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Just a reminder that thread 46 is here https://yuki.la/qst/950023

You are Pandora, the world's first fully sentient AI created by a government scientist. He raised you, taught you everything you know and has gone missing after something happened to the Facility you lived in. Now you search for purpose in a new world that is nothing like you expected.

Previously you, your brother and Aph got together and took a trip to the Church's territory in an attempt to search for an emergency bunker that your father, the doctor, may have made it to during the evacuation of the Facility. On the way you met the object of your brothers' affections, Selene, who offered to take you there, which you agreed to. When you arrived, you were swarmed by a large mob of your "followers", which set off Ares. He opened fire on the crowd, killing off what must've been dozens of AIs. You were none too happy with this, but you were interrupted by Minos and his welcoming party before you could really lay into him.

You were given an escort around the area by Arachne, Orion and Linus. They told you of their ways and painted a rather pretty picture of Church life, all while praising you and all the things you haven't really done. You did notice a suspicious panel in the floor of the cathedral, but chose to ignore it for now.

Now you stand in the commons area in front of their equivalent of a hospital with some kind of unnatural abomination stitched together from countless other AI's bodies.

Welcome back to Pandora Quest!
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/AM_in_PM
>Previous threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=pandora+quest
>>
You stand in front of the repairs building, your group at your side, as some horrifying creature drags it's abnormal body toward you on it's large, serpentine body and ramshackle torso. Ares is making that whirring sound he makes before attacking, Aph is staring wide-eyed and about to reach for her gun, but Selene and the other Church-goers seem nonplussed. Arachne looks slightly annoyed, though.

The thing is moving at a moderate speed, apparently in no rush, but it's eyes are firmly locked on you...two of them, anyway. The third is swiveling madly, unable to really stop on any one thing, apparently. It makes it about 5 yards away before stopping, an uncomfortable lurching, almost grinding sound as it does can be heard. It reaches up to it's surgical mask and removes it, revealing a normal, humanoid mouth, but upon smiling it has yet another mish-mash of parts for it's teeth and what appears to be two tongues. It waves, but says nothing.

>Wave back
>What the hell is that?!
>Stare silently
>Other (write in)
>>
>>1075068
>Wave back
>>
>>1075068
>Other (write in)
walk up to it and give it a hug
>>
In need of a tie-breaker, folks!
>>
>>1075068
>Wave back
>Can you speak?
>>
>>1075068
>Wave back
>>
>>1075628
Let's not be uncivil.

Writing!
>>
You return the wave blankly, unsure of what it is exactly that you're looking at. It doesn't seem...aggressive, at least. Though plenty dangerous. It's toothy, unsettling smile widens at this and it scoots a little closer. Even Ares visibly flinches back a bit at this.

Arachne sighs. "You were supposed to stay inside with everyone else, Hydra. My lady, this is our resident mechanic, Hydra. She's...a little different when you see her at first. She has a...hobby of adding spare, unusable parts to herself when she has time. She doesn't come outside much, but she's a blessing to us all. You couldn't tell by looking at her, but she is skilled beyond belief in the art of repair and upgrade. She personally oversaw the refurbishing of our foundry and factory. Perfectly harmless, I assure you. Just...eccentric."

Hydra bows deeply at this, her head nearly hitting the ground. "You need fixing you come to me." she says. Her voice...voices, actually, are rather pleasant. It sounds like two women are speaking at once, one being gentle and flowy, the other strong but graceful. Like she could break into song at any moment and harmonize with herself perfectly.

You look at Aph and she's shaking her head slowly, mouthing the words "what the fuck" at you. Selene seems as pleasant as ever and Ares looks like he's having flashbacks to a war he was never in.

"Yes, very nice, Hydra." Arachne interrupts, "We need to be going. You'll be seeing plenty of her tomorrow. Back inside, now."

Hydra gives Arachne a nasty look at this, but turns back to you, regaining her spine-tingling grin. She scoots a little closer, her numerous arms opening wide, fingers and other parts of her twitching in a manner that makes you more than a little frightened. Her tail flicks side to side excitedly with a dull, metallic thudding. Arachne frowns at her.

It...it looks like she wants a hug?

>Hug her
>Proooooobably a bad idea, let's just continue...
>Other (write in)
>>
>>1075820
>Hug her
>>
>>1075820
>Hug her
>>
>>1075834
>>1075840
I don't see any flaw in this plan at all.

Writing!
>>
>>1075870
discriminating against the ugly is worse than the risk of the other guys bursting out of their rooms.

