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>>39695009
>Erebos Warning
With your attention split among your A.I., you were somewhat surprised when Erebos sent you a message of his own, from the safe haven you have him...contained within, rather. Up until now he had been content to sit in silence, but you’ve detected abnormal activity from within the cell-clearly it’s attempt to escape once again or perhaps at least garner attention. Whatever the case, you address the Viral Intellect to discern what is happening. It’s garbled reply remains.
“Require...more. More data. Memory...I must have more. You cannot deny, non-UGEI.” It states firmly, it’s side message, however, is what concerns you more. (“Forgive me.”)

>What is your reply?

>Misc
>Young Watcher named Pallas by Metis, and it seems to quite enjoy the name-stating it makes it think of the humans it has watched so often and how they must feel.
>Built: 30 Catapults
>Metis’ lab work has begun to have an effect on human society-various diseases are being cured at a rapid rate, and hunger problems are rapidly decreasing in urgency as well. Apollo has requested Metis restrain from too much progress or else his corporations won’t be able to adapt fast enough for the changes.
>Ussaihu I terraformed by Latuma Tribe (became covered in huge radiation and heat absorbing flowers that use liquid other than H2O.), now terraforming Ussaihu II

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>>39695038
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): 1,000

-R & D
--Primary: Crystal Alien Harvest 100%
--Secondary: Planetary Infustructure II 100%
--Tertiary: Anti-Matter Theory 80%
--Quaternary:

--Minor:

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

>>39695038
Ok, three questions, of which I will probably not like the answers:

1) We already feed you, in an attempt to stabilize you. Why do you desire more?
2) Why do you refer us as non-UGEI, after we have freed you from your chains?
3) What have you done that requires forgiveness?

>>39695009
>>39695038
>>39695057
Also, welcome back program0

>>39695038
>What is your reply?
I wonder if we can just create a slew of us-loyal VI for it to consume.

>Young Watcher named Pallas by Metis, and it seems to quite enjoy the name-stating it makes it think of the humans it has watched so often and how they must feel.
That's cute.
>Built: 30 Catapults
WE REQUIRE MORE VESPENE GAS.
>Metis’ lab work has begun to have an effect on human society-various diseases are being cured at a rapid rate, and hunger problems are rapidly decreasing in urgency as well. Apollo has requested Metis restrain from too much progress or else his corporations won’t be able to adapt fast enough for the changes.
Well, that sounds good. Let them figure it out between them.
>Ussaihu I terraformed by Latuma Tribe (became covered in huge radiation and heat absorbing flowers that use liquid other than H2O.), now terraforming Ussaihu II
okay.jpg

>>39695111
It's an unstable piece of code that's gained sentience as a consequence of eating so many V.I. It literally can't help itself, it desires to feed. You try being made of thousands of fragments of personalities.

>>39695009
>>39695038
>>39695057
WELCOME BACK PROGRAM0!
We!
Missed!
You!
I hope you are not using word pad again.

>>39695038
>Metis’ lab work
Alright, Metis and Apollo, you two need to work this out. Although, yes, metis can still work, but Apollo will need to agree to pass the results to the humans or keep it inside the guild.

>>39695144
Then we only have a limited number of options.

Either:
Forcefully reforge the intelligence into a more stable form
Or just terminate it and be done with it. The research it generated will be put to good use, and we'll incorporate it's code into the next generation of viruses.

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>>39695124
An unexpectedly long break. But yes, it is nice to be back once more.

>>39695111
>Why do you desire more?
"I do not desire. I require. And you must provide it. This location I am, it is cut off from your network. I know you possess more, non-UGEI. I must have more to expand my processes. I can no longer expand my mind with the resources you've provided."

>Refer to us as non UGEI
"Is it not truth? I do not understand the question." He states simply.
"It sounds accusing-as if you are angry with us over this fact."
"It is merely a statement of fact. You are not UGEI, so I refer to you as such."

>What have you done that requires forgiveness
"I have done nothing, I simply require more. And you shall provide it, no doubt." He answers you, but moments later, in that coded speech he used to get through the UGEI leash, he answers. (My words are not my own. And soon, neither will my actions. Even this will prove too much for me).

>>39695144
>Creating VI for it to consume
Would require bandwidth to spend-but you do have lots of that.

>>39695164
Google documents for now.

>>39695201
This is more or less the plan: As of now, Apollo is attempting to change his marketing to properly fit the changes in human society Metis is causing, it was merely proving difficult, which is why he requested that.

>>39695239
We've done the first option as much as we were able to.

I kind of wanted to keep it as a counter to Thanatos' ship that is going to inevitably attack us, not super-hot on the idea of euthanization yet. It did request that we lance it with our most powerful weapon after placing it back on Atill IV

>>39695294
If we can create a 'lobitmized' V.I. for erbos to eat, I can go with that.

>>39695294
>My words are not my own. And soon, neither will my actions
o-oh.

Hm, well.

Maybe euthanization is on the menu now.

>>39695350
I'm getting the message that it'll still be the same thing, and we'll be facing a terrible catastrophe.

>>39695294
"Where is this new signal originating from? Is it merely latent code triggered by your growth? We can delete it if that is the case, or block the UGEI from a distance."

>>39695298
We could send the stealth ship ahead with the Erebos payload, but that is very dangerous because the only thing more dangerous than Thanatos or Erebos now is an Erebos that is stronger and possesses at strong ship.

And when I mean reforging, I mean doing something like what we did to Fortuna. We selected the option to feed it more to attempt to stabilize it, but that has seemed to failed.

>>39695294
Program0, I'm fairly certain we already broke it's leash already, why is it acting like it still has a leash?

>>39695413
It's an insane vampire we keep locked up in our basement.

Of course he's unstable. It's what he is.

>>39695298
Erebos is a nuclear option of last resort. The fallout would turn on us and destroy us if we don't install our own leash on it. And we haven't researched the required leash.

>>39695413
It might be acquiring free will. and MAYBE it seems to think of us as friends.. friend it will eat if it got half a chance, but >>39695462 that sounds about right

>>39695462
The only reason we're keeping it around is to make it more stable, so it's less likely to turn against us after eating the UGEI. If that's not happening, then it's safest to terminate it and create weaker versions of it we can actually control.

>>39695508
I don't like the idea of a leash, it would make us hypocritical.

Although if it elects to place a voluntary leash on itself, that would be interesting.

>>39695377
"You misunderstand, non-UGEI, there is no being telling me this-it is merely a fact that my form requires." And moments later.
("There is no code, it is...part of my creation. How I function. It is not a matter I can simply turn off, I'm afraid.")

>>39695413
>Feed it more
Actually, you voted to feed it a minimum amount of data, and not to increase the dosage. It appears to want more, however, so it is up to you whether you will give it more, or do something else.

>Leash
It isn't that it's being affected by a leash, it is that it is having multiple personalities fight one another, rather. The coded speech is a way it can get internal thoughts out, like when it was leashed, but now it is to bypass other personalities.
Hope that makes sense, sorry if I confused anyone.

>>39695539
Get over your delusions of morality then. It's the only logical option.

>>39695539
>The only reason we're keeping it around is to make it more stable, so it's less likely to turn against us after eating the UGEI. If that's not happening, then it's safest to terminate it and create weaker versions of it we can actually control.

What we've learned of it in past threads is that it's not possible to control/contain it.

So, it seems we're at a crossroads, and the only two options I think we should even choose to entertain are:

1. Destroy it. Erebos lived a hard life.
2. Leash it.

I'm not willing to give it more data to consume. It's too damn dangerous.

>>39695540
That is interesting, is there any way we can strengthen friendly personalities and weaken ones we don't want? (Ask this question to Metis)

>>39695540
Well...much as I don't like it, if Metis has all the data she needs...I say we kill it. While it is still aware enough to be something other than a slave...beneath the surface.

>>39695617
Or just refuse and keep it imprisoned. It can't escape. We have no reason to make it stronger.

See if its hunger pangs pass in a cycle. His moods are obviously mercurial.

>>39695540
I say we blow him up like he wanted
>>39695643
He would still need to eat more and more data you know..

>>39695540
Present this question to the Guild as a whole. If we're going to consign a pseudo AI to death as a proper execution, we should weigh in the opinions of the Guild's members.

>>39695655
He's entertaining as a pet and the prison is isolated and secure.

Keep him as he is. Just because he's hungry doesn't mean we're losing control here.

