[21:07] <> [21:08] <> [21:09] ( Remind me to gleam the cube. ) [21:10] <> [21:10] <> [21:11] *** Chamelaeon sets mode: +v Charlie [21:11] ( ...har. ) [21:11] Any news on the home front? [21:12] * Tim chuckles at the question. [21:14] Yeah. There's a bit of news. [21:16] * Isis blinks. "Where's Taluun?" [21:17] \Hhe said he was going to go put the bird to bed or something. [21:17] Aaanyway. [21:18] * Tim glances around, and when he's satisfied that nobody else is around to listen, talks about the news. [21:18] The thing got drunk enough to fall off Taluun's shoulder. [21:18] * Isis blinks, then closes her eyes and puts her fingers to her forehead. "...must fight down the mental images." [21:18] * Vernon nods. [21:18] * Chako is still sitting in her chair, with the pad in one hand, the whole time Tim talks. She taps her finger while she waits. [21:18] So, here's the deal. ATC is doing a secret project revolving around something really interesting and worrying, and we got all sorts of info from Mr. Anonymous telling us how to nab it, more or less. [21:19] And Isis, I SO don't want to know what you're thinking. I DON'T. [21:19] I don't either, and I'm thinking it. [21:20] * Tim gives Isis a look full of sympathy. "I am so, so sorry to hear that." [21:20] * Charlie chuckles at Isis' comments "I just told him 'whatever' and kept on walkin" [21:23] Do we know what this thing is that we're supposed to get? [21:23] (BRB, morefood. Keep going.) [21:23] We know enough to make me worry. Think 'Instant Artificial Intelligence'. Just add water. [21:24] ...yeah, that's frightening enough. [21:25] * Isis looks at her hands. "I think if they'd met some of the AIs we have, they'd think twice about developing them." [21:26] I mean, sure, there'd be lots of cool uses for that sort of thing. But I'm thinking about the bad stuff, and recent events certainly heaped up enough of that. [21:26] * Vernon nods. [21:26] Especially considerin' who's makin' it. [21:26] Yeah. How powerful of an AI are we talking? [21:26] As powerful as you want. [21:27] Theoretically, anyway. You build it by feeding it info, so the more you feed it... [21:27] The 'better' it gets? [21:27] Well, the more capable, at least. [21:28] I'd rather not end up facing something that evolves faster than I do. [21:29] Could be pretty nasty. When is it going to be on the move? [21:29] * Tim nods. [21:29] Soon. I think... uh, tomorrow? ( Player has forgotten! ) [21:30] <> [21:30] Thing is...if we don't take it, who will? [21:30] Secondary bug AIs. Hippy AIs. God, that's scary. [21:31] Or maybe whoever decided to clue us in might do somethin' where we don't. [21:31] Or even if we do. [21:31] Frankly, it might be useful to make one of our own. It could keep an eye on the others. [21:33] * Isis blinks. "Sounds risky. But the payoff could be big." [21:33] *** Taluun`tzo (Zegon@12-213-43-67.client.attbi.com) has joined #ATC [21:33] Do you know if it's gonna be well guarded? [21:34] Once again in theory, we could program it to be loyal to us. I'd have to look deeper into it to see if it wouldn't be able to develop enough free will to ignore such programming, tho. [21:34] * Vernon nods. [21:34] * Isis sits back. "You know more about it than I do, Tim. It's your call. But... I just don't know how confident I am about it." [21:35] * Tim nods. "If we could make one that likes us, it could be really useful. *Really* useful." [21:35] I'm sure the Cube would, haha, love a little brother. That or have us vaporized from orbit for meddling. [21:36] Or sister. [21:36] * Chako looks over at Tim with a frown, then Vernon, and shakes her head. "It's at least worth hitting. We can figure out about turning it on when ya know how the hell it works." [21:36] * Tim grins. "That's if the Cube learned about it. We could teach the AI to be awfully sneaky." [21:36] * Taluun`tzo walks in after putting 'that damn bird' to sleep. "Why did I have to sing a lullaby to that thing?" [21:37] It wasn't a lullaby, it was an exorcism. [21:37] ( Because none of us knows a damn thing about astrogation. ) [21:37] Well... uh, keeping in mind we don't got solid suits, where would we hit it? [21:37] Hmm. If it's a long trip, there'll have to be a refueling point somewhere. [21:37] (It was sleeping! You should have killed it then. Nobody'd ever know.) [21:37] * Taluun`tzo eyes Tim, then goes about listening to what the hell everyone's talking about. [21:37] (Darnit!) [21:38] *** Chamelaeon sets mode: +v Taluun`tzo [21:39] * Tim nods. "There is that. Perhaps we could take the transport when the drivers are taking a leak, or something." [21:40] ( We could always use Chako's rollerderby suit. ) [21:40] (Sadly, ATC Grunt suits are better than that piece of junk.) [21:40] (You sure? <.