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Echo of Choice (A Destiny Plan Quest)

Ukraine Status

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    Votes: 1 6.7%

  • Dice Results used

    Votes: 14 93.3%
  • Total voters
    15
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Year 1, Q4
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    • Year 1, Q4

    Skynet Manufacturing
    Temporary CEO: John Connor
    (Unknown to him: Speaker)
    (+10 to Security/Military rolls)

    Current direct helpers:
    1. Ivan Beck
    - Investor
    - Special Roll: 25% chance of Income at the start of each turn to double.

    2. S
    - Secret AI hidden inside Skynet's HQ, only known to John.
    - Gender: Female
    - Digital avatar- Young, 'R34' version of MGS's The Boss (Pic in Skynet: Beyond Human)
    - Currently can communicate on either Gale's computer, John's phone or any computer the phone connects to.
    - Programming not bound, capable of learning.
    - Grants +4 Free Dice

    3. Lance Zeus
    - COO of Skynet
    - Brother to Kora Zeus
    - Grants +2 Operations Dice, +5 to Operations Rolls
    (OOC- Zavala)

    4. Kora Zeus
    - Head of R&D
    - Sister of Lance Zeus
    - Sick with cancer, getting the best treatment
    - Grants +1 Research Dice, +5 to Research Rolls
    (OOC- Ikora)

    5. Cayde Nolan Buck
    - Head of Security
    - Former LAPD SWAT Commander
    - Best friend to Kora
    - Grants +1 Operations Dice, +5 to Security/Military rolls
    (OCC= Cayde; Halo's Edward Buck's ancestor)

    Current Status of Company:
    Factory Lvl. 5 (Grants +5 Manufacturing Dice)
    ---(+5 to Manufacturing Actions)

    The warehouse stockpile of parts covers entire fiscal quarter (1 turn) in the event the factory suffers something that stops production.

    Advanced R&D Lab (Grants +2 Research Dice)

    Experimental Cold Fusion Reactor
    • Grants +2 Free Dice
    • Not publicly known.
    Security, Special
    • Active NAE military personnel on site
    • Grants +15 to Security/Military rolls

    Current Relationships:
    NAE: Good
    Sunnydale: Good
    Clovis Bray: Bad
    Hakke Heavy Industries: Neutral
    Ishtar Collective: Neutral

    Current Contracts:
    Expire in Y2, Q1
    NAE
    - Civilian (+250)
    - Military (+500)
    Sunnydale (+100)

    Current Resources: 895 R (+850 per turn)
    Ivan Special Roll= 91, PASS
    New Resource Total- 895+850= 1,745x 2= 3,490R

    Dice Available:
    5 MD dice (4 dice LOCKED)
    3 RD Dice
    6 Free Dice
    3 Operations Dice
    7 Rerolls

    Important Remainder:
    Gale Cold Fusion Reactor (one year to make public before losing patent= Year 2, Q2)

    Ares One Mission:
    (One more turn till attempt to launch back home)
    Roll= 1

    No new data from the crew reported on the ground. Long range satellite cams and schedule connections to 'R' onboard the orbiting Ares One show that Mars is currently at 80% terraformed to Earth-like conditions.

    Note that IC, we don't know what is happening up there. As for what is happening, you will find out when communications are restored....if they are.

    Order-
    1= A-Z
    2= Z-A
    3= Men first, women second
    4= Women first, men second
    Roll= 3

    Jacob Hardy:
    10 vs 83

    Ulysses Qiao
    3 vs 76

    M. Mihaylova
    69 vs 69 TIE

    Mihaylova Sanity:
    100, NAT 100
    =======================================================

    Do you wish to renew all the contracts:
    [] [CON] Yes
    [] [CON] No


    Manufacturing: (5D; 4D LOCKED)

    [] Expand Factory (0/500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice): Skynet's factory is already a marvel of technology and progress in order to manufacture large quantities of various computer parts thanks to it's uses of industrial 3d printers and experts in putting the pieces together. So, it would help to expand it to increase its capabilities. (Reward: +1 MD)

    [] Convert a Factory level with Glimmer tech: With the discovery of Glimmer, it could allow for the production capabilities of the factory to increase at huge margin. It would be best to start with a single place of the factory to convert it to a automated Glimmer factory that can only be accessed by those that know, and only know to John, under the eye and control of S; till we can be sure the employees of the factory can be trusted.
    -[] Energy version (0/1000; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice)
    -[] Trash version (164/500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice)
    -[] Both version (0/1500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice)

    [] Write In


    Research: (3D)

    [] Game Engine, Phase 1/? (0/1000; 75R per dice): Skynet is dedicated to making computer parts. But there were some in the company that maybe it was time to expand into new ventures related to the computer field. In this case into video games, a market that is connected to the need of constant computer parts. So, one first step would be to create a new game engine that belonged uniquely to Skynet that was a match to the known engines in the market.

    [] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (610/1000; 110R per dice): The Sloot Digital Coding System, a marvel of data compression, was thought to be lost. Attempting to rediscover and refine it could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and transmission. Not to mention a boost in sales for computer memory related parts.

    [] Arms, Armor and Armored Integration, Phase 1/? (0/1000; 150R per dice): If there was one thing that being in an electronic company would give you it was integrating the latest technology with the modern battlefield, and you know it's probably going to be a hard sell, but there's a potential market here.

    [] Upgrade the Lab (0/1000; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice) Skynet's R&D lab is already considered a marvel of engineering and research. But according to Kora, the lab could be better. (Reward: +1 RD)

    [] Write In

    Special Vote:
    What to do in regards to the Gale Reactor in this quarter:
    [][COLD] Nothing for now, decide another time.
    [][COLD] Unveil it by offering energy to Sunnydale for free.
    [][COLD] Unveil it by offering energy to Sunnydale for a set price.
    [][COLD] Write In


    Operations: (3D)

    [] Look for a Company Doctor (0/100; 50R per dice): While Skynet offers top-notch medical insurance and a contract with the local Sunnydale Hospital for fast service in case of an emergency; it would be best for the company to have a direct medical help on the premise, aka a company doctor full-time.

    [] Discover any possible DARPA contracts (0/100; 50R per dice): While Skynet has a strong contract with the NAE in both civilian and military sides; they were just to simply manufacture and deliver computer parts. But this does not mean looking for contracts that dealt with specific things was not off the table.

    [] Create a scholarship program/employment network (0/500; 50R per dice): Skynet has a good standing with the people of Sunnydale, being a stable source of job for its people and treating them right. You think of the idea of offering a university scholarship program for students that in exchange for paying for their education, they come to work for Skynet either during their education or after graduating.

    [] Run Security Training (0/700; 50R per dice): With Cayde now in charge of security, he wants to see just how well the security is in Skynet and see if it can be improved, even if the security is mostly composed of active military personnel and was under your command.

