Entries tagged with *npc

Entry tags:

*event,
*npc

(NPC Post) EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM (3) - Video

[As in previous uses, the emergency channel cuts into all communication. It hijacks local relays, fills broadcast displays. Even those emerging from the depths below the mediation center will receive the call: crackling with static, but still clear enough to see. Unlike the last time, there is no floating robot. No admonishment. Only a woman, gold light leaking from her eyes.

And the silver light of the Ingress, flickering through a window just behind her.]

It's been so long.

[Her voice is somber. Her register slips, tone echoing and layering, as if too many voices were there to speak the words. The Ingress backlights her shape with an unsteady, too-bright glow, but the room she stands in is all dark. Where are the lights?

Where are the others who went with her?]

Wearing your skins. Speaking your lies. Wallowing through your f̵̢̢͢i̷͢l̸҉̷͡t̢̡̨͞h҉̶̴͝ for every grueling step.

[Lips curve wide as she turns to the screen, teeth bared in a mirthless, savage grin. Then all those features melt away. What's left is a smaller face—a smaller body. A girl who skulked in the sewers, pleading and warning until the Savrii took her away.]

How many monsters did you name me as? How many stories? Did you use them to scare your chil͏d͡r̸̛e͏̧̛ń̷? I hope they were scared. I hope you are.

[Again, the features melt and resettle. Another woman, ageless and inhuman, who once reached out to Thisavrou requesting peace. Offering a gift to those who wanted: the chance to change their bodies in any way they chose. The Greeter of Asteroid 276.]

"Centuries of isolation. Millennia of fear. You offered us a chance to move things forward..."

[The smile drops. The quoting, placid tone bleeds free, and the hiss that speaks up from all sides is sharp as daggers.]

All I had to do was play your game.

[Once more, the woman's features change. From child to stranger back to the face her allies in this place know best. The Mother. Gold light returns in a brilliant rush, like a held breath released. But it's not the only light that's changing. The uneven flickering of the Ingress picks up, power snapping out and pulling in. Unstable.]

I died and killed a hundred thousand times to get here. I whittled through your flesh and forms to earn revenge. And by the time I make it? You've nearly called the storms yourselves.

[One laugh piles on the next, and not a single one from this body. Sharp and hysterical, bitter and enraged. It's fitting. It's unacceptable. She will see everything they've made crumble to dust.]

You could have ruined your worlds from your own folly. You would have, in just a little more time. But now...

[A viscous fluid falls from the ceiling beyond, out past the window. It forms a column, then a single shape, and for a moment, two of Mother's bodies stand in view. Then the closer one melts out to nothing, leaving one silhouette on the edge of the Ingress platform.

The voices, however, are still clear. Still close.]

You took apart what I created. Now I return that g͢i̢̧f̛t́ in kind.

"Allies?" [It's a single voice, off to the side. Sweet and mocking. Childish.] Crawl into what holes you want.

The rest of this will burn.

[The light of the portal spikes and crashes, shuddering jaggedly against a shadow pressing up behind. Only to still as Mother reaches out. For a moment, everything is calm.

Then the Ingress shatters, and the feed goes dark.]

[[ooc: Please look to this ooc post for what follows! TAB communications will remain functional for a brief time, and characters are welcome to respond—to each other as well as her. However, neither Mother nor most of the away team will reply.]]

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(NPC Post) EMERGENCY BROADCAST 2 - Video

AHEM.

[Those present at the start of May might recognize the high, insistent tones that come across the TABs. Along with the small, floating orb-shape producing them. For those that don't...]

This is T-O-D, Deputy of Ingress Contingency Coordination, reporting a catastrophe of UNPRECEDENTED proportions!

On Day 77 of our current cycle, two recent residents of Thisavrou exceeded their clearance. They were discovered in a restricted sector of the Ingress Complex, engaging in Acts of Deliberate Sabotage. And fighting! The damage to the Ingress is currently unknown, and under evaluation by our finest technicians.

As a result of these barely-speakable crimes, the Ingress is currently restricted to authorized personnel. This means outbound travel-- like those idiots who brought the flesh goo back-- is currently forbidden. If you have to ask, that means you! If you don't have to ask, it's still you!

More information will be forthcoming.

[[For information not biased by a certain lawbot, check out the OOC post here!]]

