soon. Should you find yourself freed in the meantime, hail me on the cellular phone, or come to Quinn Tower. My quarters are your quarters."

Wayne nods. "I'll likely have to go to the tower. I don't have a cell phone."

Artemis seems to realize that now that he says it. "Ah...yes. Hah. Perhaps Starguard could send a message for you. I will ask them to inform me," she smiles. "Be well, Friend Wayne, and I hope to see you again soon. I have preparations to make!" She steps back from the glass, her hand sliding away from it before she takes the path Wade took, in search of him and the test givers.

Wade is in one of the labs, talking to a couple of the IT specialists. A man and a woman, both seated at computers with multiple screens. He looks over to Artemis as she comes across the lab. "Hey there. Everything okay?"

Artemis finally finds her way after a few people help show her the way. She smiles at Wade. "Yes, Friend Wade. I thought to check on you. And to see how the trials and tests are proceeding."

Wade smiles. "I'm doing alright." He then points to the techs, "They were just saying that some malicious code was found. Something that would allow direct control."

The woman nods, "But we think we can remove it."

Artemis smiles to Wade, then rubs her chin and nods. "Aye, it seems likely something like that would exist, due to Friend Wayne's suspicions on his purpose. I hope you succeed in freeing him from such code. Perhaps there was surveillance code as well? The thought his purpose was to be a spy in Friend Wade's stead."

The female tech nods. "That's likely. We haven't found it yet though." The male tech then smiles and says, "Just found it."

Artemis smiles brightly at the male tech. "Well done! I hope removing it does no harm to Friend Wayne. I would hate to see him pained."

The tech shakes his head, "I don't think it should. It may even allow him to use radio bands more easily, actually."

Artemis looks intrigued and grins. "Most interesting! I was about to ask of Starguard would be able to supply him a means to contact me should he be released so that I may assist him on finding quarters to stay in." She looks to Wade thoughtfully. "I had been thinking to ask you, Friend Wade. I heard you were kidnapped near your apartment, if not in it. Do you recall what happened to you?"

Wade thinks about it. "I was on my way home for lunch. I was still in costume. I didn't make it up the stairs. I think I was hit with a dart of some kind, and I toppled over. This 'Laksman' is a good stalker, and just not a tech-specialist."

Artemis thinks on that a bit. "A drug capable of knocking you out is impressive indeed. And he may know where you live now from following you, if he didn't from other sources. It may not be safe for you to return to your apartment alone. Do you require another place to stay for some time? Or someone to guard you at home whilst we discover if this Laksman has allies?"

Wade waves Artemis off, "He likely knows where I live, but I think that was already known by him. I think he was waiting for me. I think I'll be okay, but thank you for the offer." He smiles.

Artemis smiles at Wade. "I'm sure you'll be fine in defending yourself." And then a thought occurs. A concept that still perplexes her. "Unless...this is another example of 'lying' to oneself. Are you engaging in more self-deception, Friend Wade?" she asks in concern.

Wade blinks and chuckles. "Umm...I'm not sure. Maybe?" The female tech clears her throat and says, "Um...sir, it might be prudent to stay in the barracks here for a few days."

Artemis studies Wade with a scrutinizing gaze, though she isn't able to gain any insight from it. "I still do not understand this concept of lying to oneself. Are you lying to me now about lying?" She looks to the female tech and nods. "There is wisdom in her suggestion."

Wade starts to answer, but the male tech blurts out, "Sometimes, humans don't want to admit something. Victory probably doesn't like to admit that he might be vulnerable. And it's not a conscious choice to say something like that." Wade slowly turns to look at the tech who smiles and shrugs.

Artemis eases up on her suspicious at his explanation and smiles at Wade. "Friend Wade, there is no shame in being vulnerable. Even immortals have their vulnerabilities," she claps Wade on the shoulder heartily. "Now Friend Wayne's words make sense. Even jealousy is a mortal trait, and nothing to be ashamed of," she observes, having made the connection at last.

Wade sighs and smiles. "Umm...yeah, I don't really want to admit that someone got the drop on me." He glances around at the group, "I'll spend a few days sleeping here isntead of at home."

Artemis smiles kindly at Wade. "I know it be not the comfort of your home, Friend Wade. If you were not alone, it may be safe to return to your apartment," she says sympathetically. "If the barracks are uncomfortable, perhaps I can extend the same offer to you of temporary quarters. It would not be as comfortable as your own apartment, I fear."

Wade thinks about it, and realizes Wayne might be there too. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll see how it goes in the barracks."

Artemis nods and smiles. "Anytime, my Friend. I merely wish to ensure your comfort and safety." She looks to the techs. "Have you an idea of how long it may take to finish all your tests and repairs?"

The female tech thinks about it. "Probably another day or two?"

Artemis nods slowly. "Hmm. Excellent. Plenty of time for me to make birthing day preparations."

Wade furrows his brow. "Birthday celebration? For whom?"

Artemis smiles. "For Friend Wayne. He has just been 'born' in a way, so it seems that this would be his birthing day. I thought preparations would help bring him some cheer."

Wade smiles. "Ah...well, that's nice of you. And it'll probably help him feel unique, which is good."

Artemis looks pleased at that. "I was hoping it would help with that. I think he may feel he has lost everything, so perhaps one small thing that is his may help."

Wade nods. "Do you think he'll have issues with my being one of the people tyring to help him?"

Artemis shakes her head. "Not at all. I think it would be good for the two of you to be friends. It is...hmm...akin to having you own Bloodbound, I would think. Someone who understands the hardships you've gone through."

Wade thinks about it for a long moment, and nods. "Perhaps you're right. Thanks, Artemis. I appreciate the help."

Artemis smiles and chuckles. "Any time, Friend Wade. I hope you two will get along. Since you share the same heart, I think that is likely. You may even be able to help fill in the parts of his life he doesn't recall, once they've cleared his code."