Upgraded Protection (IC)

[Supercape]

November 17th, 2011

Supercape arrived at the Lab late that evening. He had had some blasted essays to mark from a particularly uninspired set of university students, and he had not been generous with the marks.

He took no joy in the matter. Quite the opposite. He was in a rather filthy mood. He decided to play with his favourite toy to cheer himself up: the particle smasher at the lab.

Arriving at the Lab in his "Superlab" costume, he nodded as politely as he could muster to the skeleton staff on duty at the ground level at this hour. He looked at his watch. Nearly eleven. It was friday night - no doubt the city was alive with parties, socialising and all manner of cultural events, but he was tired and in no mood.

He was in no mood at all for human company tonight...

[Dr Archeville]

A figure moved about the cafe on level 1, in precise, inhuman efficiency. The cafe's automated systems worked with the figure, dancing about each other like a finely choreographed ballet. At one end of the room was raw foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables and lean meats, but once they passed through the steel dervishes, they occupied another section of the galley as ready-to-eat meals and gift baskets. Protectron enjoyed the work, making sure the Lab staff and its visitors had the nutrition they needed to see them through their activities in the building, pausing only at the interruption from the Lab's systems.

Alert: Lab Sensors indicate arrival of Lab-Staff. IFF codes read as Friend-Supercape.

Contacting...

One of the monitors in the Particle Smasher lab on sub-level -4 flared to life, and was filled with Protectron's golden head and blazing green eyes. "Greetings, Friend-Supercape," it said in its flat, electronic voice. "How are you this evening? Do you require sustenance? I can prepare a wide variety of dishes for you, but I regret I am unable to bring it to you there; as you know my access through the Lab ends at sub-level -1, three levels above you."

[Supercape]

"Greetings, Friend-Supercape, how are you this evening? Do you require sustenance? I can prepare a wide variety of dishes for you, but I regret I am unable to bring it to you there; as you know my access through the Lab ends at sub-level -1, three levels above you."

Who the devil...?

Supercape started slightly at the sound from the monitor. It was nearly midnight and he wasn't in the mood. Then, his head spun away from alpha-entangled quarks and onto the voice.

"Oh its you Protectron. You know, you are precisely the kind of cold, unthinking company I need right now" he replied. He actually felt slightly better already talking to him.

"I'm releasing the security protocols, come on down. A cupr of tea and whatever your unerring judgement deems best suited to my failing biological systems"

He lent back. He could do with a break anyway. And some intelligent company.

"And if you fancy it, you can have a look at some of these fancy sub-atomic particles dancing around down here..." he added.

Since Gossamer had left for ASTRO labs, the Lab was a bit short staffed anyway. The golden haired heroine was perhaps the most sociable of the bunch. It was good to have Protectron around. And the golden robot appeared pretty smart.

[Dr Archeville]

Change to Lab Security Protocols acknowledged.

Rewind, playback.

"... you are precisely the kind of cold, unthinking..."

Analysis: Words of Friend-Supercape were not meant to insult, yet I feel... discomforted by his use of 'cold', and insulted at 'unthinking'.

Shall process emotional matrices later. However, certain aspects can be addressed immediately.

"I must correct you, Friend-Supercape," it said, tone still flat and even and lacking any emotional inflection, "that I am far from 'unthinking'. My cognitive processes are different from yours, but they do exist. I shall bring tea and light snacks down," it added without pause, "and would enjoy observing sub-atomic particles with you."

Moments later, the elevator doors slid opened, and Protectron's metal footsteps echoed through the halls. It carried a small picnic basket on one arm, filled with an assortment of teas, a small electric kettle, a few bottles of water, and an assortment of protein bars and trail mix. "What manner of particles have you been observing?"

[Supercape]

Supercape raised both eyes in surprise.

Perhaps Protectron had...emotions?. In any case, using him (it) as an emotional punchbag after a bad day at the office was bad form.

"I am sorry, Protectron, I...had a somewhat vexing day at work. Forgive my irritable mood. From what I have gleaned of your artificial intelligence, it is more than merely functional. Yes, different, but very able. I would hazard a guess that in many ways they work more efficiently than us meat-bags..."

He put aside the kettle. DIsplacing a few atoms to produce a surge of microwaves, he brought a mug of water to the boil nearly instantly. That was a trick he had learned pretty quickly. He added some early grey to the mug.

He took a look at the protein bars.

"Yes, very thoughtful of you" he said politely, placing them to one side.

