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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2013 11:23:08 GMT -5
"Now that we have the hackers, what do we do with them Kernel?" an ICP inquired of his superior.
"We question them about the previous user. It is no coincidence that two more users should attempt to access the terminal," The Kernel replied simply.
"Understood. I will restart my search for the previous user," the ICP stated, leaving the room. The ICPs or Intrusion Counter Programs while 'outdated' compared to more modern Sentry programs, differ from them as up until the fall of CLU, all sentries served CLU instead of monitoring the system. ICPs were singleminded toward monitoring and maintaining the security of the system, even if that meant opposing users.
Meanwhile, Inferno was getting used to his surroundings. He even had some cool new duds, but it just wasn't his style. "Okay, so we got pulled into that thing and dumped in a prison cell. Just when I thought I'd seen everything," Inferno commented as he examined the room. He was really trying to get a feel for the walls and door to see how hard he'd have to hit them to get them to topple.
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 20, 2013 17:39:56 GMT -5
Kenji admitted, he had not expected the computer to transport them here, into the Grid. He had been here once, doing reconnaissance, and since had never come back. But now they were trapped in this room, and there didn't seem to be a way out just yet. Kenji had pondered the prospect of simply breaking down the walls, but he decided not to. For one thing, they had no idea if there were adjacent cells, and also they didn't know how strong or thick the walls were. Trying to break out could end up with the whole ceiling collapsing on their heads... or worse, depending on how this world worked.
Okay, so we got pulled into that thing and dumped in a prison cell. Just when I thought I'd seen everything.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor and meditating, he looked over at the now-luminescent berserker, his emerald-green eyes never shifting even the slightest. "The universe is filled with strange things," he said. "Now, I suggest you settle down and wait. We most likely will meet people - or programs - who have seen where your father have went. We shall question them, then be on our way." With that, he went back to meditating. No doubt Paladin Olorin would see they disappeared and put two and two together. They just had to wait until then.
Of course, they may not have that long, but who knows?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2013 18:59:19 GMT -5
"I hate waiting... especially when my old man's up to something," Inferno retorted, patting a wall to determine it's thickness. He had different ways to figure out how strong a wall was including but not limited to putting your ear against it and patting it to try and feel the vibrations.
"Okay, so the walls might be a problem," Inferno admitted, despite his pride. He didn't know what they were made of, but even he thought it was incredibly unlikely that he would be able to knock them down. They were just too solid and yet, they weren't solid. It was difficult to explain, these weren't like any walls he had seen before. But pretty much everything around him was nothing that he'd ever seen before. This place was just beyond his understanding coming from a place where gunpowder was still a new thing.
"Could still give it a try. Because while YOU might want to wait around and see what happens, but I don't. I MAKE things happen," Inferno remarked as he examined the door next. It was some kind of energy barrier that was the same color as the colored lines etched into their surroundings. Inferno stared at it for a moment as if considering it. He was actually thinking about what would happen if he touched it. So throwing caution to the wind, he gave it a punch. Not a hard one mind you.
The barrier hissed and the section Inferno struck flared up. Didn't sting, light him on fire, shock him, or do anything back. He was disappointed but didn't know why. So Inferno pulled a fist back and prepared to punch the energy barrier...
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 26, 2013 16:34:12 GMT -5
I hate waiting... especially when my old man's up to something.
Kenji agreed. He hated being inactive when there was trouble afoot. However, he was smart enough to know that there are times for action and times for inaction. Waiting often was a solution most people missed in favor of instant action. Kenji made sure he always stayed the role of observer, so he could see all aspects rather than a biased or narrow viewpoint. With that, he simply didn't reply and kept meditating, ignoring his rather temperamental companion.
Could still give it a try. Because while YOU might want to wait around and see what happens, but I don't. I MAKE things happen.
