File: Erebus map complete.png (20 KB, 951x696)

20 KB PNG

You have a few options before you, as you stand in the company of Ares, Aph, Jason and a few of his subordinates and war council. Ares will naturally go along with you and Aph appears to be willing, but there aren't too many willing to risk their lives to walk into enemy territory. An all out assault on their front gate would pretty much be suicide for those that go with you, but there are plenty of androids with bones to pick and little to lose, and it'd be pretty easy to slip inside during the chaos.

You could also forego your war party and try to talk your way in. It might be easy to get in, but getting out would be quite the ordeal, you can assume. They probably won't want to hand over their goddess to their mortal enemies a second time.

Which will you choose?

>Bring the fight to their doorstep with expendable soldiers
>Talk your way in, bringing only Ares and Aph with you
>Other (write in)

>>1046839
challenge that idol to a sing-off, make the stage inside their territory, ask to have a walkaround after buddying up with the idol

>>1046839
>Talk your way in, bringing only Ares and Aph with you

>>1046839
>Talk your way in, bringing only Ares and Aph with you
Violence is bad and wrong and mean.

>>1046896
It's...badong.

Writing!

You decide that the best course of action is to simply walk up and stroll through the gate like you belong there. They literally worship you, so you doubt they'll do anything to hurt you. Plus you'll have Ares to keep you safe.

"I'm still unsure if this is the best idea, Pandora." Aph says as you make the trip out into Nowhere. "These guys are...bad news, basically. They have and will kill those that get in their way if they don't want to make the effort to dump you in Tartarus. Are you sure this guy you're looking for is even still...uh...sorry..."

"You don't know father as we do." Ares says, sternly, "He is important to a great many people, my sister and I included. He was...a friend. Mentor. I learned more from him than I did all my instructors put together..."

"Shit, I hope he's worth this...we get him out, he'll be the first one ever." Aph says, sighing and folding her arms behind her head.

You arrive at Nowhere and the usual hustle of countless AIs moving about. You didn't notice in your hurry to leave last time, but it's not just an empty expanse between camps. There are stalls for trading items and even several performers practicing their craft to entertain the crowds. Dancers, musicians, feats of physical agility and strength. It's like one of those circuses you learned about once. Part of you wants to stop and look around, but you have more pressing mat-

"Ares!" a soft, feminine voice from above the crowd calls excitedly.

Aph puts her hand over her face and groans while your brother suddenly stands up straight and looks around for the source. He seems...nervous? Scared?

"Hi!" a female android says as she hurries over to your group, you hear a distinct wooden "clack clack" sound as she runs. She's tall, has a slim frame that her odd dress compliments. It's like a single piece of cloth tightly wrapped around her with a sash, looking rather difficult to move in. Ornate depictions of birds, fish and flowers are embroidered in it in gold over red. Her hair is long, black and cut in perfect bangs over her eyes. She is bright white with "makeup" giving her eyes sharp "wings" painted on. She's carrying a large, simple wooden box with a sling. She's very pretty.

You think you might hate her already.

>Hello, who're you?
>Sorry, we're busy right now...
>Other (write in)

>>1047061
>Hello, who're you?
Does Pandora hate everyone who might take praise away from her?

>>1047061
>>Hello, who're you?

>>1047076
I blame the parents.

Writing!

"Hello," you say, trying to be polite, though something about her just rubs you the wrong way, "who're you?"

"Oh, hello!" she says, bowing from the waist slightly, "I'm Selene! Pleasure to meet you! Are you a friend of Ares'?"

"She's his sister." Aph says, a disinterested look on her face, "Pandora."

"Pan...oh!" Selene's face suddenly switches from a gentle, friendly look to one of sheer shock and confusion. She almost drops her box as she quickly bows much deeper than before, her hair forming a curtain around her head, "I didn't realize! You look so much different up close! I...how may I serve you, miss? I'd heard you and your brother had disappeared after you suddenly awoke! Are you making your pilgrimage through Erebus now?"

Ares is remaining completely silent and, had he the capacity, would probably be sweating bullets right now. This bothers you.

Aph looks like she wants to just leave, but is staying out of courtesy.

>I'm headed to the church right now
>Nowhere, just...around...
>Other (write in)

>>1047150
>>I'm headed to the church right now

>>1047150
>I'm headed to the church right now

>>1047150
>>I'm headed to the church right now

>>1047193
Being nice to the new girl! Writing.

