Mech 9.3 Summary - Verità nelle bugie

**ZippyTheSquirrel** · 02/28/2008 16:46:26

----- 1) Cooperation: Make contact with the second wireframed man. -----

Agent Gray: Operative, another human configured similarly to the "intruder" has entered the Matrix. It is of vital importance that we establish what this man's purpose here may be. As his override codes are potentially deadly to System programs, I am sending you to make contact with him. He has made no attempt to conceal himself from our scans, so locatin him will not be an issue.

Let me emphasize that under no circumstance are you to initiate hostilities against this individual. If he takes a hostile stance, disengage immediately, and report back to me.

Operator: Another one?! You mean there are more of these guys? Why didn't they tell us about this?

Well... I've got override readings in there, all right. Pretty much just like the ones we've seen before.

[Enemies: Accelerated Exiles]
[Heroes: Carlyne]

Operator: Mm-hm. Overriden programs--I figured as much. This guy's gonna be even worse than the last one, just watch.

Operator: So that's him, huh? Not as big as I thought he'd be.

Carlyne: Oh, I am sorry about that. I thought you might have been...like those others.

Ah, so you are with the Machines. Excellent! Just the people I wanted to see. I don't suppose you could arrange for me to meet with one of their Agents, could you? It's... Well it's about a mutual problem that I think I can help clear up for all of us.

Thank you very much for coming to speak with me, Mr.... I'm sorry, what did you say your name was? Ah. My name is Carlyne. Delighted.

Carlyne: Yes, yes; a pleasure. I'll give them a good report about you, you can be sure about that.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Yes, I see.

Very well. An arrangement will have to be made. I will see to this immediately.

At this time, I would like you to speak with Agent Pace. She will provide you with additional information regarding this situation.

Operator: What do you think the odds are that this guy snuffs the first Agent to come talk to him? Hey, there's precedent! Sure, he talks a little more politely than the other one, but I still wouldn't want to be the poor Agent program they're gonna ship off to this guy.

[Friendlies: Agent]
[Heroes: Agent Pace]

Computer:
Tracking object 92174113.9949
Position: 1 -45395.804688 95.000000 -80629.257813
Position: 1 -39373.023438 95.000000 -89795.195313
Position: 1 -35510.261719 95.000000 -90119.039063

Agent: I am assigned to where my presence is most efficient, operative.

Why are you looking at me in that way?

Agent Pace: Ciao, tesoro. I can confirm that the man calling himself "Carlyne" is a human from outside the pod system, much like the similar-looking man encountered previously; Carlyne's RSI code structure is comparable, and thus we anticipate that he has access to the same codes capable of overriding System routines.

These two men have already been detected together within the simulation, fighting each other during a brief encounter in Westview. IF they are enemies, there is a possibility that, whereas the other is generally hostile to the System, Carlyne could be cooperative. It is very important that we establish whether or not this is so.

Operator: He fought the intruder? Huh.

Now wait, does that mean that he's a good guy, or just an even bigger jerk?

Agent Pace: While it is difficult for our programs, and even for our operatives, to engage the intruder, our record of his battle with Carlyne indicates that they are evenly matched. So, you see, one of them could serve as an affective defense against the other, if necessary.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Operative, I will be the Agent contacting Carlyne.

As he has already met you, and reacted amicably, I consider that your presence at this meeting would be useful. Please attend me at the marked location.

Operator: Oh, hell! Gray already got alt-eff-foured by one of these guys, and now he's going back for me? Is he nuts?

Oh, never mind; I don't even wanna think about that. You'd better just get in there and save whatever's left of him.

Hm... Looks like he's still functional, anyway. I've got him and a Carlyne-sized chunk of override code showing up in there.

[Heroes: Agent Gray, Carlyne]

Carlyne: Oh, I very much appreciate you taking the time to hear me out, Agent. Belive me, it will be a great relief to me once I've eliminated Halborn as a problem here.

I won't claim that I'm doing this entirely out of altruism, mind you; we both know better than that, don't we? Haha! But res assured, you can leave him to me.

Operator: Who'd he say? "Halborn"?

