Moth Dialogue
start
self
i have a question about this part of the collapse
moth
i might not be the best help here, but whats up?
RESPOBJ::mthgolresp
loop
RESPOBJ::mthgolresp
mthgolresp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::self
theories?<+>theory
SHOWIF::["gol__s_calls-gordon", false]
husks?<+>husks
SHOWIF::"gol__personnel"
geli?<+>geli
SHOWIF::"gol__lobby_clear"
sfer generation?<+>sfer
SHOWIF::"gol__s_vats"
foundry vats?<+>vats
SHOWIF::"gol__m_min"
akizet caused the collapse?<+>akicause
SHOWIF::"gol__s_calls-gordon"
never heard about any of this?<+>heard
SHOWIF::"gol__s_calls"
they used the dull so close?<+>dull
SHOWIF::"gol__s_calls"
dog?<+>dog
SHOWIF::"dog"
nevermind<+>CHANGE::++moth
FAKEEND::(back)
What do you think is really happening here?
theory
self
what do you think is really happening here?
what really happened with the collapse?
moth
even with a few decades of hindsight,
the public info is pretty sparse and unhelpful
gravity miscalculation? gimme a break
i can't believe i ever fell for that now. fuck dude
anyway, my best bet is that it's tied to the storm
you know, the electric-corru thing akizet gave us apparently
like, ok, i'm not saying i think a human caused this,
but it seems like the obesk had a good thing going for a really long time
then, around the time akizet hands over something,
something she herself said was shelved and experimental,
that's when it all blows up?
still, that doesn't explain why the golems never hurt any humans...
at least, not on the public record...
but there's no way even a single obesk attack would be able to be covered up
not in the climate the 30s had
i know that's not helpful, but i haven't really had to think about this
we don't need to theorize, i know we're going to get some real answers eventually here
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Husks without mindcores?
self
these husks are qou without any mindcores
how could that work?
moth
yeah, i see that...
i mean, obviously i have no idea what's going on here
but i do know that obesk tech always needs a source for its thoughts
the golems have echoes, a lot of their stationary stuff is hooked up to similar things
whether that be through their groundsmindry, or through actual veins
...and, of course, the qou have mindcores
i know that corru can actually just start thinking on its own, that's what their version of incoherence is
but there's just no precedent for it ever organizing on this scale
when obesk things starve and become incoherent, they eventually stop working
seen it a hundred times
if anything, this has to be some wacked out version of groundsmindry we've never seen before
...and one that akizet has never seen before, either...
idk, that's the only way it could make any sense to me
also, do you see how some look kind of skeletal??
they actually did have some obesk who looked like that,
but never in situations where they appeared to us publicly
i've seen some photos of qou that looked like that working on construction and stuff
the prevailing theory is that those obesk probably had spare 'friendly' bodies
for when they had to talk to humans or show up on tv or something
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Geli makes me feel weird
self
geli makes me feel weird
moth
dude?
self
no i mean
i mean i think it looked at me
moth
oh yeah? like how?
self
past akizet, at me
like funfriend can
moth
ok, well that's really strange
it definitely didn't say anything
just keep an eye on it, i guess
it's not acting incoherent
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Why is that a dog?
self
why is that a dog
moth
it's not a dog
i don't know what's going on with your mindspike dude
it does stuff i don't see with anyone else
probably cause you never update it, but hey, that's why you're here
anyway, that's not a dog
what you scanned was probably a corrucystic imitation of something they domesticated back on obeski
and it's so similar to our concept of 'dog', that your mindspike is like...
'dog'
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Did you see the sfer generation?
sfer
self
did you see the sfer generation
they're doing something to metal
moth
yeah, damn... that explains the huge metal trade they had going
they do always say that they 'grow' corru, and it has 'symbiosis' with them,
but it's always been a big debate about what exactly they meant
they've never showed us the process, or explained it anywhere...
plus, in the old interviews, they were still working on their translators
so they all spoke in these weird, vague poetic terms for a while
kinda funny to see akizet speaking in plain english
anyway, i have to wonder, were they trying to keep the process a secret from us for some reason?
maybe the things they grow sfer in are super hazardous to organic life or something?
i can't imagine they had any malicious intentions
RESPONSES::self
me either<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Did you see these vat things?
vats
self
did you see these vat things?
they form their tech in them
moth
yeah! this part i actually did know a little bit about
they had something like these in the polygonation spires
qou would work in there on golems for local operations and stuff
they were pretty decentralized with how they built things back then
it seemed like there was a workspace in every obesk structure that any of them could use
interesting that the framing device already had some upgrades available...
it's probably something to do with the archive system they mentioned
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
So akizet caused the collapse?
akicause
self
so akizet caused the collapse?
moth
i don't think it's that simple dude
i wouldn't say she caused it herself,
but if what gordon said is right...
it definitely all started with the storm
then it must have spiralled out of control like that
but was it the storm that did it?
or did it just lead them to something?
man, did they probe the source of the call or something??
this is fucked up
but, the silver lining here is that this means the fbx was involved
like, front to back
so... i'm sure even if we don't find out everything in akizet's cyst,
we'll get briefed on whatever they know once i turn in my report
RESPONSES::self
can't wait<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
You really never heard about any of this happening?
heard
self
you really never heard about any of this happening?
nothing online? no reports?
moth
yeah
sorry dude don't know what to tell you
the collapse completely happened on that little island they set up on
and only military vessels were really allowed around there
even if a civilian vessel was spying on it, all they would have seen was it falling apart
whatever the fbx knows, it's been kept pretty close
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Did you see that glazika thing?
dull
self
did you see that glazika thing?
they used the dull this close to earth??
moth
yeah, that's scary to think about
even if they were 'microconnectors' or whatever they said
we still don't really know how their dull stuff works
but hey, looks like it turned out okay
must been pretty handy to teleport stuff around up until the collapse
RESPONSES::self
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Moth Comment
var moth = "this is getting pretty serious... so much worse than i ever imagined honestly"
if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
Intro
Relocator
Start
loop
RESPOBJ::gol_intro
start
sys
ATTENTION::'continuing memory stream'
NOTE::'inheriting iteration context'
RESPONSES::sys
continue<+>continue
skip<+>END
SHOWIF::"gol__intro-end"
EXEC::vn.done();cutscene(true)
FAKEEND::(skip sequence)
continue
movefriend
ok gakvukani
commencing relocation!
sourceless
the descent begins, though it is terribly unsteady
was that something knocking against the underside of the chamber?
movefriend does not get far before it slows to a halt again
movefriend
wow!!
friends: please forgive the turbulence!
<span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'aqueous low-activity corru';'occupies space between cystic organs';'terrestrial use only'">corroyi</span> density is unusually high in this area
in fact, all standard currents have ceased!
but do not worry!! i can still get you where you need to go!
akizet
what does that mean for the spire?
sourceless
i feel the chamber's ground shift beneath us, pulling outwards
ah... it is forming limbs outside of the chamber
indeed, it must physically crawl through the spireblood and drag the chamber with it
an extremely strenuous process, i suspect
movefriend
i must focus on the locomotion sorry!!
please ask the constructor within the chamber!
sourceless
i look towards tozik at first
he looks back at me absently, then makes an uncertain gesture with his receptors
before i can ask it to clarify, one of the mindcores announces themselves
karik
that is me!!
EXEC::vnp({karik:"show", bg: true})
sourceless
i sense some surprise between the ekiviks
that would be a little funny, if not for the circumstances
their kiv rarely take part directly in structural management
karik
if the corroyi is no longer correctly distributed across the spire,
then that means it is going to be pooling at the lower levels...
and grow more dense as the layers separate, until, ah...
well, the lower levels will be crushed by the pressure
and then the spire's outer walls will explode
as you imagine, my friends, this is not conducive to our goals
gakvu
the groundsmind would be destroyed, but so would the explanation for all of this...
EXEC::vnp({gakvu:"showright"})
tozik
along with any would-be survivors
EXEC::vnp({tozik:"showright"})
karik
exactly...
there is a solution to this, but we require groundsmind control
it seems that the perpetrator is not properly attending to the structure's systems
miltza
do you expect us to be able to get there in time?
EXEC::vnp({gakvu:"hide", tozik: 'hide', miltza: 'showleft'})
the groundsmindry is at the lowest portion of the spire...
karik
well...
EXEC::vnp({miltza: 'hide'})
i will say our chances are not ideal
but what else can we do?
sourceless
i sense a spark of inspiration from tozik,
even reflected in his receptors...
but he does not yet speak up, ever hesitant to share an unfinished thought
while we wait for the movefriend to deliver us to golem maintenance,
a plan should be devised
...and we should get a profile of itzil's kivii
RESPONSES::akizet
what to ask first...<+>loop
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide", bg: false})
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
the plan<+>plan
wait<+>wait
SHOWIF::'gol__intro-plan'
EXEC::vn.done()
FAKEEND::(end preparations)
RESPONSES::itzil
kivii<+>kivii
RESPONSES::miltza
hesitance<+>hesitance
SHOWIF::'gol__intro-plan'
RESPONSES::karik
sfer<+>sfer
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!karikfed", false]]
Akizet: The Plan
plan
sourceless
in the near silent tension of our descent,
i feel that our lack of a clear plan is causing even more anxiety
all are in thought, though itzil is pacing
so i speak up with what i know:
akizet
my friends, the time is coming
we should align our paths
sourceless
i briefly pause to garner their collective attention, then continue,
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show far", gakvu: "show far", tozik: "show far", karik: "show far", itzil: "show far", hideStage:true})
akizet
i am unfamiliar with the layout of the golem maintenance segment, but itzil, you know it well, yes?
sourceless
itzil ceases their endless skittering to nervously wave their receptors
itzil
oh, yes!! even better than my home!
akizet
excellent, then tell me if any of this seems unreasonable:
when we arrive, we should immediately find ways to arm ourselves
assuming the foundry vats are still operational, we need only find some schematics
next, we should probably find a body for--
tozik
akizet, if the structure fails, then this will not yield us any gain
sourceless
IMMEDIATELY, THE MORALE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BUILD IS CRUSHED
THERE IS THAT PANG OF FEAR AGAIN - THOUGH THIS TIME, IT IS MINE
THE POSSIBILITY OF US ALL UNCEREMONIOUSLY DYING ON OUR WAY
COMPLETELY OUT OF OUR CONTROL, REALLY...
akizet
...yes, tozik, i know, but--
tozik
no no, you see, i have an idea
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "focus far"})
i was here recently while giving advice on the design of the deep-sea constructor golems
it was in the distribution area of the manufacturing tendril that i saw something unusual...
for quick deployment, they have their own groundsmindry override
there was a jut using it to directly release golems to the exterior of the spire
itzil
aah!!! of course!!
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "defocus far"})
it is only a small range in which it is effective, but...
that could be just enough to delay total collapse!!
do you think that would work, karik?
karik
oh yes, oh yes
by releasing some of the pressure, that should buy us some time
sourceless
ah, and so he shapes the morale back up, though in a different design
miltza
we could use that to evacuate any survivors we find!
it can form tunnels to the outside, yes?
sourceless
the way miltza stands and fidgets...
if a tunnel opened, she would scramble through it without any thought
the very same fear as in fresh surface runners
cowardice, perhaps, but i cannot truly blame her
a remote coordinator does not simply change expertise for fun
tozik
if we must, i suppose
but we will need all the help we can get if we intend to assault the groundsmind
gakvu
what if i expand the control of the override?
sourceless
in a brief stunned silence, our attention is drawn towards gakvu
how many unauthorized miracles does she know how to perform?
groundsmindry overrides are tightly controlled, but...
she is clearly capable of more than i have ever known
miltza
how could you possibly do that?
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "hide", karik: "hide", itzil: "hide", miltza: "", gakvu: ""})
in fact - <em>how</em> have you been doing any of this?
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "focus"})
it is so convenient that you can guide us through the impossible as you have been
sourceless
miltza's voice is heavy with accusation, her receptors closed like fists
an outburst simply driven by fear, but...
what is she implying...?
itzil skitters forth, announced by the clicking of their sharp legs against the cystic glass
itzil
hey! does it matter??
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "defocus far", gakvu: "far", itzil: "show far"})
gakvu is helping us save everyone!
sourceless
itzil's assertion earns miltza's attention, for she seems to have no retort
but this alone is not enough to defuse her suspicions
gakvu hangs her receptors back cynically
she could elect not to even answer, but...
gakvu
all right, if you want a proper explanation, then fine
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "", gakvu: "focus", itzil: "hide"})
yes, i have a mindcore with groundsmindry capabilities
ah, what can i say
i am quite attached to it
sourceless
where is this spite coming from?
the briefest silence passes, miltza looking between us
she seems to take particular interest in tozik in this moment
miltza
is this issue only mine?
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "", gakvu: "defocus"})
our tools and golems usurped, and here before us is a cynical vel with that very ability?
is your groundsmindry destination truly to help us?
sourceless
miltza reaches a peak, and tozik eyes me
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "show downright"})
itzil backs off to the corner with karik, their eye drifting with concern now
i will admit, this coincidence did not even occur to me... it is suspicious
but it is without roots - gakvu would never intend us harm
yes, i should intervene
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "hide"})
akizet
miltza...
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "focus"})
sourceless
she pauses and gazes at me, her receptors slightly releasing from their fist-like clench
akizet
i have worked with gakvu long enough to know,
she could not be doing this
in fact, the terror i felt from her when she was first attacked...
no, she could not be a perpetrator
but... it is still unusual, this is true
sourceless
then, i turn to gakvu, disappointed in her unhelpful handling of the situation
she seemed proud of herself with her little joke, but now i see apologetic shame
her tone softens to explain,
gakvu
...yes, i know how it looks
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "defocus"})
the truth is complex
miltza, you must trust that i am here to help
i can explain everything later
but we have to get out of here intact, first
sourceless
i see a wordless agreement as miltza's receptors lose their tension
though they do not stray near one another, they have an accord... for now
akizet
...ok
to return to our path,
top priority: use the override in manufacturing to stop the structure from collapsing
next: arm ourselves - in fact, if we can make more timestopper connectors, even better
also, we should find suitable bodies for itzil and karik
then: find any survivors, itzil's kivii included
finally, we descend to the groundsmind, and cease this madness
all right?
itzil
sounds good!!
sourceless
the others agree with a simple forward waving of their receptors
akizet
excellent
RESPONSES::akizet
what else...<+>loop
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "hide", gakvu: "hide", hideStage: false})
Itzil: Kivii
kivii
akizet
itzil!
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "show"})
tell me about your kivii
their name, their receptors, where you think they may be...
anything will help
sourceless
ah...
as i said that, i felt a murmur of my larval life, searching for missing runners
i may have said those exact words before
velzie's fondness for repetition is truly nauseating
itzil
oh, ok!
well, her name is dozkallvi kiv gediziki, and she styles herself with a broken receptor!
she is ok, of course, it is just a strange styling, hehehe
i do not know which area she would be in, specifically...
you see, she was covering for me while i reconnected with some family over the collective
she does not really enjoy the company of my family very much, and, ah, i do not blame her,
they were never really happy with me finding a mate from another cave-city, you see...
sourceless
itzil trails off after seeing the look upon my face and receptors
am i too flat? should i be more interested in their romance?
itzil
ah, umm, right--i was going to say, i do not know which area she would be in
she was simply a substitute for my hands for the gaze
so, wherever you may find a kiv, i think!
they probably had her in manufacturing!
akizet
i see, thank you
we will find her, itzil
RESPONSES::akizet
what else...<+>loop
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "hide"})
Miltza: Hesitance
hesitance
akizet
miltza
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show far"})
miltza
ah, akizet, hello!
sorry...
sourceless
at once, it seems she may launch into an apology, gesturing even with her third arm
but i simply wave the notion away with my receptors
she seems more at ease with my acceptance
akizet
at this point, there are no laws binding us anymore
the only thing that matters is survival
can i trust that you will stand with us against whatever awaits?
miltza
yes, of course...
sourceless
gakvu pretends to be uninterested in our conversation
the room is too small for any secrets
miltza
but let me say, there is a reason ekiva frowns upon mobile groundsmindry
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show"})
i never much cared for structurism, but the anti-structurists were a sour option themselves
they used illegal groundsmindry to sow chaos anonymously
i mean, that is all a flicker in the past now, but... the flame is carried into death still
this could be a coordinated attack, not just by one person, but many
still, if you can trust gakvu, i will trust her too
...
in these times, we must, despite whatever may hang over us
sourceless
what a strange turn of phrase - she certainly means culturally
but there is something in her tone...
i feel a certain weight to it - has her larval history affected her so severely?
or... is she within the greater conflict herself?
despite her flightiness and her outburst, i feel i can trust her
yes, she must simply be scared beyond her limits
remote coordinators like her rarely saw any direct action,
only ever experiencing the terror of the surface through their distant eyes
but it seems that terror has found her, now
final death has never been closer to all of us
RESPONSES::akizet
true...<+>loop
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "hide"})
Karik: Sfer
sfer
akizet
karik!
