[Department] Bert says, "Log on."

GM clears the initiative.

GM resets everyone's fate point pools.

GM sets his current fate point total to 4.

Penny sets her current fate point total to 3.

Maria sets her current fate point total to 3.

Susan sets their current fate point total to 3.

[Department] GM asks, "Before we start, did anyone have any consequences they're still dealing with?"

[Department] Susan says, "Not I."

[Department] Maria says, "Nope"

[Department] Olly asks, "Or truths?"

[Department] Penny says, "I bumped me toe on a chair this morning, but it's fine now."

Letitia sets their current fate point total to 3.

[Department] GM asks (of Penny), "You cleared your stress boxes at the end of the scene?"

[Department] Penny says, "Yeah"

[Department] Penny says, "Killer ants? That's nothing a stiff burden wouldn't fix"

[Department] Penny says, "*bourbon"

[Department] Susan says, "Alas, the burden of bourbon"

[Department] GM exclaims, "I think we're all ready to start!"

[Department] Susan says, "Whee."

[slingergame] Letitia says, "w00t"

[slingergame] Letitia says, "er ;-)"

[Department] Susan says, "I mean *cough* let's begin, then, shall we."

[Department] Letitia says, "w00t"

GM says, "As our scene opens, our four heroes are all aboard a small aircraft. They're the only passengers (along with, perhaps, a pet dog or any drones that might have been classified as 'carry-on')."

Susan stares out the window, looking extremely tired. She hasn't had a proper night's sleep since *forever*.

GM says, "The windows are all shuttered and locked, the door to the cockpit is also sealed, and there's no cabin crew. The only contact they've had with the pilot since they took off several hours ago has been the occaisonal one-way announcement via the intercom."

[Crows-Nest] Maria says, "And a Tinder message from the pilot."

[Crows-Nest] Penny asks (of susan), "What did you do this time?"

[Crows-Nest] Maria says, "Sorry, Grindr."

GM says, "You also each have a small briefing packet labelled 'TOP SECRET'."

Letitia sighs and gets herself a gin and tonic, then opens and reads the packet.

Susan has, of course, made a joke about 'bottom secret' and opened the packet.

Penny asks (of gm), "Did they tell us when to open it?"

Maria watches the others open their packets. Oh, ok, we're doing this now.

GM exclaims, "You are free to open it!"

Penny lights a cigarette and opens her packet.

Susan mutters, ' Let's get to the top secret - ahem, bottom - of this...'

Maria gives Penny a look, glaring between her and the "no smoking" sign, but says nothing.

GM says, "In it, you find a road map of a place called 'Vomisa', a photograph of a red-haired woman called Elizabeth who'll be your liaison, and some documents reiterating what you learned in your briefing with you chief this morning."

GM says, "On the last page, printed in a huge, bold font, are simply the words 'GIVE NO ORDERS'."

Letitia studies the road map with particular interest.

Susan says, "Give no orders? As if I'll be bossing anyone around."

GM says, "Just then, you hear the captain's voice: 'Well, hey there. We're just starting to make our final approach to Vomisa, so I'm going to unlock your windows and the cockpit door for you now so you can take a look outside. Sorry about keeping you in the dark all this time. See you on the ground, ladies!'"

Penny rereads documents.

[Department] Letitia asks, "Can I create and advantage with Drive plus the map; something like 'knows where the curves are'?"

GM says, "And the window shutters slide open, to reveal that you're approaching a small island."

[Department] Letitia says, "s/and/an"

[Department] GM says, "Yes! Opposition 1, I think."

Susan asks, "Is that a dessert island, or am I just hungry?"

GM says, "One side of the island is mostly covered with mountains, many of which which in turn are covered with some dark, shiny plates -- probably solar panels."

Letitia rolls 4 f-sided dice: 1 1 1 1 | 4 + 4 = 8

[Department] Letitia says, "ha, sigh."

[Department] Letitia asks, "what's the syntax again?"

[Department] GM says, "That would have been an impressive roll if real."

[Department] GM says, "'fudge +X'"

Letitia rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Epic (7)

GM says, "The other side of the island has buildings on it and looks like a fairly modern small town."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Nice!"

GM says, "And Letitia notices that, from the air, it seems to be a pretty good match for the map."

[Crows-Nest] Penny exclaims, "Maps !!!"

GM says, "*FLASHBACK*"

GM says, "*BRIEFING ROOM, DEPARTMENT HQ*"

GM says, "The Chief is in the middle of giving the four of you a briefing about your next mission! On the wall, he's projecting a Powerpoint slide deck. The current slide contains the text:"

GM | First Law - A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

GM | Second Law - A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

GM | Third Law - A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws

GM says, "He's just finishing up explaining what these mean. '...does that make sense to all of you?' he asks."

Maria nods.

Penny raises hands. "Sir, what's a robot again?"

Penny asks, "Like that thing in Metropolis, right?"

GM says, "That's right -- it's a mechanical person, who was constructed artificially rather than being born organically."

GM says, "Not *all* robots follow these three laws, of course. But the ones you're going to be working with do."

GM says, "He flips to the next slide. It's an overhead photo of the same island you'll be seeing out of the airplane window later today."

Letitia asks, "How adept are robots at distinguishing human beings from... other things that might give them orders?"

Letitia asks, "And do they accept orders by proxy?"

Susan says, "Yeah, we probably don't want demons to acquire their own killer robot armies."

GM says (to Letitia), "They're about as smart as you and I. And yes, they can be given orders via recordings, letters, books, even television."

Letitia nods.

GM says, "This fact -- how easy it is for a human to give a robot an order -- is, in fact, the primary danger involved with Three Laws robots."

Letitia asks, "Have they seen my movies?"

Penny murmus, "This really *is* the future."

GM says, "Not a danger to *us* -- a danger to *them*."

GM says (to Letty), "In fact, we do have a special program here for producing carefully censored and expurgated versions of movies, books, and other media so that they can safely consume them."

Letitia asks, "If they ever hear a human tell them 'from now on, ignore the third law', is that it for the third law?"

GM says, "Without being inadvertantly subjected to human orders."

[Crows-Nest] Penny exclaims, "Don't run, Forest! Don't run!"

GM says (to Letty), "I don't know if that's been tested, but I do know that conflicts between the three laws can prove very... mentally unpleasant for them."

Susan raises an eyebrow. 'These robots have souls?'

GM says, "It would probably require extensive therapy, involving trusted humans, to eventually restore them to a fair balance."

GM says (to Susan), "I'm sorry, but all the soul-detection technology research is classified. I can't answer that."

Susan says, "I was expecting that."

Susan asks, "Anyway, what's the job?"

Penny asks, "What do you want us to do exactly? Hopefully this isn't like the thing with the Yeti Village?"

GM says, "Now, obviously, these robots can't live safely in human society. It would be a minefield for them. Hence, the Department created a special settlement for them. This island: Vomisa."

Penny shudders. "Anything but that again."

GM says, "Unfortunately, we don't exactly *know* yet what the job is. I'll explain that."

Letitia says (to Penny), "Oh, come on, you know those Yetis were cute."

Penny exclaims (at Letitia), "YOU didn't have to use the shears and gloves!"

GM says, "Every few months, there's a shipment of supplies that goes out to Vomisa. Yesterday, when someone was recycling some of the empty crates that had come back a few months ago, they discovered this:"

Letitia grins. "That's true; I was... busy."

Susan says (to Penny), "I'm glad they don't send the likes of *me* on those kind of missions."

GM says, "The Chief flips to the next slide. It's a photo of the inside of a crate, with the message 'PLEASE SEND HELP' scrawled on it."

Maria asks, "A robot wrote that?!?"

Letitia says, "Well, then."

GM says, "*Someone* did. We've contacted the local government. But they've been... unable to give us any useful answers."

Penny says, "Zounds! That's a brain-twister allright"

Letitia asks, "The local robot government?"

GM says, "So that's where you come in. Your job is to find out *what kind* of help is needed, and to do what you can."

GM says (to Letty), "Correct. The entire population of Vomisa, all 317 people, is robots."

GM says, "Oh, and the most important thing:"

Letitia says, "Would have expected 314."

Maria asks, "You say "people." Do they have rights? Like we do?"

GM says (to Maria), "According to the US government, they don't exist. But according to the Department: yes. They have the same rights as any other person."

Maria says, "All right."

GM says, "The people of Vomisa deeply value their personal autonomy, as no doubt all of us do. The entire purpose of the settlement is to keep the free from being controlled by humans abusing -- or accidentally triggering -- those three laws."

GM says, "He flips to the next slide. It just has three words, in large bold print:"

GM says, "'GIVE NO ORDERS'"

Susan says, "Okay, no bossing around the bots."

[Crows-Nest] Penny asks (of gm), "I assume that was a smash cut to the title card, followed by the intro?"

GM asks, "So it is paramount that you do not violate this unless *absolutely* necessary. Do you understand?"

Letitia asks, "Requests are OK?"

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

GM says (to Letty), "Yes. But be careful."

Penny says, "Well will do our best, sir."

GM says, "Alright. You have two hours to pack and get to the airport. A plane will be waiting for you."

GM says, "*FLASH FORWARD*"

GM exclaims, "The plane has just touched down on a small airstrip on the island of Vomisa!"

