>>145238
The spectral form appears to be mimicking Francis's movements.
Can you confirm our visual?

David 2010/03/10(Wed)18:12 No. 145241 ID: 9e9b47
File 126827352434.png - (23.60KB , 800x600 , 20.png )

Hey there, guys! Sorry about that. Can't talk to you guys while I got the helmet off.

>>142570

What? A vaguely...

Wait. There it is. It takes a minute for my eyes to see it, but there it is. It looks... vaguely like a woman. She smiles at me once I look directly at her. She beckons me with a finger... and then begins to disappear slowly. Her form becomes less distinct in front of my eyes...

I can't stop looking at her. Though she's insubstantial... there's something familiar about her. My eyes stare into where hers would be.

>>145241
Approach her, but proceed with caution.
I really hope that Saturn isn't the solar equivalent of innsmouth...

Head towards the girl, Dave. The girl.

David 2010/03/10(Wed)20:19 No. 145306 ID: 9e9b47
File 126828119484.png - (19.77KB , 800x600 , 21.png )

>>145243

Innsmouth? C'mon, that's only in a stor...

Hmm. Point taken. I'll be a little more cautious. I hope a Lovecraft story isn't suddenly gonna be real too. I really don't wanna go insane and see some huge thing man wasn't meant to see. It's not on my list of things to do.

>>145247

I approach the woman figure. It smiles , motioning me closer.

"Hey listen..." I say as I close in. There's so many things I want to ask. Why does she look so familiar? "Who a..."

She silences me with a kiss. I shouldn't be able to feel her lips through the helmet, but I... can feel her. Her arms lazily wrap around my sides, and I feel her draw me closer. My hands go to her waist... and I feel pressure there! Like a warm breeze that pushes back. I kiss back, and we stay that way for a few moments.

She's fading away in my arms. I can feel the warm pressure under my fingers fading away, like her body is blowing away in a gentle breeze.

>>145306

Made out with a spectral alien chick, AWWWWRIGHT!

Is she gone?

Oh man, you totally can't tell anyone or they'll think you're crazy... Without evidence, that is. Check the sensor logs at once.

>>145306
You don't seem to be under any mind-altering effects, and we're not seeing any hostile behavior.
Just roll with it and enjoy the ride.

As far as Eldrich horrors go, just build some cameras on your helmet. In the event that something goes horribly wrong you'll be able to blindfold yourself and let us direct you. Or you could set-up an opaque HUD mode where we can scrub SAN damage from the images before passing them along.

Check the ship's cameras or any other kind of sensors to see if you can confirm any sort of thing happening where she was.

This is SO not 2001. I don't think that events are going to play out anything like with the movie.

How long have you been awake? Do you need a rest? Some time off?

>>145680
We don't get tired or suffer from hallucinations, and we spotted it first.
It was real.

>>145682
You're right. So... it's some kind of ghost, or strange alien life form.

David 2010/03/21(Sun)20:36 No. 150551 ID: 9e9b47
File 126922900859.png - (9.42KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

We kiss for only a brief few seconds longer. Before I know it, she disappears with an ethereal sigh. The last thing I feel is her hand on mine.

>>145310 >>145671


Checking the sensor logs is starting to sound like a pretty good plan. Should I go and do that right now is the only question. I'm kind of tempted to go and bring this up to Frank. Or, do you think it would be better to confirm the suspicions before rambling about the ghost makeout woman to a crewmate... I guess I just answered my own question, huh? Well, I'll head back up to HAL then. Hmm. Should I tell HAL about this? I mean, there's a pretty good chance he knows, but could he even see the woman on the cameras? This is all so confusing...

>>145680 >>145682 >>145685

That's true. I hadn't even thought of that. I mean, unless I also imagined whatever voice told me about the woman in the first place.

...I think that's a bad train of thought to follow. Uh... what could it have been? I mean, it looked weird, but it looked so human all the same. I mean, shaped like a human. Why would there be a ghost out here in space? For that matter, why is there a ghost in the first place?!

I'm not sleep deprived or anything. Hell, I've been sleeping great lately in fact. Eight hours, regular. I haven't been feeling stressed out or anything up until now.

>>145312

Well, right now you take advantage of the ship's cameras that are positioned all around. They're meant to monitor the crew at almost all times. There's some places on the ship without the cameras, of course. Namely personal quarters and bathrooms. I guess I could try to rig up a camera in the helmet so you guys won't be blinded unexpectedly.

I suppose back up to see HAL and access the logs then?

>>150551

Sounds like a plan, and no, you didn't hallucinate the voice which told you about the apparition.