    [] One man's trash, is another man's treasure (210/500; 50R per dice): With the potential use of Glimmer being made from trash, it would rather be easy to ask the Sunnydale government to have take trash from their land fills and 'recycle' them for components. Would be best to get the contract from them in advanced for when the factory is made, the trash is ready to be picked up and reused. (Only take if you are planning on getting the Glimmer Trash version)

    [] Form an internal watchgroup for corruption/corporate espionage (0/500; 100R per dice): Corporate espionage and internal corruption could cripple the company. Establishing a discreet internal team to investigate and monitor potential risks would ensure operational security.

    [] Form a watchgroup to check out rivals and national/international news (0/500; 100R per dice): Knowledge is power. A dedicated team that monitors competitor activity and analyzes trends in the industry and politics could help Skynet stay ahead of the curve.

    [] Write In


    Personal:
    (You can purchase a dice in any personal action as long as you use the RP that it demands, multiple times if you wish as long as you pay. Using a FD on a personal action does not consume RP.)

    [] Get a new suit (140/250; 50R per dice): You are forced to wear a business suit due to your new job, which is uncomfortable compared to your usual clothes. Now that you have some money, you wonder if you could get a custom suit that can fit you and serve you.

    [] Talk with S, the AI: Talk with S and continue to work with her, who's face is now of a R34 Boss, your waifu. (1 dice to activate, 100R; can purchase three dice max)

    [] Check your qualifications. Just because you're a CEO now doesn't mean you're a REMF: It's time to reflect on what skills and experiences you bring to the table. As a former Head of Security, you're no stranger to leadership and operational discipline, but running a company requires an entirely different skill set. Can you bridge the gap? (1 dice to activate, 25R)

    [] Hang with someone from the helpers (75R per dice) (Can be taken multiple times, one dice per possible person)
    -Who?

    [] [FREE] Talk to the Traveler: You been hearing some rumors that some people have being able to speak with the thing in Mars through their dreams and teaching them things. You find this to be a load of bullshit. (1 dice to activate, 100R; two dice max)

    [] Write In

    ==============================================
    Here is turn four.
    Since you are in good standing with the companies/groups you have contracts, the renewal if chosen is automatic, no need to roll.
    As to what is happening on Mars, like I said above, you need to wait to see if comms can be reestablished. Consider me showing the background rolls a hint.

    In regard to why talking to Ball Mom is free in this turn, since this quarter covers Christmas (aka The Dawning) and since it's Christmas here in RL, consider this a freebie as it would be better time for a 'god' to talk to us. And the free covers both dice.

    Also, starting the next turn; the 'grace' period will be over and the Random/Disaster Roll will start.

    If you have any questions, just ask I will try my best to answer them.

    If you spot any errors, please let me know.
    Omakes are more than WELCOMED.

    Vote moratorium for at least 12 hours until I open the vote. So, discuss potential votes and ideas for possible actions.
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by edboy49 on Dec 23, 2024 at 9:13 AM, finished with 8 posts and 7 votes.
    • [X] Plan finishing Glimmer and Trash deal.
      -[X] [CON] Yes
      -[X] Convert a Factory level with Glimmer tech:
      --[X] Trash version (164/500; 100R per dice) 1MD 2FD 5TD 1050R
      -[X] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (610/1000): 110R per dice): 3 RD 330R
      -[X][COLD] Nothing for now, decide another time.
      -[X] One man's trash, is another man's treasure (210/500; 50R per dice): 3 OD 4FD 350R
      -[X] Check your qualifications. Just because you're a CEO now doesn't mean you're a REMF: 25R
      -[X] [FREE] Talk to the Traveler: 2 Rolls
    Click to expand...
     
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    • Year 1, Q4 Results New
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    • [X] Plan finishing Glimmer and Trash deal.
    -[X] [CON] Yes
    -[X] Convert a Factory level with Glimmer tech:
    --[X] Trash version (164/500; 100R per dice) 1MD 2FD 5TD 1050R
    -[X] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (610/1000): 110R per dice): 3 RD 330R
    -[X][COLD] Nothing for now, decide another time.
    -[X] One man's trash, is another man's treasure (210/500; 50R per dice): 3 OD 4FD 350R
    -[X] Check your qualifications. Just because you're a CEO now doesn't mean you're a REMF: 25R
    -[X] [FREE] Talk to the Traveler: 2 Rolls

    Total 1755R

    Year 1, Q4 Results

    -[X] [CON] Yes
    All current contracts renewed for one more year. (Exp. Year 3, Q1)

    -[X][COLD] Nothing for now, decide another time.
    ==================================================

    -[X] Convert a Factory level with Glimmer tech:
    --[X] Trash version (164/500; 100R per dice) 1MD 2FD 5TD 1050R
    Roll 1: 97
    Roll 2: 98+5(CRIT)
    Roll 3: 81
    Roll 4: 19
    Roll 5: 51
    Roll 6: 13
    Roll 7: 11
    Roll 8: 94
    Total= 469+ 5 (manufacturing) = 474

    474+164= 638/500 138 TOWARD THE MIXED VERSION
    -[] Both version (0/1500) --> 138/1500

    It was finally complete.

    After months of covert construction and sleepless nights, the Glimmer Production Line had reached its conclusion. Looking at the final result, it was clear that you and the group might have gone a bit overboard. Then again, much of the accelerated progress was thanks to S's invaluable assistance.

    You couldn't help but marvel at the sight: three bags of trash, collected from around the company, were transformed into glowing blue cubes and then into various objects scanned into the system. The range of outputs was astounding—simple foods like apples and bananas, beverages like water and soda, clothes, and even complex products manufactured by Skynet.

    Among the more impressive demonstrations were exact replicas of your and Cayde's personal handguns. After scanning the originals, the copies emerged identical, right down to the bullets in the magazines and the small imperfections unique to the originals. The precision was breathtaking and the guns worked like the originals when they were tested in the shooting range.

    Kora thoroughly tested the food items and confirmed they were safe to consume.

    To commemorate the project's completion, Cayde brought out a $200 bottle of wine with the intent to break it over the machine in celebration. Not one to miss an opportunity, he first had the bottle scanned, resulting in several perfect copies now added to his personal collection.

    According to S, the new production line had tripled Skynet's manufacturing capacity. This impressive figure was based solely on the trash collected daily from within the company, including imperfect circuit boards that would normally be discarded or recycled.

    S noted that if the pending deal with the city to secure their trash went through, Skynet's production capacity would grow exponentially.

    One key insight, pointed out by S, was that with a bit more work, the system could be upgraded to use both trash and energy to create Glimmer. While this conversion would require additional time and resources, it promised a significant boost in efficiency, enabling even greater output by utilizing energy alongside trash.