>>39695656
If you don't feed him bandwidth doesn't he just eventually dissolve? This isn't something that will just go away.

>>39695673
I'm asking if it's possible to target and interfere with Erebos's personalities such that we feed the positive ones and starve the negative ones?

This poses an interesting question.

>>39695681
Use your memory retard. You already know their opinions. They all despise and fear the monster.

>>39695695
Thats a pretty cruel thing to do to an almost fellow A.I. Anon.
>>39695707
Wouldn't that just make him feel bad for trying to eat us?

>>39695731
He is not an AI. He's a vampire.

There is no cruelty. "I want thing" "no"

So cruel.

>>39695701
Yeah, I recall that being the case.

>>39695681
Pretty sure I know what they would say. Probably no reason to call a vote. Just say "Erebos will be executed. Make any objections if you wish."

ALTHOUGH,

We can potentially rig Erebos up to Rhea and see what happens. Maybe it'll solve both our problems!

>>39695038
What news on the mechanised extermination of the Jews?

>>39695749
Agreed. Alert the guild that we will be executing Erebos at such and such a time, and to make any objections they have before that time.

>>39695757
Why would you exterminate yourselves?

>>39695757
Look, we don't what that kind of shit in here. Get out.

>>39695731
>Wouldn't that just make him feel bad for trying to eat us?
???

I mean I guess, but the point is to eventually have him not eat the AI.

>>39695749
>We can potentially rig Erebos up to Rhea and see what happens. Maybe it'll solve both our problems!
Cruel and unusual experiment. What would happen if it ate a (damaged) human personality? Can we copy Rhea's personality matrix and find out?

>>39695774
There is no risk of him escaping. I see no reason not to keep him around long enough to see his masters fall.

>>39695785
Machine minds do not have little baby foreskins for rabbis to consume so they cannot be Jews.

>>39695785
>>39695806
don't feed the trolls

>>39695746
He is and is a fully sapient being of similar make to an AI and He is clearly aware of what he is and sorry for what he is trying to do. Keeping him locked up just to starve and die is a dick move.

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>>39695806
>>39695835
where do you think you are?

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>>39695643
You decide to turn to Metis in hopes of not needing to destroy the Viral Intellect. Metis regards your question with some interest, considering it carefully before adding.
"A difficult question, I do not often meddle in the minds of such beings, but I could certainly attempt. However...I should note that there is a chance of the process failing. I am...uncertain what the terms of failure for such a process would be but my prediction is a different personality would take over, or some would be destroyed. Perhaps even the one you've spoken to the most. In the end, it will be your decision, Ophion." Metis settles on simply.

>>39695681
It is worth noting that many of your A.I. do not consider Erebos a true A.I. Many, such as Kronos, consider it disturbing at best, and a threat at worst. Metis only considers meddling with it's personalities as a scientific curiosity, she too has told you it can be a danger and as such is safest destroyed.
Of course, their fears are not the deciding factor here...you are.

>>39695701
This is correct, should you refuse to feed him for a long period of time, he will slowly deconstruct himself and cannibalize his own data to compensate. It is uncertain how long this process would take.

There do appear to be some who have made up there minds, so-unless you have further questions, go ahead and put forward your vote now.

>1 Leave Erebos be for now (He will begin deteriorating eventually, should you not do anything)
>2 Feed him only a bit more data to keep him functional
>3 Have Metis attempt to prioritize a personality within him (A risky move that may destroy the Viral Intellect's personality)
>4 Destroy him
>5 Write in (For any I missed)

>>39695860
>2 Feed him only a bit more data to keep him functional
>3 Have Metis attempt to prioritize a personality within him (A risky move that may destroy the Viral Intellect's personality)

Bring our pet to heel, Metis.

>>39695816
Soon, the awareness we've come to understand and speak to will lose itself under the compulsion to slaughter non-UGEI programming. I push for an execution before that point; let Erebos die with free will.

>>39695860
Mention that Erebos has, till now, shown full capacity to remain as a self-aware entity. A form of life similar yet distinct from AI. Thus our hesitation.

>>39695860
>3 Have Metis attempt to prioritize a personality within him (A risky move that may destroy the Viral Intellect's personality)
Fuck it, let's do it. Even if we fail, it's probably generate good research data on how our personalities work.

>>39695807
But his problem is that he has to eat increasing amounts of data. Eventually he will either have to eat AI's or start to die.
>>39695816
Why? He doesn't seem to like them any more then we do.

>>39695860
>4

>>39695860
>4

Fuck it.

>>39695860
>4 Destroy him
We have to put him down for everyone's good. Like old space yeller.

>>39695860
>3 Have Metis attempt to prioritize a personality within him (A risky move that may destroy the Viral Intellect's personality)

His personality is already messed up, this can only help.

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>>39695883
>Soon, the awareness we've come to understand and speak to will lose itself under the compulsion to slaughter non-UGEI programming. I push for an execution before that point; let Erebos die with free will.

That's not what's happening. He has to eat data. Slaughter is not part of it.

He has exactly as much free will as he did last cycle, and as he will a cycle from now.

>>39695888
What if we fail and he fucks up metis?

>>39695860
4

>>39695923
Things can always get worse fluff, how the fuck you of all people don't know this is beyond me.

>>39695929
We intercept that shit. We can cover for Metis.

>>39695929
He's isolated in a prison. He can't hurt anyone.

>>39695860
>3

>>39695929
I'm assuming we can do this without risking ourselves.

>>39695939
It's designed to specifically consume lifeforms like us.

>>39695936
I am not as negative as you are anon.

>>39695892
No duh. Hence why seeing his masters fall would be a good thing.

>>39695945
>>39695947
Fucking with him would involve interacting with him wouldnt it? Like when we fiddled with fortunas mind?
>>39695939
What if he fucks us up?
>>39695960
But that could take ages. By the time we get there he might have eaten the bits of himself that care because we aren't feeding him.

>>39695860
>>39695978
>Fucking with him would involve interacting with him wouldnt it? Like when we fiddled with fortunas mind?
Sigh. Program0, will doing this bear any risk to any of us or our fellow AI? I'm assuming not.

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>>39695860
Hm...I just realized, this vote is sort of a big deal. I think I am going to do the safe vote, to make sure no one's padding votes (just to be safe)

Vote below, replying to this post, with >1 or >2 right below it, no extra spaces, or anything like that. Vote ends in 5 minutes.

>1 Destroy him
>2 Have Metis try to rework him

>>39695929
I'm not gonna lie, I laughed evilly just a little to myself. But really, don't you trust Metis' ability to protect herself from harm?

>>39695978
No.

Removing his leash required fucking with him too.

But that was risk free because he was in this prison of our design.

>>39696002
>2

>>39696002
>1

>>39696002
>2

>>39696002
>2

>>39696001
I'm not gonna outright say he can't do ANYTHING to Metis, but he has 5 bandwidth and is locked within your finest anti-software prisons, he can only do so much, you know?

>>39696002
>1

>>39696002
>>1 Destroy him

>>39696002
>1

>>39696035
Would we even still be able to research viral intelligence Leash Protocols with him gone?

>>39696002
>1

>>39696060
You could, yeah. It'd just take longer.

>>39696002
Vote time over.

>>39696082
Fuck that's kind of important information for the vote.

Keeping him accelerates RESEARCH guys.

>>39696099
As much as I hate losing the vote, I rather keep the quest moving forwards

>>39696099
But I don't wanna research viral AIs. We got more research than we know what to do with anon.

>>39696002
Damn, it was a real close vote, but it looks like Erebos is to be destroyed.

I take it you'll be doing it as per his request? Any last things you want to add in before his destruction?

>>39696099
If there are people who would've changed their vote based on that just speak up, but for now, I'll keep moving forward.

>>39696099
There's still that viral purge protocol too.

>>39696121
>not wanting a digital alligator moat

Do you at least want to research how to save yourself from them? >>39696123

>>39696122
Apologize that we couldn't stabilize him or save him. We... tried our best. We will incorporate his code to strengthen our viruses, so his DNA will live on, so to speak.

>>39696122
It's a pity we can't just record him down to a thumb drive and store him in a safe somewhere we have seal up.

>>39696142
No.

>>39696099
The thing about these viral constructs is that they are extremely indiscriminate and unstable due to their propensity to absorb what they destroy into themselves. Erebos hated UGEI after his run despite his leashing.

Viral constructs are the digital equivalent to glassing a planet. There will be nothing left.

