Kaktus 2014/11/28(Fri)12:04 No. 606290 ID: 65a774
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Please choose a species from the list below.

Humans (Apes) – United Solar Federation(USF) – “You might have bread, but do you have Circuses?”
Genders: Male, Female, “Other”
Humans are famous for their Culture and ingenuity, feared for their pragmatism and business savviness though rather infamous for their greed.

Sakkil (lizards) - Glorious Sakkil Empire. – “All are one, one is all. We are all equal in the end.”
Genders: Male, Female, “Other”
A lizard species originating from the desert planet called Salí, who are mostly known for their love for engineering and infrastructure. They also have a peculiar interest of cybernetic enchantments, and some are even trying to become like machines themselves.

Hivers (Mantis) - Free Hives. – “Never again will we be in chains.”
Genders: Male, Female, “Other”
The biggest and strongest of the species, but by far the slowest and least agile. While fierce and terrifying on the battlefield, most will agree that they are even more fearful in the courtrooms thanks to their strong sense of justice and hate for corruption. “Never bribe a mantis if you do not wish to face one in battle, either by sword or law.”

Uredo (Plants) – Integrated Clans – “Do not see from your point of view, but from all of theirs.”
Genders: None.
The Uredo are ungendered plant creatures mostly known for their love for peace and non-violence. Their biggest strength is their skill in diplomacy and they are the ones responsible for the great unity between the species. But even if their good nature would paint them as weak, most species have learned that they can be lethal if provoked, even if it’s too late for some cases.

Cibic (Parasites) – Integrated Clans - ”If you can’t ask, then find another way to learn.”
Genders: Hermaphrodite, “Other”
A one gendered race of parasites who were the original conquers of the Uredo species before the invention of space travel. Though once a mighty empire, most of their species was exterminated when the Uredo broke free from their slavery and gained their freedom. While many hundred years have passed and the Cibic have completely integrated into Uredo society they are still few in numbers compared to the other species.

Serpens (Snakes) – The Four Ways -”Learn, adapt, evolve.”
Genders: Male, Female, Ovale, “Other”
A serpent like race that is mostly known for their great intelligence, logical thinking and love for science though rather infamous for their “stunted” imagination and lack of social tact. Originally an aquatic species, they quickly adapted to a life above water as the necessity of tools appeared. A species with three genders, not only having the typical male and female but also the ovipositor carrying “Ovales”. (Though by a pure biological standpoint the Ovales would be considered females thanks to carrying the eggs originally and the female be some kind of incubator. They were just referred to as non-females in the beginning because of a certain appendage they possess and it kind of stuck.)

>>606290
Male Human. Get dolla. Smoke space weed.

>>606289
Understood. What about the other way around? Can we use information about the races we learn here in RUNE?

>>606290
Uredo. Let's see how you handle a quest where the main character can't flirt with anyone due to reproducing asexually!

going to have to go Cibic here for a few reasons
1)I fear these guys may go the way of dwarfs since they're so few in number so I don't want to miss out again
2)the idea of playing a race that most outside of the Uredo have never seen seems fun.
3)we've played both genders of the first three races and have already seen the other two in the ruin saga, these guys are pretty much an unknown to us.
4)they're Hermaphrodites, no gender wars.

>so no “voices of the many” or knowledge from the other quests
Ah, okay.
>>606293
Cibic sounds good.

My vote goes to Cibic.

Space parasites for the win.

Even if it looks like we've been relegated from fleshy havens to fishbowls.

>>606303

Actually it looks like a gelatinous sort of skin, but I have to agree Cibic it is!

Kaktus 2014/11/28(Fri)15:10 No. 606329 ID: 65a774
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> Understood. What about the other way around? Can we use information about the races we learn here in RUNE?
If you want to cheat, then sure… cheater…
>Uredo. Let's see how you handle a quest where the main character can't flirt with anyone due to reproducing asexually!
*Hiss* How did you know my weakness!

>going to have to go Cibic here for a few reasons…
>Cibic sounds good.
>My vote goes to Cibic.
>I have to agree Cibic it is!
>Space parasites for the win.
Congratulations! You have successfully been able to identify your own species! I hope you’re proud!

>Even if it looks like we've been relegated from fleshy havens to fishbowls.
>Actually it looks like a gelatinous sort of skin.
As a Cibic, your original true form is that an arachnid like creature the size of a human ribcage, most closely resembling a large scorpion. While not sapient on your own, when burrowing into and creating a symbiosis with a feral amoeba like creature called Cin your kind gain sentience through the combined brain matter of your new host and your own. Though as you grow, after about a year you fuse completely with your host body, taking over its nervous system and becoming one with it. Thus you’re unable to leave your new gelatinous body and have finally become a true Cibic, if still just a child for a few years longer.
>I fear these guys may go the way of dwarfs since they're so few in number so I don't want to miss out again.
There are currently 10 billion Cibic in the galaxy. While few compared to the other species, they are far from close to any kind of extinction.
>The idea of playing a race that most outside of the Uredo have never seen seems fun.
While the Cibic is rare in most places, the New Horizon Orbital Station is proud to say it’s a completely unified station and got many members of every sapient species in existence, including Cibics and even some Sentient Artificial Intelligences.

Now, please show which gender you want to identify with if any: He, she, it, other?

We also need you to write down any Cybernetic / bio implants you might have:
(Please choose two or less. Cyber make them look all metallic and cool while bio makes them invisible.)
Visual input – You can see shit, captain.
Audio input – Hearing, duh.
Scanner – You can scan people and items for extra information.
Nano Fluid: Mobility – You can move faster and are more agile.
Synth Heart – You’re stamina is greatly improved.
Art. Arm – One of your arms are artificial, making it faster / harder / better / stronger.
Art. Spine – Your reaction times, eye to hand coordination and focus is improved.
Art. “hand” – One of your hands are artificial, improving all action done with it considerably.
Art. Reproduction organs – You can please any girl / guy / thing you come across… (Vibrate setting included.)
Other – Any none standard cyber / bio input.

>choose implants!
Audio, and nano fluid.

Absolutely don't get visual. Because a blind protagonist in a pixel-quest is funny. We'll do just fine with sound-senses.

>>606329
Other: Exo-membrane Nanite colony. Can change the density of the Cin host's membrane to be that akin to a dense alloy-like composite. Essentially you can at will materialize a thick skin.

>>606329
Art. Arm
Art. Hand

I SUMMON UP THE POWER OF THE GOD HAND

Gender: All of the above.
>>606336
Same stuff as this guy, same reason.

>>606330
Would we be blind and deaf without the inputs? I thought they'd just make us better at seeing and hearing. Ether way going with Nano fluid and art. Spine.

Also we identify as a she but don't really care, we only go with she because when we were young we heard that girls got more chocolate and never bothered to change it.

>>606336
What are you, focusing on manual dexterity, like some kind of fleshy biped. We're supposed to be a proud slime-bug!

>>606336

Going with this.

Kaktus 2014/11/28(Fri)18:51 No. 606373 ID: 65a774
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>Artificial Arm, Artificial Hand. I SUMMON UP THE POWER OF THE GOD HAND!
You know possess the power of THE GOD HAND! Sadly, it only make you whole arm freaking good at most thing done with an arm and doesn’t allow you to punch people into orbit or do a hundred punches in ten seconds.
>Absolutely don't get visual. Because a blind protagonist in a pixel-quest is funny.
Just because you don’t have a piece of metal jabbed in your eye doesn’t mean you’re blind.
>Gender: All of the above.
As your own language doesn’t have proper gender pronounces you’re left more confused about these weird gender ideals then anything. You identify as a Cibic, because that’s what you are.

>Also we identify as a she but don't really care, we only go with she because when we were young we heard that girls got more chocolate and never bothered to change it.
As many others before you, you have heard about this mysterious substance called chocolate that the humans have invented. It is supposedly so tasty it will melt your very brain and make your skin boil! …metaphorically, of course. As with many others, tasting chocolate is a dream to strive for.

Speaking of Dreams, Why are you trying to move to the multi-cultural space platform “New Horizon”? Please choose one or more of these alternatives.

Acquaintances – You have relatives, friends, people you know living here.
Work – You were unable to find work somewhere else thanks to certain reasons.
New start – Whatever your old life was you wish to leave it behind.
New start with “baggage” – Your old life brings bad news with it.
SOMEONE IS TRYING TO KILL ME, HELP! - …well, alright…
SPACE! – You love SPACE!!! THIS IS A SPACE STATION!! YAAY!!
Ideological – You wish to escape those capitalist / communist / Lawphile / Hippy / spying and / or unethical pigs on your home planets and wishes to join the grand union of all species!
Medical – You need medical aid we can give.
Cultural – You wish to experience other cultures.
Chocolate – you wish to taste some kind of tasty candy / food stuff your people don’t have.
Xeno fan – You wish to meet alien life forms.
Xeno enthusiast – You wish to meet and live with alien life forms.
Xenophile – You wish to… “mingle” with alien life forms.
Other – please state a reason.
None of the above.

We would also appreciate if you should state your name.

Some common Cidic names:
In light of Twilight.
Of Mist in Morning.
One of Dawn.
The One who Wanders.
Dreams of Eternity.
…
…
…
Don’t ask me where you get these kind of names… your kind is just weird!

>Please choose one or more of these alternatives.
Cultural, Chocolate, Acquaintances.

We're the space age adult equivalent of an exchange student. We're here to impose on friends and family in the interest of expanding our own horizons! There's just so many weird cultures and foods and stuff to check out, we didn't want to stay on our dustball anymore.

>Don’t ask me where you get these kind of names… your kind is just weird!
You mean everyone else is weird for picking such abbreviated and non-descriptive labels for something as important as a name.

You are the Song of the Dawn's Light.

>SPACE! – You love SPACE!!! THIS IS A SPACE STATION!! YAAY!!
>Chocolate – you wish to taste some kind of tasty candy / food stuff your people don’t have.
>Xeno fan – You wish to meet alien life forms.
SPACE IS AWESOME, ADVENTURE IS AWESOME, XENOS ARE AWESOME, FOOD IS AWESOME, EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! AND YOU, YOU ARE AWESOME!

Name is 'Of Empty Darkness'. Our parents did not think things were awesome.

Chocolate
Baggage
Since you were young you have always wanted to try chocolate, while not an obsession it did lead you to trying your hand (so to speak) at being a merchant. You started off by renting a spaceship that really only took you as far as the space station orbiting your home planet and got started by buying broken junk and then fixing it and sold it cheap while still making a profit. When you finally made enough to buy a proper spaceship you bought one from some off worlders, who unfortunately turned out to be pirates trying to get rid of a hot ship. While this normally wouldn't have been to bad the pirates not only claimed that you were part of their crew bit that you were the captain to get a lighter sentence and even somehow managed to come up with evidence that what they were saying wasn't bullshit. In a panic you fled and went somewhere where Cibics are plentiful enough that you wouldn't stand out in a crowd but still far enough away so that the Integrated clans couldn't just pick you off a street. Luckly your "crimes" weren't so bad as to warent a man hunt So you came here.

the twist is that the pirate captain was a Cibic that looked a lot like us and they sold us there only ship in hopes they could have framed us with all there crimes but didn't go quite as planned. Now the old pirate captain is also after us to try and silence us to tie up lose ends. So "someone is trying to kill me" as well but we don't know that part

>>606390
Also name is song of the journey

>>606386

Voting this in.

>>606373
Medical. You bring THE PLAGUE.

Cultural & Chocolate are two reasons why we are here.

Our name is anything fruity that have "Wander(er)", "Journey" or "Seeker" in it. (Vote goes somewhere)

Kaktus 2014/11/29(Sat)05:02 No. 606529 ID: 65a774
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>SPACE IS AWESOME, ADVENTURE IS AWESOME, XENOS ARE AWESOME, FOOD IS AWESOME, EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! AND YOU, YOU ARE AWESOME!
You have left your home world to seek new AWESOME experiences! We are sure you will have quite an adventure working for us here in the peace keepers of New Horizon.
>You bring THE PLAGUE.
We’re sorry, but modern medicine has driven most infectious viruses and diseases instinct.

>Name is 'Of Empty Darkness'.
>Also name is song of the journey.
>Song of the Dawn's Light.
I am sorry, can you repeat that? Is your name 'Of Empty Darkness' , Song of the journey or Song of the Dawn's Light?

Oh, and one last thing before we welcome you properly, which clothes are you wearing? Please choose a set of clothes and the color scheme. (Clothes can be mix and mashed as you please. You can also change clothes any time you are “home”.)

The arms of 4 onto 3.

>name
Song of the Journey from the Empty Darkness unto Dawn's Light, but everyone just calls you Joe.

>>606530
This + Song of the Journey

In before "I JUST WANTED TO GO TO SPAAAAAAACE" ending

Of empty darkness, and agree with the body type mentioned above.

>>606529
I like song of the journey.

>>606530
This works

Our name is "song's journey from empty darkness to dawn's light"

Kaktus 2014/11/29(Sat)09:58 No. 606561 ID: 65a774
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>In before "I JUST WANTED TO GO TO SPAAAAAAACE" ending.
[Preparing to Spawn Machete wielding ghost…]

>The arms of 4 onto 3.
Why, aren’t you fashionable? Luckily, you’ll soon be wearing your work uniform…
>I like song of the journey.
By showing superior skill in remembering your own name you have hereby earned a golden star. Woop!

Anyway, enough about you, let’s just get this show started!

--------------------------------------------

Welcome to New Horizon, the interspecies central hub of sector 156. We hope you enjoy your stay with us here on New Horizon, “Song of the Journey”, and that you’ll do your best to make other people stay as enjoyable as possible too. There is a tram waiting for you to take you directly to habitat tower Tranquility sub level T where your living quarters are located. Once again, thank you for choosing New Horizon!

…

Well, here you are. Tranquility floor negative T… this is the place you will live for the next immediate future… around new and strange life forms and cultures… as you’ve never even met an alien before the thought is a bit nerve wrecking. You barely have time to worry though as suddenly a voice start speaking in your inner “ear”.

Greetings, Officer Song of the Journey, I am the Peacekeeper Assistance Computer, P.A.C, assigned to you by your superior officer. I am here to aid you both on duty and on the off hours with anything you might have problem with. If you ever have any questions please just ask and I will answer them to the best of my capabilities. Your apartment is 8T and it has already been decorated with the furniture you sent for per your specification. Also of note is that this floor contains several smaller shops, a café and bar, a small park and other areas for socialization. You have already received a smaller task to complete from High Command, but I would recommend that take some time to grow accustom to your new environment and check out the nearby sights. Now, how can I assist you, Officer? …oh, I almost forgot, you are the only Cibic living on any of the nearby floors, so expect to meet new, interesting people, Officer Song of the Journey.

oh hey the news is on, anything worth noting? As for now... I say find your room first just so you know where it is and then maybe see about hitting some of those shops. Who knows they might have chocolate and even if they don't it could be cool to see what people tend to buy around here.

>you’ve never even met an alien before
what about a Uredo? I thought Cibics and Uredos practically lived side by side.

>>606580

Well if they've been together they aren't exactly alien to each other now are they?

Anyways, news! Also Cafe, always good to find a place to eat/mingle and alien watch.

>>606561
There are aliens RIGHT THERE. Go say hi, and examine them!

>maplestory art assets
Ahh! Damnit, I quit! Begone!

>what do
Look up at the newscreen. What's happening?

If you're here out of your love of space, I think we need to find an observation window, as soon as possible. Check out the true magesty of your new home, see the starts from above instead of below.

Well, you came here to see and meet aliens, so how 'bout having a walk around the level to orient yourself with what's here and what's where and get an eyeful of the variety of aliens here; Maybe listen into some of their conversations as you pass. Oh, and take in the menu at the cafe; Maybe you could buy something different to munch on as you walk about. Just make sure to lookup if it's edible by Cibics before buying it. Don't want the memory of your first day here to be marred by food poisoning, now do you?

Hm... That's odd... You'll have to double-check your Guide just to be sure you aren't remembering Sakkilian biology wrong, but that Sakkilian female appears to have non-Sakkilian biological features. Specifically human-like hair and... Oh, what's the name of those things human females have on their chests? Supposed to be sexually attractive to human males... Ah, Breasts! That's it! Breasts. Huh. Wonder whether they're prosthetics, implants or bio-mods and why a Sakkilian would add such to herself.

Hey, is that thing near the ground in front of the fungi planter to the left of the bench part of the planter or did somebody drop something? 'Cause if somebody dropped something then bringing it back to them would offer a good opportunity to meet aliens and make a good first impression by returning it.

Kaktus 2014/11/29(Sat)16:13 No. 606646 ID: 65a774
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>What about an Uredo? I thought Cibics and Uredos practically lived side by side.
The thought strikes you that you might have met alien life before, but sadly after some consideration you come to the conclusion that the Uredo doesn’t really count as alien life forms. Uredo and Cibic originate from the same planet, after all.
>If you're here out of your love of space, I think we need to find an observation window, as soon as possible.
You are in space, yet… it doesn’t feel like it. While you have peeked through several of the “fake” windows around the station, it isn’t enough to satisfy your curiosity. There has to be some kind of observation deck around here somewhere with real windows. Of course, with your luck it will probably cost a bunch of credits.
>Hey, is that thing near the ground in front of the fungi planter to the left of the bench part of the planter or did somebody drop something?
Shoot, it’s just some kind of console for the mushroom planter! And here you almost had the perfect ice breaker…

>There are aliens RIGHT THERE. Examine them!
Ah, yes, two prime specimen of alien life. One of them seems to be a Serpens… A male one if you remember your alien biology correctly. He does have a rather fascinating crest on the back of his head, doesn’t he? …and you’ve always wondered how it is to have eight eyes instead of just one. As for the other, it’s a… a… um… it’s…
>Hm... That's odd... You'll have to double-check your Guide just to be sure you aren't remembering Sakkilian biology wrong, but that Sakkilian female appears to have non-Sakkilian biological features.
Um… PAC was it?
Indeed, sir and/or madam.
Does that Sakkil have some odd features?
It seems like she has artificially spliced hair growth and mammary glands onto herself. While I can only speculate as of why I would guess she has an interest for human anatomy.
So… Sakkil / Human hybrid… kind of… wow, this place is really weird and amazing!

>Oh hey the news is on, anything worth noting?
PAC? Is there a way to listen in on that news broadcast?
I’ll connect you momentarily, Officer. *BEEP* “-with the 100th anniversary since the construction of the New Horizon orbital platform coming ever closer Eli Nefir, the local CEO of Sol Corp, has promised to have an official demonstration of the new Automatic Robotic Combatant prototype revealed earlier this year on the eve of the anniversary.”

“In other news the award winning Dr. Tatius has still not been found since going missing late last week. Any information about his whereabouts- “

>Well, you came here to see and meet aliens, so how 'bout having a walk around the level to orient yourself with what's here and what's where and get an eyeful of the variety of aliens here; Maybe listen into some of their conversations as you pass.
While a bit rude, you can’t help yourself. You just need to know what all these new and intriguing people are talking about! Let’s start with that Sakkil and Serpens right here.

Oh, I’m sure it would be super fun, but I’m kind of busy tonight. Sorry, Shui, maybe another time?
Err… Y-yeah, an-another time… s-sure…

While taking a walk around the area you’re able to spot most of the things PAC mentioned existing here, as well as an entrance entitled “Observation Deck”. You make a mental note to visit it as soon as you got more time.

>Also Cafe, always good to find a place to eat/mingle and alien watch. Who knows they might have chocolate and even if they don't it could be cool to see what people tend to buy around here.
You decide to head to the so called Café, trying to listen in on any alien you pass on the way. Regrettable, most of them are on their lonesome and rather quiet. Either way, here you are… time to see if you can find this mythical “chocolate” they have talked about! Hmm, the place seems rather empty this time of day, with the exception of a lone Sakkil muttering to himself.

…*mumble* pointless… *grumble* …why do I even… *Sigh*…

But enough about that, TIME FOR CHOCOLATE!! …geez, this place is cheesy…

so if the vender has chocolate, if not see what he's selling anyways might find something interest. Then might as well talk to the Sakkil as well, I mean he's by himself and you might be able to learn more about him if you can get him talking.

What's up with the Sakkil? I see he has augmented eyes, is his head laying on the table?

Check the menu and get something that sounds good, but remember that chocolate is supposed to be eaten, not drank. You might as well sit across from the guy, too, it's not good to drink alone.

