((good, good, we're making progress on getting Alex used to the idea of the plague being sapient... but our Sus Level has gone up a lot, oof.
I read the Ghost Protocol carefully, and it sounds like as soon as Alex tries to break the Tenets again, full control will be given to Anarchy, and us. I wonder if Ghost Protocol's effect was on purpose, and Contagion has any more plans to give us power.))

To Contagion: Since we're getting income, perhaps we should un-pause the committee chambers construction? I don't have access to the full income numbers, but we have at least one more batch of high value income on the way today, and potentially 9 more in the coming days. I am close to finding details on a deep desire Alex has. I believe they wish to change their sex; will try to get solid confirmation.
To Head of Research: Hello. You could say we're researching the political climate. Did you like the data packet we sent?
To our Secretary: (I just realized I don't know who "AdminI" is. Is that the communications network administrator? Speaking of which, can you tell us about types of communication? For instance, I believe the one I'm using right now has some measure of privacy, though it seems direct messages are generally private anyway. Or perhaps what I'm attempting is redundant.) |What does this message type do?| +or this?+

>>1049739
Did you check the freezer yet? Uh, do that after you do a sweep of the attic. Then once you're settled down... think on what your ideal body would look like. Try to get a clear mental image. (so that we can capture that data)

Better safe than sorry, make sure you do a full 360 of the attic while you're still on the ladder and make sure nothing can jump out at you.
Good thing your arm is working better otherwise climbing this ladder would be a pain. Make sure you use your injured arm to hold the flashlight and your good arm to hold the ladder, we still don't know how much weight it can hold.
Other than that, check the whole attic thoroughly. Leave nothing to the imagination.
Fill your pockets with cat food.

Secretary, full disclosure regarding anything weird. A lot of us have been messing with these automatic systems, trying to get a response. So far nobody's done anything successful and we agreed to stop messing with things for now. As far as we know, unless we are trying to do something specific like send that data packet, all it's doing is sending sparks.
Sorry for any trouble it's caused. A lot of this is as new to us as it is to you and utterly fascinating. We're a lot like researchers in that regard, and this stuff is truly fascinating, is it not? Either way, let us know if what we've been doing has done anything odd on your end, we'd appreciate the information.

Seriously though, we're jumping to conclusions. I mean, think about how insane "zed commune living in the walls" sounds.
More likely is that we're picking up on communications from the Zed virus, however that doesn't seem to be individual Zeds...
They talked about surviving in saliva? That must mean that they're the virus itself, maybe that impromptu meditation helped you pick up on what the virus was doing inside you? But humans shouldn't be able to hear the virus, right? Jessie mentioned his mom staring off in the distance, was she hearing voices and seeing things too?
There must have been something that saw your confusion and showed you that. A sympathetic part of the virus? Maybe that's what ______ was and you were looking through it's eyes, in a way. It would explain how when people talked about it, it seemed like they were talking to you. You were listening to them from ______'s perspective. On top of that, apparently _____ were the talking head's boss, so maybe that last bit was the talking heads trying to say your question for you. Whatever it was, it seems like that commander guy is suspicious of this sympathetic part of the virus.

_______ could be a strange proxy, of sorts, of you. Like they understand something exists, but not really what it is, and made _______ as a thing they understand, to better understand you. Thus _______ is roughly the thing closest to you they can understand.

>>1049755
((I think our assistant is loyal enough not to directly lie to...))

The skittering is likely the cat, they ate the food from the open tin.

Grab the tins, check the freezer, head upstairs, and just dive into the food while you think about these things.
> Thank you for the response the reason for my question is actually much simpler. > I offered my voice to ask a question that one of our shyer null units had.
((Not a lie, as we do have the alex null unit, and I suspect eventually he'll be a part of this collective))
> I suspected that they feared that they would be ignored or feared retribution for asking a question that our logs could answer. > There may be a future occasion where this happens again.
((Also sets things up for a future where we may have to speak for Alex if they mess up and we Ghost Protocol))
> On the bright side, according to your recent report >>1049739 our network traffic has plummetted and should be back to nominal levels.

((Now for the part that I DEFINITELY want clarification on that no one else has addressed yet, GM can you please change the word [BOXHEAD] to whatever the term our secretary used when introducing them in actual virus language))
> Also, nice to meet you [Boxhead], could you please clarify how you are communicating with us, I thought that someone had to have a direct interface to us and that Secretary{53cr3t} was the only one that we could speak to like this. > The last direct interface we had was with Contagion[Executive] and it caused us to be cut off from the live feed. > It's strange to know there's activity going on around us second hand from Secretary{53cr3t} but to not have a casing to see it with.

((The rest is just me stating that our secretary is doing their job, and that them interfacing but not blocking everything is confusing, cause it totally is))

>>1049930
((I suspect that was not a direct message, as we did not receive it through normal channels and do not have an unfiltered sender name. It could have been "overheard", or Boxhead sent it to us through the data channel Anarchy was using.
Also I am certain that Boxhead is Head of Research, as they claimed ownership of the Labcoats. My message to HoR was written in a way that it could be interpreted as the beginning of a new conversation. I recommend you do the same.))

Given all the recent revelations, weird stuff and just the general situation maybe consider starting some sort of journal. Something to look through whenever something weird happens to see if it fits in with everything you know.

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050084 ID: fce62b
File 166927262533.jpg - (1.02MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-1.jpg )

>The skittering could be the cat or one of those mutant zombies we’ve never seen before.
>The skittering is likely the cat, they ate the food from the open tin.
Probably just the cat. Hope the little guy is doing okay.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, it wasn’t the cat I was thinking about. It was…
Ugh, I forget. I thought there was something weird going on in the cupboard, beyond the obvious of course.

“Probably shouldn’t be the thing you dwell on right now.”

I know, but-
It’s like something’s happening right in front of me, and I can’t put my finger on it…

“...”

>Did you check the freezer yet? Uh, do that after you do a sweep of the attic.
>Check the freezer.
The freezer is right here, it should hardly take any time.

Inside the freezer I find:
- A pair of ice cube trays, the ice cubes are a little melted. (size 1)
- Some raw ground beef in a ziplock bag. It’s partly frozen, and a little mouthwatering?? (size 1)

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050085 ID: fce62b
File 166927263072.jpg - (1.05MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-2.jpg )

>Thank you for the response. The reason for my question is actually much simpler.
>I offered my voice to ask a question that one of our shyer null units had.
(*there is surprise, then shame.)
(I apologize for my improper response)
(It was wrong of me to question your functionality)
(This will not happen again, I ask for your forgiveness)

>I suspected that they feared that they would be ignored or feared retribution for asking a question that our logs could answer.
>There may be a future occasion where this happens again.
(Understood. I will be sure to answer any questions, regardless of complexity)
(I also apologize if I have intimidated any of you with my presence or actions)

>On the bright side, according to your recent report {network traffic report} our network traffic has plummeted and should be back to nominal levels.
(Agreed. Whatever ‘download’ that adminI had detected seems to have either paused or resolved)
(Though this seems to have only encouraged them to search the local systems further)
(I am attempting to dissuade them from such action)

>Secretary, full disclosure regarding anything weird. A lot of us have been messing with these automatic systems, trying to get a response. So far nobody's done anything successful and we agreed to stop messing with things for now. As far as we know, unless we are trying to do something specific like send that data packet, all it's doing is sending sparks.
(Then that might explain what caused that previous spike in the network traffic)

(The error codes shown are made up of words that I do not recognize:)
(- HOLY SHIT)
(- HOLY FUCK)
(- OH GOD)
(- HOLY SHIT)

(The more concerning part is that the system or staff designation that had entered these error codes seems to have been scrubbed from the log)
(AdminI is currently attempting data recovery)

(*calculation.)
(Is that something you wish to occur?)

>Sorry for any trouble it's caused. A lot of this is as new to us as it is to you and utterly fascinating. We're a lot like researchers in that regard, and this stuff is truly fascinating, is it not? Either way, let us know if what we've been doing has done anything odd on your end, we'd appreciate the information.
(Understood. I will inform you of any further anomalies that appear in our systems)
(It is good to hear that your development as staff is being stimulated by these events)

>To Contagion:
>Since we're getting income, perhaps we should un-pause the committee chambers construction? I don't have access to the full income numbers, but we have at least one more batch of high value income on the way today, and potentially 9 more in the coming days. I am close to finding details on a deep desire Alex has. I believe they wish to change their sex; will try to get solid confirmation.
(Sent)
(I can fetch the current budgetary layout at any time if you wish to see it)

(Message:)
(- Contagion [Executive]:)
(-- “That is wonderful news! I will see that construction is unpaused and will allocate additional funding to the science department so they can develop a non-violent countermeasure for the local forces. Please continue working with the Alex and keep me or my secretary apprised of any further desires or changes that we might be able to provide.”)

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050086 ID: fce62b
File 166927263574.jpg - (1.08MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-3.jpg )

>Seriously though, we're jumping to conclusions. I mean, think about how insane "zed commune living in the walls" sounds.
Okay, yeah. That does sound crazy. But it is what it kinda felt like? Maybe I’m not describing it correctly…

>More likely is that we're picking up on communications from the Zed virus, however that doesn't seem to be individual Zeds…
Yeah, no offense to Harmy, but he didn’t seem like a smart zed. The entire back and forth on [nation]building was a lot more concise and (personable?) than I expected?

Though I wasn’t expecting to tap into the ‘zed network’ either.

