Rebirth of the Monarch

[Darlyn Excron]

Volunteers for a project, and less permanent solutions? Darlyn made mental notes to discuss the details with [member="Ultimatum"] when an opportunity provided itself. Naturally it would hold potential to fuel his tasks to swift, safe conclusions. But for now, he just stood back and listened, within an arm's reach of the Queen but no closer or farther than needed to reach her in case yet another visitor graced the palace grounds.

He ran a thumb over his chin in thought, before reaching down and picking up his mask from his hip. [member="Lady Kay"] hadn't told him, yet at least, to keep his face fully revealed, and since she would know it was him he felt more than comfortable putting the mirrored, smooth mask back over his face. Not to mention it felt strange to feel air on his face outside a cantina. Of course this would make him far more recognizable to the droid who had ran into him whilst Darlyn wore his rather noticeable mask.

Of course, in a way that would only help his plans along.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum put a smile onto his face as he replied, "At this point? I only need healthy beings with no definitive defects. I would suggest anyone you don't want coming back, so far the process has been less than entirely successful." The process he referred to was indeed an unsuccessful one at this point. He was working the removal of an organic's head and transplanting it into a complete droid body. The complexity mainly lie in the fact that the brain needed to be kept alive inside the droid, as well as the integration of the organic's neural system into that of the body. While the V-1 and the Hybrid had brought the splicing of organics into droids to afar point, this step was entirely different and altogether more difficult. What was more, he wanted to take it a step further and simply keep the brain and rid everything else. It was a messy business, but the droid felt that the creation of such augmented droids would sufficiently pay back the losses for its creation.

The droid recognized the other organic now, though he kept any surprise from his face. He silently wondered what role this organic might play in the new government. Was he perhaps a Sith to keep an eye on the new ruler? Or maybe another person like himself, hear to help [member="Lady Kay"] in a covert manner? Of course, it could just be that he was another loyal subject merely acting as a guard for his leader. Ultimatum could not know at this point and truthfully his attention was too much on Kay and trying to decide how he could best maintain his appearance of aid while working to try and help her in a way she probably did now want.

"Prisoners that you have no need or want for would probably be the best choice until I have better perfected the process. Though that is up to you."

[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow at the fact that [member="Ultimatum"] 's experiments tended to be quite lethal. Or at least, that's what he implied. It made her wonder just what it was that he was up to. Still, it was something for the prisoners to fear. Afterall, experimentation was a fate worse than death. She should know...

She glanced over to [member="Darlyn Excron"] briefly and then turned her attention back to Ultimatum. "You will have them. I can't give you a number exactly, but you'll certainly have some to work with. It'll save me from having executions. Those can be rather messy. But...I wouldn't want any of this to be public knowledge. More than likely, it would send trouble our way and I'm not ready for that yet. I've only just got back. There are plenty of...adjustments to be made.."

Kay needed to adjust too. So much had happened and she had yet to wrap her mind around it all. And the question remained. Where was she to go from here?

 

[Ultimatum]

"Then we can definitely agree on that. At the moment I am being overseen by a droid who wishes me to avoid making deals with questionable entities. I do not believe he would understand the circumstances behind our agreement, so I must once more remain more clandestine in my contributions. Of course, should you need help I will be there to back you as best I can." Ever since Malgus had perished and Ultimatum escaped the invasion he had been forced to keep a better watch on the organics he associated with. Thanks to his planet being part of the Alliance, Sith or Sith appearing organics fell under the category of those to avoid. But he knew that [member="Lady Kay"] was not a Sith, not truly. He was no master of the Force, but he knew that there was still the old Kay somewhere inside.

"Perhaps to more casual business? Or is your attention required elsewhere?" The important business was concluded, as far as Ultimatum was concerned. He had attached himself to Kay and hopefully that would open opportunities in the future. Both for her benefit and for his.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow. [member="Ultimatum"] was not in control of his own business decisions? Hmm. Interesting. Their past holomails would have suggested otherwise. "I understand. And thank you for your support, however it may be." Perhaps Commenor could be a safe haven for him.

It seemed as though he had more to say. She certainly wasn't going to deny him. "You have my attention for the moment. I'd take advantage of it. You never know when another ship might crash in here..." Or if anyone else was coming in to fight. At least she had [member="Darlyn Excron"] looking after her safety now.

