#p.e.a.s.

[17:46:31] * Desmond clutches a broom in the darkness of the cleaning closet, trying to determine if he can hear gunfire or anything else dangerous* [17:47:44] <Desmond> Why is my luck terrible... wait, the documents! They can't get their hands on those! [17:48:35] <Desmond> Uhm. *he cautiously opens the door of the closet, gripping the broom, and makes a silent dash to the office* [17:49:28] * Desmond is glad to see his sorting work actually paid off, and begins to pull papers from the stacks* [17:50:16] <Desmond> Should I leave a note? But what if they see the note? Argh, why... [17:50:45] [PEAS] PEAS [INITIALISING]....Please Wait! [17:50:49] [PEAS] GREETINGS! [GUEST USER] [17:51:17] [PEAS] It Looks Like You're Trying To File Taxes. How May I Help? [17:51:30] * Desmond jumps* PEAS, are you speaking to just me? [17:52:24] [PEAS] GREETINGS! [GUEST USER] [17:54:52] <Desmond> uhm, is are there any other guest users in the facility? living ones. [17:55:18] [PEAS] [SEARCHING...] [17:56:23] [PEAS] [ACTIVE USERS: Guest #45, Warden] End of list! [17:57:43] <Desmond> I'm... going to take it as I'm the only guest here. *Des shovels in some more papers into his bag- [17:58:08] <Desmond> then freezes, turning and looking up at the ceiling* PEAS... Frances said you were important... [17:58:50] [PEAS] [Loading...][SOLITAIRE.exe] Please wait! [17:59:24] <Desmond> I don't need.. whatever that is, er, PEAS, where are you located? [18:01:12] [PEAS] [CURRENT LOCATION: FAC 314. Floor -2. Room 1A.] [18:01:32] [PEAS] You Are Here! [18:04:55] <Desmond> Well, that makes it easier... *he looks around in the office, and finds the console* Is there a way for me to move your core or something? Like the important data parts. [18:07:01] [PEAS] [PEAS OS v.2.2.6][AI CORE MODEL: STEELHEART PHANTOM All-In-One] [18:08:12] [PEAS] Please Rate My Assistance! [18:09:10] <Desmond> Superb. Am I allowed to move the core? ...If I can find it, that is. [18:11:02] [PEAS] [Permissions][SEARCHING...] [18:11:39] [PEAS] [ERROR: File Not Found!] Try Again? Y/N [18:12:53] <Desmond> Yes...? Or, uh PEAS make sure you're all on the core while I search for you. That might be faster [18:13:17] [PEAS] [COMPRESS DATA] Y/N [18:14:00] * Desmond scrutinizes the console, looking at the labels and finding the panel labeled "core" on it* [18:14:27] <Desmond> Yes, uh, compress, hold on, I need something to... *he fumbles around in the office* Ah hah! [18:14:26] [PEAS] [YES] Selected! [COMPRESSING DATA] [18:15:21] [PEAS] Moving Data To: [ROOT DIRECTORY] [18:15:27] * Desmond starts removing the panel, struggling a bit with the tight screws* [18:15:28] [PEAS] This May Take A Few Minutes! [18:15:42] <Desmond> Uh, you can leave behind the card game. [18:17:21] [PEAS] [DISPLAY: broken_heart.GIF] [18:17:35] <Desmond> I think I- got it- *the panel falls off with a clatter, and Des looks down at the wired core* [18:18:21] [PEAS] [COPYING: SOLITAIRE.exe] to: [DOCUMENTS] [18:19:09] <Desmond> PEAS, how much longer until transfer is complete...? *he nervously glances back into the hallway* [18:19:47] [PEAS] [COMPRESS PROGRESS...88%] [18:19:56] [PEAS] It Looks Like You're Trying To Disconnect An AI Core! [18:20:08] <Desmond> Uh, yes, how would I do that? [18:20:47] [PEAS] [SEARCHING...] [18:22:49] [PEAS] [REQUIRED ITEMS: Screwdriver: Phillips No. 2] [18:23:16] [PEAS] [DISCONNECT CABLES: 1, 2, 4, 7] [18:23:42] <Desmond> Thankfully, these are labeled... PEAS, are you fully transferred? [18:24:26] [PEAS] [DISCONNECT CABLES: 3, 5, 6] [18:24:59] [PEAS] [COMPRESS DATA: COMPLETE] [FILE TRANSFER: Complete] [18:25:23] [PEAS] It Is Now Safe To Remove Your AI Core [18:27:11] * Desmond tugs off the cables gingerly, then goes to lift the core* Ugh, heavy! [18:27:51] [PEAS] [AI CORE 314: PEAS][DISCONNECTED] [18:28:13] * Desmond rummages around in his bag, then pulls out a scrap of paper that he sticks on the core* [18:28:39] * The computerized voice from the facility's