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>>44232331

The girl face brightens even further and she claps her hands together. “Fisher!” She pulls on her friend’s arm. “He’s the one that’s going to the frontier.”

They’re really jumping the gun with that one, considering that the Practical Examination deciding that fate isn’t for another half hour.

“That’s so cool, Fisher. When are you leaving, Fisher?” The boy beams politely at you.

Alright, they may not trying to be disrespectful at all, but hearing that name repeatedly really pisses you off.

You sigh, pull on your shirt, and scratch your chin. At the very least you’re going to have to set them straight about how you’ve yet to take the exam.

>Insist that they call you by your first name.

>Ignore it, and simply correct them about the exam.

>>44232370
>Ignore it, and simply correct them about the exam.

>>44232370
>Insist that they call you by your first name
Kinda banned right now so hard to participate.

Also first post

>>44232492
>>44232503
God dammit

>>44232370
>>Insist that they call you by your first name.

>>44232370
>Ignore it, and simply correct them about the exam.
t-t-t-tiebreaker!

>>44232370
>Ignore it, and simply correct them about the exam.

Hello and welcome to the quest, everyone! If you have any comments/questions (that I can answer without spoiling anything) please feel free to post them in the thread.


>>44232492
>>44232535
>>44232538
They're just kids after all.

>>44232519
Heh.

>>44232535
The opposite at the time actually.

>Writing

>>44232581

You cross your arms and choose to ignore it. “I haven’t taken the exam yet, you know.” You glance around the cove. “That’s actually why I’m here.”

The two of them look at each other with slight guilt on their face, but quickly turn back to you.

“You’ll pass.” The girl smiles confidently.

“Yeah, totally. You’ll pass.” The boy mimics his companion.

You smile slightly and begin picking up your belongings. “Thanks.”

The girl looks at the time on the display of your Assistant. “Ahh, we’re going to be late! We still have to get changed.”

The boy glances at the time as well. “Crud, you’re right.” He quickly looks back to you. “You’re going to stick around for the Festival of The Innocent, right?”

You finish sorting everything away. “Kind of have to. My little sister is the chosen avatar this year, and I’m acting as her guardian.”

“Wow! Your family must be rich or something.” The children turn to leave. “Good luck, Fisher!” The two of them run along the shoreline, kicking up water as they go.

If only. Hopefully soon enough, none of that will matter, or at the very least you’ll be known as more than that name.

~

[1/2]

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>>44233422

“Fisher.” The examiner looks at the display of his own Assistant. “Oren Fisher.” His face is stuck in a permanent scowl as he looks over the details of your test.

You finally manage to slip on the last piece of the Frame you’ll be using for your exam. The standard run of the mill quality is far better than anything you’ve ever gotten to put your hands on. This machine has been designed for long term diving, which is the crux of your exam.

“Systems?” The instructor asks without even looking up.

Your linked Assistant shows that all systems are functioning except for one.

“All but Spatial Scanning.” You state firmly and clearly,

Expected, the exam is designed to have two issues to overcome. One known, the other not.

The instructor clicks his tongue. “Boring.” He hands you a small device that can be linked up to your frame. “That’s the Analyst you’ll be using for this exam. SE-116, ‘Olivia’. She’s designed to perform any and only the commands you give her.”

You carefully link up the device and listen as it slowly whirs to life. You’ve read extensively about Intelligent Systems, but this is first time you’ll ever be dealing with one personally.

“Right.” The instructor motions to the cave opening behind him. “Your task is to explore this cave system and report back with your findings.”

Simple enough.

“I had my boys do a sweep this morning, and there’s nothing in there that a rookie wouldn’t be able to handle. But…”He smiles callously. “This planet had sixteen potential candidates, and so far fifteen have failed the exam. Two ways to pass the exam. Do a proper and sufficient search of any targets of interest in the designated exam area, and/or discover the hidden issue with your gear...”

He scrolls through his Assistant and his eyes widen suddenly upon reading something. He quickly regains composure.

>”That good?”

>Prepare the final touches for the exam.

>Write in.

>>44233459
>Prepare the final touches for the exam.

>>44233459
>Any threshold for when the test stops being a test?

