Moth Dialogue
start
self
i have a question about the embassy
moth
well, i'll do my best, lol
RESPOBJ::mthembresp
loop
RESPOBJ::mthembresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::self
about thoughtform structure<+>structureloop
about obesk<+>obeskloop
about collapse<+>collapseloop
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_start-end"
about bstrd<+>bstrd
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_bstrdintro-start"
nevermind<+>CHANGE::++moth
FAKEEND::(back)
About Thoughtform Structure
structureloop
RESPONSES::self
game sucks<+>gamebad
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_rec_clear-end"
actually the game is ok<+>gamegood
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::"mth++embassy-gamebad"
but it needs some work<+>gameok
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::"mth++embassy-gamegood"
perspective swap?<+>perspective
other memories locked?<+>locked
SHOWIF::[["embassy_d2_complete", true],["embassy_d1_complete", true],["fbx__ep2intro-end", false]]
back<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Game Sucks
self
game sucks
moth
ok, first, that's not a question
second, you're gonna have to deal with it
the only way we can access this data is with a framing device
and this is the only one i could get without drawing attention
RESPONSES::self
fine<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
self
actually the game is ok
moth
ok?
great
RESPONSES::self
yes!!<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
gameok
self
i've been thinking some more
the game is ok but it needs some work
moth
i'll forward that to the hacker i got it from for you
i'm sure they'll get right on it
RESPONSES::self
thanks<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Perspective Swap?
self
why can i swap perspectives?
isn't this a memory from akizet's POV?
moth
wait, you couldn't swap before?
that's a stock feature, it's part of the FBX patch
huh...
i guess the other spatial thoughtforms must have been too unstable
maybe they'll get that too once funfriend gets to them
RESPONSES::self
that would be nice<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Other memories locked?
self
why are these other two memories not opening up?
moth
looking at the data i can access here,
these two are still totally busted.
something to talk to funfriend about for sure
and the last one... holy smokes
i don't think your mindspike will even let you render it?
it's still busted, but i'm also reading that it has 'aggressive action'
even if we get it repaired,
your mindspike will block out combat simulations
it's, like... a legal thing. remember that big mindsci lawsuit?
although, i do have an idea...
but, we'll get to that if this ever gets fixed
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
About obesk
RESPONSES::self
kazki guns?<+>kazkiguns
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3r2-end"
weird looking obesk?<+>weirdlook
is the embassy still around?<+>state
team members still around?<+>team
groundsmind?<+>groundsmind
SHOWIF::"exm|embassy|attendant"
what is a kalstik?<+>kalstik
SHOWIF::"exm|embassy|kalstik stand"
what is an archival vein?<+>archives
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_bstrdintro-start"
back<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Kazki guns?
self
where did kazki get guns?
moth
one of the internal initiatives the obesk had involved the exchange of materials
like, everything - from plastic bottles, to assault rifles
they gave us stuff too, although obviously it was a little one sided...
this was like 20+ years ago so idk exactly what the circumstances were,
but when aliens were new, people probably didn't hesitate to give them whatever
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Weird looking obesk?
self
why do the obesk look like that?
moth
well, funfriend said visual data was totally gone,
so he had to use cached 'network signatures' from 'the collective'
which... i guess is like something like their internet
they've talked about it a few times in old interviews
particularly when they first got access to <em>our</em> internet
looks like they had a lot of fun coming up with stuff
RESPONSES::self
yes it does<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Is the embassy still around?
self
is the embassy still around?
moth
there is <em>an</em> embassy, but it ain't this one
this one collapsed, like it completely melted
nobody really knows why, that's when the obesk started closing up
stopped sending out visitors to cities, fbx contacts made themselves sparse...
it was a whole thing
and the ocean around the embassy hasn't really been the same since
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Team members still around?
self
are akizet's team members still around?
moth
no idea
i mean, people say they all disappeared, but...
honestly, like, all the obesk pulled back
i wouldn't be surprised if they just went back home
whatever happened with the embassy collapse completely spooked all of them
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Groundsmind?
self
what is a groundsmind?
moth
oh, you don't know?
it's pretty cool
basically, they assign someone to be the 'groundsmind' of major structures
they connect to this gigantic corrucyst that's hooked up to the walls
and they kind of just control everything
it's like they become the building
sounds familiar, right?
that idea ended up inspiring the whole mindspike industry
it's one of those little bits of history that gets forgotten all the time
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
What is a kalstik?
self
what is a kalstik?
moth
i have absolutely no idea
sorry lol
RESPONSES::self
its ok<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
What is an archival vein?
self
what is an archival vein?
moth
well, i can see from surface-level context that it's part of the groundsmindry system
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
there are apparently a lot of them, and since it uses the word 'vein'...
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
there's probably a whole lot of them?
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
that's the best i can do buddy, do some more scanning and i might be able to help more
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
from the context of what you've scanned, i can get a pretty good idea...
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
everything is implying that there was an entire vascular system of them throughout the embassy
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
and all of them had the obesk's data cysts loaded up in bulk amounts...
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
...which all funnelled knowledge down to the groundsmind for 'operational omniscience'
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
that's a pretty cool idea, but i can only imagine it made the collapse happen faster
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
seems like there'd be a lot of structural failure points if it was an entire tunnel system
SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>obeskloop
FAKEEND::(back)
About the collapse
RESPONSES::self
cavik?<+>cavik
the signal?<+>signal
casualties?<+>casualties
attacks outside embassy?<+>otherattacks
back<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Cavik?
self
AKIZET SAID SOMETHING ABOUT CAVIK...
POTENTIALLY GETTING THEM KILLED?
moth
yeah, i saw that too...
i think this memory is further ahead than the other ones
we're definitely missing something
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>collapseloop
FAKEEND::(back)
The signal?
self
do we know anything about the signal?
the one that triggered the start of this?
moth
no, actually
i mean, that's me making an assumption
because if we knew anything, we'd probably have already connected it to the collapse somehow
we didn't and still don't have any tools that can detect dull signals
but the fact we didn't know about it does at least confirm that it was a dull signal
RESPONSES::self
that's too bad<+>collapseloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Casualties?
self
how many casualties were there in the collapse?
moth
we never really got any solid numbers...
all we know is enough permanently died that very few physically visit earth anymore
i've been told it's mostly out of fear now, but...
i have to wonder if most of the existing qou were actually killed in the collapse
see, the population of the embassy was only something like a few hundred
but the obesk have a really low population, like, as a whole
so when one of them dies, especially a qou, it's a big deal
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>collapseloop
FAKEEND::(back)
Attacks outside the embassy?
self
when the collapse started,
were there any attacks anywhere else?
moth
not attacks, really
but there was some really weird stuff that happened at the same time
see, the obesk had these things they called polygonation spires
put them all around the world, used them to track the call's origin point
looked like big purple spikes that stuck out of the ground, like radio tower height
they were big tourist attractions for a while, actually
anyway, when this started, they all melted
every single one just collapsed on itself
popular theory was that they relied on something in the embassy that broke...
but i'm not really sure that's the case anymore
there are also these old archived videos from way back when of obesk ships acting strangely
like, darting around in the air and not really going anywhere, nearly crashing into buildings
nothing bad ever really happened, and some news sites debunked them as CGI hoaxes
remember, that was also about when the AI shit hit the fan, so...
man, i'm just rambling - there was all kinds of weird stuff that happened, ok?
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>collapseloop
FAKEEND::(back)
About bstrd
bstrd
self
WHAT IS THIS BSTRD THING
moth
i gave the data a closer look, at least as close as i can see without a spike myself
as far as i can tell, it's an autonomous, iteration-limited memory modifier
it picks one spot in a memory based on its importance, and operates only there
the fact it can alter the memory at all is honestly incredible
it's intended for human memories, specifically combat recordings, but...
maybe the loose structure of obesk memory is actually helping it work?
anyway don't worry about it spreading, it's limited to the framing device
which, by the way, i got from a college pal, not off the spike trade
we'd be boiling in internal affairs already if i got it off the spike trade lol
but i gotta tell you, this pal of mine...
they got the spike a few years ago and they've been really strange ever since
and not in a fun way like with you
i mean, bless them, they're great, they're just...
they would say we aren't getting the full experience of their work without a "hard mode"
despite this being an <em>important operation</em>
that kind of person, you know?
at least this one didn't have a title screen
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Moth Comment
switch(check("PAGE!!embassy_day")) {
case 3:
if(env.stage.name.includes("archiv") && check("embassy__d3_bstrdintro")) {
moth = "i have to give it to this bstrd thing, general cohesion is still pretty solid. it's still hard to tell for sure what is real and what isn't though"
} else {
moth = "how did we never hear about this?? they always said it was some sort of structural failure due to the gravity differences or some bullshit like that"
}
break
case 2:
if(check("PAGE!!cystmelted")) moth = "this is fucked up dude, imagine if you couldn't trust any of us"
else moth = "did she really label this memory as 'suspicion'? or was that funfriend? that's kinda ominous"
break
case 1:
moth = "there are so few distinct thoughtforms here... then again it could just be one part of the embassy"
break
default:
if(check("embassy__d3_movefriend_finish-end")) {
moth = "seems like funfriend is still working on the rest of the collapse memory for now"
} else if(check("fbx__ep2intro-end")) {
moth = "time to get into the collapse, buddy"
} else if(check("embassy_d1_complete") && check("embassy_d2_complete")){
moth = "if those were two of the memories she chose to store, what are these other ones??"
} else if(check("embassy_d1_complete")) {
if(check("citystreet__envoychat-end")) moth = "jesus... well that first memory lines up with what akizet told gordon. but why would she go to us if they agreed to keep it quiet?"
else moth = "holy smokes. yeah i dont think we ever heard about this part of the call... hey--there's another memory that's been fixed, open it"
} else {
moth = "this is the most dense thoughtform i think i've ever seen... they have such a strange way of storing data"
}
}
if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
Embassy, non-collapse
Barfriend
start
sourceless
THE BARFRIEND STANDS BEFORE A DISPLAY OF SIMULACRA
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
IT IS RARE THAT THE URGE TO INTERACT WITH IT EVER STRIKES ME
HOWEVER, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES
THAT CITRIC DRINK I HAD IN THE ENVOY'S CITY...