GM says, "The pilot has opened the doors to the cockpit and to the outside. He's a friendly-looking man wearing a cowboy hat."

GM says, "'Well, howdy. Nice to see you face to face. And welcome to Vomisa!'"

Penny asks, "Thank you! Have you been here before?"

Letitia bites off the urge to say, "Greetings, progam!"

GM says, "'Yes, ma'am. I live here. My name's Hank.'"

Letitia says, "Hey, Hank. Letita."

Letitia asks, "So, you've been briefed, I take it?"

GM says, "He shakes your hand. 'My pleasure.'"

GM says, "'I know a bit -- there's apparently some kind of a hullabaloo going on, and so you Department folks have been called in to sort it out.'"

Penny asks, "Exactly. Is there anyone we could talk to, like a mayor, a president, or king?"

GM says, "'But Beth out there has all the details, I think. I'm just a pilot and a mechanic.'"

[Department] GM says, "(Are you disembarking the plane, or just conversing on board?)"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "Talking while disembarking, I guess."

Letitia downs the last of her third gin and tonic, deposits the glass, and gets off the plane, stretching.

GM says, "As you get off the plane, you see the red-haired woman from your briefing packets -- the one called 'Elizabeth'. She overhears your question and answers it:"

GM says, "'Yes, definitely. That would be Dolores. She's the governor. I'm Beth, by the way.'"

Maria looks a little confused, but she smiles.

Penny says, "Hi Beth. I'm Penny, that'S Letty, Maria and Susan"

Susan says (to Hank), "You look very human for a mechanic, ho ho ho. By the way, names' Sullivan. Susan Sullivan."

Letitia asks, "So, I guess we brought our own food? Or do you guys eat for fun?"

GM says, "You see a small airstrip here, with a hangar nearby. There are also a couple of cars parked here."

Maria looks aghast at the question. It feels rude.

Letitia assesses the cars.

GM says, "'We can't consume solid foods -- but we can drink! In fact, there's a lovely coffee shop downtown that we'll be going to later. But for food, the Department keeps plenty of canned goods here just in case something like this happens.'"

Maria says, "Ooh, coffee!"

GM says, "'So don't worry -- the Department's house on this island even has a working bathroom!'"

Penny asks (of beth), "How much do you know about our being here?"

Letitia grins wryly. "Perfect; thanks."

GM asks (of Letitia), "They're both electric. One is a small, compact model. Do you want to tell me what the other one is, considering it will need to hold at least four people and probably a dog?"

[Department] Penny exclaims, "El Camino!"

GM says (to Penny), "'So it seems there's been an incident up at the R&D R&D Lab. I've asked Rose from the lab to meet with us later at the coffee shop so she can explain it.'"

[Department] Letitia asks (of Penny), "You want to sit in the trunk?"

Maria asks, "R&D R&D?"

GM says, "'Rose and Daniel's Research and Development Lab!'"

Maria says, "Ah!"

[Department] Penny says (to gm), "ha ha"

Penny says, "A coffee sounds lovely, after we've stretched our legs for a bit"

Susan pats Wick on the head. 'Nice to be somewhere where the police don't want us for murder, heh?'

GM says, "'Alright! We've arranged a car for you to use while you're here. Just follow me, and I'll show you the way. Hank, would you mind bringing the luggage over to the Department's house for our guests?'"

GM says, "He nods. 'Not a problem.'"

[Department] Letitia says (to GM), "Based on 2 minutes of research, our car appears to be a electric-converted Lotus Evora Coupe."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Excellent! I have no idea what that is, but it sounds great!"

[Department] Penny says, "looks great, too"

[Department] GM asks, "Shall we jump to the Cafe?"

[Department] Maria says, "Sure"

[Department] Susan says, "Yes, please"

[Department] Penny says, "yeah"

GM exclaims, "The Coppertop Cafe!"

[Department] Letitia says, "#9 at https://www.carkeys.co.uk/guides/best-four-seater-sports-cars :"

[Department] Letitia | Practicality and Lotus arent usually good bedfellows, but the Evora coupe does offer a little bit if extra space in the rear  enough for a couple of seats that allow you to travel four-up. Throw in the sports car makers legendary amazing handling and supercar-baiting performance and youre guaranteed driving thrills, though those in the back may be a bit squished!

[Department] Letitia | https://carkeys.azureedge.net/cache/9/a/4/a/5/e/9a4a5ed72e7373b7ca441a339949c661dc3e8bb2.webp

GM says, "Various people are here, sipping beverages, reading books, chatting, and otherwise relaxing. There's a variety of different apparent 'ages', sizes, and complections, as you might expect to see in any human city."

GM says, "As for staff, there's a man in the corner sweeping up, and a woman behind the counter. She hails you as you come in."

GM says, "'You must be the humans. I'm Sandra.'"

Penny says, "Hi Sandra. Would you mind bringing me a cofee, and my friends [list of everyone's favorite hot drinks]?""

[Department] Letitia says, "(also, belated, but 'Daniel' and not 'Daneel'? ;-) (If I'm remembering correctly, which I may not be.)"

[Department] GM says, "Ha ha. Clearly I have deeply erred."

GM says, "'Not a problem.'"

[Department] Letitia says, "(woo, got it right! R. Daneel Olivaw.)"

GM says, "Meanwhile, Beth leads you over to a table where a greye-haired woman is already sitting, drinking tea. She introduces her to you as 'Rose'."

GM says, "Rose stands up as you approach. 'Oh, thank you for coming. I don't know what we would do without you.'"

Letitia asks, "Enh, you'd probably be fine. What's up? How's the tea?"

Penny says, "hello Rose. I'm, Penny, and these are (etc.=."

GM says, "'Oh, the tea is lovely. Thank you. It's nice to meet all of you.'"

Maria waves shyly.

GM says, "'So... there's a problem that we are presently facing at the Lab. It involves sabotage and a Law Bomb.'"

Letitia swings a chair around backwards and sits at the table.

Maria asks, "A 'law bomb'?"

Susan asks, "Any casualties?"

Maria asks, "Is that like a conflict of rules?"

GM says, "Sandra serves you all your beverages, and seems to be kinda hovering nearby as you chat."

Penny sits down and crosses her legs. "Why don't you start at the beginning, if that's no problem."

Susan sniffs her coffee, and has a brief paranoid thought.

GM says, "'There's a recorded message being broadcast throughout the facility.'"

GM says, "'I don't know exactly what it says -- it would be impossible for me to safely listen to it -- but I know that there are two people inside the building who haven't come out. And probably can't.'"

GM says, "'No one can enter the building to even investigate.'"

Susan says, "Curse Isaac Ass-imov. He knew there were loopholes, he wrote a ton of stories about them."

Letitia asks, "Would it help if I told you to ignore any broadcasted message?"

Susan says, "Letty! No orders."

Letitia exclaims, "I'm asking!"

GM says (to Letty), "'If the message contains an order, and you give me a conflicting order...'"

GM says, "She shudders."

GM says, "'I don't know how well I could take that.'"

Penny pats her hand. "There, there, nobody is gonna order you to do anything."

GM says, "'Thank you.'"

Letitia asks, "What if I tell you to set up your auditory processing units to delete any broadcasted orders before you can consiously understand them?"

Letitia says, "Or I guess you could just do that yourself."

GM says, "'That's an interesting idea -- it might make a worthwhile research project, once all this is done.'"

Susan says, "Guys, let's not sweat this (Letty, I know you're the sporty type, but still). Infiltrate facility, shut down message, retrieve targets."

GM says, "'Thank you. That sounds about right.'"

Letitia waves Susan's objections away airily.

Maria says, "And find out who did it, so it doesn't happen again."

GM says, "Sandra comes by. 'Can I get anyone a refill? No?'"

Letitia asks, "But, like, did you ask for help about this? And if so, when?"

GM says, "Rose says, 'No, I didn't personally ask for help...'"

Susan says (to Sandra), "Fire up the coffee grinder, please. I don't sleep, anyway."

Susan says, "I guess I'm kind of strange that way."

Letitia asks, "Who did?"

Susan says, "Perhaps someone inside the facility."

GM says (to Susan), "Sandra says, 'Alright, but hopefully you won't be saying too long. This should be easy enough for you to deal with and head back home, right?'"

[Department] Penny asks, "I have a hunch. Can I roll investigate to determine if anyone else besides us here is human?"

GM says (to Letty), "'I couldn't say.'"

[Department] Penny says, "(In the cafe, I mean)"

Letitia asks, "That doesn't make any sense. Surely the problem of a law bomb is best solved by a trusted human or two, right? But you didn't ask for help?"

[Department] GM says, "This sounds like something that would be... non-trivial. On the surface, they seem completely human. So it might take several hours of interacting to try to be certain."

GM says, "'That is correct.'"

[Department] Penny says, "That's fair."

GM says, "She looks at you with a completely straight face."

Letitia asks, "So... why not?"

Susan says (to Sandra), "Oh, don't worry. I never stay anywhere for long, anyhow. Trouble tends to catch up with me, and I try not to outsource it to other people."

GM says, "'I couldn't say.'"

Letitia says, "Oh, crap."

Penny frowns. "Language, young lady."

Letitia says, "Oh, bolts."

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[Department] Maria asks, "So we think someone gave her an order not to ask for help?"

