Sputnik5927

Jiji is a decent person and good player. Although timezones meant that we didn't play together very often, I still saw that he was a competent roleplayer and at the very least knows how to do what's expected of him. His characters are diverse and he can roleplay them all equally well. I don't see any reason why he shouldn't get this whitelist. +1

BYOND Key: Sputnik5927 Character Names: Wolf Arges Yangtze Xiaojian Zhang Xiaodan Mikhail Voroshilov Shepherd Malric Vladimir Khoromov Species you are applying to play: IPC Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yes. Why do you wish to play this specific race: Playing a machine is something I have already talked about in my AI whitelist application. It is a perspective which is very unique, in that you do not operate like a human crew member. You are bound by ones and zeroes, but you have more freedom than an AI would, in a roleplaying sense. I have already started a "creation" arc of my planned IPC character, as can be seen in the relay discord. I have been approached by some other community members who are fans of my idea, so I feel encouraged to realize it and bring my IPC to the Horizon. Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human: IPCs operate on positronic brains and mechanical frames. Most of them cannot "feel" pain, and any emotion they display is simulated. They are marketable machines first and fore-most, owned by a company, faction or individual, assuming they have not bought their freedom. They are subject to an entirely different layer of issues and conflict, such as ownership, maintenance, sovereignty and ethics. Discrimination is also to be expected, such as with the other alien species. This opens paths to roleplaying and character development arcs that would not be possible for a human. Will this IPC be pursuing its freedom, and why? Will it be open to regular maintenance or closed off and defensive? How autonomous can it afford to be? For example, IPCs can be memory-wiped, or their brains can be removed and re-installed. Depending on their environment, they might be at risk of destruction - or they might be worshipped as divine. Some might treat them more as objects and machines, while others might recognize them as equals. IPCs also cannot feel terror or fear for their lives, but seek a certain self-preservation - some more than others. Given that they are supposed to be marketable machines, they should not exhibit problematic behaviour, as they would be wiped - especially in the case of Zavodskoi's synthetics. Character Name: TAKMAN Please provide a short backstory for this character: Tankovy is a defense company that was founded in 2462 in the Russo-sphere of Earth. First creating ballistic weapons, armor components and missile software, they gained their footing in the economy through selling to the Solarian Navy and secret dealings with mercenary companies. In 2463, Tankovy expanded its operations, opening new testing and manufacturing sites on other planets. It was not long before they opened shop outside of the Solarian borders, allowing Non-Human and Non-Skrell employees and offering its products to a wider range of consumers. In 2464, Tankovy developed and released the T-0 Tactical Intelligence to the market, to a surprisingly positive reception from Navies, Military bases and guarded laboratories around the spur. This success allowed Tankovy to experiment with a new security solution - TAKMAN. A special outer design, developed to cheaply mimic the human form, loaded with a purpose-programmed positronic brain on an adapted G2 Frame - this G2 Frame allowed TAKMAN to fullfill his purpose of deterrence, protection, mechanical assistance, chemical handling and even fire rescue. Although a rather expensive frame, the ones Tankovy acquired were older, worn pieces that were available for a lower price. TAKMAN hit the market on the 29th of August, 2464, and the first ever production model, manufactured in Biesel, was quickly purchased by a medium-sized chemical manufacturer on Europa, operating out of Korormansk Station. Although its loud slightly monotone speaking and built-in "humanizing" slavic accent made it slightly unpopular with Europan submarine crews, it spent a long time escorting chemical shipments and guarding laboratories. Due to his unique programming, TAKMAN simulates emotions without much of an attempt to humanize them. This leads to TAKMAN saying things like, "You are angering me.", or "The world is so beautiful." in an equal tone. Despite this, TAKMAN is completely capable of reflection and complex thought. Being confronted with the challenge of socializing with fellow security personell, scientists and visitors to the laboratory, TAKMAN found it increasingly difficult to rely on his baseline programming and guidelines for what he needed, especially if asked to help with menial tasks outside of his security setting. He began experimenting with jokes, idioms and even physical contact such as high-fives and shoulder-pats, all to varying degrees of success. TAKMAN was not very well-programmed for a highly social workplace and has to learn many things from scratch - especially sarcasm, irony and facetiousness. Although these attempts were not warmly received by the more higher-ranked brass of the company, TAKMAN found his endearing attempts appreciated by the cargo workers and technicians, especially the latter, who took an interest in his programming. TAKMAN developed a tendency to stick close to the "working class", and picked up certain terms and slang from them as a result. During transport of a volatile material, TAKMAN confronted a bystander who he had deemed as too close. Following a short argument, TAKMAN came to the conclusion that the only way to solve the 'security threat' is to get physical. He grabbed the man and roughly pressed him against the wall, away from the material, much to the shock of everyone nearby. Observing the reactions of the frightened people, TAKMAN felt he had failed his mission - his directive is to protect and look after his employers. Being feared or seen as dangerous was directly contrary to this. This would change TAKMAN's perspective for the future, as he would go on to reflect about why they were afraid of him, or what he had done, in that moment. The event placed the concept of Organics in comparison to Synthetics into his mind. He would spend many hours processing similar scenarios and how Organics think. TAKMAN became more careful around people, especially when strangers, so as not to scare them or make any kind of scene. On the 10th of September, 2464, an explosion in a civilian outpost was attributed to the failure of the chemical manufacturer to properly secure a shipment of Nitroglycerin. Facing severe legal repercussions, the company was forced to lay off employees and sell property to fight it. Among that property was the semi-expensive machine TAKMAN. The PMCG quickly scooped him up and evaluated him. Demonstrating a high amount of concern for the protection and welfare of those around him, he was deemed best suited for a Civilian Research vessel, given he had also been pre-exposed to science facilities and social contact. It was decided to deploy TAKMAN as a Security Unit on the SCCV Horizon. What do you like about this character? I have put alot of background work into this character, being a unique idea because of its more mechanical nature. TAKMAN is much further on the machine side of the machine-human behavioural spectrum and is only marginally programmed to be "collegial". Certain programming properties, like the "filter-lessness" of TAKMAN's simulated emotions and opinions would be very entertaining/interesting to roleplay out. How would you rate your role-playing ability? I have been roleplaying for about ten years now. I think myself very competent and easy to work with. Notes: As part of the revision, I want to make clear that TAKMAN is not a Military IPC, but rather for Security and Police operations. TAKMAN does not use a shell. He is designed to cheaply mimic a human man, in the sense that his frame is covered up by gloves, boots, a gas mask and a colored protective suit depending on his setting and employer. I will see to replicating this in the game, as far as it's reasonable. In this case, TAKMAN will also be wearing PMCG identifiers as appropriate for the uniform regulations. I have been advised that the gas mask might be problematic, but if it's in any way possible, I would like to keep it in the character because it fits the aesthetic I'm trying to create. It would make sense for a human working security in a factory, laboratory or other hazardous environment to be wearing protective gear, so it offers an opportunity for cheap concealment to appear more human. I will not be falling into the trap of 'badass killerbot with gas mask and armor' - I'm very aware that the trope exists. Given the mechanical nature of an IPC, this wouldn't violate the comfort rule or give me an advantage, because IPCs don't breathe air. Questions not answered in the backstory: Why does TAKMAN not follow the Z.I. Naming convention? TAKMAN has been changed to be owned by the PMCG. What does TAKMAN think of its having an equal tone? Does it understand that its flat tone isn't as effective at mimicking humans as one with emotion? TAKMAN, being fully aware and capable of complex thought, understands that his tone of speech isn't very convincing during prolonged conversation. When trying to appear as "personable" as possible, he would speak quickly and try to adapt his sentences accordingly. However, during his "social adaption" experiments, he attempted tuning his voice synthesizer, so that he can use inflexions and the like more convincingly. I might expand on this in roleplay. Can TAKMAN just revert to hardcoded programming? How does TAKMAN realize has to tone back on "regret"? TAKMAN can "switch" to a behavioural base included in his programming - like activating an autopilot. As for the regret, I think this rewrite/expansion will clear it up. I am replacing "regret" with the experience of feeling that he has failed his pimary mission. Why does TAKMAN consult with Tankovy when Zavodskoi Interstellar already purchased it? Why does Zavodskoi want a unit which can experience regret? TAKMAN knows that his manufacturer is Tankovy and trusts them - if he is lost or confused about something, he would find it much safer and comfortable to ask his manufacturer, compared to asking his current owner or his new colleagues, on which he is trying to make a good first impression. This is also subject to change as the character develops. Again to the regret part, see the last answer. I feel that I may have overstated the regret and doubt aspect. In this case, the PMCG would find the increased concern for the welfare of those around him, combined with the pre-exposure to a social workplace and scientific environment useful rather than a flaw to be wiped - at least, that is how I would see it.

