2072: Game World, IC thread for 2072: Recruitment always open! Options

[Notsoevildm]

Virtual Scream; Alex Bianchi
September 3, 2072, 11:25; Alex's Everett apartment
Hermes Ikon: Hidden | SIN: Alexander Bianchi ( Re 4 - Sig 3 - Fi 5 - Sys 4 - Agent 4 [running Analyze 4] )

<<@Harvey [Alex Bianchi]: Not dead, but this has been a hell of a couple days. I'll swing by to get the sniffer in a bit. Can't say I've ever heard of those corps, either, but I intend to find out more. Maybe I can squeeze the 'plex government for some "consulting fees" if I get anything, who knows. Speaking of fees: <funds transfer: ¥1,000> If that's not your "chummers rate" you're an extortionist. <display grin> See you later, and thanks for your help. >>

<<@Alex Bianchi[Harvey]: Appreciate the cred, Alex. Not all my customers are so punctual or so generous. I'll do some digging here too, but as I said before hacking isn't my specialty. But as I won't be doing much work on my drones until I'm back on my feet, I do have some time. One other thing, and this I will pay you for. One of my contacts was following up on a kidnapping at a Stuffer Shack the other day. I should have heard back from him by now, so I'm just a little concerned something went down bad. He goes by the handle Uller <file>. If you find anything, let me know.>>

@Steven Dark [Alex Bianchi] << We seem to be looking into the same thing. I've already had a run in with some of those gangers, maybe we can get together this afternoon for some drinks and compare notes? I've got a couple leads on the corp angle I want to run down a bit. You still like that sports dive in Ft. Lewis?>>

<<@Alex Bianchi[Steven Dark]: It's not a dive, but yeah I can be there later on. Let me know when you get there and I'll swing by.>>

@Doc Vic [Alex Bianchi] << Hey, Doc. I've gotta burn the midnight oil on a case, you got anything I can down that'll help me through the night? Let me know.>>

<<@Alex Bianchi[Doc Vic]: I have some Long Haul at the office. I'll write you up a prescription. Drop by anytime. I'll be working late too.>>

The last message sent, Alex loaded his Browse utility and started pouring over whatever data he could find on the two companies that Harvey had discerned from the sniffer.

This was the boring part of any investigation. Pretty soon Alex has a bunch of windows open with different searches running and is clicking between panes as he tries to cross-reference the data to see if there are any connections. A single chip in a wireless sniffer was hardly evidence that CSS or its subsidiary MMO were linked to the >1rtu@l5cr3@m virus or had anything to do with the gangers looking for it.

Then something catches his eye. A police report of a call out to an MMO server farm. An automatic alarm had been raised, but when officers responded the corp security had brushed it off as a false alarm. But the time of the alarm corresponds with the first reports of the virus, which he realizes were all within a couple of blocks of the location. Not only that, but reading between the lines of the officer's report he also gets a feeling in his gut that the false alarm wasn't as false as MMO security made it out to be. He checks the names of the responding officers, O'Malley and Jones, not anyone he knew from his days on the force. Maybe Selene knows them, but that will cost him a lot of lunches.

[Notsoevildm]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Cat/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 14:34, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]

Dubstep
While he waits for Dante to arrive, Dubstep finally has some time to review the file Cindy downloaded from the Mitsuhama Nexus. It's too small to be anything other than the text file it claims to be so he opens it.

<<To: Jo Datsik (user 143561) ¦ From: Even Number, Mitsuhama Matrix Security ¦ Re: Missing data ¦ We encountered a problem with your data. It has been moved to a secure server. Please contact me for access. Until then, you can continue to upload any additional >1rtu@l5cr3@m files to this location>>

Dante
As Dante pulls into the parking lot at Ezell's he can only marvel at the difference between this part of town and the Barrens. For a start, everything is clean - the streets, the cars and the people. He feels out of place here in his battered van and scruffy worn suit. Plus he's the only ork.

It's not far to the entrance to the eatery, but he can feel the suspicious looks burning into his back. It's like being back in China. Even the waitress, an ork herself, looks at him nervously until Dubstep beckons him over to the table.

[Notsoevildm]

@Virtual Scream/Sprogget
September 1, 2072 22:xx; 39th Ave SW, south of the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Response 4(5), Signal 2, System 4, Firewall 3; Hidden; Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)
CMT Clip: Response 1, Signal 3, System 1, Firewall 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3)

...9426, 9425, 9424...

Like a timer ticking down, Sprogget is aware of the >1rtu@l5cr3@m nodes disappearing, one by one.

...9423, 9422, 9421...

The blimp twitches as he realizes that last one was the genitalia file from the link he took off the rich girl. Worse, when he glances over his shoulder he sees what he already knew. Franken-Hunter has absorbed the file into itself along with the Professor Gadget knowsoft.

Instead of the twisted version of a monocycle, Franken-Hunter now resembles a humanoid robot wearing a man's skin. Metal brains protrude from the top of the removed skull, light shines from empty eye-sockets and he can see pistons pumping in the open chest cavity. Skipping down past the very erect penis, the new icon is completed by a set of leg-shaped motorcycle forks straddling a single wheel, all that remains of the original sprite's icon.

...9420, 9419, 9418...

<<Target acquired>> chirrups LeO¦Franken-Hunter.

Sprogget knows where the virus started. He's been triangulating it in his head for the last couple of hours. It started at an MMO server farm in downtown Seattle.

He knows this because Franken-Hunter knows it. And Franken-Hunter is part of him now. And part of the tacnet he created. And all the devices and sensors in the tacnet.

He feels like his headache just got a little worse.

[Machine Ghost]

@E:Tribes
September 1, 2072 22:xx; 39th Ave SW, south of the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Response 4(5), Signal 2, System 4, Firewall 3; Hidden; Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)
CMT Clip: Response 1, Signal 3, System 1, Firewall 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3)

Thankfully the tacnet icon flag change was quick enough that LeO took only a single shot at the remaining fleeing Ork.  Still dropped the sabateour on the spot though.
@self:Not going to be following that one home today.  Maybe a bit of persuasion will get some information immediately.

Hearing Crow yell through tacnet from the sensors on G’Eye, and seeing that Scrapheap does not seem to be slowing down, Sprogget snaps in his most authoritive (virtual) voice.
@Drakehunters[Sprogget]: <<ALIVE!  We need information.>>
@self:Probably a good thing that Scrapheap was not close to start!
Thinking to distract Scrapheap in a different direction, he continues more moderately.
@Drakehunters[Sprogget]: <<I have questions I would like answered.  Maybe you could convince our guest to answer them Scrap.>>

As the team closes on the position of the downed fugitives, still pushing Banjo’s sensors to look for any additional opposition, Sprogget directs G’Eye to have a close look at the dead one, as soon as it can get there.
@self:From close up, the UWBR can be used for weapons and cyberware detection.  Especially using a custom sensor software complex form to boost|enhance that, I should be able to get an inventory of almost anything worn|carried|implanted just by flying the drone past.

