OOC: Since I have been AWOL for awhile while my job got really busy, I will start a new thread here where we left off with a quick recap.

RECAP:

OVERALL RECAP:
You were sent to investigate the research facility (which is a very large biodome).  You have encountered some crazed robots and odd hybrids of robots with animals and plants (the giant bees, ants, flowers, giant tree, etc.).  Oddly, the flowers were very insulting to clones and mentioned that they only serve EVE, not The Computer.

A supercomputer named EVE appears to be in control of the biodome from a tower in the center.  A message found on a dead researcher said they were not supposed to let EVE interact with the Computer.  The robots so far seem to be under EVE's control (or at least, programming given them by EVE).  They continue to ask strange questions about your allegience to either EVE or The Computer.

Although you were technically all infrared, you were given a field promotion to yellow by a crazed researcher who ran off when the crazed, heavily armed robots began chasing you.

You have found a number of items, which are in the Character and Adventure Information thread.  Strangely colored translucent crystals put in the right sequence seem to open otherwise locked doors.  You also have a couple of walkie talkies, 4 green clearance uniforms, some laser pistols, decontamination suits, and other items.

Some of these items look like they were hurriedly abandoned or that their owners just vanished, leaving their belongings behind.

The party has found strange coffin-like stasis devices.  Using the translucent crystals, one of the occupants, Max, was released.  He raved on about EVE being "mad," about Project Merger being both a success and a failure, and about how her "mergermatics" put him in the stasis box ("canned" him).  He said EVE will "merge us all."  He tells you that you must stop Project Merger.  When asked if Project Merger is anti-Computer, he stated that it is too much about love of the Computer.  He told you to remember the numbers 34, 21, and 1.6190476.

Because EVE is currently cut off from communication with THE COMPUTER, the tension level is currently 0.


You also remember the following told to you by your guide robot:
The robot says, "EVE is a divergent AI from the Computer.  EVE seeks to reunite with the Computer but operates independently from it.  The bots are approaching from the south along the road.  The stasis chambers will preserve all wetware indefinitely.  Do not resist or you may be summarily executed.  Have a nice day."


You lost three members just outside the tower.  Johnny was injected with something and put in a stasis chamber by the robots.  Rob and Fletch were stuck outside and couldn't make it through the closing doors in time.  Their fate is unknown.

CURRENT SITUATION:
You entered the tower into a garage area, finding machines that were animal-plant-machine hybrids.

Upon leaving the garage area, a robot approached, asking if you were emissaries from the Computer or were there for brainscrubbing.  You say you are inspecting.  The hallway Ts to the left and right, with a sign on the left reading "BIOHAZARD brainscrubbing datamerging disassembly reassembly," and a sign on the right statings, "E.V.E. SCIENCE R&D barracks labs."

You go to the right, which then curves to the left.  You notice dirt covers the floor, not dust, but dirt, as though it has been hauled in.  Recorded messages periodically come over the intercom in a soothing woman's voice.  One says: "Remember, you will be praised for your initiative for taking any unauthorized actions, just before you are summarily executed for insubordination."  Another says, "Remember, here at EVE, you don't die until I say you do.  Have a pleasant daily existence."

There are 6 doors in this hall before it T's off again.  The left are restrooms and locker room, and the right is a room marked "LAB" but with a sign that says "Indigo Access Only."

In the restroom, you found a broken scrubbot.  Vilfred tried unsuccessfully to repair/pacify it and accidentally destroyed the robot.  Your guide robot scolded her for that act of cruelty.

You went in the locker room, finding it overgrown with vines, moss, and foliage.  The lockers were open; some were broken.  Back in the corner by the showers, there was a yellow clad corpse with a briefcase and a metal object.

Vines and flowers attacked Vilfred as she approached, vines wrapping around her leg.  Justin shoots but accidentally hits Copper in the head, killing him.  After a struggle, you escape back into the bathroom with Vilfred holding the briefcase and metal object.

Here is a rough map of what you have seen so far of the tower.  It is not up to my normal map standards, but I wanted you to have something visual to make decisions by.



AND NOW, ON WITH THE STORY...

Vilfred inspects the metal object and the briefcase.  The briefcase is locked with a dial lock, two four digit dials (the kind where you turn the numbers and when they are all the right number, it will unlock).

The metal object is solid steel round rod about the size of a toilet paper roll.  You can see that it can be twisted open to reveal what it holds inside.  Inscribed around the metal container are the words "INDIGO ACCESS ONLY."

Vilfred looks at the briefcase first, experimenting with the tumblers to see if she can feel them fall into place as she turns them. (Hardware 07)

Gene watches Vilfred and says, "Ten million.  Yep, that's the number of potential combinations in that lock.  Ten million. It's going to take us a long time if you plan on trying out each one.  Let's start with 00000001, then 00000002, then 00000003, and then, let's see, how about 00000004.  I can go on if you want.  I don't think your way will work, but as long as you're doing it that way, you may want to sanitize those hands.  That briefcase has been in the hands of a corpse, and we all know what kinds of germs are on rotting corpses.  As hygiene officer..."  He stops and takes a step away from the briefcase as he considers all those germs.

Vilfred tries to pick the lock but fails.  (Skill failure.)

Just then, you turn around, hearing the approach of feet.  Your guns are raised, lasers pointed at the doorway.  Suddenly you are feeling accustomed to fighting and violence.  It's a good thing The Computer (generally speaking) is not opposed to such things.

Three figures round the corner, and you open fire.  Luckily, your shots all go wide, because you see Rob, Johnny and Fletch standing in front of you.  Your three former companions have somehow made it past the robots, entered the building, and caught up with you.

As they round the corner, Johnny takes the pen that he had been using to mark their directions in his notebook and puts it into his mouth, chewing on the end thoughtfully.

As the blaster bolts fly high and wide, he ducks.  He then stands back up and says "Hrm, whawa th fo?"

Gene says, "Well, I'm glad we didn't wait to try all ten million combinations.  That would take the lifetime of all my clones."  When they narrowly miss the newcomers, he says, "Well, there we have it.  One, two, three members of our party are back.  And not even their clones  Sorry we left you back there, but as you know, the needs of the Computer outweigh the needs of the clone.  And next time, announce if you're getting close.  Wasn't there a saying about traitors always sneaking up on their friends?"

He holsters his weapon and goes out to the hall, waiting for the team leaders to show him which way to go as he faces north.

As soon as he finds himself under fire, Fletch cries out in panic ''Bot attack! More of EVE's malfunctioning robots ahead!''
He dives out of the doorway again.

Only when things have calmed down he crawls forward again.
''Praise the Computer you are safe, Team Leader!'' Strange enough he seems to be adressing the guide bot.
''Shall I dismantle the head plate of one of the bots and look for the error in the bot software, Team Leader?''

