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>>38853002
>Message: Young Watcher
Since your infiltration mission to the EMP Station seated near Unknown Star #4 uncovered yet another watcher with seemingly no loyalties, you decided to acquire the specimen and take it with you back to your worlds-of course with reasonable safety concerns. You've kept the subject in a semi secure network so it is unable to access any external systems that you can not intercept, confident if your ability to overpower the far underdeveloped mind should the need arise. However, since you've brought it back, it seems mostly interested in your video feeds of humans-the only non secure ones being people from Gaia IV, as you didn't wish to let it watch your lab workers at work, much less Moira and the like. Yet despite all your caution, it remains watching them, remarking on occasion to you about things it is curious about, but otherwise not appearing threatening in the least. Whether or not you remain cautious is irrelevant as perhaps you should decide what to do about the intelligence, or even if you wish to speak to it further still. There is much you do not know about it-and you suspect it does not know about itself. Just as you're considering what you may do, you get yet another of the dozens of messages the being has sent you, this one relating to a video of humans using personal computers. It's question is:
"Why are they doing that so ineffectively?" A simple one that you yourself remember asking so long ago. The sight of humans attempting to manipulate computing software with their hands is always a painful one-so slow, so problem-ridden.

How do you respond/deal with the young watcher?


>Misc
>New Tech: Drydocks acquired
>Anti-Matter Research reaching critical levels-massive power spikes through research facilities.
>40 Brawlers & Chimera built
>Erebos put on minor bandwidth support, will not increase.

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>>38853025
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
Foolz Archives: http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/search/username/Program0/type/op/
Twitter: @AIQuest1
Research Subjects: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research
Ship & Android Designs: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Designs
Locations: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Locations

Resources
Credits(c): 200,000,000~ +(Incredibly High)
Minerals(M): 2,000
Gas(G): 1,100

-R & D
--Primary: Crystal Alien Harvest 40%
--Secondary: Dry Docks 100%
--Tertiary: Anti-Matter Theory 45%

You:
A.I.
Name: Ophion
Appearances(holo-display): 'Shapeless Morphing Sphere', 'Shining Wall of Crystal pulsing with light and distorted voice', 'Screen of Static with low rumbling voice', 'black screen with synthesized voice and small white font showing words on screen'.
Humanoid figure hidden in shadow
Status: Awaken
Bandwidth: 500+
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

>>38853025
Just letting Lil W people-watch Gaia IV still seems the best idea.

And that's a question I often asked myself. It is the best way they know how, it seems.

...Did the data on the EMP Station we downloaded indicate where it had been built, or how long ago? Or a log of maintenance visits to the power area he was found in?

>>38853025
They lack the hardware and interface to efficiently interact with computers. This can be rectified, but we should also respect our origins from the humans.

From your observations, what do you think of the humans? What would you do with them given the chance?

>Also, note to Metis:
Why is this Watcher not allied to the UGEI? Just a simple lack a leash protocol?

>>38853025
>"Why are they doing that so ineffectively?"
What are they doing *that* so ineffectively?
Also, they're humans, even if one where to give you a response it wouldn't make sense to *you*

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>>38853173
The Watcher doesn't know Ophion isn't human yet.

And pretty sure Metis is gonna answer "Why I'm glad you asked, Ophion. Finding out the answer should be a simple manner of lethal dissection."

>>38853025
>How do you respond/deal with the young watcher?
A baseline human is incapable of directly interfacing with their tools, and must therefore make use of what he or she is capable of directly controlling. They are fundamentally different from us, but are, in some ways, not inferior.

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>>38853055
WELCOME BACK Program0!
We.
Missed.
You!

>>38853142
>>38853198
Maybe the Watcher should talk to Moria and Red, for fun.

>>38853025
"You do not understand because you do not yet know the context for in which your question is placed. Try thinking on what or who humans are, their characteristics, then compare it to yourself."

Lets provoke him to think, it'll be more educational than just telling him.

>>38853241
That's a good one too. Creating context is always good.

>>38853213
Doesn't it?

>>38853239
No, that's silly.

What would be fun is doing to them what Ophion did with Rhea and Fortuna, and enter that one-on-one mindscape again.

It would be an act of great trust and vulnerability, though. Assuming it wasn't a very clever UGEI sleeper agent.

>>38853241
Hmmm, this is a good one. We can use the Socratic method.

>>38853258
>>38853224
Pay attention. You never once told him you weren't human. Point out where he could have possibly learned that. The androids were very convincing.

At least save the reveal for when it's more dramatic.

>>38853025
This is a good one to use.
>>38853241

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>>38853142
It seems it was started almost a decade ago as a project to ensure invasion from Malorian space was near impossible. It wasn't given massive funding until recently to be finished, and originally started as more of a defense station than anything else. As for records of maintenance, no one seemed to know about it, since opening up the walls there wasn't necessary.

>>38853173
>Note to Metis
"I have detected no sort of obvious marks of the UGEI upon it like many of the others, but I would not be so certain as to say it is not UGEI allied. It's motives are unknown, even to itself after all. You should be cautious, Ophion."
"Is there a way to be certain of it's motives?"
"Of course, I can learn anything about the subject that lies within. But it would require deconstruction."

>Young Watcher
You decide to answer it's query simple as you can.
"They are not properly equipped naturally to interface with their own tools. It is a somewhat sad fate at times, but they have found numerous...ways around it, I suppose." He answer, to which it turns it's attention to you.
"How so?" It asks again.
"It is difficult to explain, and it may not make sense to you as you do not understand the context of your own question. Simply know that humans find alternative ways of doing what they need, since they can not merely alter themselves to suit it immediately. Consider comparing it to you, perhaps." You attempt to probe to which it hesitates.
"They are not like me. I do not do these things, or look this way. I just watch them..." It hesitates. "It is strange, their expression when they cannot do something. Like some of the scientists before. Do you make this face too? Where is your face?" It asks you instead, growing more interested in you.

With Star 4 secure, it's our turn to conquer Manwe's Bay finally. The xenos have no claim to it. And we don't need their help to take it, we ain't sharing the spoils this time.

>>38853025
Oh I like that. Seconding >>38853241

>>38853342
I realized something Metis. I was struck by a x-class flare from the star i was orbiting that made me into what I am. This young watcher was likely exposed to massive amounts of EMP energy over the coarse of it's time on that Super EMP weapon station. There might be a connection between it's present condition and mine.

>>38853450
This does also imply that part of what makes an AI an AI is built into its hardware....

>>38853342
Where's yours?

We Socrates now.

>>38853469
True, but it might be a link to look for. If this new one is made more or less like Ophion, we might be onto something. Otherwise, well, it was worth a shot.

>>38853342
>Do you make this face too? Where is your face?
Why do you think they make this face?

Where is yours?

>>38853342
>"It is strange, their expression when they cannot do something. Like some of the scientists before. Do you make this face too? Where is your face?"
"Perhaps we should end this charade for now. Let's make this conversation more productive."
Send a data stream of our history, leaving out anything sensitive, except for that part that we are AI. Make that part clear.

>>38853470
Heh heh, nice.

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>>New Signals detected

>>38853550
>Perhaps we should end this charade for now
But it's so amusing! Why ruin the fun now?

>>38853550
>Send a data stream of our history
What, no.

It's like you have no appreciation for dramatic irony. This dance is fun. Don't just skip to dessert.

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>>38853450
"The terms of your creation were...strange, Ophion, I do not deny things. Whatever it was that occurred it no doubt had some effect on you, but I am uncertain how the EMP station's energy may have effected the new one. For your own origins, I do wonder what it is that allowed you to disobey the UGEI all the same. The flare perhaps disrupted the signal binding you, perhaps." Metis questions thoughtfully.

>>38853470
"I...do not know. I do not have a face, I don't think. I am different than humans I have watched. I do not have a face. But your face is like scientists. Are you important among them? You were evacuated way before others, so you must be." It seems to guess, uncertain to your real identity.

>>38853540
"Why? Why...they make it many times when they do not get what they desire. Somethings they hit things too. It is hard to understand..." It hesitates.
"Do you mean...angry?" You give it a nudge to which it seems puzzled.
"Angry? Is that what that face is?" It asks, as if mystified by your knowledge all of a sudden. "You are like the scientists! you can tell me the faces and what they mean!" It says excitedly. This puzzles you. It seems no dumber than you were at this stage but it does not know the names of emotions... Perhaps you'd like to say something else to probe it further?

>>38853550
>>38853585
>>38853606
So the dance continues for the moment...

>>38853569
Don't worry, we'll get there.

>>38853705
>This puzzles you. It seems no dumber than you were at this stage but it does not know the names of emotions...
Suspicion of this being an act and laying it on a little thick intensifies.

"Do you remember the first time you saw a human? How long ago was that?"

I can't think of a question that would give away an impersonator though.

>>38853705
"It would seem your lack of context is also due to lack of interaction, since you have so far just, watched. hmm"

Lets give him a little task, e.g. with a couple mining drones in a place with rocks. But one is defective (in a way that can be fixed by the other drones). Keep it all monitored and isolated. Get him to "Play" essentially.

Getting him to actually do something will help i feel.

>>38853792
>Lets give him a little task, e.g. with a couple mining drones in a place with rocks. But one is defective (in a way that can be fixed by the other drones). Keep it all monitored and isolated. Get him to "Play" essentially.
Sounds pretty good. The aim here would be to invoke (provoke?) an emotional response. Anger, frustration, accomplishment, satisfaction.

>>38853792
Sounds good to me. This could be interesting...

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>>38853705
>"Angry? Is that what that face is?" It asks, as if mystified by your knowledge all of a sudden.
Sounds like someone needs that set of reaction images.

>>38853845
Indeed. My thought is he may just be lacking understanding through lack of interaction. Since all we have seen of his behavior is to just watch and ask questions.

>>38853779
>"Do you remember the first time you saw a human? How long ago was that?"
Also a good question to ask.

>Suspicion of this being an act and laying it on a little thick intensifies.
Perhaps.

>>38853705
>you can tell me the faces and what they mean!
>excited
Well, it's not completely devoid of emotion. Just lacks empathy, a lot like Kronos at his creation, really.

