Return: Talks
bird_poison
Knowing their wrath, unfettered and raw
- Location
- margarita
You are currently walking towards one of the strategy rooms in the Tower. Since not that many people will be present in this meeting, the science team reserved one of the conference rooms currently not in use.
You are among the first to arrive. There are 2 pantheons in guard duty standing at each side of the door, one of them holding a data pad.
"Name" says the one holding the data pad. His voice sounds remarkably like yours, if a bit distorted. You also didn't know pantheons could talk.
"Name" it repeats, throwing you out of your train of though.
"Megaman X" You answer almost hesitating. In all the recording you have of Master X speaking he always called himself 'Megaman X', but it still feels... disrespectful to refer to him in such way.
While you think about it, the pantheon checks the list item by item, until he finds "your" name in it.
The guard gestures with his free hand, and you finally enter the strategy room.
The room is a dark, medium sized one, the only source of illumination consisting on several screens in the walls.
Along the screens there are various navigator stations, and in the center there is a big holographic machine.
Besides you there's a couple scientist and technicians working on the holographic station, and standing on a corner is Tech Kracken, one of the leaders of the Zan'ei army.
Several minutes later, and everyone is either present, or confirmed to be unable to assist. All the science team and engineering syndicate members are present, and the representatives of the Meikai, Zan'ei and the Explorer Corps are here as well.
Then, the presentation starts. A 3D map of Neo Arcadia appears on the holographic table, showing 8 big circles distributed across the city, and several dozen smaller points roughly at an even distribution.
The scientist explain what the map shows: The 8 points represent the 8 main reactors, while the rest of the points represents storage plants, smaller reactors and main distribution nodes.
The map changes again. This time, it shows the state of all the machinery described.
Most of the smaller reactors and secondary equipment is in good conditions or down for routinely maintenance, and as such they present no troubles for the electrical grid.
The bigger reactors on the other hand, are a far more complex matter.
3 of them, the "newer" ones, are in specialized buildings at the surface. Those are operating at optimal capacity, but there is no replacement pieces for those kind of models, and there hasn't been for a long time.
2 them are in near-surface underground facilities, access to them is difficult and one is starting to fail. The second one halted 17 years ago, and it has been impossible to fix ever since.
The last 3 are in what is denominated Under Arcadia, an extense network of tunnels and machinery, whose upper layers house all pipelines and service transmission machines, along with many maintenance stations.
The lower layers once were part to a bigger city, and were abandoned and built upon for several centuries, until all semblance of order and planning was lost. Most of it remains unexplored, and is on this level that the 3 reactors are located.
The technicians proceed to explain the oddities with the last 3 reactors, while the holographic station shows several graphs and historical photos.
When the city was facing a previous energy crisis 40 years after the elf wars, an expedition team found a functioning energy grid on Under Arcadia. They were able to pinpoint the source to 3 reactors, and later a team of engineers was able to stabilize the output and connect the grid to Neo Arcadia.
Currently, it is not know in what conditions the 3 last reactors are, but combined they provide roughly 40% of the energy used by the city.
The last expedition to check on those reactors was 15 years ago, and the next one is scheduled in 5 years.
After that, the holograms change again to show a big graph, illustrating the consume of energy of the city over time.
At this, one of the scientist explains that the levels of consumption have been increasing due to the natural growth of the population, while the generation of energy has increased due to new machinery being found, and brought over to the city to meet the demand.
At this Blizzack Staggroff, colonel, envoy of the Meikai Army and an imposing reploid with cannons instead of arms and horns made of ice, interrupts.
"The solution seems pretty simple to me. If we need more machinery, we should search more machinery and bring it here."
"That's not as straightforward as you make it seem to be" mentions Cuninth Dezorr, cutting the reply the scientist was about to say.
"Most remaining cities outside in the wastelands are either destroyed, plundered, or hidden. You could count the remaining ones with your h... You could count them with... There's too few of them left, and they are all heavily guarded."
The humanoid reploid stands up, and proceeds to walk around the room while speaking.
"Our corps and the Jin'en army intend to crackle them, eventually. But for now, they remain an option only on the direst of circumstances."
"There are many possible avenues, were the circumstances to require it" Mentions Tech Kraken from his corner, while the scientist sits, his face showing some degree of resigned exasperation.
"Doctor Pierre, show us a map of under arcadia if you please."
You didn't knew Tech Kraken knew the scientist, and by Dr. Pierre reaction, he also didn't.
