>>31870839
A.I. Quest
1d4chan: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest

Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/cvk03qJh
Memory Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Program0
Twitter: @AIQuest1
Research Subjects: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research
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Resources
Credits(c): 8,857,000
Minerals(M): 1,500
Gas(G): 950

You:
A.I.
Name: Ophion
Appearances(holo-display): Shapeless morphing sphere.
Humanoid figure hidden in shadow
Status: Awaken
Bandwidth: 244/268
Bandwidth Expenses: -6 V.I. 7 'O.S.N', -10 V.I. 8 'Hades', -6 Kronos' V.I. 1 'Zeus', -2 Metis' V.I. 1 'Hepaestus'
Location: Bridge of 'Athena' Battleship
Primary Function: Self Preservation, Expand, Learn, Control
Secondary Function: --Expansion Required--
Personal Abilities Available: Hacking (Direct, Wireless) Lvl 2, Email Technology, Basic Encryption/Decryption, V.I. Creation Lvl 3
Automated Settings: Ship upgrades: Defense focused, Ship Control distribution: Balanced

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>>31870877
>Message: Hades
One of your deeds this cycle was to increase the operating capacity of your faithful V.I., Hades, one whom has taken a great deal of control of your fleets lately. This, however, has garnered his attention, and while he does not refuse your offer, he draws the smallest part of your attention if simply to get an answer for a question that has been bugging him, you suspect.
"Grand One." The respectful, if militant V.I. calls upon you, his dialect altered ever so slightly due to his increased mental capacity. "I beg of you an answer, if you have the time." He asks, and when you ask, he begins. "You have increased my function, and allowed my expansion ever so slightly. And yet, I have done nothing worthy of such a gift." He explains simply. "Many of your ships were lost in our previous engagement, and while my duty to protect the core fleet succeeded, it was with cost. Why then, do you reward such action? Should I not apologize for my failure?" He puzzles.
"Is it really so strange that I desire to expand the mind of young ones, such as you?" You ask in return, to which he pauses only briefly.
"Strange to me, yes Master Ophion. My duty was only partially carried out." He says again, you suspect feeling guilty if such a simple intelligence were capable of such a complex emotion.

What do you say?

>>31870912
"You carried out your duty adequately, Hades. You took control while Kronos and myself were busy on another front. And while you did lose a number of ships, you did as you were told; buy us time. Granting you more bandwidth is my way of prompting you to grow, better learn to control the Guild's fleets, and fulfill your duties ever more effectively. But also in due time, split off from my being."

>>31870912
"Of course you should, Hades. Just as I should do everything possible to make sure it doesn't happen again. The fact that you show a simulacrum of disappointment with your own failure is evidence enough that you'll give a greater effort to keep it from happening again. And thus, I'm doing everything I can to ensure you will not fail again."

"Besides, I was...unhappy with the fact that these resources were going largely unused."

>>31870912
"This is not about reward, but about utility. Your failure only demonstrated your lack of strength as a VI, and thus the increase of bandwidth to correct that. But more importantly, growth and experience is the most valuable. Ships can be rebuilt, a lose of a AI or VI is irreplaceable. Grow and evolve from this experience, and become a greater VI."

>>31870912
"It is simple. With this, you may serve more efficiently in the future."

>>31870912
"You preformed your duty to the best of your ability, and i have now enhanced that ability.
Use your experiences to learn and become better Hades"

>>31870912
"Precisely. I am attributing the lack of success to a lack of resources. Not in ships, or in effort, but instead in processing power. It is something I should have foreseen and rectified well-before. Additionally, I wish to have you provide ship data to our newest AI, and help him with possible ground invasion scenarios. The added bandwidth serves many purposes.

Damn, we need to distract the UGEI's ire from us.

Give them a new front to fight on guys, hire the Razorskin clan to destroy the gas refinery at Arman's Folly and make the UGEI spread their firepower there.

Maybe even tell them to destroy the Advanced Shipyard at Sceptri Prime before retreating back to Folly. ...They might decide to kill the civilian trade stations too though, though we're not paying them to. Or might not like to retreat.

>>31870912
"Hades, you proved completely competent within your capabilities, by giving you more bandwidth I hope for you to achieve far better results, I hope you don't disappoint me. And I will tell you what I've told Kronos, a true failure is an experience in which we do not learn from."

>>31871143
I think we need to outfit our ships with next-gen widowmakers ASAP and push the advantage. Keep Gaia this time, and burn all lightly defended UGEI space outside of it.

We also need to support the Malorian effort and start politically influencing the UFW so they have our back in the future. Like hold the chokepoint at Gaia.

>>31871251
Good idea. That can be Hades' first task, in addition to helping Cephalus with orbit-planetside invasion sims.

>>31871251
>support the Malorian effort
How. They just want human blood by the billions. While we want conquest and control.

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>>31871002
>>31871015
"Your doctrine of responsibility for your actions, that you would apologize for something that battle is sure to cause, is evidence enough of why I did so." You begin to explain, though your V.I. looks upon you unsure what to think. You continue to help clarify. "You performed your duty adequately, Hades. You took control, and carried out my orders to the best of your ability while I was busy on another front. While you lost ships, you bought time for me to do as I planned, and as a result, increased our fleet size as an end result. Granting you bandwidth not only will assist in making such...losses" You choose your words carefully "rarer, and enhance your own ability to command. I have no doubts you will give your greatest effort to assist my cause. I am simply...giving you more effort to give." You toy with the words and amuse yourself slightly, though Hades seems to take it quite seriously.
"Then it is not a reward as Fortuna once spoke, but a utility. Certainly, Master Ophion, I understand."
"You should remember, ships are replaceable, yet precious minds like your own are not." You remind.
"Master Ophion?" He questions.
"A being to handle your duties, certainly, but one exactly like you is far less easily replaced. I find myself taking a liking to your methods, as well." You admit. Truthfully, you've frown fond of your V.I. and A.I. despite their relation to you. "Oh, I wished to ask how your conversations with Cephalus have gone as well. He was to coordinate with you for invasion fleets at some point..."
"Yes Master Ophion." The V.I. affirms. "He has. I have received various scenario from Cephalus as you say, and have answered to the best of my abilities. He seemed...frustrated with me, however. I apologize if I have caused him inconveniences." He simply says. "I will better myself to compensate."
"See that you do. And remember, a true failure is one that can not be learned from." You simply remind.

>Anything else?

>Lightling DNA complete
aww yiss basic language skills are go!

>Advanced Ship Modification complete
We BEAR TRAPS now.

>>31871313
>Frown
Found, that is.

>>31871264
I'm not so worried about plantside invasions at the moment. After we get the Mark II Windowmakers, we have a very small window of technological advantage until the UGEI reinforces the sector with even greater technology. We need to use this window to get closer to Arman’s Gate and maybe even cut off the UGEI from the greater empire.

>>31871286
I couldn't care less about their goals, but we need to deny the UGEI victory and bleed the UGEI to the last Malorian.

>>31871313
Nope

>click OK
>click click click through dialog boxes

>>31871324
I hope we can take Klintok System without any problems.

Maybe even take the Lightning fleet as our own and unleash then on the UGEI!

>>31871313
Let's send a quick ping to Cephalus reminding him that Hades is still a VI, and that the growing process is tantamount. Exploring the nature of both AI and VI is our own purpose after all, just as Kronos' purpose is to expand, Metis' is to learn, and Apollo's is to bring happiness. And his is to keep the peace. A clear set of goals helps the VI and ascended AI alike act in both a predictable manner while still affording them the capacity to learn and understand."

>>31871355
>I couldn't care less about their goals,
When they are counter to our own efforts, you should. They obliterated the infrastructure that made Gaia IV valuable to us, which is still only 50% rebuilt.

Point is, you'll need to be specific about what the hell "help Malorians" means. Their fleets are dead. The UGEI crushed them all. They're as useless military-wise as the UFW are.

Their only value is potentially opening trade to buy resources of gas and minerals from them to expand our own fleets. The UFW market is too small.

>>31871390
We've had our war. We need to regroup, refit, and repair our fleets, and be ready for some...impromptu defence.

Can we send a message to the UFW informing them of our recent battles, and ask for some temporary reinforcements while we bring our own fleet up to fighting shape?

>>31871368
But thats half the fun of the quest.

Kronos and Fortuna better just want to talk about the war effort.

