QuiDormit spent a lot of time during the next few days in his bunk, getting up only when absolutely necessary. He felt drained. While the pain wasn't so bad, he wasn't used to feeling so drained. He felt sluggish from not being able to keep up with his exercise routine, and he was still fairly sore when he did just about anything. Still, he was tired of spending his time in the confines of his room. That does it, he thought to himself. I'm going in to the simulation, to hell with the doctor's orders. QuiDormit made his way out of his bunk. It was late, but he knew that someone would be up monitoring Vaala. As he approaches the operator's station, he notices that Wheeler is hard at work, studying the code.

"You're up late." Wheeler didn't even turn around, but he could hear the large man slowly making his way over.
"Yeah, so are you." QuiDormit nods at the screens the operator is focused on, "Vaala up to no good?"
"She's keeping an eye on Bindi," Wheeler states, never looking over at QuiDormit.
QuiDormit furrows his brow and sighs. "I think I'm going to punch in and blow off some steam. Mind loading me up with my spy program?"
"There's no orders prventin' you from jackin' in. I'd advise against it though."
QuiDormit grins devilishly. "I know. But do you mind?"
"Of course I mind. Doya know the verbal flaying Red can dish out when one of heroperatives gets hurt?" He sighs and mutters, "then again, since when do y'all listen to me?"
QuiDormit lowers his head slightly. "I know, but... How long am I supposed to stare at that **** ceiling before I go nuts? Besides... I'll be careful. I promise."

"I know you'll be careful because the moment your vitals take a dive, I'm jackin' you out." Wheeler looks over at QuiDormit. "Clear?"
QuiDormit stared into the operator's eyes for a moment before he spoke. "Yeah, gotcha." He started toward his exto-chair, and he stopped before he reached it. "Hey... some time, I'd like to have a chat with you over a mug of degreaser."

Wheeler nods, once again making eye contact with QuiDormit. "Any time, pal." Walking over to the chair, he waits until QuiDormit is settled before inserting the cranial jack, sending his mind into the Matrix.

-----===-----

QuiDormit had only just hung up the receiver at the hardline in Tabor West when he heard Vaala's voice from behind him.

"Oh. Hello, Qui. Didn't expect to find you here"
"Yeah. Surprise."
Vaala walks toward the hardline looking to get out of this situation as fast as possible, but QuiDormit moved so that he stood between Vaala and her objective. She sighs and says, "Yeah, well, I need to go, so if you'll move out of the way..."
QuiDormit crossed his arms and widened his stance a bit to let Vaala know that he had no intention of moving. "I came here to have a chat with you."
"Qui, I have no desire to chat with you, so get the hell out of my way."

QuiDormit barreled through the conversation without missing a beat.
"What did Lamont have to say?"
"Lamont? You're here because of her?"
"No. I'm here because of you."
"Look, I saw Bindi and she was acting strange, so I tagged along to make sure she was all right. Check with Wheeler - or even Fen if you don't believe me."
"Oh I know, I was watching through the code stream."
"So why are you here? Make it quick, Fen'll be expecting me back any minute."

QuiDormit sighed heavily and furrowed his brow.
"Because, Vaala, I need to figure something out."
"And what is that?"
"You. I need to figure you out for myself."
"I've already told you and everyone else... and I know Deff showed you the records..."
"Yeah, but when you told me... things got a little out of hand."
"Why was that, Qui? Oh, I remember. You accused me of setting people up."
QuiDormit pulls his glasses forward a bit and studies Vaala over the top of them. "Can you honestly blame me?"

Vaala looked at QuiDormit with fire in her eyes. Furiously and yet evenly, she breathed, "Yes, I can. You didn't listen to Fen or Deff. Just shot your mouth off...kinda like your little code bomb stunt. How many people suffered because of that Qui?"
QuiDormit stood stone still, the only movement he made was his eyes as he studied the girl as she went on. "I may have made a mistake, but at least I'm not a murderer."

QuiDormit was visibly upset, but he spoke softly. "You want to accuse me of not understanding the whole story, and yet you won't pay attention to mine? Now do you see where I'm coming from?"
"Code bombs, Qui...what the hell were you thinking?"
QuiDormit, unable to contain his anger any longer, begins to shout, "I was thinking that I was sick and tired of the status quo. I was thinking that Zion needed to wake the hell up. I was thinking that only by going to extremes would people rise to the call of war! Everyone sat on their ******* ***** and did nothing! Look, I'm not proud of what I did, but..." QuiDormit trailed off a bit, and Vaala took the opportunity to interject.

"But what? Killing innocent people was your answer? What, your mistakes give you the right to judge me for mine?"
"Really? Then why did it take Neoteny and I to do what we did before anyone seriously started talking strategy. I gave full disclosure of my plans before I started."
"That's no excuse."
QuiDormit interrupted before Vaala could continue. "I wasn't hired by a god **** toaster to creep in the background and gather intel, poised to strike at a moment's notice!"
Vaala shook her head defiantly. "It wasn't like that at all."
"Well then how was it?"

"It was... Look, before I was awakened, I was a cop. A **** good one. But when my brother turned up dead, there were no leads... nothing to tell me who had done it. Cameryn - Agent Thorne, she came to my office one day with evidence. She offered me the chance to bring his murderer to justice. I just... I had no idea what the truth really was. Bindi admitted that she; that Lamont had killed him. By then, I already knew that Bindi wasn't Lamont. It's just all very confusing right now..." Vaala trailed off and lowered her head in order to gain control of her emotions. After a moment, she continued. "But if you're asking where my loyalties stand... They are not with Thorne or the Mechs."

QuiDormit takes a deep breath and looks solemnly at Vaala. "I'm sorry."
Vaala, head still down, replied, "Yeah, I bet."
"No one ever told me that you were lead into this, I thought it was a choice."
Vaala looks up and meets QuiDormit's eyes. "It was a choice. It was just a bad one."
Quidormit cocks his head to the side slightly and says, "Yeah... I know a little something about that."
Vaala drops her head again. "Look...I had a lot of questions about everything. Things just never felt... right if you know what I mean."
"All too well."
"I'd have probably ended up staring at the red and blue pills eventually anyway," Vaala says as she smiles slightly.
"Yeah, it's in your nature."
Vaala laughs to herself. "I never could follow rules very well."
QuiDormit grins mischievously in response and the two sit in awkward silence, both looking at their feet. Finally, QuiDormit breaks the silence though he doesn't lift his head to meet Vaala's gaze. "If I could, I would tear this ******* simulation down wire by wire, bit by bit, program by program. I did what I did for the freeborns. For the future. I wanted them to know a life without the simulation, without the choice... without the machines."
Vaala looks at QuiDormit pointedly. "Yeah, and how many people would die if you did? The people who aren't ready yet..." QuiDormit finally meets Vaala's gaze. "Jesus, Qui, you've seen them."
"Yeah, they're a mess... I'm caring for them," QuiDormit sighs heavily, "As best as I know how."
"Yeah, I heard about your little accident and frankly in her place, I might have done the same."
QuiDormit studies the former spy and shrugs lightly. "She deserves her vengence, though I won't give it to her outright..." More silence filled the area around the hardline.

