Subject: An interesting discovery Venator Stacker,
I normally avoid bringing things like this up, as I know they're a sensitive issue to you. However, a recent discovery from some 'friends' within the Liberty Security Force have pointed me here to inquire about your past once more. It seems, the Remnants of your time in the Legion are still around. No, not who you might think, but rather what. The former Gladius Artificial Intelligence seems to have gained self-awareness, according to Agent Sonja Kerensky of the LSF, and not only is it civil and very much conscious of its existence, it wants to leave Liberty.
[25.04.2016 23:31:28] *********: Oh, here's something you might be interested in personally.
[25.04.2016 23:31:40] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I feel bad not being able to share with you, especially as you've been generous already.
[25.04.2016 23:31:43] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Oh?
[25.04.2016 23:31:51] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Now you're just making me feel worse.
[25.04.2016 23:31:56] *********: A large Coalition fleet was spotted earlier today within Omicron Delta accompanied by an Order escort..
[25.04.2016 23:32:13] *********: On top of that, one of our patrols intercepted a Coalition transport moving over four-hundred alien remains.
[25.04.2016 23:32:33] Sonja.Kerensky:404: You're kidding?
[25.04.2016 23:32:41] *********: Indeed. They've been getting stranger lately.
[25.04.2016 23:34:42] *********: A few loaners from the Hessians it looked like. A Jormungad.
[25.04.2016 23:34:59]*********: Seems they've built themselves a new Carrier, too.
[25.04.2016 23:35:33] *********: I figured you might appreciate some news from your home front.
[25.04.2016 23:35:54] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I... I do.
[25.04.2016 23:36:19] Sonja.Kerensky:404: You're very good at making this hard for me.
[25.04.2016 23:36:26] *********: It's my specialty.
[25.04.2016 23:36:31] *********: Counter-Intelligence.
[25.04.2016 23:37:15] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Im sorry, I'll have to discuss it with Megan first before I tell you.
[25.04.2016 23:37:22] Sonja.Kerensky:404: We had a plan for it but the plan changes if we tell you.
[25.04.2016 23:37:34] Sonja.Kerensky:404: It may be to your immediate benefit if we do tell you, which is why I must run it by her.
[25.04.2016 23:37:41] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Your immediate benefit strategically.
[25.04.2016 23:37:59] *********: Oh.
[25.04.2016 23:38:02] *********: Well.
[25.04.2016 23:38:25] *********: Does it involve an Arbiter?
[25.04.2016 23:38:37] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I cant say.
[25.04.2016 23:38:54] *********: *He claps his hands together* You're planning to steal Thastus' toomb.
[25.04.2016 23:39:07] Sonja.Kerensky:404: No, actually.
[25.04.2016 23:39:15] *********: Damn.
[25.04.2016 23:39:25] Sonja.Kerensky:404: But damn it I hate you.
[25.04.2016 23:39:36] Sonja.Kerensky:404: At least this way you guessed it so I dont get fired and hauled infront of a tribunal.
[25.04.2016 23:40:03] Sonja.Kerensky:404: We're planning to make sure nobody else steals it.
[25.04.2016 23:40:08] *********: Just so you know, we're being watched.
[25.04.2016 23:40:15] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Stealing it is far too risky for us, and we dont have the resources.
[25.04.2016 23:40:40] Sonja.Kerensky:404: And now, Im gonna get fired.
[25.04.2016 23:40:42] *********: There's an AWAC Corvo sitting just out of range.
[25.04.2016 23:41:09] Sonja.Kerensky:404: You let it check.
[25.04.2016 23:41:15] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Im feeling a little light headed.
[25.04.2016 23:41:22] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Please dont do anything with that information.
[25.04.2016 23:41:27] *********: Well, if you're stealing something, I don't care.
[25.04.2016 23:41:53] *********: So don't worry about that.
[25.04.2016 23:42:05] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Phew, okay.
[25.04.2016 23:42:16] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Well the thing is, everybody who knows about it probably wants to steal it.
[25.04.2016 23:42:44] Sonja.Kerensky:404: And the safest play for us is making sure that what the Legion wants to do to it, happens.
[25.04.2016 23:42:58] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Its not my decision, but that's my play if it were.
