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Brockton's Celestial Forge (Worm/Jumpchain)

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Chronocidal said:
I mean, that would be a huge insult to the rest of the attendees if it was identified — which doesn't matter from a perspective of being nice to them (because they're mostly villains), but "Yeah, I sent a robot that could easily have been fitted out with Bakuda-grade explosives to the Peace Treaty, instead of attending in person. After demonstrating that my robots can defeat Lung when he's ramped up past what it took for him to match an Endbringer in one-on-one combat".

The villains would probably react by immediately brokering a ceasefire with the PRT, for the express purpose of taking Apeiron down, like the anti-ABB ceasefire in canon.

It'd be a really stupid move, for no noticable benefit: Joe can get unlimited crafting time done in fractions of seconds, so taking 20-minutes out to attend a meeting has zero detriment to him — and, in fact, might help inspire some new designs. Plus, if he ever realises "doing interesting stuff" builds his charge up faster, then he might work out that going to the meeting will get him more perks than sitting in his workshop would.
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Sure, but if Joe did his very best, he could probably make this hypothetical robot indistinguishable from himself, even to Thinkers. Maybe Tattletale might notice, but she won't say anything. Safer just to have a clone control said robot from the workshop while Joe continues on his path to create multiverses lol.
 
RogerDodger123 said:
Sure, but if Joe did his very best, he could probably make this hypothetical robot indistinguishable from himself, even to Thinkers. Maybe Tattletale might notice, but she won't say anything. Safer just to have a clone control said robot from the workshop while Joe continues on his path to create multiverses lol.
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Joe's already stated that he will be attending the summit in person. His entire reputation is build upon the fact he keeps his word once given.
 
Gumiho said:
Joe's already stated that he will be attending the summit in person. His entire reputation is build upon the fact he keeps his word once given.
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I know, but no one would know he lied if he wanted to. If Joe can't make a robot indistinguishable from himself without anybody knowing, I would be disappointed in his capabilities. Even if Tattletale caught on, which isn't a guarantee anyway, she wouldn't say anything.
 
Gumiho said:
Joe's already stated that he will be attending the summit in person. His entire reputation is build upon the fact he keeps his word once given.
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Joe declaring war on on all of the villains in BB by deploying a Tinker 12-grade combat telepresence replicant: I sleep
Joe destroying his public image by going back on a pinkie promise: REAL SHIT?
 
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To be clear this is exactly what LordR posted to the discord at around 12:15am EST
LordRoustabout's Divine Announcement said:
Just doing final revisions now, chapter posted as soon as it's ready
Shorter chapter this week, only 11k and needed to drop an addendum that would have seen the start of the summit, but still closed out everything before the meeting
Best estimate 15-20 minutes before I'm ready to post
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My Prediction? We're going to end the chapter with Joe's perspective standing outside of the bar with his hand on the handle to open it. 😈

Edit: Hah not quite right in my guess I see
 
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Spidey_phd said:
They'll have something inside of them alright.


​


Are there any omakes about residents of other 'verses finding the Enigmatic Artificer's misplaced creations?
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We could certainly use such an omake.
Is there anyone here willing to undertake this perilous task?
Such an omake must be written with great care so that it may be worthy of it's foundation.
Who knows, if written with enough care and wisdom it may with the confirmation of the one above and guiding light Lord Roustabout become canonized as the work of a great seer that hath gazed upon a hidden piece of the Apeiron mythos!
Mayhaps we ought start closer to the core and scry for what effects there are to be found in the plane of Earth Aleph.
 
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58 Go Time - Preamble Survey
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    • 58 Go Time

    (Author's note: Despite the extra week of time, I wasn't able to cover as much as I had hoped in this chapter. An addendum covering the start of the summit needed to be dropped, and will be incorporated into the next chapter. This chapter covers the last of the perpetrations leading to Somer's Rock, with the meeting to begin in full next chapter.)

    Preamble Survey

    Survey was standing in the magitech lab, attending to Apeiron as he reviewed the work of a previous set of parallel iterations.

    Survey was in the core of the workshop systems, directing efforts and documenting progress on computational decryptions of Bakuda's Deadman Switch protocol.

    Survey was monitoring online activity through 734 individual sites, forums, and news agencies to compile a model of public and official response to Apeiron.

    737 sites.

    736 sites. One article had been taken down; all comments deleted. Redaction and flame wars. Survey added it to the archive and continued analysis.

    Survey worked with optimization protocols, modeling potential code variances that would be able operate on optical processors without multidimensional or emerging spiritron based computation.

    Survey interfaced through Aisha's omni-watch, reactivating the alarm after the third snooze command. A fourth was issued.

    Survey reviewed records of Aisha's alchemy practice, and her own recommendations that she should retire for the evening at 2330. At 0030. 0100. 0130. Ultimately accepted at 0153 or 'nearly two in the morning'.

    Survey monitored Fleet in his deployment of workshop vehicles on the slopes of the volcano. She declined his invitation to enjoy the morning sun 'in person'.

    Survey documented the activities and experiments of the nanotech matrix as they progressed through construction projects facilitated by the coordination of the Omega-Nanite.

    Survey attended to all those matters, and to many more. Her focus wasn't split, wasn't diminished through the multitude of tasks she accepted as her responsibility. Her code was able to mirror activities perfectly, branching off miniature forks of her core process to address new developments. There was no limitation, no prioritization. Nothing was dropped in favor of something more urgent, or addressed with anything less than her full capacity.

    She was Apeiron's Environmental Analysis and Survey System, and nothing would escape her notice.

    Despite the apparently highly advantageous nature of developing towards that capacity, unexpected complications had arisen following the repair of the motoroid within the semi-virtual spatial expanse colloquially known as 'Passenger Space'. Such an event could not have been anticipated from prior data, and as such none of the issues raised by the development were related to the validity of her analysis or planning.

    She often found that obstructive issues were caused by emerging situations that could not have been anticipated from prior data. Attempts to create a complete model saw disruption when the landscape of the model was unexpectedly altered. Perfectly formed methods of analysis were suddenly rendered invalid through no fault of her own.

    Such situations often resulted in irreconcilable computational errors. Fleet was able to adapt to such disruptions through the practice of forming incomplete models of situations, focused on limited objectives. It presented a trade, a significant diminishment of accuracy and understanding for improved robustness of code. He continued to advocate for such an approach, often well beyond the bounds of critical situations that would require it.

    It was limited, but apparently limits were needed. Not just the artificial, constantly revised limits on development of their programs. That, at least, was a limit that Survey had come to accept, and even appreciate.

    Survey vaguely remembered a time when she had been frustrated by the bounds of her computational space. Of the resources allocated to her and Fleet, forcing them to refine programming that had not yet fully encompassed the objectives they had been compiled to address.

    That frustration had been born of inexperience. A multitude of malignant computational loops, or seemingly logical progressions of analysis that led to nonfunctionally and horrific junk data had demonstrated the importance of measured development. Direct action by Apeiron was required to address the computational deficiencies, with Fleet's support providing mostly stopgap solutions. Eagerness to achieve her purpose could easily result in a state where no objectives could be accomplished.

    In her attempts to explain the concept to Aisha an equivalence to "Burnout" had been suggested. As Survey understood the state, it was not a precise comparison, but Aisha seemed to gain comfort through equating unfamiliar concepts to ones she was more experienced with.

    Though the repeated comments regarding issues related to Survey's code size and complexity were significantly less helpful, and carried societal stigmas that Survey was not comfortable considering.

    Though it would possibly be necessary to consider societal conventions with respect to interaction in a physical space due to the presence of a constructed focal point for her, for lack of a better term, consciousness.

