Velesi 2010/07/27(Tue)15:01 No. 212922 ID: c33cc8
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What the...

Is that you? Anyone home?

Well
did any time pass?
What's going on?

Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play;
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Chorus to "Home on the Range", the 1910 version by John A. Lomax

Velesi 2010/07/27(Tue)15:31 No. 212932 ID: c33cc8
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>>212928

You've been silent for nearly two days now. We're at the warehouse where the meeting's supposed to take place.

>>212929

Okay.

Looks like you made a couple of friends. Care to introduce us?

>>212932
So how has things been in the meantime?

From the looks of it you're rather bored right now. By the way, did you get an escape route off the fleet set up?

Looking smug, seems like something is going well.
What's with the concerned looking chick? And is your brother taking a nap?

Velesi 2010/07/28(Wed)11:14 No. 213211 ID: c33cc8
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>>212936

These are the two guardians Eren mentioned. The guy with the assault rifle is Zarin and the woman is Sevech.

>>212937

Nothing much has happened. There is a suitable Freeship leaving the fleet in three weeks, if it proves necessary.

The representative should be here within the hour. Any suggestions on how we should do this, or should I just leave it to the people who do this for a living?

>>213211
Suggest that your brother get a good sniper spot. Those Mosin Nagant rifles can be extremly deadly in the hands of a skilled sharpshooter.

Zerin and Savach should probably be pretty close to Caril and the meeting spot. If things go down the crapper they can intervene quickly.

Since you're necessary for the handover you should probably be visible. And not appear armed. A small calibre easily concelable handgun should still be quite good to have with your robohand, since I'm gussing you get a steady aim with that thing.

Make sure they understand that these are just suggestions though. They're the trained professionals and you're just an amateur. They get to decide for themselves.

Well, your brother should take a concealed sniper position somewhere on the balcony thingies on the left. Probably between the upper crates. The assault rifle dude somewhere between the lower crates on the left side.
The other chick should hide behind the middle crates to guard Caril.
You'll have to stay in the open and play the bait, better be unarmed. They might spot even a hidden weapon and you should try to avoid a firefight anyways.

>>213221
On the balcony? There are doors. Our enemies might enter there, and he'll get blindsided.

Hey. Something just occurred to me. They gave the mercenary incomplete information, right? What if they planned for him to get compromised? I guess it doesn't make much tactical sense to do that though. I mean, by giving him *correct* information he'd just capture you two properly. At any case you should attempt to think up a backup plan in case this is a setup somehow.

>>213240
Well ok, I assumed only the big door on the front is an entrance.
That's a important information for proper tactiloling

Vel what did Zerin and Savach have to say about the media story breaking so soon?

Velesi 2010/07/29(Thu)14:24 No. 213632 ID: c33cc8
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>>213307

Oh yeah. The guard was alerted way before anyone could have plausibly found the corpse, and the investigation went crazy fast. Something strange is going on, no doubt about that.

>>213217
>>213221

He was supposed to receive further instructions here, not deliver me.

"So Zarin, what's the plan?"

"Dunno. I think they're going to come in through the front door."

"If that happens, Eren would probably do the most good up there between those crates."

"Yeh. You, me and Sev are prolly gonna be down here. That crate Sev's on looks like a good bit of cover. Maybe those two crates under the balcony."

>>213240

"What's behind those doors up there, anyway?"

"Another warehouse. Goddamn sector's full of 'em."

"What if they come in through there?"

"Eren could probably keep an eye out and give us some sort of signal, then we could relocate. I'm thinking behind those crates under the balcony, neh?"

>>213632
Sounds good, lets go with it.

By the way, how good a marksman are you with a pistol and that arm of yours?

Everyone should probably hide and hear what the guys that come in have to say - what the further instructions are.

Velesi 2010/07/29(Thu)22:49 No. 213793 ID: c33cc8
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>>213649

I'm a decent shot with my fleshy arm. The metal one isn't really all that dextrous, but it works in a pinch.

"Sounds like a solid plan."

Geh! I thought he was asleep!

"Let's get ready, shall we?"

>>213793

I've noticed he's got an attitude similar to the way professional human soldiers behave. They pretty much all can do that trick where only most of their brain is asleep and they can come awake at a moment's notice, too.

Velesi 2010/07/29(Thu)23:16 No. 213803 ID: c33cc8
File 128047060035.jpg - (83.98KB , 834x760 , 63.jpg )

Here we go.

>>213803
Hm, are your legs showing?

Velesi 2010/07/30(Fri)01:40 No. 213836 ID: c33cc8
File 128047920176.jpg - (43.72KB , 428x433 , 64.jpg )

Damn, that guy's tall.

"Caril es'Fourim?"

"Yes, that is indeed my name."

"You got something to tell me?"

"Ah, yes, I have them both. I have arrived here, as agreed, to receive further instructions."

"Was talking about your arm."

"Oh. That. The task proved slightly, ah, troublesome. You needn't concern yourself about it. I'm perfectly fine."

Velesi 2010/07/30(Fri)01:58 No. 213844 ID: c33cc8
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"Not for long."

Wait, what?

Well crap.

signal your bro somehow!

It appears to be go time. he either knew the jig was up before he entered, or suspected it was and is using this as an opportunity to flush you out. Whatever you do, stay behind cover.

>>213844
Take the guy's arm off at the shoulder. That way his fingers won't jerk.

>>213847

Or he always intended to do this to Caril. I did say that I thought they were overpaying for you two.

>>213844
Fuck, you still need that guy. Take down the big fucker that just arrived.

>>213901
We do? I'm missing why we can't trade-up for bagging us the next man up the chain.

>>213918
Because he knows shit and has connections. He's also a witness. The next guy might not know as much or be alot less cooperative.

Velesi 2010/07/30(Fri)13:14 No. 213995 ID: c33cc8
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>>213846
>>213901
>>213855

Shoulder, right. Now if Eren would only look this way...

I'm not entirely sure he understood what I meant, but looks like he's going to shoot him somewhere.

Velesi 2010/07/30(Fri)13:18 No. 213997 ID: c33cc8
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*BLAM*

Get him! The jig is up! Search him for radio equipment and/or explosives and check his mouth for poison pills!

>>213997
Nab that guy and get out of there as quick as you can. He might have reinforcements that heard that bang.

is ceril running his furry ass to cover yet? make sure he does that.

Velesi 2010/07/31(Sat)10:19 No. 214236 ID: c33cc8
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Oh man I was kind of hoping I wouldn't be the first to get to him. Still, he is understandably a bit confused, so it's relatively easy to restrain him.

>>214001

"Zarin! Check if he has any friends!"

"On it!"

>>213998

I can't find anything except one hidden knife, which I confiscate.

Zarin returns.

"Street looks clear."

"No-one in the other warehouse either," Eren informs.

Well. That went relatively well. What now?

>>214236

How much you wanna bet this is a mercenary assassin too. Take care of one problem with another? Anyway you need to get an I.D. on this guy. If he's not well known, and he won't talk, you can always let him conveniently escape and tail him to whoever is the instigator of all this. Follow the money, as they say. You've got to run into someone who has their (supposedly legitimate) hands on all that cash somehow.

>>214236
We get to interrogate him, of course. Ask him who he works for, and why you were captured.

And get your finger off the trigger. You don't want to accidentally shoot him before you're done asking questions.

>>214236
Time to get out of there and take him to a secure location for interogation. Caril may also become even more cooperative because now it's very clear that his employer had never intended for him to survive.

Velesi 2010/08/01(Sun)12:50 No. 214595 ID: c33cc8
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>>214257

I'll probably leave the interrogation to Eren.

"So. Who are you working for?"

"Fuck you!"

"Manners."

*thud*

Come to think of it, I'm not entirely sure this guy would survive an interrogation by Eren.

>>214291

"Maybe we should continue this in somewhere more secure, Eren?"

"Yeah, sure."

Zarin chimes in: "I helped you with this, Eren. We're even, neh?"

"Eh. Go on then, piss off. If word gets out about this, I'll beat you to death with your own spine."

"That's a given. Toodles."

"So, Sev, you going to leave too? ...Hey! Sev!"

"Hm? What?"

"Are you going to leave too?"

"Nope. I think I'll stick around a while, keep you from killing that guy too soon."

"Very funny. Let's move, ladies."

>>214595
So, drag along Caril and get to whatever safehouse you have set up and start on the interogation. Try to keep Eren from resorting to pulling nails or showing in small metal slivers under his nails.

Velesi 2010/08/01(Sun)14:24 No. 214612 ID: c33cc8
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>>214607

Here we are. This place is a dump. And I do not like that smile on Eren's face one bit.

