Time: 3 day post island
Place: Jacob's Office
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Chimp Man Z and Winter Herald


Jacob laughs.  My parents wanted to have a baby.  When they decided it was time, they tried, with a couple of failures, miscarriages, along the way..  And eventually, they conceived.  He holds his hands in such way that he indicates his own smiling face.  Me.  So, I would say that I was deliberately constructed from the building blocks of life, one set provided by my father and combined with a set provided by my mother.  It seems to me that I was deliberately constructed.  The urge to procreate is a very powerful thing amongst flesh-and-blood creatures.  So, even those unintentionally conceived could be considered deliberately constructed.
He muses on WH's stated intentions.  Finally, he speaks again.  Do you eat?  Drink?  Breathe?  For nourishment?  Do you urinate?  Defecate?  For disposal of unneeded materials.  Do you sweat to cool off?  Do you feel fatigue?  Do you sleep?   Do you dream?  Do you feel discomfort?
Pain?  Do you feel anger?  Pride?  Joy?  Sorrow?  Hatred?  Love?  Do you like this place?  Do you dislike it?  Do you know suffering?  Does other people suffering bother you?  Does it hurt you to see?
------------------------------------------

Time: 4 days post island, Mid-day
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Chimp Man Z

Jacob smiles at the youth.  You can ask them.  While I have little use for a mask, a helmet with a clear visor, radio, cellphone link, HUD, and gasmask/air filter, or air supply, could prove useful.  Though, admittedly, it would be a helmet more for protecting the electronics, rather my overly hard head.

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 39):

Time: evening of 1 day post island
Place: Outside LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Bellissima and Justicar

Bellissima's eyebrows raised above her glasses as she got a feel for Hikari's maind, it was a lot more organized then anyone she had scanned before.  She could sense the multitasking that he was doing, something that only a small percentage of human's could do and something she had never been able to scan before. What was slightly unnerving was the something hidden and slightly unnatural just below the young man's thoughts.  He was hiding something, although nothing in relation to what they were talking about, or so it seemed to her.  She kept her focus on what he was thinking about her questions, until otherwise proven, she would assume that what he was trying to hide was private and unrelated to the current circumstances.

"I am not real comfortable accepting such a huge gift, because what you are proposing sounds expensive," Bellissime frowned as she thought about the expense, "but I also recognize the necessity and as long as you can afford it without problems, I will accept it," the brunette sighed acceptingly of the expensive offer. "I prefer my outfit to remain simple, something that could easily pass for normal civilian wear, although the hands free communications will be very useful."

"Good, when do you expect to be able to send the gem off?" She telepathically asked as a follow up to Hikari's responses to her questions as she relaxed slightly. From the thoughts she picked up about the containment vessel, it was better than anything she could think of and it was progressing quickly. With no one apparently having said anything about the gem to anyone in authority, they had some time before it became serious.

She got a couple of seconds warning to his subject change since she was reading his thoughts and quickly came up with a different reason on why she wanted to talk to him about the report of San Sebastian Island. "Yes, have you heard about the status of Winter Herald?  Last I heard he was talking with Lt Broyko.  I was too exhausted yesterday to do more than to file my barebones report."

Time: 2 days post island, morning
Place: Sea Sentinel - Hikari Workship 'Robot Yacht'
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Winter Herald


Winter Herald felt the need to perhaps discourage too far of a push. "This tech is not designed for organics in its current state, and effects on your physiology are unknown. I can only confirm its function on my synthetic tissue. Focus on short term development and known applications. Even the repair of old buildings, bridges, vehicles, and highways would be revolutionary. Although using it for trash disposal is admittedly under consensus right now, leaning towards a positive suggestion. To make nearly anything recyclable is not much of a push from its current function."

He glanced at the screen with the data of his internals on it. "To learn merely requires my existing programming to invest prioritization into the subject matter. Learning biological sciences as a result of my drive to understand the world I am in was also an expansion of combative protocols, but in learning it, my consensus will now also prioritize subjects related to biology and perhaps science in general."

"Given time, I can learn anything, much as any organic can, but all such data has to be an expansion of my existing programming, or else consensus will almost certainly reject the new programming as hostile. A download simply speeds the process up. Also understand what I want the joint upgrades for - it is selfish and perhaps absurd, but I wish to emulate sitting down without the need to stress test every chair for my weight. Both software and hardware are required to execute this task."

"I am willing to try your suggestion. I am curious about how quickly I can learn. Also, please do not forget to close the synthskin damage, if you can."

----------------------------------------------------------------
Time: 3 day post island
Place: Jacob's Office
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Chimp Man Z and Winter Herald


Winter Herald shook his head. "I meant the specifics of your creation. The characteristics you possess are not designed. I suspect most parents would create children capable of sophisticated communication from birth, among other traits. This is not the case."

He considered the rest of the questions. "That is many questions, and I will attempt to answer them briefly in order. No, no, no, no, no, no, I sweat because organics do, no, I do power down, not as you understand it, I understand discomfort as data, I understand pain as data, I understand anger as inequity, no, I understand joy as attachment, I understand sorrow as review, hatred seems synonymous with anger, love seems synonymous with joy, your office is fine, no, I understand suffering, yes, and I'm assuming you mean seeing suffering, so yes."

