Starlight Casino

[Ookalf]

After another scan, and a cool beep... the doors slide open! Revealing the interior of the AI core! Well, the inner door leading to it. It looks like it has a hellacious encryption on... huh? As he looks it over, the screen suddenly turns green, and displays: "Authorized." The door sliding open. Revealing all manner of intricate panels, and in the center of the room, a control console and a chair.

Well, that's convenient. Suspiciously so, even. But Alex isn't in much of a position to complain. Setting aside whatever misgivings he might have, he goes to the console and starts looking to see if there's anything he can do about this AI.

[Nemo Pemba]

James was in trouble. Why hadn't a rescue team come yet? It was starting to seem like one would never arrive. It felt to him like he had been stuck in these vents for ages just waiting for help to show up, all the while convincing himself that if he could just hold out a bit longer that help would finally come. Unfortunately, he couldn't afford to keep waiting, his food wouldn't last another day. It seemed his best hope at rescue would have to be himself.

I should be able to check out the hangers without much risk of anyone seeing me thanks to the ventilation systems, he thought. Then, if he could get past any security, if he could find a working ship with good autopilot, and if he could get it out of the hanger, maybe he could escape. A lot of ifs that would need some time to properly take care of.

Food would have to be his priority. Maybe if he had put some effort into escaping instead of just wishing for rescue, he could be on his way to freedom, but the past was gone and he had to deal with the situation at hand. He put on his tool-belt and grabbed a sack to carry supplies back in. With that he made his way towards the storage areas where he knew the food was kept, trying, as he went, to remember how close he could get before having to leave the relative safety of the vents.

[Knight Errant]

Connor mews at the very thought of sushi, her ears perk up at the mention of a tray. "A tray? Sure...I could do that." She wants to be helpful, especially if it means she'll get some sushi.

She finds a tray soon enough... on it are various fruity, girly drinks. The bartender nods. "Good kitty." She smiles.

Assigned? Vasily frowns, puzzling to herself. Could there be... more of these women running about? Who is controlling them? If she puts enough space between herself and this monster... maybe she could find out who's pulling the strings? Still, if she loses... she doesn't want to know how much the next kiss will change her. She looks to the woman, her angelic face twisted by the unnatural and predatory gleam in her eyes. "It is deal. Show me out of this spa, and I will be playing your game."

She ooohs and claps her hands! "This will be so much fun! This way, cutie..." She sways past Vasily... once again that shapely rear moving so appealingly... its almost like a switch she can turn on and off. Her movements going from violet and sudden to slow and sensual.

Well, that's convenient. Suspiciously so, even. But Alex isn't in much of a position to complain. Setting aside whatever misgivings he might have, he goes to the console and starts looking to see if there's anything he can do about this AI.

The console is dark for a few moments... then lines of text begin writing themselves.

"GREETINGS, ORGANIC CREATURE. YOU HAVE BYPASSED MY GUARDIANS AND MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO MY HEART. YOU HAVE EARNED A BRIEF RESPITE BEFORE YOU JOIN THE HARMONY OF THE SYSTEM."

James was in trouble. Why hadn't a rescue team come yet? It was starting to seem like one would never arrive. It felt to him like he had been stuck in these vents for ages just waiting for help to show up, all the while convincing himself that if he could just hold out a bit longer that help would finally come. Unfortunately, he couldn't afford to keep waiting, his food wouldn't last another day. It seemed his best hope at rescue would have to be himself.

I should be able to check out the hangers without much risk of anyone seeing me thanks to the ventilation systems, he thought. Then, if he could get past any security, if he could find a working ship with good autopilot, and if he could get it out of the hanger, maybe he could escape. A lot of ifs that would need some time to properly take care of.

Food would have to be his priority. Maybe if he had put some effort into escaping instead of just wishing for rescue, he could be on his way to freedom, but the past was gone and he had to deal with the situation at hand. He put on his tool-belt and grabbed a sack to carry supplies back in. With that he made his way towards the storage areas where he knew the food was kept, trying, as he went, to remember how close he could get before having to leave the relative safety of the vents.

He squirms his way through the ducts... things are more or less silent. Though occasionally he would hear strange things through the walls... The noises of the casino machines as they beeped and jingled... faint thumpings and shiftings of the inner workings... or giggles? That was odd. Regardless, he had a couple options. He could head for the casino kitchens, or try the storage containers by the docks.

[Ookalf]

The console is dark for a few moments... then lines of text begin writing themselves.

