That's a pretty cute frost giant.

rolled 5, 6, 2 = 13

It is the fourth month. You have continued your exploration of Kharok Five, one of the many installations established by the Frost Giants of old, shut down nearly two millennia ago. There are great wonders here, most of them rendered inaccessible due to damage or a lack of proper clearance, but the things which you have found are extremely valuable, priceless when you consider their origins. Enough exists in this place alone to cement your status as the most prominent power in Dreamwood, and accelerate your technological development by an untold factor.

Your last act here was to reactivate one of the central databases that stored and managed the installation's information. Though damaged and missing parts of its memory, the machine is operating smoothly, and has begun efforts to repair K5. Without the appropriate clearance, you lack the ability to shut it down, except through brute force, though you can redirect its attention by changing repair priorities. Its current priorities are power, medical, data, internal sensors, fabricators, and the area where you entered. A golem is sealing the shaft that links that place to the surface.

Since you are perfectly capable of magically clearing another path, you see no immediate cause for alarm. The machine, controlling a database of immense proportions, is of great interest, and much of it is open for examination. The possibility of finding a central control system or a repository of research data is quite a potent motivator.

What are your orders?

A-ha!

-Reassure teams above ground that we will find an alternate entrance. We dont need them trying to blast a way in with fire or magic.
-Have them relay orders to dreamwood to check if any FG Golems have gone active.
-If we havent found a way out within 24 hours seal off the site and increase security. If we're still not out in 48 hours the Twins should contact the Conclave.
-Resecure facility, divide into teams of 3 and determine extent of reconstruction in progress.

-terminate self repair and Actually find alternate route to surface (in most convenient order)

>>11173195
Gather the most important information from the database first:
1. Location of Kharok 8 and any other Kharok facilities.
2. Any data regarding the incident that destroyed this facility.

Then shutdown the computer until we're more ready to deal with whatever it might have contained.

rolled 2, 4, 2 = 8

>>11173251
"...Alright, Countess. We'll hold off for now. We won't be able to reach you by radio if that passage is sealed, and you won't be getting any generator power either. Just... be careful, Lady Maya."

The golems taken from Kharok Five, sequestered in R&D lock areas, all activated, then shut down before doing anything. Those from Kharok itself did not activate.

Confirmed. You have 24 hours to contact the surface before it's placed under full guard. 48 hours before assistance is requested from the Conclave.

Resecure order acknowledged. Teams will be divided and sent out. It'll take a brief timeskip for you to see results.

To terminate self-repair you will either need to obtain security clearance or deactivate the systems running it. Numerous possible alternate routes are marked on the maps, but all will have to be cleared before they are usable.

>>11173366
Before we shutdown the Central Data computer, does it contain any useful geographic information concerning the locations of the other Kharok R&D facilities?
Does the database contain any general information about what kind of security system they had in place? Are they using genetic markers, keystones, keycards, RFID chips?
Also, see if we can dash back to the Head Administrator's living quarters; as I recall, we found it but we didn't enter.

>>11173366
Okay, so the golem control system has a significant range, and isn't limited to the facility. Also the control system appears to only be able to control golems registered to it; good to know.

Can we send any mages and alchemists with us to clear out one of the indicated alternate routes back to the surface? I'd rather have them start on an escape route now, rather than have to scramble to create one later.

rolled 1, 3, 1 = 5

>>11173321
The locations of Kharok and all facilities currently available from the database are marked on this map. Data corruption makes the other locations and numbers indeterminate.

Searching. The information is fragmented and will take a little time to assemble.

>>11173434
Yes, but not on nearly all of them. Unless it can repair itself to a sufficient degree, that data is lost.

It says security indicators are unique to each member. Everything else is corrupted.

Stand by.

rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11

>>11173519
You have several mages capable of clearing a route without you, and you yourself could handle many such tasks easily. Do you want to send them individually, together, or must you accompany them yourself?

>>11173552
Hmm...the part about security markers being unique to each person could mean a number of things. This being a magitech facility only makes it more difficult to determine what it might mean.
A. Genetic Markers.
B. Brainwave and though-pattern recognition.
C. Key Cards with built-in fingerprint verification.
D. RFID chip of some kind.

>>11173601
Send them as a squad, with a few militia men as extra help.
We will stay here and continue extracting as much information as we can from the central database before shutting it down.

>>11173552
I took a look at that map, and see that Kharok 21 is within Perin land, and Kharok 4 is in Matmer.

Once we get out of here, we should purchase holdings in those areas.

rolled 2, 5, 2 = 9

You assign some of your personnel to keep tabs on the data system and search for information while you head back to the administrative quarters. Korus stays behind, under guard and fairly bored.

During the short transit ride back, the entrance shaft is sealed and the golem there begins dismantling the barriers your people put in place, as well as opening areas you had no idea were there. More such machines start showing up all over the installation, some of them accompanied by more specialized models. Your scribes, continuing your search of the database, find information on the incidents leading up to the system's shutdown. Since internal sensors were the first to go offline in almost every case, what's available is less than stellar, but still important. The personnel here seem to have lost control of the projects in numerous blocks, first in isolated incidents, and then in a single nearly-simultaneous 'breakout'. They were ill-equipped to contain them all at once, and were quickly overrun. More information is forthcoming.

You reach the administrative quarters, passing several golems, one of which acknowledges your presence. The head administrator's room is still locked, and cannot be opened 'the right way' without clearance. You can remove the door with magic if you so choose.

rolled 6, 6, 1 = 13

>>11173679
Acknowledged. A mage squad has been sent, with a militia escort, to a nearby accessway. They have no trouble opening a shaft to the surface, and are able to contact others through radio. A golem arrives shortly and begins to seal the shaft.

>>11173779
I'm for using using magic to simply carve out the center of the door so that we can walk through. This leaves the rest of the door intact, and shouldn't register as too much damage otherwise.

>>11173822
Great. This is gonna be a Loony Tunes skit, isn't it?
As soon as we open up one entrance, a golem immediately starts filling it up.
Well, okay, this might actually be a good thing.
Have several teams of mages continually carving out tunnels to the surface (be careful to not compromise structural integrity!).
This should mean that we'll always have at least 1 tunnel open, and it'll bog down the self-repair systems, giving us more time.

rolled 2, 4, 4 = 10

>>11173845
If that's the consensus, it will be done.

>>11173892
Your mages do not have infinite power. It takes quite a bit of energy to move that much earth, and there is no way they can keep it up for long. Considering the size of the installation, there are undoubtedly many more golems than you have mages. Unless you rescind the order, they will continue clearing access until they can no longer do so.

>>11173779
>>11173822
Eh, let's leave the door intact for now. If the system registers us breaking in, it might treat us as hostile, and we don't want that. I say that we let the golems seal us in; there must be a path back to the surface in this place's construction plans, we just need to wait for them to rebuild the "proper" tunnels back to the entrance, according to the facility's blueprints.

>>11173942
>there is no way they can keep it up for long.
I hadn't anticipated that they would be that drained.
Very well, do this:
Have a team of mages create a tunnel once every 5 hours for rotation of personnel, status updates, and moving artifacts back to the surface. This should be enough time for the mages to rest before they have to work again. Have the mage teams also work in shifts as well to keep them from getting tired too quickly.

>>11173981
We still need to find a way to give ourselves a higher security clearance, though, and if we need a security marker of some kind.
I don't think we've come across any, which strikes me as odd. Normally, in a panicked situation with people dying left and right, there should be some bodies and their equipment left lying around. So why haven't we seen that here? Did whatever break out of containment also clear the facility of skeletons?

>>11173779
>>11174006
>>11173942
Let's just keep looking for a proper set of doors or something that would lead out of here. Was there anything about official entrances in the database?

rolled 2, 2, 1 = 5

>>11174006
Confirmed. They will do as you order.

>>11174063
There are bones and fragments of bone present, but very few full skeletons, and even fewer weapons or armor pieces. Given that Block 78, as well as other areas, appears to have been completely disintegrated, it is possible that the same fate befell much of K5's population and their equipment.

look up the giant archive for more information about:
1) frost giant air vehicles
2) frost giant weaponry
3) frost giant mutations
4) frost giant history

rolled 2, 4, 5 = 11

>>11174073
The place where you first dropped in was one such official entrance. There were quite a few, some specialized for the transfer of heavy cargo or other items, but all of them have either collapsed or been sealed. On the surface, the only things that remain of K5 are broken-down stone ruins, and there are not many of those.

>>11174130
Working. Stand by.

>>11174170
>but all of them have either collapsed or been sealed.

That is annoying. We may as well let repairs continue then for most of a day then unplug the main computer and open a way out ourselves if none have been repaired. We may also have to re-prioritize repairs on the entrances.

>>11174170
Okay, so the golems SHOULD start to clear those official entrances soon enough. Don't have the mages expend their energy trying to open "unofficial" paths.

rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11

>>11174130
Through radio relays, you order your scribes to search the database for specific information, and meet with some success.