@Sprogget[Cam]: <<It held one of our outer hardwired listening posts, so no, there weren’t any casualties other than another piece of tech we can ill afford to lose!  Fraggers know where and how hard to hit…I’ve got another ping on a group to the north of us…gotta go and redirect someone that way…Watch it, I’ve spotted another lot between you and the mall, they seem to be headed your way so I guess those two you downed have called in back-up.  Coming fast, two bikers…here’s the feed… [file link]>>

Quickly opening the supplied feed, Sprogget orients and locates the new potential threat.  Adding them to tacnet, he updates the team.
@Drakehunters[Sprogget]: <<More opposition incoming on bikes.  Get both of those and their gear out of sight.  Scrap, make sure the live one is not warning them by comm or radio.  Maybe we can return the favour of that earlier ambush.  They do not seem to be pushing hard, so we have a little time to prepare.>>

@Drakehunters[Sprogget]: <<Crow, Cam tells me that the explosion took out a hardwired listening post.  No friendly or bystander casualties.>>

@Cam[Sprogget]: <<See incoming.  Guess the scroungers are going to need to focus more on sensor tech for awhile.  Talk later.>>

Sprogget sends LeO to a likely ambush point out of sight, where he can just slip around a corner to add to the crossfire from the others.  Quickly configuring the drone for ambush mode, to be triggered by tacnet, he sends G’Eye to keep close to the prisoner, and the monocycle around another corner.  Banjo, he takes to another vantage point, in a spot slightly sheltered from the storm, and hopefully blend into the wall, bracing with the mechanical arm to help hold it in position against the buffeting by the storm.

Noticing that the ECCM software on the drones is reporting the successful filtering out of the distortions being introduced by the storm, Sprogget thinks,
@self:Glad the design included all of that countermeasures.  Hope whatever tech the Drakes are using was not set up quite so well.  Might give a little extra advantage.  That reminds me though.  Symptoms say they are using better tech than they should have.  Let’s cut the detectable electronic signals|emissions.
Locking in the current static infrastructure view of the surroundings, Sprogget tweaks the settings on the drones to cut active scans until the ambush gets sprung, relying on the passive sensors and Cam’s data feed to track the bikes.
@self:No point in announcing that we are here sooner than needed.  Audio, thermographic and low light should be enough.

No time now, but I want to get DR close to the Drakes.  The NLJD in the backpack might tell more about the tech they are carrying.  It is good for more than finding RFID tags!

Settling down in his Banjo skin, Sprogget uses the tacnet and sensor feeds to watch and listen for the approaching bikes, filtering out the storm.

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL
[July 9th, 2072, 00:29; Ghoul central, CZ, Chicago]

You can feel the urgency now…you can’t let that bastard escape to come on you when you are exposed in the open again. That and with Spider possessing him he is clearly a much greater threat than before. You know little of Spider’s ways as it is such an obscure totem followed by very few. You do know that she, the dangerous ones are usually a she you note wryly, will lure you on and then strike from the shadows.

Making your way carefully across the precarious floor, a misstep here would be worse than the chance of losing him, you follow after Snag deeper into the ruined complex…

<16 rds remaining ¦ SA mode ¦ Safety OFF>

As she scoops the shotgun into her hands, the smartlink feed brings her back to reality. She fully releases her awareness of the astral, the taint fading to a background queasiness. She also releases her grip on the wall crawl spell. If she goes through the floor it might save her, but she has bigger dangers to face than crumbling construction.

Spider might be a sneaky fragger, but I know a trick or two too!

She hums quietly as she moves carefully through the ruined building.

"Fire in my eyes,
fire in my hands,
fire in my soul!"

While the detect enemies has a limited range of just a few metres, she hopes it will be enough to warn her of any ghouls waiting in ambush.

Now I just have to worry about falling through the fragging floor!

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream
September 1, 2072 22:30; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Response 4(5), Signal 2, System 4, Firewall 3; Hidden; Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)
CMT Clip: Response 1, Signal 3, System 1, Firewall 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3)

Previously

Franken-Hunter turns his headlight toward the access link for the Bellevue girl's commlink.  He seems to be collecting and assessing information about it.  Apparently satisfied, he focuses the previously noticed exploit program analogue on the gateway to the node.  Sprogget can not see what flaw in the firewall is used, but very quickly the code blocking access falls away, and the path is open!

@self:Slot, but he made that look so easy!  What|how did he do that anyway?

Keeping one virtual eye on Franken-Hunter, and bypassing the normal interface, Sprogget locates and heads directly to the ownership and authorization information.
@self:Ugh, but this system is acting seriously sluggish|bitty box.  Maybe that made it easier for Franken-Hunter to peel it open.

Megan Kutras, age 17, SIN, home address, user name, authentication, blah blah.  Not any more.
Threading a temporary improvement to his Edit Complex Form, Sprogget wipes the existing authentication information, replacing it with his own logon information, so that he now effectively owns the Airwave.  The other information is left alone for the time being.
@self:Thank you Megan for giving|donating your ’link to a worthy cause|me.

Exiting from the node, he turns around and immediately re-enters it, this time providing the updated login information.  Back inside with a completely valid owners administrator account, he looks around, and starts going through the list of active programs and automatic subscriptions, shutting down, and disabling them.  The >1rtu@l5cr3@m icon immediately comes to his attention.  Male genitals, waving a full erection is sitting right in the middle of the node!

Sprogget cringes at the surgically cut edge.
@self:Cock and Balls!  I guess that accounts for why .. Megan .. threw the monocle away so fast.  Her image link must have dropped that right in front of her nose!.  And why she was so ready to give the commlink away too.  Must be a sheltered little flower, and things like that just do not happen to {chuckle} good little corp girls.

Well, leave that alone until last.

Each stopped and disabled process is recorded in a configuration file as it is scrubbed.
@self:I really do not need latest teen fashion information, or all of the up coming virtual and meat concerts for this singer.  I think Osha mentioned that name.  Or the current location of all of these {I think} school friends, and no I do not want to post my current location to the kiddies social site.

I can do the checks for any recordings, or links to the car and boy friend|security guard|driver later.  Do not want to try that sort of cleanup on the road.  Especially if there more of those crazy Spined Drakes around!

Also full cleanup later, including a new access ID, then I can use this to hold a fake SIN, Paul Brickhill, or some replacement.  That profile information is also useful.  It makes a good base for a fake.  Maybe Osha wants it, or knows someone that could use it.  Possibly updated a bit to be a bit more mature.  Or not.

With all of the regular processes for the commlink link shut down, even the scan program, the node starts to feel a bit better.  Not really good yet.  The >1rtu@l5cr3@m icon all by itself is using enough resources to significantly slow things down.

@self:Franken-Hunter said the data load was reducing performance by about a quarter.  This feels like more than that for an Airwave, but the Data sprite|Hunter started out stronger too.

Improving the known Analyze Complex Form by pouring a bit of resonance into it, Sprogget turns his full attention to the >1rtu@l5cr3@m icon, seeking to learn what it is, and especially how it is different from what he saw embedded in the sprite.

@self:Agent .. custom icon .. virus .. dormant .. data .. more data .. attack program .. encrypted data .. exploit ..

This looks|feels|seems like a fairly normal|standard|regular agent plus payload.  Other than how it is locked together, and refuses to be deleted or stopped, there is nothing unusual about the package.  Loading all of that data as part of an agent payload is a bit strange, but I can see|think of some ways of doing it.  If I had a reason to.  The keep alive stuff is obviously|must be|has no place but in the agent instructions, but that is obscure|messy|confusing|convoluted.  I can not see|understand how it works.  Nothing like that marriage|merge|fusion I see in Franken-Hunter though.

