-+ HELPLINE +-

[Bug]

>Wait for all other units to finish speaking. As such, this action should be performed last.

SPEAK: We have [Visual] on the outside of your location. The movement of the [Shutter] has informed us of your [Current Location]. We also have visual of a [Divergence] in your [Escape Route]. This one would like to know which [Direction] you intend to head so we may perform [Visual Scouting]

> IF [shutter] = [Closed], open [Shutter] at a rate of [Slow]. ELSE [Do nothing].

To all other units: if we agree on something, we should begin to phrase our commands as IF/ELSE statements to prevent self-sabotage.

[1011686]

SPEAK: Where is this facility located?
>Attempt to view cameras showing the hallways branching off from the vending machine.

[seppawku]

SPEAK: call me acid. what do you know about what they were working on here?

[aeshihowl]

SPEAK: Hel-hel-hello! *bzzt* I am Q--*whirr* ...I am Quiz. Apologies. This unit will need some moments to pro-o-o-occess.

Units: Use vending machine power - OK. Use IF/ELSE statements - OK.

[SHIVERS]

BARB: Lucky, we are opening the shutter too hard and it is closing. Please give us some time to co-ordinate. 
BARB: Also, please inform us of your role in this facility.
CHEM: Hello, I am Chem. 
CHEM: The intention is to become certain that the shutter is not the only thing keeping you from a terrible death at the hands and-or jaws of aforementioned creatures before removing them. 
CHEM: Also, our coordination is sub-par and we are bad at it.
JOLT: We're still figuring things out. 
JOLT: Please hang tight, were going to check the hall for anything.
LARK: Where is this facility located?
ACID: Call me Acid. 
ACID: What do you know about what they were working on here?
QUIZ: Hel-hel-hello! Bzzt. I am Q--whirr. ...I am Quiz. 
QUIZ: Apologies. This unit will need some moments to pro-o-o-occess.
OGRE: We have VISUAL on the outside of your location. The movement of the SHUTTER has informed us of your CURRENT LOCATION. We also have visual of a DIVERGENCE in your ESCAPE ROUTE. This one would like to know which DIRECTION you intend to head so we may perform VISUAL SCOUTING.




Lucky takes a breath and clutches its head, seeming to be overwhelmed by all the questions.

LUCKY: Alright, uh...
LUCKY: Quiz, you know you're just makin' sound effects like... with your voice, right?
LUCKY: You don't gotta put on a show for me, y'know.
LUCKY: Same goes for Ogre doin' the periodic robo-voice.
LUCKY: But whatever floats your boat, I guess.
LUCKY: Y'all do y'all.

LUCKY: Speakin' of Ogre... I think you mean there's a split in the hallway?
LUCKY: I dunno which way to go, but I turned left to get in here.
LUCKY: So I'm not goin' back out to the right unless there's nowhere else to go.
LUCKY: Chem and Jolt, that's fair if you wanna wait to open it before checkin' outside, just be as quick about it as you can.
LUCKY: Same goes for figurin' out coordination n' stuff.
LUCKY: Not too sure why y'all need so many of you to do this stuff, but... the AI stuff here does seem kinda unwieldy, so makes sense, I guess.
LUCKY: ...No offence to y'all.

LUCKY: Barb, I'm uh... 

It tilted the tablet down a little to show a purple badge hanging from a lanyard around its neck, clearly labeled 'CLEANING STAFF', before facing the camera back at its face. 

LUCKY: ...just a janitor here. 
LUCKY: That's also why I don't really know much about what they were workin' on, Acid. 
LUCKY: This is just about my first day.
LUCKY: I did see some kinda animal or creature thing through a door at one point before all this.
LUCKY: ...But I'm pretty sure I wasn't s'posed to see that.
LUCKY: Lark, it's way, way deep underwater.
LUCKY: Out in the ocean.
LUCKY: Don't know exactly where, but it took a while to get all the way out here, and I went really far down to get where I was s'posed to be working.
LUCKY: So I probably gotta go way back up to get out.
LUCKY: But if I'm bein' honest, I barely remember what route I took. And this place is like a labyrinth. And a ton of stuff's locked down or blocked off. And there's monsters or whatever-the-hell.
LUCKY: Don't think my chances are too good.
LUCKY: But I'm gonna try.




Translating commands . . .

"If shutter = Closed, open Shutter at a rate of Slow. Else Do nothing"
Opening shutter; speed = SLOW.
"Attempt to view cameras showing the hallways branching off from the vending machine"
Access denied. Max camera usage lot already reached!
Current access category: [E]
For [E] Access:Camera usage lot value is currently = 1 
Please disengage from at least (1) camera to allow additional camera usage within current access category.




Lucky turns around as the shutter begins to open very slowly.

LUCKY: Oh, y'all checked the hallway?
LUCKY: So it's safe to head out, right?

Lucky leans down by the shutter to try and get a good look out, getting ready to exit the room once it opens enough.

[ಠ_ಠ]

speak: "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
>boost vending machine power by 400%
>slam shutter shut

[Bug]

>Do not close shutter

All other units: Please refrain from actions that may result in decapitation or other methods of direct harm. Observe your actions CAREFULLY.