Carlyne: Good to see you again so soon. I did indeed mention to the Agent here how helpful you've been; it was the very first thing out of my mouth.

Oh, then we went on and discussed the trouble you've been having with that other fellow. It really is a shame...and I mean to put a stop to it for you, indeed I do.

Agent Gray: Thank you, operative. We can consider this meeting successfully concluded; I have received Carlyne's assurances that his intentions are in line with the System's welfare. We will discuss how to proceed once we have returned to our offices.

Operator: Hm...

Agent Gray: You may tell your operator that while I appreciate her uncharacteristic concern for my welfare, it is quite misplaced. As I am not yet restored to full physical function after the incident several weeks ago outside Metacortex, and am already fully informed on this matter--and have experience working with you, his first contact--it stood to reason that I had a superior chance of successful communication with Carlyne, and that my incapacitation at his hands, if such had occured, would have incured a smaller loss to the System than would the loss of other qualified programs.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: I understand that you have questions, operative. We will discuss this once you've arrived.

Operator: All clear.

Roger.

[Friendlies: Agents]
[Heroes: Agent Gray, Agent Pace]

Agent Wong: The System consists of millionsof entities working together in harmony. It is a level of cooperation never approached by man.

Agent North: Have you seen Agent Griffin?

The Murphey case... Hm.

Agent Gray: Carlyne refers to the man we have known as the "intruder" by the name "Halborn." He claims to know him personally. He proposes to remove Halborn from the simulation--presumably by force, but he did not specify his intended means of achieving this goal. He did not explain its nature or cause, but he made it clear that there is a conflict between the two of them.

The override codes Carlyne possesses pose a considerable threat to the System. While he has promised to act against Halborn, and presents himself as a friend of the System, we have no real guarantee of his future behavior. Caution must be exercised when dealing with him.

Operator: But...but...but... Is there a whole colony of these guys, or what? Where are they coming from? Ahh heck.

Agent Gray: Currently, Halborn's activity appears to be relatively benign; that is to say, he is not attacking the System regularly, although his override codes create problems wherever he uses them. He continues to exhibit a disregard for the simulation's stability.

Agent Pace: We had hoped that, after the Architect told him that the program he sought had been removed from the Matrix, Halborn would leave the simulation. Purtroppo, he has not done so. He is a very stubborn man, and reason alone is insufficient to change his mind.

I think he has convinced himself that the secret of the program he seeks lies somewhere within the simulation. His hope of finding it will diminish with each passing day, and, I fear that continued failure will eventually provoke him to great violence once again. We must do everything we can to guard against this.

[Mission End]

Agent Gray: The man, Carlyne, must be monitored closely, operative. His stance vis-á-vis the intruder, Halborn, is yet to be proven; we must alos consider that both are subject to coercion by Zionite terrorists, with whom they have already had contact.

That will be all for the moment. If you gather any further data on Carlyne, report it immediately.

**ZippyTheSquirrel**

----- 2) Fabrication: Carlyne or Halborn has created an override outbreak -----

Agent Gray: An outbreak of programmatic overrides has been detected. You are assigned to investigate.

At this time it is unknown if this was caused by Carlyne or Halborn; both of them are capable of having executed it.

Operator: Man, I bet they're working together. They're gonna come at us in a big override pinscher--

Huh, redpills--unregistered ones, too--plus overriden programs. You've got your hands full on this one.

[Enemies: Zion operatives, Accelerated Machines]

Zion Virologist: What a joke!
Zion Soldier(x3): Well...this is *just* great.

Operator: Huh. Now all we need is for some Mervs to show up and try to steal the bodies.

Hey, I'm getting a call from Gray. You'd better hit the streets.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Continued scans of that area have registered a code signature matching the profile of either Halborn or Carlyne. You are to proceed to that area immediately and investigate.

They have each met seperately with Zion, and the Merovingian. Halborn continues to search for the program he believes exists inside the simulation, while Carlyne seems to be attempting to gain a support base with all organizations. This activity in particular could produce...complications. Additionally, Carlyne divulged to our operatives that Halborn seeks the "biological interface program" because Halborn's human body is dead.