Hikari ponders for a few seconds, "Ok, I think the helmet design I worked on for Crusader would provide you exactly the features your liking.  Of course I can stylize it anyway you choose.  Don't worry it will be durable! I can probably, considering your strength, add a 10 to 20 minute air supply without too much trouble.  It would only be an emergency measure but you never know when it could be very handy!"

"I've spoken with a few other teammates already about costume upgrades.  A good amount of the gear we have from LESP is plenty sufficient.. I'd just be integrating it into a hands free use integral to everyone's chosen costume style.  I'll ask to see if any more are interested."

-----




Hikari outwardly chuckled, "Oh the entire package upgrade should not be more than about 7 to 8 grand per member and there are only two members who wear masks ~ Maharajah and you.  That's insignificant to my finances.  Crusader I've already built her and upgraded helmet and CMZ who I still need to speak to..but since he's invulnerable.. he really only needs protection for his electronic gear. Lite Star clearly doesn't need such upgrades and neither does Goliat with his alien tech."

He shakes his head, "It will be exactly as your style demands.. it will look just as you like it to."

Pulling out his Touch screen he flips through a few files and brings up a listing of upgrades he's been planning, "Most of the free LESP Team gear is sufficient... but I intend to integrate those devices for a hands free use built-in to your costume..."

Team Gear {Free} Total WT: 13.5lbs
1. Motorola MR350R: By coordinating channel and privacy code, clear and secure radio communications are available. These things can also operate hands-free and supports an added earpiece and microphone. = Range: 35mile Transmissions, Power: 48hrs?, {0.5lb}
2. Ear Mike Radio Receiver and Transmitter: It is so effective that the user can transmit a whisper. Compatible with any portable, two-way radio equipped with an external speaker/microphone
Wt: 6 ounces (170 grams), Power source: 1.5 volt AA battery, Range: 1mile (1.6 km), Cost: $700.00
3. Tracer Bug: This is a tiny device, about the size of a checker Range: 8miles (13 km) away, Battery powered: limited life of 72 hours of constant transmission
- Modified 'Button' clothing clamp, Normally NOT turned ON {must be turned on} Cost: $340.00
4. Mini-Telephoto Document Camera: A tiny, easy to conceal camera, only a little bigger than a disposable lighter. Cost: $350.
Note: Conventional video systems, cameras, lenses, optics and audio recorders, are also effective tools for surveillance
5. Pocket Vibration - Bug Detector: Cost: $700.00
6. Swiss Army Knife/Pocket Tool {?$50.00}

Sentinel Upgraded Costumes - Total Cost 'To Hikari': $7,880 ea
Light Armor - Concealed = AR10, SDC 50 {12lbs} [$1,200]
- Climbing Kit Harness & Attachment Hooks = An builtin harness with clamps {Harness-Only} [suitable for Attach to other Climbing harness - load bearing] [$50.00]
'Miniaturized' Night-Sight {2x Monocular Eyepiece} = Passive Night Vision Optics 1,600'ft [$4,800]
'Miniaturized' Infrared Optic System {Goggles 'Superior'} = Infrared 1,200'ft [$880]
'Miniaturized' Gas Mask [$50]
Compass-Impact Resistant [$50]
First Aid Kit {1lb} [$50]
2x Atropine Injectors 'Nerve Gas-Antidote' [$800]

His mind responds in clear precise thoughts like pebbled dropped in to a placid body of water...
{I will NOT be sending it off.  I will deliver it Personally to the burial site. I need a few more hours to complete the Justicar Mk III upgrades but likely just after dusk.  The trip will take several hours.  What I told Winter was disinformation.  The third tallest mountain in the Rocky Mountain chain ~ Mount Harvard.  Two-thirds up it's most treacherous slope. I will fly the Justicar there and laser cut a 4 inch diameter 5 foot deep core sample extraction of stone. Remove it and slide the 3 inch diameter containment can in the hole then replace the stone core sample and laser melt it sealed again.}

His thoughts came with very precise mental images of his intentions and all rang with true ~ no deception or falsehood, though the buzzing of his mental calculations continued in the background.

He turned his mirrored sunglasses gaze toward the LESP HQ building front, "..no not as yet. I was there when the ...discussion about his personage started. The Detective, Lt Broyko, he forestalled Winter's further involvement in the debate and wanted to speak to him in private.  I did not hear the rest of the debate between CMZ and Crusader.  Been in my lab or bed ever since.  The Justicar is down for a bit getting some upgrades done... but not for long, which is why I'm in civis right now."

-----




Hikari nods in agreement with Winter's assessment of the need to continue proper testing before nano-machines were used in living beings... at least the ones used by FORCE Repair kits.

He listens to the details of Winter's learning capabilities with wonder...

"I will have to do some detailed examination of the scans of your leg units to design and run some model tests for the joint improvements you want.  You are looking for precision balancing based upon your unmodified gyros for such things.  I'll need to run some model tests to make sure I get the measuring tolerances correct so as not to affect, at the same time, your combat gross motor skills and combat maneuverability with the replacements I install. Best to know all that before we do any major modifications."

"Yes, I can repair the damaged synthskin, but I might not get the skin tone perfectly matched... I do not use this sort of camouflage for my robotic creations so I have a limited supply and variety in my chemical stores.  We can always replace the patched synthskin later for a better tone match..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Tue 24 May 2022.