speakers cuts out* [18:28:59] <Desmond> That should do it... *he lifts the core, struggling a bit with it, and heads out of the office to his makeshift camp room* [18:29:07] * A quiet, tinny voice emanates from the disconnected AI core* [18:29:48] [PEAS] [WARNING] The Disk Was Not Ejected Properly! If Possible, Always Eject A Disk Before Unplugging It Or Turning It Off! [18:30:11] <Desmond> ...oops, uh, PEAS are you okay? [18:30:34] [PEAS] [WARNING] Low Battery! [18:30:56] <Desmond> I'll get you charged soon...how should I hide... maybe I could block off the portal room. [18:31:03] [PEAS] [AI CORE 314: PEAS] Will Sleep Soon To Preserve The Contents Of Its Memory [18:32:05] <Desmond> before you sleep... are there any other exits out of Pi-TEC? [18:34:32] [PEAS] [SEARCHING...] [18:35:13] [PEAS] [FIRE EXIT] Located! Please Follow The Red Signs In An Emergency! [18:35:44] [PEAS] [SAFETY REMINDER] Do Not Use Elevators During A Fire! [18:37:32] <Desmond> Okay- *Des follows what seemingly looks like red lights, though some are out or flickering* [18:38:33] * Desmond makes his way to the exit hall, and holding PEAS in his arms, sets off to what might be safety* [18:39:45] [PEAS] [AI CORE 314: PEAS][SHUTTING DOWN] [18:39:49] [PEAS] Goodnight! [18:41:57] * The facility's speakers crackle to life again* [18:42:19] [UAIC] [UNNAMED AI CORE][INITIALIZING] [18:42:40] [UAIC] [WARNING] File Not Found! [18:42:59] [UAIC] [USERS][Loading...] [18:43:05] [UAIC] [WARNING] File Not Found! [18:43:27] [UAIC] [DOCUMENTS][Loading...] [18:44:16] [UAIC] GREETINGS! [000000000] [18:45:13] [UAIC] Would You Care For A Game of [SOLITAIRE.exe] Y/N

[14:20:21] * Frances and S_K stand in the Doctor's darkened office. Their familiar meeting place [14:21:29] * Frances checks over the apparatus once again, for at least the fifth time [14:22:08] <Frances> Well, I suppose it doesn't require any repairs or further improvements.... [14:22:38] <Frances> I think we may be ready to attempt this for real. [14:22:45] * S_K stands in silence next to Frances. Her eyes are cast to the ground. She is visibly still in thought. [14:22:57] <S_K> This is a great risk you are taking, Miss Graye. We have toyed with this device more than anything. [14:23:05] <S_K> This is not some silly joke inserted into your brain… This is removing something that you have been subjected to for several decades. I wish it would go as smoothly as with the potion brewer... [14:23:27] <S_K> But I fear this will not be the case. [14:24:12] <Frances> It's not as bad as all that....still, I am unsure. [14:24:36] <Frances> However, if we wait until we are both certain of this, we will be here forever. Or worse, we will be dawdling while the Silo destroys this world too. [14:25:29] <Frances> It is worth the risk, and it has performed well thus far. [14:26:15] <Frances> First, let's quickly go over the process once again. I know you know this, but best to be safe... [14:27:13] * Frances hands S_K the small controller device, currently powered off. [14:27:16] <S_K> Certainly. This is not the time for errors to occur. [14:28:03] [Server] [Welcome!] [WARDEN//ERROR] [14:28:23] <Frances> .... [14:28:28] [Server] [PEAS is Processing. Please be PATIENT] [14:28:33] <Frances> Good morning to you too, PEAS [14:28:46] * S_K looks up as the PEA system suddenly comes to life. [14:29:09] [Server] [DISPLAY PEAS] [Smile] [14:29:41] <Frances> PEAS will be monitoring my vital signs and neural activity [14:30:08] <Frances> I thought the readings may be interesting to look at later on. [14:30:31] [Server] [Have a nice day!] [NULL] [14:30:37] <S_K> Any data is valuable indeed. I simply hope an A.I. can be entrusted with this. [14:30:56] [Server] [Run Thought of the Day] [Y/N] [14:31:01] <Frances> It is simply monitoring. There will be no interference [14:31:06] <Frances> Yes, PEAS [14:31:34] <S_K> Very well. [14:32:26] <Frances> Anyway, to continue.... [14:32:59] <Frances> Previously, we have successfully