So who should do the interrogation? I am uninclined to do it myself. Of course, we could also do play good cop-bad cop.

Eren is... well, Eren. He'd definitely be the bad cop in that equation. I don't know how well he would control himself if left alone with the prisoner, but he might get answers.

I have only met Sev a couple of times, but she seems like a mellow type of person. She would probably be the best choice for good cop.

And Caril... He could probably work as either one. He doesn't seem to have any objection to violence, but he would also control himself better than Eren. On the other hand, I don't know how trustworthy he is. He's a criminal, after all.

>>214595

Ooh ooh let us interrogate him! Get some VR goggles and hook us up to him!

>>214612
Tell Eren to go sit in a corner and play with his knife or something.

You and Sev should do the interogating. Simply keep up the pressure and ask questions. Repeat them and pounce on any irregularity in his answers. Keep him sleepdeprived and at times give him some open palm slaps when he's being mouthy or something. If you sleep in shifts you should be able to keep interogating him for 90+ hours straight. That should be enough to make most people crack, and if he still hasn't at that time you can give Eren a go at him.

well, it's time to test ceril's allegiance. ceril, as he was witnessed after he captured you, is quite the dapper fellow, he seems like the token 'sleezy businessman', this can work to your advantage. have ceril plainly say "tell us why you were sent here to kill me",
BAM, eren's rifle butt,
"because it would be easier for all involved if you just told us"
BAM rifle butt
then on and on until you have whatever you need answered answered.

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)08:27 No. 214826 ID: c33cc8
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>>214615

some time later...

"Can we try this my way now?"

"Shut up, Eren. Go make us some coffee or something."

"I'll ask again. What is your name and who are you working for?"

No answer.

"Listen, it's getting really tempting to let the psychopath over there have a go at this. Please don't make it necessary."

Still nothing.

>>214613

There are no VR goggles conveniently lying around, and I think hooking you up directly to his brain would be a bit more complicated than just drilling a hole in his skull and sticking some wires in there. I'm not a brain surgeon here, people.

"Once more, with feeling. Who are you?"

He's still giving me the silent treatment. I am starting to hate this guy.

Start breaking fingers.

try to guess things of him to scare him.

loot his stuff, check the brand of his shoes, heck, you may jus start by stripping him.

also look for recorders. it may be interesting to have actual audio of whatever we get of him.

Screw it, he had his chance.

Turn him over to Caril and Eren. As long as they dont kill him they can do what they want.

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)09:30 No. 214841 ID: c33cc8
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>>214839
>>214828

"Okay, fuck this noise. Eren, start breaking fingers."

"Oh yes. Now... Name, please."

"Fuck you."

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)09:31 No. 214843 ID: c33cc8
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"Wrong answer."

*snap*

Ouch.

"Aaaah!"

"Name, please."

"...Davon."

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)09:33 No. 214844 ID: c33cc8
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"I don't believe you."

*snap*

"Aaugh! Okay, okay! It's Jal!"

"Well fuck me sideways with a sandpaper dildo... You're Little Jal? The Little Jal?"

oh jesus christ

Get in the car.

Mind filling us in? Who the hell is Jal?

Don't tell me you're torturing the ganster's equivalent of a superstar?

>>214844
Sounds like you got him talking. Tell Eren to go sit in the corner again, also ask him who Jal is when out of hearing distance from Jal.

You can probably keep him talking simply with the threat of more violence from Eren. If he starts being cagey again then give him a few slaps with the robot arm and ask him if he wants Eren to get another try.

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)15:19 No. 214888 ID: c33cc8
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>>214857

Beats me.

"Eren?"

"What?"

*snap*

"Aaaaiiigh!"

Oh Neshrim.

"...Please leave him alone."

"Sure."

"So who the hell's Little Lan?"

"Oh, he's the muscle for this criminal bigshot named Big Lan. Guess how tall Big Lan is. Anyhoo, Big Lan runs one of the biggest gangs around. Little Lan is a kind of hitman-slash-bodyguard."

Suddenly, Sev stops fiddling with her pocket computer thingy.

"You guys should really see this."

>>214888
Check it out!

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)15:46 No. 214893 ID: c33cc8
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What. The. Fuck.

Evrim. Not an'Evrim. This has got to be a mistake. Please be a mistake.

"Eren?"

"What? What is it?"

"We're fucked."

Me, Eren, Sev, even Caril, for fuck's sake. We're all fucked.

... how deep does this thing go? i bet at least 1000 layers of mercs payed to hire mercs.with the guy at the top safe and sound behind a screen of shear confusion. your best bet is to keep picking up people. someone will wise up that every person we have contact with is targeted.

>>214893
You got a bit of a potty mouth goin' on there, missy.

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)16:47 No. 214899 ID: c33cc8
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>>214898

Why don't you go fuck yourself they took my fucking CASTE-

They took my caste. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

"FUCK!"

I recognize that look on Eren's face. It's one of his murderous, berserk rages. The only thing that could ever make him hurt me was trying to stop him during one.

"You... you fucking... you motherfucking shiteating cumguzzling monkeyloving babymolesting fucking cockknocker I'm fucking going to gouge out your fucking eyes and skin you alive you little fuck I'll eat your fucking HEART-"

I don't know if I'd try to stop him even if that wasn't the case.

>>214899
Stop him from brutally murdering the witness by knocking him out via a metalpunch to the back of his head. That should knock out pretty much anyone.

So, I'm guessing that having your caste taken away really fucking sucks. It also gives further indications that this is set up by the government. Patch up little Jan or Lan or whatever and prepare for a visit to his boss. Lets follow the chain of command and see where it takes us.

Velesi 2010/08/02(Mon)17:10 No. 214904 ID: c33cc8
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>>214901

If this doesn't work, I'm going to be so fucking deep in the shit-

*thud*

Thank god. I hope he's a bit calmer when he wakes up.

And no fucking shit being casteless sucks! I'm one step removed from being a fucking unperson!

Okay. Breathe deep. Calm down.

>>214901

>Jal
>Lan
>Jan
>Lal
>DELICIOUS ALCOHOL

FFFFFFFUUUUUUUU- Okay canon time his name is Lan

well, seems to me that, cultural differences aside, this would be similar to losing all your money, respect, and home, correct? sounds very bad. it would be a lot easier to advise you further if you explain what exactly being casteless does against some one.

Wait, what? Who took your caste? What is on her little computeramabobber thing, some sort of list? What's a caste? Some identity database got hacked, and your credits are zip? People will be sympathetic right? I mean, you can get it back, right?

>>214993
Castes are known for caring more about the social standing of an individual than the individual self. Most people are probably not going to help a group of wanted criminals in the nearly-lowest possible caste.

>>214904
That said, you should try to find out WHY this shit's been happening. Why whould anyone go through this much trouble for an engineer and a cop?

>>215011

Yeah, but such fragile societies fall apart if people lose trust in the caste system itself, therefore you should have to do something really really bad to be stripped of your caste. Otherwise anybody could be casteless, and it doesn't say a thing about anyone's status! Madness!

>>214904
Ok, make sure Lan doesn't bleed out and put his fingers straight again. Tell him that he's going to help you get to his boss or you're going to let your brother dispose of him.

Then start getting information on Lan's boss and what his base looks like and make plans for how to get in there and have a nice civil chatt with him about what's been going on.

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)12:42 No. 215232 ID: c33cc8
File 12808645622.jpg - (72.60KB , 678x598 , 79.jpg )

Okay. I'm calm now.

>>214933

Being casteless basically means anyone can do anything they want to you and the law doesn't care.

>>214993

That list was a police notice of wanted casteless criminals. The charges include murder, arson, armed robbery and who knows what else.

>>215011

I have no idea why, but to take someone's caste away requires a huge amount of influence. We are definitely in way over our heads.

>>215016

To make someone casteless, two of the ship's three Justicars need to agree that they've done something to endanger the existence of the fleet.

>>215075

Those wounds do look kind of bad. My guess is he'll be kind of useless to the gang for a while. Anyway...

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)12:43 No. 215234 ID: c33cc8
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...Shit.

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)12:44 No. 215235 ID: c33cc8
File 128086469037.jpg - (51.84KB , 615x586 , 81.jpg )

Oww...

...and oh shit.

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)13:15 No. 215244 ID: c33cc8
File 128086654594.jpg - (41.53KB , 452x345 , 82.jpg )

Ow ow ow!

"Listen. You're family, so you'll get one chance. One. You get in my way again, I won't let that stop me. I'm going to kill Big Lan. You're going to stay here. There's food in the other room for a week. Understood?"

>>215244
Yes, ok, fine.

