Bartholomew gave his full name. The screen went black while Gerald was hopefully looking up the Shepherd.
A minute passed and the door buzzer sounded, allowing Bartholomew and Cyxeria to enter. They made their way to the 14th floor. Gerald answered the door and let them in.
Gerald was haggard. Judging by what was littered about the apartment, he may in engineering. Bartholomew noticed a Shift player on the desk.
"'Them' is the Xathos Ephiphany," Gerald said when the pair sat down. "Stefan and I explored them some. I backed out. Stefan kept going until he became one of them. I don't trust them."
Gerald sat down on the coach. He seemed relieved that Bartholomew and Cyxeria were not part of the Xathos Epiphancy. He offered the pair a drink.
"I guess 'collecting' is one word for it. I'm a free mind, I try a lot of stuff. When Stefan started down the path, I went along out of curiosity. I'm not a religous sort, but I do believe there is more Out There than we understand."
Gerald took a drink. "It started with the Shifts. Stefan had scored some black market Shifts. Not the ultra-violence or sensua-X stuff, but the mind-expanding experiences. Alien drug trips, deep mind hypnosis sessions, religious freaks (no offense.) In there was some Kult Shifts. We played them. All these religious experiences, the miracles, they're impressive but you gotta wonder if the person whose Experience it was believed it to have happened that way, or did it objectively happen? I experienced communication with the dead, miracles of healing, emotions of pain and longing transformed into feelings of utter contentment. Sorting it all out with my skeptical mind was tough. For those in need, I can see how they are effective tools."
"Have you Experienced any of them?"
'Experience' is the term for 'watching' a Shift, the reason being one lives the memory in their head with full emotions, five senses, etc.
"Stefan was intrigued by the Xathos Ephiphany. Their Shifts showed people who had their mind moved into a new place, expanding, getting at levels of contentment and "true" understanding of the world. Enticing enough for Stefan to reach out to them. Some meetings at their temple, access to private Shifts. There was a woman - Deliah something - who was his "guide." She was a little too friendly. I went to one meeting but just couldn't swallow it, or any religion for that matter. Stefan went to a retreat one weekend. Afterwards he said he wanted to join. I tried to talk him out of it."
Delilah - I wonder if that is her registered name or a pseudonym used within the kult? Cyxeria please note that as another thing to look up. Every answer provides a new question!
So, Stephan, did the Kult feel intimidating, dangerous, just weird or banal? Do you think they are more than just exploitative?
Cyxeria nodded and took note to investigate Deliah Temptron.
"I think any cult eventaully gets weird, but that may just be me," answered Gerald. "The Xathos ideas are intriguing, but the details are known only by those who join. If you believe their Shifts, they answer the mysteries of faith and optimize personal attainment. That's a powerful lure for the weak to delve deeper. I didn't feel in danger, though there is a line you have to cross with them to get more epiphanic "insights." I wasn't presenting as a threat. I think they are exploitive in the sense of attracting people conducive to their promises. Whether you call those people weak, gullible, or something else is personal opinion."
Grognardsw wrote: ↑Mon Aug 16, 2021 5:11 pm
Cyxeria nodded and took note to investigate Deliah Temptron.
"I think any cult eventaully gets weird, but that may just be me," answered Gerald. "The Xathos ideas are intriguing, but the details are known only by those who join. If you believe their Shifts, they answer the mysteries of faith and optimize personal attainment. That's a powerful lure for the weak to delve deeper. I didn't feel in danger, though there is a line you have to cross with them to get more epiphanic "insights." I wasn't presenting as a threat. I think they are exploitive in the sense of attracting people conducive to their promises. Whether you call those people weak, gullible, or something else is personal opinion."
I'm kind of assuming that Stephan didn't get on well with his parents and family - cults like that kind of hole in a personality.
So tell me a bit about Stephan. If he was to reach out to anyone outside the Kult, who would he contact?
"Stefan was a nice guy whose had some bad turns in his life. His dad and sister died in a hover-car accident. He lived with his mom. A bit of a loner. If he was to reach out to anyone outside the Kult, I suppose it would be his mom. She was really against his joining."