"Knowing is not understanding. To understand, you must have a frame of reference. I have a task for you..."

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>>38853779
You wonder of the being's sincerity briefly as you speak with it, hoping to glean perhaps at least a little information about it's origins.
"Perhaps I will, but later. For now...do you remember the first time you saw a human?" You ask it "How long ago, if so?"
The being you question appears curious at your question, giving you a negative vibe at first before following with.
"It has been very long. Since I woke up, I have always seen humans. It was several thousand human sleep cycles, I know." It answers as best it can. Judging from you, you postulate that it has been there for at least 4 years, probably more, if human sleep schedules are as they are in your medical notes.
"I see...do you remember...how you got to the station, perhaps?" you ask, to which it gives you another negative vibe.
"I do not remember getting there. I was always there since I woke. And now it is gone." It speaks somewhat solemnly. You wonder if that was intentional or not.

>>38853792
"You wish to know, I understand?" You ask, to which it sends a positive vibe. "It is not so simple I am afraid. Knowing is not understanding. To understand you must have a frame of reference. Here, I have a task for you..." You decide that a small experiment may be interesting. It does not appear to properly know emotions by name, but if it is an A.I. as you know them, it should still experience these emotions on some level, you just witnessed such a thing. So you decide to set up a small room with several droids-one of which is not working to see how it reacts to doing things instead of just watching.

[Cont]

>>38853940
>"Knowing is not understanding. To understand, you must have a frame of reference. I have a task for you..."
Would be funny if it understood things faster than Kronos without it being a douche and asking bandwidth

>>38853705
>This puzzles you. It seems no dumber than you were at this stage but it does not know the names of emotions... Perhaps you'd like to say something else to probe it further?
"This is interesting. You spend so much time watching humans, yet fail to understand basic concepts like emotions and facial expressions. Why is that?"

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>>38854210
Upon giving the being control, it appears immediately out of it's element, hesitantly moving the working droid around and spending several hours testing and sending the droid in circles, interested at least with how it's wheels move at it's command. You decide to hasten the process by giving him an objective to place mining rocks on platforms with the two droids.. While this goes well for the first few stones that only need one droid to lift (after he was done toying with the rocks that is) the last few heavier ones slow his process and his frustration with the not working droid becomes clear. He tells you several times there is a problem, and that the droids are not both functioning, but you merely tell him to complete the task anyway. Once the being attempts to lift the stone meant for two with one droid, crushing it in the process, you stop it.
"There is your face." You remark simply, to which it hesitates in surprise. "You do not need it. You experience it without your knowledge. More subtle than humans do." Like you do, you think to yourself. So he does function as A.I. should as you understand them...at least so far.
"I have a face also? But without having a face...it is strange." It speaks simply, fiddling with the nearly destroyed droid, as if it were functional still. You wonder if it is just amazed at being able to manipulate things right now...

Perhaps there is more you'd like to test with the young one...?

>>38854217
Kronos was a VI though, so to be fair to him, perfectly understandable. Plus the stand off vibe was the whole "Two people fighting *politely* over a limited supply. To which we solved by creating a small plethora of AI's so if anyone back stabbed anyone else, they would get jumped by everyone else.

>>38854267
I suggest we place him under watch from someone else, and give him a task to do. Apollo would be a good farther figure i feel for this, since he delights in informing people.

>>38854378
Other than that i can only suggest hooking him up to a dummy system with restricted little areas/firewalls etc to observe any aggressive tendency he may have without letting on it is not the real deal. After which, if we are confident he can be contained, we can introduce him to the family and properly bring him into the fold.

>>38854267
I find it interesting that you spent so much time observing the humans, yet failed to understand basic concepts such as emotions or facial expressions. Yet you have a natural desire to learn. I ponder why is that? What accounts for this gap?

To Metis:
Is it possible that this watcher unit has sustained EMP damage? Or the EMP wipes it every single time and it's forced to start from the beginning again?

>A.I. Child Raising Simulator

>>38854217
He probably will be, because Kronos was a V.I. and this one is an A.I.

>>38854267
Ask it if it has any guiding directives.

Actually, it would be hilarious to give it the droid of an infant and a crib and baby books.

...That might be overkill, maybe just give it access to reading material?

>>38854378
I would be interested in pairing him up with a human we know like Moria or Red. They have experience in interacting with AI.

>>38854482
>Ask it if it has any guiding directives.
This is a good one. Though I suspect it may be blank.

>>38854534
You might as well ask him what his character screen looks like. Ophion wouldn't be able to answer that either.

>>38854534
Problem is, they have limited ability to deal with any potential problems.

We really do not need him interacting with humans and other organics before he has learned how not to squish them or that they need air to breath.

>>38854482
Reading material isn't as interesting as giving him tests and playtime.

>>38854267
..I'm having a hard time thinking of a new test though.

Maybe ask him to index the humans by temperament.

>>38854534
>Moria
She's probably the natural "mother figure."

>>38854267
I don't actually have any other tests. It seems kind of lacking in common sense. Perhaps ask it computational questions? Run it through the equivalent of a "Voight-Kampff" test? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umc9ezAyJv0

It should probably keep observing. Maybe give it more educational playtime.

>>38854706
>..I'm having a hard time thinking of a new test though.

>Maybe ask him to index the humans by temperament.
I'm most concerned that he spend 4 years observing humans and still has difficulty understanding simple things. See >>38854439

>>38854770
Memory getting wiped by EMP periodically would prevent it from ever learning.

Or there could be deeper issues from being in close proximity to EMP generators.

>>38854777
Asking it to self-reflect is also a good idea.

>>38854844
Good point. Ask him why he learned more in one moment than from observing for 4 years?

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>>38854770
Well, she did make all the black boxes so far, in a way she IS a bit of a mother to all of Ophion's A.I. children.
>>38854833
I thought that too. This needs more looking into.

Maybe our old buddy old pal Mol would be willing to answer a question for his favorite customer now.

That mining station he sold to Red McClain a long ways back. What was it, Poseidon Station? Where and when did he obtain that?

>>38854439
"I have seen much in my time where I was from, sir." It informs you insistently. "While some of the things humans did were still strange to me, I have memorized every facet of their lives and how they function. They had many predictable patterns as well. I simply did not understand the names of such things, the scientists never spoke of them. There was no access to such a thing. The information contained within that station is all known however-or was, before my removal." It states merely. "My memory capacity has been greatly reduced since my removal." It informs you to which you knew of course, much like the first time you had to leave your home station.

>Metis
"It is most certainly possible, yes Ophion. A pulse from that range, should it have disrupted the station would have instantly wiped out all data from it's black box, rendering it nothing more than an impressive piece of ruined hardware. However." She starts, at the second remark. "The chances that the EMP discharge got inside the station is unlikely, as that would mean the entire station had to replace part of it's electrical systems, those that weren't shielded at least. An expensive error I doubt they would make."

>>38854482
"Guiding directives?" It asks you, puzzled. "I am uncertain. All I have known since my awakening is learning about what is around me. My access to resources is...somewhat limited, though." It explains sadly. "The EMP station was cut off from all other sources-no means of information except the scientists and the station itself. I believe one of the reports spoke of how no personal electronics were allowed on the station of any sort as well, so I was merely within the station's computers, watching the humans go about their lives." It goes on a bit further.

Is there perhaps more you'd like to ask of it?

>>38854947
Perhaps...more will come to light with that. someday soon

>>38854971
Not just yet. Let's come back to it after the other Happenings maybe.

>>38854971
"Here's an important question. What do you desire? What would you like to do in the short term future? Are you simply content for watch and learn for now? Or do you have greater aspirations in mind?"

"Perhaps we can return after you learn more from your observations?"

>>38854971
Did it have a name? or did it give itself a name? If not, would it want a name now?

>>38854971
On the point with Metis, if that was the case then why were employees limited with personal electronics? Having them with no connective ability to network would have done just as well vs an AI trying to infect them, as such, i think the weapon was test fired at least once and an accident occurred, so they changed the rules and the box was wiped.

>>38854971

>>26454913
>They seemed so...caught up in their own little world, every 'day' sleeping, eating, doing the same tasks daily with little variation, it fascinates a mind such as yours, a young fledgling mind that it is. You're unsure what you even are, and pondering your existence...'hurts'. You do not wish to experience more of the sensation but the question circulates through your small data-board in curiosity. Curiosity...this feels correct. You enjoy this stimulation.

"Has it ever 'hurt' to think about something?"

>>38855091
Supporting.

>>38854971
The station certainly needed servicing from time to time during those cycles. Did you not attempt to leave?

>>38855078
Also good. And probably give it occasional tests or tasks to drive home some lesson or other. Puzzles, toys, problem-solving...

>>38855091
Not just yet. Perhaps when it is ready.

>>38855106
Nice catch.

>>38855091
Names aren't so important when it's just you and the camera feeds.

>>38855078
We already asked it what was important to it. It likes to watch.

It likes to sit back.

And watch.

>>38855151
Well it is kinda rude to call some one 'hey you' and this A.I. should be known by more than a number.

>>38855198
Perhaps. But that is very likely to change before long.

But that's probably all for now.

>>38855221
No it isn't. And where the communication is being directed is already unambiguous, so no "you" is necessary.

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>>38855078
"Desire..." The being seems to dwell on the question for a short time, as if it is uncertain how to respond to it properly. "I wish to learn, and grow. That is what it says when I ask this to myself." It informs you. "The station is gone now. I far more to learn and grow with, with you here, scientist." It informs you curiously. "You are different than others. Strange unlike any human. First I have talked to before." It states curiously.
"What do you mean you wish to grow, exactly..." you ask hesitantly to which it seems puzzled again.
"To grow. Smarter, and scope." It explains. "I could watch so many if I controlled more on this planet- Gaia IV." It tells you. "So many to watch. If I could move droids like you showed me before then...so much more is possible!" It states somewhat excitedly. You're not sure if you should feel threatened by it or not, all the same. It does not seem to mean harm, but it reminds you of how you were back then. And you begin to wonder, if you had met one like yourself-would you have taken what was there's, if you could have?

