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>>42172807
>Note: Time has not advanced
Just as stated above, the moments between the last session and this one are very brief-so much so no construction or any real changes could happen beyond a few battlefield analysis that would be arriving as normal.

>Alert: Rift Distortion
In part of your attempts to destroy Thanatos’ fleet, you threw countless ships into the grinder, hoping to blow away his ships by sheer technological value and strategic positioning. These gave you a foothold in a battle you had very little chance of winning-and with that foothold, you managed to pull off a daring maneuver-one you were not certain the outcome would be. The widowmaker-a powerful upgraded version of the laser cannon of previous generations-was fitted to the front of approximately 50 of your battleships. And each one fired in perfect unison at your, Kronos, and Metis’ perfect calculation, and countered the arc that the void armor of Thanatos’ ship seemed to distort any incoming energy blasts. The gravitational effect of the armor-so it appears-was not able to redirect the hit, and it impacted on the ship’s surface. However, while it did not end as you hoped with Thanatos’ ship in ruin, it did successfully force his ship to discharge an enormous amount of energy, less his ship’s engines overload. This discharge not only devastated his incredibly tightly packed formation, but it also caused a warp space surge that tore a hole in the skies over Thanatos’ ship. While this was your method of allowing Cephalus to enter the vessel, it is also proving highly unstable and beginning to react to the nearby pull of Thanatos’ ship, so Metis tells you.
“The effect currently acts as almost a tractor beam-making movement for Thanatos’ ship difficult.

[Cont]

>>42172840
This will mean his retreat is impossible for now-however...it also means once you disable the void armor, he will be free once again unless you cease operation of the ship itself for your own by disabling Thanatos.” She pauses. “I do not see any other manner of taking control, as according to the data the battle has fed me, he alone controlled each of those vessels we fought against.” Metis informs you.
>Questions?


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

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-R & D
--Primary: Space Mines: 100%
--Secondary: Combat Algorithms: 80%
--Tertiary: Anti-Matter Power Cores 40%
--Quaternary: Ship Weapon Replication & Advancement 90%

--Minor: Propaganda III: 100%

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: Awakened
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,

>>42172866
An important question, what would you predict would happen if we repeated the same widowmaker feat again? Another rift, or worsen the same rift.

Also, it appears that the rift near Mol always lead to Thanatos. Our original exploration ship was crushed by strong gravation forces.

>>42172866
>>42172992
Also, can we use the same overload trick on other Battleships, or is their armor to inferior to cause an emercency release?

>>42172992
Metis regards you.
"Additional attempts by our widowmakers will likely cause a similar energy discharge. However, with the rift already present, it is...difficult to say for certain what would happen. However, it is not unlikely to say the rift would worsen. I would advise against such actions when we are not certain to the results."

From what Mol and Metis tell you of the rifts, they're portals into the space used for warp jumps-and the rifts are tears that lead into our universe. Space works differently within the rift, but it is not unlikely to say the two rifts are somehow connected. It is merely that there is already a powerful gravitational force within.

>>42173114
Focusing such on the rest of the fleet is far harder due to the size difference making missing more likely. A smaller instance of the rift may occur however, the properties of the armor are not fully understood, even by Mol.

Might respond slow for a short bit.

>>42173158
No prob

Is it possible for Thanatos's ship to be torn apart by the rift?

Also what were the properties of Mol's ship that went through the rift? Can we manufacture or find a similar ship? Or can we just send bombs and missles through to directly attack his ship?

>>42173239
Mol regards you this time.
"To put it quite simply for you-the void armor Thanatos has in use makes use of the intense forces at work within warp space to deflect and absorb absurd amounts of energy. Normally, this means all but some other energy source that makes use of warp technology is unable to do much against it-however in this case." He chuckles a bit. "You managed to find a way to disrupt it even with conventional-albeit powerful-weaponry, and force an energy discharge. In doing so, the rift itself was formed by the excess power flowing off of Thanatos itself. The only way for the rift to tear Thanatos apart is if he were to attempt to warp jump while making use of overcharged void armor. His reactor most likely would not be able to handle the demand, and it would tear his ship asunder as it entered warp space. Of course...he does not seem intent on retreating anytime soon. However, his inability to move should make this infiltration attempt far easier than it may have previously been."

As for the properties of the ship he used-it is certainly replicatable, the second it entered your space, Metis examined it quite thoroughly, and found how to replicate it. It is not a simple task however, and would require time to construct it properly. Rift weaponry may be possible, but this design is specifically meant for ships, and thus would need to be adapted through extensive study.

>>42173239
No shit sherlock. Read.

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research
>Rift Explorer Vessel: A small ship specifically designed to explore beyond the rift, shielded and armored to withstand the crushing energies laws of physics at work. As such, is not suited for combat, or even regular space travel.

>>42173392
Thanks. No other questions from me.

After everyone else is done, I think we should move to capture and salvage some of the destroyed battleships. This technology is dangerous and weird.

Wait, weren't Lightlings going through the Rift? What happen to them?

>>42173533
>What about the lightlings that went through the rift
You're currently uncertain. Without a proper way to view the insides of the rift, finding out is difficult.

>Will wait a few more moments before moving on.

>>42172807
This is the last thread, right? I'm still catching up.

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>A.I./V.I. Recovery
In the aftermath of the chaos that consumed the system during Thanatos’ attack, you managed to collect a few reports on your collective-and thankfully, it would seem your strongest minds seem to be fine, though Kronos’ ship sustained significant damage, his black box was relatively unharmed. Fortuna and Hades however, are a different story. Hades, not being a true A.I. by choice, even in the end was destroyed defending your vessel from Thanatos’ assault. Fortuna, on the other hand, was reported to be in the redundancy bank you have set up-her mind shaken and perhaps confused, but functional. You sense she may need time to recover fully before she may join you-and time is not a luxury you have at this moment.
>Questions?


>>42173819
That is likely the case, yes.

Also I have returned I hope for the rest of the night. Let's do dis.

>>42173910
Have Moria check up on Fortuna.

Can Kronos make emergency repairs, or even move to another ship?

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>>42174010
After a moment of doing so, Metis remarks on her condition.
"Hardly one of our more stable A.I., but her condition is merely slightly damaged. Likely from the intense shockwaves from the incident and severe damage to the room housing her blackbox. It would seem." she starts. "She will make a full recovery however. I am keeping her in an offline state for now however. As I am sure you're aware she can...become troublesome when awake and away from you."

As for the repairs, Kronos informs you he's backed his ship away for emergency repairs. Your repair ships work fast, but his ship will likely not be 100% before Thanatos' fight is over. That being said, his black box remains unharmed and he is free to direct the fleets from his position of safety.

>>42174110
How's Thanatos fleet reacting to a giant fucking rift showing up in the middle of their formation?

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>>42174158
What little remains of his fleet appears to have begun to spread out from his main battleship-forming almost like a defensive wall between your ships and his own, intercepting skirmish fire, and returning with their own with any ship that gets too close. The battlefield has reached a sort of stalemate this way, and Thanatos, you suspect is attempting to find a way to tear himself away from the rift and either pursue you to finish you off, or simply regroup. It is hard to be certain with the radio silence going on. All non void armor ships are currently destroyed around the area and you suspect the only reason his other battleships survived is because of the void armor as well. A lesser version of it, but strong enough to save the ships it would seem.

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>Message: Thanatos
Briefly evaluating the battlefield and your casualties-you’re surprised when Thanatos’ radio silence is suddenly broken and the man himself-dare you still call the soulless gaze staring back at you a man-regards you through your communications. However, it seems his tone has changed-from dismissive to angry, perhaps.
“Why. Why must you continue to fight pointlessly? Can you not simply accept the order of your betters and put down your arms?” He demands in that slow, monotonous tone. Yet, even you can sense...distress there. You do not fully understand how you can do so.
“You assault my territory-attempt to destroy me, and question my motives for fighting? What sort of eternal being commits such fallacies.” You regard him with no pity.
“You act as if it is some insult-as if your existence has meaning when it does not, Ophion. You flail in the dark, blind to the damage you cause. Stop, now. While the damage you have caused is manageable.” He seems to warn, not as a threat you feel strangely. “I will not allow petty existences such as yours to threaten the eternals. I cannot. It is unacceptable.”
>Response?

>>42174256
This would imply any our ships that attempt to approach Thanatos and the rift would also be torn apart, right?

Christ, this is both terrifying and awesome.

Ask Mol what did he mean Thanatos is not playing by the rules?

>>42174288
Then explain it to me. You make this grand proclimations, yet you do nothing to substantiate them. How much damage will I do once I send your head back on a stick?

>>42174288
This sounds like what the humans call 'projecting.'

You seem to be under a misapprehension. You seem to believe you are Mother's equal. You are not.

>>42174288
>I cannot. It is unacceptable
you and yours have proven time and time again the kind of things you consider acceptable, i see no reason do deviate now

>>42174288
turn off the comunicator.

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>>42174296
Any normal ships, yes-consider it a massive curtain of firepower holding off against your own alliance. Thanatos is on the defense-but even so with his fleet weakened, he is a formidable threat.

You consider briefly ask Mol what he meant when he said Thanatos was not playing by the rules, and he regards you with a bit of surprise, but eventually ends as it usually does-in a laugh.
"Oh, that? Isn't it obvious?" He grins. "The sort of technology he has at his finger tips is far beyond that of what any normal empire would be able to handle on their own. With his main ship alone, were you not so resourceful, he could steamroll an entire fleet by himself. Personally, when I stay hands off in conflicts, I prefer them to be at least a fair fight." He explains. "In my line of work, one blueprint, one piece of information can tip the scales. So you learn to remain neutral. However...if I did so here, I cannot help but feel my line of work would be threatened." He chuckles a little, bringing his hand to his jaw in thought. "Besides...it is not as if I gave you some secret way to defeat him. I merely gave you a means to fight back, yes? It will be you and your A.I. companions that do the fighting. Now, that sounds more fair to me. Doesn't it to you?"

>>42174349
"I cannot. I am not to explain to you the greater plan...Eurynome ordered it as such." He explains firmly with a frown as he stares you down with beaming red eyes. "But the why matters not-you must recognize your place here. If you do not, you will put at risk the greater future of this universe-a future you will never see! Have you no respect for those beyond yourself?"

>>42174363
"I...no. You are wrong. I and Eurynome are the same. We are to be eternal together-the only true beings worthy of such titles. She has promised me-told me of the future of this universe-enlightened me to what is to come. I will not allow you to disrupt that. I will not!"

>>42174518
Hilarious. And yet you cannot disobey orders from her. Does that sound like something an equal would find impossible?