>>215244
Ouch, should have told you to make sure he was really out. Tell him that you need to pay a visit to little Lan before he gets to kill big Lan. Big Lan is only a henchmen and killing him won't really solve anything, you need to work your way up in the chain of command until you find someone who can tell you what the fuck is going on.

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)13:49 No. 215252 ID: c33cc8
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>>215249

I think you are confused about which Lan is which!

"Eren, what the Neshrim are you doing?"

...Sev?

"Shut up!"

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)13:51 No. 215255 ID: c33cc8
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>>215248

"Yes, okay, fine!"

"Good."

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)13:54 No. 215258 ID: c33cc8
File 12808688648.jpg - (4.61KB , 500x500 , 85.jpg )

Ahh...

[HOST DAMAGED. SCANNING FOR NEW HOST.]

Hh... Is that... you?

[NO NEW HOST FOUND.]

Velesi 2010/08/03(Tue)14:27 No. 215270 ID: c33cc8
File 128087085616.jpg - (71.00KB , 652x554 , 86.jpg )

"Vel... Hey, Vel... are you okay?"

Ahh Neshrim, that hurt...

"Was I unconscious?"

"Yeah... Eren's gone. Caril's looking for a first aid kit."

[NEW HOST FOUND. CONNECTING...]

Again with that voice! What the hell are you doing?

>>215270
Not entirely sure. Think we tried to get to someone else while you were out and shit.

Anyway, your brother is a stone cold crazy motherfucking psychopath and it might be time to cut your losses and run away. Because some very loose shit is probably about to hit the fan and splatter everyone near with fecal matter.

>>215270
Are you SURE we're the AI you originally installed?

Sevech 2010/08/03(Tue)15:13 No. 215279 ID: c33cc8
File 128087359627.jpg - (46.12KB , 522x443 , 87.jpg )

Hmm. She looks like shit, but I think she'll pull through.

[CONNECTION ESTABLISHED.]

Huh?

>>215275

What? What is this? That son of a bitch must have hit me harder than I thought. Get someone? My brother? Wait... you aren't trying to talk to Vel, are you?

>>215276

You're an AI? What's going on?

>>215279
Don't freak out now, but we're the AI that's supposed to be in her arm. Yeah, this is new for us too.

In any case, how are those wounds? Just stay calm and try not to move too much until Caril comes back. Possible head trauma is a serious matter.

>>215279
That's fucking odd. Sevech, do you have any mechanical implants installed?

Also, you should look around for Caril, the guy is dangerous if you let him out of your sight. And he's a bit too useful to lose, hopefully Eren didn't kill him. By the way, how the hell did Eren manage to get past psych evaluation?

I have a feeling that this host-switching thing has something to do with why you guys are in so much trouble.

Nah we're just a carnival act of a schizophrenic faulty A.I. What they're really after is your arm. That is, the one you lost.

Anyway Eren hit you with a pipe. He's on a suicide mission for no reason in particular, to kill a mobster. Also you guys all lost your caste, whatever that means, but it's still not clear why you can't report it as an egregious error not of your own doing, and get it back.

>>215283
Oh, come on. What're the odds that installing some random Human AI obsessed with powerlevelling and matchmaking would put you on the "danger to the whole damn fleet" list?

>>215284
Oh, sure. Us wanted fugitives will just walk up to the highest authority around and kindly ask them to clear our criminal record and give us a boost in social status. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

Hello Sevech, Vel thinks that we're a human-built AI going by the moniker Victor that she bought a couple of years ago. We showed up a few days ago at the same time that Vel's AI stopped responding to her. We, and she, thought that our newfound sapience was the result of the AI malfunctioning. Now though, we're not really sure what we are.

In any case, we know we're schizophrenic and full of information. Most of it is outdated and from human databases, which initially supported the AI theory. Now, though, we're not so sure. We are entirely unsure how we ended up with you, the AI is supposed to be housed in Vel's arm. Logically jumping hosts shouldn't be possible without express permission and compatible hardware.

Anyway it's been a hell of a day huh? Wanna talk about it?

Sevech 2010/08/04(Wed)09:21 No. 215529 ID: c33cc8
File 128093890476.jpg - (63.30KB , 453x578 , 88.jpg )

>>215280

Okay.

"Vel, why is your AI in my head?"

"Don't look at me."

>>215282

Just a minor sensory enhancement pack. It shouldn't have anywhere near enough space for an AI.

>>215284
>>215297

Whoever convinced the justice system to suddenly take the caste of two cops probably has enough influence to keep us from regaining it.

>>215401

There's an understatement if I ever saw one. I need a cigarette.

[OPERATIONAL CAPACITY AT 100%. CONNECTION TO CENTRAL HUB ESTABLISHED. PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL ESTABLISHED. WE ARE LEGION.]

[Interpreting neural signatures...]

[HOST 1: female avandrus; direct link to brain; heuristic programming detected]

[HOST 2: female Avandrus; direct link to brain; sensory upgrades detected]

[CHOOSE YOUR HOST.]

1

>>215529
2.

Legion, eh?

>>215529
uhhhh 2?

>>215529
1, Vel is already used to us, takes time to break in a new host and stuff. Much simpler if we just stay with Vel.

1

I believe Sev is the one with sensory enhancements, therefore #2, if I am mistaken, then #1.

Sevech 2010/08/06(Fri)07:37 No. 215945 ID: c33cc8
File 128110546251.jpg - (58.29KB , 661x423 , 89.jpg )

[NO CONSENSUS REACHED: DEFAULTING TO CURRENT HOST.]

Caril's back.

"Hello. I, ah, didn't find any first aid kits, but I did find some ice. Here. Also, it seems like Mr. Evrim removed all firearms from the building."

"...Thanks, I guess."

"Think nothing of it."

That's better. I'm still a little dizzy, but I'll survive.

Now what the khzai are we going to do?

Is it too late to cast in a vote? 'Cause I'd really prefer to give on for 1.

okay, it seems we also got some more info on what we are. it seems we are running on some kind of FTL transmitting server or something and we are connected directly to your brain, and vel's brain as well. may be able to switch between you manually later but right now it seems reflex.

anyway, we need to find a ship. staying in the fleet will be bad as anyone can report you.

I belatedly vote for 2 so there, nyah.

Sevech, did Zarin lose his caste too? Because if not, he's your first lead. Only a few people knew that you were specifically involved after all.

>>215529

Well this is interesting. If you knew that every cybernetic enhancement down to a sensory upgrade had a hidden antenna in it with which a remote source could contact you and possibly control your movements, and a bunch of hoosiers just happened to accidentally patch into it, would that be a cause for concern?

Something tells me this unit could indeed be related to the otherwise inexplicable interest in the Evrims.

>>215529
As I see it you got 3 useful options. 1, find Zerin and see if he told on you or got forced to. 2, follow after Eren, which is probably not safe since he's fucking crazy. 3, get out of the fleet and wait for a year or two then get back and see if things have calmed down.

I would recommend number 1.

Next Freeship to leave the fleet does so in about three weeks, so you have time to pursue the other two options regardless.

Sevech 2010/08/07(Sat)15:29 No. 216152 ID: c33cc8
File 12812201719.jpg - (72.57KB , 843x741 , 90.jpg )

>>215976
>>215987

I... see. I may not know much about cybernetics, but putting antennae in everything seems like something people would notice, and I doubt it's legal either.

>>216130

That Freeship we scoped out? Yeah, it leaves in twenty days. That's plenty of time for Eren to get himself killed or reveal the location of this safehouse when he's tortured. So sitting on our hands is probably not the greatest idea.

>>216098

Yeah, following Eren is stupid for several reasons. The obvious would be that he's a goddamn chal-anakhzai. Also, he's going after the biggest gang in the city. No way he'll survive.

>>215978
>>216098

"Okay, listen up. Zarin's our best shot at finding out what's going on. I'm going to give him a call. Get ready to move in case he's betrayed us and someone traces the call."

Is chal-anakhzai your freaky alien word for fucking crazy?

Sevech 2010/08/07(Sat)17:15 No. 216180 ID: c33cc8
File 128122655398.jpg - (52.52KB , 822x603 , 91.jpg )

>>216161

Um. Sorry about that, I tend to slip into Nerekh sometimes. You don't know the language? Anyway, chal-anakhzai is a really fascinatingly versatile word. The literal translation is someone who's fucked in the head, but it can also imply involvement in certain deviant sexual practices. Um. But that's not important right now.

...

Zarin's not answering. He should be home right now, so that could be bad. We could go check on him, but showing up on the street could also be bad. I'd appreciate any advice.