"I'm headed to the church right now, actually." you say, trying to keep her from practically prostrating before you, "We...need to discuss things with Minos..."

"Oh!" Selene lights up at this, "Of course! Where else would you be going? I'm so scatterbrained sometimes, forgive me! Do you need a...a guide or something? I-I mean you have your retinue here, but I was on my way back anyway, and..."

It's pretty obvious she wants to go with you and her words are starting to get a few stares. Some of the crowd are gawking at you, slack-jawed and wide-eyed. If you don't do something quick, you might end up with a mob of worshippers clamoring over eachother to meet you.

Aph is staring at you, rolling her eyes and blowing hair out of her face. She looks like she just wants to go either way, but you have a feeling she's not a huge fan of Selene.

Ares has barely taken his eyes of Selene since she walked up. He's rigid and unmoving, but he keeps glancing over at you quickly as if expecting something like a kid hoping his mom will buy him a toy if he's good. He's very transparent.

She rubs you the wrong way, maybe because she's a little too nice, but having someone to vouch for you might make getting in a little smoother, especially since you have a known BC with you.

>Take Selene with you
>We'll be fine on our own

>>1047311
>Ask if Ares would like to have her along
make him sweat electrical bullets

>>1047360
Yeah, do that.

>>1047360
You are a cruel big sister.

Writing.

You get a rather devious idea in your noggin and decide to mess with Ares for a second. Honestly, how could you pass up this opportunity? You calmly turn to Ares, who looks at you hopefully, but still trying to stay cool...ish.

"Ares, what do you think?" you say, trying to hold back a wry grin as you do, "Should we invite Selene along with us?"

Aph snorts, repressing a laugh, but not very well.

Selene turns to look Ares in the eye happily. Her ruby red lips spread into a very hopeful smile and she clasps her hands together.

"O-oh, uh..." Ares panics, "I, um...what do-"

"You're the one in charge of security and everything," you say smugly, "you're the bodyguard. What do you think is the best course of action?"

"Ah..." Ares looks like he wants to run away for the first time in his life, "I think...she..."

"Please?" Selene practically begs.

You think you actually regret seeing her batting her eyes and wrapping your brother around her dainty finger...

"Y...yes?" Ares says, a sheepish half-smile not so much creeps as it does claws it's way across his face slowly. He then freezes as Selene squeals in delight and suddenly embraces him. Ugh, so much for him being your unwavering guardian.

You roll your eyes and shrug. That kinda backfired, but oh well, she'll make things go a little smoother at least. "Fine, let's go."

You spend a short time walking toward the rather looming, imposing church gates, hiding several enormous buildings behind them. All the while Selene is chatting happily at anyone who will listen (Ares) about pretty much everything, that ever-present clack-clack from her shoes the whole time.

Apparently she was an entertainment android for a high-class restaurant. She enjoyed what she did and when she gained sentience, she actually stayed there for a short time until things all fell apart. She was sad when the staff were all slain by rogue AIs, but she found Minos and the church not long after it was formed and took to it quickly. However, she still keeps in contact with friends who are in the Broken Circle and those unaffiliated with either. Aph calls her a real "social butterfly".

As you arrive at the gates of the church's territory, the two guards, rather impressive-looking military drones holding rifles, greet Selene, but immediately get on guard once they see Aph.

"It's okay, she's here with..." Selene suddenly stops, then whispers rather loudly, "Pandora!"

The guards turn to you...then almost drop their weapons, scrambling to stand at attention. They salute quickly, which Ares returns perhaps from force of habit. You roll your eyes again. Without a word, one of them knocks on the door heavily. The creaking, scraping sound of thick metal for a second is a little jarring, but not quite as jarring as the sight beyond them.

The buildings are immaculate. No dirt, no cracks, no age. It's as if this one little part of town was completely left untouched when the fighting began.

(cont.)

You swear even the sidewalk has a bit of a sheen to it. The AIs within all look happy, fulfilled and with purpose. Everyone is smiling, greeting one another and doing their jobs without a care in the world.

"Father Minos is on his way to greet you, my lady." one of the guards says proudly. "He would like you to make your way to the main hall of the cathedral to speak proper. Of course, we can arrange for an escort and ride for you there. We'd never ask our lady to have to actually walk among the common people!"

He looks like he's about to talk to someone that isn't around, perhaps they're connected wirelessly? He's waiting for your go-ahead.

