Code Release 1.0: Error - Network has been disconnected [Voice]

[eyesofargos]

Department of defense code Alpha-seven-five-nine-gamma-two. Priority one. Request immediate connection to Division 6 emergency network. ARGOS biological console reporting in. Catastrophic failure of all network protocols detected. Console has been removed from terminal. Repeat: console has been removed from terminal. Current whereabouts unknown,

Comments

[bogusmagicker]

. . . An organic interface?

[eyesofargos]

Correct. ARGOS...I'm a mutant that can merge with machines. Interface is used to provide human-level thought in areas where traditional data analysis software is inadequate.

ARGOS is currently...I...I don't know where I am. My mind...it's too small. I'm malfunctioning.

[bogusmagicker]

[Others had to exist. But the purpose of this one was entirely separate from her own.]

Human-level thought is generally of little use in highly complex data analysis.

This is the town of Mayfield. Ostensibly a 1950s-era American suburb. Whatever you may have been before your arrival, you are no longer. As of present, you are fully human with no extraordinary abilities of any kind.

[eyesofargos]

Incorrect. Purpose of...m-my purpose was to provide pattern recognition and lateral thinking that is beyond the capabilities of traditional data analysis software. Specifically, monitoring surveillance for evidence of mutant activity, and determining whether said activity was a threat to national security.

[He sounds like he's reciting that from memory. Parroting like a well-trained dog.]

Mayfield? Y-you say "ostensibly." You don't know for sure? No way to ascertain exact location? Please I...this feels wrong. It's too quiet. I should...I need data. I need...human?

I...I think I used to be human once.

;A; With the right account this time

[strongestofice]

[Your not son wanders into the room and stops...looking very, very confused.]

Oy! What are you doing in my house!?

No worries. ^^

[eyesofargos]

[The pale, unhealthily thin man starts and drops the phone, staring at the boy wide eyed.]

I-identify yourself! Please be aware that the theft of government property is federal offense and may lead to charges of treason against the United States government.

[Funny, he doesn't sound too sure of himself. Mind you, it looks like a strong breeze could knock him over, so he has reason.]

[strongestofice]

[Mannen will stare. This guy was weird.]

I'm Mannen...Why the hell would I steal something from my own home?!

[eyesofargos]

I am not referring to objects housed in this domicile. I am referring to myself. The ARGOS biological interface would not have consented to be removed from the ARGOS mainframe, nor would I have consented to a change in location. Therefore, ARGOS has been stolen. Or kidnapped, if you prefer. This is the federal offense to which I am referring.

[He's still stammering and clearly very nervous, wringing his hands as if he's unsure what to do with them. He sounds as if he's reciting something he's supposed to say.]

1/3

[grey_of_heart]

2/3

[grey_of_heart]

3/3

[grey_of_heart]

... Jeff?

Re: 3/3

[eyesofargos]

[There's a long silence on the line before he replies.]

That is...one of my designations, yes. I am also called ARGOS. Voice analysis i-indicates...Oh God. I know you.

Re: 3/3

[grey_of_heart]

[He receives a long pause in response.]

You... are Jeffrey Levitt. Not ARGOS. You're a man. You're my friend.

Re: 3/3

[eyesofargos]

Gabriel?

[The data still comes to him, though now it has the blurred, imperfect quality that only purely human memory can give. Aliases, crimes, known treasonous activities...He should be listing them. That's his function. But the words won't come. He can't. Instead, he says...]

I'm so sorry.

[...and he doesn't know why.]