Staring at the details of the icon, then at Franken-Hunter, and back again, Sprogget attempts to wrap his head around how a similar agent, or 3 agents, could possibly transform a normal Data sprite into what he can see.  Without any noticeable success.

Mentally shaking his head, he retreats to the more comfortable familiarity of monocycle node, leaving a connection open to the Airware, so that he can continue to pick at the impossibility.

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Response 4(5), Signal 2, System 4, Firewall 3; Hidden; Analyze(5), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)
CMT Clip: Response 1, Signal 3, System 1, Firewall 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3)

The steadily reducing registered and responding >1rtu@l5cr3@m ping count has become part of the background for Sprogget.  He hardly notices it any more.  He knows he needs to do something about it fairly soon, since eventually that count is going to be him and Franken-Hunter.  The shear volume of the infected systems is still providing cover, and likely the hunters will pick the low hanging fruit first.  The nodes that are at fixed locations, and easy to locate.  Franken-Hunter was all over the place collecting the request information {plus extras}, and now they are physically on the move.  Maybe the {nearly} always running Stealth Complex Form will make them a bit harder to find as well.  For now, end of the list is just fine with him.

Suddenly something changes.  Node 9421 vanishes, and he knows that it was the piece from the corp girl’s Airwave.  Not only that, but just as clear, he is aware that Franken-Hunter has grown somehow, and that the growth was partly from absorbing that piece.  That was enough of a shock, that he almost missed the next impossibility.  Professor Gadget is gone.  Not moved to another node.  Not finished the assigned task.  Not derezzed.  Not retreated to the resonance realms.  Not destroyed.  Just gone.  And the >1rtu@l5cr3@m knowsoft that he was generating is now part of and being maintained by Franken-Hunter.

There is a short sharp pain from behind is left eye, and the biomonitor chatters a warning about physical  damage.  Another impossibility.  Franken-Hunter is now part of him.  Not just visiting his bionode.  Actually somewhat merged with him, as the virus was previously with the Data Sprite.  A Siamese twin in his head.

A refrain from Franken-Hunter’s initial report starts running over and over through his head.

Sprite:“Bionode not suitable for storage. Attempting to download to bionode may result in system damage / loss of data.”.

<<Target acquired>>

<<Target acquired>>

Rallying a bit, if only by temporarily denying the existence of all of this fresh impossibility, Sprogget handles the immediate necessities for the team, keeping the wounded Ork alive, and using the tacnet and Cam’s information to setup the reception for the soon to arrive bikers.  As soon as no more immediate actions are needed though, his gaze is drawn back to Franken-Hunter, nestled more closely in his bionode than he would have believed possible.

The new Franken-Hunter’s matrix appearance has changed significantly along with the new capabilities and status.  Now looking like a steampunked humanoid robot, with a lot of open panels and missing covers.  The better to show off the punking.  The legs are a variation of standard motor cycle forks, and the single wheel mounted between the feet is the only item recognizable from the previous monocycle form.  The erect penis matches what Sprogget remembers from the icon in the Airwave commlink.

@self:Human-punked, Steam-punked, Robot riding a unicycle.  With a serious hard-on.
Sprogget shudders and does his best to get himself under some semblance of control.  Denying the impossible exists in the face of knowledge and the evidence of his senses is not working.  As he starts to accept what IS instead of what MUST BE, other details of the changed situation start coming to his attention.  First as knowledge, then automatic confirmation using is own senses.  Which he realizes contains a ghost / echo from Franken-Hunter’s senses, which include the information available on the tacnet.  All of the tacnet nodes have been subverted to hold a matrix/mundane copy of the new and improved Franken-Hunter.  The connections to the tacnet nodes are being held open, to maintain direct communications between them.  The whole set of viruses and Franken-Hunter are presenting a sending a single ping out to the matrix.  A standard dormant >1rtu@l5cr3@m 'I exist' message.  Singular.

@self:A cluster of separate programs instead of nodes?  A distributed program|agent|AI?  What next?

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Response 4(5), Signal 2, System 4, Firewall 3; Hidden; Analyze(5), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)
CMT Clip: Response 1, Signal 3, System 1, Firewall 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3)

Sprogget’s thought about progression triggers a memory of where this came from.
@self:The initial virus started at|in|from the MMO server farm {here}.  I’ve been mentally triangulating it for the last couple of hours.  I?  Hours?  No.  I’ve been riding back from Bellevue with the Jailbreakers.  Franken-Hunter has been triangulating.  And I know what he knows.  Even more fully|certainly than experinece says a knowsoft provides.  Like .. the tacnet was taken over and locked open for self-defense.  It was not intended as an attack.  In spite of the potential meatspace repercussions.  It seems that Franken-Hunter has a need|use|strong desire for the tacnet and|or the linked sensors.

More that I know:

• The individual >1rtu@l5cr3@m pieces can be moved around, with specific limits, and they can merge into bigger pieces.  Frankenhunter gained some extra program flexibility, as well as additional data and Professor Gadget’s knowsoft.
• Collecting|merging all of the unique pieces will provide the information needed to figure out what really happened.
• There is no indication that MMO or it’s owner|parent|controller are looking for scream pieces, but someone is.
• There are a bunch of online sites offering scream removal services.  I expected that, but most are probably scams.  That subsidiary of Mitsuhama is more main stream|authentic|official than most though.  If that is fake, the publicity would be a company image black eye fairly quickly, with little benefit.  That is pretty fast work for a bigger company.  Unless they had advance knowledge of the virus, and the process needed to remove it, the momentum|change resistance|CYA would hold things up for longer than this.  Either some mid-level exec is sticking his neck out, or they are using that service as a way to collect pieces.  Interesting.
• If Franken-Hunter moves out of my head, the tacnet connection will be controllable again.  Ah!  But don’t be hasty|jump the gun here.  This knowledge is exactly what I sent Hunter out to get.  Plus more.  Even what I know does not tell me if I will retain the knowsoft connection when Franken-Hunter vacates.  Need to document the actionable knowledge as fully as I can first.
• Franken-Hunter sprite plus >1rtu@l5cr3@m is something new/.  He|they|it is learning|growing|becoming, changing as it eats|merges with|absorbs more new|unique pieces of the virus, and any programs/data it comes into contact with.  Hmmmm!?  Something to think carefully about.  Can|should I be a teacher|coach|mentor?  Providing a sequence|series of pieces.  I wonder what the limits are for contact with data?  Is my memory|knowledge|skills going to be data?  I’ve used the simrig CF to create 'clips' that include live emotional content.  The way Franken-Hunter and I are currently joined at the hind-brain, can he access, or I feed information from memory?  Without losing it in the process of course.  Think CAREFULLY.  Do not rush.

But first, talk with Franken-Hunter as is.  If he is like some other AI’s {Mister Cookie Monster}, he will not be real clear on the meatspace world outside of the ’trix, and he is a baby to boot.  Maybe a pre-baby.

With recent events as a pointed reminder, Sprogget knows that sharing knowledge is not the same as sharing thoughts and motivations.  He opens the previously created >1rtu@l5cr3@m information document, adding notes details, speculations, deductions related to the temporary Franken-Hunter knowsoft supplied memories.  While doing this, he thinks about how to convince Franken-Hunter that some of it’s actions, especially with no warning, could negatively affect the physical parts of the nodes that it can see, and how that in turn could affect the nodes that it does use.  Working from the perspective of an entity that knows the matrix, but does not know, or is only vaguely aware of meatspace.

