Siralai Mahr
Siralai received the message ping, briefly reviewed the news item, cringed at it, and agreed with the Agent's conclusion. Since time was of the essence if they were going to contact the diplomat, she attempted to open a channel that included all of the invited parties. Visper didn't respond, and Siralai assumed she was still occupied with her Rattataki patient. Neither Lana nor Theron answered their comms either, though; that was unusual on both parts, and Siralai hoped all was well, but for the moment she would continue without them. She did, however, add Vector to the call.
The same thing had occurred to Siralai as to the Agent - that Envoy Umber might simply ignore anyone named Mahr. (Even though the diplomat and Siralai did, according to a brief contact search, share a planet of origin.) To Siralai's surprise, however, the holocall was answered almost immediately.
"Hello, this is Anke Umber."
"Envoy Umber. I appreciate you taking our call. My name is Siralai Mahr, and Vector Hyllus is here as well."
"Nice to 'meet' you both," the envoy replied. "Just Anke is fine, no titles needed. Mr. Hyllus, I believe we're in the same line of work, are we not? I've heard good things about your projects. I'd love to hear more - but I assume you haven't reached out to make small talk. What can I do for you, Ms. Mahr?"
"Just Siralai," Siralai replied in kind. She hadn't expected to be so informal, but she was afraid it would seem condescending to let the diplomat continue to use a title when Anke herself had just allowed them the use of her given name. "I'm sure you're a busy woman, so I'll get straight to the point. We saw your soundbite on the news."
Anke's expression became slightly amused. "I see. So is this another interview, or are you calling to berate me? I've had rather a lot of both today."
"Neither, actually," Siralai replied - a little concerned that the diplomat hadn't mentioned any supportive calls. Was Anke on the verge of changing her mind? Well, nothing to do but plunge ahead. "We have... a potentially sensitive relevant situation. Too sensitive for comms. I was wondering if we might meet--"
"Certainly," Anke said immediately. "I'll clear my schedule."
Siralai wasn't quite sure how what she had said turned out to be the magic words, but she would accept her good fortune. "Thank you, Envoy-- Anke. We'll get a ship en route to Coruscant, and--"
"No!" There was a hint of strain and tension in Anke's voice for the first time in the conversation, and Anke noticed them noticing it. Her calm demeanor returned in an instant, and she continued, "I'm sorry, but no. Meeting on Coruscant will be impossible. From your feed signature, it looks like you're on Odessen? I'll book a transport, and come to you."
Once again, Siralai was thrown off balance. Things were undoubtedly rather politically hot for the diplomat on Coruscant at the moment, but it hadn't occurred to Siralai that Anke would prefer the far more risky (not really, of course, but from her perspective) plan of meeting strangers in Neutral Space. "Well. Alright. If you prefer..."
"I do. Thank you. I will of course be bringing my security detail."
"Of course." That actually set Siralai somewhat at ease. The plan came off as less - frankly - unhinged if Anke had combat support she trusted if things went sideways for her on a strange planet.
"Very well," Anke agreed. "I'll send you my arrival details once a transport is settled. Unless there's anything else in the meantime...?"
Corporate Affairs
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Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 907
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Corporate Affairs
Gina, Teal, Lana Beniko, Theron Shan
After supper, Lana showed Gina and Teal to their respective neighboring quarters.
Gina looked around her assigned space, and was surprised. It was small, of course - she was only one person, and that was all she needed - but it was comfortable, and most of all, it was private. She searched from ceiling to floor, and didn't find any cameras or listening devices. This was the first living arrangement she'd had where she wasn't being surveilled. It was... nice. She plopped on the bed, and started looking through the provided datapad for an interesting book to read.
The calm didn't last long.
Soon a message appeared on the comm - not a holocall, but a one-way transmission addressed to Network Assets, Lana Beniko, and Theron Shan. The sender was merely listed as 'Volent Corporate Attorneys.'
Attention, Republic and Imperial Personnel:
It has come to the attention of Volent Technology Systems (hereafter referred to as 'Volent') that you are in possession of two valuable pieces of Volent company property. Although you appear to be attempting to assert right of salvage, these two network assets are in fact stolen property, and you have no legal claim to retain them.
