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IC Kilo-M9 - Archives: Rules on duels unclear. Total number of enemy forces makes upfront battle unlikely to succeed. Witnesses are needed to observe duels. Multiple witnesses exist for both sides. Solution: Have multiple simultaneous duels. Method is efficient. “Acknowledged,” the machine responded. “Multiple witnesses present.” The steel sentinel turned to point at one of the goons not carrying the spear. “This unit challenges this one to a duel.” OOC: @Unreliable Narrator Kilo is throwing down the gauntlet.

IC Kilo-M9 - Archives: Artifact identified: Spear of Fusion. Searching Archives data for information. Information found. Conclusion: Avoid spear energy at all costs. Current situation is not favorable. Ally Arkius is on even ground, but is tired from fighting. Intervention may be necessary. Target allies may cause issues. Current objective: Identify actions that will not escalate situation. The mechanical enforcer looked around the corner to take a look at the unfolding situation. After a brief moment to count the number of hostiles and identify the Spear, it turned to Nale and Thom. “Targets possess Spear of Fusion. Spear can fuse and split individuals. Recommend avoiding blasts. This unit will acquire information from enemies.” So saying, the former law enforcer walked around the corner, weapons lowered so as to avoid escalation, and then toward the nearest goon who was observing the duel. “Information requested,” the machine stated. “Elaborate on rules of duel. What are this unit and other observers permitted to do?” OOC: @Tarn@Dane@Unreliable Narrator@Onaku

IC Kilo-M9 - Archives: Temporary alliance created. “Betrayal will be met with violence,” the machine warned the new arrival, beginning to follow Arkius. OOC: @Tarn@Onaku@Dane

IC Kilo-M9 - Archives: The mechanical enforcer approached the back of the steltian as he continued attempting to pulverize Arkius. The brute was mildly aware enough to duck an attempted bubble, turning his attention to the strange robot that had just attempted to shoot him. A wide swing was dodged by the machine, who stepped in and slashed the steltian’s arms while he was recovering from the motion. Blood poured from the large gashes on the titan’s limbs, and he attempted to rush down and tackle the machine. The protodermis protector met the titan’s charge and forced the wounded warrior back. Pinning the steltian to the wall, the steel sentinel was able to successfully bubble the fighter. The room they were in was now full of flowing blood, burning corpses, and bubbles carrying soon to be unconscious bodies. “This unit recommends resting in the next empty area.” OOC: @Tarn@Onaku

IC Kilo-M9 - Archives: New objective: assist allies in combat while preventing zombies. The machine followed its ally’s orders, dutifully igniting the new corpses. Stepping around the corner, the machine took care of the vortixx’s body, not even bothering to look up before bubbling the two fallen league soldiers. The machine observed Arkius’s struggle against the steltian. “Should this unit provide assistance to ally Arkius?” the machine asked Nale.

IC Kilo-M9 - Archives: Preventing enemy reanimation. The mechanical enforcer gave no reaction to Arkius’s curt attitude. Short responses were more efficient anyway. The machine paused before following the toa of earth, taking time to ignite the newly deceased body with the confiscated torch. “Corpses still reanimating. Burning prevents reanimation,” it explained. The machine regarded the remaining injured soldier for a moment before blasting him with an energy bubble bolt. The expanding field of energy lifted the soldier from his imprisonment in the ground, but his elation was short lived. The energy drain quickly took effect, the soldier drifting into unconsciousness. The machine walked on with its allies.

