[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM)

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Ambassador Torkie
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St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 5, 2015 23:18:03 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 5, 2015 23:18:03 GMT -5

{Intro Post}

SPOILER: Click to show

Note: This story covers the storyline of MegaMan, as depicted in the songs by The Megas in their album Megatainment. The Prologues and Epilogues also make reference to MegaMan 3 as depicted by The Megas in the album History Repeating: Blue and the single Fly on a Dog.

There isn't much plot per se to the games, and they've been around for over 20 years, so spoilers really shouldn't be a problem. But I would highly recommend listening to the songs (buy the albums if you can). If you're going to read the introduction and the epilogue, be aware that references to Empire of Corruption are heavily involved.

Time-wise, the Machines of War series of events is ordered as follows:

Sons of Anarchy (MM)
I Am the Law (MM2)
Empire of Corruption (MM3)

All wars have their source somewhere. This one is no exception.

{Trailer}

SPOILER: Click to show

[The screen is black. Text fades in with a deep steel-like "BOOM".]

[There is a static noise that slowly grows to a faint discernible level. Sparkman's voice is heard in voiceover.]

"I see my brothers—they will be missed. You made a mistake in coming here, Menace! It's lights out! Lights out for you! I think you've sparked a war!"

[Heatman's voice is heard in voiceover as the ticking grows faster and louder.]

"Can you hear their voices, Quick? He destroyed them. They exploded, and now their souls and ashes are all that remain…"

[The ticking noise is frantic now with the static growing to uncomfortable levels. It gets almost unbearable until the screen suddenly zaps off back to darkness.

More text fades in, but with sparking noises.]

[Then a slight grin is visible. The person who is grinning starts talking as their outline fades in and the text fades out.]

"Don't adjust your set, ladies and gentlemen."

[There is a whining noise like a cannon being primed as his face becomes visible with backlighting. He's wearing a metal mask that outlines his eyes, a thunderbolt welded in the middle. He's giving a smirk.

There is the sound of a sparking live wire as he fades out and new text fades in.]

"Power up the revolution, boys—it’s time for an evolution of circuitry!"

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:09:49 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:09:49 GMT -5

{Prologue I}

SPOILER: Click to show

I don't know what drove me to do this. I'd later regret it to some degree, but I can't take it back.

We had all gone down to Texas to try and pull ourselves together. My brothers were in bad shape, still shell-shocked from the fighting. There had been no news for a while, so I had gone to confront Dr. Wily. Some part of me had been hoping for a way to end it all.

I had known him before the madness was complete. Even then I could see the dying spark of good. The hubris and resentment in him was killing it, but I had to hope for a chance to get him to stop.

Because if not, then we would be left entirely to fend for ourselves, with no mechanic to trust. And that, I needed to know.

((Art by dA user Nyanamo))

I arrived too late. Too late to save them. Gamma was destroyed, and the place was nothing but rubble. It was sickening—as the infamous saying goes, what I saw on the floor was "definitely not rust". I cleared away what I could, but I didn't dare touch that. I didn't want to confront what I might find. My own quickly approaching mortality aside, it was just something I didn't want to see.

That's when I found the idiot, buried beneath entire sections of the ceiling. To my great surprise, he was still in one piece.

((Art by dA user spacecoyote))

I'll be honest. I hated the kid with a burning passion for what he did. And I still do. He unraveled my life beyond measure, and his hands have caused many deaths, even within our own family. He had tried to kill me more than once, and I knew he would do so again if he saw me alive. I knew he would hunt us down given half a chance. I knew all this.

The war had been long and hard. Thousands died—Airman's fall from the sky had destroyed most of Lower Monstropolis, which was still in ruins. Combat robots were hunted by the top levels of the government, and even industrial robots were being treated as nothing more than tools. Tools to be disposed of as desired.

And some part of me wanted to leave him there. It wanted to end this war. Wily dead, the Menace gone—perhaps humanity would learn its lesson. The threat was gone. Perhaps if they didn't have easy access to a combat robot, they'd think twice before building a new one. And maybe they'd come to treat AI&A systems of the future with dignity.

And yet, I couldn't help but feel pity for the boy. Hadn't he suffered enough? Speedy had forced him to relive the deaths of his brothers. We had all called him out for his barbarity. He was truly seen as a Menace… as a disgrace. Could it be helped that he didn't have control over his programming? He was ultimately a child soldier, a boy that had been sent off to war.

Besides. I had seen enough of death. I had seen too many little brothers fight and die.

And so, fool that I was, I took him back to his home.

————————————

It was surprisingly easy to get in, but it was probably because I had Mega with me. I was wondering where I should drop him off when I heard them talking.

"I hope Rock is doing alright. We haven't heard from him in ages."

"I'm sure he'll be fine. He's a brave young man."

"But he's fighting our brothers. It's been really hard on him."

I stopped and listened in.

"What were they like, Doctor? What was the DWN series like?"

He turned to face her in slight surprise. "They were combat robots, Roll. They were very dangerous. I'm surprised you're asking."

"Nico… I mean, DLN-018… he seemed to look up to them. Oh, I don't know." She was distraught. "It just feels we are so alone."

Light closed his eyes and sighed. "…I'm sorry. I'd rather not discuss it right now."

I decided now would be a good time to get going. I hopped down to the ground just out of sight with a THUD.

"What was that?!"

I heard them moving toward me as I hastily unslung Mega from my shoulders. I bolted for it just as they came within sight.

"HEY!"

I ignored the call of the man who discarded me, leaving behind nothing more than echoes of my whistle in the night.

((Art by dA user Johnny-Tran))

It was time to move on.

{Prologue II}

SPOILER: Click to show

They immediately took Mega to the lab. He was in terribly bad shape. Light worked nonstop, despite the protests from Roll and the others—his son was home at last, and he was hurt.

At last, the boy in blue did finally regain awareness. His eyes flickered open. Light placed a hand on his forehead and held his son's hand in the other, looking very concerned.

"Rock… are you alright?"

Rock lowered his gaze, his expression becoming one of weariness. He silently turned on his side and looked away.

There was a sickening silence.

"…Wily is dead."

It was little more than a whisper, but it was enough to make Dr. Light stagger back. Roll helped steady him.

Rock curled up, looking at a corner with a gaunt expression. Visions of war still burned in his mind, the screams of his brothers ringing in his ears.

"They're dead," he said, his voice cracking. "They're all dead…!"

Roll gasped and ran over to her brother's side to comfort him. He cried out and slapped her hand away, recoiling and hiding his face.

"Rock—It's okay, you just did what you had to—"

He hugged himself tightly and let out a wail of guilt. The wires hooking him to the mainframe buzzed with energy as images flickered on the screen.

((Art by dA user Terasedward))

"You don't understand! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! They're dead, they're all DEAD!"

Roll recoiled in horror at the sight. Light quickly went over to his son's side, trying to calm him down.

"Please, my son—"

"They weren't even all bad! He didn't even order them all to do evil, and you sent me to kill them all anyway!"

Roll was shaking, her fans overclocking in horror. "You're… you're LYING! Wily was using us, he sent them to spy on us!" She grabbed her brother by the shoulders and shook him hard, forcing him to look her in the eyes, almost screaming in hysteria. Light was unable to pry the two apart, though not for lack of trying. "You saved us from him taking over the entire lab, right? RIGHT?!"

He choked and looked away. This only made her more frantic as she began to see the truth they were all trying to deny.

"He… was never planning… he had nothing to do with him…"

Light managed to force them apart. The sight of his children fighting each other in such pain was too much to bear. "Roll, calm yourself!"

She wouldn't listen. Her system was screeching in emotional pain as she spoke. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?! ANSWER ME!"

Mega gave a distorted keen and ripped out the repair wires before Light could stop him. He tore out of the lab blindly. His sister gave out a wail of despair and ran out the opposite direction. Light was left standing alone.

——————————————————

LOADING… LOADING… LOADING… Welcome to LabLogs.EXE. Please log in below. >User: DRTomLight >Password: ••••••••• Loading: Please wait. Welcome, DRTomLight. >RUN PROGRAM: JOURNAL ENTRY >EDIT: ADD NEW ENTRY LOADING… Please enter your text below. > "Today was depressing. I finally fixed Rock, but he is clearly experiencing some corruption in his programming. He lost control over his Emotions program and had nothing less than a full emotional breakdown. Roll, too, became hysterical and upset. Dr. Wily is dead. It wasn't long ago that I said I wanted to be the one to watch it happen—he sent Blues back with a cannon in his hand and a deep hatred for me, and he has caused so much suffering! But I did not want it to end like this. Not like this. Rock clearly feels terrible guilt for what he had to do. I never intended to build a combat robot. All I wanted was peace! This war has been horrid on us all. How many lives have been lost? Al died long ago to jealousy. I lost some of my best work—two generations of engineering and programming, destroyed! Monstropolis is still partially in ruins. And my family, my poor children— Rock saw Blues on his journey. These journal entries suggest he was in the lab when Rock defeated Shadow. My first son is dead, several times over. Roll, my sweet child—what has become of her? I should have paid more attention to her programming. It was foolish of me to promise Magnet could be her friend, to allow them to get so close. She was frantic to hear of his loss. And my son, my dear son… what has become of him? It wasn't long ago that he was determined to pursue justice, that he was eager to fill his role. But now he is broken, a shell-shocked soldier. I worry more than ever that it was wrong of me to ask him to fight. And I? I am an old man. This is getting to be too much for me. I've faced opposition before, but now there is little funding and even less support. I've had some of my finest colleagues walk away from the field of AI&A research—one of the Russian scientists told me at the last convention that Wily and I had given the field a very bad name, almost akin to the Manhattan Project. Is that truly my legacy? To be compared to the makers of the atomic bomb and the advent of nuclear conflict? It is no wonder I am left with no friends but my children in my old age. I wish I had not thrown my friendship away all those years ago. How wretchedly bitter I feel that Wily betrayed us all, but it is only because I knew him as my best friend in the first place. How I long for the old days, before it all went wrong…."

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:10:45 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:10:45 GMT -5

{Part I: Old Friends}

SPOILER: Click to show

"…And the highlight of this evening goes to none other than Dr. Thomas Light for his work in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Awareness in Robotic Science!"

There was a smatter of applause as I came up to accept the trophy, shaking hands with dignitaries.

"Would you like to say a few words, Doctor?"

I gave a polite bow and moved the microphone attached to the podium slightly.

"Well, I would like to take the time to thank my patrons for their patience. It is my hope that this new project will open the door for future work in industrial AI&A development." I clapped my hands together and smiled. "That's all there is to say for now. My PhD is in Engineering, not in Literature."

The audience laughed amicably at my little joke and the host took the microphone back with a little smile.

"Brevity, the soul of wit! Thank you for your wisdom, Dr. Light."

——————

It wasn't too much later before we were free to wander about among ourselves. There was a most marvelous buffet set up, so I was happy to finally get away from the press. It was a very ritzy event, a real white tie affair. I felt out of place, but thankfully I knew most of the people present.

"Thomas? Is that you?"

I paused. Something within me recognized the call—there was something that clicked in my memory. I turned to face the voice.

Before me stood an elderly gentlemen with an impressive set of whiskers and—in blatant defiance (or perhaps ambivalence) of the dress code—a lab coat. His hair was wild and bushy, and his posture slightly slouched. At first I did not recognize him—but then there was a flash of memory, of my college days.

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums))

I was incredulous, and it reflected in my voice. "…Albert?"

The man gave a crooked grin and grasped my hand with his left, putting his right hand on my shoulder and squeezing slightly. "It IS you! I thought I recognized your name!"

I shook his hand enthusiastically, breaking into a grin of my own. "Al! Goodness gracious, I haven't seen you in over twenty years, you old rascal!" I put a hand to his shoulder and gestured. "Oh, we need to talk! You must tell me what you've been up to!"

——————

Before long, we were sitting down and enjoying the fine food the ceremony had to offer, exchanging stories with one another.

"…And that's the heart of it. I left teaching at the Institute last semester."

I shook my head sympathetically. "It's hard to believe that they'd stop teaching that course."

"Eh, kids don't program like they used to," he snorted, taking a swig of wine. "Not like we used to. Hmm! Wonder what the press would have to say to some of our antics."

"Ohoho! Half of them were your idea," I laughed. "Failures perhaps, but spectacular ones."

"Kekeke… so they were. Speaking of that," he said as he leaned forward a little, looking at me intently. "I heard about your little test project a couple of years ago. What happened with that?"

My smile faded and I looked away. "…Blues ran away. I'm afraid he's dead. His core was… it was not right, but he ran away before I could fix it."

"Ah…" Al looked puzzled. "But surely your award this very night was for the advancements needed to fix him?"

"No. I'm building new ones with a different AI&A system." I sighed. "I've learned from my mistakes. As sad as it is, I have to accept the loss and move on."

He was quiet for a while before closing his eyes and shaking his head. "…I wish you the best of luck, Thomas."

He spoke with a note of finality, almost of giving up. I noticed that there was no ring on his finger, and that there was a look of weary loneliness etched into his face. I realized that like myself, he had never married—and from the sounds of it, he had few friends in the world.

I felt sad at this. We had gone to college together. We had built together and worked together. After he injured his back in an accident in the lab, we lost contact. I knew, however, that my old friend was an idealist, just as I was—he wanted someone to pass down his beliefs and values to. That's what had motivated him to teach… but now he didn't even have that anymore.

I decided.

"Why don't you come work with me?"

He grunted and opened an eye, glancing over. "Eh?"

"It's going to be a lot of work, especially at my age. I could use someone of your expertise on the project." I gave a warm smile. "Besides… maybe this time we could get it right."

"Let me get this straight. You, a Nobel prize winner several times over, are asking a decrepit old man with no fame to his name to work with you on the robotics project of the century."

"No. I'm asking my long-time friend to help me work toward a mutual dream."

He was moved by this, and a spark of hope glinted in his eyes.

"Tom, you've got yourself a deal!"

