Re: Tales of Unity - Arc I - Jaded Ether [Eteru/Iammelon] [Dropped/Recton]

Thu Aug 06, 2020 4:29 am

The Hoplites were quite efficient at their task, as this scenario perfectly fit what they were programmed for. Even in the basic Hoplite model, they were made to intelligently learn and adapt to their situation based on gathered information. Be it from data files, security camera footage, or the footage of Hoplites who had previously attempted to handle the threat. As such, even the lowly Hoplite could become extremely dangerous with enough information. These new models that Abraham had inadvertently created also had this feature, and it was much improved. The Hoplites gathered themselves right behind the door, and indicated for Abraham to open it and then dive straight to the side.

When the door opened, they fired a single prepared volley, aiming for important joints and control centers of the sentry gun. It was sent out of commission almost instantly. The upgraded Hoplites had utilized the security camera to identify the position of the gun before the door was even opened, and combining that with the knowledge of OMNI Variant Eighty-Four Sentry Guns, they knew precisely where to aim to take it down as quickly as possible. They made sure not to totally destroy it, simply disable it, since they assumed Abraham would want to repair it.

With the turret disabled, they were able to move forward towards the door behind it, advancing carefully. After securing the door itself, they gathered up again, and then moved in as a unit, breaking up into their squads in multiple directions to cover ground.

Past the doorway was what seemed to just be a large, square room. It had six doors besides the one they had gone through, and Alek stepped forward to explain, "Hub area. Doors go to various locations in the facility. Check for doors that are unlocked, secure them." With that, the droids went to check the doors.

Upon examination, they found that about half the doors were locked, and the other half was unlocked. Notably the doors on the left side of the hub were unlocked, but the right doors were locked. It seemed power had been returned to one side but not the other. Fortunately for them, the doors each had markers on them to say where they went, so they could figure out each. Of the doors that were locked, they were each marked as "Underground Elevator", "Communications Center : This way", and "High Priority Sector Tram B". Alek was able to explain what he knew, which was that the communications center was the primary way the facility communicated with other facilities and Omnipo itself, as it was equipped with long range communications equipment. It being unreachable was why the facility had been blacked out for so long. The underground elevator went to a deeper section of the facility, which Alek had no additional information on except that it had some method of bringing in supplies. Finally, the High Priority Sector Tram was one of three trams that moved to a more distant extension of the facility, where they kept the most important data and housed individuals of major importance. The trams had been deactivated on purpose once the facility was under threat, and would not be reachable until the total security lockdown was disabled. Even if they got through the door, the tram was not going to be active until then. It would be useful later, as Alek surmised that it was likely that other Omnipo personnel were present in the High Priority Sector, as it was effectively a bunker. He could add no additional information however, as he didn't know what was actually there, nor who was there at the time of the lockdown.

As for the doors that were unlocked, they were "Disposal Chamber", "Barracks Beta", and "Primary Security Center, Armory, Backup Data Core : This way".

The Disposal Chamber was what it sounded like upon inspection, a garbage room. It was equipped with a large furnace meant to burn and destroy many things, as well as various other things like a crusher, a high yield laser for precise destruction, and a massive vat of acid for destruction of biological material. It seemed that the scientists here wanted to have multiple means to destroy things if they felt it required. As of now however, there was no trash here, and the furnace had been off for some time. The machines were all simply in stand-by mode as they had been deactivated during the power outage. The acid, presumably, had just been sitting in its massive vat the whole time. Abraham had a place to dispose of junk and trash now however, which was a plus.

The Barracks was more interesting, as it was where Security Personnel had quartered themselves. In here there was thus a few different things. First of all, a sleeping area filled with more bunk beds, all of which were neatly set, although of course over three months it had gotten rather dusty. Next, a small bathroom was also here, just including a toilet and sink. And finally there was a storage area for personal items, but also a small weapons locker for guards to use in case they could not reach the primary weapons locker in the armory. As before, it was mostly empty but with a few items left behind. There was what seemed to be a small, empty pouch, a wristwatch, a box of tissues, and most notably a plasma pistol in one of the arms lockers. Alek found some of the small gas cannisters that served as ammo for it as well, and noted that the charge pack they used to ignite the gas and create the plasma could be easily recharged in the power bay. They didn't have much gas however so Alek still noted that ammo was limited. He guessed they would have about sixty shots with the weapon, twenty for each of the three gas cannisters he found. They were quite small, so Abraham could easily carry them on his person or even in the pouch. Otherwise, the room did need cleaning, but it could be restored.

And then finally, there was the "This way" door. It was in fact just a hallway, but it led further into the facility. When the Hoplites opened the door to inspect however, they found a makeshift barricade set up. It consisted of various bits of furniture and large boxes, piled in order to make a wall. It was however not very effective, as the Hoplites were able to scale it and look over the other side. The sight there was not pretty. This was a location for a stand against some foe, and there were bodies and blood. There were six dead OMNI Protectors here, and three more disabled Attack Drones. All of them had burns and scars indicating death by plasma weaponry, except for one Protector who had been stabbed through the chest with a large bladed instrument. What was strange however was they had been oddly ranged. The bodies were laid against one of the walls, with their name scribbled in blood above each body. Dreni, Talov, Volmin, Alasia, Cassran, and Quake. They were all made to look like they were resting on their backs, hands crossed over their chests, clearly arranged. The three drones had been placed next to them as well, also neatly placed next to eachother, joining the odd display.

Past that strange thing was yet another door, which was unlocked. But besides the green marker showing it unlocked, there was something next to the button one pressed to open it. A bloody handprint on the wall. The blood had long since dried, now more like paint. Under it was something more written in dried blood, "000.13.B". Regardless of that, the door was in fact unlocked, and apparently beyond it was another section of the facility containing the Armory, Backup Data Core, and the Primary Security Center.

Sat Aug 08, 2020 7:18 pm

Abraham didn’t realize he was holding in his breath till after the Hoplites disable the turret in the hallway. Letting it out a breath before following the group. As much he knew he shouldn’t be lost in his head he could not help but think about things. About Rayin and his relative, Lisa’s arrival, the facility secrets, and life in general. So much in such a short time that he wished to have a few days to get it all together but knew he lacked that privilege. In that light he can see why Lisa and the rest confronted him then. To address it as early as possible so that it may not become a problem later. The gesture was appreciated even if he did feel like he was cornered on the spot. They mean well. He can see that. It’s just almost too much for him to handle.

The words Alek gave him last night roll in his head. It was hard to disagree with the notion that he fought. Because he did. Very much so. Reason he didn’t think much of it was due to not really knowing why he fought so hard beside self-preservation. There was something that spurred him on. Something ingrained into his very soul that told him death was not an option. He was nothing. In spite of that the word gave different connotations. As if there was something to be proud of.

On the other half of his thoughts they were centered around Lisa. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Something is bothering him. And no this is not coming from a lack of understanding on male to female interactions. Vega very much ensured he corrected his lack of understanding on the opposite sex when he fist knew about it. As the ever courteous “teacher” he is, brought him to sex clubs every now and then. Looking back he is grateful that Vega wasn’t the only one to have enlightened him otherwise he might have had more felonies.

No. Lisa is bothering him in another way. There is a twinge of familiarity when he is around her. An impulse to embrace her. To never let her go. These feelings confound him. For the most part they weren’t coming from a lustful part of him. If he ever had a lustful part in him. He is hardly what he would imagine a casanova to be. Too submissive to even thinking about making a move. And he knows that as a result of his short-time employment at an sex club. Where his amiable bonds with several of the sex workers gave him a much more progressive understanding on women and sexuality in general. In hindsight he shouldn’t have been all that confused when Vega started calling him a ponce.

He was brought out of his musings when they came to the Hub section of the facility. Most likely one of them. Paying attention to Alek explanations of what each of the doors have in store. He took note of the ammunition and weapons but didn’t take them except for the pouch. Reason being that he could not shoot a gun to save his life. Yes, friend to the baddest pirate in the quadrant and he knows squat about them beside gun safety. Not to put the blame on Vega for he did try to instruct his friend but there were some mishaps and eventually Vega forgot about it when he got busy with other things.