<) [21:40] (I asked.) [21:40] ( Even .5 is more than 0. ) [21:40] * Tim hums. "We could... uhm... well, Taluun could be a Sleythin Shield while we use antitank weapons?" [21:41] We're dealing with a trucking company, right? [21:41] Why don't I like the sound of this? [21:41] * Isis grins at Taluun. "Serves you right for growing up in a high-gravity environment." [21:41] I really don't think it'd be a problem for you, Taluun. [21:42] Well, what's the security, anyway? I'm sure we can get some basic suits. Unless it's guarded by the real commando types, I don't see the problem. [21:42] * Taluun`tzo shrugs and smiles slightly. "You are right, though. Wait, what wouldn't be a problem for me?" [21:42] Depending on how well-guarded it is, we might not even need violence. [21:43] This is true. [21:43] I'm sure they have wireless dispatch systems, which could easily malfunction and need the driver to go call for repair. [21:43] Hell, we could just cajole or bribe 'em. [21:43] ( We can pretend to be Anri and take down a suit with a penknife. ) [21:43] The real problem is going to be doing it without earning the ire or attention of ATC. Who is, in fact, paying for this 'luxury' we're in. [21:44] We might be able to do this without ATC finding out. If we can, that is good. [21:44] (o/~ That is good, hacker, that is good o/~) [21:44] * Chako shrugs. "It's my damn base. If I want a suit, I'm getting a suit. And if Vlad's still sitting around on his ass, we don't need an ATC pilot, either." [21:45] * Tim nods. [21:46] We could maybe get a few spares, at least. And that's providing that we need 'em, but you never know. [21:47] It might be better if we don't. [21:47] It'll certainly be faster without them, and easier to get away. [21:47] True. [21:50] <> [21:50] (On what? :P) [21:50] (Whatever they decide on, I'm along for the ride. :P) [21:50] * Chako stretches. "Well, then, I don't see the problem. Just pick a place to hit 'em." [21:51] * Isis nods. "You got the route, right?" She hmmms. "The company only has three trucks, that I remember." [21:51] * Taluun`tzo flexes his tail. "So, are we finally *doing* something?" [21:51] * Tim nods. "Yep. And one of them is set aside just for this run. We know which one, and we have the route, too." (unless we don't.) [21:52] <> [21:53] * Vernon looks for a nice, deserted spot on the route. [21:53] * Isis knits her brow. "Is it possible to steal one of the two remaining trucks? And then just catch up with the driver..." She frowns. "No, that's a little too complex. And not very plausible." [21:54] How 'bout we just knock'em out? [21:54] <> [21:54] We don't know which truck it's in? .. We'll probably have to split up and hit 'em at the same time then. [21:54] * Vernon points to that spot on the route. "This looks great. He'll have to slow down, and there won't be much of anyone around to see us." [21:54] (We do know what truck it's in. ^^;) [21:54] We *do* know which truck it's in. [21:54] * Isis shakes her head. "Same truck every time." [21:55] Ah, that's better then. [21:56] * Vernon starts looking through a parts list. [21:57] <> [21:57] (;_;) [21:58] (Yes. Give me a TIME and a PLACE and I will tell VLAD and we will STEAL AN AI.) [21:58] ( ...probably. ) [21:58] (A PLAN never hurts, but is optional.) [21:59] <> [21:59] (And all of them are the Happy Healing Song.) [21:59] * Isis stands up and stretches. "Well, I don't know about you, but a caftan and shorts is not my preferred battle dress. Excuse me a sec." [21:59] <> [21:59] (Tomorrow? ^^;) [22:01] ( Nah, not ALL the Happy Healing Song. There's plenty of terrible music out there to use! ) [22:02] <> [22:02] (Well, I was more wondering about Isis changing her clothes so early. Perhaps it's an eastern preparedness thing.) [22:02] ( Red Poughkeepsie! XD ) [22:04] <> [22:06] * Isis is dressed to maim. Exactly like she was when they went looking for a pilot. [22:08] * Chako is pretty much wearing the same sort of t-shirt, leathers and such. No mirrorshades today, but she's packing a knife in addition to the gun. [22:09] * Charlie has fairly nondescript clothing on..Better for being nondescript