The God Conscience (Bartholomew Silva)

[BackworldTraveller]

Well, that was inconclusive - an AI in need of a story! I'm sorry that Data Stream only sees Humans and Corrupt and Selfish. I'm sure that there's a quote from way back about Logs, Eyes and Motes. Do you know the parable of the Good Journalist?

I hope I didn't say anything committing us to something I'll later regret. I'm not surprised at the suggestion that this is a clash of two organisations that differ by degree rather than by kind. I hope that Data Stream doesn't muddy those waters too much. I could just see the argument. No one would come out looking good.

Well - On to the next interview. One of these may yet turn out to be a Gem.

[Grognardsw]

“Data Stream did confirm suspicions and offer access to his sources,” said Cyxeria. “I can facilitate interviews with off-world sources by our other investigators to most efficiently collate information.”

“No, I have not heard the parable of the good journalist,” replied Cyxeria. ”Is it like the parable of the good lawyer?”

"Do you think it would be helpful to experience some of these Shifts to gain insights on what we are dealing with? I have seen them all, but lacking emotion I do not experience them as humans do."

"We should infiltrating the Communion of the Enlightened or the Xathos Epiphany."

I’m assuming you answered Data Stream’s questions, in some circular or ambiguous way.

[BackworldTraveller]

You seem intent on spy-stuff. This is, for the moment an information gathering exercise. You may be correct - but let's first find what we can without committing ourselves to something potentially fatal. They aren't going away before the end of the week.

If you were to experience a few human-centric shifts, could you look at them as an interesting issue in data manipulation or would they affect your circuitry directly? A scan of the data stream would be useful looking for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs put in by the developer/editor.

Do you mean: I asked my good lawyer "How much to ask you three questions?" "$300" he replied - "what are the other two?"

[Grognardsw]

Cyxeria nodded. "Yes, the interviews need to be completed before taking action then."

"I have viewed many Shifts. Like Data Stream mentioned, I too found they did not contain any emotional or transcendental elements due to my AI nature. That is why I recommend you view some. Looking at them from a data manipulation perspective, I am on the wrong side of the screen so to speak. Accessing the programming at the source, at the Creator code and manufacturer facilities, would enable me to perform that level of analysis for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs."

"Infitrating such a facility, or hacking their systems, or questioning a Creator, coder, developer/editor, could be a means of achieving this access."

At the lawyer joke, Cyxeria smiled a fake smile to the Shepherd's eyes. Could she ever smile sincerely?

"I am still working on humor. Self-deprecation, or is it self-loathing, is a human trait among certain professions?"



The Know screen floated above the table as the synthezoid updated her notes with the information gained from Data Stream X-12.64.8. "I will inquire about the sources he offered to share."

"Our next interview is in a few hours, with Sybil Xerian at 2:00. You may recall the TechMinds author wrote 'Shifting Realities: Religions' Claims of Miracles Convert Nonbelievers.'"

Cyxeria accessed the notes from Bartholomew's brief Know interview with her yesterday.

Sybil Xerian, writer for the TechMinds stream and author of the "Shifting Realities: Religions' Claims of Miracles Convert Nonbelievers" article, answered her Know. Bartholomew's persuasiveness, born of natural skill, years of theological debate and occasional sermons, smoothed her initial reticence. His connection to the Syncretic Ascendency helped too. She seemed willing to talk, but asked as many questions as the Shepherd did.

"Yes, many of the churches I spoke to found the Shifts helpful," she answered. "It is hard for them to police the nature of the message. Some do say there is a monopoly, others don't. Translation is important. Language is a barrier, but the emotions still come through. I don't know if I believe. Some are corrupt probably."

Sybil countered answers with questions. "What is the Syncretic Ascendency's position on Shifts? Do you intend on creating and distributing your own official Shifts? Do you feel threatened by the uptick in religious friction among the worlds of the Plurality? How do you spell your last name?"

Cyxeria waved to another screen, pulling up the list of questions for the next interview.

