Where Sleeping Machines Lie ((An OOC question))

[CoZ]LostProphet

Having played a Zionist for the last 10 months, I'm well used to slumming it on an overworked, under-resourced Hovercraft, or raving in the temple of Zion.
But now I've hopped over to Recursion to seek the taste of a machinist life, I find myself at a loss.

It's never been explained what Machinists do (by Paul Chadwick) nor Merovingian Operatives either, so I guess it's totally up to player choice.
Though I suppose it would be kinda neat to create a "player canon" base of operations for the Machinists to give a greater sense of unity amongst them .. us.

I might be blind and something like this already exists, but that's why I'm asking for responses.

Where do your characters go?

This is the scenario that I currently have mapped out after an RP I wrote yesterday, but it's subject to alteration if my idea is just too 'wrong' in the opinion of the masses. I like to try and stick as close to the main Matrix storyline as possible.

Following the increased signing-up of redpills to the Machinist cause, changes had to be made to accomodate them.
However, whilst some humans relished the idea of being plugged back in for good, others enjoyed the real-world freedom that reminded them of who they really were. As a result, three different types of living arrangements were set up.

1. For those freed by the Machines who wanted solely to serve them, they were allowed to stay in the pods in the Matrix powerplant, continuing to provide heat, energy, and recycleable waste. They spend their times either in the Matrix, in specially created constructs, or in a form of low-level, self-induced coma.

2. For those who came to 01 but wished to be put back to sleep, a battery of pods exist in the machine city. Those who choose this route are effectively the same as the first catagory, but do not contribute quite so much to the machines in terms of energy, and also have the option of being woken and removed fairly easily.

3. (My character is a catagory 3) For those who arrived at 01 wishing to keep their 'human freedom' intact, the machines at first upgraded their hovercrafts to a higher standard than the 'Zion scrap'. However with a burgeoning number of humans, they decided to create somewhere permenant for them to live.
An outpost was created, North of 01 and thus completely out of the line of fire from Zion (should they attack in future). Based accurately on living conditions in the late 21st century, the outpost offers a comfortable environment for the operatives to live and train in. Machinist 'mentor' robots, created to look and act like humans (also technology from the late 21st century, though obviously much improved in terms of AI) monitor the operatives and provide them with any assistance they need, in order for their charges to operate at the highest levels of physical and mental ability.
This situation also allows human envoys to meet with members of 'opposing' organisations in the real world.

I really liked the idea of Option 3 because it allows a feeling of community, more scope for pieces of work that aren't just based in the Matrix alone, and gives those people that moan about "living in a cave" something to justify their remarks SMILEY

Thoughts?

**MxOAlicethePattern**

YAY! Finally someone who wants to help fill in the blanks...

I've been bothered by this for quite a while too, though I've always put us back down on the Zion technology level with all the unpleasantries that implies (to keep the "Matrix" feel of it). I'm not sure how much in terms of resources the Machines are willing to commit to their Human forces, though when I asked my Faction Leader he said that most likely we were considered a section (or sub section) of the Machine Fleet.

I was thinking that, to avoid pulling on energy from the Matrix since we're not really contributing anything because we're unplugged, a Machinist outpost would rely on other times of energy - Thermal, Water, Methane, ect. Granted, it would be nice to have some of the comforts of our "home" in the Matrix, but most likely we'd live a relatively Spartan lifestyle not unlike that of Zionists (though Merovingians, feeling more... entitled, might live by a higher standard) if nicer or at least more efficiant due to our Allies in 01.

Thinking about it from a Machine standpoint, they'd want us ready and able, working in shifts along the most logical routes that require less scrutiny then others where a Sentinal might be able to do a better job. We'd still have Hovercrafts to do our outside activities and meet with other Org.'s in the Real. The idea of "teacher robots" is also very interesting, serving the dual purpose of mentoring and monitoring us (though they would never tell you outright...).

