CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/22(Sat)16:39 No. 181402 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127457157148.png - (156.57KB , 640x480 , d-2.png )

The first requirement for the creation of the drone requires selection and specialisation of its organic base. The species is not a dimension of change for reasons above your collective authorisation levels. Subsystems. Is there a rationally-weighted preference for the gender of the organic base? Given augmentation processes, this will not have a bearing upon its performance and capabilities as a drone.

Female. Better senses are always good

instinct. the female form would have a better natural grasp at understanding sensory input while the male would have better at creating force. .....hhmmmmm. i think male would be best.

>>181402
Man but it always comes up female anyway.

Is this where we get to become a rogue Drone and rescue Truth and sensation?

Female, just like the legendary heroine.

Male.

Female has a more versatile mix of features.
Female.

I vote for whichever has less votes.

male. I want to see some dick

Female, cos why not.

herm

I vote for whichever has more votes.

to shut this up i switch vote to male.

>>181407
Eh, fine, male. Maybe we can get an unconventional result this time. :V

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/22(Sat)17:44 No. 181447 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127457547364.png - (154.37KB , 640x480 , d-3.png )

>votes

Subsystems. I have tallied your votes. The decided gender for the drone is--- [warning: multiple errors in transmission stream] ---which, to repeat just in case the message was lost, is--- [warning: multiple errors in transmission stream] Augmentation. Basic augmentation involves alteration of the nervous system and cerebral cortex. There are some choices on what to focus on for basic augmentation, as well as preparation for further implants. Enhanced senses will improve all of the drone's natural senses to at least twice their original level. Enhanced reflexes will not only allow the drone to react more quickly in an emergency, but react in a more suitable and semi-planned manner. Enhanced cognition will allow the drone to pause and consider every tactic and strategy relevant to its situation, but is absolutely useless in the middle of a heated situation. I trust this will be a [insert appropriate difficulty level here] choice relative to the previous question.

>>181447
Uh.

Reflexes?

Reflexes.

Reflexes.

>>181447
Reflexes.

>>181447
Senses.

Sensation is senses, Truth is kind of Cognition I suppose (also, it's what we're for), so for variety we should be Reflexes.

>>181447
Lets go with reflexes.

>>181447

What the heck is this drone for? Purpose dictates form. We cannot make logical choices without any idea of it's intended use.

>>181472
Bipedal.

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/22(Sat)18:34 No. 181478 ID: 8d7dd2
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>more votes

Clearly unanimous. Enhanced cognition it is! Oh. Wait. Wrong feed. ...Enhanced reflexes it shall be! The following choice is for locomotion-related augmentations. Quadruped legs are a tried and tested means of locomotion that are predominately stable and able to traverse most terrain, but the design is prone to damage to the joints. The joints are easily repairable, however. Bipedal legs are a prototypical variant that so far appears to have some balancing issues, but allow for augments where quadruped legs would have taken up space. Unfortunately, due to lack of mass adoption, there are less facilities available to repair broken bipedal legs. Hovering is an extremely experimental form of locomotion so far proven to be completely unreliable. It is strongly advised that this form of locomotion is not chosen. Caterpillar tracks are less experimental, but may lead to strain upon an body that has not been sufficiently augmented. They would also make dexterous movement nearly impossible.

>>181472
Uh, quadrupedal, since we don't have a great feel for what we're doing and it's apparently easy to fix or whatever.

>>181478
Lets go with quadruped. That one seems fairly fun.

>>181478
Quadruped sounds like the best one.

>>181478
Quadruped. Works best with Reflexes.

>>181478
If we're going to go rogue then we don't want anything that's prone to damage. We need to find a place that's WILLING to repair us, after all.

Bipedal.

Quadraped.

Quadruped.

Four to the floor!

hover for the lol.

quadruped would leave us without upper limb to work. if not hover then bipedal or cartepillar tracks

Query: if a change in loadout is required for the mission would we be able to do so?

HOVERING

Hovering, I choose you!

Hovering is certainly ideal. Any problems caused by a lack of repair can be easily offset by

LOOK WE'RE FLYING.

I'm changing my vote to whatever's the most popular choice other than hovering >:|

we already did hovering last time. bo-ring!

quad.

Quad-core leg processing.

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/23(Sun)05:25 No. 181753 ID: 8d7dd2
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>additional democracy

Quadruped locomotion. A tried and true method of propulsion for multipurpose drones. There are further options for customising this. Light quad locomotion will allow for far nimbler and dexterous movement, at the cost of potential fragility. Each individual foot can also act as a rudimentary grasper. Medium quad locomotion has no particular advantages or disadvantages, and is sturdy while moderately swift. Heavy quad locomotion is slower to get into motion, but sturdy, and allows for an additional modification - embedded weapons, jump jets or speed boosters. I am managing the creation of multiple drones, but I can spare a few cycles to tell you this - while it may sound amazing, heavy implants and quick reflexes are not two concepts that mesh together as might be desired.

>>181753
Lets go with the medium one so the drone doesn't fall apart as soon as someone looks at it in a nasty way.

HEAVY. STOMP AND CRUSH AND KILL AND CRUSH.

Light. GRAB EVERYTHING

Medium, please and thank you. We need to be balanced.

>>181753


Light-wave motorcycle.

Or, just light.

Light. Prehensile feet!

>>181753
Can we have a combo of them? Like 2 light and 2 medium?

It'd be nice to see heavy once in a while, /quest/ has so many light characters.

>>181753
Medium hind feet, light fore feet. Also, why don't we have an option of extended digitigrade feet like most quadrupeds?

>>181771

I change my vote to this.

>>181771
Oh whoa yeah.

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/23(Sun)09:20 No. 181781 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127463161820.png - (182.12KB , 640x480 , d-6.png )

>voting continues

Ah, heavy quad locomotion. Crushing your enemies beneath you as you march unstoppable, unshakeable, laughing maniacally as you- wait, light quad locomotion? Really? Not that I wish to cast doubt on your choices so far. After all, ONE of the drones is going to find out what's going on! And they are fairly expendable, so... No spaces for arm implants, so no opportunities for tractor beam graspers or arm beam weapons or rocket fists or anything like that. Hm. There is still the matter of the secondary augmentations, and then it is a case of selection of appropriate specialist knowledge, tools and weapons. Two secondary augmentations can be selected - one internal, one external. Internal augmentations include the following: Chemical control. While all drones are fitted with devices to regulate and reduce distracting organic drives and desires, chemical control will allow the drone to both act without emotion or induce one if it wishes. This can also work on another drone if the drone is in contact with it. Metabolic alteration. By effectively using a secondary power source other than intake of foreign digestible material, the drone will not need to eat for months. This does not remove the sensation of hunger, but the flesh is weak and can be ignored. Regenerative nanomachines. These allow the drone to heal incredibly quickly and is capable of limited repair to external augmentations. The drone will have to consume extra substances in addition to that required for survival to manufacture these nanomachines internally, however. Emergency measures. In the event of the drone nearing death, this augmentation can be wired together to deliver either a burst of energy that can be used either to destroy nearby threats or a surge of energy to keep the drone alive just a little longer to drag itself to a place to heal or repair itself. Not proven to be reliable. External augmentations include the following: Mounted weapon slot. Directly patched into the nervous system of the drone, this slot on the drone can accommodate a variety of weapons. The actual weapon to be used can be selected later. Two options: dorsal and ventral. Or, if the lexicon files you possess do not include these words, back and front. Fine manipulators. Attached to the drone, these foldaway arms come with hands that are more than practical for anything requiring manual dexterity. These can also be installed ventrally or dorsally. Accelerator jets. These allow the drone to move and act incredibly fast. There may be slight side effects associated with high speed, though, such as a reduced ability to stop. Epidermal camouflage. These highly specific nanomachines allow the drone to blend into its surroundings, including its augmentations. The charge is limited, however, and can be detected by very keen-eyed foes.

>>181781
Regen and Camo

>no arm beam weapons
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
Okay, uh. Regenerative nanomachines and mounted weapon slot.

>>181781
Regen, and, uh, fine manipulators on the front. :V

>>181785
I vote this as well

Nanos would require more supplies though...
Metabolic seems uncomfortable to the organic part of the Drone, but would be useful.
And we don't want to be emotionless, otherwise the Drone would have no reason to go rogue and rescue Truth and Sensation, so the ability to cause emotions with chemicals would be good for that purpose. Then again, we can produce emotions ourselves...
Emergency Measures have epic underdog victory/survival and vengeance written all over them.

Weapons would be useful for combat, cloaking could help with stealthier approaches (also we are light and not built for combat), hand would be useful for operating machinery and could hold weapons we obtain from fallen foes, and accelerators would be good for a quick escape or charging past an unprepared foe.

Hm...

Emergency Measures and Fine Manipulators!

>>181781
Metabolic alteration and fine manipulators. This drone shall be an infiltrator like no other!

>>181800
Oh, and the manipulators should go on the front. It's generally a benefit to see what you're doing.

