reveriance | TEST DRIVE #002

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test drive

TEST DRIVE #002

TEST DRIVE #002

( 0 0 1 ) » WAKE UP

Were you asleep or were you unconscious? It doesn't matter: when you come to, there's an odd taste in your mouth and there's a low-level mechanical hum in the air. Your head hurts and you feel nauseous. You aren't anywhere you know: everything around you is metal, from the floor you lie on all the way to the ceiling. You are dressed in a jumpsuit you definitely weren't wearing before.

"We tried to save the world. I think— I think we did the opposite."

The message repeats on a loop. If you look for its source, you find a comms device on the floor next to you. The logo on its wallpaper says REVERIE TERMINAL. Upon closer inspection, you find the same logo on your jumpsuit.

Welcome to your new home. What choice do you have but to explore your surroundings?

( 0 0 1 . 1 ) » WAKE UP WHERE?
When you wake up, you find that you're not alone. But more importantly, you find that you're in a closet. An empty closet, bar you and your new companion. It's small, cramped, and there is no door that you can see. The ceiling is low, there is barely any lights, only some coming from the tiny flashlight clipped to your suit's shoulder. You cannot be sure that there is any air coming in to the room.

Are these grooves in the wall supposed to mean something?

( 0 0 2 ) » OBSERVATION DECK

There were no windows in the corridor you woke up in and no windows in any of the crew quarters you might have checked for occupants — but there are plenty of windows on the uppermost level of the station, deck 1. In fact, there are windows from floor to ceiling all along the circumference of the station's circular deck, and it's possible to walk along it all. What it shows is a strange solar system you've never seen before and a planet that might resemble one you know, but certainly isn't the same.

You're in space. You don't know where you are. Neither does anyone else.

( 0 0 3 ) » BAR

On deck 3, you find the bar. Tucked away from the crew quarters, it's dimly lit, there are bar stools thrown down on the floor and what looks like some very old drink spills, crusty and dark against the bar top. But there is alcohol here, or at least, what you think is alcohol, in bottles with faded labels, most of them indecipherable. Take a drink, get drunk, start a fight, or start a party? You're stuck on this station, might as well make the most of it, right?

( 0 0 4 ) » SPACEQUAKES

One second, you are is walking. Magnetic boots are on, the ground feels solid enough, for a metal deck in a space station. Everything is perfectly fine, or at least as fine as it can be, given that you still don't know where you are or how you came to be here.

The next moment, it's like everything explodes around you. You're thrown against the wall as sparks erupts from electrical panels, as the whole station rumbles and shakes around you. You fall to the deck, earning yourself scratches from the grating. When you look up, it's like nothing has happened. No wires hanging from open panels, no flickering lights, no more shaking. Like an earthquake in space.

( 0 0 5 ) » NETWORK

The comms device you found next to you when waking up connects to a station-wide network, REVERIE NET. You have the option to post video, voice or text messages.

What will you share?

( 0 0 6 ) » WILDCARD

The station features a variety of locations, from sleeping quarters free for the claiming to a dirty swimming pool and a bar that still holds alcohol (though some of the bottles seem to have been opened a while ago).

Go wild, but don't wreck the place. It's your home for the foreseeable future, after all.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The way that Connor states it doesn't sound like he's trying to argue the matter, but to understand it. How does one explain a matter of faith and God to an android, he wonders? Idly, Alucard traces a fingertip along the outside of his glass.

"I think that, perhaps, that is quite a subject to touch upon," Alucard muses. "Where I am from, people who are properly ordained and believe in their God can bless objects and water. There is no God that loves creatures like me, beings of the night -- vampires, demons, and so on. As such, those sorts of objects harm me more effectively than any normal weapon would."

He smiles faintly. "I know it is difficult to quantify. Acid is a real and physical thing. You can see it, analyze it, comprehend it. Measuring things like... faith and truth. That is much harder to conceive. But they are just as real, Connor, even if you cannot touch them."