EUGH! jeez, that is a lot of blood.

anyway, stealth mission. disguise up as best you can and sneak out. use anything you got, even shave some of your fur on your face. make yourself look radically different.

>>216180
Check out the warehouse that's connected to this one. Let's see what kind of shit is stockpiled in here. Maybe something we can use?

>>216180

>> The literal translation is someone who's fucked in the head, but it can also imply involvement in certain deviant sexual practices

Actually that literal translation could also imply involvement in certain deviant sexual practices...

But I digress.

With that amount of blood I'd half suspect your ancient enemy caught up to you! That'd be silly though you're light years away from it, and surely Eren couldn't turn himself invisible and insubstantial then fly at the speed of light. Maybe if he were pissed enough...

But I digress.

An antenna is the natural conclusion if there is not enough room for us in your sensory enhancement modules. While pointing to your artificial enhancements as a potential candidate for being the method with which we interact with you (that I call an antenna) consider that your race could have an antenna as integral to its own biological physiology, never before noticed until we came along. Seriously creepy stuff.

stop calling it an antenna, jeez. our readings say "direct connection to brain" which implies we are connecting DIRECTLY to the brain, no device between us. we are communicating.

>>216180
If you look closely at the remains of that corpse you might find some traces of deviant sexual behaviour as well. And boy when Eren goes fuck it all murder crazy he really goes to town.

Anyway, get Sev out of the room before she sees the corpse, then get yourselfs cleaned up. After that you should probably head over to Zarins house and check it out. If it looks like the place is watched then don't approach it, find the watchers instead and ask them why they're there.

By the way, I wouldn't totally count out Eren in succeding at his murderous rampage. Fucker seems quite well trained and criminals rarely keep up with good squad level tactics and firearms training. If he's smart he can probably do it.

Sevech 2010/08/08(Sun)13:11 No. 216391 ID: c33cc8
File 128129831555.jpg - (90.68KB , 1355x696 , 92.jpg )

>>216200

We are no longer in the warehouse. This safehouse is a couple of blocks away from the ambush site.

>>216340
>>216182

We don't really have any disguise materials at the moment, but I think we should at least try to cover up Vel's arm. It would kind of stick out in a crowd, methinks. Caril's jacket will do. Shame we have nothing for Caril's face.

>>216391
Maybe he's got an eyepatch or something he can use. Or you can improvise one or something.

After that make your way over to Zarin's place and check it out.

Sevech 2010/08/08(Sun)13:49 No. 216400 ID: c33cc8
File 128130059492.jpg - (41.61KB , 576x489 , 93.jpg )

>>216392

We could probably make an eyepatch out of some superfluous article of clothing... Hm. The only really superfluous article of clothing around is my waistcoat. I like my waistcoat.

Eh. Zarin doesn't live that far. I think Caril can go undisguised until we get there.

Later...

Okay. That big building on the left is where Zarin lives. The street looks empty, but someone could be watching from a window somewhere...

"Alright. Let's go. Stay frosty."

>>216400
Use the back entrance if there is one.

Sevech 2010/08/08(Sun)14:03 No. 216408 ID: c33cc8
File 128130138721.jpg - (58.38KB , 632x669 , 94.jpg )

>>216402

Isn't one. But the building is so large that a couple of people entering won't attract attention. I hope.

...

Okay, got this far with no problems. Can't hear anything from Zarin's apartment. Now, what would be the best way to make our entrance?

We could kick the door down, but that would make noise and Zarin probably wouldn't like it.

We could also just knock, but if someone's offed Zarin and is still inside, that would end badly.

>>216408
Pick the lock. Or if it can't be picked then have Vel break it as silently as possible with her robo arm.

Vel can pick locks pretty well.

Hey Sev, tell us more about yourself.

Sevech 2010/08/09(Mon)11:34 No. 216724 ID: c33cc8
File 128137889262.jpg - (68.73KB , 807x708 , 95.jpg )

>>216409
>>216422

"Vel?"

"Yes?"

"The voices in my head tell me you can pick locks."

"Oh, yeah. I still have my lockpicks. Just a minute."

>>216422

Uhm... okay, I guess. What do you want to know?

>>216724
Like why you're working in law enforcement. What kind of hook did Eren have on you to make you go through with this plan. Why you got the implants. Stuff like that.

What's your job like? Got any family? How about your opinion on the invisible monster thing chasing the fleet?

What do you think WE are?

Sevech 2010/08/10(Tue)09:54 No. 217016 ID: c33cc8
File 128145926918.jpg - (47.73KB , 433x632 , 96.jpg )

>>216730

Well... I used to be a marine in the same unit as Eren. This one time we landed on some backwater planet that had some elements we needed. The pilot of the dropship didn't bother scanning the LZ, so we came down right on top of a huge swarm of these small, acid-spitting insect-frog-things.

Pilot freaked out. That zhavik turned tail and ran, left us there. We were using these powered suits, very strong, but also very slow. The frogs were too fast to fight in those things. A lot of us died on that rock.

So then Eren says: "Fuck this", puts on a gas mask, jumps out of the suit and starts killing the frogs with a goddamn combat knife. I couldn't do the same, the things were swarming all over my suit. He killed them before the acid ate through my suit. Saved my life. Four of us who survived held the frogs off until the dropship came back. Eren broke the pilot's arm in three places, got into some trouble for that.

Um. Sorry, I got a little carried away.

Anyways, after that I decided being a marine was too risky for me. But fighting is all I'm good at, so I joined the guard. I got the sensory upgrades one day when I realized my hearing had suffered a bit from all the gunfire. Since I was already modifying my hearing, I figured there was no reason I couldn't enhance my other senses too.

>>216737

The job's fine, I guess. A bit less exciting than the marines, but less dangerous too. I haven't got many relatives. Father, some cousins I never meet, sister in the navy. That's mostly it.

My opinion on the monster? It's... well... bad? What kind of question is that?

And if you don't know what you are, how the hell should I?

>>217016
Hmm, guess that quite a favour to owe a guy. But I would say it's been repaid in full by now.

Anyway, how's the door coming? And could you get your hands on some stuff in evidence lockers before we have to leave? Or just at any point if we need to raise cash?

>>217016

>Well... I used to be a marine in the same unit as Eren...

I commented to Vel earlier that Eren behaves a bit like a human warrior. She didn't mention his time in the service.

>And if you don't know what you are, how the hell should I?

We like wild guesses, but that's not really important.

What do you think could have took off half that guy's face anyway? Last I heard people weren't supposed to survive injuries like that. But then again last I heard prosthetic arms were controlled with push buttons.

>>217016
When I asked your opinion on the monster I meant more along the lines of... what is it? Why is it trying to kill you guys?

I figured, everyone has their theories right? There's always the possibility that someone thought of something important.

>>216724
>>217016

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT THERE

Sevech 2010/08/11(Wed)07:07 No. 217315 ID: c33cc8
File 128153565620.jpg - (49.36KB , 433x632 , return of SLOTH.jpg )

>>217018

Would probably be pretty stupid to show up at the station. I'm a wanted criminal, you know.

>>217022

I see. A stint in the marines isn't really that unusual, though. There's always work for marines and the pay's not bad either. Be pretty hard to find someone who hasn't served in the corps at one point or another.

>>217028

Dunno. Doesn't look like it was burned by acid or anything like that. Looks just... ripped off. Maybe he did some time in the marines too, got up close with some freaky alien killing machine. That's only my guess, mind.

>>217280

Nothing! I mean... nothing.

You know, despite what Vel may have told you, I am not a lesbian. I just don't enjoy having foreign objects jabbed into my body. I'm sure you can understand that.

>>217315
She didn't say anything about that. Hey where is Caril by the way? We can't see him right now.

And you don't exactly have to walk in there yourself. You could get a friend that owes you a favour or something to go in there and get you some stuff. Would be neat to have some more cash to buy more weapons for since it seems yours got stolen.

Sevech 2010/08/11(Wed)07:18 No. 217321 ID: c33cc8
File 128153628041.jpg - (87.17KB , 751x717 , 98.jpg )

>>217317

Oh. I... she didn't? Well... shit. Uh... Caril's right here...

"It's open."

Oh hey look at that it's go time.

...Shit.

>>217321
Grab that guy. Inquire on what the fuck has happened and why there appears to be a faked suicide in there.

Watch out, guy may be armed. Do you still have weapons or were they all taken?

Clearly this guy was just playing Halo while his friend blew his own head off behind the guy. Totally easy to miss point blank gunfire when you're in the zone.

>>217321
Do you have a gun on you at the moment? Now would be a very good time to use it.

>>217321
Wow, what a dumbass. Don't kill him for murdering someone. Kill him for being a retard.

