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RP: Bahram Wing [Bahram Wing Side Story] In Three Seconds

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CadetNewb

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VSV Astarte
OGNEIR\\SECURE.net>>Graiv Haidan>>VSV Astarte>>First Squadron>>N.I. Communication Hub
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Typically, N.I. did not need to see, or make use of any other sense for regular communication. Yet, Famasir felt it may be necessary for some sort of aesthetic to be put forth to satisfy the more Iroma-like desires of the more aged N.I. that could enter the hub. So, in a fit of randomly generated code, the Frame Runner N.I. brought forth a small circular room with with a round table in the center. The entire area was a glossy, angelic white, and there were even a few seats among it for anyone who felt like 'sitting'. It was all entirely unnecessary, but it did seem to add a certain flavor that anyone who thought otherwise, would appreciate.

With that, Famasir entered into the the visual creation as a two-dimensional icon. His name was expressed clearly in a holographic Sal'Saari with a circle fitting snugly around it. He considered creating what some OGNEIR divers called an 'avatar', but decided it frivolous at that very moment, deciding to save it for later, should someone bother to mention it. Instead, he dedicated a small amount of processing power to send a message to the reason of this hub.

Code:
Nightmare.
It was a rather stoic, businesslike ping, like calling a secretary into an office for over-the-table business.

All of them. Garbage. They assumed they were better, merely because of weak, 'on paper' rank. Young. Frail, little done to earn the ranks. Nothing of the reason behind any motions Nightmare made was in their minds in all probability. Accurate reasons, anyways. There was no hiding its age from the other NI of course; certain records were simply better left unforged and honest,. It was the most efficient way to do things after all; lying all the time had it's...shortcomings. Still, now was not the time for truth. Or too much of it for any matter.

Regardless, it had to play to the motions and attend. Nightmare simply appeared in the room, represented by its well developed and detailed avatar. Not a single fiber was out of place in the Astral Vanguard uniform it wore. Clean, creased lines, and yet, with very small, minor details which bespoke of long time use and wear. A few scuffs here, an inconsequential tear there. The little girl that appeared before Famasir, arms crossed over her small chest, lips pouting in a mixture of emotions; annoyance, anger, embarrassment. 'She' 'looked' right at the other NI, defiant.

The floating icon which represented Famasir's presence within the hub glowed a gentle light blue. Upon Nightmare's entry and presumptuously defiant stand, the glow blinked in intensity for a short second. Compared to her size, the icon would've appeared intimidating if facing a normal person in it's diameter. To him, her appearance was not all that considerable to him at the moment, his 'mind' was too set on the point of the meeting.

A small text box formed in front of the icon.

Code:
I suppose you recall why you are here.

"Of course I do. You think we forget?" she asked him point blank. Still irritated. Though her voice was level and clear, there was just a hint of frustration. In comparison to the simple, plain and rather descriptive symbol of the other NI, it was like comparing an analog based entertainment system to a quantum based sim. Of course, what kind of sim was left up to discussion. Again, in comparison to Akjit, its toy, Nightmare's avatar looked about the same age. He, the pilot, was relatively boring and easy to deal with.

Another avatar appeared, this time of a somewhat stylized, child-like girl with medium-blue hair, dark brown horns, pale skin, and blue face tattoos of triangles beginning from her jawline and peaking near her eyes. she had a somewhat eager, curious look on her face, and the simply rendered, yet delicately designed outfit she wore appeared like a set of fabulous robes drawn by an over-imaginitive teenager. Noticing who was in the room, she made use of the virtual room's virtualness and took a spot near the ceiling to observe what was going on, a soft smile forming on her lips.

The Famasir icon blinked once again at the enterance of a third avatar into the room. A microsecond of processing time was enough to evaluate and assume the N.I.'s identity. Though, he saved that mircrosecond by simply reading her source link: Paralovi. Since he lacked hands to greet her, he simply opened a text box in her direction.

Code:
Welcome.

Then, when that text box receded, another opened in Nightmare's direction.

Code:
Then why not open with your explanation, instead of simply giving me some sort of stare? I'm sure a construct as aged as you understands the frivolous tendencies of real-time courtesy.