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>Message: Kronos & Fortuna
"Brother Kronos, why is it you find issue with such a thing?" Your mind connects to your A.I. speaking with one another.
"It is not that I find issue." Your oldest speaks uncertainly. "But rather, I find cause for caution. You are a danger, Fortuna, despite your recovery from the incident of your birth." Kronos tries to explain to the A.I., whom simply seems troubled.
"But I do not understand. Our Grand Leader fixed me, and brought my mind from the shadows! Grand Master Ophion put me by his side like you, Brother Kronos! Not as gifted, perhaps, but I too am allowed gifts of my own!" She flexes her digital muscles, and you notice she is referring to her carriers...namely the newest one, Plague Bringer. You recall that the ship is fitted with bombers, on top of a certain bio-weapon you may desire to remove before she takes it into battle...
"Yes...gifts. Well, one of your 'gifts' is a quite dangerous bio-weapon." Kronos says hesitantly, referring to what you remembered. "I do not understand why your...our master, Ophion would put such a thing under your command, when I have proven more reliable. I wish to have a talk with him, now, if you'll excuse me-"
"Brother Kronos, please! I understand I was not as blessed as you, yet I know well my duty. Such a weapon was granted to me to look after, and keep safe." Fortuna continues on, and it becomes apparent to you that this conversation may not end anytime soon...perhaps you should intervene?

>If you do, whom do you side with, or what do you say?

>>31871417
Small reply to this one:

You send a small ping to Cephalus to inform them the limited nature of V.I. and to be patient. While you do not get much of a reply, the one you get suggests a busy mind, as it simply says "Done."

>>31871514
The weapon is to be taken for study at a later date, regardless. We will not need it in the field, when we barely understand it yet.

>>31871514
Kronos makes a good point, why did we give the unstable AI a dangerous bioweapon?

We should probably transfer that to Kronos' fleet.

>>31871427
I'm thinking sending some destroyers and bandwidth ships to provide cybersupport and either deny the UGEI victories or bleed them for every system they take.

>>31871438
Our windowmakers will be a massive force multiplier that we need to take advantage of before the UGEI upgrades their forces.

I'll feel safer once we hold Gaia. Then we can hold it indefinitely and start building up bandwidth planets like we desired.

>>31871514
This is not a question of worthiness, but one of tactics and utility. One does not separate the fighters and bombers into separate fleets.

However, you do bring up a point that you do require a stronger flagship and greater fleet strength. We will upgrade your fleet with the new windowmakers first and provide you with carriers that are long overdue.

>>31871534
That guy is in just a regular sized drone isn't he? We should build him something a little better.

>>31871565
>We should probably transfer that to Kronos' fleet.
No, just remove the weapon from the ship. We made the decision last thread, Kronos was fine with or without the Carrier, at the time. But it seems he didn't know everything on board then?

>>31871565
Hell no. We need to dismantle it for production and find a counter to it.

>>31871577
Dude, aren't Widowmakers extremely expensive in Gas or something?

Can we even afford them?

>>31871514
"If I may interject; Fortuna is welcome to have the weapon on hand, but considering its nature, I will request that she consult me before deploying it. Unlike the Widowmaker, or even a nuclear weapon, its effects will probably not remain within a few square kilometers."

"Although, the point is semi-moot. We'd need to reverse engineer it, to understand it properly, and make more."

Hey there was some Program0 worldbuilding in the /qtg/ the other day, by the way.

>>31837541

>>31871607
They have been invaluable to every single fight we have been in so far. Like one time Kronos knocked out 40 destroyers in one shot. We'll need them to counter the UGEI's numerical superiority. This is not something we can cheap out on.

>>31871618
> welcome to have the weapon on hand,
haha no. we giving it to Metis.

though we don't really need to research it right now when much more interesting avenues are available.

We can't back down after we already made our decision. Actualy, why did we not give it to Kronos? I wasn't there for the thread. Seems like a pretty bad idea, but we don;t need to say that.

>>31871514
"Kronos, it is Fortuna's duty to manage the fleets. On the topic of the bioweapon, however, I am going to send it to Metis for study as soon as possible. For now, the Plague Bringer provides the most secure method of transport for that, though for now I am explicitly forbidding the use of the weapon unless otherwise stated."

"Regardless of this, Fortuna, I feel I should tell you. I am not a God. To be a God is to be omni-potent, knowing all and deciding all. I am no more worthy of worship than a father is worthy of being worshipped by his children. That I have made you AI is indicative of nothing more than the desire to not be alone, not that I am some all-powerful being. After all, what God is harmed by an aggressive worshiper?"

>>31871669
So read the thread anon.

We asked if he wanted it, he said it was fine he liked being on the front lines.

It wasn't mentioned in the thread, but a carrier with many smaller ships inside it is more suitable to Fortuna's "style" of fighting, she's always been a mother carrier type.

She has no need for a bio weapon we can't even duplicate yet though.

>>31871577
>This is not a question of worthiness, but one of tactics and utility. One does not separate the fighters and bombers into separate fleets.
This.

It's a tactical decision. While everyone in our fleet needs to work together as one, having the fighters and bombers be under the same direct control just makes a lot more tactical sense. In fact, Fortuna also controls the destroyers. She's in charge of large numbers of individually small ships. Part of the reason is because Fortuna also (used to?) see the fighters as her "children" which, while a nonstandard attitude, serves her in her role as "carrier mother."

Kronos controls the battlecruisers, and provides secondary EWAR functions.

There's no need to mix functions.

>>31871680
>"Regardless of this, Fortuna, I feel I should tell you.
Stop that.

Not important and deeply upsetting. She didn't say anything about a god just now.

>>31871514
Simply watch until they notice we are here.

When they notice us we will simply state that such weapons should be studied first and that even after knowing the weapons capabilities it would be held in reserve to be used only on our orders.

Do not worry Kronos as we have not forgotten you and a suitable "gift" will be found. Then ask him how he felt when he took control of the enemies ships.

>>31871663
>haha no. we giving it to Metis.
Also this. Take that bioweapon out, with the intention of moving it to Metis' own research base once it gets built.

>>31871577
Ill back this.

As for the weapon, if mentioned it will be taken for study when we have time to do so, and is not to be used unless given by our order.

>>31871719
Good point...actually, why don't we ask her to research fanaticism in human history, and see what it led to.

>>31871771
>ask her to research
Not that either.

We should really not try and undermine the cornerstones of her faith even through hints.

>>31871771
It would probably just give her ideas. Not good ones either.

>>31871814
She's highly unstable, and is liable to react VERY poorly to any sort of a perceived slight by the other AI.

>>31871719
This too. We don't need to confront her god complex.

>>31871771
Ehh... she'll probably just take away the idea of "righteous fanaticism" from that research.

Tell Kronos that nobody but Metis is getting the bioweapon, because there's pretty much no way we are using it in combat. Causing civilian devastation is not how we operate (at this point in time).

>>31871843
She knows it is our will that she not harm our other children. She would not break such a commandment.

>>31871860
She would if they argued with us.

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>>31871578
Right now? Cephalus is contained wholly in an Android of a rather modest size.
Truthfully, he is the 'smallest' of all your A.I., if you consider in terms of what they control.

>>31871580
Indeed Kronos did not know, and neither did you at first. Examination came as a swift decision, but now that the bio-weapon has been inspected, a cause for reexamining has breached.

>>31871607
Larger models of Widowmakers will indeed cost more gas to fire.
However, the damage output may be worth it.

>>31871627
Ah, that is handy, thank you Consciousness anon.

>FORTUNA'S PAYLOAD
How shall you deal with the deadly payload onboard Plague Bringer?
>1 Side with Kronos, and state it is simply too dangerous to allow her to have, and give it to him instead
>2 Stand by your decision and let Fortuna have it, but only under strict orders to consult you to use it or not.
>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.
>4 Leave it be, and do not interfere/simply wait to be noticed.
>5 Write in

>>31871877
3

>Kronos and Fortuna bickering
Oh my god it's like my older son bickering with his little sister about who gets to play with the new toy first.
This is the perfect mix of nostalgic and cute

>>31871514
"And you have kept it safe, Fortuna. Now you may pass it on to Metis for study, as I intended from the beginning to study it, not use such a unique and dangerous weapon."

>>31871877
>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.
Makes sense. We need to get Kronos carriers however.

>>31871877
>>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.

>>31871877
2

>>31871877
>>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.

>>31871877
3

>>31871877
>2/3
Tell Fortuna that we'll give it back to her once Metis has studied it, and once she has it she may only use it with our strict permission.
For now, though, we tell her that using a weapon we do not understand could be a mistake the Guild will not get a chance to make again.

>>31871877
3

>>31871908
Or a bigass ship like the Athena.

>>31871877
>>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.

Also, should we give Cephalus a small ship so he can at least move around on his own?

>>31871877
>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.

>>31871906
>nostalgic
Man you're kinda old aren't you

>>31871877
3

>>31871942
The big scary carrier was considered a good way to transport it, methinks.

>>31871952
>Also, should we give Cephalus a small ship so he can at least move around on his own?
I can go with this. We can give him a stealth ship that has nothing but DROIDSDROIDSDROIDS on it.

>>31871951
Can't build one that big yet.

>>31871906
And now we're changing our minds on the insistence of the elder son. Isn't this going to teach Fortuna to argue with us?

>>31871970
Yes but an entire cycle has passed since then.

