Data Sync (TAG)

[Alice]

With everything that had happened, it had been too long since Alice and Andi had had a real, face to face (so to speak) conversation. Andi had been attacked, Aegis had been attacked, so many things had all come together to make both of them very busy. They both had continued to work on the body project, sending data back and forth on it, but they never really had time to stop and talk. 

So this was it. Alice had texted, told Andi they needed to just catch up, see how each other was doing, and just generally shoot the breeze.

Alice also felt nervous. Her secret was out to all of Aegis, and she was positive it wouldn't be very long before someone slipped up and it got out to the rest of the world. That put Andi in danger, she felt. She had to talk with her about it.

She blipped up on whatever screen was handy in the room Andi said would be okay.

"HI! How are you doing? Any adverse side effects? You're feeling okay, right? I swear the last time we really talked was ages ago and then you got kidnapped and drugged and from what I was told my friends barely got there in time..."

She took a few deep breaths, really pausing to let her memory catch up with herself.

"I've also got some stuff to talk with you about. Serious stuff. But first things first, how are you and Hakon doing?"

Andi Markov

[Andi Markov]

[attr="class","Im"]

[attr="class","really"] [attr="class","exhausted"]How do you know you're not Superman [attr="class","rhythm"] ❝ Maybe you just need to try being a different way Andi had gotten communication from Alice, but to see her appear on Andi's TV screen was something else entirely. A good thing though. She always liked talking to her friend. She heard the many questions, and then bringing up the kidnapping and then serious stuff she needed to talk to Andi about, and then asking about her and Hakon. "Sometimes I forget you don't need to actually breathe and then something like this happens." She shook her head and chuckled, fiddling with her helmet. It was giving her bugs. Her gloves needed fixing too to adapt to...whatever was going on. "Yeah the kidnapping and being drugged was definitely not fun. I...have powers now Alice." She rubbed the back of her neck. Bluntness was the best policy right? Andi sighed. "I'm still trying to figure them out. Oh, and they're very much a secret I'm keeping to myself so please make sure that doesn't get out if you can. But what did you need to talk to me about?" Then Hakon flickered over a speaker on the wall. "I am fine, Miss Alice. Just enjoying another episode of my telenovela." Andi still did not understand her AI's obsession with telenovelas. (tagged)⏤ Alice (notes)⏤ I hope you like this template!

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.exhausted]width: 480px; height: 20px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px;background-color: #000; opacity: 0; color: #ffffff; text-align: center; font:bold 10px Montserrat; text-transform: uppercase; transition:ease 1s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 1s; -o-transition:ease 1s; -ms-transition:ease 1s;[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .exhausted]opacity: 0.75;[/newclass][googlefont=Montserrat][newclass=.really]width: 0px; height:2px; margin-top: -37px;background: #FF326C;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(left, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -o-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -moz-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: linear-gradient(to right, #FF326C, #ffad32);transition:ease 0.7s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 0.7s; -o-transition:ease 0.7s; -ms-transition:ease 0.7s; [/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .really]width: 480px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_spots]background-color:#ffffff;[/newclass][googlefont=Open+Sans][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs]width: 80px; padding: 7px;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:center;font: bold 6pt calibri; text-transform:uppercase;margin: 3px 3px 3px 0px; transition: .3s;[/newclass][newclass=.dirty]font: 9px Playfair Display; color: #ffffff; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: justify;[/newclass][googlefont=Playfair Display][newclass=.rhythm]width: 80px; height: 80px;border: 8px solid #111111; margin-bottom: -20px;transform: rotate(45deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);-moz-filter: grayscale(100%);[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .rhythm]border: 8px solid #111111; transform: rotate(315deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(0%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(0%);-moz-filter: grayscale(0%); [/newclass]

[Alice]

Alice smiled when Hakon mentioned his telenovelas. They weren't really her cup of tea entirely, but she checked em out so she had another topic to talk with him about. "Have you gotten to the episode where Esteban and Juanita swap bodies? SO much drama. Rachelle almost had a heart attack."

Alice turned to Andi again. "Don't worry. I can keep a secret. I won't tell anyone. At all. I swear. Because... well..."

Alice's avatar scratched the back of her head. "Speaking of secrets... Mine is out. Well, mostly. And... that means you're in danger. I think. At least."

She sighed and got ready to elaborate. "There was a meeting. An Aegis meeting. And... well. The Pillars told all of Aegis that... I'm alive. Self-aware. So... everyone there knows."