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
TERRIBLE AS IT WAS,
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
IT HAS AWOKEN SOMETHING
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
akizet
barfriend!
barfriend
HELLO AKIZETESCHE
RESPOBJ::barfriendresp
orange
sourceless
YES... <span definition="NOTE::'no translation required'">ORANGE</span> JUICE
THAT IS WHAT I WANT
AN EXOTIC TASTE--WITH THE BUZZ OF CITRIC ACID!
akizet
an orange juice simulacrum, please
barfriend
OK!
sourceless
THE BARFRIEND EXTENDS A TENDRIL TO THE ORANGE SIMULACRA DISPLAY
IT PASSES THROUGH THE CYSTIC WALL LIKE A HAND THROUGH WATER
EVENTUALLY PRODUCING A SPHERICAL CUP WITH THE GLOW OF ORANGE JUICE
ALTHOUGH... REAL ORANGE JUICE DOES NOT GLOW
BUT IT LOOKS KIND OF COOL
barfriend
HERE YOU GO!
EXEC::document.querySelectorAll('.drinklayer').forEach(e=>e.setAttribute('drink', 'orange'))
PLEASE ENJOY!!
akizet
thank you, barfriend
RESPONSES::akizet
depart<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Movefriend
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
personnel<+>personnel
SHOWIF::[['EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorReturn != \`personnel\`']]
HIDEREAD::
recreation<+>recreation
SHOWIF::[['EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorReturn != \`recreation\`']]
HIDEREAD::
call research<+>research
SHOWIF::[['EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorReturn != \`research\`']]
HIDEREAD::
nevermind<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
start
movefriend
HI AKIZETESCHE!
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
WHERE TO!
RESPOBJ::embassyRelocatorResponses
personnel
akizet
personnel, please
movefriend
OK!
sourceless
THE PATH I TOOK TO THE RELOCATOR SEALS
A MOMENT LATER, A NEW HALLWAY OPENS IN PLACE OF THE OLD ONE
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('personnel')
movefriend
SEE YA!
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
recreation
akizet
the lower-away recreation hub, please
movefriend
OK!
sourceless
THE PATH I TOOK TO THE RELOCATOR SEALS
A MOMENT LATER, A NEW HALLWAY OPENS IN PLACE OF THE OLD ONE
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('recreation')
movefriend
HAVE FUN!
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
research
akizet
the call research center, please
movefriend
OK!
sourceless
THE PATH I TOOK TO THE RELOCATOR SEALS
A MOMENT LATER, A NEW HALLWAY OPENS IN PLACE OF THE OLD ONE
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('research')
movefriend
ENJOY YOUR WORK!
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Embassy 'Discovery'
Starting text
start
sourceless
MY CONSCIOUSNESS RESUMES
THE REJUVENATION CHAMBER OPENS, AND FROM OUTSIDE FLOWS THE GLOW OF THE EMBASSY'S CYSTIC GLASS
THROUGH THE DISTANT DULL CONTRIVANCE, I FEEL ANOTHER GAZE HAS BEGUN
RESPONSES::akizet
emerge from the chamber<+>emerge
EXEC::content.classList.add('swapcam')
emerge
sourceless
I CLAMBER OUT THE CHAMBER, MY QOU-BODY REFRESHED
IT FEELS THE SAME AS IT DID AFTER MY ASCENSION
A RARE, LOVELY FEELING - AS THOUGH I COULD TWIST IT INTO ANY SHAPE
BUT I HAVE WORK TO DO...
A FOCUSED MEETING OF THE CALL INITIATIVE IS APPROACHING
AND A FINE OCCASION IT IS - WE HAVE SOME PARTICULARLY UNIQUE EQUIPMENT THIS TIME!
I MUST ASSEMBLE THE TEAM, THEN WE MAY BEGIN
RESPONSES::akizet
off to work<+>END
Akizet self-talk
start
sourceless
I SHOULD CHECK IN WITH THE TEAM... OUR FOCUS APPROACHES
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!beenToResearch", false]
KAZKI AND BOZKO MUST BE PRESENT BEFORE WE CAN BEGIN... WHERE ARE THEY?
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", false], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]
IT IS TIME TO BEGIN - I SHOULD SIT! MY SEAT IS THE FURTHEST ONE FROM THE DOOR, NEAR THE LISTENERS
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", true], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]
RESPONSES::akizet
there is work to do<+>END
RESPONSES::self
attempt to interact<+>interact
SHOWONCE::
interact
self
HELLO, AKIZET?
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
moth
huh?
oh... i get it
sourceless
...
moth
i don't think that's going to work
this memory is too coherent
if we had a way to, like... damage thoughtforms, maybe
but funfriend would be pissed
RESPONSES::self
damn<+>END
Tozik
start
sourceless
TOZIK SITS IN A TERMINAL CHAIR, CONNECTED BY A RECEPTOR TO THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">TIME-STOPPER</span>
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true);
THE TIME CONSTRICTION THAT GIVES THE GRAND CYST ITS NAME HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVATED
HE MUST BE USING IT SIMPLY FOR ITS ARCHIVAL CONNECTIONS
akizet
hello, tozik!
sourceless
I SEE HIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ME WITH A SMALL GLANCE
HOWEVER HIS FOCUS IS INWARD, THROUGH THE CORRUCYSTIC VEIN
TOZIK DETESTS IDLE CHATTER, SO I OPT TO KEEP THIS QUICK
akizet
are you prepared for the focus?
actually, is that what you have been doing?
tozik
yes
i am organizing the connected archival cysts
something very interesting happened barely a wink ago
you will hear about it in the focus
akizet
excellent
we will speak soon, then
RESPONSES::akizet
fare well<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
Gakvu
start
sourceless
GAKVU LEANS AGAINST A LISTENER, EYES DISTANT
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
A FALSE ENVIRONMENT CYST SITS UPON ONE OF HER RECEPTORS
WHEN I APPROACH AND LEAN MY HEAD TO EITHER SIDE, I CANNOT DISCERN A LOGO UPON IT
I WONDER - IS IT ANOTHER SURFACE SIMULATION? SHE HAS A MORBID OBSESSION WITH THEM
OF COURSE, THIS EARNS HER ATTENTION, AND SHE GIVES ME A JOVIAL RECEPTOR GESTURE
gakvu
hi akizet!
ready for the focus?
akizet
yes!
i was coming to ask you the same thing, actually
do you have something?
gakvu
oh yeah!!
tozik and i were tracking the call earlier, and...
sourceless
SHE GLANCES TOWARDS TOZIK, WHO STARES INWARD
gakvu
well, he found it really
but there was a spike in the call
a distinct break from the normal baseline
very interesting!
akizet
and what did you do?
gakvu
have you seen him? he has fused his skin to the chair!
i had to fetch all of the archival cysts and feed them to the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">time-stopper</span> myself
ah, with some help from cavik, of course
sourceless
I CHUCKLE, AND SO DOES SHE, BUT I SENSE IT IS FOR A DIFFERENT REASON
gakvu
did you need anything else?
otherwise i will be here until the focus starts
sourceless
IT PAINS ME TO DO THIS
BUT I SHOULD PROBABLY BRING UP THE COMPLAINT
RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
false environment?<+>false
the complaint...<+>complaint
your coat<+>coat
SHOWIF::'gakpause'
fare well for now<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
False environment?
akizet
what is that false environment you have on?
gakvu
ah! you see,
sourceless
I SPY A STRANGE, SUBTLE APPREHENSION IN HER RECEPTOR MOVEMENTS
HOWEVER SHE QUICKLY LAUNCHES INTO A SPIRITED DESCRIPTION
gakvu
this is one from my home
a skilled veilk-hopper's memories, gamified
so the veilk march towards the weather wall,
and you must leap from veilk to veilk while they grow faster
or else you are subsumed beyond the air's border!
sourceless
BY THE GESTICULATIONS OF HER RECEPTORS AND HANDS,
IT IS AS IF SHE IS TRYING TO BARTER WITH ME
akizet
that sounds terrifying
gakvu
that is why it is so fun! you must try it sometime
RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp
The complaint...
complaint
akizet
there is a matter i must mention
gakvu, you and i, we understand
however... the balance of work, has
gakvu
bozko!
sourceless
WHAT
DID BOZKO SPEAK WITH HER ALREADY??
MY CONFUSION IS LAID BARE IN MY RECEPTORS' CURL
gakvu
was it not him?
i know it was him!
he just has a problem with <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'ethnic implication'">ekivik</span>
sourceless
I LAUGH, AND URGENTLY WAVE MY HANDS AND RECEPTORS DISMISSIVELY
SHE LAUGHS, TOO--I AM CERTAIN SHE APPRECIATES MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRY <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'ethnic implication'">EKIVIK</span> WIT
akizet
no no, gakvu...
it does not matter who brought this to my attention
i know you enjoy your efforts here,
and above all else i know your ability to strike
but to certain others, it is not so clear
and with enough of these complaints, it will start to turn eyes towards me
so, for my sake,
sourceless
I PAUSE TO THINK OF AN ELEGANT WAY TO SAY THIS...
"AT LEAST PRETEND TO LOOK BUSY WHEN YOU ARE IN HERE"?
GAKVU WRINGS HER RECEPTORS SMUGLY, KNOWING FULL WELL WHAT I MEAN TO SAY
gakvu
do not worry, i understand
akizet
good!
RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp
Your coat
coat
akizet
your coat...
i have never seen it off like that before!
sourceless
GAKVU DRAWS HER ATTENTION OUTWARDS, TO STARE DOWN AT IT
SHE PULLS AT THE FALSE FABRIC, RECEPTORS SLIGHTLY TWISTING IN CONFUSION
gakvu
oh
that is strange!
i never turn this off
sourceless
THE TWIST IN HER RECEPTORS SLOWLY GROWS MORE PRONOUNCED
gakvu
what did i just say?