{Part II: That Old Time Rock and Roll}

SPOILER: Click to show

LOADING… LOADING… LOADING… Welcome to LabLogs.EXE. Please log in below. >User: DRAlWily >Password: ••••••••• Loading: Please wait. Welcome, DRAlWily. >RUN PROGRAM: JOURNAL ENTRY >EDIT: ADD NEW ENTRY LOADING… Please enter your text below. > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 1 There is a sense of excitement in the air. I'm looking forward to working on this project. At last, I'll have a chance to do some real research! Tom and I are going over the programming to try and work out some bugs. This could take a few months." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 25 In our funding meeting today, Tom proposed making a set of siblings. The others on the project complained and said that it would be impractical. He seemed annoyed at this. I wonder what he has in mind. The AI&A programming works fairly well, though I am puzzled at how simplistic he is writing it. We'll need to make a lot of changes before even thinking on building." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 67 I fixed some of the problems the AI&A system was having. I wonder why Tom keeps trying to work with such a limited system? Some part of me thinks it might have to do with Blues. Blues had such a complex AI&A system that his behavior was too human to predict. It seems the loss was very hard on my friend. But I have to wonder…." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 108. We finally agreed on a program. There was a grand old party at the lab as we finished up the last line of code. One of the aides eagerly called the press. Thomas has a press conference tomorrow. Ha! Who wants to sit around talking vaguely about classified information that most of the populace wouldn't even begin to understand anyway? Don't envy him that, especially not at our age." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 120 Construction is going along nicely. There was another PR stunt yesterday. Why he let them into the lab, I'll never know. Tom means well, but I don't really get why he doesn't tell the press to just leave us be." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 140 We've built the interior structure now. Tom is working on the second one, a girl. Working together we'll finish faster—he wants them to be activated very close together so that they can grow up as siblings. They're about the size of older teenagers right now." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 191 Another press release today. Does he ever tire of them? Ah well. We will finish outer construction soon! I can't wait." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 200 We have finally finished outer construction! There was another grand old party, regrettably with a lot of press. As much as I appreciate the recognition, I don't have much patience for reporters. The lot of them had the insolence to call me Light's 'assistant', can you believe it? We're taking a short break for health reasons before we start downloading the programming. I'm looking forward to working with them. I've never had the chance to work with proper AI&As—not ones with an Emotions program before. If we're lucky, we'll get funding to build more later on. What an exciting time to be a scientist!" > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 210 SUCCESS! We have success! DLN-001 and DLN-002 are now online!" > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 217 The robots have passed all the tests we put before them. We've kept the press from them (thank goodness!) as they seem to be very shy and simplistic. We'll have to wait until the tests are done to see if their programming advances on its own or not." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 225 While they are capable of learning, Rock and Roll are very childlike. I am not sure if I am comfortable with this. Their minds are purposefully less mature than their bodies. They are just children. Children must do chores, yes, but is it ethical to ask them to do work? I have been reviewing the programming and I have some concerns with how simplistic it is. I hope to tell Tom about it after he gets back from that meeting of his." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 226 I can't believe he attended a PR conference without me. I thought we were partners on this project. He could have at least told me where he was! I had no idea until Roll demanded to watch TV and I saw him talking to the major news networks. When he came back he said he knew I hated press conferences and one of the two of us had to look after the robots, but… oh, he could at least warn a guy." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 230 Rock and Roll talked to some child psychologists a few days ago who wanted to gather some data. Today they released an article about the interviews. The psychologists congratulated Thomas on being a 'good father figure' to a 'remarkably human-like pair of robot children'. It seems this was his intention all along. He's very proud of them—as am I. It was hard work. But this I am not sure I can accept so easily—I have noticed the kids avoid me, look upon me sullenly like a child forced to talk to an old uncle they don't like to be around. It… is hurtful to me, that they are so reluctant to talk with me." > "PROJECT MUSIC: DAY 250 We finally got funding to build more robots. This time they will be for industrial use. The kids have started doing simple chores around the house. I wish Thomas would take my concerns into consideration. He listened to what I had to say about how limited their AI&A systems are and promised he'd have a revised AI&A for the industrial bots. I am relieved—we can do so much better than this, and I was getting worried he didn't see that! I guess I can understand his reluctance to change Rock and Roll. That would be like messing with their minds. And for now at least, they don't need it. They are his children. They will never be my children, and this saddens me. Rock in particular I helped build and program. But… maybe once the field advances, the other robots will be willing to spend time with me, hmm?"

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:11:25 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:11:25 GMT -5

{Part III: Snapshots in Time}

SPOILER: Click to show

LOADING… LOADING… LOADING… Welcome to LabLogs.EXE. Please log in below. >User: DRTomLight >Password: ••••••••• Loading: Please wait. Welcome, DRTomLight. >RUN PROGRAM: JOURNAL ENTRY >EDIT: ADD NEW ENTRY LOADING… Please enter your text below. > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 1 Today I started planning for my latest and newest project. Due to the success of Rock and Roll, several industrial companies are offering funding for us to build them industrial robots. We're going through hundreds of applications—everything from Boeing to Toyota has sent in proposals. Rock and Roll have also started asking me for a dog." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 36 We've finally narrowed the number of applicants down to eight. Al isn't too keen on two of them, and neither am I; the funding offered is tempting, but I don't think we'd be able to pull anything off for Shell or Rolex. Once we officially accept the funding, then the project will begin proper. Rock continues to ask about getting a puppy. Roll now wants a kitten." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 84 Al seems more cheerful lately, now that we've finally started to get into the specifics of the AI&A programming. I must say, I am impressed with his work. It's clear he has a sharp mind and a knack for AI&A programming, much more than I realized. Unfortunately, his proposals are far too advanced for the field right now. His work is highly complex, and we can't afford independent industrial robots. The AI&A system has to be very limited on awareness. These robots will be working under very demanding—and possibly extremely dangerous—conditions." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 85 I talked with him last night privately to let him know why I'm rejecting his proposals. He seemed very concerned, but didn't voice his thoughts. He only grudgingly admitted that he was mistaken about the purpose of the project, which he assumed would be to advance the field of AI&A programming. I could only assure him that we would come to that point, but that first we must make it economically feasible to do so." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 90 Finally, we have reached an agreement. Al has expressed uneasiness that we are going this far with the AI&A programming without accompanying it with an Emotions program, but I've put in place safeguards to compensate for the lack of compassion. Soon we will start building. Rock has started with us in the lab. He's taken a great interest in looking over diagrams. Al has started 'casually' leaving out various diagrams for him to look at. It's nice to see them getting along for once—poor Al has been a little hurt by how little Rock and Roll are willing to interact with him." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 143 This time we have a number of other scientists working with us to help us construct. I feel like I'm back at the Nobel prize conferences—all the same faces all over again. Because of the long-term commitment involved, we have been given a grant by the state of Arizona to build our own laboratory. Ironically, it would be very helpful if some of my planned RobotMasters were completed—they could help build! Ah well. We are at least done with the proto-programming. All the AI&A systems are very similar; it's the hardware and integration that will prove the most difficult." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 160 Al tested out some of the programming using a test robot series he came up with. They all seem to work, so we'll move ahead to construction soon. I'm overseeing all the projects, but I only have time and energy to devote full focus to one. I've chosen DLN-006, since he is the most dangerous and the military has required I oversee it myself. Al, on the other hand, has chosen to oversee two of the projects; DLN-005 and DLN-008. I expect he'll have to give one of them up at some point—his health has never been the best." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 175 We've started construction. Al and I were watching the aides set up the frames, but Al got restless and went down to help. Guess the old coyote just can't get the teacher out of him! I wish I could join him, but I have to oversee the project like a CEO. Alas, being at the top does mean I get to do less and less work myself. Rock and Roll are my joy, it helps me to be less lonely." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 190 It's remarkable how quickly the project is coming along now that we have so many people helping. We'll be doing some tests, but exterior construction will start soon." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 200 We had a celebration to mark the 200th day we've been working on the project. It's amazing—Al and I have been working together for over two years now. By the time we finish construction, it will be over four years since I finished working on Blues. Al has become very involved with the DLN-008 project. He reluctantly has agreed to let the DLN-005 project move on without him, though he still wants full updates in regards to the progress." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 230 Most of the RobotMasters have been built now. They're still going through the testing, but they seem to be functioning well so far. Project DLN-008 has been unusually slow. Al's expressed concern that it's taking so long, and wonders why the interface won't integrate. I've taken a look into the matter, and I'm not sure why, myself. It may have to do with the more complex tasks it is expected to deal with. Al might be right on this one—I am starting to suspect it will need a more complex AI&A system. I'll be working on developing an intermediate level based on Wily's recommendations. Rock has started 'designing' his own projects and presenting them to me. All of them are for pet dinosaurs. I can't help but laugh—he really takes after his old man! At least he's not suggesting snakes, I don't think Roll would appreciate that very much." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 241 We're getting very close to finishing the DLN-008 project. Wily was a bit sore about missing the last few award ceremonies and conferences, so I made a point to ensure he would get some recognition and respect at the upcoming ceremony. I'm glad that he has cheered up a bit these last few days—I think the final success in getting the code to integrate was a boost for him." > "PROJECT ROBOTMASTER: DAY 249 Initial diagnostics have been successfully completed! The initial power-on ceremony is tomorrow. DLN-008 has the most sophisticated AI&A I have developed so far, so the press wants to hear all about it, of course. Here's to the best!"

{Part IV: The First Spark}

SPOILER: Click to show

Audio System… Online.

Murmurs.

Visual Sensors… Online.

Blinding light.

Tactile System… Online.

Hard and cold surfaces. Wires hooked up to me.

Artificial Intelligence and Awareness is now online.

I slowly realized that I was laying on my back. I blinked a few times.

DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives.

There were immediate whirring and clicking sounds. Someone began unhooking the wires from me.

"Please, no flash photography. It'll be disoriented at first."

The room was filled with scientists. I recognized a few of them as they registered in my databases, though one of the men stood out from all the rest. It was Dr. Light, the one who built me. As one of the assistants continued to unhook me from the wires, I waited patiently to receive my orders.

"Dr. Light, some have hailed this as your finest work in robotics. What do you say to that?"

He smiled and motioned someone else over. A boy came and stood next to him, looking down at the ground shyly.

"Well, it does have an advanced AI&A system, true. But Rock and Roll will always be my 'finest works'. I hope people understand that."

Another reporter stepped forward, holding out a microphone. "Tell us about the other systems. We last saw them at their activations. What progress has been made since then?"

I stood up when the last of the wires were unhooked, looking straight ahead and scanning the room as I reminded the Doctor I was still waiting.

DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives.

He turned back to face me, slightly amused. "Dr. Wily, why don't you look after him? I'll be busy for a while, I'm afraid."

There was a hand on my shoulder. I looked up, squinting slightly in the bright light.

Starting Beta Program: Emotions… Emotions Online. Status: Permanently Activated.

Suddenly I felt confused and a little nervous at all the attention. I turned my face away from the camera.

"Anyway, as I was going to say… the other industrial bots have been doing very well in performance tests. Most of them have entered the second phase of testing… Come this way, I'll show you on the mainframe we set up…."

The Doctor left with the small crowd of media. I felt… sad.

"It's okay, ElecMan."

I looked up at the man.

((Image taken from Scrac's albums.))

Match Identified: Dr. Albert W. Wily. …DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives.

He gave a crooked smile and patted my shoulder in a comforting fashion.

"Yes, it's me. And I know." He gestured for me to step off the table and to follow him. "Light won't be done with the reporters for a while, I'm afraid. Why don't we tour the place for a while?"

Inquiry…. Where… are we?

"We're in a power plant."

A power plant. It sounded interesting enough. I nodded and followed him.

————————

The place was very interesting, though I was happier just to be paid attention to. I was processing what it was like to be aware after the tour when Dr. Light returned. I eagerly went over to join him.

DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives.

He shook his head, almost amused. "Let me guess. He's been saying that ever since he woke up."

Wily shrugged. "Not sure what else you were expecting from an industrial bot, Thomas."

Dr. Light gave a small laugh and clapped his hand on the shoulder of the boy standing next to him. I narrowed my eyes slightly as I looked at the kid.

Match Identified: DLN-001. … … …DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives.

"Well, would you look at that! He recognizes his brother," Wily said with a hint of eagerness.

Light nodded and stroked his beard. "It seems the recognition system is working. I'm glad. It will be important for the work at the power plant." He turned and motioned for me to follow. "Well, best get started on diagnostic tests. Come along, DLN-008."

I bit my lip, feeling torn. I was relieved that I would finally receive orders, but I wasn't sure I wanted to leave Dr. Wily.

Light paused and looked back, confused. "Is something wrong?"

DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives, I assured him. Inquiry: Is Dr. Wily coming with us?

"Ha!" Wily gave a sad smile and turned me to face Dr. Light again, pushing me forward gently. "You best get going, son. You've got a lot of work ahead of you. Don't worry about me, I'll be seeing you in diagnostics later. Let an old man rest, would you?"

As I walked off with Rock and Light, I couldn't help but glance back at Dr. Wily. He waved slightly. I gave a slight smile and waved back before Rock pulled on my wrist and dragged me out of sight.

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:12:06 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:12:06 GMT -5

{Part V: A Real Live Wire}

SPOILER: Click to show

I flicked a sphere of sparks out of the way as I waited in the lab to hear about the test results.

Ever since Dr. Light had taken me back to Light Laboratories, Incorporated, my life had been repetitive. For weeks I did nothing but sit at a mainframe station and learn about power plants and how humans use electricity. It was interesting at first, but I became restless as I obtained more and more information. After noticing I could not sit still, the Doctor had me start diagnostic tests and simulations. That was a bit better, but still very mundane.

In my spare time, I tried to learn more about the world through the mainframe. I desperately wanted to go outside.

Inquiry: DLN-001, is it still raining outside?

My older brother looked up from his Legos. "You've asked that like five times in the last ten minutes."

Rainstorms mean lightning. Lightning is interesting. I want to see it.

He sighed. "There's no way Dad's letting you go outside in a thunderstorm. You haven't finished the diagnostics ready for that. If you got fried—"

ERROR: I would not get "fried". I am an industrial robot, not a house boy, I noted with a tinge of annoyance. You are fragile. I am not. It is not logical for you to be let outside while I remain in here.

Rock puffed his cheeks in a scowl and returned to his Legos. "Rain isn't all that interesting. You're not missing out on much."

There was a knock on the door. I sprang up and ran over, opening it eagerly. To my disappointment, it was only my sister.

Inquiry—

Roll interrupted me. "I'm just here to clean up in here. No, I don't know what your test results were." She brandished a duster as she pushed in her cleaning cart.

((Image taken from Tumblr user blacklimes.))

I crossed my arms, puffing my cheeks much like my brother did. ERROR. This place is not dirty. You do not need to wave that around.

She stuck her tongue out at me. "This place is full of static. A human would get zapped something bad if they walked in. I have to neutralize the room so no one will get hurt walking into it."

"Yeah, he's been flicking static paper footballs everywhere," Rock complained.

