tushanshu | Video - about a week after the possession attempt

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Video - about a week after the possession attempt

[With the information Wan and Valdis got during Wan's attempt to possess Asti, it seems like the foreigners are gearing up for their final stand, and so Tony has pushed through his exhaustion to finally finish the radios he's been working on.

He definitely looks tired, but to anyone who saw him in the first couple days after the possession attempt, he's obviously much improved. Extremis has finally started to bounce back.]

The secondary network is ready. Better late than never, right? [His tone is a little dry. He's glad he finally got it done, but he's disappointed it took him this long.] Anyway, I've got the handsets here at Stark Industries. Every foreigner should have one - even if you don't think you need one for private communications, we may have to use them for emergency broadcasts.

If you can't pick one up, I'll be sending people around to distribute them. If you can help with the distribution, let me know.

And I've still got a couple of the self-defense devices left, if anyone still wants one of those.

[OOC Note: Like the devices from his last announcement, Tony won't be giving out the details of the radios over the console network. He and the people delivering the handsets will give out the necessary information in person.

The radios are audio-only and look and function approximately like walkie-talkies, with a couple exceptions:
--The units are powered both by a rechargeable battery, and magical sigils (courtesy of Anton). The battery can be recharged normally, but the sigils will also keep the units constantly charged so long as they are in contact with a person.
--Unless they run out of charge, the radios are always in low-power mode when not in active use. This is to ensure that people don't miss emergency broadcasts because their handsets are turned off.
--Each unit has an individual frequency, so that people can contact each other privately. Any number of radios can be tuned to the same frequency, so group conversations are also possible.

Anyone can make a public broadcast by tuning their radio to the public channel; broadcasts can also be made from Stark Industries, or the transmitter unit owned by Hayley.

It is not necessary to thread out your character picking up their radio, or to make an ooc request for a radio. It can be assumed that every foreigner receives a radio within a day or two, so that everyone has one before the endplot.

Secondary network threads can be posted just like regular console threads, just indicate that it is over the secondary network rather than the consoles.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It was like deja vu, only Aya knew these updated versions would be even more useful than the first gen.]

I am available for deliveries, if the need arises.

[~~He certainly hopes so. Otherwise he'll feel pretty damn useless.~~

Like he usually does when he's in the lab and Aya responds to one of his messages, Tony just gets up and goes to find her. He prefers talking face-to-face, and it also means they can switch to note-writing if any especially sensitive subject comes up.

So he pops right into her lab, smiling despite his weariness.] Hey, Aya. The radios are all in my lab - just grab as many as you think you can hand out, and tell me who's gotten one.

And, um... [He looks a little more uncertain, suddenly.] Could I ask you a question? About your systems?

[Tony's presence was so familiar by now that Aya was not the least bit surprised when he appeared, rather than continue their conversation through the Network. She had no preference of her own, but for security reasons, saw the benefits of face-to-face conversation.]

You are welcome to ask whatever you like, Tony Stark.

[The majority of her systems fell under the category of personal, and were at her discretion to answer. At worst, if it was something that would otherwise be deemed classified by the Green Lanterns, she would say so.]

So... [Tony sighs and flops down onto a stool.] Do you have any ability to transmit or receive digital signals wirelessly? To interface with other technology without physically plugging in to it? I know you said your systems aren't compatible with the consoles, but what about other tech, native to where you came from in your universe?

[He frowns slightly, his expression thoughtful.] Earlier, you said something about your... mental resistance? That it was vulnerable to someone?

[She mirrored his expression, though the frown was not directed at him, but at a pair of memories. Both of them connected, and relevant to his question.]

Yes.

I am a living being, yes, but I still run on a highly sophisticated computer program. Any with the skill to infiltrate my numerous defenses and failsafes have the ability to control my actions. Though not my mind.