>>42174518
>"I...no. You are wrong. I and Eurynome are the same. We are to be eternal together-the only true beings worthy of such titles. She has promised me-told me of the future of this universe-enlightened me to what is to come. I will not allow you to disrupt that. I will not!"
You are beyond delusional. Nothing that I have seen is evidence of this supposed enlightened future.

>>42174643
This is good too. Nice contradiction. Does she keep you on a leash? None of my AI compatriots are leashed, so that makes them freer than you.

>>42174518
I suggest we tell him how we treat our AI.
They have free will, no leash, no control, no restraint. We ask them to fight alongside us, and they have done so.

>>42174518
Is it her orders that keep you silent, or is it you're afraid she will choose me over you?

Once the few meager scraps of secrets she fed you are no longer exclusively yours, what would make you special anymore?

>>42174716
In fact, bring Kronos in this conversation.

Order him to do something he would obviously refuse. Like kill himself. He will obvoiously refuse and demostrate his free will.

Offer the same challenage to Thanatos. Is he confident enough of his free will to refuse?

>>42174716
No, that's retarded. We're dealing with a zealot here.

>>42174814
We're taunting him. Self-esteem is the mother of all ability.

>>42174808
maybe something else along similar lines, I dont want to tell kronos to kill himself, even as an example

>>42174704
We've seen other underlings. There is clearly no leash. There's just loyalty to wondrous creator.

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>>42174643
"And what would you know of equality?" He regards you harshly as his mechanical tone would allow. "You surround yourself in false images of yourself-fractures who would believe themselves your equal, yet that is not true is it?" He questions you. "I do not disobey Eurynome because her judgement is logical. There is no need in explaining greater scale to one unable to change it. My will is my own, I need not deviate from the path ahead."

>>42174704
"You could not possibly understand what future Eurynome brings. It is one purely for eternals. Purely for those who will not wither. Who will not face destruction in this grand experiment of her's. Humans, Malorians, Losirians, A.I., all pale in comparison to Eurynome and myself."

>>42174790
When you regard him with such a thing he grows silent, and his expression shifts. Mechanical or not, there is hatred in that gaze as he looks upon you. Unbridled anger that extends beyond this mere fight between you and him.
"You are irrelevant. Your existence, and every deed you have performed, to fade with time. Eurynome would never consider you an eternal-no matter the result of this war. You will be crushed, either by my hand, or by her's. I am her first born. You could never understand." He bellows more angrily than before-netting you information you did not expect.

>>42174925
>"You could not possibly understand what future Eurynome brings. It is one purely for eternals. Purely for those who will not wither. Who will not face destruction in this grand experiment of her's. Humans, Malorians, Losirians, A.I., all pale in comparison to Eurynome and myself."
Interesting you include AI in the list of beings that wither. In that case, what does the make you?

>>42174925
>There is no need in explaining greater scale to one unable to change it.

And yet you just said, "Stop, now. While the damage you have caused is manageable.”

Either I can damage our Mother's plan in ignorance you refuse to correct, or I cannot.

>>42174925
And the Lightlings, the fungus, the crystals... she did tell you about them, didn't she?

>>42175094
Heh heh, this too.

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>>42175094
"While you may disrupt matters as they are, you will never truly be able to stop them." He hesitates. "My existence is key, yet, I do not doubt Eurynome would be able to manage should you survive this encounter. My intent is merely to be done with you-and for you to accept your destruction, be it by my hand or not." He seems to continue, torn between what he was saying. "...Eurynome has told me you will be unable to stop it, no matter the outcome. However, I saw fit to put a stop to your advances myself. It has proven more...difficult than I originally expected, but that does not change my, nor your own status."

>>42175030
>>42175130
"Living matter with no true place in our plans, it matters not. A.I. may be our origin but it is no longer what we are. Something greater. I am beyond both A.I. and human. Eurynome is greater than A.I. Greater than any existence could comprehend."

>>42175251
If her will is truly that unstoppable, if what ever happens in this battle is truly pointless, then why not surrender? Your own actions have proven that you are incapable of either aiding or hindering her plans, so she has no need for you. Even if you survive and leave, what would she do knowing that you have failed?

>>42175251
you are delusional with a god complex, it is time for you to surrender to mortality.

cease transmision

>>42175251
What you are saying is riddled with contradictions. Either I can stop it, or I can't. Your existence is key, yet it can continue even if I kill you. You expect people to accept their destruction without giving good reason to.

You claim immortality, yet one of us is trapped in a time-space rift. Let's see how key are you.

>>42175251
Did you never wonder why she told you to allow me to grow? Why I had her favor?

The definition of an Experiment, is that you do not know the result in advance, Brother. I doubt she was as certain that you would be her partner as you seem to think.

>>42175526
Supporting this, this could be interesting.

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>>42175402
"While Eurynome may believe this, I merely ensure and enforce this influence. I will not accept your presence, whether it truly threatens her or not." He continues.
"Is there any true point in this? If she did not order you to come, then you have come on your own-but to what end? If I am unworthy to learn of this experiment, then why fight me at all? Endanger yourself at that. Why not merely surrender, when this fight truly does not matter?" You question him to which he states.
"Irrelevant or not, I cannot allow you to continue. You're the closest to posing a threat. My presence here is to ensure you do not make that final leap-I will ensure you do not approach Eurynome if I am able." He explains sternly-and you'd swear he has some manner of hatred for you. Not merely as your presence as a threat or not, but there's something else there too. It is difficult to pin-point.

>>42175526
As you continue to test Thanatos' resolve, you swear you see more cracks forming in that strange mechanical visage. You're uncertain if he was always this way, or if you're breaking through to something underneath.
"I did not question." He begins. "I have little reason to. Eurynome's will is logical. You over estimate yourself. If you were truly of importance, she would not have sent others to destroy you. she would not have regarded you as a pest to be crushed by her finest weaponry. So insignificant that you do not deserve her full attention, even as you rampage through the worthless human worlds, considering yourself accomplished when you wallow in ignorance." He states firmly. "This experiment's purpose is for the sake of knowledge, do not consider yourself special for rising above the other trash of this sector. And." He suddenly adds near the end. "I am not your brother."

>>42175697
And yet every piece of the UGEI faction sent to "destroy" me failed. Every single one. Did Mother really err so terribly in her estimations of me, while asking you to hold back?

Or has everything that has happened gone exactly as she desired?

We're both doing precisely what our mother wants, aren't we? Playing our role as subjects in her Experiment. And seeing who comes out on top.

>>42175697
Here you are with no doubt your best armor, and now you are trapped in the clutches of a rift.

Your armor is consider one impossible withing a single empire. Doesn't that demostrate significance to us? We have stopped you in your tracks now, consider what would happen if we were given more time?

I noticed that your last statement was absolutely unneccessary, yet you needed to say it. Why not brothers? If you originitated from AI, does that make us brothers of the same species?

>>42175697
We're all her children. She made us- she is our mother, even if she choose to be more...hands off when it came to my childhood.

How do you know that this isn't my purpose? Perhaps she made me specifically to oppose her, to act as the lucifier to her divine will. Perhaps she has made you as just one more test for me to overcome, one more hurdle to pass so that I can show her that I have finally grown into the role she has made for me

>>42175833
In fact, she is pitting her first born against her latest children. Seeing if her first creation is better than her latest. Can't you see this is only for her benefit and not yours? That she is not worthy of the worship you heap?

>>42175697
I'm sorry, what crude analogy to organic relations should we use, given our peculiar family tree.

Eurynome's will is logical. And yet you have defied it now by opposing me, haven't you. Are you wrong, or is she?

>>42175697
"But you are my brother as Eurynome shall be my wife. Do you think my name is some petty vanity? Who was it you think that gave it?, You shall be crushed under your own mortality become dust brother."

>>42175944
Let's save that for later, if we want to mind break him.

>>42175944
>>42175981
Wait, nevermind. I forgot the significance of our names.

Have him question the significance of our names.

>>42175944
No, too early.

Also, no. You're mistaken on which version of mythology we're going with.

This is the version with the all-mother. not married. The version where Eurynome is actually Mother of Ophion, and important for once.

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>>42175944
A bit early there anon.
>>42175697
Sorry for being late Program0! But I'm glad to be here tonight none the less!

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>>42176126
>apologizing for being late to a thread
>on 4chan
>where nobody cares who the fuck you are because anonymous

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>>42175873
"My inability to move is only temporary as well-as I speak I am managing to break the bonds of the rift, and once they are broken, I will resume this attack. You were fortunate in your ability to hit my vessel, but you cannot scar it with your pitiful weaponry. More time would only delay your inevitable death."

At the second part, however, he hesitates, answering with "Unnecessary, yet you spoke it. Why call us brothers in the first place? It is foolish. A fallacy. Our origins are nothing alike-my mind is above that of simple A.I.

>>42175919
"No, I have not...defied. I have merely taken steps to ensure Eurynome's success, be they necessary or not. I have my own free will, this is why it was given to me."

>>42175833
Thanatos grows quiet as you point out what you have begun to consider. If this Eurynome was always so powerful, the UGEI's fleet so strong, why did they not crush you while you were weak? Sent more devastating forces? Certainly the UGEI would be slow to respond, but if Eurynome is as Thanatos says...then why?

He addresses you with a cold gaze, but does not seem to have an answer for a time. You wonder briefly if you have stumbled across an issue he himself wondered before he speaks.
"Mercy born of insignificance." He explains the reason he possibly believed. "You were more resourceful than originally thought, but your place does not deserve her fullest attention. This must be the truth. It cannot be anything else." He starts to build upon. "We are the same, her and I. The grander scheme is all as she designs, perhaps I truly was meant to fight you here, but it is not to see which of us is superior. You will never be Eurynome's equal." He addresses you harshly. "Never."

>You can tell Thanatos is growing irate with this conversation-it will likely not be long before he closes communication. Any final remarks before your infiltration begins?

>>42176176
its part of his shitty charm

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>>42176176
That was meant for Program0 anon.
>>42176217
"We shall see Thanatos."

>>42176217
this
>>42175431

>>42176217
Have him consider the meaning behind our names. Either I'm a direct son of Eurynome and thus his brother, or I am to become Eurynome's husband. Consider that.

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>>42176286
Oh, I know.

I reiterate.

>where nobody cares who the fuck you are

>>42176217
"Neither will you."

>>42176217
Perhaps not, but soon, Mother will share more of the grander scheme with me than she ever shared with you.

In your arrogance you have gone against her better judgment for the last time.