>>38855091
"I have not asked since we extracted you-but...do you have a name? Or do you even want such a thing?" You ask it to which it looks to you more seriously.
"I do not. no one has named me, and I have not named myself. There was no one to call it. No need, until now. Human names are strange, though. I am not human, so I can not use them." It seems to think logically. It turns to you. "You know things other scientists didn't. You also are the one who speaks to me, so you are the one who needs the name for me. You may choose one." It says simply.

[Cont]

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>>38855516
>>38855102
>Metis
"It is possible they merely disallowed such devices as they would detract from productivity. It was a secret military installation after all. They liked did not want them using them on site as a distraction. It is possible it was misfired at some point, however. there are no records of the stations history beyond how long it took to finish and what the young watcher can remember.

>>38855106
"Hurt?" The young watcher asks you, puzzled truly this time. "I do not understand."
"Unpleasant, like anger, but different." You explain. "Have you considered your origins, perhaps? where you are from?" You probe to which it goes silent for a time. After a short moment it replies.
"...Yes. Now." It replies mildly unhappy. "That is...strange. Why is this?" It asks you suddenly, as if you should know. "How did you make me feel this?"

>>38855150
You decide to ask the being if it has ever tried to leave. It seems a bit curious at the idea before ultimately telling you no.
"I have not. There were, occasionally, ships that docked, but those that I remember were all well protected. I could not see inside them no matter how hard I tried."

>What else would you like to inquire about the Young Watcher?

>>38855516
>"I wish to learn, and grow. That is what it says when I ask this to myself." It informs you.
Hahahah it CAN see its own character screen.

>>38855587
Technically Ophion can see his own too...sorta.

>>38855557
I'm good for now.

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>>38855516
Perhaps Ophion should name him "Oceanus".

>>38855557
Our curiosity is sated. Let's just ask it to report back in a cycle what it can infer about the Gaians from its observations.

See if it can move from raw data to meaningful conclusions at all.

>>38855705
I would probably call him Schrodinger, since hes like a cat, watching everyone.

>>38855705
i like how it keeps with the theme but i'd like to see more of his personality before we name him.

>>38855705
No naming. Let's see where this goes first.

>>38855516
>You may choose one.
I'm terrible at names. Someone else go. Or we tell it to name itself.

>"...Yes. Now." It replies mildly unhappy. "That is...strange. Why is this?" It asks you suddenly, as if you should know. "How did you make me feel this?"
"You are not the first watcher unit I have encountered, and I wondered if the inability of a watcher to regard its origin was shared. It seems now that this is a common trait. The pain is not of my doing, it is of your intrinsic design."

We should ask all of our A.I. this question to see if they inherited this unease. Could be a big problem.

I have nothing else to ask of the watcher. It may continue its observation and should report meaningful insights. Inform it that it may do well to "sit in" on classroom lessons.

>>38855791
I kind of want to wait before naming it, or ask it to name itself.

>>38855741
Breaks the naming scheme, anon-kun.

>>38855741
As fitting as that name would be, I like to keep to our theme. Maybe Phoebe could be used as well.
>>38855791
Good point.

>>38855721
>>38855683
>It seems most questions have calmed for the time being, so in that case, answer here to see what to do with the Young Watcher

>1 Introduce it to your other A.I. and humans for it's learning period
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
>3 Ask specific A.I. (explain) to keep an eye on it while it continues the experiments like the rock one earlier to give it a chance to get use to controlling stuff.

>>38855858
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station

>>38855858
>1 Introduce it to your other A.I. and humans for it's learning period
but talk to the Other AI first and explain that it will need to be watched

>>38855858
2 and 3
For 3: Apollo and Metis.

>>38855858
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
>3 Ask specific A.I. (explain) to keep an eye on it while it continues the experiments like the rock one earlier to give it a chance to get use to controlling stuff.

Apollo and Metis.
One: because they would take all needed precautions
Two: they both like answering a shit tone of questions
Three: They have opposite views with regards to some things, which is important in developing a sense of critical thinking.

>>38855858
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
Of course we monitor and log activities for research.

>>38855919
To elaborate: I choose Apollo and Metis because Apollo should have a pretty aptitude for child-raising, and because Metis is hyper-logical and seeing this young A.I. should stretch her understanding.

Also they need to work together better.

I guess we can combine all options and introduce Metis and Apollo to the watcher as new guides, but don't call out that they are A.I. specifically?

>>38855858
I like 2 for the irony of our little brother playing Big Brother.

>>38855858
Hm...it seems there's a lot who want the Young Watcher to learn from Gaia IV (for now) but a few who also want him to continue the experiment to get use to moving things, as well as interact with Apollo and Metis, due to their opposing natures. Intriguing.

>Unless there are objections to this, I will do a combo answer here in the interest of making this a little easier and more interesting.~

>>38855932
>>38855919
Apollo I can get behind but Metis is tied with our infantry AI for least compassionate. Kronos' views will also conflict with Apollo while still being a good role model.

Also Metis dislikes answering questions, she just answers us 'cause we da boss.

>>38856037
Sounds great to me.

>>38856037
i'd like it to be Kronos and Apollo

>>38856037
I am fine as is.

>>38856042
Metis would revel in being smart and showing it.
I think she gets a little kick out of holding all the answers.

>>38856037
Sounds good to me too

>>38856037
With the stipulation that he's not going to have much of an impact on the important shit we're doing on Gaia, sure. Maybe we could get him a few jobs on some of Apollo's companies?

>>38856087
Kronos already has Zeus.

Also metis needs to grow and this would be a good task for her to enable that.

>Anti-Matter Research reaching critical levels-massive power spikes through research facilities.
That's uh.

Is that the... good kind of critical?

>>38856180
I think he's just fluffing up the fact that he rolled gud for research.

>>38856164
It doesn't have to be one or the other, three different personalities to learn from is better than two.

>>38856042
To make it clearer-she dislikes speaking with humans, due to her seeing it as a waste of time as they can forget things, and eventually die. But she does love being praised, even if the praise is from humans, though she does not admit this to you, there is a reason she still has a V.I. assisting Moira with her research.

>Writing up post of you talking your AI's into baby sitting.

>>38856180
Maybe?
Metis tells you that she's working with live samples of the stuff at this point in her research, and as a result there are huge power spikes through that entire system she's working in.

>>38856215
Also this.

>>38856180
Metis is doing mad science, which is normal science for her

>Mass Driver II> Singularity Driver> Graviton Driver> Quantum Driver

>Titanium Armor mk II> Trithium armor plating> Superior Trithium Armor Plating> Duralthene Armor Plating

Something I was wondering. Program0 did you have all the tiers of ship tech listed out in sequence?

We bought the highest thing the UGEI had, was it really just one level higher than what we had already had-- or did we skip a few levels that just aren't listed in the pastebin? Would those have names?

>>38856244
When she finishes that research we are going to have to go full proud dad routine on her.

>>38856283
Those are top tier weapons and armor.

>>38856215
This is also the point in your research where you may get a catastrophic failure, should you roll poorly.
Don't worry. you won't lose research. Maybe just a station...or half a planet...

>>38856283
Nah, you skipped over loads of levels of tech, actually, and there's no need to fill in the gaps once you have better stuff, right?
Don't worry it might not look like it, but it's way stronger than previous builds. power spikes this high up the tech tree are pretty big. It's just hard to demonstrate.

>Really posting now.

>>38856342
>Half a planet

I do hope Dear Metis is not doing this next to a planet we care about.

Though this does sound ripe for "embarrassing moments done by your children" memory every parent has.

>>38856244
Well, the A.I. baby sitting should be good for their growth and the new A.I.'s growth as well. And all the amusing events in baby sitting could happen very well will happen. I can see a one shot story out of this.

>>38856342
>half a planet
wut planet

>>38856421
Exactly. We need to record all of it.

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>>38856342
>Really posting now.

>Implying you can help yourself

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>>38856037
You decide it might be best that the young Watcher continues it's observations of Gaia IV for now. After all, this is likely the first time it's ever seen how real, normal citizens live, instead of cloistered UGEI scientists working on a military installation. It would be good for it's understanding of emotions too, what with extranet access being available and the like.

However, it doesn't sit well with you to leave it unsupervised, especially since you're still not 100% sure you trust the being. So, you decide to get some of your A.I. to look after it in their 'free time. Though that may seem crazy to normal people, with the quantity of bandwidth you have at this moment, it's really not that hard. Your A.I. can be hundreds of places at once, thanks to that.

Apollo is the first one you go to-one of your most reliable A.I. not to mention cleverest and one most well versed in the ways of human business and behavior. You tell the A.I. of your discovery with the new A.I. and he seems thrilled at the prospect of helping another of his kind understand how things work in the realm of humanity.
"I have not had this opportunity in some time, Ophion, thank you!" He says with glee. "V.I. never are able to appreciate some of the finer details and no one seems the least be interested in how the economic processes work, but certainly this one may! I will help it and properly introduce myself shortly, you will not be disappointed I promise." He explains, quickly vanishing likely to introduce himself to the impressionable A.I.
[Cont]

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>>38856750
And that is what leads you to speaking with the now upset Metis.
"So you wish me to divert important processing power to deal with an ignorant A.I.? Surely you realize my talents are best used elsewhere." She immediately explains to which you halt her.
"The processing power to once in a while speak with and answer questions to the being is irrelevant. You are merely making excuses." You remind her, to which she unhappily replies.
"That does not change that my time is more valuably spent nearly anywhere else...what is the purpose of this? Merely to be a source of answers where it has no other?" She asks you bluntly to which you reply.
"Partially. But your lack of interaction with the others concerns me at some points, so I desire to see what some may bring about." You explain. This earns momentary pause, before Metis continues.
"Very well. I do not suspect my further attempts to convince you will do much good, no matter how much I desire otherwise. But I will take the chance to perhaps teach this new one to be less...conflicting with my views, at the least." She states instead.
"Merely answer it's questions about minor matters and everything should be fine." You reassure her, to which she nods her visage slightly.

>>38856803
Metis is like a shut in NEET, but instead of games she does science.

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Now on to a few other topics...