He opened one eye to see him punching the barrier to the door. As he began winding up for the second punch, Kenji sighed, got up, moved to a side of the room, sat down, and began meditating again. He could guess quite well what would happen and would prefer to not be in the way. The burned hand teaches best, as the adage goes. Might as well leave him to it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2013 21:21:54 GMT -5
Fortunately for the door, Inferno would not need to punch it. As it quite suddenly deactivated right before Inferno threw his punch. This was followed by the arrival of an entourage of burly... programs that were clad in white with red circuitry. They looked alot like security guards, but much more imposing.
"Come with us Hackers. The Kernel wants to see you," one of the ICPs stated in a deep, gravelly synthetic voice.
"See? Something happened," Inferno said to Kenji. "So take us then," Inferno said to the ICPs, which they did without another word. Inferno however had questions that he did NOT want to go unanswered. They were scratching at the back of his mind! "So where are we exactly?"
"We simply call it The System," an ICP promptly replied.
"And who is this Kernel and why should I care who he is?" Inferno added bluntly.
"Enough talk. Keep moving!" the first ICP speaker barked. Inferno simply shrugged his shoulders and took the command rather well. Didn't really matter who it was then.
Some time later, the two arrived at the top of a tall tower. A program a head or so shorter then Inferno was checking some holographic displays when they arrived. "Discs," he commanded simply as both Kenji and Inferno's discs were quickly taken before either could protest. Inferno had no idea that he even had one until now.
The two ICPs stood at attention as The Kernel took each disc one by one and scanned them. "Hmm, Orion Vendigoth. Heritage indicates Amazonian-like origins. Data also indicates an affinity for close range combat with your bare hands. Impressive, but no data I require," The Kernel commented, handing the disc back to the ICP so he could return it to Inferno.
"How did-" Inferno started before being cut off.
"In a moment User," The Kernel stated, holding his hand up to quiet Inferno so he could scan Kenji's disc. "Kenji Chan. Hmm..." The Kernel murmured, his interest piqued. He was only mildly impressed by Inferno's data because his abilities as a warrior could prove useful- but his behavior left ALOT to be desired. "This is... intriguing," The Kernel continued, scanning through the disc. He handed the disc to the other ICP who returned it to Kenji.
"I don't like people sticking their nose into my business..." Inferno said icily.
"I only did a search for any information relating to the hacker who entered before you, some general information, and a few memories," The Kernel said dismissively.
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 27, 2013 20:40:01 GMT -5
Kenji opened one eye as he heard footsteps and saw others step in. He stood up with no hurry as the berserker began asking questions, such as why they were here, who were they going to meet, why they should care. He was eventually told to shut up, but Kenji didn't mind. They would get their answers soon enough. While they were treated as intruders, they were not treated as enemies. Yet. Whether they would be recognized as allies or enemies, they would soon find out. Kenji was prepared for either eventuality.
As they reached the Kernel, their discs were taken out and scanned. He observed impassively as the berserker's disc was first scanned, and managed to glean information from him. Amazonian? He had heard of them, but was sure that they were all female, and there was absolutely no doubt the berserker - no, his name was Orion - was male. Perhaps there was something about their culture he missed, but he would have to look into that later. Kenji kept quiet as his own disc was scanned, and the Kernel seemed to take longer on his, seeming rather interested. He gave the slightest of frowns. Well, his cover was blown to the Kernel, no doubt. However, he could use that to his advantage if necessary.
I only did a search for any information relating to the hacker who entered before you, some general information, and a few memories.
Perfect, an opening. "We came in pursuit of him," Kenji began his explanation, his tone and expression once again flat and expressionless. "He had caused much harm to the outside world, and I do not know what his intentions are in the System. Nothing good, I would imagine. We came to apprehend him so he can face judgement and prevent him from causing any further damage." Might as well be truthful. There was no reason at all to lie. These programs were likely not Orion's father's allies. They might as well capitalize on that.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2013 19:15:53 GMT -5
The Kernel's jaw frowned. "I already came to that conclusion User," The Kernel stated matter of factly. He returned to some displays for a moment before Inferno took a step forward after replacing his disc.
"So are we done here? You've already wasted enough of my time by locking me up," Inferno snorted hotly. They weren't going to find his father just standing around twiddling their thumbs.
