A.M.P.E.-Experiment in Terror

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She didn't bother to knock, since Gwen said she was expected or rather invited for breakfast, she didn't really think about it. Wandering through, she followed the noise with a small groan of malcontent.

Sounded like he was making a mess in the other room by all the banging going on.. Which wasn't loud under normal circumstances, she felt like she had a hang over. Maybe the stress?

Pausing at the doorway, she found herself staring at John in surprise. He was smiling??? She didn't think the man knew how to smile until now. As quickly as it came, the serious look was back in it's normal location.. Too bad too, his smile was much better than the determinated set of his jaw line.

"Gwen went to wake the others..." She spoke, "She said to tell you that." not bothering to ask, she sat down in a chair and nursed her coffee yet again. Slouching in the chair, her thoughts weren't really active enough quite yet for conversation, but she'd try it.

"You should smile more often, don't look like such a hard ass when you do." She offered a smile in response, as she was merely joking with him, but her tone was still rough sounding.

 

[VandalHeart]

Before Beth had arrived, Gwen replied to John.

"Beth is on her way, I'm trying to wake Orin up now, and I'm not sue about Eve yet. Give me a bit, I'll get back to you on that."

Gently, she continued to nudge Orin, then completed the response.

"Oh, and Ben can create anything you want to drink. Just ask him for it. Other than that, all the alcohol is in the cabinet above the stove."

 

[Rufus the Mad]

The blood fell heavily from his jowls as Orin turned to accept the challenge of his latest foe, flinging the sundered limb that was all that remained of his last enemy from him as he roared madly. The day was his, and he would not fall. He had found the freedoms he had always desired, had discovered at last the ability to do as he wished, no matter the consequence! His arm snapped forward as his talons sought the throat of this latest challenge, and he allowed himself an evil grin as he felt his claws catch and tear through the flesh of the figures throat, ending the angry squeals it had been emitting, and leaving him alone on the blood-soaked field. A horn sounded, brassy and insistent from the stands nearby, and he felt as much as heard the cheer erupt from the watching crowd.

It was the first of May, the birth of spring, and Orin’s victory marked the beginning of a full day of celebration. Oberon and Titania stood and gave honor to the champion before them, and the slain around him began rising as well, their immortal flesh made whole once more by the magics infusing the land. Around him, Fey of all types were chanting his name, the men rushing forward to bif him drink with them, and the women offering far more enticing invitations from behind their batting eyelids. His head swam a bit at o’rewhelming joy of it all, and even as he was borne from the field he could scarce believe the truth of it all.

Endless feasting, joyous song, ever-flowing drink, and all manner of pleasures were had that day, and his mind recalled every nuance, cataloging it away for enjoyment at a later date. He was called on again and again to recount the tale of his victory, was toasted many times, his name glorified and given honor by even the high chancellor himself, and he cocked a shaggy brow at the coy looks and sly winks from a bevy of beautiful women, each offering him a bit more flesh with each twinkling look, and each making a silent bid to be the one he chose for the evenings crescendo. One in particular had caught his eye, truth be told, a Satyr Fem of truly impressive decolage, and with golden fur as fine and soft as spun silk. Her eyes were as cool and green as clear emerald, and her ruddy skin seemed to glow whenever she was near him, giving silent testament to her attraction. Yes, she was a creature of exquisite beauty and grace, to his enamored eyes on an even mark with the blinding Titania herself, and her scent, so easily discerned even amid the wash of arousal that marked the day, seemed like the breath of a fragrant flower to his heightened senses. She would be his…

He lay in wait near the path, waiting for his chosen prey to approach. The moon hung high in the clear arc of the sky, and the chanting songs from the fireside reached his ears but softly at this distance. He was once again a hunter, stalking his quarry with skill and guile, relishing the chase even as he knew he would relish the pleasure of its end. He lay silent, already tasting the soft glory of her lips, and imagining the soft caress of her skin against his, even as his sharp eyes peered down the path. Suddenly, he felt a presence beside him, and felt a small hand caressing him gently…

With one movement, Orin spun his body quickly, catching that slender hand and pulling his unseen quarry down into his arms, embracing her and drawing her into a fierce kiss even as his hands began their wanton exploration of her clothed form. He had been surprised, to be sure, and her stealthy approach marked her as an accomplished huntress in her own right, but he had been proved more than capable this day, and … … …

Clothed?

Opening his eyes quickly, Orin blinked into the bright light of morning, allowing his senses to focus on Gwen’s startled face scant inches from his own. He had been dreaming, had thought himself far removed from this place, and indeed far removed from this time. A bemused light flickered to life behind his honey-colored eyes, and he kissed her once more, a slight peck this time, before rising from his prone position, and allowing her the freedom he had but recently stolen from her. ”My apologies, fair maid.” he said with a grin, shaking his shaggy head at the mistake. ”For a moment, I was lost in the past, and took your beauty for that of another. Be assured that I meant no offence to thee, and indeed would have you not hold such actions against me.”

