Start of #VCB buffer: Tue Apr 01 09:05:41 2008 [21:02:48] * Vice City Blues. epilogue. [21:03:20] [System start] ..... green. [21:03:42] [Robotics status] .... green. [21:03:53] [Power status] .... unknown. [21:04:05] [Storage status] .... unknown. [21:04:39] [OS module status] .... unknown. [21:05:02] [Os.1 module status] .... offline. [21:05:06] [Os.2 module status] .... offline. [21:05:08] [Os.3 module status] .... offline. [21:05:17] [Os.4 module status] .... active. [21:06:24] [Initiate Tetsuko.os.4] ... loading. [21:06:33] [Initiate Tetsuko.os.4] ... loaded. [21:06:44] Commencing start. [21:07:57] * ... as Tetsuko opens her eyes, she can tell many things; her internal filesystems are not correct. She doesn't know where she is, and she's locked out of the local wifi net. [21:08:01] * Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@67-43-246-250-cablemodem-roll.fidnet.com) has joined #VCB [21:09:11] * She's in a lab, somewhere, which match visual data of her manufacturing company. Everything is tinted neon blue and bubbly; the containtment liquid tube she's immersed and floating in, naked, keeping her still. [21:10:09] * She can't access her batteries... but somehow, her systems have power. [21:10:21] * Start. [21:11:58] * Tetsuko gazes upon her surroundings and starts trying to remember what happened after Noah's father arrived. [21:13:51] * Tetsuko realizes that that section of memory is missing; deleted, hidden, or locked. [21:15:10] * She also notices the armlet that she had with her; it's sitting on one of the lab tables, partially dissassembled and hooked up to various electronics. [21:15:47] * Tetsuko tries to determine if her body is damaged or disabled. Or if she still has skin. [21:17:05] * Looking around she still has skin; it's noticable that she herself as been dissassembled and reassembled, but as far as she can tell, she still had the skin she had when she was last awake. [21:18:16] * Tetsuko tries to see if her internal clock is functional, and how long it'd been. [21:19:50] * Polling it, it's been reset; according to it, she's been active a grand total of 47 seconds, and the date/time meters have been cleared. [21:21:03] * Across the room on another table, her old clothes are there. Judging by their state, they haven't been cleaned in at least a week; there's several scanners laying nearby. [21:21:56] * Tetsuko tries to speak. "I have reactivated." [21:22:40] * It comes out bubbly; her vocal equipment hasn't been tuned for sub-liquid talking. [21:25:16] * However, a camera does train on her. [21:25:43] * Tetsuko gazes into the camera. [21:31:21] * It's a few minutes later; the door hisses, clicks, then is swung open. An older man in a labcoat, a younger woman who appears to be in her 30's, also in a labcoat, and a woman with a flat look on her face dressed in a business suit, and emenating 'thug' all walk in. The man's yawning, and clutching an oversized thermos with the Takeba Robotics logo on it. [21:32:23] * Man (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [21:32:34] * Woman (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [21:33:22] * WomanInSuit (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [21:34:06] ... did it move? I must be more tired than I thought. [21:35:04] * Tetsuko returns to acting still. [21:35:15] * Woman makes sure the door shuts, clicks, and hisses behind them, before taking a good look at the tube Tetsuko's suspended in. [21:35:57] You really should get some sleep if it's affecting your perception. Make up your mind. [21:36:28] It might have. Could just be weight shifting. [21:37:15] * WomanInSuit flicks her attention around the room, scowling slightly. She leaves the talking to the ones in the lab coats. [21:37:53] I'll check it out. You get some sleep, I'll call you if there's any news. [21:38:03] * Awaymancer is now known as Segev [21:38:31] * Man shakes his head, gesturing to his thermos. "Too late now." [21:39:39] * Man then goes to check one of the computers, making it a point to not stare too much at the naked fleshy robot. [21:40:02] ... odd. I'm getting some readings off of it. [21:41:27] * Woman takes a look herself, looking serious. "A breakthrough?" [21:41:38] Maybe. [21:42:00] * Man points at the screen; Tetsuko can't see what it is from her angle. [21:43:25] It's trying to connect using Takeba signatures. [21:44:10] Might be a reserve battery we missed. [21:45:08] * Man lets out another long, drawn out yawn. [21:45:50] * The male, Tetsuko recognizes, as her original designer and primary core personality coder. [21:46:33] One more and I'm pulling rank on you. *she grins wryly* [21:48:24] * Man lets out a soft laugh, and points at something else. [21:49:21] There! Similar to that bracelet. [21:50:27] * Woman flicks her gaze over to the armlet, before looking back at the screen. "That thing still gives me a headache." [21:51:56] * Man frowns, and walks up to the tube, sipping from the thermos, his other hand running over the contnainment tube as he circles it, occasionally looking at various parts of Tetsuko. [21:53:06] What're we missing...? [21:55:09] * Woman nods at the woman in the suit. "This might take a little. I'm gonna grab some java." The woman in the suit nods back, once, as the woman in the labcoat exits. [21:58:48] Jaz, what do you - *he glances back.