1. "Why the investigation?"
2. "Are you interested in the issue or the story about the issue?"
3. "What are the specific concerns that you have that you couldn't publish?"
4. "What evidence do you have?"
5. "What pressure have the Kults subsequently applied?"
6. "Would you be able to contact your sources and ask if they would talk to me? Could you provide and introduction should they say yes?"
7. "What do you make of the journalistic competition?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Hmmm - With the idea of trying shifts, I feel that I am being asked to check which mushrooms are poisonous by carefully tasting each.

The coding industry is quite small - and who is who is something that the industry head-hunters keep tabs on...Cyxeria, could you see if you can find one and lets get some idea of the number of creators out there. If we are looking at a field of 20 that's doable. If 2000 then less so.

Do you know the answer to this question - So what do you call an AI with a sense of humour?

Well - I've got a bit of time. Lets read a chapter or two of 'Shifting Realities: Religions' Claims of Miracles Convert Nonbelievers.' I wonder what is hidden between the lines.

and with that Bartholomew settles down with a good book until the know reminds him to prepare to leave.

[Grognardsw]

As Bartholomew and Cyxeria discussed the investigation prior to their second journalist interview, the synthezoid shifted her appearance back to her “normal” self. Her nano-gel surface eddied and rippled before the Shepherd’s eyes.



“I wouldn’t qualify the Shifts as dangerous to someone of your mental discipline and beliefs,” said Cyxeria. “Indeed, to the vast majority of the public they are not harmful. It is the religious minded, spiritually lost or yearning, or mentally defective to whom they most appeal.”



Cyxeria swept to a different screen in her Know. “I will initiate an industry analysis of Shift programmers. The coding is actually quite basic - the packaging of Creator content, that is the memory or recorded experience. The sophisticated coding would be in creating fictitious experiences or in manipulating true content with subliminal or subconscious messaging.”

“Another approach on the coding side is to procure code from one of the big manufacturers, to see what manner of illegal coding or techniques are being used.”

“No, I have not heard that,” said Cyxeria about Bartholomew’s joke. “What do you call an AI with a sense of humor?”

“Humor is still a weakness for AI, given the context, situational premise and ideas that make a joke or situation funny,” said Cyxeria. “We are however very conversant in puns.”

The synthezoid paused.

“Balloons do not like pop music!” Cyxeria said with excitement. She laughed a genuine and wonderfully-sounding human laugh. “I have several sociologically researched best-in-class laughs in my programing.”

“I would certainly do a deep data dive on humor before attempting undercover activity, as that would be an obvious tell.”

“To recap current investigative research:

1. Upcoming journalist interviews
2. Coder research and possible interview
3. Follow financial paths to big backers or institutions
4. Inquire with sources provided by Data Stream X-12.64.8.
5. Monitor legal cases for suits brought against kults by former members
6. Monitor for academic papers on kults
7. Monitor for nonprofit financial filings or nonprofit association reports that may list Board members”

Cyxeria moved to another screen.

“Investigatory actions:

1. The Shepherd views Shifts in question for insights and better understanding of what people are experiencing
2. Infiltrate kults (Communion of the Enlightened or the Xathos Epiphany)
under-cover for deep data gathering and first-hand perspective
3. Infiltrate commune where Journalist Jyn Wan-Soxyon joined Communion of the
Enlightened
4. Consider procuring code from one of the big manufacturers, to see what manner of illegal coding or techniques are being used.”

“Is there anything I missed?” Cyxeria asked.

[BackworldTraveller]

Bartholomew agrees that the summary is accurate, but This seems incomplete. Technical studies can be undertaken - I'm sure the Church has people who are far more technical than I. Perhaps we could see if the results of that investigation could be made available to us.

Plenty of people have tried shifts. Adding another sucker to the mix won't achieve any specific new insight that the wider tests haven't found. The point, I think, is that some specific shifts are doing some (unspecified) harm that results in their users then throwing their life away. By implication, if this is effective then doing that harm to me is counterproductive and if ineffective that we wouldn't see it. It would be stupid to assume that my own faith and character are somehow superior to that of the previous victims and thus I am immune. The best way to study a deadly plague is not to infect yourself (or at least not until a vaccine is available). At the moment we don't actually know the dangerous element and only suspect the vector.

