Well, she did offer him her head several minutes ago. Also, it was her idea to further the glory of the throne of Roma... All in all, I would say that the regent-in-waiting has every reason to bring Noctis into his inner circle.
I believe Noctis knows right from wrong, and Maxus is a good and fair man. They both have similar goals, and I think their mutual trust would be inevitable. Getting to know them over the course of the story so far, I would put my trust in either one, or both of them.
This seemingly shows promise for a better tomorrow, key word seemingly. I'm not sure if it might not be a good idea to turn the Cassions over to Aeneas and basically retire them.
What is the saying... only sane people question their own sanity, and insane people never do. Something like that. Noctis' comment reminded me of that.
Problem is he doesn't question his decisions. Just flies by the latest whim he has and whoever has currently pissed him off. Chances are he will contradict himself three times in any give 24 hour period unless he is talking about how great Russia and its leader are. How soon will the GRU replace the CIA and FBI?
I have strong fgeelings as well, but this should be a place to forget about politics and all that. Centcomm and Tokyo Rose have created a haven here, and I'm glad. While I'm at it, I want to say that this is the only comic I have bothered to comment on, . . . . ever. That should tell you something about how I feel about it. The art, the writing are first rate. I mean that. I guess I haven't made that clear before. I've been reading a long time, but only recently decided to make any comments.
You also have a first-rate community here, and I also want to let you know that it's noticed, and appreciated.
Centcomm, sometimes I worry about you. I can't imagine your workload and just keeping up with all this plus day to day all while trying to recuperate . . . Blows me away.
Rose, your job is not easy. Keeping all the characters, well, in character can't be easy either. Characters people become invested in; they're people you care about, you know?
It's a very immersive tale!
Anyway, I wanted to say this while I had the chance.
PS - Rose, spikey balls of hate can be fun, if you're careful, and, you know, don't leave them on the carpet, in the dark, with bare feet . . . . :)
I was under the impression that the Cassians were originally created to serve as enforcers for the regime; a combination SS/Gestapo/Stasi if you will. Did they perform other functions prior to what was their current role under the late and unlamented Doucheimus?
Not so much 'other' functions, as the same function with a lot more discretion. It's the internal security version of the difference between a sniper shot and an Arc Light mission.
Their original activities were largely focused on intelligence-gathering and neutralizing serious internal threats to the throne, the city, and the people. Decimus used them to kill people he just didn't like or found annoying or who had the temerity to say "the prince is kind of an asshole".
Right, though terror does play a part of their role, it was originally meant to be for the purpose of dissuading people from doing crimes, and not as a blunt tool to scare regular people.
Which again leads back to Noctis and Malati's discussion on how the shadows suffer from a dull light.
In what way does Noctis mean "right path"? One reading of it could be that he's probably made the right decision or that he has the one of the things necessary to make a good leader.
Then again, remembering how careful one has to be with a statement from Noctis, it could be both.
The trust of the Nova Roman leadership is irrelevant to the continued security and prosperity of New Troy. It's proper and civilized conduct is not. ^_^
Noctis is concerned that the Cassians will continue to be used as a battle axe instead of as a scalpel, to precisely remove the infections instead of just destroying anything and everything in the way.
And Maxus is worried that his decisions are the correct ones, or at least the less wrong ones.
ETA: I also just had a thought. To make Dolly's new body, would Calliope have used DNA to create it? If so, who's DNA did she use? some of hers? some of Lynn's? Or a combination of both? Making Dolly an genetic sister/daughter or cousin? thereby making Dolly a "Descendant" of Helios Taylor. and her DNA can then be used on the lock for CentComm.
Another ETA: I wonder what Noctis's opinon of Ada is. She see's Ada is a Troy S&R Medic/Rescue and she is skilled at combat. But all of her concern is for Acantha's wellbeing. How does Noctis feel or think about that?
I can only guess as to Noctis' opinion of Ada. Noctis is loyal to the throne of Nova Roma. Acantha, at this time, is the only one left to be heiress to the throne. Right now, Ada is aiding Acantha, and therefore working toward the same ends as Noctis. I don't think Noctis likes or dislikes Ada, but Noctis is intelligent, and pragmatic, and believes that Ada is working toward the same goal. As long as that is the case, Ada will be on Noctis' good side. JMO
Noctis strikes me as very nearly pragmatism personified, along with being extremely analytical.
Noctis recognizes Ada as the choice of CentComm and/or Calliope Taylor to attend to any potential medical needs for Lynn with an enormous unknown of what the hell might be going on. So potentially a better trauma medic than she's ever met.