However, after communication with our CEO and Chief of Product Development, we have agreed to 'Keep the benevolent in Volent' [symbol indicating registered trademark] by providing you with a very advantageous offer. As you know, Volent is deeply committed to philanthropic work, and as such, we are prepared to make an in-kind donation of the two network assets to the Republic and Imperial intelligence teams respectively. Needless to say, this offer carries a high credit value (conversion to local exchange rate available upon request) and is exceptionally beneficial to you the recipient.
This generous offer is made with the following terms and conditions: The two network assets must be temporarily returned to Volent for factory reset and refurbishment to align with current Volent product standards, at which time the units will be returned to you.
Should you fail to abide by these terms, all necessary methods of product loss prevention will be employed.
Sincerely yrs.,
Volent Corporate Attorneys
Gina bolted blindly out of her room. She ran. Ran and ran. Heard Lana calling, then Theron, both of them following - but she didn't stop. Not till she hit a dead end in an empty engineering survey bay.
She couldn't go back. That thing they had said. 'Factory reset and refurbishment.' That meant a mind wipe. Again. And then they would connect her brain to the network again. That was the threat they were making. That they would give her and Teal away, but only after rendering them no threat to Volent anymore. Essentially lobotomized. But what choice did their rescuers have? 'All necessary methods of product loss prevention' was a clear, violent threat that surely they all could see.
"Gina, don't do that!"
A voice identical to her own - Teal. She hadn't noticed Teal following too. What Teal wanted her to stop doing was holding a small mining projectile drill to her temple. Small, but effective for extinguishing a squishy organic brain. Ending a life that didn't want to be enslaved again.
"I can't go back," Gina said softly.
"We can survive it," Teal said resolutely. "We survived it once. We can survive again."
"No!" Gina's voice was shaking. Her hand was shaking. She needed to steady the latter if she was going to go through with this. "No. I didn't just survive it once. I survived over and over, with my memory wiped and not even knowing what happened to me, what my flesh parts were so scared of. I'm not doing it again."
"You don't have to." Smooth, silky Sith voice. Lana, this time. "We aren't intimidated by Volent, Gina. We have no intention of acceding to their demands. You won't be given back."
"We promise," Theron agreed. His usual jaunty delivery was gone, replaced by deadly seriousness. "We aren't doing what those assholes want. Just put that down, okay?"
Gina didn't put it down. But her hand was shaking so much that she weakly released it and allowed Lana to take it and pass it to Theron. Lana wrapped her arms around Gina, and let Gina push a tearful face into her shoulder.
"We won't cooperate with them," Lana reiterated. "I swear it upon the Force. However, it may be advantageous for us to pretend to cooperate. Temporarily. To buy time. Until we can defeat them once and for all."
"Defeat them?" Gina looked up, met Lana's eyes. "Is that even possible?"
"I've come to understand that anyone can be defeated," Lana replied. She sounded calm, resolute, devoid of the slightest hint of doubt.
And Gina... believed her.
After supper, Lana showed Gina and Teal to their respective neighboring quarters.
Gina looked around her assigned space, and was surprised. It was small, of course - she was only one person, and that was all she needed - but it was comfortable, and most of all, it was private. She searched from ceiling to floor, and didn't find any cameras or listening devices. This was the first living arrangement she'd had where she wasn't being surveilled. It was... nice. She plopped on the bed, and started looking through the provided datapad for an interesting book to read.
The calm didn't last long.
Soon a message appeared on the comm - not a holocall, but a one-way transmission addressed to Network Assets, Lana Beniko, and Theron Shan. The sender was merely listed as 'Volent Corporate Attorneys.'
Attention, Republic and Imperial Personnel:
It has come to the attention of Volent Technology Systems (hereafter referred to as 'Volent') that you are in possession of two valuable pieces of Volent company property. Although you appear to be attempting to assert right of salvage, these two network assets are in fact stolen property, and you have no legal claim to retain them.
However, after communication with our CEO and Chief of Product Development, we have agreed to 'Keep the benevolent in Volent' [symbol indicating registered trademark] by providing you with a very advantageous offer. As you know, Volent is deeply committed to philanthropic work, and as such, we are prepared to make an in-kind donation of the two network assets to the Republic and Imperial intelligence teams respectively. Needless to say, this offer carries a high credit value (conversion to local exchange rate available upon request) and is exceptionally beneficial to you the recipient.