It is amazing just how fast information can be added to a storage file, when you can almost pipe stream of consciousness thoughts to a file.  Saving the knowledge summary, but leaving the interface open to act as a not so subtle reminder to add more as the artificial memories surface, he addresses Franken-Hunter directly.

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Response 4(5), Signal 2, System 4, Firewall 3; Hidden; Analyze(5), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)
CMT Clip: Response 1, Signal 3, System 1, Firewall 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3)

@self:Here goes.  Meatspace 101 for reality impaired matrix children.  Avoiding any extra confusion by not mentioning MORE realities, like astral that known entities access.

@Franken-Hunter:“Hunter|Franken-Hunter|Virtual Scream|Entity in the process of becoming.  I present some information that you may|likely are not aware of about the environment|world we are currently enjoying|residing|communicating in.  This environment|world|universe {the matrix} is linked|joined to another environment.  Changes|actions|events in either environment can have an effect on the other environment.  The related|following|dependent effect can be positive|neutral|negative to that environment.  Those effects can|may in turn cause additional changes|events in the first environment.  Cross environment events can be significantly|substantially delayed from the triggering event.  Some of your recent actions have resulted in|triggered changes that have|could have had bad|undesired|unanticipated consequences in both environments.  As a person|entity|being more directly involved with both environments, I have introduced|started|triggered additional events, in both environments, to negate|reduce|improve the result in both environments.  Your are perceiving portions of the alternate environment through {tacnet sensor suite}.  That may appear to be|be perceived as a form of data within the matrix environment, but you will find there is only a partial|incomplete correlation between events in the Matrix, and the changes in that sensor data.  There are beings|action takers|entities that reside|live|perceive|interact either wholly, or to varying degrees, partially in that environment.

Matrix nodes of type {bionode} are half of a being|entity that exists|interacts in both environments at the same time.  Nodes of type {commlink} are less closely related to entities that exist in the other environment, but interact partially with the matrix.  Nodes of type {vehicle|drone}, especially those with options|controls for move|target|drive and {appendages|manipulators} can directly effect the alternate environment”.

Once Sprogget is convinced that Franken-Hunter is at least tentatively accepting the concept of interdependent environments, it is it time to focus on specific cases.

@Franken-Hunter:“The point of providing this information, in careful detail, is to supply background on why some of your recent matrix targeted actions have had consequences that have add effects in the other environment that I|Sprogget|this entity also interacts with, with following events that could lead directly to bad|less than optimal|unintended results in the matrix environment.

Your goal|purpose is to seek|get information about >1rtu@l5cr3@m.  A corollary to that is that loss of data is bad|undesired|to be avoided.  You|previous incarnation reported that a {bionode} was not suitable for storage of acquired information, and that attempting to use the {bionode} for storage could result in system damage, with consequent loss of data.  However your preemptive|self defensive action of .. altering .. the interface|actions|communication of this {bionode}, and adjusting it and yourself to make it a more permanent home|base has had the same effect.  The data that you hold|know|contain has been stored in the bionode.  This has caused, so far minimal, damage to the {bionode} and associated dual environment entity.  If not corrected, that damage will increase, resulting in the loss of data.  Eventually, that damage will result in the physical loss of all communication access to the {bionode}, and destruction of the node itself.

Even if you managed to leave before the end, I do not know if you, or the part of you that started as an entity of type {sprite}, are yet sufficiently independent to survive the destruction of the source|home|birth {bionode}.  I think we would both be more comfortable|confident if you moved|relocated that stored data to an alternate node.  The node type {drone}, tag LeO seems to have the capacity|features that you desire.  When moving, please maintain the knowsoft link with me|this bionode|this entity.  Also be aware that LeO has tasks to perform that directly and indirectly affect both environments, and that significant interference with those tasks will result in increased risk of destruction of any|all of those nodes, as well as others in the local area”.

Sprogget waits to see if Franken-Hunter understands enough about the concepts to be willing to do the requested move.

@self:Maybe I need a more direct demonstration of meat|matrix interaction. I could use Banjo to power off then back on the NLJD sensor package, or maybe the Airwave. Showing manipulation of a matrix device through a medium that does not use any matrix connection, and doing something that is not even possible from the matrix. There is no 'on' switch.

[phlapjack77]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Cat/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 14:34, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]

The feeling made Dante's skin crawl, all of the people looking at him. He was used to disappearing, blending in with the masses around him. This must be how foreigners felt when they first started appearing in China's cities. Openly staring at people wasn't considered rude, but it had never really been Dante that was the target of the crowd's attention. He subconsciously checked the small of his back for the umpteenth time, feeling the reassuring weight of his pistol concealed there. The only bright spot in all this is that at a place as nice as this, he was less likely to have some idiot gangers come barging in to rob the place.

The ork slides into a seat by the others and yells for the waitress, raising more than a few faces at his rudeness. He lets her hang by his side as he looks over the menu. With a loud sound of disgust he closes the AR menu and looks over at Dubstep. What tastes good here? I'll have that and add a beer.

After the waitress returns with his drink, he raises it to the two runners in a toast To business! What have you found out? I am waiting on any information that is received from the living ganger.

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/Chi Town
[July 9th, 2072, 00:27; Ghoul central, CZ, Chicago]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

"What are you doing waiting here?" Gemeaux asks Mordred when he catches up with him. "Do we not still have a job to do?"

Gemeaux glances down at the ork.

"Who are you? More reinforcements from our mysterious benefactor?"

[ChromeZephyr]

@E:Tribes; Scrapheap
September 1, 2072 22:xx; 39th Ave SW, south of the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
PAN mode: Hidden | SIN displayed: Eric Jones

Scrapheap registered the physical and virtual shouts from his comrades as he raced past the gory mess that had been the first runner, but didn't respond to avoid breaking the rhythm of his stride and breathing. The crack of the drone's rifle from above and behind him made him flinch reflexively and stumble, but the momentary loss of speed wouldn't matter anyways. He skidded to a stop a couple of feet from the downed-but-not-dead kid, covering him with the assault rifle like he remembered Karl doing in Siberian Diplomacy.

'Course he's a kid, Crow. Dat's how it is here in da Barrens. He pulled a couple huge breaths in to slow his heart rate down, then glared hatefully at the injured boy.

He indicated the debris choked gutter a few steps away with the barrel of the assault rifle. "Throw whateva' your comm-thing is over 'dere, and mebbe I'll let ya live. Don't fuckin' think for a nano-sec I won't gut ya if ya give me lip. I already killed two 'a you bitch Drakes tonight, one more's just as easy."

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream, E:Tribes
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Res 4(5), Sig 2, Sys 4, FW 3; Hidden; Biofeedback Filter(4), Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1), Franken-Hunter
CMT Clip: Res 1, Sig 3, Sys 1, FW 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3), Scan(1), Browse(1), Command(1), Edit(1), Mapsoft(6)

[ Spoiler ]

Novatech Airwave: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; SIN: Megan Kutras, Scan(1), Analyze(3), Browse(3), Command(1), Edit(2), Purge(3)
DR: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,Opt), Defense(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), >1rtu@l5cr3@m
LeO: Res 6, Sig 5, Sys 6, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4), Maneuver(4), Targeting(4)+Opt, Covert Ops(4), ECCM(6), Encrypt(6), >1rtu@l5cr3@m
G’Eye: Res 3, Sig 5, Sys 3, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Defense(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Chaser(4,opt), Trailblazer(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), Analyze(6,opt,erg,gua), Purge(6,opt,erg,res), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor, >1rtu@l5cr3@m
Banjo: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Electronic Warfare(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor, >1rtu@l5cr3@m
Franken-Hunter: Res 5, Sig LeO, FW 2; Pilot(4), Analyze(4), Browse(4), Decrypt(4), Edit(4), Sniffer(4), >1rtu@l5cr3@m(5?), Exploit|ECCM(?), Attack(?), Knowsoft(3?)