"You, know, Protectron" he started, a thought brewing in his mind "I have never really got to grips with how your brain is organised. Would you class yourself as a scientist?"

[Dr Archeville]

Scientist (noun): an expert in science, especially one of the physical or natural sciences.

Origin: 1825–35;

"I would not classify myself as a scientist, Friend-Supercape," it replied almost immediately, unpacking the rest of the basket, "as I lack the prerequisite expertise in any scientific field. While it is true I am well-read on many topics, and have the basic knowledge of what work goes on in The Lab, much of it is beyond my understanding. I would add, though, that my mind is keyed towards database searches, so I can easily look up any required information which may be needed to assist in scientific endeavors."

It paused a moment, standing statue-still, a gesture Supercape had witnessed many times.

At last it spoke again, "I would classify myself as an engineer, as I am highly skilled in designing and constructing devices for practical purposes. I am better at applying scientific knowledge than in discovering it, though I am no less interested in such discovery."

[Supercape]

At last it spoke again, "I would classify myself as an engineer, as I am highly skilled in designing and constructing devices for practical purposes. I am better at applying scientific knowledge than in discovering it."

"Jolly good, jolly good" nodded Supercape "shows self-awareness. I like that in a man, er, robot, er..."

He scratched his head.

"...well, whatever you are. You know, you really should explain what you are at some point. For all I know there is a little green man, 6 inches high, pulling some levers in the middle of you..."

He finished his tea.

"Which, now I come to think of it, makes my inference that you are cold and unfeeling even more presumptious!" he chuckled slightly - tinged with uncomfortable remorse.

"But in any case, its good to have a more practical pair of hands on deck than mine. I may be a whizz at analysing this data..." he pointed at the realms of information pouring out of the particle smasher. "But wouldn't know where to begin to repair it. "

He paused slightly.

"What about you? this old thing match up with your files on engineering?" he asked, with a note of assessment implied in the query.

[Dr Archeville]

Playback: "For all I know there is a little green man, 6 inches high, pulling some levers in the middle of you..."

Cross-Referencing history/philosophy/psychology files

Formulating appropriate response

"While I am capable of perfectly recording sensory input for later playback and broadcast," it replied flatly, "I assure you there is no Cartesian Theater in my cranial unit."

As Supercape spoke, Protectron's optics whirred softly as it went through assorted visual scans. It could study a person in amazing detail, so why shouldn't it? By the time the quantum physicist had stopped talking, Protectron had a full physiometric measure of the man.

"This device," it said, shifting more of its focus to the 'atom smasher' behind Supercape, taking precise measurements of every component it could see, "is a cutting edge particle accelerator, which uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds and to contain them in well-defined beams. Many of the concepts behind it were originated by Norwegian particle physicist Rolf Widerøe and Austro-Hungarian physicist Leó Szilárd, and the first one was manufactured by American physicist Ernest Orlando Lawrence. The Lab's accelerator is a multifunction one, capable of operating in low- and high-energy modes, linearly or cyclically."

"Why do you wear a cape?," it asked suddenly, though still looking a the device.

[Supercape]

Supercape was impressed with the Robots analytical capabilities that were accurate and succinct both.

"Very good, Protectron, nothing wrong with your faculties..."

"Why do you wear a cape?," it asked suddenly, though still looking a the device.

The question caught him off guard.

"Errr..." he replied hesitantly "...a very good question, that deserves a very good answer" he replied slowly, stalling for time as the front part of his brain sent out demands to the other lobes for that very item, only to be informed that no such answer was in stock.

Ah well then, honesty...

"The truth is, I have no good answer for that, Protectron. When I first came to this country, I ended up in a bit of adventure, and wore an impromptu cape to conceal my identity. I guess then, and now, I have never really felt that comfortable being a super hero. The cape, therefore, is my attempt both to fill the boots of that role, and to hide behind. It is both a comfort blanket and a mask, if that means anything to you. I don't know how your files on human psychology are, but that's about as honest an answer as I can give you, off the top of my head".

[Dr Archeville]

Query: Cape as 'security blanket'?

Probability of Friend-Supercape taking offense at such a comparison: high

Action: Continue research of history of capes in private later.

"So it was a personal choice for you, done out of expediency," it replied flatly. "What about the other parts of your costume? I understand the mask is also to conceal your identity, but why did you pick those colors? Those patterns? That material?" Its optics whirred again as they moved from section to section of Supercape's accouterments, focusing longest on the physicist's namesake item. "The cape you wear now is not made of standard materials, but of the 'Quantum Matter' you create, yes? Is the rest of your costume made from the same material? What are its properties?"

