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

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.

"If you're sure," Connor said with a nod, already sliding off the barstool to his feet. Almost automatically, he went to straighten up, a hand starting to reach for his tie until he remembered he was in the strange jumpsuits that seemed to have been provided to everyone upon arrival.

"That is problematic. I'm surprised none have been found onboard... or fashioned out of what is available," Humans could be very creative and adaptable. Making something like a crowbar shouldn't be too difficult. More delicate tools would be trickier of course.

Connor waited for Alucard to start off and fell into step beside him.

The way Connor moves is curiously meticulous, but he assumes that it's part of how he's been designed. From a human, he'd assume it was a particular upbringing. Could the same even be said about an android? He has several questions, but Alucard is waiting to pace them out.

Instead, he nods to Connor and guides him toward the replicators.

"There hasn't been much in the way of configuring items into tools. The most I had been able to do is shatter a mug and utilize the remains for medical work. I'm fortunate enough that some medical supplies has appeared, but there is not much to rework into actual tools." If nothing else, he would agree that humans are exceptional in making anything into a weapon.

"Here. I think examining one is acceptable, so long as we can reassemble it. If you like, I can ask the network to see if anyone has any tools or has fashioned as such. Perhaps I merely overlooked it."

Like most androids, Connor moved with a sense of purpose, precise movements, no wasted energy, nothing unnecessary. They had their own unique flavor of graceful. He had a habit of constantly surveying and accessing his surroundings, logging thousands of lines of information that would likely not ever be utilized, but it was all there just in case. All available for when a split second decision needed to be calculated and made.

"... What did you use a broken mug for?" He asked, tilted his head to the side slightly to look at Alucard as they walked through the halls.

They slowed as they approached the replicators, Connor pausing a few feet away to look the entire machine over with an almost blank expression before taking a very deliberate step towards it, tilting his head again as he took a closer look.

"Perhaps we could find someone who would be interested in undertaking such a project. My knowledge of mechanical engineering is limited," He confessed, reaching out to touch the machine, the skin on his fingers receding to once again reveal the white exoskeleton.

A bit sheepishly, Alucard admits, "I used the shards to cut things, as I needed them to. Or, I used them to pinprick for blood tests. Not unlike you, if I taste someone's blood, I can determine their general health. I only need a drop. Rest assured, they were clean for the process, but it felt unrefined. Fortunately, now we have some medical supplies, but it's still limited. I hope I will not need to use them."

Once they reach the replicators, Alucard watches with fascination as the faux skin reveals the plastic fingers underneath as Connor explores the machine.

"I'm certain you can find a few people who would be interested," he assures. "I know about engines, but this is much further than anything I've experienced. For now, perhaps you should see about your thirium?"

"Oh. Of course," It made perfect sense, "Not the most precise instrument, I would imagine. Where did the medical supplies come from?"

So far, he'd heard of two possibilities. They could have been found in a previously unexplored area of the station, or they could have been among the objects that seemed to appear without explanation.

The machine was whirring to life as Alucard mentioned the thirium. After a moment, a small vial of thick, syrupy blue liquid was produced.

"Good," He said with a quiet sigh of relief as he slipped his hand away, skin recovering his fingers. He picked up the vial, giving the small sample a visual inspection before dipping the tip of his finger in the viscous liquid. His finger moved to his mouth without hesitation and, he hoped, before Alucard could protest, licking the sample to get a reading on it.

"It's thirium. The replicator seems to have produced an acceptable sample," He stated, tilting his head again to look at it. The little vial had come with a lid, so he promptly sealed the container, though he wasn't completely sure what he should do with it now.

"They appeared, like other items. Like people. They were in the mess hall along with someone else's belongings, but they were owned by no one. It is not much, but we are better supplied than before."

The sound of the machine earns Alucard's attention quickly, and he watches as it generates the blue liquid. The consistency looks like blood, but the color is off.

Before he can say a word, Connor tests it. He'd wished he'd have waited, but he doesn't judge.

"From your analysis, there is nothing wrong with it, then." Perhaps the blood would be acceptable, but Alucard is determined to keep his word. He will be prepared, just in case. "I'm glad you have a supply. Hopefully, we will not need to worry about parts for you either."

"They appeared, but they didn't belong to anyone..." He echoed thoughtfully as he tucked the vial of thirium away, brow furrowing slightly, eyes moving like he was seeing something that wasn't there, "Have other things appeared that haven't belonged to anyone? The weapons?"

But why? What parameters had been met to elicit a response like that from the station?

It didn't make any sense, just like the strange hallucinations, or the wire, didn't make any sense. It all seemed so random, but Connor couldn't accept that.

"I could not answer that. The sword that appeared for me is one that belonged to me from home." As he watches Connor, Alucard is sympathetic; the entire matter seems chaotic with not a single link explaining what is going on. He's felt similar frustrations.

