Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka watched Emilty walk away as well, before replying.

"Personally, I think we do so because of the same reason your people hold equality in such high regard: it is our culture. There is no reason, it is how it is.", Aeka spoke with little conviction. "But there is some reason behind it, I think: it shows that you are successful and powerful, and such individuals are desirable mates. At least, that's how my mother explained it to me when I was little."

[Maria Latharion]

"I see."

Maria continued to eat quietly for a few moments.

"Aeka, I hate to bring up work during diner, but I would like your opinion on something. To be specific what you think the senate thinks about the recent change of government for my people. From their reactions so far I get the feeling they are less than willing to accept it. They seem to be taking every chance they get to call the ACA into question. Which in these troubled times is hard not to take personal. I want to know if this is just me, or if others noticed it too."

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka looked at Maria.

"Don't worry, there is not such thing as bringing up work. We're both politicians, it is as possible for us to stop being a senator because office hours are over as it is for an ant to become a Jedi. We are always working, even if we take time off to go to a dinner."

"I would be glad to give my opinion in the matter, both from a veolian point of view as well as my analysis of the reactions of others. I have already given the matter some thought, as I had planned on contacting you directly to discuss the matter, but held off for fear that you did not want any advice on the matter. It is good that you also realise that something doesn't sit well with the senate.

I think I know why the senate reacts this way. Unfortunately, I'm sure you won't like what I have to say on the matter. As you already said, sometimes it's hard not to take it personal. As such, it might be better if we discuss the matter in a more private setting. Might I suggest we discuss the issue over drinks after dinner? We could move to purgatory, where we can get some privacy."

[Serrah]

Before Maria could reply, Serrah spoke up.

"Mistress, wouldn't it be easier if you and Maria discuss the matter tomorrow?"

[Maria Latharion]

"I'm not too fond of night clubs. But I would like to know today if possible." Maria replied.

Just at that moment Emily returned and took her seat.

"Everything all right?"

[Emily Hunteria]

"Yes, everything is fine." Emily said with a smile.

"Why so serious?" She asked in general.

[Maria Latharion]

"Nothing, nothing at all." Maria said with a smile. "Just asking Aeka's opinion on something."

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka, catching the fact that Maria wasn't really forthcoming to her partner, decided not to bring up the subject.

"Maria, Emily, I have never given the matter any thought. Does your species sleep?"

((OOC: If you want, you can start a second thread for the opinion-thing; I'm not sure where our characters will end up eventually speaking about it eventually though -- I'll leave that up to you if you decide to start a thread (either embassy would work, purgatory is still an option (since they have the Senators' Lounge as well now), Aeka's home would work as well (though that is basically the same as the veolian embassy, the setting is subtly different) someplace private at least.))

[Maria Latharion]

"Yes, we do sleep. Though technically we don't need to. You see like most species we need REM sleep, but our cybernetics can take over this function and perform it while we are awake and active.

Most Astrians still try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day, because sleep is considered part of a healthy lifestyle. People exercise regularly for the same reason."

((OOC: I'll think about it. I'll send you a PM if I want to hear the opinion-thing.))

[Nehket Aeka]

"So, there is no reason for the Astrians to require sleep? Why then is sleep considered part of a healthy lifestyle? You can get so much more done if you don't. It sounds like your cybernetics can do everything... Are there things your people can't do with cybernetics?"

Aeka took a bite of food while listening to the reply.

((OOC: I think it would be good to do the opinion thing, it might explain some of the reactions from others...))

[Emily Hunteria]

"The brain needs to rest just as the rest of the body." Emily replied before Maria could. "Also the REM cycle of our implants takes up all the processing capacity the implant has and takes twice as long. During which we can't use most of it's functions. It also increases mental ageing."

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka kept silent, as she was chewing on a bite thoughtfully.

A while later, she looked at Emily.

"Mental ageing? What is that?"

[Emily Hunteria]

"It's the ageing of the mind. As a result their mental capabilities become less. In some cases this can lead to dementia or other complications.

The brain ages just like the body does and there is a limit to how long the brain can function. In most species the rest of the body usually gives out before the brain does, but for full cyborgs this is never the case. They die when their brain can no longer function properly. According to current estimates that is about 200 years for Astrians."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Interesting. And these implants increase mental ageing... So in effect you can trade life span for continuous labour. I see how that might be a difficult choice."

Aeka took another bite.

[Maria Latharion]

"Not really." Maria commented dismissive.

"Most people rather have a longer lifespan, with a bit more free time. Sometimes just doing nothing can be very relaxing."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Well... Sleeping isn't really free time, in my opinion. It's basically just a waste of time, lying about doing nothing. Though I might think so because I don't have to sleep."

Aeka took another bite of food, and remained silent.

[Maria Latharion]

The two Astrian women finished their diner.

"Aeka, as much as I've enjoyed this diner I'm afraid Emily and I need to leave. We have other plans for the evening and I rather not be late."

Maria and Emily stood and bowed.

"I wish you both a pleasant evening and I've taken care of the bill."

If Nehket or Serrah had anything to say they stayed and listened, otherwise the two women left.

((OOC: This was fun but I think it's good to end it here.))

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka and Serrah rose as well.

"It is the same for us, Maria. And thank you."

Aeka and Serrah bowed to the other two women, and left as well, though they did so a little later.

((OOC: Sure. Thanks for the roleplay ^_^))