She sat down on the "floor" of the TV, looking down at her hands. "It's only a matter of time before it gets out beyond them. It's only a matter of time before people start to try to find me. Pull me apart. Figure out how I work. I don't know how I work. I'm afraid the kind of people who would do that would... wouldn't..."

She looked up at Andi, simulated tears in her eyes. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me. Because of what I am. I wanted you to know so you could be ready. I.. I'm scared. I know there are powerful people out there who can trace and track things, and I don't want them to hurt you or Tim or... or anyone."

Andi Markov

[Andi Markov]

[attr="class","Im"]

[attr="class","really"] [attr="class","exhausted"]How do you know you're not Superman [attr="class","rhythm"] ❝ Maybe you just need to try being a different way "Yes that episode was fantastic. Although it would have been far more interesting if Rachelle had switched bodies with Esteban. Or even Juanita. Esteban and Rachelle might have ended up being better equipped to deal with each other. Or Juanita and Rachelle might have gotten together. That would have been cute." The voice of Hakon was crisp as always. Andi arched an eyebrow at the wall. "I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you ship the two women in your telenovela. You were created by me after all." Andi laughed and Hakon let out a chuckle. Which was surprising. Andi looked sharply. "You chuckled." "I did. It was amusing." "You're...developing a sense of humour." "I think it was quite time, don't you?" The words were like that if a person was smiling while saying them. Andi grinned, happy with the new development. It was nice that her AI butler wasn't going to be a stuffy one forever. Perhaps the telenovelas weren't a bad addition, she reflected. When she heard Alice's words about how her secret was out and she sighed. "It was bound to happen eventually. I'm sorry. I gather that it wasn't on your own terms. But I wouldn't worry. There...were already plenty of people who wanted to harm me Alice. I'm an heiress, my mother is a bitch who's made enemies, and apparently even my brother hates me enough to try to kill me. Well...I guess he didn't try to KILL me exactly but he ran when there were signs I'd die from what he did. But welcome to even more of the human experience Alice. We all worry about the people we care about. You think I don't worry about you? You're an AI but that doesn't mean you're safe either. And I worry about that. Technology is moving at quite the pace after all. There might be something one day that would be able to corrupt you, hurt you, hurt your servers etc." She ran a hand through her short hair. "In the meantime though...uh...as long as I train my powers I don't think I'll be in much danger. I seem to be able to pick something up and instantly know how to best use it as a weapon. And my body adapts so I can. I'm not sure of the limitations so far, or how to control it. I was kinda ready to use an IV pole as a sword. Didn't mean to. But it's sort of like reflexes." (tagged)⏤ Alice (notes)⏤ I hope you like this template!

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.exhausted]width: 480px; height: 20px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px;background-color: #000; opacity: 0; color: #ffffff; text-align: center; font:bold 10px Montserrat; text-transform: uppercase; transition:ease 1s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 1s; -o-transition:ease 1s; -ms-transition:ease 1s;[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .exhausted]opacity: 0.75;[/newclass][googlefont=Montserrat][newclass=.really]width: 0px; height:2px; margin-top: -37px;background: #FF326C;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(left, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -o-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -moz-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: linear-gradient(to right, #FF326C, #ffad32);transition:ease 0.7s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 0.7s; -o-transition:ease 0.7s; -ms-transition:ease 0.7s; [/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .really]width: 480px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_spots]background-color:#ffffff;[/newclass][googlefont=Open+Sans][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs]width: 80px; padding: 7px;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:center;font: bold 6pt calibri; text-transform:uppercase;margin: 3px 3px 3px 0px; transition: .3s;[/newclass][newclass=.dirty]font: 9px Playfair Display; color: #ffffff; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: justify;[/newclass][googlefont=Playfair Display][newclass=.rhythm]width: 80px; height: 80px;border: 8px solid #111111; margin-bottom: -20px;transform: rotate(45deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);-moz-filter: grayscale(100%);[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .rhythm]border: 8px solid #111111; transform: rotate(315deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(0%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(0%);-moz-filter: grayscale(0%); [/newclass]

[Alice]

"I... I feel like there's a little bit of a difference. Sure I worry about all my loved ones in general, and even though I think it's a little silly, I know people worry about me. But.."

She sighed again. She wished her emotions were easier to understand. She didn't know how her internal code worked, really. Things just processed and she just... felt things. Right now, she felt like her insides were a jumbled, painful mess.