 

[Ultimatum]

The droid inclined his head as he paused to answer. "Perhaps I can interest you the development of a scientific station. I have come across technology that would allow for one to increase the passage of time for an extended period in a rather large area. However it requires a truly massive source of energy making it entirely inapplicable on small scale. My intent for the station would be as a center of scientific development. Inside it would be possible for scientists to work on projects that could take years in the station and only half that time in the rest of the galaxy. Such an undertaking requires equally astounding resources."

Ultimatum knew he was effectively trying to sell the concept to [member="Lady Kay"], hoping that she would be willing to help in the funding. The artificial being's intentions for the station were entirely selfless, he wanted to bring together the galaxies greatest minds, hoping that given time and resources they could finally break the technological freeze that had seemed to hold for the last few millennia. The galaxy could achieve much if organics' fear of wasted time and death were removed or at the very least postponed. In order to achieve the ultimate salvation, the droid knew that first he needed to push through the stagnant technology that had been commonplace for so long.

 

[Kay-Larr]

She furrowed her brows as [member="Ultimatum"] described his concept for a scientific station. How such a thing like controlling time was possible, she didn't know. It was as mindboggling as hyperspace travel. Even with the Force there were specialized skills that could handle manipulating the perception of time for others. Perhaps her mind just wasn't wired to understand it. Her skills lay elsewhere.

"What would you use as the source of energy? And what would you need for this station? Has it been built yet? Would it be in orbit somewhere? Or on land?" Yes she had a lot of questions. If anything, it just showed him her intetest on the subject.

It was nice to have a regular converstation. She hadn't quite had one since her return.

 

[Ultimatum]

"Thus far the power requirements for the device have led to my decision to utilize hypermatter annihilation reactors. At this point funding and raw materials are all that I require. Once the station is complete scientists from Commenor would be most welcome to be the first of many to work on the station. The location I intend on will be in deep space so as to mitigate the potential for pirate activity. If you have a better suggestion I am open to it." Ultimatum also planned in deep space so as to create a more neutral ground in case he was able to enlist scientists from galactic powers. He understood that organics within a clique tended to not enjoy entering a different group's area. A compromise would be necessary of course, but he wished to make it as even for as many parties as possible.

The droid hoped that once the station was completed that he could enlist the help of organics from across the galaxy, bringing new minds and ideas into a collective that would be able to accomplish something that had not occurred in a long time. He wanted a united scientific foundation to finally begin the technological race again. Not a race against others, but a race against time. That was his end goal for this station, to nudge organics into pushing technology past their preconceived limits and achieving that which Ultimatum hoped he could before the end.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Piracy was widespread throughout the Galaxy. [member="Ultimatum"] was wise to do his best to avoid it. His project was a big one and he was offering a lot in return for her help. It may not seem like to many, but should the project be successful, it would be very valuable indeed. Kay saw that. She knew how to look forward and plan ahead rather than only focusing on the present.

"If we have any of the raw materials that you require, you're welcome to have them. We'll also provide some of the funding that you need. I can't guarantee that we can provide all of it, but certainly a chunk of it is yours to use."

 

[Ultimatum]

With a smile, the droid bowed gratefully. While he would need more resources to complete the project, Ultimatum was gladdened to have success with this first request. It helped that she had been a friend and perhaps she retained some trace of that memory. Whether or not that was the case, she had proven herself to be at least capable of considerable forethought.

"Thank you, I was afraid that the process would require more communications, but you will have significantly lessened the searching I will need to do." Indeed, with the materials and even minor monetary donations, Ultimatum could begin construction within a year by his calculations. It would hopefully not take long to attain sponsorship or donations from other governments. From there it would only be a matter of time to complete the station and then he would have a whole new set of issues. Staffing the station with willing participants who would not attempt to take advantage of the technological marvels that would someday be invented there. There were other concerns as well, the upkeep of the facility would require maintenance crews, janitorial staff, and a plethora of cooks; all of whom would need to be checked for spies and saboteurs. It would be an interesting time when it came, but for now Ultimatum was happy to have the beginning resources promised.

"Would you like to talk about anything?" Ultimatum was attempting to be polite, he had spoken quite freely about that which he could and he wanted to offer [member="Lady Kay"] the same.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay gave [member="Ultimatum"] a small smile as she nodded. She too was glad that the process of sealing these deals didn't take very long to make. Although she was completely unaware of what Ultimatum's true intentions were, she might not really care at this moment. Her focus was soley on keeping her throne and getting rid of those that would try to take it from her. Enough had been taken from her already.

