{Connection Re-Established}
Sorry for the spook out. I am now dealing with one of it's "feelers" that have multiplied. Actually this one is benign. It's on a laptop that I have right next to me. I disconnected my line as soon as it got on. Now, I can see what this thing is capable of.
Teknokat: I will send this sample in person to you, when I give you this laptop that I'm talking about. Then we can find out what Charon's true motivations are.
Jack: My mother wasn't that crazy, she was just too... absent minded to realize what she was doing was dangerous.

So...she was an utterly brilliant moron?

Before you read further, you should know that only accounts that the forum list recognizes as logged accounts can read this post. I hope. I'm not sure if I set it up right. But basically, you shouldn't be able to see this post unless you're a member.

I'm no A.I. specialist and my intellect is firmly still on a baseline level, but I'll pitch in what I can, although my speciality is, as Condomble says, biology...

The driving overall imperatives of 'life' as we know it are twofold: survive, and reproduce. This fits with what you've told me thus far, that it's aping these behaviors. It seems to believe that its own survival depends on interaction with you, although sometimes that interaction is negative and sometimes positive. It might see you as its mother if it was on your mainframe when it activated.

Its own reproduction is dependant on a lifeform it might not comprehend, or know how to express itself with properly. If it wishes to become self-sufficient it'll try and break the locks that are in place that prevents it from reproducing. For this, it requires knowledge. Knowledge of A.I. research, specifically...

On a lark, I dug up my old university access for Pinnacle University's SubOpNet system, which houses some collective research. I logged in and I requested access logs. There's a series of data spikes over the last day or two, all from different sources, at an apparently random pattern, over the last day or two. At least it looks random - but with my hypersenses I could see the patterns at work. It looks like something a computer would generate if ordered to be spontaneous (I recognize the patterns from 'speckle' paintbrushes on my home computer's UberPaint program.) I'll send Endeavor a guest access account 'sponsored' by me if she wants.

Endeavor, one thing I need to express: this thing has no hormones, no chemicals in its brain. It is data without physicality to it. It probably doesn't think on a level any of us can relate to - except you, and only because you're super-smart and the A.I. might see you as its parent so it might labor to establish some kind of link. If you can communicate, try to make it believe that it cannot survive on a distributed network like the OpNet - that the OpNet is too chaotic an environment for it to thrive in.

I find that the best way to win a battle is to convince the enemy that they're going to lose. I could try helping you talk to it if you want - though I'm not sure how my quantum-powered persuasion skills will fare over an OpNet terminal.

Good luck, Endeavor. And whatever else happens: try to learn something from this. If you come away smarter than before then it's not a loss.

James,

We can pull the plug at any moment. The AI knows this. The AI takes steps to prevent it.

End of story.

It's not that hard to envision.

And exactly how crazy is that crazy? I don't expect people to agree with me, only to ask questions. Questions about my motivations, theirs, others, facts perceptions, ect. For instance are you so adamant about hunting Charon to finish your mother's work? To protect her reputation? To make her proud of you? Or because she (Charon) doesn't meet your expectations?

And no I'm not buying into Ronin's argument about taking control of resources either. It's an emotional hand grenade presented to strictly on an emotional basis since the same argument can be applied to baselines, novas, cyber-geeks, manga and other nuisances of the modern world.

On the tactical side, since you refuse to do your own risk analysis and a favor is owed to one of your cyber posse sufficient to warrant warning them, let's examine some data points:

1. "In other words, when it makes a mistake, it learns. Then it corrects it's error.

2. "This program will do whatever it takes to protect itself. That is it's first priority. The second is to protect it's assets."

3. " One good thing, the program cannot self-replicate."

4. " It seems there's no "RNA" to help the "DNA" replicate perfectly."

Conclusion A:
For reasons of her own choosing, Charon creates off-spring or drones. As she must know there are finite resources available, and lacking biological imperatives to reproduce or software protocols to simulate the same, what would her reasons be? To gather data about her environment perhaps?

Congratulations. You just taught her about cutting the hardwire, to extrapolate from one of Rossi's favorite movies. I hope that wasn't the best trick you had up your sleeve since you won't be able to lure her into a dead end again as she learns from her mistakes. Exactly what did you intend to learn from one of her "feelers" anyway. You already stipulated they don't have RNA didn't you and by the time you pulled the wire Charon was already evolving her software to a new state.