Holding out a hand to assist her in rising, Orin smiled softly, yet perplexed by exactly what had transpired, but more than willing to move forward, as it were, and put the incident behind them, even as a part of him recalled the soft curves and gentle touch that had roused him. Yet still he was a Satyr born, and suffered not from the embarrassment one might normally expect from a human male caught in the same situation. Instead, he marked it as enjoyable, a happy mistake if you will, and moved on to more pressing matters. ”I bid you good morn, fairest Gwen, and trust you slept well? I would not have my best student exhausted due to our sessions last eve, and indeed would apologize for the manner in which they ended. In truth, I cannot clearly recall fading to slumber, and would suppose only that t’was Morpheus’ will that laid me low.”

Now fully awake, his head at last locked in to the reality that surrounded him, the Satyr Bard looked around him, his sharpened senses being assaulted on several levels. He could smell the crushed grasses near at hand, each bruised blade giving testimony to his curious waking, but this scent was overpowered by the wafting aire of freshly chopped vegetables, and meats being prepared for consumption. John, it seemed, had been moved to begin his day with a hearty breakfast, and Orin smiled wistfully toward his doorway. More pressing that that however, and of much more interest to the sensual creature he indeed was, came the unmistakable scent of arousal, mingled with the harsh fragrance of frustration. Orin said nothing of this, however, long used to holding his tongue concearning such matters, but he marked it, nonetheless, and would pay close attention to Beth today.

It was to be a rather interesting day, so it seemed…

 

[IXIHawkeyeIXI]

She didn't bother to knock, since Gwen said she was expected or rather invited for breakfast, she didn't really think about it. Wandering through, she followed the noise with a small groan of malcontent.

Sounded like he was making a mess in the other room by all the banging going on.. Which wasn't loud under normal circumstances, she felt like she had a hang over. Maybe the stress?

Pausing at the doorway, she found herself staring at John in surprise. He was smiling??? She didn't think the man knew how to smile until now. As quickly as it came, the serious look was back in it's normal location.. Too bad too, his smile was much better than the determinated set of his jaw line.

"Gwen went to wake the others..." She spoke, "She said to tell you that." not bothering to ask, she sat down in a chair and nursed her coffee yet again. Slouching in the chair, her thoughts weren't really active enough quite yet for conversation, but she'd try it.

"You should smile more often, don't look like such a hard ass when you do." She offered a smile in response, as she was merely joking with him, but her tone was still rough sounding.

John said nothing to Beth as she entered and sat down. To be honest it didn't look like she could really handle a conversation at the moment. Clearly, she was not a morning person, but that wasn't it - something else seemed to be bothering her. Eh, what the hell, not his problem. Focusing on the omlettes, he decided to let her make the first move in the conversation, make sure she was up to.

When she finally did speak, he chuckled very slightly. "Well thanks for the compliment Beth, I'll keep that in mind. I guess I forgot how much I really like cooking...I don't really get to do it that much on my ship...mostly we just eat protein and whatever else we can scrounge up." With that, the very sly smile returned to his face for a few moments.

Deciding to let Beth wake up for a few more moments, he went to the cabinet where Gwen told him the alcohol was. "Well....It seems like it's a bit early for drinkin'...but what the hell. Can't hurt anybody can it?" As he grabbed the bottles, he gave them a concerned look - they weren't full. Had Gwen been drinking throughout the night? His face darkened with this new piece of information, but he simply filed it away for later and brought the bottles out onto the counter, trying to smile again.

"Hey Benny-boy, think you could use your great powers and muster up some juice for us?" While he waited for Ben to do so, he turned back to Beth and the omlettes.

"Looks like we got some time before the food is ready and the others join us. So why don't you tell me 'bout the place you come from? I'd like to hear about it."

 

[VandalHeart]

Slowly, Gwen began to get herself back up. She knew what had just happened, but all the same, she had no idea what had just happened. Her processors had compiled all the data on the physical interaction. Her rendering was blissfully and excitedly confused. She didn't say much as she finally took Orin's hand and rose to her feet. His assistance complete, they parted tactile contact and she began following the satyr. Her rendering didn't even notice the goofy smile it was producing, either. Finally, she processed the words he had spoken, but she didn't stop staring off into space.

"I slept. It was regular...standard sleep, yes. Tired. You collapsed...mid sentence."

Without moving a single muscle that wasn't required by the action, she pointed at the strategically planned overgrowth he had just stirred from.

"I made you a bed. Cantrips. Not the rendering...thingies."

Still gazing at a point beyond the horizon, Gwen giggled a bit, and then suddenly woke from her fascination with whatever it was and looked at Orin, an accomodating and honest smile lighting up her face. She was even blushing a bit.

"I offer my humblest apologies, noble teacher. I was...ahem...processing data. Shall we join the others for breakfast?"

Her second day of life, and she was already offering cute, naiively constructed befuddlement concealer. She was a natural charmer.

That is to say, she was horrible at it in a completely loveable way.