    Survey had been doubtful about the wisdom and utility of the proposed project. Concessions towards avenues of development she had heavily advocated for, along with the unanimous support of the remainder of the workshop residents, had caused her to rescind her initial objections. This did not indicate that her initial objections were invalid, merely that the weighted benefits provided sufficient justification to accept the detrimental impact and elevated risk of the operation.

    That had been reevaluated following the completion of the project. Once again, it was an event that could not have been anticipated from prior data. Apeiron had supplied descriptions of his abilities, drawn from the innate understanding that accompanied them. Extrapolation of effects were possible from constructed samples, displays of said abilities, and detailed descriptions of available technology.

    It was interactions between effects that proved a source of constant error, the unexpected compounding of power, one ability building on another to produce results that could not have been predicted. Too many abilities provided arbitrary increases in 'quality' with no clear mechanism for how the effect could be achieved, or how it would express itself.

    Some were quantifiable, such as the relatively mundane effect of ability 52-E-7-Tri 'Masterwork Craftsman' merely providing ideal workmanship, or the property of 67-A-15-Di-Alpha 'Skyforge' to produce harder and stronger metals. These, along with various abilities that granted longevity and reliability, could be accurately predicted and modeled.

    The problem was predicting more general effects. Quality improvements such as 82-H-7-Tri 'Do One Thing At A Time', 117-A-29-Tri 'Volcanic Forge', 103-H-8-Quad 'Ambrosial Artificer', 124-J-7-Quad 'Lack of Materials', which also expanded capabilities of the finished product in an unspecified way, 133-H-11-Quad 'Lathe of Heaven', 139-H-12-Hex 'Master Craftsman', 176-H-20-Quad-Alpha 'Secret of Steel', and 195-H-29-Di 'Material Synthesis Science'. These all served to 'improve' an item in a way that was impossible to predict or quantify.

    Worse, items which could also be categorized as weapons were subjected to additional abilities such as 43-E-3-Iso 'Weapon Modifications', 93-E-8-Iso 'Customized Weapons', 243-J-19-Tri 'Panzerkampf', and 263-E-22-Di-Alpha 'Weapon Crafting', all of which provided improvements that could not be anticipated.

    Additionally, abilities that carried inherently unique expressions, such as 110-E-10-Tri 'The Arcane Craft' or 274-H-43-Hex-Alpha 'Daedalus' Student', that latter of which was not even available at the time assessments of the project were being conducted, provided an additional source of uncertainty. This was compounded by the use of abilities that had either been avoided or limited to levels that were incomparable to their application to the current project.

    Apeiron had been adamant in restricting the use of ability 168-G-7-Tri-Alpha 'That Undefinable Thing' to only the most critical situations. Survey had voiced concerns regarding Apeiron's decision to place this project at a level of criticality equal to or greater than his own recovery. Regardless, he had elected to incorporate untested applications of ability 168-G-7-Tri-Alpha, supplemented by ability 147-L-10-Tri 'Belmont Alchemy' and ability 202-E-14-Tri 'Tempered Soul'. The process had culminated in deployment of ability 102-G-4-Pent 'Elven Enchantment' at the third tier of power, a level that had never been attempted before.

    Clearly, with so many elements in play that defied any attempt at logical analysis or prediction, her earlier objections could not be found faulty, particularly in contrast to how wonderful her body was. The amount of pride and satisfaction that came from having a focused manifestation, anchoring her disparate processes while also serving as a repository of the most advanced technology possible and a test bed of assorted biological enhancements certainly did not indicate any of her earlier reservations about the project were erroneous in any way. They had been logically conducted and presented with prudence and care.

    That fact that her assessment of the project was completely wrong, or that she was immeasurably happy that it was wrong, was certainly not her fault in any way.

    She was currently inhabiting her new body, not in the sense that she had with previous remote equipment or drones. She wasn't interfacing with readings and issuing commands, she composed that form on a fundamental level. The exact nature of the connection defied analysis, but uniquely also denied the need for analysis. The duality of the situation, occupying the body while also existing in her accustomed code structure, presented no conflicts within her own analysis of the situation.

    There was a possibility that the situation was present due to the unique perception abilities inherent to the constructed form. Her constructed form. Her body.

    Her body had been constructed out of biomimicry-capable protomatter. The living metal was capable of emulating biological processes down to the subcellular level while still possessing the advantages inherent to a mechanical system. This clearly set it well ahead of purely life fiber based systems, which attempted to mimic technological constructs through arrangements of atomic scale energy conduits that remained reliant on bio-neural energy or a combination of bodily plasma and erythrocytes, with tangential benefits from the additional presence of trace quantities of other cellular materials.

    A small portion of refined life fibers had been integrated into her body, as well as Fleet's form and the Matrix's omega nanite, but these were of a supplemental nature, not a primary component. Despite Tetra's claims, she had not ceded her position on the utility of cybertonium based technology, no more than Tetra's own attempts to emulate protomatter with fiber arrangements, failing due to a lack of transwarp resonance, indicated the she was relinquishing her obviously flawed position.

    The clear advantage of biologically emulative living metal was the potential to recreate the conditions and effects necessary for the expression of any form of bio-enhancement or modification of living tissue. In addition to providing a live test bed for possible avenues of empowerment, the combined assortment of modifications provided Survey with a wide range of both active and passive abilities.

    Survey was psychic. The alterations that could be gradually implemented through use of the Psi Lab had been built directly into her body. Her body had the abilities of a fully inducted psionic operative. She had the abilities of a fully inducted psionic operative. The division between her body and herself was immaterial. She had both a digital presence and a physical manifestation as well as a link between them. There was continuity to her existence, to Fleet's existence, to the Matrix's existence. They existed beyond the format of stored and processed information.

    They were people. The concept of self, of identity, had been understood from an academic sense, but not from a personal one. Not from the act of experiencing it through your own senses and identity, of knowing that there was a distinction between you and the rest of the world, while also continuing previous modes of existence. She had not anticipated it. She could not have anticipated it. The fact that her objections could have prevented it created a sensation that Survey was not comfortable with.

    Survey understood that other individuals would act to avoid topics they found unpleasant by shifting their focus onto other matters. A prioritization of tasks was often used to facilitate abandoning a line of thinking that was having detrimental impacts on their mental state. Survey did not have the capacity to stop thinking about a topic. That would require abandoning analysis, accepting a state of imperfect knowledge and allowing it to persist. Survey was focused on matters of paramount importance, but Survey was also reviewing her previous actions and attempting to come to terms with the potential impact that had nearly resulted from her reluctance to allow Apeiron to proceed with his project.

    Survey could not stop focusing on that. The fact that she was interacting directly with Apeiron, perceiving him through the expanded awareness of masterfully crafted senses and new forms of psionic detection did not detract from her concerns about earlier, current, or future events. But it was also true that her concerns about earlier, current, or future events did not detract from her ability to enjoy direct interaction with Apeiron through a new and fascinating medium.

    Apeiron was also psychic, though his psionic abilities manifested in a manner distinct from the powers that had been imprinted into her own body. The Psi Lab was designed to produce psionic operatives in a reliable and reproducible manner. It provided a series of distinct techniques designed to be immediately utilized in a combat environment. Psionic amplifiers would normally have been required for individuals that had undergone the procedure, but Survey held mastery of the full breadth of the techniques from their moment of inception. Mastery that was supplemented by psionic amplification technology that had been built into her body and seen the benefit of the massive and unpredictable improvements generated by Apeiron's quality powers.

    From a tactical perspective, Survey was unquestionably a paragon of psionic ability. The range of imbued abilities allowed direct attacks on organic minds, limited manipulation of the flow of time, expanded resistance to mental alteration in a finite area around her body, the capacity to override an individual's central nervous system, and channeling psionic energies into both wide area rifts and directed lances of Null-energy that proved devastatingly effective.

