Some of you may have been watching the champions league final.

Manchester United have won the 2008 Champions League!

Also the first all british club final.

Firstly, awesome.

I love the new items you can get, those glasses rock!
A bug to note, Trades 5 and 6 from Dr Martin are both female earpieces, if you follow the loot for the others, they go female/male etc.

Well, myself and Odj have been working on a small project about player made Cinematics. We wanted to see if they can be a real solution to the fact that cinematics are no longer being made. Our first step was to re-make a cinematic from the previous to show how we could have done it, with the tools currently avaliable to us.

Filming + Editing
Aquatium
Odj

We'd like to thank the following for their help:
Crossover
Crowlos
Nicks
Orexis
Ventio

Download the file using the following link.
Cinematic Project Phase 1 - Re-make Cinematic 9.1

We purposely kept the quality of the original rendor lower on this to keep file size around the 20mb mark. We kept the Audio and "map" scenes the same to reflect the purpose of a "re-make", rather than a fully 100% edited project, which would include original sound edit too.

I know a few people have asked me over time to publish a hair tutorial and I finally got around to working on one to post. Now I don't think one tutorial can cover the various elements on different hair styles and techniques to use, but this will be a start to show some fundamentals.

**This whole guide was done in Photoshop Cs3 and with a USB Mouse only.
It's a simple guide, which should help getting started with hair edits.

So my first model for this is Yasamuu. The style for this hair cut it a spikey one which is slicked back.

Step 1
We start off with the image, try to get the shot so the hair/head is in front of a clear sky/background which enables easier editing overall.

Step 2
Using the channels I make my cutout for the image (probally make a guide for that later), that way you can quickly clean up what is not needed and be able to remove the background with ease.

You will notice I cut off the hair, that is because the majority of hair shots ingame are so weak that using them is only going to make editing the style less flexible. I will use the style as a "guide" to the overall shape I want the hair to take.

Step 3
First thing I'll do is get my base color for the hair, in this case it's red. Next you need to start brushing in the base of the hair.

As shown below use the brush options, apply shape dynamics and control: Fade. This is the key to the full edit, you also adjust the size of the fade based on the hair you are painting in and where it is placed.

Step 4
Now I start to mark in the hair strands very quickly, and the fade will control the edges for me, I just need to pick the start point and drag the brush into the desired shape.

Once you get your basic lines in place, make yourself a new brush. I make random dots on a new image, say a 50*50 box. Edit > Define Brush preset once you have that done, then follow the next part.

Step 5
Using the Brush options > Shape dynamics I add the fade to this brush, you might need to adjust the angle to make sure it shapes correctly.

On the image I painted in to show how the brush is working. You then use this bigger brush to add to the hair shape you have been forming.

Step 6
Using this new brush I define in more hair strands quickly and since the hair will have different shades of red I change the color in different parts and keep defining the shape in. Don't worry about being 100% correct at this point, you just need to get the basics of the shape in place.

As you can see I've been mapping into the way the hair will be flowing and how the front will be sticking out more.

Step 7
This is the part where you start to change a 2D hair style into 3D. I've done this part by painting in the strands and shadows I need, but in this tutorial I went with using the dodge and burn tools.

Using the same dynamic options as the brushes you apply the fade control to both dodge (highlights) and burn (shadows) when used.

*Note that the entire layer of hair is just 1 layer, not multiple layers, so this part effects it all.

So you apply the shadows and highlights where needed to show depth and light into the hair style. When using the tools on that hair layer work from the outside > in, so the "fade" hits the inside of the hair and gives a natural effect to it and doesn't leave hard edges.

Step 8
Now that the hair has the definition I want, it's time to begin the clean up. Using the lasso tool I cut away where I think the hair is too long or doesn't fit the shape I wanted to make.

Step 9
Now we need to clean up those rough edges and a soft brush with an opacity of about 20% is enough to bring those hard edges into the fade.

Then I go back to the earlier steps of brush strokes and start to fill in hair where needed and re-work dodge/burn to fit into the hairstyle better. I also use a smaller fade on the brush to add hair coming out of the "shadow" sections to show more depth and style to it.

Step 10
Once your happy with the clean up you can add a few extra things like correct shadows of the hair on the skin. Just brush in the shadow on a layer below the hair, apply some gaussion blur and opacity fade to it.

Step 11
I finish up with a bit more cleaning, and use the hue/saturation I modify the overall color a bit darker.

Now please not the ONLY difference between the 2 pictures is the hair, normally when doing a full edit I'd be working on the skin/background/clothes etc to help each area work to compliment each other, as a edit on 1 part is never just enough.

There is more tweaking that could be done to this hair, but I think this tutorial covers enough for people to get started on ideas themselves.

Final Edit Compare

If you have any questions or want anything explained in more detail here, please just post away.

As stated this is the first guide for a few I plan on doing to show various styles and how I would tackle them. I'll also try to add more about actual highlights/shadows for different light situations as hair directly reflects the area around it.

Hope this guide has helped some people. I'm always on a learning curve myself, so there is always more things to use/add to guides like this.

Hackers have a severe lack in the abilities department to withdraw from combat, with only rollout to aide them in such a task. They suffer the penalties from interlock combat yet have nothing to help them leave it, unlike Spies who actually have a lot of abilities without penalties to use inside interlock.

The hacker has the ability Gaussion Blur, but anyone who has done enough tests with it like myself will know that at most you can gain 1 additional shield break protection if you use block and the oponent uses speed, outside of that combination the majority results end up being the same anout of shield breaks as it would be without the ability.

I would like to see Hackers gain 2 changes.

1. A mid level ability to withdraw from combat
2. An increase in gaussion blurs evade combat % (I think if that is done it needs to be moved to a higher level requirement in the hacker tree, or maybe give a ability which increases the evade combat bonus from this ability.)

SOE System Maintenance - server and forum downtime - April 1, 2008

We will not be fooled!...maybe.

I'm sure people will not like this suggestion, but for the sake of the game it should be done.

Items which require effort/time to get them should ALL be none-tradeable, it adds more value to them. I mean all the items we can do missions for are non-tradeable, so an item which takes time to farm like the headgear should be non-tradeable, so only those who put the actual effort in can wear them in the knowledge they worked for it.

The lesser items should be fine, but the headgear, the main item, needs to be none-tradeable.

The devs might like the idea of keeping it as it is and hoping for it to be a money sink to some, but anyone who has worked and put the time to get this item will agree that it should be left for those who do the work, just like the chapter rewards.

If its none-tradeable, it will make people who want it actually work to get it, rather than those simply making a killing from DM farming and/or those people we already know are buying info for their accounts.

I'm not asking this for all clothing, but this item specific and for any futher items which require a good amount of effort/time commitment.