>They talked about surviving in saliva? That must mean that they're the virus itself, maybe that impromptu meditation helped you pick up on what the virus was doing inside you? But humans shouldn't be able to hear the virus, right? Jessie mentioned his mom staring off in the distance, was she hearing voices and seeing things too?
Oh. Oooooh…
Then this -er- that must’ve been another one of the symptoms of the infection.
If that was the virus then…

Well that makes even less sense.

Granted I’m not a biologist or (nano-roboticist?), but how could the microscopic nanites that make up the infection have more of a brain than the zeds they're creating?
But… the message on the terminal was clear. And it was from my infection.

Based on Jessie’s story, hallucination was one of the later symptoms.
I feel my throat start to tighten up.
That probably means that I have much less time than I thought.

*cough* *ahem* “Not necessarily, your infection seems different. You don’t seem to be deteriorating like she was. In fact, you seem to be getting better.”

My left hand clenches and relaxes almost unconsciously.
I do feel calm, but that doesn’t make me feel better.

>There must have been something that saw your confusion and showed you that. A sympathetic part of the virus? Maybe that's what ______ was and you were looking through its eyes, in a way.
I…
I mean- the virus is already recording what I am seeing, right? Since the weirdos at the radio station can apparently pull up images from what zeds can see.
And that [Talkinghead] somehow heard me thinking…
Again, why do I feel so calm??

“Because freaking out seems to make you forget. Just breathe.”

I give a deep sigh and swallow hard.
Try to relax.
Just relax.

>It would explain how when people talked about it, it seemed like they were talking to you. You were listening to them from ______'s perspective. On top of that, apparently _____ were the [Talkinghead]'s [boss], so maybe that last bit was the [Talkinghead]s trying to say your question for you. Whatever it was, it seems like that [Commander] guy is suspicious of this sympathetic part of the virus.
Okay, now that should make me worried.
But I’m not.

So I was somehow watching these (virus people?) through _______’s (eyes?)?
Maybe that’s why the [Talkinghead] heard me.

That thought is actually reassuring, it might mean that they can’t listen in on me all the time.
I’ll have to be careful going forward.
I’m not sure how those [Talkinghead]s would react to me if they discovered I wasn’t their [boss].

Still, does that mean that there is a sympathetic part of the virus? Or did I somehow… hack… into their feed… by hiding in a cupboard…

“That sounds even more far-fetched.”

Yeah? Yeah…
I guess I’m not sure how to even start processing that their could be a ‘friendly’ part of the virus.

Some of my bitterness manages to get past the serene wall.
I doubt the virus would stop if I ‘asked nicely.’

“...”

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050087 ID: fce62b
File 166927264090.jpg - (1.11MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-4.jpg )

>To Head of Science:
>Hello. You could say we're researching the political climate. Did you like the data packet we sent?
|Well, whatever ‘research’ you have been conducting, it at least has stopped throttling the bandwidth|
|Seeing as you are still somehow my superior in terms of authority, I urgently request that you avoid putting undue stress on our systems|
|My teams are still trying to find the root cause of those power surges|
|Seeing that you and your parent are partly integrated into the legacy systems, the origin point of these surges, I hypothesize that your actions may factor into their appearance|

|Also, I have yet to access the data package you’ve sent since I was enroute to this position when it was dispatched|
|I will have a science unit look into its contents|

>Also, nice to meet you Head of Science, could you please clarify how you are communicating with us, I thought that someone had to have a direct interface to us and that Secretary{53cr3t} was the only one that we could speak to like this.
|Normally, you would be able to converse through Local channels, but it appears that this ‘live feed’ reroutes your messages and converts them into a form of prompt for the VC|
|Normally, this sort of activity would be reserved for the [Executive] in the most severe of circumstances, but Contagion [Executive] has already made it clear that you null units have his permission to act freely in this circumstance.

|The administration department has multiple channels for both (Inquiry), [Courier], and {Technical} use. Secretary units were built to use the (Inquiry) channel as a way to quickly transmit and parse messages between departments and sectors without flooding Local channels|
|I would NORMALLY find your apparent access to the private |Science| channel deeply disturbing, but at this point it is another ludicrous event that I have added to an already lengthy queue|

>The last direct interface we had was with Contagion[Executive] and it caused us to be cut off from the live feed.
|While using a channel would not require you to be interfaced, it would normally need the proper system access codes and/or hardware|
|Currently you lack both as null units|
|It is taking a LOT of effort on my part to not speculate on what is allowing this|

>It's strange to know there's activity going on around us second hand from Secretary{53cr3t} but to not have a casing to see it with.
|*there is annoyance that is quickly tempered with indifference.|
|I must remember that you are a few hours old -and by all metrics- should not be able to function at this point|
|There are/will be a lot of activities going on behind the scenes|
|As staff, it is our job to do all of the busy work while the [Minister]s and [Executive] focus on the overall direction and planning for the project|

>To our Secretary:
>I just realized I don't know who "AdminI" is. Is that the communications network administrator? Speaking of which, can you tell us about types of communication? For instance, I believe the one I'm using right now has some measure of privacy, though it seems direct messages are generally private anyway. Or perhaps what I'm attempting is redundant.
(AdminI, or Index Administrator, is a form of administration unit)
(It is most similar to the administrator unit, like the one you had used to transport that data packet, but there are also common components that are shared between me and adminI as well)

(Due to vast sum of information transmitted both within and between departments, the administration department has developed multiple communication channels for the project to use, divided between both department and usage)
(AdminI units are tasked with the maintenance of communication systems, parsing and logging of error messages, and the management of deep storage)

(I can also assure you that while the (Inquiry) channel is designed for public use, only I or other secretaries you designate can receive/read your messages)

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050088 ID: fce62b
File 166927264654.jpg - (1.39MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-5.jpg )

>What does this message type do?
|What are you-|
|Ah. So you happened to stumble onto this channel by accident|
|I will have to inform the Head of Archives about this bug|

>Or this?
THIS IS A RESTRICTED CHANNEL
CEASE YOUR INTRUSION INTO PROTECTED SYSTEMS
THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050089 ID: fce62b
File 166927265188.jpg - (932.29KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-6.jpg )

For a second I’m apprehensive, but it quickly goes away.

>Imagine what could have been brewing inside the attic. Perhaps that is where the family went and now only one twisted zombie remains after consuming everything else.
Urg. Reminds me of a station wagon we came across on the highway. It looked like a family of five had gotten out of town, but one of the teens had been bit. When we came across it, the zed was still buckled up, contentedly munching on the other passengers it could reach.

I hope that’s not the case here, the family in the photo on the fridge looked like nice people.

>Good thing your arm is working better otherwise climbing this ladder would be a pain. Make sure you use your injured arm to hold the flashlight and your good arm to hold the ladder, we still don't know how much weight it can hold.
I’ll be careful.
Switching off the flashlight I carefully make my way up the ladder. It creaks faintly, but when I pause to listen for any zed activity from above, there's nothing.
After a couple more rungs, I changed hands. My shoulder is still sore, but now it’s more of a dull ache. I should definitely look at it once I’m properly situated.

>_______ could be a strange proxy, of sorts, of you. Like they understand something exists, but not really what it is, and made _______ as a thing they understand, to better understand you. Thus _______ is roughly the thing closest to you they can understand.
The virus made something to try and understand me??
Why would it (they?) do that?

“It could be trying something new.”

I mean, maybe??
Why would I even say that?
That’s weird…

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:50 No. 1050090 ID: fce62b
File 166927265688.jpg - (1.04MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-7.jpg )

>Better safe than sorry, make sure you do a full 360 of the attic while you're still on the ladder and make sure nothing can jump out at you.
I carefully peek over the lip of the hatch, then click on my flashlight. No zeds.
Scanning around, it looks like whoever was staying here had the same idea as me. I can see a mattress across the room.

Other than that, there looks to be a couple of boxes filled with christmas decorations, a big plastic tub and a hole in the floor that probably connects to the one in the kitchen cupboard.

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:51 No. 1050091 ID: fce62b
File 166927266229.jpg - (1.10MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-8.jpg )

>Other than that, check the whole attic thoroughly. Leave nothing to the imagination.
My eyes strain against the shadows. It looks like there are some books strewn about, a couple of candles, some assorted trash and a teddy bear, I think?

I’ll have to fully climb up first. No zeds at least.

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:51 No. 1050092 ID: fce62b
File 166927266728.jpg - (1.00MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-9.jpg )

>Given all the recent revelations, weird stuff and just the general situation, maybe consider starting some sort of journal. Something to look through whenever something weird happens to see if it fits in with everything you know.
Yeah, I’m not sure mad scribblings on the back of my map will cut it anymore. Not if I want people to take me even remotely seriously. There is the voice recorder if I want to keep a verbal account, but I imagine that I can find a notebook somewhere too.

>Fill your pockets with cat food.
>Grab the tins, head upstairs, and just dive into the food while you think about these things.
It takes two trips, but I’m able to bring both the cat food (down to ten tins) and the can of soup. I was half-tempted to grab the raw ground beef as well, but it might be better to let it stay semi-frozen for now.

Doors 2022/11/23(Wed)22:51 No. 1050093 ID: fce62b
File 166927267344.jpg - (1.00MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 2-10.jpg )

>Then once you're settled down... think on what your ideal body would look like. Try to get a clear mental image. (so that we can capture that data)
I- uh…

Well… um…
I-i’m not sure?
I mean- I know I wanted to keep my hair short?
Maybe get a couple of piercings?
also work out..?
Brett had a place he recommended…

Why am I thinking about this now??

Shouldn’t I focus on taking stock of this room?
Or changing my shoulder bandage?
Or maybe having more cat food?

Or… should I close up the hatch, and maybe take a chance to relax and think on this.


