Mortality is vastly overrated

[Amarant]

[member="Moira Skaldi"]


Ash's office, Pembrooke Ash, Welzana and associates, 7:00 PM local times, give or take a moon.





The layout on this desk was a mess. Amy had to slice a nice, rather dumb droid into her personal slave to rewire the system manually. It had taken her half an hour to do. Regardless, she had accomplished what she wanted. When she made calls with this console on any channel, it'd look like a real person, not an AI, was doing the calling. Albeit from a obviously relayed terminal, but, that wasn't the chief issue right now.




She smirked as she set up the call. She was a few minutes early, but hey, eagerness counted for something, right? Besides, she had to get this over with soon. She needed that new body.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Amarant"]


Timezones were terribly weird, but we shall assume that it was still working hours on Corellia when Amarant, formerly Mr Ash, called. Then again, at Archangel Research and Design the exact hour of the day would have made little difference. Archangel's work force was highly motivated, disciplined and always there for its customers!


Anyhow, one imagined that arrangements of the 'my office calls your office at this and that hour' nature had been made in advance. The call from Amarant would be transmitted directly to the office of Nalia Alderana, joint president of Archangel Research and Design. Thanks to the sophisticated encryption protocols, there would be no chance of people suddenly listening in. After all, certain clients were quite insistent on their business transactions remaining anonymous to the Galaxy at large. Nalia Alderana, alias Moira Skaldi, could understand that. She would also agree that mortality was overrated.

 

[Amarant]

[member="Moira Skaldi"]


Amarant grinned a little. Things were going her way it seemed. Always nice to begin a negotiation up front. He looked at the calm, clean person on the other line. They hadn't been all that eager to meet in person. Probably worried about being cased by security. Lord knows they would've put people through the ringer. Hell, half of these offices had bio-scanners. Not the biggest of deals. Time to have this conversation.



"Hello, Miss Alderana," she said with a smirk. "Before we discuss this in much more detail, I would like a question answered. Has your firm ever transmitted an existing intelligence into an HRD body? And if not, would they be willing to? That's the type of project we'll be discussing here." She decided to be up front with the exact situation before getting to specifics. After all, it'd be a pain in the neck being cryptic for half an hour only to find out they didn't have the tools needed. That'd be even crazier than the plan already was.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Amarant"]


For someone who revelled in playing the great game in the shadows, 'Nalia' had a distinct dislike of people dallying around, so the potential client getting right to the point and being straightforward in her request was to her liking.


The request piqued her curiosity. An existing intelligence could mean an A.I....or theoretically the essence of an organic. Nalia knew very well that the latter was feasible via entechment. "I take it you mean an A.I. Our company has not pursued this yet as part of a business arrangement, but we'd more than willing to accommodate you and we will carry out the operation efficiently." Occam's Razor stated that among competing hypothesises, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. Various theorems were running through her mind as she pondered the request. One of them being that the identity of her caller may actually be an A.I. In which case it would be logical to want to acquire an HRD body custom-made to suit their needs. Needless to say Nalia's knowledge of the internal affairs of the Black Suns and the recent changes would have its limits, though she had obviously heard about the recent battle at Barab. Either way, she did not care much.




"The cost will slightly increase, but we can design a custom-made HRD body tailored to your specifications and upon completion carry out the transmission. We have two broad designs, the standard Humanoid Replica Droid and the Infiltrator. The latter is far weaker in combat due to the lighter polymer being used, but a more refined infiltrator who cannot be detected by weight and metal detectors. Both can be individually tailored regarding race, gender, physical characteristics etc."

 

[Amarant]

The holographic image nodded. "Yes, I am discussing an AI. While I've no long-term interest in the physical, for political reasons, a good body to hide behind will make my work easier. The infiltrator seems more suited to my needs, as I intend to be going to social events and the like often," Amaranth mused out loud. She felt no need hiding this discussion from the other person. "I am assuming that someone in your line of work does not resent an artificial intelligence being the source of their commission, provided the credits are good. After all, you can't really break ground with droid research unless you're willing to adopt some unconventional parameters for doing business," she said calmly.