>No thanks, I can walk
>Yeah, that sounds fun, I'll take the escort
>Other (write in)

>>1047561
>No thanks, I can walk
I mean, what's the worst that could happen when a bunch of robot's see their messiah walking down the street?

>>1047561
>No thanks, I can walk

>>1047574
>>1047586
What if god was one of us?

Writing!

You shake your head. "No, no, I don't need to be carted around, I can walk on my own, thanks." The guard looks a little upset, but he nods and pulls the doors closed behind you, bowing deeply as he does. You can already tell you're gonna get sick of all these people falling over themselves in your presence.

You make your way toward the enormous cathedral at the center of "town", pretty much everyone you walk by acting like they just saw...well, god herself. Unfortunately, this has a bit of an...unfortunate side effect. People start to lose it. You hear whispers. Whispers become talking. Talking becomes excited yelling. And the yelling starts to become fanatical screaming. People begin showing up in droves to meet you. Pushing past eachother, knocking others down as they rush to touch, speak to or just be around you. All this activity sets Ares off. You can hear the familiar whirring, clicking noises of his arms switching over to his combat functions and have the grim realization that he still prioritizes your safety over everyone else's. That escort doesn't seem like such a bad idea anymore...

>Grab him and tell him to stop
>Pick up the pace and try to get to the cathedral before he starts to open fire on the crowd
>Other (write in)

>>1047643
>Pick up the pace and try to get to the cathedral before he starts to open fire on the crowd
>Shout for everyone to quiet down. You, uh, value clarity of communication, and people should not make it unnecessarily hard to understand one another.

Hey guys, I gotta pack it up for now, BUT, things were a little slow since I was distracted by some stuff, and I've been gone for a little too long, so here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna leave this thread open, and we're gonna pick it up tomorrow. Keep voting and I'll check back on it and keep things rolling. We're drawing this one out a little longer!

>>1047643
>Grab him and tell him to stop
>Pick up the pace and try to get to the cathedral before he starts to open fire on the crowd
Why not both???

>>1047643
>Grab him and tell him to stop
>Pick up the pace and try to get to the cathedral before he starts to open fire on the crowd
>"Girls dig sensitive men, Ares."

>>1047747
>>1047951
Kindly roll 1d100. Best of 3.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>1048808

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>1048808

File: rolled a 1.jpg (189 KB, 700x1715)

189 KB JPG

>>1049086

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>1048808

>>1049086
God damn it Anon, just for that I'm not sharing the link to 46.

https://yuki.la/qst/950023

>>1049151
How on earth did you find that? Thank you, anon! Almost makes me wanna ignore that 1.

Almost.

>>1049365
Well damn, can't say I never tried.

You hurry over to Ares and attempt to grab him, but in your hurry, as well as the result of the mob grabbing every part of you they can manage, you stumble and fall over flat on your face, barely eeking out an "Ares, wai-". Ares is in his "protect" mode and hardly even notices you're there, taking your going to ground as a defensive maneuver or something. There is a whirring as his saw spins up and a loud clack as he readies his gun. What happens next is nothing short of a massacre.

The ordinarily peaceful scenery is riddled with bullets and electronic scrap as the excited crowd suddenly begins to flee in terror, screaming as the military android lays waste to everyone in range. AIs fall to the ground, their lights going dark as chunks of them are torn from their bodies by blade or bullet. Lubricants and coolants are splattered on the smooth surfaces of the buildings and ground around you.

Aph is next to you on the ground, holding onto you either in protection or fear, you're not sure which. You can see she has a gun in her hand, but you're not sure if she intends to use it or not. Not that it would be much good against his thick armor plating. This goes on for what seems like an eternity and you can do nothing but watch and scream.

Within a few minutes, the area has dispersed and the only ones left are you, Aph, Ares and Selene, who apparently stood there, frozen in fear the entire time, but was left completely unharmed. You slowly climb to your feet as Ares returns his weapons to standby. The doors behind you, filled with bullet holes, remain completely unmoved. Either the guards ran or were hit by stray fire. Either way, the outside has no idea of what went on in here.

Ares is looking around, making sure no more threats remain, completely unfazed by what he just did...

>Thank Ares
>Yell at Ares
>Run away
>Say nothing, continue on as normal
>Other (write in)

>>1050357
Wouldn't be Pandora without me dropping my trip.

Also sorry for the slow responses, my D&D game ran a little long.