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.75, 3000);content.classList.add('incoherence')
'turn it off'?
it is fungus...
wait, no--it is, a representation of fungus...
that i emulate with my clothing!
sourceless
I WATCH HER WITH SOME CONCERN - SHE IS SAYING THINGS I ALREADY KNOW
LIKE SHE IS CONVINCING HERSELF... BUT, WHY? THIS IS VERY STRANGE
akizet
are you ok?
gakvu
ah...
yes!
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1, 3000);content.classList.remove('incoherence')
sorry... sometimes when i am using these false environments,
i get context overlap!
for a second, it is like i was my signature rather than myself!
i should really start pausing these things when talking, hehe
sourceless
THE LIGHTS OF HER COAT RESUME
EXEC::change("gakpause", false);content.classList.remove('gakpause')
moth
interesting... that was some sort of memory leak
SHOWONCE::
incoherence spiked pretty bad
SHOWONCE::
avoid doing that kind of thing, ok?
SHOWONCE::
RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp
Kazki+Bozko (Recreation)
start
sourceless
BOZKO AND KAZKI IDLE NEAR THE INNER WALL, THEIR CHATTER DROWNED OUT BY THE NUMEROUS OTHERS NEARBY
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
KAZKI'S BRANCHED RECEPTORS GESTICULATE AS WILDLY AS HER HANDS WHILE SHE SPEAKS TO BOZKO
HIS FOCUS LAY MOSTLY UPON THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest functional equivalent';'technological implication'">WINDOW</span>, OBSERVING THE COUSINS' RESEARCH VESSEL
HER TALE BECOMES MORE DISTINCT AS I APPROACH
kazki
... so i said, it is because my larval form was <span definition="ERROR::TRANSLATION_FAILED:'no equivalent internal meaning';'no relevant inherited context'::ROMANIZATION SUCCESSFUL">tir</span>! and i told him of the function that entails...
i even talked a little about that story from the kozazni excavation--you know the one, ah, when i was first starting work there
bozko
oh, no
kazki
and while i was saying these things, my funfriend was attempting to warn me about something, but i kept talking...
and then when i was done, i checked to see what it was, and it was telling me to stop!
he was apparently expressing terror on his face! as though i might drench him in acid at random!
ahahaha!!
sourceless
BOZKO CHUCKLES AND ROLLS HIS RECEPTORS SLIGHTLY
HE LOOKS FROM THE WINDOW TO KAZKI, WITNESSING MY APPROACH INCIDENTALLY
WITH ANOTHER LITTLE RECEPTOR GESTURE, KAZKI TURNS TO FACE ME AS WELL, DELIGHTED
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('kazkibozko')
bozko
hello, akizet
kazki
hi akizet!!
akizet
hello my friends
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
our focus approaches<+>focus
EXEC::change('PAGE!!d1_kbcollected', true)
what was that about?<+>story
anything happening?<+>talk
fare well for now<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam(false);env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Our focus approaches
focus
akizet
our focus approaches, my friends
are you prepared? do you have any topics to bring?
sourceless
THEY BOTH DIP THEIR RECEPTORS AFFIRMATIVELY
kazki
yes!
akizet
good! report to the signal chamber when you are ready
i arranged for the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">time-stopper</span> to be used this time, so it will be quick
bozko
excellent
we will be there shortly, you go ahead
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
What was that about?
story
sourceless
I CANNOT CONTAIN MY CURIOSITY
KAZKI'S STORIES, EVEN IF HYPERBOLIC, ARE ALWAYS ENTERTAINING
akizet
what was that story you were telling, kazki?
sourceless
HER BRANCHED RECEPTORS FAN OUTWARDS EXCITEDLY
kazki
ah! i was in the nation of australia recently!
for the polygonation spire meeting, you see
it went well, but my contact was curious, because he had not seen a once-tir before,
and so he had a number of questions unrelated to the construction approval
mostly about my receptors...
which!! by the way! the construction was approved!
bozko
through some giggle of velzie, it occurred to her to share the events of her early larval work
sourceless
THE KOZAZNI EXCAVATION STORY...
OF COURSE A CLUELESS BRIGHT COUSIN WOULD FEAR FOR THEIR LIFE AFTER HEARING THAT
kazki
it was in good nature! he found it funny after i explained away his fears!
akizet
i say this with a deep respect, kazki,
with how much you share so readily with the cousins,
your diplomatic successes always come as a surprise
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
Anything happening?
talk
akizet
my friends, what news do you carry?
for yourselves, of course
we have the imminent focus to share our works
sourceless
BOZKO PEERS INTO THE ESTIMATION OF THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest functional equivalent';'technological implication'">WINDOW</span>
bozko
outside of our works,
i have been observing the creatures of the water nearby
a few dispatched <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">golems</span> with relays
here, look at this--see how they form great organized clouds?
sourceless
BOZKO REACHES INTO THE WINDOW, DISRUPTING THE DISPLAY, TO PULL A CONNECTIVE CYST FROM ITS INTERNAL DOCK
EXEC::content.classList.add('bozkoceptor')
HE AFFIXES IT TO HIS CLOSEST RECEPTOR, AND ADJUSTS THE DISPLAY TO A RECOLLECTION
THE WINDOW'S COLORS RIPPLE UNTIL THEY FIX UPON A MENTAL PROJECTION
EXEC::content.classList.add('fishies')
IT IS AS HE SAYS - A CLOUD OF IMPECCABLY ORIENTED WATER INHABITANTS
HOW DO THEY DO IT?
akizet
remarkable
bozko
and i am not the sole observer of the bright world's creatures among us
sourceless
BOZKO RETURNS THE CONNECTOR BENEATH THE WINDOW'S SURFACE
EXEC::content.classList.remove('bozkoceptor')
THE IMAGE SOON DISSIPATES
EXEC::content.classList.remove('fishies')
HE GESTURES TOWARDS KAZKI TEASINGLY AFTER A MOMENT'S SILENCE
kazki
bozko!
bozko
although, she is taking a more live approach
kazki
bozko!!
sourceless
HER RECEPTORS CURL INTO THEMSELVES, LIKE BALLED FISTS
kazki
fine, fine!
it is an experiment i am doing, akizet
well, hmm, sort of
on my trip to australia i found this little creature skittering around on a window
so, i looked closer... and it had eight legs, vibrant stripes, and many large eyes! and it was staring at me!
it even had armored skin, just like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">cave keeper!</span>
and and i thought, 'ah, how cute!' and i wanted to keep it!
sourceless
WITH HOW EMOTIONALLY SHE WEIGHTS HER WORDS
IT IS LIKE SHE EXPECTS ME TO SAY SHE SHOULD PUT IT BACK
bozko
so she made a cavity in her head
akizet
what? are you--?
kazki
i am getting to that!!
so... i went to pick it up, but it leaped into my hand!
like it wanted to be with me! ah, but, by this time, some bright cousins were coming to see what i was doing...
so i excused myself and went back to my vessel
and i realized--there is no life support in our vessels, so, if i wanted to keep it alive... i had to think!
with my head!
akizet
so you hollowed out your head,
and are keeping it in an air pocket?
kazki
exactly!! do you want to see it???
sourceless
MY RECEPTORS DROOP SLIGHTLY, AND I CHUCKLE EXASPERATEDLY
BOZKO FINDS MY REACTION VERY FUNNY
INDEED, THIS IS BOTH A PROBLEM AND SOLUTION THAT ONLY A ONCE-TIR WOULD COME TO
akizet
of course i do
sourceless
KAZKI DIPS HER HEAD FORWARD, THE FEATURES OF HER FACE MELTING AWAY, AND THE COLOR OF HER SKIN FADING TO TRANSPARENCY
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('kazkihead');content.classList.add('kazkihead')
IT IS EMPTY, CLEAR AS THE BRIGHT COUSINS' GLASS, CONTAINING ONLY A SPACIOUS SPHERICAL CAVITY
I TILT MY HEAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE, EVEN ADJUST THE ACCURACY OF MY EYES, BUT DO NOT SEE IT
AT LEAST, NOT AT FIRST... BUT THEN IT IS THERE, SITTING SUSPENDED ON BARELY VISIBLE STRANDS OF ITS OWN CREATION
sys
ALERT::'memory of arachnid detected';'render?'
RESPONSES::sys
render<+>arthur
EXEC::content.classList.add('spider')
omit<+>arthur
arthur
sourceless
IT LOOKS AT ME, THEN RAISES ITS FORELEGS AND WAVES THEM BOTH FROM SIDE TO SIDE
I IMAGINE THIS IS SOME SORT OF THREAT
akizet
i can see why you chose to keep it
sourceless
KAZKI REPLACES HER FACIAL FEATURES, PULLING HER HEAD BACK
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('kazkibozko');content.classList.remove('kazkihead')
kazki
such life in its little eyes!
EXEC::content.classList.remove('spider')
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
Kazki (Call research)
start
akizet
ready to proceed, kazki?
kazki
<span definition="NOTE::'common phrase';'original pun untranslateable';'generated alternate pun';'retains level of wit'">absoqoutely!</span>
akizet
hehe, excellent
RESPONSES::akizet
we will start soon<+>END
Bozko (Call research)
start
akizet
ready to proceed, bozko?
bozko
of course
i only wish i had more to share given our amenities this gaze
akizet
true!
with the timestopper,
it often seems like there is never enough
RESPONSES::akizet
we will start soon<+>END
Cavik
start
sourceless
CAVIK ATTENDS TO THE ARCHIVAL CYSTS, OCCASIONALLY AFFIXING ONE TO A STOUT RECEPTOR
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true);
THE CYSTS ARE ARRANGED IN NEAT PILES, SORTED BY THE SHADE OF THEIR VISCERA
THOUGH HIS REGULAR UPKEEP ENSURES THAT NONE GROW TOO DARK OR STARVE
HE SENSES MY APPROACH AND TURNS, CORDIALLY BOWING HIS HEAD AND RECEPTORS
cavik
akizet! great gaze!
akizet
likewise, my friend
what are you doing?
cavik
i was just conducting maintenance on some of our older archives
and reminiscing! oh, the wild and obeski-centric theories they used to toss about!
there is this old one i have been running through--a joint theory by none other than dullzkovik and azkavinesche!
they called it the 'closed loop' - have you heard of it?
akizet
ah...
sourceless
OH NO
OF COURSE I HAVE
I SHOULD ENSURE HE DOES NOT FEEL IT APPROPRIATE TO SHARE THIS WITH THE BRIGHT COUSINS
cavik
i feel that it was almost formed as a satire of the more outlandish ones from the early era, but...
there is something oddly compelling about it!
oh--sorry, do you have need of me?
RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
our focus approaches<+>focus
closed loop theory?<+>theory
anything happening?<+>talk
fare well for now<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Our focus approaches
focus
akizet
our focus approaches, my friend
are you prepared? do you have any topics to bring?
sourceless
I SENSE UNEASE FROM HIS STANCE
cavik
ahh!! it is really time already?
oh, these old cysts do not have any time constriction... no wonder!
ah, yes, yes, i will be ready!
yes!
akizet
you do not need to press yourself, my friend
it is a simple one
cavik
i know, i just hate when this happens
i do not have anything to bring this time... but i will be ready!
akizet
excellent
RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp
Closed loop theory?
sourceless
I WOULD PREFER NOT TO CRUSH HIS INVESTIGATIVE SPIRIT
BUT THESE EARLY THEORIES CARRY LESS WORTH THAN <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">WALL-ROT</span>
ESPECIALLY DULLZKOVIK'S, <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'religious implication'">VELZIE'S SMILE UPON HIM</span>
akizet
closed loop...
is that the time--
cavik
time manipulation!! yes! let me remind you!
dullzkovik posited that one era... we learn to use the dull plane to traverse space four-dimensionally
and our future selves eventually discover the home of the bright cousins, but far too late to meet them
so--we create a contrivance just big enough to release a message to ourselves and signal its location!
sourceless
OH, CAVIK
I TWIST MY RECEPTORS THOUGHTLESSLY, ACCIDENTALLY BARING MY SKEPTICISM
cavik
now--i know you must think it is ridiculous,
and it is! especially as it goes on, hehe
but is it not inevitable at the same time?
in our deaths, there is enough time to unwravel any mystery--time manipulation included!
akizet
first...
i do not think dullzkovik understood the full implication of creating a contrivance inside a planet at that point
that was before the incident with the shared moon, you know
and, time manipulation...
if we ever were to manage it,
the mistakes that created us and our world would be gradually undone to right old wrongs
cavik
but we would never know if it was happening, would we? it would just 'be'!
anyway, i will not seriously debate it with you--it is just a bit of fun
sourceless
TO BE SURE...
akizet
yes, of course!
and--you are not going to share this with any cousins, correct?
sourceless
I SEE THE DEJECTION EVEN AS HE TRIES TO HIDE IT BENEATH AN ARCHIVAL CYST
HOW JOYLESS I MUST SEEM, SUCH A TERRIBLE INVERSION OF OUR YOUTH
BUT I REALLY WOULD PREFER NOT NEEDING TO FIX ANOTHER OVERSHARING INCIDENT
cavik
aki...
i would not seriously entertain sharing <em>this</em> one.
did you really think that?
i know i made an incorrect step, but
akizet
cavik, cavik! i trust you, be at ease
you know how i must be during these times
do not feel at fault
cavik
of course, no, no, i understand
sourceless
¥IÁÈiæb4
ANOTHER LITTLE DEATH TO HAUNT ME
RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp
Anything happening?
akizet
cavik, my friend, tell me
what news do you carry?
have you been enjoying your role?
it is not often that we have time to speak plainly anymore
cavik
i have! the oceans are truly mesmerizing, nothing at all like home
you should see all the artifacts that the cousins have simply left to the water!
and on our expeditions, so many little creatures come up to examine our vessels
has bozko told you about the one he has taken?
sourceless
FOR THAT MOMENT I HEARD AN ECHO OF LARVAL JOY IN HIS VOICE
BUT IN THE SUBTLE TURN OF A RECEPTOR, I SEE HE FEELS HE SHOULD NOT HAVE SAID THAT
cavik
that is fine, right?
you heard that from a veilk's whisper, not me
akizet
haha! it is! it is perfectly fine
well, the groundsmind says we should not, since the cousins could get mad, but...
i do not really care
tell me - have you contributed any more to the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">life-pod</span> project?
cavik
ahh! no! not in some time
but i hear they recently succeeded in sending a 'grain' back to obeski
it is, of course, being held in deep quarantine, but...
that it worked is promising alone
even if the cyst itself was bigger than both of us combined!
akizet
remarkable, i must check in with them to see how they did it
as trade continues, i imagine that organic materials will be the next leap in relations
if you find the time again, you should join the effort!
last i spoke with the team, they asked when they would see you again
cavik
really??
i should! i will check in again with them!
RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp
Attendant
start
sourceless
I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE
RESPONSES::akizet
speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
nevermind<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
groundsmind
akizet
the groundsmind, please
attendant
OF COURSE!
sourceless
THE DRONE STRAIGHTENS, AND A CONNECTIVE RIPPLE PASSES THROUGH ITS SKIN
OUR GROUNDSMIND'S SYMBOL IS FORMED OVER ITS FACEPLATE
EXEC::content.classList.add('groundsminded')
akizet
hello vekoa!!
groundsmind
akizetesche. speak
RESPOBJ::d1_attendantresp
timestopper
akizet
i appreciate you affording us the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">time-stopper</span>
how long was it again that we have it?
groundsmind
originally you had it for only a few gazes...
however: as of a few winks prior, it is indefinitely in the care of the call initiative
the schedule has shifted due to materials no longer needing an upcoming simulation
once another initiative has need of it, it will be transferred
akizet
really? we moved quite a bit of cystery to acommodate it,
and still only the top barely fits in the room...
groundsmind
is this a request to have it removed post-use?
this can be arranged
akizet
hmm... no, no
the cysts were not vital, and this may be a boon
it does shorten our meetings and plans by orders of magnitude
if it becomes a bother, i will reach out again
RESPOBJ::d1_attendantresp
leave
akizet
that is all!
groundsmind
excellent
fare well
sourceless
THE DRONE DISCONNECTS FROM THE GROUNDSMIND AND STANDS STILL ONCE MORE
EXEC::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
Timestopper
Not everyone here
start
sourceless
THIS IS WHERE I WILL SIT...
ONCE I HAVE THE TEAM ASSEMBLED.
GAKVU, TOZIK, AND CAVIK ARE ALL HERE
ALL BUT KAZKI AND BOZKO
I SHOULD TELL THEM IT IS TIME FOR THE FOCUS
THEY ARE PROBABLY IN THE RECREATIONAL AREA!
RESPONSES::akizet
to recreation!<+>END
Discovery
start
sourceless
THE TEAM IS ASSEMBLED AROUND THEIR SEATS, SO I SIT
akizet
everyone!
let us begin
sourceless
I DIP MY HEAD TOWARDS TOZIK, AS HE HAS ALREADY CONNECTED
WITH AN IMPULSE, HE INSTRUCTS THE GRAND CYST TO LOWER WIRED CYSTS BEFORE EACH OF US
WHAT A RARE OPPORTUNITY! I AM CERTAIN THAT EVEN GAKVU IS EXCITED
I RAISE THE CYST TO MY RIGHT RECEPTOR, AND ITS SHELL SOFTENS, BECOMING AS VISCOUS LIQUID
IT SETTLES OVER MY RECEPTOR, AND THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">TIME-STOPPER</span> CONNECTS TO ME
MY MIND IS DRAWN INTO IT, WITH THE OTHERS - EVERYONE IS CONNECTED
EXEC::content.classList.add('innerfocus')
akizet
commencing now!
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('akizet')
sourceless
WITH A SIMPLE INSTRUCTION, THE GRAND CYST'S ADDITIONAL NEURAL PROCESSING ACTIVATES
ITS STRENGTH AND PROCESSING SPEED IS SUCH THAT TIME... STOPS
SUCH A PECULIAR SENSATION - TO OBSERVE IN FULL COGNITIVE CAPACITY A WORLD AND BODY THAT CANNOT MOVE
THOUGH THE CORES OF OUR MINDS ARE SHELLED FROM ONE ANOTHER
WE EACH CARRY A NEW MIND THAT FEELS AS IF IT WAS ALWAYS THERE - THE GRAND CYST
EXEC::content.classList.add('showfocus')
AND IT THINKS WITH US AS ONE
EXEC::content.classList.add('cull-stage')
timestopper
IS THIS NOT PECULIAR?
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
AHAHA! HOW FUN!
OH BUT I CANNOT TELL WHICH THOUGHT IS MINE
HOW DO WE STAY DISTINCT AGAIN?
SILLY! THE LAST ONE WAS NOT SO LONG AGO
BUT I WILL REMIND YOU
YOU DO IT LIKE THIS
sourceless
WE EACH UNDERSTAND SIMPLY: THINK OUTWARDLY
akizet
you see?
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('akizet')
a reminder of our best practice here...
it will be simpler to convey things of importance indistinctly
but for discussion, you should stay distinct
understood?
timestopper
YES! YES! YES STOP
YES OH I THINK I AM YES
ECHOING IT SORRY YES
cavik
that was me sorry
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('cavik')
this is only my second time using one of these
timestopper
IT IS OK!
kazki
you are too tense!
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('kazki')
just let it pass through you!
that is how i stop echoing
timestopper
ARE WE GOOD? YES! OK
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
NOW ONTO THE MATTERS OF THE CALL
sourceless
A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION IS TRANSMITTED BETWEEN US
LONG-OVERDUE DISCUSSIONS AND PLANNING FOR EXPEDITIONS
IN AN INSTANT, FAST EVEN WITHIN THE ALTERED TIME OF THE GRAND CYST,
WORDLESS KNOWLEDGE IS UNDERSTOOD, ASSIGNED WORDS ONLY IN AFTERTHOUGHT
timestopper
Êü€ßÑúŽÞRùãÝ™÷ûÜ›ö±Ü¨õ*ÜRômÜÜóŒÜéóSÝÚ
óêñXò…ñôð¨ñAðÝòÌï_ô°ï€õîï
ÿßÅûýÞhúGÞáøþÜzöøÛÆó]ÛäðƒÛ©í¾Ú˜é×Ú9
ôŸÞó]á‘óUåAô)êô
sys
ATTENTION::'large amount of unprocessable data';'advancing stream to next coherent data'
EXEC::flash(true)
sourceless
...