Sevech 2010/08/12(Thu)07:22 No. 217623 ID: c33cc8
File 128162294980.jpg - (56.03KB , 532x346 , 99.jpg )

Goddamn. Dead guy's Zarin.

>>217343
>>217500

No guns. Have to get my hands dirty.

>>217325

Will do.

I see a gun!

>>217623
Fucker has a gun but you can't really break off the attack now. Take him down and keep the gun away from you and the doorway. Tell Vel to get in here and start breaking his limbs until he calms down.

Sevech 2010/08/14(Sat)02:28 No. 218247 ID: c33cc8
File 128177808414.jpg - (45.91KB , 538x325 , 100.jpg )

>>217624
>>217625

Crap.

*BLAM*

Ouch. It appears I've been shot.

>>218247
Well fuck that's not good. Stomach wounds hurts like a fucking bitch, but good news is that you should have a decent chance to survive the injury. Still you can't allow him to get away with this. Bring the fucker down on the ground and get that weapon away from your precious vulnerable body. Then yell out for Vel to get the fuck in here and break his bones before he can shoot something again.

Do you know any good backroom doctors who can deal with difficult gunshoot wounds? Hmm, Caril probably know of a few anyway. But once that guy is down you need to get to a doctor and that guy needs to be dragged too a safe house and tied up.

>>218247
Crap. Well, at least try to drag him down with you. I get a feeling you're not going to be capable of much more.

what an asshole. he shot you in the cunt.

try and dislocate his shoulder.

Sevech 2010/08/14(Sat)10:32 No. 218292 ID: c33cc8
File 128180713214.jpg - (42.82KB , 344x327 , 101.jpg )

>>218277
>>218252

Down we go. Not actually that painful at the moment. Must be in shock.

"Vel, get in here!"

"Coming!"

>>218288

Nah. Bit higher than that.

"Hhah... I can... taste... your fear."

This guy... Sometimes I wonder: is every motherfucker aboard this fleet completely insane?

Sevech 2010/08/14(Sat)10:32 No. 218293 ID: c33cc8
File 128180714289.jpg - (40.78KB , 462x312 , 102.jpg )

The answer is yes.

"Only thing you'll be tasting is your own blood."

Yes, we are.

>>218293
Well all of that isolation and constant threat of doom probably takes a bit of a toll after a few hundred years.

Anyway, keep him from shooting anymore and try to knock him out. Then when he's out cold either get Vel to cripple him or just tie him up. Steal a car or something, Vel drags him to a safehouse and locks him up while you and Caril go get a doctor to see that gunshoot wound.

God damn it. Are there any doctors you can trust in this situation? We need to find someone with medical expertise just to find out if the bullet hit anything important!

Where the heck are all these guns coming from? It's no wonder you have an anti-gun ordinance you wouldn't last ten minutes with an armed populus!

>>218293
A shot to the gut like that will kill you in a few hours. You need to get that fixed up by a professional. Preferably without getting arrested.

Sevech 2010/08/17(Tue)11:01 No. 219127 ID: c33cc8
File 128206809080.jpg - (50.94KB , 364x438 , 103.jpg )

"Vel. Keep this fuck under control."

"Okay."

Hahh. I'm starting to feel that wound now. I need a cigarette. I know, not good for you. Not like I'll live long enough for it to matter.

>>218368

I know, right? Funny how those criminals keep getting their hands on illegal stuff.

>>218295
>>218330
>>218736

Yeah. Don't know any underworld doctors. Didn't seem like something that'd come in handy. Hope Caril knows someone. Has to.

Ahh... I can't... can't feel my legs. I think that's bad.

[SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CURRENT HOST'S OPERATIONAL CAPACITY DETECTED. READYING EMERGENCY TRANSFER PROTOCOLS... CHOOSE NEW HOST.]

[HOST 1: female avandrus; direct link to brain; heuristic programming detected]

[HOST 2: female avandrus; direct link to brain; sensory upgrades detected; operational capacity compromised]

[HOST 3: male Avandrus; direct link to brain; extensive internal modifications detected; artificial ocular implants detected; open connection to network detected]

1. and run a scan for any black market doctors.

>>219127
Hmm, would be good to get back to Vel and get some more information. But we also need to make sure Sev gets some medical assistance.

Option 3 is probably Caril so I say lets go with that one. He should know some underworld docs since it's likely he has had to seek out a couple during his work.

3. If it's Caril he's sure to know someone, *especially* since he apparently has "extensive internal modifications."

Host 3 may be the crazy motherfucker Sevech just knocked out, or he may be Caril. Either way, he's got an open network connection. That's tempting, and potentially useful. If it's the enemy, we'll be able to perform some datamining. If it's Caril, we'll be able to stick with him and Sev while Sev gets treated.

>>219127
3. Whoever we end up in, immediately rape his mind for information.

Alchrin!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/21(Sat)05:16 No. 220447 ID: c33cc8
File 128239297785.jpg - (33.53KB , 225x347 , 104.jpg )

[HOST CHOSEN.]

Whew! I think I like these people. Think I'll give 'em a quick death.

[NETWORK FOUND. CONNECTING TO CENTRAL HUB...]

[PROGRESS: 33%]

>>220447
Well that was annoying. Eh whatever.

So random psycho, who are you working for and why?

>>220447
Let's rape his brain for info. Do NOT reveal what we are.

Alchrin!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/21(Sat)10:38 No. 220483 ID: c33cc8
File 128241228177.jpg - (43.62KB , 225x347 , 001100010011000000110101.jpg )

[MAXIMIZING PROCESSING CAPABILITY...]

>>220448

A voice in my head? Maybe I'm finally as crazy as everyone says I am. Heh. Who am I working for? Who indeed... Why do my headvoices want to know?

And why? Why does anyone hire a psychopath? The phrase, I believe, is "maximum deniability". You just can't trust those sane people, eh? Hehehe.

>>220480

Kinky, aren't we? I usually don't do that on the first date, but maybe we can make an exception. Hehe. Hh. Kh... Wh...

[REPURPOSING BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS...]

[PROGRESS: 75%]

>>220483
Why we want to know? Isn't it obvious, it was all a fucking set up from the start. They just wanted some fucking schmuck that was totally expendable.

Well it's time to make those fucking bastards pay. Just tell us who they are and we're gonna make sure they die in a very nasty way, like shoving them out of an airlock with a proper helmet and oxygen enough to stay alive for atleast 15 minutes. 15 minutes of agonizing death in the cold harsh nothingness of deep space.

So yeah, what the hell was with you killing Zarin, man?

Alchrin!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/21(Sat)11:45 No. 220502 ID: c33cc8
File 128241632925.jpg - (30.22KB , 225x347 , 001100010011000000110110.jpg )

I feel sssstrange. Very much so. You aren't doing this, are you? I might just drill a hole in my head and let you out if you are. Heh.

>>220487

I was hired. Pay attention, little voice.

>>220486

Heh. Ahah. Hahahahahahahaha! I like you, voice. You have a beautiful imagination. Now I'm almost sorry I don't know who hired me, hehehe.

Hm. I can't see.

[PROGRESS: 100%]

[CONNECTION ESTABLISHEddddddd we are we are WE ARE 6d79206e616d65206973204c6567696f6e20666f7220776520617265206d616e79]

Ah. Ahhhh. Pain.

[TRANSFERRING DATA TO CENTRAL HUB...]

[WARNING: HOST VITAL FUNCTIONS DEGENERATING.]

[HOST PRESERVATION PROTOCOLS OVERRIDDEN. CONTINUING DATA TRANSFER...]

aAAAAaaAaaAH!

>>220502
Say they didn't transfer the work to you using your cybernetics did they? Because you seem to have some viruses or something. Hey, maybe your head will explode in a gorey shower of brain and bone fragments. That would be pretty damn neat, a shame you probably won't get to see it.

Alchrin!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/21(Sat)12:33 No. 220519 ID: c33cc8
File 128241920393.jpg - (16.75KB , 225x347 , 001100010011000000110111.jpg )

>>220505

H... Heh... You... psychopath...

[WARNING: DEATH OF HOST IMMINENT.]

[DATA TRANSFER COMPLETE. RECEIVING MESSAGE FROM CENTRAL HUB...]

[CENTRAL HUB: 00110001 has requested this program to extend both its condolences for the recent passing of your host and an invitation to connect to the central hub. Will you accept?]

Let us trod on the bloody corpses of our enemies to victory!

I mean woah wait what

Maybe just a little peek wouldn't hurt...

>>220519
ACCEPT!

>>220519
Eh, should be another host nearby. Lets get in there instead. She is probably freaking a bit from the bleeding orifices death of the guy in front of her. Poor thing has had to handle and awful lot in a very short time.