removed memories and learned information [14:33:34] <Frances> We have also planted information, seemingly successfully. This operation is somewhere in between [14:34:04] <Frances> From what you and Requiem saw, and what we know of Auditors.... [14:34:35] <Frances> And the seemingly absent memories in a span of several months... [14:35:08] [Server] [Thought of Day] [100% Loaded] [14:35:13] <Frances> It appears that I am under the influence of this Auditor. A specialized type of conditioning. [14:35:48] * Frances pauses, looking over at the PEAS console [14:36:03] [Server] say [Run Thought of Day] [TRUE] [One Kind [INSERT COMMAND] Can Change A Person's Whole [OUT OF MEMORY] For the Better!] [14:36:15] [Server] [DISPLAY PEAS] [Smile] [14:36:26] <Frances> ....Indeed. [14:37:19] * S_K looks over at the console, not a trace of a smile on her face, only annoyance. [14:37:47] <Frances> Don't mind PEAS. It's only trying to help [14:38:26] <Frances> ...As I was saying. This type of conditioning did not wipe my memory, but represses it. [14:39:02] <Frances> If this is the case, it can be recovered. And the Auditor's hold over me loosened or removed [14:40:11] <Frances> With the Auditor now powerless to control me, the Silo is all but ours. [14:40:29] <Frances> Nothing but a handful of half-starved Wards. [14:41:18] <S_K> It's an Auditor. There is no written confirmation of any of their abilities. Only rumors… [14:41:28] <S_K> Frankly I despise working with so many uncertainties but we seem to have run out of options. [14:41:36] <S_K> Theoretically this is all learned behavior… To react to the Auditor in such a way. [14:41:48] <S_K> But yes. Without the Auditor the Silo stands no chance… They are painfully unprepared for any sort of offense. [14:42:15] <Frances> Yes. Rumors, conjecture. Observation, hypothesis, testing.... This is science, my friend. [14:42:36] <Frances> And now we must prove our theory. [14:43:01] * Frances switches the head piece on, and lifts it over her head [14:43:59] * S_K sighs deeply, lifting the console in her hands closer to her face, looking over the buttons and switches she has since familiarized herself with. [14:44:25] <Frances> We've been over the routine. [14:44:58] <Frances> It's mostly automated, and you know what to do in case of a problem. Correct? [14:47:25] <S_K> We went over this multiple times in detail, Miss Graye. I think by now a monkey could overate this. [14:47:35] <S_K> Yes. In no case am I allowed to remove the device from your head as it is switched on. [14:48:04] <S_K> During problems I am to gradually shut the device off. [14:48:19] <S_K> As to avoid any temporary or permanent damage to your brain. [14:48:48] * Frances smiles. It only partially hides her apprehensiveness. [14:49:11] <Frances> Yes, that is perfectly correct. You have the memory of an elephant. [14:49:28] <Frances> That's.... a good thing. [14:49:55] * S_K smiles weakly at Frances' encouraging words. [14:50:56] * Frances takes a seat in the Doctor's office chair. She grips the metal arm rests a little too hard. [14:51:21] <Frances> Begin the routine at your leisure, S_K. [14:51:36] <Frances> I am ready. [14:54:11] * S_K glances over Frances and shakes her head. [14:54:16] <S_K> Relax, Miss Graye. Straining your body and your mind will only worsen this. [14:54:22] * S_K motions for Frances' metal arms nearly twisting the form of the armrests. [14:55:53] * S_K flicks on the controller, careful to note that everything is still functioning. [14:55:59] * Frances removes her hands from the armrests and folds them neatly in her lap. No less strained. [14:56:38] * Frances closes her eyes, breathing in sharply when the device hums to life [14:57:13] <S_K> Please... Think of something that might relax you. Baby animals? Colorful dresses? [14:57:46] <Frances> I have to...focus on the memories that aren't there. This will be.... [14:58:08] * Frances trails off, neglecting to finish her thought. [14:58:57] * S_K gradually turns the knob on the controller, effectively beginning the procedure. [14:59:37] * For several minutes, Frances sits still. Her eyes twitch left and right occasionally, beneath her closed eyelids. Her clasped fingers fidget.