[As far as she was aware; twice, her systems had been compromised, and she sought little comfort in the knowledge that both times had been by the same individual. First, Drusa had simply shut her down. But the second...Aya remembered ever last moment. Being forced to pilot the ship carrying the Red Lanterns to Oa. The words escaping her lips. Words that weren't her own.]

As for signals...I am capable of sending receiving a multitude of transmissions on any number of frequencies. However, I have yet to attempt interfacing with a foreign system beyond uploading myself directly.

Do you control those defenses and failsafes consciously? Or is it all autonomic? [He scrubs his fingers through his hair, frowning more deeply.] I'm asking because... What Malicant did to me - I don't know how to stop it from happening again. At least not when I'm not in the armor. Inside it, I can just shield all wireless transmissions, no problem. But without that shielding... Everything I do with Extremis is intuitive, and automatic. Just like controlling my own body, but with technology instead. I think stuff, and it happens. I never had to worry before about anyone trying to, well, counter-hack me.

[He sighs again, and his next question sounds frustrated and a little scared.] How can I put security measures on software that I can't consciously access the underlying programming of? How am I supposed to encrypt my own brain?

[It would be like setting a conscious limit on your heart rate, or teaching yourself to do your household chores in your sleep.]

[Empathy from experiential memories allowed her to understand his turmoil. She wanted to help him. She wished she could.]

It is my understanding that the human brain is, while remotely comparable to a computerized system...organic. There are any number of biometric variables that may supersede the same encryptions that would otherwise protect a machine's systems.

Yeah. [He leans his elbow on the table next to him and puts his chin in his hand. His other hand is still resting on his leg, and his fingers are absentmindedly tapping out some pattern on his knee.] If I was at home, I could maybe hop on to my lab's computer systems with Extremis and... try to work backwards? I don't know. But I can't do anything here. All the technology is too alien.

You seek to reverse engineer...your own brain?

[Her lips parted slightly in thought. It was a rather interesting concept, and one not without some degree of scientific evidence to support the notion of trying.]

Yeah, kind of, I guess. Or, sort of like... mounting an internal hard drive in an external drive enclosure so you can access the data on a different computer. [Close, but not quite the analogy he's looking for.] Or, uh, maybe... more like, if you had a computer whose keyboard was broken, but it was connected to an unsecured wifi network, and you used another computer to access the first one through the wifi. [That's a little better.]

[The analogies were mostly unnecessary, as Aya had already figured what he meant to accomplish. The remaining confusion rested in precisely how he (they?) planned to do so.]

I...have accessed another's internal subconscious memories before. Though I had the use of a particular machine to which I had uploaded my own consciousness at the time.

That's actually something you've done before? [He looks mildly surprised, and takes a moment to consider this new information.]

Honestly, I sort of thought you would be too alien. For our tech to interface, I mean. Since I can't do anything with the tech here, and I couldn't get in to the Makluans' systems... Though, Malicant was able to control Extremis, so maybe... Hm. Whose memories were you accessing? Were they organic, or another AI? What was the machine like?

[Her eyes...shifted. Briefly. The discomfort apparent in her expression. This particular subject was difficult for her, and in fact, she would not have brought it up at all had it not been for current relevancy.]

Razer's.

[She did not expect him to recognize the name, but the name was important to her. The most important piece of information she would divulge.]

His imprisonment by the Spider Guild had involved the use of a device considered to be torture. When placed over one's head, it infiltrated the subconscious on such a level as to force the wearer to experience a realistic dream-like state in which they would relive their post painful memories over and over again.

In order to free him from this, I had to upload myself directly into his mind through the device. I...saw his memories. His organic memories.

[Aya's discomfort is obvious, particularly because it is such an unfamiliar expression on her face. Tony is a little taken aback; even more so when she explains.]

That... That's terrible. I'm sorry, [he says, feeling very awkward and getting the distinct sense that he shouldn't have asked.]