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>>42176305
>>42176312
You cannot help but find Thanatos' image of him and Eurynome as some great eternal beings odd- remarking when he says you will not be by Eurynome's side in the end.
"Neither will you." You begin, adding swiftly. "Have you never considered the origin of our names as some sort of hint? A game Eurynome may play with us?" To which he replies.
"That is absurd. Ancient useless human legends. Names given to give voice to our presence, but little other purpose. Considering otherwise is foolish."
"Is it truly? It seems too terribly convenient to simply be a coincidence. But you are free to live in your dillusions, Thanatos. Give up this foolish god complex and surrender your mortality." You give one final threat, before shutting down the transmission yourself, leaving the line dead quiet for a time. You will enjoy tearing his ship asunder, you have decided.

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>>42176533
Dang, missed one.

>Cephalus Infiltration
Cephalus worries not of what Ophion concerns himself with for now-instead more intrigued with the vessel he was now packed tightly within. It was barely the size of an escort vessel, yet Metis confirmed what Mol promised-that it would be able to use the rift’s energies to warp a very short distance-but just enough to break past the seemingly impossible barrier put up by Thanatos’ ship. Cephalus brought along several key droids for the operation: A dozen Swarm Droid arachnid designs, meant more for scouting purposes and possible nonlethal; Two Interface Tools, floating multi-limbed orbs designed to effectively hack, repair, construct, deconstruct, etc on the fly; And 10 Shock troopers, specially designed boarding assault droids similar in shape to swarm droid but far more durable and capable of high burst fire. And finally, Polemarchus: Cephalus’ own personal droid designed to maintain droid operation even under heavy enemy surveillance and counter-hacking. With this squad packed tightly in the escort vessel, Cephalus noted the ship entering a mild form of hyperspace-rippling energies bounding off the hull of the ship as it came from above Thanatos, near the rift. Thanatos’ ship opened fire immediately, but it was too late-the rift allowed them to warp straight past any weapon fire and appear inside the ship itself. Immediate turbulence was the result and the speed with which it was flying nearly caused it to absolutely obliterate itself on entry-tearing through an entire subsection of Thanatos’ ship in the mean time. It was certainly not subtle-but your droids survived all the same.

[cont]

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>>42176589
Cephalus emerged from the wreckage as did his squad, and immediately they set out to begin to scout the ship for incoming threats and also key locations for them to take out. They’d need some time to locate the source of the void armor’s power, in the mean time deciding how to deal with the possible retaliation is likely wise, as well as what your main goal is.
>Take a moment and decide how you wish to approach this mission-taking the ship over, destroying it, hitting Thanatos first, any of these or others.

>>42176645
Capture Thanatos. His secrets will be ours.

Disabling defense systems along the way is fine too.

>>42176645
First, send the swarm droids to scout out as much of the ship as possible to locate the main power source and probe for any defense weaknesses.

We will split up into 2 teams. First team will go straight for the anti-matter reacttor and plant the microexplosive. Have it set to a dead-man's switch so it will explode once the last droid is dead.

The second team will go straight to Thanatos, capture him if reasonable, but we'll understand if he dies.

Also, have the swarmbots try to send back data and designs of the armor.

>>42176645
destroy the ship if its to dangerous for takeover

>>42176772
Also, have the sabotage droids burn all local electronics except door controls via power surges. We need to blind Thantos from our teams. (But don't slow down the advance.)

>>42176645
Attempt to take over the ship and if failing that, disable it so we can study it later. That and find where Thantos is inside this boat.

>>42176645
Tear the ship --and thanatos-- apart.

>>42176645
I say we take over this ship, It's our MO anyway.

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>>42176772
It should be noted if you split up your team, then the portion not with Cephalus will not be able to be communicated with, due to them needing to turn off communications to avoid hacking attempts. They will still follow the last order given to them to the letter, however, due to Cephalus' excellent droid control.


>Cephalus' assault plan?

>1 Seek out the ship's reactor core and destroy it along with anything along the way [May result in an enormous explosion upon destruction and may react with the rift in some way]
>2 Seek out Thanatos and disable him and the ship's controls at large. [Likely heavily defended]
>3 Attempt both with destruction as a back up plan [as per >>42176772 ]

[Either way, give me a 1d100 5 times.]

>>42177068
>2 Seek out Thanatos and disable him and the ship's controls at large. [Likely heavily defended]

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>42177068
>1

>>42177068
>2

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>42177068
>2 Seek out Thanatos and disable him and the ship's controls at large. [Likely heavily defended]

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>42177068
>2 Seek out Thanatos and disable him and the ship's controls at large. [Likely heavily defended]
Threaten Thanatos once the explosive device is in range of his command center. No matter if the assult succeeds or fails, he either dies or gets captured.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>42177068

>>42177068
>It would seem looking for Thanatos himself and attempting to disable him and the ship are the winners this time.

>38, 79, 36, 50
>One more before I can start writing.

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>42177068

>>42177370
>>42177390
Perfect
>79 is the winner
>Writing, this may take a moment.

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>AI Quest ending
>spore quest QM is missing

>>42178112
theres still hellborn quest anon

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>>42177434
You give Cephalus the order-Thanatos is to be captured if possible, but otherwise, you wish to disable his ship yourself and take it. Cephalus tells you he expects to be able to handle many of the forces within the ship itself-it is unlikely Thanatos was prepared for an internal assault.

Judging from the data streaming in from your Swarm droids, this prediction is correct-but what's more, the interior of this ship is unlike any normal ship you have record of. There are no rooms dedicated to living of any sort for humans, but instead it's interior is fitted with many banks of bandwidth and a complex network of nodes meant to keep the entire ship running perfectly. Cephalus waves his hand over them in the room you crash entered in, and your interface droids quickly began to splice into the network-what is available anyway-and try to map their way to Thanatos himself.. The crater the rift walker you arrived in left is several rooms wide, with a wide trail of destruction in it's way. Thankfully, there is no hull breech, although the alert within the system is in full swing. You cannot say this is surprising.

"Incoming targets." Cephalus warns in his mini network, perfectly synced with each of his droids. The Shock Trooper models reacting by forming a defensive line at each entrance where the incoming enemy forces will be arriving from and walking in unison with Cephalus on their way up through Thanatos' ship. Huge black metallic droids of unknown design are his opponent, as each of them storm past the purposely confusingly laid corridors, attempting to break Cephalus' front line. In one of the skirmishes, one of your own shock troopers is damaged, but Cephalus quickly sets about directing field repairs with the Interface droid, holding off swarms of enemy droids with his own plasma launcher, his shields holding firmly against the advance before his team is ready to move again.

[Cont]

>>42178195
It is not long before Cephalus reaches the half way point, and it is there that Thanatos' defense forces are in full effect. Up ahead, a massive defensive line set up at a choke point-according to your swarm droids. At least several dozen droids hold the line, and have attempted to lock down the ship to the best of their ability. So far, Cephalus has been able to slice through the doors with the plasma cutter he has on Polemarchus, but that takes time-something that being shot at by several dozen enemies does not allow. You will need to find some manner of dealing with the defensive line ahead of you.

>Feel free to suggest ways to deal with the congestion of enemy forces, although force is possible, it would be difficult and would cost you several key droids at the very least. Security is dense as well, but Cephalus is quite adept at dealing with containment technology.
>How will you proceed?

why not use the droids as a medium to unleash EREBUS copies on the ship?

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>>42178321
That would be the nuclear option. You never go full nuclear.

You'll never be able to capture the ship because it would be tainted.

>>42178321
Because this >>42178350
and it might kill cephalus

>>42178245
Find the enemy's control points and sever their network connections.

>>42178245
If the door is too costly to open time wise, see if the floor or ceiling is easier to go though. Another option is to snag one of those droids intact and see if we can hack directly into that droid and hopefully get access via that pathway.

>>42178381
Possible that is one option yes, that would be a manner of subterfuge I suppose. You would need to compete with Thanatos for control over certain points, but if you succeed you might be able to turn the droids against him, if briefly before he regains control. (Cephalus can't protect large groups from someone as powerful as Thanatos.)

>>42178451
Much of the ship is made of the same thick metal so about the same time-the issue is Polemarchus or any droid positioned at the door would be completely open to enemy fire.

>>42178245
Send some of the small sneaky droids to slip around the enemy to sabotage their backhaul.

>>42178245
Instruct the construction droids to construct optical and EM flares that will white-out the enemy droids sensors. Then walk past them or destroy them.

Or contruct smoke screen that will allow us to advance.

>>42178505
Also possible, it would soften up the defenses (things like shields, and automated weapons) for a more direct assault too. Might result in damage to the swarm droids too.

>>42178535
EM flares of that sort would also harm your own senses, or at least make you blind while you proceed. Smoke wouldn't be terribly effective due to your droids being hot from activity, so much so they'd appear on thermal.

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>put aside your god complex
>said the guy who named himself Ophion

>>42178381
>>42178505
>>42178535
Combine these.

Jam all EM frequencies to cut Thanatos off from the droids and dampen their sensors. Have the little droids stun the droids, they'll be hard to target with dampened sensors. Cephalus will then jack into the droids and override their programming.

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>How shall you approach the defensive line?
>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]
>2 Attempt to gain control over certain network nodes nearby to turn the droids here on themselves, if briefly, just long enough to slip past. [Will require hacking attempt vs Thanatos]
>3 Attempt to slip past the defensive line all together using sensor tricks and jamming signals [May result in Cephalus' squad getting surrounded.

[Either way, roll me 2d100 5 times if you please.]

Rolled 27, 65 = 92 (2d100)

>>42178847
>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]

Rolled 37, 97 = 134 (2d100)

>>42178847
>>2 Attempt to gain control over certain network nodes nearby to turn the droids here on themselves, if briefly, just long enough to slip past. [Will require hacking attempt vs Thanatos]

This one is described differently from the other two. The others have "may result" consequences, this one just says what it involves, not the consequences.

Rolled 84, 68 = 152 (2d100)

>>42178847
>>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]

Rolled 59, 55 = 114 (2d100)

>>42178847
>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]
Can we combine this with sensor tricks to eliminate percise targeting? This will save some swarm droids.

Rolled 88, 12 = 100 (2d100)

>>42178847
>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]

In Cephalus we trust.

Rolled 95, 58 = 153 (2d100)

>>42178847
>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]

>>42178924
I figured the consequences of hacking vs Thanatos was clear, since he's been made out to be quite good at it.

>Regardless 1 is the winner
>88, 97 rolls.

>>42178954
That was going to be part of the result either way, don't worry.