IC Kilo-M9 - Coliseum, parade grounds - Onu-metru, surface: Observation: Invaders are not in present location. Travel is necessary. 6 known Barraki warlords. Likely to have 1 in each metru. Calculating best destination... Onu-metru is most familiar district. Archives tunnels result in ideal chokepoints suited for resisting larger enemy forces. Current objective: Travel to Onu-metru. Faster travel required. Searching for options... The mechanical enforcer wandered about the parade grounds of the Coliseum, avoiding the frequent Vahki patrols by hiding behind various objects. The setting suns resulted in longer shadows for the ebony automaton to take cover in, but it still stood out in this area. The machine surveyed its surroundings, looking for something in particular. Soon enough, it noticed some Vahki transports heading for the front lines. Tracking their path back to its origin point, the machine arrived at the transport maintenance building. Every for carefully, the former law enforcement snuck as well as a robot could (which was better than you might expect) into the facility, stopping at points to let patrols of its replacement officers march past. With the battles ongoing, most Vahki were out fighting or preparing to fight. That left some of the under repair transports unoccupied. It was one of those empty vehicles that the mechanical enforcer climbed into. Security in transport low. Stealing transport will draw unnecessary attention. Inefficient. Pulling up memory log of ally Tallea... Speed disk location found. Acquiring. Using its observations of Tallea’s tinkering with the Vahki transport ruins in Po-metru, the protodermis protector ripped open several access panels in the transports main engine bay before stumbling upon the tool it sought. A speed disk was in its grasp. The disk was low power, but it would do. The machine snuck out of the facility the way it came, taking a moment once back in the open air to orient its body towards Onu-metru. Taking disc in hand, the machine tapped it against its chassis. Plotting route to Onu-metru. Alignments are set. No obstacles nearby. Activating disk. Clock speeds increasing. Preparingtomovetolocation.Traveling.Jointsoverheating.Halfwaytodestination.Dodginggroundtraffic.Structuralintegrityholding.Birdsinpath.Evadingobstacles.Arrivingatdestination. The machine exited super speed shortly after arriving in Onu-metru. As it took in the sights, the leg joints on its body emitted steam as the internal cooling systems attempted to bring the temperature of its limbs back to normal. Clearly Nuparu hadn’t designed the Kralhi for speed. Around the steel sentinel, the city was burning. There were several piles of corpses, mostly matoran but with some other species present. All were charred and covered with a thick layer of ash. A large portion of the surface infrastructure was damaged on in the process of being damaged. A few matoran could be seen running for cover, with several being pursued by Mantax’s forces. One such soldier, torch in hand, was chasing after an onu-matoran frantically trying to escape. Desperation kept the civilian out of reach, but it wouldn’t last. The soldier cornered the matoran, who was left with begging for his life. “Don’t be so upset little one,” the soldier said, raising his sword. “This isn’t personal, I’m just following my directives.” As he moved to strike, a different blade burst from his chest, lifting his struggling body off the ground. “This unit is also following directives,” the machine stated from behind the soldier. Removing its blade, a second strike removed the soldier’s head before his corpse could hit the ground. The brief silence between the rescuer and rescued was interrupted by the movement of the corpse. Enemy is reanimating. Similar to dark hunter from Po-metru. Must prevent resurrection. Observation: most bodies are burned. Soldier was carrying torch, but most buildings aren’t being burned. Conclusion: burn bodies to prevent reanimation. Grabbing the fallen soldier’s torch, the machine lit his twitching body on fire. The corpse emitted a disturbing shriek before it finally stopped moving. Neither matoran nor machine spoke for a moment, wanting to be sure there would be no zombie. “…Thanks for saving me,” the matoran finally said, shaking with fear. “Citizen Onepu identified. Travel to s- Color discrepancy detected.” The orange-pakaried matoran sighed. “It’s a long story.” “Travel to safety. This unit will protect district.” As the oddly-colored matoran fled for shelter, a sudden ground tremor began. Searching for the source of the rumbling, the machine saw Arkius and Nale at the entrance to the archives. It moved to follow its allies into the archives. Allies detected. Joining up with them. Safety in numbers. More options for combat available. Current objective: Locate Barraki warlord in district. Kill warlord. “This unit will provide assistance to ally Nale and ally Arkius,” the machine stated, walking up to the pair. “Help this unit locate warlord in this metru. This unit has plan for dealing with them.”

IC Kilo-M9 - Coliseum, Parade Grounds: As the Taku sat in the middle of the parade grounds away from any commotion happening elsewhere in the city, one last entity exited the vessel. The mechanical enforcer slowly descended the entrance ramp before looking back and forth around its surroundings. There was no sign of any of its allies. No one had included it in any of their plans. No one had even said goodbye. The steel sentinel stood in silence for a few seconds staring straight ahead. Allies are making their way to Turaga Dume’s office. Disks will be turned in. Allies will become toa. Toa will protect matoran. Mission Complete. City is under attack by Barraki forces. Citizens are in danger. Matoran must be protected. New Mission: Stop the invaders. Closing entrance of Taku. Beginning patrol...

