53

[cheerupemoborg]

Five paces forward, then stop.

Yes, Grandmaster.

[The sound of something heavy and mechanical can be heard over the journal today, the source of which is clearly visible to anyone near the courtyard: a very humanoid red, blue, and silver robot. Hank is nearby, observing it quietly.

It does what it's told, walking forward five steps before stopping.]

Were any problems detected?

None, Grandmaster.

Run another diagnostic. I want to be sure. But first, Alpha... what is your creed?

...No ma... No man esca-- escapes escapeszzzzzz--

[The machine's voice quickly devolves into static, as it stands motionless. Hank rubs his temple.]

... great. Oan engineering at it's finest.

Comments

[encryptedlock]

[York's nowhere near the castle right now, but he's listening intently.

That sounds like an AI they're calling Alpha.

That's relevant to his interests.]

[tres_iqus]

[Someone is monitoring the fuck out of this post now.]

[traken_master]

[The Master chuckes, listenin to Hank's journal entry.]

Would you care for some assistance? I am somewhat expert in engineering.

[cheerupemoborg]

Oh, its not really the engineering that's the problem. Its the programming.

[traken_master]

Programming should be even simpler than engineering. Well. My offer stands, should you need help. [He's chuckling a bit, still.]

[cheerupemoborg]

You'd think that, huh? Yet, creating this specific kind of AI from scratch is harder than it looks. I guess I'm trying to hard to ape the originals...

Come, take a look.

[traken_master]

Aping the works of others is often more difficult than simply creating on your own. Why a particular AI? [The Master keeps his journal open, as he heads for Henshaw's rooms.]

[cheerupemoborg]

[He'll be there, returned from outside. The Manhunter is still motionless.]

The AI that these robots are normally programmed with are perfectly optimized for them.

The right part for the right machine.

[traken_master]

[The Master studied the robot, noting it's details. Hmmm. What is your purpose for these?

[cheerupemoborg]

Combat, mostly.

Or whatever I need them to be.

[traken_master]

Naturally. Well, the tech is impressive enough. Who's tech are you using to develop an AI?

[cheerupemoborg]

A mixture of my own and the technology from a species called the Oans.

[traken_master]

"Mmm. Well, programming will take some modification, naturally. Still, it shouldn't prove too difficult. Show me what you have so far."

[cheerupemoborg]

[Hank takes out small USB-esque device from the back of the Nanhunters head.]

Here, this should have everything you need. Honestly, though, I think it's my own modifications that are causing the problem.

[traken_master]

Thank you. What modifications were you attempting?

[cheerupemoborg]

Due to some kind of glitch in their original programming, the Manhunters have an instinctual desire to wipe out all organic life.

I was trying to get a hold on that. I don't think it was about to flip out and attack everything around it, but better safe than sorry. I've done it before.

Plus, I wanted to ensure it's obedient.

[traken_master]

Yes, we really don't need you to recreate the Daleks. [The Master's tone is wry.] Obedience is definitely of importance, yes. All right. Let's start at the beignning. [He begins running through the programming, scanning for errant command lines.]

[cheerupemoborg]

Daleks?

[traken_master]

Daleks are mutants created by a scientist named Davros. He intended to create the ultimate warrior race. The Dalek mission is to conquer the universe, leaving the Dalek race either dominant or the sole survivors in the universe. They have intellect, but no emotion, no sense of self. They do not even have names.

[cheerupemoborg]

They sound like machines. I guess Davros got what he wanted.

[traken_master]

No, not entirely. They do have an organic component, basically a brain with tentacles, if you can imagine. I don't think Davros' desires are very healthy. After all, he himself is not a Dalek.

[cheerupemoborg]

Then how do they regard him?

[traken_master]

I believe they are divided on the issue. Some revere him as their creator. Some wish his destruction.

[cheerupemoborg]

That must make things interesting.

So, what do you think?

[traken_master]

It does, though I doubt Davros appreciates it.

Oh, I think you're on the right track, for the most part. You just need stronger protocols and a subset of controlling commands in the core programming.

[cheerupemoborg]

Which side is stronger?

Alright then. I'll have to take another look. Had a chance to speak with the castle yet?

[traken_master]

From what I can tell, it's an even draw, but Davros does still live.

Sadly, the castle is so far ignoring my efforts at communication. I think our plans may need to move forward. I'll make a few more efforts, but I almost think the castle is deliberately ignoring me. Have you had any success in gathering more like minds?

[cheerupemoborg]

I've found enough for now, if that's what you mean.

[traken_master]

That depends on what you mean by for now. Do we have enough people to start implementing our plans?

[cheerupemoborg]

You know, I think we do. Everyone has their role.

[traken_master]

Excellent. We can begin, soon, then.

[cricketycricket]

[that looks far too like a Cyberman for Five's comfort, memories or no memories. he strides outside looking for all intents and purposes like he's just out for a jaunt, and peers at it curiously, dumb like a fox]

And what have we here, mm?

[cheerupemoborg]

[Oh it's you. Should've let me play with your TARDIS, man.]

A piece of junk.