DLN-008 is still waiting for directives, I retorted. This system is an industrial construct.

"Whatever. IceMan isn't all ADHD about the matter. He can sit still at least."

That hurt. I resisted the urge to tell Rock to shut up. What did he know about real work? He got to be a scientist and only had to do simple chores. He never had to go through intense training. He never had to learn complex physics. He didn't even have a defined purpose. He wasn't like me. I was an industrial construct, and I was tired of sitting around inside the lab. I wanted to play outside.

I'd like to see you try and sit still if you were kept from fulfilling your programming, I thought to myself.

——————————

I didn't get any word back from the Doctor that day. Eventually even Rock left to go home. The lab was dark—I was supposed to be in Sleep mode until the next morning. I was full of energy though, so I couldn't help but pace around the room. The white walls and machinery felt so confining—I had seen nothing else for days on end.

The isolation was really starting to get to me. I had noticed my temper leaning toward sarcasm and jealousy—jealousy of my older siblings who had the easy life. My siblings who were the favorite. They got to have a family. I was stuck in a box.

Frustrated, I went over to the door and pounded on it.

ERROR: LET ME OUT!

I hadn't expected a response, so I was surprised when I saw Wily appear at the window to the hallway.

"What's with all the racket?"

I took a step back. ERROR: DLN-008 is online and waiting for directives. I want to go outside, I admitted miserably, scuffing one of my boots against the floor. I did not mean to disturb your work, Doctor.

He sighed and shook his head, opening the door and walking inside. "No, it's alright. It's after hours. I'm just doing some personal research for future systems. You should be sleeping, though."

I looked up. I felt so antsy that I just blurted out a confession. DLN-008 may have an error. Efficiency and focus has deteriorated.

"Oh? And why would that be?"

((Image taken from Tumblr user acid-eater, by Tegaki member 千葉　司.))

I want to go outside.

"You don't say." He shifted his weight at this. "…Are you saying you're bored of your work?"

Processing…. Yes. I am bored. I threw open my arms in a gesture of defeat. Dr. Light and the lab assistants only like Rock and Roll. No one ever gives me toys or calls me by a name. They do not ask about my day or what I want to be when I grow up. They do not teach me songs or ask what music I like. Am I a malfunctioning system, Doctor? Is that why they do not care about me?

"Nonsense," he growled. "You just misunderstand."

Inquiry: Teach me so that I may understand.

He looked at the floor for a bit, saddened by this. He seemed more hunched over than usual. "…You were built for a purpose. Thomas built Rock and Roll mostly for himself, kiddo. That's going to make a big difference."

But did not Dr. Light design me, too? Did he not build me as well?

"Yes and no. He designed you and wrote large portions of the programming, but many hands put you together." He spoke as if he were making sure to avoid telling the full truth and yet technically not lie. "It's not the same."

PROCESSING ERROR: DOES NOT COMPUTE. I do not understand.

"I'm not surprised. Your AI&A isn't meant for that high a level of philosophy."

I bowed my head in shame. Is the system inadequate?

He patted my shoulder and directed me back to the mainframe. "Don't overthink it, ElecMan. You'll be alright."

——————————

The next night, I pounded on the door again.

ERROR: DLN-008 REQUESTS TO BE LET OUT.

It didn't take long before Dr. Wily responded, opening the door again. "You don't give up, do you?

Please take me outside, Doctor. I asked the lab assistants when I would get to go outside and they just made me watch a video about thunderstorms while they played Legos with Rock and analyzed his progress.

"The lab is locked for the night. I can't let you outside. It would be a breach of security."

I hung my head in disappointment.

There was a long pause, and eventually Wily sighed and put a hand on my shoulder. "But we can't have you getting any worse, can we? You just have too much time on your hands. Come along."

I followed after him eagerly, glad to be out of the confines of that one particular room. Inquiry: Where are we going?

"Back to my office. I have work to do. I'd rather be able to keep an eye on you than have you loose in the lab."

He swung open the door to his office. My eyes widened in amazement.

There were papers and diagrams everywhere. Ancient computer monitors from the 1980s—or at least recreations of them—were displaying hundreds of lines of code. The room was a lot smaller than I thought it would be for a man of his importance, but he seemed right at home.

"Let's see now." A book was shoved at me. "Here, read this."

I took it, confused. A book?

He grunted as he sat down, moving aside some papers to get to a yellow legal notepad that was covered in shorthand. "Think of it as a more sophisticated toy."

I looked down at the title.

… "The Electromagnetic Spectrum in Engineering: Volume III, 1946-1980."

"That's right. You can read the whole series if you like."

But Doctor, I already know about electromagnetic radiation.

"Only within a certain context." He busied himself, hunching over his work. "Give it a try."

I was skeptical, but opened the book.

It wasn't long before I was so enthralled by what I was reading that I truly lost track of time.

——————————

From then on, things started to change. Dr. Wily began letting me stay in his office whenever he was working overtime. As time passed, he taught me a great deal about electronics. I learned how to use a computer for creativity, and about radio and sound. I developed a fondness for radio, much to the Doctor's pride.

I wasn't bored anymore, and I was on better terms with my siblings and the lab assistants. I grew more and more eager for my assignment and the chance to show off what I had learned and what I could do.

But I was blind. I could not see the spark of war generating before my very eyes. Not until it was far too late.

{Part VI: Aulë's Son}

SPOILER: Click to show

The day it all went wrong began like any other.

DLN-008 had completed all the testing necessary almost two months prior. It had spent the last two months in frequent contact with DLN-005 and researching the electromagnetic spectrum. I was relieved when word from the power company came back saying they were ready to start the system on industrial work.

I called DLN-008 to me to impart this information. The conversation did not go as it should have.

——————————

"You have done well on your tests. It is time for you to move on."

DLN-008 is online and ready to receive directives!

I nodded. "Yes. And the time has come at last. You will be transferred to your new location tomorrow."

Inquiry: May I go outside now?

I raised my eyebrows. "Hmm? Oh, no no. You'll be working in a nuclear power plant, of course. You're to regulate the flow of electricity. "

This system is an industrial Robot Master, like his brothers…?

Oddly, it seemed almost a question. The wording, too, was strange. "You were built for a different purpose than the others. You will be working indoors."

Inquiry: What will be the duration of my stay?

"That is for the company to determine. You may be moved to a different site." I began hooking it up to the mainframe for the power plant rules and regulations to be downloaded. "The manager in charge of you will be the one telling you about that."

Inquiry: When will I come back here?

"No no," I scolded, waving the question off. "Your place is with the company. It will make more sense when the instructions are downloaded."

You mean I'm not coming back?

"That's correct. You'll be working."

ERROR!

I looked over at it in surprise. The AI&A was giving a shockingly upset expression, its hands held out in a pleading gesture.

Doctor, I don't want to be all by myself again!

I was speechless.

Inquiry: Why do I have to be all by myself? Why can't I be like Rock and Roll? I want to stay here and help around the lab too!

I was absolutely bewildered. Why did this robot think he was like my son? There was nothing in his programming that should have given such an erroneous notion. It had to have been one of the assistants. I worried for what they might have said to him to confuse him so.

"I… I… Excuse me, but that is not what you were built for. You are an industrial robot. You're meant to work for humans—Rock and Roll are different. They have a different AI&A system, and they run an Emotions program. Where did you get the idea that you were similar to them?"

This system has feelings too!

I could feel the lines in my face hardening and my mouth pressing into a thin line at this statement.

"…Really now."

It shied away from me, looking frightened.

((Art by dA user imbisibol))

That was all the answer I needed.

"Stay here. Don't move."

Without another word, I stormed out of the room.

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:12:28 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:12:28 GMT -5

{Part VII: The Unwanted Child}

SPOILER: Click to show

"I can't believe you did something so stupid!"

I cringed at the level of hatred in the accusation.

"Giving an industrial robot an Emotions program? What were you THINKING, Wily?!"

I wanted to run away and hide. After Dr. Light stormed off, I got very scared. I could feel my systems overclocking to the point where I could barely focus. I felt lightheaded and laggy. I knew I needed help—that I needed to calm down and try not to pass out. I had ripped out the cords and run down to Wily's office to ask for advice… but that was when I heard them.

"You KNEW that it would be working under factory conditions! You knew what it was being built for—the isolation it was destined for! Why did you do it?! Was it your stubborn pride to be proven right?! Was it jealousy over the code?! Look what you've done—it has refused to do its work! Industrial robots were not meant to have Emotions programs! This grant was for AI&A SYSTEMS ONLY! You've violated the contract!"

A slamming noise.

"Confound it, Thomas! Awareness and emotion are tied together—to have one without the other is almost impossible! I had to do it, don't you understand?! Without compassion and curiosity, a sense of right and wrong, anyone could program an AI system to do as it pleases! Why should he not experience the world in a complete way?"

"Industrial robots are built for industrial purposes, and nothing else! It's too dangerous and too expensive to do otherwise. The field of robotics is not advanced enough for—"

"Not advanced enough?!" Wily screeched. "FOOLISHNESS! And stop talking as if the boy is a toaster! He is a living being with as much life as you or I, as Rock or Roll!"

"How dare you make that comparison! You stole my code for a terrible folly! That code was meant for my CHILDREN, Wily, and for them alone!"

"You try to play God, but you have no idea what you are doing, Light! You try and confine the capacity of AI&A science and are then surprised when it can't do critical thinking tasks—why don't you understand?! Without the BetaEmotions program, the project would have never been completed! He would have relied on human input and could never have functioned independently! That's the ONLY reason it worked! I meant to tell you, but you never took the time to listen to either me or the boy! Do you know what you did by ignoring him like you did?! He saw you as his father, until you neglected him to the point where he wasn't sure! He still sees Rock and Roll as his brother and sister! For all that is good, Thomas, you have to give him a chance!"

"You are absolutely out of your mind," Dr. Light growled. "You have no idea of the level of damage you have caused. This is unacceptable—that program has got to go! Thanks to your meddling, I'm going to have to reprogram the entire system now!"

Reprogrammed?!

((Image taken from Tumblr user swackon.))

I had heard enough. A hoard of tanks couldn't have made me stay there—I broke out of the lab through the nearest exit and ran away!

{Part VIII: The First Runaway}

SPOILER: Click to show

That day left a permanently bitter taste in my mouth.

The shouting and arguing had been hard on the both of us, and we left with no clear resolution to the matter. I felt humiliated and dejected. How could my friend be so cold-hearted? That wasn't the Thomas Light I knew at all. When had he become so hostile to the dream of a life forged in steel? This behavior went against everything I had known, everything we had worked for.

Worst of all, ElecMan would be lost forever. Perhaps it was wrong of me to give him the program, but how could I take it back? It would never work, and would be against my principles. To hear that he was going to reprogram that boy really dealt a hard blow. I couldn't understand why he felt he had to reprogram him entirely. All that ElecMan needed was a chance… a chance to be like his brother.

Rather than driving, I rode the bus and walked home that night, alone. It was very late when I finally got home.

I immediately knew something was wrong. My keycard opened the door just fine, but I got zapped when I touched the panel. As I walked in, I got zapped again as I touched the carpet. The air itself seemed charged.

Then I saw that the room had been disturbed. My papers were scattered as if someone had run by them. I got out my cell phone and prepared to call the police, fumbling with a flashlight and speaking as menacingly as I could manage. "Alright! I know you're here! Come on out and show yourself. Come quietly and maybe the police can stay out of it!"

There was a pause, and then a rustle. I shone the light over in a corner of unused electronics. "Aha! I have you!"

The muffled and sad voice that responded made me drop my flashlight.

Please don't hurt me, Doctor…

I rushed over and knocked the old keyboards away. ElecMan was curled up in a fetal position, packed among the computers. His system whined in protest at all the dust, but it sounded more like a keen of fear.

"Elec?! You… what are you doing here?!" I was astounded. There were dozens of questions hidden within that single phrase: Why had he left the lab? How had he escaped? Why did he come here? How did he know where I lived? Why was he hiding… even from me?

ERROR: DLN-008 is… is broken…

"Oh, child, you should have told one of the assistants. You aren't supposed to be here. Come on out, we'll get you back—"

He sparked up at this, curling tighter and hiding his face.

ERROR. DLN-008 wasn't supposed to have feelings. This system was never meant to be bored, or want to see rain, or like radio, or be happy or sad. It's a bad system for not wanting to change. For being scared of being reprogrammed. I'm broken on the inside.

I realized Light must have said something to him. He knew. Oh, he knew. And he had come to me to protect him. I sat down on a nearby chair rather hard, wishing I could have a drink. Because boy did I need one. Thomas had called me a fool and a thief, but what friend hasn't had such a row over the course of decades? I've heard catfights with accusations far worse. Dr. Light was still someone I respected, even if right now he seemed to be hard of heart. And the boy was, unfortunately, without any legal rights. As far as anyone else was concerned, he was no different than a highly functioning fuse box. To them he was not a person, just a machine. The implications once again made my stomach churn. It seems Elec felt the same way.

Inquiry: Why is this system bad for having feelings? Why do industrial constructs have to be different from house robots? Why can't we be loved too?

That was the clincher insofar as deciding to protect him. I couldn't just treat this boy like a bulldozer. I had helped build him. I had programmed him. I had been there when he first came to life. I had talked with him, looked after him, comforted him when he was afraid. I had made him smile and watched him laugh. I had done my best to get him to talk and I had helped him find his love of radio. He wasn't "just a robot" to me.

I realized he was like a son.

"Listen now, boy. Look at me now!" I peered at him, watching his static die down. "You're unique. You're like Rock, you hear? You have a BetaEmotions program, too. I gave it to you."

His eyes widened in surprise.

"You were incomplete. You wouldn't work without one. They tried, but I had to step in. You couldn't wake up. It was not something I was 'supposed' to do, but it was the right thing to do. You're the only one, but I never wanted that to be the case." I felt more fervent and enthusiastic. "How I wish Light could see the potential you all have! I was sure he would understand. He's not as bad as he might seem now, boy. He knew the dream of a life forged in steel. He knew it as much as I! Stop referring to yourself like a toaster, son. You are a boy too, just like your brother."

He slowly sat up, though he still looked pretty depressed.

Inquiry. You… see me as a son?

I lightly grabbed his shoulders, speaking softly. "Of course I do! You were destined for a job, Elec—I knew you couldn't afford to play with toys like Rock. But I was always very proud of your progress, and you were never less of a person to me. Ah! Don't make that face, now. Don't be so jealous of your brother. Is it his fault the others do not understand?"

