06. [Video] New Business

[conflictresolution]

[There is a new business in town, and yes, it was timed perfectly for when the silly matchmaking app launched its usual invasion posting for people to set their sights on. Maybe some will pair off, but even if they don't, Silco cannot claim to not be willing to provide options.

All are welcome to Shimmer & Shine, and yes, it has a massive big gaudy sign. Thankfully, there are also flyers around town advertising it, address and block party date plastered all over it too.

Silco was in his usual garb, lighting a cigar and snapping the lighter closed. He owns enough in the city that announcements like these require less and less effort on his part.]

Okcindr may advertise the opportunity to slog through the adventures of pairing off, but one can pay for that companionship for an hour or the whole night if they choose. Otherwise, one can simply come and admire the view and relax for the night of dancing and drinking.

[He flicked ash off of his cigar tip and tilted his head as if considering.]

Everyone is welcome to the front of the house. The back of the house has an age restriction.

[Does Silco know the age of consent in Aldrip? No. Does he care? Also no.]

Oh and as always, I'm hiring for my many ventures if someone is looking for coin.

Comments

voice; un:curtaincall

[endcaller]

Ah, finally! Exactly what our lovely simulation needed: The chance to while away otherwise lonesome hours with AI-generated individuals of our choosing.

voice;

[conflictresolution]

Considering we also are AI-generated copies from our old lives, it seems fitting.

[endcaller]

Our bodies, perhaps! But us? I rather doubt it.

We have souls.

Would a soul with a warm body not prefer another soul with a warm body?

...Ah. Though, I suppose if pleasures are all that one is after any warm body will do, mmm?

[conflictresolution]

And what is a soul but the unique connections of someone's mind?

It depends what someone's expectations are for intimacy. Some may simply want a no-strings-attached show.

[endcaller]

A soul is aether and memories. Or, you could say, life energy and memories.

And it makes even a no-strings-attached show much more alluring.

[conflictresolution]

I haven't heard the term aether connected with a soul or life before.

You are welcome to partake, though you've never given me the impression such base carnal pleasures interest you.

[endcaller]

They do not!

But I have been around for a long time as they say and know what piques the interest of the common man. Automachina are a poor replacement for the spark that forms between two souls. Heat, lust, passion...

[conflictresolution]

Careful as you look down your nose at the plebs, someone may take offense. It almost sounds like you desire connection regardless of physical intimacy.

[endcaller]

I think most do, do they not? Physical intimacy can be so much more ...mmm... intimate and pleasurable when there is a connection.

It needn't be as deep as love, only as deep as one individual fully recognizing another in the moment.

Or, if I may put this another way, having a soul makes a person better at the line of work you are describing! Alas, there is naught you can do about that short of hiring from among the Chosen and I fear few will take you up on that offer. So your business must always be substandard at best. What a shame.

[conflictresolution]

Where I am from, the connection is less important than the vice itself. Certainly, some have favourites, but the flesh is easily satisfied.

I have no issue hiring Chosen to fill that role if they desire. It takes all kinds who choose their line of work. If it is with me, their safety will be paramount. Or, I suppose I simply pay some man of science to manufacture a soul.

[endcaller]

Why, Silco, my dear, is that a request?

[conflictresolution]

Is that what you wish it to be?

[endcaller]

I would be flattered if it were.

Alas, manufacturing a soul is not possible. Even those with the most powerful of creation magicks could not perform such a feat.

[conflictresolution]

Perhaps in your world. Have we explored the possibility in this shell?

[endcaller]

At best, I might be able to copy the soul of someone else into a containment crystal and imbue a resident with said soul. This, however, would most likely have disastrous consequences. Crises of identity, for example.

I admit, the experiment is intriguing but likely beyond the scope of your brothel. For your purposes, it would be quicker to offer myself as an entertainer at your venue but that, too, would have disastrous consequences for your clientele.

[conflictresolution]

But you haven't performed such an act yet here and details the results? It sounds like theories.

It is intriguing to me that you think a brothel is all that I'm advertising here.

[endcaller]

Allow me to rephrase, then.

My work and my studies of the soul are likely beyond the scope of any business venture. There would be few practical uses for any of my findings.

Mm...

If, however, you would like to be a patron of my art and fund research for research's own sake I'll not turn you down.

[conflictresolution]

That sounds like you're limiting the possibilities. A shame.

My taste in art appears to be vastly different than your own. I don't make a habit of investing where I can't see a value in the outcome, and you haven't done well to sell yourself thus far.

[endcaller]

Ooooh my! Such doubt in my talents! I'll have you know my patrons of old were never once disappointed in my work!

I am giving you reasonable expectations. Were we discussing aught other than souls then perhaps I could enthusiastically offer the world!

Souls are not easily studied and producing new souls by means of science has never once been achieved nor have there been any promising theories on how to do so. If a creature formed via creation magicks or chimerobiology develops a soul it does so spontaneously. Man has never had a say in these matters.

I can manipulate a soul, perhaps copy one, but create an entirely new one? Ha! If only!

[A pause.]

I am an aetherochemist, you see. A vivimancer. I have spent many years of my odiously long existence studying this topic in laboratoriums far more technologically advanced than anything this star has to offer. Were I to promise more than I can deliver I would make a mockery of the both of us.

Now, if you would like to ask me to find you a new energy source not beholden to Aldrip's grid, or something of that nature, this I could do.