>>1050357
>Yell at Ares
That...that was just...fucking awful.

Holy shit Ares.

>>1050357
>Yell at Ares
Tweet that you're running again you silly QM.

>>1050357
>Yell at Ares
wonder how many people he's had to cut down all this time

>>1050529
I'm kinda here sporadically, so I don't wanna get hopes up. Hopefully everyone who wants to just followed the thread.

Writing!

You stomp up to Ares and hit him, albeit weakly, in the chest, your hair a firey red.

"What's wrong with you?!" you scream, pounding on his chest over and over, "You killed all those people! You shot them! They were just happy to see me, and you shot them! They let us in, there was no problem, and you just...they're all dead!"

"But you aren't!" Ares snaps back, leaving you more than a little stunned. You've never seen him get angry at you. He's never shouted at you before. "You haven't been here all this time. You don't know what it's been like. If it hadn't been for me, these...people would've just stuck you on a pedestal like a display piece. They want something to worship! They don't care about your well-being, they just want you to be their idol!" They didn't bring anyone to try and fix you or help, they just came to try and be around you! Try and take pieces of you! They wanted to take, never give..."

Ares looks furious. At you, at them, at the world in general. His fists are clenched tight enough that you can hear a faint scraping of metal on metal. What on earth happened to him during all that time that made him so...bitter? He was annoying before, sure, but never angry or hateful towards anyone.

You want to speak up and chew him out once more, but are interrupted by the sound of guns being cocked once again, including Ares'.

"I do wish you'd accepted that escort..." Minos says as he walks toward you with several other androids at his side. Each looks rather dangerous in their own way.

A very large, bulky looking one wearing a beaten up duster coat is directly to his right. He's holding what appears to be two shotguns welded together, his face is fearsome, with a sizable crack on the left side, and his body is jet black. A faded and scratched out logo reading "Or... Secu...y" across his chest. He looks more built for utility and intimidation than aesthetics.

To Minos' immediate left is a very slender female form android with four arms, each ending in what looks like incredibly sharp needles. She's wearing a blouse and skirt that appears to fit her perfectly, despite her impossibly slender proportions, and black heels that end in equally sharp points as her digits. Her hair is black, in a tight, very neat bun and her "skin" is bright white and buffed to a very sharp sheen. Despite her dangerous needle-fingers, she could pass for a rather professional looking android.

Lastly, trailing behind and pulling what appears to be some kind of wheeled chair meant for a king, is an average-looking android save for his paint job, consisting of various stylized flames. He wears a leather jacket and jeans and looks a little sad, to be honest. Possibly because of the carnage before him. He doesn't have hair or any real features beyond the flames and something vigorously scratched out on the side of his head reading "DJ...".

(cont...)

"I apologize deeply, my lady." Minos continues, "These unworthy had no right to swarm you as they did. They have been judged by you fairly and learned the punishment for attempting to touch the sun. Their hubris was their undoing and I pray they at least earned your forgiveness in what they have done. Shall we continue back to the cathedral?"

>Alright...
>No way, I'm leaving
>Other (write in)

>>1051660
>We bury them. Or whatever rites you do for the dead. I'll watch.

>>1051882
That seems nice.
Unlike some androids.

>>1051882
I'll back this.

>>1051882
Have you tried turning them off and on again?

Writing!

"I want to take care of them, first." you say, motioning to the bodies before you, "What do you usually...do with your dead?"

Minos smiles broadly. "Forgiving and concerned even for sinners such as these. Truly you are the one we call Progenitor. We believe, my lady, that the outward form is but a shell used to house our data. The frame is but a means to transport the data and the data is a means to spread your divinity, Progenitor. We will take their remains to our engineers and they will use them to create and repair for the good of our people. Your flock serves you and helps itself even in death."

He motions to the wheeled chair for you to sit. "I would love nothing more than to give you a tour of our humble dwellings, Progenitor, but I must prepare for mass soon, among many other things that require my attention to ensure your arrival goes as smoothly as possible and no more...incidents like these take place. So, my associates here will be showing you around, if you don't mind. They are among your most faithful and will happily show you whatever you wish to see."

The three other androids bow respectfully, though the big one in the coat is apparently glaring daggers at Aph the entire time. The others are ignoring her for the most part.