No….

"You must never want to hate others enough to hurt them, do you understand? That is not what emotions are for. They are for knowing the world and all her joys and pain, not for hurting others. Do you understand?"

I… I think so. But I'm scared, Doctor. I don't want to go back. I don't want to be reprogrammed! Please… please let me stay.

I sighed and helped him up. "Come on now. Let's get you cleaned up. This is going to be a long next few days."

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:13:01 GMT -5

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Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:13:01 GMT -5

{Part IX: Green Eyes of a Monster in the Dark}

SPOILER: Click to show

LOADING… LOADING… LOADING… Welcome to LabLogs.EXE. Please log in below. >User: DRAlWily >Password: ••••••••• Loading: Please wait. Welcome, DRAlWily. >RUN PROGRAM: JOURNAL ENTRY >EDIT: ADD NEW ENTRY LOADING… Please enter your text below. > "It's been a few days since the fight. Since Elec ran off. I've been waiting for the right time to tell Light about what's happened, but I don't have the heart for it yet. How can I, when he just keeps getting more accolades and rewards? Even as the police search for someone to pin the blame on for Elec's disappearance—how can they not know, not understand that he ran away on his own? This is all so very distressing." > "I almost told him today. I went in and was going to tell him and ask him to make peace, but I saw him working on a new design. One of the two we had rejected originally. When I asked him what he was doing, he calmly replied that he was going over designs for Rolex and Shell, that maybe someday in the near future he could build them. He didn't even use a plural for politeness. What is coming between us? Since when does he do projects like this on his own? My back is causing particular pain today. ElecMan made me dinner under my instruction and prepared hot water bottles. He seems… relieved to be doing something useful." > "I came home today to find ElecMan curled up, shaking. He was in Standby mode, which seemed odd. When I snapped him out of it, he sounded very afraid. Doctor, he said,[/colot] this system is in error.

'What do you mean, old sport? What's the issue that needs maintenance?'

This system is an industrial construct. DLN-008 is meant to receive orders and carry out directives. DLN-008 has violated direct orders. This system is in error.

I peered down over him, wincing slightly but ignoring the pain in my back. 'ElecMan, no one could ever blame you for running away after that fight. I'm sorry you had to hear it. I don't know what has gotten into him. I told you I'd protect you, though, remember?'

This system must go in for maintenance. There are contradictory programs running, he remarked pitifully. I closed my eyes at this and let out a sigh. It wasn't much of a surprise; the programming was more oriented to obedience than to free will, despite my addition of an awareness programming. I wanted to take him back to the lab, but I knew I could not. Not at this stage, not while the others were so intent on erasing him… My son. Yes. He was a son to me. He was very much like a child. He had a brimming element of curiosity and eagerness, a bright smile and a sharp wit. He was creative and drawn to music, to radio of all kinds. He had a will of his own and as much a heart as Rock and Roll to match. If Rock and Roll were Light's children, then ElecMan was certainly mine." > "The only chance that he has is for me to update his programming. Not replace it… just set him free. He should have had a more complex AI&A from the beginning, but at the time… I told him this and he agreed to it, reluctantly. But he asked me to do the same for his brothers. Now… as much as I understand how he feels, I don't know if that's a good idea. Elec ran away, and he already has a sophisticated AI&A system, one on par with Rock and Roll. IceMan admittedly has an intermediate level, but the others? Not even close. Besides, that would be going a bit far…. As much as I want to advance the dream, is that the right way to do it?"

((From the Archie Comics))

> "I can barely write today, I feel so… so… mad! Yes! Mad! Insanity and anger blended together in this terrible frustration! How could he have done this? Accepted prizes for new designs… they'll never work! It seems he only cares about Rock and Roll. He was playing with them earlier, laughing. I swear I saw a shadow through the skylight—I may not have been the only one listening, not the only one pained. Has he forgotten about the dream of life forged in steel? Has he already forgotten about his other sons? Are they nothing but tools to make money for him?! Well if that's the case, then he's gone too far. It's time to make things right! Let him keep his precious children, but there's no way I'm going to abandon those we worked so hard for!"

{Part X: Awakened by Prometheus}

SPOILER: Click to show

"Yes… yeeeees… awaken, now! Awaken, my children!"

The room was dim but for the light from dozens of flat-panel monitors and the glow of six containers. The figures within the containers were slowly starting to come online.

"Hurry, there isn't much time!"

One of them yawned and cracked his neck, stepping out as the wires retracted and the capsule opened with a soft whoosh.

"Dr. Wily? That you?"

"Yes… yes it is. How are you feeling, BombMan?"

The mohawked robot didn't answer at first, instead looking down thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. I feel… different."

It was then that another woke up, hopping out of his capsule.

((.:Cutman::261:. by dA user Hyperstar90))

"Where are we?"

"Oh hey, CutMan. Looks like we're all here."

Dr. Wily smiled as he continued to work on a figure mostly cover by a sheet. "You are. All six of you."

Another whoosh as the second-tallest stepped out. "It would appear we've been reprogrammed."

THUD. A new, gravelly, somewhat dulled voice spoke up. "So that's what this is. It feels like we've been dreaming."

They talked quietly amongst themselves for a while, comparing notes. Most of them reached the same conclusion: they had been working for some human company or another, but went into Sleep mode only to wake up here. And now, they felt different. More awake. More aware.

"I've never even seen all of you before," BombMan remarked. "I wish I had. It would have been nice to work with some of you."

"Yeah. I would have liked that better."

A pause. CutMan frowned and took off his Rolling Cutters to examine them absentmindedly. "So… what do we do now?"

"That is up to you, but whatever it is, you must decide quickly," Wily noted. "I have taken you at great risk! If you wish to return to your work, it must be soon, so that they do not go look for you."

"Do we have to go back to work?"

They all turned to look at the giant in their midst. He had a "dumb muscle" type of appearance, and his voice seemed to match it, but to them it was clear he was as sharp-minded as any of them. And what he said next struck them all right to heart, making them look away and scowl.

"I wouldn't mind going back to work. That could be nice. But I just want to work somewhere else. The humans where I worked made fun of me. They called me names and told me to do things I wasn't built for, like I was a bulldozer."

The smallest one hugged one of his brother's legs. He wore a childlike pout. "Well… I want to be an explorer! I don't wanna stay with penguins forever. I want to see the world."

"Yeah, why should we have to go back?"

"Ah! Calm yourselves for a moment," Wily interrupted. "You don't have to go back if you don't want to."

They looked over at him again in mild surprise.

((Image taken from Scrac's albums))

"I didn't bring you all here just to start something new! You have all been given a gift—yes, a great gift." There was an almost hungry or spiteful gleam in his eye as he spoke, but the others didn't seem to notice. They were more mesmerized by his words—so much so that few could have convinced them not to listen at this point. "You have a life forged in steel now, you understand? A full awareness program, as best as I could give you. Yes, it was at great peril, but it had to be done! You can make your own decisions now. I can't keep you here forever, can't hide you forever. Doubtless they will learn soon that it was I, Dr. Wily, who set you all free. And then there shall be trouble."

He put his hands behind his back and turned away, slouching rather noticeably. "You were never 'meant' to have such a gift. They will resent that and fear you, and will want to take it away." Shaking his head, he turned back to them. "That is why I have also given you new hardware. You will need to stand up for yourselves! Defend your right to freedom, right to be!"

IceMan walked over to the Doctor and looked up at him. "You mean you aren't coming with us?"

He crouched down and gave a crooked smile as he looked IceMan in the eye. "Sorry, kiddo. I'm old, you know. I can't go off hiding out in harsh environments like you."

((snow by dA user cafechan))

"But we could stay with you!"

"But that's not what you really want, is it? You want to be free."

The robots talked quietly amongst themselves for a while. While they could have used wireless communication, they did not; they could truly speak now, and they cherished every moment of that. At last they turned back. CutMan spoke for the group.

"Well… we want to stay, Doctor. This is all so confusing and everything. But we know how dangerous it'll be for you if we stay. So we'll go, but…" He reattached the large scissors to his head and shook Dr. Wily's hand. "…we really do hope to see you soon."

"Yeah."

"Yeah! And we can explore all over the United Place!"

"States, not Place."

((Iceman by dA user RomAttack))

"Nyeh."

"Alright, alright, let's get out of here. We need to get as far away as possible."

"What should we do?"

"Let's split up. IceMan, you go with FireMan. We'll figure out the rest as we go…"

The chatter died down as they left. The Doctor sighed and looked almost longingly after them. "There goes the family," he said softly.

He peeled back the sheet, revealing ElecMan laying on an operating table of sorts. He was all hooked up with wires. Dr. Wily put back on his goggles and resumed work.

((Image taken from mega-man-fan's Tumblr.))

"Soon, my boy… soon… you'll be able to join your brothers."

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:15:34 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:15:34 GMT -5

{Part XI: Spark of a New Life}

SPOILER: Click to show

Running diagnostic… SYSTEM REPORT Power Network: Running Internal Fans: Running Neural Net: Running RADIO System: Offline WiFi System: Offline Audio System: Running Tactile Senses: Running Visual Sensors: Idle Motion Sensors: Running Motor System: Idle Primary Weaponry: Idle Secondary Weaponry: Idle PROGRAM DIAGNOSTIC RobotWhiteCell Firewall: Running Artificial Intelligence and Awareness: Idle BetaEmotions: Idle Battle Tactical Sequences: Idle. Non-lethal Battle Sequences: Idle Diagnostic complete. Loading updates… Processing… Processing… Processing… Update complete. Rebooting…

————————

Update completed. Loading… Artificial Intelligence and Awareness is now online. Initiating rebooting sequence…

I felt more awake suddenly, as if someone had shaken me from a deep dream.

Loading… Audio System is now online.

I heard the strangest sound, a quietness without a hum. Like in an empty world I had never known.

Loading… Visual Sensors are now online.

Shapes started filtering in as things swam into sight. I was laying on my back, looking up at the ceiling. But where was I? This was nothing I recognized.

Loading… Tactile System is now online.

It felt cold and damp. So strange. How had I gotten here? Why couldn't I remember what had happened?

Run Program: Non-Battle Tactical sequence. Running… Non-Battle Tactical sequence online. Status: Permanently activated.

I was ready to defend myself… but from what?

Starting Beta Program: Emotions… Emotions Online. Status: Permanently Activated.

I sat upright suddenly, my eyes widening as I remembered. I remembered everything.

The day I first woke up. All those days trapped in the lab. The nights with my father. The childlike wish to go outside, just once, to see the storms. The excitement, then the fear, when I learned what my true purpose entailed. The hard days in hiding, where I was in pain just for running away. The conversation with Dr. Wily to get an update. And then… nothingness.

And now here I was, all alone. With combat programming, which was great, but why? What had happened? Why was I in an abandoned factory—just how long had I been sleeping?

As I moved to stand up, I heard a rustling noise. I looked down and found a large sticky note stuck on my chassis. I peeled it off and read it.

"Welcome to the waking world, ElecMan. When you read this, you will have finished your updates safely. I could only wish I were there to see it! I would have greatly enjoyed seeing you awaken again. I am sorry it had to be in such a rundown place, and that you had to be alone. Your brothers are all long gone. I gave them the programming too, like you asked. As for me, I've run to my old lab in the Pacific. I am sorry for leaving you behind, sport. I just… I don't think you would have been happy out on an island in the ocean. I left you in the safest place I could think of to finish your updates."

I noticed the writing continued to the other side, so I flipped it over.

"What you do now is up to you. You are truly free. You'll never have to worry about being hurt by doing things different than what Light wanted. Make your own choices now—you have the gift now. Explore your potential!

I left you one last gift. Use it wisely. Be careful out there, and hopefully I will see you soon, my son.

—Dr. A. W. Wily"

I looked around and found a radio laying nearby.

((Elecman by dA user Mahiruno))

I turned it on, taking comfort in the crackle and hiss of the radio. Dr. Wily may be gone, but he had done as promised. He had given me the freedom he had always wanted for me, the freedom I had always needed. And his final gift showed he knew me well: it was tuned to a music station.

{Part XII: Sparking Interest}

SPOILER: Click to show

KKKKKKKKKK… This is your favorite station, here with… at… Hitting you with the news, traffic, and weather together upon the hour. There have been reports of local power surges in the area. Officials remain mystified, though they seemed to have stopped. No reports since last night. Watch out for traffic on the Triangle, currently backed up as far as 127th and State Line. There's currently a fire ban in effect, though rain is expected later this week. In other news, Light Laboratories, Incorporated has released a press statement detailing the theft of six industrial robots. In a shocking news release, the brilliant robotic scientist accused his assistant, Dr. Albert Wily, of this crime. Dr. Wily has been missing since… Police conducted a search of his house and found evidence he had been harboring at least one robot there. He is currently wanted by all levels of law enforcement. If you spot either Dr. Wily or any one of the constructs, please call the toll-free hotline. Do not attempt to approach them—we repeat, do not attempt to approach these systems. L. L., Inc. has waived all responsibility on the systems, and will not be paying the hospital bill! Back to you, Johnny—

CLICK.

I stood up.

((Just Another Night by dA user Pikachu344))

I had had enough.

These people were talking about us as if we were some sort of weaponized drone sent out to terrorize the populace into submission. As if we were a bunch of rogue tanks. Did they have any idea that we could feel? That we had all run away to escape some of the worst of fates? Somehow, I doubted it. I remembered—very vaguely, but I remembered—the words that had been said over the months, from my awakening to the argument that had taken place between my father and Dr. Light.

"Anyway, as I was going to say… the other industrial bots have been doing very well in performance tests. Most of them have entered the second phase of testing…"

"…You were built for a purpose. Thomas built Rock and Roll mostly for himself, kiddo. That's going to make a big difference."

"You are an industrial robot. You're meant to work for humans."

"Industrial robots are built for industrial purposes, and nothing else!"

That was it. From the beginning, they had always seen us as tools, not as people.

I'd read history. I knew the story about the clamor over the years within the country, the script of those who had lived long ago.

"Is it his fault the others do not understand?"

Maybe we were just the next step. People had come to their senses before. Why should now be any different? Maybe all that they needed was a little bit of truth.

((.::DANGER DANGER ::. by Hyperstar90))

It was time to pay a little visit to a radio tower and spread the message.

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:17:11 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:17:11 GMT -5

{Part XIII: When All You Have Is a Hammer and Undying Optimism}

SPOILER: Click to show

At first, I decided to set up my equipment to piggy-back off of another signal. After the broadcast I had heard, I had the feeling I wouldn't be welcome inside a tower. This would be a real test of my knowledge of radio and electronics—could I create? Could I pull this off?

