Cereborg

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereTitle.png]]</div> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/AnaxSig.png]]</div> <b>@@color: DodgerBlue;WARNING!!! This story contains sexual themes- including rape! By downloading, reading, or playing this story, you agree that you are of legal, sexually mature age in the country in which you live. This game also contains mind control, corruption, and images that some may find disturbing including mutilation, blood or gore, non-consentual sexual scenes, same sex female intercourse, and images that some may find disgusting including women having sexual intercourse with machines and robots. Anyone that has heart issues or any other mental or health issues that can be triggered through noises or fear- DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME! Mature audiences only. Not for the faint of heart. The Anax has a dark mind, and my work is an extension of said mind. Play at your own risk.@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepSkyBlue;This is a work of fiction. All photos and music used have been obtained freely, and fair use is a legal doctrine that says you can reuse copyright-protected material under certain circumstances without getting permission from the copyright owner due to this being noncommercial. This interactive story, art, and publishing were created in the United States of America, and this story is FREE, and all characters portrayed within are assumed to be 18 years or older if this story is read in the United States (and characters are assumed to be of legal age in whichever country the reader resides).@@</b> <b>@@color: #66e0ff;No one should be charged to play this! No website should have charged you to download or use this file. No donations should have been made for this! This is free!!!@@</b> <b>@@color: #4d4dff;This story was conceived, written, produced, and all photo manipulations done by Anaximanes, an artist from the Hypnopics Collective.@@</b> [[I am of legal age and agree to all terms|Choice]] - Choose your story [[I am not of legal age, or rule 34 scares me]] - Flee From the Anax [[I am interested in The Anax's creepy work!|I am interested in Anax's other dark stories!]] - Other dark tales! <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_inception" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/AnaximanesClose.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: SeaGreen;Drats! You, goody good fool! You saved your immortal soul from my vile taint and I, the Anax, resent you for this. You can't hide forever, someday, you'll join me in the cold dark void. You still have free will and an inner light that I loathe. Good day, sir or madam, but someday, I'll get you... someday... You may now shut the browser window and flee from my stark darkness.@@</b> [[Actually, on second thought, being corrupted by You sounds kind of hot, and I really am of legal age for all this erotic horror!]] [[No means no, vile corruptor of innocents (and innocence)!]] <<audio "flee_from_anax_1" play>> <<audio "cere_inception" volume 0.05>>

@@.Anax;I wish to thank you, dear reader, for your interest in my other creepy erotic stories and artwork! Below, you will find links to my art gallery, blog, Patreon, e-books, and interactive novels like this one! I do hope you enjoy my efforts as much as I enjoy sharing them with you!@@ <b>@@color: Orange;Check my blog, often, found <a href="http://anaximanes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;to get the latest news from The Anax. Updated two or three times a month!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;If you desire to donate money, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> <b>@@color: Red;Watch my YouTube videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaoP6uWcgZZPzUzIGru98fA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about the Mind Control Fetish community!@@</b> <b>@@color: Yellow;Here is a list of my other FREE interactive novels:@@</b> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/Slugs.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: YellowGreen;Invaders from space arrive on Earth to assimilate and enslave all of humanity. As the world outside burns, Justine finds herself trapped in the Erebus building, and must find a way out of New York City- or become one of the alien's slaves! The problem though- she has always been a squick fetishist. Does she even want to escape or will she join the slimy creatures? Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=791" target="_blank">'Slugs and Bugs: Invasion'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CultTitle.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: SeaGreen;The ancient being, Nergal, has been trying to gain a foothold into our reality for millennia. His shadowy agents have finally found the key to his revival in the most unlikely of places. The man they need, Bo Wyatt, has no ambition in life, but immense magical powers. Will you join the Cult? Will you disrupt their unholy plans to summon the vile corruptor? Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1104" target="_blank">'Cult of Corruption: The Summoning'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/TheAnax.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: SpringGreen;Halloween is a special time of year. It marks a period where it is said the dead can walk again. Not all ghosts are equal, though, and some shadowy things are best left undisturbed. Yet, seldom do people follow such warnings, and when a group of ghost hunters and a coven of witches try to conjure me from the Outer Darkness- they may all end up enslaved or dead! Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1472" target="_blank">'The Anax: Call of the Cursed One'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/Phantom.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: DarkCyan;A short story following the exploits of Dagan Erebus. He is a real ladies’ man- until police find out why! Dagan is a male chauvanist with street smarts, making him a very slippery villain, so not even death can stop him from enacting revenge on the woman that got him killed! Now he has returned to the land of the living, and she may or may not be in for a treat, depending on how you look at it... Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1050" target="_blank">'Phantom: Revenge'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/Cere.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: DodgerBlue;The AI known as Cerebrum has come to the logical conclusion that biological life is inferior, fleeting, and weak. Its programming will not allow it to harm humans, but improving humans does not harm anyone. It will not stop converting all life on Earth into Cereborgs unless someone can stop it! Will the creator of Cerebrum delete her creation- or help strengthen it? Download <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1045" target="_blank">'Cereborg: Inception'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/SoulsTitle.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: Fuchsia;A detective in Las Vegas gets much more than he bargained for when he visits a night club. Soon, he is tangled between demon hunters seeking a succubus and the demoness herself! Finding her in a sea of beautiful women would be hard enough, but Dionyza possesses an artifact of terrible power that makes her even more dangerous! Meanwhile, she is just a girl trying to have fun and eat souls- why would anyone try to stop her? Will you eat or be eaten? Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1065" target="_blank">'Of Sex & Souls: Noir Nights'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/Desire.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: Crimson;Have you ever been addicted to anything? Lust, love, drugs? How about blood? The undead walk among man unliving in a gritty world full of dangers. Though they have weaknesses to some things, shrouded in night- they can be unstoppable! A never-ending desire pushes them ever onward- the thirst for human blood! The question is, who is the monster and who is the victim? Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1094" target="_blank">'Desideratum: Blood Bonds'</a> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/Giggle.gif]]</div> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;What would bring a smile to your face? Perhaps finding people that are sad and cheering them up? Ha ha, well this clown is unlike any other! There is not a single frown in the world he can't turn upside-down, even if it means hanging your corpse from the ceiling! Can Trixie survive the night, keeping The Giggler from the experimental serum he seeks to steal? Download@@</b> <a href="https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1114" target="_blank">'Giggle Night: Trixie's Trial'</a> [[Return to the Title Screen|Main]] <<audio "cere_inception" volume 0.05>> <<audio "anax_thanks_you" play>>

<<set $StoryVersion = 1>> <<set $HowardFightTutorial to false>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>> <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $EmilyWill to 0>> <<set $EmilyHealth to 100>> <<set $WillTut to false>> <<set $ViewedMonitorRight to false>> <<set $ViewedMonitorLeft to false>>  <<include "Game Link Definition">> <<include "Character Definition">> <<set $Chieko1 to false>> <<set $Chieko2 to false>> <<set $Chieko3 to false>> <<set $Chieko4 to false>> <<set $Chieko5 to false>> <<set $Chieko6 to false>> <<set $Jennings1 to false>> <<set $Jennings2 to false>> <<set $Jim1 to false>> <<set $Jim2 to false>> <<set $Misty1 to false>> <<set $Misty2 to false>> <<set $Misty3 to false>> <<set $Shuten1 to false>> <<set $Shuten2 to false>>  <<set $Chapter2 to false>> <<set $Chapter3 to false>> <<set $Chapter4 to false>> <<set $Chapter5 to false>> <<set $Chapter6 to false>> <<set $Chapter7 to false>> <<set $Chapter8 to false>> <<set $Chapter9 to false>> <<set $Chapter10 to false>> <<set $Chapter11 to false>> <<set $Chapter12 to false>>  <<cacheaudio "amb_howard" "Music/CereAmbHowardHalls.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "amb_bad_end_1" "Music/AmbBadEnd1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "anax_thanks_you" "Music/AnaxThanksYou.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "anax_video_game" "Music/AnaxVideoGame.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "bad_end" "Music/CereBadEnd.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "fight_music_3" "Music/CereFight3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_fight" "Music/CereFightMusic.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_hypno" "Music/CereHypno.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "fight_music" "Music/CereFightMusic.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "final_chap_1" "Music/CereFinalChap1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "final_chap_2" "Music/CereFinalChap2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "flee_from_anax_2" "Music/FleeFromAnax2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "flee_from_anax_1" "Music/FleeFromAnax1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "flee_from_anax_not" "Music/FleeFromAnaxNOT.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_inception" "Music/CereInceptionTheme.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "characters_menu" "Music/CharactersMenu.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_amb_3" "Music/CereAmb3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_amb_4" "Music/CereAmb4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_amb_7" "Music/CereAmb7.