The hologram blinked for a moment, thinking about heaven knew what. Mainly whether or not she was using the right pixellation rang for her hair. Damn, even if she wasn't as vain as her predecessor, there were still subroutines obsessed with keeping appearances in her head. She smiled. "Another question. Would an internal data jack b a possible add-on feature using existent prosthetic technology for the mounting? I am rather fond of slicing, and manual interfaces are more helpful in such enterprises..." she mused out loud, again, not really terribly interested in covering up her secrets. These people made their money by keeping secrets, not sharing them. "Also, could I provide a pre-existing genetic template? I have a....donor in mind," she concluded, letting her thoughts slip out loud.


[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Amarant"]


Now this was truly ironic. Nalia Alderana, who secretly happened to be a death machine, was supposed to provide an Infiltrator HRD body for an AI. Go droid power! Well, droid solidarity did not exist as far as Nalia was concerned, but she certainly had no problems with it.


"We do not resent it at all. Expand the boundaries of science requires innovation after all. Installing the internal data jack should be doable, I don't see any trouble there." One might note that HRDs produced by Archangel had sophisticated slicing protocols.


She smiled thinly before responding to Amarant's next request. As usual the smile did not reach her eyes. "Provide us the genetic template, and we will create an HRD in the donor's likeness, a replicant indistinguisable from the original. We will maintain full confidentiality." The donor, who would be sedated during the procedure, could then be returned or disposed of.

 

[Amarant]

Amy probably would've giggled if she knew she was dealing with a fellow droid. "Glad to see you're reasonable. Most folks think a droid's only use is service. Thing is, most folks don't know a droid's been helping run the largest criminal syndicate in the galaxy for years now," she said with a smirk. "Still, you give me an address to send the body, and a secure terminal to upload myself to at said facility. I have a clone prepared fro certain contingencies, this seems like a good one," she said, the image tapping her forehead and smiling.


It's weird, really. She had Only been alive for a few weeks, but my predecessors thought processes were still in there. Bouncing around like a bunch of kids on glitterstim. Which reminded her, she need to hold a benefit for the Nal Hutta branch of the Kristonos Orphanages. She sighed. So much to do. "I'm glad the modifications aren't a major concern. You're pretty easy to work with. That's a bonus in this business," the holographic figure nodded calmly.


[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Amarant"]


"Many people think that, but they are narrow-minded. Pride perhaps, but I like to think that seeing droids as more than mere 'service' is what makes me so good at designing. Our human replica droids are supposed to be as lifelike as possible after all, but unencumbered by many constraints organics have. In a way I admire them," Nalia said very dryly. The level of dramatic irony was rising in this thread.



"Your proposal is feasible. However, it'll take some time to manufacture the HRD body after we receive the donor. Likewise we'll be running some simulations to be certain that when we transfer you into the body, the procedure will take place without complications and risk of accident. I estimate that upon receiving the genetic template, we'll have a body manufactured and will be ready for the transmission in about a week. We can pick up the donor from you and when the body is complete carry out the transfer directly on one of our corvettes. We'll provide you with a secure terminal there."


A secure terminal that would be completely disconnected from the company network and dedicated solely for the purpose of transferring the AI into the body and nothing more. Trust was good, control was better. That said, Nalia did intend to live up to her end of the bargain. She might have no concept of morality, but if she was evil then she was Lawful Evil. Suddenly betraying your client for short-term gain or on a whim did not fit in her worldview.


"After completion of the operation, the donor can be either returned or disposed of, your choice. If you like, we can preserve the data gathered for your exlusive use, should desire another HRD based on the same template, say as a decoy. Since our Infiltrator droids are rarer and given the complexity of the operation, this will cost 21, 562, 500 million credits. Since we have manufacturing costs to allocate, I must ask for 50% upfront."

 

[Amarant]

(OOC: I'm assuming the numeral is correct and the million after said numeral is a typo, as that would make a total of 12,562,500,000,000--which is a bit of a difference)


"Admittedly, there are a lot of advantages," Amy said with a smirk. "But even with the enhancements, we're not invincible. Harder to kill than most, though," she said with a slight laugh. "You would've like my creator. Hell of a guy. He would've liked you, too. If there was one thing he always dug about human nature, it was the ability to see past itself and become bigger and better. Evolution--he believed in that to a fault. Then again, so do I, hence the upgrades," she said with a smirk. "Gotta survive to see the next big step, after all."