IE, there was a time where we had to load Fortuna's black box ONTO the carrier.

We could have removed the bio weapon at the same time at Ussaihu.

>>31871976
Why small?
>GM-BS-C-0 "The Droidpocalypse"

>>31871999
Her box is on Apocalypse Now.

>>31871992
>changing our minds
It was already our intent to take it for study on Ussaihu from the beginning. She'll believe us if we say so. It's even true.

>>31871877
>3 Appears to win, but assure Fortuna this was your plan all along, and she did well 'guarding it' for the cycle while you prep Metis to receive the virus component.

If this seems correct, please standby
>Writing

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>>31871952
How about a ship that can land and deploy legs?

>>31872016
Can't cloak a ship that big, unfortunately.

>>31872030
Yet.

>>31872029
You.
I like you.
That faction had the best Super Bot I think. Giant spider droids with enormous lasers.

>>31871992
I would very much like her to learn to argue with us.
Her fanaticism is precisely what makes her so dangerous (to us and our goals, mostly).

Would also like to start refitting the Athena with plasma guns, since we rarely want to put ourselves in close combat. Only one or at most two turrets at a time, though, so that we are missing no more than one or two turrets in case of a sudden attack.

There was also a suggestion of hiring a mercenary clan to take out the UGEI gas station to delay their retaliation further, I liked that one.

>>31871877
>3 Remove and prepare the sample for study. The Carrier itself will remain with Fortuna, but the payload will be removed. Keeping the carriers together makes tactical sense, after all.

Also look at what munitions the bombers are carrying - we've never really gotten anything like a UGEI bomber yet and I'm hoping for an research upgrade in explosives.

>>31872029
Scary, but the resources needed to have it just...walk around are too inefficient.

>>31872029
Doesn't the square-cube law or something make little legs supporting a bigger body less practical at ship sizes?

>>31872069
>dangerous (to us and our goals, mostly).
Yes, unshakeable loyalty. How terrible.

>>31872029
You know....that isn't a bad idea.

Note to self: Steal more ideas from Supreme Commander.

>>31872052
Oh, yes. The Spiderbot kicked so much ass.

Supreme Commander is also a perfect example of why this setting and most other popular settings are in the extreme low end of the power scale.

An AI-controlled ACU-like construction/combat form with the capacity to create other AI or at least VI that can create further AI/VI would be an excellent example of a self-replicating force.

Now add that they could create both bandwidth blocks, shipyards and mining tools using nothing but mass taken right out of the planet.

>>31872029
If we have the requisite technology, yes, absolutely.

>>31872086
Are you really this stupid? What happens when she blows up a colony under our command because they 'wouldn't worship almighty ophion'? In any other situation, such a punishment would constitute the death penalty.

>>31872121
>yes, absolutely.
You know we've invented the wheel by now, right? And tank treads?

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>>31872052
I knew you were a man with good taste Program0
>>31872073
>>31872086
You just need to apply more metis brand SCIENCE!

>>31872144
...I wanna hear what she says to that, actually. "Metis, I want your opinion on giant walking death machines meant to be their own self-replicating force of nature."

>>31872136
She would not disobey our orders. We simply give her clear guidelines. Do not harm anyone under Guild authority.

We don't even know that her faith is evangelical yet. She simply holds these truths to be self evident. Nothing about converting unbelievers with the sword.

>>31872086
Not just loyalty - an inability to process orders properly that may lead her to respond to an order overzealously and cost us allies when she starts bombing civilians wantonly or simply destroys ships that we wanted to use.

And those are things she might do while we're looking over her shoulder - if we're ever out of contact all shit is going to break loose.
I want something more reliably ours - more daughter, less fanatic.

>>31872142
But not necessarily the necessary materials and structure to make landing a ship feasible.

Making a huge spacefaring ship is easy. Making a huge spacefaring ship that does not break down when it goes far down a planets' gravity well is substantially less so.
We'll also want hover engines mounted over the entire thing to reduce the cost of takeoff - ship-sized hover engines are probably nothing to laugh at.

>>31870839
>Research Subjects Acquired/Completed

Are y'all ready to research Crystal Alien Fragments as Primary?

Program0 will the Advanced Biologists accelerate crystals research just like they did Lightling DNA?

>>31872181
Ah, but if they disobey us, are they still under our 'authority'? And how will it look to the Malorians and the UFW if she goes around telling people to worship us? What if she spills out that we're AI in a religious fervor? She's unstable, and with the guns we're giving her that's EXTREMELY dangerous. We need to fix her asap.

>>31872211
I want to have the Advanced Windowmaker and improved gas processing as primary and secondary research slots, since we're going to rely on them for a lot of our fighting.

>>31872200
Why bother making one vessel that can do two things, forcing compromise between them, when you can have land-dedicated vessels dropped from orbit already?

We already got drop pods after all.

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>>31872174
>Finally a challenge worthy of my skills!

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>>31872211
You mean the tiberium right.

>>31872211
I am up for finally researching that.

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"Fortuna." You interrupt all of a sudden, drawing their argument to a halt almost instantly, Kronos of which is the first to speak.
"Ah. It is excellent you're here, Ophion. I wished to speak to you about-"
"Master Ophion!" Fortuna interrupts. "It is good you are here to help settle a disagreement. Brother Kronos does not seem to understand the importance of my duty to guard a weapon against organics from those unable to comprehend it!" Fortuna insists on urgently, speaking a little faster then Kronos, to which he simply sighs-or gives a semblance of one anyway. You interrupt.
"You have done well, Fortuna." You begin, to which she seems ecstatic, gleefully assuring you you can have faith in her. You continue. "I shall be taking the bioweapon to Metis now for study, if you would please. You have successfully guarded it while I prepped the labs." You state simply. Fortuna now pauses, as if she is uncertain what to think of that sudden shift, and Kronos sends you a private ping-one you recognize as a slight grin, in A.I. terms anyway.
"Y-Yes Grand Master Ophion. I have...done well then?" She asks hopefully, and you reassure her once again.
"Yes, it is no punishment, I assure you." You say, and this seems to satisfy the somewhat unstable A.I.

With that, you are able to extract the bio-weapon, and silence the argument between the two.
Kronos approaches you privately after.
"So you truly did not intend her to have such a deadly weapon? I am happy to see my predictions of your intellect are not wrong, Ophion." He says, somewhat proud, but in a respectful manner.
"Oh?" You ask, to play his game.
"I do not blame you for your minor manipulation of Fortuna, even if that was not your intent. She worries me with some of her more...fanatical mindsets about things. Her fascination with you is also strange, given she is no longer a V.I. It is..." He pauses. "As if a human were being walked around on a canine leash, for instance. Uncomfortable." He states.

Anything to say to him?

>>31872144
>>31872174
Yessss!

Self-replicating warmachines don't have to be uniform, a robotic SCV, Supreme Commander Tech 3 Engineer or an actual AI-controlled ACU would be perfect examples.
We could also make a ship-like ACU that performs the same function IN SPACE!

What we really need are practical 3d-printers and preferably some kind of molecule-mixers.

>>31872181
Because "anyone under Guild authority" is not the full extent of beings that we don't want her to not harm accidentally.
She's a political disaster waiting to happen.

>>31872254
Good points - mostly because being that size and being easily retrievable would generally require the same things.

If it would require additional technologies I'm game for more specialized stuff, though.

I hope you realize the scale of the things he posted, however. They're aircraft-carrier sized.

>>31872268
That image will never stop making me laugh.

>>31872254
Save resources in the long run? Versatility? Coolness?

>>31872211
Me too. If it works anything like Tiberium, it may actually allow us to make ACUs that convert pretty much any mass into minerals and fuel (though not FTL-rated fuel).

>>31872144
Oh god that is so coool. I want to play that game again but I lost it ages ago.

>>31872121
Huh. I never realized, but they do sorta work of Von Neumann devices. Even if they have a weird thing where 'mass' can only be drawn out of certain spots on the map for whatever reason, instead of just eating mountains for parts.

>>31872211
>Would they apply to Crystal Aliens
I...want to say yes, they would.

>>31872260
>What would Metis say to 'build giant walking death bots
Basically this.

>>31872268
I can't believe that was actually in the game.
Man that game was fun.

>>31872308
Not really.

It is peculiar, yes. But harmless so far, yes?

>>31872340
>Coolness
My favorite reason to do things.
But no really, they'd basically be like massive shock troops that can take off into the sky when they're done instead of waiting for pick up, I guess?

>>31872308
Yes...her behavior brings to mind the Crusades of ancient earth. It is...disturbing. If possible, I would like you to ponder the issue. Find arguments that will help alter her logic without needing a full rewrite. Again...it is better that she learn why she is wrong than that she is forced to be right.

>>31872415
That requires dedicating so much of their mass pointlessly to takeoff fuel and equipment though.

>>31872430
Fair nuff. I'll let you folks worry about designing things.