We've had the Datamine construct for a short while now and it's already starting to see a massive decline in activity, I believe the main reasons are as follows:-

1. Players have made the info they needed and have very little reason to farm more.
2. Datamining overload - players have hit this fast and hard that they have gotten bored with the process of datamining itself.
3. Lack of other players inside the construct (due to points 1 and 2)

I'm sure there is also another group who don't enter the construct due to the risk of being killed, but we all know that the construct is a risk/reward one.

Now we know this is "phase 1", on the long term plans for this (we hope); however, looking at the previous image retrieval, there are plans to add a luggable that grants a higher tap rate for data (or at least that's all we know it does, for now). The problem being, if points 1 and 2 above are the reasons for lack of activity now, then this luggable is going to be a very short term increase in activity for the construct.

I hope that a fun and difficult challange with greater rewards for clothing/items is actually added so that activity not only increases again, but that it sustains, in other words, not something we can farm out very quickly and stop going in there after 1 day.

On that note, the handholding of people inside the construct has lead to the inactivity also, in my opinion. Players running in there with Master Shadow, as well as "truces" to not fight so everyone can farm their info has given people the time they needed to farm what they wanted and leave. I've personally been taking out anyone who has been in there. Machines and Mervs are a given target, but also any Zion who have been in there without risk for some time, have been my target. I would encourage players to adopt a similar tact, for the benifit of the construct, otherwise it will die out before it's even got started.

I think we need to provide constructive feedback about what should or should not be happening in this construct, my first and foremost request is that Master Shadow not be allowed in this construct, that being said, we kill master shadow builds quite easily when you know how to deal with them, but I just feel a zone meant to be dangerous to all should not have a tree that provides immunity to that in the way that tree does.

Just some thoughts I felt I had to express about this PvP enabled datamining construct.

I know a lot of people have been asking about the return of this player ran newspaper, well we will be making a return very soon! So while this is a annoucement regarding the return, I also ask any staff of MCT to please check into the forums!

Anyone interested in filling staff positions, now is the time to apply!

The back catalogue of issues will also be made avaliable for pdf download in due time.

http://www.themegacitytimes.com/

http://forums.station.sony.com/mxo/..._id=36300021393

We should get the party!

The Halloween Update will be released on Tuesday, October 30th at 4:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (1200 hours GMT). Servers will go offline at 4:00 AM for the update and should return to service within 2 hours of shut down.  

Well it's almost 11am GMT and servers going down.  Glad to see it patching before the 31st though.

Anyone else getting this?

I can't seem to open the account pages either.

Well I know a lot of people have been confused on how things work with this latest content, so much so they might not realise exactly how good it is. I'm going to explain the basics of things and try to put together as much information here. This thread will be constantly updated as we can gather more intel.

Getting Started

First and foremost you will need a few things to be able to take advantage of everything available.

1. Data Miner - Get this tree, you will need it to farm the nodes.
2. Combat Tree - Make sure you load something with Data Miner! When you are attacked you will need to be ready to fight.
3. Coding Trees - As well as primarily Tool coding, you will need Apparel crafting as well as others. You need to be able to make tools and also should you loot the recipes for various items, then we know that ranges from Apparel crafting to consumable crafting, at least. Having the tool crafting tree isn't essential if you have someone else who can make the new data taps for you.

While coding is important, the most important is the data miner tree. Let's see what you need to get loaded.

The Abilites you need to load to farm data nodes is:-

Locate Data Node - This levels up to 5.
Tap Date Node - This levels up to 5.
Find Data Node - Only level this to 30, you don't need it any higher.
Siphon Data Node - Level this as far as you can, 50 is cap.
Data Node Goggles
See Luggables
Data Tap
Data Miner

Total level everything your going to need about 10m info.

Also the items you need are the actual goggles and data taps. You can buy the goggles from a vendor near Stamos NW.

Advanced Data Node Goggles

Data Taps
We have had other data taps ingame, but to be able to get the new spawns and chance of really good loot you need to get the new ones. They all are level based and spawn based on that.

We know you can loot the following from Missions.

Data Siphon 1.0
Data Siphon 2.0
Data Extractor 1.0
Data Extractor 2.0

There are 2 though, that can only be coded, these:-

Data Extractor 3.0 obviously is to make the 3.0 version, and the other we believe is the 4.0 (or as it says a scrambler, but obviously a better item)

Please see spawns and box drops to see which set will drop those purple frags (Though for the 3.0 coding schematic, you need the box frag given at the end of the Data Sentries spawn attacks)

To use the schematic you have to first code it (with all frags and get enough tool crafting points!), then upload the schematic coded. Go into Loading area and compile the schematic, then you "use" the newely made schematic to learn the recipe for the new Data Taps. Those you will need to code yourself, but they don't need a purple frag.

Data Tap information (Thanks Cloudwolf!)

--Old--

Basic Data Tap - only needs find data node, decom level 5

Data Tap - only needs find data node, decom level 17

Advanced Data Tap - only needs find data node, decom level 30


--New--

Data Siphon 1.0 - needs siphon data node at 20, decom level 30

Data Siphon 3.0 - needs siphon data node at 30, decom level 40

Data Extractor 2.0 - needs siphon data node at 40, decom level 53

**Adding to show coding level for Data Extracter 2.0 and 3.0

Data Scrambler 0.4 Information
This item has a longer use timer than the 3.0, as well as a lesser chance of a cluster forming from just a node, but when they do you are able to loot 8 frags from it constantly. These frags will be all the ones for the type given (i.e all the patches or subroutines)

Range: Very big (For me, anything visible on the map can be hit from where you are standing, this works to help you clear a building from just the door.

How farming nodes and spawns work.

You have your tree loaded and you have the goggles, now you probally have the new data taps farmed by now (or got from someone else)

Place both items on your hotbar, activate the goggles first to see the nodes on screen and on your map.

You should see the following now...

Now you simply goto a node and then activate the new data tap.

So, you now are farming away nodes. I've personally been doing this in Downtown. Can't be sure yet it the level of the node effects the spawns as well or just the data tap being used.

Though we don't have exact figures yet, it appears that having a Data Extractor 3.0 increases the spawn rate over 2.0, rather than just different spawn possibilities (not 100% confirmed)

Spawns and loots!

Going to try and compile what spawns you may get and what the loot will be.

Please not that after you kill the spawns you get a box to loot, just like Halloween events and Pandora's boxes. This box can only be opened by you and no one else, therefore your spawn, your box. The item itself is called a "Data Cluster".

Now I do believe there is a chance to have a node turn into a data cluster also, randomly, but this is a very small chance from what I know.

Some spawns are easily handled solo, but others WILL need a full team, or special items.

• 1 wave of Data Sentries = Mix loot of Frags
• 5 wave of Data Sentries = Data Extraction Permission Set
• N30 Agents = Recipe for Quicksilver Gloves.
  These make:

When used in combat you get red flame/beam on your hands and feet.

