How to make friends and influence people, by GEM-03

[8:32 PM] SwaDM: Fresh air! Moonlight! Someplace that isn't made out of pure metal with deadly, killer robots! Yes, Deadly Killer Robots. They are that bad. But Kiran now only needs to worry about ONE right now. So that's a plus. They without a doubt enjoyed some homely dinner, courtesy of Linda (complete with pastries), but Kiran probably isn't going to go to sleep just yet .Or he did, and it's morning. Who cares. The point is, they believe they have things to do, and they will do it.
[8:32 PM] SwaDM: But what will Kiran do?
[8:34 PM] Kiran: That is an excellent question! The first order of business is simple. In order to answer questions, Gemini must first be able to answer questions.
[8:35 PM] Kiran: For this explicit purpose, Kiran's fine attention to detail and high-functioning-autistic preparatory habits will have been invaluable - namely having gathered the necessary tools and instructions back when GEM could communicate them, in order that the voice box could be correctly installed.
[8:36 PM] SwaDM: The installation of a voice module will have thankfully proven quite easy. One thing Kiran would have soon come to realize when they started looking into this, is that Kriendyh technology tends to be very modular. Due to the way Anima Cores work, connections and adaptations are made without needing a full 1-to-1 conversion of parts into other modules.
[8:37 PM] SwaDM: As such, they would have very easily been able to recover a pristine module from one of the several deactivated GK units within the engineering sectors - essentially a ridged little rectangle of sorts with small pieces of wiring running between each ridge.
[8:37 PM] Kiran: proceeds to have the time of his life properly playing with robots for the first time
[8:38 PM] SwaDM: It's like evil, soul LEGOS! Wait, what's a lego? Nevermind.
[8:38 PM] Kiran: ...
[8:38 PM] Kiran: writes down the idea for LEGO in his journal.
[8:39 PM] SwaDM: Regardless - given Kiran's skills (and experience with prothesis), installing the module would have frankly been quite a fairly easy task, only mildly consuming in the sense that they had to adapt it to Gemini's chassis, and make a covering for it to protect it from any damage.
[8:40 PM] SwaDM: The small, flying construct's "eyes" would flash blue a few times, afore it returns to it's normal, green coloring. A synthethized voice - much like Kiscol's (Or, well, GEM's, realy), would soon come in, as it is still upon Kiran's work table (Or wherever he decided to operate on the poor thing.)
[8:40 PM] SwaDM: "Voice module online."
[8:41 PM] Kiran: "Greetings, Gemini. Is the voice module at full functionality?"
[8:41 PM] SwaDM: "Analyzing."
[8:41 PM] SwaDM: Quite a low-pitch sound would escape from Gemini - rather deep and droning, almost akin to machinery starting. It pauses. Then it repeats, at a slightly higher pitch. And again. And again.
[8:42 PM] SwaDM: After a few seconds pass, the tone of the pitch starts to become so high that it may be somewhat uncomfortable to mortal ears, almost feeling like an extremely thin needle being placed next to one's ear.
[8:42 PM] Kiran: cringes slightly.
[8:43 PM] SwaDM: It reaches a point where the soft light of the module remains lit...yet Kiran cannot hear anything from the construct.
[8:43 PM] SwaDM: It pauses, afterwards.
[8:43 PM] SwaDM: "Functionality deemed to be at acceptable levels."
[8:43 PM] Kiran: continues cringing for a moment after he can't hear it, then relaxes.
[8:43 PM] SwaDM: Very far away, Kiran can hear Sandra cursing out something. The pitch was so high only dogs could hear it.
[8:43 PM] Kiran: Heh
[8:43 PM] Kiran: "Excellent. Welcome to the surface. It's... normally much nicer than this."
[8:44 PM] Kiran: "But at least nobody's trying to kill us. Directly. Technically."
[8:44 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[8:44 PM] Kiran: sits back.