As we believe that both of them are still taking a non-hostile stance relative to our organization, you are not authorized to use force against either one, should you encounter them. Evaluate the situation, and report.

Operator: So they're both trying to work the system, huh?

Well, one of them is definitely in there. I've got some override program activity, too, and something... Huh, well, it isn't an Agent...

[Friendlies: Accelerated Agent, Red-Eye Agent corpse]
[Enemies: Accelerated Machines]
[Heroes: Halborn]

Operator: Oh goody, the unpleasant one.

Oh, a "red eye" Agent. So that's what was on the scan. Wonder where he dug it up.

Halborn: Huh. What kept you? I want to talk to your boss' boss. Go make it happen.

Operator: *Man* that guy is infuriating. One of these days...

Halborn: You still here?

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: ...

Thank you, operative. I will see to this.

Override use apart from Halborn is still being detected in that area. He may have left other pockets of override programs. Please investigate the indicated location.

[Ambush: Zion operatives]

Operator: I've got just one big override in there... Did we just go in a circle and smack into Halborn again? Or...

Hey, and I'm picking up a civilian in there, too.

[Friendlies: Bluepill]
[Heroes: Carlyne]

Bluepill: He... He shook my hand.

...

That was...really weird.

Operator: Hm... Vitals seem steady.

Bluepill: Have you... Uh... I don't really know how to say this...

Have you seen a guy who looks like a 3D computer graphic?

No--no, seriously.

Operator: Well, isn't it just our lucky day.

Carlyne: Oh...hell-o there! What a pleasant surprise!

Why, I'm tracking Halborn, of course. He's around here somewhere. You haven't seen him, by any chance?

Agent Gray: Tell him that you have not seen Halborn, operative, and leave as soon as you can excuse yourself without drawing suspicion.

Carlyne: No? Ah... Hm... [taps foot]

Well! That's too bad. No, no; don't let me keep you. "Appointed rounds," and all that, eh? That's wonderful. Carry on, then.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: The meeting with Halborn is arranged, operative. Please come to my location.

Operator: Looks like you're hanging with the bigwigs. They're all up there. Security's tighter than--

Nevermind.

[Friendlies: Agents]
[Heroes: Agent Gray, Agent Pace, Architect, Halborn]

Agent Gray: Halborn's request for a consultation with us at this time is likely due to concern over his pursuit by Carlyne. If he feels that he requires our help, this raises the possibility to establish control over him.

You understand this? Very well; proceed into the adjoining chamber.

Agent North: The operative is entering, sir.

Halborn: So, you didn't make it. Fine. I want to know who did. Don't make this more difficult than it has to be.

Architect: ... I have every intention of expediting your depature from this simulation by every means at my disposal.

The program's author is known as the Oracle.

Halborn: The palm reader? Yes, I've heard her mentioned... Hm...

Come to think of it, those Zionites kept saying her name, and then cutting each other off. I didn't think they knew what they were jabbering about.

No. ... They couldn't know...

Architect: ...

Agent Pace: [touches earpiece] Full sweep. Find him.

Agent North: [touches earpiece] ...

[Mission End]

Agent Gray: This changes the situation significantly, operative. Zion and E Pluribus Neo have typically taken it upon themselves to protect the Oracle from perceived threats against her. IF Halborn attempts to find her, they may intervene; also, we cannot ignore the fact that the Oracle has considerable efficiency in manipulating those around her.

Halborn may intend to force her to divulge information concerning the function of the program he seeks. In any case, his obsession has now brought her to the forefront of this affair.

You are dismissed to your regular duties for the time being. Expect further orders to be forthcoming within the usual period.

**MxO-Insertion**

*wonders why the squirrel doesn't take screenshots with FRAPS if it's loaded*

SMILEY

**ZippyTheSquirrel**

MxO-Insertion wrote:

*wonders why the squirrel doesn't take screenshots with FRAPS if it's loaded*

" /> " /> " />

You can do that? O_o

Did I mention I'm a total noob with FRAPS?

**cloudwolf**

<3 teh sqwerl for doing more summaries ^_^

**Bayamos**

ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:

Operator: But...but...but... Is there a whole colony of these guys, or what? Where are they coming from? Ahh heck.