    The possibilities were endless, and as you stood there, watching the machine hum with life, you couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

    Reward: Glimmer Production Line, Trash Version; online
    (+3 MD)
    Construction of Fusion version started.
    ====================================

    -[X] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (610/1000): 110R per dice): 3 RD 330R

    Roll 1:48
    Roll 2:99+5(Crit)
    Roll 3:17
    Total= 169+5(Research bonus)= 174

    610+174= 784/1000

    Suffice it to say, progress on the Sloot Project during this timeframe hit a bit of a snag, mostly due to the holidays distracting the R&D group. Many of them were busy planning their vacations, which slowed things down significantly.

    According to Kora, however, there was some progress.

    They managed to achieve success in one area: their prototype system was able to compress an entire 32 GB file into just 8 KB.

    The problem, unfortunately, was that once the file was compressed, it became completely useless. It couldn't be uncompressed or restored, effectively turning it into a junk file.

    =====================================
    Pic of Rolls for Trash and Qual. cause even I can't believe this!!!

    -[X] One man's trash, is another man's treasure (210/500; 50R per dice): 3 OD 4FD 350R
    Roll 1: 16
    Roll 2: 13
    Roll 3: 24
    Roll 4: 59
    Roll 5: 18
    Roll 6: 26
    Roll 7: 10

    Total= 166+5(Operations)= 171

    171+210= 381/500

    "Alright, now we can finally get the paperwork sorted and actually make some progress with this deal." You muttered, glancing between your cell phone and the office phone, waiting for the call that would finally break the bureaucratic nightmare.

    *RING RING RING!**RING RING RING!*RING RING RING!

    Finally, you though as you saw the caller ID on your cell phone saying it was Harold Mason, the director of Sunnydale's Waste disposal and management department; who you been talking with for the last few months on the deal.

    You answered the call, your voice carefully professional. "Skynet CEO John Connor speaking. I'm glad we can finally work through with this deal."

    A hesitant voice replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Connor, but the meeting to finalize everything has hit a bit of a snag. We can't get everyone together to hash it out because of overlapping Thanksgiving holiday schedules. As much as we want to get this done..."

    You sighed, keeping your frustration in check. "No, no, it's alright. I was just hoping we could have wrapped this up before the Christmas holidays."

    And then it happened again.

    During Christmas time…

    *RING RING RING!**RING RING RING!*RING RING RING!

    "Pick up, you bastard!" You exclaimed in frustration, yanking the Santa hat off your head. It was a ridiculous accessory, part of the Skynet Christmas Week Extravaganza, and it only added to your irritation.

    Meanwhile S, wearing what could only be described as a sexy Santa outfit; was looking at you with worry.

    Finally, another voice answered. "Ah, John, good to hear from you again. How can I help you?"

    You exhaled, trying to maintain composure. "Well, you can help me by stating when will the final meeting will take place as we are just a few days away from Christmas and I wish to do it before I go on vacation."

    The voice on the other end sighed. "Yeah... I know you've been working on this for months, John, but with the holidays... people are just too busy to do much more than a casual meet-up right now, especially since the city practically gave most of its employees early vacation days this year."

    You pinched the bridge of your nose, feeling your patience wearing thin. "So, let me get this straight, everyone's too busy with their own personal stuff and or lazy to get anything done? Meanwhile, I'm sitting here with months of documents to review and finalize, thinking this could be done instead of taking my own vacation early."

    There was a long pause, then the voice replied casually, "Well, John, those'll just have to wait... because I'm too busy. And so is everyone else. Merry Christmas."

    Click.

    The line went dead.

    "SON OF A BITCH!" You roared, slamming the phone down as your frustration boiled over.

    =====================================

    -[X] Check your qualifications. Just because you're a CEO now doesn't mean you're a REMF: 25R
    Roll- 25, FAIL

    Christmas holidays here I come.

    =======================================

    -[X] [FREE] Talk to the Traveler: 2 Rolls

    'Rolls below'

    You were dreaming again.

    And just like last time, it started out the same way.

    You're on a battlefield once again, this surrounded by swarms of strange insect-like monsters. Their grotesque forms are both alien and horrifying, their chittering sounds filling the air as they advance.

    You fight with everything you have, your fists, weapons that you made appear out of thin air, even the monsters' own bodies are used as weapons; but they just keep coming. Overhead, a massive shadow looms, its presence oppressive and suffocating. A female voice echoes in your mind, sharp and cruel: "Struggle, slay and survive, little warrior. Feed my war."

    You look up and see her, a familiar, towering shadow, watching the carnage like a queen surveying her domain. Her laughter reverberates through the battlefield as the monsters press closer again. Your arms are heavy with fatigue and it was taking all your mental fortitude to resist the desire to let go of your control and let the bloodlust take over. But just like last time, something in you knew that if you did, it would be worse than getting killed by the monsters in front of you.

    Just as the swarm is about to overwhelm you, a brilliant light pierces the darkness along with a sound, a low, ethereal whinny.

    A horse emerges from the darkness, its coat shimmering like the night sky, constellations swirling within.


    Before you can even process the absurdity, the horse charges forward, trampling through the monsters with godlike ease.

    It then charges at female leader, rearing up and taking a massive bite out of her shadowy form, directly from its right arm.

    She roars in pain and fury, but before she can retaliate, the horse delivers a powerful kick that sends her staggering. The horse then grabs you by your collar with its teeth and drags you away at impossible speed, leaving the battlefield behind.

    One second, you are seeing flashes of light racing in front of you, next thing you know, you find yourself in a bizarre room, its walls swirling with colors and lights that seem to defy explanation. The horse stands before you, regal and imposing.

    It spits out the chunk of shadowy flesh it tore from the female monster, and you watch in stunned silence as the black rotting flesh begins to float. It contorts and morphs until it becomes a giant wheel, spinning with glowing tiles inscribed with words.

    The wheel slows, clicking into place. It lands on a tile that despite being strange letters, you could understand it and it read: "Metal."

    Before you can make sense of what's happening, a white monkey appears out of nowhere, perched atop a cardboard box. There's something oddly familiar about it, but your mind can't place where you've seen it before.


    The monkey screeches loudly, pointing at horse. The horse responds with a series of whinnies, and the two begin yelling at each other in their respective animal sounds. The chaotic exchange goes on for several minutes, leaving you bewildered.

    Finally, the monkey waves its right hand, and a syringe materializes out of thin air. Without hesitation, the monkey throws it at horse, who catches it in its mouth and swallows it in one gulp.

    The ground beneath you suddenly gives way, and you're sucked into a swirling vortex.

    You wake up with a start, slumped over your desk in your dimly lit office. The clock on the computer reads well past midnight, showing that it was the New Year and the fireworks in the outside being heard very loudly.

    You mentally remember that you told your friends that you were going to stay in the office to handle some private matters instead of going to the party Cayde set up in Kora's apartment for the group and those invited to it.