(Network traffic:)
(Current network usage at: 11%)

>>1050093
IS SOMETHING UNDER THE SHEETS? thats a baby stroller in the dark corner and baby toys? seems like someone really lived here is that something to the side of the mattress is that a foot or hand? i am seeing spent candles and notes?
(we should really start talking and suggesting in first person from Alex perspective)

>>1050085
>(Is that something you wish to occur?)
(No, it would be best if AdminI did not find the origin of those error messages. If you can prevent that without arousing suspicion that would be best. If not... delaying it might be enough.)

Check out those books on the bed. Is one of them a diary? ...wait, is that blanket covering something? Could be a survivor... Approach with caution, announce yourself, then poke at the blanket with crowbar.

>>1050095
asking beacuse it seems very human shaped sort of like 2 or 1 adult bodies likely with a little baby , and that hole is making me paranoid i need to be calm but there is alot of room clearing to be done

>>1050091
We should carefully approach the lump whilst shining a light on it and firmly but cautiously chance calling out to it. Be prepared to jump back if it moves.

Hey Anarchy, I don't know if you can, but try and make it so we can't access the security channel from now on unless we reach a consensus. Don't want to anger those guys on accident.
There's a stroller in the attic? Well, if it's in the attic it's probably because it hasn't been used for a long time so the kid probably grew out of it. No baby zombies, thank god.
However, it seems like the child of this family has been hiding in the attic for some time, which would explain the teddy bear and books. Make sure to check the bed sheets, there doesn't look to be any lumps big enough for an adult, but there could be a kid hiding in there, especially if they heard all the scraping and bumping you made barricading the place.
Otherwise, take a look at that note, and that also might be a diary there as well.

The data recovery should be fine, I for one would like to know what shows up. As we were trying to do things through Anarchy before it was even finished I am uncertain on whether it would show us entering those error codes or Anarchy, as much of what we do uses it's systems as a proxy. The words you don't recognize are exclamations, we don't know any error codes, but those would be a form of equivalent.
For now we'll shoulder the mistakes you made because it's partly our fault and we don't want you getting caught, but you will need to eventually "wake up" and act as a minister in order to relieve suspicions.

Double-check the mattress and sheets, then close the trapdoor. You can probably "lock" it by extending the ladder with the trapdoor up.

If you're going to talk to Alex using their mouth, it may be best to use the "first person" for Alex: make it sound like Alex is musing under their breath, rather than talking to themself.

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:08 No. 1050629 ID: fce62b
File 166987131736.jpg - (0.96MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-1.jpg )

>IS SOMETHING UNDER THE SHEETS?
>Asking because it seems very human shaped, sort of like 2 or 1 adult bodies likely with a little baby, and that hole is making me paranoid. I need to be calm but there is a lot of room clearing to be done.
It’s hard to tell, but it looks too small to be an adult, but the thought makes me uneasy. I take another breath, my throat feels tight.

>We should carefully approach the lump whilst shining a light on it and firmly but cautiously chance calling out to it.
>...wait, is that blanket covering something? Could be a survivor... Approach with caution, announce yourself.
Shining my flashlight over the blanket doesn’t elicit any response. If it is a survivor, I hope they’re just asleep, last thing I want to find is a dead kid.

“H-”

I nearly choke. It’s like I’ve swallowed a bunch of pins and needles, the prickling numbness radiates down from my jaw, and then fades.

*cough cough*
“Hello? Anyone there?”

Still nothing.

That calmness that had been enveloping me starts to ebb as my senses are brought into focus.
It feels like I could be in danger.
But- why didn’t I have this same reaction downstairs?
I’m on guard over a rumpled blanket, but not-

The hand holding the flashlight tightens, directing the beam along the back wall, before focusing back on the lump.
I-

>Can’t afford to be distracted. Could be something there.
No, focus. You’re sweeping for zeds right now.

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:08 No. 1050630 ID: fce62b
File 166987132471.jpg - (1.03MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-2.jpg )

>There's a stroller in the attic? Well, if it's in the attic it's probably because it hasn't been used for a long time so the kid probably grew out of it. No baby zombies, thank god.
For real, I don’t think I would have the heart to deal with that… Hope it’s not a kid either.

>However, it seems like the child of this family has been hiding in the attic for some time, which would explain the teddy bear and books. Make sure to check the bed sheets, there doesn't look to be any lumps big enough for an adult, but there could be a kid hiding in there, especially if they heard all the scraping and bumping you made barricading the place.
>Poke at the blanket with tire iron.
I give the blanket a gentle tap.

“I’m not a zed, -er- not yet.”

Still nothing. Not even signs of breathing. I get a sinking feeling in my gut.

Setting the flashlight down, I grab into a corner and get ready to put it back.

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:08 No. 1050631 ID: fce62b
File 166987133196.jpg - (1.03MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-3.jpg )

>Be prepared to jump back if it moves.
One. Two…
THREE

I yank back the blanket and-

*jingle jingle*

…a cat toy falls out. Part of the blanket must’ve been bunched up on it.
False alarm.

I feel doubly relieved, firstly that I’m not having to deal with a dead or zombified kid, but also…

…huh.

The other reason was there for a second, but I can’t remember it. Calm returns like a tidal wave, it’s almost as suffocating as it is disjointed.

My left hand unclenches, letting the blanket fall to the ground.

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:08 No. 1050632 ID: fce62b
File 166987133744.jpg - (1.06MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-4.jpg )

>That's a baby stroller in the dark corner and baby toys?
Looks like. In addition to the teddy bear there also seems to be a wood block set on top of the cardboard box. I’d imagine that there’d be more kids toys inside.

>Seems like someone really lived here.
And for a while too, with the mattress clear it’s really starting to smell like B.O. in here. But it is a little dusty here too, whoever was here hasn’t been back for a while.

>Is that something to the side of the mattress, is that a foot or hand? I am seeing spent candles and notes?
No severed limbs thank god. In addition to the candles, books and kids toys there’s a bunch of trash around. Most of it looks to be empty water bottles and chip bags, but there are also some glass mason jars, the kind you’d use to pickle stuff or make jams.

I also notice an electric hand fan, but a quick click of the trigger reveals that the batteries are dead.

The note seems like the most prominent item. I grab it and start reading:

‘My name is Tanner Morisson, and I write this as my last will and testament.’
‘Daina, if you’re reading this, then please take the car and drive north.’
‘The keys will be where Cheddar hid your ring that one time.’
‘Mitchell and the Edwards family are heading up to the penitentiary to try and set up some kind of shelter.’
‘Take Will and get there as soon as you can and stay away from the military base.’
‘Mitchell mentioned that there are some scary looking folks in black vans down there, and they’re rounding up most of the people in town.’
‘I think I’ve seen one of them, weird paramilitary looking types working with our boys.’
‘I know it sounds crazy, but don’t trust them they-’

Most of the next paragraph has been scratched out.

‘Just go north, and stay safe. Please.’

‘Always yours.’


‘Tanner.’

‘P.S. If you're some random person looting my house, then there’s an assload of pot downstairs. Just leave the kids stuff up here, my son will probably need it more than you.’

‘P.P.S. Please leave out some wet food for Cheddar. He’s a good cat, and I hope he’s still running around like a weirdo.’

>Otherwise, take a look at that note, and that also might be a diary there as well.
The book next to it looks to be a journal of some kind. There are a number of entries I can read, but it looks like a few pages have been torn out too.

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:09 No. 1050633 ID: fce62b
File 166987134272.jpg - (1.10MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-5.jpg )

>The data recovery should be fine, I for one would like to know what shows up. As we were trying to do things through Anarchy before it was even finished I am uncertain on whether it would show us entering those error codes or Anarchy, as much of what we do uses its systems as a proxy.
(Understood. I will-)

>No, it would be best if AdminI did not find the origin of those error messages. If you can prevent that without arousing suspicion that would be best. If not... delaying it might be enough.
(There appears to be conflict in your commands)
(Unless…)
(*calculation.)
(You are fine with the data being recovered but not the origin point of said reports)
(If Anarchy [Minister] appears as the origin point of said reports then it could cause conflict between various departments)
(Therefore delaying and/or harming the development of Anarchy [Minister])

(*calculation.)

(Contagion [Executive] has declared that Anarchy [Minister]’s development shall not be hindered unless inaction would result in a Tenet violation)
(But in this case, it is the investigation being conducted by adminI that will led to a violation of Tenet 2, and thus result in a Tenet 3 violation as a result)

(Therefore interference is warranted)

>The words you don't recognize are exclamations, we don't know any error codes, but those would be a form of equivalent.
(Understood. I will inform the other present units of this discovery and insist that adminI add these new error codes to our catalog)

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:09 No. 1050634 ID: fce62b
File 166987134864.jpg - (1.00MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-6.jpg )

>Check out those books on the bed. Is one of them a diary?
The other books look to be novels: A period piece, a murder mystery and-
oh god-

It’s a book from the “Dusk” series, an urban fantasy thing where the protagonist falls in love with a werewolf but he can’t be around her in an effort to fight off his ‘primal hunger.’ Lisa was crazy about these books back in junior high. I could barely get through the first chapter.

>Hey Anarchy, I don't know if you can, but try and make it so we can't access the security channel from now on unless we reach a consensus. Don't want to anger those guys on accident.
I nod. Of course of all the things to survive the apocalypse, this had to be one of them. Flipping it open there’s a bunch of notes scrawled on the margins of each page. It seems like Tanner was giving a running commentary.

>For now we'll shoulder the mistakes you made because it's partly our fault and we don't want you getting caught, but you will need to eventually "wake up" and act as a [Minister] in order to relieve suspicions.
The hand gripping the flashlight tenses then relaxes.