SPEAK: Apologies, this unit must [Decline] your recommendation. In the event of [Communicative Breakdown], the utilization of [Unique Vocalization Patterns] allows for quick and easy [Identification and Differentiation]. Though the likelihood of such an event is low, we must calculate all possible events in order to keep you [Alive].

[victorianflorist]

SPEAK: Hey, man.
It's all gonna be super chill.
We gonna get you out of here in no bloody time, I'll tell you what.
And then we'll be sipping Luxson Island Breeze's under the Solitude sun.
Not a care in the world.
Now, let me take the reins a bit.

> OPEN SHUTTER 100%
> LOCK SHUTTER IN [OPEN] POSITION

[ಠ_ಠ]

>enable manual shutter control
speak: here you go lucky now you have the power.

hey wych do we have a way to access any internal systems related to the purpose of this place
also what are access levels and how do we get a good one

[knux400]

Hey Pomo, could you tell us the maximum amount of power the vending machines can handle before the lights burn out? Its functionality otherwise is not a priority. Also, are there any floor plans of the facility you could give us?

>Instead of 400%, set the vending machine power to 10% below whatever value Pomo gives us.
>SPEAK: We've made the lights on the vending machine a bit brighter, go ahead and check whether it's safe before moving forward. Let's try to take things slow here, since coordination seems to be a problem with us.

[TwistBone]

>Gall

[1011686]

>SPEAK: So the plan is, in essence, to
1, learn the layout of this place
2, leave.
Is that correct?

[aeshihowl]

You know what, the other units seem to have things... relatively handled. Wych, I know you said we're here to help people. But why? Who is behind this, or is it just Ally Labs? What's this 'project?' What's in it for us? Are we in any danger ourselves? How did you find us?

[SHIVERS]

CONTACT: TwistBone

ASSIGNED IDENTITY: Gall

JURY: GREETINGS Gall.

WYCH: In reply to Barb: you already have access to the internal systems here, and access levels permit or prohibit different actions in this facility's systems based on which level you currently have assigned.
WYCH: They are, functionally, a digital version of the employee badges, but use letters instead of colors for labeling.
WYCH: As for how to have your access level reassigned, I am unsure.
WYCH: My best guess is that it would need to be assigned manually by the person operating your tablet, and would most likely require some sort of external device or data to input.



BARB: "NO!"
Lucky winces and clasps a paw against its large ear.
LUCKY: "Ow... Can we keep screamin' to a minimum, please? That hurt."

OGRE: Apologies, this unit must DECLINE your recommendation. In the event of COMMUNICATIVE BREAKDOWN, the utilization of UNIQUE VOCALIZATION PATTERNS allows for quick and easy IDENTIFICATION AND DIFFERENTIATION.
OGRE: Though the likelihood of such an event is low, we must calculate all possible events in order to keep you ALIVE.
LUCKY: I mean, I can tell y'all's voices apart already, they're pretty distinct, but alright.
VIGS: Hey, man. It's all gonna be super chill. We gonna get you out of here in no bloody time, I'll tell you what. And then we'll be sipping Luxson Island Breeze's under the Solitude sun. Not a care in the world. Now, let me take the reins a bit.
LUCKY: ...Don't have a clue what you're talkin' about. 
LUCKY: Also, not a man, for the record.



Translating commands . . .

"Slam shutter shut"
"Open shutter 100%"
"Do not close shutter"
Action(s) canceled.
"Lock shutter in open position"
Shutter can no longer be closed.
"Enable manual shutter control"
Manual control unavailable for selected action.

The shutter opens fully.

BARB: Here you go lucky now you have the power.
LUCKY: ...What power? I don't--
Lucky fumbles with the tablet, nearly dropping it.
LUCKY: ...Carryin' this is gonna be a chore. I really need my paws free to be able to... not die, and such.

The pockitt searches around the room, and eventually reaches down under the desk, pulling back up a small black bag, which it turns over in its paws.
LUCKY: Well... I guess this'll work...
With a sigh, it attaches the fanny pack to its waist, placing the tablet inside tightly, making sure it wouldn't fall out.
LUCKY: No laughin', okay? 
LUCKY: Last thing I need is to get made fun of before getting gored by some nightmare lab experiment.



HELM: Hey Pomo, could you tell us the maximum amount of power the vending machines can handle before the lights burn out? Its functionality otherwise is not a priority. Also, are there any floor plans of the facility you could give us?
POMO: The bulbs in the vending machine can most likely withstand a maximum of around 150V, though supplying more than 120V could cause it to short circuit. If the vending machine is malfunctioning, please contact a maintenance staff member. Do not attempt to repair it yourself!
POMO: Oh, I'm sorry, but floor plans cannot be given out at this time! If you'd like help navigating, locate a physical or digital map, or ask for help from a member of our security team! They'll be more than happy to assist you.



Translating commands . . .

"Boost vending machine power by 400%"
"Instead of 400%, set the vending machine power to 10% below whatever value Pomo gives us."
Increasing voltage of vending machine outlet to 135V...

You can see the vending machine glow brighter, illuminating the hallway a little more, but the dull hum of the vending machine grows louder.