The next hallway was gruesome. The smell. The black ichor. The guilt of pang went through him. He was not precise enough with his ability to give them coffins like he did with Rayin. Molding metal was simple enough, it’s the generation of it that he struggles with in an excessive amount. Noting in his head to tend to the departed later they venture onward. Arriving at the door marked with the string of numbers he saw before. They came this far. There was no other choice that he could live with than continuing on. So they headed inside with the same degree of caution as before.

Mon Aug 24, 2020 12:50 am

Alek seemed unaccepting of Abraham's reluctance to take the pistol, as being a security droid he quite appreciated the value of a weapon. As such, while Abraham did not take it, Alek did. He placed the weapon and its ammo into a storage section of his chassis, this way it would be kept close at all times in case it was needed. He did note the need to properly train Abraham in its usage at a later point however.

The Hoplites moved past the bodies, and once more took their position by the door. Alek soon gave the signal, and the teams burst through the door to the next section, weapons ready due to the rather large number of corpses here. This time, they found another gruesome sight. More bodies, this time another group of four OMNI Protectors, once more lined up against the wall. This time, they didn't have names, as it seems whatever killed them did not have the time.

However, there were two more fallen bodies. The first was another OMNI Protector, his pistol still in hand. And laying atop him was a destroyed Hoplite. Alek however quickly moved in front of Abraham and pointed his gun at the body, as he realized something, "This one is compromised. Observe the positioning." With closer inspection, it could be noted that this Protector had a plasma burn in his chest, and the fallen Hoplite's weapon was aimed in that direction. The Hoplite meanwhile had been destroyed by a shot to the head, completely destroying its eye. The pistol, still gripped by the fallen, was pointed up in the direction of the Hoplite, the damage being simple enough to have been just the work of a pistol. The two had killed eachother, which Alek did not like, "Repairs are highly discouraged. Extreme danger. The compromised unit must be destroyed if it has become hostile to base personnel."

Beyond that, they would find three doors in here leading to the rooms previously advertised. The Backup Data Core, the Armory, and the Primary Security Center. However the Hoplites noted something, all three doors were locked. The Data Core room and the Armory were both locked, as while they had power they were apparently being remotely locked. The Primary Security Center meanwhile was locked by a keypad lock.

Mon Aug 24, 2020 2:09 pm

The more he sees this the more he is intrigued by what events must have transpired. Continuing to move onward they came to the next set of doors. Coming up to the keypad he punched in the code. After he does so he retook his position in the pack. All the while, Lisa watches him from the security room. Analyzing his every movement and behavior. The Crimson Castellans haven’t found anything off from her yet. She had been quiet the entire time they were stationed here. Her expression is stoic and apathetic. The kind of gaze that one gives to mice finding their way through a maze. The slight difference here is that Lisa’s a bit more distant. Staring at the screen nonchalantly while a part of her mind is miles away. And then there was this third layer to her expression that was a bit deeper to notice. Lace softly into her features was a marginal air of boredom.

Eventually Abis spoke up. “Out of interest for inquiry, Dr. Lisa. What intellectual sphere do you invest in?”

His synthetic voice with hints of an Anubite accent didn’t pull her attention from the screen. At first there was no indication that she heard what he said before speaking back. “Whatever was required of me to perform.”

Her response was a bit off. It felt inorganic. Conditioned almost. It felt she had given that statement so many times that it lost its meaning. The frames above Abis eye rose to mimic the human expression of an eyebrow raise. “Quite the work ethic. Admirable. You arrive quickly as well. Did you have to leave stuff to come here on such a short notice?”

“Yes.” She spoke in the same monotone manner. That this conversation wasn’t stimulating her in the slightest. Her brown eyes still glued to the screen.

“Can I request for elaboration?” Abis pushes further.

“Numerous projects. Some of which I’ve invested quite a bit of resources in. They were all terminated.” Despite the subject Lisa doesn’t seem all that torn up about it. In fact it almost seemed trivial to her.

“For what reason?” Abis bounced back another question.

This time Lisa actually gave a physical response. Lightly shrugging her shoulders. “They became obsolete. Ongoing events made them irrelevant.”

“Regardless. It sounds you spent quite a bit of effort into it. What were you working on?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” Abis said incredulously.

Lisa finally peels her eyes away from the screen. Gazing at him from the corner of her eyes in that same distant stare. “It all amounted to nothing. No hypothesis was proven. No new data was gathered. Nothing new that I don’t know. No new ground was made. It was fairly boring.” Despite the oddities Abis could clearly sense that Lisa was being straight with him on her feelings on the matter.

Abis didn’t press further as he didn’t want to over push. So they both went back to watching the monitors.

Tue Aug 25, 2020 9:38 pm

As Abraham entered the code he had seen before, the door slowly opened. Alek directed the rest of the Hoplites forward, with Morris taking point. Fortunately for them, nothing attacked them, and they were able to fan out into the room. It was not a very large room, the Primary Security Center, so they ended up simply taking guard positions throughout the room to look around. Alek waved for Abraham to go inside so they could look around.

The Primary Security Center was a simple room over all. Towards the door there were a few things, like a small locker, a clothing rack, and even a small holding cell, although that one was broken. The primary feature of the room, and that which it seemed to be dedicated to, was a massive computer. With a dozen screens controlled by a rather large control console, most of the displays were currently blanked. The central screen simply had a large, red exclamation mark with the words "WARNING! LOCKDOWN ACTIVE" on it.

But as Abraham would get closer, the screens all began to distort. The exclamation mark disappeared, leaving behind simply a request for a username and password. Strangely however, it was asking for a new set, rather than just a simple log in. Alek stepped forward, seemingly confused in his tone, "Odd. It has been reset. The previous security profile is not here. You can access the console by creating a new security profile, but this will have limited control without direct security authorization. The facility wide lockdown cannot be lifted, however we can lift local lockdowns, as well as spread control over regions of the facility that we are able to connect to this console. But such a reset is highly unusual. All data has been lost. We won't have the recordings to tell what has happened here. Very strange. However, I believe with this we can unlock any door that has power and a keycard lock, as we can update your card to have the appropriate authorization. This will include the armory and backup data core, which may have additional information."

Tue Aug 25, 2020 11:24 pm

Lincoln took in the information. Going with the flow of what the group expects from him. Sitting down at the desk he went to make a new security profile. He was sure that he was in the system somewhere in the great web. This was the first time he’s making a digital footprint. And it showed. His white hair catching the synthetic light sold the impression of a elderly person unused to technology. Not to say he is wholly primitive. He knows what big buttons do what, like in the elevator, fiddling with a security terminal, and out at a restaurant. Just never really used a computer before. For what will be the first of his many learning experiences. Alek had to stand right beside him and walk him through the process. Showing him how to use a keyboard. It was a blessing that Alek wasn’t fully organic.

Once they finally got over that hassle and upgraded the security card. He felt they made good progress today. Telling the group that even though it’s important to advance forward. There was more sentimental value to put a pause to their endeavors to spend time tending to the new areas they unlocked. Mainly he wished to spend time giving respect to the dead. Something he felt strongly compelled to do. With that drive he knew it would take time to carefully generate and manipulate the material around him to shape eleven coffins for the protectors. Engraving the names he could find onto them. The process took the rest of the day and most of tomorrow. By the end the wall of the lobby was lined three layers tall with metal coffins with the first sitting on its own on the third row.

The day after that, the fourteenth day. The droids would collect enough data to catch a developing pattern in Lisa as she helps out in getting the place they unlocked up to standard. Despite her blunt force in getting her point across to Lincoln a few days prior. She seems to have backed off. Never interrupting him. Making sure he stays safe, and healthy, but never letting that be at the cost of taking the decisions from him. She asks specific questions, offers specific choices that he can answer with a yes or no, and follows what he wants. She never assumes anything.

Ready to listen to him anytime. Never impatient, never forcing the conversation, never intruding on his privacy as she did before. She doesn’t say anything that may indicate an opinion of her own contrary to or questioning of his on the subject. Letting him judge what he's ready for and shows confidence in his judgment. If he wants to do something, or change something, she lets him do it. She helped him when he asks, but she never hover, and does not assume that she know what he wants or needs. She asks, and then gives him what he tells her. She lets him control the situation, even if his actions make no sense to her or to the droids.

