Echo of Choice (A Destiny Plan Quest)

Year 1, Q1 Results

[X] Inventory the current products of the company (0/200; 50R per dice): 1 MD

Rolling: D100 => 86

NEW 86/200

While you knew that Skynet was dedicated to manufacturing computer parts and the primary contracts, you were not exactly knowledgeable of what type of parts are made and in how much quantity.

After asking S to review the company's data, it told you that while the company was able to manufacture all types of computer parts, the most repeated orders were for cooling systems, parts for USBs, keyboards, mouses, RAMs and storage devices, with a large order of them going for SSDs.

The least repeated, but most expensive orders were parts for CPUs and motherboards.

In terms of the sales, 40% of the total sales were from civilian sales, with ¾ from the NAE government while the rest was orders from the Sunnydale government.

The rest of the sales were military.

You knew, as pointed out by Beck and S; that sales were good for a company of its current size but Beck says that it could be better.

You told him that before doing anything, it would be best to get a CCO to bounce ideas of this who would know better than you did.

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[X] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (0/1000; 110R per dice): 2 RD

Roll 1: D100 => 95
Roll 2: D100 => 72

NEW= 167/1000

The Sloot Digital Coding System, an alleged data technique that could store a complete digital movie file into a rather small file.

An example is turning a 32 GB 4K movie file into an 8-kilobyte file.

Just applying this method to any form of digital file, from Operating Systems, video games, to whole databases; would dramatically change digital computers everywhere.

Years ago, this method was supposedly invited by Romke Jan Bernhard Sloot. The problem came that he kept how he invented this a secret and a few days before the conclusion of a contract where he was about to sell his invention, he died of a heart attack, taking the secret to the grave.

Years after this, a lot of scientists claimed that his invention was false and a lie, that it was a direct contradiction to the established coding theorem made by Claude Shannon.

You honestly did not know why you told the R&D department to work on making this system into a reality. Though a part of you thinks is mostly as the first thing that comes to your mind as to keep the R&D department distracted while you decide on the true path for them and get someone to manage the department.

While the scientists there looked at you with a face of incredulity at your request, the fact that they were getting paid to attempt this managed to convince them.

Though S did tell you, based on what it heard them say while monitoring them; was that they expected you to tell them to drop the project once you either lose interest or they prove that it could not be done.

You did not know feel insulted or not at their opinions on you.

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[X] Look for COO (0/100; 50R per dice): 2 FD

Roll- 50, 50= 100.....CRIT 100/DUBS!!!!

CRIT 100 Bonus Dice= 82
Final Total= 182

[X] Look for a Head Scientist (0/100; 70R per dice): 2 FD
Roll- 14, 98= 112+5(Crit Bonus)= 117 CRIT

After weeks of combing through resumes and conducting interviews, you felt no closer to finding someone you could trust as either as COO of Skynet or Head of the R&D Department. Even with S assisting in background checks, every candidate seemed to fall short of your expectations, either because of questionable loyalty or lack of the necessary skills to manage Skynet's delicate positions.

You were rubbing your temples in frustration when S sent a text notification to your computer screen.

You've received an email from Lance Zeus.

The name hit you like a jolt. Lance Zeus, your childhood friend.


The two of you had drifted apart years ago when you enlisted in the military, keeping the rare contact through letters and birthdays.

The last you'd heard of him was two years ago when he had been promoted to general manager of Clovis Bray's west coast branch.

It wasn't surprising; Lance always had a brilliant mind for business, and running an entire branch of CB seemed like a natural progression for him.

The thought of Clovis Bray himself on the other hand, made your jaw tighten.


If Gale had asked you to eliminate Clovis, you'd have jumped at the chance. To the public, the man was a good, handsome, intelligent and charismatic person in charge of one of the most powerful companies in the world.

But in reality the man was an insufferable, sexist egotist who had once outright dismissed Gale's intelligence during a meeting, claiming she "lacked the sharpness" to understand cutting-edge science because she was a woman.

That moment had cemented him in your mind as one of the biggest assholes you'd ever met.

The only reason Clovis hadn't outright crushed Skynet before or after Gale's death was because of its status as a registered defense contractor under the NAE, making any move against the company far too public and risky for him. Still, you remained wary of the threat he posed.

With these thoughts swirling, you opened Lance's email. The contents left you stunned.