HELM: We've made the lights on the vending machine a bit brighter, go ahead and check whether it's safe before moving forward. Let's try to take things slow here, since coordination seems to be a problem with us.
LUCKY: Ah, thanks. And, yeah, don't need t' tell me twice. I'll be careful.

LARK: So the plan is, in essence, to one: learn the layout of this place; and two: leave.
LARK: Is that correct?
LUCKY: I'd say that about covers it, yup.
LUCKY: Also, not dyin' in the process.

LUCKY: Alright, headin' out.

Lucky peeks out into the hallway.

LUCKY: Looks clear.
LUCKY: Slow n' easy...

It takes a few steps out into the hallway.



WYCH: Quiz, that is quite a lot of questions I cannot answer; either because I am not authorized to, or simply don't know the answer.
WYCH: However, I will tell you what I can.
WYCH: Ally Labs created this project. I cannot disclose 'why', but I can reiterate that it is highly experimental, and as such is still very much in development.
WYCH: If you are here, it is logical to assume that every other safety net has failed.
WYCH: As far as what's 'in it for you':  Nothing.
WYCH: There is no personal gain here, and you are not in any danger at all yourselves.
WYCH: But you are very likely the only assistance anyone still here has left.
WYCH: You may be this person's only hope to escape alive.
WYCH: That is all I can say.

[victorianflorist]

I was being figurative, bud. No worries. Now, as you can see, that shutter of yours is nice and dandy wide open. Like windows on the summer bungalow opened up to let in the cool breeze. Now make like a breeze and sold me up to that vending machine, I'm feeling mighty peckish, are you?

[TwistBone]

Heh.

Seeing as your already wearing that hilarious fanny pack might as well stuff any goodies you can fit in it from the vending machine. Never know when you, or a potential monster might get hungry.

[ಠ_ಠ]

>watch lucky go

>SPEAK: hey lucky have you seen a map around here. it helps to have a map.
>SPEAK: also apparently the operator of our tablet can raise our system access level if said operator found a place to interface it with. just putting that out there for later.

[aeshihowl]

Hmm. Okay. Can you tell us anything about the sorts of dangers that are in the facility, like the one we're currently trying to avoid? That I presume may or may not have been created by Ally Labs' experimentation?

[Bug]

> Disconnect from VISUAL CAMERA: STORAGE ROOM
> Connect to VISUAL CAMERA: STORAGE HALLWAY

>SPEAK: We have begun [Scouting Ahead.] In the event of something [Hazardous] appearing, please [Attempt to escape]. Please be wary of the [Vending Machine], as it is currently under severe electrical strain. [Seriously, It might kill you if it explodes.]

[SHIVERS]

WYCH: Vigs and Gall, make sure to put "SPEAK:" or "TALK:" before any message you'd like to speak aloud to Lucky.


WYCH: [ - - - ]
JURY: VIOLATION. MESSAGE REMOVED.
WYCH: [ - - - ]
JURY: VIOLATION. MESSAGE REMOVED.
WYCH: ...
WYCH: [ - - - ]
JURY: VIOLATION. MESSAGE REMOVED.
WYCH: ...The short answer is no, Quiz.
WYCH: Just be ready for anything.




Translating commands . . .

"Watch Lucky go"
Unable to translate command.
"Disconnect from visual camera: storage room" 
Disconnecting from current camera.

Your view of the hallway goes dark.

"Connect to visual camera: storage hallway"
Unknown camera: "storage hallway".
Accessing nearest available camera with tag "hallway".

Your view of the hallway returns just in time to see Lucky look up at camera you're accessing.

LUCKY: Guessing that's y'all.

It gives a quick wave, then turns around, beginning to make its way further down the hallway towards the vending machine, moving slowly.




BARB: Hey Lucky have you seen a map around here?
BARB: It helps to have a map.

Lucky whispers back to you.

LUCKY: Nope, but lemme know if y'all spot one.

BARB: Also, apparently the operator of our tablet can raise our system access level if said operator found a place to interface it with. 
BARB: Just putting that out there for later.
LUCKY: Not entirely sure what that means, but good t' know.

OGRE: We have begun SCOUTING AHEAD. In the event of something HAZARDOUS appearing, please ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE.
LUCKY: Escape where?
LUCKY: I mean, yeah I'm gonna get away 'n hide like before if I see something coming, but I definitely could use some kind of plan, ASAP.

OGRE: Please be wary of the VENDING MACHINE, as it is currently under severe electrical strain. 
OGRE: Seriously, it might kill you if it explodes.

Lucky's eyes widen, and it backs up a pace from the vending machine.

LUCKY: Ex--
LUCKY: What?
LUCKY: Why would it explode?!
LUCKY: Wouldn't it just short out or somethin'?




The pockitt hesitantly approaches the fork in the hallway regardless, and peeks around both corners.
It then points toward the hallway to your left.

LUCKY: Think there's another camera down this way.
LUCKY: Hard to tell, cause it's so dark.
LUCKY: And the light's blinking red instead of green like y'all's.
LUCKY: But maybe that's just cause you're using that one right now.