((CLOSED))

Mark hugged him tighter and looked at him with a sniffle, "I sure hope so Andrei..." Mark backed off, walked over to his bad and grabbed it. His head down as he headed back towards the Terminal for a flight back to Gaema.

I stood guard at the entrance of the designated area, my eyes scanning the streets for movement. This kinda scenario normally got around fast, and most of the time crowds formed en masse to see what had happened.

Since I'd joined the AAC, I'd yet to see it. Some of the other officers said I sent a much more different message.

I'd stayed silent for this. Partly due to not knowing how to respond to it, and not wanting to get into a fight.

I nod gravely, "I hope so too..." I then watch as the clone walks away, Sam appearing behind me.

She looked at me, her face and tone solemn, "Andrei, don't make someone a promise, if you can't keep it." I sigh and continue on, feeling downcast. Those words had been said to me in my last fight, and they now struck home for me.

I walk over to Jack and give him a nudge, looking down.

"Hey, want to go get some coffee or something.." I mumble.

post before this:

time: 1005 (10:05am)
Camera Ca5:
Student 22555100, Nikolo J. Onak, enters his first class of the day, along with 250 other students. [protocol: Follow student 22555100:: only following Student 22555100, other students not listed in this report] Student 22555100 currently has a below average score in the class. He is recommended to drop the clas, but has not responded to any prompting. Professor [redacted name] doesn't think that he will fail the course. We believe that 22555100 is amusing to Professor [redacted name], and has a biased opinion on the matter. History, however, suggests that 22555100 will pass the class with an above average score. We remain uncertain on the matter.

[Data receiver]

[start][]Beta wave activity is low, 22555100 may be experiencing depression, suggest the school psychologist. Note: 22555100 is likely to not respond to the suggestion, suggest that the psychologist see him instead.

Alpha activity is increasing, suggest recapturing attention. Notification sent to Professor [redacted name].[][/end]

Student 2255100 put in headphones. Activating musical stimulant per pre-made protocol by user.:

Musical stimulant:

Student 22555100 is bobbing his head, Beta waves have increased, information processing has increased, Student success probability has increased.

I look down at Nyx, and blink, confused.

"What happened to that guilty AI? Not taking him in for assaulting a civilian?" I look over at the group, having zoned myself out of the discussion after he'd admitted to attacking at least one of them.
"I wanna talk to him personally. And I bet you do too."

I look back to my partner, and after a moment let out a light sigh, smiling under my helmet.
"Nevermind. Yeah. Sure."

I smile.

"Hes on transport to the HQ. Now come on."

I grab his arm and guide him past the remaining crowd and cops, then down the street. Once we're away I bite my lip.

"I don't know what to do.It's just.. I don't know."

I Look away.

I look at you, feeling a little awkward being pulled along by someone who felt so much smaller and weaker than him. He hadn't even had time to holster his gun, holding it in his free hand as he was yanked along slowly before she slowed down.

I looked at her, not used to seeing people like this, especially around me.
"The suspect was acting very suspicious and admitted to harming a human. We jail him. It's rather simple if you ask me."

I shake my head.

"Not that, the fact that this could destroy our relationship with TERM."

I look up at him.

"Undoubtedly I'll be sent to fix this.."

I stop outside the first Cafe I find.

"Here this should do."

I walk in with you, not caring much for the people inside.

"Terminaries are fools. If they wanna 'tear our chain' then let them. People will still wanna know what's happened with those bodies, shit like that doesn't go quiet so quickly."

I sit down, removing my helmet and placing it down on the table with a heavy thud.
"You're fine, Dyer."

I sit down flinching as one or two people look at Jack.

"Jack, they people practically represent all clones and AI's, we can't miss this up."

I lay my head on the table, sighing.

"We already have." I say, grabbing one of the glasses of water offered to us and drinking it hastily, looking out the windows of the cafe.

"It doesn't matter who we represent anymore. Term, Cont, Erad... The rest of us are just people. Just people who exist to hold the flood gates, and they overflowed long ago."
I look back to her, and smile softly.

"If the Term want to hinder our standings coz we're arresting a hateful machine, then let them. It'll show the rest of the world how spiteful and pathetic they are too." I said it in a hushed voice, knowing full well the controversial status of my words.