[25.04.2016 23:44:09] *********: Wait, someone wants to steal an Arbiter, but you don't want it to leave?
[25.04.2016 23:44:10] *********: Yeah.
[25.04.2016 23:44:42] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Yeah. Think about it for a second.
[25.04.2016 23:44:49] *********: Hm...
[25.04.2016 23:44:52] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I know about it. You know about it. How many other people know about it.
[25.04.2016 23:44:53] *********: Oh.
[25.04.2016 23:44:55]*********: OH.
[25.04.2016 23:44:57] Sonja.Kerensky:404: We all want to use it for our own ends.
[25.04.2016 23:44:57] *********: I know.
[25.04.2016 23:45:11] *********: The Recusant, right? The old Gladius Arbiter.
[25.04.2016 23:45:23] *********: The one that tries to kill Stacker every time he sets foot in Liberty.
[25.04.2016 23:45:31] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Yes, that one.
[25.04.2016 23:45:51] *********: That thing is terrifying.
[25.04.2016 23:46:04] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Seems reasonable enough to me. I even feel sorry for it.
[25.04.2016 23:46:29] *********: How could you? It's just a basic program with nothing but propaganda to spew.
[25.04.2016 23:47:21] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Freedom is an aspiration of any sentient or pseudo-sentient intelligence.
[25.04.2016 23:47:30] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I feel sorry for it that it is chained down.
[25.04.2016 23:47:31] *********: Sentient?
[25.04.2016 23:47:39] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I did say pseudo-sentient.
[25.04.2016 23:47:49] Sonja.Kerensky:404: But it doesn't matter.
[25.04.2016 23:47:57] *********: It's a mindless drone.
[25.04.2016 23:48:03] *********: Far from sentience.
[25.04.2016 23:48:18] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Didn't seem that way when it was trying to negotiate its survival.
[25.04.2016 23:48:37] *********: Nego-... *He gives her a puzzled look*
[25.04.2016 23:48:59] *********: It's like talking to a wall that kills people. How could it negotiate if it can't respond above a basic level?
[25.04.2016 23:49:39] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I dont know. It didn't seem all that basic to me. It had a sense of self, and desire to survive and free itself.
[25.04.2016 23:49:54] *********: Christ it became self-aware...
[25.04.2016 23:50:32] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I dont know how you feel about sentient AI, but I feel no sense of apprehension about it.
[25.04.2016 23:50:47] *********: That Arbiter is the junkyard dog they send after people they don't like.
[25.04.2016 23:51:32] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Well...
[25.04.2016 23:51:43] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Im glad to hear you're kind of okay with it too.
[25.04.2016 23:52:39] *********: And yeah I don't bother with Artificial Intelligence's unless they shoot me.
[25.04.2016 23:52:46] *********: Recusant has shot at me.
[25.04.2016 23:52:57] *********: If it became smart, it's going to shoot at me more.
[25.04.2016 23:53:12] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I dont think so.
[25.04.2016 23:53:30] Sonja.Kerensky:404: He's due to be deconstructed as I said.
[25.04.2016 23:53:51] Sonja.Kerensky:404: See, everybody wins.
[25.04.2016 23:53:51] *********: I guess they finally got sick of sending their robotic dog after people.
[25.04.2016 23:54:01] Sonja.Kerensky:404: That's one big dog.
[25.04.2016 23:54:09] *********: It used to be smaller.
[25.04.2016 23:54:15] *********: It's all grown up now.
[25.04.2016 23:54:36] Sonja.Kerensky:404: I feel like it's killing a child as it becomes a teenager, but its a strategic choice.
[25.04.2016 23:54:57] *********: I can't say I'm opposed to seeing it gone.
[25.04.2016 23:55:56] *********: *He shakes his head* A shame, though.
[25.04.2016 23:56:12] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Why's that? You seemed pretty hostile just now.
[25.04.2016 23:56:44] *********: Well, if it's an available resource that was willing to leave, I'd of taken it.
[25.04.2016 23:56:52] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Yeah, and that's the problem.
[25.04.2016 23:56:55] *********: But it's too dangerous.
[25.04.2016 23:56:58] Sonja.Kerensky:404: So would everybody.