Scrambling to get some order back into the team matrix nodes, Sprogget suddenly realizes another risk exists, that could extend beyond the local group, to the Mechanicals’ security system.

@self:Slot, the sensor feed!.  All of the data from tacnet sensors is feeding through that encrypted link Cam sent me!  Drek.  That could provide a backdoor into the sensor mesh monitoring system!

Hastely, he cuts that connection.

@self:They are just going to have to do without that data for now.  I better let them know why I cut that link, before someone decides to followup on the glitch.  They and Fre∑dom also need|must be told|informed|warned to restrict|take precations in matrix dealings with me|us till the impossible quits happening so much.

@self:Franken-Hunter and I are both potentially dangerous to the the tribe and our resources, since Franken-Hunter is still|currently attached to me.  I need to|must make sure that they are aware of the risk.  But also the possible|potential opportunity presented.  I don’t want to use standard direct communications, since Franken-Hunter might decide|choose to use that as a doorway into resources he should be kept out of.  At least until he grows up|becomes responsible enough to have some restraint|care for the rights|feelings|requirements of others.  Best option seems to be a simple text message.  That should be safest|secure from infection.  Even better than face talk, with Franken-Hunter riding along apparently ready to grab nodes.

The others here can’t do anything to help.  With Crow and Scrapheap’s general matrix skills they might not have even noticed anything wrong|unusual yet.  Tacnet *IS* still feeding information.  Just have guests and strange state all over the nodes.  No need to tell them anything.  Yet.

Sprogget composes a pure text message, opening with a warning about an active matrix threat, not targeted at the tribes, potentially dangerous to nearby resources, but with the possible but unproven opportunity to clean any >1rtu@l5cr3@m infected nodes in the tribal controlled areas, and to provide targeting and access to any infected technology being used by attackers in the area.  With the basics out of the way, and a prefix warning that the details will probably be most clear to other TMs, a clear and concise description of the pedigree plus observed and known capabilities of the current incarnation of Franken-Hunter is provided.  A note is added, that the knowledge is the result of a knowsoft initially created using a tutor sprite.  Text messaging is suggested as the apparently safest way to communicate, with a request for ideas and possible support.  The message concludes with the stated intent to attempt to clean the commlinks of the rest of the Drakehunters team, then disengage to explore and learn from the new entity, including using infected nodes, starting locally, in the research.

@self:When Prospero see this, he might want to pull my plug.  Given how he shut the local matrix down when news about >1rtu@l5cr3@m started showing up.  I want|have responsibility to help|protect the tribes, but I am not going to climb in a hole, and pull it in behind me!

This may be paranoid, but I think it best to use strictly the AR interface to post this message.  Less chance|opportunity that Franken-Hunter will be able to follow what I am doing in the matrix, and tag along where the message is going.

With the message content ready in a file, Sprogget prepares to send it.  Switching his attention from VR to AR, he flexes and twists his right hand, bringing up the AR interface for the CMT Clip.  Checking as best he can from AR that Franken-Hunter is not paying too much attention to his activities, he brings up a standard offline message template.  Then, being very sure to include only text content, he pastes the information into a message, using only the AR interface, and addresses it to both Cam and Nimbus, tagging it as high but not critical priority, and marking it as time sensitive, then sends it as an email.

@self:I would have liked to include the >1rtu@l5cr3@m knowledge notes, but that has too many links and cross references to be safe in a pure text message.

I wonder how long it will take before someone decides to respond to that?  Get the wrong people in the discussion, and it could be days before any sort of agreement is reached.  Given current priorities though, both Cam and Nimbus are in a position to make quick decision during the ongoing attacks.  If they see a benefit|advantage.

[Slacker]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 13:36:23, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]
PAN: Hidden, SIN: Jo Datsik (Fake SIN Rtg4), Response 6, Signal 5, System 6, Firewall 6, (Analyze 6, Armor 3-Ergonomic, Attack 4-Ergo, Biofeedback Filter 6, Browse 6-Ergo, Command 6-Ergo, Disarm 3, ECCM 3-Ergo, Edit 6-Ergo, Exploit 6, Scan 6, Spoof 3-Ergo, Stealth 6)
Secondary PAN: Active, SIN: Jo Datsik(Fake SIN Rtg4), Response 3, Signal 4, System 4, Firewall 4, (Agent 3, Analyze 4, Browse 4, Edit 4, Tacsoft 2)

Scanning the room for any possible threats, and otherwise just being irked by the stares of the CAS-centric clientelle of the restaurant openly watching him, Dante failed to register that while Dubstep's eyes may be open, they were looking onto another world. The hacker hadn't even acknowledge the question.

"Hey, you in there?" he asks with a nudge.

Dubstep blinks a few times and minimizes a few of the AR windows he was working with. Pulling off his oversized headphones that Dante could hear a speedy beat coming from, though it abruptly started shifting to a calmer ambient tone as the headphones were removed, "Oh wiz. You made it. Sorry, was just finishing up refurbishing that ganger's commlink for.....Cat to use?" He ended the statement with a quizical look as he noticed the half drunk glass of wine with lipstick on the rim sitting next to him on the table. "Um....where'd she go? Guess she stepped out for a minute....Whatever."

He takes a big drink out of his glass of water that had obviously been sitting there for a while. Dante guessed the guy had forgotten to drink anything while he worked on the commlink.

Repeating his earlier question, Dante orders up some crispy fried chicken and mashed potatoes based on Dubstep's recommendation.

And then they get down to business...

"Well, I haven't been able to figure out where those gangers got this gizmo, " Dubstep holds up the virtualscream tracking device. "But it's picked up a few signals on the way over here and I've got Cindy logging them as she finds them. So, we can look down that path if we want to." Another big drink of water. Seems like he's not used to talking so much with spending most of his time either in VR or clubs too loud to hear himself speak. "But really, I'm more interested in what's been going on with the scream files I've been collecting. Seems the admins on the Nexus I've been using had to move them to an even more secure server because of a 'problem' they encountered with the data files. I was just about to contact them to find out what the dealio is. Did you find anything out that would connect the Jasons to this virus after we left?"

Still listening and responding to Dante, Dubstep multi-tasks to send off a quick message to the Mitsuhama Matrix Security officer that had left him the message, Even Number. <<To:Even Number | Jo Datsik \ Re: Missing data. Please contact me at the attached LTG. Need details on any problems connected to that data.>>

[phlapjack77]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 14:41, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]

As the food arrives Dante is apprehensive. Even with the recommendations of Dubstep, the street sam believes that this foreign food won't be to his liking. But to his surprise he recognizes these dishes, not so different than what he sometimes had in Beijing. Well, different in one way, in that it was really, really good. Dante listened with half an ear to Dubstep's chatter as he wolfed down the food. When the monologue from the hacker comes to a close, Dante sighs and pushes the plates back, looking for a toothpick. Not finding one, he lets out a loud belch and orders another beer by calling out to the waitress and making the drinky-drinky motion.

