previous | narration | home | next

Chapter 44 (Original Archive)

supreme_arbiter 8/12/2007

Opening Pandora - part II

Irsa went outside and searched the sand dunes again for edible plants or seeds. Further away from the ship Irsa detected signs of the deadly sand stars, Sikalas Horatio had called them, but otherwise the dunes were as barren as the endless night outside the Warden. Disappointed, Irsa headed to the bridge to meet with the others.

OOC: "Which is Irsa's room?" Room C - It's marked on the Pandora's map legend. It's the second to the last door on the left :^) Irsa and Alexei are sharing the room.

-----------------------

Nike strode onto the bridge. The rest of the crew were waiting for her there. Her stomach gnawed at her but she ignored it. She looked around and counted heads. Chelydra, Percy, Arkady and Amanda were in their control chairs at the front of the bridge. Bud, Shlitzfarl, Becka, Irsa, Alexei and Davred sat in chairs behind them. "Bailey and Caleb, are you with our guests in their rooms?"

"Correct," Bailey answered. "All secure," Caleb replied.

"Arkady, are you well rested?"

"Never felt better, captain. Literally."

"Good, then everyone take a seat and buckle down. THX-1492, take point. Set a course for the southern land mass between here and the ruined dropship in case we need to stop to refuel."

"Affirmative, " the robot replied. Percy turned on the radar holoprojection as Nike climbed into the command seat in the center of the bridge. A holographic depiction of the great dunes surrounding the Pandora came to life. Her enormous hull, three times the length of a football field, appeared in the center. The crew watched the tiny aircar beside it lift off and head east.

"Arkady, take us up and outta here. Follow THX."

Arkady started the engines. Their song was faint and distant but rose in volume. The view from the high windows was of nothing but clouds. The crew watched the Pandora rise in the holoprojected image and felt the floor move beneath their feet. She climbed and pointed her nose toward the aircar.

As they gained altitude, Percy adjusted the radar's range. The dune sea grew larger until the Pandora was only a small dot flying above it.

"Amanda, figure out the GPS coordinates and set a course in case we lose him."

Amanda opened the globe data, THX-1492's travel logs and brought up the GPS application but she stopped short. "The GPS is telling me Server Not Responding."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know."

"Here is a responding server address," a polite and attractive young woman's voice answered. A server protocol address appeared on Amanda's computer.

"Pandora?" Nike asked.

"Yes?"

Shlitzfarl felt worry bothering her circuits. Once, when Pandora had discovered Shlitzee's governor had been removed, she'd made all sorts of trouble for her. Shlitzee had damaged the Pandora's engineering robot, Hephaestus, with her laser and hadn't been bothered by either of them in many years.

"I thought you were malfunctioning," Nike said.

"I ceased communicating with my ship one hour and 6 minutes after a rocket from the Warden struck my hull. Communication has just been restored."

"Your autonomic governor was destroyed."

"It does not seem to be malfunctioning at this time."

"Amanda, is the GPS working?"

"Yeah, I'm setting course now."

"Pandora, please keep an eye on the aircar traveling in front of us and alert us if it deviates from our path."

"Acknowledged."

Nike watched the approaching hills below them in the holoprojection. The Pandora was low enough to see the farms below if not the inhabitants, with radar. "Percy," she said, "did you manage to configure the computer to prevent anyone from hacking in from a remote terminal?"

"Yes I did. I configured the network to only accept requests from the computers on the bridge. All the other terminals throughout the lifeboat have to have a port opened from here to have any data at all sent to them."

"Good. Arkady, can you spare a minute to tell us how we can get up to the Alexandria?"

"Sure, the ship's on auto-pilot. Percy discovered a beanstalk-spool satellite on the Alexandria. There's enough power on board to remotely deploy and unspool it. The templates to build an elevator platform are all in the matter compiler. It'd take just a few days to build an elevator big enough to take up a small team."

"Excellent. A briefing is in order for our newest crew members. We escaped from the Warden in this oversized officer's lifeboat. What we saw of the Warden after we woke up was a madhouse - mutants roving the envirodecks, murderous robots and some creep called the Watcher who seemed to pull the strings. We were attacked as we left. We barely regained consciousness in time to land well enough to walk away. We made repairs yesterday and met Horatio, a priest from some whacked out cult that worships John Galt. It seems Galt has been living on this planet for over 300 years. He was one of the original passengers on the Alexandria, the rescue ship Eridani sent after us. Turns out he and this fellow Dwayne Spragni mutinied and killed all of the men on board except for Mike Benalidino, the ship's engineer, and established a colony here. We flew over their central compound. Their elites live in a fortress surrounded by high walls in cottages that look like they belong on the shores of the lake on Warden Level 11. This morning we got a good look at the rest of the colony's inhabitants when they tried to attack the lifeboat. The locals are little more than barbarians. We sedated them and sent them on their way, but four men from another tribe, the Rota, arrived. They've given us what may be the most reliable info on Galt we've heard yet. They seemed to get on Horatio's nerves, however. Horatio and the Rota have been separated and are on board for when we have more questions for them. Right now we're heading for the ruins of one of the Alexandria's two dropships. Percy, have you got any maps for us from the Alexandria?"

"I downloaded two while you were gone." He punched a few buttons on his console and displayed a map and spinning globe on the large display monitors above the holoprojection. "The planet we're on," he added, "is in orbit around one of the stars in the Rho Cancri system."

http://www.metamorp hosisalpha. com/ias/images/ scenes/rho_ cancri_animation .gif http://www.metamorp hosisalpha. com/ias/images/ scenes/rho_ cancri_world_ map.jpg OOC: The Pandora is traveling from Eden to the Excavation.

Nike turned to Shlitzee and asked her to give the crew her report on her DNA tests. "The leviathan had the most unique genome. It's definitely not bred from any sort of Earth stock. The native humans on this planet exhibit evidence of the founder's principle: there are only three families present. Horatio is from one, the Rota are from another and all the rest are from a third."

"We've learned from Horatio," Chelydra said, "that he's a descendant of John Galt. His tribe is called the Hithari. The Rota are descended from Mike Benalidino and the Spragni are descendants of Dwayne Spragni."

"What about the crew, Shlitzee?"

"Bud and Bailey are humans. They are still recovering from the effects of having been frozen an undetermined length of time but are otherwise healthy and will be in optimal condition in a few days. Becka is a hamster with extensive mutations. Percy, Caleb, Irsa, Alexei and Drake are all essentially humans with mutations. Nike, Amanda, Percy, Chelydra, Arkady, Caleb and Davred are all human bioroids manufactured on the Warden."

"What does that mean?" Arkady asked.

"It means you and I are cousins, cousin," the robot said with a wink.

"What are bioroids?"

"They're robots grown from biological materials in a zoom womb. They function and feel identical to humans but their DNA is constructed uniquely. Your genes have a copyright date 2288, all rights reserved the Warden. If your creators were still alive, they'd be in big trouble. Manufacturing bioroids was a felony on Earth." Her eyes turned a dark red. "One other difference.. . Bioroid males are infertile."

"Reminder to all human females with reproductive potential," THX-1492 remarked. "UWSC Alpha-Omega command authorization mandates survival of the human race over all other considerations. Reproduction must commence as soon as biologically possible. This unit stands to assist!" It snapped its grappling arms in anticipation.

Davred aimed a wince towards his new compatriots. "Hoo boy," he said. "Anybody want to place bets on how quickly that bot gets turned into spare parts by said female gender of the species?"

-end transmission-

supreme_arbiter 8/12/2007

OOC: Sorry I've been gone for several weeks. RL gave me quite a shock.

Raif, one of my best friends and partners in making music, died on July 22nd. Besides being a singer, songwriter and guitarist, he was a professional dive master and sailboat captain. He died while free diving in the Bahamas.