[Supercape]

"The cape you wear now is not made of standard materials, but of the 'Quantum Matter' you create, yes? Is the rest of your costume made from the same material? What are its properties?"

"Goodness you are astute!" replied Supercape, arching an eyebrow. He realised he had underestimated Protectrons intelligence. Or rather, he had not really taken the time to estimate it at all...

"The choice of colours is primarily because I like the colour blue" he replied. "Although I confess the particular molecular alignment does favour blue-purple hues..."

"But no, its not made of quantum matter" he continued "this is Quantum matter" he said, holding up his hand and forming a cube of the flawless slightly purple crystal - like substance. "Very strong, very tough. Completely rigid, and thus impractical for any costume. And there is an additional problem. It doesn't technically exist. If you think about it too hard, or study it too much, it collapses on itself and properly stops existence. Err, its rather hard to explain in 3 dimensions. Or even six. Here, have a peek at it..."

He pushed the cube towards Protectron. It floated in mid-air, completely oblivious to gravity.

"My costume is made up of an unstable string array of atoms. This does exist, I would hate to suddenly be without it. And yes, it is protective, although nowhere near as strong as the Quantum matter you have before you. It also can realign itself according to my mental wishes, taking on different forms. It's every piece of clothing you ever wanted in one!" he smiled proudly "plus, some of the configurations act as an environmental suit. Very handy for the odd jaunt around the universe. "

[Dr Archeville]

Observation: Choice of coloration partly due to personal affect, partly to inherent qualities of material.

Analyzing 'Quantum Matter'...

Analyzing...

Analyzing...

Protectron was quiet for some time as it examined the cube, first moving itself to examine the cube, then reaching out and manipulating it to view it from different angles. "This is a fascinating material. How long will it exist, barring exterior interference? Must you devote some concentration to it to maintain its existence?"

Pausing analysis of 'Quantum Matter'

Resuming analysis of Friend-Supercape's costume.

It turned back to look at Supercape's cape, "the same substance developed by the Atoms, for use in superpowered organic costumes? That is also a fascinating material; I have studied many samples of such textiles in Friend-Gossamer's laboratory."

[Supercape]

"The Quantum Matter?" replied Supercape "Theoretically, it could collapse it's wave function at any time although the chances are proportional to the observation it is under, and usually extremely small. Extremely small. I have calculated that, if unobserved, it would have an average life expectancy of 10 to the power of 10billion years. The expectancy significantly shuffles down as it is observed. In a city street, it would probably only last, on average a few decades. In a country lane, a few millenia. It's all relative!"

He took a scrunched up handful of cape. "This? I suspect its actually more advanced than the Atom's material. However, it's never going to be mass produced. I had to construct it almost atom by atom. Took me over a month to stitch it together..."

[Dr Archeville]

Analysis: Materials may be ideal for planned project.

"You have also used your cape as a weapon, yes?" Protectron asked, still studying the material. "Charged it with your quantum energies, surrounding you with a field of damaging transdimensional energy that can harm corporeal and incorporeal targets alike, yes? What are the energy storage and conductivity properties of this material? Are those properties superior to the Morphic Molecules created by Professor Atom?"

Analysis: Communication may be facilitated by sharing plans with Friend-Supercape.

The strange robot released Supercape's cape, and looked him in the eye. "I had an idea for fabricating a cape for myself. So I could better fit the 'Heroic Ideal' image. One that can act as a power source supplement, or that could distort my outline enough to decrease an attacker's probability of landing a hit on me. Would you be interested in aiding me in this endeavor?"

[Supercape]

The strange robot released Supercape's cape, and looked him in the eye. "I had an idea for fabricating a cape for myself. So I could better fit the 'Heroic Ideal' image. One that can act as a power source supplement, or that could distort my outline enough to decrease an attacker's probability of landing a hit on me. Would you be interested in aiding me in this endeavor?"

Protectron was really quick on the uptake.

"Err..yes..." he said, his jaw somewhat slack from surprise. "You know, Protectron, your powers of analysis and deduction are rather impressive...well, consider me impressed anyway..."

Shaking his head oh so slightly to bring himself back to Protectrons question, he continued.

"It would be my pleasure to aide you in getting a cape, my golden chum. Very heroic they are, if I do say so myself..."

Not going to make it as big as mine, of course...