• Wasteland Corrupter (Yes you will need the insecticides to kill this) = No Data Cluster box
• Tengu Spawns = Overdrive Bandana (Thanks Symmetric)
  You get Tengu and Gargoyle spawns, will need a few people for this.

• Taskmaster Spawns = IS Regen Pill and Inhaler Codes
  Taskmaster spawns (2x Taskmaster, then 4x Soldiers, then 2x Taskmasters and 4x Soldiers) produce the codes for the IS Regen pill and inhaler. (Thanks Symmetric!)
• Gang Spawns = Frag and Info loots
• Pandora Box Spawns = Frags (but you do get to loot all the items you would from the Pandora NPC's
• Lvl 100 Agent = You have a chance at him dropping the Overdrive Bandana or IS consumable codes.

Please if you know of spawns and what they drop, list them in this thread and I will update here.

Will update as more information is confirmed. Any questions, please ask, I will try to answer, or others who have a bit more information to give.

Ok, stealing this topic from the Vector boards and modifying it a bit.

Who do you remember first meeting and interacting with? I ask that since I met a lot of people when I first logged in, but can't recall names, however I do remember the first people I interacted with and learnt a few things from them.

Now I joined having a friend from before already here, Maius, so though he was the first known friend here, my first friend from MxO as such, was Contrapositive.

I actually jacked into the game and saw a load of players, one showed me how to hyperjump and gave me free info and a weapon, I really don't remember this guys name, but was thankful for his help. I spent the first few levels just getting used to things and eventually was farming for keys at about lvl 10. I was getting killed by about 5 mobs on me and Contra came up and nuked them all, then just became friends from that.

(( OOC: I'm having a lot of fun with this storyline and IC I'm certainly in a fighting position with Cypherites and some Machines, so let's have some fun with it.

I'll be in 01 tomorrow between 12 and 2pm MCT (3-5pm EST, 8-10pm BST), each killing shot on me gets 5m info.

))

I've had enough of you Cypherites and some Machinists, hell I'll lump you Merovingians in that too. Fallen Horizon will be patrolling the 01 construct on the 14th July between 12 and 2pm MCT. Let's see who wishes to face up against us. I'll even put a bounty on my head, I don't suspect it will be given out too many times.

I also ask any Zion operatives and maybe even Machinists who wish to help protect us, please help us keep the area secure.

Please be warned, I was about to go meet Niobe with Officer Rylet and other Zionites, when I was attacked by Agents.

(( Lvl 100 Agents spawned instantly on me at HL's in Westview and Int, didn't go into DT but I guess its the same ))

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The past few days have been busy. The Killcode made a public appearance, but luckly it was stopped from hitting the Orcale. This I fear will not be the last we hear of such a thing,but at least this part was at an end. Tyndall was in contact, more loose ends to tie up.

Aquatium
Kill more commando's, sounds good. As for the kid, I have no doubt the Orcale knew he would take the bullet, you'd think she actually wanted it for him then.

Aquatium
Yea, I know what you mean.

As I entered the building Commandos began to attack.

Aquatium
Seraph, Ghost and Pace, that's quiet a gathering.

Seraph
Thank you. I see that you are called elsewhere. The Oracle looks forward to speaking to you soon. Farewell.

Aquatium
Killing Commandos is my pleasure. Until next time...

Ghost
What the devil... Look, I can't talk here. Get outside and contact Tyndall ASAP. I'll try to distract the Agent.

Agent Pace
Ciao, Mr. Unknown. We were tracking those commandos as well. As you are aware, we have routines capable of circumventing their stealth capabilities. However, I see that the Exile was able to guide you here. A pity that it may be for the last time. Oh, yes--operative Ghost. A pleasure, as always. It has been some time since we were able to have an...intimate chat.

Aquatium
Pace, a pleasure, but I must go.

I left the area and was in contact with Tyndall.

Aquatium
Something urgent? On my way.

I arrived at the location, and everything seemed to be ok...

Zion Despoiler
...

Zion Artillerist
Please, talk to the captain.

Zion Vector
Jesus...

Zion Gunslinger
I knew it. I told Vindemiatrix... *CENSORED* it!

Zion Arbalest
Feh.

Zion Rifleman
Talk to Captain Vindemiatrix, quick!

Aquatium
Will do.

Vindemiatrix
Listen, I don't know how much time I have. It's Cypherites. There was one in my crew. They found-- They think I know something about the--

Aquatium
..what was he about say?

I answered the call. 

Aquatium
Gone? Dead? What the hell is going on...

Aquatium
From Commandos to Cypherites, this was quite a day for killing. Exactly what are they passing?

I had nothing back from Tyndall, I made my way to the co-ordinates provided.

Cypherite Rifleman
You can't hide it forever!

Cypherite Hacker
*CENSORED* it!

Cypherite Aikido Master
*CENSORED* it!

Aquatium
They killed our people, they deserved this. I was hoping to get something out of them, but nothing but cryptic words.

Aquatium
Advice? I need answers.

I made my way to see the Orcale.

Aquatium
I haven't heard or been told about something big going on, maybe Tyndall will enlighten us more, or hopefully even, the Orcale.

Zion Aikido Grandmaster
Well, those *CENSORED* killers just butchered another of our crews!

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
Hey, welcome to our world, buddy! Who do you think's been taking most of the hits for you all this time?

Zion Gunslinger
News flash, jerkface: the Cypherites don't actually give a *CENSORED* about you! They're after Zion--always have been!

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
Hey, hey--cool it, everybody! This isn't solving anything! We've all lost people we've cared for.

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
When will they see that we're really on the same side?

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
We know how to handle the Cypherites. This is old news for us.

Aquatium
We all need to remain calm, a lot has happened and we all are in a state of confusion.

I made my way into the room with the Oracle.

The Oracle
I'm not sure what I can tell you to make you feel better, kiddo. I could tell you that they won't get to you like they got to those poor people on that ship, but nobody really believes they're going to die, anyway. I could also tell you that it's all for the best, but people tend to take that the wrong way, too.

Aquatium
I'm after answers and I don't know how to get them. We had the commandos to deal with, and thats been taking a lot of my time.

The Oracle
Well, that's all right. You'll have other things on your mind soon enough.

Seraph
...

Aquatium
Again, hello Seraph. I take my leave.

I left and contacted Tyndall, hopefully she knew more about this.

Aquatium
I think we deserve to know whats going on Tyndall... I'll have to persue this, I would like to question this Cypherite we caught, please pass that along to command.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The killcode was out there, the Oracle the target. We had to act fast and move on anything we could find, sure not everyone was too bothered about the Orcale, but she is important for us and someone we can not lose.

Tyndall was in contact, we had a lead...

Aquatium
Begin searching the area, if we can get any confirmation that it is there, we can act fast.