Heh.

**Travi**

Operator: Oh, hell! Gray already got alt-eff-foured by one of these guys, and now he's going back for me? Is he nuts?

I lol'd

**Procurator**

I loved that line too. SMILEY

**Shinryu**

MxO-Insertion wrote:

*wonders why the squirrel doesn't take screenshots with FRAPS if it's loaded*

" width="15" height="15" /> " width="15" height="15" /> " width="15" height="15" />

I do the same thing hehe It just seems to me that the colours or quality or something isn't as good when done through FRAPS. The screens just don't look right.

**shearman** · 03/03/2008 11:07:06

ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:

If your hand was just turned 90 degrees, that would so be Smith Virus. But anyway, thanks for taking the time to do these.

ThePigeonKing

Ah, if I had some nice teaser screenshots I'd post them to hold people over until Zippy comes back from... whatever he's doing.

Lemme see what I can dig up here...

And the only action shot I got and liked:

**ZippyTheSquirrel**

ThePigeonKing wrote:

Ah, if I had some nice teaser screenshots I'd post them to hold people over until Zippy comes back from... whatever he's doing.

...must... find... way... to save Lt. Chen... and Agent Morrison... and capture Norton Mapes....

*looks up*
Eh? Fine, gimme an hour, I'll have it up.

**ZippyTheSquirrel**

----- 3) Giving up Gotama: Facilitate Halborn's search for the Oracle. -----

Agent Gray: Halborn is hunting for the Oracle. We attempted to locate her ourselves, but only stray code bits were found; these suggest that she is engaged in a coding project of some sort; the secrecy involved suggests that the project is of an....unlicensed nature.

Zionite interest in the Oracle, and Carlyne's feud with Halborn, complicate the scenario.

They seek to prevent Halborn from reaching the Oracle. However, she represents Halborn's last significant hope for gaining the program he seeks. The sooner he obtains the program from her, or obtains confirmation that she does not have it, the sooner he is likely to leave the Matrix.

Agent Pace has additional support and information for you concerning this situation.

Operator: All right, Pace and some of our redpills are in there. No hostiles.

I'm not sure I followed everything Gray said, but it kind of sounds like they're okay with Halborn getting to the Oracle. Does that mean they think that he won't try to hurt her, or...that he will?

[Friendlies: Machine operatives]
[Heroes: Agent Pace]

Machine Soldier: Are we on Halborn's side now? After he attacked Gray and everything? And I thought that other one--Carlyne or whatever--liked us. Aren't they enemies?

Machine Soldier: Look, don't bother me with this. If you can't follow instructions, that's your problem. We're doing whatever we can to get Halborn out of here.

Oceana: Sir.
Cerberus: Hi.

Agent Pace: Ciao. Your current assignment is to eliminate Zionites pursuing Halborn. I am placing these two operatives under your command.

The Zionites are believed to be working with Carlyne. You should consider Carlyne hostile, and dangerous. If you see him, please report it immediately.

Operator: Those two won't be any help against Carlyne, that's for sure. Oh well, let's get 'em and get going.

Agent Pace: It is unfortunate to find Carlyne in opposition to us, and supporting terrorists, but Halborn is by far the more unstable of the two. We do not believe that Carlyne will act against the System once Halborn is removed.

This situation relies very much upon human reactions, and that makes it difficult to control. I've given you this assignment because I know we can rely upon you.

Cerberus: Yep, got it.
Oceana: Moving out.

Machine Soldier: Some people just can't remember that the Machines are always gonna do what's best for keeping this place in one piece.

Machine Soldier: Oh, okay...I think I get it now.

No, wait...What about that other one?

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Intercept Zionite hostiles at the indicated location, operative. They must be prevented from interfereing with Halborn.

Operator: I'm finding it easier if I just concentrate on the Zion-smashing aspect of this. Unregistered redpill programs in there are lighting up on my screen. We've got 'em cold.

[Friendlies: Override Corpses, Bluepill corpse]
[Enemies: Zion operatives]

Zion Virologist: You're acutally defending that bastard?
Zion Patcher: $@#$! Son of a-- Selling out the Oracle!