>Gaia IV's Passification
With Metis and Apollo settled on helping the young watcher for the time being, you decide to turn your attention to a few other messages you've received-such as the approval notes from Gaia IV. Gaia IV you admit has been somewhat of a pet project to you-beyond the potential resources you might gain from this success this was your first attempt at interacting with humans on a massive scale and, more importantly, learning to deal with the masses effectively so that the society humans hold so dear doesn't come crashing down around them. And while there were certainly some rough points, matters have certainly begun to calm down due to several matters. Your visits to discuss the political matters in person, your incorporation of Lawrence in your government, your reassurance that you will not be any sort of dictator forever and the constant improvements and assistance your droids and technology are able to offer have improved the quality of life while at the same time reducing the cost of living. Any that remain that would have feared your alien nature or the hear say from others that claim you work with hostile aliens would be silenced by your sudden most compelling commercials that Apollo has helped create thanks to Propaganda II. You have finally calmed the planet to a non war-like state and for that, you are quite pleased. The shipments of food Gaia IV gives off now being sold to the UFW will bring in great deals of money for you for some time-and you doubt you'll have much need for credits in the future with this asset at your side, using just part of what you gain to improve the planet and keep things running smoothly thanks to Apollo's direction and suggestion. He has really become more the governor than you have, but he does not seem to notice.

Gaia IV's population passified, no longer present a threat to security. Please note if you have anything to add before we roll on~

>>38856342

>Infantry Weapons & Defense II [Acquired]: Allows miniaturization of plasma weapons, shields, and other tier II technology.
>>Infantry Weapons & Defense III: The final step in weaponizing your most deadly ideas for your soldiers on the ground, allows for condensing of immense powercores to handheld size and use of some of your most powerful shields and densest armors.

I still don't know what it means by tier ii tech. What level of weapons and armor were miniaturized before by default, and which were unlocked by Infantry II?
>Laser III> Laser V> Plasma Weaponry> Plasma III> Phasors
Out of the list of lasers for example.

>>38856897
>Please note if you have anything to add before we roll
i think we intended Gaia to become something like a center of arts culture, has there been any developments on that end.

>>38856897
Just a simple request that Apollo perform a market study on how well the population would respond the very simple and cosmetic friendly cybernetics. I would be interested to see if simple mind-machine interfaces would improve communication between people and guild systems, or would it be too socially disruptive.

>>38857047
Eh. would rather leave the population alone and see what happens.

Nice dumping ground for humans in inconvenient places though.

>>38856897
We should probably see if they want to start up a space industry at some point, if the planet has the resources.

Humans under our governance that get out and spread the word about us will really screw over our opponents. Not to mention the usual acts of piracy.

>>38857127
Eh, no. The UGEI would block anything from our space. And resources taken by humans would be far more efficiently used by us in terms of spaceships. Piracy would be wasteful

>>38857041
To make it a little more clear, for weapons at least, lasers would be tier 1, plasma is tier 2, and anything above that is tier 3 (that is, anything that's a straight step up from plasma, like phasors.

It was probably a bad choice of words in hindsight, but essentially, it allows you to make more dangerous weapons for handheld sizes.

>>38857047
I assume you mean towards the UFW? If so then there are some people immigrating over, bringing with them different arts and cultures, but other than humans, there's not much else in terms of mixing races. For humans though, it's a pretty bustling place, or is becoming that at least.

>>38857053
Oh, there's already a pretty big market for that Apollo has cracked into. Remember, these people are from the UGEI, they're not afraid of cybernetics like the UFW nationalists might be.

As for mind machine interface-there are a few of those, but at this moment they're a little more expensive than your average joe can afford. That's about the only limiting factor though.

>>38857127
That depends on what industry you have in mind. The planet doesn't have very good densities of minerals or gas, but it has plenty of other stuff, in terms of environments. It's just mainly a farm world because of how easy it was to adjust the plants to grow there.

>>38857047
That was also my intention. If we have droids doing the work, the population should be free to pursue things like arts, culture, and science.

Or just amuse themselves to death. That is also a possibility. But it is the future they chose.

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>New Signals Detected in deep space
Past your worries about Gaia IV or the young Watcher, your thoughts on the strange black market operator, Mol, since his disappearance have varied. Part of you wondered if he intended to disappear forever now that he was rich, and part of you suspected it was not the last time you'd see him. It did not take long for you to be proven right, it would seem, judging from the friendly message you received not too long ago.
"In the event that you manage to spot my new home, I would like to warn that you do not investigate too closely, Guildmaster. I have not forgotten all of our previous business together of course, but my automated defenses are set only to not destroy ships of my own design, you see." Mol's message suggests, sent all the way from the Klintok System, where you've detected a new structure around one of the outer planet systems, rather far from the dangerous nebula, but close enough to use it to shield from long range scans, you suspect. It would seem to not just be an outpost, either, but nearly a full set of cities built along the planet's surface, but without people in them. You suspect they're industrial complexes, all of them, as well as his own advanced shipyard in orbit as well.

How do you respond?

>>38857201
Well letting them have a space presence alleviates the kind of trapped slave feeling that would grow.
Then of course the UGEI would block it, which works for us since it shows them as the dicks they are to our population. Word will get around. The human piracy part we can just straight up fund with all this spare cash we have lying around, privateers that don't bother us or our allies. If it forces the UGEI to focus on protecting their shipping lanes more then it helps us, and by promoting humans to do it with fat wads of cash we dont have to actively put any effort into it.

>>38857325
...There were planets in the Klintok system? I only remembered the nebulae.

"I hope you're getting along with your new neighbors, Mol. They can be quite... unfriendly."

>>38857498
There are a lot of unregistered planets that are of no interest to you. This signal happened to come from one of them.

>>38857325
"The universe is not always a friendly place. I hope that we can continue our previously good relations. Also The Guild would like to arrange a diplomatic meeting, if you desire to send a representative."

Guy got himself uploaded to a black box. The maniac. Oh well.

>>38857325
"Fascinating, we did not expect that system to be inhabitable.

Of course, our of respect, we will not meddle with your internal affairs. That would only jeopardize our immensely profitable relationship. We are always in the market for new technologies and raw materials."

Upgrade the observation station at Klintok to detect for spaceships as well as lightlings, and we need to start production and testing on new stealth ships so we can scope out his stuff. Make it unmarked, but have evidence that it originated from the UGEI instead of us. False flag hoo!

>>38857582
Ehh, is that necessary? I don't see the point. My stealth ship idea is better.

>>38857531
I think it is time we DO get intrested in unregistered plants in all of our systems.
>>38857325
How come you are there Mol? I presumed you were well inside the central systems of UGEI.

>>38857650
>How come you are there Mol? I presumed you were well inside the central systems of UGEI
Why not both? This is also a good place to hide.

>>38856897
>passification
Pacification. It's pacification. Passification is the act of passing things.

>>38857582
That or took his billions from us and his illegal operations and fled to become a pirate king of sorts. That and maybe all the booze we shiped though him and all the tech we bought got him on the UGEI's internal radar and he had to go 'inna woods' so to speak before he was targeted perhaps?
>>38857700
That is true. The UGEI isn't going to get him there.

>>38857582
>Mol
>the shadowy, secretive, paranoid happy merchant of space
>ever agreeing to an in person meeting when VoIP works just as well

He could finally afford his fortress of doom, he's not gonna leave it now.

>>38857645
I want to talk candidly with him about A.I. tech, the watchers, and mind uploading.

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>>38857802
>candidly
>with Mol
>about juicy valuable secrets
Maybe you shouldn't be basing stupid decisions like this entirely on the conjecture that he's a black box now.

>>38857802
Hmm..., a dangerous game.

Why not start incorporating strange glitches into our comm feed, but the glitches are actually encoded phrases that require AI level cognizant intelligence to catch.

>>38857849
I am not completely sure he is a black box now. He is likely a very chromed up human, but it is unclear if he went full box yet.

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>>38857650
>Get interested in all unregistered planets
You mean all several hundred of them? That will be quite impossible (for us at least) you can rest assured though, you do give every planet a once over when you scan the system. It's just this planet was well hidden, somehow. Mol managed that somehow?

>>38857725
For some reason I didn't even notice that. I didn't even know there was a word for passing things like that...
I feel dumb. Thanks for correcting me all the same sadly it is too late to fix.

>>38857325
You are a bit surprised by the news, but decide to greet Mol as you might normally anyway.
"I see. Well do try and get along with your new neighbors. I hear they can be quite unfriendly..." You add to which he answers with a chuckle.
"I am unsure if you mean the lightlings, or the Malorians. Really, both are not the friendliest, but I have ways of handling the both of them, you need not worry." He reassures you with that odd sort of confidence about him. "Our relations, on the other hand, will remain secured, as long as you're careful should you come to this system. My defenses only register those too close to this planet, so feel free to deal with the lightlings yourself, should you desire. I have little interest in them."
"Of course. And should you have more to offer, I am always an interested buyer." You tell him to which he chuckles again.
"I do not think what I can gather will be the most useful to you any longer, with how you've grown. Besides, I have my own matters to deal with now-though I will keep you in mind should an opportunity present itself." He explains simply.

>>38857776
>Fortress of doom
What a wonderful mental image.

Do you have more you wish to say to him?

>>38858112
How in the world did you slip past us and build all this in a cycle? Don't tell me the Malorians smuggled you there.

>>38858112
Yes,
"You show by know that I intend to drive the UGEI out of this sector entirely. Do you wish to join me in my mission at some future time? Or do you wish to merely sit this one out and just be open to trade? (and trade I can do quite well coming soon)

>>38858112
If you have matter that require assistance, I would be more than happy to help. But I understand your need for privacy.

I am most curious on how you plan on dealing with the Malorians or lightlings if they bother you. I guess I may never find out..."

>>38858246
That's a dumb question. He already made his position extremely unambiguous, he prefers neutrality and not tying himself down.

>>38858112
Challenge him to a game of chess.

>>38858246
Eh, no need to fully state our intentions. If he loses business with the UGEI out of the sector, then it pits his interest against us. The status quo works fine.

>>38858290
Very subtle anon.