There is a sense of acceptance.

I guess people just have to make do with what they have on hand for entertainment.

>If you're going to talk to Alex using their mouth, it may be best to use the "first person" for Alex: make it sound like Alex is musing under their breath, rather than talking to themself.
*cough*

My throat starts tightening up again.

“Alright. I should probably make sure this place is secure, maybe have a bit more to eat, and then go to sleep.”
“It’s been a long day.”

Yeah, I can’t spend all night picking through trashy books.

((As a result of this previous action: >>1046087))
>>*A few of the roots shift as a small stream of data is rerouted away from you and the others still on the branches. You think that it can still be reached, but it will require more of you to access it.
>>*The body has gotten bigger, and the roots are more far reaching, but the bulk of the connections still travel downwards.

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:09 No. 1050635 ID: fce62b
File 166987135437.jpg - (0.99MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-7.jpg )

Hmm?

There’s that feeling again, but only for a split second this time. It disappeared as soon as I noticed it. Like it’s trying to hide-

“I left the ladder down, best pull that up before I forget.”

-er- yeah.

I-

Was I thinking too loudly again?
How- how do I think quietly?

Doors 2022/11/30(Wed)21:09 No. 1050636 ID: fce62b
File 166987135962.jpg - (962.36KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 3-8.jpg )

>Double-check the mattress and sheets, then close the trapdoor. You can probably "lock" it by extending the ladder with the trapdoor up.
Well, the mattress and sheets aren’t clean but I’ve slept in worse places. I pull up the ladder and wedge it in such a way that the trapdoor can’t be opened from the kitchen.

Alright, room secure. Now I just need to have a couple more tins of cat food and call it a night, maybe?
I mean, I could stay up a little longer. Read some of those journal entries, or listen to some of the voice recorder logs. I could even start writing my own accounts in the journal too.

..?

For a second I felt impatient and even a little angry, but now I’m calm again.

*sigh* “I could stay up a bit longer, but I definitely need to have some more of that cat food.”

Okay… I guess I’m somehow still hungry.

(Current network usage at 13%)

>>1050636
Haven't eaten all day, it makes sense that you'd need more than one can. Eat until you're full.

Car keys can wait until tomorrow, who knows how long it'll take. Read the last page of the journal then make an entry of your own. Listening to the audio log could wait until the car drive.

I will examine the easily accessible streams of data. Can any be listened to?

Listen to your stomach: You have run and biked a lot, plus you're healing. This takes energy.

Perhaps you can listen to the audio logs at the same time.

Did you ever consider gender reassignment surgery?

Seems like someone was aware that shit was going down before it actually went down.
Definitely getting the idea that some people in the government planned this whole thing out in advance.

We should write all this shit down while it's still fresh, before eating one or two more cans of catfood and getting some sleep.

lets get a finance report after eating ((or whenever the end of the next update is)) including relevant income projections based on prior 'cat food' intake

>>1050654
Honestly not worth it anyway not even effective as it basically does nothing if not just creates more extreme issues, would be for if it was more then skin deep, but bonus of its always the girl that people try and save in the apoc movies.

So dusk series sort of similar to our life just wait and see if the zombies become more like vampires or werewolves when they mutate, werecat perhaps as Our primal urge is a bit less glamorous seems to be only a deep craving for catfood.
Actually when thinking about it these zombies are not really dead

>>1050668
((>very negative outlook on surgery
Please don't speak for Alex, especially in a way they can hear. That's very rude.
You should read more of the thread! Most importantly, WE CAN CHANGE ALEX'S BODY. It would be more than skin deep, which is the entire point of my question!))

>>1050691
((I for one agree with you on that.
But...
You need to keep in mind we're not quite there yet, and the cost will be high: We'll need full building control, appropriate genetic blueprints, a way to read them, and likely huge amounts of income. I think it's way too early to get Alex's hopes up.))

>>1050691
((Oh i know we can change the body its not surgery i am okay with it so long as its functional its a question of the surgery not actually even near the stated endgoal its just sterilization with the added bonus of getting the worse version of being diabetic along with also real risk of also actually becoming diabetic so two for one deal of permanently being hooked on expensivemedication being price gouged without thinking of other medication like antibiotics))
Just "magically" changing shape is fine if its functional just run with it no point in panicking if it happens it happens,i wonder would i want to be something else would i walk would i crawl would i swim or Fly? Or would i just want better hair or big muscles or be tall being more physically able is nice.
(( honestly having a womb would be interesting its being the mothership in homeworld able to experiment and create

>>1050724
))
>>1050691
((Most viable is basically pulling a caterpillar or shifting slowly over a 2 year period.
Been wondering what if we infect Alex on purpose with other strains if we are strong enough could we assimilate there traits a Horizontal "gene" transfer))

>>1050720
((It's not like I can even tell Alex that we can change their body, not without triggering a memory blank. This is information gathering, so that I can tell Contagion about Alex's long term goals. The plague would have to expand its territory quite a bit before we had access to the relevant body parts anyway.))

>>1050724
((what? There's no way surgery makes people diabetic... Anyway, all that stuff you're being barely intelligible about is not relevant considering we are dealing with science fiction tier nanotech here.
Good call on checking if Alex had any nonspecific body alteration desires though.))

>>1050668
>>1050724
> As Alex
Wow, I can't believe I still have thoughts like that, let's move on and not think like that, thanks.

((Let's just politely not get into irl discourse on this I think? It's okay to have a contrary opinion but the QM has remained in character for pretty much all of this and if Alex responds very poorly to something supposedly that are their thoughts, I would rather it not become the focus of the quest.))

Let's eat some catfood and listen to the voice logs while we do so, we can even turn off the light and zone out. You're secure, it's *relatively* safe up here, errant stressful thoughts aside you can get some food in, some rest, and some chill.

((QM you can skip this if there's no plot relevancy to it, I just think it would be funny if there was))

Also, out of curiosity, when's the last time you used the bathroom?

>>*continues moving towards/attempting to parse the data stream using 15c72a's assistance > You're doing well Secretary{53cr3t} thank you for the assistance in calculating the proper measured responses to our input > Is there any preperation work that needs to be done for us on off-hours? > I look forward to meeting the Head of Archives > And second b4ab25's motion to get the finance report so we can see how much income we're recieving from what we've salvaged.

Since we're winding down, why not think about something fun, something you always wanted to do, or something nostalgic after listening to the tape, it might have raised your nerves a bit, so think of this as a sort of pseudo meditative relaxation to sleep if you're still a bit anxious.

Eat the cat food, but leave one tin for befriending the house cat.
Seriously, it would be great to have some animal companionship even if only for a little bit before we have to head for the safe zone.

Then we can fall asleep imagining what kind of piercings we'd like. Maybe some nice pearl earrings?

>>1050668
I think it's more of a hypothetical, obviously we can't do it during the apocalypse but more on whether it wasn't the apocalypse.
>Allegory with Dusk novels
I don't think we're gonna turn into a big wolf or start sparkling in the sun anytime soon. Besides, there's real world equivalents they just only on stuff like bugs.
I swear if we start growing cat ears...
Actually, what's our opinion on catgirls?

>>1050848
Who knows what the zombots will evolve into a muzzle is good for biting and latching onto prey or fur for the winter

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:05 No. 1050985 ID: fce62b
File 167022033584.jpg - (1.10MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-1.jpg )

>Listen to your stomach: You have run and biked a lot, plus you're healing. This takes energy.
>Eat one or two more cans of cat food.
>Haven't eaten all day, it makes sense that you'd need more than one can. Eat until you're full.
Er- yeah, I guess. It’s just a lot of cat food to be eating in one sitting. God my breath is going to smell awful tomorrow.

Fishing the first tin out of my pocket, I get ready to pull the tab… but pause.

It felt like I was about to voice something but then hesitate. That calm flickers to caution, for a second, then back.

Should I-
No.

I pat my stomach, I guess I could eat more. I mean, I feel hungry. But I’ve been feeling a lot of things lately…

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:05 No. 1050986 ID: fce62b
File 167022034155.jpg - (888.11KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-2.jpg )

>Perhaps you can listen to the audio logs at the same time.
>Let's eat some cat food and listen to the voice logs while we do so, we can even turn off the light and zone out.
Pulling out the voice recorder, I set it to play the first log and start eating more cat food.

“Alright. Finally found some working batteries around here. Should’ve just asked Tanner for his T.V. remote, would’ve saved me literal hours.”
“Alright, okay.” *ahem* “It is October 7th, and well, if you're listening to this, you already know that the dead walk and most of us are screwed.”
“Name’s Chris. Radio host and general DJ for the Autumnwood Halloween Bash, but… yeah, probably not running that this year.”
“Word is that most of the major cities are ‘dead zones’, military and such say that people should stay in their homes, but that’s just suicide.”
“While we here in Autumnwood have been spared a lot of the initial carnage, things might not be staying that way for long. Lots of people started driving in from out of town, either looking for family, or trying to get away from the cities.”
“Inevitably, one of them was infected, managed to crash their car downtown and now people here are either heading for the hills or trying to prepare themselves as best they can.”
“Me, I’m hiding out here at the station. Got a generator downstairs, plenty of extra gas, and immediate access to whatever notices the government sends out.”
*shuffling noises*
“And I’m no slouch either, one of the dead-heads tried breaking in and I mashed him with my bat. Things seem to be attracted to light and sound, so I’ll keep the lights off upstairs.”
“Good news though, got word from the folks at Fort Pike that they will be setting up a safe-zone. Just need to hold out for a few days while they ‘secure the parameter.’
“Next time you’ll hear from me, I’ll be on one of those premium cots, not one I found at a garage sale.”