She lsitened and gestured in acknowledgement to the terms. "Keep a copy of the template--I may recycle it, or possibly use another clone should I come to this impasse again. Depends on how long it takes. If I've gotta fake the end of my life a couple of times to keep my plans moving forward, so be it--I'll just commission a new piece. As to the time frame, I'm sympathetic. And while I'm not terribly patient, I'm sure I can find ways to keep busy until you've been able to make all the preparations. Better you take the time needed for something this intensive," she said with a tone that was somewhere between cheerful and droll. She was buying a body like people bought shoes. Luxury shoes, but shoes.



Then she heard the terms of payment. Half up front. Just like any good criminal. Good job. "So, that's 10.80 up front, then? That is doable. However, due to the size of such a transaction, the payment will becoming from multiple accounts in our system--I'd rather not draw too much attention. I can authorize the first half this evening, the remainder to be paid after I've had an opportunity to sign our deal in person with my brand new hands," she said with a smile. "A few of my security people will witness my being place in the terminal, for safety reasons. I do trust you, Miss Alderana," she said, a polite half-lie since she only partially trusted her, "But I have no shortage of enemies. Should you require a dossier on any of my security personnel, please inform me as such, and it will be provided before I board any of your vessels. As to the donor clone, I would prefer it returned to my custody if it is not too much trouble. Even if it is damaged by the process, it may still be useful in later contingency. However, if the donor is better served in your custody, I am willing to listen to reason."

 

[Moira Skaldi]

((True! It was late when I wrote the post ))
[member="Amarant"]


"It would have been very interesting to meet your Creator. You are quite right. Evolution abhorrs stagnation. Those who don't adapt wind up becoming evolution's losers."


With the sweet moment of bonding over, Nalia turned her mind back to business. After having briefly pondered the words of her client, she nodded simply. "Your terms are agreeable. I would appreciate a dossier of the security personnel. My own people and a representative of mine will be present to carry out the upload into your body when it takes place. Likewise we can return the donor to you, it's no bother. The scanning process is noninvasive and the subject will be sedated during the procedure, so no harm will come to it. Once the body has been manufactured, I will notify you so that we can carry out the upload."


In most cases the organic on whom a replicant was based would be killed via lethal injection after the processing machine had scanned it, but that would not be necessary here. A death machine she may be, but Nalia/Moira was not cruel. At least not in the sense of being a sadist who inflicted pain out of enjoyment.

 

[Amarant]

Amarant nodded. It was a shame Gramps had to die to make her. Then again, did the commutative property apply to people? Well, it did with inheritance. That was weird. "Eh, maybe I'll tell you about him some time. It's a hell of a story, if half of what I know about it isn't a fabrication," the holographic figure shrugged. "But at least we can agree on one thing: The future's something you need to prepare for if you want to survive."



She perked up at the woman's request. "Brilliant. I'll send in a few Dossier's on the human members of the team, and an dossier with itinerary regarding the security droids. A small team of four organics and three droids should be sufficient," she said calmly. "I can't wait to meet you in person, and have hands to shake yours with when I do so, Miss Alderana," she said cheerily.



"Glad to hear it. I'm not much for wasting resources, and a good quality clone is a valuable resource," she said calmly. "After all, I might need her later," she said with a shrug. People, even the ones she liked, were no different than droids in her game. Everyone was useful. Or neutral, or an obstacle. It was just a matter of finding out who was which, and why.


[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Amarant"]


"I have transmitted the details of the account for you to send the first half of our payment to. I'll send a ship right away to pick up the donor so that we can manufacture the body, pending you sending us a location for the pickup."


Once the HRD body had been manufactured and the tests for the transmission of an AI had been run, they would reconvene on an Archangel vessel, Amarant would get a secure terminal and then they would carry out the upload. All accomplished in a timely manner and with a satisfactory certainty that nothing would go wrong.

 

[Amarant]

Amy grinned a little. "I'm sending some coordinates," she said nodding. "We'll arrange the pick-up via a private hangar on Nal Hutta. Less questions from customs when you own the place," she raised an eyebrow and ran with a chuckle. "Basically, let me know when the transfer is prepped, and then we'll meet up. I'll be sure to make sure some of my men can take over in my absence," she said with a nod.


She considered the ramifications of all this. She'd have to leave Cobra in charge for a day or two. Still, it wouldn't be hard to get a day off right now--what would be hard was picking up where Ash left off. Ah well.