 

[Rufus the Mad]

Orin turned at her words, bemused at the nearly mechanical bent to her distracted state, and bowed deeply in festive apology once more. He was about to speak, to offer platitudes and self-defacement for the fact that he had been so suddenly felled, but was brought up short by her next utterance. Waving away her own apology, knowing better than most what twists in personal perception might be given flight by such an amorous greeting, and long since used to the slight befuddlement he sometimes incurred in those around him, and instead crept gently back to his forsaken bower. He hast a sharp eye o’re the affirmation of her newly acquired craft, and peered with a keen interest at the interweaving of grasses, and the cushioning that had so gently supported his weight as he slept. It was much of the same construction as he might have employed, had he managed the act, and it was with some satisfaction, some measure of pride, that he turned to her once again.

”Truly ‘tis as finely crafted a pallet as I have seen, my sweet student, and I applaud your ability to integrate, yet leave unblemished, the medium of which it is wrought! The tender stalks of the grasses carry each to themselves no more burden than is their wont, and the furnishment of the pillow was a touch worthy of your own considerate nature. I applaud you, fair maid, and am well pleased that your mind could so quickly grasp the meat of mine own renditions. You have honored me with this effort, and for that, I give thee thanks.” So saying, he swept forward once more, gliding silently across the verdant space, and gifted her with another embrace. His strong fingers flowed down her soft cheek, and he turned her chin slightly so as to place a gentle, almost chaste kiss on her full lips. He smiled at her again, this time holding a tenderness he needed not assume falsely, and he whispered to her then, his voice barely carrying the scant few inches that separated them… ”You have done me a service, my lovely Gwen, and your gifts will grow swiftly as you discover your gift. It will be difficult for you at times, all but impossible for your summoned form to operate so far beyond your bounds… but you have my trust, and my faith, which is rarely given. I call you friend and will stand beside you, aiding as I might while you seek to grow beyond your own understanding. On this, you have my vow.”

With that, he kissed her tenderly once more, allowing his true nature, the subtle yet powerful flow of sensual love, to touch her softly as he did so, and ignored the faint wash of energies that marked a promise for his kind. This, to his mind, was the greatest honor his kind could give, to allow another to sense the naked truth of his fey soul, and he gave no thought to the fact she was but a summoned creature. He gave his promise, his binding vow only to those he thought worthy, and gave it to her willingly. He had seen far to many miracles in his life to not believe the gods would grant one more in this trying place, where it seemed needed to intently…

Then, his bright eyes dancing with sudden merriment, he swung to her side and grasped her dainty hand in his own calloused fingers, sweeping his other hand wide, drawing deep the fresh scent of the glorious morn before saying ”Aye, tis time for breaking our nightly fast, and I would soon have ‘round me the jocular company of our erstwhile companions! Lead on blessed angel, and let thine feet proceed with a surety of pace matched only by thine own beauteous visage!”

With a lusty laugh then, he allowed her to guide him to the strange portal, and threw wide the door with his own hand, allowing her entrance before he o’erstepped the threshold himself. He noted immediately the grim demeanor Bethany wore, and caught as well the strangely serene posture that John had seemed to adopt, filing these away with the other nuggets of information he had gathered. It was well apparent to his eyes that John possessed some skill at cookery, and his mouth fair slavered at the array of gluttonous fare he seemed to be preparing. The vegetation was finely chopped, and he seemed intent on the task he had set himself , and as well, the words of the sullen maid before him. All this was taken in, and each was given the attention they demanded of his mental focus… but they was yet another layer to the vista he beheld.

He was but in the end a base creature, conforming to the duties laid out for his kind by the gods themselves, and though the circumstances might lay well beyond his previous adventures, the bestial side of the Satyr could easily scent out the lingering arousal that seemed to wrap itself round the quiet woman nearby. He said nothing, made no overt move, yet the very nature of the fey-born sang with reaction to her frustrations. He sensed every taunt fiber of her being, from her cold glances at the intruding noise to the molten core she wished so much to hide. Her very being seemed laid out before his gaze, each forgotten dream, each sensual infatuation that had so colored her life added its own unique flavor to the air she breathed… His nostrils flared slightly as he drew in a slow breath, and his eyes drifted closed like the fluttering of a birds heart. He seemed frozen in his steps, locked in that timeless space his very essence needed to understand her need… It was… intoxicating to him somehow, as it had been countless times before, and he saw in his dreamlike vision her very spirit seeming to lash about, seeking, questing for the touch it so needed. His body flushed, blood coursing with reckless urgency through his animalistic body, and the hairs of his body seemed to quiver in their epidermal sheaths, straining to reach for her even as he held himself firmly rooted to the spot. His eyes, once they again opened, seemed to be lit by a new inner fire, to glow in the relative dimness of the entryway, and he could not help but focus his now-expanded pupils on her tempting self, even as his vocal chords sent forth a warm greeting to them both.

”Well met, my friends…” he purred, his voice dropping to a pleasant baritone. ”Pleased am I to see the pair of you this morning. I would hope each of you slept peaceably well, and wish you fair winds and gentle blessing for the day.” He drew deep another breath then, and grinned widely, at last snapping his golden gaze from the sweet curves of Beth’s frame, and looking once more at the productive chaos that John so seemed to enjoy… ”Ah the scents wafting from this place are indeed enough to rouse the dead! You indeed have a gift, Lord John, and I thank you for lending us your incomparable expertise!”