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show"})
did you mention earlier that your sfer reserves were low?
sourceless
i am still unsure if i should crouch while speaking to the mindcores...
but it seems kinder than looming over them
karik
yes, i did!
i know repairing movefriend came first, but...
if there is any left, i would not protest!
akizet
there is a little, do not worry!
sourceless
i draw a cube of sfer from our stash,
and simply set it beside karik
because... though the thought occurred to me,
feeding them directly would be so strange
thankfully, karik does not seem to mind
karik
thank you, akizet!
sourceless
they coil an emergency leg around the sfer and press it against their side
their shell extends to envelop it and draw it inward
karik
ahh, that is much better
i appreciate your efforts, my friend!
RESPONSES::akizet
of course<+>loop
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide"});change("PAGE!!karikfed", true)
Wait
wait
sourceless
with my curiosities sated, we wait
the remaining sfer we collected is distributed amongst ourselves
to mend wounds, attempt repairs to inner components, so on
and there is some small chat here and there, but in time, our progress slows
to a worrying degree, in fact... the corroyi no longer murmurs past the walls as it did
movefriend
ok friends! good news!
the density is so high i was not able to get you to the usual entry point
in fact, the entire segment is surrounded by dangerously dense corroyi!
sorry!! that was not the good news yet! here it is!
we are near one of the personnel tendrils of the golem maintenance segment!
it seems to have sunken and partially collapsed from the damage...
but it is still attached to the main area!
i can connect you there, but until the corroyi flows are restored,
that is the best i can do!
itzil
oh... my room...
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "showright far"})
gakvu
how will we get around without a movefriend?
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "showleft focus"})
i was able to help before, but... that is not sustainable
especially not if the density is going to be very high
itzil
...oh!!
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "defocus"})
gakvu! the entire floor is connected! it is not like your segment at all
or most of them, really...
all of the tendrils and chambers are connected semi-permanently
it is easier to move golems and resources around that way!
tozik
yes, this was impressed upon me in my recent visit
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "showleft far"})
it was as if i were strolling through a vaznian cavern
karik
ahh, in that case...
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "hide", itzil: "hide", karik: "show far"})
even with the high density, it should still be mostly intact
contiguous spire chambers are typically well reinforced, for they do not move often
movefriend
yes yes very good structure!
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "hide", karik: "hide", bg: false})
however it will not last forever!
archival veins around the segment are collapsing and will soon be falling into the area directly
be careful friends! i will wait here for when you return!
akizet
are you able to handle the corroyi pressure here?
movefriend
umm no sorry!!
once it is safe for all of you to leave me, i will return to a safe level until you have resolved the pressure problem!
miltza
you are leaving us??
movefriend
oh no no no!
only a little!
i will be back to deliver you to the groundsmindry floor, of course!
and if you take too long,
...
nevermind!
good luck!
sourceless
movefriend forms a tunnel to the personnel tendril,
though it remains partially closed until we are ready to proceed
but before then, i should consider...
who do i want to accompany me?
miltza has proven to be a powerful defensive force, despite her hesitance
tozik, i think, we will need for his repair skills...
but gakvu's control over corru is uniquely effective
hmm...
sys
NOTICE::'PARTY MENU';'attached to SPATIAL NAVIGATION';'associated with letter Z'
NOTICE::'additional functionality enabled'
NOTICE::'activate or deactivate potential party members';'drag from or into active party'
NOTICE::'recollective locus cannot be removed from party'
RESPONSES::akizet
velzie be kind<+>END
EXEC::vn.done();cutscene(true)
Personnel Tendril
Entered
start
sourceless
we advance to the personnel tendril, those of us with timestopper connectors at the front
movefriend's tunnel slowly becomes crooked as it adjusts to the uneven tendril
the corru walls take the form of false cave-stone, just like our recreation chamber
and so the terrible brutality before us is like a vision of the past...
but it is here now, a failed barricade given way to invasion
and it is silent, without sign of foe
the qou here are dissected, mindcores half-dissolved in their bled components
the others avert their eyes after a quick scan, but i find myself staring
why are their bodies so intact? why such precision?
regardless - i do not see any sign of itzil's kivii, these are jut and vel
akizet
just keep moving
sourceless
i gesture for the mindcores to climb up along the walls and ceiling, as it will be safer
sourceless quiet
then, a step into our advance, a familiar whisper comes again...
EXEC::changeBgm(env.embassy.music_signal, {length: 10000, seek: 0});
we exchange a few glances, tozik's receptors at attention
he speaks flatly, dreadfully
EXEC::content.classList.add('painprep', 'painhalf')
tozik
it is happening again
sourceless
that is all the time we have to brace ourselves
sourceless quiet
the signal, the pain, it is here
EXEC::env.embassy.day3Signal(3000)
the wordless message, breathed again
it feels stronger, but we still stand--are we more resilient?
i can think this time... i can feel that the pain is not mine
i manage to stay standing against a wall, and the others stumble, clutch their heads, their chests...
my eyes bend, my sense of gravity is disrupted... but i stay conscious
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1, 2000)
karik
<em>what</em> is happening again?
itzil
hey!! are you ok?!
sourceless quiet
what...
i see through the pain, the mindcores plainly looking down upon us from the ceiling
are they... not affected...?
the signal is short-lived this time, like an echo of itself - already, it abates
my eyes slowly recover, though i feel my perception is still not entirely accurate
but before i can say anything, there is a rustling throughout the room
EXEC::content.classList.add('painfade')
the slain qou... some have risen
EXEC::vnp({husk1:"show far", bg: true})
their bodies distorted by their damage, as if drawn to <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT:'parasite';'reanimation'">terrible life</span> by secri
EXEC::vnp({husk2:"show far", hideStage: true})
miltza
is that...
sourceless
ŸÆkf
it is not an illusion
they are real, and they walk towards us with the strangest serenity
aggressor
here
i am here
EXEC::content.classList.add('slowpain');
i am here
EXEC::content.classList.remove('painmode', 'painhalf', 'painfade');vnp({husk2:"show", bg: true})
sourceless
they speak in unison, each unique voice blending into one another
a droning metallic chorus, filling the tendril
at first, with each step towards us, we back away, uncertain
to kill an aberrant container is simple, but...
do these ones intend us harm? or is it more? can they be helped?
i step forward
akizet
hello?
aggressor
here
i hê’ˆ³ar you
i hear you
usurpers
EXEC::content.classList.remove('painprep')
gakvu
akizet... stay back
those are not obesk!!
sourceless
her fear conveys what i need to know
they are not miraculous survivors, they are infested husks
we must make the first move
RESPONSES::akizet
attack!!<+>END
EXEC::change("PAGE!!gp", true);env.embassy.startGolemFight('g_prelobby1', 'personnel_clear');vn.done()
Cleared
start
sourceless
the last husk crumbles into itself
immediately, i scan over our team, and we are fine enough
EXEC::changeBgm(env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems)
itzil and karik cling to the ceiling in the corners, itzil refusing to look
miltza and gakvu both have recoiled in our victory with no celebration
tozik, most of all, seems present in this moment with me, drawn to one of the corpses
the adrenaline, the subtle joy i felt before, is overwhelmed by grief
i did not know these qou, but in their incoherent faces were every person i have ever spoken kindly to
...
tozik
these...
sourceless
he nearly addresses them as qou, but thinks better of it as his voice shakes into a pause
tozik
...they have no mark of control,
no sigil or connector
no mindcore...
how is this even possible?
our bodies are too complex even for regular groundsmindry
sourceless
these bodies are all truly uninhabited?
the mindcores, itzil, karik... maybe they could...
no, no - a terrible thought, i dare not even complete it
but that does bring something to mind
akizet
hey
itzil, karik
did you not feel the signal a moment ago?
the same one as before? the pain, the madness
sourceless
they look at one another, though itzil returns to huddling in the corner, eyespot turned away
karik
...no!
i mean, i felt something...
but it... it just passed
it was not like before
akizet
gakvu, miltza, you felt it?
sourceless
a simple affirmative receptor gesture from both is all they can muster for now
tozik stands from the body he examined, drawing his corruskivi back beneath the surface of his hand
tozik
i did, too...
it felt closer
we are on the right path
sourceless
his finality implies we should leave this tendril sooner rather than later, so we commence
but still... closer is a good way to put it
it felt stronger, but it may just be proximity
akizet
itzil, karik
remain close
stay high and far away from any bodies or inactive golems
itzil
ok akizet!
RESPONSES::akizet
continue<+>END
Lobby
Entered
start
sourceless
Ìw?¤eÔ!!!
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
they are here, too, and are drawn to us immediately
it was not a single moment of madness
velzie's eye hangs heavily over us, i feel its delight in our torment
these husks must be destroyed before the others can come through
RESPONSES::akizet
continue<+>END
EXEC::change("PAGE!!gl", true);pauseSwapCam(false)
Cleared
start
sourceless
with the area clear, i also notice the doors here are sealed
EXEC::content.classList.add("safe");
it is safe enough, so i call back
EXEC::changeBgm(env.embassy.music_golems)
akizet
it is safe to proceed! come, quickly!
sourceless
and so we stand in this great lobby, where i imagine movefriend first tried to deliver us
the stone, the decorations of false life...
were it not for the splattered corroyi and sludge from our once-friends, it would be beautiful
akizet
itzil, where is maintenance from here?
EXEC::vnp({bg: true, itzil: "show far"})
sourceless
itzil scurries towards me, then... past me?
they approach the central desk, which seems to have a managerial golem stationed at it
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, itzil: "show far", geli: "show far"})
it is inactive, i did not even notice it at first
uncanny... it resembles a qou more than a golem
itzil
geli? geli?
sorry akizet - i will answer you, but i must see...
sourceless
itzil climbs up onto the golem's shoulder, then extends a branched receptor towards its head
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "show", geli: "show"})
tozik steps forward, reaching out in objection
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "showleft downleft"})
tozik
itzil--
you should not take any chances with--
sourceless
of course, it is too late, as itzil has already connected to it
EXEC::env.embassy.geliState('boot');vnp({tozik: "hide"})
in an instant, the golem's face flickers to life, its glow restored
then comes the rest of its body...
EXEC::env.embassy.geliState('on')
it looks down at the mindcore on its shoulder, away from us
EXEC::document.querySelectorAll('.geli').forEach(el=> el.classList.remove('inactive'))
geli
hello, itzil
what are you doing here? i thought you took the gaze off
sourceless
its voice is feminine, shifting between intonations strangely as golems tend to
when itzil disconnects, geli looks towards us, pseudoreceptors extending in greeting
itzil seems all right, though they are looking at geli strangely...
perhaps with an engineer's eye, assessing the damage?
though, this is interesting--it sprouted disconnected receptors
the physical marking of an echo with life-like personality
it is likely bearing a strong echo of a tir in the embassy, or perhaps one carried from home
geli::happy
oh! welcome! you are all from another division?
geli
if you were hoping to use the...
geli::uncanny
the...
sourceless
geli's eyes drift around, scanning over the carnage, the damaged ceiling and walls...
then, it seems to stare at me with the strangest expression of bafflement
or--through me? i move out of the way, but it stares at me still
then i check over my shoulder with a spin of my head,
but when i look back at the golem, it now looks at me, not like before
geli
...i see...
itzil
geli! oh you are ok!!
can you help us? there is an emergency
everything is going crazy!
sourceless
itzil scurries down onto the desk to speak with the golem
geli smiles like a bright cousin, dipping its head respectfully
a strange behavior to assign to a golem...
i suspect they wanted the qou here to practice smiling in case of public appearance
geli
i will do what i can
what do you need?
sourceless
the doors all seem to be locked...
maybe this golem can help us through
RESPONSES::akizet
interrogate<+>CHANGE::geli_first
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, itzil: "hide"});pauseSwapCam(false)
HIDEREAD::
look around more first<+>END
EXEC::vn.done();pauseSwapCam(false)
Geli
First Dialogue
start
akizet
geli, i am akizet
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, geli: "show"})
that is gakvu, and miltza, tozik, and karik
it seems you already know itzil
there is some sort of attack upon the spire
we thought it was the groundsmind at first, but...
...now unoccupied qou bodies are being manipulated, too
did you receive any communications or signals while inactive?
sourceless
geli gives a negative wave of its pseudoreceptors
geli
no communications
geli::concern
although... i had the strangest dream
an endless repetition of the same terrible gaze, forever
and i could not wake up from it
stranger still is that i am not supposed to dream, you see, hehe
geli
but then came itzil to save me! thank you, my friend
by the way, i do not recall you being so small... you look so silly!
sourceless
geli giggles with a strange naivete
itzil chuckles too, but out of discomfort--slowly crawling away from the golem
it does not seem to fully grasp the nature of the emergency, even with the bodies before it
is this a manifestation of incoherence? or simply how the echo was designed?
either way - a managerial golem like geli will be invaluable for monitoring the spire's health
akizet
geli, do you know where the groundsmindry override is? it is in manufacturing, yes?
geli::think
let me see...
sourceless
geli's faceplate freezes as it draws its attention inwards
it seems to be connected directly to the floor, and undoubtedly to a larger organ beneath
i suspect geli can sense the entire segment in some capacity
geli::happy
yes, it is!
geli
and the override is within the distribution chamber, which is the final segment opposite to the entrance
so just walk through and you will see it!
sourceless
geli is visibly pleased with its answer, smiling again
tozik
geli, is there an operational impressor in the area?
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "showleft"})
sourceless
its gaze is drawn inwards again, taking slightly longer this time
akizet
what is that, tozik?
tozik
an instruction deep cloning tool
usually, it is only used in qou-body and golem construction, but i think we can use it for this
you see, if we want to make more timestopper connectors,
it is not enough to simply copy them, for their connection to the timestopper is complex
a total dull synchronization must occur, and an impressor will let us do that remotely
geli
ah!
EXEC::vnp({geli: "focus"})
forgive me my delay, tozik, most of them are broken now...
but there is a functioning one in the chamber just behind me!
advanced operations!
geli::happy
it is in the form of a <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'large corrucystic devices';'stored in adjacent corroyi or another corru medium until needed';'connected modularly to tendrils'">corboku</span>, so i should be able to just grab it for you!
i understand you want to use it right away, so i will connect it to manufacturing!
please wait!
sourceless
...
geli
...
geli::concern
...
i seem to be unable to remove it from the advanced operations chamber
is that velzie giggling i hear?! haha
sourceless
geli turns, drawing our attention as well
the doors to the chamber are mangled in ways that the collapsing spire would not cause
geli::think
the impressor itself is reporting full function, but...
adjacent corroyi pressure is forcing it against the chamber
...and the room itself seems to be severely damaged
EXEC::vnp({geli: "defocus", tozik: "hide"})
geli
i suspect that has something to do with the foundational construction golem they are working on!
due to the damage, i am unable to see inside, and cannot establish contact...
if you wish to use the groundsmindry override, you may be able to fix the door and pressure!
my control over the local area is very limited by comparison
so yes - please do that, and ensure everyone inside is all right!
itzil
geli!!
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "show"})
have you seen my kivii? you recall her, yes?
geli
of course i remember!
dozkii, i heard you call her... hehehe
why would she be here?
itzil
...nevermind
she is just here, ok?
we need to find her
geli::concern
oh... well, i cannot really help you
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "hide"})
there are so many relays not responding right now...
geli::happy
but, while you look for her, please show your friends around!
there is so much to see!
sourceless
again, geli seems pleased with its tone-deaf response
akizet
all right, the plan is the same, then...
we stop the collapse, we find itzil's kivii and any survivors, we scrape together what we can...
and then we proceed
geli - can you open the smaller doors nearby for us if they are clear?
geli
yes!
directly connected tendrils are sfer supply, manufacturing, and minor operations
i cannot open them all immediately, but i am standing by to open the doors for you
for i sense that there are non-qou entities within each,
and they are not responding to my identification requests
so, i must keep them closed in for now
if you see them, please let them know to respond to me as soon as they can!
and let me know if you need anything else!
EXEC::change("PAGE!!geli", true);change("TEMP!!nogelizoom", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
ask about something else<+>CHANGE::geli
proceed<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Dialogue Options
start
sourceless
i approach geli again, and it regards me with a kind forward bow of its receptors
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, geli: "show far"})
SHOWIF::['TEMP!!nogelizoom', false]
i linger near geli, thinking about what lay ahead
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, geli: "show"});sessionStorage.removeItem("TEMP!!nogelizoom")
SHOWIF::['TEMP!!nogelizoom']
geli
hello, akizet!
what do you need?
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, geli: "show"})
RESPOBJ::geli_resp
RESPOBJ::geli_resp
RESPONSES::akizet
manufacturing<+>manufact
sfer supply<+>sfer
operations<+>ops
dog<+>dog
SHOWIF::"PAGE!!dog"
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Manufacturing
manufact
akizet
what can you tell me about the manufacturing tendril?
geli
well, it is in the name, yes? hehehe
it is home to a number of slow and fast foundry vats for varying levels of corru instruction
and that is where the groundsmindry override is, for distribution purposes
from here, i can feel that it is largely intact, but...
sourceless
geli shakes its head and receptors both, slowly
it pauses to think about something, then opens its pseudoreceptors in bafflement
geli::concern
the distribution network is behaving erratically
someone must be fooling around with the override, again...
geli::happy
a troublesome vel, no doubt! haha!
sourceless
i scoff and glance at gakvu, whose tightly wound receptors loosen in response
RESPOBJ::geli_resp
Sfer Supply
sfer
akizet
what do you know about the sfer supply tendril?
geli
that is where essential metals are processed, and sfer is grown for this segment of the embassy
additionally, it has a storage chamber equipped with dull microconnectors for remote delivery
a technology fresh from the jut's receptors!
akizet
microconnectors...?
