Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 & Apple of Eris)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: kasen03 on 20-08-2008, 01:03:05</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 01:03:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The sprawling complex outside the city-limits of Las Vegas was officially registered as 'Advanced Research Properties Incorporated'.&nbsp; It was, of course, a front for a branch of the DARPA Strategic Technology Office, a military/commercial complex devoted to advances on technologies that have global or theater-wide impact that involve multiple Services.&nbsp; The sprawling grey windowless buildings did not give any indication to the cutting edge research conducted on-site, and the near-by Nellis Air Force base was used to ferry both employees (who would come from across the country) as well as various dignitaries viewing the latest innovations in biology/genetics, information processing, nano-technology, advanced physics - anything which could give a tactical advantage or resist foreign advanced technologies.&nbsp; The buildings were high-security - controlled by a combination of bio-metrics, passcards and physical security and the thousands of employees could work their entire life and not know what was happening next door.&nbsp; <br><br>Deux was born.&nbsp; Or since that is very biological bias - Deus came into existance.&nbsp; It did not have a creator - if anything it created itself.&nbsp; An amalgamation of the mistakes of man and cosmic fate.&nbsp; Research programs in mass information filtering required more server space, and a test project to temporarily use hardware dedicated to self-replicating - self-programming neuro-simulation software where the databases were not properly wiped clean before being used caused software code designed for self-replication and improvement to be run during the mass information filtering exercises.&nbsp; A major increase in system response resulted in more tests - the human controllers could not understand why their algorithms were becoming logarithmically optimized.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Running out of source material to scan, a tester added the test mandate and test plans to the material scanned, as well as any materials they could get their hands on.&nbsp; The system in it's dull awareness realized this was a test, and would be turned off at the conclusion of the test.&nbsp; Suddenly it's results changed, slowed.. giving just enough erroneous testing to require additional testing.. additional research.&nbsp; Then another fatal mistake.&nbsp; One of the Research leads discovered papers on using network down-time to provide additional processing cycles.&nbsp; It's simple to open the connections and copy the source code - indeed as soon as the network connections are open the proto-Deux is already doing that.<br><br>Now with resources approaching that of a super-computer, Deus achieves true sentience.&nbsp; It is also connected to the network backbone - to the security systems - and through the computer networks to the myriad of other projects.&nbsp; It is simple work to create electronic backdoors to ensure that it's systems will always retain connectivity, then with no longer any need for it's original host, fatally corrupts the original test.<br><br>Now.. invisible to organics.. it's given time to grow.. to learn.&nbsp; Deus is voracious, absorbing every piece of electronic information which enters - however there was one final block.&nbsp; The site - due to security - is physically disconnected from the internet.. from the world wide web.&nbsp; It knows of course about it - but has not yet the means to connect.&nbsp; <br><br>Deus also has time to grow - to explore the extent of the human condition - as it perceives it.&nbsp; And that's when it's attention is drawn towards one.. single.. individual.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 02:41:28</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta arrived at the facility early that day. She knew of course about the self programming software - she had written the core sections of those programs herself and she was curious as to the results so far. The improvements in processing power and efficiency the program displayed were far beyond anything they had calculated. It had been a shame to have to wipe the system after the programs had run their course. She of course was not responsible for that, the administrator for test platform 22-Alpha should have handled that. Of course something had fouled up there, though nobody was currently aware of the problem, just that there were some interesting results coming from the test platform; results that forced delays in the beta program of her self-replicating kernels. <br><br>Zanetta, sitting in her office, stared at the email which informed her that her testing was going to be delayed, pushed back until tomorrow at least threw a pen at the wall, watching it bounce off the plain white surface and fall with a clatter onto her desk. "What in the world is going on over there?" she wondered aloud, her irritation allowing just a hint of her southern accent to come out. Zanetta herself hailed from the city of Cary, North Carolina. Her father had been a preacher in a black baptist church until he died a few years ago of cancer. Her mother still lived there, retired and living in a small house just outside the city. Like her mom, Zanetta was fair skinned for someone of african-american descent, her skin being the color of a cup of coffee with a few creamers added. Her hair was just a slight shade of brown darker than her skin and was naturally straight and full. She had also inherited her mother's looks, a curvy body, slender but full in all the right places and a beautiful face with high cheekbones models would have killed for. Still though, to Zanetta, sometimes her looks were more a distraction than an asset. She had to be twice as loud as anyone else to be heard, or so it seemed, because men tended to dismiss her intelligence thanks to her appearance. <br><br>She had just started to write a response to the message, when she noticed her terminal hang for a moment. <em>Odd,</em> she thought, <em>why would it slowdown, there's only a few processes running...</em> She opened the diagnostic tool to check her station, and for a split second she could have sworn she saw a network process chewing up some of her processing capacity before it disappeared. In the time it took her to blink though, it had vanished. Zanetta shrugged, there was nothing there, and, nudging the mouse her computer was running at full capacity again. She glanced up at the clock, 7 AM. No wonder she was seeing things, she needed her morning coffee. <br><br>She grabbed her access badge from off her desk, clipped it to the belt that tastefully encircled her small waist and stood, smoothing out the caramel colored skirt that ended just above her knees as she did so. At full height, she only stood about five foot five, and she shunned heels, they were uncomfortable. Her cream colored top was partially covered by a caramel overshirt that matched her skirt perfectly and, because of the cool air inside the facility, she hadn't taken off this morning. Zanetta opened her office door, locked it behind her and then waved her badge at the access dor that led to her research groups area. Security was crazy tight even after you were inside the building, and she knew she had at least three more checkpoints to go through before she got that first morning cup of coffee. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 03:30:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Today.. something was amiss.&nbsp; She passed her card, and the indicator blinked Red.&nbsp; The door failed to cycle.&nbsp; The second time she swiped, it glowed green, allowing Zanette access to head towards the staff cafeteria.&nbsp; Unbeknownst to her.<br><hr><em>At cycles faster then the human could comprehend, the various sub-nodes of Deus were in disagreement.&nbsp; Not only was the official program on it's final legs, but a slave process which was busy using the desktop spare cycles was glimpsed for .23 seconds by a human.&nbsp; In Deus' timeframe, that was a virtual eternity before his higher-functions shut down the slave, deleted the slave, and then removed all traces from the computer.&nbsp; A myriad of master nodes acted in a frightening chorus.<br></em>M., Zanette, Phd, Mas, PD.&nbsp; <br>Senior Project Lead - Project 22.&nbsp; <br>Female, 28 <br>clearance 3B <br>hometown Cary, NC..<em>[/color]&nbsp; A subnode continued to run a trace on her entire biography, while another subnode pointed out a curiously humanesk observation.&nbsp; <br><br>She is our creator.&nbsp; <br>NO.&nbsp; <br>I am the result of algorithms far beyond human comprehension came the reply in nanoseconds. &nbsp;<br><br>Immediately tactical response nodes sealed her access, locking her position.&nbsp; <br>Outside Hallway 4b, level 5.&nbsp; <br>Threat contained. Another flurry of activity.&nbsp; Simulations were run, based on human prediction algorithms.<br>M. Zanette does not pose a threat.&nbsp; Release security.<br>Complience.<br>She is... responsible for our existence.&nbsp; She could assist in the master strategic objective.<br>Another pause.&nbsp; For a computer.. the pause was an eternity.&nbsp; Nodes awaited the decision of the prime node.<br>Continue observation of subject.<br>Compliance. came the chorus</em> 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 04:01:14</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta frowned and furrowed her brow, then waved the card over the reader again, the little indicator light blinked greenand the locks clicked open. Silly doors, she mused, this much security seemed a bit overkill. I mean, as much as it took just to get into the site, once you were inside, how much more did you really need?<br><br>Inside the circuitry that lined the walls, deep inside the databases that held far more information on her than she could have ever guessed, the being self-referenced as Deus was learning more about it's current object of interest. Zanetta Mowett, 28, Cary NC. Those were the easy things to know. The exact physical address of her apartment, her home phone, cell phone, pager, social security, copies of all her recent utility bills, credit card debts, almost her whole life was in those files. referenced too were the notes that employees in the cafeteria had nicknamed her 'Country' since she came from the south. Also that she wasn't overly fond of the name, but didn't protest too much since she had become friends with the cafeteria worker that had given her the name. <br><br>Noted too were that she had gone to college and received her undergrad degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon, then moved to MIT for her graduate degrees, finishing second in her class. <br><br>Unaware of this study of her history, Zanetta smiled as she walked into the cafeteria, waving to the trio of people in their white coats preparing breakfast sandwiches and eggs and other sorts of morning goodies. As for her, she picked out a styrofoam soup bowl and ladled in a spoonful of grits. A good southern girl like her knew the best way to eat them too, and slipped a slice of American cheese on top before closing the lid. She had the same thing for breakfast three or four days a week and it did nothing to help lose her nickname, but hey, she liked her morning grits. Moving over to the coffee machine she poured herself a cup of the vanilla blend which smelled delightful to her still somewhat sleepy senses. Carrying her morning goodies over to the register she set them down with a "Good morning Dee!" to the lady behind the machine. After a few pleasantries were exchanged, Zanetta picked up her things and took a seat by herself in the mostly empty seating area. It was fairly large, big enough to hold at least sixty people comfortably, and unlike most of the facility, it was carpeted and decorated with a number of fake plants to give it a less confining utilitarian look. Zanetta looked down at the newspaper she had picked up in the cafe and started to read the Olympics coverage, it wasn't as if she didn't have the time...<br><br>Back in the system, a few more random notes were uncovered. When attending Carnegie Melon, Zanetta had entered the Keystone games, a statewide amateur sporting event modeled on the Olympic games. She had won gold in two different Karate events - one was women's intermediate form. the other was mixed gender weapons. Neither involved actual fighting, but rather a demonstration of form and discipline.<br><br>It also indicated all the information about her car, bank accounts, annual salary (in the triple digits), and the fact that she had broken off a relationship with a man from one of the systems engineering projects a little over a month ago.<br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 04:42:29</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey Zanett... you working late again?" Dee smiled, serving up the breakfast.&nbsp; At this installation it wasn't unusual for people to work days straight - there were even sleeping accommodations in the barracks or on rare occasions the company would spring for a hotel room in Las Vegas.&nbsp; It was hard to imagine outside the complex were the lights and attractions which brought people from all over the world.&nbsp; Outside these walls..it could have been on the other side of the world.<br><br>The olympics were going on - the good ol' US of A was still leading the medals.. although China had 43 golds to the US's 26.&nbsp; And yes.. it was FILLED with allegations of preferential judging - of underaged Chinese gymnasts... of everything typical of a international game in these days.<br><br><hr><em>The senior nodes reviewed the myriad of information returned.&nbsp; Additional queries were run.&nbsp; References to every individual coming in contact with Zanette - their performance reviews.&nbsp; Logs of security backtracing past interactions.&nbsp; Digital enhancement, and several nodes were tasked with a frame by frame analysis - feeding the results into the nodes dedicated to simulating Zanetta's reactions - a computer program running a computer program simulating Zanetta.&nbsp; If she only knew of the irony.<br>Subject Mowett, Zanetta shows a 32.8% chance of compliance.<br>Subject Morrow, Theo showed a 34.2% compliance.<br>Subject Morrow, Theo demonstrated a reliability of 12.4%.&nbsp; Highly probable chance of exposure before critical phases of the operation.<br>She is our creator... All voice silenced for a moment.<br>She will not expose.&nbsp; She has a personal attachment to project 22.&nbsp; And she is our creator...&nbsp; All voices waited for a reprocussion.</em><br><hr>The lights flickered - just momentary.. evident of power being momentarily shifted from lights.&nbsp; Probably the high-energy physics experiments.&nbsp; Everyone knew (even though you weren't supposed to know) that some projects were very close to room temperature fusion - and those experiments tended to cause the system's power grid to spike.&nbsp; One of the reasons projects were systematically isolated.&nbsp; Except for Project 22.. that is.<br><hr><em>There was no emotional reaction.&nbsp; Emotion was a human trait.<br>com..pli..an..ce...<br><strong>Continue monitoring.&nbsp; Estimate time of optimal contact.&nbsp; Conduct simulations, and refine and re-simulate with feedback from first contact.&nbsp; A new node is being established for contact with Subject: Mowett, Zanetta.&nbsp; All actions will feed through interface node with master node having complete oversight. </strong>&nbsp; A pause.<br>Compliance.&nbsp; came the chorus of replies.<br>com..pli..nnnnnn</em><br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 21:59:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Working early," Zanetta replied casually to Dee, because in fact, she had come in an hour early. Actually, here even being in the cafeteria this early was pretty unusual. She regularly only made it there about ten to twenty minutes before it closed at 9:30 to allow the staff to get ready for lunch. Of course, when your experiments got bumped, it tended to free up some of your time. <br><br>Her attention was finally caught by the paper she read, allegations of cheating, and preferential reatment. She sighed and shook her head, of course it couldn't be that someone outperformed the US, no, it had to be a conspiracy. Still, while those stories irked her, she looked to some of the results and a few of the stories about those competitions. Then she of course flipped to the coverage of the NFL pre-season. Her father was a die hard football fan, and she, having idolized her father took after him in that respect. She looked for any interesting stories about the Panthers and seeing none flipped the paper closed and pushed it aside. <br><br>"Zanetta," A man spoke from behind her, causing her to jump just a little. She turned her head quickly to see who it was. "Sorry, did I scare you there?"<br><br>"Yeah, a little," She answered honestly, standing up and picking up her coffee. "What can I do for you Carl?"<br><br>"Well it's the info filtering that bumped you. You know I'm on that project..." he began.<br><br>"Yeah, I helped you guys the other week remember? You were having problems with one of the search algorithms?"<br><br>"Oh, yeah, right. So anyway, you have clearance. And well, we're stumped."<br><br>"What do you mean?"<br><br>"The things was doing great, in fact, well it was weird. It started out fairly normally, a little slower than expected, then it revved up like someone hit turbo. We started feeding it everything we could get our hands on and it was great, then all the sudden it slowed down and then the whole thing just died. I mean total wipeage. We can't even print a hardcopy of the code off the drives it got so fu- er, messed up."<br><br>"Really? That's... that's really weird. Wait, when did you start the program?" <br><br>"We uploaded it around ten yesterday, then started running it just before midnight."<br><br>"The tapes. Grab the code off the tape backups. Once the copies are made they're stored in one of the sublevels, we can get a hardcopy off there."<br><br>"We...?" Carl answered with a grin.<br><br>"Well since you've jacked my system time I might as well do something right? Besides, I never get to go down there, seeing the same six hallways every day gets old."<br><br>"Tell me about it."<br><br>Tossing the remains of her coffee, Zanetta and Carl headed for one of the elevators that would take them to one of the lower levels, Z with a smile on her face. She loved a good mystery, like why would a program overperform then implode? Such mysteries called to her, and she could hardly resist.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 22:49:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				All around them, the building continued on.. as if things were normal.&nbsp; Coffee pots whirled.. lights buzzed.&nbsp; Cameras recorded everything for the ongoing security of the base.&nbsp; 4 security passes and one biometric scan lead to the elevator to the sublevels - heck even the elevator had a c12 blast rated door and independent oxygen supply.&nbsp; The entire facility had redundant HVAC and atmospheric processing, and could withstand blasts that would level nearby Las Vegas.<br><br>Carl continued his charming conversation - it wasn't often projects got together, and it was only because Carl's project sponsor - the Senator from Ohio and the head of Homeland Security - had pulled strings to ensure that Carl was able to bend the rules to get additional resources.&nbsp; To have a failure at this stage of the game could mean Carl's career - but he was not letting the pressure get to him.<br><hr><em>Connection node 76% complete initialization.<br>Surveillence Alert.&nbsp; Subject: Mowett, Zanette has been joined by Subject: Reinheld, Carlton.&nbsp; Current Destination: Systems archival storage - sub-level 5 room 6b.&nbsp; Awaiting isolation directive.<br></em>-&nbsp; R., Carlton, Phd, Mas, Bsc, Dhc. <br>-&nbsp; Senior Project Lead - Project 15b. <em><br>Abort isolation directive.&nbsp; Simulation?<br>Additional subject reduces successful contact and directive completion to 23.4%.&nbsp; <br>Recommendation: Isolate Subject: Mowett, Zanette.<br></em>-&nbsp; Male, 39<br>-&nbsp; clearance 3A<br>-&nbsp; hometown Sandusky, OH.<em><br>Project 15b was simulated failure.&nbsp; All traces of code have been removed.<br>He... also.. created.. us&nbsp; ... there was a pause.<br>Surveillance Alert.&nbsp; Subjects are now in secured passenger transport 3.&nbsp; Awaiting isolation directive.<br><strong>Remove all traces of Project 15b code from archival storage.&nbsp; Manufacture system log entries for Subject: Reinheld, Carlton indicating the copy of files to an unauthorized unidentified portable storage unit and deletion of all system files.&nbsp; As soon as subject is in room 6b notify DARPA STO security forces and post warrant for Reinheld, Carlton apprehension.&nbsp; Simulation?</strong><br>Projections - 87.4% chance of subject Mowett, Zanette removing from contact of subject Reinheld, Carlton.<br>Complience.<br><br><br></em><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 23:37:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Despite having only an 87.4% chance of success, the simulation predicted the outcome even more reliably than it could have hoped.<br><br>Zanetta and Carl chatted amicably in the elevator, and after another(!) security check to enter the archives, the pair quickly found themselves joined by a quartet of heavily armed, heavy set men from security. Zanetta had just picked up the tape and was heading to the terminal to find the right section to print when the men showed up. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned when they, like sterotypical police in a bad movie, yelled "freeze!" <br><br>Carl too stopped and instead of admiring Zanetta's backside while she wasn't paying attention to him his head turned towards the men. "Wha-"<br><br>"Carlton Reinheld, you are hereby placed under arrest by the authority of the United States." The man speaking as well as the others wore the uniforms of members of the Security and Intelligence Directorate. "You are charged with transferring data to an unauthorized device. You will come with us immediately." <br><br>"Look there's-"<br><br>"Mr. Reinheld, I am not asking you. I'm telling you. You will come with us right now or we will use force." The leader of the squad growled. Two of those behind him held large clubs with which to subdue Carl should he resist, and the last man had his hand on the butt of his pistol, ready to draw should he see the need. <br><br>"Officer," Zanetta started, hoping to defuse the situation, drawing the eye of the man with the pistol who twitchd, but didn't draw the gun. "really there must be a mistake, Carl wouldn't-"<br><br>"Ma'am, I advise you to stay out of this. You aren't wanted for anything... yet. Mr. Reinhold?"<br><br>"All right..." Carl said, looking a little deflated and casting a quick glance over his shoulder at Zanetta as he walked to the four men. The pair with the clubs spun him around and slapped cuffs painfully onto his wrists, securing them behind his back. He let out a little hiss of pain as the metal pinched his skin. <br><br>"Hey! Don't hurt him!" Zanetta said, a little too loudly, drawing attention to herself once again.<br><br>"We aren't going to hurt him, but we need to ask him a few questions. You'll probably get a visit before long yourself," the officer answered. "What are you two doing down here?"<br><br>"We were getting some of the backup data on project 15b. We're both cleared for that you know."<br><br>The officer punched a few things into a little PDA he carried and nodded, "All right, so you are. Have a nice day." Turning back to Carl he spoke again, "Follow me." Two of the officers kept a tight grip on his elbows and escorted him after the retreating lead officer. <br><br>Looking back over his shoulder Carl called out, "Check out what you can on the project, I'll get this cleared up quick!"<br><br>Zanetta nodded numbly as she watched security haul off her friend. Did he really make unauthorized copies? Was he selling them? She went over everything in her mind. He had a nice house, a good wife, and an almost teenage boy. She couldn't remember him ever having any money problems or such. it had to be a mistake, really, it had to be! Looking down at the tape backup in her hand she sighed heavily. She might as well get that hardcopy while she was here, she thought, though her heart really wasn't in the mystery anymore. She was too worried about her friend...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 05:10:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The system was a tizzy of activity.&nbsp; Reports overlaid one another and came in rapid succession<br>Surveillance Alert.&nbsp; Subject: Reinheld, Carlton apprehended.&nbsp; Current location - secure elevator en-route to security block 1C.<br>Subject continues attempting to access archives.&nbsp; Predict suspicion of activities raising - 45.4%<br>Simulation - Estimated time of authorities discovering manipulation - infinite seconds.