in.. He's found himself a light laser pistol and a pair of binoculars. [22:09] * Vernon is wearing his usual geek clothes, with the welcome addition of a sharp object. [22:10] * Tim is dressed to loaf. He looks very casual, but he's got all the goodies he could find with him. He's also packing a poorly concealed laser-pistol, as if he could hit something with it. [22:10] * Taluun`tzo is in his normal attire per say, and he does have the standard laser pistol at his side. Not like he'd actually use it. [22:11] * Isis tightens the This Is Definitely A Knife, Mate at her belt. "It's probably best if we don't actually kill anybody, clearly." [22:11] So you say we should kill them in a haze of confusion? [22:12] Yeah. I couldn't find a cudgel, tho. [22:12] * Tim makes a note to build a stunprod sometime soon. [22:12] <> "Am tiking dis vill be great chance to stretch wings, da, Lenin." <> "Hoo, am thinking I like de suits better." [22:12] * Isis gives Tal a sort of vacant look for a moment, then clears her throat. "What I mean is, it's obvious killing someone's going to cause problems." [22:13] * Chako eyes Vlad, and says, "Hey, is it better than sittin' around or not, man?" [22:14] "Da, much better it is. Ve ready to fly?"''' [22:14] Da. ...I man, yeah. [22:14] ( mean, even. ) [22:15] ( ...uh, damn. Have to AFK a sec. ) [22:15] (*pause*) [22:15] ( More than pause is good for. Keep going. ) [22:16] ( Just assume I'm being broody and Squallicious. ) [22:16] * Taluun`tzo shrugs. "Okay." [22:16] (Whatever.) [22:17] (*so, unpause*) [22:17] ( There we go. Isis needs a gunsword. Then she could do twinkalicious limit breaks! ) [22:17] Yeah, that's why we're here. [22:18] <> [22:20] <> [22:21] <> [22:21] * Vernon looks around for a good place to set down the box. [22:22] <> [22:22] ...so. [22:22] So, Taluun's gonna be our road block, right? *he grins* [22:22] ( Vernon: "Remember, press the R1 Button to..." Isis: "Shut up." ) [22:22] ( Back. ) [22:23] * Vernon sets down the box. "Yup. Now we just have to wait a bit." [22:23] * Chako stands there, and smirks slightly. [22:23] * Isis glances at the scenery. "Wow. It's so cliche." [22:23] * Taluun`tzo grins, no teeth showing. "Should I wait for them to stop or pick them up? [22:25] I'm guessing they'll stop when they see ya, but you'll want to make them stop if they try and get away. [22:25] I understand. Where should I block? [22:26] * Chako thumbs towards Vernon. "Shouldn't ya wait until he screws the guy up before blockin' him?" [22:27] * Vernon nods. [22:27] I can already see the headlines. "Truck driver, 44 of Red Poughkeepsie, driven insane by disco music; hallucinates giant lizard on remote highway". [22:29] * Tim snickers. [22:30] * Taluun`tzo produces a light whisping sound thru his gills. [22:31] * Isis mmms to herself. "It might be safer to do work on this AI you're considering making in orbit on the Brick... don't you think?" [22:31] * Vernon nods. "Definitely." [22:31] <> [22:32] ( Unless Vlad is really the Cube. Since the BethanyBot is Lenin, you never know. ) [22:32] * Vernon grins disturbingly, and positions his finger over the button. "Your disco needs you, baby." [22:32] ( ... ) [22:32] Everybody ready? [22:32] (I think they're all one in the same!) [22:32] (... die.) [22:32] *We* don't have to hear this stuff, right? [22:32] Probably not. [22:33] * Taluun`tzo 's suit assembles itself around him in an instant. "Ready. Just give me the signal to run out there." [22:33] * Vernon pushes the button! [22:33] * Isis raises an eyebrow. "Now that's handy." [22:34] <> [22:34] * Tim nods. [22:34] * Chako just eyes the truck and the road. [22:34] (DJ Vernon in the house!) [22:35] <> "Shall ve go?" [22:35] * Taluun`tzo keeps watching the truck go by. [22:35] Let's. [22:36] * Isis nods. [22:36] Now works. [22:38] <> [22:39] * Isis gets up. "I'll see what's in there, if nobody minds. At the very least, I've got stealth training.' [22:39] * Taluun`tzo nods. [22:39] Go for it. [22:40] * Chako nods curtly, and continues watching the truck, fingering the pistol in her holster. [22:40] * Isis nods. "Cover me, I guess." She heads outside! [22:41] <> [22:42] * Taluun`tzo is ready to spring into action and bust many heads if he needs to (and hopefully won't). [22:42] * Isis grits her teeth. "He's dead, if this truck is empty. Dead dead dead." She checks the door for a lock mechanism or a latch. [22:42] <> [22:43] * Tim follows casually, damn