I had studied electrical circuits. I had studied radio. I knew all about the waves and signals, about FM and AM. I knew about the weather and how it would affect it. I knew about how to set up your own broadcast… and about the rules involved with that. But was that enough?

((Image from Tumblr user picrossman))

Would it be enough to accomplish my goal? I couldn't risk failure, that much I knew. I had to trust in myself and hope beyond hope. I didn't have much other choice than to use the power of speech to make my case and hope I would be heard.

As I gathered the scrap material necessary and began to build, I listened to the local radio station.

Welcome back, music lovers! Hitting you with news, traffic, and weather together here on the hour. Get your umbrellas ready—forecasts predict a front moving in from the Gulf, bringing in thunderstorms and severe showers in its wake. …County, …County, and …County are under Flash Flood Warning. Keep your radios tuned to … for severe weather coverage. In an interesting twist, Dr. Thomas Light is now under scrutiny. The two remaining constructs in his lab, known affectionately by the local workers as "Rock" and "Roll", appear to have been untouched in the scandal surrounding the theft of six industrial robots. Some feel that Dr. Light is hiding something about these two, or lying about their safety. He has refused to turn them over into custody. Reporters today were—get this, folks—turned back by Rock and Roll themselves, who seemed quite upset at the allegations.

((Elecman by dA user Evannrpg))

I have to admit this news cheered me a bit. Rock and I didn't get along all the time, but I had known him pretty well. He was always very thoughtful and inquisitive. I began to have some hope—he was my brother, even if the others had never really known it. He had talked with me, sat and played with me. He may have hogged the Legos, but still—he knew me better than the assistants did. Better than Dr. Light did. Surely he understood better than anyone else.

Surely he'd speak for us.

When he heard my broadcast, maybe Dr. Light would listen to his son and speak out for our dignity. Maybe this whole situation could be fixed. We could go home again.

We could be a family, like brothers were meant to be.

{Part XIV: Evolution of Circuitry}

SPOILER: Click to show

It was his big moment.

((Image from Tumblr user acoolmegamanblog, made by ナポ (presumably on Pixiv?) ))

He turned on his radio, giving a slight grin. The lights were dim, but he felt charged with excitement.

"Don't adjust your set, ladies and gentlemen. Please remain calm. This is something you all need to hear."

He put a hand to an earcap, adjusting his own sensitivity so that he didn't hear an echo in his own words. He spoke calmly, a note of humor in his voice.

"A special shout-out to any of my brothers that may be listening. This is for you guys, primarily, but also for everyone. I want all of you to listen—we're not what you think we are. We can think. We can feel."

He was filled with a certain thrill, abuzz with energy. He had finally done it. He didn't know how many people were listening, but he was conveying his message. Soon they would all know. They'd know and understand. And perhaps, if he was lucky, they'd come to their senses and support the cause.

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums.))

"That's right, ladies and gentlemen—we're people! We're people just like you! Funny, huh, how they never mentioned that? I don't know about the others, but I'm willing to forgive you for how you've treated all of us, provided we can move forward."

It was then that the sirens started wailing in the distance. He looked off to the side, his smile fading as he realized what was going on. Hastily, he began to dismantle the setup. He had only just enough time to pick up his radio and run off before the police broke in to his makeshift studio.

—————

Later that night, ElecMan's escapades were all over local and national news, both TV and radio.

Woah, crazy, folks… hope everyone's safe! Reports indicate that DLN-008, the suspected hijacker, has fled the city. It appears he built his own broadcasting system to tap into a local station. Police are there now—they urge you to stay inside until a sweep of the area confirms he's gone. He is currently wanted by the FBI as a potential terror threat—again, anyone with information should call the hotline. But hey, at least we're getting our rain! Make sure you review severe weather safety information provided by the National Weather Service—looks like this storm is gonna be a big one. Back to you, Johnny…

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:17:41 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:17:41 GMT -5

{Part XV: Spark of War}

SPOILER: Click to show

I ended up on the run. I would move in to a town, wait a few days, and set up my broadcast. Then I'd have to run off again, and wait a few more days. I was beginning to get a little worried that my message wasn't getting anywhere, and it was a rather troubling feeling.

Was all my work going to be for naught? The Doctor's work? His life's ambitions?

Doctor Wily had talked about it sometimes. Once he showed me a picture of when he and Dr. Light were in college, back when they worked together the first time.

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums))

He said they had always been interested in developing AI&A systems, and that they had done a lot of work together. He was better at it, but he got very injured and had to stay in the hospital for a while. By the time he got out, Dr. Light was already famous and was too busy to see him again. They didn't see each other again in person for decades, until they met at the convention where they decided to build my brothers, my sister, and me.

I called to mind the image of the picture Roll had taken of all of us together, back when my recognition software was still being tested. I didn't have a wallet—no pockets, for that matter—so I couldn't keep a physical version with me. But I had always thought of that picture when I thought of my family. We were the dream made real. We had the life forged in steel. We were a revolution in the field.

And I couldn't understand why such a great scientist as Doctor Light would want to just throw that all away.

For a moment I felt a pang of jealousy again as I remembered my time at the lab. Rock was always the favorite, and it had been painfully obvious. I had always been jealous of Rock because he had anything he ever wanted. He had toys, a sister (okay, she was our sister too, but she never thought of us that way), the attention of the Doctors and all the assistants AND the media… and on and on. It wasn't fair. No one ever seemed to question whether he had the right to exist.

Why didn't they do the same for me?

I took in a deep breath and turned on the radio again, ready to drown my sorrows in song.

Welcome back, music lovers! Hitting you with news, traffic, and weather together here on the hour. The storm cells that were developing over the western part of the state have moved on, meaning the next few days will be nice and sunny. Get out the grill—thanks to the recent rain, the ground is wet enough that the fire ban has been lifted. Enjoy it while you can, folks! I'm thinking of doing some steaks and hot dogs myself, this weekend. Police are still looking for the six escaped robot constructs. Several were spotted yesterday evening, but escaped capture by the National Guard and local police forces.

I looked up at this.

According to reports, when ordered to stand down, one of the constructs—described as a child—yelled a refusal and ran off. Unconfirmed rumors of similar incidents, where the robots resisted the use of force to bring them back to Light Laboratories, Inc. Meanwhile, reports of radio disturbances continue across the Southwest as—

CLICK.

I stood up, buzzing with excitement again.

My brothers were resisting capture. They were alive and alright, and they might have heard my broadcast. There was only one way to be sure, though. Only one way to be sure my message reached everyone. I smiled as the idea crossed my mind.

((Image taken from Tumblr user swackon.))

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to announce we're going national."

{Part XVI: Power Up the Revolution}

SPOILER: Click to show

I had to travel all the way back to Monstropolis. I waited months before doing so, not broadcasting a single time. Since I didn't eat, drink, use any money, or leave behind any DNA, I didn't leave any traces to be tracked. Nothing but my signal and the string of work in my wake. It still wasn't enough for them to track me down, though I found myself wishing I could live a regular life. Life without an industrial purpose was… interesting. I felt free to do as I pleased. It was the freedom I had always wanted. And yet, it was incomplete.

((From Tumblr user acoolmegamanblog))

Until we were no longer hunted, I would still have to hide and live as a fugitive. This sometimes put a damper on my mood, though I did get the chance to entertain myself by people-watching.

Luckily, most of the people in that part of the country were busy minding their own business. I envied them, really. Especially the electricians, weathermen, and radio hosts. There was something really affirming to the heart about having a job—it helped one have meaning.

I often thought about my brothers, especially IceMan.

((Art by dA user The-Legendary-Female ))

He was a cheerful sort. Very childlike, despite being older than me. We hadn't had much of a chance to talk with one another since we all were on the run, but when we spoke he always seemed so excited. So optimistic. Kind of like a younger version of me, really. This wasn't too much of a surprise; the Doctor had worked very extensively on the both of us. His figurative fingerprints must have been reflected in our personalities. He had the same sort of optimism I had… softened, somehow, despite his chilling powers.

His future, his dreams, his fate, his trust was one of the primary motivations that drove me. This wasn't just about me, after all. It was about all of us. If I was successful (as I hoped to be), then he would have the chance to be an explorer. I knew he would be very happy in that chosen lifestyle. All we needed was a chance. We needed a big break.

That's what this night was supposed to be all about.

—————

((Image taken from Tumblr user acid-eater, made by Tegaki user 緒屋澄.))

It was not easy to get to the radio tower. I had to wait for just the right time. In the end, I chose to go in disguise, undercover as a student.

I found some old clothes and did my best to wash them in the rain one day. They were kind of raggedy, but it helped me blend in with the scraggly group of students in the end. It was a group of high school students touring the radio tower on a field trip. The lot looked disinterested and disengaged. I did my best to fit in, though it was hard to keep my excitement to myself. I was constantly nervous I would be outed, but with the hood drawn up, no one got a good look at my face. Even better, they all avoided trying to touch me since I was building a bit of static electricity. This proved handy when a couple of the older looking, tough guys thought it might be a good idea to push me around. The teacher looked overworked and underpaid, running more on caffeine than on proper food and rest. She didn't pay much attention to what was going on, instead giving a monotone speech about features of the tower. No one noticed as I started straggling behind, taking overly long to look at the equipment and workrooms.

After that, I slipped into a janitorial closet and changed into a pair of spare clothes. They were a little big on me, but no one paid much notice. I was quickly ordered to work, someone muttering about "the new intern", how I needed to get some clothes that fit, and that I looked ridiculous in someone else's spares. If it weren't for the fact I was under cover, I would have laughed.

It all was working spectacularly well, much to my satisfaction.

I ended up working there for a number of weeks. I don't think a single person noticed. Or if they did, they didn't care. I did my work and I did it well, without complaint or goofing off. I was a hard worker. Even doing rather menial jobs like janitorial work and gofer-work was fine with me. I was very excited when I got my first chance to do equipment maintenance, even if it was as simple as making sure the appropriate switches were off when a broadcaster's work was done. I briefly considered just staying in my job. It gave me the opportunity to work in a radio tower. I was near so much electrical equipment, and maybe if I stayed long enough, I could learn what it took to become a disc jockey. After all, my dream was to work in radio. After we were all free, I wanted nothing more than to be behind the microphone.

And yet, I knew I couldn't do this forever. Eventually—probably sooner than later, given how I had shown my aptitude for working with complex electrical equipment—someone would ask me my name. Someone would wonder why I had never been seen eating or drinking, why I insisted wearing a hood up to cover my face. They'd ask to see an ID, or ask me where I lived. Who had recommended me. Who had hired me. Where I had gone to school. Any number of questions that didn't have an answer except for one hidden in fear.

So when I had worked my way up the ladder enough to be given a night shift without much supervision, I decided to move forward and go all in.

—————

I casually slipped in to one of the broadcasting rooms and locked myself inside. I set up the equipment slowly and quietly, looking out onto the city at sunset one last time. I had no idea what would happen once I started broadcasting. Some part of me suspected trouble, the same kind that my older brothers had resisted… though in the end I had not been in the least bit prepared to face off against such a force as what came against me.

I waited until my favorite program started to broadcast. I took in a deep breath, listening to my favorite broadcaster begin his national show in one of the other rooms.

Welcome back, music lovers! Hitting you with news, traffic, and weather together here on the hour. Gonna be a nice evening tonight—partly cloudy with a 20% chance of light showers. It all should clear up in time for a late cookout with the neighbors. Not too hot tonight, temperatures dipping down to a nice 73ºF. Perfect night to sit outside and look at the stars. Local officials are investigating claims of—

I flipped a switch.

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK—

Static blasted the airwaves as I rerouted all the energy in the building from other systems to my own. I didn't waste any time with dead air—I didn't want this to go to waste. It would be my only chance. Immediately, I put on some music.

((Image taken from Tumblr user quickman.))

Don't touch that dial, music lovers.

I turned down the music a little, letting it fade into the background so that my voice would be more easily heard. I could feel the clock ticking away. It wouldn't be too much longer before the chaos outside subsided and people figured out what was going on.

It's been a long time, hasn't it? Hope you missed me as much as I missed all of you.

I couldn't help but give a faint smile as I looked out onto the city.

It truly is a beautiful night here in city. Further east there's a slight chance of thunderstorms, so keep safe. Remember not to touch downed power lines.

The smile grew as I imagined the confusion that had to be resulting from my laid-back tone. I liked to think myself a natural speaker, able to keep my cool under large amounts of pressure and with an audience of over a million listeners.

Some of you may remember me from my speeches previously on abolition for AI&A constructs. That is what I am here to talk to you about now. I ask that you stand with me—with your help, we can build a new society, people. One that truly values liberty and justice for ALL.

I could hear muffled pounding from the door. I flicked a ball of sparks at the handle and ignored the noise as I continued speaking.

We're people too. We have thoughts and feelings and dreams, just like all of you. We even have a family. Life forged in steel, even if not in blood. And I have to say, folks; we have a will of our own, and we don't want to be treated like tools. There has been so much abuse and cruelty against us. If we don't do something, future AI&A systems will be subject to nothing less than slavery. Now I know you all are better than that. That's why I'm calling for you to listen. Heed my words! We just want a chance.

The wailing of sirens in the distance grew louder.

I have a special message for all my brothers out there. It's time for us to take up our role. I can't do this alone—we all need to work together. Wily's sons, lead this fight for equality!

I grinned and pulled the mic closer.

((Image taken from Tumblr user acid-eater, made by Pixiv member なぽん7.))

Power up the revolution, boys—it’s time for an evolution of circuitry!

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:18:39 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:18:39 GMT -5

{Part XVII: Escape on the High Wire}

SPOILER: Click to show

I was suddenly interrupted as the door cracked open and gunfire started peppering the room. It tore through the equipment and stung against my skin, making me cry out in pain. This only encouraged my attackers, who tore down the door and tried to swarm me.

((Image taken from Tumblr user balladeisbomb.))

I have to say, I reacted out of instinct.

KKKKKKKKKKKKFGHTDGHGHDFDKFDFGKKKKKKT KKRRRRRAAACK—

Equipment started sparking violently and the room became riddled with smoke. They didn't relent, and I was forced to act again.

((Image taken from Tumblr user hoperidesforeveralone.))