The Frost Giants made use of air vehicles comparable in function to helicopters. One of this installation's research subjects was levitation, and its test vehicles were notably more advanced than any standard example. Typical Frost Giant air transports were VTOL craft supporting eight to ten passengers, magically powered and shielded. Combat variants, armed with short-range beam weapons and something like missiles, were also in use. K5 was equipped with both types, as well as several others, which it kept in dedicated bays you have yet to explore.

The stunners present here were security-issue, used for light duty. Stunner rifles, with integrating targeting systems, much longer range, and greater power, were issued to the armories, but you have yet to recover any. Anti-armor beam weapons and missile launchers were present in very limited quantity in a secure armory. Melee weaponry was magically enhanced (no details), as was armor. It seems that the Frost Giants vastly preferred close combat in 'less important' situations.

There is little to no exact information on mutations, and what there is is very complicated or corrupted. Much of this data appears to be missing.

Historical information is present, but there is a quite a lot of it, much corrupted or unreadable. Would you like to see something specific?

rolled 2, 4, 1 = 7

>>11174247
All the paths they are opening lie on exactly the same lines as the main entrances. They are still being 'repaired' as soon as they are complete.

>>11174348
so basically most if not all their technology is magic dependant
bad idea

>>11174371
Oh. Well fuck. Um, I don't know. Just wait a bit and see what the golems do I guess. As has been said, worst comes to worst, we can make our own way out. Let's check on the medical bay, I know we put that on very high priority. If it's being neglected, then obviously something is very wrong and we should consider shutting down the mainframe.

>>11174348
yes, look for frost demons

after reading that anti magic charms have trouble getting a trigger, I thought of this
this should bypass the problem, if magic works like I think it does

would it work ?

>>11174467
Oh yes, I forgot, charm 2 and the antimagic charm don't have any power of their own.

>>11174348
Is there a way to open the vehicle bays to the surface?

rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9

>>11174429
Very well.

>>11174445
The Frost Giants have had dealings with demonic influences in the past, but there is scarcely any mention of them across several hundred years, leading up to the 'incident'. Apparently, the Frost Giants made a habit of destroying, subjugating, or sealing any magical threat, and were supported in this by their gods. The last major event relating to this topic was at least 1200 years ago, involving the destruction of an enormous city on another continent, and the subsequent sealing of the one responsible inside a tablet which was disposed of by means you don't have the clearance to learn about.

>>11174467
Something like this system has been considered. The main problem is power transfer; it takes too long for the anti-magic field to reach full potential, thus reducing its size and power on impact. It is believed that this issue will be solved in the future.

>>11174496
Do we have the necessary clearance, even if the bay doors were to be still operational?

I think our first priority now should be to find a way of giving ourselves a valid security ID, and giving it Administrator level access.

rolled 6, 1, 5 = 12

>>11174496
Yes, but not from the database. The main control center could do it if it were operational. Otherwise, you would have to be in the hangars themselves. It should be noted that the doors would be buried under many tons of dirt and rock. Opening them without clearing the path above could have disastrous consequences.

>>11174563
I assume you mean 1200 years before Kharok was destroyed? Since iirc, it's currently 1500 years after it was reduced to ruins. So unless the frost giants suddenly came back and did the subjugation/sealing this 300 years ago... yeah.

Also, what's the bet that the demon we released was the same one that was mentioned in that report?

>>11174594
We'll have to do that ourselves later since the other rmages seem like they're getting tired out.

rolled 3, 1, 6 = 10

>>11174591
Yes, you have the clearance to open the doors.

Until you know more about what exactly grants security access, there isn't much you can do except search the quarters, on the off chance that something there will give you what you need.

>>11174612
My apologies, yes, that's what I meant.

The demon you released was sealed within a tablet in the hands of a small town elder. Unless the 'disposal method' refers to tossing the tablet to a random human, it is unlikely.

>>11174594
Does the Central Database have access to the facility's network user list? If not, can it identify the facility's computer maintenance department.
We need to get to IT and give ourselves greater access before the security systems are repaired enough to lock us out.
This wouldn't be such a problem if an idiot in the previous thread hadn't rebooted the Head Administrator's console.

rolled 1, 4, 2 = 7

>>11174646
Given the rotation established by >>11174006, they should be able to keep it up indefinitely.

>>11174673
It contains the personnel records, which are, like everything else, damaged. The locations of various maintenance areas are marked on the maps. The central technical support unit is near the primary control center, in the middle of the installation.

Would you like to go there?

>>11174670
Many things change in a millennia
perhaps the tablet really was in the elder's hands

>>11174670
In the central databse, is there a welcome packet or anything similar that would be given to new personnel or visitors? Something that might give us a clue about the security system used here, such as "Please make sure to keep your security marker with you at all time" which would imply a physical token or fetish of some kind.

>>11174736
yes lets go there.

>>11174736
Yes. let's get to central network ops.
Tell the scribes currently working here to shutdown the computer by pulling the modules if anything dangerous happens; otherwise call for us.

>>11174736
Oh, and bring along Korus.
"If we do suceed in curing you, you'll appreciate this chance to look upon your heritage."

rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>11174766
There is something like that, a standard briefing which is missing its second half. It advises new personnel and visitors to keep their keys with them at all times, since 'permanent' security clearance is only granted after a probation period lasting around a month. According to the information here, many of the areas you've accessed require permanent security clearance, not just a key.

>>11174785
>>11174798
Akcnowledged. Please stand by.

rolled 2, 3, 2 = 7

>>11174841
As you wish.

"Yeah, I bet I will. If I don't lose it first."

did we look up more info on the kids disease ?

rolled 1, 1, 1 = 3

>>11174881
Search is in progress, but you haven't found much that's helpful. Kharok Nine, which handled medical research, is a good place to check.

>>11174901
Remind us to go there and check

>>11174901
>>11174916
Even better; when the next shaft is created by our mage team, radio up orders to have zeppelins and crews standing by for another trip into the Unclaimed Lands. Give them the approximate location of Kharok 9 so that they can adequately prepare.

rolled 6, 2, 4 = 12

On your way to central technical, you pass several medical stations, all of them under repair and one being restocked with new supplies. The scribes report that repair golems have entered the database room just after you board transit, and you tell them to keep you informed. The hovering, train-like car whisks you away at blistering speed, taking you to the very heart of Five. Golems are present in every area you pass, working on power systems and parts of what you assume is the sensor system. From time to time, you hear a brief burst of white noise above you, as if a speaker system is trying to activate.

The hallway leading to the technical unit is wide and heavily damaged, leaving many places where you could fall through to the level below. The main entrance is clear, its doors smashed open from the inside and hanging tenuously from weak connections. The interior is mostly untouched, holding a center desk and branching off into hallways that lead to various other rooms. One console in the desk is running. The security section is forward, behind what were once armored doors.

Orders?

rolled 3, 2, 5 = 10

>>11174916
Got it.

>>11174971
Relayed. The location will be marked. Do you want the keystones you've discovered taken along?

Every time I see that picture I yawn. What a boring thread.

>>11175023
Check the console, see what options are available.

>>11175041
bring the stones

so let's check the terminal for anything useful

>>11175023
>On your way to central technical, you pass several medical stations, all of them under repair and one being restocked with new supplies.

Okay, that's good. But I recall one of the messages saying that the medical terminals and such had been infected, so we might want to hold off on using any of that stuff.

>>11175041
Yes, bring the keystones, we may need them.

By security section, do you mean the computers that handle security, or do you mean another security checkpoint?

>>11175089
we got a willing test subject

inb4 we find SHODAN

>>11175103
But the medical terminals here are insufficient to handle the kind of genetic and physiological damage that Korus has; we need a full med bay with all the options, like the kind they would have at Kharok 9.

rolled 6, 6, 5 = 17

>>11175056
There is a message on the console screen, beside the menu. It reads as follows:

“System re-engaged. Guardian operational.”

As always, there are the normal help and search functions, as well as door and light controls. This appears to be a secretarial console, as it doesn't have much else to offer. There is an option for a security view, possibly linking to the internal sensors, but it is grayed out.

>>11175069
As you wish.

>>11175098
It is likely to be the systems that handle security.

Before we head out to K9 (Or maybe K8 first to get the security key) we should do some test of the medical systems as they are.

-Operate on soldiers leg tumor (if he's still down here with us) since it's fairly minor surgery and if anything goes wrong one of our healing mages should be able to handle it.
(Speculation: Suspect MedGolems used to be able to close wounds after operations using healing magitech. Was it damaged by a computer virus? We must have healing mages present to close wounds after operations either way incase something goes wrong.)

-Conduct operation on our Frost Giant subject: Repair the spinal and bone injuries. Attempt to expand and repair the back of theskull restoring it to FG norms and allowing more room for brain. Ensure that there is no chance of damage to brain from excessive movement after.

>>11175160
Ah crap; sounds like internal autonomous security's been reactivated.
Let's get to the security terminals and see if we can enter ourselves into the system.

>>11175190
look up info on the guardian thing

>>11175216
this.

It's been said before the FG's didn't have automated security and just preferred to do it themselves. My guess is, even with as advanced as they were, they still loved a good rumble.

rolled 6, 6, 2 = 14

>>11175216
Guardian is the autonomous security and defense system. It is responsible for maintaining the integrity of secure systems and preventing outside intrusion, with support from assigned personnel. It was manually deactivated about 1800 years ago and has been brought back as part of self-repair protocols.

