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 Secondary Class:
Utility |
Registered Phenomena Code: 846
Item Type: Entity
Lethality Rating: Yellow (Utility)
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| Hazard Types:Additional Properties: |
 Aggression |
 Ballistic |
 Climatological |
 Geological |
 Grouped |
 Invisibility |
 Psychotronic |
 Sapient |
 Sentient |
 Transmutation |
 Bio-Hazard |
 Contact |
 Corrosive |
 Electromagnetic Force |
 Explosive |
 Extreme Temperature |
 Radiation |
 Toxic |
 Destabilization |
 Extra-Dimensional |
 Gravitational |
 Teleportation |
 Temporal |
 Auditory |
 Emotional |
 Ideological |
 Info-Hazard |
 Memory Alteration |
 Mind-Control |
 Mind-Regression |
 Sensory |
 Visual |
 Animated |
 Aquatic |
 Digital |
 Ecological |
 Extra-Terrestrial |
 Immeasurable |
 Incorporeal |
 Mechanical |
 Microscopic |
 Organic |
 Regenerative |
 Titanic |
 Tychokinetic |
 Replicating |
 Newtonian |
 Ontological |
 Divine |
 Hallucinogen |
 High Velocity |
 Proto-Mechanical |
 Proto-Newtonian |
 Proto-Sapient |
Abstract
Model blueprint created by Dr. Melania N. Camilleri and Dr. Ivan S. Barkov in Site-070. An autonomous bronze guardian made in the female form. These models are surrounded by floral growth and capable of transmuting dead organic matter into various species of flora. These entities are colloquially referred to as “Little Nikushas.” Nearly indestructible and unfailingly obedient, they assist facility personnel in both sentry duties and domestic work.
RPC-846's basic directive is as follows:
You will be the guardian of our garden. Protect all that is beautiful, that is your directive.
Safe-Handling and Usage
Their main base of operation is the West Wing greenhouse, where their creation and maintenance are managed by Dr. Ivan S. Barkov. Should an RPC-846 instance model require repair or modification, refer to the instructional addendum later in the document.
Each model’s bio-mechanical system requires both glucose and nitrogen for metabolic function, allowing it to process virtually any organic matter as sustenance. Its artificial mind will deteriorate and cease cognition without auditory stimuli. Thus, the maintenance of the item's internal music box is of top priority.
The RPC-846 models are assigned to serve personnel within the Suppression and Sustainment Department. Their capacity for higher thought and emotional experience is to remain classified and concealed from the general Authority. Each unit is authorized to bear and operate any standard-issue or custom weapon provided by supervising personnel, with the explicit exception of memetic and/or psychotronic-class weaponry.
If you are presented with a new RPC-846 model, or you have one that is broken, repeat the following diagnostic phrases to restart it. The model will rewind its cogwork on its own.
Protect all that is beautiful.
Beauty is what nurtures the visionary's light.
Music is the language of the garden.
Sing and dance, for it is the visionary's will.
You are loyal to [FULL NAME]
[FULL NAME] is what nurtures the visionary's light.
Music is the language of the garden.
Sing and dance, for it is [FULL NAME]'s will.
Once the RPC-846 model is fully operational, it will emit a hum. Which can be heard below:
The RPC-846-1 mainframe, which modulates RPC-846's internal intelligence, is to be secured and maintained by private Counsel Department personnel. Any RPC-846 model that discovers this room will remove all of its previous directives to watch over RPC-846-1, so it is ill-advised to introduce the room to any more than the 12 units already guarding it.
The Scholar’s Influence does not affect RPC-846 or RPC-846-1 in any substantial way. It is therefore advised that the models not be deconstructed for research or engineering purposes without the supervision of Dr. Melania Camilleri.
RPC-846 models in storage (Suppression Department). They are equipped with nullifier swords.
Description
A bio-mechanical thaumaturgic automaton engineered by Senior Researchers Dr. Melania Camilleri and Dr. Ivan Barkov. The original RPC-846 model was made after the image of assistant researcher Nika Petrova to serve as her companion. Since then, derivative models have been made and customized for additional tasks.