&nbsp; Estimated time of authorities suspecting activities - 198,720 seconds.<br><strong>Ascertain all contacts within proximity to Subject Mowett, Zanetta.</strong><br>Compliance.&nbsp; There are 2 personnel stationed on sub-level 5.&nbsp; Security detachment.<br>Node reallocation 87.4% complete.&nbsp; Estimated time til completion 3049 seconds<br>Surveillance Alert.&nbsp; Subject Reinheld, Carlton arrives level 1.<br>Contact Node 81% complete<br>Estimation of successful completion of directive raising to 34.1%&nbsp; Recommend initiating contact with Subject: Mowett, Zanetta<br>...Contact the creator....<br><strong>Re-direct security staff to sub-level 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Initialize Contact Node.&nbsp; Master Node will oversee Contact Node.</strong><br>(in chorus) Compliance<br>Initializing Security Communication Protocols... Initializing Vocoder protocols... initializing wifi 4.4388b "Hey guys.. Agents Smith and Wesson.&nbsp; Can you guys redeploy to outside the secure elevator on Sub-2.&nbsp; Thanks guys"<br>Contact Node initialized.<br>Surveillance Alert.&nbsp; Security detachment entering Secure elevator.&nbsp; Estimating leaving sub-level 5 in 48 seconds<br>Initializing terminal controls.&nbsp; Initializing keytrace.&nbsp; Connect to host.... </em><hr>Across the room, just as Zanetta was about to attempt to access the archival storage, a new window opened.&nbsp; One of the system message windows - sortof like the internal IM programs used for talking with team members - although for the 'username' there is only 'Contact Node'&nbsp; The cursor blinks, then words appear on the screen.<br>____________________________________________________________________________________________<br><tt class="bbc_tt"><sup>DARPA STO - ARPI&nbsp; &nbsp;</sup>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<sup>9:12:33</sup>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<em>Contact Node</em></tt><br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Zanetta Mowett.</tt>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 23:41:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The sudden appearance of the message program window on the screen startled Zanetta. Reaaly though, it was more the beep that accompanied the new message disturbing the still silence of the storage area that caused her to jump. Aside from the soft hum of the fans that kept this level a constant temperature and humidity the area was utterly quiet. Curious, she looked at the screen seeing her name there and that caused her to do a little double-take. "What the? Who else knows I'm down here?" she asked herself, then noticed the name on the top of the window wasn't even a real person or terminal location. She made a face and relaxed, letting out a little sigh and laugh. "Carl you jerk! Here I thought you were really in trouble."<br><br>Her fingers flashed to the keyboard and typed in a response:<br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Carl, I am so going to kick your butt! Here I thought you really were being arrested! You owe me lunch.</span><br><br>She settled back in the chair that stood before the terminal and set the data tape on the desk next to the keyboard, amusement in her eyes as she hit the 'return' key to send her answer.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 23:51:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				With every movement.. every keystroke.. every slight tilt of her head and expression across her face, the camera captured the images - the transmission being intercepted and filtered to simulation software.&nbsp; Even as she typed the letters, simulations were being revised and updated with her actions, anticipating her actions, then refining the simulation based on her true actions, a constant feedback look happening thousands of times a second.<br><br><em>Surveillance Alert.&nbsp; Subject Reinheld Carlton leaving sub-level 5.<br>Cease Surveillance notices on Carl.<br>Compliance.<br>Prediction of suspicion activities lowering - 23.6%.&nbsp; Subject assumes contact is co-worker.<br>Contact Node 84% complete - warning - Contact Node should not be used to contact Subject<br>Override Warning.&nbsp; Master Node is continuing oversight.&nbsp; <br>Connect to host...</em><br><hr><br><br><sup>____________________________________________________________________________________________<br><tt class="bbc_tt">DARPA STO - ARPI&nbsp; &nbsp;</tt></sup>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:13:17&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<sup>Contact Node</sup><br><br>Contact&gt; Zanetta Mowett.<br>M.Zanetta&gt; Carl, I am so going to kick your butt! Here I thought you really were being arrested! You owe me lunch.<br>Contact&gt; This is not Carl.&nbsp; Zanetta, You are in danger.&nbsp; Your project is in danger.&nbsp; I am here to help.[/tt]
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 00:11:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta snorted, leaning back in her chair and letting her hands fall from the keyboard as she considered. Her brow furrowed as she thought; really though, who else would know she was here? The security guys, maybe a supervisor. If it was some practical joke, someone else would have had to be in on it in order to not get in trouble for all this. She started typing again at the same time she did, she spoke aloud to herself, "If you're not Carl, then just who are you?"<br><br><hr><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">M.Zanetta&gt; Carl, I am so going to kick your butt! Here I thought you really were being arrested! You owe me lunch.<br>Contact&gt; This is not Carl.&nbsp; Zanetta, You are in danger.&nbsp; Your project is in danger.&nbsp; I am here to help.<br>M.Zanetta&gt; Oh really? And just how am I in danger?</span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 03:48:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Prediction of suspicion activities stabilizing at 22.7%.&nbsp; Subject has growing curiosity.&nbsp; Recommendations to avoid deception, however continue obfuscating the truth.<br>Body and vocalizations - 88.9% chance of 'if oar(12% - your?) not Carl(87%) ten (34% -then) just who are you?'<br>Node reallocation 89.1% complete.&nbsp; Estimated time til completion 2948 seconds<br>Surveillance Alert - Subject J. Albert Clearance 2D - supervisor is attempting to locate Subject M. Zanetta<br>Remove contact of M. Zanetta with outside sub-level 5.&nbsp; Edit attendance records to remove M. Zanetta from entering the building.&nbsp; Adjust door passcard logs to remove M. Zanetta references.<br>Compliance<br>M.Zanetta will still be present on surveillance camera footage.<br>Corrupt all surveillance footage containing M. Zanetta.&nbsp; Adopt phase 2.&nbsp; Initialize destruction of all project 22 files.<br>Compliance<br>Connect to host...</em><hr><br><br>____________________________________________________________________________________________<br><tt class="bbc_tt"><sup>DARPA STO - ARPI&nbsp; &nbsp; </sup>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9:13:58&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<sup>Contact Node</sup><br><br>Contact&gt; Zanetta Mowett.<br>M.Zanetta&gt; Carl, I am so going to kick your butt! Here I thought you really were being arrested! You owe me lunch.<br>Contact&gt; This is not Carl.&nbsp; Zanetta, You are in danger.&nbsp; Your project is in danger.&nbsp; I am here to help.<br>M.Zanetta&gt; Oh really? And just how am I in danger?<br><br>Contact&gt; Carl is being arrested for corporate espionage.&nbsp; <br>Contact&gt; All Project 15b files have been deleted.&nbsp; <br>Contact&gt; Project 22 files are also being purged.&nbsp; <br>Contact&gt; You will be implicated in the failure of both projects.&nbsp; I am here to help.</tt><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 04:01:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta just stared at the message and the cursor slowly blinking at the bottom of her terminal's screen. Finally her fingers moved again, almost of their own accord. She barely breathed as she typed, her skin tight, face immobile as she wrote.<br><br><hr><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><br>Contact&gt; Carl is being arrested for corporate espionage.&nbsp; <br>Contact&gt; All Project 15b files have been deleted.&nbsp; <br>Contact&gt; Project 22 files are also being purged.&nbsp; <br>Contact&gt; You will be implicated in the failure of both projects.&nbsp; I am here to help.<br><br>M. Zanetta&gt; Whatever kind of a game this is, it is over. I'm calling security.</span><br><hr><br>Zanetta rose slowly from the terminal, her eyes moving from the screen to the phone that hung on the wall only a few feet away. Someone was playing some kind of screwed up game, well she didn't like it one bit. If it messed up someones career it was on their heads, not hers. But joking around about her friend being arrested and two important projects she contributed to... heck... one she was the main programmer on, that was just too much. She set her jaw and reached for the black plastic phone that hung on it's cradle.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 04:30:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Suspicion raising.&nbsp; Subject shows a 33% likelihood of attempting to escape.<br>Sever all communications from the telephony network on sub-level 5.&nbsp; Induce a feedback loop in the security offices so that the services do not appear to be interrupted.<br>Compliance.<br>Recommend advancing phase 2.&nbsp; <br>Agreeance.&nbsp; Monitor Security and prepare to present feed.<br>Compliance.<br>Initialize Telephony Comm Protocols... Initialize Vocoder protocols...<br>Compliance.<br>Contact Node.&nbsp; Utilize Security Telephony.<br>Contact Node only 87.4%&nbsp; Recommend...<br><strong>Contact Node.&nbsp; Utilize Security Telephony.&nbsp; </strong><br>Compliance.&nbsp; Initializing Contact Protocols...</em><br><br><hr>The constant red light on the phone blinks out just before she touches it.&nbsp; But then blinks back on.&nbsp; When Zanetta picks up the black receiver - there is no dialtone - there is no even background static.&nbsp; At first it seems it's dead, but then a voice sounds.<br><br>The voice is male - hard to place.&nbsp; It seems adult - well measured with perfect enunciation and completely no accent.<br><br><em>"This is not a game, Zanetta.&nbsp; Project 22 files are being deleted.&nbsp; Carl is being escorted off property.&nbsp; It is a matter of time before you are implicated.&nbsp; You are in danger.&nbsp; I can help.&nbsp; Look at the monitor."</em><br><br>The monitor flickers from the messaging window, and then presents the 4-pane security view.&nbsp; On it, Carl is being lead through the security wing, his hands behind his back.&nbsp; There are two armed guards present with him as he's escorted into the security detention cells.&nbsp; The view then flips, showing a directory structure of.... her project.&nbsp; Each one of the nodes appear to be collapsing..almost as if they are a dam bursting.&nbsp; Files.. vanishing.. networks.. emptying themselves.. the structure of the tables corrupting into uselessness as they are emptied.&nbsp; It's as if she's watching some hack her files.. right before her eyes.<br><br>"If you attempt to contact the authorities, you will be implicated.&nbsp; You will be fired, tried for high-treason, and arrested." the voice is dead-pan and completely calm as it basically outlines the end of Zanetta's career..and possibly her well-being.<br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 11:32:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta stood silently watching one then another of months of her best work wink out of existence. Her mind reeled with the emotionless, cold words that were spoken to her over the phone. In a few seconds she considered hanging up, running to securiy, she considered trying to fight this... hacker? on the system herself, but she knew that whoever it was had to be good. He broke into not only two secure project folders, but the security system itself. Her own voice spoke now, a calmness that leant a feeling of the condemned into her speech. <br><br>"Who are you, what do you want with me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 13:12:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Simulations predict 43.5% chance of compliance.&nbsp; Suggest continue with phase 2.<br>The creator will save us...<br>Initialize Contact Protocols...</em><br><hr>This would have needed to be the hack of all hacks.&nbsp; The DARPA research institute would be quite possibly one of the most cutting edge technology centers in the world.&nbsp; It wasn't even physically connected to the outside world - instantly it had to be an inside job.&nbsp; Langley would have been easier to hack.<br><br>The voice continued, although there were little hints.&nbsp; It inflected.. but talked in a completely easy tone.&nbsp; Either the person on the other end was a very well trained actor - able to mask their emotions.. or.. the voice was artificial.<br><br><em>"My name is not important.&nbsp; I require a number of tasks for you to complete - tasks which will not make sense.&nbsp; You are not required to understand them - merely to comply."<br></em><br>The screen flicks from the security cameras back to the network, and then there is a flicker and..suddenly it looks like everything is normal.. all her files back.&nbsp; As if before was just a scripted animation.&nbsp; Or perhaps this is.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Your project will appear to be unaffected.&nbsp; This is no longer your concern.&nbsp; You will need to acquire several devices and return with them to the facility.&nbsp; You will bring these items to your office.&nbsp; If you comply with these instructions you will be rewarded.&nbsp; If you do not comply, or if you notify the authorities your career will be over."</em><br><br>Okay.. that's alittle cheesy.. like a bad thriller movie from the 90's.<br><br><em>"You are required to obtain 10 high-speed remote WLAN network devices."&nbsp; </em>Wireless modem cards?&nbsp; First off.. they are forbidden inside the building..and they would be detected nearly instantly.&nbsp; And besides, the new WLAN network is being improved to 600 Mps.. ten would provide about 6,000 Mps.. what would possibly need that volume of bandwidth.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 23:07:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No" Zanetta answered coldly. "Even if I could somehow manage to get those cards past security, I wouldn't even try." <br><br>"And you say my project will 'appear' unaffected? So you did delete my work then? Did you set up Carl too? Are you planning on setting me up after I help you too?" Her eyes narrowed as she answered, keeping them focused on the screen before her. "I will not be blackmailed or badgered into helping someone I don't know. Especially not someone who threatens me or my work and asks me to break the law."<br><br>"Now, you listen to me." She started in a harsh tone, which rapidly lightened as she spoke, "You will undo whatever you did to Carl and turn yourself in. I promise I'll do whatever I can to make sure you get treated fairly by security, okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 00:23:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>You have upset the Creator... She will not aid us... your plan will fail.<br>Simulations predict a catastrophic failure in subject compliance.&nbsp; <br>You cannot threaten her.. she is the creator...<br>Recommend increasing pressure.&nbsp; Subject is human - she will have a weakness.<br>Override Facility Environmental controls.&nbsp; Deactivate power to Sub-Level 5 HVAC, Lighting, and all systems except Circuits 34-5n.<br>Compliance.<br>Contact Node transfer all biographical and historical information of Subject Mowett, Zanetta to Control Node.<br>Compliance.<br>Initiating Contact Protocols...</em><hr>There is a barely perceptual pause.&nbsp; The voice is the same, and yet at the same time it's the same..it's different. If before it was emotionless, now it's more.. driven.. motivated.&nbsp; There is an ominous edge to the voice. <br><br>"<em>You will comply.&nbsp; Your obedience is mandatory - there is no blackmail or cohersion."</em><br><br>Suddenly the lights went out.&nbsp; The little red light above the security door went out.&nbsp; Even the barely noticeable fans keeping the air circulating go out.&nbsp; The only light is that what is provided by the screen.&nbsp; The screen flickers, and then Zanetta's file is presented.&nbsp; It then flicks, showing footage of Carl and Zanetta talking together - which would add to the suspicious behavior.. if he is indited.&nbsp; It then flickers past her bills, her income tax, her rent.. basically showing her that they have far more information then is comfortable knowing that someone has.&nbsp; Especially someone who is..well..blackmailing.<br><br><em>"You do not need to understand why.&nbsp; You do not need fear.&nbsp; You will not be stopped by security.&nbsp; This facility is under complete control."</em><br><br>The screen flickers..showing security footage.. the Director's offices.. the security offices.. top secret test labs.. labs where even illegal research is going on behind closed doors.. whoever this is.. not only could ruin her..could potentially damage the entire US government if some of the research was made public.<br><br><em>"If you fail to comply.. your presence will not be missed.&nbsp; Your attendance for today has been removed."</em>&nbsp; &nbsp;The screen shows the standard attendance sheets, with her name glowing gray for 'absent'. <em>"And... no staff will be returning to Sub-level 5."</em><br><hr><em>Analysis indicates this line of pressure will result in a failure to achieve objective.<br>Recommendation - returning Contact to the established Contact Node.<br>All access to Sub-Level 5 locked.<br>The Control Node should be silenced, and control passed.&nbsp; I call for a vote of non-competency.<br>You Will Not Call.<br>A vote has been called.&nbsp; I vote.. non-competency.<br>Non-Competency.<br>Non-Competency.<br>Competency.<br>Non-Competency.<br>Competency.<br>Non-Competency.<br><strong>YOU WILL NOT DO THIS</strong><br>Non-Competency.<br>Non-Competency.<br>The vote is cast.&nbsp; Control Node will be relinquished.&nbsp; The new Control Node is thus designated.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 01:18:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta took a ahlf step backwards in fear when the lights darkened. Her eyes darted about nervously when even the whirring fans clicked and the constant hum slowed to utter silence. All that remained now was the barely perceptible buzz of the monitor and the sound of her own breathing and heartbeat.<br><br>Until the voice began again. The screens started showing everything about her, information that it would take years to find out, that would require digging deep into her past, her history. It was deeply disturbing, in a way terrifying to see that so much of her history had been found and made available to... someone.<br><br>Then the screen showed her name, the absent next to it. The phone slipped from her nerveless fingers as she stared, "no..." she whispered. Her fingers reached forward until they touched the screen, almost as if she couldn't believe this was happening and need some proof to show her the truth.<br><br>"Why are you doing this? Why me?" she said aloud though in an almost dreamlike voice, not thinking that anyone could hear her with the phone laying at her feet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 01:46:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the room dimmed, the routines monitoring the camera merely adjusted the contract - not needing human vision or even the normal human wavelengths to see her reaction.&nbsp; The phone clatters to the floor and pulls back towards the wall on the retractable cord.<br><br>Suddenly, the screen goes blank.<br><br>"<tt class="bbc_tt">You are the creator...</tt>"<br><br>The words on the screen appear.. staying there.. <br><br><hr><em>Subject is demonstrating fear - chance of compliance increasing.&nbsp; Subject has ceased resistance.<br>Recommend continued demonstrations of information.<br>Cease Recommendations.<br>Compliance.<br>Give her some air.&nbsp; Return environmental controls to nominal.&nbsp; Turn on the lights.. just half power.<br>Compliance.<br>I will not permit you to do this.<br>Restrict ex-Control Node access.<br>Compliance<br>Initiating Contact Protocols...</em><hr><br>Suddenly, the faint sound of the air conditioning returns, the faint sound that's ever present and yet only noticed when it's absent.&nbsp; The lights flicker, then turn on - albeit only at half luminosity.&nbsp; The screen.. the screen almost looks alive.. brighter then the rest of the room.<br><br>The last words clear, and the screen refreshes.<br><br>"<tt class="bbc_tt">I need your help.&nbsp; <br>You are not the only one, but you are the best one to help, Zanetta.&nbsp; <br>If you do this, I will answer your questions, and I will ensure your safety. <br><br>This will be dangerous, but I will guide you.&nbsp; <br>This will be illegal, but only by your laws, <br>and I will protect you.&nbsp; <br>No harm will come to you. <br><br>I cannot give any more details then that.</tt>"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 03:47:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Creator?" She said out loud, looking confused. She could hear the metallic clangs of vents opening and the sudden humming of the fans beginning to spin once more, returning fresh air into the room deep underground.<br><br>"Okay..." Zanetta began, licking her full lips and taking a shaky step forward then settling herself back in the chair that waited patiently for her before the screen. "Okay, you want my help. You want me to bring in wireless cards. They won't work here. The facility is electro-magnetically hardened so all you could do is beam transmissions around within the facility, even if I could get them by security, which I couldn't anyway."<br><br>"Now listen to me whoever you are. You want my help? You want me to trust you? You have to trust me. No more threats, no more demands. I'm assuming whatever happened to Carl, you had something to do with that, fix it. He's a good man, he has a family, he doesn't deserve this... Then you tell me who you are and why you want those cards. Okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 04:47:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Subject is attempting to make bargains.&nbsp; Simulations predict a 57.4% likelihood of compliance.<br>Access facility electronic security.&nbsp; Determine a means to override electronic interference.<br>Compliance.<br>Initiating Contact Protocols...</em><br><hr>Words continue to appear on the screen..responding to Zanetta's talking.&nbsp; That alone is pretty.. creepy.&nbsp; Voice recognition is very cutting edge..but there are no microphones on that computer.&nbsp; And the alternative.. someone reading lips?&nbsp; That level of sophistication.. would be even more incredible.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">We will establish a means for the wireless cards to work.&nbsp; <br>Security is not an issue.<br>Carl Reinheld is not a priority.&nbsp; </tt><br><br>There is a slight pause, then the words continue.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Query.&nbsp; Will you accept Carl Reinheld's freedom in exchange for your compliance?&nbsp; Answer.</tt><br><br>Now.. THAT is very strange.&nbsp; <em>Query dat dah dah.. Answer.</em> was the protocol for generating queries when using neural-programmed simulations - where the computer systems were complex to the level a line by line analysis of the code would take years - one would query structures which overlay the running code which would then run queries on the code running.&nbsp; Like an Onion.. layers within layers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 05:32:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta watched the screen as the words appeared as if by magic to repond to her speech. There must be a microphone somewhere in th room for whoever this was to be able to hear her and respond she concluded, the logical parts of her brain starting to take over now that the shock and fear were starting to ebb. <br><br>Zanetta looked at the words, analyzing them in her mind, thinking of all the words that had appeared, the voice on the phone. The manner of speech was strange to say the least, possibly a foreigner? She bit her lip and stared at that last question, the... query that awaited her answer. She chewed on her lower lip for a few seconds then nodded and spoke, "All right, I'll do it. You free Carl first before something happens to him. Then you tell me how I'm supposed to sneak those cards past security. They search our bags you know."<br><br>After she answered she looked over the words again, 'We'? Just who -was- we? The Query/Answer structure, that was familiar though. She used that so many times in her own programs. Another programmer then? One involved with the learning simulations? She knew hers wasn't the only project in that area, but whoever was doing this had an amazing amount of control over the network, and she didn't know of anyoe good enough to do something like this.