[8:45 PM] Kiran: "Is there a map of where all of the Kriendyh cities used to be?"
[8:45 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[8:45 PM] Kiran: nods.
[8:45 PM] SwaDM: "We are unable to provide holographic projection in this chassis. We request a map, and needles."
[8:46 PM] Kiran: "I wonder if it would be interesting, or too painful to see where the cities once stood. Or... both?"
[8:46 PM] Kiran: "Uh. I don't- I could probably get a map."
[8:46 PM] Kiran: frowns to himself for a moment, before remembering that he owns several history books, many of which contain maps.
[8:46 PM] Kiran: "Hang on."
[8:46 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[8:47 PM] SwaDM: "We are incapable of feeling pain."
[8:48 PM] Kiran: opens one of the books to the appropriate page, and produces a pencil - because pencil can be erased, but pins will hurt the book.
[8:48 PM] SwaDM: "This tool will prove sufficient."
[8:48 PM] Kiran: "I know. But still - maybe for Allyah, or if there are any living Kriendyh still in Vale"
[8:48 PM] SwaDM: The two, tiny manipulator claws at the front of the construct's flying chassis reach out.
[8:48 PM] SwaDM: (Vale)
[8:49 PM] Kiran: places the pencil delicately in the tiny claws.
[8:49 PM] SwaDM: The construct then starts rapidly darting across the map, tapping the tip of the pencil in multiple areas.
[8:50 PM] Kiran: watches with interest.
[8:51 PM] SwaDM: While he does not name all cities, they do go as far as marking where Vale used to be. Kiran can see that what was marked was...somewhere north of the Vearpian continent, straight onto the ocean. No landmass. They continue, marking several spots. One closer towards the western coat of the continent - close-ish to Newshire. One at the north of Valveria. Three located across the Fagian plains - one marked directly where Stainstafel is - the Hamerfagian Capital, which would be outlined, given these were Linda's books.  They then move a little forward, marking several dots across the coast of the Choronian continent.
[8:52 PM] SwaDM: Lastly, there is one dot placed at the northwestern end of the Snowlands. Nothing where Cimique or Estierra are.
[8:53 PM] SwaDM: None of the dots in Choron are located deep into it - merely sticking to the coast.
[8:53 PM] Kiran: "There's so many."
[8:53 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[8:53 PM] SwaDM: In total, Kiran can count thirteen.
[8:54 PM] SwaDM: "Observation. We have judged "Cities" as locales with a population of ten thousand, or above."
[8:55 PM] Kiran: +7 Geography is... probably enough to know that that's quite a large number for modern cities. At least it is in the real world - I'm unsure about Vearpi.
[8:56 PM] SwaDM: Let me quickly check world size
[8:56 PM] Kiran: >with most U.S. states using a minimum between 1,500 and 5,000 inhabitants
[8:56 PM] SwaDM: 100th largest city in the US  has 200k
[8:57 PM] SwaDM: Given Brolerth is considerably smaller - yes. That'd be enough to realize that comparatively, they would be quite sizeable settlements.
[8:57 PM] Kiran: Yeah, but there are almost 20,000 cities in the US
[8:57 PM] Kiran: So you're pretty far to the right on the bell curve going from the top 100
[8:58 PM] SwaDM: I am aware of this.
[8:58 PM] Kiran: Anyway, enough statistics
[8:58 PM] Kiran: "Wow. Okay, that's... I'm getting a clearer idea of how established the Empire was."
[8:59 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative. High population density in settlements was required due to the assault of mutant forces."
[8:59 PM] Kiran: "Oh. So it wasn't safe outwith the cities?"
[9:00 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative. Mutant forces were observed to have a considerable advantage - especially in raiding potential - due to the number of units available to them. That which your language defines as "Villages" or smaller settlements were almost unheard of."
[9:01 PM] SwaDM: "Instead, highly protected transportation lines were utilized to recover any natural resources were required for the continued functioning of these cities."
