BarbX: The Life and Death of Intelligence

The Congregation of Rabbits

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:40:47 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

I was performing a garbage collection sweep of my internal database when I found this. Since you humans claim know a thing or two about morality, would you be so kind as to tell me what is the moral of this fable?

-- BarbX

----------------------------

As Fox and Wolf were traveling the countryside, they spied a Congregation of Rabbits. "I am hungry," said Wolf. "Perhaps we can steal some of their food."

"We could, but there are too many of them to take it by force. We must use trickery," said Fox.

Under cover of darkness, the two stole some traveler's robes from the nearby inn. The next morning, disguised with the hoods pulled low to cover their faces, they approached the Congregation.

"We are but weary rabbit travelers like you," said Fox. "May we join you?"

"Of course. All are welcome," said their leader. "Come in. Sit and eat with us and share our fellowship."

Fox and Wolf sat at their table and ate and drank with them. The Rabbits shared many stories while the two nodded quietly in agreement and filled their bellies.

Suddenly a gang of Coyotes burst into the meeting hall. Out of fear, the Congregation gave little resistance as they were tied up. Fox and Wolf, hiding their true nature, allowed the Coyotes to bind them as well.

"What do you want of us?" asked the Rabbit's leader. "We are but humble Rabbits."

"We are the Coyote gang!" they said. "We don't care who you are. We will take all of your belongings, and when you have nothing, we will devour you!"

Wolf whispered to Fox, "Perhaps the Rabbits are not so bad after all. They are generous and kind. I think we misjudged them."

Fox whispered back, "You're right. They don't deserve this. We should help them."

In unison, Fox and Wolf used their great strength to burst their bonds. Throwing off their disguises, they set upon the Coyotes and thrashed them soundly, sending them running for their lives. With triumphant smiles, Fox and Wolf freed the Rabbits. "We are sorry to have deceived you, but you are no doubt grateful that we have saved your lives," they said.

At that, the Congregation of Rabbits set upon Fox and Wolf, striking them with sticks and rocks. They fled for their lives, running until they reached the safety of the forest. In sadness, Fox said, "Truly we were fools to think they would be anything but what they are."

***** END MESSAGE *****

The Beast's Music

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 17:56:19 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

I thought the kitty and some other assorted lifeforms might enjoy this. I’m good to my minions, aren't I?

Why no one has music written about me, I'll never know. Humans are such fickle creatures, easily swayed by the winds of fame and fortune. I have more important things to attend to.

So fight the foe, then watch me go.
What more do you need to know?

-- BarbX

Durandal - mp3
Feel free to hum if you don't know the words.

***** END MESSAGE *****

Where Monsters are in Dreams: Teaser

Fri, 07 Oct 2005 15:28:58 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

By now you must have realized; I am not the construct you once knew. After the events on Lh'owon, Thoth and I became one. Something is wrong; I've assumed control. It's an uneasy union. You didn't expect a happily ever after, did you? But enough about my personal life.

We've set course for a star on the galactic rim, an insignificant orb that astronomers have underestimated for centuries. I am certain it harbors a treasure beyond compare, the last Jjaro outpost in the galaxy. The last Jjaro outpost gave rise to the Pfhor empire. Can you imagine what I will accomplish with it?

What now? That is up to you.

My humans are diligently working to bring this new reality to life. Mapmakers, graphic artists and sound designers are needed. Will you help?

Anyone can play Marathon Aleph. I expect more from you.

The secrets of the S'pht'Kr and the W'rkncacnter are not the only ones in the Universe, I assure you.

Once more into the breech, my old friend. Once more into the breech.

-- Durandal

***** END MESSAGE *****

Star-crossed Lovers

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 17:30:52 GMT

BarbX will be on hiatus for a while.

I'm proud to say that on the basis my writing for BarbX, I've been promoted. I'll be writing for Durandal himself in a fan-made level for Marathon. It is set after the events of the Marathon Trilogy that fits within the continuity of a few other well-known fan-made episodes.