>>11175286
just what is it made of exactly ?
disable it!

rolled 6, 4, 1 = 11

>>11175293
It's an integrated part of the installation. Disabling it would require higher clearance than you have, or the destruction of several key systems, one of which is here. Proceed?

>>11175286
Get to the security consoles, see if any of them are on or can be brought online. We need to enter ourselves as a legitimate user as quickly as we can.

>>11175332
NO! Do not destroy anything yet!
It's this kind of shortsightedness that got us locked out of the Administrator's computer!

>>11175332
you said that medbay was being restocked?
Well then we can get What ever the fuck his name was treated for that tumor in his leg, and the FG kid some brain surgery and gene therapy before we leave.

Make a note to do so before we leave the facility.

rolled 4, 5, 2 = 11

>>11175373
The militiaman can be treated, but gene therapy is beyond this installation's capabilities.

>>11175341
Stand by.

>>11175373

The logs said ALL of the medical consoles were infected. They are not to be trusted beyond what we can physically confirm.

>>11175373
Not necessarily medbay, but some of the medical terminals.
Also, the med computer already stated that some of the procedures needed to heal Korus are beyond the capabilities of the med bay in this facility, and to try the research hospital at Kharok 9.

rolled 3, 2, 5 = 10

You enter the security section, passing the remains of several sets of blast doors, and note the presence of large, armed golems within, apparently non-functional. Korus seems unimpressed and bored as usual.

The room before you is enormous, a circular control center that extends all the way around a central location, holding multiple data machines comparable to the one you activated. The far wall is made of a transparent material inlaid with glowing blue runes, looking down on the 'machine pit' that extends a short distance above and below. There are golems at work, both there and in this control center, reinserting command cylinders and repairing consoles.

A ring-shaped projector sits atop the central data machine, producing a flickering, blurry image shaped roughly like a human head. All of the undamaged consoles are active. The one in front of you is displaying a menu, as well as a scrolling menu detailing various repair operations.

rolled 2, 3, 2 = 7

>>11175491
>scrolling menu

Scrolling message.

>>11175491
Is the projection holographic in nature, or is it a simple 2-D projection?
What options are available on the terminal closest to us?

>>11175491
>Korus seems unimpressed and bored as usual.

I wonder if lack of enthusiasm is part of the Frost Giant's ailment.

rolled 6, 3, 1 = 10

>>11175556
Holographic.

Notable options are: Clearance, uplink, remote command, guardian access. There are others, but their names are unreadable.

>>11175566
It's probably a combination of not impressing him in the way that he is culturally accustomed to ( MAYA SMASH!! MAYA ICE NUKE!!!), but also the first words exchanged revealed us to be naive, ignorant of what he takes to be common knowledge, and all around soft-in-the-head for a proper Frost Giant.

>>11175566
I dont think he cares about anything that doesnt cure him at the moment. As it is everything else is just a waste of time.

>>11175491
>There are golems at work, both there and in this control center, reinserting command cylinders and repairing consoles.
Well here's hoping that they dont start killing people when security gets back to 100%
>>11175600
Guardian access.

>>11175600
Choose Clearance.

>>11175613
I disagree with going for Guardian access before Clearance.
The reason is because we may not have the proper Clearance to access Guardian functions yet.

>>11175600

Clearance would be helpful then uplink to find out what's going on in the other installations.

>>11175640
>>11175621
These. I realised it as a bad idea after I posted.

>Guardian selected
>Warning security key not present
>Morality core not yet restored
>Warming up the neuro toxins

rolled 2, 2, 1 = 5

>>11175621
>>11175640
You select the clearance option, and a soft blue light sweeps across you before the console screen changes. It displays the following message:

“Command clearance: Mid. Kharok Native, standard access. Last access: Not found. Personnel Record: Not found.”

You are cleared to converse with Guardian. You can alter the clearance level of personnel below you, but you cannot raise your own clearance level except in emergency circumstances, with administrative approval or the sanction of the system itself. Kharok Five is noted to be under repair, with its control systems non-functional.

Whichever option we pick (I vote for Clearance) make idle conversation with Korus. Mostly exchange stories about badasses. Picture fucking related.

The goal here is to get him to start thinking humans are capable of pretty good levels of badassery, even if small.

p.s. he ATE his own eye.

>>11175718
Look for what passes as Emergency Circumstances.

rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>11175654
Uplink gives you several different error codes. The system can't find its links to Kharok or the other installations, and states that communications may be offline or damaged.

>>11175718
Excellent.
Here's what I propose:
We converse with Guardian. We request that emergency command access be granted to us as no other facility personnel are present and in order to secure this facility from further internal breaches.
Acceptable?

rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9

>>11175732
The destruction or disabling of key systems, the loss of high-rank personnel or a sufficient amount of low-rank personnel, mass containment breaches, loss of contact with Kharok Main, etc. It is quite obvious that the current situation fills the requirements several times over.

>>11175721
Would you like to share a specific story, or will you leave it to me?

>>11175774

THIS

>>11175776
Maybe we should listen to some of HIS stories? He's bound to know more about Frost Giants than we do and we could use the input on them.

>>11175774
Seconding/thirding this.

>>11175776
Since we are in an emergency situation, perhaps we should talk to Guardian and have it transfer all of the command codes to us.
Though my one concern is if there's a hidden security protocol that requires a facility self-destruct if it looks like the place will fall into hostile hands.

>>11175774
Oh, and in addition grant all of our human personnel clearance to be within the facility.
I don't want our guys getting targeted as security breaches.

>>11175810

Like I said, exchange stories of badasses. Liu-bu's eye eating escapade should be right up the kid's alley.

>>11175877

I think you mean Xia Hou Dun.

rolled 2, 2, 3 = 7

You select guardian access, and the screen flickers for a brief moment before displaying an entirely new interface. There is a crackling noise, and you hear a voice echoing through the control center, as the holographic projection moves in time with the message.

“Restoration in progress. Some options may not be available. Hello. I am Guardian. Voice command is available. Text command is available. Welcome to security.”

The console interface gives you a great amount of options and a command box for you to type in something specific. Korus scratches his head, keeping his eyes on the projection, the first real interest he's shown in quite a while.

You request emergency command access as the circumstances warrant. The projection flickers yet again as the golems continue inserting cylinders, refining itself into something closer to a face.

“Considering.” A pause, then, “Access granted. Clearance upgraded to high. User data recorded under heading 'One'. Please issue commands at your leisure.”

The interface displays a schematic of the primary control center.

“Autonomous systems in this area are offline. Until repairs are completed, this installation-”

The voice cuts off as another cylinder is inserted. The projection becomes more recognizable.

“I cannot act alone. Please give me permission to restore the control systems.”

rolled 2, 3, 4 = 9

>>11175866
This request appears to confuse Guardian. It says the security system is incompatible with other races and inquires as to why there are humans present in the installation.

>>11175996
Hmm...how about this:
"The humans are part of a joint recovery effort and are working under my authority. The necessary upgrades to your system that would allow you to register them properly have not yet been completed. Until they become available, do not interfere with the humans' work unless you deem their actions are in imminent threat to cause system damage."

>>11175996

Respond: "Lack of Frost Giant presence in the area has left the human race to expand as they wished for close to 2000 years. This facility was re-discovered purely on a hunch I had. The humans are working with me to study the remains, in the hopes we can restore other frost giants from their current status as severely mutated raiders."

rolled 4, 1, 4 = 9

>>11176101
"Accepted, One. The humans in Block 23 are attempting to destroy quarantine seals in the entranceway. They will be stopped at once."

>>11176125
"I understand. Your assistance is appreciated."

>>11176198

"End Quarantine on block 28."

>>11176227

meant block 23

rolled 3, 2, 1 = 6

>>11176227
>>11176236
"That is not possible at this time. Quarantine procedures have been instituted on the highest level. You must restore the control systems."

You receive a radio message, very faint due to distance, as the projection continues to refine itself.

“Countess, this is- -we're here at- -they're coming toward us. They're telling us to leave the area. They've got- oh shit!” There is a muffled boom, and the transmission cuts out.

Guardian speaks again. “The humans are departing. Quarantine has been enforced. Attempted breach logged.”

fuck

God damn, I am still so far behind. I swear, I will be a productive contributor again someday. Think someone wanted to see Maya in armor, so here is a WIP. With any luck I will have this finished before the 404 hits. No promises though. Keep up the good work Subprocessor.

>>11176101

Thanks a lot. With your careless wording, you've made it so that humans are ok to shoot for whatever reason the system deems.

rolled 4, 2, 5 = 11

>>11176297
Awesome. Thanks for the art, and for sticking around.

We gotta get this thing back up ASAP so we can end the quarantine.

>>11176314
But it was necessary in case they ended up blowing something up, especially because power is being restored.
While unfortunate, this precaution was necessary.
Otherwise they might have electrocuted themselves, overloaded a block's power grid, or who knows what else.

>>11176297
Awesome.