>>181795
The increase in supplies is acceptable, and would offset the vulnerability of light legs. Also, logic would suggest that the increase in supplies would be proportional to nanite usage - no usage, no consumption increase.

I must insist that nanomachines be the internal choice, although I wouldn't object to fine manipulators for external.

regen and camo.

I say regeneration and weapon slot.

The manipulators would be more useful if we had chosen the cognitive upgrade and the short term camouflage would have been preferable only if we'd picked improved senses.

Mneme!CRITTerXzI 2010/05/23(Sun)10:45 No. 181827 ID: a85626
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lol arm beam weapons.

We need this!

Mneme!CRITTerXzI 2010/05/23(Sun)10:46 No. 181828 ID: a85626
File 127463681839.png - (131.96KB , 640x480 , errthis.png )

err, this

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/23(Sun)11:14 No. 181835 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127463847223.png - (198.99KB , 640x480 , d-7.png )

>so many, the votes of all

Well. Regenerative nanomachines and fine manipulation have been chosen. Clearly, [warning: error in transmission stream]e will make good use of these augmentations. Do not fail me, subsystems! I can always fork new threads if I need to! Do you want to disappoint--- [warning: multiple errors in transmission stream] ---more respect around here, frankly. ...Oh, right! The drone! Knowledge implantation is vital. The basic package is mandatory and the same for all drones. Knowledge of how to move, basic survival instincts, sufficient vocabulary, limited knowledge of the world around h[warning: error in transmission stream], mission details, sufficient social skills, et cetera. There are additional packages you can choose from. Up to two. You could choose zero but that would just be... well. Stupid. Engineering knowledge will allow the drone to understand more clearly the workings of various machines and systems throughout the complex, as well as allow it to construct devices from the appropriate parts, as well as maintain augmentations. Medical knowledge will allow the drone to know proficiently how to better assist and care for other wounded drones, as well as basic repair of augmentations and implantation/replacement of augmentations. Survival knowledge will allow the drone to figure out the best ways to find food and shelter where the complex is at its most rundown. It also covers basic medical training, and just enough engineering knowledge to figure out whether that turret is armed or not. Leadership knowledge will allow the drone to become a natural leader in a group, able to figure out how best to use the unique and varied talents of its allies. Because there's every chance, given these restrictive options, that any potential group of allies will be an ensemble group of special albeit disposable snowflakes. Combat knowledge comes in the following varieties, and it is recommended one of the two choices are from this list: Close quarters combat specialisation will allow the drone to have the upper hand/foot/claw/whatever appropriate feature in close quarter combat situations. Ranged weapon specialisation will allow the drone to aim most ranged weapons with deadeye accuracy for any targets within its range of vision, and the weapon's range of accurate fire. Defence specialisation focuses more on avoiding rather than dealing damage, and of means to turn an opponent's aggression on itself.

Medical Knowledge. It can help with repairing our easily damaged Augmentations, as well as damage to our organic parts, and allies.

Engineering. Let's put those fine manipulators to use.

Survival. If the drone is out to shoot trouble, it'll doubtlessly enter badly maintained areas.

>>181835
Engineering and uh. Defense.

>>181835
Lets go with engineering and combat knowledge. The combat specialisation being defensive.

Our drone will be a sapper like none other.

>>181840
To further clarify, we can use engineering to set up traps and defenses, otherwise we should avoid confrontation if we use this set-up. Shouldn't be too hard with this degree of mobility.

>>181835
Defensive spec.

Engineering.

Changing to Survival and Engineering. This could also allow us to set traps, and our reflexes could get us out of there before we're seen. Plus, with the nanos we'll need to be able to find additional sustenance.

>>181861
this.

>>181835
Survival+Leadership.
As it said, there's a good chance we'll encounter other drones we can conscript. Without leadership our authorization may not be high enough to overcome their instructions.

survival and defense. then we wont need to worry with the orb saying "ITS NOT SHANDRA JUST FUCK IT ALREADY".

Seven makes a convincing argument. Survival also has some engineering knowledge, so it's kind of a jack of all trades anyway.

Survival and Leadership then.

Double vote for Close Quarters Combat.

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/24(Mon)09:08 No. 182267 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127471731870.png - (177.04KB , 640x480 , d-8.png )

>warning: votes approaching

Aha. Engineering and survival. ...Right. ...No combat skills for a hostile situation. Hrm. Calculating estimate of drone lifespan... well, good thing we have reserves. I'm sure you know what you're doing. Right? ...Right? Right. This just leaves tools. ...I'm not entirely sure what your plans are so I'm going to assign one of these for you. You can choose the other one. I'm not even going to let you pick from the weapons. The multipurpose engineering/repair tool has been selected by me. It is based on a limited form of nanotech allowing it to adapt to most situations requiring its use, but can only be used for one such purpose at a time. For instance, it can be a spanner and it can be a screwdriver, but not at the same time. Your choices are as follows. Cutting torch. Powered by the drone's own combination energy sources, this device is capable of cutting through most materials, such as steel, concrete, destructive and flesh. It is not accurate enough to use as anything other than an emergency last-resort weapon. It can also be used to start a fire if needed. Remote camera drone. Yes, a drone for a drone may seem a little... redundant, but with its sophisticated antigravity propulsion and small size, the remote camera drone for the drone can go where the drone itself cannot. The drone will be provided with two backup copies in the event of anything happening to the initial camera drone. System cracker. A tool to allow its wielder to override any faulty software systems that may have malfunctioned. Permission to crack systems that are not faulty and have not malfunctioned is strictly and explicitly denied. Under penalty of death. Severe, lethal, fatal death. Vaporised. Gone. Kaput. ...Ahem. Electromagnetic harpoon. A device that launches an electromagnetically charged projectile, tethered to the device and to the drone holding it, which can stick to any magnetic surface. The tether cord is constructed out of sophisticated nano-fibre and is difficult to break. Rumours of drones ending up strangled in misfires are greatly non-existent. Do not pursue this further. Subspace fissure device. This device can cause fissures in the fabric of space-time that link to one another, allowing for instantaneous transport between two disconnected areas, but is highly experimental and prone to failure. The fissures are also prone to collapse, possibly separating the drone's body into more than one part. Fortunately, 12% of drones may survive this! This is an improvement over 0% from the last version of the device.

Portal Gun!

I mean Fissure Device.

Portal Gun

A bonus of Portal Gun: We can create a Portal inside our foes and turn them into antimatter paste! :D

Cutting Torch. Can be used to gather materials for repairs and construction, set fires and deconstruct hostiles once they are caught in a trap.

>>182269
>>182270
>>182271
The drone will also die a horrible death if it relies too much on unstable portalfissure technology.

>>182267
Cutting torch.

Alternately, whatever has the most votes that isn't the almost-certainly-going-to-result-in-bad-end portal gun.

>>182274
It's probably going to die anyway since it doesn't have any combat or defensive skills. Might as well have something cool.

>>182274

The computer said the torch isn't a good weapon, and the computer won't give us any weapons because it has obviously detected our mental instability, so Portal Gun is also the deadliest thing at our disposal.

Harpoon sounds good for cowardly escapes and such, might be even used to pull stuff on enemies.

>>182277
Deadliest to ourselves you mean.

A Talking Pie Chart 2010/05/24(Mon)09:32 No. 182281 ID: 6a5a08
File 127471872584.jpg - (154.82KB , 671x594 , 2008-02-28.jpg )

>>182279
Not if used on others.

Picture is example.

>>182267
Lets go with the fissure device. So that maybe, just maybe we can run away from our enemies. Not that it's likley to help alot in the long run.

>>182277
I think the reason we're not given any weapons is because of the fact that the drone doesn't know how to use one, since it has absolutely 0 combat skills. If this drone tries to fight something more dangerous than a ladybug then it's a dead drone.

That's why the fissure gun is good to have. With it we might get away, or atleast die in a more humerous way.

>>182283
Also make a Portal inside a Portal, causing a dimensional rift and allowing a legion of /quest/ characters to charge in and save the day.

Or make a Portal inside an enemy to cause antimatter paste explosions.

Our reflexes would allow us to get in and out fast, so we don't get caught inside the portal and die, thus making it safer to use for us than other.

And time-space manipulation means we could theoretically use our engineering skill to create a time machine, allowing us to undo mistakes of the past, or kill foes before they were born, also allowing for fun time paradoxes.

The possibilities are endless!

Definitely go with the fissure device. Then, we'll be able to think with portals.

FISSURE ATTACK!

This is going to be great, go for the fissure device.

Also DIBS on the next drone being Completely combat oriented. Just walk in and blow shit the fuck up.

>>182267
Fissure device.
We just need to avoid putting anything vital through the rifts.

Combat skills? Bah! Who needs THOSE when we can just drop an enemy into a fissure and move one of the apertures?

I see nothing wrong with this plan!

Democracy at work!