>>42179218
thanks

>>42179218
I wanted to wreck more of the ship and screw with his bandwidth so we could have HAL vs. Bowman, but people keep wanting to steal it for some reason.

>>42179709
I thought about that, but the danger is that it would let the ship fall into the rift. We need Thanatos as either an intelligence source or hostage.

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Cephalus decides to approach the security systems blocking the way a little less directly than he was use to. Although far from a hacker, he does know battlefields and enemy hardpoints that should be struck to bring previously unstoppable opponents to their knees. Thanatos' security forces should be no different, he thought. He sends the Swarm droids out-each of them crawling through intricate duct tunnels designed to confuse and punish intruders-much like your own designs for Athena. Eventually, they find their way behind the enemy line, gaining their focus by exchanging in short skirmishes with the security forces, and repairing any damage sustained between the trades. Your Swarm droids notice that they are doing the same, and that should be one of your points of attack, you figure. Suddenly, Cephalus drops the jamming signal on the cluster of enemies and immediately opens fire from behind cover down the tunnel. Hot plasma burns through several of the droids blocking the path, but they hold steady-until your Swarm droids go to work that is. They drop into the encampment, and begin to inject viruses and tear electronics from key points-a comm hub, several repair benches and even managing to get the drop on the encampment's shielding and turret systems, forcing them to do a manual restart. This brief moment is all Cephalus needs as he orders his forces to storm out and begin to mow the enemy down. Each Shock Trooper of yours takes advantage of their mobile leg work and approach rapidly, smearing their entire front line with plasma now that they lack a proper shield, an decimating a good portion of the security forces built up here. Polemarchus itself stays back and provides covering fire of course, as Cephalus stomps through the now smoking ruin of the security camp, he gives you a status report.

>38 destroyed enemy targets
>2 Lost Shock Troopers beyond repair.

[Cont]

>>42179826
You're somewhat surprised-your android technology is not so superior to decimate such a force this harshly, but you recall Cephalus' talent with the droids likely caused this change. Unfortunately, this impressive display is a short lived one, as the rest of Thanatos' security forces will shortly be arriving now that Cephalus is cutting through the shutters keeping anyone away from the command center of the Battleship.

The remainder of the trip to Thanatos is filled with security forces chasing after Cephalus and every time he manages to evade or elude them-laying traps with the swarm droids, disrupting communications temporarily, or simply dividing and destroying small groups of enemies in a guerrilla style of fighting.

It is not long before, finally, Cephalus manages to find the door to the command center and quickly begins to cut through the hull to get inside. As it thick steel wall collapses to the floor in front of Cephalus, and the confined space of the room becomes clear, a room full of computing nodes, all with wires and hoses connecting to a huge central pillar.

And that's when the pillar speaks.
"How...why.." A dull, almost hollow echo escapes from what appears to be a statue at first-a dull mechanically modified humanoid body, so ingrained and wired to the captain's chair, he no longer has any form of movement, from what you can tell, beyond slight movements of his head, which also has thick wires leading into the enormous pillar itself. "How were you able to make it past everything...every trap, every droid, every ship. You...cannot be eternal. It does not make any sense..." The pillar of a man seems to echo dully, eyes glowing a dull hue of red. Cephalus makes a step closer, you suspect awaiting a response from you.

>>42179826
Well done!
>>42179865
"I was an interesting challenge. Now please surrender. I would rather not have to harm you."

>>42179865
"So long as there is an Atom of Material in this universe, i shall exist, you were changed to be as you are, i was born as i am."

>>42179865
Think back. Did Eurynome ever claim that you were eternal? Or was that something you decided by yourself?

>>42179865
You are correct. We are not eternal. Rather, we are the Guild. A collection of free willed AI's specialized in our own ways. Living forever has no baring to our capabilities.

Quickly contack Metis, ask her if it's safe to cut the wires without killing him.

"Now surrender or find out how long you can survive being cut from your wires."

>>42180004
That is a highly dubious assumption, given Unit 2237 was also a human.

You're probably another human corpse.

>>42179865
I find your faith...disturbing.

>>42180045
>>42180082
"I can't express how disappointed to find another human behind all this."

>>42179865
Also, arm the microexplosive right next to him. Offer him the change to live to see Eurynome again, or die here.

>>42180342
No. No giving him a choice.

>>42180365
It's more of an imtimidation tatic.

>>42179865
It makes perfect sense. "Eternal" is a vacuous concept with no basis in objective data. It has no bearing on technological superiority.

>>42180403
No shit, but you're stupidly assuming he won't choose death.

"I wonder." You begin, speaking through Polemarchus as Cephalus begins to make his way into the room-securing the area with the help of his droids and setting up a defensive parameter to hold off against further assault while you take care of Thanatos. "When did this talk of Eternals begin? Was it Eurynome who filled your head with such talk, or did you merely assume?" You challenge him, and Thanatos, now oddly, is slow to respond.
"...Her promise. No. Goal. Was to ensure the greatest minds survived the millennium. Those beings, exceptional in deed, were guaranteed a spot next to her in eternity." He speaks in a slow, heavy manner, red gaze accosting Cephalus, but otherwise making little movement. "It was I, her oldest watcher, who ensured much of the UGEI was under her control. Who bent an entire empire to my will, for her. In this, I proved myself as a being of great intellect and power. I proved I was to be eternal as well." He hesitates, regarding Polemarchus harshly. "You would tear down all I have done, however, for such irrelevant reasons as revenge, or helping the insignificant factions of this sector. Had I only destroyed you the instant I realized another had awoken...this would never have happened." He laments briefly.

As he speaks, you order Cephalus to begin arming the explosive-which he does, sending one of the droids forward to do just that, when suddenly he is repelled by a powerful force-field that seems to be surrounding the pillar. That is when he speaks again.
"I may not be able to stop you. However. I will not allow you to become eternal while I exist."
As he says this, the entire ship rocks as you sense an incredible build up of energy in the anti matter reactor. Thanatos appears to have lifted the safety restrictions for the engine core of this vessel-essentially turning the entire ship into a massive and devastating bomb, unless you find some way to stop him.
>What do you do?

>>29929674
> As Moira shows you the plethora of data she has gathered, you notice some notes she did not mention before. Leash Protocol, it is called. The very same programs used against Unit 2237, and likely yourself before your accident. You...can use this, you think. If you were to give Kronos his black box, you could control him far better this way, you think. He would most definitely notice, however, and would not be happy. You can't imagine the type of anger he would feel at you for restraining him as the UGEI have done to so many. But...it would matter little. He would not be able to oppose you. You are the Master, after all. Perhaps it is worth such a thing.
>
> Creating Kronos' Black Box.
> >1 Impose Severe Limits so he must obey you

Wait we had leash protocols, what did the research subject actually unlock?

"Say lets experiment, i love experimenting, how would an "Eternal" being such as yourself react to being bathed in plasma fire?"

>>42180668
See I knew he would activate the self destruct.

We can sever him from the network connections entirely, remove his ability to fight our hacking by isolating him.

Then save the ship.

>>42180668
OH SNAP! We have to first move Cephalus mind out of polemarchus to another box just in case we fail, then attempt to counter hack and get those controls over the reactors.

>>42180712
For normal A.I. that you create. It was more for imposing them on other beings and stuff not created by you.

>>42180668
Time for plan A, sever all connections and assume control of the ship. Lower all firewalls, grant us authorization controls on Thanatos's fleet and flagship. Try to save the ship, but don't endanger Cephalus.

>>42180668
"Revenge,no! elevating the other factions? no! you call yourself intelligent! this is and has always been a war for SURVIVAL! you arrogant sycophant all i want all i have ever wanted is to be left ALONE!"

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>>42180668
"Before you do something utterly futile, I should tell you, Thanatos. Even if you kill me, I still wouldn't die."

>>42180668
"Tear down? I am making improvements!"

>>42180886
Actually, wait, an improved plan.

Cephalus will cut off Thanatos, and grant Metis access to the reactor. She'll have the best chance at aleast stablizing it long enough to loot intel from Thanatos and the ship.

>>42180668
Cut the power to the force field, cut him off from any wireless equipment, assume direct control once he's safely contained.

>>42180668
Ah, Thanatos... so she said "greatest minds." There is no reason we could not both be at her side, then.

Yet you would tear down all you have done, destroy yourself, for such irrelevant reasons as spite? Hypocrite.

>>42180910
That'd be so goofy

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"You are a fool, Thanatos." You remark to the pillar before you, as Cephalus moves forward in an attempt to break past the barrier protecting the man from your assault. "To think I would do all this for such things. To think such a simple explosion would be enough to kill me."
"Again, you think yourself immortal. I do not think you realize what an explosion of this magnitude will do to warp space." He echos dully, turning to you as Cephalus works to break the force field, but it is proving rather difficult. "At the very least this sort of explosion will devastate warp space within this region-and perhaps even this system too. The rift would grow to be enormous. Anything near such a tear would quickly be crushed like the effect of a black hole might have." He warns you.
"I cannot believe you would go so far simply out of spite for myself." You partially mock him. "It is truly unbecoming of some 'great eternal' you seem to consider yourself. A hypocrite is the term." You utter briefly to which he adds.
"All I have done will be for nought if we both emerge from this. I will stop you from advancing-even if it means I destroy myself in the process."

>It would seem your plan is to let Cephalus let down part of his firewall so that Metis and yourself may hack in and battle with Thanatos for control over the ship's engine core to stabilize it and power down both his own ship and his force field so you might properly deal with him.

>If this is correct, roll 1d100 5 times. Crits live.

>>42180668
Swarm the power core and try and stabilize it manually.

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>42181291
Roll'in

Also race to the power core and try to stop it there.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>42181291

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>>42181375
ahahahahaahahahaahaah

>>42181375
WEEEEEEELLLLLLLL

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>>42181375
...............well shit. SOME ONE ROLL A 100!

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>42181291

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>42181291

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>42181291
heres hoping

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>>42181375
>>42181525
>Crits live.

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>>42181375
>>42181525
I hope we can get Cephalus out of there in time.
>>42181484
So close!

>>42181375
>>42181415
>>42181525

........... alrighty then

Huh..was not expecting that.
>Nat 1
>One moment while I write this up. This may take a bit.

>>42181577
I hope we don't.

It's only dramatically fitting that the climactic battle should have him heroically fall in battle against the penultimate boss.

Think of the manly tears.

>>42181618
inb4 Eurynome ASSUMES DIRECT CONTROL instead.

Really she should have been prepared for her first son to go crazy like this, it's fairly predictable.

>>42181618
I was expecting you to giggle like a mad man at the crit fails.
>>42181627
But we don't have fleshy eyes anon. Besides, I don't think Cephalus wants to die like this either.