He approaches Gene and reaches for his toolkit.

Doing his very best to hide behind the ducking form of Johnny, Rob yells out

Shield me for friend computer! It's the loyal thing to do.

Your guide robot wheels on out to the hallway.  "We must be on to EVE, if you will.  You have destroyed a robot and EVE projects.  There must be a reckoning.  You have each earned three demerits.  EVE will not be pleased."  The robot is ready to move north down the hall.

The five doors along the hall are numbered "LAB 1" through "LAB 5," respectively, starting from the bottom and going up left to right.

LAB 1 says "Indigo Access Only"
LAB 2 and LAB 3 say "Blue Access Only"
LAB 4 says "Green Access Only" and
LAB 5 says "Yellow Access Only"

The hall T's off at the end, with a sign pointing left that says "BARRACKS" and a sign pointing right that says "R&D"

Fletch trails after Gene-R-STK, trying to inspect the latter's forehead and stymied by the lack of a detachable access plate.
''This is somewhat uncommon for a robot. I might have to fall back on more basic methods...''

He searches in his tool box for something - most likely a welding laser.

Gene says, "Maybe we should try going into Lab 5 first.  We're yellow clearance level now, after all.  That's not a violation."  He looks to the team leaders for approval.

Mark says, "As long as you do it happily, I agree.  Let's see what's going on in these labs, but I bet you a credit these scientists were up to no good."  He will proceed to Lab 5 if the team leader agrees.

Carrying the briefcase, considering the number of combinations possible, Vilfred examines the metal tube as the group moves down the hall. She pauses, looking at its ends, determining how to open it, then looks up at the mention of yellow clearance. "Yes," she says. "Lab 5 or R&D."

Poking into Gene-R-STK's side, Fletch is surprised by its apparent squishiness. He squints distrustful at Gene.
''Say, are you a robot at all?''

I'm fine with going anywhere just as long as everyone is happy about it. If you might not be feeling as happy as you should I can help.

Rob finished with his cowering started to stand next to Vilfred and smile right next to his head with a big toothy smile.

"Hey team leader, let's sing a song. How about we sing the theme from the vid show Gilligan's Sector in the style of Who's treason is it anyways. That way we can all get a chance to be happy and singing and all sing together. You should all be happy singing.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Mon 13 Oct 2014.

You enter the YELLOW clearance lab.  Inside, you see shelves over three of the four walls.  These shelves are crowded with objects, and by crowded, I mean that two of the wall shelves are weighed down with jars all pressed together so there is not any space left to put anything else, not even a book.

The jars filling these shelves are of various sizes and contain various parts of the human anatomy (on one wall), parts of plants and other flora (on another wall), and on the third wall, though not in jars, are a number of robotic and machinery parts.

In the center of the room is a large operating table with very bright lights above it.  Though the operating table is empty at the moment, you see dark reddish spots on the table and the nearby floor that indicate it was not thoroughly cleaned.

On the fourth wall, there is a countertop with some beakers and small tools, and a computer interface.  The computer is turned off at the moment.

Another announcement comes over the intercom in that pleasant woman's voice:  "At the sound of the Red Clone screaming for his life, it will be 3 p.m."  Just after that, you hear a man's voice say, "What?  Why?  No!  NOOO!  For the love of the Computer...WHYYYYY!"  His screams stop abruptly, and you hear a chime mark the time, followed by that woman's voice saying:  "Enjoy the rest of your day and remember that it is not the size of the treason that counts, except when it is, which is always and never.  Good day."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:07, Mon 13 Oct 2014.

Fletch looks from Gene-R-STK to the various part shelves to the operating table and back again to Gene-R-STK. ''I GET IT!'', he yells.

''You are some new kind of human-guise robot, eh? I knew it! Highly illegal, I guess, huh? Your creator being borderline traitorous, yes? No worry. Your secret is safe with me, for now. We will see what you can do for me later.'' He pats Gene-R-STK on the back.

Then Fletch shuffles forward to take a look at the machine part shelves, as is his righteous duty as Equipment Officer.

Gene says, eyes darting from side to side, "I am a clone, just like you.  It would be treason to pretend to be a clone if you are a robot.  If robots can even commit treason, that is.  Which is not the point because I am most definitely not a robot  But maybe it is treason to accuse someone of being a robot when they are a loyal clone in service to The Computer."

At seeing the jars, Gene starts counting.  "1...5...15...how many per row?  Let's verify the total."  He continues counting but then stops and sees the bloodstains.  "Now that is definitely not hygenic and must be a violation of at least a dozen code provisions.  How can people work with such filthy stains?  Surely there are demerits involved with this installation."

Finally, he calms down and resumes counting the jars.  "Shall we also count how many of each body part there are?" he says rhetorically.

He will also search for any cleaning supplies, including soap, that might be in the room.

In reply to Gene-R-STK (msg # 18):

Gene you don't seem happy. I know health code violations can be bad but you must always be happy. I can't allow any SSM in this squad. Our mission is too important. Here take one of these and we can be happy together. Rob offers you a mood stabalizer.

Vilfred, too, counts the items on the shelves. She cannot help herself; there are so many. She counts the body parts, the plant parts, and the machine parts in turn, voicing the total after each section.

As she does this, she continues to fiddle with the metal tube she picked up. She examines the ends to determine how to open it.

Mark says, "I can't believe we walked into this chop shop.  I'll bet you a credit we're going to end up in jars just like those.  But Rob is right, we must be happy."  He squeaks nervously -- hic.

He goes to the computer and tries to turn it on.  (Electonics engineering 10.)

While the others are counting, Johnny takes the pen out of his mouth long enough to start writing down what he sees on the shelves.  He takes particular notes of the machinery parts.  He lets the others figure out this room.

Mark successfully turns on the computer while the others are counting and writing.  (Good job, Mark, you successfully pushed a button!)

Vilfred can't figure out at the moment how the metal object opens exactly, though it might be meant to be placed in some machinery that would open it up.  Or maybe she could just twist the top and it would open.  Only by trying will she ever know for sure.  She does see the words INDIGO ACCESS ONLY written in large letters across its side.

The computer boots up quickly.  Words across the front read:

COMPUTER LOCKED
BIOMETRIC SCAN TO UNLOCK
PLACE RIGHT INDEX FINGER HERE

Then there is a touch box where you can put your finger to scan it.

In the bottom right corner of the screen is a box with the word OVERRIDE.

Over the intercom, the pleasant woman's voice announces:  Remember that The Computer has determined that littering is treason, punishable by summary execution.  EVE has expanded that rule so that complaining about littering is verbal littering, also punishable by summary execution.  Have a pleasant litter free day.

Eve stows the cylinder away for now, to return to later. She examines the plant parts (Outdoor Life 11) to see whether there's any unifying characteristics.