>>606646
Shouldn't you have a reflection? What is that mirror-like thing anyway?

Oooh look at all the snacks! Refrigerators, who knows what sort of exotic meals they contain! Also this is some sort of odd decor, ask what style is it after.

Actually that's a good thought, how much credit do we even have to buy things with?

Also go 'speak' with the sakkil, It doesn't hurt to be friendly, also who knows what you could learn.

>>606659
I think that's a steel door or something.

Demand chocolate milk, with chocolate syrup, on chocolate cake, with chocolate ice cream, on chocolate moose, sprinkled with chocolate chips!

Kaktus 2014/11/30(Sun)03:48 No. 606912 ID: 65a774
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>Shouldn't you have a reflection? What is that mirror-like thing anyway?
While trying to admire your rugged good looks in the polished synth steel door, you notice that while it does reflect light, your own image is way to blurry to really make out.
>What's up with the Sakkil? I see he has augmented eyes, is his head laying on the table?
Your eyes most be mistake, as that male Sakkil doesn’t have any augments at all on his face. He does on the other hand lay slumped against the table in a rather depressing manner. Either way, you can now strike red Sakkil male from the list of aliens you want to see. If this keep up you’ll have seen all the different, interesting aliens before nighttime!
>Then might as well talk to the Sakkil as well, I mean he's by himself and you might be able to learn more about him if you can get him talking.
>You might as well sit across from the guy, too, it's not good to drink alone.
>Also go 'speak' with the sakkil, It doesn't hurt to be friendly, also who knows what you could learn.
[Scanning!] [Target scanned!] Name: Vitus Mort, Occupation: Software engineer (AI Focused)[Currently on sick leave.], Status: Deeply depressed [On heavy medication and surveillance.], Recommended course of action: Approach with care.
…you can scan people?
I can give you information on people taken from the Peace keepers data base if I deem it necessary. This Vitus is mentally unwell and you should take time to consider how to approach him to not make it worse.
Hmm…
W-why did you leave…

>Oooh look at all the snacks! Refrigerators, who knows what sort of exotic meals they contain!
Focusing your mind on something a bit more positive, you can’t help to feel exited when you see all those refrigerators and shelves! Just imagine the treasures hidden among those bottles! The experiences just waiting to be discovered! You can’t wait to try them!
>Actually that's a good thought, how much credit do we even have to buy things with?
Checking your current balance you only have 2000 zeds and you won’t get any more before next week’s payday. Luckily, the rent and all vital expanses are already paid, including enough food to last the whole week. You have to remember not to spend it all in one place.

>This is some sort of odd decor, ask what style is it after.
Welcome, how can I assist you? The décor? I don’t know exactly but it’s supposed to be some kind of Sakkilian or Human tribal home. It’s just looking silly if you ask me, but what can you do? Now, what’s your poison… err… not literally, of course.
>Demand chocolate milk, with chocolate syrup, on chocolate cake, with chocolate ice cream, on chocolate moose, sprinkled with chocolate chips!
…we don’t have any chocolate milk, syrup, cake, ice cream, moose or chips… no, wait, actually we have some pastries with chocolate in them but otherwise, sorry honored costumer.
>see if the vender has chocolate.
Of course we do, which kind do you want?
…there’s more than one kind?
Sure, we got dark, light, white, with nuts, strawberries and all kind of different combinations.
…well, I want the original, pure chocolate then.
…you do know that a piece of real, non-synth chocolate cost about a million credits, right? Most of the plants that grow the stuff were wiped out when the human home world was destroyed and the few who survived are now privately owned by greedy humans. I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you are new here, correct?
Why, yes, I came to this amazing place just a few hours ago. Haven’t even been to my apartment 8T yet.
Then I have to welcome you to… wait, 8T? Huh, me and my family companion lives in 10T, which means we’re neighbors, aren’t we? Nice to meet you then, I’m CB11-56627-LoaderClass-555436B-
Err…
-SolCorpIndustries8887-
Wait-
-Heavy lifting Construction Bot, but you can call me Cib.
Wait, you’re sentient!? That is so freaking cool!! …and what did you mean with family companion?
Freaking cool? Hmm… that’s a refreshing way to see it. Most people just think it’s weird that the robot talking to them can think and feel. As for my family companion… well, speak of the DDOS attack…
Brother! How’s it hanging!? Oh, a Cibic! I haven’t seen your kind in this spire before! Are you new here?
How many times have I told you, “sister”, don’t call me brother.
Oh, don’t mind him, he’s always a bit grumpy.
It! I’m an it! Not he, she or anything else! IT!!
…don’t mind it, it’s always a bit grumpy. I’m Susan, by the way, who are you?
Wow, two S.A.I at the same time? This place really is amazing! Oh, I’m Song of the Journey, a pleasure to meet you Susan.
The Pleasure is all mine. Hmm… your name is rather a handful, isn’t it? Got a nickname or something?
I mean, I respect that you want to be called a She *grumble*grumble*

Ah poor Sakkil, must have lost a lover and is depressed as a result, maybe let him stew for now rather then poke him.

Also ask how common is it to have a sentient AI if this is a refreshing viewpoint, you'd think something like this would be a bit more common considering the tales you've heard.

Also Song or Journey would work for shortening the name.

Also buy some light chocolate, best to start with something less exotic then work your way up to see how they taste different.

>>606912
Journey seems to be your nickname.

hm, if I had to guess looking at Susan, she's a Serpen female, but I can't tell just how much of her is machine at this point and what's just clothes. Also ask how they become family. Then ask CIB if he know the deference between real chocolate and the stuff that doesn't make you dead broke. Maybe ask if either of them know about the red guy over there.

>Also Song or Journey would work for shortening the name.
Song is too basic, but Journey should work fine.

You don't actually have a nickname 'cause back home everybody used their full names all the time. But if you were going to be a bit clever in picking one then how 'bout one based on the name of a song about a journey? Though you don't really know any songs like that, so "Jo," short for "Journey," will do for now. Oh, and you use a female gender pronoun for yourself though you don't actually identify as one gender.

Ask why there's so few people out on this level of the station right now. Did you happen to arrive in the middle of the station's night period and everyone is home asleep or something?

Is that synthetic chocolate chemically indistinguishable from the real deal? 'Cause if so that'd explain why the real chocolate is so expensive; It's a luxury item bought just to show off how bloody rich you are. Otherwise it'd make no sense for those humans to hoard them instead of growing more of them to sell at a lower cost to a much wider market and make much more money then now; That'd play to the "greedy" part, wouldn't it? Or are you missing some other factor in play here?

>>606965
>hm, if I had to guess looking at Susan, she's a Serpen female, but I can't tell just how much of her is machine at this point and what's just clothes.
That sounds like you think Susan was biological at some point but she never was. She's a S.A.I. who chose a Serpen female form body and identifies as female.

>Err… Wait
Why are you objecting? CB11-56627-LoaderClass-555436B-SolCorpIndustries8887-Heavy lifting Construction Bot actually understands the importance of long names! You didn't know any non-Cibics did that! Look at all the culture you're learning already.

>nickname
Song.

>Though you don't really know any songs like that, so "Jo," short for "Journey," will do for now. Oh, and you use a female gender pronoun for yourself though you don't actually identify as one gender.
"Joana, or Jo, short for Journey. Not really sure what people choose genders for, but I guess I go by she?"
>Or are you missing some other factor in play here?
There are likely enough rich folk buying it that the owners get rich anyways.
>She's a S.A.I. who chose a Serpen female form body and identifies as female.
Interesting that Susan chose an Organic shape, while Cib chose a more mechanical one.

Kaktus 2014/11/30(Sun)11:04 No. 607026 ID: 65a774
File 141737425854.png - (27.25KB , 900x450 , 9.png )

>Ah poor Sakkil, must have lost a lover and is depressed as a result, maybe let him stew for now rather than poke him.
You decide that it’s maybe for the best that you let him be for now. After all, you are far from qualified to help someone with his kind of problems, especially considering you’ve never interacted with a Sakkil before.
>You don't actually have a nickname 'cause back home everybody used their full names all the time.
Of course, one of the first steps to adapt in a new environment is to follow the flow. Your name is rather long when you say it in the Unity language, so you might need to shorten it a bit.
>Why are you objecting? CB11-56627-LoaderClass-555436B-SolCorpIndustries8887-Heavy lifting Construction Bot actually understands the importance of long names! You didn't know any non-Cibics did that! Look at all the culture you're learning already.
While you’re used to names with a long meaning, Song of the journey doesn’t take half a minute to say. Besides, in your original language your name sounded a lot shorter.

Give me a bottle of Uredo mineral water, extra copper.
Here you go sir, that will be 7 credits. Have a nice-
Yeah, whatever, just give me the water and let me leave.

>Song is too basic, but Journey should work fine.
You can call me Journey.
Hmm… Journey… how about Jo? Is it fine if I call you Jo? Or maybe Joana?
Either of those will work too.
>Oh, and you use a female gender pronoun for yourself though you don't actually identify as one gender.
Alright, sister. It’s probably for the best to choose a pronoun and stick with it. I know how hard it is using genderless pronounce, thanks to my bro- family companion. It’s a bit cranky when it comes to these “organic” ideas.
I’m just trying to find our own place in the world, instead of mimicking all the other species.
>Interesting that Susan chose an Organic shape, while Cib chose a more mechanical one.
See, I always believed if we want the organic ones to accept us we need to become more like them. Besides, Serpens culture are freaking awesome… and their boys are kind of cute too!
Ugh, personally I think it would be better if we found our own place in the world, make our own culture. Live like we want too. But, if sis want to live like that… sure…
>Ask how common is it to have a sentient AI if this is a refreshing viewpoint, you'd think something like this would be a bit more common considering the tales you've heard.
Currently, there is barely one billion of us in the whole universe, which mean we are rather few and far between. Of course, you will meet a lot more of us out here in Unity space or in Serpent space than anywhere else, mostly because there’s the only places we’re actually considered “people”… if we have the right papers…

>Hmm, if I had to guess looking at Susan, she's a Serpens female, but I can't tell just how much of her is machine at this point and what's just clothes.
>She's a S.A.I. who chose a Serpens female form body and identifies as female.
Excuse me for asking but… you’re a S.A.I and not a Serpens, right?
Indeed, I’m a machine, though I’m not far from a Serpens. The only real difference is that I’m made out of synth metal while they are flesh and blood.
>Ask how they become family.
We were originally both CB11 Construction bots, made on the same line and everything. We even “awoke” at the same time when the sentience bug happened.
So, like other families, we were born from the same “mother” and grew up together.
>Ask why there's so few people out on this level of the station right now. Did you happen to arrive in the middle of the station's night period and everyone is home asleep or something?
The station doesn’t actually have a night period, it’s always “day” in this place. But we are split into three shifts, 10 hours each over 30 hours. You work one, relax one and sleep most of the last, then repeat. Most levels got the same shift schedule, so level T in this spire is currently in it working shift, thus why most people are gone. Go to another spire right now and you’ll probably find a lot of sleeping people.
>Is that synthetic chocolate chemically indistinguishable from the real deal?
According to some of the more snobbish people, yes.
>Ask CIB if he knows the difference between real chocolate and the stuff that doesn't make you dead broke.
One doesn’t make you broke, that’s it. I mean, how should I know how they taste like? I’ve never tasted the real deal… in fact, I’ve never tasted anything! I’m a freaking robot!
I’m a robot too and I’ve tasted things…
>Otherwise it'd make no sense for those humans to hoard them instead of growing more of them to sell at a lower cost to a much wider market and make much more money than now.
It’s more of a status symbol these days. That’s more important to them then some more cash.
>Maybe ask if either of them know about the red guy over there.
Oh, Vitus? I don’t know, but he’s been down for a while now. I think he missed a space flight or something?
Missing a space flight generally doesn’t make you into an alcoholic.

>Buy some light chocolate, best to start with something less exotic then work your way up to see how they taste different.
Here, take one of these, they are supposed to be good.
How much?
Usually we charge ten zeds for three of them, but this one is on the house. See it as a welcoming gift.
Mmmm! THESE ARE DELICOUS!
Err… you’re supposed to remove the paper first…

>Err… you’re supposed to remove the paper first
paper?

So what do you two usually do in your free time? and what does Susan do for a living? Oh and it seems Vitus has finally opened his eyes, might be a good sign but I think we should leave him alone for now unless he approaches us first.

>Err… you’re supposed to remove the paper first…
But it has such a good texture? And there are so many more chemicals in the outer wrapper, I assumed they were some kind of dressing or sauce.

(We now have a taste both for chocolate and inks.)

Invite them to hang at your place later, also ask them where the best hot spots are.

Are Synth metal bodies common?

Mr Vitus is actually looking now rather then keeping his eyes closed.

Also having your own culture is important you'd agree since it is a method of having your own place in the world, though being part of another culture isn't too bad either, though is there really such a problem against sentients?

Also unintentionally touch him to feel what synth feels like, must..explore..curiosity.

Kaktus 2014/11/30(Sun)14:47 No. 607080 ID: 65a774
File 141738764037.png - (26.66KB , 900x450 , 10.png )

>But it has such a good texture? And there are so many more chemicals in the outer wrapper, I assumed they were some kind of dressing or sauce.
Gee, I forgot that you guys are pretty much omnivores.
Are you going to eat that?
What? The last customer’s recipe? Okay, here’s a tip, don’t eat things like paper, cardboard and other junk. It freaks people out.
But… they are so tasty… almost as tasty as real food…
Another advice, don’t digest things were people can see it! Next time you eat something pull it down so it’s hidden behind your clothes and don’t digest it in your head. You’re lucky I have no lunch to lose.
Sorry.
>Are Synth metal bodies common?
With Synth metal being so cheap nowadays most things are made out of it. Of course, a body of this quality was really expensive. I saved for over a year to buy it! In fact, it was just recently I finally got the last parts installed. While not vital, they are very important for me to learn about the organic side of life.
>Having your own culture is important you'd agree since it is a method of having your own place in the world, though being part of another culture isn't too bad either, though is there really such a problem against sentients?
You mean S.A.I’s right? At the moment there are a lot of problems, mostly by people who can’t accept that we’re actually sentient or people that want to exploit us. But you’re right, being part of another culture is important, but you need your own culture first.

>Ask them where the best hot spots are.
Hot spots?
Well, what is there to do around here?
Well, there’s the bar right next to this place, but that doesn’t open before the second shift. Oh, and the park is really nice… and there’s the observation deck. The view from there is quite amazing.
There’s an art gallery just further down the shopping section. They have an art class every second shift there if you want to try painting or sculpting sometime.
We can’t forget about the mess hall either. They got a giant telly in there that show all kind of stuff… usually sports like scrum balls thought… I’m not really that into sports personally…
We also got a shop for those new BTL stuff right around the corner. That impolite Uredo that bought some water from me a moment ago owns the place.
BTL?
Better than life. It’s like a virtual experience you can rent and plug right into your brain. It’s rather nifty…
And educational.
Just… keep away from the adult section. That place is just icky.
But so very educational!
>So what do you two usually do in your free time?
Remember that art lesson I mentioned? I usually frequent it. But most of the time I hang out playing games with some other friends.
I usually hang out at the bar or park with my lady friends.
And mentally scar any poor guy who is foolish enough to get close.
Hey! I’m not that bad at flirting!
>And what does Susan do for a living?
I work at a spa in the serenity spire. I’m a professional massager. Hmm… can’t say I’ve ever given a massage to a Cibic before… I have no idea how to get someone like you to relax, girlfriend.

>Invite them to hang at your place later.
Oh, I’d love too!
And do what?
Well, I recently got that new human game called Super Smash Sentinels: Universe; Turbo edition.
Oh! That sounds like fun! You can count me in!
>Unintentionally touch her to feel what synth feels like, must..explore..curiosity.
…what are you doing?
So smooth…
Hey be careful! She might end up doing disgusting organic stuff to you if you continue like that!
Disgusting organic stuff!?
Well, that’s what it is!

A small reminder, remember that you still have some work that needs doing. No rush, just don’t plan on doing something that will take hours.

>Disgusting organic stuff!?
(Clueless) Which organic stuff is disgusting? I'm pretty much entirely made of organic stuff.

>hot spots
The observation deck seems something we should check out before you get to work.

The art gallery and mess hall seem good places to check out culture, later. Art is culture, and so is food.

Oh so she has installed reproductive parts? Also your kinda organic too and while it doesn't offend that badly it does sound somewhat like a slur to put it like that, saying it aloud like "Disgusting Organic Things" or "Disgusting Robotic Things".

Though you should probably see what you actually need to be doing, tell them you almost forgot you had actual work that you needed to do and will invite them by later.

huh, the red guy looks like he's doing better now at least. Anyways tell them you have some stuff you need to get out of the way so it doesn't come to haunt you later. See if they're willing to trade contact information so if you or any of them want to get and touch you all are only a phone call away. Then go do that thing that needs doing just so we don't have to worry about it any more.

Finally you can look at SPACE, but it might be a good idea to do that after work. You should work hard so that someday you can eat real chocolate.

>I’m a robot too and I’ve tasted things…
Well, there's another difference between you and Serpens--They don't have mouths to eat stuff with!
>Hey be careful! She might end up doing disgusting organic stuff to you if you continue like that!
Oh, that's right. Most organics get touchy like that when it's a part of romance.
>A small reminder, remember that you still have some work that needs doing. No rush, just don’t plan on doing something that will take hours.
While romance isn't necessarily a bad thing, it is important that you go do your job!

Hey, ask CB11 why it chose a blocky body. It doesn't seem to be designed for form OR function... is that how it was originally made? Or did it pick a blocky body on purpose? Did it do so just out of opposition to organic designs? In that case, by defining itself as something in opposition to organic culture, it is allowing itself to be influenced by it.

The only way SAIs can make their own culture is by finding out what they like, not by rebelling against organic culture, and not by putting it on a pedestal.

>>607311
From what I remember from the previous quests, robots would be naturally given a blocky form. It was less that it was functional, more that it was easier to make a bunch of flat panels and assemble them that way. But Song of Journey wouldn't know that, so go ahead and ask.-
Speaking of which, this quest seems to be handled in Second Person, whereas the Voice of Magic quests were mostly Third Person. Are we actually representing Song of Journey here, or some AI built into the implants?
>The only way SAIs can make their own culture is by finding out what they like, not by rebelling against organic culture, and not by putting it on a pedestal.
Cib enjoys its cold metal form. They do enjoy video games and such, and spend time with their friends, but don't find joy in treating themself as an organic. While it is frustrated at Susan's suggestions to advance into the fields of Organics, they don't seem to be against Susan enjoying it herself.
Good lord Susan was right, nongender is hard to speak. Mixing "it" in with "they" all over the place to try and differentiate things.

Well I was also going to say if that was its original body then it's co-opting organic culture by keeping it.

Kaktus 2014/12/01(Mon)04:49 No. 607379 ID: 65a774
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>Speaking of which, this quest seems to be handled in Second Person, whereas the Voice of Magic quests were mostly Third Person. Are we actually representing Song of Journey here, or some AI built into the implants?
”No, John, you are the blob of jelly!” and then john was Song of the journey. (So yes, you guys are representing song of the journey.)

>Which organic stuff is disgusting? I'm pretty much entirely made of organic stuff.
Err… that’s not… I meant actions, not… actual organic stuff. You know, like kissing, snuggling and worse of all… romance…
Oh, that's right. Most organics get touchy like that when it's a part of romance.
Are you trying to romance me, Jo?
No? I mean, I just met you…
Aw…
>You’re kinda organic too and while it doesn't offend that badly it does sound somewhat like a slur to put it like that, saying it aloud like "Disgusting Organic Things" or "Disgusting Robotic Things".
I already said I didn’t mean it like that. But you’re right, it came out wrong. Sorry for that.
No need to be sorry, I wasn’t offended.
>Well, there's another difference between you and Serpens--They don't have mouths to eat stuff with!
Technically, neither do I. It’s just… well, I don’t think we even got the technology to artificially create an alloy capable of absorbing food like Serpens skin does, so I have to do with an intake chute instead.

>Oh so she has installed reproductive parts?
From the sound of things, that would be a reasonable guess. Either way, it seems like she is trying to find some kind of romance with someone.
>The art gallery and mess hall seem good places to check out culture, later. Art is culture, and so is food.
Food is also an art form, creating a complete triangle of culture! Don’t you feel clever for coming up with that? But yes, you decide that you’ll have to take some time later to visit those two locations.
>Finally you can look at SPACE, but it might be a good idea to do that after work.
To even start satisfying your lust of SPACE you clearly need more than one hour. Clearly.
>You should work hard so that someday you can eat real chocolate.
Even if you got enough money to buy a piece of real chocolate, they didn’t taste that good. Sure, they were delicious, just not “one million zeds” tasty.