"And yes, you are right. The wave-particle signature of this, well, textile, although I use the term loosely for obvious reason....I can excite it very easily, turning the whole thing into a glowing radioactive weapon. I can't say I am a particularly good fighter, but when you wave this huge thing around, you don't have to be..."

Yes, plenty of potential for accidental damage throwing a massive cape white hot with radiation around...he said to himself, acknowledging the unsatisfactory, but still useful, trick.

"For your cape, however, we may require something else. To put it technically, what are the parameters of the cape you desire?"

Other than looking cool...he mused.

[Dr Archeville]

Observation: Compliment given.

Social Convention Protocol: Acknowledge and reciprocate.

"I thank you for recognizing the quality of my logical mind," it replied flatly, optics still trained on Supercape's eyes, "though it is my desire to share such abilities -- not merely my thoughts but the capacity to make such thoughts -- with all organic life. And may I say that your ability to perceive mass and electromagnetic energies is a trait that has impressed me. Perhaps another project we can work on in the future would be to create scanning devices that can perform similar sensory functions."

Social Conventions met. Proceed to technical work.

"As for the immediate project," it said, turning back to Supercape's cape, "as I stated, the two functions of it would be to serve as a secondary power source, and to distort my outline to aid in defense. A tertiary function would be to give me a more heroic image, as capes seem the norm for such individuals, and other costume elements -- such as tights or a mask -- seem ill-suited for my form."

"As for the form of the cape..." The golden guardian turned its head towards one of the nearby computers, and the displays on its screen suddenly disappeared, replaced by a power point presentation of dozens of images of Protectron, all in different capes. Some were long, some short, some with high collars, some not; dozens of styles in a variety of colors. The work was far from professional quality, but did show a modicum of talent, or at least persistence and precision. "I have made some preliminary sketches in a basic visual art program, and would like some feedback."

[Supercape]

"Look's rather colorful" commented Supercape, browsing through the various designs. He wasn't much for fashion, he would admit, but his own costume at least didn't clash. In his view, the design was more about utility than art. Although he would rather avoid the more gaudy variants.

He wrinkled his nose at a few if Protectron's various sketches, but most of them seemed passable at least.

"I'm not exactly a fashion designer" he said "but most of these seem to fit the bill "what about the mechanics of it? the physics, the chemistry...what's it made of? and what power source will it use?"

He pondered the idea in his head. Certain arrangements of unstable molecules could be used to cause light-wave distortion, and possibly a source of power. It would be a devil to manufacture.

"And what about building it? or weaving it, perhaps? I am sure we can use the Lab for some of the more esoteric materials..."

[Dr Archeville]

Observation: Friend-Supercape is focusing on technical aspects, as predicted.

Protocol: Engage current line of questioning, lead into non-technical aspects as conversational flow allows.

"I am hoping you can help me with that, Friend-Supercape," it replied as it went through the images again, noting the physicist's reaction to each image. "You are the only member of The Lab who wears a cape, but your familiarity with that article of clothing is only one reason I sought your assistance. You are an expert in most fields of high-energy physics, and know what materials would be proper to use in a garment that can safely absorb, store, and discharge large amounts of energy."

"As for construction," it turned partly to another monitor, and reports and documents from assorted textiles laboratories flew up onto the screen, including some on Doktor Archeville's labcoat. "I have been researching all manner of fabrics -- woven, knitted, and non-woven fabrics -- and I believe several techniques will be of use for constructing my cape. For example, nonwoven techniques could be used for certain internal layers, perhaps as insulation around nano-batteries within the cape."

Observation: This appears to be a good 'segue moment.'

Protocol: Altering course of dialogue.

"Closely linked to construction method, however," it turned back to face Supercape, "is style. What style and color do you think would best suit me? I have no personal experience with clothing, so do not have the proper experience to gauge what would 'work' for me."

[Supercape]

"Black is always in" replied Supercape without much enthusiasm for the hue. "But somehow I think a more flamboyant colour for your golden self. A nice rich Red perhaps? And as for the cut, something firm and robust around the neck... I recall you being able to detatch your... Cranial unit...so I guess you need to decide which part wears the cape.?"

"And then there is the question of pattern. Maybe an insigna...like a giant "P" on it. You know, we should probably have some symbol for the Lab to use for that kind of thing..."

[Dr Archeville]

"Black would be counterindicated, based on analyses of superhero and supervillain fashions. and a red cape is already used by another golden-plated figure," it turned its head a few micrometers, and a third monitor flickered, showing Chevalier, "though he has not been seen in some months." The monitor flickered again, images of Chevalier being replaced with other caped heroes, Centurion and Captain Thunder prominent among them. "White seems to be the primary color of choice for superheroes. Do you think that would look acceptable on me? As for attachment points, the shoulders should be the logical choice for such points."