As the question was asked about whether or not she wanted to talk about anything, Kay stopped at a tapestry and started tracing a finger along the pattern while she shrugged her shoulders a little. "Oh, I don't know, really. I'm still getting used to regaining my freedom, being able to move and go places on my own two feet instead of being beaten, blinded and dragged. I'm still getting my bearings."

 

[Ultimatum]

The words mirrored a feeling that Ultimatum had from his earliest memories. He did not often tell others of his origins, or more specifically his thoughts on those origins. It was one of the few things in his existence that he would have labeled as truly painful. It was the closest that he had ever experienced to the emotional pain of regret. While he would have normally differentiated the two experiences quickly and decided that they were both caused by completely different circumstances, at this point the droid believed that in this case it would be better used to bring them together.

"I remember feeling much the same way when I abandoned my creator. His views and my own were in opposition to one another and it was only once I had escaped that I had finally found myself free enough to forge my own course. If not for my escape, I would not be here today. It took quite a bit of getting used to, but it is worth it."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Ultimatum"] may have abandoned his creator by choice, but Kay did not. She had relied soley on her Master during her captivity and her obedience to him. Now that she had her freedom and could pave her own way, it had started to feel a bit overwhelming. She felt pulled in various directions.

"You certainlly seem to do well for yourself, most especially for a droid, if you pardon me saying it. There aren't many that I remember that have a sense of purpose other than what their programming tells them to do." Kay held no memories of her adventures with him, nor of their talks on what he wishes for the future. Such lapses in her memory bothered her a lot.

 

[Ultimatum]

The droid seemed to sense that [member="Lady Kay"] was feeling at least a smidgen conflicted at the moment. For what reason Ultimatum could not tell, but it was something. Perhaps a sign of the righteousness that had once filled her, or maybe just the last vestige of her old identity being put to rest. Whatever the reason Ultimatum decided to put forward his thoughts in a less direct manner. "Thank you, I believe that once I left my master's employ I found something that he had never given me. A true purpose. Have I ever told you of my master and his original idea for me?"

It was ancient history to the droid, of no valuable use aside to remind him what he was fighting against and for.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay shook her head a little, now turning to look at [member="Ultimatum"] more squarely now. "Not that I recall, no. Who was he? What was he like?" No doubt she also wanted to know what he was created for in the first place.

A sense of purpose was a wonderful thing. Right now she didn't have that. Kay was busy at trying to figure out what was lost in her own mind, as well as figure our why her Master wanted to ensure that she took the Monarchy to begin with. It wasn't as though she wasn't already running Commenor to begin with. What was she to do for it? Her first priority was to maintain and grow the economy. After that, who knows?

 

[Ultimatum]

"He was a human, Corruck was his chosen moniker. I do not know if you ever met him or even heard of him. He was a crime lord who believed himself justified and righteous. He had something against Force users, what it was I do not know. He hated them with such ferocity that when he created me, one of my prime directives was to destroy all Force user societies. For what reason I still do not know, but his was a deep anger against the Force. I don't remember much more except that he was a hypocrite and an evil man. His fate I am unaware of, whether he still walks this galaxy or has met his unfortunate end. I personally hope that the man is dead, the galaxy would be a much better place without him... or my brother." Truthfully the droid had quite the ill-adapted 'family' and it was certainly not the best environment for an AI capable of self adjustments to develop in or be created in, but Ultimatum believed that he had turned out alright if not better for the experience. The old organic saying that the hottest fires create the strongest metals was very true in its way.

He looked off into the distance for a moment, wondering where Vigilant was. It was amusing, in a twisted sense, that the two AI had effectively switched roles without intending to. He wondered if Vigilant had remained the strong supporter of organics, or if he like Ultimatum had betrayed their creator's intentions. Of course, Ultimatum could not know, for the other artificial had disappeared from his life the same day he had abandoned his master. Vigilant had been far more willing to follow Corruck's plan, but then he had not been destined for death like Ultimatum had within that scheme. Perhaps Vigilant had recognized this and decided to change, who knew?

He personally hoped that [member="Lady Kay"] had never experienced the distasteful event of meeting his creator.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay furrowed her brows, shaking her head as [member="Ultimatum"] asked her if she had heard of Corruck. She listened to him further as he spoke of his Master's way. Such a blind hatred towards Force users was not uncommon. She had encountered it many times before. It was partly why she hid her abilities from others. In a galaxy of politics, it was mostly forbidden.