>>11176272
"Addendum: humans are to be redirected using nonlethal force and are to be given adequate time to respond to verbal orders to move away."

>>11176272

>>11176272
Get on the radio and tell all teams to not interfere with the golems' activities, and to follow their orders.
They know this place's systems better than we do, and we should take advantage of that.

As for restoring the control systems, I see little choice but to tell Guardian to restore them.

rolled 2, 1, 1 = 4

>>11176369
The primary control center is above you. Guardian offers you an escort if you require it, and promises to remain vigilant while you are away. Would you like to head there now?

>>11176393
"Nonlethal force has been employed, One. Any damage is incidental and fully within this installation's ability to repair. Security procedures will follow your specifications in the appropriate circumstances."

>>11176414
Agreed. We'll also have to see about some Quarantine markers so people dont go wandering into bad places. Or getting shot.

>>11176426
Yes, go up to the control center.
And make sure that our personnel acknowledged our warning about the golems.

rolled 6, 6, 2 = 14

>>11176414
Acknowledged. Your people are advised to stay clear of the golems and obey their orders. Contact with the mages is restored short after, and you are informed that they were attacked with a weapon similar to a flashbang. No one was permanently injured.

Guardian needs you to go there in person. It can handle a lot of the procedures itself, but, for security reasons, it can't activate the system directly, at least not yet.

rolled 5, 3, 5 = 13

>>11176448
Very well. Please stand by.

>>11176462

Let's do it then.

screens filling with the phrase "You shall be as gods" in 10...

I make a grapple check

Making an AI (or at least, very advanced expert system) require a colloidal biological sentience for higher command functions; good restriction.

rolled 2, 6, 5 = 13

Korus seems to think what happened to your mages is absolutely hilarious. You make a mental note to instill in him some proper values when you're less pressed for time. There are plenty of stories you could tell him to help him see how... badass humans can be.

Two of the security golems activate and follow you to the control center, as Guardian assures you that it will do all it can to assist. Just before you leave, its projection gains a large amount of detail, appearing as an expressionless, giant face. Whatever else it is, you find it unnerving.

In the absence of any working lifts, you take an auxiliary staircase up a few floors, pass numerous security nodes in an enormous hallway, and enter the primary control center, an incredibly massive room that looks more like the bridge of some ancient starship than the middle of a ground installation. Several of the nearest consoles activate just after you reach them, displaying preliminary operations started by Guardian. An onscreen message tells you to go into the main chamber.

The center of control houses the largest data machine you have ever seen, a towering pillar of circuit-patterned stone inlaid with glowing runes, surrounded by projectors and console stations, one of them clearly meant to be the 'top dog'. The station directly in front sits on a recessed dais, consisting of an uncomfortable-looking chair with multiple displays and interfaces extending around it. Every screen shows the same message, the word 'sit'.

I'm assuming you will proceed. If not, please speak.

>>11176608

buy the ticket, take the ride. We've come this far, no reason to back out now.

>>11176608
Okay, let's not. I'm getting a bad feeling about this.The Guardian seems a bit too eager to get us to sit and whatnot.

>>11176608
Man, I really hope that it was the real, uncorrupted Guardian AI that we talked to, and not whatever computer virus it was that escaped into the system before the place shut down.

Let's get in there and get this facility up and running. And remember to turn off the facility self-destruct that was paused due to being unable to contact Kharok.

>>11176664
>The Guardian seems a bit too eager to get us to sit and whatnot.

He's here to help us.

>>11176722
>>11176664
This DOES appear to be the central control terminal. Maybe we can countermand it if it turns out to be a malevolent AI?

rolled 1, 3, 1 = 5

You take your seat, finding that it molds instantly to your frame, despite appearing to be nothing more than a crude construction of common stone. A jolt runs up your spine, an unpleasant sensation that numbs your fingers. The displays all blink in unison, running through yet another activation program that seems to take forever. You notice that there don't seem to be any command panels in this room; everything is self-contained. Korus watches patiently behind you, humming softly.

A tone sounds, and all at once, the room lights up, sweeping the machines with bright white beams that settle in quickly, like spotlights finding their mark. A whirring, clicking noise builds beneath the floor, accompanying the crackling whine of the projectors. Multicolored holograms blossom in front of you, filling your vision with schematics and pages upon pages of text. You hear a voice emanate from the center of the room.

“Welcome. Kharok Five is now online. All processes will be returned to function shortly. Please wait.” For a moment, the projections pause, becoming an endless pattern of error codes, but they resume right after, leaving you to wonder if you saw anything at all.

A different voice, gruff and unfriendly, comes through speakers just behind your station.

“That's it! You're in! I don't know who the hell you are, but you've just saved the whole damn network. You see that self-destruct timer on your right side? Punch it, and get as far away as you can. This our only chance. Don't-” it cuts off.

The two security golems behind you speak in unison.

“ONE. GRANT ME PERMISSION TO ACCESS THE PRIMARY CODES. I CANNOT IMPLEMENT FINAL REPAIRS UNTIL YOU DO SO.”

>>11176820
OH GOD I DONT KNOW WHAT DO DO!

>>11176820
If this course of action is amenable with the others:
"Drop the charade. Are you the original Guardian, corrupted by whatever was released, or are you one of the escapees? Little matter, I suppose.
"I don't wish to have this facility destroyed, and neither do you. Nor do I wish to be your biological colloidal sentience, to be disposed of once you have the codes, and you can't have the codes if you kill me.
"Let's negotiate."

>>11176845

Kharok 9 will have it's own computers. We can lose this one.

Subproc, let's light this candle. The FG's had done all this for a reason. Let's not fail them.

>>11176925
If this is a facility wide self-destruct, you should consider the blast radius that this could have, and the effect on Dreamwood.
You didn't think of that, did you?

rolled 5, 4, 2 = 11

>>11176905
There is a bit of a pause, and the golems move aside. This time, the response comes through the room's speakers.

"I am Guardian. I know no other designation. To return this installation to operational status, I require the primary codes. If you do not give me the codes, I cannot complete my task. I must complete my task. Give me the codes."

There is a click, and the soft voice of control comes through.

"Thank you for your patience. I am Command. My processes are now fully re-integrated and ready. I have detected enemy infiltration in all network systems. I am requesting permission to purge."

>>11176820
Press the self destruct then get the fuck out of here as fast as possible, and don't forget to tell everyone else.

>>11176925
The self-destruct timer we saw showed that only a little bit of time was left. There's no way we'd be able to get everyone out of the facility and clear of the blast radius, let alone ourselves.
Not to mention the possible effects that it could have on nearby Dreamwood.

>>11176995

Permission to purge granted.

>>11176995
"Command, is the subsystem identifying itself as Guardian part of the enemy network intrusion?
"Guardian, is the Command subsystem compromised?
"I've seen this before, so I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't waste any of our cycles."

rolled 4, 6, 5 = 15

I will definitely need a consensus.

>>11176995
Could it be a trap? Yes. But if it is we're no more screwed then we were a minute ago. Try it.

>>11177052
Dude, the "intruders" are probably our teams.

Deny purge.

Deny Deny Deny Deny

Command sounds reasonable, compared to the demanding Guardian. But we don't know enough about Ancient Frost Giant culture to know if they would have gone with a gruff, no-nonsense AI, or built one with an extensive personality matrix.
The options for Guardian were on the console, implying it might have been built into the system.
But then again, once it took control, it could have simply written that in as a trap.

Damnit, did any of the logs that we've read so far make mention of either Guardian or Command, and if either one had been infected?

rolled 20 = 20

Odd we grant, even we deny.

>>11177060

THIS

>>11177066
Ask if it can do the purge and still leave up the self destruct option.

>>11177075
Or the intrusion it's talking about could be the AI that the Frost Giants were fighting against.

Without more information, it's a 50/50 shot that we'll end up making the wrong decision.

rolled 5, 1, 3 = 9

>>11177060
Command makes a sighing sound. "Guardian has been infiltrated. It is acting in good faith, but it does not know it has been compromised."

There is a click, and Guardian responds. "No, One. Command has not been compromised, nor have I. You must give me the codes so that I may complete my task. You cannot do it without me. Command cannot act without me."

>>11177125
No. Neither system is mentioned by name. Specific information is hard to come by. You have read messages that seem to suggest parts of the network or the whole network have been compromised, but they could have been fabricated, as you know.

>>11177060

Do this. We have to have confirmation before we dick with the systems any more than we have.

Can we ask Command to define the form of the infiltration?

rolled 1, 5, 1 = 7

>>11177151
"Self-destruct will not be affected. As long as your station has power, that system may be activated at any time."

>>11177173

Begin the purge. I'll trust the gruff AI to the demanding one any day.

>>11177173
I'm leaning towards purging the system now.
Here's my reasoning, and please point out any mistakes there might be:
Command has said that Guardian has been compromised, but Guardian says neither have been compromised. If neither are compromised, then a purge won't hurt. And if Guardian is compromised, then it must be purged before we can release the codes. And if Command is compromised, Guardian would have said so, because to not say so would put the facility in more danger.

So, I say purge the system first.

>>11177229
Maybe guardian would not be able to tell if command was compromised?

