[video]

[indoctrinated]

[ the feed flickers once, twice, before it settles on Thisavrou's latest Turian resident. ]

I have heard of machine-gods that could harvest entire civilizations and render them into nothingness in nanoseconds, or even create a symbiotic relationship between machines and organics...but I have never heard of the likes of machinery that could resuscitate the dead.

Yet, I am led to believe the technology here is so highly advanced that it is as common as any other glitch in a program. Is that right?

[ here, Saren pauses, clearly disbelieving. ]

I seek more credible answers, which surely someone must have uncovered by now. Is there more to how we arrived here? What is known about our gracious hosts, is there information regarding them or their government?

Humans are known for their arrogance and non-compliance. I cannot imagine that all of you have been content to act as no better than cogs in a machine, submitting so that our gracious hosts could reap the benefits of your contribution.

Comments

[notglitching]

Not the query.

[Though threat assessment does offer some hints. Security? Or something else?]

[indoctrinated]

I would know who I'm talking to before I divulge any further info.

[Sorry Rinzler, Saren's not getting any more personal than he has to.]

[notglitching]

[Rinzler might argue that he'd offered answers first already... but the user's already sharing more than it might think. Nihlus' ping might be encrypted, but most of these communications are entirely accessible, especially to someone with the program's skills.]

ID: Rinzler.
Local function: unassigned.

[indoctrinated]

[Saren's encryptions aren't exactly up to par since he's new to the tech, so Rinzler is free to snoop to his hearts content until he works it out.]

I am Saren Arterius, a Spectre.

[ Former, really, but who's keeping track. ]

Here, I suppose I would function as a researcher in the Chioni quarters. Additionally, freelance mercenary work.

[ It's not ideal but what does it matter as long as he gets funding. ]

[notglitching]

[Only the latter two datapoints are new. Still, it's reciprocation, which makes this exchange worthwhile.]

Type, class (intermediaries): varies.
Primary method of conflict resolution: verbal.
Local regulations restrict slavery, rape, Link’d Inc., murder, theft, and destruction of property.
Can also be called.

[That's what the user wanted to know, right? Which makes it Rinzler's turn.]

Research focus?

[indoctrinated]

Well aren't you specific? Am I communicating with an AI.

[The method Rinzler communicated in sort of suggested it. ]

My research focus for the time being is simply monetary. Perhaps my direction will change later, after I have acquired better funding.

[notglitching]

No. Program.

[And clearly, he's not being specific enough. Or is the misinterpretation deliberate?]

Restatement: subject of research?

[indoctrinated]

I fail to see the difference.

[Definitely deliberate. Sorry Rinler, Saren's a cagey bastard and he's not about to hand out personal projects to what he thinks is an AI.]

The subject of research appears to cover the climate changes and wildlife. I understand that due to risks they are lacking adequate staffing.

[notglitching]

Artificial Intelligence: machine or programmed construct designed for independent function in user world.

Program: coded entity written to perform specific function. Designed as part of digital system.

[indoctrinated]

And your function?

What reason does a program have to be interested in my affairs?

[notglitching]

Threat deletion.

[...is incomplete, but all he's willing to share with an unknown factor at this time. Still, that answer at least comes quickly. There's a noticeable lag before the next reply.]

Analysis.

[indoctrinated]

Are you analyzing my threat level?

[notglitching]

Partly.

[indoctrinated]

And your results?

[Color him curious.]

[notglitching]

Data exchange.

Clarify reference: "create a symbiotic relationship between machines and organics".

[And you first this time. Rinzler's offered more than an even trade already.]

[indoctrinated]

I am the reference.

[That doesn't sound arrogant at all, Saren.]

The strengths of both, the weaknesses of neither.

[Or so he thought.]

[notglitching]

[...well, you've got Rinzler squinting harder at the video feed, at least.]

Clarify.

[indoctrinated]

[It's really only because of Rinzler's excellent encryption skills that Saren's clarifying.]

I was shown a future where machines and organic life worked in tandem, as part of a union. Organic life evolved to fit this future. I was...changed, to demonstrate it. I allowed it, as I thought it was the best means of survival.

[That changed, after Shepard offered him hope.]

Now, then: do you investigate the threat of all arrivals? Have you reached a consensus on mine?

[notglitching]

[Union. Evolved. The words are positive enough—almost irritatingly so, though Rinzler couldn't say what precisely bothers him about them. The idealism, maybe. Still. Rinzler's only seen one instance of their world's technology "change" users, and it wasn't an experience he ever wants to repeat.]

Yes.

[To a degree. Rinzler skims everyone's network traffic, but it's rare he bothers actually requesting more information. Enjoy your special treatment!]

Your status: indeterminate.

[And, watching the screen very closely,]

Familiarity of terms: husk, reaper?

[indoctrinated]

[There was a noticeable delay as Saren considered the line of questioning. The familiarly with those terms suggested some level of acquaintance with Nihlus and Shepard, but he highly doubted either discussed him extensively prior to his arrival. Especially with the likes of a program. He narrowed his eyes, considered dropping the conversation, but he was curious, so he pushed forward.]

I am well acquainted with both of the terms. "Reapers" are what I have been referring to.

[notglitching]

[...Your status? Getting upgraded.]

Infected.

[Confirm/deny.]

[indoctrinated]

Dormant, supposedly.

Where does your familiarity come from?

[ He had vague idea. ]

[notglitching]

[Dormant? Viruses don't get to be dormant. Viruses infect and break and ruin or viruses get purged before they can.

No, there's very little point to conversation now. Rinzler remembers the last threat. Remembers how it lied (how he had trusted it). Rinzler remembers exactly how useless he'd let it make him. He doesn't plan to make the same mistake again.

A location trace starts in the background. The text reply is perfunctory (if accurate). Better to let it think he trusts what it says too.]

Deleted previous infected threat.

[The weaker one.]