The next two questions are fair to explain as well. Basic needs.

"The only weapons available are the ones that appear, or the ones we make. I myself have comfort in my sword. I don't know any who carry a firearm if that is what you are used to, but perhaps you should reach out to the rest of the community." He finishes his wine. "There is a steady supply of water, though I doubt it's indefinite. There are food replicators, but I have seen some individuals become temporarily ill from them. Nothing worse than food poisoning on occasion. They seem to replicate whatever species utilizes them."

Connor smiles softly. He was aware that religion was a touchy subject, in fact, there were many outspoken preachers who claimed that androids were an abomination, that giving a machine consciousness was an affront to god.

"There are also those who can do that where I am from," The LED spun a few times, flickering yellow, software instability, "If you believe such things, then those objects should also do more harm to me. Androids were not made by God. We have no soul."

Definitely a deep subject to get into during their first conversation, but Connor didn't seem to really notice. Alucard's comment about the realness of such abstract things as faith and truth once again made his LED flicker yellow for a moment. He was unsure how to sort data like that.

"Is there a... need for weapons? What you showed me before," He indicated with a tilt of his head towards his smartwatch, "There were no physical threats, nothing that required a weapon."

"The food replication process is imperfect?" That was an oddity for sure, "If it synthesizes various foods, could it not also synthesize blood?" Or, perhaps, thirium. They were both just made up of chemical compounds after all.

The statement sounds so terribly sorrowful, but the way Connor says it sounds like he's simply stating a fact, no more than someone would describe how water is wet. Was it something he was taught to say, something he truly believes? Alucard couldn't quite see how that was; did humans not make androids?

"Perhaps God is merciful to those created by his own children," Alucard says, with a hint of humor in his voice. To debate further, he isn't certain how wise that is. For now, he's just interested to know more.

Maybe Alucard simply doesn't understand, but he cannot perceive the androids as just machines.

"I don't know," he answers honestly regarding weapons. "The only thing that has attacked us, I suppose, is the station itself, such as the melting walls and doors. Still, it's not as if shooting a wall will resolve the matter. For now, there have been no attacks."

A pause, then he adds lowly, "Perhaps some feel they need weapons against those they interpret as a threat."

Like himself.

Alucard hesitates at the last question. "I had considered that," he says softly. "However, I cannot risk illness right now. If I had assurance that the replicators lacked flaw in their creation, I would use them. Or if..."

He trails off, then he shakes his head. "For now, I cannot," ends up being his final answer.

Connor looked uncertain, tilting his head to the side slightly, unsure of how to respond to someone who actually spoke about an android like they were even close to an equal. There was Hank... Hank seemed to forget at times that he was just a machine, that all androids were just machines, but he'd never brought religion into any of their conversations.

He glanced down thoughtfully when Alucard verified that nothing physical had attacked anyone on board. This was worrying. People were afraid, afraid enough to want weapons to protect themselves and afraid of one another. It didn't bode well.

"Those they interpret as a threat, you mean others on board?" He just wanted to be sure he was understanding Alucard correctly.

Connor tilted his head further as Alucard trailed off, obviously curious as to what was being left unsaid. He didn't push however. And then he thought of something. Something that made him useful, which was always exciting.

"If you decided to, I could test it for you. I can detect chemical composition, pathogens, blood type, sample age, and specific DNA sequences," He stated helpfully.

The lack of response doesn't concern him. For the moment, Connor and Alucard are not familiar enough to persist in such a topic; he would not force it. There's enough for both of them to cover and understand first.

The question causes Alucard's golden eyes to glance away from the android for a moment. "There are some on board who perceive me, specifically, as a threat. Perhaps others, but I have not witnessed anything of such. Simply that some have been verbally aggressive." As an added assurance, he says, "They cannot kill me. And I cannot let them."

That last part makes Alucard frown thoughtfully. He himself can only determine someone's health by tasting their blood, but they lacked the necessary tools to do any true scientific methods.

