003. - Book Club!

[helpdesk_hero]

Alright, so I've suggested this a little to some friends of mine, but I'm thinking about throwing this out a bit wider.

I'm thinking about starting up a book club. Less in the style of book of the month and more organizing one or possibly more groups who can share books or even genres they love most with other people. People would still do the whole guiding discussion but not looking for high end critique so much as just talking about it.

We all need something to unwind and I don't doubt some of us are really fans of reading. I would think the arrangement might work best with members willing to buy their own books. I think for the first few meetings I'd be willing to cook either a simple meal or some finger foods to enjoy, but people could also volunteer to provide food or drinks.


Anyone interested in the idea?

Comments

[mem0ry]

[Being cool seems perfectly rated. But that's from a girl who would settle for normal.]

My robot is nice. Actually, he hugged me the other day, even though I didn't program him to... it was really sweet. He's a good guy. Maybe robots are just like other people - there are good ones, and bad ones, and ones in the middle.

[helpdesk_hero]

Robots can definitely be like other people. In fact, two of my friends are the sons of one. Don't ask how. It's really complicated. But the guy seems okay.

[mem0ry]

[Well, that's... kind of awesome, once she gets over how shocking it is. Tech in her world isn't advanced enough for that.] I think Protogenetis - my robot - is okay. He worries a little too much, maybe, but he's very kind, and he's developing his own hobbies and interests, too.

[She's so proud. So, so proud.]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Tech in HIS world isn't advanced enough for that. Magic isn't either, but it managed.]

Sounds like you've made a true AI.

[mem0ry]

[If only it were purposeful, Lain might feel accomplished, but alas.]

I guess? I didn't mean to. But when I got a more efficient power system for him, I could keep him online all the time, and I let him connect to the internet and watch TV, and... I don't know, it just happened? [The confusion in her tone rings through loud and clear.] It's strange, and unexpected, but... he seems happy. And he makes me happy. It's like having a brother, sometimes. So, that's what's important.

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, then it's all that matters. Your happiness. And his.

[mem0ry]

I heard AIs can sometimes be Ported in. Do you think Protogenetis could come here? I think he'd really like this place. And I miss him, too...

[helpdesk_hero]

I wish I could say for sure. But consider how much happier he might be in a place where he doesn't have to fight.

[mem0ry]

[She hadn't considered that, and the thought is intensely distressing. No. She can't lose Protogenetis so soon after losing Bi-ichi-chan. She refuses to even consider it.]

...I would fight for him. He's my creation, so - so I would keep him safe and do whatever the government wants, so he could stay home. If he does come here, I won't let anyone hurt him.

[She can't protect the rest of her family from much of anything, but she can keep him safe. She can, and she will.]

[helpdesk_hero]

I know it's hard to be alone. But you'll have friends here to protect you, the same way you want to protect Protogenetis.

[mem0ry]

...a week ago I would've said you were wrong. [There's a note of somberness there, as if the thought is one of the most profound ones she's had lately.] But people do seem to like me, here. I think they actually would protect me, and I don't really... I don't deserve it, honestly.

[helpdesk_hero]

Everyone deserves someone to have their back.

[mem0ry]

Even people who can't do anything to help others? I don't have fighting powers, here. I just have technomancy. I can't pay everyone back, even though they're all being so kind. I'm useless.

[helpdesk_hero]

Technomancy? Well you're a perfect support person then. You have no clue how valuable you'd be as someone helping heroes recover after things go bad.

[mem0ry]

I don't know how to do that, though. There aren't heroes in my world. Is, um, is there a book or something I could read to learn how to help? I want to.

[helpdesk_hero]

I don't know that there are books for doing what we do. But there are people with experience.

I can do my best to help you learn. There are support people. People who help other people. And that I know how to do.

[mem0ry]

I'd like that. I... I feel a little useless, back home. If I can help, then, please just show me what to do.

['A burden', her mother had called her, in that last argument with her father before he left. 'A weight dragging us down, damnit.' But that was there. Here, she can be something different. Something useful.]

[helpdesk_hero]

You'll have to choose what you do to help all on your own. But I can show you how to make those decisions and work for it.

[She isn't a burden. She's a lovely young person who wants to help people. That matters.]

[mem0ry]

Thank you. You're really nice. Um, do you need help, as a superhero? I could help you, if you want. I'm still catching up on how hacking works here, but I'm pretty good at it.

[And with how widespread the internet is, maybe she can really put that skillset to good use here. She just needs to find the right person to help.]

[helpdesk_hero]

Me?

[Oh dear, David wasn't too sure on that. But... Technomancy. Maybe...]

There are a few projects I'm working on that you may be able to assist with. My microcomputer needs an upgrade. And I am working on a device to get my power more manageable.

[mem0ry]

I see. The microcomputer sounds like it's something I might actually be familiar with, given some of the specs I've seen of Tachibana Labs tech back home, but since no one in my world had powers, I don't know how much I can help there right away.

[She's in technical mode and it's a relief to finally be back on more solid ground in this conversation. Tech, she understands. Tech doesn't confuse the way people do.]

[helpdesk_hero]

I made them myself, but the problem is I'm still in the process of getting the right tools to get in and upgrade the processor chips. I need to overhaul them some to handle the additional strain I'm going to put on the system with new coding.