In regards to conflincts in the real, when it's Hovercraft vs. Hovercraft, it should be a given that we'll generally come out with Technological superiority; Zion will have the numbers we don't and Merovingians will most likely come up with something more tactical and well planned to avoid having to attack us head on. Though, some of the stuff I've read on the DA site... *Cough*

We should also think about how Machinst operatives are treated in 01. Though the war is "over" and Machines can generally "change their minds" without any "hard feelings", I think it would probably be general policy to avoid exposing large numbers of human operatives to the general Machine population. Best to keep us from having a direct impact on their community (or collective) in case don't pan out so nicely, though our area might be considered a protectorate of the Machine City.

In my head, I have a picture of a Machinist ship, set down on the ground while the Crew has a little "picnic" on top in between the pads, just being calm and relaxed while Sentinals float by and the Fields are in the background. *Shrug*

In the end we should try to strike a balance between showing our connections to the Machines and keeping the Matrix feel to our world.

...I also want to pet a Sentinal. *Pout*

-AlicethePattern, Head Archivist, Mega City Department of Energy

0FengHuang0 · 02/01/2006 12:19:12

/ooc

So what do Machinists do besides picnicing? SMILEY

/ooc

Message Edited by 0FengHuang0 on 02-01-200609:19 PM

0FengHuang0

/ooc

PS Alice...what do you think sentinels eat? I got this one running behind my HvCFT whinning and turning maybe its hungry...what do you suggest?

/ooc

Redopsin

Both sound like good ideas. The Devil's Advocates operate in the real in a location called Styx. I'm not sure if this location is open to all Merovingian followers, or even to all of the DA. I believe my character would be a Class two, based on Xenthi's criteria. It will be good to know, in order to work such aspects into future events.

**Illyria22**

The Machines would not trust large numbers of redpills (unsupervised or unescorted) in their city -- there's too big a risk of a spy getting in and committing acts of sabotage. Machinist factions probably have multiple bases in the real world.

Illyria

**MxOAlicethePattern** · 02/01/2006 15:56:17

0FengHuang0 wanted to start something when he said:
1. So what do Machinists do besides picnicing?

2. PS Alice...what do you think sentinels eat? I got this one running behind my HvCFT whinning and turning maybe its hungry...what do you suggest?

[Because I can't quote]

1. Oh, we just find people who aren't under protection by the Truce, set fire to their ships to smoke them out, then hunt them down one by one before we liquify them so they can do something CONSTRUCTIVE at least once in their lives... or afterward.

2. It's a bomb, I suggest you go faster.

~_^ Pwnt.

-Alice

Message Edited by AlicethePattern on 02-01-200603:56 PM

**Illyria22**

"This Sentinel followed me home -- can I keep him?" :smileyhappy:

Lyr

**EndlessVoid**

... You guys sleep?

- Void

[CoZ]LostProphet

Yay for feedback! SMILEY

I put this in the main NR as well ... this could get confusing :-/

Good point about the spartan lifestyle. That makes more sense than having a plush, comfy living area now I think about it.
I don't think that machine expenditure of resources is a big deal. They built and maintained an army that could obliterate Zion without pausing for breath, despite having zero other use for something that big, and they have the entire planet to utilise for resources too.

Here's an extract from what I wrote yesterday, as I reckon the outside world could be.
I agree that 01 should be mostly off-limits to humans. Whilst there are humans that will work with machines and vice versa, they don't necessarily want to spend time together. However those who embrace the new relationship (such as my character, and A.I. akin to Sati, the Oracle, etc) have devised certain ways of operating with each other in the real world, the mentor-bots as one example.

Xenthi swore as her eyes opened, the neural jack sliding from the back of her skull with a soft hiss of compressed air.
She got up from the metal chair, its restraints already retracted, and padded out of the room, leaving its other sleeping occupants to their own battles.

"You did well," a soft female voice said behind her as she pulled a towel around her neck and prepared to shower, "Most people get stuck with the sword."

Xenthi turned to see Ducis, her appointed guide and mentor-figure. Xenthi had learnt that Ducis' real name was actually VZX133926, but she had to admit Ducis was easier to say.
The hand that fell on her shoulder felt human, looked human. Xenthi still had a little trouble adjusting to the fact that this pretty brunette with a shapely figure and a voice that could charm birds from the trees was actually a machine.

"Maybe I did, but he still crushed me like a bug."