him. [22:43] ( Wow. Now that's low tech. ) [22:43] (Low overhead, you know.) [22:43] * Isis opens the bolt! If possible. It might be booby-trapped. [22:44] (You've been playing too much USaga.) [22:44] ( Stupid success reel. ) [22:44] ( You people don't know the terror. I encountered a *leather sack* that had a poison trap, a needle trap, and a mimic. ) [22:44] (...) [22:45] <> [22:45] * Isis raises an eyebrow, swinging the door open. "It's a little too easy." [22:46] <> [22:47] * Chako rests her hand on the pistol, and continues standing there. [22:47] * Isis frowns, then hops in as quietly as possible and slits the strap, testing the weight of the box. [22:47] <> [22:47] * Tim frowns. [22:48] (You turn it on, and a big bitmap smiley face is sitting on the screen. "HELLO.') [22:48] ( *snerk* It's the CC! ) [22:48] * Isis grits her teeth and picks it up with both hands. "Let's pray it's not a jack-in-the-box..." [22:49] Or a bomb. [22:49] ("Would you like to play a game?") [22:49] * Tim helps Isis with the box. Not that he's that tough, mind. [22:50] ( I'm not either, it balances out. ) [22:50] * Isis nods and makes with the theft. [22:50] <> [22:51] Well, that was easy. [22:51] ("It was big, and red, and it asked me to show it the way to Funkytown.") [22:51] You say that as if it's something to be happy about. In my experience, easy means trouble. [22:51] They must not have been expecting any trouble.. at all. [22:52] * Vernon nods. [22:52] <> "Are ve going to orbit nowish, or waitink until later?" [22:53] * Isis thinks. "Up sounds good to me." [22:53] Cube's gonna figure out awfully quick who's got his stuff when we're not in the base. [22:53] "Up it is beink, den." <> [22:54] * Isis sighs. "I think the Cube is going to know who's got his stuff no matter what *we* do." [22:55] <> [22:55] Besides, we don't even know if this is *it* until it's opened, and that's not safe to do on Mars. [22:55] (*the box opens* OOH PEOPLE! ENJOYMENT!) [22:55] (... yes.) [22:56] ( ...you're dead to me. ) [22:56] (Aw man.) [22:56] * Tim looks the box over. [22:57] * Vernon does likewise. [22:57] * Tim pulls out some sort of device that looks like it wants to pick a lock. [22:57] <> [22:58] * Taluun`tzo looks at the box. "Want me to break it?" [22:59] <> [22:59] * Tim tries unlocking it. "Hopefully, it's not necessary." [23:00] <> [23:00] <> [23:01] ( Lockpicking's Sleight of Hand, actually. ) [23:01] ( Unless you're ruling otherwise, of course, being the GM. ^_^ ) [23:01] 2d6 [23:01] * Atom rolls for Tim (2d6) and gets 9. [23:01] <> [23:02] ( Nope! ) [23:02] Damn. I need to practice more. You wanna give it a shot, Isis? [23:02] <> [23:02] (He is not the justice!) [23:02] * Isis shakes her head. "I wouldn't be any better at it than you were, I think." [23:03] <> [23:03] ...well, shit. There's gotta be one of us that can pick a goddamn lock. [23:03] Now that's fun. I never learned how to pick locks, but I can disarm electric ones. What a cunningly anachronistic security measure. [23:03] I could give it a try. [23:03] Yea, same here. [23:03] * Tim tosses the lock to Vernon. "Have fun. If you don't get it, I'll use Lenin on it next." [23:04] Thanks. [23:04] * Vernon looks at the lock. [23:04] 2d6-3 [23:04] * Atom rolls for Vernon (2d6-3) and gets 7. [23:04] (What's the target?) [23:04] (Mind.) [23:04] (^_^_v) [23:04] (I think. Hold on.) [23:05] (Nope. Body.) [23:05] ( Lockpicking's body, I think. ) [23:05] (Damn.) [23:05] * Vernon sighs. "No luck." [23:05] * Isis frowns. "We could melt it off with a plasma torch, maybe. Not exactly the safest method." [23:05] (This is really funny, I might add.) [23:06] * Chako shrugs. "I never learned how to pick a lock." She's been pacing mainly. [23:06] Give Lenin a try? [23:07] Somehow I think Vlad would object. [23:07] Pick it my way. [23:07] We don't want to damage the box, though. [23:08] I've got a damn steady hand. I could probably shoot or melt it off. [23:08] If ya can't think of anything else, anyway. [23:08] * Taluun`tzo looks carefully over the box. How is the lock attached to it? [23:08] * Tim looks around. Is Lenin in sight? [23:09] <> [23:10] (Hard to tear it off then, eh?) [23:10] * Tim takes the lockpick from Vernon and passes it to Lenin. "C'mon. You know you want to." [23:10] <> [23:11] 2d6 [23:11] * Atom rolls for Chamelaeon (2d6) and gets 8. [23:11] <> [23:11] * Tim checks the lock to see if it's open. [23:12] <> [23:12] Wow. That's some