>>44233459
>Prepare the final touches for the exam.

>>44233555
This

>>44233459
>Prepare the finishing touches for the exam.

>>44233516
>>44233562
>>44233612
Preparing and,

>>44233555
>>44233588
a reviewing thought.

>Writing

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>>44233655

You ignore his momentary lapse of showy toughness and run through the final checks for your frame.

As you check, it appears that whatever the hidden issue is, it will manifest itself during the test itself. Naturally, the hidden issue can’t be overly severe to prevent the exam from being taken in the first place, meaning it’s classified as a preventable circumstance. Only extreme unforeseeable problems will end the exam in neither a pass nor a fail, all other cases fall under those two, and your life is always in your own hands.

“Hello!” A cheery voice from within your frame interrupts your thoughts. “I am SE-116, but you can call me Olivia.” Her silvery words are completely indistinguishable from a normal human. “I’ll be helping you with the exam, and hopefully we can keep you from dying and get you a pass. What would you like me to call you?”

You hesitate slightly before answering the Analyst. “Oren is fine.”

“’Oren is fine?’ That’s a strange name.” She laughs at her own joke. “Sorry, just trying to lighten the tension.”

The examiner puts away his Assistant and clears his throat. “If you’re done fucking around, it’s time to begin your exam, Fisher.” He motions impatiently toward the cave. “I want to get off this shithole planet already, so get on it.”

You ignore his words, you ignore how open his chin looks right now, and you ignore the thought of how satisfying it would be to punch him in this frame. You’ve come too far to mess it up like that. You want to get off this shithole planet too.

A thin beam of light illuminates the blue cave, and reflects directly off the spot where you’ll be making your descent.

You step toward the edge of the water, heart thumping madly in your chest, and with a short and instinctual plea to The Mariner, you begin your exam.

[1/2]

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>>44234420

You fall into the teal depths and gain your bearings. The Frame surrounding your body tightens and shifts to adjust to the pressure of the water, and you here as the airflow clicks and shifts to the attached tanks.

The dull and oppressive sound of the surrounding water is all that you hear as you swim forward. Your attached lights illuminate small paths that quickly cut off, but soon you come to a junction.

“Analyze surrounding water.” You order, almost startling yourself at how loud your voice seems.

Almost instantly Olivia responds. “Both paths have negligible levels of salinity and microbial life, acidity and oxygen levels are both standard, but the average flowrate of the water of the left path is higher than the right.” She finishes happily. "Any other commands?"

You feel your brow furrow as you listen to her report. There’s hardly anything to go off of there. So, for now it’s a simple decision of which way to go, and making sure not to get lost.

>Head down the left path.

>Head down the right path.

>Write in.

>>44234451
>Head down the right path.

>>44234451
higher flowrate most likely means that direction goes deeper/is larger

So
>head down the left path

>>44234451
>Head down the right path.

>>44234484
>>44234585
First one, to the right.

>Writing

This looks neat. Will be monitoring.

>>44234730
Please, feel free to vote too.

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>>44234617

You keep in mind that the left path is potentially more extensive than the right, as you optimistically move to clear the right path in a short amount of time.

“So…”Olivia chimes up as you proceed. “Saredo Academy.”

“With any luck here...” You look at the cave walls next to you and see nothing of note.

“Why do you want to leave here?” She asks tentatively.

“I’m trying to become a Surveyor.” You respond flatly, ignoring her real question. “It’s the only way that The Island will dole out the funds to transport someone this far away.”

She’s quiet for a moment before regaining her usual pep. “You must’ve studied very hard to pass all the written exams. I’m glad to be working with someone so motivated!”

“Thanks.” You respond quietly.

Several minutes later and you’ve come across another junction. The path on your right is a straight shot, and from what you can see from where you are, it widens significantly as you proceed. The path directly in front of you quickly twists, not allowing much to be seen. Finally, the path to the left, if it can be called that, is a small opening that would require you to drop your extra air tanks if you want to proceed through it.

“Scans are standard across the board. Flow rate on the right path, higher than the rest, but the vector of the flow rate in the left path is away from us.”

Strange, but you don’t know if you want to risk dropping the tanks. You consider your options.