He shakes his head. "I would suggest not to think too deeply on it for now, Connor. All that we have now are theories. At the moment, my only lingering theory on this one is that perhaps somehow the station responds to what we want or need. In this case, I certainly desired more stock in medical supplies."

A sigh. "But it is just a theory. Perhaps it is something else entirely. I do not even know if the station has any actual awareness."

"There may also be someone, or a group of people, controlling the station. From what I've seen, the possibility cannot be ruled out," From the information he'd gathered, no one had gained access to the entire station. There was also the possibility that people were controlling things remotely.

"Unfortunately, I am unable to confirm anything about the station's capabilities one way or the other," He apologized, glancing around at the metallic walls around them thoughtfully, "Artificial intelligence and 'awareness' like you may be imagining is unlikely. It is far more likely that simpler programming is in place, a scripted response to a variable check. Something to monitor living conditions, only capable of making scripted adjustments. However, that still leads to the question of who programmed the station and why they made the decisions they did... Or perhaps the original program has become corrupted and is no longer responding in the way that it was designed to. It may have been damaged or altered during one of these experiments that are recorded."

It would be easier to become irritated at being denounced. However, Connor was created by humans, and very clearly they have no understanding of the possibilities of magic where they are from, or simply don't have it. Either way, that doesn't prevent the possibility of it existing here, and how it may have morphed the station.

To Alucard, it is easier to understand in that way. His father's castle wasn't so different. Though perhaps that, too, is shortsighted in his own way for his own experiences, and Connor is being direct in his assessment of what it could be.

"It is a sound theory," Alucard agrees, because it is. His own isn't any more or less viable at the moment. "Though difficult to say for sure until we learn more. Perhaps the bridge would be of interest to you. I feel as though we've inspected it thoroughly, but you have an eye for detail.

"For now, I recommend becoming assessed with the rest of the station. Interacting with the rest of the station's current residents wouldn't be unwise either to gain their perspectives." Regardless of how Alucard may feel about them personally. "Have you decided which room you intend to stay in?"

Meanwhile, Connor didn't even realize he'd denounced anything. He was simply approaching this situation rationally.

"The bridge? What's on the bridge?" Regardless, he'd want to see it. He wanted to see every inch of this place. There had to be something here that would lead to some answers. He was sure of it. Little pieces to a very strange puzzle, but this place would make sense.

"I plan to do exactly that. They may not have any information beyond what you've already shared with me, but it is important to establish relationships with the others onboard," He said decisively.

The next question earned Alucard another puzzled look, head tilted slightly to the side.

"I haven't looked at the rooms yet, but I do not require a place to sleep," He informed Alucard. All he needed was to enter a low power mode from time to time in order to reboot and run diagnostics.

"A few things. Temperature controls, a map, and things of the like. It took nearly all of us to manage to break the door down after several hours, but we did reach it. I would suggest looking at it yourself. I admit it would probably make more sense to you than it would me. I'm not unfamiliar with a control station, but the technology even my father's castle had is different than what's here. Perhaps after you've become better acquainted with others?" Alucard smiles wryly. "They may appreciate that before you start investigating everything."

Make friends before you start licking everything.

The last response makes Alucard tilt his head. A practical response, and maybe he shouldn't be so surprised to hear it. Was this true for the other androids? It feels odd to think that one would not have a room for themselves.

"There is more to having a room than just having a place to sleep. It is a sanctuary, Connor. A place for yourself when everything else is overwhelming, or simply because you need to be apart from others."

"A map?" Connor jumped on that, "Of the surrounding star systems? What prompted the decision to break down the door? Were there any additional security measures in place to stop you as you entered?"

Everything. Tell him everything.

Back to the subject of rooms, however, Connor tilts his head to the side. He took a moment to do an extensive search of his programming, LED flickering yellow as he did so.

"I do not require those things," He finally reported, "But I can recognize the benefits of a... 'personal' space. Still. The concept... The concept related to me seems strange. Wrong."

The amount of questions is a little endearing. Though he's certain that Connor was made to ask, it comes off as curious. Something that Alucard can appreciate.

"The map was for the rest of this station, as far as I could tell. Unfortunately, we've no map of where in the universe we are. I hope that will change." Though admittedly, it's difficult for Alucard to be optimistic. "If I'm not mistaken, it was Apollo who suggested we use our respective strengths to attack the door. Many of us are stronger than humans, myself included. It took about eight hours for us to be successful. Fortunately, there were no other security measures preventing us, but..."

He glances down thoughtfully. "We all began to feel unusually drained the longer we attacked it. For me, I thought it was due to an ongoing issue I've been struggling with. But I noticed it to be true for others as well. I do not know the cause of it yet."

The topic of having a personal room seems to bother Connor. An interesting reaction.