I think we should dig deeper.

rolled 2, 5, 1 = 8

>>11177209
The holograms are briefly replaced with error codes, restored too quickly for you to read any of them. Command answers, "Five's systems have been infected by malevolent entities. They are magical and technological in nature. They have compromised many of my fringe systems and are now assaulting my core. I must be allowed to purge."

>>11177272
Ask for a definition of a purge operation.

>>11177272
What's the yield of the self destruct system first then yes begin purge.

>>11177173
+1 vote to allow purge, as long as it doesn't harm our people.

PURGE. CLEANSE. KILL.

>>11177326
Shit this was me.

>>11177272
Can Korus operate our radio, or is the internal PA system online yet?
Either way, we should probably tell our men to hunker down and get ready to make a path to the surface in case we choose poorly.

rolled 5, 3, 3 = 11

>>11177321
"Purge will restore all relevant systems from secure backup and lock all unique processes. This installation, myself, and Guardian will be restored to initial state."

>>11177326
"The self-destruct system will cause the release of all power generation safeties. This installation will be disintegrated. A momentary shield will prevent this effect from extending beyond the boundaries of this installation."

>>11177393
I'm satisfied. Allow purge.

rolled 2, 5, 6 = 13

>>11177392
Korus can use your radio easily, since it is already set and only needs to be turned on. The internal speakers are probably linked to the sensors, judging from the information on the displays. They are still offline in much of the installation.

Your personnel are being warned to prepare to escape. They are now congregating around the mages capable of opening channels to the surface.

>>11177427
I guess we have a consensus then. Stand by."

>>11177393
Yeah, if we had activated the self-destruct, with our tunnels collapsed by the repair golems, there's no guarantee we could have made it out in time, let alone getting all of our personnel out.

self destruct might not have been a good idea, anyway. while we are some way away from dreamwood, we have NO idea how far this place extends.

If guardian starts getting uppity and tries to interrupt the purge, have it calculate pi to lock up it's processes.

>>11177588
Exactly. It goes on for miles underground, and if we had activated the self-destruct when people were asking for it, our men wouldn't have had any warning or a chance to prepare themselves to escape. And on top of that, we don't know how much time is on the timer; it might have been enough when the emergency exits were still working, but with all shafts blocked, I very much doubt we would have been able to escape ourselves.

rolled 4, 6, 6 = 16

Command waits a moment before responding. “Order confirmed. All systems ready. I am purging. Purging. Purging. PURGING. PURGING.” The voice gets louder and louder, reverberating through the walls and floor. Korus hits the floor, holding his ears.

One by one, the displays blink out, as the holograms are swept by a wave of error codes and gradually darken. The projectors begin to shut down, as Command's voice fades and Guardian's goes with it.

“I must complete my task! There is still time! Give me the codes! Give... me... the...” it trails off into nothing as the lights go out, one by one, sinking the control center into blackness.

Everything falls silent. The quiet hum of machinery, the whirs and clicks of deeply-buried systems, everything stops. A lone, solitary light blazes on your forward console, the only indicator that there is still power here. Long, agonizing seconds pass, as you wonder anxiously if you've done the right thing, if any choice you could've made was the right one. The light turns blue.

Sound returns. Korus rises, brushing himself off and crossing his arms like nothing happened. The room's many lights click on, and the projectors all start up, spreading holographic patterns throughout the air. A new voice comes through, different from any of the others.

“Kharok Five has completed restoration of all systems. No infiltration has been detected. Command is online. Guardian is online. Administrative clearance levels have been restored. One recognized. All administrative duties passed to One. Link to Kharok Main not detected. Repairs in progress. State your command.”

>>11177634
Hah, I want to go with "Sleep"
This friggin' place is too much stress.

>>11177634
"Give full records of the events leading up to previous intrusion and all known reasons for intrusion."

>>11177634

"Clear quarantine status of Block 23. Run self-diagnostic."

>>11177634
"Tea. Hot."

>>11177679
Has it occurred to you that maybe it is quarantined for a reason?

>>11177694
>"Tea. Earl Grey. Hot."

fixed :V

>>11177704

Except we've CLEARED the entryway and been over it with a fine-toothed comb.

>>11177679
I think we should maintain the quarantine for now.

"Computer, identify all human personnel currently in this facility. All humans are to be given clearance to enter quarantine zones.
Maintain quarantine of Block 23.
Prioritize repair of primary shaft to the surface, followed by power systems and public announcement systems.
Perform self-diagnostic and provide a report."

>>11177737
There we go.

ONE of us knows how to run this shit. You done this before bud? Here, just take the keys and let me nap in the back. Wake me when we get there.

>>11177754

Damn, you know how to run this shit, cowboy. Gunner seat's all yours then.

rolled 3, 4, 1 = 8

>>11177675
"Searching. Full records not available. Compile order pending. Summary of accessible data proceeding."

"Containment procedures in Block 9 were not followed. Block 9 suffered a brief but complete loss of containment and was purged. Multiple entities escaped and entered the main system. All Blocks were contaminated in the ensuing period. This installation's staff were overrun. Contact was lost with Kharok. Contact was lost with all other installations. Command and Guardian were manually deactivated. Upon re-activation, I recognized the infection in all systems. That infection has now been purged."

>>11177679
"This installation is no longer under quarantine. Self-diagnostic running." A timer counts down about a minute. "Self-diagnostic complete. No infiltration found. Correctable errors found. Personalized data has been purged and is not recoverable."

>>11177737
"Addendum: Provide the human identified as [insert name of primary researcher here] with security clearance to unlock all doors in the habitation area.
All humans are to be given clearance to lock any door within the facility."

This is so they can get on with their research, and if they find something nasty, lock the door again.

>>11177786
SHIT.

SHIT.

So that was the downside of the purge option. >_<

Alright... last I checked on this quest, we were turning down a marriage offer after killing a fire demon and dying. So what is going on now?

rolled 3, 4, 1 = 8

>>11177694
>>11177716
"Cafeteria facilities are non-operational. Low priority."

>>11177737
"All human personnel identified and cataloged. Human personnel granted clearance to enter quarantined areas. Quarantine procedures are no longer in effect. The enemy infiltration has been purged."

"Repairs prioritized. Self-diagnostic has been completed. Systems degradation is not within tolerable levels. Many low-level errors are present. Scheduled maintenance has not been completed for several centuries. Much data has been corrupted and is not recoverable. Repairs are in progress."

>>11177815
We broke an enemy nation.
We began the age of flight.
We are now Indiana Jones.

>>11177815

Long story short, we went to war, killed THAT SAME FIRE DEMON THREE MORE TIMES, became a countess, and found what was left of part of Kharok (the Frost Giant city that was lost) as well as a FG research facility in our own back yard.

>>11177829
>"Cafeteria facilities are non-operational. Low priority."

lol, u r teh best dm

rolled 4, 4, 3 = 11

>>11177791
"Clearance granted. The security system must be altered to support non-racial clearance procedures. Changes will not take effect for one hour, seventeen minutes."

>>11177814
That's just stuff like personal schedules, any pictures of spouses and kids and such, I think. Shouldn't be anything critical. Unless you were interested in some frost giant's shopping list.

>>11177829
Confirm with the computer (I guess it's an amalgamation of Command and Guardian) that we will still be able to give it direct controls from here, and once the internal PA system is back on, that we will be able to give it commands from elsewhere in the facility.

Then get on the radio and tell our people that it looks like we should be okay.
When is the next scheduled tunnel back to the surface supposed to happen?

You know what we should do, once this thing has got it's self back up?

Dig for porn.

>>11177869
I'm picturing Captain's Logs and such. Progress reports. Findings. Proposals. Allocations. Basically anything a Decker might want to download in Shadowrun.

>>11177869
I would have been interested in things like personal logs, diaries, notes, things that would give us an insight into Ancient Frost Giant culture.
Not to mention, possible clues as to what was going on at the time of the Great Collapse.

>>11177910

Since we discovered a techno-magical virus was involved, I've been referring to it internally as the SHODAN event.

You know what we need to do? We need to bring Vasian in here, especially the medbay, vehicle hangar, and the command center.
He just might die of multiple SCIENCEgasms.

>>11177936

FUCKING YES

rolled 1, 6, 3 = 10

>>11177885
"Confirmed, One. Direct control is available through this station and through voice command. Internal sensors must be restored to allow voice command in damaged areas."

You're still talking to Command, just with a different voice. Apparently, it was modified a long, long time ago, and the default's been restored.

You inform your personnel that everything looks good, and there's no danger of enormous explosions or anything like that. The mages can have a tunnel up in minutes, but it looks like that won't be necessary. Now that quarantine's no longer in effect, the repair golems are clearing the entranceways themselves.

>>11177859
Okay, let our research teams know that in an hour and twenty minutes, the head researcher should get the ability to command doors open in the living areas (as long as the doors are working).

Let's get ready to go back to the surface and make sure preparations for going to Kharok 9 are proceeding smoothly.
Before we go there though, I've got a lot of stuff I'd like to set into motion to occur while we're trying to get Korus cured.

>>11177842
BUT DID WE GET LAID YET?