She never seemed to let her emotions color her opinions. Not that she ever did in the first place. One element of note was that Lisa never let him blame himself, a trait even the droids know he's prone to doing that, and she doesn’t let him make himself accountable for anyone's actions or choices that aren't his own. Lisa is there for Lincoln but doesn’t smother him with her presence. Beside all of that the droids have yet to find anything insidious about the so called Omnipo scientist. Tomorrow the squad went back into action. Lisa’s at her post with one of the squads. The main force making their way back to where they left off with the three newly restored drones hovering with them. The compromised droid was destroyed as suggested. Lisa didn’t argue with him even though she very well could have. Whether she didn’t care or this is a part of this developing pattern is up to debate. Lincoln saw the Armory door first so he went to open that one up first.

Wed Aug 26, 2020 3:06 am

Alek was certainly very patient thanks to his robotic nature, and long since had accepted his position as a sort of patient teacher to Lincoln. After all, it had been Alek who had conscripted Lincoln into the service of Omnipo, so it was reasonable for him to teach him how to perform his tasks. He was not a micro-manager, as Alek was of course the one who preferred to take orders rather than give them. It was thus in his interest to teach Lincoln enough for him to function on his own, thus his interest in teaching him how to shoot a pistol, handle the security systems, and manage the facility. And beyond teaching, he simply let Lincoln take the lead and did not questions his ideas or orders unless Alek felt they were given without certain bits of information, which he would provide and let Lincoln decide if that would change his course of action. This was the same for the rest of the Hoplites, although to differing extents based on their little personalities.

As for Lisa, the droids went along with her on this as it was in their own interests as well, however the suspicion on her was never really lifted. But with nothing to go on, it remained a suspicion and nothing more. They would watch her, but she had effectively been accepted as part of the team.

The Armory door was able to be opened with the updated keycard, showing that it worked quite well. The door itself was a reinforced one, fitting for an armory, and so took a bit of extra time to open up. Once inside, there was a rather notable sight. The room was completely wrecked. The weapons racks were devastated and scattered across the room, pieces of weapons and armor scattered about. Notably, there were also bodies. Most of the bodies were just more Hoplites, which seemed to have been in a group before being destroyed by explosions. They were all heavily damaged, missing entire pieces of their bodies from point-blank explosions. There was a person's body here too, a single OMNI Protector. They too were killed by explosions, but they mostly seemed to have fallen from the shrapnel. Notably, in their hand, they were holding a detonator.

Alek made a rationalization of the scene, "These are the remaining compromised units. After killing the others, they likely attempted to corner the remaining guard in here. A detonation of an explosive caused a chain reaction, destroying the remaining compromised units as well as the final guard in this section. This handles the threat. Destroy the remains, and give this one a burial."

Not everything was destroyed however. The ammo caches were still intact, although most of the ammo was for larger weapons like rifles, none of which had survived. There were a few more clips for pistol ammo that survived, tripling the amount of ammo Lincoln had now for the pistol. A more notable survivor however was a suit of armor. It was a completely intact and powered suit of OMNI Attack Trooper Armor. Alek noted that it lacked any owner, being a spare suit that could thus be attuned to a new user if Lincoln wished. The suit would be a nice bit of protective gear in case Lincoln wanted it. Finally, the last major thing here was a small device, which was just a little button. Alek explained that this was a call-button for one of the Trams to the inner section, although what it was doing here was unknown.

Wed Aug 26, 2020 5:58 pm

Lincoln was uncertain that this was how it had played out. But found it difficult to suggest other possible theories without potentially compromising the masquerade. It was what made talking with Lisa awkward for they both are aware that they are not who they say they are. The fact that she is playing along with him makes it more puzzling. Besides the itching in the back of his neck he doesn’t know who she is. And he’s not yet comfortable enough to confront her about it. Not if he wanted to risk bringing an end to the game of masks.

They went to business with the Armory. Cleaning out the supposedly compromised droids the Cleansing Sunbeams would bring them to the disposal unit while the rest went to clean up the mess. Since there was only one body it didn’t take long to create a coffin around him. Getting the room repaired he would then be brought over to the Armor set. There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with. Looking rather well maintained. He has no qualms about wearing it as it would be unreasonable not to. Not to mention the comm unit is very handy to have. Putting it on he found that it fit rather well. To break it in he’ll wear it for a while. It was still early in the evening. They can go check out the Backup Data Core while they are nearby. So that’s what they did. He rally his men to head on over there. Using the card to open the door.

Thu Aug 27, 2020 9:07 am

The armor, once it was fully equipped by Lincoln, would react to the new wearer after some time. Specifically, the helmet. As it was put on it would display a HUD, which soon after asked for identification. Alek would help Lincoln here by explaining that his security card could upload the same security profile he had made on the primary security console. This update to his armor would help him be automatically identified by certain systems that wouldn't wait for his card to swipe, like a sentry turret, as it would simply read the armor's ID. The location to insert the card was on the back of the helmet, and it would thereafter welcome Lincoln directly with his name, and then display all small bits of information like the status of the armor's shields. And of course it had a connection to the comm unit. Not particularly advanced or detailed, but it made it more comfy than a normal helmet.

Otherwise, the Hoplites moved over with Lincoln to the other door. Once more, his new keycard was accepted by the door, and it opened up. The Backup Data Core was pretty much exactly what it said on the tin, as when the door opened, it revealed a large server room. Lines on lines of computer storage, with some consoles in the back to actually manage the whole thing.

Alek had the Hoplites fan out and scan the integrity of the server farm, to identify how the room had been maintained. After a brief search, they came back with some results. The room was functional, but multiple of the storage servers had been severely disrupted with the initial shutdown of the reactor. Being so sudden, a lot of data had been corrupted in the power outage. However, while a good deal of data was disrupted, not all of it was destroyed. And the room itself was still entirely functional, computers and all. With some fiddling, they had complete control of the room. This granted Lincoln access to a very large batch of computing power, if he ever needed it. Alek mused that this would be quite useful in case Lincoln or Lisa ever decided to restart the innovations part of this facility, as such computing power would be very handy for running computer simulations.

The surviving data was jumbled, but Alek believed it could be restored and analyzed. It was all just hard data from experiments and some backups from the Primary Security Room. However once it was restored and deciphered, it could give some additional clues as to what was going on here three months ago before everything had gone to hell. This wouldn't take too long fortunately, thanks to the upgrades Lincoln's hoplites had obtained.

In an hour's time, they got back to him. Mancalagon would explain what he had figured out from the experiment data that had been recovered, "For the most part, they are genetic markers being recorded. The context for what each marker does or refers to is lost, however notably the same markers are being modified slightly. With this in mind, it can be presumed that genetic modification was being performed, with slight adjustments being made so the scientists could analyze the results. They seemed very focused on one particular marker, and based on the sheer number of modifications to the sample they appeared to be quite irritated with a lack of results. What the marker refers to is unknown. However with some searching, it is connected to the missing samples, the ones presumably stolen or destroyed in the assault on the base. These samples can thus be assumed to be of high importance, both for the purpose of science and the objective of the scientists here. All information regarding that sample is lost, except for some remnant notices that it is highly classified and requires high authorization to access."

With that said, there was also the Security Room backups, which were actually rather recent albeit limited. Mancalagon would explain again, "Unfortunately the Primary Security Console cannot be restored with the information acquired, but additional context has been obtained. Strangely, the surviving logs indicate that the compromised Hoplites had been commanded to terminate all Security Personnel they could find from that console. Only the Security was to be killed, there was a specific order to protect any Science Team personnel they came across. The reasoning is unknown, but it explains the specifics of the dead. Oddly however this order was sent out without the action of a person interfacing with the console. It is almost an automated command, being set off by a now-lost protocol. It is not truly automated however, as there is also indication of a confirmation to commence the protocol from an unknown user, possibly remotely. An internal factor within the console itself sent out the order, and then self-initiated the wipe of the entire console. The trigger is unknown except for being in some way linked to a security report indicating the loss of the high priority genetic sample, although the report in question has been lost. With this in mind however, we must show caution in regards to all Hoplite Units we locate that were destroyed after the seizure of the sample. They may be hostile, although there is a silver lining. With these backups we now have access to the same override code that was used by the protocol to realign who the units will consider hostiles. If we find any more Hoplites that may try to attack, we may use this to reverse the kill order on security personnel, so long as we are able to establish a communications link to them. Slight disabling in the form of pacifying fire may be needed to provide such an opening, but such damages can be repaired."