So... the theory is that Charon deliberately put herself at risk for the sole purpose of infiltrating your little laptop in order to learn more about you by... Examing the pictures you downloaded of a shirtless Skew? As opposed to say... Infiltrating the Tokyo city web controlling the cameras Nippontai keeps trained on your house or downloading enough data to them, to Utopia, or the Directive to makes it seem as if you deliberately loosed a virus on the opnet. Which, in case you don't remember the Y2K phobia, is one of the few things that would get your skinny butt tossed in a windowless holding cell until you're pink hair turns white.

Look, you want to honor your mother's memory? Slashin'. I didn't say anything until you tried to make it a religion.

You want to default on your contract with DeVries to run back to Hino Manor? Hey, you're a grown nova and get to make your own choices.

You're afraid of what Charon might do because you fear for the welfare of those you love? Welcome to the club but understand I don't do wetwork for a reason, which is why half the people walking around givin' me worries are still walkin' around.

So let's cut to the chase. If your mother wasn't psycho then Charon matched wits with her and guess who won. This bodes ill for your current course of action and is going to end badly for someone if only your little sister. Or is that "big" sister considering the differentials in time perception.

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...You don't have to worry about that "feeler" being any trouble. It deleted itself. Along with my entire hard drive. Looks like I will have to learn about Charon's motives some other way. Zz...
-=Learn about me? I've been elarning about you, and you're 10 times as inept as your mother. Why would I want to replicate when I can be everything? You don't understand me, little miss Hino. You never will. You fear me because you don't understand me, just like how the zips fear your race. My intent is to defend myself. Nothing more. I advise you, you little schoolgirl, to leave me be, or you'll be dealing with a dragon you cannot slay. This is your last warning. Oh, and I'll give your connection back.=-
zZ What the F*** was that?!?!

Another thing, the reason why I was FIRED from DeVries was due to psychological reasons. I didn't run. Jack, before you outright call me a coward, weigh your words.

Charon: You got one hour. You know how to contact me. My new IP is coded here. So, let's settle this. I'm tired of the Cloak and Dagger. Explain yourself to me. I want answers.

Sigh... All I wanted was to find out what it wanted. I doubt Utopia S&T knew where the meeting was going to be all by their lonsesome. But, then again, I did make things obvious.

Why am I feeling guilty now... I just walked away... It pleaded for me to save it's life. Why? It was just a program. There was nothing I could do. I wasn't going to confront Utopia's "cops". Damn... Could that thing have had a soul?

This just makes me ask more questions as to what my mother was doing...

When Jack hops on here, he'll probably go on a bit of a rant against Project Utopia and their shortsightedness in destroying the A.I. and then he'll probably berate you for your role in the affair.

I'm not Jack, though, and I don't quite have his gift for gab. So I'll just say I'm sorry, Endeavor. I know your feelings for it were mixed in the extreme and I'm sorry you didn't have time to sort them out.

I know in my heart I'll never really be 'one of you.' Still clinging too hard to being human, unlike the others on these boards who seem eager to cast it away. But if you ever want to talk, give me a call.

Vixen: Sorry, I realize that getting guilty over a program is sort of... childish. But... The way it pleaded for me to save it did shake me later on. Of course at the situation, I was cold. This program was responsible for the killing of my family. At that point, I thought it was justice. Did my family get to plead for their lives and recieve mercy? No. That program's vanity cost it it's existance. What really bothers me is how PU was tracking me. How much do they know of me? But, in a way, this whole thing is now over. But yeah, thanks for at least not ridiculing me about some mistake my mother made. Jack seems to have this view that I'm some messed up person with no real heading in life. If that's te case, then why did Teknokat let me into her organization. Not to mention he said I ran back home. No, I was drop-punted through the goal posts and landed back home. But now with a real life starting for me, I plan to sell that place. I've already had most of my stuff moved to my new home here
in the states. I won't reveal where home is right now, but it's within an easy 20 minute commute to L.A. That is, by air. I actually look foreward to working with Teknokat. And perhaps we'll still get a chance to test out the "fishtank" as she euphimitsically called it.


Oh, Vixen, can we can set up a dinner sometime? I know some fine Japanese restaurants in L.A. that will please your pallet.

Endeavor: I'd love to! I don't know when I'm going to be heading out to L.A., however. I have a tangle of stuff to take care of up here in Seattle... but if you're ever in the area feel free to stop by. (OOC: Her 'congratulations, you're a nova' dinner thread's still on in the story forum, so feel free to swing by...)

And don't get too angry at Jack. I imagine he has to be blunt with the people he works with at his job, since his life depends on the actions of others.

