"Diagnostic check? We define 'relax' differently," says Milo.
"If you would like someone to join your for an alcoholic beverage, I would be happy to do so. Just the one, though." Ueda grimaces at the the information from Gabriel, but lets it simmer for now, moving on to other topics at hand. "If there is nothing more to be gleaned from the reconstruction at the moment, I agree with Brass. Some time to rest would be good for us. And I would be happy to run a diagnostic on your systems, as well."
He gives one more long look at the hologram bodies of himself and Doctor Brennan.
She would not hear it. I can only hope that she is in a better place, whatever it may be.
"Can we leave this equipment prepared to further examine the event? Rest and time may give us more to work with, not least if you continue to access the latest version of the recordings, Gabriel."
“That would be much appreciated Doctor Ueda.” [b] looking at Milo [b] “Drinking is not something I partake in, but after the diagnostic some leisure time would do well.”
Gabriel let's everyone know that there are individual quarters for each of you and that you only need to take the elevator to get there.
The sight of everyone dying was gruesome but it didn't affect Scera like it did the others. She'd watched most of her colony die and the survivors be sacrificed on an altar to some blood good her former master's people worshipped so this was nothing to her. At least it had been quick for these individuals as most were so close they never would have felt the heat before they died.
Noticing that Vonash had passed out and hearing Ueda offer to help Doctor Essex with her Scera moved that direction and said, "I'll help as well, she was there for me when I awoke from trauma, I should be there for her when she does the same." Looking at the unconscious Vonash, Scera projected to her mind, It'll be alright, that was not You that died but a duplicate. You are fine and You will be cared for until You are ready to return to help catch whoever did that and fix the timeline.
Jade goes to Vonash's side when instructed to, checking her vitals, relieved when Scera comes over to help. Noting that Vonash is physically okay, just stunned and likely exhausted, Jade attempts to help her regain consciousness.
"Quarters sound good." Jade replies, "It has been a long day." Helping Vonash to her feet, she looks to Brass and Immanuel. "After I assist Vonash in getting to bed, I would be happy to land a hand with the diagnostics, if you would like. Otherwise, I believe I have some things to consider, privately."
Your individual rooms are surprisingly appealing.
Gabriel isn't programmed with a lot of ethical freedom and he doesn't always do conversation appropriately, but he does know how to scan every known bit of information about you and have an AI interior decorator do the digital wallpapers of your individual rooms exactly the way you would prefer, whether that's a field of flowers blowing with the wind and birds that fly away when you approach or prison grey look with water dripping down the concrete and stone.
Nothing happens to stop you from chilling.
“Any help would be appreciated running diagnostics, especially as you both are androids.”
As Brass leads his fellow androids to his room he sits down on a chair, and looks to his companions. “I believe I felt a system glitch when we were searching Moreau’s ship. I don’t know what caused this, could you two please run some diagnostics. I am not familiar with the programming of my model, only the frame or it. And would loathe to have another glitch while in combat”
Vonash has a good nights sleep, remarkably undisturbed by dreams. Scera's message seems to have made it into her unconscious and helped to reassure her
Ueda follows Brass and pulls a chair to sit near him, drawing some tools from his bag. "Of course. When was the last time you went through a full diagnostic, Brass? I do not mean the simple cycling when we sleep, but a more complete self-analysis. I am aware most of our kind do not engage in regular activity of that sort, but it can be quite refreshing. Even if there are few proven benefits." Ueda offers his typical forced-looking smile and prepares a cable, apparently meaning to connect himself and the other android. "Doctor Essex, if you would take up monitoring and looking for discrepancies? It has been some time since I assisted in an endeavor such as this."
Before beginning the full diagnostic, however, Ueda pauses and says, "Ah, I should mention. Once we are connected, you may hear a secondary voice apart from my own. If so, know that it is Catesby, the artificial intelligence that runs my exocortex assistant. He is somewhat odd, but more than competent and very helpful in assisting my activities."