And, as if it were almost forgotten note, he then included, "Ah, right. One more thing. The backup also included the codes for a forceful override of the Underground Elevator Room's doors. We can use this to restore power by linking it to the reactor we have access to, and then your security card can be used to open it and call the elevator, if you so wish. Unfortunately this will not work for the Tram or the Communications Center, as we are unable to change the power supply for these doors."

Thu Aug 27, 2020 9:53 pm

Sometime later in the day he stepped through the door into the server room again. The metal above his head distinctly vibrates from the air conditioning. Keeping the room cool enough for him to see the small puff of his breath. He stood in the frame. Looking in to look at the rows of black monoliths that were the server cabinets. Their guts made small noises from beeps to clicks. Giving the room more of a mysterious yet pulling sensation. For some reason, it felt like a tone he would sleep to.

He started to walk down the aisle. Glancing around at nothing in particular. Typically he would spend moments like this to indulge in introspection. To ponder on things in isolation. However in his wake his very much organic friend made her way into the server room with him. He had gone back with the group to talk over their findings. All the technical stuff zoned him out. Nodding every now and then while saying “Fascinating” to give the impression he got an ounce of understanding from the conversation.

It always made him feel left out of the group whenever they talk about things he can’t understand. Nothing more than a prop in the room. He felt alienated. And for the uncounted time since his employment he was irritated by his lack of education. The group seemed to catch on quite quick that he was starting to stew in his self-loathing.

Changing the subject. Lisa suggests they should check out the server room together. Given her expertise in machinery he saw no reason not to. So here they were. Feet apart as they look about the place. She was giving everything that same critical eye while he looked at the server lights.

He was reading what seemed to be gibberish on a warning label on the side of a cabinet when he noticed Lisa walking ahead of him. Her back was turned to him as she walked down that aisle. Bathe in a dim blue light from the servers on either side of her. The bottom of her lab coat ruffled a bit from the AC.He couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding when he took in the view.

She seemed so...distant. That there wasn’t a warm, human being at the other end of the room. He slightly chewed his lip before mustering up enough will to speak up. “It’s nice we got the override codes huh? That’ll be a great help to get access to more of the place.”

She gave a noise of acknowledgement and nothing more, Stopping to turn and look at a cabinet. Watching her he conquered to say what was on his mind. “I’m just having trouble understanding. Why does it happen? How is it ever sensible to have a protocol that...purge people like that.”

He was hoping that she would understand what he met. But was internally taken aback but what she said in response. “The intent is trivial. All that is important is the presence of a source out of our control that can cause disturbance if we don’t prepare for it.”

That cold, dismissive mannerism shocked him. Sure he got the sense that scientists tend to be a bit disconnected to view things as logical as possible. But something here felt alien. “How is it trivial?” He asks in response. Letting some emotion into his voice. “It killed a lot of people. In a place where they would have been forgotten if I didn’t come here. I…we gave them burial.”

She continued to look around. Her thick glasses were a sheen of light from his perspective. Which added to that mechanical feel to her. “Abraham.” She spoke his name. Softly turning her head enough to look at him. It might be a trick of the lighting but he could swear there was a cybernetic glow in her soft brown eyes.

“Y-yeah?” He asks. Fidgeting a bit from the stare.

“You want me to be honest with you correct?” She raised a brow. Still talking in that dry and unenthusiastic tone.

“Of course!” He wanted to have a functioning relationship between the two of them. To enjoy living and eating with the company of another. Having a cold working environment is worse than being by himself.

“Good. Then know I’ll never delude you as being someone I’m not.”

The say she said that sent chills down his spine. Silencing anything else he may have had to say. Lisa seems not bothered as always. Looking back to what she was looking at. “It seems we are short of a UPS.” She commented as if what they were just talking about was hardly a thing of importance to her.

“Huh? Oh...I suppose that’s bad?” He wasn’t thinking about what that means. Didn’t really care about it at the moment. Still mentally reeling from the previous conversation. Lisa casually explained what it was. Some better version of the backup generator he guesses, only it’s near-instantaneous.

He was hanging his head a bit. Looking at the way his boots cast shadows across the floor. “I’ll leave you be. You can tinker here without me. I’m going to continue making our way through the facility.” Disgruntled, he turned and left the room. Hearing Lisa give out a sigh behind him and was in the process of calling out to him when he walked out of sight.

Down the hallway he bumped into Morris. “Get the group together. We’re using the elevator.” He remarked curtly. His friend was rather taken by surprise. Not expecting him to go to the next objective so quickly.Not when he had set the precedent for taking things slowly. They didn’t even dust the new room yet. But didn’t question it when he turned to glance at Lincoln’s face.

For the first time in a long while.

He was angry.

Sat Aug 29, 2020 1:13 am

Morris was indeed rather surprised at Lincoln's sudden proclamation, which was rather unusual for the pace they often took in exploring the facility. But he wasn't in the mood to question him while he was so angry, and so he simply nodded and went to gather up the rest of the Hoplites. With their tendency to always be ready, it wouldn't be long for them to gather up, they simply needed to spread the word.

Soon enough, the Hoplite Squads gathered at the hospital entrance, with Alek taking a position near Lincoln. He directed for the power override to be used, rerouting the door's power to the regional reactor back near the very start, and suddenly the door came to light. It would respond to the security card of Lincoln, granting access. Of course, they then had to wait a while as the elevator came up. They could hear it as it came up, a massive clanking as the large platform ascended, until the door opened and before them was a large platform. It was big enough for Lincoln and the entire group of Hoplites, and it seemed capable of handling their weight too. A rather simple location, the buttons for movement being only two; up and down. This was up, so the only way to go from here was down.

The elevator took about a minute to go down fully, and then the door opened once more. They found themselves in another hallway, with the sign "cargo bay" being notable. However before they could get there, Lincoln would be able to quickly notice a camera. It was a more advanced camera, having a microphone attached to it as well, which became relevant quickly.

The camera focused in on them, and a voice came from it. It was from a male, who sounded quite surprised and worried, "Oi! Identify yourself, whoever the hell you are! You some sort of rescue group? Don't take another step before you answer!" Then camera then looked over his group, focusing in on one of the hoplites. Specifically Morris. "And why the hell are the murder bots with you!? Answer me!"

Alek spoke quietly to Lincoln, "Be wary, his voice pattern indicates extreme irritation. The slight interference of the microphone makes it hard to identify them, but they certainly seem aggressive towards us. Choose your words carefully."

Sat Aug 29, 2020 2:55 pm

Smooth jazz played when the elevator shuddered into motion. Lowering Lincoln, Alek, and the Scarab Brothers to the depths below. Alek stood to his right and to his left was Morris. He was giving the steel doors a deadpan stare. Still fuming over his conversation with Lisa. What made it all the more confusing was what his anger was directed at. He wasn’t angry about Lisa’s behavior. For some reason he was angry at what could have made her that way. Like some part of him knew she didn’t come to her perspective on life naturally. That something has made her this way.

“So,” Morris quipped. “Having problems with a certain woman are we?” The snide undertone to his voice gives his playacting away.

Lincoln continue to look forward. A brow twitch in annoyance. “Not in the mood Morris.”

The droid raises its hand defensively. Despite the lack of Hoplite capability to mimic complex expressions. Somehow he still radiated smugness. “Hoho, I mean no offense mate. It just tickles my circuitry to see amorous endeavors”

Lincoln's eyes widened as he balked at what Morris said. “W-what?!” He spun his head towards him.

He saw him make a dismissive gesture. “Remember. We are programmed to notice and comprehend forms of relationships between Omnipo employees. And since we’re friends which by definition is “a familiar or helpful thing.” Therefore it’s only proper to help a friend out in their boning.”

“We are programmed to stop[/i[ it, not enable it.” Came the bland comment from Mancalagon at the back.

Morris brushes him off with a hand wave. “You call it enabling. I call it solving tension between employees to bring them closer together. Blimey why am I telling [i]you this. Knowing about grey matter is your forte.”

The scaled Hoplite gave a prerecorded sound of a deep, tired sigh. Leaving Morris to bring his attention back to Lincoln. “The problem is simple. You just have no game.”

Lincoln sputtered. “Excuse you?” He said incredulously.

The droid continued in a matter-of-fact mannerism but was interrupted when Mancalagon shoved him towards the wall of the elevator. “Why don’t you leave the subject of grey matter to those who are more educated in it.”