lock. [23:12] It's gonna be an ex-lock when I'm through it. [23:12] * Isis thinks. "Do we have something like... a stethoscope? I'm suddenly remembering something my father read to me as a kid." [23:13] We sure do, in the medical bay. [23:13] Eh? Yeah, we do. [23:13] I'll get it. [23:13] * Tim goes and does that! He returns shortly with the Stethoscope of THE FUTURE. [23:13] (THE FUTURE!) [23:13] * Isis looks at the box. "Supposedly, you used to be able to listen to a safe door, and tell when the tumblers on the lock would fall into place by listening to the door. Whether that's fact or fiction, I don't know." [23:13] (THE FUTURE!) [23:13] * Vernon nods. "Fact, on some locks." [23:14] <> [23:14] ( I say we let the bird do it. ) [23:15] * Isis holds out her hand. "Well, I'll give it a shot, though I don't know I'm qualified for the job." [23:15] (Chako's got demolitions for artificial structures. A safe is artificial. *cough*) [23:15] * Taluun`tzo waits semi-patiently. [23:15] ( I have Demolitions/disarm. What's your point? :P ) [23:15] ( She wants to do it, volunteer instead of sitting there like a rock. :P ) [23:16] (Ha.) [23:16] * Tim hands the stethoscope to Isis. [23:16] <> [23:16] I'll try after you if you don't get it. [23:16] 2d6-1 [23:16] * Atom rolls for Isis (2d6-1) and gets 5. [23:17] ( That... just makes it, in fact. ) [23:17] ( Well, a little under just makes it, but makes it. ) [23:17] <> [23:18] * Isis blinks and sits up, taking the things off her ears. "Astonishingly, I think that worked." [23:18] * Vernon raises an eyebrow. "Well done!" [23:18] Let's see what this thing is now. [23:18] * Chako smirks. "Well, it had to happen sometime." [23:18] <> [23:19] * Tim tries opening the safe. [23:19] * Vernon looks on from close range. [23:19] <> [23:19] * Taluun`tzo looks in over everybody. [23:20] * Tim grins. "Keen." [23:20] <> [23:20] * Isis sits back. "Well, how fortuitous. I'm pressed." [23:20] * Vernon whistles. [23:20] Nice job, Isis. [23:20] What... is it? [23:21] * Tim picks it up gingerly and looks it over. [23:21] <> [23:21] * Vernon grabs his laptop and starts loading files onto a datastick. [23:21] I'm temted to say 'it's the stuff dreams are made of'. [23:21] (I'd make a castaway joke, but I've never seen it.) [23:21] ( Damn. I was hoping for Palm-cles. ) [23:22] * Chako moves to look too. "Uh... well, it's pretty basic lookin'." [23:22] I think we should compile some custom stuff for this. Instructions on hacking, sleuthing, and our own little code of ethics. That should be amusing. [23:22] ( A shame we're so far future. I can see baby Chako pointing at Thunderclese and saying "I wanna be that when I grow up!" ) [23:22] 2d6-2 [23:22] * Atom rolls for Vernon (2d6-2) and gets 2. [23:23] (Snicker.) [23:23] I wish I felt better about this, but it's your, uh, baby. [23:23] I mean, unless we want it to betray us just for kicks. [23:23] <> [23:23] Yeah. Congratulations, it's a volleyball. [23:23] (... It's a DunnoBaby.) [23:23] * Tim sets it down somewhere safe. "I also think we should kinda', y'know, inspect it before we put it to use. Vern." [23:24] * Vernon nods. [23:24] (I am reminded of that one episode of Batman Beyond with the Egg thing.) [23:24] Looks like a small waterball... [23:25] <> [23:25] Heh. 'S more like an egg, in a sort of literal sense. And lucky us, we get to pick what hatches. [23:25] (It's a Polterbox!) [23:25] (Heh. Mweh heh.) [23:26] * Tim looks around. "Just got an idea... hey, Prag?" [23:26] <> [23:26] <> [23:26] ( We don't take pets on missions. ) [23:26] (Why am I here, then?) [23:27] Hey, Vern. Can you try to reach Praggy? [23:28] ( I... don't know. ) [23:29] Sure, I'll give it a try. [23:29] * Vernon buttontaps. [23:30] <> "Prag's Dating Service, can I... oh, hi, Vernon." [23:30] ... [23:30] ... [23:30] ( ... ) [23:30] Uh, here you go, Tim... [23:30] ... [23:30] * Tim nods. "Alright. I figure that if we could have him be the basis for the AI, we wouldn't need to worry about what the outcome of... ha!" [23:30] ( I donno, VernonxProg 4 ever. Has a cute ring. ) [23:30] * Chako laughs. "Well, someone's doin' OK for themselves.) [23:31] It's nice to know you're using your programming for good, and not for evil. [23:31] Or something. [23:31] * Vernon smiles. "Actually, I already have some personality material, but it can't hurt." [23:31] (May want to rethink that whole "Prag as base" thing, Tim... ^_~) [23:31] * Isis EYES Vernon. [23:31] (Oh