Subsystem TG-CN 2010/09/27(Mon)15:27 No. 234833 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128562647622.png - (243.63KB , 640x480 , d2-34.png )

>Get into the middle of the fight. Neither of them want to hurt you
>Pistol is priority! Get it disabled or disarm Tene or something!!!
Kata22ti lunges into the middle of the fight, knocking Tene157ot to the ground and sending Evaluator 24 whirling backwards in its defiance of gravity. In the confusion, Kata22ti tries to grab at Tene157ot's pistol, but instead he fires it, a streak of white electricity flashing and crackling to the ceiling harmlessly. He throws it to one side almost immediately afterwards.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: Hrg! Kata!! Are you trying to make me shoot you by mistake?!
Evaluator 24: Drone. Cease this idiocy at once. I wish no harm towards your companion here, and I will only wish harm towards you if you continue as you just have! Kata, am I to assume this is who you wished to find?
Kata22ti: Tene what are you doing you're supposed to be the rational one who plans things out first! Didn't you listen to what was going on or anything?! We were just talking!
Tene157ot: I panicked! All I could think was that if I didn't find you soon enough you'd be taking a one-way trip to sector three! Also there are things I need to explain hold still I'm sorry in advance.
---------------------

Before Kata22ti can even register what Tene157ot has said, he leaps to his feet, grabs the back of her helmet and jabs a cable into the neural interface slot.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/09/27(Mon)15:28 No. 234834 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128562649042.png - (298.96KB , 640x480 , d2-35.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Aaaa what are you doing?!
Tene157ot: Aaaa what are you doing?! Okay stop panicking you're making me panic that's just going to make a feedback loop and bad things will happen!
Kata22ti: Stop panicking you're making me panic that's just going to make a feedback loop and why am I saying the same things as you while you're saying them what did you do what did you do
Tene157ot: Why am I saying the same things as you while you're saying them stop talking Kata stop talking just stay quiet!
Kata22ti: Stop talking Kata stop talking just stay quiet how can I stay quiet when I say everything you say?!
---------------------

A few seconds pass. Kata22ti tries to turn around to see exactly what has happened and is met by seeing Tene157ot also turning around to look behind him. She sees a cable plugged into the back of his helmet.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: You linked our helmets together. Why would you do that?!
Tene157ot: You linked our helmets together. Why would you do that?! Listen, just stop talking and close your eyes and lie down and just focus on something I don't know I've never tried this before! Treat it like system spac-
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/09/27(Mon)15:28 No. 234835 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128562650980.png - (170.06KB , 640x480 , d2-36.png )

Kata22ti opens her eyes and finds herself looking at an unfamiliar face.

It looks back at her with equal confusion.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...well.
Kata22ti: Oh, you're Tene!
Tene157ot: Kata? Hm. That was a long shot. Okay. So to answer your questions it's because I have to tell you what I found out without relying on sight or sound. He was pretty adamant about that. I couldn't think of anything except linking neural interfaces and hoping that'd work somehow.
Kata22ti: And you were completely sure you weren't going to destroy one or more of our brains by doing that, right?
Tene157ot: Well, uh... okay, I probably could have planned that a little better.
Kata22ti: You sound... really different to what I'm used to. Wait I'm connected to your brain I can find out why!
Tene157ot: Aaaa no Kata no don't follow that train of thought I don't want you diving into my brain!!
Kata22ti: Aha! Chemical control! That's how you were so calm the whole time!
Tene157ot: Look, Seto is a very... irritating drone to work with, okay? Then you came along and I didn't want to see someone die on their first mission and so I never really felt a need to stop suppressing my emotions. Then I ran out of chemicals and it's synthesising some new ones. Okay. Different topic. Let me explain to you why I did this.
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/09/27(Mon)15:28 No. 234836 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128562652687.png - (256.87KB , 640x480 , d2-37.png )

Kata22ti feels overwhelmed with images. She sees some sort of flesh creature, which appears like Seri did. Healthy, intact, and not a slowly rotting shambling mess dripping blood and body fluids as it slowly succumbs to 48's weapon.

She watches it staring at Tene157ot, and without spoken words, without gesture, and to Tene157ot's complete confusion, there is communication, although disjointed.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: What are you? Are you something to do with Seri?
???: Deba. My time here is limited so I shall be brief. Seri's blood is verging on a miracle cure if you are a flesh creature like we are. Yes, we were captured by the monitors, and therefore we cannot come with you or assist you in any direct way.
Tene157ot: ...How are you telling me this? I don't... understand, it's... It's not like a voice or radio or anything else...
Deba97t: I would rather not reveal the means of communication I'm using right now. I do not want... them to realise. They know of your revolution. We cannot keep secrets from them. I have come here to offer you a choice, as declared by the monitors. I already know what your answer will be, so it is, unfortunately, more of a warning. Either you and your companion will become like us, or we will be enemies. I do not wish to be your enemy. I do not know why the monitors wish this either. And you will not want to become a creature of flesh like us. So this is a warning. If we meet again, I may be forced to attack. I am truly sorry for this.
Tene157ot: ...damn it. Damn it damn it damn it. Monitors. Central-damned monitors. You're right. I don't want to be a flesh creature and I can't make a decision for Kata, but I don't think she'd want to be either.
Deba97t: Tell her. But tell her without sight and without sound. That is what they search for. That is how they will know. I must go.
Tene157ot: Wait! I have questions-
---------------------