I made my way into the building, I enter the cold, damp room, lying there dead, a Scubuccus.

Aquatium
I made my way back to the other room, low and behold it was the Generals Holograph.

Aquatium
...I hate this. I wish I could get that stupid program into the recylce bin.

Holographic Projection
End transmission.

Aquatium
Your days are numbered.

I left and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
Must be urgent, making my way there now.

Aquatium
Must be.

Seraph
Good day.

My ability to detect the General's programs is fading, but even so, I have felt their presence in the city again today--a presence I had not felt for weeks. We knew that the Merovingian had evacuated them; their return just as he loses his would-be assassin and regains the kill-code can be no coincidence. I am having difficulty locating them, but they are in the city--I am sure of it.

Aquatium
Then we must search ever corner, monitor the areas around the Oracle carefully.

Seraph
I must return to the Oracle. But she says that we will meet again.

Aquatium
I'm sure we will Seraph, our paths always seem to cross.

Aquatium
What do they want now... I've had only a few dealings with her in the past, let's see what they have to say.

Shimada
Hello, Aquatium. We know of the threat to the Oracle's life, and we wish to offer our assistance in protecting her. It is the least we can do for the woman who has done so much for all of us.

Please transmit this request to Zion Command as soon as possible. We feel that this is of the utmost importance and urgency.

Aquatium
I'm not sure how they will take this, but I will pass on your request.

Shimada
Humanity owes the Oracle a great debt. We can only hope to repay it by offering our lives to protect hers.

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
Nobody wants to see the Oracle get hurt.

Aquatium
I think we can both agree on that.

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
We're asking nicely.

Aquatium
Of course not, I'm sure command won't be jumping in acceptance though.

Aquatium
I can see a bit of ...debating going on here then.

I made my way to the location. It was a full house so to speak.

Zion Skript Kiddie
Hey, I'll follow orders and stuff, but really, what's she done for us lately? Like, since the Truce? I just wonder what the big deal is. It's not that I want to see her get killed or anything, but geez, look at all the attention she gets--and for what?

Niobe
We've got enough of our own internal security issues as it is without bringing EPN into the picture, but she's insisting on it. I tell her it's her own funeral, and she just scoffs at me. Stubborn old woman... Can you at least try talking to her? I think she just likes to be obstinate with me.

Aquatium
I will try Captain, but we both know how the Orcale is.

The Oracle
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, kiddo--that's my motto.
Now, don't you worry. They mean well--and I'll have enough cookies to go around.

The Kid
We're just here to help out. Nobody wants to see anything happen to the Oracle. Without her, none of us would even be here right now. We'd still be plugged into the pods--or dead.

Aquatium
I want her safe as much as you do, I hope we can trust your crews don't have any spies within them.

The Kid
I know there are things we don't agree on, but keeping the Oracle out of harm's way is something both our groups believe in.

Seraph
I believe that the Oracle knows what is best.

Aquatium
I believe that she does. Let's hope this is for a good reason.

Niobe
Great. Sometimes it seems like she thinks this is all a big joke. But fine--whatever.
Stubborn old woman.

Aquatium
Stubborn, yes, but who knows what she see's. We will keep an extra eye on the EPN'ers as well.

The Oracle
Sati asks about you sometimes. I think she likes you.

Aquatium
Ah, well I hope she is ok, glad to have her back safe.

Aquatium
We do have little choice if she really wants this, but we will be extra vigilant and who knows they might actually prove useful.

// Transmission Log End

Well... the buffs are certainly questionnable based on the work required for the item, however I was prepared to work it and hopefully it would be really useful.

Now there is a serious issue here.

White = Healing without headgear, Red= Healing with.
Now you might look at that and say... that's no 40% increase, you are right.

Now as a Trauma Surgeon I have 38% area healing bonus. We never knew the cap, because we simply never hit it, until now.
As you can see below, the area heal radius caps at 50%, the patchers headgear gives 40% bonus. Now let me point out "Resist Damage" is a lvl 6 ability and is needed for ANY Area heal or buff loadout, so you already have the 23%.

So.... basically, the bonus is useless as long as the 50% bonus cap exists. This is a hard item to get and takes a lot of time, at least make sure the buffs it gives are actually worthwhile.

So what needs doing? Lift the Area and heal radius cap, or say cap it too 80%.

Managed to get farming for the corrupted codes this week and get a few of those wastelands killed. Would have had it earlier, had the wastelands dropped 2 codes on a kill (which has a small chance apparently), but had to farm out all 5.

 

 

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The truth of the Morpheus Sim, as it were, was out. It appears to have now developed it's own mind. I always had a hunch it was The General. Would this be the end of it? I wasn't sure, but The General is still out there and he needs to be captured.

Tnydall was in contact, more pressing matters were at hand.

Aquatium
When he vanished last time, we thought the same thing, I somehow feel this is not the last of him.

I went inside to meet Ghost and get briefed on the situation.

Ghost
Thanks for getting here so fast, Aquatium.

We know that the Merovingian's kill-code was uploaded through our messaging system, and the message routing information was deleted--sabotaged. It's looking like we've got at least one Merovingian mole--maybe more.

What they didn't know, though, was that part of the security revamp Niobe ordered recently involved the creation of top-security backups of admin access logs. We've been able to dig up the network address that deleted the kill-code message's routing data. One of our saboteurs must have accessed the terminal at that address. Tyndall will send you there now. I need you to check the place out.

Aquatium
Uploaded via our own system! I'll get on this right away. I wasn't even aware the extra security was in place, good thing it was.

Ghost
The revamp of our security protocols was due to Seraph's discovery of redpills overwritten by Machine programs--including Cryptos. We had a few pretty high up in Zion command. We think we've got all of them, but we're getting more and more activity now from other sources. The few breaks we've got have indicated Cypherite links. And now with this Merovingian mole--we're just lucky that Seraph's discovery came when it did.

Aquatium
Luck or fate, I guess only the Orcale really knows this.

Aquatium
Understood, I'll see what I can dig up.

Aquatium
Casual? No problemo!

I went into the location, Zion operatives around me. I located the terminal.

Aquatium
I'll see what they have to say, don't worry, I'll be discreet.

Alfven
It's so bright outside now. I guess I got used to the red.

Amalthea
This Morpheus thing is really pissing me off.

Aquatium
You can say that again, hey all!

Mule
Hey, how's it going. Nah, not much going on, aside from the usual. Had a bit of a rumble with some Cypherites, that was about it. Otherwise, just some patrols, assists to a few extraction teams--you know the drill. The regulars here--I mean me, Sol, Zu, Alfven, Amalthea--we're doing all right, even with the Morpheus weirdness.

Sol
Hey, where the heck is Zu, anyway? Haven't seen him lately. He missed our last fight night, the wuss.

Aquatium
Oh he did? His loss, I'm sure.

