Designation Code: Al-An

Greetings. In an effort to study humans, I have created this “blog”. I aim to further my knowledge of this fascinating species, and in turn share data about my own kind.

[architectanswers]

Greetings. I am Al-An, former lead researcher of Kharaa on the planet your species has designated “4546B”.

I have been informed of this site where humans communicate with each other over long distances. It is a primitive, yet effective method similar to my network…

I have decided to utilize this to gain insight on your species. And perhaps I will share data on my own species, in time.

I believe this will be an effective method of research.

//hi guys, this is my al-an ask blog!

//i will be answering asks from a post-below-zero pov. he will know about stuff like music, dreams, etc, but will only have a very vague and limited grasp on them. i believe this will be a little more interesting and will allow for more flexibility with questions!

//have fun!! 💜

[architectanswers]

Is your tail used for anything, or is purely for decoration? It's so small and stubby!

My tail acts as a counterbalance when on land. Although short, it holds a significant amount of weight. It also assists in storing energy required for my minor teleportation, which is where the weight comes from.

It is also short as to not impede on space. A longer tail would make it more likely that I accidentally knock something over. A short tail stays out of the way.

[architectanswers]

(My Subnautica obsession came back thanks to Subnautica 2, and now I found this great account 🥹)

Hello AL-AN! I would like to introduce you to my favorite creatures on Earth: snow leopards 🥰

They have big paws to help them walk on snow. They also carry their tails in their mouths sometimes, tho we're not sure why they do this. The theories are that they do this to either keep their tails from getting wet, to warm the air they're breathing, or just to play

I wonder if you have a favorite creature? Either from Earth or a different planet, maybe 4546B?

Interesting behavior indeed… and they are quite beautiful. As for my own favorites, I am particularly fond of the Sea Emperor. I still feel great amounts of guilt for what we did to her. I mourn that we were never able to communicate. She was wonderful though, and I hope her offspring have flourished on 4546B.

As for Earth species, I do not know many. Of the ones I am aware of though, the African Grey is my favorite. It is an intelligent bird species on your planet, and I find that to be fascinating.

[architectanswers]

Hiii its me againnn

Do you ever feel sad that you can't eat food? Because for humans, eating provides an emotional response in addition to nutrients. I don't think I'd make it if I could never eat a good dish of spaghetti again 🤤

Maybe one day you can fabricate a vessel with digestive organs and see what all the excitement is about.

I do not feel sad, but I am very curious. While I cannot eat your food, I can smell it. It is typically a pleasant sensory experience. I find I enjoy the smell of most herbs over other foods. Rosemary is particularly appealing.

Perhaps one day I will temporarily modify my vessel for the sake of tasting food, though it is low on my list of priorities.

[architectanswers]

I'm curious to know the purpose of your horns :3

My horns are primarily for sensory input. They are more sensitive to touch and assist in noticing smaller shifts around me outside of my peripheral vision. I believe the human term would be “eyes on the back of ones head”, though they are not the same as I do not see with them.

[architectanswers]

Hey AL-AN! Me again ^~^

What kinds of music has Robin shown you? Do you think you have a favorite human song, or do you just listen to whatever for scientific value?

Music has much variety, as I have been shown. I prefer those without lyrical accompaniment, as it is easier to hear the instrumentation. Because of this, I find classical music to be the most enjoyable. It has many different sounds at times, so to be more specific, I prefer calm music. It has helped greatly to focus when I find myself distracted.

im so sorry ive been gone for so long omg. life has been INSANE 😭

i had finals, then my birthday, then i was in new york, then i broke up with my boyfriend of 3 years, then i got a job, point is…. ive been busy LMAO

but im back!!! i promise i have not abandoned this!!!!!!!!

[architectanswers]

Hello Al-An. I don't know if anyone has asked this before, but does your species have any ways of showing affection? For a human example, if we're with someone we feel comfortable and, and we feel a deep appreciation of some sort (typically platonic or romantic love), we may wrap one or both arms around the person if they're okay with that specific physical contact. In case this hasn't been asked/mentioned before, the human example I provided is called a hug. Also, I hope you're doing well. :)

We do not often show physical affection, as it is deemed unnecessary. Most emotional communication is done through our biolights. The pink color I typically retain is our neutral state, and purple often represents feeling content or pleased. A lighter purple is more akin to affection.

