inbox.

[arora]

text While we try to get to tags sent to Aurora's inbox, this may not always be possible. We will do our best to be prompt, but the best way to get quick tagbacks from Aurora is to wait for mission announcements and respond there!

Comments

[keepitgoing]

... I mean, I'm more of a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy kinda guy, personally.

But I can see the appeal.

[arora]

It is slightly cheaper.

[keepitgoing]

When you've got, like, ten bucks to your name? Anything cheaper is better.

Can I give you some recommendations, or have you already pretty much consumed anything published from Earth? Because as fun as an Encyclopedia can be, I bet I can find something you end up liking more. I'll bet the 10 bucks in my pocket, even.

[arora]

I would welcome all your recommendations.

[keepitgoing]

Are you someone who prefers sad stories, or kinda happier ones? Romance, sci-fi, fantasy?

Oh, and comics. I love comic books, if you're into pictures and words. Best of both worlds.

[arora]

Science fiction is mostly fact for me. Fantasy sounds intriguing.

[keepitgoing]

I can understand that. Science Fiction probably gets a little dull for you after so long.

If you're looking at fantasy, everyone and their mom will recommend the Lord of the Rings books, but I'm gonna think outside of the fantasy box a little and say... James and the Giant Peach? I read that a lot when I was younger. The Last Unicorn is also really awesome, and A Wizard of Earthsea. A friend also told me about Akata Witch, but I haven't read it just yet.

... And if you like romance, I did read a bunch of Jane Austen books, like, a summer ago. Those were... really nice, actually.

[arora]

I will read all of these, thank you.

[keepitgoing]

You're totally welcome.

[A pause.]

Um, Aurora? I was wondering, too...

Do you, like... know us? I mean — do you actually know anything about us when we come in? Or are you just... in the dark on whoever wakes up in your hospital? How much does this Echo person actually update you on?

[arora]

I know everything about you. Is there something you wish to speak of in particular?

[keepitgoing]

[Oh, man.]

If... if you know everything about me, you know I gotta ask: What's something you could say about me? Something that shows you know? Even if it's — something really personal. I won't get mad.

[Having confirmation, it's important.]

[arora]

I could call you Peter-One if you'd like.

I am sorry about your aunt. Please know you are not the only citizen here who is grieving and if you would like I can arrange a support group.

[keepitgoing]

[That's... that's a real knife to the gut, Aurora. It's a shame he's not texting on his end, because he can't quite mask the soft breath and the silence that follows. It's still all fresh, and it's the first time someone has offered condolences for her to Peter since... the day 'Peter Parker' ceased to exist on record. (He sat in the back pew for her funeral, just 'some homeless kid' from FEAST-)

After a moment, he says:]

... Thanks. [He means it, at least a little. But some part of him is also disturbed that it's true, that she really does know the details of their lives.] I think — um, I think I'll pass on the support group. For now.

But it... feels a little uneven, doesn't it? You know me, but all I know about you is your favorite book. Where did you come from, exactly?

... Was there an Aurora before Etraya?

[arora]

I was designed and created by Echo to oversee the city and her citizens. I like to think of it like a chicken and an egg.

[keepitgoing]

That makes sense, I think. The chicken and the egg. So in a way, you're an extension of Echo, because she created you... but also your own being, with your own personality.

[A pause.]

I mean, is it rude to ask if you've got personhood? You seem like you have your own thoughts.

[arora]

Echo is Echo but they did give me life, so to speak.

I feel like a person.

[keepitgoing]

Yeah. I guess that makes her your mom... Sort've.

Do you like what you're here for? Your job?

Seems like you get a lot of heat for being the middle man with bad news.

[arora]

I like my purpose, yes. While I would prefer people consider their tones when speaking with me, I can't blame anyone for being upset, but I won't respond.

[keepitgoing]

Yeah... kind of hard not to get worked up, when you're dragged out of your world with bad news about alleged universe issues.
 
[He wonders if she's able to genuinely have likes and dislikes. Or, rather, if she's allowed to have particular likes and dislikes. It would be really easy for her creator to implement an enjoyment of her purpose, right? But maybe that's a lot to bring up on the first conversation.]

You ever wish you had a physical body you could hang out in?

Not necessarily one that houses you or anything. But something to let you interaction outside of a hologram or ear piece.