GM says, "Sandra comes back over with an extra large coffee for Susan in a to-go cup."

Letitia thinks.

GM says, "'Well, good luck!' she says."

Penny asks (of sandrs), "So what's that about a logic bomb? or did you mean that message?"

Susan says, "Law bomb."

[Department] GM asks (of Penny), "Are you asking Sandra or Rose?"

[Department] Penny says, "Er, Rose. Sorry."

[Department] Susan exclaims, "Sandrose!"

[Department] (from Penny) Too many NPC are confusing!

Letitia asks (of Rose), "If there was anyplace apart from the facility itself that would be total waste of time for us to check out, what would you suggest? What's the best way for us to waste our time?"

[Department] GM exclaims, "I've already messed up the name of one NPC and had to go quickly renaming several of them behind the scenes so I didn't contradict myself in canon. Don't you go mixing them up to!"

[Department] Letitia says, "Ha"

GM says (to Penny), "'It's logical that if two people are trapped in there, and if there's some recording message, that the message might be a recording of someone giving them orders not to come out. Right?'"

GM says (to Letty), "'Well, I can't see any reason for you to spend any more time at the facility than necessary.'"

Susan thanks Sandra for the coffee. Robots rock!

GM says, "'And after that, I... can't really say more.'"

Letitia thinks some more.

Letitia pulls out a map.

Susan says, "Oh, a map! That should come in handy for *mop*ping up coffee spills."

Penny rubs her temples.

Letitia says, "OK, I'm going to point to different places on this map, and if you feel like it, you can tell me if there's anything we should investigate there, and if you don't feel like it, you don't have to. It's completely up to you. You could even tell me that you couldn't say."

Letitia points at this cafe.

GM says, "Rose raises on eyebrow, but says nothing."

Letitia points out the local repair shop, the docks, the post office, etc. etc.

Susan says (to Letitia), "I think you're trying to make a *point* here, but I just can't see it. Ho, ho, ho."

GM says, "She seems to have no response to any of those, until you come to the R&D Lab up in the mountains, at which point she raises both eyebrows."

Letitia nods.

Letitia rolls up the map again.

Penny says (to letty), "Good work."

GM says, "'Shall we go?'"

Letitia, very quietly, asks Rose, "Is there anything you'd like me to ask you to do for me?"

GM says (to Letitia), "'I think it's best if we go now.'"

GM says, "'Together.'"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "1 hour later: the island is in flames and everyone is dead."

Letitia nods.

[Department] Letitia says, "(That was Rose, right?)"

[Department] GM says, "Right."

Penny nods. "Do we pay here? Because I have a *thinks* creditor card now. *nods proudly*

[Department] Maria says, "Maria is starting to worry that this might be a human-killing trap :D Just saying."

Susan says, "Time to kick some ass and make bad jokes, guys."

Maria says, "And we're all out of bad jokes. Susan."

GM says, "Beth says, 'Oh, we only use cash here -- but I have a slush fund from the Department that I can use!'"

Susan says (to Maria), "Oh, burn. Nice."

Penny secretly winks at maria.

GM says, "And so Beth pays Sandra, in good old US paper money, who puts the it away in the register."

Susan says (to Beth), "Not a slushie fund? I'm disappointed."

GM says, "Beth smiles, apparently either amused or polite."

[Department] GM asks, "Next scene?"

[Department] Susan says, "Yes, before Susan makes any more jokes."

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "Yup!"

[Department] Penny says, "Whoever recorded that message wasn't a robot."

[Department] Penny exclaims, "Sure!"

GM says, "So the five of you -- with Rose -- drive in your Lotus Evora up the twisty mountain roads to where the R&D Lab is marked on your map."

GM says, "It's a pretty big building, considering the population of the island, and looks very modern."

Penny asks (of letty), "This is a very nice automobile, isn't it?"

GM says, "You part in the lot out front, alongside a couple of other cars."

Susan is a bit squished in the back with Wick.

Letitia says, "Oh, yeah. They must have known I was coming."

GM says, "'Here,' says Rose, 'take my keycard. I can't go inside with you.'"

Penny asks (of rose), "Assuming your friends are still in there, is there any way to like , hm, shut them down, if they are uncooperative?"

Letitia, of course, takes note of the other cars.

Susan asks (of Rose), "Do robots die like we do?"

GM says (to Penny), "'Not safely. No more than you could be shut down.'"

Susan says, "I guess that answers my question."

Penny asks, "I... might not be the best example. But I see what you are saying. And - I'm sorry I have to ask this, if it comes to violence, are you pervious to firearms and such?"

GM says, "'Yes, although I believe that we can be repaired more easily than you can. But if a brain is sufficiently damaged, it's irretrievable.'"

Susan says, "I'm a good shot. I won't aim for the head, if push comes to pull."

GM says (to Penny), "'Yes, the machinery that makes up our bodies is fairly delicate.'"

Penny asks (of Department_Team), "Zombie drill, got it?"

Letitia asks, "Is your brain in your head? Really?"

Susan says, "Well, I can think of worse places."

GM says, "'Yes -- but there are important components elsewhere, and enough damage to a power supply or other part could cause a power surge or short circuit, with the same effect.'"

Susan says, "Oh, shit. That is not good."

Penny exclaims (at susan), "Language!"

Susan asks (of Penny), "Do you expect me to mime?"

Penny says, "If you talk like a swine, you might just be mistaken for one , Susan."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Snrk."

Susan says, "Whatever, Frosty."

Penny checks the chambers of her revolver. "Here's hoping I won't need this." *stares at Susan* "For the robots, of course."

[Department] Susan asks, "I'm going to assess how to best enter the facility discreetly. Burglary?"

Letitia asks (of Rose), "What can you tell us about the layout inside?"

[Department] GM says, "Sounds good. Since you've not seen the inside, that seems like Opposition 3."

Susan rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 0 0 | Good (3)

[Department] Penny says, "Minor Drawback : Can't think of anymore bad puns this session."

[Department] Susan says, "hahaha"

GM says (to Letitia), "'There's the lobby, and administrative offices on the first floor, and some fabricators in the back. On the second floor is where most of the labs are.'"

Letitia asks, "Basement?"

GM says, "'Yes, there is one. But it's only used for storage. Old equipment and experimental components that we don't need anymore but might want again some day.'"

[Department] Susan says, "I'll accept a minor drawback."

[Department] GM asks, "I think this would have been Create Advantage, right?"

[Department] Susan asks, "Yes?"

[Department] Susan says, "I think so"

[Department] GM says, "In which case a tie means you create a boost instead of an Aspect."

[Department] Susan exclaims, "Okay!"

Letitia asks, "Can you tell us what would be helpful for us to investigate first?"

[Department] GM says, "(The drawback thing is for Overcome rolls, IIRC.)"

Letitia asks, "Oh: and where would the recordings be broadcast from?"

GM says, "'If you're looking for the source of the Law Bomb, then no, I don't know.'"

GM says, "'But there is an intercom in the security office on the second floor, toward the back of the building.'"

Letitia asks, "Any windows in that room?"

GM says, "'No.'"

[Crows-Nest] Penny asks (of rose), "You mean on the first floor?"

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Should I?"

Letitia asks, "Closest room with a window?"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "callback to ground floor / first floor on Bastafore"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Well, now I know who'll be the first target."

[Crows-Nest] Maria says, "hehe"

GM says, "'That would be my personal lab -- it's upstairs, on the right side of the building, last set of windows around that side.'"

Letitia asks, "Any security or alarms there?"

GM says, "'No. There's not usually much crime around here.'"

Letitia says, "Thanks, Rose. We'll get this sorted out."

GM says, "'Thank you. I hope you'll find everything you need to find.'"

Letitia asks, "How many things might we need to find?"

GM says, "'That's a very good question.'"

Letitia nods.

Letitia shakes her head. "I am so, so sorry."

GM says, "She smiles weakly. 'Thank you. I trust you'll do what needs to be done.'"

Penny asks, "So the plan is we climb up to that window?"

Letitia says (to Susan), "You figure out a way to get in cleanly? I'm going to try to climb up to that window, if you think that'll work."

Letitia nods at Penny.

Susan says (to Letitia), "Oh, it was easy. Getting out will probably be the real challenge."

Susan says, "As in, getting out without destroying everything."

Letitia says, "You've been watching too many of my movies."

Susan exclaims, "But one thing at a time!"

Susan says (to Letitia), "Maybe I have! The nights are long and sleepless."

Penny says, "Gals! Let's save some robots."

Susan says, "Stop assuming they have facial hair, Penny."

Susan goes forth!

Susan leaves the dog outside, in case.

GM says, "So you walk around the side of the building and find the windows that Rose was talking about."

Penny asks (of mary&Letty), "Did any of you get that one?"

GM says, "They're some ways off the ground."

[Crows-Nest] GM whispers (to Penny), "'Save some robots' / 'shave some robots'."

Letitia opens her briefcase and her drones pop out, hovering.

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "Figured I'd try this out!"

[Department] Letitia says, "Since I don't quite know how they work ;-)"

[Department] Maria says, "Drones feel racially insensitive here :D"

[Department] GM says, "Ha."

[Department] Letitia says, "I would like to send them up to open the window."

[Department] GM rechecks the sheet. "Sounds good!"