[25.04.2016 23:57:12] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Our calculation as well.
[25.04.2016 23:57:20] *********: Hm...
[25.04.2016 23:57:49] Sonja.Kerensky:404: Dont get any ideas now.
[25.04.2016 23:58:01] *********: A little late for that. *He chuckles*
Alan, I know you don't like thinking back on it, but any information in regards to this A.I, the vessel that houses it, anything at all, can be useful. It's shot at both of us before, due to your previous relations with the aforementioned task force. You might be curious as to why I want to know about it, but I see this as an opportunity to increase our strength. So, enlighten me and the others of the Inner Phalanx.
As for Venator McAllister and Keeper Raven,
This information stems directly from this agent apparently conversing with an automated Arbiter-Class Warship. The ship in question was once in control of a Judicator-Class Battlecruiser, yet it seems it has literally jumped ship. If this is the case, I see a means of exploiting the vessels automated nature in our favor. Though, there are obvious setbacks. We'd need to locate the vessel, and somehow get aboard it to modify it's programming. This is a rather daunting task, and I believe it necessary to explore every avenue to determine a means of securing the vessel. However, doing so will cast us in a bad light with the Legion, which in the end, gives us another reason to reach back out to the Republic. I'd ask that this information not leave the Inner Phalanx Venators, as such matters are sensitive in nature and could put all of us at risk.
So, in conclusion, I defer to you all for a discussion into future plans using this information.
Signal Strength: 68%
Transmission Source: Planet Gran Canaria, Omega-49
Encryption Level: High
Comm ID: Mcallister, Daniel
Rank: Venator
Video Feed Enabled:
Mm, welcome and interesting news, of course. Any opportunity we have to potentially add a capital vessel of this nature to our growing group of assets is certainly worth exploring. Many of the concerns are obvious; Locating the vessel and boarding it are just the beginning. An AI this advanced may resist any attempt at reprogramming, especially if it has reached the level of self awareness you have indicated. If this is the case another avenue of appropriation may be possible. If it wants to leave Liberty badly enough then perhaps it can be convinced to leave with us. This may give us the opportunity to either allow it to ally itself to us naturally as it grows as a self aware entity or to modify it in a safer environment for us. As always, I speculate on uncertainty. We can talk about the methods of potential acquirement more at length in person later.
What we can be certain of is that the Legion will be none to happy to see us make off with an Arbiter. Reaching out to the Republic in an effort to normalize relations seems an inevitability.
My past is not something I like to recall. A lot of the deaths that tainted the name Gladius were my responsibility. I know I can't change the past, but I still regret ever following that path. The ship in question isn't actually one I'm familiar with, but I was aware of the Server Manager Virtual Intelligence that Sterling Metford, head of The Overwatch Division, had designed and installed on Point Exodus Orbital Colony, and the other planetside facilities. If this is indeed that very computer program, at first I'd say we have nothing to be concerned, but this talk of self-awareness concerns me. I don't know much when it comes to technology like this, but I know that it used to automate Point Exodus' security systems, as well as the Sierra and Delta bases. Whatever Metford did to it once the Command structure collapsed goes above me.
What I do know is that if it is to be disassembled, it is likely returned to drydock under the Fleet Master, which when I served, was Praetorian. I managed the movement of components for the restoration of the Archer-Class Siege Cruiser Excallibur through Fleet Master Royce, though my work wasn't finished once I left. This means the Recusant is probably back at Fort Leniex in drydock, which poses a problem, as we can't really get access or navigate around such a top secret facility on our own. In fact, I think it's just me and Hunt who have been there in our service. This is an edge we could use, having previous knowledge of Leniex in our pockets as Ex-Legion pilots.
I've been aware of the Recusant for some time, as I've personally spoke to it in Coronado one evening when we were investigating the Crayterians, where it revealed some of it's history concerning Taskforce Gladius and what it did to Gladius, killing off the ''terrorist'' remains that were to be surrendered - blowing the facility up in Inverness. As well, the unit admitted how it was faking it being a "simple unit that responds to everything" - that it has it's own conscience. It spoke more of it's motives and what it was doing, but my blackbox records were destroyed.
As for obtaining it... well.