"And you... you deserve your vengeance, too."
Vaala is taken aback by QuiDormit's remark. "Oh? Doesn't anyone keep their mouth shut around here?"
"Look, Val... We're not just a group of random mercenaries. We're a family."
Vaala sighs heavily and breathes out, "So I've been told."
"I'd die for anyone I consider family - anyone in the Trust."
Vaala looks up at QuiDormit, "Only family I've ever had was my brother, and he's gone, so pardon me if I have a hard time with the idea. Here I am with a bunch of people who don't believe or trust me."
"Val, you're one of us. You think we wouldn't have thrown you to the wolves if you thought you deserved it? We're not teddy bears. If you deserved it, you'd be dead. Besides, they took me back in," QuiDormit clears his throat, "and I'm a ******* murderer."
Vaala smiles ruefully, "Yeah... sorry about that, I guess. Doesn't change how I feel about what you did, but it was uncalled for."
QuiDormit puts his hand on Vaala's shoulder. "No... it wasn't. I've got a long load to redemption."
"Yeah, you and me both."
QuiDormit sighs heavily. "So... Why should we walk it alone?"
Vaala shakes her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "I dunno. Maybe we shouldn't." Vaala grins widely, "At least not if we want to keep walking."

QuiDormit once again drops his head. "So, Val, I've got to ask..." Vaala titls her head a little. "You're thinking of taking her on alone, aren't you?"
"Bindi and Fen ordered me not to..."
"I didn't ask what they ordered. I know their line of thinking."
"Even with Wheeler watching me as he is, my thoughts are still my own, Qui. They've given their orders, I don't really have a whole lot of choice. Besides, I'm quite stuck on the Diluculo as it is." Vaala allows herself to laugh lightly.
QuiDormit studies the girl closely, trying to read through her words. "Fair enough, Val."

More silence hangs over the two. "I'm not going to be much use with that stab wound... ****, I'm not even supposed to be jacked in right now. Can you imagine Maeby's reaction when she finds out?" QuiDormit chuckles lightly. "Look, just play by their rules for right now. You're quick, you'll find an opportunity to get done what you need to get done."
Vaala laughs indignantly. "Not like I have a lot of choice in that, eh?"
"I admit, it's a mess-"
"No ****."
"But things have a way of working out if you're ready to face what needs to be faced."
Vaala smiles grimly, "Yeah, and no one has pulled my jack yet."
"Hey, at least it's something, eh?" QuiDormit smiles slightly at Vaala.

"How is it that doing what's right... or what we think is right... How is it that it always ends up being such a cluster-****?"
"Because we're human."
Vaala mutters just so QuiDormit cannot hear her, "Some more than others."
"Everyone has their ghosts that haunt them."
Vaala chuckles, "Reminds me of an old saying... 'The past is a ghost that haunts you from the moment it exists to the moment you don't.'"
"I like that."

QuiDormit smiles. "I should get going. Keep your head up, Val."
"You too, Qui."

QuiDormit took a step toward Vaala and reached out to hug her. As the two embrace, QuiDormit whispers in her ear, "I'll contact you... I might have an idea."
Vaala raised an eyebrow and whispered back, "I'll be waiting..."
As the two stepped away from each other, QuiDormit slipped a small folded piece of paper into Vaala's hand. He turned and stepped toward the hardline. Once he lifted the receiver and began to dematerialize, she unfolded the paper and stared down at the two simple words printed on it.

"Trust me."

Credit:  Vaala & QuiDormit

QuiDormit's eyes opened slowly as his consciousness was returned to his body and the cranial jack was removed from his head. He didn't have time to think about what had just transpired due to the presence of a slender figure at his side. Maeby looked down at QuiDormit with what can only be described as disdain.

"How do you feel?" There was no warmth or tender concern behind the question.
QuiDormit squinted and sort of winced at the question. "Not bad, actually."
Maeby shot a glance over at Wheeler who looked just about as guilty as Qui, here. She pursed her lips and turned her eyes back to Qui, "You shouldn't have jacked in."
"Yeah, I know... I had some things that I absolutely had to... What are you doing up at this hour anyway?"
She paused a moment, seeming to think about something else, before mumbling, "Having trouble sleeping." She brought the tin mug, held in both of her hands, to her lips and sipped at it. "You've gotten a lot of sleep, I trust."
"All I've been doing is sleep. I'm losing my **** mind." QuiDormit studies the young girl carefully, though there's nothing out of place about her.
Maeby gave a small scoff. Something near amusement entered her tone, "I doubt that. There's plenty going on around here to keep the cabin fever at bay."
QuiDormit raised an eyebrow quizitively. "Yean, there is, but I'm useless here right now. I'm gimping around as it is."
"You won't be for long, provided you give it a good rest."

She gave him a pointed look before changing the subject, "What'd Vaala have to say?"
QuiDormit sighed and rested his head back on the ecto-chair. "She's just trying to find her way. She's in a real mess, you know? She's a good girl. Got mixed up with the wrong people, but she's trying to fix that." QuiDormit lifted his head again and turned his attention to the doctor.
The woman seemed to consider his words a second and looked him head to toe for a second before returning her gaze down again and muttering a small sound of agreement. "Yeah..."

"What? You know somethin' I don't?"
"She'll do fine." Her words were a little more firm than necessary. She sighed a little and indicated one of the many monitors that filled the room. "Apart from some basic stress level fluctuations, you're vitals were pretty standard. I still want you to get a lot of rest, but after tomorrow I suspect you'll be able to jack in again."
"Yeah?" QuiDormit smiled. "Best news I've heard all day." The large man lowered his head and looked up slightly, awkwardly and asked, "How are you holding up, Maeby?"
The doctor picked a piece of lint off one of her sweaters and flicked it away, "As well as any of us... Iota ate today." The girl shrugged and explained, "While you were sleeping earlier."
"She's really taken to you, hasn't she? Between the three of them, I don't think I can do much more. They don't respond to me at all. It's for the best that we're taking them back to New Zion. I think."

"John responded to you." Maeby only realized her mistake after she'd made it. She shook her head apologetically, "I didn't mean..."
QuiDormit raised his hand to stop her. "No, it's OK. You're right. I had some luck with him. Maybe the others blame me for what happened to him." He once again looked down at the cloth wraps around his feet, wanting to say more, but unable to. A wave of guilt washed over him. He took a deep breath and finally spoke, barely above a whisper. "Not that they're wrong, of course."
Maeby didn't say anything. She wished she hadn't earlier. It was a while before she spoke again. "New Zion will do them good. Hell, it'll do most of you guys some good."

QuiDormit didn't say anything at first, but nodded in agreement. "I haven't been there since Ivy left the Neptune..."
Maeby raised an eyebrow. "You're a bit overdue then..."
He tilted his head back, and then rotated it around to stretch his neck. "You don't know the half of it. I'm going to face the Council while we're there. They are content to leave my punishment in RedBindi's hands, but they want to talk to me since I'm going home..." QuiDormit trailed off, tension obvious in his voice.
Maeby scoffed just a little, "Yeah. I'm not big on their talks either."
He studied Maeby again a moment before he responded. He was somewhat relieved that they had something in common. "This is actually my first time going before them. I always dealt directly with Roland the few times they or I needed something."

Maeby stopped for a second as if seeming to decide which way she wanted the conversation to go. After a moment's hesitation she sighed and looked back to Qui. "You should get some rest..."
QuiDormit chuckled quietly and shook his head in mock disbelief. "Yeah, guess I should." He noticed Wheeler glancing at them from over his array of monitors and caught his gaze for a moment before turning his attention back to Maeby. "You, too. You should get some rest, I mean. You look beat."
Maeby raised her mug in a sort of half-hearted mock scolding, "Well you all keep me so busy."
"Busted." QuiDormit allowed a gentle laugh to escape. Once again, he turned his attention to the operator furiously pecking away at the keyboard in front of him. "I promise, I'm off to bed soon, Maeby."