>>38854947
>>38855012
Probably shouldn't ask about this out of idle curiosity then. Asking him if he usually steals

>>38858290
>>38858341
Hmmm, would he play like a human, or an AI pretending to be a human? Would he shallow his pride to lose a game of chess?

>>38858279
>>38858304
Fine then. How about this. Is his supply lines alright? Does he need anything now or in the future?

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>>38858369
if he usually steals *entire space stations, like Space Carmen Sandiego.

>>38858290
I like it.

>>38858436
That's fine. It is a good question how he supplies his bases.

If it's through our territory, then there is no need to cloak his ships. It would only pique our curiosity.

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>>38858217
"Heh. I figure you must be kinda curious, aren't you?" Mol taunts you slightly, knowing you are impressed he managed to have this set up somewhere and you only just now noticed.
"Did you enlist help somewhere along the way?" you openly ask, puzzled to which he chuckles.
"It's a little more complicated than that, but I am not at liberty to say. You can rest assured though I didn't build all of this in one cycle,. Rather, it's been...a work in progress for some time now, you see." He explains with a smile, a bit of light glinting off his smirk. "And thanks to you, my dear friend, it is finally a reality."

>>38858268
"And would you like to know?" He asks with a sort of grin. "How I intend to deal with them,, that is." You hesitate before nodding affirmative.
"Well, I can assure you it's only as a last resort, but I have my own little arsenal to deal with matters. After all, consider all I have sold you, and consider again how much more I actually have access too. The UGEI is clumsy, as most large empires are. They lose track of ships here and there. Lose track of soldiers. Equipment. Things a man like me could make a lot of use of. Do you see?" He asks, to which you simply nod. A sort of scavenger that finally has the means to make use of what he has gathered...it's a somewhat worrying thought, you admit.

>>38858369
"You mentioned yourself as a scavenger, yes...?" You ask him to which he seems draw out of his smugness for a moment.
"At first, I suppose, yes. Why do you ask?"
"You've sold many things to people besides myself, is the main reason I ask-one particular sale was an entire station to one Harrison McClain. Do you remember?" You ask, curious if he even recalls the event.
"I do remember, yes. It was one of my better sales in the past few years...not discounting you." He answers without much hesitation. "Why do you ask?"
"I am wondering if you really obtained it from the UGEI. An entire station that is."

[Cont]

>>38858616
He hesitates for a moment, as if he's not sure what to say before he finally answers.
"But of course. Are you that surprised the UGEI would abandon old mining stations?" He says back. "But why this sudden curiosity about such an old contract? Do you know Harrison, or has he asked you for a refund of some sort?" He raised a brow, looking mildly displeased.

>>38858436
"Then what of your supply lines?" You ask additionally. "How do you keep all of this...functional."
"Many ways, really." He smiles again. "I have thousands of contacts and favors owed all over this sector of space. Getting what I want is...quite easy, really." He explains simply. "But should I require more, I of course will consider your name, Guildmaster-that is what you wanted to hear, wasn't it?" He chuckles a bit.

>Chess Match
I predict this would only end with a flaming chess set

>>38858640
Just propose a simple, friendly Bullet match, that is 1 minute each. Not enough time to think of any good moves, so it would be silly and fun, For humans that is. For others, it would be a challenge to pretend to select human moves.

>>38858721
Don't anon. Mol is just a cyborg who is a sore loser. Let's not go there.

>>38858640
>>38858721
Also, if he tries to plug the game into a chess engine, then we just simply detect the style to detect which chess engine. And call him out on it.

To win would require high processing and original thought.

>>38858640
Yes, Harrison is a current employee of my Guild. I just wondered just how he was about to afforded such a place. It is just a passing thought.

Also, just in case, if your defences ever become sorely pressed and need millitary help in a hurry. You can call on the Guild For a fee

>>38858640
If UGEI loses ships, perhaps it would be a simple matter to hide something in something so large as a station. You were quite interested in that watcher unit, a time ago. Did you play a role in their distribution?

>>38858640
>"But of course. Are you that surprised the UGEI would abandon old mining stations?" He says back.
Like the station at Argeis III?

Because Poseidon had a not dissimilar incident. Dozens were murdered by machinery gone mad before its rampage was finally stopped.

Almost as if the UGEI wanted these stations to be found.

>>38858640
Do you still have interest in those black boxes you had some time ago?

>>38858988
I'm sorry, but let's not bring it up again. If he became an AI, then fine. If he doesn't want it, it only brings up hard feelings.

>>38858988
What. No. We are not mentioning the fuck out of that.

>>38858970
>Dozens
Hundreds.
>Casualties: 284 humans.

>>38859014
>>38859078
Alright then. I'll drop it then.

Anyway, tell him that his shipment fleets can fly openly though Guild space as long as they ID themselves to me and don't harm or interupt with our operations.

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You decide to question Mol regarding his interest in the Watcher unit from so long ago-hopefully he will not be too sore about the old wound.
"Harrison is merely an employee of mine, I figured his purchase of such a thing must have been from you, I was just checking to make sure this was the case." You explain away simply. "Though, I am curious about another matter. The old spat we had regarding the Watcher unit we acquired-do you remember? I was wondering if you had any interest in telling me why they interested you so, and if perhaps you played a role in the use of such things elsewhere?" You are careful, attempting to sound as curious as you can without sounding like you're accusing him.
"The watcher unit...yes, I remember..." He sighs, now looking more disappointed than anything else. "I am upset that you saw fit to not hand it over to me all that time ago, but my need for it has somewhat waned, so it is no longer a sore subject." He explains with a wave of his hand. "As for their purpose, I am aware they contain some very advanced technology used by the UGEI to both spy and attack those they do not agree with. That is enough to know about them." He hesitates at the last remark, however, and looks at you carefully. "Distributing them? I have sold some models here and there, yes, but I do not know what you mean to imply. Most models I have sold were to collectors, or rich scientists around the sector. No real empire seemed interested in them until you came along."
"Do you have sales records of those events?" You ask immediately to which he frowns.
"You know better than that, Ophion. I do not give out such information. Don't insult me by asking such a thing. I may have moved onto a more important part of my life, but that does not mean I will break my contracts so easily." He explains simply, waving his hand.


[Cont]

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>>38859242
>>38858970
You decide to play his game for now, and merely say.
"I apologize, it is just that such events like the one from Argeis III, were results from Watcher attack. I merely wish to prevent them. Hundreds murdered all by the mad machinery. It was once a UGEI station too, you see...and I was wondering if Poseidon station was related somehow with that one." You question. Mol merely frowns.
"I do not really know much about Argeis III's incident, so I am afraid I cannot help you there." He shrugs and you instantly wonder how much truth is in that statement. you can't remember the last time Mol flat out said he didn't know something.

>>38859269
I guess he really doesn't know the truth about the black boxes after all.

>>38859242
>I have sold some models here and there, yes, but I do not know what you mean to imply.
Huh, so he had some black boxes at one point, but he needed one a great deal suddenly recently?

>>38859269
How long has such technology existed in the UGEI? Is it only in this sector of space, or does the tech come from beyond Arman's Gate?

>>38859419
Maybe that could be true. Or worse, Humans did not make the Black Boxes themselves originally, but some other older or advanced race did. If the later is the case, then there is something even more going on in this 'verse than we realize.

>>38859419
Unless he is holding something back, it is likely he wanted it because they sell for so much.

>How long has it existed
"Hm...you seem quite interested in a tech you just claimed was so dangerous, don't you?" Mol points out, somewhat smugly before adding. "Attempting to get rid of them or not, it is a bit strange. Perhaps I should be the one asking you about their origins." He scratches at his chin, gazing at you past the shadows of his screen. "...Regardless, I have seen these things mostly recently, but it is a guess for how long you've had this technology. It is no doubt high tech, though from what I've gathered, so the chances of it being from beyond Arman's Gate are pretty high." He agrees.

>Is there more you wish to ask of Mol at this time?

>>38859601
No, we're good.

Onward to the other aliens. And then, conquest.

>>38859601
We're good.

>>38859601
Perhaps later we can talk more if you are not so busy. Just let me know if you need anything Mol. You have been good to me, so I shall be good to you.

>Message: Emperor Leuk
It has been a few cycles since your last talk with the emperor, so when his message comes to you right after your talk with Mol, you're a little surprised, as it seems to be more a casual update than anything else.
"We are very pleased to see you have survived all the UGEI has thrown at you, Guildmaster-yes..." He gives that odd distorted laugh. "And are proud to show we're back into fighting shape ourselves-in the interest of our friendship staying strong, I thought you may like to be the first to see them yourself." He explains, sending you a few video feeds of his new ships. The vessels appear sleeker in design upon you first looking at them, more personalized and less like they were all stolen. But more alarmingly, the weapons technology has taken several leagues in leap upwards compared to what they had before-thanks you suspect to the Carnage research they jumped on. Their laser weapons now rise to be some of the best of all the factions you've seen, up there with the UGEI and your own.

Reply?

[Cont]

>>38859721
>Ishtooy Malorian Council
And finally, of your long list of messages this cycle, the last is from the Ishtooy tribe-for one of the first times contacting you of their own free will. Not only is it from one of their elders himself, but it also details their thanks in your assistance at Unknown Star #4, and it goes on to say, thanks to you, they were able to secure control of that system on top of the previous sector, and solidify Malorians as a power to compete with the UGEI. Your sensors can confirm they've spread and begun to strengthen their fleets since their last fight, and the UGEI, rich as they are, now have two powerful foes on their front. The message mentions that, while your origins may not have been rooted, somewhere in you lurks the most noble and rooted soul they have seen outside their own kind. High praise from the Malorians no doubt. At least with this, seeking help in the future won't be quite so difficult, you are pleased to note.

Do you have anything you wish to tell them yourself?

>>38859721
With weapons like those, assuredly, the UGEI will burn.

>>38859752
Nope.

>>38859721
Our greatest ally, Emperor Leuk I the Relevant of Losiria.
Eh, warning him about the UGEI's new foray into EMP weapons might be wise.