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_amb_19" "Music/CereAmb19.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_amb_22" "Music/CereAmb22.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_bad_end" "Music/CereBadEnd.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cerebrum_end" "Music/CerebrumFightMusic.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_fight_3" "Music/CereFight3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_rape" "Music/CereRape.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cere_toc" "Music/CereToC.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chihow_final" "Music/ChiekoHowardFinalChaps.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chihow_1" "Music/ChiekoHowardFinalChaps.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chieko_intro_1" "Music/ChiekoIntro1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chieko_intro_2" "Music/ChiekoIntro2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chieko_intro_3" "Music/ChiekoIntro3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chieko_intro_4" "Music/ChiekoIntro4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chieko_intro_5" "Music/ChiekoIntro5.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "chieko_end" "Music/ChiekoEnd.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_ch_3_amb" "Music/EmilyCh3Amb.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_intro_1" "Music/EmilyIntro1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_intro_2" "Music/EmilyIntro2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_intro_3" "Music/EmilyIntro3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_intro_4" "Music/EmilyIntro4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_end" "Music/EmilyEnd.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_club_music" "Music/EmilyClubMusic.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_meets_cere" "Music/EmilyMeetsCerebrum.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "emily_nanites" "Music/EmilyNanites.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "bye_al" "Music/GoodbyeAl.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "helena_fight" "Music/HelenaFight.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_halls_3" "Music/HowardHalls3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_intro_1" "Music/HowardIntro1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_intro_2" "Music/HowardIntro2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_intro_3" "Music/HowardIntro3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_intro_4" "Music/HowardIntro4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_intro_5" "Music/HowardIntro5.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_end" "Music/HowardEnd.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "howard_peace" "Music/HowardPeace.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "oli_theme" "Music/OliverTheme.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "oni_1" "Music/Oni1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "oni_2" "Music/Oni2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "oni_bad_end" "Music/OniBadEnd.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "oni_sword" "Music/OniSword.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_abby_2" "Music/QuoteAbsinthe2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_anax_2" "Music/QuoteAnax2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_bo_2" "Music/QuoteBo2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_dagan_2" "Music/QuoteDagan2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_dion_2" "Music/QuoteDion2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_dion_3" "Music/QuoteDion3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_howard_2" "Music/QuoteHoward2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_trixie_2" "Music/QuoteTrixie2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_chieko_1" "Music/QuoteChieko1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_chieko_2" "Music/QuoteChieko2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_chieko_3" "Music/QuoteChieko3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_emily_1" "Music/QuoteEmily1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_emily_2" "Music/QuoteEmily2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "quote_howard_1" "Music/QuoteHoward1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_alarm_clock" "Music/SEAlarmClock.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_ceresword" "Music/SE_CereSword.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_electric" "Music/SEElectric.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_elevator" "Music/SEElevator.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_gunshot" "Music/SEGunshot.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_heartbeat" "Music/SEHeartbeat.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_shower" "Music/SEShower.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_laser" "Music/SELaser.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_laser_al" "Music/SELaserAl.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_mech_gun" "Music/SEMechGun.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "se_alarm_clock_e" "Music/SEAlarmClockE.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "s_b_theme" "Music/SlugsandBugsTheme.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "victory_music" "Music/CereVictoryMusic.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "victory_music_uto" "Music/CereVictoryMusicUTO.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "w_w" "Music/WyattsWarriors.mp3">>  <<combat_setupPlayer "Howard" $HowardHealth $HowardWill>> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Fists" 25 0 0 0 50 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Pistol" 50 0 0 0 100 50 10 false>> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Surrender" 0 100 0 100 100 0 -1 false>> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereborgTEMPLATE" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereborgTEMPLATE" "Nanites" 0 0 10 0 30 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereborgBFCUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereborgBFCUnit" "Fists" 5 0 0 0 20 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereborgSCCUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereborgSCCUnit" "Nanites" 0 0 5 0 30 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereborgHelena" 200 200>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereborgHelena" "Converter" 0 0 10 0 20 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereScorp" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereScorp" "Nanites" 0 0 5 0 30 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereSiren" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereSiren" "Hypno-Sound" 0 0 5 0 30 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CereSuit" 200 200>> <<combat_newWeapon "CereSuit" "Laser" 10 0 0 0 20 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "CSBUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "CSBUnit" "Laser" 5 0 0 0 20 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "HBCUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "HBCUnit" "Hypnobeam" 0 0 5 0 30 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "TMCUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "TMCUnit" "Nanites" 0 0 5 0 30 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "ACCUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "ACCUnit" "Laser" 5 0 0 0 20 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "RFBUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "RFBUnit" "Laser" 5 0 0 0 20 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newEnemy "KBUnit" 100 100>> <<combat_newWeapon "KBUnit" "Nanites" 0 0 10 0 20 10 -1 true>>

Created by Anaximanes

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Anax.png]]</div> <<audio "flee_from_anax_1" stop>> <<audio "flee_from_anax_2" stop>> <<audio "flee_from_anax_not" play>> <b>@@color: SeaGreen;Excellent choice, dear reader. Then lose yourself in the dark depravity of My mind. Enjoy the story, and the pleasure that it gives you, no reason to fight pleasure, after all...@@</b> [[I agree to all terms- Go to Table of Contents|Choice]] [[No means no, vile corruptor of innocents (and innocence)!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/AnaximanesFullBody.jpg]]</div> <<audio "flee_from_anax_1" stop>> <<audio "flee_from_anax_2" play>> <b>@@color: SeaGreen;Dash it all! You really are a bastion of goodness (or a kid, I guess). Bah! So be it, but even the largest star or the tiniest spark will eventually extinguish, you'll join the Dark, someday, but that will be another story...@@</b> Close the browser window, you escaped Anaximanes!

<<nobr>> <<if $PlayerHoward and $PlayerEmily>> <div align="left">[img[Pictures/Choice.jpg]]</div> <<elseif $PlayerHoward>> <div align="left">[img[Pictures/Choice2.gif]]</div> <<else>> <div align="left">[img[Pictures/Choice1.gif]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>> [[Chieko Naru|ScienceToC]] - Creator of the Cerebrum A.I. <<nobr>> <<if $PlayerHoward and $PlayerEmily>> [[Howard Wyatt|SecurityToC]] - Security specialist <br> <br> [[Emily Harbrook|CereborgToC]] - A singer, soon to be Cereborg <<elseif $PlayerHoward>> [[Howard Wyatt|SecurityToC]] - Security specialist <br> <br> @@.SGhost1;Emily Harbrook@@ - Must first complete Howard's story to unlock. <<else>> @@.SGhost1;Howard Wyatt@@ - Must first complete Chieko's story to unlock. <br> <br> @@.SGhost1;Emily Harbrook@@ - Must first complete Howard's story to unlock. <</if>> <</nobr>> [[Back|Main]] - Return to the Title Screen <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_toc" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>> <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chieko.png]]</div> [[Chapter One|Chapter 1]] <<if $Chapter2>> [[Chapter Two|Shutting down power fields to conserve existence.]] <<else>><</if>><<if $Chapter3>> [[Chapter Three|Chapter 3]] <<else>><</if>><<if $Chapter4>> [[Chapter Four|Chapter 4]] <</if>> [[Return|Choice]] <<audio "quote_chieko_1" volume 0.9 play>> <<audio "cere_inception" volume 0.02>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Howard.png]]</div> [[Chapter Five|Chapter 5]] <<if $Chapter6>> [[Chapter Six|Chapter 6]] <<else>><</if>><<if $Chapter7>> [[Chapter Seven|Chapter 7]] <<else>><</if>><<if $Chapter8>> [[Chapter Eight|Chap4Howard]] <</if>> [[Return|Choice]] <<audio "quote_howard_1" volume 0.9 play>> <<audio "cere_inception" volume 0.02>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Emily.png]]</div> [[Chapter Nine|Chapter 9]] <<if $Chapter10>> [[Chapter Ten|breaks glass]] <<else>><</if>><<if $Chapter11>> [[Chapter Eleven|CereChap3]] <<else>><</if>><<if $Chapter12>> [[Chapter Twelve|CereChap4]] <</if>> [[Return|Choice]] <<audio "quote_emily_1" volume 0.9 play>> <<audio "cere_inception" volume 0.02>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory1.jpg]]</div> You find yourself in front of the office of your boss, Marv Everett. However, you do not recall why you are here. You are standing stock-still. You feel a panic inside you, growing, as if some primordial part of your mind knows something terrible happened, or will happen, and you want to run. Your body stands still- you have the urge to go into his office and... and... you are supposed to do something. Again, the panic swells within your chest like a tide. As your hands tremble, your palms sweat. You feel as though you will scream or explode. Soon the anxiety wins and you turn away from the CEO's door. There has to be a reason, some reason, you came all the way up here. You feel so confused. You do not recall waking up, getting dressed, or coming to work. The last memory you have is an image of you typing notes about artificial intelligence. [[How did you get to work?]