[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Amarant"]


"Excellent. A pleasure doing business with you. I look forward to possible business relations in the future. Ship will be sent now. You will hear from me when we're ready," Nalia spoke smoothly and cut the holochat connection.


By now Amarant would have received the message that contained the bank account to which she would have to send the fee Archangel wanted. Well, half of it now. For her part Moira received the coordinates and transmitted order to send a ship to Nal Hutta to pick up the donor at the specified private hangar. The ship in question was a common but durable freighter that would not raise any hairs when it arrived in the system, though the crew, all of whom were droids, had been a code they would send to Amarant's people so that they would know it was the pickup-crew.


Anyhow the ship was on its way and we can probably handwave the question about how long travel time is between Corellia and Nal Hutta. Suffice to say they would provide a speeder delivery service.

 

[Amarant]

Amarant smiled and authorized the transactions eagerly. She had to shuffle some money from the law firm, and another partition from a pension fund of garbage union representatives on Nal Hutta. Fun, tricky, and more than a litttle painful. She also authorized the Clones movement. "Parcel D will be going to the old lock-up in Nal Hutta," she sent the message out with a nod.



"Cobra, you'll be taking command for two weeks," she said, calling her number two. "I have to finish my work before we can begin the operation in earnest."



Cobra simply sent back a reply of "understood."






----A few days later----



A small coterie of men and bodyguard droids, ten in all walked onto the ship. One of them was carrying a large shipping crate containing a small AI unit that was holding all of Amarant's thoughts in a box. There was a small vacabulator and listening device attached to the crate. "So, this is the place, huh? Let's get to the terminal," the crate chirped cheerily.


[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amarant"]


And here we are again. Since this thread has been going on for a while and details need not concern us too much, we can handwave a few things. In the many days that had passed Archangel had picked up the donor in whose likeness Amarant's new HRD body would be made and constructed a perfect replicant. Likewise several tests and simulations has been run to make sure that the transfer of the AI consciousness would go smoothly.



So after all this had been done, a meeting had been arranged and now Amarant's coterie of minions were on the corvette, one of them carrying the large shipping crate with the AI unit. Needless to say the ship was heavily guarded, with a large contingent of battle droids and HRDs on the spot.


Nalia Alderana was not there, but one of her minions, a striking redhead called Ms. Scarlett, undoubtedly an HRD, was there to greet the party. "Welcome Ms. Amarant, I am Ms. Scarlett. Everything is prepared for the transfer. Ms. Alderana sends her apologies. Unfortunately she is indisposed and cannot attend the procedure personally, but she expresses her thanks," the redhead said politely.


Under the watchful eyes of the HRD guards they would be guided into a special chamber of the vessel. In it they would find a secure terminal that would be completely disconnected from the company network and dedicated solely for the purpose of transferring the AI into the body and nothing more. Likewise they would find the HRD body, a perfect replicant of the specimen Amarant had provided for them. Of course, at present it was inactive because there were no consciousness guiding it. "The donor is presently sedated, but unharmed. You can pick her up after the procedure is complete. Unless you have questions, we can begin now. Feel free to have your people inspect the body first if you desire."

 

[Amarant]

[member="Callisto Scarlett"]



The crate made a happy, almsot chirpy noise to indicate a grin. "We'll plug me in, shortly. Adagast, could you review the contract?"

A thin Nimbanel in a suit flipped through a data-pad. "I see no clauses of concern, Miss Amarant," he said in his most lawyer-like tone.

"Good, then let's plug me in. Can't wait to have a smoke with my own mouth," the crate said as the men wheeled her forward to the machine.


The lawyer Smiled and walked over to Scarlett with a mild-mannered smile. "Our firm thanks you for your discretion and promptness. I will oversee Ms. Amarant's upload, and when her satisfaction has been assure, I'll authorized the remainder of your payment. A shame Ms. Alderana couldn't make it, but I'm sure she would only send people she trusted to handle this sort of work," he said flatly. "How long does the transfer usually take?"

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amarant"]


"Your terms are agreeable. The entire procedure will take approximately two and a half hours given the massive volume of data involved and to ensure a safe transfer for your client," Scarlett said smoothly. Several simulations and tests had been run, and this seemed the most effective time frame to plan on. After all, the last thing anyone wanted was a potential glitch in the system.