It was possible some of the good drink had crept its way into Maeby's senses because she simply nodded and shuffled out of the room, her demanor much more gentle than normal. "Sleep safe, Qui..."
He tilted his head while looking at her again, unsure how to take her somewhat sudden change. "G'night, Maebs."

QuiDormit raised both eyebrows and looked at Wheeler, who shrugged in turn. QuiDormit chuckled as he sat up. He forgot his ailment and sat up far too quickly. Pain instantly returned to his body. He did his best to hide it, but he was pretty sure Wheeler caught on.

Wheeler shook his head and chuckled a little to himself. "Ya know... having two doctors onboard may make things a little interesting around here." Standing he walked over to the ecto chair and put out his hand for QuiDormit to use should he need it. "You tear that open and you'll have both Maeby and Reddy looking over your shoulder."
QuiDormit grabbed Wheeler's hand and pulled himself up slowly, fully using the man as support. "Aren't they already?" He grunted as the two men get QuiDormit sitting upright. "I mean, Maeby is about ready to gouge out my eyes, and Bindi... Well she's got her own thing going on right now, I guess."
"Oh, trust me my boy.... you'll know when Reddy's got her full attention on ya. Right now she's givin' you some space so you can find yer place here." His eyes seem troubled for a moment or two. "As to whats going on with her... she'll take care of it. She's more concerned with you guys then herself most o' the time."
QuiDormit squinted as he studied Wheeler's face. "She's been pretty open about a lot of this stuff. Honestly, I'm a little surprised. I don't see it as her... I don't know, her thing, I guess? Still, I get the feeling that she mostly wants to handle this herself."
"It isn't her thing, it was something forced on 'er a long time ago. I guess she's just gotten used to having to explain herself, when Iniuria first showed up... Red had to explain to a lot of people what had happened." Wheeler shruged and sighed a little. "She'd handle everything herself if she could. She doesn't like to bother others, nor have others bothered with her problems. I don't think she can get outta this one by herself though... especially after last night..."

QuiDormit tilted his head questioningly at Wheeler and asked, "Last night? I've been all cooped up." QuiDormit tested his range of motion a little to see how far he can move before the pain set in again. "What happened last night?"
Wheeler looked directly at QuiDormit. "We'll just say that her nightmares are one of a kind." Sitting back down in his chair he switched several of the screens from the code of the matrix to various other search programs and logs. "She should be around soon anyway and you'll be able to see for yourself."
QuiDormit opened his mouth to speak, but decided not to press any harder. He sighed as the operator's fingers furiously flew over the keyboard in front of him. "She knows that I'd do anything to help her out, right? I don't want to be seen as the burden... as the bastard child that everyone has to watch over. I ****** up bad, I know, but..." He can see the hardened look on Wheeler's face and decides to change tracks. "What do you have goin' over there anyway?"
"You should know by now we're about second chances." He paused to look back at him. "And she won't ask for help, she never does, probably never will." Turning back to the monitors in front of him he resumed typing. "I'm going through her logs, trying to find out where the downloads took place, what was happening during the downloads and just prior to the downloads. I'm also trying to trace the signal to find out where they are coming from. Basically looking for anything out of the ordinary."

QuiDormit nodded as he stared off into the distance. "Even if she asked for help, I don't know what I could offer." He looked down at nothing in particular. "I sure as hell can't help with what you've got going there. I can crack some skulls, but this isn't really cut and dry enough to find the ones to go after." QuiDormit took a deep breath and looked around the room, still not quite ready to get out of the ecto-chair for fear of the sharp pain that will come. "Tell you what. You find me an opening... something I can do, you tell me. She's family. I'll do whatever I can."
"We're landing in New Zion in about a week and a half, Red's going to need someone to watch her back. Fen's going to be there, by her side, but she needs someone she can trust to watch over her ship. I'm sure she'd be relieved to have someone offer to take that duty so the rest of the crew could be released on leave." Wheeler glanced up at him and QuiDormit could almost swear he winked.
QuiDormit squinted at Wheeler to try and get a read on his face, but he'd already turned his attention back to the monitors. "Yeah. Yeah, thanks, man." He slowly pulled himself up to a standing position, grimacing throughout the entire process. "How about that drink?" QuiDormit chuckled.

Wheeler reached down and opened a drawer to his right. "The bottle and cups are in there." QuiDormit suddenly knew Wheeler was grinning without ever having to see his face.
"You gonna just stand there or pull up a chair and pour a man a drink?"
QuiDormit shook his head to clear the cobwebs and headed over to the drawer. "Yeah, sorry." QuiDormit went to work pouring each of them a generous helping of the dark liquid. He then handed a cup to Wheeler and raised the tin cup as if to toast.
Wheeler raised his tin as well and simply said. "To family."

QuiDormit put the cup to his lips and downed the whole thing in one gulp. "To family..." He then turned around and lumbered off to his bunk for more much-needed rest.
Smiling Wheeler downed his drink and turned back to the monitors.

Credit:  RedBindi, Maeby, & QuiDormit

((Hilarious!

"Don't these Merovingian Operatives have anything better to do than spend all day lounging around in some dank, vomit soaked building?"

Classic, as was the rest.))

((/facepalm

wrong thread))

The next few days were pretty routine. Within a week of New Zion, QuiDormit found himself tending to the newpills as best he could, working out as much as his recovering body would allow, studying navigational charts, working in the simulation, and avoiding Maeby when possible. He felt uncomfortable around her, she moreso than anyone else. He assumed that it was her seething anger toward him that drove the thick wedge of tension between them. Whatever it was, he preferred to ignore it.

He ran a hand through his hair and picked up a spoonful of goop as he studied the chart in front of him. He quickly swallowed the substance, chuckling as he remembered the first time he attempted to eat the thick stringy stuff. He almost immediately vomited. Never did like oatmeal, let alone cold oatmeal, he laughed to himself. Absentmindedly, he heard the rhythmic metallic clunk of boots as someone walked down the hall. As quickly as his bruised and bandaged body would allow, he sprung up from the seat and hobbled to the doorway of the galley. Seeing RedBindi quickly moving to the Diluculo's bay, he lumbered down the hall. Unable to close the distance between them, he shouted after her.

"Bindi! Hey, you got a sec?"
RedBindi turned at the sound of shouting behind her, seeing QuiDormit she began walking back towards him. "Hey, Qui."
QuiDormit took a deep breath, embarrassed that he was winded from such a short journey. "Hey, I just wanted to-" QuiDormit stopped dead in his tracks when he got a closer look at RedBindi. "Wheeler told me something happened to you, but... What the hell?"

RedBindi pulled her sleeves down in an attempt to cover the marks still visible on her arms. "Marks." Looking QuiDormit over with a practiced eye, she noticed the difficulty with which he still moved. "How's your wound healing?"
QuiDormit brushed the question off quickly, his worry apparent. "I'm fine. Are you OK? What can I do?"
"I'll be fine." Moving back down the passageway to him she continued speaking. "What did you wish to speak to me about?"
He resigned himself to the fact that he wouldn't be getting much more out of her at this point. "Uh, right. So when we get to New Zion, I wanted to watch the ship while you tended to business."
She nodded. "That would be a great help, but wouldn't you rather take leave with the others.

QuiDormit shook his head. "No. I'm going to meet with the council as soon as you get back... I want some time to myself beforehand."
"Alright. Thanks, that does help. I won't have to worry as much about her while I'm away now." She leaned against the bulkhead, crossing her arms over her chest. "I noticed you applied for the Navigator and Pilot position."
He nodded slowly. "I was Ivy's Navigator, and when she and Emned left, I didn't have much choice but to pick up Piloting as well... Though I'll admit I've never handled anything the size of the Titan before." QuiDormit shrugged lightly. "But as long as you're comfortable with me flying her, I'm your man."