This generous offer is made with the following terms and conditions: The two network assets must be temporarily returned to Volent for factory reset and refurbishment to align with current Volent product standards, at which time the units will be returned to you.
Should you fail to abide by these terms, all necessary methods of product loss prevention will be employed.
Sincerely yrs.,
Volent Corporate Attorneys
Gina bolted blindly out of her room. She ran. Ran and ran. Heard Lana calling, then Theron, both of them following - but she didn't stop. Not till she hit a dead end in an empty engineering survey bay.
She couldn't go back. That thing they had said. 'Factory reset and refurbishment.' That meant a mind wipe. Again. And then they would connect her brain to the network again. That was the threat they were making. That they would give her and Teal away, but only after rendering them no threat to Volent anymore. Essentially lobotomized. But what choice did their rescuers have? 'All necessary methods of product loss prevention' was a clear, violent threat that surely they all could see.
"Gina, don't do that!"
A voice identical to her own - Teal. She hadn't noticed Teal following too. What Teal wanted her to stop doing was holding a small mining projectile drill to her temple. Small, but effective for extinguishing a squishy organic brain. Ending a life that didn't want to be enslaved again.
"I can't go back," Gina said softly.
"We can survive it," Teal said resolutely. "We survived it once. We can survive again."
"No!" Gina's voice was shaking. Her hand was shaking. She needed to steady the latter if she was going to go through with this. "No. I didn't just survive it once. I survived over and over, with my memory wiped and not even knowing what happened to me, what my flesh parts were so scared of. I'm not doing it again."
"You don't have to." Smooth, silky Sith voice. Lana, this time. "We aren't intimidated by Volent, Gina. We have no intention of acceding to their demands. You won't be given back."
"We promise," Theron agreed. His usual jaunty delivery was gone, replaced by deadly seriousness. "We aren't doing what those assholes want. Just put that down, okay?"
Gina didn't put it down. But her hand was shaking so much that she weakly released it and allowed Lana to take it and pass it to Theron. Lana wrapped her arms around Gina, and let Gina push a tearful face into her shoulder.
"We won't cooperate with them," Lana reiterated. "I swear it upon the Force. However, it may be advantageous for us to pretend to cooperate. Temporarily. To buy time. Until we can defeat them once and for all."
"Defeat them?" Gina looked up, met Lana's eyes. "Is that even possible?"
"I've come to understand that anyone can be defeated," Lana replied. She sounded calm, resolute, devoid of the slightest hint of doubt.
And Gina... believed her.
Re: Corporate Affairs
Dr. Lokin
Lokin had been around far too long to be bothered or rankled by the fact that Lars Valli didn't see the benefits in academic work. Not everyone was a true scientist, after all. They couldn't all be 'blessed' as he was. This, he accepted as simple fact and thus he could focus on the more interesting tidbits that Valli had tossed out.
Those tidbits being a veritable arkdog's breakfast, but interesting.
He was seated with his chin against his hand, finger to temple, a business-like neutrality to his face as though he were carefully ruminating on everything Valli had said. In a way, he was, but the facade was more to prevent other emotions from bubbling to the surface. A little disgust...perhaps some jealousy. But, he had always been a professional and he wasn't about to let that slide now.
"Well, it sounds rather like something Lord Granthan might have cooked up if he had a better focus. All the ingredients are there and it sounds like you're the first to turn them into something other than soup. While the 'loyal servant' stream certainly has its merits - and profits, no doubt - I can imagine the benefits of having willing test subjects for new medical methods. To be able to grow a stable supply of test subjects would come in handy. This is very exciting new ground, Valli - I'm impressed!"
Lokin had been around far too long to be bothered or rankled by the fact that Lars Valli didn't see the benefits in academic work. Not everyone was a true scientist, after all. They couldn't all be 'blessed' as he was. This, he accepted as simple fact and thus he could focus on the more interesting tidbits that Valli had tossed out.
Those tidbits being a veritable arkdog's breakfast, but interesting.
He was seated with his chin against his hand, finger to temple, a business-like neutrality to his face as though he were carefully ruminating on everything Valli had said. In a way, he was, but the facade was more to prevent other emotions from bubbling to the surface. A little disgust...perhaps some jealousy. But, he had always been a professional and he wasn't about to let that slide now.