A minute later, a rough, 2D map of the superior levels of Under Arcadia appears on the hologram table.
"Much Appreciated. Since we received the notification of this meeting, the Zan'ei army has been discussing alternatives to increment the strength of our energy production. As mister Dezorr already exposed," You notice the use of 'mister' instead of 'explorer' "we are not in capacity to raid the remaining cities yet."
"However," Tech Kraken continues, while he draws a line on the map "As the army of the shadows, we have extensive knowledge of close quarter combat and the layout of the city. A team of our most powerful members could travel the unexplored regions and collect the necessary machinery, or observe the conditions of the deepest reactors."
"Heh, I don't think so, squiddy" Answers Cuninth, arms crossed. "Your people is not qualified to identify the necessary equipment, much less bring it intact. And that is without even considering what kind of war machines lay down there. An army trained to catch petty terrorist has no place doing exploration."
You think you should deescalate the situation befor-
"You DARE mock the Zan'ei!?" Yup, you are stopping this now. "What does an undisciplined army of thi-"
"Enough!" You say, standing up to increment the effect.
"...As you wish, Master X" Says Kraken, lowering his body in-lieu of the head, which is kinda immobile.
"Erm, sorry about that" Says Dezorr, sitting down and undecided between looking down and killing kraken with his eyes.
Since no-one is speaking right now, you take your chance to share your ideas.
"It seems that the few sources of new reactors are more difficult than what we are able to deal with, as of now."
"While we may disagree on the methodology," You make a point to look at Tech and Cuninth "What it's clear is that the standard way of solving this particular problem has been to loot a new reactor from the wastes, and wait until the demand comes closer to the limit of generation."
"It occurs to me," You look at the scientist and technicians "perhaps we should attempt to research new sources of energy? We cannot depend on our old sources forever."
"Mmm... Ideally, it would be great to do that, but..." One of the scientist, a middle aged woman says "Our current budget allows for little research on theoretical areas, and most of our brightest minds are dedicated to nano-hydroponic research... It would take a while to start an energy program"
"Some of our engineers have knowledge and experience in uncommon energy sources" Says Staggroff "Many of our oldest ships still use hydrogen capture engines, for extended voyages. Such techniques could prove useful if they are expanded upon."
"Sounds interesting. Perhaps an arrangement could be made, and one of your ships be reassigned for research?" Immediately several technicians look at the young one among them as if she had brought a pack of dynamite.
The demeanor of Staggroff quickly changes, looking warily at the tech team.
"We would need to discuss such arrangement at length. Isn't the Rekku army in possession of energy generators too?"
"They are nominally in charge of all weather satellites, but currently they only have 5 under their control" Mentions Tech Kraken. "And their proper working is of vital importance to Neo Arcadia, so I doubt they will be willing to part with even one of those."
"Or you could, you know, use less energy? Out there in the wastelands, everyone and their creator knows that if you are low on water, bathing is a no-go. If the energy grid is similarly taxed, there's lots of luxuries than, strictly speaking, are luxuries"
"I'd prefer to leave such drastic measures in reserve, for the moment" You say. You fear the energy grid could collapse, but it is not happening just yet. "Hopefully it never will be necessary, to lower the life quality of the entire city..."
"Agreed" Says Tech Kraken, pensive "That kind of measures can always lead to... unhealthy though patters"
"You mean mavericks" Replies Dezorr. It would appear he is a very direct person, if not the entirely of the explorer corps.
"I believe my meaning was clear enough."
"Thank you for your insight, and your time. I will meditate on what was said, and if I come to a decision I will let you know." You have the intuition that everyone's points were already said. "With that said, I declare this meeting over."
And that was that. You have several options to muse about, later. For now, you walk towards your work-station, perhaps there's still time to check some of the papers they send you.
It has been several weeks since you called your creator. It's late afternoon, and you are currently on the platform outside the old cargo bay in Area X.
You look at your left, your right, behind and just in case up, before initiating the call. You don't think even the satellites are high enough to spy on you on this place, but better safe than sorry, and all that.
"Hello?" Yep, is the right person in the line.
"Hello, Ciel" You say, a bit of happiness in your tone.
"Huh? Who is it?" She asks, perhaps as to not reveal delicate information by accident.
"It's me, Copy X" You answer.
"Is everything all righ? You haven't appear in public yet, and I've been checking all the channels"
"It is. And I intend to appear in roughly 2 weeks." You tell her.
"Oh. That's -crash- Sorry, give me a moment."
You hold the line, while on the other side you hear Ciel scolding someone.