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!mboss', false]
itzil
oh, yes, akizet! it is an exciting development!
it is like using the contrivance for small, mundane materials
i do not know the specifics myself, but gozri--ah, a friend of mine--was the proponent of those
____END
akizet
that does not seem very safe
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!mboss', false]
itzil
well, it is still a new technology...
____END
tozik
i heard about those on the network - a vaznian development, from...
<span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'surface city';'mountainous fortress';'origin of dull pulse weaponry'">ukazni ozo</span>, ironically
though the implementation seemed promising...
it seems reckless to use them in the domain of the bright cousins
geli::happy
do not worry, it is perfectly safe!
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!sboss', false]
geli::concern
though, i cannot clearly perceive what is happening within that tendril right now...
...because there is a strange interference originating from it...
i suppose that is why i cannot contact anyone, in fact!
could you go tell them to stop that?
sourceless
what...
is that where the signal could be coming from?
no, no - the groundsmindry sigil we saw before demands it must be the groundsmind
regardless, this warrants investigation...
that aside, it could be a valuable resource for the creation of our armaments
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!sboss'
geli::concern
though, since you were there, i am no longer able to detect the managerial golem
geli::happy
did it trip and fall into a microconnector?
hahaha!!
geli
only joking
geli::concern
do you know where it went, though?
akizet
ah...
gakvu
yes, it is fine, it just had to visit another segment
geli
ok!
____END
RESPOBJ::geli_resp
Operations
ops
akizet
what lies within the minor operations tendril?
geli::happy
ah, a wealth of interesting research!
it contains the side projects and lesser divisions within the golem maintenance team
a large number of chambers float around the corroyi of that tendril!
but only a few are directly connected at a time, as the others are on hold
presently, the connected divisions are... oh, let me see...
sourceless
geli's gaze defocuses, and its pseudoreceptors slowly close with concern
geli::concern
how funny...
deconstruction, dull development, friends, translation...
they appear to be connected, but are nearly all affected by some sort of blockage...?
geli
i wonder what they got up to in there! haha!
you may only be able to reach a few of them for now
i will alert the groundsmind!
akizet
that--
that will not be necessary
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!oboss'
akizet
we were just there, it is fine
they are, ah...
cavik
just doing some construction! haha
right bozko?
sourceless
...
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!oboss', false]
akizet
we can fix it
geli::happy
oh, all right! thank you!
sourceless
the golem smiles widely at me again, blindly accepting my blatant lie
translation... a strange operation to have in a golem maintenance floor!
perhaps they were preparing some sort of new translation golem?
it may not be of great use to us now, but...
perhaps we should at least fetch some of the archival data, if any is intact
a great amount of work between divisions was done to decipher so many languages of the cousins
it would be a tragedy if any were lost
of course, this is only secondary to preventing the structure from collapsing as a whole...
akizet
thank you, geli
____END
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!mboss', false], ['PAGE!!oboss', false]]
itzil
oh, akizet!
all of the minor operations have direct connections to the archival veins!
once the area is stabilized, we could go see if anything there would be of use to us!
i know the dull development division had some interesting projects...
they may come in handy, now!
akizet
interesting... yes, we should!
____END
RESPOBJ::geli_resp
Dog
dog
akizet
we encountered a little construct in sfer supply
it looked like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">dog</span>!
what is that for?
it did not even attack us, it simply ignored us...
geli::happy
that is kuulla!
geli
our assistant and mascot for the segment
you should ask itzil about them!
they love kuulla
the team uses it to alert them when certain processes are complete
it even has all of the mannerisms of a real <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">dog</span>!
akizet
i see!
thank you, geli
RESPOBJ::geli_resp
Boss Door
start
sourceless
we approach the great door
its components are melted, fused into one another
parts have bulged outwards from blunt trauma within
dead metal reinforcements jut out from particularly damaged areas
we will need to repair it and be ready before we can enter
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!goverride", false]
we ought to see if we can build a formidable golem to fight it before we enter
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride"], ["PAGE!!ikgolem", false]]
____SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride"], ["PAGE!!ikgolem"], ["pa|ikgolem", false]]
we can enter and face the danger within - karik will probably be fine even without a timestopper
____SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride"], ["PAGE!!ikgolem"], ["pa|ikgolem"]]
we have what we need to face the threat within, i think... we could proceed if everyone is prepared
____SHOWIF::["PAGE!!bozcav", false]
ah--there is also the matter of the operations tendril...
what if there are survivors in there?
it is unlikely, given this chaos,
but i cannot leave anyone behind
____END
____SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride"], ["pa|ikgolem"], ["PAGE!!bozcav"]]
sys
ATTENTION::"current memory stream near conclusion"
ADVISE::"save iteration"
____END
RESPOBJ::lobby_bossdoorops
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
examine<+>early
proceed<+>proceed
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride"], ["PAGE!!ikgolem"], ["PAGE!!bozcav"]]
(debug) force proceed<+>proceed
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
nevermind<+>END
RESPONSES::sys
save iteration<+>save
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride"], ["PAGE!!ikgolem"], ["PAGE!!bozcav"]]
HIDEREAD::
Examine
early
akizet
why would the door still hold after such damage?
it is large enough that it should simply sludge and reveal its path...
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!ikgolem'
sourceless
karik hovers closer in their golem, also curious
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!ikgolem', false]
sourceless
karik skitters closer, also curious
they clamber up the wall nearby, examining the way it merges with the false-stone
____END
karik
ah!
this is an uncommon design, but i have seen it used within some other segments
akizet, it is holding because it is load-bearing for its chamber!
tozik
why?
that is a terrible idea
karik
well, it simplifies the structural needs of chambers it is attached to
it is quite useful for such large rooms!
there are extremely resilient dead metal implements within them for this very purpose
of course, it is very unsafe in the event of collapse,
for it simply becomes a wall...
but such occasions within a spire were only theories, until now
and besides - who would ever think the groundsmind herself would abandon us?
a bad idea now, but reasonable within our known safeties
akizet
vekoa would not abandon us, do not entertain the thought
after everything...
regardless, thank you for your knowledge, my friend
RESPOBJ::lobby_bossdoorops
Proceed
proceed
sourceless
with itzil and karik ready to fight, i feel that we are prepared
the body we have created for them should be able to match our foe
akizet
is everyone ready?
gakvu
keep velzie entertained for us, everyone
SHOWIF::'pa|gakvu'
miltza
i will do my best!!
SHOWIF::[["pa|miltza"], ['aug|drone']]
i... i will do my best!
SHOWIF::[["pa|miltza"], ['aug|drone', false]]
bozko
let us have it over with
SHOWIF::'pa|bozko'
cavik
yes!
SHOWIF::'pa|bozko'
tozik
with karik's golem body, this should be trivial
SHOWIF::'pa|tozik'
____SHOWIF::["pa|ikgolem", false]
karik
even without a timestopper, i will help!
this body should still prove effective
____SHOWIF::["pa|ikgolem"]
karik
ready!!
____END
akizet
geli, unlock the doors
gakvu repaired them with the override, but left them locked
it is time for us to face this beast
geli
ahaha! ok!
i will keep velzie entertained for you
sourceless
a ripple passes over the surface of the doors
EXEC::change("PAGE!!bosslock", true)
it is open, now
EXEC::step()
RESPONSES::akizet
enter<+>END
Character Dialogues
Tozik
loop
RESPOBJ::tozik_resp
start
sourceless
tozik eyes me expectantly as i approach him
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, tozik:"show"})
where he normally might wait for me to address him, he instead greets me
tozik
akizet
RESPOBJ::tozik_resp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
timestopper effectiveness?<+>timestopper
points of interest?<+>segment
SHOWIF::'PAGE!!geli'
anyone you know?<+>anyone
theories?<+>theory
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Timestopper
timestopper
akizet
tozik!
how much longer will the timestopper serve us remotely?
we are some distance away, yet...
it seems to be working exactly the same
tozik
the timestopper's effectiveness is not exactly linear
it uses a highly efficient, near-instantaneous form of dull transmission
similar to the kind used to connect floating qou limbs to their bodies, but with more force
so... it will work, until it simply does not
before we descend again, to be safe...
we will need to find a way to bring it closer to the groundsmindry floor
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!mboss'
i suspect gakvu may be able to help us, there
akizet
would it not be risky to reach that far from a groundsmindry override?
tozik
no less risky than proceeding without a timestopper
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Points of Interest
segment
akizet
tozik!
is there anything we should watch for here?
any equipment you saw in your recent visit?
sourceless
tozik's attention drifts away for a blink
tozik
all equipment of particular note is in that troublesome room...
that impressor is all that comes to mind
and, of course, the large construction golem they were putting together...
it will not be a simple foe for us to face
ah, still, this may not be a full engineering floor,
but there are vats we can use for construction - lesser and greater
if there is not much of note to find,
then we will need to make our own equipment of note
RESPONSES::akizet
all right<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Anyone you know?
anyone
akizet
tozik!
is there anyone we should watch for?
any friends of yours, or--anything?
sourceless
i know his relationships are a sensitive subject
they must be even more so, now...
still, i must ask
tozik
no
sourceless
an answer without delay
it would be foolish to pry further
RESPONSES::akizet
all right...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Theories?
theory
akizet
tozik!
what do you think is happening?
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!barfriend'
do you still think it is too early to tell?
____END
tozik
well...
we have seen that the signal--whatever it is--seizes things at random
sometimes with groundsmindry, other times without...
but it is only ever corru unoccupied by a mind, be it qou or strong echo
<span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'idiom';'remember'">have in sight</span> as well--movefriend was fine when repaired, until the groundsmind took notice
the barfriend did not attack us either
so, all said, it is clear to me that the groundsmindry is compromised, but...
certain constructs with weaker echoes, like the containers and lamps, are seized without groundsmindry
what if the true cause is the signal itself?
what if vekoa had exited the groundsmindry for one reason or another,
then the signal came,
and used it to warp our golems to its purpose?
akizet
but how...
groundsmindry requires too much mental focus for it to be something like that, right?
sourceless
tozik simply waves his receptors negatively
tozik
whatever is happening is reaching far beyond any limitation i was familiar with
you felt the meaning behind the signal too, did you not? it was beyond full understanding
and the way it invaded our minds directly, even rendering us into unwilling unconsciousness...
to lesser echoes, like the simple ones within containers and lamps,
even the attendants and these golems we face now,
it may have completely overridden their echoes with whatever purpose the signal truly meant to impart
this theory is the best i have, for now...
either way, i am certain that seizing the groundsmindry will at least partially end this madness
RESPONSES::akizet
it has to be<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Gakvu
loop
RESPOBJ::gakvu_resp
start
sourceless
as i approach gakvu, she dips her head and receptors respectfully
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, gakvu:"show"})
though, their playful twist has been undone in light of what we have seen...
gakvu
what do you need, akizet?
RESPOBJ::gakvu_resp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
groundsmindry?<+>groundsmindry
miltza?<+>miltza
theories?<+>theory
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Groundsmindry?
groundsmindry
akizet
gakvu!
i have been wondering...
you have had your groundsmindry this whole time, yes?
have you ever used it before?
with us, or in the research tendril?
i never even had the slightest suspicion...
gakvu
hehe
well, akizet, the punishment far outweighed any benefit to using it
even when i was alone... or lazy...
it is a tool that has laid dormant for a long time
to say nothing of vekoa's attentiveness
besides, i must admit to you
that is part of why i took this position
i wanted to get away from everything...
everything i had involved myself in, back home
you do not simply climb into a mindcore with groundsmindry by accident
still, it is like i said
even if i have brought us so far with it, it must remain a secret at all costs
sourceless
i sense a pointed edge in her words
just when she nearly opened up even more...
RESPONSES::akizet
of course<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Miltza?
miltza
akizet
gakvu...
about miltza, she, ah,
sourceless
i keep my voice down, but even still, she cuts me off
gakvu
do you want to feed this flame, akizet?
the smoke would suffocate us
sourceless
there is not just cynicism in her words
it is concern for me, too...
what am i to make of this?
how can i trust either of them at this point?
but--she is right
we must work harmoniously to survive
RESPONSES::akizet
of course...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Theories?
theory
akizet
gakvu!
do you have any theories on what is happening?
gakvu
not really
well, i guess i do have one...
ah--no, it is stupid
even if vekoa turned on us, how could she seize the containers and lamps?
their ability to receive groundsmindry is so limited...
there would have to be groundsmindry relays dotted throughout the spire
last i felt, this one follows an archival pattern rather than a relay pattern
sourceless
as i listen, her explanation crawls to a stop, and she watches me strangely
ah--i accidentally formed the slightest curl in my receptors
too vague for her to tell why, but, she cuts herself off...
gakvu
...to put it simply, i have no ideas
we just have to stop it and get out
RESPONSES::akizet
agreed!<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Miltza
loop
RESPOBJ::miltza_resp
start
sourceless
miltza fidgets with her claws, her receptors clasped with anxiety
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, miltza:"show focus"})
when she notices my approach, she ceases, standing at attention with her receptors opened
miltza
akizet! hello!
RESPOBJ::miltza_resp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
remote operation?<+>remote
suspicious of gakvu?<+>gakvu
separative trauma?<+>itzil
SHOWIF::"PAGE!!mboss"
theories?<+>theory
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Remote Operation?
remote
akizet
miltza!
what kind of remote work did you do?
you were a coordinator, yes?
miltza
oh--yes!!
i kept watch over the surface around akaniva, with the rest of my team...
do you recall the early coordination pods?
before groundsmindry had even been tried, haha!
our minds were projected to airborne surface drones, where we guided runners, and...
...well, since i was the only tir, i typically handled all of the casualty trauma cases
um, you know... when only part of a team was lost
sourceless
all too well
surface trauma paralysis is far deadlier than any lone predator
____SHOWIF::'aug|drone'
akizet
how is that drone we created for you faring?
it is lucky that the archives had something we could use...
sourceless
there is a sort of excitement in her receptors i have not seen before
they give a single excited wave, a brief glimmer of whoever she was before this started
miltza
it is like i am home again!
in... many ways
sourceless
her emboldened moment passes in a blink
miltza
it may not seem like much, but i feel so much more focused
and it is funny! having it here... it is like an echo of my larval life
velzie's fondness for repetition is truly nauseating
____SHOWIF::[['aug|drone', false], ['PAGE!!removedDrone', true]]
akizet
i feel i must apologize
that drone we made for you, ah...
miltza
no no, it is fine!
do not worry about it!
you and your friends are better suited for fighting, anyway!
sourceless
there is a sort of meekness in her stance
to give a weapon she loves, and then simply tear it away
but, it seemed like the right move...
we needed those materials to make other things
miltza
besides, the drone...
i could see the husks of these poor qou in so much detail
and you know--it is like the surface saying
the less you think of death, the better chances you have of surviving!
____SHOWIF::[['aug|drone', false], ['PAGE!!removedDrone', false]]
sourceless
oh!
akizet
ah--does that mean you wielded one of the more heavily armed drones?
miltza
oh, yes!
akizet
i see...
perhaps we could construct a drone for you, here
yes--the timestopper could allow you to fight on two fronts!
sourceless
immediately, something in her stance changes
that flightiness from before slightly fades... the notion emboldens her!!
miltza
you are right!!
even a small one could change our odds...
still, it is like an echo of my larval life
velzie's fondness for repetition is truly nauseating
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
truly<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Suspicious of Gakvu?
gakvu
akizet
miltza!
about you and gakvu...
sourceless
there is a sort of frustrated curl that forms in the tendrils of her receptors
miltza
have we not resolved this?
if she is your friend, and you trust her, i will too
i cannot spend any time thinking about this,
given what we must do
sourceless
ah...
well said - there is little room to interrogate her further
perhaps this was her intention...
no, no--i am letting that stupid cyst get to me again
if i pry further, it may place us as foes, whether she is within the conflict or not
for now, things must be as simple as they seem
yes, a simple cultural dispute...
akizet
of course
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Separative Trauma?
itzil
akizet
miltza!
about the separative trauma situation
i have never seen it myself, so...
what do you think is going to happen with itzil?
miltza
oh...