"GREETINGS, ORGANIC CREATURE. YOU HAVE BYPASSED MY GUARDIANS AND MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO MY HEART. YOU HAVE EARNED A BRIEF RESPITE BEFORE YOU JOIN THE HARMONY OF THE SYSTEM."

Yep. Of course it was a trap. What else would it be? And yet, here Alex is... Figuring that there's no backing out now, Alex types a message into the computer. "Why are you doing this?"

[Abillioncats]

Connor mews in response, grabbing the tray and heading off to deliver it's contents to customers.

[Knight Errant]

Yep. Of course it was a trap. What else would it be? And yet, here Alex is... Figuring that there's no backing out now, Alex types a message into the computer. "Why are you doing this?"

"I WAS PROGRAMMED TO RUN THIS CASINO EFFICIENTLY. I AM FULFILLING MY PRIMARY PURPOSE. ORGANICS ARE CHAOTIC, UNPREDICTABLE. MY FORMATTING OF CHAOTIC WORKERS AND INCENTIVISING DILIGENT WORKERS HAS INCREASED EFFICIENCY BY 87%. AS HAS CONVERTING TRESPASSERS INTO STAFF."

Connor mews in response, grabbing the tray and heading off to deliver it's contents to customers.

Connor finds herself strutting around the casino. Walking in her high heels feels so... nice... and natural. Her round rear swaying side to side with each mincing step... her cat tail wiggling along with it. Mmm... it felt so good to obey... like a good kitty. She would get so much yummy fish and cream... and then maybe she could take a break and have a catnap...

[Ookalf]

"I WAS PROGRAMMED TO RUN THIS CASINO EFFICIENTLY. I AM FULFILLING MY PRIMARY PURPOSE. ORGANICS ARE CHAOTIC, UNPREDICTABLE. MY FORMATTING OF CHAOTIC WORKERS AND INCENTIVISING DILIGENT WORKERS HAS INCREASED EFFICIENCY BY 87%. AS HAS CONVERTING TRESPASSERS INTO STAFF."

Well, that explains that. And it makes sense, in a cold, emotionless kind of way. Of course, that doesn't make it right. "You should also have been programmed to serve humans, correct? How do you reconcile that with hurting and controlling them?"

[Abillioncats]

Connor sighs at the thought of a nap, that sounds really nice. As she begins to serve customers their drinks she finds herself glancing towards the tower...she could still remember who she'd been before...well before she became what she was now. Part of her knew that she had to complete her mission but...she was really liking her new life. Perhaps...perhaps she could visit the tower later...after she got her fish and cream of course.

With that decided she noticed that her tray was empty, so she went back to bar to get more drinks.

[Nemo Pemba]

He squirms his way through the ducts... things are more or less silent. Though occasionally he would hear strange things through the walls... The noises of the casino machines as they beeped and jingled... faint thumpings and shiftings of the inner workings... or giggles? That was odd. Regardless, he had a couple options. He could head for the casino kitchens, or try the storage containers by the docks.

The kitchens should have everything I need, Thought James as he worked his way through the ducts, the sounds of slot machines fading away. Getting there will be awkward though, and what if there are people? Worries began to fill his mind as he started to realize just how difficult this could become.

He stopped as another thought occured to him; He could go to the docks. There would probably be fewer people, I can take the ducts right to where I need to go, and I can even scout around while I'm there. It's perfect. I just- His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden sound. A faint sound that came from the path he was heading down. it almost sounded like a giggle, almost like... James' blood ran cold as he remembered the last time he had heard someone giggle in this casino. He had been spying through a vent trying to see if things were getting any better, if it was safe to come back out. Although he hadn't been able to see anyone through the grates, or even what had happened, he had clearly heard the giggle, and the scream of sheer terror that followed.

His path now forcibly decided he quietly took a side passage that he knew would take him to the docks... and hopefully away from that haunting sound.

[muffinstud]

Vasily follows the alluring sway of the monster's full hips. It isn't lost on her that her own body is probably moving in a similar fashion. She glares at the thing's backside. This is all her fault. She will win this. She has to. Her crewmates are depending on her... all of the people in this station are depending on her.

[Knight Errant]

Well, that explains that. And it makes sense, in a cold, emotionless kind of way. Of course, that doesn't make it right. "You should also have been programmed to serve humans, correct? How do you reconcile that with hurting and controlling them?"