The old man and the robot Presented by Technicolor

OOC: Big shout-out to @EmperorWhenua for helping to write this jam session. IC Kilo-M9 and Stannis | Taku, crew quarters: The Wanderer did not require much time to rest, not that there was much time to begin with. His recuperation was predictable for those who knew him a little: Meditation done cross-legged on the floor, eyes wide open yet unseeing, and gently humming to himself. He had done similar things on the surface of Po-Metru when the Taku first landed, when he fabled toa explored entire canyons with just his thoughts to carry him. Here, in the steel hull of the airship, his mindfulness served to attune his soul and calm his energies. Peace, he sometimes said when asked, was key to maintaining his faith. The unit known as Kilo would have found the toa like thus, sitting on the floor in one of the small quarters afforded to the usual crew of the airship. He seemed comically large for the space that was clearly designed for only one or two matoran to bunk uncomfortably and not a taller than average toa to use for his zen meditation. Stannis may not have been seeing his eyes, but he did know the unit was approaching and stirred only slightly in response to demonstrate he was not unaware. Sufficient resting time has likely passed. Checking status of Toa Stannis. Toa Stannis appears to still be asleep. Movement detected. Toa Stannis is awake. Preparing conversational avenues. Prioritizing mission critical inquiries. Fully recharged, the steel sentinel entered Stannis's cabin. At first the machine took slow soft steps so as to not stir the possibly sleeping warrior, until the toa's movement revealed his awareness of the machine. The machines movements relaxed as it attempted to fit into the far too small room, before settling halfway through the doorway. The same blank stare as always met the toa of stone as the machine began to speak. "If sufficient rest has been obtained, this unit has questions to ask." The old toa stirred slightly more, then, and slowly beckoned the robot nearer. There was not enough room for the two of them in the cramped space, but they could settle on the floor on opposite sides of the doorway between the two spaces. "You may ask," he said, a little gruffly. And then, almost as an afterthought, he said, "But first, tell me what am I to call you." The mechanical guardian lowered itself onto the floor to mirror Stannis. Its deep pre-programmed voice stated, "Citizen Pacification Unit K1R1 Kilo-M9. Short form, Kilo. You are Toa Stannis. Multiple archives records feature your name as a participant in notable events." "Yes, so I've come to understand," Stannis said. "Most of those records are even probably true." "This unit cannot verify historical accuracy of records. Multiple allies have described positive past encounters with you. Data indicates you are trustworthy. One query remains unknown. Mission critical discussion is higher priority. “This unit was performing analysis of device described in memory crystal. Using existing data, this unit attempted to simulate the result of six great discs being used in the machine at once. Simulation was unsuccessful. Unknown results are concerning." The machine paused a moment before continuing. "Specific simulation was selected due to existing data on great discs. Great discs were hidden by Toa Mangai in recent past followed by Turaga Dume requesting them. Neither disc that this unit and allies have obtained are useful combat abilities. If great discs are to be used in device, unknown variable must exist to increase desirability. Variable is unknown." Information dump complete. Asking mission critical inquiry. "Device was described as sabotaged according to memory crystal. What is the nature of the sabotage? Does device retain partial functionality, or is device completely disabled?" The Wanderer ruminated on the matter of Kilo's odes and earnest attempts at helping a bit before responding. While it was true that Kilo was a machine, and machines are bound to their directives, this Kralhi unit was doing something Stannis had not seen before: Connecting. Connecting with its allies, its acquaintances, even with its challenges, and was displaying a sort of intelligence he had not seen in any other of Nuparu's creations. Xian technology sometimes possessed some rudimentary cognitive abilities, but even their most recent generation models were still bio away from attempts at creating diplomatic pathways. Stannis was not sure what to make it of yet, and while he held a reservation about any automaton, even ones possibly imbued with even a hint of sentience by their creator Nuparu, he did realize that Kilo was making every effort to use as much of his processing power to aid the Matoran he came with. Furthermore, Kilo recognized Stannis as a trove of knowledge, and was seeking to understand what the Wanderer knew in hopes of using that knowledge to connect dots none of the truly living beings had thought of, yet. These were sufficient reasons for him to justify indulging the robot as much as he could. "I do not know for certain," Stannis admitted finally. "But the emotions your creator imbued in the given memory were of... resentment, of fear, and of despair. It felt to me he did not want the machine to work at all, but also gave opportunity for someone like Knichou to pick up where he left off, if that were truly Fate's path. Only a skilled engineer could be able to tell that something was missing and be able to fix it. What do you think, Kilo? The same man whose memories we read made you, after all." Accessing memories of the Creator... Scanning for interpersonal behavioral patterns... Memories of the Creator do not match description from memory crystal. This units memories must be outdated. Scanning for connections. After a brief moment of silence save the gears in the machine's head spinning a bit faster, there was a response. "The Creator did not hate people," the mechanical enforcer reminisced. "This unit has no memory of him displaying malice. Quality appears consistent with memory crystal self. The Creator seemed to have made this unit and additional Kralhi with good intentions. His concerns over ethical issues of the device continue this trend. Sabotage would likely be designed to reduce harm rather than seek vengeance. Device likely completely non-functional. Do you agree with this assessment?" The Wanderer was impressed but did not show it outwardly. "I do," Stannis said. "Nuparu was not sure the device he invented was what was best for the world and wasn't able to comfort himself if it was not. To that end, he made certain if it were to actually be used it would not be because he allowed it to be. That is what I believe." Logic analysis has been completed. Question was not directly answered, but analysis of behavioral patterns has produced the most likely situation. This unit is not familiar with this type of logical thinking. Will need to add new process to ProblemSolve.exe The protodermis protector gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Recommended action regarding device is mostly an ethical question. This unit is unable to properly process complex ethical issues. Assigning numerical values is impossible. Proper comparison can only be made against primary objectives. Objectives are too broad for most situations. Will leave questions of device use to allies. Other topics remain to discuss." "Alright, then ask," Stannis said matter-of-factly, keenly aware of the passing of time. "This unit has passively observed your body language since we've met," the machine explained as if it was a normal thing to do. "When observing this unit or when conversation topic is about machines such as the device or Usurpers, subtle aggression is noted in your voice and motions. This unit wonders if you have contempt for it and if so why that is. Logic would dictate that this unit shares similarities to your role as toa, so such aggression seems odd." Stannis hesitated again, but this time it was because he felt... caught, in a sense. If Kilo was capable of reading personality well enough to feel scorned, or somewhat like that, then it was evidence of some higher programming. The Wanderer was not used to this line of thinking—he believed machines were just that, and programmed to do their duties to the letter with utter inflexibility, and for them to consider their place in society and comprehend how others treated them, and furthermore attempt to understand that rationale, was unthinkable for the old man. "You are not like me," Stannis said, however. "You were created to enforce laws of matoran without remorse. Toa are called to serve the virtues of a god. We both protect, yes, but the way we do so is starkly different. Does this make sense to you?" he said. "Your logic is sound," the machine confirmed. "This unit agrees that restraint was not part of its programming. That remains true. However, this unit was not only programmed to uphold matoran laws. Even before the Betrayal, this unit had a primary objective to protect and serve the matoran. This objective is still in place and will remain so. Upholding the law is no longer possible for this unit as you might expect, and has been purged from objectives accordingly. All that remains is survival, efficiency, and protecting matoran." The mechanical enforcer gave the toa a moment to let its words register before continuing. "Did you choose to become a toa?" "I did not," Stannis replied in a thoughtful repose. "Mata Nui chose me to take the mantle, but I only took it when it was right. Tell me, Kilo, how do you determine how to fulfill your directive? And, what do you feel when you achieve it?" The robot answered immediately, "Objectives are to be completed as efficiently as possible. Initial method is selected for safety of matoran and efficiency, as well as this unit's survival. All are important considerations; situations where primary directives conflict will result in prioritization as needed. This unit met current allies while attempting to return them to work stations. After analyzing their goal to obtain disks and become toa, this unit concluded that creating more toa to replace Toa Mangai was more effective method to keep city population safe than returning a small group of citizens to work." Additional long-term goal is needed if current objective of creating toa is no longer available. Identifying possible long term goals... "Completed objectives are properly logged in system memory. Next objective is pursued. If one is not available, unit enters patrol mode identifying objectives to complete. 