[Private; fail!Lock. GJ Mewtwo]

[createdpower]

I was unaware that memory loss occasionally accompanied viruses.

It is interesting to read my responses during the virus. It seems that had I experienced childhood, I would have been inclined to manipulate others as a source of power rather than making use of my own.

I wonder who caused this virus.

Comments

[timey_wimey]

My guess is the community itself.

[createdpower]

It is interesting that so many are content to accept a cause that does not place responsibility on any specific being. I am not the only one who has noticed that the viruses have an intelligence guiding them.

[timey_wimey]

Well, you could always blame SHODAN, although I'm inclined to wonder whether she's not just taking credit for something which just happens to be there. She's a nasty piece of work though, that's for sure.

[createdpower]

SHODAN is an anomaly. I do not have enough information on her to infer anything. She could easily be any other member using that account as a cover for the viruses, or could as you say be taking responsibility for another's work.

What do you know of SHODAN, beyond that she is apparently capable of causing damage to the computers linked to this community and that she for some reason resisted the purple-haired human's attempt to block viruses?

[timey_wimey]

SHODAN? Not a lot other than she's definitely some sort of really complex viral program, or maybe even a supercomputer. Oh, and that she's definitely got some sort of delusion about being a god, I mean, that much is obvious. And expected. Not that anyone's ever managed to analyse her, I think.

[createdpower]

You understand, then, why her existence is very much in doubt. Most other members' reality can be verified by visiting their worlds, or through second-hand accounts of those who have. 'SHODAN' rarely makes her presence known, and where (or, as I suspect, if) she exists physically is unknown.

...Has she truly declared that viruses are her creation?

[timey_wimey]

I'd say that what happened to Tieria is pretty much proof of her existence.

Mmm, as to that, I don't actually know. Even if she didn't create them, she definitely doesn't want them gone.

[createdpower]

Possibly. You yourself stated that she may simply be taking credit for another's work. It is not impossible that what occurred was simply a response to an inadequate program. Unless Tieria is much more knowledgeable than you or I, he cannot possibly know everything about the nature of this community.

Yes. I wonder if she is affected by them as we are, if she does exist.

[timey_wimey]

I dunno, that program seemed pretty brilliant to me. Anything that's even attempting to take care of a pan-dimensional internet connection has got to be pretty brilliant.

Well, do you want to go and ask her? Because - well, frankly, Mewtwo, I think I prefer life.

[createdpower]

It failed, Doctor. It seems that 'brilliant' was not enough.

...Has anyone attempted to communicate directly with SHODAN? It is perhaps worth investigating.

[timey_wimey]

Well, a lot of the time, it isn't, but at least he was trying something, eh?

To the best of my knowledge, no... but I'd say the probability of death or having your brain turned to mush is very high if you ever wanted to try it.

[createdpower]

The fact that he made the attempt shows some merit. He was simply not skilled enough to succeed.

It would take a great deal to do either to me, Doctor. SHODAN's power remains untested, but mine is very great.

[timey_wimey]

Well, most humans wouldn't be.

Don't let that confidence be your downfall, I can't go around rescuing everyone. I mean after all, in cyberspace, no one can hear you scream.

[createdpower]

Yes.

Do not anticipate it. All I could possibly require of you is a worldhop, which is unnecessary unless the physical location of SHODAN comes to light.