becomeanwarrior | (no subject)

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Sorry for the delays on this. I have quite a few projects cooking at the same time.

The fugitive known as Bohr has been turned over to Black Velvet for... 'corrective custody', barring further information. Interrogation of Bohr didn't lead to much, beyond what was already suspected.

Bohr did not grant Echo the power to 'turn' others into Illusion Witches, this appears to be a development all on their own.

Attempts to coerce further information were met with either staunch resistance that I wouldn't 'get it', or subject being easily distracted due to long-term effects of over-conditioning.

On a personal note, I'm going to stuff my cousin in a locker. Or give her a swirlie. I'm not sure which yet.

[For Sector Security, OOPARTS, and Related Parties]

For the record, Hibiki, nee Echo the Apocalypse, was already under mental pressures that could be exploited. Said testimony is collaborative with Twelve Peers Document #0451, "The State Of The World At Present", Vanguard-level Clearance.

I did get a broad-strokes idea of how to... 'rebuild' someone who has been affected by the destruction of identity through emotional manipulation. However, some of said information is unreliable due to Bohr's existent nature as a sociopath.

Aradia, who has been missing for 8 months now, is almost certainly confirmed as acting in tandem with Echo. Consider capture a fairly top priority.

At the moment, this means I've exhausted the majority of my leads. I will work on trying to reverse engineer some of Bohr's thinking as someone who has gone up against them before, but I can make no promises of the timeframe.

[End Sector Security/OOPARTS Filter]

Ugh, I'm sure there's other stuff but I feel like I'm in the middle stretch of a 200-hour RPG and there are like 6 different plot threads I need to follow...

I'm sure someone is gonna remind me of one thing or another I've forgotten. But I figured this information was better not sat on.

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Hnmmmmmmmmm.

Well, that explains what happened to that cat. I just wish I knew where that little miss vampire went off to...

The cat is now, to carry the imagery, thoroughly declawed, thankfully. The downside being I now have to look elsewhere to figure out how everything pieces together.

On the upside, one of those projects I was cooking is the one you have interest in, and we should be ready for you to... give it your stamp of approval, let's say, Mr. Tarou.

I'd like to apologize thoroughly on any and all delays. My contact who knows the materials inside and out is comically private and can be impossible to find if she doesn't wish to be found, so it took me a while to reverse engineer her... 'documentation', for lack of better word.

Oh, no, no, absolutely no problem at all! How soon is this ready for me to give approval on? Could I see it right now? Well??

If you have time this evening, I could put in some late hours to show you myself, yes.

As we previously discussed, the materials and technologies involved took a long time to get talking to each other right, but I think you'll be quite happy with the results.

what's that I can't hear you I was already two steps out the door see you soon

Tell the receptionist you're here for Project Chrysalis, and Chief Haita has given you clearance for Basement 3!

*despite Tarou's rush, given his particular condition, it still took a bit for him to get there.

But once he's past the receptionist encounter [gained: 300 XP, 10 gold] he's reached the basement you designated.

He looks like he fell no less than three times on the way there.*

Hello, hello, yes, I'm here, I'm fine, I'm good, I'm--

*-- takes a deep breath*

Ah! Mr. Tarou, good, good, please, take a seat and catch your breath!

[ Once you have gotten your bearings, you find yourself in... well. Tarou. It looks like a SHOCKER lab. There's really no other way to put it. ]

Again, *deeply* sorry about the delays. But this was a project where I had to allow perfect become the enemy of the good.

[ Onni's turning to you, goggles on his forehead like he was just putting the finishing touches on... some sort of device. There's what looks like a spine made out of gold-plated alloy... well, it looks like something that's going to be braced around your spine, anyway. One harness looks like it goes over your chest and... well, the other is clearly a belt, with a Driver in front. ]

There was an unforeseen complication with my resident sorcerer ending up between dimensions for an extended period, so I needed to remodel the project with the intent that any... ah, 'surgical procedures' you might be expecting happen after you put on the device, rather than grafting it onto you in an actual surgery procedure. I decided this was faster! And I trust my cybernetics work more than I trust my scalpel hand.