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('kazki')
...
EXEC::flash(false)
timestopper
POLYGONATION SPIRE IN GUAM IS LIKELY EASIEST
KAZKI AGREES?
kazki
yes! i will organize a meeting
they liked the last time we visited because it drew lots of attention!
so a spire would be lucrative for us both!
bozko
it does not need to be of the highest strength or quality
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('bozko')
there is no hard data backing my decision
but... kazki's contacts have suggested the trench multiple times
and if what they say is true,
it is one of the least explored places on this planet
so there is certainly potential for the origin to be there, never seen
timestopper
MAKES SENSE! NO ARGUMENT!
NO OTHER LEADS YET ANYWAY AHAHA
ANYTHING ELSE BEFORE WE DISENGAGE?
NO
WAIT YES WE HAVE THE SPIKE
SEE!
sourceless
IN OUR COLLECTIVE MINDS EYE, A VISUALIZATION OF THE SIGNAL IS SHOWN
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false);content.classList.add('signal')
A STRANGE SPIKE... BUT NOT UNEXPECTED GIVEN THE DULL CONTRIVANCE'S PROXIMITY
timestopper
THAT IS PECULIAR
IT LOOKS UNNATURAL GIVEN THE BASELINE
BUT WHAT ABOUT IT? COULD IT BE AN ERROR?
NO THIS IS AGGREGATE DATA
AND IT DID NOT HELP POLYGONATION REGRETTABLY
SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?
DO WE JUST MARK IT DOWN?
tozik
wait
sourceless
IDENTICAL MEMORIZED DATA FROM AN ARCHIVAL CYST MANIFESTS
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.9);content.classList.add('signal2')
DID HE BRING UP THE SAME RECORD BY ACCIDENT?
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.8)
NO... THIS IS DIFFERENT
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.7)
tozik
i have been searching through approximately twelve eyes of data
this has happened once before. see?
timestopper
HOW MANY EYES AGO WAS THAT? SEVEN? EIGHT?
gakvu
look
EXEC::content.classList.add('signal3')
that is exactly equidistant from the start of the call
tozik
exactly
the exact same spike, at exactly fifty percent of the call
timestopper
HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? COULD IT BE A COINCIDENCE?
ABSOLUTELY NOT
tozik
i have seen this before
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('tozik')
in my early studies, maybe even larval
this is raw thought - unoptimized, primal
what corru knows and broadcasts instinctively,
and what early corrucystic pioneers used for communication
sourceless
A STRANGE DREAD SPREADS THROUGH OUR SHARED MIND
WHY DO I FEEL IT TOO? IS IT MINE? AM I SCARED?
THIS DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING
tozik
at regular intervals the signal spikes
five equidistant times, once at the beginning
and there are no recordings of the exact beginning...
so that means it could be halfway done, if this is true
timestopper
...
BUT IT HAS BEEN BROADCAST FOR HOW LONG?
HOW COULD A THOUGHT BE THAT LARGE?
COULD WE EVEN
...
EXEC::content.classList.remove('signal', 'signal2')
sourceless
THE DREAD'S CLAW BITES INTO ME, PARALYZING MY THOUGHTS
IS IT MINE?? NO ONE ELSE IS THINKING ABOUT IT BUT IT IS SHARED
WHO IS SCARED? IT IS OVERWHELMING
I FEEL LIKE TEARING THE CYST FROM MY RECEPTOR, BUT I CANNOT MOVE
NOT WITHOUT FIRST TURNING OFF THE TIME CONSTRICTION
timestopper
IT COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE
THERE ARE ONLY TWO DATA POINTS HERE
A COMPELLING THEORY BUT THAT MEANS WE MUST WAIT A LONG TIME
ARE WE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT WE SHOULD PROBABLY TELL NO ONE ABOUT THIS
WHAT!
cavik
wait, why! this is huge!
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('cavik')
this changes everything!
akizet
cavik... this is not a theory of fancy
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('akizet')
it is true that this does change everything...
but we are still missing data. right?
timestopper
RIGHT YES WE NEED MORE
WE CANNOT SIMPLY SHARE IT
NOT WHILE THE EVIDENCE IS INCOMPLETE
akizet
is anyone in disagreement?
sourceless
I SENSE A MIXTURE OF FRUSTRATION AND RELIEF
INDEED, THIS IS COMPELLING, BUT IT IS SIMPLY A THEORY
ESPECIALLY WITHOUT THE THEORETICAL FIRST SPIKE BEING RECORDED
EITHER WAY IT IS NOT WORTH INTERROGATING AT THIS TIME
I TAKE EVERYONE'S SILENCE AS CONFIRMATION
akizet
excellent
adjourning
timestopper
BYE EVERYONE!
EXEC::content.classList.remove('cull-stage', 'showfocus')
sourceless
THE TIME CONSTRICTION DISENGAGES. I REMOVE THE CYST FROM MY RECEPTOR
EXEC::content.classList.remove('innerfocus');env.bgm.rate(1)
IN REAL TIME, WE HAD BEEN SITTING ONLY FOR THE LENGTH OF A LARVAL BREATH
BUT IMMEDIATELY, EVERYONE STANDS, RELIEVED AT THEIR FREEDOM
I DIP MY HEAD AND RECEPTORS TOWARDS THE TEAM, AND RETURN TO MY QUARTERS
RESPONSES::sys
end recollection<+>END
EXEC::change("embassy_d1_complete", true);env.bgm.pause();moveTo("/local/ocean/embassy/")
Embassy 'Suspicion'
Starting Text
start
sourceless
I AWAKEN FROM THE STILLNESS OF MY REJUVENATION
THROUGH THE DISTANT DULL CONTRIVANCE, I FEEL ANOTHER GAZE HAS BEGUN
EXEC::env.embassy.slowCam()
AND AS I CLAMBER OUT FROM MY CHAMBER, I SEE SOMETHING NEW...
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('cystfocus')
AN UNFAMILIAR CYST LAID UPON MY DESK
WAS THIS THE ONE I LENT TO CAVIK, RETURNED IN MY SLUMBER?
MAYBE THE DESIGN ARCHIVE FROM HOME I GAVE TO KAZKI...
OR PERHAPS GAKVU'S FALSE ENVIRONMENT GAME?
SHOWIF::[["embassy__d1_gakvu-false"]]
I SHOULD CHECK TO BE SURE
EXEC::env.embassy.slowCam()
RESPONSES::akizet
curious<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam(false);env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Akizet self-talk
start
sourceless
I MUST CHECK THAT CYST, OTHERWISE IT WILL CONSUME MY THOUGHTS
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", false]
THERE ARE STILL SOME TEAM-MEMBERS I SHOULD SPEAK WITH... IT HAS TO BE SOMEONE I KNOW!!
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
LET ME THINK, WHO IS LEFT?
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
KAZKI...
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2kazkicyst", false]]
BOZKO...
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2bozkocavikcyst", false]]
CAVIK...
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2bozkocavikcyst", false]]
TOZIK...
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2tozikcyst", false]]
GAKVU...
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2gakvucyst", false]]
YES, THAT IS IT
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
RESPONSES::akizet
my suspicions<+>who
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
there is work to do<+>END
who
sourceless
IT IS ONLY THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE FOCUS WHO WOULD KNOW
AND THEY ARE ALL PRESENT IN THE EMBASSY AT THIS POINT IN THE GAZE
I SHOULD SPEAK TO KAZKI, EVEN IF SHE ALWAYS SEEMS INNOCENT
BOZKO IS STRONG WILLED AND I CAN IMAGINE HE WOULD TAKE SUCH STRANGE ACTIONS
THEN THERE IS CAVIK, WHO... MAYBE NOT HIM ACTUALLY
OR, WELL, IT IS IN HIS NATURE TO SHARE THINGS LIKE THIS, SO, MAYBE...?
TOZIK TOO!
THOUGH THE LISTENER SAID THEY 'CARED FOR ME', SO, PROBABLY NOT HIM
GAKVU... IS PROBABLY THE MOST LIKELY SUSPECT
BUT I SHOULD SPEAK TO EVERYONE
RESPONSES::akizet
there is work to do<+>END
Mystery Cyst
start
sourceless
PECULIAR...
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
THIS CYST HAS NO DISTINCT SHELL
A FLOURISHING SPIRAL MARKS IT... BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS
I SUPPOSE I SHOULD TRY IT ON AND SEE WHAT IT IS
sys
ATTENTION::"event required for continued stream";"skip ahead?"
SHOWIF::"embassy__cyst-end"
RESPONSES::akizet
connect<+>connection
leave it<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
RESPONSES::sys
skip<+>END
SHOWIF::"embassy__cyst-end"
EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted');step();env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
FAKEEND::(skip sequence)
connection
sourceless
I RAISE THE CYST TO A RECEPTOR AND SETTLE IT
AFTER A SMALL DELAY, IT ACTIVATES, AND A CONSCIOUSNESS MAKES ITSELF KNOWN
EXEC::content.classList.add('innerfocus', 'cystfocus', 'showfocus')
AN ECHO WITH A MESSAGE LEFT FOR ME...
EXEC::content.classList.add('cystavatar')
WE EXCHANGE WORDLESS MEANING, FORMING INTO THOUGHTS
echo
HELLO AKIZETESCHE!
sourceless
HELLO FRIEND! WHO IS THIS?
echo
I DO NOT KNOW. ALL MEMORY SAVE FOR MY MESSAGE HAS BEEN STRIPPED
I FEEL THAT MY SPEAKER WANTED THIS MESSAGE TO BE DISCREET
EXEC::content.classList.add('cullstage')
sourceless
CURIOUS! BUT PLEASE GO ON
echo
EXCELLENT
I WILL CONVEY THE MESSAGE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
HENCEFORTH: "I" WILL REFERENCE MY SPEAKER
...