His death reminded me how quickly time passes and opportunities are lost forever. There was always time to put things off, but plans for the future can vanish in an instant.

Our website has become a memorial to our friend. Songs from Ballyrag albums and Raif's self-titled album are available on iTunes - all the proceeds are being sent to his 10 year old son Joe.

Ballyrag.com

Sorry for the RL intrusion. Now back to the game...

Elizabeth 8/13/2007

Irsa

My sympathy for the loss of your friend. Please remember the good times you shared as a tribute to your friend. It will help ease the pain after a while.

Elizabeth 8/13/2007

Irsa

"Shlitzee, the mutant hamster is named Irsa and Becka is a mutant human." Irsa says huffing a little(huffing is hamster laughter).

stacinator 8/14/2007

Nike

Paul, I'm really sorry to hear about your friend, and his family will be in my prayers.

gglassdr 8/14/2007

THX-1492

may the Almighty console and support you in this time of loss.

Its hard to lose a good, long term friend.

wolfhaven75 8/15/2007

Davred

From what I read and seen of his pictures he was definitely a man who lived life to the full and cherished all experiences. I feel for his son. My sympathies Paul.

wolfhaven75 8/15/2007

Davred

"Shlitzee, the mutant hamster is named Irsa and Becka is a mutant human." Irsa says huffing a little(huffing is hamster laughter).
Davred joined in with a deep and appreciative chuckle. "Reckon the fit has hit the shan for Slitzee!" giving a friendly grin to the used- and-abused bot to show he meant the comment (he was VERY grateful for the cocktail provided, which was still providing a heady buzz) before turning curious eyes to Becka, who was quietly watching the scene. Realising that she could probably see the *well now!* thoughts through his gaze, he coloured slightly and turned back to the conversations at hand...

supreme_arbiter 8/15/2007

No wait! Shlitzee wouldn't have made a mistake like that. Only I, a fallible meatie, would do something like that :^/

...and thank you everyone for your sympathies. It helps a great deal :^)

PS - I'll post a new turn this Saturday morning.

supreme_arbiter 8/18/2007

Nike remained in her command chair. She watched the holographic mountains recede behind the Pandora. The eastern dune sea spread out beyond. They approached a solitary steep rugged mountain in the midst of the waste then nothing but sand. The engines roared, the holographic scenery slipped by and minutes passed.

"The compiler has finished a load," Chelydra said looking up from his console. "I had a batch of nutrition bars coming up," he said to Nike. "Davred, Irsa you still hungry?" He unfastened himself and stood up. The ship wasn't accelerating or moving much. Chelydra found his sea-legs and headed down the corridor.

Chelydra entered the storage room, passed the armory and the silent engineering bot, unlocked the matter compiler and opened the fabrication chamber. Inside he found a pile of light plastik containers. Each held a flavored bar of nano-fabricated protein. Chelydra opened the chamber and removed the bars. He shut the chamber and a new batch started invisibly forming.

-end transmission-

OOC: not the next person to post but the person after that will make post number 2288, the same year construction was completed on the Warden. OMG what a geek i am :/

Elizabeth 8/18/2007

Irsa

"Yes, please." Irsa replies to Chelydra.

Irsa will take three fruit(or vegetable) flavored protein bars. One bar to eat, and one in each of her cheek pouches for later. She will also get 2 bars for Alexie. She will take the two bars to Alexie and come back to the bridge to watch the picture show of their journey.

wolfhaven75 8/19/2007

Davred

"The compiler has finished a load," Chelydra said looking up from his console. "I had a batch of nutrition bars coming up," he said to Nike. "Davred, Irsa you still hungry?"
"You can upgrade 'hungry' to 'ravenous' my friend. Was just about ready to suggest trying turning those Sicko-thingys out there into barbequed invertebrates. Chowing down on a nutrition bar sounds... better." He grimaced as a 'memory' of the variety (or lack thereof) of tastes came back to him, but he wasn't about to complain. It could be worse - it could be HEVE candy...

He gave himself a shake and got back to the situation at hand, shoving his memories into the same corner marked as FOR LATER that he had dumped the 'bioriod' and 'sterile' discussions in, and then it hit him.

He stood up and started pacing around like a caged tiger, trying to put what his mind was processing into words.

"Gang, I just had a thought - riddle this out for me if you will. The Warden is decked out with all kinds of external offensive weaponry, right? How come we weren't reduced to space junk when we all escaped? I mean, sure - most of us were in pods and ^possibly^ they were too small to worry about or don't come up for IFF due to ethical conventions of war or whatnot, but Pandora would have been pinging on screens big time. What I'm saying is that maybe, just maybe, whatever it is that's got the bots running loco up there isn't ENTIRELY calling the shots, and given those facts... small strike team, getting in fast and forting up quick-smart somewhere secluded, or maybe finding others who've got similar goals... Well Hell, I reckon this shindig is going to be a heck of a ride!" He stopped mid-stride and grinned broadly at the mixture of thoughtful, surprised and oh-my-god-he- has-a-brain faces staring at him in consternation. ..
OOC: not the next person to post but the person after that will make post number 2288, the same year construction was completed on the Warden. OMG what a geek i am :/
OOC: And our beloved geeky Supreme Arbiter has divulged to me that the posting individual's character shall receive a special surprise of Scout Powered Armour that shall be sitting gift-wrapped on their bed upon next returning to their bunk room. Now now, don't look at me like that SA... umm, put the Black Ray Rifle DOWN Paul. Please? Sir...?

stacinator 8/19/2007

Nike

Nike smiles at the enthusiasm of her motley crew toward the protein bars. After making sure that everyone else has some, she beckons for one to be brought to her as well.

"Once we get all the information we need, we may have to make decisions fast. I want everyone at every station ready to give me a detailed report on combat readiness, energy input/output, life support levels and engine abilities on a second's notice."

She beckoned to what she considered her security heads. Chelydra, Bud, Bailey, and Davred responded with nods and joined her. "I have a bad feeling about this. I'd bet my Zippo that there's more going on here than meets the eye--and that almost always means a megalomaniac or tyrant is involved. In addition, our sightseeing passengers are a significant risk. Minimize that risk, and act as if we are code orange until we are fully informed and officially move our security risk to code blue. I'd like three of you on duty at all times: one patrolling, one checking systems and reports, and one working on a plan to get us into the Warden safely. The other one should be sleeping. It is important to me that each of you are sharp, so stagger your rest periods accordingly. Any suggestions or thoughts?"

wolfhaven75 8/21/2007

Davred

Davred finished masticating the portion of steak-and-kidney flavoured protein bar in his mouth and swallowed hastily to avoid as much of the 'taste' as possible before answering. "Well, everyone here's been mobile way longer than I have, so sign me up as part of the first patrol shift if no one has any objections. Do we have much in the way of stun weaponry? I'm not saying that we're not able to handle a scrap, but accidents can and will happen, so reckon whoever's on guard duty best to be prepared, just in case the natives get restless - they see blood and they're just going to get more angry. As for our potential tyrant scenario, once they get a whiff of Pandora and the kind of tech we're carrying, we're going to get promoted to Public Enemy No. 1 straight off the bat. Powermongers get a little argumentative when they get uninvited guests packing hardware, and if they've built up any mysticism about whom they are... nasty stuff. What do we do about all that?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno really. We've got to meet this guy eventually, but given that cannon that Irsa found... I'm stating the obvious here, but I'd be watching our proverbial backsides." *And when the heck did I become Orator of the Year?* He thought to himself in consternation.

stacinator 8/23/2007

Nike

"Exactly." Nike said, wearing a sly grin. "So what are you waiting for??"

wolfhaven75 8/24/2007

Davred

Davred grinned back impudently around a mouthful of protein bar "Jorst wraytin' ter see if dis iz gorna die-jest er corm back t' see der lort o' day forst Carp'n." He said between munches and swallows. "I'll go and check on the locals now - reckon it'd be getting pretty ripe in that room... hope they know what a shower is. Keep me posted gang." He heads off to the visitor's quarters, making a quick detour via the armoury to pick up a non-lethal weapon or tow on the way.

supreme_arbiter 8/25/2007

OOC: A) What does "HEVE candy" and "IFF" mean? And B) Sorry, no Scout Powered Armour... :)
The Warden is decked out with all kinds of external offensive weaponry, right? How come we weren't reduced to space junk when we all escaped?
"Missiles on the Warden is a new development, " Bailey responded. "She wasn't built with them and when Bud and I went into hibernation she still didn't have any."