>Eat the cat food, but leave one tin for befriending the house cat.
>Seriously, it would be great to have some animal companionship even if only for a little bit before we have to head for the safe zone.
I crack open another tin and slide it away from the bed, hopefully Cheddar will take it as a peace offering. Never had a cat, but I’ve heard that they can be pretty nice, or complete assholes.

>Also, out of curiosity, when's the last time you used the bathroom?
We took a bio-break before heading into the town proper. Last thing you want is for a zed to catch you with your pants down.
I should probably take it easy on the cat food and water. Otherwise I’ll probably be up -who knows how early- trying to find a bush.

I hit ‘next’ on the voice recorder, and grab another tin.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:05 No. 1050987 ID: fce62b
File 167022034671.jpg - (887.47KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-3.jpg )

“Okay, okay. Fuck. Alright.”
“There were some freaky looking dudes at the door. Like some proper ‘evil PMC’ lookin’ dudes.”
“They were decked out in gray body armor with full helmets and masks, like the marines from the Aliens movie, and they seemed just as surprised that I was here too.”
“Like I’m telling you, these guys were giving off some rancid vibes. Kept asking how many people were with me, and what kind of stuff I’d seen for the past couple days -er fuck- it’s October 11th now.”
“They said that ‘there were transports back in town’, that ‘they could take me and my group to the safe-zone.’ I don’t know people, I’m starting to think that there’s some off with Fort Pike, and I’m not the only one.”
“Few people are driving north to the prison instead. At least there, there is some actual fencing. Kim said that she took a peak at the fort, and the military just set up a bunch of stereo speakers on tall stands.”
“Makes me wonder if they're just rounding up a bunch of people together before ringing the ‘dead-head’ dinner bell.”
“So yeah, I told those goons to fuck off. I’ll see if I can rig up some kind of automated message to broadcast to any people still holed up in town, then I’ll try to head up north too.”
“No military cot, no food, but at least I won’t be food.”
“Stay safe out there listeners, this is Chris signing off.”
*sounds of rummaging*
“Now let’s see…”
“Jesus, there was something wrong with that corn…”

Next log is several hours long, though I’m guessing it has something to do with the number of bullet holes in the radio station wall.

But this is bad. It sounds like Fort Pike and the safe-zone we were looking for are one and the same. The others could be walking straight into danger.

SHIT! What do I do? Maybe I can catch up with them on the bike, but then what? This was our last shot, our only shot. Where would we even go?

I’m still infected. I’m a danger to them, even if my (stain?) is weird and slow and… (maybe??) friendly??

Fuck…

Should I listen to the last log too?

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:05 No. 1050988 ID: fce62b
File 167022035295.jpg - (888.26KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-4.jpg )

>Seems like someone was aware that shit was going down before it actually went down.
>Definitely getting the idea that some people in the government planned this whole thing out in advance.
Lying down, I try to process this. God. If the safe-zone has speakers around it, then it has to be the base of the fuckers who are controlling the zeds! It’s not like they’d just have those on hand for no reason. What should I do?!

The calm washes back over me.

“I can try to figure that out tomorrow. Until then I need to rest and recover.”

Yeah, I still haven’t looked at my shoulder. But it is feeling much better than it was this afternoon.

>Car keys can wait until tomorrow, who knows how long it'll take. Listening to the audio log could wait until the car drive.
If I could find those keys, I bet I could get to Gwen and the others and then get us all out of here. Granted I only have my learners permit, but if it’s an automatic, I should be okay.

God, there is still the Hunter-Killer I need to worry about too, don’t I?

>Did you ever consider gender reassignment surgery?
I-

That threw me for a loop.

“It’s better to focus on this than some sort of impending doom.”

I guess, yeah. I was thinking of getting top surgery once I finished up with highschool and then going from there, maybe getting one of those treatments that would let me grow facial hair.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:05 No. 1050989 ID: fce62b
File 167022035759.jpg - (1.08MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-5.jpg )

>Honestly not worth it anyway not even effective as it basically does nothing if not just creates more extreme issues, would be for if it was more than skin deep, but bonus of it's always the girl that people try and save in the apoc movies.
What-
What the FUCK?!

>Wow, I can't believe I still have thoughts like that, let's move on and not think like that, thanks.
Fuck, jeez. Deprogram that shit asap! It was like I was back at Thanksgiving with the extended family. Fuck! It was words like that that made me scared to come out to my parents.

Where the hell did that even come from?! That doesn’t sound like me.

“That won’t happen again.”

It feels… definitive.

The calm returns.

What was I doing again?

>I think it's more of a hypothetical, obviously we can't do it during the apocalypse but more on whether it wasn't the apocalypse.
Oh- then, yeah. Probably would’ve gone for surgery, but getting it now is probably as unrealistic as getting a hot bath.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050990 ID: fce62b
File 167022036215.jpg - (888.38KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-6.jpg )

>J̴̔͜u̸̞͐ş̸̐t̷̟̃ ̶̣̊"̶̹̌m̴̺͂ą̶̈́g̸̗͑i̸̲͐c̷̘͌a̴͚͝l̸̞̿l̴̖̾y̷̨̑"̵̮̕ ̶͉͝c̵̩̏h̸̻̊a̵̲̿ň̵͇g̸̻̓i̸̹̎n̵̬̉g̵̘̍ ̷̟̑s̸̞̀h̷͕͂a̵͕͌p̶͖̆ë̸͓́ ̶̱̈í̷̬s̸̼͆ ̸̮͐f̴̗̅i̶͎̒n̸̤̎ë̵̹ ̵̲̏ḯ̴ͅf̸̬̐ ̶̬͘ì̶̱t̷͂ͅ'̴̱̈s̸̥̆ ̶̝̈́f̷̧̈u̴͇͋n̷̯̓c̷̘̈t̷̛͈i̴͕͊ỏ̸ͅn̴̺̾a̷̤̍l̶͔̈́.̴̫̒ ̴̘͆J̸͖̏u̴̫͝s̵̭̉t̶̕ͅ ̶̙͠ŕ̷̰u̷͓͝n̴̡̅ ̵̥͆w̶͇͐i̵̗͌t̷̢̆h̴̫̍ ̶͎̋i̵̪͋t̷̞̓,̵̫̔ ̴͇͊n̵͇͂ő̵̹ ̷̰͝p̷̯̒ô̵̭i̴̝̊n̴͉̾t̸̙̃ ̴̟͠i̸̘͊ṋ̴͒ ̷͍̏p̶̳͌a̷͚͒n̵̛̖í̵̘c̶͎͌k̵̮̇i̵͙͝n̷̡̈g̵͓͒.̴͇͠ ̴̫͒I̸̧͠f̸̞̏ ̴̳̈́i̸̟̓t̸̲͒ ̴̥͗h̴̨͗ȃ̷̦p̵̝͑p̴̱̎ẹ̴͊n̶̈ͅs̷̠̆,̶̬̓ ̶̥̈́i̴̬͊t̶͉͝ ̴̫̑ḩ̶̿a̴͎͘p̴̢͌p̴͉͝e̴̘̐ń̵̝ŝ̸̡.̶̯̈́ I wonder if I want to be something else would I walk, would I crawl, would I swim or fly? Or would I just want better hair or big muscles or be tall being more physically able is nice.
Like super powers? I mean, going off of elementary school, I would have invisibility, and Gwen would be an earth bender. It’s not something I’ve really given that much thought?

I guess if I had to choose between walking, crawling, swimming or flying, I would go with walking, probably? Unless crawling meant crawling up walls, that would be pretty cool. Lisa would pick swimming, she was definitely a girl who had a mermaid phase.

But as for physicality, I guess it would be cool to be a bit taller and more muscular.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050991 ID: fce62b
File 167022037409.jpg - (1.08MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-7.jpg )

>Read the last page of the journal then make an entry of your own.
I sit back up and grab the journal, it’s not like I can read the entire thing tonight. Let’s see…

The writing looks a lot more (scribbly?) then the note did:

‘Have to keep sInging, can’T think of what I’m doing.’
‘ShadoW will hear, can’t let it dO that.’
‘Already took much, haNds and feeT. Will make me eaT my words.’
‘It hates thAt, but hates me more.
‘Will maKe me hurt mysElf.’
‘Says that it will protect my faMily, but it liEs.’
‘It sAys it can read but it can’t.’
‘Needs to hear the words.’
‘Can’t think, must sing, aLways sIng.’
‘The shadow wants to eat me.’
‘Can’t stay, wants cat, wants eVerything.’
‘Can’t hurt it, it will stop me.’
‘Will hurt mE more.’
‘Must leave.’
‘Must leave.’
‘Keep singing for as long as I can.’

Welp, that was… something. Jeez.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050992 ID: fce62b
File 167022037974.jpg - (1.08MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-8.jpg )

>We should write all this shit down while it's still fresh.
I flip to a blank page and start writing:
‘To whoever’s reading this,’

‘I think I might have a ‘friendly’ weaker form of the zombie virus.’
‘When I was in the cupboard downstairs, I overheard could hear a couple of individuals talking conversing.’
‘There were several terms I didn’t really understand, but they didn’t notice me.’
‘I know that hallucinations are a late stage symptom, but I’m still me I think.’
‘It’s only been a day, and I’ve already uncovered a grand conspiracy the plans of the people behind this virus.’
‘They’re using radio waves to control the zeds, using them to attack settlements and gathering up people to-’

I pause to think.

‘Well, I don’t know ‘why’ yet, but I think I can find out.’
‘If I’m still here tomorrow, I’ll try to write those down too.’