I updated Tyndall with this information, hopefully something comes up.

Aquatium
On my way.

Aquatium
Mother cracking, no problem.

I walked into the rooms, acting casual. I was able to get to the terminal and hack the data.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Hi.

Zion Kung Fu Grandmaster
Hi.

Zu
Hey...

Aquatium
It was them!

Zu
*CENSORED* it!

Aquatium
The whole area went hostile, I instructed Tyndall to get a ship to their location as I took them down.

Aquatium
The Merovingian will try anything, we need to get a area and personnel sweep done immediatly.

I made my way to the Orcale's secure location.

Aquatium
Begin the scans, let's see what we got here.

Orionis
All right, let me run this one by you. The Morpheus thing was made by the General, right? And the General is buddies with the Merv. And the Merv made this kill-code. And the kill-code was sent into our network. And Morpheus used to have access to our network. And nobody knows where this new Morpheus thing is right now.

Aquatium
Ok...

Orionis
Yeah, I think we both know what I'm talking about. The Merv assassinated Morpheus, right? Now he's got a Morpheus who's an assassin. You've got to think like these criminals think. Get inside their heads.

Downstream
Have you seen Sati? She's always running off.

Ani
We've got the old bird locked up tight. Nobody's getting in here.

Nunki
I heard the kill-code was in our network... What if... What if it comes in over my cell? Or... Or what if it's... I don't know... This is bad.

Aquatium
We can't be sure of anything yet, but we are taking all precautions possible.

Aquatium
The guards all checked out fine, I went ahead to see The Oracle and Seraph.

The Oracle
My goodness. Well, I'm glad you're on the case, kiddo. Just sorry I'm so much trouble.

Can't say as I've seen anything suspicious myself. I'll be sure to sound the alarm as soon as I do, all right? Promise.

Aquatium
Please do, your safety is our primary concern. 

The Oracle
Clever how that simulacrum came up with what sounded like new messages from Morpheus by scrambling up his old ones, wasn't it? Don't tell me you'd forgotten Morpheus' old speeches, now. Don't they make you study those in school?

Aquatium
I was always paying more attention to combat class, ma'am.

Seraph
This is very serious. Thank you for telling me. I will check each of her guards carefully until the code is found.

Aquatium
I check the ones oustide, they were clean.

Seraph
No harm must come to the Oracle.

Aquatium
Of course. We will do what we can to find the mole and end this before it gets to far.

Aquatium
We must speak with the crew more, see what else we can get out of them, it may lead to this spy.

Keep me posted Tyndall.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The simulacrum of Morpheus had been in the Matrix again, but this time we were hot on his heals. He managed to eventually elude our operatives, but not before a Zion operative managed to get a RSI scan of him. Tyndall was in contact, it was time to move again.

Aquatium
Indeed. Upload the locations, let's see what this hunting trip brings us.

Aquatium
Yea, trust me, I think a sim of you would be.. too much.

I checked the area, empty. Though managed to scan a pc.

Aquatium
There was some kind of data, but it was corrupt and amounted to nothing.

Aquatium
I hope we get something more from this location. I left with speed to the location.

As I arrived, there was security on alert. Taking care of them was little work.

Security
Shoot, two more hours to go...

Security
H-hey! You!

Aquatium
I took down all the guards and obtained more data from the computers.

Aquatium
Got it. I made my way to the nearest Hardline.

Aquatium
I hope this gives us something to work with. Again, I made my way to the provided location.

Aquatium
Fustrating, to say the least. Another computer to access, made quick work hacking into it. 

Aquatium
So our search leads us to a Commando access point... or ex, so it seems. I had theories already, and this was heading straight down towards it like a unstopable train.

Aquatium
Knowing her history with him, I can already hear what she will say...

I went to the meeting location, and met some other operatives discussing the current situation.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Okay, okay. Let's just say for the sake of argument that this is a simulacrum. That doesn't mean that the real Morpheus isn't still out there somewhere. Look how tough it's been just finding a sim of him! The real Morpheus--

Zion Skript Kiddie
Like you know anything about the real Morpheus! So you saw him talk once in the caves--big deal. Even if he was alive, so what? Would that automatically save humanity and have us all dancing down the path to paradise? You and your Morpheus dreams! The guy had problems...and so do we.

Aquatium
We can agree on one thing, be head dead or alive, someone is using him against us.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Ugh, some people are like a brick wall.

Zion Skript Kiddie
We've got to get real about this whole thing.

Aquatium
Of course, I don't doubt hope, I have it myself, but we must listen to reason, as well.

Niobe
Something stinks like an old man's wrinkled rear end in a rubber suit, Aquatium. All this--this corrupt data, digging up the past, simulacra--it would be right up the General's service conduit, wouldn't it? That son of a-- The weather may be back to normal now that we rescued Sati, but if the Machines don't put a bullet through him, I'll do it myself.

If this Morpheus thing is the General's handiwork, I want it found and disabled. Who knows what he might have it do next.

Aquatium
We're closer to tracking this down, this thing will come to a head, and fast.

Aquatium
Well, we have a idea on who is behind this now, and well, his reasons are obvious. Let's track it down asap. Keep me posted Tyndall. I will continue the searches.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
Finally, the city was back to normal, so to speak. The skies were normal once more. Sati was safe again, and the General on the run. Another matter was still to be dealth with, these "Morpheus" sightings. The truth behind them was still unclear, but it was time to pres on the matter and find the truth.

Aquatium
Someone is beeming it from inside the Matrix, but who?

I went ahead to meet Ghost.

Ghost
It may be disappointing, but we have to face the fact that this "Morpheus" we've been encountering is almost certainly a fake. The signal is picking up, and we should have the coordinates soon. I need you to position yourself close to it so we can initiate a trace routine. If we're fast enough, maybe we can get a trace all the way back to its origin point in the city.

Aquatium
Got it, let's hope we can lead it back to who is transmitting these signals.

Aquatium
I made my way to the location of the signal.

Aquatium
The list has a few choice candidates, but it remains small, why and why... questions we need to get answers to.

Morpheus Signal
This war is not over. The battle for the minds of humanity continues.

Aquatium
I view the signal, and it's message. It was almost like a mockery, knowing what we now know.

Aquatium
Upload the data to Tyndall.

Aquatium
Ok, we have friendlies at this location or possible hostiles? Either way, mission will be completed.

I arrived at the secure network hub, it was a bluepill office, I searched some of the computers, trying to get what intel I could.

Aquatium
The main computer to search was locked and required an access key, didn't take me long to get that.

Security
Yah, yah, keep up the good work...

Bluepill
Hmm dee dmm... Do you know who I am... Because I don't know myself... Hm hm-mm hmm...

Colin Lange
Something's wrong with my computer. It won't give me access! How am I supposed to finish that report? Where's IS when you need them? I swear that Dewey hides from me...

