[Audio]

[original_is_best]

M.E. 722-XII-29th
2-Lasai-4th

Assume for a moment that what we are experiencing is a simulation rather than reality. Does anyone have an idea on how to test for such a thing?

Comments

[original_is_best]

That will all depend on several factors. If it turns out that we are in a simulation, we first have to remove ourselves from that, and from there I would have to make my determinations on how to proceed. If it would appear that we are not as young as we think we are, but it is more that some of our memories are being blocked, then I would need to travel through time in order to reach the period of time that needs to be changed on my world.

Of course, that doesn't mention the where. It may also be necessary to travel - whether that be to another dimension or another planet.

But, first things first. And that is determining whether or not this is real.

[iustaegis]

[ Uncertainty: ]

If you are unfamiliar in ways of testing for reality, I-- I don't see how you could possibly accept confirming evidence to begin with.

[original_is_best]

I can learn.

I may not be familiar, but another here may be. I will know whether something makes sense to me or not.

[iustaegis]

I'm... sorry.

[ She pauses, as if considering something, and then delivers the rest of her reply: ]

I cannot help you with this task.

[ More like, she just won't. And honestly-- ] You might have more luck testing a theory that we have all been given duplicate bodies instead.

[original_is_best]

[He raised a brow, though she wouldn't be able to see that.]

Has this idea been proposed before?

There is no reason to test only one theory.

[iustaegis]

[ She had just used that as an example! ]

Wh-- are you now considering that as a possibly, too?

[original_is_best]

Is there some reason we shouldn't consider it?

After all, none of us know precisely how we were brought here.

[iustaegis]

It's only-- it's a bit much to investigate all at once.

[original_is_best]

Then let us start with the initial hypothesis. Did you have any theories on how to arrange tests?

[iustaegis]

[ Does she?? ]

L...like I said, it all depends on how sophisticated the system is. If you are testing within it, all your methods-- energy, magic, or whatever other power you have at your disposal-- will be bound by the rules of the simulation, for they replicate the behavior of those powers.

My suggestion is-- [ Suddenly, she stops herself. ]

Besithia, when was the last time you steppe foot into the VR programs of this world?

[original_is_best]

Will insisted that I try it once. That was... 1-Malom-15th.

[iustaegis]

[ Okay. ]

And how "real" did it feel to you?

[original_is_best]

Startlingly so. I'll admit that I'm impressed with their abilities to fully simulate a virtual world, but it is also perturbing.

[iustaegis]

Does it feel more real than a dream?

[ Stick with her, there's a point to her questions. ]

[original_is_best]

[Silence followed as he considered the question. However, it had been 141 days, and trying to make an in-depth comparison would be difficult even for him. He mumbled thoughtfully, almost to himself.]

Within a dream one's mind doesn't follow standard logic. However, one is not aware of it at the time of a dream, preventing the dream from feeling 'unreal' despite any implausible situations that may occur.

The VR machines, in comparison, attempt to follow and replicate the logic of the real world, though there may be aspects that are imperfect.

[Another silence as he tried to make a determination.]

I think... at the time, a dream may be more convincing. However, in the time after, the virtual reality machines may be more convincing.

[iustaegis]

[ She knows for certain-- having been assisting him-- that he's got quite a few projects of his own going on. He's still investigating whatever it is that he might be able to obtain from the outside world. He's converting his home into a lab. They're still working on an engine and power source. No wonder he hasn't been to the VR lately, if he hasn't thought about it much until now. ]

When entering the VR, we [ That's a general "we". ] know it doesn't feel "real" because of what may compare it to. In dreams, more often than not, we remain ignorant to any discrepancy. [ Lucid ones aside. ] If that false reality is all you've even known, it would be difficult, if not futile, to know how to break from it without assistance from the true reality outside, or some flaw in the original design of the simulation.

[ She has more to say, but she stops here. ]

[original_is_best]

It is unlikely a replication would be completely perfect. Which would mean searching for flaws.

[Because this was only a short part of his life, he'd known much outside of it.]

I have... preferred not to waste time on the VR machines, but perhaps it would be better to assess their imperfections in order to gain insight on what we should look for outside of them.

[A brief pause, as he had some distaste for that idea.]

I do not like them.

[iustaegis]

[ No one likes to be told that they live in a false reality. For many, it would be a harrowing thought to even entertain.

The best simulations are pocket dimensions. Indistinguishable from reality, unless the subject is otherwise informed. She shutters someone in one, herself, beneath two layers: first, with sleep; second, within the dimension itself.

She hears the displeasure in his voice. ] Proving reality to be reality.... would be a whole new ordeal. Far more than any project you've been working on so far.

Perhaps... it would be best to let these ideas be, Besithia, and focus on what matters more.

[original_is_best]

I have never shied away from large projects. Such an oversight could nullify any other work I progress on. Why would I discontinue my search?

[iustaegis]

[ She cannot answer that question for him. ]

Are you not happy with what you currently have... Right here, right now?

[original_is_best]

[Again he took his time to consider it. He knew exactly what he intended to do, what he always intended to do, but he at least considered his circumstances here.]

I have never made it a habit to be dissatisfied with my life. [Sure, he got frustrated and all sometimes, but in general he leaned more positive.]

The circumstances here do not change my decision. Especially if they may be falsified. I would far prefer to face a horrible reality than be diverted by a comforting falsehood. If one flees, then there is no chance of creating a better reality for the future.

[iustaegis]

[ There's a soft sigh from her, as if she's relented on something. Alternatively, it could also just be a sign of exhaustion. ]

And if that horrible reality hurt those you care for?

[original_is_best]

If I were to care for someone...

It would be preferable to handle the truth together.

[He was very much, fiercely, opposed to living any sort of lie.]

[iustaegis]

[ There is a smile in her voice now. It seems that she approves of his answer. Isn't it wonderful? Alone, she doubts someone would be able to handle a devastating truth. Together with someone, one would be able to, for they would be able to assist each other to stand. ]

"If" you were?

[original_is_best]

By what precise measurement should we considered someone "cared for"? What status would they need to hold?