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[video] Player Plot Broadcast #3 (LAST ONE I PROMISE)

[On June 24th, another official video message appears on the network, once again showing ambassador Daniel Wright. He looks significantly more solemn this time around, and perhaps a little less well-rested.]

Hello everyone. This is Daniel Wright with the CCOA again. I’m afraid I have some troubling news. [A glance offscreen.] Over the past couple of days, several Created have gone missing. There was a pattern of property damage involved with each of these cases, though thankfully no one was injured. The circumstances surrounding these disappearances… well, it’s like nothing we’ve seen before. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of so many disappearances in such a short amount of time.

[His expression grows apprehensive. He takes a breath as if to steel himself.] Unfortunately, given the timing of all this, I’ve been asked to pass on this mandate to all offworld visitors to Eastgate: you are all required to report to CCOA headquarters for questioning and, if applicable, code checks. Once we find out who or what is responsible for these disappearances, you will all be free to go. Until then, nobody is allowed to depart through the Ingress.

[He sighs.] I’m very sorry about this, but these circumstances are highly unusual and I’m afraid it’s only logical to suspect that there was an offworld influence involved. If you cooperate with our investigation, I’m sure you’ll all be released shortly.

Thank you, and apologies for the inconvenience.

(For more information on this development, see the OOC post for details!)

Entry tags:

*event,
*npc

[text/video] Player Plot Broadcast #2

[A couple of days after the path to Earth 201c is opened, another message appears on the network. This one is heavily encrypted with no way to determine the identity of the sender—it almost looks like it was spontaneously generated by the network itself. The following text is attached.]

I know none of you have any reason to trust what I’m about to tell you. But please, you must believe that it is the truth.

One week ago, a Program killed two people in broad daylight. That Program’s name was Kess. Kess wasn’t violent—no legally manufactured Created is—and no matter what you might hear, she wasn’t glitched either. I KNOW she was edited and I swear, it wasn’t by me.

You must believe me: I have reprogrammed dozens of Created during my career, but I did NOT reprogram Kess. You’ll hear whispers that I edited her to suit my needs, that I caused the glitch that made her kill those people. But I promise you, I never once touched her code. For as long as she lived under my roof, I never even touched her charging station.

Everyone is content to believe the accusations against me, and I don’t blame them. I’d know better than anyone how to forge access, after all. The alternative, that someone edited her without ever touching her backup, is unimaginable. And unfortunately, I believe it’s exactly what happened.

There’s somebody out there who can make Programs kill without editing their backups—maybe even other Created as well. And right now, that person is walking free, while I take the fall for what they did. If nobody from my world is willing to investigate further, I don’t see any other option besides finding someone from another world who is. If you care at all about the lives of the Created and Creators who live here, you need to find the one truly responsible and stop them before something like this happens again.

I don’t have much time left. I’m attaching a video of the incident in question—maybe you can make more of it than I can. Other than that, the only other thing I can give you is a name: Calla. He ca

[The message ends there, as if the writer was cut off early. The attached link is to a short video clip. Playing the video will show what seems to be a clip meant for a news reel. A camera shows an older woman standing on a podium, addressing a crowd of people—mostly humans. There are several people standing behind the woman speaking. She has only been speaking for a few seconds when there is a sudden commotion behind her. A Program with teal blue circuits tries to push her way through towards the woman speaking. One of the humans places a hand on the Program’s shoulder and she retaliates by driving something long and sharp into the human’s stomach. He collapses, and when another human tries to come to his aid, the Program stabs him as well. As the crowd explodes into chaos, the Program locks eyes with the speaker—and then takes the knife, plunges it into her own throat, and wrenches it down, creating a deep gash that crumbles into voxels in seconds.

The audio in the second half of the recording is almost completely drowned out by the screams of the horrified audience. But those who listened carefully may have been able to pick up on a quiet, underlying noise before the Program struck the first blow: a low, angry rumble that, for those familiar with Thisavrou’s own resident Programs, may be all too familiar.

At the video’s conclusion, the link closes, revealing that the text component of the encrypted message that carried it has vanished without a trace.]

(OOC Note: Those who wish to follow the “Calla” lead can visit the OOC Post for more information.)

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[video/text] Player Plot Broadcast #1

[Shortly after the Ingress pathway to Earth 91c is opened, the following video message will be broadcast to the network, delivered by a smiling, slightly apologetic-looking middle-aged man in a pressed blue suit.]