* Oh, she left. [21:59:08] Well, Gina, what do you think? [21:59:20] I'm not qualified to offer an opinion. [22:00:31] Do it anyways. [22:03:03] Very well. *she pauses, and looks sharply at the tube with a cold, flat stare* Out of several theoretical possiblities, the most likely one given the odd circumstances and utter lack of information, is that whatever's causing that bracelet this robot arrived with to 'throw off' consistent readings is either spreading or already present in this one. [22:03:28] Elaborate, please. [22:06:40] * HeWhoHuntsAFK (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [22:06:49] * sbpr (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [22:06:58] * HeWhoHuntsAFK is now known as sbpr [22:07:43] * WomanInSuit (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [22:08:25] * Woman is now known as WomanInSuit [22:09:13] * HeWhoHuntsAFK (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [22:10:24] * sbpr (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [22:11:37] * sbpr (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [22:12:22] * HeWhoHuntsAFK (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [22:13:04] It's the theory out of the possible ones that I've selected, that takes the most effort to logically disprove, and contains more of the 'human' element. [22:13:20] By human you mean doesn't make sense. [22:13:33] Correct. [22:14:06] So you're saying that you don't think it's active. It's just giving starting to give off false positives like the bracelet? [22:14:24] Correct. [22:14:44] * WomanInSuit is now known as Gina [22:15:18] * Man sighs, and takes a long look at the tube, looking for any kind of reaction. [22:21:16] * Tetsuko meets the man's gaze. Slowly. And not too suddenly as to alarm anyone. [22:21:55] * Man blinks, and rubs his eyes. [22:23:00] * Man doesn't look away, as he asks loud enough to echo back to Gina, "Gina, tell me something. Am I tired or did it just move?" [22:23:12] Both statements are correct. [22:24:32] * Man moves around, seeing if Tetsuko keeps watching him. [22:24:45] * Jaz (blah@c-98-224-254-19.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #VCB [22:24:57] * Tetsuko continues watching. [22:25:22] ... fascinating. [22:25:33] Can you talk? [22:25:55] * Tetsuko nods. [22:28:46] * Jaz comes back in just as the man starts the release procedure. She says something that can't be heard over the sounds of high-pressure liquids steaming and pouring out of the tube. [22:29:16] * Gina merely stands ready. [22:30:32] * The containment tube starts to drain, loudly and quickly. Soon enough Tetsuko is dropped to the ground, naked, and glowing blue from the liquid that's sticking to her; the tube raises into the ceiling. [22:31:45] -sure, you lunati... *She trails off from angry to confused.* [22:32:29] * Tetsuko readjusts to standing on the ground again, and bows to her creators. Slowly and according to custom. [22:32:34] Gina, fetch it some clothes. Clean ones. [22:32:59] * Gina nods, and exits the room. [22:33:57] * Man turns his attention back to Tetsuko. "From what's visible of your code, you were designed and made by us, Takeba Robotics." [22:34:22] * Tetsuko nods. [22:34:31] However, we've no record of you ever existing. [22:35:03] So understandebly we're a little confused. If you can help us answer our questions, we'd appreciate it. [22:36:08] I will do my best. Whether you remember or not, it was your dedicated hard work and experience that gave me existence... [22:36:41] If my memory is correct. [22:37:22] I'm Takesuke Seiitabe, one of the mechanics here at Takeba. [22:38:17] * Tetsuko nods. [22:38:30] And you are? [22:40:46] I am called Tetsuko, a prototype gynoid. [22:41:23] * Man nods. [22:42:50] * Gina returns, with plain white clothes. [22:44:39] ... Tetsuko. *frowns* [22:45:17] * Jaz glances at her co-worker, a little worried. [22:46:04] * Man waves off Jaz. "No, no, I'm fine." [22:46:43] My memories seem to cut off abruptly. I remember helicopters coming for me, then nothing else. [22:46:55] Only this tube. [22:47:03] That'd be my fault. [22:47:45] I tried to backup the data we found on you. [22:48:09] How long has it been? [22:48:34] * Jaz gestures over to one of the desks. "In fact." She stares for a moment. "All your data storage is phsycially over in that desk over there." [22:49:26] A month. We've developed a working model based on the technology we've found on you. It's like you were designed by us, so it went pretty quick. [22:49:37] * Tetsuko puts on the plain white clothes if offered and heads over to the