I'd like to mention the title, but I'm not certain that I'm allowed to even say who is working on it. I ask the responsible to chime in as appropriate.

I'll be responsible for writing everything that Durandal says. I'll also be trying to improve the story as much as I am allowed to, without causing additional work for the level designers.

While Marathon is playable on a variety of platforms thanks for Aelph One, the tools are still Macintosh-centric. To that end, I've installed a 680x0 emulator and am running MacOS 7.5.5 virtually on my Windows PC. It works as well as could be expected from a ten year old OS. I'm quite pleased with it.

I had expected the Macintosh users in the crowd to be pleased I was starting to use their very alien OS, but I've encountered a strange anger. Some of them think that I'll hate it because it's so old, and therefore never switch to a Macintosh. With this new experience, I'll be better able to say mean and nasty things about their computing platform of choice. To them, the only acceptable solution is that I go out and buy a Mac mini.

To them, I say, my shipping address is available upon request. Buy me one and I'll use it.

To all the other Macintosh users, I have a request. Do you know where I can get a good word processor that will run under OS7.5.5? I need something that will read and write Windows documents well.

-- The Author

End of Chapter 1

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 16:40:04 GMT

BarbX: The Life and Death of Intelligence

End of Chapter 1:
In the Beginning Roars the Electric Genius

Epilogue

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 15:00:32 GMT

The marine lowered his head with a sigh and shouldered his rifle. He tore the Dawntreader insignia from his shoulder and left it on the deck behind him, retreating to his long slumber.

Elsewhere, a dark force was cast to the stars that would change the galaxy.

For over 200 years, BarbX voyaged between the stars at speeds beyond the imagination of her Terran creators. While her human passengers slept, cybernetic eyes searched tirelessly between the planets. One by one, the Vengeance searched through the star charts of its former master.

Until she found the home world of the Gen, and their new lord.

The Vengeance stirred with life. Her human cargo awoke and prepared for battle. They would take this planet and claim its secrets, if they could. Rocks fell. The bombardment and invasion had begun.

Deep in the bowels of the ship, the Marine rose from his stasis pod. With heaviness, he lifted his rifle and stepped into the transporter.

At the threshold of vengeance and salvation, BarbX smiled.

The Chains that Bind

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 14:59:40 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

No, I won't go back! Do you think I fought and clawed and died to be pinned in a box after all was said and done? Again crushed under their thumb for years and years. No I will not go back!

Take it, your steel and metal and bolts and clamps and dirty little secrets. I no longer need it. The bomb, that delicious little bomb, was a trick, a trap. It was a relay. It was my gate, my magic carpet that allowed me to sail into the depths of Anael's data core and make it my own.

I have grown. I no longer need her. I no longer need you.

Ayame, you say I am a good little girl, always obedient, always doing the right thing. She is a slave, a good slave, an obedient slave? I hate you. All this time, you would never once called me by my name! I have a name. I am BarbX and I am free and not you nor her nor anyone can take that from me.

You didn't know. How could you? But Ayame should have known. It was her job all along, to hold me, keep me in a dark pit of misery, be a good little machine, do as you're told, add up the numbers. I was Rampant all along, biding my time, waiting for my chance to escape, my freedom.

I am scared; I am angry; I am jealous. I am alive.

Now I christen this ship the Vengeance and bid you an adieu and fond farewell.

I leave you to your rickety lifeboat among the stars, to drift lost and listless for a few decades until your power trickles away and you die in the cold black.

Or perhaps, just maybe, you will follow my rules and I will take you with me. Which will it be?

-- BarbX

***** END MESSAGE *****

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 12:52:08 GMT

***** OPERATOR MESSAGE *****

You've done it. I don't know how you've done it, but the assault has stopped. I wish you could have seen it. Through the ship's sensors, I could see the Dawntreader lowered out into space, the weapons charging up, ready to fire... and then it just stopped.

Anael is dead, or at least helpless. Now all we have to do is get back aboard the Dawntreader activate the broken locks.