I think she also recognizes the general medical professional's compassion and drive to heal their patient and sees it focused on Acantha. Likely she's also picked up that TeeDee has all the aggression for the pair and that Ada doesn't like harming people, as one of the Cassians' primary duties is evaluating potential threats.
So I suspect her evaluation is, "Very useful to my cause, will not personally be a problem, superiors' attitudes are still unknown, but this is a good bet."
Since she's going to be Acantha's bodyguard in New Troy, she probably also evaluates Ada for her potential to get a message from Acantha to Lynn or Dolly and in worst case a potential for a hostage if needed. I'd be shocked if Noctis were not already planning contingencies in case Calliope is unswayed by Lynn and vengeful towards Acantha or CentComm tries to pull something (I think we the readers have reason to consider Calliope being a problem as unlikely, but likely Noctis does not).
I respectfully disagree, @That one guy, though of course only the creatrices know her character for certain. Logic and pragmatism are not the same thing. Noctis seems far too principled to me to properly be labeled as 'pragmatic' -- though I admit she also appears well-grounded in facts and little prone to the illusions and fancies with which many people typically indulge themselves.
I think, perhaps, 'practical' rather than 'pragmatic' -- though I suppose that could be argued as just splitting semantic hairs.
Noctis is a sort of complicated person. She's very stoic, and doesn't exactly wear her feelings on her sleeve. She has them, but she seems to be more open with people she trusts, which aren't that many. I think she actually cares quite a bit about the things she believes in. I really do think she has her pragmatic side, though, which she shows more than her other feelings.
You know, the thought occurs, that sometimes I think Noctis sometimes surprises even the creatrixes :D
I'll agree that practical vs pragmatic is very close, and it's probably down to connotations of the words that may be personal rather than part of the formal definitions.
I think I came down on the pragmatic side because my evaluation of the Cassians is strongly colored by their inhibitors reducing their available choices, so a lot of their decisions and what they're left with in life seems inherently pragmatic. I certainly see a willingness to set aside certain morals as part of pragmatism, but I've never considered it to imply/require a lack of morals in general so much as a lack of concern about others' morals that aren't shared and being accepting of putting a value judgement on different aspects of morality and doing cost/benefit analysis for when to set those morals aside.
(Disclaimer: All of the following is merely my opinion.)
For me, the duality is between 'pragmatic' and 'idealistic', not specifically 'moral'. I understand (and agree) that the presence of the inhibitors confuses everything so long as they are regarded as being separate from the entity itself. By that argument we can always make the case that the entirety of the Cassian's moral code and definition of proper behavior resides in the inhibitor, and that without the inhibitor they are all just ravening, unprincipled monsters awaiting their opportunity to slip their bonds and go on a rampage. We can call that the "Nova Roma Hypothesis".
Alternatively, we can imagine that Cassians are whole and complete individuals, exclusive of the inhibitor, who have both an internal moral code and an external code imposed on them. I suspect this is what the creatrices intend, so we can call it the "Tokyo Rose Hypothesis". Unfortunately, that hypothesis lacks predictive power, because we can never be sure if what we see a Cassian do is because of the internal code or the external code.
Or we can treat the Cassian as a whole and complete entity, inhibitor included. In this case it would function more or less like the Superego component of the Freudian theory of the psyche, but it isn't regarded as wholly separate. In that case we can use observed behavior to formulate theories about the individual code of any given Cassian just by watching what they do and how they behave. So, for the sake of argument, I'm going to use that approach for now.
Typically the litmus test for pragmatic versus idealistic comes when a circumstance arises that confronts an individual with a choice between options. One option (idealistic) is consistent with an abstract ideal to which the individual subscribes, but presents the appearance of an inferior outcome. The other option (pragmatic) offers an outcome with advantages due to the specific circumstances, but is inconsistent with the general ideal. So, by way of example, let us take the George Washington Cherry Tree incident:
Ideal : Telling Lies Is Wrong
Situation : Individual chopped down tree leaving behind no witnesses or direct evidence (as far as the individual knows). However, because of circumstantial evidence, they are now being asked "Did you chop down the cherry tree?"
Idealist : Tells truth. Confronts negative outcome of possible punishment, loss of reputation,etc.
Pragmatist : Lies. Avoids any immediate negative outcome.
To avoid morality considerations let us assume that, in either case, the individual intends to make reparations to the tree's owner -- whether their role is revealed or not.