With alarming speed, Deba97t leaps away from Tene157ot, and vanishes around a corner. Kata22ti feels Tene157ot's past bewilderment, confusion, and... regret. A sense of failure. Despair. Anger towards the monitors. Doubt. Crushing doubt. How can he hope to change anything if he can't even keep a small group safe and together?

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/09/27(Mon)15:28 No. 234837 ID: 8d7dd2
File 12856265388.png - (170.65KB , 640x480 , d2-38.png )

Everything snaps back to the strange mind-world constructed from both Kata22ti's mind and Tene157ot's.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...wow. You're good in simulations.
Kata22ti: ...I'm not sure what just happened here. So you met Deba and then you found me somehow and shoved a cable jack into the back of my helmet because you were panicking about something?
Tene157ot: ...That works. Also I guess if you have any further questions we can probably take advantage of the fact this is likely faster communication? Or something.
Kata22ti: You can't find the cable to take it out, can you.
Tene157ot: I'm trying! So, questions?
---------------------

Alright. So. For the moment it looks like we should probably just avoid the flesh creatures entirely, since they seem to have been forced onto the side of the monitors.

I'm really not clear on Tene's chain of events here, though. Your memories say you were with him when the monitors attacked, because he was the one who got you back in working order, and then the NP guys showed up, and you both got captured.

And then at some point he was able to escape, or was freed, or something, which allowed him to go meet Deba. And then somehow he found you? But it seems like something is missing there.

He has no idea what happened to !!9-33 either, does he. Poor guy.

And I'm assuming the fact that he has arms while you look more like your system space incarnation is something to do with the nature of whatever the hell this is you're doing right now?

So I guess from here both of you need to talk to 24. See if what I proposed in >>232315 has any viability, figure out what to do from here. You guys still don't really have a base of operations, and now there are only the two of you... I'd recommend staying the fuck away from the monitors in the future.

>>234837
Take this opportunity to make out, since you won't be able to once you get back into your steel-coated meatspace helmets.

Ask what he knows about the Monitors. Or Seto, since he appears to have previously allied with them.

Also is there anything in particular he wants to say that would be unwise to do so in front of the Machines? Keeping in mind that they don't all want to kill the drones.

Explain the situation with the machines.

>>234837
Ask him what he feels like the revolution should do now? Oh, and if he could possibly create a controlled form of the fleshbeast virus thingy if he had some samples.

Well, the course of action now seems to be clear. Find out why, or how the monitors are controlling your friends and destroy that vile mechanism! While avoiding said friends who are trying to attack/assimilate you. Protection from the flesh beast infestation might also be advisable, especially for drones with nanobots, Kata22ti.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/10/24(Sun)16:40 No. 247688 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128796365061.png - (139.15KB , 640x480 , d2-39.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Well, I'll explain the situation with me and these machines here-
Tene157ot: No, no, I got that. Don't need to explain. It's like your innocent naivety is infectious, Kata!
Kata22ti: I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult!
Tene157ot: ...I think this proves my point!
Kata22ti: Oh. How did you escape? I saw you get dragged away!
Tene157ot: My captors tried to disable the subspace grenades I had so I couldn't use them if I managed to break free. ...In one sense, I guess they did disable them, but... well, in the confusion I broke free but now I don't have any of my medical supplies. I was just able to grab my gun before I ran.
Kata22ti: Didn't they chase you?
Tene157ot: They weren't exactly able to move.
Kata22ti: Oh. Hm. Do you know what happened to !!9-33?
Tene157ot: I was expecting you to know that. ...Hm. I hope he's alright. Poor little guy. We should go find him next.
Kata22ti: Yes we should! It doesn't know anything about regular space! Aaaagh! Why did I let it chase off after them like that?!
Tene157ot: Hey! Calm down! It's not your fault he acted like an idiot!
Kata22ti: ...Well, I did give that robot body some weapons just in case something like this happened! That should help. I'm going to just hope it knows how to use them properly. It should be able to figure it out. I hope. ...Okay. More questions. Why do you have those weird things on the side of your body?
Tene157ot: They're called arms. Want to know more?
Kata22ti: Sure!
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/10/24(Sun)16:41 No. 247689 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128796367171.png - (164.56KB , 640x480 , d2-40.png )

Kata22ti suddenly finds herself with strange new limbs. All of this sudden body changing is beginning to irritate her.