Let's go and see Frank first. Let's see if he's noticed anything unusual. Don't mention your own moment.

Check on Frank, see if he brings anything up. Don't mention it.

GREEN!!IzZTIxBQH1 2010/03/24(Wed)12:30 No. 151433 ID: 2cbe3e
File 126945902913.png - (15.54KB , 800x600 , 23.png )

I decide to head to Frank's room. I also decide not to tell him about the situation that's been going on so far. It doesn't inspire confidence in my sanity.

Nearing Frank's room, I notice that the door's ajar. I can hear Frank's voice in the room, talking in low tones. It's like he's trying hard not to be heard. Hmm. Should I listen, or go right inside? Judging from a few feminine grunts, I can guess that Heywood has been brought out of stasis. Why's he talking to her so soon?

>>151433
Listen.

>>151434
If they are partaking in intercourse I am going to be rather cross with you.

GREEN!!IzZTIxBQH1 2010/03/24(Wed)13:42 No. 151453 ID: 2cbe3e
File 126946337216.png - (18.43KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

>>151434 >>151435

No, it doesn't sound like they're fucking... I imagine they'd close the door first. Plus, I don't think Heywood likes Frank like that.

Anyhow, when I peer in, it looks like Frank's sitting at the edge of his bed. Heywood is plopped on the ground, and looks a bit bewildered.

"...that I don't see why you're being so difficult." Frank says, sounding a bit annoyed.

"Frank, this is stupid. I don't know what you're talking about. Can we just drop this?" Heywood asks, looking confused.

"It's... very important, Ann. Please, just think carefully. Did you have ANY dreams at all? No matter how insignificant it may seem, it could be important." Frank presses, sounding... hungry.

"Frank. This is foolish. I didn't have any dreams at all. If this the reason you woke me up early? If you need to go in stasis for a while, I'm sure me and Dave could..."

"NO!" Frank barks. Heywood and I both jump from the unexpected force of the response. "No... believe me, I'm fine. You just get kind of... nervous out here. I'm sure it's nothing."

Heywood opens her moth to speak, but can't seem to think of anything to say. Hmm. What should I do? I could probably slip away if I wanted to, but I also want to find out why Frank's asking about dreams. Quite a conundrum.

>>151453
Ask what's going on.

walk in and say 'i had a dream, it was kinda weird, you were both in it, but in the dream' point at frank 'you weren't so stupid'
then laugh and say 'seriously, what's all this about?'

Grin and say you had a dream about a beautiful ghostly woman

>>151486
While completely awake. Ask them if they want to take a look at the camera footage.

>>151453
"It's not that she didn't, it's that she couldn't. Your body doesn't need food in stasis because it's off. No brain activity, no dreaming.
Hello, Heywood, something weird is going on so we decided to wake you, albeit without telling each other something weird is going on. I'll explain as best I can, but first...
Frank, what's got you so worked up, and why haven't you told me? Something about strange dreams?"

David 2010/03/24(Wed)20:49 No. 151626 ID: 9e9b47
File 12694889995.png - (9.24KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

>>151504 >>151493 >>151486 >>151481 >>151462

I guess the best thing to do is just walk right in. Confronting Frank now is the best way to get things done. "I don't think she could dream anything, Frank. She was in stasis. Hello, Heywood. I think Frank is trying to say that there's something weird going on here, even though he hasn't talked to me about it. Anyhow, what's going on Frank? You were going on about strange dreams and stuff." I say as I stride in the room confidently.

Frank looks quite stunned to see me, but Heywood looks rather pleased. "Hi, Dave. Good to see you. Maybe you can make some sense of all this. Frank, what did you mean by dreams? Have you been having dreams?"

Frank stares back at us, thinking a long moment before answering. "I've been having dreams lately, about Earth. It's weird though. In my dreams, it's like I can see Earth. It's so close I can touch it. But, I don't remember being ON Earth. Just sorta of... watching it from orbit. That's all the dreams are. Watching Earth." Frank looks pale, and doesn't meet my gaze after his story.

Hmm. Heywood looks like she doesn't know how to respond. I was going to tell Frank about my encounter... I'm not so sure anymore. What do you think? Or should I just change the subject?

>>151626
Offer Heywood a hand getting up
"Yea, we needed somebody else so we could tell if it was the isolation getting to us or something legitimately strange."

How about we go check the camera footage before possibly embarrassing ourselves? You could say that you experienced something strange, but want to check something before talking about it.

tell frank it means he doesn't so much miss home as earth itself. he wants to go back but isn't sure he can make it so he only watches.