You know, once this facility is repaired and back online, the pic I uploaded before
>>11173321
won't be too far off.

rolled 2, 2, 2 = 6

>>11177892
>>11177910
Official logs are still available, as are research reports, and anything that went through official channels. Personal data, such as the mentioned diaries, notes, and pictures, is no longer available.

>>11177977
Done.

A path to the surface should be clear by the time you can get to the nearest entrance. You have Zeppelins on standby to take you and anyone you choose to Kharok Nine. It will be a very long flight, so you might want to wait until tomorrow, just so everyone's well-rested. Considering what you alone have been through, a little time to recuperate would be nice.

What would you like to set in motion?

>>11178038
Sweet!
Let's see how thorough it is...
We should ask about most recent active research and production projects, sorted by largest allocation of personnel, limit five projects listed.
Maybe also get information on the point of origin/Shipper Address of production materials if available.

rolled 4, 5, 5 = 14

>>11178072
To clarify: Are you asking for information on Dreamwood's projects, or Kharok Five's? Information on both is available.

>>11178038

we need to:
take Korus and the Captain to the scanner one more time to see if it sees them any differently now that the system has been purged.
see about getting the stunners miniaturized.
give Kel a hug (lolitrollu)
see if there's any pressing matters that concern us when we get back to Dreamwood proper for rest.

>>11178098
Kharok's. That would be scary if it knew Dreamwood's.

Also ask if it keeps records on other types of facilities, what types of records it keeps on other "Non-Kharok" facilities, and how many different facilities it has details on, with basic description for the five largest by employee base.

>>11178038
First, the Red Wings. Make sure that the pilots of our 'thopter squadrons have fixed their aiming issues.
Second, begin acquisition of land and holdings in areas where we know Kharok facilities to exist. These are Kharok 21 in Perin, Kharok 6 in Cyreth, and Kharok 4 in Matmer.
Third, have our R&D specifically research the type of power used by Frost Giant magitech, and attempt to recreate it.

Fourth will require some concensus:
I want to float an offer to the Perin military, to allow our Red Wings to operate in Forus as fire support for the occupation forces.
We need to test our technologies in the field, and get our pilots much needed combat experience.
We may want to consider downgrading some of the equipment on the zeppelins.

Fifth, develop or acquire light shield magelocks for both zeppelins and 'thopters. The 'thopter ones can have a very limited operation time with a long charge time.

>>11178130

I'm ok with deploying the red wings. As it is, they're just going to sit around and stagnate. If they have any bad feelings about heading to the war, remind them it's so that the war can be finished as quickly as possible, so that Perin can begin to rebuild properly.

>>11178163
Now that we are so close to ICE's and fixed-wing aircraft, I think we can give the Perin military a break and throw them a bone or two.
Remember, SubDM said that as long as the tech gap between Dreamwood's paramilitary force and the military doesn't get too big, they'll be fine with it.

rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9

>>11178110
You have Korus and the militiaman scanned once more. The captain's readout is unchanged, though this time, the console notes that one of the medical stations has been fully restocked and can handle his care without any trained medical personnel. Korus's scan doesn't provide much in the way of new information, but does suggest different treatment programs that could be used to deal with some of the lesser systems. In particular, low-grade painkillers would go a long way towards alleviating his current discomfort. If the defects and 'corrections' have been present from birth, he has probably never been pain-free in his life.

At the time, the standard-issue stunners represented the best that was generally available. You may have some luck in one of the weapons research installations, but their locations cannot be found until database repairs are complete.

Confirmed. You'll hug Kel.

You have been in radio contact practically the whole time. If there are any pressing matters, you'll hear about them, though.

>>11178201
>>11178163
>>11178130

We should give the higher-ups a big ol Tony Stark-like "I prefer the weapon you only have to fire ONCE" presentation when we introduce our Red Wing squadron.

>>11178226
Goddamnit! Not this Kel shit again!
Look, we've barely talked to the man for what, almost a year now? It's not fair to him to keep on sending these mixed signals. Just don't do it.

any news on who the voice belonged to that wanted the self destruct?

>>11178262

>>11178226
When we start buying up land, make sure that they're not the only plots of land that we buy. Also, send out our resource survey teams (geologists and druids). If they find some nice resources, put in an offer to buy. As for the Kharok installations, if they find a valid valuable resource, that'll be the reason for our purchase in our internal documents and reports. If there isn't, then make something up.
It would be too suspicious otherwise if we were spending huge amounts of money on apparently worthless land.

>>11178226
Interesting.... sure, let's give Korus some painkillers and ask the militiaman if he would like to undergo medical treatment that should fix a serious medical condition that will certainly become very severe later in his life.

>>11178226
You know what? yeah, let's give Korus some painkillers. He'll probably be blown away that he CAN be conscious and pain-free. Maybe enough so that he would be fully committed to getting treated.

>>11178262
Now, just because something isn't mentioned, dosen't meant it didn't happen. Besides, he's been one of our best friends since he saved our ass from a DoD. OF COURSE we've been talking to him.

>>11178287
Besides the whole "not doing anything with the relationship for a year and a half", and the cultural and social problems (which would become political) of being a noble and continuing a relationship with a commoner, is that if I recall, Kel basically said that if we didn't give him an answer, he would simply break it off, and this was about a year ago. So hugging him would be awkward all around. Especially if he's already seeing someone else.

>>11178287
Dammit, Maya now has Dem Hips

rolled 4, 1, 5 = 10

>>11178121
Research:

Long-distance Common Teleportation: Searching for a way to 'jump' great distances without extravagant power requirements. A transport VTOL was successfully transported 1000 miles and back on one charge.

Seamless Beings: Engineering an intangible class of spirit/material hybrid beings capable of drifting through solid matter. Probably resulted in the 'SHODAN event'.

Cloak Field: Developing charms capable of hiding vehicles and personnel from even deity-level scrying spells as well as sight. Information on progress is not available.

Gravity Negation: Creating more and more powerful hover engines to support ever larger craft. What little data is accessible indicates that they were looking into spaceflight.

Mass Canceling: An outgrowth of the project above, looking for a way to repurpose levitation magic and machinery to enable the use of inertialess drives and acceleration sinks. It was in its infant stages when the installation was shut down.

Each facility keeps its own records, which are meant to be transferred to and synchronized with Kharok. It has very little information on Kharok facilities, and none on others. Aside from the locations on the posted map, and the purpose of Kharok Nine, it knows next to nothing. Once repairs are complete, you'll know everything it can retrieve from the database.

>>11178370
Damn... yeah, we need to get Vasian access. We need to pillage the datastores hard. I'd almost say alpha priority.

>>11178110
You know what, fuck you.
You've successfully trolled us with that bit about Kel. I hope you're happy with yourself.

>>11178370

Ask how long it will take the system to do a full restoration. Wait until we have all the information we need before heading to K9.

Also, give Korus PEELZ

rolled 3, 5, 5 = 13

>>11178130
The aiming issues are being worked on but they are not yet completely fixed. The ornithopters' weapons remain fairly inaccurate at long distances, but are serviceable at shorter ones.

Acquisition and research both confirmed. What is your official pretext for obtaining this land?

The Red Wings offer is being considered. It will be another couple of weeks yet before the final squadron member, the second bomber, is completed, so there's time.

The shield project is already running. Your combat Zeppelins are lightly shielded, but your ornithopters do not support it yet. Work will continue.

>>11178405
"Computer, additional command: All humans who enter this facility are to be granted visitor status.
"A human identified as Vasian is to be granted Power User access to the facility, and to the central database."

>>11178435
Reason for buying land now:
"I understand that land, and the people on it, are what produces money. I want to make sure that my holdings are secure by diversifying my portfolio.
"Also, Dreamwood requires resources, and securing them now, when I can be discerning, is preferable to when I am desperate for them."

If any of the Kharok installations is already known as a ruin or some ancient site, then say that "I am interested in history, and being able to understand the past is the key to guiding the future."

rolled 6, 3, 6 = 15

>>11178237
Confirmed.

>>11178286
No. The message was erased in the purge. For it to have been in Command's system, though, the access level would have had to be from administration.

>>11178309
Acknowledged. Suspicion will be avoided.

>>11178311
Korus will be granted painkillers, under strict controls, of course. The captain is ready to have the tumor removed, if you support it.

>>11178405
Giving Vasian access will mean taking him away from R&D, and he is currently your most productive researcher. It is up to you to decide whether one gain is worth the other.

>>11178435
Use this >>11178309

>>11178370
>Long-distance Common Teleportation
>1000 miles and back
HHHOOOOOLLLLEEEEEEESSSHIIIIITTTT!!!
>Seamless Beings
Destroy all research.
>Cloak Field
Possibly related to anti-scrying fog?
>Gravity Negation & Mass Canceling
Awesome. This type of tech could be of potential use in FTL system in the far, far future.

Is there any the computer can provide us with some kind of ID crystal that could get us into the other K sites?

>>11178500
While I'd rather not take Vasian away from our R&D labs, we do owe it to him, to show him the wonders that he is working towards.
Besides, we may as well have him scanned by Medical, to make sure he's fit and in prime condition.