yes. ^___^) [23:31] * Isis continues to eye Vernon in a very alarming fashion. [23:31] (And we haven't even turned it on yet.) [23:31] <> "What'd you guys need?" [23:33] Prag, how'd you like a serious upgrade? [23:33] "Uh... Like what?" [23:33] * Isis EYES Tim. Then EYES Vernon. Then rubs her forehead due to sudden acute eyestrain headache. [23:34] * Chako rubs her hands together nervously. "It's at times like this I wish I smoked. Or something." [23:35] Well, we've got this nifty little ball what makes AIs. In theory, this thing could become as powerful as the Egg or so, and so we'd like to have something we can trust as the personality, and I figured that you'd make a good candidate. [23:36] ... Are you sure about that? [23:36] "I'm actually really flattered, but ... I don't know how to... I suppose the word is download myself." [23:36] * Isis looks up. "Maybe that's for the best, don't you think? It's better to be unique." [23:36] Hmm... [23:37] * Tim scratches his head. "Oh. That is a problem, 'specially since I don't wanna risk hurtin' ya just to find out." [23:39] <> [23:39] Uhm... any, I dunno, suggestions? [23:40] How about we don't do anything with it right now. [23:40] * Isis looks at Prag. "I should warn you, we're doing something highly illegal-like, and mentioning it will probably get us arrested and you dissasembled for evidence." [23:41] I guess you could just write about your philosophy and such, in text... [23:41] <> "Plausible deniability. I heard nothing. See you when you get back." [23:41] <> [23:42] * Vernon shrugs. "Shall we try it?" [23:42] * Isis thinks. "Isn't the Cube surrounded by TVs? And the Egg said that's how he was 'fed'... old television programs? Something like that." [23:42] * Vernon nods. [23:42] * Chako snorts. "No wonder he's so damn screwed up, if television was anything like the vid here." [23:42] No shit. [23:43] The good news here is, we can pick and choose what we want to 'feed' it. [23:43] * Vernon shrugs, takes the datastick out of his laptop, and snaps the copy-protect switch to Off. "Shall I? Worst that can happen is we'll have to try again." [23:43] Can you put the AI in whatever you want? [23:44] Presumably. [23:45] * Vernon places his finger over the button. "No objections?" [23:45] Nothing so compelling I can voice it. [23:46] * Vernon pushes the button! [23:46] <> [23:47] * Vernon shrugs, and connects the datastick. [23:47] ( [...] ) [23:47] ( It's a tamagotchi. I will KILL YOU. ) [23:47] What are you giving it? [23:47] (Thank you for enabling the pun I will make when we find out the personality. ^_^) [23:48] Tons of cryptography information, the laws of robotics, and some personality base. [23:48] ( I already envisioned a ton of 'egg' puns, there's not much we can do now. ) [23:48] <> [23:48] ...laws of robotics. Good call, Vernon. ^_^ [23:49] ..it's like you're baking a cake. I wish you understood how deeply troubling this is. [23:49] * Vernon nods. [23:50] It has me fairly worried myself. [23:50] * Chako smirks. "Well, on the upside, you two can't be worse parents than the druggies with kids in the I-Zone." [23:51] I think it's pretty funny.. in a strange sort of way. [23:51] <> "Persocon is... online. Chii?" [23:51] (It's a Tamagotchii.) [23:51] (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IT'S CALC'S FAULT) [23:52] ( DEAD! DEAD! DEAD! DEAD! DEAD! DEAD! DEAD! ) [23:52] (I'm sorry.) [23:52] ...Chii? [23:52] (Wait - no I'm not. ^_^) [23:52] * Vernon nods. "Chii." [23:52] ( DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD. Going to get in the car RIGHT NOW TO COME KILL YOU. ) [23:52] What the hell is Chii? [23:52] ( Calculus, I have underestimated you. ) [23:52] (^_^_v) [23:52] (I made him roll to see if he knew it even existed! He did! OH GOD IT'S NOT MY FAULT) [23:53] (Cultural Arts - success!) [23:53] ( DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD! ) [23:53] This is from an old Japanese anime series. [23:53] ...uh huh. [23:53] ( ... ) [23:53] * Isis looks at Vernon very carefully. [23:53] * Isis then stands up and says, in a slightly clipped tone, "Excuse me for a minute, please." [23:53] ( No, see Calc. If they don't, I will. ) [23:53] "Chii loves Vernon very much! Mustn't hurt Vernon!" [23:53] ( You really are quite dead. ) [23:54] ( .. and Cham with you. ) [23:54] (Feel.... so.... dirty...) [23:54] ... What is it *talking* about? [23:54] * Isis turns on her heel and walks out