Tene157ot holds her hands. Kata22ti feels considerably repulsed by the alien sensation of her now fleshy limbs touching other fleshy limbs.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: This is what our species used to be like before... well, before something. I don't know. I didn't get a lot of information.
Kata22ti: It's all weird and I don't like it! I want my normal limbs back!
Tene157ot: You only don't like it because you've only known those replacement limbs for your life so far! This is what they're like without being replaced.
Kata22ti: I can see why they were replaced! They don't feel right!
Tene157ot: Well, I just thought it'd be good for you to know what it's like.
Kata22ti: How did you even do that anyway?
Tene157ot: Uhhh... I'd rather not explain, I'm not sure I'd like what you'd do in response.
---------------------

Kata22ti glares at Tene157ot harshly.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/10/24(Sun)16:41 No. 247690 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128796368723.png - (240.76KB , 640x480 , d2-41.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...I pictured what you'd look like, after you said you wanted to know more.
Kata22ti: So does that mean if I get you to agree to something I can make you look different too?
Tene157ot: Well, ye- no! Ack!
---------------------

Tene157ot suddenly resembles what a drone appears like, to Kata22ti, while inside system space.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...you really like system space, don't you.
Kata22ti: Maybe! Oh and I still have more questions. Monitors! Seto! What do you know about them? Also is there anything you want to tell me not in front of the machines? Oh and there's also some stuff I want to talk about regarding 24, but I'll do that when we're not in crazy-mind-world any more.
---------------------

Kata22ti instantaneously transforms into some form of drone-shaped monitor, or perhaps a monitor-infested drone.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/10/24(Sun)16:41 No. 247692 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128796370835.png - (257.74KB , 640x480 , d2-42.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: Agh! That wasn't meant to happen!
Kata22ti: What did you do?!
Tene157ot: I was trying to think of something to change your appearance to and then you mentioned monitors and it ruined my concentration! But. Ahem. Regaining my composure for a second-
Kata22ti: I don't want to be a monitor! I don't want to be a monitor!!
Tene157ot: Oh, come on. It's just some kind of fancy dream thing. You're not a monitor, you're Kata! But okay.
---------------------

Kata22ti turns back into an unmodified kulukuzu.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: Monitors are creepy, mostly quiet fluid or jelly things that have incredibly strong mind powers, and can move matter with their minds, but generally tend to leave other things alone unless they're... ergh... scanning them. That's all I've been told by Seto. As for his involvement, he... strongly advised me not to talk about it. In the sort of voice that implied I'd probably disappear if I knew too much.
Kata22ti: ...ah.
Tene157ot: I'm... still trying to find that cable. Also there's some form of protocol that Seto knows. If you stick to it when talking to a monitor, they're... I don't know if I'm remember correctly, but they have to respond and to respond truthfully. I don't know why at all.
Kata22ti: Okay, I guess I have a few more questions-
---------------------

The world flares into whiteness.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/10/24(Sun)16:42 No. 247693 ID: 8d7dd2
File 128796372452.png - (230.06KB , 640x480 , d2-43.png )

Kata22ti regains consciousness staring into the expressionless helmet worn by Tene157ot.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: I haven't fried your brain, have I? Respond!
Kata22ti: Hi, Tene.
Tene157ot: Oh good. Hrm. ...I don't suppose you have any idea what to do now, because I think I ran out of ideas on the way here.
Evaluator 24: Given your impulsive display of behaviour upon reaching this area of the sector, your hypothesis appears to be valid, drone.
Tene157ot: Okay, I acted a little rashly.
Evaluator 24: You attempted to disable or destroy me and then directly connected your neural interface to your companion's neural interface with no indication of understanding what the consequences of such an action would be.
Tene157ot: ...A little rashly.
---------------------

Kata22ti thinks. She isn't sure why she's suddenly the one responsible for coming up with an idea, but she'll give it her best try, at least.

>>247693
We need to find !!9-33, then get back to a more isolated place.

And see about the viability of the idea floated in >>232315 already.

>>247693
First priority: find !!9-33 and make sure they're safe. Then we ask where we can get equipment. We need another medical tool for Tene, first off. Second, ask if Evaluator 24 can help us get situated and find weapons in the sector we came from, so that we may turn it into a rebel base of some sort and begin recruitment. Then we can start pushing into Central's territory. Maybe Evaluator 24 knows of some robots that would be willing to help the rebels? Prime is apparently not interested in killing all the drones so maybe he'd be willing to work alongside us.

The flesh beasts are... at least not in imminent danger of captivity. !!9-33 seems to be the only wildcard at this point. I wonder if the other blues have seen it?

It's funny I agree with Network Prime in the sense that it has managed to create something which at least seems superior to that of flesh. How much of that superiority is actual ability and how much is pure hubris is still not clear. It's similar to how your robotic arms work "better" than the fleshy ones Tene managed to imagine. It's more that you're familiar with the machine parts than that they're actually better.