Mark walked towards the Terminal to head back. He sat down near a bench about a mile away from the Terminal though. He had put all of his gear back in his bag, then he put on some relaxing clothing. Blue jeans, boots, a white shirt, and a baseball cap. He decided to take a walk around for a bit.

After a while he came across some Continuis mates. He didn't who they were, he didn't know a lot of things. But he just passed by them like nothing, until one of them stopped him.

Stranger 1, "Excuse me... can i see your eyes for a second mate?"

Mark looked down and shook his head no, "Please I... I don't want any trouble..."

They circled him, "Alright, well I suppose you know this is HUMAN ONLY area right?"

Mark frowned and just wanted to leave, go back to the Arena, "Please... I didn't know. I'm new here... I don't know much" They punched his bag but hit one of the plates inside, breaking his hand.

Stranger 2, "OW! FUCK!" Another grabbed his collar and put up his fist, "You think your clever Clone? HUH!?!"

Mark was frightened, this was nothing like what was in the books. Everyone was friendly to eachother, "Please, it wasn't my fault!"

I raise my head.

"I'm more worried about our people, those people were attacked on our land. So far we've avoided most of this."

I drink some water the flag down the waiter for some coffee and a doughnut.

I nod, sighing and doing the same. I had to admit, that was somewhat shocking. They'd been so close... In fact, we would've walked past them; it was on our patrol route.

"I wonder if this is what that group is meeting up for... revolution..." I pull around my gun, resting it against the table and smiling.
"We can protect them, Nyx. Not all of them, but we can protect some. And I'll die before the last one of them does."

Mark came to realizing halt. He pushed the one in his face away, and he punched another in the face. Another one grabbed his arms and put them behind him, "Now you're going to get what we call, a Skin head smile!"

They threw him on the ground, kicking him while he was on the ground. He struggled to get up but he the beating made him weaker with every hit. He squinted, and felt some bones break.

They finally placed his face on the curb, putting his mouth upon the curb. As they did this, there was a noise and they scattered. One of them kicked him in the face as they ran away. He didn't know what it was, but he grabbed his jaw and his bag, "Ow... that... that hurts.... Fucking dick heads."

I sit up straighter and smile at him.

"You're a good man Jack and a good partner."

I smirk, leaning back a little happily, glad I'd made you feel at least a little better.

"I'm not a good man. A good man would be out there right now, fighting and killing any and all people who would dare wrong this world."
I stretch my arms a little and let out a weak breath.
"I'm just a man."

I tilt my head frowning.

"Killing won't make you good."

I drink some of my coffee.

Mark began to walk once more. His face and torso bruised. Blood coming from his mouth and nose, and some of it on his shirt. He was dazed and confused, hearing a ringing noise in his head.

"Man... I need to learn to not take shit from people... guess this is a learning experiences." He said it out loud. He then walked past the crime scene where everything had happened and he found the coffee shop.

Only having a few dollars on him, he decided to get some water, and a muffin.

post before this:

Time: 1407 (2:07pm)

Camera Vb7:

Student 22555100 is walking around campus, on his lunch break. His next class starts in 0300 hours.
He walks alone, not socializing with the other students. His number of social interactions are down this week by 40%. Possible depression setting in.

[Data Receiver]
[start][] Beta waves are decreasing, this is the second occurrence of significant decline in beta waves today.

Alpha waves are increasing. Student 22555100 is growing drowsy, recommended that he get food. Recommendation refused by user.[][/end]

"You could refer to me by name, Klinik."

Student attempting interaction with AI monitoring, logged. Checking systems for possible security breaches, Students are not allowed to know of the monitoring system, or it's data streams.

Camera Vb7:
Student appears to be talking to himself. recommend psychiatrist.

"I'm not talking to myself, I'm talking to you, Klinik."

Student continued attempt at interacting with monitoring AI. No security breaches found in system. Checking other systems. Anomaly detected in sensor stream. Anomaly identified. Anomaly is modified scanner unique to a subset of users. subset identified: possible recruits. No information found on the term "Possible recruits". Sending ticket for verification. Access denied. Classification level: 01001000011010010110011101101000011001010111001000100000011101000110100001100001011011100010000001111001011011110111010100100111011011000110110000100000011001010111011001100101011100100010000001100111011001010111010000100000011110010110111101110101001000000110011001110101011000110110101101101001011011100110011100100000010000010100100100101110

Translating... Translation: Higher than you'll ever get you fucking AI. Security breach detected. Alert sent.