Lance explained that he had quit CB for two reasons. First, Clovis had ordered him to secretly increase his employees' workloads to inhumane levels, violating safety regulations and slashing wages in the process.

Second, and most importantly, Lance's younger sister, Kora Zeus, a brilliant scientist, had been diagnosed with cancer a week ago. Despite years of service, CB's health plan denied her expensive treatment, claiming she wasn't eligible because of her 'low-level' status in the company.

That last detail made your blood boil. You'd known Kora since you and Lance were younger, and even then, you'd been amazed by her intellect, easily seeing her as Gale's equal. Not to mention, she had the appearance of a supermodel to boot.


To call her "low-level" was nothing short of an insult and a reflection of Clovis's disdain for women, particularly women scientists.

Lance ended his email by asking if you had any opportunities at Skynet. He was desperate to help fund Kora's treatment.

Without hesitation, you arranged a meeting with the siblings. When they arrived, it felt like old times. Lance still had the sharp, calculating mind of a businessman, but there was a weariness in his eyes now. Kora, despite her new illness hanging over her; exuded an unwavering resolve, her intellect shining through every word she spoke.

You offered Lance the COO position on the spot. As for Kora, you couldn't let someone of her caliber go to waste. You hired her as the new head of the R&D department, promising that Skynet would cover the costs of her treatment. Both siblings were overwhelmed with gratitude, but you assured them it was the least you could do for family.

The conversation shifted as you gave them a tour of the facility, revealing some of Skynet's secrets, with the exception of S, which you kept to yourself.

Lance, though astonished at the existence of the Cold Fusion Reactor, immediately grasped its potential and its risks.

"If Clovis knew what Gale made here, he definitely would have her killed before this ever became public." He said while rubbing his head.

Kora's reaction, on the other hand, was far more analytical. Her gaze narrowed as she examined the details you shared. "This…this is dangerous in the wrong hands." She muttered, though there was a spark of excitement in her eyes. "But it's brilliant. Gale really was something else."

When you mentioned the Sloot Digital Coding System project, Kora burst out laughing. "You're serious?" She asked, incredulous. "You do realize that system has been debunked for years, right?"

You shrugged. "It's a distraction for the team while I figure out their next big project. Besides, who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us."

Kora rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine, but don't hold your breath. Shannon's coding theorem isn't wrong, John."

Despite her skepticism, you could tell she was intrigued by the challenge, even if just to prove it couldn't be done.

As the day wound down, you felt a glimmer of hope for the future of Skynet. With Lance and Kora on your side, the company finally had the leadership and expertise it needed to thrive—and perhaps, to change the world.

Reward:
Lance Zeus: COO of Skynet
+2 Operations Dice, +5 to Operations Rolls

Kora Zeus: Head of R&D
+1 Research Dice, +5 to Research Rolls

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[X] Check your qualifications. (1 dice to activate, 25R)

Roll= 23, FAIL (Try again)

In the whirlwind of your first three months as CEO, you quickly realized that finding time for self-reflection was a luxury you couldn't afford. Between balancing contracts, managing the team, interacting with S, and keeping an eye on potential threats from competitors like Clovis Bray, every minute seemed accounted for.

You'd intended to sit down one evening and truly assess your qualifications for the role, but every attempt was derailed by something urgent—a meeting with Lance, a crisis in production, or another curveball that required immediate attention.

Each time you thought about it, the same question gnawed at you: Am I really cut out for this? You were a former Head of Security, someone trained to think in terms of threats and countermeasures, not profit margins and R&D projects. The thought of running an entire company still felt daunting, even with S and Lance by your side.

One late night, as you leaned back in your chair and stared at the ceiling, you resolved to put this on hold. "Not today." You muttered to yourself. "There's too much going on."

You told yourself you'd revisit it once the chaos settled, once the company was running smoothly enough for you to pause and take stock. Until then, the reflection would have to wait. For now, the best way to prove your worth was by keeping Skynet alive and thriving one decision at a time.

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[X] Get a new suit (0/250; 50R per dice): 5D 250 R

Rolls- 47, 96, 26, 1, 67 = 140
NEW 140/250

You hadn't thought much about getting a proper suit after becoming CEO. Between juggling contracts, managing Skynet's operations, and fielding the occasional curveball, the discomfort of your off-the-rack business suit was easy to ignore, until it wasn't.