Hello Ingress travelers. Welcome to Earth. My name is Daniel Wright and I’m here as an ambassador to visitors from Thisavrou. You’ve come at a rather delicate time, so I apologize if security is a little tighter than usual—I hope you’ll enjoy your stay regardless. If there is anything you’d like to know about our world, its customs, and its laws, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do what I can to answer your questions to the best of my abilities.

I am attaching a text document that I highly encourage you all to read. It lays out the laws for visitors to our planet of both the organic and AI persuasion. Violating these laws will have consequences, and I’m afraid ignorance is no defense. Act in accordance with them and I’m sure you’ll have a pleasant and productive stay.

[He smiles and the message ends. The attached text document reads as follows:]

FOR ORGANIC VISITORS/CREATORS

1. YOU MAY NOT PURCHASE, OBTAIN, OR OTHERWISE REMOVE AN AI/PROGRAM CREATED ON THIS PLANET. It is a monumental enough task to keep track of all the Created currently on this planet without worrying about what someone in a neighboring universe is doing to them. As there is no way for us to ensure that removed Created are being treated humanely and are not being altered towards destructive means, removing them from our planet is strictly prohibited.

2. YOU MAY NOT VIEW OR ALTER THE CODE OF ANY PROGRAM OR AI WHILE ON THIS PLANET. The only way for us to view or alter a program’s code is through their external backup drive and AI base code is highly protected as well, but given you may have access to technology we may not yet possess, it is possible you aren’t bound by the same restrictions most of our citizens are. However, even if you have this ability, we ask that you please refrain from using it. We do not want to jeopardize the integrity of our Created’s code, and furthermore, making this technology known to groups who would abuse it would only lead to suffering among Created and Creators alike.

3. ANY CREATED IN YOUR POSSESSION MUST REMAIN IN YOUR POSSESSION FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY. We understand that on other worlds, Created may not be bound by the same laws as they are here. However, while you are on our planet, we ask that you honor our laws and ensure that your Created remain under your sight and care for the duration of your stay. Visiting Created may NOT wander unattended and must have a Creator overseeing them at all times. We understand that this rule is stricter than those we place on our own Programs, but please believe us when we would not enforce such a rule if it did not benefit the safety of everyone present.

FOR AI/CREATED VISITORS

1. REMAIN WITH A NON-NATIVE CREATOR AT ALL TIMES. For your own safety and the safety of others, we ask that you do not leave the supervision of a Creator companion, owner, or guardian for the duration of your stay. Unaccompanied travel or loitering is NOT permitted and Created found violating this rule will be removed through the Ingress or detained until a Creator is able to claim them. Repeated offenses will result in fines or permanent exile.

2. DO NOT ENGAGE IN ENERGY TRANSFER, INTERFACE, OR ANY MANNER OF ENERGY/CODE EXCHANGE WITH NATIVE CREATED. Though we appreciate that many Created treat such exchanges as private matters, we do not wish to facilitate the accidental transfer of viruses or potentially the accidental alteration of code between parties and thus ask that all visiting Created refrain from initiating or reciprocating such exchanges.

3. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISGUISE YOURSELF AS AN ORGANIC BEING. For your own safety and the safety of others, we ask that all Created make themselves known as such upon entering our world. For many of you, your appearance will ensure this is not a problem. For AI that are able to pass as organic, you will be issued an identifying bracelet upon entry that will be removed once you depart. Rest assured that the bracelet is merely a means of identification as an Created and has no additional effects or functions.

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(NPC Post, CW for unsettling description) EMERGENCY BROADCAST - Video

This is T-O-D, Deputy of Ingress Contingency Coordination. We are entering a level two state contamination across all known regions--I told them we needed to regulate travel, but nooo.... and THIS. Is Ema.

[The camera turns from the round robotic speaker toward a tendril-faced being who looks slightly ill. Or just embarrassed. Those who have traveled with the Savrii's diplomatic groups might recognize the individual at hand as a mid-clearance representative. They might even understand the shy wave of her tentacles, before a high, sarcastic voice cuts off the gesture.]

Ema went out with that fiasco on the asteroid. Ema decided to cut loose. Relax! Why not? It's not like the assessors trusted with the fate of the multiverse thought it was dangerous!

...but. Ema keeps a sensible security system installed around her room. And that's how we were able to discover this.