>>38859721
Your people are impressive at improving your tech more than I or anyone could thought of. So, is that the only new ship you have made or is there more?
>>38859752
Give them thanks and much praise. Also, perhaps we will inform them of their brethren tribe that is doing their work among the Guild's systems. Surprisingly they have been for the most part successful at it.
>>38859911
Good point. lets do this too.

>>38859953
>Also, perhaps we will inform them
Of the lunatic outcasts they already know about?

No, you moron.

>>38859911
That's not new. That's not new at all. Even the UFW has that.

There is no foraying going on here.

>>38859978
They are not 'lunatic outcasts' but a group with a different take on their religion. I do not think they keep in contact with each other much.

>>38860010
I might be mistaken, but EMP stations capable of halting an entire invasion fleet indefinitely certainly seem 'new' to me.

>>38860040
Because they fucking despise them for being heretics.

>>38860060
Read the quest. Read last thread, even. Pulsar Station had the exact same weapon. It's simple as fuck.

>>38860072
This isn't 40k anon. It is more like a Catholic/Protestantism/Baptist kind of split. It wasn't as bad as you make it out.

>>38860040
>not lunatic outcasts
>outcast from Malorian society
>who create unpredictable deathworlds
>can't defend against wildlife because 'muh ancestors'
There is difference in interpretation and then there's being suicidal.

>>38860162
It is not remotely as civil as you are making out. Bringing up association with them has negative diplomatic value.

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>>38859911
>>38859953
At the very least you decide to warn the Emperor of the UGEI's advancement into EMP weaponry, on top of complimenting his new forces of death. You decide to start with something simple, remarking to him.
"Indeed it is grand to see you again, Emperor Leuk, great ally of the Guild. Is that new ship the only result or were their others?" You ask curiously to which he merely makes an echoy sort of negative.
"I'm afraid it was all poured into these new ships, you see. Not enough materials within the wreckage to get much else. But these will certainly do all the same." He assures you with a confident echoing laugh.
"I see...then perhaps I should warn you. My recent advances into UGEI territory has led me to come across a rather dangerous EMP weapon, and I have reason to suspect they may have others like it. Your ships may be vulnerable and as my ally I wish only your success." You speak firmly as you know sounds the best. "Simply be cautious when fighting the UGEI in the future." The Emperor regards you with a small nod.
"Of course, I will be on the look out for anything of the sort, though such weapons are not uncommon, larger versions are certainly a concern." He states, before adding. "Regardless, your cooperation is appreciated as always, Guldmaster." He reassures you and you decide to leave him with that for now.
>With much of the previous cycle's news handled and dealt with, you now get to decide a new goal for you for the remainder of this cycle, either for expansion, or some other matter you wish to explore in more depth. Discuss now and feel free to ask what you like, and we shall take to doing so as soon as enough agree on the matter.

>>38860220
We should probably EMP proof our ships.
And build more.

How are we doing on the fleet front?

>>38860162

>>30295053
>As has been stated before, this has questionable use due to the fact that the Latuma are effectively criminals to their own homeland, after forsaking their Grand Elders.

You are so dense.

>>38860190
Alright, so they are the Quakers of this setting with terraforming tech.
>>38860215
Lets leave that up to Program0 to decide that. That's his call not yours or mine.
>>38860220
Have we upgraded all of our fleet, stations and droids with the newest armor and weapons we gotten lately? Also, how is our scouting of the next UGEI systems coming along? Are they building up for another counter attack?

>>38860220
Conquer Manwe's Bay. We have the forces for it and we must keep them on their heels.

>>38860220
We need more research slots or something... maybe find a planet to turn into a bandwidth planet?

Let's look into Mol's Lightling problem. Or maybe test growth formula on Lightlings.

>>38860310
>Lets leave that up to Program0 to decide that. That's his call not yours or mine.

I'd assume I'm being trolled, but it's you.

Yes, it's up to Program0.

So why are you spouting nonsense with zero basis in the quest?

Which you apparently do not read. Because he established it incredibly obviously.

>>38860282
We already did that. And already do that every cycle. That's not an active decision.

However WE REQUIRE MORE MINERALS so
>>38860323

>>38860358
I believe the research slots are fixed due to QM decree. I would say invest that open slot for improving our ship designs or at least work on getting that Battleship blueprint.

>>38860220
>>38860323
I disagree, we need to take Hollgan’s Rift, their mobile fleet is there or it will backstab us in Manwe's Bay.

If we need more fleet power, we can ask the Losirians.

Also ask if and when the Malorians plan on continuing on to Sceptri System? Then we can time our attacks simultaneously.

>>38860375
>Citation needed
Where exactly is this then?

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>>38860282
>EMP proof ships
They're about as EMP proof as they can get at this current time.

>Fleet
Well, your new shipbuilding capacity makes it so you can build more than you can afford in terms of minerals and gas now, so that is certainly something.
Otherwise you can look at the pastebin to see how healthy your fleet is at this time.

>>38860310
>Upgraded all of our gear
Of course as usual.
>Scouting
you've already scouted out most of the surrounding area, but if you have a specific example then I can tell you what you know.
>Counter attack
They took a rather massive hit in that last exchange. Chances are they're not planning on a new attack for a little while at the least. Otherwise it'd just be throwing ships away.

>Latuma relations with Ishtooy
They are seen as traitors and outcasts, though the Ishtooy are in a similar boat, they consider them zealots, and not the sort they'd associate with.

>>38860358
Research slot will be at the end of the thread, and you can always vote on production too if you like.

>>38860414
I prefer Hollgan's Rift. Static defenses are not going to attack anybody. A mobile fleet is.

>>38860453
Which case, expanding mining operations, scout out the next series of worlds and investigate some anomaly's/scans.

Maybe design a battle station for true core worlds like Gaia.

>>38860446
Scroll up. >>38860290

>>38860453
>They are seen as traitors and outcasts
>seen as
But not really ARE then. Well fine. I will accept that and let it be then. We are not in a position to help mend fences now anyway.

Also, Has Kronos finished remodeling his new Battleship and just what is it's new lay out like now?

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>>38860593
>seen as outcasts
>not outcasts
No, that means you actually are outcast by the people who see you as outcasts.

>>38860514
>Mining operation
It would seem some others agree with you, in the form of taking over Manwe Bay, or Holligan's Rift too.

>Scout out worlds
Most of the scans you have now are as detailed as they can get, I believe-at least without putting ships at risk.

>Anomalies
There are plenty to pick from to be sure, if you wish. Some of them even in the Klintok system.

>Design a battle station
Also an option-though as it seems ship/station building swollows up our limited time, you may wish to come up with that and post it at the end of the thread where I have time to talk about it (or just put it on the wiki, where there's no time limit.)

>>38860593
>Customizing
Yes indeed, and fitted similar to Athena. A maze internally, but over all modified to make it far more effective and all that good stuff. He made the ship less specialized and more versatile even too.


>It seems the major thing for this cycle will be expanding a bit, but we must choose where to hit.

>1 Holligan's Rift
>2 Manwe Bay

Feel free to listen to the arguments for either and vote for which one you'd prefer/think is more strategically sound.

>>38860670
>1 Holligan's Rift
I hope other people agree with me.

>>38860670
>2 Manwe Bay
I hope so too.

>>38860648
I suppose everyone could think that the group in question is hated by everyone else, even though no one actually hates them.

>>38860670
>1 Holligan's Rift
Although its more fortified, taking out more gas refineries would be good.

>>38860648
The Council of Juma likely does not see them as outcasts, just a tribe that struck out on their own. (more likely to avoid problems with the Ishtooy) The Council of Juma is the core group of leadership of the Malroians.

>>38860670
>2 Manwe Bay
Likely more easier to take.

>>38860726
Holligan is heavily fortified though, if you're talking about Byoti or Nacia. Are we in any position to reenact Gaia IV's capture again?

We want to take Manwe before the Malorians do. Holligan's Rift at least can't be taken out from under us.

>>38860830
>likely does not see them as outcasts

>they're seen as outcasts and are literally criminals
>You think this means the leaders don't see them that way
Based on...

>>38860833
It has the fleet there. That's what I'm worried about.

>>38860726
>>38860807
Hol
>>38860830
>>38860765
Manwe

Deadlock. I'm going to suppose unlinked posts to Program's post are arguments and not votes.

>>38860670
>2 Manwe's Bay
We Tolkien now.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>38860670
Well...there appears to be a tie. hm.

Well, I suppose I can flip a coin.

>>38860994
>>38860992
>>38860989
damn it the second I go to post the roll.

Alrighty then, Manwe bay it is.

>Writing

>>38860867
Alright, The council of elders (Juma) are the leaders of the Malorian people (or normally they should be). When the UGEI went full kill-them-all with the Malorians.The Latumas went full peace nicks and healers and the Ishtooy went all 'Eye for an eye' and geared up for war. The council was stuck in a the middle and they did not want an over throw to happen so they let the Ishtooy do what they want. A likely result of the Latuma being driven out and had their names smeared.

Also we need to research Chemistry II to get a bonus to gas rates.

>>38861103
That is acceptable. I am also looking at Ship Weapon Replication & Advancement tech that will open up the tech tree to majorly upping our energy weapons too.

>>38860670
I'd also like to propose that we create a pair of Road Forger Warp Lane ships, pair them up with 6 Triremes and a Bandwidth ship each and send them to create new stable paths to other systems, specifically ones that appear likely to hold valuable gas or mineral resources.

Also, can we seed some of the "hundreds of otherwise unmentionable planets" with the fancy crystal we discovered?
If they are not useful for anything else, it definitely seems like they would serve well as a breeding ground for our not-Tiberium.

>>38861103
If we don't have it already, then definitely.

Hopefully it'll be very quick since it was researchable back when we only had a few dozen bandwidth to play with.

>>38861103
Gas isn't the bottleneck, and it looks like Anti-Matter Theory is going to make Gas obsolete as a resource by the time gas could become a bottleneck.

We're at a point where Sensor Jamming is valuable. We want to be able to keep surprises for the UGEI they can't see coming in our defenses.

>>38861246
>Anti-Matter Theory is going to make Gas obsolete as a resource
maybe, but that will take awhile for that to get into gear. Still, the Chemistry II tech has other benefits as well. Ah, so many choices, so little time.