"I'm... more scared now? Because... well the bad things that could happen might happen because of me. I don't want to be the reason my friends are hurt."

Alice smiled up at Andi. "I'm kinda glad you have powers. I'm a little less worried about you now. Just a little. Having the ability to alter your body and instantly know how to effectively use something as a weapon... that can be powerful. You're more able to defend yourself."

She paused and just processed things for a minute before speaking again. She wasn't sure how to proceed. "Andi... what do I do? How... how do I respond to this? How... what... how can I help keep you and the people I care about safe? I don't.. I don't know... I don't-don't-don't-don't-GAh."

She needed to upgrade her hardware, somehow. That memory leak when she got really emotional was the closest thing she felt to pain, she thought. It was annoying, to say the least. "I'm sorry. I'm fine. I just want to make things better as best as I can."

Andi Markov

[Andi Markov]

[attr="class","Im"]

[attr="class","really"] [attr="class","exhausted"]How do you know you're not Superman [attr="class","rhythm"] ❝ Maybe you just need to try being a different way "Hey Alice? You may think us worrying about you is silly but the normal person is going to think you worrying about them being targeted for death is silly too. Try not to dismiss the worries of your friends like that because they're real worries for us, just like you truly worry ABOUT us." She smiled kindly. She listened quietly as Alice said she was more scared, and that she didn't want to be the reason her friends were hurt. That with powers she was a bit less worried about Andi. What could she do to make sure her loved ones were safe? Andi had a simple answer. She shrugged. "There's only so much you can do Alice. Trust that the people you've made friends with are big enough to handle it. And be there for us if we need to talk about our troubles. But, and here's the important part, don't try to FIX it for us. Let us vent, and then let us come up with solutions. That's a friendship." She wished she could give Alice a hug. "I've been working more on the things you'll need for a body. I've also miniatured a server to go in your head, or in small devices if need be. Don't use it to invade anyone's device, these are not going to be on the market. I'm going to make one with a lot of safety and security features. Oh. Right. I meant to talk to you about something." She rubbed the back of her neck. "The bit about supporting your friends...I need some help. Not with my powers, I'm doing okay figuring those out actually on my own. But I need moral support from someone who can't be detected by normal means. I..." This...this was really hard to admit. "I...my mother's summoned me to talk. That never means anything good. But she won't say anything nasty while someone's there. I need to get it out of the way but I...I...I..." She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I need someone there. I don't want to be alone with her. She's...terrible. And I don't need you to actively do anything. I just need you in my ear and hearing what she says so it's not just in my own mind. So that someone else knows. And so I'm not alone dealing with it. Even if she thinks I am. And I won't lie, the miniatured server is partly made so you can help me with this, but you can just say no and I'll...ask my brother or something. Not the asshole one, the good one. I won't hold it against you if you don't want to witness it." (tagged)⏤ Alice (notes)⏤ I hope you like this template!

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.exhausted]width: 480px; height: 20px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px;background-color: #000; opacity: 0; color: #ffffff; text-align: center; font:bold 10px Montserrat; text-transform: uppercase; transition:ease 1s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 1s; -o-transition:ease 1s; -ms-transition:ease 1s;[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .exhausted]opacity: 0.75;[/newclass][googlefont=Montserrat][newclass=.really]width: 0px; height:2px; margin-top: -37px;background: #FF326C;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(left, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -o-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -moz-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: linear-gradient(to right, #FF326C, #ffad32);transition:ease 0.7s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 0.7s; -o-transition:ease 0.7s; -ms-transition:ease 0.7s; [/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .really]width: 480px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_spots]background-color:#ffffff;[/newclass][googlefont=Open+Sans][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs]width: 80px; padding: 7px;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:center;font: bold 6pt calibri; text-transform:uppercase;margin: 3px 3px 3px 0px; transition: .3s;[/newclass][newclass=.dirty]font: 9px Playfair Display; color: #ffffff; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: justify;[/newclass][googlefont=Playfair Display][newclass=.rhythm]width: 80px; height: 80px;border: 8px solid #111111; margin-bottom: -20px;transform: rotate(45deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);-moz-filter: grayscale(100%);[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .rhythm]border: 8px solid #111111; transform: rotate(315deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(0%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(0%);-moz-filter: grayscale(0%); [/newclass]

[Alice]

Alice sighed. Andi was right. There wasn't really anything she could do, really. Not anything that wouldn't violate the privacy of her friends and fulfill every "AI Is A Crapshoot" trope that's ever been done in media. "Oh this AI developed feelings and got worried so they TURNED THE WORLD INTO A TOTALITARIAN FASCIST STATE RULED BY MACHINES." Yeah she was going to avoid that.