Vilfred examines the plant specimens.  (Success!)  Vilfred realizes that the parts are essentially spare parts being preserved to be later attached to whatever poor soul becomes the next hybrid animal-robot-plant thing.

An announcement overhead says: Workers, it is now time for your mandatory lunch break.  Please start now.  Your lunch break ends in 5...4...3...2...1.  Your break is now over.  Please get back to work.

''Sure, you are not a robot.'' Fletch smiles and winks demonstratively with one eye at Gene, signaling he understands.

His search of the machine parts shelve does not seem to bear any results. ''Bah,'' he says.
''This is all rubbish. Just robot limbs - nothing we could use as equipment or weaponry.''
Actually Fletch is somewhat relieved. Experimental weapons are not really his forte and tend to make him feel insecure.

''Hey, you, the robot with the suitcase.'' He is adressing no one less than team leader Vilfred.
''I see there's a number lock on it. Hand it to me, will you?''

Mark will see if his finger works in unlocking the computer, and invites the others to try if his doesn't.

With a wicked grin on his face Rob says, "Team leader, Gene is refusing to take his prescribed mood stabalizers right away, please make a note of it in the mission logs. Gene failing to take medication is treason and as such I must fine you 100 credits and insist that you take the medication right now."

Gene says, "I never refused anything.  Did you know that trying to cause dissension among the ranks of troubleshooting clones could be treasonous?  Perhaps your overzealousness in making accusations is a result of your contact with nonhygenic robots before you rejoined our group.  But fine, I'll take the mood stabilizers.  Where are they?"

He holds out one hand for the stabilizers while trying out his finger on the computer Mark is operating on the other, if needed.

When that is done, he says to Fletch, "Time for your PHT (Personal Hygiene Test) anyway.  Since you came back from dealing with those robots, we need to make sure you can pass your PHT."  Gene pulls out his PHTCMK (Personal Hygiene Test and Cleanliness Maintenance Kit) to start the test after taking the mood stabilizer and putting his finger on the computer.

Rob smiles and says "Failure to be prompt causes failed missions as I am certain we all know. Now please do try to be more prompt in the future. Now here take your medication. " With that he hands you a mood stabalizer. After doing so Rob holds out his hand waiting for your credits. You still have a fine to pay.

Looking over to Fletch he says, " Oh of course Fletch had much more contact with the robots than I did. I hope you will be extra thorough in your inspection Gene."

Gene hands over the credits and says, "Oh, don't worry.  You're inspection comes right after Fletch."

Vilfred hands Fletch the briefcase, saying "10 million combinations," under her breath, before going to the computer. She eases in front of Gene, pressing down on his thumb to obscure his print before checking the box that says Override. (Software 05, Operating Systems 01)

No one's fingers appear to work.  Each time a finger is placed over the symbol on the screen, an annoying sound of rejection emits from the computer.

Then Vilfred touches the "override" button.  A new screen appears:

OVERRIDE SELECTED
PLEASE ENTER PASSWORD: _________

20 Seconds Until Self Destruct.  Please stand clear, as explosion has a 15 yard radius.

For reminder hint, press here:  <PRESS>


The countdown then begins.  19...18...17...

Simultaneously, the door to the hallway closes and locks.  A red flashing alarm goes off over the door.  A robotic voice says over the intercom, "Possible intrusion in Lab 5.  Sending security robots to investigate in 30 seconds if alarm is not reset."

The pleasant female voice then says over the intercom, "Approved, Security Chief.  Proceed."

16...

Multi-corder shouldered and powered on, Cop frames the shot and engages the steady-cam feature to minimize frame vibration. He is certain to check through the eye-piece that the monitor is in clear focus and also double-checks the sound levels so as not to miss a heartbeat of audio. " Approved? ...okay... then uh, Team Leader, why is it still counting down?" he asks, taking a safe step back before glancing behind him to see if he has at least a 20 yard clearance to safely capture the imminent explosion without damaging his equipment. " Perhaps we should proceed sixteen yards further and continue our discussion there." he suggests with an encouraging smile and an added vigorous head nod of agreement with his own great idea. It was fun dying in service to The Computer, but it is way more fun living in servitude.

Vilfred throws all her computer science mojo at the terminal in an attempt to find the correct password. She does so for 20 seconds, and if she's able, she continues to do so after that. As part of that attempt, she presses the password-reminder icon.

Hardware 07
Software 05
Bot Programming 09
Data Analysis 09
Operating Systems 01

''Hey there, wait a moment! Since when are robots entitled to conduct PHT's? Oh wait, full cover, no robot, I remember.'' Fletch would wink at Gene, but he is too busy sniffing inconspicuously at his armpits. PHT's are not to be taken lightly, and only commie terrorists stink of sweat. Of course running around in this hell of a biosphere does not help matters either.
Then Fletch has an idea though. Wearing an expression of ultimate cunning he replies to Gene ''Just a moment. However, as you are surely aware, I am this team's Equipment Officer, and duty bound to conduct thourough Random Surprise Inspections. And I have to add, after an extended and refreshing PHT I am so energized that I am prone to do very extensive and thourough RSI's. I call it the principle of mutual ..., uh, construction. If you take my meaning.''

Somewhere around then he notices that his collegues have become somewhat agitated and are hustling around. Fletch has actually blanked out the machine voice transmitted over the speakers, since it is so unnerving and, well, apparently mad.

Shrugging with his shoulders he bends over the suitcase he has got from Vilfred, muttering ''It's a hundred million possible combinations actually. Robots ought to be able to do better calculations. Commie terrorists might have gotten at its software...''
He then fiddles with the two number combination locks to see whether he can open the thing.

Mark squeaks in nervousness. "Uh, Copper, by 'approved,' I think she meant that she was approving of sending a security robot down here to take care of us if the alarm doesn't go off.  That of course assumes we don't die in the explosion.  I think the room is smaller than 15 yards across, and we're now locked in.  Vilfred, I'm pretty good with computers, but maybe not the best. I'll help!"

He will go in and try to assist Vilfred, and will definitely make sure the password reminder button gets pushed, trying to hold back his nervous squeaking.

"I bet you a credit we don't--  Oh, forget it."

Software = 8

Copper pops down the tri-pod for his multicorder and again, double checks that it is well focused on the monitor and double checking sound levels to insure every number is being recorded clearly on the count-down. He cracks the knuckles on both hands, his eyes scanning everywhere for a ventilation grating. Even if the team were blasted all over the room, he hoped to at least spare the multicorder and getting it all on video. " Anyone see a vent for the air conditioning system?" he asks, taking a step away from the tri-pod for a better view of the walls beyond his framed shot.

Fletch punches in some numbers that don't seem to work.

Mark and Vilfred jump in and punch numbers.  They can't make the timer stop, but somehow they miraculously (roll made) get it to reset to 30 seconds.  Then they realize it wasn't so miraculous.  It reset when the pushed the password reminder.