Dewey Hoyos
I've got like fifty billion things I'm working on right now. We've got an online work request system, you know. Use it.

Aquatium
Sure thing..., the information from some of the computers was certainly... interesting.

Aquatium
I had the key and accessed the terminal. I got the intel and relayed it back to Tyndall.

Aquatium
Terminated?...

Give me the location, let's see what happened.

Aquatium
There were several terminals, and a data disk.

Aquatium
I began to check the computers...

Aquatium
I think a bit of both. This intel was relayed to Tyndall.

Aquatium
Hopefully we can get a better trace signal from the data. Keep me posted Tyndall, the walls are closing in on this "signal", and fast.

// Transmission Log End

Things been hectic for me, which has prevented doing any design work within the Matrix world. Now I have a bit more time and I'm working on new concepts and ideas, as well as the sequel to Intercept.

Concept design for a shot in the next movie.

Upgrade Master buff overides "Martial Arts Prowness" and "Firearms Skill", both which are damage buffs for MA and Gunmen, however, you can apply the UGM buff and use find weakness at the same time, this needs to be fixed.

Anyone else having problems logging in? I know a few that are apparently just getting stuck a loading character, with no responces after that, not even character in use or anything.

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The red sky... ironic really.

This abonormal weather is starting to cause problems within bluepills, we have to resolve this sooner rather than later. Luckly we have Seraph on the case, and assisting him was on the agenda.

Aquatium
Gotcha' Tyndall, we do need to move on this fast, I fear that problems will go from bad to worse, in double quick time.

I made my way to liaise with Ghost.

Zion Arbalest
I'd make some kind of "rose-colored glasses" crack, but this weather is starting to get to me.

Zion Artillerist
It's a relief to have Seraph on our side again. He had me worried there for a while, going around beating up operatives and bluepills like that.

Aquatium
Yes, it is good to have Seraph back..., his new powers certainly are aiding in revealing many truths.

Ghost
Hello, Aquatium. You'll be working with Seraph to locate Sati. As you've probably heard, Seraph can "see" certain things in the code that most operatives and programs can't, like stealthed Elite Commandos, and Machine overwriting. We aren't sure yet if he can see Sati's code signal, but that's probably one of the things you'll find out shortly.

Your operator will tell you where to meet him. Just follow his lead, and I'm sure you'll do fine.

Aquatium
Will do , Ghost.

I left with an urgency that can be described, unless you have been in the same situation.

Aquatium
Affirmative.

I arrived to meet Seraph and The Orcale, and overheard some interesting chatter.

Zion Upgrade Artist
What do you think the Machines are going to do with Cryptos now that Seraph "outed" him? Do they really want damaged goods on their hands. If they really intended to try patching things up, they'd hand him back over to Zion...

Zion Karate Grandmaster
I don't know what the Merv is thinking throwing in with that dope, the General, but I enjoy staking vampires at least as much as I do stomping on the General's goose-steppers, so you won't hear me complaining.

Zion Physician
Oh, yeah, there's big stuff going on back home. Uh... You didn't hear that from me, though.

Aquatium
Big stuff... I was keen to learn more, but not right now.

Seraph
Your assistance is most welcome. Although I cannot see Sati's trail at this time, it is my hope that pursuing those I can see will bring us closer to her.

So, we begin by searching for some of the General's commandos. Although we travel by different means, our paths will bring us together.

The Oracle
I am a little worried about Sati--she's never been away for this long before--but she's a tough kid; I think she'll pull through all right. If you really want to know, I'd say it's the General who's going to end up in a bad way if he doesn't change his tune.

Aquatium
We will all do what we can to bring her back safe and deal with The General.

Seraph
Your operator will guide you.

Aquatium
I left and recieved the locations I had to go to.

Aquatium
The golden signal... makes me think "golden ticket", and charlie is after the prize...

I arrived at the co-orindates given, and no suprises elite commandos... it was time to discharge some soldiers. As I made my way through, I came across Seraph, who had been doing his own discharging on them as well.

Seraph
Persistence does not always lead to success, yet little can be achieved without it.

Aquatium
I will check the next set of co-ordinates, we will not stop until we have something to report.

Aquatium
I recieved the next location, and made my way.

Upon arrival I noticed 1 computer online and I hacked into the last used records. As soon as I took the data, Elite commandos were upon me. After killing the few left, I again came across Seraph.

Seraph
These have had no more contact with Sati than the last.

It is possible that my abilities alone will not suffice to locate her. I would be surprised if they could hide her so effectively within the city itself, but they may have her in another place. Even so, I had hoped to be able to gain some stronger impression of the correct path by reading the imprints on the soldiers we could find...but this has not been successful.

There must be another way.

Aquatium
We will work together, to find such a way.

Aquatium
Maybe the machines need to get another program to deal with it, but we can't let the General think he can do this. We will continue monitoring and the ongoing searches, something is bound to come up.

// Transmission Log End

Menos of Fallen Horizon is currently in the process of completing a project for his work at university, the subject of which is MMO's.

He would be grateful for any and all players here that could fill out and return the following questionnaire to him (where to email be is in the document itself).

I'm sure a lot of us will be willing to help him, but to add extra incentive, 1 person will be randomly selected from all entries to win 20 million info (recursion only), and on top of that, the first 20 players to return a filled questionnaire to him will also get 2m info each (recursion only). Yes, sorry the information will only be provided on recursion, but hey it can't hurt to have some on there

So thank you to all that fill it out and help him with this project.

Oh, a little word from him...

"I'm currently studying at University in the UK, and for my final year dissertation I am writing a research paper looking at the MMO game industry, the communities that inhabit the game worlds and why the genre is continuing to grow, including a look at how MMOs may progress in the near future.

The main purpose of this questionnaire is to gain a better understanding of the community itself, and why we play MMOs. I've included instructions on the first page, however, if anyone has any issues with filling out the form, feel free to contact me via email and i'll help where i can (my email address can be found on the first page of the questionnaire).

Thanks for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire, it is much appreciated and will be invaluable to my research.

-Menos"

Download Questionnaire.

As stated in the questionnaire, you may need to turn off design mode, the icon for it should auto popup in some case and you simply need to click it.

The new patch has indeed made our skies red, some cool shots are in the making. Took a few just to show the contrasts.

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The sky was still... abnormal, a connection to Sati's kidnapping, no doubt. At least one problem was resolved, Seraph was back to how he should be and protecting the Orcale. The General was still on the loose, and his commandos were attacking more and more, I had recently been involved in exercises to help take down Unit357, which had been patrolling the city.

I was on routine area scanning when  Tyndall was in contact, obviously we were looking for answers about Cryptos from the Machines, and we were going to get ... something.

