3.2 - AB OVO

Ab Ovo is an independent city-state. Located in the south of the globe, it is widely considered to be one of the most technologically developed places in the world. Heralded for its developed infrastructure and towering high rise buildings, one would need sharp street smarts and persistence to live in this sink-or-swim nation.

This is a perfectly democratic nation. Led by an AI system, every idea is valued. As a member of Ab Ovo, you have the right to vote on any issue of your choosing (For those 18 and above). Due to the efficiency of operations, Ab Ovo can afford to entertain ideas of any kind.

In terms of education systems, Ab Ovo is well-versed with various universities offering a variety of courses. From architecture to advertising, career options are almost endless. A bustling economy encourages entrepreneurs to test themselves in what is perhaps the fastest nation in the world.

Population: 10,020,027

Area: 618 km2

Literacy rate: 98.2% (15 years and above)

GDP (as per 2535) : 512,354,727 Credits

As space is limited, and with a population of over 10 million, policies have been implemented restricting birth rate and immigration. While met with initial backlash, many have accepted its importance. Furthermore, one can often see tall high rise housing apartments called tohmons, sometimes housing up to 1,500 people per block.

*For more information regarding common communication with Ab Ovians, refer to 5.5 - Connections phase 1

It was not a forgiving night for Fons. He tossed and turned in bed, unable to escape his racing mind. It seemed as if he were just as confused as Silas was. Lying on the floor, the warmth of the sun had already been replaced by cold winds and a glimmering moon in the night sky. Dinner plates from the evening had been hastily stuffed in the dishwasher that was starting to cause a racket, water swirling and splashing. Not to mention Fons’ sleeping partner. Silas had lumbered into a single bed along the wall which creaked as he breathed in and out. A true orchestra of the night.

Fons wasn’t “sleepy” at all. He hadn’t even changed into “pyjamas” like Silas did. Dressed in the same clothes he wore in the afternoon, It felt as if every fibre of his body was buzzing. The door called to him.

One step, two steps.

It would just be some time outside. Where he could stretch his legs and be devoid of the confines of the apartment.

Chick.

Funny. The door hadn’t opened like it did earlier in the afternoon. Fons recalled Silas tapping in some sort of key on a keypad. But there wasn’t a keypad at all on the inside. What to do, what to do…

Maybe another try.

Chick.

Another?

Chick.

Fons peeked his right eye through a gap in the door. Regardless of the hour, it was buzzing outside.

He looked towards the Oculus window. A canvas of stars and illuminated buildings filled his vision.

“Back to sleep, dude”

Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Insides squirming, Fons headed back to the carpet. He would explore another day. Now would be time to, “fall asleep”. It hadn’t been listed as a difference between droids and humans, thus this should be entirely possible for him.

It may have taken fifteen minutes. It may have taken two hours. But slowly, Fons felt sleep take over him. Sinking into the floor, eyelids collapsing, his eyes rolled to the back of their sockets, his body drifting into a cozy, foreign, sleep.

Sun shining, birds chirping, Fons awoke the following day. Peeling open his eyes, out the corner of his vision he spotted Silas back near the microwave.

“Look at you, awake in the morning. I thought it would just be me here.”. Silas ushered Fons to a chair next to the countertop and after explaining to Fons what a Pancake was, sat down himself with a tall mug of brown liquid. “It’s coffee. The elixir of life.”, he said, looking at Fons expectantly.

“Good morning.”

“And?”

What did Silas mean? Perhaps Fons needed to do something with his facial expression? Did he want to read the book?

“You sure slept soundly, huh?.”, Silas said

“It was actually hard to sleep”

“Well, it wasn’t easy for me to sleep when someone was attempting to escape during the night…”

So that’s what Silas was talking about. Fons’ late night escapade attempt. But for what?

“What am I supposed to do?”

There was a pregnant pause. Silas rubbed his temples. Fons heard him muttering, It’s too early for this.

“Does that book not come with a “manners” section? Like, how to talk to people. Maybe you should read that. Actually, make that a priority. It’s only 7:20, we have a bit of time.”

Based on the note from 3.2, Talking to Ab Ovians would be in 5.5 - Connections, Fons assumed.

Skimming it, Fons’ eyes picked up a section named Manners.

5.5 - Manners:

It is important to ensure that one is not a nuisance to others, or comes across as a burden. Especially in a place like Ab Ovo. When disrupting their privacy or peace, being aware of your actions is of chief importance. Actions recognising one's impact on others, and general caring would be considered “Manners'' and is smiled upon in society. Sincerity is key, thus making eye contact and acknowledging others is the backbone of interpersonal relationships.

Especially “sorry”. Remember, “sorry”. It is extremely effective.

Ex.

Person A is looking to leave the room. They need to use the bathroom. However, they are currently in the middle of a conversation with Person B

Person A: “Uhm, I really would like to get back to this, but may I use the bathroom? I’m so sorry.”

Person B: “Of course.’

While it may seem as if this was unnecessary, it was important for Person A to establish that they were interrupting the flow of conversation, and were not bored of talking to Person B. (Even if Person A were bored, this would still be a necessary step showing good manners)-

Ah. He must have interrupted Silas’ sleep.

Fons looked Silas dead in the eyes.

“Uhm, I really am sorry, sorry for keeping you up last night. I’m so sorry.”

Silas gave him a look. His brow had been scrunched until that moment. Then it slowly broke out into a consoling, sympathetic smile.

“I guess I could accept that as an apology.”

“Did I do it right?”

“Sorta”. He gestured towards the plate of Pancakes. “You gonna eat those?”

Fons admitted it. “I, as a droid, do not require food. I can consume it, but would be advised against it in large quantities. Though I have been suggested weekly consumption of lubricant…”

“Then why the hell did you...nevermind.” Silas proceeded to cover his stack with what seemed like the whole canister of whipped cream and chomped a bite larger than his mouth. In between bites, he began to explain the plan.

“Since I can’t quite trust you home alone, you should come with me to work with that book of yours. Make sure you take in as much of that as you can. Crossing my fingers it gives you proper instructions.”

“To work?”

“Yeah! Breakfast is over, Fons. The morning is where a real man starts his day.”

Chucking the crockery back in the dishwasher, Silas pulled his boots on, grabbed a backpack, and marched out the front door.

“You coming or not?”

Fons got up as well.