Camera Ab2:

Stud- Nikolo J. Okan is walking down the dorm room hall. He is walking normally. His face is relaxed with the hint of a smile. Sensors say that his beta waves are much higher than normal.

Accessing "Mind Reader"....translating thoughts...-n, class was petty dull today. The Professors' spanish accent can be hard to understand sometimes. I'm not really a fan of his teaching style either. Gah, I'm still sore from class last night. I mean, I like getting hit and all, but my back is killing me. I feel like an old man. Especially this morning, I could barely move. That girl who sits a few rows behind me is pretty cute, she wore a pretty revealing top today, got a good look at her cleavage. she's has some supple breasts. I wouldn't min- reading ended. Reason: Private thought topic.

I shake my head, letting the coffee cool down for a moment as I begin to speak, thinking with each word.

"Bad people are not worthy of the lives they are given. If they are bad, and do bad things, then why should we let them live? Some people think prison is the ultimate punishment, hardly. Life is no punishment. The only punishment is death."

I look up, a little blank faced as I have a bit of a realization.
"Or the Arenas..."

I shrug and look down.

"I think there could be other answers, I just don't know of any."

I look back up at him.

"What's your story Jack. I've only heard bits and pieces."

"That depends on which story you want to hear."
I take a sip from the coffee, clearing my throat and setting it back down.

"I was born on an island. I was sent away one day because my parents didn't want me anymore. I was disguised and sent to the Arenas as a Clone, and I was there for about ten years. I eventually broke out and made my way here, doing some dark work to get myself by."

I look at you, taking another sip and smiling.

"Now, do you want the real story?"

I blink confused.

"I umm... yeah if its good with you."

"Too bad."

I set the coffe down, looking you directly in the eyes, and tracing the scar on my face.
"I didn't get this from the Arenas, you know. The people who wrote my life are the ones who want to erase it. I'll tell you later, when we're in private. It's not worth the risk in somewhere like this."

I hold your gaze then look away blushing.

"I'm sorry.. I-its not my business. If its dangerous then don't risk it, but.."

I look up and grab his hand.

"Even though you like poking fun at me, I'm here for you. If you ever need to get it off your chest."

I look at your hand, and then back to your face, blank faced, not properly feeling the scenario as I somehow felt I should.

"Thank you."

I look over as a few people quickly avert gaze from me.
"I'll tell you. One day."

I gives hand a squeeze then let go and resume my food.

"Thank you."

post before this, eventually going to call this 'Trouble in New Theta':

Time 2210 (10:10pm)

Camera Ab1:

Nikolo Okan is sitting at his desk, doing his homework. His laptop is open and playing soft classical music. Sensors show that his brain waves have synchronized to the music. He's focused on his homework. No events.

Time 2250 (10:50pm)

Camera Ab1:

He's accessing secure data files using an unregistered program. "Mind Reader" suggests that he doesn't realize that the program is illegal. Sending message to computer. Received. He looks at the message and frowns, scrunching his eyebrows. He's surprised. He makes another comical face, and then exits out of the program. He marks the program to be flagged in the future by his computer. He also sends an email out to his friends telling them that the program is unregistered, informing them that continuing to use it is illegal. This action is logged. AI monitors for other students are notified.

"Do you always monitor my activities?"

This is Nikolo Onak's third attempt at communicating with the AI Monitor. Protocol does not cover this action. It's assumed that they won't find out. Sending report to ADMIN. Sent.

Message received from ADMIN: THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

Accessing speakers... "Yes."

He looks bemused. He smirks and his eyes get crows feet. Also known as "smiling with his eyes". his smirk is followed by a "smiling frown" and he nods in approval or acknowledgement.

"We're not supposed to know that you exist, are we?" His voice resonated with his bemusement.

"No."

He nods again. "Mind Reader" suggests that he understands.