"...What was that about?" You ask, puzled.
"Oh, that's agitt. I'm making some research on Cyber elves, and he is helping me test some theories. He is a playful little thing~"
"Ciel, can I ask you a favor?"
"I've already told you, of course you can. What is it?"
You organize your ideas a moment, before answering
"Well, I was wondering if you could tell me how to obtain combat armor? I need to increase my combat abilities, and knowing about armor would be incredibly helpful"
"Mmm... The kind of armor Master X used is named adaptor armor" She says, thinking out loud a little. "It is hard to make, but it completely bypass the need to carry it all the time, and can be used in a modular way."
"Master X was known to find those armors all the time" She continues, "and in time, he gained the capacity to integrate their code into his DNA. So technically speaking, you should be able to call forth some of his armor pieces."
You look at your hands and feet. Being able to invoke armor at will would be very nice, and possibly help you fight better.
"That would do it." You say, a smile on your face. ""What do I have to do to use such armor?"
"I... I don't really know." So much for that smile. "It should be natural, maybe... I really don't know."
You would never meant disrespect to Master X, but if this body is an exact copy of his, then his body is utterly, absolutely frustrating to use.
"There's another alternative..." She continues in a pondering tone "I could ask Cerveau to help me make some basic armor, but I would need to find adequate materials"
"If that's what it takes, I could provide them... I think" You answer. You would like very very much some way to improve your combat abilities, and if this can help...
"All right. I'll think about details as soon as I can, and will contact you later."
"Thanks" You say, and cut the call. You briefly wonder how is she exactly going to contact you, perhaps with some kind of secret encrypted signal or something.
With that in mind, you walk inside to practice your aim against the crates.
You wake up. It has been several days since you last spoke to Ciel, and more than a month since you took control of the city, sort of.
You are reading the messages and dossiers from all the city, when you notice a letter from the principal laboratory.
It indicates that the activation of the 4 Reploid units and generals-to-be is due tomorrow, and ask is you are going to precede the procedure.
You are going to...
[X]Lead the activation procedure.
[X]Let the scientist proceed on their own (Will skip to the discourse)
[X]Write in.
Also, this is how Tech Kraken and Blizzack Staggroff look.
As always, questions and corrections are welcomed and appreciated.
You are among the first to arrive. There are 2 pantheons in guard duty standing at each side of the door, one of them holding a data pad.
"Name" says the one holding the data pad. His voice sounds remarkably like yours, if a bit distorted. You also didn't know pantheons could talk.
"Name" it repeats, throwing you out of your train of though.
"Megaman X" You answer almost hesitating. In all the recording you have of Master X speaking he always called himself 'Megaman X', but it still feels... disrespectful to refer to him in such way.
While you think about it, the pantheon checks the list item by item, until he finds "your" name in it.
The guard gestures with his free hand, and you finally enter the strategy room.
The room is a dark, medium sized one, the only source of illumination consisting on several screens in the walls.
Along the screens there are various navigator stations, and in the center there is a big holographic machine.
Besides you there's a couple scientist and technicians working on the holographic station, and standing on a corner is Tech Kracken, one of the leaders of the Zan'ei army.
...
Several minutes later, and everyone is either present, or confirmed to be unable to assist. All the science team and engineering syndicate members are present, and the representatives of the Meikai, Zan'ei and the Explorer Corps are here as well.
Then, the presentation starts. A 3D map of Neo Arcadia appears on the holographic table, showing 8 big circles distributed across the city, and several dozen smaller points roughly at an even distribution.
The scientist explain what the map shows: The 8 points represent the 8 main reactors, while the rest of the points represents storage plants, smaller reactors and main distribution nodes.
The map changes again. This time, it shows the state of all the machinery described.
Most of the smaller reactors and secondary equipment is in good conditions or down for routinely maintenance, and as such they present no troubles for the electrical grid.
The bigger reactors on the other hand, are a far more complex matter.
3 of them, the "newer" ones, are in specialized buildings at the surface. Those are operating at optimal capacity, but there is no replacement pieces for those kind of models, and there hasn't been for a long time.
2 them are in near-surface underground facilities, access to them is difficult and one is starting to fail. The second one halted 17 years ago, and it has been impossible to fix ever since.
The last 3 are in what is denominated Under Arcadia, an extense network of tunnels and machinery, whose upper layers house all pipelines and service transmission machines, along with many maintenance stations.