Well, thank you - It's not many people who will help others when they have just walked out on them like that. Bless you.
Do you happen to know Stephan's mother's contact details?
Whatever, we will make our goodbyes - and once we have departed:
Well - lets see if we can find that Mother. She may be able to give us some idea of where these people disappear to. You never know - She may even have contact details!
"Well - lets see if we can find that Mother," said Bartholomew after he and Cyxeria left Gerald's apartment. That latest interview had capped off an ambitious day of research and interviews. The suns had set.
"It has been a long day - for a human that is," replied the synthezoid. "You recall that we visited Stefan's mother, Jenrette Colobret? Perhaps we should return to your domicile and review our current information on the investigation."
Cyxeria's voice changed to that of Bartholomew - a clever synthezoid trick illegal in telecommunications channels and business transactions - as she repeated a statement he made earlier in the day: "OK - It does look like we are getting some chinks in the armour. Let's try Mt Butreau first. and then we can look over everything we have gathered and make a plan for tackling this Xathos Epiphany Zion Temple."
“To recap current investigative research," said Cyxeria, proceeding to enumerate...
"1. Coder research and possible interview
2. Follow financial paths to big backers or institutions
3. Inquire with sources provided by Data Stream X-12.64.8.
4. Monitor legal cases for suits brought against kults by former members. (Re: 4: viewtopic.php?p=556541#p556541 "There have been no court cases on Pzion by Kults against individuals. This could reflect the comparative early stage of development, lack of organized legal action, or perceived difficulty of an individual against a large organization.")
5. Monitor for academic papers on kults
6. Monitor for nonprofit financial filings or nonprofit association reports that may list Board members
7. 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 code from one of the big manufacturers, to see what manner of illegal coding or techniques are being used.
5. Run a data query on Syncretic Order coders who may be able to assist.
6. Accessing the programming at the source, at the Creator code and manufacturer facilities, would enable me (Cyxeria) to perform analysis for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs.
- 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."
This game reminds me of a Call of Cthulhu adventure in some ways. I've collected the investigatory strands together to hopefully make the process easier. Like in CoC, the research should lead to action-oriented tactics. I'll add, without giving anything away and hopefully you don't read around too much, that other players are heading into the picture. If that is to your liking, I can speed the crossing of paths. If not, they needn't cross. If you're ambivalent, it will proceed organically and may/may not happen.
OK - The tack of interviewing everyone and then reviewing and correlating is going to be a huge task - I mean just following up one persons life story takes most police departments a long time! So - lets go at this from the technology end. There are various manufacturers, but they all use a pair of consultants. That limits the scope to fewer people to investigate. We know one or both must be close to both the Kult and have an intimate knowledge of their methods. So lets look at these two and see if we can find if one or other is likely to be amenable to giving the game away. And it's probably best if we did that cautiously as if the Kults need them a lot, they will have a decent security network for them. So we'd need to work out how to circumvent that too.
And talking of which, if they are amenable to defecting, the Kults might have an even closer net cast. So we should probably have a back up plan to abstract them on first contact...and anyone that might be used as leverage to "help" them stay. This might mean a serious expenditure on surveillance and/or experts in extractions. But before we start that lets see if its worth considering?
And Cyxeria - be careful. I know you think you can do it all alone...but everyone needs someone to watch over them. Caution. The time for daring action may yet come and I'll do what I can to ensure you get the involvement you seek.
As the suns set, Bartholomew the Shepherd and the synthezoid Cyxeria discussed the investigation on their way back to their sector.
"Yes, we have interviewed many persons of interest and initiated a variety of data searches over this long day," commented Cyxeria. "While our data correlation task is considerable, my processing capability and link to Syncretic Ascendency computers should facilitate rapid resolution. Several searches initiated this morning should be complete by tomorrow."
When Bartholomew raised the topic of technology consultants, Cyxeria accessed related notes:
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...
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...”
"I will run an data query on Syncretic Order coders who may be able to assist," said Cyxeria...