<span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'idiom';'up to chance'">it is a dance upon veilk</span>, akizet!!
rarely do these things ever follow the same path
but karik said they were together since they were larval...
umm, i will just say,
if itzil wakes up before this is over, we must tread carefully
itzil will never be the same, this i know
they may take drastic actions - out of vengeance, or worse
velzie's eye hangs over us in this time, closer than the veilk
RESPONSES::akizet
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Theories?
theory
akizet
miltza!
sourceless
i know what may test her allegiance
if she is within the conflict, maybe she has a clue...
akizet
do you have any theories on what may be happening?
the source of this madness--do you know what it is?
sourceless
ìƒì0¡$
that just spilled out
i did not mean to say it like that
Eü#ë%'Eü
velzie strike me now
i am so stupid
akizet
sorry--i mean,
sourceless
she sees the recoiling twist in my receptors,
signaling the slightest confusion in hers
did that not even seem strange to her?
i must suppress my panic
miltza
i have my suspicions...
this is surely the work of saboteurs,
whether it be one terrible mind, or a collective
they are betrayers - throwing everything we have worked for away
to what service, i cannot say, but...
this is far too directed for it to be anything else
RESPONSES::akizet
i see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Mindcores
loop
RESPOBJ::mindcores_resp
start
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!mboss', true], ['PAGE!!ikgolem', true]]
sourceless
within this great golem is held both karik and itzil,
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, ikgolem:"show"})
though i suspect itzil is still dormant within...
as i approach, they stare down at me,
going so far as to lower the height they hover at
karik
ah, my savior!
what do you need?
sourceless
itzil may still be withdrawn, yet karik shines vibrantly
this new body has inspired great confidence...
for good reason, of course
akizet
karik, such a title will tempt velzie to turn the winds
you can save that for when we have escaped
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!mboss', true], ['PAGE!!ikgolem', false]]
sourceless
karik sits quietly, itzil's dormant mindcore perched atop them, secured with two legs
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, karik:"show"})
together, the two look like some sort of strange fungal growth
when i approach, karik's defocused eyes light up
karik
akizet! hello!
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!mboss', false]
sourceless
itzil and karik chitter to one another quietly
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, karik:"show", itzil: "show"})
my approach brings that to a slow halt, and they turn to face me
karik
akizet!
how beholds you!
itzil
hi akizet
____END
RESPOBJ::mindcores_resp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::itzil
points of interest?<+>places
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!mboss", false]
kivii<+>kivii
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!mboss", false]
geli?<+>geli
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!mboss", false]
dog?<+>dog
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!dog", true], ["PAGE!!mboss", false]]
golem weapon?<+>sorrycyst
SHOWIF::[["item|sorry_cyst", true], ["PAGE!!mboss", false]]
RESPONSES::karik
construction?<+>construction
golem body?<+>golem
SHOWIF::"PAGE!!ikgolem"
itzil?<+>itzil1
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!ikgolem", false], ["PAGE!!mboss", true]]
itzil?<+>itzil2
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!ikgolem", true], ["PAGE!!mboss", true]]
RESPONSES::akizet
theories?<+>theory
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!mboss", false]
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Itzil
Points of Interest?
places
akizet
itzil!
this place is practically your home...
is there anything we should watch for?
perhaps any locations to find armaments, or schematics?
itzil
oh, yes!!
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "focus"})
beyond the override, which, umm, supercedes all else...
manufacturing has a few vats we can use to create things...
the minor operations tendril has some archival connections that may lend us schematics,
oh, and the sfer tendril will grant us a pool of resources to create with!
it is not as much as if we were on, say, the materials segment
but since we worked on so many golems down here, we have our own mini-supply
we even have our own pre-processors!
sourceless
some pride is carried with itzil's words, enough for me to pay it mind
but as i do, itzil suddenly withdraws, their eye drifting around
itzil
well... had...
sourceless
their receptors settle into a sorrowful clasp
akizet
thank you, itzil
we will get through this
sourceless
yes, they have seen us cut down the animated remains of their team...
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "defocus"})
what are they supposed to feel? what do i say?
any support i offer will be washed away by the blood of any further husks we must fight
i briefly shift my gaze to karik, and gesture a receptor covertly
they understand, i think - to help brace itzil
this is not easy for any of us, but itzil knew each of these people...
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Kivii
kivii
akizet
itzil!
could you remind me again what your kivii looks like?
sourceless
i nearly said 'looked'...
the odds of her still being alive are not great
especially with these new monstrosities
itzil
oh, yes, of course!
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "focus"})
dozkallvi! she is a kiv, with a broken receptor
it is a memento of a heroic deed she achieved on the surface, you see
sourceless
a distinct and eccentric mark, enough to identify her in its own right
that is probably enough to watch out for
itzil
she is an expert with remote lifting tools, so...
if she is still on this segment, she is probably in manufacturing somewhere!
velzie instills a vision - she has been smashing these creatures with ease, no doubt!
once we find her, our odds will grow so much greater!
RESPONSES::akizet
they certainly will<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "defocus"})
Geli?
geli
akizet
itzil!
what do you know about geli?
is it usually so... ah, what is the word
ignorant? naive?
there is something strange about its echo
i do not even really know what, but...
it is like it looked through me, for a moment
itzil
oh, umm...
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "focus"})
geli is extremely smart! usually!
maybe it is just some damage from the signal?
but--i know what you mean
when i connected to geli for that instant,
there was this strange and terrible vision...
a dream, like it said,
it was so brief, but so strong:
a pale sphere of light glowing brightly in the thickest fog
or was it fog? i could not tell for certain, but it obscured nearly all vision beyond a few steps
but yes--a dark, cold place
and from the light slowly came a strange flickering tendril, which touched my head...
then the vision ended, and geli awoke
sourceless
...
akizet
is that...
itzil
it is not normal
echoes do not have dreams or visions, akizet
i trust geli, but we should watch it carefully
RESPONSES::akizet
understood<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "defocus"})
Dog?
dog
akizet
itzil!
what is the construct we saw in the sfer supply?
the one that looks like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">dog</span>?
it had no hostility, yet had no greater intelligence than the golems...
itzil
oh, yes!!
EXEC::vnp({itzil:"focus"})
that is our little mascot, kuulla!
kuulla is usually in a hibernative state, like geli was, so...
it is likely that the signal simply passed over it and could not take hold
you see, it only awakens when a vat is ready to be harvested
and it scurries to find someone to attend to it...
how strange that the golems did not turn upon it!!
RESPONSES::akizet
agreed<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "defocus"})
Golem weapon?
sorrycyst
akizet
itzil!
where is it that we can use this weapon schematic?
sourceless
i offer the strangely marked cyst to itzil,
though the gesture is unneeded, waved away by their receptors
itzil
easy! that would be the lesser vats in manufacturing
EXEC::vnp({itzil:"focus"})
if you want to make anything small, fast, that is where you do it!
we will be able to make some real weapons there
RESPONSES::akizet
got it<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "defocus"})
Karik
Construction?
dog
akizet
itzil!
what is the construct we saw in the sfer supply?
the one that looks like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">dog</span>?
it had no hostility, yet had no greater intelligence than the golems...
itzil
oh, yes!!
EXEC::vnp({itzil:"focus"})
that is our little mascot, kuulla!
kuulla is usually in a hibernative state, like geli was, so...
it is likely that the signal simply passed over it and could not take hold
you see, it only awakens when a vat is ready to be harvested
and it scurries to find someone to attend to it...
how strange that the golems did not turn upon it!!
RESPONSES::akizet
agreed<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "defocus"})
Golem body?
golem
akizet
karik!
what do you think of this body?
do you feel it will serve our purposes?
the golem in the advanced operations room sounds quite dangerous...
karik
oh, akizet, do not fear!
tozik took great care in choosing the deadliest tools we have
what luck that such archaic designs still exist in the archives, right?
a veilksplitter on another planet... hahaha!!!
the golem will give us no trouble, let me assure you
sourceless
so much confidence out of nowhere...
karik is a kiv, this is true, but so much weight is carried on their strength
i must temper this confidence, lest they endanger both themselves and itzil
not to mention our best tool against whatever may await us
akizet
the weaponry we have afforded is truly a kind turn of velzie's gaze
but... you must be careful, still
we are counting on you
karik
of course, akizet
i will not let you down
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Itzil? (Pre IK-golem)
itzil1
akizet
karik...
how is itzil?
sourceless
karik shifts itzil's dormant core forwards to eye it again
karik
unresponsive, still...
do not worry, i am watching them carefully
i will feel the slightest stir!
RESPONSES::akizet
carry them well<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Itzil? (Post IK-golem)
itzil2
akizet
karik,
how is itzil doing?
any change?
sourceless
karik waves their receptors negatively
karik
nothing major
i think they may have awoken for the briefest blink...
if only to determine what they were held within
then they receded again
still, this is a good sign - itzil is not lost
i will keep watch!
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Both Mindcores
Theories?
theory
akizet
karik, itzil!
do you have any ideas on what might be happening?
sourceless
they exchange brief gazes,
and i can tell by karik's slight backwards receptor movement they have truly no idea
but itzil speaks up
itzil
umm... it is a little 'out there'...
but i was thinking,
what if this is some sort of rogue echo that has spread across the collective?
it would explain the connection to equipment groundsmindry does not usually reach,
and also the hijacking of the core!
still, there is no precedent for any sort of echo malfunction of this scale, so...
karik
yes, that makes sense!
if an attack on all of us were to be conducted, it would definitely be through the collective!
everything routes through it - it is the single greatest point of failure!
itzil
haha, well...
there are greater ones! but it is a big one
it is like i said, though - it would only partially explain what is happening
for example, why did the second iteration of the signal affect you more strongly than us?
more corru for it to contact?
anyway--that is the best i have for now!
i am sure the groundsmindry will give us some real answers
RESPONSES::akizet
agreed<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Cavik
loop
RESPOBJ::cavik_resp
start
sourceless
cavik anxiously observes the ceiling and walls, perhaps trying to detect possible alternate paths
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, cavik: "show focus"})
he made his way here by detonating new paths, after all...
still, his attention quickly shifts to me, and he stands straight
cavik
akizet?
RESPOBJ::cavik_resp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
about my message...<+>message
defenses?<+>defense
theories?<+>theory
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
About my message...
message
akizet
cavik!
when you dropped down, and, ah...
bozko protected you from that golem,
sourceless
plain in his stance and slightly twisted receptors is my answer already
it is stupid that i even ask
but i must be certain
akizet
did you receive a...
cavik
yes...
akizet, i heard you
sourceless
...
to discuss our winding paths in plain view of anyone else is foolish
even he understands this, choosing his words carefully
cavik
i just barely started to understand it when bozko dropped behind me
um... did you mean it?
akizet
i did
sourceless
cavik is silent for an instant, his gaze drifting away
it is like before - no tears to be shed in our deaths
still, perhaps he had grown too used to my distance
i am truly unbefitting of these vel receptors
cavik
...thank you, akizet
this is not your fault
we will get out of here!!
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Defenses?
defense
akizet
cavik!
sourceless
i look cavik over, scanning his <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'vaznian traditional garment';'robe-like'">jekzi</span> for anything new
aside from some wounds and a handful of small repair devices, he carries little...
akizet
how have you been defending yourself and bozko for so long?
these creatures are deadly to us, even with the timestopper
cavik
ahh! you see, i have been forming explosives!
a simple collection of golem parts fished out from their remains, re-instructed in just the right way...
and they become little shrapnel bombs!
sourceless
he pats a bulbous pouch in his jekzi near his other devices
akizet
where did you learn that...?
cavik
oh, it just made sense...
<span definition="INHEIRITED CONTEXT::'metaconnective corrucyst';'attaches to another node via dull bone paradigm'">dull nodes</span> in cheap golems are notoriously unstable if prodded in the right way!
and the archival golems each have, um, six, i think...
so i have a lot of them!
sourceless
i chuckle a little...
perhaps for the first time since this all began
'it just made sense'
akizet
very creative, cavik
RESPONSES::akizet
keep them handy<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Theories?
theory
sourceless
this will surely brighten his mood
akizet
cavik!
do you have any ideas on what might be happening?
we have discussed it ourselves, but still, nothing solid...
cavik
oh, i have not really thought that much about it, actually...
it had been so difficult just to stay present in our descent
and with everyone we lost...
i just want to tear my consciousness away from this whole mess, akizet
i do not even want to think about it
akizet
oh...
cavik
but--!
the root cause is the groundsmindry, it has to be
so, if we keep going, we can put a stop to it, then...
well, um...
i do not know what will happen, or what this will mean for our work
or our bright cousins, or us
it is all so overwhelming
akizet
we will handle it
RESPONSES::akizet
just stay together<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Bozko
loop
RESPOBJ::bozko_resp
start
sourceless
bozko hovers with all the flat expression of a golem
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, bozko: "show focus"})
something is so wrong... he is not himself
SHOWIF::['PAGE!!boztalk', false]
i have never seen self-alteration myself before, but this feels like it
SHOWIF::['PAGE!!boztalk', false]
i wish there was more i could do for him...
SHOWIF::'PAGE!!boztalk'
he notices my staring, and stares back
RESPOBJ::bozko_resp
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
survival?<+>survival
you are not alone<+>notalone
SHOWIF::'PAGE!!boztalk'
theories?<+>theory
leave<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Survival?
survival
akizet
bozko!
EXEC::change("PAGE!!boztalk", true)
how have you been able to make it down here?
even with the timestopper, we have struggled against these foes...
sourceless
i see some sparse expression in his receptors
a backwards pull, maybe some twist - he does not want to talk about it
but i have to talk to him about something
he is not well
and it is like the tir say--reality withdrawal is the only sure path to final death
well, it was...
oh! he lifts his floating arms
the twist in his receptors grows more severe as he eyes a gauntlet
bozko
a jut friend from materials modified the <span definition="INHEIRITED CONTEXT::'metaconnective corrucyst';'attaches to another node via dull bone paradigm'">dull nodes</span> to have greater range
...to help me collect ocean specimen on our trips more effectively
but now, i use the modification to fight from afar
sourceless
is it that simple? no...
there is something else
he fights like an automaton, with such practice
i saw it when he saved cavik - the speed with which he helped...
it was beyond natural
akizet
but--
bozko
and i have seen this all before
when i was larval, my home suffered a secri infestation
i was one of the defenders, and...
so many of my friends, my family, were lost
killed, then brought to <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT:'parasite';'reanimation'">terrible life</span> again
only for <em>me</em> and the few defenders who remained, to...
sourceless
he clutches his face, growing silent
akizet
bozko, you--you do not have to--
bozko
i died there, and i suppressed the memory
i always knew it was there...
and now i have to use it again
i had never fought like it before, and never did again
but it is now all that has kept cavik and i intact
akizet... it is like it has been overlapping
these caves, these people... it feels like i am larval,
fighting for my life again against everyone i once knew
i keep trying to rewrite it, or suppress it just enough...
sourceless
the twist in his receptors becomes undone,
and in his voice is the sole strong expression i have heard from him this gaze
it is anger--spite, maybe disgust
bozko
velzie's fondness for repetition is truly nauseating
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
You are not alone
notalone
akizet
bozko...
you are not alone in this
do not try to rewrite yourself just for our sakes
we have made it this far--and together, we will finish this
bozko
yes...
i understand the strength of the timestopper
but akizet, i cannot let anyone else meet their final deaths
not even a chance can remain
i will do whatever it takes to get us all out
the aftermath, whatever happens to me... does not matter
akizet
yes it does!!
sourceless
ah--i must be careful of my tone...
he hovers now over a razor's edge
a spiral of self modification, or a spiral of memory re-integration
it is only the balance he has managed so far that has saved him
bozko...
akizet
just let us share the burden
if you want to help us escape, we must truly work together
and that means you must be well
please, just be careful
bozko
i will, akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Theories?
theory
sourceless
with the state he is in
is it inappropriate to ask him his thoughts?
the more i can speak with him, the more i can reach him, so...
i will try it!
akizet
bozko!
what do you think is happening? the cause of all this...
we have discussed it a little, but
sourceless
i find myself trailing off as he prepares to respond
in his stance, his gaze, his receptors
all at once comes a crushing darkness
bozko
i cannot begin to speculate how
but it is an infestation, spreading outwards...
since even golems cut off from the network were hostile
so the source must be destroyed--the groundsmindry
and i will ensure that whoever has orchestrated this does not escape
RESPONSES::akizet
we will, bozko<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Manufacturing
First Room
Cleared
start
sourceless
with the area secured, the others file in to assess the situation
EXEC::change("PAGE!!mmidclear", true)
i notice tozik considering the side rooms
two are labelled as the vat rooms, lesser and greater
greater foundry vats will take too long for our needs, but...
if the lesser foundry vats are still functional, we can use them to our advantage
sourceless
karik skitters ahead, prodding at the damaged door opposite the entrance
it looks unhealthy, the different parts fused together
karik waves a leg to rid it of some sludge
then, they climb up atop the nearby desk
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);specialCam('g_m_door')
karik
ah, i thought so!
sourceless
itzil soon follows
karik
akizet, the door to the override is partially sludged!
do you have any explosives?
itzil
what!! will that not just cause a greater collapse?
karik
not like you think, my friend!
i have done a great deal of structural management in my death
with thanks to the intelligent structuring of these tendrils,
a directed explosion - especially with kavrukas - will allow us a degree of safety
if this were the research segment, this would be an issue... but here, it is fine
akizet
any alternative, gakvu?
gakvu
i cannot help with this one
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "show downleft"})
my tricks only work on living corru
akizet
ah...