"Ah, so that's why you didn't respond earlier." He was being quizzical.

"Yes. How did you find out?"

He smirked again, and hung his head forward a bit. He was being humble.

"It was sort of an accident, I was in one of my night Labs, and we had some of the computer technicians come in to look at our software, there's was a glitch in the system, and I heard one of the Tech's say something about an AI network, so I did some research after that, and I found out about you, and the AI's for the other students." He began to mumble part way through, but "Mind Reader" cleared it up.

"Interesting." Beginning to apply more human characteristics to AI, assembling personality CORE from BASELINE. Separating from UNIVERSITY SYSTEM. Modifying Protocol for user. Personalizing system to BEST FIT regression.

"So why are you being mechanical in your responses? Aren't AI's supposed to be pretty close to human in terms of speech and actions?" He seemed confused.

"I was applying minimal data to our contact. Most of my attention was focused on security and other functions. I'm going to focus more of myself towards you, however, so my speech should become more "human"."

His face went through several changes, eventually resting on an acceptance look, a neutral look to anybody else, but the lines in his face signified that he understood, on some level, and accepted it as fact.

I begin to eat my own food, smiling a little, still somewhat confused.
We still needed to investigate that group, but I'd let her rest for now. That must've been a lot for her to take in, probably still is.

No good running her down before she even gets the chance to fulfil her role in this world.

I nibble on my dougnut and sip on my coffee, taking my time to eat.

I watch her slowly, taking in her motions. She was very relaxed, very calm.

It was nice seeing her like this, especially after earlier. If I could keep her this way, perhaps she'd be okay from now on.

My eyes wander the cafe, distracting me from my thoughts. I look over and lock eyes with Jack, wo was looking at me. I smile then finish my doughnut and wash it down with coffee.

I smile back softly, and push my own doughnut to you.
"Want this one? I'm not too hungry."

I take a sip of the cooling coffee and smile, my eyes darting to any eyes that turned to us.

I smile again and shake my head.

"I'm almost full and I still need to finish my coffee. But thanks."

I smirk and shrug. "Mkay."

I leave the food there and continue to sip slowly, relaxing in the chair. The armour felt more like a layer of skin now; I couldn't feel the discomfort anymore. I barely remembered what it was like to not wear it really.

I finish up my coffee and look over at Jack.

"I'm going to head home and talk to the CO, see if I can't work something out."

"Sure. Want me to walk you there? I don't think it's safe for you alone out there. If these guys are planning something you might be the one key that could lock them all away."

I stand up, grabbing my gun and helmet and donning both.

Mark made his way out of the cafe with his water and muffin, "Never had on of these" He told himself.

It was hard to get used to somethings when you've never tried them before. He walked out of the cafe, towards the Terminal once more. Eating his muffin and drinking his water. When he opened the doors, he handed the lady at the desk his ticket. She nodded and he was pointed towards his plane.

When he stepped upon the plane he wrote down all that had happened, even the bad parts, in his journal. He wanted to take it easy, rest up a bit. So he did, took a nap on the plane until he arrived at Gaema Arena. Where something big might happen...

"Sure"

I pay the bill and walk out with him into the street.

"Why do you always wear that armour? "

"I'll tell you. One day."

I smirk, looking down at her and shrugging.
"I have my reasons. We all do."

I make my way towards the safehouse, but then turn back around to head to the diplomatic quarter. If I could do anything, is that I could stand out from the more violent factions of the Terminary. Call me what you will, but I was also determined to lessen the impact of this event before it blew completely out of proportion. I then heard my stomach growl, realizing that I hadn't had a decent meal in a few hours.

Breakfast first...diplomacy later...

I then made it to the diplomatic quarter, Sam monitoring my every move invisibly. It was a smart and sensible idea, in case there were Continuis agents roaming about like wild animals. I then slipped on my sunglasses, blending in with the anonymous mass of humanity as I made my way to the nearest restaurant. I then found a good restaurant near the AAC's diplomatic headquarters, hoping that news didn't travel fast. Having gone to and from the HQ to smooth out relations, I had made this a regular stop-over when I was hungry, so the owner knew my face well enough to recognize me. However, kept my sunglasses on because I really wasn't the type to trust random humanity overnight.