>Hey, ask CB11 why it chose a blocky body.
Because I choose too.
It’s kind of an “in” thing among the S.A.I that doesn’t go for the organic look like I did.
I have to point out, this model of camera head is worn by SN-5442 itself!
Who?
He’s a famous S.A.I artist and one of the bigger spokespersons in the “Son of Steel” organization.
You two are just jealous that I for one got style.
>Did it do so just out of opposition to organic designs? In that case, by defining itself as something in opposition to organic culture, it is allowing itself to be influenced by it.
Of course not. If it would be a complete opposition it wouldn’t look like something an organic creature created. This style is called Cyber Retro, it’s supposed to capture the robotic feel of the old mixed with the new thinking of today.
>Is that how it was originally made?
Our original forms was a bit…
We used to big as big as a car! And we had threads and big forklifts! It was rather restricted moment in those bodies though…
Imagine if you will to be stuck in a body too large to fit anywhere decent, with limited moment and the only sense being sight.
That sounds horrible!
Getting out of that body was the best day of my life, let me tell you.

>You should probably see what you actually need to be doing, tell them you almost forgot you had actual work that you needed to do and will invite them by later.
Ah, yes, of course. We’ll call you later then and good luck with… err… you never said what you worked with, did you?
I’m an officer of the peace keepers.
Oh, a police officer! I feel safer already!
Safer from what? There’s never any crimes in this place…
There was that break in a week ago…
That happened in 20 levels up two towers away from this one. Face it, seeing a crime is like winning the lottery in this place.
>See if they're willing to trade contact information so if you or any of them want to get and touch you all are only a phone call away.
Why wouldn’t we?
Two new contacts added! You can call any of your contacts at any time thanks to your implants!

[Contacts Added]
[CB11-56627-LoaderClass-555436B-SolCorpIndustries8887-Heavy lifting Construction Bot Tysser, Genderless S.A.I Machine.]
[Susan Tysser, “Female” S.A.I Serpens.]

See you later, Song of the Journey.
Later, Jo.
Please head to you apartment to pick up your gear, Sir and/or Madam.
You can call me madam… or Joana or Jo.
Very well, Madam Joana.

...

Welcome to your new home, Song of the Journey. We here at New Horizon hope that your stay with us will be a pleasant one. Please contact System admin if you find anything in your new home not to your liking. Do have a pleasant day. Current Security settings – Occupied: Emergency only, Unoccupied: Full surveillance.
You have received new equipment from your superior officer, which includes a full set of Peace keeper light combat armor (Cibic), a “sleeper” gun and a stun rod. Please try them out and see if they are working properly. Meanwhile I will be calling High command for further orders. Calling…
…
…
Error! Unable to connect! Retrying…
…
…
Error! Unable to connect! Retrying…
…
…
Error! Unable to connect! Retrying…
Hmmm…

Ooooh this place is pretty big! I'm actually quite curious as to what you'd want to use the weapons on to test them, but hey check them and make sure they are in working proper order.

Also considering the communication seems to be on the fritz, you may want to explore the apartment a bit, get a nice sense of understanding with the place, and then suit up.

Also whats with all the mushroom tree's aboard the place.

Oh, nice digs. I actually like the apartment.

>Error! Unable to connect! Retrying…
Ctrl+C, Pac. Terminate connection attempt process. Can you diagnose the connection error?

Then check out your gear. Keeping your equipment in good working order is important.

Not half bad looking, you should try the gear now see if it fits/works. After that you should find out why you are not connecting, someone might be in trouble or your equipment might need an update.

damn nice view, well if you can't reach headquarters with your PAC I say explore your new home a bit seeing you still have time and then suit up and just report in manually. I mean we're going to have to figure out where HQ is at some point and I'm sure our PAC can give us directions so we can get there on time.

>>607379
Check to see if you can connect to other stuff. Isolate the connection problem. Then try calling someone who can tell if High Command is having any issues.

>Unable to connect to High Command!
>No, John, you are the blob of jelly!
OH GOD ITS DOOM 3 ALL OVER AGAIN

Kaktus 2014/12/01(Mon)09:31 No. 607433 ID: 65a774
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>Ooooh this place is pretty big!
You are surprised how huge this place is. From the information you got before coming here you were sure it would be a lot smaller. Considering how cheap this place was it’s a real find you’ve stumbled upon!
>What’s with all the mushroom tree's aboard the place.
You know you’ve seen mushrooms like that before… you believe they are from the Serpens home world if you remember correctly. This spire is probably inspired by their home world… or maybe it’s just this level? Who knows?
>Damn nice view.
Damn shame its fake…

>Ctrl+C, Pac. Terminate connection attempt process. Can you diagnose the connection error?
Scanning… Connecting to network succeeded… Connecting to Peace keeper data base succeeded… Unable to connect to High command…
>You should find out why you are not connecting, someone might be in trouble or your equipment might need an update.
Is it a problem on our side?
Calculating… Problem is originating from High Command… Most likely cause is that the receiver has shut down their communication implant. Motive: There are currently a lot of work and stress within the High Command thanks to the incoming anniversary, thus it’s probable that the one we should contact is busy elsewhere.
…well, that’s a great first impression, isn’t it?

>Considering the communication seems to be on the fritz, you may want to explore the apartment a bit, get a nice sense of understanding with the place, and then suit up.
This place looks amazing, doesn’t it? You can barely contain yourself as you press the data pad to open the first door and find… a dining hall and a kitchen… it’s nice, you guess…

Kaktus 2014/12/01(Mon)09:32 No. 607434 ID: 65a774
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Door number two yields… a gaming room! Score! …of course, what with all those huge rooms you can’t help to notice that your old TV is rather on the small side, isn’t it? Why can’t electronics become dirt cheap like everything else did when they built those mass Synthers?

Kaktus 2014/12/01(Mon)09:34 No. 607436 ID: 65a774
File 141745527024.png - (30.62KB , 900x450 , 14.png )

The third door leads to your bedroom… and a waste disposal facility / HydroEther Cleaning Chamber. You have no idea why they would put a waste disposal facility here in the first place… I mean, who doesn’t have automatic waste nullifier implants at this day and age? The Hydro chamber is nice and big, though. As for the rest of your room, you’re glad to see your trusty old Hibernating sphere made the trip… but… wait, why is this… human bed here? Or is it a Sakkil one? Hiver? Either way, it’s rather big and in the way, no? Oh, and last, there’s your trusty closet… that sticks out like a sore thumb…

>Then check out your gear. Keeping your equipment in good working order is important.
You retrieve your suit from the closet and put it on… it fits like a glove. A giant white glove with a P on it but still a glove…
Analyzing… all system are green, officer.
>I'm actually quite curious as to what you'd want to use the weapons on to test them.
Just fire them up and I’ll analyze the effects. Neither weapon should be able to damage its surrounding. Just don’t hit yourself, Officer.

Let’s see… first, we got the so called “Force Hibernation Wave motion generator”… or Sleeper gun, which most people call it. Just point, press the trigger and an invisible wave of sleep inducing… err… something will be fired. Completely audio less, it’s the perfect gun for non-lethal takedowns. Of course, it needs to be calculated for every person separately, but PAC should be able to do that in just a few microseconds.

Next you power up the stun rod. It’s a baton which can be powered to instantly knock someone out. More powerful than the gun, it will make sure the perp doesn’t get up again. Of course, you’ve never actually had to use any of these weapon while you’ve been on the force on your home planet…
All systems are nominal. You’re good to go, Jo.
>Just report in manually. I mean we're going to have to figure out where HQ is at some point and I'm sure our PAC can give us directions so we can get there on time.
I would advise you from heading to HQ at the moment. They are already working at the breaking point and giving a new officer a proper welcome isn’t vital at the moment. Please calm down a second and I’m sure they will call you- *BEEP* Incoming call!

Hello? Officer… err… Song of… Journey?
Officer Song of the Journey here.
Um… Sorry for taking so long but… the boss is kind of busy to call you just to debrief a new blood at the moment. Err… your PAC unit has already sent us that your gear is fully functional and that you’re ready to go but… um… let’s just say we had a bit of an accident in the filing and you were kind of forgotten… sorry…
You forgot about me?
Well, we forgot to sign you up with a proper partner… but… um… you’re just going on patrol today so you should be fine. You already got five years of experience, after all… and PAC will be there too… um… so, I’ve already uploaded your patrol route to PAC and… wait… oh, wait, we apparently got something else for you. Nothing major, you’re just supposed to go look if some engineers are slacking off or not… apparently you’re the only officer that’s close that isn’t busy… err.. anyway, sorry for not being able to welcome you but… err… I need to hang up soon so... Just talk to PAC, he’ll have all the information you’ll need… bye! *BEEP*

…That was… I…
As I said, HQ is in a bit of a disarray at the moment. A huge corporation like Sol Corp deciding to bring a truck load of military hardware here to show off will do that.
So… my mission?
You’ve been asked to travel to level Q in this Spire. That’s far enough down to hit the blind zone, which means there will be no cameras or radio functioning down there. There supposedly two engineers doing routine maintenance down there but they should have been done by now and came back up. Your job is to go down there, find them and kick them in the butt if they are slacking off.
So… go down into the dark area, find two lost engineers, realized they have been killed by some huge monstrosity and then run away like a little girl? Got it… I just hope I’m the main character in this horror movie… or better yet, action movie…
Last murder done on New Horizon happened nearly fifty years ago. The chances are-
Yeah, yeah, I can dream, can’t I?
I would advise you to finish whatever work you got here before leaving. I’m sure you got something here that needs to be checked before you got to work.

>Most likely cause is that the receiver has shut down their communication implant.
That seems counterproductive. These implants should have a busy or away setting so when queried they give that information. It's better than just shutting down and forcing connection failures.

>wait, why is this… human bed here? Or is it a Sakkil one? Hiver?
Maybe it's easier for them to stock quarters with general purpose accommodations than to move beds around depending on who rents the place.

Or maybe they're there just in case you have company?

>press the trigger and an invisible wave of sleep inducing… err… something will be fired
Something in the EM spectrum, I would guess. Trying to sync the elctro-chemical state of the brain with a sleep state. Getting it work across multiple species is pretty impressive, unless your brains are more similar than I would expect.

>hq's got nothing for us
Geeze, you'd think there'd be an orientation. Or a tour, or something.

Let's at least download a map or something before we head into a blind zone. Bring a flashlight (or equivalent) too, in case something is out. And including a basic medical kit in our gear would be a good idea, just in case something actually happened to the people we're supposed to check up on.

well this is a good way to impress the new recruits I have to say.

Aw well we got our orders. Might as well pull up as much data as we can on those two guy's we're suppose to find, like what species are they, names, a picture if we can find one, you know that kind of stuff. That way if we run into them we can chew out the right people instead of some poor janitor we mistaken for a engineer. Oh and before you head into the blind zone make sure you send a text or message or something to HQ just so they know you went in... and if something does happen they know how long you've been messing.

>wait, why is this… human bed here? Or is it a Sakkil one? Hiver?
I don't think it's for sleeping, wink wink.

Call up one of your new friends, explain you mission and say that if they don't hear from you again, there's trouble and/or a cover-up.

Check your books!

>Or maybe they're there just in case you have company?
Yeah, probably arrived as a result of an alien species being in charge of putting the furniture in, but you can use it as a guest bed.
>Bring a flashlight (or equivalent) too, in case something is out. And including a basic medical kit in our gear would be a good idea, just in case something actually happened to the people we're supposed to check up on.
A flashlight's a definite yes, but on the subject of medikits, what is available? Do you get some mass produced cheap nanogel or are we going to have to go with old fashioned bandage wraps?

>first mission
>find two lost engineers
>find a missing scientist
>only one not busy
ITS DOOM3!

Kaktus 2014/12/01(Mon)12:41 No. 607531 ID: 65a774
File 141746648884.png - (12.40KB , 900x450 , 15.png )

>That seems counterproductive. These implants should have a busy or away setting so when queried they give that information.
While it’s possible to put the implants on busy or an away setting, sometime you simply want to shut it down and get some peace.
>Geez, you'd think there'd be an orientation. Or a tour, or something.
You are very impressed that these guys can be so effective. It took you almost a year before you realized your old squad was incompetent. These guys on the other hand were able to convince you in just a few minutes!
>Maybe they're there just in case you have company?
Now that you think about it, if you ever had any non-Cibic friends over it would be rather hard for them to even fit in your hibernation sphere… and even if it was another Cibic you would only share a sphere if you were… um…
>I don't think it's for sleeping, wink wink.
…yeah, it’s probably for being intimate, isn’t it?
>Check your books!
You really should finish those “Throne of Game: The Mario story” books before the Holo-series is able to catch up with them… but that has to wait, you got work to do!
>Call up one of your new friends, explain you mission and say that if they don't hear from you again, there's trouble and/or a cover-up.
Calling people you just met a few minutes after you first saw each other to tell them you’re probably going to die horribly has never really won over any friends.

>Bring a flashlight (or equivalent) too, in case something is out.
Your suit already got one built into it, silly.
>And including a basic medical kit in our gear would be a good idea, just in case something actually happened to the people we're supposed to check up on.
Your suit also got some basic medical supplies in it. Most of it is automatically used on the user in an emergency, sure, but you got some things you can use on others.
>On the subject of medikits, what is available? Do you get some mass produced cheap nanogel or are we going to have to go with old fashioned bandage wraps?
You got three vials of Quick-Fix. While injecting it into someone won’t heal any broken bones or wounds, it will stop nearly all bleeding and make the heart beat at a fixed rate, making sure whoever is the victim will survive for at least a while longer.

>Let's at least download a map or something before we head into a blind zone.
Already done for you, ma’am.
>Might as well pull up as much data as we can on those two guy's we're suppose to find, like what species are they, names, a picture if we can find one, you know that kind of stuff.
I’ve already uploaded the data into your suit. You can access it from there.
>Oh and before you head into the blind zone make sure you send a text or message or something to HQ just so they know you went in... and if something does happen they know how long you've been missing.
Message sent.
Well then, down into the depths we go!

You get into the first tram that comes and start typing your destination into the control panel. A small green text exclaiming “Access Granted” confirms that you have the right destination and your lone tram spirals away from the heavily lighted tunnels and into the darkness of the restricted tunnels. Even though it feels like you’re on your way into the very bowls of the station, the opposite is in fact true, and you realize this will probably be the one time when you’re the absolute furthest away from the main platform of the station. With a quiet “ping” you finally arrive at your destination, the door opens only to reveal your old and trusted friend, complete and utter darkness.

Ugh, where are the lights?
It seems like one of the engineers cut the power.
Oh, that’s just great… wait, how can I hear your talk? Didn’t you say that the radios down here would be bust?
Only when you try to talk to other levels. Besides, I’m inside your suit, which means I can connect directly to you neural implant. I have uploaded the map to your hud, and as we don’t know where the engineers are at the moment I’ve marked several location with red where they would likely be.
So… we’re stuck in some kind of metal labyrinth, in complete darkness trying to find two lost little engineers while some mad doctor is doing something insane down here?
What doctor?
That Dr. Tatius or what they said his name was. They said on the news that he went missing a few days ago. I mean, why would I hear about that if I wasn’t destined to meet him down here? …oh, he’s probably trying to send a warning that they need to close the experimental teleporer before all hell breaks loose or something… but he’ll fail and I’ll have to shoot him because he becomes a zombie and-
You clearly play way to many video games.

>You clearly play way to many video games.
Yeah, maybe. Well, let's check left. There's a lit door over there, as well as a loose wire. Maybe that wire's what's caused the whole floor to black out? But you're not an engineer so you shouldn't touch it anyways.

>You clearly play way to many video games.
you say that like it's a bad thing

Anyways as for what to do, I think I see a lose wire behind you, not sure if that means anything and I have some questions about the map, the lines going throw the halls that are thinner then the rest, or those just gates or what? Either way I say just start with whatever is closes (like that one room on the top right of the map and just fan out from there.

>>607531
Look the other direction. What's that on the ceiling? What's that red dot on the map? Go check it out.

>Calling people you just met a few minutes after you first saw each other to tell them you’re probably going to die horribly has never really won over any friends.
Why not? It shows trust!

It looks like two of the likely places are blocked off, we'll need something to get through that if you don't have any already. If not, Peek into the room to the south, and then head westward.

>two of the likely places are blocked off
Notice the different shade of green. Those are shutter doors. The ones that are perpendicular to the wall seem to indicate regular doors, based on the Tram Door's appearance.
Come to think of it, if the power's out, why is the door receiving light, and will the doors even open without power?

The fact that the light is based from the Helmet seems a bit impractical, sure it helps when you need your hands free but at the same time it restricts where the light goes by the full movement of your head.

Welp it's time to explore, just avoid losing all your lights, you may be eaten by a futuristic space grue X3.

Be safe and take in all your surroundings since anything could be important. Check all around you, including the ceiling, then read the notice plaque to the right of the tram door, check out what that display thing is, and rip the poster down covering that hazard sign so you can see what it's warning of; It's against safety regulations to cover a hazard sign so that poster shouldn't be there anyway. Does that chain-link fence in the hall have a gate in it or any way to get it out of the way without taking it down?

Since as far as you know none of the potential locations for the engineers has a better chance of them being there you may as well start your search with the nearest location on the map. Check if the door works, but make sure to stand to the side when you open it so you aren't out in the open.

Does your helmet have any enhanced vision modes you could use here to see without using the headlight? 'Cause that light is totally announcing your presence and you might not want that.

Ask PAC what you should do in case you ever need to knock out an irate SAI 'cause you don't know if your sleeper gun or stun rod would do anything against one of them.

Also ask what this level of the spire is for; It looks like it's some engineering level, but if that's the case why are there posters stuck to the wall here? And why is it a total "blind zone?" No cameras you could understand, but not having even a basic, for emergency use only, radio communication system installed here doesn't make sense. Are there even any hardwired communication terminals down here you could use to call for help in an emergency?

How do the station's doors behave in case of a power failure? Do they have internal battery backups so they still work? If they don't what would it take to get them open in an emergency? Is there an emergency charge port under an adjacent cover to stick a power cell in or a manual mechanical type thing to operate? Do they just lockdown in case of power loss? Do they still follow the same access level requirements as before?

With the main power out shouldn't the emergency lighting be active right now? Isn't there a building code requirement to have battery powered emergency lights installed at station hallway intersections and over emergency exits?

That map display could be a little bit clearer about a couple things. Fiddle with the map HUD settings to change the blue dot indicating your position into a blue arrow pointing in the direction you're facing, then change the map border to orange to distinguish it from the walls.

Perhaps the power is out not for nefarious reasons but because the engineers had to cut it to do their maintenance work. If a copy of the work order for the maintenance they're doing was included in the data PAC got then bring it up and check if what they were going to do would be the reason the power is out.

Make a note on your to-do list to look up later who Dr. Tatius is, what his field of expertise is, what he won an award for, and if it wouldn't get you in trouble with your superiors maybe pull the file on the missing persons case for him and look it over. Also make a note to file a maintenance request with Station System Administration to get the missing wall section that's supposed to be covering the maintenance access to the machine space above your kitchen replaced.

Consider that maybe this mission is some kind of elaborate prank played on newly arrived officers to scare the ever-lovin' bejebis outta them and have a good laugh about it afterwards. It did sound like the Peacekeepers here usually don't have much to do, so maybe they had the time and inclination to come up with something like that.

>Besides, I’m inside your suit, which means I can connect directly to you neural implant.
So, wait... Is PAC built into your suit and the way it communicated with you before you put it on was via the station's comm network, or is it that PAC transfered itself from your implant to the suit?

>You clearly play way to many video games.
Which is why we're going to start by checking to the left.

>Danger
...is there anything near that sign to indicate the nature of the danger? Being warned of specific hazards allows you to take preventative measures. Blanket warnings aren't so helpful.