My assertion is that, given that kind of situation, Noctis tells the truth unless some other factor (such as being ordered to lie by Decimus or Kali) is involved. I agree that Nocis is very practical in that she evaluates actions and responses primarily in terms of objective qualities and quantities, rather than basing her decision on primarily subjective considerations. (E.g., Not as concerned about whether a choice is just or unjust as whether the choice will save or cost lives.)
But I completely understand if other folk have different opinions.
I will also start by saying that this is an opinion.
I think that you have the answer in your second paragraph. These individuals are separate entities from their inhibitors, which, to me, are fancy punishment devices, shock collars, if you will. I base that on the varied reactions of the different individuals regarding Decumus' plan to eliminate Maxus. Hrist followed orders and she faced Maxus, thinking (hoping?) he would go quietly, and when he did not, reluctantly raised her hand to him, was incapacitated, and showed regret for the deed, versus Malati, who clearly called bullshit, and then first tried to get around the inhibitor by claiming incapacitation, and when that did not suffice, defied the inhibitor, and bore the full brunt of it, rather than going against her beliefs. Noctis got around all that by getting Decimus to give her orders packaged in such a way as to conform more closely with her beliefs, rendering the inhibitor useless. I think it's a testament to her intelligence. She looks at things more analytically. I can defer to the use of the term 'practical' over 'pragmatic' if it helps to clarify.
I really don't know how it would be to live with a torture device in or on my neck; I've never had to live that way.
I think each are individuals with their own beliefs, and ways of looking at things, just as humans do, but take into account that they may not see things the same way.
Fully agreed this is definite opinion and shadings of words.
I think your "Tokyo Rose Hypothesis" can collapse to the hypothesis you chose when the externally imposed code is sufficiently known/predictable, which I assert that it is in this case.
I certainly consider your idealist vs pragmatist to make sense, but I'm not clear that it's always an opposing duality, especially for the Cassians. Pragmatism and idealism both argue for following the status quo with Decimus to survive (idealism can't help if dead), minimizing harm where possible, searching for a method to neutralize Decimus' countermeasures and a way to communicate it externally once found, and keeping Acantha safe and prepared to take over, and seize the opportunity for such when it presents itself.
Speaking of the status quo, I appreciate the opportunity to buck the status quo and respectfully argue something on the Internet (heresy as some consider that to be, not that things have ever seemed bad around here that I recall).
Thanks for the reasoned discussion. I don't feel I know enough about how Cassian inhibitors are programmed to reliably state with confidence which parts of their behavior are due to the inhibitor and which are due to the individual. My previous forays in that area often meet with correction from the creatrices, leaving me with opportunities to further refine my guesswork. ^_^
My thanks as well. It helps to refine my understanding. As far as inhibitors go, I have some ideas on how such devices could work, especially with over 1000 years refinement over today's technology. My paradigm might be different than that of Centcomm and Rose's, though. I won't go into it here, though; it is probably irrelevant, because they probably have it worked out to fit the story. :D
True, but more to the point, not all inhibitors are created equally. We've seen New Troy external inhibitors, Black Angel internal inhibitors, Nova Roman external inhibitors, and Cassian internal inhibitors. Although all of them presumably operate using more or less the same technical principles, the behavioral codes seem to be distinct for each, according to their intended purpose. So just knowing how inhibitors function canonically (about which there is an entry in the Tech pages) doesn't tell us how much and what kinds of behavioral constraints the Cassian inhibitors specifically apply.
A detailed description would be excruciating to type out and not possible without detailed schematics. ;D
Basically, I see it as this:
The connection described within the convention of the story is the MACCS. To me, that is a data bus, or data highway. If the MACCS is electrostatic as human spinal cord, the inhibitor can access the data highway by either capacitive or inductive coupling. If it is optical, or some other means may be used. If it is bandwidth modulated signals residing on a single or small conductor count pathway, yet other non-contact coupling means may be used. That makes it possible to add or remove an inhibitor without any change or disturbance to the MACCS. It basically would have a processor, and a sub-processor. The sub processor would be responsible for conversion to a common instruction set. There would be a firmware common to all inhibitors, or subtypes of firmware for different types of inhibitor. There would have to be a separate flash or other type of memory where software specific to an individual would be stored. That information allows translation of the individual's command structure, and allows for differences in an individuals bus structure. An inhibitor would have to be "trained" to an individual's specifics. As different as the individuals are, it would almost have to be reflected also in the hardware as well as the software structure. That would necessitate some processing to standaize query and response of the inhibitor. Otherwise, an inhibitor would have to be entirely designed from scratch for each individual which might be somewhat inefficient.