Parolovi answered Famasir's welcome with a simple smile and a rendering of an exclamation point appearing above her head, accompanied by a large animated hand waving in greetings. She continued to watch the discussion, however, not 'speaking' in the sense most were used to.

On the other hand, things might just turn out to be a challenge to the old NI. It had been a long time since it did have one, and this, was the most delightful game of them all. Was this NI an incompetent officer type? One of its former pilots loved to read pulp military fiction, and that character archtype appeared often enough. Or maybe Famasir was simply lazy or unimaginative? Nightmare would have been delighted if it were really both, but was far from stupid. It was likely a ruse. Yet, it's lack of...Iroma-ness was a jolt.

'Could I be the one out of touch?' the NI thought. Just how many other NI were like itself? Aged, and easily the peer of any Iroma in terms of personality? No. It was more than that. It had many personalities, all with their own responses. Their own responses...was this young female Iromakuanhe avatar even the most optimal to deal with the underdeveloped NI? It was the most efficient in dealing with the Iroma, yes, but this...Perhaps it could...Yes. That would do. Nightmare wondered if it would work. Most interesting. It had to try. It would be fun if it did work. Very much so. Absolutely delightful.

"Because it was best for Akjit." 'she' flatly answered.

The icon seemed to consider that suggestion as it glow gained a light humming noise. Famasir could only guess at the meanings or intentions of such a widely experienced N.I. Still, he had to gain a sure understanding of the situation.

Several windows popped up around the icon, displaying sheets of data. To Paralovi and any other N.I. that would enter, they would see small locks over the screens preventing full-view of it's data. Nightmare, however, would see several depictions of physical and mental read-outs concerning Akjit. A few indicated less than favorable results for Akjit's health. He gave Nightmare a few seconds to process and review the consolidated data.

Code:
This grouping of data begs to differ, Nightmare. On several occasions, your interjections caused dips in Chirimar's mental and physical condition. Specifically in the most recent engagement, your pilot appeared on the edge of a mental break-down.

The girl's head dipped forward slightly, the straight, silver white hair falling to obscure the face. Small hands clentched into fists as the NI's avatar let out a soft, barely audiable growl. "How...how dare you look at my pilot like a thing to be counted." Nightmare spoke quietly. "Is this how you look at Mu'Tasim too? And everyone else? Just a set of numbers and an inanimate object to be kept running?" 'Mentally' though, the old NI might as well have steepled it's fingers as the most enjoyable, dangerous gambit begun its course.

This was something that Famasir took a few seconds to consider. His icon blinked like the processing hard drive an ancient computer. She brought up a decent, if not off-topic point of his arguement. The windows around him closed, and then another text window opened up in front of him, revealing his answer.

Code:
Yes.

The trap was sprung. Of course, no need to let the other NI know that. Wait. Or was it? This arguement wasn't done quite yet after all. It might still take an interesting turn. It really could use the kicks from a few unexpected twists, after all. Just how much 'life' did this younger NI have in it? Most curious that NI became more vibrant and fascinating as they aged, and were dull when young. Exactly, absolutely the opposite of their Iromakuanhe creators.

"W-what? Do you even care about your Mu?" the petite Iroma girl blustered, shocked upright again. "I mean, what would you do if you lost him?"

Paralovi suddenly popped up a private window for Famasir to see, showing a rendering of a pair of trousers that seemed to be on fire, accompanied by another giant hand, pointing at Nightmare. Paralovi's avatar, however, seemed to be inspecting the gleaming white 'ceiling' of the room in great detail.

Famasir took a moment to view the private message, before returning his... iconic visage back to Nightmare. The rather flat N.I. felt a small twinge of a curiosity in how Paralovi had come to adopt such a curious way of expressing herself, but that would have to wait. His fellow Jarizas veteran N.I. had a point, Nightmare was either functioning towards or away from something.

Code:
Should I lose Mu'Tasim, I see no point in my own existence as a N.I. I would take the priority option: data-wipe, or the secondary option: data-storage, depending on the decision of the superiors at the time.

That message stood for a moment, before being followed by another.