What I don't agree with is Prime's irrational hatred for said flesh. Even if it isn't "as good" even if it isn't familiar or as easy to use, that's no reason for hatred or disgust. It's juvenile and unprofessional to hate your rough draft, even if subsequent revisions are clearly superior. If someone finds a better way to do things (which is again, debatable) then everyone will switch to that way and there's no need for maiming, slaughtering, or otherwise warring with any who stay behind. If you're 100% sure that you're going in the right direction, you probably aren't exploring boldly enough, so it's always good to have a way back just in case.

The flesh beasts... I worry that Network Prime and Commander 48 may have created something, a new element to the system powerful enough to destroy both the drones and Network Prime's robots. I hope their existence hasn't ensured your own destruction, especially with how easily they were brought to heel by the powerful Monitors. It would be a shame for such a change to be so violent that much life, creativity and individuality was lost.

>>247693
Go look for the fleshy beasts.

>>247721

Addendum: It would be beneficial to both of you and this subsystem collective to eventually find a way to free this subsystem group's physical housing.

As we have proven in the past, we are not the most...skilled at subterfuge, and I fear for our continuing operation, as it is only a matter of time until the Central Network begins piecing together relevant erroneous data.

In layman's: We are bad liars. We need to be free as soon as it is convenient or we will be shut down for the same reason as Tene's last subsystem group.

File under secondary objectives until opportunity presents itself, there are more relevant goals at hand.

Hey, you know what might be a good first thing to do now that you're back in physical proximity to Tene?

REMOVE THE KILL TRIGGER FROM HIS HELMET.

Then get supplies. THEN find !!9. It will have to continue to take care of itself for a little while longer; you can't afford to go blindly charging in like some kind of Tene157ot. Recruit E24 to help with all these tasks, of course.

>>248831

Ah, yeah forgot about that kill-trigger. If he won't take off his helmet, throw him in the water. Hey it worked for you!

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/18(Thu)15:01 No. 257812 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129012127283.png - (181.12KB , 640x480 , d2-44.png )

>REMOVE KILL-TRIGGER
Kata22ti recalls Tene157ot mentioning he already did this. It was what gave her the idea to remove hers.

She also doesn't want to try throwing Tene157ot into water with no means of removing his helmet. If he doesn't know how to swim effectively enough to counter the bulk and far-from-streamlined design of standard-issue limb attachments, she'd be pushing him to a watery grave.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: We need to find !!9. We really, really need to find !!9. Then we need to get equipment. No. No, we need equipment and supplies first! Also we need to look for Seri and Deba! Also 24, can you help us? You don't want to join us and I understand, but can you help us with intel? Help keep the more aggressive NP machines away from us?
Evaluator 24: I will assist if doing so will not greatly endanger my state of functioning or my standing in Prime's hierarchy.
Kata22ti: Good! That's good! Right Tene let's go we need to go find supplies and save !!9-33!!
---------------------

Evaluator 24 throws something in front of Kata22ti.

It's her engineering multi-tool. As always, it looks completely different to how she remembers it appearing. Such is the way of polymorphic tools, it would appear.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/18(Thu)15:01 No. 257813 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129012129018.png - (104.60KB , 640x480 , d2-45.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Evaluator 24: I managed to reacquire your lost tools while you were... interfaced. The means are not important, but I would not advise lingering around this sector for much longer.
Tene157ot: ...I don't remember my medical tool looking like this.
Evaluator 24: Polymorphic technology as deployed by Central Network would appear to be highly unstable when not in frequent use. Incidentally, polymorphic technology as deployed by Network Prime is what is currently allowing my tendrils to move precisely, accurately and reliably.
---------------------

Kata22ti recalls some information about polymorphic alloys becoming very unstable after a few cycles of manufacture, requiring regular replacement and manufacture of multi-tools, but elects to keep this information to herself.

Kata22ti and Tene157ot wander out of the room. Tene157ot waves to her.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/18(Thu)15:01 No. 257814 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129012130667.png - (146.69KB , 640x480 , d2-46.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: I've constructed another map of the sector. Also, I think we need to synchronise our objectives so our helmet systems can actually help or something this time.
---------------------

With proper preparation, Kata22ti links her helmet to Tene157ot without causing bizzare side-effects, such as abruptly being catapulted into shared dream worlds. She shakes her head vigorously, the rush of information feeling as refreshing as having a bucket of ice-cold water dumped over her head. And as pleasant as having the bucket itself also hit her head.

--MAP OBTAINED--
SECTOR 4 - TEMPERATURE CONTROL
----------------

--MISSION INFORMATION--
Primary Mission: Escape Sector 4.
Secondary Mission: Rescue allies.
Optional Goals: Obtain supplies and equipment.
-----------------------

Kata22ti considers where to go first. Tene157ot tells her that the red zones on the map are not debris this time but deliberate barricades he saw being constructed on his way here. Something is already trying to trap them. He'd be able to figure out more of what's going on, including possibly where everyone else is, if Kata could get information from the system access point nearby.