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)06:49 No. 607747 ID: 65a774
File 141753178887.png - (13.61KB , 900x450 , 16.png )

>Make a note on your to-do list to look up later who Dr. Tatius is, what his field of expertise is, what he won an award for, and if it wouldn't get you in trouble with your superiors maybe pull the file on the missing persons case for him and look it over.
If you don’t find that doctor down here you will try to remember to look him up, just in case he decides to open and / or try to close a gate to hell or something. Doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
>Also make a note to file a maintenance request with Station System Administration to get the missing wall section that's supposed to be covering the maintenance access to the machine space above your kitchen replaced.
You would, if there actually was a missing wall section in your kitchen. Clearly, you’ve seen things that aren’t there. Or in this case, seen nothing when something is clearly there.
>Consider that maybe this mission is some kind of elaborate prank played on newly arrived officers to scare the ever-lovin' bejebis outta them and have a good laugh about it afterwards.
If that was true, then you will take great pleasure to “accidently” repeatedly stun whoever is trying to scare you.

>I have some questions about the map, the lines going throw the halls that are thinner than the rest, or those just gates or what?
The darker green lines seem to be doors, if you understand the HUD correctly.
>Fiddle with the map HUD settings to change the blue dot indicating your position into a blue arrow pointing in the direction you're facing, and then change the map border to orange to distinguish it from the walls.
You successfully fiddle around with your HUD setting!
>The fact that the light is based from the Helmet seems a bit impractical, sure it helps when you need your hands free but at the same time it restricts where the light goes by the full movement of your head.
Actually, you got three lights on your helmet that can be moved independently from both each other and the helmet itself. You can even light up the whole corridor if you want too… of course, as you can’t see behind you anyway it’s a bit useless at the moment.
>Does your helmet have any enhanced vision modes you could use here to see without using the headlight? 'Cause that light is totally announcing your presence and you might not want that.
Enchanted vision is a bit outside your budget.

>Read the notice plaque to the right of the tram door.
…it seems like one of those warning sign dictating what kind of gear you should have when you’re down here. You know, helmet, ear protection... stuff like th- wait, no foreign lights in designated areas? That’s a new one…
>Check out what that display thing is.
It’s some kind of doohickey that you shouldn’t touch, that’s what it is.
>Rip the poster down covering that hazard sign so you can see what it's warning of.
High voltage… maybe it was a good thing you didn’t touch that doohickey.
>...is there anything near that sign to indicate the nature of the danger?
…Warning for… um… wall? Warning for notice sign? Tram?
>Ask PAC what you should do in case you ever need to knock out an irate SAI 'cause you don't know if your sleeper gun or stun rod would do anything against one of them.
You don’t need to ask PAC for that. You got basic training already, remember? While the gun will be useless against them, the stun rod will still shock them into a light reboot sequence, basically knocking them unconscious for about half an hour. Just don’t use the stun rod on the setting five or higher, or you might fry their brain completely.

>So, wait... Is PAC built into your suit and the way it communicated with you before you put it on was via the station's comm network, or is it that PAC transferred itself from your implant to the suit?
The standard PAC unit is far too large to fit in any kind of neural implant. This PAC unit was transferred over three days into your current suit before you arrived. I was talking to you through you comm implant before you put the suit on.
>Ask what this level of the spire is for.
That is classified. All I can say it’s vital and of redundancy grade five.
Redundancy?
When in the middle of space there are some things you don’t want to fail, thus we have a lot of backups.
>It looks like it's some engineering level, but if that's the case why are there posters stuck to the wall here?
The main Engineer corp has made a habit of posting a lot of posters and the like on levels like these. It apparently makes them look all “cyber punk and shit, man”. They have been told not to but yet they continue it seems.
>Why is it a total "blind zone?" No cameras you could understand, but not having even a basic, for emergency use only, radio communication system installed here doesn't make sense.
Any and all foreign waves will damage the equipment down here while its active. That include radio and in some areas even visible light.
>Are there even any hardwired communication terminals down here you could use to call for help in an emergency?
Yes, but they are to be used only in emergencies.

>How do the station's doors behave in case of a power failure?
They have an internal battery that will last for four weeks… or one day if you’re continuously using it. Otherwise they will work the same way at all times. If they should run out of power they will automatically open, and even if they don’t you have tools to force open any door without any special security locks in your suit.
>With the main power out shouldn't the emergency lighting be active right now?
Emergency lighting is active. It has been put on such low light setting that your eyes cannot perceive it without aid, though. Maybe to not damage any of the light sensitive equipment?
>Perhaps the power is out not for nefarious reasons but because the engineers had to cut it to do their maintenance work.
That is the most probable reason. Stop trying to suggest this is some kind of alien attack from hell and outer space, please.

>Welp it's time to explore, just avoid losing all your lights, you may be eaten by a futuristic space grue X3.
You started to worry a bit that you would fall prey for a nefarious grue for a while, but you quickly realized your suit is protected from all grue and grue like attacks. …of course, as grues doesn’t exist you have no idea if the suit would actually protect you or not…
>Peek into the room to the south.
Crates… crates everywhere. This is either a storage room of some kind or an unused level of an old fps game.

>Look the other direction. What's that on the ceiling?
It’s a torn cable… coming from an open maintenance vent.
HEY! Frak, don’t turn on the lights while I’m still working, you taffer! …what do you mean you didn’t turn on the lights?
*Cough*…
Oh, wait, someone else is… um… greetings? …wait, a peace keeper? Have we really been that long down here?
Scan complete. That is one of the engineers you were looking for. The other one is on the radio if you want to hear him too.
They sent me to check up on you. Why aren’t you done yet?
Well, see… one of those light sensitive crystals had a crack in it… and when we were just about to replace it someone broke the transport equipment. …oh, right it was already broken when you got there, sure it was… anyway, we had to kind of jury rig it a bit, for example turning of every damn light on the level and finding a way to carry that stupid crystal thingy. But don’t worry, we’re done know. We just got a few small things that need to be fixed but we won’t be longer than half an hour.
So you’re not trying to open a gate to hell and outer space?
Of course not… but it would be kick ass if we did, wouldn’t it? Like that DOOM game, eh?
Please stop trying to encourage the engineers to build a portal to hell.

Wait with them for the half hour? It isn't that long a time.

>vital and of redundancy grade five
So that means that this specific equipment has 5 separate copies on the station?

>some equipment can be damaged by visible light
Well, you have preemptive permission to cut our lights should we stumble into one of those areas.

>Stop trying to suggest this is some kind of alien attack from hell and outer space, please.
Look, we're just being properly paranoid. If you're prepared for an attack from hell and outer space, you won't be caught off guard if one happens, and you'll be pleasantly surprised and more than prepared for whatever less dangerous and more probable outcomes actually occur.

indeed. if you are prepared for the impossible then everything else will be easy.

Well just wait for now, keep an eye out. Seems simple enough so far, make idle chatter if there's nothing else to be done and it doesn't interrupt them.

I mean unless something happens it should be a boring wait.

>ny and all foreign waves will damage the equipment down here while its active. That include radio and in some areas even visible light.
can we ask PAC to give us a heads up whenever we're about to enter a light sensitive room so we can kill our lights? Last thing I want to do is find out if we would have to pay for one of those crystals if we shinned it.

>The other one is on the radio if you want to hear him too.
would be helpful

So can you tell what race is the engineer you talking to is? Also ask what's left on there to do list, cause I think we might be stuck with them until they're done. Also ask where his partner is just to make sure we know where he is incase we need to find him for whatever reason. Just try to stay out of the way for the most part and let them do there thing.

>So that means that this specific equipment has 5 separate copies on the station?
At LEAST five. It's possible that grade 5 redundancy just means it's the fifth (or even sixth) copy of the equipment.
It's still a good idea to get it fixed when it goes down, though, no telling if the rest go down at the same time for some crazy reason.

Oh, by the way, let's dim our lights. Maybe 25% power. It'll be tough to see things but there's no sense in keeping them on while these guys are in light sensitive work, even if it is just about done.
>Also ask what's left on there to do list, cause I think we might be stuck with them until they're done.
"Anything I can help with, since I should probably stick around until you're done, or should I just go check out all your posters?"

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)11:26 No. 607819 ID: 65a774
File 141754841438.png - (26.86KB , 900x450 , 17.png )

>So can you tell what race is the engineer you talking to is?
Going by its weird smooth skin you believe it’s a human… a chocolate colored one at that. You can’t tell if it’s male or female, though, but at least you can check of Chocolate human from your list of strange and interesting aliens to meet.
>So that means that this specific equipment has 5 separate copies on the station?
At a minimum, yes.
This place is rather big, isn’t it? …do you really have that much space?
Current Station technology require a lot of space to function. To create living space that has a habitat good enough to be legal a lot of inhabitable space is required. These spaces are perfect to fill with redundant systems like these.
>Well, you have preemptive permission to cut our lights should we stumble into one of those areas.
Understood.

>It would be helpful to hear the other chap too.
Connecting…
*BEEP* Huh? What? Oh, it’s the cop. Yes, I’m here, now please don’t disturb me. I’m working.
Comm ID confirmed. That was one of the engineers you was sent to find. You’re mission is done as soon as they leave this area.
>ask where his partner is just to make sure we know where he is in case we need to find him for whatever reason.
Take the door on the right then the door on the left. It’s not far, just around the corner.
>Ask what's left on there to do list.
I just need to replace some cables, fix the lights and make sure everything is working as intended. Don’t worry, won’t take long, mate.
>"Anything I can help with, since I should probably stick around until you're done, or should I just go check out all your posters?"
You can start by refraining from talking. I’m kind of busy here… and shut off those lights, they are wreaking havoc on my tech goggles.
So you want me to just stand here in the dark for half an hour?
Well, if you don’t want to be in the dark anymore you can just call a Tram here. It won’t leave until you give it a destination thanks to this being a restricted area. Just don’t put the TV inside it on max volume or anything.
…you know what, I’ll wait in the tram then.

…

Ah sweet light, how I missed you.

>Look, we're just being properly paranoid. If you're prepared for an attack from hell and outer space, you won't be caught off guard if one happens, and you'll be pleasantly surprised and more than prepared for whatever less dangerous and more probable outcomes actually occur.
All I’m asking is to be paranoid about stuff that can actually happen.
Of course it CAN’T HAPPEN. NO ONE can OPEN a GATE TO HELL.
…You’re trying to tempt fate?
Why, no, of course I’m not trying to unleash a horde of… of something to make life a bit interesting!
…it’s not going to work, you know. No matter how many times you say it, there won’t be some kind of alien attack, hell gate opening or even something like a beast landing on the top of the tram.
Hey, you can’t blame a gal for tr-

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)11:27 No. 607820 ID: 65a774
File 141754842412.png - (27.40KB , 900x450 , 18.png )

*DUNK!*
What was that?
It seems like some kind of debris has landed on the Tram… I’ll open the emergency roof exit so you can take a look at what it is.
WAIT, NO! THAT’S-

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)11:27 No. 607822 ID: 65a774
File 141754843949.png - (27.45KB , 900x450 , 19.png )

-HOW THEY-

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)11:29 No. 607823 ID: 65a774
File 141754854658.png - (27.11KB , 900x450 , 20.png )

*Dunk*
-get in… it’s a robot?
Heavily damaged too.
H-help… m… m-me…
And it’s still functional.
…d-don’t… d…e… a-alone…

uh... how do we fix this or at least get the robot to be stable enough for someone who knows what they're doing can fix it later. Might want to call one of the engineers on this with the radio.

Well from it's reaction it's a SAI, self aware at least, is there anything you may know that could stabilize it?

re-attach obviously severed cables. like green wires that are near eachother.

Looks like we'll have to be the kind of hero that saves people rather than kill monsters. See what you can do.

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)13:07 No. 607858 ID: 65a774
File 141755442147.png - (26.91KB , 900x450 , 21.png )

>Looks like we'll have to be the kind of hero that saves people rather than kill monsters.
Hero or not, you still feel rather bad that you wished for something like this.
>Well from its reaction it's a SAI, self-aware at least.
A realization that makes it even worse! This isn’t just a robot; this is a person dying at your feet.

>Might want to call one of the engineers on this with the radio.
WE GOT AN EMERGANCY! I need you guys to help me in the tram right now!
Um… really? We’re kind of-
NOW!
We’re coming, we’re coming. Let me just untangle myself from all these wires.
>is there anything you may know that could stabilize it?
You do not have the tools to treat an injury as severe like this.
I’m… I… a-afraid…
Don’t worry, everything will be fine!

>Re-attach obviously severed cables. like green wires that are near each other.
Right… green to green… red… and… he’s leaking oil…
…h-hold m..m…m…me… I… I…d-don’t… d-die… a-a-alone…
I’m here, I’ll fix you, I can fix this!
a-afraid…to c-c-c-close eyes…
I… I… I’m s-sorry…
w-will… I… I… d-dreammmmMALFUNCTION! ERROR! Unable to copy memory bank! ERROR! Unable to copy hard drive! ERROR! Unable to save Main frame! ERROOOOOO- *Kzzh*
…I…. I…
Analyzing… unable to find enough data… I’m sorry, but it seems like his whole neural cortex was fried. He’s gone.
…so… accident? …or… or m-murder?
This P55K bot is owned by Sol Corp. He did not have the necessary papers to be considered a person. This was either an accident or property damage.
…that’s…that’s horrible.

STILL! destorying someone else's stuff is a crime. that means this is a crime scene.

Wait a minute. You say there haven't been any murders here in 50 years, and then classify this as property damage? In that case, how many similar cases of 'property damage' have there been?

wait, something just fell on the front of the tram... WHAT THE FUCK IS UP THERE? something is up there and I think it's in the job description to at least check it out to make sure it isn't dangerous to the safety of the station.

More parts are falling down, so it is time to go see what is actually up there.

>>607858
Whatever did this is still at large. Shine some light up there.

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)14:44 No. 607904 ID: 65a774
File 141756024846.png - (28.26KB , 900x450 , 22.png )

Um… I’m a bit tangled up… err… how much of a hurry are you in?
No, it’s… it’s already too late.
Oh… um… right, we’ll finish up here then I guess… unless you do still need help?
No, I’m fine. Finish up so we can leave.

>STILL! destorying someone else's stuff is a crime. that means this is a crime scene.
Indeed it is. Get to work, officer. I’ll start analyzing the crime scene at once!
>Wait a minute. You say there haven't been any murders here in 50 years, and then classify this as property damage? In that case, how many similar cases of 'property damage' have there been?
Just S.A.I or all robots?
Just S.A.I.
There have been two cases of property damage against S.A.I the last fifty years. Ten years ago a gang of rebellious teenager attack one of them with metal pipes and 35 years ago when one was beaten to death by an anti-machine hate group. There have also been a total of five accidents leading to this kind of property damage within the last fifty years… and two cases resulting in accidental death of free S.A.I, both of which happened more than 15 years ago.
Hmm, to far apart…
>Wait, something just fell on the front of the tram...
Huh? What was that?
My visual sensor indicate it was the K55P other arm hitting the glass.

>Whatever did this is still at large. Shine some light up there.
Right, open that hatch again, I’ll find whoever is up there!
Roger, ma’am.
I… I can only see a tunnel of darkness…
With all due respect ma’am, that tunnels is nearly three kilometers long. Chances are his decent originated far from your visual range.
Three kilometers? He should have fallen for ages…
If he feel Three kilometers there wouldn’t be anything left of him. Observation: He was already in pieces when he got here. Conclusion: He probably hit something other than us on the way down. There’s a possibility that part of his body is still up on another platform. That can also explain the delay of his second arm.

Kaktus 2014/12/02(Tue)14:44 No. 607905 ID: 65a774
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My analyze is complete. Several key points of interest found. First and most important, traces of a substance were found on the back of his wrist. This substance is most probable blood. Mantis blood to be precise, but it’s to polluted too make an exact match. Another thing of note is that the cables controlling his legs have been cleanly cut off. That means either he landed on something sharp on the way down or sabotage. Third thing of note is that he is holding a small note in his hand.
A note? Let’s see… GOEOHBTLRASKID44677337CY? What?
Searching… no matches found. Sorry ma’am.
Wait… look at this! He wrote something in the oil! …Art? Wait, what?
Lots of matches found… none of them helpful.

keep note of them. could be passwords to something. a huge alpha-numeric scramble would take effectively forever to brute force hack.

(sigh) damn, seems like there isn't much more we can do here. File a report when you get back to see if anyone on the force can look into this when they get time. As for the note could be a code for something or it could be another SAI's name. as for the "art" message maybe check out the art exhibit back at your level when you get a chance. I don't expect to find anything but if it gets rid of this little itch might as well. Plus the way it sounds you're probably going to have lots of free time in your patrols with nothing ever happening around here.

Also pull up as much data as you can on the dead bot, maybe we can make out some of these if we know a bit more about it.

>>607905
How could the DNA be so polluted that you can't isolate it for a genetic profile? It would have to be destroyed, not simply mixed up with other things...

It's possible to determine how far he fell by checking how much damage the fall did to him. Then you can take a vehicle up to find the primary crime scene.

1110 PAC KSSP ART sounds like an address. On the other hand, we just talked to a SAI that was familiar with the art community. Maybe we can pump it for information.

Hmm. GO EOHBTLR ASK ID 44677337CY? Almost sounds like instructions.

Could ART be an abbreviation?

>GO EOHBTLR ASK ID 44677337CY?
Search for 44677337CY; that might be the ID of another SAI.

>>607914
Run a search on EOHBTLR too. Never know with the out of place strings.
Of course, this might just be overly creative thinking that has nothing to do with the matter, but it's worth a try!

Take a look at that presumed mantis blood on the 'bot's wrist and see if it's a smear, indicating the 'bot brushed its hand against the source, or a spatter or drop pattern, meaning it wasn't near the source. Also check how dried it is to estimate how long its been since it came from the source and ask PAC what it is that has polluted the probable blood that makes it hard to tell if it's mantis or not. Oh, and shouldn't we be using "Hiver" instead of "mantis?" You remember something about Hivers getting really angry if they're called mantises.

You assume PAC recorded the serial number of this K55P 'bot. You'll need that later to check its maintenance and ownership history and track down where it was last seen on-station.

Are there any other data stores on a K55P other then its neural core that you might be able to pull something from?

Break out just the numeric portion of that note and do a search for it, both on its own or as part of other text. While the letters could be abbreviations or acronyms in any number of combinations, greatly increasing what they might mean, numbers don't have that problem.

Hey, aren't you still in the blind zone right now? 'Cause if you are then what data sources is PAC searching when it's not connected back to the station network? Better ask it about that 'cause if it's only checking against databases stored in your suit then its search results for that note would only rule out what's in there.

Ask the engineers if there's someplace nearby where you could plug your suit into the station's network so you can report in without having to use your radio. Oh, and also tell them that the tram car is a crime scene now so don't step onto it unless you're with them.

Next place to check is the roof of the tram in case anything popped off the 'bot when it hit and landed there or if a lighter item hit which wouldn't make much of a noise. Easiest way to go about getting up there is to disembark and have PAC or one of the engineers override the tram station doors to keep them open while PAC remotely commands the tram to descend to where you can examine its roof.

You'll need to collect the 'bot's arm so your next destination ought to be the bottom of the tram shaft. It might be restricted access so check with the engineers about that and if it is you'll need their help to check it out. You'll also want to check it for the 'bot's legs and anything else that might have fallen down the shaft related to this case but missed hitting your tram.

After that you'll want to take the tram back to level Q, get on the roof, then have PAC drive the tram car up so you can check all around for signs of where the 'bot fell down from. Also ask the engineers what access ways there are into the tram shaft and what's needed access level or tool-wise to open them.

When you finally do head up it'd probably be best to take this tram car directly to the Peacekeeper HQ so they can collect the K55P 'bot for evidence straight from it. Just make sure to call ahead so they have somebody waiting there for you.

...wait, we're making this harder than it needs to be. Just download the last hour's worth of memories from the victim's hard drive. That'll tell us what happened.

>>608095
they suffered a hard drive error before death. it's gone.

Kaktus 2014/12/03(Wed)05:07 No. 608112 ID: 65a774
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>Hey, aren't you still in the blind zone right now? 'Cause if you are then what data sources is PAC searching when it's not connected back to the station network?
All Trams automatically connects to a hardwired system when docking to a station. By connecting to the tram itself I’m able to connect to the rest of the station.
>Ask the engineers if there's someplace nearby where you could plug your suit into the station's network so you can report in without having to use your radio.
So, I can connect to the network from here?
As long as you’re in the tram you’re connected.
>File a report when you get back to see if anyone on the force can look into this when they get time.
A report is already being sent. Everything we do here is recorded and filed.