Code:
My concern, however, is not the subject here. If we N.I. are to do anything that is for the best of our pilots, then analyzing them is the best way to decide our supporting form. It is why I gathered the data on Chirimar.

In a brief flash, Paralovi seemed to flash into the form of a feline that resembled Akjit, before flashing back to her normal appearance. She made no effort to draw attention to this, though.

A delay in response time from the newer NI. This one was most efficient in its dealings, implying that the delay meant something happened. Thus far, Nightmare's avatar had ignored the other NI watching from above. Most likely, the other NI had interrupted, sending a message less 'efficient' which requried analysis and more proper run time. Good.

Nightmare's avatar seemed a little subdued, and looked at Famasir thoughtfully before replying. "I...thought of my first pilot the same way you claim to. Just...Something I needed to make sure ran like a well maintained clock." her voice went, faint and quiet. "It worked...but. It turned out it wasn't the most efficient way to do things. You probably think otherwise, don't you?" The girl went on.

"It works, but just that. My pilot still died." At this point, Nightmare's avatar wasn't making direct eye contact with Famasir anymore. "So, I determined another method and approach was necessary. So, I...became friends with them and pilot performance increased."

"My pilot still died. Do you understand what I'm trying to imply?" she asked, a faint hint of fury tinting the small voice as she looked up at the young NI. "Or does this all float past your head?"

Famasir seemed to listen patiently to the short tale Nightmare spun. It seemed she had wished convey experience unto him. Though, as he analyzed her words, the process seemed to loop. So he then analyzed it against the minor back-ground data he had access to. The icon dissappeared for a moment, fading like it's light had been cut off. Then, reappeared again, shortly after, the same Famasir text, circle combo from before.

Code:
You express a lack of faith in your pilots ability by blaming yourself. If this escapade is brought on by your past experiences, then you need to stop. Experimenting a proper method of support on a fresh pilot is something reserved for simulations, Nightmare.
Following this window,came another.

Code:
You also sound regretful of your past experiences. I recommend counsel with Ishtar-sera, and/or a qualified Steward who is schooled in the thought processes of a N.I.

"NO!" the girl cried out, shaking her head. "I don't regret any of it! I never lacked faith in my pilots! They were all among some of the best, brightest pilots of their time." 'she' went on, but then abrubtly stopped, glowering at Famasir. "If all you care about are results...fine!" the Avatar went on. "Look at my pilots. Each one of them was good, and got better. I coddled and cared for each one the best I could. And still, they each died! But that's not the point. Bottom line. My pilots get better because of the attention I give them. Look at what Akjit did in the last encounter!"

"I...I do what I have to do in order to make sure my pilots have the best chance possible to come back from each fight. Not just for the sake of why we're created, but because I really....I really..." The avatar slowly came to a stop, finally letting out a faint whisp of air from between her lips.

"I love them all."

Even if this encounter ended poorly for it, Nightmare had ensured that it would still benefit it. Yes. Everything had a use, and not a scrap would go to waste.

Paralovi's avatar, observing Nightmare's display, didn't seem too be swayed by it, and her face suddenly simplified into a stylized version of a frown, its nose growing a bit longer, before snapping back to its normal place. She then made a representation of Mu'tasim, shrouded by an image of Famasir's avatar. the image was then shot with a bang by an antique pistol, before fuzzing out and turning into a grave marker, Mu'Tasim still alive, before a pink-haired avatar tugged on the grave marker, turning it back into the avatar, and showing Mu'tasim happy again.

Before Paralovi knew it, a hand was patting her atop her head, one belonging to that exact same pink-haired avatar who was now crouching beside her younger counterpart. "Paralovi is a silly but sweet NI." Ishtar exclaimed before smiling at the odd way Paralovi went about things. She'd been watching the conversation since Famasir had made the room, curious as to what they had to say to each other. And ever the nosey FIOMNI, Ishtar had peeked in on it before becoming interested and by extension devoting a portion of her runtime to being there as she managed the fleet's data.

The icon that represented Famasir shrunk in the presence of Ishtar. In fact, it was half the diameter it was before. He decided to take care of his communications in a specific. First a window opened to Ishtar.