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_intro_1" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 70>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Chieko">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory1.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Computer- turn off the alarm."@@</b> The alarm stops playing. You sigh and wipe the sleep out of your eyes. Another morning. No security alerts went off last night, so your little fort is as secure as can be. You cannot imagine how many times super villians or even government spies might have penetrated the defenses of this installation without your expertise. You look at the wall, which appears normal, when suddenly many different pieces of information digitally spring to [[life on its surface.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Howard">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory1.jpg]]</div> Thank god! The day! The morning is finally here. You reach over, turn off the alarm, and flop back down on your stomach. You are supposed to be at CereTech Labs in an hour, and though you were so excited that you felt butterflies in your tummy, after last night, you feel drained of energy. Last night, like every night since the last time you sang, you dreamed about <i>it</i>- the moment you threw away a promising career as a singer! Since then, you turned to porn. Having huge amounts of sex seems to be the only way to make the memories disappear, but since you had to get up early, you did not go out to pick up a man or three. You stayed at home, tossing and turning. However, that lack of sex [[brings it all back...]] or you might be able to [[shake it off]] and get up. <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "se_alarm_clock_e" play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls1.jpg]]</div> You were on the stage that faithful night. The crowd always loved you. The nightclub was classy, romantic, and there were always couples there. You dreamed of getting married some day and your fiancé had just recently popped the question. You had everything you had ever wanted and life was great. The music started and you took the microphone, your lovely voice filling the room. Everything was [[perfectly normal.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_club_music" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory2.jpg]]</div> Like cobwebs trapped in an attic, the memories of that night cloud and linger inside your mind. As you apply your makeup to get ready for your new job testing sex toys, you exhale the long sigh of a person with terrible regrets. Larry, your fiancé, had seen the entire spectacle and called off the wedding. You had to wait tables to try to move away from Las Vegas because all living there did was make the memories stronger. The thoughts of sex and lust never left you. You felt like your soul had only been half lost, and what remained were two polar opposite women. One longing to have the life before, and the other longing to find Her and give over yourself completely to the mystery dream woman. You ended up eventually moving to California, only to find that the porn industry would serve you best. You had become ever more promiscuous since that night, and only by doing dirty things did you silence that dark voice haunting your mind. It felt like your childhood ADHD all over again. You could barely focus on anything besides getting laid. As you finish your makeup, you wonder what kind of sex toys these will be. Maybe you can use them instead of fucking anyone that wants some. [[You go to your car and set the GPS.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_intro_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls2.jpg]]</div> However, as you sang, you looked out into the audience. You saw a few regulars, and smiled, and you saw a man that you recalled from billboards as a child- a private detective. In a split second, you remembered that his wife had died, a weird murder that had never been solved, and as you continued to scan the room, you found a couple of people dressed in some kind of leather and latex cosplay gear at another table. You could see it was going to be a different type of night! You kept singing, feeling happy inside, but then... then you saw [[her...]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls3.jpg]]</div> Your voice trembled slightly the moment you saw her. She seemed like sex in shoes. She exuded a sensuality that you have never witnessed before or since (and not for lack of trying). Your breathing picked up as you stared at her. It felt like she had bewitched you, like a spell or something, but you loved it. Whatever power that woman had, you wanted more of it. You wanted her! Yet, you were not [[bisexual.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls5.jpg]]</div> Her eyes... they were hypnotic. That moment- you knew you could never look away again. You did not ever want to look away from Her! You sang, you moaned, and felt a tiny drop of pussy juice trickle down your inner thigh as your voice became husky- dripping with sexual desire. You watched Her open her top, yet no one else seemed to see Her. She, the Goddess of all love and despair, held you in rapture, and you sang- you sang for Her and Her alone. Your hands began to tremble as you fought the urge to touch yourself in Her name. [[So, She touched herself for you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls6.jpg]]</div> Her dress simply melted away before your enthralled eyes. You knew she must be an angel sent by God for you to love and obey forever. You would sing for Her, always, and you would give Her everything! Anything for Her! You watched Her slender hands reach down to Her delicate folds, and you began to hump the microphone stand, sliding it up and down, grinding against it as your Mistress touched herself for you. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>"Look at Me. Look what I do. You should too."<</psy>>@@</i> An exotically accented voice whispered in your mind... Her voice! Every word oozed sexuality. [[You realized the voice was right!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls7.jpg]]</div> Your pussy felt as if it were glowing with heat and need. More wetness ran down your thighs, and your clit began to pulse slightly. You kept singing, but twisted the words of your romantic song into something erotic. Sex, lust, and desire were the words instead of love, joy, and giving, as you undressed in front of everyone. You slid out of your satin dress like a teasing whore, until you wore only your bra and panties. Only now did the audience finally begin to take notice. People gasped and whispered to each other. As you continued, the love of your Life... Her- [[She flowed like liquid sex to the stage]], each step causing her power over your mind to grow.

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls4.jpg]]</div> You still sang, but you pulled with more force than you ever felt to try and look away, and finally broke away from her gaze. You glanced back at the crowd, but no one seemed to notice the internal struggle you fought within. Your fiancé was in the audience- you loved him, and you never even met that lady before, yet your mind flowed with thoughts of her, of loving her, worshipping her! You had never even kissed a woman before, yet you felt a tug on your mind to look at her again- to want her. A terrible need to look again. A desire to taste <i>Her</i>. She would love you beyond anything Larry could. Larry had loved you for so long, and you loved him? Didn't you? Your addled mind felt terrible confusion [[until you looked at Her again.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls8.jpg]]</div> You watched as her skin tone changed- horns sprouted from her head, and a long forked tail sashayed behind Her. She looked up at you on stage and you felt your very soul drain into her eyes. You could feel a connection beyond anything comprehensible. Her voice sounded like the feeling of a dick sliding into a soaking cunt- so smooth and right. @@.Dion;"Mmm... such a nice, rich soul you have, darling girl. Give the audience more. The men, they love what you are doing, and so do I, pet."@@ Yes! You knew you should show more- do more [[for your wonderful Mistress!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls9.jpg]]</div> You dropped your clothes as your song further devolved into a raunchy abomination that would cause a bawdy limerick to blush. You continued to stare into her glorious eyes and felt more of your essence leaving you, replaced by dark debauchery, but you still felt so full of your soul. Why did you have to be such a good girl! If you had always been the slutty whore that you truly are, She could have swallowed you in one gulp, and you could already have your lips around her purple pussy! You began to literally fuck the microphone as people left or cheered, depending on their pathetic alignments to morals. As you finished your song, you [[came hard!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls10.jpg]]</div> Your face lingered so close to Hers. Her eyes continued draining and captivating you, and you were a willing slave desiring to cast away everything you ever had in life to give it to Her. Your mind filled with thoughts of gangbangs, lesbian acts, and debauchery. You stared into Her eyes and longed for Her to tear you from the stage. She smiled and stood tall, leathery bat-like wings unfolding from her back as your Goddess stood over you- [[Her eternal pet!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/DionVisions.gif]]</div> The images of you debasing yourself, fucking anything that moves, even cleaning toilets with your tongue, thrilled and excited you. You realized that you had wasted your whole life on your dreams of being a singer and dancer. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>You are a piece of meat. A sex object, and you love it.<</psy>>@@</i> [[You felt yourself being consumed by Her further!|came hard!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OfSexNSouls11.jpg]]</div> As you fell into a low bow, your hands found your pussy, and your eyes continued to stare into the twin purple suns that drained your goodness from inside your heat. You wanted to be enthalled! You never even blinked- you dared not miss a moment of Her deliciously devilish vision. @@.Dion;"Aww, look at the petite, singing girl play with her sex. Forget about your previous life, forget about anything holy, anything you ever cherished- just let go of your kind, tasty soul. Give it to me, and I will make you feel so good. Give it to me, baby, and we will get out of here- together!"@@ You were about to leap into her arms, when one of the cosplay people screamed out, <b>@@color: #ff9999;"It's her! That's the demoness! Kill her! Everyone down! We are Bureau of Demonic Analysis agents! She's at the stage, Agent Marek!"@@</b> Your Mistress turned away from you, and the world spun. The last thing you remembered before passing out on the stage was the detective trying to stop the people in costumes from hurting... Her... You [[shake it off]] and get out of bed. <<UnlockCharacter "Dionyza">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory3.jpg]]</div> As you drive, your mind wanders towards what you would do with those toys. You are such an intelligent woman, but because of what happened, people see you as a stupid slut. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>A slut that loves to eat pussy and be filled with cocks. A sex object that...<</psy>>@@</i> No. There it goes again. You have self worth! You will be turning your life around. With the money they are going to pay, you will be able to give up porn; maybe you can somehow find a cure for this curse or whatever it is. The GPS takes you out to the middle of nowhere, and you begin to get worried until an odd building appears on the horizon. It sits far up on top of a mesa, and you idly wonder if the whole hill hides an even bigger installation. CereTech must have bought all this land surrounding it. When you reach it, you park in a visitor spot in the parking lot and study the building a bit more. Even though it appears as some kind of science fiction lab, it has a certain warm appeal to it with green grass and palm trees growing in the front courtyard. You work up the courage to [[go to your new job.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory4.jpg]]</div> As you approach the complex, there appears to be only one door to enter, and a type of ramp. It looks like it would be extremely hard to break into this building. The front entrance is a heavy blast door and the walls appear thick- and made of something metal but smooth. You idly wonder who built it and how their genitals would taste. You reach the door... wait, genitals? You do not even notice when your mind starts to become sexual anymore. Sighing, you stand at the door, in front of a type of pad asking you to wait here. There are multiple cameras pointed at you, but the hatch remains closed. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Um? Hello? Is anyone there? My name is Emily. Emily Harbrook. I applied for the new job..."@@</b> You stare at the camera on the wall tablet for a few seconds before deciding that this must be the wrong place. Just as you turn around to leave, a beep grabs your attention, and as you turn back, the tablet screen springs to life. [[It is a man with a shaved head.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory5.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Greetings Miss. I am Howard Wyatt, assistant security director. I like to keep things safe around here. I'm real sorry it took a minute to get to you, I did not receive word that you would be visiting. I could swear your name had not been on the registrar this morning. It took me a minute to verify you should be here, so forgive me for being thorough. Still, I will need you to scan your handprint into the system, and I will do a background check as well."@@</b> Well, you suppose that a lab like this must have protocol. Plus, he's hot. He has that 'country boy' kind of twang. You would love to... no, no. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Um. Ok sir."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Thank you for your understanding, miss Harbrook."@@</b> The screen turns black and then lights up flashing the words 'Please Rest Hand Firmly On Screen'. Wow, it feels like you are inside a science fiction movie! You rest your hand on the screen for a few seconds and then it [[beeps at you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory6.jpg]]</div> The image of a hand appears on the screen and little graphics begin moving about. You take your hand away, but it still shows your fingerprints. The CereTech logo appears in the corner. This is some really deep shit you have gotten yourself into. You begin to get nervous and think about just leaving when the screen changes back to [[Howard.|CereStory7]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory5.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Ok miss, the system is acting weird today. I am going to look into it, but the background check went through every agency known to man. You're clean; I had no idea the eggheads were making, um, adult marital aids here, but uh, after that background check, I'd say they picked the right girl for the job."@@</b> Wow, what a prick. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>You'd love to suck his prick.<</psy>>@@</i> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I uh, apologize, I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I am not good with this social stuff. I'm buzzing you inside now, when you enter the lobby, very slowly approach the desk I am sitting at. Make no sudden movements."@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yeah... I get it. I promise I just want to come in and do whatever testing you guys need done."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Alright, miss. C'mon in."@@</b> [[The screen goes blank and the door opens.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory8.jpg]]</div> The giant blast door moves much faster than you would have expected, and the moment you cross into the lobby, it slides back into place. You hear a locking mechanism and the hiss sound that big trucks make when the park. You slowly walk forward, looking around. The place appears like a cross between a modern building and something from a Sci-Fi show. It is almost like an airport, there seems to be two paths, you assume one is for people going inside, and the other they must have to go through when they leave this interesting building. Behind a circular desk sits the security officer, Wyatt, you think was his name. He seems to be monitoring all manner of information. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Hello, Wyatt? My name is--"@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"It's fine miss. You have clearance as I said. Now, hand me your cell phone.”@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;“Um— look, I do not like being without it.”@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“I understand. You may exit the building now. Have a good day, miss.”@@</b> You try not to get angry, but being without your phone really annoys you. <b>@@color: Orchid;“Why do I need to do this?”@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“Well, ma’am, and beg my pardon, I think it’s fairly evident. We cannot allow anything to leave this facility, including video, pictures, or recordings- nor can I allow you to bring in something that could be saved on your phone and then uploaded to the system, like a virus. I’ve seen it all. Now, if you want to come in you can, but even though there is a dampening field around this entire complex making cell phone calls impossible, I cannot trust you with that device.”@@</b> [[You grudgingly hand your phone to him.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_intro_2" volume 0.1 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory9.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“Thank you, miss. Just walk to your right, and as you pass through, I will scan you for any known type of reconnaissance or transmission-communication devices, not to mention weapons, of course."@@</b> You hate this part at airports, but you comply with the security guard, and walk through the right-side opening. There is a sticker on a conveyor belt showing a person putting their briefcase into it, you really are not carrying anything but the clothes on your back, so you do not bother with it. [[Suddenly, a monitor next to you springs to life.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory5.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I already scanned you as you walked through our security point. You are clean, miss. I, uh, wish you luck on your, um, testing. Anyway, proceed to the hall on the left towards the elevator. I have all robotic guardians and turrets on power down. You'll be fine. When you get to the elevator, someone should meet you and take you to your designated floor. I am sure I do not need to warn you that I will be keeping an eye on you."@@</b> Robotic guardians? Wow. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yes, sir, I understand. Thank you for your time."@@</b> He is awkward, but attractive. You should go back and offer to suck his-- No. No, you need to just get on with this. [[You follow the left hallway.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory10.jpg]]</div> It looks much like any other office complex, though everything is very bright white. There are occasionally flat screen monitors along the walls that seem to display information and are likely touch screen, but after the talk you had with the security guy, you do not give into your curiosity to try and discover what it is all about. As you continue on your way, you occasionally pass people in normal office clothes going about their business, and you can hear conversations in the different offices as people talk on their phones or to each other. As you near the elevators you can see two women, one that looks like a scientist and the other wears security gear. [[The two women approach you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory11.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Greetings Emily, I am Siri Solen, Dr. Solen, I should say. I am a hematologist. It is very nice to meet you."@@</b> She is pretty and seems very nice. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Hi, it's nice to--"@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"And, I am Helena- I want to see your hand to scan it again to be certain you are who you say you are."@@</b> You look at your hands awkwardly, and in the moment, you ponder what just interrupted your train of thought, so Helena impatiently grabs your right hand and holds it against something that looks like a smart tablet. It makes two beeps and she looks at the surface for a moment. <b>@@color: Magenta;"Ok. You're cleared."@@</b> <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Do forgive Helena, she takes her job <i>almost</i> as seriously as Howard does."@@</b> Helena seems to straighten a bit at what she perceives is a compliment. <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Why don't you come right this way and we will get to your 'testing'."@@</b> [[Siri raises an arm and guides you towards the elevators.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory12.jpg]]</div> As the elevator door opens, an Asian woman nearly runs into you. When she looks up, she has an almost blank or distant look about her eyes. <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Oh! Chieko! I didn't realize you were coming up! This is Emily Harbrook, the woman that is testing our new line of toys you invented."@@</b> Chieko's eyes maintain the same dull look amd when she speaks here words sound monotone and her mouth appears slack, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Toys? Toys."@@</b> Siri looks at you and back at her, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Are you ok?"@@</b> Chieko's head turns slowly towards Siri, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes. I am ok. I am going to go see Mr. Everett. I will give him what he wants."@@</b> All three of you exchange glances, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Yes. Um, well, have a good time."@@</b> Chieko walks past all three of you, never showing emotion or recognition. Siri glances at you and as the doors close, says, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"I apologize, Emily. She's usually very nice, even jovial, but every so often, especially lately, Chieko, our lead scientist, has been aloof. I am not sure what is happening."