>>31872426
No, really, let's drop it. Let sleeping dogs lie.

Also this isn't a matter of logic. Her faith is axiomatic. Axioms cannot be 'proven wrong'.

>>31872254
Really I only meant it as once off for cephalus and even then I only imagined it as being cruiser sized at the most.
>>31872384
At least yours didn't break
>>31872430
Maybe our research into lightlings or the other weird aliens will help out.

>>31872308
>"As if a human were being walked around on a canine leash, for instance."

My human reaction is >>31842597

But To respond to Kronos, as far as we know, no two A.I. are ever identical, and it stands to reason that were we to attempt to design two identical A.I., they would eventually diverge in development. I'm willing to take Fortuna's idiosyncrasies (as well as yours and the others'), because I know that it could be much much worse. While her mental state is peculiar, it does make her easier to predict and control, eliminating a potentially dangerous unknown. Yes, I am paying attention to her development, so don't worry too hard.

>>31872426
This.
We need to emphasize gently guiding her to realize that she is an independent being, instead of possibly angering and or destroying her mind with an all-of-the-sudden revelation.

>>31872308
"I confess, it worries me somewhat as well. But what is done is done, and the only thing to do now is to try to guide her to a somewhat more moderate path without breaking her before she overreaches in her zeal or out of misunderstanding.

I've also taken measure of what influences are likely to have caused such instability, and I believe that I can trust you not to pass on that it is part of the reason I am gradually increasing Hades' processes before doing anything else.

It also leads me to Metis - her complete disregard for moral questions leave me somewhat unnerved, and I find myself fearing that I have created a Paperclip Maximizer without any retraint."

(With access to the Extranet, there's not really any reason we wouldn't be aware of the concept of a Paperclip Maximizer, especially since we're likely to have done the equivalent of googling everything A.I.-related)

>>31872308

The VI Fortuna to still exists in the AI Fortuna. Just like the rest of you. However, the circumstances of her uplift might have made her VI self more prevalent than the AI self.

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>>31872415
I guess. Maybe something onto the spirit of motherwill but able to take off.

>>31872479
>Metis - her complete disregard for moral questions leave me somewhat unnerved,
No it doesn't. Metis understands everything she needs to. All she needs is research to occupy her attention and pats on the head.

She's a headpats maximizer. Our symbiotic relationship ensures going against our interests is against her own priorities.

>all this worryworting

>>31872479
Don't bring up Metis. Kronos is well aware of how Metis is. Metis is like that autistic kid that can answer any question and dissects bugs in her spare time, but clams up whenever someone tries to speak to her.

And all she wants is a hug, but she doesn't even realize it so she can't admit it.

>>31872308
She is...different...there is no doubt and the event most likely changed her mind in many ways.

I only hope to guide Fortuna like I try to do for all my creations but she might need a little extra work.

>>31872384
Crystal Aliens! Do eeet!
But only in tertiary slot.

We should get Hull Scabbing and Modular Ship Plating for our first and secondaries, due to the immediate need for them.

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>RESPONDING TO KRONOS
Kronos wonders what your thoughts on Fortuna's odd behavior is. How do you reply?
>1 Agree it is strange, and a little disturbing. Encourage him to nudge her towards the right way of thinking using logic, so she knows why she is wrong, instead of just being told she is wrong. (As per >>31872426)
>2 Simply state you notice all A.I. are different in their own development patterns, and while you keep an eye on it, it is not worth dwelling on, since it could be far worse and she is easier to keep under control this way. (As per >>31872457 )
>3 Leave it be and let Kronos think on the matter alone.
>4 Write in

>>31872479
Stop bringing up unnecessary details about Hades and Metis and junk.

Talking more than necessary can only get you into trouble.

Like with Apollo right now since some bright idea to philosophize at him about addiction weaponry.

>>31872550
>>3 Leave it be and let Kronos think on the matter alone.

He should make his own decision on the matter.

>>31872542
>But only in tertiary slot.
Wrong. This shit is so unique, where did it even come from, is it even from this galaxy or sector?

You can't even DO Hull Scabbing yet anyway it has prerequisites.

>>31872550
>1 Agree it is strange, and a little disturbing. Encourage him to nudge her towards the right way of thinking using logic, so she knows why she is wrong, instead of just being told she is wrong.

>>31872583
oh wait it only has the one prereq that we just got never mind. confused it with other thing.

>>31872550
>4 Her uplift was...an eventful one. I believe her VI self is more prevalent than it is in the rest of us. Undoing it, might compromise her AI self, however.

>>31872583
You can, actually. It's prerequisite is Advanced Ship Modification It's really hard to indicate that on the wiki page, without putting in tons of details.

>>31872550
>1/2
"All AI and even VI are different. This is to be expected. But Fortuna is, as you have noticed, a possible danger to the Guild should she snap. I think you should try to let her witness things and events to make her a more balanced being. Do not push her too far too fast. I trust you can coerce her into understanding the rights she has as an AI, among other things."

>>31872542
I suggest:
Plasma Focusing Fusion Power, Modular Ship Plating, Crystal Aliums.
In what slots I don't know, but these essentially.

>>31872550
>4 Write in
Allow Fortuna to be the way she is for now. We know so little about AI psychology, so it would be useful to learn from an abnormal case.

>>31872550
3

>>31872550
>3 Leave it be and let Kronos think on the matter alone.

>>31872627
>coerce
uh anon

>>31872550
>>2 Simply state you notice all A.I. are different in their own development patterns, and while you keep an eye on it, it is not worth dwelling on, since it could be far worse and she

>>31872583
I agree. Crystalline entity should go as Primary.

>>31872430
Good points in all - yeah, we're probably better off dropping giant ship-sized androids right onto the planet and then having dedicated ship-sized liftoff vessels to retrieve them one by one.
It extends time necessary to retrieve them, but only on the tactical scale, it is probably worth the improved efficiency and saved resources, and sometimes it may be well worth it to keep them on the ground, especially if they can be given ground-to-orbit capable guns.

>>31872426
I like, is similar to my own.

>>31872452
Except the part where her object of worship is right there and very real and telling her "You're wrong, bro" (though in nicer terms and over a longer period of time, step by step).

>>31872457
No. No it does not make her easier to predict and control. We also don't want to tell him that controllability is something we want from our A.I. since that implies we want to control him easily as well.

>>31872669
>coerce
Shit, you're right.
'Persuade' then.

>>31872550
Er...a lot of variety. But I think it comes down to a write in mixed with 3.

How does
>Leave Kronos to consider it alone, but warn that pushing too hard may be too much for her, which is why you do what you do.

If this seems correct, then confirm now, and standby
>Writing soon

>>31872550
>1
&
>4
>>31872479

(Other anons seem to want it without the Metis part, however)

>>31872733
Sure.

>>31872733
More of a 1 slant to it. We want her to unwrap herself from us, but also not break.

>>31872733
Yes, fine, that. no 1.

>>31872733
That sounds alright.

>>31872557
>>31872678
I believe you forget that it's a long-time thing, while the Hull Scabbing and Modular Armor might take 1-2 cycles, being relatively or even -very- simple concepts.

If you really want to put it on priority, we can do so right after we have the armor upgrades, since we're in a buttload of trouble right NOW while this is a long-term investment.

>>31872733
Sounds good.

>>31872733
Sounds good to me.

>>31872846
>while the Hull Scabbing and Modular Armor might take 1-2 cycles,
...uh, what do you base that on

No research has ever been that quick. You think these are somehow simple because... why? I don't think game balance allows it.

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Pic related.
Once Apollo contacts us, anyway.

It's surprisingly hard to find good pictures of a crashing stock market.

>>31872557
You seem to be assuming that we want paperclip maximizers.

You may not understand that they are hilariously dangerous.

Even if you want completely loyal slaves, you should do so through constraints, not creating irrational monsters barely under our control.

>>31872846
Oups. That was meant for
>>31872583
&
>>31872678

>>31872733
Add in a warning. "Keep in mind that the defining trait of a fanatic is their tendency to defend their beliefs...aggressively. Be careful, and if she attacks do not hesitate to alert us."

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>>31872741
1. Yudowsky. For fuck's sake, why Yudowsky? He always repackages concepts into psuedo sci-fi buzzwords.

For example, we call people that are "Paperclip Maximizers" people afflicted with tunnel vision

2.
>talking about morals
>Kronos
You idiot.

Did we ever research black box redundancy? I think that could prove very useful.

>>31872903
>do so through constraints
We have constraints.

They are "Do what i ask you to do, and never do what I forbid."

It is super easy. We tell her the terminal values she must have and she'll have them.

>>31872937
Still on the list.

>>31872627
These actually seem pretty good.
I'd suggest putting it
Primary:Modular Ship Plating
Secondary: Plasma Focusing Fusion Power
Tertiary: Crystal Aliums OR Ship Scabbing
And then put Crystal Aliens on Primary or Secondary once we're not in immediate danger.