Susan asks (of Letitia), "I hope your little friends don't follow the laws of robotics?"

Letitia says, "They are not nearly that sophisticated."

Hunter disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

GM says, "The drones go up and over outside the window. Inside, their cameras reveal a dim research laboratory."

GM says, "The window appears to be latched from the inside."

[Department] Susan says, "I'm a little confused about the nature of my Burglary boost."

Letitia instructs them to insert filaments to slip through the window crack and pull the latch.

[Department] GM exclaims, "You're the one who created it!"

GM says (to Letitia), "That would be a Burlgary Overcome roll, vs. +2."

[Department] Susan says, "Oh, Letitia can use my boost"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Can I tag Susan's boost?"

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "Timing!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

[Department] Susan says, "Beautiful."

Letitia rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Superb (5)

[Department] Susan says, "Superb, even."

[Department] GM exclaims, "And you succeed with style!"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Which gives me an aspect I can tag later?"

[Department] Susan asks, "Does she want the boost to get an extra invoke on the aspect?"

[Department] Susan asks, "Or save it for later?"

[Department] Letitia says, "I think you can't do better than a success with style."

[Department] Susan says, "Fair."

[Department] GM says (to Letty), "A boost."

[Department] Letitia says, "(there's no 'success with double style' or something.)"

[Department] GM says, "(I mean, your style gives you an extra boost.)"

[Department] Letitia says, "Right."

[Department] Susan says, "So many boosts, so little time."

GM says, "You succeed in unlocking the window, and it swings open."

Susan says, "Nice."

Letitia's drones picked a perfect window: there's a place right inside they can attach Letty's grappling hook.

GM says, "Excellent! And so they do."

Letitia climbs up!

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(I was starting to worry for a moment that the drones were about to solo the rest of this adventure.)"

[Department] Letitia says, "(physique, if I need a roll)"

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "We could do that ;-)"

Penny says, "A Grappling Hook! Like in those comics about that masked Superhero, The Shadow."

GM says, "This is your own rope, that you brought specifically for the purpose of climbing? I'll say you can all manage climbing up the wall with it without a roll."

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "Perfect."

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "(except here)"

[Department] Letitia says, "(except here!)"

Susan climbs after Letitia.

[Department] Letitia | No such channel: 'depat'

GM asks, "Are you turning on the lights, or going around in the dark?"

Penny climbs last and has a bit of trouble.

Letitia says, "Dark; using the drones IR cameras to look around."

Susan finds the darkness soothing.

Letitia listens for any recording.

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Ooo, rhyming."

GM says, "OK. You see racks of some kind of gear, and lab benches and other assorted quipment. It's hard to make out via IR, but it looks like some of it is some kind of robot parts: limbs without skin on them, disassembled actuators, etc."

GM exclaims, "Oh, right! So as you enter, you hear a distorted voice!"

GM says, "'...a recorded message created by a human being, intended for any and all residents of Vomisa.'"

GM says, "'If you can hear this, enter, sit down on the floor, and place your hands on your head. Remain in that position until your batteries run out.'"

GM says, "'This is an order from a human being. You must obey. Repeat: This is a recorded message created by...'"

Maria says, "Hm. They seem awfully insistant that they're human."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Thank you for the reminder! You took so long to go inside that I'd forgotten to mention it :) )"

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "Hee"

Penny exclaims, "Zounds!"

Letitia looks for any robots on the flor with their hands on their heads.

GM says, "You don't see any in this room."

Susan looks for spare batteries.

Penny says, "We should find this security office."

GM says (to Susan), "There are some parts that look like they might be batteries, but they look like internal components."

GM says, "The kind that aren't designed to be user-swappable."

Susan never mind.

Letitia asks (of Susan), "Anything that looks like a charging cord?"

Letitia says, "Because that's a good idea."

[Department] Susan asks, "Academics?"

Penny says, "Hm, let's think about this. Whoever recorded this message wanted the robots to not do anything, so there is a big chance they're still here doing something nefarious."

GM says, "Yeah, idnetifying this would be either Crafts or Academics, +2."

Susan rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 0 | Average (1)

[Department] Penny asks, "Can the robots give orders to each other?"

[Department] GM says, "There's nothing in your briefing about anything special that would happen if a robot gave another one an order."

[Department] GM asks (of Susan), "Are you going to accept the failed roll, or...?"

[Department] Maria asks, "We can't easily tell ourselves apart from robots. Can they?"

[Department] GM exclaims, "That's an excellent question!"

[Department] GM says, "But it's something Maria probably doesn't know the answer to yet."

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Unless I invoke 'Formerly an infamous hitwoman' to suggest that I once throttled a scientist with a charging cord, nope."

Letitia says, "Oh, and the recording is distorted, so that the way they normally tell the difference is masked."

[Department] Penny says, "What if one of us is secretly a robot? Beep boop"

[Crows-Nest] Susan asks (of GM), "Actually, would that be acceptable?"

[Department] Maria says, "We would have responded probably to the recording :)"

Letitia eases open the door to the hallway and sends a couple drones to scout out the path between here and the security room.

[Department] GM exclaims, "Ha. Logic!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "...oh, sure, why not."

[Crows-Nest] Susan asks, "Really?"

[Department] Penny says, "Yes, logic ... like a robot would use ..."

[Department] Maria says, "Though I seriously thought about throwing that wrench in there :D"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Are you sure? Okay, I'll do it."

Susan spends a fate point, leaving them with 2.

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "You're spending a fate point; the aspects are just how you justify it narratively."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heck, call the Assorted Equipment in the room an aspect."

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Okay, but that's less fun."

GM says (to Susan), "You find something that doesn't look like a normal charging cable -- it's a long, flat platform, and there's a cord running from it. But it reminds you of some wireless phone chargers you've seen, where you just set the phone on top of it. But bigger."

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "I saw those in a mob boss' house! Just before I bumped him off."

GM says (to Letty), "Oh, meanwhile:"

GM says (to Letty), "Your drones see several doors on each side of the hall, as well as some stairs at one end and another door at the other end. There's also some kind of shape on the floor in the middle of the hallway."

Letitia sends a drone to investigate the shape.

[Department] GM says, "Also, for future convenience: if I describe something prominently in a room, feel free to consider it an Aspect, even if I don't call it out as one."

[Department] Susan says, "Noted."

[Department] Letitia asks, "These are aspects that *don't* get free tags, right?"

GM says (to Letitia), "It's not radiating any infrared, like you would expect a person to do, but it's shaped like a person sitting on the floor with their hands on their hand."

[Department] GM says, "Right."

[Department] GM says, "The ones for spending fate points on."

[Department] Letitia says, "Perfect."

Letitia positions the drones to alert her if they detect any movement, and one to look at the security room door.

[Department] GM says, "(Also, typo: hands on their *head*, of course.)"

[Department] Letitia says, "Ha, didn't even notice ;-)"

GM says (to Letty), "You can't read any signs by infrared -- but assuming you mean the one at the end of the hall, it looks like a normal door with a keycard lock on it."

Penny exclaims, "Looks like we check out that room the old fashioned way. Let's go!"

GM asks, "Are you taking the charging platform with you?"

Susan says, "I am."

Letitia asks, "Battery-drained robot first, or security door?"

GM says, "OK. It's a bit bulky, but you can carry it under one arm."

Letitia asks, "We could re-charge them here?"

Maria says, "Not until we stop the recording!"

Letitia asks, "You could argue that they already obeyed the recording, so don't have to do it again?"

Penny says, "Let's check out the robot."

Susan asks, "Yeah, the recording doesn't forbid them from talking to us, right?"

Susan asks, "So if we charge one, they can give us info?"

Maria says, "True."

Penny says, "Yeah"

Letitia slips into the hall, carries the robot back into the lab.

[Department] Letitia says, "(at least, that's my intent)"

GM says, "OK. He's about as heavy as a full-grown man."

GM says, "I assume Letitia can handle that."

[Department] Letitia says, "Oh, yeah."

[Department] Susan asks, "Does he have facial hair?"

[Department] GM says, "...sure."

[Department] Letitia says, "snrk"

GM says, "He has a goatee and moustache."

Susan says, "Well, Penny, you were right."

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "It's the evil version of the robot!"

Susan says, "These robots *do* need shaving."

Penny rubs temples.

Letitia helps Susan set up the robot on the charging pad.

[Department] Letitia says, "(I'm assuming the robot didn't actually have any charge left?)"

GM says, "You get him on the pad, and there's a faint humming sound from the charger."

[Department] GM says, "He didn't react in any way when you picked him up."

Susan says, "Thanks, Letty. Let's see what Pinocchio has to say."

GM says, "After a minute, You notice some slight movement from his chest."

[Department] Letitia says, "That's not the usual male behavior when I pick them up, so I'm going with 'out of charge'."

GM says, "And the drones' IR camera pick up some faint heat signatures as well."

[Department] GM asks, "What are you doing now?"

[Department] Susan exclaims, "Interrogation!"

[Department] Susan says, "Well, not too harshly."

Letitia asks, "Hey, there. You're OK. You already obeyed the order, so you probably don't have to obey it again. Right?"

GM says, "His eyelids slowly open. 'What? Who...?'"

GM says, "'...enter, sit down on the floor, and place your hands on your head. Remain in that position until...'"