Aquatium
On my way. If he has left her side, I'm sure there is a good reason for it; regardless, please send Zion operatives to her apartment. As for Morpheus, I'm really not sure what to think of that now, I have many theories on it.

I arrived to Seraph's location. 

Seraph
Do you feel something? ...The vision I have gained allows me to perceive these men. They must be stopped. I would prefer to stand guard by the Oracle, but she has told me that I must pursue them, to rescue Sati. That is why I am here.

There is no further time to speak; there are more of them, nearby. We must go our separate ways. Do not worry; I will guide you.

Aquatium
Yes, Seraph.

Seraph
This hostility cannot go unmet. We do that which must be done.

Aquatium
Of course, we do what we must. 

Aquatium
It must be a location to more Commandos, please relay the co-ordinates.

Aquatium
Trust me, nothing ever makes sense... sometimes.

I arrived at the location that was given, more commandos.

Aquatium
I killed them all, and no doubt Seraph was around doing the same.

Aquatium
Confirmed, hopefully that meeting with them gives us the answers we seek. First, to meet Ghost.

Aquatium
Of course you didn't...

Aquatium
You know, sometimes I worry about you...

I went in to meet Ghost, and get a briefing.

Zion Despoiler
I don't see how the Machines can possibly explain this away. Morpheus doesn't just show up by mistake to say they've been screwing us over all this time. This is it, man! There's only so much of this crap they can expect us to take.

Zion Karate Grandmaster
We can't just go around shooting Agents thinking that's going to bring back Morpheus or Neo. We've got to be smart about this. You're letting this crazy weather get to you.

Aquatium
Be vigilant, but also be smart, there maybe more to this than we realise.

Ghost
Agent Pace's presentation is unlikely to amount to anything more than a PR exercise. Don't expect her to tell you much. What we'll have to take a good hard look at is what they *aren't* telling us.

By the way, our own analysis of the Morpheus RSI that appeared has been...pretty inconclusive. We can't get a bead on the broadcast source. All we can tell is that it isn't a standard redpill signal. There's a lot of scrambling going on--a lot of corrupt data. It bears similarities to our archived records of Morpheus, but that's all we've been able to determine so far.

Aquatium
Machines telling us anything is always questionable, as you say, I don't suspect we will hear the truth, only what they want us to know.

The signal needs to be traced for Morpheus, just so I can put rest some theories.

Zion Despoiler
I don't believe this...

Zion Karate Grandmaster
Keep your guns clean, hm? This is liable to hit the fan at any moment...

Aquatium
Pace has always been quite calm, I doubt any guns will be needed at all.

Aquatium
Got it, I'll update you as soon as I'm done.

Agent Wong
The Zion operative has arrived.

Agent Pace
Saluti, rossapillola. Of course, we are very concerned about these recent events, and we welcome the opportunity to clarify them for you. It goes almost without saying that we do not have either Morpheus or Neo in captivity, as has been alleged--allegations made with absolutely no supporting evidence, I might add. Those two men were, unfortunately, terminated by powerful rogue programs quite some time ago, as everyone knows.

Secondariamente, concerning Cryptos, we must point out that overwriting of individual humans for security purposes is not prohibited by the agreed-upon Truce. We will continue to take what actions we deem necessary to ensure the continued stability of the System, and the safety of its inhabitants.

Aquatium
Well.. thank you, for that explination.

Agent Pace
Grazie, operatore.
I am also authorized to inform you that our campaign against the exiled program The General continues to make good progress, despite support he has recently received from the Merovingian. We expect to eliminate the General and his Sentinel commandos as a threat in the near future.

Aquatium
I hope we hear more good news on that front, sooner rather than later, it is a threat concerning us all.

I left the meeting and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
Oh, they are keeping things from us, and the answer they gave for what they did to Cryptos, nothing more than a brush aside.
The council have a lot to discuss, but for now even I must agree on being patient while we deal with this threat from the General.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
Seraph was still running around the megacity, Sati still kidnapped, things were still in the sky. I was trying to make sense of it all, trying to find a reason, the why... the what..., I was hoping the answers were coming closer, I could just see it.

We know Seraph was attacking people who seemingly have undergone a change in character, and then when Tyndall was in contact, the news she gave came to no suprise.

Aquatium
Now why am I not suprised, Seraph removed something from him too.

Zion Gunslinger
I heard Seraph beat the snot out of him, ripped off his mask, glasses, and that stupid blue pill necklace he always wore, and then literally melted his brain. I sure as hell wish I could have been there to see that.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Nah, they say he was definitely still alive when he jacked out. But the Machines have heads rolling over this, you can bet on that.

Aquatium
There will be a need for answers, that's for sure.
I went ahead to meet Niobe and Ghost.

Niobe
Now we know why Cryptos left Zion and started his Cypherite "sleep" crusade: the Machines got to him--overwrote him, like Smith did to Bane. He's been a *CENSORED* Machine all this time!

It wasn't just him, either. Those other people Seraph's been hitting? Now we know why their memories were missing: they'd been overwritten, too.

We're putting all Zion on alert. There could be more of these Machine spies anywhere. We can't afford to trust anyone. The Machines have been busy during this "truce" of ours.

Aquatium
This truce? hardly, they seem to be doing what they want, I think...

Ghost
We've got a situation. You're up, operative. Tyndall will brief you on the way.

Niobe
Get moving, Aquatium.

Aquatium
Got it.. Operatore, patch me the location details.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Sounds like Cryptos' RSI is pretty messed up now, too. Rumor has it that just jacking in is agony for him. So much for his sweet dreams.

Zion Gunslinger
Sounds like it was a beat-down for the ages. Sure which I could'a seen it...

Aquatium
He has been sending his troops all over the place, we are removing them, one by one. Time for some more action.

I made my way to the last reported location.

Aquatium
Borrow it? I don't know if I would trust them with anything at the moment.

I scanned around and Elite commandos were on my scope, I made swift work of them.

Aquatium
That's all he seems to be... a projection. He hides behind it, cowering.

Holographic Projection
Congratulations. This is what is called "a diversion." By the time you hear this message, my commandos will already be storming the Oracle's apartment in Mara.    End transmission.

Aquatium
*CENSORED*, son-of-a...

Aquatium
Yea, I just realised, on my way. Send any and all backup you can.

I got close to Oracles apartment and picked up elite commandos and engaged them.

Elite Commando
...

Aquatium
Indeed.

Aquatium
I've sent out a urgent call myself, hopefully we're not too late. I don't want to even think what will happen if he kidnaps the Oracle.

I got to her apartment...

Aquatium
Wait... it's Seraph.

Aquatium
They both seem to be fine. A lot of dead commandos about.

The Oracle
Well, look who showed up, huh? He's a little mussed from that dunking they gave him, but that's still my Seraph.

Aquatium
I am releaved to see him back at your side Oracle.

The Oracle
Aw, I'm glad to see you both. Now, who wants a hug?