“Oi! No one asked for your input, you bloody wanker!” Came Morris remarked about being shoved. Righting himself to glower at his assailant.

“The door is open guys.” Tanashiri pops the bubble of the conversation. Bringing their connection to the now open doors leading them down a hallway.

“Okay yeah? Mancalagon is still a wanker.” The droid in question “rolled” his eye.

All the while the only human shook his head at their eccentricities. Stepping out of the elevator. Mancalagon took Morris' place to slip a comment that he is open to talk about later which he appreciated. The golden droid did seem more knowledgeable in how the mind works.

They got to the middle of the hallway before halting their advance when the voice came from the camera. Seemingly not controlling himself, Tanashiri let out a snort. “Him? The only thing he can murder is overclocking his own systems.”

“Care to run that by me again clanker?” Challenged Morris.

“By the matrix cease your prattling. You’re both acting like Shoukou Maid Bots.” Themistokles groaned out.

While the Scarab Brothers continue being...them. Lincoln and Alek kept their focus on the situation at hand. “They are no harm!” Lincoln started. Focusing on assuring the droids are no threat before identifying himself. “These are of my design. More advanced as well.” It was a bit hard to say advance when Morris was being Morris behind him. “They won’t go rogue. I promise you that, My name is Lincoln Zvonimir. I may not be the type of rescue you may be hoping for. But I want to help whoever I find down here. I already came across people up there. I gave them a proper burial. I was hoping that I could find someone else alive in this tragedy.”

Mon Aug 31, 2020 1:18 am

The Camera had swapped over to looking at the batch of Hoplites as they bickered in the background, Morris in particular. It seemed to observe them for a while before it swapped back to Lincoln. There were a few more seconds of silence, before finally the voice returned, notably calmer than before, "Alright... Alright. Those droids certainly don't act like regular Hoplites, that's for sure. So I'll accept that they are your designs, for now. Explains the odd new aesthetics as well, quite unusual for normal Hoplites! Still, I don't quite know you... Your name rings no bells, and I recognize most of the security team. And if you're not rescue, I'm really unsure. But, if you gave everyone above funerals, then I suppose you're not one of the damn scientists. Fine, come on in. I can't actually get over there, but I got a little control over this region's security. Could've killed you, though it's probably best if I had somebody else to talk to. Just been two of us for the last few months. Door's opening and Security Turrets are going offline." With that, the doorway below the camera opened up.

In addition, a set of sentry guns suddenly decloaked and then went offline. There were about six of them, built into the walls. They seemed to use an advanced form of camouflage to make the appearance of just being part of the wall, but now that they were visible Lincoln could take a look at them. They were plasma guns, built to fire large bursts of plasma in rapid succession, like small rapid-fire cannons. Alek made a comment here, "Type 5 Hidden Blade Turrets, very deadly. Their stealth technology has improved, as I could not detect them. Fortunate that hostilities were not engaged, as we would have lost some of our number. They are quite deadly." With that however, he simply moved on.

The next room was what seemed to be a small control room. There were a good number of computers in here, including one big control console. There were two more doors in here, but most notably there was a massive viewing port. It was not glass, but rather just a big display screen, and it was showing a hanger bay. The hanger was clearly built to accommodate small ships, probably transports, but it was currently empty and its large doors sealed shut. There were a number of crates around the hanger, but of course they were not there physically so they couldn't be searched. As for the control room itself, it was empty of people. But there was another camera above the door, which would focus in on Lincoln, "Welcome to the Resupply Command Room. Fancier name than it actually is, it just directs the resupply shuttles through the tunnels. Anyhow, I need you to do a few things in here. I'm a bit trapped, and so I need some help getting out. Problem is the security lockdown has me unable to open the doors in my way. I'm stuck in the cargo section in specific, which the left door in the control room should have access to. Of course, if it were unlocked, I'd already be out. The door can only be opened by the Head of Security or the Cargobay Admin, or more specifically their keycards. Filled with a lot of valuables, you know? Still, kinda screws me. If you could find either of those two, or their cards, you can let me out. Do that, and we can help eachother out. Plus it'll let me know I can trust you enough to tell you my name! So, uh, have you seen either of them? Did the droids get them?"

Alek moved forward, inspecting the room for himself, and then shook his head, "No cards here. Cargo Bay Admin and Security Chief are unaccounted for as well. However, that door leads further into the facility." He gestured to the door on the right side of the control room, "Beyond there should be additional science centers, the primary quarters for the facility science staff, the prison, and the tram controls. Additional clues may be gained."

The Camera Man seemed to react to the Droid, "Ah, ehm, yes. Those rooms are over there. Most of the cameras are disabled however, I can't see anything. Are you really sure you haven't seen anything? I'd rather you not go in there if you don't have to. Can't see anything, so, uhm, it could be dangerous? Killer droids? Seriously, are you sure you have nothing in the rest of the facility?" Alek threw a look at the camera that could be best described as skeptical, but he didn't comment or say anything to Lincoln.

Mon Aug 31, 2020 7:48 pm

The thought of forcing his way through the door either by his gift or the collective firepower of his men came to mind. However they had to go check out what’s open to them anyways. And because the other person is likely safe where he is at. The skepticism aside he is aware that he needs to learn more about the place. “We’ll be alright man. It won’t hopefully take us too long.” Flashing a comforting smile to the camera he proceeds to walk to the other door with his droids at his heel.

Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:09 am

Alek led the Hoplite team forward towards the right door, which lacked any sort of label so they would have to go off of what the Hoplites knew. The door was quickly shown to be resistant to opening, but after Alek based the door it finally gave way. The room beyond was a two-way hallway, which now finally had a sign. To the left was the science area, both the experimentation rooms and the residence hall for the scientists. Meanwhile the right section was smaller, as it was just two rooms. Tram Control and a Prison. Since it was closer, the droid decided it would be best to check out the right side first.

The Tram Control Center was opened first, with the Hoplites moving in. It was empty of people, droids, or turrets, so it was safe. The room was rather small over all, it was just a large terminal with a display screen. It was displaying the status of the three trams in this section of the facility. Two of them were for heading to the high priority central section, the little bunker section that was described before to keep the facility leadership safe in case of attack. As expected, these two were both currently on lockdown. The console reported their position as being at the central zone, unable to be recalled at the current time until the full security lockdown was over. But what was more interesting was the third tram, labeled "Emergency Inter-Facility Tram: Offline". Alek was unsure what that meant, as he was not aware of a tram to another other facilities. Unfortunately this tram could also not be activated until the security lockdown was over. Something to note however was the mention that if one had a high-priority access card, they could recall the bunker trams by taking the role of a high ranked individual taking refuge within. Beyond that however, there was nothing much.

The other room was the prison, which was a more disturbing sight. There were about twelve prison cells and a control pad for each on them. There was a small closet in the background, presumably for holding items of the prisoners. Each cell had a bed, a toilet, a small display screen, and a small bookshelf, although those were all empty right now.

Most of the cells were empty, except for one towards the back. Alek found that there was a body in one, a dead corpse. It was of a suited Ialao male, not a security guard or scientist but presumably an administrator of some kind. His body had been mutilated slumped over with wounds all over him. Alek leaned down to investigate, his eye scanning the body over to get a better idea of what happened, as well as identify who they were. He stood up again, and then spoke to Lincoln, "This is the Cargo Bay Administrator. He appears to have been tortured and then left for dead, dying of mortal wounds inflicted by the treatment. He does not have his admin card. It may have been stolen by the ones who tortured him or the torture was because of it missing. In any instance, this is not the work of any Hoplite. We are not programmed for torture, and it lacks any showing of mechanical elements. This is by organic hands, unsettling."

Wed Sep 02, 2020 3:11 pm

Lincoln stood near the entryway into the prison cell. The sight was not pleasant. Old tired memories of people being torture dart across his vision. Torture made him squeamish. He’ll probably be dreaming of his decaying body tonight. Slumped against the wall, coated with dry black blood. A pang of sympathy went through him. What were the last thoughts his brain fired off? To die so far away from home in a place detached from nature.

Emotions well up in him as he subconsciously let his empathy get the better of him. Pure empathy is a dangerous thing as told by a sweet thing at the diner he used to visit back in the day. And he came to understand that on an instinctual level the more he uses his power. The more he stares into those cold, dead eyes. The more he sees himself staring back.