Time: 4 days post island, Mid-day
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Chimp Man Z

He chuckles a bit.  I have toadmit to really liking my yellow-and-black tracksuit.  It was kind of an homage to Bruce Lee and the Kill Bill movies.  You know, if I was seven feet tall, we could go with fuzzy trunks, a bandoleer, and a crossbow.  He laughs at the reference and image.  Some jackass once called me "Harry and the Hendersons".  I laughed and told him I loved that movie.
He looks thoughtfully a moment.  Since a helmet isn't breally a part of my image, is there a way it could be incorporated into a head band, maybe a collar?  Something less obvious.  People trust seeing my face, and suddenly wearing a helmet might cause a loss of some of that trust.  You, Crusader, Litestar, you guys can do the helmet because that is what people are used to, But I'm the face of the LESP.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Time: 3 day post island
Place: Jacob's Office
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Chimp Man Z and Winter Herald

I agree that my physical characteristics were not planned, specifically.  In my case, they were a lot more random than usual.  But, that does not make my construction any less deliberate.  Normally, the physical characteristcs of a human during the "design" process are pretty limited, based upon the characteristics of the parents, and the "blueprints" they carry.  Each individual is a combination of both parents' genetics, which happen to be pretty diverse thanks to thousands of generations of breeding.  But, much of it is consistent, he advises.  I could discuss biology all day, but, that is not what I wanted to see you about.  Primarily, what this is about is your being declared a living entity, with full rights.  It's going to be a drawn out court case, but there is plenty of precedent for it, as several artificial lifeforms exist that claim citizenship in different nations.
He nods his head in regard to the answers given to his questions.  Having not experienced those things, you would have a hard time teaching others how to overcome their limitations and to live up to their potential.  Not just because of your ownnlack of experience, but because people will have a difficult time listening to you because of your being artificial lifeform.  They will see you as being stuck within your own programming, just as Crusader does.  Believe me, I can understand having to deal with that kind of prejudice.
He sits down and indicates a seat in front of the desk.  Whatever you weight, the chair is reinforced.  I've dealt with some pretty heavy individuals.  Part of the reason my office is on the ground floor.  That and the higher ceilings.  He indicates the perches and places to hang attached to the walls, and that is when the eight spidermonkeys can be seen peeking out from around them.
He continues with his previous track.  Those questions to which you answered, "No."  Those are your limitations that you need to overcome.   Noticing pressure differentials is also a limitation.  If you can learn to feel pain and discomfort, to figure out emotions, that will also make your case as a life form go easier.  That you have already started to understand humor and sarcasm, those are a very good beginning.  Some humans have trouble with thaose.

Time: 2 days post island, morning
Place: Sea Sentinel - Hikari Workship 'Robot Yacht'
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Winter Herald


Winter Herald nodded. "A melanin mismatch is unfortunate, although if it truly matters and I am on a budget limit, make-up can compensate for it. I am still attempting to understand some of my own limitations, and the synth-tissue is tech I am still attempting to grasp. Undamaged, it nearly indistinguishable from human tissue, yet it does not heal correctly. It is strange."

"I wonder if it tans. It certainly sunburns if I am not careful."

----------------------------------------------------------------
Time: 3 day post island
Place: Jacob's Office
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Chimp Man Z and Winter Herald


His consensus had managed to interject with one new conclusion. Winter Herald acknowledged that the answer to the 'pride' question earlier was in debate. He certainly possessed ego, otherwise, he would have simply accepted this judgement and abandoned his goals.

He sat down, and tilted his head to the side. "I don't understand. A person can help another learn to walk again without the need to experience their spine shattering, just as one can train an Olympic class athlete without winning a single medal themselves. And if it is simply because 'I, robot,' the solution to that is obvious. I don't need to bring up what I am. My synthskin serves a purpose beyond making me beautiful to organic eyes."

"And I don't eat, or do those other things, because they serve no purpose beyond feigning humanity. It will take some time before I am willing to request those upgrades, because cleaning and disposal are concerns. And I do feel pain. Just not like others."

He considered how to explain this, as consensus warred over exactly how logical his emotion and neuroware simulation programming actually was. "Pain, as I understand it, means my synthskin or another part of my frame is being stressed somehow, and I should pay some attention to it when practical to do so. I don't have neuroware or wetware commanding additional actions that organics often do. I don't scream, break down, enter a fetal position, or faint, unless I am doing so to maintain a cover. I simply deal with the problem, and I fail to see how experiencing any of those adverse effects would make me better at anything except deception. Likewise, my emotions, as I understand them, have no additional compulsions to them. No dopamine, endorphins, or similar chemicals are deployed by my internal chemistry demanding action. Only programs, the equivalent of neuroware, and they are simply a logical processing of the situation."

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 45):



She looked over the list that Hikari was showing her, nodding as she gathered all the information at a seeming glance before looking back up at the young man. "All of that sounds good to me," she said, "I like to keep my current theme and style. Having some armor on will be nice, I can generate a TK shield that can block bullets, but I have to see things coming."