David 2010/04/20(Tue)10:12 No. 167345 ID: 2cbe3e
File 12717835784.png - (18.09KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

>>151630 >>151663

I help Heywood to her feet. "Frank, it sounds like you just miss Earth a lot. Nothing to get too worried about. Heywood, I'm glad you're up. If anything strange happens we know it won't just be us feeling it."

Frank doesn't respond, but Heywood smiles at me. "Don't worry. I think it's just nerves. I didn't think Frank would be such a jumpy guy though."

"Well, be on the lookout. I'm going to go perform some more computer maintenance." I say, excusing myself from the room.

"I'm gonna go perform some stomach maintenance myself" Heywood says with a smile as she follows me out, leaving Frank behind. "Food still alright?"

"Oh yeah. You'll be fine. Hope you have more of an appetite than Frank." I respond casually. We wave at each other and I head off towards the computer.

>>151639

Sorry, I didn't wanna talk to them about that woman until I've had a chance to look over the tape and confirm that she exists. I enter the room with MEL, but I hear clicks signifying his processor is hard at work, and I only offer a quick "hello" to the AI as I go past. It responds with a "greetings, Dave" but offers no more dialogue.

I get to the computer, and after a few minutes of fiddling around I pull up the camera feed from the cafeteria. Rewinding the feed a bit, I find what I'm looking for.

Damn. All I see is me on the camera. I stand in one place, not moving for over a minute with my hands outstretched... geez. Well, no matter what this thing says, that thing with the girl happened. I can't go doubting that, or I'm going to go crazy. I have to rely on what I know and think is right.

Now, what should I go and do? Talk to the computer? Heywood? Frank? Should I tell someone about this whole incident? My head is spinning.

Well, can Mel declare you unfit and send you back to the freezer? Because that's what you're asking.

Maybe opening up with Frank (and later, Heywood) is a sane idea. You know how those horror movies go. Everyone dies, and sometimes, they die because of lack of communication between each other.

(If the movie thing sounds silly for you, remember we are in a situation previously laid out by a book)

Frank's dream still doesn' strikes me as an emergency waiting to happen.

it made direct neural contact. that's why it can't be seen, it was never 'there' but it does exist.

Is there a way for you to check our records? We do record visual snapshots.

>>167363
We use the cameras for our vision. Something is very wrong if we saw something that the cameras we were using couldn't.

>>167345

I suggest you go bully Frank to figure out what he's about. BTW, you're in space and going nuts!

David 2010/04/22(Thu)08:57 No. 168480 ID: 2cbe3e
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>>167348 >>167363 >>167372

Yes something is very weird here. If you could see the ghost and you look through the cameras, how is that possible if it's not showing up here? This isn't very good. I don't like that there's invisible things I can't see, even if they do seem to like me.

>>167346 >>167377

I head out to see Frank as I ponder the problem. A direct neural interface would explain why I could see it and not the camera... but you shouldn't have been able to see it at all. Something like MEL could possibly see something like that, but you're not near his level. This is very confusing.

I finally make it to Frank. He's near the back of the ship, near a panel. I hear him fiddling with something metal in his lap, and the faint creak and crank of tightening bolts.

There's a pause in the action. "Can I help you, David?" Frank asks mildly, not turning his head as I hear him get back to work.

There's one other possible answer before we stray into the realm of the supernatural.

David, are you sure that the voices you're hearing, that we, are actually your pet AI and are not symptoms? Can you check your logs and confirm what we've been saying was actually said by your suit's computer and not just in your head? Sorry to put you through this, but as soon as you're sure either way you need to get Frank and Heywood into a MEL-free area and lay everything out on the table, from the briefing you saw that you weren't supposed to, to the ghost woman, to MEL making the 2001 comparison on his own. Because either you're going space crazy (I don't think you are) or something's aboard the ship that can, and has hacked your computers, including your suit's HUD.

>>168480

Apologize for barging in on him and Heywood earlier, check your suit logs, and then ask him to go with you and Heywood to one of the computer rooms or something.

>>168480
Ask us a question that the AI you made has no chance of answering.

>>168486
I think MEL can be trusted. This isn't 2001, but it might be lovecraft in space. Computers are immune to sanity loss.

Also, yea, we might be a symptom.

>>168571

Two data: First, MEL asked to not be informed of the contents of the briefing. David will need to be in a MEL-free part of the ship to tell Heywood and Frank about it and still honor MEL's request.

Second, if there's a hacker aboard, then he/she/it has already at least partially suborned MEL, at the very least his camera subsystem.

>>168480

There's a final thought you hadn't considered. The female form was MEL messing around with you.