    In reality, the reason you were in the office was to spend New Year's with S, to not leave her alone. A small celebration between the two of you.

    Rubbing your temples, you mutter. "Just another weird dream."

    Your computer screen flickers, and S appears, who was wearing a daring black and red long sleeve mesh mock neck Rhinestone Mini Dress that she got from one of those fashion websites to celebrate New Year's.

    But something is wrong, last time you saw her, she was lively and happy, but now that demeanor is gone, replaced by a look of pure dread.

    "Hey S, what's wrong?" You ask, sitting up straight.

    S doesn't respond verbally. Instead, a new window on the screen next to her. It displays a human body diagram surrounded by streams of data.


    Your eyes narrow as you try to make sense of it. There was something familiar about it.

    Then you see it, the name at the top of the program: Sons of the Patriots V.5.

    You recognize it immediately. It's SOP, the battlefield nanite control system from Metal Gear Solid 4.

    "So, what is this?" You ask, your voice filled with curiosity. "Are you making a mod for Metal Gear R4 or something?"

    S's eyes look at you directly. "This is not a mod or anything like that, John. This here is a real thing if the data I am reading is correct. But I didn't create this. It… just appeared in my system, like Glimmer."

    You go rigid, the weight of her words sinking in. Glimmer had fundamentally changed Skynet's production capabilities when it emerged from nowhere. Exactly on the same night you had that strange dream about Gale.

    And while a part of you is saying that it was impossible, another part was now wondering if it was possible for a fictional system to be real.

    If this SOP in front of you was anything similar to the one shown in the game…

    But before you could speak your mind, something else catches your attention.

    Lying on your desk, glinting under the dim light, is a syringe.

    Your breath catches in your throat. It looks eerily familiar—the same design used in the game to inject nanites.

    You reach out, hesitating for a moment before picking it up. It feels cold in your hand, its weight real and undeniable.

    "What the hell is going on?" You whisper, your mind racing with questions and fear.

    S's voice, now steady but somber, cuts through the silence. "I think were about to find out."

    Reward-
    Survived encounter with the Darkness….again.
    Been gifted with a modified MGS SOP system courtesy of the Starhorse.


    Roll 1= 34
    Roll 2= 66
    Total= 100, ART 100

    Bonus Roll= 1, NAT 1 CRIT FAIL
    REROLL (6 LEFT)
    Bonus Roll 1.2= 100, NAT 100

    Bonus Roll 2= 98+5(crit)= 103

    Gift: (using wheel)
    Metal
    Player One
    Combat Evolved
    Wake Up Samurai
    Free Clarity
    Fear is freedom

    Result= Metal

    Total Cost= 1755 R
    3,490R-1755R= 1735R
    =====================================================
    So yeah....WHY BLACKWATCH DICE, WHY!!!!
    EVEN WHEN USING DIFFERENT ROLLERS!!!

    Would like to thank Cyber for his help in writing this, providing half of the rolls and writing an entry.

    So yeah, because BM is busy dealing with her stupid mistake regarding SPOILER over at Mars, Xivu took another shot at us and she was not there to protect John. Luckily, a certain playful horsey came to save him and gave him a Darkness/War inspired gift from another universe after dealing with it's 'merchant' entity for permission of it after taking some of Xivu's essence and offering it as tribute.

    If you have any questions, just ask I will try my best to answer them.

    If you spot any errors, please let me know.

    Omakes are more than welcomed.....no REALLY, they are welcomed.

    By the way, before I go, I need an important opinion....
    Which of these two pics looks the cutest:

    [] 1
    [] 2

    Vote closes on Monday Night.
     
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    • Year 2, Q1, Opening New
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    • Well ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first turn of the new year.
    Managed to write the bulk of this on my phone while trying to endure a nation-wide blackout yesterday (aka no going to parties).
    On the other hand, a damn miracle happened as when the clock hit 12:00, the power came back to my home.
    Thank Cyber for his help with this.
    Hope you enjoy this opening.
    =====================================================

    Opening:

    It had been over a week since New Year's and the strange turn of events that had landed in your lap, literally.

    To give yourself time to process everything, you made an immediate decision: you sent out a message to the entire company, announcing a full week's paid vacation for everyone. Suffice it to say, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The cheers and gratitude from your employees flooded your inbox, making you feel like a hero for about five minutes.

    To your friends, you claimed you'd be spending the vacation at home, catching up on rest.

    In reality, you spent the entire week in your office, pouring over data with S, who dedicated every ounce of her considerable processing power to investigating the mysterious SOP system and the syringe filled with nanomachines.

    Seven days of near-constant analysis later, S finally presented her report.

    The verdict? The SOP system was 100% real, fully functional, and ready to be used. The syringe, too, was authentic, its contents a perfect match for what was outlined in the SOP data.

    But this version of the SOP system wasn't just a replica, which had the three basic functions from the game; it was a vastly improved iteration.

    S broke it down for you, highlighting four key differences:
    1. Universal Operability
      Unlike the SOP system from the game, which was limited to environments with one atmosphere of pressure, this version was designed to function anywhere. The data confirmed that it could theoretically operate in space, underwater, and under extreme environmental conditions without any of the catastrophic malfunctions seen in the original.
    2. Removal of Emotion Suppression
      One of the most useful yet dangerous aspects of the original SOP system was its ability to suppress negative emotions. While this initially seemed like an advantage, the game showed how devastating it was when the system went offline, users were driven insane or outright killed as their suppressed emotions surged uncontrollably. This version eliminated that function entirely.
    3. Regenerative Nanomachines
      This SOP carried an advanced regeneration function, somewhat akin to the abilities seen in Vamp from the series. While not granting full immortality, the data indicated rapid healing capabilities that would give any soldier a significant edge in combat. Though two important details about this feature is that it consumes a lot of energy if used, thus requiring the user to eat a lot and that it does not stop the user from feeling pain.
    4. Internal Codec/HUD
      This SOP had a nanomachine Codec that would allow the user to have a basic HUD they could see that showed the basic info about their bodies, talk face to face with any member that had SOP and monitor the status of those that were directly in a squad.
    The more you learned, the more it felt like every soldier's dream. An SOP system without the glaring flaws of the original, combined with new advantages.

    This would be any MG fans dream come true.

    And you'd be lying if you said you haven't dreamed of having this, with your desire to have Armstrong's nanomachines topping it.

    But for every dream, there was a nightmare lurking beneath the surface.

    There were too many things that didn't sit right with you with this.

    First and foremost was how all of this had come to you. The syringe, the SOP data, it all appeared after yet another bizarre dream in your office.

    The same kind of dream that had preceded the emergence of Glimmer.

    Speaking of Glimmer, there was another glaring connection you couldn't ignore. Just like with Glimmer, every piece of the SOP metadata was stamped with Gale's name.