She was impressed about how well Hikari was maintaining his focus and making his thoughts clear and coherent for her to read.  It was harder for her to send messages than it was to read surface thoughts, so she was still making sure to keep her responses short, "Good, sounds like a plan."  She paused before sending a second response, "The mercenaries also heard what you told Winter Heart," she reminded Hikari as she listened to what he was saying about Winter Heart.  "If you need backup, just ask."

"Really?  His self-awareness was being questioned?" She shook her head in disbelief, "He might be a security risk, but his self-awareness shouldn't be in doubt."  She nodded in agreement about resting, "Yeah, that mission was long and tiring. I am surprised that anyone had energy to argue at the end. I hope your upgrades go well, I need to get back home and get more rest. Still have some recovering to do."   Shaking her head in resignation, "I am expecting to be asked to scan people to see if anyone else is a robot soon."

Hikari kind of smirked, "Well I did not really envision a fully enclosing helmet, 'Saiyan-Man' style.. more like a kind of very durable headset with a clear plastic visor that can be lowered or raised as desired for the optics to be projected on and an attached chinguard for the gas mask, radio communications, and a small air supply in the cheeks of the headset.  But I could easily do a visor-headband affair with a neckpiece that could be raised when you want to use the gas mask or air supply.  You don't have to worry everyone would always be able to see your face."

------




Hikari shook his head, "It's only a possible mismatch... I'm sure I can get it close ...even if it look like slight birth mark.  Just letting you know it might not be 'perfect'."

Hikari shrugs, "..bio-synthetics is not my specialty.  I'm only familiar with the synthetic flesh for robotics cosmetics. Perhaps your bio-studies will provide eventual understanding for you?"

-----




Hikari nodded his mind replying, {I am aware they were listening, also part of the misinformation.}
but he said, "'Karl' has the upgrades on the Justicar Mk III well in hand progressing along with other projects apace.  Time is at a premium commodity I never seem to have enough of."

He then pinches the bridge of his nose tiredly, "... I need rest too.  Strain on my nervous system builds.. using the telemental controls of my suit too long."

Bellissima knows what he just said was a half-truth... the closest he has come to telling her a falsehood... but clearly the mental calculations he is concentrating on are becoming slower and less complicated .. fatigue is building.  He IS weary.. but there is likely another cause he is concealing.

Looking up he meet her gaze, "I should turn in my mission report and get back to wo~...well get to bed eventually."

He offered her the touch screen tablet, "Would you be kind to turn in my Mission Report for the San Sebastian Operation?  It would save me a few steps..."

Time: 2 days post island, morning
Place: Sea Sentinel - Hikari Workship 'Robot Yacht'
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Winter Herald


Winter Herald considered this idea briefly. "Maybe. My biological knowledge is highly generalized. Focusing on scientific issues is secondary to my primary function as a agent for your team. I have a feeling, however, that FORCE's technological path is not that of Earth. The technological leaps and required secondary functions to make me function as I am are beyond anything my memory claims is native to this world, save perhaps your Karl unit. I am curious about his blind spots - what leaps in technology that your world takes for granted were skipped or lost as his technological path advanced? And how much of his own technology does he understand?"

As the scan went on, he spoke again. "I have a theory as to why I actually care about life in general. It's only a theory, one which might get tested later, but it relates directly to my purpose as an infiltrator. They wished for me to possess charm, but at the same time, FORCE mentioned he intended for me to lead, which matches the officer capabilities I possess. To do both requires me to be capable of reading people's emotions. I possess empathy as a requirement to execute my functions. I believe I exceeded expectations."

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 49):



Bellissima nodded in agreement as she sent telepathically, "Right and there never is." She rubbed the side of her temples as she felt the strain of maintaining the telepathic contact from the overstrain of the last day.  She caught the half-truth, but people were allowed to have secrets, as long as they didn't put others at risk and she can feel that maintain his focus was creating a strain on him.

"Sure, I am going that way to turn in my report as well, go get some rest before your errand." Bellissima agreed to deliver Justicar's report in when she turned in her report.  She pulled up her mask to cover her lower face as she tucked the datapad under her arm.

Hikari studies the resolving screen schematic of Winter Herald's robotic body as the scan completes.  Manipulating the image scan he creates an exploded-view  schematic of specifically Winter Herald's leg-joints and knee assembly.

"Ok, you can get off the scan table I have what I need now."

Hikari continues to manipulate the schematic image going into a computer diagnostic mode as every piece and part is measured for precise to the millimeter measurements.  He regards the gearing and ratios in the knee and ankle joints.

He begins adjusting the image with some custom changes and then runs some computer simulated tests on the design changes..

Still working on computer tests he comments, "...this will take a little bit of time to get the precision control and positioning your seeking.  Running stress tests and building a couple test models to make sure the right material composites are used in the gearing and not grind down too quickly will be the next steps.  Give me a couple of days to run some tests then I can run off the parts and see about replacing your current servo joints with the upgraded precision joints."

Time: 2 days post island, morning
Place: Sea Sentinel - Hikari Workship 'Robot Yacht'
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Winter Herald


"Is my objective incorrect?" Winter Herald was listening, and learning. "I assumed I would need locking joints, but I will admit to not being as knowledgeable in my own makeup as I am in organic makeup. I suspect this was deliberate - if I was captured, the knowledge for how to create me and our weak points, such as they are, would not be exposed."