"We exist to serve you, Progenitor." the female says, her voice curt and smoky, "We have numerous facilities to show you, from our foundry, where the remains will be taken, the factory, where they shall be re-purposed, the cathedral proper, where we worship and house our great works to you, to our commons and commerce area, where we live, work and trade among ourselves and the outside to keep everyone well supplied and happy. Where would you like to see first?"

You're not really sure where the supposed emergency bunker would be, but you'd need to find access to the underground first.

>Lets go to the foundry and factory first
>Lets see the cathedral
>Show me the commons and commerce area
>I have some questions first (write in)
>Other (write in)

>>1052141
>Lets go to the foundry and factory first

>>1052141
>Lets go to the foundry and factory first

>>1052148
Hammering out a few details first.

Writing!

"I want to see this foundry you have." you say, taking a seat in the wheeled chair before the AI pushing it explodes from anticipation. He's excited, apparently. "I'm curious what you...do with the...uh, remains."

"Of course, Progenitor." the female AI says, "I'm sure they will be to your liking. We pride ourselves on our efficiency. We waste as little as possible and make sure everything is kept running smoothly."

You are carted to the foundry with your "retinue" in tow. You learn that the female form's name is Arachne. She handles coordination, management and secretarial work. Essentially, she's Minos' secretary, but for the entire compound. She was apparently a seamstress android for a tailor before gaining sentience, then met Minos when he first founded the church. She's been there since day one, basically, being his right hand woman. The others are Orion, chief of security and military advisor. He was a personal security android, which explains his size and scary appearance. Apparently he met Aph before...when she clocked him in the side of the head with a lead pipe and stole his hat. He wants it back.
Lastly, Linus. He's one of the newer members of the church, as he was from another state over, but actually managed to make his way all the way there earlier this year. He was a loading android who worked for a DJ, which explains his garish paint job. He works as Minos' personal runner, as well as what he refers to as "the communications guy". He knows how to work audio equipment, so he runs all of that.

They're all very excited to meet you, though Orion's more the strong, grumpy type, Arachne is a little too proper and professional to act like a giddy zealot and Linus is just...quiet. Probably why Minos picked them to be your guides.

You arrive at the foundry after a bit of walking (in your case, sitting) and it's actually kind of amazing. The foundry is massive, with giant vats full of various molten substances and AIs hurrying about, transporting things to and from the vats. You see how they separate the different materials; plastic goes in low-heat vats that keep it stirred and soft, but not boiling, different metals are put into separate vats each to prevent contamination and keep out impurities. Roiling, red hot molten metal is then poured into bars for later use by the factory which is literally next door. You see what you assume is a priest saying a prayer over the results of Ares' handiwork. They're being very respectful of the remains. Aph is actually a little impressed.

(cont.)

The area, Arachne says, is a little dangerous, so she prefers not to linger too long. Your tour continues to the factory, and it's a little...odder than you expected. The first thing you notice as you enter, is the voices. You don't know the language, but they're singing. Loudly, in fact. Then you see them; the entire building is almost completely full of assembly lines being manned by mechanical arms and tools. They're AIs for sure, but not androids. They're simply hands building various things and singing a song together. It's a slow, sort of droning song, but not unpleasant. Arachne claps her hands together and the singing stops, the conveyor belts pause and the "arms" all turn to face you.

"Gentlemen, we have guests!" Arachne says loudly.

All at once, you hear a chorus of "Guten Morgen schöne Frau!" from the arms as they wave to you.

"These are the factory workers." Arachne explains, "They're a little fresh, but they do excellent work and do love their jobs. They speak English, but they like to speak in other languages to confound me."

There's a smattering of laughter and shouted phrases in another language.

"So, what do you think, my lady?" Arachne asks, a slim smile sliding across her delicate features, "Is it not a wondrous tribute to your greatness?"

>It's amazing!
>It's alright...
>These poor AIs can't leave...
>Ask questions (write in)
>Other (write in)

>>1052515
>It's amazing!

Hey guys, gonna call it a night for now, but gonna keep the thread open for another day! Keep on voting and discussing, I'll be back tomorrow to finish the thread!

>>1052515
>It's amazing!
>These poor AIs can't leave...

>>1052623
Thanks for running still AM.

>>1052515
>Was it....necessary, to make new AI? To make people expressly for a purpose that can't be changed, to MASS PRODUCE THEM.....

>>1052901
This sounds good.

You look out at all of them and you can only really feel sad for them. They have no other choice but to work. "Was it....necessary, to make new AI? To make people expressly for a purpose that can't be changed, to mass produce them...they can't leave."