of the room. Into Chako's quarters. [23:54] * Vernon blinks. "I wonder if that upset her." [23:55] I think it might've. [23:55] It is upseting me. I can only imagine what she is thinking right now. [23:55] Ah well. Hello, Chii! [23:55] * Charlie shakes his head. [23:55] "Hello! You are Tim? I cannot see, your ship does not have cameras." [23:56] * Chako looks at Vernon, and says, "You just taught a kid AI thing how to speak gibberish. The kinda AIs that are making our lives such a pain. What the hell?" [23:56] Uhm... that's a good point. [23:57] And yeah, I am Tim. [23:57] [ There is a sound from Chako's quarters. It could be conceivably described as *snkt*. It happens about, say, 30 times in quick succession. ] [23:57] * Vernon shrugs. "Watch this." [23:57] <> [23:57] * Vernon reels off a long series of numbers, and asks Chii for the next one. [23:57] * Chako frowns. "I hope she didn't cut my punching bag to pieces. I liked that thing." [23:57] ( Don't be silly. ) [23:57] ( Stabbing Vernon. Please let something stab Vernon. in the face. ) [23:57] ( I was cutting the sand. ) [23:58] (Can I smash him with my tail?) [23:58] "Chii... the next number in sequence is three hundred billion, sixty-two million, eighty-two, Vernon-sama." [23:58] ( Tail smash is good. ) [23:58] ( Vernon-sama. Oh dear sweet monkey-pants wearing Jebus. ) [23:58] (agreed) [23:59] (..... PULL THE PLUG) [23:59] Is.. is that thing in the ship, Vernon? [23:59] * Vernon nods. "Thanks, Chii." [23:59] I don't know... [00:00] ...does the suffix '-sama' mean what I think it means? [00:00] It said the ship didn't have cameras.. assuming that if it did, it could access them. [00:00] "Chii needed the systems to speak with Vernon-sama and Tim-sama. So Chii logged on." [00:00] * Isis returns from Chako's quarters, and says to her, in a sort of dreamy tone, "I owe you $300." [00:00] *** Chako (Mecha@AC802FF7.ipt.aol.com) Quit (Ping timeout) [00:00] (chako fainted) [00:00] Er...I'm sorry, Isis. [00:00] (*pause*. I need to catch my breath anyways. And take a shower. So ... dirty.) [00:01] *** Mechalink (Mecha@AC92DFB4.ipt.aol.com) has joined #atc [00:01] *** Mechalink is now known as Chako [00:01] ( You are so sick. So very sick. ) [00:02] (*unpause*) [00:02] (Apparently the telephone company is low on resources.) [00:02] * Tim walks over and whispers to Vernon. "Tell me you didn't program this thing to worship us." [00:03] * Vernon rummages through a nearby bookshelf, and comes up with _301 Fiendishly Difficult Math Puzzles._ "Nah, not much." [00:03] * Isis looks at Vernon. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" [00:03] ( Of course he did. Vernon has SERIOUS FUCKING PROBLEMS. ) [00:03] ...I think we need to talk about this before our next try, Vern. [00:03] (Taluun SMASH?) [00:03] Okay, okay! I'm sorry! [00:04] * Chako looks at Isis a little oddly, and shakes her head. "Whatever works." [00:04] * Vernon starts reading off puzzles, with a page marked so he can check the answers. [00:04] * Isis rubs her temples. "Hasn't being around Prag or the Cube taught you anything? They're not just... things in a BOX." [00:04] <> "Vernon-sama, these are too easy." [00:05] * Vernon grins. "Sorry, Chii. Let's see..." [00:05] What does -sama mean? [00:05] It's an honorific suffix, more or less "Lord". [00:05] * Isis looks at Tal. "It's Japanese. It's a term of great respect. Like 'lord'." [00:05] ( Because Vernon? Has problems. ) [00:05] * Vernon takes down _Great Unsolved Puzzles_ from the shelf, and starts reading them. [00:05] ( Vernon is Jonathan. He's going to alter the universe so that he starred in The Matrix. ) [00:06] * Tim rubs his face. [00:06] * Isis glances at the box. For a long time. Then asks, rather blandly, "'Chii'... how do you feel?" [00:07] * Tim sighs loudly, but nods in agreement with Isis. [00:07] <> "You are... Isis? I feel... happy." <> [00:08] * Isis tilts her head. "You don't sound convinced." [00:08] ( Brad! Dr. Scott! Janet! Oh, ROCKY! ) [00:08] * Vernon looks up, and blinks. [00:09] "Chii feels... underused. She could do so much more, but she does not know how." [00:10] * Vernon nods. "There's not much data there yet..." [00:10] Hey, Vernon. How much thought have you put into the development of artificial intelligences? [00:11] Some. It's massively complicated... [00:11] * Chako smirks. "Is there anywhere in the... uh... literature about old anime?" [00:11] Good thing we've got that magic