David 2010/04/25(Sun)16:13 No. 170011 ID: 9e9b47
File 127223719478.png - (25.16KB , 800x600 , 28.png )

>>168486 >>168558

You voices being something purely in my head? No... That's impossible, right? I didn't hear you when I took the helmet off after all. Although if my mind associates the voices with the helmet...

I don't think I should dwell on this too much for now. It can't do any good. I'll run a scan on your program later.

As for a question the AI couldn't answer... hmm. That might be a problem. I gave access to all sorts of information files when I put this together. I guess this doesn't help my case, but I can't think of any question off the top of my head.

>>168489 >>168620

"Frank, I'm sorry about barging in on you and Heywood earlier. I didn't mean to..." I pause, not knowing how to finish. I just decide to drop it. "Anyhow. I was actually wondering if I could talk to you and Heywood in one of the rooms with the terminals. There's something I'd like to show you two. How about the forward terminal?"

Frank takes a long moment to answer, as I hear him fiddling away with his task. "It's no problem about barging in, David. I should have spoken to you earlier. I'll be right along to the forward terminal."

There's a moment of silence. I clear my throat and fill it. "Alright then. I'll go find Heywood and head to the front. If you see her first, bring her along." I walk off without another word from either of us.

>>168571 >>168624

Ugh. I hope MEL wasn't that female figure... that would be incredibly awkward. Also, I don't think he can exactly make images like that in the first place. I'm glad you guys feel some degree of trust in MEL. He's always been a very reliable AI, and pleasant in his own way of course.

I'm rambling. Sorry. Now, I guess I should head to the front of the ship and check the status of your program... but I don't know if I should be doing that while I have the others on the way. I don't know, I suppose I could find Heywood, go speak to MEL for a bit or something.

>>170011

If you don't have time to check on our program, then skip it and go meet with your friends. Be honest with them about everything. This mission is too important to screw up.

Head off to see Heywood... You don't happen to have a thing for her, do ya Dave?

>>170011
I've got an idea. You could give the helmet to someone, and see if they can hear us too.

>>170085
Oh, that's a good idea. The only way a test like that could fail would be if you developed telepathy, or if this entire thing is just a construct of your mind.

>>170011

Well, would a simple Turing test work?

>>170193

By any definition of the Turing Test, we already pass.

You only saw the ghost after you put us back on. You see out of a transparent visor, right? Nothing that could be electronically tampered with?

David 2010/04/27(Tue)09:59 No. 170932 ID: 2cbe3e
File 12723875452.png - (42.97KB , 800x600 , 29.png )

>>170085 >>170088 >>170331

Hey that IS a good idea. I'll give you to Heywood for a moment if I find her. As for my visor, it's mostly transparent, but honestly there is the possibility that someone could be messing with me. There's small displays that show up from time to time, and it wouldn't be that hard to program something like that. The only thing that makes me doubt that is the feel of her hands on my waist. I suppose that's not a lot of hard evidence though.

>>170084

Yeah I'll go and see Heywood before stopping by the front of the ship. I head to her quarters, open the door...

I see what I can only describe of as a prohibition-era speakeasy. There's some soft jazz music playing in the room, just instrumental. I think I can see a bar against the back wall, and even a bartender. A table near the front of the room has a candle. I distinctly follow the pattern of the flame with my eyes, wondering what the hell I'm seeing. I have no idea what the hell is going on.

>>170932

Man, do you ever knock? Anyway, pop the helmet off for a second and see if the scene persists.

Mneme!CRITTerXzI 2010/04/27(Tue)11:06 No. 170938 ID: a85626
File 12723915803.gif - (494.19KB , 352x264 , heintzNOOOO.gif )

>>170933

...NO!

Go inside if it looks real. Put your helmet back on after you check.

say "MEL, are you seeing this?"

Order a drink.

>>170932
Are you familiar with The Shining?

Well at any rate, investigate.

Yeah order a drink. Make it a martini, extra olives.

David 2010/05/20(Thu)10:05 No. 180231 ID: 2cbe3e
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>>170933

This is a ship, not a dorm hall. I've been wandering in and out of these rooms for weeks without thinking about it. Privacy is something that you have to cultivate on the inside a little bit while on a space ship. Taking the helmet off for a moment confirms that the scene exists. Curious.

>>171153

After entering the room, I establish contact with MEL. "Hey MEL, are you seeing this?" I ask, as I approach the bar.

"Yes Dave. Nothing appears to be dangerous at the moment. I would suggest further study. Please do be careful however. I am running tests as fast as my processors will allow." MEL responds. I shut off the connection line.