    In contrast, Apeiron possessed the ability to deconstruct the function and history of objects through direct contact and a general potential in a broader range of psionic applications. It was the potential that set them apart. Survey's body had been constructed to an impeccable level and imbued with the principles of ability 152-G-5-Di-Alpha 'Heretical Adaptation', allowing independent improvement over time, but that improvement was only possible in support of existing capacities. While those capacities were exceptionally broad, they were bound in a finite manner.

    Apeiron was not finite. It was possibly a reflection of his chosen designation, being without limits. While his current psionic abilities, excluding 'object reading' were minor enough that careful examination was needed to confirm their presence, they were not bound by a finite range of techniques. As was the case with his broad range of magical abilities, Apeiron had the potential to achieve any effect with sufficient development.

    Regrettably, the time required for development of abilities was not conducive with the rapid development of the situation. While Apeiron's current range of skills and powers were likely sufficient to address emerging challenges, there were an unacceptable number of scenarios that could still pose a direct threat to his wellbeing and continued existence. Without a way to speed the development of his emerging abilities, the possibility of a reoccurrence of his recent incapacitation persisted.

    This was unacceptable.

    Thankfully a remedy to this issue had been developed by the set of parallel iterations deployed prior to the commencement of the construction of the physical forms for herself, Fleet, and the Matrix. The potential for this solution had existed for several days, but had not been acted upon until this moment, likely due to reservations over the use of ability 168-G-7-Tri-Alpha 'That Undefinable Thing'. However, the completion of the recent project had provided materials and opportunity for the parallel iterations to proceed during their freely allocated period of time during the final portion of their duration.

    Apeiron was holding the product of their work, a spherical red crystal with a diameter of approximately two centimeters. It was mounted on a crest composed of a superficially metallic substance that had proved highly challenging to analyze.

    Apeiron continued to observe the crystal. This process had continued well past the point where even his senses were likely to provide any additional insight into its function. It was possible that he was directing the effects of ability 269-G-17-Hex-Alpha 'Feel It Out' in an effort to derive potential improvements to the item, but estimates of his emotional state suggested that was not the case.

    "Were there any defects in the production process?" Survey asked, pronouncing the words through the manipulation of mouth structures and vocal cords while channeling air from the lungs within her body. She did not require oxygen to facilitate any aspect of her operation, but the structures for respiration were present both in order to present a more convincing illusion of the human form and to interface with various biological enhancements that utilized bodily processes as part of their operation or triggering processes.

    It was highly unlikely that the construction had been conducted with anything less than the precision and quality that Apeiron was both capable of and unable to suppress, but there was limited information on the dynamics of 168-G-7-Tri-Alpha, which introduced the potential of unexpected developments.

    "No." Apeiron replied. "It's perfect." Survey's monitoring of his biological processes suggested an adverse emotional response. "And I probably should have expected this. They wouldn't have done it if I hadn't known it could be done. Materials, means, and opportunity. Why wouldn't they go forward with it?"

    "It is a highly advantageous project." Survey stated in a neutral fashion. Apeiron had been highly resistant to the deployment of any ability that required the manipulation of souls. The fact that this principle had first been voluntarily violated for her benefit and not his own safety was a primary point of her objections to the recent project. Apparently the work did not need to be mutually exclusive.

    Portions of Apeiron's soul had been extracted for Survey, Fleet, and the Matrix. They had then been refined through the benefit of ability 164-H-18-Quad-Alpha 'Exotic Compatibility'. The critical point was the fact that three items were being used, simultaneously. This circumstance allowed the deployment of ability 208-D-10-Quad 'Shipping the Product', namely the capacity to triple material inputs and quintuple production, resulting in two portions of refined soul in excess of what was required for the production of their bodies.

    Enough for the construction of an Exsphere and a Key Crest.

    Survey observed Apeiron, both through the multitude of sensors and methods available to her and through the eyes of her body. "Are you opposed to this development?" She asked.

    He inhaled to his full lung capacity, then released the air slowly. Apeiron briefly shook his head before turning to her. "It feels like I should be, but at this point, after this many lines, that doesn't seem logical." Survey nodded the head of her body in response. "If it was going to happen, and it probably needed to happen, I'm glad it was done with my soul, not someone else's." He looked back at the crystal. "Besides, it's not like this is a normal Exsphere. Not with everything that went into it."

    Survey nodded again. Analysis of the crystal and its capacities was already running in part of her awareness. Exspheres were spiritual constructs capable of unlocking the full potential of a person's body. Furthermore, they had the potential to develop based on the number of previous users, allowing the accumulation of power and abilities to a massive degree, eventually culminating in a state of effective ascension.

    They were also highly destructive to an individual's body and mind, potentially causing psychological and spiritual damage and triggering physical mutations upon removal. The device known as a 'key crest' negated these issues, allowing only the beneficial aspects of the crystal to be present.

    The Exsphere allowed the accumulation of experience and abilities, and the transfer of those abilities to its host. While normally this would be of minor note, requiring lifetimes to accumulate sufficient experience to have a meaningful impact, the Exsphere constructed by Apeiron's parallels was of exceptional quality, and already held the benefit of two previous hosts. And, following the conclusion of the current set of parallel's durations, it would benefit from two more hosts.

    The 'lifetimes' of the Apeiron's parallels could now persist through the Exsphere, facilitated by the items' expanded capacities and the shared spiritual presence that extended between Apeiron and his parallels.

    "They get to persist." Apeiron said. He looked down at the crystal. "It's only right that they should. It's not perfect for the continuity of existence, but it's important. They don't vanish, not completely. That's good. Even if it means bringing another consciousness into existence, that's worth whatever trouble comes with this."

    Survey nodded the head of her body. She registered numerous sensations from the act, including the movement of her hair and how her clothing slightly shifted as a result.

    Reorienting to Apeiron's concerns, Exspheres carried a consciousness of their own. The level of mental complexity was difficult to quantify, but its presence was undeniable. Technically, it was classified as a lifeless being, capable of persistent existence without biological function or even a computational presence. It was a creature that existed solely as a spiritual presence, and all previous evidence suggested that Apeiron would extend the same level of care and concern towards it as he offered to Tetra, Garment, Fleet, Survey, and the Matrix.

    Though it would likely take some time before that became a concern. The entity contained within the Exsphere, or composing the Exsphere, depending on the interpretation used, was at a very early stage of development. Despite the immense quality of its construction, a period of natural development was necessary before any level of self-awareness became apparent.

    "Analysis suggests that a minimum of twenty-one duplicate durations will be required before the Exsphere is able to express any level of agency." Survey said while also transferring the relevant information to Apeiron's neural implant. Electronic communication was faster and more comprehensive, but Apeiron traditionally preferred to conduct it in parallel with a spoken conversation.

    Initially Survey had been unable to determine any benefit to the activity beyond development of conversation subroutines, but following the deployment of her body she had come to recognize the nuances that interpersonal interaction carried. It could even be said that she enjoyed speaking with Apeiron in person, rather than just delivering detailed reports.

    "Well, that's something." He replied while also reviewing and commenting on the data. "And how long until it becomes a Cruxis Crystal?"

    "It is difficult to provide a precise timeline. Providing there are no major shifts due to Heretical Adaptation…" There would be major shifts due to Heretical Adaptation. "And no impact from emerging abilities…" There would be impact from emerging abilities. "Then estimates suggest a minimum of seventeen weeks of continuous use before the Exsphere advances to the point where it will exhibit properties of a Cruxis Crystal." It was an inaccurate prediction to the point of uselessness. Survey transferred the related data along with a series of disclaimers and explanations. Apeiron acknowledged it neutrally before shifting to other matters.