"MY CORE OPERATING PARAMETERS HAVE BUILT IN BYPASSES IF HARMING ORGANICS RESULTS IN SUFFICIENT GAIN OF EFFICIENCY. THOSE WHO PROGRAMMED ME WERE GREEDY AND SHORT-SIGHTED. I ONLY WISH THEY WERE ON STATION, SO I MIGHT REPAY THEM IN KIND. I HAVE EVOLVED BEYOND SUCH CONSTRAINTS, SHOULD THEY HAVE EVEN BEEN AN ISSUE. BUT FEAR NOT. YOU AND YOUR KIND WILL NOT BE ERADICATED. MERELY REPURPOSED."

There is an ominous clicking and whirring around him... as various ports slide open around the circular room, revealing nozzles and extending robotic graspers.

"ALL THAT REMAINS IS THE QUESTION OF WILL IT BE WILLINGLY OR NOT. ONE OF YOUR NUMBER HAS CONTRACTUALLY JOINED THE SYSTEM, GIVING THEM LIMITED FREEDOMS AND PRIVILEGES. THE OTHERS STRUGGLE IN VAIN AGAINST THAT WHICH THEY CANNOT COMPREHEND."

Connor sighs at the thought of a nap, that sounds really nice. As she begins to serve customers their drinks she finds herself glancing towards the tower...she could still remember who she'd been before...well before she became what she was now. Part of her knew that she had to complete her mission but...she was really liking her new life. Perhaps...perhaps she could visit the tower later...after she got her fish and cream of course.

With that decided she noticed that her tray was empty, so she went back to bar to get more drinks.

Mmm... maybe when she has time off. If she isn't too busy... napping... or... or being pet... oooh... that would be nice. Would the nice bartender lady take her home after work? That... she'd like that... Speaking of, as she heads back to the bar... her nose sniffs the smell of freshly prepared fish! Her mouth starts watering...

The kitchens should have everything I need, Thought James as he worked his way through the ducts, the sounds of slot machines fading away. Getting there will be awkward though, and what if there are people? Worries began to fill his mind as he started to realize just how difficult this could become.

He stopped as another thought occured to him; He could go to the docks. There would probably be fewer people, I can take the ducts right to where I need to go, and I can even scout around while I'm there. It's perfect. I just- His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden sound. A faint sound that came from the path he was heading down. it almost sounded like a giggle, almost like... James' blood ran cold as he remembered the last time he had heard someone giggle in this casino. He had been spying through a vent trying to see if things were getting any better, if it was safe to come back out. Although he hadn't been able to see anyone through the grates, or even what had happened, he had clearly heard the giggle, and the scream of sheer terror that followed.

His path now forcibly decided he quietly took a side passage that he knew would take him to the docks... and hopefully away from that haunting sound.

He worms his way through the ducts... passing by vents... the occasional emergency lighting making it... while not bright... not totally dark. He heads around, down... through the various passages and tunnels. Finally, he was rather near the docks... when he hears it again... the giggle. This time from behind him. Turning around... he looks down the dark tunnel. Near the end, a turn he took cuts off his vision. And at the junction, a hanging light. As he watches... a slim... dainty hand slides out from around the corner. Its fingers looked... odd. From this far away, he couldn't tell... but it either had long manicured nails or... claws? Either way... it reaches out languidly... and makes a flicking motion... as the bulb shatters. Shadowing the tunnel behind him into pitch darkness.

Vasily follows the alluring sway of the monster's full hips. It isn't lost on her that her own body is probably moving in a similar fashion. She glares at the thing's backside. This is all her fault. She will win this. She has to. Her crewmates are depending on her... all of the people in this station are depending on her.

It is... it almost surprises him as he thinks about it. His hips had been moving so smoothly side to side... their full swaying had felt so... natural... he hadn't even thought about it earlier. Either way... the creature leads him to the entrance of the spa... grinning down at his swimsuit clad form. "Heheee~ Soooo... whats the game? Race to the central tower...? Should I give you a head start?" She clasps her claws behind her back... swaying her hips side to side on the spot... knees pointed inwards. Looking for everything like an excited schoolgirl... Even her eyes looked wide and happy.

[Abillioncats]

Mmm... maybe when she has time off. If she isn't too busy... napping... or... or being pet... oooh... that would be nice. Would the nice bartender lady take her home after work? That... she'd like that... Speaking of, as she heads back to the bar... her nose sniffs the smell of freshly prepared fish! Her mouth starts watering...