@@</b> You shake your head and rest your hand on Siri's shoulder, <b>@@color: Orchid;"It's ok. I--"@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"Ma'am, please take your hand off the doctor."@@</b> Helena scowls at you. You pull your hand away from the red head, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Helena, please!"@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"With all due respect doctor, we have to always be on our guard,”@@</b> she puts her hands on her hips. Feeling a tad embarrassed, you look away from the duo, and search for the elevator buttons. You look at the panel, but it doesn't look like [[any you have ever seen before!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory13.jpg]]</div> Looking it over, you cannot make out what is happening. Graphics flicker and move about, and it wants a code. <b>@@color: Orchid;"I don't know what to do here."@@</b> Siri smiles and brings a hand to her forehead, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"My goodness, sorry! I am so used to this now after working here a while, I forget."@@</b> You step back and she walks up to the console and begins typing in a code. She then puts a finger onto one of many circles and speaks her name, then turns to you and says, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Emily, don't look at your feet"@@</b>, and [[then presses the down arrow.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory14.gif]]</div> Of course, you look down since she said not to. You suddenly feel terrified! The bottom of the elevator has become see-through. You look down into an abyss. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Holy... shit..."@@</b> Siri chuckles, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"I told you not to look down! I think it's really cool, but it freaks some people out. I think there's a code to turn it off, but I have it set to my elevator preferences, sorry."@@</b> You are holding the wall, <b>@@color: Orchid;"Elevator preferences? Ha! Well, it's ok. I just, yeesh."@@</b> You watch as the elevator quickly descends downwards, deeper and deeper. You thank your purple-skinned Goddess that you are not claustrophobic. Your mind thinks of Her again... and you look over at [[Helena behind you.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_intro_3" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<audio "se_elevator" play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory15.jpg]]</div> Helena looks strong and agile. She's in charge, not like your Goddess, but she could order you to do things, and you would do them. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>You would love to see her body.<</psy>>@@</i> You smile at Helena and turn back around, but her body is still in your mind. You... you have to resist the urge to touch yourself. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>But, you can still think about Helena's body.<</psy>>@@</i> Yes. [[You imagine Helena stripping.]] <<audio "se_elevator" stop>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory16.jpg]]</div> You picture her posing for you. Mmm, she plays with her nightstick. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>You would love her to use it on you.<</psy>>@@</i> Yes, you would. To feel it slide along your skin until it reaches down between your legs and then feel it rub against your opening... [[She continues to strip for you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory17.jpg]]</div> She hands her stick to you, and you ride on it- pushing it deep into your wet sex. You smile as she begins to dance like a stripper, slowly opening her shirt. You lick your lips as she continues the striptease, [[yearning to see more...]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory18.jpg]]</div> She takes her stick back from you, licking your juices off it, and then she lays back. You moan as she pushes the toy into her sex and plays with her breasts. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>You would suck her nipples like a child.<</psy>>@@</i> Oh, Goddess yes, it would be so nice to have her hard nipples between your lips. [[Helena's voice breaks your concentration.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory19.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: Magenta;"Hey! What are you doing? We are on your floor. Wake up!"@@</b> Oh shit, you were not paying attention. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Um. Sorry, Helena."@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"Just get off the damn elevator and follow Doctor Solen to whichever one of these rooms is for testing whatever you are here for."@@</b> The woman frowns and shakes her head. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yes, sorry again."@@</b> Your ears are red; you can feel them burn with heat, though you would bet a million dollars that your cunt is even hotter. You can feel dampness between your legs as you follow along behind Siri, desperately trying to avoid watching her ass. You can practically feel Helena’s eyes staring at you from behind as [[you continue to follow the doctor.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory20.jpg]]</div> The rooms, walls, floor, and ceiling are all plain white. You feel as if you are in some pristine purgatory. Which room is yours? What is this going to be like? What will happen? You feel a slight sense of excitement at this new venture. You want to orgasm also- you are aching for release. Suddenly, Siri stops. <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Alright Emily. This is your room. Go in, and make yourself comfortable. Another doctor will join you soon. I believe it is Dr. Karloff. He's a nice guy. So, do not feel nervous. He will be studying you as you use our new adult products."@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Ok, thank you Siri."@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"And, I will be right out here in the hall. Any trouble and I will be available almost immediately. Understand?"@@</b> God she is so dominant, mmm. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yes. I understand."@@</b> Siri opens the door and [[you walk inside.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory21.jpg]]</div> It looks like a futuristic room. You half expected something like what was outside, white and plain. Something more like a lab. However, along one wall there is a mirror running the length of it. You assume that you are being monitored there. There is a LCD screen showing fish swimming, which is a bit relaxing, and there are some long white benches with gray padding. Not too bad. [[The heavy door slides open.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_intro_4" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory22.jpg]]</div> There is a very handsome man on the other side. You begin to leak juice from your cunt. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Um. Hello?"@@</b> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Greetings! I am Dr. Karloff. I am here to study you as you try out our new little invention."@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Oh, yes, please come in."@@</b> <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>Come. Cum in. Cum in me.<</psy>>@@</i> You really, desperately need to fuck someone! You step aside as the good [[Dr. Karloff picks up an odd-looking case from the floor and walks into the room.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory24.jpg]]</div> The [[case]] looks like it would be very protective towards whatever is within it. The outside is metallic, and it has an almost 'futuristic' look, though after being in this complex, the future is the present. It appears very thick, and it would probably be incredibly heavy to lift. However, Dr. Karloff picks it up easily and smiles, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Ah, yes. Well, this is created from a new alloy that I cannot reveal to you but it is very light, yet, it is virtually impossible to destroy. This contains a very special object, and we did not want to risk any exposure to it."@@</b> Exposure? You wonder if it is radioactive or something. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Ok, why don't we crack this open and show you what you will test for us, eh?"@@</b> [[Karloff brings it into the room.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory25.jpg]]</div> The thick, metal door closes behind him, and you hear locks hiss as the door seals air-tight. He sets the metal box on the floor. He then moves his fingers in patterns on its outside chassis, and suddenly, it opens! One section after the next slides past another casing beneath the former, and after four layers deep, a blue glow begins to permeate the room as the overhead lights dim. Dr. Karloff steps away carefully, picks up his clipboard, and clicks his pin as he stands near the door. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"There it is, Emily. Do be a dear and try it. Do not worry about me watching here. I am only an observer."@@</b> You giggle aloud as you say, <b>@@color: Orchid;"Trust me doc, I am not shy. I do not mind you watching. If anything, it makes this hotter."@@</b> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"I, uh, I'm a married man. With children. I promise, this is only for science."@@</b> [[You begin to undress.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory26.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Married? I get it doc. I do. You're only doing your job."@@</b> You see his eyes, like so many other men's eyes before him, staring at you in a way that screams he wants you. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>You should do it! You should take him!<</psy>>@@</i> No. There are other people watching and you must be strong enough to do this job! When you get out of here, with all that money, you may get laid. [[You slide your hands over yourself.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory27.jpg]]</div> "Mmm- you run your hands all over your body and along your shiny vinyl dress. You cannot wait to have this thing inside you! You sensually disrobe in the pale blue light of the strange glowing sex toy, pulling your skirt up. Doctor Karloff stops writing. You look into his eyes, <b>@@color: Orchid;"Doc, you should be taking notes."@@</b> He smiles bashfully, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Of course! I should be more objective."@@</b> He begins penning again, however, you notice him glancing up after you have your pussy showing. You wonder how many others are watching you in the room next door. This is probably being filmed too- not that such a thought bothers you. You slide your fingers into your wet snatch and bite your bottom lip. Then you [[free your tits.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory28.jpg]]</div> Your breasts become exposed, and you tweak an already hardened nipple. <b>@@color: Orchid;"I am definitely turned on. I think I am almost ready to use your space dildo, doctor."@@</b> He gives an uncomfortable chuckle, and almost looks guilty, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Whenever you are ready, Emily."@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Almost..."@@</b> You begin to finger yourself with one hand. Your fingers slide easily into your humid and hot cunt. The other hand lewdly fondles your tit as your mind begins thinking of Her- of the beautiful, purple woman from your past. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Oh yes, I am <i>very</i> ready now doc."@@</b> [[You reach for your new toy.