Mutter under your breath about how gay it is that bitches be attackin you.
Follow them, after looting of course.

>>206821
Wrong Quest.

>>206823
shhhhh. stupid delete post never works for me

How the hell did you survive the vortex device?

Tell it not to get any closer. Especially you Kata. Thing's probably crawling with NP's nanobots.

By the way, you guys never did find Seto and Rito's corpses. Wonder what happened to them...

i don't think it can be healed even if we wanted to, may be able to do SOMETHING but as long as it's nanos are wrong it is stuck mutating. figure out a nano extractor or something would be good.

>>206809
Kill the blob. It's to dangerous to leave alive.

>>206850
I asked that, Tene said Seto tends to disappear after missions, and likely took Rito with him.

>>206861

Oh, right. ._. Missed reading that.

To !!9-33, in meatspace there is something called inertia which is why you feel heavy. It's harder to start moving, and it's harder to stop. But the good news is it's harder for other things to stop you from moving, or for other things to start destroying you. Destruction is a kind of movement after all. Furthermore you can move other things much easier, since they can't stop you from moving easily so they end up starting moving themselves. Whereas before the boundary of something like a cable or a transistor etched into a silicon chip was an impenetrable barrier for you, now you may bust through such things with ease, and in fact may need to be careful of damaging them.

To TG-CN: It's highly likely Cirr will get tired of this quest Central will shut down our subsystem before Kata and the others can rescue us. We should attempt to make some kind of last strike so to speak, something that we could use to try and slow Central down or even stop it entirely, in the case that we do get shut down. I wonder what sort of meddling we could do? We don't want Central to get as bad as Network Prime, but we do want to help Kata and Tene as much as possible, in the event of our untimely demise.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/07/12(Mon)13:00 No. 206886 ID: 1a2b6b
File 127896481953.png - (230.43KB , 640x480 , d-72.png )

>Talk to it, but keep weapons aimed and keep well away.
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: We'll talk if you stay there.
Creature: Yssssss.
Kata22ti: Talk.
Creature: Neeeeeed hellp. Kiiilled oftherrrrsz buht noooht meeee. Iiii un- unnnnder- st- staaaand whyyyy. Szsssztiiiiill oooohnnne lefffft. Heeelllllp mmmm- mmmmeeeeee aaaaaaan herrrrrr. Waaaant freeeeeeeeee.
Tene157ot: ...wait, "her"?
Creature: Roooom saaafe. Roooom saaave meee. Saaaave herr. Roooom noot saaafe aaaany l-looong-gerrr.
Tene157ot: The one with 48's blue head thing?
Creature: Noooo. Deeeeaaad.
Kata22ti: Wait. Wait, I overheard Rito talking to Keti. "Six of them". One in the vent, two in that room, Keti... where are the other two?
Tene157ot: That drone we passed on the way to the security station. The dead one. With the monitor standing over it. With wounds supposedly caused by a Prime robot and that killed itself and had something the monitor couldn't identify in its body. I'm willing to guess that was a drone who didn't volunteer to be part of 48's test. So that would leave one more drone. The one 48 mentioned being the room. But then we have this guy here telling us to somehow go save her? I don't know. Why do you want us to save her?
Creature: Mooorrrre.
Tene157ot: More? More what?
---------------------

The flesh creature pretends not to understand, but there is a spark of intelligence in its eyes which reveals it is actively hiding something.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Creature: Heeeeeellllp. Caaan heelp yoooou?
Tene157ot: ...More what?
Kata22ti: You'll help us if we help you?
Creature: Ysssss.
Tene157ot: What do you mean by "more"?
---------------------

It is clear the creature is not willing to elaborate. It lifts a tendril and points in the direction of the node housing room, and starts pushing itself to that room. The drones (and !!9-33) can follow the creature or just wander off and try to forget this ever happened.

Kill the aberration and check the node room out yourselves.

peek in the room and look around before entering. if all clear then enter.

>>206886
Clearly it's planning on making more of its cursed kind and take over the entire facility. Kill it and purge the indicated room with fire. It might be hard to do but it's for the bright new future of the democratic drones dronerepuclic.

>>206886
I believe it is saying that the flesh beast is not only still intelligent, but outright lucid.

Follow it, but be on the lookout for an ambush.

"Let me guess. The drone that Network Prime turned into a flesh beast is still alive, and she wants to get out of there before the clean-up crews arrive to sanitize the area.
We can help with that, but we need to know what you're hiding."

It wishes to reproduce using standard fleshy protocols.

okay everyone. think about this instead of just going "OMG MONSTER DESTROY IT GJGHGFG!!!!"

>>206893
I'm thinking that this thing is a sentient bioweapon that was created specifically to target CN drones. It poses an extreme danger to CN drones in the future if they can increase their numbers (probably through nabbing the occasional drone), our revolution pretty much relies on CN drones.

