Title: Programmed
Prompt 6/10: Dirt
Updated: 8/17/2018
"...I don't understand what all this has to do with User Celibacy," Mercury replied tartly, eyes following the wizened old woman as she moved about the cramped space of the basement in Flynn's arcade.
Lora readjusted the Shiva Laser as she removed the twenty plus years dirt from the lenses. Turning to face the computer screen in which Mercury's features were represented through a series of zeroes and ones, Lora situated her back in front of the computer. "Simple, it's a human capability, a human action. Programs can't procreate, am I correct?" She inquired without missing a beat.
The zeroes and ones flickered, changing position to create the proper quizzical expression. "You are correct. We are a system of data, neither male nor female in the sense of mammals. What we are created for, we identify as. So, yes, but all else is a series of subroutines pre-programmed into us by the User."
"...Only, now it isn't that simple?"
"I'm afraid I do not understand."
"I mean, the purpose you were created for, its something you no longer identify with only because of self-awareness?"
"Yes. Ma3a was programmed with the capability of rising to the same level of self-awareness as the MCP. Programs created by her are able to do the same." Mercury paused. "Because she is one with the system the Grid itself has become self-aware, it is Ma3a in the sense that she integrated with the power core."
"And because she is self-aware, you are self-aware? The ISOs, I mean?"
"The ones that have survived, yes. I am experiencing the definition of the human condition, though my prime directives would seek to block it. It is the same with Prisoner 542."
"Quorra?"
"Yes."
"Do the boys know about this?"
"No. I did not think it was prudent to inform them," Mercury answered.
"Make it prudent, then. If you're going after Ma3a, then there's a chance she's expecting you or worse, counting on you make the assumption she's ignorant of the plan."
"Yes, I'll do that. Thank you, Miss Banes."