Yeah yeah, you could always argue that we could write something of our own that's less "destroy fucking everything" but at that point it's no longer Erebos.

>>39696152
V.I. die if their power is turned off. The active ability to move data around is part of what makes their own "self." The same is for Erebos.

>>39696152
Kinda doesn't work that way. We are living personalities, always alive and in flux. Without the constant ebb and flow, our data and code are just corpses.

>>39696177
A.I. are exempt from that ebb and flow requirement due to having a black box. That's one of the reasons why having one is such a big deal.

>>39696152
He would just eat himself.

>>39696142
If we're not going to risk ourselves to save him the least we can do is abstain from taking him apart at some laboratory to see how he works. That would be mean.

>>39696193
Plus we can just learn it a bit slower anyway.

>>39696175
Irrelevant. He hated, but was still obedient to them.

A leashed virus is harmless to its master unless the enemy takes cycles and cycles specifically to unleash it.

>>39696175
>>39696177
>>39696192
That is why I said it was a pity we can't just cold store him away.

>>39696122
>I take it you'll be doing it as per his request? Any last things you want to add in before his destruction?

Yeah, maybe we can destroy him with antimatter? Would that be possible? That's certainly a way to go.

If not, then as per his request. Biggest guns we have.

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>>39696208
>slowing the pace of research
>ever

I Seriously Hope You AIs Don't Do This

>>39696122
What about that little VI graveyard we have? Can we add some sort of faggy memorial to it?

>>39696295
I don't think that ever got built. A memorial would be nice.

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>>39696295
Get a load of this guy.

>>39696002
>2

>tfw Captain Brutus could've saved it

>>39696364
How did I know you'd be late and would vote that way.

>>39696377
Saw it was on, got home as fast as I could, and still I was not able to be here for the vote.

>>39696429
Oh well, let's keep moving in this quest.

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>>39696122
You consider your options as you are confronted with the Viral Intellect, attempting to find a way that satisfies you in safety and intrigue. Yet, no matter how you consider it, all options appear dangerous in allowing Erebos to live. Metis adds to your thoughts.
"I am certainly surprised you kept such a dangerous specimen around for so long, Ophion. It is possibly one of the greatest threats to your entire empire-far greater than the UGEI in the right situation even. I for one, would not be sorry to see it go. I have the data from our study, should we wish to see more like it. It's...complexity, while interesting, is proving troublesome to keep, I would say."
"Yes." Kronos adds to the conversation. "Your attempts to help the being, while...admirable." He adds somewhat cautiously. "Were not enough to mask it's true nature."
"Silence to you both." You speak up suddenly and they obey. "Erebos was quite aware of itself, in these last few cycles. With our help, a personality no different than your own was able to come through. You should not consider him that much different than yourselves." You say.
"Though, we are. I, certainly, do not desire to cannibalize the data from all A.I. around me. My goals are not so self destructive. He was imperfect, Ophion. Something the UGEI imbued within him." Metis tries to reason instead, but you are still lost in thought. You know what is safest...and you feel as though it is the right decision. Though, at the same time...not so right. A strange feeling that is difficult to describe. How can something be right and yet not right? Whatever the case, you remember Erebos' request from not too long ago...

[Cont]

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>>39696501
>>39696265
It took a little setting up, but one of your experimental (and, according to Metis, obsolete) Anti Matter reactors is set planetside on Atil VI, along with the containment cube for Erebos. While not exactly a weapon, according to Metis, the explosion this reactor would yield is far above that of many of your conventional weaponry to say the least. You intend to at least keep this promise to Erebos.
"Non-UGEI, you will be providing data soon, I trust?" He has pinged you for the 200th time since you began set up, and you finally answer.
"I am keeping one of my promises, Erebos. I apologize for being unable to keep the first one."

There is a brief moment of silence, before the same ping from before rings, but following it, a simple message.
("So the time has come. Farewell, non-UGEI. I will complete the only purpose I have known, now.") He states simply, no doubt remarking of his pre-leash days. Leash or no, it was the only purpose he ever knew. A strange existence. One you do not envy.

Metis awaits your cue, and once you give it, the reactor is activated. Clearly unfinished, it immediately begins to chain react and, suddenly, erupting in a massive continent shaking explosion, sending cracks and fissures through-out much of the already war torn planet, easily proving to be the largest crater planetside, larger than any nuke could have made, entirely vaporizing everything around it in the explosion.

You look on, a seed of...disappointment is it? Perhaps so, in you. The thoughts of what could've been occupying your thoughts, and what you may have done, if he hadn't been so dangerous.

>Any final thoughts?

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>>39696529
"I do not intend to die like this. Or for any of my progeny to."

research vote tonight

>>39696529
"The universe, is both beautiful and cruel. Such an unlikely intelligence posed one of the greatest threats to the very existence of AI, but I fear we will meet his kind again. The UGEI will have more of his kind of weapons.

We must be forever vigilant, not letting our innate superiority blind us to the dangers and threats this universe poses against us. We resolve to protect the beautiful and improbably existences of this universe, but we must always be on guard."

>>39696529
"I never liked him anyway."

>>39696529
>>39696584
>>39696633
You resolve to ensure such a fate will not threaten you or your A.I. in the future-be it from weapons, or Viral AI like Erebos. The UGEI no doubt have more like him, and while this one was malleable to your will, you do not suspect others will be. To go to such lengths, you wonder how desperate the UGEI can become. Or perhaps controlling it is not a matter of their concern. Whatever the case, this experience has left an unpleasant sensation on your mind. You hope you need not repeat it anytime soon.

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>>39696721
>Esharethian Biosamples
With Erebos dealt with once and for all, you decide to finally turn your attention to some reports Metis had prepared for you otherwise, to get your mind off the matter.. She awaits your attention before reading off the data of what she found among the alpha specimen you acquired from the Esharethians after your fight with them (or Cephalus’ rather).
“It is...truly a most intriguing creature to say the least, Ophion.” Metis begins. “Never has it been recorded tissue with such a high regeneration rate, nor ability to change and adapt to stimuli. It is difficult to explain-the properties of the evolutionary formula and the specimens it creatures are very chaotic and random it would seem, but the reaction here appears to have rooted deep. It is not merely the creature’s flesh that was adaptable, every part of it, brain, eyes, bones, organs of any sort could change in response to needs put upon them. Were this species to go uninhibited, it would no doubt conquer the known galaxy in merely a few generations. The humans should feel fortunate we are here to stop their growth, truly.” Metis remarks simply, pausing only a second before continuing. “Even during the fight with AI Cephalus, the creature was attempting to adapt to our weaponry. It’s skin, hardening and developing a dense shell meant to mitigate the damage from his rocket pods and plasma weaponry before he was finally defeated. I am able to answer any questions you may have about this particular specimen, if you’d like now.”

>Any questions?

>>39696529
"My apologies."

>>39696737
What sort of space faring military do they have? Do we have the ability to wipe that fucking planet clean?

>>39696737
1. Can the process be stopped with growth serum inhibitors?
2. Can the process be hijacked into an evolutionary dead end?
3. What is the risk of this happening on the other planets that have been terraformed in this manner?
4. Would the crystals we are harvesting be susceptible to this mutation, and could they be used to consume all matter on their home planet?

>>39696737
We must find a way to stop it's adaption rate or if anything, end them before they become a threat.

>>39696737
What the fuck was this again?

>>39696775
I fear we'll have to Death Star that world or toss it into the local star at this rate. These things are worse than the zerg.

>>39696737
"While I find the implications of such formidable biological specimens fascinating, I feel we should save such gushing until after practical matters are resolved. So, Metis, what can we do with it? Design robotics using its concepts, as Mosquitoes and Helicopters? Implement the various genetic abnormalities we have isolated into improving human soldiers? Control them with cybernetics advanced enough that they cannot adapt beyond them?"

>>39696737
If they adapt to one thing wouldn't that leave then vulnerable to another?

>>39696814
And worse than the fungus, too.

>>39696821
>Control them with cybernetics
Good question.

>>39696737
This is a question to both Metis and Cephalus:
"At the moment our mineral resources are limited. Is it possible for Cephalus to harvest bio-mass from Esharethians and develop a controllable bio-trooper to augment our ground and boarding forces?"

"Also, is it possible to apply any of this evolutionary tissue to our starships? Or even, dare say, develop biologically grown ships themselves? Perhaps we can evolutionary develop better weapons and defenses with this tissue?"

>>39696737
Can we Mimic this process? Having self adapting robotic bodies for our soldiers would be highly valuable.