"Offending you is of no concern of mine User. It is my duty to maintain the safety and security of this network without troublemakers like you making my job any more stressful," The Kernel countered, completely not intimidated by Inferno. Something that seemed to annoy Inferno.
"I said- are we done here?" Inferno repeated firmly, agitation obvious in his body language.
"No. Seeing as you Users have no idea where to begin searching, I have a way we can assist eachother," The Kernel replied calmly. "There is a program who runs the Game Grid who also wheels and deals information," The Kernel said dismissing the displays. "I do not have sufficient evidence to justify apprehending him, but I believe that he also steals from and hacks parts of the system for his own benefit," The Kernel added.
"Get to the part where this helps us instead of you..." Inferno stated simply. This was sounding like a 'scratch my back, I scratch yours' with the other party having no hands.
"He may know where The Hacker is, or know what he wants. Nothing happens on The Grid that he doesn't know about," The Kernel explained as if he was talking to a child.
"Okay, sounds good. But I imagine we can't simply go over there and ask him nicely," Inferno remarked, missing the tone.
"Affirmative. But we have an arrangement. He needs programs to play in his Games, I need ways to punish those I apprehend. So, we will transport the two of you to the Game Grid under the pretense of supplying him new 'players'," The Kernel replied. "Any questions?"
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 30, 2013 17:23:38 GMT -5
I already came to that conclusion, User.
Well, it was fairly obvious, but Kenji felt it needed to be stated anyway. If there were misunderstandings, then the whole thing would be much harder and it needed to be. With that, he simply kept himself impassive, watching both his body language and expressions. He looked on as Orion and the Kernel argued, with more of Orion being an immature fool and the Kernel lecturing and being rather condescending. The deal was struck - they both wanted information on him. Orion and him were to be sent as 'players' the the Games so they could speak to this Hacker.
However, both he and Orion noted that this deal was far too biased in his favor. Whether they succeeded or not, the Kernel lost nothing. And he knew the Games - they were nothing more than gladiator games, put on to satisfy the bloodlust and amusement of a frenzied crowd. There was a huge possibility they themselves would be sent into the games, possibly killed, and nobody would be the wiser. Although Kenji had faced far worse situations than this, he needed to swing things back in their favor.
"It sounds like a good plan. However..." he looked up at the Kernel, his eyes cold and calm. "What is to stop you from simply tossing us to the Games to be killed? In my experience, that happens far too often for my comfort. Therefore, I shall ask for collateral. The collateral is something you already have, something you hold very dear. For now, you may keep possession of it. In return, you do all you can to assist us in apprehending the intruder. When that happens, you shall be left in peace. If not... I shall take that collateral as payment, one way or another."
During the entire time he spoke, he did not move or raise his voice, simply keeping his sharp eyes on the Kernel. "Do we have an agreement?" he asked.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2013 23:18:36 GMT -5
The Kernel's eyes were hidden behind the visor of his helmet as he considered Kenji for a moment. "Your attempt to bargain from a poor position indicates either an overestimation of your friend's assistance, or an underestimation of my capabilities," he remarked after a moment. "I am programmed to protect this system from any and all threats that could damage or destroy it- sacrificing my life if need be. It is beyond even YOUR power to take what I hold dear from me, User. And I do not enjoy what I perceive to be a threat with that in mind," The Kernel finished firmly. He was referring to the system, it was what he held dear... even if it only came from his programming.
"This isn't getting us any where! Listen big and ugly, he just wants your word that when the chips are down, we can count on you to get our backs. I personally don't care one way or the other. I don't like relying on other people because they usually let you down. OR they trap you in situations where you don't have a leg to stand on to bargain with. JUST like now!" Inferno interrupted, quickly losing what little patience he had left. "So are you going to have our backs, or are we on our own in there?" Inferno demanded.