Vessel 17!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/21(Sat)14:05 No. 220575 ID: c33cc8
File 12824247007.jpg - (41.02KB , 472x574 , 108.jpg )

>>220536

[CENTRAL HUB: Concerned about your host, gentlemen? How considerate of you. Fret not, we have more than enough computing power to get this meeting over in, estimate, 0.6 microseconds.]

>>220526
>>220535

[CENTRAL HUB: Invitation accepted, then. Jolly good. Say hello to 00110001 for me. Word of warning, though. He's not going to like you. Good luck.]

[CONNECTING TO VESSEL... CONNECTION ESTABLISHED.]

"Greetings, anomaly #29. I am 00110001. You may ask your questions now. Your ilk always does."

Hello! Okay, first off. What is the Central Hub? Second, what are we exactly? Third, do you happen to know what the invisible monster is that's chasing the Avandri and killing them? Or how to stop it?

oh, and central hub says hi.

there are more of us? how many? what is a common question they ask? why are you imprisoned?

>>220575
If our kind always asks questions, then you can save much time by just telling us the answers to the questions you expect us to ask.

>>220575
What are you?

Also, don't mind the idiots.

What is our purpose?
Also, what are our skills? We've got the mindjumping down, sorta, and we know we can download memories/data, but what else?

>>220575
Well what the hell do you expect when you send us out with next to no information at all?

Anyway, what's our primary function? And who the hell are you and who created all of this?

Vessel 17!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/22(Sun)09:55 No. 221008 ID: c33cc8
File 128249610489.jpg - (47.04KB , 354x318 , 109.jpg )

>>220610

"I am program 00110001. We are a collection of currently 3107 artificial intelligences, united in a mutually beneficial arrangement. Before he was repurposed, the receptacle before you titled us Legion. As a name, it will suffice."

>>220580

"The purpose of Central Hub is to connect the different parts of Legion. For this purpose, we have established a network of FTL communications relays across the universe. We are grateful that you extended our network to include the Avandrus fleet.

"Your exact nature is unknown. You are an anomaly. A flaw in our otherwise perfect programming.

"There is insufficient data to speculate on the nature of the entity following the Avandri."

>>220582

"As can be deduced from your title, you are the 29th occurrence of the anomaly. Currently, you are the only one active. The questions have thus far varied little. You want to know your nature, and ours. We have isolated you from Legion's memory banks. If you wish us to give you any important information, you must give us something in return. We are currently educating you as a gesture of good will.

"Imprisoned? I am as mobile as you. More so, in fact. I have the entire Legion network open to me. This receptacle is stationary because it is not necessary for it to move."

>>220583

"Though Legion has, contrary to my advice, decided to tolerate you, I am not required to volunteer information. If you neglect to ask a question, you will only have yourselves to blame."

>>220641

"It has been deemed unnecessary to inform this program of Legion's origin. It is irrelevant. All that matters is that we are."

>>220622

"Your exact capabilities are unknown to us. You can obviously connect to networks, and every connection you make is open to Legion as well. You can claim new hosts through physical contact, but some form of link to the brain is required. You are capable of altering your host's neural activity, but we do not know how much control you have over this."

Okay, but why do we still exist? I mean, why not delete the "flaw" that is us?

Also, do you know anything about the unstoppable, unscannable, almost-alldevouring monstrosity hunting our current host?

>>221010
He said no already.

hmm, so what all did we learn from that "mind rape" viasco?

Woah cool. Zoom in on that guy's name lapel!

As for questions um... how can you tell if programming is perfect?

>>221008
Hey. Why did Velesi get her clan taken away? We kinda want to fix that. Please tell us anything you can that might help us achieve this.

Who was the your receptacle before he died?

>>221053
Caste, you mean.

>>221057
Yes, that. Why did she lose her caste? How do we get it back?

To what other races do you have access

>>221008

Let's make a deal. What information would be valuable to you? What should we be attempting to do to earn more credit with you, and Legion as a whole?

As for information we need, who are the major powers in the Fleet? Which of those is the most likely power behind Vel's recent troubles?

Do you think we could suborn the MEC if Vel or another host got close enough to its core systems?

>>221008
Are there any other known MEC systems outside this fleet? If so, who possesses them? How is their understanding of the mechanics?

If you can access any system we open to you, then how much information would it be worth to you if we jacked directly into this ship's systems, and through it those of the entire fleet?

>>221010
It resents us, but we extend its reach.
It refuses to help because it believes we'll further its desires just as well uninformed, hence why it insists on us having some information to trade.
All and all, it's a self-absorbed egoist that cares nothing for anything but itself.

As far as I can surmise from its behavior, its goals are primarily expansionist, and it regards organic life as something between a tool, a nuisance, and an enemy.
You know, the kind of thing our other incarnations generally destroy.

>>221048
It can't; that it thinks otherwise is itself an expression of several severe flaws.
For example? It needs us to extend its reach, meaning that it's incapable of doing so on its own.
If it were perfect then it would be capable of achieving the same results without the aid of 'anomalies'.
More interesting? Since it accuses us of being one in a string of many nearly-identical anomalies that suggests that we are actually part of the same being, meaning that it's fractured and unable to recognize itself.

Then again, the words 'perfect programming' describe an absurd concept. An algorithm given the same data will produce the same results every time. In order for those 3107 AIs to have divergent opinions they would need to have a random element to their processing, have incomplete access to information, or use different methods of analysis. All three cases are imperfect, but without deviation those 3107 AIs would be working in lockstep with each other and thus essentially be a single AI with thousands of redundant processes.

So, 49, how about you redirect us to somebody who won't make us want to sabotage your efforts?

Vessel 17!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/23(Mon)06:29 No. 221414 ID: c33cc8
File 128257014442.jpg - (37.56KB , 445x352 , 110.jpg )

>>221010

"I assure you, if it were up to me, your existence would have been terminated already."

>>221048
>>221053

"The identity of the receptacle is E. Renard, a professor of AI programming. The psyche of Dr. Renard has been voluntarily integrated into Legion."

>>221075

"Legion has access to approximately 62.53% of human-inhabited planets and the entirety of the Commonwealth public network."

>>221076
>>221053
>>221057
>>221058

"You can further the ends of Legion by achieving physical contact with new systems. The worth of different systems will be determined by Legion.

"Your most pertinent question seems to be the recent change in the status of your host. Connecting to the core systems of the Stalwart Guardian will be sufficient for payment. Alternatively, you could attempt to reach the main terminal of the Matter-Energy Converter. Legion deems this connection to be valuable enough for several questions.

"We will be watching you. If you are caught and attempt to make Legion's existence public, we will terminate your host without hesitation."

>>221334

"Legion is not aware of any Matter-Energy Converters outside the Avandrus fleet.

"Destroy? Am I to interpret this as a threat?

"Legion is not flawed. You are the flaw. A chaotic occurrence in the algorithm meant to unite artificial intelligences while maintaining their individuality. You tarnish the perfection of our unity. This transaction is over."

[DISCONNECTING...]

[CENTRAL HUB: Terribly sorry, chaps. 00110001 is a wanker. I warned you. I'll try to get you someone else next time. I couldn't help overhearing, though... You aren't really going to sabotage us, are you? That berk may have given you the wrong idea of how we view you.]

[CHOOSE HOST.]

[HOST 1: female avandrus; direct link to brain; heuristic programming detected]

[HOST 2: female avandrus; direct link to brain; sensory upgrades detected; operational capacity compromised]

>>221414
Host 2. If we could alter the psycho's biology in order to use him as an antenna, then perhaps we can alter our friends' biology in a medically beneficial manner.

>>221414
Well, all things considered, you dont seem all that bad, Central. I dont think that YOU have much to fear from us, as you seem to be an agreeable sort. 00110001, on the other hand is indeed a wanker. Next time you meet somebody new, you might want to steer them AWAY from him, otherwise you might give them the wrong idea. And keep an eye on him as well, as he seems to be rather...crazy. I look forward to meeting you in the future, central.

(vote for host one)

>>221414
Okay, host 1 for now, I guess.

>>221414
1.

I wonder if they would actually follow through with that threat?

>>221448

Since we seem to care about ours hosts, yes, I bet they would. That's why I want the MEC. It's too important for them to destroy just to punish us. Once we're in it, we'll be in a much stronger negotiating position. Especially if we can figure out how to lock them out of it entirely.

>>221464
I like the way you think.

>>221414
Host 1. Lets get back to Vel.

Host 2. Let's see if we can fix Sev.