[ He laughs a bit, at his own joke. ]

*oh I've always wanted to be in SHOCKER lab, so long as I don't get strapped to the operating table--

coughing a little as he gains his bearings properly, sitting up*

So at it's core, it will be cybernetics? On a scale of one to ten, how painful do you think the initial integration will be? *he isn't asking this as something to back out on, more as a bracing mechanism.*

Of course, I'm all for not having a lengthy surgical procedure done in any case-- so long as it works, it works!

The materials used in its construction were the same metals used in the PSY-Frame series, or so my research tells me. So yes, at its core it'll be a cybernetic enhancement, but the cybernetics are based on psychically resonant metals interfacing with hardlight technologies, so there's some tricks here which push it a step above just a simple prosthetic.

[ He hrms a bit. ]

So, the way the process will work is that the device needs to be braced during the initial integration - hence the straps and belt. Once that happens, the primary frame - that's the thing that will be replacing your spine - will properly link up with your spine, supporting it, and using the fact that it'll be linked with you both biologically and psychically to replace damaged nerve endings. Once properly initialized, it will subtly start replacing your spine as it continues to deteriorate, until eventually the apparatus is, in fact, accounting for the literal backbone of your central nervous system.

So... I'd say about a six to seven on initial initialization, with potential for occasional pangs of 2-3, infrequently, depending on how quickly your spine degrades from this point forward. It will hurt, but it's probably better than going under the knife.

Of course, the driver will summon the waist harness whenever you place it in front of you, as you would expect. The Driver is also the only way to enable the hardlight suit that protects you when you release the limiters, which will allow you to operate in the hardlight suit at a heightened state indefinitely, or until you endure a level of shock or physical trauma strong enough the system has to reboot.

And during initialization, it will read your unique psychic and biological signatures, meaning the system will be keyed to you from this point forward. I take security on these kinds of systems very seriously.

Edited 2024-02-13 04:04 (UTC)

Oh, wonderful! I appreciate the security measures taken-- worst thing would be if someone tried to steal it somehow despite it trying to initialize and integrate with me, or otherwise remotely hijack the system, right?

Six to seven is tolerable, though. *I've experienced ten before, I can survive that.* I'm surprised there's such a way as "subtly" replacing my spine, however.

I'm glad you understand, yes. I think the system being hijacked by a third party would be one of the worst-case scenarios.

Well... I guess subtly isn't quite the right word, but in essence once the system is linked with you, the apparatus will be able to monitor the degradation and fill in where appropriate. There will probably be... adjustment periods, but I tried to make it as truly hands-off as I could, so long as you're okay with the fact that this piece of equipment will be what's responsible for your ability to move after a certain point.

The last thing I do need to mention is during the initialization, the psychic security token it generates will also influence the general appearance of the hardlight suit. Which is to say that I did not preset any aesthetics on the suit itself, and it will respond to what you believe it 'should' look like.

After all, I didn't want to assume what aesthetic was your ideal, Mr. Tarou.

Oh, of course, of course, that's understandable.

*he looks around. there's definitely no one else in this SHOCKER lab.*

Will it have... further customizations depending on purpose, available?

[ Mother of god. He truly understands.

This is one of the most satisfying moments of my professional career. ]

[ He coughs. ]

I didn't want to get ahead of myself, in case there was a failure with the bridge between the psychic resonance and hardlight suit, or other initialization failures.

But, now that I'm certain that problem is solved, I have no problem supporting further customizations for the module as purpose warrants.

Wonderful! When do you think it'd be safe to test the initialization?

[ He simply gestures up onto the elevated podium where the harness rests. ]

I wouldn't have called you down here if I didn't expect you to want to test it right away, Mr. Tarou. I just finished one final safety check as you came in.

Edited 2024-02-13 04:43 (UTC)

*Tarou, in his heart of hearts, wants to leap up to do this.

however, even just moving reminded of him why he's doing this, so he opts to get up more or less more carefully.*

If we may proceed, then?

[ Onni simply pulls the goggles down over his face, giving himself the true visage of an Ex-SHOCKER scientist as he overlooks various panels. ]

Of course. Simply put on the harness and adjust it so it fits snugly. I'll be monitoring readings from here, system output, initialization progress. Once I've given the all-clear, you can start the initialization. From there, I'll be manually guiding the apparatus from my end.

That said, I do of course have to remind you one last time, Mr. Tarou. Once the initialization gets past the 'catastrophic failure' checks, there will be no turning back.