Giving a shudder he looked away. Putting his focus on the small closet. Going over there to take a look while getting his emotions under control. Morris was nearby when he spoke to him. “Poor bloke. Makes that fella back in the cargo a bit dodgy for not telling us about the lad. What you think?”

“I don’t trust him.” He remarks. It’s true he had the chance to gun them down but didn’t. But that may very well be a ploy given he was trapped. He was being a bit cynical, he admits However in his line of work that is the difference between life and death.

Morris looks to the side as if contemplating on something before looking back at him. “Can I ask a sensitive subject, mate?”

“Go ahead?” He made a face as he rummaged around the closet.

“Have you ever fused with a corpse before?” Was Morris’s blunt question.

The closet door shut noisily. “I did. Once”

“What was it like?” The droid said carefully.

Lincoln let out a sigh. “Like a sheer cliff was behind me. Emptiness instead of oneness. All the person ever was and would have ever been was reduced to a skinsuit.”

“And what happened to the body? Was it repaired like us?”

Lincoln didn’t know why Morris was so interested in the dead. But in hindsight he shouldn’t blame him. It was only natural for things brought back into existence to have questions about the nature of death and existence after. “The body...was alive again.”

Silence hung in the air for brief seconds before Morris spoke up. “Then...I have trouble comprehending the issue.”

The sound of metallic footfalls alerted them of their scaled Hoplite approaching the group. “The issue, Morris, is you and I are machines. We are not built the way organics are. The problems of persistent identity, the problem of mind-body, and other subjects related to personhood have plagued scholarly minds for countless millennia. It’s not something for them to treat in an easy manner.”

Mancalagon then turned his focus to Lincoln. “Which is why I advise that this is an improper place and time to indulge in this. Philosophy takes months if not years of study and comprehension. On that note, it’s a subject I suggest majoring in given it will help you a great deal in coming to understand your innate ability.”

Lincoln let out a murmur in agreement. The dour mood of the conversation dampens his already sour mood. Mancalagon spoke to him again before heading out with the rest of the group to check out the science center. “Remember Lincoln, your choice is your own. If you have a problem with it, don’t do it. Don’t let others make you feel like you have to do it.”

Morris tag along with the gold Hoplite. Leaving Lincoln behind to let him give the body proper service. The metal around the corpse contorts into a coffin. He stood there for a minute. Staring down at the metal coffin before heading out of the prison to join up with the others.

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:30 am

Alek waited for Lincoln to finish, standing outside the prison as he let him finish the coffin. He only tuned to leave once he verified Lincoln was coming, and then led them on towards the science half of the hallway. There was a door in the way, which was unlocked but jammed. Once more Alek had to ram into it to force it open, but in doing so he would discover that the reason it had been jammed was because there was something on the other side. A body.

With the door finally forced open, Lincoln would bear witness to the scene within the science section hallway. There were eight bodies in here. Four were of Hoplites, but the other four were OMNI Scientists. Two human, one Drelakini, and one Valorian. All eight of them had been riddled, and the hallway itself was covered in battle damage. The perpetrators could be seen at the end of the hall, in the form of four sentry turrets. They themselves had been destroyed as well, including a singular camera above them.

Alek quickly jumped back at first, although as neither the turrets or fallen Hoplites seemed to be online, he carefully moved back in to examine the area. He gestured for the rest of the Hoplites to assist, and make sure all the potential hostiles were absolutely offline. With a good look around, he turned back to report to Abraham, "Dead, all of them. The Hoplites and Scientists seemed to be working together, but were unprepared for the sentry guns to open fire. Final shots from the Hoplites disabled the turrets and the camera. These scientists are all of the biologist team, with one senior scientist among them. Notably, the turrets are manual control only. I believe we found the reason the cargo bay man was not happy with us coming over here, as he is in the security room that runs these turrets. I will search for anything useful. I suggest disposing of these Hoplites, as they appear to be the same as the others which attacked the security team."

With that, the Hoplites searched the bodies of the scientists. They were mostly lacking in anything useful, except for the senior scientist. He had a keycard, although it was not the card of the Cargo Bay Administrator. Rather it was a keycard for a different section of the base. It could open the locked door way back at the very start. The door who's camera Lincoln had looked through only showed a moving darkness. Otherwise, they had some scientist identifiers, little chips they attached to their robes to ensure the Hoplites and other Automated Defenses recognized them as part of the science team.

This was just the hallway however, as there were a few other rooms here. Alek found that the door labeled "Scientist Residence Hall" was jammed, and he was unable to force it open. He decided to simply leave that be, and moved on to another door. This one had a large "RESTRICTED AREA" marker on it. Notably, Alek was actually unable to get too close. His programming prevented him from stepping forward. Below that sign however, there was a simple sign saying "Stasis Chamber". The door was unlockable if one moved the senior scientist's identification chip close enough, and Lincoln would feel a strange draw to the room. He could feel his powers reaching out weakly, as if in instinct, towards the room, gesturing him to enter as if something was calling him in. A sort of primal call to his very being.

Once the door opened, he would see a very simple room. It was dedicated entirely to a large tube, which had a great deal of machinery connected to it. The tube was pulsing with energy, containing something. The something appeared to be a sort of strange, blue gas, simply swirling about. Lincoln would feel himself however being drawn towards one large button, simply labeled "RELEASE".

Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:04 pm

Their finding didn’t elevate his suspicion about the man in the cargo. Killing droids is one thing, but to kill scientists is crossing the moral horizon. It came to him that there could be multiple sides to this due to the nature of occurring during the civil war. A period where everything is not black and white. These thoughts made him reevaluate everything he discovered up to this point.

Crouching down he cupped the cheek of the Drelakini that was depressed due to decay. In life it must have been a beautiful individual. He’s rather xenophilic like that. Time spent in Zantine space left him influenced by their rather venereal mannerism when it comes to Iammelonian species. Looking down he wondered what Drelakini was like in life. Giving similar thoughts when he looked over the others.

Damn war for making murder the supposed ehtical choice for people.

Taking a sigh he stood up. Averting his gaze to the ruined Hoplites. “You say that. But only after we saw one with a body. So who's to say every other Hoplite I rebuilt before that wasn’t compromised as well?”

“You don’t say” Drolls Tanashiri who gave Morris a side glance.

“Shut your rust stained speakers.” Morris snaps back.

“Why not restore one of them? If it seems docile we can restore the others.” Themistokles suggests. There wasn’t too much of a risk here. They were all Hoplites and Lincoln can stay in his energy state if it tries to attack.

Lincoln nodded and went through the process of fusion. Body disintegrating into bands of orange light that bend in paradoxical ways. Flowing down to the pool around one of the Hoplites. Exotic energies saturating the metal and circuitry. Rebuilding it atom by atom. For some reason he pressed further into it. Normally he wouldn’t do this to an organic person. But this was a droid so he felt justified in sculpting the binary streams to his will. He was not the best at it for obvious reasons, but he is instinctual enough to know he can leave an impression of his essence into something. Hopefully in case it turned hostile, the programming would be overruled by the directive he planted. Then he left. Billowing upward into an orange cloud of prismatic streaks.

If the Hoplite didn’t show hostile behavior he would go to restore the other Hoplites. Swirling along the celign of the hallway he “looked” over to where Alex was. A door that was giving him strange sensations. Dipping he twisted back into his human form before the door. The other droids seem unable to pass as well. “I’m feeling called to whatever it is...It feels primal.”

“So it’s making you feel horny?” Morris quipped, much Lincoln slight annoyance.

“You’re one to talk. Aren’t you strangely obsessed with skeletal structures.” Tanashiri joined the conversation.

”I’m just about cheesed off with you mate. And you’re one to talk. All faffing about with those metamorphosis files.” Morris argued.

For some reason Macalagon felt the need to join in on the conversation. “We all have our subject of choice to pass the time. I’m rather intrigued by the concept of mental pollution.”

By now Lincoln left the group to their eccentricity. Heading inside to stand before the strange tube containing strange substance. He wasn’t dumb enough to release unknown chemicals into the air. So he tried to respond to the call. Reaching out to see if it was intelligent. Giving out greetings.

