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
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>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
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>*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
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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
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*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
File 167047147257.jpg - (1.06MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 5-3.jpg )

>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
File 167047147886.jpg - (1.06MB , 1600x1200 , Breakdown 5-4.jpg )

>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
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>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