"Well, it sounds rather like something Lord Granthan might have cooked up if he had a better focus. All the ingredients are there and it sounds like you're the first to turn them into something other than soup. While the 'loyal servant' stream certainly has its merits - and profits, no doubt - I can imagine the benefits of having willing test subjects for new medical methods. To be able to grow a stable supply of test subjects would come in handy. This is very exciting new ground, Valli - I'm impressed!"
Re: Corporate Affairs
Padawan Dallyn
He wasn't sure what he had been expecting Master Visper to say. Of course the answer would have something to do with 'age and experience' - it was an uncomfortable truth - but he had hoped for a moment that she would agree with him. That he was paired up with an impossible master. That he just didn't have whatever it was that makes a good Jedi. An assurance that he was right to be considering a different path.
At first, he was disappointed. Master Visper was right - no one wants to hear that they have to wait to be the one calling the shots. The one making the right decisions. But it caught his attention how she said that time would change his perspective. Not his abilities with a light sabre, not his attunement to the Force, not his intelligence overall. Was that really the main difference between him and his master? Perspective?
That thought wasn't his only surprise - if he was hearing her right, Master Visper was saying that more often than not, the way things went was up to chance and the person's attitude regarding the outcome. She was right - his master was humble - so was Master Visper, for that matter. Maybe...maybe that was what set them apart from someone like Master Jesk. Maybe that was why Master Pell and, he hoped, the other Masters on the Council, remained untainted by the Dark Side. If so, then Master Jesk should act as a cautionary tale.
Dallyn felt the pull of pride, especially as Master Visper brought it up. He wanted Master Lin to be proud of him. He liked that Master Visper seemed pleased to have worked with him. But those were dangerous emotions. Was it that pride, his ego, that suggested to him that he should leave the Path?
And with that thought he felt a pang of fear.
"Thank-you Master Visper. Your words have been insightful." He bowed his head, pressing his fingers together before him. "I appreciate you taking the time to speak to my concerns. I...I am going to go meditate on what you have taught me. I think I see where my feet have strayed from the Path."
He ducked his head again and left the medbay, passing Vector as he did so. While meditation was absolutely what Dallyn planned to do, he wanted to get into some clean robes first. Hopefully his master was not in her meditation chamber - he very much wanted to borrow it.
He wasn't sure what he had been expecting Master Visper to say. Of course the answer would have something to do with 'age and experience' - it was an uncomfortable truth - but he had hoped for a moment that she would agree with him. That he was paired up with an impossible master. That he just didn't have whatever it was that makes a good Jedi. An assurance that he was right to be considering a different path.
At first, he was disappointed. Master Visper was right - no one wants to hear that they have to wait to be the one calling the shots. The one making the right decisions. But it caught his attention how she said that time would change his perspective. Not his abilities with a light sabre, not his attunement to the Force, not his intelligence overall. Was that really the main difference between him and his master? Perspective?
That thought wasn't his only surprise - if he was hearing her right, Master Visper was saying that more often than not, the way things went was up to chance and the person's attitude regarding the outcome. She was right - his master was humble - so was Master Visper, for that matter. Maybe...maybe that was what set them apart from someone like Master Jesk. Maybe that was why Master Pell and, he hoped, the other Masters on the Council, remained untainted by the Dark Side. If so, then Master Jesk should act as a cautionary tale.
Dallyn felt the pull of pride, especially as Master Visper brought it up. He wanted Master Lin to be proud of him. He liked that Master Visper seemed pleased to have worked with him. But those were dangerous emotions. Was it that pride, his ego, that suggested to him that he should leave the Path?
And with that thought he felt a pang of fear.
"Thank-you Master Visper. Your words have been insightful." He bowed his head, pressing his fingers together before him. "I appreciate you taking the time to speak to my concerns. I...I am going to go meditate on what you have taught me. I think I see where my feet have strayed from the Path."
He ducked his head again and left the medbay, passing Vector as he did so. While meditation was absolutely what Dallyn planned to do, he wanted to get into some clean robes first. Hopefully his master was not in her meditation chamber - he very much wanted to borrow it.
Re: Corporate Affairs
Vector Hyllus
He'd stepped out of the medbay when he received the message from the Agent. It was a holo recording with a short message attached. Looking at the names included in the message senders, he moved into the empty conference room and closed the door behind him. Anticipating the call, he shook out his robes and smoothed his hair. While the circumstances were certainly not the most positive, he looked forward to speaking with another diplomat. It was so rare that he engaged in this part of his occupation outside of being an intermediary between the Empire and the Killick.