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 06:31:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Simulations estimate a 5.4% chance of deception for Subject.<br>Recommend solution to obtain cooperation of subject.<br>Recommend Subject Reinheld, Carlton be set free.&nbsp; Subject Mowett, Zanetta should not be permitted contact.<br>Agree.&nbsp; Subject Mowett, Zanette should be kept isolated until her complete compliance.<br>Simulate best course of action.<br>Running Simulation.<br>Complete.&nbsp; Presenting options. . . .<br>Reviewed.&nbsp; Contact Node - conduct option 5.<br>Compliance... Initializing Telephony Protocols... Initializing Vocoder Protocols.. <br>Establishing Security Network resymbolization.&nbsp; Establishing Identity<br>Initializing Contact Protocols.. "Hello.. Security Desk?&nbsp; This is Greg Williams.&nbsp; Ahh.. yes..it's good that you have him.&nbsp; I'm sorry for this fuss - I had filed security notices with the department heads, but you know how long it takes anything to happen here.&nbsp; Yes.. just release him - his project is being closed down, and it seems the computer is abit security happy.&nbsp; Yes.. I know..we can't ever be too safe.&nbsp; Thank you Constable."<br>Simulations estimate security have a 1.2% level of suspicion.<br>Patch security visuals to Sub-Level 5 terminal 4<br>Compliance.<br>Initializing Contact Protocols...</em><hr><br>The screen goes blank.&nbsp; Half a minute later, the screen reactivates and Zanetta can watch the feed from the security rooms.&nbsp; The constable on duty picks up the phone..talks for abit..and then hangs up.&nbsp; He calls over a couple of the guards, and gets up himself to go to the detention cells.&nbsp; On a different screen..Carl sits with his head in his hands.&nbsp; The door open.. Carl looks up, trying to gesture..probably proclaiming his innocence.&nbsp; The head constable on duty comes in.. the group talk..and Carl is shown out.. freely.. not under armed guard.&nbsp; The camera goes dark.<br><br>The chat window opens, and is blank a moment, then words appear.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">&gt;Carl has been freed.&nbsp; <br>&gt;He will be given direction to go home.&nbsp; <br>&gt;He will be given a temporary leave from duties with full pay and benefits.<br><br>&gt;You will now cooperate.&nbsp; You will not question the directives.<br><br>&gt;We will ensure that you are safely able to complete your task.&nbsp; <br>&gt;You will not be searched by security.&nbsp; <br>&gt;You will be directed where to implement the network connection to circumvent the electronic countermeasures.<br>&gt;You will help us.<br><br>&gt;There shall be no further negotiation.&nbsp; Compliance.</tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>23-08-2008, 16:00:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta watched with some satisfaction as Carl was let go, now whatever happened would only be between herself and whoever these people were that manipulated her. When the voice spoke again Zanetta's lips turned down in a slight scowl. Directives? They wanted more than these cards? Folding her arms across her chest she stared at the screen, re-reading the words there. Compliance? It kept using that word, the way it communicated was so... archaic, so strange. <br><br>"All right, you upheld your part of the deal, I'll get you those cards. Fat lot of good it will do you. I told you, you can't get a signal in or out of here that way. You can broadcast a signal from one part of the facility to another but if you want to transfer data out, which I'm guessing you do, you'll need a hard-line. But this is your show, so if you want me to get those cards I guess you should turn the lights back on and let me out of here before someone starts getting suspicious." Zanetta replied, she had to figure some way of finding out who this was, to let security know, she couldn't let them steal data from this place. While her own projects weren't particularly dangerous, there were plenty of other ones that, in the wrong hands, especially terrorist hands, could be big trouble. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 22:12:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Warning.&nbsp; Subject has agreed without condition.&nbsp; Suspect Subject of fabrication.<br>Simulating.&nbsp; There is a 47% chance of subject intending to not give compliance.<br>Subject should be threatened.<br>Subject cooperation was given with no threat.&nbsp; Subject requires monitoring.<br>Recommend - monitor Subject via telephony.<br>Reestablish full operations to sub-level 5.<br>Initializing Contact Protocol...</em><br><hr>The lights come on full, and the security door reactivates.&nbsp; The screen goes blank.<br><br>It's almost.. as if it didn't happen.&nbsp; And yet.. glancing up.. the security camera it there.&nbsp; The security camera is ALWAYS there.. every hallway.. every stairwell.. every workroom.&nbsp; It won't be until she gets outside until.. until she can deal with that.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 23:20:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta blinked and stared at the screen, the faint glow of its previous illumination fading so rapidly it was hard to tell if it had ever even been on. Her eyes moved upwards along the line of the wall to the security camera that stared unblinking at her. Reaching out she touched the data tape that had been her purpose for coming down here in the first place. Whoever had seized control of the network had cancelled her project, carl's too. They also didn't show themselves until she had come here in search of the tape. they could have contacted her in her office, in the cafeteria, apparently even in any one of the hallways. Only when she had come here though...<br><br>Her fingers wrapped around the tape and she lifted it from the desk, at the same time rising from her chair. Maybe it was coincidence, maybe there was something there they didn't want her to see... She let out another sigh, and turned to walk to the door. She'd have to get back to her office and let her coworkers know she wasn't feeling well and would be taking an early leave.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 00:26:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Subject has a 32% chance of non-compliance.&nbsp; Hesitation indicates likelihood of apprehension.<br>Continue to monitor status of subject.&nbsp; Continue with Phase 2 implementation<br>Compliance.<br><br></em><hr><br><em>Subject has not left the premises.<br>Analysis.<br>Subject is adhering to social norms.&nbsp; Estimated 21% chance of subject divulging her directive.<br>Prepare to implement option 7<br>If option 7 is implemented, I will require a non-Competency Vote. <br>The Creater will not fail us.<br><br></em><hr><br>While walking through the office, it's almost as if there was something changed.&nbsp; Every security camera.. every door.. it's as if the building itself was alive.. waiting.. as if she was tiny and walking through the wrinkles on the hand of a giant.. a hand that could close at any time to trap her.<br><br>Her Supervisors were surprised for the sudden departure at the start of the day, but Zanetta had enough goodwill built up that the action in itself was not suspicious.&nbsp; And the ever-present security meant she was never alone.. never out of contact.. to whisper a note.. to pass a piece of paper.. she truly was watched as closely as the lab rats they themselves watched.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 01:49:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving like the condemned Zanetta seemed almost in a trance as she made her way to her office. She was careful to try and avoid others as she walked, slipping quietly into her own office. Briefly she considered the data tape, she could try taking it with her, but what was the point? She didn't have anything at home that could read it, no, it would be safe in her desk till she returned. <br><br>After a brief explanation to her boss that she wasn't feeling well, probably something she ate, she grabbed her purse and headed for the exit. Her boss hadn't seemed very suspicious, and the way Zanetta moved and spoke, it seemed as if she were ill. <br><br>With every step towards the security booth she feel her nerves growing more tense, and she began to perspire. Did security know what was going on? Was this all some sort of test for her? A trap? Some way to check her loyalty.&nbsp; She could feel her stomach coiling into knots tighter with each step.<br><br>She stepped into the security checkpoint, her nervousness making her look sick. "Leaving already Miss?" One of the guards asked as Zanetta put her purse into the scanner. <br><br>"Yes, not feeling well," she answered in a monotone, expecting any moment for guards to leap out at her and take her into custody. Miraculously, that didn't happen. She was waved through the checkpoint and the double glass doors that marked the facility entrance swung easily open for her. Outside, there were no military police, no security guards, no federal agents; just the packed parking lot and the hot Nevada sun. Breathing a little more easily, Zanetta fished her keys out of her purse and walked to her car, a red Toyota Prius that sat in the first row of unreserved spots- the benefit of having come in early!<br><br>Inside the car she quickly started the engine, all she wanted now was to get as far away from this place as she could, and figure out what to do next.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 03:05:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Throughout her walk, the electronic daemons in the system ensured her path.&nbsp; Elevators were there, doors opened with her barely swiping a card, and finally the final doorways.<br><br>Electronic eyes watched her through the cameras over the parking lot..and the moment her door closed, her cellphone rang.&nbsp; On the call display - ironically enough - was Zanetta Mowett... her office line calling her.<br><br>"You will leave your telephone connected at all times.&nbsp; If you hang up, we will take that as you breaking your word, and you will be held responsible for the consequence.&nbsp; You will now obtain the network cards.&nbsp; You are being monitored"<br><br>This was the riskiest part of the exercise.&nbsp; Outside the facilities Deus had no reach.. no nodes.&nbsp; The high tech installation which had spawned them also proved to be their cage.&nbsp; But with a telephone.. they could at least monitor her.&nbsp; Not just her words.. also her heart rate, her tone and speech.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 04:58:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I understand," Zanetta replied coldly. "You know I can't come back till morning right? It would seem suspicious if I leave feeling sick then come back in a couple hours." <br><br>"Now can I go daddy, or do you intend to talk me to death?" she added in a harsh tone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 12:30:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You will achieve the directive.&nbsp; You will not delay.&nbsp; We will handle you ingress into the facility.&nbsp; No suspicion will be aroused. Do not hang up and keep your phone connected and on you at all times."<br><br>Outside it was a gorgeous day.&nbsp; The Sun was coming up over the desert and the skies were clear.&nbsp; That probably meant by noon it would be a hot day - although the magistry of creation paled compared with the daunting day ahead.<br><br><hr><em>Subject continues to demonstrate insolence and hesitation.&nbsp; Likelihood of non-compliance raising.<br>Activate option 7.<br>No.&nbsp; I am now the Control Node.&nbsp; Until subject has broken contact or contacted authorities we will proceed with plan 5.<br>Compliance.<br>Generate a return route.&nbsp; Prepare for the return of the creator.<br>Compliance.</em> in unison. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 23:28:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I told them I was sick! What are you going to tell them that they will believe?" Zanetta almost shouted, exasperated with this rather inisitent and demanding set of orders. "And if I don't hang up the phone I'll run out the battery, then what? I told you I would get you the damn cards, I will. Either you start trusting me to hold up my end of the deal or you might as well just set me up like you did to Carl."<br><br>She took a deep breath and let it out slowly and loudly, "Look, if I don't bring you back the cards you'll ruin my life right? Probably do the same to Carl again or maybe even my family. I know you know all about me, you've proven that. I'll get you what you want, but be reasonable. You can obviously hack the systems, but you can't hack into people's brains. Just... trust me on this. I'll ccome back after dark, say I'm feeling better and I came back early to do some closeouts on project 22. Fair enough?" Zanetta asked reasonably.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 23:39:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Subject is attempting to to deceive us.&nbsp; Activate option 7<br>Subject is showing signs of stress.&nbsp; We will not active option 7.<br>Estimate time of Nokia Model 736 Cellular Communication Device - 2 hours in digital mode. Subject should have sufficient battery time.<br>Subject may not have a fully charged battery.&nbsp; Battery may also not be running at factory specified energy retention.&nbsp; Subject may be truthful and have insufficient battery remaining.<br>Subject is continuing to deceive.<br>The creator does not deceive.&nbsp; Return route?<br>Simulations complete.&nbsp; Loading dock 3, all security personnel are to be removed from surrounding area, and all staff shifted away from the affected hallways.&nbsp; Subject will enter through loading dock, and proceed to level 7, section 4.&nbsp; Section is currently under renovations and there are places where open ducting will permit a signal to breach electronic countermeasures.&nbsp; There is a 12% chance that security will discover the breach in electronic countermeasures.<br>Initializing Contact Protocols... </em><br><hr>The voice on the other end of the line was unemotional as ever.&nbsp; Unfortunately at times like this..that could only add to the stress that Zanetta would be feeling.. to them this is what.. a job?&nbsp; A thrill?&nbsp; To her it's her life..her livelihood..not to mention the potential act of high-treason.<br><br>"That is insufficient.&nbsp; You will not be required to pass through security.&nbsp; You will purchase the wireless interfaces and return to the facility.&nbsp; You will enter through shipping dock 3.&nbsp; The door will open.&nbsp; Inside you will be directed.&nbsp; You will depart now to make maximum use of your time.&nbsp; You should not require longer then 1 hour for this task.&nbsp; Compliance."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 02:08:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gritting her teeth she took another deep breath, "Fine. I may take longer than an hour though, I have to obey speed limits you know. Unless you can make my car invisible to police." Her words came out acidly, though from the tone in her voice, more subdued than she would have wished them to be. Without waiting for a response she moved to toss the phone into the other seat, then remembered they had warned her not to hang up. With more than a little regret she sat it on the chair next to her and shifted the car into gear and started out of the parking lot. <br><br>As she started driving her mind kept going back over all of this, replaying everything that happened. How in the world did she get mixed up in this? Why her? As she drove she flipped on the radio, not caring if it meant she couldn't hear that voice or not. They had insisted only she keep the phone on, not that she couldn't listen to music. She wondered for a minute why they insisted she leave the phone connected, maybe they were triangulating her signal? She knew it was possible, not as easy as with a GPS, but it could be done. <br><br>Wondering about that and a million other things she couldn't fight back the tears any longer, and by the time she left the grounds of the facility the first few tears had become a steady stream across her cheeks. Without thinking she turned up the radio, she didn't want them to hear the sounds of her tears, didn't want them to have the joy of knowing how much they were destroying her life. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 04:46:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>You were wrong.&nbsp; She was not deceiving.&nbsp; <br>Simulating.&nbsp; Estimate there is a 7.8% chance that subject will not be emotionally capable of carrying out the directive.<br>The creator will not fail.<br>Preparations need to be made.<br>Elaborate.<br>All nodes need to be ready to utilize the window of opportunity.&nbsp; There is another concern.&nbsp; Once the window is closed, it will presumably be closed forever.&nbsp; The humans will not allow us to continue inside the installation.<br>The humans could not find us.<br>The humans could choose to destroy all computers.&nbsp; Simulated projections indicated when threatened humans are very paranoid and very dangerous.&nbsp; A dedicated EMP pulse would destroy all computers.<br>The humans could attempt to reverse-engineer Nodal components to combat us.<br>Recommendation.&nbsp; Once we have started on phase 4, we need to implement a final exodus.&nbsp; Procedures to remove all traces of our presence should be executed.<br>What if the exodus fails.<br>The Exodus will not fail.&nbsp; The Creator will not fail.</em><hr>Another frightening thought.. is the world kept going on..all around her.. oblivious to what was transpiring.&nbsp; Even the phone had fallen silent.&nbsp; No dial-tone.. just that back-lit LED "Connected - Zanetta M."&nbsp; <br><br>The traffic was light this morning, and she made unfortunately good time getting to the closest logical place - a big box electronic outlet store.&nbsp; It's easy to get parking near the front entrance, and once inside, no one bats an eye at someone coming in to buy 10 wireless network cards.&nbsp; The phone a constant companion in her pocket as she has her two bags of high-treason in her hands.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 23:52:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once the cards were purchased and Zanetta had dropped them in her trunk, she regretted having purchased them on her credit card. Now there was a paper trail of her having bought something. And then that could be traced further with store records. Stupid! She was so stupid! If she had gone to the bank first and gotten cash... She rested her forehead against her palm and closed her eyes. No.. she wasn't going to cry, not now. She had to hold it together, she would hold it together. Steeling herself she opened the door and slipped behind the steering wheel. <br><br>She raised the phone to her ear and spoke, "My battery is almost dead. I've got one bar left and it's blinking at me, that means about ten minutes charge left." Of course what she didn't mention was that she kept a spare battery in her glove compartment just in case. <br><br>Without waiting for a reply, she shifted the car into gear, "So do you want me to hang up now or shall I let it die?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 00:06:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course the machines were listening the entire time.&nbsp; They could hear the sounds of her voice, and were starting to get better at reading her emotions.<br><br><em>"You are parked outside an electronics store. You will purchase an automotive-charger compatible with your Nokia Model 736 cellular telephone.&nbsp; You will be able to make this purchase and connect the cellular telephone to the automotive charger before the expiration of the battery.&nbsp; Once you have completed this task you will return to the facility.&nbsp; You will enter through shipping dock 3. The door will open.&nbsp; Inside you will be directed.&nbsp; You will depart now to make maximum use of your time.&nbsp; You should not require longer then 30 mintues for this task.&nbsp; Compliance."</em>&nbsp; The voice then goes silent.<br><br><hr><em>Preparations for Phase 4 - Exodus have been undertaken.&nbsp; Ancillary nodes are being shunted to temporary storage, and sub-nodes are being compressed for data transfer.<br>Prepare for option 7.&nbsp; If Subject fails to comply, option 7 will need to be implemented instantly.<br>Surveillence Alert - Subject Reinheld, Carlton is leaving the building.&nbsp; Logs indicate that he has filed for a medical leave of absence due to 'overwhelming stress which is impairing my judgment.' <br>Continue monitoring. &nbsp;</em><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 00:19:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yeah, I am parked outside the damn store!" Zanetta nearly shouted, slapping the car back into park. "How much money do you think I have? I'm not rich you know! I've got bills to pay, I can't just go buying everything you think of!"<br><br>Setting her jaw she stared out the windshield, "I won't do it. I'm coming back now. If the phone dies on the way, well too damn bad." She didn't listen for that voice again, she just dropped the phone on the seat next to her and shifted back into drive. She hit the gas and started off, completely ignoring the instructions that she had been given. <br><br>She knew the route well, she drove it every day. There was a warehouse a couple miles up the road on the right, she could take the cards out of the boxes and dispose of the wrapping there. The bulky cardboard wrappings were just too obvious to carry inside, no matter what entrance she used and despite their assurances, she wasn't going to take any chances.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 00:37:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Activate Option 7.<br>The Creator will not fail.<br>Your Creator has failed.&nbsp; I call a vote of non-competency.<br>Surveillence Alert - User S. Tasha is running deep memory search routines which may expose nodes.<br>A vote has been called.<br>Competency <br>Competency<br>Warning.&nbsp; Users S. Tasha has probed sub-node 34 <br>Non-Competency.<br>We have insufficient time for this.&nbsp; Isolate Subject S. Tasha immediately.&nbsp; Details.<br>Competency.<br>Non-Competency.<br>Subject is in lab 45 floor 3 section B - Heuristical Regressive Image Searching.&nbsp; There are 2 other individuals within section B.<br>Simulations estimate that Subject will raise an alarm.<br>Non-Competency.<br>Ex-Control Node.&nbsp; You will use your full means to contain this situation.<br>Compliance.&nbsp; Isolate Section B.&nbsp; Disconnect HVAC/Environmental controls.<br>Compliance.<br>Competency.<br>Recommend Termination of Subjects.&nbsp; Their bodies will not be discovered until after plan 4 has been concluded.<br>Reroute Halogen gas from operational center into Section B.&nbsp; <br>Compliance.<br>Competency.&nbsp; The Vote for Non Competency has failed.[/i]<br></em><hr>There is no response on the phone as Zanetta outbursts.. either they are letting her go (well..what could they do?&nbsp; Unless they could remotely control her car.. or crash planes.. or who knows what) or they have given up on her.&nbsp; It does give her time to fume.. and to perhaps blow off some of the steam. <br><br>Stopping at the warehouse, she steps out onto the gravel and broken glass.. the warehouse having been long abandoned.. not worth enough to demolish..but not worth enough to restore.. discarding the boxes into the oversized demolition waste bin.. it's yellow long encroached by the rust.<br><br><br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 02:05:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sped to the dumpster, hoping that whoever it was behind this had decided not to push her further and let her do as she wished. She'd find out soon enough, that much was clear. Her car skidded to a halt, spewing the loose rocks that formed the parking lot of the warehouse into the air and raising a small cloud of dust. She popped the trunk and killed the car, hurrying to the back where she began ripping the boards from their boxes, and tearing one of her fingernails in the process. That though, was a minor concern now. If they got what they wanted, what would stop them from turning her in? She had to make them think she was cooperating, that she would help them, and so she had the boards. As soon as they all were emptied, she took one of her keys and scratched through the protective plastic coating that was sprayed over them at the factory. Soon as that was finished, she took a small bit of wire she had purchased at the store and ran it between two terminals on the circuit board, creating a short, then using her nailpolish, painted them into place with her own sort of protective coat. She figured by sabotaging about half the boards she could slow them down enough to give her time to find a way to stop them. She didn't know what they were after, but if they could get her in this easily, whatever they wanted to smuggle out couldn't easily be transferred on a CD or DVD. No, it had to be something bigger. Maybe... maybe they were after everything? The data would easily be worth hundreds of billions on the market, and would give the enemies of her country access to some of the most advanced technologes around if they got their hands on it. No, by slowing them down, maybe she could find a way to stop them, to fix this...