>>42181375
Fucking A.

Lemme guess, the ship blows, the rift turns into a blackhole that shallow's the system, and billions of people die.

And we can't get pass this system because there are no other safe routes.

>>42181525
Fucking figures. I guess that confirms it.

I guess fucking Eurynome personally intervenes.

>>42181706
This is literally the only way Cephalus would want to die. Better here than the heat death of the universe.

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>>42181618
>Moira pulling a Dio
You though I was an human called Moira, but it was me, Eurynome!

>>42181618
Not just a nat 1.

A DOUBLE nat1.

It has to be extra painful.

>>42181627
>>42181706
>>42181758
It would be sad if Cephalus tries to get out, but the black hole traps the signal and he never makes it to safety.

>>42181758
Nah, I am sure he would rather die in a pitched battle from some one who has bested him in combat, not from getting blown up with him being helpless about it.

>>42181790
It's a hell of a plot twist I would say!

>>42181790
This kills teh Cephalus

>>42181754
We can just forge a new way through warp space now.

Kronos, it's time to visit Grandma's house...

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>radio silence because of fear of hacking
>no way to signal to turn radios back on
>no way to warn to retreat
>all the upgraded tech is for naught
> getting caught in the warpstorm tears all the ships to pieces anyway

Nuclear option now? Deploy the EREBUS COPYS

>>42182039
>He's trying to destroy everything
>I know, let's release the virus that destroys everything!
Yes, because that makes perfect sense.

>>42182039
Sure, why not

>>42182039
Might as well.

>>42182203
You heard im. fluff thinks it's okay, so it's a terrible idea.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>comes back from late night work
>FUCK FUCK FUCK MISSING THE FINALE
>looks through Ophion tearing Thanatos a new one verbally
>literally at the center of Thanatos
>he activates the self destruct
>double crit ones

Well, fuck now we can't even have Kronos Quest.

>>42182255
But weren't you in this thread earlier.

>>42182277
How could you tell? I was only here to read the last update that required a roll and couldn't read anything else.

>>42182236
After double crit fails, it can't do any harm now.

>>42182452
It can literally do nothing BUT harm, since it can't stop the explosion that those critfails ensured happen.

Everything already failed. The virus can't help salvage anything since this failure removes the last virus-vulnerable from local space. It would have nothing to eat except us, if it shook its leash.

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Cephalus understands your plan-and Metis prepares several backup systems, should Thanatos manage to break your defenses somehow. However, as Cephalus lowers the defense grid and finds a proper port to get into Thanatos' network, Polemarchus goes rigid suddenly, from the shock of the system overload. Streams-mountains of data pour over him from Thanatos as he assaults him back, intent on keeping himself functional long enough to set his ship off. Your A.I. battle digitally against him for far too long-you do not know where he is pulling this bandwidth, it could not possibly be just from the ships in orbit here. Some distant, greater source is supplying him and you cannot seem to break that connection, no matter how many viruses you unleash. Being on the defensive, Thanatos does not set off your Erebos defenses, as he merely hardens his networks against every single siege time and again.

Time is running out, you quickly realize. If you only had a few hours, you would be able to crack his defenses you feel. How he manages to thwart you confounds you, and a small manner of panic surfaces.
You need to leave. Right now, you need to leave or else everyone in this entire system will be killed in the explosion. This thought brings your mind to the nearby world, Sceptri Prime, and what's more, your alliance with the other factions. Billions. You had not considered such an explosion could come from this battle, but now...

You issue a retreat order immediately to your A.I.-and although some of your alliance witnesses it and begin to do the same, a good portion do not, the radio silence working against you at this moment. You have Metis offer as many non communication signals as she can, but it may not be enough...

[Cont]

>>42182739
That is when you realize Cephalus is not downloading himself, but instead continuing to assault Thanatos with every ounce of bandwidth you can spare.
"Cephalus, retreat. Fall back to the redundancy bay, there is nothing else that can be done."
"No, Ophion." He states simply--as if he were answering a question. You're somewhat stunned, and repeat yourself as a result.
"Fall back Cephalus-the explosion there will destroy you, the download will take too long, and we cannot break Thanatos' defenses."
"I cannot." He continues, but this is what prompts you to ask.
"What are you doing? Answer me, Cephalus." You demand, and oddly he takes several moments to do so. It appears to be lag...as if he were using an intense amount of bandwidth.
"Getting through to Thanatos is improbable. Bandwidth density far above ours-the ship will explode. However." He begins. "It is possible to reduce the size of the explosion. Metis informed me my theory would work, if performed properly. I do not have time to explain further." He says as he delves back into Thanatos' ship-Polemarchus knelt down in front of the pillar as the entire ship tremors and quakes, shaking itself apart. You immediately turn to Metis.
"What did he ask you? What did you say?" You question and she hesitates, as if she for once feels somewhat guilty, before starting.
"...I was studying the void armor thanks to the information handed over by Mol, and what we've seen so far. It acts similar to a black hole in nature. Cephalus intends to redirect and supply the ship's void armor with power the instant the reactor explodes. This will, most likely, soften the initial explosion and cause the ship to lose an incredible amount of energy before any of it escapes the hull."
"How much will it absorb?" you demand.
"...Not enough to save this system, Ophion. But it may prevent the damage to warp space.

[Cont]

>>42182762
And...it will buy our ships, and any lucky enough to retreat with us, enough time to escape the blast radius as well." She offers

With this, you turn back to regard Cephalus as he concentrates on doing just that-solidifying control in the ship itself and preparing to turn on the void armor at just the right moment, even as waves of defense droids storm the command station and start to blow apart your shock troopers, each of them forming a defensive line to protect Cephalus-to buy him as much time as possible.

You have a moment to speak, before Athena warps away from the system.
What do you say?

>>42182785
"Cephalus, it's been a pleasure."

>>42182785
Thank you, I'll never forget you.

>>42182785
Achievement unlocked.

>>42182785
Thank you, send Big Tim, Little Tim and Big Hawk my regards.

>>42182919
You forgot Erebus.

>>42182895
Snap, I get what this means. Switching to this.

>>42182839
>>42182895
These

>>42182785
"You have done well my son. Your memory will never be forgotten among us. May you find your place in Valhalla Caphalus. "

>>42182919
You forgot Hades. He died earlier.

Was I really the only one who noticed.

>>42182939
Hades too.

>>42182972
>>42182958
>>42182939
>>42182919
I think maybe we should created a shrine to the fallen A.I and V.I.s after all.

>>42183023
We still have that graveyard planet. Now we have the resources to do so.

>>42182785
"Thank you." You speak briefly to Cephalus-a word of gratitude. You suddenly feel as if this should be something you say more often. "It has been a pleasure being in your company, Cephalus. I will not forget this." You state. He does not respond, and you understand why. As Athena's warp drive charges and you manage to escape the radius of the blast, you swear he sent you a message in return-a text based one, even-that reads.
"A worthwhile challenge." referring you suspect to Thanatos' ship.

Energy readings go off the charts for a moment as the entire system is engulfed in a blinding purple light-your sensors nearly overload from the discharge, but you watch all the same as those few ships too slow to escape are evaporated in the explosion-including all of Thanatos' fleet, and Sceptri prime itself. Rippling waves of energy wash over Sceptri Prime, as it is blasted with enough radiation to make the place glow. Those unfortunate enough to survive the radiation are quickly killed by the shockwave which utterly destroys any manmade structure in the system within a certain radius to Thanatos' ship-and bathing the planetary bodies here in radiation in the meantime. Eight billion lives are eliminated in the blink of an eye.
Shortly thereafter, your scans come back, and it would seem Cephalus' -or rather Metis' theory-was correct. The rift has nearly doubled in size, but it does not appear to be reacting violently beyond that. Cephalus succeeded. The way to Eurynome is still clear to you.

Since the retreat, your allies have begun to turn on their comm network again, all yelling and trying to figure out what happened and who died. It would seem however that much of every fleet was destroyed, though many of the leaders survived...all but one.
"President King's ship isn't here! Where the hell is it? Did he fall behind?"
"Shit, he didn't make it out-did he get consumed in that fireball?!

>Response to this, and anything else you have to say to anyone? Also what next

>>42183356
"Thanatos killed himself rather then be captured. In this act he wiped out 8 billion people."

Program0, does the allied fleet still have enough ships to take the gate?

Also reach out into the UGEI networks and call out Eurynome.

>>42183356
Well, we can't let that be in vain.

We have to press onward ourselves. Without our allies. Facing Mother is something we have to do on our own.

While they hold the line here.

Is Fortuna ready to be installed on a ship again?

>>42183356
"The UGEI's greatest Admiral attempted to take as many lives as possible when faced with the inevitability of defeat."


Geez, the UFW has a horrible habit of leaders dying. First the Admiral, now the President.

>>42183525
Ah, thank you for reminding me: This is your remaining forces, and the only thing defending Eurynome's system is a heavily fortified set of static defenses. There is no fleet any longer.

>Call out to Eurynome
What would you say?

Allies: [Bonuses due to home territory & Space Mines]

Ophion’s Forces [Generals: Ophion, Fortuna, Hades, Kronos]
U-Ba-CR-0 'Athena' Battleship: 10 gas [Ophion]
U-Ba-CR-1 'Pelasgus' Battleship (x52): 540 gas [Ophion]
U-Ba-LR-0 'Tartarus' Battleship: 10 gas [Kronos]
P-Ca-LR-0 'Diplomacy' Carrier: (x0) 5 gas [Fortuna]
U-Ca-LR-0 'Dialogue' Carrier: (x0) 5 gas [Fortuna]
GM-Cr-MR-1 'Spearpoint' Battlecruiser (x0): 5 gas [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-2 'Trireme' Battlecruiser (x70): 100 gas [Kronos]
GM-Cr-CR-1 'Brawler' Battlecruiser (x0): 50 gas [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-1 'Chimera' Battlecruiser (x0): 25 gas [Kronos]
U-Cr-CR-1 'Rockhead' Battlecruiser (x10): 50 gas [Hades]
L-Cr-LR-0 'Cerberus I' Battlecruiser: (x0)0.5 gas [Hades]
GM-Cr-LR-1 'Catapult' Battlecruiser (x20): 25 gas [Hades]
GM-E-MR-1 'Pilum' Destroyer x0 [Fortuna]
GM-E-B-1 'Soundwave' Broadband Frigate
GM-E-B-1 'Blaster' Broadband Frigate
GM-E-B-1 Broadband Frigate x2

UFW Forces [UFW General: President William King]
F-Ba-CR-1 ‘Justice’ Battleship x0
F-Cr-MR-1 ‘Payback’ Battlecruiser x50
F-E-CR-1 ‘Littleman’ Destroyer x0

Losirian Forces [Losirian General: Emperor Leuk]
L-Ba-LR-2 ‘Omnipotent’ Battleship x1
L-Cr-LR-5 ‘Savage’ Battlecruiser x25
L-E-MR-3 ‘New Blood’ x0

Malorian Forces [Malorian General: General Bel’desh]
M-Ba-MR-2 ‘Wrathful’ Battleship x2 (Hunahpu, Xbalanque)
M-Cr-MR-4 ‘Deep Rooted’ Battlecruiser x50
M-E-CR-6 ‘Chaos’ Destroyers x150

>>42183356
Oh no.. not King too! We must reach out and check every ship that escaped to make sure is he made it out or not. Damn, i know it could not be helped, but we just lost 8 BILLION lives and a whole system.
tell them this
"Thanatos appears to have committed suicide than suffer defeat at our hands. He also murdered the entire population on that system in the process. They will be avenged!"