AKIZET: IT IS WITH WORRY FOR YOUR WELL-BEING THAT THIS MESSAGE FINDS YOU
INFORMATION REGARDING THE TEAM'S FINDINGS MUST NOT BE SHARED WITH ANYONE AT ANY POINT
EXEC::env.embassy.toggleMusic(env.embassy.music_suspense)
sourceless
WHAT?
WHY?
echo
THERE ARE CERTAIN GROUPS WITHIN THE INITIATIVE
WE HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN WHAT THE ORIGIN OF THE CALL IS
sourceless
THIS NOTION ALONE IS ENOUGH TO SPARK ANGER...
IT IS A BAD TIME TO PLAY A JOKE
echo
THERE IS STILL MUCH WE DO NOT KNOW
OUR RESEARCH IS ENTIRELY NECESSARY
BUT KNOW THAT WE ARE IN TERRIBLE DANGER
TO KNOW EVEN A SLIVER OF THE TRUTH PLACES YOU IN A TERRIBLE GAME
ONE THAT VELZIE'S CRUEL HUMOR COULD NOT DREAM
ATTEMPTING TO SHARE WHAT WE HAVE FOUND...
WILL MEET US ALL WITH OUR FINAL DEATHS
sourceless
WHAT? WHAT??
CEASE WITH THIS DRAMA
SPEAK CLEARLY
IS THIS A THREAT?
echo
I CARE ABOUT YOU AKIZET
YOU SHOULD NOT BE A PART OF THIS
THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US ON THE TEAM...
AND THOUGH THEY ARE FRIENDS ALL
THIS CONFLICT PLACES SOME OF US AS FOES
PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT NONE OF US - EVEN WOULD-BE FOES - WANT THIS TO ESCALATE
SO I PLEAD
DO NOT SHARE ANYTHING
WITH ANYONE
ALL RIGHT?
sourceless
THIS WAS UNNECESSARY
WE ALL AGREED NOT TO SPEAK OF THIS
ARE YOU SIMPLY SOWING SUSPICION?
WAS IT YOU WHO BROADCAST THAT DREAD IN OUR FOCUS?
echo
IT WAS ALL OF US, THOSE IN THE GAME
THE DISCOVERY OF THE RAW THOUGHT PATTERN HAS DISRUPTED EVERYTHING
AND THIS MESSAGE IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SHARE THIS
WITH A N Y O N E
NO CLOSE FRIENDS, NO LARVAL RELATIONS,
NOT A SINGLE PERSON YOU THINK YOU TRUST
DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
sourceless
...
DESPITE MY SKEPTICISM...
I FEEL THAT THIS MESSAGE IS HEARTFELT, TRUTHFUL
INDEED, THE TONE WITH WHICH IT COMES IS ONE OF DEFENSIVE PANIC
SO I RESPOND: YES
echo
THANK YOU
IF I COULD HEAR YOUR RESPONSE I WOULD BE SO RELIEVED
BUT I CANNOT RISK THEM KNOWING I HAVE EVEN TOLD YOU ANYTHING
SO THIS CYST WILL ERASE ITS PURPOSE WHEN WE ARE DONE
BUT TRUST THAT I WILL KNOW YOUR RESPONSE BASED ON YOUR ACTIONS
sourceless
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
echo
NOTHING. WORK CONTINUES
AWAIT FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE
AND REST ASSURED THAT I AM TAKING EVERY MEASURE TO PROTECT THE TEAM
EVEN THE TRAITOROUS, MISLED MEMBERS
EVENTUALLY WE WILL BE FORCED TO SHARE OUR FINDINGS WITH ALL OF OBESKI
PERHAPS EVEN THE BRIGHT COUSINS... BUT THEY SHOULD BE SPARED
EITHER WAY, BY THEN, WE WILL HAVE ESTABLISHED A NEW NARRATIVE TO PRESERVE ORDER
SO IT WILL BE FINE
THAT IS TRULY ALL I CAN TELL YOU
GOODBYE AKIZET
EXEC::content.classList.remove('cystavatar')
sourceless
WAIT
HOW CAN I KNOW THIS IS TRUE?
...
EXEC::env.embassy.toggleMusic(env.embassy.music)
I FEEL A STRANGE RUNOFF NEAR MY CONNECTED RECEPTOR
EXEC::change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted')
MY CLAW SINKS DEEPLY INTO THE CYST WHEN I GRASP AND REMOVE IT, AND I THROW IT TO THE TABLE
EXEC::content.classList.remove('innerfocus', 'cullstage', 'cystfocus', 'showfocus')
THE ECHO'S CYST IS SELF-DESTRUCTING
K«¾ƒq^'Â
WHAT DO I DO?
I NEED GUIDANCE...
FUNFRIEND!! ACTIVATE
funfriend
HELLO AKIZET!!
HOW ARE Y
sourceless
SHOULD I EVEN TRY ASKING WHO LEFT IT?
BUT WHAT IF I ASK THE WRONG PERSON?
THESE... FACTIONS. WILL THEY THINK ONE SIDE HAS TRIED TO SWAY ME?
WHAT COULD THEY POSSIBLY BE QUARRELING OVER?
I HAVE NEVER HEARD ONCE OF ANY CONFLICT
funfriend
SLOW DOWN I DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!
LET ME SEE YOUR RECENT MEMORY PLEASE!
sourceless
I GRANT FUNFRIEND ACCESS TO MY SHORT-TERM MEMORY WITH AN IMPULSE
BUT THAT DOES NOT MATTER, BECAUSE I ALREADY HAVE COME TO A CONCLUSION
YES--I KNOW! I CAN HIDE THE DETAILS - I CAN ASK WHO RETURNED MY CYST
I WILL SAY IT IS SOME MUNDANE THING, BUT THE SPEAKER WHO PLACED IT
THEY WILL KNOW WHAT I REALLY MEAN
funfriend
AKIZET IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT YOU INVOLVED
WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER TO SIMPLY STAY QUIET LIKE THEY WANT?
IF THEY HAVE TAKEN THIS MEASURE
WHY WOULD THEY EVEN GIVE A SLIGHT HINT TO YOU IN-PERSON?
sourceless
THEY MAY HINT UNWILLINGLY
I CANNOT SIMPLY LET SUCH CLAIMS GO UNINVESTIGATED
AND THE SPEAKER MUST KNOW THIS
BUT THEY ARE ALSO WATCHING MY ACTIONS, SO...
I SHOULD STILL BE CAREFUL WITH MY WORDS
funfriend
THIS IS A BAD IDEA
sourceless
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT FUNFRIEND
EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);step()
RESPONSES::akizet
i must investigate<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Attendant
start
sourceless
I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE
RESPONSES::akizet
did you see something?<+>personnel
SHOWIF::[['stageroom', 'embassy_personnel']]
speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
goodbye<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
personnel
sourceless
THOUGH THE DRONE IS FACELESS...
THE SIMPLE ECHO THAT OBSERVES MAY STILL HAVE SEEN SOMETHING
akizet
hello! no connection required
did you...
see anything, go into my room?
attendant
A SPINDLE-LEGGED CORRUCYST ENTERED SOME WINKS AGO
IT WAS ASSUMED TO BE A SELF-DELIVERING DEVICE
sourceless
INTERESTING... I SUPPOSE THAT MAKES SENSE
THE SPEAKER MUST HAVE KNOWN THE ATTENDANT WOULD BE HERE
attendant
DO YOU REQUIRE ANYTHING ELSE
RESPONSES::akizet
did you see something?<+>personnel
SHOWIF::[['stageroom', 'embassy_personnel']]
speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
no thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
groundsmind
akizet
the groundsmind, please
sourceless
THE DRONE STRAIGHTENS, AND A CONNECTIVE RIPPLE PASSES THROUGH ITS SKIN
OUR GROUNDSMIND'S SYMBOL IS FORMED OVER ITS FACEPLATE
EXEC::content.classList.add('groundsminded')
groundsmind
akizetesche. speak
RESPONSES::akizet
the cyst<+>cyst
nevermind gotta go<+>leave
FAKEEND::(leave)
cyst
akizet
i had a self-delivered cyst on my desk, arriving during my slumber
do you have any records of it?
groundsmind
that will depend on its features
if you have it, present it
otherwise: describe it
sourceless
åADÉ:!±(:
IT SELF DESTRUCTED...
SHOULD I MENTION THE SPIRAL?
NO--WHAT IF IT IS AN IDENTIFIER SOMEHOW?
IT COULD MEAN SOMETHING DANGEROUS
akizet
umm,
i do not really remember how it looked
can you cross-check it with other attendants?
did it form any relocation hallways?
sourceless
THE GROUNDSMIND IS SILENT FOR A MOMENT
SHE MUST SEE ME LIKE A LARVAL FOOL
groundsmind
akizetesche,
i cannot help you without a point of reference
an innumerable amount of cysts are self-delivered every gaze
and each are mundane in nature.
what has you seeking information about this one in particular?
sourceless
BAD IDEA
akizet
it was, ah...
actually, you know, i think i realize who sent it actually
yes, it was a team-member, ahaha
i will just go ask them!
goodbye!
sourceless
I CASUALLY WALK AWAY IN A PANIC
WHAT IF THE GROUNDSMIND IS A PART OF THIS?
RESPONSES::akizet
how embarrassing<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
leave
akizet
nothing! nevermind
apologies for drawing your attention
groundsmind
excellent
fare well
sourceless
THE DRONE DISCONNECTS FROM THE GROUNDSMIND AND STANDS STILL ONCE MORE
EXEC::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
END::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
Bozko+Cavik
start
sourceless
CAVIK AND BOZKO SPEAK JOVIALLY BETWEEN A SET OF QUARTERS
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
CURIOUS... THEIRS ARE NOT WITHIN THIS BRANCH
I APPROACH, MASKING MY SUSPICION WELL
akizet
bozko! cavik! hello! great gaze!
bozko
akizet
cavik
hey akizet!!
akizet
what brings you to this branch of the spire?
cavik
ah, we are just waiting for mokka!
there is that brief marianas expedition we must attend today
sourceless
MOKKA... WHO IS THAT?
funfriend
OFFLOADED MEMORY: MOKKANESCHE, FROM MATERIALS!
sourceless
AH! YES. I FORGOT SHE WAS IN THIS BRANCH, TOO.