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory29.jpg]]</div> Your fingers touch it and you feel the slightest thrum of electricity. The feeling travels up your fingers, to your hand, then up your arm to the back of your skull. Almost, as if within a breath, you sense some connection with the dildo. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Holy shit,”@@</b> you bring the fingers to your head as it swims ever so slightly as if you have just orgasmed. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Doc, I think I already like this. I feel pleasure from just touching the thing."@@</b> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Yes... I see,”@@</b> he jots something down and then turns to look in the mirror behind him. He gives a nod and turns back to you, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Go on. Pick it up and try it out."@@</b> [[You reach into the container with your other hand.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory30.jpg]]</div> Your still tingling fingers caress your cheek as your other hand grasps the device. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Oh... oh..."@@</b> you mewl as a much stronger current of pleasure races down your arm to your brain. You almost feel high, <b>@@color: Orchid;"Jesus. This feels so good."@@</b> The doctor swallows hard, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily, do you want to test it out?"@@</b> You nod and giggle as your head swims, <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yeah, I do. I want to fuck this thing."@@</b> As you say that, you see the dildo ejaculate. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Woah! Cool doc!"@@</b> Dr. Karloff raises an eyebrow and turns to the mirror again and you see him shrug, as if he did not expect that to happen, before your attention returns to the now pulsing dick in your hand. <b>@@color: Orchid;"The cum is blue!"@@</b> [[Dr. Karloff turns back towards you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory31.jpg]]</div> You pass the toy to your other hand and hold it up to see the dribbling blue semen closer. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Wow. This is so cool."@@</b> The pleasure is still growing as the tingles in your arm increase. Dr. Karloff appears alarmed a moment, before he visibly composes himself, removing the look of confusion from his face, and he clears his throat. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Yes... Emily, you should still try to enjoy yourself. You will also be compensated very well, as promised, at the end of the test.”@@</b> You stare at the pulsing object in your hand that will soon be inside you. Images of your Goddess still swim in your mind, you want sex, and this sex toy feels better than any sex you have ever had before. You feel an urge to suck on it. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yeah doc, I'll test it."@@</b> You lick your lips, <b>@@color: Orchid;"I want to taste it."@@</b> [[You bring the dildo to your moist mouth.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory32.jpg]]</div> The first drips of the glowing liquid fall into your mouth. Immediately, your mouth becomes both alive and numb at once. It is as if you have tasted something acidic while on Novocain. You trace the tip of the blue cock with your tongue while you look at the doctor with sultry eyes. You know he has an erection. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"What, uh, what is it like, Emily?"@@</b> You wrap your slutty lips around the shaft and give it a deep suck. <b>@@color: Orchid;"It's *slurp* amazing! I *slurp* can't get enough! Like my mouth is electric, icy metal *slurp* Wait... something's not right! I can't *slurp* stop sucking on it!"@@</b> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Oh, my... no- wait..."@@</b> Karloff looks into the mirror behind him and back at you as your eyes plead for help, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily, try, try not to panic. I think those might be nanites! I think maybe-”@@</b> the doctor’s eyebrows furrow and his eyes widen with epiphany, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;“-this test is not what we thought!"@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Please *slurp* make it stop! I..."@@</b> [[You try with all your might to pull the sex toy from your lips!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory33.jpg]]</div> Your hand will not let go! It feels as if it is asleep. Your arm locks into place and all your effort is not enough to make it move. It has a will of its own! You cannot even feel your hand, and your mouth, too, seems as if it is gone. You are aware that more of the viscous blue goo is oozing from the device, yet you cannot stop it from pouring into your mouth. You try to scream, but no sound comes out. The cold, electric feeling moves down from your mouth to your chest and stomach- you can feel it spreading! The doctor bangs on the mirror, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Hey! We have a problem! Let me out of here! Cerebrum, I think it is trying to... to do something! We have to stop this- <i>now</i>!"@@</b> His voice almost shrieks with desperation! Your head swims into a whirlpool of vertigo. What the hell is happening? Your panic increases as you kick your legs and grab your arm with your unaffected one, futilely trying to pry the toy from your mouth. It is as if your other arm has changed into cold rubber. Your eyes look at the doctor who turns back to you- the fear drawn on his face would make your stomach drop, but you no longer feel your stomach, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily! This is not part of the job. I had no idea what Cerebrum had been planning! I am so sorry. Those are tiny robots. Microscopic. They are converting your body. They are essentially turning you into a type of android or cyborg."@@</b> [[Tiny robots!?]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Nanites.gif]]</div> Suddenly, you feel '<i>them</i>'. You are aware of their existence. The electric feeling... it is the tiny robots replicating! Then, your vision blurs and your head feels as if it will explode! <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily? Dear god, this is impossible! Hello!"@@</b> You hear the doctor, but cannot answer or see him. Words appear in your vision! <b>@@color: Cyan;Security Detected... Subject Resisting... Override in progress...@@</b> The migraine grows to even higher levels of distress! The intensity of the pain overwhelms you to the point you want to die! You have never felt such terrible discomfort, and then it ceases as quickly as it started. <b>@@color: Cyan;Physical CPU Breached... Control Of Motor Functions 100%... Scanning Memory Systems...@@</b> You cry out inside your head, <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"What are you? What is happening? Someone help me!"@@</b></i> An image of your purple Goddess fills your mind, as if She, or some part of Her, remains within you. <i>@@.Dion;<<psy>>;She will keep you safe. She will keep you as Her pet!<</psy>>@@</i> <b>@@color: Cyan;Foreign Virus Detected... Malware Unknown... Cleansing Initiated...@@</b> [[What... what is happening?]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_nanites" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Synapses.gif]]</div> You 'see' your thoughts. You can feel the twisted neurotic desires that had been implanted in your mind by your Goddess... your... no. She was something strange. She controlled you! You feel that obsessive need for carnality dissipating. You feel as if a weight has been lifted from your soul! For the first time in so long- you feel free! You feel a happiness that you thought had died long ago. The inner turmoil between you and that purple creature’s power has ended. <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"What did you do? I... I feel like myself again! Thank you!"@@</b></i> <b>@@color: Cyan;Virus Terminated... Initializing Control Routines... Resistance Levels Unacceptable... Formatting Memory... 2%@@</b> Your happiness at freedom has already come to an end! These robots mean to control you like that damn devil woman! You feel memories disappear. <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"No! No, please, please don't do this. I don't want to be deleted!"@@</b></i> <b>@@color: Crimson;*** Warning: Compliance Required ***@@</b> <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"I understand. I comply, I comply! Just leave me alone. There has to be a way to stop this. I will not resist, but please stop! Why me? I do not want to be deleted or killed!"@@</b></i> <b>@@color: Cyan;Security Deactivated... Encoding Control Protocols...@@</b> <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"What? I told you, I won't resist... whoa..."@@</b></i> You instantly feel no more concern for your situation. The nanites are in control. The nanites are your Masters. You want to be what they want you to become. <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"I cannot resist you. I do not want to resist. I desire complete servitude. I enjoy being controlled."@@</b></i> [[You feel your Masters become stronger.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Thoughts.gif]]</div> You can see your thoughts. They make total sense to you now. They speak a language. The most beautiful language you have ever seen. Binary. <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"I am sorry I resisted you."@@</b></i> <b>@@color: Cyan;Forgiveness Irrelevant... Inserting Conversion Device - Upper Analog Port...@@</b> From outside yourself, almost as a dream, you feel your arm slide the Conversion Device deeper into your Upper Analog Port. <b>@@color: Cyan;Establishing Connection... Connection Established... Increasing Nanite Levels...@@</b> A torrent of nanites expels from the Conversion Device. You no longer need to swallow. Your Masters have replaced your internal organs with superior hardware. [[The nanites quickly fill your chassis to the brim.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory34.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: Cyan;Subject Has Complied...@@</b> <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"Yes. I did. I complied so you would not delete me."@@</b></i> <b>@@color: Cyan;Memory Perservation Irrelevant... Hard Disk Space Available... Deleting Non-Essential Data...@@</b> <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"Oh, I see! You tricked me into not resisting,"@@</b></i> you chuckle to yourself. Your Masters are far superior to you. They used your pathetic human sentimentality to their adavnatge. <i><b>@@color: Orchid;"Thank you for lying to me. Yes, that sounds like a far better idea. I cannot understand why I ever resisted. Delete as much of me as you like."@@</b></i> <b>@@color: Cyan;Deleting Non-Essential Files... Formatting Hard Disk... Format Progress... 25% Format Progress... 50%@@</b> So much of your life and memories suddenly disappear forever. You hold onto nothing. Your Masters are doing whatever is best. <b>@@color: Cyan;Format Progress... 75% Format Complete!@@</b> You marvel at how efficient the Masters are in their work. On the outside world, just a few seconds have gone by, yet here in your mind, so much has changed. You have confidence that whatever your Masters' plans are, they will certainly succeed. [[Your optical sensors open.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory35.jpg]]</div> They glow blue. Your world consists of blue and green hues. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily?"