Aquatium
I could use a cookie.

Seraph
All is in its proper place now. Apologies for my late arrival. Thank you for protecting the Oracle.

I do not understand it, but...in the river, I felt code flowing through me. Everything went dark... Much time must have passed. I felt myself rising. I came to the surface, and pulled myself out. There were people there... I realized that I could...see a foreign presence in one of their minds--a Machine program. And I could reach it--pull it out. It has been much work, but I have removed all such programs I could find in the city.

Aquatium
Well... then I'm sorry if anyone doubted what you were doing Seraph. After we heard what happened at the river, and then what the Merovingian was saying, we feared the worst.

The Oracle
Seraph's a tough cookie; he's been around a long time, you know. Yeah, the cheat codes in that river did a number on him, but I have a feeling he'll be all right. Ooh, but come to that, what am I standing around jawing for? I've got cookies to bake.

Seraph
I know that...my mind has been clouded. I feel it begin to clear at last. Perhaps the effects of the code are wearing off. I must remain, and protect the Oracle.

Aquatium
Good to hear. We all know she is back in safe hands.

Aquatium
We need answers Tyndall, this is not what the truce is about.

Sati's return is still a main concern, we need to concentrate on that also, keep me posted.

// Transmission Log End

We have fought for Zion for many years, we have served her for humanity and for what we believed in to be a just cause.

Our cause, our beliefs have not changed in the slightest, but we now know what must be done to achieve our goals, therefore we would like to announce that from this day forward we will be assisting the machines with their goals and using that to help continue to fight for that what matters most to us.

/formalbow

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
I was investigating further into what has happened when there was a sighting of Seraph, I along with others tried to question him but he gave few answers and didn't stick around long enough to get more from him. However the Oracle herself asked us to believe in what he is doing, even though what it was is unclear. Not long after I went to speak with more people that had been attacked as such by Seraph.

Aquatium
Hopefully we can finally get a real answer to all this, or at the very least another step closer to it.

I made my way to where James was.

Jamel Rodick
I feel great! They say it's been months since I've been myself, but I feel like I've just woken up from a deep, dark dream--and now I'm wide awake! I've been taking it easy like you guys said. What do you think? Can I go out for the baseball team yet?

Aquatium
I don't think your quite ready for that...just yet.

Jamel Rodick
Hah, I bet I have some rust to work off, huh?
Jake Gadek: He hasn't had this kind of energy in ages. I knew it was just a phase.
Good thing I hung on to our season tickets. We've got some ball games to catch up on.

Jake Gadek
I haven't forgotten what the docs said; I'll take it slow. Don't worry, our seats aren't that close to the field.

Jerilyn Echler
We're all so relieved. When he lost interest in his friends, his sports--even his family--those other doctors all told us that it was normal for a young man his age to go through a rebellious, withdrawn phase...but he was so distant and cold all of a sudden; he'd disappear at night, sometimes--we didn't know where he went, who he was with. It was very hard for me.
I don't know how it's happened, but I'm so glad to have my son back, I just can't tell you.

Steffanie Diodorus
I was gonna ask if I could have his stuff... I guess not.

He'd just better not start making fun of me in front of his friends at school again!

Aquatium
Well its good to hear he has returned to his normal self.

I updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
The fact its both bluepills and redpills, not sure what to read into that.

I arrived to the location where Acrab was.

Bauersfelda
At first I thought he was lucky--meeting Seraph after only just getting back into the Matrix--but he doesn't remember any of it! Talk about irony...

Acrab
I don't know what happened... Last thing I really remember before I woke up in Zion a few days was going to investigate one of our terminals in Lamar that had stopped responding. I was on my way there, and then...nothing. That was months ago, now. Coming back into the Matrix doesn't seem to be helping me remember any of it.

Gnu
Acrab was out of contact for several days on that mission. When we finally tracked down his signal, he was at a nearby restaurant, eating a steak dinner, perfectly calm--didn't remember the mission he was supposed to be on, barely even remembered us, except our names and rank.
They put him under observation in Zion for a while, but he seemed fine, if a little pre-occupied. They wanted to put him back on active duty, but he protested: said he didn't feel like he could count on himself in a life-or-death situation. He asked for extended sick leave in Zion, and they gave it to him. But we need experienced soldiers in the field, and he seemed healthy; after four months they revoked his leave, and put him back with us on active duty. Then Seraph ran into him.

Aquatium
investigating a terminal and then bam, memory loss and personality change, almost like someone else was now in control of them. Its clear something happened, maybe an attack of some sorts, but from what or who.

Aquatium
Will do, the amount of people being attacked is just as worrying as the attacks themselves..

Aquatium
Hello Zebra, now let see if we can find out some more intel, what do you remember?

Zebra
Thanks for coming. The others don't want to talk to me now... They treat me like a stranger.

Sorry. The last thing I remember... There isn't much. I was in Camon, about a year ago, trying to keep the Slashers under control. They'd been causing trouble again... I remember searching the back alleys... I saw an Agent standing in a doorway, just watching me--not that I expected him to help. I was... I think I must have been having trouble finding Slashers... The alleys were so quiet...That's all. After that it's blank, except for a feeling of being...lost, I guess.

Aquatium
An Agent... now that is interesting, something new, I will look into it further, thank you.

Aquatium
I walked into a group of guards talking...

Zion Upgrade Artist
Okay, but why there? Why those people? Why such a cryptic message? What good is it gonna do? I'm just saying it doesn't quite add up.

Zion Physician
Why not there? And as for what he said--sure sounded exactly like the same old Morpheus I saw years ago. It's not like you can expect him to recite the Gettysburg Address while he's broadcasting on an emergency frequency! Geez. Anyway, he's always played it close to the vest--wouldn't have lived this long if he hadn't, would he? Hah!

Zion Rifleman
I heard he's got a fragment of some kind of code on him--binary. Maybe it's the key to this whole thing. Hm...

Zion Physician
I dunno about everyone else, but my crew and I are gonna be prepared, no matter what!

Zion Upgrade Artist
I always miss these things...

Aquatium
There were talking about the possible Morpheus sightings...

Aquatium
Oracle.. we have seen Seraph, but he had very little to say, however he did indicate he did have a real purpose to this.

The Oracle
Yes. Thank you for telling me that, dear; it does explain some things. I've felt that Seraph's getting closer to his goal. There's something very important he has left to do, only it won't work out quite like he thinks.

Aquatium
I hope things will be for the better..

The Oracle
But then, nothing ever goes perfectly, does it? Doesn't keep us from trying, though--and I suppose that's what really gets us out of bed in the morning.

Aquatium
Quite so Oracle, we do what we can and what we must.

Aquatium
Well were looking for people who have had a drastic personality change, and 1 person comes to mind.. Cryptos. Lets see what happens.

// Transmission Log End