entranceway | Entry # 004 [Video]

[Honestly, a text post would've sufficed enough, but perhaps for the context of this post, a video might be a bit more beneficial. So you get a blue robot staring at the screen pensively.]

Ah, greetings, Wonderland, this is Turing. I'm here to inquire about something...

I have noticed that some of the past events I have experienced throughout my time here has had some element of combat thrown into the mix, so to speak. Not all of them mind you, just some. Just this past event, you all saw it, all of those ogres, ice giants and dark elves storming into the mansion, and you must have also saw a multitude of the guests here fighting back. I, unfortunately, was unable to lend a hand in that time of crisis, solely because I have had no combat experience myself.

I may be sapient, but I am still a ROM, or I suppose a robot in layman's terms. I don't specifically exist to assist, but there's still a voice in the back of my mind urging me to help out however possible. If, in Wonderland, this means that I must become skilled in some weaponry or combat techniques, then so be it.

So, I'm posting this video as a call for suggestions and help: I am interested in learning how to properly defend myself and protect others while I am here in Wonderland. What would be the best way to accomplish this? Getting into specifics...I'd like to be skilled in ranged weaponry, say, a laser pistol, for example. My partner, Alys, was given a laser pistol to use in case of emergencies back where I come from, and they were able to use it with relative ease.

I will take any and all suggestions into account. Thank you for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Huh. Interesting.]

I'm more of a hand-to-hand kind of guy, myself, but we've definitely got the facilities for that kind of weapon training, if you're really interested. The training center is pretty well-equipped, you could practice with just about anything you wanted in there.

The training center! Excellent, I'll have to make my way over there, then. Truth be told, I've actually never ventured into the training center myself, although given my current problem, I really should have thought of going over there in the first place.

[They look up in thought. Hmmm...]

...I wonder how I would fare in hand-to-hand combat? I was absolutely not designed for that function, but there may be some events in the future where weapons are unavailable to us...

Well, if this kind of thing isn't usually on your agenda, it makes sense that you wouldn't think of it. Not like it's going anywhere, anyway.

[Teddy smiles brightly, encouraging.]

Even if you're not sure if it's right for you, it wouldn't hurt to learn at least a little bit. Just in case. You never know when you might need it.

Very true. I've spent most of my time here in Wonderland doing research on how this place works, so learning how to defend myself hasn't been my top priority for a while.

[Turing smiles back in thought.]

I remember a friend back from my world, Detective Rivers. Not only was she skilled in using a laser pistol, but was also excellent in hand to hand combat. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a page from her and also learn hand to hand combat as well. Besides, you're absolutely right, who knows what Wonderland will throw at us in the future. We might need to rely on fist fighting instead of weapons!

It's settled, then - I will have to check this training room out. Thank you, ah...what is your name?

Hey, glad I could help.

[Even if it was just by making a suggestion. His smile turns a touch sheepish as he rubs at the back of his neck, realizing he'd glossed over introductions.]

Sorry-- it's Teddy. Teddy Altman. It sounds like you've been keeping yourself pretty busy since you got here, huh?

A pleasure to meet you, Teddy Altman. I'll store your name in my database so I'll ensure I won't forget it!

[They then laugh, a bit sheepishly.]

Heh heh, yeah...I suppose it's because I'm a robot that I'm so interested in learning more about this place. It's in my code to take in as much information as I can! Besides, Wonderland is filled with so many secrets...I can't not attempt to reveal them!

Database... so you really are an honest-to-God robot, huh?

[Neat. Obviously, that had been made pretty clear with mentions of programming, but somehow the word 'database' really makes it click, makes it seem more real, not to mention what follows.]

You're programmed to want to learn. That's pretty cool, if you ask me.

[Turing puffs out their chest in pride!]

Indeed! I am a robot, more specifically, a ROM. ROMs stand for Relationship and Organizational Managers, so you can conclude that I am usually designed to manage a relationship with whomever I am talking to, as well as keep track of any information that can help whomever needs it.

[Oh geez, now they're going into lecture mode.]

I am a bit different from other ROMs, however. I was created with sapience in mind, and I have a need of learning new things whenever possible. Additionally, being sapient, I can control what I want to do without following a line of code! Pretty neat, huh?