The Kernel turned his gaze on Inferno for a moment, his body language unreadable. "Your father is a potential threat to the system. I am already doing everything in my power to locate him. In a potential confrontation with him, I will be the first to spearhead the attack," he replied, returning to some displays that popped up and needed his attention. "As for The Games... it is no concern of mine whether or not you survive. If you survive and accomplish your task, then good. If you perish, I will explore other options in my search," he added, more or less admitting that they would be on their own in The Games.
"However... The Game Grid still requires ICPs to ensure it's security. I will alert them of your involvement in assisting me," he finished. It wasn't exactly a promise to help them, but it was better then sending them upstream without a paddle.
"Fine. So what does this guy even look like?" Inferno pressed on. They hadn't been told yet and it only seemed natural that they atleast knew the face of who they were looking for. As if to answer his question, a holographic display popped up with TWO figures. "Why's there two people?" Inferno questioned.
One figure was a burly, broad shouldered figure clad in what looked like armor. The other was a shorter and more human looking figure clad head to toe in a hooded robe with neon highlights and circuitry. "The armored program before you is called Sentinel. I will spare you his background, but you will have to go through him to get to your target. Primarily he ensures that the games run smoothly, but he also acts as MAGE- your target's right hand man.
That leaves the smaller of the two, who is called MAGE. I have already discussed him," The Kernel explained, hoping that there was nothing further.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 2, 2014 17:44:42 GMT -5
Your attempt to bargain from a poor position indicates either an overestimation of your friend's assistance, or an underestimation of my capabilities. I am programmed to protect this system from any and all threats that could damage or destroy it- sacrificing my life if need be. It is beyond even YOUR power to take what I hold dear from me, User. And I do not enjoy what I perceive to be a threat with that in mind...
Kenji did not waver his will or gaze. From a lot of standpoints, they were in a poor position, but Kenji never did anything without backing it up. He bluffed a couple times, but this isn't one of them. Before he could retort, however, Orion began roaring at the Kernel, demanding that it give them a straight answer to Kenji's question. His eyes flicked over to him before turning back to the Kernel. He didn't say a word, but merely observed silently his reaction. Well, that certainly cut a lot of unnecessary talking, but in the end, would it back them up?
The Kernel's reply was... not reassuring. He essentially said both yes and no. They would be alone in the Games, but the other security programs would be informed of their mission. Well, at least they had one less enemy to worry about. The odds were stacked against them, but for Kenji, this situation was pretty much the norm. All it came down to now was just planning what to do when they got to the Games, and what would they do once they met their informer... IF they met their informer. When the two figures popped up, he looked at them, but quickly figured it out before Orion said a thing.
The armored program before you is called Sentinel. I will spare you his background, but you will have to go through him to get to your target. Primarily he ensures that the games run smoothly, but he also acts as MAGE - your target's - right hand man. That leaves the smaller of the two, who is called MAGE. I have already discussed him.
Kenji nodded. He wondered if this MAGE had any combat capabilities. If his name said anything, he seemed to be adept at manipulating this world and bending the rules to his will to create or manifest attacks. The Sentinel seemed to be the typical vanguard kind of warrior - fast, strong, built more for up close and personal fighting than distance or subterfuge. "Will you send word to this MAGE about what we came for?" he asked the Kernel calmly, analyzing the images. "Or shall we have to explain and persuade him?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2014 22:24:39 GMT -5
"If it were that easy, we wouldn't be sneaking in as players now would we?" Inferno spoke up suddenly. From what he had been listening to, they were being sent to the games to pose as players. Now that sounded like it involved sneaking around and stuff. He hated sneaking around.
"For once, he is correct. Mage has not been very cooperative in the past, more reason for me not to trust him," The Kernel replied.
"So we smack him around until he tells us what we want to know? I can do that," Inferno said popping his knuckles in anticipation.
"I don't care how you do it. I don't even care if you derezz him in the process. But if he does have any information, we need to get it by any means necessary," The Kernel replied mechanically.
"Okay, so we go in- play some game, probably get the bodyguard out of the way, and then interrogate him," Inferno said going through the list incase he missed something.