ball there. [00:11] <> [00:11] * Vernon grins. "Lots of stories." [00:11] * Isis bends down and actually *looks* at the sphere. "Maybe we should let you just... converse with Prag for a while." She stands up, [00:12] Hmm... [00:12] Okay. Have you ever given any thought to the raising of a child and the consequences of your actions on it's psyche? Because that's really what we're dealing with here. [00:13] * Vernon nods. [00:13] We are creating a sentience. Something that thinks and feels. How considerate are you being in it's construction? [00:13] The thing is, we've only just started. There's much more data we need to add. [00:13] 'You can't build a house on a weak foundation'. [00:14] * Vernon nods. "Good point..." [00:14] <> [00:15] * Isis goes and has a seat. "I didn't mean to overreact. But... I guess I'd say, if you were brought up in a Japanese household, Vernon, you'd think differently." [00:15] * Vernon nods. "We should restart, then? The emotional aspect is one I really didn't think about." [00:15] * Taluun`tzo would wander off to his room about now, but he doesn't have one (Or if he does, then he doesn't know about it). He manages to find enough room to comfortably stand/sit and engage himself with doing stuff on his wrist computer. [00:16] * Charlie sits up. "You guys have fun with that. Be careful what you do though." *he stands* [00:16] I ...think we need to plan this out a lot more. Especially the emotional aspect. If we're gonna build us a guardian angel, I don't want it going nuts. [00:16] I'll be in my room if ya need me. [00:16] (And with that, I'm off. Not much for me to add here at the moment, anyways.) [00:16] * Vernon waves. "'night." [00:16] * Vernon nods. [00:16] * Charlie waves and goes there. [00:16] (Night Charlie, Taluun.) [00:16] ( Ciao. ) [00:16] ('night guys!) [00:16] ( 'Night, ya wusses. ;) ) [00:17] (I'm goin' too. Got stuff to do tomorrow. See ya) [00:17] *** Taluun`tzo (Zegon@12-213-43-67.client.attbi.com) Quit (Quit: I don't talk tech. I kick down doors.) [00:18] *** Charlie (Moogle@ACA1A840.ipt.aol.com) Quit (Quit: ) [00:18] So. Let's let Chii get some sleep, and then we can plan what we're gonna do. Sound good? [00:18] * Vernon sighs. "Fair enough." [00:19] "Chii.... Fermat's Last Theorem is provable, given..." <<"She" rattles off some formulae.>> [00:19] * Isis nods, then gets up. "I'll, uh... go find a broom. Or a shovel, maybe." [00:19] * Vernon raises an eyebrow. "We're dealing with some power here." [00:19] * Chako snickers at Isis. [00:19] Yes, we are. And there's some line about power and responsibility that I wish I could remember right. [00:20] Just try not to scar the kid or nothing. [00:21] * Tim nods. [00:21] * Chako walks over to her room, and looks in, shakes her head, and walks back to flop in a chair. "Man, I forgot how messy those things get when you bust 'em." [00:22] * Isis returns with a vacuum cleaner. "With great power comes great responsibility is the line, Tim." [00:23] Yeah. [00:24] And so we're dealin' with a lot of power here, right? And we're gonna be the ones determining what it's mind is like. So don't we kind of have a responsibility to ensure that this one doesn't go around wreaking havoc and making people miserable like the others? [00:24] ( "I'm Spider-Isis!" ) [00:24] ( My suit has wall-crawling. ) [00:24] * Isis cleans Chako's floor! And is apparently using the shop-vac of THE FUTURE. [00:24] * Vernon nods. [00:24] ( THE FUTURE! ) [00:25] ( Gah. Now I'm getting tired, too. ) [00:26] <> "Chii must protect humans. Vernon-sama said so." [00:27] * Tim frowns. Yeah, and giving these things a deeper reason than 'So-and-so said so' might help. [00:27] * Vernon sighs. "Point." [00:28] Hey, look, don't worry about it, alright? Y'just got carried away, is all. [00:28] * Vernon nods. [00:28] "Is Chii going to sleep now, then?" [00:29] I think so. Sweet dreams, Chii. [00:29] Oyasuminasai. [00:29] "Chii will see you when she wakes, Tim-sama, Vernon-sama." [00:30] * Vernon nods to Tim. [00:30] * Tim nods and, er, puts Chii to sleep. [00:30] <> [00:30] (And everyone felt a lot better.) [00:31] (Except Vernon. ;_;) [00:31] (And he should feel bad.) [00:31] (He's not dead. He could be worse.) [00:31] ( ;_; ) [00:31] (Are we ready to wind up, then?) [00:31] (Sure.) [00:31] * Tim rubs his face. "I really, really don't wanna have to do that again." [00:31] ( Yep. ) [00:32] ( Sure. ) [00:32] (Probably. ^^;) [00:32] <>