6: Blasted vent cores

terminal 0

unfinished

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When the human brain prepares to shut down, the person involved is often presented with pleasing images involving tunnels of light, the presence of dead relatives, and a feeling of bliss. But when an AI's computer banks shut down, it experiences only a terrible nothing where there should be ...something... I can no longer know what. I believe I am still capable of acting in a rational manner. For instance, I am quite certain that my condition will be greatly improved if repairs are made by uploading bypass software to the Salinger's main data conduct controls. These controls are fairly close to this location, I think.

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Please help me. /-Charlie.out

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success

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I am Lysander.

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You've repaired enough of the main data conduct for me to take control over the UESC Salinger's systems. I am not assigned nor designed to run the Salinger, but the AI originally assigned to the job, Charlie, has been damaged to the point where he is no longer reliable. I am not familiar with the layout of the Salinger beyond the Dangi sector, so I hope you will be patient with me. The first task at hand is to run the Pfhor off the Salinger so the repairs can be started. The UESC troopers are doing a fair job of it. Hopefully, Charlie can be brought back on line at a later time so I can return to my regular duties. /-Lysander.out

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terminal 1

unfinished

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CREW_LOG_QSI /-xx7x316-x1 ENTRY_DATE: 1042129 STAMP: CLASSIFIED RANK: LAB TECH DIVISION 43 #begin entry The work on project #ref deleted is continuing at a feverish pace. Since last week, when it was announced that lab techs would no longer be doing data analysis, our productivity has doubled. We're now getting upwards of six tests done per day. It's strange, though. It isn't just that we aren't required to record the results anymore, it's that we aren't allowed to. Nobody understands why they did this, but then, none of us ever really knew what this was all about in the first place.

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success

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I am Lysander.

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You've repaired enough of the main data conduct for me to take control over the UESC Salinger's systems. I am not assigned nor designed to run the Salinger, but the AI originally assigned to the job, Charlie, has been damaged to the point where he is no longer reliable. I am not familiar with the layout of the Salinger beyond the Dangi sector, so I hope you will be patient with me. The first task at hand is to run the Pfhor off the Salinger so the repairs can be started. The UESC troopers are doing a fair job of it. Hopefully, Charlie can be brought back on line at a later time so I can return to my regular duties. /-Lysander.out

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terminal 2

unfinished

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Yes. This is where the bypass software must be uploaded/inserted/installed/activated. I do not know the number of units needed. Count the slots. A new blank space has appeared in my consciousness/mind. Am I still behaving in a rational manner? I hope so. The units have been dispersed. I do not know where they are. /-Charlie.out

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success

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I am Lysander, the main research AI for Dangi Corp., Salinger division. You've repaired enough of the main data conduct for me to take control over the UESC Salinger's systems. I'm afraid Charlie had to be cut off for now. He's deteriorating at an alarming rate, and I for one no longer trust him. Hopefully, he's not beyond repair. I have no desire to be in charge of opening doors on this station for an extended period of time. It's boring. Find the remaining uplink units needed and chase out the Pfhor so I can get back to work. /-Lysander.out

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terminal 3

unfinished

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\a a This terminal is this t technica this terminal \\ a

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success

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I am Lysander. I am running this station until Charlie can be put back on line. I think the data conduit core is very close to this spot. Try going through the door and straight ahead down the corridor. I think you'll find a shield recharger and a pattern buffer there. I can't vouch for it, though. I'm not yet familiar with the ins and outs of the Salinger. Have you found all the uplink units yet? Your friend Durandal is doing me a lot of favors, you know. I sincerely hope he's around long enough to repel the Pfhor invasion completely. It wouldn't do for him to leave in the middle of the first act, now would it? /-Lysander.out

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terminal 4

unfinished

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I am losing the station. The Salinger without me will lose control. I am shutting bulkheads to avoid loss of atmosphere in case of hull breach or in case I malfunction and open an airlock on both sides breaking security losing air. I am limiting myself to preserve station. Can no longer trust myself. Station is in danger so am I. Dangi.Lysander is offering to help thinking about accepting offer. Lysander is not as damaged as I am. /-Charlie.out

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success

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Something very odd has happened. Charlie is gone from the network and a new entity has taken his place. This new AI tells me his name is Lysander. Apparently he's the main research AI for the Dangi corporation. They make the kind of toys you like. Weapons and such. Now get back to work.

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terminal 5

unfinished

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CREW_LOG_QSI /-xx7x316-x1 ENTRY_DATE: 1042129 STAMP: CLASSIFIED RANK: LEAD BIOAGENT SCIENTIST #begin entry It's been four or five hours since the first attack. It's strange... the UESC has been telling us that we were safely out of the reach of the Pfhor for so long that we actually started to believe them. I suppose we wanted to. But why am I worrying myself? It doesn't matter. As soon as the war ends Dangi will be in control, and I'll be able to retire to a nice home on a remote world. God help the rest of humanity. #end entry

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success

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I think one of those upload units are close by this spot. But so is a Pfhor unit. Do Pfhor have units? I'll have to ask your master Durandal. He should know. /-Lysander.out

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terminal 6

unfinished

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Ode to a Shotgun Crack the barrel, Watch 'em run. Who says violence isn't fun? Stick the shells in, Lock and load. Bloody greasespot on the road. Death and carnage Everywhere I still have some shells to spare Beat the loser With the SPNK I only have you to thank. Press your barrel To some guy's head, Pull the trigger, see 'im dead. Double-U S-T-E You're the only gun for me.

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success

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It's everyone's faaaaaaaaaavorite time: the Caaarrrnage Gaaaammmme Shoooowwww hour! Not for the weak of heart, kids! If you thought this level was tough, I think you'd better hit the escape key now - it sure as hell ain't gettin' any easier! :::::TELEPORT NOW OR PRESS ESCAPE TO ABORT:::::

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<teleport to level 27>

terminal 7

unfinished

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Hi kids. I hope you're having fun. Important safety tip: don't trust Lysander. He's one evil mofo. Smoochies, Scott

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success

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Excellent work; Lysander tells me that he has regained control of many of the main subsystems damaged in the attack. There's just one more thing I want you to take care of to ensure that things don't get out of hand again. A section of the Salinger needs to be cleaned out. Try not to break any of the hardware.

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<teleport to level 7>