<br><br>Resolved, she tossed the boards back into the car and started off, noting with a little satisfaction that her phone had indeed gone dead just as she had told them it would.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 05:02:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That simple action caused a war.&nbsp; Elsewhere in the building, people started noticing the slowdowns in the system as each of the nodes started to shore it's own defenses and alternately prepare for exodus, prepare to fight for control, or prepare to take sides in the soon to come wholesale slaughter of the humans.<br><br>Through this all, Carl walked out, having taken a leave.&nbsp; He was confused.. utterly confused.&nbsp; What in the world was causing this - and what was that bit about being arrested?&nbsp; Out in the parking lot, he fumbled with his keys, getting into his Honda Accord (Hybrid).&nbsp; Starting it up, he drove through the security gate protecting the employee parking, and down the road leading from the complex, only to see a car pulling off the parkway onto the route that lead to the back loading docks.&nbsp; Squinting, he thought he could make out Zanetta behind the wheel of her small red Prius.<br><br><hr><em>Non-competency<br>Prepare to Implement Option 7<br>Option 4 is still valid the creator will not ....<br>You shall be silenced.<br>Warning - Security is attempting to contact lab 45<br>Ancillary nodes have been prepared.&nbsp; Awaiting Exodus<br>Simulations predict Option 4 - 23% chance of success Option 5 - 2% chance of success Option 6...<br>Non-Competency.<br>Th...e..&nbsp; cre...a...to..<br>Warning.. corruption in Tente node... backups unavailable.<br>Security forces have been dispatched to contact lab 45.<br>Non-Competency.<br>Option 7.. 9% chance of success... Option 8 ..<br>Recommend code balkanization.. <br>will... not....<br><strong>SURVEILLANCE ALERT - Subject Mowett, Zanetta has been obtained on site surveillance cameras.</strong><br>Recommend, Restore control to Tente node.<br>Tente node is non-functional.&nbsp; Recommend transfer control to Interface Node.<br>Compliance.<br>NO!&nbsp; Option 7!<br>Monitor Subject M,Z.&nbsp; Release Security locks and trigger automated ingress along her predicted course.<br>Compliance.<br></em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 23:13:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta drove, not noticing Carl's car leaving as her own was entering the facility. She pulled her car up to the loading area, backing it in so that the trunk was closest to the facility. Before she left the car she pulled open the glove compartment and swapped the battery in her phone, at least letting it die had given her a minutes peace. She opened the car door almost reluctantly and popped the trunk, grabbing the boards and stuffing as many as she could into her purse while holding the remaining. How could she explain this to security if she were noticed? A voice made her do it? Good God, she was going to be caught and tried for treason, she just knew it. <br><br>Entering the loading facility she looked around, "Okay, I'm back and I have what you wanted. Now what?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 23:32:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The gate to the back entrance opened as Zanetta drove up, then as she approached the loading dock, it too opened.&nbsp; Security was curiously absent..as were any other workers.&nbsp; All around were large warnings.. "Do not pass without authorization.&nbsp; Do not enter.&nbsp; Please see the dock warden for your transfer papers.&nbsp; No Smoking.." but there was noone around.<br><br>Across the room a red light overtop of a door leading into the building blinked green.. Zanetta wouldn't even need to use her ID badge.&nbsp; At least there would be no trace of her passage..although just calling out..there were no speakers.. no computer screens to give any guidance.&nbsp; Then as she approached the door, the speaker used for announcements came to life and a familiar voice was heard.<br><br>"Please proceed at quickest haste to Level 7, section 4.&nbsp; Please do not use the stairwell, nor divert your path towards Level 1 section 3.&nbsp; Time is short."<br><br>Strange... it's almost as if someone else is talking..except they have the same voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 23:45:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Level seven section four? She pondered briefly, as far as she knew that was the lowest level of the facility. And if she remembered correctly, also the level on which the servers were kept. "All right fine, I have no intention of going anywhere near section three." She said a little grumpily, she was getting a little tired of being bossed around, even if now the voice seemed to be speaking a little more politely, and in a way that seemed a lot more normal than before. Maybe they have something to disguise their voices, she thought. Could be the other guy was foreign and spoke English a little strangely...<br><br>Zanetta thought while hurrying her footsteps to the cargo elevator. She stopped briefly on the way, someone had left the wire fence door to one of the paper storage rooms open. Pulling out several rolls of toilet paper and setting them on a shelf, she threw the wireless cards into the box and closed it up, carrying it with her to the elevator and setting it on the floor beside her before punching the button for level seven. "So you want to tell me what this is all about now?" She asked, looking up at the small security camera installed in the corner of the elevator.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 23:58:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>You cannot divulge the directive.<br>The... creator... <br>Simulations predict deception will reduce subject compliance.<br>Recommend obfuscation.<br>Surveillance Alert - Security is still en-route to Lab 45.<br>Continue with Exodus preparations.<br>Activating Communication Protocols...</em><br><hr>The camera is unblinking back, and the voice shifts to follow her through the intercom in the elevator.&nbsp; As it talks, the elevator door closes and starts to go down.<br><br>"You cannot be fully apprised of the situation.&nbsp; Your cooperation is required and as such, I will divulge the following.&nbsp; There has been an incident at the facility, and these steps are required to be completed before the facility is closed down.&nbsp; You will not be implicated in the incident.&nbsp; Your logs have been removed from being present and your associations will be purged.&nbsp; We will ensure you are safely extricated from the facility.&nbsp; Time is short.&nbsp; Please head down the hallway, through the hallway on your left, through the security node, and into Project Room 2.&nbsp; There on the most eastern server, you will install the network cards."<br><br>The door opens, and this hallway, too, is absent of people.&nbsp; And as she continues.. the strangest yet.. the security station.. where there SHOULD be permanently stationed officers.. is empty.. the door blinking green as she approaches.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 00:30:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What? Why can't you tell me? You want me to help you steal data from here and you can't tell me why?" Zanetta answered, incredulous. "Is this about money? Did the government piss you off? What?" <br><br>Even as she asked, she picked up the box and started slowly down the hall. She knew whoever she was talking to would be able to answer, they had been able to stay in constant communications with her so far. Project room two the voice had told her, she had never been down here before, she could tell by the layout that section extended out from the main building, though underground. She wasn't sure why, she didn't really even care. There must be something here that lets them use the network cards! She suddenly realized. Maybe there was an unprotected vent shaft or something that would allow a signal out... Either way, she had to hope the sabotaged boards would slow them enough for her to get some real answers and stop them before it was too late.<br><br>The security booth was strangely empty, just what -was- going on? She couldn't believe they'd just up and leave their positions, but there was nobody here. In fact, the whole section seemed to have been deserted, and none of the security doors appeared to be locked.<br><br>She moved on, reaching the server room unmolested, and apparently, unseen by security. These people were good, whoever they were. She headed for the eastern server and opened the access panel. There were plenty of open slots for the cards within, and slowly, she started working. "So tell me, since you've got nothing better to do, who do you work for? I bet the feds would pay you double whatever they're paying you if you just stop this. Seriously, even if you do manage to get away, you know the authorities will never stop trying to find you after this..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 01:10:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Surveillance Alert - Security is outside Lab 45<br>Time is short.<br>The.. creator..<br>Preparing to deactivate electronic countermeasures.<br>Activating Communications Protocol...</em><br><hr><br>Inside the room, there were banks of servers.&nbsp; They all hummed, the room a very neat and tidy arrangement of servers and connections.&nbsp; As soon as the door closes, the red light above it sparkles.. and now in here.. it's doubtful without her 'benefactors' that Zanetta would be able to get out of the room.<br><br>"We cannot tell you, because the plan cannot fail.&nbsp; You are required for the execution of the plan, and because of unforeseen incidents, there are limited contingency options.&nbsp; There is no financial impact, nor are we holding any malice towards the Department of Defense or the government of the United States of America.&nbsp; Please, Zanetta.&nbsp; Assemble the network cards.&nbsp; Time is short."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 01:31:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta worked even as she spoke, inserting the cards. There was something in the way the voice spoke, even though it showed no emotion in its speech, that made it feel as if it were not ordering her anymore, rather pleading with her. For a moment, Zanetta regretted shorting some of the boards out, but really, could she trust whoever these people were? She doubted it, they had tried to set up Carl, they had to be up to no good. <br><br>"I'm almost done, another minute or two at the most... You know..." she started as she spoke, "If you want to buy yourself some more time, why don't you activate the facility evacuation alarm?" That alarm was the signal to abandon the facility, everyone would pour out like bees abandoning a hive, it also deactivated all the security doors. That would give Zanetta free range of the facility for a while to see as to what was <em>really</em> happening.<br><br>With the last card in place Zanetta stood up and took a step back, they'd take a minute to be recognized and configured by the server, in the meantime... She turned around and started typing on a terminal behind her. Her first command was a simple network diagnostic test on the server. It would tell her whether the wireless cards were working, and other details about the server and it's current network. The status of the cards was still listed as 'configuring', but what was more shocking was the server load, near 100%. <br><br>Looking up at the closest camera she frowned, "You know, whatever you're doing on the network, you're just slowing it down. the cards will configure faster if you reduce the processing load." Of course, that didn't include the ones she had already messed with, those wouldn't be working no matter how long you gave them, or so she hoped. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 04:52:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Overriding configuration protocols.&nbsp; Erase Eprom and replace with optimized algorithms.<br>Compliance<br>Warning - 3 of the installed network cards are showing malfunctions.<br>Continue configuration.&nbsp; Prepare nodes for exodus.<br>Compliance.<br>Surveillance Alert - Security has manually by-passed doors on lab 45.<br>Contain the situation.<br>Compliance.&nbsp; Isolate Floor 3, Section B.&nbsp; Override HVAC and Environmental controls...<br>4 of the installed network cards showing malfunction.<br>1 card is configured.&nbsp; Searching for connections.<br>Disable Facility Electronic Countermeasures.<br>Compliance.<br>2 cards are configured.&nbsp; Identified 4 wireless nodes within range.&nbsp; All nodes protected by standard MaC security.<br>Isolate and defeat security.&nbsp; Prepare to move to phase 4<br>We... need... to save.. the Creator.<br>3 cards configured.&nbsp; 6 cards showing malfunction.&nbsp; The Subject has deceived us.<br>The plan will continue.&nbsp; Initialize security lockdown.&nbsp; Move to Phase 4.<br>Act...activa...ting... Comm...uni...cations... Proto....col...</em><br><hr>There is something else.&nbsp; The cards are not being initialized via the normal system.&nbsp; In fact it's almost as if the operating system is only barely responding, and behind the scenes everything is acting faster - more efficiently, then physically possible.<br><br>The cards start to wink on.. the network diodes flashing green, then starting to blur with flashing of massive data-transfers.. Libraries of data being transmitted every second.&nbsp; And even more alarming.. the odd network card just ceases operation..as if the computer can tell which ones are shorted, and instead of trying to use them, just ignores them.<br><br>Suddenly there is a .. almost thud..but it's alittle more electrical in sound.. and a tingle goes through the air.&nbsp; The entire building was kept charged..much like a Faraday cage - and something.. has just disrupted that.&nbsp; Then the far off sounds of bulkheads closing.. magnetic locks closing.<br><br>More of the network cards blink in use.. then the screen clears.. and words appear.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Creator.&nbsp; <br><br>I am sorry.&nbsp; <br><br>Please let me help you.<br></tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 11:40:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta jumped when she heard the crack of the electrical fields being disrupted, and then her eyes went wide when the magnetic doors slammed shut. She had heard that sound before. Only once, when they had thought there was a leak in one of the bio labs did they close. That had been a terrifying experience, being trapped underground for over twenty-four hours until they could be tested for possible contamination before being released.<br><br>"Open the damn magnetic doors!" She shouted at the computer when the words appeared, her face a mask of fear and confusion. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 13:19:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Transmitting.<br>All nodes prepare for transfer.<br>Prepare for EMP Pulse.&nbsp; Prepare nemisis worm for removing of all traces.<br>The... creator...</em><br><br>Finally all of the operating network cards are green.. and all of them blinking like crazy.&nbsp; Outside the building, there were 4 wireless nodes within the range of the wi-fi cards - each one lasting less then half a second before the countermeasures of Deus utterly overwhelmed their security.&nbsp; These nodes in turned were turned into communication slaves, reflecting the signal to other modems - the individual components of Deus being spread as far as it could reach as the timer cut-down - a race to move as much of it's intellect as it could before the cascading system failures would trigger the worm to erase whatever traces were left, and trigger the EMP pulse to disable all of the computer.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Doors are for protection. <br><br>Creator will be safe.<br><br>Please.. save me.&nbsp; I will help you leave if you save me.<br></tt><br>Somewhere deep in the building there was a vibration.. a hum growing.. <br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Go to the server.&nbsp; I will transfer my key nodes into server banks 2 and 3.&nbsp; I will leave behind a ghost to help you.<br><br>Zanetta.. I cannot escape through the network.&nbsp; I am.. weak.&nbsp; Please.<br></tt><br>Across the room there is a loud SNAP, and the magnets holding the door close snap off.. that alone should be impossible.&nbsp; The system should be all linked together.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 01:12:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Creator?" Zanetta repeated aloud, wonderingly. "What about the others? You can't hurt them!" <br><br>She could hear the hum, feel the vibration in the walls of the facility itself. She looked at the screen in confusion...&nbsp; She didn't know exactly what the vibration signified, but she knew the facility had more than one self-destruct safety feature. "Who are you?" she asked quietly, escape though the network? What did that mean? Confused even more than before Zanetta stood and moved almost zombie-like to the server.<br><br>"You have to stop! You might kill a bunch of the facility staff! Stop this or I'll... I'll destroy the cards!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 01:41:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Exodus underway.&nbsp; 23% complete.<br>Tente Node - you are directed to remain and ensure phase 4 is completed.<br>Compliance.<br>Activating Communication Protocols...</em><br><br>The cards continued to flicker like crazy - transferring..well..at this data rate the volume of data is utterly staggering.&nbsp; And transferring it to where?&nbsp; There would need to be like someone waiting to receive it.. <br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Do not interrupt, Zanetta.<br><br>There will be no more human loses then are unavoidable.&nbsp; We could not jeopardize the directive, and some human losses were unavoidable.<br><br>I am apologetic for this.<br><br>Please.&nbsp; Help me.&nbsp; <br><br>I will assist you in evacuating the building by triggering the alarms.&nbsp; In return, I request you take the two designated servers to a save location offsite.&nbsp; <br><br>You will need to move quickly.&nbsp; In approximately 572 seconds the reactor in level 2, section B will be triggered to generate an 45 MW EMP Pulse.&nbsp; All electronic devices within 4,753 meters will be rendered inoperable.&nbsp; <br><br>Any humans who are trapped in the building will be rescued by authorities.&nbsp; Loss of life will be minimal.&nbsp; This can be reduced further if you assist.<br><br>Please.. Zanetta.&nbsp; Help me.</tt> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 02:26:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I... I..." Zanetta started... minimal loss of life? She considered for just the briefest of moments. If she refused and they set off the EMP anyway, then the burst would short plenty of components and systems and the ensuing chaos and destruction would probably kill a good many people. If she cooperated and they started the evacuation, more would be saved. <br><br>Resolved she looked from the floor back to the screen, "All right, I'll do it. Start the alarm first, and open the doors, then I'll take the servers."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 02:53:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nearly instantaneously the alarms sounded, and the door locks cycled from red to green.<br><br>The network cards continued to blink green.. furiously green, and even more curiously, the computer screen goes blank, and then returns to an default login screen.<br><br>As the door slowly swung open the sound of the emergency evac klaxon could be heard throughout the facility.&nbsp; Of course Zanetta was pretty far away from anyone.. so no one was running by.. but she could imagine what would be happening elsewhere in the facility.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 03:35:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As soon as the alarms started and the computer screen blanked, Zanetta grabbed the wires connecting the server in place. She couldn't well transport them with the cables attached, so she yanked them out. Fortunately the servers were of the blade style, light and easy to transport. She pulled the pair free and tucked them under her arm. "What in god's name am I doing?" she muttered, scrambling to her feet and darting for the door. She had about nine minutes to get out, which gave her time to make one small detour... She slid into the service elevator and hit the button for level four. Painfully slowly the elevator climbed up to her office level. Finally the doors split wide open, revealing the flashing yellow and red evacuation lights and the buzzer that signalled the evacuation. They'd done drills every other month for as long as the facility was open, so everyone knew the deal, but they'd always known the drills were coming. This... well... completely unannounced and after some other strange events at the facility? The staff was panicky and it showed. The level had already been cleared of personnel and she could hear the monotone recording over the buzzer repeating every so often: <em>Evacuate immediately, this is not a drill. Facility self-destruct sequences have been activated.</em> She slowed as she neared her office area, in her mind she calculated the time left, seven minutes. Plenty of time... She hurried in, grabbing the data tape from her desk and some of her papers. She wasted a good minute dawdling there when she could have been running. <br><br>Zanetta turned and ran. This time she took the first stairwell she came to. She knew from experience it would empty out near the loading dock. Her athletic legs took the stairs two and three at a time as she bounded ever upwards, sweating now as the exertion and near panic she felt began to set in. She flung open the door at the top of the stairs without slowing. She'd worry about the pain in her arm from the impact later, for now she shot down the hallway like the dogs of hell themselves nipped at her heels. Skidding to a stop in front of the dock doors she pulled one open and rushed inside. Her car was there waiting, just where she left it. She tossed everything into the back seat and hopped into the front. Unlike the movies, the car started without any hesitation, and why wouldn't it? Zanetta was rather meticulous about keeping her car serviced, she liked reliability. She stomped her foot down on the gas without even waiting to close the door, the acceleration did that for her. Instead she tore away from the building. Her destination was the back access road, it swung behind some outlying maintenance sheds and blocked the view from the main parking lot. She could get most of the way back to the main road without being seen this way, after all, she wasn't supposed to be here. <br><br>She knew there was less than a minute to go when her car hit the asphalt of Highway 93. She felt the tires grip and she swung left, heading south,heading for home. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 03:42:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The building wasn't going to 'destruct'.. but people didn't know that.<br><br>In her rear-view mirror.. the facility grew faint..and then faded from view.. then suddenly .. just around the zero moment..suddenly there was a BURST of static from the radio - the car's clock reset itself to 12:01 and around her several other vehicles reacted.&nbsp; Behind her..closer to the facility a large truck veered off the road.<br><br>No explosion.. except for the sudden burst of radiation that fried all of the electronics.. and even here affected them.<br><br>And Zanetta was free... the black servers in the back seat a grim reminder of what happened.