Upon pushing the spot for password reminder, the following appears on the screen:


1
11
21
1211
111221
_ _ _ _ _ _


The cursor appears for you to type in the password number.

The countdown continues...

29...28...27...26...

Vilfred thinks, screwing up her face, then enters: 312211.

Vilfred enters the number, and the alarms immediately go off, and the countdown ends.

OVERRIDE ACCEPTED

pops up on the screen, and the pleasant woman voice says over the intercom: "Please cancel security breach alarms and return to your stations.  Thank you."

The screen pops up with the following:

WELCOME TO LAB INTERFACE FOR LAB 5
YELLOW ACCESS OR ABOVE ONLY BEYOND THIS POINT.
DO YOU HAVE YELLOW LEVEL CLEARANCE?

[YES/NO]

"Oh good. We aren't going to be blown into tiny pieces and then shot to death by security robots. This is great. Kinda like that time in What's my console done now when Har-V finally figured out how to get his system from spitting disks at him all the time."

Rob looked really happy. This turn of events meant everyone would survive to see another day.

Copper laughs out loud, relieved that he and his camera would live to record another day-cycle. He literally skips over to his multicorder, confirming that it had indeed captured every moment (and keystroke) for later editing and use. Removing the recorder from the tripod, he zooms in on the mission leader awaiting her next command (and keystroke).
This message was last edited by the player at 08:11, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

Mark furls his brow and says, "How did you know the right numbers?  Are you in collusion with the enemy?  Because that would be treason, you know."  He waits patiently for an answer, not making any accusations just yet.

Fletch makes a disapproving tsk sound and tries some other number variations , but his pessimistic mien shows that he does not expect any of those to work either.

At least all that ruckus around him has stopped. Ah, yes, it had been some kind of alarm.

OOC: Vilfred already got the correct numbers, Fletch.  Now, you just have to hit "yes" or "no" on the screen to confirm if you have yellow clearance or above.

Fletch tries all those numbers on the briefcase, but they do not seem to work.

Vilfred sighs in relief as the klaxons stop. She glares briefly at Mark. "It's a number puzzle," she says.

She pauses, to think a moment. "I am lying to Eve, not the Computer," she says, quietly, before hitting Yes, asserting Yellow clearance.

When she hits "YES," another message pops up:

PROJECT IN PROCESS
Project Merger
Lab 5
Specimen No. 58483901

RESUME EXPERIMENT?

[YES/NO]

Finished with his moot attempts to open the suitcase Fletch strolls over to the monitor everyone else is gathering at. Reading what's written there he says ''Oh, lab 5, that's us. Who is specimen No. 58483901?''

He gazes at the operation table, but it is still kind of empty.

''We could put one of the robots on it, just to see what happens. Not not-robots of course,'' he winks conspiciously at Gene.

Gene says, "Well, yes, we non-robots don't want to be experimented on."  Then he turns to Vilfred: "What about you, team leader?  Do you want to push the YES button and see what happens?  Perhaps you want to ask Fletch to volunteer to sit on the table?  It would be a great service to The Computer to see what this experiment does, don't you think?"

''No, no, I am not a robot either,'' Fletch hurriedly declines. And then realizes he has another set of 8 numbers to try on the suitcase lock.
''Waitaminute...''
He sets the suitcase number locks to 5848 and 3901.

"Perhaps it is an experiment to remove the mutant defect from clones. We should have one of our registered mutants get on the table so we can find out. If it works then they will be slightly less treasonous." Rob thought out loud.

Copper stays behind the multicorder, doing his best to capture the drama of every decision for later reference and educational purpose. He looks up with a glare at Rob for suggesting that he as a registered mutant were somehow less valuable to the team than anyone else. He shakes it off, a grin returning as he considers other possible options. " So where to they keep the specimens? Perhaps we could locate 58483901 and resume where R&D left off? Using anything else could have adverse effects on their ongoing experiment." he says from behind the viewfinder of his recorder.

Vilfred listens to each team member in turn, as she thinks. "I think we do not want to resume Project Merger," she says. "We've already met some of its handiwork, and I do not think that Eve and the Computer are seeing eye to eye these days -- or this sector would not have cut contact."

Her hand hovers above the keys. "My question is how do we stop Eve and restore her connection with the Computer, a connection that seems necessary and beneficial to all?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Mon 27 Oct 2014.

" Reboot the system?" Cop asks. That's what he always did when his recorder gave him error readings. A simple power down and power up usually solved any glitches in the software.

"Oh does anybody have any wire? All we have to do is plug one end here and the other end back in the rest of alpha complex. "

Vilfred clicks on No.

FLetch tries the numbers of the specimen on the briefcase, but they do not work.

As Rob moves forward with his idea, he trips over Copper's leg, bounds forward into Vilfred just as she is about to push "NO," and his hand lands on the "YES" icon on the screen.

Immediately, the locks engage on the door leading out of the lab, and the screen lights up with:

EXPERIMENT RESUMED

LAB 5 QUARANTINED UNTIL COMPLETION OF EXPERIMENT

PLACE SPECIMEN 58483901 ONTO LABORATORY TABLE

NO SPECIMEN DETECTED

REPLACE WITH ALTERNATE SPECIMEN:  [YES/NO]

ABORT EXPERIMENT?  [YES/NO]
Aborting Experiment Will Result In Complete Incendiary Decontamination of Lab, Resulting In Your Demise and Demerits For Your Next Clone.

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:55, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Fletch gawks at Rob reaching past Vilfred and then at the audible lock of the security doors. The equipment officer might not be the brightest bulb in some regards, but he recognizes a clear-cut case when it is sitting right before his nose.

In a fluid move he draws his laser and points it at Rob.

''This robot is in collusion with EVE. It is a traitor!'' He screams with an overturning voice.
Only the dawning realization that they still need someone to put on the operation table stops his (slightly twitching) trigger finger.

Already annoyed by Fletch, Gene does what any non-robot annoyed clone would do.  He makes a counterpoint.  He raises his own laser pistol and points it at Copper.  "We all saw what happened.  Copper--a registered mutant, as you know--tripped Rob.  We can't trust mutants.  You know that, right?  Copper is the traitor here."

Mark draws his laser pistol and points it at Vilfred.  "I bet a credit that one of us doesn't make it out of here alive.  She is the team leader.  She could have easily stopped Rob from hitting the YES button by pushing him aside or swiping his hand away.  But she let him push it!  This must be part of a conspiracy or plot between them.  I don't know if you noticed, but Vilfred wasn't smiling when she went to push the button.  This just shows that she is not happily performing her duties and is exhibiting substandard morale.  But I think we can all resolve this by performing a group singalong.  That will assure me there is no traitorous plot afoot."