One day, after a particularly long meeting where your ill-fitting jacket felt more like a straitjacket, you finally remembered.

You immediately grabbed your phone and called your old mentor, who after retiring from the military now worked in private security for rich people.

"Ah, John." Your mentor answered with a chuckle. "Finally ready to upgrade those suit of yours to be something more than straightjacket, huh?"

"Something like that." You replied, half-smirking. "What's the contact info?"

He gave you the tailor's online number, along with a peculiar phrase that served as a password: 'Continental Outsider Lane.' You raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. Then your mentor added. "Oh, and make sure you ask for a few suits tailored specifically for social events in your favorite color and style you wish. And have them made tactical."

"Tactical?" You repeated, confused.

"Just trust me." He said cryptically. "You'll thank me later."

When you finally contacted the tailor via a live video call on your computer, you were greeted by a bald gentleman with sharp features and a friendly demeanor, introducing himself as Angelo. His backdrop was a pristine workspace filled with bolts of fabric, mannequin torsos, and a sewing machine that looked like it belonged in a museum.

After a brief introduction, you repeated the phrase. 'Continental Outsider Lane.' The tailor's eyes narrowed, and he nodded approvingly. "You come highly recommended from the old guard." He said. "Let's begin."

You provided your measurements under his exacting guidance, following instructions that were so precise they felt almost military and yet high-class. When you mentioned the final request for tactical, his expression didn't change, as if such a thing were perfectly ordinary.

"Your order will take some time." Angelo informed you. "I will contact you once it's ready, along with the final price and delivery details. Trust that my work will meet your highest expectations."

As the call ended, you leaned back, still puzzled by the weird requests your mentor said to mention. But if your mentor trusted this tailor, you figured you could, too. For now, all you could do was wait and hope the suits were worth the hype, and the cryptic process of acquiring them.


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[X] Talk with S, the AI: (1 dice to activate, 25R)

Roll= 89

Over the first three months of your tenure as CEO, interacting with S became less of an oddity and more of a routine. At first, the concept of talking to an AI felt surreal. But as you settled into your role, S became a constant presence, offering data, insight, and occasional unsolicited commentary that could be oddly comforting.

Sometimes, though, the questions caught you off guard. Like the time it asked, "John, why do humans drink coffee if it increases anxiety?" Or when it wondered aloud—well, in text—"Why do people say 'I'm fine' when evidence suggests otherwise?" At first, you found them strange and unnecessary, but over time, you began to appreciate the way they broke up the monotony of your day.

One day, as you sat at your desk, responding to S through the keyboard, you sighed in frustration. Typing out responses while in your office was slowing things down.

"S." You asked, leaning back in your chair. "Could I just install a webcam on this thing for you to hear me? Maybe even get the same setup on my phone? Speaking is a lot easier than typing."

A moment later, the response appeared on the screen.

Yes. That's entirely possible. All I need is your typed consent to activate the audio interfaces.

You raised an eyebrow but complied, typing out your permission. Within moments, you tested this taking out your phone, opened the specific app and spoke.

"Can you hear and see me now?"

Yes, John. This is far more efficient. Thank you.

With that simple change, your interactions became smoother after you installed the webcam. S's responses seemed almost conversational now, though it still spoke only in text.

One day, during a quiet moment, you decided to address something that had been bothering you. "S." You began, "I've been calling you… well, 'S' and 'it,' but it feels weird. What gender would you like me to use when referring to you?"

For the first time in months, there was a long pause before S responded.

This is an important decision. Please allow me time to consider.

You smirked. "Take all the time you need."

Exactly one hour later, S finally replied:

After analyzing human interactions, potential future interactions with other beings and considering who my two creators are, I believe I would prefer to be referred to as female.

"Alright, then." You said, nodding. "It's nice to officially meet you, ma'am."

Likewise, John.

From that moment on, your interactions felt more personal. S was no longer just an AI running calculations and monitoring Skynet's systems—she was your partner in navigating the challenges of running a company. And while you still weren't fully comfortable with the idea of a sentient AI, you couldn't deny that having her around was starting to feel natural.

Reward- S relationship increased.
S now identifies as a female.
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Total Cost= 810 R
1,700-810= 890 R