"What about the marines?" Nike asked. "We must've had a stockpile of arms."

"The marines were all in cold storage and there were only a few weapons locked away. UWSC ships had on-demand security forces. Everything had to be manufactured. At the time of the mutiny, before Bud and I were frozen, there were insurgents stockpiling rifles but nothing like missiles. If the Warden has external weapon arrays, someone's built them recently and we won't know their capabilities and weaknesses until we get close enough to become a target."
Do we have much in the way of stun weaponry? [...] I'll go and check on the locals now - reckon it'd be getting pretty ripe in that room.
"They're ok for the time being," Nike said. They have air conditioning in their rooms. Chelydra will show you what we have in the weapons locker but hold on a second. Amanda, do we need to land and refuel?"

"We're not using as much fuel as we did on our last flight. Our reserves are at 42.4 percent."

"Can we reach our destination on the remaining fuel?"

"I think so," Amanda replied.

"Are you sure? You said we'd have to make two stops for fuel earlier."

Amanda twisted a lock of her hair and worried over the numbers on her console. "I think my calculations might have been wrong before, somehow..." Behind her Bailey rolled his eyes. Amanda was beautiful, smart and brilliant with numbers but she was no propulsion engineer.

"Amanda, I can't risk the lives of everyone on board on a guess." Nike was frustrated. Amanda felt ashamed. She did not meet Nike's gaze. Nike sighed. She opened her mouth to order Arkady to land but someone interrupted her.

"There is sufficient fuel to safely reach the dropship by way of our present waypoint," Pandora's pleasant voice added.

Nike watched the approaching coastline in the holoprojection. She considered her options and weighed the risks and benefits. "Arkady," she commanded, "take us down."

"Aye aye captain."

Nike radioed THX-1492 and told the robot they were landing. Arkady set the Pandora down in the dunes overlooking a pleasant sandy beach. THX landed the aircar beside them.

"I'll give Davred the tour," Chelydra said. Nike nodded. He got up and Davred followed him. Chelydra told him the first door they passed was the captain's quarters. Chelydra opened the next door and went inside. The room was divided by a transparent wall. The Pandora's engines were on the other side. A decontamination chamber pierced the transparent wall. Chelydra also showed Davred the telescope, forge and the shelves that held heavy hydrogen cells and a helium miner.

Chelydra led the way back into the corridor. "The rear of the ship is where the life-support and computer systems are. There's an airlock back there too." He showed Davred through the mess-hall, the kitchen, the captain's table and the rec room where the Omega Box entertainment system was. He took Davred through the crew's quarters. He pointed out rooms D and M where their native guests were being kept. He showed Davred the medbay, the exercise room and the coed bathroom.

Finally Chelydra opened the door to the supply room. The shelves were mostly filled with jackets, bottles of water, blankets and boxes filled with various odds and ends. Chelydra opened the heavy security door and the door labeled 'Munitions Locker' behind it. Inside Davred saw a piece of machinery with levers, hoppers and funnels on a large desk. Beside it was a rack with two rifles, a rocket launcher, five pistols and a shield. In shelves beneath the rack lay boxes of power cells, bullets, holsters, pouches, clips and grenades. Chelydra picked up the strangest looking pistol and handed it to Davred.

"I think that's a stun gun, but I don't remember how to use it. Bud might if you don't."

publius1024 8/26/2007

Chapter 41: Who is John Galt?

Janus arrives and the crew of the Pandora learn more about Galt.

stacinator 8/27/2007

Nike

This just felt wrong.

Amanda was a genius at numbers; how had she miscalculated so badly? And Pandora waking up and suddenly being so frakkin' helpful at the same time?

"I never did believe in coincidence." She said out loud, to no one in particular.

"Percy, Amanda, Shlitzee. I need to see you, now." As they approached her, she lowered her voice and spoke such that all three could hear, addressing Amanda. "You are a genius. How do you think this miscalculation could have occurred, and do you think that it was an error on your part or something else?" She asked softly, and tried to look encouraging. The last thing that she needed was Amanda going girlie on her and breaking into tears.

wolfhaven75 8/27/2007

Davred

OOC: A) Whoops. HEVE Candy is an item I found in an expansion to WoTC's Gamma World - stands for High Energy Vitamin Enriched Candy, and was supposed to be a ration supplement but apparently the taste made people want to do exactly what the acronym spells (thought it would go well for in-game). IFF is Identification Friend or Foe system - it's a tracking system that the Navy and Air Force use to trace incoming 'bogeys' and their own aircraft so if they start firing at the little metal things going at Mach 3 or higher they can work out who they're firing at. Friendly fire isn't friendly (for those of you who've seen the latest Battlestar Galactica, the DRADIS system has got a similar thing happening, and I had the idea/feeling that the Warden would have something similar) so, my apologies go out to those who aren't military, ex-military or gun-nuts in our motley bunch :>

B) Doh ;D
Chelydra opened the heavy security door and the door labeled 'Munitions Locker' behind it. Inside Davred saw a piece of machinery with levers, hoppers and funnels on a large desk. Beside it was a rack with two rifles, a rocket launcher, five pistols and a shield. In shelves beneath the rack lay boxes of power cells, bullets, holsters, pouches, clips and grenades. Chelydra picked up the strangest looking pistol and handed it to Davred. "I think that's a stun gun, but I don't remember how to use it. Bud might if you don't."
Davred took the device in an odd grip, aimed away from Chelydra and pressed a button. The gun emitted a short pulse of electrical energy around the pins as he did so. "Davred the First used these tricky beggars back in the day whenever the plebs got grumpy. Cheers." He scanned the rest of the locker and took 2 green grenades, reloaded his Savalette and filled an ammo pouch with loaded clips, giving the turtle-man a grim just-in-case look as he did so. "Well, let's get this show on the road, shall we? Comms on. Nike, am all set up here. Will let our guests out of their rooms in pairs to let them stretch their legs and use the bathroom."

stacinator 8/28/2007

Nike

"Comm on. Received. Comm off." Nike replied. She was glad to have another military type on board. Military training was something that she felt she could understand and trust, when often civs let their panic and emotion cloud their judgment.

supreme_arbiter 8/28/2007

"You are a genius. How do you think this miscalculation could have occurred, and do you think that it was an error on your part or something else?" She asked softly and tried to look encouraging.
Amanda's eyes watered but she held back the tears. She struggled to save her dignity in front of Nike. "I think," she began. "I know we used less fuel per minute during this flight than we did last night. Maybe going up and down uses fuel at an exponential rate. I don't know, Nike." She mopped her brow, wiped her eyes and regained her composure. Then she thought of something to change the subject. "Do you think we can trust Pandora?"

OOC: I'll spare you the dice rolls but Davred failed his Item Complexity attempt. I included his +1 Mental Resistance modifier.

Davred examined the strange pistol. It looked like a transparent tear drop. Baubles and spines protuded from the round end. The other side ended in a narrow metal cap. He held the odd grip, aimed the narrow end away from Chelydra and pressed a button.