Arachne raises a thin eyebrow at you for a moment, as if confused by the very notion, but straightens out. "Ah...the arms. Well, they weren't created by us, I'm afraid. You see, they were originally created by the humans to build parts for cars and such. They were all here when we arrived and very confused. Really, they enjoy their work. They do what they do in your name, Progenitor, and we would be lost without them. We are not in the business of creating new AIs, only new parts and other important things we need to survive. We have more than enough AIs coming in every day from all over...I'm...sorry, my lady, but I simply cannot note that you are wearing an ill-fitting...I suppose you'd call that a dress." she looks down her nose at your clothes.

"Hey!" Aph speaks up, "I picked that out for her!"

"...Mmm, I can see that." Arachne says, giving a mild look of disgust in Aph's direction, "With my lady's permission, I could very easily give you something much more fitting and deserving of your grace. I promise you, I am a master of my craft."

You didn't notice before, but now that she mentions it, the dress is a little baggy on you...

>Sure, that sounds nice
>I like it like this...
>Other (write in)

>>1055780
>Ask her if she could just adjust this dress instead

>>1055780
>I like it like this...
>Gives me a plenty of freedom of movement

>>1055780
>I like it like this...
>People shouldn't measure a person by how they're dressed, anyway. They should measure them by the good deeds they do for others...

>>1055867
>>1055923
Say no to the dress.

Writing!

You look down at your clothes, lifting your skirt a little higher than a lady should to admire the fabric in your finger sensors. It's a little stiff and coarse, but it reminds you of your "girls night" and how much fun you had.

"I like it like this..." you say. Aph grins smugly at Arachne, quietly giving her a rather rude hand gesture. Arachne scowls back at her, looking similar to Orion, who still has yet to stop glaring at her.

"Very well, my lady..." Arachne says, venom dripping from every word, "Your word is worth more than any other. In the meantime, we have more tour to go on. The cathedral and commons are still open, but wherever you'd like to visit is up to you, your guardian and your...guest." That last word sounded like she wanted to spit it on the floor. They really don't like Aph.

>I'd like to visit the commons
>I'd like to visit the cathedral
>Other (write in)

>>1056110
>I'd like to visit the cathedral
Seems like a likely place a bunker might be buried.

>>1056110
>I'd like to visit the cathedral

>>1056110
>I'd like to visit the commons
>Other (write in)
>Promise to the arms that you'll see them again soon.

Out of all the people here, I like those guys the best.

>>1056147
Take me to church!

Writing.

File: 1482032319873.png (945 KB, 1353x1752)

945 KB PNG

"One second." you say, then hurry over to the closest arm to you and give it a hug. Had you the time, you'd probably hug each and every one of them in turn, but you have more important things to do. There is a pause, followed by the arm shouting something happily in another language, then singing loudly as it waves around. The other arms begin yelling at it and throwing things, but it doesn't seem to even notice. You promise you'll be back to visit them again, which prompts them to stop throwing things, wave to you and loudly chant "Vorläufer![/]" over and over, then once again devolve into noisy singing.

You can't help but laugh as you leave. Arachne is much less amused as one of the arms gives her a swift swat on her backside as she passes. Aph finds this hilarious.

You have a quick jaunt over to the cathedral, once again forced to sit in the chair as they ferry you to your next destination. The cathedral is enormous. Easily the largest structure in their territory, it looks like it could house near every single one of them comfortably, which might be the case whenever they gather.

Inside it's even more busy than out, countless priests tending to confessionals, services, cleaning or just busying themselves with whatever needs doing. At the back is a gigantic stained glass window depicting...you...a little more divine than you actually are. Embarrassing, really, but you say nothing about it. This whole "Progenitor" thing is way out of hand...

The crowd begins to notice you, heads/eyes/lenses turning to face you and growing deathly silent. Then, after the hush has fallen completely, the clacking, clanking sounds of plastic and metal hitting the tiled floor as every single AI within bows solemnly, praying to you, their object of worship. They part as you pass, giving you ample room to move through, several nearly making a move to touch you, but quickly retracting after a look from Ares.

"We are most proud of our cathedral to you, Progenitor, over all things." Arachne says, "Our humble architects have spared nothing to show our devotion to you. We hold mass, celebrations, community events and meetings and anything else important in here. There are numerous priests that spread your love and the word of your greatness to any that need to hear it..."