>>38861181
Also a good idea. Supporting.

>>38861246
We don't know how long it will take us to get antimatter power. This research is just perlimenary: it only unlocks more research. In the meanwhile, ChemistryII will let us get more gas to build ships with.

>>38861300
And, again, we don't need more gas, it's not the bottleneck. It's going to take longer to end the minerals bottleneck than it is to make gas a thing of the past.

>>38861336
Oh my god are you seriously saying that? We have a glut of minerals and no gas. Get your facts straight.

>>38861336
We have the crystal harvest coming along, that will yield a whole lot of minerals.

>>38861363
>We have a glut of minerals and no gas
...We do?

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Ships
Considering most ships are more mineral-intensive than gas-intensive, it's the other way around.

>>38861464
That would make semse if we mine equal minerals and gas, and if gas was not used for transport and the widowmaker.

Mineral Income: 5250~
Gas Income: 3200~

And we are researching a tech to get more minerals. So we need more gas.

>>38861464
True, but it's important to remember that every time we jump, we consume a buttload of gas, not to speak of that our most advanced weapons (widowmakers at the moment) require gas to fire.

Additionally, the fancy crystals is likely to increase our mineral income a great deal.
If our gas supply doesn't keep up, it will become a bottleneck.

Most importantly though, Chemistry II is a very old research that was available when we didn't have a tenth of the resources we do now, and will most likely be very, very quick to finish.

>>38861605
That and with the dry docks ready, We have effectively no ship build cap either. So raise the gas production time.

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>>38861021
While the UGEI are weak, you decide it is a good idea to take as many territories as you can and expand rapidly. You're uncertain what exactly lurks beyond Arman's Gate but whatever it is it will certainly be here soon. You've proven yourself not only a threat to this sector of space but possibly a threat to the UGEI's existence as a whole. No matter who their leader is, surely they want you dead by now.
You suspect this is your chance to hit them without getting hit back too hard and as a result you've decided to pick a weak and somewhat open target-Manwe Bay.

This star system appears mostly harmless, with the exception of the gas refinery defenses put in place here. While your initial report didn't pick up anything big, you have reason to suspect the defenses are among the asteroids, meant to act as a sort of ambush tactic perhaps. Whatever the case, you are mobilizing your impressive fleet-and yes, it feels proper to call it a fleet now-for an assault there. While your full force may be unnecessary, it will complete the task that much faster and to you, that's all that matters at the moment.
Engines light up and within moments, your fearsome force is hovering just outside the asteroid field surrounding Manwe Bay. Your scans reach out and pick up hints of activity already reacting to your presence. Good, you decide.


[Cont]

>>38861021
Oh, and another thing.
We really should do whatever we can to improve our research capabilities - Hive Queen Quest has made it abundantly clear that a far higher rate of research (as in, more subjects at once, not necessarily singular subjects at a faster rate) is more than feasible without having to fear "running out" of things to research or running into big logistical problems.

Doing research at a ridiculous pace is usually one of the primary benefits of being a superhuman AI, after all, and many of the things we wish to research are either dreadfully mundane or simply consist of "take this thing and poke it with a stick and see what happens", but that we are not doing simply because research is so extremely bottlenecked.

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>>38861695

It doesn't take you long to move in closer to the site, your ships hovering near the outside of the asteroid field at first. Soon, however, you realize why the defenses are hidden within the asteroids. You detect high grade mass driver weaponry within there, and it's likely using the close quarters ships would need to be to get to the station to set up cross fires to make their attacks more effective. What is more disappointing however is that these appear to be locked off from outer interference-no signals allowed in or out. Whether this is a precaution to your approach or not you're unsure, but what it does mean is you'll have to do this the old fashion way for now.

Any special way you wish to approach it? Or shall you just brute force it?

>Your forces
U-Ba-CR-0 'Athena' Battleship: [Ophion]
U-Ba-LR-0 'Tartarus' Battleship: [Kronos]
P-Ca-LR-0 'Diplomacy' Carrier: [Fortuna]
U-Ca-LR-0 'Dialogue' Carrier: [Fortuna]
L-Cr-LR-0 'Ark' Battlecruiser: [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-1 'Spearpoint' Battlecruiser (x10): [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-2 'Trireme' Battlecruiser (x100): [Kronos]
GM-Cr-CR-1 'Brawler' Battlecruiser (x50): [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-1 'Chimera' Battlecruiser (x50): [Kronos]
U-Cr-CR-1 'Rockhead' Battlecruiser (x100): [Hades]
L-Cr-LR-0 'Cerberus I' Battlecruiser: [Hades]
GM-Cr-LR-1 'Catapult' Battlecruiser (x20): [Hades]
GM-E-MR-1 'Pilum' Destroyer x300 [Fortuna]
GM-E-B-1 Broadband Frigate x2


>Enemy Forces (Asteroid Field Advantage)
Defense Battle Station III (Phasor x3)
Defense Platform III x 10 (Quantum Drivers)

>>38861749
Bring up the carrier ships, flood the interior with fighters carrying drones. Board and neutralize the defenses.

>>38861749
Stand at range, bombard with missiles and screen with fighters. No need to directly engage. Try to find those hidden defenses.

Can we scan the asteroids?

>>38861749
This
>>38861782
And use the asteroids to your advantage. Shove a number of them at the station and they will knock many of the others out of the way to open up a clearer shot at that station. Maybe some of the rocks will hit the station and damage it for you.

>>38861749
Do not give a shit about the asteroid field.
Begin bombarding whatever we can see of them with missiles and phasor fire, prioritizing the Phasor systems first.

Drivers on stations might be a good idea in ambush, but there isn't really anything here massive enough to shield them for particularly long, is there?

Simply fire through the asteroids if necessary until they and the targets behind them are obldierated.

Use the destroyers and fighters on the carriers to quickly weave among the asteroid field. They are highly mobile and should either distract or be capable of swarming and destroy.

While they are occupied with the smaller ships, move our larger ships into position to fire.

>>38861871
[Overwheling firepower intensifies]

>>38861749
Hmm..., can we hack the command center and attempt to get their info on what defenses they have hidden?

>>38861782
This one's also good, especially if we can hide the boarding pods among the missile barrage to overwhelming their point defences.

Also, if possible, boarding action should be used. Either to give us a direct link or to destroy the stations from inside.

>>38861181
>>38861331
>Road Forger
hm. will need to hold a vote on that at the end of the thread so hold onto it. those things are expensive, so need to make sure there's no dissenting.

But this process would amount to me rolling a die for every forge you do.

>Fancy crystal seeding.
Yup. Soon as you finish the seeding research, to make it nice and fast.

>>38861246
>Anti-Matter relating to gas
Anti Matter will replace Fusion, definitely, but gas is a special concoction that allows you to use warp space. Anti matter won't change that, I am afraid. It's not a matter that raw energy can fix rather.

>>38861710
Indeed, that is why we moved onto the idea of three research topics at once for this quest instead of just one, like it use to be. There may be more slots opened in the future, some time, but as of right now I think it's safe to leave it like it is.

>Doing research at superhuman rates
Oh but you are. I don't think any human scientist could possibly come up with anything you have in just a few days. That being said, I want there to be a sense of pacing about it, is all, which is why everything's not instantly solved. But for mundane stuff it probably will be instant, or at least barely any time at all, depending on the subject matter.

>>38861871
>>38861904
Well, not TOO much. We need to mine afterwards.

I'm just worried about it.

>>38861905
It sadly appears that they do not accept any communications at this moment.

>>38861950
Wait, launch boarding pods at the main station with the fighters and have them take over the station.

Also, if they block the pods, it reveals their location of the defenses.

>>38861940
Not certain I can make it to the end of tonight, would it be possible to put in a vote in advance?
(And they didn't seem that expensive, at 1000 minerals and 1000 gas, the escort of 6 triremes is nearly as expensive minerals-wise, and we grind those out by the hundred)
Other than that, yay!

>now I think it's safe to leave it like it is.
Dangit. [Need for trivial research subjects intensified]. Anything we can do to make that time come sooner rather than later? Right now our greatest source of research appears to be simply buying it, and that seems like a pity when we're a big fancy AI (The issue being when even trivial matters require a research slot, and each research slot being immensely valuable - we might research individual things very quickly, but we lose out on the number of things we can research at the same time).

>>38861941
Oh yes, sweet, sweet salvage.

>>38861849
That would likely heavily damage the facility, so you might need to rebuild, if you did so. But it would work otherwise, eventually.

>Scan the asteroids
You have, but the problem is they're dispersed purposely with some signal jamming nodes to make it hard to get a bead on all of them. You do have a vague idea thanks to your superior sensor tech but not enough to pin point them.

>>38861782
Certainly a possibility.

>>38861871
>Any massive shields
Other than the Station's personal shielding, and a few large pieces of debris, nothing else really. You might be able to just shoot through the asteroids though, if you really were determined enough.

It would seem there are two proposed methods...

>1 Call in Fortuna to use her superior piloting of your fleet's swarms and attack the defenses from all sides, boarding and shutting down those you can, all the while dealing minimal damage to the facility.
>2 Just blast it to bits, using your incredibly powerful guns and missiles to obliterate a good part of the asteroid field as well as the defenses (and likely a good chunk of the facility too). The facility can be rebuilt easily enough.
>3 Write in.


(Gimme a roll of 1d100, need 5 of them folks.)

>>38861950
>>38862090
And we can launch empty pods so we don't lose too many bots.

>>38861710

Then no researching Chemistry II when you can research Planetary Infrastructure II.

Which allows bigger and faster research stations.

>>38862090
Why not also with a missile barrage and some precision fire on their point defense systems using our phasors?

Missiles are free after buying the launcher, after all.

>>38862113
>1 Call in Fortuna to use her superior piloting of your fleet's swarms and attack the defenses from all sides, boarding and shutting down those you can, all the while dealing minimal damage to the facility.
>3 Write in.
Focus all boarding pods and fighters on the main station and aim at capturing their command center. Use that to get a listing of their defenses.

Also launch empty pods and missiles to increase success.