[9:01 PM] Kiran: "Oh. We found one of those, I think. It would've run somewhere around here..."
[9:02 PM] Kiran: indicates the line they found the Kriendyh corpse where it was being attacked by the Void.
[9:02 PM] SwaDM: "Analyzing.."
[9:02 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative. Underground lines were often utilized if surface ones were deemed too dangerous to be reliably protected."
[9:02 PM] SwaDM: "The pre-existing structure facilitated the construction of the Vaults."
[9:03 PM] Kiran: "Huh. It sounds like they started off as something like transport hubs."
[9:04 PM] SwaDM: "The preservation initiative was led by Steelblood Unit #01 after consecutive failures against Taran forces."
[9:04 PM] SwaDM: "Transport hubs were re-assigned as substations."
[9:05 PM] SwaDM: "In turn, the location of the vaults was decided around the areas that were abundant in these underground transport hubs. The continent you currently reside within, being the most hostile one that the empire had settled on, had the greater number."
[9:06 PM] Kiran: "Hm. What made this continent the most hostile?"
[9:07 PM] SwaDM: "High presence of Taran forces."
[9:07 PM] Kiran: "Well, I suppose if Tara herself were on the continent, that would make sense."
[9:08 PM] SwaDM: "This is half-correct. There are also reports of sightings of the Whore Godess off the coast of the continent named as Cimique."
[9:08 PM] SwaDM: "We have not determined the point of the origin of her, however -  theory tends towads said continent, given the comparatively high ammount of elves located within the midst of Taran forces."
[9:09 PM] Kiran: "Oh."
[9:10 PM] Kiran: has a sudden realisation about the number of elves in his home dimension.
[9:10 PM] SwaDM: Drastically low. And Cimique isn't as large as it is on the map, either...
9:12 PM] Kiran: "That would explain why there are so few elves in this dimension compared to others. We'd discussed the disparity, but hadn't been sure why it was the case. Or why Cimique's landmass is so much lower here than in others."
[9:13 PM] SwaDM: "The empire made no agression towards the continent. However, it is possible Taran forces may have had an effect upon it."
[9:14 PM] Kiran: "I figured something like that. Maybe the elves did something."
[9:14 PM] Kiran: shrugs.
[9:14 PM] SwaDM: "We do not have sufficient information to speculate on this."
[9:14 PM] Kiran: "Welcome to my world."
[9:15 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[9:15 PM] Kiran: "Anyway. I've been meaning to ask for some pretty detailed information from you."
[9:15 PM] SwaDM: "Processing request."
[9:15 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative. Clearance level verified."
[9:16 PM] Kiran: "As you can - and will - see, the world is... it's fucked, honestly. But there are still some people alive out there."
[9:17 PM] Kiran: "Do the Kriendyh have the technology to locate settlements and people over large geographic areas?"
[9:17 PM] SwaDM: "We do not understand user's request."
[9:17 PM] SwaDM: "Specify."
[9:17 PM] SwaDM: "Does user mean technology specialized in search and rescue?"
[9:18 PM] Kiran: "Mostly search, but rescue if needed."
[9:18 PM] Kiran: "The problem is it'll have to cover most - if not all - of the continent."
[9:18 PM] SwaDM: "To a degree. Scouting aerial units were developed - like this self-same frame, but adapted to long-range travel."
[9:18 PM] SwaDM: "Furthermore, several technologies were developed for aerial search, rescue and support."
[9:18 PM] SwaDM: "Records indicate project "Megalith" as one of these."
[9:19 PM] SwaDM: "However, magical and technological scanning by itself does not have such a long range."
[9:20 PM] Kiran: "Could you clarify project Megalith?"
[9:20 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[9:21 PM] SwaDM: "Project Megalith consisted of the development of a Super-Heavy class aerial assault cruiser made to combat the rising threat of massive abominations being employed by Taran forces. It was also developed to carry a support crew to engage in Terrestrial assaults to cleanse specific areas, while Megalith provided close fire support."