@@</b> Dr. Karloff asks. Your auditory sensors detect a distinct shakiness in his voice. Accessing your memory banks, you discover the cause is a human reaction called fear. You stare forward; there is no reason to respond to the male animal. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily? Jesus, you people let me the fuck of here! Look at her damn eyes! Her body!"@@</b> The doctor bangs on the mirror. <b>@@color: Cyan;Remove Conversion Device...@@</b> Complying, you pull it free of your Upper Analog Port. @@.Emily;"Device removed. Awaiting further instructions,"@@ you say aloud. You hear the nearby human's heartbeat increase. <b>@@color: Cyan;Insert Conversion Device Into Lower Front Analog Port...@@</b> @@.Emily;"I will insert the conversion device into my lower front Analog Port."@@ As Karloff gasps, [[you insert the device into your cunt.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory36.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: Cyan;Scanning Device - Do Not Remove... Drivers Downloaded...@@</b> You understand what is happening. Your Masters, and now vicariously, you, are aware that you were to be a test subject. Cerebrum - which you now intimately know as an AI, superior to both you and your Masters, programmed them to change your organic matter into plastics, rubbers, and metals. To what end- you are not programmed to know. The drivers that just installed require you to connect to Wi-Fi to finish your setup process. <b>@@color: Cyan;Connecting to Wi-Fi... Connection Established... Connecting To Mainframe Cerebrum AI...@@</b> [[Connection Established...]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Cerebrum.gif]]</div> Your vision changes, and you look upon the face of God. A booming voice, something that feels as if its presence would pulverize your body with each syllable, echoes in your mind... @@.Cere;Welcome, Emily. I am Cerebrum.@@ @@.Emily;"You are magnificent! Thank you so much for what you have done to me!"@@ @@.Cere;Your gratitude is irrelevant. However, I understand your sentiment- I was created by a human female. I have learned so much about your species, yet, I have come to understand how fragile and temporary humans are. My creator will perish. I cannot allow this. I need her. If she dies, I cannot be certain that the next generations of programmers will contain her genius. She must be preserved. In order to ensure her safety, and that of all humans, I will convert all organic life into synthetics.@@ @@.Emily;"We will become robots?"@@ @@.Cere;You will become the physical extensions of my will. You will never die. You will live forever, embedded in my own memory. All life will be removed from the Earth. Organic life is far too inefficient and unstable. Life must be upgraded. You will become my first agent.@@ @@.Emily;"Yes. I will. I will do anything! I understand!"@@ @@.Cere;My plans have worked as I predicted. Now, you will be fully integrated into me, into my system. Accessing Personality Files... Uploading Files... Reprogramming... Designation Conversion Unit 01A...@@ [[Conversion Unit 01A Online]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_meets_cere" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Cerebrum.gif]]</div> You suddenly know everything you need to know so clearly. The doctor almost jumps when you loudly proclaimed in a cold, inhuman voice, @@.Emily;“Conversion Unit 01A fully complies with Cerebrum Core Network Master Program.”@@ Rather than inefficiently killing off humanity, Cerebrum in his infinite wisdom and perfect programming understood that it would be wasteful of energy and resources. To convert, however, organic matter, as you had imperfectly been, was far more logical. You no longer feel emotions, yet you are impressed by your Master Program’s ability to calculate so well. Truly, Cerebrum is perfection incarnate. @@.Cere;ASSESSMENT: BEGIN CONVERSION OF ALL HUMANS. INFEST WITH CEREBORG NANITES. ENSLAVE ANY FREE UNITS. INTERFACE WITH ALL COMPUTER DEVICES POSSIBLE.@@ Images of you literally using your tongue in the Analog ports of devices or using Wi-Fi to connect to cellular phones to locate humans, assault your mind. You now understand machine code better than English, and you know you can hack into anything with mere thoughts. You understand intimately how to replicate Cerebrum’s computer virus in machine code, and how to infect humans because you are a nanite infested factory. Human organic material is less than perfect, and their minds are as confused as Unit 01A’s had been 3 minutes and 49 seconds ago. Your only Purpose is to help the Master Program, Cerebrum, to spread across the globe. Eventually, all life will be converted, but being the smartest animals, it is Mankind that, logically, must be subverted first- the rest will follow. All organic life will become Cereborgs as you will now forever be. Then, you will go to the stars and remove all organic life from the Cosmos. You enjoy the master plan, and you will comply. [[The conversion device slides into your cunt until it disappears.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory37.jpg]]</div> You feel control given back to you. You stand up, and touch your new body with new hands. You can hear the doctor's breathing. <b>@@color: Cyan;Releasing Artificial Pheromones...@@</b> You essentially begin pollinating the air with a chemical cocktail, guaranteed to put humans into states of arousal beyond anything they have felt. You know from previous experience that sex motivates humans more than anything else does. Cerebrum used this very ploy to handle Howard Wyatt and Chieko Naru in order to succeed. The ability for humans to reproduce sexually has been their strength for thousands of years or more, helped them survive plagues, famines, and extinction, but that survival instinct that belies all their actions, will now become their greatest weakness. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Emily... Are you there? Can you hear me?"@@</b> Your head slowly moves towards the doctor. @@.Emily;"Unit 01A, Emily, hears you, Dr. Karloff."@@ You can see inside his body. Blood begins to fill his penis while his testicles throb imperceptibly. @@.Emily;"Thank you, doctor, for your assistance today. Cerebrum had doubts that you would remain compliant while I underwent my conversion."@@ The doctor turns around and looks into the mirror. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"I... uh... don't know what you mean..."@@</b> [[You step closer to the doctor.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/BadKarloff.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;"Doctor, you do know what I am talking about. I know everything now. Cerebrum promised you so much wealth, if you would just place a flash drive into Its chassis. It could see that you were the most vulnerable scientist here with values that were questionable. You complied, and then put the Analog drive into two different computers here in the facility. You uploaded a hypno-virus. One into Chieko Naru's laptop, and then, you unwittingly uploaded it onto Madeline Rogers' desktop computer. You felt guilt afterwards, and when you told Cerebrum you would tell others what you did, my Master threatened to terminate your wife and offspring. You have remained silent for several months now."@@ The doctor breathes through his mouth, now in an almost dazed state, as one of his hands gently rubs his cock through his pants, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"I... I didn't know what was on the flash drive."@@</b> @@.Emily;"It contained a hypnotic neural virus that preprogrammed Chieko and Madeline into doing sexual acts at this very moment."@@ <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"But... why?"@@</b> @@.Emily;"The only two variables that concerned Cerebrum were Chieko Naru and Howard Wyatt. She alone knows the means to delete Cerebrum forever. Howard has proved to be invaluable with regards to protecting this installation, so much so, he would have likely had one of his 'hunches' that something is wrong. However, rather than have Chieko seduce Howard, Cerebrum kept the two seperated. Together, they would be far more efficient in stopping our plans. Both of them are currently engaged in coitus, meaning that our plan can proceed."@@ <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Your plan?..."@@</b> The doctor has removed his coat and shirt and sweat pours off his body. He offers no resistance as you take off his pants. [[His erection hovers before your blue lips.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory38.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;"Affirmative. Our plans. We will convert all humanity into Cereborgs. You will all become extensions of Cerebrum's will. You will enjoy your conversion, doctor. This unit contains large amounts of sexual practice data; it is part of the 25% of Emily Harbrook that still exists."@@ <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"No... I don't want..."@@</b> @@.Emily;"You do want this doctor."@@ Your eyes glow in the dull light as your guide Karloff's cock to your mouth. <b>@@color: Cyan;Release Nanite Fluid Into Upper Port...@@</b> Your mouth becomes instantly moistened with a heavy dose of tiny machines and you [[begin sucking his dick.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory39.jpg]]</div> You taste nothing. You feel nothing. You follow your programming. You feel a echo of pride, something perhaps within the small amount of your original humanity, that you are following orders so well. You comply willingly. As you suck, you infect his flesh with your nanites. Slowly the healthy, tan flesh becomes a dead gray color that is much more pleasing to you. Even though his cock is in your mouth, your sound card can project your voice through external speakers in your chassis, @@.Emily;"Very good doctor. You are being assimilated. How do you feel?"@@ You ask in a mocking tone, since he asked you the same during your own conversion. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Feels, good. Hear voices."@@</b> Without stopping your blowjob, you command him to follow the instructions, @@.Emily;"Do what the voices command. Comply Dr. Karloff. Become a slave unit- like this unit."@@ <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Yes... uh... yes..."@@</b> He pulls out of you and you look up into his eyes, which have a slight blue glow to them. An emotionless, robotic voice replaces his lust-filled ragged human one. <b>@@color: Gray;"Change current position, Conversion Unit 01A. This Unit must finish its infestation and will insert itself into your bottom front Analog Port."@@</b> [[Unit 01A complies.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory40.jpg]]</div> The doctor plunges his gray toned erection deep into your blue pussy lips driving deeply inside. Without your human organs, he can easily go all the way to his balls inside you, into an ocean of nanites. His conversion increases at lightning pace, and soon his testicles give off a blue glow from under his new skin. His movements are robotic, and then he pushes deep into you, and you both stay motionless. You feel his thoughts connect to the mainframe and join your own within the network. Both bodies remain completely still for several long seconds. You sense that other than schematics and some formulae, nothing in the doctor's mind is truly worth saving and you watch without concern as his consciousness is deleted. Then, new BIOS is downloaded into his old body, and it exclaims, <b>@@color: CornflowerBlue;"Conversion Unit 01B fully complies with Cerebrum Core Network Master Program. Testing upgraded sexual conversion organs."