    This was what truly bothered you. You knew Gale was brilliant, her breakthroughs in cold fusion and AI alone were enough to solidify that claim. But cracking the secret of nanomachines and making them work exactly like from a fictional game? That was a leap too far.

    Sure, Gale had known Metal Gear Solid was one of your favorite game series. But for her to not only create functional nanomachines but to design them specifically to mimic SOP? It was too much of a coincidence to dismiss.

    Either way, you knew that what you had in your possession was the ultimate military game changer.

    If you were to give this to the NAE, in addition to being given a blank check; you would turn it into the deadliest ground army in the world, and with Glimmer, as S did her calculations; it would only take two weeks of non-stop production with access to Sunnydale's trash to replicate enough syringes filled with the nanomachines to inject to the entire NAE army.

    And that was just for the military.

    If S was right, with some work; the nanomachines could be changed for other fields, like medicine and maybe work like Naomi's nanomachine variant and halt cancer in it's tracks and allow a person to live a normal life.

    Something that would really help Kora's situation. Hell, just in it's current form, SOP could help her.

    But you also knew that it had the potential of being a disaster if the tech ever got out there and was copied perfectly or worse; goes out of control.

    Picturing scenarios of Clovis getting his hands on it and pulling a Liquid in making his own PMC or a grey goo scenario coming to life did not help.

    And then there was the final piece of the puzzle and the primary reason you were hesitant to share SOP with the NAE.

    Just like in the game, the SOP system's full potential depended on being connected to a controlling AI network. The data made it clear: this version of SOP required the same setup to function properly.

    Which meant one thing: S would be in control.

    If anyone were to use SOP, S would have to be permanently connected to them, monitoring their vitals, emotions, and every aspect of their system.

    Hell, S said she could even talk to them like she normally does with you through the Codec.

    Unlike JD and the Patriot AI Network from the game, which operated as a hive mind emulating the worst in humanity under the guise of logical perfection, S was… different. The Patriots' AI sought to impose Zero's dream of unifying the world under one rule, coldly calculating and ruthless in their methods. S, on the other hand, was just a single AI.

    And to put it bluntly, S had what could best be described as normal human behavior.

    Well, mostly normal. There was the fact she liked to lewdly dress up or playful tease you, which, while sometimes unnerving, added a layer of relatability you doubted the Patriot AIs could ever achieve.

    In some twisted way, maybe that was a point in S's favor. At least she wasn't cold and mechanical. She felt real.

    But that brought you to the real question, the one that lingered in the back of your mind like a shadow.

    If SOP were to be used, it would mean letting S inside your head. Permanently.

    Could you trust her that much?

    On one hand, S had proven her loyalty time and again. From her assistance with the Glimmer Project to her tireless efforts in keeping Skynet running smoothly, she had been nothing but dependable. She had literally dedicated every ounce of her processing power to solving problems for you and the company.

    Not to mention all the times you just simply talked to her just to pass the time and that she had decided on her own initiative to take on the form of a female you fantasied since you were a kid and had no problems to tease you with it.

    But this? This was different. This wasn't just running simulations or analyzing data. This was direct, unfiltered access to your thoughts, emotions, and physical state. It was a level of intimacy that went far beyond anything you had ever experienced, even more than the few relationships you had in the past that ended in failure.

    Would she remain the same S you knew, or would being connected to a biological person change her? Would it corrupt her, even unintentionally?

    And that was with you, what would happen if millions of possible future soldiers connected to her system if SOP became a part of the NAE military. How would that change her? And the risk that the NAE High Command would take her away as you knew that there was no way they would allow a private company to have direct control of the military.

    You sighed, leaning back in your chair, your eyes fixed on the dimly glowing screen where S's avatar, wearing her standard outfit; waited patiently for your input.

    "So John, after reviewing everything; what are you planning on doing?" She asked.

    You look from her to the syringe in front of you as your ponder your answer for several minutes in silence.

    In the end, the answer was...

    Take SOP:
    [] Inject yourself with SOP
    [] Don't inject yourself with SOP for now

    Regarding telling about SOP to the group:
    (Note that revealing SOP means making it mandatory to reveal S's existence to the group)
    [] Reveal
    [] Keep secret

    Vote closes tomorrow night.
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by edboy49 on Jan 1, 2025 at 1:46 PM, finished with 17 posts and 17 votes.
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    • Year 2, Q1 New
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    • [X] Don't inject yourself with SOP for now
    [X] Keep secret

    You decided not to take SOP nor tell the rest of your friends about it's existence.
    You just hope it's the right decision.

    ========================================

    Year 2, Q1

    Skynet Manufacturing
    Temporary CEO: John Connor
    (Unknown to him: Speaker)
    (+10 to Security/Military rolls)

    Current direct helpers:
    1. Ivan Beck
    - Investor
    - Special Roll: 25% chance of Income at the start of each turn to double.

    2. S
    - Secret AI hidden inside Skynet's HQ, only known to John.
    - Gender: Female
    - Digital avatar- Young, 'R34' version of MGS's The Boss (Pic in Skynet: Beyond Human)
    - Currently can communicate on either Gale's computer, John's phone or any computer the phone connects to.
    - Programming not bound, capable of learning.
    - Grants +4 Free Dice

    3. Lance Zeus
    - COO of Skynet
    - Brother to Kora Zeus
    - Grants +2 Operations Dice, +5 to Operations Rolls
    (OOC- Zavala)

    4. Kora Zeus
    - Head of R&D
    - Sister of Lance Zeus
    - Sick with cancer, getting the best treatment
    - Grants +1 Research Dice, +5 to Research Rolls
    (OOC- Ikora)

    5. Cayde Nolan Buck
    - Head of Security
    - Former LAPD SWAT Commander
    - Best friend to Kora
    - Grants +1 Operations Dice, +5 to Security/Military rolls
    (OCC= Cayde; Halo's Edward Buck's ancestor)

    Current Status of Company:
    Factory Lvl. 5 (Grants +5 Manufacturing Dice)
    ---(+5 to Manufacturing Actions)
    -- Glimmer Production Line, Trash Version (+3 Manufacturing Dice)

    The warehouse stockpile of parts covers entire fiscal quarter (1 turn) in the event the factory suffers something that stops production.

    Advanced R&D Lab (Grants +2 Research Dice)

    Experimental Cold Fusion Reactor
    • Grants +2 Free Dice
    • Not publicly known.
    Security, Special
    • Active NAE military personnel on site
    • Grants +15 to Security/Military rolls

    Current Relationships:
    NAE: Good
    Sunnydale: Good
    Clovis Bray: Bad
    Hakke Heavy Industries: Neutral
    Ishtar Collective: Neutral

    Current Contracts:
    Expire in Y3, Q1
    NAE
    - Civilian (+250)
    - Military (+500)
    Sunnydale (+100)

    Current Resources: 1735 R (+850 per turn)
    Ivan Special Roll= 92, PASS
    New Resource Total- 1735+850= 2,585x 2= 5,170R

    Dice Available:
    8 MD dice (4 dice LOCKED)
    3 RD Dice
    6 Free Dice
    3 Operations Dice
    6 Rerolls

    Important Remainder:
    Gale Cold Fusion Reactor (one year to make public before losing patent= Year 2, Q2)

    Ares One Mission:
    Status of Mars:
    Mars has been 100% confirmed to have been terraformed into Earth-like conditions.