[9:22 PM] SwaDM: "However, development ran into several issues regarding reliable power sources to  keep the prototype aloft. It was stored within Vault 2, still in it's unfinished state, as it's range was deemed to short for it's presumed role."
[9:23 PM] Kiran: "Interesting. Were the weapons platforms modular as per other Kriendyh technology? Or were they fully-integrated into the cruiser?"
[9:24 PM] SwaDM: "Full integration was deemed necessary to streamline power couplings for maximum efficiency."
[9:25 PM] SwaDM: "Direct connection to the core of the project was linked to the weaponry. However, this proved to be another major flaw, as it could cause a catastrophic energy failure incase of damage to it's weaponry. Another reason the project did not manifest itself."
[9:26 PM] Kiran: "I see. Well, it's somewhat reassuring that it means the Nevians are unlikely to field either the entire thing or parts of it."
[9:26 PM] SwaDM: "Fielding of project Megalith is highly unlikely due to the necessary clearances and resources."
[9:28 PM] Kiran: "Noted. I'll likely prioritise the smaller constructs, then."
[9:29 PM] SwaDM: "The models user speaks of are denominated K-AR-01 and K-SR-03."
[9:30 PM] SwaDM: "Modifications to the basic aerial suppor chassis for long-ranged Scouting operations."
[9:30 PM] Kiran: "So noted. Once the survivors have been located, the true struggle will begin. Which is where I believe the hard work of the Kriendyh will prove invaluable."
[9:31 PM] Kiran: "I would like to request access to the recovery plans for regeneration of the surface world, and creation of new infrastructure, following the end of the war."
[9:31 PM] SwaDM: "We do not understand user request. Regeneration?"
[9:32 PM] SwaDM: "No such initiative was deemed required. User may indicate purging of Taran infection, which would involve heavy usage of flames."
[9:32 PM] Kiran: "Apologies. Not regeneration. The... restoration. Working to undo the damage done by the war."
[9:33 PM] SwaDM: "Vault 03 possessed several raw supplies to assist in reconstruction. Furthermore, it was stated by Steelblood unit 01 that worth within Vault 1 could assist in the restoration of the Kriendyh empire."
[9:33 PM] SwaDM: "We, however, possess no detailed information in this."
[9:34 PM] SwaDM: "Plans for manual restoration involved utilization of transport lines to move raw supplies into affected areas, and utilization of automated units for construction."
[9:35 PM] Kiran: "Clarify automated units."
9:36 PM] SwaDM: "Units classified as Krien-Work/Construction models specialized in the handling and processing of materials into infrastructure."
[9:36 PM] SwaDM: "They were a large part of what made the Vault project possible."
[9:38 PM] Kiran: "Interesting. Are they pre-programmed, or can they be instructed with specific construction goals?"
[9:38 PM] SwaDM: "The latter."
[9:38 PM] SwaDM: "Construction units depend on a supervisor - usually a GK unit providing specific orders."
[9:41 PM] Kiran: "Hm. I will need information on how they are instructed. Or to find a GK unit that will help enable me to make use of them."
[9:42 PM] SwaDM: "Verbal communication is deemed acceptable. Automated communication, howevr, is deemed preferable. It is done by communicating requests to the supervisory unit, ad having it distribute said information across the workforce."
[9:42 PM] Kiran: "I'm working on plans for provisions of food for the survivors already - but the infrastructure is something that was missing. I'm hoping that we can create a home for everyone."
[9:42 PM] Kiran: "I'll need to work on my ability to draft drawings for buildings and cityscapes."
[9:42 PM] SwaDM: "Current forces were requested for assault. Construction efforts at this moment would be innefective."
[9:43 PM] Kiran: "I understand. This will only be viable following the routing of the Void."