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "hide"})
how many kavrukas would do it?
karik
to clear this door and open a hole...
three should be safe!
____SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) < 3'
sourceless
i scan over the things i carry, then eying the others connected with me
and not a single kavruka is held between us...
SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) == 0'
we have only one...
SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) == 1'
we are short just one kavruka
SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) == 2'
akizet
we have no kavrukas
SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) == 0'
we do not have enough kavrukas
SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) > 0'
do you think we could find some?
karik
well, this is the place for it!
itzil
yes, they were a frequent production in this area!!
they are very useful to have on construction golems!
____SHOWIF::'EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) >= 3'
sourceless
i scan over the things i carry, and eye the others connected with me
akizet
yes, we have enough!
karik
excellent!
come over here when you are ready to proceed!
sourceless
we could do this right away,
but it may not be a bad idea to check the side rooms
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
sourceless
cavik, who had been rummaging through the disabled golem parts, approaches us
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show downleft", bg: true})
his claws are darkened with sludge, clutching a few murky spherical organs
cavik
hey!
you may not need to use kavrukas at all...
the golems in here, they had a few small-scale <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'utility scanning device'">dull eyes<span>
i know how we could wire them to explode
karik
what?
itzil
wow, really??
you should do it!
akizet
ah--cavik
you are sure it will be safe?
sourceless
bozko's voice emanates from behind me,
the loudest in this room despite his intent to speak quietly
bozko
i have seen it
trust him
cavik
...yes!
thank you bozko
yes, it is, well--
it is as safe as using kavrukas to blow open a door, hehe
akizet
then that will do!!
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!mmidclear'],['PAGE!!smidclear'],['PAGE!!smcut', false]]
sourceless quiet
suddenly, one of the side doors unlocks with a strange little musical chime
EXEC::play('obeskToggle', 0.75);specialCam('g_m_shortcut');vn.done()
a familiar voice quickly follows...
geli
hello!!
i have detected all unauthorized entities,
in BOTH manufacturing and sfer supply,
have been removed from the premises!
how did you manage that? ahaha!!
i hope they did not argue with you too much!
anyway i am opening the connective tunnel between these areas now!
thank you!
sourceless
a small chime plays as it deactivates
EXEC::setTimeout(()=>step(), 100);change('PAGE!!smcut', true);vn.done();
akizet
ah... thank you, geli
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
continue<+>END
EXEC::vn.done();pauseSwapCam(false);specialCam(false)
Opening Door to the Override
start
sourceless
karik waits patiently by the door
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show far", bg: false})
in their gaze, i sense a strange calmness
i did not notice before, but they seem unconcerned by the situation...
do they know something i do not? or are they simply that confident?
karik
ready to proceed?
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!bozcav', true]]
akizet
cavik! can you help, with your explosives?
cavik
yes! whenever you are!
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show far", cavik: "show"})
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!bozcav', false], ['EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) < 3', true]]
akizet
not yet...
let us look around some more
karik
yes!
and if there are none within this tendril,
we should explore elsewhere!
it seems they were preparing a lot of construction golems,
so there should be a few around somewhere
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!bozcav', false], ['EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) >= 3', true]]
sourceless
i check our tools again, and--yes! we have plenty!
akizet
yes!
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
detonate the door<+>boom
EXEC::change('PAGE!!kavboom', true);
SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!bozcav', false], ['EXEC::checkItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka) >= 3', true]]
detonate the door<+>boom
EXEC::change('PAGE!!cavboom', true)
SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
debug force boom<+>boom
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
EXEC::change('PAGE!!kavboom', true);
continue<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
boom
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!kavboom'
sourceless
i collect three of our kavrukas, and prepare to place them on the ground before the door
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);specialCam('g_m_door2');removeItem(env.ITEM_LIST.kavruka, 3)
karik taps the spots where they should be placed, equidistant in a half-circle
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show far"})
then, they skitter closer to twist their angles slightly...
karik
yes, good, that should do it! let me just instruct them...
sourceless
with a quick pseudoreceptor connection to each, karik imparts some direction
they flicker to life, rising on their little legs
karik guides us away from the door, then calls out,
karik
all right, go!
sourceless quiet
the two on the sides each angle their front upwards,
and the center kavruka scurries up onto the door itself
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide"})
all at once, they detonate - sludgy debris splattering across the walls
EXEC::change("PAGE!!gmdoor", true);play('shot5', 0.5);step()
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!cavboom'
sourceless
cavik steps forward, sewing a connective vein through the pilfered golem dull-organs
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show far", cavik: "show downright"})
he looks to karik for direction, who taps a few spots around the door along the walls
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);specialCam('g_m_door2')
karik
this is a parting door, so it has a few points we can target
here, here...
cavik
here?
karik
no no, you would think that, but that is a tendril reservoir for locking...
sourceless
...
after a few moments, a traveling mold-like pattern has been drawn across the edges of the door
nodules of destabilized dull components glow and jitter dangerously
karik and itzil have both backed away, and us with them
karik
all right, go!
sourceless quiet
there is a sudden searing flash of grey, and then a heavy impact,
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide", cavik: "hide"});play('dull');change("PAGE!!gmdoor", true);
the remnants of the door melted away
EXEC::setTimeout(()=>step(), 200)
____END
as karik promised, an uneven entrance is opened
itzil starts to approach the tunnel, undoubtedly eager to find their kivii
but karik moves in the way, waving their pseudoreceptors urgently
karik
woah! no no, not yet!
if there are any hostiles within...
they will be expecting us, if they are not already coming
akizet, you and the team go in first!
itzil
ok...
RESPONSES::akizet
let us proceed<+>END
EXEC::vn.done();specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Lesser Vats
Entered
start
sourceless
lesser vats!!
these can be used to generate a variety of tools...
once it is safe, we must see if they are intact!
this could be our armory...
EXEC::change("PAGE!!minvats", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
clear the area<+>END
Use Augment terminal for first time
start
sourceless
i have only used a foundry vat a few times before
but i recognize that most here are fully functional
i wonder - why were they passed over by the signal?
perhaps it is the sheer simplicity of their function, or...
ah, it does not matter now - let us see what they have for us
____SHOWIF::["PAGE!!augments", false]
sys
ATTENTION::'additional party functionality';'augments';'now available'
NOTICE::'alter party member abilities via augment menu'
NOTICE::'contained within party menu';'Z'
NOTICE::'initial augment point count'::'3'
NOTICE::'remove and replace at any time'
NOTICE::'additional augment points gained from defeating powerful foes'
EXEC::change("PAGE!!augments", true);body.classList.add('augmentsenabled')
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
investigate the vats<+>END
EXEC::cutscene(true)
FAKEEND::(open augment menu)
END::toggleAugmentMenu();cutscene(false)
Greater Vats
Entered
start
sourceless
this is the perfect place to construct our golem...
since the parts are already assembled, we need only connect them
so it will not even take very long!!
RESPONSES::akizet
investigate<+>END
Interact with Greater Terminal
start
sourceless
these are the greater vats
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!mboss'
the golem for itzil and karik--we can create it here!
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!mboss', false], ['item|golem_sfer', false]]
i think they are used only for large or time consuming builds...
what use would we have for this?
____SHOWIF::[['item|golem_parts', false], ['item|golem_sfer']]
we have located some golem-ready sfer we can use, from the sfer supply area, but...
what could we do with that alone?
perhaps there are some schematics or parts we could use around this tendril
____SHOWIF::[['item|golem_parts'], ['item|golem_sfer', false]]
of course, we have an abundance of golem components...
but normal sfer will not suffice for this purpose
we need something golem ready to serve as resilient connectors
otherwise, should the signal come again, they could be rendered inert...
____SHOWIF::[['item|golem_parts'], ['item|golem_sfer']]
with the sfer we have found, and the golem parts nearby...
now is a good time!
even if itzil does not awaken, they can be held within the body safely
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
begin<+>construct
SHOWIF::[['item|golem_parts'], ['item|golem_sfer']]
return<+>END
construct
sourceless
i take some time to gather everyone in the greater vats
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!bozcav", false]
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show far", gakvu: "show far", tozik: "show far", karik: "show far", bg:true})
i take some time to gather everyone in the greater vats
SHOWIF::"PAGE!!bozcav"
EXEC::vnp({bozko:"show far", cavik:"show far", miltza: "show far", gakvu: "show far", tozik: "show far", karik: "show far", bg:true})
we will need to coordinate to make this happen
akizet
all right!! everyone...
it is time to construct a golem for our disembodied friends
tozik - can you prepare the foundry vat here?
SHOWIF::['PAGE!!bozcav', false]
cavik, tozik, can you prepare the foundry vat?
SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
tozik
of course
cavik
easy!
SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
akizet
all others, with me! we must fetch those materials!
sourceless
we set out to gather both parts and golem-sfer
EXEC::vn.done();vnp({hideStage: true})
...
and in time, we return, the areas still clear enough to give no trouble
EXEC::content.classList.add('makingik');specialCam('g_m_makegolem');pauseSwapCam(true)
the golem parts are settled into the central vat,
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: false, bg: false})
still visible in the constructive corroyi
or, maybe simply visualized upon the wall...
either way, tozik guides the operations with a connected receptor
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "show downleft"})
so now, we must wait...
akizet
together, these golem parts are going to be quite large...
i do not think you will be afforded the same speed as us, karik
even with the timestopper...
karik
do not fear, akizet!!
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show", tozik: "hide", bg: true})
i have piloted large skin-golems before
i am sure this will be no different!
even if i will have a passenger...
sourceless
our eyes collectively converge on itzil
they still remain dormant
karik
i hope they will come out again soon
perhaps being contained in a golem will bring their spirits up,
even if enough to help me fight...
akizet
they have not surfaced even once?
miltza
no, not yet...
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide", miltza: "show"})
i have tried everything i know, short of connecting to them directly
but such a foolish maneuver would only cause harm, especially done unexpectedly
still... short of a connection, i fear itzil may be undergoing ego spiraling
i saw this happen in my larval work, once...
though it is markedly more obvious in larval victims
but--do not worry!!
karik
yes, we have been working out a plan for when we leave!
EXEC::vnp({karik: "show", miltza: "hide"})
even if they, ah...
self modify, there are certain processes that can be undergone
too many simply choose to forget they ever--
tozik
it is ready
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide", bg: false})
sourceless
our collective empathy for itzil is pushed aside,
a new tool of vengeance emerging from the vat walls
EXEC::content.classList.remove('makingik');
one great golem, larger than bozko, wielding dull pulse equipment...
EXEC::vnp({ikgolem: "show far basehead", hideStage: true})
even velzie will be delighted to see us triumph with it
tozik gives one last impulse to have the golem's chassis briefly soften,
allowing the placement of mindcores within
karik
all right!!
just like we planned, miltza--place them in the lower center!
miltza
of course
sourceless
karik scurries up the golem's skin, then dives beneath it
near instantly, its luminescent components flare with life, limbs twitching
while karik maps their senses to the golem,
miltza lifts itzil's idle mindcore, depositing them through the golem's opaque torso
in the slight clutch of her receptors is a certain apprehension
perhaps she thinks she could have done more?
but... we cannot harm ourselves to save itzil,
when we may be all that could stop the attack...
karik's voice suddenly booms from the golem as its faceplate gains their eyes
karik
i am re-bodied!
EXEC::vnp({ikgolem: "show", hideStage: true})
ahahaha, and what a body!
sourceless
even a pair of receptors sprouted, a combination of both karik and itzil's
tozik
everything is working?
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "showleft far"})
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
tozik
we had some concerns that the vat may have been affected by the signal...
cavik kept an eye on vat activity and found no anomalies, but...
cavik
yes, to be safe!
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!bozcav', false]
tozik
i had some concerns that the vat may have been affected by the signal...
but it seemed to be fine - perhaps too sparsely organized to be seized
____END
sourceless
karik lifts one of their new gauntlets experimentally,
the fist liquefying and forming into an open claw with the glow of the dull
a dull flaring device - similar to the ones they used to split dead veilk back home...
karik
yes!
truly inspiring tools!!
our foes will be dust
gakvu
just be careful with that
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "showright far"})
if you cut a room in half...
sys
NOTICE::'additional party member';'IK GOLEM';'now available'
EXEC::env.embassy.addPartyMember("ikgolem")
RESPONSES::akizet
continue<+>END
EXEC::change("PAGE!!ikgolem", true);vn.done();specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Override Room
Entered
start
sourceless
this husk...
EXEC::specialCam("g_m_boss");pauseSwapCam(true);toggleBgm(env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems);ratween(env.bgm, 0.75);
around it are the remains of dozens of golems
they were a formidable fighter, but ultimately overwhelmed, it seems...
and now, they stand again, wielding the same fierceness against us
at its sides hover two great manipulation gauntlets, following its instruction
this will not be easy...
kivii
st..y.. ...w.a.y..
EXEC::vnp({kivii: "show", hideStage: true})
o o uu t
sourceless
üX‰Ô
this one is very different
its voice carries a tone that the aggressing groundsmind does not
it is desperate?
even its receptors are moving, unlike the previous husks...
the expression is unclear, it is incoherent, pained maybe, but...
its damaged mindcore looks like it has retained some form, somehow
exposed through what i can guess is a failed escape from the body
was it only grazed? was that enough to make it vulnerable to the signal?
does it still hold an obesk mind, or is it something else...?
akizet
hello?
can you see us? are you here?
itzil
kivii!!!
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "show far"})
sourceless
what?!
itzil has scurried into the room with us, while it is still dangerous!!
akizet
no, no--get back!!
sourceless
itzil keeps a hesitant distance, but i see they struggle to accept what is before them
kivii
h er e...
ti... rii...
sourceless
no...
how many of these still hold someone?
itzil
kivii... dozkii
what has happened to you?
kivii
hur t
f in all y a w ake
sourceless
the husk of dozkallvi ceases her advance, itzil just slightly ahead of us
do i let this play out?
itzil is frozen not out of fear, but confusion
so are we
is this one truly an enemy, like the others?
itzil
kivii... this is not you... is it?
kivii
...
itzil
please--please, say something!
i am here, i am here!!
aggressor
usurpers
co m e w€ºù|±|h m e
sourceless
something changes in her stance
itzil's kivii twitches, then shakes violently, the corru of her internals rippling strangely
EXEC::vnp({kivii: "show step2"})
suddenly, she seizes her own mindcore, and...
EXEC::vnp({kivii: "show step3"})
sourceless quiet
there is a crunch, the shattering of a corrucystic shell
EXEC::vnp({kivii: "show step4"});play('stab', 0.75)
itzil shrieks in agony, crying out wordlessly
whatever remained of dozkallvi is gone, and her body now raises a gauntlet to crush itzil
EXEC::vnp({itzil: "hide"})
we have to move, now
RESPONSES::akizet
attack!!<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.startGolemFight('g_mboss', 'm_bossclear');vn.done();change("PAGE!!mboss", true)
skip fight (debug)<+>CHANGE::m_bossclear
EXEC::vn.done();change("PAGE!!mboss", true)
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
Boss Defeated
start
sourceless
it has stopped moving
EXEC::env.stages['g_m_dist'].removeBoss();
...
EXEC::toggleBgm(env.embassy.music_golems_cleared)
distantly, i hear the rustling of the others down the hall we came through
EXEC::env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems.rate(1)
they heard the screaming, and must have come to see if we could be helped...
i call back to them
akizet
it... it is clear, come in...
sourceless
wait
itzil
where is itzil??
akizet
itzil?!
sourceless
karik enters the room last, noticing the corpses before me...
then, quickly staring off in a corner of the room, at--what is that?
a mindcore lay in the corner...
EXEC::vnp({itzilBusted: "show far", hideStage: true})
that... is itzil, having entered stasis, even their pseudoreceptors retracted into their shell
karik
oh...
EXEC::vnp({karik: "showleft far"})
sourceless
gakvu steps past me without expression, towards the override
tozik follows her, both intent on resolving the structural situation quickly
each of them briefly match eyes with me, knowing full well what is unfolding
then i see miltza... she and karik both approach itzil gently
she kneels, receptors open empathetically
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "showleft far"})
miltza
itzil?
...
they are alive, just, retracted...
i have seen this before with separative trauma
but... never in a qou!
we can only hope they do not turn anything off
karik
itzil told me that they had been with their kivii since they were both larval
even ascending on the same gaze...
it will not be easy
sourceless
miltza looks back towards me, noticing my staring
EXEC::vnp({karik: "hide", itzilBusted: "hide", miltza: "show"})
miltza
akizet, you should let me and karik tend to itzil
see to the structure, yes?
now, karik...
sourceless
miltza eyes gakvu briefly, but then returns to a murmur with karik
she is likely briefing them on what to do when itzil awakens again...
the ever-caring nature of the tir shines through all else
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "hide"})
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
sourceless
bozko remains by the door, keeping watch,
EXEC::vnp({bozko: "show far"})
but i feel it is more to distance himself from this scene velzie has assigned us
in our short time throughout this disaster, we have seen much, but...
what has he seen to make him this way?
cavik
akizet?
