Part 4 of “Mission” followed Ruby’s second contact, a much more friendly experience, but unfortunately some consequences from the less successful first contact had followed her. In this fifth part of the six part series, Ruby needs to use some diplomacy, as well as her quick wits.
Mission – Part 5: Diplomacy
An original story by Scarlettt
“Discreetly ask Anna to leave,” advised Melanie. “These locals are not really interested in her. Then stand up slowly and adopt Intermediate Stance 137”.
Anna understood Ruby’s small hand gesture, got up, stepped away and hurried into the crowd in the club, looking back nervously a few times.
Like all the stances and moves, Ruby knew Intermediate Stance 137 very well. It was a stance with an outward appearance of relaxed calm, but allowed the muscles to be pre-tensed ready for springing into an energetic following move.
“We will attempt to defuse this situation with a dialog,” continued Melanie. “Should this fail, turn 57 degrees to your current left and run at 75% of your normal stamina training speed. That will be more than sufficient to outrun these locals”.
According to her dancers’ instinct, Ruby exercised these moves in her mind, ready to use them.
Melanie went on. “The drama-conflict pattern is probably this. The local thinks in terms of a linear attractiveness scale which is also linked to a form of social hierarchy, similar to that observed in birds once domesticated for their egg laying capabilities…”.
Ruby visualised that reference. She had once visited a farm museum and had been amazed that animals had once been kept in cages, and used for food. Such cruelty and inefficiency!
Melanie’s analysis continued. “As such, the local interprets the drama-avoidance maneuver with her as a personal rejection, now made worse by your apparent preference for another individual she perceives as being lower in the social order.”
Ruby felt deeply calm as she carefully stood up. Obviously Melanie was adjusting her hormone levels to help with dealing with the situation.
“Oh, I was just comforting the poor little thing”, Ruby said. “She’s lonely because she wants to keep out of this ‘club war’ thing. I see that you are also one of those smart, independent-minded people who don’t want this argument to spoil your fun…”.
The local smiled at this. “Yeah”, she said. “Too many drama queens and too many big egos. Us smarter people see through all the b-s and get on with the more important stuff… such as good hard sex.”. The local giggled.
Ruby made a vague slow nodding gesture to this. A sort of vague affirmation…
“I misjudged you aliens,” continued the local. “You are obviously smart as well. Another time we can be really good friends, perhaps..”. She placed a hand on Ruby’s shoulder, then with a curt nod of her head, indicated that the hares were to follow her. They did so obediently as the local walked off, one of them taking a last admiring glance at Ruby as they left.
“Well played, Ruby,” said Melanie. “I think we have gathered enough information for now. Let’s return to the lifting vehicle….”.
Thinks Melanie is really a Madam and will attempt to recruit Ruby as a good breeder on her bunny farm – giggles.
There’s probably a market for ‘Madam’ AIs! ;->