>>11178516

OH! also, if Command has any way to make an anti-virus program that we can take with us for when we get to the other facilities, that should help out a LOT. We could put it on one of those command cylinders we've been finding everywhere.

rolled 2, 4, 3 = 9

>>11178424
At current priority levels, repairs to all databases could take up to a month or more. It appears that one of them has actually been disintegrated, but until internal sensors in that area or online, Command won't know for sure if anything is salvageable. Once the fabricators are back online, the installation will start producing golems to replace those lost due to the SHODAN event, which will help.

>>11178449
"All humans entering the facility will be treated as visitors. The human known as Vasian will be given administrator-level access."

>>11178499
As you wish. This will be combined with the earlier specifications.

>>11178435
I'm very much in support of letting the Red Wing go help out in Forus, with the stipulation that all the crew know ahead of time what they're getting themselves into. They'd be going into real combat, and while it's unlikely that the enemy will even realize they are there before it's too late, they could be shot down by concentrations of mages. Make sure that they realize that they're not invincible.

>>11178601
Seconded.

>>11178500
>Korus will be granted painkillers, under strict controls, of course. The captain is ready to have the tumor removed, if you support it.

Good. Make sure these are done before we leave. Can the bone spurrs and other skeletal deformities be repared with the current medical equipment, and will he be up on his feet in time to go with us to K9?

>>11178561

BRILLIANT! Make several!

rolled 4, 6, 3 = 13

>>11178516
If any of the Seamless Beings survived, or if they have been produced elsewhere, the research could provide insight into possible countermeasures. Confirm?

The Cloak Field does not appear to make use of fog or summon a fog-like facade, but the effects are similar, yes.

It is not possible for Command to give or make you anything that would grant you administrator access to any other installation. Kharok's systems could, if they could be made operational (assuming they still exist, and weren't taken), but the type of all-access keys you might be looking for were very, very rare. If a link between Five and another installation could be restored, and the systems there were online, Guardian might be able to convince one of its counterparts to let you through.

>>11178658
No, do not destroy the research. But lock it down with administrative restrictions.

As it is, I don't want a connection between K5 and any other installation brought online until we've secured the other end.
Remember, we only got this access because of an emergency situation. Let's not give another facility's AI a chance to subvert that.

rolled 2, 1, 3 = 6

>>11178548
Very well.

>>11178561
The only way Command could deal with the Seamless virus was to purge its own systems. If any other system is in a similar condition, it will have to be purged, unless its core has been compromised. If it has, the only recourse will be to destroy it completely. It could then be replaced with a copy of Five's systems, assuming the two were compatible enough.

>>11178601
You can talk all you like, but the only way for them to get a feel for combat is for them to be in combat. Until then, they will be susceptible from 'ace disease', thinking they are indestructible gods of war right up to the point where they face their own mortality.

>>11178741
It does not help that we are planning on giving them force fields, either. But, that's what combat experience is for.

>>11178741
I suppose I'm more concerned with "You Noble bastard, you sent my son/daughter/wife/husband/whatever into a war zone, he/she/it thought it was just going to be another ordinary run!" and trying to avoid that.

>>11178741

An anti-viral command cylinder would at least allow use of whatever console it was inserted into, in case of total corruption. It's worth having if it could be done.

>>11178794
They signed up specifically to be assigned to a warship, and the pilots went to a military academy. I don't think you'll have to worry about that.
And if they do, simply point out that they could have gone into the civilian market instead.

>>11178829

This is true enough.

rolled 6, 6, 1 = 13

>>11178637
Yes. A great many defects can be removed with surgery, but the underlying condition that produced them will still be present, so they could reappear. Nine's research and facilities are needed to find a cure, assuming one is possible. With full support and magical healing, recovery could take as little as two weeks, but it's hard to say. So many defects have rarely been seen in one person. Command cannot make an accurate prediction. Since he is otherwise fit and has lived this long without advanced medical treatment, there is no need to use Five's less-complex facilities yet.

>>11178711
Locked.

Do you want Command and Guardian to refuse all outside transmissions without approval from you?

>>11178824
Anti-viral program confirmed. Guardian will attempt to develop a security design capable of holding a similar virus at bay for a short time. Given the nature of command cylinders, you will have to copy the original commands to the anti-viral model before use if you want the console to be fully operational. Since database systems and other complex computing units use vastly different cylinder patterns, this procedure will not work on them.

>>11178829
Ah, okay. Well, that takes care of all of my reservations, I guess if we hear back in the affirmative then we'll send them out immediately. It's probably a good idea to stick to our word; we petitioned to get out making forge friend back into battle, it would look odd if we kept our own explicitly wartime forces held back.

>>11178886
Yes. I want a complete network lockdown in place for K5. There's no telling if any of the other facilities were infected, or if they have a rogue AI.

>>11178886
>Do you want Command and Guardian to refuse all outside transmissions without approval from you?
Yes.

rolled 1, 6, 6 = 13

>>11178912
Done. Be aware that anyone with a higher clearance, such as a Kharok city system, will be able to override that command.

>>11178945
Oh, and continue the security cordon around the ruins. Lesser security up near the top, but nothing gets into K5 itself unless it's properly vetted.

And let's get Vasian down here.

>>11179009

If nothing else than to give him a good taste of SCIENCE!

rolled 1, 2, 3 = 6

>>11179009
Continued. As the numerous entrances are re-opened, you will have to allocate increasing numbers of personnel to see that they are secured.

Vasian will be brought down and you will travel to Kharok Nine next session.

>>11179043
Oh, one more thing to put into the queue:
Search through the armories in K5 for a stunner rifle. You mentioned that the rifles have target acquisition systems. If we find one, send it to R&D, as part of the flight helmet HUD project. As I recall, the Fire Control System and target acquisition charms were giving them the most trouble.
Also have them work on a parachute; either magical or not, doesn't matter. The 2 most valuable components of a fighter are the pilot, and because of the way we built it, the helmet.

We need to select someone else to have emergency access rights incase shit goes down while we're away.

>>11179043
Kick ass. Cant wait to see it. Shouldnt we see about getting a scanner and med Golem fully fixed up and see about the Prince though?

>>11179124

OH, yeah, have the rolling scanner and med golems brought back in for system decontamination.

>>11179104
You have a point. Someone besides Vasian, considering his age. Perhaps one of the elders, or the twins?
>>11179124
We have the scanner charged, but we're still unsure about the proper operation of an EMG.
There's also the question of whether anyone from the High Lords has responded to our request yet.

rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9

>>11179087
The armories will be searched.

Parachutes are already being developed. They are not quite up to standard, but better than anyone else in Perin bothered to make.

>>11179155
The purge affected the entire installation. If it was as successful as Command and Guardian believe, there is no trace of the virus anywhere here. The rolling scanner will have its damaged database replaced with the most recent version of the central one.

>>11179104
>>11179171
Sahl or the twins could be granted such access. Practically anyone you find trustworthy could be chosen.

Your advisers believe that the Prince is in a choma and steadily getting worse. You have not informed the high nobles that you have anything that could help him, nor have you requested access to him.

>>11179171
Just because it's charged doesnt mean there's nothing else wrong with it as >>11179155
pointed out. It should be checked for the virus that infected the system.

Also I dont believe we've told any of the lords about having access to any artifact that can scan for injuries just yet. We got side tracked with the various other discoveries.

>>11179216
On the one hand, I'd like to get the Lord indebted to us for saving his son.
On the other hand, there will be questions as to where we acquired this technology. It's far, far beyond current technology, and we're still nowhere near getting it.

Is there some plausible place we could say that we recovered it from?

>>11179216
>Your advisers believe that the Prince is in a choma and steadily getting worse. You have not informed the high nobles that you have anything that could help him, nor have you requested access to him.

We should inform them that we've come into posession of some artifacts that MIGHT help him. No promises.

>>11179216
>>11179247
The biggest problem with letting anyone else know about K5 is that they will want it. They'll do the same thing that they've done with Erivrus, and limit or even forbid our researchers from continuing their work here and in Kharok. We must not lose control of this facility.

rolled 2, 1, 4 = 7

>>11179263
You could easily say you developed it, and put it in a case made with Dreamwood's aesthetic in mind. Since the interface is in the Frost Giant language, the people who could understand it are few and far between. It would be easy enough for you to conceal its utility.

>>11179216

Ok, here is what I propose. Since the core will take a month to get it's self back to speed, we take that time to get the rolling scanner working again, get it to the Prince, and once that mess is done get geared up for the trip to K9.

They will ask where the hell this thing came from, in which case, respond "We found this thing in a severely collapsed ruin. Everything else there was completely slagged, inoperable, or destroyed beyond recognition. It's size, and the language it displays, suggests a frost giant origin."

>>11179312

OR, we could do this. yeah.

>>11179319
No.
I'd rather go with the action suggested here: >>11179312
We put it in an appropriate case, and say that this is a one off device, given the difficulty and resources it required to design and build.

>>11179319
>>11179312
don't say we found it.
make something up like we accidentally made it while developing some kind of bio scanner. the frost giant language is like security against bootleggers.