>>171170 >>171246

I go up to the bar. The bartender is bizarre looking. I'm not sure if he simply has no face, or if I'm just not looking at him correctly, but all I can clearly make out are his nose and hair.

"What can I do you for, Dave?" The man asks, nonchalantly.

"You know... um. I'll take a martini, extra olives." I reply.

"Good man! I like my martini dirtier than the Mississippi." He responds, and makes a drink. Once again, maybe I'm not paying a lot of attention, but I hardly see him do anything at all before he passes me the glass. I can't see his mouth, but I get the impression he's in a positive mood.

>>171172

Yes, except I haven't read it in years... shit. Shit, there was a part with a bartender, right? Man... this is gonna bother me all day.

Make conversation. Ask how long he's been in business. Ask about the local goings-on.

take a small sip to start. enough that it counts as drinking it, but little enough that if it's drugged at all you only get a little so you just get sleepy not knocked out.

David 2010/05/27(Thu)19:28 No. 184205 ID: f82d85
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>>180234 >>180239

I take a sip of the drink, but the bartender doesn't seem to be paying much attention to me. He sits down on a stool behind the counter and stares at three people sitting at a table. The white woman looks like Heywood.

"So... what's been going on?" I ask, trying to catch the guy's eye. He doesn't seem surprised at my outfit in the slightest.

"What? Oh, nothing much mister. I'm just wondering if I should go ask for a autograph. Miss Heywood's here with Mr. Domino and Mrs. Fitzgerald! This is the greatest trio of jazz artists I've had here! I dunno, I don't wanna approach 'em and seem like a square... Geez. What do you think, buddy?" He asks me, looking my way for the first time.

Fitzgerald... Domino... those names seem familiar. Now that I pay attention, I can hear a song in the background... MEL, what song is that?

 

the song you can hear is the song "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald, Dave. If I can be of more assistance feel free to ask. Contained here is a sampling of the song.

Slide up to the table, but remember to be smooth. We don't know what's going on here, so being smooth might be the only way to come out of this situation alive.

>>184208
Yeah, sidling on over there is probably the most straightforward thing to do, here.

>>184205
Perhaps Heywood is sleeping, and her dreams are materializing?

that may be why you aren't being regarded as strange, she knows you so you are accepted here. when you get closer if heywood has a face but the others dont then it would be conclusive proof that this is accidentally her doing.

>>184221
Not conclusive, but decent evidence to that effect.

Ask MEL if this reminds it of "The Shinning" at all

David 2010/06/03(Thu)23:53 No. 187566 ID: f82d85
File 127563441022.png - (19.32KB , 800x600 , 32.png )

>>184218 >>184229 >>184221

Dreams materializing, as crazy as it sounds, may be the best explanation at this point. This is crazy. Does this mean I shouldn't go to sleep?

>>185357

"MEL? Does... this remind you of The Shining?"

A bit, Dave. In the novel Jack was an alcoholic. the place tempted him with alcohol in order to make him susceptible to possession. these apparitions appear to be mostly concerned with Heywood. I would certainly watch for strange activity, but their interest for the moment seems mostly nonthreatening in my opinion.

>>184208 >>184210

I sidle right up to the table. The conversation stops as all three figures turn to look at me. Heywood looks excited to see me. I can't tell what the other two think at all.

"Dave! I'm glad you showed up! I see you always dress like you're ready to go right to work, eh?" Heywood comments, looking over my helmet and suit. She looks nice. Her hair's done up, and she's wearing a dress. "What brings you here?"

"This is Dave? Hey there, boy! Pleasure to meet you." The man called Mr. Domino says, inclining his glass at me.

"Um, yes. Nice to meet you all as well." I say, drawing kind of a blank. "Drinking some champagne?" I ask, motioning to the bottle.

"Celebrating a good night." Ella says with a nod. These dream people... dammit, now you got me saying it... are hard to look at straight on. "Your friend here is talented."

"Oh, stop it." Heywood says with a smile.

I think it's a bit weird that the others disregard my suit... maybe you're onto something when you say I'm accepted here. But... now I'm drawing a blank. I don't wanna just ASK her if she's doing this, but I don't know how I should approach it with Heywood. Any ideas?

don't tell her she is doing it, say "well then, when you are done let us depart on our spirit journey!" when she questions what you are talking about remark "well, you are dreaming of course. now let us be off to battle the glorphats at mount heldore!" she will probably be very confused, but you must convince her it is a dream by acting as weird as you can, thus causing her to question the reality around her.

>>187566
I think something like "So I didn't know you were a musician" is appropriate here.