They're simply too dangerous to leave alive. Their mere existance is a terrible threat to our revolution. You think CN drones are going to be more willing to rebel if they think CN is the only thing standing between them and these things?

Agree to help only if it elaborates. If it does, give it as much assistance as you safely can. Be wary.

>>206886
Follow it. Do not kill it yet; it's so slow it's not really a threat or anything. Or is it a he?

>>206894
it is injured and out gunned, it cannot attack us easily. besides, KATA's defining characteristic is her selflessness.

>>206897
Then she can be selfless to future generations and kill these things so they can't threten her peoples future. What I'm worried about is not what they can do now, it's what they could do in the future.

>>206898
then let's see what it is doing. blowing something up before you see it out of speculation is dumb. if we see the thing and see that it is going to go bad then we vortex it. your theory relies on them being able to infect more, AND wanting to infect more. talking seems to belay intelligence and i highly doubt it would want to bring more drones into it's constant state of pain.

it seems p chill may b u should just lean back and give it a hand aye

Careful Kata, these things are weapons. They were drones once, but they aren't anymore. Don't trust it. Tell it we won't follow unless it tells us what it's hiding.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/07/13(Tue)09:57 No. 207211 ID: 1a2b6b
File 127904027165.png - (211.01KB , 640x480 , d-73.png )

>Follow it - be prepared to kill it if anything looks like an ambush.
Kata22ti follows the flesh creature back to the node housing room.

The flesh is gone. The room looks entirely different. There does not even seem to be any indication that anything was ever wrong. Instead, there is a creature that looks significantly different from most other flesh creatures lying in the room, shifting around anxiously. It appears much healthier, and significantly more in control of its own actions. Upon noticing the other wounded creature, it turns to watch it, but does not move.

Tene157ot walks slowly over to the pair, motioning for Kata22ti to stay still and be ready to fire if things don't go well.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: Medic here. I can help. What is the problem?
---------------------

The two look at one another, and then to Tene. The one that was already present stares at Tene for a while, opening and closing its mouth as it considers what to say. It eventually speaks, showing no difficulty or pain in its voice as it does so. In fact, it sounds reasonably similar to how a female drone would, but slightly off.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Creature: ...Tene157ot.
Tene157ot: ...okay, what.
Creature: Tene157ot. Someone knew you. Or your name.
Tene157ot: ...Who are you and what do you want us for? Speak now or my friend here will be more than prepared to kill you both. You might have survived one round but I strongly doubt you'll survive two!
Creature: I was Seri68oa, maybe. I am not sure. I started as her but I have lost track of which memories are mine, or hers, and which are the ones that aren't. But I was once one drone, given one technology from Central and one modified technology from Prime that, when together, clashed. I consumed other drones against my will as my body grew outwards, their flesh, their minds. But I am now in more control of my body than you can ever hope to be of yours. Not just that. I can feel every single fibre of my body. I can feel them growing inside me. I am the future of a new species. That is who I am now.
Tene157ot: ...Wait. What did you just say?
---------------------

Tene157ot runs his medical tool over Seri68oa's body and checks it thoroughly. He smacks it a few times, runs it over her body a second time and checks it again.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...what.
Seri68oa: I need help. Desperately. I am fearing for my life. I can't stay here. If I stay here, I will die. I need assistance. I need somewhere to be safe. Somewhere to hide. That is what I need you three for. Safety. Protection. Help me. Please.
Tene157ot: ...I... I have to... go talk about this.
Seri68oa: Of course. I will wait.
---------------------

Tene157ot walks over to Kata22ti, scratching his helmet.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: So we have a pregnant monstrosity asking us to help her survive and implicitly to cause a new offshoot species to exist.
Kata22ti: ...What?
Tene157ot: I know. Somehow things were less weird when this room was covered wall to wall in flesh. At least then it was just a crazy robot's experiment gone wrong. I don't trust these things remotely but I am not in favour of the idea of killing something that apparently trusts me because it remembers me somehow.
Kata22ti: Hmm...
Tene157ot: That and this new "offshoot species" might end up being some sort of dedicated drone predator that makes Central and Network the least of our worries. No idea how fast they'll multiply or if they even will multiply beyond this particular one. I really do not like this situation or that I am even considering this, but here's what I think we can do...
---------------------

After more discussion of the general situation it seems there are three options. Then, finally, they can continue to sector 4.

They can simply kill both of the flesh creatures and put a stop to this madness before it spreads any further, and to spite whatever plans Commander 48 might have intended. For all that is known, the drones helping the flesh creatures may have been an intended step of the plan.