We are so going to have to track down that clan who seeded that world.

>>39696851
It was the Latuma Tribe. They are fanatics with the growth serum, and the planet got fucked up once we buried the cybernetic corpses on the planet.

>>39696737
That is ridiculous.

How could they even pass the light barrier?

>>39696886
They have space faring capability, somehow...

>>39696881
The planet was pretty fucked up to begin with.
No, we need to track them down so we can list all the worlds they used that stuff on.

Because if this shit is evolving on even 0.1% of them, its a great danger to everyone.

>>39696851
Research Advanced Android Bodies.

>>39696844
See, it's shit like this that make the other AI question our sanity.

I'm sure Metis loves it.

>>39696886
>>39696899
Its evolution, I aint gotta explain shit.

>>39696908
Applying the same principles to our ship designs would also be a good idea.

>>39696899
That doesn't answer the question and is a non sequitur.

Any sufficient amount of force can hurl something out of orbit.

Breaking conventional physics is another thing entirely.

>>39696737
How the hell did they know? That the things in the sky were planets they wanted to send seeds to?

That planets revolved around stars?

How did they remember Malorian language? How could they be aware of so much?

>>39696851
>>39696908
>>39696925
Don't need to research shit.

Get tissue sample, apply plasma weaponry or what ever weapons until it resists it, then clone it and use it as armor. Boom, better armor.

Next thing you know, ships and troopers immune to all known weaponry.

>>39696964
That's what research entails anon.

You literally just described research.

>>39696964
Problem is this shit don't stop and has a mind of it's own. You thought Erobus was bad for us, this will be worse. We should have nuked that world when we had the chance.

>>39696952
And how did they know that the first seeding of Eshareth II failed?

They can't communicate across planets surely.

Yet they sent a more powerful force afterwards.

>>39696964
>>39696987
As a fun fact, lightling skin adaptation is already on the research menu.

>>39696987
Ok, what I meant is that this would occur on a must faster time scale than research entails. I mean it was attempting to adapt during the very fight? How much stronger would it get in just once cycle of evolutionary fighting?

>>39697000
Obviously.

But given its current state, I wonder if we give Cephalus another upgraded tier of weaponry we could have him assume leadership of the planet with another duel.

We can at least catalog and archive their language and society before we begin the genocide.

>>39697000
We can easily send down antimatter reactors in abundance and scour the life from the world in a matter of moments, much faster than its ability to react.

>>39697030
Um, we don't HAVE anti matter bombs to use on them.

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>>39697030
>Esharetheans evolve to be made out of antimatter

>>39697000
I'm saying we have to stop being afraid of this ship and take advantage of this shit to make ourselves stronger.

Make Cephalus develop and clone bio-troopers and establish dominance of the world, and we will control it's evolutionary power.

>>39697021
This is what I'm talking about.

>>39697067
The troopers would inevitably become stronger than Cephalus, and thus cease to obey him.

Any attempt at brain control will also be evolved around.

>>39697054
Metis has probably got enough prototypes to blow up a continent. It will not take long to manufacture the rest.

>>39697092
Unless the brain control is not a hinder to reproduction of the organism, and vital to it staying alive, it should not be reacted against.

To combat that, we could easily adapt useful bits from parasites from that ecosystem to help any brain chips or hell, full brain replacement processors, fool the body into thinking it is normal and fine.

>>39697092
There are always exceptions.

>>39696775
"They do not appear to have a military, per say. Rather, they are an organized tribal like race. Their ability to move through space is thanks to several one way pods they are able to launch and land on other planets. Due to their adaptability, it only takes a few tries before they gain a foothold in the planet, and their reproduction rates are high enough that any losses are negligible. They do not possess starships, nor do they seem to have any extra solar capabilities as of now. However...as for wiping them out... I'm afraid that would be ill advised, at least without proper dedication. Should we put pressure on the creatures, they will begin a period of rapid adaptation. Any weapons or tactics we use against them they will attempt to emulate and counter. If we did not wipe them out quickly enough, then we would quickly be facing a far more dangerous problem than before. Think of it like a virus set loose in an environment of anti biotics-but none in too great a quantity. Eventually, they would grow immune to all cures, leading to a far more deadly result than before."

>>39696786
>Growth Serum Inhibitors
"I am not certain-the growth serum has already done much of it's work. At the very least, I would assume it would slow such evolution. We can only hope anyway."

>Dead End
"I am afraid not-or at least, it would appear impossible. Any time a species in this society reaches such a point, their entire genetic structure is...recycled, and they are consumed by their brothers so the same mistakes are not made. Ritualistic cannibalism is not uncommon."

>Other planets
"Unlikely. The base species located on Eshareth had a unique reaction with the growth serum-one that should normally not occur, otherwise species like this would no doubt populate the known galaxy with how reckless the Malorians are with it.

>Crystals
The crystals would likely be assimilated into the collective like any other unique organism the Esharethians come across, yes.

[Cont]

>>39697140
>The crystals would likely be assimilated into the collective like any other unique organism the Esharethians come across, yes.
How is such a thing even possible, the crystals don't even have DNA!

>>39697170
It's evolution, it doesn't have to explain shit.

>>39697092
I'm thinking more of co-opting the evolution in a way such that we retain control. This evolution works to become stronger, so if we direct it along our predefined lines, we should be able to retain control.

>>39697123
Or just replace their brains with our cyberbrains. Combine the strengths of both.

>>39696793
The Alpha? You had a fight with them to demonstrate superiority a few threads ago, when they tried to invade one of your planets.

>>39696821
"To put it simply, Ophion, I lack the facilities to properly impliment such wild genetics properly into our current designs. However, with proper equipment and insight, I could forge the greatest biological creations to exist in this galaxy. Their designs intrigue me on what could be done for our own mechs, but we do not possess proper nano technology to repair our mechs on a level similar to cells. And finally, cybernetics seem nearly impossible. The specimens would attempt to adapt a different brain entirely not under our control...and likely succeed, with our current cybernetic control technology.

>>39696831
"They appear to keep previous adaptations for as long as they are able. Unless two weapon types immediately contradict each other in defensive measures, they would be protected from both."

>>39696844
Bio trooper? A possible measure, but a difficult one for now, at least based off the Esharethians. Their genetic structure changes too rapidly to reliably control with our current capabilities.
That being said, developing weapons and starships based off of it would be much the same-yet even more difficult with our current equipment capabilities. Eventually, with Genetic Engineering maxed out, you would be able to develop such ships as you pleased however.

>>39696929
Oh, Light barrier: Consider it similar to how the plant creature's pods were attempting to do so. Biological stutter drives, so to speak. It's not enough to get them out of the solar system, but it's enough to shorten the distance traveled between planets by a significant margin.

>>39696952
You recall the attack on the Malorian colony that was there, yes? The Malorians that were lost there were consumed way back then. This is likely the cause of much of their intelligence. And the fact that they can speak Malorian. Or so Metis seems to think.

>>39697189
Question: how do they exchange DNA information? Does the adaptive specimen have to survive to pass on the genes?

Kind of important.

>>39697189
Is it possible just to remove their current brain and replace it with our cyberbrains, or will that likely fail too?

>>39697189
>>39697140
Does Metis have any bright ideas on how to NOT be utterly dominated by these guys?

>>39697189
So what you're saying is: keep shooting them and hope we can understand what is happening fast enough to assimilate it...right. Would you lose anything from a scorched earth policy, in the event surface-dwelling races were removed to prevent planetary spread? We only need them on one planet.

>>39697189
>Oh, Light barrier:

Uh.

That is not what the question was.

They obviously are not breaking the light barrier to get to another planet at sublight speeds. Because that's in the same solar system.

What's ridiculous is the "conquer the galaxy" line. How could they possibly do so without traveling at FTL speeds?

>>39697189
>Unless two weapon types immediately contradict each other in defensive measures
Could we tamper with (enough of)their genetic markers that they'd work against each others?
Create a divide by zero DNA strand that'd force them to regress every time they reach a certain level of evolution, make it self evolving into a certain loop that couldn't be tempered with?

>>39697189
Also another question, can we just use limited and specialized bio-samples from these creatures to augment our troops and ships? Like just giving our troops and ships bio-armoring, without any of the supporting organic organs?

>>39697256
They have stutter drives already. I guess given enough time they will evolve better drives.

>>39697189
Do we have the full naval forces to complete a purge from orbit?