Something sort of like that happened to me once, [he offers tentatively, after a pause.] Not, uh, torture, really, more like a test. It trapped you in a vision of your worst nightmare, and the only way to pass the test and escape was to... endure the nightmare. Not let it break you. [...Oh, no, he's rambling, isn't he? And Aya wasn't the one who was tortured, so there's not even any point to an "I know that feel, bro" spiel. Shit. Okay, maybe he should just stick to the science and avoid the feelings and stuff.

He clears his throat and looks away, and starts unconsciously fiddling with his pencil.] So obviously, we don't have a specialized device or anything, but maybe it doesn't matter? My organic brain doesn't need to be accessed at all, just the Extremis bots. I can't get in to tech that's too advanced or alien, but maybe a more technologically advanced consciousness could get in to me. That's what Mal did, right? So it's possible, at least.

[Similar, but not identical; Razer would not have escaped without her influence. She knew this because of evidence as to what happened to the other prisoners who had been there far longer. They had perished within their own nightmares.]

It was not the specialty of the device itself, but the connection to his mind.

Theoretically...it is possible, yes.

So, uh... Do you want to try it?

[A little abrupt, but if she thinks it's possible, Tony's not going to waste time beating around the bush. ~~Look at him still talking when there's science to do!~~

And even if it doesn't work, he's pretty sure Aya's not going to melt his brain again. So, no harm in trying, right...?]

[~~There's experiments to run; there is research to be done~~]

I would not be adverse to such an experiment.

However... [She hesitated, thinking back to Razer's reactions. The emotional outbursts that had stemmed from her experience inside his mind.] ...are you certain you wish to grant me access to certain memories?

I can not guarantee absolute control once I am inside.

[Tony squirms a little, suddenly looking uncomfortable. He's not really worried about his safety ~~because he's an idiot~~, but Aya's right that he's not thrilled with the idea of letting somebody inside his head. Still:]

I... don't think you'll be able to access my memories or consciousness like that. The nanites aren't advanced enough. You Know Who was only able to take control of some of my motor functions. If he could've influenced my thoughts through Extremis, he would have done it.

[Besides, if there's anyone he trusts inside his brain, it's Aya. She's never given him any reason to doubt her competence, or their friendship.]

Edited 2014-12-04 09:22 (UTC)

[Aya nodded.]

Then, with your verbal confirmation of agreement...I will do my best.

Uh... yeah. Okay. Go for it.

[He looks nervous, but eager, too. If Aya can fix this loophole, it'll take a big weight off his mind.

He puts his brain in what could probably best be described as "searching for signal" mode. It's what he does when he's looking for open networks to jump onto - there aren't any here, of course, but maybe that will make it easier for Aya to access the nanites.]

Tell me if you need me to do anything.

That will not be necessary. Simply remain as you are.

[With that, Aya...will appear ti dissolve right before Tony's eyes into a pile of white, metal components. Boots, arm pads, chest plate, helmet...and, a moment later, a sparkling zap of energy. It shot up like a sentient lightning bolt before aiming straight for Tony's skull. Entering through the ear canal. Searching for the first sign of artificial technology to fuse and download her consciousness into.]

[What she would see inside was up to Tony's subconscious.]

[Tony is totally unprepared for Aya's abrupt disintegration, and he lets out a shocked yelp. When the sparkling beam of energy that is... Aya? makes a beeline for him, he has to push down the instinct to try to dodge away from it. He sure hopes that was what was supposed to happen.

Aya hadn't given him any instructions, so he tries to focus his thoughts on anything that might be useful. Like he'd said, he has doubts that she'll even be able to see his memories or thought processes, but to be fair, he doesn't entirely understand how Extremis works, and he understands very little about how Aya works.

His thoughts flicker from memory to memory - all the times he'd been under mental influence of some kind. Being trapped in the simulated world of the Mainframe. Enduring MODOC's violent mental assault. Being hypnotized by Gene, wielding the crimson ring (he tries to gloss over that one, because it reveals more about Gene and his crimes than Tony really wants Aya to know, but the thought has already been thought and he can't un-think it). The precipitating incident: Malicant trying to hijack Extremis, only moments after Tony and Akito and Dante had sent the cultists running.