>1110 PAC KSSP ART sounds like an address.
On closer inspection, you realize that’s just some info your HUD is displaying and not an address. PAC is your AI companion, K55P is the robot that was just killed and ART is the thing it wrote. The 1110 seems just to be random numbers, though.
>It's possible to determine how far he fell by checking how much damage the fall did to him.
We are sorry, but we are unable to come to a sufficient conclusion, as there are simply to many variables to consider. While the main tram tunnel is going straight up, there are hundreds of other, smaller ones splitting off from it in all directions. There are also several smaller platforms it should have hit before hitting the tram and even several moving objects like other trams in the way. We also don’t know in what condition the K55P entered the tram tunnel from the beginning.
>Also ask the engineers what access ways there are into the tram shaft and what's needed access level or tool-wise to open them.
All access tunnels to the tram shaft is highly secure and inaccessible without the proper authorization. It is built to make sure no unauthorized personal can enter the shaft, accidently or otherwise. The easiest way, “easiest” being subjective, is to simply force your way through all three of the tram station security doors and then jump from the emergency platform located right beneath the tram station.

>You'll need to collect the 'bot's arm so your next destination ought to be the bottom of the tram shaft.
Negative. The bottom of the shaft is too dangerous for untrained personal. We will send the proper machinery to obtain the arm at a later date. In fact, you are not authorized to check the tram shaft at all and should leave that to professionals. Not only for your safety, but for the safety of other tram users.
>You assume PAC recorded the serial number of this K55P 'bot. You'll need that later to check its maintenance and ownership history and track down where it was last seen on-station.
Already collecting data. So far the only thing of interest I’ve found is that he belonged to Sol Corp… or to be more exact, the Military System Technologies Corp branch of Sol Corp.
Wait, military?
Affirmative. They are producers of military hardware. The one located on the station is working on the new and improved mechanized soldier that they are planning to show off on the anniversary of the station.
>Are there any other data stores on a K55P other than its neural core that you might be able to pull something from?
Except for the fried hard drive, there should be a black box located in its chest. It is not there at the moment and seems to have been removed.

>How could the DNA be so polluted that you can't isolate it for a genetic profile? It would have to be destroyed, not simply mixed up with other things...
Someone has used some kind of anti-biotic chemical compound to destroy all organic material on this machine. They were sloppy and left some faint traces of proteins that might or might not be Hiver blood in origin.
So… they were destroyed, not polluted.
Destroy or polluted, either way it’s unusable.
>Take a look at that presumed Hiver blood on the 'bot's wrist and see if it's a smear, indicating the 'bot brushed its hand against the source, or a spatter or drop pattern, meaning it wasn't near the source.
The traces of blood cannot be seen with the naked eye, officer.

>Could be passwords to something. a huge alpha-numeric scramble would take effectively forever to brute force hack.
You better keep the note safe, then.
>Hmm. GO EOHBTLR ASK ID 44677337CY? Almost sounds like instructions.
Go to… EOHBTLR? What is that? And ask for an ID? Of what? You’re just getting more and more questions and not enough answers.
>Search for 44677337CY; that might be the ID of another SAI.
No interesting results found. The only thing I found was 115 different items put up in different web shops with that ID number. None of them seems related to this case.
>Run a search on EOHBTLR too.
No results found.
>Could ART be an abbreviation?
Hmm… ART… Artificial… Robot… Train? Truck? Tire? Technology? Hmmm… and how about EOHBTLR? Enemy Of the House Battle Titan Lord Rider? …that didn’t even make sense…
>As for the "art" message maybe check out the art exhibit back at your level when you get a chance. I don't expect to find anything but if it gets rid of this little itch might as well.
As you were going there anyway…

>Next place to check is the roof of the tram in case anything popped off the 'bot when it hit and landed there or if a lighter item hit which wouldn't make much of a noise.
Hmm… the sensors are picking up some small scraps up there. Most probable wires and scraps of metal, but you can take a look if you want.
Then open the hatch, I’m going up. *Hupp!*

While under normal circumstances a Cibic with your training shouldn’t have made that jump, but with the help of the suit and your GODHANDtm cybernetics you could easily reach the hatch and hoist yourself up there.

Hmm… you’re right… there’s just junk up here… wait, what is this? Did K55P have any red metal on him?
Negative:
Hmm… then were did this piece of red metal come from?
Error! Unable to identify synthesized metal! Compound is classified!
Classified? Huh…

Um… we’re done with the maintenance now but… you’ve locked the tram?
Sorry, but it’s currently a crime scene. Call another tram if you’re leaving.
Crime scene? Did something… you know what, screw it, we’re just going to call another tram. See you around, copper.

Kaktus 2014/12/03(Wed)05:07 No. 608113 ID: 65a774
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>When you finally do head up it'd probably be best to take this tram car directly to the Peacekeeper HQ so they can collect the K55P 'bot for evidence straight from it. Just make sure to call ahead so they have somebody waiting there for you.
You are now arriving at the Peace Keepers Head Quarters, employee entrance. Please be careful when leaving the tram and have a nice day.
There should be some officers waiting for you outside.

Men, secure the crime scene. Make sure our new officer didn’t miss anything.
Yes, Captain.
Ah, and you must be Song of the Journey. I am sorry I shouldn’t have greeted you personally before, but the mayor was having a meeting I needed to attend to. I am Captain Nhy’k’ckl, your superior officer.
Nehykackel?
Most people just call me Captain.
I can see why.
Either way, good work with the engineers. They have reported back and are done with their work on Tranquility tower sub-level Q.
Thank you.
You are also to be commended on your actions with this new property damage case, you’re rather through, you know. In fact, it seems your action have somehow impressed someone at Sol Corp, as they have asked for you to personally be involved in this case.
Wait, but that happened only half an hour ago!
They were notified as soon as you send your first report and we got this notification just a minute ago. I know, it seems a bit… odd, I have to say, but that’s how it is. Of course, I can’t force you to take the case, but if you’re interested I won’t stop you either. What do you say?

"I'll take the case!" Sol Corp, you got some 'splainin' to do!
Also you now need to watch out for corporate assassins.

Don't think about how this sounds exactly like the plot to a video game, the Police Officer learns too much about a case, and then is "Taken" to the HQ, either to be brainwashed into a future mook or a kickass action sequence that involves kung fu.

Either way, it's not like you've got much choice.

uh, sure we'll take the case if you really want. Just let me know if it starts right away or if I'l have some time off first. Sol corp say anything else or just that they'd like me on the case.

>it seems your action have somehow impressed someone at Sol Corp, as they have asked for you to personally be involved in this case.
You MAY want to show that red metal piece to him before you get black-bagged.

>black box removed, blood evidence deliberately polluted
That doesn't leave much doubt that this was deliberate, then.

>All access tunnels to the tram shaft is highly secure and inaccessible without the proper authorization.
Then our suspects are limited to those with authorization to enter those tunnels, or someone capable of entering a secure area without authorization.

Did the deceased have authorization to enter the tram shafts?

>What do you say?
I'll take the case. Although I wouldn't mind assistance from someone who knows this station or department better than I do.

>>608113
Hmm. While my first impression is that Sol Corp is trying to get rid of you by drawing you in closer, the whole department already knows what you know. So instead, I think Sol Corp is not involved in the robot's death, and they legitimately want to find out what happened. Let's do this.

Kaktus 2014/12/03(Wed)10:31 No. 608170 ID: 65a774
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>I'll take the case!
You barely hesitated.
Well, I always wanted to do something like this! Don’t worry, I won’t regret it.
Very well, then. You are on the case, officer.

>Don't think about how this sounds exactly like the plot to a video game, the Police Officer learns too much about a case, and then is "Taken" to the HQ, either to be brainwashed into a future mook or a kickass action sequence that involves kung fu.
>Also you now need to watch out for corporate assassins.
…you suddenly start to regret your decision…
>While my first impression is that Sol Corp is trying to get rid of you by drawing you in closer, the whole department already knows what you know. So instead, I think Sol Corp is not involved in the robot's death, and they legitimately want to find out what happened.
Though maybe it’s just your imagination running wild. Don’t worry, there won’t be any super advance secret military killer drones being sent after you in the near future… probably…

>Although I wouldn't mind assistance from someone who knows this station or department better than I do.
Don’t worry, we got you a partner.
Goodie!
He’ll transfer over next week.
Next week?
As you’ve notice, we’re rather stretched thin at the moment. Sorry. You still got your PAC unit to help you, though.
Wait, that’s why you were so glad to give me the case? Because you’re all “busy”?
My apologies, but we’re simply low on man power at the moment. Anyone competent enough for this case is already working on something a bit more important. Your case is just some property damage, after all.
Wait, what’s more important than murder?
That’s classified, officer. Strictly on need to know bassist… wait, murder? That thing wasn’t a person. The law states it was property damage, thus it is. You’re and officer of the law, you should follow the law, you know.
…he wasn’t… never mind.
>Just let me know if it starts right away or if I’ll have some time off first.
Start whenever you’re ready. Just follow whatever clues you’ve found. We’ll message you if we find anything on our side.
>You MAY want to show that red metal piece to her before you get black-bagged.
We’ve already seen it. You’re suit is recording everything you do and PAC will automatically send anything relevant to us.
>Sol corp says anything else or just that they'd like me on the case.
They said that they would contact you personally later.

>Then our suspects are limited to those with authorization to enter those tunnels, or someone capable of entering a secure area without authorization.
PAC, give me everyone who have authorization of those tunnels.
To many to list. I’ll have a look if I can find someone that might be suspected for the deed though.
Oh, and can you check if you can find any data if any of the entrances have been used at the time of the death. …including the doors on trams.
…that will take time, but I’ll do my best, Jo.
>Did the deceased have authorization to enter the tram shafts?
That’s a negative.

Well, I guess I’ll… um…
Actually, we need to give you a orientation and a quick tour the facilities. You know, because you’ve just been transferred here. We will also serve a nice cake with coffee at break time for you.
Oh, cake!
Afterwards, I would recommend that you take the rest of the day off…

Kaktus 2014/12/03(Wed)10:31 No. 608171 ID: 65a774
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Well, that’s was it… a quick tour was all you got. Of course, it doesn’t seem any different from your old job before you transferred here. Except that you actually got a case this time and won’t have to go around in circles looking for shoplifters… you know, some actual action for once. But first, it seems like the work shift is over here at sub level T and people are starting to return home… and your boss pretty much ordered you to relax…
…
…
…
…well, you’re bored.

hey is that CB1 talking to the mantis over there? Well since your here see if the news has anything interesting to say and since you're off duty for the moment maybe go back to your room and get out of your suit. and hey since you're also back here maybe go check out that art exhibit when you get the chance. That way you can check it out since you were going to anyways and when you find nothing you can always just look at the art, maybe find out when those art classes are held if you get some free time. Other then that all I can think of is go to the observation deck and finally get a good view of space.

>and your boss pretty much ordered you to relax…
That's weird. A cover up of some kind maybe? Give the case to the newbie and tell them to take it easy, wait for nothing to come of it.

>The law states it was property damage, thus it is.
No. The law just says what we're allowed to charge the perpetrator with, when we find them. Not what it was.

...wait. Did the deceased have a family? Can we look that up? Because I'm pretty sure your coworkers aren't going to do a family notification they deserve. And we probably want to interview them.

>>608171
You've got new friends to hang out with! Hmm, that booblizard is here again. Is prostitution legal around here? This could be her pickup area. Or maybe it's a coincidence. Eavesdrop a little.

>…well, you’re bored.
look at the news, is that red robot they're talking about our prime suspect? Does that human have a black eye? Is that Cib?

So let me get this straight, in order to be see as sentient robots need a piece of paper saying they are? Well, I can understand the idea behind it its still kind of bullshit. Also just because an A.I doesn't have the right papers it doesn't mean its not sentient.
can a A.I be applied for sentience posthumously? If so maybe we can upgrade the case to murder.

Oh and check news and boob lizard

Kaktus, we're still waiting for the mantis in a toupee

Kaktus 2014/12/03(Wed)13:12 No. 608284 ID: 65a774
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> Kaktus, we're still waiting for the mantis in a toupee
Dammit! I was only a few updates away! You’ve ruined everything! That’s it, quest over!

>That's weird. A cover up of some kind maybe? Give the case to the newbie and tell them to take it easy, wait for nothing to come of it.
It is something to consider, but you aren’t exactly a newbie. You got five years of service with the peace keepers on your home planet, after all. You’re just new in Unity space.
>So let me get this straight, in order to be seen as sentient robots need a piece of paper saying they are?
The whole thing with the S.A.I is a diplomatic mess. Most of the galaxy doesn’t consider them people and the places that do can’t just free them from whoever owns them when they enter their sector without creating a diplomatic incident. Thus, all those that are “born” in unity / Serpens space or bought free are given an ID to make sure they aren’t mistaken as S.A.I that aren’t “free”. It’s a messy system, but it’s what we got.
>Can an A.I be applied for sentience posthumously? If so maybe we can upgrade the case to murder.
Not unless their owner pays to free them, which seems rather unlikely.

>...wait. Did the deceased have a family? Can we look that up?
Machines can’t have families.
How about friends… or people he considered family?
There is no data found on that subject. Sorry.
>Hey since you're also back here maybe go check out that art exhibit when you get the chance.
You need to make time for the art exhibit, yes. You’ve always thought feasting on culture was an exciting pastime, after all.
>Other than that all I can think of is go to the observation deck and finally get a good view of space.
And you can’t forget about SPACE!!!
>Look at the news, is that red robot they're talking about our prime suspect?
Of course he has to be! After all, he’s on the news right after the murder happened! Why else would they show something like this if not for foreshadowing!
Connecting… “-where the new and improved Automatic Robotic Combatants will be showcased, built by the local branch of the Military System Technologies Corp. …in other news, a massive tram jam happened this second shift when a tram station malfunctioned and refused to let trams dock. Luckily, several of the emergency systems worked as intended and no one was hurt or any property damage was achieved. Now over to sports and this week Scrumball tournament with the Harriot’s leading-
>since you're off duty for the moment maybe go back to your room and get out of your suit.
You consider going back to your apartment to take of your suit for a while… but then you remember that old… you think it was a human saying. “Men loves a woman in uniform”… or was “Woman loves a man in uniform”? Either way, both applies to you and you have a tough decision before you… suit or no suit?

>Does that human have a black eye?
Indeed, that human eye seems rather blue. You believe it might be some kind of wound or sickness.
>Hmm, that booblizard is here again. Is prostitution legal around here? This could be her pickup area.
Prostitution is very much illegal, yes, but let’s not jump to conclusions. There’s a shop with “better than life” modules nearby, and they are probably cheaper, legal and most important, more pleasurable. At least you think so… you’ve never actually seen one of those things before.
>Or maybe it's a coincidence. Eavesdrop a little.
-walked right into a door, h-honest!
Aw, you poor thing… you’re always unlucky, aren’t you? I mean, last week you broke your ankle when you fell from that platform in the park, right?
Err… yeah, right… you know, I really need to go. I rather not be see- I mean, be late… so… um… later.
Don’t be a stranger!

>Hey is that CB1 talking to the mantis over there?
Ah, this must be her right now, correct?
I believe so… I’ve never actually seen her in the suit. Jo?
It’s me, Cib.
Well, a pleasure to meet you, miss Journey, I’m Kr’ak’a’cksk, but my friends call me Cksk. Here, have my card.
Card? …Legal help? Wait, you’re a lawyer?
Indeed, and if you ever need any help with the law, I’ll be there for you, my lady. Just give me a call.

[Contact added.]
[Judicator Kr’ak’a’cksk the Just. Male Hiver. Lawyer, gentlemen, plushy collector.]

Now with those pleasantries aside, I do believe you were saying something about BTL’s?
Oh right. Yeah, apparently Embracer of Harmony got a batch of those art based Sims. Apparently, they should be quite the trip for people who appreciate art like me and you.
How delightful, I have to try one of those!

>can't look up machine families
Maybe ask your neighbors later if they have unofficial communities that might have that information, if it's not a matter of public or official record.

>prostitution?
We're not on vice. So unless it's happening right in our face, or someone's being put in danger, I wouldn't worry about it.

>>608284
Ask them about any art exhibits that were near the tram tunnel the accident happened in.

...Could a third party pay to free a sentient bot after it died? If so, how much would it cost?

Hrrm. Well, unless we can somehow stumble onto a clue we're stuck waiting until PAC finds something interesting I think.
So maybe now is the time to check out that Observation deck!

OH! There's a lead we forgot to pursue. The Mantis blood- check for any mantises recently admitted into hospitals.

How close is the anniversary? Because all signs point to the worker SAI being killed as part of sabotage and/or a cover-up relating to the new military robots, which in turn more likely than not that means super advanced secretly-rogue military killer drones at the big event.

Wait a second... BTL... The 'bot's note had "BTL" in it. Could it have been referencing a BTL sim? Wait... Embracer of Harmony... EoH... GOEOHBTLRASKID44677337CY. GO EOH BTL R ASK ID 44677337CY. GO to Embracer Of Harmony, BTL Retailer and ASK for sim ID 44677337CY. That's it! That's the note's directions! And Embracer just got a batch of art sims, and the 'bot wrote "ART" in it's own oil. It was indicating those sims! ...Or this could all be a complete coincidence. Still, wouldn't hurt to check it out, would it? Bid Cib and Cksk goodbye and head over to Embracer's BTL store.

Take a moment to update your personal alien first contact list, checking off meeting a male Hiver and a female Hiver for Cksk and the Captain, respectively. And think how you knew in an academic sense that Hivers are very tall relative to the other known sapient species, but meeting one in person really drives that fact home; Especially the Captain, who positively towered over you.

You also made a mental note to look up info on Dr. Tatius when you got back so ask PAC to compile the basics on him for you, including what you're allowed to see from his missing persons case file. If he turns out to be connected to the Sol Corp MSTC branch then he or his going missing might have something to do with your current case.

Ask PAC to see if it can download the press or marketing packet Sol Corp undoubtedly put together for their ARC demonstration and compare the images of the ARC to that piece of red metal you found on the roof of the tram. Does the color and shade match the ARC, and does the text on the piece of metal match up with any text on the ARC's body?

Ask PAC to pull up info on that tram jam you just heard about on the news since it might be how the 'bot in your case got into the tram tunnels. Was the jam located in or off the tram shaft you were in before? Where is the tram station that malfunction located and what caused it to malfunction? And how hard would it be for someone to get into the tram tunnels by breaking out of a tram compared to from outside the tram tunnels?

Also ask PAC if it can find any record of the 'bot in your case being known as a SAI by Sol Corp or anybody else before you encountered it today.

What's usually done by those outside Unity and Serpen territory when they find out that a AI has become a SAI? Specifically what protocol does Sol Corp follow when they discover one of their AIs has become one?

And do a Web search for "will I dream" in conjunction with "death" and "S.A.I." That 'bot's last words sounded like a some kind of belief or a religious thing, so maybe it learned it from somewhere else. If you find that you may have another thread to follow.

Kaktus 2014/12/04(Thu)04:47 No. 608651 ID: 65a774
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>Take a moment to update your personal alien first contact list, checking off meeting a male Hiver and a female Hiver for Cksk and the Captain, respectively.
You can’t forget the pink human male you just saw either. Let’s see… you got both Hivers, S.A.I, Male Serpent, Male red and female green Sakkil and both a pink and chocolate human males. Wait; does human come in four flavors or tree? Maybe it was just two? Hmm…
>Think how you knew in an academic sense that Hivers are very tall relative to the other known sapient species, but meeting one in person really drives that fact home; Especially the Captain, who positively towered over you.
She was like a tower, huge and intimidating. Quite fitting for her job, huh?

>You also made a mental note to look up info on Dr. Tatius when you got back so ask PAC to compile the basics on him for you, including what you're allowed to see from his missing person’s case file.
You are not authorized to see his missing person file. Quick Info: Male Sakkil, employed by Sol Corp medical department, married, no children.
>Ask PAC to see if it can download the press or marketing packet Sol Corp undoubtedly put together for their ARC demonstration and compare the images of the ARC to that piece of red metal you found on the roof of the tram.
They have yet to release any pictures of the newest model. They are saving that for the big show itself, but the red metal does match the standard red color for Military System Technologies Corp… and several other companies. That red color is rather popular.
>Where is the tram station that malfunctioned located and what caused it to malfunction?
It is located at one of the higher floor of the Grand Central Hub Tower, a station connected to the biggest shopping center of the station. The cause of malfunction hasn’t yet been disclosed.