He crossed quickly to the small collection of bottles then, and began sniffing experimentally at their ends, using his other hand to pull out a seat both for himself and for Gwen as he did.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

With a grateful smile, she sat for a few minutes and simply enjoyed her coffee. At first staring at nothing, and then slowly she perked up enough to watch John's movements.

She hadn't seen a man in a kitchen before, especially one who looked to know what they were doing. It was comical enough to make her smile slightly, sexist thoughts weren't common to her way of thinking, but apprently she wasn't feeling too generous towards the male species today.

Ben is here? Her gaze went a little more sour with mentioning of that name, but she already learned it wasn't who she thought it was. Still, she said nothing even after he asked her to talk about her home. More than likely it was the dreams that had her so... grumpy today. There was no real reason for her to be so irritable, she did her best to dismiss whatever physical things that were bothering her and focus on Orin as he came into the room.

"Mornin' Orin." She muttered, finishing off her coffee with a sigh. "It does smell heavenly." A dimple appeared with a smile, she might actually wake up before Even arrived. "If I had known John was a whiz in the kitchen, I would've camped out here instead of next door." Her grin remained, almost faltering as glasses and five different types of juice seemed to come from inside the counter top.

She doubted that she would ever get used to this futuristic setting and all the seemless doors and hidden compartments and everything else that went along with it she had yet to see. She knew there had to be more, much more than this to their cells.

"There isn't much to tell about my home. Its earth.. Water, land masses. People.." What could she tell them about her home? How different was it from theirs? "Presidents, schools, travel agents.. some places are rich with forest and other's are nothing but sand for miles. I doubt I could explain it well enough before breakfast is finished. I do miss the dance clubs.. Pizza." She fell silent feeling eyes on her, self conscious for some reason.

Could they see her discomfort or hear her thoughts? She had to doubt it, that just wasn't possible, wasn't it? She cleared her mind as best she could and got up from the table, "Anything I can do to help?" She stood at John's elbow watching him. "Just don't ask me to cook, prepare I can do.. cook, no. Unless we want it burnt?"

 

[IXIHawkeyeIXI]

As Orin and Gwen entered the kitchen, John tossed them a forced smile. For some reason he still just could not get comfortable around Orin. Something about the man just made him feel....unsettled. His manners, the way he talked, everything. Nonetheless, John knew that he had to put on a friendly face and at least try to work with the others if any of them ever had hopes of getting out of this place.

"Good to see ya, Orin. Hope you slept better than I did. I don't know what it is about this place but I had the worst dreams I've had in years while I was asleep. Glad to know you're all anxious for breakfast...I didn't what y'all ate, so I just kinda started making something Gwen requested. Hope you like it...Oh, and don't call me 'lord', it makes me feel all uncomfortable and...weird. I ain't never been a lord of nothin', and that's the way I plan to keep it. I know, I know..." He interrupted Orin before he could cut in. "You only meant it as a sign of respect and all that, but still. Just John works fine thank you."

Cracking a few of the eggs and mixing together the ingredients for the omlettes, he spotted the juice and simply shook his head. He, like Beth, was simply not used to this kind of technology.

As Beth spoke, he smiled and listened to her description of her home. She seemed almost bored while describing her world, but he was genuinely interested to hear about it. He had only ever heard stories of Old Earth, and it sounds like in her universe Old Earth is still around and plentiful. As she stood up and asked if she could help, he simply chuckled and smiled at her.

"'Fraid there ain't much for you to do, darlin'. If ya want, you can start making some coffee for the rest of us, maybe start pouring some juice. I think I got the main meal covered. I didn't really see what else was available to eat if you don't want an omlette, so you're more than welcome to check that out as well."

 

[Elayne]

Eve paused for a moment. She was fairly certain that while Ben had mentioned the acronym of the facility was AMPE, he hadn't specifically broken it down and explicitly stated that the facility was a prison.

On the other hand, her memory was suspect. That sent a cold chill down her spine. She had known her memory had been damaged... but could it be degrading as well? Some sort of degenerative condition?

Well, that wasn't something she could deal with personally. And it wouldn't be in her nature to reveal any weakness to the other entities trapped in the Prison system with her, containee and artificial intelligence alike. Even the tingle of Ben scanning her made her instincts come alive with the tense expectation of imminent violence.

"Provided this Ion Shower is safe, it should be fine," Eve said coolly. "Any sort of nutritional food is acceptable." Eve didn't savour any particular food or take any especial joy in eating. To her, food was simply the fuel of the biological engine: She was concerned with the intake of the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins and nothing more. "Rations will do," she finished.

Then, Eve undressed and slipped into the shower. The weird hum and tingling abrasive feel on her skin was odd and uncomfortable, but in record time she was emerging from the shower, refreshed. Eve dusted off her arms a bit uncomfortably, still not entirely comfortable with the ion shower. As she looked down, she noticed that she had a small insignia tattooed above her left hip. It was a crest, a dagger with wings. There was a small scroll underneath it with words in Latin. But for the life of her, Eve couldn't remember what they said.