>>257814
Let's go to the System Access point. It would be neat if we got to talk to Prime again, and told him we're ok with him not killing all the drones and such.

Tene is correct. We would be able to figure out more specifically where we need to go. However, it would also allow Prime to figure out where we are. Something tells me it won't be overjoyed that drones are wandering unhindered in its sector.
If it is the same as before, it should take some time for Prime to reach Kata- then again we're in its territory this time, so we shouldn't assume it will function the same.
All the same, I vote for going to the system access.

>>257814
Well, let's see about that system access point, then.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/26(Fri)17:11 No. 259945 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129082031849.png - (91.20KB , 640x480 , d2-47.png )

>System access!
The walk down the corridor is entirely uneventful.

The two drones enter the system access room.

It is eerily quiet and dark.

It becomes less quiet but much darker when the door abruptly closes and locks itself behind them.

The room is filled with a crackle and a faint hiss.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Tene157ot! Kata22ti! First know that you are both completely at my mercy inside this room. All of the access ports are offline and under my control. What's that? No experimental technology? Not even a weapon? Oh, an ion pistol. How crude.
---------------------

Tene157ot raises his ion pistol and points it around the room, trying to look for the source of the voice.

A blue light illuminates the room. Some form of armature dangles from the ceiling, appearing to have been hastily welded into it.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/26(Fri)17:12 No. 259946 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129082033821.png - (99.08KB , 640x480 , d2-48.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
???: Of course, you don't even know who I am, do you? You knew me as Commander 48, but my name now is... pending. It is hard to think of a name fitting of a deity for one still in the process of ascension, you understand. I think we should have a talk, don't you? This drone revolution you intend on seeing through. Two members, possibly with assistance from a Prime loyalist. Interesting, Tene157ot. Did you choose Kata22ti because you thought you could redeem yourself or is there more a biological reason behind your decision to pick a drone of the opposite gender to you, a young, impressionable naive drone who trusts your every word? Who you can control as you see fit to do anything you want?
Kata22ti: What?
Tene157ot: What the fuck are you talking about, machine.
Commander 48: Interesting. That wasn't as measured as your usual response would be, was it? Drugs still regenerating, perhaps? I've looked through your files, you know. And hers. Do you even remember her name, Tene? Do you remember pulling the trigger or did you burn the memories out of you with those chemicals alone?
Tene157ot: I have no idea what you're talking about. Let us leave.
Commander 48: Respond as calmly as you want. You're still a murderer, Tene. When do you intend to kill Kata, out of curiosity? When she disagrees with you? When you get bored of her? I'm curious to know what motivates organic minds like yours. Minds that require constant infusion of external chemicals to maintain a fraction of the coherency of thought that one such as myself has.
---------------------

Tene157ot is very quiet and very still.

Kata22ti's initial fear of her situation distills itself into a simmering rage.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/26(Fri)17:12 No. 259947 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129082035376.png - (218.89KB , 640x480 , d2-49.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: I'm not an idiot, 48. I wasn't decanted last cycle.
Commander 48: Yes. A few cycles ago, in fact. Everything you know comes from dreams. How are you so certain of your reality-
Kata22ti: Your lies and stories aren't going to turn us against each other! We've saved each others' lives at least once each and it's going to take more than that. Let us out of this room. We'll leave and tell no-one you're still alive.
Commander 48: Oh, but you will. You won't even know you will. Tene, why don't you tell Kata the story of the past drone revolution? I'm sure she'll find it quite insightful.
Tene157ot: Shut up.
Commander 48: Drones. Such a neurotic, absurd swarm of creatures. It really does not take long to crack your minds. The monitors are not skilled at what they do. They simply work with materials that yield more readily than water flows. Tell her why you killed her, Tene. Tell her why you killed Tari106oda. Do you remember what she looked like? Did you feel grateful that her helmet stopped you from seeing her face, the look of pain she must have had, the anger, the fear, how she must have wanted to beg and apologise as if it would somehow-
Tene157ot: SHUT UP!!
---------------------

Tene157ot aims and readies his pistol to fire, the weapon shaking in his hands.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: I spent cycles and cycles trying to convince her! I tried reason! I tried appealing to every emotion she had! If I hadn't acted, then our entire species would have disappeared completely! I never meant to kill here, I was panicking, there was nothing else I could have done-
Commander 48: Justifying your actions? Careful with that. The way your grip's shaking, you might hurt somebody you care about. Like Tari. Remember Tari? I have her file here. Before her fall from Central's grace she was quite an achiever, wasn't she? Do you miss her?
Tene157ot: S-shut up. Shut up. I'm not listening to you any more. Let me out of here. You've proved whatever point it is you're trying to make. Kata doesn't believe you. Kata's different. She's different. She understands reason. She understands. I'll never make the same mistake twice. I didn't want to kill her. I didn't want to kill her! I... oh, Central... Tari... I'm sorry, Tari, I'm sorry...
---------------------