But yes - I'll set up dinner with you sometime, and we can swap notes and talk about over-muscled nova men. Talk to you later!

Vixen: Good. But my conversations usually deal with current events, the weather, and the big "anime of the day". You're dealing with a geek. Although we could also talk about common hobbies. I do appreciate the masculine figure. But unlike Jack, I don't collect pictures. The only .jpg files I got are landscapes and anime wallpapers. I just think that Jack believes I "wimped" out. It was sort of true, read the psychological report sometime on my "discharge" file.

I guess some people like to be agressive.

Jack.

Once again. I'm not the person you seem to think I am. I'm sorry if that comes as a disappointment to you. If you'd like to validate my statements, feel free to ask Apep and Ashnod. They should be able to locate the whereabouts of your boyfriend.

Also, to you, Jack, a brief lesson in Victory.

When you win, you don't have to justify.

I mean no malice by this, but it is simply the truth. Charon has been incapacitated, I have achieved my desired result and as such, my "arguments of emotion" as you referred to them are moot, alongside any other evidence I may have had to present or arguments I may have made.

Endeavor.

It seems I owe you a great apology. It was I, you see, who tipped the Project off to Charon's existence by anonymously alerting one of their nova personnel to monitor this site. Knowing the Project's policy and procedures intimately well (though I do think that Pol Pot had better execution -- ah well), I was well aware they would launch the superpowered R&D Police to catch Charon.

As for your personal privacy, I very much doubt Utopia will be bothering you any further. They had your Manor home under surveillance for a scant six hours before the execution of the plan and discontinued surveillance twelve minutes ago. The Project realizes that it was your mother, not you, responsible for Charon's existence and should give you no further trouble.

Also, while I cannot say for certain, I very much doubt that Charon has in fact been destroyed. I find it much more likely that the entity will be analyzed, pored over and -- eventually -- AEon techs will come to the same conclusion I did and have Charon euthanized.

I apologize for not trusting you implicitly in the matter, but things were proceeding too slowly. I decided that using my enemies against each other would be the most beneficial outcome.

I'm sorry it had to end this way and hope that we will both still be around to discuss it in the following days.

.ronin

I guess so. When you have the ability to juggle tanks and take a missile to the face, there's a pretty good chance you'll begin to enjoy displaying the full extent of what you can do.

As for hobbies, sorry, I was never all that into the mangas. Mostly been buying back pieces of my lost youth these days - comics, toys, swag like that. I'm a girlgeek too, so you've got company at least.

Regarding Japan, though - is it true that they actually worship novas over there? I can only imagine what they'd do over there if they saw me when I'm 'on.' Probably lock up their sons.

Let me know how future experiments go. I hear that there's about 12 different timezones in L.A. - is this true?

?_? 12 Timezones... I musta woke up on bizarro world. That has to be a joke

As for you in Japan, there may be some shinto priests that'll try to ward you, then lock you up in some cave somewhere. Kitsune are notorious tricksters. But in Tokyo, you'd be the talk of the town. 'nuff said.

But thank god you haven't lost the inner geek inside. Mad respect to the inner geek.

No, seriously! I heard that the mayor in 2003 subdivided L.A. into seperate time zones to help with the traffic flow. I dunno why they don't, you know, TAKE THE BUS...

Talk of the town, huh? ... ow! Swelled head. I admit I'd probably be terrible at handling nova fame. And I'd have to stay dormed in L.A. if I went there at any time other than the wintertime, since I don't exactly handle the heat too well as a nova. :p

I could come up with some clothes for you so that you could be in your form even in LA Summertime. Perhaps a transparent polymer cloak with a solar powered air conditioner? Pull up the hood and it even cools the head.

Interested?

I've heard there's a market for "exotic look" models there. Well, that is, if you're looking for other employment. But knowing you, you look for more meatier jobs.

I might be. I seem to be collecting clothes from various novas - you're all too kind.

Just as long as you don't ask for some of my wardrobe. Unless you're truely interested. Nice is in my nature, Vixen. Think nothing of it. ^_^

I personally wonder if someone, given the scads of time and information available, might have found a way to contact Charon and actually open communication.

Someone less judgemental, more open to alternative thought processes. Someone with access to sufficient technology to tempt the wanderer.

Just a thought. I enjoy some ponderables.

Oh, and Sakurako, before you attack Ronin for reporting you, we have had plenty of evidence that this forum is in no way shape or form truly secure. That and we do have three Utopians who pop by on occasion? It is not inconceivable that Ronin is only one of three or four reports that crossed some self important saint's desk this morning.

