Audio Log 3: First Interviews

The ARAI was a success. It has managed to create a language database of one-thousand words of which ninety percent can be synthesized with the correct cadence and annunciations. I've got the ARAI running an avatar that looks similar to how I'll look when I finish building the SPARC. With this marvel of artificial intelligence, I managed to have an interview with both of the cats under my care. McGonagall took to it rather well, but Snow had some difficulties. I also got some data back that was difficult to translate due to Snow's slurred words. I will include the interviews for posterity's sake.

Alexander: Hello McGonagall. My name is Alexander. I am sure you're a little confused as to what is going on. This pseudo-cat displayed on this screen is SPARC. He will be working as a translator for us.

A series of synthetic cat sounds follow.

McGonagall replies with a series of meows.

SPARC: McGonagall accepts that I am to be translator. I've had to use some branching logic to convey your words.

(The dialog continues in a similar manner. SPARC's reconveyances will be skipped.)

Alexander: Do you have any idea what the purpose of me being here and talking to you is?

McGonagall: I can tell you are looking for something. We are somehow important. Taking in Snow *garbled was not just to rescue him.

Alexander: You are rather astute. Yes, I did rescue him because I wanted to save him, but it also served another purpose. I am searching for proof that the cats of the forest are a civilization. It is both my job and duty to find if there are sapient species besides humans.

McGonagall: And what will you do if you find there are others?

Alexander: Well, I've got to find if they are a threat to other sapient species, find if they are willing to integrate directly, or find if they need to be isolated to resume their natural growth. One of the biggest threats we can face is an unknown god. They may not be able to overpower us or wipe us out, but they could cause casualties.

McGonagall: … Then what purpose to I serve?

Alexander: You were meant to act as a control, something to measure the advancement of the forest cats against. That has clearly gone out the window since you display clear signs of single sapience. Taking that into account, I may ask for your assistance understanding the forest cats and finding if they are indeed a civilization.

McGonagall: Why should I help? As far as I can tell, I gain nothing form this.

Alexander: Besides a home? Since with these translations I can prove single sapience, I can apply to have you listed as a researcher. As a researcher, you'd receive certain benefits. You'd receive pay at the end of every month that you could use as you please. This may mean nothing to you, but with money we could acquire items that'd not normally be here. You want fish? You got it. You want a larger yard? I can probably convince the neighbors to sell.

McGonagall: And what if I want to leave?

Alexander: I can't stop you. As a sapient, you've got every right that I have. You could walk right out that door after you are chipped with an RFID that proves your sapience. Unfortunately, Snow is not so lucky. I cannot verify his sapient at this time, and he is not allowed to interact with the forest cats now that he has seen me. I do honestly want you to stay, not just for me. Snow needs someone to care for him and teach him what it means to be a cat. If you leave, I'll have to rely on SPARC to teach him, but SPARC is only really good at mimicry. He does not have his own personality, and I cannot afford to give him one if he was to teach.

Silence is present briefly before McGonagall speaks again.

McGonagall: Fine. I'll stay for the kit. Honestly this is the weirdest human den I've ever been in. It's not overly cushy and you take the time to interact with me. You've got me curious. On the subject of things I want, I want you to stop calling me that name. It reminds me too much of coughing up a hairball. Why'd you even call me that?

Alexander: Well, you are named after a famous witch, a magic caster. She was known for her intelligence as well as her care for her charges.

McGonagall: I still don't like it. I like the magic thing, but make it something short. I want it to be something I can voice.

Alexander: That is a tricky one. I've got an idea though. How about Blair. The B might not be a sound you can make, but the rest should be reasonable.

Blair: Huh. Blair. It sounds intimidating, is short, and to the point. I'll take it.

Intermission. Blair is an intelligent individual. Unfortunately, I could not converse with her much more since we were getting into topics that ARAI had no reference for. After concluding the interview, Snow was brought in. The second interview will be played now. Note that Snow's word choice and grammar are short and purely used to convey a point without proper sentence structure.

Alexander: Hello Snow. I hope Blair has given you the rundown on what is gong on. My name is Alexander.

Snow: Talk to me?

Alexander: Yes. I am here to talk to you. SPARC here is acting as a translator for us. Do you know why you are here?

Snow: Bird took me. You took me from bird.

Alexander: That is indeed what happened, but do you know why I saved you?

Snow: No?

Alexander: I've got a special job that requires me to monitor the forest cats. I need to prove if they are like humans, able to become a civilization. For that, I need you help. Would you be willing to do that?

Snow: I want go home.

Alexander: I'm sorry, but that is impossible. I am not allowed to have them know I'm watching them. It is for both my safety and theirs.

Snow: I not tell! I keep quiet!

Alexander: Unfortunately, that's not how things work. I'll do my best to ensure you have a comfortable life, but I cannot let you go back.

Snow: Why?! Hate You!

The sound of paws running on linoleum echoes before Alexander states something.

Alexander: I truly am sorry Snow. I have no choice in this either. I'd love to let you go home, but far more than just us are at stake.