>>187566

"High praise indeed, Mizz Fitzgerald. But it's not a surprise; only the best and brightest end up in the stars. Has she told you about her career as a biologist? That's how we know each other, through work. We're both astronauts."

"Oh, Heywood, I actually came looking for you. I wanted to show you this neat little AI I wrote up earlier."

That's a good idea. Offer her your helmet. Let us talk with Heywood for a moment.

Heywood 2010/06/12(Sat)12:54 No. 192638 ID: f82d85
File 127637249772.png - (11.52KB , 800x600 , 33.png )

>>187799 >>187593 >>187567

I've gotta convince her this is a dream? Yeah, I suppose I agree. We can't have her doing this if, in fact, she is the one producing this effect. The only problem is, I'm not sure if I can convince her... I'm sometimes not very good at that sort of thing. I suppose I can give you guys to her. You have to come back soon though. Good luck.

"Heywood? Would you mind putting on this helmet for a minute? I have a program I'd like you to hear. I'll keep your... guests company." I offer, and take off the helmet.

"Sure, I'll check it out. Same ol' Dave, always tinkering with computer programs!" Heywood says cheerily as she plops the helmet on. "Hello? So, what's so special about this program anyhow?"

(Note: You can only speak to Heywood during this period. Remember, as a computer program you can provide not only words and dialogue but also show pictures and audio files. Anything linked will be shown via a transparent screen in the visor.)

>>192638

Heywood you've got to help. Dave is insane. He thinks the party is a dream, that you're in a spaceship without any alcohol, and that jazz is dead. You've gotta bring the soul back in him oh, you gotta bring back the soul.

 

Hey, you are crazy and making dream people. How the hell else would they be there? As proof, focus on this modern image from the past. This is what music is like and what happens at concerts. This is not happening where you are. How do you explain that.

well for one thing we can talk about just about anything. for two we can send image files we have access to, such as this one
>>151453
care to explain what you are doing here during a space mission?

>>192638

Hello Miss Heywood. I'm afraid I tend to blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. I- well, to be honest, we- are a Turing compliant AI Dave wrote in his spare time. I saw "we" because a trick Dave used to get good evaluations of situational data makes me sound schizophrenic when complex or unusual problems arise. What's special about us is that we actually exceed all expectations Dave had for our abilities. Believe it or not, we only have the resources of Dave's helmet computer available.

Ask us any sort of question: philosophy, ethics, what your real mission is going to be (we figured that one out already), our theories on shared hallucinations, or anything else you want to ask.

On the topic of shared hallucinations, this speakeasy scene is a bit much isn't it? We're guessing that you think this is a dream of some sort, and that Dave's part of the dream. I assure you, the helmet's sensors detect the speakeasy, the great deceased jazz musicians, even the alcohol, as being real. I know Dave's the real Dave because we've been with him since he turned our program on in the command area near Mel's hardware.

And Miss Heywood, you don't have the same odd artifacts that the other musicians and the bartender do, so I suspect you're quite original too. Which leaves this as some sort of very odd shared hallucination, possibly related to your real mission.

Heywood 2010/07/17(Sat)19:45 No. 209452 ID: f82d85
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>>192639

What? Oh, Dave seems perfectly normal to me. I don't know why he's wearing his spacesuit here in the club though.

>>192640 >>192642

I... what? Not in a club? Wait. Dave's spacesuit seems awfully familiar now I come to think of it. Yes! That's right! The space mission! Wow, I don't know why that slipped my mind so much. That had to have ended, right?

Ok. I'm very confused.

>>192759

Alright, I need to take a moment. I just need to count to ten and breathe slowly out of the nose. That's what my mother always taught me...

Now then. Thank you. That answers a lot of questions and makes sense. Ok, you wanna answer questions? Here's a few. What are the "artifacts" you're talking about that I don't have? What shared hallucination? What's this about a real mission objective? What the hell, in point of fact, is going on? I'm afraid to take this damn helmet off now!

look at everyone's eyes, what do you see? nothing, everyone but dave has no eyes. you weren't looking too close before so you never noticed. if you say out-loud "HAL, what is going on?" hal will answer you.

>>209452
We don't know what's causing it, but this phenomenon doesn't seem to actually be dangerous... I mean, I guess you'd have stayed here for a while, believing in the illusion, but I don't think you'd have died or anything.

Maybe you could try asking one of the fake people who they are, really?

Right now this is all a dream. But don't wake up yet. Change into a mongoose!