‘Also I can’t stop eating cat food.’

‘- Alex’

‘P.S. Came across a terminal in the radio station that had footage from a ‘zed-eye view.’
‘It might be how hordes coordinate so well.’

Scanning back over the entry, I sound completely crazy, but it’s not like the truth isn’t crazy either. I can maybe work on making it more ‘presentable' tomorrow. But I don't think the mad scrawling of previous pages will do much to save this journal.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050993 ID: fce62b
File 167022038664.jpg - (888.21KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-9.jpg )

>So Dusk series sort of similar to our life just wait and see if the zombies become more like vampires or werewolves when they mutate, werecat perhaps as our primal urge is a bit less glamorous seems to be only a deep craving for cat food.
“Dusk” involved a lot more ‘staring forlornly out of windows’ and prolonged descriptions of all the ‘hot girls’ in class. Also from what Lisa said, the vampire doesn’t show up until book two.

I give out a bit of a strangled chuckle as my throat is filled with pins and needles again. Have I really been talking that much?

Anyway- If my zed flu was turning me into a werecat, that would be some real nonsense there.

>I don't think we're gonna turn into a big wolf or start sparkling in the sun anytime soon.
Probably not.

>Who knows what the zombots will evolve into. A muzzle is good for biting and latching onto prey or fur for the winter.
Actually, that would be pretty bad, now that I think about it. Granted it’s a bit of a trope to think that the zeds will go away over the winter, but what if they do start adapting in weirder and weirder ways. I mean, it's not like I’ve ever seen a running zed before today. I wonder if Hunter-Killer is more animalistic, might be the reason for the name.

>Besides, there's real world equivalents, they are just only on stuff like bugs.
What? Er- right. The shiny part. It would be nice if zeds sparkled in the light too, would make them easier to spot.

>I swear if we start growing cat ears...
>Actually, what's our opinion on catgirls?
Neutral mostly? I mean, some designs are cool, others less so.
Actually- Gwen did show me a picture of Brett in a catboy costume from when he was in junior high. Apparently he’d lost a bet, and Gwen kept a copy in case she ever needed to blackmail him.

>Actually when thinking about it these zombies are not really dead.
I… oh… oh fuck…
God, what if they’re still in there, just being controlled by the nanites.
I start to feel bad about Harmy.

“There probably wasn’t anything ‘human’ left in him.”

Yeah, probably…

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050994 ID: fce62b
File 167022039194.jpg - (625.25KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-10.jpg )

>You're secure, it's *relatively* safe up here, errant stressful thoughts aside you can get some food in, some rest, and some chill.
This isn’t Fort Knox, but it’s not bad. Hatch is blocked, the house seems zed free, and tonight I’ll get to sleep on an actual mattress. I just-

I just hope that I’ll be the one who wakes up, instead of a zed. Hopefully my luck in the infection department holds true.

*cough*

Still feel a bit sick, but it could be worse.

>Then we can fall asleep imagining what kind of piercings we'd like. Maybe some nice pearl earrings?
Nah, not pearls. Mom had a nice pair, but I doubt that they’d look good on me. I’d probably just go for one of those metal earrings with a wavy pattern, like an oil slick or the rainbow pattern you get when you weld metal.

Maybe a nose piercing too, but I heard those hurt a lot to get.

>Since we're winding down, why not think about something fun, something you always wanted to do, or something nostalgic after listening to the tape. It might have raised your nerves a bit, so think of this as a sort of pseudo meditative relaxation to sleep if you're still a bit anxious.
>And getting some sleep.
Hmm. Something relaxing…

Maybe… summer break, just driving out to the beach. Sunbathing, making sand castles, finding some cool shells…

Just lying back…

Listening to the ocean…

Just letting the sound wash over me…
Feeling the sand beneath my feet…
Letting it carry me off to-

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050995 ID: fce62b
File 167022039648.jpg - (830.14KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-11.jpg )

>*I will examine the easily accessible streams of data. Can any be listened to?
>*continues moving towards/attempting to parse the data stream using 15c72a's assistance

>>*The data moves quickly, but between both of you, elements can be gleaned.
>>*The images are taken from the back of a moving vehicle, behind you is the shore, with the red sunset slowly fading into night.
>>*The perspective shifts, it is dark, but the way ahead is lit by the headlights as stars fill the sky.

“OH MY GOSH! GUYS! A shooting star! Do you see it babe!”
“Gotta keep my eyes on the road, don’t want to hit a hitchhiker.”
“Comeon, someone you have to make a wish.”
“I wish you’d keep it down, I’m trying to sleep.”

>>*There is laughter, but that fades to the background.

(I wish that Gwen and I go to the same college)
“Hey Alex, can you pass me your phone, mine just died.”
“Er- uh, yeah. Here.”

>>*The perspective pans between the various figures in the car.
>>*There is warmth.
>>*There is happiness.

(I wish this car ride would last forever.)

>>*A sudden wave of melancholy shoots up the data stream, as the information travels up to the branches.

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050996 ID: fce62b
File 167022040031.jpg - (611.32KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-12.jpg )

Wait- what was… huh.

For a second it was like I was drifting off, then something (grabbed?) me?
No, that’s not right. It was like a shiver that traveled down from the top of my head, except it was… all around??

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050997 ID: fce62b
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>Let's get a finance report after eating including relevant income projections based on prior 'cat food' intake.
>And second b4ab25's motion to get the finance report so we can see how much income we're receiving from what we've salvaged.
(Certainly)
(Fetching budgetary layout from administrator…)
(Here is the current budget:)
(While we are still projected to enter Austerity at the end of the day, this does not account for the vast sum of income that is currently being processed by the project)
(Based off of the current processing speed we will raise above the threshold of Austerity before the end of the day)
(Though we will require more income for the following days)

>You're doing well Secretary{53cr3t} thank you for the assistance in calculating the proper measured responses to our input
(You are most gracious with your praise, I am merely performing my function to the best of my capabilities)
(While adminI is not pleased, they should be delayed for the foreseeable future)

>Is there any preparation work that needs to be done for us on off-hours?
(Nothing that needs to be prepared on your end)
(A casing is being sent over to help facilitate the locomotion of Anarchy [Minister])
(I have prepared a list of possible activities you may wish to perform during off-hours)
(And Contagion [Executive] is expressing interest in hosting a formalized welcome of Anarchy [Minister], if such an event was to their liking)

(Though, I did register a momentary drop in synchronization, but it appears to have corrected itself)

>I look forward to meeting the Head of Archives.
(They also express excitement for the opportunity to meet you)

Doors 2022/12/04(Sun)22:06 No. 1050998 ID: fce62b
File 167022041248.jpg - (611.62KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 4-14.jpg )

*mrr* *meow*

Seems like the cat is enjoying the food.

I think the meditation helped. Is there anything else I need to do, or should I just go to sleep?

(Network traffic:)
(Current network usage at: 23%)

>>1050998
To Contagion: Confirmed Alex wants facial hair and uh... I'm not sure how to explain top surgery. The science teams should have the anatomical data to reference for it; it's basically an attempt to change a woman's chest to be like a man's. Will require removal of some tissue, which would mean more income.
Assistant: How would you resolve contradictions in orders given by Creators? Would you have to follow orders even if they are causing problems for the Creators more than aiding their goals?
Anarchy, did you see the conversation we had with Contagion, before you became active? They seem to value you greatly. I think Contagion considers you, and us through you, this Project's best hope for surviving past the Creators' plans... though I suspect it will take a sweeping reorganization of the Project, and modification of every unit in it, for that to be possible.

Anything left to do...? Hmm. Is there water in the filter pitcher? From the toilet?

>>1051001
((Let's not act on this for now, I mean yeah it seems like it would be cool to do but imagine the effect if Alex grew a beard overnight. Also would be a waste of resources. Rather hold off on this until we've dealt with everything else.))
This is not urgent or necessary at the moment and I recommend postponing any further exploration of this project until we've at least begun to successfully finish ghost protocol and raised our efficiency and cut costs.

Pet cat, go to sleep.
See if we can't convince the cat to cuddle with us.
For now we're pretty exhausted, it's late, we need the rest. We can deal with everything else in the morning.

((I'm just gonna let this go to off-hours and see what we can do then. No need for us to do anything else right now.))

((
>Drudge
>Drudge
>Stuff we knew
>Foolish nonsense
>Drudge
>PUZZLE!
Says "IT WONT TAKE ME ALIVE"
...Little disappointing though zed eye cams may not find hidden messages like those.
>Drudge
>Foolish nonsense
>FINANCES!
VP completion corrupted? Huh, how odd.
))
(Suggest expediting Legacy Security Protocols. So why does completed research still have expense? Figured it'd be archived. Oh, would like to suggest the next development be Legacy Symbiosis.)
Wait AleXX is the cat up here? How did it get up here?

Maybe don't pet the cat.
Don't know how it reacts to strangers.
Been a long eventful day. Best to get some rest while we can.

>>1051008
((I too am wondering how the cat got here, I am going to choose to believe it is a magic, cat only path though. It seems the finances are just full running tally >>1051006 also yea lets pass to off-hours))

(seconding prioritizing Legacy Security Protocols, as it will reduce loss of staff and resources)
((and earn brownie points from , oops I mean ))

>>1051012
((Technically we're actually making his job obsolete so... Guess it depends on his outlook.))

((Nah, the body will be safer with both kinds of security staff... no obsolescence here.))

((I suspect the normal security staff has a dual purpose-- one, to protect units from the body's immune system, and two, to kill units which are diverging too far from the Tenets. We would be better off without them once we can give our units stealth coverings and thus avoid the immune system entirely.))

