Scene #5175: Philosophy in the Park

Owner	Pose
Captain Flint	Stern. That's the word that could best be used to describe the face of land-treading sea captain as he makes his way through Neo Arcadia. The place is a technological wonder, the likes of which he's never seen in his life, nor even imagined he'd see. But to allow this wonderment to openly display on his face, that would be a death sentence. To be seen in such a way would let everyone around him know that he was 'fresh off the boat' as the pirates of Nassau say. It simply doesn't do in his world to be alone and new, and so the captain scowls his way through the place, icily glaring straight ahead. Passers-by on the street nervously step aside when they make eye contact, giving the captain exactly the breathing room he desires. Suppressing that emotion takes his attention away from his immediate surroundings save what's necessary not to fall off a cliff or step into traffic, however.
Taro	Yes, do mind the edges of the elevated pedestrian skyways, please. It is quite a long way down. The people here are fairly accustomed to visitors, even unusual ones, so it's likely the good(?) captain would not be bothered even if he weren't making it clear that's exactly what he wants. The scowl and glare mutes those he passes, though there might be a few hushed comments made behind his back. If he's not paying attention, then it's entirely possible that he's missed the fact that the path he's taking leads into a park or garden of some kind. Yes, a park, on a wide skyway connecting two of the towers, with low trees and neatly kept flowerbeds and signs gently commanding that patrons please not pick the flowers. Along with some public displays of art, mostly abstract sculptures which may not have any obvious meaning even if one was paying them any regard. Oh, and a man of small stature, dressed in a priest's cassock and a faint scowl of his own. He -is- regarding the sculpture in front of him, hands clasped behind his back as he contemplates it. Or whatever thoughts are going through his neuralnet. His thoughts are temporarily put on hold as he spots motion out of the corner of his eye, and his head turns at the rather interestingly dressed figure that's wandered in. The glare doesn't seem to have the same effect on him, as he dares to venture a "Good evening."
Captain Flint	Flint stops in his tracks upon the disarming remark, and he takes a moment to look Taro up and down. It appears he's as interested in the Bishop's attire as the Bishop is in his. The captain also seems to be sizing him up--in his mind, it takes a bold sort to openly question like that. For a second that seems to stretch for years, Flint simply assesses Taro. With that evidently done, he smiles cordially. "Good evening, father," says the captain amiably, as if he hadn't just been radiating hostility to all of creation. Apparently the Captain believes he recognizes Taro's attire. He takes a moment to survey his surroundings, squinting slightly in thought. His gaze returns to the android alongside a question. "This is a lovely park, isn't it?"
Taro	In that long-stretching moment, Taro turns to more directly face his visitor - he lives in and cares for the city, ergo, any visitor is to some degree his visitor - seemingly unbothered by the scruitiny. He gives a nod at the greeting, the title being close enough to count. "So it is," he agrees, his gaze shifting toward some of the greenery even as Flint turns his gaze back at him. "I find it a fine place for contemplation. A shame that it it's not on the tourist maps," he gives a too-graceful half-shrug, "it seems most of the city doesn't even realize it's here. A loss for them, even if it's my gain for peace and quiet."
Captain Flint	"Contemplation?" Flint smiles brightly, in a way that contrasts strangely with his previous, aggressively dour disposition. "An unexamined life is a life not worth living," says the captain amiably. "It would seem most people disagree with Socrates." He takes a moment to stand in silence with Taro and enjoy the pleasant, quiet park. He folds his hands before him as he simply enjoys something for... the first time in a long while.
Taro	"Mm. Indeed." The smile goes unreturned, though his stance is fairly relaxed and his voice is pleasant. "Another shame. Without introspection, so many insights can slip by unnoticed. A bit of self-analysis is good for the mind and for the soul." Taro also lapses into silence, allowing the man some time to enjoy the sights and his own thoughts. The city cannot be silenced entirely, but its sounds are distant, just a touch above white noise. Sadly, the view of nature-carved stone above and beyond the trees and artwork can't be helped.
Captain Flint	Flint slowly turns around to face Taro, as if the two of them have known each other for years, warmly smiling as a faint, gentle breeze blows. Is this even the same man? "My name is Flint." Flint offers Taro a hand in greeting, pausing, inclining his head to ask without speaking the name of his host.
Taro	He's certainly warmed up quickly, hasn't he? Taro himself is more reserved, though he is quick to grasp Flint's hand and shake it. "Taro Daisho. Father or Bishop Daisho, if you prefer. Welcome to our fair city. May I ask what brings you here?"
Captain Flint	Flint seems surprised by Taro's introduction. "Bishop? I never imagined to meet a priest when I came here, let alone a Bishop." His warm expression fades slightly, with only a small smile. "The Church's reach is long, isn't it?" He lets the question hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Commerce," he says. "I'm an entrepeneur, you see, and I think I have some... fairly profitable opportunities to bring here." His smile widens slightly as he looks at Taro with a conspiratorial twinkle in his eye. "Perhaps a not insignificant bit of wanderlust, as well."