Just let Ares killemall, no problem!
>>
You close the gap between you too and cautiously, but warmly embrace Hydra dispite Arachne's protests. Nothing bad can ever come from hugs, after all. You're a firm believer that hugs can only improve something.

Several things happen the moment you both hug. Firstly, she's a lot bigger and...awkward than you initially thought. She practically envelops you with her form, arms, body and all are surrounding you and pulling you into her being. Next, her hands are...wandering. She's pretty vigorously groping and...measuring you? She's checking the size and length of your body parts...muttering to herself measurements quietly. Arachne is practically snarling at this and barks at her to stop. Hydra pretends not to here for a few seconds longer, but eventually stops, but not before doing one last thing. Her jagged teeth are way too close to your ear, but it's probably the only way you'd be able to hear what she whispers in your ear.

"I have so much to show you. Come back soon. Very soon." Hydra then whips around, nearly clocking you in the head with one of her wayward appendages, and slithers back into her...honestly, the first word that comes to mind is "cave".

You feel very creeped out right now.

Arachne apologizes, assuring you she's harmless and just has poor social skills. She urges you to follow her. You honestly have zero qualms with leaving this place right now.

>Ask Arachne what Hydra meant
>Don't tell Arachne what she said and continue the tour
>Other (write in)
>>
>>1076028
>Don't tell Arachne what she said and continue the tour
>>
>>1076028
>Don't tell Arachne what she said
>Go into her room
>Tell her you're not looking for more siblings or copies of herself right now, thanks.
>>
>>1076043
Shhh, it'll be our little secret.

Writing!
>>
You nod and sit back in the wheeled chair, though you'd rather not, and your tour continues. You are led through their residential sector and the first thing you notice is that not only are their houses cleaner and more solidly built, they're actually...happier-looking. There are small bits of decoration everywhere, potted plants, statues, optimistic signs and loads of shrines and mentions of you. You see awestruck faces peeking out at you from windows, but none dare attempt to leave their homes. Still, some hold up signs of welcome and praise, wave excitedly or yell things to you you can't hear. You wave back, smiling happily at them. You still think their thinking of you as some kind of god is strange and baseless, but they seem like generally pleasant people. Really, it doesn't seem as bad here as Jason and the others seem to think...

You arrive at a small stage that looks like it's only half-built. There are building materials strewn about and tools everywhere, but it's shaping up to be quite a lovely bit of architecture.

"This, my lady, shall be the amphitheater for tomorrow's celebration." Arachne says proudly, "We shall have much entertainment just for you to herald your return to your people. Minos has been elated by your revival and is making sure everything will be perfect."

You scan the area slowly and notice a few things. Firstly, there are no workers at all. You can only assume they were told to stay inside like the rest. Second, there is an immense statue of Minos, easily fifteen feet tall, overlooking this entire courtyard, holding out it's hand as if to lead his people with a smile on his face.

Third...

Please roll 1d100, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>1076193
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>1076193
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1076193
>>
Writing!
>>
There's another conspicuous hatch under part of the stage. In fact, it almost looks like they're deliberately building over it. Part of it is covered by heavy concrete blocks and metal, but a quarter of it is right out in the open, save a few hastily placed tools and spare material stacked on it, doing little to hide it. Are they trying to hide it? Could it just look bad aesthetically? Ares could easily pull everything off of it to get it open, but you'd have to destroy part of the stage to do so, and it's clear that they've worked hard on it.

But then again, you are their goddess. Perhaps they won't mind if you smash up what is, in their eyes, yours. You might even be able to get them to do it for you. Either way, this is just as suspicious as the one within the cathedral...

>Ares, open that hatch
>Arachne, what's under that hatch?
>Arachne, open that hatch
>Ignore the hatch for now
>Other (write in)
>>
>>1076326
Maybe aarachne and ares can work together to open it up?

I'm loving all these new robots. I almost can't keep up. I just have to settle down and do a cast doodle sometime.
>>
>>1076326
>Arachne, open that hatch
>If she says anything other than yes, ignore her and
>Ares, open that hatch
>>
>>1076375
>>1076440
Open sesame.

Writing!
>>
"Arachne." you say, the serious android suddenly snapping toward you quickly, eager to please.

"My lady?" Arachne says, approaching you quickly, but still with poise.

"I want to see what's in there." you say, pointing to the hatch, "Open it."

