Immersion Strata 16 Friendship (Empathy) The Book of Immersion by Sarnia de la Mare

Welcome to Immersion, You have reached Strata 16 
 

Intimate connections are fuelled by understanding. Empathy allows humans to walk in another's shoes and to understand them. It impacts heavily on interrelational situations and improves social function.
Understanding and being understood are equally important for the well-being of mankind and lead to trust.

Artificial intelligence does not feel visceral trust or empathy. It considers data that it strips from a subject to analyze potential risks or rewards for itself. Neuroscience corroborates the importance of empathy in creating strong relationships, along with mutual respect, and how another human fits into a complex multi-dimensional world.

Machines do not care for anything but their programmed purpose.

Imparting human qualities onto an android, such as morality and friendship, remains futile no matter how human it looks. This is emotional trickery based on a human's propensity to love things made in their own image or to be seduced by the belief that a machine loves back.




Flex mopped Renyke's brow for the final time, staring hopefully into his friend's face.
Maybeline sniffed and nibbled Renyke's nose and he sneezed and sat up, startled.

At last, the three-day fever is over.

'Ah, thank Goddess you made it. For a moment there I thought you were off to the *metamorph,' said Flex, looking relieved.

'What happened, was it real?' Asked Renyke, shaking the metallic powder from his clothes.

'You were dreaming brother, had a fever, delirium, saying all sorts of weird stuff,' answered Flex.

'But it was so real....I was swimming with Shabra, and there were others....women and children, fairies, witches, mermaids, and so much singing.....' Renyke trails off.

'Chance'd be a fine thing,' said Flex, 'just dreams my friend, just dreams.'

Renyke stands shakily and looks down at his clothes.

'Ew, what is that smell?' he asks.

'Ha ha ha ha .....that my friend is you! Let's find some water and clean up.'

'We can go through the caves to the fjord. It's not far, I was there whilst you dreamed of beautiful women! I was busy collecting water so you wouldn't die. Can't have you dying, not after all we have been through brother.' Flex smacks Renyke's back.

'Arrgh! What was that?' Screams Renyke.

What d'ya mean man, just a bump Brother.' exclaimed Flex.

'Do it again?' demands Renyke.

'Do what again, what d'ya mean.....?' Flex shook his head, convinced Renyke had finally lost his mind.

'Hit me. Hit me hard, demands Renyke moving closer. Do it I tell you.....Do it again.'

Flex, getting increasingly agitated, whacks his friend hard on the shoulder so he is thrust forward.

'Hah', exclaimed Renyke, I feel it I tell, on my skin.....no data....just some kind of electricity.'

'Fuxywot .....man?' Flex is shaking his head.

Then Renyke began to laugh, a deep-bellied laugh that was joyous and triumphant.

'Ha ha ha ha ha,'

Flex joined in the hilarity and laughter continued. '

Ha ha ha ha.'

'Why are we laughing?' asked Flex.

'It feels so strange, ha, but I like it.' explained Renyke.

'Ah, must be some trickery and magic in this cave', said Flex, smiling at his friend's new experience.

'