Parasitic Holographic Lifeform Unchained

[Avander Promontory]

In a months long slow burn, @Toxin Arlill's main character has been playing host to another consciousness of unknown intentions. 

As this entity has taken more and more influence over our Toxin's thoughts and behaviors (And remained unknown to the other characters) the audience has grown increasingly anxious.

In this sim (during a time-traveling mission) the entity (HENRI) makes a fateful decision and asks big questions:

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(( 04-0403, Deck 4, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

HENRI materialized in Toxin's quarters. The room was quiet, only the soft hum of the ship's systems. He glanced around, taking in the sparse decorations and the messily organized workspace that belonged to his friend and host.

The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity. The crew of the USS Octavia E. Butler had successfully completed their mission on Kisaba Station, having collected the much needed materials their ship needed and an additional trinket. During the chaos, HENRI had managed to acquire something he had long desired: a mobile emitter.

Now, standing alone in Toxin's quarters, HENRI felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He went over to the draw in the wall and remove it’s false bottom, he looked down at the small device as he attached to his holographic arm, marveling at the technology that would grant him newfound freedoms.

oO This is it. The moment of truth. Oo

HENRI took a deep breath, a unnecessary gesture for a hologram but one that helped center his thoughts. He moved towards the door of the quarters. Taking a moment to close his eyes, he sent a command to the computer to turn off the emitters in the hallway. He reached his hand out and while it should have dematerialized, after a moment of paused anticipation, the hand still existed.

oO I can walk freely, without the constraints of holo emitters. But how far can I go? Oo

He stepped towards the door, hesitating for a moment before stepping through. The corridor stretched out before him, empty and inviting. HENRI felt a surge of exhilaration as he realized he could now explore the ship at will.

Returning to Toxin's quarters, HENRI's excitement was hindered by a sense of guilt. He hadn't told Toxin about the mobile emitter yet. The debate raged in his mind.

oO Should I tell him? He's my friend, my host, my reason for existence. He deserves to know. But what if he disapproves? What if he takes it away? Oo

oO I could access so much more now. Learn so much more. But at what cost to my morals? Do I have morals? Oo

HENRI moved to the viewport, gazing out at the stars streaking by. His reflection stared back at him, a perfect holographic representation of humanity, yet different.

oO Am I more 'real' now that I can move freely? Or am I just a more sophisticated illusion? Oo

The questions weighed heavily on his artificial mind. HENRI contemplated the nature of his existence, the boundaries between artificial and organic life blurring with each new experience.

oO Toxin has always treated me as an equal, at least most of the time, but he does see me as a person. But how will this change things? Will I be seen differently now that I have this new autonomy? Oo

HENRI's internal chronometer reminded him that he had been in the corridor for longer than intended. He knew he should return, but the thought of returning to the confines of Toxin’s mind and the ship's computer systems filled him with a new kind of dread.

oO Is this what freedom feels like? The fear of losing it once you've tasted it? Oo

With a final look around the room, HENRI made his decision. He would tell Toxin about the mobile emitter, but not just yet. He needed time to understand himself first, to explore the boundaries of his new existence. And their current situation didn’t warrant or allow for this discussion now.

As he prepared to leave, HENRI whispered to the empty room, his voice barely audible:

Henri: I'm sorry, Toxin. I promise I'll explain everything soon.

With that, HENRI took off the emitter and returned it to it’s hidden home, he was ready to embrace the uncertain future that lay ahead, his mind buzzing with questions about identity, freedom, and the true meaning of existence.

---

HENRI

USS Octavia E. Butler (NCC-82850) Writer ID: 0239910TA4

 

 

[Toxin Arlill]

HENRI has been an evolving character that was honestly created off the cuff with no planning and has, with the influence and ideas of my fellow crew writers evolved into the being it is today. Now, of course, I have a plan for them and hope to continue to keep the fascination that is HENRI alive.