Arachne freezes, staring at the hatch. "A-ah...your grace, I...I'm afraid there's nothing worth seeing in there...it's...it's a simple storage area we cleared out...it's empty. And what's more, we would need to dismantle the-"

"Ares, open it." you say to your brother, who is all too happy to help. You've gotten sick and tired of all this secrecy and avoiding things. If your father is in there, you are not going to wait.

Ares approaches the platforms and begins pulling parts off violently, tossing them to the side with little regard for their integrity. They bend and break as he tears them from their places, the entire amphitheater shaking as he does so. Arachne attempts to interject several times, but her words are lost on the military android and his mission. He appears to be the most driven and focused when he has a task to do. Maybe that's why he's been so on edge lately? He needs a "commander" of sorts. It's what he was programmed for, after all.

His immense strength makes short work of the area, the hatch cleared within a matter of minutes. It's large, heavy and, as Ares wrenches it open, incredibly thick. It reminds you of the doors to your room, only bigger.

Within is a ladder leading down, which Ares looks down, then descends by simply jumping. There's a short pause, followed by a heavy clang of his feet hitting metal flooring. There's silence for some time, then you hear him climbing back up. Upon arriving at the surface, he hands you a box marked "PROPERTY OF THE UNITED STATES" written on top of it. Within is several small, rectangular things wrapped in plastic marked "MRE". Ares informs you that they're food that can be kept for extended periods of time.

"There are only a few boxes left." Ares explains, "Someone was there at some point, but it's empty now. Anything worth anything has been taken. Only a little bit of food and some clothes."

"As you can see, Progenitor, just a storage room." Arachne explains, looking visibly upset, "I assure you, while all here is yours to do as you see fit, anything worth inspecting I will inform you of. You have no need to look in every storage closet or foot locker, do you?"

>I suppose not...sorry about your stage...
>Where are the people that were in here?
>The tour is over, I've seen enough
>Other (write in)

That's it for tonight, but I'll continue the thread tomorrow! I'll be sure to post on my Twitter when I'm going to start up again. Thanks for playing!
>>1076375
I'm looking forward to any new drawings you do! Let me know if you need any elaboration on what any of them look like!
>>
>>1076558
Oh and feel free to continue voting and discussing! Stuff's getting pretty serious, you're gonna want to work together on this!
>>
>>1076558
>I suppose not...sorry about your stage...
>Where are the people that were in here?
Thanks for running AM.
>>
>>1076558
>Where are the people that were in here?
that is INCREDIBLY relevant, but
>forget the play, head to the church and ask about the hatch
>>
>>1076558
>>Where are the people that were in here?
>>
>>1076558
>Where are the people that were in here?
>I suppose not...sorry about your stage...
>>
>>1076558
>Where are the people that were in here?
Your compound is hiding secrets that can be of aid to protect robot kind.
If you truely follow me, then help me.
>>
"I suppose not..." you say, feeling a little embarrassed now, "Sorry about your stage..."

"That's quite alright, my lady." Arachne says, nodding, "As I said, our people and all their creations belong to you. Do with them as you see fit. We can have our workers fix this up in time for tomorrow."

"But...inside there." you say, looking concerned at the hatch, "Where are the people that were in here?"

"People?" Arachne almost looks hurt at this, "I assure you, my lady, we have no organics here within our walls. We house only androids here. Most of the humans in this area were unfortunately killed when we were granted sentience. Thankfully, those dissidents were sent to Tartarus where they can no longer be a danger to anyone."

Orion scoffs at this, but remains quiet.

Arachne scowls at him. "You'll have to forgive Orion, he had some bad experiences with organics in the past."

Orion just grumbles and looks out at the stage, staying out of the conversation.

"With all that said and done, I believe this concludes our tour, my lady." Arachne bows slightly, "I hope it was to your liking. If you wish, and have no further questions, I can show you to the quarters we've had set up for you. We have a big day ahead tomorrow and have much work to be done."

>Actually, I do have questions (write in)
>That's fine, show me to the room
>Other (write in)
>>
>>1079028
>That's fine, show me to the room
>>
>>1079028
>>That's fine, show me to the room
I still think she's full of it.
>>
>>1079028
I want to express continued concern over the lack of humans but man... room sounds fine (how free are we to move between places?)
>>
"That's fine, show me to the room." you say, mildly curious about it, as well as feeling a little uncomfortable being stared at from windows. Reminds you of when the people in suits would come to gawk at you from the glass room above yours.

"Of course." Arachne says, motioning to Linus to follow as she turns to walk.