RedBindi nodded again. "I don't foresee a problem with you filling that position. We'll do some training on the flight back to New Zion and I'll have you watch when I do the free fall into her." She looked up at him. "That work for you?"
"Yes ma'am." QuiDormit automatically stood straighter and taller as the words left his lips.
RedBindi clapped him on the shoulder. "I'm sure you'll do great as her pilot."

He couldn't help but smile. He felt relieved to have the Commander's trust. "So Iota has taken quite a liking to Maeby. I hope that she does OK when we drop her at New Zion. The others... I am sure they'll be fine. Ever since the incident with John..." QuiDormit trailed off and looked down at the floor.

"You can't save them all, Qui... no one can." Reaching out she lifted his chin, forcing him to look her in the eyes. "You did everything you could for that man, don't ever forget that. I doubt he would have lived as long as he had without you."

He swallowed hard, choking back the wave of emotion that washed over him. "Yeah... Yeah, you're right." He took a deep breath. "So what about you?"
Dropping her hand back at her side she continued to look at him. "What about me?"
"I'm worried about you. You don't always have to be the hero, you know. Just... Just don't forget that we're all here for you."
"I'm not trying to be a hero, Qui. I just don't want to get anyone else hurt because of me." She sighs.

QuiDormit frowns slightly. "No, I know that... I just mean that... Look, I'd lay my life down for you, Bindi. You're my superior, but more importantly, you're family." He scratches the back of his head. "Not just me... all of us."
"I know, that's what I'm afraid of."
"I'm just trying to say that you're not alone. We're on this ride with you."
She nods. "I know that, Qui. I also know..." She looks down at her arms. "some of what Marks is capable of. I'd rather not have anyone else be hurt because of me. I've caused enough harm to others in my life."

QuiDormit reaches up and puts his hand on RedBindi's shoulder. "Just remember, whatever you need..." He clears his throat. "So anyway, where are you off to now?"
"I was heading back to the Diluculo to check on Vaala and Fenshire... and to let Fenshire know we just received a transmission from Zion Command. There's a possible force of Mervs and Mechs coming down a tunnel not far from us, they would like us to ... deter them."
"Who better than us?" He chuckled and paused for a moment. "You know, I talked to Vaala yesterday."
RedBindi raised an eyebrow and looked over QuiDormit's face, trying to read him. "Oh? What about?"

"I, uh... jacked in and she was there." He hoped he didn't look terribly guilty. "She is trying... I hope that she figures it all out soon."
She nods. "I do as well. In fact, when we get to New Zion I'll be granting her leave from the Diluculo. Wheeler will be looking after her though, for her own protection."
"Yeah? Huh. I'd offer to help, but," He looks down at his side, "well, you know."

She looks at his side as well. "So really, how's that healing up?"
He shrugs lightly. "Seems to be OK. I think the muscle is what hurts the most."
She nods. "Not uncommon with an injury of that sort." She chuckles a little. "Then when the itching sets in you'll almost wish for the pain back."
"Great." QuiDormit shifts his positioning, obviously a little uncomfortable. "So what's the plan with the newpills when we get to New Zion?"

"Would you like to go to the mess hall and sit down?"
"It's ok, you're busy."
She smiled. "I'm not to busy to have a chat over a bowl of goop or a cup of.... 'coffee.'

QuiDormit laughed. "I could go for some... uh... coffee, I guess."
"Alright, coffee it is." Walking past him she headed down the corridor a little ways and turned right into the Titan's mess hall. Once there she grabbed two tins and filled them with a black substance Redpills tended to call coffee.

QuiDormit grabbed his tin and took a sip of the dark liquid. "Nothing reminds me of my bluepill days more than this." He wrinkles his nose slightly and laughed. "This stuff is as bad as the junk we had in my old office building."
RedBindi laughed. "Yeah, it does have a bit of a kick to it."
"So is this where you tell me to sit down and you give me bad news?"

"Of course not. This is where I ask your opinion." She takes a drink of the black liquid, wrinkling her nose slightly at the taste. "You're the one who's spent a lot of time with the newpills, I'd like your recommendation on what should be done with them when we reach New Zion."
QuiDormit squinted as he stared at a particularly dull spot on the metal floor and he spoke without raising his head. "Well... lately I haven't spent much with any of them. Maeby has been caring for them and me while I heal." He looked up to meet her gaze. "Shaye needs some serious psychological help. She's withdrawing more and more every day. Iota..." He sighed heavily. "I'd love to find a family for her. Do you think that would help? I dunno, I think the kid deserves at least that. And Braie..." He trailed off and shrugged at RedBindi.

She nodded. "I'll suggest that Braie and Shaye be put in the care of Zion Medical. Iota... perhaps Maeby can assist in finding a home for her. She seems to have bonded with the girl... if she'd like I wouldn't be adverse to her continue caring for the girl.

"It'll be weird without them here."
"I'm sure it will. But they need care on something other then a war ship. A calm environment should do them a world of good."

"You're right." He takes a rather large swig of the coffee and makes a face again. "I'm not even eager to go back. It's funny how much can change in such a short time."
She sighs. "Yeah... yeah it is... New Zion, it's just not home." She stands and stretches. "I should deliver that news to Fenshire. If you need anything else just find me here of comm the Diluculo. When we get closer to New Zion meet me on the bridge and we'll start that pilot training."
"Alright, Bindi. And likewise... call me if you need anything."
"Will do. I'll see you around."

QuiDormit watched as RedBindi left the mess hall and wondered how far this thing with Marks would go.

In another time and another place, QuiDormit might have viewed the movement of the sentinel as graceful. It moved effortlessly, almost as if it was swimming through the air. However, as he pulled hard to the left on the controls, the sentinel stopped its movement and collided into the ship, latching itself onto the front of the hovercraft. He instinctively ducked his head into his shoulders somewhat like a turtle as the metallic killing machine tried to turn itself so that it could fire the laser attached to its undercarriage.

Suddenly, it seemed as if hundreds of them appeared out of nowhere. The ship was completely covered, and QuiDormit was fighting with all of his might to keep the ship in the air. As more and more sentinels attached themselves to the front of the ship he quickly lost the ability to see anything from the portal in front of him. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath to collect himself. Holding the yoke steady, he turned his head to glance at the chart laid out to the left of him. Frantically, he tried to locate their current position and find access to the next tunnel, where he surely could clear of the others so that the EMP could be used. Though there were other ships in the tunnel with him, it seemed as if the sentinels only had one target: The Titan.

Desperately jerking the massive ship so that its nose pointed straight down, he aimed for the first clearing he could find. The craft raced downward, and QuiDormit narrowly missed the protuding pieces of old pipes and lines, hoping against hope to make it just a bit further. He tried to squeeze into a narrow opening that had long since collapsed with the progression of time. With a deafening scrape, QuiDormit's deft manuever sheared many of the hoverpads right off the port side, instantly sending the craft into a rapid spin.

QuiDormit fought the wobbling flight stick to try and gain control but only succeeded in slowing the spin; the hovercraft was still heading straight down, and a bend in the shaft was approaching fast. He pulled on the yoke so hard that he was nearly standing up, using the floor for as much leverage as he could possibly gain against the restraints of his seat. He was entirely soaked in sweat, and his jaw hurt from gritting his teeth so hard. Finally, the ship started to cooperate and the nose slowly lifted from its death dive. When the ship reached a fort-five degree angle, the front connected with the ground far too quickly. The ship broke in half, the bottom portion smashing down into the ground, and the front skipping across the floor of the shaft like a pebble skipped on the surface of a pond. QuiDormit lowered his head in defeat and waited for the end.