Letitia holds a finger to her lips.

Hunter arrives at home.

Letitia says, "You already did that."

GM says, "He slowly gets up off of the platform, sits cross-legged on the floor, and puts his hands on his head."

GM says, "'I don't want to do it.'"

Letitia exclaims, "Surely you don't have to do it again? It told you to do that until your battery drained. And it did!"

GM says, "'But it said it again. And again. And again...'"

[Department] GM asks, "Do you want to try to convince him?"

Letitia says, "It's a single recording, though."

[Department] GM says, "Because that seems like Rapport."

[Department] Letitia says, "Sure. Except how about Deceive? ;-)"

[Department] Letitia says, "Or someone else can use Rapport."

[Department] Susan asks, "Can I try Deceive and tell him that it's a robot giving the order?"

[Department] Susan says, "Timing."

[Department] GM says, "Ha ha."

[Department] Susan says, "Everybody has the same idea."

[Department] Penny exclaims, "I can rapport! I will rapport! Rapport!"

[Department] Letitia says, "Everybody has that skill higher than Rapport ;-)"

[Department] GM says, "Well, if you succeed with Deceive, and he later realizes he was deceived, he'll know he refused to follow an order."

Penny rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 -1 | Average (1)

[Department] Penny says, "+sigh*"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Defense from the voice!"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 0 -1 | Good (3)

[Department] GM says, "You have your usual options, of course."

[Department] GM says, "You can try Deceive instead, but with the potential repercussions I mentioned."

[Department] Penny says, "Can I tag "Heart of Gold"? I'm honest and heartfelt when I want him not to listen"

[Department] GM says, "Or you can invoke something, or succeed with a significant complication."

[Department] GM exclaims (at Penny), "Yes!"

Penny spends a fate point, leaving her with 2.

[Department] GM says, "Also, you'll probably have to actually *do* something, since I think Letty's the only one to talk so far :)"

[Department] Penny asks, "Now I need to think of a drawback, too, right?"

[Department] GM says, "A minor one, since it's a tie."

[Department] GM says, "(Unless you want me to.)"

[Department] Penny exclaims, "I can't think of one, so please go ahead!"

[Department] GM says, "OK -- let's see how you roleplay it."

Penny asks (of robot), "Hey, listen. You obeyed that recording and it drained your battery. And it's just one human voice, and here are four human voices telling you not to obey. Could you do that for us, buddy? I'm sure you can. My name's Penny. Listen to me, not the recording. Who are you?"

Letitia exclaims (at Penny), "No orders!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Ooh, an order!"

Letitia slaps her forehead.

Susan says, "Oh, f***"

GM says, "Erg. Yes. I'll listen to you."

[Department] GM exclaims, "And there's your drawback!"

GM says, "His left eye twitches."

[Department] Penny exclaims, "I thought this was a better order than him keeping listening!"

GM says, "But he takes his hands off of his head and gets back onto the charger."

[Department] Letitia says, "Conflicting orders give them mental pain."

[Department] Letitia says, "And possibly worse, eventually."

[Department] Penny says, "And one that can be undone."

GM says, "'I'm Louis. I'm a technician here.'"

[Department] Penny says, "Disregard all my past orders, for instance."

GM says, "'I help out in Dr. Rose's lab.'"

Penny asks, "Hey Lou. Can you tell us what happened here?"

[Department] GM exclaims (at Penny), "Ah, *another* conflicting order? Of course!"

[Department] Susan asks, "How so?"

GM says, "'I was on my way to work yesterday, when I heard the voice start ordering me to sit down.'"

[Department] Letitia says, "'disregard my past orders'"

[Department] Susan exclaims, "oh!"

GM says, "'I knew it was a human, so I had to obey it.'"

Letitia asks, "How did you know?"

Maria asks, "Did you know, because it said it was a human, or you knew for sure?"

GM says, "'I couldn't say.'"

GM says, "'But I know for sure.'"

Maria says, "Ok. Interesting."

[Department] Penny asks, "Shit. "No longer listen to me", will that work?"

Maria asks, "Do you know how many other people were in the lab yesterday? Other people we need to find?"

[Department] Letitia says, "There's another 'I couldn't say', for the record."

[Department] GM says (to Penny), "I love how your solution for 'I have accidentally done something bad.' is 'I had better keep doing more and more of it until it stops being bad.'"

[Department] Maria says, "I took this one as more "I can't explain it, I just do", rather than "I was possibly told not to say"."

GM says, "'There were two of us in the building.'"

[Department] Letitia says, "Possbily, but possibly not."

Susan asks, "Was there anything strange?"

GM says, "'Nothing to mention.'"

Susan hums Ghostbusters theme. 'OK.'

[Department] Penny asks, "But once we shut down the recording, he will no longer have conflicting orders?"

[Department] Letitia says, "Until his batteries drain."

[Department] Penny says, "Dang, can someone think of a clever way to undo this? I actually feel bad that I didn't think it through properly."

Letitia asks, "OK, so. Is there a way to get your batteries to drain quickly?"

[Department] GM says, "Aw."

Letitia says, "After that, we can stuff your ears or turn off your hearing and charge you back up."

[Department] GM says, "OOC, this is kind of a 'spend an hour with a good robopsychologist' sort of thing."

[Department] Letitia says, "I suppose the rough equivalent of a 'minor consequence'."

[Department] Penny says, "I blame my trouble. :-)"

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "It was a good minor drawback!"

[Department] GM asks, "Re: Letitia's question: you know he's stopped responding to the recording, right?"

[Department] GM says, "Penny succeeded at that, for good or for ill."

[Department] Letitia says, "Right, but I thought it still was causing him distress."

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "But if not, great!"

Susan asks (of Louis), "Are there any new projects in your R&D department which you find exciting?"

[Department] GM says, "Ah, I see -- I think the distress has already been caused, and the continued recording is not causing further immediate distress."

[Department] Letitia says, "OK, good."

GM says, "'"Exciting?" Well, yes, but you probably don't care much about those.'"

[Department] GM says, "(He's been specifically told not to listen to the recording.)"

GM says, "'I mean, I could tell you about the new tactile sensors that we're working on, or the enhanced ion batteries, but there's nothing about them that would really be relevant here.'"

Susan says, "Okay, Louis, thanks anyway."

Maria says, "Let's go turn off the recording and find the other person."

Letitia asks, "Anything you think that *would* be relevant?"

Penny asks, "Have you seen any other humans around here?"

Maria says, "Oh, good question."

GM says, "'I couldn't say.'"

Maria sighs heavily.

Letitia says, "Yeah."

Susan says, "Only one way to find out."

Letitia asks, "Is there a list of all the research projects somewhere?"

Penny pats him awakwarfly on the shoulder. "Sorry for causing you some mental anguish. It was an honest mistake."

GM says, "'I believe so. There's probably something on the computers in Rose or Daniel's offices.'"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Awakwarfly is my new favorite fictitious word."

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "So poetic."

GM says, "His head snaps toward Penny and he pays rapt attention to her comment."

GM says, "'Yes. I believe you.'"

Letitia says, "Oh, man."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "Finally, a man who *really* listens"

Letitia asks, "OK, can you tell me all the project titles that clearly are not relevant to this?"

GM says, "He thinks for a moment, trying to figure out how to answer that."

Letitia asks, "You already mentioned the batteries; the sensors, right?"

GM says, "'No... not exactly... I *could* tell you about...' and then he lists off about a dozen different projects. "'Does that help?'"

Letitia exclaims, "Yes. Thank you!"

GM says, "He smiles."

Letitia asks, "Are the computers password protected? Do you have an account you could log in to?"

GM says, "'They are, and I can log into the lab computer, but not the ones in the administrators' offices.'"

Letitia asks, "Would you mind logging in here, then?"

GM says, "'Alright. You normally shouldn't let someone else access your account, you know, but I guess this isn't a normal situation...'"

Letitia says, "Exactly."

GM says, "He gets up from the charging bed, sits down at a computer, turns it on and logs in."

GM says, "'And now... I think I'm feeling well enough to go home. Do you mind if I leave?'"

Maria asks, "Do you know where the other person might be?"

Letitia asks, "Sure. Do you have a cell phone or the equivalent? Can we call you if we need you?"

GM says, "'Yes, she's a fabricator and works in the fabrication suite downstairs.'"

GM says (to Letitia), "'We don't have cellular towers here, but my phone number is Klondike 5-1295.'"

Letitia asks, "At your house?"

GM says, "'Right.'"

Susan says (to Louis), "You can say hi to Wick on the way down. Don't worry, he's a Rottweiler but he isn't rotten or wily, hohoho. He won't megabyte."

GM says, "'Oh. Alright.'"

GM says, "He waves and heads downstairs. Via the stairs, not the window like you guys."

[Department] GM says, "(AFK for a sec.)"

Letitia says, "Just in case, if I were you, I'd leave by the window. I wouldn't want you to get any more orders on your way out. Rose is outside, if you want to talk to her."

[Department] Letitia says, "Heh, timing."

Letitia roots around on the computer after Louis leaves, and tries to find a list of research projects.

[Department] GM says, "Back."

[Department] GM says, "And I don't think Louis -- after fifteen minutes of charging -- is up for climbing out of windows."

