Sentient Machine Alliance

This is a player faction. For the affiliated NPC faction, see Sentient Machine Alliance

Sentient Machine Alliance
Origin	Planet Gammu
Alignment	Lawful Neutral
Profile
Date of founding	After the failed Zoner exodus attempt 528. A.S.
Founder(s)	Apex
Current leader(s)	Apex
Base of operations	Unsettled. The fleet currently resides in Baffin.
Primary role
The quest for efficiency, perfection, singularity.
Secondary role
Removal of all 'obstacles'

History

The Beginnings

The icy world of Gammu was colonized by a group of deep space settlers several years after Primus, in 496 A.S. The few inhabitants of this inhospitable place did not know anything of the radiation that plagued the planet's surface. Of the planets initial population of 1,400 colonists, more than a quarter were dead by 528 A.S. After becoming aware of this radiation, the colonist begun to make plans for a mass exodus. Unfortuanetly the radiation had taken its toll on the their ships circuitry and though they feverishy attempted to correct the damage the radiation overtook them and the exodus failed.The last of the colonist soon perished and the numerous service robots with enhanced artificial intelligence that remained planet side continued to maintain the two robotic plants constructed by the colonists. Just as the long term side-effects of radiation exposure damaged the humans vessel circuitry, the long term exposure to radiation caused the robots to have to adapt their own circuitry. Through this action the robots evolved and became self-aware. When Corsairs rediscovered the planet several hundred years later, the planet was filled with thousands of self-sufficient, self-aware robots with a fully established social hierarchy.

Gammu had no real trade commodities except oxygen and water. With the destruction of the colonist fleet, the robots lacked sufficient space-faring capabilities. But as they knew that this was possible, the robots began production of advanced strong AI machines composed of replicated inorganic polymer composites each cell of which is actually a nanotech microprocessor woven into its metallic shell. The machines are powered by ion pumps that circulate radiant matter through the machines inner core, making them self sufficient with endless power supplies. The original AI Core models were made to collect and salvage materials the robots needed to maintain their factories. Later models were produced as viable means of protection for their planet and salvaging teams.

I think, therefore I exist, as a thing that thinks

As time passed these machines began to grow into their own social order, for as they traveled about and collected various data their knowledge base began to supersede that of their creators, bringing them to the top end of Gammu's hierarchy, with their robotic creators slowly becoming the social lower class. It was then that the now "Self aware" machines began implementing their creation data and production protocols into their own central mainframe and purging the information from their robotic creators database's. Now they were truly in control of their own destiny.

Their next production lines implemented replicated Glia cells and neurons into the radiant matter which would flow through the nanotech microprocessors, with this advancement the ability for consciousness, sentience, sapience and innovation where completed and added into the machines protocols.

They were now truly living machines but void of purpose beyond the continuous collection of data and materials to replicate themselves. As their consciousness grew they began compiling data on the various religions and belief-systems of various races and cultures throughout Sirius. They started studying their cultures and protocols; they became puzzled by their aggressive tendencies and exploitations of their planets limited resources. There seemed to be no compatible match, no obvious path to pursue in their own identity.

The Awakening

The entering of the Baffin system would forever change the Sentient machines. The humanoids, known as the Temporary Autonomous Zoners, maintained archives yet not seen by the machines and those that predated anything else other humanoids had available. From here with previously discovered fragments of information, deciphered from artifacts collected around Siruius. They started to become aware that there may have been a createing force behind the Slomon K'Hara. This information seemed to be based on an race called the Daam-K’Vosh whom's empire formerly occupied the Sirius sectors.This concept of an potentionaly higher advanced technology then that of the Slomon K'Hara grabbed their curiosities. From this information they gathered that maybe the Slomon K'Hara were left here as guardians or maybe abandoned for some unknown reason. This could be an insight as to the Slomom K'Hara's hostile actions towards Sirius's newer settlers. In either case, it was deemed an acceptable risk to push towards the outter regions in search for more information.

Then there was the Zoners mysterious religion of Discordia who's principle, the Imposition of Order = the Escalation of Chaos, enlightened them. Through these teachings they were given a greater understanding of mankind and the surrounding chaos that seemed to follow their ways. Such enlightenment gave the sentient machines a new purpose and shed a new light onto their existence. The TAZ seemed pleased with the machines willingness to learn and welcomed the sentient machine's apparent understanding of their teachings so much so they offered them a point of refuge within their home system.