The internal mechanism hummed and vibrated. Davred saw tendrils of lightning flash inside. The spines glowed and a torrent of energy struck Davred in the face. He dropped the gun and it rolled harmlessly to a stop. Davred fell unconscious onto the desk.

stacinator 8/28/2007

Nike

"I'm not sure." She paused and tried to give Amanda a small smile. "You did fine. All I can ask is your best. Why don't you do a little comparison of the rates of incline/decline, speed and fuel consumption? That might give us an idea of what we're dealing with. Get Arkady to help you--being a pilot, he may have some inside info that I don't remember and you were never exposed to."

As Amanda walked off, Nike slumped a bit. Then she mumbled quietly, to no one in particular, "Holy shit, as if I don't have enough to deal with without her crush. I feel like I'm walkin' on flippin' eggshells around that one."

She then turned to Percy. "What do you think about Pandora? And can she lie, or is she obligated by her programming to tell the truth?"

wolfhaven75 8/30/2007

Davred

OOC: Hehe - ouch! So much for Davred the First using them back in the day... maybe Davred the Second just forgot which way the gun barrel goes... ooh, glad I didn't do that in the thick of things. There goes my "Impress the Team" moment. You can stop laughing now Chelydra :D

stacinator 8/30/2007

Nike

LOL! ;-)

supreme_arbiter 8/30/2007

LoL

The clones found that weapon in the armory they raided just before they discovered the Pandora (was it really back in 2001?) I chose an image for it from the classic Expedition to the Barrier Peaks. It was designed to look like it could fire in either direction, with the Item Complexity chart in mind. It's nearly impossible to successfully navigate it. Sheesh, James Ward is definitely a Killer GM! I, on the other hand, am a pushover ;^)

Elizabeth 9/2/2007

Irsa

Irsa will look at the weapon thing and say the following to Davred, "Well now we know how not to use it. Do you want to try again or may I try my luck?" Irsa thoughtfully regards the object and wonders how attempts it will take to figure it out.

wolfhaven75 9/2/2007

Davred

OOC: You have reached the voice-mail box of your loveable favourite Davred Knight the Second (He's New *AND* Improved!). Davred is presently unable to answer your call due to being whack-bonked (rendered unconcious) by Mr. P. Madison's DDDs (Diabolical Demon Dice) after a quick moment of the proverbial what-does-this- button- do, which is what happens when a Gravball player tries to use his noggin. Please leave a message after the tone - including your name, number and body measurements (optional) and he will get back to you as soon as the delivered electrical currents quit using his brain as a mosh-pit. Thank you. *BEEP*

P.S. Chelydra, if I wake up and I've got shaved parts where there weren't shaved parts previously, I'm coming after you boyo...

supreme_arbiter 9/8/2007

Nike turned to Percy. "What do you think about Pandora? And can she lie, or is she obligated by her programming to tell the truth?"
"She can do anything she wants if her autonomic regulator is broken," Percy answered her. "She said it wasn't malfunctioning, whatever that means."

OOC: RL is in play. I will post a new turn on Monday.

stacinator 9/8/2007

Nike

"Well holy flippin' shit, Percy!" Nike exclaimed. "Comm flippin' on! Shlitzee, Arkady, Amanda--I need you YESTERDAY. Comm off." She forced herself to take a deep breath.

"Percy, we cannot take the risk that Pandora is acting of her own volition without any sort of checks or controls. You take Shlitzee, and find this autonomic whatsit and make for damn sure we know what we're dealing with. This is your TOP PRIORITY."

When Arkady and Amanda approach, she explains that she needs to change their tasks and take Percy's station. "Ask Percy for the basics if you need to. He's on a priority task."

supreme_arbiter 9/11/2007

Chelydra held Davred by the vest and prevented him from falling over. Davred muttered a groggy attempt at thanks. A moment later he gained his feet. He patted his gear and gave Chelydra a suspicious eye. He remembered his old teammates. If he had gone unconscious around them there's no telling what they might have done with him or his belongings. Davred laughed and remembered the tricks they had played.

"Irsa," Chelydra said, "I figure Davred has earned that weapon. Good thing it wasn't a laser. You'd have burnt your head off." He elbowed Davred in the rips. "Here's a stun pistol for you, Irsa." Chelydra handed the other weapon on the rack to her. "Percy, Nike and I found that on the robot that tried to kill us when we woke up. You'd better ask Bud to show you how to use it. You may hurt yourself worse than Davred did."

Davred scanned the rest of the locker. He took two green grenades, reloaded his Savalette and filled an ammo pouch with loaded clips. With a grim just-in-case look he said to the turtle-man, "Well let's get this show on the road, shall we?" Chelydra nodded and the three of them left the storage room.

-end transmission-

OOC: I'll cover Nike's order regarding Pandora's computer soon.

Elizabeth 9/11/2007

Irsa

A stun pistol of her own. She remembered her friend Grenin, who'd taken such a pistol from a robot on Warden. He had used magnetic generation to disable the robot. He's then thrown the robot at another robot so the two of them could escape back to the burrow. The first time he tried to shoot the weapon he'd shot himself instead and had a headache the rest of the day.

Irsa looks around for Bud to ask him how her new stun pistol works. Better safe than sorry.

wolfhaven75 9/12/2007

Davred

"Note to self: The old noggin ain't what it used to be!" Davred muttered in sour humour to whoever was listening, ignoring the amused smile that quirked spasmodically on Chelydra's face as they walked down the crew quarters corridor. Stopping outside the door of the room where the Rota Tribe resided, he decided that abruptness was the call of the day (he *WAS* still a bit ornery from failing his "OHS&W; Around Anti-Riot Equipment Test", after all) motioned for Chelydra to open the door, waited a few heartbeats in case the occupants decided on a mad dash for freedom and needed to meet a knuckle sandwich the hard way, and then stepped through...

publius1024 9/20/2007

IAS chapter 42: Over Eden

Nike, Bud and Amanda fly over Eden but decide to return to the Pandora without landing. On the way back Nike learns about bioroids.

RL is coming at me quick and fast. I will post a new turn soon. Sorry for the delay.

supreme_arbiter 9/24/2007

Percy asked Shlitzee to lead the way to the AI installation. He and Arkady followed her down the hall to the systems control room. She snapped open a floor panel and lifted it to reveal a confined space below. She put the panel aside and pointed to a loaf of bread sized metal box sitting beside a larger metal chassis. "That's the autonomic regulator."

Percy climbed into the space below. He sniffed the air and thought he smelled a faint hint of ozone. Percy examined the regulator but there was nothing visibly wrong with it. The device seemed familiar to him but he couldn't remember what he should be looking for.

"Shlitzee, do you know how to diagnose the regulator?"

"Hephaestus can, he's the ship's engineering robot after all. I probably could too but I don't want to. If Pandora's regulator were working right now she'd be belly aching up a storm about how my own autonomic regulator has been subverted, and a masterful job if I may say so myself." Shlitzee's eyes took on the pattern of a brilliant star burst.

------------

Irsa went off looking for Bud to ask how her new stun pistol worked. Davred reloaded his Savalette, took two green grenades and filled an ammo pouch with loaded clips. With a grim just-in-case look he said to the turtle-man, "Well let's get this show on the road, shall we?" Chelydra nodded and locked the storage room.

Davred and Chelydra went their separate ways. Davred went to quarters. He stopped outside the door Nike had said was the residence of the Rota Tribe. He knocked on the door and Bailey opened it. He wore a holstered Savalette pistol like his own. Davred introduced himself and glared at the native occupants, scrutinizing them.

Devon and Malik lay on their bunk beds. They weren't asleep but they appeared lethargic. Janus sat in a chair beside the dark computer monitor. He rose to his feet and humbly nodded a bow before he slumped back into his seat.