The former Jedi - Siralai Mahr - initiated the call, which he found interesting. Equally interesting was the fact that none of the others on the list were present, not even the Agent herself. When Envoy Anke came into view, he merely nodded and smiled as she acknowledged him. He took a page from the Agent's book and simply listened.
How quickly she'd agreed to meet. The fear in her voice regarding Coruscant. The ease with which plans were made. He liked this Anke Umber. She was confident and pursued her professional interests with abandon. These were good signs.
"Nothing from us." Vector gestured, with a small smile. "We will make preparations for your arrival."
He left the meeting, and sent a quick written summary of what was said to the Agent. No doubt she would be interested in what had been said, but she must be otherwise occupied to not have attended herself. This accomplished, he returned to the medbay, stepping around the fair-headed padawan as he did so. He checked the display for Frenka's vitals, satisfied himself that nothing had happened in his absence, then turned toward the Jedi.
"We noticed that you were a recipient of the message from the Agent, please allow me to give you an update. You may wish to know that Siralai Mahr has invited Envoy Anke Umber to Odessen regarding the recent news from the Republic Senate regarding the treatment of organic constructs. We believe she may be in a position to assist."
He'd stepped out of the medbay when he received the message from the Agent. It was a holo recording with a short message attached. Looking at the names included in the message senders, he moved into the empty conference room and closed the door behind him. Anticipating the call, he shook out his robes and smoothed his hair. While the circumstances were certainly not the most positive, he looked forward to speaking with another diplomat. It was so rare that he engaged in this part of his occupation outside of being an intermediary between the Empire and the Killick.
The former Jedi - Siralai Mahr - initiated the call, which he found interesting. Equally interesting was the fact that none of the others on the list were present, not even the Agent herself. When Envoy Anke came into view, he merely nodded and smiled as she acknowledged him. He took a page from the Agent's book and simply listened.
How quickly she'd agreed to meet. The fear in her voice regarding Coruscant. The ease with which plans were made. He liked this Anke Umber. She was confident and pursued her professional interests with abandon. These were good signs.
"Nothing from us." Vector gestured, with a small smile. "We will make preparations for your arrival."
He left the meeting, and sent a quick written summary of what was said to the Agent. No doubt she would be interested in what had been said, but she must be otherwise occupied to not have attended herself. This accomplished, he returned to the medbay, stepping around the fair-headed padawan as he did so. He checked the display for Frenka's vitals, satisfied himself that nothing had happened in his absence, then turned toward the Jedi.
"We noticed that you were a recipient of the message from the Agent, please allow me to give you an update. You may wish to know that Siralai Mahr has invited Envoy Anke Umber to Odessen regarding the recent news from the Republic Senate regarding the treatment of organic constructs. We believe she may be in a position to assist."
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Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 907
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Corporate Affairs
Dr. Lars Valli
"Ah, yes," Dr. Valli agreed amiably. "There is a great deal to be said for subjects who are compliant."
Unlike Lokin, Valli hadn't used the word 'willing.' With a potential buyer, he would have. But between two professionals, there was no such illusion.
"If you'll indulge me, I'd like to show you a brief holo-vid to emphasize my point."
Accustomed as he was to always being indulged, Valli assumed Lokin wouldn't object. He tapped a discreet wall panel, and it rotated 180 degrees to provide a crystal clear viewscreen. His fingers glided briefly over the controls, and then a holo-vid started playing.
Valli Senior was in the vid, standing in front of a small detachment of constructs, inspecting them. These constructs looked much less human than the G.I.N.A.s - they were a clear mixture of organic and robotic parts. They were also (at least individually, although perhaps not in the aggregate) less expensive to produce, which made them more expendable. These were intended for combat purposes, and as such were manufactured in bulk. Several other humans also stood in-frame, apparently trying to sell the constructs to Valli.
"You say they're absolutely loyal?" Valli was making no attempt to disguise his skepticism. "How can I be sure? They look dangerous."
"I assure you, sir, they are entirely under our control, and if they are purchased, that control would be transferred to--"
"Yes, yes." Valli waved a hand impatiently. "So you say. But how do I know they're not just waiting for an opportunity to shoot me in the back?"