The Shepherd does find activity on the technology boards focused on virtual reality, augmented reality and Shifts. The topics are technical related to programming. Shift discussions include programming theories (hackers seeking to reverse engineer or replicate Shifts), content procurement, authenticity factors, degrees of verisimilitude, and popularity levels of different type of content.
Bartholomew realized these technical discussions may dovetail with Cyxeria's research on programmers and related matters...
Investigatory Data Searches:
5. Run a data query on Syncretic Order coders who may be able to assist.
6. Accessing the programming at the source, at the Creator code and manufacturer facilities, would enable me (Cyxeria) to perform analysis for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs.
"My data inquiries regarding coders and related topic should be complete by tomorrow," said Cyxeria. "But I do not see that Shift manufacturers use just a pair of consultants. That said, your tactics are still valid for those programmers I do locate. I will certainly be careful, as I know you will be, as we embark on daring action."
They reached Bartholomew's building.
"Have a peaceful night sleep," said Cyxeria. "I will continue the data inquiry programs and have results tomorrow. 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."
She turned to go, but stopped and asked: "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?" The Shepherd realized her computer mind wouldn't let unanswered questions go.
Bartholomew realized he hadn't checked the three drop-off points he had given Kirylla to leave copies of Shift, as they'd discussed yesterday...
"I shall endeavour to help - although whether that shall bear fruit is another matter. I think that I shall need to gain copies of those shifts and scenes... If I give you three store addresses, you can drop data and messages onto each. Don't write them down or save them in your know..."
Bartholomew realises that the day has been one of wandering from place to place, reacting to each new revelation as they occur. He wishes he had Cyxeria's ability to review the whole rather than just seeing one small window at a time. Still, he can take a hint and checks the drop-points - not sure what he'll find. And with that he decides to find a good cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the pleasures that come from a real drink in a real cafe.
Bartholomew checked the three drop locations provided to Kirylla. There was a Shift in each and a note: "These are black market Shifts that I snagged from a coworker who deals." One Shift each from the Communion of the Enlightened, the Xathos Epiphany, and the Revelation of Truth.
Later that night, Bartholomew enjoyed his hot chocolate while looking out over the night time city of Zibylon that never slept.
And having looked, Bartholomew considers the data - three different sets of data to be analysed or 3 different experiences to be tested?
Despite the temptation, he heads out and picks up a blank know and uploads the shifts onto that - before heading back to his hotel and catching up on his sleep.
One thing - Paranoia never hurt anyone...he carefully checks to see if anyone physical is keeping an eye on him as he moves - or if anyone unusual is hanging about the hotel.
Barthololmew attempted to upload and copy the Shift into a Know Kloud and found that the technology did not allow for copying. He was not surprised at that.
The Shepherd kept an eye open on the way back to the Syncretic-owned apartment. He saw no one following. He had been on the case now for two days. The first spent talking and meeting with Kirylla from the Dream Palace of Arun-Thune, learning about her brother and his joining the Xathos Epiphany. The second day in conversations with various reporters and other people with the help of his Syncretic Order-assigned synthezoid assistant Cyxeria. They had gathered much information in a short amount of time. Multiple data searches were also ongoing that should yield information tomorrow, according to Cyxeria.
As Bartholomew faded to sleep his mind pondered the information...
"1. Coder research and possible interview
2. Follow financial paths to big backers or institutions
3. Inquire with sources provided by Data Stream X-12.64.8.
4. Monitor legal cases for suits brought against kults by former members. (Re: 4: viewtopic.php?p=556541#p556541 "There have been no court cases on Pzion by Kults against individuals. This could reflect the comparative early stage of development, lack of organized legal action, or perceived difficulty of an individual against a large organization.")
5. Monitor for academic papers on kults
6. Monitor for nonprofit financial filings or nonprofit association reports that may list Board members
7. 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 code from one of the big manufacturers, to see what manner of illegal coding or techniques are being used.
5. Run a data query on Syncretic Order coders who may be able to assist.
6. Accessing the programming at the source, at the Creator code and manufacturer facilities, would enable me (Cyxeria) to perform analysis for Anomalies, Traps, or Easter-Eggs.
- 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."
The suns rose on Zibylon. The next morning the gentle strum of the entry chime rang. Cyxeria was in the lobby and let up, greeting the rested Bartholomew.