"If I require only improved master of my own coordination to not crush a dining room chair underneath my metallic derriere, then this is excellent news. That may be as simple as a software upgrade, depending on how well constructed I am."

Hikari turns from his design screen to regard Winter, "Oh?  Well as ... well as an engineer there are usually several ways to approach a desired engineering result.  I thought you wants to be able to balance yourself to allow your internal gyros the ability to make continuous micro-adjustments to your center of balance to 'look-like' your siting on a target piece of furniture without actually resting your weight upon a potentially insufficient load-bearing object.  To add to this you also wanted to be able to perform acrobatics like a gymnast.  These precision joints would be an approach to achieving both goals."

He pondered, "Locking joints could work... but you would have to make sure you have your balance first before locking in position... in addition to restricting your upper torso to making no wild motions that would unbalance you and 'tip' you over.  But locking Joints can be easily installed to your current leg joints without any real redesign."

"I have your leg servo component measurements, it should be no problem to run off on my 3D-printer the needed parts.  Give me an hour to prepare.. I can install them today."

Hikari turns back to his design screen and begins typing rapidly, the the image shifts to and explosion-schematic view of Winter's hips and legs zooming into the target locations of what parts will need to be replaced with the proper locking join upgrades.

Still working on the screen and focusing on the custom parts needed for the leg joint upgrades Hikari comments, "..I've also gotten a clear schematic view of your brain housing as well, very fascinating! Its a positronic brain, technically, smaller than I would expect. There is an electromagnetic containment unit connected to the positronic brain, with the brain actually connecting to the rest of your android body. I am glad to inform you.. and hopefully put some of your concerns to rest ~ there is no receiver attached to the containment unit."

Hikari opens a second screen to display the scans of Winter's positronic brain and the electromagnetic containment unit.  There is NO Explosion-view schematic of his positronic brain indicating NO deeper scan of its components.

He turns to meet Winter's electronic eyes, "You ARE a person.. Your OWN person ~ Winter! I suspect your sentience must be some form of anomaly. I did not want to risk my scans influencing whatever allowed or occurred to make you self-aware so I did no deep scan of your positroic brain components. You ARE self-aware, something NOT designed by FORCE. You ARE alive and a Precious Wonder!  Never forget that!"

{OOC: All chip-truth... straight from the GM's mouth!}
This message was last edited by the player at 13:24, Sun 29 May 2022.

Time: 5 or so days post island
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Bellissima and Winter Herald

Bellissima has a message sent to Winter Herald with a request to meet her at the LESP HQ.  she has an experiment that she needed his help with.  During the San Sebastian mission, she was hearing static when she scanned him before she realized he was an android.  That static got her thinking that maybe she could contact computers.  Theoretically the human brain used electricity to transmit messages between neurons, although the electricity was chemical induced instead of mechanically.  Maybe with Winter Herald's willing help she could figure out  how to get in touch with computers.

When she got to the HQ, she went through the lobby, nodding at various officers that she knew, checking to see if there was any messages for her as she moved toward the conference room she had reserved for her and Winter.

Time: 2 days post island, morning
Place: Sea Sentinel - Hikari Workship 'Robot Yacht'
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Winter Herald


"If the leg joints are unnecessary, save money and time. Do not employ them. However, if I need them for what I feel will be a necessity, please install them. You are the professional, and my consensus is learning a state best described as 'humility' on very short notice."

Winter Herald did smile at that news. "I intend to ensure I'm fine, but this is a good start. It means I was not activated simply to be destroyed, and it means I can learn with far less restraint. The lack of 'fear' will increase my defenses against future 'fear.'

The revelation that Hikari believed him an accident gave him pause, as his grey eyes attempted to make sense of the screen and his diagnostics. It was all Greek to him, and he was wishing it was Latin. "He's close to figuring it out, but it is good to know that as the third of my series, he had not figured it out intentionally. I can only hope the notes of my creation were lost. If he could create beings such as myself and somehow control them, the results in the short term would be quite frightening. In the long term, I suspect more atavistic versions of myself would resent being chained to a madman, and would seek his replacement with a more efficient master."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Time: 5 or so days post island
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Bellissima and Winter Herald


Winter Herald had made it clear he was going to be there, and he was wearing the standard issue clothes from the HQ. His cosmetic damage had been repaired by this point, and he was getting used to the new joints Hikari had given him still. A few "growing pains" as it was.

He didn't have much to add to anyone here, although he did stop by the board. Two, no, three new people - Runa, the one he had wondered about; Senor Garcia, whom he was still collecting data about; and Snowblind, who was almost certainly going to betray them for a second paycheck the moment it was convenient to do so. He figured the team was vetting the other two, but Snowblind was Hikari's project.

Future project - confirm or deny if Snowblind has been contacted by FORCE agents, then offer them a job as a double agent either way. Once recruited for that cause, defend their reputation. Do not expose them, and discourage their exposure.

"Greetings, Bellissima." Winter Herald shot a hand up, and ensured his voice would cut through the sounds of activity. He was learning to get used to the sounds of the city, but he still didn't like it. He placed a hand on the back of his head, not sure what was going on. "I know your plan. At least, I think I do. Is this some kind of evolution with you, me, or both?"