The lower layers once were part to a bigger city, and were abandoned and built upon for several centuries, until all semblance of order and planning was lost. Most of it remains unexplored, and is on this level that the 3 reactors are located.
The technicians proceed to explain the oddities with the last 3 reactors, while the holographic station shows several graphs and historical photos.
When the city was facing a previous energy crisis 40 years after the elf wars, an expedition team found a functioning energy grid on Under Arcadia. They were able to pinpoint the source to 3 reactors, and later a team of engineers was able to stabilize the output and connect the grid to Neo Arcadia.
Currently, it is not know in what conditions the 3 last reactors are, but combined they provide roughly 40% of the energy used by the city.
The last expedition to check on those reactors was 15 years ago, and the next one is scheduled in 5 years.
After that, the holograms change again to show a big graph, illustrating the consume of energy of the city over time.
At this, one of the scientist explains that the levels of consumption have been increasing due to the natural growth of the population, while the generation of energy has increased due to new machinery being found, and brought over to the city to meet the demand.
At this Blizzack Staggroff, colonel, envoy of the Meikai Army and an imposing reploid with cannons instead of arms and horns made of ice, interrupts.
"The solution seems pretty simple to me. If we need more machinery, we should search more machinery and bring it here."
"That's not as straightforward as you make it seem to be" mentions Cuninth Dezorr, cutting the reply the scientist was about to say.
"Most remaining cities outside in the wastelands are either destroyed, plundered, or hidden. You could count the remaining ones with your h... You could count them with... There's too few of them left, and they are all heavily guarded."
The humanoid reploid stands up, and proceeds to walk around the room while speaking.
"Our corps and the Jin'en army intend to crackle them, eventually. But for now, they remain an option only on the direst of circumstances."
"There are many possible avenues, were the circumstances to require it" Mentions Tech Kraken from his corner, while the scientist sits, his face showing some degree of resigned exasperation.
"Doctor Pierre, show us a map of under arcadia if you please."
You didn't knew Tech Kraken knew the scientist, and by Dr. Pierre reaction, he also didn't.
A minute later, a rough, 2D map of the superior levels of Under Arcadia appears on the hologram table.
"Much Appreciated. Since we received the notification of this meeting, the Zan'ei army has been discussing alternatives to increment the strength of our energy production. As mister Dezorr already exposed," You notice the use of 'mister' instead of 'explorer' "we are not in capacity to raid the remaining cities yet."
"However," Tech Kraken continues, while he draws a line on the map "As the army of the shadows, we have extensive knowledge of close quarter combat and the layout of the city. A team of our most powerful members could travel the unexplored regions and collect the necessary machinery, or observe the conditions of the deepest reactors."
"Heh, I don't think so, squiddy" Answers Cuninth, arms crossed. "Your people is not qualified to identify the necessary equipment, much less bring it intact. And that is without even considering what kind of war machines lay down there. An army trained to catch petty terrorist has no place doing exploration."
You think you should deescalate the situation befor-
"You DARE mock the Zan'ei!?" Yup, you are stopping this now. "What does an undisciplined army of thi-"
"Enough!" You say, standing up to increment the effect.
"...As you wish, Master X" Says Kraken, lowering his body in-lieu of the head, which is kinda immobile.
"Erm, sorry about that" Says Dezorr, sitting down and undecided between looking down and killing kraken with his eyes.
Since no-one is speaking right now, you take your chance to share your ideas.
"It seems that the few sources of new reactors are more difficult than what we are able to deal with, as of now."
"While we may disagree on the methodology," You make a point to look at Tech and Cuninth "What it's clear is that the standard way of solving this particular problem has been to loot a new reactor from the wastes, and wait until the demand comes closer to the limit of generation."
"It occurs to me," You look at the scientist and technicians "perhaps we should attempt to research new sources of energy? We cannot depend on our old sources forever."
"Mmm... Ideally, it would be great to do that, but..." One of the scientist, a middle aged woman says "Our current budget allows for little research on theoretical areas, and most of our brightest minds are dedicated to nano-hydroponic research... It would take a while to start an energy program"
"Some of our engineers have knowledge and experience in uncommon energy sources" Says Staggroff "Many of our oldest ships still use hydrogen capture engines, for extended voyages. Such techniques could prove useful if they are expanded upon."
"Sounds interesting. Perhaps an arrangement could be made, and one of your ships be reassigned for research?" Immediately several technicians look at the young one among them as if she had brought a pack of dynamite.
The demeanor of Staggroff quickly changes, looking warily at the tech team.