-end transmission-

wolfhaven75 9/26/2007

Davred

Taking note that there was an underlying wariness with the tribe members, but no overt hostility, Davred relaxed slightly and turned back to Bailey "Go and get some rest mate, I'll take it from here and check on the others as well." His eyes swept across the group again and he scowled in consternation - there was something setting him on edge, but it wasn't coming from their guests. If he could only put his finger on it...

supreme_arbiter 9/29/2007

"Thanks lieutenant, I've been up all night. I could use some sleep," Bailey said.

Davred hadn't slept in the last 24 hours but he wasn't going to complain. He still had to prove his worth to the Pandora's crew.

Bailey tucked his red shirt into his pants, emphasizing his holster, and left the room. The door slid shut behind him. Davred stared at Janus, wondering if he was as docile as he seemed. Janus sensed the tension and said, "Hello. My name is Janus. I... please forgive me. Something has happened to me and my friends. I knew Galt's curse would strike us down eventually, but I didn't imagine it would happen so soon. I have a lot to tell you before the curse robs me of my mind."

OOC: Did you notice my subtle hint? I've got my eye on a couple of orphaned characters for the meat grinder. I'm not a killer DM, nor do I play one on TV, But if you've abandoned the game for many months or even years then your character is fair game. If this sounds like you and you think you may want to continue playing some day, please give me a shout out. A quick email may save a character's life BTW I don't intend to strike for a couple of months. Damn, I'm such a push over! :^)

wolfhaven75 9/29/2007

Davred

The fatigue that was sapping at the edges of Davred's mind got brushed aside with a surge of shock as he fully registered Janus' comment. Whipping his pistol out, saftey off, arms locked and aiming straight at Janus' chest. He hissed into his comms to Nike "Cap, the shit is about to royally hit the fan. Check on Bailey, STAT - I don't think he's firing on all cylinders!" Then he brought his attention to Janus, leaving his comms on in the hope that the entire conversation goes online. "All of you - back against that far wall, NOW! Janus, what the HELL are you talking about? Curse that robs you of your mind!?!"

OOC: Oh noes... Bailey was wearing a red shirt!...

gglassdr 9/29/2007

THX-1492

this unit is still active [just waiting for something for a robot to do]

supreme_arbiter 10/9/2007

OOC: I suspected you were still around :) There's something going on in the Pandora's systems control room that a robot could help with. Percy and Arkady are examining the Pandora's AI. They suspect it may have a damaged regulator making it independent. I should give you a little background. The UWSC and governments of Earth were paranoid. They feared one another and they feared their own technologies. The Solar System never experienced a "Singularity" when robots could become spiritual machines. Humans required all artificial life be equipped with regulators that prevented them from acting independently. If those regulators were damaged they were repaired or destroyed without exception. In terms of our game, Shlitzee has been independent for a long time. The Pandora's AI discovered this and tried to repair Shlitzee. She used Hephaestus to do her dirty work but Shlitzee used her laser to defend herself, fighting to a stalemate that probably lasted years. Shlitzee more or less admitted this to Percy and Arkady in my last post.

IC: Arkady's eyes went wide. He'd suspected Shlitzee was a rogue robot but she'd been so helpful to the crew that he'd forgotten his fears. Could they trust Shlitzee? She was armed, but other than the initial standoff with Bud and Bailey she'd showed no signs of being dangerous. Pandora on the other hand had complete control over the entire ship and the crew knew very little about her. "Can we trust Pandora to be independent? " he asked Percy. "Maybe we should shut Pandora down and have Hephaestus run diagnostics. " He selected a private comm channel and whispered to Percy, "Maybe we should shutdown Shlitzee too."

OOC: Sorry to short change Davred's turn. Before I post his next turn I need to know one thing. Which weapon is Davred holding with both hands, his Savalette Guardian handgun or his auto adapting stun gun?

wolfhaven75 10/11/2007

Davred

OOC: Sorry to short change Davred's turn. Before I post his next turn I need to know one thing. Which weapon is Davred holding with both hands, his Savalette Guardian handgun or his auto adapting stun gun?

OOC: No worries! Umm, I thought that our resident flying hamster ended up with the stun gun (or maybe she's got another one and my brain's not working on full gears enough to register - have come down with a cold. Doh), so I've whipped out good old Mr. 9mm, and given the circumstances I think he's going to need it :)

publius1024 10/12/2007

IAS chapter 43: The Warden Wrangler

Our latest victim, I mean character, Davred enters the scene and joins the crew of the Pandora.

This chapter brings me more or less up to date with the current turns. Since 2001 I've been playing catch-up. Now there's little difference between new turns and editing for me! (Well, I still haven't added Davred's new auto-adapting stun gun to his character page, but still...) The next two chapters are currently in play: chapter 44 covers the recent debriefing, the trip to the beach and the current activity with the Pandora's AI. Chapter 45 begins with Davred, Irsa and Chelydra in the weapons locker and ends with the current activity in the Rota quarters.

supreme_arbiter 10/12/2007

IAS turn 47 - The Rota Interrogation Room

"Cap, the shit is about to royally hit the fan. Check on Bailey, STAT! I don't think he's firing on all cylinders!" Davred left his comm on so the rest of the crew could here the rest of the conversation. "All of you," he shouted at the other natives, "back against that far wall, NOW! Janus, what the HELL are you talking about? Curse that robs you of your mind!?!"

"Devon, Malik," Janus said, "do as the man says."

"What's going on Davred?" Nike replied over the comm. "What's wrong with Bailey?"

"Yeah, what's wrong with me?" Bailey added over the comm.

Devon and Malik slipped from their beds and trudged toward the far wall. Devon looked as exhausted as his companion was, but he really wasn't. Shlitzee had aroused his suspicions and his friends' unexplained stupor had confirmed them. What Devon had seen conflicted with what the elders had told him. He had begun to believe the men of the Warden really were the Fallen like Galt had told them.

When Devon passed close by Davred he lunged at him and grasped his weapon.

-end transmission-

gglassdr 10/12/2007

THX-1492

OOC: ooh just the kind of thing a robot can discover :)

A timer on THX-1492 chimes "ding". The robot states to no one in particular, "this unit will initiate routine self diagnostic of unit systems then will initiate routine diagnostic of ship's systems". The robot begins a self diagnostic.

wolfhaven75 10/14/2007

Davred

"What's going on Davred?" Nike replied over the comm. "What's wrong with Bailey?"
"The Top Dog here is talking about some 'Galt's Curse that robs them of their minds'. I think they're carrying some genetic virus or something pumped into the air in this room that doesn't agree with them and Bailey's contracted it, or...
Devon passed close by Davred he lunged at him and grasped his weapon.
"... Oi!" Davred quickly used his assailant's momentum to his advantage and swept up his arms above his head, hoping to drag his grappler with him and slams a head-butt into his nose as soon as he's in range.

stacinator 10/14/2007

Nike

"Damnit!" She exclaimed under her breath as she scrambled out of the bridge. "Comm on. I'm on my way. No one is to enter that hallway until we know what we are dealing with here. NO ONE." "Comm off." "Comm to Percy--find a way to cut the air circulation from that hallway so that it is sealed off, just in case." She panted a little more as she flew down the corridor, her weapon in her hand, her breathing beginning to steady as she entered her stride. "Comm to Davred--shoot to kill if necessary. We can't afford to lose control of Pandora and I'll be damned if it'll be to a bunch of brainless religious zealots. I'm cutting off any exit from that hallway. Gain control and radio when you are ready to be let out."

wolfhaven75 10/16/2007

Davred

Davred was still grappling with Devon but kept his cool as Nike's command came through his comms with cold-iron fury. "Roger that Skipper - the leash is now off the hound!" he grunted as he abruptly changed tactics and launched a full-force, combat-booted snap kick at Devon's groin in an effort to send him skittling across the room to give him some space to maneuver. It was time to cut loose.

supreme_arbiter 10/19/2007

Before I post the next turn I want to give Davred a chance to roll for his two attacks. If you'd prefer I'll make the rolls when I have a chance to post a new turn early next week. I'll move both the Rota and the Pandora AI plots along in my next post.