3 primary directives are incompletable by design: Dangers will always threaten matoran, inefficiency will always be present, this unit will always be at risk of destruction. Progress is always being made and will continue to be. Feelings are not part of this unit's programming." "So you have been helping the matoran because... you felt their creation as toa would be the most efficient way to protect matoran?" Stannis said, sounding honestly surprised at the realization. "That's actually quite brilliant. Now, realizing you are capable of creative thought, and further that you came to speak with me out of what I assume is a curiosity for my insights—and you must tell me if that is not the case—I want to ask something more of you." The Wanderer leaned in slightly. "Would your circuitry have come to the same conclusion of helping them with all your might to become toa regardless of who the matoran were? Regardless of their pasts, skills, personalities, and traits?" The Wanderer might have seen the machine tilt its head slightly, possibly from thought. It may have been a trick of the light though. Eventually, the mishmash of voices spoke again. "During initial contact, this unit came to this conclusion after learning their objective. Only prior information was ally Atamai's job, which was deemed irrelevant in situation. Unit has no memory of why it asked their objective. Had question not been asked, unit likely would have captured them and returned to work stations. Unit was nonetheless compelled to ask them." The mechanical enforcer paused again, gears spinning faster than before. "This unit cannot answer your question," it eventually admitted. "Insufficient data is available. As your explanation assisted with this unit's query, perhaps the information this unit has provided will assist you with determining an answer." "An answer to what?" The Wanderer's own voice echoed back to him. "Would your circuitry have come to the same conclusion of helping them with all your might to become toa regardless of who the matoran were? Regardless of their pasts, skills, personalities, and traits?" The old man's head shuddered slightly from the response. On a basic level he realized the Kralhi was largely incapable of speaking its own words and cobbled sentences from things it had heard before, but even then the turn of using his own words like that was jarring. Perhaps, he realized, it was because the Kralhi valued efficiency, and regurgitating words was simply an example of that efficiency. Nuparu was a truly wondrous man... "Perhaps. And perhaps not. But if you cannot explain your actions' origin then I'm afraid will not understand it any better than you. I will say, however, that if you would help any matoran who said they wanted to become toa, then that is a dangerous synapse indeed. Destiny... takes a person's heart into account, it weighs their intentions and seeks out those who embody the Virtues. You can't cheat fate. Programming, however, I fear, you can." Another voice spoke from the speaker inside the law enforcer's cranial unit. This was one Stannis recognized, though not from someone he had directly met. Rather, the voice matched the one he had heard in the memory prism just a few minutes ago. "The people of this city probably aren't ready for what is to come," Nuparu said. His voice sounded nervous, but there was an enthusiasm that The Wanderer hadn't heard before. "Even I have some doubts this project will work, but the chance to help assist the toa, even by indirectly providing support, is too great an opportunity to pass up. The construction has been a challenge, but I've done all I can to make you and your fellow units as effective as possible." The sounds of tinkering were heard before the voice continued. "People probably aren't going to trust you at first. You're unknown to them, and your purpose while well-intentioned isn't going to win people over. With any luck though, your actions will bring people to your side. People will learn to trust you. You don't have that issue though. You can trust people from the start with no bias, no problems. And if they let you down, you can respond as needed. But please don't forget that these people, no matter what they do or how many problems they cause, are under your protection. Try to trust them, and hope they'll learn to trust you in turn." The familiar tones of the machine's voice spoke once the recording had finished playing. "This unit does not judge matoran by anything except their actions, large and small. This unit does not claim to know how to select proper toa, but all data suggests that improper candidates would be stopped before they became out of control. This unit admits it is lacking in such regards. This unit is very familiar with its imperfections." "Indeed..." Stannis said in awe. "As am I." As an embodiment of stone, the Wanderer was a hard one to impress, and even then harder still to get a reaction from, and yet this robot of all things had accomplished it. No, Stannis realized, it was not Kilo per se as it was not in the robot's ability to forge its own destiny even though it was capable of remarkable levels of thought, but Nuparu, through the wonders of his inventive brain and incredible genius well ahead of his time, had created some automaton which Stannis truly admired. To him, Kilo was an embodiment of genius, conscience, and loyalty. And he remembered again that Kilo did not have to help the matoran companions. It indeed could have simply 'returned them to work functions' and be done with it. And yet, it did not. It, whether by design or corruption of code, asked, and in turn deemed the matoran's quest worth assisting. Kilo, despite his gaffes, was obviously a worthwhile ally, and his creator's words resonated with the old toa. Perhaps, he realized, he had been wrong about Kilo's kind. Perhaps he did not have to understand how they worked to simply... rely on them. "I trust you, Kilo," was all he said. Registering Toa Stannis as "ally" "This unit also trusts you, Toa Stannis," the machine reciprocated. "One final variable remains unknown about you. Analysis indicates you are the only being on this ship that knows the answer." "...What were you delivering to the archives that brought you to Metru Nui? What is in your satchel?" The matter of Stannis' closely-guarded backpack snapped his mind from its technology-marveling trance so quickly it nearly gave him whiplash. His rucksack's contents were one of the primary reasons he came to Metru Nui, after all, and the source of much of his caution if not blatant secrecy. He hesitated, thinking of what to say and not say. Only an instant before he said he trusted Kilo, and so quickly was he coming to terms with that statement's validity. The delivery had also been why he did not surrender to the vahki, for fear of having it fall in the wrong hands, or hands that belonged to a greater network that could be compromised or controlled. But Kilo was not a vahki, nor did he have the same negative traits as the clockwork automatons Stannis observed and detested; he was not compromised and had been steadfastly loyal to his original directive, which the Wanderer also noted. And so, he chose to share what he held so dear with the protodermis guardian. "In brief, what do the stories in your databank say I do?" Pulling up archives data. Scanning for keywords Stannis, Wanderer. Results found. Comparing with accounts from allies. "Archives data contains multiple results. Accounts vary. Majority of results suggest you travel around assisting matoran with solving problems. Some accounts contain records of actions but have no listed objective. Proficiency in combat is frequently mentioned. Far older records indicate a possible team, but accuracy cannot be verified. Similarities exist to fables of wandering travelers lending aid to the downtrodden. Overall, stories of you suggest an overall enigmatic existence, with a generally positive portrayal." Stannis nodded. "It is my goal to help and protect matoran, and I know matoran can be best helped by learning from the mistakes of the past. I'm a historian, so I journal where I wander. For an example, all the fronts of the Barraki war, dossiers on their leaders, military movements, Matoran enclaves and holdouts, and escape routes both used and unused. My rucksack contains intelligence to be used in taking the fight to the Six Kings' home turf. Nobody else knows this." "Logical to keep information secret. Lower chance of leaks. Why deliver to the archives rather than to city leadership or directly to military commanders? Logic does not compute." Stannis shrugged with his open hands. "Put simply, because that's where my friends who use the information are located. The government of Metru Nui is not interested in fighting an aggressive war, and in fact has done so much to cloister the city from the coming war. I do not trust them with my information at this time." "Response indicates you might want a more aggressive approach to the war, yet information has not been sent to commanders at the front. Perhaps more selective strikes are preferred?" "In a manner of speaking, yes, Kilo. Metru Nui is not prepared for the war and I am here to see that is changed, hopefully in time to make a difference, and if not then at least information will be there when the time comes. "We haven't the time to discuss matters of military strategy or philosophies of governance," he said, feeling that they had spoken enough at that point and showing it with a blunt, but not unfriendly, tone. "Perhaps another time. For now, content yourself with the knowledge of what I safeguard and that there is a plan in motion. Did you have any further questions for me?" All conversational objectives have been completed. Further direct communication is unnecessary. Planning for coliseum arrival is needed. The mechanical enforcer shook its head. "All inquiries have been answered. Conversation has been productive. Ship will arrive at Coliseum soon. Recommend meeting with the others before arrival." The machine gave a polite nod to the toa. "Thank you for giving this unit some of your time." "Thank you for asking," Stannis said as he slowly rose from his cross-legged pose. "It was good to get to know you." The two allies headed back towards the main hold of the ship, still fundamentally different, but with a newfound understanding of one another.