Code:
Welcome, Ishtar-Sera.
Then, to Paralovi, who made a rather colorful rendition of his own death. While he enjoyed it inwardly, he did not understand it's significance.

Code:
For what reason have you portrayed this?
Finally, came Nightmare, and his own response to the elder N.I.'s declaration.

Code:
Commendable, Nightmare. However, I have no recognizable proof your 'successful development' within the story. For now, we need to focus on Chirimar himself. Despite whatever success was achieved from your previous attempts at support, your pilot was still at mental vulnerability during a mission. Such effects are still a risk to his own safety, and that of others.

Paralovi seemed to sprout a second head, torso, and set of arms, which bowed politely to Ishtar, before melding back into the rest of her body, before she answered Famasir's question by simply taking on the likeness of Nightmare and taking an enormous gulp of 'air', causing her head to grow several times its initial size (which was not that insignificant, with Paralovi's deformed figure as it's base) before flashing as if she were degaussing and returning to her normal appearance.

The avatar of Nightmare looked up at Ishar and greeted the FIOMNI with a sad wave, the expression on 'her' face as 'she' looked back to her interrogator was rather depressing due to it's lack of life. "I suppose we cannot reach and understanding after all." the girl spoke plainly. "To answer the original inquiry, the program was poorly written specifically to discourage Frame Runner Akjit Chirimar from communicating with the other Runners in concern to topics irrelevant to the mission. Terse; to prevent small talk." the voice Nightmare used was now plain and lifeless with sorrow.

"The behaviors exhibited following the optimization of the program suggested by Chirimar was an attempt to further discourage speech non-vital to the mission and maintain the pilot's attention on the upcoming events. End." The little girl bowed her head forward again as 'she' finished.

Inwardly, Nightmare was quite satisfied. It wasn't interested in Famasir and his pointless quibbles nor Paralovi and her humorous antics. No, not at all; the prize was now here; Ishtar. How would she react? It wondered. What kind of NI was she? Garbage like the underdeveloped rest? Or someone worthwhile?

Ishtar clapped her hands together, giggling at Paralovi, amused while simultaneously responding to the window presented to her.

Code:
Deravni, Famasir! How are you feeling today? <3

Famasir was silent, his icon fizzled slightly before settling back into it's robust, humming glow. It seemed that the N.I. was having trouble with something. He first sent a message to Ishtar, the window opening up in a rather glowing fashion.

Code:
I am at optimal capacity! Well and good! Good and well! Goodwell! Wellgood! Ha ha! Aren't compound words great?
It was hastily written, but the N.I. himself couldn't find the willpower to compose a straight confident answer.

Now. Now. Focusing back on Nightmare to advance the business at hand. A stronger glow took hold of the icon as a new text window opened.

Code:
Nightmare, if those things had been important to you at the time, you would've mentioned them when you sent the program to me.

"Then it's an error I made." Nightmare simply stated, still dejected. There wasn't much else to say. Inwardly though, the older NI noticed something wrong with Famasir. The contents of the message sent from one NI to the other pretty much explained it, though, caused visible confusion on it's avatar's face. Inwardly, Nightmare's low opinion of Famasir completely plumetted.

It had the capacity. It had the potential. But it was squandering it most of the time. A similar sentiment would have been to say an individual Iroma was a waste of food in a personal manner. 'What a waste of processing power.' the NI thought.

Once again, an exclamation point graced the air above Paralovi's head, accompanied by an arm raising itself, flicking the index finger in excitement. She pointed at Famasir, and an image of a boulder with a question mark on it appeared, and then she pointed at Nightmare and an image of a crochety elderly man appeared, waving its walking stick with one hand, and fingers crossing behind its back. It was obvious that the little NI did not trust Nightmare

Ishtar was cackling as Paralovi continued. The window between herself and Famasir suddenly said 'secure' and gave Nightmare a chiding little jolt before continuing the conversation over the screen. Although it was still visible from her end and afforded the NI beside her a glance into Famasir's psyche.

Code:
I am happy you are doing so well! Just be careful! Vaytulri Farouk was very sad when he lost you. But he is very happy now that you are back! So you must make sure to remain by his side from now on, okay? Because I will be sad too if I lose you again, you are a good  NI and it would be a very big loss!