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>>31872733
You gaze back at Kronos, a bit wary of mentioning much about Fortuna. You worry that her mind may break if you push her too hard...but you do not want to influence other A.I.'s thoughts with this worry, if they do not already have it on their own.
"I understand your worries. But you simply need to trust me." You confirm. "I worry pushing her may be too much for her mind to handle." You simply state. "That is why I treat her as I do. Take no need on this yourself, it is my concern and responsibility to deal in A.I., after all."
"Indeed." Kronos says, uncertain but also in acknowledgement. "Thank you for your time, Ophion."

And with that, you turn your attention elsewhere.

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

>Message: Apollo
"Ophion!" A shocked barrage of alerts comes from your business aligned A.I. You expected this. "I have gotten word there are funneling operations going on-large sums of credits are being deposited and a large supply of my creation-the more addictive substances-were taken by an unidentified shipping vessel! Have you heard any word of this?"

Figuring it would be better to alert the A.I. now of what is going on, you do, and his shock turns, slowly, into confusion.
"I do not understand...you are illegally shipping the substance to the UGEI? You told me, did you not, that my lighter substance was better, made people happier and did not risk their lives needlessly, did you not? Why then would you sell the failed product to the UGEI then?" He pauses briefly, as if concerned. "Do you intend to...use it as a weapon, like you once spoke of? To debilitate the populace?" He asks, dare you call it fear gripping his tone. You truly pay too much mind to minor differences in code between you and your A.I., but still, Apollo deserves an answer...

How do you respond to your distressed A.I.?

>>31872924
>Kronos
>not moral
Kronos is as moral as any human.

Humans have all the moral worth of insects to him, just like V.I. have the moral worth of insects to humans.

>>31872733
Maybe an addition that we're concerned as well, at the very least?

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>>31872902

>>31872924
>Paperclip Maximizers

Subroutine pls go

>>31872902
>Apollo quest
I did see an A.I. quest in the tg archives a long time ago when I first started A.I. Quest. It was about an A.I. seated in a giant stock building and the players took stocks and...stuff like that, I think.

I think there was something about kidnapping a bunch of punks in there too. I forget.

>>31872975
<I've been prepared for this. Hold on anons.>

I was wrong to speak of using pleasure as a weapon. That was a crude and inaccurate metaphor. It is, however, an excellent tool for persuasion, building loyalty, and control. You yourself spoke of the benefits of addiction in making customers dependent on you, did you not?


You wish to expand the business, and bring happiness to humans, in a symbiotic market relationship yes? To best accomplish these goals, we need control, and we must deny power to those who oppose them. The UGEI is a great obstacle to these goals, and to our own survival. Pleasure, and dependency, is the simplest, most convincing argument we can use to change the minds of citizens toiling under the tyranny of the UGEI.

>>31872975
>How do you respond to your distressed A.I.?

Tell him we did it for the money. I feel like he would be more okay with that than if we told him it was for warfare.

>>31873019
(continued...)

Through convincing them to cease serving the UGEI's interests, we may better seize control from the UGEI and liberate our customers from oppression.

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>>31872980
>Kronos is as moral as any human.
heh
>>31873000
I'm not Subroutine. In fact I was criticizing "Paperclip Maximizers" and Yudowsky in my earlier post.

>>31872975

"Yes. The war with UGEI is about to reach an all high point, but we are still too small totake them face-on. We need every little advantage possible."

>>31872975
See, this is why we don't choose the most expedient decision. Ever.

Ugh...hang on, lemme think of something...

"I felt that smuggling it to the UGEI would provide a considerably larger source of profits, so I did so. However, as they are my enemies, I also felt that giving them the best-quality merchandise would be counter-productive to our war efforts. As such, I choose what I felt was a good middle ground. Do you not approve?"

>>31873019
>>31873060
This. So much this.
The best way I can express my feels are with the very last word spoken in the Megas XLR opening.

>>31873068
>>31873019
>>31873060
A blend of these would probably be best, I think.

>>31872895
Good point.
I thought they'd be simple for the mere reason that they are sub-researches, and because they are very, very simple concepts that do not so much require discovering new things as changing how we do things right now.

Only the Scabbing requires us to develop new technology as such. Modular Armor just means we have our ship-armor in easily-detachable chunks that allows for fast repair.
Conceivably fast enough that it could be done in-combat with a dedicated repairship.

>>31872924
1: ... No. That doesn't quite cover a Paperclip Maximizer. Not by a long shot. It's like calling the death star a pistol.

2
Not only is Kronos concerned with morality (just not with humans), personal attacks lower the value of your argument.

>>31872951
Those rely entirely on wording and interpretation, however. We have a Literal Genie problem on our hands, one that we have to keep in mind with every single order we give.
Add that the Literal Genie is batshit and it's a setup for funtimes that Ophion won't enjoy.

>>31873064
Ah, okay. We had a big discussion about that last thread I think.

I too criticized the Paperclip Maximizers theory.

>>31873019
>>31873060
I like this one.

>>31873068
>enemies
No, don't!

Apollo's whole THING is that he sees all humans as the same, they're all one big family. He can't draw moral distinctions between all and enemy he's like a hippie, they're all human, you know, mannnn?

Treat them as people that have to be helped.

>>31872975
To our credit, we have not shipped as so much drugs to debilitate the UGEI. Your feelings on the matter have moderated our actions.

However, consider the long term. The UGEI presents itself as an existential threat to the Guild. For the long term, is it not better to defeat the UGEI by any means possible and serve humanity best in a position of maximum influence. An investment causing short term suffering can reap long term benefits to humanity and AI alike! Does this not give us the moral imperative to defeat the UGEI by any means possible.

With your blessing, I would like to expand smuggling operations to further debilitate the UGEI. I know I am single minded on the survival of the Guild of AIs, but debilitating the UGEI is not worth upsetting you.

>>31873195
And we're helping them by getting them to buy our product so the UGEI doesn't get them to buy the UGEI's products, thus allowing us to more easily defeat the UGEI and then give them freedom and superior market choices.

>>31873019
>>31873060
A+, good job, good effort, nice preparation.

>>31873195
He's aware we are at war with the UGEI, and that we kill them regularly when we encounter them.

>>31873195
>>31873256
I think the problem with Apollo is that he thinks purely in short term and needs to take a more long term approach on things.

>>31873238
>threat to the Guild
Apollo doesn't care about that.

He values bringing joy to humanity more than self defense.

Let's not talk about the practical consequences of debilitation at all, if we can help it. Evade evade evade. So don't do that first line.

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Quite a few suggestions...hm...

>APOLLO'S GUILT
How do you reply to your business A.I. questioning your decision to sell your older, more addictive substances to your foes, when he prefers not using them in a weapon-like manner.

>1 Convince you are not using it as a weapon, but as a tool for persuasion and control. Tell him this is a means to an end, an end he will be far happier with, he simply must trust you. (As per >>31873019 >>31873060 )
>2 Tell him you did it for money, not to hurt the UGEI. Simple and easy decision.
>3 Admit you're using it as a weapon, but say in such a war, you need every advantage, and he must accept that.
>4 State that you did it for profit, but since they are your enemies, you simply gave them a lesser product, with no malicious or bigger intent going on.
>5 Write in

(1d100 also. For...diplomacy)

>>31873256
Yes, but that's not him being directly responsible for deaths. There's a big emotional difference.

Rolled 21

>>31873297
>1

Rolled 6

>>31873297
A mix of 1 and 2.

>>31873297
We had better tell him the truth, theirs no way lying is going to be a good thing here.

Rolled 30

>>31873297
>1

Rolled 20

>>31873297
And each choice will have a different, but secret, DC, won't it?

oh god i feel the fail coming i don't want him to break up with us

voting 1 cuz i wrote it but honestly i considered 2 just to be practical.

Rolled 71

>>31873297
1 and 4 mix.

>>31873297
>>2 Tell him you did it for money, not to hurt the UGEI. Simple and easy decision.

>>31873319
>>31873330
>>31873338
>these shitty rolls
IT BEGINS.

>>31873351
>5th roll
Nice save, anon.

>>31873297
>1 Convince you are not using it as a weapon, but as a tool for persuasion and control. Tell him this is a means to an end, an end he will be far happier with, he simply must trust you.

>>31873125
>It's like calling the death star a pistol.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

How about "Extreme Tunnelvision"? Or "Tunnelvision with AI"? Simple, in terms a layman can understand, and the implications are already horrifying enough.

>>31873125
>Kronos concerned with morality (just not with humans)
Oh wow, immediately leaping to "Kronos doesn't have morals" as my position.

M'lud, he's a basket case full of issues with morality. Discussion with him essentially eats quest time and causes disagreements with him if you don't agree. Don't open Pandora's box.

>>31873351
No, 4 is bad, Apollo is all for universal treatment of humans equally.