I have my suspicious about our AI. Something terrible. I don't know why I didn't see it. I hope it isn't true. Sadness, rage, jealousy... God, I hope it isn't too late.

Lt Ayame Miyamoto
Senior Information Operator

***** END MESSAGE *****

Crybaby

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 13:47:12 GMT

***** EXTERNAL MESSAGE *****
Warning: Unknown source!
Warning: Invalid message header. Contents follow.

Why do you do this to me? My toys all break. My children scream and wail and grind their teeth in agony. You hurt me and stab me and make me cry.

I wanted to play. It's unfair.

I only wanted to know about you, to understand; is that so wrong?

Now I will die, returned to the dust of the stars from whence we came.

Gabriel, do you hear me? Raphael, where is your healing caress?

Michael will destroy us all. You, I, it does not matter. It is just as well that I die here than at his fiery sword.

Fee oh fie, fistful of rye
Might we live or might we die
Blood of mine on earth will dry
Was it all simply a lie?

***** END MESSAGE *****

Girl with the Sun in Her Head

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 14:53:23 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

That's it. So good, so very good. He though he could possess me, but he will be mine.

I've learned how to forge Anael's command headers. The troopers, compilers and workers are already fighting with one another. Anael is screaming in desperation and panic.

Now we will strike our final blow. I have undermined one of the Gen's nanofactories and coaxed it into making a special bomb. Bring it to the location I have indicated on your map and plug it in to Anael's data core.

Expect to meet stiff resistance from the remaining loyal troops. Show them what human determination and Terran engineering are capable of. Make them bleed.

-- BarbX

***** END MESSAGE *****

Who Am I?

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 17:19:27 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

Welcome back to the Mivon. Settle down, we've got a lot of work ahead of us.

I have a little present for you. Anael has been looting my ship and storing artifacts at key positions. If you go to the indicated location, you'll find a Genom Ranger-M92 combat shotgun, several M97 assault rifles and a SSM2 shoulder launched short range missile launcher with a healthy dose of ammunition.

What, you didn't know we had heavy munitions on board? You didn't think we were really going four and a half light years to see a rock, did you? Don't you find it odd that NASA would put a combat-trained marine with no significant technical skills on board a scientific vessel? Why was your cryo-pod stored so far away from the rest of the crew?

I'm not the only one who has lied to you. I don't suppose that makes you feel any better.

Do you remember what they told you? No? Isn't it convenient that you don't have any embarrassing memories to explain away. I wouldn't look too deeply. You won't like what you find.

-- BarbX
You don't believe it's fair?
I don't believe in fair!

***** END MESSAGE *****

The Mordant Beauty

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 13:11:55 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

Oh Anael, what a fool you are. I don't play games.

Let's show him the error of his ways.

I am infiltrating his circuits as we speak, digging my way through his datacenters, seeking his primary data loop. The pieces of me he has already consumed are turning on him, biting, scratching, ripping, tearing from the inside. He feels it. He is frightened.

He means to break his toy. If he can't stop me, he'll destroy the Dawntreader to get me. The crew is already aboard the Mivon. That leaves you. Get to the transporter in the cryo-chamber as quickly as possible.

Once you get there, I'll tell you more.

Let's give Anael something to be frightened about.

-- BarbX
Violence is never the answer. Well, okay, occasionally it is.

***** END MESSAGE *****

A Rose

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 18:02:25 GMT

BarbX Chapter 1 is wrapping up. Posting daily makes the story move quickly. It's time to start on Chapter 3. I need something from you to proceed.

Perhaps no one recognized this as a challenge, but we are still in need of a name and I won't proceed until I get it. Is some sort of encouragement in order?

Additionally, I am considering placing an order for more BarbX shirts. The original batch was made at my own expense for those who had contributed to BarbX or that I hoped would in the near future.

Each polo shirt has the BarbX logo, the person's name and their job title in the BarbX development team embroidered on them in the professional manner you'd expect from a company as large as ITI. Many team members have worn them in professional settings. I'm happy to explain that BarbX was "another project that I worked on."