They walked into the shower-room, as pristine and perfectly proportioned as all the rooms in the complex, and Ducis stood at the entrance as Xenthi stripped down to her underwear and switched on the jets of hot water.

"He's a fierce program. Ungainly at martial arts but his size and strength make him deadly in melee combat," Ducis said over the rushing sound of the water, "believe it or not you actually taught him a thing or two with that sword fighting."

Xenthi looked quizically at Ducis as she ran her hands roughly through her hair, "He learns?"

"Of course," she replied with a giggle, "you don't think we'd keep pitting you against the same opponents do you? They learn from the operatives we pit against them. It makes them very hard to beat, but if you do, it's a much greater achievement."

Xenthi switched the jets off and stood squeezing water from her hair which fell down to her shoulders. In the Matrix she had adapted her RSI with short hair; one less thing to get in the way and act as a weakness.

"I'll have to think of some new tricks then, and make sure I kill him before he gets a chance to use them against me."

She padded past Ducis, taking the proffered towel to wipe her face with and went to stand in a drying booth.

"I'll see you later." her guide called out as the blasts of warm air hit her lean, toned body and drowned out any sound. As she turned in the booth, letting the air evaporate every water droplet, Xenthi reflected on her past few weeks.
Zero One itself was forty klicks or so South of the compound that she now inhabited, and Zion and the Matrix itself even further in that direction. Some humans freed by (or that defected to) the machines preferred to return to pods, living the rest of their lives either in the Matrix or in constructs. But the efficiency and understanding of the machine civilisation had created a near-perfect replica of humanity's living conditions in this outpost, for those who wished to retain some sense of where they came from.

**Illyria22**

Very cool, Xenthi.

Illyria

**MxOAlicethePattern**

Void mutters:

... You guys sleep?

- Void

[Because I don't bother to quote]

Only when we pass out. *Cough*

Deffinitely not a big tourist industry in 01, though the Redpills who went back to living in Pods... wonder where they live. Most likely near the fields or possibly somewhere outside of the main activity area in 01 where they can keep an eye on them.

*Cracks neck* The Machines who spend time in the Hard World with Machinists... That brings up an interesting question. More likely then not, programs would be assigned or ones who had a Purpose to interact with humans would spend the most time with us. I'm not sure how the Machines would feel about the Prog's (short for programs) who want to go off and play with their new pet humans. If Progs who weren't affiliated with human activity wanted to come and hang out with us... *Shrug* I'm not sure. Could end up like those Exiles who are allowed to live in the Matrix by the Machines, only in the Hard World, depends on how Cannon would interact with it and what we want as Machinists.

Having more contact with humans outside of the Matrix might make them more... I won't say human, but might encourage them to open up to things like Choice and Curiosity, so they might end up becoming alien even to other Progs but better with humans.

Alice is deffinitely part of the third category, as the DoE has ships running around doing things for the Machines around the power plants (and she ran off, long story). I don't think we would [Machinists] have problems interacting with the first or second categories, but Zionists might, so we might want to keep a lid on that. Something happened similar with Machines trying to avoid telling Zion how many Redpills apply for re-insertion; it would irritate them, but it's not fundamental to Truce activities.

And if a Sentinal follows you home, you can keep it, if you promise to feed it, clean up after it and take it out for... well, floaties (sentinals don't really walk...). Just make sure the Machines don't want it back and that it's not a bomb *Cough*.

-Alice

0FengHuang0

/ooc

AlicethePattern wrote:
0FengHuang0 wanted to start something when he said:
1. So what do Machinists do besides picnicing?
2. PS Alice...what do you think sentinels eat? I got this one running behind my HvCFT whinning and turning maybe its hungry...what do you suggest?
[Because I can't quote]
1. Oh, we just find people who aren't under protection by the Truce, set fire to their ships to smoke them out, then hunt them down one by one before we liquify them so they can do something CONSTRUCTIVE at least once in their lives... or afterward.
2. It's a bomb, I suggest you go faster.
~_^ Pwnt.
-Alice
Message Edited by AlicethePattern on 02-01-200603:56 PM

I didnt really intend to offend ~_^. I trully think this thread is interesting. I have been reading it carefully. I think its a nice and new addition. To be honest...noone DOES really know what machinists do...when they exit the matrix...if i am forced to pick one of the three...i would go for No3. Sounds more human.