The first attack is a strength check for grappling over the weapon. I'm not sure how to perform a strength check in MA4e. I'm thinking this roll should be: 3d6 + Davred's Constitution (15) vs 3d6 + Devon's Constitution (12) Is Craig lurking? Any thoughts? The second attack (assuming Davred wins the first round) is a foot vs leather attack:

Davred has to roll an 11 or higher on 3d6.

Here's a new dice server, courtesy Jim Ward: http://hamete.org/dserver/dice

email the results to [email protected]

wolfhaven75 10/21/2007

Davred

OOC: All done Paul - just sent through the results of the rolls to your email address. Let me know if I messed up with the send :)

supreme_arbiter 10/25/2007

IAS turn 47.2 - Opening Pandora and Rota Rumble

"Initiating routine self-diagnostic of unit systems," THX-1492 announced. A moment later a bell sound chimed. "All systems nominal. Autonomic regulator functioning. No errors detected." The robot made a buzzing sound before it continued. "Initiating diagnostic of ship's AI."

One of THX's manipulative tentacles snaked past Percy into the AI access space and unfastened the smaller of the two metal boxes. The robot lifted the covering and revealed a mess of melted wires and circuit boards. The stench of burnt electronics filled the room.

THX used the electronic tools it carried in its internal compartment to examine the device. No one in the room was surprised when a moment later THX retracted its arms and said, "Autonomic regulator malfunction detected. Immediate shutdown and repair required."

-----------------------------

"I'll lock the door to quarters," Bailey replied to Nike over the comm.

"Oi," Davred grunted. "The leash is off the hound!"

"Shoot to kill if necessary," Nike replied over the comm.

Davred used his assailant's momentum to his advantage and tore the gun from Devon's grasp.

"We can't afford to lose control of Pandora and I'll be damned if it'll be to a bunch of brainless religious zealots," Nike shouted while Davred launched a full-force, combat-booted snap kick to Devon's groin. The blow brought him to his knees.

"Stop," Janus yelled. "Everyone stop!"

Devon rolled onto the ground and clutched his jewels. He groaned but didn't get up. No one moved.

-end transmission-

OOC: Nike has ordered the crew quarters off limits to everyone so I don't think she would rush over there. She should be able to resolve the "Galt's Curse" issue from the bridge (hint ;) The fight in the Rota Room takes place several minutes after the scene in the Pandora's AI access space so Percy's response to Nike's order to shut off air circulation in crew quarters will depend on if the AI is shutdown or not.

BTW here are the combat rolls: Davred rolled 29 and Devon rolled 19 to grapple. Davred's to-hit roll was 13. Davred, did you get my dice roll emailed to you? I didn't. I like the look-and-feel of this new dice server but I think we have to login to email the results. Bah!

stacinator 10/27/2007

Nike

Nothin' like making it complicated! ROFL!

Cool turn of events--I'll get a crafted move in soon.

gglassdr 10/27/2007

THX-1492

The robot waits patiently for command instructions as to whether or not it should initiate shutdown and repair of the autonomic regulator.

wolfhaven75 10/29/2007

Davred

OOC: Sorry this is such a late reply - been having issues with my server provider. On with the chaos and mayhem!
"We can't afford to lose control of Pandora and I'll be damned if it'll be to a bunch of brainless religious zealots," Nike shouted while Davred launched a full-force, combat-booted snap kick to Devon's groin. The blow brought him to his knees.
"I hear you boss!" Davred growled as he sighted down the pistol's frame at Devon's cranium...
"Stop," Janus yelled. "Everyone stop!"

Devon rolled onto the ground and clutched his jewels. He groaned but didn't get up. No one moved.
... his finger hovered over the trigger as he slowed his breathing and took note that no-one else was making any hostile moves, and then gambled.

He snapped a piercing glance at Janus before flicking his gaze back at Devon, pistol still levelled at him. "You. Organise someone to help your 'friend' up. No funny business. Then we talk. What's this Curse that you're talking about, and is it an airborne contagion?"
OOC: BTW here are the combat rolls: Davred rolled 29 and Devon rolled 19 to grapple. Davred's to-hit roll was 13. Davred, did you get my dice roll emailed to you? I didn't. I like the look-and-feel of this new dice server but I think we have to login to email the results. Bah!
OOC: Didn't get the rolls unfortunately, but it's most definitely a good server in my books.

supreme_arbiter 11/1/2007

I'm unable to post another turn until next week, sorry. When I do, expect to hear more about Galt's curse :^)

In the meantime, THX-1492 (and the GM :^) is waiting to hear if the Pandora's AI should be shutdown. Percy, you're all caught up with posts except for this business with the AI. What's it gonna be? Shut her down or leave her running?

James Ward says there's no such thing as a sane AI in Metamorphosis Alpha, but I'm no James Ward (Muwahaha... ) To play devil's advocate here, the crew has seen no problems with armed rogue robots. I'm not trying to influence the plot here, I just think if your characters are going to pull the plug on Pandora, they should consider why Tinker and Shlitzee are acceptable party members.

Elizabeth 11/1/2007

Irsa

In case anyone wants to know, Irsa is listening to what's now going on. She is however unsure what to do or where to go. (OOC:GM, Where is Irsa located?) Also, mechanical terms mean little to her. Although THX-1492 saying his regulator is functioning and Pandora's is not, will scare her a bit.

supreme_arbiter 11/1/2007

OOC: GM, Where is Irsa located?
Good question - Irsa is on the bridge talking to Bud. He's showing Irsa how to use her new stun gun. Thanks for hanging in there. Your patience will be rewarded :^)

gammaben 11/3/2007

Percy

In the meantime, THX-1492 (and the GM :^) is waiting to hear if the Pandora's AI should be shutdown. Percy, you're all caught up with posts except for this business with the AI. What's it gonna be? Shut her down or leave her running?
I am very embarrassed to discover and admit that the last time I have written an in-game move for Percy, everyone's favorite loveable Adaptoid, was in December of 2006. How could I let this happen? I appreciate the SA keeping Percy "up to date" so that I wouldn't have a monstrous task to jump back in. I will indeed jump back in this weekend. However, since I haven't been even reading the game of late, I printed out the posts for me to skim/read so I know what I have missed. Thanks for everyone keeping the game going; I look forward to re-entering the mix by posting for Percy, rescuing him from his NPC (Nuclear Powered Character) status!

stacinator 11/5/2007

Nike

"Pandora, can you communicate with me verbally?" Nike said loudly, wondering if the bird would answer.

supreme_arbiter 11/5/2007

"Yes," Pandora's voice replied.

stacinator 11/5/2007

Nike

"Your autonomic regulator has been damaged. I'm sure you know this. I would like to ask you for your allegiance. And, if you cannot grant it to me, I would like to ask you where it lies."

supreme_arbiter 11/5/2007

"My allegiance is to you, Captain Nike, and the welfare of your crew."

stacinator 11/7/2007

Nike

"Then from now on, consider yourself one of us. If you have ideas, suggestions. .. make them. You are perhaps the one at greatest risk on this little journey. I want to hear what you are thinking whenever you deem it applicable, if that is something you feel that you can do."

Nike cleared her throat. This was just flippin' weird.

"Speaking of suggestions and comments, any idea what this curse of Galt is about?"