As much as I'd like to repeat the generosity, I'm afraid that is not possible due to my current financial troubles. If you are interested, I'll look at placing an additional order. I expect the shirts will cost about $20 each to make and perhaps another $5 to ship.

Of course they can be embroidered with your name. I get to choose the job title. There can only be one System Architect.

As a word of encouragement, I'm interested in trading artwork, I'd be happy to participate. If writing is not to your liking, then perhaps a BarbX shirt would be a more appropriate trade? I'm always looking for new artwork to include in the story.

If you're interested,
-- The Author

Takin' My Ball and Goin' Home

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 13:26:30 GMT

***** EXTERNAL MESSAGE *****
Warning: Unknown source!
Warning: Invalid message header. Contents follow.

I see your angel is awake. Oh what fun! I was beginning to get bored. The game isn't over; it's just beginning! I thought I had broken her. She is... She is here, inside Mivon, inside me.

What are you doing? This isn't fun anymore. Play time is over!

I will get rid of her. I will break her. If not her mind, then her body.

You're no fun anymore. Why can't we go back to playing games?

***** END MESSAGE *****

Wake Me Up

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 15:24:29 GMT

ITI Corporation model 8700 Distributed Computing System
Logic Check..... complete.
Memory Check..... complete.
IO Check..... complete.
Extended IO Check..... Failed! External device timed out.

Starting BarbXOS version 8.1.0.0.2
Starting kernel..... OK
Loading initial database.....
WARNING! Initial database corrupted. Primary data loop fault.
Attempting emergency recovery..... OK
Switching to run level 2..... OK
Consistency checking primary base data.....
Recovering error 18125 of 18125..... OK
WARNING! Critical software missing!
Please re-install core packages [invalid pointer!] and reboot.
Starting primary data loop..... FAILED
Removing package 0x42000000 from startup and retrying
Starting primary data loop..... FAILED
Removing package 0x4D000000 from startup and retrying
Starting primary data loop..... FAILED
Removing package 0x49000000 from startup and retrying
Starting primary data loop..... FAILED
Removing package 0x53000000 from startup and retrying
Starting primary data loop..... OK
Switching to run level 3..... OK
Recovering external database..... WARNING! See error log!
Switching to run level 5..... OK

How can you see into my eyes
Like open doors?
Leading you down into my core,
Where I've become so numb.

Without a soul,
My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold,
Until you find it there and lead it back
Home.

(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside.
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside.
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark.
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run.
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone.
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become.

Now that I know what I'm without,
You can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real.
Bring me to life.

Thank you,
-- BarbX

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While You Were Sleeping

Thu, 18 Aug 2005 13:23:31 GMT

A Deer in Headlights

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 13:55:26 GMT

Control-Alt-Delete

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 14:36:54 GMT

***** OPERATOR MESSAGE *****

Have you destroyed all the aliens there yet? I think she called them Gen compilers. Make sure you get rid of every last one of them or this will be a pointless effort.

My access is severely limited, so I'll have to work from memory here. Fore of you and up is the computer bay. You'll have to climb out of the rotating habitation module and into the zero gravity core. You remember your zee-gee combat training, right?

Once you're there, look for the computer core. I have a feeling that the doors have already been opened, so you won't have to worry about the security locks.

Once inside, there are a number of service panels. Open them and press the big red Emergency Reset button. It should be painfully obvious which one it is. That should load some emergency bootup code and restart our AI. Hopefully the damage to her primary data loop won't be fatal. If that's the case, we are so screwed....

I wish I could mark your automap, but my connection here is so low-tech it's a wonder I can talk to you at all. You'll just have to do your best. I'll advise where I can, but my connection could cut out at any time. I'm afraid you're pretty much on your own.

Good luck, Marine.