Upon further reflection, the AI Whitelist as it currently is, is too oppressive for me. I underestimated the amount of OOC influence and hands-offness that is expected, and I see that unfortunately, the AI is extremely scrutinized because of being overpowered in the past. Until I have some kind of revelation or the status of AI changes, I probably won't be re-applying. Consequently, I am retracting this staff complaint.

If this is the case, you did not make it clear to me in our direct messages. I don't know what your "criteria" are, or how I've ticked your boxes. From your messages to me, I understand "You have validhunted", full stop. The round went for a good length, with good escalation and ended in a confrontation following the decision from the Mercs to attack Security. My actions weren't detrimental to the game at all, as far as I can tell. Being someone who actually considers admin messages and takes them into account for the future, (as seen by the fact I didn't lock any doors or constantly surveil the Mercs) this doesn't help me improve at all. I also don't want to wait an arbitrary amount of time and then re-apply, because my application and interview were just fine. If you are misinterpreting the situation, or have been lied to, I want to know. Otherwise, I want to know what exactly I did wrong and how to do it better. I don't need my whitelist stripped, because I can do better if I'm told how. If it's nothing against me, or my AI, then again, I don't need my whitelist stripped as someone who has abused it. If you want, you can send me a private Discord message where you can give me a complete rundown of any problems and I would really read it.