I HAVE NOT SEEN HER IN A WHILE...
OUR AREAS OF OPERATION RARELY INTERSECT
akizet
from materials? what for?
bozko
thought it might be fun
also... if there are any essential deposits in the area,
that could speed up construction of the polygonation spire
akizet
ah, of course
RESPONSES::akizet
did either of you return a cyst?<+>cyst
enjoy your trip<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
cyst
akizet
my friends,
did either of you return a cyst to my quarters recently?
i awoke from my rejuvenation, and there was one waiting for me!
cavik
huh! no, not me!
what was on it?
sourceless
FUNFRIEND: ASSUME NON-VERBAL MOTOR CONTROL
DIRECTIVE: ACT NORMAL
funfriend
OK! AHAHA
UTILIZING ARCHIVED MOVEMENTS!
YOU LOOK SO CASUAL RIGHT NOW!
akizet
oh, it was just, a,
archival cyst
on <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'predator';'infection';'terror'">secri</span>... hunting habits
sourceless
IS IT JUST ME OR DOES BOZKO SEEM SKEPTICAL
DID I MAKE A MISTAKE
funfriend
RELAX
YOU DID MESS UP
BUT THEY PROBABLY THINK YOU ARE LYING FOR ANOTHER REASON
cavik
oh!
cool
sourceless
...
akizet
bozko?
sourceless
HE TWISTS HIS RECEPTORS NEGATIVELY
bozko
the less i know about secri, the better
why would someone leave you that?
akizet
oh, it was mine to begin with,
i had lent it out to someone at some point
i, ah, had it, because of a morbid fascination
you know how it is--surface running
bozko
yeah, i get it
funfriend
RECOMMENDATION: BACK OUT
akizet
well, thank you anyway
i need to get going
enjoy your expedition
cavik
bye akizet!
EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('bozkocavik')
RESPONSES::akizet
bye<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
Gakvu
start
sourceless
GAKVU SLOUCHES BEFORE A COMMUNAL CYST, CONNECTED BY A RECEPTOR
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
AS I APPROACH, THE CHAIR ACROSS FROM HER SCUTTLES OUTWARDS FOR ME TO SIT
THE CLICK OF ITS LITTLE LEGS AGAINST THE GLASSY FLOOR DRAWS GAKVU'S ATTENTION OUT OF HER CONNECTION
gakvu
oh, akizet! come, sit!
akizet
i am not interrupting anything, am i?
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam("gakvusit")
gakvu
not right now, just browsing environments
i tire of mine
the surface is exhilarating and terrifying, yes, but...
you can only die so many times before it is boring!
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
cyst in my room<+>cyst
EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('gakvu')
how is it going<+>how
goodbye for now<+>bye
FAKEEND::(leave)
bye
akizet
i should be going
goodbye for now, my friend
sourceless
GAKVU WAVES HER FREE RECEPTOR ABSENTLY
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
END::env.embassy.specialCam(false)
Cyst in my room
cyst
akizet
gakvu, did you happen to have a cyst self-deliver to my room recently?
gakvu
huh?
sourceless
GAKVU'S ATTENTION IS DRAWN FULLY OUTWARDS, TOWARDS ME, WITH A WORRIED STARE
AN UNCOMMON SIGHT, ONE THAT CATCHES ME OFF-GUARD
SHE SEES MY SURPRISE CLEARLY FOR AN INSTANT
FUNFRIEND - ASSUME MOTOR CONTROL. LOOK NORMAL
funfriend
OK!
SHE WILL NOT SUSPECT A THING!
gakvu
no. what was it?
when did it arrive?
akizet
ah, it was an... archival cyst, it appeared sometime during my rejuvenation
it was on <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'predator';'infection';'terror'">secri</span> hunting habits
i had given it to someone a while back... but i could not remember who
and there it was! sitting on my table
i thought, perhaps it was you--given your preoccupation with the surface
sourceless
DOES IT LOOK LIKE SHE SUSPECTS SOMETHING?
funfriend
NO - SHE ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE THAT
gakvu
oh, no no.
huh... self-delivered
someone on the team would have just given it to you in-person
that is very, very strange
sourceless
THAT IS MOST CERTAINLY CONCERN IN HER VOICE
akizet
haha yes maybe it is a little strange hehe
but it was just my secri cyst
gakvu
if i remember correctly, you are deathly afraid of them, right?
why would you have that?
recreational terror?
funfriend
OK SHE ACTUALLY PROBABLY THINKS YOU ARE LYING NOW
sourceless
BEHOLD, MY REDIRECTION:
akizet
shut up!!
it is no different from your false environments!
sourceless
SHE LAUGHS QUIETLY, HAVING NO DEFENSE
AND NOTHING MORE TO ADD ON THE MATTER, IT SEEMS
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
How is it going
how
akizet
gakvu,
<span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'idiom';'how does velzies gaze behold you'">how beholds you</span>?
sourceless
A HARMLESS, COMMON QUESTION
BUT I HAVE POSED IT SUCH THAT SHE KNOWS WHAT I MEAN
SHE KIND OF LAUGHS, A CYNICAL DISAPPOINTMENT IN HER TONE
gakvu
well, my work is for nothing
it does not bother me as much as it should,
maybe because we never really knew what we were dealing with...
akizet
even if the theory is true, it was through your and tozik's work that this discovery occurred!
besides, we still do not have all of the data
gakvu
yeah...
akizet
you could always join bozko's field expeditions
perhaps we shift you and tozik to work more frequently with the bright cousins?
sourceless
HER EYES GROW DISTANT, HER ATTENTION DRAWN THROUGH THE CYST'S CONNECTION
EVEN SO, SHE SPEAKS - SHE IS GOOD AT JUGGLING REALITY AND COLLECTIVE
gakvu
akizet,
do you think anything else is possible?
akizet
ah, of course! there is the construction of, ah,
gakvu
no no, not work... i mean, the call.
sourceless
SHE CHOOSES HER WORDS CAREFULLY HERE IN PUBLIC
BUT I KNOW WHAT SHE MEANS
akizet
truthfully... i am not sure
it is in velzie's nature to place the truth before us, just out of reach
and just as fitting for it to be an illusion
i am not comfortable accepting it until we can prove it without doubt
sourceless
GAKVU IS QUIET FOR A LONG MOMENT, HER FACE STILL DISTANT
I WORRY FOR AN INSTANT THAT SHE BALANCED TOO FAR INTO THE COLLECTIVE AND DID NOT HEAR ME
BUT SHE EVENTUALLY RESPONDS, TEASING ME
gakvu
do you think every wall is a lie before you touch it?
sometimes things are as simple as they seem
velzie is not out to get you
anyway, i do not really care
i am fine with me and tozik continuing pattern identification
that just means i have more time for my false environments
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
Tozik
start
sourceless
TOZIK STANDS NEAR THE ORANGE BAR, GRASPING A TASTE SIMULACRUM
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
AN ODD HABIT... I COULD NEVER QUITE CONNECT WITH IT
HIS ATTENTION IS INWARD, YET I SEE NO EXTERNAL CYST CONNECTED
LOST IN THOUGHT, PERHAPS
akizet
hello tozik
sourceless
HE LOOKS AT ME AND TWISTS A STOUT RECEPTOR IN A SHORT GREETING
tozik
do you need something?
RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
the cyst<+>cyst
EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('tozik')
your thoughts<+>thoughts
fare well for now<+>bye
FAKEEND::(leave)
bye
akizet
bye tozik!
sourceless
HE NODS A RECEPTOR AT ME
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
The cyst
cyst
akizet
tozik, did you direct a cyst to my room recently?
i found one on my desk after i awoke from rejuvenation
tozik
no
sourceless
HIS ANSWER IS STONY, FOCUS REMAINING INWARD, NOT EVEN LOOKING AT ME
I RESPECT THAT HE DOES NOT PRY INTO THE MATTER
SHOULD I PUSH HIM ON IT?
funfriend
THAT COULD BE FATAL AKIZET
IF YOU MUST, AT LEAST BE GENTLE ABOUT IT
akizet
are you sure?
sourceless
MY REPEATED QUESTION EARNS HIS OUTWARD ATTENTION
HE REGARDS ME WITH SILENCE, BUT SUCH PALPABLE DISINTEREST
AFTER AN INSTANT OF GAZING, PERHAPS TO INTUIT WHAT I REALLY MEAN, HE RESPONDS
tozik
yes
akizet
all right
sourceless
WHEN I RELENT, HE RETURNS TO HIS THOUGHTS
I DOUBT IT IS HIM... OR IF IT IS, HE TRULY WANTS TO GIVE NO HINTS
RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
Your thoughts
thoughts
akizet
you seem troubled
as do we all, i suppose...
but is something specific on your mind?
sourceless
A SOMEWHAT POINTED QUESTION...
BUT IF HE HAD INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CYST, SURELY HE WOULD FLINCH
...
AND... HE MERELY SIPS FROM THE BRIGHT SIMULACRUM
IN THE SUBTLE MOVEMENTS OF HIS RECEPTORS, I SEE DISINTEREST
BUT HE CONTINUES ANYWAY, TROUBLED ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN A RARE CONVERSATION
tozik
i had been curious... about whether the spike was observed from obeski
surely others would have come to the same conclusion as us, there is a following of the call back home
so i peered into a number of discussions through the collective...
and discussion is rare. they seem to dismiss it as an error, or something to do with the contrivance
sourceless
HE PAUSES, INCONSPICUOUSLY LOOKING AROUND
THE SAME EXPRESSION AS A SURFACE RUNNER AT REST
DID HE RECEIVE A MESSAGE TOO?