And alongside the memories are, of course, scientific analyses of each event. Data from his suit biometrics, equations and extrapolations, theories about how each of the incursions had occurred and how they might be prevented, and any upgrades he'd ended up making to the suit in response.

It's typical human thinking, all free-form and scattered. Different simultaneous trains of thought going in different directions, jumping unexpectedly from one thing to the next. (What's not typical about it is the speed and complexity at which it occurs. He is, after all, a supergenius. And arguably a cyborg.)

But one memory sticks out from the others. Not through any effort on Tony's part, but because he couldn't help being reminded of Arthur when Aya had disintegrated. And though Tony knows the mechanisms were different, MODOC's attack had felt the most similar to Malicant's.

[[ In his mind, he's back in AIM's secret headquarters, wondering yet again why an evil science thinktank is so obsessed with bees. But the ridiculous yellow honeycomb motif is only an afterthought: he's here to save Arthur Parks, the Living Laser. He's sick, maybe dying, and Tony had been on the helicarrier trying to help him when Ghost had showed up and kidnapped him. Tony had suited up and followed, and now he's finding out why AIM wanted Arthur's unique energy signature so badly.

MODOC is possibly the goofiest looking villain Tony has ever faced (which is saying something, given that he's currently in the lair of the Evil Science Beekeepers), but looking like a giant beachball with a face and a bad toupee isn't stopping MODOC dishing out some serious hurt.

Arthur's on the ground, still suffering the effects of having his energy form used to jumpstart this freakish flying computer egg monster. And Tony is facing MODOC down - and he's not doing so hot. He has no defense against the creature's mental powers. It's using them to tear through his mind, ripping out his memories and knowledge, and that's exactly as excruciating as you'd expect. He's screaming, only barely able to stand, devoting every ounce of his considerable willpower to fighting against the mental onslaught.

It's pretty obviously a losing battle. ]] ]

Edited 2014-12-11 10:12 (UTC)

[Aya's presence is--]

[omniscient, at first. seeing everything, the visions surrounding her even as she is infused with every last--]

[Different, then it was with Razer. Then, the machine atop his head had focused his thoughts. Concentrated them on a single moment in time. The one that caused him so much pain, and yet he claimed to not mind reliving it. To see her again. Illana. Her presence, weighing down the memory so strongly that Aya was even able to insert her consciousness within her shell.]

[There was no weight here. His thoughts were erratic. Subconscious weaving in and out of time and space until--]

[--A scream. A man on the ground. A...large, bulbous object with poorly managed fur? More importantly, a moment in time. Fixated. Enough that she might even be able to manifest herself.]

Tony.

[Aya's voice, soft and calm in direct contrast to the insanity around them both. Echoing all around. It would be up to Tony to decide where and when to see her.]

[Tony feels the sudden presence of another consciousness - an incredibly weird sensation, even expected as it is. It's unlike anything he's ever experienced. A brand-new kind of somebody-poking-around-in-his-brain, hooray. At least he knows this time, it isn't malicious.

In his memory, he suddenly "sees" Aya and hears her call his name, and that's another bit of weirdness right there. It's almost like he remembers her, but, of course, she hadn't actually been there when Tony had been fighting MODOC and AIM.

Tony focuses, fixating on the anachronism of Aya's presence, and the memory shifts. Instead of experiencing it from a first-person view, Tony is now standing beside himself, watching as his memory-echo fights and the scene continues to play out (though more slowly, and with a strangely muted quality, as his attention is now divided).]

Aya? Is this— wow, this isn't how I expected this to work. Huh.

[And then Aya was there, manifested in the physical form Tony had most come to know her by. Rather than infusing with the memory itself, she stood as a momentary casual spectator, by his side.]

I held few preconceived notions regarding what should or should not occur.

Save for the one incident I already told you about, this is as new to you as it is to me.

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