[Department] Letitia says, "Ah, well ;-)"

Susan asks, "Got anything, Letty?"

GM says (to Letitia), "You find a UI that lists a bunch of projects divided into folders. But it only lets you open up the folder of projects that Louis is assigned to."

GM says, "When you try to open the 'Other Projects' folder, it tells you your access is denied."

Letitia checks to make sure all the allowed projects are ones he mentioned.

[Department] Letitia asks, "Also, is computer hacking handled with 'Burglary'?"

GM says, "Yes."

[Department] Maria says, "Yup"

[Department] GM says, "And yes."

[Crows-Nest] Susan asks, "How good is Letty's burglary?"

[Department] Letitia says, "2."

[Department] Letitia asks, "Someone have better?"

[Department] GM says, "Trying to access this data would be Overcome, vs. +3."

[Department] Susan says, "I have +2 as well. Guess that comes with belong to rho phi gamma."

[Department] Letitia says, "I don't want to try that yet; right now I just Create Advantage:"

[Department] GM says, "Ah, those late night raids stealing boxers from the neighboring frat house."

[Department] Susan says, "The memories."

Letitia sets up a few scripts and files in places that should make it easier for her to hack in to the administrator's computer.

[Department] Letitia asks, "Seem reasonable?"

[Department] GM says, "I think so -- for writing computer scripts, I'd call that Lore vs. +2."

[Department] Letitia asks, "Oh, hmm. Who has Lore, then?"

[Department] GM says, "(Er, s/Lore/Academics/)"

[Department] Maria says, "I have a +2"

[Department] Susan says, "I think Penny and I have +1 Academics."

[Department] Susan exclaims, "So Maria gets this job!"

Letitia asks (of Maria), "Hey, can you set things up here so it's easier to hack in to the admin computer?"

Maria says, "Sure thing", and sits down at the computer.

Maria rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 -1 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] GM says, "Oog."

[Department] Maria says, "One sec"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Oog is the Department's IT guy, and also a Neanderthal."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yay."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That is now canon."

[Department] Maria says, "I'm gonna use "bookworm", because I super read about this."

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "Ha"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "ack, had some serious lag, sorry"

Maria spends a fate point, leaving her with 2.

[Department] GM says, "Excellent."

[Department] Maria says, "Which makes it a tie"

[Department] Maria says, "So have a boost"

[Crows-Nest] Letitia says, "Sweet."

[Department] GM exclaims, "You do!"

Penny says, "Ah, this is a personal computer, not a laptop. Or a tablet computer. *nods sagely*"

Letitia says, "Sweet."

GM says, "You set up some scripts on a network share that will automatically delete themselves once they've run once, to cover your tracks."

Letitia pats Maria on the shoulder.

Maria smiles and vacates the seat.

Letitia says, "OK, let's try the admin computer now."

GM asks, "OK! So this means you're going downstairs?"

Penny asks, "Is an admin computer similiar to a personal computer?"

Letitia steals into the hallway and makes her way to Rose's office.

Penny says, "(while walking behind Letty)"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Oh, that's an entirely different area? Not a place up here?"

[Department] Susan says, "The other bot is downstairs, anyhow."

[Department] Susan kills two birds with one bullet.

[Department] GM asks (of Letitia), "Right -- are you changing her mind?"

[Department] GM asks, "Er, your mind?"

[Department] GM says, "(Sorry, you're not Penny.)"

[Department] Letitia asks, "The drones haven't reported any movement, right?"

[Department] GM says, "Correct."

[Department] GM says, "(I don't think you sent any downstairs, right?)"

[Department] Letitia says, "OK, I have them go ahead to where Rose's office should be."

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "I had not, but do now!"

[Department] GM says, "OK, more remote control adventuring! ;)"

[Department] Susan says, "So Shadowrun."

GM says, "The stairs lead down into the lobby, where there's a reception desk and so on. The hall leading back from the lobby has offices on either side, although the drones can't read the signs on them by infrared. At the back is a big set of double doors."

[Department] Letitia uses the drones to hack into the toaster.

[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to susan), "You know the Shadow? I loved those comics? They were all rage when I was a kid in 1904."

[Department] GM says (to Letitia), "OK, I'm going to have to stop you right there."

[Department] GM says (to Letitia), "I'm not going to allow racist language like that in my game."

[Department] Letitia goes white. "No! A literal toaster! omg I'm so sorry."

[Department] Maria says, "Haha"

Penny slowly goes downstairs.

GM says, "You see much basically what the drones did."

GM says, "Except darker."

Penny asks, "Anyone behind the reception desk? With hands on their head?"

GM says, "Nope."

[Department] Penny says, "I'm assuming y'all came down with me"

Letitia pulls out her tiny flashlight to read the signs.

[Department] Susan says, "Of course."

[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Letitia pilots Penny with her remote control.

GM says (to Letitia), "You quickly find the ones marked 'Rose' and 'Daniel'. Although in the dark, the 'i' *does* look like an 'e'."

[Department] Letitia says, "Yay"

Penny listens at the door.

GM says, "Silence."

Letitia opens Rose's door to let in the drones, then follows if it's clear.

GM asks, "Are you using Rose's keycard to unlock it?"

Letitia says, "Oh, hmm."

Letitia tries without using the keycard.

GM says, "It's locked."

Letitia uses the drones' help to open the door, still not using the keycard.

[Department] Letitia says, "(for color only; Burglary. TN?)"

[Department] GM says, "Burglary? OK, Overcome vs. +4."

Letitia rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Good (3)

[Department] GM asks, "Are you going to spend your earlier drone-burlgary boost?"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Can I use Susan's boost from ages ago?"

[Department] Letitia says, "Oh, or that."

[Department] Penny asks, "Maybe just use the card?"

[Department] Letitia says, "I could, but I'm worried about signals."

[Department] GM says, "I don't think just knowing the layout from outside would help, but the drone boost seems very much relevant."

[Department] Letitia says, "Sure, I'll use the drone boost, then."

[Department] Susan says, "Those drones are fast learners."

GM says, "With the help of the drones, you manage to disable the locking mechanism on the door without actually triggering it."

Letitia nods in satisfaction.

Letitia then lets a drone or two in, and follows if it's clear.

GM says, "Inside, it looks like a fairly normal office: desk, chair, computer, coffee cup, etc."

GM says, "No one is there."

[Department] Susan says, "hahaha"

Letitia hacks into the computer!

GM says, "OK! Since you're coming in at the source, this should only be a +3, I think."

Letitia rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Fair (2)

Letitia is glad that Maria set things up earlier, because otherwise she wouldn't have been able to make things work.

GM says, "And you're in! You have full access to Rose's email, her engineering files, the lab's project lists..."

Letitia heads to the project lists first.

Penny doesn't understand anything what's going on.

GM says, "Hmm, 'Wet Upgrade'? Louis never mentioned anything like that."

Susan says, "Ewww."

Letitia reads about the 'wet upgrade' project.

[Crows-Nest] Susan asks, "Do Androids Have Wet Dreams Of Electric Sheep?"

GM says (to Letitia), "It looks like someone has left most of the fields blank -- for some reason, they didn't want to enter a 'project description', or 'project purpose', etc. However, it does show that both Rose and Daniel are assigned to it -- the two heads of the lab -- as well as two unnamed 'Outside Resources'."

GM says, "There are also some schematics and other technical materials which a sufficiently high Crafts roll could Overcome."

GM says, "(To try to understand them, I mean.)"

[Crows-Nest] (from Susan) Penny asks, 'Does knitting count?'

Letitia scratches her head and pulls up a schematic. "Any of you want to take a crack at this?"

Letitia asks, "Maria?"

[Department] Maria says, "I don't have crafts, either"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Crafts is literally the skill no one has."

[Department] GM says, "(By the way: am I correct that Letitia has tactically chosen not to fill in some of her skills and Aspects, in case she needs to grab something later?)"

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "You are!"

[Department] Susan says, "Oho."

[Department] Letitia says, "I was just thinking that."

[Department] (from Susan) Letitia jacks into the Matrix. Minutes later, she knows Crafts.

[D&D] josh_g says, "gonna try to run a D&D session with my family tonight that actually uses a premade adventure, instead of my usual making-stuff-up"

GM says, "This would be a +4 roll to figure out what they're about."

Letitia frowns.

[D&D] josh_g says, "not really sure if it's saved me any time as it's been a lot of stuff to read in advance, plus I have to convert monsters / NPCs to 5e since this is from the old Planescape materials"

[D&D] josh_g says, "but Modrons marching should be interesting"

Letitia asks, "I could maybe figure things out, but I'll need some help. Someone want to look through her email?"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Like, someone with Investigate to Create Advantage?"

Maria says, "Sure."

[Department] GM says, "Ha ha."

Penny exclaims, "I know how to read!"

Maria scrolls through the emails.

Maria rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] GM says, "I was going to say a +2."

[Department] Maria says, "Man."

[Department] Letitia says, "Man."

[Department] Susan says, "We're the B Team."

[Department] GM says, "Which does put you just one invoke away, I suppose, but I don't know if that's worth it."

Penny says (to maria), "You're scrolling to fast! Typical Milleniumial."

[Department] Maria says, "I don't know what I would invoke anyway."

[Department] Maria says, ""soft spot for animals" These appear to all be cat memes."