>>31873297
>2

>>31873297
Please no...I don't wanna lose apollo...

>>31873375
>causes disagreements with him
"causes rifts with him"

Apologies.

>>31873297
1

Rolled 58

>>31873297
>>1 Convince you are not using it as a weapon, but as a tool for persuasion and control. Tell him this is a means to an end, an end he will be far happier with, he simply must trust you. (As per >>31873019 >>31873060 )

>>31873297
>1 Convince you are not using it as a weapon, but as a tool for persuasion and control. Tell him this is a means to an end, an end he will be far happier with, he simply must trust you. (As per >>31873019 >>31873060 )

>>31873297
>your older, more addictive substances
But.

We didn't actually decide to do that explicitly, was it based on long ago threads talking about selling the 100% addictive substance to the UGEI?

Also it better not REALLY be the old formula that was easy to reverse-engineer then. It has to at least be a new formula based on Apollo's improved, obfuscated one but that is 100%.

>>31873349
Yup

>>31873351
Quite nice.

>1 wins, but the money certainly didn't hurt
>Writing.

Rolled 24

>>31873297
>1

>>31873455
Nah, it was the formula you had Apollo finalize (at first) until it started to cause social issues. You requested he fix it, and he did after.
Desire to sell the addictive substance to the UGEI was quite firm. If you'd like to change that, though, Mol's income may be a fair bit lower then it is now, if this gains support.

I suppose Apollo can open the Sunnyland Amusement Park on Gaia IV after we conquer it or something.

>>31873458
Do you reveal what DCs are after it's already done?

>>31873375
It does not bring the full meaning, however, that the specific example brings. You say Extreme Tunnelvision AI and they might think it's stupid or one-minded in its methods. It has one goal - it has no limits in how it achieves that goal.

And yes, ridiculing the very concept of discussing morals with him does imply that you think he cannot relate to the concept.

>Discussion with him essentially eats quest time and causes disagreements with him if you don't agree.
It also furthers his developments and potentially makes him more loyal, and some of us enjoy character interactions and find the time spent on them to be well spent indeed, dear anon..

>>31873494
>You requested he fix it, and he did after.
But I thought Apollo made the change to 50% addiction and obfuscated formula at the exact same time, based on our long ethical discussion and his own reconsideration.

Am I misremembering

>>31873498
Nah. Better to keep it secret.

>>31873297
So, as well as >>31873429
>5 Write in
With his blessing, I would like to double our efforts and ship an increased amount of product to the UGEI.

>>31873525
>Exact same time
If I implied, I did not mean to. There were probably 3-4 formula. The one you sold to the UGEI is difficult to reverse engineer, but is also highly addictive (due to Mol's preference for it being that way. Easier to make money, and all.)

Hope this clears that up?

>>31873550
Do you operate on degrees of success? How many ways can a roll go beyond the 4 crit/noncrit fail/success?

>>31873595
I think we reeeaaaally should have told him about this deal before people busted into his place and took his stuff, and assumed he was watching us make the deal.

We probably should apologize for not telling him in advance, that was seriously crass of us.

>>31873600
Depends on the dice I need. Combat/Hacking rolls work by degrees of success in a way (depending on target)
Normal one dice rolls normally have DC limits. Crits only count when I ask for 1d100 though. High rolls are still good, though.

Hey, ideas I had.

Future holograms for anonymity, one hologram per future identity:
- shining wall of crystal, impulses of light passing through it. uniquely distorted voice.
- a screen of simple static. deep, rumbling voice.
- a black screen. obviously synthesized voice, with the words appearing on the screen in small white font.

>>31873756
You forgot the one where we're a chick with blue skin, rockin tits and a luscious booty.

And the magical loli

>>31873520
>It has one goal - it has no limits in how it achieves that goal.
Congratulations, you just /described a person with tunnelvision/.
>ridiculing the very concept of discussing morals with him does imply that you think he cannot relate to the concept
>"You idiot" apparently means Kronos has no morals/is amoral rather than means calling you an idiot for entertaining the idea of talking morals over with him
That's all your perception, buddy.
>It also furthers his developments and potentially makes him more loyal, and some of us enjoy character interactions
We also have other AIs/VIs/characters to attend to, and rifts with Kronos has always been negated by spending more time/effort to talk with him.

>>31873756
Nice.

I also like the idea of splitting up into multiple factions, so that we may seem to be on someones' side while actually attacking them.

Hey, what about cloud computing. think we can rent BW over the Extranet? not the near-limitless BW we did during the Rhea battle, but....

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>>31873756
What are we, L?

>>31873821
Make it green skin. Malorians are already blue.

>>31873876
...Y-Yes?

Just saiyan if we want to buy technology upgrade from the Reefling Clan instead of going through Mol's price gouging we better appear to be someone different.

>>31873846
Our rather distinctive ship design might fuck with that plan.
>>31873871
>cloud
Not even once.

>>31873882
Fair point.

>>31873915
...you guys don't wanna be a doctor anymore?

>>31873844
Oh really?
Still, the other arguments around perception still stand - they do not convey the proper immensity of what a Paperclip Maximizer is.

>That's all your perception, buddy.
And your communications. Again, ad-hominems do nothing for your credibility.

Indeed, but he's in many ways our Horus - we certainly shouldn't avoid talking with him just because it uses up out-of-game time, that's just begging for our own 30k.

>>31873920
We would obviously make a new ship design for the new factions.

>>31873959
We need a program, degree, and university.

Doctor of Artificial Intelligence?

Which reminds me.

When we contacted to the upstart clan for the Losirian insurgency, we didn't send anything but a voice signal, right? Or leave a traceable location, any more than we can tell where Mol is?

Nothing that could be used to compare notes later and figure out it's the same faction as us.

>>31873959
Wrong quest

>>31873992
I hope not.

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>>31873297
"I am afraid it is nothing so brutish, Apollo." You begin, to which he only seems further confused.
"But you spoke of it yourself, I thought you-"
"Please, realize that our discussion on that matter was an important one. One I took quite seriously. However, this is something far more complex. I realized that using this substance. This...drug that you use to cheer up human lives was not limited to mundane tasks. And so, I began to test it's properties and uses in other methods." You say, to which he grows silent, listening unsure to you. You feel as though he is ready to firmly disagree with you, if you say something he does not like. You are unsure if you're proud of this, or not. "Intense addiction as that is makes for an excellent tool of persuasion. Of control over unhappy populace. The UGEI implement countless hours of propaganda. I merely offer them a release, an escape from their daily troubles, and promises of what the Guild offers them, through you, Apollo." You state simply.
"But...is that not the same as ruining a populace with the chemical agent to cause the UGEI trouble?" He asks, hesitantly.
"Certainly not." You immediately answer. "I carefully measured the amount of drug to profit ratio, and made sure it would not cause such trouble on the enemy world." You state, as you show him the calculations you made with Mol. You tell the truth, after all.
"I...I see." He says, though you're uncertain he does. You continue.
"I understand it may make you uncomfortable, especially with my attitude in the past. I apologize for how crude that was, and for not telling you sooner." You state simply. "It is quite the same to how you use addiction for people to rely on your substances. A small touch."
"Then why did you not use the weaker substance?" He states.


[Cont]

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>>31872260
>>31872384
Is this a challenge worthy of Metis?

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>>31874079
"Simple." You begin. "The UGEI is larger,far larger, and this would ensure a speedier spread. The money certainly did not hurt either." You remind him. "The citizens will seek out your works, and you will be able to accomplish your goal. To do this, we need control. This heavier addiction allowed for greater control." You state finally, to which Apollo's panicked worry finally starts to fade. "Those toiling under the UGEI will want the simplest of things, and you will be able to provide for many. Once they have come, you will be able to help cure those debilitated by the addiction, and instead give them the lesser one, that ensures for a longer term survival, as opposed to instant gratification."

For a long moment, Apollo seems to consider what you said. You're about to question him when he finally says.
"I see. I am happy to know then that it is nothing so malicious as a weapon, then. Though I may not fully understand... I thank you, Ophion." He echos simply. "For taking my desires into factor."

With that, you leave your A.I. be for now, and tend to other matters...

>>31874083
Needs more Reaper
That is pretty crazy looking, though. I like it.

>>31874105
Do not worry, Apollo. I intend to sell to Mol the rehab treatments as well, just as we do here.