The strengths of the church are its reach. Amongst its membership will be families and friends of victims. And this may be where you come in Cyxeria. What data is available about reports of members contacts that have fallen for these Kults? A statistical analysis could be a useful tool for bargaining with these vulture-journalists. They won't have access to the church's raw data sets. What can we find from our own resources?



And our strengths are our people...do any of our congregations include coders with a troubled conscience? Again, an enquiry through the Hierarchy might give us leads not available to outside agencies.

So - to the next interview. 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration. Now that would make a boring statistical graphic!

[Grognardsw]

I've been reading a very interesting section in The Visual Guide to Science Fiction, by Brian Ash,

about religion and science fiction. Here is the intro to the section by Philip Jose Farmer.

I'll share some more as we proceed.

This adventure reminds me of Call of Cthulhu investigations in the arc it is taking. Though the research aspect moves much more quickly given Cyxeria. Eventually the investigators get out there to sites.

[Grognardsw]

Cyxeria considered Bartholomew's words.

"I think perception and training of the viewer can make a difference in the viewing of a Shift," said the synthezoid. "To use an investigative analogy of Old Terra, it is the difference between Sherlock Holmes viewing a crime scene and a common man doing so."

"We had Syncretic members of the investigation view the Shifts in question. The "harm" is not overt or tangible (barring subliminal or other neural tricks, yet to be discovered), but rather inspirational. Much like how motivational speakers, books, preachers or other media can inspire and influence one person quite strongly but others not at all. Those who are moved have a certain psychological make-up, or belief system, that make them want to take the next step and contact the kult producing the Shift. None of the Syncretic brothers who viewed the Shifts had their minds influenced, but they could appreciate how others might be so moved."

Cyxeria accessed Syncretic Order data records on another Know screen.

"The data set strength of the Syncretic Order is, like other established religions, not as deep as people think. The majority of our members do not provide personal information. Volunteers and financial donors are the majority of people in our data set. That said, we have started to track reports and complaints about kults from our members."

"Among four planets, we have 200 reports at the moment of direct or extended family members or friends who have been under kult influence. Such numbers do not make a strong statistical analysis, but are informative nonetheless. The most common report is requests for information about a kult because someone has been interested in it, gone to a information session/mass/gathering, or outright joined one. Of the 200, approximately 80% report the person continued down the path with the kult. The other 20% felt it was not a fit for various reasons. We have interviewed many of these 20% and their knowledge of the kults was rudimentary. To be expected of prospects and novices."

"Do any of our congregations include coders with a troubled conscience?" asked Bartholomew. "An enquiry through the Hierarchy might give us leads not available to outside agencies."

"I will run an data query on Syncretic Order coders who may be able to assist," said Cyxeria.

As The Shepherd and Cyxeria walked to the Jump Booth station to make their way to the next journalist appointment, Cyxeria said: "By the way. You never told me. What do you call an AI with a sense of humor?”

[BackworldTraveller]

To answer the question....Cyxeria?

OK - Lets get the party started! Next interview.

[Grognardsw]

Bartholomew and Cyxeria took a Jump Booth to Sector 9 in the western quadrant of Zibylon, the expansive megacity covering several hundred miles.

"You spoke earlier of the The Dream Palace of Aran-Tur, where started your investigation," said Cyxeria. "We had intelligence that they traded in kult Shifts of interest. Did anything learned their coincide with our intelligence?"



TechMinds was on the 162nd floor of the nicknamed Purple Shroom building. As they floated up the anti-grav tube, the Shepherd filled in Cyxeria on his initial Know conversation with Sybil a few days ago...

“Sybil Xerian, writer for the TechMinds stream and author of the "Shifting Realities: Religions' Claims of Miracles Convert Nonbelievers" article, answered her Know. Bartholomew's persuasiveness, born of natural skill, years of theological debate and occasional sermons, smoothed her initial reticence. His connection to the Syncretic Ascendency helped too. She seemed willing to talk, but asked as many questions as the Shepherd did.

"Yes, many of the churches I spoke to found the Shifts helpful," she answered. "It is hard for them to police the nature of the message. Some do say there is a monopoly, others don't. Translation is important. Language is a barrier, but the emotions still come through. I don't know if I believe. Some are corrupt probably."