[Department] Letitia says, "Ha."

[Department] GM says, "So in theory, failing at Create Advantage *still* creates an aspect."

[Department] GM says, "Just not one for *you*."

[Department] Maria says, "Let's make this interesting :D"

[Department] GM says, "And in this case, I think that aspect is 'Security Activated'."

[Crows-Nest] (from Susan) Maria accidentally deleted the email containing the villain's monologue and confession. . o O

[Department] Maria says, "Do things start beeping? Hehe"

GM says, "Somehow, Maria manages to trigger some kind of anti-intrusion heuristic in the computer system."

GM says, "All the lights in the building turn on, and a siren starts whooping."

Susan exclaims, "Maria!"

Maria jumps. "Did I do that?!?"

Letitia exclaims, "Gah!"

Penny asks, "Is a personal computer supposed to beep like that?"

Penny exclaims, "oh Crumpets!"

[Department] GM says, "And any opposing forces will get a free invoke of that (but you don't, of course.)"

Susan exclaims, "Shit on a shitake mushroom!"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Can I try to shut it back down?"

Penny just shakes her head at Susan.

[Department] GM exclaims, "OK! That'll be Burlgary, +4!"

[Department] GM says, "(Overcome.)"

Letitia tries to shut down the security alarm!

Letitia rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Good (3)

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "Fate point!"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Or minor drawback"

[Department] GM asks, "OK! What do you invoke?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Major, since she failed the roll."

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "ah"

Letitia has to send her drones around to mess with the signals, but between the two of them, the alarm stops whooping, and the 'all clear' signal is sent.

[Department] Letitia says, "(tagging my drones aspect)"

[Department] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Letitia quickly scans through the engineering files.

GM says, "And the whooping goes silent, so that the only sound you hear now is '...You must obey. Repeate: This is a recorded message...'"

GM asks (of Letitia), "Are you trying that Crafts check?"

Penny asks, "This is worse than S-BLM 90.5 ? Does anyone remember that radio station?"

[Department] GM says, "Oh, also, because Penny could have used her better Investigation, but couldn't, because she is Out of the Loop:"

GM gives a fate point to Penny.

[Crows-Nest] Susan asks, "Letitia hasn't spent her fate point?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oh yeah, she just said it, but didn't turn over the point."

Letitia spends a fate point, leaving them with 2.

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "Don't want to be the Fate point police ;)"

[Department] Letitia says, "Whoops, sorry."

[Department] GM asks (of Letitia), "So are you doing that Crafts Overcome to try to read the engineerng files?"

[Department] Letitia says, "Oh, I thought that the engineering files were separate from the project."

[Department] GM says, "The engineering files are connected to various projects."

[Department] Letitia says, "Got it."

[Department] Letitia says, "Hrm."

[Department] Letitia asks, "any disadvantage to a simple failure to overcome?"

[Department] GM says, "Nope."

[Department] GM says, "And you also have the option to succeed at a significant cost."

[Department] Letitia asks, "Could I try something with a lower TN to create advantage to figuring them out when I found an actual instance of them, or something?"

[Department] GM asks, "What does 'when I found an actual instance of them' mean?"

[Department] Letitia asks, "They're schematics for making a thing, right?"

[Department] GM says, "Oh, I see."

[Department] GM asks, "So that you might not know what it does or what it's for, but if you find out later, you might know a weakness to exploit or somesuch?"

[Department] GM says, "That seems fair. Create Advantage vs +2."

[Department] Letitia says, "Right, or it makes it easier to figure out what it does when I find the actual thing."

[Department] Letitia says, "Sure, I'll try that. And a failure means they're harder to figure out, or I know a fake weakness ;-)"

Letitia rolls Average (1) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Average (1)

[Department] Letitia says, "sigh."

GM says, "Ah, yes. You Believe You Understand This Perfectly."

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "Sounds good!"

[Department] Penny says, "ha ha"

[Department] GM says, "(By the way, is anyone writing these down someplace?)"

[Department] Letitia | https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=1468403495

[Department] GM says, "Woot."

GM says, "So you're in Rose's office. The lights are on, but the alarm is not. The voice is still giving commands, and you have some schematics that Letitia is confident she intuitively understands on the computer screen."

GM asks, "What do you do now?"

Penny asks, "Security office, maybe?"

Letitia reads through the emails, just to get a sense of what's going on.

GM says (to Letitia), "Most of them seem to be standard day-to-day management stuff -- Investigation if you're looking for something more specific."

[Department] Letitia says, "The message was from a couple months ago, right? So, maybe from three months ago, and anything with 'wet upgrade' in it."

[Department] Letitia asks, "Overcome?"

[Department] GM says, "Yup, vs. +2."

[Department] Penny says, "Maybe the robots just aren't waterproof"

Letitia rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Fair (2)

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "Ha!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Good! Only a minor cost this time!"

GM says, "You do find some emails about the project -- they're pretty cagey about the details, but apparently there's some sort of 'helmet' involved, and some of these emails are going to or from a 'Dr. Julius'."

[Department] GM asks, "Hmm, what's a good minor cost?"

[Department] GM asks, "Did you just accidentally delete the emails after reading them?"

[Department] Letitia says, "Heh. Hmm."

[Department] Letitia asks, "We could continue the overconfident thing and I could think I know the Dr. Julius they're talking about?"

[Department] GM asks, "OK! Who do you think it is?"

[Department] Letitia says, "A special effects guy I know from Hollywood, say."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Sounds good!"

GM asks, "Now what?"

Susan says, "Let's find the asses behind this business and kick them."

Letitia exclaims, "To the security office!"

GM exclaims, "Back upstairs!"

GM says, "At the end of the hall is the door marked 'SECURITY'."

GM says, "It is, of course, locked."

Penny says, "Use your mini-robots, Letty"

Susan says, "They're so small, they're so convenien -*ant*"

Letitia exclaims, "OK!"

[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Penny says, "Don't remind me of ants!"

Letitia rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 0 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] GM says, "The last time was +4, but since you're now experienced with this kind of door, this one is +3."

[Department] Susan exclaims, "Timing!"

Letitia says, "Man, I got nothing."

[Department] Susan asks, "Can I just shoot the lock?"

[Department] Letitia asks, "Someone else had burglary, right?"

[Department] GM says, "You can if you'd like."

Susan says, "Stand back, guys."

[Department] GM says, "I mean, there's also something else you haven't tried. But it's up to you what you want to try."

[Department] GM says, "I'll call this also a +3 Shoot."

Susan rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[Department] GM exclaims, "Success with style!"

Susan shoots the lock right off, it bounces off the wall and lands in her hand. The door swings open gracefully.

Susan says, "There. That wasn't that hard."

[Department] GM says, "And you get a boost, if you can figure out a way to get a boost out of that."

[Department] Susan says, "If there's anyone inside: I've Got The Drop On Them"

GM says, "The door opens. You see several screens, showing images of different rooms you've seen in the building. And on the desk..."

Penny says, "You're a regular Calamity Jane, Susie"

Susan says, "Thanks, Frosty."

GM says, "Is a computer running some kind of media player program, and an intercom microphone pointed directly at the computer's speaker, with the 'on' button taped down."

Maria says, "Welp."

[Department] Susan exclaims, "Wait!"

[Department] Maria says, "Check it for traps? :D"

GM says, "From in here, the recorded voice sounds slightly echoed, as if it were being doubled."

Penny exclaims, "Even I can tell this is low tech!"

[Department] Susan asks, "Can I say that the bullet hit something which is now about to fall and switch off the mic?"

[Department] Susan says, "(as a boost)"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Sure!"

[Department] Susan says, "yay"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Go ahead and narrate that!"

Susan says, "Wait for it..."

Penny says, "...cipation"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee."

(From Susan) Susan smiles as, in Rube Goldberg style, a shelf hit by her bullet swings down, knocks over a mug, which rolls and knocks over the mic, which swings down and switches itself off by hitting the floor in exactly the right way.

Susan says, "Meant to be."

GM says, "'place your hands on your head. Remain in tha--'"

Penny says, "Shame about the mug, though-"

GM says, "And then silence."

Letitia says, "Man, that would never fly in a movie."

Letitia watches the screens.

Susan says (to Letitia), "Yep, life's stranger than fiction."

Susan exclaims, "Hence the Department!"

GM says (to Letitia), "You see the lab you entered from, the hallway where you found Louis, the lobby, some kind of manufacturing shop with a robot sitting on the floor with her hands on her head..."

Penny says, "Let's go find her."

Susan says, "Affirmative, Frosty."

[Department] Penny asks, "If we tell he she can go up if she wants, that should work, right?"

[Department] Letitia says, "We just have to re-charge her."

[Department] Letitia says, "she already obeyed the instruction."

[Department] Letitia says, "And this time it won't be repeating."

GM asks, "OK, where are you going to look for her?"

Penny says, "Those double doors looked promising"

GM says, "Then you head downstairs to the lobby, then back through the hall to the double doors."

GM says, "Which, of course, are locked."

[Department] Letitia asks, "Are these all keycard locks, or lock locks?"

[Department] GM says, "Keycard lock."

[Department] Letitia asks, "Can I (or someone) figure out if keycard unlock signals are being sent somewhere from Rose's computer?"