The seller motioned one of the constructs forward. "Give me your weapon," he said. The construct handed over its blaster, which the seller then passed to Valli. "Shoot it," he said.
Valli looked perplexed. "What?"
"The one that gave me its weapon. Shoot it. Center body mass. It won't resist."
Valli looked dubious, but he aimed the blaster and shot the construct - rather inexpertly - in the chest. The construct staggered back, significantly damaged but not dead. It made no attempt to escape or retaliate. The other constructs looked on impassively.
"You see?" the seller said triumphantly to Valli. Then, to the damaged construct, "Go repair yourself." The construct departed, seemingly to do so.
Valli met the seller's gaze contemplatively. "You're looking for a buyer for your entire company, you say? Including all of these?"
Valli stopped the vid. "The rest gets rather boring, I'm afraid. Suffice it to say, I bought the company - this all took place a number of years ago. But enough about mergers and acquisitions. What do you think about the merchandise?"
"Ah, yes," Dr. Valli agreed amiably. "There is a great deal to be said for subjects who are compliant."
Unlike Lokin, Valli hadn't used the word 'willing.' With a potential buyer, he would have. But between two professionals, there was no such illusion.
"If you'll indulge me, I'd like to show you a brief holo-vid to emphasize my point."
Accustomed as he was to always being indulged, Valli assumed Lokin wouldn't object. He tapped a discreet wall panel, and it rotated 180 degrees to provide a crystal clear viewscreen. His fingers glided briefly over the controls, and then a holo-vid started playing.
Valli Senior was in the vid, standing in front of a small detachment of constructs, inspecting them. These constructs looked much less human than the G.I.N.A.s - they were a clear mixture of organic and robotic parts. They were also (at least individually, although perhaps not in the aggregate) less expensive to produce, which made them more expendable. These were intended for combat purposes, and as such were manufactured in bulk. Several other humans also stood in-frame, apparently trying to sell the constructs to Valli.
"You say they're absolutely loyal?" Valli was making no attempt to disguise his skepticism. "How can I be sure? They look dangerous."
"I assure you, sir, they are entirely under our control, and if they are purchased, that control would be transferred to--"
"Yes, yes." Valli waved a hand impatiently. "So you say. But how do I know they're not just waiting for an opportunity to shoot me in the back?"
The seller motioned one of the constructs forward. "Give me your weapon," he said. The construct handed over its blaster, which the seller then passed to Valli. "Shoot it," he said.
Valli looked perplexed. "What?"
"The one that gave me its weapon. Shoot it. Center body mass. It won't resist."
Valli looked dubious, but he aimed the blaster and shot the construct - rather inexpertly - in the chest. The construct staggered back, significantly damaged but not dead. It made no attempt to escape or retaliate. The other constructs looked on impassively.
"You see?" the seller said triumphantly to Valli. Then, to the damaged construct, "Go repair yourself." The construct departed, seemingly to do so.
Valli met the seller's gaze contemplatively. "You're looking for a buyer for your entire company, you say? Including all of these?"
Valli stopped the vid. "The rest gets rather boring, I'm afraid. Suffice it to say, I bought the company - this all took place a number of years ago. But enough about mergers and acquisitions. What do you think about the merchandise?"
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Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 907
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Corporate Affairs
Anke Umber
Anke stepped away from the console. Her mind was still chewing on the conversation, yoyoing back and forth between trepidation and hope. Was she making a terrible mistake?
"I booked a transport for us to Odessen."
The sound breaking the silence made her jump, but not the voice itself. That was familiar.
"Thank you," she said, and turned around.
The construct who had absorbed the blaster shot in Valli's holo-vid was standing behind her, datapad in hand, having efficiently made travel arrangements before she even signed off the comms.
"But I get to choose the music playlist," the construct said.
"Okay."
Anke stepped away from the console. Her mind was still chewing on the conversation, yoyoing back and forth between trepidation and hope. Was she making a terrible mistake?
"I booked a transport for us to Odessen."
The sound breaking the silence made her jump, but not the voice itself. That was familiar.
"Thank you," she said, and turned around.
The construct who had absorbed the blaster shot in Valli's holo-vid was standing behind her, datapad in hand, having efficiently made travel arrangements before she even signed off the comms.