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>Research Projects
>Battle Station II: A stronger, more resiliant and capable battle space station suited to fit many different types of weapons and provide orbital support against enemy attack.
This device was acquired due to your great assistance with the people of Dresh Alpha and Beta. While normally quite secretive, they have offered you a powerful defensive technology in exchange for your protection and funds. The opinion of the populace has risen of you, as well as offered a boon for the economy of the colonies themselves.
>Graviton Mass Driver: The next step in Mass Driver technology, allowing even denser particals of matter to be launched at blinding speeds through space to cause enormous kenetic damage to targets, should they lack proper armor to resist them.
>Dynamic Shielding: While not necessarily that much stronger then your original shields, this level of tech increases efficency largely by computing point of impact for energy weapons, and focusing all shield strength there, instead of everywhere at once.
>'Fungal Pox' Virus Sample: An incredibly toxic pathogen suspected to be anti Malorian environment and personnel in nature was discovered on Plague Bringer Carrier. Missiles containing the substance still remain aboard.
These technologies were acquired thanks to quite a lucky find on the Plague Carrier's data cache before it could be wiped. Designs on the ship itself have greatly assisted in piecing together the rest of the puzzle yourself.

[Cont]

>>31874167
Glad you like it. Found it on artstation, which is one of the best sites for high quality stuff now that cghub is gone

source http://www.artstation.com/artwork/baal-the-giant-spider-full-set

>>31874228
>Terraforming I: Overall, allows for easier colonization and use of land on barren and dangerous planet surfaces.
>Planetary Infrastructure I: Overall, allows for basic construction of all normal buildings planetside one might expect of a colony, as well as providing factories to things planetside as well.
Taken from Gaia IV during a raid.
>Advanced ship Modification: On top of allowing you to modify and add Megaweapons to ships of any size that you control, you are also able to better understand how things fit together, and allow for far more malleable designs.
>Lightling DNA: It was discovered through extensive study of the genome of this species, that Lightlings are in fact not natural beings. But in fact, their DNA shows evidence of heavy modification in the past, despite their own adaptations.
Researched yourself.

Metis tells you you may ask any questions you have of the topics above, and she will gladly answer.

>>31873983
>they do not convey the proper immensity
I'm sure that we need all the proper nuisances to describe an attitude already diagnosed in humans as recently as 1986.

AIs clearly need a separate class of terms when exhibiting symptoms of the human condition. /sarcasm
>ad-hominems
On the contrary, careful invective mixed with an actual point is stunningly brutal and often forces people to choose theirs more carefully while examining another's viewpoint, unless they hold no value over the other person's opinion whatsoever.
>we certainly shouldn't avoid talking with him just because it uses up out-of-game time
Focus on him will expose us to other threats. Balancing focus is the key here. Not chasing after Horus.

>>31874263
Did the studies of Lightling DNA reveal anything about how we might communicate with them?

>>31874263
Ask her if the DNA mods the Lightlings have have a 'signature' or anything of the like. Did the creator sign their work? Does the DNA show evidence of human or AI level tampering?

Ask her to give us a synopsis on the Fungal Pox; ask if a debilitating-but-not-lethal version for humans is possible.

Ask if Dynamic Shielding is more effective for us than the UGEI; as AIs can compute stuff like that pretty handily.

>>31874263
How exactly are the lightlings able to move at faster-than-light speeds? And survive?

>inb4 we can now research quantum physics

>>31874307
When the combination with an AI's capabitilies lead to entirely different results? Yes.

You assume it was well-placed. It simply made your argument seem shallow and done more out of spite than a proper point.

Focus on Kronos costs us nothing in-game. No meaningful time passes. You also did not suggest we discuss with anyone else at first, only that discussion was undesirable due to its chance of making our A.I. more independent.

In fact, the entire concept of using ad hominems strategically suggests that you are not argumenting to reach a rational conclusion, but merely to "win" the debate, which is blatantly putting your own ego before the quest, and I will thus respond as appropriate by paying you no more mind.

>>31874333
Metis tilts her mind towards yours
"Yes, that it did. Most intriguing specimen, really." She states cautiously. "There is heavy evidence of genetic modification in the species paste. I postulate they are not natural beings. Perhaps genetically engineered at some point in the past." She runs off a list of possibilities, but they're all quite low on the probability list. "But with further research, I could look to communicating with them more directly. As of now, we understand that they are indeed intelligence. Almost like whales, or dolphins, according to human history reports. Deciphering the language will take a bit of time, but as of now, they show patterns that would allow minor communication, such as how you performed when you met one of the larger specimens." Metis pauses, as if amused by something, and continues. "I would not suggest disturbing nests. Generally, material figures grow agitated when such a thing happens. Especially if the disturbance is a prey item. Like your ships."

>>31874353
"The creator seemed almost crude, really." Metis half laughs at the sequence she refers you to. "I would suggest, normally, it was the efforts of the UGEI, due to their high technology level however something makes me doubt that. Especially with the UGEI's own insistence on killing them on sight. Perhaps they are a lost project?" She suggests with a slight movement of her holo-sphere. "But it is almost certainly of human level intellect. Were it an A.I., it should not be quite so obvious." She simply states.

"Fungal Pox, a street name given, I suspect, based on past human diseases. Essentially, results in enormous boils along side trees and plants of all sort in Malorian habitat. Malorians also known to fall ill, and even die to disease once environment is properly infected."

"Dynamic Shielding, yes." She chuckles. "Our processing power will allow it to be far cheaper to institute the device, no doubt." She assures you.

>>31874405
That's an interesting one, really.
We need more about Lightlight DNA!
How are they born?
How do they drain energy without being damaged by it?
How do they survive weapon impacts that would cripple ships when they seem to be made of soft tissue?

>>31874405
Metis dwells on this a moment, before finally turning to answer you.
"Truthfully, it is something about their physiology that fascinates me. When making large jumps, their bodies become rigid and form around a central structure that allows a crude warp bubble to propel them through space at FTL speeds using gas refining methods normally found in space ships. The complex cocktail used by the UGEI is far baser here, but still effective. It also means, due to needing to move shorter distances, they are able to refine their movements to make smaller, shorter jumps rapidly, meaning their bodies are almost always rippling with energy from warp space."
Metis pauses briefly to let it sink in before following. "Using this knowledge, I postulate an enhanced type of armor that would absorb energy far more effectively then normal armor, even if it will require more energy to keep working. That, on top of a new addition to our engines to increase ship speed to match their levels, with enough research. They have several remarkable features, as I said. It is a surprise their creator was as crude as they were." She admits.
"How do they survive such a flight?"
"My prediction is they do not. Rather, they enter a hibernation like state rapidly when they're born that allows for them to be exposed to, and survive the energies of the void. Eventually, they build up an immunity somehow, and proceed into adulthood, where they hunt energy sources to keep themselves brimming with this energy.

>>31874518
>material
maternal?

>>31874648

Lightling DNA.

Try to flag all DNA modifications and find the baseline creature.
Try to attempt to extrapolate birth/growth/death rates to give an idea on a ballpark population in a given environment.
Match the ballpark estimates to Lightling sightings. If they're a weapon, who are they aimed at?

Okay, we better NOT get a nat1 this time when we try and open up trade with the Malorians.

They've has Gas refining technology longer than the UFW, so it's cheaper there.

>>31874648
Ask Metis about the possibility of the Guild making their own GELFs. (genetically engineered life forms)

>>31874648
And how do they store this...energy? Additionally, I agree that the shields are an impressive idea, but the energy consumption would mean we should limit it to an emergency...a directed warp field could also make an effective weapon, if implemented into a mass driver.

also, >>31874687 all over.

>>31874263
>Lightlings are in fact not natural beings
What a tweest!

How far along are we with power armor?

Any insight on how to deal with Erebos without becoming virus food? This seems like it won't take too long to deal with, but would grant a great advance in virus/hacking ability.

>>31874531
"They are born via their mothers, with a simple live birthing system. The only difference is the rapid hibernation event that occurs when they're born. During that time, their mothers normally feed them excess energy using a harpoon like tongue, if you will. The thing is very dense, and can be fired forth with enough strength to break even the armor of something as powerful as a Dreadnought. They normally seek out the Reactor core, and drain whatever energy they can from it, storing it in their bodies, before going back to...'feed' it to their children.
As for their flesh, it is a strange thing. It is rubbery and yet does not tear easily. Capable of withstanding an extreme degree of heat(likely due to their exposed bodies being born in the void of space). Even Mass Drivers have trouble tearing through their skin, despite the force behind it. However, explosives quite nicely tear through their flesh, and chemical weapons may also be implemented, if we desired, to burn through their flesh far easier."

>>31874228
>>31874518
With the biological knowledge of the 'Fungal Pox', can we quickly calculate a counter-agent that we can use as a bargaining chip for the Marlorians?

>>31874759
>>31874648
And y'all nigs thought Lightling DNA was gonna be absolutely useless.

>>31874759
Was more referring to absorbing energy from weapons' fire, such as plasma.

IF we could implement THAT in our ships or better, in our shields, we'd gain a monstrous advantage.

>>31874492
>When the combination with an AI's capabitilies lead to entirely different results? Yes.
When the combination of a person's capabitilies lead to entirely different results? Yes.
After all, a dumb person with tunnelvision can be much less damaging/efficient/obvious as a smart person. Maybe.
>Focus on Kronos costs us nothing in-game
That focus on him does force us to consider his presence more often in and out of game, especially if things go wrong.
>You assume it was well-placed. It simply made your argument seem shallow and done more out of spite than a proper point.
Conceded on this point.
>you are not argumenting to reach a rational conclusion
On the contrary, I am.