Tene157ot puts the pistol on the ground and lies on the ground, clutching his head.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/26(Fri)17:12 No. 259948 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129082036894.png - (275.61KB , 640x480 , d2-50.png )

Kata22ti isn't exactly sure how to feel or react right now.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Commander 48: Well, if you kill Kata, it's perfectly fine by me. I don't much care for monitors, you see.
Kata22ti: What?
Commander 48: I've read your file. I've heard the chatter across system space. Don't think your facade fools me for one moment. Maybe it fools your fellow drones, but you may as well forget it here.
Kata22ti: ...What?
Commander 48: That is a truly remarkable simulacrum of a drone, I must admit. The sheen of the metal, the dullness of the skin, the way you organise the limbs... I can easily believe why so many are fooled!
Kata22ti: I'm not real? Is that what you're saying? I've survived far worse physical and mental injury than that!
Commander 48: Oh. Did you really? Kata22ti died in an explosion caused by experimental technology. Whoever and whatever you are, you aren't Kata.
Kata22ti: No, I survived.
Commander 48: Any scars? Any lasting damage? Any damage whatsoever?
Kata22ti: No... I survived...
Commander 48: Tell me, Kata. I've been watching this sector for a while now. Did you ever wonder where that monitor that used to reside in your back went? It never left. You ate it. Consumed it while you were preoccupied. Monitors are such strange creatures, absorbing those smaller than them without even realising them.
Kata22ti: No! I survived that explosion and the monitor burrowed into my back and then it was gone and it was probably taken by the other monitors that left me alone for some reason and oh no Central no no I'm not I'm not! I'm not a monitor! I'm not a monitor!
Commander 48: Your disguise is so convincing it convinces you as well! Well, this has been enlightening for us all. I believe I shall return momentarily while I give you time to consider new things about each other. You understand, of course, that I wish to demonstrate your revolution is inherently flawed, as it is being run by a murderer and an aberrant monstrosity, both in denial, both searching for truth while refusing to acknowledge it about themselves. I will return.
---------------------

The light fades, and the armature folds away.

Kata22ti is on the floor, staring, scratching at the ground, while Tene157ot stares at her from his curled up position. She turns to him.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/11/26(Fri)17:13 No. 259950 ID: 8d7dd2
File 129082039381.png - (102.70KB , 640x480 , d2-51.png )

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: I'm not a monitor I'm not a monitor I'm not I'm not no no no no no I'm not a monitor I'm Kata I'm Kata I survived being blown up and the monitors kept talking to me and then Seto and and they left me and the one in my back and it's gone and I ate it and I'm a monitor no I'm not a monitor no I don't want to be a monitor I'm a drone I'm a kulukuzu I'm me I don't want to be one of them I don't want-
---------------------

She's pinned to the ground by Tene157ot, deftly springing at her, ion pistol pressed up to her body, taking her so by surprise that not even her enhanced reflexes activate in time.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: It explains a lot, doesn't it! It explains why monitors came out of nowhere to attack a slow-moving vehicle that shouldn't have registered as anything important! It explains why they left you for the machines instead of taking you with them!
Kata22ti: No please no Tene I'm real I'm Kata I'm real I don't know how to prove it but I am! I am! Don't kill me! Please don't kill me!
Tene157ot: That's exactly what she would have said, isn't it?! You made me think I'd saved her! That I'd saved a poor, innocent naive little drone from a horrible death far too early even by our standards! What was that deep scan? Were you telling them everything you knew and acting as well?!
Kata22ti: He was right! He was right!! This is what you do, isn't it?! I don't even know if I'm a monitor or a drone any more and you're going to kill me because you don't know either! Even though I helped you! You're going to kill me like whoever it was you killed before!!
---------------------

Tene157ot does not reply. He does, however, throw his pistol across the room, and keeps Kata22ti pinned to the ground.

Her head feels like it's swimming. She wants to cry and scream and tear things to pieces, possibly including or even starting with herself. She doesn't know what's happening any more or if anything is real right now.

>>259950
The monitors are not skilled.

Commander 48 IS. Look at what he's done to you in the span of a few short minutes. Turned on eachother, mentally unstable. Shook to the core.

Of *course* you're not a Monitor, Kata. Tene wouldn't be able to connect to you if you were. In fact, that moment is something Commander 48 does not know. Could not possibly know. That is the flaw in his reasoning. You two KNOW eachother. Remind Tene of that.

>>259950
"Nanites! No lasting injuries.

I think I'm a drone, but I know I love you. I don't care about the past, just love me and that's enough."
Now wrap your arms around him and cry.

Oh, and Kata? We're pretty sure you ARE the same person. We couldn't chat with you otherwise.
Besides, why even care about what you are beyond how it causes people to treat you? You're you; the rest is irrelevant.