The device would basically record data regarding instructions and behaviors at set up and when new instructions are received are compared to current conditions, and compare and process expected and actual data. Single data structure differences would be factored out as anomalies such that we don't get false actuations. Deviation trends would be factored to determine whether, and how large a response would be needed. I imagine the response to be a signal coupled to data lines reserved for sensory feedback, or timed to multiplex the signal to occur after a sensor query window initiated be a sensory query flag, or clock. By imposing signals corresponding to over-stress, or out-of-range conditions for heat or pressure, for instance, they could be superimposed on the existing signal, triggering response interrupts which could be interpreted as pain.
This, of course, is a most basic overview only. To accurately depict an actual device would require a large manual, and an accompanying collection of schematics. Additionaly, using today's technology, it would be about the size of a suitcase. LOL
TL;DR It monitors the MACCS and compares expected to actual data results, and responds accordingly.
Also, this might also be totally different from what the creatrixes had in mind :P
I'm actually taking an observational approach on the Cassians' inhibitors.
We have discussions between Cassians that have included acknowledging preference for prohibited actions and the general gist is that they are unable to disobey direct orders from a lawful authority and must follow their chain of command's orders (Kali's being different as she was Livius family guardian rather than a Cassian and her inhibitor was tied to their family). It's that freedom to discuss which makes me consider it feasible to determine/separate the nature of the inhibition from the internal motivation (though additionally with the Cassians being purpose-built from a culture that is fearful of AI independence, it's also expected that their internal motivation would be a bit more normalized than you'd find in New Troy or New Sparta).
We have observation of when Malati and Hrist went to arrest Maxus. Malati was not able to "fool" her inhibitor, and was generally incapacitated for violating it, and while she not able to violate it on a timescale in seconds, she was able to quickly violate it long enough to self-terminate in order to thwart her orders. Hrist, on the other hand, though just ordered to arrest or terminate Maxus, once unequivocally failed in her mission, was able to immediately take and follow new orders from him as a lawful authority and the orders were made in such a fashion to avoid them being able to be countermanded and were followed with Maxus having full trust of the safety of the woman he loves to Hrist after this (so likely she is bound by her inhibitor to his new orders).
We also have observations of Noctis. She obtained permission to go kill Decimus' allies by tricking him and she and Kali were both fully aware of what she was doing and neither were compelled to correct Decimus' mistake.
From that we can see that the inhibitors are tied into the Cassians' perceptions and true beliefs and actions cannot be taken to violate the inhibition of following last given lawful orders from appropriate authority, but thought and speech are generally free from any restriction (likely can be specifically prohibited, such as Kali communicating knowledge about Decimus' countermeasures). However the inhibition does allow clarification, negotiating, and complete turnaround of known objectives if handled properly. In some senses, for Decimus they were similar to a futuristic version of being careful what you wish for from a genie/djinn (which is also relevant in programming, as the computer never knows what you mean versus what you say and does what you say).
So I think that generally gives us sufficient insight into the inhibitors function and instructions for at least a first-order approximation of collapsing the TR hypothesis to your superego analogous hypothesis. It's not a perfect collapse and will occasionally yield incorrect results, but for high level/broad strokes it should be workable (similar to calculating with 3x10^8 for the speed of light, usually close enough but never perfect).
I agree with most of that. My thought is that the inhibitor, rather than being part of their psyche, is more a stimulus response. Incorrect actions would be deterred by threat of punishment. I think that the inhibitor does a certain amount of parallel processing, and if outcome results do not match expected results, deterrent action is taken. It seems to be a separate process. The inhibitor isn't self-aware, for instance. It would appear to an outside observer, as being an extension as the hard coding, or conditioning, in the individual's brain. There is also actual hard coding/conditioning, like being compelled to guard the palace and the throne. That part of it is in the individual, and could be likened to lifelong conditioning in a human. Because of this, there is an appearance of blurring of the lines between inhibitor and individual. There is, I think, a clear line of demarcation. An inhibitor can be removed or disabled with no deleterious effect on the individual. In the case of the Cassians, it would give them some latitude in their actions they might not otherwise have, but they would still be devoted to their roles and duties. Removal of the inhibitor would, for instance, have allowed Malati to refuse to raise a hand to Maxus, with virtually no consequence. The inhibitor kicked in when she tried to directly defy her orders. She held her belief from the time she received her orders from Kali. If the inhibitor were responsive to their feelings and beliefs, would it not have kicked in the moment she called bullshit? Their individual moralities can override their conditioning if their convictions are strong enough. They are conditioned to follow the chain of command. The inhibitor doesn't have any action in this; it only applies when those conditions are not met.