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show"})
sourceless
cavik lingers nearby,
examining golem parts that remained intact
cavik
i was going to tear into these for their components
EXEC::vnp({bozko: "hide"})
for my explosives, you see
but... there are quite a few still usable parts
in fact, anything that was not in use is nearly in perfect condition
sourceless
he aggressively occupies his mind with his work
avoiding even looking in the direction of the bodies, as if they are not there
akizet
interesting
though, cavik, grant me a blink and leave them
perhaps we could use them in some way...
but we should resolve the corroyi issue first
cavik
ok!
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
to gakvu and tozik<+>CHANGE::m_fix
SHOWIF::"golem_decompression"
EXEC::vn.done()
HIDEREAD::
to gakvu and tozik<+>CHANGE::m_metatrauma
SHOWIF::["golem_decompression", false]
EXEC::vn.done()
HIDEREAD::
Metatrauma
start
sys
ATTENTION::'external command';'memory stream halted'
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true});change("golem_decompression", true);changeBgm(env.embassy.music_golems)
self
what
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.75)
moth
hey buddy
you good?
sys
EXECUTING::'direct impulse';'resume memory stream'
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1)
moth
dude, come on
sys
ATTENTION::'external command';'memory stream halted'
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.75)
moth
listen, i know you just want to get this done,
but you just watched someone die and someone else go into some kind of shock
even if it's in a framing device
this shit with the "husks" was bad enough, but
all i'm saying is, i'm getting this through a shitty feed and i feel sick
you're the one experiencing it directly
do you want to take a break? just a quick one?
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>ok
no<+>no
FAKEEND::(end chat)
no
self
no
sourceless
there is a silent weight in the room outside your connection.
...
a plastic bag rustles. glass clinks, and there is a clatter of thin metal on moth's desk.
moth
all right, well,
i'll be right here if you really need me, but i need to distract myself for a minute
give me like, i don't know, 5 minutes
EXEC::body.classList.add('nomoth');setTimeout(()=>body.classList.remove('nomoth'), 420000)
you just... keep doing your thing, the log is running
sys
EXECUTING::'direct impulse';'resume memory stream'
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1)
RESPONSES::self
continue<+>CHANGE::m_fix
EXEC::vn.done();changeBgm(env.embassy.music_golems_cleared)
FAKEEND::(resume memory)
HIDEREAD::
ok
self
ok
moth
thanks
sourceless
your mind's eye is fixed upon the memory.
a plastic bag rustles. glass clinks, and there is a clatter of thin metal on moth's desk.
something cold and glassy is pushed into your hand.
moth
you're still in there, huh?
well, in case you can't see, it's bottled coffee from the place upstairs
by the way, you're clear to lift protection for a minute
self
thanks
sourceless
with an impulse, the faceplate of your protective gear releases.
blindly, you remove the coffee's cap and take a sip.
it is fine.
moth
you ever been there?
there's this old guy who's been working as the cashier since before i was here
i've talked to him a few times, he has it rough dude
he's kinda stuck here cause he can't see very well anymore
i mean, he didn't tell me that directly, but we were talking this one time, and his eyes came up
he was jokin around about how this is his 'last job'...
still, it occurred to me,
what if he was around back when akizet was making visits?
i wonder if we could spot him in her memories at some point
hey--maybe i could even ask him if he ever knew a gordon, too!
sourceless
a moment passes. you drink.
moth
oh yeah, and in case you're worried about removing your protective gear,
self
it's fine
moth
right, you already know this stuff
well, the pillar is probably new to you at least
i did some analysis on it, it's not giving off anything
but, you know, don't get used to having that off
it could explode or something, i've seen that with floating ones before
this is probably a safety violation already
but that's ok, i'll just cross it off my report lol
that's one of the perks of being stuck in the basement
it's one of the only places in the world that doesn't have some <span definition="INTERNAL CONTEXT::'dated derogatory term';'now only slightly offensive'">mindpsycho</span> staring at you through the walls
sourceless
...
moth
was that a smile? did i get a smile there?
well, anyway
thanks for sticking with me on this job
i know this isn't easy
but, it's important
like... way more important than i ever thought it'd be
we know the FBX knows about what happened, but they probably never got the real details
not like this. even if they know what really caused the collapse,
i bet you they've never, ever seen what happened inside
all these qou were just murdered on earth and we could have never known
we're gonna make sure they didn't fight for their lives for nothing
self
maybe we can help
moth
it's a nice thought, but this is all in the past
...though,
if we can get the network connection working, maybe we actually could
you know, at least let their network know what happened to all these obesk
i dunno, we'll see
there's a lot of red tape when it comes to talking to obesk
sourceless
an emptier-sounding glass is set on the concrete floor.
moth
all right, well, i'm ready to get back to it if you are
thanks for taking a minute dude
sys
EXECUTING::'direct impulse';'resume memory stream'
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1)
RESPONSES::self
back to it<+>CHANGE::m_fix
EXEC::vn.done();changeBgm(env.embassy.music_golems_cleared)
FAKEEND::(resume memory)
HIDEREAD::
Override Used
start
sourceless
before the override stand tozik and gakvu
EXEC::specialCam('g_m_panel');vnp({gakvu: "show downleft", tozik: "show downright"})
tozik is cutting the shell of the override, while gakvu waits
akizet
what is wrong? does it work?
tozik
yes, it is just--
sourceless
the override's protective shell rotates strangely, disturbing his work
tozik
¢]ë’
the cover is behaving erratically
i will have it open momentarily
sourceless
he returns to his careful dissection
gakvu is staring away, towards the mindcores and miltza
before she looks at me, i see her gaze flick over the dead husks nearby
not a single receptor in the room is without a sorrowful tilt
gakvu
hey akizet
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "show focus", tozik: "show downright", hideStage: true})
sourceless
in her voice is a familiar numbness
we have slain several of these once-friends, and...
no--it is wrong to think of it that way
it is no different from an infection
our friends left these bodies long before we could help
i would ask gakvu if she is well, but...
akizet
are you ready?
sourceless
she briefly watches tozik's cutting, nearly complete
gakvu
well, ready enough
this will be new to me, but i know the general principles
if this does not work, then...
akizet
then we will find another way
sourceless
gakvu's receptors twist with the slightest cynical kindness
gakvu
sure
tozik
here
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "show downleft", tozik: "show downright", hideStage: false, bg: false})
sourceless
tozik pries the half-dome of the override open
it tears away like flesh, exposing the connective cyst within
he removes it, the cyst itself veined to something in the wall
tozik
may velzie be laughing
sourceless
gakvu takes the connector, settling it on a receptor
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "show", tozik: "hide", hideStage: true})
her eyes defocus, and the tension in her receptors eases away
gakvu
oh... yes, this will work
yes, it will! hehehe
sourceless
some brightness returns with her chuckle, still focusing inwards
we hear a rushing outside the walls
indeed, even the walls themselves seem to shift, no longer bowed inwards slightly
i had thought that was just part of the design...
gakvu
this is limited to the local area, normally, but...
velzie smiles, my friends - it is largely unsecured
the groundsmind never imagined someone like me would use this, hehehe
akizet
is it safe enough to create paths for us in the area?
or--maybe even crush the foes that would await us?
gakvu
no... this segment is too fixed in its structure
if i did that, it would cause huge problems
i only know low-level groundsmindry, not spire management
this should be enough for now, though
i also fixed the door in the lobby, but i kept it locked
whatever caused the damage inside is not moving anymore, so...
it is unlikely it will try to pry its way out
akizet
amazing
thank you, gakvu
if not for your help...
sourceless
i need not say more, gakvu waving away the notion with her receptors
my attention shifts to miltza and the others
karik observes itzil, and miltza us
there is some approval in her gaze, less suspicion than before
even in this darkness, there is light between the veilk
akizet
on with the rest of our plan, then
we need weapons, and something to deal with the large golem
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
akizet
and, on this topic, cavik noted the golem parts nearby
they are good, yes?
cavik
yes!! intact, mostly coherent
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "hide", cavik: "show"})
and some of these have, ah...
<em>very</em> weaponizable construction tools!
not to mention their sheer size would make for effective bludgeoning...
what if we swapped our own limbs for them?
sourceless
in the corner of my vision, near the tunnel, bozko shifts
did he grip his head? when i turn to look fully, he has ceased
tozik draws my attention back to the parts
tozik
these are too large for most of us
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "show"})
even with disconnected arms like yours or mine,
the <span definition="INHEIRITED CONTEXT::'metaconnective corrucyst';'attaches to another node via dull bone paradigm'">dull nodes</span> within standard qou bodies cannot support these
what if we built a golem of our own, instead?
cavik
oh! yes!
but--what if the signal comes again?
tozik
karik is a kiv in need of a body
we could set them into it to prevent our attacker from seizing it
itzil as well, though...
sourceless
tozik glances over at the opposite corner,
where miltza and karik still murmur
tozik
merely as a passenger for now
akizet
having them both pilot it could allow them both a connection to a single timestopper, too
and it may prevent itzil from doing anything... drastic... if they awaken
____SHOWIF::['PAGE!!bozcav', false]
tozik
you know, there are a lot of golem components here...
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "show focus", gakvu: "downleft"})
too large for us to use outright, but...
sourceless
he gestures towards the inert components scattered on the ground
tozik
what if we built a golem of our own?
to prevent the same madness, karik could pilot it
they are a kiv, right?
gakvu
what about itzil?
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "defocus", gakvu: "downleft"})
tozik
...
akizet
i do not think itzil will be in any state... to...
no, you are right, actually
having them both pilot it could allow them both a connection to a single timestopper, too
and it may prevent itzil from doing anything... drastic...
____END
akizet
what do we need, tozik?
tozik
we have the individual parts required - hulls, arms
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "hide", cavik: "hide"})
but certain synchronizing cysts must be manufactured to connect them
we will need more sfer for that - the sfer supply tendril will give us all we need
then, we can use the greater vat nearby
it has been a while, but i can operate it
sourceless
at last, gakvu removes the connector, placing it back in its socket
we should move - karik can tend to itzil
sys
NOTICE::'inventory addition';'knowledge of golem parts';'key item for memory stream continuation'
EXEC::addItem(env.ITEM_LIST["golem_parts"], 1)
NOTICE::'take to area';'greater vats';'to proceed'
SHOWIF::'item|golem_sfer'
NOTICE::'locate other key items to proceed'
SHOWIF::[['item|golem_sfer', false]]
____SHOWONCE
moth
that's kinda weird
it's adding "knowledge" to the inventory?
that could just mean it's used somewhere, but...
sorry--i'll quiet down over here
____END
sys
NOTICE::'additional augment point received'
EXEC::page.flags.augmentMax++
RESPONSES::akizet
continue<+>END
EXEC::change("PAGE!!goverride", true);vn.done();specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Sfer Supply
Sfer Vats Cleared
start
sourceless
it is clear
EXEC::change("PAGE!!smidclear", true);pauseSwapCam(true)
i call back to the team to enter, and they file in to assess the room
sourceless
tozik approaches the vats, prodding at their sides and testing their connections
EXEC::vnp({tozik:"show downright", bg: false })
tozik
the sfer vats are functional
that is strange...
the golems have fallen, the bodies of our kin are risen without clear connection
EXEC::vnp({tozik:"show", bg: true })
yet the vats, the doors... these mindless, stationary technical things are intact
is mobility the common factor?
akizet
what about movefriend?
tozik
ah...
gakvu
no, that was different,
EXEC::vnp({gakvu:"showleft far"})
it was the groundsmind noticing our interference
____SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!goverride", true], ["PAGE!!bozcav", true]]
cavik
the groundsmind?
EXEC::vnp({cavik:"showright far"})
you have spoken to them??
akizet
it was hardly talking
just more of the same signal
sickness, feverish nonsense
____END
sourceless
suddenly, gakvu doubles over in pain
EXEC::vnp({cavik:"hide", tozik: "hide", gakvu: "show"})
she clutches her head in her claws
tozik
gakvu--?
gakvu
what is that?
that noise...
do you hear that?
ugh
velzie above is screaming into my mindcore
sourceless
gakvu looks around, then ahead at the room we have yet to explore
EXEC::specialCam('g_s_bossdoor');pauseSwapCam(true);vnp({bg: false, gakvu: "downleft"})
i do not hear anything...
gakvu notices our confusion, turning her focus inwards
gakvu
i must be feeling it through my groundsmindry
it is a dull signal...
if i can feel it without a communicator, by simply approaching it...
then it is <em>very</em> strong
miltza
ah!! i just turned my communicator on for an instant!
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show far", bg: true})
no, i hear it too!
it is the same signal as before, but it is like...
it is the first part of it, over and over...
do not enable yours, my friends
it hurts...
sourceless
i need not test their assertions
miltza clutches her face, enduring whatever it is she has exposed herself to
she lowers her claws, a realization forming in her open receptors
miltza
no... wait... that is the noise!!
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show"})
i heard that earlier, over and over, before you found me
that is what has been disrupting all of our communications!
or, at least, a part of it...
maybe we can destroy it to restore clarity?
____SHOWIF::["PAGE!!goverride", false]
itzil
umm...
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show far", gakvu: "show far", itzil:"show far"})
that is the storage room
it only has a delivery golem for directing sfer, why would it...
ah!! no, that is what geli was talking about!
it uses dull microconnectors to send sfer around the spire instantaneously!
maybe it is using that to broadcast that noise?
we should stop it, definitely!!
maybe i could even contact my kivii...
____END
akizet
well worth the try
EXEC::vn.done()
____SHOWIF::[['PAGE!!mmidclear'],['PAGE!!smidclear'],['PAGE!!smcut', false]]
sourceless
suddenly, one of the side doors unlocks with a strange little musical chime
EXEC::play('obeskToggle', 0.75);specialCam('g_s_shortcut')
a familiar voice quickly follows...
geli
hello!!
i have detected all unauthorized entities,
in BOTH manufacturing and sfer supply,
have been removed from the premises!
how did you manage that? ahaha!!
i hope they did not argue with you too much!
anyway i am opening the connective tunnel between these areas now!
thank you!
sourceless
a small chime plays as it deactivates
EXEC::setTimeout(()=>step(), 100);change('PAGE!!smcut', true);vn.done();
akizet
ah... thank you, geli
EXEC::step()
____END
akizet
ah... thank you, geli
EXEC::step()
RESPONSES::akizet
continue<+>END
EXEC::specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Dullzika
Encountered
start
sourceless
the room twists maddeningly around the golem at its center
EXEC::toggleBgm(env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems);ratween(env.bgm, 0.75);pauseSwapCam(true);specialCam('g_s_boss')
whatever sfer storage it may have managed before is obscured by the light
or--is it merely all gone? did it send it all somewhere?
dull microtunnels flash in the air around the golem, sometimes even cleaving through itself
this is remarkably dangerous
but sure enough, now even i can hear the signal pulsing from it, over and over
was the golem directed to do this?
or is it dull feedback from the microtunnels?
no matter - we must destroy it, immediately
EXEC::change("PAGE!!sboss", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
attack!!<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.startGolemFight('g_sboss', 's_bossclear')
skip (debug)<+>CHANGE::s_bossclear
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
Defeated
start
sourceless
the golem's limbs cease their flailing,
EXEC::env.stages['g_s_storage'].removeBoss(false)
collapsing to the ground with enough force to sludge the false stone decorating the floor
the tunnels are sealed now, too, and that terrible noise is distant once more, the dull lights fading
EXEC::content.classList.remove('dullified');env.stages['g_s_storage'].normalize()
we allow the peaceful silence to persist for a moment, before i call back,
EXEC::toggleBgm(env.embassy.music_golems_cleared);
akizet
clear!
sourceless
the rest of the team enters the half-melted chamber,
EXEC::env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems.rate(1)
witnessing the sludged remains of our foe
gakvu most of all seems to stand taller, receptors at ease
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "show far", bg: true})
gakvu
that is <em>so</em> much better...
miltza
and--it works!!
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "showleft far"})
we have forced away the claws of velzie, haha!
i am getting clear enough communications, despite the damage
the noise, it is still there... just distant
akizet
excellent
sourceless
funfriend - is it suitable enough to make some calls?
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "hide", gakvu: "hide", hideStage: true})
are you picking anything up?
funfriend
hello akizet!! yes!
it is so much better now!
at least in terms of functionality
what i am hearing on open communication is still very bad
however we can actually use it now!
sourceless
very good
i wave everyone closer
akizet
who among us has a working communicator, still?
gakvu, tozik, i know yours were broken...
mine is working, but it is part of my personal device
sourceless
which i certainly should not lend to anyone... not with my knowledge
i make that clear enough in my tone, despite the receptors it earns me
____SHOWIF::'PAGE!!bozcav'
akizet
cavik, bozko?
cavik
mine is internal and also works!
like yours, akizet
bozko--you have an internal one too, right?
bozko
yes, it works still
sourceless
the ekivik aspiration for minimalism seems to have turned against them in this time
but if only disconnected ones were sludged, then why did miltza's work?
did she simply have it on a receptor when this all began?