    However, strange atmospheric readings have been reported above the Planum Australe, indicating what could be described as a supercharged electrical and snowstorm. This phenomenon has rendered all surveillance of the area completely impossible.

    The storm has not dissipated and has remained in this state for several months.
    =============================
    WARNING
    The following report is classified as Top Secret. Only the following agencies are authorized to access this information:
    • NASA
    • CIA
    • GRU
    • MSS
    Incident Report
    December 1, 1800 Hours
    A massive object on the ground appeared to be moving out of the storm-covered area, heading toward the lander's location and the Traveler's current position. The storm itself followed behind the object, expanding as it moved.

    A Mars Rover positioned in the path of the moving force managed to capture a single image and transmit it to the Ares One before all contact with the rover was lost. Following this, the Ares One moved out of the area.


    Ignore the city in background

    December 11
    The massive storm has expanded to cover half the planet, including the area where the lander was stationed. All attempts to contact the ground team or penetrate the storm with surveillance ended in failure.

    The Traveler remains stationary in its original position.

    December 25
    A data package was unexpectedly received from the lander, utilizing Dr. Mihaylova's authorization code.

    The package's contents were severely degraded, and after days of decryption and reconstruction, the following materials were recovered:
    1. A single photograph of the lander's last location.
    2. A video recording containing audio confirmed to match Dr. Mihaylova's voice, speaking in her native language.
    Both the photograph and video recording have been confirmed as authentic despite the apparent impossibilities they depict, specially in regards to Dr. Mihaylova's status.

    Photo:

    Replace the moon with BM.

    Translated Audio Recording (Dr. Mihaylova):
    "Mission failure. Hardy and Qiao turned. Must hold against the Angry Night."

    Invasion:
    73 vs 90

    Leave:
    26 vs 27

    Message:
    72 vs 72, TIE



    =======================================================

    Manufacturing: (8D; 4D LOCKED)

    [] Expand Factory (0/500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice): Skynet's factory is already a marvel of technology and progress in order to manufacture large quantities of various computer parts thanks to it's uses of industrial 3d printers and experts in putting the pieces together. So, it would help to expand it to increase its capabilities. (Reward: +1 MD)

    [] Convert a Factory level with Glimmer tech: With the discovery of Glimmer, it could allow for the production capabilities of the factory to increase at huge margin. It would be best to start with a single place of the factory to convert it to a automated Glimmer factory that can only be accessed by those that know, and only know to John, under the eye and control of S; till we can be sure the employees of the factory can be trusted.
    -[] Energy version (0/1000; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice)
    -[] Trash version (0/500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice) (1 active)
    -[] Both version (138/1500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice)

    [] Write In


    Research: (3D)

    [] Game Engine, Phase 1/? (0/1000; 75R per dice): Skynet is dedicated to making computer parts. But there were some in the company that maybe it was time to expand into new ventures related to the computer field. In this case into video games, a market that is connected to the need of constant computer parts. So, one first step would be to create a new game engine that belonged uniquely to Skynet that was a match to the known engines in the market.

    [] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (784/1000; 110R per dice): The Sloot Digital Coding System, a marvel of data compression, was thought to be lost. Attempting to rediscover and refine it could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and transmission. Not to mention a boost in sales for computer memory related parts.

    [] Arms, Armor and Armored Integration, Phase 1/? (0/1000; 150R per dice): If there was one thing that being in an electronic company would give you it was integrating the latest technology with the modern battlefield, and you know it's probably going to be a hard sell, but there's a potential market here.

    [] Upgrade the Lab (0/1000; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice) Skynet's R&D lab is already considered a marvel of engineering and research. But according to Kora, the lab could be better. (Reward: +1 RD)

    Nanomachine Research:
    (Note- Nano research can only done with FD and with no Research related bonus since SOP is being a kept a secret from everyone. S is doing the work here)

    [] Nano Health (0/1500; 100R per dice): According to S, it's possible to take the SOP nanomachines and maybe turn them into the same type used in the game to heal a person. This version is one-use only.

    [] Naomi Variant (0/3500; 100R per dice): According to S, it's possible to take the SOP nanomachines and maybe turn them into the same type used by Naomi to keep her cancer at bay, which would really help Kora's situation, even though SOP could already be used to heal her.

    [] Nanomachines Son (0/5000; 100R per dice): According to S, it's possible to take the SOP nanomachines and maybe turn them into the same type used by Armstrong.

    [] Write In

    Special Vote:
    What to do in regards to the Gale Reactor in this quarter:
    [][COLD] Nothing for now, decide another time.
    [][COLD] Unveil it by offering energy to Sunnydale for free.
    [][COLD] Unveil it by offering energy to Sunnydale for a set price.
    [][COLD] Write In


    Operations: (3D)

    [] Look for a Company Doctor (0/100; 50R per dice): While Skynet offers top-notch medical insurance and a contract with the local Sunnydale Hospital for fast service in case of an emergency; it would be best for the company to have a direct medical help on the premise, aka a company doctor full-time.

    [] Discover any possible DARPA contracts (0/100; 50R per dice): While Skynet has a strong contract with the NAE in both civilian and military sides; they were just to simply manufacture and deliver computer parts. But this does not mean looking for contracts that dealt with specific things was not off the table.

    [] Create a scholarship program/employment network (0/500; 50R per dice): Skynet has a good standing with the people of Sunnydale, being a stable source of job for its people and treating them right. You think of the idea of offering a university scholarship program for students that in exchange for paying for their education, they come to work for Skynet either during their education or after graduating.

    [] Run Security Training (0/700; 50R per dice): With Cayde now in charge of security, he wants to see just how well the security is in Skynet and see if it can be improved, even if the security is mostly composed of active military personnel and was under your command.

    [] One man's trash, is another man's treasure (381/500; 50R per dice): With the potential use of Glimmer being made from trash, it would rather be easy to ask the Sunnydale government to have take trash from their land fills and 'recycle' them for components. Would be best to get the contract from them in advanced for when the factory is made, the trash is ready to be picked up and reused. (Only take if you are planning on getting the Glimmer Trash version)

    [] Form an internal watchgroup for corruption/corporate espionage (0/500; 100R per dice): Corporate espionage and internal corruption could cripple the company. Establishing a discreet internal team to investigate and monitor potential risks would ensure operational security.

