tushanshu | [VIDEO]

[Good day, fellow turtle dwellers.]

[Or not so good, in poor Aya's case. It would seem the recent illnesses that have been going around are not carbon-based life form exclusive; her construct skin was pale and even occasionally flickered. She appeared drained of energy, and yet maintained a pleasant smile that indicating her weariness did not bring her pain.]

First, I must ask you forgive my physical appearance at this time. I can assure you, extensive internal and external tests have concluded that I am of no danger to other life forms, and will regain maximum processing capacity within another twelve hours' standby mode.

[In case anyone was worried]

Second...I have been spending much of my recent time scanning through a variety of texts made available to me in order to catalogue the written language, and have noted an interesting pattern.

Tales that are written by the same individual who are also the primary character are simultaneously more intimate in details, which allows for more insight, and yet...not all details provided appear to align with reasonable standards of logic and reason. Whereas tales written by an individual who is not the primary character are vaguer in certain details, and yet come across via a more objective, realistic narrative. And yet they are both quite amusing to read.

I am interested if this is a pattern others have noticed in their literary pursuits, both in this World and their own.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I used to know you. They said you might be able to help with my memories. That you can tell me things about people I used to know here.

[Her eyes widened in pleasant surprise. Although the surprise came with a mix of emotions.]

[His face had been familiar, yes, but so had many others who'd been different from the ones she'd come to know. Even her own face was not originally her own...but that was a tale for another time. Right now, reintroductions were in order. Starting with a confirming nod of his statement.]

Yes. I can assist you with that.

May I ask which individuals, in particular, you wish to know about? Although I must give advanced notice that not all of our acquaintances were mutual, and as such, I can not guarantee 100% success in providing answers you may seek.

Let's start with you. You remember what our relationship was?

Kyle Rayner too. I started trusting you because he did. I can't remember him, but I remember that.

[Her eyes in that moment gave away so much. A strong fondness, tinged with sadness. Bittersweet nostalgia.]

Kyle Rayner is my superior officer in the Green Lantern Corps. Although he originated from a universe parallel to my own. We became...good friends.

[He'd said to start with her, yes, but Kyle's presence was so much a part of her.]

It was he who first informed me of my organic nature. I had never been told until then. I had never been given reason to suspect such a thing were possible. He was kind and noble and I learned much from his command. I owe him...a great deal.

[Costigan nods, feeling like he's beginning to remember Kyle a little better himself. He doesn't know exactly what the Green Lantern is, but he understands well enough that it's police or military or some kind and helps to explain why he and Rayner probably got on as well as they did.]

What does that mean, your 'organic nature?'

The memories of my birth have been lost to me.

[Which would be completely normal for most people, but to this day, Aya still questioned why it was the one thing she could not recall in her otherwise perfect eidetic memory.]

However, when I was first brought online, I was led to believe I was merely an Arteficial Intelligence. I have no reason to suspect even now that those closest to me even suspected, but I am certain the Guardians of Oa deliberately withheld this information.

When I first met Kyle, he did a scan of my entire system with his ring. It confirmed that I am, in fact, a living being. Organic.

[Costigan's not sure how he feels about the robot being a person, but he understands how important Kyle's gesture and words would have been in that situation. Sentient A.I. is something he can't even begin to think about, so he doesn't, instead focusing on the themes instead.]

I know the type. [Queenan had done a lot for him. Although not quite parallel situations, the feelings behind it are real enough.]

How long you been here for? Did you know Bruce Banner, Spencer Reid, or Abigail Hobbs? How well did you know me?

One thousand, one hundred and seventy-eight days...to the best of my ability to account for the potential time discrepancy between this world and the World of Dreaming.

[Give or take.]

We were acquainted primarily through video interacts such as the one occurring now. You were once a significant member of the Foreign Police Department. As a Green Lantern, I expressed great interest in offering any assistance within my ability to provide.

[She paused for a moment, eyes glowing softly as she accessed further memories and cross-referenced them with the names he provided.]

Bruce Banner. A fellow scientist and friend of one Tony Stark. But not the Tony Stark residing in Keelai now. One from a different universe of origin. He aided in my eventual employment at Stark Industries, which has since reverted to kedanese control but still operates at an adequate level with regards to scientific work.

I can find no history of personal conversation with either Spencer Reid or Abigail Hobbs.

[He gives a small nod as he thinks.] Thanks..

You said I was part of the Police Department. You remember how? What did I do? Or why?

I remember because I do not forget.

[Responding first literally before elaborating further.]

You made an announcement over the public network after the death of Evandau and missing status of then Commander establishing yourself as the head of the department at that time, having already presented yourself as head of the Foreigner Division.

You were requesting more individuals to help with the rising riots and gang activity.

[Costigan frowns, feeling a pang of loss at the mention of Evandau. The former undercover is beginning to remember the man beyond just the stories people are telling him. It's both unnerving and oddly comforting.]

What happened, with the gangs and riots?

Since that time, the problems have partially ameliorated, though were far from abolished completely. While not so visibly prevalent on a daily basis, there are still many underground workings that we--both Foreigners and those local to this world--are still endeavoring to work against.

If you seek more information on the police force specifically, there are higher ranking individuals you may speak with. Pepper Pots and Miss Valdis, I believe, would be whom you seek. Particularly the latter.

I've been talking to 'em. I wanted your thoughts.

Thank you. Thanks. For.. this.

You are most welcome.

If there is anything else I might be of assistance to you with, please feel at liberty to ask.

I'll find you when I have more.

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