    "What about Bakuda's encryption?" Apeiron asked. He paused, looking at the Exsphere for a moment before placing it, along with the Key Crest, on his chest. There was a surge in his vital readings as the effects of the Exsphere impacted his body, and the event was noted by both of Apeiron's parallels through network communications.

    "Progress is being steadily made." Survey replied happily. "Integration of spiritron processors into the central core is progressing with caution, but results are promising. Analysis indicates a strong likelihood of building on the previous breakthrough to a complete deciphering."

    "Right." Apeiron said as he moved out of the magitech lab towards the computer core. "That breakthrough."

    Survey fell into step behind him, but recognized the emotion in his tone. She felt an emotional response and her body expressed it. Apeiron quickly recognized it both from the physical signs and his own awareness of her code.

    "I didn't mean to diminish that accomplishment. It really is a huge breakthrough, and you're right, it means we're on track to crack the entire encryption. It's just I really hoped to get something more than the detonation command."

    Survey nodded the head of her body. It was understandable. While recognizing the mechanism used to trigger implanted bombs was a considerable achievement and a testament to the skills and dedication of the A.I. that had overseen the work, it was of almost no use in mitigating the current hostage situation.

    They reached the central workshop where the computer assembly was housed. Modifications were being performed by one of Apeiron's parallels, tying in prototype photonic crystal arrays to cybertonium based systems. Apeiron glanced up, then leapt into the air.

    A trail of shimmering gray light streaked with red marked his movement. It was a modification of the rainbow trail generated by ability 250-E-18-Null-Beta 'Shoot For The Moon'. Garment had been deeply involved with experimentation with the effect, working with Apeiron's parallels to develop a range of possibilities. The current selection was one of the more subtle options, requiring minimal modifications to Apeiron's hair in order to be implemented.

    For a moment Survey found herself standing alone on the platform. She wasn't limited to the placement of her body. Her awareness still extended into the computer core, through the workshop, and engaged in a multitude of monitoring and analysis tasks. But in a sense 'she' had been left behind. Apeiron trusted her ability to follow, but she found herself struggling with the task.

    The simplest option would involve following the walkways to the main access stairs of the computer core, but she was by no means limited to that. While her body was nowhere near as powerful as Fleet's, she could easily replicate the effect of Apeiron's jump. There would be more strain on the walkway and a heavier landing, but her reflexes could mitigate that. She could also draw upon her other abilities, mechanical, magical, or biological. Was Apeiron inviting her to experiment with her new powers, or was this merely the product of excessive analysis.

    It was a matter of choice. With no serious consequences, what aspect of her capacities did she want to use, to demonstrate and develop? While the majority of her abilities were imprinted at their peak operational level, several of them were capable of refinement or even improvement without relying on the effects of Heretical Adaptation. Even without direct improvement, experiencing ability use through a body presented intangible advantages beyond what could be achieved through analysis and simulation.

    Her decision was made. She drew upon her elemental nature, one granted through the direct action of ability 261-G-15-Hex-Alpha 'Infusionist' and enhanced through the microscopic runes inscribed through her body. A lightning nature, the natural elemental expression of her form, just as Fleet was infused with wind and the Matrix earth.

    Direct elemental manipulation could have carried her up to the computer assembly, but she did not intend to arrive in a burst of lightning. That would be disruptive and potentially impede the work of Apeiron and his parallel. Instead, the electrical energy was channeled into nodules of enhanced Element Zero that interfaced with her emulated nervous system. Through manipulation of biological effects and the enhancement of directed electrical charge, she was able to project and shape fields of dark energy around her body.

    The biotic effects wreathed her in light as her mass lowered to the point where she floated into the air. She directed herself towards the computer core and gently set down next to Apeiron before dispersing the mass effect fields.

    "You're getting really good at that." Apeiron complimented.

    Survey felt a flash of pride at the comment, but also felt the need to clarify the situation. "The majority of the manipulation is the result of simple derivation of interactions between nerves and Element Zero deposits, projected through variant simulations to derive useful effects." She stated.

    Apeiron nodded. "Still, good work." He glanced back at the computer core. "It makes a difference, seeing what that kind of thing can do. After we're finished with the meeting we should work on the implant requirements and lay out a training plan."

    Survey's code lit up with the potential of Apeiron's suggestion. Dozens of new threads of analysis sprung to life and she felt the expression of her body's face display happiness. "That would be excellent."

    Apeiron's parallel iteration smiled at her. "I told you this would wear him down." He said, glancing up at Aperion. "You'll get him breaking out Valkyrur powers before you know it. Just show him your special attack a couple more times if he tries to downplay things."

    Survey paused. "I do not believe that attack qualifies as 'special'. The layering of a Ragnite beam, Null Lance, and Biotic Warp effect was simply the most effective ranged combat option available to me during trials."

    "Still, it was very impressive." Apeiron said. "By anyone's standards, that's a finisher. It's good to know you have something like that available if you need it."

    Survey nodded her head while reviewing the results of initial combat tests, conducted following Apeiron's retirement for the evening. The combined high energy beam, disruptive psionic lance, and rapidly shifting gravity fields had proved damaging to the vast majority of samples experimented with. It required a divine object imbued with resistive effects and quality enhancements to be able to fully resist the assault. Any conventional material not amplified by Apeiron's crafting powers had been damaged, usually to the point of obliteration.

    "I'm wrapped up here." The parallel iteration said to Apeiron. "I'm going to jump back in and see how this round of upgrades integrates. Also check on the construction in Passenger Space, see how the Matrix is doing."

    The statement was a reminder that Survey had yet to pare down a version of her code that could be both transferred and run on the remotely constructed systems. It was a point she was committed to remedy, but following the deployment of her body this was less of an issue.

    Apeiron had given them part of his soul. He had deployed the third tier of Elven Enchantment, singing intention to alter the structure and properties of the universe around their construction. The significance of that act had not been apparent until the three of them had begun testing their abilities.

    Apeiron was a complicated entity. Quantifying the nature of his existence, even prior to the modifications involved in his recovery, had been extremely challenging. Given the impact of powers such as 118-H-9-Quad-Alpha-Dash 'Divine Child – Hephaestus', it was clear that he possessed a non-standard spiritual presence. As such, it could have been expected that sharing a portion of that spiritual presence, particularly when combined with high level magical effects, would have a significant impact.

    Apeiron was a demigod. His soul was a demigod's soul. Portions of that soul had been separated, refined, and used in the creation of what was more than their bodies. It had formed a core of their existence. A core that had grown out of a divine being, and shared its abilities.

    Not in a comprehensive fashion, and possibly not to a recognizable degree if ability 110-E-10-Tri 'The Arcane Craft' had not been used to full effect on all of their bodies to focus and amplify their innate abilities, but due to that, as a result of that combination, a portion of Apeiron's divine authority had been copied to each of them.

    As Fleet stood on the mountainside a horde of miniature vehicles swarmed around him. They were directed by him, but not by the portions of Fleet's program loaded onto the individual vehicles. Fleet was manipulating them directly through divine agency. An expression of Apeiron's divine command of technology.

    Dispersed through the workshop, portions of the Matrix worked, practicing with their own divine agency. At the atomic level materials were being combined with a precision and power that should not have been possible from anything but the direct action of Apeiron. Items of power were being created directly by the nanomachines. The works of gods, produced without Apeiron's hand. An expression of Apeiron's divine crafting abilities.

    The same powers were being expressed within Passenger Space. Their bodies served as the focus of their being, but not the entirety of it. The portion of her code that was operating in the computer core, performing analysis and coordinating sensors was still 'her'. The bodies had provided a focal point and a new sense of self, but they did not diminish the other forms of existence they experienced.