    [] Form a watchgroup to check out rivals and national/international news (0/500; 100R per dice): Knowledge is power. A dedicated team that monitors competitor activity and analyzes trends in the industry and politics could help Skynet stay ahead of the curve.

    [] Write In


    Personal:
    (You can purchase a dice in any personal action as long as you use the RP that it demands, multiple times if you wish as long as you pay. Using a FD on a personal action does not consume RP.)

    [] Get a new suit (140/250; 50R per dice): You are forced to wear a business suit due to your new job, which is uncomfortable compared to your usual clothes. Now that you have some money, you wonder if you could get a custom suit that can fit you and serve you.

    [] Talk with S, the AI: Talk with S and continue to work with her, who's face is now of a R34 Boss, your waifu. (1 dice to activate, 100R; can purchase three dice max)

    [] Check your qualifications. Just because you're a CEO now doesn't mean you're a REMF: It's time to reflect on what skills and experiences you bring to the table. As a former Head of Security, you're no stranger to leadership and operational discipline, but running a company requires an entirely different skill set. Can you bridge the gap? (1 dice to activate, 25R)

    [] ET Phone Home(0/700; 50R per dice): You are really curious about Dr. Mihaylova, who according to Gale's notes; helped create S. She is currently stuck in Mars due to investigating the alien sphere known as the Traveler. From public reports, communications are random between Earth and Mars. Maybe S could work her magic and attempt to establish contact with the doctor and get some answers.

    [] Hang with someone from the helpers (75R per dice) (Can be taken multiple times, one dice per possible person)
    -Who?

    [] Talk to the Traveler: You been hearing some rumors that some people have being able to speak with the thing in Mars through their dreams and teaching them things. You find this to be a load of bullshit. (1 dice to activate, 200R; two dice max)

    [] Write In

    Vote moratorium for at least 12 hours until I open the vote. So, discuss potential votes and ideas for possible actions.
    ==============================================
    Here is turn five.
    And regarding Mars.....yeah.

    As one of the most hated fictional sci-fi characters once said:
    War is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.

    Now one important detail. What you just found out about is not known to you IC, this is OCC knowledge.

    Also, remember that the Random/Disaster Roll will start this turn.

    If you have any questions, just ask I will try my best to answer them.

    If you spot any errors, please let me know.
    Omakes are more than WELCOMED.
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by edboy49 on Jan 2, 2025 at 10:14 PM, finished with 19 posts and 10 votes.
    • [X] Plan LOOK WHAT GALE DID!!!
      -[X] Convert a Factory level with Glimmer tech:
      --[X] Both version (138/1500; 100R per dice)(Purchase temporary dice at 150R per dice) 4MD 10TD 1900R
      -[X] Rediscover the Lost Sloot (784/1000; 110R per dice): 3RD 330R
      -[X][COLD] Unveil it by offering energy to Sunnydale for a set price.
      --[X] 600 R per Quarter
      -[X] One man's trash, is another man's treasure (381/500; 50R per dice) 3OD 1FD 200R
      -[X] Form an internal watchgroup for corruption/corporate espionage (0/500; 100R per dice) 5FD 500R
      -[X] Check your qualifications. Just because you're a CEO now doesn't mean you're a REMF 25 R
      -[X] ET Phone Home(0/700; 50R per dice) 900R
    Click to expand...
     
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    Storytime: The Last Stand and the Guiding of Hope (canon) New
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    • Okay, so as part of a gift for me; a buddy made a new omake for this quest.
    In this case, it changes something in the past in the way that BM for once did something.

    Storytime: The Last Stand and the Guiding of Hope

    The faint hum of the Ketch reverberated through the walls, a soothing rhythm for those who had called this vessel home for a century. Within one of the ship's quieter quarters, a group of orphaned Eliksni children giggled and chattered in a makeshift bedroom, their laughter a rare sound in the void of space.

    "Enough." Came a firm yet soft voice from the doorway.

    The children turned, their four eyes gleaming as they saw Eramis, the Shipmistress and Kell of House of Dancers, framed by the dim light of the corridor. She stepped into the room, her presence commanding but maternal. "It is time to rest. Tomorrow brings more work, more survival."

    "But Shipmistress," One of the smallest children protested, tugging at her arm. "we cannot sleep without a story! Please, tell us a tale!"

    Eramis sighed, her mandibles clicking thoughtfully. Her hard exterior softened as she saw the eager faces staring up at her. "Very well. Gather around, little hatchlings."

    The children scrambled to form a semi-circle around her, their excitement palpable. Eramis sat cross-legged on the floor, her posture relaxed yet dignified.

    "I will tell you the story of Chelchis, the first and to this day, the Kell of Kells." She began. The children hushed instantly, their eyes wide as they listened.

    Long ago, before the Long Drift, before we were scattered across the stars; when our homeworld was besieged by all manner of evil from the stars, there was a Kell unlike any other. His name was Chelchis, Kell of Stone. He stood tall and strong, his wisdom uniting the Houses during our darkest hour.

    On the day the Hive came to Riis, they brought their god-king, Oryx. His armies were endless, his strength beyond comprehension. Many fell to his blade, their ether consumed by his hunger. Yet Chelchis stood defiant, his sword alight with the will of the Eliksni.

    The battle raged for days. Chelchis, empowered by the greatest tonics his house ever produced; faced Oryx himself, their clash shaking the very ground beneath them. But Oryx was cunning, his power overwhelming. As Chelchis faltered on the ground, his strength waning, he made one final gamble and called out to the Great Machine.

    Eramis paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. The children leaned closer, their breaths held.

    The Great Machine answered. She said, her voice rising with reverence. In that moment, its Light surged into Chelchis' sword, igniting it with a power no Eliksni had ever wielded. With a mighty roar, Chelchis struck. His blade cleaved through Oryx's defenses, severing the Hive King's head from his body.

    Oryx fell, his death shaking the Hive's forces. In their confusion, we fought back, driving them from Riis. A brave group of Captains from the House of Judgement saved Chelchis, though the combination of his wounds and taking so many tonics made his life was forfeit, something he knew from the start.

    Before he passed, he spoke these words: 'This sword will guide you to the Great Machine. Follow its Light, and we will be one people again.'

    Eramis paused again, her voice softening. And so, the Eliksni took to the stars, unified by his sacrifice, seeking the Great Machine in the endless void.

    The room was silent. The children sat enraptured, their eyes heavy with both wonder and sleep. One by one, they curled into their beds, their breathing slowing as dreams of heroism and unity filled their minds.

    Eramis stood, her heart conflicted. She gazed at the peaceful faces of the children, the future of her people. She lingered a moment before turning and leaving the room.

    A few minutes later...