IC Kilo-M9 - the Taku: From the main cargo hold, the mechanical enforcer sat alone as the others gathered in the main cockpit to experience the memory crystal. The machine would have joined the others, but its power cord only reached so far, so it instead sat and listened. New information received. Analyzing... Device appears to transfer kanoka disks powers into living organisms. Duration of powers is unknown, but memory crystal indicates permanent transfer. Design of device suggests multiple discs can be used at once. The Creator died regretting his involvement in creating this device, possibly the Usurpers as well. Queries: Why does Turaga Dume need great discs? Did Dume know specifics of great disc powers before machine was created? Did the Creator regret making this unit? Analysis: Onu-metru great disc was hidden by Toa Nidhiki. Other discs were likely hidden by other Toa Mangai. Disc was hidden at least 3 months ago. Construction by The Creator on disc power device was a little over 2 weeks ago. Timetable does not match. Unknown how long Turaga Dume knew about device. More information needed. Further analysis: Great disc powers for Onu-metru and Po-metru are unsuited for combatants. Reconstitute at random is unreliable. Weakness is risky for allies. Other great discs may be similarly unsuited for direct combat. Searching databanks for information on Kanoka... Kanoka are discs made from liquid protodermis. Discs can be forged into Kanohi of various powers. For Kanohi outside of main 8 Kanoka powers, combinations of discs are used to create an appropriate disc to be forged into a mask. Disc power device has 6 slots. No known combinations of mask powers requiring 6 discs known. Simulating hypothetical combination of 6 great discs... Working... FATAL ERROR. Citizen Pacification Unit OS Ver. 1.2 has encountered a problem and needs to restart. As the crew of the Taku rushed to tend to Arkius’s injuries, the mechanical enforcer continued standing off to the side unmoving. The sounds of clockwork gears whirring at an increasing pace let anyone observing know that the machine was hard at work. Soon enough, the whirring increased in volume and the sentinel’s cranial unit began to shake. The pattern was broken by a short popping noise, followed by the machine’s glowing eyes dimming immediately, followed by the limbs and body collapsing onto the floor. A small plume of smoke began to billow from the fallen construct’s head. A short time later, the eyes on the machine began to glow once more, and the protodermis protector slowly lifted itself off the floor. It turned to glance at Stannis. “Toa Stannis, when convenient this unit needs to speak with you.”