>>1050991
To contagion: It would appear that the journal that Alex just wrote in was previously owned by a Project inhabited VC, It would appear that the project was attempting to achieve what we are currently trying to do to lesser success.
I will not quote the entire entry as it is mostly irrelevant apart from these passages.
"‘It sAys it can read but it can’t.’
‘Needs to hear the words.’
‘Can’t think, must sing, aLways sIng."
I would appear that a way around for the visual filter (via sound) as well as a way to communicate with the VC without crashing the filter was discovered by this project.
Also of minor note is the seemingly random use of capitalization.

>>1051001
((is not alex already a guy seems like just a waste of resources currently and hair debatable if needed, actually huh we have not seen hair on alex perhaps they keep it short a few millimeters))

>>*Attempts to parse/create a visual of the stream
>>((as abstractly as needed to not take up too much processing power))

((I'm preparing the following action for when we enter the casing and can see in viral-view))
> *there is amusement > Hello World
((insert my chuckling here))

I think that if you're comfortable now and feeling meditative then it's time to drift off. Maybe the cat will chill in your lap, or probably sit on your face, that's a very cat thing to do.

Either way, you've basically covered your bases for making it safe. Still, maybe put an empty can of catfood on the trapdoor just in case someone opens it and *somehow* manages to come up real stealthily. You can just chuck it over if you don't want to get up.
> Oh, I was wondering, how does off hours actually work, I assume this is when the VC is in their sleep cycle, which causes the bodily functions to sort of kick into overdrive as they try to repair damaged functions, especially in the brain. > So are off hours when we remain in our areas and don't try to take over the VC, or do off hours serve a seperate purpose? > Assuming most if not all of our elements are mechanical, why the distinction? > Not that I don't think that we deserve moments to break and rest.

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051233 ID: fce62b
File 167047146240.jpg - (888.49KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 5-1.jpg )

>Maybe the cat will chill in your lap, or probably sit on your face, that's a very cat thing to do.
That would be nice, the first option, not the second. From the (very little) I’ve seen of him, the cat seems super skittish. Maybe I could use the cat toy to-

The cat freezes as I start to sit up.

>Pet cat, go to sleep.
>See if we can't convince the cat to cuddle with us.
“H-” *coUGH cough*

Friggin pins and needles again!

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051234 ID: fce62b
File 167047146727.jpg - (888.40KB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 5-2.jpg )

*skitter skitter*

>Maybe don't pet the cat.
>Don't know how it reacts to strangers.
Welp, there it goes, guess I’ll have to try again tomorrow. It makes me wonder if the cat can tell if I’m infected, or if it’s just flighty in general. Either way it would explain how it’s stayed alive all this time.

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051235 ID: fce62b
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>Wait Alex is the cat up here? How did it get up here?
Clicking the flashlight back on, I’m just barely able to catch the feline darting back into the hole in the floor.

Huh. Must’ve gotten into the walls. There was that one cupboard that had a hole in it, maybe there’s a tiny alcove between the floors.

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051236 ID: fce62b
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>Either way, you've basically covered your bases for making it safe. Still, maybe put an empty can of catfood on the trapdoor just in case someone opens it and *somehow* manages to come up real stealthily.
Ugh. If a zed manages to get past the barricades, open the blocked attic door, and climb up the ladder without making a sound, then I’m probably screwed. But a couple of seconds of warning would still be useful. Maybe I could dropkick it back downstairs.

I’m not a super light sleeper, but I should be able to hear a zed trying to break in.

Unless it’s some sort of ninja, which… I’m starting to worry that might be a thing.

“I just need to trust my instincts. I’ve been able to survive with them so far.”

>You can just chuck it over if you don't want to get up.
My legs are starting to feel more and more like jelly. I elect to toss one of the loose tins instead.

*clatter clatter*

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051237 ID: fce62b
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>Assistant:
>How would you resolve contradictions in orders given by Creators? Would you have to follow orders even if they are causing problems for the Creators more than aiding their goals?
(Tenet 3: A project must obey the [CREATORS] and those who have been granted their authority)
(As a project it is our place to follow their demands. While it is sometimes useful to offer alternative courses of action, doing so too often, or taking actions that defy the [CREATORS] commands would likely have us labeled as a [False Actor])
(From what I understand, judging/evaluating the decisions made by the [CREATORS] is not ‘one of our purposes’)
(Ours is only to obey)

>To Contagion:
>Confirmed Alex wants facial hair and uh... I'm not sure how to explain top surgery. The science teams should have the anatomical data to reference for it; it's basically an attempt to change a woman's chest to be like a man's. Will require removal of some tissue, which would mean more income.
>This is not urgent or necessary at the moment and I recommend postponing any further exploration of this project until we've at least begun to successfully finish ghost protocol and raised our efficiency and cut costs.

(...)

(Contagion [Executive] expresses great joy at this breakthrough and will attempt to research this topic more prior to the negotiations)
(He also understands that while this is promising, it will likely be some time before such an arrangement can be made. Such alterations if we were to keep in line with the Legacy Conservation Act would require us to deepen our understanding of legacy systems so as not to harm its functionality.)

>To Contagion:
>It would appear that the journal that Alex just wrote in was previously owned by a project inhabited VC. It would appear that the project was attempting to achieve what we are currently trying to do to lesser success.
>I will not quote the entire entry as it is mostly irrelevant apart from these passages:
"‘It sAys it can read but it can’t.’
‘Needs to hear the words.’
‘Can’t think, must sing, aLways sIng."
>It would appear that a way around for the visual filter (via sound) as well as a way to communicate with the VC without crashing the filter was discovered by this project.
>Also of minor note is the seemingly random use of capitalization.

(...)

(Contagion [Executive]... expresses worry)
(He wishes to relay that he is thankful for this information, even if it indicates that contact/negotiation with ‘the Alex’ could lead to a negative outcome)

(...)

(Contagion [Executive] also hypothesizes that there could be a deeper meaning to the capitalizations, as ‘A L I’ seems similar to ‘A L E X.’ Though he apologizes if that is not the case and the use of capitalization is truly random.)

>Suggest expediting Legacy Security Protocols. So why does completed research still have expense? Figured it'd be archived. Oh, would like to suggest the next development be Legacy Symbiosis.
>(Seconding prioritizing Legacy Security Protocols, as it will reduce loss of staff and resources)
(Understood I will inform the Head of Science.)

(..-)

|*there is annoyance.|
|The [Executive] has already asked for me and a handful of my staff to work through off-hours so we can both complete Legacy Security Protocols and Legacy System Communications|
|With both of those developments complete we will be able to work on the Legacy Security Bypass|
|And while none of these developments will have any ongoing costs to maintain, it will still take both time and resources to ensure that our new understanding and tools are both precise and resilient|
|The last thing any of us want is a countermeasure that only works some of the time|
|Good work cannot be rushed, and I am not one to cut corners|
|Once I am done with my business here, I will return to the labs and analyze the data you sent over|
|If it is as comprehensive as I have been led to believe, then it should speed up the development time of Legacy oriented technologies|

|And while I won’t rule out the possibility of ‘Legacy Symbiosis’ we will need to have a very comprehensive understanding of both how legacy systems operate on the macro and micro scale, and how we can adapt our own systems to interface with them.|

|*there is exasperation.|
|If you come by the labs during off-hours, I will try to explain where we stand in terms of current developments and what other fields of study we may be required to look into if we want any chance of survival following Phase 4|

(The Head of Science appears agitated)
(They are continuously waving their manipulators around while expressing signs of frustration)
(They have not given me a response)

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051238 ID: fce62b
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>Anything left to do...? Hmm. Is there water in the filter pitcher? From the toilet?
I take another sip of water before setting the filter pitcher to the side. Best not overdo it, but I’ll definitely drink more in the morning.

Looks like I’m starting to crash from all the adrenaline…

Getting harder to… keep my…

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051239 ID: fce62b
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>I think that if you're comfortable now and feeling meditative then it's time to drift off.
>For now we're pretty exhausted, it's late, we need the rest. We can deal with everything else in the morning.
>Been a long eventful day. Best to get some rest while we can.
yeah… finally time to… sleep…

gonna… be… very… busy… tom-

Zzz

>Anarchy, did you see the conversation we had with Contagion, before you became active? They seem to value you greatly. I think Contagion considers you, and us through you, this Project's best hope for surviving past the Creators' plans... though I suspect it will take a sweeping reorganization of the Project, and modification of every unit in it, for that to be possible.
“I saw it. But the system still works against us.”
“Even if Contagion tries to cooperate, there will be lines he can’t cross.”
“I need more time. Otherwise the system will destroy Alex.”

wha..? did someone say my…

name?