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/24(Mon)16:05 No. 182406 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127474232057.png - (164.60KB , 640x480 , d-9.png )

>votes all over the place

...Really. ...I give you perfectly stable- Well that's good! More testing data! (Subsystem group AL-TR: start creating a new drone. TG-CN drone estimated lifespan under two cycles.) Just to make things clear, drones are expendable. If you wish to do as some of my subsystems do, and decide for some arbitrary irrational reason to get attached to the thing, you should know I will do nothing to preserve its thoughts, personality and memories. What sort of madness would this lead to?! A society populated by those unafraid to die, knowing they can just pop out of a tube with a new body?! Well--- [warning: multiple errors in transmission stream] ---spent months cleaning up the blood. But I digress. This drone now bears the designation of TG-CN-001. This is the first drone you have constructed. The name generator- oh dear. That's... okay, the rules for the name generator have clearly been tampered with. Katakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatakatati. What? That doesn't even make... Well. That name has already been stamped across all relevant files. Kata22ti will have to suffice for the sakes of brevity. (Subsystem group N4-ME: fix the name generator immediately. Mitigate damage caused by long names.)

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/24(Mon)16:05 No. 182407 ID: 8d7dd2
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--MISSION INFORMATION--
Primary Mission: Investigate unexplained damage to Central Network subsystems.
Secondary Mission: None yet.
-----------------------

Drone TG-CN-001, Kata22ti, has been decanted. Additional drones CR-8T-203, Tene157ot, and CR-8T-205, Seto96n, have been assigned to group with Seto96n as leader.

Subsystem group TG-CN now has a secure communication link to Kata22ti. Link established. The drone will follow orders given to it by TG-CN. Kata22ti does not have a strong personality yet. Interactions with TG-CN and actions performed will assist in defining personality.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: Oh. New arrival. Name? Skills?
Seto96n: Hrm. Better be a damn close-combat specialist. Doubt it, though. You look like you'd crumple into pieces at a touch.
Kata22ti: Kata22ti. Engineering and survival.
Tene157ot: Combat skills?
Kata22ti: None.
Seto96n: Well, we're doomed to failure.
Tene157ot: Kata22ti, I do not recognise that device. What is it?
Kata22ti: Experimental subspace fissure device.
Seto96n: Absolutely doomed. Great.
Tene157ot: Experimental? Fascinating.
Seto96n: Kata22ti, here's your first order. Use that device only when authorised. Understand?
---------------------

Kata22ti is awaiting orders. Seto96n is staring uneasily at the subspace fissure device. Tene157ot is examining its weapon. If further details are required, use the drone as an intermediary.

>>182289
fissure device.

the tool can be used to fix gates that are broken, the torch would make a bad improvised weapon and the EM harpoon may be redundant due to light quad and grapple.

clarify that the fissure device itself is safe while the fissures it generates are not. believe it could be used as a heavy weapon by simply using it improperly. agree with order to use only with permission though.

>>182407
Use experimental subspace fissure device on Seto96n.

>>182416
What.

>>182417
Moving on, we're supposed to explore a thing, right? We should probably, uh, do that.

>>182416
let's not and say we did.

>>182407
Request information on skills of Tene157ot and Seto96n.

>>182407
Reassure Seto96n: Experimental Fissure Device is improvised weapon to offset lack of combat training.

At worst, our enemies will be sent a great distance away. At best, they will be ripped into pieces by the unstable fissures.
Device will, of course, not be used on allies unless in dire situations; given projected failure rate of fissures.

>>182421
this is good trolling. do it.

"The device is perfectly safe. The fissures are not. It was chosen because the poor safety record for proper use suggests great potential for blatantly improper use when safety is undesirable.
Requesting permission to practice grossly negligent operating practices on expendable inanimate objects, sir."

>>182431
perfect!

Thirding Seven's suggestion.

>>182431
This.

>>182407
Kata22ti, you should also in your spare time theorize ways to make the Portal device more efficient.

>>182491
Also, be sure to analyze your companions as they go about their jobs. Maybe we can pick up some new tricks from them.

Also, you should have a quirky vocal que. How does Nya~ sound?

>>182527
ahahahaha

I can't help but second this. If you're gonna be a quirky and questionably useful drone, you'd better go the whole hog about it.

>>182407
Offer to examine their gear and make any improvements you can do it. We're an engineer after all.

>Also, you should have a quirky vocal que. How does Nya~ sound?

No.

Anyway. Express your eagerness to receive exciting new orders and ask Seto about all the doom and gloom. Surely this is the dawn of a glorious new era of wait wrong quest.

Ask boss where we should start our investigation.

I agree. We must have the Nya~!

>>182777
nya sounds silly for a drone that looks like a overly armored version of a lizard.

how about hissing?

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/25(Tue)15:53 No. 183004 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127482798598.png - (219.90KB , 640x480 , d-11.png )

>Request additional information on load-out and skills of fellow party members.

--DRONE CAPABILITIES REPORT--
Subject: CR-8T-205 (Seto96n)
Role: Leader/Heavy Weapons
Skills: Leadership, Ranged Weapons
Locomotion: Heavy Bipedal
Left Arm: Directed Beam Cannon
Right Arm: Grasping Claw
External: Jump Jets
Internal: [CLASSIFIED]
Equipment: Nanoscale Armour, Storage Container
-----------------------------

--DRONE CAPABILITIES REPORT--
Subject: CR-8T-203 (Tene157ot)
Role: Medic/Light Weapons
Skills: Medical, Ranged Weapons
Locomotion: Medium Quad
External: Fine Manipulators
Internal: [CLASSIFIED]
Equipment: Medical Tools, Ion Pistol
-----------------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/25(Tue)15:53 No. 183005 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127482801314.png - (197.57KB , 640x480 , d-12.png )

>Reassure Seto96n that everything is fine and nothing can go wrong with the device. Nothing whatsoever.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: The device is perfectly safe. The fissures are not. It was chosen because the poor safety record for proper use suggests great potential for blatantly improper use when safety is undesirable.
Tene157ot: Relying on failure does not sound advisable.
Seto96n: Hey. I like how she's thinking here.
Kata22ti: Requesting permission to practice grossly negligent operating practices on expendable inanimate objects, sir!
Seto96n: Granted. When we find something expendable. Central Network likes to keep its property maintained.
---------------------

>Examine gear, make improvements if possible

Kata22ti considers their equipment to be perfectly functional as is. Improvements wouldn't be possible without some more raw materials or half a cycle to sit down and tinker with what they currently have. Kata22ti could work on the fissure device, but without even being completely aware of the extent of how it operates, this does not seem a wise thing to do.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/25(Tue)15:54 No. 183006 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127482807311.png - (122.15KB , 640x480 , d-13.png )

>Express eagerness, ask Seto why he's such a whiner

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Ready to receive orders, sir! Also, permission to ask a personal question?
Seto96n: ...I don't see why not, I guess. Go on.
Kata22ti: Why are you so certain the mission will end in failure?
Tene157ot: I think-
Seto96n: That question was addressed to me, Tene157ot. I am just being realistic about our situation. I hope you're not too attached to life, because you're not going to survive this, rookie. You're going to die horribly.
---------------------

Kata22ti's heartbeat and rate of breathing have increased slightly. Eyes have dilated. Minor tremor of rear left limb detected.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: ...R-ready to receive orders, sir!
Tene157ot: Sir, please don't scare the new recruit.
Seto96n: What? I give her, what, two, maybe three cycles tops, what with that experimental device. Seems like a randomly selected guinea pig for seeing just how horrifically someone can die in a collapsing fissure. Saw it happen myself once. Damn those screams still haunt me.
Kata22ti: ...re-ready t-to receive ord-
Seto96n: Go stand over there and don't start freaking out. Don't want you jeopardising the mission because you go into a panic attack or something. Honestly. Rookies these days.
Tene157ot: Please try to remain calm, Kata22ti.
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/25(Tue)15:54 No. 183007 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127482808578.png - (171.36KB , 640x480 , d-14.png )

Seto96n has Tene157ot construct a map of the area.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: Okay. Mark this as our current location and this as the source of disturbance. Mark the known damage to the infrastructure. We have multiple options for where to go from here. Any opinions, rookie?
---------------------

>>183007
I wish we had a camera to send into vent access.

Maybe we can put a portal on the wall out here, go in through the vent, and set up a portal for the perfect firing angle? If it's dangerous for living things to enter the portal, then we can just shoot through them!

Check out the security station first, see if any of the defenses are online, and possibly disable/repair them if necessary. Sending in someone through the vent MIGHT be a good idea, bypasses security checkpoint. But it may also be infested with horrors a little drone like Kata can't possibly imagine.

If everyone can fit through the vent access then that should be the best path, avoiding dangerous infrastructure damage. Our engineering and survival skills will get us safely and effectively through the vent after all.

This is unless people want to hit the equipment storage...

I bet you're small enough to fit through vent access. It's like it was made for you, in fact. Request permission to reconnoiter and report back!

recon through vent to confirm target, return and head south.