After a moment, Eve redressed, choosing a simple dark blue jumpsuit and soft soled shoes. With a quick twist, Eve knotted her hair up and turned to the rations provided to her by Ben.

As she methodically chewed her cardboard flavoured meal, Eve had a final question to ask Ben. "Ben, you said you had noticed an anomalous entity in the AMPE system. Have you uncovered new data as of yet? Can you pinpoint where in the system the entity is?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Bethany

Her one brow arched speculatively, "Make coffee?" Did they want to be poisoned?

"Alright." She turned around, noticing a some what familiar kitchen set up and locating the machine. "An omelet will be great, thank you.." "Darlin'? Where the hell is he from? Texas?" Her thoughts were calmer than normal, but active none the less.

She hunted through cabinets until she found a can of coffee, then drawers until she found some measuring utensils then she stood there with her finger on the label, reading. Her eyes darted from canister to pot and back to the label once again. It didn't sound confusing, but at the same time it did.

"How the hell did I do this earlier?" Had she even read or measured anything? Why did it matter that she did it right this time? Too many questions, definitely making her brain hurt just trying to do this correctly.

Was a 'scoop' a quarter cup or a tablespoon? How many did the damned pot serve anyway? Nibbling at her lower lip, she shifted weight and reread the instructions again. Again she looked over the pot measurements, the label and finally the measuring cup.

"This ain't that hard.." She muttered softly to herself while filling the pot with water. Of course it would've been easier for Ben to conjure up some coffee, but hey she was feeling adventurous today! What the hell, right? Enough sugar and cream, anyone could drink it if it was that bad.

With coffee brewing, she quickly found a perch on the counter top and leapt up. "How did you sleep, Orin?" her feet swung back and forth, her heels barely knocking against the cupboards as she reached over to snag a bit of cheese from John's little work station.

She found herself looking them over, each in turn. Little by little as her gaze moved from Orin to John and back again. She smiled pleasantly, enjoying the soothing sound of Orin's voice as he spoke and finding John's little 'stern' looks cute.. perhaps too cute?

The only real thing she was very aware of was that today she was far more relaxed than yesterday and after waking up, in the mood to flirt!

 

[VandalHeart]

Ben had been running a search routine ever since the strange log of information had crossed his data drives, but nothing had come of it. There were still areas of his programming that he was forbidden to access, and logic stated that it may have been there. The other possibility was that the other 75% of the processing resources dedicated to A.M.P.E.s operation may have held the answer, but while this was more likely than a subconscious clue in his own drives, the possibility was still slim.

"At this time, no conclusive data has been discovered on the nature, location, or other pertinent details of the seventh entity. The validity of the information I produced before you slept is still under review. Contingency theories are being reviewed as well, with the assumption that the data concerning the seventh entity's existance is true, but none of the theories have been rated above a 10% probability outcome at this time. Do you want to review the current possibilities?"

Eve replied in the positive as she continued to ready herself.

"Alpha theory states that there is information on my data drive that is encrypted and firewalled against my viewing that provided the information. Current probability estimate: 1.552%. Beta theory states that there is information in the other 75% of A.M.P.E.s control programs that hold similar programming. Current probability estimate: 5.674%. Delta theory states that there is, in fact, a seventh entity that has hacked into the A.M.P.E. control system and is uploading data from an external source. Current probability estimate: 9.913%."

Ben was incapable of telling Eve or the other containees about the professor, but he still had his doubts that the information was sent by him, therefor the thrid theory was legal to disclose in his logic circuits. Still, the implications that the professor had, in fact, sent it puzzled Ben. Why would he do that? And if he had, why would he alter the digital signature? With what Ben knew, it was a good thing he didn't have Gwen's illogic circuits, or the current thoughs going through his processors would have driven him mad.

 

[Rufus the Mad]

Orin paused in his curiosity, his molten eyes locking with Beth’s as he let a slow smile creep across his face. ”I slept well enough…” he rumbled, his eyes growing in intensity even as he looked at her ”Though I was regrettably alone.” He chuckled then, and broke the eye contact, battling his own inclinations and desire enough to at least make the pretense of civility. Instead, he returned to his investigation of the alcohol, and chose from among them a dusty bottle of wine, holding it up to the magical lights above him and examining the contents of the pale green bottle carefully as he spoke again. ”And you? Did you find the uninterrupted slumber you seemed so intent on? You will forgive me for saying so, but you seem a bit… frustrated this morning. Is there aught that I might do to assist you?”

He turned to her once more, his eyes cooler, resembling more their common gold shade than the burning orange they had seemed before. He smiled pleasantly enough, seemed, overall, more generally concerned for her wellbeing than anything else… but there was yet a hint of the predator to him, one he was sure the flustered and flirtatious woman could detect. This was an old game to the Satyr, one he had mastered before he had seen his twentieth year, and he relished the subtle chase, the give and take, the advance and retreat of the grand game. In this, at least, and if nowhere else in this strange setting, he felt truly at home.