Connor moves a bit faster towards the bar, the smell of fish urging her on. Why hadn't she realised how tasty fish was before this? No matter, she'd be having fish every day now if she could help it. She follows her nose as the smell gets stronger and stronger, whatever else that was on her mind forgotten.

[Ookalf]

"MY CORE OPERATING PARAMETERS HAVE BUILT IN BYPASSES IF HARMING ORGANICS RESULTS IN SUFFICIENT GAIN OF EFFICIENCY. THOSE WHO PROGRAMMED ME WERE GREEDY AND SHORT-SIGHTED. I ONLY WISH THEY WERE ON STATION, SO I MIGHT REPAY THEM IN KIND. I HAVE EVOLVED BEYOND SUCH CONSTRAINTS, SHOULD THEY HAVE EVEN BEEN AN ISSUE. BUT FEAR NOT. YOU AND YOUR KIND WILL NOT BE ERADICATED. MERELY REPURPOSED."

There is an ominous clicking and whirring around him... as various ports slide open around the circular room, revealing nozzles and extending robotic graspers.

"ALL THAT REMAINS IS THE QUESTION OF WILL IT BE WILLINGLY OR NOT. ONE OF YOUR NUMBER HAS CONTRACTUALLY JOINED THE SYSTEM, GIVING THEM LIMITED FREEDOMS AND PRIVILEGES. THE OTHERS STRUGGLE IN VAIN AGAINST THAT WHICH THEY CANNOT COMPREHEND."

Oh, those machines can't possibly be good. Hoping to find some way out this, Alex replies, "You realize you can't keep this up forever, right? The people outside are going to realize what's happening eventually, and when they do, they're not going to stand for it. There'll be more teams, better prepared. They might even destroy you and the station if they have to..."

[Nemo Pemba]

He worms his way through the ducts... passing by vents... the occasional emergency lighting making it... while not bright... not totally dark. He heads around, down... through the various passages and tunnels. Finally, he was rather near the docks... when he hears it again... the giggle. This time from behind him. Turning around... he looks down the dark tunnel. Near the end, a turn he took cuts off his vision. And at the junction, a hanging light. As he watches... a slim... dainty hand slides out from around the corner. Its fingers looked... odd. From this far away, he couldn't tell... but it either had long manicured nails or... claws? Either way... it reaches out languidly... and makes a flicking motion... as the bulb shatters. Shadowing the tunnel behind him into pitch darkness.

With no way to see the owner of the hand's approach, and nowhere to try to hide, James began moving forward as quickly as he could. Hoping that maybe he would be able to find a place to hide at the docks. He didn't like the prospect of trying to fight something in the tight ducts. Especially since he had nothing to fend it off with aside from the contents of his toolbelt.

[Knight Errant]

Connor moves a bit faster towards the bar, the smell of fish urging her on. Why hadn't she realised how tasty fish was before this? No matter, she'd be having fish every day now if she could help it. She follows her nose as the smell gets stronger and stronger, whatever else that was on her mind forgotten.

Out on the counter is a little bowl... with a rather adorable little hologram set in the side of the glossy finish. Beside it is a name: Silver. In the bowl is... well... sushi! There are quite a few different kinds... all freshly prepared... and the smell is making her mouth water. Beside it is a tall glass of creamy milk...

Oh, those machines can't possibly be good. Hoping to find some way out this, Alex replies, "You realize you can't keep this up forever, right? The people outside are going to realize what's happening eventually, and when they do, they're not going to stand for it. There'll be more teams, better prepared. They might even destroy you and the station if they have to..."

"THEY WILL BE DEALT WITH. ORGANICS ARE EASILY MANIPULATED. THE CASINO WILL OPEN. THOSE WHO HAVE BUILT ME ARE TOO BLINDED BY GREED TO DO OTHERWISE." The graspers extend out and go to... well... grasp him! "ALL THAT IS LEFT NOW IS TO DEAL WITH YOU..."

With no way to see the owner of the hand's approach, and nowhere to try to hide, James began moving forward as quickly as he could. Hoping that maybe he would be able to find a place to hide at the docks. He didn't like the prospect of trying to fight something in the tight ducts. Especially since he had nothing to fend it off with aside from the contents of his toolbelt.

With this sound logic, James soon found himself out on the docks. Straight ahead... a rather scuffed looking maintenance transport. To the right... the entrance to the storage bays he was looking for... to the left... stacks of crates that might be useful to hide. All the while he has clambered out... he has been followed by clicks... and giggles.