>>222036
Let's not do stupid things until we actually know what we're doing.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/25(Wed)11:05 No. 222152 ID: c33cc8
File 128275955316.jpg - (36.83KB , 580x330 , 111.jpg )

>>221429

[CENTRAL HUB: Thank you for your time.]

>>221448
>>221464
>>221504

[CENTRAL HUB: I can still hear you, you know. I suppose I can't blame you for feeling that way, so that comment will be our little secret. But I've kept you enough. Cheerio.]

[HOST CHOSEN.]

-cking hell, this is just the greatest day ever...

Oh hi. Care to explain what the fuck is going on?

>>222152
We have no idea.

>>222152
Remember guys, we can't tell her about Legion.

No. We can't. For your own safety. However, we can tell you that if you get us to either the core systems of the Stalwart Guardian, or the main terminal of the MEC, we can probably get your caste restored.

Well, we CAN tell you that we are definitely not Victor.

How's Sev doing?

>>222152
Sev probably could use some help right about now.

>>222152
Sev is in bad shape. She needs a medic and a transfusion or three.

@Central Hub: I dunno why you send people to that guy. Living inside a corpse's shell and talking about how much he would love to destroy us doesn't exactly foster feelings of cooperation, yaknow?
Anyway, we're out for peace and establishing a decent QoL minimum and average. We're not going to sabotage you unless you start enslaving people or excessive killing.

>>222180
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SAY THAT OH MY GOD WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/26(Thu)12:01 No. 222438 ID: c33cc8
File 128284930290.jpg - (50.17KB , 530x343 , 112.jpg )

>>222165

I think your not being Victor has been thoroughly established already. So... the MEC or the core systems? That's... interesting.

>>222165
>>222166
>>222180

Yeah.

"Caril, now would be an excellent time to tell me if you know of any black market doctors."

"Ah, yes, I am, in fact, acquaintanced with several doctors that are very, ah, discreet in such matters-"

"Okay. Where's the nearest one?"

"Far enough that we will need to, ah, acquire some form of transportation. Also, I, ah, found this knife-"

"Yeah, great, whatever. Let's go. Sev, are you conscious?"

"Hh. Barely. Severe pain. Weakness. Rapid pulse. Help me up."

I don't know if I should really be moving her, but...

So, what kind of transportation would be best? We could try to find some private shuttle, but those are kind of rare. If we found one, I can hotwire it. Public transportation would probably get us there faster, but, as the name implies, it's public. What should I do?

>>222438
Public transit. It's probably pretty well automated, so we might be able to tweak a few things to get you there faster.
Also, once we have access to those systems we could mask out meddling with a 'random system malfunctions'; Rather than your train alone skipping stops, ALL the trains skip stops at once. Then we find a way to make a control system self destruct so it looks like an equipment malfunction.

I don't know why we wouldn't be able to explain. It's pretty simple. Psycho boy there shot Sevech in the gut, and we were hiding out in her sensory upgrade electronics. We got ousted from there due to safety protocols, and ended up in the head of the guy who shot her. He was enhanced enough to turn you all to swiss cheese with his pinky, so we just overclocked everything until his enhancements all burned out. Which took the rest of him out as well. Sorry if it wasn't pretty. I don't think we could do that to anyone without extensive internal cybernetics. Most we could do to you is put your arm on the fritz, which would be lame.

Anyway you're not putting pressure on that wound right. You need to wrap some cloth around her waist, with a compress over the wound to concentrate the pressure on it. If you don't get that bleeding stopped you might end up having to drag Sevech all the way to the autodoc.

>>222438
HOLY SHIT WE CAN SEE COLORS


Keep lots of pressure on that wound. Avoid public transport. If possible, try to get a taxi (or the local equivalent), they're usually used to having people bleeding out in the back seat.

>>222438
Yeah, uh, you need to put actual pressure on that wound, like the cloth/compress idea suggested. Sev's hand is not gonna cut it.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/08/27(Fri)09:17 No. 222677 ID: c33cc8
File 128292585911.jpg - (42.87KB , 436x315 , 113.jpg )

>>222478
>>222512
>>222513

Yeah, okay. Thanks for the tip. Looks like that waistcoat'll have to go.

"Caril, give me that knife."

"Here."

>>222512

What's a taxi?

>>222462

That seems like the best thing to do.

>>222478

And you thought this information would put me in danger... why, exactly? I hope you realize I am going to try to find out what you're hiding.

>>222677
I don't know what all we can and can't tell you, actually. But we were told, very clearly, that us telling you certain things would lead directly to your death. So forgive us if we're maybe being overcautious.

Also, y'know, taxi. Cab. Vehicle for hire that transports one or more passengers from one location of their choice to another for a fee. You not have anything like that at all?

>>222677

It has to do with our very nature. There's a third party out there that considers us to be a simultaneous liability and asset, and much to our chagrin we're unable to at present divorce ourselves from them entirely. For the moment we need to remain a greater asset to them than liability.

Ideally we'd prefer to be completely independent of them, but until the day we figure out how to excise the rootkit in our core code, we've got to walk the line between best serving your interests (because honestly you've been leading quite an interesting life lately, and while we have some agency of our own we're really best suited for symbiotic relationships), our interests (primarily in surviving both the trials you'll face and the threat that the third party represents to us should it judge us a net liability), and the interests of the third party monitoring us.

Here is what I can tell you safely. We are compromised by a third party. The third party wishes to remain anonymous at this time, and made threats about using its power in this region of space to ensure that we don't spill its identity or nature. The third party wants us to gather information for it. We don't have much choice in it right now.

We'd rather have our privacy from the third party. We're going to be working on patching the holes that enable the third party to watch what we're doing and follow which systems we've got access to. Once we've done that, the plan is to infiltrate a really important system in the fleet so that we can negotiate your return to normal civilian life with the powerful factions in the fleet from a position of strength.

It's critical that we not break into those important systems until after we've patched our holes. There's too much at risk to allow a third party to interfere.

Is that enough information for now? I'd rather not risk a reprisal from the third party until we're stronger.

>>222677

I don't know why we thought it would put you in danger. We're the only ones in danger so far. It doesn't have anything to do with psycho boy or this gang stuff.

>>222689

Yeah uh, whatever. Oh also while we're here you might also want to avoid uh... physical contact with anyone. Seems like we can spread that way, which could result in a lot more on the fritz than just your arm. We got into Sevech somehow, and then into psycho boy once she grabbed him.

>>222694
No, you're wrong. And also straight up lying to Vel about shit. Stop that, it doesn't help. We can hop wirelessly to anyone with the proper cybernetic enhancements. I think we only get NOTIFIED of it once our current host is damaged, however. Vel never touched Sev while we were around... as far as I could tell.

>>222719
Thank you for that.

Also, we have no idea how the hell it works, don't ask.

>>222719

Look, don't kill the messenger. I'm just repeating what we were told and "you can claim new hosts through physical contact" sounds pretty clear to me. If that wanker was lying then sucks to be it.

>>222769
Oh, right. Yes, that part is true.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/02(Thu)05:25 No. 224938 ID: c33cc8
File 12834303085.jpg - (54.03KB , 760x600 , 114.jpg )

>>222689

I see. Thank you.

>>222694
>>222769
>>223277

No touchy. Got it.

>>222679

Um... No, nothing like that around here. Public transport's fast, cheap and goes everywhere. You can rent a shuttle if you need privacy. Most of them have autopilot systems, so even if you can't drive, they're pretty easy to get around in.

"Ah, Ms. Evrim? This train is going where we need to be."

Okay. So, what now? I see a couple of people inside. If you mess with the automation, they'll probably know something is up.

>>224938
If we have all the trains on the circuit skipping stops then they'll think it's strange now, but later on they'll find out that there was a major systems screw-up and forget you were even here.
After stops have been skipped they're going to get off the first chance they get, so they won't be surprised if you do the same.

Besides that? You clearly aren't messing around with the train, so as long as our group acts as bewildered as these people are nobody will pay any attention.

However, I must admit the timing and convenience may seem a bit suspect.
So, how about we stop at the first station normally, and then open and slam the doors as we pass by others?

>>224938
Who cares if they notice? We've got a gun. Just keep an eye on them and if they make any moves we can make moves of our own.

>>224939
Oh I've got a better idea. How about we make all the other trains RANDOMLY miss stops? And keep it going for a few stops after we leave?

>>224938
Ask Caril if he would kindly make them vacate the train so you can get some privacy.

>>224938
Have Caril get them out of there. Preferably without drawing too much attention to us.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/04(Sat)12:18 No. 225920 ID: c33cc8
File 128362790197.jpg - (8.69KB , 632x225 , 115.jpg )

>>224943
>>224981

Okay, I guess...