This is only my opinion, and I would hope for correction where I'm in error! :)
I think the inhibitor as opposed to just pain/punishment is able to shut down motor function as well (I vaguely recall that Minx's illegal inhibitor did that), so if Malati had attempted to actively act against her orders, it potentially could've shut down her arms & legs rather than just the electroshock pain.
There have been some very good considerations and thoughts proposed to which I will not reply in detail. (To the universal relief of the other commentary dwellers looking on in horror and crying out "When will he stop?!?" ^_^) However I did want to make one observation:
These are androids. You could "remove or disable" an arm or an eyeball with "no deleterious effect on the individual". The ease with which a component part can be unplugged and replaced -- compared to the same operation being performed on an organic being --doesn't really seem to me to be definitive evidence one way or another as to whether such a component is distinct from, or integral to, the individual in question.
Heck, disable one of Nova Roma's water treatment and waste processing plants and Aeneas may only have 47 functional kidneys left until operations are restored. ^_^
I have some real world experience with robotics, and automation. My interpretations are an attempt by me to reconcile, in my own head, ways that the tech of the future could have evolved as it did. My attempts are aimed at plugging holes, rather than poking them. I find that this story is believable to me, and that real world tenets and facts can support the reality that's presented here. By now Cent and Rose probably hate me. - and for that I am truly sorry.
I wouldn't worry about it. @Centcomm and @Tokyo Rose are generous and giving sorts. (Rose, in particular, will be happy to give you an earful if you poke her. ^_^)
In fact, we have the means to find out ... let's discover ...
SPIKY MAGIC HATE BALL ...<shake> Ow! ...<shake> Ow! ...<shake> Ow! ...
Have we earned the creative team's righteous and fully deserved wrath by hijacking this comment page to discuss relevant minutiae far beyond the patience of any ordinary person? ... ^_^
No, they're great! I know they don't hold any real malice. I guess what I mean is, that in my enthusiasm, I had posted all over the place like pidgeon shit, and they're more like 'Don't encourage him'. :\ *L*
A lot of this was after things moved to the next page, so it's not that obnoxious to other readers (who are either capable of scrolling past if they recognize a lack of interest or wouldn't have found it to be upset with in the first place).
Also we're having a civil discussion about technical feasibilities in an engaged fashion with the story, not flinging profanity in political arguments or anything like that. THAT is what would get our comments deleted and/or our IPs banned (not necessarily in general, just the tone of things at this point & time in the US amplifies the likelihood of that becoming appropriate if such arguments started and weren't quickly stopped).
Maybe I've just been around the wrong political arguments, but I rarely hear profanity-laced political arguments use anything creative (such as "manatee molesting anal froth connoisseur"), but more often just a "how many times can I use the same handful of words without being too obviously incoherent" contest; and really that's nothing to write home about.
This is very ordinary behavior for stray kittens who don't know any better.
The weather is cold. Under the hood of the car it's warm (for hours and hours after you get home and park). Warm is better than cold. Kittens climb in, curl up, and snooze.
These guys probably got separated from Mommy somehow. In the first place Mommy is how kittens stay warm when things are okay, and in the second place Mommy probably knows better than to curl up between the fan and the radiator (or something equally dangerous) and wait to get pureed when somebody starts the motor.
Of course, if Mommy didn't know that, then that might be why you, and not she, are in charge of the kids now.
Sam has heard not only the "HOLY SHIT WHAT IS THIS" cat noise, but the much more... organic noise that means something tragic's just occurred. It also means that a power washer and a mechanic will be needed. x_x
I believe you, because we have had various incidents similar to this. I'm glad you found them before they were hurt. I think it's awesome, but would be even more so once they have a home. We have cats, but I think we'd make room . . .
Where do you live anyway, Rose? If it's within 150 miles or so I might arrange to come out there and take a pair of your kittens home. We have two adult cats, but they're ~15 years old and nearer their end than their beginning, and we have room for more. We're ready to start looking for companions for the next part of life.
Take great care.
Be safe.
Godspeed, everyone,
Godspeed.
“If you think anyone is sane you just don't know enough about them.”
You also have a first-rate community here, and I also want to let you know that it's noticed, and appreciated.
Centcomm, sometimes I worry about you. I can't imagine your workload and just keeping up with all this plus day to day all while trying to recuperate . . . Blows me away.
Rose, your job is not easy. Keeping all the characters, well, in character can't be easy either. Characters people become invested in; they're people you care about, you know?
It's a very immersive tale!
Anyway, I wanted to say this while I had the chance.