IC Kilo-M9 - The Taku All allies are aboard airship. Preparing to board. The mechanical enforcer walked to the ladder hanging down from the airship and grabbed onto the lower rung. The machine promptly froze in place. LadderClimb.exe not found. Unit is unable to climb ladders. Most efficient boarding method is cargo crane. A quick signal to its allies and a slow ride up into the cargo hold later, the former law enforcer entered the main hold of the Taku. Walking past everyone, the silent sentinel began searching the walls of the hold for something. Eventually the clockwork construct stopped at an energy port in the wall and began rummaging around a compartment on its side. Pulling out a crude-looking homemade adapter, the machine attached it to a power cord from its body and plugged it into the socket. Turning to the assembled group the machine announced, “All allies on board. Depart when able.” Battery charging. Charging complete in approximately 30 minutes.

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Circuitry is incompatible with telepathic powers. Context missing about Toa Stannis. Will need to ask allies about shared information. Enemy dark hunter is leaving area. Solution: do not pursue. Magnetic abilities and speed are dangerous. Toa Arkius is leaving area. Unable to provide fire support from current location. Boarding airship. The mechanical enforcer had sat out the riddle solving portion of the disk puzzle, for it knew it was not well suited for more abstract thinking. It would update its puzzle solving program later. The machine needed to find some way to pass the time. Provoking the newly risen untethered was deemed an unwise idea after the undead revealed his newly acquired magnetic abilities. Protecting the transport was deemed irrelevant, and the former law enforcement officer would not mourn the loss of usurper tech. While the group solved the puzzle and made their way into the portal to retrieve the disk, the metal guardian was attempting to help repair the last bits of superficial damage to the Taku, launching low powered regeneration disks at the underside of the ship’s hull. When the tour group returned from their portal adventures, they found their robotic ally repeatedly tossing a disk at the low-flying airship. A steady clang of metal on metal filled the air. As the group beginning with Stannis boarded the airship, the protodermis protector watched the ancient toa of stone climb up, its glowing green eyes never leaving the mysterious bag the toa was carrying. “This unit will board last. If accidents happen, this unit will protect allies,” the steel sentinel reassured its allies. Primary query remains unanswered. Will confront Toa Stannis in future. Current objective: observe closely until proper time.

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Rubble excavation at 2% Weakness disk has been retrieved. Storing in secure compartment. Reporting status to allies. The scorpion-like mech was hard at work. Bit by bit, the newly formed pit in the sand was beginning to empty. Visually it hadn’t changed at all, but the calculating construct knew approximately how much progress was being made. Progress would be made quicker with help from its allies, but they were preoccupied with conversation. On its most recent trip out of the pit, the machine passed by the group. It its arms was a block of marble larger than a toa. Servos and gears whined in protest from the abnormal weight as the robot tossed the block away. The block didn’t get far, but it was clear of the pit, which was all that mattered. The mechanical enforcer turned to its allies, removing another kanoka disk from its opposite side compartment. This disk read the number 678. “Regeneration disk is available if needed.” With its contribution to the discussion complete, the metal guardian descended down the slope to return to its work.

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Possible miscalculation. Updating specifications for level 7 weakness disks. Beginning excavation. The steel sentinel was silent as the effects of its actions occurred. It was silent still as the collapsing of stone and rumbling of flowing sand slowly came to a halt. Once all was said and done, and the results were beginning to settle in the minds of its hopefully not former allies, there was only one thing to be said. “Interior of pyramid now accessible. This unit will search for clues.” Without any hesitation, the machine descended into the ruins and began picking apart the rubble, examining the bits of marble it found for any semblance of carvings or indicators, tossing the unmarked bits out of the new dig site. If there was anything left to find, the automaton wouldn’t stop unless it found something, or a better idea presented itself. For a being unable to feel, there was only the mission.