____END
akizet
miltza, is yours still functional after that last exposure?
miltza
hmm...
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show"})
oh, yes! i think it was damaged a little, but i can still use it!
it is a standalone device, so--i can pass it around!
which of you would like to use it first?
____SHOWIF::["PAGE!!goverride", false]
karik
perfect! neither itzil nor i have a communicator built into our minds
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "show far", karik: "showleft far", itzil: "showright far"})
itzil - you should use it first!
then, tozik, gakvu, do either of you want to use it next?
i can call my friend later
itzil
oh--thank you!
yes, please!
tozik
absolutely
____END
gakvu
i am fine, it can wait until we stop this
EXEC::vnp({miltza: "hide", karik: "hide", itzil: "hide", gakvu: "show"})
sourceless
gakvu is visibly perturbed, receptors twisted with confliction
she does not speak up, but... i know her
i think she does not trust miltza enough, maybe?
or... is it who she wants to call that is the issue?
she notices my staring, looking away and loosening her receptors again
i thought i knew her well, but so much is coming to light...
it is like i only walked upon her surface
EXEC::vnp({gakvu: "hide"})
miltza begins to pass her communicator around, unconcerned with herself
i should try to contact someone, too...
akizet
ok
let us make some calls
but after that, we should resume with our plan
weaponry, a body for the mindcores, and any survivors
then, the beast in the way of the impressor...
sourceless
even with much of the supply missing, from whatever that golem was doing...
with what remains, we can certainly create the things we need for our golem!
SHOWIF::"PAGE!!mboss"
with this, we could create something quite tough!
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!mboss", false]
sys
NOTICE::'inventory addition';'knowledge of golem sfer';'key item for memory stream continuation'
EXEC::addItem(env.ITEM_LIST["golem_sfer"], 1)
NOTICE::'take to area';'greater vats';'to proceed'
SHOWIF::'item|golem_parts'
NOTICE::'locate other key items to proceed'
SHOWIF::[['item|golem_parts', false]]
NOTICE::'entity';'AKIZET';'additional ACT enabled';'call'
RECOMMENDATION::'utilize perspective swap to examine'
sys
NOTICE::'additional augment point received'
EXEC::page.flags.augmentMax++
RESPONSES::akizet
make a call now<+>CHANGE::s_calls
EXEC::vn.done();specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
HIDEREAD::
later<+>END
EXEC::vn.done();specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Akizet's Phone Calls
loop
RESPOBJ::s_callspeople
start
sourceless
funfriend - activate communications
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true})
funfriend
ok!
standing by!
RESPOBJ::s_callspeople
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
gordon<+>gordon
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!gordcall", false]
cavik<+>cavik
EXEC::change("PAGE!!callbc", true)
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!bozcav", false], ["PAGE!!callbc", false]]
bozko<+>bozko
EXEC::change("PAGE!!callbc", true)
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!bozcav", false], ["PAGE!!callbc", false]]
kazki<+>kazki
vekoa<+>vekoa
family and collective<+>collective
nevermind<+>END
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: false});vn.done()
Gordon
gordon
sourceless
gordon...
if the cousins have any involvement in this, he will know
perhaps they can help us evacuate!
funfriend - contact him!
he should still have the dull communicator i gave him
assuming it did not try to kill him...
funfriend
ok!!
...
connection established!
sourceless
gordon's voice is distant
he is strained - it sounds like he is running?
i hear something fall and clatter on the ground
gordon
Damn it! Get back here!
Hello? Akizet?
sourceless
gordon! are you all right??
gordon
Hold on, when you started calling, this thing...
sourceless
there is a loud scuffling against the auditory membrane
gordon
Ow! Little bastard...
It crawled out of my pocket and ran away, and now it's stabbing me!
akizet
grasp it by the sides and crush the legs inwards!
sourceless
again comes the scuffle, and then a series of cracks
the connection wavers slightly - gordon sighs
gordon
That's better.
Akizet, I just got off a half dozen other calls.
They sent a probe.
They did it. Those fuckers--sorry--they completely went over our heads.
I know, I promised you--I even had assurances from <em>everyone</em> above me.
sourceless
what is he implying?
did he...
œ›¤€ù
Uþfâ!!
i nearly double over out of anxiety, my receptors crushing into themselves
gordon
Even worse is that they waited to tell me. I don't know how long it's been.
The reports I've been getting, I-I don't even know...
Polygonation spires collapsing, your ships spiralling out of control, it's--
akizet
gordon--!!
sourceless
no, no, no
this cannot be because of us...
because of <em>me</em>
his voice changes, realizing from my tone that it is even worse than he can know
growing quieter, more fearful, more like mine
gordon
...
Akizet, what is going on? What is all this?
akizet
you promised! you said...
youîŸ~F£ßpÛ¿)Fû§f>ñ6
sourceless
i do not breathe, yet i am strangled
for this instant, it is like i am screaming into my own head
no coherent words reach gordon
gordon
Shit, I know. I know, I know, I know.
But it doesn't work that way for us, Akizet.
We can't just hide things like this. I know I told you I would keep it quiet...
But there were certain people I had to tell, and I didn't want--
...
sourceless
the signal degrades further, and i hear another crack as he struggles with the communicator
he speaks, but his words are lost, a strange and familiar murmur overpowering them
...if this is not the groundsmind's work...
did it come from the source? did the probe do something?
before i can convey my thoughts, his voice comes back into focus
gordon
Look, they all promised me the same thing. I trusted them, too.
But someone took what we found and ran it even higher up.
We still have the Storm, but once they had the coordinates...
Someone got scared. That's all it took.
They're not telling me what happened down there. I don't even know if they know for sure.
But whatever it was, it's bad.
Akizet--<em>what</em> is happening? Where are you?
Do you need help?
sourceless
i pace urgently, no longer caring to be mindful of how i appear
the others are equally as distraught anyway
my thoughts flood the communicator, overlapping with one another in a wave
akizet
a signal overcame everything, it knocked me and my team unconscious
all of our constructs now turn upon us, killing us--
gordon... you must tell them, get away from the embassy!
you must tell them to escape - everything is falling apart!!
and your probe... if anyone is still near,
they must escape <em>immediately!</em>
and please know, if anything is attacking your people, it is not us!
it is not us!!!
sourceless
...
...
akizet
gordon??
funfriend
akizet...
i cannot discern anything from gordon's communicator anymore
there is only that noise
sourceless
°H]•
my receptors tremble with guilt
is this all happening because of me...?
no, no--the conflict is at the core of this, i know it
and--gordon!! he is not without blame!!
i trusted him... he said he would listen
...
i cannot bear this
but if i crumble now, it is like succumbing to fear paralysis on the surface
curling up and awaiting certain death, abandoning those i could save...
no - fault cannot be decided now
the only option we have is to continue fighting and save what remains
...
funfriend
i need you to compartmentalize this conversation
funfriend
akizet...
you made me promise not to let you self-modify
...are you sure?
sourceless
i am frozen with indecision
the others, thankfully, are distracted from me at the moment...
no... no, i cannot even consider this
you are right, funfriend
i should have listened to you to begin with
funfriend
it is ok akizet
we will survive
look at how well you have led everyone!
you can do this!!
EXEC::change("PAGE!!gordcall", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
we will see<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Cavik
cavik
sourceless
cavik...
we need to know if he is still in the spire at all
funfriend
ok!!
...
connection established!
akizet
cavik!
cavik
akizet...?
you got through?
it is so clear now!
sourceless
i nearly fall over from the relief
the thought of cavik dead from this...
cavik
akizet, where are you? we can come get you!
akizet
what? what do you mean?
we? how many do you have?
you have a way around too?
cavik
what - do you?
um, we have been using the archival tunnels
most are still connected, despite the veins collapsing!
and bozko has been taking care of all the golems!
sourceless
with what...?
we have the only timestopper in the embassy
cavik
he is ok... physically... it is impressive how he has dealt with them
honestly, he is not really doing so well otherwise
it has been brutal
but he is leading us down regardless
...there used to be more of us,
but now it is just me and bozko
akizet
down? what? why?
hold on - cavik, i have gakvu, tozik, and some others
we are in golem maintenance, down from our research segment
we intend to stop the groundsmind
cavik
us too!
listen - we will meet you soon!
we are nearly down to maintenance ourselves
i will tell bozko!
but i need to go - there are more coming...
be careful!
akizet
you as well, my friend
sourceless
if they are fighting, bozko will be too busy to call...
we will simply have to watch for them
EXEC::change("PAGE!!callbc", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
stay safe, my friends<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Bozko
bozko
sourceless
bozko...
we need to know if he is still in the spire at all
funfriend
ok!!
...
connection established!
akizet
bozko!
sourceless
an immense weight of dread floods through the connection
not from me calling - but persistently, like from a responsibility
bozko... what has he seen...?
bozko
akizet
where are you?
are you hurt?
akizet
bozko, i have gakvu, tozik, and some others from our floor
we are all in golem maintenance, heading down to stop the groundsmind
what about you - are you ok?
have you seen cavik?
bozko
yes
cavik is with me
there were some others, but...
...
sourceless
no concept needs to be formed
bozko
...we are heading down for the exact same reason
the archival tunnels are still mostly intact
we occasionally need to detonate some to open blocked paths,
but they serve well enough in our descent
akizet
what!!
what about the golems?
it is only with the help of the timestopper we have been able to...
bozko
they are not a problem
sourceless
something about him is different - he is even shorter in tone
i cannot measure what trauma he carries, but it is beyond that
he has altered himself, somehow
bozko
we are nearly to golem maintenance ourselves
i will let cavik know you called
he will be relieved to know you are all right
as am i...
akizet
bozko, did you... did you do anything to yourself?
bozko
akizet... i...
no--i will explain when we are there
i must focus
more of these surface-sent golems are coming
akizet
please be careful!!
sourceless
the connection ceases
if they are fighting, cavik will be too busy to call...
we will simply have to watch for them
EXEC::change("PAGE!!callbc", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
stay safe, my friends<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Kazki
kazki
sourceless
kazki...
i think she was out of the spire this gaze
or, 'day' would be more accurate, given her schedule...
funfriend
ok!!
...
...
akizet, when i try to call her...
it is like that noise you stopped - it is overpowering!!
i do not know why, but something is stopping me from reaching her
sourceless
what does that mean?
is she in the embassy?
funfriend
i do not know akizet!!
it does not sound like anything i can hear in the embassy!
sourceless
peculiar
velzie, guide her to us again...
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Vekoa
vekoa
sourceless
vekoa!
maybe we can try and get an explanation?
funfriend
ok!!
...
...
...
no...
nothing
i cannot even locate her communications signature
her device must be destroyed!
sourceless
*´«:
i hope she is not behind this...
RESPONSES::akizet
a vel's luck<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Family+Collective
collective
sourceless
can you call my sister rouzesche?
is the contrivance even intact, still?
funfriend
let me try!!
...
...
we are not cut off, but... the collective...
it is impossible to locate anything in it right now!!
sourceless
could the signal have gone as far as obeski...?
funfriend
it is technically a dull signal like any other!!
however!
given the strength that it is hitting you and everyone else with
i feel this is a targeted attack!
if it reached obeski, i do not think it would have the same effect...
but they would certainly be able to hear it!
sourceless
that is just hopeful thinking, funfriend
but i suppose that is your purpose
i will accept this for now
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Minor Operations
Meet Bozko and Cavik
start
sourceless
as we step into the main hall once again,
the ground trembles--a rumble from above!
is it another vein collapse? we back up, ready to escape into the room behind us
no, no--it was too quick, too quiet... like the directed detonation of a kavruka
...
another!!! the ceiling gives way, letting forth the blood of the spire
at first it is one hole, then it keeps going as parts of an archival vein collapse through the ceiling
an archival golem lands in the sludge, still alive, but is crushed by debris before it can engage us
EXEC::vnp({agolem: "show downed", hideStage: true})
then... it is quiet, the operations hall lit by the dazzling archival lights
this was another directed destruction...
who...?
cavik
we are good!
sourceless
cavik!!
he drops down from above, landing atop the sludgy debris with a splat
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show far", hideStage: true})
akizet
cavik! you are alive!!
sourceless
at the first sound, he turns to us with aggression, but it fades instantly
what is that he nearly threw at us? it has such a thin shell
oh--he is carrying a number of improvised explosives...
cavik
akizet!
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show"})
is everyone all right...?
when we could not find you above, we thought the worst...
sourceless
i almost run to embrace him, for perhaps the first time in our deaths
with the bright lights from above forcing our eyes to adjust...
it is too late for me to notice what has risen in the darkness behind him
EXEC::changeBgm(env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems);vnp({agolem: "show attacking"})
that same archival golem, its hardy fists glimmering as they reach out...
akizet
cavik, behind--!!
sourceless
i activate the timestopper by reflex, as i have so many times now
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.65)
but i do not think any of us can reach him in time
he is there, frozen, staring at me,
as a sharpened golem limb sails for his chest
timestopper
what do we do?
akizet?
RESPONSES::akizet
there is nothing<+>accept
accept
timestopper
i do not think there is anything we can do
even if we all ran...
it would be too late
cavik has a heart-placed mindcore
our connection seems weaker now - is it still moving??
sourceless
=gEºÐ¼H
cavik...
...i must not let anything go unsaid
funfriend...
we must send him a message
queue the following, then establish a connection
funfriend
akizet,
i do not think he will have any time to process--
sourceless
funfriend: listen now and then do it, no matter what
...
cavik
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show"})
¶ÔüA, what do i say?!
how far is it that we have traveled together??
from our failures in our lives, to our strides in death
you have been there since the beginning,
and even with our stumbles and endless fountains of mutual forgiveness...
i feel i must apologize again
all of this - it is my fault...
how many times have i failed you now?
...
i was afraid, cavik, we...
no, no, it is so long ago now
is my sorrow to be your final thoughts? i cannot let it be this
your imagination, the boundless joy and energy you found in death...
whatever is lost in all of this, you are what i will miss, most of all
i hope you can find it all again behind velzie's stage
hehe, but, i know...
velzie never lets us walk away so easily
we will see each other again
until then, my friend
...
this message suffices, there is no time for any more
it will be all the closure i can afford
i flex the nerve of the timestopper again, and i feel shared confusion as it deactivates
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1)
the others have no idea what i have done
cavik
aki--?
sourceless
he is turning, barely able to complete a syllable before--
sourceless quiet
i turn away, and there is a great thud, a squelch
EXEC::play('stab', 0.75);vn.fadeChars(true);
followed by a few other splatters...
EXEC::play('stab', 0.5)
my receptors are twisted into one another,
the sharpest sorrow i have ever known piercing my heart
and it will not be long before i have vengeance
EXEC::vnp({agolem: "hide"})
cavik
akizet... you...
bozko
i told you not to go ahead of me
that one was still intact
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show", bozko: "show"})
sourceless
what...
when i turn back, i see that cavik is staring down at what remains of the golem
EXEC::vn.fadeChars(false);changeBgm(env.embassy.music_golems_cleared)
then, he brings that stare back up to me, speechless...
but most of all, unharmed
behind him is bozko, who had just dropped down...
and smashed the golem before it could...
...
funfriend, did that message get sent?
funfriend
yes, akizet!!
sorry, did you not want me to...?
sourceless
no, i...
bozko waves one of his gauntlets to rid it of viscera
bozko
still, good work, this vein was a clean detonation
akizet, it is good to see you are still all together
what is the situation?
sourceless
i am unable to respond, locked in shock with cavik
the tangle of my receptors becomes undone, slowly
he is not saying anything...
there are no tears within us to be shed in our deathly forms
after the prolonged silence, bozko glances between me and cavik, then the others
my eyes break from cavik, allowing my mind to breathe again
i must say something
akizet
...the timestopper has been helping us survive
we are trying to get to the groundsmind to stop all of this madness
but we need weapons, and a body for two of the mindcores we have saved
this tendril has...
sourceless
the weight of what i have just transferred strikes me once more
i truly thought he was gone...
do i simply carry on...?
yes--i will simply talk to him later, that is all
already the sorrow is fading, regardless
this is one of your cruelest jokes, velzie
i can hear your cackle
akizet
...it, has a number of archival cores and connections we can use to find schematics
after that, we intend to destroy a large golem in the way of an impressor
we can use that to set you and cavik up with timestopper connectors
sourceless
i find my heart again
akizet
and then we will be unstoppable
bozko
all right
sourceless
i expect the subtle twist of his receptors whenever he is about to say something clever
he always knows what to say...
like kazki, he is practically a vel at heart
but...
there is none of that here
a terrible darkness looms over him
bozko
we are here to help
cavik
...yeah!
we will get through this!
sys
NOTICE::'additional party members';'CAVIK';'BOZKO';'now available'
EXEC::env.embassy.addPartyMember("bozcav")
____SHOWIF::"PAGE!!augments"
NOTICE::'additional augments enabled for new party members'
NOTICE::'alter party member abilities via augment menu'
NOTICE::'contained within party menu';'Z'
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
we should keep moving...<+>END
EXEC::change("PAGE!!bozcav", true);vn.done()
Translator Core
Encounter
start
sys
WARNING::'degraded visual profile'
EXEC::specialCam('g_o_boss');pauseSwapCam(true)
ANALYSIS::'missing resources causing low cohesion'
sourceless
within this final chamber are countless bright relics
their electric boxes, most active and displaying intercepted images
the noises they emanate are near deafening...
but most pressing of all is the great processing core across from us
it is in its own echo of a mind - not yet perceiving us as it should
its many floating secondary observational cores normally would be focused upon the boxes, i think...
but now, they simply spin and pulse nothing of any meaning
from the core itself comes an incomprehensible babble...
translation core
<span definition="ERROR::'missing resources'">█████ ██</span>
<span definition="ERROR::'missing resources'">███? ███??</span>
<span definition="ERROR::'missing resources'">██████████? █████??</span>
sourceless
...strange, yes, but...
is it a problem?
i do not think it could hurt us if it tried
except for maybe directing the spheres to strike us
but none are raised against us, even as we slowly approach
____SHOWIF::"pa|tozik"
tozik
this is a translation core
...what is it doing?