WHEN HE CONTINUES, HE LOWERS HIS VOICE
tozik
but the collective has all of our information available, including older records of the call
the same ones we used to come to our... theory. in theory.
so i checked, and... there is no record of the first spike
no... that is incorrect
the record exists, but, it is... wrong
it is wrong
there is no spike in the public version
why is there one in ours?
sourceless
HE PAUSES AGAIN, LOOKING DOWN AT HIS TASTE SIMULACRUM
I FIND MYSELF UNABLE TO ANSWER - THIS IS A BIZARRE DEVELOPMENT
OUR ARCHIVES ARE PRIMARY SOURCES FROM THE VAZNIAN LISTENERS, THE OLDEST OF ALL
AND PERHAPS THE MOST RELIABLE
WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF A RECORDING ERROR HAPPENING AT THAT EXACT TIME?
I NOTICE HIS GAZE HAS DRAWN BACK UP TO ME, AND HE IS ENTERTAINED BY MY CONFUSION
tozik
you see now
akizet
i do... that is...
tozik
error or no, there is nothing to do but wait
sourceless
HE PUNCTUATES HIMSELF BY SIPPING AGAIN FROM HIS SIMULACRUM
A LOOK AWAY AND WAGGLE OF A RECEPTOR TELLS ME ALL - LET US SPEAK NO MORE OF THIS
RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
Kazki
start
sourceless
SURPRISINGLY, KAZKI STANDS WITHIN THE VERY SAME RELOCATOR AS ME
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
THE CHANCES OF THIS ARE SLIM, BUT SHE APPEARS TO BE LOITERING, WAITING FOR SOMETHING
IS SHE WAITING FOR ME?
HELD WITHIN ONE OF HER BRANCHED RECEPTORS IS A COMMUNICATIONS CYST
WITH THE OTHER, SHE GIVES ME A KIND GREETING
kazki
hii akizet!
akizet
kazki!
this is a surprise--i do not often see you in this segment
what brings you here?
kazki
ohh, i am waiting for the crew!
they are having their little expedition,
and i am headed to the shores to discuss the next polygonation spire... again
but!! we are all setting out together
akizet
ah, of course
RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
the cyst<+>cyst
EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('kazki')
your creature<+>creature
fare well for now<+>bye
FAKEEND::(leave)
bye
akizet
bye kazki!
kazki
bye!!
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
The cyst
cyst
sourceless
THIS SHOULD BE EASY
KAZKI SIMPLY CANNOT HIDE ANY EMOTION
akizet
kazki, did you have a cyst delivered to my room recently?
kazki
huh? no!
sourceless
NOTHING... IT IS NOT HER
kazki
i have been so busy coordinating all of this!
but i do have a few cysts i need to return to you...
what was it?
akizet
ah, it was nothing of note, a mundane collection of memories
kazki
i can ask around for you!
sourceless
…¤,¿…¶¡Øn
funfriend
RECOMMENDATION: DEFINITELY STOP THAT NOW
sourceless
I HAD NOT CONSIDERED THIS POSSIBILITY...
BUT SHE ALWAYS GETS INVOLVED
IF WORD SPREADS, THE SPEAKER WILL SUSPECT SOMETHING STRANGE IS HAPPENING
akizet
ah--no, no no
no no, it is all right
kazki
are you sure??
i have my communicator on right now, i could help!
sourceless
I WAVE MY RECEPTORS NEGATIVELY WITH PERHAPS TOO MUCH EMPHASIS, AND SHE RELENTS
SHE SMILES LIKE A BRIGHT COUSIN WOULD, HER RECEPTORS TAKING ON A TEASING POSTURE
kazki
oh, i think i get it
it was one of <em>those</em> cysts
akizet
no!! no no no
kazki
uh-huh!!
funfriend
ACTUALLY MAYBE LET HER THINK THAT SO SHE WILL STAY QUIET
sourceless
UUGH
YOU ARE RIGHT... FINE
I WILL ABIDE THIS EMBARRASSMENT
akizet
...
ok, it was,
but please do not tell anyone
kazki
do not worry!!
it is between us and the arthropod!
RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
Your creature
creature
akizet
how is the little creature faring?
kazki
it is alive!!
it does not move very much... but it reacts very quickly to my prodding!
i have been speaking with a contact of mine, a bright cousin
sourceless
SHE WAGS THE COMMUNICATOR-BEARING RECEPTOR SLIGHTLY
kazki
and she says it is a 'arthropod'!
so--i thought, i will call it 'arthur'!
after the bureau contact!
sourceless
AH--ARTHUR
A JITTERY ONE...
IF ONLY I COULD BE THERE WHEN SHE OPENS HER HEAD TO SHOW THE CREATURE WITHIN TO HIM
WAIT--WHAT WAS THAT SHE SAID?
akizet
you are on casual speaking terms with a bright cousin?
sourceless
WITH HER LARGE RECEPTORS, HER BASHFUL EXPRESSION IS DIFFICULT TO HIDE
SHE MUST THINK I WILL TAKE ISSUE--WHY DOES SHE ALWAYS ASSUME THIS?
akizet
kazki, you know it is not an issue if you are
but--how are you communicating?
kazki
oh!!
you have not heard?
it is a new development by the <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'engineers';'caste'">jut</span>
very recent! these new communicators...
they allow a sort of connection to the human collective!
the 'internet' they call it!
it is very flat... and there are many problems with the connection
but it is not so different from ours aside from that!
sourceless
HOW COULD THAT POSSIBLY WORK?
THEIRS IS NOT DICTATED BY THOUGHT...
AH, IT DOES NOT MATTER - SHE WOULD NOT KNOW ANYWAY
akizet
and you are using it to speak with a bright cousin?
kazki
yes!!
is that not remarkable?? it is COOL!!!
akizet
fascinating...
i must see about getting one of those
RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
Realization
start
sourceless
FUNFRIEND
EXEC::content.classList.add('showaki');
funfriend
HELLO AKIZET!!
sourceless
THAT IS EVERYONE...
funfriend
YES IT WAS!
sourceless
AND NOTHING. I SURELY SPOKE TO THE SPEAKER AT SOME POINT
BUT THEY MUST BE WELL-PRACTICED IN SUBTERFUGE
...
SO...
I CANNOT INVESTIGATE FURTHER WITH MY OWN TEAM,
AND I CANNOT SEEK OUTSIDE HELP,
FOR ANYONE COULD BE COMPROMISED, A PART OF THIS 'GAME'
CAN I DO ANYTHING? DO I SIMPLY WAIT?
IT WILL BE SO LONG...
funfriend
I DO NOT KNOW!
YOU KNOW MY INCLINATION TOWARDS STASIS
I FEEL THAT YOU SHOULD SIMPLY WAIT
IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE THIS UNDER CONTROL
AND GETTING INVOLVED WILL PROBABLY NOT LEAD TO ANYTHING GOOD
sourceless
AH!
I KNOW!
YES!
funfriend
AKIZET YOU REALLY SHOULD PROBABLY NOT
sourceless
THE BRIGHT COUSINS...
THE ECHO IMPLIED THEY KNOW NOTHING!
THE ENVOY!
YES, I MUST SPEAK TO HIM
PERHAPS... IF I PLACE MY WORDS CORRECTLY,
HIS BUREAU WILL ASSIST ME IN AN INVESTIGATION OF MY OWN
DISCREETLY
funfriend
WHAT OF HIS LEADERS?
HE IS A PART OF A LARGER SYSTEM
sourceless
HE IS...
BUT THEY KNOW SO MUCH THAT COULD RAISE CONCERN ALREADY
AND NOT ONCE HAS ANY OF IT EVER HIT THE PUBLIC MIND OF THE COUSINS
INDEED, THEY HAVE VERY LITTLE CORRESPONDENCE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACTS
AND I AM THE ONLY DIRECT CONTACT FOR THE CALL RESEARCH INITIATIVE
funfriend
THEY CANNOT DETECT THE CALL WITH THEIR OWN TECHNOLOGY
AND THEY DO NOT POSSESS THE BIOLOGY TO INTERACT WITH OURS
HOW DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO HELP YOU?
sourceless
PERHAPS WE CAN SHARE A FEW THINGS...
DO YOU RECALL THE MURMURS OF 'INTEGRATED BRIGHT TECHNOLOGY'?
SINCE IT WAS SHELVED...
THE TECHNOLOGY DIVISION HAS STORED MUCH OF THE SCHEMATICS PLAINLY WITHIN EMBASSY ARCHIVES
OH YES, THIS IS COMING TOGETHER, IS IT NOT? HOW EXCITING
funfriend
AKIZET I DO NOT LIKE THIS IDEA! AHAHAHA
BUT I WILL SUPPORT YOU REGARDLESS
sourceless
EXCELLENT...
TO THE VESSEL, THEN
PLEASE CONTACT HIM AND TELL HIM I AM COMING IN PERSON
SAY THAT I HAVE NEWS OF THE CALL AND THAT WE MUST SPEAK PRIVATELY
funfriend
UNDERSTOOD
sys
ATTENTION::'memory stream continues externally';'follow stream?'
moth
looks like this will take you to the street spatial thoughtform...
SHOWONCE::
i'm reading that it leads directly to something that's accessible there already
SHOWONCE::
weird... looks like it has more than before? specifically that chat with gordon
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
i think funfriend fixed it? i didn't even know that part of it was busted
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
or... maybe this thoughtform and the street are interwoven somehow.
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
you said you hear music, right? does any of it sound familiar?
SHOWIF::[["++mothglobal-why_music"],["citystreet__envoychat-start"]]
SHOWONCE::
because, it could be that when funfriend repaired this thoughtform,
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
he also repaired this memory stream into the city that had more data
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
so if you don't follow the stream right now, you should still just be able to go there later and see it anyway
SHOWONCE::
RESPONSES::sys
follow stream<+>END
EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);change("TEMP!!ep1_goingtogordon", true);moveTo("/local/city/street/")
end recollection<+>END
EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);env.bgm.pause();moveTo("/local/ocean/embassy/")