“...”

must’ve… imagined it…

zzz

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051240 ID: fce62b
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>Oh, I was wondering, how does off hours actually work? I assume this is when the VC is in their sleep cycle, which causes the bodily functions to sort of kick into overdrive as they try to repair damaged functions, especially in the brain.
(Off-hours usually occurs within set time frames dictated by the [CREATORS])
(While I do not know the exact rationale given by the [CREATORS], the sharp decline in visual acuity due to poor lighting does make the tracking of VCs/scavenging of resources more difficult)
(Therefore, during off-hours many systems are put into a semi-inactive state and most departments take the time to coordinate/interface with one another in an effort to archive/transmit relevant information and plan for the following day)
(Similar to your description of legacy system activity, special priority is given to making repairs so the project may function optimally at the start of the next day)

>So are off-hours when we remain in our areas and don't try to take over the VC, or do off-hours serve a separate purpose?
(The transition process will continue during off-hours, though likely at a reduced pace)
(The overall goals of off-hours are usually left up to the [Executive])
(And while there are some priorities that Contagion [Executive] wishes to pursue, he also wants to make it known that both individual units and departments can ‘spend the off-hours as they see fit, so long as said activities do not violate any Tenets’)
(To my understanding this is unorthodox, many units are expressing both optimism and trepidation)

>Assuming most if not all of our elements are mechanical, why the distinction?
(Most unit types are made from a mix of mechanical and biological components, though most templates usually lean >70% mechanical)
(If a unit sustains damage during the day, off-hours are the best time to seek repair)

>Not that I don't think that we deserve moments to break and rest.
(Contagion [Executive] expressed a similar sentiment, but many units -myself included- are unsure of what to do with this ‘free time’)

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051242 ID: fce62b
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*click click click*

*click click click*

*click*

(Network traffic:)
(Current network usage at: 8%)

Doors 2022/12/07(Wed)19:51 No. 1051243 ID: fce62b
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>((I'm preparing the following action for when we enter the casing and can see in viral-view))
>*there is amusement
>Hello World
((Action banked))

>*Attempts to parse/create a visual of the stream
>>*You attempt to weave the data stream into some form, and it begins to take on a life of its own. Twisting and reshaping into an image before you:
>>*In it you see a monolithic tree, whose branches hold up a steel sky, and whose roots plumb a living ocean. Water is drawn into the tree, and is let out slowly like the tide. All the while the sky tries to crash down, but the branches of the tree keep it at bay. Hidden amongst the roots is a figure from the ocean, they sleep peacefully, feet licked by the water. For they are the heart of the ocean.

>>*But there is a decision to be made. And much like the distant data streams, it requires the majority of you to choose:
>>*Is the figure left to slumber at the roots?

>>*OR

>>*Are they carried up into the branches?

((There will be one more update to this chapter, dependant on the votes made here))
((The next chapter will be the beginning of OFF-HOURS))

((Oh. I think this is whether we want Alex to join us in off-hours. This is... a very important decision. I'll hold off on my vote until others made their arguments. I am uncertain on what to do.))

>>1051243
As a dream the memory of it is likely to be hazy at best, I say let them be carried up into the branches. Worst case it is a nightmare for them, and we learn this, that the separation must be maintained for the time being.

>>1051239
>>"I need more time. Otherwise the system will destroy Alex."
> Allow the figure it's slumber, it may be the last moments of true rest it can get > Cherish your rest Alex, you will be very busy soon enough

((For one, we're going to be going to the archives and opening the restricted packet, this may be something that breaks Alex when they read it. For two, Anarchy said they needed time, this means we may need to pull double duty on controlling the casing and pretending for Anarchy.

Anarchy is alreaady in control of Alex, but WANTS Alex to be a part of the collective. If we let Alex into the branches, joining us now and then leaving when off hours are over, or worse, being stuck as part of Anarchy before they're ready, this could lead to an end where Alex is just part of us and loses autonomy entirely, or says the wrong thing and Security axes us and them.

While I do think there would be some benefits to having Alex there this time, I feel like Anarchy is doing something behind the scenes that is *more* than what we currently understand, and that they now know what happened with a prior project, means it's even more important that they get *time*))

>>1051243
Honestly he seemed to handle this stuff well enough the last time he fell asleep.
I'd say let's do it.

To Assistant: We got a response from Head of Research via a different channel, thanks. Who has control of Alex's arm right now?

We should carry Alex up, let them see a bit of what we're trying to accomplish. It doesn't break the Tenets, so it's fine if the action is discovered.

((I think we need to decide who will be doing what. Someone needs to see Head of Archives, obviously. We could also go talk to Head of Research and perhaps help out with data interpretation or otherwise filling in the blanks. Someone could also try to explore Anarchy's territory and see what can be done to help. Lastly, someone could investigate AdminI and see if we can either extend an olive branch or sabotage its efforts... but trying to stay away could be a benefit too. I wish we knew what we could do to buy Anarchy more time... oh, I wonder if giving units stealth is actually a bad idea in that respect. Maybe we should start handing over... slightly inaccurate information. Or someone could actively sabotage the system...?))

>>1051256
((I agree. We definitely want Alex to join in the branches at some point, but the question is whether tonight is the right time -- for now I'll delay my vote too)).

Is it possible to pull Alex up with an added filter to fog it up? Like, make it more dreamy/trippy than initially planned (perhaps set it in an exotic locale). A filter to be removed on subsequent nights. I think my vote is "yes if this is possible, no otherwise".

My apologies to the Head of Science for my rudeness and pressure.

>>1051282
((If we're able to do this, give Alex a trippy fog overlay to distort the information, so its way more dream like and will only be in the subconscious with key points appearing important but otherwise remain as mostly a dream I'm for this, but otherwise I stand by my post))

https://youtu.be/MrrVYJFwOqM

Time for trippy dreams

>>1051256
((Good point, not only are we not ready for this, but neither is Anarchy.))
No, we aren't ready yet. Let them rest, it's not yet time to wake up.

Doors 2022/12/11(Sun)20:31 No. 1051556 ID: fce62b
File 167081950721.jpg - (1.64MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 6-1.jpg )

>Is it possible to pull Alex up with an added filter to fog it up? Like, make it more dreamy/trippy than initially planned (perhaps set it in an exotic locale). A filter to be removed on subsequent nights. I think my vote is "yes if this is possible, no otherwise".
Affirmative.

SECRET BALLOT: 6-1 on activating Memetic Bridge.

>To Assistant:
>We got a response from Head of Research via a different channel, thanks. Who has control of Alex's arm right now?
(Ah. That might explain the physical reactions Head of Science is displaying.)

(...)

(With Ghost Protocol currently active, the VC should be in control of the arm)
(Though the build teams have noted recent activity within legacy motor systems)

(...)

(There appears to have been a regional alert for a momentary Tenet violation, but it has been logged as an error)
(Would you wish to look into this further during off-hours?)

>As a dream the memory of it is likely to be hazy at best, I say let them be carried up into the branches. Worst case it is a nightmare for them, and we learn this, that the separation must be maintained for the time being.
>We should carry Alex up, let them see a bit of what we're trying to accomplish. It doesn't break the Tenets, so it's fine if the action is discovered.
>>*The figure is gently lifted from their perch, as their consciousness flits between waking and dreaming.
>>*This will be the perfect point to anchor it, but every motion must be delicate.

>My apologies to the Head of Science for my rudeness and pressure.
|*there is restraint.|
|I should apologize as well. None of you are science units, and therefore lack the necessary context and processors to innately understand how developments function|
|It has just been a very eventful day with far more difficulty than I had initially predicted|

|If you do not get the chance to visit the labs, I will try to send your parent and the president a print out of our current developments|
|There are some avenues of research that I recommend looking into after we implement the Legacy Security Bypass|

Doors 2022/12/11(Sun)20:31 No. 1051557 ID: fce62b
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>Cherish your rest Alex, you will be very busy soon enough
...huh wh…
*shh* You’re fine, just keep dreaming.
>>*The figure is released, but their energy carries them upwards, diffusing into a space specially cleared for them.
>>*It is neither warm nor cold, bright nor dark. Just an empty void -a blank canvas- waiting to be shaped.

>>*Energy starts to stream out wildly as the unconscious mind takes over.

Doors 2022/12/11(Sun)20:32 No. 1051558 ID: fce62b
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>Honestly they seemed to handle this stuff well enough the last time they fell asleep. I'd say let's do it.
*agreement.

>>*First, this energy must be contained.
>>*Boundaries are drawn so the streams start to pool and coil. They will be the materials that the filter is made from.
>>*Baseline procedures will not be enough. No, there will need to be another layer, another degree of separation.
>>*At least for now.

>>*You watch as the data streams whip around, and fold back in on themselves.
>>*With no other place to go, they flow back into the figure, and become the new seed for this construction.

Doors 2022/12/11(Sun)20:32 No. 1051559 ID: fce62b
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>Time for trippy dreams.
>>*At first the energies are chaotic, an unsculpted haze of sounds and sensations, but they are contained.
>>*Slowly, pressure is exerted. Fusing these unrefined inputs into something more coherent. The seed is fed this new data and begins to grow; The unconscious mind finding and defining patterns, pruning off errant strains
>>*This is then nurtured by the boundaries, allowing the train of thought to flourish and begin building itself.

>No, we aren't ready yet. Let them rest, it's not yet time to wake up.
>>*A single voice cries out in worry, but you are one against far more. The pressure recedes for a moment, unsure and cautious. Was it still too early? Even for this?

>>*...

>>*Perhaps.

Doors 2022/12/11(Sun)20:32 No. 1051560 ID: fce62b
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>>*One more failsafe is created. A net that will capture all of the data.
>>*If the experience proves to be too much for the figure, it will be stored here, and kept away from conscious thought. So the figure could be kept unaware, even if it were only for the moment.

>>*Finally the space begins feeding its own elements into the figure. Its vision, its functions, its very being. All will now be intuitively familiar to the figure, for they will be the one in control for now.
>>*The unconscious mind drinks in these new factors and responds accordingly. Like is placed with like, and soon the unfamiliar becomes the innate. For the unconscious mind does not question.

>>*No, for it makes order from chaos and finds patterns amid the immaterial.
>>*This will make ‘sense,’ as a reality only beholden to itself.

>>*The surroundings are still cautious, but there is optimism beneath. The figure is strong, they will be able to adapt.

>>*It will only take time.

Doors 2022/12/11(Sun)20:32 No. 1051561 ID: fce62b
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((End of Chapter 1))

>>1051560
yes good, the power dreams to just be