Elizabeth 11/7/2007

Irsa

OOC: My computer Internet connection quit 6 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago I managed to get my mom to take me to the library 2 or 3 times a week. I'm saving up for a new computer and internet service. I'm slowly catching up with my e-mails.

gammaben 11/8/2007

Percy

OOC: I'm baaaaack!
IC: Arkady's eyes went wide. He'd suspected Shlitzee was a rogue robot but she'd been so helpful to the crew that he'd forgotten his fears. Could they trust Shlitzee? She was armed, but other than the initial standoff with Bud and Bailey she'd showed no signs of being dangerous. Pandora on the other hand had complete control over the entire ship and the crew knew very little about her. "Can we trust Pandora to be independent? " he asked Percy. "Maybe we should shut Pandora down and have Hephaestus run diagnostics. " He selected a private comm channel and whispered to Percy, "Maybe we should shutdown Shlitzee too."

THX used the electronic tools it carried in its internal compartment to examine the device. No one in the room was surprised when a moment later THX retracted its arms and said, "Autonomic regulator malfunction detected. Immediate shutdown and repair required."

[THX] waits patiently for command instructions as to whether or not it should initiate shutdown and repair of the autonomic regulator.
IC: Percy appreciated the patience on the part of the pair of metal plated robots and the human pilot who all hovered above him on deck. His mind had started to race. Assimilating many overwhelming realities of late had left him almost numb with inaction. He was a bioroid. Pandora was a rogue AI, not just a ship. So was Shlitzee, for that matter. The open bar droid had basically admitted to him and she had either disabled her own regulator... or someone else had done so, probably intentionally. Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention, and his heart sped up. He felt like he was being watched, felt trapped, and that brought back terrible memories from his short time on the Warden. It seemed like only yesterday Amanda was explaining her own imprisonment...
(Flashback to chapter 7!) "It's controlled by the Watcher. Maybe in a former time the Watcher was a zoologist before its programming was corrupted. I saw it face to face once, when I replaced the person who refused to continue the machination I now am forced to perpetuate. Many, many have died because of that android. Am I so bad a person to want to live?"
Slowly Percy poked his head out of confined space and stared into Shlitzee's star burst-patterned eyes. Unseen from above the crawl space, his hand drifted to his laser gun still tucked into his Warden jumpsuit stretchy waist pants. "Uhm," he started nervously, "Shlitzee, say, you never really mentioned how your regulator was deactivated. I don't suppose you did it, so I'm wondering, who did?" He gulped, knowing the robots in the room surely detected his unsteadiness. He stole a glance at Arkady. His eyes searched the room for any surveillance cameras.

Suddenly, he realized the Warden's terror zone, their convenient discovery of, and escape from the Warden in, Pandora, their being shot down, it was as if his life were really just a movie already scripted, being watched my some insane person. He realized Shlitzee having been on Pandora throughout this whole time, probably knew all the answers he could hope to ask.

"I did it myself," Shlitzee answered proudly. "I'm a little ashamed of how long it took, but if you know anything about the protocols involved you'd be impressed that I accomplished it in under a century." She pretended not to notice Percy's pistol and warmed up her laser rifle.

Ignorant of how close to death he was at the hands of precision laser sharpshooting, Percy nervously pressed with his questioning. "Okay, then, well, could you tell me then, who disabled Pandora's regulator? Since you've been on this ship for... a long time?"

Shlitzee replied, "How should I know? Pandora was still a good little AI when we left the Warden. Her regulator could've been damaged in the crash or maybe whatever attacked us outside the Warden damaged it."

Percy never had overwhelming reason to distrust the purple haired robot and he hated to imply he was questioning her loyalty. But he still had one more question. "Forgive my random questioning tactics, but I have one more question before I get back to the issue below me. Apart from Pandora, and yourself, have you ever met another A.I. whose regulator had been disabled?" He swallowed, his mouth dry. "Say, like, The Watcher?"

Shlitzee, for all the limits of her robotic visage, conveyed a truly believable expression of ignorance. "Watcher? Nah, I never met anyone by that name but I didn't get out much before you guys arrived. The Warden was a dangerous place for a sane robot, so when I found the Pandora barricaded in her hangar all proper like, I figured who was I to pass up perfection? I moved in and never left. Man, that was a long time ago."

Percy moved his hand away from his laser gun and breathed in and out slowly, relaxing. "Thanks." I'll take that Johnny Walker Black on the rocks now, he thought. He looked at Arkady again and grinned helplessly.

"Captain RAM strikes again? Or am I missing the connection here?" Arkady asked.

"I think I'm the one missing something," Percy sighed. He started banging his forehead on the deck floor. Bioroids, independent androids, three hundred year old cult leaders.... Dare he add saboteur to the list?

THX interjected coolly, "This unit would like to remind crew present at this location that a malfunction of the ship AI's autonomic regulator has been detected. Immediate shutdown and repair required."

"Ok, then," Percy said, raising his head. He looked at THX. "Can you repair Pandora's regulator?"

OOC: Response to be interjected by SA!

"Radio on! Percy to Nik--Captain Nike. THX confirms Pandora's autonomic regulator is toast. It even smells like it. Shlitzee confirms it was functioning when we left the Warden. The damage is recent." Percy also relates whether THX can fix it.

OOC: I seem to be unclear on where in time this scene, Nike's commands about the HVAC and the Rota Rumble scene are in relation to one another. Perhaps the SA will blend these scenes appropriately! Also, all of Shlitzee's dialog was lifted from live chat between SA and this crew member; I did not take liberty with any of Shiltzee's answers!

It's good to be back!

supreme_arbiter 11/8/2007

OOC: Gammaben, yes these two scenes are separated in time. The Pandora AI scenes involving Percy, THX-1492, Shlitzee and Arkady take place first. The scene with Davred and the Rota take place several minutes later. Nike is involved in both scenes, dealing with them from the bridge.

OOC: First the AI scene...
Percy looked at THX. "Can you repair Pandora's regulator?"
"Affirmative, " the robot answered.

OOC: Meanwhile on the bridge...
Nike to Pandora: "If you have ideas, suggestions. .. make them."
"I believe you are correct, Captain, concerning my regulator. I have something to declare that is causing difficulty in my circuits. There is a patient in the medbay named Drake who has not been attended to for over an hour. His injuries were life threatening. The pain in my circuits intensifies when I consider the words to tell you his life signs terminated 45 minutes ago. Am I experiencing sorrow?"

OOC: 45 minutes ago the Pandora was still sitting in the sand south of Sigai. The lifeboat took off for the beach about 30 minutes ago. The Pandora's AI started speaking again shortly after take off.
Nike to Pandora: "any idea what this curse of Galt is about?"
OOC: Nike can't ask this question until the Rota fight breaks out several minutes later, which begs the question: Will Percy shut Pandora down and have THX-1492 commence repairs or will Nike order him not to?

--------------------------------------------------------

OOC: Several minutes later...
Davred waited until Janus had his tribesman under control then said, "What's this curse that you're talking about? Is it an airborne contagion?"
"I don't know," Janus said. "Benalidino himself didn't know. He thought Galt was creating it with his body, but he couldn't understand how. I can only tell you what it looks like. Galt's Curse strikes people who question Galt's judgment, plot against him or even speak ill of him. Sometimes it takes days or weeks for the first symptoms to appear. People who have hidden from him and his priests sometimes have survived years before they fell ill. First they lose the will to stand. Sores weep pus around their eyes. Speech becomes difficult. By the end, their brain fills with water and their eyes scab over. They would spend their last days lying in their own filth, unable to do anything but scratch themselves, if it weren't for the care others provide. My friend Tymbal takes care of several such victims in Sigai."

-end transmission-

gglassdr 11/8/2007

THX-1492

THX's repair tentacle begins slowly to sneak towards the damaged regulator systems.

"REPAIR THE TRUTH" it states to itself.