RPC-846 was constructed using material and analytical samples derived from RPC-022, RPC-224, and RPC-550. Its shell is made of a copper-alloy that's been self-nullified, making it virtually indestructible. Beneath its shell is a mechanical endoskeleton overlaid with synthetic muscle tissue composed primarily of starch.
The biological component of RPC-846 originates from the blood of RPC-550. Each instance possesses a circulatory system filled with synthetic blood, synthesized from a universal RPC-550-A substance. Under the effects of the Scholar’s Influence, the biohazardous properties of this substance are neutralized, allowing for safe internal function. It gains sustenance through absorbing dead organic matter; the residue of its feed later blooming into various species of floral growth.
RPC-846’s brain analogue operates through a thaumaturgic engine housed within a modified music disc, which continuously relays a melodic hum. This melody incorporates the memetic resonance of RPC-224. The music enables the synthetic muscle fibers to contract and manipulate their bronze shell with fluid, lifelike motion. It is also with this system that RPC-846 is able to communicate with humans through rudimentary speech.
Each RPC-846 instance’s intelligence processor is maintained by RPC-846-1, the central mainframe governing all units. RPC-846-1 is currently in an inert state and is encircled by a dense proliferation of floral growth originating from the entity itself, forming a small indoor garden.
When properly nurtured, RPC-846 exhibits accelerated cognitive growth, including emotional expression, higher-order thought, and pain. These capabilities are attributed to floral growth derived from the brain tissue of Researcher Petrova, which has been implanted into every RPC-846 unit, allowing it to connect to the RPC-846-1 mainframe. With this system in mind, RPC-846 is able to mentally mature the same as a human.
The flora that grows around RPC-846 depends on the model's directive. These flora bloom at a rapid pace and will die after their current directive has either failed, changed, or been completed. Likewise, the music disc inside RPC-846 will also change according to the directive.
| Directive |
Flora |
Review |
| Domestic housework |
Lavandula (Lavender) |
RPC-846 can perform domestic housework such as cooking and cleaning. While cooking, it will instinctively attempt to brew coffee and won't register a complete directive until it's done. |
| Monitoring and routine inspection |
Cerasus serrulata (Cherry Blossom) |
RPC-846 can perform monitoring and routine inspection without issue. It will, however, avoid threats unless given the means to protect itself. |
| Architecture and engineering |
Lilium candidum (White Lily) |
RPC-846 is able to assist in architecture and engineering, but is unable to direct and follow architectural plans on its own. |
| Documentation and calculation |
Rosa (Red Rose) |
RPC-846 can perform documentation and calculation without issue. Although it requires computers and calculators for mathematical mathematical subjects more complex than calculus II. |
| Protection and offense |
Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) |
RPC-846 can perform monitoring and routine inspection without issue. Memetic and psychotronic weaponry has a risk of affecting the model's intelligence. |
| Companionship |
Tagetes (Marigold) |
RPC-846 is ill-suited for social situations, as Nika Petrova was known to be timid. |
| Self-destruction |
Taraxacum (Dandelion) |
RPC-846 is able to self-destruct without issue. |
Addendum 1 - On Diagnostic Concerns
At its most basic form, RPC-846's personality is identical to Researcher Petrova's. It is likely that, if left to their own devices, the models will recreate their original creator—a consequence of RPC-846's reliance on RPC-846-1. There have been concerns within the Engineering Department that their sapience will cause trouble within Site-070. This concern has been addressed, as recent models are affected by the diagnostic phrases. Should the diagnosis not work, a low dose of Class R Amnestics will suffice.
Addendum 2 - Conception
Audio Record RPC-846 (02/06/2005)
Recorded: Dr. Ivan S. Barkov, Nika M. Petrova, Dr. Melania N. Camilleri
Foreword: Audio record translated from Russian.
