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[terminally_clever]

[After spending some time looking around town, talking with locals, and efficiently gathering information, Fumi's ready to introduce herself to the network.  Except it's not so much an introduction as a combination lecture / interrogation.  She doesn't have time for idle pleasantries - there is a new research topic afoot.  Her face is expressionless as she launches right into her diatribe.]

Persona.

A concept first introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung in the early twentieth century, described as 'a kind of mask, designed on the one hand to make a definite impression upon others, and on the other to conceal the true nature of the individual.'

[Dry and pedantic, just like she likes it.  Although at this point, her features take on a hint of frustration.]

I have vague memories of having heard this word shortly before waking up in this city, and given the rather abrupt nature of my arrival, I feel safe in assuming the word holds a more significant meaning in this place than would normally be suggested by traditional psychological terminology.  I've also gathered that I'm far from the only person to have arrived in this way, or to have experienced that vague dream upon arrival.

So, Hinoto-Ri, what can you tell me about the Persona phenomenon, and what is the most efficient way to awaken one?  Please make your responses as brief and concise as possible.  I may have found my next research topic.

[The woman smiles before ending the feed and waiting for responses.]

Comments

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[testsubject031]

A lotta people here seem to need to be in danger to get theirs up and at'em, but some of us obtained them a different way, or even before comin' to this place.

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[terminally_clever]

Oh? That's the first I've heard of that. Go on.

(ooc: Also, does Labrys have an illusion up or is she visibly robotic looking at the moment?)

[testsubject031]

((ooc: She can't do the illusion anymore :3 All robot!))

Well, y'see, I got mine by acceptin' my shadow self.

[terminally_clever]

Interesting. So even artificial lifeforms are capable of awakening a Persona. But this is the first I've heard someone mention a shadow.

[testsubject031]

[She can't deny that she is an artificial lifeform, but the way this woman says it...]

Ya gotta have heart to have a persona. It doesn't matter what you are.

Shadows are your hidden self that you don't want people to know about. But if you have the ability to accept'em for what they are, they become your persona.

[terminally_clever]

[Fumi tells it like it is. Warmth and sympathy was always more Otome's thing.]

And you say you awakened yours before coming here, is that correct? Are there any others here for whom that was also the case?

[testsubject031]

[Fumi reminds her of people she isn't quite comfortable being with, to say the least. She needs to know something before she goes blabbing anymore.]

You ain't a part of Kirijo Group's Ergo Research, are ya?

[terminally_clever]

Kirijo Group? No, I've never heard of them.

[She is with a secret Japanese government research installation, but it's not that one. :3]

[testsubject031]

So you don't know what I am.

Maybe if she speaks generally, it'll sate the lady's curiosity.]

Yeah, there're others who already had personas.

[terminally_clever]

And they all awakened them in the way you've just described? I wonder what makes you all different from the rest of us. Given that you're the first one I've met, I would assume previous Persona users are something of a minority in this place.

[testsubject031]

I dunno how many visitors there are, I haven't been stuck here very long.

[terminally_clever]

Hmm. Well, it seems more likely that the other methods I've heard described will yield better results in my own case. But your situation is certainly intriguing as well.

[testsubject031]

[Had she just attracted unwanted attention? Or was this woman okay to trust? It's certainly hard to tell.]

Y'could say that.

[terminally_clever]

It's a shame the machine I've been working on isn't finished yet, although I think studying the Persona phenomenon may be a perfect practical application for it.

[testsubject031]

A machine?

[She wonders if this is something her friends should know about.]

[terminally_clever]

A device to monitor the physical health and mental condition of the person inside. Similar to a combined MRI/CAT scan, but I'd like for it to be able to provide an even more complete picture of the state of the patient than just that.

[testsubject031]

[Well, that was kind of unexpected. Judging by context, both humans and robots can be examined with machines to be diagnosed.]

I see...

[Kind of! Maybe?]

[terminally_clever]

Well, that about covers it. So, I've shared a bit about myself. Now it's your turn.

[REVEAL YOUR ROBOTIC SECRETS UNTO HER]

[testsubject031]

I already told ya something about me, didn't I?

[terminally_clever]

I was under the impression that taking turns sharing details about one's life was generally how a conversation could be expected to proceed. Perhaps I was mistaken.

[Is she being sarcastic? It's honestly hard to tell. Fumi's never been very good with people.]

[testsubject031]

Oh...well I...

[If that's what people do, then she should share something more. But this lady rubs her the wrong way. It's hard to tell if she's trustworthy.]

[terminally_clever]

[sigh]

You could start with your designation, perhaps.