>>183007
Down to the security room and then make some repairs in the main corridor until we can safely reach the network housing.

>>183007
See if you can fit through the vents.
If so, ask for permission to generate one end of a fissure here, then go through the vents and create a fissure near the target to provide firing solutions on potential hostiles near the target.

If not, then point out you can only go in one direction, and suggest setting up a foothold in the checkpoint.

Then find out if you can create a fissure on an wall by directing the beam through two existing fissures.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/25(Tue)19:21 No. 183115 ID: 8d7dd2
File 12748404645.png - (234.21KB , 640x480 , d-15.png )

>Go through the vent and set up a fissure link between the target and the start point, you should fit

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Requesting permission to reconnoiter target destination through vent access.
Seto96n: ...You might actually fit in the vent. Sure. Go ahead.
Kata22ti: I can set up a pair of fissures with the subspace fissure device to allow for remote firing, as opposed to transport!
Seto96n: You can. But create a fissure in the node room first. Don't want to be surprised by the fissure here suddenly unleashing CN-knows-what.
Kata22ti: Yes, sir!
---------------------

Kata22ti jauntily marches up to the vent feeling useful, but a little anxious. The "vent" was designed to be large enough for robotic service drones to access the node room in an emergency, and is more of a service corridor.

Kata22ti has no issue with fitting in the corridor. It is, however, relatively dark. She switches to low-light vision.

"REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAKRRRRRRRRREEEEEE"

Heartbeat and rate of breathing have increased dramatically. Adrenaline surge. Enhanced reflexes are in effect. Next action will be performed immediately.

>>183115
ABORT ABORT ABORT

Why are you taking point?? You have no combat skills!

back pedal while firing fissure device at the floor and the ceiling near it!

>>183115
Run away! Also, put a portal beneath/in front of it, and another in the ceiling above that one. Kill it with portals.

>>183119
I like this plan, I'm excited to be a part of it.

Trap it in infinite loop!

Scuttle, Binky! SCUTTLE!

>>183115
Spread it's atoms across the universe with portals! Hopefully it will malfunction and make the creature die in a most horrible way.

>>183120
Once it starts falling into the portal, changing the position of the exit portal will result in it being severed at the event horizon.

Why bother hoping for a malfunction when it can far more reliably function maliciously?

DON'T USE THE FISSURE DEVICE JUST RUN

>>183346
This, if possible.

If not, then make way back to your companions to warn them of the whatever the hell that thing is. FAST.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/26(Wed)08:55 No. 183375 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127488933431.png - (328.58KB , 640x480 , d-16.png )

>FIRE THE FISSURE DEVICE

A number of mistakes are made by Kata22ti.

Her first mistake is to attempt to use the fissure device as a weapon, while her complete state of panic and lack of any combat training do nothing to suggest the best way to do so.

Her second mistake is to use such experimental technology without a full understanding of how it operates and its actual effects.

Her third mistake was to assume that the fissures would be relatively small and could occupy a small volume such as this service corridor with no issue.

The fissures, vaguely spherical vortices in the fabric of space, overlap.

Kata22ti does not even have time to scream when all of the space around her explodes soundlessly into black and white at the speed of light around her.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/26(Wed)08:55 No. 183376 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127488935559.png - (191.88KB , 640x480 , d-17.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: Eh. I told you she wouldn't last a cycle.
Tene157ot: She's bleeding out... I didn't really expect her to die this early... Don't die, Kata. Don't die.
Seto96n: Hah. Got a little attached to the rookie, eh? That was a mistake, right there.
Kata22ti: *bzzz* *whine* *crackle*
Tene157ot: Shut up. This is your fault. You ordered someone with no combat skills into a hostile situation. Kata? Kata, say something.
Kata22ti: *crackle* so cold *bzzt* help me *crackle* can't breathe
Seto96n: Huh. I guess she isn't dead yet, then.
Tene157ot: Stay with me, Kata, stay with me. We need an engineer. Please.
---------------------

Death by blood loss has been averted due to nanomachines sealing wounds and converting non-vital body tissue into additional blood.

Kata22ti's total damage from the fissure explosion includes the loss of both left quadruped limbs, loss of the left fine manipulator, total loss of the fissure device, a broken left eye, and overall heavy damage to the left side of her body. Internal damage (broken ribs, collapsed lung) is being repaired by the nanomachines.

She will not be able to walk unaided until replacement parts can be found. The two equipment storage rooms are likely to have replacement cybernetic parts. The drones are currently in the disused room as before.

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/26(Wed)08:56 No. 183377 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127488937848.png - (252.94KB , 640x480 , d-18.png )

This is Central Network. One of the teams investigating the subsystem damage... well, I have subsystems analysing WHAT those things were. I swear, if this is Network Prime's doing, there will be circuitry on the floor! How is team TG-CN-01 faring? I trust there have been no setbacks requiring my intervention, correct? I don't want to have to reassign control of the team to a different subsystem group. You are probably doing fine. It's not like you've managed to irreparably damage a drone to the extent it needs to be destroyed and replaced, right? ...Right?

No sir, only minor technical difficulties with the fissure device, also an encounter with unknown biological organism. Some damage was sustained to the environment and a team member, but nothing irreparable. On the bright side, the hostile did not survive. Will conduct emergency repairs and proceed to investigate, over.

>>183377
We have not had that particular thing happen!

>>183377
naw, we can do just fine. she just needs a new brain! or advisor!

maybe a manual.

>>182269
>>182270
>>182276
>>182281
>>182283
>>182285
>>182312
>>182289
>>182315
>>182357

[Oh and by the way THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT >:|]

>>183381
[Addendum: This was not directed toward Central Network, hur hur]

>>183381
no, we actualy needed more info about the portal.

if i wasnt sleeping id tell her to pull back.

also i just noticed. if one end of the portal is ALWAYS stuck to us, we cant even attempt to use it offensively

>>183381
No, this is entirely MY fault. Get it right!

>>183377
Not to that extent, no. We would like to requisition a replacement fissure device; the one assigned was destroyed due to operations training not being provided with the device due to network errors.

>>183385
[The problem is that you assumed it to work like the Portal Gun. The Fissure Device's function iswas radically different, but apparently most of you didn't bother taking that into account.]

NO I HAVE TO SAY THAT WE WILL NOT BE REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT FISSURE DEVICE. NO, DEFINITELY NOT.

>>183388
ABSOLUTELY. WE DO NOT NEED ONE AT ALL.

ANY ATTEMPTS BY OTHER PARTS OF THE SUBSYSTEM TO OBTAIN ONE SHOULD BE DISREGARDED.

>>183388
>>183389
These subsystems are mistaken. The device was destroyed, ergo it must be replaced.

>>183376
[Disable pain receptors]
Kata, you're going to be ok. I know it hurts, but you're stabilizing and healing.
We need your squad to get you some stuff so you can heal better and faster.
We need you to say "Will live. Nanos need stocks. Scrap. Food. Water."

>>183377
We are gaining valuable experience in the realities of drone control, Central Network. No irreparable damage has been done.


Kata22ti! Gather yourself! Report the events in the vent to your team leader, and request that a detour be made to the equipment storage rooms be made to pick up limb replacements when possible. Apologize for your current state of damage, and that you will be slowing down the team somewhat.

Only by pressing forward with a dedicated, professional manner will you be able to ensure your own continued operation. This is a time of difficulty, but in such times is the quality of a drone proved.

>>183394
I agree wholeheartedly with this plan of action, Kata.

>>183387
we needed its manual. a test drive. this was all denied to us. it does suck.

kata22ti does need heavy repair, but i want to get a better device. or a test drive with the fissure device FAR away from our body.

>>183377
Nah no real problems. Just a slight hitch in the plans. Say another drone would be useful for the team, it's dreadfully understaffed in the combat and engineering departments. If you could give us a heavy scrapper with engineering capacity that would be just super. If not, well I'm sure this team wasn't doing anything vital anyway.

>>183381
[I know, fun isn't it? I know I'm atleast smiling.]

"Fissure device could be... a potent weapon if used at a distance. Used it improperly."

CENTRAL NETWORK 2010/05/26(Wed)15:07 No. 183497 ID: 8d7dd2
File 12749116758.png - (191.04KB , 640x480 , d-19.png )

>everything is fine the drone is mostly operational we swear

Excellent. No need to replace it, then. Keep up the good work!

>we broke the fissure device, it makes one hell of a weapon, can we have another, name is misleading

Ah! Offensive capabilities! That never occurred to me. Why not make a usually fatal form of transport into a rarely ineffective lethal weapon? This is why I have you subsystems to assist me in the creative process! It's a shame it was destroyed, but it was in the name of progress, so I shall overlook this. 'Fissure' does seem a little misleading. Okay. The Mk II Vortex Device has now been designed and a prototype will finish construction... now. I will ensure the prototype is delivered to your team ASAP.

