➢ 003 | VIDEO

[looksfine]

[Those who may have noticed Aya's (physical) absence since everyone's adventures in the bottle will be relieved to see the young Artificial Intelligence alive, well, and...perhaps a bit shinier than usual.]

[She had been experimenting with a new teflon glaze coating.]

[In addition, her petite form was nearly lost in the soft knitted sweater she was wearing.  Completely hand-made, of course, and identical save for the individual size specifications of those presented to each and every employee of Stark Industries.  (Everyone was welcome, by the way.)  Unique to her ensemble, however, was the hat adorning her head as well.  Aya being...well...Aya, of course, she says nothing about either of her current fashion choices.  Oh, no.  She has far more interesting topics to discuss with the Network this day.]

I have been devoting a significant percentage of my research time to studying the navigational methods employed by our current living situation in an effort to possibly discern not only where precisely we are located in this world, relative both to its known land masses and possibly other worlds surrounding it, but also in hopes of developing a better system in which we, as individuals, may easier travel.

Currently, the barrier surrounding our host reptile has limited maneuverability within the parameters of the city.  However, this also presents something of a interesting situation.

It is my understanding that the turtle--particularly species native to the planet Earth--is a being in possession of internal sensors that allow them to detect the two opposite ends of any given planet's magnetic fields.  Obviously, these are most prevalent in distinguishing between polar North and South; however, in many cases, it can be said that the minute changes in angular degrees longitude may also allow them to determine distances traveling East to West.  I believe this is how the one known as Asti is capable of navigating through this world's waters.  If that is the case, then relative to this world, we are in too constant a movement to accurately develop a magnetic-based system of direction, as this would be ever changing and thus, useless.  What may be Magnetic North one day could be North-North West the next.

Even when engaged in inter-planetary travels, the calculations necessary in order to safely engage a ship's Warp Drive were based on the pre-established constant of Sector Zero, and a certain planet identified as the center of the universe.  From there, it was a matter of placing into the equation each known planet located in the relative path traveled, as well as their respective orbits, gravitational fields, magnetic fields, and any other recorded anomalies that could be potentially detrimental to our safety in flight.  These are not figures I am currently in possession of at this time.

[A pause.  While it may seem to many--or, rather, anybody who's miraculously been able to follow Aya's train of thought until now--that she has stumbled upon a mental block, Aya does not appear frustrated at all.  If anything, the hypothetical conundrum is amusing to her.]

I suppose what my intentions of conveying at this time are a curiosity as to how many individuals on the Turtle are able to navigate beyond visual memory and typical "landmark" associations with familiar streets.

Perhaps, then, I may be able to develop a better way for new arrivals to accurately find their way around.

Comments

[oneofthegoodguys]

In my day, it's pretty much all software and equipment, but for wilderness survival, we're taught to use the stars.

If someone has a camera and can take photos of the stars, we might be able to put some kind of a star chart together. I'm sure there's a way to figure out what direction we're heading by how the stars change and maybe even a method of determining distance, but honestly I don't know how to do either of those.

If someone was keeping accurate records of time between distances, temperatures, and other calculations, there should be a mathematical formula for that too. But I still don't know what it is.

[looksfine]

[Hmm. An interesting perspective she had previously dismissed due to uncertainty about the regular distances traveled.]

Nor am I currently aware of the necessarily calculations that would be mandated, though I am certain that--with enough time and reliable data--this is not something beyond my capabilities to formulate.

In fact, there is potential for this information to be used on both a world-wide and Turtle-wide scale, assuming that these formulas could be used to program a navigational device to service this very purpose.

[oneofthegoodguys]

I don't know if we want to make an electronic device out of it. It could act as a GPS for Lucifer if we're not careful. As much as I hate to say it, we might need to find someone good at crunching hard numbers and make something manual to use as a tool.

[looksfine]

I happen to be quite proficient at numbers, actually.

[That was no the problem.]

[oneofthegoodguys]

That gives us a head start then.

[looksfine]

Now all I require are the precise numbers in which to, as you said, crunch. As well as a precise schematic to construct using this information that will best lead us to a solution.

Preferably one that can be utilized by the vast majority of residents.