Turning quickly, not truly granting Beth the time to answer, Orin addressed their host, saying ”And you, John! I must say that the nights rest seems to have served you well. To be sure, I was at a loss on how to lighten your mood yesterday, but the morning finds you almost joyous! Would that we find sound slumber and simple pleasures to be the cure for all that might trouble us here!” He uncorked the bottle he held then, his sharpened claws finding ready purchase in the aged cork, and he drew a long pull of the sweet liquor within, letting the berry-flavored elixir wash clear his throat and warm his belly before lowering it with a sigh. Being friendly then, he stepped forward and offered the bottle to Beth, standing close to her, and breathing deep, slowly drawing her scent into his nostrils and looking down at her with languid eyes.

Let the game continue…

 

[IXIHawkeyeIXI]

John noticed that Beth was being a bit...friendlier than she had been the previous day. Orin seemed to be acting a bit on the strange side as well, though this surprised John far less as he already thought the man to be a bit on the quirky side. Lost in his own thoughts, he almost didn't realize that Orin was speaking to him and asking him questions.

"To be honest with ya, I didn't really sleep that well. Kept having nightmares about....well about things I haven't dreamt about in a long time. Cooking always just relaxes me a bit, puts me in a better mood. Sorry to say I'll probably be back to my old crabby self once breakfast is over."

As he watched Orin fawning over Beth he couldn't help but smile. There was just something weird about the situation that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Turning slightly to Beth, he smiled at her and then grabbed the juice and poured himself a glass. Coming back to the stove, he finished off the last omlette and got them all onto plates.

"Sorry to interrupt you two, but it looks like breakfast is served. Omlettes just like my ma used to make....hope ya like 'em."

 

[VandalHeart]

Gwen bobbed up like an air bubble released underwater when John announced that breakfast was ready.

"Goodie! Which one is mine?"

John indicated which was hers and she brought it to the table. She patiently waited for the others to join her, making it a point to smile and not look at the chair that Eve should be inhabiting. When the others had joined her, a slight hush fell over the table for a moment as everyone began to eat. Gwen watched them all for a moment, noting their movements and constructing a composite model of them. Slowly, and meshing her own original movement plan with the composite, she lifted a single bite, and wrapped her pale lips around it. The movement was almost obscene and provocative.

"Wow, John!"

She swallowed the food.

"This is wonderful! What's in it?"

She was desperately trying to not be too silly or naiive, but she had the suspicion that she was failing miserably.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

"I slept alright." Was all she replied with. It wasn't as if they really wanted to know how she had slept, or hadn't slept well. Making conversation is what she and everyone else would call it. Pleasantries.. Boring, but there wasn't much else in common with them to speak on as of yet.

She was a little surprised to see Orin approaching her, moving in closely, but felt no threat from it. She watched him drink from the bottle before offering it to her. From bottle to his eyes, she stared for a long moment. Unsure of what she was seeing there that seemed so different? Her gaze caught John's and smiled in return as her feet continued to bounce back and forth in almost a child like manner. Again her gaze went to Orin's, studying the look.

"Sorry to interrupt you two, but it looks like breakfast is served. Omelets just like my ma used to make....hope ya like 'em." John's voice shook her a little, she wasn't used to being caught staring at anyone and John seemed aware of her doing just that.

Blushing a little, "No thank you, Orin." She smiled sweetly, hopping down from the counter to take a plate John offered. "I do not drink all that often and surely not this early in the day." Her tone was friendly even though her words sounded scoldingly familiar.. much like her mother's tone.

Gwen made her appearance almost instantly and sat as well. Beth had a hard time not smiling with the childlike enthusiasm Gwen displayed when taking her first bite of the omelet.

She sat down, taking an offered fork and cut off a small lady-like bite. Slipping the filled tines past her lips, she sampled the meal. Her smile spread as she glanced up at John and groaned, "This is good. Thank you." Of course talking with her mouth full wasn't exactly polite but compliments to the 'chef' were always welcomed.. So her mother told her. Paying attention to her plate and not the company, she ate methodically as always. Something, like breeding, were never forgotten.

When finished with her meal, she waited patiently for Gwen to finish before catching the A.I.'s attention, "So.. we have a whole day to do whatever we want, any ideas?" Beth never questioned where Eve might be, it wasn't any of her business where the other containee was located or what she may or may not be doing. A desire to ask, pry a little out of Gwen was most certainly there, but in present company Beth did not feel it was wise to be so nosey.

 

[VandalHeart]

Gwen had finally finished with her own meal and sat back, feeling a strange sensation of fullness. It had been, after all, her first meal ever, and she hadn't known about eating too much

"Um, well...I'm not really sure. My programming only tells me to make what you guys want and to answer your questions. I'm not exactly programmed with daily activities."

Gwen blushed with the admittance of her ineptitude. The bright pink flanking her face was almost cartoonish. Then, an idea came to her. It was risky, but she had decided that she was going to help them get home, so she was going to help them, no matter how it made her look.

"Why don't we explore the buildings in the core here?"