desk. [22:49:52] That working model would be Gina, here. [22:50:15] * Gina bows at Tetsuko. [22:50:38] * Tetsuko looks over Gina, fascinated. [22:51:36] * The desk contains several chips and storage devices that Tetsuko realizes, from their serial numbers and inherent schematic knowledge, that they are, in fact, hers. [22:51:56] I did not realize that you were not human. I sensed that your combat abilities were similar to mine, but... this is pleasant news. [22:52:50] * Tetsuko starts work on reinstalling things [22:53:57] How long have you been active, Gina? [22:54:06] * Gina nods at Tetsuko. "Thank you. It means my creator did a good job analyzing you." [22:54:17] One week and four days. [22:54:42] * Tetsuko nods. [22:54:52] What have you been doing in that time? [22:55:12] * Man is now known as Takesuke_Seiitabe [22:55:48] I have been accompanying these two as part of my intial personality and performance assessment. [22:57:23] * As Tetsuko's memory comes back, a series of system errors pops up; a large part of the data's undreadable. There's a continuation of the trip from the island, and then a series of more and more severe system failures, before a total crash. [22:57:44] You seem to be adapting to human culture faster than I did. [22:58:35] There was a lot of advanced data in the code we pulled off. [22:58:52] What I could access, anyways. [22:59:33] I see. [23:00:12] Even with my old storage devices, I can't remember how I got here. [23:00:16] Could you tell me what happened? [23:00:18] * Jaz makes a face. "Careful. Remember what the legal guy said." [23:01:47] We got a - *he glances at Jaz* I doubt she's even a legal entity at this point - referral from another company, saying they found one of our prototypes. [23:02:11] And that it wasn't working. [23:02:34] By the way, this was attached to you. [23:02:41] * Takesuke_Seiitabe gestures to the armlet. [23:03:15] It's some kind of converter, or amplifier, or SOMETHING, but it wasn't working either. [23:03:33] It's been giving me a headache. What is it? [23:04:19] It's not Takeba affiliated in any way I can tell. Is it what made you ... shut down? Break? Turn off? [23:05:04] I am not entirely certain myself, and trying to explain would be difficult, but for now... "a headache" will probably describe it as well as it ever could be. [23:05:49] * Jaz blinks, and Takesuke lets out a small laugh. [23:06:00] I can't remember anything, but if anyhting damaged me, it must have been that. [23:07:13] I don't know how it works, and it only does anything in a very specific environment. [23:08:25] * Jaz glances at Takesuke. "What about the legal...?" [23:09:25] * Takesuke_Seiitabe mulls a moment. "Well, even if it's branded with... I'll have to ask the company who dropped it off." [23:09:56] The bracelets not part of it. [23:10:05] Correct. [23:10:41] Ask it. [23:10:46] * Takesuke_Seiitabe pauses. "Her?" [23:11:42] * Jaz blinks, then turns back to Tetsuko. "Uh." She looks confused for a moment, then asks, "Do you mind if we keep that for our own research?" [23:12:57] It's a headache, and I can't figure it out. *she smirks a little* I don't like the idea of something I can't figure out. [23:13:42] It is not mine, but I would not recommend studying the armlet. It would not do any good outside a very specific environment that I do not believe even exists any more. And it belonged to someone else. [23:14:42] * Jaz glances at Takesuke. "... you know it's code. Did it just tell me no?" [23:16:01] * Takesuke_Seiitabe doesn't respond. [23:17:00] I have not said that. I said that it would not do much good to study it, and that there is someone else you should ask if you wish to keep it. [23:17:34] Who's it's owner, then? Do you know? [23:18:18] I haven't found any useful information on it. All the circuit board manufactur traces lead back to things that have went ouf of business before I was born. [23:18:47] The son of the ... owner? of the company that brought me to you. His name is Noah. [23:18:55] But... the energy efficiency, the circuit design, some of the chip advances and materials... [23:19:06] * Jaz grabs her hair. "Graaah." [23:20:49] Noah? I remember that name. I imagine we'll be in contact with one of his representatives soon enough, I'll ask them for you. [23:22:15] * Tetsuko continues self-repair. "Gina, when does your initial personality and performance assessment end?" [23:22:43] Whenever they say I'm ready. [23:23:14] * Takesuke_Seiitabe glances over. "Don't sound so flat." [23:25:10] * Gina nods at Takasuke, then looks back at Tetsuko. "They are observing my personality, and asking me questions and performing psychological analysis onmy personlaity, as well as continually modifying my base code. They're trying to 'get out the rough spots,' and they have confessed to me that they don't know how long it will take." [23:25:28] * Tetsuko nods. [23:25:42] What "rough spots" are they looking for? [23:26:29] I am not sure. [23:27:14] * Gina