Vilfred stands, having already counted the guns -- 1-2-3 -- closes her eyes, and begins to sing:

Mine eyes have seen the coming of another Commie horde,
If I can hold them off alone Hot Fun is my reward,
"Please engage the menace, Citizen" I hear on my comcord,
When will the Vultures arrive?

Fletch looks at Vilfred and his laser, still pointed at Rob, is slightly wavering and sagging. He looks at Mark. ''Has she gone mad?''

In his mind he cannot help himself but imagine a horde of commie traitors being alarmed by Vilfred including an uncanny code phrase in her mad song and condemning them all to their doom.
He certainly wishes he was at home in his cubicle and reading his favorite plumbing journal.

Vilfred opens her eyes, looking from each person to each person, shrugging as she sings.

Glory, Glory, Hail Computer
Glory, Glory, Hail Computer
Glory, Glory, Hail Computer
My clone keeps marching on.

She then hits Yes next to the "REPLACE WITH ALTERNATE SPECIMEN:" prompt.

"OK, my friends, who volunteers?"

Mark drops his gun.  "I am impressed, fellow Troubleshooter.  You're singing skills are very untraitorous and most happy.  I bet a credit you're one of us who lives through this.  If we get a volunteer for a specimen, it really should be the registered mutant.  If we can happily endure collateral damage, that would be the happiest way to do it, I think."  He looks over at Copper.  "Do you happily volunteer, mutant?  Or are you going to have a substandard morale?"

Rob pulls himself upright. As he does so he draws his laser.
"You filthy mutant freak! You tripped me! Clearly you are trying to sabotage this mission. I knew we couldn't trust you. You disgusting mutant! You all saw it, he clearly tripped me! We should Kill the mutant!

16:10, Today: Rob-R-JBS-2 rolled 19 using 1d20. Infect Others With Enthusiasm 12.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Fletch did have his laser trained at Rob, and as Rob draws his own weapon, Fletch does what comes naturally. He shoots.

''Hands in the air, mutant scum!'' He calls out somewhat belatedly. And hopes he has not incinerated the commie, because, well, they need him for the lab table.


OOC: GM, opening fire! I suppose you do the rolls?

EDIT: Saw Rob's edit too late. Which of us goes first?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Moving away slightly from the terminal -- and looking for surveillance cameras in the R&D lab -- Vilfred resumes singing:

They're advancing on all sides now and I'll soon be overrun,
I try to open fire but there's a malfunction with my gun,
So I toss a nuke grenade and then turn tail and run,
When will the Vultures arrive?

Gene says, "Wait!  Copper's the mutant!  If he wants to prove his loyalty to the Computer, he should just volunteer himself.  Why are you shooting at Rob?"

He is still training his laser pistol on Fletch but won't pull the trigger yet.  He's looking around for moral support from the others, especially to Vilfred as the team leader.  "Only a traitor would call a non-mutant like Rob a mutant.  Perhaps you have not fully completed your PHT (personal hygeine test) and need an Emergency Sanitation Procedure to be performed."

Vilfred stops singing, clearly disappointed that no one else joined in: "Oh, you're no fun any more." She looks around the room. "Nobody shoots anybody," she says. "Please put your guns down so we can figure out how to get out of this room in one piece. We'll need everyone: robots, mutants, whatever."

From behind the multicorder, which he turns to now focus on Gene, Copper says, " The key word is REGISTERED - not mutant. As a REGISTERED mutant, The Computer has determined I am of value to the team. Only a traitor would devalue a fellow team member to such a point he would consider them 'disposable'. Tell us Gene, are you willing to cover the cost for the possible destruction of Computer Property? Who are you to determine what is worthless and what isn't? Also, have you even filed the requisite weapon discharge form?"

"Fletch, isn't Gene supposed to examine you?" Vilfred says. "Please hop up on the table." (Management 06, Oratory 10)

"Fletch watch where you point that you could hurt someone. As for you, registration or not you tripped me. We all saw it. Now we are stuck in here and you are clearly a traitor just like all the other mutant scum in alpha complex!

Johnny looks around. He had been busily taking careful notes of all the different items on the shelves, but when the alarms had started he quickly stopped that and starting taking even more careful notes of the treasonous and potentially treasonous activity taking place in the room.

But now that everyone is holding weapons, he quickly locks his notepad and puts it away, and draws his laser pistol too. He doesn't really know who to point it at though, so he just kind of waves it around casually in the general direction of the other troubleshooters.

"Mph Wph Vmphpp Meer!" he says.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Well, Fletch had pulled the trigger to strafe Rob with radiation death. Only to make mere *click click* noises. Sadly enough, weapon maintenance is not one of Fletch's strong suits.
''Uh? I have to check that... Anyway! Let's talk about something else!''
He puts his laser away, acting as if he never had it pointed at someone.

''No no, the PHT has been postponed. However, yes, I think we can learn the most by having the registered mutant undergoing this experiment. Imagine! We unveil the secrets of the mutant gene and present this knowledge to the Computer! We will all earn a recommendation! Including, of course, first and foremost, our brave mutant...''

Johnny spits the vial that in his mouth onto the floor and steps forward, his pistol still gripped in his hand.

"I will volunteer! Not volunteering is treason."

" Well in that case, ...I volunteer Johnny!" Copper says, seconding the motion. He smiled, proud that he was able to show his loyalty with volunteering.

Johnny smiles and puts his weapon away. He walks around the room with his empty hand outstretched, trying to shake hands with every clone, mutant and robot in the room.

"Remember, not shaking hands with volunteers when they volunteer is treason."

Vilfred shakes Johnny's hand, nodding solemnly. "Thank you for volunteering," she says. "I'll remember that next time we need a volunteer."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

Everything goes to chaos...

Rob attempts to infect everyone with enthusiasm but fails miserably to complete this task.

Fletch fires at Rob, but nothing happens.  He claims his weapon has malfunctioned, which is something for the equipment guy to check out, and admits he is not good at weapon maintenance.

Vilfred asks Fletch to get on the table for Gene to examine him, and her oratory and management skills are put to full use.  (Critical hit.)  Fletch does as requested, unable to refuse the leadership skills of Vilfred, the Team Leader, despite his initial protests.  Fletch is now on the lab table.

People still have laser pistols pointed at each other except for Johnny, who is trying to shake everyone's hand.

The computer still flashes the following:


EXPERIMENT RESUMED

LAB 5 QUARANTINED UNTIL COMPLETION OF EXPERIMENT

PLACE SPECIMEN 58483901 ONTO LABORATORY TABLE

NO SPECIMEN DETECTED

REPLACE WITH ALTERNATE SPECIMEN:  [YES/NO]

ABORT EXPERIMENT?  [YES/NO]
 Aborting Experiment Will Result In Complete Incendiary Decontamination of Lab, Resulting In Your Demise and Demerits For Your Next Clone.
 