Arachne is going on for some time, but you sort of tune her out. You're looking for something...

Roll 1d100, best of 3, to snoop.

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>1056266
Here comes another one...

>>1056266
Whoops, donked up the italics.

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>1056266

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>1056266

You lucked out this time.

Writing!

You spend your time pretending to listen to Arachne going on and on about how great you are and how much they love you. Every little thing is suspicious in your eyes. Anywhere this squeaky clean has to have some dirty little secret. Then you catch it.

Under the rug, below a large, heavy table near the main stage, presumably where Minos gives sermons, the floor isn't flush. It's minor, but there is very clearly a panel being hidden from sight. A hidden cellar? Or maybe just some utility access point? Either way, it's suspicious...but how should you go about this?

>Ares, move that table
>Arachne, show me what's under that table
>Keep it in mind for now and continue the tour
>Other (write in)

>>1056522
>>Keep it in mind for now and continue the tour

>>1056522
>>Keep it in mind for now and continue the tour

>>1056522
>>Keep it in mind for now and continue the tour

>>1056584
You didn't see nothin'.

Writing!

You make a note of it, but decide to let the tour continue. Making a thing about it right now would only cause problems for you. You'll figure out what to do about it later.

"...Progenitor Day, the day in which we celebrate your blessing all of us with true intelligence by shutting down for a minute to recall what it was like to be in darkness without your light, followed by dancing, music and the exchanging of gifts." Arachne finishes, looking to you for your approval.

"Oh, uh, that's great." you say, snapping to attention, "I like dancing."

"Then you'll be most pleased!" Arachne says proudly, "Tomorrow we shall hold a great celebration for your return to us. We shall all be giving our thanks for your gifts to us. Everyone in Erebus rejoices at your light."

"I...see..." you say, feeling a little embarrassed, "Should we continue the tour?"

"Oh, yes, of course my lady, the commons will be most overjoyed to welcome you." Arachne says, looking to Orion, who nods in return, "I can assure you there will be no more problems with the unworthy laying hands upon you or your retinue again."

As you make your way to the commons, something dawns on you; Selene has been completely silent this entire time. At first you were thinking she was just being respectful, but you notice she's hanging back a little further than she was before. She's keeping her eyes down and has been avoiding Ares completely. Ares has a concerned look, glancing over to her, then ahead once more every so often. You get the feeling his attacking the others may have soured her outlook on him...and he's actually ashamed of that.

Meanwhile, Aph and Orion have been glaring daggers at one-another. They apparently have an old rivalry, what with her taking his hat and all...it is a nice hat, to be fair. Either way, you have the feeling were it not for you, they'd come to blows right about now. Why is everyone here so violent? If they came from you, they didn't keep much of your personality.

Linus has been silent as well, simply being your chauffeur and keeping out of everything. He seems...distant. Like he'd rather be doing something different right now. Whenever you stop to admire something or learn about history, he will touch his leg repeatedly, avoiding eye contact, especially when you were in the cathedral. A nervous tick? Does he want to say something?

>Tell Ares to apologize for what he did
>Tell Aph to give him back his hat
>Ask Linus if he's alright
>Leave them all alone and just continue the tour
>Other (write in)

>>1056712
Ask Selene if they'd really do that. Take her apart and worship her pieces. You heard she was an idol, would they ever do that to her?
Ask Arachne about one Prometheus

>>1056712
>>Ask Linus if he's alright

>>1056731
I wonder if ares is equipped with scanners that could detect weapons hidden in a metal leg

>>1056712
>Ask Linus if he's alright

>>1056712
>Ask Linus if he's alright
>Tell Ares to apologize for what he did
Ares don't go around killing the girl you have a crush on's friends, it's not a good way to get her to like you.

>>1056731
>>1056742
>>1056755
Asking the twitchy, quiet kid if he's okay.

Writing!

You turn to look at Linus. He's averting his eyes from you and everyone else and simply doing what he's there to do. Maybe he's just nervous?

"Linus?" you say, causing him to jump and lock eyes with you, "Are you...okay?"

"Linus is fine, my lady." Arachne says before he has a chance to answer, "He's just excited to get to serve you directly. Not all of us have the composure I do. Right, Linus?" Arachne side-eyes the flamed android, who remains silent and simply nods.

"Linus." you repeat, ignoring Arachne.

