Rui did a double-take. Not only was the armor conscious, it was also intelligent. It recognized him. It called him out by name. And it beckoned him. It even displayed a good understanding of its purpose.
He stared at the Armor of Flowing Wisdom, trying to make out exactly where the integrated information was. He had become good at recognizing it, recognizing it in Gaia and even in the universe, as well as in the deep biosphere bacteria that comprised the virus's branch consciousnesses.
"…Can it hear me?"
'I am able to.' The flowing fractal geometries of glowing energy seemed to shift in tempo with the messages that it communicated. 'I have inherited the harmony of my creator. I am able to understand and communicate in languages that he comprehends. You need not speak words to me, for I am able to comprehend your nonverbal language as well. My creator created me specifically for you.'