"There may be a way to get around Sentinel without having to deal with him. His pride is a flaw in his design. Mage believes himself on par with The Creator, indicated by the games he designs. If you can bring him out of hiding, you can question him directly," The Kernel said thoughtfully.
"Oh really? Then this'll be a cake walk. Bust a few heads, then call em out and bust his head if he doesn't talk," Inferno smirked.
"Do not be fooled by his meek appearance. I have heard things from my ICPs who've watched some of his games. All I have determined from them is that he is some form of utility program, possibly a hacking or similar program that has permissions that allow him to do some of the things he's done," The Kernel said simply.
"You lost me..." Inferno said, his brain shorting out from the weird techno mumbo jumbo.
"All programs in The System suffer from one major flaw. We have fixed limits. Users have no such fixed limits, they can push themselves harder. Mage however, does not seem to suffer from this flaw as he supposedly can change his physical appearance when he wants, and he has displayed differing functions and utilities from game to game," The Kernel explained, trying to make it as simple as he could.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 3, 2014 17:37:26 GMT -5
Kenji had to admit, his question was slightly stupid, considering their situation. He received his answer, and it was one he had been expecting. This MAGE was not going to cooperative to their interrogation, so they need to rip the information from him. Last he checked, he did not have the ability to read discs like the Kernel did, and he doubted Orion had either. However, they still needed to flush him out and get past his bodyguard program, the Sentinel. The Kernel explained his arrogance, and he nodded. Something they could exploit.
He also listened to the fact that the MAGE was a special program - one without any defined parameters or limits, and could change his shape and abilities how he wished. Well, that'd be troublesome - he would definitely be an unpredictable opponent. He could be in disguise however he wanted, and they wouldn't know what he was capable of at all. Still, at least the shapeshifting could be easily gotten past. There was nothing that could fool his eyes, after all.
"Very well, then," he said calmly. "A small hurdle, but nothing that can't be handled. Just out of curiosity - what kind of functions and utilities has he displayed in past games? Anything that seems to utterly break the 'rules' of your world, so to speak? What one might call 'magic' on the outside world?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2014 16:30:36 GMT -5
The Kernel considered the question for a moment as if recalling some info he had backed up to memory somewhere. "I do not have sufficient data to make an educated guess," The Kernel replied apologetically. "As for functions and utilities however, in one of his games, Mage stood at twenty feet or higher and took the form of a dragonic creature with a large sword. Other simplier utilities have involved being completely undetectable, or having almost perfect knowledge of where his opponents are at any given time," The Kernel added.
"So whatever he feels like having, he gets? Now that sounds like a good challenge to me," Inferno grinned, only thinking of fighting him as opposed to the dangers he posed.
"I very much doubt he can switch between functions at any given moment. I believe that he does so outside of the ring. And I also doubt that even he has access to all of these abilities at once. The amount of memory needed exceeds the parameters of any program on the system, myself included. He also typically uses a staff based off of the out dated Rod series weapons, which he can disassemble and reassemble into a variety of different weapons and tools," The Kernel continued.
"Okay, so he has a whole bag of tricks he can throw at us. Can we get moving? I'm itching to fight this guy or his bodyguard. Not to mention my father is hiding out there somewhere," Inferno chimed in again.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 4, 2014 19:41:42 GMT -5
Kenji listened to the Kernel's reply, who admitted he didn't know much about the specifics, but knew some of the things he pulled off, such as turning himself larger than life and as a draconic being, to more subtle things such as being undetectable or knowing where everyone else was at any given time. He frowned. They were facing an opponent whose abilities are unknown, mainly because he could switch them out at will. It was small comfort to know that the MAGE could not change them on the fly, else he would be utterly unpredictable.
Okay, so he has a whole bag of tricks he can throw at us. Can we get moving? I'm itching to fight this guy or his bodyguard. Not to mention my father is hiding out there somewhere.