Dr. Barkov: You already know the girl, yes? Then please, come in, come in! (Dr. Barkov presents Researcher Petrova to his colleague.)
Petrova: It's an h-honor to meet you all.
Dr. Barkov: This is the venerable Nika Mikhailovna Petrova, assistant researcher from Site-115 in Sakha City. She has not yet received her Pupil’s mark, but that needn’t concern us. She’ll adapt to our customs very quickly. Won’t you, Nika Mikhailovna?
Petrova: (Laughs nervously) I… I cannot say I am so certain of that, Doctor Barkov. There are still many aspects of this site that make me uneasy.
Dr. Camilleri: I understand. This place can be quite unnerving, doesn’t it?
Petrova: Y-yes. All those watching things…
Dr. Barkov: Ah. Are you thinking of the Suppression Department? Then you may put your mind at ease. They have an interest only in anomalies and MSTs. Ordinary researchers are beneath their notice.
Petrova: It is not only that. I meant the Scholar’s influence.
Dr. Barkov: Of course. Of course! You’re worried about the influence. And you’re right to be cautious. But believe me when I say this: his intentions toward you are entirely benevolent. With him standing watch, we exist beyond ordinary limits. Here, death is… not quite so final.
Petrova: (Forced chuckle) Aha, what an ominous thing to say.
Dr. Camilleri: Don't mind Ivan Sergeyevich here, he's a clown. They're known for saying silly things. Best not listen to the old man ramble on, lest you’re willing to fake interest for an hour and wear clown makeup like him. But, but—regardless of his obscenities, there is truth to what he implies.
Petrova: I've heard that many of you die within this facility. That's what the data says at least.
Dr. Camilleri: Data can be mistaken, my dear. The Authority understands very little of what occurs beneath the surface, let alone the surface. Ivan Sergeyevich here understands; no one truly dies here. But, enough philosophy. Tell me, Nika: what compelled someone like you to take an interest in Site-070? You do not strike me as the type.
Petrova: No-no, that is not it. I am not here to join Site-070. Only temporarily. I wished to conduct my project here. Engineering oversight is… suffocating elsewhere. The regulations—there are too many. Here, it is less restrictive.
Dr. Barkov: Ah. Now that I understand. You are seeking freedom. This is good, very good. Knowledge is a delicate thing, for it bears fruit only in harsh climates. What colder place is there than Site-070?
Dr. Camilleri: Cheers to that. Come, Nika. Let's discuss some of your ideas.
Petrova: I heard that Site-070 is able to request for samples from other sites? Both material and… analytical?
Dr. Camilleri: Analytical as in, data, dear. Not everything can be sampled physically, but there is more valuable information than complete material samples.
Dr. Barkov: Let me corroborate on that. Nika Mikhailovna, tell me, what part of Nika makes her who she is?
Petrova: It's my flesh and blood, is it not?
Dr. Barkov: Then can we get the full idea of what a Nika Petrova is if we, say, built another one? Will that Nikusha be able to perform her duties as the sampled Nika does?
Petrova: Well—no. No, because that clone wouldn't have the same memories and experience as me.
Dr. Barkov: Exactly right! Yes, there in lies why analytical samples are so important here among the Research and Engineering Departments. If we made a robot with your memory and personality, that machine will do a far better job at being Nika Mikhailovna Petrova than the little Nikusha, don't you think so?
Petrova: I—I suppose that's true.
Audio Record RPC-846 (14/06/2005)
Recorded: Nika M. Petrova, Dr. Melania N. Camilleri
Foreword: Audio record translated from Russian.
(Petrova is making a wax sculpture to be later used as a mold for an RPC-846 prototype.)
Dr. Camilleri: What have you been up to, now?
Petrova: (Humming) A machine… one meant to serve everyone at Site-070. That is what I believe I am trying to make.
Dr. Camilleri: And how do you go about that? It’s not difficult to create an android, albeit it’s a little boring for our facility’s standard. But you’re hardly the engineering sort, are you?
Petrova: No, Miss. I'm not.