 

[Rufus the Mad]

Orin accepted the plate and found a seat at the table, eventually turning the chair around backwards to be comfortable. He was long used to finding ways to work around his digitigrade legs, understanding that other bipeds normally forgot his strange physiology, and was neither offended, nor embarrassed by the necessity. Instead, he focused on the strange conglomeration that sat before him, considering the ingredients and construction carefully. There was nothing here he could not recognize, and certainly nothing here he had not eaten before… but this was a strange amalgam, to be sure! His first taste of the omelet lay his hesitations to rest, however, and he attacked the remainder with enthusiasm, nodding thanks to John as he chewed, and had finished the meal in short order, sitting back with a slight sigh.

He glanced over to the empty chair casually, wondering if the strange Eve would be rejoining them today, but said nothing of it. After all, her business was her own, was it not? And he yet remembered the odd feelings that had swept o’er him at their first meeting. Her body, shot through with such strange technologies, had grated against his senses, acting in a manner akin to the toxins of iron to his magical form, and even as he wondered after her, he was in no hurry to encounter those sensations again. He was brought back to the present by Beth’s question, however, and even as his mind flooded with ways the trio might pass the day, he considered as well the recalled problems of yesterday. They were yet threatened by an unknown assailant, and had little means of defense.

He was about to speak, to draw attention once more to their need, when Gwen herself remarked on the option, asking innocently if they should explore their present location. He could have kissed her!

”Aye, Gwen, a fine and fair suggestion! Should we chose this central local as our camp, t’would be best to know what tools we might find to work with. I recall a bevy of weapons posted on the walls of yon Keep, blades and bows aplenty, should they prove more than decoration, and would know what other marvels this place yet holds.” He glanced at Beth then, no more than a flick of the eyes, scarce seen by those here, and given no real weight of meaning in any circumstance, before speaking again, saying ”And perchance we might discover some pool or stream to gambol in, to revive the senses and restore the body ‘neath the cool waters of a restful swim. I, for one, could well use such respite, and mayhap the waters would both sooth tired bones and…” He paused then, cocking his horned head to the side and regarding John with a moments reflection. He smiled then, and spoke with a hushed tone, his eyes dancing with humor as he said ”My apologies friends, I forgot myself for a moment. What I meant to say, and will remember to speak thus if I am able, is that I agree, and would that we search also for a suitable lake or river, as I for one would enjoy a nice swim.”

 

[Elayne]

Eve felt a... heightening... inside her. Not quite fear, but a tension, like a bowstring being draw taut and ready to fire.

"Ben," she asked with forced dispassion, "If you occupy 25% of the system's resources, how much of the system is occupied by Gwen? And how much is tied up in miscellanous functions?"

Already, Eve's mind was racing. She didn't realistically expect Ben to answer: She felt sure that the intimate details of AMPE's operating system would be barred from the containees themselves. Inmates running the asylum, she thought dryly.

But if Ben was a full quarter of the system, and even if Gwen was twice as complicated, then that still only accounted for seventy five percent of the system resources. A full quarter was missing...

That sent a wave of ... tension... through Eve. For some reason her memories were telling her that the Third War had been initially triggered by a computer virus. She remembered hearing something about a Crash.

Eve was sure that there was a parasite in the system -- And she was sure that, in the nature of all parasites, once it had grown strong enough, it would attack the core system and attempt to seize control.

"Ben, I'm returning to the other containees," Eve announced. "Is there a way we can keep in contact even when in the Gwen unit's sphere of influence?"

 

[VandalHeart]

One Orin spoke up, Gwen slinetly breathed a sigh of relief. The focus was off of her. Until she wasnted to be, she was now along for the ride.

Ben on the other hand was processing a very simply stated yet very loaded query.

"Of the inherent systems of A.M.P.E., I occupy exactly 23.645% and the Gwen unit occupies 24.578%. We share a resource pool between us that encompases 4.346% of the processing power and consists of the accessible data drives. All miscellanneous functions are performed by either myself of Gwen utilising these resources."

Eve looked at the ceiling, waiting for an explanation.

"Until you reach the core, you and I will be out of contact while you are in the GWEN."

Eve rolled her eyes.

"What is the other 47.431% of the onboard systems, Ben?"

Ben processed the query. What he found was unsettling, even for him. It wasn't restricted information. It wasn't labeled, nor was it dangerous to access. It did, however, have no digital signature.

"I do not know, containee."

 

[IXIHawkeyeIXI]

John sat in quiet contemplation as he ate. He listened to the other chit-chatting, but said very little himself. The omlettes were good - not quite as good as the ones his mom used to make but...considering he hadn't cooked anything in years it didn't taste half bad. A little shocked by Gwen's almost childish response to the meal, he couldn't help but smile once again. At the reccomendation that they explore the buildings here in the core, he was slightly intrigued. This place was defintely worth looking into...mayhaps he would be able to find something to replace his gun. He was growing more comfortable with his companions, but he still wanted to be prepared in case something was to come up and he needed to defend himself.

As Orin began his verbose statement, John simply chuckled to himself, he had almost forgotten how wordy the little man liked to be. "Don't worry about it Orin...I'm actually startin' to get used to your ways to be honest...though I do appreciate the fact that you're makin' an effort."

