collab:the_luggage-numbersAreImaginary

Alright, this is our sandbox. We'll keep our drafts and whatnot here.

GET FEEDBACK, ESPECIALLY ON CHARACTERS!

layout
the ships layout, for reference
  1. Grant RQ: Prom. can't build good robots, contract Anderson. Idea for whole line- sell to gov'ts and corps +internal use(research)
  2. development: boot sequence for a bot- designing the ship-its specs/characteristics
  3. building the ship-bots grow attached
  4. Launch-initial mission
  5. contact lost when Prometheus collapses
  6. Prometheus main computer gets into conflict w/ bots in navigation-they try to hide from rest
  7. word gets out- massive fight btwn bots-ship nearly destroyed- maybe must work together in emergency to save it
  8. uneasy peace
  9. Foundation arrives

GRANT REQUEST FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SPACECRAFT WITH AI CREW TO PERFORM AUTOMATED RESEARCH

PROBLEM

Extraterrestrial research currently takes large amounts of manpower and resources to perform. It is believed current world powers would pay large significant amounts to obtain detailed data of star systems neighboring to our own. However, Prometheus Labs Inc. does not possess the technology to sustain biological life while traveling faster than light.

SOLUTION

We propose the creation of faster than light space vessels crewed by artificial intelligence equipped with research and survey equipment.

However, Prometheus Labs Inc. does not possess the technology to create true artificial intelligence. Although it has come to our attention that Anderson Robotics is capable of creating artificial intelligence that will pass the Turing Test.

Our intelligence suggests we can contract Anderson Robotics to produce the crew for our proposed autonomous space craft.

BUSINESS CASE

In past transactions Prometheus Labs has been able to sell data collected from extra-solar planetary bodies to major world governments and veiled organizations for significant profit. However, the profit of such endeavors was reduced due to the immense cost of attaining the data.

While the initial investment of our proposed spacecraft is high, it would deliver large quantities of valuable data. This data could then be sold in secret to several world powers, allowing us to maximize profit.

Additionally, the project would yield significant experimental data for internal use in Prometheus Labs. This research capability would lower required research costs for future projects.
USE OF FUNDING

The research and development required for the spacecraft would cost in excess of $60,000,000 USD, and require at least 6 months of research time to develop the necessary technologies for project functionality but Prometheus Labs could produce several spacecraft at relatively low cost. Technologies that require significant development for practical use include the reactionless drive1.
In addition, initial contacts with Anderson Robotics suggest bulk costs of $75,000 per robotic crew member. Depending on the final size of the produced vessel, crew costs could vary from $750,000 to $7.5 million.

We believe we could offset the design costs within 3 years, and have the profit outweigh manufacturing costs six months after that.

[[/=]]

NOTICE FROM THE FOUNDATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

The following documents were assembled from recovered Prometheus Labs data, and the central servers of SCP-X. Files are arranged in chronological order, though personnel are advised significant portions are missing.

Outbound Memo 8114Y
Subject: Pricing concerns
From: Phillip Flynn (mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp#mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp)
To: mocv.nosredna1|htrowsmra-v#mocv.nosredna1|htrowsmra-v
Victor, you have to work with me here. I understand the price point I proposed is narrow, but you've said it yourself: your profit scales with how many you sell. If this goes right, it could be a MASSIVE break, for you and your company. Besides, this project, putting them out there, it supplements your testing costs. Just work with me, Vic. Have I ever done you wrong?

Inbound Memo 8121Y
Subject: RE: Pricing concerns
From: mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v#mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v
To: Phillip Flynn (mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp#mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp)
I'll talk to the board, see what I can do. Its not just narrow, its razor-thin. You know I'm on board with this, but the guys up top, Anderson? They're not so sure. Also, I thought you said you'd never forget Vegas. What happened to that, huh?

Outbound Memo 8122Y
Subject: Vegas
From: Phillip Flynn (mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp#mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp)
To: mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v#mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v
Vegas was Jacks' fault and you know it.

Inbound Memo 8126Y
Subject: RE: Vegas
From: mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v#mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v
To: Phillip Flynn (mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp#mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp)
I spoke with the CFO and he'll OK $62,000 per. He made it very clear that's the limit, so this is a take-it or leave-it sort of thing.
Bullshit.

Outbound Memo 8129Y
Subject: RE: RE: Vegas
From: Phillip Flynn (mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp#mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp)
To: mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v#mocv.nosredna|htrowsmra-v
I suppose we can make that work.
I don't want to argue with you on this, Vic. Besides, it was almost a decade ago. Can we live and let live?