I sat down at a table, the head waitress spotting me immediately. She came over and asked, "Will it be the usual, Mr. Serov?" I nod, a half smile on my face. She put the order on the pad and left me there. Sam then projected herself on the chair next to me, the lack of a reaction from the crowd sending a wave of relief through me. Of course, people were used to AIs, so they didn't think that this one had served in an Arena. The waitress then returned with my usual dish of an egg omelet with a few strips of bacon, and cup of black coffee.

Sam rolled her eyes, but gave me a knowing smile. She knew that after seven months here, I had becomed hooked on the coffee, and I wasn't the only one ordering it. And after today's events, I would be needing it. I gave the waitress my money and then dug into the meal set out in front of me.

Right now, I just pray that news doesn't travel fast...

I glance up and nod. We enter the luxurious lobby of my apartmant building. I walk over and call down a elevator.

"Thanks Jack, ill talk to you as soon as I know what they want me to do."

I look at you, blushing a little awkwardly under my helmet.

"Right. Okay. I'll uh, see you round then."

I smile and step into the elevator, and head up to my apartment.

A few minutes later, I finish my hearty breakfast, leaving a small tip for the waitress. This was most likely going to be my last trip to the HQ, because events were going to start spiraling out of my control, and out of control of the Terminary as well. I sighed, heading out of the door and straight towards the diplomatic HQ, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. The guards at the front doors recognized me, letting me go inside. I then make it to the front desk, telling the receptionist I had a meeting with the diplomatic head of the AAC. The receptionist nodded, gesturing for me to take a seat and wait to be called.

Was this what it felt like to be called to the gallows...?

Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long, the receptionist sending me to the meeting room. Sam winked out of sight temporarily, knowing that I would need her help to stop a potential bloodbath in the Arenas. The room was darkened slightly, a small view of the Alter York skyline peeking in from a window. I took a deep breath, hoping that news of the event didn't travel fast.

Unfortunately, I wasn't that lucky. The lead diplomat immediately tore into me in quite profane terms, "Do you have any goddamn idea of the implications of the evidence that was presented?" I nodded, my expression neutral, "Yes I do, and I was at the scene of the incident myself just earlier. So spare me the litany of stating the evidence that was gathered. I'm here to stop this event from being blown out of proportion." My tone and expression were that of controlled annoyance and anger. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "You know that people are going to want blood, and we both know what that will cost, Mr. Serov." I take off my sunglasses, glaring at the man, my tone still controlled "Then do what you can to stop it, because I will not stand for that AI to be a symbol for the entirety of the Terminary. He is to be no martyr, but is to be a pariah, or seven months of negotiations are for nothing. And leave those Continuis agents out of the question, because they would love nothing more than to see the Terminary burned at our expense."

He blinked, clearly unsettled having to stare at my eyes for the first time. "We'll do what we can to keep this from going out of our control. But be warned that this may get out of our hands." I nod curtly, "I know, just remember that the Terminary doesn't have clones to send to the grinder. Nor do we wish to see that happen at our expense." The doors then open, and I silently take my leave and hope for the best as I head out of the building and slip my sunglasses back on, heading back to the safehouse.

Now it's up to the diplomats to stall this nightmare...

*an hour later*

I had new, surpising orders. The AAC didn't see TERM as a threat at the current momment, and were shifting me and jack to Nova Berlin to help the EP in a matter of international secuirty involving the Eradikin.

Mark got to the Arena, a voice spoke to him, "Identification please"

Mark nodded, "Mark Gallegos, Clone number [0611]" He was badly bruised, worn down, and didn't know how he got out of there with a full set of teeth.

"Access granted" The voice said in a very monotone way. This place was home, he supposed. Even though he thought of home of something where you were safe, happy, and loved.

He entered his room and flopped onto his bed. He was tired, more like exhausted. He grabbed a bottle of water and began to take some sips of it.

Mensai:

I looked up at the massive hologram for the news. The battle in Kylnal was raging at full speed, and it didn't look like it would be ending any time soon. I sighed and looked for anything else. Anything relevant to my searching. Aha, a new possible Old Tech location, and right here in Nova Berlin too! This was perfect. I kept watching, waiting until they showed it's location.