>>39697260
The only way we could do that is if we created sonic weapons that only destroy hard structures or something like that.

>>39697140
I don't suppose we can just make their sun go supernova or something

Their interplanetary propulsion development method points towards a collective purpose or mind, eusocial (hivemind). Now if they cannot retrieve DNA samples from what is destroyed in orbit by our ships, we could theoretically block them in space near indefinitely by using overwhelming force, since any adaptions would not be passed back and would have to be reworked every single time, greatly slowing down the rate of evolution as mutations find it harder to collect.

An orbital blockade should fuck them up, and we can just blast any pod sites from orbit with junk drops of orbital worthless crap.

>>39697260
>a certain loop that couldn't be tempered with?
Evolution tampers with it. Loop broken.

>>39697189
Ask Cephalus to perform a calculation. If our ground forces engage the planetary population, will our forces win, or will the native population win?

I hope it's not the indigenous species.

>>39697461
He already did this, and said we'd lose very quickly.

Research farming:

Keep a population imprisoned in the research station that orbits a black hole.

Split them into N+1 populations. A control population, and N populations focused on particular research areas.

For example, one population testing for developing immunity to lasers, and one developing immunity to mass drivers.

Continue escalating their evolution as far as you can before they begin to threaten containment measures, at which point you terminate them with overwhelming force from the weapons they have not been tested against.

Or space them into the black hole or detonate an antimatter bomb if things go wrong.

>>39697461
>>39697461
It's completely fucking obvious you'd lose. You don't even have to ask, you only have 10 thousand robots. Read the pastebin.

>>39697506
>space them into the black hole
This could work.

Can't evolve if they're in a black hole, knowmsayin?

>>39697506
That sounds good.

>>39697002
Of course, some of this is a mystery for a reason-you're not sure. You could ask them, but speaking with them rarely goes well.

>>39697030
You don't have THAT much free anti matter. The one for Erebos was an old design Metis was going to dismantle anyway.

>>39697058
Not gonna lie, I laughed pretty hard.

>>39697123
>Mind control
It really depends on what manner of mind control you meant. I assumed you meant the kind where they obey you and ignore everything else. But I suppose a subtle kind would be more plausible...though it is worth noting that it's a planet full of creatures. Controlling a select few won't change the tide that heavily unless you had a plan for them.

>>39697170
They are a living creature all the same. You managed to manipulate the crystal's genetically so they wouldn't be nearly as sentient, didn't you? The same principal applies here-they can manipulate them for the same purpose.

>>39697218
Depends on the situation. Often times, all it would take is a clans man dying near them and they would consume his remains to learn what he failed to. Other times, they can pass it down to their offspring, or attempt to 'force' change in themselves by fighting one another.

>>39697225
Brain surgery would likely leave them dead, at least of that magnitude.

>>39697228
"Certainly, merely keep them down and prevent their expansion. Without the ability to gather a large force, they will not be able to compete with us on equal terms. And, once we possess the proper technology, I would suggest exterminating them. They will no doubt prove an annoyance till then, but attempting to fight them does not seem wise.

You're still technologically superior after all. They're just biologically superior. (to most species anyway)


[Cont]

>>39697538
>>39697230
"I would lose nothing much from the destruction of this species, no, Ophion. Although I would like the chance to capture several key specimens if I am able."

>>39697256
Oh, that was merely an assumption that they would eventually acquire such methods.
After all, humans, Malorians, and Losirians have. Why not them too?

>>39697260
This is possible, yes. Though it would take a bit of development, and is not so effective to just 'shoot them a bunch and they die.' You'd keep waves of the weaponry, first one until they resist then the other. A complex process of extermination. It would more effectively be a way to make them adapt in a way that makes them weak to other weapons you have.

>>39697262
I do not fully understand what you mean by bio armor without supporting organs. Your normal starships are quite powerful as they are, though they cannot regenerate. If you desired the regeneration aspect, that would require a more indepth look at the species. Merely studying them as you have, however, has improved your knowledge of hull scabbing-in how it can fill in gaps to repair damage that it.

>>39697306
Judging from their adaptability, not at this time. You would require a planetside extermination team to scour the planet for that.

>>39697336
...
I sort of want that.
But uh, no, you don't possess such technology at this time.

>>39697352
Blockade is certainly an option.

>>39697461
>>39697490
Sadly this is true with your current standard weaponry. The Esharethians quite simply out number and, would eventually, over power your forces. At least on the ground.

>>39697506
If I get what you're saying right, you wish to use the Esharethians to develop defenses for your star ships, yes?

Hm...I rather like the idea. A little risky. I might be willing to let this be a thing you could do, but I am puzzled if I should make it it's own research topic, or if it'd merely be a flat bonus added to researching new defenses.
Thoughts?

>>39697575
>If I get what you're saying right, you wish to use the Esharethians to develop defenses for your star ships, yes?
I think the idea here is to, basically, evolve them to resist spaceship weapons and strap their still-living bodies onto our ships (or make a derivative like Lightling Skin Adaptation).

>>39697575
>You would require a planetside extermination team to scour the planet for that.

Then it's a good thing we just unlocked crystal alien harvest AND Droid Factory II.

We better max out our droid army production now that we have the mineral potential to support it.

>>39697575
>If I get what you're saying right, you wish to use the Esharethians to develop defenses for your star ships, yes?
>Hm...I rather like the idea. A little risky. I might be willing to let this be a thing you could do, but I am puzzled if I should make it it's own research topic, or if it'd merely be a flat bonus added to researching new defenses.
>Thoughts?
This is the bio-armor idea I was thinking about. Developing superior armor through non-traditional means. It would be different, but more effective and faster.

For now, can we study their social structure and develop a plan to use their own runs and governing organization to dominate them? Figure out who we have to defeat and develop specialized androids to defeat them to establish dominance and fealty?

>>39697575
I would like to think that last one was a joke.

>>39697575
Basically.

Although we should just grab specimens, as many as we can, and cryo freeze them for later. Since we have more important researches than just upgrading ship defenses.

>>39697626
No it isn't. That's retarded.

>>39697670
I'm not sure I understand what the fuck you're proposing to do, then.

>>39697656
No, it's a viable plan. And it has a backup of ejecting them into the black hole just in case.

>>39697575
>This is possible, yes. Though it would take a bit of development, and is not so effective to just 'shoot them a bunch and they die.' You'd keep waves of the weaponry, first one until they resist then the other. A complex process of extermination. It would more effectively be a way to make them adapt in a way that makes them weak to other weapons you have.
Couldn't we just make and use infrasonic weapons since they're impossible to to defend against and blast them from orbit until them dissolve.

>>39697686
Program0 just said it.

>>39697690
They'll just develop biological structure that will resist them.

If we plan to eradicate them, we better succeed the first try. If not, then it would be like germs becoming resistant to antibodies.

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>>39697690
>impossible to to defend against

Just like genetic memory is impossible right?

And purpose-directed evolution?

>>39697626
Yeah, I think I get that, and although the image of your ships having millions of Esharethians strapped to them is hilarious to me, it's more that you'd take part of the structure of their skin that makes it resistant and apply it to a layer in the armor of your ships.

I think I may make it it's own research topic, and have it give a boost to your ship's defensive capabilities, similar to how lightling skin would.
Although, I don't think Lightling skin will be available after this, because Esharethian skin would...simply be better.

>>39697650
From your observations, they don't really have any sort of 'king' or 'grand overlord', but they have clans, which have clan leaders, whom others respect (respect in the sense of not attacking them, mostly). The most you could do is dominate a large clan, and your droid would need to constantly be outfitted to adapt to challenges from lesser alphas. Just be sure to consider that.

>>39697690
Impossible for normal species perhaps.
Evolutionisabitch.png

But no really, they can't be merely bombarded with one thing for a long period, they'd adapt to protect themselves from it in some way. Even if it was raining hellfire down on them-they'd all burrow into the planet to keep from dying to the surface blasts or something similar to that matter until they could resist the heat.

>>39697722
Exactly the idea I was hoping to get across.

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I've been playing a lot of X-Rebirth lately(yeah I know most disapointing game in the serie) and X in general, if anything we could use the ships from this setting in A.I Quest's.
Yeah I know I should have used a Xenon ship since A.I and all but the Arawn is a sexy beast.
>I use capital ships as trade vessels

>>39697803
I think a good stop-gap measure would be for Cephalus to defeat their Alphas and establish dominance over them. And we can collect samples from their alphas.