No new information. I must wait to see what is discovered from the remaining Jason ganger. Maybe we can waited here a little while for both of our leads to grow up. If after a half day we do not have anything new, then we can follow the leads that the device had discovered.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/Chi Town
[July 9th, 2072, 00:27; Ghoul central, CZ, Chicago]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Hidden

"Patching this guy up." Mordred nods. "And yes, they are." But Gemeaux was right. It was long past time to get moving. "There's one more member of their team in that ruined building as well. A spellcaster, according to them. We should grab her, then get back to shelter." He hurriedly packs up, turning his attention to their charges. "Sound off to let me know you're alright. Monsieur Collot." Mordred addresses the technomancers who the ork and elf had been protecting. "You two. Any injuries?"

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Res 4(5), Sig 2, Sys 4, FW 3; Hidden; Biofeedback Filter(4), Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)

[ Spoiler ]

CMT Clip: Res 1, Sig 3, Sys 1, FW 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3), Scan(1), Browse(1), Command(1), Edit(1), Mapsoft(6)
Novatech Airwave: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; SIN: Megan Kutras, Scan(1), Analyze(3), Browse(3), Command(1), Edit(2), Purge(3)
DR: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,Opt), Defense(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg)
LeO: Res 6, Sig 5, Sys 6, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4), Maneuver(4), Targeting(4)+Opt, Covert Ops(4), ECCM(6), Encrypt(6), Franken-Huter
G’Eye: Res 3, Sig 5, Sys 3, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Defense(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Chaser(4,opt), Trailblazer(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), Analyze(6,opt,erg,gua), Purge(6,opt,erg,res), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor
Banjo: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Electronic Warfare(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor
Franken-Hunter: Res 5, Sig {node}, FW 2; Pilot(4), Analyze(4), Browse(4), Decrypt(4), Edit(4), Sniffer(4), >1rtu@l5cr3@m(4), Exploit(?)|ECCM(?)|Knowsoft(?), Attack(?)

Reviewing the knowledge that Franken-Hunter has fed into his memories, checking on the security and risk implications, Sprogget discovers something with a high risk of putting him on the receiving end of serious corporate attention.

@self:The ping that Franken-Hutnter|>1rtu@l5cr3@ are putting out makes a beacon pointing to each of the pieces.  The >1rtu@l5cr3@ virus that Hunter was sent to do research on is rather exotic|effective|powerful compared to typical malware.  The matrix research groups of all|every corp is going to want to have a close look.  As soon as they realize that each piece is unique (not hard with all the different body part AROs), and find that ping, they will be chasing pieces to have a look.  With the interest|fear|paranoia they already have about Technomancers, when they find that the virus is capable of infecting bionodes and sprites, the research will become a major project as fast as authorizations can be approved.  They will want to weaponized it (even more than it already is).  That will have them scouring both physical and matrix for any of those special infections.  With recovery|snatch and grab|bag and tag teams ready to grab any affected people|entities and stuff them in a deep hole in their research labs.  Everything is telling me that Franken-Hunter is even more unique.  If they discover him ...  If they link him to me ...  Serious drek ugly!

Forcing himself not to panic, Sprogget goes over the timeline, actions, and opportunities of the different known and theorized players.

@self:The >1rtu@l5cr3@m infection is new, starting as of noon today.  As soon as it is realized that this virus acts different, and slices through firewalls, the initial checks and damage control will start.  With that signature audible scream drawing attention, that will be quick.  Then the preliminary checks.  That resistance to deleting, or moving to offline storage|nodes probably slowed things down some.  Then discovering the ping and unique data payloads.  Then some random tracing.  Eventually a systematic cataloging of the pieces.  At some point, an >1rtu@l5cr3@m piece will be found in a sprite or bionode.  There are enough strange and impossible things along the way, to cause some confusion|double checking|verification.  Once confirmed, the news will need to be reported up chain, with evidence provided to convince skeptics the researches are not whacked.  Then new resources allocated.  That should take a 'few' hours at least.  How many?  No way to tell really, and it will vary for each group.  At least until the news gets around, and the rest jump in almost at the same time, as the back-channel information gets out that there is something interesting|powerful.  LeFey might have some idea how fast the corps are likely to move, but she's not here, and no time now for explanations and question by text messages.  Have to plan on|act as if|assume it will be fast.

By the time I sent Hunter out to gather information, the >1rtu@l5cr3@m pieces were all dormant.  Any that were watching then would have had a shrinking list of pings, from merges and other disappearances (probably other corps isolating pieces).  When Hunter encountered|ate|fused with the pieces, the ping pattern should have looked like piece merging (if they knew about those by then).  With, Franken-Hunter now, continuously on the move collecting the individual piece information he reported, any attempt to track him probably dead-ended|glitched|failed.  If there were other entities also looking for|watching the pieces, and he was noticed doing his own, he was possibly|hopefully taken to be a tool from one of the competitors.  It takes a fairly close look to notice just how impossible he is.

Once Hunter came back to report though, his matrix location became constant.  Probably my binode.  His ping would have been added to the list to be checked out.  At the rate the pings are disappearing|merging there should have been nothing to bring any particular attention to that particular ping.  Unless the corp groups already have way more resources than I expect, they would not be starting a new trace on every new ping.  All of the glitches while Franken-Hunter was jumping around could even help that.  Probably spending a lot of time working against|get in the way of each other too.  They would be working through the list they already have.  Then when Franken-Hunter munched the piece from Megan's link, a new piece merge would have shown up in the pings.  If someone has 'recent merges' as their current research project, something|someone could be showing up any time.

That ping seems to bypass stealth.  It wants to be noticed.  In general, it appears that the ping can not be shut off.  Franken-Hunter takes badly to losing matrix access.  Can he|special case choose not to send the ping?  Does he really need to send it?

@Franken-Hunter:“Does the {ping} that you are sending regularly serve a purpose in your goal of collecting information about >1rtu@l5cr3@m?  The pings from other >1rtu@l5cr3@m pieces are useful, in that they provide a beacon show where and how many pieces currently exist.  The ping you are sending out though does not apparently|seem to contribute to the goal of acquiring additional information.  It also poses a security threat”.

Sprogget provides Franken-Hunter with a quick overview of the typical corporation attitude of destroying, capturing, controlling anything new or unusual, treating it as threat to themselves.  There is very little trust for Technomancers, AIs, or other entities that they can not fully control, and they are actively looking for weapons to give them an edge.

@Franken-Hunter:“The capabilities demonstrated by >1rtu@l5cr3@m will have them interested|eager|greedy to turn it into a new weapon.  When they discover that it can interact with Technomancers and resonance beings, that interest will immediately become avarice.  If|when any of them discover your unique existence, they will focus a lot of attention|resources|power|effort in acquiring|controlling|caging you.  Reconfiguring to use an ECCM will not help, and that {ping} will lead them right to you.  If they get hold of you, they will lock you away from the matrix, and do their best to take you apart to see how you work.

Can you reconfigure to turn off|stop sending that ping?  Does your health|comfort|well being require that it be sent?  Does your well being require that it be accessible|received by the whole matrix? Can you reconfigure to send that ping to me|a specific address instead of everywhere”?