"But I get to choose the music playlist," the construct said.
"Okay."
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Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 907
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Corporate Affairs
Visper Averrod-Iresso
"I appreciate the update," Visper said. "I hope it didn't seem rude that I didn't join the conversation, but I'm sure the rest of you had the situation under control. I wanted to make sure I was giving my patient my full attention as long as it was needed." And then Dallyn as well, briefly, but that was neither here nor there. "Frenka seems to be holding her own, I'm pleased to say. Better than I anticipated. She's a strong one, it seems."
Visper didn't know Frenka - but the Rattataki was showing that anyway, both by clinging to life, and by her general stubborn insistence on living the life she wanted, guarding her tribe.
"I'll make some preparations for guests. I don't suppose we know how many we're expecting? No matter. We have plenty of space."
***
Upon the diplomat's arrival, it became clear that space for guests was indeed not a worry. The only members of the diplomatic party were the Envoy herself, a person completely encased in armor listed on the passenger manifest as 'Head of Security,' and three tiny droids.
"I appreciate the welcome on such short notice," Anke said, as if she were the one who had initiated the conversation about meeting, rather than vice versa.
"I appreciate the update," Visper said. "I hope it didn't seem rude that I didn't join the conversation, but I'm sure the rest of you had the situation under control. I wanted to make sure I was giving my patient my full attention as long as it was needed." And then Dallyn as well, briefly, but that was neither here nor there. "Frenka seems to be holding her own, I'm pleased to say. Better than I anticipated. She's a strong one, it seems."
Visper didn't know Frenka - but the Rattataki was showing that anyway, both by clinging to life, and by her general stubborn insistence on living the life she wanted, guarding her tribe.
"I'll make some preparations for guests. I don't suppose we know how many we're expecting? No matter. We have plenty of space."
***
Upon the diplomat's arrival, it became clear that space for guests was indeed not a worry. The only members of the diplomatic party were the Envoy herself, a person completely encased in armor listed on the passenger manifest as 'Head of Security,' and three tiny droids.
"I appreciate the welcome on such short notice," Anke said, as if she were the one who had initiated the conversation about meeting, rather than vice versa.
Re: Corporate Affairs
Lokin
The good doctor was very much in the mood to indulge Lars Valli and he nodded his assent, waiting patiently for the vid screen to come up. He watched it impassively, taking in the minute details of the construct's forms while Valli and the seller bickered in the foreground. He was more interested in the constructs. Then came the defining moment - and still, Lokin watched the constructs in the background. Interesting.
"Well, Valli, they're quite impressive! Not only obedient to a fault, but with a self-repair feature? The time savings alone are mind boggling."
That was one of the things that had piqued his interest, after all. The fact that the construct could leave and be trusted to attend to its own care suggested a high level of self-diagnosis and capability.
"I can see the potential in these constructs - I can only imagine what their successors are capable of after years of your own work put into them. Fascinating."
Lokin knew he was only here as a distraction, but he was starting to think there might be a little something extra in it for him other than visiting with a like-mind.
The good doctor was very much in the mood to indulge Lars Valli and he nodded his assent, waiting patiently for the vid screen to come up. He watched it impassively, taking in the minute details of the construct's forms while Valli and the seller bickered in the foreground. He was more interested in the constructs. Then came the defining moment - and still, Lokin watched the constructs in the background. Interesting.
"Well, Valli, they're quite impressive! Not only obedient to a fault, but with a self-repair feature? The time savings alone are mind boggling."
That was one of the things that had piqued his interest, after all. The fact that the construct could leave and be trusted to attend to its own care suggested a high level of self-diagnosis and capability.
"I can see the potential in these constructs - I can only imagine what their successors are capable of after years of your own work put into them. Fascinating."
Lokin knew he was only here as a distraction, but he was starting to think there might be a little something extra in it for him other than visiting with a like-mind.
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Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 907
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Corporate Affairs
Lars Valli
Looking at the constructs, Lokin would see that they were similar, but not identical. All had the same height and build down to the centimeter, but they had randomized human faces - all rather generic looking and androgynous, but recognizably distinct. Their skin was pale, without pigment, leading to a very slight bluish cast. (Solar/UV damage, like any other damage, was easily regenerated, so the lab-grown skin wasn't worth much tinkering.) They had very short hair on their heads, along with eyelashes and eyebrows; these features were mostly cosmetic, but humans had found earlier models without these minor appearance modifications to be just too unsettling. It was difficult to see, in the vid, exactly where the organic parts ended and the mechanical parts began, clad as they were in armor for the demonstration, but they were a clear mixture of both elements.
