Convention of the Arts.

[Corsair]

Incoming transmission.
Source: Ames Research Station, Kepler
Identification: A.A.A.I

Greetings, Zoners of the Trading Consortium, of the Temporary Autonomous, Independents, Defense Forces, and any other far-flung Zoner flag-holders. I come to you today with an arrangement, not for technology or favors, but of culture.

War and conflict clouds Sirius today, and I seek to find a balance, a union that will connect each House together. I am of course referring to the numerous prodigal, revolutionary, or otherwise talented artists of the human race. Artists can express themselves through visual art, written art, musical art, anatomical art, and practically every variation in between. I seek to bring them together for just two dozen hours.

I considered my possibilities. No House can hold this event, for each has their enemies, and I seek to exlude no-one. Therefore, I ask to use one of your neutral Freeports to hold this event, or, if at all possible, your luxurious system of Baffin. I know how you hold your Temple in high regard, so I would of course respect your privacy and hold it far from the place.

If a Freeport is more suitable, I was wondering which one might be most accessible for all Houses. The primary reasoning behind Baffin is that it is accessible through the Border Worlds, which all Houses will have an easier time to cross.

What would happen is this. Artists of any number from each House would travel to our designated location, and set up their work there for the press to convey to each House, uncensored and free. No military from any House would be allowed to attend. The last thing I want is some House accusing me of conspiracy. The artists would leave the Zoners this wealth of multicultural art as payment for being host. Surely that is worth more than any number of credits.

If an arrangement is found, I will begin the broadcast for the artists to prepare and set a date for the meeting. I hope you will accept this offer to learn more of the workings of the human creative ability.

Now, you may wonder why I would bother going through the trouble of organizing this. It is no secret that I am working on a Psyche Map of Sirius. I decided that interviewing pilots in space is not the only way to determine cultural influence. This will give me a second data feed to complete my map.

Thank you for your time, Zoners. Until we speak again, this is Ai, and I must get back to my studies.

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[Malaclypse 666]

To: AAAI
From: Malaclypse
Subject: Arts Fair

What an ingenious idea! I believe the Church wouldl indeed be interested in sponsoring such an event, sir/madam!

We have already become the defacto "Melting Pot" of Sirius in a sense, with Embassies, Consulates, and "guests" from a myriad of various cultures and groups. Why not become an art venue as well!

And, to tell the truth, being the Honorary Judges at the Annual Dung Sculpture Contest on Gran Canaria has become a bit of a bore. The Harvest Festival there wasn't really very "artsy" in the first place.

Count us in! Keep me in the loop as to date and time, and any further plans. A bit of culture is good for the soul, and the Pineal!

Regards,
Malaclypse
Patron of the Arts

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[Corsair]

Excellent! I knew I could count on the Zoners. I shall prepare the invitation at once. We may arrange a rental spot in Baffin later.

I cannot believe it slipped my mind, but my name is Ai, short for A.A.A.I, acronym for the Advanced Assistance Artificial Intelligence. Most people simply call me Ai, and I hope I can find the same level of friendly informality with you, Sir Malaclypse. Keep an eye on the news broadcasts for the invitation.

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