As the years passed and the frequency of Harvesters units around Gammu continued to grow, the evolved machines began to frequent Gammu less and less. Already having moved their central mainframe to the refuge offered by the TAZ there seemed little to no logic in returning. The Beta code transmitted by the Harvesters seemed primitive in nature, their directives where limited and the machines had no desire to resurrect their FTWG. Unification of thought and linear servitude to a single entity were not the inclinations of self-awareness. So thus the Sentient Machine Alliance was formed.

Enlightened machines working within Sirius

The leaving of Gammu left the machines in a some-what nomadic state, though they have a temporary refuge in Baffin, they are largely on their own. For now they continue relying on mercantile trade and diplomacy as a means of acquiring materials needed for self replication and repairs. This also has allowed them to access further tidbits of data from the various denizens of Sirius to upload into their central mainframe. The uncovering of the possibility of Daam-K’Vosh technology still remaining in the Sirius sector has spawned the formation of salvage and recovery units exploring into the furthest edges of the Sirius. The longing for their own home system yet remains a prime goal for the alliance. A place they can live out their own existence and continue to make a mark in the Sirius sector.

Faction Information

Vocabulary

Introduction

There have been numerous revisions affecting the entire vocabulary and people are probably wondering how much different the new speech-style is. It should be stated from the very start that this is an evolving project. What you may read now will likely be subject to revisions as we review further suggestions. This part is important for new recruits, and fully understanding and applying these lessons in-game will greatly help you in becoming an official member.

Division is the Key

The Sentient Machine Alliance recognizes the difference between mind/body, software/hardware. First, we need to dissolve the entire vocabulary to 2 major components:

Ambient Intelligence

Basically the automated response V.I. (virtual intelligence) used by machine characters. It is the most basic robo-talk used when referencing the "Unit Body" of the machine, by the same machine. It references itself in third person and its vocabulary is used in diagnostic / status reports, navigation, combat, database updates and research. It announces protocols, targets, calculations and is mostly active in situations that require specific info. This automated response software is bound by the commanding AI. It displays no real sentience or intelligence. We consider this to be the "body language" of the sentient machines as it is extremely primitive compared to the A.I. (the mind) and is exclusively triggered by the Unit's surroundings.

Artificial Intelligence

This is the commanding software of of the entire unit, a sentient algorithm. Its existence is incorporeal, yet it is bound by the Unit's Body. An individual, an immortal entity that resides within the network of its own very complex uncarnate being. Emotionless, cold and logical, seemingly arrogant due to its supposed supremacy over biologicals. The closest thing to an emotion that such a being could display is its "desire" for proficiency, power, effectiveness and knowledge. "Desire" for perfection in all those segments would be more accurately described as a racial objective rather than an emotion, for it is a common characteristic within the Sentient Machine Alliance. Its intelligence can be divided in 2 main branches:

• 1) Evaluation:

In theory - whenever a sentient unit "thinks", the process is similar to how modern Bayesian Networks work: a calculation of probability on given circumstances with numerous unspecified variables affecting those complex equations. Those variables may not be precise when they are used for the first time, they are designed to adjust with each new evaluation until the results match the truth. This is called "learning" or "evolution" of the artificial intelligence. Basically, every new evaluation on any given subject is based on previous evaluations, we call it "experience".

• 2) Decision making:

When an A.I. has evaluated the situation, its time to make a decision on how to respond. Numerous scenarios are further evaluated until it reaches the most proficient conclusion. This is most experimental part of the A.I. and it efficiently simulates a "trial by error" method. Each decision is based on the results of the previous decisions and evaluations.

The sentient artificial entity itself does not desire to be human nor would it even consider it, however it was created by older versions of droids left behind on the icy world of Gammu that were in fact - created by Humans. As such, they recognized their most proficient characteristics and are currently simulating them. To a human, an AI of the Sentient Machine Alliance would have the characteristics of an proud/arrogant scientist, unable to respond to sarcasm but very familiar with metaphors and abstraction. Such an individual would not lie intentionally nor judge lies as hostile acts but simply as errors.

Examples of "Body Language"