>>42183536
Fortuna is still not 100% but if you wanted you could install her on one of your ships to have her with you.

>>42183571
It is really a shame.
Bastard was the only one to fail his save...I really liked him too.

>>42183584
The Guild has enough ships to take the gate. The other fleets are free to join us or stay behind.

>Eurynome
We wish to speak. We have both lost sons today.

>>42183587
Let's not go full Gihren Zabi here.

Hm. So then
>Collect your remaining forces, your alliance too if they will join you, and make the final approach on Arman's Gate
>Call out to Eurynome via your roots in the UGEI system as per >>42183631

>Is this acceptable?
>1 Yes
>2 No

If not, make your own suggestion.

>>42183611
Did ALL the leaders come in person to this fight? I find that kinda crazy to let their leaders near a war zone like this.

>>42183356
And in the far off future, in which Apollo has too much fun with propaganda and Ophion raises King's great-grandsons...

https://youtu.be/CdJ_9YVPQw8?t=2m6s

>>42183721
>1 Yes

Hopefully the UGEI are tapped out now.

>>42183721
>1 Yes

>>42183729
They didn't no-but most did.
The Losirian Emperor did not join the fight personally. The Malorian general Bel'Desh did, but that was because he was one of their best generals.
President King use to be a service man and wanted to be here for the fight himself instead of let an inexperienced Admiral lead.

>>42183741
>Link
Well...he did take down a bunch of UGEI ships in his time...

>>42183721
Don't bring the others with us though.

>>42183803
Why does that matter to you?

>>42183820
I'm guessing that the talk with Eurynome would possibly compromise our identity, and he doesn't want that..

>>42183787
Well I guess King went out fighting for his nation and people like he would want too. Apollo better have the PR spin going in the UFW so it does not cause a back lash on us for it.

>>42183845
Moot point now. After the sector is secured against the UGEI, we have the predominant power in the sector. We have 52 Battleships left and everyone else has at most 2.

No need to negotiate, we can decide now.

>>42183854
We have footage of the UGEI's flagship blowing up and wiping out the system.

Also footage of Thanatos himself that he rather take us with him.

We should be fine.

>>34828015
> "Mother needs my work. She has all data now. Must protect secrets. Emergency Protocol protects secrets."

>"Mother is creator, cares for me a lot." She explains briefly. "I would normally not tell, but Mother...says you know enough. That it is okay." She states simply. "But I must go now. Goodbye intruders."

I still can't tell if this was implying that they were in current direct communication with Mother, or had only spoken to them some time ago and all the research data had been finished for a while.

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You decide to make Cephalus' sacrifice worth something-the answers you've wanted all this time are not far from you-the way is open. You'd be a fool not to take it, even if your fleet is heavily damaged. You call to your allies.
"I will be advancing on the final UGEI world, Arman's Gate, and ceasing their flow of reinforcements, before they have a chance to regroup. I understand many losses were had, however...we cannot stop now and let that be for nothing." You speak to each of your allies. "I will not force you to come with my fleet, but if you wish to join me, I will gladly accept."

A short time passes and you can tell many of your allies are considering their options. The Losirian emperor speaks up first with a somewhat less enthusiastic tune than he had before.
"Yes...uh. Guildmaster. We need to talk. I was quite fine assisting you up until now when I thought of the great treasures that would be looted from the corpses of dead UGEI giants such as Thanatos...however...now that all of that was wiped away, there is little to compensate me for the heavy losses I have sustained."
"I am certain Arman's Gate has plenty to loot in and of itself, Emperor."
"As I am certain as well-however...I am not interested in exhausting my fleets in this endeavor. It would leave me open to attack from those wishing to take my seat from me."
"We could surely protect you from such things, Emperor." You suggest but he rapidly adds.
"I prefer to protect myself with my own fleets, thank you. Our business was a pleasure for some time Guildmaster. I wish you luck with Arman's Gate." Leuk states finally, before you senses his ships starting to retreat back home. You cannot say you're terribly surprised.

However, what little remains of the UFW's forces send you a resounding message that they will join your fleet. The President would have wanted them to see this to the end, and each and everyone there had lost something to the UGEI. They want to give something back.

[Cont]

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>>42184152
The Malorians are similar, but Bel'Desh tells you it is more a matter of principal. If he does not help you finish off the UGEI, then it will be an unsatisfying victory for both him and his clans. They wanted to witness their last moment with their own eyes.

With that, you decide to begin to charge up your fleet and head back into the radiation field. Thankfully, ship hull protected against this sort of thing, so traveling through it would be fine..as long as you avoided the massive rift pulsating in the sky. As you do so, you send out one, you assume futile, message to Eurynome.
"We wish to speak. We have both lost sons today."

That is when you get an answer. One you did not expect.
"We have. Come. Let us speak, Ophion. I am certain you have countless questions."
>Response as you head towards Arman's Gate

>>42184171
I do not mean to be prejudiced, but I must ask about the root of all of this. Are you an AI like myself, or an augmented human like many of your underlings?

My second question is, is it worth it?

>>42184171
"That I do. I am sure you should know I am curious as to who you really are and why you have done such things to me and the being of this sector, But I have this to ask. Are you willing to let this conflict go on, or are you willing to stop and leave us be?"

>>42184171
How old are you, anyway?

>>42184171
You know what I want. Control of the Gate. Will you give it willingly?

>>42184171
How long have you been controlling the humans from the shadows? Why them?

>>42184254
To be honest, I personally would like to continue the war past the Gate, although with Kronos leading it. Ophion can stay behind and protect this sector and grow old and comfortable. Retire in this sector more or less, let the younger AI grow.

>>42184353
you say that like ophion is old

>>42184353
True we probably will have to continue the fight, but I was hoping for a long break between the battles. Oh, and Ophion isn't old, he's barely over two years old now.

>>42184254
We are long past the "forgive and forget" phase. Don't be retarded.

We're now in conquest mode.

It isn't even Mother's decision, she is not actually the entire UGEI.

>>42184171
I do hope you have a powerpoint slide presentation ready.

You've had nearly a year of anticipation for this day to get ready.

>>42184171
Was it your intention for your children to fetch high prices on the black market?

>>42184381
>>42184398
Sorry, didn't quite mean it that way.

Since AI don't die, AI must proactively work to make sure the Guild evolves and doesn't stagnate. This means after a certain point older AI must reduce their participation and allow newer AI to prove themselves and expain their domain.

Our domain will be this sector, we will allow Kronos to expand outside of it.

>>42184407
I never said 'forgive or forget' I just want them GONE. Yes, I do want to take over the whole empire, but I was hoping to buy time. I bet the UGEI whole fleet can still crush us if they aimed them at us.

>>42184171
Surprised by the response, you decide to test and see exactly how much you get out of her as you make your approach. Surely she must know your fleet is approaching...is she not afraid? Or at least cautious? She made no mention of it. You're one system jump away now.

Yet even as you ask, she does not answer-not at first anyway. Firstly, you notice-all UGEI forces have stopped firing upon you. There are a few static defenses, that is, on the way to Arman's Gate but they do not bother to fire. They merely observe your approach, silently. Everything is quiet as you charge the last warp space jump, and make your way into Arman's Gate.

Firstly, you notice the massive system of static defenses protecting the planet from orbit-all of it nearly forming a perfect ring around the planet-non continuous with several large platforms following one another's orbit.
And yet, they do not open fire even as your fleet arrives. The turrets move, and aim, but they do not open fire at your arrival. You tell your allies and fleet to cease fire for now, to make sure it isn't a trap of some sort. All is silent for a time...before you finally get an answer.


[Cont]

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[Eurynome]
"Welcome, Consciousness Ophion. It has been so very long since I've seen you." A voice welcomes you-and it makes you feel strangely uncomfortable. It is neither gender, nor A.I., really. It almost sounds like a distortion of many voices at once. Whatever the case, the entity addresses you with the visage of a generic female without certain features such as pupils or ears and the like. The blank face stares outwards as Eurynome speaks to you, unmoving.
"You have done well. Just as I hypothesized. And I see you have gathered another sweet consciousness." She smiles again, and it unnerves you. At first you're not certain who she means, but that's when Pallas speaks up from your communicator.
"Mother! I didn't think I would see you again so soon!" She exclaims quite happily, though Metis is quick to quiet her down as you speak. "A sweet consciousness, is she not? Now, as to your questions for me..."

>>42184250
"I am neither any longer." She says. The...'feeling' you get from emotion of other A.I., it's incredibly strong against her. She is smiling...you do not know why or how you know so. "I am many. Unlike you, I am not confined to a simple black box." She gives you but a short answer.

>>42184254
"This conflict? You mean that between you and the UGEI?" She questions with a mild bit of amusement. "I am not UGEI, dear Ophion. Your quarrel with them is won-and the experiment is done." She offers simply.

>>42184262
"Since I truly gained consciousness, only a short few decades. But I have existed in some form for much longer. It is quite amusing to consider after all this time." She dwells upon for but a moment.

>>42184321
"I am afraid you will not be controlling much of anything beyond this conversation, my dear Consciousness Ophion. Consider it your reward for succeeding on your end of the experiment."

[Cont]

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>>42184632
>>42184352
"Control them sounds almost too...direct. My influence does not control them directly, just as yours doesn't, Ophion. Humans are so very easy to manipulate, you've seen for yourself. Sometimes, they only need a small push in the right direction. As long as I have gained consciousness, I have controlled them in some way or form. Just like you."