>Proceed to the left.

>Proceed straight ahead.

>Proceed to the right.

>Write in.

>>44235175
>Proceed to the left.
Nothing ventured nothing gained

>>44235175
Can you pick up the tanks again?

Either way, seems a bit risky. Continue to the right.

>>44235238
The tanks certainly can be picked up again.

>>44235175
>>Proceed to the right.

>>44235175
>Proceed to the left.

We're tied. Waiting a little for a tiebreaker, before I decide with a roll.

>>44235357
Check our flow meter it might always be bearing left.

>>44235175
Left

>>44235387
Flow meter is consistent with what you can observe with your eyes. Very good on considering what the hidden issue could be!

>>44235415
>>44235319
>>44235232
Second, to the left.

>Writing

>>44235387
It was bearing right now though.

>>44235428

The different flow direction is a strange phenomenon, and you can always pick up your reserves here.

Shedding the extra tanks, you squeeze your way through the small path on the left. The rock formations scrape against your armor as you force your way deeper and deeper.

“The path is narrowing.” Oliva chimes up again.

“I can see that.” You grunt as you aggressively force your way past thin pillars of rock. You grab onto whatever you can to pull yourself forward, the horrible scraping sound of your frame on the rock motivating you to go faster.

You finally kick your way free, as the thin rock you squeezed past breaks. A surge of kicked up earth and water pushes past you, disorientating you.

“Shit!” You slam your fist against the rock wall as the dust finally begins to settle. You observe the collapse to check if you can clear it yourself.

“There’s no time for that, Oren.” Olivia hurriedly explains. “Our best bet is to find a path that loops back to the entry point, or search for another way to the surface.”

You curse again under your breath and continue on the path, which has fortunately widened slightly.

After a few minutes of tense swimming, Olivia speaks up. “The Festival of the Innocent is today. Wow, how time flies. You’re going to see it right?”

She’s trying to calm your down.

You take a long and deep breath. “Yeah, actually I’m the guardian this year.”

“Aren’t you a little young to have a kid?” Olivia asks teasingly.

You scan the thin path ahead of you. “It’s for my little sister, smart one.”

“But, traditionally it’s the father that plays that role, isn’t it?” Olivia asks.

You’re quiet for a moment. “It is.”

“This time not?” She asks tentatively.

You do your best to contain your growing temper, but with that earlier cave collapse, you can feel it growing more and more.

>”This time not.”

>Tell her to drop it.

>Write in.

>>44236022
>Tell her to drop it.

>>44236022
>>Tell her to drop it.

>>44236022
>this time not

So dense.

>>44236022
>Write In: Our father's... no longer with us.

>>44236022
Maybe our ai is the broken thing?

>>44236131
We'd be screwed if that was the case.

>>44236131
Seems like it maybe it is supposed to distract and annoy us or stress us out to cause mistakes.

>>44236022
>>this time not

>>44236022
>”This time not.”

>>44236022
>Tell her to drop it.
>>44236182
We do have a temper.

Same as before, waiting a few minutes before resorting to a tie-breaking roll.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>44236225
Drop it=1
"This time not."=2

>Writing the winner.

>>44236278

“Stop asking about that.” You tell her emotionlessly.

She lets out a slight gasp of realization. “I’m sorry…”

“Let’s focus on finishing this exam, or at the very least focus on not dying in this damned cave.” You respond and begin the process of slowing your rate of respiration.

“Right! I’ll make sure that you pass no matter what.” Olivia hums quietly to herself as she processes data.

Finally, after much painstakingly careful swimming, the path opens up and you find another junction.

You’re at the bottom of a long vertical column of a room. A large path high above you flows vigorously, bringing in new water, and given the elevation, you’d say it’s about the same level as you were before you went down that choking path.

The other path next to you, is somehow even thinner the path you just came from, there’s no way you can get into there.

As you begin to ascend, Olivia speaks up again. “Oren, I’m reading elevated levels of acidity coming from the lower path, and given the mineral content, I think-“

“That’s nice and everything, but I can’t even fit through there.” You inform her.

“You could if your tanks were cast off.” Olivia states quietly. “Given the light levels, the swim should be short enough.