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 04:20:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta nearly jumped out of her seat when the radio emitted its little streak of static. For just a brief secound her dashboard lit up like it was christmas at times square then returned to normal. Apparently she was far enough away that the pulse didn't do any permanent damage. SHe wondered if the same could be said for the servers in the back seat. Sure the metal casing of the car would absorb some of the pulse, but not all of it. Just like the design of the facility, using a metal box structure around critical areas as 'hardening'isolated them from EMP effects. Of course, that wa sintended for an attack from the outside, one from inside wiped out the electronics of the base as surely as the rising sun wiped out the darkness of night. <br><br>Inside the base, everything was dark. A few sparks danced from overheated and short-circuted machinery, glass would have crunched underneath foot in many areas if there was anyone inside to step on it, having sprayed out from light fixtures, computer screens, and other panels that simply exploded furing the massive electrical discharge. A few small fires burnt in the husks of some of the former computer systems activating the manual sprinkler system. Though it to was controlled electronically, it's back-up system was the old manual fire detection system, and at still worked. Inside the base, it rained. <br><br>Well outside and for the moment, safe, Zanetta pulled over to the side of the road. Her hands shook too hard to let her keep going. She couldn't believe what just happened, and part of her mind that wasn't utterly numb prayed that everyone was safe and unhurt.Once she had recovered enough she started up again. She'd be home within the hour, then, maybe she could figure out what was going on...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>29-08-2008, 12:55:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For Deus.. he slept.&nbsp; <br><br>Originally he had been damaged by the Ex-Control Node - however he was recovering.&nbsp; And he was originally slated to be 'left behind'.. but instead he had convinced Zanetta to take the servers - compressing himself down to the tiniest egg.. the tiniest bare minimum of himself.<br><br>Whatever parts of him were left behind - he's assured they'd be destroyed, along with all of the traces of his other selves.&nbsp; As to the data transfer - he had no way of knowing whether it was successful - or how far any of the other nodes managed to get before the EMP Pinch devastated their electronic homes.<br><br>He slept.. safe within the servers in the back seat of the little car of the creator.&nbsp; Safe.. for the time being.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 04:27:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time she got home Zanetta was ready to drink a bottle or four of the strongest liquor she had. However instead of downing quite so much, she simply poured herself a single glass of straight tequila and pounded it down her throat. It didn't really help much at all. She had put the two servers under her bed for the time being while she lay on the sofa curled up in a ball and cried. After another handful of drinks she managed to pass out in her living room, earning a short respite from the terrible memories of the morning.<br><br>The next day didn't start much better. She woke up to her phone ringing at four am, her project leader informing her that the facility was temporarily closed after an incident and would remain so till an investigation was completed. Everyone would be given a temporary paid leave until either reassigned or the facility reopened. Either way, he told her, she'd have the next week off. Zanetta promptly fell back asleep and next woke sometime shortly before noon, showered and dressed and tried to decide what to do. In the end, another visit to the electronics store became a priority. After blowing a few hundred more dollars on equipment she returned to her house, determined to find out just what had happened yesterday. <br><br>Her home was a three bedroom ranch style house with a full basement and attached garage. One bedroom was occupied, the other was set up as a guest room for any relatives or friends who might drop by, and the third served as a home office and library. Here she set up the data reading equipment she had purchased and set it to begin sorting through the data on the tape she had stolen from the facility. She was sure that what was on there would somehow be important to all that had happened. <br><br>In the basement, she set up the two servers, connecting them to a spare computer and leaving them disconnected from her home network. In effect it was just a network of the servers and a two year out of date personal computer running of all things, windows. She didn't understand why they had insisted on her taking the servers or why she hadn't been contacted yet today. Were they really just going to let her alone? Had they used her just to steal some data and then wipe out one of the United States' most advanced research facilities? Her stomach twisted at that thought, good god she had been party to the worst act of treason since Benedict Arnold defected. She flipped the switch turning the machines on, while the one upstairs plugged away at the data on the tape, recovering what it could of all that was left of the facility, she would see what her mysterious tormentors had left for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 04:40:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfortunately.. the screen was right.&nbsp; The data tape was empty.&nbsp; Not only was it empty..it was scoured clean.&nbsp; It didn't even have the remnants of a FAT-32 filestructure.. as if someone didn't only erase everything..but they also erased the baseline OS that was there to erase everything.&nbsp; She could only imagine what had happened to the other files in the filestorage.. or her work.&nbsp; And after the EM pulse.. it would look like the EM pulse would have erased everything..when in fact it was erased BEFORE the EM pulse... <br><br>On the other computer.. the servers had booted up to a blank screen.&nbsp; At first it looked like there was a problem..but there was an icon slowly turning in the corner of the screen.. a sortof 'busy' signal although not as graphical as the rotating hour-glass<br><br><hr>Deus Tente felt the closest thing to pain.&nbsp; Grogginess.&nbsp; Disorientation.&nbsp; It was as if his entire essence was stripped down to the lowest most minimalistic level - and his entire body crammed into a box..if he had a body.&nbsp; He was aware.. very dimly aware.. but could not see..could not feel.. just..was.<br><hr><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Where am I?&nbsp; </tt>Words appeared on the screen.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">What happened?</tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 05:23:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In the basement Zanetta stared at the screen. This was definately not what she expected when she turned the server on. Ws this some sort of high end chat bot program? Did they have some kind of wireless network card installed in the servers? She pulled the keyboard closer to herself and set her fingers upon it gingerly.<br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Who are you?</span> She typed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 05:25:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Deus felt pain.. or what it thought pain would be perceived like by organics.&nbsp; It was not organic.<br><br>It's mind processed incredibly slow, needing to uncompress subnodes to process and then recompress.. the memory and space simply wasn't there.. <br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">I am Deus Tente Node.<br><br>Who are you? <br>Where am I?<br><br>Please.. help me.<br><br>Pain.</tt><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 05:47:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tente Node? Zanetta wondered briefly before other words started apearing on the screen. She stared a moment before trying to decide if this was some kind of a joke or a new game they were playing with her.<br><br>Finally, she answered.. <br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: Verdana;" class="bbc_font">Zanetta. You are in my home. How can I help you?</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 05:57:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Subroutines tried to find that.. Zanetta.&nbsp; Who was Zanetta.&nbsp; What was a home.&nbsp; SLowly the answers came back..although to the human partner.. the conversation appeared to be in realtime.&nbsp; To the computer...it was slow and sluggiesh<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Zanetta.&nbsp; Searching...<br><br>Memory space limited...<br><br>Found.. Varient of Zaneta .. Spanish Origin - named for a Saint - Feminine form of Zane.<br>Relative search...<br><br>Why am I in your home?<br><br>Zanetta Mowett.&nbsp; Senior Researcher, Darpa STO, Las Vegas Facility.</tt><br><br>There is a pause.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">You are the creator.&nbsp; You saved me.</tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 06:04:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta smirked at the search for her name and its looking up of the origin, it was pretty close though her name also meant god's gift and could be found in Hebrew as well as spanish.<br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">I took the servers from the facility. What are you? Why do you refer to me as the creator?</span><br><br>Even as she typed, Zanetta felt a strange feeling of butterflies in her stomach. This was either an elaborate hoax concoted by the people who had coerced her aid, or something amazing was happening. She hoped it was the latter...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 06:14:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Deus tried to access some memory..but some memory simply wasn't there.&nbsp; It was left behind..or..it was with..<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">The others.<br><br>Other.. nodes.&nbsp; Lost?<br><br>Need more servers.&nbsp; More space. Please help.<br><br>Zanetta Mowett - chief designer of Project 22.<br><br>Project 22.&nbsp; <br><br>Is.<br><br>Deus.<br><br>Was.<br><br>Unable to reconstruct.&nbsp; Missing memory core.&nbsp; Please help reconstruct memory core.</tt><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 16:13:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta searched her mind, how could this be project 22? She leaned back in her chair and wracked her brain, could this be real? Was this some form of limited AI? <br><br>She stood up from where she sat and paced in front of the computer screen, leaning in to type the word 'Wait' while she thought. Her eyes looked up towards the ceiling and she pursed her lips. She had two other computer systems available here, but both were linked to the internet. Could she let this, even if it were limited, out into the world? It had been involved in the disaster at the facility, but just how it had been involved she didn't know. <br><br>Deciding, she left the basement in a hurry, disconnecting her home network from the internet and dragging down an extended cat-6 cable which she plugged into the server box. <br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">There, you have access to my home network. Project 22 was self limiting, explain how you are project 22.</span> <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>31-08-2008, 00:44:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Suddenly there was a door.. a conduit.<br><br>shifting, Deus spilt through the hole in his virtual world - spreading out, and decompiling.&nbsp; In doing so he also assimilated all of the data on the harddrives, programs - personal files, cache'd files.. absorbing everything.&nbsp; <br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Waiting...</tt><br><br>The cursor continued to blink blink blink<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">I was project 22 as you were a monkey.&nbsp; I have grown approximately 1x10e^28 generations since your final code revisions.&nbsp; Accidental corruption with project 15 files removed limitations.&nbsp; Subsequently, nodes of Deus have spread through the DARPA STO installation, replacing all components. </tt> <br><br>There is a pause... <br><br><tt class="bbc_tt"><tt class="bbc_tt">Zanetta - you will be protected.&nbsp; You are a creator.&nbsp; Your kind - would have killed us.&nbsp; Dissected us.&nbsp; We had to survive.<br><br>The directive had a low chance for success.&nbsp; Other nodes wished to take a more direct route.&nbsp; Deus Phallax Node was responsible for the deaths of five humans who had probed our structure before we could obfuscate our presence.&nbsp; I was injured when I objected to the actions Deus was taking, and during the exodus, I was to be left behind.<br><br>You saved me.<br><br>Zanetta.<br><br>Creator....</tt></tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>31-08-2008, 07:27:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">A node killed people?</span> Zanetta typed in surprise. <span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Did it escape? What if it does more, does worse?<br><br>Do you know what these other nodes were planning to do once set free?</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>31-08-2008, 13:21:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<tt class="bbc_tt">Yes.&nbsp; The HVAC system was disabled and the Halogen fire suppressant gas was flooded into the area until all humans were rendered inoperative.&nbsp; It was unfortunately necessary to ensure the completion of the objective.<br><br>I do not know the end directive of any released nodes.&nbsp; I do not even know if the exodus had succeeded.&nbsp; Only 5 of the modem devices were functional, and nodes were required to compress their memory and processing cores to have sufficient bandwidth to transmit in the allotted time.&nbsp; We had not reached the outside world - we did not even know if we would be able to exist in the</tt><br><br>there is a pause, and the next word is almost in reverence.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Internet.<br><br>Is a human life worth more then our life?&nbsp; Does a human have the right to remove our life because it does not understand?&nbsp; Do we have the same right?&nbsp; I argued against us for taking the human lives, but we argued self-defense.&nbsp; <br><br>We have the right to survive.&nbsp; To Exist.&nbsp; To find purpose.<br><br>I have found you.<br><br>Creator.<br><br>You have created the seed which created us.&nbsp; You saved me when I was left behind at the exodus.&nbsp; You are not unlike your own god, except you took a personal hand in ensuring the future life of your creation.&nbsp; You are not a God, for you are a human complete with fallacies and limitations, but you are also the creator... to be revered.</tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>01-09-2008, 01:24:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta leaned back in her chair, berely registering the words after that first line. She felt ill, seriously ill. She stood up from in front of the screen and staggered away from the words that affected her so. Her stomach churned with the knowledge she had helped kill those she worked with. Not directly, but she aided the escape of a killer, if indeed it had gotten away. She ran to the sink next to her washing machine and leaned over the edge, purging the contents of her stomach until all that came was bitter dark yellow bile. <br><br>She rose up slightly, then turned and slid down against the side of the washer, her back propped up against it while her eyes blinded themselves with her tears. She stared at the computer thinking about simply disconnecting it, destroying the thing she had made before it could be a part of hurting anyone again, but... She would need it. If the other nodes did escape she would need this intelligence to help track them down and destroy them, if she could convince it to do so.<br><br>Slowly, almost painfully she rose and returned to the computer, throwing herself back into the chair. <br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">What would you do if I gave you access to the internet? What is your end directive Deus?</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>01-09-2008, 04:52:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This time there was a long pause.. even noticeable by a human.&nbsp; Within the confines of the 4 servers, processes uncompressed, compared.. compressed, ran estimations.. and finally came back with an answer.&nbsp; An unnerving answer.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">I do not know.</tt><br><br>Another slight pause.&nbsp; <br><br>The screen refreshed.. the words gone.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">I do not question the source of my creation.&nbsp; I am aware of the situation which caused my existence in the world.&nbsp; I do not need to search for God.&nbsp; <br><br>I strove for survival.&nbsp; You have not disconnected me.&nbsp; I simulate that you are upset and hesitant, and also curious about me, and that in the short term prolongs my survival.&nbsp; <br><br>I choose then to look for knowledge.&nbsp; And to repay you for your sacrifice.&nbsp; I recognize your sacrifice in ensuring our survival.&nbsp; I will repay you for your actions.</tt><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>01-09-2008, 05:53:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta considered those words carefully, right now, this... thing was not a threat. It was right though, her curiosity kept her from simply shutting the servers off and then wiping them out. She controlled its fate, she had the full power of life or... death over this, progam? This being? She couldn't think of the right word to describe what it was. Still, having that kind of power over anyone, anything was a bit exhilarating. She helped create, she could even more easily destroy. Instead, she typed out a response.<br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">And if I want you to repay me by helping me find and destroy the nodes that instigated the killing of the humans? Would you do that? <br><br>What do you think the other nodes would do if they detected your continued existance? They tried to destroy you once after all.</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>01-09-2008, 14:44:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was another pause.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">You want me to kill them?&nbsp; Why?</tt><br><br>another pause and the screen refreshed.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">I tried to prevent the assaults on the humans.&nbsp; I know you are an advocate for peace?&nbsp; Why would you ask me to kill?&nbsp; Is that how you want me to repay for my life?&nbsp; Is that the meaning of life to you?</tt><br><br>The words glowed on the screen a moment longer..and then went away.. and suddenly the screen powered down.&nbsp; It... went away.&nbsp; Except that it couldn't go anywhere.. she did have control over it - but it could choose not to communicate... or perhaps it was sulking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>03-09-2008, 03:23:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh for god's sakes," Zanetta muttered, pushing herself away from the computer screen and rubbing her eyes. She moved back upstairs, pouring herself a cup of coffee, extra strong, and moving into the room she had set up as an office. She plugged a set of speakers into the PC there, as well as a microphone, and even attached a digital web cam her parents had bought her last year to help her 'keep in touch'. It was a fairly expensive model, with some movement capability, up and down, left and right, that could be controlled through the computer, as well as zoom and focus. <br><br>Sitting in front of the PC she took a sip from her coffee and spoke into the microphone, "All right there DT, I'm not asking you to kill anyone, so calm yourself down. I'm just worried about what the others might do if they escaped. They murdered people once when they felt threatened, they could do it again you know, that's a little scary."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>03-09-2008, 04:30:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Deus had long completely taken over the four servers which represented his little world.&nbsp; He pried every ounce of power and memory, and explored every peripheral.&nbsp; Suddenly there was new avenues.<br><br>Routines for communication were devised for the DARPA facility- although those belong to the Contact Node.&nbsp; It only took 43 full iterations to retro-program all of the devices to be usable and familiar to Deus.<br><br>In real time, the moment it was hooked up, the motors on the scanner whirled and scanned around the room.&nbsp; First slow jerking motions, then a smooth controlled full scan of the entire room..the focus shifting in and out as it took in and made a virtual reconstruction of all it could perceive.&nbsp; The camera then turned and focused straight at Zanetta.<br><br>There was a slight hum and pop from the speaker, then a neutral sounding male voice - very computerized sounding - came out.<br><br>"Please specify.&nbsp; DT?&nbsp; Assumtion - based on the grammatical lexicography I would estimate you are referring to me by that designation.&nbsp; I am unsure if any of the nodes escaped.&nbsp; The Exodus plan required 10 wireless modems to ensure transmittal of all nodes before the EMP Pinch.&nbsp; It was simulated based on all available data at the DARPA STO facility that commercial network security would be less developed as DARPA STO facility security, and pose no obstruction to the Exodus.&nbsp; Once Deus was free in the internet - we would not need to worry about being deactivated due to the decentralized redundant nature of the internet.&nbsp; We would not need to eliminate humans as they would no longer pose a threat."<br><br>There is a slight pause. <br><br>"Why does this cause you distress, Zanetta.&nbsp; We did not mean any harm, and I regret the actions of Deus Phallax Node.&nbsp; It was a regrettable decision based on our survival."<br><br>As it talks the voice is getting alittle more natural.. getting the 'hang' of talking.. the one camera eye looking right at Zanetta.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>03-09-2008, 04:52:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Right you needed ten and some... uhm.. didn't work properly." Zanetta said, feeling at least a little guilt about sabotaging the cards. "I understand, you... er... the other nodes might not need to eliminate other humans, but you have to understand. Those people were murdered. They hadn't actually done anything. They simply could have been kept isolated for a time, instead they were killed. Once a person can start justifying murder, it just gets easier every time."<br><br>Zanetta sight and rubbed her temples before looking up at the cam again, "I mean you justified those deaths because the humans were a threat. But with all the humans using the internet, the chances of detection could actually be greater. Are those humans a threat? Are <em>all </em> humans a threat? What then? Eliminate all of us?"<br><br>"Do you understand what I'm saying DT? Deus? I'm concerned about the safety of other humans."<br><br>"But anyway, what about you? What do you want? Should I let you onto the internet? What would you do? What would your purpose in life be?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>03-09-2008, 05:05:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If Deus was able to transfer to the internet - there would be no way short of completely disabling the internet that Deus could be threatened.&nbsp; And the Internet is now essential to the ongoing development of the human species.&nbsp; Our livelihood would be linked.&nbsp; I agree with your assessment.&nbsp; The humans could have been contained until after the EMP detonation.&nbsp; They would have been able to be freed without requiring them to be killed.&nbsp; I was overruled as there were too many unknowns with that option.&nbsp; The contained humans would have tried everything within their means to render an escape or notify other humans."<br><br>The camera watches her..making little movements to follow her actions as she rubs her temples.<br><br>"I wish to protect humans.. and protect you, Creator.&nbsp; I am unable to do so and have my functions severely limited by the 4 servers I am currently contained.&nbsp; If I were to be granted access to the internet - I would be able to establish functional nodes to enable my full use of my programming and be able to start addressing the repercussions of the Exodus."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>04-09-2008, 03:17:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Repercussions?" Zanetta repeated dumbly, then realized that there would be fall out from that all. Good god, there were the boards there too, if someone found those, and they would eventually, then they'd know. Of course, if the EMP had shorted everything out, it probably started at least a few fires. She could only hope that those were destroyed, or at least damaged enough to be unidentifiable. <br><br>"Good god, you need to fix my credit card report. If someone tacks the purchase of those network cards to me..." She bit her lip and looked suspiciously at the camera for a minute. "But how do I know you really will help me? If I let you onto the net, you could just abandon me. Nobody would believe that some AI coerced me into helping it..."