Thu Sep 03, 2020 5:15 pm

The Hoplite that Lincoln restored eventually stood up, and it seemed rather docile. It didn't do or say anything, until Alek noted that it was in a standby mode. It seemed that the damage it had taken was enough to force a reset once Lincoln's fusing had restored it. The other Hoplites had been damaged to a similar extent, so it could be assumed this would be the case with the others. All the same, caution was exercised with each and every one, Alek keeping his gun to the back of their chest for a quick termination in case of aggression. But in the end, all of them seemed to be in a sort of factory-standard mode. This unfortunately wiped their data banks as well, so they couldn't provide any information. Alek however could handle getting them up to date by uploading his own protocols and directives into them, bringing them up to date with a good deal of information. Although he avoided uploading his pseudo-personality matrix, as he knew Lincoln preferred his Hoplites acting differently. These new four would have to develop their own ways.

Meanwhile, inside the high-priority room, as Lincoln reached out he would feel a little ping in response. There was certainly a soul in there, one intelligent enough to respond to him. It seemed the tube however was suppressing its abilities extremely. It was some powerful technology, hinting that the gas within was itself no pushover. But after a bit of effort, the gaseous form managed a garbled response, "Trapped... Help... Vessel... Free?" It was a deep voice, distorted from the blocking of the tube, but the gas was clearly attempting to speak. The swirling of the gas got faster, and although its form didn't change Lincoln would get the distinct feeling that it was staring straight at him. The primal urge to touch the release button got stronger, while Lincoln could tell that the gas was feeling a bit excited, as well as relieved.

Thu Sep 03, 2020 5:49 pm

Lincoln rubbed the back of his neck. Taking a glance behind him to double check the door was closed. He then dissolves into a mass of golden orange particles. Fluctuating in shape and size. His light bouncing off the glass sent the room into a kaleidoscope of blues and oranges. It was a strange feeling. Meeting another entity similar but different to him. The risk of releasing it was high, and rightfully stupid. Despite that he had lived with Vega Orstire and if there's one thing he learned from him. It was taking great risks. Without further ado an orange ribbon brush against the button. Despite the gentleness it went down with a click.

Fri Sep 04, 2020 3:50 am

Once he hit the button, the various machinery started to undo itself. Bits of the tube began to unravel and deactivate, and Lincoln could feel the immense psionic energy of the gas growing stronger and stronger as the various mechanisms for containment lost power. The gas showed this itself by growing, getting larger and larger, taking up the entire tub in the final moments before the front simply popped off. From there, the gas emerged slowly, as if carefully taking in its surroundings. And then, suddenly, it rushed Lincoln. He would find it smashing into him, fusing with his own gaseous form. And then, Lincoln would feel his body being forcefully thrown back into his humanoid form, and a small bit of laughter in his mind.

Bursting forth in a spectral form, Lincoln would bear witness to a Large Creature floating in front of him. He would recognize the creature from various bits of Iammelonian media, mostly movies and history documentaries. It was a True Psion, not merely one of Omnipo's Psion Revenant imitations. It balled its claws and laughed out into the sky, "Ahahahaha! Finally! It took long enough for my call for a vessel to be fulfilled, but now Tulam'Run is back! I will... Wait..." He had been flailing his arms about as he spoke, a very emotive figure. And he noticed Lincoln's form completely not following his movements. Seemingly to test this, he waved his hand in front of Lincoln's face, and snarled when the claw harmlessly passed through him, like a specter. His voice went from one of triumph to full annoyance, "Oh by Mythulkur... Aaaagh! You're not working! Damnable defective vessel! Is that why nobody is inside you? Just my luck... Fine, I'll get another. This is still your fault."

The spectral form of Tulam'Run closed his eyes and put his hands together, and then just floated there for a bit. After about five seconds, he opened one eye, and then groaned, "I'm stuck, aren't I? What kind of odd trap are you, creature? Did this silly mortal company build a trap for Psions in slave shape? Those scientists would do something like that... Alright, creature. Time to explain yourself. Who put you up to this? Was it Roono? This is his sort of prank! If you got me stuck in you, then at the very least you owe me an explanation for why you are built like such a broken vessel. You can't be sending out a damn vessel beacon like that if you're broken, it's poor etiquette! Wait a moment, is this thing even built for a Psion? This design is all wrong, yet rather well done... Definitely not Roono's work..." He said this last bit while leaning in on Lincoln, poking his forehead with his finger like one would a touchscreen. His annoyance had now transferred into a sort of curious confusion,

Lincoln would find that if he tried to remove the Psion, he would be unable to. It seemed to have merged with his own form quite heavily, similar in fashion to how he fused with others but in a far more permanent sense. He was still able to transform back to his own gaseous form, but the Psion's essence would go with him. His powers seemed to be built to accommodate, and then closely bind, a presence such as his. It seemed he was stuck with the creature. One other thing that he could tell was that the projection he was seeing was just that, it was not real. It did not cast a shadow or have any physical presence, it was simply a mental image.

Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:16 pm

The first thing Tulam'Run would notice when his being flows violently into the bands of light he would hear it. The vibration. Vast hammers beating on a mountainous drum. The room suddenly feels off. As if it was merely a film on many other layers. The more the Psion intertwined with Lincoln he would come to comprehend something that Vega and the Hoplites could not as a result of his much superior mind. The clouds of bands were never stationary. They were moving just as fast as light. The bands dipping back to a space beyond. Lincoln’s “body” is analogously the crest of a large wave. A link to a much bigger whole.

It was a strange endeavor for Tulam’Rum to mold Lincoln back into a humanoid form. To continue with the aquatic analogy he was pushing on Lincoln’s mind to make him divert the current. But as he would come to discover in a few moments he was caught by the riptide. He was indeed trapped, deep within a powerful, cosmic current.

Meanwhile, Lincoln was sent into a daze from the impact. His “mind” is working within the confines of human comprehension. Not fully understanding who he is. It’s due to this he couldn’t shake the intruder off of him. It was as futile as trying to shake a microbe off his arm. There was a reason he is synchronized when fused with others. Akin to holding a grain of sand. But here they were far from that. There was a sense of awareness that the Psion was within him. His reliance on primitive, human senses made him unable to truly have a grip on him much like a piece of sand.

The surrealism of the event that just took place contributes to Lincoln's current stupor expression. Stunned to say the least. Fear and shock were watered due to the unknown nature of his essence. Yet he was certainly still greatly unnerved. This was a Psion after all. A Psion that he just let out of his confinement. On a deeper level, he still stood by his decision.

His blue eyes clearly give away his nervousness. Flinching whenever the Psion expressed rage. He was in the process of opening his mouth but that came to be obsolete when the Psion reached forth. Physical words are much slower than thought. That was one of the things he likes about fusing with others. Talking to each other for what felt like years in the span of a few seconds.

Lincoln’s mind was like a dark ocean to others. To someone as powerful as Tulam'Run, it was clear as a pristine lagoon. The contents of his mind are as clear as day. The entirety of his 28 years worth of existence in Hoshizora played out before him. However given the Psion vastly superior understanding of the mind can see further than Lincoln can. Peering before that day Lincoln came into being in that decrepit building. It was hard to make out what he was seeing but it was evident to him of why Lincoln couldn’t grasp such sights.

Tulam'Run was peering down a corridor of light and sound. Of things that transcend imagination. It was not clear to him how long Lincoln spent here, but with introspection he would be able to realize that trying to determine time is a moot point. Time is relative, a dimension in normal spacetime. But wherever this was, is far above that. It could have been as short as a second or as long as an eon and neither would be incorrect.

Finally after an indefinite amount of time he came to the beginning. Coming out of the other side of the tunnel to witness the catalyst that set off the chain of events. He would find himself able to go back even further before his very human birth but at that point he would have learned all that is needed. So there would have been no need. Coming to be back in the room with Lincoln. Who seemed a bit shaken that the Psion just went over his entire life. At the same time however, slightly curious of what he may have seen beyond that day 28 years ago.

Fri Sep 04, 2020 4:21 pm

On the outside, Lincoln would be able to see Tulam's facial expressions shift every so often as he curiously looked through the memories of his new vessel, displaying a level of interest. He looked less like somebody looking through another person's entire lifespan, and more of a person reading an interesting article online. After all, this was hardly the first entire lifetime he had looked through, to a Psion such as he it was a standardized process. But there was something different to this particular arrangement. First, he wasn't eating Lincoln's soul while doing this, making his memories and experiences his own, and was simply an observer. Secondly, he could tell now that Lincoln was far more interesting than merely the empty vessel the Psion had first labeled him as.