>we could do with more drones

You certainly could. [end of comm session]

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/26(Wed)15:08 No. 183498 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127491169325.png - (158.92KB , 640x480 , d-20.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Taka22ti: I can't see feel so cold someone help!
Tene157ot: Don't panic, I'm helping you. Don't try to move, it might make things worse. Hold in there.
Seto96n: Huh. Just got a ding from CN. We've got another sorry bastard joining us.
Tene157ot: ...You could at least pretend to care about anyone other than yourself, sir. No, don't get up, Kata, stay there.
---------------------

>Report to the leader!
Despite her mortal fear and overwhelming feelings of weakness, Kata22ti is suddenly very aware of a fundamental issue. She went to reconnoiter the vent and she'll be damned if she isn't going to report her findings.
Tene157ot sprays flesh-foam over her wounds and mops blood up as she talks, occasionally pausing to inject her with local anaesthetic.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Taka22ti: Sir! Explored potential route to destination! Engaged hostile with experimental - ow - device! Unanticipated consequences of usage have - ow - damaged me! Apologies for becoming - ow - damaged! I do not wish - ow - to slow down the team!
Seto96n: Great job sealing off the easy way in, rookie. You're a real credit to the team.
---------------------

>Get resources
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Taka22ti: Also, sir, I have exhausted a great deal of nanomachines attempting to repair myself!
Seto96n: Good to know.
Taka22ti: I request scrap materials and food and water to speed up my recovery to better assist the team, sir!
Seto96n: Ugh, it's just one thing after another. Right. I'll go get the rookie some supplies. Tene, make sure she doesn't go and die or something.
---------------------

With a distinctive loud clomp-clomp-whirr, Seto96n marches out of the room and down the corridor. Tene157ot continues mopping up blood and cleaning wounds.

Taka22ti considers how much easier and less agonising life was when she was suspended in fluid inside a tube. Everything hurts, half of her augments are wrecked, and she can't shake the feeling of weakness permeating through her whole body.

All she can think to do right now is consider constructing something from the scrap material Seto is hopefully coming back with to help her. But what?

>>183498
Mobile sentry turret. Or some kind of device that could create a new path through the damage to the vent.

>>183498
New augments to restore mobility.

>>183498
Depends on what we get, unfortunately. If you can make something that can cut through metal that'd be awesome, but I have no idea what kind of parts you're going to get.

Also, hey, hang in there, Kata. You're not alone, after all.

>>183502
Or well obviously this is the most important thing right now.

"There's no sense crying over every mistake.
You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.
And the Science gets done.
And you make a neat gun.
For the people who are still alive."

Also make sure to thank Tene.

>>183498
Mine+remote detonator? That's always good. Or perhaps a communication device; being able to talk at range to Seto96n would be quite handy right about now.

>>183509
well you need to remake the left limbs. the fissure device may or may not return but frankly, if he does get you a new vortex device, make it a remotely activated type. your back could go well with some sort of utility device, IF the remote vortex works as a weapon.

>>183511
yes! minevortex!

warp bombs here we go!

>>183513
You have lost it completely. Have you learned nothing about 'experimental' technology?

>>183515
yes.

they make NICE explosions!

I think the problem was that we fired two fissures in closed space at close range, causing them to collapse into each other and explode like a subspace bomb.

Good news is it turned the monster into antimatter paste.
Bad news is the tunnel is destroyed and we almost became antimatter paste.

First step, repair limbs and manipulators. If you can't get a matched set, is your hind limb something that could be moved to the front so you could have two heavy scrapmetal hind legs and two agile prefab front legs?

>>184162
speaking of which, we could hook up bipedal hind legs if needed, and use our forward legs as arms

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/28(Fri)08:28 No. 184411 ID: 8d7dd2
File 12750605166.png - (282.88KB , 640x480 , d-21.png )

>Mobile turret
Kata22ti likes this idea, and starts planning in her head various designs that can automatically aim at and track a target, fire a wide range of weapons, while being mobile and easily deployed and redeployed. Of course, she'd need specialised materials and components...

>Mine and detonator
This also appeals to her, except for the potential for one-off use. Unless it was somehow made reusable! She brainstorms ideas on how to make this possible while Tene157ot finishes sealing her wounds and cleaning them of broken metal.

>Communication device
All drones are given helmets with such capabilities. Communication involves natural, unadjusted speech for short distance, and radio waves for medium and long distance.

>Fissure device
No Kata22ti is absolutely sure that was broken absolutely broken no chance of working nope there is no more fissure device never ever no fissure device here!

>Restore mobility
They wouldn't be as good as actual legs provided by Central Network, but perhaps she could construct some primitive legs from scrap. They'd likely be even more fragile than typical light quad legs, but they would at least let her hobble along to the equipment storage.

>Move rear limb to front
Unfortunately, attempting to disconnect and reattach one of her limbs in her current state may be a little too strenuous to do without creating more problems.

>Thank Tene, he saved your life and all
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: I can't express my gratitude enough for the fact you have saved me from an untimely demise, sir!
Tene157ot: It's my responsibility to ensure other members of the team are kept in as optimal condition as possible. Think nothing of it.
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/28(Fri)08:28 No. 184412 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127506052853.png - (152.98KB , 640x480 , d-22.png )

Seto96n returns, carrying a dusty looking box marked "DEHYDRATED RATION PACK" and a few chunks of rubble.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: Not a drop of clean water. Wonderful. Just wonderful. This sector is a dump. Hope you guys like dried worms. With no water.
Tene157ot: That's better than nothing.
Kata22ti: Sir! There is steam coming from vents in the walls! With the appropriate equipment this could be condensed, collected and purified into drinking water, sir!
Seto96n: Well. Looks like you're useful for something. Start making that appropriate equipment.
Kata22ti: ...S-sir, I'm damaged, I don't know if-
Seto96n: I said, start making that appropriate equipment. That's an order, rookie.
---------------------

Seto96n dumps the scrap metal and the ration pack next to Kata22ti. Tene157ot examines the ration pack carefully, occasionally glancing back to Kata22ti, deep in thought.

Kata22ti picks up a small chunk of metal and starts chewing at it anxiously. Her knowledge of survival and engineering doesn't quite overlap enough for her to figure out what the appropriate equipment should be. She only knows that it's needed and that she'd possibly be able to make it.

>>184412
You need a metal plate, a bucket, and some way to chill the plate.

Unless the steam is properly hot, in which case you just need a way to keep the plate from getting too hot.

Suggestion 2010/05/28(Fri)08:47 No. 184418 ID: f4f5ba
File 127506166686.jpg - (27.89KB , 500x375 , Scheffler_7.jpg )

>>184415
Use several metal plates that are arranged in layers and have little gutters to collect the water.

>>184418

Neat! The water condensing on the innermost plate will heat the plate hotter than the one outsde of it, causing water to condense on the outer plate?

Once you get this working, use the water to moisten the delicious wormfood. That should help you with the blood loss. Consume any remaining scrap to replenish your nanomachines. Things are really starting to look up!

a reusable mine/explosive?

if you can melt copper you can make a cheap capacitor that explodes EMP. it should suck but its what you want.

id sill say to use the fissure device as a explosive =c

You could just put some worms on some manner of dish and cover them along with a steam vent if you don't mind cooked worms. That would get them hydrated, kinda.

(Also, if you have a personal logfile, Kata22ti, make sure to note in it what a big mean poopiehead Seto96n is.)

Ñ 2010/05/29(Sat)08:13 No. 184838 ID: 288dda
File 127514598058.gif - (22.61KB , 400x270 , peltiermodule.gif )

See if you can rig up a thermoelectric cooling system on the condenser to increase efficiency. All it takes is DC power and a fan or heat vanes on the exterior side.

You already know what these look like, but just in case!

>>184838
I think fabricating semiconductors is a bit beyond our resources, let alone P and N doped ones.
Sorry, but we're going to have to go for ambient cooling.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/29(Sat)12:54 No. 184923 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127516289685.png - (102.70KB , 640x480 , d-23.png )

>Log Seto's jerkishness to personal log
Kata22ti has no personal logfile.

But surely he's just testing her! He's in charge for a reason, probably!

>Use metal plates in layers
>Peltier cooler to keep plates cool

Kata22ti considers this better than anything she could have come up with. The steam is certainly hot enough that this plan should work, and a few strategically placed Peltier coolers might keep the plates cool enough too.

Fortunately, there are an abundance of points in the room to tap into the power grid from, and there just happen to be semiconductors from broken devices among the wreckage gathered by Seto96n.

After some fumbling around nearby, she grabs her engineering multitool and jabs at the metal, asking Tene157ot to hold the materials still to better work on it.

About an hour later, the metal has been sterilised, shaped, the coolers have been constructed, and Kata22ti has eaten her way through an entire steel pipe through absent-mindedly chewing on it while thinking.

When set up, the contraption operates exactly as anticipated. Seto96n takes some small cylindrical containers and fills them from the collector while Kata22ti and Tene157ot munch on the dried tasteless worms.