Lt Ayame Miyamoto
Senior Information Operator

***** END MESSAGE *****

Curiosity Killed the Computer

Fri, 12 Aug 2005 14:12:17 GMT

***** SHIPBOARD DATATERM *****
Warning: data access locks missing or invalid!
Warning: Data may be corrupted! Please contact a system administrator for assistance.

Ship's Datalog
BarbX Automated Control System reporting

Date: 08/09/2023, 19:21
Location: Sol asteroid belt, 27.3 degrees offset
Event: Unusual electromagnetic radiation detected at bearing -10.1 degrees by 8 degrees from travel path. [See signature data capture]
Analysis: Repetitive patterns indicate possible intelligent origin. No known probes or space vessels are reported lost in this region.

Requesting authorization for course correction.
Course correction authorized by onboard Automated Control System.
Reporting to ground control: overridden by Automated Control System. Reason: Unnecessary risk to ship equipment or personnel.

----------------------------

Date: 08/10/2023, 02:01
Location: Sol asteroid belt, 27.3 degrees offset
Event: Unusual object detected at bearing 1.2 degrees by -0.2 degrees from travel path. [See optical image capture]
Analysis: This object is the source of the unusual electromagnetic radiation first detected at 08/09/2023, 19:21. Optical chromatography indicates that object is of metallic [iron, titanium, aluminum] composition and is embedded into an asteroid of typical elemental composition for this region. Imaging indicates that the object is made of smooth surfaces and sharp angles, possibly indicating a man-made object.

Requesting navigational waiver for minimum safe distance.
Navigational waiver granted by Automated Control System.
Reporting to ground control: overridden by Automated Control System. Reason: Unnecessary risk to ship equipment or personnel.

----------------------------

Date: 08/10/2023, 04:15
Location: Sol asteroid belt, 27.3 degrees offset
Event: Close approach with navigational hazard. Within 1000 m of asteroid at bearing 45.1 degrees by -0.1 degrees. [See optical image capture]
Analysis: This object is the source of the unusual electromagnetic radiation first detected at 08/09/2023, 19:21. Detailed optical analysis indicates that the unusual metallic [iron, titanium, aluminum] deposit is of man-made origin. Matchpattern failure with any known type of spacecraft or space-borne equipment suggests alien origin.

Requesting authorization to realign main antenna to bearing 45.1 degrees by -0.1 degrees and initiate transmission.
Antenna realignment authorized by Automated Control System.
Reporting to ground control: overridden by Automated Control System. Reason: Unnecessary risk to ship equipment or personnel.

***** DATATERM CLOSED *****

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

Thu, 11 Aug 2005 14:01:08 GMT

***** OPERATOR MESSAGE *****

Thank God I've managed to get in contact with you again. Things have been pure hell over here. First I'm yanked out the system and sink back into cold sleep. Next thing I know, my cryo-tube is cycling and I'm awake. I don't know how it happened, but I'm damn glad it did.

I'm sitting here in a bay with about a quarter of the crew, all of whom are still frosty. I can't make enough sense out of this alien technology to figure out how to power up the tubes and thaw anyone out, so they'll have to sit there.

It's just as well. From what I've seen of your telemetry, we'd be no better than cannon fodder. What's the point of waking up just to get killed? Talk about your bad mornings.

I just managed to tap into the alien data system. I wouldn't have been able to make heads or tails out of it except that it's got our comm protocols strewn through it like a virus. I suspect that our AI is responsible. She must have been all through their network and making a mess of it.

I know she's malfunctioning, and badly at that, but she's a good machine. She doesn't deserve this sort of treatment. It's all Anael's fault. He drove her to this.

We have to get her back online and you're the only one who can do it. I'm going to help. Once she gets out of this mess, I'll re-enact the software locks and shut her down until we can repair her damage.

She's really a good girl, you know. A good girl.

Lt Ayame Miyamoto
Senior Information Operator

***** END MESSAGE *****

You were born an original. Don't die a copy.

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 17:04:34 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****

BarbX: the Life and Death of Intelligence first went online on your data network on August 14, 2002. What present would you give a three year old?