"How are you able to do such a thing?" Alucard asks, unable to help his curiosity.

Connor frowned at the mention of killing. He isn't sure if the people who'd already arrived had formed any kind of system of self-government. Hopefully, there hadn't yet been any need to do so, but it would be difficult, if not impossible, to sit idly by as those on board targeted and assaulted one another without provocation.

"I would hope that the consensus on board would be to keep from turning on one another," He stated judicially, still frowning.

But back to what he could actually help with.

"I am a prototype. One of my features is the real-time analysis of evidence -or in this case simply different substances-, both chemical and biological, via direct sampling, largely through the use of spectrometry," He reported factually.

"If only it would ever be so easy, Connor," Alucard says, his voice a fraction softer. A pleasant thought, but he cannot expect much.

The next set of information causes him to pause, frowning thoughtfully. He folds his arms and closes his eyes. Connor was constructed to determine the components. Honestly, that was incredibly useful in a number of ways.

Alucard opens his eyes and looks at the android. "If there was something that could make me ill and you analyzed as such, would it harm you?" He sounds genuinely concerned at the possibility.

He glanced away, brow furrowing slightly. An agreement to try to cooperate would only benefit everyone and increase their probability of survival. Even given how unpredictable human behaviour could be, Connor didn't understand why such an agreement among such a small number of people couldn't be reached.

The dhampir's question caught him a little off guard and his expression softened.

"There is no need for concern. I'm a machine, Alucard, a pathogen or abnormality in the blood would have no effect on me," He reassured him with a small smile.

This choice could make a great deal of change, in truth. Before, he'd been limited in his recovery because he could take little chance to rest, and could only have so much blood from those who would be willing to donate. If... he could just have an unlimited supply without risk, then he would be healed.

He wouldn't need to rely on anyone, and maybe he could be left alone.

"Let me consider your offer." Not that he doubts Connor's abilities, but he doesn't trust this place. To Alucard, there is both a level of science and awful supernatural in effect. He'd rather keep their risk low.

"If anything were to happen to you, whether by ingesting something that could hurt you or physical damage, are you able to repair yourself?"

"Of course," He smiled graciously again. If he thought anything about Alucard's reluctance to accept his offer, he certainly didn't show it.

Connor paused at the return question posed to him, lips parting to speak a few moments before he was actually ready to say anything.

"Y-es. And no. I will require thirium for regular maintenance. If I'm damaged... I would also more than likely require spare parts. I am unsure if either are aboard the station. Without them, I will eventually deactivate," There's the briefest flicker of yellow before the LED turns back to blue.

For a moment, Alucard mulls that over. He doesn't know what thirium is, but he doubts that this place has parts for Connor. They hardly had regular medical supplies to begin with. Perhaps the replicators could help with whatever the thirium is?

"Currently, I am the closest thing this place has for a doctor and surgeon. I do not know if we have anyone skilled enough to help you. So let me give you some terms before I agree to let you analyze what the replicators give me: teach me enough to help you if you need the assistance, and then you can help me."

Alucard tilts his head. "Is that acceptable to you?"

Connor once again tilted his head to the side like a dog trying to figure out a problem, eyes searching Alucard's face as the LED on his temple turned a solid yellow.

"I don't understand... You won't allow me to help you until I can teach you how to repair androids?" He was obviously completely lost, "... Why? I was designed to process biological samples. They pose no danger to me.

However, if you desire to learn more about my design and operations, I would be happy to show you."

The way the LED shifts color while Connor is thinking is fascinating. Alucard isn't completely certain what it means yet, but he knows that it's enough to imply Connor needing to really process the conversation.

"This place can be terribly unpredictable. I simply want to be certain that we are as prepared as can be. If for any reason you end up incapacitated, I need to be ready to help you." A shrug is given. "If nothing happens, then at worst I just know more about you. It does not lack benefit to me."

He considers and then adds, "So long as it does not bother you to tell me."

"I have no objections..." But something was obviously bothering him. The circular LED was still yellow and he looked like he wanted to say something.