Sybil countered answers with questions. "What is the Syncretic Ascendency's position on Shifts? Do you intend on creating and distributing your own official Shifts? Do you feel threatened by the uptick in religious friction among the worlds of the Plurality? How do you spell your last name?"

Sybil Xerian greeted them with a half-smile.


"Greeting. Come sit. Would you like a drink?" Sybil said as introductions where made. "The Syncretic Ascendency must be serious about Shifts to follow up on our Know converstation." She clicked on a recorder.

Bartholomew and Cyxeria ran through the questions they had devised that morning.

1. "Why the investigation?"

"Shifts are a hot topic touching technology and culture, the nexus of TechMind readers. Why your investigation?"

2. "Are you interested in the issue or the story about the issue?"

"I view them as one and the same, since the issue is the topic of the story. Do I have a personal interest in Shifts? Not in the religious sense. They are memories and experiences offered for sale. It is the closest we can get to mind-to-mind communication, and a step toward what could one day be a common mind or consiousness. What is your interest."

Sybil's beliefs sounded almost religious to Bartholomew.

3. "What are the specific concerns that you have that you couldn't publish?"

"Suspicions of fictitious content marketed as real. Allegations of monopolies about producers. While content creation is egalitarian, the tech, packaging and distribution is among several conglomerates. What are your concerns?"

4. "What evidence do you have?"

"For the first, suspiciouns and hearsay. It's hard to prove unless you're on the inside. For the second, it's obvious but the various planetary business practices and laws make it hard to combat."

5. "What pressure have the Kults subsequently applied?"

"That didn't come up in my story."

6. "Would you be able to contact your sources and ask if they would talk to me? Could you provide and introduction should they say yes?"

"Perhaps, in return for more forthcoming information about the Syncretic Order's interest and angle on this. What do you say?"

7. "What do you make of the journalistic competition?"

"We all have our niche. They vary like anything. Our content is just the veneer on top of data analytics and marketing."

[BackworldTraveller]

Bartholomew and Cyxeria ran through the questions they had devised that morning.

1. "Why the investigation?"

"Shifts are a hot topic touching technology and culture, the nexus of TechMind readers. Why your investigation?"

Bartholomew bears in mind that anything uttered might be quoted publicly later
I am investigating because people I know have asked me to investigate. Their loved ones have become involved in the Kults and they fear for their safety.

2. "Are you interested in the issue or the story about the issue?"

"I view them as one and the same, since the issue is the topic of the story. Do I have a personal interest in Shifts? Not in the religious sense. They are memories and experiences offered for sale. It is the closest we can get to mind-to-mind communication, and a step toward what could one day be a common mind or consciousness. What is your interest."

Sybil's beliefs sounded almost religious to Bartholomew.

Broadcast telepathy is an interesting concept - and as good a description of this technology. Like many technologies, the rush to use what is new may overwhelm the understanding of how to use it sensibly. Humans have the most amazing ability to underestimate potential harms in new communications technologies combined with ancient impulses. Newspapers brought Revolutions, When Radio was invented, Fascism arose. With TV, McCarthyism. With Shifts, Kults? And if not Kults then what.

3. "What are the specific concerns that you have that you couldn't publish?"

"Suspicions of fictitious content marketed as real. Allegations of monopolies about producers. While content creation is egalitarian, the tech, packaging and distribution is among several conglomerates. What are your concerns?"

If there is a monopoly, then there are deliberate plans to obscure this fact. That would be dangerous and imply a mastermind behind all of this - and incredible reach. But a cartel is possible - and that has its own dangers. Content creation can be as egalitarian as you like if access to the content is controlled.

and thinking for a moment

And egalitarian doesn't necessarily mean good. Sometimes a new, anonymous channel results in a race to the bottom of the morals barrel. The social pressures that operate in public don't operate as well in anonymity.

4. "What evidence do you have?"

"For the first, suspicions and hearsay. It's hard to prove unless you're on the inside. For the second, it's obvious but the various planetary business practices and laws make it hard to combat."