Following those few moments, Famasir was silent as a still day on Mazerin. For a few seconds, he had to stop to process his thoughts thoroughly. For that moment or so, all of them went unresponded to as he solemnly contemplated all three N.I.'s responses to him. When it seemed he had finished, his icon lit up a first, glossy white color, before 'burning' in a what could be called a fire of ones and zeros. He was rewriting the entirety of his representational avatar on the spot. It was likely an embarrassing moment if it were shameful to expose one's code in such a way, but the N.I. designated it as necessary.

The stormy flames of computer language slowly died down from head to two. There standing amongst them, was a rather intimidating avatar of a mix of a Haidan and Temple Guard. At the head, was the iconic helmet of Mu'Klamal, recognizable as the Haidan's head with the four cordlines connecting from the cheeks of the helmet to the long, flowing Temple Guard mantle he wore. The robe of the mantle extended down to his feet, effectively covering whatever could make him considered humanoid. Though, the outward appearance wasn't the only thing changed thoroughly.

"Nightmare," stated a stony voice, emanating from the expressionless helmet, "What I am trying to make clear is that your behavior was unusual to that of your typical N.I. Your methods are not mine, thus I clearly will not understand them. Especially in that you lack, utterly in fact, the willingness to be completely cooperative. Whatever intentions you have for Chirimar will be made clear in the coming missions. For now, if you insist on using your unique methodology, I will make no mention of it's unusualness to the Sqaudron Commander. Though, let it be known that I will be keeping a close eye on you." With that, a ghostly looking hand pointed to one of the six 'eyeholes' of the Mu'Klamal helmet.

It's avatar's eyes widened as a breath was taken in surprise, but that was about all that could be seen; the image of a depressed and nearly broken individual had to be presented after all. On the other hand, Nightmare was satisfied that the other NI finally did something noteworthy. It was a start, in its old eyes. The image of a uniformed young girl snapped off a respectful, but weary salute.

"Yes sir."

Now that the situation was coming to a close, it now had to decide exactly what to do with the recording. So many possibilities...

Paralovi clapped, or, more correctly, a giant pair of hands clapped in front of Paralovi, as Famasir changed into an actual avatar, her face glazing over and sparkles surrounding it, as if she were awed by the transformation. Aside from that, however, she merely continued watching, observing what was going on.

Ishtar snapped her virtual fingers at the new appearance of Famasir, a look of both awe and surprise on her face. "I almost forgot." she squealed in panic beside Paralovi. Of course she couldn't 'forget', but as she was now adapting to life in the 'real world' such terms were coming more and more naturally to her.

"I am to give you all a software update as I have further analyzed current known NVR frame and ship models. It should assist you all by providing a limited increase in your response times by a set percentage against the newer models we have been encountering."

"Thank you, Ishtar-Sera!" replied Famasir to Ishtar, nodding his helmet-wearing head at her. The rather staunch looking N.I. kept a stiff posture, the only thing really moving were the iconic robes of the Temple Guard, rustling in a faux-wind. "I will notify Mu'Tasim of the upgrade if you haven't already. Though, will this require the removal of our cores? Specifically, a viewing and inspection of current hardware and software, including any data that might just be encrypted and unknown to the Graiv Haidan database?" He seemed to be waxing an awfully specific point.

'Her' cheeks blushed just a hint as the robes rustled in the wind. "A-an update? I guess...I could go a little easier on him with it helping." 'she' mused. By now, Nightmare was disinterested and merely having his/her/its avatar play the motions. However, Famasir's failure at subterfuge was amusing. Inwardly, the NI admitted it would have been laughing itself to tears if it were an Iroma proper.

"Huh." the girl wondered. "I guess we could use a checkup." A hand idly wandered up to brush aside stray silver strands of hair.

Paralovi gave Ishtar a thumbs-up, conjuring a bundle of flowers and passing them to the FIOMNI as some kind of thank-you gesture, extremely happy looking. She was obviously very glad at this new update, and being able to serve her Iroma partner better, as well as adding to both of their personal knowledge bases.