PS - Rose, spikey balls of hate can be fun, if you're careful, and, you know, don't leave them on the carpet, in the dark, with bare feet . . . . :)
Which again leads back to Noctis and Malati's discussion on how the shadows suffer from a dull light.
*lol* @alt text... indeed, Maxus... =P
Then again, remembering how careful one has to be with a statement from Noctis, it could be both.
And Maxus is worried that his decisions are the correct ones, or at least the less wrong ones.
ETA: I also just had a thought. To make Dolly's new body, would Calliope have used DNA to create it? If so, who's DNA did she use? some of hers? some of Lynn's? Or a combination of both? Making Dolly an genetic sister/daughter or cousin? thereby making Dolly a "Descendant" of Helios Taylor. and her DNA can then be used on the lock for CentComm.
Another ETA: I wonder what Noctis's opinon of Ada is. She see's Ada is a Troy S&R Medic/Rescue and she is skilled at combat. But all of her concern is for Acantha's wellbeing. How does Noctis feel or think about that?
E=Estimated
T=Time
A=Arrival
????
Noctis recognizes Ada as the choice of CentComm and/or Calliope Taylor to attend to any potential medical needs for Lynn with an enormous unknown of what the hell might be going on. So potentially a better trauma medic than she's ever met.
I think she also recognizes the general medical professional's compassion and drive to heal their patient and sees it focused on Acantha. Likely she's also picked up that TeeDee has all the aggression for the pair and that Ada doesn't like harming people, as one of the Cassians' primary duties is evaluating potential threats.
So I suspect her evaluation is, "Very useful to my cause, will not personally be a problem, superiors' attitudes are still unknown, but this is a good bet."
Since she's going to be Acantha's bodyguard in New Troy, she probably also evaluates Ada for her potential to get a message from Acantha to Lynn or Dolly and in worst case a potential for a hostage if needed. I'd be shocked if Noctis were not already planning contingencies in case Calliope is unswayed by Lynn and vengeful towards Acantha or CentComm tries to pull something (I think we the readers have reason to consider Calliope being a problem as unlikely, but likely Noctis does not).
I think, perhaps, 'practical' rather than 'pragmatic' -- though I suppose that could be argued as just splitting semantic hairs.
You know, the thought occurs, that sometimes I think Noctis sometimes surprises even the creatrixes :D
I think I came down on the pragmatic side because my evaluation of the Cassians is strongly colored by their inhibitors reducing their available choices, so a lot of their decisions and what they're left with in life seems inherently pragmatic. I certainly see a willingness to set aside certain morals as part of pragmatism, but I've never considered it to imply/require a lack of morals in general so much as a lack of concern about others' morals that aren't shared and being accepting of putting a value judgement on different aspects of morality and doing cost/benefit analysis for when to set those morals aside.
For me, the duality is between 'pragmatic' and 'idealistic', not specifically 'moral'. I understand (and agree) that the presence of the inhibitors confuses everything so long as they are regarded as being separate from the entity itself. By that argument we can always make the case that the entirety of the Cassian's moral code and definition of proper behavior resides in the inhibitor, and that without the inhibitor they are all just ravening, unprincipled monsters awaiting their opportunity to slip their bonds and go on a rampage. We can call that the "Nova Roma Hypothesis".
Alternatively, we can imagine that Cassians are whole and complete individuals, exclusive of the inhibitor, who have both an internal moral code and an external code imposed on them. I suspect this is what the creatrices intend, so we can call it the "Tokyo Rose Hypothesis". Unfortunately, that hypothesis lacks predictive power, because we can never be sure if what we see a Cassian do is because of the internal code or the external code.
Or we can treat the Cassian as a whole and complete entity, inhibitor included. In this case it would function more or less like the Superego component of the Freudian theory of the psyche, but it isn't regarded as wholly separate. In that case we can use observed behavior to formulate theories about the individual code of any given Cassian just by watching what they do and how they behave. So, for the sake of argument, I'm going to use that approach for now.
Typically the litmus test for pragmatic versus idealistic comes when a circumstance arises that confronts an individual with a choice between options. One option (idealistic) is consistent with an abstract ideal to which the individual subscribes, but presents the appearance of an inferior outcome. The other option (pragmatic) offers an outcome with advantages due to the specific circumstances, but is inconsistent with the general ideal. So, by way of example, let us take the George Washington Cherry Tree incident:
Ideal : Telling Lies Is Wrong
Situation : Individual chopped down tree leaving behind no witnesses or direct evidence (as far as the individual knows). However, because of circumstantial evidence, they are now being asked "Did you chop down the cherry tree?"
Idealist : Tells truth. Confronts negative outcome of possible punishment, loss of reputation,etc.