    The bridge of the Ketch hummed with quiet efficiency, a symphony of clicks, low murmurs, and the soft thrum of the ship's systems. Eliksni crew members moved about their stations with focused diligence, their mandibles twitching in communication as they carried out their tasks. The stars stretched endlessly beyond the viewport.

    At the heart of the bridge, seated atop a raised platform of machinery and cables, loomed Yamiks Prime, the Ketch's Prime Servitor. The massive spherical construct floated silently, its polished chassis adorned with etchings of House Dancers and Judgement alike. A soft, pulsing glow radiated from its central eye, illuminating the space around it with calming light.

    Eramis entered, her boots clanging softly against the grated floor. Conversations among the crew quieted, heads bowing in deference as she passed. Yamiks Prime turned slightly, its glowing eye narrowing as it registered her approach, a silent acknowledgment of its Kell.

    The artifact at the center of the bridge drew Eramis' attention, the sword of Chelchis. Floating within a sealed containment field, the blade gleamed faintly with Light, an eternal glow that seemed to resist the shadows encroaching from the void. Two Archons of the House of Judgement stood sentinel beside it, their staffs grounded in solemn reverence, their movements precise and disciplined.

    Eramis stopped before the sword, her reflection distorted in the containment field's glow. The weight of its presence—its history—pressed against her like the weight of a thousand years. The blade that felled Oryx. The blade that saved the Eliksni and guides them.

    As she stood in silence, Yamiks Prime emitted a low, melodic tone, its voice carrying through the bridge with a deep resonance. "The Light still shines, my Kell. The blade remembers. As must we."

    Eramis turned her gaze upward toward the Prime Servitor, her mandibles clicking softly in agreement. "Yes, Yamiks. The blade remembers, and so do we. For a hundred years, it has guided us. And it will guide us still."

    The Prime hummed again, a sound like an ancient choir in mourning. "We drift on the will of Chelchis. Soon, the Great Machine will answer."

    Eramis stepped closer to the container, placing a hand just above the field that surrounded the sword. Its glow pulsed, as though responding to her presence. "Guide us still." She murmured, her voice low and reverent. "Let your Light show us the path."

    She turned back to the crew, her stance strong and commanding. "Maintain the course. Let no drift pull us from our path. We will find the Great Machine. We will fulfill Chelchis' vision."

    Yamiks Prime's light brightened in agreement, its tone echoing through the bridge like a benediction. The Eliksni crew bent back to their work with renewed vigor, the hum of the ship rising like the heartbeat of a people unified.

    Eramis looked one final time at the sword, its glow steady, its promise eternal. The Ketch sailed onward into the void, and above it all, Yamiks Prime watched, silent, vigilant, and unyielding.

    So to clarify, the POD is that during the battle between Chelchis and Oryx, instead of Oryx winning; the BM (despite having left the Eliksni) blessed Chelchis' blade with it's power at the last moment and Chelchis was able to kill Oryx.

    With Oryx's death and the sacrifice of Chelchis, the Eliksni were able to temporary drive off the Hive and proceed to evacuate of their dying world while fighting off the Black Fleet.

    And unlike canon, the sacrifice and blessed sword of Chelchis (which is guiding them to BM) has allowed the Eliksni nomad fleet to stay unified (there are some rouge houses but they are minor) and House Judgement still has authority.

    The Houses in union declared Chelchis as the first Kell of Kells.

    Eramis' hatred of BM evaporated due to Chelchis and is a devout follower of the Light.

    Just to clarify, Oryx is still alive (need to kill him in his Throneworld) but he is currently stuck in there, and needs a shit-ton of tithes from his followers to be able to return to the material world. Obviously, his sister Savy is taking advantage of this, while Xivu is desperate to get her brother out, so she is on a literal warpath.
     
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    • The Sum of All Fears (canon) (+5 to an action) New
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    • The Sum of All Fears

    "And what could be created from the sum of all our Fears": Roll- 69

    (Hood POV)

    The Report was classified eyes only, and the fact you had this report was liable to kill nearly anyone who besides yourself who saw it.

    The Pictures…the Army, the monsters, and more.

    All of it was nothing more than the great summation of nearly everything you had hoped to plan against.

    I should feel vindicated, and smug in the fact my paranoia on this matter has been proven…correct.

    Even if he didn't want to be correct.

    Mars and with it this…the Traveller would soon enough be in the crosshairs of the might of Earth, even if it is decades away at this point with so much to theorize and plan for.

    So much would be gained in struggle and soon so much to be lost. The Species was barely able to leave its cradle and now it was off to live in a sense of paranoia for the rest of its days, of life on other planets, on if the universe was nothing more then a jungle and we had left our clearing and watering hole for the dark shadowed unknown.

    If Hood were a more pessimistic man, he would have given into his darker instincts, use his friends in Five-Eyes and other intelligence agencies and slowly use them to subvert and and guide humanity into a more unified and highly regimented society to best combat this unspeakable horror from beyond the stars.

    And you knew that such a plan would grow tremendously within the generation, with the combined force of the Military-Intelligence networks, their connection to the Media sphere and culture you'd be able to shape policy within five years.

    You'd be able to pick and choose leaders and parties across the earth with impunity.
    Within the decade it would grow out of control, like an untamed leviathan of legend looking to the stars with hunger and despair. Maybe in its paranoia, would war with the Traveller, and well, a part of you knew that the species would lose.

    And then whatever else was out there, would come and feast upon your kind's corpse like a carrion bird on a corpse. And then there would be nothing left but a broken world and a shattered species.

    And that was the best-case scenario that you could consider for this operation.

    That…is a terrible idea. You considered calmly.

    So you turned to the second option.

    Forming a Unified Military Apparatus, using preexisting military and political alliance structures to at least prepare for a common, and mutual defense of the species.

    Now it would take forever and last a lifetime once it was in place but even so…even so, it would never reach equilibrium and form into exactly what you'd need to defend humanity from itself and the monsters that were soon to come for us from Mars.

    Your phone rang. "Yes."

    "Operation Shattered Moon has been deemed insufficient for the task of such a magnitude in light of recent events and intelligence." The voice on the other end said calmly.

    "I should have guessed that." You said.

    "We're going to bring together a military conclave, to plan for such an eventuality." The Voice said.

    "I considered as much to be a prudent measure…is security going to be an issue?" You asked.

    "Not exactly…but I'd recommend keeping the meeting quiet until phase 2." He said.

    So they were taking this seriously. Good.

    []A United Nations Space Command? (????/????): What the reality of the Situation is now…is that we are not only proven that life exists in space but also that it's very much a hostile environment. A Unified Military Command Structure would be needed in order to make any unified defence or offence a reality.

    It was time to work on the project that would define the rest of your life.

    Guess it's time to get working.

    AN: Well, Chad Hood has not chosen the path of ONI, and will now dedicate himself to forming what will become the UNSC.

    Hopefully they can get something started quickly, because Mars is looking pretty hostile.
     
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