005. Audio.

[scientificflair]

[Those just turning their Gears on to check the Network this morning will be greeted by strains of music over Descole's feed - something melancholy, being played on violin; the song is something he'd heard many times before over the course of his...stay in Misthallery, and he understands that it's likely in horrible taste for him to be playing it at all, but it's a rather pretty song regardless.

After a while, the melody pauses, though there are a few notes being played lightly in the background, long and drawn-out; the sound appears to have shifted some, as though the violin has been adjusted away from the Gear.]

In a setup to a puzzle that's been around for a while, you meet three men in a wood, at a fork in the road. A sign above them states that one man is God; he knows all, and always tells the truth.

One is the Devil; he likewise knows all, but always lies.

The third man is ambiguous; he knows nothing, but will answer as though he knows everything. His answers are completely useless, and could be either right or wrong.

The sign states that you are to ask the men one question each - three questions total - that can be answered with "yes" or "no," with the intention of determining which person is whom. Were this a proper puzzle, I'd be asking you what question you would ask to which man.

[His hand shifts a bit on the violin, idly trilling the notes a bit while he thinks.]

However, when faced with the possibility that one of the men before you always lies...how are you to know that the Devil didn't post the sign in the first place?

[And with that, the melody seems to pick up again; the feed keeps going for about another minute or so before cutting off.]

Comments

[brilliantideas]

Well, yes but... that...

[Then again, Descole probably thinks that Wheatley's impossible. He shakes his head after a moment.]

I find it hard to believe, but it's good that there's a use for those talents other than just entertainment!

[scientificflair]

[...okay, it's kind of weirdly adorable watching you try to work these things out.]

Mm, don't get me wrong - it's primarily entertainment; at the same time, there's nothing wrong with that, either. Not everything has to be work.

[Just. Most of it.]

[brilliantideas]

That's true! If you're having fun with it, then it's worth the effort!

[...he's not adorable, you shut up.]

[scientificflair]

[...that brings up an interesting point, hang on.]

So do you actually...enjoy the science you're working on? Not to be offensive, but I assumed it was something of a programmed function, rather than a source of personal pleasure.

[brilliantideas]

Oh, no offense taken! Of course I enjoy it! Testing is so much fun! Why, there's nothing else I'd rather be doing! I mean, I do appreciate breaks, what with being human and all that, but overall? Of course I enjoy my work!

[scientificflair]

[Well. Um. That was certainly enthusiastic.]

And you were capable of feeling that sort of thing before? All of the mechanical processes in my world are controlled by the user; the idea of artificial intelligence that's capable of thinking for itself, much less feeling anything, is completely beyond me.

[brilliantideas]

Ah, yes, I can see where it would be. A bit of a stretch, that is. Yes, it's something we're programmed to feel. Testing is... well, it's like an itch. Only actually having an itch is a different feeling, really, but that's the only way I know how to describe it. Ah, that's not the point. Right. Well, it's this need to test. Oh it's very enjoyable when it's done right! But when it's not done right it's... ah, hmm. I'm not quite sure how to describe it. It's unsatisfying? Something along those lines.

But when the tests are performed correctly...! Ah, it's a glorious feeling! A simulated one, but I really can't tell the difference between genuine and simulated, so I suppose that doesn't matter all that much.