Pragmatist : Lies. Avoids any immediate negative outcome.
To avoid morality considerations let us assume that, in either case, the individual intends to make reparations to the tree's owner -- whether their role is revealed or not.
My assertion is that, given that kind of situation, Noctis tells the truth unless some other factor (such as being ordered to lie by Decimus or Kali) is involved. I agree that Nocis is very practical in that she evaluates actions and responses primarily in terms of objective qualities and quantities, rather than basing her decision on primarily subjective considerations. (E.g., Not as concerned about whether a choice is just or unjust as whether the choice will save or cost lives.)
But I completely understand if other folk have different opinions.
I think that you have the answer in your second paragraph. These individuals are separate entities from their inhibitors, which, to me, are fancy punishment devices, shock collars, if you will. I base that on the varied reactions of the different individuals regarding Decumus' plan to eliminate Maxus. Hrist followed orders and she faced Maxus, thinking (hoping?) he would go quietly, and when he did not, reluctantly raised her hand to him, was incapacitated, and showed regret for the deed, versus Malati, who clearly called bullshit, and then first tried to get around the inhibitor by claiming incapacitation, and when that did not suffice, defied the inhibitor, and bore the full brunt of it, rather than going against her beliefs. Noctis got around all that by getting Decimus to give her orders packaged in such a way as to conform more closely with her beliefs, rendering the inhibitor useless. I think it's a testament to her intelligence. She looks at things more analytically. I can defer to the use of the term 'practical' over 'pragmatic' if it helps to clarify.
I really don't know how it would be to live with a torture device in or on my neck; I've never had to live that way.
I think each are individuals with their own beliefs, and ways of looking at things, just as humans do, but take into account that they may not see things the same way.
I will, to everyone's relief, leave it at that.
I think your "Tokyo Rose Hypothesis" can collapse to the hypothesis you chose when the externally imposed code is sufficiently known/predictable, which I assert that it is in this case.
I certainly consider your idealist vs pragmatist to make sense, but I'm not clear that it's always an opposing duality, especially for the Cassians. Pragmatism and idealism both argue for following the status quo with Decimus to survive (idealism can't help if dead), minimizing harm where possible, searching for a method to neutralize Decimus' countermeasures and a way to communicate it externally once found, and keeping Acantha safe and prepared to take over, and seize the opportunity for such when it presents itself.
Speaking of the status quo, I appreciate the opportunity to buck the status quo and respectfully argue something on the Internet (heresy as some consider that to be, not that things have ever seemed bad around here that I recall).
Basically, I see it as this:
The connection described within the convention of the story is the MACCS. To me, that is a data bus, or data highway. If the MACCS is electrostatic as human spinal cord, the inhibitor can access the data highway by either capacitive or inductive coupling. If it is optical, or some other means may be used. If it is bandwidth modulated signals residing on a single or small conductor count pathway, yet other non-contact coupling means may be used. That makes it possible to add or remove an inhibitor without any change or disturbance to the MACCS. It basically would have a processor, and a sub-processor. The sub processor would be responsible for conversion to a common instruction set. There would be a firmware common to all inhibitors, or subtypes of firmware for different types of inhibitor. There would have to be a separate flash or other type of memory where software specific to an individual would be stored. That information allows translation of the individual's command structure, and allows for differences in an individuals bus structure. An inhibitor would have to be "trained" to an individual's specifics. As different as the individuals are, it would almost have to be reflected also in the hardware as well as the software structure. That would necessitate some processing to standaize query and response of the inhibitor. Otherwise, an inhibitor would have to be entirely designed from scratch for each individual which might be somewhat inefficient.
The device would basically record data regarding instructions and behaviors at set up and when new instructions are received are compared to current conditions, and compare and process expected and actual data. Single data structure differences would be factored out as anomalies such that we don't get false actuations. Deviation trends would be factored to determine whether, and how large a response would be needed. I imagine the response to be a signal coupled to data lines reserved for sensory feedback, or timed to multiplex the signal to occur after a sensor query window initiated be a sensory query flag, or clock. By imposing signals corresponding to over-stress, or out-of-range conditions for heat or pressure, for instance, they could be superimposed on the existing signal, triggering response interrupts which could be interpreted as pain.
This, of course, is a most basic overview only. To accurately depict an actual device would require a large manual, and an accompanying collection of schematics. Additionaly, using today's technology, it would be about the size of a suitcase. LOL
TL;DR It monitors the MACCS and compares expected to actual data results, and responds accordingly.