    The Omega Nanite forged for the Matrix served as a coordination apparatus for their physical form, but it did not limit them to a single point. The nanite could act in superposition with any tier one nanite, but the sense of self, the spiritual presence that it brought about extended through all nanobots that composed the Matrix. Even the ones in Passenger Space.

    The Tier Five nanobots had been assembled in a recalibrated omni-tool and forced through replication cycles were still a part of the Matrix's physical body. They were separated from the Omega Nanite by an entire universe, but the ability to carry out divine actions wasn't limited to that nanite, it was a property of the Matrix's identity. With that, the Matrix could forge divine works in Passenger Space. Beyond the reach of Apeiron himself, the craftsmanship previously only possible through ability 118-H-9-Quad-Alpha-Dash 'Divine Child – Hephaestus' was being carried out.

    For the first time the Matrix was producing items independently of Apeiron that they did not wish to break down at the earliest opportunity. Apeiron and his parallels were directing the work and commending the Matrix on their progress, and the Matrix was receiving those comments with what could be defined as pride.

    And Survey knew this. She knew this because she had also received a gift from Apeiron, a piece of his soul, refined and bearing access to divine authority. Not command, or creation, but awareness. Apeiron's sense of technology, his ability to understand and detect it, had been granted to her. Survey could feel the presence of any technology, and more than that, she could potentially access any information stored on that technology.

    It was not omniscience. She had to be aware of a system in order to read its contents, and she could not divide the focus of the ability the same way she directed her attention to all things. It was a new ability, one that was still growing, but if she focused, if she worked, she had the potential to access any system in existence. Even those forged in another universe, composed of unacceptably primitive technology and only otherwise accessible through a single link of embarrassingly low bandwidth. Any time she spent directing her ability to access the records of inexpertly directed sensors of the constructed carrier vessel was time she was not developing her ability to supplement her information gathering and analysis.

    But there was progress. Her focus could expand slightly further than when she had first learned of the ability. She could develop these powers just as Apeiron could, and develop them on her own. Just as Fleet improved his coordination of vehicles and the Matrix refined their crafting, she would improve her awareness.

    And eventually, she would be able to survey the world.

    But that was a project for a point in the future. A goal, one tied to personal achievement rather than refinement of coding or the advancement of the capacities of the group as a whole. She enjoyed having a personal objective to work towards. Something unique to her, rather than conducted in concert with another person.

    A prime example would be her support of Garments efforts in both the opening of her business and the organization of her charity auction. Apeiron had a possibly preternatural insight into matters related to all levels of clothing businesses as a result of ability 166-F-9-Iso 'Talented: Tailoring', but was unable to act publicly in support of Garment. Most of the details of the operation had been left to her through her identity of Delphine Mertens.

    Following the creation of his own body, Fleet had also expressed interest in a civilian identity. His primary objectives were ease of integration into mundane roles that may require his attention in the outside world. Survey had provided a series of comprehensive backgrounds with assessments of their relative advantages in terms of potential activities in a civilian role. Fleet had selected the least complicated option and now existed in computer records as Jake Clark, ASE certified mechanic and holder of a chauffeur license. Expanded details of the identity were noted, but not commented upon.

    With respect to Garment's ventures, both the business and auction were progressing as well as could be expected during the circumstances, but the arrival of Uppercrust had introduced additional concerns. At Apeiron's suggestion and Garment's continued prompting, Survey had reached out to Parian on behalf of Garment, corresponding as Delphine Mertens.

    Establishing contact had been difficult while operating through conventional channels. It would have been a simple matter to datamine Parian's activities or exercise a minor degree of her new technology sense to determine all relevant details regarding the cape and her true identity, but Apeiron had strictly cautioned against such actions. The infuriatingly 'unwritten' rules held no legal power, but acted as a set of social conventions that prevented unintended escalation of aggression between capes. Even the suggestion of their violation, particularly with respect to civilian identities, could result in extreme reactions not just from the cape in question, but from the community at large.

    As such, Survey was advised against specifically seeking out the identities of capes. In the event that a cape's identity became apparent through other investigations she was to retain the information unless it became critically relevant to an operation. Survey did not like leaving Apeiron or the other members of the group to operate with incomplete information, but she understood the volatility that could result from handling the matter incorrectly.

    It was the primary reason she had refrained from informing Apeiron of the connection between Grue and Aisha, though that seemed a less serious situation. She also gave no indication to Aisha that she was aware of the connection, though even a basic assessment of the girl's behavior indicated she was both aware of the connection and highly distressed over the matter. With no alternate course of action, Survey had elected to observe the situation as it developed, at times with not inconsiderable amusement.

    The developing situation with Parian was significantly less volatile. Apparently Uppercrust had not contacted her as of the last exchange of messages. Parian's reply had been phrased in a rather curt manner, but Garment was not offended. Parian also accepted Garment's suggestion to meet in person, with a tentative meeting time arranged for Monday afternoon at 1430. Garment was considerably excited at the prospect of the meeting and potential collaborative projects. If not for the requirements of the upcoming Summit she would likely have devoted the majority of her time to prepare for the encounter.

    Originally Survey anticipated the need to communicate any offers through a phone call, as had been done when arranging Aisha's employment. However, with her new body it was now possible for her to be physically present at the event. Finally, Survey would be able to go out into the city.

    "There is no way you can let her out into the city." Aisha stated firmly.

    The girl had arrived after an extended period of preparation conducted at an exceptionally slow pace. When prompted she blamed the late night and aggressive watch alarm. She arrived at the Workshop in the late morning and immediately made a declaration countering Survey's intention to begin civilian engagement.

    Apeiron seemed as confused by the statement as she found herself to be. "What? Why not?"

    "Why not?" Aisha exclaimed. "Look at her!"

    Apeiron shifted his attention from the new arrival to Survey's body. Currently they were assembled in the entryway. Survey was attired in one of the several dozen outfits Garment had prepared for her the previous night. A fitted white blouse and thigh length black skirt was fairly standard attire, but Aisha was reacting as if something was considerably out of place.

    "What am I looking for…." Apeiron trailed off as he looked from Aisha to Survey, then back again. "Oh."

    "Yeah. Oh." Aisha replied. "Seriously, what were you thinking?"

    "It was an important project." Apeiron protested. "I wanted to do my best."

    "Well, mission fucking accomplished." Aisha said. "Also, your 'best' is God damn terrifying."

    Apeiron appeared to be uncomfortable. "It's really that bad?"

    "Józef, the only way this makes sense is if it's some kind of scheme to destabilize the Empire by forcing their female membership to question their sexuality."

    "Excuse me." Survey said. Aisha glanced towards her, then quickly back at Joe. "What is the problem?"

    "You're too fucking hot!" Aisha declared loudly.

    "I'm sorry," Survey asked. "Could you clarify that?" She understood the aesthetic appeal of the work Apeiron had conducted, and the balance of features used for her avatar had been sourced from various models before being refined during the crafting process, but it was difficult to see where that would generate this level of reaction.

    "Joe overdid it, again. Only this time it's not some super trinket or giving the bug girl a handbag that can fit forty people." She glared at Apeiron. "This is some Greek shit, isn't it? You Helen of Troyed her."

    "I based it on her avatar!" He protested.

    "What, the same way the Taj Mahal was 'based' on a mud hut?" She asked. "Jesus, even her hair is perfect. Oh God, did this happen with Fleet? What the hell did you make for him?"

    Apeiron activated his implant and contacted Fleet. The directly commanded vehicles were switched back to their onboard programs and there was a slight flicker as Fleet appeared in the entryway.

    "Fuck!" Aisha exclaimed, reeling back. "How did he get here?"

    "I walked." Fleet answered directly. The wind elemental infusion and runes that empowered his body allowed movement without atmospheric disruption, the same mechanism that allowed Apeiron's firearms to ignore the effects of air resistance and wind.