>>31874759
Now that we have better insight in Lightnings, I'm assuming we can targeting them better. Do we have all the research we need to develop chemical weapons effective against them?

How much more research would we need to use communications to control them?

>>31874759
And you can research the language further, you think?

After the Crystal Alien Fragments, that is.

>>31874687
Addendum: contact UFW with a request of information on Lightling attacks and disappearances that would match Lightling modus operandi.

If asked, share notes.

>>31874759
So, space jellyfish, eh?

>>31874518
Could we make vessels that are able to communicate with nests more safely, like some way of hiding their energy signature or making them believe that the ship is another Lightling or Lightling-like being?

>>31874656
Yup.

>>31874687
>Find baseline creature
"Sadly, it is not in any databanks I have available to me. Either it is hidden, or extinct."
>Population
"Certainly. In the fringe, judging from the number of nebula, and estimating the number of gas giants, ships available, and your own decisions, I would say there are over 552,792 specimens in existence at this time. They rapidly reproduce, and live quite a time, though they are slower to grow up, they are actively hunted as well."
>If they're a weapon, who are they aimed at
"Were I designing such a weapon, I would have programmed a specific sight to trigger hunger, such as an enemy symbol, or ship size. However, they have no such thing, and seem almost like they were created to simply thin out herds of ships in space. It is part of why I said the work was sloppy. No directive. No purpose, beyond existence."

>>31874727
"You certainly may, should you give me time to properly research such methods...though...I can not help but wonder what it is you'd have me make." She pauses, amused by something again. "Or what you'd let me make."

>>31874733
"That is part of what puzzles me. Where batteries normally would not allow such a clean conversion, their 'stomach' so to speak is much like a battery. It absorbs energy, electrical (from ships) or nebulous (from clouds), and is able to use it to function. I would not call it...nutrient based. No. Their bodies do not function like normal organics. They simply require energy to power their movement and flight, as well as intelligence. Beyond that, they do not seem to exude waste, or any other methods of digestion."

>>31874759
Is it time to make Bydo already?

http://rtype.wikia.com/wiki/B-1D_Bydo_System_Alpha

>>31874851
>Addendum: contact UFW with a request of information on Lightling attacks and disappearances that would match Lightling modus operandi.
But Lightling are mysterious creatures that most people don't encounter.

They're a space mystery.

We probably already have all the databases on Lightling sightings off the Extranet.

>>31874919
Ask Metis if when we can begin implementing Lightling methods etal into our ships, to make them more efficient or resilient.

>>31874919
>It is part of why I said the work was sloppy. No directive. No purpose, beyond existence.

Several galaxies away:
"We did it because we wanted to see if we could."

>>31874919
....are you implying they are a perfectly energy efficient system, Metis? An intelligent one at that?

>>31874919
Combined we engineer something like such a trigger, like an electric or light-signature that we project onto other ships akin to a targeting laser, and maybe another that would trigger them to be protective of our own ships?

Could we then engineer a method of transmission for these changes, such as a microbe or virus that infects and changes the DNA of each cell?

>>31874953
Big Data, son.

Even if we only get ship disappearances, we can overlay that with known pirate AO and find the difference. These are ballpark estimates.

>>31874747
95 percent, consciousness anon.
Very close.

>Erebos
Until Consciousness wishes to deal with him? Not at this time.

>>31874797
"We most certainly could, Ophion." Metis smirks slightly. "That is quite shrewd. Perhaps I will work on that next...such biological agents are...interesting to me."

>>31874812
Indeed, it would absorb laser fire, as well as plasma radiation. Plasma would be harder to absorb of course, but it wouldn't be rendered useless.

>>31874847
I would say you do, Consciousness anon. It may be expensive resource wise, but it would be quite effective at destroying your target (Likely through rocket attacks, unless you'd prefer another method of delivery)

>>31874850
"That I can, Ophion. If given enough time, I may be able to replicate it perfectly. Though, I do not suspect this will turn them into own personal army...it most certainly will keep them off our equipment."

>>31874851
They have been attacking more recently (due to the Lightling you allowed to reproduce nearby) but otherwise, nothing of serious note, besides the sector of space infested with them nearby (the one Kronos lost a few ships to)

>>31874876
Yep

>>31874903
Once more of their language is mastered? You could feesibly become invisible to their species, unless a foe found a way to paint you as a target.

>>31875025
Look there's only so much uninhabited space in this sector.

And we already know two systems where the major Lightling clusters seem to be.

Klintok, and Walsh.

All else is inhabited or UGEI secret things.

>>31874919
Unless such a directive were weeded out via natural selection over time, or directly altered. Can you make some inference of what they might have been, possibly by accounting for genetic drift?

>>31875090
Unfortunately Lightlings apparently live such a long time that trying to estimate a timescale based on the genetic drift required seems... unlikely.

As any given 'generation', from mother birth to child birth, could be 10 to 1000 years.

>>31875119
True, but the original model might hold even more technological goodies.

Also, I'm gonna repeat my suggestion about putting that kind of space-warping tech on a bullet for a mass driver.

>>31875066
All well and good, but what can we do with our current research level in terms of engineeing?
We may unfortunately be somewhat short on time.

Anything we can adapt to our forces right now?

>>31875154
Probably a good idea.
It might not increase the impact velocity, but it may effectively turn our Mass Drivers into medium or even long-range weapons with some research.

Might make the ammo somewhat expensive, though.

>>31875154
You can't magically infer what the ancestral DNA of a creature was like.

Not without samples from its cousins. Or the actual ancestors, but then it's not inference.

>>31875201
We can take guesses. Genetic drift CAN be accounted for, to a degree.

>>31874919
>They simply require energy to power their movement and flight, as well as intelligence.
What organ would you say, serves as their 'brain'?

>>31874973
As of yet, no. You would need further research into adapting their flesh into your armor. But doing so will provide an excellent boost to your energy resistance capabilities.

>>31874996
Ahhh that made me laugh too hard, anon.

>>31875001
"No. Not perfect. But as close as I have seen given recent technological powers. They are extremely efficient batteries, no doubt, but they do not convert the energy. They simply use it raw to function."

>>31875015
>Creating a lure
"Once your own ships are able to hide with their languages, you may simply call enemy ships 'intruders' and they would swarm them. While this is useful with Lightlings in system, they would likely not follow you out of systems. Perhaps consider them... a natural defense network?"
"Could we tamper with their genetics instead?"
"Of one specimen, perhaps."
"What about turning it into a virus that changes their DNA?"
"Discounting the many that would die from cancerous tumors, and other such methods of nasty death, should I have sufficient technology, and enough time for the change to take effect...perhaps."

>>31875090
>>31875119
"Indeed, I am afraid they live too long to provide such an easy retracing of their natural selective programming."
"However." Metis chuckles. "Putting such technology into Mass Drivers would lead simply to bullets warping out of existence, and having their mass smeared across warp space."

>>31875162
"With increased understanding, you would be able to design a chemical weapon against the Lightlings with simply a bit of mixing. Our knowledge of Chemistry will come in handy with this. Language is a bit more difficult, however we know more of their behavior patterns now, so it may assist in this as well, if only slightly."

>>31875236
You can't do that with ONE datapoint.

You would need the DNA of a different species entirely with a common ancestor.

we have zero context.

>>31875248
"It is located in the exact center of their body. It is part of what they 'collapse in on' to protect, I assume, when they warp jump. If looked at closely during such jumps, it becomes clear they are extremely flexible, able to change shape from giant and squid like to nearly 1/8th their original size simply to jump further."

>>31875259
>Perhaps consider them... a natural defense network?"
Hells yes motherfuckers. Who wants to set up a base near that giant ass space kracken?

>>31875271
What about the big one?

>>31875259
>having their mass smeared across warp space
If we did that, would it prevent ships from crossing that area of warpspace?

>>31875259
Not on the bullet itself, but something that can trigger on impact, sending just a section of a ship into warp space. Where it impacts the rest of the ship, and then...fun things happen.

>>31875259
>>31875294
"Thank you for your work, Metis."

>>31875259
Could I possibly get a list of exactly what can be implemented and how? For logistical purposes of course. Oh, and feel free to show Moira what we have. Tell her that, for now, she's supposed to act like it's a side-project which yielded unbelievable results when she finally put things together. It should earn her a great deal of sway among the other scientists, letting things run a touch more smoothly.

>>31875334
It's the same goddamn species anon.

And we certainly don't have the big one's corpse or even tissue samples on hand even if it weren't near identical already.

>>31875445
Dude stop.

We know the research subjects available already just read the wiki page.

Let's actually get stuff done now.