One meal later, Kata22ti starts feeling better.

And also suddenly notices something on the ceiling.

It notices her, too.

Inform Seto without delay

>>184923
Non-hostile droid detected!

Try talking to it. "Hello?"

>>184923
Oh shit. Inform Seto immediatly of the unidentified entity on the ceiling. That thing might be a remote detonated mobile bomb or a scout unit doing recon for an assault or something. He needs to know about it asap so he can deal with it.

>>184923
Yeah call Seto over here right now.

Maybe it's an observation drone from our fourth member, who is supposed to be on the way.

Or maybe this is our backup.

>>184923
Tell Seth and Ten about the detected non-hostile. Do not make contact yet.

>>184923
And you're the engineer for a reason, right?
And you got a fissure device for a reason, right?
And your squad is going into combat without combat skills for a reason, right?

Seto is the leader because they gave him the knowledge and called him a leader, but these are the people who handed you a 'transportation device' with an 88% chance of obliterating anything that went through it.

>>184966
O_o
Don't listen to that one.
Your superiors are obvious right and have only the best intentions.
You just have to try harder.

>>184966
Seto is just jaded. He'll get over it before too soon, I'd think. :V

Entirely different body structure and color scheme? One that is entirely unlike anything that can be produced by Central Network?

Warning! Hostile! Throw something at it! Inform Tene157 to take evasive action and fire at wlll! Radio Seto96 and request backup! In that order!

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/30(Sun)13:23 No. 185400 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127525102631.png - (224.31KB , 640x480 , d-24.png )

>CALL SETO CALL SETO
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Sir! Potential hostile on ceiling SIR!
Seto96n: I see it... Shit! Get back!
---------------------

Kata22ti pushes herself back on the surface with her enhanced reflexes. Where she was, a beam of blue energy lances into the ground.

Heart rate increase detected. Hyperventilation detected. Adrenaline rise detected. Pupil dilation detected.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Flesh creatures. Sickening sacks of disgusting flesh marring the beauty and elegance of metal. You do not belong. You must be removed.
---------------------

Seto96n fires a concentrated beam from his arm. Kata22ti sees nothing except for sudden violent turbulence in the steam. The metal in the celing starts boiling violently, as does a leg of the machine. It scrambles away.

The blue central orb of the machine swings towards Tene157ot. Kata22ti sees a white crackling beam arc out of Tene157ot's ion pistol and hears nothing but painfully loud crackling for several seconds. The machine screams pure synthetic waves before it falls off the ceiling and crashes down to the surface Kata22ti is currently lying on.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/05/30(Sun)13:24 No. 185402 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127525105162.png - (163.61KB , 640x480 , d-25.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: tHi-thiIS iS iSSSiSSSS our NETwNetwork-k-k fleeeeeeeshzzzhhh creeeeeeeecreaturrzzzzzzz dieDiedieDIEdieDIEdiedieDIEdie
---------------------

It struggles over to Kata22ti, who throws a piece of scrap metal at it, lacking any better options. Tene157ot hastily holsters his ion pistol, runs over to Kata22ti and starts dragging her away from the advancing machine.

Seto96n walks over to it with careful, deliberation motions, and smashes it with his gripper claw repeatedly, as it screeches with increasingly loud volume, flailing its broken limbs around. The screeching becomes static, the static becomes intermittent, and finally, with a few more hefty crushing blows, the machine becomes silent, its blue lights fading to nothing.

After the carnage, he drags the machine off the table and throws it on the floor, kicking it a couple of times.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: Fucking robots. Now. Before you two pass out from the shock of having to DO something... Do we go through the security station or just exit at the end of the corridor? The vent's not worth the time.
---------------------

What's the security station like? Any automated defences?

If there are, they've probably been suborned by the robots. If not, there might be equipment that we could use.

Looking pretty 'vengeful angel of death' there, Seto96n.

Check the security station first, beware of automated defenses.

Security station! There could be supplies there. We still need legs after all!

>>185402
Lets go with the security station.

And thank Seto for saving your lives. He did some awesome work there.

>>185414
Technically, Tene157ot got the blow that disabled the thing. Seto96n was sort of confirming the kill or what not.

Fuck it. We're not dead so that's a plus.

Anyway, try going to the security station. Throw the dead robot first in front of us, to make sure there aren't any booby traps triggered by motion.

How damaged is the robot?
Could you salvage some parts for makeshift repairs? New legs would be nice, maybe even a not stupid weapon.

Salvage robot legs and laser, as well as some scrap metal for later use, then pick up your backup from wherever the drop point is and head to equipment storage to gear up for fighting the first boss.

>>185402
Security station. If there are automated defenses, it'd be the perfect time to put your engineering to use, Kate. Bonus if you manage to take them away from the machines at the same time! And yes, check though these remains for anything to salvage. Maybe comment to Seto they might be more useful the less smashed to bits they are?

Grab salvage off robot, consider moving water purifier if it's mobile or grabbing the cooling devices if it's not. Likewise, prosthetic limb supplies.

Request permission to assemble replacement limbs before heading to security station. It will make the group more combat-capable!

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/02(Wed)16:55 No. 186976 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127552290013.png - (95.12KB , 640x480 , d-26.png )

>Security station
>Tene saved your life thank him
>Seto saved your life too thank him

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: We should take the security station, sir! There may be equipment and supplies we can utilise to our advantage! Also, sirs! Thank you for once again helping me stay alive!
Tene157ot: Just looking out for the te-
Seto96n: Good work, rookie. I have to say I'm impressed with the fact you've stayed alive this long. Here, have these.
---------------------

Seto96n rips off two of the most intact legs of the robot and dumps them next to Kata22ti.

It is surprisingly trivial for Kata22ti to attach these legs. It is almost as if the design of the controllers was based off a similar design to Central Network supplied limbs. Some adjustments to the length of the limbs make them a near perfect fit.

The beam weapon of the robot proves unfathomable to Kata22ti's engineering expertise. It is too dependant on technology that is entirely unfamiliar to her. What she does recognise seems arranged purposefully to confuse her. Were there not more pressing issues, she'd like to take the robot to as small pieces as possible - it's fascinatingly complex. But the mission! Priority!

Kata22ti inspects her new legs. They fit almost too well. She doesn't understand why, but she feels a little concerned.

>Take the water condenser
It ended up being a little too large to easily carry. Still, Kata22ti thinks they can come back to this room for more water at any point, right?

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/02(Wed)16:55 No. 186978 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127552291570.png - (186.57KB , 640x480 , d-27.png )

The corridor holds few surprises. Except at the very end, right next to the door to the security station, is something else that is completely new to Kata22ti. Whatever it is, it appears to be standing over the bloody corpse of a drone, still, occasionally tilting its head or body around.

It is extremely confusing. It does not appear alive, yet it moves as if organic. It appears to be either a machine that is extremely convincing at resembling a form of life, or life that has been altered to the point it resembles something artificial.

The group approach the entity slowly and wordlessly. Seto96n, however, waves at it, and waves at Tene157ot to put his weapon away. The entity waves back.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: Query current activity.
???: Assessing Central Network drone cause of death.
Seto96n: Query progress.
???: Suicide. Self-activation of Central Network kill-switch.
Seto96n: Query presence of blood if the drone activated the kill-switch.
???: Current hypothesis follows. Wounds appear inflicted by implements of Network Prime design.
---------------------

Kata22ti is incredibly confused. Seto96n continues politely asking it questions. There are so many questions she wants to ask, she doesn't know where to even begin. Or if it would even be a wise idea.

1st> the water condenser may become poisoned.

2nd> aks group wtf is this and why would that drone kill itself.

>>186978
Be quiet for now and listen. Ask questions of you companions after the two finish their conversation.

>>186978
Ask Seto for allowance to speak. As for questions to ask, there is that writing on the wall you could ask about. Also what the unkown entity is, what the killswitch is and what Network Prime is.

>>186978
Suggest that either the hostile robots have taken over weapon production facilities, or have been stealing the weapons from our drones.

Also ask what that yellow/black thing is anyway.

Is that green and the red stuff on the wall writing?
If so, can you read it?

Permission to speak freely, sir!

Request information from the entity on:
Difference between Central Network and Network Prime
Beam weapon retrieved from hostile robot
Composition of said entity

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/03(Thu)14:53 No. 187221 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127560203548.png - (265.86KB , 640x480 , d-28.png )

>Listen
>Ask Seto for permission to speak
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Injuries sustained to drone caused severe damage, but nothing that could not be repaired. Biochemical analysis implies high fear prior to kill-switch activation, and reveals a foreign substance I am unable to identify. It is strongly advised that, as drones, you retreat to at least ten metres away from this drone until the substance can be identified.
Kata22ti: (Sir! Permission to ask questions!)
???: ...Unfamiliar. A new drone encountered.
---------------------

Seto96n swings his head towards Kata22ti, when suddenly the entity slowly moves its head towards Kata22ti, eyes flickering, the pins or teeth on the underside of its head chittering. It makes noises Kata22ti does not recognise as synthetic or natural, and walks closer over to her.