"Our team leader has spoken and Fletch is on the table.  It is time to resume.  We must see what traitorous actions EVE is up to, and that means we have to see what this experiment does.  Otherwise, we cannot accurately report to the COmputer our duties as Troubleshooters."  Mark pushes the REPLACE WITH ALTERNATE SPECIMEN button.

Helping the volunteer onto the lab table, Copper makes it a point for the multicorder to catch his solemn handshake of appreciation. This footage was going to worth ten times its weight in credits once he had it all edited and ready for production in HRD. He pulls a can of Extra Classic Bouncy Bubble Beverage from his pack and offers it to Johnny, " One last belch before you go under the machine?" he asks, popping the tab on the self-chilling beverage that is the favorite of Infra and Ultra alike.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

When the "alternate specimen" is selected, robotic parts and arms immediately swing out from under the table, clamping Fletch down in place.  His legs and arms are now locked in place, with a metal bar also locking down his waist and head.  Bright hospital lights shine down from above as a large metal box begins unfolding itself and spreading to cover Fletch from head to toe, like a giant, upside down, high tech coffin.  When Fletch is fully covered except his head, hands and feet, lights beep on the outsides of the box to indicate progress of the experiment.  It currently states "0%."

Next, the computer display changes to state the following:


Please indicate desired percentage for survival of experiment subject:

__ __ % <ENTER>

_{Note that your subject cannot have an expected survival rate greater than 99%.  Please indicate a number from 01% to 99%.}

You also note that there are only two digits that can be typed into the screen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

Johnny is still trying to shake hands with all the people and robots in the room, but isn't really  paying attention to what he is doing... His head is turned watching the machine with great interest.

"As Loyalty Officer, I should warn you that taking unnecessary risks could be treason. 51% likelyhood of survival is acceptably non-treasonous ."

Fletch is developing serious doubts about this course of action. Vilfred's words have made excellent sense - a moment ago. Now he is not so sure anymore.

''Uh, waitaminute...''

" Aww, c'mon, ...Fletch is valuable member of our team! You should tack on another twenty percent just for that." Copper adds, still holding the opened can of Bouncy Bubble Beverage out to the poor clone laying on the table. " Here," he says to Fletch, " Have a BBB. It'll help calm you down."

Well I think that the higher his chances of survival the happier we would all be." Rob said with a huge smile.

Mark shrugs. "He's got a clone.  Is it more important that he survive or that we find out what the traitorous EVE is experimenting with back here? I say we set it to 33%."

Gene looks to Vilfred to push the buttons. "I don't care what it is set to, so long as it won't interfere with everyone's hygienic responsibilities.  They say that mutants are 44% less hygienic than non-mutants anyway."

Yes but Fletch is not a mutant. Unless of course you have something you want to share with the team Gene.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

"Let's go 80-90%," Vilfred says. "If that box does what I think it does, anything less could be more dangerous for us, as well as for Fletch."

Gene pushes 80%, stating to Rob, "Uh, no, what I meant was that he is likely to me more hygienic than a mutant like our registered mutant.  Yeah, that's what I meant."

"Well done everyone.  A very loyal and non-treasonous decisions."

Johnny is still trying to shake hands with the other troubleshooters, but tired of being left hanging, he settles for shaking the guide robot's hand instead.

After 80% is entered into the computer terminal, the following text appears:


You have entered 100% - 80% = 20% survival rate.

Chance of project success will be diminished by specimen screaming.  Please ensure specimen does not scream during the process.


At that, the screen above the device over Fletch's body comes on, stating the following:


Performing diagnostics...

This then goes from 0% to 100%.  Next, it reads:

Assessing viability of specimen...

The progress bar then goes from 0% to 100%.  Then it begins flashing red:

ERROR 403

The main computer flashes the following:

ERROR 403 REPORTED.

Error 403 indicates that a mutation was found on the test subject.

Please note that according to experiment guidelines, specimens with mutations will cause failure of the experiment.

Please replace specimen with non-mutation substitute.

Has specimen been replaced?  [YES/NO]


The device uncouples and detaches from Fletch, allowing him to get off the table, though the device still waits there for a new, non-mutant specimen to be placed on the table.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:15, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

" Mutant huh?", Copper comments with a snicker. He turns his multicorder on Gene to catch his reaction as he adds, " Well, looks like a job for Gene the Clean!" Gene has been against mutations from the start, so he was obviously pure in his genetic formation.

Gene raises an eyebrow.  "Of course, a registered mutant will say that.  Everyone else should be mutation free.  I, of course, cannot volunteer at the moment because I must perform a PST on Fletch to make sure he is not bringing any contaminants from that machine."  Gene pulls out his  PHTCMK kit.  "This is also a situation calling for Emergency Sanitation Procedures on Fletch.  That is the only way we can make sure Fletch is not the cause of a mission disaster.  Only a traitor would ask me to volunteer during an emergency like this."  Gene goes over to perform the PST and ESP on Fletch.

"Hey Cop, get a shot of me shooting this unregistered mutant. Make certain you get my good side."

Rob says as he begins to strike a pose while pointing his laser at Fletch.

"Let me know when everything is set up right. Who knows when we may get a chance to spread happyness via vid shows with a shot like this again."

Mark jumps in.  "Are we sure this device is even trustworthy?  We are just pushing random buttons on some machines and stating that it is in service to the Computer.  If you trust what this computer is saying, then you are trusting what EVE is saying, which means you are trusting The Computer's enemy, which says Fletch is a mutant, over The Computer itself, which surely would not have allowed Fletch to become a troubleshooter without registering any mutations.  I say we do not trust this machine, and Rob is obviously a traitor for trying to believe what the enemy of The Computer is telling us.  This whole experiment is a setup to get non-mutant Troubleshooters to kill each other, and that will only make EVE the victor."

He points his laser pistol at Rob while pushing the "NO" button on the computer.

Copper does indeed pan over and frame Rob into the shot, dropping the tripod for a truly heroic look up at the hero performing his duty to The Computer. Marks speech adds a wonderful narration and Cop cannot help but comment on the correlation. " Mark has a really good point. EVE is an unregistered anomaly, just as Fletch here is an unregistered mutant. Variables like this can be harmful to the system and must be terminated with extreme prejudice." he says before popping up from behind the view finder to address Fletch, " Sorry mutant citizen, you should've registered that anomaly before joining up."

Mark says, "If what you say is true, then that is correct.  But my point was that believing Fletch is an actual mutant means that you are believing EVE, the so-called anomaly.  And if you begin getting brainwashed by EVE, then you are the traitor."

He turns his gun on Copper.  "Are you trying to get us to believe EVE is telling the truth and not The Computer?  Either The Computer is right and Fletch is not a mutant, or EVE is right and he is.  I choose to believe The Computer would not make such an error."