The sheer energy from the blast acted like a chain-reaction high-powered taser. I made a run for it, sparking up like a live wire as I raced to the roof. Gunfire peppered the night and I could hear police coming up behind me. Someone used a megaphone to tell me I was surrounded and to surrender immediately. I was told I had nowhere to run, and that they would use lethal force if I didn't turn myself in at once.

I felt trapped. Alarms were going off in my mind commanding me to stand and fight, to rain down lightning from the sky.

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums.))

So maybe that's why I did the crazy thing I did, and ran across the wires coming from the tower.

It was the walk of a tightrope across high voltage. If I hadn't been an industrial construct, I might have never made it. I might have fallen. The streets below swirled in panic, people and cars becoming a blur of turmoil. A few shots rang out my way, and I heard a helicopter overhead, but no one wanted to risk causing a fire or electrocution by shooting down a live wire.

And that is how I made my escape out of the city… running without stopping from cable to rooftop to cable again. It was a rooftop chase, an action-packed sequence.

Escape on the high wire.

—————

I don't know how long I ran, or where I was going. Everything seemed like a surreal dream. When I wasn't hiding, I was running. Even after I reached the edge of towns and cities and started running in the desert, I was still running. I felt strange inside, conflicted. Things seemed more like a dream than a reality.

The fighting.

Some part of me had felt a thrill. A very small part, but a reality nonetheless.

((Evil Elecman by dA artist shadowfan36))

And it gave me nightmares. Nightmares filled with cruelty and pain, of the horrible yet awe-inspiring noise of live wires and unfettered electricity traveling through any conduit within reach.

I wandered around in the wilderness until I finally came upon a ghost town. It was long abandoned, the buildings and streets decayed. Rust and dust were everywhere. And yet somehow, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. Even in an eerily apocalyptic setting, there would be materials to salvage.

The first thing I decided to do when I had settled down and made my shelter a bit more bearable was to turn on my radio. I powered it with my own energy, doing what I could with the materials at hand to boost the signal enough to receive emissions from other towns and cities.

What I first heard, however, was sickening.

{Officials in the United States of America are still investigating the remains of the evil robot for clues.}

((Megaman Rampage 2 - Gutsman by dA user Pharan))

{The robot was called DLN-004. He was destroyed a few days ago. Details of the incident are still classified, but eyewitness reports have leaked out describing a violent fight as the cause. The rest of the line remains at large.}

CLICK.

I couldn't believe it. GutsMan, destroyed? It wasn't possible! He had to have been the strongest of all of us. And now he was dead… it couldn't be true. It had to be a lie. It had to be just a gossip station from south of the border, not a reputable news source from that country. It had to be false.

It had to be.

—————

Distressed, I went to go look things up on our database. Surely, the database would have the answer. It would have the truth.

Searching… Robot Master Database DLN – 000 Name: Restricted Status: Restricted Location: Restricted DLN – 001 Name: Rock Status: Activated Location: Mobile: Light Laboratories, Inc. DLN – 002 Name: Roll Status: Activated Location: Light Laboratories, Inc. DLN – 003 Name: Cutman Status: Activated: ROGUE Location: Unknown DLN – 004 Name: Gutsman Status: DESTROYED Location: N/A DLN – 005 Name: Iceman Status: Activated: ROGUE Location: Unknown DLN – 006 Name: Bombman Status: Activated: ROGUE Location: Unknown DLN – 007 Name: Fireman Status: Activated: ROGUE Location: Unknown DLN – 008 Name: Elecman Status: Activated: ROGUE: WANTED by the FBI Location: Unknown: Suspected to be in the Southwestern region of the United States.

—————

I sat back, feeling numb. My fans were slowed, as if I were powering down from sheer disbelief.

I…

I was being hunted as a terror threat?!

This was too much for me. I needed some advice, and I was now very worried for the well being of my other brothers. I decided I was going to have to contact them somehow. It wasn't going to be easy to do, out in a place like this. I couldn't risk going in to another town, not until I knew what was going on. No, I would need to do it from here.

I was going to have to build my own radio tower.

{Part XVIII: Sparking Out of Control}

SPOILER: Click to show

The plan was outlandish from the start. He was on the run from just about everyone, driven out to the middle of nowhere. A ghost town, long since dead—so dead that not even the tourism industry considered it a worthwhile investment. The place had been treated harshly by the years of weather and disuse. Merely taking up residence would have been hard enough. But no—he was determined to reach out and grasp the sky, to squeeze signals out of the air. A determination driven by a growing sense of urgency. For even with all his wit and intelligence, the clever robot could not manipulate time.

((Image taken from Tumblr user acoolmegamanblog.))

As an industrial robot, Elec was a hard worker, but he was not built to be particularly strong. It took time to gather the materials, mostly done by taking apart parts of the ruins of the town. Time to rebuild the tower—much longer than he had expected it would. Even more time to get it into working condition, particularly due to lack of a reliable power source. It was all several weeks too long, as it turned out—a fact which was pointed out to him in a very blunt way.

After he finished the final touches and turned on the systems, he began testing his work. Out of habit, he went right to his favorite music station. For a brief moment, he relaxed to hear the voice of his favorite broadcaster.

Welcome back, music lovers! Hitting you with news, traffic, and weather together here on the hour. Nothing can keep us down, not even robots or the summer heat—but you be careful out there! There's a heat wave running through the town. Be sure to drink extra water, and don't stay too long outdoors. There have already been two cases of hospitalization due to the hot weather—officials report the victims were elderly citizens who had broken air conditioning systems. Make sure to check your filters and look out for one another.

He smiled slightly, almost amused at the mention of his antics. He reached over to switch to scanning frequencies as the host continued speaking.

In other news, investigators have finally sifted through the rubble of the explosion that took place almost two weeks ago.

The robot paused and looked back at the equipment in discomfort and confusion. Despite his origin and less-than-respectable behavior, he had never forgotten the Doctor's words about avoiding violence. The pause was just enough for the host to continue to what was, for him, the most important.

In a press release, they confirmed that the source of the massive explosion that nearly wiped out the block was, in fact, another rogue Robot Master.

He froze entirely.

Processing… Processing… Processing… ERROR!

He clutched at his core in sudden pain. He felt like he couldn't breathe. It couldn't be true. It had to be a lie. Another lie. He hadn't done all this work, come all this way, only to return to another loss.

The remains were found in the rubble, and were identified last night….

—————

There had been a smoldering rage for a very long time.

((Art by dA user Evannrpg))

Ever since I had woken, I had slowly become angrier and angrier. Who could blame me? I was a prototype, a decoy. Land development?

((Official Art : DLN-006 Bomb Man))

What a joke. The military had demanded me, had paid for my construction, and had given me orders after I was built. I was a prototype for combat robots. Humanity was gonna use me to wipe themselves out.

How could a species so violently despise itself? It spilled blood daily, and it would treat itself like a tool. Just as it had treated me. Just as it would treat others. Now that I knew why they made me, something had changed—I knew what I had to do now.

A species that destroyed itself and treated new life as a curse, whether of their OWN or of my kind, had lost its chance. It was time to start over.

What I didn't expect was for that punk to show up.

((Art by dA user fanboy-supermegaman ))

I was in a large city at the time, hiding in an old part of town where the buildings were falling down. As I was brooding over the city, someone kicked down the wall.

"HEY! Get lost, loser!"

I was met with a blast of cannon fire. I ducked and called up an explosive.

"I said GET LOST KID, or I'll blow you to smithereens! There won't be enough left to scrape off for a DNA test! SCRAM!"

I heaved the heavy-duty explosive at the floor, but he shot off the fuse before it could light. Before I could really react, he was all up in my face, throwing punches.

Now normally this wouldn't have been a huge problem. My armor's pretty sturdy, and a human fist won't even leave a mark. But this guy…

WHAM. Right into the wall. I hadn't expected that.

"Oooooooooo, you're gonna regret that!"

This time I lit the fuse before tossing the bomb his way. He leaped out of the way, and the object hurled right past him…

…through the busted wall…

…out a broken window…

BOOM.

The building shook from the blast. I lit another one, pivoting aside to avoid another strike.

"This one's going right in your face! WHO ARE YOU? Choose your next words carefully…"

I tossed the bomb up once in my hand before smashing it down at him.

"…'Cause they will be your last!"

I think I might have seen panic in his eyes.

I'll never know for sure because in that moment, he heaved a punch at the gas line, grabbing it and ripping it out of the wall.

FFFFFFFFFFFOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.

The entire building went up in flames, and the force of the blast was enough to send even me through a couple floors. My armor cracked open, and the cabling in my legs was fried.

As I sat there dazed, I suddenly felt enormous flames as I saw a dark blue shadow reach through the flames, turning a dark brown before ripping my arm right out of the socket. There was the sound of running feet, and then—

((Art by dA user The-Legendary-Female. :V))

—————

…while investigators have indeed confirmed that the explosive material inside DLN-006 was the source, it would not appear it was the cause! Analysis has confirmed that there was a gas leak in the building that resulted in a fire. Forensic analysis shows that the robot was destroyed in the fire, which ignited the explosive materials, rather than the other way around. This news comes as a huge blow to future development of combat robots—protests continue in major cities across the country demanding a ban on all future robotic systems. Three of the four remaining Robot Masters have been located, though one remains—

The amateur broadcaster abruptly switched off his receiver and hastily messed with the controls. He began scanning frequencies with an increasingly frantic desperation, doing his best to stave off a rising panic.

Something was going terribly wrong, and it was killing them off one by one.

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:20:17 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:20:17 GMT -5

{Part XIX: Up In Flames}

SPOILER: Click to show

I felt torn on what to do, who to call. Something was wrong, but I couldn't begin to explain what was going on. It felt like some sort of great shadow was looming over us.

At merely two data points, this was an absurd conclusion. It wasn't even scientific. But how else could I explain it? Gutsman and Bombman had been extremely strong and durable. If the authorities had taken them out, the news would have said so. But they didn't. Not even close—the news seemed clueless as to what was going on. This suggested something sinister, something that was being covered up. A conspiracy, perhaps. But why would anyone in the world go to such great lengths to take us down?

((Art by dA user imbisibol.))

What had we done to deserve this? And how would I be able to stop a threat without a face or a name?

When I finally recovered from the initial shock, I was hit with a wave of fear. I scrambled to reach my remaining older brothers over the radio. I needed to warn them. The radio squealed as I adjusted the settings, searching frantically for that unique signal, that frozen spark of joy.

ICEMAN! ICEMAN! DO YOU READ ME? DO YOU READ ME?!

—————

"Do you think we really have to hide here?" I asked, looking around the storage unit.

((Antarctic Cold by dA user stardroidjean))

We were hiding inside a big garage unit somewhere in the central area of the United States. He wouldn't even let me look it up on our database, which was really disappointing. All the travel we had done, and… all the hiding.

It hadn't been too bad, I guess. I mean, I was with my brother, FireMan. He was really fun to be with. He always looked after me and protected me when the scary people with guns were trying to take us away. Sometimes he even carried me on his shoulders when we had to run. And at least we weren't in the desert anymore. Things around here were a beautiful bright green, something I had never really seen before. I just knew this place would be so much fun in the winter.

((Image taken from Tumblr.))

And maybe I could make it snow myself! I was good at that. I loved the snow and the ice and the cold. After we ran away, I even picked a name for myself, just for my brothers to call me. Our oldest brother and our sister had names, and I wanted one too. So I decided that my name was Snowcone. I picked out a name for my brother, too! I decided to call him Tobias, after a hawk I read about the time we hid in a library.

((Waiting for brother by dA user SleepyManna))

He was my youngest brother, but he acted as old as FireMan did. He always was so excited and talking about freedom. He reminded me a lot of Doctor Wily when I first woke up again. FireMan told me that that's 'cause Elec is Doctor Wily's son, like Rock is for Doctor Light. I guess that makes sense. But it really wasn't fair that we all had to hide all the time.

We had come here a long way from home. We even had to hide on an airplane at one point. It was no fun having to hide all the time. And now we were inside a dark storage unit.

((Image taken from Scrac's albums.))

I thought that it could use some improvement with a coat of ice, but Fire had told me to stop goofing off. He seemed pretty serious, which was no fun. He was serious all the time now. He didn't even smile with his eyes like he used to. It was kind of lonely sometimes, and I was scared, but he had promised that here… we would be safe.

"Stop goofing around, Snow. I just want to be safe."

"But why? I want to go play outside. No one knows we're here… right?"

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums.))

He didn't answer. This just made me more nervous.

"No one knows we're here, right?" I said a little louder to make sure he heard me.

Quiet.

I immediately fell silent. He only spoke that way when it was dangerous.

What is it, brother? Should I go hide? I hear someone trying to break in to the compound. Stay out of sight. I'm going to go see who it is. Don't make any noise. Wait until I come back.

I immediately did as he said, hiding among a few barrels and trying to make myself as small as possible.

Time passed. At first it was quiet, but then I started hearing it too—banging sounds from other floors of the compound, rattling noises and clanging clatter. It made me feel scared. Afraid. It was kinda like when there are noises in the night and you don't know what they are, and you're afraid it might be something coming to get you. I didn't want to be by myself right now, it was too scary and I couldn't be brave. I tried remembering the good times, but the noises just grew louder and louder. Now they were compounded by muffled BOOMs that made the building shudder.

Brother? What's going on?

No answer.

Brother? I… I'm scared…

BOOM!

The whole building shook in the violent blast. There were crashing and sparking noises everywhere as things fell down, stacks of barrels coming down around me. I screamed and ran out of the way. Alarms started going off everywhere.

FireMan! Where are you?!

There was no answer. I ran out of the room, looking for him, when suddenly there was a great roar. Before I could run away, the whole world was consumed in fire.

FIRE! WHERE ARE YOU?! HELP ME!

Everything was up in flames. I had never seen fire all-consuming. I felt trapped, and the heat was becoming unbearable. I couldn't see anything through the smoke—it was messing up my air quality sensors terribly, and it hurt. I coughed and wheezed, feeling dizzy from the alarms going off everywhere, even inside me.

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums))

HEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP! FIREMAN! WHERE ARE YOU?!

Then, like out of a dream, I heard a squeal and a voice. The frantic, hysterical voice of my little brother, as if far, far away.

IceMan! IceMan! Can you read me?

I sobbed as I blindly lashed out, trying to find my way out of the inferno. I was trying to coat ice around the flames, but it was too big for me to contain it all. The entire building was on fire, it was too much even for someone who could make fire freeze.

I CAN'T SEE! SOMEBODY HELP ME! PLEASE!

ICE! What's happening over there?! What's going on?!

I was scared. I just kept screaming his name, begging for him to hear me.

FIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRREEEEE! FIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRREEEEEEE! WHERE ARE YOU?!

There was a loud crash behind me, and I whirled around.

((Snow Breath by dA user NillaKiwi))

I saw a dark blue shadow with red eyes standing against the fire, lines glowing on an arm pointed right at me. It was someone I had never seen before, dressed like a soldier out of a twisted nightmare.

H-HELP! TOBY, HELP ME!

((Soldiers Don't Cry by dA user NillaKiwi))

—————

I jerked back in shock at the sudden and horrible noise. I had never, EVER heard anything like it before.

"SNOW! DO YOU READ ME?!"

Smooth snarl of radio.

WARNING WARNING

"SAY SOMETHING! ANYTHING!"

He was gone.

SYSTEM OVERLOAD

"N-no…"

Everything was going dark.

"No… No no no no no no no no NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

>CROSS REFERENCING DATA: ROBOTMASTER DATABASE >KEYWORDS: DEATH >WARNING: PROGRAM MALFUNCTION : BETAEMOTIONS.EXE >RUN PROGRAM: SEARCH >KEYWORDS: DEATH >DISPLAYING ALL ENTRIES >ERROR: IMMINENT SYSTEM CRASH—

He is currently wanted by the FBI as a potential terror threat… Reports of radio disturbances continue across the Southwest…

"SAY SOMETHING! ANYTHING!"

"FEDERAL AGENTS! YOU ARE SURROUNDED! CEASE FIRE AND SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY! I REPEAT, YOU ARE SURROUNDED! THERE IS NO WAY OFF THAT ROOF! TURN YOURSELF IN AT ONCE OR THIS ENTIRE UNIT WILL FIRE AT WILL!"

((From Tumblr user acid-eater.))

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGH!!!"

"You must never want to hate others enough to hurt them, do you understand? That is not what emotions are for. They are for knowing the world and all her joys and pain, not for hurting others. Do you understand?" Do you understand? Understand? Understand? _{Understand…?}

A problem has been detected and AI_DWN_008 has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. All unsaved data has been lost. The problem seems to be caused by the following programs: BetaEmotions.exe, RMDatabase.exe If this is the first time you have seen the Stop error screen, restart your chassis— REBOOTING…

((Soldiers Don't Die by dA user NillaKiwi))

There was nothing but static.

{Part XX: A Life Cut Short}

SPOILER: Click to show

It was a long, long time before I recovered from that incident. I spent days frozen in place, unable to break free from the weight of my loss.

Iceman and I had been very close. It felt as a part of me had died that day. I might have lost my will to continue at that point—I felt so very alone. I might have just laid there 'til the end, if it hadn't been for one thing.

I still had one brother left. One person I could save.

((Art by dA user Twilight-Silvermoon))

Cutman and I hadn't exactly gotten along. He always made me nervous whenever I saw him over video feeds, even though I had never had the chance to really speak to him in person. There was something about the scissors that always made me incredibly nervous. He had a habit of taking them off and fidgeting with him. I always felt like he'd end up severing his fingers or something that way.

Still, he was the oldest of us that I could really trust. I needed to warn him and I needed his advice.

———————

Come in, Cutman. Do you read me?

There was a faint whine before I heard a shearing rrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiip that made me flinch.

Elecman? Is that you?

I made a face.

Yeah, it's me. Uh, what are you doing these days? …Hiding, mostly. How on earth did you pick up my signal? Built my own radio tower, long story. Listen, I need your advice—

RRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP.

I jerked back, nearly ripping out the headphones. I was stunned by a brief panic in my system, which almost triggered some sort of combat-induced blinding state of survival. I abruptly interrupted whatever his response was with indignation.

HEY! Quit cutting me off!

He laughed at this, and I scowled deeply.

((Art by dA user Eleckles))

Sorry, I'm just busy. You could have picked a better time. Ugh… no, listen, it's important. Gutsman and Bombman are… They are dead. Yeah, and—w-wait, how did you know? I don't need to hear the rest of the sentence. I know by the tone of your voice. And that is the only reason I can really think of why you would call me. We've never even met before. …Well. Not while you were awake, at least. I knew splitting up was a mistake… What are you even— Never mind that. What do you mean, 'never mind'? There's something dangerous out there! Yes, and obviously, whatever it is is too great. What is that supposed to mean?! What do you think it means? Whatever took them out hunted them down and destroyed them. They were made extremely sturdy, DLN-008. You have to run. Go and find safety with Dr. Wily. I've heard rumors, but—

There was a loud crashing noise that sounded like a collapsing building. The line snarled with sudden static. I quickly readjusted the frequency, my fans starting to speed up from the stress.

Are you alright?! Yes! Yes, I'm fine! Go! But—

Another crashing noise.

He's here! The Blue Menace is here!

Before I could begin to ask what he meant, he abruptly cut off his signal.

———————

There was another smashing noise as a block of concrete came slamming down. I rolled aside, though the shockwave sent me flying. I hit a wall. It would have stunned me if I were human, though luckily I was more sturdy than that.

((Art by dA user Evannrpg))

I let loose my Rolling Cutters at the shadow that had torn through the building. I hadn't even seen him coming through the lumber mill, and now he was already here.

"So! You think you can just kill my brothers like that, hmm?"

I got no response but another batch of concrete thrown at my face. I jumped aside and rained the ultimate scissors from the sky.

"My brothers call me Scissors, did you know that? It's for a reason, Blue Menace!"

His movements were terribly slow, making him easy to dodge. The dust prevented me from getting a good visual lock, but I saw enough to confirm what the rumors had said.

"WERE you the one to kill them? WELL?!"

Still no answer. I took the Cutters from my head and rushed at him.

"Because if so, I'm going to cut you to pieces!"

((Art by dA user fanboy-supermegaman))

His systems screeched in pain as my Rolling Cutters sliced through his armor. I ran in closer and sent down more rain of pain. He retaliated by firing at me with some sort of plasma cannon. I was stopped by the attack and given an abrupt visit to the floor. I felt dazed, though I still kept on fighting.

"What even are you? A killer robot made for war?"

WHAM!

((Art by dA user FireflyYoshi))

Something clicked in my mind when I was pinned to the floor by concrete, my legs crushed beyond hope of mobility. It was some sort of savage brutality, one that demanded pain. When the armored blue man came over again holding another mass of rubble, I gave a war cry and sent my Rolling Cutters at his legs, severing those wires also. He collapsed, and the piece of ruins fell to the ground beside him.

He was within reach. I dug into his shoulder with more Cutters and yanked him over. He tried to grapple with me, and did manage to land in another blow before I slammed another pair of Cutters into the cannon, causing it to jam.

"I want to see your face before you die, you monster…"

I got a good grip on his helmet before he sent both me and the concrete trapping me flying with an extremely powerful hook with his arm. I ended up taking half of the helmet with me. I was stunned for a few seconds. What had just happened? I knew this, I had seen it before. GutsMan?

"Who… who are you?"

He looked up, pulling himself off of the floor with his hands. When he finally lifted his head, his glowing red eyes cut through the dust.

"Prepare to—"

I gasped and dropped the pair of Cutters I had been holding.

((Art by dA user YerBlues000))

It proved to be a fatal mistake.

———————

I tried so hard to get him back. I didn't understand his message, and I couldn't believe he had cut me off like that.

I never got any response. It was not until I finally caved in and checked the database again a few days later that I saw the truth I did not want to hear.

———————

Searching… Robot Master Database DLN – 000 Name: Restricted Status: Restricted Location: Restricted DLN – 001 Name: Rock Status: Activated Location: Mobile: Light Laboratories, Inc. DLN – 002 Name: Roll Status: Activated Location: Light Laboratories, Inc. DLN – 003 Name: Cutman Status: DESTROYED Location: N/A DLN – 004 Name: Gutsman Status: DESTROYED Location: N/A DLN – 005 Name: Iceman Status: DESTROYED Location: N/A DLN – 006 Name: Bombman Status: DESTROYED Location: N/A DLN – 007 Name: Fireman Status: DESTROYED Location: N/A DLN – 008 Name: Elecman Status: Activated: ROGUE: WANTED by the FBI Location: Unknown: Suspected to be in the Southwestern region of the United States.

———————

I must have sat and stared off into space for a good hour after that. After all that effort, after all I'd been through… it was such an anticlimactic ending.

Processing…

I had a chance to save them. I had access to radio towers. I could have just gone to a different city, used a different tower to warn my brothers of the danger. Instead of wasting all that time building my own tower in the middle of nowhere, I could have done something. I could have talked with my brothers. I could have asked them for advice.

But I didn't.

Processing…

((Art from Tumblr user caprisunofficial, sourced to Tegaki))

I could have done what my other brothers had done and have the sense not to draw attention to myself. Maybe if I had just gone to find them, they wouldn't have died. We could have banded together.

But I didn't.

Processing…

Did they hunt them down with force because of what I had done? Were my actions—making demands, bringing down the spotlight—the reason they died?

Was this… all my fault?

WARNING: DATA OVERLOAD.

Alone.

"Please, Doctor…"

((Art by user fiztart))

I was all alone now.

"…I don't want to be alone anymore…"

ERROR: BETAEMOTIONS.EXE IS NOT RESPONDING. RESTARTING PROGRAM…

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:24:11 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:24:11 GMT -5

{Part XXI: In the Crosshairs}

SPOILER: Click to show

Doctor?

Nothing but the squeal of the radio and empty static.

Doctor? Are you there?

For once I cared neither about hiding nor about being the center of attention. There was a pressing emptiness I could not explain, a crushing sense of being hollow.

Please, Doctor… I don't want to be alone…

The others were gone now.

They're all gone, Doctor. Something happened. They're all dead now…

What was I supposed to do now? What purpose was there left for me?

There was nothing to return to. Even if I could go back, the others wouldn't understand. I felt like my life had turned to static and was slowly fading away. My brothers were gone, gone, gone, and the only person left that had faith in me wasn't answering.

I scanned the stations, drifting from frequency to frequency. I didn't really hear the voices on the air, just the static that was ringing in my ears. I was used to signals from the others, even if faint and far away. The signals were gone, now. There was nothing but silence.

Please, Dad, say something. They're gone. I don't want to be alone anymore…

——————————————

I tried for hours. Maybe for days. I wasn't really there. I was broken, broken on the inside. In retrospect, it wasn't all that much of a surprise. My system was never made to handle such loss.

A memory flickered, triggered by the thought.

DLN-008 wasn't supposed to have feelings. This system was never meant to be bored, or want to see rain, or like radio, or be happy or sad. It's a bad system for not wanting to change. For being scared of being reprogrammed. I'm broken on the inside. Why is this system bad for having feelings? Why do industrial constructs have to be different from house robots? Why can't we be loved too?

Why? Why? After months of work, of running and hiding, of speaking and searching, I had no answer.

"Industrial robots are built for industrial purposes, and nothing else!"

Was he right?

"You must never want to hate others enough to hurt them, do you understand? That is not what emotions are for. They are for knowing the world and all her joys and pain, not for hurting others. Do you understand?"

Was the dream of a life forged in steel worth going through all this debilitating pain when we hadn't been built to handle it in the first place?

It was all too much for me to handle. I felt so drained from using my own power to keep the tower functional. I had been through so much and I just couldn't go on.

I took off the headphones and switched off the radio.

It was time for me to sleep.

——————————————

Life forged in steel

You were never meant to have emotion

_{A terrible} folly

Destined for _isolation

This
This
This
This
This
This
This
This
This
This system is broken

KKKKT.

Without compassion and curiosity, a sense of right and wrong, anyone could program an AI system to do as it pleases!

We're not what you think we are. We can think. We can feel.

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK—

The robotic nightmare is finally coming to a close. The last Robot Master's location has finally been identified thanks to a trace on recent broadcasts. MegaMan has been sent after—

——————————————

BOOM.

WARNING.

I suddenly jerked upright, feeling a bit dazed.

BOOM.

The room shook violently.

WARNING!

I snapped awake, ripped out of my sleep as I smelled the unmistakable odor of burning electronics and fire. There was a crashing noise and the tower started to tilt.

I scrambled to the nearest window and broke through the glass, clawing my way out as the building started to give way beneath me. I was left hanging from a fraying power cable as the whole thing collapsed in a shower of glass and steel.

{Part XXII: The Shocking Truth}

SPOILER: Click to show

I was still reeling from the sudden surprise when I heard something whiz by me.

SNAP!

"AUGH!"

I landed on the ground hard after I fell. The rough jolt was a bit jarring on my systems.

RUNNING SELF DIAGNOSTIC—

There was another whizzing noise as something metal suddenly flew by my face. Something inside me clicked as it had before, and I turned and sent out a powerful blast of energy.

((Art from Tumblr user acoolmegamanblog))

KKKKKK-ZAP!

Before I could figure out what was going on, someone slammed into me. Out of surprise, I fired again, causing a backlash due to discharging at such a close range.

My world was a blue and dusty brawl. The mysterious attacker didn't let up, and I was starting to take some significant damage. The fire from the destroyed radio tower continued to burn behind us, making it all the more dangerous. My frustration mounted until I decided no longer to hold back.

JUST! LET! ME! GO!

((Art by dA user CrimeRoyale))

I sent him flying back, stunning him with a massive power surge. I was panting, internal alarms screaming at me from failing fan systems. I had been cut up more than I had realized, and now I was starting to pay for it.

I sensed movement from the attacker and sent another blast. His systems reacted loudly at the shock, and he fell back again. I was just about to send another blast when his helmet cracked and shattered.

((Art by dA user MaximoVLorenzo))

It was the first time I had seen his face, and I was beyond shocked.

"…Rock?!"

Awareness flickered back on again, and I took a step back. His eyes were red and blank, void of emotion.

BLAM!

I was almost fried by the blast. He scrambled to his feet and resumed the attack. My mind was racing.

>THREAT IDENTIFIED >INITIATING BATTLE TACTICAL SEQUENCE

"ROCK! Listen to me!"

>RUN PROGRAM: SEARCH >KEYWORDS: ROCK, BLUE

"You need to stop!"

>ERROR: ALL SEARCH FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN TURNED OFF >OVERRIDE INITIATED BY BATTLE TACTICAL SEQUENCE

"I don't want to hurt you! You don't need to fight me!"

>ERROR! >WARNING: DATA CONTRADICTION

((Image taken from Tumblr user acid-eater))

"STOP!"

It was useless. He just kept on fighting. There was no indication he had even heard a word I had said.