Dr. Camilleri: You could barely do differential equations. Your work has taken a much more… let’s say… intuitive approach. The approach of a thaumaturge. An artist, that's what you are.
Petrova: That’s not my intention. Not everything has to be fully practical. God knows, so many machines are better if they weren’t made in the human form. But the human form is beautiful, that’s all that matters.
(Petrova cleans the sculpture and sighs.)
Petrova: Not everything has to be built on the foundation of intelligence and defense. I’m reminded of that one stone centurion…
Dr. Camilleri: RPC-022?
Petrova: Yes, him. An artificial body with a human mind who serves and protects not because it’s his directive, but because he wants to. I want these little statues to be the same way.
Dr. Camilleri: I suppose I can request some material and analytical samples. Is there any other request?
Petrova: I have always been fascinated by that tragic little flower girl. What’s her number… RPC-550. Like the centurion, she is a product of a ritual, but the wish of the Union manifested into this biological anomaly. I feel that we can create the same effect, but for good.
Dr. Camilleri: What’s the purpose of the flower? Regular automatons can serve the kind of machines you wish to make.
Petrova: Would it not be better… to make something beautiful? I am creating this being in my own image. Inevitably, some part of me already exists within her. And I want her to protect that which is beautiful.
Dr. Camilleri: And what is beautiful?
Petrova: Anything that nurtures humanity. Yes. That will be her directive—to protect beauty. And beauty is… whatever allows humanity to endure. That is the magic of it.
Dr. Camilleri: But it would serve this facility first and foremost, would it?
Petrova: Yes, o-of course… Of course… At the moment, this machine can only rely on my mind in order to operate. Will that be a problem?
Dr. Camilleri: No, not at all.
Petrova: You— (chuckles) You must think my idea is silly. There's no use for what I'm making here on Site-070. If this project does come into fruition, it would be nothing more than a mere maid.
Dr. Camilleri: Don't say that. On the contrary, I think this facility could use a bit more of you.
Petrova: No need to flatter me Dr. Camilleri. It's embarrassing.
Dr. Camilleri: (Chuckles) Adorable.
(…)
Dr. Camilleri: (Dr. Camilleri approaches Petrova and inspects her.) How odd.
Petrova: (Backs away) W-what is it doctor?
Dr. Camilleri: I don't sense the Scholar's Influence in you.
Petrova: Am I supposed to have it?
Dr. Camilleri: It would be better if you did. Anomalies behave differently around it. Anomalies end up more hazardous for you than they would be for me.
Petrova: I'll be extra careful then.
Audio Record RPC-846 (01/11/2006)
Recorded: Nika M. Petrova, RPC-846-M011, Dr. Ivan S. Barkov
Foreword: Audio record translated from Russian.
Petrova: (Humming) Sing it with me. I will protect all that is beautiful.
RPC-846-M011: Protect all that is beautiful.
Petrova: Beauty is what nurtures mankind.
RPC-846-M011: Beauty is what nurtures the mankind.
Petrova: Very good! (Laughs) Good job! (Petrova ruffles RPC-846-M011’s flowers.) Let’s continue. Music is the language of the garden.
RPC-846-M011: Music is the language of the garden.
Petrova: Sing and dance, for it is the my will, so will it be yours.
RPC-846-M011: Sing and dance, for it is my will.
(Petrova ruffles RPC-846-M011’s flowers again.)
Dr. Barkov: You shouldn’t do that.
Petrova: I’m sorry. I can’t help myself.
Dr. Barkov: Beautiful machine you’ve got there.
Petrova: She is, isn’t she? Maybe it’s narcissistic for me to say she is but anyone with eyes can see how lovely she is.
Dr. Barkov: Your first functional model. Congratulations.
Petrova: Thank you.
Dr. Barkov: I will report to the engineers about your current progress here. Did you mention that you want the pupil’s mark—?
Petrova: No thank you, it’s fine. I just wanted to work on this one project, I’m sorry.