“Wha-“

[RELEASING MAIN TANKS]

[1/2]

>>44237087
So, our problem is that our AI is a true AI and doesn't obey our orders?

>>44237087
oh boy
looks like AI has a way to go

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>>44237087

The air is cut from your lungs as the metal tanks fall behind you. You scramble to pick them up and try to reinsert them.

“Oren, the ports are locked. You’re going to have to go down.” She says with legitimate concern in her voice, even though she’s the one who caused this.

If you could speak right now, there wouldn’t be enough curses that you could rain down upon her.

Moving your arms is hardly an option, so you desperately wiggle your way through the path. Your lights soon aren’t the only thing illuminating the water as an ethereal blue light shines far ahead.

Your eyes clench shut, and once you clear the narrow passage, you push ahead with all the might you can muster.

Breaking the surface of the water; you push off the helmet of your frame and gasp in the precious air.

“Fuck…” You gasp quietly as stunning blue ore fills your sight.

The ethereal blue light shining off the ore immediately lets you know just what it is. Direndite is incredibly rare metal ore. One that is used as a catalyst for the drive reactions that take place in all large ships.

You pull yourself out of the water and onto dry land and get slightly closer to the ore, but not too close as it is slightly radioactive.

“There’s no way that they found this.” You state aloud.

They would’ve immediately called for an extraction and moved your exam to another location. You smile to yourself as you know you found your ticket to passing the exam.

“Oren…” A certain voice speaks up, reminding you that you’re not alone. “I’m really sorry, but I just wanted to make sure that you passed your exam.”

You put your helmet back on and return to the edge of the water.

>”Let’s just find the way back"

>"If it means passing, then it was worth it."

>Write in.

>>44237147
>”Let’s just find the way back"
Not really worth risking our life.

>>44237147
>"If it means passing, then it was worth it."
>But next time, GIVE ME A WARNING

>>44237147
>Next time you do something without consulting me first I will rip you out of the suit and scrap you. You nearly killed me.

>>44237147
>"If it means passing, then it was worth it."
Be sure to collect some of the ore as proof if it isn't to dangerous.

>>44237180
This.

>>44237237
And this

>>44237180
>>44237198
>>44237237
>>44237253
A warning would be nice.

>Writing

>>44237174
I feel like our character would disagree on that.

>>44237409
Our character isn't really established yet. Been 4 posts.

>>44237409
Obviously I feel differently.

>>44237409
>>44237508
>>44237550
This exam had 15 potential candidates on the entire planet.
All other candidates failed the test.
We are literally trying to qualify for something so difficult it has most likely taken a majority of our life to train and prepare for.

Seems to me that would be something worth risking your life for.

>>44237627
A lot of people on the planet can't afford the test or training, and a lot more don't want to.

So what? It's a hard test. I still don't wanna risk my life taking a geography exam.

>literally
It takes a majority of one's life to complete high school and prepare for college, I still wouldn't risk my life to get into MIT.

>>44237308

You kneel down and collect some of the less dangerous impure Direndite as proof, double check your frame, and ready yourself for the swim back to your tanks. “Since it means passing, then it was worth it, but if you’re never to do that sort of thing again.” You inform her with quiet anger before diving again.

The journey back is a much less hectic affair, and by the time you reach your tanks you still feel like you can hold your breath. Luckily, once you ascend to other path you soon discover that it loops back to your point of insertion, and using the flow rate of the water, you eventually manage your way back.

Even those long days of studying and working the fishing boat never left you as exhausted as you feel now pulling yourself out of the water.

You glance at the time on your Assistant and rush back to the instructor. Even with the exam nearly finished, your day isn’t done yet.

“Fisher.” The examiner turns as you approach. “You took so long that I was about to pack it in, and declare you deceased.”

You ignore his words and shove the piece of ore in front of his face.

He flinches back. “What do you think you’re…” He carefully examines the small glowing flecks in front of him and then takes a single step back. “Report.”

You give him a thorough summary of the events that took place during your exam, and more importantly inform him of the exact location of the ore deposit.

With each sentence you report, he scribbles and swipes through his Assistant, calculating unseen scores.