“I’ve had little time to run a complete self analysis, it has been many years since the last one was run. I mainly just ensure that the dents and bullet holes don’t compromise my structural integrity.” looking down at cable he says. “I am fine with the uplink.”
Just as the cable is attached Brass puts a hand on Ueda to slow him. “If a glitch occurs you will experience it as well. It may be traumatic, I must warn you about this before you plug in. Miss Essex please keep an eye on things.”
After helping Vonash to her room, Jade returns to Brass and Ueda, taking out her scanner to better monitor Brass during the procedures. "Gladly." She says to Ueda with a nod.
She raises an eyebrow at Brass's mention that he does . not undergo any routine maintenance. It was less of a concern for her, being engaged in a research capacity, around others who could verify her work, who would notice any glitches, but for Brass, being built for combat... It was unsettling to think of what his glitches could mean.
Her scanner set up and transmitting information directly to her brain, she nods again to Ueda and Brass. "I am ready."
Ueda looks at Brass and nods. "I understand fully. But I fear I have seen my share of trauma even in this incarnation, though I have not served on a battlefield. If things become too stressful for either of us, we can end the analysis and diagnostic at any time. I cannot say with certainty that we will find the source of your glitches or put an end to them, but hopefully we can at least learn something about their nature."
With a final nod to Jade, Ueda connects the tether, and closes his eyes, allowing his consciousness to focus on the connection. The link between android minds is somewhat similar to the lashuntas' telepathic empathy: a transmission of thought and feeling, a sense of communication even if not always in intelligible words.
Brass. If you understand what I am saying, then we can begin. Start wherever you feel is best. Ueda's voice is somehow richer in this space, almost as if it now genuinely possesses the emotion that it normally lacks, or forces.
This is strange I have not felt this sensation in a long time. The glitch started while searching Moreau’s ship. I think that is the best place to start. and in that moment the two of them move through and find the moment in the strange and slightly antiquated code inside of Brass’ mind. As they find it they experience the strange occurrence that happened while Brass was on the ship, and as the moment ends the strange silence of the diagnostic returns. brass after a moment of silence communicates. I do not know what could cause this to happen, that is memory overlaying what I perceived. It does not make a logical sense.
jade might see Brass tense a little as the glitch is replayed, but relax again as it fades away.
Ueda frowns physically as he witnesses the glitch in his and Brass's shared virtual space. Not long after Brass's own comment, a third voice "speaks," one with much more personality behind it than Ueda's usual manner in the physical world.
Thank you for the addition, Catesby. I do not believe such commentary is helpful for Brass. The sense of a sigh is there, and then Ueda continues. I concur with your assessment, it does not logically follow that you should suddenly experience such a moment. Do you have conscious recollection of this memory? Knowledge of who this 'captain' is, or the expired individuals on the floor?
“Yes I do. He was a man who enslaved myself and several other androids. Then used us for mercenary work for any and all who could pay. Those individuals were individuals caught in the way of a job. We were tasked with securing the cargo for someone who wanted a monopoly on mining lasers.” A moment passes, “if we didn’t follow orders an explosive collar would be detonated. I did not want to kill them, yet was forced too.” as brass thinks about this, a ripple in the code happens and a something strange happens. Thrusting a vision on everyone.
Suddenly a vision comes to him, of several androids in battle. As they take heavy fire one of the androids is yelling to fall back. A voice comes over Brass’ radio “No retreat, either kill or be killed.” and an instant later the android that was yelling is killed as his collar explodes. The Brass and the other surviving androids begin to advance killing all as they move forward.
Scera was left with little to do the rest of the day. It seemed the androids had gone off to do maintenance and Vonash was in bed recovering from the psychic shock of seeing herself die. It left Scera with little to do to occupy her attention before getting some rest. She finally decided to hunt down Kitty and see what the modified woman was up to.
