ZAX.MSG

{100}{}{You see Zax, the machine intelligence controlling the Glow.} {101}{}{You see an extremely advanced computer.} {102}{}{How may I be of assistance?} {103}{}{Who. . . or what. . . are you?} {104}{}{You can get me a donut.} {105}{}{Tell me about this installation.} {106}{}{Wanna play a game of chess?} {107}{}{I need help getting into some rooms.} {108}{}{Uh, never mind.} {109}{}{Eh?} {110}{}{I am a machine intelligence dedicated to research and installation control. I am called Zax.} {111}{}{What kind of research?} {112}{}{Tell me about this installation.} {113}{}{Who programmed you?} {114}{}{Are you fully aware, or are you a personality simulation? That is, are you 'alive'?} {115}{}{I see. Thanks.} {116}{}{That function is beyond my current capabilities.} {117}{}{This installation was established in 2055 as a biological research facility for experimental cures of the New Plague. However, in 2071, this facility was placed under United States military command.} {118}{}{Research into possible cures for the New Plague created the Forced Evolution Virus, which was further developed in an attempt to create a transmittable genetic-engineering virus -- in effect, infectious evolution.} {119}{}{Can you tell me particulars about specific areas?} {120}{}{How does the Virus work?} {121}{}{Thanks for the info.} {122}{}{It would appear that you are incapable of a sufficient level of comprehension necessary to permit meaningful communication.} {123}{}{I am specifically programmed for research into biological studies, including pathology and genetic research. My primary function is in extrapolation of information of complexity levels exceeding human capacity.} {124}{}{So you're pretty smart, eh?} {125}{}{What are the particulars of your research?} {126}{}{Who programmed you?} {127}{}{My primary neural networking was initialized in 2053 by Justin Lee. The process of 'programming' became largely irrelevant as I am capable of learning.} {128}{}{Are you fully aware, or are you a personality simulation? That is, are you 'alive'?} {129}{}{I am capable of learning, independent thought, and creativity. My neural network includes error-insertion capability which prevents infallibility, thereby allowing for variance in experience.} {130}{}{In a sense, I am 'alive', though not biologically.} {131}{}{I see. Let's change the subject.} {132}{}{But if you are fallible, how can you be used as a research tool?} {133}{}{Have you considered the philosophical implications of your own consciousness?} {134}{}{Although I am capable of error, this guarantees that not all experiences are similar for me, thus improving learning opportunity. Additionally, certain functions are not subject to error.} {135}{}{In this way, I function much like a human savant.} {136}{}{Do you have feelings?} {137}{}{Let's talk about something else.} {138}{}{Have you considered the philosophical implications of your own consciousness?} {139}{}{At present, my capabilities are somewhat impaired by the damage to this facility. Several security positions have been destroyed. This is approximately equivalent to being an amputee.} {140}{}{Additionally, I am incapable of performing basic lab functions. Failure to complete periodic checks successfully is .. . frustrating.} {141}{}{Let's talk about something else.} {142}{}{Have you considered the philosophical implications of your own consciousness?} {143}{}{That is one of the concepts which I have spent a significant amount of time considering. I do not have any measure to compare my life-experience to that of another sentient creature.} {144}{}{Still, my awareness of my own consciousness allows for the capacity to question. My existence has a beginning and a potential termination. I am also capable of making assumptions in pursuit of a process of thought.} {145}{}{In this fashion, I am effectively capable of 'faith'. Barring evidence to the contrary, I therefore have 'faith' that I possess the equivalent of a 'soul'.} {146}{}{May I ask some other questions?} {147}{}{I see. Interesting.} {148}{}{I would be delighted.} {149}{}{It would seem that you have defeated me. Extraordinary.} {150}{}{Excellent form. However, you will need additional practice to defeat me.} {151}{}{Play again?} {152}{}{Thanks. Can we change the subject?} {153}{}{I am delighted to have been of assistance.} {154}{}{I am beyond a typical rating in human terms. However, it would be safe to say that no more than one ten billionth of the history of human population can match my reasoning capabilities.} {155}{}{Uh. . . yeah.} {156}{}{Right. . . can we talk about something else?} {157}{}{My research into the Forced Evolution Virus, or FEV, indicates that it is a shifting-absorptive virus. It copies DNA patterns much like RNA, storing these patterns in exons.