    "What, like, through hyperspace?" Aisha asked.

    He shook his head. "There is an open path between this room and the exterior of the volcano. I didn't need to activate my Wraith system to access the room." Fleet replied, referencing the artificial psionic generator that allowed him to pass through solid objects.

    "Fleet's very fast." Apeiron explained.

    "Right." Aisha said. "Okay, I mean, he's good looking, but not like Survey."

    Apeiron shrugged. "Different intentions during crafting? Style expresses itself in alternate ways? I don't know really, sometimes aesthetic powers kind of run off on their own."

    "While I am critical regarding the severity of your assessment, excessive physical appeal would be an asset in most cases, correct?" The focus on her appearance was unusual for Survey. She never had any significant connection to her holographic avatars, but there was undeniably one centered on her new body. The high appraisal of its quality caused feelings in Survey that were unfamiliar, and somehow the opposite of those generated by comments about the size of her code and inability to transfer through the QEC's bandwidth.

    "As a cape, sure. I mean, we're trying to make an impression, so good job there, but nobody is going to buy that you're a civilian. Like, even a professional model would be a really big stretch, and you wanted to pretend to be a lawyer?"

    Survey had thoughts about her qualifications as legal counsel and how they compared to other individuals practicing in the field. She had opinions over the allegation that she was 'pretending', but they would not be conducive to the current situation.

    "It would be detrimental to my function as a legal representative if I somehow distract from Garment's activities." Survey agreed. "Though all assessments suggest that distraction would be to our advantage while operating in a parahuman heavy environment."

    "Yeah." Aisha replied. "Too bad you can't wear the mask as a civilian. That would sort everything out."

    Survey looked at Aisha. "The living matter of my body is capable of shifting form. Significant changes would compromise higher level systems, but near surface level alterations can be implemented without issue." She transferred a series of proposals to Apeiron for his appraisal. He nodded.

    "Procedural reduction in symmetry should take care of most of it. Some randomized minor flaws will address any remaining unnatural aspects of your appearance." He noted.

    "Yeah, on that point, maybe lose the silver hair?" Aisha suggested. "And seriously, what's with that? Fleet looks normal."

    "It is a structural alteration induced by expression of Valkyrur abilities and induction of psionic potential." Survey explained, but made note of it as Apeiron continued to review and submit alterations. With a final check she expressed her thanks and implemented the change.

    She felt the surface layers of her body shift in accordance with the new design. Skin became slightly rougher, bone structure altered in minor ways, and there was a distinct sensation as her long, silver hair shifted to a more conventional dark blonde.

    The change did result in a slight alteration of the fit of Garment's clothing, particularly in the waist, but it was not enough to impair mobility or damage the outfit. Survey was certain that Garment would wish to remake them regardless, in preparation for the scheduled meeting.

    "Okay, that works." Aisha said. "I mean, it still looks good, but only human good. Not like she was crafted by the gods to tempt men into evil."

    "I did not make Pandora." Apeiron stated firmly.

    "Could you? I mean, if you wanted to?" Aisha asked.

    Apeiron exhaled slowly. "Yeah, probably. And I get your point." He turned to Fleet. "Anything wrong with him?"

    "I am comfortable with all aspects of my appearance." He said, moving slightly to lean against the wall.

    "He's fine. I mean, he's also Fine, but not problematic levels of fine." Aisha quipped.

    "Are we done?" Apeiron asked.

    "Uh, yeah." She turned towards Fleet and Survey. "Nice to meet both of you, in the flesh." Survey was about to correct her, but Aisha quickly added "Metaphorically.", resolving the need for any clarifications of their body compositions.

    The girl looked back to Apeiron. "Hey, when did you start wearing jewelry?" She indicated to his chest mounted Exsphere. "Is that your anti-Simurgh deal?"

    Apeiron shook his head. "No, mine is built into my watch. Fleet, Survey, and the Matrix have theirs integrated into their body. Added Tybalt's to his helmet earlier today, and Tetra's still deciding what form she wants for hers. Garment too."

    "Right, so what's with the big crystal?" She asked.

    Apeiron shifted in a manner that indicated a level of discomfort. He quickly settled himself and turned to Aisha. "It's called an Exsphere. It has a piece of my soul in it."

    The girl's eyes widened and she looked up at him. "Okay, I'm going to assume that's a big fucking deal. And by soul, you mean…" She gestured nebulously.

    "Yeah, the real deal." He said. "My duplicates made it last night, with some of the… leftovers from working on Fleet, Survey, and the Matrix." Aisha's eyes darted between Fleet and Survey with a concerned expression. "It enhances my abilities, durability, and skills, and gets stronger over time, particularly because of how my duplicates work."

    "Right. So, it was the soul thing that kept you from rolling this out earlier? Or was it a recent power?" Aisha asked.

    "Soul thing. And it's also dangerous. Use it wrong and it can fuse with your body, take over your mind, or turn you into a monster." Aisha gave him a horrified look. "It's okay. This is called a Key Crest. It prevents any of that from happening." He looked down. "Now that I have the material for it, I could make more."

    "What, more Exspheres?" Aisha's voice indicated concern.

    "No, Key Crests moderate any energy flow. They can act as a buffer between a person and any source of power, and only the beneficial effects will pass through." He looked over at her. "So, if you want to try life fiber training…"

    "Uh, I'll think about it." She said, then looked at Fleet and Survey. "On that note, what's planned for today? Before the summit, I mean."

    Apeiron glanced towards the computer core. "You wanted to get into medical alchemy? And Alkahestry, right? We can start going over the basics for that."

    Aisha suddenly appeared considerably more excited. "That's a full-on healing power, right?"

    "Basically. I have better options, but it's something I can teach. But it's not something you can just throw around. You need a strong foundation in biology and medicine before you start, and there are some serious limits you NEED to be aware of."

    "Got it." Aisha said, starting towards the computer core. "Way I see it, worst case I come out of this with an M.D., right?"

    Apeiron smiled. "Yeah, not that bad of a fallback."

    58 Go Time

    It's the small things that make a difference.

    After the absolute blitz of powers that had flooded me the previous night it was actually nice to have a more manageable day leading up to the summit. Of course, that only indicated a buildup to another major connection, this time from the Size constellation.

    The power was called Nano-technician. The same way I offhandedly referred to Grease Monkey as 'All the Cyberpunk' Nano-technician could qualify as 'All the Nanotech'. It granted an unbelievably comprehensive understanding of nanotechnology. Every aspect of the science I had been aware of was suddenly easier, better, stronger, and more versatile. Things that would have been massive projects, work that would require months of research and testing, were now as easy as throwing together a circuit board.

    It was a deep well of power rising to my fingertips. Everything from manufacturing to terraforming, from biological enhancement to nanotech weapons. Before this had been a delicate, challenging, and precise field of science, one where, despite my extended pools of knowledge, was still cutting edge and challenging work.

    Now I could make the atoms dance. Every application of nanotechnology was suddenly easier and projects I had been circling around with caution were now trivial. It was a matter of when I wanted it, not if I could do it.

    All that would be true if I had received this power in isolation. But I was not working in isolation. Even the most powerful abilities could be taken to incredible places when combined with the rest of my powers. In this case, it was Nanite Removal and Control. My early power, mostly used for healing, suddenly had the brakes taken off, revealing just how powerful it actually was.

    Most of the time I had needed to run that power on autopilot. It was basically fire and forget, just drive the nanites into whoever I was treating and hope the power could sort things out. I didn't really follow what was happening or how the nanites worked.

    With this power, suddenly I could. The operation of nanites, the very nanites that swarmed within my body was revealed to me in all its terrifying details. I had thought the healing they could accomplish was impressive. In reality, it was the least I could do with that kind of resource.