As she went looking for the catwoman Scera checked the various rooms and areas she came across just to see what there was. It was the first freedom she'd had in a long time, even if she was supposed to stay inside the building, and she might as well enjoy it. As she explored Scera figured that maybe she'd even find someone new to distract her for a bit.
Ueda gives a calm, Mmm, as Brass speaks, still portraying more emotion in the simple sound than most of his sentences in real space. When the vision suddenly plays out, he's at first taken aback, but then dives in, "moving" through it and trying to take in all of the details he can. Any piece, any little nugget of information, of raw old code making up the memory might be the key to finding out why it's coming up now--
It's true, the vision ends as abruptly as it begins, it seems. And Ueda is left with little more knowledge of why than when the diagnostic started. With another sigh, he speaks to Brass. I am sorry I cannot help more at the moment, but these experiences seem to be beyond me. If they are truly memories, then perhaps it is less of a glitch in your systems, and more of a reoccurring experience of trauma. Many who have seen such things cannot help but recall the events, even if they feel jaded or hardened because of them. But it could be a deeper error within your functions. Perhaps another diagnostic in the future would be in order. In any case, resting now would be good for all of us, I believe.
“Very well, thank you for your help doctor, and yours as well Catesby. I have much to think about now.” and then things begin to recede back to their places, their consciences coming back to their own positions.
Brass’ eyes open and for the first time you’ve seen, you can see his age. The tired look in his eyes, the energy drained from his body, and the lines of his metallic body showing a little more than usual. He looks to the two doctors, “Thank you for your help, it was nice to have be able to have help with this problem.”
Scera finds the base, which the Senator called 'Blacksteeple,' was quite large. Although the church on top of it is a small rural church, the cave far beneath is larger than a football field. An elevator connects the church to the cave and excavated tunnels off of the elevator tunnel lead to dozens of rooms that store everything from costumes for every possible decade, gender, and social class to vehicles and weapons for these eras. Gabriel, the AI you met earlier, appears on screens throughout the base, which includes most of the walls. He generally leaves Scera to wander but appears sometimes to guide her away from the armories.
Scera doesn't meet anyone else during her wanderings. Other than the Rons and Gabriel, the base seems unstaffed.
Kitty is 'immersing herself in history' by asking Gabriel to show her today's current events and interrupting to ask a lot of questions. Griffin is wandering the halls or, as Barry the Bear-man described his actions, "casing the joint." Barry is helping the Rons clean the Chariot's exhaust filters.
Eventually Vonash wakens up and decides to explore the new world that she is a part of.
She spends some time reading the dossier on this worlds Vonash.
"Gabriel, are we allowed to leave the base? Has the work been put in place yet to "resurrect" me? I've got to get out of here and go get some fresh air"
She also tries her comm unit to see if it can get in touch with Scera
"Scera? This is Vonash. I need to get out of here and see a little of this place that isn't this base. Assuming I get permission, do you want to go exploring with me a little?"
"I have no authority to stop you, Vonash," replies Gabriel. "I realize the senator asked you not to leave, but it's not clear anyone has authority over immigration from another timestream."
Gabriel pauses for a bit and says, "A search of the data regarding Vonash-Prime, I see no indication of any progress in declaring her alive and well and ... well, you."
Scera found the building large and empty in her wanderings and made a mental note of the places where Gabriel steered her away from. She didn't try to keep going at those times but just tried to remember where she was in case it was important later on. She finally found where Kitty was and walked up behind where the changed woman was sitting watching current events and questioning Gabriel about them.
Since the former car thief was otherwise occupied Scera slipped up behind where she was sitting and quickly leaned over the chair as she asked, "Whatcha whatchin?" Her hair slid down over her shoulders and her antennae were wiggling as she looked at Kitty upside and grinned at her."[/b]
Sometime during her conversation with the catwoman Scera's comm went off and she heard Vonash's voice through it. "Hey Vonash, glad you're up and about again?" Having sat at some point Scera leaned back in the seat and listened to what her sister Lashunta had to say and then considered a moment. "Hmmm, could be fun, I think I'm in, let me see if Kitty wants to come along since she's right here."