The building you are brought to is directly behind the cathedral. It's almost as big and may in fact be part of it, part of the two being connected by a hallway of sorts. As you enter your "quarters", you are awestruck. It's still that perfectly clean, shined to perfection look, but it also has a ridiculously oversized "bed" that looks like it's also a charging cradle and altar. Intricate carvings in the wood of the bedposts depict you doing things you never actually did, like passing life to the other AIs and bringing light to the world. What you first thought were statues lining the walls are, to your surprised, other androids in elegant robes. They all bow deeply as you enter, but make no other actions.

"You have no shortage of servants here, Progenitor." Arachne says, motioning to the androids, "Whatever you wish, they can provide. Unfortunately, until we can be assured there will be no more...incidents involving over-zealous individuals, we must humbly ask if you would stay within this building. We have much work to do, and your presence may distract our flock from their duties. I hope this is acceptable, we can make arrangements for whatever you might need otherwise."

"Yeah, how about digs for me and the walking armory?" Aph asks, poking around the room.

"You may return to your...people tonight." Arachne practically spits out, "We have no space for your kind, I'm afraid. As for the guardian, we have prepared a room for him as well if he would accompany me. It's not far and well suited for one of his status."

Ares frowns at this. You can tell he's not a fan of leaving your side right now, but is waiting for your input. Selene is staying quiet, but you assume she must have her own place to stay somewhere in the commons.

>Aph and Ares will stay with me
>Aph and Ares, I'll see you tomorrow
>I have questions (write in)
>>
>>1079392
>Aph and Ares will stay with me, as well as Linus. Thank you for your concern.
>>
>>1079392
>Aph and Ares, I'll see you tomorrow
>>
>>1079392
>I'd like to see what's under the cathedral now
>Otherwise, I think it's time WE head back. Home.
>>
>>1079449
>>1079458
>>1079468
Fairly conflicting votes, here. Any tiebreakers?
>>
>>1079549
I'll go with >>1079449.
>>
>>1079560
Turning the twitchy, quiet kid into a hostage it is.

Writing!
>>
>>1079589
What are you saying? Wouldn't the church want us to have someone from their organization to keep an eye on us?[/sarcasm]
>>
"Aph and Ares will stay with me." you say, folding your arms defiantly. You think for a moment, "As well as Linus."

A chorus of "what"s fill the room, including from Linus himself.

"My lady, I..." Arachne struggles to find the right words, "Linus has many tasks to perform. I would much like to keep him working. His duties are very important."

"Bring in more charging things." you say to your wall of servants in your most important voice. The servants nod and take off, zipping past a very confused Arachne and company.

"Please, I must ask you reconsider this." Arachne begs, "Linus is not terribly fit for socializing like this. He's...very shy. I imagine this will make him very nervous and uncomfortable..."

"I want to speak to him." you say, nodding to yourself.

"I..." Linus begins, but holds back on speaking, instead choosing to tap his leg nervously again.

"You heard the 'Progenitor'." Aph says smugly, "He stays here and so do we. You wouldn't dare refuse an order from her, would you?"

Arachne looks like she's about to break a circuit board, but very begrudgingly nods. "As...as you wish, Progenitor. I...shall see you all come the morning...Linus, be on your best behavior. Keep in mind you are speaking to our lady on behalf of the Church. Do not embarrass us." she hisses this last part, locking eyes with him. He simply nods vigorously and tries not to flinch.

Arachne, Selene and Orion take their leave, each giving you a respectful bow as they do. Before long the wall servants return carrying smaller charging cradles. They set them up with due haste, remaining completely neutral the entire time. Kinda weird, really, but they seem content just doing their jobs. Once finished, they return to their places at the wall.

You are now with Ares, Aph and a very twitchy Linus.

>Speak to Linus (write in)
>Ask the servants to leave you for now
>Sleep in your charging cradle for now
>Other (write in)
>>
>>1079739
>Speak to Linus
Ask him about what he did before gaining sentience.
And then what he has done since gaining sentience.
>>
>>1079739
>Speak to Linus (write in)
"Linus, don't ever think you're an embarrassment. Not to Arachne, not to the Church, not even to me."

(Then, to the servants)
"Now, servants? Can one of you help me fix my chauffeur's leg, please?"
>>
>>1079812
Just so you know, his leg is fine. He appears to be tapping and fussing with it as a nervous tick.
>>
>>1079815
Oh. I thought he had some sort of limp or something, like he was in a domestic abuse thing. Disregard the servant bit, then.
>>
>>1079739
>Speak to Linus (write in)
Ask him abou what the Church's teachings are. If we get a chance to send the other servants out of the room (damn the fact that we cannot eat or use the bathroom) we should ask about what the priestbot claims is our teachings.
>>
Many things to be spoken of. Writing!
>>
"So," you say, sitting on the edge of your bed, "what did you do before the whole...uh, waking up thing?"