The ship dissolved around him and was replaced by white emptiness. He strained his neck back in an effort to stretch it out. QuiDormit felt tense and tight. He was emotionally drained. He closed his eyes and when he reopened them, he was returned to the Real. His eyes came into focus and Wheeler pulled the neural spike out of the back of his head.

"Not bad, Qui. Not bad."
QuiDormit sat up slowly, the dull ache of his wound returning to him. "Yeah, I guess."
Wheeler chuckled. "Well, I was a bit mean to ya there at the end."
QuiDormit smiled weakly.
"You're gonna be fine, big guy. Bindi'd be proud."
QuiDormit sighed and slowly got to his feet. "Yeah. Well, enough playtime for now, I'd better go check on the newpills."
"See ya."
QuiDormit with his head down in defeat limped off to the medbay to grab some supplies before checking on the newpills.

I hope I don't **** this up.

QuiDormit hobbled down the hallway to the medbay deep in thought. He stepped into the room while his mind bounded from thought to thought. He walked through the room gathering a few supplies before he went to check on those he had forced awake. Between his freight-train thoughts and the fact that this was a part of his daily routine, he failed to notice the prone form of his doctor lying on the ground. Failed to notice, that is, until he accidentally kicked her foot. Looking down, he was shocked to see Maeby curled up and asleep on the floor. He wondered how long she had been there, and gently tried to wake her.
"Maeby?" He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and tried to rouse her. "Maeby?" This time he spoke louder, but she still continued breathing evenly, obviously in a deep sleep. Scooping the girl up in his arms, he slowly carried her off toward the crew bunks.

The girl's head only half supported by her neck lolled in toward him until it fell. Jerking slightly, the girl stirred as an unsure voice mumbled something almost completely indistinguishable.
QuiDormit stopped and squinted at her as she finally moved. "Hey... You alright?"
The area around her eyes wrinkled up as she squinted up into his face, eyes unfocused. "Qui?" There was a delayed groan as Maeby's voice fell away into immediate disapproval. "You idiot, your stitches..."
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Seems like you're alright to me." He continued on to her crew quarters. She seemed small before, but in his arms, QuiDormit felt like the girl was tiny. "Don't worry about me. What were you doing in there?"

A small amount of tension had returned during the waking process, but she had already started relaxing again. Her head dropped back against him, "Sterilizing ****..."
QuiDormit: Questioningly he raised an eyebrow. "You were out cold."
"Mm..." Maeby went completely still for a second before she shook her head maybe half an inch dismissively, "Probably dehydrated or something."
"Yeah. Or something." As they reached her quarters, QuiDormit spun sideways. "Can you get that?" he asked, motioning to the door with his shoulder.
Maeby's hand groped for the handle twice before she found it and turned counter-clockwise, letting the door swing in an inch. Her hand paused there for a second, "I think I'm good now..."
He wasn't fooled. "Nevertheless, I'm going to hang out here for a bit. 'Least 'til Bindi gets back." He spun around and gently nudged the doorway open with his shoulder.

He carried her over to her bunk and bent at the knees to lower her to the bed. Even though he easily held her weight, bending down to lay her on the bed hurt, and he grimaced as he did so.
Maeby's cheek twitched just a little as she made a noise in her throat. "Idiot...I'll probably have to sew you back up." There was the ghost of a smile on her face.
He raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I'll drop you back on the cold medbay floor."
"You could've let me walk."
He sat on the corner of the bed near her feet. "Why bother?" He cracked a smile.

She nearly bolted upright. "Don't sit there!" Her tone changed dramatically but the sudden expression of panic was quickly trumped by that of pain. "Wow...that floor did bad things to my back."
QuiDormit was startled by the sudden change in the girl's demeanor, and he got up slowly. He tilted his head and opened his mouth to ask a question, but decided not to press her on her outburst yet. "Anything I can do for your back?"
The girl shook her head and eased herself back down on the bed. "Nothing a couple day's time won't fix..." She winced slightly as she nodded toward Qui's side. "How's your pain?"

He had forgotten all about his pain. "I'm fine. Maebs..." He made eye contact with her and searched for some clue in her eyes. "Are you OK?"
The girl's eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed as she turned her head toward the wall. "Fine. Just overworked." A second later nodded her head as if just remembering, "And dehydrated. Or something."

"Want me to get you some water?"
She took a moment to consider it, "Yeah. Water sounds great."
"Be right back." He headed to the mess hall to get her a tin of water and began to wonder what was bothering the girl. He decided that he wasn't going to leave her alone until someone came back from the Diluculo. He was certain that something was bothering Maeby, though he had no idea how he could help her. I'd better not press it, he finally decided. He returned to Maeby's room with a tin of water and handed it to her. "So, uh, where can I sit?"

Maeby took the water and winced, a little embarrassed. "Sorry I flipped..." She pushed herself back up and adjusted the pillow behind her so she was sitting back against the wall. She nodded back toward the end of the bed. "The bed's fine."
QuiDormit turned around and sat down at the foot of the bed again, trying to squeeze his large frame into the corner to give Maeby her space.
Maeby looked down at the tin of water in her hands and let her finger trace around the rim. She glanced back up at Qui, a puzzled expression on her face. "Did you want to talk about something?"

He didn't speak at first, unsure of what to say. Finally, deciding not to press her any more on her incident, he decided to talk about the newly awakened. "So we'll be at New Zion soon... Braie and Shaye will most likely go into care with New Zion Medical, but Iota... I don't know what to do with her. What do you think?"
Something softened in the girl's face, as she thought a second. "Well...I originally thought to pay Lov a visit and ask if she'd be willing to..." She left the thought unfinished. "But I have a few other people in mind. Mostly doctors or patients that I worked with before I went on active duty."

He nodded solemnly. "I would love to see her with a family, but... She needs someone with psychological experience, don't you think?"
"Most psychologists I've worked with are very intentional about not talking their patients home. She needs someone who can relate to her..."
"Yeah, that's what I meant..." He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "She seems to like you."
Maeby's lips pulled into a smile for a second as she looked down at her lap, "Yeah...she's a sweet kid."
"It will be bittersweet to see them go." He turned and looked at Maeby. "I wonder how she'll take it. Leaving, I mean."
The smile faltered as she looked back over to Qui, "She'll manage. A ship's no place for a kid."
"Bindi said the same thing." He shrugged, then motioned to Maeby with his head. "So how are you feeling?"
"A little better." Maeby cocked her head to the side, "How's your side?"
QuiDormit smiled assuredly. "Oh, I'm alright. No worse than after a work out."

A strange smile came over her face and she nodded, "Right." The smile left and she took another sip of her water.
QuiDormit tried and failed to read her smile. Moving on he asked, "So how long are you planning on staying on the Titan?"
Maeby narrowed her eyes, studying Qui for a second before answering. "I don't know...I guess we don't exactly need two medics after we drop the coppertops off..."
"Yeah, I guess... Though I'll admit I'm getting used to having you around." He smiles genuinely at her.
Maeby's lips drew into a smile that the rest of her face couldn't seem to match. She looked around the room for a second and then back to Qui. She held her head at an angle for a second, "I think I might try sleep again."
He wasn't quite sure he should leave her alone, but he also didn't want to encroach on her personal space. "Maebs, if you ever need anything, let me know." He stood up and stretched, careful not to put too much strain on his side.
"Yeah...I'll do that."
QuiDormit nodded and left the girl alone in her room. He said, "Sleep tight," and closed the door behind him.