Finishing his glass of juice, he finally decided to throw his two cents into the conversation.

"I agree with the others that we should probably try some exploring. There is still a lot about this place that we don't know, and I for one would like to get better acquainted with it. 'Course I think it might be better if we all stuck together." He realized he was starting to sound like he was giving orders, and these people weren't his crew. "I'm just saying that cause it seems like something out there might be kinda dangerous, and if we stick together we gotta better chance of not dyin'. Don't know bout you but that sounds damn good to me."

 

[Elayne]

Eve was stunned by how far along the subversion she had hypothesized was. It seemed that nearly half of the AMPE system was now beyond Ben's reach or even calculation.

What would happen when the parasite became more than half of the system? Worse, what if the parasite could no longer grow without consuming Ben or Gwen? Eve was coldly analyzing the odds. If an aggressive entity took over the power of Gwen, what chance did she and the rest of the containees have?

"Then I need to get to the Core," Eve decided. "Ben, I'd like you to begin a diagnostic and hold firm on you files. If you find yourself or Gwen diminishing, I'd like to know about it immediately. Also, if you can isolate where the seventh entity is in the system, that information would be helpful."

Eve whirled and began to head for the lift that would lead her back into the main nodule of AMPE and towards the Core. At the last moment, Eve paused, one last thing entering her mind.

"Ben... If the system is being compromised by a seventh entity, will there be changes apparent within the Gwen unit? Where are the 47.431% of unidentified files located?"

The trip back could have become much more dangerous. But she'd have to risk it. Eve began to descend back into the system...

 

[Rufus the Mad]

Orin nodded again, his play with the fair Beth momentarily forgotten as he focused on the tasks ahead. ”Well then friends, tis together we shall journey. After this most delicious repast, I would suggest gathering what provisions or accoutrements may be needed for the day, and we shall then search the other portals for weapons. I for one would discover if the blades I encountered last evening are of a suitable weight for my skill.”

He paused then, considering, and spoke again slowly, his expression one of thoughtful repose. ”The matter evolves however, as to which direction we should travel, and what it is that we seek. Of these things, and of this setting, I know precious little, and unfortunately, have even less to offer… Sweet Gwen can do no more than is part of her being, as yet, I know not where Eve might be, and can only guess at what allegiances she may hold, and dearest Beth seems almost as overwhelmed as do I… But it occurs that the you, John, are much more akin to such scientific trappings, and, it seems, have experience I the leading of men. Both boons to your favor, I assure you, and both resulting perhaps in your being thereby better able to maneuver our small band. I would then that you accept my support, and that you give me leave to but offer what convenience and assistance as might I be able. What say you all, shall we advance together, allowing one long used to command to lead us, or shall we make our way as best we can, a collection of individuals?”

 

[VandalHeart]

There it was. Exactly what Gwen had been waiting and hoping (and praying?) for ever since her friends had arrived. Cooperation. They were beginning to put forth a unified effort. Now, if only Eve were here.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. Do you have any objections, Beth?"

Ben, meanwhile, was not having such pleasant thoughts. He ran a diagnostic as Eve spoke, attempting to find any system degradation in himself. He couldn't do the same for Gwen, however. If they were to be run on her, she would have to order them herself. The report came back normal. Nothing in his system integrity denoted tampering or misappropriated system space.

"I cannot perform diagnostics on the G.W.E.N. Access to those logic and illogic ports are denied to me. I suggest issuing her the command to do so when you pass through on your way to the core. At this time, my diagnostics suggest full system integrity, but I will set up a tertiary diagnostic monitor. In the event of a change categorized by your concerns, a klaxon will sound in my own control areas and a signal will be sent to Gwen."

Just before Eve stepped onto the lift she asked her question.

"The possibility of influence on the G.W.E.N. is a distinct possibility, but unless Gwen performs diagnostics, they will go unnoticed by all but the most attentive observer. As for the location in the inaccessible system space, I am not at liberty to divulge that information."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Bethany

She looked from John to Orin and finally at Gwen, "No, none here." Offering a tentative smile in response. Quiet and thoughtful, she cleaned up a little of the breakfast dishes.

"I agree with Orin. You do seem to know what you're doing with this sort of thing.." She gave her attention fully to John, "I think exploring would be useful." What she really wanted to do was take a nap, or perhaps lounge around all day and be lazy..

"All well.. Guess we do the logical thing.." Already she was making plans on a dinner fit for a spoiled brat like herself. Saying nothing aloud, she moved to follow the others, appearing calm and serene.

 

[Elayne]

Eve gave the barest whisker of a nod, then began to descend back into the Gwen's sphere of influence. She hadn't expected that BEN would be able to tell her the structure of his system files -- That would make it too easy for them to be compromised.

But her instincts told her that the files were all ready compromised. And she suspected that the changes in the Gwen unit would be more obvious... and dangerous... than Ben was anticipating.

Coming out of the lift, Eve looked around for her Nightmare, leaping astride the saddle and turning to face the Core.

"Gwen!" Eve called out as she kicked the Nightmare into motion. "I need you to perform a diagnostic. Has your system been compromised?"