And yes, they were utterly obedient.
The praise made Valli smile.
"Yes, we've made some development strides reverse-engineering these. A few of this series - the RIII's - are still in service, but we're up to model series RVI now, which have significant improvements. That said, ultimately these are nothing fancy. We mass produce them, and they're relatively expendable as a result. They do represent some investment, so they are ordered to safeguard their own lives if it's practical, but ultimately they are replaceable, whereas our clients are not. Oh..."
The door opened, and a man who looked like a younger version of Lars Valli, with blond hair instead of grey but the same angular features and light, piercing eyes entered the room. He was trailed by two fully armored guards, who waited by the door.
"Dr. Lokin, I'd like you to meet Volent's Chief of Product Development, a brilliant scientist who also happens to be my son, Linc Valli. Linc, this is Dr. Lokin."
"Pleased to meet you." Linc reached out to give the Doctor's hand a confident shake. "I apologize for my late arrival. I had to discuss a little matter with our attorneys."
"Is that handled?" Lars asked, a little too casually.
"I believe so, yes. But I'm sure Dr. Lokin has little interest in that sort of thing - just a reality of the corporate world that gets in the way of the more interesting aspects of innovation. So Doctor, my father tells me you're interested in some of our newer innovations? I can give you a sneak peak at a product we'll be bringing to market - the Generalized Integrated Network Asset. We call them the G.I.N.A.s for short - makes for snappier marketing. They're constructs who are physically indistinguishable from humans without a detailed body scan. We're rather proud of them."
The look on the faces of both Vallis suggested they were quite proud indeed, although Senior's furrowed brow betrayed a hint of worry. Junior, however, continued to look utterly relaxed.
Looking at the constructs, Lokin would see that they were similar, but not identical. All had the same height and build down to the centimeter, but they had randomized human faces - all rather generic looking and androgynous, but recognizably distinct. Their skin was pale, without pigment, leading to a very slight bluish cast. (Solar/UV damage, like any other damage, was easily regenerated, so the lab-grown skin wasn't worth much tinkering.) They had very short hair on their heads, along with eyelashes and eyebrows; these features were mostly cosmetic, but humans had found earlier models without these minor appearance modifications to be just too unsettling. It was difficult to see, in the vid, exactly where the organic parts ended and the mechanical parts began, clad as they were in armor for the demonstration, but they were a clear mixture of both elements.
And yes, they were utterly obedient.
The praise made Valli smile.
"Yes, we've made some development strides reverse-engineering these. A few of this series - the RIII's - are still in service, but we're up to model series RVI now, which have significant improvements. That said, ultimately these are nothing fancy. We mass produce them, and they're relatively expendable as a result. They do represent some investment, so they are ordered to safeguard their own lives if it's practical, but ultimately they are replaceable, whereas our clients are not. Oh..."
The door opened, and a man who looked like a younger version of Lars Valli, with blond hair instead of grey but the same angular features and light, piercing eyes entered the room. He was trailed by two fully armored guards, who waited by the door.
"Dr. Lokin, I'd like you to meet Volent's Chief of Product Development, a brilliant scientist who also happens to be my son, Linc Valli. Linc, this is Dr. Lokin."
"Pleased to meet you." Linc reached out to give the Doctor's hand a confident shake. "I apologize for my late arrival. I had to discuss a little matter with our attorneys."
"Is that handled?" Lars asked, a little too casually.
"I believe so, yes. But I'm sure Dr. Lokin has little interest in that sort of thing - just a reality of the corporate world that gets in the way of the more interesting aspects of innovation. So Doctor, my father tells me you're interested in some of our newer innovations? I can give you a sneak peak at a product we'll be bringing to market - the Generalized Integrated Network Asset. We call them the G.I.N.A.s for short - makes for snappier marketing. They're constructs who are physically indistinguishable from humans without a detailed body scan. We're rather proud of them."
The look on the faces of both Vallis suggested they were quite proud indeed, although Senior's furrowed brow betrayed a hint of worry. Junior, however, continued to look utterly relaxed.