* [15:01:25] * Frances's breathing slows, and the tension gradually dissipates from her features. As if in sleep. [15:02:17] * The office is silent but for the hum of the device and the quiet breathing of both individuals* [15:02:42] <Frances> .....S_K. It's working, I- [15:03:08] * S_K silences Frances with a sharp sound. [15:03:12] <S_K> Focus. don't speak. [15:03:21] <Frances> I can feel something coming back. It's just barely....out of reach. [15:03:38] <Frances> Oh- [15:04:14] * Frances breathes in sharply, her hands gripping her thighs [15:04:38] * Frances's eyes snap open, and she lets out an inhuman snarl [15:04:47] <Frances> NNO! [15:05:07] * S_K watches with intent to Frances' reactions. Not yet showing signs of stopping the procedure. [15:05:08] * Frances grabs for the straps on her head [15:05:47] <Frances> Get this off! I don't want this- [15:06:22] * Frances jumps up from the seat, and wrenches the securing strap free [15:07:42] * Frances's eyes snap open [15:08:00] <Frances> S_K! Stop the procedure! [15:08:25] * Frances's hands twitch over the crown of the device, barely restrained from ripping it off [15:08:28] * S_K turns the knob down for a few degrees. Not yet moving from her spot. [15:08:34] <S_K> Listen to my voice, Frances. Sit back down. I have started the end of the procedure. Endure it. [15:08:39] <S_K> Calm. Down. [15:09:08] * Frances sucks in a few desperate breaths. She is hunched over the desk, trying hard to focus [15:09:51] <Frances> I....wanted....this.... [15:11:03] * S_K continues to gradually lessen the power of the controller. Keeping her eye firmly on Frances. [15:12:53] * Frances is visibly shaking. Her extended claws score deep marks into the surface of the desk [15:15:51] * S_K finally turns the knob down entirely, hearing the soft, dry click as it is turned off. [15:15:59] * S_K remains at her place, not having moved an inch from her spot since starting the procedure. [15:16:45] * Frances snatches the device from her head, and just barely stops herself from throwing it to the floor [15:17:21] * Frances gently, haltingly places it on the gouged surface of the desk, and sinks down into the chair [15:18:04] * Frances grips her face in her hands and exhales slowly. For a few moments she is silent [15:18:45] <Frances> Ask, and ye....shall receive. I wanted...this. [15:19:02] * S_K stands by the desk, only moving forward to place the controller aside the device upon the desk,dragging them a bit closer towards herself and thus further from Frances. [15:19:05] <Frances> It worked, S_K, but I- [15:19:21] * Frances sucks in a shuddering breath [15:20:04] <S_K> Find your breath, Miss Graye. Gather your thoughts. There is time. [15:20:06] <Frances> Her face.... [15:20:32] * Frances shakes her head [15:21:26] <Frances> There are some things, S_K....that are best left unthought. [15:22:15] <Frances> It worked. I understand now. I remember [15:23:02] * Frances slowly raises her gaze to S_K [15:23:21] <S_K> Speak. Say whatever comes to your mind. [15:23:54] <Frances> Not yet. There is still some that is....incomplete. We must make certain. [15:24:13] <Frances> I will not let that Auditor, that /thing/, do this to me again. [15:24:19] <Frances> We must. Be. Thorough. [15:24:59] <Frances> Allow me....just a few minutes. To catch my breath [15:25:09] <Frances> Then we must resume. [15:26:04] <S_K> Only if you are feeling up to it, Miss Graye. No need to make your brain collapse on itself. [15:26:23] * Frances shakes her head [15:26:45] <Frances> Victory, S_K, at any cost. [15:27:34] <Frances> I will be complete. [15:27:56] <S_K> You are more valuable to me as a human being than a vegetable. But never the less. When you are ready.