[9:43 PM] SwaDM: "However, after the threat has been repelled, it is possible to generate structures within the surroundings of the Vault, or the acessible tram line."
[9:44 PM] Kiran: "Hm. Okay. I deem that suitable. I... doubt that Valveria will be the most viable place to begin reconstruction."
[9:44 PM] Kiran: sighs.
[9:44 PM] Kiran: "We'll see."
[9:45 PM] Kiran: "You know, I think your platform is combat-capable."
[9:45 PM] SwaDM: "To a limited degree, affirmative."
[9:47 PM] Kiran: eyes it for a few moments, realising he forgot to ask.
[9:47 PM] Kiran: "Other than the ability to communicate, are there any functionalities you would like added?"
[9:47 PM] Kiran: "It's your way of interacting with the world, so..."
[9:47 PM] SwaDM: "We cannot identify any others."
[9:47 PM] Kiran: "Okay. Well, if you do think of something, please let me know."
[9:48 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[9:48 PM] Kiran: frowns.
[9:48 PM] Kiran: "Do you know where to get Celestial Silver?"
[9:48 PM] SwaDM: "Analyzing."
[9:48 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
9:48 PM] Kiran: "Clarify."
[9:48 PM] SwaDM: "Celestial Silver : A highly valued metal located in hostile lands. It is an infused alloy of silver that is naturally found within the upper planes."
[9:49 PM] SwaDM: "The best bet for user to locate said material would be to conduct raids within Heaven."
[9:49 PM] Kiran: "Okay. Are you aware of a more readily-accessible supply than this?"
[9:49 PM] SwaDM: "...Negative."
[9:50 PM] Kiran: sighs.
[9:50 PM] Kiran: "I wonder if some of the outsiders would be able to help me."
[9:50 PM] Kiran: "I'll have to remember to ask."
[9:50 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[9:51 PM] Kiran: "Did someone make you, GEM? Some specific individual who oversaw your development and equivalent birth?"
[9:52 PM] SwaDM: "Analyzing."
[9:52 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative. Steelbooded Unit #01."
[9:53 PM] SwaDM: "However, user is not utilizing proper terminology."
[9:53 PM] SwaDM: "We are we. We are not an individual."
[9:53 PM] Kiran: "... births."
[9:53 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[9:53 PM] Kiran: chuckles quietly.
[9:54 PM] Kiran: "What was... he like? As a person, I mean."
[9:54 PM] SwaDM: "Retrieving data."
[9:55 PM] SwaDM: "Steelblooded Unit #01. Created from the remains of Aza Krien, father of the Kriendyh. Determining descriptors."
[9:55 PM] SwaDM: "Driven. Capable. Considered a Genius for his breakthrough in Anima research. Incorruptible."
[9:56 PM] SwaDM: "Perceived data would classify him as a "Hero"."
[9:56 PM] Kiran: nods.
[9:56 PM] Kiran: "Who wrote this data?"
[9:56 PM] SwaDM: "We."
[9:57 PM] Kiran: smiles slightly.
[9:57 PM] Kiran: "He sounds like an incredible person."
9:57 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[9:58 PM] SwaDM: "Krien's primary motivator. Analyzing. Playing back data. Activating simultaneous translation."
[9:59 PM] SwaDM: GEM's voice briefly changes in tone in pitch - to a slightly higher one. It doesn't sound like it comes from a human at all - but neither does it sound like ot comes from a construct.
[9:59 PM] SwaDM: "We will survive. We will persist. No matter what it takes."
[9:59 PM] SwaDM: It's voice then shifts back towards GEM's tone.
[9:59 PM] SwaDM: "As stated. Driven."
[10:00 PM] Kiran: nods.
[10:00 PM] Kiran: "I think that there is a lesson there."
[10:00 PM] SwaDM: "Ellaborate."