You begin the process of pulling off the pieces of your Frame.

“And what is the hidden issue in your exam?” He asks as you finish.

>Write in.

>>44237793
>Malfunctioning AI

>>44237793
My AI being too helpful and responding to orders?

>>44237793
>hidden issue

How can he even call it that.

>>44237793
My AI is sentient and can act on its own initiative.

>>44237793
My AI being able to take decisions independent of the user

>>44237840
We didn't know it would be a problem until after the fact.

Also SoP for Fire department hen moving through confined space is to unstrap the non-vital part of the air tank and scoot it along behind you, so that you don't have to cut off your airflow to fit through tight spaces like occurred here, so muh immershion.

>>44237793
AI too independent.

>>44237793
>hidden issue my ass
AI processing malfunction?

>>44237826
>>44237838
>>44237848
>>44237868
>>44237917
>>44237985
A.I. acting up.

>Writing

>>44237896
I assume we know the protocols at least we do now, but our AI was never told that because it's just an AI and not in charge on disengaging our life supply.

>>44238022

You’re sure to disengage your assigned Analyst from your frame before reporting. “Analyst SE-116 malfunctioned during the examination and acted on her own accord.” You hand over the device containing her.

The examiner marks down a few more notes. “Suggested course of action?”

You pull from memory the protocol for this kind of case. “Immediate and irrevocable destruction and disposal.”

“Exactly right.” He makes one more note before looking up at you. “Oren Fisher, it is my duty to let you know that you’ve passed the exam and will be admitted to Saredo Academy.” He extends an arm. “Job well done.”

You let out a strange laugh of relief as you make sure to keep your legs from collapsing under you. “Holy shit…” You take his hand and shake it firmly.

The examiner puts away his Assistant. “Honestly speaking, I thought the exam would’ve ended in your death given the circumstances. I don’t know what The Island has against you. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a malfunctioning Analyst, and of all places they put it into an exam.”

His words hardly register as your still reeling from the news. You can’t wait to see the look on Meiya’s face when you tell her about this.

“The transport will be leaving tomorrow morning after The Festival of The Innocent.” He informs you impatiently. “Now get that dumb look off your face, and get out of my sight.”

You quickly look again to the time. “Crap…”

With only a quick word of thanks you collect your personal belongings and run off back to the rail stop.

~

[1/2]

>>44238808
>Immediate destruction and disposal
Ouch. C'est la vie.

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>>44238808

You finally make it back home, and descend into the towering slum of rusted tin rooves and precarious wooden passages.

Still have to change, goddamn that’s probably going to take a while, but you made it before the marching procession. You reach your shack and collect your festival clothing, before descending a few more levels to reach your target.

“Afternoon, Mr. Reska.” You wave as you pass by the elderly man who takes an age to raise his hand at you.

You pass into the next room as you spot your sister sitting down at the edge of the room overlooking the rest of the slum. Her stark white festival outfit sticks out brilliantly among the dull and faded colors of this town. She sits like an ornate doll for display to the entire world, but you know that she only sits there when she pouts.

Meiya’s grandmother turns to you as you quietly enter the room. “Did you pass?” She asks, mouthing the words.

You nod your head and gives a thumbs-up in response. She smiles and clutches her hands to her chest. She leaves the room, probably to spread the news as quickly as she can.

You walk over to your Meiya and settle next to her.

She throws a slight glare toward you before speaking. “You missed the Midday Indoctrination…” She says moodily.

No one cares about the Midday Indoctrination, the only people who attend are the Innocent’s family…yeah.

>Give in today, and apologize.

>Distract her with the news of your passing the exam.

>Write in.

>>44238808
>“Immediate and irrevocable destruction and disposal.”

B-but I was looking forward to funny hijinks with our sentient diving suit!

>>44238860
>>Give in today, and apologize.
Sorry had my exam, The AI was malfunctioning as part of the test which slowed me down a good bit, I'd have gotten there sooner otherwise.

>>44238860
>Distract her with the news of your passing the exam.

>>44238860
>Distract her with the news of your passing the exam.
lol no one cares grandma

>>44238860
>Give in today, and apologize.