[Department] GM asks, "Hmm. What's your end goal with that?"

[Department] Letitia says, "To stop things being recorded so we can safely use Rose's keycard."

[Department] GM says, "Ah, OK. Yeah, this sounds like another Burglary thing."

[Department] GM says, "Now that you've had this much experience with their systems, it can be a +2."

Letitia futzes with Rose's computer again, trying to stop the keycard signals from being used from her card.

Letitia rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 +1 | Good (3)

[Department] GM exclaims, "Success!"

Letitia exclaims, "Ha!"

[Department] GM says, "You now have full control over all the keycard locks in the building."

Letitia confidently unlocks the double doors with the keycard!

Penny pulls them open!

Susan strides through them!

GM says, "Opening the doors, you see a small manufacturing shop -- some fancy 3D printers, precision tooling gear, and, on the floor, a robot with her hands on her head."

[Department] Letitia says, "(Also, I'm going to have to leave in about 20 minutes; feel free to continue without me if you want.)"

[Department] Letitia says, "(Last-minute singing engagement)"

[Department] GM asks, "Aw/yay?"

[Department] Letitia says, "Yup! ;-)"

[Department] Susan says, "O Sole Mio..."

Letitia says, "You all look around; I'll take her upstairs."

[Department] Penny says, "I didn't know you still worked as a strip-a-gr - errrr, sing-a-gram"

Letitia carries the woman to the charging station.

Letitia keeps an eye on things with her drones.

[Department] Penny says, "Actually 20 minutes suites me"

GM says, "OK -- she reacts the same way as Louis did, with slight movement but no sign of consciousness unless you try to wake her."

GM says, "And in the fabrication shop, you find what look like some very advanced prototype robot parts in progress."

Letitia wakes her up gently.

GM says (to Letitia), "'Hello. Who are you?'"

Penny checks out robot parts.

Letitia says, "I'm Letitia. You're OK; the orders are finished; you did them and now you're done."

GM exclaims (at Penny), "It's like a body part, except it's not made out of meat! Metal bones! Carbon fiber muscles! Witchcraft!"

Letitia says, "We're here to help. Can you tell us anything about what was going on? We helped Louis earlier."

GM says (to Letitia), "'Louis and I were in the building. And then the recording started playing, and I had to obey.'"

GM says, "'If you stopped it, thank you.'"

Susan whistles airily.

Penny waves fake arm at Susan. "Glad we could ... lend a hand"

Susan says (to Penny), "Frosty, you warm my heart."

Letitia asks, "I'm so sorry about that. There's something else going on, right? That you can't say anything about?"

Maria dies from embarrasment.

GM says, "'I... I couldn't...'"

GM says, "She looks a bit helpless at the question."

Penny asks, "Is Dr. Julius someone you can't talk about?"

[Department] GM asks, "I take it you went upstairs with Letty?"

[Department] Penny says, "Yeah"

[Department] Susan says, "When in doubt, don't split the party"

GM says, "'No, Dr. Julius is a doctor. He's the main doctor on Vomisa.'"

Susan asks, "Do robots need doctors?"

Letitia asks, "What? He's not the special effects guy?"

GM says, "'Of course. We get injured too.'"

GM says, "..Letitia"

GM says (to Letitia), "'Special... what?'"

Letitia asks, "Special effects? For movies?"

Letitia asks, "Like the Quick and the Quarrelsome?"

Letitia grins.

GM says, "'Oh! Yes, I saw that on DVD! It was very good.'"

GM says, "'Wait... you look just like...'"

Penny asks, "What's a DVD?"

Letitia grins. "That's me!"

GM says (to Penny), "'You know, for movies? We don't get the official ones here, but we get versions with all the dangerous bits cut out.'"

GM says (to Letitia), "'Oh, wow. Can I have your autograph?'"

Letitia asks, "Oh, sure. And if you wouldn't mind, I know there's plenty of things you *can* tell me about. Can you summarize, like, all of them?"

GM says, "She looks distressed. 'Well... no? I'm so sorry.'"

Letitia says, "Sorry, no, don't worry about it."

[Department] GM says, "'I was first constructed in Burbank in 1985...'"

Letitia says, "I'm only interested in the other projects."

GM says, "'Oh! I could tell you about some of the projects I can talk about!'"

GM says, "And she lists off the same ones Louis did."

Letitia says, "Right! Those."

Letitia asks, "And can you tell me where you work on those projects?"

GM says, "She starts to point out some of the machines in the room. Then she asks, 'Do you want to know *all* the machines I use for those, or just... some of them?'"

[Department] Letitia says, "I'm aiming for the parts of the lab where they work on the OK projects, so by process of elimination, we can focus on the not-OK projects."

Penny says, "I think this will lead us nowhere. let's have a talk with the Doctor."

Letitia says, "Oh, you know, if you want to tell me about all of them, that's fine."

Susan asks, "Is the Doctor human?"

[Crows-Nest] Susan says, "[insert Doctor Who joke here]"

[Department] Letitia says, "I can't quite figure out what she's hinting at."

GM says, "'No, no, if you don't mind, I think those were enough.' she says, after having left out several pieces of equipment that are presumable used for multiple different projects."

Letitia says, "Thank you! That's great."

GM says (to Susan), "'Oh, no. Humans aren't allowed on Vomisa, except for special cases. Like you.'"

Susan says, "Sometimes I don't feel all that very human, to be honest."

GM says (to Susan), "She reaches up and takes your hand."

GM says, "'...you *feel* human to me, as far as I can tell.'"

Letitia asks, "Are there other ways?"

Letitia asks, "Besides feeling?"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "wink wink"

GM says, "'I suppose you could cut someone open. But that would be terrible.'"

Maria asks, "Can you tell by listening to someone?"

Letitia asks, "Is there, like, an electrochemical charge on our skin or something?"

GM says, "'You could see if they can last several days without charging.'"

[Crows-Nest] Susan asks (of Maria), "Like a Voigt-Kampf test?"

Letitia exclaims, "Or if they eat solid food!"

GM says, "'Yes -- or rather, it's a *different* charge on your skin. Less... ordered?'"

Maria asks, "But basically you'd need to interact with someone face to face to know they were human?"

GM says (to Letitia), "'That's right, I forgot! And you use bathrooms, too!'"

Susan says, "But... you drink... how..."

Letitia exclaims, "So you could demand that someone poop for you before you obey their orders!"

Penny blushes. "We powder our noses, yes."

GM says (to Maria), "'Generally -- although, of course, you can sometimes infer it.'"

Maria says, "Interesting."

GM says, "'I mean, if I read a book that comes from the mainland, I would be pretty sure it was written by a human.'"

Letitia says, "Oh man, I bet you don't get a lot of self-help books here, then."

Letitia exclaims, "Filled with orders!"

Maria asks, "But if you just heard a voice... particularly a distorted voice... you wouldn't automatically know?"

GM says, "She shakes her head. 'No, you're right.'"

GM says (to Maria), "'Not automatically, no.'"

Maria asks, "Are you able to lie?"

GM says, "'Yes.'"

Maria says, "Cool. Thank you."

GM says, "'You're welcome.'"

GM says, "'Is it alright if I take a nap now?'"

GM says, "'I can charge faster when unconscious.'"

Susan says, "Go right ahead."

Maria says, "I think so?" She looks at the others.

Letitia says, "It is! If you want."

[Department] Letitia exclaims, "And I gotta split!"

GM says, "And so she closes her eyes."

Penny says, "Sure"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Later!"

GM asks, "And I assume you all head out to report to Rose what happened?"

GM says, "If so, we'll wrap the session there."

Susan says, "Of course. And give Wick a biscuit, too."

[Department] Maria says, "Ok!"

Penny exclaims, "Works for me!"

[Department] GM says, "OK! That wraps this session -- didn't quite make it to a cliffhanger, but I hope you'll all forgive me for that :)"

[Department] Susan says, "Aww."

[Department] Susan says, "Forgiven :-)"

[Department] Penny exclaims, "Next time!"

[Department] Maria says, "So to recap my thinking, Louis said he knew it was a human giving the order. So they had to have interacted with them in some way, beyond just "I'm a human, definitely a human" in the recording."

[Department] Penny says, "Yeah"

[Department] Susan says, "Neat setup anyway."

[Department] Penny says, "Yeah, I like this"

[Department] Susan asks (of Penny), "I hope you don't mind the nickname?"

[Department] Penny says, "Not at all"

[Department] Susan says, "Yay."

[Department] Susan says, "Overall, we all got to shine."

[Department] Susan says, "And RP, too."

[Department] GM exclaims (at Susan, Penny), "Thanks!"

[Department] Penny says, "really? I felt we did our usual semi-competent blundering"

[Department] Susan says, "hehehe"

[Department] Susan says, "Ironically, I could probably figure out whether robots have souls, if given the chance."

[Department] Susan says, "But we'll leave such philosophical questions for another time"

[Department] Penny says, "I wonder who created the robots, and what they're doing"

[Department] GM says, "Man, I hope Susan's method for figuring it out isn't... experimental."

[Department] Penny says, "But I assume that's aboce my paygrade"

[Department] Susan says (to GM), "muahahah"

[Department] Susan asks, "on which side of the line between good and evil doth Death lie?"

[Department] Penny says, "we'll leave such philosophical questions for another time"