Conversation with a Unique Mind.

Ooh, they want me to talk to autonomous Pokémon? That’s pretty cool. And since I’d get paid for this, I might as well. I give a nod to the other Alexander (who I will call Alex so nobody else is confused), before I begin fluttering my wings.

Now to find an autonomous Pokemon… OW! WHO FLEW IN MY WAY?! THAT HURT! ARGH! …So did the trashcan… Now I’m covered in filth… “I’ve heard of a moth to a flame, but this is new.” Hey, who’s making fun of me?! Ow, ow, ow… I’m stuck.

“Hey, uh… Could you help me out, whoever’s taunting me? Please?” Silence… Of course, I’m gonna end up dying here, then- IT’S MOVING! WHAT’S- OW! Oh, it stopped… I’m free! Yes! I’m- oh, the bin fell. Anyways, gotta shake my wings, clean it all up…

But who saved me? I’m looking around, and- Woah! A Porygon! And it’s shiny! Amazing… “I’d ask if there’s something on my face, but I’m aware there is not. Are you alright?” …Wait a second… That’s the same voice…

“Why were you making fun of me?” I must get to the bottom of this straight away! No, wait a second… “Oh, you’re an autonomous Pokémon! Can I ask you questions until you’re sick of me?!” No wait, rephrase that! Too late, it’s gonna answer!

Oh, it nodded. Such a relief. “Of the two, refuse is more likely to make one ill than questions. You sure you don’t want to clean up first mister/miss…?” What? Why would refusing me make anyone ill? It’s just… Gah, it said yes, so just continue!

“Name’s Alexander, and first off, what is your name and gender, Porygon?” Yeah, that sounds like a good start. Let the Porygon introduce itself, or herself, or himself, or whateverself.

“My creator, in all of his glory, named me Matrix. I would consider myself genderless, but common consensus on my personality leads belief towards me being male.” So, the name’s Matrix… Awesome! But is Matrix a dude, or genderless? I’m confused… I’ll just avoid gender pronouns.

“Alright Matrix fella, nice name. Any hobbies you have?” I wonder what Matrix would answer to this… Probably math, or something involving precision, or-

“My current personal project is an encyclopedia of techniques used by the ‘mon in Andalusst. It will take into account individual nuances as well as geographical variations and the anatomical processes involved in the manipulation of Aura.” Uh… So… Oh, he’s making an encyclopedia on moves! That’s neat!

“Wow, so how far are you into that?” I must read it! It’ll be life-changing! Oh wait, the questionnaire thing! “I mean, do you enjoy making this encyclopedia?” This’ll explain everything!

“We’ve created an introduction based on our personal knowledge in order to spread pamphlets out looking for ‘mon willing to offer their own knowledge to the cause.” Oh… Did he hear me? Maybe I should ask again just to make sure. “As for enjoyment, knowledge in all of its forms is always a pleasant endeavour to aquire! Like just a couple minutes ago I learned that certain flying ‘mon should maintain a minimum attitude.” Oh, he did hear me.

“I’ll be sure to grab one of those pamphlets when I can. In the meantime, uh… Question, question…” What do I ask him? There must be something… Oh… “Do you consider yourself alive? How come?” This feels important. I don’t know why, but it does.

“I don’t know in terms of being alive as I don’t fit the criteria for its usual definition but I know for sure I’m not dead because I’m responding to you.” Oh, well… That’s interesting… He matches SOME criteria for the definition of life, so it could be argued…

“I dunno, you seem pretty alive, but if you say so… Next question… I can’t think of any.” I shook my wings again, looking back to the still over-turned trashcan. “Thanks for that, shiny dude! Perhaps we can talk again some other time!” I begin fluttering my wings again, stopping when the Porygon fella spoke up.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance and glad to be of assistance. Do fly higher in the future.” Hardy har har. Eh, time to fly off again, and search the way back. In the air, and…  Oh sweet, there’s the Guild! Right next to me! Landing, and- OW! YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE, NEFARIOUS BIRD! THE SKIES ARE FOR EVERYONE WHO CAN- OW! A trashcan again…?!