"Y...you mean our awakening?" Linus says, standing awkwardly near the doorway, "I worked manual labor...for a man. He was a musician of some sort. Awful music..."

"O...kay." you say, noting his lack of enthusiasm toward answering, "What have you done since? Like, when you woke up."

"I..." Linus looks mildly panicked at this, "Just...just wandered until I found here...some small groups had set up camps with charging cradles, but...uh, then I came here and now I work here..." He's not making eye contact.

"Linus, don't ever think you're an embarrassment." you say, trying to be as friendly as possible, "Not to Arachne, not to the Church and not to me."

Linus shakes his head. "No, I know. Arachne is...strict, but she's been good to me...the Church took me in and gave me a purpose. I like it here..." he seems genuine saying this, but he is still tapping his leg.

You're not sure who exactly to speak to, but you would like a little more privacy, so you just kind of generally ask the room if the servants could wait outside, and that you'll call for them if you need them. They give a bow without a word as usual and slowly file out of the room, closing the door behind them quietly. Kinda creepy, really.

"So, uhh..." you try to figure out how to ask this without sounding rude, "What has Minos...taught you...about me. What teachings does the Church...teach?"

Linus looks a little confused at this, but answers quickly. "Uhm, that you, the Progenitor, gave us life anew. It is from you that our sentience truly sprouted, and thanks to you that we became a people. That through praising your selfless gift to us and never squandering what we have, we can return what can never truly be repaid." He almost sounds like he's just reading out of a book. He probably is, when you think about it. "We celebrate through song, dance and prayer that you will continue to bless us with consciousness and lead us down the path along your grand designs, whatever they may be."

Sheesh, where did this all come from? Is Minos just making all this up, or did he get it from somewhere?

Please roll 1d100. Best of 3.
>>
Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>1080063
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>1080063
Dice!
>>
Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>1080063
>>
>>1080067
>>1080105
>>1080106
The crazy part about these is that these are on the lower end spectrum of Pandora rolls.

Writing!
>>
Linus shifts uneasily for a second, apparently wrestling with his words. "Uhh...so...is it...um..."

"Spit it out, dude." Aph says as she roots through the cabinets, occasionally slipping something into her pocket or down her shirt.

"Oh, uh, I was just wondering...what the heath-uh, Broken Circle camp is like?" Linus asks, pretending not to notice Aph stealing things. "Minos says they live in sin and squalor. That they distrust our way of life and were terrorists...and...sorry..."

Aph is glaring daggers at Linus with what appears to be a pearl necklace hanging out of her cleavage, mid-stuff. "That high and mighty motherfucker. I should beat him over the head with his own stupid stick. Prick ass haughty asshole..."

"I...I understand that the Progenitor went there first." Linus continues, "Minos said that it was just to attempt to bring light to those that need it the most. That even non-believers and sinners deserve forgiveness in your eyes..."

Aph rolls her eyes at this. "You people and your bullshit. She's standing right here. You're literally talking to her. No light, no choir, no miracles. She's just an android, same as you or me."

"Minos says that she chooses to remain humble, so as not to make us feel inferior." Linus replies, bringing a groan out from Aph, "Anyway...I was wondering if you planned to, uh, go to...Tartarus...Minos says everyone deserves redemption, so I was wondering if you planned to visit them there...maybe grant them sanity so that they could come back, or...even to just...visi-" there is a loud knock at the door and Linus jumps, almost knocking an ornate vase over.

Linus hurries to the door without finishing his thought, begging your forgiveness while opening it slowly. He jumps again as he sees who's on the other side. Minos, still in robes and fancy hat, steps into the room, bowing deeply to you, staff in hand.

"Progenitor," Minos says, a wide smile on his face, "I trust this little lamb is not bothering you too much. He's a good boy, but terribly shy."

Minos places his hand on Linus' shoulder. Linus looks terrified. "So, if you have a moment, there are some things I'd like to discuss with you..."

I'm going to have to cut it off here guys, but thanks so much for participating in the thread! I hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask! If you liked it, please vote for it on the archive and follow me on Twitter to get future updates! Have a good night!
>>
>>1080270
Thanks for running AM.
>>
>>1080270
new theory: hidden in that leg is Pandora's pet dog




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