"You may not require it, but it can be pleasant to have a space for yourself. Do you know why it feels wrong to have it?"

A puzzle had been set in front of Connor. There was a lack of evidence and a witness. Unfortunately, Alucard had unintentionally put himself into the position of witness and was now being interrogated. Connor likely wouldn't see the parallels unless they were pointed out to him but, honestly, the entire situation mirrored the situations he was programmed to handle very closely. Unlike a crime, however, this puzzle might not have a rational solution. Or at least not a solution that fit within the parameters of his programming.

"A map of the station? Well, that's not completely useless," He said with a disappointed, forced hint of a smile. The side effect you're describing is very strange however. Could there have been a substance on the door or particles released as it was being broken?"

He definitely wanted to do an inspection of the room.

It was also much simpler than trying to think about this situation with having to choose a room.

"Like my internal GPS and clock... there is nothing for my usual communications link to connect with. Usually, I have a direct link with incoming police reports and CyberLife. If I have no link to those on board, segregating myself would make it more difficult to be of assistance when needed. I should be available at anytime," He looked down at the watch, remembering the videos Alucard had sent him, "Does this allow communication in real time?"

Maybe he could find a way to integrate the watch with himself.

"At the very least, the map tells us which room we will want to focus on next, once we've all regained our strength. I believe there was another young man who discovered the map. His name is Asuka, if you wish to speak with him." Alucard hums thoughtfully at the suggestion. "It's possible, I suppose. I had not smelled or sensed anything unusual, but this is, admittedly, an odd place. What we all usually know does not fit in. If there was a substance or particles forcing us to be weak, I could not tell you what it was. You may wish to examine what remains of the door, if you think you can determine anything strange from it."

It seems odd and a little sad that Connor has no comfort in the idea of having a room to himself, but it isn't Alucard's place to tell him to behave otherwise. For him, he has not quiet understood the depth of complications of Connor, androids, and the meaning of it all.

"Then know you are at least welcome to visit should you need privacy for any reason," Alucard says. "My room is across from the clinic, level six room 24. Even if you never have need of it, know that it is at least there."

At the watch, he nods. "It does. There are mailboxes for messages, or immediate messaging. A network of sorts. People have access to audio, written, or video conversations."

Connor's processor is still churning out possible causes for the fatigue. Hopefully, more definitive causes would be possible after he examined the door and surrounding area. He watched Alucard with a blank expression, only half listening, a series of diagnostics being fed to him - core body temperature, average heart beats per minute, and a slew of other useful data.

"I do plan to have a closer look. If what you all experienced was caused by some kind of security protocol, it is likely not the only door that will be outfitted with defences. If we are aware of them, we may be able to mitigate their effects during future exploration missions," Connor explains.

The android pauses, looking a little puzzled.

"You're... inviting me to your room?" He asks uncertainly, "Wouldn't that be an invasion of your privacy, Alucard?"

"Then I will keep it in mind should we make an attempt at the next door. Hopefully by then, you and I will have tested the replicators." Working at far less than his normal strength and capabilities has been exceedingly frustrating.

The way Connor responds to the invitation earns a chuckle, Alucard's fangs easily exposed. "It is only a breach if I don't want you there. I assure you, if you need somewhere to go, I will not mind."

Alucard hums a moment. "Was there anything else that I could assist you with?"

Connor tilts his head slightly, LED flickering.

"You said you had... 'donors'. what difference would testing the replicator make?" He asked, prying shamelessly.

The chuckle was met with a vaguely confused and very inquisitive look.

"I see. Then I simply need to make sure you never 'don't want me there'," He says it with a straight face, though there's something in his expression that hints at the fact that he knows he's being a little cheeky.

"I'm going to go see the bridge. If you'd like to accompany me, I would welcome the company. If you have other things you need to attend to, please don't let me keep you from them."

Ah, the most important question, he supposes. The brief bout of amusement fades, and Alucard pauses a moment. Slowly, he has admitted more of himself to others, but fewer still in regard to his injury. However, if Connor can indeed help him, then he should be truthful.

"I will go with you to the bridge. But, I will tell you the imperative nature of my needing blood. I told you before that normally, if I were perfectly healthy, a pint every two weeks will be enough. However, I am far from me peak."

Alucard calmly shrugs off his black coat. It takes strain, but after a grunt, he peels off his shirt. Down from his left shoulder to his right hip is an enormous wound, barely clinging together by a scab. Truthfully, it almost looks like someone attempted to cleave him in half.

With a hiss, Alucard presses his fingertips against the wound, as if to remind himself not just of the physical pain.

"No one can give me enough to heal and recover. It would take gallons. And I must heal soon. My life is not in danger any longer, but I am far from my normal strength. If the replicators work and give me blood, then I can finally drink enough. Confirming its safety would do me a great service. But it is also why I cannot risk becoming ill."

TEST DRIVE #002

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