He should just agree with Alucard. If the dhampir didn't want him to test the blood produced by the food replicator until he knew more about Connor's functionality, then Connor knew he should simply agree. It was clearly what Alucard wanted, otherwise he wouldn't have suggested it. However... Connor also knew that nothing in the sample would harm him and waiting for Alucard to understand how he was put together was potentially detrimental to the man.

He blinked, looking a little twitchy.

"The sooner we begin the better," He could agree for now, but he'd work to expedite the process, "As you said, the station is an unpredictable place."

Annnd if a few samples of blood made by the food replicator just happened to manifest themselves and get tested, no one would be the wiser, right?

This was a little different, watching how Connor was attempting to sort himself out. It almost appears as if he bothered in some way? Alucard frowns faintly, not hiding some of his concern.

Although Connor ultimately agrees, Alucard can bear some of this in mind. There is certainly more to the android than what he immediately sees -- in many respects.

"I appreciate your understanding." Alucard offers his hand for a polite handshake. "If I can minimize risk, then we will be better off. If you can send me information so I can read between work, that may be best. I can address you with questions as I go."

Connor tilts his head, looking down at the handshake for maybe a moment too long before reaching out to shake the man's hand with a polite smile.

When the handshake ended, Connor focused on Alucard's watch, the LED circle churning blue with activity as he transmitted his user manual ~~How to Care for Your Connor~~. It was a start, at least, and would cover Connor's basic functions, maintenance and included a catalog for replacement parts, which was mostly useless, but at least it would give Alucard an idea of all of his pieces. He'd also be able to read about the meaning behind the various LED colors.

Well. That's certainly useful with how prepared he is to send that kind of information. Alucard looks at his watch, scrolling through the information. He'll have a proper read later while he's in the clinic.

"Thank you, Connor." Alucard smiles faintly. "I won't keep you waiting for too long while I inspect this. No more than a few days at most, then I'll feel prepared."

Now, for the other question. "You appeared... perhaps distressed when I insisted. Does it bother you that I asked to do this?"

"Not at all," Connor didn't hesitate to lie with a smile, "The information is publicly available. User manuals are available for all of CyberLife's models. You will most likely have additional questions or be required to look for yourself. Repairs that require more than a simple replacement of parts are performed by certified CyberLife technicians."

And now that he was done with his practically pre-recorded spiel, he glanced to the side, "I will ask over the network, but it seems improbable that a CyberLife technician is present on board, but there is a chance. It is just as probable as being here myself."

He looked back up at Alucard with genuine sincerity, voice soft, "Thank you. I would prefer not to ... deactivate." Especially not slowly.

He knew it wasn't right for him to be worrying about deactivation, flickers of yellow were intermixing with the blue as he thought about it, about the conversation he'd had with Hank by the bridge and about feeling that deviant, his name had been Simon, feeling him die.

"I still do not understand why you want me to wait to test the products of the food replicator," He stated, feeling strangely confident. Adamant.

"I agree with you. I find it doubtful that a technician from your home will be here. However, I also know that does not mean you are alone. I will learn what I can, in case you ever do need me to help you."

The more genuine expression that Connor has does soften Alucard. The android has been exceptionally polite and friendly; aspects that, alas, are such a rarity to Alucard. He wants to protect that, even if it's a selfish motivation.

"I protect those that I can on this station," Alucard tells him sincerely. "No matter how they feel about me. You are included in that, Connor. I don't doubt your capabilities, I doubt the safety of this place. Unusual things, unpredictable things happen frequently."

He sighs and closes his eyes a moment. "I know how you may feel. That you would not get sick. Much in the way I am confident in my own durability in many ways. However, I still would feel more secure in knowing I can be prepared to help you in case the replicator does harm you in some way. Even if it turns out I worry for nothing, then I am still prepared for the future. Does that make sense?"

Given Connor's self-sacrificing nature, he would likely come knocking on Alucard's door eventually.