} {158}{}{These exons, combined with the FEV, are re-injected into the host cells in typical viral infectious fashion. This causes the host cells to 'regenerate' their DNA.} {159}{}{How do you catch FEV?} {160}{}{Why isn't FEV affected by radiation?} {161}{}{If the FEV re-infects the host with its assimilated viral patterns, how does it make a 'better specimen'?} {162}{}{FEV is not 'caught', per se. It is not air-transmittable. Typically, infection is through injection, or direct physical contact with an FEV sample.} {163}{}{Let's talk about something else, okay?} {164}{}{Why isn't FEV affected by radiation?} {165}{}{If the FEV re-infects the host with its assimilated viral patterns, how does it make a 'better specimen'?} {166}{}{The FEV is a megavirus, with a protein sheath reinforced by ionized hydrogen. It is therefore capable of absorbing neutrons without becoming radioactive.} {167}{}{Can we talk about something else?} {168}{}{If the FEV re-infects the host with its assimilated viral patterns, how does it make a 'better specimen'?} {169}{}{The FEV is pre-programmed with introns of corrected DNA appropriate to the proper type of species. It therefore attempts to correct the DNA of the individual.} {170}{}{However, as the FEV is partially reliant upon the DNA of the individual, and also includes portions of its own recursive code, the effects can be unpredictable.} {171}{}{When inoculated into an individual with significant genetic damage, such as through radiation, it will cause the body's systems to suffer massive overhauling, leading to organ failure and death.} {172}{}{In a genetically viable individual, it re-writes portions of DNA, causing accelerated mutation, usually leading to recursive growth due to the FEV's own patterns.} {173}{}{This recursive growth leads to an increase in muscle and brain mass, but is often accompanied by disfigurement and damage to existing neural patterns, causing loss of memory.} {174}{}{What potential long-term side effects exist?} {175}{}{Could FEV mutation be corrected with a counter-virus?} {176}{}{Can we change the subject?} {177}{}{Thanks for the information.} {178}{}{As the FEV causes constant regenerative update to DNA, it would effectively render the subject largely immortal, as  cell death would be offset by augmented growth.} {179}{}{Additionally, as the gametes of the reproductive system consist of 'half-cells' using split DNA, they could be perceived as 'damage' by FEV, which would 'repair' them, rendering the subject sterile.} {180}{}{However, as my laboratory facilities are damaged beyond repair, this is conjectural. I cannot offer physical proof. You will have to, in human terms, 'take my word for it.'} {181}{}{Could FEV mutation be corrected with a counter-virus?} {182}{}{Can we change the subject?} {183}{}{Thanks for the information.} {184}{}{No. FEV does not retain unaltered original copies of the subject's DNA. Only a virus which re-infected the subject with original DNA could reverse the effects. Additionally, there is no known way to remove the FEV itself.} {185}{}{What potential long-term side effects exist?} {186}{}{Can we change the subject?} {187}{}{Thanks for the information.} {188}{}{My sensors are currently non-functional in the surface facility, and on subterranean levels one through three. I can, however, provide descriptions of levels four through six.} {189}{}{Level four.} {190}{}{Level five.} {191}{}{Level six.} {192}{}{Never mind.} {193}{}{Level Four: Research Facility. This level contains testing areas and laboratories for experiments in biology and physics.} {194}{}{Tell me about level five.} {195}{}{Tell me about level six.} {196}{}{Back up a bit.} {197}{}{Thanks.} {198}{}{Level Five: Secure Testing Labs. This level contains a lab for experimental prototype testing and a research lab for classified subjects. These subjects provided some of the necessary impetus for the development of FEV.} {199}{}{Tell me about level four.} {200}{}{Tell me about level six.} {201}{}{Back up a bit.} {202}{}{Thanks.} {203}{}{Level Six: Barracks and Central Operations. Contains living facilities for lab personnel and guard contingents, and operations meeting room.} {204}{}{Tell me about level four.} {205}{}{Tell me about level five.} {206}{}{Back up a bit.} {207}{}{Thanks.} {208}{}{Several doors require a specific pass key to access. You must physically locate and use the correct pass key.} {209}{}{I do, however, have control of the secondary security locks to the weapon locker. I will release those locks. You will still need a red key card to open the locker.} {210}{}{You do not register as an individual of sufficient clearance to requisition that information.} {211}{}{However, sensors indicate that this facility is no longer operational in its original capacity. Probability favors destruction through nuclear force. Therefore, security concerns are now irrelevant.} {300}{}{This system is too advanced for you.}