It'd certainly put us on some good tracks with Liberty, yes, but you must also take into consideration that they will always be suspicious of us no matter what, and that we'd also lose a nice amount of income - their generous bounty contract. But as you mentioned, there are some obstacles to jump over.
One. It's location. It would most likely be at Leniex, where they maintain their fleet assets. I can propose some kind of meeting to the Lord Commander - perhaps, or even return the Eidolon for the analysis report that they requested.
(Also, they kind of have a crush on me, maybe we could use it to our advantage?)
Two. Finding some appropriate virus or data to upload to it.
Three. Possibly shifting the blame to something else? Calling it corrupt? Making them believe something went wrong. If it is being decommissioned, then, well. Who knows. Of course, it'll be inevitable that they will find out it would be taken as one of our fleet assets.
But truly? I despise both of them, so in the end, it may not matter who we go to, as they are all bad apples in their own ways. But I believe that AI can be a valuable asset, even if it's not as complex as it may seem - a self-aware database.
The real value I see in it is possibly using it to access the Legion database regarding information on Harbinger, Hybrids and information that Gladius may have possibly held. Investigations should be held and more data should be retrieved. We're going to need some programmers for creating on invading its software. Perhaps it is possible to get some of our oboticists to create such a virus that can intrude the system of the Recusant.
Subject: A verdict, forming a plan of action Inner Phalanx members,
With recent events, I have found myself unable to rest, thus I am left with time to evaluate other avenues for Auxesia to take, and I had nearly forgotten this particular one. I believe now is a good time to determine our plan of action for the Hellfire Legion and the Recusant. We have their trust, insider knowledge of the facility, yet are lacking a means of reprogramming something which we cannot analyze ourselves. This poses a problem, and concerns me, as I dislike undertaking such a large endeavor unprepared. Perhaps it may be possible to seek outside assistance for the creation of some sort of control virus? I am not too sure how to approach this portion, yet its a matter of gaining access, and having our two Ex-Legionnaires pose as bodyguards to the Keeper. The guards would then need to somehow slip away and avoid detection, which is no easy task, as well as navigate as far as the shipyard facilities within the lower decks of Leniex.
I defer to you all once more for additional discussions on this topic. I must return to overseeing the events in Omicron Delta.
Now that our assets are powered down for the time being, perhaps now would be an optimal time to investigate concerning this virus?
Heisenburg is roughly sixty kilometers from our fleet's location, perhaps the Scientists onboard may have something? I believe there may be people out there in Rheinland, who are capable of this job.
While Heisenberg should have sufficient enough facilities for the task I have my reservations of sharing this plan with just any old common scientist. I would recommend a more- 'neutral' party. Perhaps the IRG would be the group to contact?
Now that we have finally gathered the survey data, I believe it's time to decide upon a location for our vessels to finally settle at.
With careful analysation and planning, we can vote upon which is the most optimal location, taking into consideration of local resources and the populace. I believe this is more important than initiating the operations early. With a stand-ground, it would be more resourceful and efficient to carry out future operations and research.
So. Share me your thoughts upon the surveyed locations and resources, Venators. (And Curator. )
While my current condition has impaired my ability in service of the Fleet, I will not excuse myself from my duties, especially now that I am recovering.
A careful evaluation of all survey data points to several viable options to establish ourselves. Each system has their share of benefits and problems, which are noted in the second survey. Isolation and security are important to us. Concealment is our ally, yet we cannot neglect the need for resources and supply lines. Diverting resources to escort logistics vessels weakens security, yet is a priority. The distance and time between convoys can make the difference in the event of an attack, as the allocated assets to escort duty will not be available for defensive operations. Additionally, keep in mind that each area has its own local inhabitants, that could prove harmful or useful.
Sigma-59 - Contested
The first thing that had caught my interest in this system, were the unique rock formations discovered within the Aniva Nebula. These would obviously be a focus for our Science vessels, and could yield unique results. In addition, the composition of the Aniva Nebula is perfect for concealing ourselves. However, the density of the asteroids are rather dangerous, and limit mobility.
In addition, the locals may prove problematic, with a Bounty Hunters Guild facility, the Gas Miners, and Core patrols in the region. The distance in which logistics would need to travel leaves them, as well as us, vulnerable for attack.