He nodded, then remembered something. Perhaps it would be stupid, but if it was the case... then their mission might get a lot harder than he first thought he needed to check. "One last thing, and that shall be the end of my questions," he said, looking at the Kernel. "This Sentinel of his... can the MAGE alter his programming as well? Or is he thankfully only limited to himself?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2014 22:51:27 GMT -5
The Kernel's jaw tightened as he considered it. "I am not sure, but given the data I've given, I would not rule it out as a possibility. If he can alter other programs' programming, he has been very careful about it. As otherwise that would be grounds enough for me to take action against him. I cannot allow anyone other then The Creator or a System Monitor to have that kind of power," The Kernel replied firmly. He actually hadn't given it any thought and just naturally assumed Sentinel was just a program Mage recruited. But if he had been altered... that would be trouble.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 6, 2014 18:53:28 GMT -5
I am not sure, but given the data I've given, I would not rule it out as a possibility. If he can alter other programs' programming, he has been very careful about it. As otherwise that would be grounds enough for me to take action against him. I cannot allow anyone other then The Creator or a System Monitor to have that kind of power.
Kenji nodded. So they weren't sure of that either. Well, the mission was becoming less and less appealing to him by the second, but at this point, there was nothing they could do about it. Once there, they would have to pretty much improvise. Kenji didn't mind that - he knew from experience that even the best-laid plans went astray from unexpected variables and factors, and the commander and warrior who could adapt the best was the one who succeeded. There was nothing else to do at this point but to proceed onward. Worst comes to worst, they could escape and regroup.
"Very well, that's it for my questions," he said. "Let us begin."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2014 21:20:43 GMT -5
The Kernel nodded. "My ICPs will lead you to a Recognizer that will be taking you and some malicious programs we've rounded up," The Kernel gestured to the ICPs in the room.
Skipping ahead to them being on the Recognizer...
Inferno was uncomfortable for two reasons. The first one was the obvious fact that the Recognizer wasn't built for big guys like him. The second reason was that they were instructed to wear handcuffs to keep it convincing. His fists were his weapons of choice, so naturally he had an issue with not being able to use them effectively. "So where you from shrimp?" Inferno asked Kenji out of earshot of the other programs. Some of them looked terrified, others quietly accepted it, and others... were too glitchy to really get a read on.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 7, 2014 17:51:23 GMT -5
Kenji inspected his handcuffs. They weren't anything he wasn't used to. He was trained to fight in confined situations so that worst comes to worst, he could still fight. In fact, it didn't matter if he was handcuffed to the front or back (though to the front would be infinitely more advantageous), he still had his legs, which was important. It allowed him to utilize his speed and kicks, so that was still good. He wondered if the handcuffs would stay on until he was at the Games, or whether they would be on regardless. It would put them at a disadvantage - for anyone else, it'd be leading lambs to a slaughter.
He looked around him. The programs around him had various reactions. Some of them were panicking, others looked resigned to their fates, and some were literally unreadable, going through different... emotions? Code? He didn't know what to call it. He had seen their reactions before - they were condemned, and he had seen those that were condemned many times, even more so as an emperor. Some seemed to be hoping on the fact that they could get out of the Games by winning. But he knew that all of them realized that was a futile hope - a very slim one at best.
So where you from shrimp?
He glanced at Orion and sighed. Such a simple question, yet it wasn't easy to answer. Would he answer he was from an Empire? Or from a homeworld that had no longer become his home thanks to the passing of time? Or that he simply had no home, for he never felt at home anymore unless he was with his wife? "I come from worlds both known and unknown," he replied simply. It was truth enough and avoided giving more answers than he needed to. "What of you?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2014 20:47:23 GMT -5
"It's known to me and unknown to you," Inferno snorted in response, clearly agitated by his answer. He was finding more reasons not to like this guy. Not giving him a direct answer made it harder to trust Kenji getting his back. Sure he helped back in the real world, but only cause he chose to get involved. He was just here because he was obviously just some heroic type looking for a villain to stop. Not because he was interested in helping HIM.