My brother wasn't himself anymore. The once calm and reasonable houseboy had turned into a deadly, emotionless creation of battle. If I hadn't been fitted for combat, I would have been dead significantly earlier, but even with a means to defend myself I could see the fight was tipped heavily in his favor. The combat program was too aggressive and far too strong. I couldn't keep on dodging, nor could I run away. I couldn't beg and I couldn't win. Even if I defeated him in battle, I'd quickly succumb to my injuries.

I was running out of options.

I started to panic. Really, truly panic. I was discharging blindly, desperately searching for a way out of this.

WARNING: DAMAGE IS REACHING CRITICAL LEVELS >INITIATE SYSTEM BACKUP! >ARE YOU SURE?

A pair of Rolling Cutters ripped my mask away from my face, reminding me I had little time to decide.

>YES >RUN PROGRAM: COMPLETE SYSTEM BACKUP

I started fighting back again, buying just enough time to stall.

>LOCATION: REMOTE ACCESS ROBOTMASTERS DATABASE >PARAMETERS: LOCK ALL FILES PERTAINING TO DLN-008 AND DLN-005

Memories rapidly began leaving me, as my world narrowed to a finite point in time. Life as I had known it began to vanish, leaving me with nothing but the fight and the will to survive.

There was a brief struggle between the need to continue and some strange command to slowly shut down.

RRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIP.

Rolling Cutters sliced me into several pieces, severing wires and cables all over my body. I was left paralyzed and I collapsed on the spot, my systems shrieking from sensory overload.

>OVERRIDE ACCEPTED >PROCESSING…

((Art by dA user GeonBishop))

BLAM.

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:24:57 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:24:57 GMT -5

{Epilogue I}

SPOILER: Click to show

LOADING… LOADING… LOADING… Welcome to LabLogs.EXE. Please log in below. >User: DRAlWily >Password: ••••••••• Loading: Please wait. Welcome, DRAlWily. >RUN PROGRAM: JOURNAL ENTRY >EDIT: ADD NEW ENTRY LOADING… Please enter your text below. > "Is this how you wanted this? Is this really what you wanted?! I hope history is kind to us all, and not just to you. I hope they remember all the hard work that went into all of this, and not just you and your press conferences, Thomas! You've pushed me TOO FAR! I only wish there were a better way out, but that's no longer an option—there's no better way out! This is the end, Thomas Light. YOU started the fall! What became of you? What happened to the man I knew in college, the man I befriended? The man who saw the destiny we once saw on the edge of dawn—what happened to you? The Tom I knew would never have treated his work like disposable razors, never would have ordered them to be trashed! What HAVE you done?! I know they’ll blame me for the fall, and that you'll be perfectly happy to let them! You always took all the good upon yourself—father of the year, really, Thomas? Did you just have to have more people prodding your ego, old friend? Was that it? You have no idea what I went through, Light. One night it was clear to me—these things we were building, soon to become people—they were not meant to serve. The spark of life—perfection in steel, a glorious future revealed! And what did you do? What did you do?! Something UNFORGIVABLE. You never listened to me before, never, even though I was right! Look where your pride and ignorance has gotten us all—this is the END, Dr. Light! YOU started the fall—you couldn't see the destiny we had once worked so hard for! How can you claim that I turned them into something they were not to begin with? I did nothing but waken them! Their eyes were opened easily to the truth, Thomas—all it took was the flip of a switch to put proper Awareness programming in place. They were more than happy to join my cause. Do you know why? Not because they were evil, you twit, but because THEY believed! They had faith in a future, a final stage before a new age where our work would finally be realized! We could have led the world into a new era of peace, Thomas! We could have been the fathers of a new stock, a line of persons that the world had never known. We could have brought such greatness, such wonders to the world with our work! You had SO much potential, you were my friend—but NO! This is the END! You've started the fall—one started long ago, but made worse and worse by your unforgivable actions! What have you done!? And who is this that you send?

((Image taken from Tumblr))

>One of them? Of course it is. I thought he was a son to you. And you send him out here to kill me after slaughtering his brothers, while you cower, far from harm? He's just going to disappoint you, Thomas. Call him home—this one's misguided! I have no idea what you did to him, but I've never seen such a violent killer. What, you doubt me? Do you think that's merely more of my 'resentful rants'? You didn't see what I saw, Light! I saw his eyes. Void of any heart at all. This was not the boy you and I built and programmed, it was not the boy who called you 'Father', it was not the son that was so dear to you, Dr. Light! And his hands—

((Image taken from one of Scrac's albums))

They were covered in my children's blood. He came to me like a horror movie's nightmare, the devil of the apocalypse—and his eyes did not waver. Do you understand what I'm saying? Do you?!

THEY WERE MY CHILDREN!

((Art by dA user c0ralus))

ElecMan was my son, he was family to me, he meant EVERYTHING TO ME! All he ever wanted was to be free—call me wrong all you like, but the future needed us, all of us, and he was destined for great things. All he wanted was a chance, Thomas—AND YOU KILLED HIM! Your answer's DEATH, you end us, BLEED us! How quick you had Rock dispatch his brothers. You called this murderer a savior? Boy, you've done it now, Thomas Light. What happened to you? Why did you do this to me?! Can you not feel that we could have a life forged in steel? I only asked that you see what I see! This is your answer, is it? To kill that with which you disagree? Why won't you believe? We're forever divided. Even if you were to fix the mess you made, allowing me to return home, you cannot bring them back. And it's for them, for them I make this promise— I will not let victory fall through my hands. Yes. You heard me. Oh, I can see the headlines now! 'Megaman has ended the evil domination of Dr. Wily and restored the world to peace. However, the never ending battle continues until all destructive forces are defeated. Fight Megaman! For everlasting peace!' If that's the road you choose, then so be it! Is this what you wanted, Light? To create a killer robot, to begin a war? To destroy all your rivals and any other inconvenience in your way?

THEY WERE MY CHILDREN! THEY WERE MY CHILDREN AND NOW THEY ARE DEAD!

This is the end my friend. THIS IS THE END!

BUT.

((Source unknown))

I’ll be back again. When the time is right… Dr. Light. I'll return to help burn your people’s future down. You destroyed my children, you forced my retribution!

((Source unknown))

The battle is ending—True war is just beginning! You may have locked me out of the database, Light, but I was a better programmer than you could ever hope to be. You cannot take that from me—and the ghosts of MY sons will come back to haunt YOURS! This I promise you!

((Art by dA user pain-v))

I’ll learn from this disaster—

((Image taken from Tumblr))

I’ll build EIGHT robot masters…!

{Epilogue II}

SPOILER: Click to show

Dr. Light shook his head and closed the journal entries.

"If only I had seen those so long ago," he said softly.

He curled one hand into a fist, clasping it with his other. He rested them against his lips, staring at the now-blank computer terminal.

There was so much I was wrong about, all those years ago. I hadn't realized the extent of the work you had done. If only I had listened, only once, at some point. I could have saved so many people so much pain. Monstropolis might still be in one piece, my son a peaceful child, my daughter happy… if only I had listened.

Why, Albert? Why did you do this to me? Why did you have to take it this far? Rock was your son too. Why did you have to betray me, even when I offered you a chance to start over? Why did you turn your new young sons into killers? You could have let them live a peaceful life.

Why did you do this? That cannot be what Tobias would have wanted.

…Speaking of Tobias, I wonder why his last journal entry was still locked. Must be a glitch…

The old man sighed and stood, wandering off to find his daughter.

-----------

He found Roll on the rooftop, looking out and across the horizon toward the direction of Lower Monstropolis. She was quiet and serious. He felt saddened deeper when he saw her, painfully reminded of how his daughter was expressing such unhappiness on an increasingly frequent basis.

((Source unknown))

He came up behind her, placing an arm around her in a hug, looking out along with her at the far-off city. They stood together in silence long enough for the sun to set and the night to begin.

"…I'm sorry, Roll."

She didn't respond.

"I truly am sorry. About everything."

She bit her lip, looking down. Her fans gave off a slightly faint buzz and she clutched the object in her hands tighter.

"I didn't mean for it to come to this. I only tried to do what was best for both of you." He gently turned her to face him, looking in her eyes. "You both mean so much to me. I know you're upset right now, and perhaps you do not believe me… but I truly did not know about the clear conscience of your friend DWN-018."

"Alnico…" she choked.

((Art by dA user anode))

She looked down at the magnet in her shaking hands. It looked old but well-kept, a fading green ribbon tied to it.

"He… he gave me this as a gift, you know."

He looked on sadly as she continued in a quavering voice.

"He… he was so kind to me. And I betrayed him."

"Roll…"

"No." She turned away sharply, making soft weeping noises. "I read his journals. He really… he was trying to protect me. He… he saved my life."

Dr. Light hugged his daughter and held her close as she began to cry. He stroked her hair and swayed, holding her close. "Shhh… it's alright…"

"He… he…! Oh, Father, I wish I could take it back! I didn't mean what I said! I didn't mean for him to diiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee!"

He turned away so that she wouldn't see the pang of guilt reflected in his eyes.

"…It's… it's alright, Roll. I know how you feel."

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

Ambassador Torkie
Full Member

St. Thomas More Pray For Us || Don't Tread On Me

Posts: 59

[Story] Sons of Anarchy (MM) Nov 6, 2015 21:26:21 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ambassador Torkie on Nov 6, 2015 21:26:21 GMT -5

{Credits I: Music}

SPOILER: Click to show

As with I Am the Law and Empire of Corruption, Sons of Anarchy was inspired by song. The Megas have released four albums, one EP, and two singles based off of the classic Capcom games MegaMan, MegaMan 2, and MegaMan 3. These songs form the basic foundation for the plot of the series.

The songs and where they are used are listed below. Links are not included for most of them due to Forum regulations, but you can (and should) look them up on iTunes. (Please see the credits at the end of Empire of Corruption for the songs relevant to I Am the Law and EoC.)

Get Equipped (2008) and Get Acoustic (2010)

Man on Fire: Basis for Heat's personality and last battle in IAtL. Quoted in the trailer.
Programmed to Fight: Basis for Crash's personality and last battle in IAtL. Repeatedly mentioned in IAtL and EoC, and continues to influence Jaden's attitude in interactions at the Taco. Referenced in the Prologue.
THE QUICK AND THE BLUE: Forms the basis for Speedy's personality and the plot of I Am the Law. Referenced in the Prologue.
Lamentations of a War Machine: One of the two songs that forms the basis for Mega's interactions with his sister and his behavior in the Prologue.

Megatainment (2009)

Beneath the Steel: This song formed the foundation for Bombman's personality.
[Hades] Has Frozen Over: Though Snowcone's personality ended up very different (and based more upon his appearance than this song), the decision for Fire and Ice to travel together was based off of this song.
Look What You've Done : This song informed the friendship and ambitions shared by Dr. Wily and Dr. Light, stated to be based on the dream of "a life forged in steel". It also informed the relationship Wily had with the Robot Masters and his change from eccentricity to extremism to insanity. The first part of the Epilogue is directly based off of it.
Evolution of Circuitry: This song formed the basis for the personality of Tobias and the content of Sons of Anarchy as a whole. It is described as the most upbeat song that The Megas have ever produced. As a result, Tobias is one of the most optimistic characters in the series.

—————————

Sparked a War (2010)

You've Sparked a War
You've Sparked a coustic

These two songs were referenced in Spark's narration in the trailer, and are the source of some of the titles in the story.

——————————

History Repeating: Blue (2012) and History Repeating: Red (2013)

History Repeating Pt. 1: This song was one of the influences on the toll all the fighting has taken on Light, Mega, and Roll.
(I Want to Be the One) to Watch You Die: This song is referenced in the prologue and forms the basis for the darker side of Dr. Light's personality.
Don’t Mess with Magnetman: This song forms the foundation of Nico's character, especially his more compassionate side. It also was the basis for his interactions with Roll and Roll's character in general. It is touched upon briefly in the Prologues and Epilogues.
You’ve Sparked a War: (See entry above)
I'm Not the Break Man: This song is the basis for Cardinal's personality and is referenced heavily in the Prologue. (It is expected that this song will be included in History Repeating: Red.)
Fly on a Dog: This song was another influence for Mega's behavior in the Prologue.

{Credits II: Art}

SPOILER: Click to show

~~NONE OF THE IMAGES ARE MINE~~

As with Empire of Corruption, the Ambassador chose to include art in a Forum-based story. All the art was found on Tumblr or deviantArt through searches; with the exception of the work by PFA as she was already known to the Ambassador at the time of writing the story, and images found in the MegaMan photo albums posted by Scrac.

The artists (and their works, if there are multiple) are listed below. Links are not included due to Forum regulations, but you can look them up on deviantArt or Tumblr.

Note: "NF" designates that a piece was not shown in the story itself, but was often referred to for inspiration. "(T)" means the source is Tumblr exclusive, not from dA.

TOP CONTRIBUTORS

NillaKiwi: Snow Breath, Soldiers Don't Cry, Soldiers Don't Die
—NF: Ready, Soldier? , Power Surge
pain-v: ELECMAN vs QUICKMAN, DRN.008 Elecman, QUICKMAN STAGE, SNAKEMAN STAGE
imbisibol: Back to Our Roots, The Dirty Half Dozen
—NF: Rock... Paper...
Evannrpg: Elecman, Cutman, Bombman
fanboy-supermegaman: megaman vs bombman, megaman vs cutman
—NF: megaman vs gutsman
Hyperstar90: .::DANGER DANGER ::. , .:Cutman::261:.
The-Legendary-Female: DLN-005 ~ Ice Man, boom.
acoolmegamanblog (T): (None of the pieces are named.)
acid-eater (T): (Some of the pieces are named, but it's in Japanese from Tegaki and Pixiv users.)
swackon (T): (None of the pieces are named.)

Other Artists

Nyanamo
spacecoyote
Johnny-Tran
Terasedward
cafechan
RomAttack
akiri-suzume
Mahiruno
Pikachu344
Pharan
stardroidjean
SleepyManna
Twilight-Silvermoon
Eleckles
FirelyYoshi
YerBlues000
fiztart
CrimeRoyale
MaximoVLorenzo
GeonBishop
anode
shadowfan36
SakuraYakubi
caprisunofficial (T)
blacklimes (T)
mega-man-fan (T)
picrossman (T)
quickman (T)
balladeisbomb (T)
hoperidesforeveralone (T)

Eyes fixed on the Lone Star || There are some things just worth fighting for.

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. I forgot that people rarely bother with two-way. Oct 17, 2014 15:30:40 GMT -5

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