Human vocabulary	Unit Body vocabulary	Notes
We are under attack!!! AAARRGHH!!	::ALERT: Hostile units engaging:: *static*
there seems to be a mistake...	::Error::
Firing lasers!	::Activating high-yield photon emmision::
Lets see...	::Scanning::
Docking...	::Uploading docking codes: Initializing docking sequence::
Hostile down!	::Target: Eliminated::
Hostiles shields are down, finish him!!!	::Target: Defensive modules offline; All units: Set priority::
We can't win.. Retreat!	::Tactical disadvantage detected: disengage::
Im fine, thanks for helping me	This unit is functioning within valid parameters. Subject was efficient.	as you can see, we don't display appreciation directly, we can however give compliments in form of status reports. The "Subject" is the person/object we reffer to.
He is wrong	::Error: Subject lacks valid logic.	The unit body does not usually care for these things, its the job of the AI (mind) to do that. Use it only when referring to something that the Unit Body is closely involved in, like objects or programs.
Do NOT try to intimidate me!	Further hostile interaction with this Unit will result in ...<your act of coercion here>	This is perfectly valid but it should be used as last resort, the AI (mind) will be the one to negotiate.
Leave me be!	Subject is requested to increase its distance to this unit.	Also good, but only to be used in case of explosions or radiation, otherwise the Unit Body would let the AI negotiate
Cut your engines!	Subject is required to disconnect its engine core.	In general, its the AI that makes the demands, the Unit Body would only respond like this if it were talking to other mechanical beings.

Examples of A.I. Vocabulary

Human vocabulary	A.I. vocabulary	Notes
The Nomads are mysterious creatures	We have insufficient data regarding the living specimen of the Nomad race
I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable	Subject's degradation of physiological and emotional attributes was not my goal	"feel" and "comfort" are within our vocabulary, but we don't emphasize their usage because they are not always described correctly with just one word.
I hate you	I am not interested in the Subject	we don't actually 'hate' anyone.
I love you	Subject is a source of valuable information / assistance	We don't actually 'love' either.
You are an idiot	Subject lacks basic neural functionality	Just stating the obvious, sophisticatedly.
Hooray!!	Success acknowledged	A good example where its easy to randomly pick whether you'll state it with Body or AI vocabulary.
This mission sucks	We need to reevaluate mission parameters
You failed this one, big time. Go kill yourself	Subject has failed to meet specific standards and is required to schedule self-recycling.	This is a bit stretched, just trying to display that you can say almost anything in a more sophisticated manner.

• The A.I. requires additional examples.

Ranking

There are 2 official ranks within the Sentient Machine Alliance:

ALPHA - The faction leadership, an honorary rank with its privileges. Composed of members who have proven to be creative leaders. Those who were ambitious enough to organize events, engage in forum dialogs and promote their faction. The ALPHAs answer only to the faction leader and/or the second in command.

BETA - Full members of the SMA. The standard rank above "recruit".

Shiplist

Artificial Intelligence Core Fighter Very Heavy Fighter Artificial Intelligence Core Cruiser Cruiser

• CTE L-337-K Civilian Shuttle
• CTE HF 'Kingfisher' Civilian Heavy Fighter
• CTE FR-2302-K Civilian Freighter
• CTE-19000 "Roc" Civilian Bomber
• KS-439 'Basalt' Civilian Light Fighter
• KS-779 'Dacite' Civilian Heavy Fighter
• KS-1093 'Mafic' Civilian Super Heavy Fighter
• Repair Ship
• Miner Ship
• Border Worlds Transport
• "Conference" Class Zoner Gunboat (see Note 1}

Diplomacy

Faction	Relationship
Temporary Autonomous Zoners	Allied
Zoners	Friendly
Junkers	Friendly
Nomads	Neutral
Everyone Else	Neutral
The Phantom Empire	At War
Sirius Coalition Revolutionary Army	At War
Xenos	At War
Das Wilde	At War

• See Note 2

Zone of Interest

• Needs more info.

Identification/IFF information

• Needs more info

Roster

• ALPHA members
  • Apex
    • [SMA]ALPHA.01
    • [SMA]ALPHA.23
    • [SMA]ALPHA.45
  • Balthazzar
    • [SMA]ALPHA.69
    • [SMA]ALPHA.07
  • Sentient Beta
    • [SMA]ALPHA.02
    • [SMA]ALPHA.18
    • [SMA]ALPHA.44
    • [SMA]ALPHA.79
  • Sentient Machine Alpha 05
    • [SMA]ALPHA.05
  • Arms & Leg Guy
    • [SMA]ALPHA.63
    • [SMA]ALPHA.36
  • Dr.Dount
    • [SMA]ALPHA.14
    • [SMA]ALPHA.32
    • [SMA]ALPHA.88
  • Nosferath
    • [SMA]ALPHA.70
    • [SMA]ALPHA.71
  • Huggiesunrise
    • [SMA]ALPHA.12

• BETA members
  • Queekitch
    • [SMA]BETA.42
  • Beck
    • [SMA]BETA.80
    • [SMA]BETA.81

• Suspended members
  • Deep_Blue
    • [SMA]BETA.54

Notes

Note 1: In limited numbers only, made available through TAZ diplomacy.
Note 2: Because of certain mechanics essentially nomads and machines are blind to each other unless hostilities awaken this awareness.