His consensus was warring with him both to say more and less at the same time.

The rest of the interview and orientation with Detective Broyko went quickly and smoothly. Lilibeth left that first day and returned to her apartment in a state of mild shock. She had actually done it; become a superhero. Not exactly the career she had pictured herself in when she left Active Duty. "But it could be fun and this will let me help people, more so than singing or acting could have," she thought to herself.

The next day she reported in and looked for Justicar. She wanted to get herself and Runa fitted as son as possible so they would be ready if they were called up for a mission. After that would be seeing Bellissima. The beautiful mind mage said she wanted to be able to speak to Runa. "She doesn't trust you or me, that's why. Nor should she, she doesn't know us," Runa stated in their mind. "Maybe but it could just be she wants to know you. You are mysterious right now. Besides teammates shouldn't keep big secrets. Everything comes out eventually anyways." "We will see."

OOC
Lilibeth will call or text Justicar and Bellissima if she has their numbers to arrange the meeting like they wanted.

Crusader answered after her work shift. "Jeez really? Every hour? If you ever want a girlfriend you gotta seem less desperate." While there is humor in her voice, she is clearly trying to make a pont. "How long will it take you to explain? I prefer someplace neutral, perhaps the roof of a parking garage?"

Time: 3 day post island
Place: Jacob's Office
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Chimp Man Z and Winter Herald

Jacob shrugs.  That's fine.  Listen to your programming.  Which is apparently based upon deception and spying.

------------------------------------------
Time: 4 days post island, Mid-day
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar and Chimp Man Z


He nods.  That sounds like it could work.  It would just snap on and off, then?

Hikari 'shrugged', "No reason not to install the upgraded locking joints which I can do now.  I still need a couple days of modeling tests to get the precision gearing for your legs so your balancing gyros can take advantage of that precision ~ then fabricate the parts needed. Never hurts to better yourself even in minor ways, lets get those locking joints installed."

With that he nodded and got to work on the installation preparations...

Shorter than expected Hikari got things ready for installation in only 35 minutes.  He had Winter follow him into the workshop proper where many robotic utility arms were in motion on various existing construction efforts.  He took Winter to a work bench and had him recline upon it.

Hikari took up position as a workstation and stool maneuvering the display screen so Winter could see everything he was going to do. First he had Winter remove his pants, then a laser scanner measured his legs to get their physical location in the workspace. The screen displayed his current location and super imposed the virtual engineering display of the replacement parts.  Then a visual depiction of his legs real-time was displayed and precision plot lines were marked on the image of his legs where the laser cuts to peel his syntheskin away but not destroy it were marked to gain access to the mechanical legs beneath.

Then Hikari got to work personally with utility arms that unfolded from the workbench to first to spray the syntheskin with a preservative then precision laser cut the synthetic flesh away with as little damage to it a possible. Then the arms quickly began to disassemble Winter's leg units partially.  Wasting no time the new 3D printed component parts for the locking joints... fresh off the vertical-mill finishing process were positioned in the workspace and just as efficiently installed.

Hikari paused to personally inspect Winter's legs to test and measure the tolerances by hand and visual inspection.

Satisfied he returned to the work station and began the surgical wrapping of the peeled sytheskin to cover the legs again.  Bio-degradable adhesives were used to bandage the cuts in the sytheskin with a sealing agent that would promote re-knitting of the sythneskin naturally.  Though strangely precise cut scars might be left in the syntheskin but not unsightly so.  The whole operation took about 45 minutes.

Hikari smiled, "There, that should give you the locking joint capability for two leg limbs. You legs may be a little stiff until the locking mechanism are worn smooth ... kind of like new brakes on a car.. they will seat themselves eventually."

2x Locking Joints- Leg Limbs [Str 40 'Robotic/Superhuman'] '$20,000' ea [Cost to Hikari: $40,000]


----




Justicar arrived at the LESP base looking into the current cases in the situation room, on the scrum board pondering how to assist and the nature of the disappearance in the current case.  When Runa found him in the Situation room the Justicar suit today configured for light armor as Hikari stood regarding the scrum board visor up, his azure-colored ballistic cloak at his shoulders partially concealing the mechanical fan wings folded at his armored suit sides but NOT the many weapons and ordinance installed in the powered armor 'Battlesuit' ~ including two archaic swords at his back...

"Ah.. you wish to do the scans for a costume fitting... very well.  Wait here I'll be right back.  Need to retrieve your standard issued gear for you."

He strode from the room and shortly returned with a handful of equipment...

Team Gear {Free} Total WT: 0.5lbs
1. Motorola MR350R: By coordinating channel and privacy code, clear and secure radio communications are available. These things can also operate hands-free and supports an added earpiece and microphone. = Range: 35mile Transmissions, Power: 48hrs?, {0.5lb}
2. Ear Mike Radio Receiver and Transmitter: It is so effective that the user can transmit a whisper. Compatible with any portable, two-way radio equipped with an external speaker/microphone
Wt: 6 ounces (170 grams), Power source: 1.5 volt AA battery, Range: 1mile (1.6 km), Cost: $700.00
3. Tracer Bug: This is a tiny device, about the size of a checker Range: 8miles (13 km) away, Battery powered: limited life of 72 hours of constant transmission
- Modified 'Button' clothing clamp, Normally NOT turned ON {must be turned on} Cost: $340.00
4. Mini-Telephoto Document Camera: A tiny, easy to conceal camera, only a little bigger than a disposable lighter. Cost: $350.
Note: Conventional video systems, cameras, lenses, optics and audio recorders, are also effective tools for surveillance
5. Pocket Vibration - Bug Detector: Cost: $700.00
6. Swiss Army Knife/Pocket Tool {?$50.00}

He smiled, "This is all for your convenience and to assist you in performing your tasks as a LESP asset.  The communications gear gives you access to our encrypted LESP channel to communicate to each other."