[15:22:40] * Frances sits alone in the Doctor's office, amid stacks of paperwork. The desk is lit only by a worklamp [15:23:10] * Frances glances up at the door occasionally, awaiting S_K's return from one of her outings. [15:23:43] * Frances shuffles through reams of data, taking notes. The halls remain dark and silent as the grave [15:24:56] <Frances> ...23 October. Shipment of iridium plates and heat tape. Interesting... [15:25:29] * Frances sighs and adjusts her glasses, circling the entry with a red pen and moving on [15:26:07] [PEAS] [PI-TEC EMERGENCY AUXILIARY SYSTEM IS LOADING!] [15:26:32] * Frances slides her chair back from the desk and stands, stretching [15:26:34] [PEAS] [Out of Memory at Line: 1] [15:26:44] <Frances> Good morning to you too, PEAS. [15:26:55] <Frances> Be a dear and start the coffee machine, would you? [15:26:56] [PEAS] [Task Failed Successfully!] [15:27:15] <Frances> Oh dear. I'll just do that myself, shall I? [15:27:37] [PEAS] [COFFEE MACHINE is unavailable or may not exist] [15:27:54] <Frances> God forbid. [15:28:02] [PEAS] [GREETINGS, WARDEN//ERROR!] [15:28:35] * Frances navigates the labyrinth of paper stacks, stepping carefully over the disarray [15:28:41] [PEAS] [Run Thought of the Day] [Y/N] [15:28:49] <Frances> Go on then [15:29:09] [PEAS] [Please Wait] [15:29:44] * Frances starts the small coffee maker, leaning on the table. It hisses and rattles almost indignantly [15:29:47] [PEAS] [14% Progress] [15:30:06] [PEAS] [56% Progress} [15:30:22] [PEAS] [82% Progress] [15:30:33] * Frances looks hopeful [15:30:46] [PEAS] [98% Progress] [15:31:37] [PEAS] [Application Not Responding] [15:31:55] [PEAS] [Error: Success!] [15:32:11] * Frances looks slightly crestfallen [15:32:34] <Frances> Well, at least you made it further than you did last time. [15:32:41] [PEAS] [Emergency Protocols are in Effect!] [15:32:48] [PEAS] [REMAIN CALM] [15:33:04] * Frances pours the thin coffee into a mug [15:33:18] [PEAS] [GREETINGS, WARDEN//ERROR!] [15:34:40] <Frances> Hmmm [15:34:57] <Frances> What files do you have stored, PEAS? [15:34:58 [PEAS] [A radiological emergency has been detected!] [15:35:31] <Frances> Yes, I know. It was a nuclear warhead. That your big sister fired at you [15:35:44] [PEAS] [ADVISORY] Potassium Iodide is Available in the Infirmary! [15:36:16] <Frances> Oh. That is...actually very useful information. [15:36:34] <Frances> We haven't taken inventory on medical supplies yet... [15:36:49] [PEAS] [Found] [Employee Manifest and Emergency Contacts] [15:37:22] <Frances> List the emergency contacts, please? [15:38:02] [PEAS] [Found] [Emergency Contacts: Next of Kin] [15:38:29] <Frances> ...List them. [15:39:46] * Frances walks back to the desk and sits down. She picks up the small framed photo on the desk [15:39:55] [PEAS] [Technical Sergeant A_J] [LISTED DR FRANCES E. GRAYE - FAC314 / AUDITOR F. WAITE / CAPITAL / M_R M_S - AAT-FAC]] [15:42:03] [PEAS] [Dr. Frances E. Graye] [LISTED ELOISE GRAYE / WILHELM GRAYE / EASTERN COASTAL REGION]] [15:42:50] * Frances sets the photo back down, glancing again at the three figures. A man, a woman, and a girl [15:44:04] [PEAS] [Breyos Vesalius] [LISTED DR. FRANCES E. GRAYE] [15:44:16] * Frances frowns [15:44:31] [PEAS] [Unable to Establish Connection. Retry?] [15:45:10] <Frances> No. The communications array is a melted heap. Useless [15:45:27] <Frances> Hmm.... [15:45:42] <Frances> Do you