Scera looked to Kitty and said, "Hey, Vonash and I are going to go out exploring a little, wanna come along?" She waited patiently for Kitty to give her answer before responding to Vonash, "We're in the TV room if you want to just meet here."
Kitty had been asking Gabriel to show her videos on different topics of the day that caught her attention. She'd ask about the Martian racing circuit and then she'd see someone in a viewing bubble wearing something awful and ask "Gabriel, what were people wearing in 2219?" to which Gabriel would reply "are wearing" and switch to videos of fashionable crowds walking through public malls. Then, Kitty would see some kids playing holosports and ask about the state of the technology and Gabriel would curate another set of videos.
When invited out, she responds excitedly "Oooh, we're going out? Can we wear period appropriate costumes?"
Vonash heads over to the TV room
"We definitely need to wear period appropriate costumes, yes. And Kitty, I think that we have to try and disguise you a bit so you don't stand out too much in public. I mean, you're incredibly beautiful but you'd attract notice!. Hmm, a hat and some clothing would be a good start"
Scera found the idea of wearing costumes rather surprising but after a moment the idea grew on her. "Hmmm, disguises, this could be fun!" She looked at Vonash and reached out a to lay a hand on the woman's shoulder, "I'm glad you're feeling better Vonash."
Scera moved to stand beside the other Lashunta and looked at Kitty consideringly. "I think she goes beyond beautiful to drop dead gorgeous." Scera sighed, "Too bad this world isn't ready for her," she smiled naughtily and said, "or us?"
"So, where are we going?" asks Kitty.
Jade looks at Brass with some curiosity, also eyeing Immanuel and wondering what he may have seen, wondering what Catesby may have said. "I know the general feeling is that humans talk too much, talking themselves in and out of decisions, talking in circles." She begins. "But I think there is something to their idea that discussing something aloud can help to process it. Examine it from a different perspective." Saving the data on her pad to refer back to later, she looks up at Brass again. "I can make myself available if you would like to talk about whatever is on your mind."
“Thank you Jade, I may take you up on your offer. I don’t know if that will help but trying is atleast worth it. But I will Rest I think right now”. Brass kind of sits in his chair a distant look on his face.
"I know of a really good nightclub near here. At least, it was good in my world. Lets check"
She quickly looks up the club : Malgudi Times
"According to the reviews it still looks like its pretty good. Maybe a touch working class but I think we can all handle that, right? Good music. Non sexist and non racist. Very accepting. Or so the reviews go. With KILLER music! And great drugs"
She calls for a cab and the three go off to The Malgudi Times
The driverless cab descends the hill leaving the rural church in the dust and dusk.
On the drive to Malgudi Times, the driverless cab first passes a large wilderness area that is entirely fenced in by both metal fence and, about 20 feet from the metal fence, force-shield projectors. A sign on the gate says, 'Sanctuary.'
Soon, the cab slips into town, a city reclaimed from the water with many bridges linking islands that used to be hills.
You see some political graffiti 'Earth for Earthlings' and 'Return to Nature.' The latter is accompanied by a mural that shows seeds exploding into green vines that seem to merge into actual vines covering the surrounding walls.
When the cab arrives, Vonash is offered a choice between inserting her PIN to pay or allowing a retinal scan.
Vonash would insert her PIN (a little more deniable).
Also, having seen the Sanctuary sign she'd quickly check online as to what that is. And what the Return to Nature movement is all about
Vonash's PIN is, apparently, not the same as Vonash-Prime's PIN. The cab doors do not unlock.
[oooc]You can try the retinal scan or guess what your alter might have used instead (a Sense Motive roll).[/ooc]
A search on the 'Sanctuary' site suggests that it is a privately owned wildlife preserve.
A search on 'Return to Nature' shows them to be some kind of social movement that believed in conscientious devolution of humanity to a pre-linguistic state.