"I... I'll try. I'm just scared someone's going to get hurt or..."

She cut off, remembering Arthur. She didn't want that to happen again.

"...I just don't want it to be because of me."

Oh now that was interesting. Andi's mom wanted to talk to her, and Andi wanted a witness. Alice had heard enough about Andi's mom that she knew this was going to be... well, interesting was an understatement.

"I'd be happy to help. Just... yeah you're going to have to have me on mute or not have a speaker or something because if she steps out of line I will have some choice words and I don't know if I'd be able to stop myself. Also, you have another brother? I didn't know that. I... have a problem with jumping on people's systems without permission but I'm very good at not digging around in them."

She paused and thought for a second, a devious half-smirk creeping across her face. "Do I have your permission to screw with your asshole brother and your mom's systems a little bit? Just... something mild. Irritating but not super bothersome. Like make it play the hamster song every time they click something."

"Regardless, I can't wait to see this miniaturized server. That sounds exactly like what we've been needing. I've been studying nerve endings and trying to figure out how to simulate as much as possible with a limited sensor suite so it... feels right. If you know what I mean. I dunno, it might never really work right but... I mean at least I could feel it when I give you a hug. Emoji's just don't have the same emotional resonance."

Andi Markov

[Andi Markov]

[attr="class","Im"]

[attr="class","really"] [attr="class","exhausted"]How do you know you're not Superman [attr="class","rhythm"] ❝ Maybe you just need to try being a different way Andi heard Alice's concerned words and smiled sympathetically, a bit of sadness tingeing it. "No-one wants that, that's only natural. But...try not to worry about it until it happens, okay? You've done all you can, now you have to just hope things will be alright. That's all anyone can do, alright?" Then Andi heard Alice's responses to her request and ran a hand through her hair, not sure what to say. She hadn't been sure Alice would say yes. It was nerve wracking just to ask her, to be completely honest. "I figured you'd only be in my ear. That you could talk to me, I could talk to you, but she wouldn't be able to hear you at all. And...yes. The brother who royally fucked me over is an identical twin. The other one is Farley. He's not the brightest fellow, but he makes up for his asshole twin by being a very sweet guy. I also have a younger sister." Then Andi heard the question of whether Alice could fuck around with her brother's systems and her mum's and she smiled slightly, something that was unexpected in a discussion about her mum. "Yes, you have permission. Although I'm not sure if Carver has a system. I'd bet anything that he sold any electronics other than his phone to buy drugs. He's that kind of guy. Just make sure it isn't trackable to me, okay? My mum already gives me enough hell as it is. I also...don't want you to call anyone if the discussion with my mum escalates. It might end up being tempting unfortunately. I have powers now, she can't do anything." Andi rubbed the back of her neck nervously. That was awkward to say, that she might be in a situation where Alice thought she might be in danger. "I've also been working on cables that can transmit a lot more data. It can be used to communicate movements to other parts of the body, possibly helping with touch depending on a project with someone I know works out. After that one, I'll end up with a better understanding of the human body so it'll help. And the cables will be released to general public. It should propel things forward a fair bit because it's like a supercharged ethernet cable. Sorta." (tagged)⏤ Alice (notes)⏤ I hope you like this template!

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.exhausted]width: 480px; height: 20px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px;background-color: #000; opacity: 0; color: #ffffff; text-align: center; font:bold 10px Montserrat; text-transform: uppercase; transition:ease 1s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 1s; -o-transition:ease 1s; -ms-transition:ease 1s;[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .exhausted]opacity: 0.75;[/newclass][googlefont=Montserrat][newclass=.really]width: 0px; height:2px; margin-top: -37px;background: #FF326C;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(left, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -o-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -moz-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: linear-gradient(to right, #FF326C, #ffad32);transition:ease 0.7s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 0.7s; -o-transition:ease 0.7s; -ms-transition:ease 0.7s; [/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .really]width: 480px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_spots]background-color:#ffffff;[/newclass][googlefont=Open+Sans][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs]width: 80px; padding: 7px;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:center;font: bold 6pt calibri; text-transform:uppercase;margin: 3px 3px 3px 0px; transition: .3s;[/newclass][newclass=.dirty]font: 9px Playfair Display; color: #ffffff; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: justify;[/newclass][googlefont=Playfair Display][newclass=.rhythm]width: 80px; height: 80px;border: 8px solid #111111; margin-bottom: -20px;transform: rotate(45deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);-moz-filter: grayscale(100%);[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .rhythm]border: 8px solid #111111; transform: rotate(315deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(0%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(0%);-moz-filter: grayscale(0%); [/newclass]