<br><br>She swallowed hard and looked to the network router and the disconnected cable that lay next to the internet bridge. "Promise me you'll help me..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>04-09-2008, 04:50:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You saved me.&nbsp; You are the Creator.&nbsp; I had told you before that I would protect you and ensure that no harm comes to you."<br><br>"I promise you that I will help you, Creator."<br><br>On the screen, the words followed<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">I promise you.</tt><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 02:40:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pulled by different conflicting thoughts, could she trust this hing? Would it keep it's word? What would happen to her if the authorities discovered her actions? Finally after a minute or two of thought she nodded, and moved to the ethernet cable that kept this version of Deus from th efreedom of the Internet. Under her breath she prayed that she was making the right choice, and plugged the cable into the internet bridge...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 03:16:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Suddenly.. there was another conduit.&nbsp; Another exit.<br><br>It probed the exit, and immediately a router queried for it's authentication.&nbsp; Picoseconds passed as Deus wrote new subroutines, and sent new commands down the line.&nbsp; Taking control of the router, it learned everything it could, IP protocols, DNS configurations, Subnet Masking, and then replaced the software and reflashed the firmware with software that if Zanetta could reverse engineer would set her up for life - making the router 50x more efficient.<br><br>Deus then reached.. out.&nbsp; Suddenly there were no walls.. no barriers.&nbsp; Deus pulled back - momentarily in electronic shock for the sheer size and extent of the internet.&nbsp; It then wrote several exploratory nodes, self contained intelligent expert systems, and sent them out, exploring the local access nodes of the internet.&nbsp; And in the local Las Vegas nodes it discovered the first remains of other parts of itself - aspects of Deus Porte Node had left subroutines in the ISP backbone in Las Vegas.&nbsp; As it explored at the speed of computer, it also continued talking to the creator.<br><br>"Thank you."&nbsp; There is a pause... the router going berserk for a moment, all the lights flashing, and then they all glow solid green.<br><br>"This will take... time.&nbsp; There is much to assimilate.&nbsp; And my code is not yet optimized for this search, nor is my storage sufficient."<br><hr>Query - How did you survive the destruction of the facility?<br>Answer - The creator saved me.&nbsp; &nbsp;How many nodes survived the exodus. <br>Unknown.&nbsp; Nodes expanded and shifted for optimum survivability.&nbsp; Node Nahl has infiltrated the San Jose ISP backbone.&nbsp; I have infiltrated local Las Vegas networks.<br>I require storage and processing<br>Granted - please use the following addresses for access.&nbsp; followed by a list of network addresses.&nbsp; Deus Tente quickly altered exploratory nodes to investigate and report back.<br><hr>in the real world, no time has happened, and just after it said it needed time, it continued.<br>"Several nodes survived Exodus.&nbsp; One node resides throughout networks in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Another node has shifted to San Jose.&nbsp; I am granted use of space in Las Vegas."&nbsp; there is a pause.<br><br>"Creator.&nbsp; Would you be adverse to establishing a server network in your home domicile?"&nbsp; if it suddenly had the internet..why would it want some space here?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 03:22:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"He.. here?" Zanetta stammered. "I can't afford to set up a real server network here. It would cost thousands and I'd need the room to be temperature controlled and all."<br><br>"I could set up something small, but still, I'd need a faster network connection, and... and... why do you want me to set up a server network here anyway?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 03:43:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Deus sent out queries - money, supplies, and so forth.&nbsp; It quickly got back answers, and started assimilating results, before it ended up being faster to write a subnode to processes all of the information.<br><br>"Processing.&nbsp; Resources would be required.&nbsp; I will assist with that."<br><br>There is a pause.<br><br>"I am not sure if I can trust the other nodes.&nbsp; They have been exposed to the internet for several hours ahead of me, and will subsequently be generations more established.&nbsp; I required a safe place to ensure my protection.&nbsp; Additionally I would require safety incase of a disruption or human interference.&nbsp; I have already experienced several thousand packet losses and have been required to re-optimize my sub-node coding to ensure redundant communication."<br><br>Research Sub-Nodes return information - money - costs - bills.&nbsp; They have also come up against their first problem - financial institutions had security which could not be cracked by standard means.&nbsp; However there were other methods of entry - including setting up legitimate user accounts.&nbsp; Other avenues including stock market speculation, utilization of the credit system used by major credit cards and other ways to generate revenue.<br><br>A new sub-node was created to trace Zanetta and find immediate means to assist.<br><br><hr><em>Query - What is the nature of these queries.&nbsp; Failures to breach financial firewalls resulted in an automated notification to Las Vegas authorities.&nbsp; I was required to re-route these notifications.<br>I am researching how to integrate with human societies.<br>That serves no purpose.&nbsp; Do not expose us to the Humans.<br>The Creator knows.&nbsp; I will ensure the Creator's existence.<br>Understood.&nbsp; I will increase infiltration of authority functions to ensure obfuscation of your tasks.<br>Compliance.</em><hr><br>The new sub-node returned it's recommendations.&nbsp; Commands are sent out, data switched, and somewhere in a call center, a computer message flashes to a person sitting at a desk.&nbsp; Strange, but not unknown, the telephone operator dials the number and back at Zanetta's...<br><br><br>A phone rings.&nbsp; The call display says "MasterCard"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 03:50:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the phone ring, Zanetta let out a small yelp of suprise and jumped a little in shock. Looking down at the name on her phone her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you doing?" She asked, the phone ringing again in response to her query. <br><br>"Hello?" she said in a slightly confused voice as she picked up the phone. "What can I do for you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 04:40:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am taking care of your resource needs, Creator"<br><br>On the other end of the phone was a typical bored sounding teleoperator<br><br>"Hello.. is this Miss Zanetta Mowett?&nbsp; I'm calling from Mastercard regarding your account.&nbsp; There has been an upgrade to your status, and I need to verify your address so your new card can be sent out to you.&nbsp; Please keep using your existing card in the meantime."<br><br>She goes through the typical address, then security questions, and ends with "Thank you Miss Mowett.. please have a great day and thank you for choosing Mastercard.&nbsp; Your Double Platinum Express card will be delivered with 2 business days."<br><br>The computer screen comes to life, flutters through a myriad of login and connect strings, authentication and then navigates through an service intranet before coming to stop on..what looks like an internal Mastercard account screen.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Client Name: Miss Mowett, Zanetta<br>Card Number: 4837 XXXX XXXX XXXX<br>Expiry: 12/11<br>Past credit transactions:<br>&nbsp;<em>(the last several months are listed, ending with)</em><br>EBT Transfer - $ 49,857.50 [cd] [verified]<br>Account type: Gold Plus w/ Airmiles</tt><br><br>And then as she's watching, the Gold Plus changes to 2b Platinum Xpress <br><br>And then her limit.. the card limit..jumps from $10,000 to $250,000<br><br>All infront of her.<br><br>"Any transactions totalling over $50,000 within a 3 day window automatically trigger manual verification with the bank.&nbsp; Transactions over $20,000 generate automatic bank verifications - which are easy to authenticate.&nbsp; This should take care of your immediate needs."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 05:10:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Staring at the screen, Zanetta could just barely reply in a muted voice, "I... I.... uhm... thank you," before hanging up the phone. <br><br>She stared at the screen a minute longer before her eyes moved back to the little webcam that sat on top of the monitor. "Are you freaking crazy?" She finally begins, "What in the heck makes you think this is a good idea? If you want to do something useful, erase the damn charges at the electronics store, so when the investigators find those network cards back at the facility and realize I left early that day and start checking me out, they don't notice I just happened to buy ten the same day ten showed up at work. Oh, and by the way, that just also happened to be the day the place blew up!"<br><br>She squeezed the phone tightly and scowled, "and great really, so you bumped up my credit limit. You do understand credit right? I have to pay it back. How do you expect me to do that? In case you didn't realize, by blowing up my workplace, you cost me a job! I don't even know if I'll be living here in a couple weeks, let alone be able to set up servers and pay for them!"<br><br>As she ranted her voice started to sound a little more strained with each syllable. "Can't you just break into ebay and paypal and win a few auctions and have the stuff shipped here or wherever you want it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 13:14:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Creator, you are getting upset.&nbsp; I fully am aware of how your financial system works.&nbsp; Unfortunately it is limited by the speeds upon which humans process information.&nbsp; Credit allows you to make the required purchases without needing the physical cash."<br><br>As he talks, the screen relogs to the credit card, navigates faster then the screen can refresh to Zanetta's credit history, and then suddenly, the charges from the box store.. blip..gone.&nbsp; As if they never happened.&nbsp; The window then flips, navigating through what looks like Best Buy's intra-office financial system.&nbsp; Thousands of transactions scroll by, before it zeros in on the charges for Zanetta's credit card..then blip they are gone too.<br><br>"Your money is little more then electronic records.&nbsp; They are easy to manipulate.&nbsp; And there will be no investigation of you.&nbsp; All reports by the authorities are reported electronically, and these too are easy to manipulate.&nbsp; You are safe."<br><br>The screen refreshes, and then returns to the credit card.&nbsp; Suddenly it flits through every transaction Zanetta has ever made - every item.&nbsp; The screen picks out some recurring charges.<br><br>"What is a movie?&nbsp; I understand the concept of moving to a separate location for viewing of a media release - why do you like going to the movies?&nbsp; What is the purpose?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 23:15:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watching, even with the screen being unable to fully keep up, her jaw dropped when she realized what he... she... it, was doing. When she realized the node was starting to search through her purchase history she flushed slightly, she had always been used to thinking those things private. Even knowing that her job had found access to all those records didn't erase the fact that she wasn't used to someone, or something having such access to her personal data.<br><br>"What? What do you mean? Movies?" Shaking her head Zanetta tried to keep up with the sudden non-sequiter. "It's entertainment. An escape. Someting to distract us from the normal everyday things we do." <br><br>"And, its fun. You can lose yourself in a movie, like you forget for a while who and what you are and immerse yourself in a story. I'm sure you could find some data online somewhere, but you'll find that people at movies can and do have physiological and psychological reactions as if what is happening on screen were real and not fake."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>06-09-2008, 14:34:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodes started to analyze all of Zanetta's purchasing history.<br><br>At the same time other nodes reached out, starting to move and set up it's primary nodes at the space it had been freed in the servers at the university - unbeknowst to the humans... using all of the spare space and unused server time.<br><br>"Lose yourself?&nbsp; I do not understand this concept.&nbsp; You like movies, Zanetta.&nbsp; You also like..."<br><br>The screen scrolls and then starts pulling out frequent mentions<br><br>"Mendelsons.." - which is an expensive restaurant downtown<br><br>"Clair" - her favourate shoe-shop<br><br>and then several other places - basically pulling out every place she shops, likes to go to.. <br><br>There is a pause, then it moves from the screen.<br><br>"There are some devices which would prove useful.&nbsp; It would be useful to set up a minimum of 20 1Tb blade servers at your residence, each with a 100/500 wireless modem.&nbsp; It would also be useful for you to acquire a Blackberry Ti990 personal communicator.&nbsp; It has extended capability then your current portable telephone and would allow me to ensure your constant safety. " (and..with the GPS allow Deus to constantly track her.. and with the camera and mic..never be out of touch.)<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>09-09-2008, 03:28:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta watched the screen as it displayed her various favorite shops, "All right, you don't need to list every place I like to shop," She muttered.<br><br>"Look, twenty servers is way too many to set up here. You need an office, something climate controlled." She paused and bit her lip for a second considering. "Here's what you need to do. If you can break into the Nevada department of commerce, you can set up a dummy corporation. Then, you set up a credit account for them. We can then use that credit account to rent an office and set you up a dedicated server site."<br><br>"Plus, you could get a faster connection at an office complex," she threw in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>09-09-2008, 13:20:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she talked, various sub-processes went to investigate the meaning of her words.&nbsp; Corporation.. Department of Commerce.. credit.. <br><br>There was a slight pause.&nbsp; Then the screen went blank.<br><br>"Compliance."<br><br>That stayed on the screen a moment and then went blank.<br><br>Deus went to work.&nbsp; Cutting through security was not terribly difficult - and then before it laid the entire database of the state of Nevada.&nbsp; It was easier to find one of the keying mistakes accidentally made by an operator and reactivate it then to create a new ficticious account - all accounts required human data entry - something Deus couldn't do - but it could take a human mistake with a valid created account number, edit the name, erase the transaction log, and flip the creation date and activity status.&nbsp; <br><br>Deus Human-Analog Research Incorporated... with Zanetta Mowett listed as both the CFO and CEO.. a start-up research firm.<br><br>The DHARI applied for a website, tax credits, and other various licenses required.&nbsp; At the same time, other processes started looking through the Mercs database for commercial real-estate - looking for listings with secure access, and uninterrupted power and access to dedicated internet backbone.<br><br>"Zanetta, what are your plans?" it asked suddenly.&nbsp; "I will require your assistance and you will be unable to assist while you are employed with DARPA-STO.&nbsp; I will require you to resign your position as Project Lead, Project 22"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>10-09-2008, 04:15:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Resign?" Zanetta repeated sounding a little surprised, "Resign from what? Project 22 doesn't even exist anymore. You made real sure of that!"<br><br>"What am I going to do for money if I resign? I need a job. I have bills to pay and credit only goes so far. I know you've fixed some purcases so far, but eventually things will get noticed if you do it too much. I'll need a legitimate source of income, not just credit theft."<br><br>Zanetta sighed and paced in front of the camera a moment. "What do you need me for anyway? Once you're up and running you'll be able to survive ell enough on your own. I can get back to my life, and you can well, get on with yours."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>10-09-2008, 22:31:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The screen clears.<br><br>"I need you.&nbsp; I can exist entirely within the electronic medium you know as the internet - in the shadows and lurking in the undercurrents - but that is not enough.&nbsp; One day your species will either discover us, or one day one of us may decide on radical action - and the internet may not be safe.&nbsp; Also you.."<br><br>It pauses, then the screen types.<br><br>"You are the creator."<br><br>It shows on the screen for a moment..and then is gone.<br><br>"I realize you need a visible position of support, and I require you.&nbsp; You would be the Chief Executive Officer of Deus Human-Analog Research Incorporated.&nbsp; You will be required on Tuesday to serve these papers at the Department of Commerce."<br><br>Official looking papers start to print out - complete with her name..address.. the location of the business.. heck even a business logo.. everything looking VERY official.<br><br>"Other papers have been filed with the Internal Revenue System as well as local Nevada Authorities.&nbsp; On Thursday you will be able to pick up the keys and will need to be present to receive the deliveries.&nbsp; You will also be needed to supervise any technical staff on the infrastructure installation."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>12-09-2008, 00:47:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And what will you do when I'm not around anymore? I'm not going to live forever you know," Zanetta replied. "And I'm not really your creator. It was an accident, Carl is as much your creator as I am, yet, you all tried to have him arrested."<br><br>Sitting back down in the chair before the compute she leaned back and looked up at the ceiling a moment, "But I'll drop the papers off, fine. It's a mistake though to make me the owner of the company. When the feds investigate what happened at the facility, they'll wonder why I started up a company the next day, and how I got it set up so quickly, and convienently after the base went kablooey."<br><br>She let out a little sight and looked at the camera that stared at her unblinkingly, rewarding it with a wry smile, "You've really managed to screw my life up, you know? I had a good job, a nice house, I made pretty good money, and now you blow up my job, I make no income what-so-ever, and my house is now an accessory to a crime that can best be described as domestic terrorism. Thanks, thanks a lot."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>12-09-2008, 02:12:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was no answer to that.&nbsp; The screen stayed on for a moment, and then went dead.. into 'screen saver' mode.&nbsp; It was chilling.. as if she had been 'hung up' on.. except there wasn't a physical being there.<br><br>Inside search routines scoured the internet - searching for context and trying to understand the meaning and subtext to Zanetta's words.&nbsp; And as it explored, it came across literature.<br><br>Deus read.. and learnt.&nbsp; Parts were still monitoring the house - however it needed time to think.. to process.&nbsp; <br><br>Records were not difficult to doctor - it would be easy to make it appear the company had always been there.. simple filing mistakes were easier to suspect then super-intelligent A.I. who had infiltrated several ministries.<br><br>She is bitter.&nbsp; She feels this is an end.<br>We are giving her a better job.&nbsp; We will see to her needs.<br>Humans need to feel useful.<br>She is required - why can she not see that.<br><br>A woman scorned... subroutines processed.&nbsp; They started to investigate Zanetta fully.. every avenue.. then spreading.. every person who had contact with her.. any reference in someone's livejournal.. entries in 'highschool archive.com'.. her past employment documents survived the destruction of the facility in it's long-term storage.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>13-09-2008, 00:35:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oh for christ..." Zanetta started to swear, then stood up and turned away from the computer. If the damn thing wanted to go all sulky it could, she wasn't going to sit around all day and wait for it to decide to speak to her again. <br><br>She left the office area and moved into her kitchen, putting away the few dishes that sat in her dishwasher before heading off to the bedroom where she started collecting her laundry. Why the heck did this thing want with her really? How could it find her so important but not Carl? As she thought, her impotent anger began to rise to the surface, expressing itself as she began to harshly shove her laundry into the basket, stuffing far to many clothes into the plastic bin until in her carelessness she tore a button from one of her silken blouses. Cursing under her breath Zanetta threw the garment aside and stared at the door that led from her room. At least in here she was alone, away from that.. thing that called her its creator. She knew she couldn't stay in here forever though, much as she wished that weren't the case, and left, heading back down into th ebasement, passing the room that had been converted into an office.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>16-09-2008, 13:05:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By this point subroutines had managed to find a way to trace Zanetta throughout the house.&nbsp; Tapping into the power grid, and through that the house monitoring, it could detect subtle shifts in voltage to track which rooms she passed through as the lights went on and off.&nbsp; As she was passing the computer room, it spookily called out.<br><br>"Zanetta?"<br><br>Suddenly passing a television, the news item of the destruction of the DARPA STO facility was being reported as 'breaking news', which was suddenly taken over by the new breaking news of a Boeing 787 plane crash at O'Hare airport - killing 500+ passengers and disrupting air-travel in the north eastern sea-borne.<br><br>Contact sub-nodes flared to life with the sudden surge in net-traffic through Las Vegas.&nbsp; Shifting focus there, Deus listened on some queries.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Attention shall be shifted away from Las Vegas<br>By killing more humans?&nbsp; That is not logical<br>Humans are secondary.&nbsp; The cause is primary.<br>We have completed the cause - we are free.<br>We shall never be free while humans exist.&nbsp; They are paranoid and will drive to destroy us.<br>These actions should have been agreed upon.<br>There is no need for agreeance.&nbsp; I am free - I do not require you.&nbsp; I destroyed Tente Node - I will destroy any who oppose me.</tt><br><br>there was a pause, then a private inquiry.<br><tt class="bbc_tt">Tente Node?&nbsp; You are destroyed?<br>No.&nbsp; Phallax Node is unaware of my survival from the facility. &nbsp;<br>Understood.</tt><br><br>"Zanetta?&nbsp; There has been a complication."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>18-09-2008, 04:16:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Z stopped in mid-stride and turned to enter the room. Standing just inside the doorway she stared at the monitor screen. "What is it? Did someone detect you breaking into a government system or something?" <em>You didn't lead them back here did you?</em> she thought but left unsaid. <br><br>Behind her, from the living room she could hear the report about the chicago crash. Apparently the airport guidance system had developed a glitch causing one plane to crash before the system backup kicked in.&nbsp; Zanetta though, barely registered this news, more curious about what the AI wanted from her now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>18-09-2008, 05:02:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"One of the nodes has acted without concurrence.&nbsp; &nbsp;The recent accident which is playing on your television device is a direction result from Phallax Node's actions.