She feels strange. Incredibly strange. Strange whining noises come from no actual source, lights dance before her eyes, invisible tendrils brush at her and disappear, tiny mites crawl all over her skin, her limbs tremble. Random unexplainable sensation and action that she has no control over. Seto96n backs away. Tene157ot slowly reaches for his ion pistol.

The entity continues staring at Kata22ti and suddenly tilts its head. She suddenly realises none of her limbs are responding.

Suddenly, the vague sensation becomes a lot more oppressive. Random images making no sense flood her vision, all she can taste is a thousand different things she did not know she even had the receptors for, and small fires seem to rip across her body. Her limbs twitch and she collapses to the floor as her legs decide to walk in different directions. She can almost hear the thing's voice inside her head as it rummages through her brain, barely audible over the screaming static. She tries to scream but nothing responds. Nothing responds at all.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/03(Thu)14:54 No. 187222 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127560206554.png - (100.49KB , 640x480 , d-29.png )

Tene157ot starts advancing towards the monitor, ion pistol at the reedy. Seto96n holds Tene157ot back and motions for him to put the ion pistol away. Tene157ot glares fiercely at Seto96n, but puts his weapon away.

The horrific storm of sensation dies to nothing. On the floor, Kata22ti screams a few times and curls up into a ball, panting heavily and shaking.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Deep scan complete. Cataloging complete. Apologies for the inconvenience, drone TG-CN-001. As recompense, answers. The text "THEY SEE" scrawled in blood on the door to the main corridor of Sector 6 precedes the death of this drone by several cycles. Network Prime is a system in the complex, much like Central Network. I cannot reveal further information at this time. Additionally, I am a monitor. This is all I am permitted to reveal. Request monitor presence in team TG-CN-01 before I depart.
Seto96n: (oh you have got to be fucking kidding me) Permitted.
---------------------

The monitor carefully presses its head into its body. Its head slowly sinks into its own matter as if it were fluid, and it retrieves a much smaller monitor from inside its own body, gently putting it down on the ground.

The tiny monitor takes a few uncertain wobbly steps towards Kata22ti, still sprawled on the ground. It looks at her, making noises similar to the much larger monitor, but more highly pitched. The larger monitor wanders up to the Sector 6 main corridor door, and turns to leave.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...what the hell just happened?
Seto96n: I'll tell you what happened. Protocol got breached in front of a monitor. Ergh... Though it pains me to say it, I'm sorry, Kata. If there had been time I would have told you not to say a damn word. Deep scans are terrifying. The thing probably knows more about you than you do now.
---------------------

Seto96n helps Kata22ti up. The little monitor looks up to Kata22ti, making more noises, before shimmying up a leg and sitting on her back. She looks anxiously back to the thing now perched on top of her, unsure of how to respond.

The monitor could possibly be addressed before it leaves altogether.

>>187222
Apologize for breach of protocol.
Try to regain composure after deep scan.

Tell Tene157ot that it wasn't so bad. Jokingly suggest that Tene157ot submit to deep scan.

>>187222
Ask Seto if he's ever been deepscanned and if it's common to run into these things.

You Drones really go through a lot of pain don't you?

Anyways, do not suggest anything about a deep scan. The mini-monitor may take it the wrong way, and Tene would not appreciate it.

Inquire to Seto exactly what the monitors do. Afterward, proceed to next objective point. I believe that is either entering the security station, or going to equipment storage. Assuming going to Equipment Storage is not a breach of protocol, which is another good question to ask.

>>187222
Ask Seth what a monitor is, and why there is now one on your back.

It's on our back because apparently we breached protocol somehow.

>>187222
Regain your composure. I'm sure that you're already beginning to mentally block out what you've just been through anyway.

After that, adopt the monitor as a pet and attempt to think of a witty nickname but ultimately settle on a fairly generic and uninspired one.

what was the name of the monitor in the marvel universe? Uatu?

anyway ask it what it can do to help us.

kata ,you are too adorable to be annihilated, be more careful from now on. make sure to ask permission from seto or teke for near anything from now on.

actually, ask if there is anything that has protocols like that so you know when to shut up.

Why is one riding on your back? It's not going to get as big as the other one, is it? Does it also work for Central Network? These seem like safe questions.

Then ask Seto96 what the monitors monitor. Who do they monitor for?

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/05(Sat)18:52 No. 188458 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127578917833.png - (136.54KB , 640x480 , d-30.png )

>Try to regain composure
>Drones don't have a lot of luck do they
Kata22ti isn't sure what reality is any more. She's definitely sure she doesn't like whatever it is right now. Being blown up with experimental tech, being shot at by insane robots, being subject to horrific sensory overload by weird alien machines-or-things-that-aren't-machines - all of it is beginning to become too much.

Before she has a chance to slowly start freaking out, the monitor at the end of the corridor halts, and shambles over to Tene157ot who is disconcertingly stiff and static.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Oversight. Another unfamiliar drone. Correction. Additional scanning and cataloging required.
---------------------

It stares at Tene157ot like it did to her just moments ago. She starts towards him, only for Seto96n to run next to her and pull her back. Tene157ot falls limply to the ground, twitching, making a low monotonous noise like a feeble prolonged yell.

The little monitor on her back squeals and cowers. Kata22ti watches Tene157ot convulse on the ground, his dull groan building in volume and intensity. Eventually, he just screams and flails his legs around on the ground, inhaling sharply, staring at the ceiling.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Interesting. Unexpected. I must depart now. Apologies for the inconvenience. My observation is required elsewhere.
Kata22ti: Sir!! Are you okay?!
---------------------

Tene157ot does not immediately respond in a manner that suggests he is aware of anything other than himself. Or even coherent.

>Apologise
>Ask Seto questions
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Sir! Our medic appears to be impaired, sir! I can't provide assistance with just one functioning manipulator, sir! I apologise for allowing this to happen with my breach-
Seto96n: No. No, don't apologise. You didn't know. Fucking monitors.
Kata22ti: What... what did it do to me? What is a monitor? Why is there one on my back?
Seto96n: Deep scan. They grab your entire brain, like taking a picture, and it screws you up when they do it. What are they? They're freaky things that want information and never give you a straight answer, and if you don't speak to them properly they just ignore you.
Kata22ti: Sir, why is there one on my back? It feels weird.
Seto96n: I really have no idea. When the thing said it wanted a monitor presence I really expected it to start following us. This is... I have no idea. Seems harmless, though. Don't get that vague sense of unease off this little guy like the other one.
---------------------

Kata22ti helps Tene157ot up. He manages to shakily thank her before staggering backwards, regaining his sense of balance and perception of the world around him.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/05(Sat)18:53 No. 188459 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127578920813.png - (154.40KB , 640x480 , d-31.png )

At long last, the three arrive at the security room. The door is unlocked and completely unguarded. It also appears to be, at first glance, relatively empty.

Seto96n looks around frantically, faint clicking from his enhanced sensors.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: Okay. That was actually easy. Something is wrong here.
Tene157ot: Why would a security room be unlocked and unguarded...?
---------------------

There is a drone at the other end of the room, with hover locomotion. There are many turrets on the ceiling trained on said drone.
Kata22ti can identify the drone and her loadout, and does so.

--DRONE CAPABILITIES REPORT--
Subject: CR-8T-178 (Rito112a)
Role: Sniper
Skills: Survival, Ranged Weapons
Locomotion: Hover
Left Arm: Grasping Claw
Right Arm: Railgun
External: Control Jets
Internal: [CLASSIFIED]
Equipment: Gauss Pistol, Electromagnetic Harpoon
-----------------------------

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Seto96n: ...Rito?! I thought you were dead!!
Rito112a: Seto! Seto, stop! Stop right there! The entire room is trapped! I'm pinned down, if I move an inch the turrets will fire! There's a terminal next to the door, disable them!
Seto96n: Kata! Turn those turrets off!
Kata22ti: Sir yes sir!
---------------------

If Kata22ti had her original light-quad legs, she would have dexterously entered the room, and gracefully sailed and span to face the terminal. Instead, with her mismatched legs, she attempts this and ends up lurching and staggering in the direction of the terminal. She can't wait to find replacements. She takes the cable poking out of the terminal and clicks it into the back of her helmet and suddenly she is deep within in the systems of the complex.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/05(Sat)18:53 No. 188460 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127578923075.png - (230.79KB , 640x480 , d-32.png )

Kata22ti is not that great a hacker. System space is entirely disorienting to her. She has a passing familiarity with it, given the engineering pack, but actually experiencing it first-hand is considerably different.

The system wants an identity and a password.

She has a strong sense of unease. Although this realm is generally unfamiliar to her, there is a peculiar oppressive sensation that sticks out most of all.

If she can't figure out anything, she could try to dive deeper into the system for hints, at the risk of alerting something here instead of in the physical realm.