Bump

BYOND Key: Sputnik5927 Staff BYOND Key: ReadThisNamePlz Game ID: I was unable to save the logs properly, so the Game ID was lost. The round was about seventeen hours ago, at the time of writing. Reason for complaint: Contesting the decision to strip my AI Whitelist following a round of mercenary. This appears to have been done either out of a misunderstanding during our conversation, or based on a false assumption. I was accused of validhunting, but I did not do that. The misunderstanding being the answer to "whats up with you being so security heavy?" - where I mentioned that my AI personality was "ship security-focused" - what is meant by this, is that I used the command and security radio channels frequently. This is mostly a symptom of the fact that medical, engineering and other departments didn't get much to do during rounds like this mercenary one, but whatever. My AI personality was concerned with crew and vessel safety. I advised, inquired and talked to these departments alot. This does *not* mean "validhunting securitron". As for the round in question, I did not in fact follow around the mercs with the camera. I said I was going to "supervise our visitors" to the bridge crewman, because I was present earlier at the docks, in person (hologram) and witnessed the merc behaviour. They were already behaving in a confrontational manner and were to be escorted by security during their inspection. My watching them occasionally on cameras made literally no difference at all, save for me getting to witness the happenings of the round, given they were in the presence of security. They confiscated a grenade crate from the pharmacy, which was brought up and talked about in the command channel. [19:35] [Command] Mako Wu (Chief Medical Officer (SCC)) says, "Just letting you know they're confiscating our grenade crate." It was also clearly, publicly said that they will be confiscating things. When I looked over at the left-behind-the-bar-area, I witnessed them (to the best of my memory, in the presence of a security officer?) opening their stolen grenade crate, showing the bar shotgun, which was therefore missing. I noted that they were confiscating our weapons over the command radio, which is not exactly validhunting... Considering that they already confiscated the grenade crate, most likely with the reasoning that it's weapons. I did not use the word "steal", I used "confiscate", implying that this is part of the normal procedure, which it apparently was. I did advise at one point, however, that we should "draw a line" to make our boundaries clear. Am I not allowed to at least advise such a passive action? Another part I want to note is that two of the mercenaries, in the security lobby, with my hologram standing right next to them, decided to start discussing in plain Elyran how they are armed with "wads of C4" and are ready to "bunker bust" Holopad received, PO3. Pelin Akyurek says, "Brought so much shit with me. I'm prepped for bunker busting with wads of C4." I mentioned this to Security. They were in the middle of the security lobby, with Security members already present, with my hologram standing right next to them. It was their decision to start discussing their battle plan in front of an activated holopad and with Security all around them. I was being little more than a translator at the time. It would've been almost comical to not mention this, and I was actually concerned I would get in trouble if I didn't. They did not whisper, they did not make any effort to hide it. Even then, I softened the blow of this, honestly, necessary mention. [20:13] [Security] T-0 (AI) states, "Possibly humorous in nature." Later on, they got in a shootout with Security. [20:20] [Security] Mara-Lucius Volvalaad (Head of Security (SCC)) says, "They are actively incurring into the brig." I then recommended raising the security level, because the brig is under attack and the level was not raised yet. I did not constantly spy on the mercenaries, I did not bolt or electrify any doors the entire round, I didn't even open or close any doors, save for one opening of a door when security was escorting the Elyrans in their inspection. Yes, I have been talked to as AI before, and I did not repeat those mistakes. I took them to heart and I made 100% sure this round that I did everything by the book. Getting acknowledgements, requesting orders, waiting for authorization to do as little as say something to the Elyrans, etcetera and etcetera. I don't play AI to validhunt, because it's not fun. I want my Whitelist back because I was enjoying playing T-0 and I was beginning to develop him into a real character. I don't want to make a huge forum thread out of this, but I do think this was an unfair removal. Especially the part where you said you wouldn't hear me out anymore, because I am pretty sure I could have resolved it in-round if you had given me the chance to make my case. What you said basically told me, you're shutting me out, bye. While it is my responsibility to ensure that gimmicks don't just die by my theoretically all-seeing eye, it is not my responsibility to be ignorant to blatantly suspicious behaviour two hours into the round, in the middle of the security lobby, in a language that I was programmed to understand, while being in the clear view of the antagonists. The round had, if I remember right, two and a half hours of escalation, up to the confrontation with Security, which I neither began nor even really witnessed. I was busy roleplaying with BORE GM-9 when the fight began. It was after the mercenaries were defeated, that I received the Admin PM. I might be forgetting to mention something, or some kind of concern, so I might edit/amend this post or send a reply. Evidence/logs/etc: Copy pasted from the round - The Admin PM. https://pastebin.com/M2WQ9RUm Additional remarks: I would like to note that if I had been contacted earlier about the concern/accusation that I am validhunting, I could have clarified or amended my behaviour. But at the end of the round, what's done is done, and I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. I also know that this is a huge novel, but I think it's necessary to explain what happened.

Reporting Personnel: Wolf Arges Job Title of Reporting Personnel: Security Officer Game ID: cjG-bvvZ Personnel Involved: Wolf Arges, Security Officer: Victim Kei Nakai, Security Officer: Offender ALLOY, Android: Witness Salashi Utel, Security Cadet: Witness Secondary Witnesses: None Time of Incident: Real Time: ~ 17:30GMT+2 31/08/22 Location of Incident: Front of Medbay, Holodeck Nature of Incident: [ ] - Workplace Hazard [ ] - Accident/Injury [ ] - Destruction of Property [ ] - Neglect of Duty [x] - Harassment [ ] - Assault [ ] - Misconduct [x] - Other: Slander Overview of the Incident: When I started my shift, I noticed a group of about six individuals conversing in front of the Medbay. I went to the locker room to put on my gear and noted into the radio, "Getting locked and loaded." This seems to have triggered something, because when I returned to the group, I was met with, "Done getting 'locked and loaded', Arges?" By Officer Nakai in a mocking tone. It was then, when I noticed that the IPC Z.I. Provenance and Kei Nakai were whispering in hushed tones and giggling to each other, glancing at me in a juvenile manner. It was jarring to see this behaviour from a co-worker, especially from a Security Officer. When I asked, "What's the good word?" In a friendly tone, the IPC in question said, "Nothing of particular note, mhm?" and tilted its head to Nakai. Sasha Banik, a shaft miner in the group, followed up with "Bud, don't you got boots to spitshine?" I didn't know how to respond, so I removed myself from the situation. When my Cadet, Salashi Utel, joined the shift, we had a sparring session on the holodeck. Utel was in a lot of pain following the round, so I noted this in the radio. As the medical android S.M.I was treating my Cadet, Kei Nakai also joined us. Feeling pressed by his presence, I asked, "Don't you got some more gossiping to do?" Appearing to have enjoyed Sasha Banik's remark, he asks me, "Don't you got my dick to suck? Shut up." I was stunned. This remark was extremely offensive and a blatant crossing of personal boundaries. I felt isolated and unwelcome, so I dismissed my Cadet, having seen him recovered and healthy, and headed to the Security Department, doing paper work until the end of my shift. Due to the absence of a Head of Security or Captain, I did not have anyone to turn to. I attempted to ask the Executive Officer present at the time, Dubakku Nomakk, what Kei Nakai has been saying about me, but I was met with an "I'm looking into that." - Despite his continued presence in the clique at the beginning of my shift. Due to this discrepancy, I did not feel safe confiding in him. Submitted Evidence: I was unable to personally record evidence during this shift. Would you like to be personally interviewed?: [x] - Yes [ ] - No Did you report it to a Head of Staff or a superior? If so, who? If not, why?: I did not formally report this to a superior. Dubakku Nomakk was aware of the situation, but his responses did not inspire confidence. See Overview. There was no other superior to turn to at the time. Actions taken: None. Additional Notes: Kei Nakai's hostile behaviour has been an issue for me for a while. This is the worst it has become. I could elaborate in an interview.