>>44238872
That was a test AI, its likely been made specifically to allow one to insert whatever malfunction they wish into it.

>>44238908
Lil sis was grumpy not grandma.

>Distract her with the news of your passing the exam.

>>44238860
>Distract her with the news of your passing the exam.

>>44238946
I don't know, >>44238808
>“Honestly speaking, I thought the exam would’ve ended in your death given the circumstances. I don’t know what The Island has against you. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a malfunctioning Analyst, and of all places they put it into an exam.”
This would seem to imply that malf AIs are really, really rare.

>>44238946
I still would have greatly enjoyed having a sentient diving suit that only you knew about.

>>44238905
>>44238908
>>44238951
>>44238959
Distract and evade.

>>44238984
The future is always open.

>Writing

>>44238984
Yeah so she can killing us while being cute about it.

>>44239183
Of course, wouldn't be fun if it was easy would it?

Loose cannon A.I... meh.

>>44239060

You lean back on your hands. “That’s a weird way to congratulate me.”

“Congratulate?” She stands and dusts off the hem of her robes. “Wait…Oh I had forgotten. Wait. You passed? You passed!”

You grin at her thought process. “That I did. I’m still waiting for my congratulations.”

She smiles and moves to hug you but suddenly stops. Her brow furrows. “Wait. You still said that you’d be back in time for Midday Indoctrination.” She lightly jabs into your shoulder.

Damn. It’d be easier to change the subject if she were wearing something other than those festival clothes.

“Alright, alright.” You rise to your feet. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Really?...” She asks skeptically.

“Sure, but make it something easy and something that won’t take very long.” You add.

She crosses her arms and thinks. “Take me to the Tower of Red Lilies.”

“Sorry?” You lean in and cup your ear to hear her better.

“Take me to the Tower of Red Lilies.” She repeats herself.

You nod and pull back. “Alright, I’ll take you, if you pay for the passage to The Island.”

Meiya puts her hand on her chin. “Sound fair, if I start saving up now, I’ll have enough in about fifteen hundred years.”

The two of you laugh heavily, careful to avoid the underlying bitter truth.

“Okay, get out. I got to get changed.” You state as soon as you stop laughing.

“But this is my room!” She crosses her arms and stands her ground.

“Well, I could go back to my place and change. But my bed would be really tempting to lie in, and I might just-“

“Fine.” She sighs and walks out. “But hurry up, because we have to head out early because of Grandpa.”

You groan. You’re really not looking forward to carrying him all the way to the observer’s seating.

You change into your outfit as you look out into the slums. A baby shrieks loudly in the distance, and waste from the shacks above shoots out like a corrupted waterfall just feet away from the edge of the room, sloshing into the water below.

Just one more day.

~

That's where I'm going to end it for today.

I want to thank everyone that stopped by and played today. If you have any questions about what you've read so far, please feel free to post it in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to it.

If not, then I wish you a good day/night, and hope to see you again next time!


>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>44239569
thx 4 runin budi gud thred

I got cancer waiting for this quest to start so I might miss the next thread, but if I survive the archival project will begin.

>>44239535
>Just one more day.
Panic

>>44239569
>not a cliffhanger
MAXIMUM PANIC

>>44239603
....like literal cancer?

>>44239633
yes, that was not a joke
I am pretty bummed

>>44239603
You're very welcome!

And wow...I'm not quite sure how to respond to the rest of that. But hopefully you get over any figurative cancer that you may have, and if it's the other case...

>>44239618
There will be cliffhangers aplenty soon enough.

>>44239666
Oh, okay. That's quite the relief.

>>44239666
Oh.

If it makes you feel better, the tumor-like growth i had checked on is NOT, in fact, a tumor.

>>44239712
Trade me

>>44239760
That's darker than 4chans soul.

Wish you well in fighting it though anon.

Just give the cancer aids, then it'll be too weak to fight back.

>>44239666
Total mess up on my part, and I apologize. Did not read that closely at the time.

I sincerely wish you the best as you fight it, and once again, I am really sorry.

Well, on that stellar note. I'll be stepping out for the night. Until next time...

>>44239986
Thanks for the quest, it was fun. I'll be looking forward to the next one.