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Analyzing newcomers. Calculating threat level. Terrain favors allies. Numbers favors allies. No high level dangers identified on newcomers. Open combat favors allies. Threat analysis complete: Negligible threat. Resuming puzzle solving. Current objective: reach central chamber in inverted pyramid. Problem: Pyramid entrance is under sand. Digging will take time. Allies suited for digging are occupied with newcomers. More efficient solution required. Using lower entrance inefficient Solution: create higher entrance. Retrieving disk 637 from storage. Alerting allies. The robotic guardian didn’t know who these newcomers were, and due to its robotic nature wasn’t able to receive information from the group’s telepathic link. Even if it had that information it wouldn’t matter to the machine, as it had a much more important goal to work towards. There had been enough talking, and with a group as large as theirs, delaying their progress for one obsessed individual was a waste of time and resources. “Allies will leave pyramid surface. This unit has possible solution,” the robotic enforcer announced to its gathered allies. While its traveling companions processed its command, the protodermis protector was already moving to the edge of the pyramid. On the way, it wiped the collected sand off a patch of the pyramid’s surface, leaving a clean section marked about halfway between the center of the surface and the edge. Having reached the sand bordering the mysterious structure, and with its allies presumably having moved out of the possible danger zone, the mechanized former police launched the disk at the marked location on the surface with calculated precision.

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Auditory signal detected. Filtering out background noise. Sound is similar to airship motor. Different sound. More like usurper transport. Hypothesis: ground vehicle. Solution: Move to puzzle location. “Unknown vehicle approaching,” the robotic enforcer announced. “Recommend traveling to puzzle area.” So saying, the scorpion-like machine walked back across the sand to the group’s transport. Knowing that their mechanical companion wasn’t going to deviate from its course, Atamai and Jutori, possibly also accompanied by Tallea and Jabali, boarded their commandeered vehicle once more and drove to the newly revealed puzzle location. Vashni followed on her hover-bike. OOC: @Silvan Haven@Darth Jaller With permission from the others, I'm bunnying the group over to the puzzle site. If you wish for your characters to stay behind or walk to the site, feel free to post about it, or otherwise feel free to post about moving to the new location.

IC Kilo-M9 - -Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Cipher analysis complete. Checking translations for likely solution. Best possible answer: ‘Power can only reach so far. Dig its grave where it ends’. Checking possible meanings. Dig and grave suggests disk is buried. Statue of Dume is reaching. Analysis: disk is likely buried nearby. Comparing to solution proposed by Matoran Aurax. Searching caves: inefficient. Digging nearby first is most efficient plan. No signs of digging nearby. Crew of Infernavika have not attempted digging yet. This unit will propose more efficient solution. Running Diplomacy.exe The machine looked up from its work, having translated the cipher with Arkius’s help. “Power can only reach so far. Dig its grave when it ends,” it stated loud enough for the assembled group to hear. “Great disk likely buried nearby. Solution proposed by Aurax does not match clue. If disk was in a cave, dig-ing would not be required. Clue suggested by Aurax does not match clue” The protodermis protector slowly rotated its head around to look directly at ‘Aurax’ before rotating the rest of its body to face towards the matoran, the blank stare never wavering. Its next word was the same monotone as all of its communications, but ‘Aurax’ could still feel the accusation in its voice. “Explain.”

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Conversation response required. Pausing cipher translation. Saving partial results. Creating dialogue. Searching for responses tagged ‘terse’ and ‘polite’. The former cop didn’t look up from its work before responding. “Cipher detected. This unit will de-crypt. Communication will resume when complete.” Resuming cipher translation. Likely encryption methods analyzed: 36%

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru Sculpture Fields: Unit momentum has stopped. Deactivating sleep mode. Restoring normal system functionality. Engaging OS wake-up boot. Citizen Pacification Unit OS Ver. 1.2 unit designation K1R1 Kilo-M9. Wake-up boot complete. Exiting Usurper transport. Anomaly detected: Unknown atmospheric changes. Analysis: Anomaly is not immediately harmful. No action required. Unknown Po-Matoran detected among group. Analysis: Matoran appears angry, but is otherwise non-hostile. No actions required. Unknown group of beings detected. Analysis: Group is not immediately hostile. Unknown group has made progress on puzzle. Comparing results before leaving initial puzzle location recommended. Running Diplomacy.exe and ProblemSolve.exe V1.1 System memory unable to run Diplomacy.exe and PuzzleSolve.exe V1.1 simultaneously. Upgrade to memory capacity required. Solution: diplomacy can be conducted by allies. Unit will work on puzzle. Running ProblemSolve.exe V1.1 Before the eyes of the Taku crew and Jabali, the scorpion-like form of a Kralhi crawled out of the back of the vahki transport. It proceeded to stare at the unusual sky for a moment, before turning to stare at Jabali a moment, then turned to stare at the Taku crew for a moment. The weird staring completed, the technological team-player stopped in place completely. As the brief pause reached the point where the collected beings were starting to wonder whether the machine had broken down, the metal enforcer immediately started moving, proceeding past everyone and their conversations to go stare at the cipher on the statue. Cipher detected. Unknown encryption. Searching for clues. Symbol for Po-metru detected. Analyzing. Analysis: the number 3 might be involved. Decoding cipher using all permutations involving the number 3...