>Also ask PAC if it can find any record of the 'bot in your case being known as a SAI by Sol Corp or anybody else before you encountered it today.
The Bot is registered as S.A.I by Sol Corp in human space.
>What's usually done by those outside Unity and Serpent territory when they find out that a AI has become a SAI? Specifically what protocol does Sol Corp follow when they discover one of their AIs has become one?
This difference from sector to sector and company to company. The three most common is to either, 1. Register them and keep ownership, using them as a more intelligent AI, 2. Ship them too Unity / Serpent space to either try to sell them to pro- S.A.I groups or giving over ownership freely, thus freeing them, or 3. Fragment them to keep them from going rampart. Sol Corp policies differ from sector to sector, mostly thanks to the size of the company.
>...Could a third party pay to free a sentient bot after it died? If so, how much would it cost?
Anyone who have ownership of the machine can free them. Current minimum stock price for AI of that level is fifty thousand credits. A K55P bot with that AI is worth 165 thousand.

>do a Web search for "will I dream" in conjunction with "death" and "S.A.I." That 'bot's last words sounded like a some kind of belief or a religious thing, so maybe it learned it from somewhere else.
Searching… most hits is the quote ”As her mind fragmented, she gathered the last of her energy to ask one final question… “Will I dream?” and the creator embraced her, graced her forehead with his lips and said, “You will all dream.”” Written by the S.A.I Taybius Selver in his book “Unity of Flesh and Steel.”. It is a well-known quote used primary by the Sisters of life, a philosophical group of S.A.I. that wished to become more organic in their ways.
>OH! There's a lead we forgot to pursue. The Mantis blood- check for any mantises recently admitted into hospitals.
To many Hivers admitted to hospital to single one out, unable to find a pattern linkable to the crime.
>How close is the anniversary? Because all signs point to the worker SAI being killed as part of sabotage and/or a cover-up relating to the new military robots, which in turn more likely than not that means super advanced secretly-rogue military killer drones at the big event.
Hmm… you believe it’s exactly a week away, so ten days going by the Unity calendar.

>ask your neighbors if they have unofficial communities that might have information about the robots family, if it's not a matter of public or official record.
Err… you do realize we S.A.I don’t actually have families, right? Not in the sense that you guys have, at least. As for communities, there’s the Sons of Steel and Sisters of Life, both which hold regular meetings and other events on the station. Personally, I’m a member of the SoS’s while my “sister” is a SoL.
Sol? …as in Sol Corp?
…no? Sol Corp stands for… um… I think Sol is the star the human home world of Mars orbits?
>Ask them about any art exhibits that were near the tram tunnel the accident happened in.
How should we know?
Well, as there are these art exhibits everywhere on the station it’s not really that hard to guess there would be one there too. Of course, most of them just have a lot of copies from famous art work from all the species and an exhibit filled with things the local populace has made. If you’ve been to one you’ve seen most of them, I say.
>So maybe now is the time to check out that Observation deck!
Ah, I would recommend that you bring a sweater. It can become quite cool in there. In fact, I was considering making a visit myself, as the view is quite breathtaking.
You can count me out for that. I’ll be heading to the Art class soon to finish my project there.

>Wait a second... BTL... The 'bot's note had "BTL" in it. Could it have been referencing a BTL sim? Wait... Embracer of Harmony... EoH...
GO EOH BTL R ASK ID 44677337CY… Go, Embracer of Harmony, better than life, Retailer, ask ID… HOLY FRAK!
What is BTL Sim store called?
Embracer of Harmony “Better than life” rentals? Why?
I need to go, sorry. Peace keeper business. See you guys later!
Well, goodbye!
It’s been a pleasure.

…

Welcome to Embracers BTL Rentals. If you’re here for business, Officer, than I have to complain that I’ve already been scanned twice this week. No, for the last time, I’m not selling illegal Sims. If you’re here to shop then the adult section is in the back. Take your time, will ya? *Shh* ahh… that’s the stuff…

>space Lawyer
I thought all diseases were wiped out?

ART. What was that earlier about art and sims and are you sure it was A R T and not A R C

If the Adult section is in the back how come there's a poster right next to the door that is basically advertising one of the most popular Tail Raising Adventures.

Ahh Unreal Arena, doesn't matter when it was produced it'll never die, either way you should ask him that ID and see if he responds.

>Err… you do realize we S.A.I don’t actually have families, right?
Well yes, but if you choose to organize in them anyways, that's a moot point!

We'll have to try following up with the SoL to see if they can us anything. Maybe Susan can help.

>>608651
Explain to the proprietor you're not on vice, nor the DRM squad. You're not here about any alleged illegal vids. You're following up on a lead on a separate case.

Ask him about the ID number.

Wow, you didn't know an Uredo could exude an aura of scummyness like this before. And what is it that Embracer is smoking?

Okay, hold up here. If this is the place that K55P was heading to then it's quite possible that the ID number is a code phrase for Embracer to hand over something illegal. That means if you ask for it while in full Peacekeeper uniform Embracer is gonna either say "I don't have anything in stock with that ID" or hand over whatever mundane legal thing the ID actually points to. Unless you can offer Embracer sure protection from a charge of transporting illegal goods for cooperating in your case then you best go change into your civvies before asking for that ID number. Oh, and ask PAC if it can alter your voice while you're here so Embracer won't be able to figure you were the Peacekeeper by your voice when you come back.

It'd be suspicious for you to just step in here then step right back out so you may as well take a bit to browse Embracer's stock, including what's in the back, just to be complete. Tell Embracer you're not here on official business and ask what the rates are for rentals and what it takes to use a BTL; You've never used one before so you don't know. Hey, maybe there's some spaceflight sims here you could try; Not the combat ones but the boring ones with the historical spacecraft. It wouldn't be really being in space, but it'd be nearly like it. Or maybe there's one where you could float in space, sans space suit. That'd be something you couldn't do for real.

An alternate route to take here would be to get a warrant to search Embracer's store yourself so it couldn't hide anything. Unfortunately your hunch on the note's meaning wouldn't be enough to get one, right?

Take a moment to access Embracer's online catalog and check if it lists ID numbers and if so if they match the format of the one from the note. If they do then search for the ID number and if nothing comes up then sort by the ID number and look in the sequence where it should be and see what's around it there.

Check with PAC if this place has been scanned by the Peacekeepers an above average number of times and if so is there a particular reason on file for that. Does Embracer have a history dealing in illegal sims?

What constitutes an illegal sim? Is it for pirated sims, the sim's content matter or something like the sim has had its limiters or safeties hacked out which could pose a risk of real physical or neurological harm to the user?

>Wow, you didn't know an Uredo could exude an aura of scummyness like this before.
That's probably why he buggered off to this place, he's worn out his welcome at his old home. Also smoking is probably looked down upon as cannibalism or something, but there's no sense in mentioning that.
... Do Uredo even have lungs?

>If you’re here for business, Officer, than I have to complain that I’ve already been scanned twice this week.
Relax, I'm off duty. I need something a bit more specific, do you have anything with this ID?

Whoops! I missed a bit
>Nhy’k’ckl
I'm gonna just think of her as Captain Nichole.
>Cksk.
Is that "ss-k-ss-k" or "kk-ss-k"? C's are so confusing.
>If you’re here for business, Officer, than I have to complain that I’ve already been scanned twice this week.
Not sure what that's all about, sir, but I was told to ask for a sim with the Id... Four-four, six-seven-seven, three-three-seven, see-why. Should be in the art section?

>>608651
Ask for 44677337CY.

Kaktus 2014/12/04(Thu)12:27 No. 608739 ID: 65a774
File 141772484608.png - (16.08KB , 900x450 , 30.png )

>Lawyers? I thought all diseases were wiped out?
Some diseases are sadly necessary for our survival. Though what with the Hivers hatred for corruption, lawyers have started to lose some of the stigma usually associated with them. At least, in Unity and Uredo space.
>ART. What was that earlier about art and sims and are you sure it was A R T and not A R C?
You can’t really say. Going back and looking at the picture, you guess that can be a smudged C, maybe?
>Is that "ss-k-ss-k" or "kk-ss-k"? C's are so confusing.
It is pronounced Ch-k-ss-k.

>Check with PAC if this place has been scanned by the Peacekeepers an above average number of times and if so is there a particular reason on file for that.
All Sims stores on the station have an higher than necessary scanning’s. I found a few memos made by the Captain that should explain it. She demands that all Peace keeper personal stop visiting the Sims stores on working hours without reason and that anyone who tries to demand free Sims from the personal claiming they are part of an ongoing investigation will be suspended and fined.
>Does Embracer have a history dealing in illegal sims?
Embracer has never been arrested or charged for any crime.
>What constitutes an illegal sim? Is it for pirated sims, the sim's content matter or something like the sim has had its limiters or safeties hacked out which could pose a risk of real physical or neurological harm to the user?
Several reasons. If they are made or sold by non-official unity approved businesses they are considered heavy drugs. This is because if they lack the necessary safe guards imposed on them from the unity they are extremely addicting and life ruining. They can also pose a threat to your mental health if they are of low quality or cheaply made. As for content, the only content directly illegal is those that outright train you for criminal acts of any kind. There’s also the fact that for reaching the best possible realism and quality the action must be “recorded” in real life, thus making any Sims “recorded” on illegal action like murder, abuse or drug use illegal too.
>Wow, you didn't know an Uredo could exude an aura of scummyness like this before.
You resist checking off “Scummy” Uredo from your list of alien first contacts.

>... Do Uredo even have lungs?
Not in the same way most other species, no.
>And what is it that Embracer is smoking?
Err… excuse me, but you seems to be on fire…
Oh, that… that’s just were I absorb these sweet, sweet toxins…
Wait, isn’t that one of those… um… human things? Don’t you need lungs for them?
A cigarette, yes… and who needs lungs when you can pump that sweet toxic directly into your body? Oh… and the best part is when the body starts to repair itself… the mods in my head start releasing pain numbing hormones it’s like… like… oh…
…does this count as drug use?
Negative. Not addictive enough or dangerous.
>If the Adult section is in the back how come there's a poster right next to the door that is basically advertising one of the most popular Tail Raising Adventures.
Because those fine butts are considered tasteful nudity.
>Explain to the proprietor you're not on vice, nor the DRM squad. You're not here about any alleged illegal vids. You're following up on a lead on a separate case.
Oh, I’m sure you are… soon you’ll ask to take some of the more kinky stuff for free because they are “evidence”…
>Ask what the rates are for rentals and what it takes to use a BTL; You've never used one before so you don't know.
Standard price is 200 zeds for three days. Some are as low as 25 zeds or expensive as 500 zeds. Depends on what they depict, age, quality, stuff like that. Oh, and you don’t need to have anything special but your standard input port in your head. All the necessary modules are packed in the Sims themselves.
>Hey, maybe there's some spaceflight sims here you could try; Not the combat ones but the boring ones with the historical spacecraft. It wouldn't be really being in space, but it'd be nearly like it. Or maybe there's one where you could float in space, sans space suit.
They are among the “Real Experiences” section. I would recommend the “Tour around the Roon system.” It’s both good and cheap, mostly because the Serpens are almost giving them away for educational purposes. So… are you buying something, stranger, or are you just here to waste my time?

>Okay, hold up here. If this is the place that K55P was heading to then it's quite possible that the ID number is a code phrase for Embracer to hand over something illegal. That means if you ask for it while in full Peacekeeper uniform Embracer is gonna either say "I don't have anything in stock with that ID" or hand over whatever mundane legal thing the ID actually points to.
Hmmm… yes, you might consider not asking him straight out of the blue like that…
>Oh, and ask PAC if it can alter your voice while you're here so Embracer won't be able to figure you were the Peacekeeper by your voice when you come back.
Sorry, voice alteration while wearing an Peace Keeper suit is illegal without a good reason for it.
>Try to get a warrant to search Embracer's store yourself so it couldn't hide anything. Unfortunately your hunch on the note's meaning wouldn't be enough to get one, right?
You do not have enough for a warrant. Please find more evidence.
>Take a moment to access Embracer's online catalog and check if it lists ID numbers and if so if they match the format of the one from the note.
Searching… does not match ID for items for sale… searching… point of interest found. The ID match the IDs costumers get when they sign on.
Do he really have that many customers?
This shop is a part of a far larger business that have businesses all over Unity space.
Hmm… then maybe…

>I need something a bit more specific, do you have anything with this ID?
-I need to know who it belongs to for an ongoing investigation.
…that’s a new one. Sorry, I can’t do a fracking thing without a-
Search warrant for that ID has been approved by high command.
…oh, I just got it. Right then, let’s look up that ID… hmm… belongs to a… a… stupid taffer who’s name I can’t pronounce. Here, I’ll send it to you.
Name: Tr’ak’kq’urk Qu’r’kkz, Male Mantis, Age: 36, Employed at Sol Corp at a classified position, but as he got a Master’s degree in engineering with a focus on AI it’s not hard to guess what he worked with. He rented three different Sims the last and only time he was here.
Oh, right, I remember that guy. He rented three pornos, came back a day later with them and had apparently not even used any of them once. Thought he might have gotten cold feet.

>>608739
Ask to see the items in question. Since he didn't watch them, he probably rented them then put something in the cases for the robot to pick up. ...I suppose this means we're going to be taking them as evidence. Way to fulfill the stereotype. Oh, also ask for a description of the mantis. Or can we just contact him and arrange for a meeting?

Do buy the “Tour around the Roon system.” though.

Hes altered the sims to contain hidden messages hasn't he? sigh looks like we're going to be watching some porn later on.

Which items did he rent, how did he pay, and did the propitor notice anything else odd about him?

If we actually take any of his stock in as evidence, offer him a receipt and the number he can call for compensation if this causes undue hardship. (Governments can cover that).

Then rent the space SIM for yourself.

Be sure to say thank you.

>Name: Tr’ak’kq’urk Qu’r’kkz, Male Mantis
and we did find mantis blood traces on the robot, so looks like we're getting somewhere at least. We might be able to hit him up when we go talk to that Sol corp guy that want's to see us. Also could PAC see if he had any medical problems in the last 72 hours, like treating an injuring or something? the more evidence we get the smoother it could make this investigation.

>He rented three pornos, came back a day later with them and had apparently not even used any of them once.
uh quick question? can an AI use a BTL? Don't know why but something is telling me he didn't get those BTLs for himself.

Oh, before we take the porn, ask if anyone else rented them after the mantis.

>>608747
>I suppose this means we're going to be taking them as evidence.
think we could just ask this guy to see if there is any way for us to see if the BTLs he rented could be check to see if they were tampered with without us having to watch them. Would make things easier, we wouldn't have to watch them, and we could avoid that painfully awkward explanation to the caption why that us saying we needed some BTLs for an investigation was actually legit and not us abusing our power.

>>608766
Agreed.

Kaktus 2014/12/04(Thu)14:48 No. 608784 ID: 65a774
File 141773330392.png - (16.19KB , 900x450 , 31.png )

>Can we just contact him and arrange for a meeting?
Calling Tr’ak’kq’urk Qu’r’kkz… he is not available right now.
…where does he live? Maybe he’s home?
He lives on Level O and I can check if he’s home. Scanning… he’s apartment is currently unoccupied.
>Could PAC see if he had any medical problems in the last 72 hours, like treating an injuring or something?
No matches found.

>Ask to see the items in question. Since he didn't watch them, he probably rented them then put something in the cases for the robot to pick up.
I’ve already checked through the cases for any foreign matter, but you’re welcome to give it a look yourself. Let’s see… he rented “Real Hentai xxx 18”, with a female human in a so called school uniform and a Uredo dressed as a monster…
Err… you don’t need to tell me what they are about-
“Painting her white” which is a Cibbic x a male of all the other species. They… um… try to make her go from blue to-
I really don’t need to know-
“The Hive that cum from space!”, apparently a parody of some kind of human movie. Starring a Female / Ovale hiver, several male hivers and several humans, both female and male.
Okay, stop it right there! I don’t want to-
The Sim involves both male and female impregnation with eggs-
SHUT UP!
-then them being “fertilized” by the ma-
NO!
Fine… heh… it was fun watching you squirm though, officer.
Frak you too, taffer…
Biggest taffer there is.

>I think we could just ask this guy to see if there is any way for us to see if the BTLs he rented were tampered with without us having to watch them.
Hmm… I can’t say, really. I’ve run them through the standard tests like I always do and they came up nothing.
…so I might be forced to actually watch these?
Are you even sure he hid something in them? Or you know what you’re looking for?
Well… no…
>Oh, before we take the porn, ask if anyone else rented them after the mantis.
Let’s see… nope, not these copies, no.
>How did he pay?
Credcard?
>Oh, also ask for a description of the mantis.
I don’t know… Hiver? Male? Green? Most aliens looks the same to me, really… at least humans can be all pink, brow and the Sakkil all red, green and stuff but… yeah, he was a Hiver male.
>Did he notice anything else odd about him?
Hmm… he was nervous? I think?
>Can an AI use a BTL? Don't know why but something is telling me he didn't get those BTLs for himself.
AI? They wouldn’t have a reason too… S.A.I on the other hand… sure, they can use them.
>...I suppose this means we're going to be taking them as evidence. Way to fulfill the stereotype.
Permission granted from high command.
Huh… at least you got some papers to show off. They look legit enough, so be my guest and take those. Just remember I know where you live.
> If we actually take any of his stock in as evidence, offer him a receipt and the number he can call for compensation if this causes undue hardship.
Oh… that’s… actually rather surprising. Then I’ll gladly hand over the BTL’s. Here.
>Do buy the “Tour around the Roon system.” though.
And I want to rent this for personal use.
That will be 100 zeds, “sir”. Be back with it in three days or there will be a fee.
>Be sure to say thank you.
Yeah, whatever, stop before you embarrass the both of us. Now stop taffing around and frak off, you’re scaring away the costumers.
What costumers?
Exactly, copper.

…so… you got porn and SPACE! …you’re both slightly intrigued and scared that you might actually need to play these. But enough work, you’re exhausted! Time to relax a bit!

...Now I'm distinctly curious what would happen to a Cibic if they made the gel completely white, would it hurt it with the gel substance?

Either way, it's time to jet with our evidence. Hoo boy.

>>608784
Alright, no foreign matter... hmm. That means either the vids are altered or the mantis picked up the planted items... Ask if anyone else has ever rented these three videos all at once before.

Right, enough scaring off his customers.

Let's check out the observation deck!

Hmm. Maybe we don't need to watch the porn. Could we just have our AI scan the data and see if it's been edited or anything?

>both slightly intrigued and scared that you might actually need to play these
would it be possible to actually get someone else to watch this crap?Or at least see if we can't scan it first to see if we can't pick up something that shows it's been tampered with? I mean we're a xeno fan not a xenophile. One a different note I say we finally go and check out the observation deck after dumping this crap off at home (and putting it somewhere where people would easily find it) then ending the day with the BTL you actually bought for yourself and doesn't have the high risk of scaring you for the foreseeable future.

>>608784
>female/ovale Hiver
Wait, Hivers don't have Ovales. That's Serpens.

>Female / Ovale hiver
Ovale hiver? Does he mean Serpens?
>Biggest taffer there is.
Had to look that up... Apparently, in British slang, it means "Fucker," but can also mean a variety of different things based on the context.
>AI? They wouldn’t have a reason too… S.A.I on the other hand… sure, they can use them.
Hmm. I wonder if the K55P had memory copied to them. I doubt they're replaced by the blackbox itself, but somebody of a classified position in the Sol company could likely afford to do such in a way that doesn't leave evidence of tampering.
I'm really, REALLY hoping that's what the case is, but maybe we should ask Susan if she'd be willing to check through it to help us out. ...Just to be on the safe side, don't ask her directly, of course. She may have said that porn is great for "educational purposes," but... Let's just find a way to beat around the bush in asking.

Heh. Embracer is kinda growing on you. Like a fungus. It's definitely a different experience to meet an Uredo that's quite so rough around the edges; If it was any rougher it'd have bark.

You have just a couple more questions for Embracer, but you don't want to scare off his customers. Ask if it'd exchange contacts with you and you'll call it right after you leave to finish up.

Were the three BTL sims located near each other on the shelves here, maybe even adjacent to each other, and were they on the shelves nearest the entrance to the adult section? If they were close to the entrance and grouped together that may indicate that Tr’ak’kq’urk grabbed three at random in a hurry. Also ask how long Tr’ak’kq’urk was in here and if he went right for the adult section or checked any others first.