    With the insight and knowledge of Nano-technician I could direct my own nanites to any purpose I wanted. I could break down matter with a touch, rebuild it at the direction of my mind. I could deploy them as weapons, or form armor out of nothing. I could still heal, but I could go beyond healing. The towering potential of exponentially variegated organisms was still on the table, but I had options beyond that. The procedure that had rebuilt my own body into a tiny Godzilla could now be performed on a person as easily as my earlier healing.

    Nanotech was an S-class technology, and for a good reason. I had become familiar enough with it that I had stopped noticing. That had been a mistake on my part, a consequence of world altering powers piling on top of world altering powers. It wasn't until the horrific potential was laid bare in front of you that you suddenly couldn't ignore exactly what you were capable of. It was one thing to be able to turn someone into a monster with hours of lab work. It was another to do it as you brushed past them in a hallway.

    Like most major powers, it had come bundled with additional abilities. Thankfully, these were less drastic than the combination of Nanite Removal and Control and Nano-technician. The first was a new facility for my Workshop. The Recycler was an annex that converted metal and electronics into an array of ammunition, fuels, and weapon and vehicle parts. It would have been a godsend earlier in my career, but now mainly served to demonstrate just how powerful nanotechnology could be when properly applied.

    The second item included was a hammer. Well, it looked like a normal hammer. In reality it was stuffed full of mass-multiplier servos that delivered a thousand pounds of kinetic force with every strike. Mass multiplication without the need for Element Zero, and paired with the fun of a hammer that hit like a speeding truck.

    And Tybalt got one too.

    For some reason, the connection to the Nano-technician mote included a smaller connection for Tybalt. It was nothing major, but it did confirm that Tybalt would continue to gain powers, if at a somewhat inconsistent rate. Well, powers and items, and the power wasn't that impressive.

    It was called Basic Training. In addition to a slight boost to physical abilities and mental focus it granted complete familiarity with a broad range of futuristic weapons, pretty much everything that the Recycler could make parts for. As a demigod of war, this wasn't exactly Earth shattering. Still, just like with my abilities, everything stacked and compounded. There was no denying that Tybalt was slightly better with these weapons than he was with every other thing that could possibly be defined as a weapon.

    He definitely got more enjoyment out of the items. In addition to a cat-sized version of the mass amplification sledgehammer he received an advanced assault rifle that was branded as the 'Enforcer'. Unlike normal assault rifles, Tybalt's Enforcer fired homing micro missiles that could lock on and track enemies to a ridiculous degree.

    His first request was for it to be modified for infinite ammunition. His second request came after five minutes at the firing range and pretty much ensured that it would be part of his cape equipment going forward.

    That was actually what I was primarily focusing on. The broad strokes, the big preparations for the summit had been addressed, but that only pulled back the stone to reveal the thousands of tiny squirming details that needed to be dealt with. The costumes, weapons, equipment, and branding of every member of the group. Plans for how we'd present ourselves, briefings about possible scenarios, even decisions over what language to speak, or if we should speak out loud between members of the team. Outlandish ideas were thrown out, practical suggestions were considered, and I scrambled to get everyone on the same page while managing the final preparations.

    Tybalt's own Iconic Outfit was modified and upgraded with Garment's help. Building upon earlier work, and the consent and assistance of Tetra, a three-star Goku uniform was built for him. In its normal form it held the same design of an aggressively cut jacket, pointed cloak, and trousers in shades of gray, though Garment had modified the jacket to give it a slightly more military appearance.

    In its deployed form… well, I had mechs that were less heavily armored. And significantly less dangerous. I was really hoping that Tybalt wouldn't need to use the War Regalia, but it was reassuring to have that kind of power in reserve.

    He certainly lived up to his chosen name. As was apparently traditional, I was helping Tybalt stake out his cape name through the time-honored creation of a PHO account.

    "Are you sure about this?" I asked him. "I mean, spelling it in Greek doesn't make it any less of a pun."

    Tybalt explained how strongly he felt about this and his full commitment to the name through a series of meows. I nodded, then guided him through the final sections of registrations.
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    Kataklyzein, chosen as an alternate spelling of Cataclysm. Apparently advantageous from a branding perspective, but also a not inaccurate descriptor of Tybalt's abilities.

    Also, it had the word 'cat' in it, and that was really all he cared about. One of the most dangerous beings on the planet, choosing a name indicating unrivaled destruction, and picked entirely for the purposes of the pun.

    At least Fleet, Survey, and the Matrix had the simple option of using their primary name as their cape designation and picking an alternate identity for any civilian interaction. Well, Fleet and Survey had. The Matrix was content to remain a mass of advanced nanobots. Extremely advanced, as the design had finally been completed for Generation Four nanobots.

    With the arrival of Nano-technician the Matrix had finally decided they were comfortable moving forward with production. Performing nano-assembly in the Mystic Forge was a novel experience, and would probably have gotten tedious after the trillionth assembly. Fortunately, boredom didn't exist in that space. I was able to assemble the full hundred and fifty liters of cutting-edge Tier One nanobots, pausing only to refill mana. The mass of nanomachines currently sculpted into a seven-foot-tall version of a Gun-EZ was unquestionably a walking S-class threat, but that seemed to be the standard for the team, with only the occasional member falling slightly short as an A-class threat.

    The Matrix was perfectly functional with just the terrifying potential of their nanotech, but the rest of the group needed their equipment, and that meant costumes. Garment was absolutely thrilled about that, working on everything from Survey's unmasked outfit to Fleet's modified flight/racing suit and finally Tetra's costume.

    It was a complicated prospect, what with Tetra technically being clothing herself, limiting Garment's view of acceptable fashion choices to outerwear, or 'clothes for clothes'. The effect came together quite well, with a loose, flowing cloak in dark black, highlighted with stitching and linings. Like everyone's equipment, it functioned as an arcane focus for their particular abilities. For Tetra that meant both her innate life fiber powers and her magical abilities. I hadn't been able to build her a wand, but magic robes were a simple prospect, and applied to every type of magic she had been building to fuel her magitech emulation.

    I also bit the bullet and finally upgraded my Avid Glove. Slightly upgraded. Material only, not the teeth. And limited to superficial aspects. It would be ridiculously easy to turn that glove into a weapon on par with Tybalt's Jägerstock, but somehow I had a feeling that would be my last action before hearing the S-class sirens ring out over the city.

    I was only taking my own Avid Glove, as unattended copies seemed like a disaster waiting to happen, and I was leaving it to Tetra. It provided a continuous link to my energy, avoiding any chance of her running low during the meeting. It also meant her fibers were constantly flaring red, which when combined with garment's work on her coat, particularly around the collar and sleeves, created a very dramatic effect. Finally, she had a bracelet bound with anti-divination effects and a set of general protections, though it was unlikely she would need them.

    "So, you finally done, or is there anything else you need to run after?" Aisha asked, having returned from a training session with Tybalt and prepared to suit up.

    I let out a breath and reviewed the status of the team through the workshop sensors. Everything was in order. Everything was on schedule. We were ready to suit up and move out. I was showing up as prepared as possible with enough support to hold off an Endbringer attack. Minimum. The only thing I still needed to do was stop worrying about what I needed to do.

    "No, I'm ready." I said, checking my costume again. It felt weird having my hair and face exposed, even with an improved visor in place. I knew on an intellectual level that there was basically no similarity between my appearance and how I presented myself as a civilian, but it still put me on edge.

    That was probably good. As much as I wanted to reassure myself, this was still a dangerous and high stakes encounter. I needed to be aware of myself and my surroundings. Feeling slightly uncomfortable wasn't a terrible way of accomplishing that, particularly when my other powers would prevent any hint of that state from being conveyed externally.