Part 2: Home Bittersweet Home

After many days passed, they were finally at home in New Zion. For the first time since his awakening, however, QuiDormit was not happy to see her. The massive hovercraft taxied over to its place on the dock, and was set down. Once the final docking routines had been completed, the crew prepared to disembark.

QuiDormit's eyes scanned over the faces of the others as the crew of the Titan stood in the loading bay waiting as the ramp slowly opened. He helped the other crewmen unload the cargo. He noticed four armed guards of Zion's Marine Corps walking across the dock. He turned and followed Wheeler back up the ramp to help with some of the heavier loads. Together, the two lifted a large crate and carried it down the ramp with Wheeler walking backwards at the front of the crate. QuiDormit stopped dead in his tracks, nearly causing Wheeler to topple over with the crate.
"What the hell, Qui?"
"Look."

The men saw the four guards surrounding RedBindi and behind the group, Fenshire was approaching with a lightning gun drawn. Though they couldn't make out what was being said, it was obvious that there was a great deal of tension. Wheeler and QuiDormit set the crate down on the ramp and watched intently. QuiDormit took a step toward the six, but Wheeler threw his arm out across QuiDormit's chest, stopping him in his tracks.

"Reddy already cleared them. They're here to guard her."
QuiDormit raised an eyebrow and said flatly, "No wonder Fen brought the gun." Just as the words left his lips, he saw Fenshire lower the gun.
"See? Now get back to work, we ain't done yet."
QuiDormit sighed and the two men picked the crate up again and placed it with the other items. Once they were all finished, the others prepared to go into the city, and QuiDormit faded into the background, ready to isolate himself and mentally prepare for his upcoming meeting.

The Titan was unloaded so, he set up camp in the docking bay. He monitored the technicians as they moved around making repairs to the Titan. In her last battle, she saw quite a bit of damage. Next time we're in a position like that... I'll be the one flying her. QuiDormit was ready emotionally for the task, however, he felt that he needed some real training. He'd been through the simulator time and time again, but he knew that it didn't compare to the real thing. As soon as they left New Zion, the Pilot position would be his. He made a promise, one of many, to himself. I'll show them...

He stood up and walked down the long loading ramp. The pain had all but left though he was still a little slow. He had been able to start working out again. He was happy not to feel so useless. He also knew the importance of watching over the Titan. He volunteered himself for many reasons. Though they didn't talk about the specifics, he knew RedBindi understood. He didn't want to spend any time at "home," because he wasn't wanted at "home." Perhaps with time that would come, but for now, he was happier on his new home, the Titan.

QuiDormit was restless. He headed down the ramp and walked around the hovercraft. He was sure to constantly scan those on the dock. He was looking for something, anything out of place. He looked along the hull of the mammoth ship. She was badly bruised from her last encounter with some Merovingian operatives. He looked up and saw a technician fiddling with a hoverpad, attempting to pull the damaged disc off of the craft.
"Heads up!" The tech screamed out. He tugged far too hard and lost control. QuiDormit watched the pad tumble through the air and crash at his feet.

"I've heard of looks that could kill, but I didn't think it applied to Machines," Fenshire said, chuckling as he walked up to QuiDormit. "Hey fellas, I think we have our new secret weapon!"

QuiDormit cracked a smile and raised an eyebrow as he turned to face Fenshire. "So I guess that means you're next."

"Hah! Good luck." He smacks QuiDormit on the back. "If looks could kill, I'd be dead about a hundred times over."

QuiDormit laughed. "Good point. So what's the good word? Headed into the city soon?"

Fenshire nervously shifts his gun from one hand to the other. "Yeah... I want to make sure the right people get chosen to work on Bindi's chip..."

QuiDormit's smile faded and he looked around the dock once again. "So am I to assume that that thing isn't leaving your side any time soon?" QuiDormit nodded toward the gun as he spoke.

"No... it's not." He looks at Qui grimly. "I hope I don't have to use it... but if someone tries to attack Bindi, I want to be prepared."

QuiDormit shakes his head slowly. "Don't blame you." He leans against the hull of the craft. "I hope you don't have to use it either. I'm gonna set up camp in the bay. Don't worry, nothing is going to get past me out here."

"Alright, good." He nods.

"How can I get a hold of you? You know, in the event something weird happens."

"Hm..." He looks at the Titan behind Qui. "Got a pair of radios on that thing?"

"Yeah, I'm sure we've got somethin'. Give me a little bit to look. In fact, just stop by on your way into the city." QuiDormit once again took in his surroundings, surveying the area closely.

"Let's get them now. I'm heading out."

"Right." QuiDormit looked around once more. Nothing was out of place, but he couldn't help himself. "Probably somewhere in the bay with the ground-team gear."

"I can wait here and watch the ship."

QuiDormit nodded at Fenshire and headed up the ramp. He headed straight for the weapons and looked through the supply cabinet. Medical supplies, knives, lights... Ah, radios. He grabbed two radios, checked their charge, and pocketed one of them. As he was heading back toward the ramp, something shiny caught his eye. He turned to face the cabinet again, and grabbed a lightning gun, slinging it over his shoulder and spinning it so that the gun itself was resting against his back. Can't be too careful.
He walked back down the loading ramp and tossed the other radio to Fen. "These look pretty good."

Fenshire looked down at the radio, testing some of the buttons. "Good. Short burst. This should do fine in the city." He stuffed the radio into one of his pockets. "If anything happens, be sure to contact me. I won't be too far from the docks."

QuiDormit clapped his hand on Fenshire's shoulder. "It'll be OK, Fen." He shrugged as he continued, "but there's nothin' wrong with being prepared. Likewise, if I can do anything... let me know."

"Will do." He nods, then sighs. "I probably should get going."

QuiDormit nodded and then snapped into a salute.

Fen smiles, and returns the salute. "You know, you don't have to do that..."

QuiDormit smiled weakly. "Habit."

"That's alright." He chuckles. "Well... thanks for the radio. I'll be in touch."

Phrack wrote:

((I don't think that's really the point I'm trying to make here, Sena.  But yeah, k, thx.))

((So what's your point?  Just looking to out people?  I think you've gone a bit overboard here.

The bottom line is, who freaking cares?  Maybe he is Barnsley, maybe he isn't.  Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is from anyone's side.

I guess they call it Dramacursion for a reason.))

Darminian wrote:

Qui is Tranque.

First.

((Was I that obvious?

Must have been the "eating people" thing.))

((Edited to add:

Sorry, Barney.  I'll stop threadjacking.))

QuiDormit kept a low profile for the next few days, knowing full well what was to come: his meeting with the Council. He was aboard the Titan, still leery of actually going in to New Zion. He was lying on his bunk and spent some time seriously considering what he was trying to propose. He hoped that maybe, just maybe, he could convice them to accept his offer which would help him three-fold. He slowly got to his feet and pulled a disk out of his pocket. He stared at it for a minute and then quickly pocketed it again. Then, he turned and headed out of his portal, his destination the New Zion Counsil Chambers.

Though he walked slowly, he felt as if the walk flashed by him. Suddenly he was in the outer chamber. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath when he heard a voice from behind him.

"QuiDormit, thank you for coming. I was hoping to have a word with you before you went in."
"Uh, yea- I mean yes, councilwoman Dillard."
"Come, have a seat." He took a seat next to her and furrowed his brow as she sat and stared at him.

"Why? Why did you do what you did? How was that the best possible action?"
QuiDormit frowned. "I... Truthfully, I think I took the easy way out. I tend to be a man of action, though I'm learninig to think first. I am learning to be patient and understanding."