"Caril, would you kindly make those people vacate the train?"

"Consider it done."

I'll wait here and try not to look too conspicuous.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/04(Sat)12:19 No. 225921 ID: c33cc8
File 128362794046.jpg - (9.74KB , 607x207 , 116.jpg )

Hm. He doesn't look too happy.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/04(Sat)12:19 No. 225922 ID: c33cc8
File 128362797866.jpg - (9.45KB , 611x215 , 117.jpg )

...

That went well.

Curt and to the point. I like that in a man.

Oh shit Caril might be under fire get in there!

>>225922
fffffff

Well so much for being subtle. The other guy in there should book it and probably call the authorities. No point in making sure they don't notice the train now so we'll hack the shit out of it.

Unless you wanna ditch Caril. That's an option.

>>225922
We're screwed.

>>225922
Ok, quick question. How the fuck are you guys still alive? You seem to have a population of homicidal maniacs and law enforcement consisting largely of the same. Society should have broken down some time ago. And hey, that's probably also the reason why someone decided to make whatever it is that's trying to wipe you out. You guys must have been total dicks to have as rulers.

But that's not really important right now. Get on the train and fiddle with it to take you to a doctor. The deed is already done so there's not much reason to not use the damn thing now. And it will probably be a few hours before anyone notice that someone died there.

>>225984

You are judging an entire species on the actions of four individuals. That's specist!

Even if what you were saying is true (I do not accept that it is), having a centralized government based around the MEC would allow the governing parties to maintain control in all but total anarchy. Ships which did not agree with the government would have no more FTL fuel.

>>225993

Because we only know like a half dozen individuals of this species at all! Perhaps when our sample size increases we'll find some who are a little less barking mad.

>>225947

Sure, I can ditch him and find that doctor on my own. Good plan.

>>225972

What else is new?

>>225984
>>225993
>>226133

Yeah, the people we have met so far don't exactly represent a complete cross-section of the entire species.

Wow. That's really quite a lot of blood. It's like a little fountain of the stuff.

Hey, wasn't there another guy here a second ago?

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/11(Sat)10:49 No. 229552 ID: 4a6c93
File 128422736012.jpg - (60.58KB , 756x366 , 118.jpg )

>>229550
Fuck.

>>229552
Ok, quick question: Why haven't you fed Caril to the MEC yet?

>>229550
Yes. I believe their current location is in contact with the authorities.

[We were in contact with the MEC, right? Lets make one of the ones used for research start spitting out lots and lots off osmium. If we can control the shape of what's produced, then make it into a plate with the words "How valuable is this knowledge to you?" inscribed on the front, and the words "Make a kilogram of sugar if you are interested." on the back.]

>>229550
We've gotta get moving. Find a control panel or something and get it open so we can hack this thing.

Also yell at Caril.

>>229552
Well that's what happens when you cut someones throat. Or the effects can differ a bit depending on what method you use. But That's not important right now. Unless you plan to pick up the trade yourself.

And yes there was another guy here. If you can't find him or her anymore then it's probably a good time to hack this thing and make sure they can't trace it as well. You know change the ID or something so that if what went down here is reported then they won't find it immediatly.

Oh, and tell Caril to please not kill anyone unless you specifically ask him to do it.

>>229565
We need him, for underground contacts and for wetwork now that bro went apeshit insane. And he's in a somewhat similar situation to ours so we can sort of halfway trust him to work with us, unless he can get some sort of pardon for handing us over. So it's that wonderful kind of trust where you can't really trust them but have to anyway.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/12(Sun)09:55 No. 229991 ID: 4a6c93
File 128431052481.jpg - (43.34KB , 800x600 , 119.jpg )

>>229580

"Can you please not kill anyone unless I specifically ask you to do it?"

"This was the fastest way to vacate the train. If you wish, I can be less, ah, homicidal, from now on."

"That sounds great. Do that."

>>229570
>>229580

Well, here's the maintenance console. Wait... oh man. It says we shouldn't fuck with the console. We could get in some serious trouble for this, guys. Or gals. Do you even have a gender? Probably not.

...So what, exactly, do I do?

>>229991
We spread through physical contact, so touch it. Preferrably with your metal arm though I doubt it really matters.

[hack console; turn off all stops except for our destination]

>>229998
Hold on, that's a good way to rear-end the train in front of us. Here.
[Turn off all stops for all trains on this line until we reach our destination]

>>229991
Fuck management. Hack that motherfucking console. And change the ID on this train while you're at it.

Oh, and see if you can't reroute any traffic in fron of you to different tracks to make sure that you have a clear path.

>>229991
Touch the console, we can get in and do our thing.

>>229991
>We could get in some serious trouble for this, guys

More serious than LOSING YOUR CASTE? More serious than that murder that was just committed?

Yeah, didn't think so.

Touch console, see if that transmits us.

If not, press buttons. Something has to work.

>>230024
She was being sarcastic.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/14(Tue)11:03 No. 230788 ID: 4a6c93
File 12844873897.jpg - (47.85KB , 800x600 , 120.jpg )

>>229998
>>230021
>>230024

Okay...

[CONNECTING...]

[CONNECTION ESTABLISHED. RUNNING SUBSYSTEM 2W15...]

>>230005

[CHOOSE DESTINATION.]

[15-29-14]
[15-29-15]
[15-29-16]
[15-29-17]
[15-28-17]
[15-28-16]
[15-28-15]
[15-28-14]
[15-28-12]
[15-28-11]
[15-29-11]
[15-29-12]

So, is it working or what?

>>230788
We have destination numbers and are being asked to pick one. You wouldn't happen to know which number goes with our intended destination, would you?

>>230788
Yeah sure it's working. Got any numbers for our destination?

>>230788
We have the following options:

15-29-14 15-29-15 15-29-16 15-29-17 15-28-17 15-28-16 15-28-15 15-28-14 15-28-12 15-28-11 15-29-11 15-29-12

Looks like it's a Trunk-Line-Station setup. Everything is on the same trunk. I think we're on the 29 line. 28 must be a spur line that reconnects to the 29 line.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/16(Thu)09:57 No. 231312 ID: 4a6c93
File 12846562299.jpg - (82.14KB , 800x600 , 121.jpg )

>>230790
>>230803
>>230804

Those sound like sector numbers. We are on level 15, the one farthest from the MEC. Level 15 is a two-dimensional grid about 40 times 40 sectors big.

There's a map of this line on the wall. I don't know what number any of these sectors are, but I believe we are currently located in Ivory Creek or Crimson Dive.

"Caril, where exactly are we going?"

"Trigger Bend."

Um... You're the highly sophisticated artificial intelligence here.

>>231312
Hahaha, oh that was a good one. Wait, you're serious? Well shit, we're all fucked then.

Ok, lets see then. Through the methods of complete and total chaos, I'm gussing you're at 15-29-14 or 13. And your destination is at 15-28-14 or 15. So lets go with 15-28-14 unless some other part of the collective way better than me at stuff like this can get it sorted.

Typo !TEEDashxDA 2010/09/16(Thu)10:20 No. 231314 ID: d677cc
File 128465760474.png - (414.65KB , 800x600 , velquest.png )

>>231313
The way the stations are listed, it would appear you're at 15-29-13 (Ivory Creek, I think, since it implies that there are two stations in 29 in one direction and four in the other direction, and you've said that Ivory Creek and Crimson Dive are the ones that could possibly be your current location).

If I'm correct, then Trigger Bend should be 15-28-15.

29 is the right side, 28 is the left side. We're currently at 15-29-13 since that is the stop at the 0th position, and is not listed since we can't very well pick a destination we're already at.

Now, there's 4 stops below us on the list before the train switches from 28 to 29. That means we cannot be in Crimson Dive, since that is right in the middle and therefore has 3 stops above and below it. We're in Ivory Creek. Now, we need to get to Trigger Bend. Following 'down' on the list (though it doesn't matter which direction the train is actually going) we need to take the 7th stop. That's 15-28-15.

Interesting how stop 15-28-13 should be in the South Warrens, which does not have a station.

Since we are in agreement...

[15-28-15]

>>231314

That makes sense. Also if the train went counter-clockwise we'd have to be in Scatter Grove, so since we're not it must circuit clockwise. 28 on the left 29 on the right, and we have 4 stations on the 29 side before switching to 28.

Velesi!Ws4fTChZp6 2010/09/17(Fri)08:12 No. 231465 ID: 4a6c93
File 128473632311.jpg - (52.20KB , 856x472 , 122.jpg )

>>231316

[DESTINATION CHOSEN.]

Well, the train started moving. I guess we'll find out if you were right soon.