Operator: Not much chance of them catching Halborn now.

Cerberus: Yeah, I'm sure it will work out all right. See you.
Oceana: Thank you. Good hunting, sir.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Halborn has been detected in the vicinity of the Mara neighborhood, where the Oracle is usually found.

We are unable to determine the Oracle's location at this time. Whether or not she has been concealed by hostile operatives is not known, but must be considered as a possibility. Their activity in that vicinity is high. Carlyne is not detected in Mara, but if Zion finds Halborn there, they may call Carlyne for assistance. This must be prevented.

[Ambush: Zion operatives]

Operator: Redpills in there... Hey, I'm getting heavy overrid readings, too.

[Enemies: Zion operatives, Accelerator]
[Heroes: Halborn]

Zion Patcher: D*mn Merv!

Oh, wait, my mistake...

Zion Virologist: Operator, tell them to get Car-- [dies]

Halborn: What the hell? Beat it. You'll just lead more of these annoyances to me. Does it look like I need your help?

Operator: Grr... This guy is really making it hard to want to help him...

Halborn: That smug idiot? Huh. He's pretty desperate if he's got these saps trying to do his dirty work. Now, get out of here. When I want something from the Machines, you'll know. [taps foot]

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Zion operatives continue to pursue Halborn, operative. IF he does not locate the Oracle soon, the escalation of forces in that area will reach dangerous levels. We must also assume that Carlyne is by this time approaching the area as well.

Continue your elimination of the hostile forces. Halborn must remain free to reach the Oracle and conclude this affair.

Operator: This would be a whole lot easier if they could just end in Agents without having to worry that Carlyne would zap 'em. Hell, Halborn probably would, too, come to that.

Huh, this is weird... The wide scans picked up redpill activity, but I'm not reading anything in there now except standard background programs. Did the Zionites ditch our already?

[Heroes: Oracle, Seraph]

Operator: What?! The Oracle? Uh...

So... So, do I call this in, or what?

Oracle: [raises hands] All right, all right, I give up.

Haha. Miss me? Well, I'm sorry for the cloak and dagger routine, I really am, and I promise you, it's almost over. If all this fuss is over little old me, well... Maybe it'd be better for everyone if I was removed from the picture, huh?

Operator: Ah, hell, who'm I kidding? I'm calling it in...

[Seraph appears]

Seraph?! Where'd he-- Hang on...

D*mn, and they won't send in programs. ... Jesus, they freaking put me on hold! Oracle there, hostiles closing in, and they put me on hold. Look, you're just gonna have to come out and call Gray about it yourself. ... I know!

Oracle: We've all got to od what we've got to do... Isn't that right?

Seraph: There is no chance to surprise the watchful.

[Mission End]

Agent Gray: I am sure you can understand operative, that arresting the Oracle at this time, in that area, is not....feasible.

Halborn's encounter with her, however, must be facilitated. This can best be accomplished by eliminating interference from hostile forces, and in particular, by preventing contact between Halborn and Carlyne.

Halborn will be notified of this sighting as soon as possible. The...promptness of your report is appreciated. You may consider this assignment completed.

**ZippyTheSquirrel** · 03/13/2008 03:53:52

----- 4) Acceptable Levels: Analyze Halborn's condition as his search for the Oracle falters. -----

Agent Gray: Operative, despite our success against terrorist incursions in Richland, Halborn has thus far failed in his attempts to locate the Oracle. This may be what has prompted him to request yet another meeting with our representatives.

You are appointed to attend this meeting. I will expect a full report and analysis.

Operator: It's you, Halborn, and some of the top brass again. Huh.... Doesn't look like Gray's showing up this time, though.

[Friendlies: Agents]
[Heroes: Halborn, Agent Pace, Architect]

Agent Jones: It is the operative.

Halborn: I can't find the old woman. I don't have time to keep beating around back-alleys. Obviously she's another program you've managed to lose control over, but you must have some kind of tracking data. Where is she?