I know your options are limited, but I won't be able to abort the process without leaving you worse off. So when you hit the switch, make sure you're sure, okay? [ He laughs, a bit more nervously. ]

Edited 2024-02-13 04:54 (UTC)

*he gets onto the platform, affixing the harness as directed, making sure it's on as snugly as possible. before he gives Onni the most serious look he can muster, even with his excitement for this.*

I understand the warnings, but:

Considering my options involve "body falling apart", "vanishing because my reality is unstable", "I get a false body to transfer my soul into", or "I murder Mamoru in a dark alleyway", I think I'm taking the best option I could possibly do to not only fix the problems with my previously life-ending injury, but to also potentially do something that I could say is wholly different than what my "alternate" is, while still at least.. keeping this. Keeping myself, my form, for now.

I'm willing to take chances. Any chances that I can. Because I know what the alternative is already.

...Believe me — I might understand that more than you know, Mr. Tarou. But I wanted to make absolutely sure.

[ He peers over the readings, what vitals the appartus is already getting from Tarou are reading... well, stable enough. Stable considering the shape Tarou's body is in. ]

...Final checks are all green, the apparatus is receiving power and already reading surface vitals.

[ The light catches off the goggles as he looks up, and a bit of a smile creeps back into his face. ]

I'm ready when you are, Mr. Tarou. I don't think I need to tell you how to begin the initialization process.

*... the grin creeps onto his face too. oh, this is happening. this is really happening. if I had any concept of shame, it'd be burning right now.

he moves his hands in a dramatic way, placing them before him in a slight pose-- the most he can allow himself without locking up, but it's clear that his memories of it still shine through.*

Hen... shin!

*he throws the switch for the initialization to start in one smooth motion.

there's no turning back now.*

[ The whole lab lights up in an instant, various consoles besides the one Onni is monitoring kicking to life as Onni hits a button on his panel, right after yours.

And boy, he wasn't kidding, it hurts. The first step of this is literally psychically resonant metal fusing to your spine and hooking itself into your brain. It's equal parts the worst muscle cramp you've ever had, day 3 of an incurable migraine, and the feeling of accidentally touching a live current.

If your considerable skill at blotting out immense pain and psychic pressure win out, Tarou, you'll see Onni working the consoles like a man possessed, having broken out into a sweat as he seems to be guiding the apparatus and making adjustments as it shifts and slides into... not a comfortable position, but a position where it's least intrusive, beyond knowing you actually have something there now, where there might have been only fragments of spinal column. ]

Initializing in progess... cybernetic injection stable... psychic feedback detected... you're doing great, Mr. Tarou!

[ A feverish working of keys and inputting commands, oh this is definitely going to feel weird for a bit, but it probably does make you feel. Stronger. Immediately so. Even through the pain. ]

I'm manually deploying the hard-light projection system! Concentrate on what you want the suit to look like! Remember, it responds to your thought!

[ There's another button, and some of the lights in the lab dim for just a second as power reroutes to give your Driver the juice it needs to help you project the Kamen Rider outfit you've always wanted, Tarou. ]

*he's not going to lie-- this does hurt. Even as someone who's gone through so much physical pain, it doesn't make the experience any more enjoyable or tolerable, so he almost falters.

But the key word is "almost". He manages to break through the worst of the moments, before he feels-- yes, he feels stronger, specifically, like something was more... reinforced.

He takes a deep breath, focusing once Onni gives out the command to do so. a mixture of thoughts, concepts, ideas, trying to centered in on even just the rough estimate of what he imagined it to be, as the hard-light takes form. purples. golds. The colors forming a solid armor on his body--

Before it finally settles, as he lets out that breath he was holding, the form solidifying just enough.*

[ And as the projection solidifies, various lights come back green on Onni's console — psychic signature detected, no vital dip (beyond the obvious spike at the initial pain, which was expected), the bio-psyche signature has been registered, and the default form seems to be... locking in. ]

[ There is a long silence, punctuated with small hisses or whirrs of electronics, as various plugs attached to the apparatus that is now a part of your spine decouple, their power no longer needed for the self-sustaining system, now that it's active and initialized. Various terminals start powering down, clearly by intent, as the sudden energy the lab was generating drops back to appreciable levels. It probably still does hurt, but more like the dull ache of a shot... across most of your back, admittedly, but it's at least subsiding to something tolerable. ]

...Vitals are stable. Apparatus is secure. No points of failure detected during initialization process, unique biological and psychic signatures registered...

