voice; 001

[tekhartha]

I had never given much thought to sexual intimacy before I arrived here.

[The soft, sonorous thrum of Zenyatta's voice comes drifting across the network like a cloud on the wind, punctuated haphazardly by the faintest of chimes as his orbs circle, unseen. His tone is carefully neutral, curious and undemanding, as he continues.]

When my omnic brothers and sisters liberated ourselves, some among us chose to forsake such human forms of sexual gratification as symbolic of our subservience; our bodies were built for the use of humans, and our ability to feel physical pleasure merely a supplement to human pleasure. To use them as free, sentient beings was to agree that we were little more than shallow imitations of our creators.

I had not considered my own path at all, until now- and, for my ignorance, it is all I can think about for a few days each month!

[Wryly amused for a second there before he continues. If he is being perfectly honest there is one person in particular who is driving him to distraction, but... he hums.]

I believe I would like to try it for myself, under the right circumstances, yet I find myself-- quite unsure. Would any of you be so kind as to share your own first experiences? [brightly:] "Virginity" is merely a social construct, of course, but I am sure each of you has a story you might care to tell!

Comments

[tekhartha]

Now there is a refreshing perspective. [Meant sincerely!] I must admit, there are certain aspects of it that even I cannot help but find unappealing.

But, to answer your question, an omnic is a robot controlled by a sentient AI.

[the_archivist]

I know several people who would disagree about it being refreshing. But then it's something that's seen as very natural. Almost core to being human. Or at least that's what the media seems to believe.

Interesting. I don't think we have anything like that were I'm from. Not that advanced anyway.

[He remembers Tessa, and her chatbot. He'll never be able to forget Tessa and her chatbot.]

[tekhartha]

"Natural" is such a deceptive term; I have seldom seen it used to do anything but reduce the world to a narrow strip of acceptability. You are as "natural" as any other being. Your feelings are no less a part of the experience of living than anyone else's.

[the_archivist]

[He could definitely debate his being as 'natural' as any other being these days, but that has nothing to do with his lack of interest in sex.]

I came to terms with it a while ago. Other people don't always feel the same.

[tekhartha]

A pity. It is the business of none but yourself, and the partners you choose, should you do so at all. [Then, concerned:] This place and its influences must trouble you greatly, my friend.

[the_archivist]

I don't. With anyone. It's easier not to get involved.

[He'd learnt that. Besides, it's sort of a relief these days. Anyone he was dating would just have got sucked into all this. Georgie had walked away and he didn't begrudge her that.]

I'm not exactly thrilled by it. Hopefully I'll be spared the worst of it. [He's not planning to shack up with anyone just because of these moon cycles.]

[tekhartha]

[Zenyatta makes a soft, ambiguous sound. To reject others on the basis of want, or lack thereof, was one thing, but to do so on ease was quite another; possibly he is reading too much into their conversation, but he cannot help but wonder if he would not wish for companionship, should the right companion arise...

No matter.]

I have been able to resist most of my urges so far. I cannot promise you peace, but if you should seek a reprieve from the moonlight you are welcome to call upon me. I may be able to help take your mind off of things.

[the_archivist]

[He'd learnt his lesson a long time ago, and things have just become more complicated since. There's no Institute here to bind people to it, but he's still a monster.

The offer though...]

I- you don't even know me. I've just... just rambled at you.