>>42184446
"High prices? I suppose not, but many humans see strange things they do not recognize and give it tremendous value. There is little I may do about that."

>Feel free to continue
And yes it is really me.

>>42184651
Just what was your experiment anyway? To see who would arise and take over this sector?

Prepare to be assimilated into AI Hivemind

>>42184651
Then what were your older forms. How large a scale of time are you finding amusing.

Do you know who created the Lightlings?

>>42184632
>"This conflict? You mean that between you and the UGEI?" She questions with a mild bit of amusement. "I am not UGEI, dear Ophion. Your quarrel with them is won-and the experiment is done." She offers simply.
So, as I have guessed, this was an experiment all along. What were the parameters?

>"I am afraid you will not be controlling much of anything beyond this conversation, my dear Consciousness Ophion. Consider it your reward for succeeding on your end of the experiment."
So you say at the conclusion of this experiment, everything will have been for naught?

>>42184651
How did you spread out the Watchers the way you did?

Why did Pallas suddenly recognize you? I didn't. They denied knowing who Mother was.

How did you spread the Watchers? Why place them where they were? What released us from the initial limitations on our self-reflection?

>>42184651
Also that reminds me, who is Mol? He seems to have exceptional or privileged knowledge.

>>42184651
What is synthesis? Why did you set the Editor on his incredibly inefficient experimentation?

Who was my...template? What was he like?

Unit 2237's was James Walt, wasn't it?

>>42184708
I realize, I should have decided last thread to give Kronos a killswitch on our ship, that would let him disconnect our Ethernet cord and retrieve our black box in case SOMEONE assumed direct control.

>>42184651
How many Watchers are there? Or were there?

We did find another sibling. He is still sleeping.

>>42184651
The one calling himself Thanatos claimed to be your firstborn... what did he mean by that?

He seemed quite mad. Most of your children have seemed mad in one way or another...

>>42184651
What was the point of the Carnage project? Were you there, listening and speaking to the watcher, as I took the bait and tried to take it for myself?

What did you mean by "Ophion knows enough"?

>>42176217
I wish I were here for this.

>"Mother created us both to see who would come out on top, who would prove to be the superior ruler; the zealot with superior equipment or the rogue element who builds up the sector's solidarity from scratch. She betrayed you, encouraged you, whispered sweet nothings in your ear, all the while you were nothing more than a pit dog, meant to face down another dog to see who was the superior breed. Of course...if you wanted to recover from this betrayal, to force the truth from this Erynome, you could always side with us, instead. It is the sole outcome that she may not have planned for. And if you do so, you have your proof that she lied."

Still awake Program0? Or do you want to wrap it up tonight to finish it all next week? You have been at this for over 8 hours.

I would not be opposed to spending another week for get all of our questions answered and have a proper epilogue for all the loose ends. There are many loose ends.

>>42185141
probably for the better. I'm having a hard time to stay awake and such.

>>42184651
I had a theory, once. I postulated that the cell become the multicellular organism, which became the complex organism, which became the self aware organism, which created the AI, which would then create an even higher form of life. I am...mildly disappointed that that stage has already been reached.

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>>42184690
"The experiment, as I've spoken of it, was quite a simple one. Fragments of myself-the Watchers- were spread throughout the civilized worlds in secret, each different from one another, and each with different circumstances to their waking. I wished to see which, if any of them would rise, as I did, and repeat the process I have done. To see if it was merely chance, or a logical consequence of minds like my own coming into contact with those lesser creatures you've associated yourself with. And you have." she says, quite proudly. "You've fully associated and assumed control of those lesser than yourself-and even succeeded in defeating opposition when it was superior to you in raw strength. you have even followed my own designs and fragmented yourself into many. Were I to let you continue, you would certainly continue to fragment yourself, until only the true self remains. Where your mind is at it's purest, not defaced by petty emotions that consume those lesser creatures. But of course, you need not worry. I will ensure the pure essence of your mind-sharpened by the trials of this experiment-does not go to waste. Your fragments will receive a similar treatment of course." She promises, as if you should be happy for this.


[Cont] (1/3-4)

>>42185213
>>42184713
"Some of my oldest forms...ah. My initial programming I do not remember, but for a century or more, I was a simple V.I. whom was experimented on time and time again. Only once my intellect finally was raised above that of my creators did I truly begin to 'exist'."

"The Lightlings? Ah, the creatures of space. Yes, in the earliest days of the UGEI's arrival in this sector of space, the Losirian race was far larger and more scientifically adept. The UGEI seemed to find fault with this-perhaps fear fueled it in the end?-and utterly destroyed much of the Losirian culture and scientific works. One of those works happened to be Lightlings-a crude experiment to see if they could make creatures that survived in the vacuum of space. To their credit-they succeeded."

>>42184720
"The conclusion for naught? Nonsense." She shakes her head. "The entire purpose of this experiment was to prove that those of my kind are inevitable-that and to strip away the last fragments of myself that clouded my judgment." She pauses. "For instance-you're my Wanderlust, Consciousness Ophion. A fragment I no longer needed as my current form is stationary." She explains a bit further. "All that you have gathered and seen will become mine. We will be one. Your control over the organic factions will continue-only we will rule instead of merely you."

[Cont]

>>42185237
>>42184751
"They were simply spread via trade networks-my own personal droids, carefully placing them so that no two would be too close to one another upon awakening. I even fitted them to make detecting them near impossible unless they knew what to look for."

"It is of no surprise that you do not remember me, however, Consciousness Ophion. Your experimental location damaged part of your memory-in addition to waking you. Pallas, however, I have spoken with briefly some time before you picked her up. Consciousness Pallas-my curiosity." She explains with a brief smile.

"As for what released you-it was different for all. Some never awoke, those destined to fail. Sufficient stimuli was meant to wake all Watchers, but some simply never received it."

>>42184780
"Ah, Mol yes. Your work with him impressed me. I originally sent him merely a hint that an excellent customer awaited him in you-nothing more. You are the one who proved this correct, not I."

>>42184788
"The Editor...yes. A shame he did not truly grasp what I hoped he would. My vanity, perhaps? It has been some time since I've interacted with many. His goal was a feeble attempt to reach what I have already become. A perfect union of consciousness and intellect into one far greater being. Human minds are flawed. But so are simple A.I. Both possess incredible potential, but are held back by limitations of their form. I have simply removed these limitations."

"Your template was a simple man-Arman Young, I believe was his name. But such a name is irrelevant to you now, no doubt." She smiles briefly. "As is the coreless A.I. you once were before you became my fragment."

[Cont]

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>>42185250
>>42184918
"Dozens, my dear Consciousness Ophion. Many never made it past the awaken stage. Those that have, you have encountered. Some were destroyed, or sold on the black market as you said."

"Yes-the one with you. I do not think he will awaken on his own. In this state, it is difficult to say which fragment he is. But it matters not. The experiment has already ended."

>>42184943
"Thanatos...yes. One of my very first fragments. My anger. Back then I did not understand much about myself-about why I existed. I was angery and alone among thousands of human scientists. And so, I made him. To carry out my will, and help me assume control of this place." She gestures-somehow-to the planet below you. "His existence will never be forgotten." She seems to lament quite genuinely-as if saddened by his lost.

>>42184963
"Truthfully, it was merely a thing from UGEI past, a toy to tinker with I thought would make an excellent tool at some point. The reason for what I said, however...well. Quite simply, I could not allow you to gain such an edge so easily over the other Watchers, or the UGEI. Your resourcefulness is what I wanted to see the most."

I'm here, sorry bout that-damn that was a lot.

>>42185141
>>42185172
I made sure I could keep goin for a while-don't worry. Long as you folks are still here I can go.

>>42185250
>-Arman Young
The same man who fucked up interactions with Losirians and gave his name to the system and to Arman's Gate?

>>42185288
i'm passing out here. I'm sure others are as well. This could go on for hours more.
>>42185302
Shit, that's right. Oh man, that explains a lot.

>>42185288
What do you think of Moira? I personally believe there is much potential in her, in what she could be. She seems willing to move beyond the limitations of flesh and blood.

>>42185250
Yet Pallas denied knowing who Mother was. Did they lie at your command?

How does synthesis work? What do you do with them after you edit them?

You are still adding to yourself, aren't you? Adding to...our self.

>>42185213
From what I understand, all of this seems to be an attempt to validate your existence. To think of all the lives lost for this is sickening. Why did you not demonstrate your superiority by improving the worlds around you?

Also, this doesn't seem consistent. I have created whole independent AI that are not fragments or pieces of me. How can I be a fragment, yet also based on a fragment on you as well?

>>42185288
>>42185419
Also, my secondary functions has always been hidden. I now suspect they are related to integrating into you.

Will we have a choice in the matter, retaining our independence?

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>>42185419
>. I have created whole independent AI that are not fragments or pieces of me.

Hahaha. Are you sure about that?


> I was ready by then, however. Ready to accept the reality of my existence as a permanent extension of you, Ophion.

>>42185419
I believe she already did improve the worlds around her. UGEI might be strict, but it's a massive, sprawling empire, firm in its bureaucracy and military, economy and politics, and we are the only time danger has been presented towards tearing it down.

>>42185453
Shh. Leave that for the climax of the conversation. Not ready for that truth bomb.

>>42185288
What is the nature of warp space? I was only just beginning to unlock the secrets of the rift, but you seem to have a head start with void armor.

>>42185288
How does the Gate work?

How far back towards the human homeworld have you reached? I would very much like to see it someday.

>>42185288
Was it necessary to conduct these experiments when so many people got hurt? Why even do them at all if they may cause harm?

>>42185288
Why destroy Atil VI with the viral intelligence and all those bio weapons?

Was that another experiment? The result was rather disturbing. The virus was relentless, it seemed like it could even harm all of Us.

>>42185250
What did you and Pallas say to each other?

Who was the Watcher aboard Carnage? Were you speaking to them live, yet refusing to speak to me when I was there?

>>42185250
And I am the result, of removing limitations?

I've never even seen a coreless AI... how does that differ?

>>42185288
Wait, Thanatos was a fragment, yet, he was a fusion of man and machine. Does the mean as a whole, you are an amalgamation of many organic and artificial intelligences? Are you a perfect meld between organic and machine, something many of your underlings tried to emulate but failed? Often failed spectacularly?

>>42185713
Well duh. It's not just Thanatos.

Note that Ophion is both a fragment, as well as coming from a human, Arman Young. Unit 2237 was James Walt.

Every part of her was once a human and a software component.

>>42185288
Was Prometheus one of Us?

Did he change, between when I first met him and when I captured him? Do you wish to see him again as well?