Taro	Taro cants his head to one side, puzzled at the comments about the Church. Then it dawns on him that he may have been mistaken for a priest of another religion. There are enough of them out there for such confusion to happen, and it's certainly happened before. "Ah. I see. I would agree that we have things that we lack, especially since some of our supply chains have broken down." Or ceased to exist at all. "If you are in trade, I imagine that you travel quite a bit...?"
Captain Flint	Flint nods. "I do," he says. "I've a ship--sailed for most of my life. I can't take my ship everywhere, but, even so..." He chuckles, perhaps a bit hesitant to say so. "...the Multiverse has reawakened a part of me I haven't felt in a long time. That there's opportunity for prosperity is just an added benefit. Like you, I have things that I lack."
Taro	"Mm. Yes, I would say you'd be hard-pressed to sail here," Taro says as he makes a sweeping gesture toward the city beyond the park, "given that we're surrounded by kilometers of rock on all sides." There's a hint of amusement in his voice at that new reality his city's been facing. Figuratively and literally. "But that is what warpgates are for, hm?" He looks back to Flint. "If you do in fact trade in things in which we are in need and can find a market for the things we have in abundance, then I hope you will find it worth your while to do business here." He pauses then, considering. "Would you mind if I asked what sort of goods you trade in?"
Captain Flint	Flint indulges in a slight smirk at Taro's observation, nodding his agreement--warpgates are quite useful for a man of his leaning. "Nassau can find a market for anything," says the captain with the utmost confidence. "In my experience it's... quite open to trade." He takes a moment to gauge the android's reaction, good or ill, though given Taro's expert restraint, it might be difficult. He then appends a response to the question regarding his trading habits. "Just recently? 30 casks of rum, ten crates of cured meats, and other sundries--after the fees and tariffs were deducted, I earned a goodly amount, I might add." He swells with pride at the thought.
Taro	Taro cannot immediately place where this Nassau might be, though at this point in the conversation that doesn't matter. That it is port city and center of trade is sufficient. "I see...yes, I would imagine those would be in demand, particularly the meats. In fact, I think that foodstuffs of any kind would be welcomed, fish in particular." His brow furrows. "As you can plainly see, we do not receive any sunlight at all anymore, which has made several things more difficult for our human population. I would have their needs met, if I could."
Captain Flint	The captain nods, radiating confidence. It's a wholly different experience than his previous outward hostility. Slight changes in posture, tone, even a look in his eye--the man is either very expressive or a truly devoted actor. "A need I'm glad and able to accomodate," says Flint. "A question, though, if I may, and one asked solely out of academic interest..." He takes a moment to survey the park again. "Your... /human/ population? Do you have others here besides humans?"
Taro	Taro's face by contrast shows little expression at all. It's his voice mostly that he uses to express his moods, along with posture. Pleasant in a reserved sort of way, yet engaged in the conversation. "We do. Reploids, mostly." A momentary pause, before explaining, "Living machines would be the best way to explain what we are." It's not quite a smile, but the corners of Taro's eyes crinkle and the corners of his lips quirk upward slightly. His voice shows more of that expression. "I happen to be one of those living machines."
Captain Flint	Whatever else he may be, Flint is a traveled man. The revelation that such machines could even be built is impressive--but to have one of them in the church? He smiles wistfully, thinking of the example this place could set for the nations of his world. Then... he's doubtful. "Are you... free? Treated the same way as a human?" That he's been talking to an android this entire time is of no concern to him. How Taro is treated by his government, or by his fellows in the Church? That's a different story.
Taro	The Roman Catholic Church would no doubt have some interesting debates about the nature of machine lifeforms and their place in their theology. Whatever those debates might be or how (or if) they ended, Taro wouldn't know. His own research into human religions has been haphazard and left him with more questions than answers. Humans have very strange notions. "Here in Neo Arcadia, humans and reploids are given the same rights and responsibilities." The ghost of a smile slips away, his dour frown reforming. "I admit this has not always been the case, as there was a time when we strayed from the standards that the city's founder left for us. But we have returned to that path, and I pray that it will remain on it."
Captain Flint	"An enlightened view," says Flint with evident respect, still peering at the greenery rather than Taro. "One I must agree with. Moreover, I find it unfortunate that, it most cases, humans can't even reliably treat each other with decency, much less living machines. Your city is an example to the Multiverse, Bishop. I hope one day Nassau may be so enlightened."
Taro	"I have found humanity to be full of surprises and not to be underestimated," Taro opins. There is a hopeful note in his voice. "Change does not come easily. Not every mind can be changed, but when enough minds can be changed..." Then, Taro gives his most interesting visitor a deep nod. "Perhaps we could discuss such things again later, either before you leave or when you next return? But for now, I must take my leave, or else they may decide to begin evening devotions without me."
Captain Flint	"Goodbye, Bishop Daisho. I doubt this visit will be my last," says the captain with a warm smile. With that, Flint opts to linger a spell in the park, taking a rare opportunity to appreciate art from other worlds. As Taro is leaving, Flint's warm demeanor fades, replaced gradually by one of deep thought. The Bishop gave him an idea. Perhaps he'll do some contemplating.