It's A Lot More Than That!

We think we were able to reproduce some prime number sequences back at them. So that's something. Well, congratulations. You're a parrot. It's a lot more than that, you cheeky bastard, don't you see? They can't seem to follow our algebra, but complex behaviors, that clicks. Well that doesn't make any sense at all, does it? Problem is, not everyone shares our policy of being open with the aliens. Have you met General Shang? The call sign for him is big domino. Whatever shang does, at least four other nations will follow. Louise? We have to gain ground today. Okay. You have a vocabulary list for me? I do. You're gonna teach them your name and Ian's? Yes, so that we can learn their names if they have names, and then introduce pronouns later. These are all grade-school words: Eat, walk. Help me understand. Okay. Um... Oh, no, no, no! Not the top! Okay, this is where you wanna get to, right? That is the question. Okay. So, first, we need to make sure that they understand what a question is. Okay, the nature of a request for information along with a response. Then, we need to clarify the difference between a specific "you" and a collective "you," because we don't wanna know why Joe alien is here, we want to know why they all landed. And purpose requires an understanding of intent. We need to find out: Do they make conscious choices? Or is their motivation so instinctive that they don't understand a "why" question at all? And... and biggest of all, we need to have enough vocabulary with them that we understand their answer. I get it. Stick to your list. Just don't add anything to it.