The Architect: We have delivered reports to you on her movements. That is all the information we are able to provide. The...unpredictability of her actions was a design choice necessitated by our commitment to maintain the human population at a level capable of reasonably ensuring the preservation of your species' genetic polymorphism.

Operator: Hey... Don't look now, but I think Agent Pace is giving you the eye.

Architect: Mors tua vita mea...

Agent Pace: Leave the building, and stand by for immediate deployment, operative.

Operator: You heard the lady.

Halborn: ... Giving me a whole lot of crap I already know. I can't believe the incompetence... D*mn it, just more of my time they've wasted.

Agent Pace: Please, tesoro. The situation is developing very quickly.

Agent Park: Confirmed. Operative is leaving the building.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Although reports of her presence in other areas have surfaced, the Oracle's past activity indicates a high probability that she will return to Richland, if she has not already done so. Halborn's enemy, Carlyne, is also in the Richland area, where he has been actively pursuing Halborn.

Your observation of Halborn indicates increasing anxiety on his part. This cannot go unmonitored. We have been able to track him since he left the meeting. You are to go to his location, and evaluate the situation.

Operator: So Halborn's cracking up, and we have front row seats to ground zero. Just another day on the job...

Okay, he's supposed to be in there. I've got override activity all over the place. I've also been picking up redpill readings here and there, so we could get some party crashers.

[Friendlies: Zion operative corpses, EPN operative corpse, Accelerated Exile corpse]
[Enemies: Decelerator]

Halborn: You think I don't know what's going on? Hah. Your masters don't have the b*lls for this. They want me to take care of it all, so they keep their hands clean.

If that's the way they want to play it, fine. Isn't worth my time trying to get them to man up--not with that bastard on my tail.

Halborn: When I'm done with this, you can bet your *ss that I'll be having another talk with the old man and his little harem. I'll have all the time in the world then to make d*mn sure they're playing me square.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: I see... Halborn's willingness to pose a continuing threat to the simulation is a concern. It will be necessary to take that into account.

Operative, you are in position to intercept another incoming Zion attack force. Prevent them from reaching Halborn.

Fortunately, Carlyne does not appear to be in that immediate area. We are continuing our scans to pinpoint his location.

Operator: Darn, I was kind of hoping it'd be some more EPN.

Well, better than nothing. I've got the reds showing on my scan. They're all yours.

[Friendlies: Accelerated Machine corpses]
[Enemies: Accelerated Machines, Zion operatives]

Zion Soldier: Think about what you're doing!

D*mn it.

Operator: Hm...

Probably for the best.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Operative, Carlyne has been detected on a direct course for Halborn. The projected interception point is marked for you.

Interference in the area is causing a delay in reaching our other units. Proceed to the intercetpion point immediately, and report on the situation.

Operator: Oh, man, I'm picking up ridiculous code activity in there. Feedback's heading toward the red... D*mn, there goes monitor three! Just had that one replaced, too...

Better get in there and look around fast. Dunno how much longer I can hold transmission.

[Heroes: Carlyne, Halborn]

Carlyne: Be a sport, and don't run off, hm? It's getting a little tiresome.
Halborn: I see you still haven't learned. I won't let off as easy this time.

[Both enter an agreessive stance]

Operator: I'm in the red here, buddy. Shee-oot! Emergency shutdown sequence just tried to kick in...

&#@#! Feed's gonna abort any second now. Hell with the report! Get out of there!

[Mission End]

Agent Gray: .... operative ....

.... lost .... enterie sector ....
.... evacuate .... repeat .... area immediately ....

**ZippyTheSquirrel**

----- 5) The Sheeted Dead: Eliminate override codes in the aftermath of the battle between Halborn and Carlyne. -----

Agent Gray: The battle between Carlyne and Halborn has left large areas of Richland suffering from a massive influx of code overrides. System programs are unable to approach the area. This has made it difficult to examine the battle site, but long range scans have failed to detect any trace of the combatants. Until we are able to obtain confirmation to the contrary, we must assume that both survived the encounter.

In their absence, our most pressing problem is the code override situation in Richland. Your first task is to cleanse the indicated area of overridden programs, and to evacuate any surviving civilians you find there. Even after removal of the overriden programs, it will take some time to restore full functionality to the simulation in the affected areas.