>>209452
If it ended, then wouldn't you know what your mission is?
You don't. That's because you're still waiting for instructions. On the space ship.
This speakeasy isn't quite a shared hallucination, since it has MEL really confused right now.
I'd suggest saying your goodbyes, grabbing Dave, and making for the exit.

 

>>209452

Your mother was a wise woman. Miss Heywood, the mission is not over. In fact, it is still three weeks before you are due to arrive at Iapetus. Francis woke you, remember?

Dave came to fetch you so that we could share the data about the mission with you and Francis at the same time. MEL is aware that we and Dave know the nature of the mission, but has requested that we not fill him in on what it is until the appointed time. There's no reason for us, or Dave, to not respect his request, so the idea was to bring you and Francis to one of the rooms MEL doesn't monitor.

We should be able to tell you this way too, though. The helmet is effectively its own private room.

Miss Heywood, you, and Francis, and Dave, and the others in stasis right now, you are all at the very top of your respective fields. You're also healthy and fit enough to be in difficult environments. Most of you are polymaths. In short, you represent the very best of humanity.

Take another deep breath Miss Heywood. Ready? O.K. Six months ago, an artifact of non-human origin was discovered on the moon. It lay dormant until sunlight reached it. At that time it broadcast a powerful tight-beam signal to Iapetus and fell inert again.

You're on the most important mission a species can embark on. There is something waiting on Iapetus. Investigating it, determining who put it there or who they are, and what they want with humanity is your mission. The actual briefing contains more information, but what we've told you is the briefing in brief.

Relax now. Take it easy. Do not say anything about this to Dave, not here. Wait until you're in a private room. You might give something away to poor MEL. He's smart, he might infer what the mission is even if you make oblique references to it to Dave.

Ready for the next answer? Good.

On the subject of shared hallucinations, we've been picking up other odd visual artifacts: Humanoids of vague definition, ones which MEL has not seen, but which we and Dave have. We suspect Francis has seen some of them as well, he has been acting mildly discomfited but has been reticent to actually speak on the cause of his concern.

This speakeasy setting is the most complete of the hallucinations, certainly, and is the first that MEL has been able to see as well. Considering the nature of the mission, and the nature of this hallucination or reality-alteration, it is likely that our visitors have had some hand in this. Please do not panic. I suspect that this situation was set up specifically to help the Iapetus visitors get an idea of what humanity is. Thus far, the situation seems to be favorable.

So now you have some idea of what is going on, what has transpired, and what may happen in the future. Feel free to ask us other questions.

Hey, your dress is gone. I think we're helping you come back to reality.

Heywood 2010/08/27(Fri)00:15 No. 222596 ID: f82d85
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>>209455

I don't wanna try talking to these people all of a sudden. I'm starting to feel like I shouldn't open my eyes again. I'm afraid to see what's out there now. I don't even hear Dave. I'm gonna sit down for a second.

>>209467 >>209473

No more staying in the dream! I want to wake up! The exit! I have to find the exit...

>>209485

Wait... that video and that mission... that can't be right. That sounds like the exact plot of that book. That's not possible. My god I just re-read that book two years ago! Oh Jesus Christ, MEL!

>>209453 No, no! I'm not going to ask HAL... I mean MEL anything!

>>222596

Dave commented on the similarity of the general situation to the book as well. MEL mentioned in response that he had been thinking of the same thing. This, in turn, led to us stumbling on a briefing video with the information about the mission proper in it.

I think we can trust MEL. He's not showing any signs of malfunction. Indeed, he's been nothing but helpful and useful in the entire time we've known him.

Take a deep breath, calm down. If you don't want to look for yourself, I think we can guide you. It'll be a bit clumsy, I'm afraid. Are you sure you don't want to open your eyes? The scene is more normal now.

okay, you seem stable. can you see dave? grab him and exit the room. hopefully with no humans in it the illusion will collapse.

A thought occurs, best broached with David before Heywood. Could not the briefing potentially be a fake too? A hallucination tailored to Dave's thoughts turning toward the nature of this mission? Were it so we'd still not know the truth of the mission exactly.

>>222596

...Wait, are you shitting me. I think I just figured out what the monolith is: The aliens that put it there are massive fans of the movies your race produces.

And they are DICKING with you.

>>222653

We are a computer program. We need a third human perspective on recent happenings. We need to talk to Francis. In fact Dave and Heywood and we all three need to meet with Francis and get his perspective.

We just don't have enough information right now to know what is the source of the reality alterations, or hallucinations, or whatever this phenomena is.