"We would need to discuss such arrangement at length. Isn't the Rekku army in possession of energy generators too?"
"They are nominally in charge of all weather satellites, but currently they only have 5 under their control" Mentions Tech Kraken. "And their proper working is of vital importance to Neo Arcadia, so I doubt they will be willing to part with even one of those."
"Or you could, you know, use less energy? Out there in the wastelands, everyone and their creator knows that if you are low on water, bathing is a no-go. If the energy grid is similarly taxed, there's lots of luxuries than, strictly speaking, are luxuries"
"I'd prefer to leave such drastic measures in reserve, for the moment" You say. You fear the energy grid could collapse, but it is not happening just yet. "Hopefully it never will be necessary, to lower the life quality of the entire city..."
"Agreed" Says Tech Kraken, pensive "That kind of measures can always lead to... unhealthy though patters"
"You mean mavericks" Replies Dezorr. It would appear he is a very direct person, if not the entirely of the explorer corps.
"I believe my meaning was clear enough."
"Thank you for your insight, and your time. I will meditate on what was said, and if I come to a decision I will let you know." You have the intuition that everyone's points were already said. "With that said, I declare this meeting over."
And that was that. You have several options to muse about, later. For now, you walk towards your work-station, perhaps there's still time to check some of the papers they send you.
...
It has been several weeks since you called your creator. It's late afternoon, and you are currently on the platform outside the old cargo bay in Area X.
You look at your left, your right, behind and just in case up, before initiating the call. You don't think even the satellites are high enough to spy on you on this place, but better safe than sorry, and all that.
"Hello?" Yep, is the right person in the line.
"Hello, Ciel" You say, a bit of happiness in your tone.
"Huh? Who is it?" She asks, perhaps as to not reveal delicate information by accident.
"It's me, Copy X" You answer.
"Is everything all righ? You haven't appear in public yet, and I've been checking all the channels"
"It is. And I intend to appear in roughly 2 weeks." You tell her.
"Oh. That's -crash- Sorry, give me a moment."
You hold the line, while on the other side you hear Ciel scolding someone.
"...What was that about?" You ask, puzled.
"Oh, that's agitt. I'm making some research on Cyber elves, and he is helping me test some theories. He is a playful little thing~"
"Ciel, can I ask you a favor?"
"I've already told you, of course you can. What is it?"
You organize your ideas a moment, before answering
"Well, I was wondering if you could tell me how to obtain combat armor? I need to increase my combat abilities, and knowing about armor would be incredibly helpful"
"Mmm... The kind of armor Master X used is named adaptor armor" She says, thinking out loud a little. "It is hard to make, but it completely bypass the need to carry it all the time, and can be used in a modular way."
"Master X was known to find those armors all the time" She continues, "and in time, he gained the capacity to integrate their code into his DNA. So technically speaking, you should be able to call forth some of his armor pieces."
You look at your hands and feet. Being able to invoke armor at will would be very nice, and possibly help you fight better.
"That would do it." You say, a smile on your face. ""What do I have to do to use such armor?"
"I... I don't really know." So much for that smile. "It should be natural, maybe... I really don't know."
You would never meant disrespect to Master X, but if this body is an exact copy of his, then his body is utterly, absolutely frustrating to use.
"There's another alternative..." She continues in a pondering tone "I could ask Cerveau to help me make some basic armor, but I would need to find adequate materials"
"If that's what it takes, I could provide them... I think" You answer. You would like very very much some way to improve your combat abilities, and if this can help...
"All right. I'll think about details as soon as I can, and will contact you later."
"Thanks" You say, and cut the call. You briefly wonder how is she exactly going to contact you, perhaps with some kind of secret encrypted signal or something.
With that in mind, you walk inside to practice your aim against the crates.
...
You wake up. It has been several days since you last spoke to Ciel, and more than a month since you took control of the city, sort of.
You are reading the messages and dossiers from all the city, when you notice a letter from the principal laboratory.
It indicates that the activation of the 4 Reploid units and generals-to-be is due tomorrow, and ask is you are going to precede the procedure.
You are going to...
[X]Lead the activation procedure.
[X]Let the scientist proceed on their own (Will skip to the discourse)
[X]Write in.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
It seems like my muse likes to abandon me in my moment of need. Or maybe I'm just bad at writting while mildly sick. Perhaps someday I will master the art of consistent update lenght and time, but this is not the day!Also, this is how Tech Kraken and Blizzack Staggroff look.
As always, questions and corrections are welcomed and appreciated.
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