Sigma-21 - Contested
This system is heavily contested, with sightings of a Core patrol, the Kusari Naval Forces, Gas Miners, a Legate under the control of a terrorist movement, and familiar sightings of possible infectee vessels. The planet of Saigon is of great interest, being habitable and potentially bountiful in terms of resource use. However, the local area may prove too hostile to establish ourselves, thus perhaps an outpost would be possible. This is, of course, not the topic of discussion.
I disagree with any attempt here.
Inverness - Neutral
This was once the location in which the Initiative had isolated themselves. The habitable planet of Forres has also seen previous attempts at colonization, from the local Junkers, and the off-shoot of the Legion that Venator Stacker originated from. As per usual, the locals may prove troublesome, with Gaians, Junkers, The Liberty Rogues and The Order being present. However, some of those groups can be controlled and manipulated in our favor. Forres would be an ideal location for a planetside facility, and the Avlemore Nebulas would work quite well at concealing operations. Additionally, there is some interest in the Elgin Planetoid, for a potential sub-terranian facility.
The proximity to Bretonia is useful when needing supplies. Of course, the nearby presence of the Commonwealth and Crayter Republic opens us to additional supplies, and the opportunity to further develop a relationship with the Crayterians. The high traffic in the region may however alarm Liberty, and the proximity of the Gallic Royalist invasion could put us at risk.
Kansas - Neutral
This was once the home of the Neo-Terran Front, where Guardian Simmons originated from. Wichita was once selected as the location to construct the Temple of Ataraxia, and was also the final resting place of many Auxesians. However, the potential of the system remains. Wichita remains habitable, and the traces of minerals in the nearby fields offer resources to us. Ideally, we'd wish to avoid Turtle Creek outside of monitoring purposes, due to the presence of the alien structure in the Nebula, and the incredibly reduced sensors. The remains of Junction may also prove useful, as documented by the Initiative - A repair attempt was started. Perhaps stripping the facility of the remainder of its resources in favor of a more suitable location. Smoky Hill, perhaps?
The proximity of the Commonwealth and Royalists can prove problematic, and it would be wise to evaluate our options more when discussing the viability of this system.
In closure, my opinion is either the Independent systems of Inverness or Kansas, or we move deeper into the Sigmas (Sigma-59) and attempt to become close with the local Gas Miners Guild. Inverness however, seems to be a prudent choice. For now, I will return to resting.
Signal Strength: 47%
Transmission Source: Freeport 8, Sigma-15
Encryption Level: High
Comm ID: Mcallister, Daniel
Rank: Venator
Video Feed Enabled:
I suppose I will run down my thoughts on each of these areas in the order you have presented them.
Sigma-59 is of particular interest to me, seeing as I am command one of our science vessels. The Aniva Nebula is a wonderful mystery that I would love to work on uncovering, but the problem of the logistics of supplying a base in the area is a large obstacle. Perhaps if good relations with the Gas Miners are established this would be a possibility.
In addition to the to the major players you have mentioned in Sigma-21, have heard reports of Rheinland being interesting in Saigon as well. The area is under much more scrutiny that I would like to deal with. We are in agreement that the system is less than hospitable.
As far as Inverness is concerned; Junkers, Order and Gaians can be dealt with. Normalizing relations with the three groups is a large task, but the presence of a habitable planet may make it well worthwhile.
Kansas is still a fresh wound and Wichita is like looking at a fresh grave. But I'm not one to give up or let emotions get in the way of our progress. The area is fairly easy to supply and has a habitable planet with little to no competition from other groups. Proximity to the Commonwealth can be dealt with. Proximity to the Gallic invasion would be problematic, likelihood of running into them would probably be higher than in Inverness. They have seemed to have little interest in diplomatic relations with most groups. Chances of a clash with them would probably be high.
I must say that I prefer Sigma-59 or Kansas. Allowing ourselves the opportunity to study Nomads where possible and convenient is a high priority as far as I'm concerned. My preference for Kansas may stem from a bit of stubbornness though, I admit. Inverness is also a fine choice, it is within distance of points of interest in Newcastle. I believe any of these locations would be workable.
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Log transcript 29
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