[Ambush: Accelerated Programs]

Operator: Man, I've got some background noise from override codes clogging up all of my readings in there. From what Gray said, it sounded like you should expect a lot of hostile programs.

[Friendlies: Bluepill corpse]
[Enemies: Accelerated Exiles, Accelerated Machines]

Operator: ... Looks like we won't be evacuating anyone from that area. I guess it's a toss up whether it was the hostile programs that killed her, or the synaptic shock when the simulation around her freaked.

Operator: I think that got 'em. We must have lost a ton of programs from this.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: You have done well, operative, but the task of restoring Richland is far from complete.

Scan analysis has revealed unusual activity by Furies gang members at the indicated location. Override routines have been detected in the area. Any infected programs are to be eliminated.

[Ambush: Accelerated Programs]

Operator: Uh-oh, I've got a big one in there. If it's one of those big floating balls, you can leave that alone for now. Just concentrate on the actual overridden bipeds.

[Enemies: Furies gang, Accelerator]

Operator: Nice. You're all done in there.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Almost all code in the proximity of the battle zone suffered at least some degree of override damage. It is remarkable, then, that our scans have found what appears to be small collection of fragmentary code entirely unaffected by the overrides.

Locate and retrieve these fragments.

Operator: It isn't anything I can spot on my screen. You'll have to poke around. Oh, there is a bluepill in there, though. That should be... Hobert Bailie, according to the Machine records.

[Friendlies: Bluepill?]

Hobert Bailie: I'm fine. Fine.

Operator: Think I should call one of our shrinks in? Those could be simulation rejection symptons, right?

Computer: Error unknown

[Data fragments found in a wall safe]

Operator: Scanning for override damage... Huh, clean as a whistle. Must be what we're after.

Hobert Bailie: No, really, I'm fine. She wouldn't let them.

I'm fine.

[Mission Update]

Agent Gray: Take the fragments to Agent Pace at the data analysis center indicated on your heads-up display, operative.

Operator: That's the data lab. Take those babies straight to Pace.

[Friendlies: Tactical Security, Machine technicians]
[Heroes: Doctor-Agent Pace?]

Tactical Security: These nerds are creeping me out.
Tactical Security: Don't touch anything.

That goes for the technicians, too!

Agent Pace: Ciao. Please hand the fragments to Mr. Lochead.

Operator: Is that it?

Marcelino Lochead: Oh, I just take the data and copy it to the computer. The systems do all the work.

If you want to know the results, Abdul should have them in the next room by now.

Abdul Durden: Well, hi there! You must be Operative ZippyTheSquirreI, who found the fragments. Congrats!

Let me see.... Mm-hm... Well now, these appear to be part of the same code as some other fragmetns our operatives found for the Oracle! How about that?

Oh, there's more. Hm... My! By combining the data, the systems were able to confirm that these fragments were able to confirm that these fragments must have been left over from the process of writing a kill code! How interesting!

Marcellus Brown: A kill code?!
Operator: A kill code?!

Marcellus Brown: Oh... Nothing. It's just unusual... That's all.

Abdul Durden: Ooh, darn. Where'd I leave my mocha?

Marcelino Lochead: Isn't science fun?

It isn't always, though. Trying to re-write core system functions to achieve true immunity to those override codes is proving to be very problematic. I just don't know if we're going to be able to hit our milestone on this one.

Agent Pace: A kill code...

[Mission End]

Agent Gray: The Oracle's involvement in a surreptitious plot with certain Exiles has been suspected for several recent months, but if she is using her unique logic processes to craft termination codes, the nature of her activities could be much more dangerous than anticipated.

In the past few days, she appears to have contacted leaders of both the Cypherites and E Pluribus Neo. Our Cypherite sources report taht she delivered an encrypted code, but its nature is unknown, and the Cypherites have not delivered a formal--Excuse me a moment.

I've just been given a report that Halborn and Carlyne have been seen with Merovingian operatives. Locating them will be our top priority. You will be contacted when an assignment is prepared.