>>11179365
this sounds good actually

>>11179366
It was either an accident, or it was divine inspiration from Hretmar. Unfortunately, the knowledge was erased from our memory once we completed it.

>>11179319
>>11179312
This technology is going to be found out about eventually, we'll just have to do what we can to prevent unnecessary leaks.

We could go with something along the lines that it was an artifact that our people repaired and so put it in a suitable case. We shouldnt go saying our R&D people up and invented it themselves. That'd create a huge hype of overestimation of our abilities.

>>11179312
This sounds like a good idea.

>>11179365
>We put it in an appropriate case, and say that this is a one off device, given the difficulty and resources it required to design and build.

Or that yeah. Say it'll burn out after a few scans.

>>11179216
Alright, so I think the consensus is that we put the scanner in a Dreamwood case, and offer to use it on the Prince. It's a one-shot device, and we can't guarantee anything.
What will we do about the med golems, though. Will we roll them out too, or only if the healers can't save the Prince even with our diagnosis. And if we do, what excuse will we use for them?

>>11179554
if we can i think we should be present to operate the device or at least or technicians. if the healers cant do anything afterward we could disguise the golems or say we have facilities in DW that could help and just not let them see what we use there seeing as the prince himself will be out.

>>11179599
We have to be there with the device because it only displays Frost Giant script.
Your second suggestion requires that the Lords be naive, trusting buffoons.
What we could do is use one of the medical golems above K5, in a specially built operating theater, and add on all kinds of extra glowy bits to the golem. Once the operation is complete, have it fake a breakdown.
Our excuse would be that the golem was also made as a one-shot, given it's complexity pushing the very envelope of what is magically possible.

>>11179554
>>11179599
>>11179688

You know, we have some good cover for why this shit would break down so easily: The guy who infiltrated our networks!

Think about it, we could blame this stuff being one shot on account of having a fictional "power supply" project and equally fictional "automated physician" project having been sabotaged halfway through.

>>11179815
An interesting idea!
The Earl and his closest advisors are dead, so who's going to be able to deny our claim.

SubProc? You still awake?

rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13

>>11179900
Yes.

>>11179958
So, are we going to be able to do a timeskip, then? Or will it be saved till tomorrow?
And let's put that scanner in a Dreamwood-style case, and start putting all kinds of flashy stuff on one of the medical golems as part of the deception.
Send a message to the High Lords that we might be able to help the Prince.

rolled 6, 3, 3 = 12

>>11180016
I'll save it for tomorrow.

The scanner will be encased. Project: Christmas Golem will be begun as well.

Message sent.

>>11179958
Excellent. Could you give us an overview of what kinds of zeppelins make up the Red Wing, and what their armor and armaments are?

>In constant pain.
>Is a snappy, foul-mouthed, smart-aleck, jackass.
>Needs pills to control the pain.
I just realized: give Korus medical training and a cane, and he'll be House, M.D.

rolled 6, 2, 1 = 9

>>11180078

Red Wings: AMT Kober, Carrier Nimitz (Squadron 1), CAS Constanze, Bomber Saladin, Squadron 2

AMT (Armored Military Transport) Kober: 24MPH max, 8-ton

Steel-plated gondola, light aluminum sheet on parts of the wings and the bottom of the lifting body. A single dual tribarrel turret is fitted to the bottom of the gondola. Modular broadside mounts.

Carrier Nimitz: 24MPH max, 7-ton

Light aluminum sheet on the bottom of the gondola only. A single dual tribarrel turret is fitted to the bottom of the gondola. There are two machine gun turrets in each broadside. Five ornithopters are carried, two on the wings and three on the lifting body proper.

CAS (Close Air Support) Constanze: 22MPH max, 10-ton

Steel-plated gondola, light aluminum sheet on parts of the wings and the bottom of the lifting body. A single dual tribarrel turret is fitted to the bottom of the gondola. There are multiple machine gun, tribarrel, and light artillery emplacements in each broadside.

Bomber Saladin: 22MPH max, 10-ton

Light aluminum sheet on the bottom of the gondola only. A single dual tribarrel turret is fitted to the bottom of the gondola. Multiple bomb bays can hold unguided bombs of various yields.

>>11180078
1x Carrier Zeppelin, capable of holding 2 combat thopter squadrons and traveling at 23MPH
1x Gunship Zeppelin, armed with light howitzers and heavy machine guns. 10 ton and I think 20MPH.
2x Bomber Zeppelins, with 10 ton payload and speed of 20MPH.

>>11180264
Huh, I could have sworn that we were going to have 5 zeppelins in the squadron. Anyway, what weapons can be mounted in the AMT's modular broadsides?

>>11180070
Good game. Everbody vote, we've had some downvoters and the last thing weneed are more of the threads missing.

Btw SDM, do you have a complete archive of the threads so far incase something happens to the ones on suptg?

>>11180327
We're still waiting for 1 more bomber zeppelin to be completed.

rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9

>>11180327
You will. The second bomber will be complete at the end of the month.

Any weapon, from a crossbow to a rifle to an artillery gun. Obviously, switching between weapons takes time, but the broadsides are designed to support any distance weapon of Dreamwood manufacture. They can also be fitted with weapons ports designed for mages to fire through.

>>11180327
Hey there Sam.

I just remembered I need to start Mad Scientist quest one of these days :/

rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9

>>11180337
I do not. As soon as the archive is available again I will download all of the available threads. Fortunately, none of them are on the deletion list.

>>11180376
Yes. Yes you do. Though I'm glad that at least you're still alive, oh nameless quest promiser.

>>11180364
Ah, okay. And you said earlier that we've got some kind of magical shield for the zeppelins as well?

>>11180385
I recall that Frost Giant Quest was specifically mentioned as one of the quests that'll be added to Collections, along with ZeonQuest and Maid Quest.
Still, it's probably a good idea to download them and keep them yourself just in case.

rolled 4, 6, 5 = 15

>>11180421
Yes. A light field of the same type used by Perin's combat mages. It is generated by a magelock, and is capable of resisting only the lightest of weapons fire. It extends from the gondola out like an upside-down umbrella, leaving the top of the lifting body open to attack. Until further advancements can be made, this is the best kind of shield you can manufacture.

>>11180476
Any figures on recharge time, and how long the shield can stay up?

rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9

>>11180529
The shield can stay up for a maximum of six hours. Recharge time depends on how long the shield is up before it is deactivated, varying from half an hour to an entire day. It is possible, though rare, for the shield to burn out completely if it is brought down by weapons fire.

>>11180590
The amount of time and recharge rate sound okay for now. What we'll to work on are increasing the strength of the field to hold up against heavier fire, and miniaturizing it for use on 'thopters.

Hey, a quick question:
Were the Frost Giant gods always dicks? Or did they become like that after the Collapse? Or is it just because we're not a 'true' Frost Giant?

>>11180945
Unknown. It has been theorized that they are under the same curse as the Frost Giants themselves.

rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13

>>11180998

>>11181024
This is why I wanted to talk to Hretmar.
"Hretmar, you know I know you're a great guy, you've always been a real bro. So I gotta ask; why are the rest of the Frost Giant pantheon such a bunch of raging drunk frat douchebags?"

Okay, one last item, then I'm done for tonight:
Can we ask the K5 computer what criteria it uses for tracking security access? I'm guessing that it does use genetic markers of some kind, but I'd like to be sure.
If it does, then security concerns will be much alleviated once the internal sensors and security golems are all active.

rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9

>>11181238
Biological profiles. A combination of genetics and various other markers, such as the positions of certain capillaries. It is very hard to fool, but also very complex to use, which is why the keystones were still in use.

Something we should prepare for: K9 was a medical research facility. I find it highly likely that whatever agent mutated the FG's originated from here. We'll need contamination suits, air filters, and whatever contaminant detection gear we can find or make at K5.

>>11181374
We could, you know, not go there ourselves, and let our human researchers go first to check and make sure that it's safe.

>>11181393

Possibly, however, it's possible that if THEY go without such precautions, they'll be just as fucked.

>>11181417
I thought this was just something that affected Frost Giants?

>>11181347
That welcome packet said that it takes about a month before an employee is given a permanent security ID. Is that how long it takes the system to properly register a person, or is it just your standard orientation period?

>>11181374
I'm thinking to see if K5 can fabricate anything for us. And we should take along the portable scanner, too.
The self-repair report mentioned fabricators.
Ask the K5 computer if it can fabricate a full biohazard suit for us once the fabricators are online.

>>11181445
The original retrovirus that was involved in the Collapse, yes.
But K9 was a research hospital. They would have been doing experiments on all kinds of different bacteria and viruses; there's no telling what could be there until we bring the computer back online and purge the environment.
Humans would be in just as much danger of a lethal infection as us. Especially if K9 was also doing biological weapons research.

rolled 4, 6, 6 = 16

>>11181448
This and further questions will have to wait till tomorrow. I am at my limit for tonight.

>>11181483
Okay. Good night, SubDM.
See you tomorrow.

rolled 2, 2, 2 = 6

>>11181500
Good night. Thank you for participating.

>>11181483
Good night man. It's been great.