Kōzan kaisha no shiten no hajimari

[Hollander]

The Ambassador had to wonder, as Alice explained the testing she'd undergone, whether a program could be designed to pass the Baqnor. If a set of if/then statements, given a body, could satisfy the five tests... Could recite the history, could hunt and endure and fight... What then did the test prove? Was Alice truly alive, in the way a flesh-born thing was alive, or was she merely a convincing simulacrum? And what of beings grown in vats, or whose young budded on the surfaces of their bodies, or of even stranger things that manifested in clouds of gas or limpid pools of bacterial soup?

Alice appeared sentient, by her own words, and... by her actions? Toidorno leaned back in his chair, troubled by the unwelcome thoughts. He didn't want to consider this person as any thing less than alive and sentient. He found himself struggling with a small, strange prejudice against her origin, and he did not like the feeling. Perhaps it had to do with the Clan's own 'Created', their versions of robots. Those were machines designed with very deliberate limitations, who surely... Could not gain sentience... At least, none had so far been reported as having gained as much...

It had been a moment since he had eaten anything, and Toidorno realized that he might've been behaving strangely as Alice spoke of the Lady Nyx Pine, and that Gynoid's own experiences.

"Your Lady Nyx Pine sounds like a remarkable woman." he said, attempting to obscure the thoughts that were distressing him, feeling it would be inappropriate to reveal his worries. "Did she join you at this Conference? I wonder if it wouldn't be conducive to our cooperative goals if I were to meet more members of your Guild's leaders."

 

[Charaa]

As Toidorno expressed admiration for Lady Nyx Pine, Alice's smile widened, her heart swelling with pride at the recognition of her friend's accomplishments. It was not only the acknowledgment of Nyx's remarkable qualities that pleased Alice, but also the subtle yet significant gesture of referring to her as a woman—a testament to the respect and inclusivity that Toidorno extended to all sentient beings.

"Thank you," Alice replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Lady Nyx truly is a remarkable woman, and I am fortunate to count her as a friend."

As Toidorno posed his next question, Alice nodded in affirmation, confirming Lady Nyx's presence at the previous gathering. "Yes, she was there," Alice explained, her tone thoughtful. "Though she wasn't officially representing the Mining Guild or the Clan of the Sunset, as you call them. Instead, she was here in Yamatai interacting with her auntie who is a part of a foreign exchange program between the empire and the NDC Duskerien Legion."

The mention of Lady Nyx's familial connections and her aunt’s participation in the exchange program sparked a sense of curiosity in Alice, prompting her to reflect on the interconnectedness of their lives and the myriad opportunities for collaboration and connection that lay ahead.

"As for meeting more members of the Guild leadership, that is certainly possible," Alice continued, her mind already buzzing with ideas. "Perhaps before we leave to go to your Clan's territory, I could arrange a meeting between you and Astrid Kurosaki, the CEO of the Guild. It would be an excellent opportunity to discuss potential collaborations and explore ways in which our organizations can work together for mutual benefit. You'll also soon meet Sora Kurosaki, who has been picked to head up the Branch here too."

With a sense of determination, Alice resolved to facilitate meaningful connections between the Mining Guild and the Hidden Sun Clan, laying the groundwork for a future of cooperation and collaboration that would benefit both parties. And as she looked towards the horizon, she knew that together, they could achieve great things.