If we do show physical affection, it is typically through brushing the side of one’s flank against another. It is a simple and unobtrusive sign of care.

[architectanswers]

This is how I feel about you tbh. With me as the yellow figure and you as the cat

I am assuming this is a positive feeling? I suppose I am similar to the cat, in how many of you appear to ask me questions and show me images. I do appreciate it though.

[architectanswers]

i'm throwing him for enrichment. tiny ryley <3

I do not think that is proper handling. Though it appears to be a plush figure of the human and not the human himself, so I suppose it is not too dangerous.

[architectanswers]

Have some pics!

The girl in the last picture is me, with the face unseen for safety reasons. The people in the third-to-last picture I do not know

I appreciate your images of scenery. Each one shows more of the beauty of your planet. The nature is vast and lush, and it is a pleasant sight.

[architectanswers]

Have a rainbow!!! I know it’s not a strictly-Earth phenomenon, since it’s about light reflecting off water droplets or something, but hey at least you’ve got a vague idea of how some (SOME!) streets look like. (Also rainbows are pretty.)

Again - SOME. No one country, of which there are many, has the exact same culture and therefore the exact same style of architecture.

(And - hey, the rainbow is even double!!)

Yes, I have witnessed this phenomenon many ways in many forms. Though despite this, I aways find it’s beauty to be captivating.

Is there significance to seeing two rainbows at once, or is it simply a matter of being aesthetically pleasing?

[architectanswers]

Spring flower attack!!!

No rain nor mud nor sudden cold can get my spirit down if flowers are nearby!

You’re free to analyze Earth’s flora however you like, I’m just happy to provide the flowers yayyy

These specimens are quite diverse amongst each other. I appreciate the images you have shared, as I have gathered useful data from them. It seems flowers elicit a positive response as well. I assume it is due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance?

[architectanswers]

AL-AN 🗣️💥💥💥!!! I’m guessing Architects don’t usually wear clothes BUT if you were to wear some what would they be? Me personally, I feel like you’d be an argyle sweater vest kinda guy. With like, a button-up dress shirt underneath and a pair of tan dress pants. Though since you’ve got four legs I guess you’d have to wear two pairs of pants. You could probably like, mix and match or smth. Anyways, I digress, what are YOUR thoughts 🫵🤨?

If I were to wear clothing, I believe it would be different from human clothes to accommodate my anatomy. It would have to allow for full mobility, and it would have to be sparse to retain the visibility of my biolights.

With this in mind, I believe I would wear something less traditional. Likely accessories rather than regular clothing.

[architectanswers]

Today is my first day at my new job and I'm a little nervous. Please wish me luck 🥺

I am unsure what wishes will accomplish, though I apologize for missing your request. Through what I have learned of humans, I believe you will have success in your future. I will lend hope towards you achieving this goal.

[architectanswers]

Al-an! How are you liking this 'social media' thing so far? Do architects have anything similar to this outside of the network?

I am enjoying it, as I have gathered useful data on humans through what they have shared with me. My kind does not have this, as our network is far more efficient. Having a secondary optional method of communication would be inefficient in the sharing of information.

I can see the appeal in sending imagery, though. Perhaps adjustments could have been made to share images across the network. It would certainly make communication more efficient by providing a visual rather than a long description. If I were still connected to it, I would push for it’s addition.

[architectanswers]

This is Zoya and she’s the director of a souvenir shop.

The fact she’s an animal doesn’t matter at all. She has her own place to sleep in the shop, with a special sign saying that she’s the director and she’s not for sale.

We take cats with varying levels of seriousness

This creature is considered to be higher status than others, then? It is admirable that an animal managed to hold such a position. I find myself impressed at such a feat.

[architectanswers]

I am currently in a different city than I’m usually in, so have a very pretty picture I took of it! The featured body of water is a river, despite how wide it is.

The view is indeed a pleasing sight. Do humans travel around their planet frequently? It seems to be an excellent opportunity for research and education into one’s own homeworld.

My kind traversed many planets in countless systems. It has proven useful. Perhaps I will visit your planet at some point in time, though it is not a guarantee.