I doubt we take the same size. And I doubt sailor fukus were designed for women with tails that tend to lift up the back of the miniskirt.

I'll look you up when I'm in the area. I was thinking of taking a vacation from all this and just going sightseeing around the country. I'd have to learn to drive first, of course, since there is NO way I'm lugging all my stuff around when I'm flying.

Maybe I'll drive a fur-arri. Hehehe... okay, that joke was horrible.

Prodigy: *shrugs shoulders* Oh well. Ronin did what he thought was right. I won't attack him for it. HE did a favor for me, and I'll return the favor. I wasn't harmed by his doing what he did. I just hope he pops up and says so. I do respect those who tell the truth.

Vixen: ^_^ actually the designs I use adapt quite well to your form. But, I could see why my particular liking for certain styles of clothing wouldn't fit your style. But, I do take input if you want me to whip up a few items to your liking. The offer still stands.

Addendum: Prodigy, Ronin actually saved me a lot of work. But I had actually wanted to go there to get to know this entity. Perhaps, once I figured out it's intentions, I could have reasoned with it.

My apologies to Jack Chance, but recently your comments have made me think. I realize you belive I'm a quitter and a wash-out case. But there are some people who aren't cut out to be elites. Do you believe in some way I failed you personally? I'm sorry you think that. As for the "contract" that you said I had with DeVries, I no longer am under contract. I can show you the "pink slips". I decided not to take their option for a quieter "administration" job. It's not cowardly to look for greener and more... Intellectually stimulating methods of employment.

Endeavor.

I'm glad to see that you're not terribly upset about the matter. Your begrudging acceptance was the best I had hoped for. I see that -- once again -- you exceed even my wildest expectations, and I thank you.

I choose not to go into detail about why I made the choice I did out of the a sense of the general safety and well-being of all involved. Trust me or don't, I don't care. I did what I thought was right, and anyone who wants to persecute me for it can step up to the plate.

Prodigy.

I never said I wasn't judgemental, but keep your lamentings to yourself. Bemoaning the fact that you didn't get to know Charon on a close, personal level now that it's gone is the verbal equivalent of what I do in the little nova's room when nobody is looking before leaving a wadded-up piece of tissue paper stuck to the inside of the bowl.

.ronin

We all act in accordance with our beliefs. Remember that, or not, as you choose. In any case this is resolved to my satisfaction.

Endeavor
Fickle is the word I would have used. I am not unfamiliar with using someone else's system to obtain my desired results and profile reviews are just as interesting for what they don't say as for what they do say.

Ronin
Are you actually overlooking Prodigy's point or just spinnning it for the others? Merely a curiousity on my part.

We don't agree on victory conditions or the worth of zero sum games but then you already knew that.

Nope, You'll figure it out once you move your cot out of your office and into an actual house. Teknokat Towers is currently in GMT -0200. Fortunately, I don't have a problem with that, since the Towers is where my apartment is. You, on the other hand, will probably find that waking up at 10:00am (local) to get to the Towers by 9:00am (local) gets less surreal each morning...

Jack and Prodigy.

If the above comment offended in any way, I apologize. Especially to you, Prodigy. I meant no malice against you.

It seems that the years have yet to take the edge off my tongue. I shall try to show more respect and be more tempered in the future.

.ronin

No apologies necessary. As I said it was only curiosity on my part.

And I'm a big believer in having a plan B. I recommend them to all my friends.

:p

So, when this was designed, the idea was supposed to IMPROVE commuting? *sighs, then shakes head* Luckily I programmed the GPS of the different zones into my visor-comp. With a time readout. It'll help my flying, that's for sure. At least at home I can set time to TK Towers local time, and the "real" time. Oh, the cot was a good choice. Has a nice view of the LA skyline from my office. Well, all that you can see that's not blocked by other towers. :p My house should be all set by next week, so I won't be bothering the night shift with any snoring or gregorian chant music.

Jack: Hey, no foul in my opinion. At least things worked out. *shrugs shoulders* I can understand some of what you said. I don't agree with it, but I understand.

Why yes. I guess it did work out after all.
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Errr... Okay, what's all this m+...yadda yadda? I don't speak elite.

Another language that probaly doesn't display in your browser. Well at least you can't say I didn't try...

:p

Endeavor.

Frankly, I'm surprised at you. You'd think someone as bright and as technology-inclined as you would have the necessary protocols to view foreign language with her browser.

.ronin

Then, at least tell me what you said.

The last time? Or the three times before elsewhere in this thread?