Seizing the moment and doing his best to look good in the camera Rob fires at Fletch.

Rob fires, but his shot goes wide.  (Miss.)

Mark presses "NO," and the screen flashes the following:


Experiment Aborted.

Please obtain untainted specimen and place on table before resuming experiment.

You hear the door locks click, unlocking the door out of this laboratory.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:38, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

With a big sigh Rob says "I guess I should focus more on hitting than looking good. You can edit that to make it look like it hit right?" Rob starts actually aiming this time.

Mark says to Rob, "I'm not sure you shooting Fletch is going to bring happiness to our group.  Are you seeking to deprive us of happiness as we go about our mission in service to The COmputer?  Then there will also be a terrible mess that is not hygienic that Gene will have to clean up, and I don't recall shooting each other ever being condoned by our team leader.  I suggest we stop all the shooting and have Fletch examined during debriefing.  We can all be happy until then, can't we?"

The smile he flashes is at once very happy and at the same time, quite creepy.  He will shake hands with Johnny to help incite group happiness.

Rob considers this happyness officer for a moment. Then he says with a smile "Do you mean to tell me that shooting mutants doesn't bring you happyness? If that's the case the I have to wonder about if you are a secret mutant sympathizer. If there is one thing I like better than shooting mutants it's shooting people who turn their backs on friend computer in order to help them."

Mark says, "I still don't think you got my initial point, which is that we don't know that he is a mutant at all.  You are shooting a non-mutant Troubleshooter until such time as he is proven to have a mutation by someone other than this traitor EVE.  Your continual reliance on EVE stating that Fletch is a mutant is giving me doubts as to your sincere loyalty to The Computer.  If Fletch is a proven mutant, I will shoot him myself.  But right now, that is not proven, and shooting him is premature.  Also, acting in this fashion without approval from the Team Leader also makes me question your loyalty."

Mark smiles incessantly while saying all this, his smile becoming creepier by the second.  His laser pistol is pointed at Rob.

OOC: Did we ever determine if red laser pistols will hurt someone in a yellow jumpsuit?

"Point that thing at one of the mutants Mark. Now you need to realise that I am not trusting Eve blindly. This system seems to be independant of Eve for the most part and so it's mutant detection systems seem to be working just fine. Of course there is an easy way to test this theory and sort all this out. We just need our registered mutant to get on the table. After all we know it wont do anything since he is a mutant. Then you will see that the system is telling the truth about if Fletch is a mutant or not. " Rob smiles all the while. His face straining to look happier than Mark at all times.

Mark lowers his weapon and nods.  "That sounds like a reasonable solution."  He looks to the resident registered mutant to volunteer.

"As Loyalty Officer I believe it is important to weed out traitors immediately. If we wait until debriefing to prove they are traitors we are giving them opportunity engage in treasonous activity. Not trying to weed out traitors is treason. Rob's logic is sound. As a registered mutant I will loyally volunteer to test the machine. I will issue citations to anyone who disagrees."

After his speech, Johnny climbs onto the table.

Gene says, "That works for me.  However, I think I should stand just outside the door in case it gets locked again.  That way, I can help everyone out if there is an emergency, or an explosion, or any traitorous action that I can help prevent."  Gene laughs nervously, remembering the alarms and warnings of self destructive explosions the last time they started the experiment.  "Of course, we could take the safer course and skip the experiment entirely.  That way, we do not unnecessarily risk Computer assets.  Which is to say, ourselves."

Fletch, still a bit shell-shocked from his narrow escape from death on the lab table, gazes at each speaker in turn. Eventually some of what is actually being said makes click though, and he frantically calls out ''Of course I am NOT a mutant! Mark is completly right there - EVE is dangerous! Also, if you decide to test that infernal device again, I'll wait with Gene outside, thank you very much.''

''Besides, I think it's broken anyway, and will simply state that anyone on the table is a mutant. A test with Cop will prove this easily enough.''

Vilfred moves to the door. "Let's all be happy outside," she says. "There are other rooms to check out, and we can always return here if we need to."

Johnny gets off the table and follows the other trouble shooters outside. He takes out his notebook and starts writing, looking warily at Vilfred and Fletch.

Swinging the multicorder back to the lab table, Copper steps around into the shot and gives an enthusiastic thumbs up with a big smile before hopping onto the table. The stainless steel is still warm, but the table is far from comfortable. " Okay! Who's running this ride?" he asks, eager to prove EVE as ineffective in her previous analysis of Fletch. If his mutation would help further mission progress he was only more than happy to help.

"Look it is very possible that Fletch is a mutant. Just because Eve is insane and this area is controlled by Eve does not mean the machine is automatically wrong. If that was the case then we would not have even bothered to try the machine at all. Fletch you are not going anywhere until we find out if the machine is telling the truth. Unless you would like to save us all a lot of time and confess to being a mutant."

" Interesting choice of words... could you define insane for our viewers?" Cop asks from the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Wed 05 Nov 2014.

Johnny looks over at Rob, ready to add more notes to his notebook.

Mark says, "Well, let's see if Copper is right.  He is being very loyal and happy in volunteering, registered mutant or not."  Mark resumes the experiment with Copper.

On the table, Copper's eyelids grow heavy with boredom.
So he closes them, taking a moment for a restful nap while the rest of the team decides the next course of action.

"Your bravery brings happyness to the team Cop. "

Rob pushes the controls to make the machine start.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

Johnny puts his notebook away, draws his weapon and points it directly at Fletch's face. Ready to fire if Fletch is proven to be a mutant. "Please don't make any sudden movements. It's important to prove you are not a traitor. If you are a traitor I will shoot you. If you attempt to move or defend yourself before the test is complete, I will shoot you. Not waiting calmly while you are proven to be a traitor... Or not a traitor... Is treason."

The process continues like before--locking the door, going through the same questions.

This time, however, the machine actually works!  A display says:

Solution to mutation blockage of programming has been repaired based on mutation findings of previous specimen.  Experiment may continue with or without mutant specimen.

The machine closes over Copper, doing its work.  Copper's eyes widen in pain, and he screams once before death.

The experiment has failed on Copper, and his clone body is on the table.

The computer displays:

Experiment failure.  Specimen failed to survive.

Complete uploading of specimen successful.  Incubation acceleration initiated...

Creating new clone in incubation chamber 135f.

The doors unlock and the computer screen goes back to its initial position.

With a huge smile Rob says Well we learned three things. One, the machines here are learning. Two, this machine can detect if someone is a mutant. Three, Cop-R-ISS-1 was a good loyal clone and we will happily sing songs to praise him as we kill the unregistered mutant."

Rob aims his laser at Fletch and fires.

Johnny also fires his weapon at Fletch.

Rob begins to sing the theme song to the hit show, "Zap That Mutant". He tries his best to get everyone else to sing along.