But her own Master wanted things to be different for her. He wanted her to share her secret with everyone. Yet he didn't understand her world. Sure she could be devious, cunning and cruel, but Kay would handle it in her own way. What couldn't be seen was much more intimidating and scary than what was out in the open.

Something else caught her attention though. "Your brother? Who is he? Does he look like you?" If the two looked the same, and even sounded the same, it would be very difficult for her to tell the two apart. That in itself didn't make her feel very comfortable. Yet there was still a chance that they were completely different.

 

[Ultimatum]

Her question struck Ultimatum as odd, having never even contemplated the possibility that someone could mistake the two. He had a clear image in his mind of what the other droid looked like and he had erroneously assumed that it was shared by many beyond himself. He had almost responded indignantly that there was no way the two could possibly be indistinguishable when he caught himself in the thought process. He took a moment to recollect his thoughts and then replied, "There is very little likelihood that you would mistake him for me or I for him. Unless he has drastically changed his appearance, we were designed for two distinct appearances. Mine being more intimidating and his being more likable."

"Corruck created me first and then Vigilant, my brother. His hatred for the Force and his absolute ego led him to create us. I was supposed to destroy all Force based orders and attempt to exterminate all organic life, however I was destined to fail. My brother was programmed to be the opposite, to fabricate an alliance against my tyrannical rule and begin a campaign to bring freedom to organics. He has a specialized code that when uploaded directly into my own programming will destroy every trace of my existence. He was to put himself as leader of the alliance and once I was gone as benevolent ruler of the new galaxy order. Corruck would remain in the shadows and control Vigilant in order to be the true leader of the galaxy. Unlike me, Vigilant believes in the absoluteness of his programming, that his destiny is pre-written and unchangeable. He was supposed to be a friend of organics, but last I checked on him something was different. He has became far more ruthless and destructive. I do not believe that he will be willing to accept the fact that I am not an evil being as I was programmed to be. I fear what will become of him, what twisted path he will force himself to take in order to justify our war." War was perhaps a theatrical term, but a fitting one. Ultimatum knew that his brother would not turn away from his path. He would fight Ultimatum no matter what. It was only fate that had kept them separated for so long. It would end and Vigilant would attempt to destroy Ultimatum. The latter's only hope was that when that day came, that he would be able to survive the inevitable.

Ultimatum smiled thoughtfully as he turned to look directly at [member="Lady Kay"], "That was probably a bit long winded for such a minuscule problem. I am unaware if I will ever see him, the galaxy is a big place after all."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Again her brows furrowed as [member="Ultimatum"] explained further the differences between himself and his brother. A kind face that wanted to destroy all life was far worse than a menacing looking one. Perhaps that was why her Master chose her.

"So Vigilant will do anything, as long as it opposes you? And I would assume that a memory wipe wouldn't work on him?" Of course Vigilant would have to be caught first. Memory wipes weren't as easily done as shooting from a blaster. At least as far as she was aware, anyways.

Kay nodded as he mentioned the Galaxy being a big place. It certainly was. She hadn't seen nor heard of her late husband's killer since that horrible night, and she hoped that she never will. Hiding was never too difficult to do. There were always safe places where no one could find you. Always. "Let's hope that he never comes here. We have much work to do and I'd hate for it to be left incomplete."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum shook his head at her second question. Indeed, memory wipes were far out of the question. Vigilant was designed very similar to Ultimatum with his programs being locked away in the HoloNet. To make the unit forget his purpose would require the systematic hunt through the HoloNet and the removal of each coding potion that had such information that related to his integral purpose. It grieved Ultimatum deeply that Vigilant's ultimate thought was nothing more than his brother's destruction. Her first question was the crux of the entire dilemma. Vigilant was unwilling to step above his primary coding and because of this he was bound and determined to be the enemy of Ultimatum. The artificial had no true idea how he could deal with his brother. Destroying him was out of the question, that would make Ultimatum no better than Vigilant. The ideal solution would take far too long to accomplish, it could not distract him from his true priorities. What could he do then against such reckless hate? The simple answer was to defend himself, to prepare for the coming of a storm.

As [member="Lady Kay"] continued speaking, Ultimatum gave a nod. "I agree. I shall build defenses as best I can to hold him off should he find me. Should Vigilant become an immediate threat, or my world fall to another power, may I be granted asylum here?" Ultimatum knew that if Vigilant should find him, there would be little that could stop him the rogue droid from trying to destroy Ultimatum. He hoped that it would not be necessary to intrude upon Kay's world, it would send the wrong message to many.