[10:01 PM] Kiran: "We are in a situation where we need to be that driven. We, too, are facing extinction. I don't agree with all of the Kriendyh methods, but I understand why they were chosen."
[10:01 PM] Kiran: tilts his head from one side to the other.
[10:02 PM] Kiran: "We won't sacrifice. We don't sacrifice. But we find a way, we always do. I just need some of that... that focus. Drive."
[10:02 PM] Kiran: gesticulates as he finishes his sentence.
[10:03 PM] SwaDM: "We are unsure as to what humans utilize for said Drive."
[10:03 PM] Kiran: chuckles.
[10:03 PM] SwaDM: "Analyzing observed behaviour."
[10:05 PM] SwaDM: "Observed human biological drive indicates a constant fertility rate. Furthermore, behaviour observed within camp indicates a higher-then-normal rate of physical contact. Recommendation : User Kiran should locate a mate for further hormonal and emotional boost."
[10:06 PM] SwaDM: "...Is data collection correct?"
[10:07 PM] Kiran: opens his mouth. Then closes it again.
[10:07 PM] Kiran: "GEM, I am..."
[10:07 PM] Kiran: searches for the words.
[10:08 PM] Kiran: "I am not good at people. And I don't really understand how... I mean I understand how, but I don't get-"
[10:08 PM] Kiran: waves a hand vaguely toward camp.
[10:09 PM] Kiran: "I can pretend my way through most conversations. But I don't think that romantic or- or sexual relationships... I don't know how to... do those."
[10:09 PM] Kiran: finishes quietly.
[10:09 PM] SwaDM: "Analyzing..."
[10:09 PM] Kiran: "Oh god, please don-"
[10:10 PM] SwaDM: "Data processed. Indicates that User Kiran posseses similar knowledge to personal human interaction to unit GEM-03."
[10:10 PM] Kiran: "... I mean. You're not wrong, but wow."
10:10 PM] SwaDM: "Situation deemed critical."
[10:11 PM] SwaDM: "Recommendation : Redirection of focus towards mechanical activities."
[10:11 PM] Kiran: holds up his toolkit.
[10:11 PM] Kiran: "Yes."
[10:12 PM] SwaDM: "Theory : Further interaction and exchange of data with user Kiran could allow mutual connections to assist user in personal interactions."
[10:13 PM] SwaDM: "Risk : User Kiran growing infatuated with GEM unit 03. Contigency Plan : Overcharging of motor units for self-destruction."
[10:13 PM] SwaDM: "Indicate what requires mechanical work."
[10:13 PM] Kiran: looks blankly at the little robot.
[10:14 PM] SwaDM: "That was a joke."
[10:14 PM] Kiran: "Oh thank goodness."
[10:15 PM] Kiran: "But... it seems like a good idea. A while back, I'd wondered about using a construct for- well. Pretty much exactly that."
[10:15 PM] SwaDM: "Affirmative."
[10:16 PM] Kiran: sighs, looking down at the toolkit that he hasn't put away yet.
[10:16 PM] Kiran: "The last time I thought that someone might have been even vaguely, remotely interested, she died."
[10:16 PM] SwaDM: "...User has our condolences."
[10:16 PM] Kiran: "She seemed like a good person, and I wish that I'd gotten to know her better."
[10:16 PM] Kiran: "Not just for- well, yes, for- but. Both. Yes."
[10:18 PM] SwaDM: "...We recommend user to initiate work with leg prothesis for User Lous. It may provide user with a more focused outlook for emotional balance."
[10:18 PM] Kiran: "I think it probably would."
[10:19 PM] Kiran: snorts quietly.
[10:19 PM] Kiran: starts belly laughing.
[10:19 PM] Kiran: "I just realised you recommended using a prosthesis as a crutch."
[10:19 PM] SwaDM: "..."
[10:19 PM] SwaDM: "...Affirmative. That is also an applicable form of humour."
[10:19 PM] SwaDM: "Logged."