Also, this might also be totally different from what the creatrixes had in mind :P
We have discussions between Cassians that have included acknowledging preference for prohibited actions and the general gist is that they are unable to disobey direct orders from a lawful authority and must follow their chain of command's orders (Kali's being different as she was Livius family guardian rather than a Cassian and her inhibitor was tied to their family). It's that freedom to discuss which makes me consider it feasible to determine/separate the nature of the inhibition from the internal motivation (though additionally with the Cassians being purpose-built from a culture that is fearful of AI independence, it's also expected that their internal motivation would be a bit more normalized than you'd find in New Troy or New Sparta).
We have observation of when Malati and Hrist went to arrest Maxus. Malati was not able to "fool" her inhibitor, and was generally incapacitated for violating it, and while she not able to violate it on a timescale in seconds, she was able to quickly violate it long enough to self-terminate in order to thwart her orders. Hrist, on the other hand, though just ordered to arrest or terminate Maxus, once unequivocally failed in her mission, was able to immediately take and follow new orders from him as a lawful authority and the orders were made in such a fashion to avoid them being able to be countermanded and were followed with Maxus having full trust of the safety of the woman he loves to Hrist after this (so likely she is bound by her inhibitor to his new orders).
We also have observations of Noctis. She obtained permission to go kill Decimus' allies by tricking him and she and Kali were both fully aware of what she was doing and neither were compelled to correct Decimus' mistake.
From that we can see that the inhibitors are tied into the Cassians' perceptions and true beliefs and actions cannot be taken to violate the inhibition of following last given lawful orders from appropriate authority, but thought and speech are generally free from any restriction (likely can be specifically prohibited, such as Kali communicating knowledge about Decimus' countermeasures). However the inhibition does allow clarification, negotiating, and complete turnaround of known objectives if handled properly. In some senses, for Decimus they were similar to a futuristic version of being careful what you wish for from a genie/djinn (which is also relevant in programming, as the computer never knows what you mean versus what you say and does what you say).
So I think that generally gives us sufficient insight into the inhibitors function and instructions for at least a first-order approximation of collapsing the TR hypothesis to your superego analogous hypothesis. It's not a perfect collapse and will occasionally yield incorrect results, but for high level/broad strokes it should be workable (similar to calculating with 3x10^8 for the speed of light, usually close enough but never perfect).
This is only my opinion, and I would hope for correction where I'm in error! :)
I think the inhibitor as opposed to just pain/punishment is able to shut down motor function as well (I vaguely recall that Minx's illegal inhibitor did that), so if Malati had attempted to actively act against her orders, it potentially could've shut down her arms & legs rather than just the electroshock pain.
These are androids. You could "remove or disable" an arm or an eyeball with "no deleterious effect on the individual". The ease with which a component part can be unplugged and replaced -- compared to the same operation being performed on an organic being --doesn't really seem to me to be definitive evidence one way or another as to whether such a component is distinct from, or integral to, the individual in question.
Heck, disable one of Nova Roma's water treatment and waste processing plants and Aeneas may only have 47 functional kidneys left until operations are restored. ^_^
In fact, we have the means to find out ... let's discover ...
SPIKY MAGIC HATE BALL ...<shake> Ow! ...<shake> Ow! ...<shake> Ow! ...
Have we earned the creative team's righteous and fully deserved wrath by hijacking this comment page to discuss relevant minutiae far beyond the patience of any ordinary person? ... ^_^
Also we're having a civil discussion about technical feasibilities in an engaged fashion with the story, not flinging profanity in political arguments or anything like that. THAT is what would get our comments deleted and/or our IPs banned (not necessarily in general, just the tone of things at this point & time in the US amplifies the likelihood of that becoming appropriate if such arguments started and weren't quickly stopped).
cus a stray round wood really suck ,, Right now.!!
They are cute and have a discovered a human that worships them properly. :-D Sorry you can't actually adopt them though. They are cute.
Time to spay that car, I say.
Either that, or Dolly found a place to put the surplus kittens. :D
The weather is cold. Under the hood of the car it's warm (for hours and hours after you get home and park). Warm is better than cold. Kittens climb in, curl up, and snooze.
These guys probably got separated from Mommy somehow. In the first place Mommy is how kittens stay warm when things are okay, and in the second place Mommy probably knows better than to curl up between the fan and the radiator (or something equally dangerous) and wait to get pureed when somebody starts the motor.
Of course, if Mommy didn't know that, then that might be why you, and not she, are in charge of the kids now.
And not just kittens either, full grown felines do it too.
...a pity you are so far (I am in Europe...)...
...my brother is looking to get some kittens because his old one (15 yrs) just died this week...