16:46, Today: Rob-R-JBS-2 rolled 17 using 1d20. Infect Others With Enthusiasm 12.

Mark shrugs and also fires his laser at Fletch.

Gene says, "When in Rome, whatever that means," as he also opens fire on Fletch.

°Gurgle°

The lasers fly about.  Some of the red lasers reflect harmlessly off of Fletch's yellow suit, but a couple well placed head shots ensure that his demise is imminent.  Fletch sags to the ground, his face literally melting and staining his yellow uniform.

A yellow light flashes overhead, and an electronic intercom voice states:  "Biohazardous waste detected.  Cleanup crew being sent to sanitize."

Rob listens to the alert about the cleaning crew then says, "All in favor of very happily leaving before the cleaning crew gets here say I. Also hygiene officer would you kindly fine Fletch for not dieing in a cleaner manner. That mess is truly disgusting. "

Rob types on his pdc for a moment then proceeds to search the remains of Fletch for anything useful.

Gene says, "Good idea.  You must have been a hygiene officer in the past."  He begins writing up a fine for Fletch's next clone.  Then he says to Rob, "Are you sure you should be going through his things?  I think the Equipment Guy should be doing that."  Gene steps back, just in case shots are fired at Rob for this breach of etiquette.

°Burble°

Rob stops searching and looks up. "Ahh you are absolutely right Gene. It seems my curiosity about how far his treason went overwhelmed my sense of protocol. I will let the equipment officer search his remains for important equipment and also the equipment officer can touch any treasonous materials on this dead clones body."

°Glug°

Those who have left Lab 5 and stand in the hallway notice movement to their left.  They spin, reflexively going for their guns, but they are surprised to see that Copper has just exited Lab 1 -- the lab that had said "Indigo Access Only" and was directly across from the locker room.

After thinking for a moment Rob says, "Hey since Fletch was the equipment guy that means that we have no equipment guy. I  think that means I absolutely must search the body for anything useful."

Rob makes a quick search for any weapons or laser barrels then heads out the door.

Copper waves at his teammates with the enthusiasm of a teen-aged female clone. Smoothing out his new uniform, he struts down the hall to rejoin the team. " Hey guys, check it out! Died so well that last go-round I earned a GREEN suit! Nice, huh? That's right, only 25% polyester in this one." he says as he approaches, " Hey, did the multicorder survive? I had it set up to record my experience on the lab table. Can't wait to see the playback. You guys take care of Fletch? I barely recall hearing shots as I was being rendered into my basic components. Man, dying is thirsty work! I need a BBB." Cop talks fast and happily, his excitement to see the lab again clearly obvious as he bounces on his toes and swings his arms restlessly. It felt good to be alive again, let alone being so well dressed. " So why you guys out here?"

Mark says, "You got promoted to green?  Does that make you team leader?  I'm not sure how this works, but either the team leader or an equipment guy should salvage Fletch's gear, since it probably belongs to The Computer. And I say we head on out of here--as happily as possible--before the cleanup crew arrives."  He smiles wide without showing any teeth, his eyebrows raised as he waits for a response.

" ...Does that make you team leader?"

" Nah. I'm still just a Communications Officer for the team." Cop answers, looking past them into the lab room, " However, I do need to collect my own gear, probably have my hands full with that, so somebody else will have to collect whatever Fletch left behind." Without further comment, Cop enters the lab to breakdown the tripod and collect his multicorder and rucksack before the cleaning crew arrives. A morbid fascination has him glancing at the remains on the lab table as he does so.

Taking advantage of his new look, Copper shouts to the team. " Everyone! Will you kindly sound off for a quick roll call please? I seem to have misplaced my secondary battery pack for the multi-corder and I want to get personal close ups of each of you for the documentary. Just stand here, by the lab table, and state you name, rank, sector and MBD." He checks the power indicator and makes a small circle with one hand, urging the team to come forward and do as asked before the battery expires.

Johnny walks over to stand by the lab table.

"mmmmphy rrrr boooookkkk phreeem"

" Good, good, nice attempt. Stage fright is nothing to worry yourself over. Cop says from behind the camera, " Now, try again, but speak clearly this time. EE-NUN-SEE-ATE!"

Gene says, with a giggle, "Uh, Gene here, hygiene officer.  We've all been promoted to yellow clearance for this mission.  The color doesn't do us justice, and tends to show off all kinds of dirt, but that just gives me more reason to serve The Computer by keeping things clean."

While everyone congregates around the corpse of Copper's previous clone and the defaced (literally) body of Fletch, your guide robot comments casually:

"You clones have made quite the mess in here.  When the scrubbots get here, they will demand answers.  Have I mentioned that EVE has equipped our scrubbots with automatic weaponry to discourage a messy workplace?  Since then, workplace cleanliness has gone up 450%, while the mortality rate to clones has only gone up 24%."

Another announcement comes over the intercom in the pleasant woman's voice: "All wetware must remember at all times to never resist the commands of EVE's hardware, unless desiring summary execution or a turn in the Vats of Contrition.  Or both.  Have a Nice Day."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Tue 18 Nov 2014.

Mark steps up for the camera and says very quickly and in a high pitched voice, "My name is Mark, I'm a happiness officer, and I say the best way for us to all happily serve the computer is to get out of this area as quickly as possible before those deadly scrubbots arrive."  He hiccups and leaves for the hall, heading up to the northern section that ends in a T.

" Thank you Mark, Gene." Cop says as he begins breaking down the tripod for transport, " Lets finish this up in the safety of the hallway." He hustles to collect his equipment and relocate the shoot.

The T in the hall to the north has a sign above it.  Pointing left (west), it says "BARRACKS," and pointing right (east), it says "RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT."  Both halls turn sharply north after about 30 feet, with no intermittent doors or anything unsanitary or of note.

From the left, you hear noises approaching from the north.  You can only assume those are the scrubbots being sent your way.

" Off we be to R & D!" Cop says, heading away from the approaching noise. He grins happily, enjoying the forward momentum of the moment.
" Scene change may require a reshoot, but we can worry about that when we get to the next set." he adds as he hustles along at a fast walk.

Gene gets poised to follow Copper, still confused about whether his promotion to green means he overrides the team leader, but then Gene waits for a team leader to approve of Copper's direction.

Vilfred nods, heading toward R&D, her brow furrowed in thought. "We go," she says to those who turn to her.

Cop does his best to carry his equipment while maintaining a brisk walk. He slows enough to pace with Vilfred. " NO disrespect to you Team Leader, I was merely concerned about the condition and lighting on the last set. Must maintain a level of professionalism after all. We all have a job to do... did you want to...?" he ppints back over his shoulder to the hallway not chosen," No, no, you've already stated your decision. Darn fine one it is too!" Cop says to the officer in charge of the mission as he continues a brisk escape from the mess left behind.