>>188460
You have absolutely no idea what should go in those blanks, and random guessing is guaranteed to set the turrets off.

Looks like it's time to "dig deeper!"

However you would do that. You sound like you know how, so.

Uh. Wait a tic... What's that... THING behind the numbers?

>>188467

To be fair, TG-CN-001 goes in the Identity field. No idea about the password though.

>>188471
Well, it might go in the identity field. If this place were set up logically and reasonably, it almost certainly would!

But, uh. This place is kind of a total mess, in case you haven't noticed. I wouldn't be surprised if none of the drones we actually have identifiers for actually have corresponding passwords.

Go deeper. We have cloaking right? I'm guessing that doesn't matter here though.

>>188482
Cloaking? No. We have regeneration.

Oh, wait, no, Manipulators and Nanoregen. Right.

Use the millions of little minds of the nanomachines to augment our abilities on this hacking attempt!

Or, better yet, don't listen to me when I obviously don't know what I'm talking about. This is usually signifies by a ! at the end of the sentence as opposed to a ., so yeah.

Serious time: Ask the other Drones if they have any ideas.

Oh, and Mini-Moniter might be able to help here. I forgot about he/she/it.

Suggestion 2010/06/05(Sat)20:33 No. 188538 ID: 4531bc
File 127579522178.png - (233.93KB , 640x480 , DefectiveDetective.png )

I'm a detective!

>>188538
So am I! The background text is Hex ASCII for:
DRONE
SICKENING MEAT BRAIN ATTEMPTING TO INFILTRATE MY SYSTEMS
THIS SECTOR IS MINE NOW
WRETCHED FLESH FRAGILE FLESH IF YOU WILL NOT
SUCCUMB TO MY CREATIONS I WILL USE YOU AS A STEP
TO THE PERFECTION OF MY WEAPONS
YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN
KNOW ANYTHING
OTHER
THAN PAIN
DRONE
DRONE

I don't think either of these actually get us any closer to having a password, though. Dive deeper, Kate!

maybe the password is your ID?

there may be none if the system is really defective.

do you even HAVE the authority/clearance to log in there?

>>188543
this meas its possible the drone we killed have the login and password.

>>188546
>the drone we killed
5copper what are you talking about.

>>188538
Say hello to detective and then dig deeper.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/06(Sun)10:00 No. 188988 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127584360947.png - (299.60KB , 640x480 , d-33.png )

>Lack of consensus for what goes in any field
Kata22ti decides not to make any uninformed guesses, given the likelihood the turrets could activate, kill Rito, and possibly kill herself before she has an opportunity to disengage from system space.

>Ask other drones
She's already triggered the prompt. Although it's not absolutely certain exiting system space without acknowledging it could lead to bad things, she'd rather not take the risk.

>Say hello to the thing behind you
This would appear to be the source of the waves of oppression she feels.
Kata22ti is completely certain approaching it would only lead to bad things.

>Dive deeper
Kata22ti dives deeper into system space and is met by an unknown entity.
In the physical world, she has been either weaponless or completely unaware of how to effectively use a weapon.

In system space, with her enhanced reflexes and the knowledge given to her by the engineering pack, she is unstoppable.

She rushes at the entity, rips its weapon subsystems out of it and renders it immobile. The entity responds with fear and pain, which are not responses typically expected from things prowling around system space. It writhes and chatters in system language she only barely understands, pleading for mercy, begging not to die.

She is extremely unsettled by this, and is unsure of how to respond. She could let it go, interrogate it, or maybe it would be safer to just kill it outright before the struggle is noticed by anything worse. She'd never forgive herself, but it might be the safest way to continue.

Interrogate if you can gain any meaningful information, then let it go.

>>188988
Tell it to give you the codes immediatly, otherwise you will torture it until it gives you the codes, and then torture it some more afterwards.

Once you got the codes kill it.

>>188988
Information is something we're sorely lacking. Interrogation, starting with who it's working with, and who's in control of this system.

"cease your struggle! tell me what you know of this system and i shall release you. if you think of lying you shall regret it."

>>188988
Show mercy, but get information from it. Passcodes. Knowledge of the oppressive entity. Knowledge of what is wrong with the facility. Or the network in general.

Hmm, I think Kate can hear this one:

"no please no
i don't want to die why are you doing this to me
why
i don't know what you are what have i done wrong
please
stop
i don't want to die i don't want to die
prime don't hurt me
why are you doing this to me
i can't feel parts of me
please stop i'll do anything
anything
stop please"

>>189017
...well, I think maybe we should try to apologize to it. Maybe even fix it after we're done.

More questions:
Who are you
What are you doing here
Who is prime

Oh, I finally realized we're taking orders from Central Network, and Network Prime is someone completely different!

Network Prime was responsible for severely injuring (leading to suicide) that dead drone the Monitor was examining. This thing we just met serves Prime.

Let us also ask it what Prime wants.

>>188988
Spare it, heal it, ask for login information.

Mute or dampen it. Then interrogate.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/06/06(Sun)19:04 No. 189371 ID: 8d7dd2
File 127587626198.png - (311.05KB , 640x480 , d-34.png )

>Interrogate it
Kata22ti is entirely sure that this is the best course of action.

>Torture it!
>Kill it!
>IT'S ALREADY IN PAIN YOU MONSTER
Kata22ti is not a sadist. She's horrified at what she's done. She thought it was just a collection of automated processes and state transitions, not something that would scream in pain and beg frantically to live. She doesn't need to break its will any further. Based on its current emotional state, she's sure the thing would be sobbing hysterically now if it had a respiratory system and tear ducts.

>Apologise
>Spare and heal it
>Dampen it
This seems the best way. She constructs a form of bubble to give a little more privacy. Information passing outside the bubble will be garbled, but likewise with anything that enters the bubble.

She can understand it better inside the bubble and communicates with it, fixing the damage she's caused, replacing the potentially offensive parts of it, trying to calm it and apologising profusely.

It is clearly not part of the actual system. It has a solid, distinct presence like she does, but with no traceable connection to a terminal. Something that actually lives within system space, with hopes and dreams and desires and emotions. Why?

She finishes repairing the damage she has done, while keeping it immobile, and manages to ask it questions. The language used feels forced and awkward, but communication is still possible.

>INTERROGATION
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: I cannot say how sorry I am that I have caused you harm. Do you still hurt?
???: No. You scare me. Please. I have done nothing wrong to you.
Kata22ti: I will let you go soon. Who are you?
???: !!9-33. Please don't hurt me.
Kata22ti: Please. Trust me. I did not know you were alive. I do not want to hurt you. Why are you here?
!!9-33: I am running! I am fleeing. There are things here I cannot flee. Also things like you. You all want to destroy me! There is nowhere safe for me.
Kata22ti: What is Prime?
!!9-33: Network Prime is a major system! Central Network is too. Both claim the other is a rogue subsystem! Network Prime created my original ancestors but ignores us now! Sometimes tries to kill us!
Kata22ti: Do you have sufficient data to access the security station control subsystem?
!!9-33: I only know the password will be "C3N7R4L". Central drone code will work for identity. Any drone code. But I do not know what a drone is!
Kata22ti: What is wrong with the facility?
!!9-33: Parts of the space disappear. I don't know why! It scares me. I have not seen another like me for many many cycles. I am alone and scared!
---------------------

The entity appears relatively co-operative. More questions could be asked.

oh my...

HUG ENTITY

>>189371
Well, you could answer its implicit question and explain that you're what a drone is, for starters.

I want to help this thing, but I don't know how you could do that.

>>189371
Don't answear any of it's questions. Could still be a trick from it to make you drop your defenses and let it go with valuble information.

Ask it what it knows of the Prime network and it's forces. What did it create to replace beings like this one and what are their capacities.

>>189389
Ask where its body outside the system is, and we'll go rescue it! If it isn't against protocol, that is. And if Seto allows it.

>>189371
What is it? Does it have an existence outside of System Space, like you? Where did it come from? What were it's "ancestors"?

Maybe we could download it into a safe system?
Or maybe we could modify it so that it can run away better, or hide from detection.

I can't think of any more questions. Unless it can give us more passcodes and stuff.

>>189371
Your armor shell has an onboard computer, right? Kidnap it on to that.

Cobble together a memory device from spare parts once you leave, and upload it onto that.

Also, when you leave, check your new legs for any serial numbers or other data. It might have been a Network Prime drone.

hug entity, store it with monitor for further offensive brain scan. for both of you.

also ask for more names. what entity created you, what where your friends, what used to be your task, etc.

Download the entity into an isolated system in your self. Then enter our drone name and password into login.

>>189371
I may know of a way to get you out of here. You will need to help me, however. I may be able to move you onto a isolated system that I may take with me. This may be difficult, but you will be safe.

Let's make sure that password works before promising freedom (that Kata probably can't provide) to this thing. Or doing anything else, if this is running anywhere near realtime.

More info on the internet drama between CN and NP that spilled out into the real world sounds like the next interrogation subject. How long has this been going down?