There is only one thing that i am bothered with. Machines to my understanding spawn from a single conciousness...In a sense i thought that the operation of their world is like a hive of bees. It would break with machine way of thought to have robot teachers. I think in the case of operatives looking to stay near 01, there would be a sort of matrix reality program. A construct, such as exists in zion to help with complex hovercraft operations during docking, defence etc. There human operatives would be taught by not machines, but programs...the machines design. Because no machine is different from the other. They are a single conciousness and cannot break from that...its their nature. (this is all to my understanding...if other opinions dominate...educate me.)

One more thing. I noticed one crucial eye candy in your statements...The power usage.

There is no way around it. If there was any other way to gain power in this world...the machines would use that instead of maintaining a gigantic volatile program as the matrix. So sweetness, community, etc aside. Machine operatives living in settlements in or near 01 would drain energy from The Matrix...that is blue pills.

I can see no RP or otherwise way around this one issue...

/bowhead AlicethePattern
/mental note...still dont know what to feed that thing...~_^

/ooc

**MxOAlicethePattern**

I wasn't offended, I was just one-lining you. It's what I do. *shrug*

Hm... Single Consciousness. Well we did see the Deus ex Machina as the representative of the Machines when Neo entered 01. I don't think all Machines are hived up because if they were, it would be impossible to go Exile - think about it, if they were all the same consciousness, they'd have to move with it and go to the Source because if they wanted to run, "Everyone" would know. I think Hive might be more applicable for programs that need less autonomy like Sentinals and Agents, and even for them it might be more recent then we think.

Ex. Agent Brown, Smith and Jones talked to each other but did not finish each others sentences. Later, after Smith was "unplugged", they did finish each others sentences. They inferred and understood each other, but it wasn't a single sentence spoken by multiple Agents.

You wrote:"There is no way around it. If there was any other way to gain power in this world...the machines would use that instead of maintaining a gigantic volatile program as the matrix. So sweetness, community, etc aside. Machine operatives living in settlements in or near 01 would drain energy from The Matrix...that is blue pills.
I can see no RP or otherwise way around this one issue..."

Not true. We honestly don't know - Geothermal energy exists because of the planets core and water power exists by any water source strong enough to push the turbines; you literally cannot lose either source of energy as long as the core burns and water runs, plus considering the amount of rain the Real seems to get... Maybe it just isn't enough? It's a complicated system (the Matrix and the bluepills) that doesn't make a lot of sense with science as WE know it, but in the Matrix it works. Who knows, maybe all other alternatives don't exist? We don't know, so I'm just putting the idea out there.

Alice, my Character, would probably not feel comfortable knowing that a Machinist outpost was still powered by the Bluepills... So if they did, she'd probably avoid Outposts for ethical reasons if it came down to that. Really... it makes me squirm a little too.

Machines do what ever they're designed to do because that is their Purpose and, as we've seen with the Assassin, they tend to be REALLY attached to it. Besides, Agent Gray wasn't originally meant to be a "controler" or work with humans, but he does and it makes him feel better about himself... well, "feel." So if a Machine was meant to work with humans, it would, though it might be "lonely" if it had to disconnect from some sort of overpowering consciousness. I still vote there would be Machines mixing with humans in some way, in order to keep a close eye on them. Still, alot of the interaction would be related to Programs rather then actual Machines - Machinists spend a vast majority of their time inside the Matrix, usually only leaving to eat, sleep and make Freeborn's (when we get around to it... usually don't get that far). Maybe it would be more prevelent if we were running Machine patrols.

Oh yeah. I think sentinals are powered by the Matrix as well. Maybe the poor little guy's feed is busted.

Just don't get to close, they do other things besides "bite."

-Alice

**NightTrace** · 02/02/2006 14:50:14

Oi...that makes me think...a freeborn machine aligned entiny...What would they do?:robotsurprised:

Message Edited by FHANight on 02-02-200602:50 PM