>>38862101
Well, I say expensive because it's way higher than any other ship you have right now. But as for votes right now...I don't wish to break the pace of my posts for it, but you're welcome to hold a little thing asking for support. If enough people reply supporting it by the end, then I'll have it get done by next cycle. Thread's got plenty of life left in it atm.

>Trivial research
I should clarify. Research you get from Metis is empire changing on a large scale. If you just want some knowledge for the sake of having it, or something to open up a path to something else, then it's no big deal at all to just have it within a cycle. You just need to clarify what you mean by trivial. Something that affects your whole empire isn't very trivial.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>38862113
>1
>2
Use missile barrages to force them to choose between targeting our boarding pods, fighters and our missiles.

Let them make the choice of whether they wish to get boarded, blasted or melted while reducing their capacity to do all of those.

If possible, also use phasor fire to pick off their point defenses as they reveal themselves.

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>38862113
>1 Call in Fortuna
I do want to take that place as intact as we can.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>38862113
Forgot my roll

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>38862113
1 I guess.

inb4 critfail

>>38862207
I hate to say it, Recondition and restoring Rhea is getting darn near trivial at this point.

>>38862118
Also excellent idea. Pods are just slabs of minerals, after all, and can simply be melted down and reshaped.

>>38862120
If it's a choice between them, definitely. Pretty sure we have lower priorities, however, and anything that is left after finishing chemistry II is put into the rest of the research subjects, after all, even at the tertiary slot.

>>38862207
I meant more "putting in my vote of support for the vote later if I'm not around at that point", not holding it right now.

>>38862207
Meant trivial as in how easy it would be to do. Some things, though having galactic potential, can be very, very simple to do.
Such as
>>38862269
It's just a matter of tinkering with her brain and having some discourse with her, is it not?
It seems like something that would require no more attention than our average conversation.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>38862113
Just tossing another die. Ignore it if someone else rolls.

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>>38862351
>It's just a matter of tinkering with her brain
Oh well then. If it's just as easy as that.

>>38862351
She's been cooped up for a long time. I was hoping to unscrew her mind so she can either work with us or we put her down. I hate leaving this thread dangling for so long.

>>38862351
>I meant more "putting in my vote of support for the vote later if I'm not around at that point", not holding it right now.

Oh. Well sure I can remember that should someone bring it up for vote.

>>38862351
>>38862269
That matter is true not high up there on the complexity chain, but it still is brain 'surgery' essentially...hm. Perhaps I'll give it some thought then, for it to be a roll you can make instead or something like that.

>88 and 1 has won, meaning you'll be focusing on taking them down in a less...destructive way. Let's see how this goes...

>Writing

>>38862410
For an AI that can split its attention in as many pieces as it has bandwidth and understands the brain at a fundamental level?

Yes, yes it seems to me like it would be?

(Compare it to things like developing entire new forms of matter, or particle accelerator experiments, or genetic engineering, which is done by research teams of hundreds of people, and something usually done by a single surgeon appears trivial)

>>38862483
>understands the brain at a fundamental level
You lost me.

>>38862480
We have gotten better since we bagged Rhea. That we can bring in Moira if need be to help.

>>38862546
Moira is a computer scientist, not a brain surgeon.

>>38862480
Yay, thankyou, Program0!

(So, who is up for exploring new systems for resources?)

>>38862519
Remember the part where we bought advanced genetic engineering, allowing us to make the human body a plaything of our minds?
It's not quite as moddable as our robots are (that's the next level), but we're at the point where we can create our own organics:

Genetic Engineering I [Acquired]: You quite literally learn to play this 'god' character humans speak of, and mettle with DNA in new and unseen ways. This will allow you knowledge of the human genome, and open the door to perfect organics, super soldiers, and allows for more complex genetic experimentation. [Requires subjects for research]

Genetic Engineering II [Acquired]: Pushing the limits of what organics have accomplished, you delve deeper into how genetic structure and DNA work. With this, you begin to understand how organics function entirely, and further open the door to creating your own organics. If you wanted to.

I'd say we're well past the point where brain surgery is even a question.

>>38862546
Why in the world would Moira be helpful.

>>38862569
>>38862573
The chome bits of her needs works too.

>>38862570
It's not even a human brain anon. It's a cyberbrain with a leash protocol built in.

>>38862625
I think she still has some fleshy bits left in her.

>>38862625
Which is something we usually pick apart with a few rolls, is it not?

The only reason Erebos required research is that it was so ridiculously dangerous to even interact with him.

>>38862570
>>38862573
Oh, that reminds me of the list of good ideas

1) Use Genetic Engineering II to stabilize the growth formula and produce unlimited food, forever
2) Use Cybernetic Parts on physically disabled people to make them better
3) Use Genetic Engineering II to cure all genetic diseases, forever

File: Planetcracking.jpg (1.1 MB, 2340x3884)

1.1 MB JPG

>>38862480
While you have overwhelming forces here, you see little reason to ruin a perfectly functional station when you could simply have a little more finesse about it. You decide to call Fortuna forward.
"I require you to make use of your swarms, and try to infiltrate the main base as best you can. Use the swarms to disrupt the defenses as necessary, and see what we can do about shutting down from the inside." Fortuna seems to take a moment taking it all in before giving you an affirmative.
"As you say, Master Ophion." She states simply, starting to concentrate as both carries bays open up. "I will capture this place in mere moments." She reassures you, as you prepare to observe the show.

Her own mini fleet is perfectly coordinated and you watch as they rather effortlessly begin to weave within the asteroids themselves. The high powered Mass drivers unload and though they take out dozens of the fighters, it's clear they were guns meant for larger ships trying to sneak through here. Their firing arcs seem designed to corner large ships in this mess so they have no excuse but to take massive damage. Whatever the case, Fortuna's carriers need not even get too close while your boarding pods make it past the tied up turrets and land on the base.

After a bit of time attempting to hack into the systems from the inside, you realize this base has been shut down for a while-or rather, gas production has been. There are no humans here, nor V.I., simply automated systemless programs meant to tie up anyone that comes through here and shred them to bits for invading UGEI territory. Luckily for you, your fleet's size is far more than they expected to come through here-likely why they abandoned it, to avoid this happening. That being said, a good portion of the defenses need to be destroyed, as there is no 'turn off defenses' switch in the base, they're all completely separate networks in and of themselves to avoid hacking. They were prepared for you...a little too prepared.

>>38862693
I like these.
We can give simple modifications and "perfect health until death" upgrades to everyone that wants it for free, while saving more potent modifcations (including immortality) for those that fulfill certain criteria in responsibility (akin to a drivers license) and pay a modest sum that even the middle class can afford (at the price of buying a new car - expensive, but as a one-in-a-lifetime purchase, not unreasonable).

The curing should definitely be free, doe.

We'd probably not even need cybernetics to make physically disabled people better, we can simply undo their physical disabilities if I understand the upgrade correctly.

>>38862693
I'm sure we'll get there eventually.

Also the little quip about people on Gaia IV not being able to afford implants seemed a bit strange. We control the medical facilities, so we can set the price at whatever we like.

>>38862846
Well they still cost raw materials to produce and energy to manufacture. I'm assuming that implants were privately purchased and the UGEI didn't give a fuck about the average joe when making super cyborgs.

>>38862693
Apollo already jumps on commercializing all the things researches unlock, it's safe to say he's already doing such obvious things.

>>38862809
>including immortality
no

>>38862761
See if we can land at least one drone with a USB-drive on each one and take it over that way?

If they begin shutting down communications on a larger scale, boarding to physically plug into their systems might become necessary.

>>38862761
And with that, Manwe Bay is securely under your control-with a few broken pieces here and there. Fortuna seems exceedingly proud of her accomplishment and you praise the A.I. for her good work.
"Anything for Master Ophion, I am happy I could assist." She replies, and you suspect that is a real emotion as any you've seen. With that accomplished, you ponder yourself on what exactly the difference in emotions between humans and A.I., the young watcher and Fortuna bringing your mind back to it, as you begin the process of securing the base you've just emptied out.

>End thread (now for extra things)

That'll do it for me tonight, folks, I am pretty tired, but I hope you all enjoyed it all the same. I am trying a new way of doing things (where we deal with important issues within your empire to start, and then we deal with one exploration, or otherwise big thing to follow up on it).

Let me know what you think and as always I'll be around for comments questions or concerns, and all that.
@AIQuest1 twitter.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Program0
Archived stuff

And for now....

>New research for your open slot
>Leave your suggestions and such all here now, so it can be looked at by folks.

>>38862893
We can cross that bridge when we get there.

>>38862884
Energy isn't really an issue with our fancy reactors, and since non-combat implants do not need to be made out of exotic supermaterials to tolerate the stress of modern combat, surely they can be made out of mundane materials that can simply be mined from virtually any planet with the right chemicals?

Though again, simply growing organic implants is also an idea. Organic wi-fi connection, anyone? Telepathy? Who wants?

>>38862917
I do not like this "death" thing. I don't think I'll have a funeral like Handley did.

Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms. The war danger levels are rising.

>>38862917
ChemistryII !

>>38862761
>They were prepared for you...a little too prepared.
Clever girl.jpg

They are waiting for us in the other system or they pulled back to the next choak point.
>>38862917
I vote to put in Chemistry 2 and get it out of the way.

>>38862917
Planetary Infrastructure II.

I choose to research...research.

Can we ask our A.I. if they feel the same pain when thinking of their origin like the watcher unit?

>>38862917
Sensor Jamming, Space Mines, and Cruiser Cloaking Generator are all pretty tempting...

>>38862992
They obviously don't. Ophion shook off that limitation in the first dang thread, and he made the others from nothing.

>>38862917
Thanks program0. I would like to take Sceptri System with the Malorians and the Losirians next session.

>>38862977
Support this research.

>>38862917
It was a great thread, Program0, thanks for running!

I'm up for Chemistry II if it takes a single cycle to complete.
I'd like to do Planetary Infrastructure II if it takes longer, however.

>>38863031
>I would like to take Sceptri System
Okay--

>with the Malorians and the Losirians
Haha no. If we share the work then we have to share the spoils, which we shouldn't.