[oneofthegoodguys]

Any idea who might have kept records like we're looking for? Otherwise we can start now. Also if you know who might have a camera so we can start mapping stars, that would save us the trouble of going door to door.

[looksfine]

Unfortunately, the individual whom I had been speaking with about similar data has since, to my knowledge, left the Turtle.

I can ask Tony Stark. He would be the most likely person to have one.

[oneofthegoodguys]

We can start keeping track now. [A beat.] Do we have a thermometer? I feel like it might help, but I don't even know if it would be relevant.

Thanks.

[looksfine]

My scanners are fully capable of calculating the current air temperature in degrees Kelvin.

[oneofthegoodguys]

What scanners do you have?

[looksfine]

They are multi-functional, capable of taking a wide range of readings. Temperature. Oxygen saturation levels. I am also capable of detecting many known poisons within one's biological systems, presuming they are of the type that are able to be detected, as well as scanning for other injuries that may require medical attention.

[oneofthegoodguys]

Where did you get them?

[looksfine]

I designed them myself, based on several innate abilities my unique nature has granted me.

[oneofthegoodguys]

Your 'unique nature?'

[looksfine]

Yes.

Apologies, but as you are not a member of the Green Lantern Corps, I am prohibited from discussing the finite details. However, I can tell you that I am what you would colloquially refer to as a living robot...and my abilities come from the entity that had given me life.

[oneofthegoodguys]

[A pause.] A living robot? Are you a combination of organic and electronic or purely electronic? What kind of artificial intelligence do you use? Or are you an actual consciousness?

And what are the Green Lantern Corps? Is that one of the military entities here?

[looksfine]

A combination. And I am an actual consciousness that runs on a highly sophisticated Intelligence Program.

To answer your last question in the simplest of terms: ...yes, we have been compared to such on multiple occasions.

[oneofthegoodguys]

How does that work with the whole right and wrong thing.. if I can ask? I've never met an artificial intelligence - if you'll excuse the terminology - before. You're amazing.

How did you join the Corps here? Is the Emperor in charge or is there a different branch here that you fall under?

[looksfine]

[...was it possible for a robot to preen a little at such a compliment? Because that slight flinch of facial expression may or may not have been Aya preening a little.]

Thank you.

You may ask, although I am not certain I can offer an answer that would be satisfactory at this time. Perhaps if I were to inquire as to how one such as yourself makes the distinction?

And all Green Lanterns recognize one another's authority and position, regardless of universe of origin. It is that simple.

[One of the few things that is.]

[oneofthegoodguys]

I was raised with a strong sense of morality as a kid, based on religion and law. Now I mainly focus on the law. When the law feels wrong, I use my instincts, but I don't really know how to explain those.

I'm not sure I understand about the Green Lanterns though. Are you saying the group isn't based out of Tu Vishan?

[looksfine]

[First, a nod.]

That is similar to my own situation. I was initially programmed with a deep comprehension of protocol and many universal laws and regulations. However, I have also learned much from gaining first hand experience on the battlefield, and witnessing the actions of my superiors and all subsequent results.

[She'd evolved so much to the point where she was even starting to rebel against certain direct orders simply because she knew they were wrong. Which was...frightening, in some ways, but also hopeful in many others. After all, what could be more natural than a rebellious teenager?]

It is not.

The Green Lantern Corps were first established on the planet Oa, by the Guardians. Every universe that contains the Guardians has established parallel Corps, each similar enough on multiple levels that we are able to recognize one another as equals.

[oneofthegoodguys]

Huh. I'd really like to work with you more often, if you don't mind. You seem like a great person to have to around.

[He's not sure 'person' is the right word, but it gets his point across.]

What do the Green Lanterns do? Police the universe? [He sounds skeptical, even if it's basically a larger scale FBI or CIA.]

[looksfine]

I would like that very much.

And, yes, I suppose that would be the simplest explanation. It is our duty to serve and protect those who are otherwise unable to defend themselves.

[oneofthegoodguys]

Great. You know how to get a hold of me if something comes up. [The 'and vice-versa' is implied.]

So who do the Green Lanterns work for? Not who cuts the checks, but who writes the policies and procedures to make sure they follow the laws?