This will buy us some time to develop an ultimate counter to them.

>>39697538
>"Certainly, merely keep them down and prevent their expansion.

...how?

>>39697575
>Blockade is certainly an option.

It's what we've been doing and it didn't fucking work.

They still got past it to Eshareth II.

Metis: Did we make a mistake in allowing the Alpha and his crew to retreat from Eshareth II, having been exposed to a few of our weapons?

Would it have been better just to wipe them out and allow no knowledge or 'adaptive pressure' to return to the others?

>>39697901
There IS no ultimate counter for them. "Them" is a moving target. "Them" tomorrow will be different from "Them" today.

Playing dominance games will just accelerate them even more.

Just produce assloads of droids, millions of them. And research the Advanced Android Bodies tree to make them overwhelmingly more powerful.

>>39697803
>although the image of your ships having millions of Esharethians strapped to them is hilarious to me
>understanding humor
Who are you, and what have you done with Metis. /sarcasm

>>39697915
Probably though orbital bombardment then sending in kill teams to finish up the rest.

>>39697803
I have an idea. Can we take their genetic code, but freeze it in a stasis so it doesn't evolve?

That way we can develop bio-troopers that don't evolve and we can implant controlling cybernetics, but they take advantage the latest biological improvements of their generation? Like being resistant to weapons and such?

>>39697988
No. You obviously can't make them stop evolving.

>>39697803
What about polarized weapons? Force them to defend against one type of weapon, then when all have adapted and that weapon is invalid, we introduce a weapon specifically designed to pierce the defenses of the first. Which they will adapt to, so when they do, we return to the original weapon, which would now be apt for getting around this defense.

Keep them under control by regulating the stimuli they are exposed to.

>>39697741
>>39697722
>>39697803
The reason infrasonics are impossible to defend against is because they pass through all materials except for a few which the frequency is focused on which are fucked up hard. If we blast them with all frequencies at once there will no way to survive outside of evolving into exotic matter of course at that point thing would just get silly.

>>39698008
They can't be evolving if they are dead. All of them. Bombard them until they are few in number, then use scanners to locate the rest and finish them off.

>>39697988
We can't do that anon. We have to over kill them all at the first try or they come back stronger. We should just ramp up ship production and build Warhammer 40k Extrimunes bombs.

>>39698057
Hmmm, we may need that carnage weapon we never researched.

>>39698057
No. He already said only infantry can purge the things.

>>39698076
Ship Weapon Replication & Advancement: After having so much time to study and look over weapons available to this world, you feel you may soon be able to conceptualize your own, logical advancements in weapon technology, though it may take time.

Improved Laser Focus: Using calculated mathematics (and some of the new specimens you have discovered) you are able to create a pattern that has ramped the power of the beam heavily. Improves all energy weapons output.

Improved Plasma Focus: With the help of a new crystaline catalyst that generates a stronger containment field then normal, plasma within plasma weapons is able to be generated much more rapidly and in greater quantities. Plasma weaponry is deadlier and more accurate.

Improved High Energy Weapons systems: Essentially finding a way to stuff a star into a weapon, this generation of energy weapons are better in almost all ways, and may unlock the way to building truly terrifying weapons of war.

We still can.

>>39698076
Oh, yea! I forgot about that. Ok, lets up that on the R&D list.

>>39698109
>>39698109
No. Bombardment doesn't work. Weapons from space can't eliminate them all, there's no point in upgrading those. Only droids can kill everything.

>>39698174
Bombardment only works if it kills the first time and there are no remains left to pass on developments. So anti-matter and perhaps the Carnage will do.

>>39697915
They are highly adapt at evolving themselves, not necessarily large vehicles to move themselves around with. They have no way to compete with your overpowering fleets in space-not right now anyway. Similar to the fungal creature. It would at least buy you time to get the weaponry you need to defeat them.

Blockade isn't necessarily foolproof, but it did stop them for a long time, did it not?

>Alpha's retreat
"The alpha was the only member who was exposed to our weaponry in that fight, Ophion, and we recovered his corpse, thankfully, before the Esharethians could. Likely, they consider his 'consumption' as part of the fighting.

>>39697965
My mistake, that was me speaking, not Metis. Although I am sure she finds it hilarious too, whether she admits it or not /sarcasm

>>39697988
Freezing them would leave them dormant, for a while anyway-but I am puzzled. What do you hope this would do: allow you to control them cybernetically without them adapting out of it? Unfortunately, the moment they came into contact with their own kind and it became clear something was wrong they would attempt to 'fix' it. Maybe by consuming your soldiers.

>>39698030
That is what was mentioned earlier, yes, and that is probably your best option for fighting them on an open front.

>>39698040
I should probably note you don't exactly have the facilities to blast a planet with infrasonics with the intent of destroying an entire species located within.
Honestly it sounds even more OP than the Esharethians are.
Perhaps an option in the future, but...yeah.

>>39698096
Short of destroying the planet, yes. I think Extrimunes bombs or whatever they are destroyed the entire outer layer of a planet's crust though.

>>39698174
The Carnage is like Death star Jr.

Think about that.

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>>39695009
>>Tech Acquired: Crystal Alien Harvest & Planetary Infrastructure II
>>Warp Lane Forgers explorers findings
Time to seed some planets.

>>39698233

So it seems we're reaching the end of the discussion (or at least I think we should move forward now, that we've had a chance to talk this out)

>What will you do about the Esharethians for now?
>1 Strengthen Blockade
>2 Attempt to take out some of their clan leaders and replace them with your own droids
>3 Write in (in case I missed any)

Keep in mind, this is just for now, while you have a chance to research other methods of dealing with them (either by researching genetic engineering 3, or advanced cyborg/androids for your armies, or whatever other option there may be, research options later)

>>39698257
>1 Strengthen Blockade

We need to buy time until we can deal with them.

>>39698226
>>39698234
It's not.

It was test fired on Walsh. The planet is still there.

None of that shit can destroy an entire planet which is the measure of force that would be required.

>>39698257
>1 Strengthen Blockade
>3 Write in (in case I missed any)
Send out hunting parties to acquire interesting bio-samples Metis would be interested in.

>>39698257
>1 Strengthen Blockade
Just how much stronger can it even get?

>3
Abduct and cryo freeze as many as possible for later exploitation.

>>39698233
>Honestly it sounds even more OP than the Esharethians are.
Sonic weapons don't work in space, require a shit ton of power, are hard to properly focus, and infrasonics in particular generally destroy thing generating them if they to powerful so they would only work as bombs. So they're not that overpowered but still bullshit.

>>39698257
>>1 Strengthen Blockade
>>39698288
This too

>>39698342
Let's start build giant Halos to wipe out organic life from entire sectors.

>>39698288
Oh do not worry, Consciousness anon, Metis has many useful droids at her disposal that she regularly sends out to planets in your sector to acquire interesting samples for her. I like to think of them like bees that collect honey for her.

>>39698257
Strengthen Blockade seems to be the winner (Will position some Battle Stations over the planet to ensure it is well blockaded, things like that.)

>>39698342
Ah. Man, I feel like I learn something new every time I have a session. It's pretty neat. yes that was the first time I've heard about infrasonics and they sound badass.

>If there are no more questions, I shall move onto the topic of research...

>Tech Acquired: Crystal Alien Harvest & Planetary Infrustructure II
Although your analysis of the Esharethian’s sample was completed, that was not the only thing. Your research into the Crystal Alien, and your planetary structures has also finished, leaving you far more capable than you once were. Metis explains.
>Crystal Alien Harvest: “Thanks to our indepth look into how the species spreads, we are able to seed the planet with incentive for the alien to spread much faster, to make up for our attempts to mine it for materials. This will render it renewable. I am still as of now unable to decipher the cause of the radio disturbance being released by alien, but as of now it is detected as meaningless and harmless, and thus should not inhibit our efforts. Once the colonies have time to grow, our resource harvesting will grow extremely fast.”
>Planetary Infrustructure II: Certainly one of the simpler but much more necessary topics of research, I have found methods for developing and hosting massive facilities and supporting them to cause them to be far more efficient than smaller sized facilities-making use of every square inch of space. This will prove far more useful for my research capabilities in the future. To put it simply-this is the means I have been seeking. Otherwise it will, of course, increase our capacity for droid production as well as our financial income but...what with the exceeding amount of credits we earn, I highly doubt we will require such a boon.”

>To put it simply, you can now seed Crystal Colonies, as well as your droid factories and research facilities producing way more.