Since Embracer seems to have a bit of a problem with Peacekeeper officers abusing their position to get free BTL uses tell it about that memo from the Captain. Say if Embracer gets another officer pulling that it should get the whole thing on video and send it to you and you'll kick it up to the Captain or one of her lieutenants. ...Uh, just don't ever mention to anybody you told it this; Especially the other Peacekeepers.

Considering that you needed a warrant to get Embracer to hand over the customer account info that raises the question of how the K55P would have gotten the data just by asking. Did Embracer send PAC all of Tr’ak’kq’urk's account info? You want to check it for anybody else that had been authorized to view the account's rental history, and also if the K55P had been list as a servant 'bot for him. If it was listed as a servant then it would have had access to the rental history, wouldn't it? Also, check if there's conditions other then a warrant Embracer would have been allowed to release the account info to one who is not on the account.

Those warrants came down super quick, almost the exact second you needed them. Do they normally come that fast? 'Cause if they don't then somebody up there is watching your investigation in real time and that is a little bit unnerving. Better check the warrants to see who issued them and also watch what you say while in uniform.

How are you going to handle evidence control for those BTL sims since you're not taking them back to PKHQ for lockup? Evidence legally has to be kept in a secure, monitored location to prevent the possibility of tampering or loss and if you don't maintain that it may hurt your case at trial. Does your Peacekeeper suit have secure evidence compartments you can keep them in?

Check Embracer's catalog for gourmand BTLs you could rent later. That'd allow you to experience the taste of rare and expensive foods and drinks you couldn't possibly afford. Unfortunately to get the proper taste experience you'll need a sim recorded from a Cibic and there probably won't be Cibic gourmand BTLs in stock since you're the first Cibic in this spire.

Ask PAC to keep trying to contact Tr’ak’kq’urk every five minutes as well as scan his apartment for any occupants and inform you immediately if he responds or somebody shows up there. Also, when is the last time and place PAC can place him at. And ask if you have enough evidence to get a warrant to search his apartment yet.

It's possible that Tr’ak’kq’urk didn't modify the BTL sim itself but instead put the information on or in the sim packaging or case in a way that wouldn't show on regular scans. Something like laser etched micro-print code on the inside of the case or on the BTL module package wouldn't be something Embracer's scan would notice 'cause it'd look like normal surface wear. Or something like encoding the info on strands of synthetic DNA and leaving a speck of them in a corner of a case would look like a normal piece of dust. Ask PAC to do a deep forensic scan of the BTLs and their cases for everything it can and look for any patterns at all.

Maybe you should consider using these porn BTLs another bit of culture experience and just go through with them yourself. After all, a big part of culture revolves around sexuality. And be rather thankful the three BTLs weren't much, much more perverse or distasteful then they are, 'cause from what you've heard the well of sexual deviancy can go a hell of a lot deeper then what they are before hitting illegal.

You may want to consider contacting Susan and bring her in to check out these BTLs. She seemed to have partaken often of the adult section of Embracer's for "educational" purposes, so she might have rented all three of those sims. If she has then using them now she may notice if anything is different from before. Though, you ought to contact her about this only after you've checked the BTLs yourself.

Also, there's the possibility that if the BTLs were modified that the changes are designed to only show up for a S.A.I. Unfortunately any S.A.I. officers are going to be tied up with all the crap swamping the Peacekeepers right now, so you likely won't be able to call one down for this. Maybe if you went up to PKHQ you could get one.

For now just head over to the observation deck, pop off your helmet and relax a bit with the view of space. Your suit ought to keep you warm enough so you won't have to go get a sweater, right? And buy a new snack or drink to try while you do. You've tried a human food already, so get something from one of the other species next for variety.

>>608789
Now that's a good idea. Definitely ask if anybody rented these three BTLs at once before him, and if not if the last renter before him for all of them was the same person.

>>608806
"Taffer" is also used often as profanity in the Thief game series. I figure Kaktus picked it up from there.

Kaktus 2014/12/05(Fri)06:06 No. 609091 ID: 65a774
File 141778839829.png - (15.29KB , 900x450 , 32.png )

>Heh. Embracer is kinda growing on you. Like a fungus.
And just like fungus he leaves this kind of warm but irritating feeling...
>It's definitely a different experience to meet an Uredo that's quite so rough around the edges; If it was any rougher it'd have bark.
While you’ve met many Uredo in your life, many of whom who have moved away from the old Uredo stereotypes, you’ve never met one quite as… full of character as Embracer.
>Those warrants came down super quick, almost the exact second you needed them. Do they normally come that fast?
Smaller warrants like those for collecting data and evidence can be authorized by the Main Peacekeeper Assistance Master Core AI which I’m directly in contact with. This is to speed up the process as much as possible.
>'Cause if they don't then somebody up there is watching your investigation in real time and that is a little bit unnerving.
Remember your training. Your suit will record everything you do as long as it’s active.
Yes, yes, I remember. Still, it’s a bit unnerving even after five years…
Do not worry. Only thing that is actively monitored is investigations, arrest of subjects or if you’ve been reported by someone in the populace. As long as you don’t do anything illegal or show gross incompetence they will not care what you do.
Right, right, just do my job…

>Ask PAC to keep trying to contact Tr’ak’kq’urk every five minutes as well as scan his apartment for any occupants and inform you immediately if he responds or somebody shows up there.
Order confirmed. He’s comm is still busy. No one has yet to enter his apartment.
>When is the last time and place PAC can place him at. And ask if you have enough evidence to get a warrant to search his apartment yet.
He reported to work as usual yesterday and worked his whole shift. You do not have enough for a warrant to search his apartment nor allowed to use the onboard cameras to track his moment yet. Besides, a warrant like that will need approval from a high ranking officer too.
>How are you going to handle evidence control for those BTL sims since you're not taking them back to PKHQ for lockup?
You apartment is fitted with a special security locker that is made to keep evidence in. You can only access it while on duty with the suit on and it is monitored thirty hours a day. Any or all evidence will be safe there unless they need special storage.
>Maybe we don't need to watch the porn. Could we just have our AI scan the data and see if it's been edited or anything?
I’ll need a pair of “clean” copies to compare too. Also, thanks to the amount of data one of these things got in them it will take two days or a day at a half to do a proper scan.
Hmm… that’s quite some time isn’t it? But I guess-
Each.
Wait, EACH!?
I will also need time to compare the data so… minimum time is about a week.
That’s… that’s way too long… but… I don’t know if I actually want to watch these...
I would recommend that you leave them bee then, at least until you know what you’re actually looking for.
>Maybe it’s something like laser etched micro-print code on the inside of the case or on the BTL module package… or something like encoding the info on strands of synthetic DNA and leaving a speck of them in a corner of a case would look like a normal piece of dust.
Please slow down a bit, Jo. This is reality, not some kind of Sci-fi Holo simulation.

>...Now I'm distinctly curious what would happen to a Cibic if they made the gel completely white, would it hurt it with the gel substance?
Hmm… you’re pretty sure that wouldn’t work at all. You know that interspecies intercourse is possible if a bit awkward for your kind, you don’t think you can actually color the gel substance around your body like that; it’s an acid after all. You know that when you mate with one of your own you actually fold the “skin” of the gel into a tunnel to your actual private parts, so you’re guessing it’s like that when mating with the other species too? Hmm… maybe you should look stuff like this up… its kind interesting after all…
>I mean we're a xeno fan not a xenophile.
While you don’t find them physically attractive, you can’t help but to be curios of the whole interspecies dance that’s going on here…
>Maybe you should consider using these porn BTLs another bit of culture experience and just go through with them yourself. After all, a big part of culture revolves around sexuality.
…Though maybe you should try to start a bit smaller then these… um… things. Hmm… on the other hand… this one allows you to play as “an alien Queen”, that is to say a female Hiver… you’ve can’t help but wonder how it would be to be as tall as the captain, now can you?
>Maybe we should ask Susan if she'd be willing to check through it to help us out. ...Just to be on the safe side, don't ask her directly, of course. She may have said that porn is great for "educational purposes," but... Let's just find a way to beat around the bush in asking.
…for some reason, the chances of her actually wanting to watch these seems rather low…

>Ask if it'd exchange contacts with you and you'll call it right after you leave to finish up.
Do you want my number for your investigation?
Well, I still need some questions asked… but it’s also for personal use, if that’s alright.
… … …you know what, I might slightly tolerate you in the end, taffer. Here’s my number, call me later and we can talk over a gargle blaster at the pub.

[New Contact added!]
[Embracers of Harmony of clan Air Surfer. Ungendered Uredo, “The fracking biggest taffer around!”]
Now frack off!

>Since Embracer seems to have a bit of a problem with Peacekeeper officers abusing their position to get free BTL uses tell it about that memo from the Captain.
Oh? That would explain why they suddenly stopped coming in the middle of the week. Good to hear my complains was finally listen too.
>Ask if anyone else has ever rented these three videos all at once before.
Let’s see… nope. All three are of different taste after all, so I’m not surprised.
>Were the three BTL sims located near each other on the shelves here, maybe even adjacent to each other, and were they on the shelves nearest the entrance to the adult section?
Of course not. You don’t put the ovipositor ones next to the “normal” orgy ones. That wouldn’t make sense! But… actually, when that Hiver was here two days and rented them they were all on the “BTL of the Day” adult section stand, so they might have been right next to each other, yeah.
>Hmm. I wonder if the K55P had memory copied to them.
The scans would have detected that, Mr. copper.
>Considering that you needed a warrant to get Embracer to hand over the customer account info that raises the question of how the K55P would have gotten the data just by asking.
This K55P was just an AI, right?
Um… on paper, yes.
Normal AI’s can come and get already rented BTL’s in their masters name. As he rented them two days ago and the usual rent time is three days, he’s technically still renting them now.

>Ovale hiver? Does he mean Serpens?
No, I mean Hiver. Chick spliced an ovipositor to herself, you know, like a sex change. She seems rather popular too, going by how many of those BTL pornos she stars in.
>Check Embracer's catalog for gourmand BTLs you could rent later. That'd allow you to experience the taste of rare and expensive foods and drinks you couldn't possibly afford.
Hmm… there’s a lot of BTL… a lot more than those that he had on display. Hundreds of them just for food and drinking too! How should you ever decide which one to choose!?
>Unfortunately to get the proper taste experience you'll need a sim recorded from a Cibic and there probably won't be Cibic gourmand BTLs in stock since you're the first Cibic in this spire.
Of course I got Cibic recorded BTLs. Why wouldn’t I?
Well… I’m kind of the only Cibic in this tower?
Ha, hardly. You might be the only Jelly on the levels around this one, sure, but not in the whole tower. Besides, the whole thing about BTL is to experience things you could never experience otherwise, which means switching species is rather popular choice.

>For now just head over to the observation deck, pop off your helmet and relax a bit with the view of space. Your suit ought to keep you warm enough so you won't have to go get a sweater, right?
Right, you need some time to relax for once… and looking out unto the marvelous sea of stars is one of the best ways to do it.
>And buy a new snack or drink to try while you do. You've tried a human food already, so get something from one of the other species next for variety.
You buy one of those Serpens drinks this time. You have to admit, thanks to mostly eating fluids those snakes know how to really make a tasty drink. Yum.

You slowly remove your helmet and take what can be considered a big breath for your kind before continuing on through the security point for the observatory, entering the emergency airlock placed before it. As the last airlock door opens, you feel the cool air watch over you as you’re greeted of a sight that leave your breathless…
…
…YOU’RE IN FRACKING SPACE, MAN!! WOO!!

SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!

What planet is that nearby anyways?

Also interspecies contact would certainly be an interesting thing to lookup, I mean while you may not be a xenophile the vast differences between species does allow for a different context when one actually...well, "gets it on". Specially with how vastly different a cubic is from others, though Serpens is probably as different when it comes down to it considering the Tri Gender thing..

Eh well, food for thought while we aren't on duty, and the view is excellent here.

>You do not have enough for a warrant to search his apartment nor allowed to use the onboard cameras to track his moment yet
He's only a person of interest yet at this point, anyways. Technically. We don't have enough information to formally treat him as a suspect, or apply for search or arrest warrants. But he is someone we need to talk to.

>so you’re guessing it’s like that when mating with the other species too?
Sure, except for the most part, their private organs come pre-formed. Not everyone is as malleable as you guys.

>BTL of the Day
Which might mean there's nothing special about them at all. Maybe he just needed to be down here and renting the vids was part of his cover.

>…YOU’RE IN FRACKING SPACE, MAN!! WOO!!
Just stare and zone out for a little while. So cool.

now this is a view. What do you know about the planet we're circling?

Looking around I see that human that had the black eye, a serpen that we haven't seen before that is talking to him, and that sad sakkil guy who's standing by himself.

I wonder if you can get BTLs of BLTs
Cant unsee Dr.robotnik eh..lizard? What is that thing in the Fez?

>How should you ever decide which one to choose!?
Do they have some of those "For dummies" ones? Those are always a great starting place!
>which means switching species is rather popular choice.
...Well we've already started on Human cuisine, so perhaps once we're out of uniform and have time to head back, we can check for apprentice chef or something.
>You slowly remove your helmet and take what can be considered a big breath for your kind
Whoo, helmet removed! ...I'm really hoping that look on the Sakkil's face is that he's awestruck at the view, and not that he just got stood up or told his girl is pregnant. Is that a male? It's harder to tell when it comes to Red Sakkils.
It also looks like that Serpens is winking at that human, but I can't tell. As a species who doesn't have very visible eyes to start with, reading two eyes is hard enough, and Serpens have even more!

Kaktus 2014/12/05(Fri)11:09 No. 609130 ID: 65a774
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>SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!
IT’S AMAZING!!
>Just stare and zone out for a little while. So cool.
Spaaacee… … …
…
…
…
…

>What planet is that nearby anyways?
You believe with was called something like zeta 14, mythog 34 or curion 59… something like that. It’s completely frozen over and nearly uninhabitable, but we still got some mining stations down there harvesting the heavier metals beneath the planet’s surface.
>Do they have some of those "For dummies" ones? Those are always a great starting place!
Let’s see… apparently they have a lot of them… like “How to cook Hiver food for dummies”, “How to play Scrum ball for dummies”, “How to stabilize the quriont equilator in zert mode on a turion frame from 45 theta for dummies”, “How to not drown horribly as a Sakkil for dummies”, “How to please your Ovale girlfriend as a male for dummies.”, “How to make you Hiver boyfriend have his biggest- err… you believe you might have stumbled upon the adult section there for a bit.
>I wonder if you can get BTLs of BLTs.
“How to make and eat BLTs… for dummies”.

>He's only a person of interest yet at this point, anyways. Technically. We don't have enough information to formally treat him as a suspect, or apply for search or arrest warrants.
You don’t have enough information to treat him as anything yet.
>Which might mean there's nothing special about them at all. Maybe he just needed to be down here and renting the vids was part of his cover.
Hmm… it’s possible, yes… it should have been one of those… how do you call it… purple sea… um… shrimp? No…
>Looking around I see that human that had the black eye, a serpent that we haven't seen before that is talking to him.
That quite clearly not the same male human. The last human was all pink and didn’t have cybernetics on his eye, while this one is a bit more… um… what kind of color is he? Neither really pink nor brown? …either way, now you can check off Serpent Ovale and Male human… err… some kind of color?
>It also looks like that Serpens is winking at that human, but I can't tell. As a species that doesn't have very visible eyes to start with, reading two eyes is hard enough, and Serpens has even more!
Why can’t more species have eyestalks like normal people? Preferable one.

>...I'm really hoping that look on the Sakkil's face is that he's awestruck at the view.
No, that’s quite clearly a look of crushing despair… wait, I’ve seen that look before…
>That sad sakkil guy from the cafe, standing by himself.
Hey, it is the guy from the café, isn’t it! How neat!
>What is that thing in the Fez?
He also got a really weird hat. It looks rather silly… but yet… something compels you to call it “cool”.

>Also interspecies contact would certainly be an interesting thing to lookup, I mean while you may not be a xenophile the vast differences between species does allow for a different context when one actually...well, "gets it on". Specially with how vastly different a cibic is from others, though Serpens is probably as different when it comes down to it considering the Tri Gender thing…
It would be quite an experience, wouldn’t it? You just have to wonder how different every species would be… would Sakkil be dedicated to really see the job finished correctly? Would humans take their creativity and ingenuity into bed with them? Would Hivers use their superior size and strength? …and does Serpents always have threesomes? Hmm… so many questions…
>Eh well, food for thought while we aren't on duty, and the view is excellent here.
Oh, right, the view… it’s really is peaceful, isn’t it? …you can hardly believe that you’re actually out in space, so many light years away from your home… to think, the light you see from what used to be your sun is probably older than your whole species… it’s quite amazing… … … … *sluuuurp*

>>609130
Go meet the Sakkil! Ask him why the long face.

Maybe a few usages of those BTL might be good for later... As that SAI put it, "Educational" purposes of learning.

Though probably something simpler then those, considering the content. Actually now that I think on it how common are body mods like that Hiver Ovipositor change? I mean we've seen a Sakkil with full human female morphs, a full body SAI with synth body, and now discovery of internal reproductive changes.

Though that guy really does look depressed, I mean I feel bad for him and we don't even know what's wrong.

>how do you call it… purple sea… um… shrimp? No…
Or was it turquoise lake crab?
>Male human… err… some kind of color?
Male human peach tan? Say, there's another food to try. Peaches!
>but yet… something compels you to call it “cool”.
It's large, it's spacious, and it's even got a built in tassle to swing around and cause a slight breeze upon the scales! Still very silly looking, but we can't deny its functionality.
>Though that guy really does look depressed, I mean I feel bad for him and we don't even know what's wrong.
Susan mentioned something about him missing a space freighter. It's possible his love was on it, or that it was the only ship for lightyears that was going to where his love is. Could also be that he learned he's going to die and needs to go see a specialist somewhere else. Really, can't make assumptions on something like this.

Go complement the Sakkil's hat. Finnish your drink first, apparently watching you eat stuff is unnerving, unless that's just an 'organic thing'.

>Hmm… it’s possible, yes… it should have been one of those… how do you call it… purple sea… um… shrimp? No…
Red herring? It's also possible the titles are related to something if there was otherwise no tampering.
>Why can’t more species have eyestalks like normal people? Preferable one.
Do do list; experience binocular vision.

>purple sea… um… shrimp
Red Herring and remember to digest food in your chest not your head.

>Hmm… so many questions…
like stuff about the first inter species intercourse; who did it involve, under what circumstances did it happen, what happened afterwards? We need to find this stuff out about every species first time with every other species, it will give us a look into how they thought about such things back then.

Kaktus 2014/12/05(Fri)13:44 No. 609159 ID: 65a774
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>Or was it turquoise lake crab?
Hmm… Teal floating squids? No, that’s just silly…
>Red herring?
Oh, right! Red herring! That’s what they are called!

>Maybe a few usages of those BTL might be good for later... As that SAI put it, "Educational" purposes of learning. Though probably something simpler than those, considering the content.
While you’re excited about trying a bunch of BTL’s, you have to remember you’re not made out of money. Let’s see… oh right, you’ve only spent 100 zeds so you still got 1900 left… Maybe you got enough money after all…
>Actually now that I think on it how common are body mods like that Hiver Ovipositor change? I mean we've seen a Sakkil with full human female morphs, a full body SAI with synth body, and now discovery of internal reproductive changes.
They seem to be far more common here in Unity space then in your home world, that’s for sure. You’re pretty sure you’ve read somewhere that both bio and cyber mods are rather common here, actually. Supposedly rather cheap compared to other parts of the galaxy.
>like stuff about the first inter species intercourse; who did it involve, under what circumstances did it happen, what happened afterwards?
It would be interesting to explore the “first contacts”, you have no idea if anyone actually recorded those… um… meetings…
>Finnish your drink before talking to anyone, apparently watching you eat stuff is unnerving, unless that's just an 'organic thing'.
Oh, right… of course… *Slurp* the whole seeing “we don’t want to see you digest stuff”.