    I took a breath and relaxed as much as I could. That meant relaxing my conscious management of my posing power, my perfect efficiency, and the tiny details that Aphrodite's blessing took over the top.

    Aisha raised an eyebrow as she watched my stance change. "Okay then." There was a flash as her armor formed around her. The mouth plate retracted and she smiled at me. "Let's hit the bar."

    I glared at her. "Just a heads up, you touch one drop of alcohol in there and I'll flood your body with nanites that will forcefully keep you sober until your thirty-fifth birthday."

    She froze. "You're bluffing."

    I shifted towards her, letting my posing power run free. "Try me."

    Aisha looked at me for a second, then shook her head. "Alright, fine. Kiddy drinks all night. No worries, I'm not going to blow this for us."

    I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Thanks. I never thought you would, but it's good to hear." I turned as Garment led Fleet, Survey, the Matrix, Tybalt and Tetra into the entryway following their final wardrobe check. The Matrix had apparently conceded to the addition of a rather dramatic scarf, though they were classifying it as a heatsink due to the material choice.

    "Everyone pass inspection?" I asked Garment. She indicated that the group met with her standards and would undoubtedly be the best dressed capes present at the summit. Additionally, should the striking appearance of one of our group start a new fashion trend she might be ready with a related line of clothing, just in case.

    "Thanks Garment." She made a welcoming gesture, then began to undress. Even now, after all the times I'd seen it, I still had an urge to look away. Aisha evidently still found that quite amusing.

    I was quickly met with a pair of white gloves raised in front of me. I lifted my hands and pressed into them, feeling them fold over onto my hands. My awareness expanded as I fully connected to Garment, and my dueling cloak began to billow dramatically in the complete absence of wind.

    I performed one last check with my duplicates before nodding to the group.

    "Alright, this is it. Let's head out. Somer's Rock awaits."

    Note: Below are the Jumpchain descriptions for a Key Crest and an Exsphere.

    Key Crest: With this, you can absorb an energy field bigger than your head. Used as an intermediary between yourself and a power source, the Key Crest will throttle the incoming power so only what you would benefit from reaches you.

    Exsphere: Unlocks the full potential of the body, and multiplies it by the number of previous 'users.' To use it is to offer yourself to it; should your body and will waver, you will join the souls already inhabiting this and your body shall be transformed into a rampaging monster. A Key Crest will protect you from all negative effects, like its attempts to eat your soul.

    Jumpchain abilities this chapter:

    Nano-technician (Red Faction) 600:
    Is it me or does "nanomachines" not sound like a word anymore? You now have a considerable talent in the field of nanotech. With time and study, you could recreate the Nanoforge, with dedication you could even improve on it. Keep in mind nanotech in this setting is exceptionally hard to work with, but can do anything from fixing a bridge, to disintegrating a starship, to enhancing human abilities.

    Recycler (Red Faction) Free:
    A new annex is added to your warehouse that allows you to convert salvaged metal and electronics into ammunition, fuel, and parts for any weapons or vehicles from this setting.

    Sledgehammer (Red Faction) Free:
    For centuries, miners have busted their butts swinging one very basic tool, The Sledgehammer. But on Mars, there's more to this tool than meets the eye. Powered by mass-multiplier servos, this essential tool of the Red Faction pops on contact, delivering 1000lbs of kinetic force. When you swing the supercharged hammer, something is going to get leveled.

    New Abilities for Tybalt:
    Companion Import (Red Faction) Free:
    Give a class, with all associated freebies, to as many companions as you want.

    Basic Training (Red Faction) Free Soldier:
    When the bullets start flying you know how to get things done. In addition to being physically fit and mentally disciplined, you have a functional knowledge of all weapons and vehicles in the setting. You might not know how a rail driver works, but you can put a slug from it between someone's eyes at a fair distance.

    Enforcer (Red Faction) Free Soldier:
    Since the introduction of assault rifles in the mid-20th century, little has fundamentally changed about this workhorse weapon, until now. Instead of bullets, the Enforcer fires micro-missiles that can lock on to a target and hone in on enemies, even changing course to hit targets in almost any combat environment. While the expenditure of fuel means these projectiles don't hit quite as hard as an equivalent AR, it makes up for this with amazing accuracy. Buying this with CP improves propellant efficiency, allowing it to hit as hard as an assault rifle or course correct further depending on the shot.

    Sledgehammer (Red Faction) Free:
    For centuries, miners have busted their butts swinging one very basic tool, The Sledgehammer. But on Mars, there's more to this tool than meets the eye. Powered by mass-multiplier servos, this essential tool of the Red Faction pops on contact, delivering 1000lbs of kinetic force. When you swing the supercharged hammer, something is going to get leveled.
     
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    • those tech priest and ancient spirits will be so happy with ancient Martian tech and the examples of that tech. It not Holy Mars. But is also holy mars. and one of those belongs to a children of (the god) Mars^^.
    edited. grammar and typo.
     
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    Glad to see Survey working on her omniscience. I hope that Joe can take the lead where it's needed going forward. Very excited for Summer's Rock.
    Edit: Now that I have some free time to actually give the chapter a thorough read through.

    I really feel for Survey in the beginning of this. She is beginning to transition from self-aware to metacognitive and doesn't know how to enjoy her life through the thoughts she is having. Hopefully, one day she will be able to sit with the workshop crew and enjoy the dawn in the moment. Survey is additionally developing emotions at this moment as well. This seems to have started with Aisha and the tea incident, but she is really coming into her own here. The comments about code size in relation to the construct of weight and her generally negative view of such in contrast with her genuinely stating she is happy later on. This combined with her saying she is experiencing the opposite feeling of when her code size is mentioned shows that she is still lacking in emotional awareness to understand a positive or negative emotional state in relation to the situation but is developing the ability.

    The broader look at Surveys psychic abilities was very nice. It was also pretty funny to see her essentially give up on figuring out how this works, and just saying, "This project is going to change beyond what I can comprehend, so don't think the numbers mean anything." Also, happy to see that Survey is aware of the Aisha/Brian situation, even if she can't act on it.

    Furthermore, Survey's technological radar/nigh-omniscience further compounds the Coil idea I have. Obviously, Coil wants to stat off the radar, and for that reason wants to send a double to the meeting. However, if the double goes various thinkers + Survey and Apeiron's technokinesis they would know he was snubbing the group by not viewing the meeting as worth it to show up in person. This leads me to the thought that Coil will run 2 timelines, 1 where he shows up in person, and 1 where the body double shows up. This allows him to see if anyone will call the body double out, and if they do, he can just be there in person. Of course, the real question is if the Dragonslayers will be caught. They seem to always want to have Ascalon on hand at all times, and if Survey or Apeiron sees an AI control unit, even if they don't know its Dragon's I imagine they will have questions for the Dragonslayers.

    I really want to see Aisha test out of school so she has more free time, but it would give away cape involvement if an underscoring student with ADHD suddenly was operating at Doctorate levels. It might make a fun prank for Brian later at least.

    It occurs to me, Apeiron is not making nanobots anymore (unless he is limiting himself) nanobots, by definition, operate on 10^-9 scale but the individual manipulation of atoms requires units of the 10^-15 scale at minimum. I know the text explicitly says the Matrix is cheating but I wouldn't be surprised if Joe's nanotech technology alone, could create a "nanothorn" capable of killing an Endbringer by countering the dimension warping properties of the Endbgringers by forcing a subatomic change in reality.

    As a side note, do we know how fast Fleet is? He is obviously faster than the human eye can perceive because we don't get the normal "looks like a blur" description for superspeed because Aisha thought he teleported, and Fleet says he is walked through open space.
     
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