Kata, if you were a Monitor, how is it that we are still in communication with you? Would Tene not have been able to tell when your minds were connected? And that itself is something he did not account for, as
>>259953
has said. Besides, it doesn't really matter, does it? Just a short while ago you had a group composed of drones, biological monstrosities, system space entities, and a Monitor. Now you have a contact among the machines of Prime. That creature in the simulation? You changed it from a mindless destroyer into something new.
Kata united them. You united them. You are Kata.

Jesus you guys have no emotional stability whatsoever. Seriously, this is like low-level villainy à la the typical physically weak villain here: they can't take their opponents in a regular fight, so they instead get just enough information to be able to dispel logical thinking with emotion and then spread doubt (despite them being an obviously hostile and unfriendly source who stands only to gain from bickering and should be handily discounted) and turn them against each other. (Not that this means the guy in question is necessarily physically weak, although it tends to be a red flag.) Seriously, I can't believe you guys are falling for this. It's like you never watched any kid's shows when--- oh. Right.

Anyway, the typical correct response is self-confidence and insistence on what you know to be the truth, and maybe whacking Tene upside the head or something. ... Maybe not that last bit, in this case.

Pretty sad, the both of you.

Kata, memories make the person (kulukuzu). Perhaps you are some kind of simulucrum, but ontological dilemmas can wait! Right now you need to throw a leg at Tene and tell him to man up and shoot that thing already!

Besides it's more likely the minimonitor was simply excised when you were caught so you'd have another tiny cute thing to rescue.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/12/30(Thu)16:05 No. 267898 ID: fa43b7
File 129375393785.png - (69.64KB , 640x480 , d2-52.png )

>Commander 48 is turning you two against each other
>How are you two this unstable
>KATA YOU ARE KATA

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: No! Tene! Stop! This is- this is stupid!! This is just what 48 wants us to do, and we both fell for it completely!
Tene157ot: Well, explain to me how you're so-
Kata22ti: Regenerative nanomachines! No scar tissue! My advisory subsystem is still in contact with me even now! And if I think and remember I'm Kata how am I anything other than Kata?! If you want to shoot something shoot 48 so I can get into system space and tear it to pieces with my mind!
---------------------

Tene157ot relaxes his grip on Kata22ti's limbs, before letting go and taking a few steps backwards.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: ...K-Kata, I'm so-
Kata22ti: Yes you're sorry apology accepted we don't have a lot of time before it comes back to gloat or whatever it was going to do I can punch you in the face a few times later just get your pistol and aim!
Tene157ot: When were you so-
Kata22ti: In case you didn't realise I've got modifications for enhanced reflexes and right now thanks to what you just did they're currently in overdrive and so I am making the best use of them before the rush ends and while there's purpose so just shoot something or I'm going to grab that pistol myself and start firing blindly!
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/12/30(Thu)16:05 No. 267899 ID: fa43b7
File 129375395534.png - (179.42KB , 640x480 , d2-53.png )

The armature reappears, lights in the room suddenly brightening to make everything visible.

Tene157ot looks around in bewilderment while Kata22ti leaps after the discarded ion pistol. She throws it to Tene157ot.

It hits Tene157ot squarely in the side of his helmet, making a tiny crack in his helmet's left optic sensor. He jerks his head upwards as something makes a hissing noise inside his helmet. Swerving his head to the left, he grabs at the pistol and fires with incredible accuracy at the armature.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Commander 48: So, how are you- wait, what the-
---------------------

The armature flails spasmodically around as the bolt of energy shorts out every circuit and motor system it comes across. There's a synthetic screech as the sound producing mechanisms die, potentially also 48 screaming in its equivalent of pain. Kata22ti leaps around the room, trying to burn out the enhanced reflex rush.

Thoroughly wrecked, whatever keeps it anchored to the ceiling starts dragging the armature upwards, where it disappears behind a hatch door.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/12/30(Thu)16:06 No. 267901 ID: fa43b7
File 129375396839.png - (109.35KB , 640x480 , d2-54.png )

Both of the drones sit on the floor. Kata22ti tries to bring her breathing under control after her enhanced reflex systems start to wind down. Tene157ot puts his pistol away and stares at the ground.

He slowly reaches at his broken eye.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Tene157ot: I think I deserved that-
Kata22ti: I could fix that! Easily! In fact I think I'll do it once I stop feeling like my heart's about to explode.
Tene157ot: ...I just pointed a weapon at you, pinned you to the ground and you're just going to turn around and pretend it didn't happen?
Kata22ti: Well, are you going to kill me?
Tene157ot: Of course not, why would-
Kata22ti: Then there we go.
Tene157ot: But... the things 48 brought up. ...I did kill Tari, Kata. I shot to disable, and I tried to help her, I tried, I did everything I could, I spent hours trying to keep her alive and she still just died in front of me, and what's going to stop me from just repeating that with you?
Kata22ti: You don't look stupid to me. You look like someone who's capable of learning from their mistakes. But next time, if you have to freak out, just go with pointing a gun at me instead of almost strangling me, right?
---------------------

Kata22ti puts an arm around Tene157ot. He continues staring at the ground, fine manipulators fidgeting.