You are not wrong

5. "What pressure have the Kults subsequently applied?"

"That didn't come up in my story."

It may not have come up, but I'm not convinced the Kults have not applied influence. Can you say that this investigation has not changed your life?

6. "Would you be able to contact your sources and ask if they would talk to me? Could you provide and introduction should they say yes?"

"Perhaps, in return for more forthcoming information about the Syncretic Order's interest and angle on this. What do you say?"

At present, the order is gathering information. The juggernaut may change course slowly, but it can eventually turn. But which way? What I seek is the information that is needed to act as a map.

7. "What do you make of the journalistic competition?"

"We all have our niche. They vary like anything. Our content is just the veneer on top of data analytics and marketing."

My curiosity is aroused. What is your take on their individual motivations? Whose Marketing do you favour?

[Grognardsw]

More to come.

[Grognardsw]

"Broadcast telepathy is an interesting concept - and as good a description of this technology," commented Bartholomew. "Like many technologies, the rush to use what is new may overwhelm the understanding of how to use it sensibly."

"I agree," said Sybil.


"Can you say that this investigation has not changed your life?" asked the Shepherd.

"Frankly, no," Sybil answered. "The subject bears more investigation, but TechMinds is not traditionally an investigative outlet that would dog a subject. Perhaps if I dug further or somehow tried to go undercover I would have been more personally impacted."

When asked about sharing sources, Sybil reluctantly agreed. "Here are a few people who I spoke to who converted after Shift viewing, but to more established Church not the kults." She handed Bartholomew some names with Know ID addresses. If you can give me more insights, I can maybe share more."

"What is my take on competitors motivations?" answered Sybil. "I think the media landscape reflects the diversity of interests and races we have here in Zibylon and more broadly in the Plurality. There is something for everyone. In terms of whose marketing I favor, most all our cut from the same circuits. It depends on what interests you and how that outlet markets to and for you. The more sophisticated operations are no surprise, the inter-galaxy combines like Teslazon, DyzneyX Consolidated, and Atreides Affiliated."

After the interview, on the way down the grav-chute, Cyxeria asked her question again. "You spoke earlier of the The Dream Palace of Aran-Tur, where started your investigation. We had intelligence that they traded in kult Shifts of interest. Did anything you learn their coincide with our intelligence?"

Cyxeria access her schedule. "Our next interivew is tomorrow at 11:00, with Pon Tifex of the Voice of the People. You had noted they seemed paranoid."

Bartholomew recalled his short conversation with Pon a few days ago.

Pon Tifex, reporter for Voice of the People, author of "Credits and Souls: How Shifts are Big Business for Religions; Jump Start Kults," seemed willing to talk after being convinced that Silva really was part of the Syncretic Ascendency. "We can't talk on the Know, it may be tapped," they said worriedly. "I'll need verification of your identity if we meet." They seemed a bit paranoid.

Besides Pon Tifex, that left only Jyn Wan-Soyxn of Galaxies Magazine, who joined a commune with the Communion of the Enlightened. His partner hadn’t seen Jyn in three weeks.


From the data files of Cyxeria:

- Planets of interest are Pzion, Zysiprica, Xadrahc, and Pzataria. The top three kults suspected of illegal activity are the Communion of the Enlightened (based on Zysiprica), the Xathos Epiphany (based on Pzataria), and the Revelation of Truth (based on Xadrahc.) Each have branches on several planets of the Plurality. All have churches or temples here on Pzion."

- Belief structure of kults of interest: viewtopic.php?p=542623#p542623

- Current investigative research:

1. Upcoming journalist interviews
2. Coder research and possible interview
3. Follow financial paths to big backers or institutions
4. Inquire with sources provided by Data Stream X-12.64.8.
5. Monitor legal cases for suits brought against kults by former members
6. Monitor police records for complaints that did not progress court cases
7. Monitor for academic papers on kults
8. Monitor for nonprofit financial filings or nonprofit association reports that may list Board members
9. Monitor for any known gov lobbying representations by them for or against particular legislation

- Investigatory actions:

1. The Shepherd views Shifts in question for insights and better understanding of what people are experiencing
2. Infiltrate kults (Communion of the Enlightened or the Xathos Epiphany) under-cover for deep data gathering and first-hand perspective
3. Infiltrate commune where Journalist Jyn Wan-Soxyon joined Communion of the Enlightened
4. Consider procuring (stealing) code from one of the big manufacturers, to see what manner of illegal coding or techniques are being used (perform that level of analysis for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs.)