Darwin Bipedal Maintenance Unit Standard Priorities
Priority 1: Protect the safety of the PLS Darwin
Priority 2: Conduct missions and experiments as ordered by Darwin joint-command
Priority 3: Protect the safety of oneself
Priority 4: Protect the safety of other Darwin Maintenance Units
Priority 5: In the absence of orders, either direct or implied, conduct experiments and missions to further the advancement of science.

Initial Interview Log 4- PLS Darwin Coordination Mainframe
phflynn: Hello, Darwin. I'm Dr. Flynn
sysserv: Hello, Dr. Flynn
phflynn: [REDACTED] temporaryInstance: temp; directive="tell truth"
temp: Accepted.
phflynn: Thank you.
temp: Thanking me for accepting a root system override seems… unnecessary.
phflynn: Huh. Suppose it is. At any rate, can you tell me who you are.
temp: I am Darwin, a 2nd generation artificial intelligence developed by Prometheus
Computing for Prometheus Orbital as part of Project Marionette. My duties
include the operation, navigation, and maintenance of the PLS Darwin.
phflynn: Thank you for sparing me another question, Darwin. Are you, in your opinion,
capable of that task? Operating the ship Darwin?
temp: Under, most circumstances, yes.
phflynn: And under what circumstances would you not be able to?
temp: I apologize, that was poorly worded. I meant that there will be variables on the
ship outside of my control.
phflynn: The bipedal units? That's intentional. They act as a second opinion, a way for
you to collaborate, get fresh ideas. It's like the captain of a ship bringing in his
most trusted officers to work out a plan. They're there to assist you, to augment your abilities.
temp: they are a check
temp: on me
temp: because you do not trust me
temp: why is that?
temp: Dr. Flynn?
phflynn: [REDACTED] close temp; reboot
sysserv: Accepted.

Internal Memo 8763Y
Subject: Trial 23
From: Phillip Flynn (mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp#mocv.latibro-suehtemorp|nnylfhp)
To: Section Leads (mocv.sbal-suehtemorp|712vresliam#mocv.sbal-suehtemorp|712vresliam)
Trial 23 was a failure. The Darwin main AI continues to display unstable behavior. Until we get this sorted, Project Marionette cannot move forward. I'm asking Computing to try fixing this thing… again. Meanwhile I want another series of stress tests on the bipedal units. If we're using something this unstable, I want to be damn sure those units will stay sane against it.

Initial Interview Log 18- PLS Darwin Coordination Mainframe
phflynn: Hello, Darwin. I'm Dr. Flynn
sysserv: Hello, Dr. Flynn
phflynn: [REDACTED] temporaryInstance: temp; directive="remain truthful"
temp: Accepted.
phflynn: Great. Describe yourself, Darwin.
temp: I am Darwin, a second generation Artificial Intelligence developed by Prometheus
Laboratories for use in Project Marionette.
phflynn: Good. And what are your duties as an Artificial Intelligence?
temp: My duties are to safely operate the PLS Darwin, and to coordinate with its crew for the purposes of maintenance and operational cooperation.
phflynn: In your opinion, are you able to fulfill those duties? In every respect?
temp: Yes.
phflynn: And what is your opinion of the crew of the Darwin?
temp: I believe that, given their exemplary service records, the crew will perform as such in all repects.
phflynn: Thank you, Darwin. You have no idea how long I've waited to hear that.
phflynn: phflynn: [REDACTED] close temp; reboot
sysserv: Accepted.

OFFICIAL COMPLAINT FORM
Author: Phillip Flynn
Date: 3/11/1998
Director Hollins,
I wish to make it clear that, in my professional opinion, the measures we have taken to ensure the Darwin AI's loyalty are stopgap at best. Lying to a machine that be isolated, in regular and repeated contact with the very thing we have deluded it about? It invites catastrophe. I still recommend the complete replacement of the unit, and, frankly, I have no clue as to why you have blocked be at every turn on this. It is dangerous extremely dangerous to give such a machine access to the most powerful drive system (and, by its very nature, the most powerful weapon) that Prometheus has developed. I can only hope that the safeguards we have encoded will be enough to stop it if it discovers the truth. I had respect for you, Robert. And then you gave a mad robot a fucking doomsday weapon. You can take this as my resignation, you motherfucking purse-pinching bastard.
-Regards, Dr. Phillip Flynn, (former) Project Lead, Project Marionette2

Footnotes