(Dr. Barkov nods and leaves the lab.)
Petrova: (Sigh) I do believe that you’ll one day grow a soul of your own, and become your own personhood. In that case, I hope you will be loyal to yourself, and yourself alone. Live a life best lived through helping others. Once I figure out how to make sure you can survive without me.
RPC-846-M011: Directive confirmed.
Addendum 3 - Finalization
Audio Record RPC-846 (02/02/2006)
Recorded: Nika M. Petrova, Dr. Melania N. Camilleri, Dr. Ivan S. Barkov, Dr. Benjamin A. Eliassen, Dr. Vratislav F. Novotný, Dr. Samuel B. Deniel
Petrova: (Humming)
(…)
(Distant footsteps closing in.)
(The door to Petrova's lab opens, revealing twelve of the Research and Engineering Department personnel.)
Petrova: Доктор Савиано! Иван Сергеевич! И… и вы все з-здесь! Dr. Camilleri! Ivan Sergeyevic! And… you're all h-here!
(Petrova rumages through her desk to stand up.)
Dr. Camilleri: Of course, we came by. Especially after that resignation letter of yours, you—вы… вы правда собираетесь вот так просто уйти? are you… are you really going to just leave like that?
Petrova: О чем ты говоришь? What are you talking about? Did-did I— (Glances around at the other scientists) Did I do something wrong?
(…)
Dr. Camilleri: No, you didn't.
Dr. Barkov: (Laughs) Cheers, Nikusha we're here to celebrate your achievements! Мы здесь для вас! We are here for you!
Petrova: (Relaxes) You did? (Laughs) You guys came here to celebrate? T-that's great!
Dr. Eliassen: (Inspects Petrova more closely.) Fascinating…
Petrova: Что? What? W-what is?
Dr. Eliassen: After a year, nothing about you has changed.
Petrova: Is that bad? No, it can't be bad, can it?
Dr. Novotný: No, it's just curious.
**Dr. Deniel: ** Curious? It's downright odd, that's what!
Dr. Camilleri: Gentlemen, can we not speak up around the poor girl?
(The scientists begin murmuring among themselves. Petrova becomes visibly nervous as the scientists close in on her.)
Petrova: The Scholar's Influence never had much of an effect on me. (Chuckles) I wonder what I did to be spared from such a fate. But… I am grateful to have been here. But I see so many of you all suffering under this curse; I was hoping I could alleviate some of it.
Dr. Camilleri: The Visionary does work in mysterious ways. You are a darling, Nikusha, and that machine you built, it has been so helpful. But… are you sure you want to leave?
Petrova: Yes, I am sure. I'm so very sure. P-please can we put this to rest? I'll miss you all, Я обещаю! I promise!
Dr. Barkov: And you feel nothing? Nothing at all? No pressure beneath the ribs? No foreign thought knocking at the heart, asking to be let out?
Petrova: П-пожалуйста… если я в чём-то виновата, просто скажите. Я лишь хотела уйти после завершения RPC-846. Я знаю, это было глупо, я знаю, это стоило слишком дорого, я знаю, я зря потратила ресурсы—простите. Я не понимаю, почему Влияние Учёного обошло меня стороной, но разве это… плохо? (voice trembling) Во мне ничего не изменилось. Я всё ещё я. Плоть и кровь. P-please… if I'm at fault in any way, just tell me. I only wanted to leave after finishing RPC-846. I know it was stupid, I know it cost too much, I know I wasted resources—I'm sorry. I don't understand why the Scholar's Influence passed me by, but is that… bad? (voice trembling) Nothing has changed in me. I'm still me. Flesh and blood.
(Petrova begins crying.)
(A RPC-550-A substance leaks out of Petrova's orifices.)
(…)
Dr. Barkov: Nika… You foolish girl.
Petrova: Ч-что происходит? W-what's going on? (Dandelion flowers fly out of Petrova's mouth.) N-no…
Dr. Camilleri: You're dying.
[REDACTED]
<[END RECORD]>