She tilted her head up and squinted for a moment as she absorbed what he had to say. "And you are remorseful?"
QuiDormit nodded solemnly. "I am."
"Not everyone agrees with me, but I am going to continue to allow RedBindi to watch over you. She is an honored member of our fleet, and I imagine she will carry your punishment out to the fullest. You have an ally in me, QuiDormit."

"Ma'am... I have a proposal... It's about Neoteny."
She sat straight in her chair and eyed QuiDormit closely. "Well then, let's go talk to the rest of the Council."

She stood and QuiDormit followed her as they headed to the main chamber. When they entered, Dillard took a seat and said to the others, "He and I have had our little chat, and things will remain as they are. He would like to talk to us about Neoteny, however."
Each and every member of the Council eyed him very closely. It was very obvious that Neoteny's name carried with it a great deal of weight.

"Go on, boy."

"Right. Well, when I stopped my... *ahem* efforts, I made a decision. I decided that I would analyze Neoteny's RSI signature every time I was around him."
The Council members exchanged looks as he continued.
"I've compiled a good deal of information. It's far from complete, but it should give us an edge... to make a killcode for Neoteny."

Excited murmurs carried around the room. West spoke up first. "This is certainly unexpected news."
QuiDormit nodded. "I will hand the disk over to the council on the condition-"

Booming from behind him, Commander Roland spoke thunderously. "Condition? You dare to give the Council conditions after what you've done and what they've done for you? I should have you put in a hole deep within New Zion's bowels, boy!"
Dillard spoke up on QuiDormit's behalf. "Let the boy speak, Roland."

QuiDormit took a deep breath. "My condition is that I am the one to carry the killcode and that I am the one to terminate Neoteny. We will never catch him in the real... I can take him out in the simulation."

More excited murmurs moved from person to person. They spoke amongst themselves for some time before Hamann stood, instantly silencing the others. "Alright, QuiDormit. We agree to your request. Give Roland the disk, and we will use it to create a Killcode for Neoteny which you will then use on him. Good luck to you, young man."

He bowed his head and turned to leave. QuiDormit looked at Roland who seemed to be far from pleased and he handed him the disk. He then saluted and headed back toward the Titan. They took him at face value, which was unexpected.

Now he just had to face what it was he had to do.

((Well... 

(Feel free to correct me, Mervs...)
Merovingian Operatives, as far as I'm aware, work for the Frenchman in exchange for certain freedoms within the simulation (and RP-wise without as well) that Machine operatives are granted automatically, and that Zion isn't privy to due to lack of access to certain things within (and once again RP-wise without) the System.  For instance, there are areas everyone of every org must "hack" access nodes to gain access to, but as a Zionite, you will be half-heartedly attacked by Agents even after you've gained access to an area.  Merovingian and Machine operatives do not have this problem to deal with.  Also, you'll find a lot of players who's characters are Exile programs working for the Merovingian in exchange for their freedom.

As for EPN and Cyphs, they are splinter cells from Zion and the Machinists respectively.  Both organizations are generally seen as extremists and they tend to go to great lengths to accomplish their goals.  Due to a new update that will be rolling out next week, these organizations will be going "underground" meaning they will not be player-supported organizations.  This may not mean much to you being brand new, but look here ( http://forums.station.sony.com/mxo/..._id=36300025928 ) for more information.  Anyway, to really describe it basically, EPN are Zionites who want more than what the Zion Council had to offer and Cypherites are those who decided to protect the bluepills from being offered the choice of "freedom," since they think the freedom is BS.

Hope that helps))

You've got to pull it from your inventory on the left-- The one that's actually in the marketplace window.

QuiDormit on Recursion.

I'm usually jacked in around 8 or 9 EST.

So I see that you noticed that there aren't any melee weapons.

Yeah.  Sorry 'bout that.

If you run the archive missions and complete a set (so for instance 2.1.1 to 2.1.5), you get an IS Booster, which will help you regenerate IS at (I think) +22%.

Other than that, no.  However, if you use block, you'll generate about 10 IS per roll.

Edvin76 wrote:

how about when I use a gun in CC, that ive set at the CC hotbar button's drop down menu, is this melee or ballistic attack, from my part? if its ballistic, and my enemy use his fist, than in this situation I actually use my melee defense together with my ballistic attack at  the same time in the same CC fight? this would sound a bit strange, or is it only me?

I think it's only you.  See if this helps...  When you're in close combat, you've got damage/accuracy for attack and you've got defense/resistence for defense.

If you are using Kung Fu, then you are using Melee to attack, so the stats that count to attack are damage/accuracy.  If your opponent is using guns, then you need ballistic defense/resistence;  if he's using hacks, then you need viral defense/resistence; if he's using the spy tree, you need thrown defense/resistence.

You can buff your defenses up with armored/shielded/enhanced clothing.  What your opponent hits you with is what you need to defend against.  What you are using to attack doesn't change how to defend yourself.

Naah, you're not stuck.

First, are the Agents level 255 or level 100?  Level 255 means you haven't hacked the access node for that particular district.  Let's say you had the Sobra Shores access key, and you hacked that node.  You still need to hack all of the other districts in Westview before they'll stop greifing you.  The level 100 Agents you can just hyperjump away from and they'll leave you alone, whereas the 255's will hunt you until you die or hardline out of there.

The best piece of advice I can offer is to start hacking access nodes in International.  To get to International, hop on the Blue Line subway.  I know for sure you can catch that in Camon heights, but there are other places as well.

As for how to get the access keys for International, go here and track down the access keys and nodes list. International is nicer, generally, than Westview, and the NPC's aren't quite as insane as they can get in Westview.

Edvin76 wrote:

1. Is there any way to tell the gender of an item on the craftable items list, when it has green background? (why is it green anyway?)

2. Is there any benefit for higher coder abilities if I improved encryption or other useless lower ability from the same tree?
(or I ask the above question generally about any ability trees)

3. is there any actual/practical need for keeping a shielded item set for an MA character, in the case of viral attacing mobs?

4. how do unequipped and LEVELLED abilty codes behave? for example if I receive an ability code levelled to 10/50, from my alt RSI, and I have a character at level 9, then I wont be able to use it? if I have a level 12, then I will be able to use it automatically as an ability levelled to 10? how does the system make preference, if i have the same ability with diferent levelled states, which one will be equipped if all can be use at the character's level, automatically the highest?

5. what are the selectable and useable desk phones for, in the offices? (you can use them, but there is no obvious result)

6.Is this true?

7.Is this true?

8.Is this true?

9. Where is the best to post list of patch ideas, glitches, recommendations for improvements? Is there an updated, comprehensive list of these that are known/posted, but still unfixed/unimplemented?

EDIT:  Ack!  I'll try to ammend my responses to your additions.
EDIT2:  Now with re-corrected correctness!

1.  The only way is to mouse-over it.  It's terribly annoying, but you'll get used to it.

2.  I always recommend that you don't level an ability until you get a bonus for it.  If you look in your upgrades window, you'll see when you get bonuses.  I wish I had an example offhand, but I'm sure someone else can come up with one.

3.  Yes.  I keep everything.  The benefit to this game is that you are never locked to one ability tree.  You can go to an archivist vendor and run a stat hack to change your base stats, and even if you don't you can still load any ability tree you want.  Maybe you'll decide to try out area hacks (really helps when farming red frags), it's always good to keep that stuff.  Also, it's nice to be able to provide that stuff for people who do need it, so I decomp it and keep it in code storage.