"Oh, yeah, Moreau used to talk about them," said Kitty. And, then, sounding like she was quoting someone, "Language is the first technology; without it, humanity belongs to nature."
Vonash would first try to figure out her pin
If that didn't work, she'd use her retinal scan.
She'd also send a text message to one of the more technologically inclined group members (Jade and Ueda) asking them if they can get more information on The Sanctuary. Who is behind it, what animals are housed there, etc.
Vonash would first try to figure out her pin
[dice=sense motive]1d20+7
If that didn't work, she'd use her retinal scan.
She'd also send a text message to one of the more technologically inclined group members (Jade and Ueda) asking them if they can get more information on The Sanctuary. Who is behind it, what animals are housed there, etc.
That worked. Apparently Vonash-Prime and Vonash share whatever was behind that password. A date? A word? Vonash finds that Vonash-Prime's available credit is several times higher than she expected it would be. Several times higher than Vonash's would have been.
The doors to the cab unlock and the passengers are released to the street in from of the Malgudi Times.
Back in the underground TAROT base, Gabriel alerts Ueda and Jade about Vonash's request that they dig up some info on their neighbours, 'Sanctuary.'
In the nightclub, Vonash brings Scera and Kitty to a nightclub very much like the one she remembered from her own timeline. The place is crowded but not overly so. A number of people are gathered around one table. It's hard to see who is sitting there because of the number of people standing around it. A couple of very large bald people stand on either side ready to remove anyone who doesn't meet with their approval.
Vonash is curious who is at the one table and will try to sidle a little closer so that she can get a look.
Not sure what roll that would be so I'll just roll a d20 and list various modifiers that may apply :-)
+7 diplo, +8 bluff, +10 perception
A bartender sees Vonash trying to get a peak past the crowd and leans over, "Ludo Vancress, the raceship driver. He won the Jupiter Cup twice and now he thinks he's a big deal. Unfortunately, so does that gaggle of groupies."
As they entered the nightclub Scera looked around herself in interest. She'd never been in a place like this one and found all the lights, sounds, and motion fascinating. She noticed that Vonash had gone over towards a table with some big burly guys she didn't like the look of and decided it would be best to stay away from that.
Rather than the table that drew Vonash Scera was drawn to what must be a dance floor if the gyrations of the people on it were any indication, well either that or they were in convulsions, regardless it looked like fun. She glanced over at Kitty and said, "I'm going out there to dance, wanna come?" With or without the lovely catwoman Scera made her way out onto the dance floor to try and join in.
Having finished the diagnostic, Ueda also settles in for some pleasant rest, although he knows it won't last for long. There's too much to do: researching his Prime self, looking into other discrepancies in the timelines, and of course double-checking the hologram of the bombing once the data was complete and he had an eye for the important details...
So when Vonash's communication comes through shortly after he's found a seat, he just nods and responds that he'll check on it. "Gabriel, I presume there is a research facility at our location? Connected terminals I could use to look into this?"
If Gabriel guides him toward such a spot, Ueda begins researching, starting with Sanctuary (and updating Vonash on what he finds), and then moving into the broader scope: searching for himself, and then looking for through current events articles to get a feeling for this version of the modern world.
As they entered the nightclub Scera looked around herself in interest. She'd never been in a place like this one and found all the lights, sounds, and motion fascinating. She noticed that Vonash had gone over towards a table with some big burly guys she didn't like the look of and decided it would be best to stay away from that.
Rather than the table that drew Vonash Scera was drawn to what must be a dance floor if the gyrations of the people on it were any indication, well either that or they were in convulsions, regardless it looked like fun. She glanced over at Kitty and said, "I'm going out there to dance, wanna come?" With or without the lovely catwoman Scera made her way out onto the dance floor to try and join in.