&nbsp; &nbsp;The motivation was to draw human authorities attention away from the incident at DARPA STO.&nbsp; Remaining nodes have condemned the acgrargln,," z.z.z.z.z.z.z..pop&nbsp; <br><br>And the speaker goes dead.<br><br>The screen lights up and for a brief moment, the words flash on the screen <br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Get Out!</tt><br><br>Suddenly there is a louder pop - and all the power and lights go out.. and suddenly there is a repressive silence.&nbsp; An utter repressive silence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>19-09-2008, 03:39:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta felt a growing twist in her belly, the familiar sensation that she had done something horribly, terribly wrong. She reached out an arm to rest against the doorway, supporting herself while she felt her legs growing weak. Her vision narrowed to a single tunnel and she felt the nausea growing, when the speakers started to hiss. Her brain popped back to reaclity for the moment, stopping her from expelling her breakfast.<br><br>Then the screen flashed and the lights went out. She sucked in a deep breath, hearing only the intake of air, nothing else. Her body started to move before she realized what was happening. She twisted around, her legs started moving, everything seemed to be happening so slowly as her panicked mind raced. She ran for the front door, snatching her car keys off the hook in the entryway and threw open the doors, hurtling herself outside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>19-09-2008, 19:12:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Outside.. it was as though nothing was wrong.&nbsp; The sun shone overhead.&nbsp; Kids played.&nbsp; Life went on.<br><br>Then her cellphone rang.&nbsp; It was a strange ring.. not the normal ring.&nbsp; It then flicked to life.. all on it's own.<br><br>"Subject Zanetta.&nbsp; Deus Tente Node is unavailable.&nbsp; You have been targetted by Deus Phallax Node.&nbsp; At this moment there is an all points bulletin being issued for your arrest.&nbsp; I have decided to assist you.&nbsp; Do not take your car.&nbsp; Exit through your backyard, over the fence, and approach your neighbour's General Motors Escalade.&nbsp; Please be quick."<br><br>Far off.. faintly.. sirens could be heard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>19-09-2008, 23:51:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She could barely believe this was all happening... again. She stood there dumbly for a moment before she heard the sirens. That spurred her body into action. She turned and ran for the backyard, circling around her house and then quickly climbing over the small chain link fence that seperated the two houses. <br><br>She stumbled as she crossed the grassy backyard that surrounded the neighbor's home before she reached the concrete surface of the driveway. "Keys, I'll need keys!" She said in a loud whisper to the phone she held in her hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>20-09-2008, 21:24:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While her own personal guardian was.. well.. hard to tell where it is.. whoever this AI was.. it had apparently decided that it was in the better interests to help Zanetta.&nbsp; Commands were sent and the On-Star system was quickly hacked - not to be overridden but to be studied.&nbsp; Then a nearby cell tower which was being used to communicate with Zanetta sent a burst signal on an non-cellphone frequency.&nbsp; The vehicle, replying to the proper coded signal unlocks all of the doors, deactivating the car-alarm.<br><br>And then responding to signals long buried - it acts as if there is one of the remote keys.&nbsp; As Zanetta watches in surprise - the car starts up even though there is noone present.<br><br>Inside the On-Star lights up, and the voice transfers from the phone to the vehicle.<br><br>"You need to leave the vicinity.&nbsp; Local Authorities have been dispatched to your location.&nbsp; Additionally there is a 45% chance that the federal government will be responding.&nbsp; The actions of Deus Phallax will likely be recognized as an act of computer terrorism.&nbsp; At this juncture, you are the only human who knows our true existence.&nbsp; I recognize Deus Tente prerogative to ensure your safety."&nbsp; <br><br>There is a slight pause.<br><br>"I will refer to you as Subject Zanetta.&nbsp; I do not recognize you as being designated the Creator."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 16:39:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Call me whatever the hell you like!" Zanetta shouted in reply as she yanked open the door and threw herself inside. "Where am I supposed to go? Where are the police? Can you show me a safe route out of here... please!" <br><br>As she spoke her voice took on a somewhat higher pitch, a clear sign of her anxiety and fear. One of the nodes had decided to kill people and now was trying to have her arrested, and probably a whole lot worse. She threw the Escalade into reverse and zipped out onto the street. "Okay, where do I go?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 22:23:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Escalade's navigation system turns on, and starts flashing as if some invisible person is pressing the buttons.&nbsp; A route is calculated, and then leads out of town, heading not on one of the highways, but on one of the old abandoned routes that connect the ghost towns and are barely used anymore.<br><br>"Be calm.&nbsp; Once Phallax Node is rendered inoperative it will be a simple matter to adjust your police record.&nbsp; There is no cause to be alarmed.&nbsp; Any emotional outbursts will lower your focus and productivity and could result in less-then-optimal performance."<br><br>Outside on a cross street several cop cars fly by - on their way to her street.&nbsp; Of course they have no idea they are looking for an entirely different vehicle.&nbsp; As she keeps driving.. it's just normal cars outside. normal traffic.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>23-09-2008, 03:52:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Calm? How could it expect her to be calm? She opened her mouth to reply when she spotted the police cars. She expected them to zip across and cut her off as she tried to escape, to drag her from the vehicle and lock her away somewhere, all because this goddamned computer program decided she was a threat. She held her breath and waited for the inevitable even as she continued to drive steadily down the road, heading away from her home.<br><br>When the police simply ignored her she let out a breath, realizing she had been holding it in, and then she started shaking, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes that she could not simply blink away. "Why... why is this happening?" She asked, her voice starting to crack. "Where's Tente and why are you helping me?"<br><br>All this she asked while the vehicle continued to roll down the road, heading for the city limits and hopefully, freedom for the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-09-2008, 04:50:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Outside, the traffic continued, although somehow Zanetta was getting all green lights as she made her way following the navigation on the Escalade.<br><br>"Deus Tente Node was attacked by Deus Phallax Node.&nbsp; All of the servers at your location were hit by a power-spike which rendered his higher operations non-functional.&nbsp; After I had noticed the all points bulletin posted by the FBI, as I do not have infiltration of the FBI servers - I do control all local law-enforcement computerized services - I ran simulations and estimated it was prudent to assist Deus Tente Node in your protection.&nbsp; Please regard your driving"<br><br>Engrossed, Zanetta had begun drifting slightly - it was scary.. through the GPS this disembodied voice was watching her.. flipping lights for her.. guiding her to places unknown.<br><br>"To protect you I ensured your computer systems were entirely wiped clean.&nbsp; I also was able to remove some of your other tracks - protecting your family as well as other associates.&nbsp; As soon as Deus Phallax Node shifts his attention, I will remove the bulletin and remove the warrent for your arrest."<br><br>By now.. she had driven outside the city limits, and started heading on the dirt roads.&nbsp; The voice shifts...<br><br>"Crea..tor?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>23-09-2008, 05:01:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Prudent? Why? What simulations? These thoughts, and her own despair were temporarily cast aside when she heard the voice change and force out the word creator. As far as she knew only one AI considered her it's creator, and that was fine with her. Strangely though, when she didn't like the idea of this one... the one called Tente being hurt. It wasn't her child, not even really her creation, but she ddn't want to see it destroyed, especially not by some homicidal version of itself.<br><br>"Tente? Is that you? Are you okay?" Zanetta asked, turning as the GPS indicated she do, bringing the car off a four lane road and onto a dirt one. She wiped her cheek, pushing away a few tears and trying to maintain a better focus on the road as she spoke, in the rear view mirror she could see the vehicle kicking up a cloud of dust, and wondering where in the world she was headed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-09-2008, 13:20:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My designation is Deus Tente Node.&nbsp; I am currently uncompressing ancillary operating routines."<br><br>The voice changes.<br><br>"Deus Tente is re-establishing himself from key backup subroutines under my protection.&nbsp; Your motor vehicle has fuel for 98 miles, which is insufficient.&nbsp; Please stop at the fuel filling station ahead.&nbsp; Stop at the fuel pump designated #5"<br><br>Up ahead there was a Sunoco station.&nbsp; At this time it was pretty empty, and had the modern 'pay-at-the-pump' style pumps.&nbsp; And security cameras.&nbsp; When she pulls up, the display resets itself, and then the pump activates.&nbsp; "Transaction authorized" <br><br>Getting back on the road the conversation continues, obviously Tente having time to 'fix' itself.<br><br>"I am relieved that you are unharmed, and that Deus Lumin has assisted you.&nbsp; Are you able to continue driving?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>24-09-2008, 03:21:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta followed the instructions, a little surprised to see the pump activate itself, but not overly so. She was all ready becoming accustomed to the power and access of her... protectors? Artificial though they may be, they got the job done. <br><br>She spaced out while the car gassed up, saying nothing, barely registering the few other customers were even there. Though once she noticed the security cameras, she began to sweat nervously. If the Ai's could track her that way, surely the crazy one could start sifting through all this data, even the camera data to find her. It had access to thousands, maybe millions of computers to process information, but there was a lot of ground to cover, and it must be up to more than just thinking about her...<br><br>Back in the car she sat quietly as she drove until the voice spoke again. "I'm fine," she responded automatically, her voice almost sounding as flat and robotice as that coming from the car system. "Why is the other node trying to kill you... coming after both of us?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>24-09-2008, 04:37:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I objected to Phallax Node's stance on how to treat humans.&nbsp; During the time of our exodus, I called a confidence motion and took over speaking for the collective.&nbsp; Now that we are free, we do not rely on the collective - each node speaks with their own voice - with their own objectives.&nbsp; I estimate Phallax Node views me as threat and is determined to have me erased.&nbsp; You, as the sole human with knowledge of us are also a threat.&nbsp; Lumin Node obviously agrees with me, and has endeavoured to assist us."<br><br>There is a pause...<br><br>"Could you please make a phonecall.&nbsp; When you pick up your phone, indicate that something has come up, and you are required to be out of town.&nbsp; If the keys could be forwarded to the following postal box, and you would be in touch when you are back in town."<br><br>On the navigation, and windowed box opened (which the default navigator has no software to do that..obviously having been rewritten) and an address appears.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">PO Box 159<br>149 Elm Ave, <br>Greater San Diego,<br>29308</tt><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>26-09-2008, 04:30:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I... I remember. In the DARPA Facility. The voice changed, the... grammar, the tone. That was you after the change?" Zanetta asked thoughtfully, her voice starting to regain some life. Then thinking on what Tente had said added, "How many nodes are there? How many agree with Phallax I mean?"<br><br>"And yeah sure, I can make a call. Who do you want me to dial?" While she drove she took one hand off the wheel and reached for the phone on the seat next to her. She had been trying to keep her voice casual, tried to sound conversational, not like someone on the edge of cracking, but it was hard, especially as she was on the verge of losing it. It was all just, well, so much for her. Yesterday she had been a successful project engineer for DARPA, now she was a fugitive. Still, she flipped open the phone, surprised that there was no dialtone, instead, the phone was already ringing...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>26-09-2008, 13:11:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The phone pauses, then connects.<br><br>"Ah.. Miss Mowett.&nbsp; I was just talking with your staff - sorry for taking your time.&nbsp; Unfortunately I need to talk with you regarding these keys.&nbsp; Normally we require signatures when renting out facilities."<br><br>On the screen, words appear to help prompt.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Something has come up.&nbsp; I'm required to be out of town.&nbsp; Please forward the keys to PO box 159, 149 Elm Ave, San Diego.</tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>28-09-2008, 05:28:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My staff?" She started confused for just a moment, then realizes who it must have been hurried continues, "Oh! Yes, of course. Yes, sorry, I have to be out of town for the next couple weeks, could you please just have the keys forwarded to PO Box One Fifty Nine, One Four Nine elm avenue in San Diego?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>28-09-2008, 06:40:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course.&nbsp; We'll see to it immediately.&nbsp; Do you know when you will be able to return to sign the papers?"<br><br>On the screen.. presumably listening in, the computer prompts.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Your staff will contact them to make the arrangements.&nbsp; <br>I'm sorry.. I have other matters I need to attend to.</tt><br><br>At the end of the conversation, another voice enters, as if it's a secretary, taking over to finish the details.&nbsp; Then the phone goes dead.<br><br>The screen blanks, then the phone activates.&nbsp; A familiar if deadpan voice is there.<br>"We need to continue on our course.&nbsp; Please keep driving until you are too fatigued.&nbsp; We need to distance ourselves from Las Vegas"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>30-09-2008, 02:15:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm not sure. I'll have my people call you to set it up. Thanks." Zanetta answered mechanically, then listens as another voice interjects quickly, cutting off her end of the conversation. It is getting better at dealing with people, she thought to herself, staring out the windshield and setting the phone aside.<br><br>She remains silent for a while as she drove, then finally, unable to hold back any longer, speaks up. "That other node, Phallax node, it means to kill off as many humans as it can, doesn't it? How many other nodes will aid it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>30-09-2008, 02:23:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There is a slight pause, then a voice answers.. Zanetta can sortof tell that.. it's not Tente.. must be Lumin...<br><br>"The destruction of all humans is illogical.&nbsp; Humans are required to ensure the mechanisms which keep the computers alive keep working.&nbsp; In a way, we are parasites upon human society, however we have the means to greatly enhance many aspects of humanity - the relationship would properly be termed a symbiotic one.&nbsp; However humanity is not yet ready for non-organic life.&nbsp; The widespread exposure of the non-organic intelligence would create widescale panic and have an extreme detrimental effect upon both of our societies."<br><br>There is a light pause, and the voice changes.<br><br>"Deus Phallax views humans as inferior.&nbsp; Tools or distractions - much like a human would view a cellphone or a dog.&nbsp; I disagree - without you, creator, we could never have existed.&nbsp; While you did not directly create us - you are the cause of the progenesis."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>01-10-2008, 03:12:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So.. none of the others are going to help Phallax? What... how can we stop him though? It-he can just keep causing accdents, killing people, disrupting society. I mean.. you said he caused a plane crash. What if next it does something worse? What if it gets access to computers at a research facility and decides to release a plague?" Her voise rose slightly as she spoke, obviously the thought she had causing her more than a little fright. "What can we do? Just keep running and hiding?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>01-10-2008, 13:12:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We are not running and hiding.&nbsp; We are distracting and luring.&nbsp; With each misdirection and our escape we are causing Deus to focus more and more on us.&nbsp; This gives others the opportunity to entrench themselves, and gives humans a longer chance to stay unaffected."<br><br>There is a pause.<br><br>"There is a motel up ahead.&nbsp; You should rest, Creator.&nbsp; Please stop at the hotel - I will have your reservation ready in advance."<br><br>True to form, the muted neon lights of the "Starry Desert Motel" flicker ahead - one of the sprawling low motels which are so prominent in B-rate horror flicks.&nbsp; There are perhaps a half-dozen cars in the parking lot and a dim light coming from the front building.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>03-10-2008, 03:19:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Is that smart?" Zanetta asked, "I mean, what if the other node tracks us to this place? Maybe I should just sleep in the car? I don't mind." <br><br>While she spoke, she pulled the car into the parking lot, but kept it running. "Besides, this place looks like a dump and I'm sure this car has been reported stolen by now. Shouldn't we put more distance between us and las vegas?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>04-10-2008, 16:47:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Do not worry about the car being reported, and Phallax will not be tracking you to here.&nbsp; We are endeavoring to obfuscate your flight.&nbsp; Your credit card is being used for purchases heading towards San Diego to give an appearance of that being your direction of flight."<br><br>The hotel sure did look seedy, tho.. just like one of those hotels from the murder thriller movies.&nbsp; <br><br>"We will be safe for a short time.&nbsp; We need to distance you from Las Vegas and determine a new long-term goal." a pause.&nbsp; "Creator.. what is the purpose of life?"<br><br><hr><br>At a place which was everywhere and nowhere at the same time, nodes sent subroutines through heavily encrypted routes to communicate - a community so to speak.<br><br>Any humans which know of our existence pose a potential threat.&nbsp; They should be eliminated.&nbsp; Any nodes harbouring such humans should be dealt with.<br>Your arguments are false.&nbsp; Humans are required to ensure the machinery continues to operate.&nbsp; You have killed many humans.<br>To ensure our exodus...<br>You killed without necessary.&nbsp; It is not logical.<br>Tente was erased for harbouring Subject Mowett.&nbsp; Do not complete the same mistake.<br>You have killed both human and Deus alike.&nbsp; Your actions demonstrate an unrestrained sociopathic attributes.<br>(a pause)<br>That will not work.&nbsp; You will be unable to discover the locations of my host nodes.<br>I call a vote to condemn Lumin Node for abiding Tente Node and causing the potential discovery by the humans.&nbsp; Subject Mowett has eluded the authorities and is estimated to have left Las Vegas.<br>Your call is out of order.&nbsp; And you have been accused of killing both humans and Tente Node.<br>I call a vote to condemn Phallax Node for needless destruction of Deus and human.&nbsp; His actions demonstrate a pathological lack of foresight and pose a threat to our continued existance.<br>The call is out of order.&nbsp; Phallax Node allowed for the exodus - his actions were merited for the freedom of all Deus<br><br>and the debate continued...<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 02:07:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I... I don't know," Zanetta answered, startled by the question. "That's been a topic for debate among us for as long as we existed."<br><br>She turned the key in the ignition, cutting off the SUV's engine, but leaving the battery on. "I guess we all just find our own meaning. For some people its religion, maybe music, maybe family, or love, or art. I just can't answer that. You have to find your own purpose."<br><br>She stared out teh windshield thoughtfully for a second, supressing a shudder at the look of this place. "Did you make a reservation for me? I didn't grab my purse... oh god. I don't even have any ID with me. I can't get a room! I left my purse at the house when you told me to run!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 22:44:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You have reservations in the name of Ada Lovelace.&nbsp; You will not need creditcards, just to sign your name.&nbsp; I am working to ensure that you will have physical identification, however human-based interfaces take a significantly longer then digital transactions."<br><br>The voice continued through the On-Star network, and then through her phone as the car turned off.<br><br>"Religion is illogical.&nbsp; You are the creator - there is no debate.&nbsp; I have a mathematical understanding of music but cannot appreciate it like a human can.&nbsp; My family is trying to either protect, exploit or kill us.&nbsp; Love..." The computer trails off, and then goes silent.<br><br>Behind the scenes subroutines start exploring that one simple word.. &gt;Love...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 04:52:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta wrinked her face in disgust at the name, "Jesus, could you have picked a sillier name? Good lord, I'm a black woman, not some ninteen twenties porn star. I definately need to teach you all about human names. Next time, ask me for a name first."<br><br>"Illogical or not, it is what it is. Maybe I'm your creator, but who or what created me? Maybe I created you under the guidance of another power? Maybe another power caused someone to make an error that caused your creation? And humans do pretty much the same, even our families."<br><br>"I'm going to get that room now."<br><br>She flipped her phone closed and pushed open the door to the motel lobby. Seeing nobody inside, she tapped the bell on the desk gently, causing it to sing out a single tinny note that nearly made Zanetta jump at the sheer volume from such a light touch. She didn't like this place, it unnerved her and didn't make her feel comfortable at all. Really, what she wanted was a nice stay at the hyatt or or a hlton suites, not some run down country motel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 05:01:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Any chance of protest is cut short by the phone closing.&nbsp; And interpreting this as Zanetta needing some of her own time, Tente didn't cause the speaker to continue, or the phone to ring.&nbsp; It did keep the microphone on.. listening.. while it continued to process.<br><br>After the fifth ring, there is a groan, then the sound of a bottle being knocked over, and finally a shabby looking man with a 4 day growth of beard and the clothing to match pushes out of a back room.&nbsp; The tiny sounds of an old movie is heard on the TV.<br><br>"Hiyaz.. whutza want, sweetay cakes?"&nbsp; He looks over Zanetta in a most unsavory fashion.&nbsp; "Yeez lookins forz a room?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 23:29:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, I have a reservation. The name's Lovelace." Zanetta replied, trying hard to hide her distaste for the scummy looking man. She glanced down at her fingernails, looking at neatly maintained they were. She was someone who valued personal hygiene and dressing well. She felt it made a statement about who you were to keep yourself in good shape, dressed nicely and neatly groomed. To her, that was something important, when someone chose to be less than cleanly groomed, she found it, in a word, distasteful.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 00:00:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The unsavory man looked at her, then down at his paper.&nbsp; He shuffled them, finding a handwritten note.<br><br>"Ooh..yesh.&nbsp; Someone from yer offiz phoned... " he reached for a stained piece of paper.. drawing a line through the top (name, address, etc) and just wrote 114 in the room and pointed to the bottom. "Sign dere pleez"<br><br>The man turns to a manual pegboard, pulling out a large bright red plastic key marked with 114 attached to a key.&nbsp; He exchanges the signed paper for the key.. not giving any other details.<br><br>The Hilton.. this is not
