While I was at Fan Faire this past August I noticed an odd note posted on the bulletin board. It said, "Very important information regarding SP-41. Contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx. - Dr. Hoffman" (I left the number out at Hoffman's request)
I arranged a meeting with him, and he told me about a top secret project being worked on by Dark Horse known as SP-41. He said he no longer felt right about working on the project and wanted to stop it from ever being used, but he was on the run trying to avoid Agent Ash and Agent Fine. He gave me a disc with a series of research notes on them and told me not to share them with anyone until the right time or it would tip our hand to those pulling the strings. He said I would know when that time was. He then left in a hurry, and I saw two people dressed as Agents approaching my location. I knew this was A:B related and they have a history doing things in real life so I decided to play along and got out of there.
Well, I feel that since this is supposedly in progress now that it's December, now's as good a time as any to share what I found with everyone.
Research Log Entry #0001
When we were approached to begin construction on the SP-41 virus, there was an ethical dilemma with developing a contagion that would neutralize the composite code of anything not carrying a specific machine-based carrier signal within the simulation. The intended design of the virus was intended to break down the code of anything that did not belong to the system, which inadvertantly meant the deletion of all redpill and exiles. It would override any Emergency Jack-Out Procedure currently in-place and dissolve the code of the sentient completely, making any incapacitations permenant in nature.
Naturally, this meant that should SP-41 ever be executed, it would not only affect redpills and exiles hostile to the simulation, but those who were loyal to the system as well. Further discussion yielded that the virus would only be used as a last resort in the war, and all friendly redpills would have sufficient warning for evacuation while the virus ran its course. Following that agreement, I assembled my team and we promptly went to work on the necessary parameters of creating a viral infection that was capable of distributing itself through the massive outlying regions of the simulation. Naturally, this would require help from the machine civilization, to allow the potency of the completed product to span the entire simulation.
Research Log Entry #0002
We began our research into creating SP-41 by analyzing viral samples that had been collected by the machine civilization over the course of time. One of the earliest series of experiments, SP-3, was a derivative of the Fly Virus, combined with code strains of code bomb technology. The intended result was to allow the virus sufficient ability to shock the brain into sudden death, while allowing the signal to decay without triggering any EJP system present.
There were a number of problems with SP-3, however, as the experiments consistantly resulted in the survival of the subject, but in a vegetable state. There was also the issue of the decay rate being too slow, rendering the annihilation of exile code non-existent. Eventually, SP-3 was scrapped while we reassessed the samples we were using to attempt the creation of our virus with.
Research Log Entry #0003
Variants of the SP strain resulted in numerous cases, and disturbing results that eluded the scientists involved in the project. Most notably was SP-24, which almost escaped confinement when we learned of the unexpected ability to affect any code in contact with it. The subject infected was taken into custody by Agent Brown and detained in a secure area, pending further review.
When SP-40 was created, the strains used were perfected by utilizing certain unknown elements that were provided by the machines. Though the origins of the codes are unknown, and we are not authorized for such information, the
codes themselves allowed us to finish the virus with a degree of efficiency that surprised us. The final adjustments to the virus were made, and SP-41 was derived via the final code metamorphosis sequence. The result was a virus that when used would provide a relatively small window of residual infection, before destroying the host completely. Needless to say, the machines were pleased with the final product.
Research Log Entry #0004
The proposed casualty rate of SP-41 is much higher than anything we had originally expected, exceeding the expectations of the Machines completely. When released, SP-41 will spread throughout the simulation, traveling through airborn, waterborn, and simple contagion of code, and infecting any non-bluepill entity immediately. The resulting elimination of all infected hosts will cleanse the simulation of all redpill and exiles, effectively removing any and all potential threats to the integrity of the system. Obviously, my concerns regarding the use of this virus are substantial, however, such a fate, I believe, is inevitable to those not under the protection of the Machines.
For that reason, I am giving notice in my final research papers, for the edification of my employers. You will soon learn that I have ended the lives of several on my team, and disappeared with the SP-41 virus and its delivery system. I have made contact with an interested buyer, who will not sit on this masterpiece as a last resort.
You will not find me, so I suggest you not waste the effort. Upon the purchase of the virus, my buyer will release it into the simulation, infecting an endless number of redpills and exiles and doing your work for you. I will remain safely jacked out, waiting to return only when I am the last living redpill to take refuge within the system. May the Source have mercy on us all.