"I have been working on upgrading everyone's costumes to provide some additional features to protect and assist our operations in the field.  I'd like to offer the same to you if your interested?  Measuring you Lilibeth and ..er Runa is part of that upgraded costume effort."

"So.. whenever your ready?"

----




Hikari is ... uncertain how to respond to her mention of girlfriends until he notices the mirth in her tone, "Er sorry, you've kind of made it clear you prefer being hard to reach... I was just trying to be efficient and diligent.  The explaining of the functions should not take more than 5 minutes.. the roof of the Midstreet parking Garage should do {ooc: which is only two blocks away from LESP HQ}... though LESP HQ would work fine too.. I'd assume you wear your tactical mask under your current helm, but I'm flexible."

----




"Yep! The visor headset is more advisable simply because it would be more durable and not risk shattering from a punch to the face unlike a simple headband version. But in either case ~ neither design would conceal your features."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Mon 30 May 2022.

Time: 1 day post island, morning
Place: LESP HQ  - Center City
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar, Bellissima, Runa

Lilibeth had arrived early for the fitting, not wanting to keep her teammates, who were undoubtedly busy with much more important things, waiting on her, the FNG. When Justicar arrived, she greeted him exactly as she had yesterday; with a brief but warm hug. Today Justicar finds her wearing not a sky blue sundress but in low-rise blue jeans, a black long sleeve crop top and matching choker, and black, two inch heel boots. "Good morning Justicar! Thank you for bringing me all of this." She takes the items and places them in a backpack she had clearly brought with her.

When she is finished with that she turns around to face him again. "Right so time to for scanning, you said I don't have to take off my clothes but do you need me to hold out my arms or anything?"

Time: 5 or so days post island
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Bellissima and Winter Herald



As Winter Herald entered the room, Bellissima turned to face him, immediately noticing the difference in his walking. "Hello, Winter Herald.  You are walking better now, did you have damage when we met before?" She asked curiously as she returned his wave.  She had a degree in biophysics, she knew movement.

"And this is mainly an evolution for me, although maybe I will learn something that might help you as well, but no guarantees there."  She paused as she considered the android before her and decided that she didn't need to offer him a chair considering what she had seen of his actions on the ship, "I am hoping to figure out how to mentally contact electronics," she explained as she relaxed into a chair.  "In theory it should be a possibility, but as theory and reality sometimes don't agree." She smiled and shrugged nonchalantly. "What I would like you to do is relax and start thinking of something, whatever you want and while you are doing that, I will be trying to hear your thought process, like I do with organic minds. Of course anything I learn I will share with you."

She paused as she looked at Winter Herald, "Do you have any questions or request before we start?"  Usually Bellissima would be wearing a lower face mask and sunglasses, today she was only wearing very large sunglasses to disguise her face from casual identification.

---

Time: 1 day post island, morning
Place: LESP HQ  - Center City
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar, Bellissima, Runa



Bellissima saw Runa's message about meeting during one of her breaks from meditation.  She still had a headache, but her curiosity was nagging at her.  She quickly replied with a time estimate on when she would arrive.

After a quick shower she dressed in a pair of light blue jeans with a loose white crop top that ended about two inches above her belly button and long loose sleeves with running shoes.  A quick drive to LESP headquarters and donning a pair of large sunglasses to cover up her eyes and eyebrows. As she was walking up toward the building, her sixth sense didn't warn her of any camera's being pointed at her.

As she walked through the building looking for Runa and/or Justicar, observant people will notice her flinching slightly at loud noises as she moved carefully, like someone who had partied too hard the other night.  Finding out where Lillibeth and Justicar was, she moved to the room they were using and knocked lightly to give them notice before she opened the door and joined them.  "Hello Lillibeth and Justicar, how are you doing this morning?" SHe asked politely as she had walked in on Lillibeth asking how Justicar wanted to scan her.

She leaned against a wall as she telepathically sent to Justicar, "Was packaged delivered successfully?"  Justicar had planned to hide the ring yesterday, she
was hoping nothing had come up to delay him.  "Any time you are ready, Lillibeth, I can try to listen in to a conversation between you and Runa. Then I will try to send a message to Runa. I will not read your mind until you are ready."  With careful observation, a person could notice the strain lines along her forehead as she held off her headache, it was mostly gone but she still wasn't fully recovered yet, maybe another day of rest. But there was also a large hint of someone looking forward to solving a curiosity they had.  "You can keep doing what you are doing now, it will be just like having a conversation."