- Media Interview Questions

Why the investigation?
Are you interested in the issue or the story about the issue?
What are the specific concerns that you have that you couldn't publish?
What evidence do you have?
What pressure have the Kults subsequently applied?
Would you be able to contact your sources and ask if they would talk to me? Could you provide and introduction should they say yes?
What do you make of the journalistic competition?
What would you liked to include in the article that you couldn’t due to lack of evidence, even if you and sources suspected it to be true?
‘Have you experienced religious Shifts and if so what did you think of them?

[BackworldTraveller]

Cyxeria access her schedule. "Our next interivew is tomorrow at 11:00, with Pon Tifex of the Voice of the People. You had noted they seemed paranoid."

Bartholomew recalled his short conversation with Pon a few days ago.

Pon Tifex, reporter for Voice of the People, author of "Credits and Souls: How Shifts are Big Business for Religions; Jump Start Kults," seemed willing to talk after being convinced that Silva really was part of the Syncretic Ascendency. "We can't talk on the Know, it may be tapped," they said worriedly. "I'll need verification of your identity if we meet." They seemed a bit paranoid.

Besides Pon Tifex, that left only Jyn Wan-Soyxn of Galaxies Magazine, who joined a commune with the Communion of the Enlightened. His partner hadn’t seen Jyn in three weeks.

Given the paranoia some of our contacts are exhibiting, you may wish to take care tonight. If our asking around has hit any nerves, the less sophisticated may try to apply pressure by thuggish means. (it may take longer to arrange than tonight though.) I don't want you hurt.

The missing 'Jyn' - I think I'll head to the Regulators of this planet and see if they have a report on Jyn as missing.

[Grognardsw]

"I will be careful," replied Cyxeria as it and Bartholomew stepped off the grav-chute and exited the massive building. "And you too."

"I take it then that your investigations at The Dream Palace of Aran-Tur, where the Order suspected trade in kult Shifts, did not yield any corroborating intelligence to our own."

"I am staying at the Order's church on 714 Sanctuary Way. You have my Know information. I will be at your apartment tomorrow at 9:00 am. Don't hesitate to contact me prior if you gain any new information or thoughts."

Bartholomew and the synthezoid parted for the day. The Shepherd took a Jump Booth to Sector 12, south down the coast, to the neighborhood where Jyn Wan-Soyxn had lived with his partner Saiwan Mosimo.



Bartholomew found Sector 12 a more relaxing section of Zibylon, being on the coast and having more green than the rest of the dense city.

The Shepherd checked his Know notes about Jyn's disappearance...

Cyxeria contacted Galaxies Magazine and learned that Jyn Wan-Soyxn had recently taken a leave of absence. Hence his lack of response. Cyxeria accessed the reporter’s residential address and co-owner listed on the publicly available purchase deed. She contacted this Saiwan Mosimo at his place of employment (a design firm) and learned that Wan-Soyxn had got up and joined a commune with the Communion of the Enlightened. Saiwan hadn’t seen Jyn in three weeks. Saiwan was surprised and disappointed at his partner’s desertion, particularly in light of the tone of his article.

In the local Regulator's office, the officer looked up from his Know.

"Good afternoon sir, how can I help you?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Good afternoon. I am concerned for one of my parishioners and understand that a report that he's missing has been filed. I was hoping I might be able to bring some hope to his partner. Are you able to help me in this mission?

He smiles at the regulator with his most sympathetic smile. Noting the jewellery worn by the regulator...

Are you, by any chance a believer?

[Grognardsw]

The Regulator nodded. "Yes, I'm a believer."

That, and Bartholomew's words and ID-validated Syncretic Order position, persuaded the Regulator to help despite confidentiality practices.

"Jyn Wan-Soyxn you say?" He looked up the file.