OOC: THX-1492 is a superior highly sophisticated Veribot engineering robot. It should be able to easily repair the Pandora's regulator. In fact, if it doesn't get a specific command NOT to repair the regulator, it will begin to do so as it's highest function in "life" is to repair any of the Warden's corrupted programming. And this would include any rogue robots or devices it meets.

publius1024 11/8/2007

THX-1492 [...] it's highest function in "life" is to repair any of the Warden's corrupted programming. And this would include any rogue robots or devices it meets.
OMG this is good! George's character's is perfect for this plot. Nike, Percy--how is this going to go down? Arkady is just along for the ride for now

:^)

wolfhaven75 11/10/2007

Davred

OOC: Welcome back to the House of Fun GammaBen, and what a spot to come back into! :)
IC: "I don't know," Janus said. "Benalidino himself didn't know. He thought Galt was creating it with his body, but he couldn't understand how. I can only tell you what it looks like..."
Davred listened intently to Janus' description, whispering it verbatim down the comlink for the rest of the crew to hear, fervently hoping that someone could figure out what to do here. He grimly squashed the little voice screaming in his head to get the hell out of the room - he was damned if he was going to be potentially infecting his new comrades!
"My friend Tymbal takes care of several such victims in Sigai."
He nodded his thanks at Janus, and holstered his weapon - given the circumstances, he doubted he was going to need it anymore.

"Cap. Team. I reckon we're going to need to detour if we're going to get this straightened out. There's a guy called Tymbal at Sigai who seems to be the local doc, and been looking after the people who've caught this little nasty. Might be worthwhile us checking it out at least. In the meantime..." He barked a sharp, bitter laugh. "...looks like I've got new quarters. I'll stay here and babysit - wipe the kid's noses, that sort of thing. Umm, it might be an idea to set up some sort of decontamination area for the corridor if you can, considering that it's the only way to the medical bay... heh, not to mention the W/C!"

He brought his attention back to Janus. "Thank you. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this and maybe provided some sort of help. I'll be staying here with you in this room - just in case, so if you can give me any more information, that would help immensely. So, how many of your people have come down with this Curse?"

supreme_arbiter 11/16/2007

"There have been many. We've learned to hide our true feelings from Galt, but his priests are everywhere. They spy on us and inform him of every disloyal deed. The people in Sigai are from the Spragni tribe. They are much more obedient than we are but doubt is natural to everyone. It's a nasty business my friend Tymbal deals with. I must admit I avoid the cursed ones. I've always known I could be next. I'm not sure how many live with him. I think a half dozen at least."

OOC: Next question? BTW sorry it took so long to respond to that one. OOC: I'm gonna play puppet master with Arkady to resolve the AI issue soon unless I hear from Percy or Nike. No worries - Just advance notice 8)

gammaben 11/18/2007

Percy

Percy looked at THX. "Can you repair Pandora's regulator?"

"Affirmative, " the robot answered.

THX's repair tentacle begins slowly to sneak towards the damaged regulator systems. "REPAIR THE TRUTH" it states to itself.

"Radio on! Percy to Nik--Captain Nike. THX confirms Pandora's autonomic regulator is toast. It even smells like it. Shlitzee confirms it was functioning when we left the Warden. The damage is recent."
IC: "And THX says not only can it fix the regulator," Percy added, ascending from the cavity in the deck and making room for THX's repair tentacle, "but is rather determined to get started on the repairs as I speak! Radio off!" Percy straightened his Warden jumpsuit as he slid over to Arkady's side.

He whispered to Arkady, "'Repair the Truth?' Who does this robot think it is, Special Agent Mulder?" Percy started whistling an eerie tune. [insert theme song to X-Files here]

Interrupting himself after only a few bars, Percy pondered aloud, "Those broken components were recently fried--I could smell 'em." He raised his voice a few notches and spoke in THX's direction: "Tee-Aytch-Ex- Fourteen- Ninety-Two, please suggest most probable cause of damage to Pandora's autonomic regulator." He crossed his fingers as he watched the repairs as best he could from his vantage point.
OOC: THX-1492 is a superior highly sophisticated Veribot engineering robot. It should be able to easily repair the Pandora's regulator. In fact, if it doesn't get a specific command NOT to repair the regulator, it will begin to do so as it's highest function in "life" is to repair any of the Warden's corrupted programming. And this would include any rogue robots or devices it meets.
OOC: Look out Shlitzee! You're next!!! :P

gglassdr 11/18/2007

THX-1492

As it begins to repair the Pandora's regulator, the robot analyzes Percy's question. "Working.... ........most likely cause of damage to ship regulator... .........

[ooc: the GM may insert appropriate robotic dialogue here :)

wolfhaven75 11/20/2007

Davred

Davred frowned in puzzlement over this new information. "Okay Jan - hope you don't mind me calling you Jan? - Tymbal looks after those who've been affected by this Curse, but hasn't come down with it himself?" This was making no sense to the big guy (who admittedly wasn't the greatest scientific mind to start off with...). *If it was a disease of some sort, then why isn't Tymbal six feet under by now? Unless there's another factor here. Hang on... the priests...*

He chimed in his comms under his breath. "Nike, I'm going to throw in another one of my wild theories here cutie" He winced as the C- Word came tumbling out of his mouth *Going to get hammered for that one - where did THAT come from?!?* "Ahem... Aaah, I've got a funny feeling that this Curse is some kind of bio-weapon used by the Galt priests against those who go question their authority, and perhaps automatically triggers if anyone goes beyond a boundary line. Would explain why these guys are sick at least. Request permission to check on the other tribe, if you've got the corridor locked down?"

stacinator 11/21/2007

Nike

"Permission granted." Nike said into her active comm.

"THX--please halt repair of Pandora's regulator until further notice. Instead, focus your attention on finding out how it came to be damaged. I want a report in fifteen minutes."

Waking ships, sick guests, sabotage and dying crew? "Well isn't this turning out to be one hell of a day," Nike thought to herself wryly.

Then, with her comm off, Nike continued her conversation with her bird. "Pandora, do you know how you were damaged? Have any clue?"

stacinator 11/21/2007

Nike

While waiting for Nike's answer, she realizes that Davred just called her "cutie". "What the holy hell was that about?" she thinks, but decides to ponder it later when everything isn't going to sh**.

gglassdr 11/21/2007

THX-1492

The engineering robot hesitates several seconds before it stops its repair activities. "Acknowledged. ......Repairs halted...... Initiating diagnostic investigation into cause of damage.

THX-1492 seems to actually be frustrated as it answers, "This unit evaluates high probability of corrupted ship activity independant of Central Programming. Highest recommendation to continue with repair of control mechanism immediately. "

"Repair of corrupted faulty programming. ....Imperative. .......Imperativ e......Imperativ e"

The robot actually shivers a bit with the intensity of its belief.

"repair the truth....... ....Repair The Truth....... ......REPAIR THE TRUTH....... ......"

supreme_arbiter 11/21/2007

OOC: Sorry Percy, I forgot this tidbit from your first post...
Percy's eyes searched the room for any surveillance cameras.
There were several but none moved.
THX: "Repair of corrupted faulty programming imperative. Imperative. Imperative." The robot shivered with the intensity of its belief. "Repair The Truth," it added. "REPAIR THE TRUTH..."
Percy ascended from the cavity in the deck and made room for THX to work. He stood beside Arkady and crossed his fingers. Arkady whispered, "If we don't replace Pandora's regulator we may have to remove THX's. Horatio isn't the only zealot onboard."
On the bridge Nike turned off her comm and continued her conversation with her bird. "Pandora, do you know how you were damaged? Any clue?"
"No, I don't," Pandora replied. Cameras in the systems control room panned and zoomed to show the device THX was working on. Nike watched what Pandora saw on the bridge monitors. The circuits in the regulator were black and tar-like. "Oh," Pandora said. "That does look bad. The error logs show a critical error occurred just a few minutes after we left the Warden. I believe one of the rockets fired from the Warden may have damaged it. I have no memory of what occurred shortly after the attack."

previous | narration | home | next