4. Exactly.  If you have a 10/50, you can't use that ability until you are level 10.  Honestly, if you have the same ability at different levelled states, I'd suggest getting rid of the lower one and just put your $info into the higher one.  There's no benefit to having duplicate abilities.  However, if you have two, and say one is at 2/50 and another is at 20/50, it will equip the one that your level can access.  So if you're a level 10, the 2/50 ability will load.

5. They're really just there to complete mission objectives (if there are any direct objectives to be completed).  For the most part, they do nothing and are actually pretty rare.

6.  The Development Roundtable would be where you'd go to make development suggestions/fixes/etc.  We just lost our lead developer though, so these things might be fixed at a much later date, or they very well may never be fixed.

7.  Ah, the ever-requested Agent Shoes!  We just came off of a holiday event, where you can get the Black Formal Shoes.  Since this just finished, I'm sure people would be willing to sell their spares, but you're going to spend about 10-20 million per item.

8.  I'm not sure, but if it is, I'd think it would be considered a 'sploit.

9.  Yeah, this is true, but I'd bet that there's debate on this, too.

10.  Definitely a 'sploit if it's still doable.

Lovable wrote:

Join today and receive a free pass to punt zdn1.

Careful, Lov... we don't want to flood our recruitment inbox.  I mean I just know there are tons of people just waiting for an opportunity to punt zdn1.

For a good Zion faction, I'd reccommend The Trust, though there's some pretty good people in Exemplar Triune as well.

There once was a man from pod tower eight,
We gave him the redpill and he thought it was great,
Then coded him lots of guns,
So he could point them at Fen for target fun,
To the shooting range he was never ever late.

MetaLogic wrote:

8:15 AM EST, still can't get in.

gf SOE....gf

They're not in the office yet.

I can tell you, as someone who works in the Internet world, that if I'm not in the office, **** ain't gettin' fixed.

Just sayin'.

There are people logged in.

Chill out, this isn't the end.

Or maybe it is and we're all doomed.

DaJustifier wrote:

Im having same issue. I tried logging in, there was no patch notes, but was able to select toon, then it stalled at authentication.  NOw it says account no good.

But as Dopeman said, maybe they are converting all of us to free stationpass. I know alot of us didnt recieve that bonus and still had the reactivate from old subs instead of trials.

Cant believe I am giving them the benifit of the doubt

I know a few people who are logged in now and am talking to them on Station Launcher.

The conversion is most likely the reason.

And I JUST NOW got my kid to go to sleep.

Fen wrote:

Welcome to our newest recruits, Berani and PressureGauge!!

And gratz to our newest captain, Lovable of the HvCft Izanami!

Alphaea wrote:

Looks like we lost control of Fenspambot again... It's gettin' taken behind the woodshed this time.  /chargeEMPgun

Yeah, that was my bad.  I tugged on the pullstring and the thing broke, so he's left on "FENTASTIC" right now.

Darminian wrote:

Hey nice, Recursion finally has a merovingian faction. I've got my eyes on this akunin.

 

 

~Darminian

Now all we need is a Machine faction, and then we can party.

CraftyZee wrote:

QuiDormit wrote:

Darminian wrote:

Hey nice, Recursion finally has a merovingian faction. I've got my eyes on this akunin.

 

 

~Darminian

Now all we need is a Machine faction, and then we can party.

unleashed!!!!!!!!!!

and what about balance for merv???

Sorry, I meant active RP Machine faction.

Mah bad.

Looking to make a difference?

Looking for direction?

Give us a call.

The harder something is to get, the more valuable that something is.

Hyperviolent wrote:

Dont want to get ganked - have backup, use stealth, learn to run. Can't handle it-don't go there and wait till you have the numbers or noone is around. That is all that there is to handling yourself in a world that is by design supposed to be dangerous.

It's easy to say that, but some people have other things going on in their lives and time is limited in MxO.  In a perfect world whever everyone can spend all of their time in game, sure, this makes lots of sense, but when I can only get in for a few hours a week, having to call on people to babysit me so I can run through the new missions is kind of crazy.  I play on a non-hostile server so that I can get things done when I have time to play the game.  I do, however, often flag PvP these days due to a bit of RP I was involved in.  It's not that I'm "scared" it's that there are other things I want to do in the limited time I've got.

As for the actual topic of a server merge, I'm still on the fence.  The thing is, not once in any thread that I've found recently has a dev popped in to say anything.  Everyone is making all these assumptions about merging and saying "oh well, we'll just up the character count to six, all better."  That might not even be possible. 

The thing is, we have no idea whatsoever what would go into a server merge.  If I had to guess, there's no way that any of the devs are going to talk about it, be it that they don't want to, or more importantly, they're not able/allowed to.  A server merge is going to be a lot of work.  It's not just a copy/paste bing bang boom done.  And of course, don't forget about the all-delicate database which I've read in the past might melt into a firey explosion if you even say the word database too often.

All that being said, I'd be for a merge as long as we're guaranteed MxO won't die in a firey crash because of the attempt.  I don't think that's something that can be guaranteed at this stage of the game, though.

Virrago wrote:

We currently have no plans for any server merges at this time.

That does not however mean you guys are not allowed to talk about them and we do read your opinions in these threads.

Also, I would much rather someone create a new thread then necro some 2 month old thread with old discussion in it as it is easier for us to read fresh threads then 2 month old ones.

Oh and for you guys flaming the Original Poster, you are not the forum police. That is my job, report the post and we will make the determination on if it violates a rule, rather then you quoting rules at someone which just leads to turning the thread into a flame fest.

 

Thanks, Virrago.  As far as I'm aware, this is one of the first dev posts I've seen in one of these threads.  It's appreciated.

I think this is a pretty cool idea.

One thing that might make it easier coding-wise is say have 10 or even 20 locations where she spawns, but make the length of time between spawns totally random.

I had this huge post written up that I've decided to scrap.  Many have already hit the points I wanted to make, so I'll stress just these points.  I've been playing this game since February.  I miss the dynamic feel of the old system.  Was it dynamic?  No, it was totally scripted, but having interaction with the "changing world," of MxO sure made it feel that way.  The thing I hear about regarding the old Lith days the most was the random encounters with the story characters.  That is what I honestly expected when I started this game, but found out that the only way to interact with them was through LE's that I could rarely attend due to work. 

Now, here's this potential to have so much good.  Honestly, I'd look past a lot of things if story characters popped up randomly (and often) in the simulation.  I don't think that they always have to be ready with new tantalizing information regarding the storyline in order for it to happen.  I appreciate the Ghost event, but is that the only time you're planning to bring these guys around, Rare?  Just when we're totally missing something that you want to clarify?

Is it possible to maybe spend less time on new items and more time on having one of the story characters pop in and just shoot the breeze?  Hell, maybe get a "random call from Tyndall" or something.  I don't know, but something more than just storyline clarification.

I really hoped that the New Approach would bring this kind of intimate interaction on a regular basis.

Jesus, I feel like I was just dumped.

Hats off to you, Rare.  You did a lot with what you had, and when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Hope things work out for you in the future.

A little more selfishly, I hope things work out for us here, too.

ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:

QuiDormit wrote:

Jesus, I feel like I was just dumped.

Shoulda been better in bed.

QuiDormit wrote:

when you gotta go, you gotta go.

That didn't help with my already perverted vision of your post.

Ah yes, I should have written a more Squirrel friendly post.

Next time I'll be sure to cater to you, Zip.

ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:

Dude, enough with the innuendo, I mean, really, I know that with this tragic news, you and everyone here will want to snuggle with yours truly, but I only have enough me to go around for the women.

You try really really hard.  Fortunately, it's entertaining.

That said, I'm not going anywhere.  I'll be sure to stick around and give Squirrels fodder to make things I say pervereted and sick!