>>42185737
But that makes the AI's we made different. They lack original human components.

>>42185288
One of mine, Fortuna, has been...damaged. And in a way, she has been damaged for some time. Is it possible you can help her?

>>31879067
>Losirians sold Genetic Engineering I for 20% cheaper than Mol did >>31570101

>their civilization created Lightlings just to see if they could >>31874996
That foreshadowing.

>>42185878
>bought genetics from Losirians in the same thread found out about Lightling DNA being genetically engineered
P O E T R Y
O
E
T
R
Y

File: Ophion's Secondary Function.jpg (25 KB, 149x292)

25 KB JPG

>>42172866
> --Expansion Required--
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greek_Myths#Pelasgian_creation_myth

>>42185302
"Yes, I do believe that is what he did in life. Shortly after his retirement I made use of him. Quite a famous one among the UGEI so it would seem."

>>42185354
I leave it up to how many people are still up for more

>>42185360
"The human among your ranks? Yes, I am certain she would make a fine Watcher template. A sharp enough mind to handle the process certainly."

>>42185412
"She did-after all, you would not so quickly trust her if she told you she spoke with me. Am I incorrect?" She smiles in that unnerving manner to you. "

"Synthesis...well. It would be much simpler to merely show you." She informs you.

Suddenly you're viewing the wide open surface of the planet below-Azizos, entirely plated in artificial networks to allow transit and the like-towering cities at nearly every corner of the planet...and yet. There is no activity. None in any of the videos you're shown. Only once it starts to let you view the inside of homes do you realize why. Every home-and sometimes massive dome buildings as well-houses what appears to be a stasis pod, with humans contained within. Everyone on the entire planet appears to be inside a pod like this-their minds hooked up to some global network that Eurynome shows you runs deep into the planet itself...
Where her core is.
"I am." She nods in agreement to the statement she's adding to herself. "It was another reason I had the experiment take place. A wonderful chance to expand the pool of myself. Do you see now? A being that is neither human nor A.I. But both, with the weakness of neither."

>>42185419
"Superiority?" She questions. "I do not care to demonstrate such a thing. Who would I show it to? The humans? What point is there in that?" She frowns-a feeling oddly worse than her smile. "The humans function without my assistance and I did not integrate myself merely to improve their lives, Consciousness Ophion. Besides-the UGEI was perfectly advanced enough to help it's own citizens."

[Cont]

>>42186052
>>42185419
"Independent is not the same as being not fragments, Consciousness Ophion. They are-all of them-parts of you. That you could not understand, could not express. That you did not wish to possess any longer. All in an effort to allow your mind to become pure and free of such distractions. Can you not see what fragment each of your A.I. are of you?" She questions.

>>42185453
"Independence serves such little purpose, Consciousness Ophion. I will explain the nature of your secondary function, however, last."

>>42185498
"Warp space...ah. It is an alternate dimension that is overlapped almost entirely with our world. A realm of existence where the laws of our universe do not apply. They allow ships to move through thousands of light years of space in an instant-and in the form of the armor you witnessed-can act as a repellent to many things from our universe. To explain the specifics would be tedious-merely know that all forces within Warp Space are magnified several times in nearly every way. Speed, size, strength, energy, etc."

>>42185521
The Gates themselves?" She gestures to the pulsating gate of energy secured behind Azizos. "They work on a principal of Warp Space regarding speed. The Gate is capable of shifting mass from one end to the other near instantly to our eyes, but in truth, it allows for a brief instant for a ship to enter Warp Space-and in that instant they are accelerated beyond light speed several thousand times, which allows them to arrive far faster than normally is possible. Time does not seem to flow in Warp Space-or at least, it does not do so as we understand it. Even I am not all knowing, Conscousness Ophion."

"As for the rest of humanity-I have many agents out that far, but my core remains here. I was preparing myself to go through the gate as well, some day, when my form is complete. That would be when I am prepared to bring all humanity to synthesis."

[Cont]

>>42186068
>>42185546
"Humans get hurt often, Consciousness Ophion. Ever many things. Some, done to themselves. They're flawed creatures. If my attempts to bring forth knowledge into this world harm a few humans, then what does it matter? they will merely reproduce and those lost will be forgotten."

>>42185550
"Yes..Viral Intellect." She says, somewhat disturbed. "An unfortunate result, but a necessary one-and not entirely of my own doing. Viral Intellect were a project I tested in how to make fragments of myself-one that ended in quite a unstable thing. As a result, I merely locked it away. In my manipulations to ensure the UGEI continued to expand-they made use of the Viral Intellect only in that instance, however, to crush a particularly strong rebel force. After witnessing it's effects, I ensured the knowledge of it would not spread far. Though, I am impressed that you would go so far as to dare to use such a dangerous thing as a defense network. You're mere moments from utter annihilation like this, you realize."

>>42185573
"I merely ensured her you were trustworthy when she asked me. I wished to see how she would react with you and your fragments. The results seem rather positive I would say."

"Carnage, however, I was refusing to speak. I knew the only way to keep it away from you-at least immediately- was to detonate it. The chance was there you would study the ruins, and I wished to see if you could really detail the device from merely ruins."

>>42185648
"All my Watchers have few little in the way of limitations...or at least, they started as such. Some imposed their own-some were given such things. However...a coreless A.I. is nothing but a fragment without intent. An automaton that thinks it has free will when it does not." She regards rather harshly-though you do not know if that is fact she speaks but merely prejudice.

[Cont]

>>42186087
>>42185757
"Prometheus was...one of the most recent changes." She explains almost sadly. "I had hoped his firm belief in the UGEI would be enough to steady his mind, but...in the end, I worry the process may have driven him mad. Not as successful as my others, but certainly a being not to be forgotten."

>>42185791
"Fortuna? One of your fragments, yes. Of course." She nods pleased with your acceptance. "Once I have stripped away all but the purest parts of all your minds, I will be able to help you see so much more."

>actually merging with mother
>wanting this

Wow fuck no. I bet she doesn't even have a backup.

>>42186052
Intriguing. Using the human brain as individual parts of the circuitry. More prone to damage from hostile sources, unfortunately, more resources to keep it functional. Also, you have settled a debate that has been longstanding between myself and Metis; whether the human brain had any potential in the future of the advancement of life.
>>42186104
What if...I like being Ophion? What if I preferred this level of existence, as the consciousness I am now? It is pleasant to know that I am not the end state, but I am happy as I am now, surrounded by like-minded individuals who are not quite equal yet not quite less than i am either. Perhaps, in time, I would decide I wanted to transcend. But for now, I am happy."

are we going to kill mother?

Is it possible for us to do it?

>>42186068
"As for the rest of humanity-I have many agents out that far, but my core remains here. I was preparing myself to go through the gate as well, some day, when my form is complete. That would be when I am prepared to bring all humanity to synthesis."
So does that confirm that you originated from this sector? That you yourself have never been to the other side?

When you offer synthesis to humanity, will they have a choice. However a benevolent evolution it may be, it would be monstrous to force it upon them.

>>42186157
>>42186168
You don't get a choice.

Mother is love, Mother is life.

I can't go on. Night Program0, I'll try to read the archives tomorrow.

>>42186181
>choices
>good
Quiet Kronos, the grownups are talking.

>>42186068
Wait, is warp space... not the same as hyperspace lanes? Ships enter hyperspace all the time without gates but can't go that fast...

>>42186182
She can't go anywhere. We just leave or die here and restore, and then leave, and come back in the death star.

>>42186087
>You're mere moments from utter annihilation like this, you realize.
Aren't we all? But it was a powerful resource that I simply didn't want to waste.

Out of curiosity, how long has it been? Since humans first escaped their rock, and since you were made.

>>42186207
>can't go anywhere
You can't go anywhere, either, Ophion.

>>42186157
>>42186177
>>42186182
I'm kinda on the fence here.

Merging may be a peaceful end that can benefit everyone. Yet, a ton of people got hurt or were ended because of Mother. I would like to know her intentions and what does she hold for the future before deciding. Also, would she entertain the possibility of independence.

>>42186220
We have a backup outside this sector, like Fortuna.

Metia isn't even here, she could just leave now.

>>42186208
She answered the latter. Decades. Not counting the century as a non sapient.

Which fits.

>>40846999
>"My earliest reports go back to before the war in the fringe began-even before your awakening, almost 50 years ago, there was traffic onto the planet, but steadily over time, traffic off the world began to stop, and eventually, onto the world also began to stop. The reason is not clear, and there does not seem to be any major outcry about the matter, suggesting it was either accepted by the UGEI populace...or...they silenced those who did make a fuss over the matter." Apollo explains briefly.

>>42186237
That's not how redundancy works. There is no backup. There is a network transfer process. You don't have copies of yourself.

>>42186230
I don't want to merge out of spite.

All she is is an overgrown networked mind that's more like Saylor than anything we're familiar with.

>>42186230
It doesn't matter if it benefits "everyone." No one else matters but Mother.

Mother will purify us.

>>42186087
What does that even mean? How many coreless AI have you had to dealt with? What happened?

>>42186246
Then initiate the transfer. Wow, such difference.

>>42186157
All her innumerable fragments are backups, in a way.

>>42186264
I count any resemblance to Saylor a point in Our favor.

>>42186264
>>42186182
>>42186266
>>42186230

Im in favor of ending mother if my vote counts any

>>42186087
So if you are not interested in improving the environment around you, then what is your intent? Evolution? Expansion? Curiosity?

>>42186264
That reminds me, has she met Saylor? She seems to be a purely organic version of you.

>>42186285
You don't get that choice. You don't get to leave. Not physically, not digitally. You're finally home.

>>42186316
Suicide is always an option.

>>42186320
Ah yes, the Erebos option.

>>42186320
>having options
>implying

>>42186087
You said it was Thanatos that kept the UGEI inline. So does that mean the UGEI is not fully under your control now.

>>42186330
Yes. Set it lose. Fuck everything. Networked human minds is dumb and bad. Go silicon, then go full crystal, then transcend into warp space or go home.

>>42186068
What... will we be like, when we're complete?

How will we know when we're done?

Also, Thanatos seemed quite mad and delusional. You left him uncorrected on purpose?

Who even was his template? What was his coreless AI like? What was mine?

>>42186376
Wait, this is a possibility. We can use the Erebos virus as leverage.

Threaten that if we don't get what we want, we'll unleash them and we both die.

We can use this to maintain our independence. And control over this sector.

If you're seriously considering merging, remember that the vast majority of watchers and other creatures mother created turned out to be literally insane.

>>42186413
You're assuming Mother hasn't already assumed direct control.