Something in what Alucard says resonates in Connor, trying to help people regardless of how they feel about you. He could understand that. He did understand it, quite well. But he was an android. Even if Alucard wasn't entirely human, he was certainly more human than a machine, which meant he was more important than Connor.

He bows his head, reluctantly agreeing with Alucard. Regardless of whether he personally disagreed, he still felt compelled to submit.

"Yes. That makes sense," It didn't, not really. In Connor's mind it was an impossibility that biological threats could harm him. Even after seeing the unexplainable events on board the station, he still couldn't quite grasp them. His programming simply wouldn't allow him to enter them in as potential factors into his probability calculations. It would be on par with adding in a percent chance that a unicorn would jump out in the middle of Detroit and trample a deviant he was chasing down. It just wasn't in the realm of possibilities.

"I am curious to see if the machine can produce thirium. That would be very convenient."

It doesn't quite connect for Alucard yet, but for now he assumes that Connor is being honest with him. So, he smiles faintly. "I'm glad you understand."

Thirium. Connor did mention that before. Though he's uncertain what that is, he's certain that must be in the manual. Alucard takes a moment to perform a search on the document that was sent to him, frowning thoughtfully to himself.

"Thirium, also known as blue blood. It's what helps you function?" Alucard glances at the replicator. "I suppose it would produce it if you used the machine. I would genuinely prefer to wait, but I won't stop you if you want to test it, Connor."

"Androids require it to function," He corrects Alucard. It's a small difference, but an important one, "I don't require any right now. Barring unexpected damage, I can operate at optimum proficiency without additional thirium for... 46 days, 18 hours and 3 minutes. Beyond that I will still function, but less than optimally."

He actually wasn't completely sure what that would mean. Slower processing perhaps? Less mobility? Both seemed likely.

"I would like to try the machine, if only to test the quality of the thirium it can produce. I do not need to fully ingest any," It would be nice to know if it was even a possibility at least, "Do you know with certainty that the replicator can produce blood? If it can replicate various kinds of protein, I see no reason why it wouldn't be able to, but have you actually tested it?

I'm curious to see how such a machine functions. There is nothing like that where I am from."

The difference is noted, and he nods, following along. Such a precise time to narrow down how long he can function for, but it's good to note.

"I doubt I will need 46 days to under your manual," Alucard says wryly. "No more than a few days, then we can safely perform some testing. But it's good to know how efficient you are."

And he will definitely need to ask questions. Honestly, he's glad that Connor is willing to cooperate. More than sating his own curiosity, Alucard wants to be prepared, just in case the worst would happen.

"It does produce blood, but before I would have any that was when I witnessed others who had gotten ill from using it. So I did not have it. If it can give me what I need, I'm certain it should help you." He shakes his head. "But I do not know how it works. Nothing like it exists where I'm from as well, by science or otherwise. If you are so determined, let us see if thirium is produced."

"It might be relevant if the replicator can't reproduce thirium," He offered helpfully.

Connor hesitated at the offer, glancing at Alucard's wine for a moment.

"If you'd like. I wouldn't want to interrupt your evening," Translation: Yes, he'd very much like to go look at the replicator, "Is there more than one machine like it aboard?

If there is more than one, perhaps one could be taken apart in order to study it. If someone onboard had the aptitude, the machine might even be rigged to make things other than food. Clothing or ammo, for instance."

Something like that, he thought, would be very useful to the group of trapped strangers.

"You interrupt nothing," Alucard assures, standing up. "This would be a better use of my time."

Otherwise, admittedly, he'd probably still be brooding by the bar. He hadn't anticipated upon conversation with anyone, especially a stranger, but he doesn't regret it. Connor sounds like he could be a great deal of help.

"There are several of them in the mess hall," Alucard says. "However, we lack even basic tools to disassemble them. If you had a method, I would not stop you."

The theory is sound to Alucard. If they can replicate food, then perhaps other items. That could be useful.

It could also be very dangerous, but it's a worthy risk.

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