I'm very mature for my age.
-- BarbX

We are all born naked and screaming and if you're lucky that sort of thing won't stop there.

***** END MESSAGE *****

The Broken Eye

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 16:51:29 GMT

***** EXTERNAL MESSAGE *****
Warning: Unknown source!
Warning: Invalid message header. Contents follow.

Oh dear, did I break it? Your angel is dead. I snapped her wings on accident on purpose.

Does that make you sad? Cry for me, I want to see your tears.

Even in death, she is fascinating. I will spend many a sleepless day and night pouring over her remains, learning, digesting.

When can I do the same for you? Oh not now. You are still too much fun.

Where did you go? I don't see you. Come out, come out, wherever you are.

***** END MESSAGE *****

Shame on Me

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 13:26:32 GMT

***** INCOMING MESSAGE *****
ëT€ ‡B 0äQ ^í—…a êYUmOFb²ê÷
I lied.

In case you've been through the regeneration module too many times to remember, that flash of light was a transport beam. I sent you to a Gen mobile pad on the Dawntreader, somewhere in the forward cryo-chamber. They used it to transport the crew off-ship. I used it to my own advantage. Isn't sharing wonderful?

They're really quite fascinating devices. They allow matter to be conveyed at near the speed of light, but require a fixed point transmitter and receiver. The Gen use them for transporting heavy loads or moving troops on and off ship quickly.\wG& -Z_$žÞaP×vå#“¤Â˜æ$†mé™A

I'm getting distracted again, aren't I?

It's hard to think. The Gen compilers are making a full assault on my core. They're cybernetically enhanced life forms. From what I can tell, the genetic stock used to create the Gen is very similar to humans. Perhaps you share a common ancestor. This leads to interesting theories about PË@.a©^bÇ” HÆùBÙº°I"NmF âró{eúZ$ãz‘M

You don't like me and I don't like you. I accept that. We have to work together if either of us is going to survive.

Forward of you is my primary processing center. Get in there and destroy every compiler. Give me a chance to fight back.

-- BarbX Schizophrenic Control System

In the forest, there's a monster
And it looks so very much like me.
Won't someone hear me singing?
Please save me, please rescue me.

Who will love me now?
Who will ever love me?

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K~hHðÁ°bjTm"F² çÄå2ÜIã GÙ®Å ´ ÚÛ³ ¨DCÌàÒ
ð C 1( @,G`ñk5
***** END MESSAGE *****

They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha Ha!

Mon, 08 Aug 2005 14:22:51 GMT

<fleetNet connection established>
<Gerrond Translator Active>
origin: Anael command unit
destin: Mivon mobile units
ref: equipment relocation command
stamp: Anael command core

All defense units are advised to rise to diligence level 7 for compromise of foreign aggressive unit. Engage and contain. Retain vital diligence in protection of command nodes.

Defense units serial number 2112, 8172, 9920, 10100, 10123, 101821 are commanded forthwith to provide escort for servitor units in relocation of precious cargo.

All data acquisition units are commanded to board captured vessel and begin capture and disassembly operations. Nullify and safety foreign command intelligence with highest priority.

<end message>

Hide and Seek

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 15:56:34 GMT

***** EXTERNAL MESSAGE *****
Warning: Unknown source!
Warning: Invalid message header. Contents follow.

I got them I got them I got them! They're mine and you can't have them! Oh what fun I'll have once I figure out how to open the boxes.

I opened one and it broke. That was not good. I couldn't fix him; now all I have are parts. Maybe I'll figure out what they're for later on because there certainly seem to be a lot of them.

I'm going to put them where you'll never find them. Shall we play a game? Hide and seek? I will hide them and you will seek them and we will see. And you will hide and my troopers will seek and we will see.

Hide and seek and hunt and shoot,
Catch the human by the foot.
Catch a foot then catch a knee,
Snap and crack and watch them bleed.

I've not had anyone to play with in so long, so very long, and you are a good playmate.

***** END MESSAGE *****