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-metru, chute station: Records on Po-metru in memory banks are limited. Unable to narrow down search area. More data is required. Conversation detected. Voice does not match records. Combat and pursuit abilities not suited for current situation. Recommended action: remain hidden in rear compartment of transport. In the back of the group’s transport, the metal guardian was still. The only sound it made was the soft whir of gears in its cerebral processing unit, but even that constant sound was more muted than normal. It drowned out entirely by the rumble of the motors in the tour group’s new vehicle. Looking at this motionless pile of parts, one couldn’t help but wonder: do robots dream of clockwork mahi?

IC Kilo-M9 - Onu-metru Archives, sublevel 12: Updating contacts entries for Vashni, Tallea, and Jutori. Calculating nearest likely location for additional great disks: Po-metru is best destination. Transportation likely to encounter difficulties. Chute travel fastest method and most inconspicuous. Stealth needed to reach chute station undetected. Disguise recommended. Calculating likely locations of tarps... “...Citizen Pacification Unit K1R1 Kilo-M9,” the mechanical guardian responded. “Short form, Kilo.” There was little chance of encountering others of its kind, so the specific identifying numbers were unnecessary. “Po-metru is most efficient destination.” Observing the disk in the bubble to ensure it was completely deactivated, the clockwork cop dispersed the energy bubble containing the disk. The sudden resuming of gravity on the disk brought it back down into its waiting hand. The former law enforcer immediately deposited the disk into Vashni’s hands. “Vashni already toa,” the machine explained. “Least reason to betray group.” It continued. “Stealth required to get to chute station without Usurper attention. Elevator quickest method to reach surface. Recommend leav-ing immediately.”

IC Kilo-M9 - Onu-metru archives, sublevel 12: “Mission complete.” The Kralhi turned to it’s new companions. “Allies will Identify them-selves.” It wasn’t a command, but rather the closest thing to a friendly introduction they were going to get from the machine.

IC Kilo-M9 - Onu-metru Archives, sublevel 12: Running ProblemSolve.exe V1.0 Problem = disk is stuck to entity. Entity can be touched != true; Compiling available resources... Initial solution found: [Ally] psionics toa uses mask of mutation to transform entity into phase dragon--> throw rocks at phase dragon until dragon phases--> drops disk--> mission success. Solution is overcomplicated. Too many steps. Inefficient. Potential minor ethical issues. New solution needed. [Ally] Atamai has proposed solution: Insert entity into stasis tube--> separate disk from entity--> mission success. Proceeding with proposed solution. Obtaining stasis tube. Stasis tube is empty. Rerouting remaining drained energy to lifting motors. Moving into position. While the tour group discussed possible ideas, their robotic companion was putting Atamai’s initial plan into action. Locating one of the many empty stasis tubes, the ebony enforcer hefted the containment device using what remained of Vashni’s drained energy. When the protodermis protector was in position to encapsulate the entity, discussion turned to just trapping it in an energy bubble. New solution proposed: encase is energy bubble--> disk separates from entity--> mission success. Solution is efficient. The silent sentinel carefully lowered the stasis tube to the ground with the same robotic motion it had lifted the cylinder with. There was no disappointment that its efforts were in vain. There was only cold efficiency. That efficiency was immediately on display, as while the partially green guardian was removing panels on the tube to get at the freeze disk inside, its tail was firing a bolt at the disk-carrying entity. Energy bubble bolt has been launched. Observing effects. If(energy bubble separates disk from entity){ Mission success.} Else{ Deactivate bubble. Launch freeze disk at entity.} OOC: If the kralhi bubble doesn't get us the disk, Kilo is throwing a freeze disk at the entity as an immediate follow-up action.

IC Kilo-M9 - Onu-metru Archives, sublevel 12: Securing allies for transport. Moving to lower sublevel to rendezvous with additional allies. Wrapping its tail around Atamai to secure the matoran to its back and gripping Vashni tight in its arms, the metal guardian leapt off the edge of the pit. A year of experience guided its movements as it jumped from wall to lower wall, transferring from climbing to letting gravity pull it down along the earthy surface in a perfect recitation of prepared movements. The trip was brief, but despite the overall speed the robot and its charges arrived at sublevel 12 completely intact. Analyzing surroundings. Exo-suit matoran and ba-matoran are present. Registering citizen Ba-matoran as “ally”. Registering citizen exo-suit matoran as “ally”. Unknown entity detected. Observing hostile intent. Cross-referencing with archives exhibit records... No match detected. No data on target in memory banks. New sub-objectives: assist allies against new threat. Obtain additional data on target. Entering combat mode. Testing limits on target. While Atami climbed off its back, the scorpion-like machine carefully placed Vashni back on her feet next to Jutori. She could lean on him if she was still worn out from the energy drain. The protective automaton turned to its new-found allies and announced “This unit will help,” before marching towards the battle that Tallea was engaged with, red eyes aglow. Taking care not to hit its new companion, the machine fired two energy bubble bolts at the black mass in order to gauge its reactions.