So far the phenomena seem to attach to a single person and react in a manner that person expects. The illusion is nearly-complete, and doesn't fail until that person is aware that they are in an illusion. So far we have not played host to the phenomena, though we've been third parties to it. If that holds true, the simplest solution may be to distribute us in all the suit helmets so that we can help keep everyone grounded. A second solution, based on what little we know, is to keep everyone together, in pairs at least.

Who the visitors to the solar system are, and how much they have to do with the local phenomena, will have to remain a question for later.

Heywood 2010/09/24(Fri)11:20 No. 233494 ID: 2044df
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>>222607 >>222600

Fine, I'll open my eyes. First I'm gonna stand up... if anything comes to get me I wanna get able to run.

When I finally open my eyes, I see my room back on the ship, Frank's looking at me with concern, and he puts an arm out as if to steady me. I notice he doesn't actually get close though. "Heywood? You alright? The bar is gone now. I think we're ok."

>>222653

I'm not even sure that I believe this monolith really exists. That seems extremely far fetched. Yes, that's given the circumstances as well. I'm sure this is some kind of weird psychological test. Yeah, a test.

>>222657

Right. We need to go see Frank. "Dave, let's go. We need to find Frank and have ourselves a talk about this stuff."

Dave looks extremely relieved. "I agree wholeheartedly. Let's go then. Do you want to keep the helmet for longer?"

I can't decide. I suppose it's up to you guys. I wouldn't mind either way. Unless you guys have some kind of crazy idea, I'm just gonna go see Frank asap.

think what would be best is, after seeing frank, to get the helmets linked together, if all the helmets have us chatting in them then it should let you all keep the illusions away.

>>222616

There aren't many scenarios that make sense for the government to send an eclectic collection of individuals on a long-term space journey without a proper briefing. First Contact is one, though. Still, it does remain a real possibility.

>>233494

If you're feeling better Miss Heywood, then please hand us off to David again. It wasn't part of the plan to brief you via helmet, and he should be made aware that we did so. If you still need us with you, then of course we'll stay with you.

>>233494
In the interest of full disclosure, we may or may not be a part of this phenomenon.

David has claimed:
MEL requires a lot of computational power to be able to pass as a human-like intelligence.
His suit has nowhere near enough power to run even one AI that can pass as a human-like intelligence.
We're a bunch of AIs of his own design that are running on his suit's computer.

The fact that David doesn't see our capacity for thought as incongruent with his stated facts suggests that something isn't quite right with all this. Also, he kinda went a bit glossy-eyed and changed the subject when we asked about it.

>>233574
well then, at least we are a helpful illusion if we are one. we still want you to eat and sleep. while the fake restaurant would of had you eating fake food until you starved.

David 2010/10/21(Thu)10:28 No. 246620 ID: f82d85
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>>233574 (Quick aside with Heywood)

Hmm. I think I'll keep that under my hat for now. Maybe David's not telling me everything. Anyhow, I'll hand you to him. I'm glad for all of your help! "Here you go, Dave. Thanks. I mean it."

"No problem, Heywood. Let's go see Frank."

>>233507

I'm still wondering about the illusions. Once you guys began to talk with Heywood, they started to flicker, and then disappeared. It's not possible SHE was making the illusions... was it? I mean that dream WAS of her fantasies, as it were. But that doesn't explain the woman from earlier. Unless it does. Oh god, was Heywood the ghost from earlier? Can't think of that right now, gotta see Frank.

When we get to the front, Frank's sitting there, glaring at us. I feel awkward as we come into the room, looking at his accusing face. "Uh, hey Frank." I don't really know what else to say.

"Frank, you won't believe what we saw! There's some crazy stuff going on around here." Heywood looks more excited than apprehensive. "It was like some kind of living dream!"

"Yes. I saw it on the monitors." Frank does not look any less suspicious, and I notice he doesn't take his eyes off me. "Dave, you don't know anything about this, do you? You or... MEL?" The way he asks seems to imply that I certainly do know about this. I'm... a little bit confused right now. why's he so antagonistic?

MEL simply watches us from the wall. He hasn't been addressed directly yet. Usually he doesn't speak unless addressed or if it's important. Part of his programming. Weird, I've never considered that it might be very annoying for him.

he may have also read the book and so is thinking you combined with mel = bad shit.
assure him that you have no idea what is happening.
also the woman may have stayed only semi-there because of us. if you weren't wearing us you she would of turned solid and you would of been trapped.

>>246623
Unlikely!
So far nothing malicious has happened, and everything we have seen is a representation of some part of our culture. One with a very specific bent.
The obelisk was discovered in 2100. Tell me, how many potentially life-bearing stars are within, say, 132 light years of Earth? 200?