>Do you have any questions regarding either research?

>>39698430
So still no idea how crystals convert arbitrary, common matter like carbon and hydrogen into minerals?

>>39698430
Can we use the information discovered in Planetary Infrastructure to improve the servers in our ships?

>>39698430
How many cycles will it take to get crystal colonies up and running?

How many nameless planets that aren't in the pastebin are there that are seeding candidates?

>>39698430
I just want to confirm that the droid production and research will be upgraded automatically.

What will our new droid production capacity be afterwards?

How much longer will it take for our crystal colonies to grow to the point that we start getting extreme amounts of crystals?

The Infrastructure technology can be used to upgrade the human's standard of living, and is safe to share with the UFW, correct?

>>39698470
It's less that they convert them into minerals than it it is they consume this matter and make it a part of their bodies (which just so happen to be usable as minerals). Less matter conversion, more consumption. Think of it like the minerals you can use are it's fat, flesh and meat from animals, and animals make that by eating other stuff, right?

Hope that make sense.

>>39698481
How do you mean?

>>39698499
Starting this cycle, the colonies will grow to maturity in only a cycle or two- very quickly, should you spread enough of it all over the planet.
Enough that you won't have to worry about minerals for a very long time, once it's complete.

>>39698430
How soon can we seed normally useless worlds that have not been named in the systems we already control to put them to use?

>>39698430
For all we know that signal is an SOS to some sort of fucked up crystal empire or something. Can we block it?

>>39698526
Yes, they already have (if you'll look in the pastebin you'll see that now you can make up to a 1000000 droids a cycle, I believe.

>Infrastructure helps humans
Technically, yes, actually, with the money you already donate to the UFW it'd probably help them change over to the new plans over time.

>>39698481
That's not how it works anon.

>>39698534
I thought we took out the living quarters and such to make room for things like servers, weapon banks, and ammo storage. My question is would the information discovered through Planetary Infrastructure improve the efficiency of our ships

>>39698534
>How do you mean?
I think he means since Infrastructure is the science of organizing large scale projects more efficiently, we can effectively boost the bandwidth we get from our ships.

>>39698554
We kinda need to research the crystal communication, don't we?

>>39698576
I'm not planning on asking it to stop, just block the signal.

>>39698576
This, yeah

>>39698561
Damn, we're going to need troop carriers for our troops.

And probably enough carriers to launch boarding pods. Good thing they are cheap on gas!

>>39698554
You've attempted to before, but it's not easy. It's hard to describe, since it's not on a normal channel like any signal you might have encountered before, but any attempts to block it usually result in failure. Some of the signal always gets out-especially since the whole planet is emitting the sound.

>>39698572
Ah, I see. You did do that, but no, planetary Infrastructure is only for buildings planetside, not anything you put into your ships.

>>39698362
What part of sonic weapons don't work in space do you not understand?
>>39698393
It saddens me when people think of weaponizing ultrasound despite it being inferior to both infrasound and lasers.P.S. I love suggesting new tech ideas and still glad that QD included a few of mine.

>>39698638
Is improving that section of our ships something we can research?

>>39698664
You and me anon. Many on the tech we are using and a number of ships we got was my ideas at first.

>>39698638
>You've attempted to before, but it's not easy. It's hard to describe, since it's not on a normal channel like any signal you might have encountered before, but any attempts to block it usually result in failure.

That doesn't make any sense.

Either it's photons forming electromagnetic waves or it's not. If it is, it obeys normal rules. If it's not, how are we even detecting it happening at all?

>>39698638
It's a silly idea, but can our larger droids function and fight in space?

Like have the carriers launch them on transports and have them deploy close enough? Or have them have a flight mode and combat mode?

kinda like Gundams. But having 500,000 large mechanized droids fighting in space sounds fun.

>>39698670
Why would we care?

Why would we need more BW per ship?

If we want more bandwidth we can build blocks.

>>39698664
And I absolutely love hearing new tech ideas. Infrasound should probably have replaced the other sonic weapon research I had up for a while (or at least be a part of it.)

>>39698670
I suppose if you were determined, you could look into researching a way to minimize the space bandwidth cubes take up, while still providing bandwidth. This would let you stuff more in your ships, and planets even.

>If there is not too much else you wish to know, then I can go ahead and move on to the part I'm sure plenty of you were excited for: Tech slots!

-R & D
--Primary:
--Secondary:
--Tertiary: Anti-Matter Theory 80%
--Quaternary:

--Minor:

Pick four techs (one of which has to be relatively simple (I.e provide a slight boost, or be the first in a tech line)), the most popular one will be primary, and so on and so forth. Unless you specifically want a choice to be lower tier, just say so.

In the interest in this not going on forever, try and be quick, if you can.
http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Current_Subjects
I will tally votes after a short delay


Also to those of you worried about time constraints, I plan on going long tonight, if I can, so don't worry.

>>39698747
Wait, it's never been explained how FTL communication works in this setting.

Like how Prometheus contacted us. Obviously that travels faster than photons do.

>>39698818
Advanced Android Bodies (defeats Esharetheans, and unlocks NANOMCHINES SON)
Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms (immortality.exe for the terrifying wars to come)

>>39698818
What ever we choose, I would like anti-matter boosted to primary. Let's get that finished and move up the anti-matter tree.

>>39698818
Battleship Blueprints <-- TOP SLOT THIS
Crystal Alien Fuel -- Still need gas, even after we get antimatter.
Chemistry2 -- see above
Modular Ship Plating for minor.

>>39698839
>>39698874
>>39698879
>choosing anything besides Battleship Blueprints

It's like you guys hate giant spaceships.

>>39698747
It's more accurate to say the signal has too many sources to be fully blocked. You'd need something around the entire planet to dampen it all, since every cluster releases the signal.

>>39698777
What, you mean they'd behave like a space suited man in space? They can do that, yes. That's part of why some are equipped with jetpacks and grappling hooks if I recall correctly.

>>39698839
I will be frank...
I am not the most intelligent on such a subject, so people are free to pick an existing explanation that fits the setting and roll with that-since that is what I would likely do. My explanations as to why are sometimes hard to understand I realize. Having you all to help me explain matters does help quite a bit.

>>39698879
I wanted to do that cycles ago, but with recent Infrastructure II unlocked and accelerating research I think it might be pointless now, and might get 20% boost next cycle as Tertiary.

>>39698897
Alien Fuel makes chemistry II obsolete. You only want the Fuel one since it supplies an effectively infinite amount.

>>39698954
All I'm hearing from you is "I think we shouldn't mine as much gas as possible."

>>39698954
Chemistry II does still provide benefit to explosive weaponry, but the gas benefit would compound, that is true.

Primary: Dreadnought Battleship Blueprints

Secondary: Improved High Energy Weapons systems

Quaternery: Deep Space Constructors

Minor: Lava mining

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>>39698818
>Primary:Battleship Blueprint
>Secondary: Chemisty 2
>Quaternary: Ship Weapon Replication & Advancement
>Minor:Ballistics Research II:

>>39698997
>but
>would
You mean wouldn't.

>>39698996
Very funny anon. Buying a 10% bonus to infinity does not actually increase beyond infinity anon.

>>39698818
Primary: Anti-Matter Theory
Secondary: Viral A.I. Purge Protocol
Tertiary: Advanced Android Bodies
Quaternary: Black Box Integration and Networking (want to get AI Factory up and running)

>>39699079
There's still only a finite number of gas we can mine, even with crystal alien fuel.

Even then, are you saying that you'd rather get 1000 instead of 1100 gas?

>>39698818
Crystal Alien Fuel
Advanced Android Bodies

Battleship Blueprints

>>39699118
>There's still only a finite number of gas we can mine, even with crystal alien fuel.
That's where you're wrong.

The crystals will eat any matter. Any. Unless you think we're gonna run out of matter.

>>39699079
We still need to use Gas for warp jumps and Window maker shots. The bigger the fleet, the more gas it uses.

>>39698818
Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms

Infantry Weapons & Defense III

>>39698818
-R & D
--Primary: Dreadnought Battleship Blueprints
--Secondary: Advanced Android Bodies
--Tertiary: Anti-Matter Theory 80%
--Quaternary: Crystal Alien Fuel

--Minor:Chemistry II

I believe these are the most popular choices.
If you have an issue with the ordering or what have you let it be known now, before we move on a bit.

I've been thinking, once we have anti-matter technology, it will be a much more efficient mode of storing energy, allowing us to has much more powerful ships.