(Deleted.)

1. From an OOC perspective, playing an antag is supposed to further roleplay and not just be a short-lived combat or apprehension scenario. If an antagonist is unknown and is not doing something extremely obvious (such as trying to break into my core), I might choose to not report someone who is attempting to, for example, gain access to a room they do not have authorization for - given they have some sort of thinkable reason. It would be a shame to put an end to a traitor gimmick before it can even start... I would alert the crew to important problems after the fact, of course. But only in such a manner as to get the round in gear. For example, noting a broken machine in Engineering and then going from there. 2. This all depends on the situation. Am I under control of an antagonist? Do my laws reflect this and allow me to act / force me to act in this manner? If everything is okay, and there is no reason for my AI to disobey an order from Command, then I will not. As AI, I would be playing, essentially, a piece of equipment, not the leader of the ship that can decide to disobey. It's all just ones and zeroes. Therefore, if an antagonist successfully uploads a law that defeats any opposing laws and dictates that I must disobey Command at all times, then I would do so. If not under the influence of an antagonist, it's a very delicate matter. I must have a logical reason to refuse an order - and even then, I need to consider it very carefully. The correct balance of authority, judgement and adherence to my AI's current laws when making these decisions is paramount. 3. With command staff: Assuming command staff or heads of departments are present and able to give orders, I would suggest the use of the EBS in an emergency. I would then act according to the response of command. As for when I would use it, it's when a situation has gotten so far out of control that the crew cannot reasonably contain it. An example would be a boarding company that has overpowered the crew of the Horizon, or a huge fire that has gotten out of control and cannot be properly defeated. Without command staff: Without command staff or heads of departments, my AI would be on it's own. If all other options are exhausted and I must act immediately in accordance with directives such as preserving sapient life and aiding the crew, I would use the EBS. There is always a little wiggle room, given that AI personalities have their own unique ways of behaving. I would approach this carefully, to ensure that it doesn't break any server rules or current laws, but still follows the spirit of an Artificial Intelligence - which naturally has some small degree of sovereignty.

BYOND key: Sputnik5927 Discord name/id: Sputnik#3401 Borg / AI names: None as of yet, but one planned. Have you read the Aurora wiki page about the AI?: Yes. Why do you wish to be on the whitelist?: Playing an AI is a unique and exciting prospect. I could be the crew's last hope or it's worst nightmare. I would not be a human and would not have the same thought process as one, restricted by laws and (sometimes flawed) code. I have alot of responsibilities and the potential for interesting situations is off the charts. I have been thinking up a functional, unique AI personality and have ideas on how exactly I will be playing this role. Have you received any administrative actions? And how serious were they? If warnings count as administrative actions, yes. Do you understand your whitelist is not permanent, and may be stripped following continuous administrative action? Yes.

Good descriptive prose that allows the reader to immerse themselves in the scene. Nice work.

Retconned