After a good deal of time, the Psion's spectral form floated back a bit and sighed, "Well now look at this I've gotten myself involved with... You're a vessel alright, but definitely not the standard form. Such a interestingly foreign design, you'll be interesting to observe. I just wish I could do it from outside and not as a passenger, but oh well. It'll take some time to figure out how to safely untangle myself from this, but I'll manage."

He then went quiet, and looked to Lincoln. After a moment he spoke again, "Ah, right, you want to know what I saw don't you? Well, I'm not telling! Not until I understand it better myself, at least. Let's just you're not quite a normal creature, little vessel. Somebody special made you, and I want to figure out who and why! In the meanwhile, you should continue to tend to this little facility you have gotten yourself stuck in. And because I am a generous master, I will provide advice when I feel your little mortal mind needs it. Maybe I'll even use my powers here and there. Let's start with one bit of advice that you'll find interesting... That Lisa woman you're with? Well, you got history. Spicy history! I can reckon she's here for a matter of guilt, something you could use to get her wrapped around your finger and start to spill the real beans! I'm good with interrogation techniques if you want some! Though I guess you're not the torturing type... Anyhow, lad, you should start taking charge a bit more. Take responsibility! And people keeping secrets from you is very poor form indeed. Hop to it!" His spectral form clapped his hands to exaggerate the point, "Oh, and I won't be in your face all the time. Tragic, I know. It's not often mortals get to gaze on a superior form, but this does take some effort. But I am here, always! See to it that you are entertaining! I can't promise I'll answer all your questions, since mystery is part of the fun, but maybe I'll deign to indulge you from time to time. Be it with answers or powers, whichever is better for the time." With that, his form faded away, leaving Lincoln alone in the room. He could however certainly feel the Psion's power within himself, the creature's presence being quite hard to miss.

Fri Sep 04, 2020 5:45 pm

Much to Tulam'Run possible amusement he would hear Lincoln thoughts rather well. It was better guarded than a good majority of mortals but given who he is, it’s merely child play. One stream of thought he would catch shows that Lincoln accepts the notion that Prisons are supposedly superior. He felt it was logical, not everyone is born equal. Some are greater than others. Much like how a fish can’t climb a tree. Another stream of thought was about him being incredulous with the facility. That a Psion of all things is this close to the surface, underneath a city, and this easy to access. There were other half formed thoughts of gibberish that wouldn’t be of much interest to him.

Lincoln was clearly not down with having an unwanted passenger in the back seat but didn’t make much of a mental fuss. Having got used to people being psionically talkative in his skull. One being a certain adrenaline junkie. That and he’s more tolerant of things in his head than most. Probably as the result of his nature. A stream of introspection went by and he seemed to have accepted Tulam'Run’s residence for now.

The Psion could sense the spark of curiosity in Lincoln. And revulsion at the prospect of torturing her. But this wasn’t a clear cut of black and white. Lincoln may have a far more pristine pillar of morality than his friend. But he has some grit to him. An aspect he doesn’t like about knives and guns is that they are not intimate. They’re cold, callous, and almost a dismissive gesture. So he likes to use his hands to speak on a more personal level. There have been times in his life where he almost beat a person to death his bare hands. Typically a soul of the unsavory sort.

Deep in the pit of Lincoln's pit of emotions the Psion would find a sweet little nugget. Fusion is an addicting sensation. Achieving Oneness with someone is cathartic to Lincoln. And it has a long lasting effect afterwards. The one time he fused with Vega to survive a shootout in a warehouse left them feeling closer than usual for months before it returned to normal. He loves that sense of closeness to someone. Almost obsessive if pushed enough.

Lincoln gave a sigh. The Psion could sense he was largely thinking about the delicious carrot he dangled in front of him. That being the tidbit surrounding Lisa. Rubbing the back of his neck he didn’t ask any question yet. Quite not ready to converse with one of the most infamous foes of Iammelon. So he stepped out the door. Everyone was where he last saw them.

He gave Alek a blank stare. “Remind me in the future to write a strongly worded complaint to whoever built this facility.” He then looked over to the other Hoplites that he recently fixed. Fiddling with the card in his pocket he knew it’ll be awkward to come back by the cargo bay with new friends in tow. Walking over to one near him to give him an accent to mimic. That set they walked back the way they came after giving the rest of the bodies a proper burial. There were enough of the Hoplites to carry all five coffins. Alek carried the final one. Marching through the cargo security room he waved at the camera. “'tis nice ter meet yer!” Said one of the new Hoplites with a strange accent.

“We’re going to carry these people back up. Found a card for a locked door on our level. Hopefully we’ll find the card. Hang tight there man, we will have you out soon.” Lincoln hoped. Continuing to go back the way they came. It was a tight fit in the elevator but they all manage to get back to the ground level.

The Hoplites transport the coffins to the wall in the lobby. By now the wall was almost stacked from floor to ceiling with coffins. As they do that, Lincoln waits over at the door that led to the ruined droids and the darkness that sits at the end. Faint movement can be seen every now and then if he were to look at the security terminal. But he’s not there so he can only imagine. He finally made a concise, mental thought to the Psion in the backseat. “How did someone like you end up here?” It was an innocent question that meant no offense. To Lincoln, Psions did not seem like the sort anyone could keep tied up in a facility for very long.

Sun Sep 06, 2020 1:03 am

Alek simply gave a nod as Lincoln gave him that reminder, "Noted. Upon restoration of functionality to this facility, a complaint will be filed to the Employee Concerns Department about this facility's construction standards." He then followed him along, as did the rest of the Hoplites. Lincoln could tell that the Hoplites were completely unaware of Tulam's presence, given that they did not comment or respond.

As they passed by the Cargo Bay Control Room, the Camera Voice did respond as they passed, "Ah, well, alright! I can last, have been for the last few months. Got food and water and all, so I can wait. Just don't take too long!" With that, he simply let them go.

As they got back to the security room with the camera into the darkness, Tulam's voice responded to Lincoln, "Well, I guess it is a fair question, as this isn't my usual or preferred haunt. Very well, vessel, I'll tell you. I was part of the invasion into this Nebula, and it was more difficult than I expected, or really any of the other Psions with me expected. The slave species here were irritatingly resistant. I found myself over this world which I believe you people call... Aval-ant-lust? Something like that, I couldn't care less. I was in a space station I had built, a lovely observation and research center! This planet is filled with creatures, so lots of things to study. Unfortunately, it seems my slave-guards were not very reliable, as they failed to prevent a saboteur from getting aboard and bombing the reactor. Enough so to send the station flying back down to the surface! I survived that, obviously. Unfortunately what followed was one of my... less proud moments. I shall gloss over these unimportant details, like the how, but needless to say I found my body rendered ineffective. Dead, as most would say. But that's not quite right."

"My body was broken and beaten, sure, but we Psions do not die so easily. Even as the flesh was dead, my soul was strong enough to cling on and keep myself anchored to the realm of the living until a suitable vessel could come and retrieve me. And in my ever glorious wisdom, I had many of those prepared. One rose from the wreckage and I moved my soul into it. It was a functional vessel, unlike your broken design, and so I easily took it over. Unlike your creator I can actually build working vessels for a being of a Psion's strength! Anyways, your dysfunctionality aside, that vessel was not immune to being caught either. This is purely down to the fact that I was not used to the new body yet, but I got captured, first by a group of people I think that called themselves... Zanrines? Something like that. They liked purple, even if blue is an obviously superior color. They couldn't hold me very long, their measly high security prisons could only hold me for a century. Unfortunately... I was still unused to the body, so I got caught again. This time by the early Omnai things. They were unfortunately smarter than the purple things, and figured out how to force my soul from my vessel. And so, the tube! Clever technology, I could tell they got it from a Psion. I bet it was Roono they stole it from, he's a fool, he would lose precious tech to primitives like that. As for what they wanted to do with me, they had interest in Psions, asked me a bunch of questions. I gave them answers when I found it amusing. Still, I don't know what they did with my vessel! Very annoying, that's my property you know. Let's get it back if we find it. I'll need a body after I figure out how to eject myself from you. Be a good slave and keep an eye out, alright?"