[ The way he says it is breathless, like he's almost not willing to believe his own part of this. But he pulls back from the console and the energy from him is a barely restrained joy. ]

Congratulations, Mr. Tarou, on your successful initialization of the Rider System. How do you feel?

[ You can practically tell he is putting all his effort into not whooping and punching the air. ]

... What did my dumbass daughter do now that she's a fugitive.

Kamala's a what now.

Why would I be talking about Kamala. Kamala's a saint.

Lina.

You're claiming Nyarlina "Lina" Bohr-Copenhagen Wakahisa is a fugitive.

I- Hrm. I see.

Shiyoko, I think reality got changed while I was writing my notes.

...?

I wonder what changed...

This is going to give me such a headache to deal with...

For now, uh. Don't worry about it. What I discussed about... "Lina" up there will not have repercussions on her permanent record, and is mostly there for record-keeping purposes.

Edited 2024-02-13 03:22 (UTC)

Good because she's already in trouble for missing her first year at DA by holing up in some private dorm to watch my tatas every day.

Oh, believe me. That part I was already well aware of.

[ I am going to have to shake Noriko later about this, aren't I... ]

You should, so she remains in trouble and doesn't whine at Noriko to get out of trouble.

That girl is hopeless.

She did seem, uh, rather easily distracted last I talked to her.

So I'm not surprised. Don't worry, I'll remind 'cuz she's in very deep trouble.

Good.

God. How did she fall so far from the tree.

Curiosity: What is, exactly, an Illusion Witch?

I have been asked to alert if I spot the one named... "Echo", but I would like to know more about what exactly they're capable of.

I... hrm. That's hard to explain.

I assume you have a fairly good eye for... what does and does not... "bend" the laws of reality, yes? The Illusion Witches... well, exploit the world using dreamlike logic. Almost flagrantly so. I can give you pictures of this Echo, but it's important to understand the Illusion Witches deal in alternate realities, unrealized timelines, things that could have been but never were, and all other flagrant space-time violations.

Does that help establish a baseline?

Correct.

More pictures would assist me. Please send them through the e-mail address provided on my business card. But I just have to ask...

Should I use force, if I spot them? Or should I simply alert?

I'll be sending them along shortly, check your email. [ At this point someone has to have gotten a good artist's rendition or picture of Hibiki as 'Echo' that he can forward along. ]

I would simply stay alert, unless you feel you can beyond a reasonable doubt capture them. Solo encounters with Illusion Witches have tended to end... poorly, for those involved, so my official recommendation is not to engage without backup.

They have been directly received. Thank you.

And understood. Threat assessment is crucial.

Indeed, and unfortunately while I understand the broad strokes of their abilities the finer points elude me. So if you do come in contact with one, any threat assessments you can bring back are more valuable than a solo capture.

I can most certainly follow that as a protocol.

Please keep me informed on all developments. It seems this is crossing over into my duty to the Gaia Corps, and as such I need to be as proactive as possible in making sure no one is hurt by... whatever is going on here. My partner recently had a meeting with some others involved in some of these matters. I hope resolution is found soon, for the sake of us all.

With any luck, it shouldn't spread too much outside of Domino - whether to the rest of Earth or the 12 Dimensions Beyond.

Largely because that would be a load of paperwork for me to process, and the sooner we can find a resolution, the better.

Did your partner find anything of particular interest in his investigations?

Not anything as of this moment, aside from the presence of a family known as the Wakahisa's in whatever is going on, but I imagine this much is known to one who is not an outsider as we are. Despite having been here for approaching a year, our ability to understand the intricacies of the situation here in Domino is limited. We've been simply putting out fires as we find them, without the ability to work towards stopping the arsonist who lights them.

Oh, I could have told you the Wakahisas are involved. I'm... uh. Their cousin.

I am also, usually, the guy they beg to clean up the mess they made while bubbling and snot runs down their nose.

So what I'm saying is welcome to the club of people trying to keep this train on the tracks.

Such as I could imagine. It seems the job of the protector often overlaps with the job of the janitor. We will simply need to make do.

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