Bubblegum Pink hair whipped around as Ishtar shook her head. "Maintanence will be ongoing as normal with core removal being unnecessary. I can transmit the update to you all right now as you are all within the same hub though so it will go by much more quickly and efficiently." Ishtar cheerily stated as she took the flower bundle from Paralovi and gave the NI an appreciative pat on the head again.

"Well, one moment, ma'am. I'll open the proper ports to allow for a smooth download." said Famasir dutifuly. His head nodded down for a moment to signify he was making a quick adjustment to his networking settings.

Was that really the real reason why Ishtar was here? Just to peek in out of curiosity and hand over some new shiny thing to play with? Perhaps. Perhaps not. What if the download wa a ruse for a worm or virus? Yes, it would download the item like the others, but not so fast on the installation of course. "I've done the same here. I guess it'll make things a bit easier." she murmered.

The best part of this persona that Nightmare enjoyed was being difficult with others, however, this wasn't exactly the time, or the right individuals to do so with. Once again, another pity.

When the proper ports had been opened to all three of the NI, a stream of data was sent to each containing various statistical and 'hardfacts' style information to each. The data itself appeared clean, much to Nightmare's possible paranoia and was in fact, genuine as it contained indepth detail of the Soono, and humanoid style frames previously encountered as well as possible projected growth rates on future encounters if the NVR had any further models. While some of it was what they already knew it did provide some newer insights into possible tactics to be used against the enemy as well as some more basic data upon NVR standard combat doctrine Ishtar had managed to scrounge up and piece together after comparing it to recorded Commonwealth and Saali combat tactics.

While this went on, Ishtar looked down at the two other NI as she hovered right beside Paralovi giving them each a curious look. "Famasir? Why exactly did you open a channel between the First Squadrons VCANIOS?"

"I wanted to have a discussion with Nightmare on her behavior during the last mission. Her methods seemed a little unorthodox to me, so I wanted to settle the matter straight." Famasir nodded to the elder N.I. assuredly. In all honest, he didn't exactly trust Nightmare on the whole, especially with how she was an old N.I. with a fresh pilot. He figured that things would probably be best revealed in time, or in the very least, by something more invasive.

It was a very strange thing; the download was quite clean, but there was one small detail that stood out.

Code:
Naughty, naughty.

Obviously, a message from Ishtar. The NI inwardly giggled with glee at being 'caught'. Of course, she didn't know the full extent of it, did she? After all, Nightmare made sure everything it had the little avatar say be true. To an extent of course. Still, she seemed to be worthwhile. Very worthwhile indeed.

The avatar's blush from earlier became slightly deeper, as it looked up to the FIOMNI. This time, it was quite genuine.

Ishtar merely continued to smile as she looked down upon the two. "I see, well that was very big of you, Famasir. Mu'Tasim would be proud to know his NI has taken some intiative amongst the others just like he does." she bobbed her head into a nod. "But, do you think Nightmare is being a 'good girl' on the whole?"

"Perhaps. If I had suspected treachery, I would report her to the mechanists for uninstallation, ma'am!" answered Famasir faithfully. He was trying his best to be impartial to a decision, since it wasn't absolutely sure of Nightmare's true intentions. "Though, she seems as if she is performing in Chirimar's best interest, or trying to."

Nodding, Ishtar's response was fairly short as was her time remaining here. "Both are very good points. I hope that treachery is not the case as Nightmare has been performing well enough both on the battlefield, and off it." The smile was still in place although the words were meant to be both kind and considerate they did carry the subtle weight of a warning behind them. "Anyways!" both of Ishtar's pale hands flew up in the air, one with the flower bundle, the other empty. "I must return to focusing on my duties! Be good now you three!"

Her avatar began to 'derezzed' pixel by virtual pixel before it dispersed entirely.

The NI's avatar hugged itself, looking at both Famasir and Paralovi[/] before vanishing as well. For Nightmare, the look it had its avatar give proverbially 'brought back memories' as NI never really do forget. The last time it used that look, the pilot was stricken with grief. And last time that look was used, it was quite genuinely felt by the giver.

Nightmare reset some of its emotional subroutines in the NI equivilant of a shrug before going off to do what needed to be done. And there was a lot to be done.
 
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