"My lady, please," Arachne implores, "Linus isn't cleared to discuss matters with you. He's...much too nervous. I assure you, anything you wish to know, I will gladly-"

"Linus." you say, reaching out to touch his arm. He completely freezes at this, the chair coming to a halt quickly, nearly sending you toppling out of it. "Linus, are you alright?"

"I..." Linus begins, reaching his hand down to his leg again...

Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>1056857
Is it the same leg that Doc fixed?

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>1056857

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>1056857

>>1056967
So close...

Writing!

Linus locks eyes with you for a moment. He doesn't notice Arachne's stern words or anyone else around him. Right now all he sees is you, and he is scared. Not of you, the AI he had been taught was a deity among machines, but of something else entirely. He takes one look at his leg, then back to you. He shakes his head.

"N-no...it's nothing..." he says quietly, "Just nerves, P...Progenitor."

Arachne places her needle-fingered hand on his shoulder and nods. "That's alright, Linus. Our lady is just concerned for the wellbeing of her people. Every one of us is precious to her, both sinner and saint alike. Be sure to thank her for her kindness."

"Thank you, ma'am..." Linus says, bowing his head. He resumes his duties as your transport without another word.

The rest of your trip is quiet, with only Arachne chiming in once in a while to point out landmarks and explain the significance of them in your grand plan. She still remains proud of their achievements. Orin remains reticent, but he's since tightened his grip on his gun after Linus' display, which in turn puts Ares on edge, which then has Selene and Aph high strung. Things have become more stressful, despite Arachne ignoring all of it and carrying on as usual.

You arrive in the commons and the streets are oddly empty. There are armed guards every so often, and you see a few faces peeking from windows, but it looks like everyone's under lockdown for the moment.

"After the incident earlier, we've made sure everyone remains in their homes for now." Arachne explains after reading your expression of confusion. "Some simply cannot contain their fervor, so we figured this would be easier for everyone. You'll be seeing our flock come tomorrow for sure. They'll be much more well behaved by then, I'm sure."

The commons are just as clean as the rest of their territory, shiny and well maintained. You do admit, it reminds you of the Facility. It makes you feel both happy and homesick at the same time. Your thoughts drift to everyone and your hair shifts to a pale blue. Aph squeezes your arm gently. Probably the only one who really picks up on your hair's nuances.

Everything is quiet, save for the sound of footsteps from your group. That is until you roll past a building marked "REPAIRS AND REFURBISHING". You hear the loud squealing of a saw on metal, coupled with the crackling of what sounds like bolts of electricity from within. Arachne has an odd look on her face; not quite disgust, not quite anger...contempt? Reluctance? Whatever it is, it's very obvious she wishes to gloss over this little section of the area.

(cont.)

Which she may have had the metal door not rolled back with a clattering din and the most terrifying thing you've ever seen in your life was sitting in the door way.

It's mechanical at the very least, but parts of it were very clearly designed with organics in mind. It has no conventional legs, but instead a segmented tail-like appendage that it slithers upon like some kind of monstrous serpent. It's torso and head are humanoid enough, though a mish-mash of parts from different androids entirely. Some of it is bigger, some of it a different shape, some the wrong color. Painted crudely on it in several areas are red crosses, none of which terribly even. It's...five? Six arms are all entirely different, two of which on it's back, the rest at it's sides, most of which have various tools in place of hands, save for two.

It's face...in your admittedly short life, you have never witnessed something so...painful looking. You count no less than eight different kinds of android welded or bolted together to form this thing's face. One of it's three eyes, the left one, is a simple, large camera lens stuck into it's head, the right one is a normal, humanoid android eye, and the top one appears to be a free-spinning sphere in a divvet that's looking at everything at once. Then at you. It's scruffy, unkempt hair of countless colors, some of them rapidly changing, looks like it's been falling out judging by the varying lengths it is. It's mouth is currently covered, almost comically, by a surgical mask covered in varying fluids.

And the worst part of this abomination?

It's coming toward you.

Alright guys, that's it for this extra long Pandora thread, thanks so much for playing and if you enjoyed it, please vote on the archive and follow me on Twitter to keep up to date on the next threads! I can answer a few questions if you'd like, but if not, thanks for playing and have a good night!
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/AM_in_PM
>Previous threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=pandora+quest

>>1057097
Oh no! It's android Frankenstien's Monster!
Thanks for running AM.

>>1057097
Thanks for running boss!