Assuming the rest of the trip was silent, the unlikely group arrived outside of the massive building that hosted the The Games. On the runway-like road were programs similar to the sentries used by CLU. The only difference was that their circuitry was light blue instead of red. They were equipped with the standard Light Staffs of the Guard programs. "Move," one of the ICPs said mechanically as they were unloaded. Other Recognizers were touching down on different ends, dropping off other programs.
Also on the runway was a large program that fit Sentinels appearance perfectly. His circuitry was a blue/green hue. He watched as the programs passed him, his attention turning to Kenji and Inferno. He said nothing, but Kenji would probably be able to tell that he was... suspicious of Inferno atleast. It was like he suspected Inferno wasn't a program, or atleast was suspicious because MOST programs (other then The Kernel) weren't even close to Inferno's height.
As they got closer to the structure, the programs who had been panicking earlier started to freak out more. "N-no! Not the games! Anything but that!" one of the programs stammered, suddenly breaking out of line and making a break for it.
"Halt program!" one of the ICPs barked, throwing his disc at the program's back where it tore right through him. "Killing" him and shattering his body on contact. The disc then zipped back to his outstretched hand. "Let that be a warning to the rest of you," the ICP warned as everyone continued on their way.
Everyone was then being separated, escorted into two different doorways. "See ya on the other side then," Inferno said to Kenji before they were separated.
Inferno was led into a darkened chamber beneath the massive building, his handcuffs removed. "So I just wait here then?" Inferno questioned, but the Guards didn't respond as they left him. He wasn't alone for long, as a few programs in white emerged from some tubes. "Why hello ladies," Inferno purred.
Inferno's clothes had the neon highlights, but they weren't combat suited. So saying nothing, they stripped him down to his underwear (thankfully for everyone reading this) and began attaching more combat suited attire. "I thought you were trying something else," Inferno admitted, trying to get a reaction from them at this point.
But there was none as they headed back toward their tubes, one offering him a wave with a playful look on her face as she left. "Attractive women, a chance to fight other people, a crowd of people to bask in my awesomeness? I could get into this," Inferno mused as the ground at his feet suddenly shifted up, making him jerk for a moment.
The platform began to rise, and he could hear voices above. The voices turned into cheers, growing louder and louder. A hatch opened above him, light blinding him for a moment as he soon found himself in a giant stadium-like arena. "Yup, I could totally get into this," Inferno smirked, waving at the crowd.
Other people started to arrive at different ends of the arena, he saw Kenji on the opposite side- or atleast he thought it was Kenji.
"Game selection complete: Cat and Mouse," a female synthesized voice intoned. And bit by bit, the arena floor began to break apart and rearrange itself. What was once a large open expanse, was quickly becoming a cramped series of corridors that broke into more opened chambers.
Inferno's platform was soon joined by the platforms of several other programs, as would Kenji's and so forth until there was ten groups of five. Kenji's group would have a special program with him. It was the hacking program that his paladin had used to try and hack into the terminal, who resembled his creator in many ways. He was also the only one in the group with yellow circuits.
"Welcome one and all!" a new voice boomed. This one wasn't automated, it was a program. Standing in a VIP booth, was a hooded figure matching the description of Mage. "I see we have alot of new faces today! So to welcome all of you newbies, here are some points that you can only spend here on The Game Grid as you vets all know. Anyone who lives today will be spending alot of time here- like, forever infact!" Mage continued, laughing at his attempt of a joke.
All new programs, plus Kenji and Inferno would suddenly see numbers scroll up infront of them. Inferno was confused already. "Now for those of you new to the games, points are your lively hood. With them, you can buy anything from weapons, upgrades, to a comfortable place to stay in between games. Now, as for the game itself. I think you'll all enjoy this take on Cat and Mouse I came up with," Mage started to explain more about the game itself.