They could also simply leave, and pretend this never happened. It is incredibly likely the next drones that would come across them would be the clean-up team, but perhaps Seri68oa could convince them to hear her out. It's an almost certain thing that not every drone in a Central Network team is entirely loyal to Central Network, after all.

Or they could help as asked, and in the process acquire new allies in the form of a species of living weapons. The drone revolution as it stands consists of just three individuals, and is in strong need of further allies.

>>207211
Well, we've already got the whole whacked-out multi-species (?) party thing going on, so... why the hell not. It's not as though we can't use more allies.

Hm... we do need allies, and these things have already shown their resilience by surviving the Vortex Gun once, not just at the edge of the explosion of the non-weaponized as we were when we were heavily injured, but actually being aimed at by the version that was made to blow things up. And this pregnant one was the entire room that was caught up in the blast, most of her had to have been exposed to it, spread out like that.

However, I fear this one might see Kata and Tene as another addition to her mass and grow even larger and more powerful, and just wants to make some use of them first. Then there's the fact that these creatures apparently must consume other drones to grow, and she's about to bring more into the world. These are basically big, mutated cannibals.

For now, I think we can help each other, but be careful and don't let your guard down around them, and try not to get too attached or trusting.

Lets help each other and try to find out as mach as we can about them.
The question is will the new one's need to eat drons to became inteligent?

>>207211
Ok, allies acquired. Patch them up and move out.
Actually, go cobble together a hover-sled for them to ride. It'll be faster than crawling on their bellies, and leave less of a trail for people to follow.

ask it if the child will need to eat others to become full grown or if regular food will suffice.
if they eat drones then leave, as years in the future if you beat central and prime then no enemy drones will be left and they will eat you.

if they eat regular food then we will help. explain where we are going.

Hell. No. Spontaneous generation of a new species? Holy FUCK there are so many questions it raises about possible motives behind the scenes. The implications of this are terrifying, and we're already having to watch our backs on too many fronts at once. Central Network, Network Prime, rogue systems, the monitors...

This shit needs to end here. It needs to end now. We can't afford to gamble with this, just because "oh they're sentient creatures we should think twice before shooting"

If they can survive a vortex blast, and they're some crazy technology product, they might have the capacity to become UNSTOPPABLE.

We need to end it right here, right now. You know what you must do, Kata. You can't afford to take a gamble this huge in the naive hope that they'll be allies, or that you can keep an adequate eye on them, or keep them "in check."

>>207236
>naive hope
You do realize who you're suggesting for, right?

>>207240
Hey, everyone can a point of fucking up enough they start to realize mistakes, right?

>>207211
You need to stop this madness right here before it can spread any further. They are too dangerous to leave alive. If you let them survive and thrive now then they will become a danger towards your revolution and your people.

If the other drones learn about this and starts thinking that Central Network is the only thing protecting them from these creatures they're not as likely to decide that revolution is a good thing. The few remaining ones willing to listen to the call of the revolution might decide that joining up with these things would be better for them. For the sake of your peoples future these creatures need to die now.

help them!

First I'll think practically. See, one of the main problems is that they survived the vortex gun. In fact, the pregnant one there not only survived it, but seems better for it. Basically, they are weapons and potential allies. We do not want weapons falling into anyone else's hands. They would be powerful allies, and at this point we need all the help we can get.
On the emotional side, I want to help these things.

Well, lets raise some of these concerns then. I am in favor of giving it a chance to earn some trust. "Look, we want to help, but you have to understand our position here. You are a frightening abomination who so far has evidenced only a need to consume our kind to further your own growth. How can we possibly trust you?"

Fuck practicality. We need these guys so we can hijack our own subsystem and ride out of the complex on the backs of the flesh creatures like some hellish mecha-paladin.

If these things are more powerful than drones, there's NO WAY Network Prime intended this to happen. Prime wants to wipe out all flesh and replace it with machinery. This would essentially produce another, bigger problem for Prime, not resulting in any progress.

I say we should help them. They are intelligent enough to be reasoned with. There is a very high chance for them to remain friendly. Their external appearance is of a monster, but remember, their minds are constructed purely from Drones. There should be no reason for them to want to kill us, aside from hunger... and we can provide food.

I guess the hunger issue is the main problem. If they can restrain themselves from eating Drones again, we're good.

>>207266
One of them didn't survive. We just have to hit them a couple of more times to make sure.

And the practicallity I'm following is that these things are dangerous as fucking hell. Too dangerous to drones leave alive. Which is why we should kill them now when we have the chance.

>>207261
also, hug seri! i think she could use it!

HUG VORTEX GUN

>>207284
...

Sure why not.

Super aware of its own body? QUIZ IT on what you need to know! Ask it about its kids, how they'll grow, reproduce, about the whole incest issue, how fast will they be able to reproduce, how will THEY reproduce, what will their mental states be like? What will the relationship between all of them and it be like? Will there be some kind of hivemindey thing going on? Ability to absorb things still and how will that work?