Time: 1 day post island, morning
Place: LESP HQ  - Center City
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar, Bellissima, Runa
When Bellissima entered the room, Lilibeth smiled at her. She hoped to maybe be an actress one day and she knew looks weren't all that mattered but she wished she looked even half as good as the stunning beauty. "Hello! You look amazing!" she told the other woman and moved to offer her a hug in greeting. It was only then that Lilibeth noticed the strain on her face. Lilibeth's smile turned into a frown. "Are you alright? We don't have to do this right now. I can ask Runa to come out later."

Lilibeth's innate desire to help people, not to mention her medical training, came to the forefront. Yes she hadn't known her new teammates longer than a day but they were people and that was the only qualification Lilibeth needed to want to help someone. "Are you going to offer her some of that concoction? That vitamin M? Or I could come out, demonstrate the healing power Ishtar has blessed you with." Runa asked in her mind.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Tue 31 May 2022.

Time: 3 day post island
Place: Jacob's Office
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Chimp Man Z and Winter Herald


Winter Herald paused at those words. They were... well structured, and they cut to something his consensus was overlooking. Or overriding, rather.

"That is a sound point. I will increase the value of that idea in the consensus. For now, the desired profession will continue to be debated." He had a question for Jacob suddenly. "Why did you wish to speak with me? I'm getting the impression this is not about PR. Or at least, that is a secondary goal for you. You want to know something about me, but you cannot ask me directly for some reason, and you may not wish for me to be aware of what you have learned."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Time: 5 or so days post island
Place: LESP HQ
Closed/Open: Closed
Actors: Bellissima and Winter Herald


"I had an operation, so that I can actually sit in a normal chair now. Well, I have half of what I require, anyways. I might be able to do it right now. Coordination and stealth protocols might be enough. I am willing to test this, once I get used to the new weight. There are many, many subroutines that still need mild adjustment." Winter Herald smiled. "I have my 'thoughts' such as they are. I hope you like practical arithmetic."

His thoughts began focusing on a topic he had already covered, but it was a reassessment of his ability to sword-fight with the new upgrades. Multiple strike patterns and footwear within numerous circles made themselves clear. Fighting patterns and footwork routines described as "4, 1, 6" and "5, 7, 2"; simulations against singular foes, multiple foes, it was clear that he had expanded significantly upon his original swordsmanship from his base programming. Slight adjustments were made with the new joints in mind, subtle but sublime.

There was also a oddly pleasant thought that he understood something many did not: that math could be weaponized.

msg #61 reply

Justicar smiles at Lilibeth again eyes going wide at the hugging, his mind idly glad his suit was solid enough to not transfer too much of her womanly softness to his conscious mind or he'd be blushing again hotter than a scalded beet. Even still his cheek colored briefly at her closeness, awkwardly accepting the embrace.  Hikari was himself 5'10", but in his Justicar armor he stood 6'2"... towering over the petite Lilibeth.

"Uhm, yeah.. it was no trouble and er Good morning to you as well!"

"Oh, NO..no need to er... get undressed!  The scanner uses a laser for precision scan but it can harmlessly penetrate..uhm.. clothing for an accurate scan and measurements.  Yes, holding out your arms level with your shoulders would make the scanning process easier."

msg #62 reply

Justicar regard the approach of Belissima, and he turned to greet her in return, "G-Good morning Bellissima, I'm well rested today... have you been able to recover your inner strength as well?"

Hikari tried his best not to gawk at the two lovely women seeking his company... he felt distinctly 'overdressed' in his Battlesuit... especially with the enticing clothing both women were .. kind of clad in?  Perhaps it was best he was in a battlesuit? He quickly decided to focus on the purpose of this meeting  so he could flee back to lab work and investigating the current case for LESP.

{Clean thoughts Hikari.. she CAN read minds fool!}

Bellissima's direct telepathic question startled him and he quickly began doing theoretical Force Field Physics calculations in his head to focus his thoughts away from inappropriate mental musings... and hidden secrets he must maintain.

Again Bellissima noticed the precision and clarity of his thoughts... though there was clearly some emotional static bleeding into his ordered consciousness... it was not hard to notice Hikari was aroused by the twin beauty before him... but he was making a heroic effort not to show it and be professional at the same time.  But he IS a teenager though, sometimes, it is easy to forget.  Youthful Hormones and Desires are a fight even Hikari is hard pressed to win against.  Yet still his thoughts can in an unnatural clarity, {Yes, the package was delivered at 11:25:34 PM last night. No one witnessed my arrival, the burial, or my egress.}

msg #63 reply

Hikari nodded to both Lilibeth and Belissima and lowered his visor concealing his features, "Ok, I'll begin my scans.. hold very still please."

With that the a panel on his armored helmet began to glow but there was nothing else indicating anything was happening...

Noting her potential confusion, "The laser scanning beam is invisible to normal sight... it is a UV frequency. This will only take a minute or so."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Tue 31 May 2022.

Time: 1 day post island, morning
Place: LESP HQ  - Center City
Closed/Open: Open
Actors: Justicar, Bellissima, Runa

Lilibeth, as before, seemed oblivious to Justicar's reactions to her and Bellissima. She held out her arms away from her body and remained as still as she could until the young tech genius told her she could move. She found it difficult, not holding still but refraining from chatting because she felt certain that would count as movement. In fact she even held her breath for fear of her chest movement disrupting his scanner.