Cyxeria, it is good to know that someone can start the day so cheery. Come on up. I need a coffee and shower.
He buzzes her in and - coffee in hand - suggests Hi - we've got three shifts to have a look at. Do you think we can find someone who can analyse what's going on in these and see where the edits might be taking place. Is that something you could do? Is it something you could do yourself?
And how did your enquiries go? You said you might have something back by the morning.
After a few moments, he returns to the living room. OK so you now have my full attention. - but before you start: I'd like you to consider, tonight, how we can gain access to the coding net of the manufacturers. What recon would be needed to find out how such access is possible? What resources would be required to execute such a recon? This kind of thing seems to be what you crave - excitement and adventure. I'm happy with the adventure, but I'd prefer the spontaneous excitement to be planned! It is said that "Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread". Let us be neither fools nor fearful.
"I am glad you find me cheery," said Cyxeria with a smile. "My cybermusculature and nanoskin can produce facial and body language to a high degree. Being programmed with human psychology, I can convey set emotions to put humans at ease or generate expected responses. While conveying cheeriness, I don't know what it actually feels like to be so."
The synthzoid examined the Shifts. Her eye glowed as it scanned bar and serial codes.
"These are not registered Shifts, they are black market," Cyxeria commented. "It seems you were busy after I left last night."
"I can analyze these from a technology perspective, including any illegal neural pathways causing subliminal or perceptual anamolies. But as I've mentioned before, computers and AI cannot undertand or analyze the emotional resonance of experiences, the indefinable moments in a humans life that cannot be reduced to code. Shifts convey the emotions, senses, feelings of the experience. It is these things that convert people to kults, even if they are assisted by perceptual or subliminal."
"A crude analogy would be a painting - I can analyze the paints used, and objectively describe what is on the canvas. But I do not understand what the meaning or interpretations may be that a human can understand, or the emotion, pathos, humor, or subjective values that a human may realize and appreciate. Thus my suggestion that you experience some of these Shifts to understand what I cannot."
"As far as my inquiries, at this early point in the morning I do not have results. I expect them by noon."
Cyxeria considered Bartholomew's plan.
"The major manufacturers, or Creators as they like to call themselves, are likely to have sophisticated security from a hacking perspective. They are owned by the major space combines like Teslazon, Blue Origin, and Disogle. The Creators solicit, reproduce, package, mass-market, and profit, with a percentage going to the source memory person. The 'Creator' label is a misnomer in that they take memory content generated by others and package it into the Shift technology. So we have two facets: the content and the packaging.
Hacking from the outside will not work. We need to get inside, which may be a challenge. The resources for such would involve counterfeit identifications, lay-outs of office or facility locations, knowledge of key personnel, and sophisticated hacking.
That said, it is the black market Shifts that are the problematic technology. Black market Shifts, such as the three you have, are not made by the major manufacturers. Under-the-radar organizations and individuals do. And Kults, which distribute legitimate product along with black market Shifts.
For example, as you know, the Syncretic Order believes that the Dream Palace of Arun-Thune, which you were sent to investigate, is a source of black market Shifts.
Black market Shifts may contain manipulated content or questionable perception tricks that could effect viewers. Legal Shifts, from what we have analyzed, do not.
A recon mission to suspected kults producing Black Market shifts would involve penetrating their facilities, hacking, and interrogation of technology or other personnel.
Grognardsw wrote: ↑Fri Oct 01, 2021 12:11 am
A recon mission to suspected kults producing Black Market shifts would involve penetrating their facilities, hacking, and interrogation of technology or other personnel.[/dialog]
I'm sure it will. But there may be some remote-sensing activities that will improve our chances of achieving such a reconnaissance. Observation may, for instance identify those who routinely or occasionally access the buildings - we can see who comes and goes when. Identities may give us information on security lapses by individuals or weaknesses of character that could be exploited for leverage for virtual access - or access to system once in.
And the advantage is that this type of activity is entirely/mostly legal. The disadvantage is that this normally takes a substantial team with sophisticated equipment, or at least some decent training, to do the job properly.