[The TAB feed switches to a dimmer video with a timestamp in the lower left corner. Almost exactly three days ago-- the night of the celebration on Asteroid 276. It shows Ema stumbling outside of her quarters and vomiting into the hallways of Region Four. The tentacled woman stumbles away in distress, leaving behind a messy coating of red-grey...

...which quivers. Shudders. And crawls offscreen, a rolling, seething mess of flesh--]

Consuming untested phenomenon. Smuggling of a potential biohazard. And this from a planet vetted as safe? I understand many of you biologicals keep parasites of your own, but this is an obvious breach of interuniversal quarantine procedures, and requires immediate assessment and response.

[TOD vibrates in the air, high voice reaching a crescendo of frenzied importance.]

Testing stations are being set up in Burg One of Chioni and all populated regions of Kauto. All inhabitants of Thisavrou who have engaged in Ingress travel over the last two cycles are required to report to mandatory decontamination and debriefing. That's two hundred days for the calculation-challenged idiots out there! If you know of anyone experiencing similar symptoms, provide their names, along with anything they've touched, to the nearest Contingency Coordinator or intermediary. Especially if they haven't reported in!

I hope the urgency of the situation has been fully impressed on you. If, however, you have further questions, you may submit them for review.

[[ooc: More info on the decontamination will be posted in the monthly log. For OOC questions, head this way!]]

Entry tags:

*event,
*npc

( transmission )

[ No matter where you are across Emiri, every screen and every personal device suddenly goes dim. Not long after, the image of the Komai flashes across whatever it is you're looking at. Reactions throughout the cities are varied. Some whisper to one another and others simply stand still and watch on. A voice-over can be heard as images begin to appear, the gender of the person speaking ambiguous but deep. ]

They lie to you. [ A shaky video that features each of the major cities of the planet plays, zooming in on the logo of Link'd Inc and their boutiques throughout Emiri. ] They speak of happiness and false promises, but what have they given us in return? [ As the video plays, it grows darker and darker. The image is almost blurred, but it is easy to tell that you are now somewhere inside. ] All they do is take and profit. It doesn't matter if we suffer as long as they succeed, as long as he succeeds. Too many have died in the name of Link —

[ The darkness explodes into light, flames leaping high before the image rights itself and zooms out. Masked workers in white uniforms are loading wrapped objects into the fire. ]

We will take what is due, take what has been taken from us. Never again shall we feel the weight of our own suffering. [ Countless faces fill the feed, frightened and young. So young. As it draws back, figures dressed similarly in white coats circle this small group and push them into a corridor... ] The Komai have seen what you have done. It ends now.

[ And as abruptly as it began, the transmission ends and everything resumes as normal. ]

( ooc; This cannot be replied to or hacked and isn't traceable. )

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( npc post ) - video

⚍⚍ INCOMING TRANSMISSION ⚎⚎

[The feed begins abruptly. All crew members' MIDs flash red text across the screen, a high pitched alert sound erupting from the device. A man with tanned skin and white hair addresses the Moira as a whole.]

It has come to our attention that your ship has visited our planet once before. That your crew, though less in size than it is now, removed priceless glass works and various supplies without payment or any sort of agreement.

You are not welcome here any longer! [His face is flushed a deep crimson. They don't abide rule breaking or stealing.] Your crew has four days to be off Caducus Primary.

[Which was kinder than they deserved, but it was their way. The man doesn't give his name but he exudes authority and anger. He is displeased and disgruntled.]

Do you understand?

⚍⚍ END TRANSMISSION ⚎⚎

[ ooc: feel free to address the representative from Caducus Primary. he'll answer inquiries as he sees fit and with a noticeable amount of misplaced disdain and anger.]

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( npc post )

⚍⚍ INCOMING TRANSMISSION ⚎⚎

Sentients of this vessel: I am Zhou, envoy of Caducus Primary. Your current trajectory predicts your arrival shortly, and as such, we have prepared a generous welcome for you. All we ask is that you show the same kindness once you are here. As a token of hospitality, I extend an invitation for you to ask any one personal question — past, present, or future. It will be given an answer.

We, of Caducus Primary, recognize the value of all things no matter their fragile nature. We anticipate your approach with great happiness.

⚍⚍ END TRANSMISSION ⚎⚎

[ Ask whatever you might of Zhou, but keep in mind that it is only one question per person. Questions about Caducus Primary do not apply toward the one question, though they will still be answered. ]