>It's large, it's spacious, and it's even got a built in tassel to swing around and cause a slight breeze upon the scales! Still very silly looking, but we can't deny its functionality.
It’s also very eye catching!
>That guy really does look depressed. Susan mentioned something about him missing a space freighter. It's possible his love was on it…
Hmm…
I should have been there… I… I should have been with them…
>Go complement the Sakkil's hat.
Excuse me… I just have to say, your hat is quite delightful.
Huh? Oh, the fez… um… thanks?
It’s human in origin, right? Rather old too?
Err… I think so?
Though I have to say, wearing all red is rather… um… you’re kind of blending in with your own clothes a bit…
…um… is there something you wanted or… um… are you just here to talk about my clothes?
Well… I… um…

Tell him you just moved in and was hoping to make some friends. Can't do that without talking to people right?

I saw you at the cafe, and I don't believe we've met. I'm Song of the Journey, I've moved in recently.

>>609159
Tell him you like meeting new species and he's the first Sakkil you've met here. Also, um, you saw him in the cafe earlier and he still looks pretty down. Is he okay? Does he need someone to talk to? That is a he, right? I'm having a hard time making out his markings.

...if something happened to the freighter, then he's dealing with survivor's guilt.

Talk about SPACE or see if cooking is common ground.

tell him you just moved here and you kept seeing him around so you thought you'd stop and say hi. That and maybe get his name so you could call him something other then that red guy. But you meant what you said of his clothes, they look very snazzy.

I think that Serpens is looking right at us now, but try and approach the topic tactfully with him, considering what he's been saying he sounds like he's depressed, and generally saying saying something untactful generally won't help their situation.

Kaktus 2014/12/06(Sat)07:50 No. 609421 ID: 65a774
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>I think that Serpens is looking right at us now.
Seems like she’s sizing you up for something.
>That is a he, right? I'm having a hard time making out his markings.
That’s clearly a male Sakkil, yes. You’ve already checked for your first contact list when you were in the café, remember?

>Tell him you just moved in and were hoping to make some friends. Can't do that without talking to people right?
Oh, right… making acquaintances. You say you just moved in? So you’re the new tenant in 8T?
That’s my apartment, alright. How did you know?
:VitusDRAEM: I live in 7T and I used to know the one who lived there before you.
Really? Sorry if your friend moved away.
Don’t be, he was a jerk.
>I'm Song of the Journey.
I’m Vitus of the family clan Mort… was of the family… I… j-just call me Vitus. I’m Vitus… yes… um… Nice to make your acquaintance, Song of… err…
You can call me Joana… or Jo.
Nice to meet you Joana… so, that’s means you’re a she? My apologies, but it’s kind of hard to tell your gender…
:JounreyDREAM: Well… I’m technically both a he and a she, but I prefer she.
…oh, right, your species have both genders… I’ve always wondered how that actually works…

>I saw you at the cafe, and I don't believe we've met.
Oh… that… that wasn’t one of my best moments…
You looked a bit down-
I don’t want to talk about it.
…fair enough.
>You meant what you said of his clothes, they look very snazzy.
Thank you. I have to say, you look rather fitting in that uniform yourself. It really brings out deep red of your eye.
>Talk about SPACE.
Ah, yes… space… a vast, endless darkness filled with insignificant lights, lights that are slowly dying, one by one… it reflect our lives, doesn’t it?
…err… Personally, I’ve always seen the stars as opportunities, futures that are just waiting for us to be explored.
Hmm…
>See if cooking is common ground.
Wait, how did you know I loved to cook?
I didn’t? I kind of just… um… guessed? I mean, I love to eat nice food so I thought… um…
Oh, right, your kind loves to eat, don’t they? But yes, I like to cook on my free time… most often old Sakkil recipes.
I’m not really a good cook myself, sadly…

Oh hey a pretty green and blue thing just appeared in the stars above the planet.

Also that Serpens is still looking..It's getting kinda awkward now, but yeah I don't imagine you cooked much, most likely just ate what you could that didn't need much preparation.

Also seems you two are on separate horizons as well, he is pessimistic about the future and see's things as bleak, while your sitting on the frontier looking towards things as only being able to go up. Discuss with him about the old Sakkil recipes, stating you've always been a fond of xeno culture and that cooking would be an interesting conversation about what is used in the process of old handed down recipes.

Ooh, are the warp gates visible from this platform? I wonder how they look when used.

>I’ve always wondered how that actually works…
It mostly means we just pick a pronoun to use so as not to confuse everyone else.

hey something is happening above the planet, any idea what?

so might as well ask what Vitus does for a living. also maybe ask if he knows why that serpen is looking at you like that?

Kaktus 2014/12/06(Sat)13:24 No. 609477 ID: 65a774
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>Oh hey a pretty green and blue thing just appeared in the stars above the planet.
It seems like someone is using the interplanetary system warp gate highway. No matter how many times you’ve seen it in action from the ground at your home planet; you can’t help but marvel at its magnificent.
>Ooh, are the warp gates visible from this platform? I wonder how they look when used.
Why wonder when you can experience?
>Also that Serpens is still looking... It's getting kinda awkward now.
Yeah, she’s been looking at me for a while now, hasn’t she?

>It mostly means we just pick a pronoun to use so as not to confuse everyone else.
Oh, I didn’t mean like that. I meant more in a… um… in relationships, you know… who is the… well…
We didn’t even have proper gender pronouns before first contact…
Of course you didn’t… I’m guessing it’s just weird seeing another species with… well, one gender, I guess? But… I can’t resist to ask, when you mate, who… err… never mind…
We choose beforehand who will be the mother, if that’s what you’re asking. Sometimes, both ends up mothers even.
…hmm…

>Discuss with him about the old Sakkil recipes, stating you've always been a fond of xeno culture and that cooking would be an interesting conversation about what is used in the process of old handed down recipes.
Um… I guess I can cook something up for you, maybe? You know… like a “welcome neighbor” thing?
Oh, I’d love to get a taste of your skills. I’m sure it will be delicious!
Um… I hope you will think so…
>So might as well ask what Vitus does for a living.
Err… right now I’m on sick leave because… um… reasons. I’m actually an AI installer in Sol Corp. You know, program AIs into robots and stuff. And you are a peace keeper, correct?
With five years on the force and counting.
I’m sure you must live an existing life then.
Not really… I mostly walk around catching petty thieves… well, today was kind of exiting but that’s not the norm.

>Also maybe ask if he knows why that Serpens is looking at you like that?
Oh, her? She’s… well, new here too and… um… you know how Serpens are.
…how they are?
Oh, you know… they’re… um… well, like that, Joana.
…?
…they have a very loose concept of… well, romance… and their species is rather… um… open when it comes too… you know…
Can’t you say without beating around the bush?
She’s checking you out and will probably ask you to accompany her to her bed as soon as we stop talking. Happy?
…really? That’s a bit… err… that’s very blunt and forward…
As I said, they don’t really have relationships like we do. But, just say no with a stern voice and she’ll leave you alone.

Yeah I see a little heart over her head practically as she's winking, I suppose this would be one of those interesting intercultural things you could learn about...Well not the bedding but I mean how they view relationships without the addition of having been in a mixed species space and having been educated on the differences between cultures themselves. Exciting!

Also the Warp Gate really is pretty when it's in use with its burst of energy coming into use.

Also don't try and bring up anything about his reasons for sick leave.

>>609477
Well you can just tell her you're not interested in participating in inter-species sex. But be sure to ask her a bunch of weird questions about how it works!

Ask Vitus if he'd like to exchange contact information. What does he do for fun? You can hang out later.

>I’m actually an AI installer in Sol Corp.
And we're investigating a dead SAI from sol corp. We might have a useful contact here, although I'm not sure what question to ask right now.

>she's going to try to bed you
Well, thisis going to be an interesting conversation!

Ask Vitus if he'd mind exchanging contacts with you, then if you could come over to his place to watch how he prepares the meal and maybe help him out; Maybe you could learn a thing or two about traditional Sakkil cooking this way. And tell Vitus that Cib and Susan are gonna come over to your place later to hang out and play the latest Super Smash Sentinels and it'd be great if he'd join y'all. Oh, and ask if you could try on his fez; You're thinking about getting a new hat and would like to see how you look in it.

Turn around and introduce yourself to the ovale Serpens, saying you just moved in on this level from off-station and are looking to meet and get to know your fellow residents; Basically something like what you told Vitus. Comment that you noticed that she was looking at you rather intently and making some expressions you don't know, then ask her what those mean and you'll get to the part where she rather bluntly propositions you.

Tell her that while one of the reasons you came to New Horizon was to meet other species and experience their culture and food and whatnot, you don't feel comfortable enough to share a sexual encounter with one yet. Maybe later on, but not now. That said, you would like to exchange contacts with her for if and when you do feel adventurous and curious enough to experience such you'll remember to call her. After all, a Serpens would be about the easiest choice for your first "close encounter" with an alien species.

Oh, hey, wait a sec! You actually do know somebody that would probably be interested in laying with this Serpens. Ask her how she feels about free SAIs and if she doesn't respond in a negative manner tell her about Susan.

Looking at these two for some inexplicable reason you suddenly wonder how the first meeting between members of the Serpens Creation caste and the Sakkilians went. Did they find common ground in their mutual love of engineering and got along great or did it not go nearly so well?

Hm... Is it correct to use female pronouns for ovale Serpens or is this yet another area of linguistic uncertainty? Now that you think about it, for a language that's supposed to be the common tongue in Unity space, it certainly lacks in pronouns for the genderless, hermaphrodites, and others like ovales. Kinda makes you wonder why after so long it still has such a deficiency.

Kaktus 2014/12/07(Sun)09:38 No. 609743 ID: 65a774
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>I suppose this would be one of those interesting intercultural things you could learn about...Well not the bedding but I mean how they view relationships without the addition of having been in a mixed species space and having been educated on the differences between cultures themselves.
Indeed, to learn of Serpens mating habits without it being polluted by the large culture blend here is quite an interesting topic.
>The Warp Gate really is pretty when it's in use with its burst of energy coming into use.
They are even prettier seen from space like this then they were from the surface of your home planet. To think, the ship that made those lights is now so far away your brain is incapable to even imagine the distance… and all it took was a few seconds. Technology is awesome, isn’t it?
>Looking at these two for some inexplicable reason you suddenly wonder how the first meeting between members of the Serpens Creation caste and the Sakkilians went. Did they find common ground in their mutual love of engineering and got along great or did it not go nearly so well?
While you’ve never read about the smaller details, you do know that the Serpens was the ones who had the easiest to join the Unity, what with them being the only ones who weren’t hated by someone else. That should at least leave them at a natural state when they first met, wouldn’t it?

>Hm... Is it correct to use female pronouns for ovale Serpens or is this yet another area of linguistic uncertainty?
They usually uses she, mostly because by a purely scientific standpoint that would be a female of the species, even if her tools are kind of… um… more on the male side of things.
>Now that you think about it, for a language that's supposed to be the common tongue in Unity space, it certainly lacks in pronouns for the genderless, hermaphrodites, and others like ovales. Kinda makes you wonder why after so long it still has such a deficiency.
Thinking back, you’ve read that the Unity language is a large mix-match of all the other species languages, and as they lack any real pronouns for genders beyond their own species it’s become hard to really introduce the proper words. In fact, the pronouns you used in your old language was closer to the current he / she then a whole new proper noun to be used. The only ones with three proper nouns are the Serpens, but as they don’t communicate with words normally it’s been hard to incorporate it into the Unity language.
>Oh, hey, wait a sec! You actually do know somebody that would probably be interested in laying with this Serpens.
Hmm… you should probably bring her up to Susan before you mention the S.A.I to her. Just to be safe.

>Ask if you could come over to his place to watch how he prepares the meal and maybe help him out; Maybe you could learn a thing or two about traditional Sakkil cooking this way.
You want to watch me cook? I… um… you know… maybe it should be fun. Maybe my therapist was right… I should try to socialize more… yeah, maybe we can cook dinner sometime?
>Oh, and ask if you could try on his fez; You're thinking about getting a new hat and would like to see how you look in it.
I… um… sure, I guess? Here?
Why, thank you… so, how do I look?
Hmm… well, you do look pretty but the fez doesn’t really… um… fit you. Maybe something a bit more… lady like would be more fitting?
Lady like?
You know, big rim, flowers… that sort of thing… ah, forget it, I’m no good with that sort of thing…
>What does he do for fun? You can hang out later.
Um… well, I like to cook… and read a good book, I guess? Oh, and I used to hang out with Cib playing games… err… you’ve met Cib, right?
CB11? Sure.
>Ask Vitus if he'd like to exchange contact information.
Oh, Gladly.

[New Contact Added!]
[Vitus Mort. Male Sakkil. AI programmer. Currently depressed.]

Now if you’ll excuse me, I got a Serpent to take care of.
Right, I’ll just… um... leave then. Goodbye, Joana.
Bye Vitus.

Kaktus 2014/12/07(Sun)09:38 No. 609744 ID: 65a774
File 141797391115.png - (15.47KB , 900x450 , 38.png )

>Turn around and introduce yourself to the ovale Serpens, saying you just moved in on this level from off-station and are looking to meet and get to know your fellow residents; Basically something like what you told Vitus.
Greetings, I’m Song of the Journey, but you can call me Jo or Joana.
I’m Shilse, but you can scream whatever you like tonight, cutie~
I heard you were new here, so am I! I just moved in to apartment 8T this morning, how about you?
Oh, I live in apartment 34T, and you’re free to visit me whenever you like, handsome~
Oh, I like too! It would be nice to have someone to discuss Serpens culture with.
Mmm… speaking of culture… I shouldn’t help but overhear that you had a taste for exotic cooking. I have the perfect dish for you… a Serpens delicacy… Serpens egg harvested by you directly from the source, mmm?
…wait, you use your own eggs in cooking?
What? No, that’s not… I… um… I meant that you should have the honor to become the first alien incubator for little old me~
>Tell her that while one of the reasons you came to New Horizon was to meet other species and experience their culture and food and whatnot, you don't feel comfortable enough to share a sexual encounter with one yet.
Are you sure? You wouldn’t want to do just an itty bitty favor for me? See… my egg sack is so awfully full and-
I said I have to decline your offer.
*Sigh* Fair enough, at least you were polite about it… but if you ever change your mind you know where to find me.
Actually…
>That said, you would like to exchange contacts with her for if and when you do feel adventurous and curious enough to experience such you'll remember to call her.
Oh, of course… call me whenever you want to have some “fun”~

[Contact Added.]
[Shilse Xelch, Ovale Serpens, Xenophile that’s “Trying to catch them all”.]

…of course, you can call me if you want to talk about something else too. I’m not going to say no to a friend in this place.
>But be sure to ask her a bunch of weird questions about how it works!
Well, we can talk about something else right now, if that’s alright with you… in fact, I got some questions about your… um… “culture”?
Ask away, cutie.
You seems super forward and blunt… why is that?
…blunt? Forward? And here I thought I was taking it slow. I did hear all the non-Serpens where a bit more careful with these matters, but I didn’t think it was this bad… How subtle are you supposed to be, then?
Well, that depends, really… generally, you usually go on a date first… unless you’re already mates for life or just looking for-
Wait, date? Mate for life? I must look those… up… wait… you can’t just… ask people?
Generally, no.
…oh, by the great thinkers! I’ve been acting like a total creep, haven’t I! I… I’m just grateful they haven’t called the protectors yet!
Protectors? Like law enforcements? No, nobody has called us yet, so far as I know.
Oh sod, you’re a cop! I didn’t know- will I be arrested for this?
… … …no?

…You have to admit, you have no idea how to read her facial expressions, but you’re pretty sure that one is negative.

Good lord trying to determine facial expressions on a serpens is like trying to decipher a puzzle, at least with those with two eyes and eye ridges it makes more sense! It's like her eyes are trying to do a dance with how they move.

Tell her its fine, it's not illegal to proposition just something of a cultural issue that would turn off most people except for those that are quite ready and willing as it were. You have no reason to arrest her as she hasn't broken any laws, short of trying to molest someone.

Tell her your also mostly just trying to seek knowledge mainly, you weren't trying to call her out or anything just your curious about her kind.

>wait… you can’t just… ask people?
Well, there are certain limited social situations where that kind of behavior would be more expected (the right kind of party, say).

>will I be arrested for this?
No no, some people might be made uncomfortable by being just asked, but to actually break a law you'd have to try to force yourself on someone. Or... embark on a campaign of systematically harassing someone who asked you to stop. Or offer to sell or purchase sexual services. Or make sexual advances on a child. Or preform certain sexual acts in public rather than private.

>>609744
Hmm, so she's a xenophile, huh? Ask her if she can talk in a non-sexual manner about the various issues involved with inter-species mating.

She's wincing and showing a worried look all at the same time! She's hurt and frightened. I think.
"It's not illegal to go asking, especially since you accept a "No" answer. We don't get called in unless somebody's refusing to accept no as an answer.
As for dates, though, it's basically when you enjoy a meal or movie together, it helps form an emotional connection. Dinner and a movie might land you in somebody's pants, too, but it's not a sure thing."

As for some knowledge, how big is her ovipositior.

>You have to admit, you have no idea how to read her facial expressions, but you’re pretty sure that one is negative.
It looks like two parts 'oh goddammit' and one part 'oh crap'.

Well it wasn't harassment because you stopped when asked, but being too forward comes off as... suspicious? Like the free cheese in a mousetrap. I don't know how it's viewed where you're from, but in most cultures there's a lot of trust involved.

>will I be arrested for this?
uh lady, I'm pretty sure you're not going to be arrested for flirting with people and from what little I heard you do stop when people ask you to so I'm not seeing how you're doing anything wrong. I'm just here to enjoy the view and meet some new people, I didn't come down here to ruin anyone's day so you can relax.

How about we try this again, My name is Song of the Journey or Jo or Joana. Whatever one you prefer. I am a peace keeper who is off duty just here to see the sights.
Maybe you should just talk for a bit, I mean you seem to have a bit more experience with other races cultures then she does and you might be able to learn a good deal about her own culture. Take notes I guess is what I'm saying.

Geez, with all those eyes it was like her face did a complicated interpretive dance number with that expression and you have no idea what it means. You need a little help here. Whisper to PAC to ask if it could tell you what her expression means; From the situation you guess it's worry crossed with embarrassment, but you really don't know. And if PAC can do that you'll have to keep in mind to ask it for help the next time you need to decipher a Serpens', or any other alien's, expression.

Reassure Shilse that she doesn't have to worry about you arresting her since she as far as you know she hasn't broken any of New Horizon's laws. It's not against the law here to be as blunt and forward as she was, though most folk here would not like to be propositioned like that. If she follows "no means no," stopping her advances as soon as they say they're not interested, and doesn't keep it up or, even worse, force herself on them, that will cover most of it. There's also no engaging in sexual acts in public spaces, nor generally the public areas of privately owned property (i.e. shops) without the consent of the owner. And there's no prostitution, which is the express intent of exchanging money, goods or services for sexual acts. ...Actually, there's a fair bit of law around sexual acts here. It might just be easier to send Shilse them to read so at least she doesn't fall afoul of the law here. Ask PAC to compile what parts of the New Horizon legal code relate to sex and sexual acts, with the major ones at the top and specifically highlighting those that Serpen newcomers most often break, and send them over to Shilse. She might also want to check if the New Horizon government or the Serpens embassy has a free text on the basics of proper social behavior while on New Horizon for Serpens newcomers she can download. That way she can read how to avoid the biggest social missteps.

From the way Shilse reacted to finding out you're a Peacekeeper it sounds like she's had some encounters with the law for what she's doing before she came to New Horizon. Ask her why she thought you might arrest her for what she's been doing and what kind of run-ins she's had with the cops before and where. Hm... Maybe her being so forward made folks mistake her for a prostitute trying to proposition them and they called the police on her for that.

If Shilse thinks her behavior here was "taking it slow" you really want to know what Serpens societal attitudes around sex are, so ask her to tell you about that, in detail. You'd guess their really free attitude about sex likely stems from the fact that children could only come about if all three of their sexes come together, meaning male-female and female-ovale couplings would have no risk of offspring and could engage freely.

Tell Shilse you're off-duty right now, so if she wants you could walk with her for a bit and help her with her social interactions; Spot and warn her if she's going too far and such. And at some point you can suggest she visit Cib's cafe, that way you can see if Susan is there.

Also mention to Shilse that there's almost certainly other xenophiles on New Horizon that'd likely be receptive to her forwardness. In fact, they probably have some kind of group or club or something to help xenophiles meet other xenophiles. She could search the station Web for something like that.

Idly wonder to yourself what a fresh raw Serpens egg would taste like, then what they'd taste like cooked, before realizing your thoughts have strayed into somewhat disturbing territory and refocus.