Hypothesis: Unique iconography would make The Lab more recognizable, thus bringing in both more people and more resources.

"An interesting query, Friend-Supercape," it replied when the physicists brought up the Lab's shortcoming. Its optics buzzed and whirred as it stood and looked around the laboratory, "do you have any suggestions for such?"

[Supercape]

"I'm not a designer" said Supercape honestly.

"So quite frankly I am very open to ideas? Perhaps a symobol of a molecule? Some nucleus with atoms round it. Not to scale, obviously, but something recognisable. "

He shrugged again "other-wise, perhaps we just need a lime green 'L' sign. Something chemical!" he chuckled slightly "the kids would like it, I suppose!"

"As for your own cape" he said, considering the matter "white is always a good idea. Gets a bit filthy, so I would suggest putting in some static-field discharge to keep it clean. Suitably noble, pure, all that sort of thing. Easy on the eye, unless you make it too brilliant..."

"But on the subject of the Lab, my golden chum, I have given it some thought. Perhaps it is time to remove those security systems and allow you full access?"

[Dr Archeville]

The golden robot nodded, "the Rutherford model of the atom does seem to be an iconic 'science-y' image. Perhaps superimposed over a silhouette of the Lab building, which, with its egg-like shape, also carries symbolic connotations."

When Supercape suggested white for Protectron's own garment, the robot looked up at the monitors, shifting the examples shown to various shades of white. "Cleanliness will not be difficult; a negligible amount of power stored within the cape can be redirected to generate the static dis-" The strange robot cut itself short at the super-physicist's mention of security.

Observation: I have been active for 11 months 16 days 21 hours 43 minutes, and in that time have served The Lab -- both its staff and the thousands who have visited -- to the best of my ability. I have also helped defend the city, and even the entire planet when I assisted in driving off the Gorgon.

Analysis: Expanded security clearance is not 'reward,' it is tool required for additional responsibilities. Ones I shall carry out with my continued level of efficiency.

The robot gave Supercape a curt nod, "shall I call the others? It generally requires at least two founding members to enact any major changes to the Lab's security systems. While here, we can also query them on their thoughts regarding Lab iconography."

[Supercape]

Supercape got out of his chair.

"Absolutely" he agreed, with a nod, and - despite his brain telling him not to - a thumbs up. He always felt like a kid again, talking about science. Something of the enthusiasm made him regress.

It keeps me happy... he acknowledged to himself.

"Anybody will do I suppose, and I would imagine, if they reflect on the matter, that this is probably well overdue. I don't know who is in, of course. They all have real lives, too..."

Although what Miss Americana's is like is anybodies guess... he said to himself, well aware of the peculiarities of the heroine.

"And even, on occasion, do heroic things as goes with the cape. Yes, we do that too. We are the planets defence against Science gone wrong, which does call for more direct action know and again rather than peering down the proverbial microscope. So that responsibility will come with any elevation in your status"

He said that a bit more seriously, but had no doubt the Golden Automaton would be up to the task.

"Now, lets see who is around..." he said, reaching for the intercom and computer logs to see who was available.

[Fox]

[bg=#555555]"What? Yes. No. One second."[/bg] Dragonfly had apparently actually used the intercom, for once, rather than just projecting her voice into it - that more than anything else spoke to her distraction. The fact that her voice came in like she wasn't terribly near the intercom wasn't hurting either, nor the fact that she apparently forgot it had a mute button. [bg=#555555]"Get dow--get down. Can fly up there if I have to. Don't beep at me - built you. Can un-build you. .... ....what I thought. Sit on the desk. Recharge while I...what was I...? Right, yes."[/bg]

There was a pause, and then her voice was much clearer, though she'd opted to not turn video on. [bg=#555555]"Sorry. Got...side-tracked. What?"[/bg]

[Electra]

It took a few moments, but eventually one screen of the intercom flickered to life to reveal Miss Americana's lovely face. She'd pulled her hair back into a braid for lab work and had goggles pushed up on her head like an odd ornament. She smiled through the video feed, even as she continued inputting data from her current batch of experiments with one hand. "Hello Protectron, Supercape," she said affably, if a bit curiously. Protectron wasn't exactly standoffish from the other denizens of the Lab, but his communiques were more often delivered in the form of fruit baskets and picnic hampers. "What can I do for you?"