[videro]

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

[Vitalia is attempting to keep several small potted plants away from a small party of the new robotic overlords (some of whom are carrying the shards of ex-potted plants). This is fairly difficult with only one arm available.]

Oh dear... These automatons certainly do make a nuisance of themselves, don't they? I've lost several specimens to them now! I shan't begrudge anyone their efforts at progress, but I do wish their creator would be a bit more responsible with them. Honestly!

I've overheard some of you saying you could reason with them... Might I request a bit of assistance from you? I'm afraid I've met with no success in my attempts at discourse.

Comments

[video]

[restlessdevil.livejournal.com]

I haven't directly dealt with these constructs yet. I find it's best to just try to avoid them.

What's so special about... um, what did you say those were? "Specimens?"

Re: [video]

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

It's rather difficult to avoid them when they are going directly for one's belongings!

Well, nothing much as of yet, I must admit. I'm stud-OH! [One pot slips from her grasp and crashes to the ground below. A robot rolls up, inspects it, and then sweeps the shards and dirt into a pile.] Oh dear. As I was saying, I'm studying the native flora.

Re: [video]

[restlessdevil.livejournal.com]

Hmm, how troubling. [Zenobia gives zero damns about studying flora, but a girl's in peril! She feels very compelled to help.]

Does anything happen if you physically put yourself between the... um, specimens and the robots? ... Okay, maybe that's not the safest idea.

Re: [video]

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

That is- eep! [Another robot has gotten particularly curious about Vitalia's skirt. She hops back, still juggling her plants one-armed.]

It's what I've been attempting, with, er, mixed success. There are many of them, and only one of me...

Re: [video]

[restlessdevil.livejournal.com]

Where are you? Maybe I can help you directly?

Re: [video]

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

I'd greatly appreciate it! I'm next to the lake. You'll know me by the invading swarm of metal creatures!

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

I'd be happy to help you.

The robots don't understand our language, but they respond to nonverbal cues. They learn from example, not words.

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

[There is a quick internal calculation: need for aid against Vitalia Does Not Like You. The latter wins out.] I shan't be needing any of your assistance, Miss.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

Very well. [Epsilon senses her feeling, but she's used to such reactions.]

Though it has already been given, in a sense. That is how you communicate with them. Repeating simple tasks in front of them will cause them to mimic your behavior.

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

[...STOP HELPING HER SHE DOES NOT NEED IT AND YOUR BEING NICE IS CONFUSING, DAMN IT! Her expression softens to confused worry before returning to (slightly lessened) anger.]

g- Good day, Miss.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

Good day. I wish you luck in dealing with them. [She nods, and the transmission ends.]

[mylife-foryours.livejournal.com]

What assistance would you need?

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

Oh, anything! It's terribly difficult keeping them away from my specimens, and now they seem to- eek! [She shuffles off-camera for a moment] I demand that you cease this at once!

[Bending back into view, she continues:] They've gotten a rather upsetting curiosity about my skirt. They simply won't listen to reason!

[mylife-foryours.livejournal.com]

[Jean falls silent for a moment, thinking it over, before she sort of nods once, more to herself than anything else] I can come help you with them, in order to protect your specimens. What... sort of specimens are they?

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

They're cuttings from the local plant life. They aren't irreplaceable, of course, but it would be awfully inconvenient and- oh dear!- and, as I said, I'm having a terrible time trying to fend these pests off. So I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer!

[mylife-foryours.livejournal.com]

Where are you at?

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

I'm beside the lake, away from the habitations.

[manymasked]

Well, "reason" isn't quite the right word. They're like small children or animals; they react more to actions and tone of voice than to what you're actually saying. But yes, they can be taught not to do things.

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

Oh dear... that sort of thing is more Papi and Mami's specialty... I'm more accustomed to things which don't communicate. I'm afraid I'm not terribly good at communication by gesture. [For several reasons]

[manymasked]

I can try to help, if you like. Where are you?

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

[She brightens] Oh, would you? I'd be most appreciative! I'm by the lake now. I'm sure I won't be difficult to spot, with this swarm around me...

[manymasked]

Sure! I'll be right there.

[la la la, time passes, she shows up at the lake]

Hi, I'm here to help with the robots. - Oh, I'm Minako, by the way.

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

[There are fewer pots in her grasp, and more shards and dirt on the ground, than before.] Oh, thank goodness! I'm nearly at my wits' end!

[She attempts a curtsy. It doesn't quite work without the skirt-lifting.] I am Vitalia Ruiz Asención, and I'm most pleased to make your acquaintance. [Particularly since you're hopefully helping her with the metallic menace here.]

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

Reeve appears, a little disheveled and concerned, but together. In the background, several dozen robots are visible performing household tasks.
Things have been a bit busy on my end-- but I see you're rather overwhelmed yourself! I'm sure someone will be around to lend you a hand soon-- there are plenty of people helping out. She smiles.
Pardon me for sound so exhilarated by crisis! I just enjoy a good team effort.

Word of advice? Put your plants out of reach and "help" the robots sweep up. Let them see you repairing some of the damage they've done. Let me know if that's any help!

[made-of-science.livejournal.com]

That's a rather difficult prospect... I'm outside, and there doesn't seem to be much area that would be out of reach. But... I suppose I can manage that, somehow. Thank you very- eep!

Er... you don't happen to have any advice for keeping them from investigating my, er, underclothes, do you?