[Notsoevildm]

@Virtual Scream, Sprogget
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Res 4(5), Sig 2, Sys 4, FW 3; Hidden; Biofeedback Filter(4), Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)

[ Spoiler ]

CMT Clip: Res 1, Sig 3, Sys 1, FW 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3), Scan(1), Browse(1), Command(1), Edit(1), Mapsoft(6)
Novatech Airwave: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; SIN: Megan Kutras, Scan(1), Analyze(3), Browse(3), Command(1), Edit(2), Purge(3)
DR: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,Opt), Defense(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg)
LeO: Res 6, Sig 5, Sys 6, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4), Maneuver(4), Targeting(4)+Opt, Covert Ops(4), ECCM(6), Encrypt(6), Franken-Huter
G’Eye: Res 3, Sig 5, Sys 3, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Defense(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Chaser(4,opt), Trailblazer(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), Analyze(6,opt,erg,gua), Purge(6,opt,erg,res), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor
Banjo: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Electronic Warfare(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor
Franken-Hunter: Res 5, Sig {node}, FW 2; Pilot(4), Analyze(4), Browse(4), Decrypt(4), Edit(4), Sniffer(4), >1rtu@l5cr3@m(4), Exploit(?)|ECCM(?)|Knowsoft(?), Attack(?)

Can you reconfigure to turn off|stop sending that ping?  Does your health|comfort|well being require that it be sent?  Does your well being require that it be accessible|received by the whole matrix? Can you reconfigure to send that ping to me|a specific address instead of everywhere”?

Sprogget senses what feels like sadness through his link with FrankenHunter. He cannot tell if it about the threat to its existence, the danger it has put Sprogget and his friends in, or simply its inability to deactivate the ping.

<<Bionode:Sprogget the ping|scream|song is hard-coded into me. It is necessary to locate|communicate|integrate with other code segments like me. You may block|divert it in the manner you are thinking about without affecting my primary function. I have also returned control of the tacnet to you and removed my presence from all connected nodes except Drone:LeO as requested.>>

[Notsoevildm]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 14:42, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]

There is a short period of silence as Dante and Dubstep consider their options and what to do next. Then, almost simultaneously, messages pop up in their AR displays.

<<To: Jo Datsik | Even Number \ Re: Missing data. Mr Datsik, It is probably best if you take a look at the problem with me. Here is a one time access to the secure node: <link>.>>

<<To: Dante | Xiao Hong \ You kept wrong Jason alive. This one have lots of intestines but little information. Jasons were hired to find devices infected with Virtual Scream virus but this one did not know by who. Before he die, he did tell me that the scanner your found can detect any infected devices within 100 m. He say they were scouting around Red Lotus territory when detected infected devices in restaurant. Figured good excuse to hit my restaurant. Not so good idea after all. Now Jasons need many new recruits before they trouble Red Lotus again.>>

[Machine Ghost]

@Virtual Scream
September 1, 2072 22:xx; Near the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup
Bionode: Res 4(5), Sig 2, Sys 4, FW 3; Hidden; Biofeedback Filter(4), Analyze(3), Command(1), Edit(1), Scan(1), Sniffer(3), Spoof(1), Stealth(3), Shield(1), Tacsoft(2), Simrig(1)

[ Spoiler ]

CMT Clip: Res 1, Sig 3, Sys 1, FW 1; Hidden; SIN: Paul Brickhill (R3), Scan(1), Browse(1), Command(1), Edit(1), Mapsoft(6)
Novatech Airwave: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; SIN: Megan Kutras, Scan(1), Analyze(3), Browse(3), Command(1), Edit(2), Purge(3)
DR: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,Opt), Defense(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg)
LeO: Res 6, Sig 5, Sys 6, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4), Maneuver(4), Targeting(4)+Opt, Covert Ops(4), ECCM(6), Encrypt(6), Franken-Hunter
G’Eye: Res 3, Sig 5, Sys 3, FW 6; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Defense(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Chaser(4,opt), Trailblazer(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), Analyze(6,opt,erg,gua), Purge(6,opt,erg,res), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor
Banjo: Res 3, Sig 3, Sys 3, FW 3; Hidden; Pilot 3, Clearsight(4,opt), Maneuver(4,opt), Covert Ops(4,opt), Electronic Warfare(4,opt), Encrypt(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg), ECCM(6,opt,erg):sensor
Franken-Hunter: Res 5, Sig {node}, FW 2; Pilot(4), Analyze(4), Browse(4), Decrypt(4), Edit(4), Sniffer(4), Steganography, Watermark, >1rtu@l5cr3@m(4), Exploit(?)|ECCM(?)|Knowsoft(?), Attack(?)

Franken-Hunter: Res 5, Sig {node}, FW 2; Pilot(4), Analyze(4), Browse(4), Decrypt(4), Edit(4), Sniffer(4), >1rtu@l5cr3@m(4), Exploit(?)|ECCM(?)|Knowsoft(?), Attack(?)
<<Bionode:Sprogget the ping|scream|song is hard-coded into me. It is necessary to locate|communicate|integrate with other code segments like me. You may block|divert it in the manner you are thinking about without affecting my primary function. I have also returned control of the tacnet to you and removed my presence from all connected nodes except Drone:LeO as requested.>>

@self:Not the best answer, but something I can work with.  Need to do a bit of work to setup a physical|guest room at the wifi blocked workbench, so Franken-Hunter can not be easily traced while at the complex.

@Franken-Hunter:“Thank you for removing the data|package from the bionode.  It does not support|handle it very well.

@self:Locate|communicate|integrate?  "My"|singular presence?  More to think about.

@Franken-Hunter:“If additional resources are needed|useful, the remaining {Drones} have some capacity, although they too have tasks to perform.  Please refrain from impacting resources on nodes {team member:commlink}, except in emergency.  I have been managing|controlling|directing those as part of my duties|responsibilities, but others have rights|authorization|ability to select the purposes those resources are used for.

Are limited processing|memory|storage resources going|likely to be|become a problem|concern?

The block|divert functionality is only needed when you stay in one place long enough to be traced by others.  As long as you are away from me|my bionode, and keep changing locations at short intervals, the risk to you|us created by the ping|scream|song is  minimized|reduced.

Something for you to think about|consider.  This would be for safety, not directly for your goal of acquiring data, but if I setup the physical structure to enable|allow|faciliate removing your {voice} from the {song}, can you do that yourself?  If so, that would provide you a haven|resting place independent of my availability to suppress the ping signal.  One of the reasons|desires|purposes for me going to that location is to heal|rest|recuperate myself and {this:monocycle} node|construct|device.  I would be unable to maintain the block myself while doing that”.
@self:I should be able to have a sprite smoother the signal before it can get out of the wireless adapter, but that would limit what else I can do too.
@Franken-Hunter:“I could provide a temporary|limited time, assistant|sprite|tool to do the work, as long as you permit|allow it to, and do not eat|incorporate it as you did Professor Gadget and the knowsoft.  That is still dependent of me being available to create|build|instruct the helper at the right time.

A perhaps better|safer|simpler option, if your current body|being|essence is still capable|able, is to rest in the resonance.  While carrying that payload, with the hard-coded song, I do not know if you're still can do that, and I also do not know what affect the song would have in the realm.  Daedalus says I am not ready yet, so I could not see.  I think|believe|desire that I am ready, but have not had the time|opportunity to focus on|finish|use the wisdom|experience. Can you tell if that song would be a beacon in the resonance realms?