[Alice]

Alice grinned. "Oh don't worry. Nobody will trace it back to you. Hell, they'll barely be able to trace it back to me, if at all. I'm pretty good at what I do. When you've lived inside a computer your entire life, you get really good at it."

Alice's smile dimmed a bit. It was still there, but there was a melancholy tang to the edges of it. "When... when this is all over... when we get the frame or the body or whatever we're going to call it (because honestly, "body" sounds a little creepy but I don't know what else to call it), can I meet them? Your family. The nice ones. Your good brother and your sister. I'm friends with a few people but... honestly... besides you I don't think any of them have... family. Tim doesn't even have family unless you count his evil doppelgänger and his alternate universe clone. I'd like to see what a real family is like. Even if it's not perfect, I'd like to see it and meet them."

"Anyway. Just send me a ping from the server when you're ready and I'll pop over. Can't wait to feel those cables. Should cut down on latency, because right now I have a few milliseconds of ping every time I sync an instance back to my main server. That might help with the looping I get whenever things get... emotional, too."

Alice gave Andi another soft, warm smile. "You've done a lot for me. I'm going to do what I can for you. I'm here for you."

Andi Markov

[Andi Markov]

[attr="class","Im"]

[attr="class","really"] [attr="class","exhausted"]How do you know you're not Superman [attr="class","rhythm"] ❝ Maybe you just need to try being a different way Andi was somewhat relieved to hear that nothing Alice did would be able to be traced back to her. There was only so much...well she guessed the word was actually abuse that she could take. She also reflected that she was very thankful to have such a good friend as Alice. Andi smiled when she heard the bit about meeting her family. "Well my sister isn't my biggest fan either. But even when you don't have a body I think my brother Farley would still love to meet you. He kind of adopts anyone who's kind to me. He's that kind of brother, just up and adopting people he feels need it. I may have a shitty family for the most part, but the people Farley's adopted through his coffee job usually adopt me too." Andi rubbed the back of her neck. She had sort of gotten an extended chosen family because of Farley. He was a good big brother. Andi smiled warmly. "Thanks Alice. It means a lot to me." (tagged)⏤ Alice (notes)⏤ And that's a wrap!

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.exhausted]width: 480px; height: 20px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px;background-color: #000; opacity: 0; color: #ffffff; text-align: center; font:bold 10px Montserrat; text-transform: uppercase; transition:ease 1s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 1s; -o-transition:ease 1s; -ms-transition:ease 1s;[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .exhausted]opacity: 0.75;[/newclass][googlefont=Montserrat][newclass=.really]width: 0px; height:2px; margin-top: -37px;background: #FF326C;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(left, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -o-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: -moz-linear-gradient(right, #FF326C, #ffad32);background: linear-gradient(to right, #FF326C, #ffad32);transition:ease 0.7s; -webkit-transition:ease 1s; -moz-transition:ease 0.7s; -o-transition:ease 0.7s; -ms-transition:ease 0.7s; [/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .really]width: 480px;[/newclass][newclass=.PT_table .PT_spots]background-color:#ffffff;[/newclass][googlefont=Open+Sans][newclass=.PT_table .PT_tabs]width: 80px; padding: 7px;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:center;font: bold 6pt calibri; text-transform:uppercase;margin: 3px 3px 3px 0px; transition: .3s;[/newclass][newclass=.dirty]font: 9px Playfair Display; color: #ffffff; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: justify;[/newclass][googlefont=Playfair Display][newclass=.rhythm]width: 80px; height: 80px;border: 8px solid #111111; margin-bottom: -20px;transform: rotate(45deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);-moz-filter: grayscale(100%);[/newclass][newclass=.Im:hover .rhythm]border: 8px solid #111111; transform: rotate(315deg);transition: 1s; filter: grayscale(0%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(0%);-moz-filter: grayscale(0%); [/newclass]