Kitty spent the entire cab ride over tinkering with Moreau's holoskin neckware device. She was trying to reset it to project Cleopatra's face. If asked how she knows what Cleopatra looks like she says something about, "From your holoflic poster...post...errrrr...I gotta keep working on this." She has evidently convinced herself not to tell you anything that might happen to you in the future. She seems equally convinced that most of your holoflics were entirely fictional anyhow, but "just in case!"
In the end, she doesn't manage to reprogram the holoskin. She's stuck with its previous settings; she exits the cab with Moreau's face but wearing a sheer form-fitting bodysuit. She takes a big whiff of the downtown air; "smells like history!!" she says. It doesn't.
She doesn't let her mismatched body and face prevent from jumping on the dance floor.
Having finished the diagnostic, Ueda also settles in for some pleasant rest, although he knows it won't last for long. There's too much to do: researching his Prime self, looking into other discrepancies in the timelines, and of course double-checking the hologram of the bombing once the data was complete and he had an eye for the important details...
So when Vonash's communication comes through shortly after he's found a seat, he just nods and responds that he'll check on it. "Gabriel, I presume there is a research facility at our location? Connected terminals I could use to look into this?"
If Gabriel guides him toward such a spot, Ueda begins researching, starting with Sanctuary (and updating Vonash on what he finds), and then moving into the broader scope: searching for himself, and then looking for through current events articles to get a feeling for this version of the modern world.
The first time Ueda attempts to "dig deeper" on Sanctuary, he gets the promo package shoved at him. It seems Sanctuary has bots programmed to detect searches and send their own marketing material at the searcher, in a rather aggressive fashion, interfering with searches.
According to the package, Sanctuary is a preserve for animals created through research programs after the animals are no longer of scientific interest. You may have heard about this underdiscussed social issue; too many animals were created "just to see if we could" but then become expensive to keep. Sanctuary is privately funded by a single anonymous donor and does not allow tours. The promotional package includes a tiny video of a noisy flock of great auks. The surrounding text says they were recreated from preserved DNA as part of a graduate research project but were now living out their 20 to 25 year lifespan at Sanctuary.
Not a lot is known about the anonymous donor. There are rumours though suggesting it is either a celebrity or a tech genius.
Ueda frowns at the viral marketing scheme, and quickly scans it for any pertinent information. It doesn't seem like it actually offers much: vague details, a reference to an anonymous donor, and a request for other financial support.
Catesby, please do your best to filter these advertisements from the results. There must be information regarding this project outside of their own marketing.
d20+10
Ueda frowns at the viral marketing scheme, and quickly scans it for any pertinent information. It doesn't seem like it actually offers much: vague details, a reference to an anonymous donor, and a request for other financial support.
Catesby, please do your best to filter these advertisements from the results. There must be information regarding this project outside of their own marketing.
[dice=Computers]d20+10
Ueda frowns as the popup continues to appear.
Very well. Do what you can.
So goes a familiar scene to any who might know him: Immanuel Ueda, tapping away deep into the night, his mind utterly focused on the topic at hand. He'd been known to work for days without sleep, and with little more than a glass of water here and there for sustenance. It wasn't healthy, even for an android, but it was how he did some of his best work. And it should certainly be enough to find out about a mysterious charity.
So it may be quite some time after Vonash asked for the information by the time Ueda sends all of it, but he's done a thorough job of digging up whatever he could find. It all smells of something strange, but then, so do many things in the spheres of corporate billionaires, tech moguls, and the government.
Vonash grabs some hunky looking guy (or perhaps 2) and heads out onto the dance floor as well.
Kitty stumbles at one point, near the end of the night, dislodging her holoskin, causing the hologram of Moreau covering her furry face to flicker on and off. Most people on the dance floor don't see it, but the half-dozen who do are horrified when the faces of Dr. Moreau and Kitty start alternating with the strobe lights.
"Oops, I hope we didn't just alter history ... I mean, my history!" shouts Kitty over the music. She then reflects for a moment and says, "Actually, f%$k my history! My history sucked!!"