On another topic, please provide me with a summary of the history information collected so far, about changes to the ping|scream|song|chorus”.

Franken-Hunter supplies the requested ping data, and Sprogget has a quick look at the recent changes.
@self:Mostly seems to be piece merges, but about 10% just vanishing.  Still a pretty small sample though, and no obvious pattern yet.

@Franken-Hunter:“If you can safely|inconspicuously|quietly do so, go rest in the resonance for awhile, and I'll call when I have a fairly safe place for you here.  Otherwise, go see what more information|updates|details that you can find about >1rtu@l5cr3@m, and what is known about it.  With priority on staying safe, which means stay moving, and minimizing direct contact with researchers|hunters|entities that are working on|with|around the >1rtu@l5cr3@m pieces.  Their accessible data stores seem to be a better source.  Keeping safe is more important than additional data.  There will be no new information if you get destroyed, or caged and locked away from the matrix.  The density|capabilities|resources|goals of those investigating|hunting the >1rtu@l5cr3@m would be interesting, but deliberately seeking that information is counter-productive.  It would help provided some indication of the level of risk your {song} presents, but would likely bring you to the notice of those most likely able to recognize your uniqueness, and with the desire|will|resources to cage|destroy|control you.  Increased risk for no real benefit. Check back with me in 30 minutes. I should be close to having the safe room|bunker|protection ready by then”.

[phlapjack77]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 14:42, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]

<<@Xiao Hong [Dante] Much thanks. Know that I am working on resolving this matter as hard as I can and will not stop until it is finished satisfactorily for the Red Lotus.>>

My intel says that the device from the gangers can find this "Virtual Cream" virus in electric things in 100 meters. Perhaps we should also use it for this purpose. I am eager to get started.

Dante gives this statement another raise of his beer in a toast and then downs it.

[Slacker]

@Virtual Scream: Dubstep/Dante
[September 2, 2072, 14:43:23, Ezell's - Southern Accent, Bellevue]
PAN: Hidden, SIN: Jo Datsik (Fake SIN Rtg4), Response 6, Signal 5, System 6, Firewall 6, (Analyze 6, Armor 3-Ergonomic, Attack 4-Ergo, Biofeedback Filter 6, Browse 6-Ergo, Command 6-Ergo, Disarm 3, ECCM 3-Ergo, Edit 6-Ergo, Exploit 6, Scan 6, Spoof 3-Ergo, Stealth 6)
Secondary PAN: Active, SIN: Jo Datsik(Fake SIN Rtg4), Response 3, Signal 4, System 4, Firewall 4, (Agent 3, Analyze 4, Browse 4, Edit 4, Tacsoft 2)
As Dubstep reads the message about needing to see what's happening himself, his lifetrack switched to some more ominous tones. He gets a bit worried about what could possibly be going on.
"Eh. Looks like we need to hold up for a second on that. Whatever is happening with the chunks I've been putting on the Nexus is gonna require me diving in to personally take a look. You mind watching me here in meatspace while I dive in?"
Once Dante agrees, Dubstep slumps into the booth as his consciousness full transitions over the the digital landscape of VR. He looks over the link briefly to make sure it appears legit. Then follows it to the secured system to see what new horror could be going down....

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town
[July 9th, 2072, 00:27+; Ghoul central, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead

With Snake granting you her senses you easily detect the wastrel ghouls before they spring their trap, collapsing the floor before you as you try to leave the atrium. They then pounce on you, springing across the ruined mess of concrete and rusted rebar. They are sickly pitiful things, probably those not strong enough to be sent against your friends outside. Their scratches are meaningless, they stand no chance against your great strength, but in sufficient numbers they could drag you down and they possess an animal cunning. As you fling one off the balcony behind you you have a chance to curse at the delay they are causing…and to realise that the ones from the outside are climbing the atrium walls to get to you…

Anselm

Your blood is hot with rage at the fleeing infidel but you did not live this long by letting your emotions rule you over common sense. Levitating down inside the atrium you and your avenging angel set out after the ghoul…

The troll is beset by the lesser minions of this creature but he is now your primary goal and you are sure that she can deal with these in due course…

Mordred, Gemeaux & Requiem

With Tsubaki looking after the down, but not out, orc who gruffly identified himself as Stitch, the Collots and your two new charges (seems like you are collecting these helpless types – let’s hope they don’t prove to be too much of a liability)…you are free to charge off after the armoured elf who insisted on getting his friend out of whatever ghoul infested hellhole she had got herself into. Another warm body with a working gun will be a welcome addition so it makes sense to gather what resources you can…right?

You make it inside the structure in time to see a ghoul come flying back from the atrium in front of you. More of the sickly beasts are scaling the balconies inside, intent on something above them…

[Aria]

@E:Tribes
September 1, 2072 22:xx; 96th Ave E, south of the Fre∑dom Mall, Puyallup

Drakehunters – Crow & Scrapheap

You loom over the frightened kid, a young dishevelled human with an appalling case of acne, who rapidly drops an old style com device on the blacktop. He looks about ready to crawl out of his skin at your threatening demeanours and will almost certainly tell you whatever you want to know…

Sprogget

Whilst you are distracted by the impossibilities of FH you are still able to track the approaching drakes through the murk. They are a pair of orcs, hunched against the biting wind and stinging rain. They stop their heavy hogs just short of your location and proceed cautiously on foot, hugging the walls at the side of the block, scurrying where they need to pass an opening. Although it is difficult to tell they seem to be carrying the distinctive AKs and using the outmoded, and offgrid, coms to talk to one another over the howl. They look back together and one of them makes a forward gesture reminiscent of the trids… hugging the ground you make out the buzzing form of a rotodrone that hurtles between them and on towards your current location. From its speed and manoeuvring you would guess that it’s not being piloted by the dog brain…


@E:Tribes / LeFey
September 1, 2072 22:32; Fre∑dom Central Node

You are aware that the conversation between Winter and the others is continuing but Prospero or one of the others has excluded you from it…that could be a good or a bad thing?

Passing the location ping on to Jazz she responds by opening up a window to a map of the security mesh, showing worrying dark spots where the attackers have managed to damage or destroy various listening posts. The ping is square inside an area that is widely covered by the operating network! Jazz pulls up the camera feeds of the area and whisks through them…nothing…the feed has been looped!

[Aria]

@E:CoP; Baron Herbert & Johnny Awesome
August 23rd, 2072, 13:05; The Marlin, waterfront bar, Cardiff

Well it’s a little off your usual haunts but Ryl insisted that if you wanted to meet her again soon then it would have to be here. Baron Herbert’s itch to resolve the mystery of this dracoform needed scratching soon…!

The bar is quietly chic, suitably expensive for the provinces. Lots of Welsh around but then what else would you expect? Lots of real wood to offset the glazed façade that looks out over the still waters beyond. The sun is beaming down on a host of pleasure craft roving backwards and forwards, piloted no doubt by the idle rich with nothing better to do of an afternoon…much like yourselves! This is a far cry certainly from the life of the average citizen of this great nation.

The lady that you have been waiting for enters the establishment and if anything the hush gets quieter. She is accompanied by two large dreadlocked individuals that bear all the hallmarks of refined street toughs…the infamous Knights of Rage no doubt… Curiouser and curiouser…