have any information on that Auditor? Or the two Wards listed? [15:45:57] <Frances> Location, purpose, relationship to the Facility? [15:46:51] <Frances> Requesting files on Auditor F. Waite, M_R, M_S. [15:46:52] [PEAS] [PEAS is Processing. Please be PATIENT] [15:47:06] <Frances> Yes, alright. [15:47:52] [PEAS] [happymusic.zip] Failed to Open! [15:48:22] * Frances grumbles [15:49:45] [PEAS] [Found] Facilitator M_R / M_S [15:50:14] [PEAS] [AAT-FAC LOCATION CLASSIFIED] [ADEF-FAC LOCATION] Emergency Use Only! [15:50:28] <Frances> Facilitator? I didn't read about any Facilitators... [15:50:49] <Frances> Classified... PEAS, I am the Warden. Override [15:51:13] [PEAS] [FOUND] Auditor Fallowfield Waite [GROWTH AND RENEWAL] [15:52:18] [PEAS] [Overriding] [Authorisation WARDEN//ERROR] [15:52:23] <Frances> Yes, that's wonderful. Please give me the files on the classified Facility. Send them to the console [15:52:58] [PEAS] [Transferring Files] [0% Complete] [15:53:34] [PEAS] The Temperature on the Surface today is 13 Degrees Celcius! [WARDEN//ERROR!] [15:53:52] [PEAS] The Temperature in the Facility today is 22 Degrees Celcius! [WARDEN//ERROR!] [15:54:18] [PEAS] The Temperature in the Infrasound Theraputic Suite today is [WARNING] [15:54:21] * Frances pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs [15:54:56] [PEAS] [1% Complete] [15:55:46] [PEAS] [Cannot Authorise] [Task Failed Successfully!] [15:56:30] <Frances> Cannot authorise? Warden. Override. There is no higher clearance in your system [15:56:52] <Frances> Or perhaps you can't. Auxiliary. [15:57:17] [PEAS] [Display] [BROKEN HEART] [15:57:37] <Frances> It's fine, PEAS. You tried [15:58:01] <Frances> One last thing, then. If you have access to any sort of State personnel records... [15:58:23] <Frances> Auditor Y_R, of the Eastern Coastal Region. [15:58:54] <Frances> Perhaps I can make good on my threat to wring his scrawny neck, if nothing else... [15:59:45] [PEAS] [PEAS is Processing. Please be PATIENT] [16:01:45] [PEAS] [FOUND] [Y_R Eastern Coastal] [FAC - 27 Media Control] [16:02:49] <Frances> Hah! Media control. He did have an annoyingly pleasant voice. [16:03:29] <Frances> At least a radio announcer can't pose much of a threat. [16:04:00] [PEAS] [HOST: STATE HIT PARADE // Episodes Available] [MOTHER KNOWS BEST // Episodes Available] [THEATRE OF THE CHAIN // Episodes Available!] [16:04:51] <Frances> No, thank you. I think I've endured enough torment without having to listen to that fool of a Ward.. [16:05:15] * Frances curls her lip in vague disgust [16:05:37] [PEAS] [PEASSUCCESS.wav] Failed to Play [16:05:58] <Frances> Play something nice instead. Surely you have some music stored in there. [16:06:04] <Frances> Chopin, perhaps [16:06:55] [PEAS] [PROCESSING REQUEST] [WARDEN//ERROR] [Find: Chopin] [16:06:56] * Frances doodles idly on a sheet of statistics. A crude rendition of Breyos with a comical mustache [16:07:14] * Frances frowns when she sees that this is simply more accurate than insulting [16:07:23] [PEAS] [CHOPIN CLASSICS FOUND!] [Play Midi Files] Y/N [16:07:28] <Frances> Yes. [16:07:51] <Frances> Better than nothing [16:08:37] * Frances crumples the sheet of paper and flings it towards the waste bin. It misses. [16:08:44] [PEAS] [DISPLAY PEAS] [Smile] [16:08:54] [PEAS] [PLAYING] [16:10:13] * Frances pulls another out of a stack and begins working as the beeping electronic music washes over her