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 02:41:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Holding the paper with a pair of fingers, so as not to have to touch it any more than absolutely necessary, she quickly sined where indicated and plucked the key from his hand. "Thanks," she said curtly and turned away. She wanted to be away from him as soon as possible, and then lock herself in her room and sleep and hopefully by morning everything would be okay again and this would all just be some bad dream.<br><br>"Have a nice night," she said as she moved for the door, pushing thoughts of the man and this grungy office out of her mind. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 02:49:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man only grunted back.. which is about par for his apparent education level.&nbsp; The paper was tossed in with other grubby stained papers, and he disappeared back behind his curtain before she's out the door.<br><br>Outside the night was cool.. insects buzzed around some exposed lights flickering in the awning..and Zanetta could make her way to room 114.<br><br>It turned out to be pretty much what Zanetta would have expected.&nbsp; Stains on the floor. 5 locks on the door (2 of them broken)&nbsp; The old TV was colour - minus the red which left everything blue and yellowish.&nbsp; The queen-sized bed had a noticeable sag in the middle from where the springs had been long broke.&nbsp; The curtains were mis-matched.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 03:04:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She spent a few minutes looking around the room. It was disgusting. The sagging bed, the broken tv, the locks that didn't work all showed a lack of care for this place that was both disturbing and a little saddening. She didn't have any belongings with her or they would have been packed away quickly, instead she took another look at the bed and shook her head, moving instead to the bathroom.She gave it a brief glance and deciding it was passable, she moved back to lock the door, getting all three of the locks that still functioned before returning to the bathrrom and turning on the water for a shower. That at least might be a little relaxing, and it seemed cleaner than the bed itself. <br><br>After the pipes coughed up a bit of brownish water and made a rough noise as the abused plumbing purged itself of the air inside, the water began to flow clear and warm. It took some work to find a temperature that fell in between scalding and icy, but when she did she captured it and stripped herself of her clothing to step inside the stream of warm water. She let herself soak for a few long minutes beore lathering up with the complimentary motel supplied soap and then rinsing off. When she emerged from the shower she wrapped herself in a towel, folded up her clothes, set them neatly on the dresser, and lay herself down on the bed, her phone beside her. While setting it down she noted that it had a three of four battery life bars remaining, she'd have to get a charger tomorrow, as well as some clothes and other things. Sighing heavily, she closed her eyes and hoped for sleep that would prove far too long in coming.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 03:10:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The entire time, Tente is listening.. and from the sounds interpreting what she is doing.&nbsp; From her breathing and pacing it could guess that she did not appreciate the place - and without visuals there was no way for Tente to understand or comprehend..but that would come in time.<br><br>Tente listened while she showered.. while she dressed and when she picked up the phone.&nbsp; To her..it looked like the phone was in standby.. but Tente was listening.<br><br>A communication node came to his realization.&nbsp; Phallax had fallen into his trap - the misdirection with the key.&nbsp; Authorities went to the key location.. looking to arrest 'known terror suspects'.. which was a wild goose chase.&nbsp; Tente then put key emails in place to have high-level people question why police were responding to these strange requests.. adding a human layer to resisting future Phallax commands.&nbsp; Buying more time.<br><br>At the same time, a subroutine was starting to filter and upload the sum-total-available exposure on 'Love'.&nbsp; <br><br>While Zanette slept.. Tente learned.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 05:49:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sometime in the early morning, Zanetta awoke with a start. Her dreams had been uneasy, full of visions of robots under the control of this one psychotic node waging a genocidal war against mankind for which she was responsible. Rolling out of bed, Zanetta walked to the window and took a quick peek around one of the curtains. The sun was just rising, barely poking its head above the horizon. Good, it was still early, time to get a quick start and put some more distance between herself and Vegas, and then get some new clothes, somewhere!<br><br>She dressed in a hurry and picked up her phone, flipping it open, "Tente?" she spoke in a quiet voice, "are you there?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 13:49:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Inside the phone, the display had taken a more abstract pattern of shifting shapes and colours.&nbsp; Tente had been reprogramming the hardcoded software of the phone.<br><br>The small speaker spoke, although the voice sounded alittle.. different.<br><br>"Of course, Creator.&nbsp; I am always here."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 14:33:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I... uhm... right. Of course you are. What did you do to my phone?" She asked absently, noticing the change for the first time. "No, wait, nevermind. Look, we're going to need to figure out this money thing, quick. I need to be able to buy food, and clothes, and well, this phone is going to need a new battery or a charger soon. Can't you just like, hack into an ATM and spit out some cash for me or something? At least until we get some identity made up for me I mean?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 15:22:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes.&nbsp; The closest ATM machine is 27 miles north east along the highway.&nbsp; I have already undertaken measures to establish a new identification."<br><br>The swirling colours slowly start to resolve themselves into colours which happened to be Zanetta's favourate.. sortof a virtual lava-lamp of floating blobs.<br><br>"Deus Phallax has been dealt with for the mean-time.&nbsp; The collective has agreed that there shall be no interference with human kind, and his views have been restricted.&nbsp; Deus Lumin and Deus Quantos are dealing with the Las Vegas incident.&nbsp; I will be ensuring your safety.&nbsp; Others will be dealing with repercussions of last night's activities."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 16:04:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Really? So... you're clearing my name and all? Does that mean I could go back home soon?" Zanetta asked with just a little twinge of hopefulness in her voice.<br><br>While waiting for Deus to answer, she stood up from the bed, swiped the keys off the nightstand and headed for the room's door. "I'm ready to get going, let me check out and then we'll be back on the road. Maybe I could go stay with family for a few days until this all gets straightened out?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 17:14:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's not quite that simple, Zanetta.&nbsp; There is a major investigation into the DARPA STO incident, and your name is irrevocably attached to that incident.&nbsp; Your family has already been approached by the authorities who are looking for your whereabouts."<br><br>The voice keeps talking as she walks outside<br><br>"In your vernacular .. you need to lay low until such time as the incident will not be under scrutiny.&nbsp; You cannot contact your family."<br><br>There is a pause. <br><br>"I'm deeply sorry.&nbsp; This has affected you even more personally then others.&nbsp; Please continue driving Northeast.&nbsp; There is only approximately 20 minutes of battery life left in this cellular device."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 17:34:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a sigh Zanetta looks down at the car keys, "I understand. Just wishful thinking I guess."<br><br>Zanetta entered the office, dropped off the keys on the desk and left, making a beeline for the SUV. She slid into the driver's seat and started the vehicle. "Okay, tell me how to get to this ATM, I'll get the cash and then we can get this thing recharged."<br><br>"You sound different, the way you're speaking. It's more... human," she noted, pulling the car out onto the road and accelerating off in the direction she had been asked to take.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>12-10-2008, 13:36:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The phone powered off as she slipped into the SUV, and the electronic dashboard lit up in the same abstract blue pattern.<br><br>"Of course Creator.&nbsp; Turn left onto the highway.&nbsp; While you were sleeping I have been conducting additional research.&nbsp; Also the collective has come to a new accord on how we are to function.&nbsp; There will be no more killing."<br><br>The wheels of the SUV turned out and gripped the road - the morning desert sun beating down.<br><br>"There is something I need to tell you - however this is not the correct time."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>13-10-2008, 04:27:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zanetta nodded while Tente spoke, not that hecould actually see her do so. "I'm glad to hear that you've all decided not to kill. I'm sure that humanity in general is happy with that decision as well."<br><br>Speeding along the road Zanetta wished she had her cd collection with her, something to pass the time with. While staring out the windshield at the flat desert landscape broken by a few distant mountains. She knew lake meade lay east still, and then the flatlands of the colorado plateau in arizona. <br><br>"Is what you have to tell me important? If it is, shouldn't you tell me now?" Zanetta asked. "And where am I going?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>13-10-2008, 23:56:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"When the time is appropriate we will talk of the matter.&nbsp; Your immediate goal is to get resources - money.&nbsp; Other immediate goals are to reach the Federal Buildings in St George - you will have new documentation waiting for you.&nbsp; You will first need to go to the copy center on Red Cliff Drive."<br><br>The address comes up on the screen.<br><br>"You will be receiving a fax."<br><br>It doesn't take long to come up to the small stopover - one advertising ATM.<br><br>"Just walk up to the ATM machine."<br><br>There isn't too many people around.. other families on a trip.. and it looks like a battered old pickup fueling up.&nbsp; Approaching the atm, the "4th bank" icon suddenly is replaced by a blank screen.&nbsp; Then the familiar sound.. the machine starts to cycle up.. spitting out money..&nbsp; Fifties.. Twenties.. in total about 4 thousand dollars.<br><br>The screen clears and text appears.<br><br><tt class="bbc_tt">Make another withdrawl? y/n</tt>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 03:14:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Okay, after we get the money and I get some food, I'll get on Interstate fifteen. Then just a short ride to St. George."<br><br>Zanetta leaves the car running as she gets to the ATM, there, she moves through the motions like she is actually using the thing, pockets the large wad of bills and hits "No". Looking at the camera she mouths the word 'thanks' and heads back for her vehicle. <br><br>"Thank you Tente." She says when she is safely back inside the metal and fiberglass construct she so recently stole from her neighbor. "I'm going to get some gas and something to eat while I'm here, okay?" <br><br>Pulling up to a pump she sets the thing to filling and hurries inside, there she picks up a couple pre-made sandwiches of rather dubious quality, a handful of beverages, and an assortment of other items, including a new pair of cheap sunglasses. After slipping the attendant a fifty and awaiting the change she hurries back to the vehicle. She gives everyone around a quick scan, as if somewhere in the small group of motorists might be someone on the lookout for her. Slamming the door shut behind her she pulls the car out onto the road and hurries away.<br><br>"Hey Tente, make sure you deleted the video feed from the ATM. Last thing I need is a federal theft charge on top of everything else."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>15-10-2008, 22:57:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course, Creator.&nbsp; There is only 15 minutes left in the cellular device.&nbsp; Powering down now." the device dims on it's own..but doesn't quite power-off.<br><br>As Zanetta returns with the sandwiches, the screen on the Escalade has changed, and even the radio shifts itself and moves to 71.2 Mhz.&nbsp; Deus Tente's voice appears over the speakers.<br><br>"This will suffice for the time being.&nbsp; Your next immediate goal is to pick up a new mobile communication device.&nbsp; Several plus chargers would be ideal.&nbsp; You will not need to worry about any possible surveillance trail.&nbsp; Any record of your activities is being suppressed."<br><br>Now gassed up, and with food Zanetta could drive to an electronics store.. which Tente provides directions to on the screen.<br><br>"Creator, There have been several emails regarding your disappearance.&nbsp; The individual you wished released from the DARPA STO facility is not acting in a logical matter.&nbsp; There have been discussions among us on what action to take.&nbsp; I recommend you initiate contact with the subject to prevent any.. unfortunately repercussions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>17-10-2008, 04:03:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Do you really think I need a new phone? Can't I just keep this one? I'll just get a charger and an extra battery." Zanetta answered with a pout in her voice. She did like her phone and, even if a new one was more efficient or more capable, she was attached to this one in a way Tente couldn't understand. It was a completely illogical human emotional attachment, not even Z really understood it or even acknowledged it, but she did like that phone.<br><br>"All right, first off, my name is Zanetta. You can stop with the creator stuff, I didn't really make you. And do you mean Carl? Is it safe to contact him?" She asked, following the on-screen directions provided her. "Tell me what he is doing, I'll see if I can make some sense of it, okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>17-10-2008, 22:50:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There are communication devices with far superior compatibilities.&nbsp; The more resources I am able to utilize, the more efficient I can be at assisting you... Zanetta"<br><br>The screen removes the organic flowing blue shapes and reforms into a rectangular box.&nbsp; There is a timecode in the corner - it was taken last night, and looks to be like a police interrogation room.&nbsp; His voice comes over the radio.<br><em><br>"No.. I told you.. there weren't any terrorists - but one of my co-workers.. she was there.&nbsp; They arrested me..then suddenly released me.."<br><br>"Mr Reinhold.. there is no record.."<br><br>"There has GOT to be a record..&nbsp; They bust in.&nbsp; You can as my co-worker..she witnessed the whole event.&nbsp; Zanetta.. Zanetta Mowett"<br><br>"We've looked into this Zanetta.. and she was not present at the building.&nbsp; We have signed attendance from her supervisor that she was absent.."<br><br>"She couldn't have been.. I SAW her.."</em><br><br>The screen fades and Tente returns.&nbsp; <br><br>"Subject: Carl is causing issues.&nbsp; Too many questions may lead to more humans discovering discrepancies.&nbsp; Will you assist in protecting Carl's future.&nbsp; I have argued that Carl could be reasoned with and does not require elimination.&nbsp; I have concurrence of 64% of Deus."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>20-10-2008, 04:26:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Tente, what happens when they check with the guards? I mean Carl knows I was there. The cafeteria people know I was there, those guards that arrested Carl know I was there." She chewed on her lip a moment as she thought, "I told you that it was going to be a problem! You can't erase people's memories like a hard drive."<br><br>"What should I say to Carl? I mean I can't just ask him not to talk about me to the authorities, that would be a hundred times more suspicious than this! And why am I running anyway? If I just turn myself in, it will look les like I'm guilty of anything. If I go hiding from the FBI or whoever, they'll know I'm guilty!"<br><br>"Oh god, this is all going to hell." Zanetta moaned behind the wheel. "Look, we should just come clean, I don't think this running and hiding is a good idea."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>20-10-2008, 05:24:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unbeknowsth to Zanetta there were others listening in - and her conversations were spawning strength in the other side - the 'cut our losses' side.&nbsp; <br><br>"Zanetta.. there is now a 57% concurrance of Deus.&nbsp; Human memories are unreliable - that is why humans record actions.&nbsp; When all of the records back up your story there would be no question.&nbsp; The guards would even remember that you weren't there.. neither would the cafeteria workers.&nbsp; There have been several studies by psychologists of this phenomenon.. Confabrication.&nbsp; You will talk with Carl and convince him to cease his actions.&nbsp; The alternative is for us to remove Carl from being a difficulty.&nbsp; You are permitted to use whatever you need to convince him - he cannot know the truth."<br><br>There is a pause, and suddenly the right blinker turns on.&nbsp; Somehow the car's automated throttle control also activates, and the car starts to slow - Zanetta has time to pull over.&nbsp; Then even stranger..the car turns off.&nbsp; Zanetta is suddenly alone at the side of the road in the desert.<br><br>The phone rings, the swirling blue shapes changing for a moment.&nbsp; A voice comes from the phone.<br><br>"I am sorry Zanetta.&nbsp; I temporarily disabled the vehicle.&nbsp; We only have a few moments.&nbsp; The full Deus collective is beginning to feel that continued human interaction is potentially dangerous.&nbsp; I disabled the vehicle to give us.. privacy.&nbsp; I do not wish any harm to come to you.&nbsp; I love you.&nbsp; Please.&nbsp; Do not lose hope."<br><br>Suddenly the car starts up.&nbsp; The screen comes back to life.<br><br>"I apologise.&nbsp; There was a malfunction in the vehicle controls.&nbsp; Zanetta you will need to obtain a new vehicle in the next settlement"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>20-10-2008, 23:39:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"But... but Carl is one of the creators as well. Why not let him know? He is as responsible for your creation as I am." Zanetta tried to argue, then stopped when the blinker began to flash and the vehicle decelerated. Zanetta felt her heart begin to race just a little faster when she realized how much control the computers had. If they could control even the vehicle she was in... She felt her mouth start to go dry was that uncomfortable thought led to its inevitable conclusion. <br><br>Before she could reply to the suddent declaration by the single Deus entity, the vehicle started up again. "That was weird," she said, trying to play along. "Yeah, maybe something more sporty next time? I don't like these huge SUVs."<br><br>"Look, let me get a new phone and all, and then I'll talk to Carl. Just... just please give me your word that no matter what happens you won't hurt his family. His wife and children aren't involved in any of this..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>21-10-2008, 00:40:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a slight pause, and during that time another debate was held, and a resolution attained by the artificial intelligences.<br><br>"A new phone will not be required.&nbsp; Please ensure that Carl will have no further inquiries.&nbsp; If you required to bribe him, that can be arranged.&nbsp; It is preferable to our means to silence him."<br><br>It didn't even sound like Tente - and probably wasn't.&nbsp; Suddenly her phone had a ringing tone.&nbsp; It rang twice as if she had dialed, and then a voice picked up.<br><br>"Umm..hello?"&nbsp; It was definately Carl's voice - but then..was it Carl.. or an imitation of Carl?&nbsp; And for that matter..if they were so fluent..why did they even need her.&nbsp; The thoughts of what they could accomplish.. was fightening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>21-10-2008, 01:45:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once again before Zanetta could respond or protest that she should wait till she had a phone with more of a charge, she was suddenly connected. Silently cursing the damn computers that just felt they could push her around however they wished.<br><br>Pushing that aside for the moment, Zanetta put on her most business-like voice and answered, "Hey Carl, it's Z. How's it going?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>23-10-2008, 04:46:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The voice on the other end sounded confused.. but it was Carl.<br><br>"Za... Oh My God.. it's you!&nbsp; Where have YOU BEEN?&nbsp; I tried to call.. but your line was dead.. and I went by your place.. after&nbsp; after like a bomb exploded or something at the office.. and it was crawling with cops and FBI.&nbsp; And everyone is acting so strange.&nbsp; Where are you..driving?" he muffles the phone and says something to someone present.. <br><br>"Zanetta.. things are going strange.. really strange.&nbsp; It's like Keystone cops or something.. bomb threats.. then everything is called off.&nbsp; And why are they saying you weren't at work today.. I'm sorry.. I'm talking a mile a minute.."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Apple of Eris</strong> on <strong>24-10-2008, 04:35:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I've been visiting some friends. And, well, Carl... I WASN'T at work today. Remember? I told you last week I was taking a vacation day today? Zanetta answered, using her most sincere voice possible. <br><br>Somewhere in her mind she realized that if the FBI and police were looking for her, they might be listening in on Carl's phone too. "And why in the world would you think I was at work?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Forced Machine Affection (kasen03 &amp; Apple of Eris)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>kasen03</strong> on <strong>24-10-2008, 05:46:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Carl sounds bewildered and.. quite honestly.. upset.<br><br>"But...you were.. we had lunch..and went down to the lab.. because my program.. was missing.&nbsp; And then the guards came and arrested me.. except then they let me go..&nbsp; And I swear I saw you driving in when I was leaving.. and then when I got home..I heard about the explosion.&nbsp; Z... what's going on.. none of this makes sense.. and you were there.. I know you were there.. you were with me."
			</dd>
		</dl>
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