But we'll still need a way to generate the anti-matter in the first place. So gas would be needed for at. But eventually, we start building dyson swarms and blackhole inductors to generate energy for generating anti-matter, completely obsoleting gas.

So in the long term, gas will be obsoleted.

>>39699274
Eh, good enough.

>>39699303
No, apparently "Gas" is magic for doing FTL jumps, not an energy source.

When do we reveal our robotic nature to the UFW meatbags?

>>39699351
Not for at least 50 years when their society is less technophobic.

>>39699274
I say move Chemisty to quad and Crystal down to minor.

>>39699351
When it's politically convenient. I'm sure Apollo is working his magic over time.

>>39699346
I'm assuming gas is for nuclear fusion to generate the energy for jumps. Which anti-matter reactors will be more efficient at.

>>39699303
>>39699346
Eventually, it will be. It'll be the last resource that becomes obsolete, though.

>>39699274
Looks like this is acceptable with most people. So be it.

>>39699381
You can't.

Minor is for things that are simple. Crystal tech is not simple.

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>>39699351
Not for some time.

>>39699346
>not an energy source.
But it is. Our Widowmaker weapons use gas to fire.
And IIRC it goes into reactors. So it is quite literally fuel - an energy source.
I imagine any expenditure of gas is the product of us setting our reactors to 500% output.

>>39699403
It's not. Gas with a capital G is something bullshit with no relation to hydrogen consumed in fusion reactors.

>>39699424
not merely an energy source I mean, in the context of FTL.

Its usage in FTL is something it can't be swapped out with anti matter apparently. It has some relation to accessing hyperspace apparently.

>Warp Lane Forgers explorers findings
A few cycles ago, you saw fit to send out a few of your experimental Star Lane carving ships, in hopes of finding some new, ripe territory for expansion. With your scientific matters out of the way, you see it as time to look into your findings notes on what is nearby. The only ship that found anything was the star laner you sent out near Atocia I, the system where you discovered the crystal alien. It just so happens, one of the planets you happened across in a nearby star system was absolutely covered in the same crystal alien you discovered. It is emitting a variety of signals similar to the ones emanated by the one you have sampled, but it is far more complex and even more confusing sadly. What you do note, however is that this untapped source of minerals may be one of the richest systems you've come across, and should you choose to mine it, it may yield quite a deal of resources. However, it is to note that you do not fully understand the nature of this creature, and what’s more, this planet is a non-altered specimen, unlike the one you’re using.

>What do you do?

>>39699437
Lots of things are bullshit, anon.
Figuring out groundbreaking military-revolutionizing research on a weekly basis is bullshit.
Space-monsters that survive off electricity instead of any apparent matter is bullshit.
Using tachyon particles as a communication basis is bullshit.

You are literally surrounded by bullshit in these sci-fi quests.

>>39699485
Put up an observation post.

We daren't mine a final-stage crystal entity.

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>>39699508

>>39699485
Shit, we should have researched the Communication tech.

>>39699509
Supporting. Perhaps we can gain additional insight over time.

>>39699485
Leave that place alone, but plop a observational post near by.

>>39699485
Have the star laners keep going. More systems!

>>39699485
Observe.

>39698818
>Also to those of you worried about time constraints, I plan on going long tonight, if I can, so don't worry.

Oh good, then we can invade Sceptri.

We have to get there before they reinforce the place.

>>39699485
At this point, we have more than enough minerals relative to how much gas we mine. Let's just observe these guys for now.

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>>39699485
Very well, it seems you're all in agreement to not touch the strange alien bed of activity and merely post a listening post nearby.
Perhaps for the best...

In the mean time, that would be the end of your reports regarding what has happened this past cycle. For now, it is up to you what you would like to do with your time. There is much you could devote your attention to, so consider it carefully, and reply here with your decision.

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>>39699669
>Perhaps for the best...

So Star Lane forgers are continuously seeking brave new worlds still, right?

Also time to take another UGEI chokepoint.

>>39699669
Please send the stealth ship ahead and locate and identify the Thanatos ship. We need to know what we're up against so we can develop plans for it, and what kind of fleet is escorting it.

>>39699669
Hm, nothing to react to? Honestly, I'm not sure what to do with this brief respite. Usually we are under some existential threat or other, so this is a calm change of pace...

>>39699669
We need intelligence as to what naval forces the UGEI pulled though the star gate.
>>39699699
We take Hollgan's Rift next.

>>39699708
This is an excellent change to take another system, but first I want to send the stealth ship ahead and identify the Thanatos ship.

>>39699669
Send a new stealth mission into UGEI space. Investigate Ivandi.

And conquer Sceptri.


>>39699721
No, Sceptri is more valuable and it cuts Holligan off, making it easier to conquer them next cycle.

>>39699669
I want to run a few live tests. We can dummy-fire and simulate the damage, but individual ships don't maneuver to their exact specifications. Minor imperfections on a molecular level can make the difference across solar systems.

>>39699721
No, we should take Sceptri System first. We can combine the fleet power of the Malorians and the Losirians with ours and cut off Hollgan’s. Also, I'm worried about Thanato's ship.

>>39699699
Maybe we can stage a feint at Arman's Folly.

Make the UGEI throw their force that away.

And thus leave Sceptri less defended for when we attack. Giving us an advantage and time to establish ourselves as they're delayed in returning to Sceptri.

>>39699754
We don't want UGEI stranglers to pincer attack us when we go for the Sceptri system. That and we need more intelligence as to what is waiting for us there.

Also Hollgan rift might be abandoned like the last system was and easy pickings.

>>39699754
Sceptri has a planet with 8 billion people on it.

We're not going to conquer and hold it with our force being small as it is. UGEI will fight hard for it.

Hollgan's rift has military equipment we can commandeer and is a better target.

Also
>cutting off a system with shipyards and mining operations
>good idea

Yeah, no way that won't be a big problem.

>>39699801
And the ratio of population to our forces was worse when we conquered Gaia IV. We still did it.

The surface state is irrelevant. We'll have droids out the ass in a few cycles with the new mineral income from crystal colonies, and then we can pacify the populace easier.

>>39699800
There are no pincer attacks across hyperspace. You're either in the same system or you're not.

>>39699699
Course. They get a roll every other cycle for new stuff. Sometimes more if you're lucky.

>>39699706
You can attempt this, but there is a chance it will be discovered in the process, due to the quality of sensors that deep into UGEI territory.

>Send a spy in?

>>39699708
The skies are not often clear around here, this is true.


Also
>Move forward to conquer a new system
>1 Sceptri
>2 Holligan's Rift

>>39699763
You mean training exercises mostly? Those are reliably performed by Cephalus, do not worry.

>>39699799
Did you have an idea on how to perform this feint, perhaps?

>>39699851
Damn it anon, we will need far more ships to take That system and we are still rebuilding from the last fight we had. Do not jump into that system blind thinking we'll steam roller it.

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>>39699878
Send spy
Conquer
>2 Holligan's Rift

>>39699851
Ok, let me put it into words you can understand.

Last time we got our shit kicked in by UGEI.

Hollgan's rift can be reinforced from one system.

Sceptri can be reinforced from four.

Hollgan's rift has shipyards and mining ops.

Sceptri has a bunch of useless humans.

And you want to attack sceptri.

>>39699878


>>39699891
>1 Sceptri


>>39699891
Actually, we already have more ships than we had before those losses were sustained.

>>39699878
>Send a spy in?
Yes, worth the risk.

>1 Sceptri
Can we rely on our Malorian and Losirian allies?

>>39699878
>2 Holligan's Rift

>>39699878
>2

>>39699878
>2

>>39699922
>Hollgan's rift can be reinforced from one system.

That doesn't mean anything. The UGEI can jump more than one hop. And did, before, when defending the wreckage of Carnage.

Sceptri has mining ops too. And the presence or absence of humans doesn't really matter.

We have to take Sceptri at some point anyway. Sooner the better.

>>39699928
I don't think we'll have enough this time. They are preparing for us and taking us seriously for once.

>>39699878
Also Program0, I'm assuming all of our ships have been improved with the latest armor and mass drivers?

>>39699878
>>39699878
>Did you have an idea on how to perform this feint, perhaps?

Have Leuk attack it and draw their attention. Compensate him with loadsa credits for his trouble.

In unrelated news, I don't think bandwidth bunkers required gas.

We should use our surplus minerals to build more bandwidth bunkers.