Worst case scenario it doesn't know and the humility helps them from becoming another "STARRRR CHILDREENNN"

>>207275
So, Kata, how do you feel about murdering people who haven't done you any harm out of their own free will and are asking for help?

Yea, didn't think so.
Have Tene patch them up, then get them out of here. We can decide what to do after the impending doom isn't an issue.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/07/14(Wed)07:43 No. 207713 ID: 1a2b6b
File 127911860891.png - (220.77KB , 640x480 , d-74.png )

>Hug Seri!
Kata22ti... really, really would rather not. She isn't as terrified of Seri as most flesh creatures, given her significantly more lucid behaviour, relatively non-threatening actions, and the fact she seems to be making an effort not to make any sudden movements. But she still doesn't want to get close in case she sets off some hidden instinct Seri herself isn't aware of. Or something. That's how these things work right?

>Help them. Do you want to kill someone who has done nothing wrong to you and asked for your help?
>QUESTIONS QUESTIONS ASK HER QUESTIONS
No. No she doesn't. But she is loath to help them without knowing more. She walks towards Seri, who turns to face her.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: ...Hi.
Seri68oa: And you are... I don't know.
Kata22ti: Kata22ti. I uh have some questions. About um well the whole offshoot species thing. They aren't going to eat drones are they?
Seri68oa: ...I do not believe that will be required. If it is required, perhaps the bodies of drones who have already died, to avoid unnecessary death.
Kata22ti: ...also uh what about their minds and how fast are they going to grow and uh reproduce and how are you going to act towards them?
Seri68oa: Their minds are faint and clouded to me now, and I strongly hope they will grow more distinct and aware. I do not know how fast they will grow or reproduce, and I wish to find a means of introducing more diversity into this species as soon as I am able. I will devote my full attention to their safety and comfort.
Kata22ti: Okay. That's good, I think. Um. Are you going to be able to follow us or should I put together a means of transport?
Seri68oa: Deba97t is injured and he will not recover if he continues to move as he has been moving. I am also concerned about my stamina while I keep my focus on my young. Is it possible for you to construct such a thing?
Kata22ti: Well, I don't mean to brag, but, well... completely and absolutely yes.
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/07/14(Wed)07:44 No. 207714 ID: 1a2b6b
File 127911864087.png - (181.19KB , 640x480 , d-75.png )

Time passes.

Kata22ti finds an unused armed six-wheeled vehicle of Central Network design close by in the sector, capable of transporting all five of the current group. Not only that, but it can also comfortably house the supplies the two drones had gathered earlier. Rather than build entirely from scratch, she spends her time fixing and modifying it.

Tene157ot spends a great deal of time trying to attend to Deba97t's wounds but is met only with confusion when he tries to establish why Deba97t cannot use his "legs" like he could before. He is dealing with biology that is not merely altered but seems entirely alien.

!!9-33 marvels at the outside world and tries to work on not walking into walls when it isn't looking where it's going. While impassible barriers are not a foreign concept to it, it is certainly used to far wider spaces.

Kata22ti finishes her vehicle, Tene157ot has done all he can, and !!9-33 is still grappling with the concept of enclosed spaces. Kata22ti reveals the vehicle to the others.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: See, it was already nearly good to go when I found it, but it just needed some work done and some rewiring to bypass the authorisation circuits!
Tene157ot: ...uh.
!!9-33: Ooo!
Seri68oa: I assumed you had meant something smaller.
Deba97t: Laaaarrge ee... eeenoouuugghfff?
Kata22ti: Should be! Everyone get on! We're going to sector 4!
Tene157ot: Kata, do you know how to drive this thing?
Kata22ti: I got it here in one piece, how hard can it be?
---------------------

The vehicle moves down the wider corridors of Sector 6. Kata22ti's enhanced reflexes turn out to be incredibly useful for correcting course as she figures out what various controls do. In the distance, a distinct shift into blue walls, floors and ceilings marks the end of Sector 6 and the start of Sector 4.

-END- Subsystem TG-CN 2010/07/14(Wed)07:44 No. 207715 ID: 1a2b6b
File 127911866623.png - (328.15KB , 640x480 , d-76.png )

[Subsystem communication interrupted. Attempting to retry connection...]

Well then, only one thing to say. All hail Queen Seri the I of the free drones of dronetopia! Her rule is inevitable and the takeover is probably going to be painful and bloody.

Geez, what are we gonna say to Central.

"Oh um your drones uhhhh then they uhhhh with the flesh beasts uhhhh network prime uhhh does this mean we aren't getting any more drones?"

>>207754
Well obviously that isn't what we plan on saying at all.