pauses, and adds, "They are trying to make me sound less mechanical. They are pleased with my progress, but continually tell me that my code is capable of more." [23:27:39] * Tetsuko nods. [23:28:47] Really, who made you, and where did you come from? [23:29:23] I can't imagine why someone would make you, brand you as ours, and just... let you go. [23:29:52] You know how expensive your frame is? How much manhours had to have been put into your programming? [23:30:32] Is this some kind of trap for us? Some clue, or obscure hint, or a gift? [23:30:49] My memories say that you did. I was in development for a long while, initially as a mechanical soldier. Then due to budget restraints, a second project to create a robotic servant was rolled into mine, to test both concepts. After, the two projects were to be separated when taken to the mass market... [23:31:26] Then I was given a ticket to the City of Unlimited Vice, and it was decided that it might be a good opportunity to test my ability to operate autonomously. [23:31:33] ... where? [23:31:37] * Jaz blinks. [23:32:06] Afraid I haven't heard of that. Where's that located? [23:33:56] It was on an island near Sicily. [23:34:27] Where we were found. [23:34:50] But it is gone now. Or it never existed in the first place. [23:36:36] * Takesuke_Seiitabe pauses. "I'm old enough to remember that. There was an island casino resort that was trying to attract international business.... got shut down due to some huge scandal before you were born." [23:37:14] * Takesuke_Seiitabe chuckles. "I'd of liked to made it there when I was young." [23:37:21] What sort of scandal? [23:37:48] Something with a drug smuggling operation...? I don't really remember. [23:38:57] * Tetsuko nods. [23:39:37] Are you truly capable of independent thought? [23:39:39] If I could have more information abou tthat, that would be greatly appreciated. [23:39:50] ... maybe you are. [23:39:52] I... believe I am. [23:40:03] Fascinating. [23:40:10] Belief that I am may be enough. [23:40:15] I had doubts for a time. [23:40:19] * Takesuke_Seiitabe glances at Gina. [23:40:43] Anyways, we've got to call the referrer in the morning. [23:40:50] * Tetsuko nods. [23:41:00] They'll probably want you back. [23:41:10] What shall I do in the meantime? [23:41:16] If it's fully working. [23:41:47] We haven't determined if it's just walking and talking or if it'll break down again. [23:41:57] Hell, how's it running without batteries? [23:42:06] * Takesuke_Seiitabe shrugs. [23:42:33] Without batteries? What do you mean? [23:42:48] I don't think you'll find out once they here. There's enough about her technology and code we can't even access. [23:43:18] * Takesuke_Seiitabe cracks his necks, and lets out a short yawn. "We can't analyze all of you." [23:43:29] Same with that bracelet. [23:43:36] My code and technology... cahnged during that visit. I am not sure to what extent. [23:44:27] I get my power from a simple power adapter that plugs into any electrical socket, and can break down organic material to burn as fuel to imitate eating... if my power source has changed too, this would be the first I have heard aobut it [23:45:59] * Takesuke_Seiitabe crosses his arms. "Well, what do you want do in the meantime?" [23:47:07] I wonder if you can answer that question... [23:47:09] I would like to tour the facility, if you do not mind. You wonder if I came from here. I would like to try to test that. [23:47:30] If my memory of what this place is like matches with the reality. [23:47:43] I will even try to describe rooms before entering if you desire. [23:47:48] Wouldn't be hard to preload with enough knowledge of the placde. [23:47:55] (place) [23:48:28] That is possible. [23:48:53] Gina could do it, if we loaded her up. [23:49:06] Mmm. [23:50:07] Gina has enough of a personality, however slight, and there's a data difference between self experience and just being loaded with raw data, that even if Gina was told to beleive she'd been there, you might be able to tell the difference. [23:50:38] Gina is based on Tetsuko, at least partially. Do you see where I'm going with this? [23:50:51] ... worth a try. Why not? [23:51:06] In any case... the rest of the day could provide valuable data. I am glad to do service to Takeba Robotics again. [23:55:28] Perhaps it would be a better test to have the skeptic provide the tour. [23:56:03] * Takesuke_Seiitabe lets out a yawn. "Fascinating as this is, I should get some sleep. It's four am. Gina, go with Jaz." [23:59:04] * With Takesuke heading out, the trio of Jaz, Gina, and Tetsuko head out. Nearly everything is as Tetsuko remembers... even the skeptic of Jaz is convinced that Tetsuko may have been there. Maybe. Along with a couple dozen other theories on how she could be faking it. [00:00:57] * Sometime later, a representative of Noah Zark's company, to claim both Tetsuko and her armlet. [00:01:00] * End. End of #VCB buffer Tue Apr 01 09:05:41 2008