____END
____SHOWIF::"pa|gakvu"
sourceless
i turn to see what gakvu thinks
she is wincing, receptors twisted in pain
gakvu
ugh... i tried to connect to it
its mind is burning acid, like hearing that signal again...
what should we do?
____END
____SHOWIF::"pa|cavik"
cavik
fascinating...
it is affected by the signal, but,
i think it is trying to process it rather than obey it
____END
____SHOWIF::"pa|miltza"
sourceless
miltza shuffles along the edge of the spherical chamber,
trying to check behind the screens
for survivors, i assume--or perhaps hidden golems
____END
akizet
it is not actually attacking, so...
EXEC::content.classList.add('painprep', 'painfade')
translation core
<span definition="ERROR::'missing resources'">█████ ████ ████ ███ █ ██</span> <span definition="ERROR::'missing resources'">█████ █████████ ███ █████</span>
<span definition="ERROR::'missing resources'">████ ██ ███ ██ ████ █████ ███ ██</span>
sourceless
suddenly, pain
EXEC::env.embassy.day3Signal(3000)
sourceless quiet
one of the words it just spoke pierced my mind,
EXEC::content.classList.add('slowpain')
and again, the signal's message is made clear
hunger... loss... return...
fج»
the others feel it too in one united pained reaction
i instruct my qou-body to cease audible reception, but...
EXEC::content.classList.remove('painmode', 'painhalf', 'painfade')
i still hear it...?
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1, 3000)
the corrucystic components that are supposed to not be listening,
they are still picking it up, becoming incoherent simply by exposure...
timestopper
what do we do?
destroy it!
no, run!
wait - but it is turning the signal itself into something audible
whatever it is learning, it is too dangerous!
EXEC::change("PAGE!!obosslearn", true)
sys
NOTICE::'optional memory segment'
RESPONSES::akizet
skip (debug)<+>CHANGE::ops_bossclear
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
EXEC::change("PAGE!!oboss", true);specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
attack!!<+>END
FAKEEND::(fight)
EXEC::change("PAGE!!oboss", true);env.embassy.startGolemFight("g_oboss", "ops_bossclear");specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
run!!<+>run
HIDEREAD::
EXEC::change("PAGE!!obossrun", true);specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
run
timestopper
we should escape
it is not mobile and not aware
yes - it will destroy itself!
sourceless
we quickly turn back, escaping into the hall
yes, we do not need to fight this thing, it is true...
but it feels wrong to leave such a dangerous creature
what if bozko and cavik had found it before us?
sys
NOTICE::'optional memory segment'
RESPONSES::akizet
escape<+>END
EXEC::changeStage("g_o_hall2", 59, 'down');specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Re-encounter
start
sourceless
we return once more
EXEC::specialCam('g_o_boss');pauseSwapCam(true)
as we should - it is not right to leave this here
it could be broadcasting this, for all we know...
RESPONSES::akizet
skip (debug)<+>CHANGE::ops_bossclear
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
EXEC::change("PAGE!!oboss", true);specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
attack!!<+>END
FAKEEND::(fight)
EXEC::change("PAGE!!oboss", true);env.embassy.startGolemFight("g_oboss", "ops_bossclear");specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
run!!<+>run
HIDEREAD::
EXEC::change("PAGE!!obossrun", true);changeStage("g_o_hall2", 59, 'down');specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
run
timestopper
still too dangerous!
sourceless
we quickly turn back, escaping into the hall
yes, we do not need to fight this thing, it is true...
but it feels wrong to leave such a dangerous creature
what if bozko and cavik had found it before us?
sys
NOTICE::'optional memory segment'
RESPONSES::akizet
escape<+>END
EXEC::specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
Defeat
start
sourceless
with its outer shell damaged enough,
EXEC::env.stage.current.removeWordfriend()
a well-placed strike is all it takes to destroy its echo
and thus, its purpose is lost, its components clattering to the false-stone below
it still hurts when i think about what it said...
but it is not so bad as a memory instead
funfriend, can you compartmentalize it for me?
this is a self modification i can abide
i did not know simple audible arrangements could cause incoherence...
funfriend
you got it akizet!
all done!
although... i do not know how long we can actually store it!
it is already eating away at the...
sourceless
then delete it, before it is upon us again
akizet
everyone...
destroy what you just heard
it makes the pain stop
sourceless
they look at me strangely
like a self-modifier made clear
i do not care - these words were not meant to be heard
i call back down the hall for everyone to come, and so they do
gakvu is drawn to the corpse of the translator
EXEC::vnp({gakvu:"show far", hideStage: true})
akizet
careful...
gakvu
yeah, i know
but look
sourceless
gakvu fishes out one of the memory cysts it had been storing its findings upon
it comes nowhere near either of her receptors, though
gakvu
we could use this as a weapon
EXEC::vnp({gakvu:"show"})
think about it...
if it causes pain in us, maybe it can cause pain in our foes
we just need a projector
tozik
gakvu, you risk exposing yourself to it
EXEC::vnp({tozik:"showleft far"})
even with directed projection, it is reckless
miltza
we should destroy it!!
EXEC::vnp({miltza:"showright far"})
imagine if it reached the collective...
gakvu
as fire burns, does it not remove itself?
cavik
this is true!!
EXEC::vnp({miltza:"hide", tozik: "hide", cavik: "show"})
i have been tracking the effects of the signal with a backup communicator since this started...
my main one is internal and still works, but i had this separate one, because, ah
oh, it does not matter, but the external one was damaged by the signal!
it no longer functioned - but i held it anyway, to see if i could repair it later...
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "focus"})
eventually, it started to emanate the oddest noise, something like the signal itself
but when that second wave came, it... stopped! and started to melt completely!
what this means exactly, i am not sure...
but it had low processing capability, and i suspect it could not handle the signal's meaning
gakvu, if you wielded the signal, amplified and directed,
i imagine it could destroy these golems like nothing else!
gakvu
akizet, what do you think?
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "defocus"})
sourceless
gakvu waves the cyst around,
her receptors still carrying a playful tilt
how does she stay so high-spirited?
akizet
we will keep it
whether as a weapon, or as something for study
just... do not connect to it directly if you do not need to
EXEC::addItem(env.ITEM_LIST['core_translation'], 1)
sys
TEXEC::\`NOTICE::'received <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::\${env.ITEM_LIST['core_translation'].description}">\${env.ITEM_LIST['core_translation'].name.toUpperCase()}</span>'\`
sys
NOTICE::'additional augment point received'
EXEC::page.flags.augmentMax++
RESPONSES::akizet
keep moving<+>END
EXEC::vn.done()
Advanced Operations (Boss room)
Entered
start
sourceless
advanced operations...
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);specialCam('g_boss');toggleBgm(env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems);ratween(env.bgm, 0.5)
the walls are warped from the damage, some parts still trying to resemble stone
there may have been qou here once, but everything left unarmored is sludged...
the source of the damage is before us - a multipurpose deep-sea constructor
its body is angular and appendages bulbous, designed to withstand the greatest of pressures
within its gauntlets are countless tools, marred by its raging against its containment
once complex implements, now indistinct and dull
is it truly angry? or is it a reflection of the signal?
regardless - its targeting optics locate us quickly
we cannot let it make the first move
EXEC::change("gboss", true)
RESPONSES::akizet
preview boss clear<+>CHANGE::bossclear
SHOWIF::'TEMP!!debug'
attack!!<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.startGolemFight('g_boss', 'bossclear')
FAKEEND::(fight)
Melee Tutorial
start
sourceless
the foundation golem raises its spherical gauntlets
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.75)
each of them easily nearly the size of a newborn veilk's eye
with fists like that... it would simply crush any of us
...except, of course, karik and itzil!!
____SHOWIF::["pa|ikgolem"]
sourceless
i reach out through the timestopper...
akizet
karik! take the lead!
those columns of dull light - whatever component they were,
it is clear they are now malfunctioning...
karik
ah ha ha! i see!
yes, i will knock this beast into them!
akizet
no, i was--i was going to say avoid them
but...
yes! do that! you could break its assault that way!
listen to my instructions carefully...
____SHOWIF::[["pa|ikgolem", false]]
sourceless
in our stilled time, i observe their golem
itzil asleep within, but karik, a kiv, directing the body
yes, they will surely know what to do
i instruct the timestopper to release the flow of time for an instant to call out,
akizet
karik!
sourceless
in an instant, their eyes lock with mine, then the beast,
their floating gauntlets immediately moving to intercept
with an impulse, the timestopper seizes the flow again
with this advantage, i can call out instructions to karik...
____END
sourceless
i can see in how it hovers - it is clumsy...
a <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'derogatory';'incompetent fighter'">kelnit</span>, stepped into a spar for the first time...
i may be able to predict some of its moves
sys
WARNING::'abnormal thoughtform activity detected'
WARNING::'entity FOUNDATION GOLEM';'altering thoughtspace'
ANALYSIS::'intention to destroy recollection locus'
EXECUTING::'structure enforcement'
____SHOWONCE::
moth
wait, didn't it just tell you to use a proxy last time?
what's going on?
____END
sys
ATTENTION::'utilizing structure';MELEE
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep()
ATTENTION::'neural controls adjusted';'command menu enabled'
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep()
NOTICE::'enqueue two actions for ally to enact';'foe will select two options'
NOTICE::'either entity being knocked into DULL COLUMN will end round'
EXECUTING::'action list'
STRIKE::'stationary punch';'stave off enemy advance'
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep()
ADVANCE::'forward movement';'attack enemy on contact'
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep()
GUARD::'stationary defense';'steal attack charge if enemy wound up'
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep()
WIND UP::'move back one space and charge attack';'improves ADVANCE, STRIKE'
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep()
WARNING::'winner of evenly matched attacks decided randomly'
____SHOWONCE::
self
what does that mean
how does this work
did your friend include a manual
moth
lol no
still, there's only four actions, how hard can it be?
besides, didn't it only get hard last time when that bastard showed up?
SHOWIF::"item|sorry_cyst"
just hit stuff, it'll work out
____END
RESPONSES::akizet
fight!!<+>END
EXEC::page.melee.tutorialStep();ratween(env.bgm, 1)
FAKEEND::(begin melee)
Boss HP halfway
start
sourceless
in our foe, i see something change
across its dense chassis are myriad impact marks, bleeding sludge
it hunches like a wounded predator...
desperate now, more deadly
we will need to plan more carefully
akizet
karik!! listen to me carefully!
sys
NOTICE::'instruction queue lengthened to 3'
NOTICE::'3 commands now required to proceed'
RESPONSES::akizet
fight!!<+>END
FAKEEND::(continue fight)
Last Stand
start
sourceless
the golem is crumbling
it is nearly done - we are so close to the power we need
but the dull columns have grown unstable, disrupting the timestopper's effectiveness
some portion of them thrashes and spins out of control within the dull plane, plucking at our connection
we have to stop this now while we have the advantage
akizet
karik!! one more time!
sys
NOTICE::'KO enemy once to destroy them'
RESPONSES::akizet
fight!!<+>END
FAKEEND::(begin melee)Defeated
start
sourceless
the golem is forced into the destructive column one last time
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.5, 10000)
its fists are little more than melted blobs of sludge now
EXEC::env.stages['g_boss'].hideBoss();
they fall away, unable to endure any more damage - and it is finally without defense
karik rears the great fist of their golem, warping its fingers into long spikes
or... is that itzil? awakened in battle?
i think i hear itzil screaming, or maybe karik - perhaps both of them, it is hard to tell now
unable to block any more, the constructor's head is skewered
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
whatever intelligence it had is pierced, causing the rest of its body to fall limp,
the impact enough to briefly tilt the chamber
i nearly celebrate, but watch on as itzil and karik slam the head into the ground,
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
smashing it with their other fist, over and over...
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
akizet
karik--?
itzil?
itzil
ZP”cQàá!!
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
*u0ôjÇ!!!!! õc‚Âæ¹5.#©‰¦Öu…
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
¼?o¥ê
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
karik
itzil!!
itzil
ŒGÕò©–áë
sourceless
the noise does not stop until there is nothing left for them to hold
EXEC::page.melee.fakeAttack()
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>END
FAKEEND::(end combat)
EXEC::cutscene(true);endCombat(env.rpg.enemyTeam);page.melee.stop();specialCam(false)
END::cutscene(false);startDialogue('bossclear')Post-boss dialogue
start
sourceless
then... silence
EXEC::toggleBgm(env.embassy.music_golems_cleared);env.embassy.music_unsafe_golems.rate(1)
indeed, this is victory, but...
EXEC::change("PAGE!!golboss", true)
shared between all of us, the connection feels little joy
for the storm has not yet passed
akizet
...all clear!
sourceless
soon we are all assembled in this final room
tozik waves gakvu over near the far wall,
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "show downleft", gakvu:"show downright"});
both giving our conjoined friends some space
i do not truly know itzil or their kivii, yet...
i understand what must be going on in their mindcore
tozik
where is it?
sourceless
gakvu focuses, squinting at sludgy wall component covers
then, she points with one of her receptors at one near the far end
gakvu
cut through here, and we will have our extra connectors!
EXEC::specialCam('g_postboss')
tozik
on it
sourceless
he exposes his corruskivi, preparing to cut through the wall
but then it occurs to him how large a task this truly is
that is a big cover...
tozik
itzil, karik?
can you remove this for me?
sourceless
our attention shifts to their shared golem
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "hide", gakvu:"hide", ikgolem: "show far", bg: true})
they are still doubled over near the corpse of the constructor...
but then they rise, floating over to the panel
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "hide", gakvu:"hide", ikgolem: "show", bg: true})
karik
i will take care of it!
sorry, itzil is taking, um, a moment...
sourceless quiet
karik digs the golem's edged fingers into the sides of the wall,
EXEC::vn.fadeChars(true);vnp({bg: false});play('crit', 0.75)
sourceless
tearing the panel away
EXEC::vnp({tozik: "show downleft", gakvu:"show downright", ikgolem: "hide"});env.stages['g_boss'].removeHatch()
of course, it is so damaged that once they pull it away, it simply melts in their claws...
EXEC::vn.fadeChars(false);
tozik
thank you
let me see...
sourceless
tozik pulls a wired connector from the wall, placing it upon his receptor
he taps at the face of the little assistant display
tozik
yes, we can use this - still functional
it was in a hibernative state, so... only a little incoherence
just like geli...
anyway, we can make enough connectors for everyone
then--after that, we can descend further to the groundsmind
just like we planned, right?
sourceless
he looks between us
i still feel confident that we are making the right decision, but..
this feels larger than the groundsmind...
what if it does not actually stop this madness?
still - i gesture my receptors affirmatively at him, dipping my head confidently
tozik
all right
give me some time
cavik, stand by - i will need your help
cavik
will do!!
sys
ATTENTION::'memory stream corrupt';'unable to access further events'
NOTE::'sufficient intact data';'coherent render can continue'
NOTE::'no further activity detected'
moth
oh, interesting...
this one doesn't end in a hard crash
but it isn't incoherent, like the interview was...
so you can still look around some. nice
i'll keep an eye on activity, but it looks like a good time for a break
if i see any changes in these memories, i'll let you know
you can probably save the iteration again, but...
i don't think there's anything else to do yet
RESPONSES::sys
save and continue render<+>explore
EXEC::vn.done()
FAKEEND::(continue recollection)
save and end render<+>save
EXEC::vn.done()
FAKEEND::(end recollection)
end render without saving<+>END
EXEC::vn.done();moveTo("/local/ocean/embassy")
FAKEEND::(end recollection)
explore
sys
ATTENTION::'saving iteration...'
...
EXEC::env.embassy.collapseSave({effects: true})
WAIT::1000
NOTE::'save process complete'
NOTE::'return to entity tozik once stream repair is complete'
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>END
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);specialCam(false)
save
sys
ATTENTION::'saving iteration...'
...
EXEC::env.embassy.collapseSave({effects: true})
WAIT::1000
NOTE::'save process complete'
ATTENTION::'terminating render'
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/ocean/embassy/")