re_alignment

Entry tags:

✘ halo | 686 ebullient prism (crau)

AUDIO

[ Prism's voice is a cheery burst of sunshine across the Link, the Monitor sounding vaguely excited about... everything, really. ]

Hello, I am 686 Ebullient Prism, Monitor of Line Installation 1-4! As per protocol, I am obligated to inform you that unauthorized removal of a Monitor from facility grounds is strictly prohibited. If anyone is capable of offering a more cohesive explanation of the workings of the Lambda, I would be very interested in hearing it. I am already aware that it is a space-time anomaly spanning at least several universes. You could say I have a fair bit of experience dealing with this sort of anomaly. Outside input would be quite welcome, as the drone present at my awakening was not particularly helpful.

[ And is now missing a head. ]

I would like to thank you all in advance for your cooperation. I look forward to meeting you all!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hardly anyone in this place is particularly helpful. They don't seem to know anything besides what we're already told.

Are you one of them? The living robots?

[ Prism switches over to video for the sake of education. ]

How awful. I would have hoped that in a population apparently comprised almost entirely of inorganic beings, logic would have prevailed and something would be known of the anomaly. I am a Monitor, a highly advanced scientific AI created by the Forerunners for the purpose of maintaining my allotted facility.

[That -- what is he looking at.]

[But the mention of AI gets his attention.]

Some of them have been helpful. Others... don't tell me anything new. Anything useful.

You're an AI too? Who -- 'Forerunners'? Are they human?

[OH LOOK there's a little glimmer of hope. Everyone else has been friendly, maybe this one too!]

Certainly not! The Forerunners were a highly advanced race who existed several hundred thousand years before humanity managed to achieve a basic understanding of tools.

[Head-tilt.]

Then... you're an advanced AI.

[SO FASCINATED.] What is your purpose? What were you designed for?

That is correct. I was created to maintain the functionality and further the overall purpose of my facility. Our primary goal is to locate a cure for the Flood.

The flood?

Not a flood of water, I... suppose?

No. The Flood is a highly virulent, dangerous parasitic lifeform that absorbs organic mass and assimilates sentient organic life.

[Yeah, he sees how that would be something you'd want to get rid of.]

Were you making any progress?

[Talking to advanced AI is so fascinating, this one knows so much.]

Every sample acquired and processed is a step in the direction of progress.

Have you found many samples?

Some, but not enough.

Would you be interested in assisting me?

Assisting you?

I'm... not a scientist. I wouldn't know how to help.

You need not be scientist to aid me! I am always looking for individuals willing to complete a short survey on cultural differences and, if they so choose, submit to a small, noninvasive scan for my files.

Would you be willing to help me?

[That sounds all right. He doesn't know a whole lot about culture, but...]

I will answer what questions I can.

Wonderful! Would you be willing to meet with me to complete the survey?

I can, if you tell me where you are.

Marvelous! Meet met outside Liege Maximo's temple in... let's say six hours?

Liege... Maximo? Where is that?

Liege Maximo's temple is northeast from the junk pile.

I can... try to locate it, then.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

AUDIO

video;

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video; /quietly weeps into hands

video; honey you need an adult

video; god he does

video; poor, poor baby

video; why can't he make good choices

video;

video;