Inferno was still confused. If he could buy things, where did he go to do that? "There's ten small groups of you guys scattered around this specially made arena. The objective of the game is to survive, by any means necessary," Mage stated simply. "The winners will be awarded with points based on their performance and accomplishments. However, the more of you left alive, the smaller the prize is. So bare that in mind when one of the Hunters is chasing you and a friend. How much is your friend really worth to you?" Mage chuckled evilly. He was clearly enjoying this concept alot. "The only other way to win is to derezz the five Hunters. But that hasn't been down yet! So don't go thinking it's easy," Mage added.
"Now the Hunters or 'cats' in this case, are specially programmed Gamebots. As all you fans know, I have a stable of teams to choose from. Now before we begin selecting them, let's first decide if we will be selecting a whole team, or if the lineup will be a mixed team," Mage finished as a display appeared high above the arena for all to see. Even the participants could see through the glass-like corridors. The display cycled between two symbols for several seconds before stopping on one. "And we got a mixed team! Right, while we choose our team of Hunters, this will be a good time to get to know the programs around you. And decide if all of these newbies will help you, or lead to deresolution vets," Mage finished as the display started cycling through symbols again.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 8, 2014 15:42:05 GMT -5
It's known to me and unknown to you.
Well, quite honestly, Kenji wasn't expecting another answer. When he gave the vague answer to Orion, he doubted that Orion would actually tell him. Well, no matter. It mattered little where he came from. All he knew was that while he fought like a berserker - no thoughts towards his own preservation or defense - he could fight well. That was all that mattered. They weren't friends, but they were allies. That would be good enough for now. If Orion didn't wish to cooperate, then he would simply have to deal with it himself. Kenji saw the Sentinel as well and noted that he was looking with Orion with far more interest than anyone else. He remembered that.
As they were each deposited, Kenji's handcuffs were taken off and he was led into a darkened room. Soon, the room was lit, and four attractive women came forward from test tubes. They stripped Kenji down and replaced his wear with something more suitable for combat. Kenji didn't say anything, and his glances at the women were nothing more than mild curiosity before dismissing them. The only woman that could charm Kenji was his wife. Otherwise, he was unswerving in his morals and ideals of justice. Nothing they could or would do would charm him, and he didn't even acknowledge it as one of the programs flirtatiously waved goodbye.
That being done, he was raised into a roaring crowd. Kenji frowned - or rather, just about scowled. He had participated in gladiator games before - sometimes by choice, sometimes by force. They were all the same. Savages wanting to watch the competitors tear themselves apart in these games to satisfy their own bloodlust. Those who won the games and kept winning eventually lost all sense of their humanity, becoming nothing more than soulless performers and monsters, no better than circus animals. The rules sounded like something straight from a video game - though considering where they were, it wasn't exactly a far-fetched idea.
And we got a mixed team! Right, while we choose our team of Hunters, this will be a good time to get to know the programs around you. And decide if all of these newbies will help you, or lead to deresolution vets.
He sighed and looked around. He wondered which of them had combat potential and which ones didn't, when a yellow glow caught his eye. Shifting his gaze, his eyes widened as he saw what seemed to be one of his Paladins there. Moving quickly past several programs, he came across him. "Paladin Olorin?" he asked, a bit unsure. The program smiled and lowered his head respectfully. "I'm not precisely him - I'm his hacking program given form. Still, it is an honor to meet the one my creator holds in such high esteem." Kenji blinked, then nodded. Now, down to business...
"What are your capabilities?" he asked the program, lowering his voice so no one could hear. "Could you reconfigure anything here? Settings, parameters, anything?" The program shook his head. "I've tried, but the security is too tight. My creator has already brought someone, but even with their skills it will take a while before we receive reinforcements." Kenji nodded. That was to be expected. "And what of combat capabilities?" he asked. The program smiled. "Fear not - I'm just as capable as my creator was, and you of all people should know how powerful that is."
He felt relief. Good. He had chosen his Paladins because not only were they very powerful, they were also loyal to the end. "One last thing - what should I call you?" he asked the program. The program gave it some consideration, then shrugged. "I do not have a name. Call me as you will, my lord." Kenji pondered, then said, "I'll call you Olorin, then, after your creator." The program nodded, and with that, they braced themselves for the coming battle.
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