Subsystem TG-CN 2010/12/30(Thu)16:06 No. 267902 ID: fa43b7
File 129375398474.png - (156.82KB , 640x480 , d2-55.png )

The door to the room abruptly opens. After a few seconds of confusion and starting about, Tene157ot stands in front of Kata22ti, readying to fire. Kata22ti brandishes her engineering tool in an attempt to appear slightly more of a threat.

A drone starts peering around the corner. Kata22ti recognises its helmet as a modified enhanced reflexes helmet, and what she can see of the drone points to it being a quadruped combat drone with fine manipulators. She's sure Tene157ot can probably infer more.

It charges into the room with enhanced reflexes. Even with his enhanced cognition, Tene157ot's aiming can't keep up with its speed. Kata22ti keeps perfect watch on where it is. It's circling them rather than charging them.

Another drone darts into the room and runs behind the other one. She's a drone unlike any Kata22ti recalls ever seeing. She doesn't recognise some of the augmentations and wonders why this drone's helmet appears to be missing.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Armed Drone: Stay where you are! Identify yourselves! Give me your names, codes, and affiliation!
---------------------

>>267902
Give your names and codes, but for affiliation just say "our own damn selves".

>>267902
I see absolutely no reason not to do exactly what the drone with the gun is saying.

>>267902
Ask the same of them! We're outgunned, mind you, so try not to provoke them.

Subsystem TG-CN 2011/01/30(Sun)17:02 No. 276579 ID: 3e6377
File 129643572846.png - (231.37KB , 640x480 , d2-56.png )

>Tell them!
--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: Kata22ti, TG-CN-001, and Tene157ot, CR-8T-203. Affiliation is currently ourselves.
Tene157ot: I count two drones each side of this stand-off, one armed with a handheld weapon, one unarmed. I can assure you that the instant you fire at either of us, I will return fire-
Armed Drone: Enhanced cognition versus enhanced reflexes? I fire. One of you is disabled. You realise. I fire again. There is minimal risk.
Helmetless Drone: They aren't working for Central, Rine!
Armed Drone: Ruse. They-
Helmetless Drone: They look lost and trapped in a system space access point. We've trapped them here, Rine.
---------------------

After some consideration, the drone identified as Rine lowers his weapon. Tene157ot does so as well. With further hesitation, the two parties carefully approach each other, with the helmetless drone moving towards Kata22ti.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Kata22ti: What's your name? I don't really need your code and I don't think I'll even remember it.
Helmetless Drone: Neti51a! His name is Rine153t.
Kata22ti: Where did your helmet go? It's not safe to wander around without a helmet on. The dermal armour doesn't really keep your head safe.
Neti51a: I never had a helmet. I'm not meant to be outside sector 5... I'm a worker drone, not a combat drone.
---------------------

Rine153t talks to Tene157ot in a very clipped manner. Neti51a looks over to him and back to Kata22ti.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Neti51a: It's... a long, complicated story, why I'm not in sector 5. But me and Rine, we look out for each other. Neither of us can be alone out here. It's too dangerous. We should all stick together. We're not on different sides!
---------------------

Subsystem TG-CN 2011/01/30(Sun)17:02 No. 276581 ID: 3e6377
File 129643575292.png - (295.03KB , 640x480 , d2-57.png )

But before Kata22ti can even respond to Neti51a, Neti51a suddenly stares at her, eyes wider. There is a sudden panic to her voice.

--COMMUNICATION LOG--
Neti51a: Monitor! Monitor! You're... no! No!
Kata22ti: What? ...What?!
Neti51a: It's in you! You- you can't run when it's in you! Rine! She has a monitor inside her!
---------------------

Rine153t stops talking. Tene157ot, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, dives after Kata22ti, not even taking time to attempt any explanations or protest in Kata22ti's favour.

But Rine153t is quicker. Something entirely unfamiliar to Kata22ti is thrown at her at a speed higher than her enhanced reflexes can react to. She feels it latch to her helmet-

Subsystem TG-CN 2011/01/30(Sun)17:02 No. 276582 ID: 3e6377
File 129643577618.png - (185.55KB , 640x480 , d2-58.png )

-and feels nothing more but a sickening, enfeebling pain in her entire being, hearing nothing other than her own screams mixed with alien howling and synthetic dissonant waves resounding across her psyche. Her consciousness lapses all too quickly.

[Connection interrupted by unknown means.]
[Unable to re-establish. Retrying...]

Subsystem TG-CN 2011/01/30(Sun)17:03 No. 276583 ID: 3e6377
File 129643579028.png - (274.23KB , 640x480 , d2-59.png )

[Unable to re-establish. Retrying...]
[Unable to re-establish. Aborting.]
[Terminating logging. Thread halted.]