"Yes, a report was taken from his partner Saiwan Mosimo. Mr. Wan-Soyxn left job and home to join a commune with the Communion of the Enlightened. Unfortunately, given he did so of his own free will there is no criminal case. Mr. Mosimo talked with Mr. Wan-Soxyn via Know and Mr. Wan-Soxyn appeared to be of sound mind, even if one disagrees with his judgment. We have the address of the commune."

The Shepherd received a Know-mail from the Syncretic Order. It read: "Have been informed of security concerns as part of your ongoing investigation. Advise you take precautions - the Order armory is open for your perusal."

Bartholomew knew that there was a wide variety of discrete weapons, defensive devises such as force belts, and other useful gadgets for the possible places the investigation may bring him.

Feel free to equip yourself from the weapon/equipment lists on p. A29-30 of the Gamma World 2e rules. As these are post-apocolyptic lists, there may be other high tech equipment in other science fiction rulesets that you can also choose from. I'll convert to GW rules.

[BackworldTraveller]

Thank you.

Have there been any other reports related to the order? I'm concerned that the definition of "own free will" is being subjected to extra-legal practices - and a pattern of complaints might be able to show that. "One swallow doth not a summer make". but combine with enough companions and one eventually has to draw the conclusion that summer has arrived.

[Grognardsw]

The Regulator perused his records while commenting, "Aren't swallows extinct? But I get your point."

Bartholomew realized that the official is searching his precinct records, while Cyxeria is running a planet-wide search. That and her various other data searches should yield results by tomorrow.

"Unfortunately I only have four reports over the last year related to religions. Two were allegations of sexual harrasment, one was a property dispute, and one was a mother claiming her son was being held against his will by a kult. But after talking to the man, he agreed it was his choice."

"The tricky thing is that if someone you know goes off and willingly joins a kult - like Saiwan Mosimo's partner did - and you know he does, and you discuss it with him to try to convince him not to, and it doesn't work, in the end you don't typically call the Regulators. Saiwan Mosimo reporting his partner's case was an exception. I think he was at his wit's end and was seeking advice. Now if it's a clear against-your-will kidnapping, that's a different story."

From the data files of Cyxeria:

- Planets of interest are Pzion, Zysiprica, Xadrahc, and Pzataria. The top three kults suspected of illegal activity are the Communion of the Enlightened (based on Zysiprica), the Xathos Epiphany (based on Pzataria), and the Revelation of Truth (based on Xadrahc.) Each have branches on several planets of the Plurality. All have churches or temples here on Pzion."

- Belief structure of kults of interest: viewtopic.php?p=542623#p542623

- Current investigative research:

1. Upcoming journalist interviews
2. Coder research and possible interview
3. Follow financial paths to big backers or institutions
4. Inquire with sources provided by Data Stream X-12.64.8.
5. Monitor legal cases for suits brought against kults by former members
6. Monitor police records for complaints that did not progress court cases
7. Monitor for academic papers on kults
8. Monitor for nonprofit financial filings or nonprofit association reports that may list Board members
9. Monitor for any known gov lobbying representations by them for or against particular legislation

- Investigatory actions:

1. The Shepherd views Shifts in question for insights and better understanding of what people are experiencing
2. Infiltrate kults (Communion of the Enlightened or the Xathos Epiphany) under-cover for deep data gathering and first-hand perspective
3. Infiltrate commune where Journalist Jyn Wan-Soxyon joined Communion of the Enlightened
4. Consider procuring (stealing) code from one of the big manufacturers, to see what manner of illegal coding or techniques are being used (perform that level of analysis for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs.)

- Media Interview Questions

Why the investigation?
Are you interested in the issue or the story about the issue?
What are the specific concerns that you have that you couldn't publish?
What evidence do you have?
What pressure have the Kults subsequently applied?
Would you be able to contact your sources and ask if they would talk to me? Could you provide and introduction should they say yes?
What do you make of the journalistic competition?
What would you liked to include in the article that you couldn’t due to lack of evidence, even if you and sources suspected it to be true?
‘Have you experienced religious Shifts and if so what did you think of them?