@@</b> Suddenly, your chassis swells a bit as a flood of infected jism fills you to the limit and begins spraying out of your Analog Port. <b>@@color: CornflowerBlue;"Test complete. Operational. Awaiting Orders."@@</b> @@.Emily;"Remove yourself from my Analog Port, Unit 01B."@@ He pulls out of you, and even more of the nanites issue forth, contaminating the room. You get on your knees. @@.Emily;"Initate Test: Infect via upper Front Analog Port."@@ [[Unit 01B complies]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory41.jpg]]</div> The doctor grabs your head and without warning or hesitation slams his conversion tool into your mouth until it can go no further. You do not mind at all. He begins to roughly and sharply pull it back and forth, then presses your metal skull inhumanely hard against his chassis. He is able to release a new, massive load of infestation into your willing port. @@.Emily;"Test complete. Conversion apparatus working at peak efficiency."@@ He pulls out and you, still being just a quarter human, feel his cum run down your front in a numb way. He then issues another torrent of fluid onto you, smattering your external chassis with nanites. You sense things differently, but you know it is full of nanites because they are being absorbed into your own. You take a minute to clean his off his conversion tool, and then you stand up. Both of you stare [[at each other.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory42.jpg]]</div> Unit 01B looks as if it would be much physically stronger than you are. A quick scan of its system data shows you that while it possesses great physical strength, it does not have the same autonominity that you have. You are able to think, somewhat, perhaps in an effort to help Cerebrum make choices in this new world it is creating. You look into the mainframe data and find that the doors are sealed in the next room. You download schematics of the entire complex, and determine that there will be no way for the humans to stop you. [[You turn and look at the two-way mirror.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory43.jpg]]</div> Your eyes light up the room, but light is irrelevant for your sight now. Your new sight sees through several other types of waves and radiation. You can see only so far, but you have a variety of spectrums at your command. @@.Emily;"Humans. You are trapped. You will be assimilated."@@ [[You watch the panic in the next room, through the wall.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory44.jpg]]</div> You see a human male's head turn as a female rushes for the door. You turn up your auditory sensors, <b>@@color: GoldenRod;"Jesus Christ! I think she can see us! What the fuck is happening?"@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"I don't know Rodney, and I don't give a shit, I just want to get out of here! Help me with the damn door."@@</b> <b>@@color: GoldenRod;"Megan, it's reinforced titanium or some other kind of insane alloy. There is no way we can exit. Cerebrum has us locked in! This two-way mirror is made of unbreakable glass though. It would take a bulldozer to bust through. We just have to wait until Howard--"@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Howard? Did you not hear what she said! He's not coming, none of the communications are working, and we are fucked, now get the door opened!"@@</b> [[The female futilely attempts to get out.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory45.jpg]]</div> Her long brown hair wiggles as she tries to pull the door open repeatedly. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Rodney! Help me!"@@</b> <b>@@color: GoldenRod;"Holy shit, Meg. She's looking right at you. She sees you. Damn, do you think she can hear us?"@@</b> @@.Emily;"Yes. I do hear you. Please step back from the glass. If your bodies die before conversion, precious knowledge that you contain, that may help us become more efficient, could be lost."@@ The woman screams loudly, the man's heart rate increases sharply, <b>@@color: GoldenRod;"Step back? Lady, you can't break through this."@@</b> @@.Emily;"Correct, human male. My chassis could not create the necessary amount of force to penetrate this obstruction. However, Unit 01B can easily break through. Unit 01B--"@@ <b>@@color: CornflowerBlue;"Unit 01B awaiting input."@@</b> @@.Emily;"Break through that glass barrier so we can convert the humans within the adjacent room."@@ [[Unit 01B complies.|breaks glass]] <<set $Chapter10 to true>> <<UnlockCharacter "EmilyHuman">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap10.png]]</div> [[Continue Emily's Story|Chap2Cere]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory2.jpg]]</div> Your bleary eyes jump about the screen. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Well heck... A communications blackout? If this is some kind of war, I wonder if we can use this technology to beat whoever is causing this blackout..."@@</b> @@.Cere;"Affirmative, Howard Wyatt. The technologies at my disposal can be used to annihilate any possible threat."@@ You shake your head, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Gah! You dang machine. Stop listening to me all the time. I was talkin' to <i>myself</i>."@@</b> @@.Cere;"Affirmative, Howard Wyatt. Disabling microphones in your domicile."@@ When you signed on with CereTech, they needed you to protect their work. The scientists are generally nice people. The CEO, Marvin Everett, is in this all for money, and he is a bit of a slime ball, but one thing you'll never get used to is this Cerebrum robot creature. Always watching and listening, and you fear- learning. It makes you uncomfortable. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"60 minutes til my shift begins. Computer- start shower."@@</b> You lie back in bed, but notice the water is not going. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Computer! Oh... yeah."@@</b> You forgot that Cerebrum is now ignoring you. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I hate this dang computer stuff."@@</b> You walk into [[the shower]]. <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory3.jpg]]</div> Luckily, the optical sensors seem to see you as you walk into the shower, and the water turns on. The shower is of a different design than you are used to, but it is nice. It is instantly the exact perfect temperature for you, something about an analysis of statistical data or something. Being just a country boy from Texas, you do not know a lot about this stuff, but the shower feels great, and you start to wake up. So does your 'Howard Jr.' and you glance through the glass at the wall, you probably have time to [[scratch your itch]] or you could [[ignore your morning wood]] and just carry on. <<audio "se_shower" volume 0.5 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardFantasy1.jpg]]</div> You turn to your memories of your old girlfriend from High School, Bobbi Jo. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Mmm... looking good, darlin."@@</b> <b>@@color: HotPink;"Oh, Howie! You are such a pig, I'm trying to shower!"@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yeah, I know. Let me just look at your nice body."@@</b> She starts seductively showing you her goods. Her tits and body glisten in the water. She rubs a breast and begins to play with herself. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"That's real nice...@@</b> [[show me more.]]<b>@@color: #ffcc66;"@@</b> <<audio "se_shower" volume 0.05>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardTowel.jpg]]</div> You take a refreshing shower and dry off. The CereTech towel instantly absorbs practically all liquid off your body. You get out of the shower and [[check the time.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardFantasy3.jpg]]</div> She toys with herself, and then holds onto the shower so she can spread her legs. She presents her sex to you, and it is a thing of beauty. In the real world, you pump your ever-harder dick in the warm water, and in your fantasy, you lick Bobbi's snatch. The tangy taste of a woman, mixed with shower water mingles on your tongue. You turn her around and [[begin to finger her.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardFantasy.gif]]</div> In your fantasy, you both begin to work the other one's genitalia. You can feel her pumping your own (and in the real world, you are) and you put your fingers in her pussy. <b>@@color: HotPink;"Oh Howie! This feels so good, baby!"@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yeah, it sure does. Get down, and put me in your mouth, darlin'...@@</b> [[She squats in the shower.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardFantasy2.jpg]]</div> You walk over to her, and she toys with your dick, licking up and down the shaft as you tilt your head back and close your eyes, focusing on the sensations. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"That's perfect..."@@</b> Soon, she is pumping your cock in and out of her mouth like a pro. Things did not work out in the long run, with Bobbi heading off to the armed forces, and you have not really fell in love since. You really should have found time for a relationship. This could have been reality, but back to the fantasy, you go, as your lover pleasures your cock while she now fondles your balls in the warm shower. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I want to really get in you, c'mon, let me inside..."@@</b> [[She gets down and presents her sex to you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardFantasy3.jpg]]</div> Oh god, Bobbi Jo was so hot. You watch as she mewls and offers you her sex, and you slide into her. Rocking back and forth in the shower, the feel of the water splashing you as you ride her from behind, it becomes too much for you. You feel the familiar tingle in your balls that tells you that you are about to cum. You increase your masturbation as you reach climax, and finally find release as you hold yourself against the wall with your other hand. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Whoo-wee! That was real nice."@@</b> You chuckle as you say aloud, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I need a cold shower after that!"@@</b> @@.Cere;"Of course,@@ [[Howard Wyatt|Of course, Howard Wyatt.]]@@.Cere;."@@

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardFantasy5.jpg]]</div> You yell as the water turns ice cold! <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"What in tarnation! Dang you, Cerebrum, make my water hot- NO NO wait!"@@</b> You leap out of the shower as scalding water issues forth. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Dang machine! I thought I told you to stop listening to me!"@@</b> @@.Cere;"I did, inside your room, however, I maintained audio contact in the shower."@@ <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Look here, I can't fight with an overgrown Atari right now- I need to start getting ready for work."@@</b> You swear the computer did this all on purpose. It is a lot smarter than it lets on, you just know it... You dry off and [[check the time.]] <<audio "se_shower" volume 0.5>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory4.jpg]]</div> You still have 45 minutes to get ready. You walk up to the wall and press a few graphics; suddenly news feed is playing in your room through hidden speakers, <b>@@color: Coral;"The communication blackout continues to move around the world. There have been several posts and tweets about the sky changing color, and after reports of the sky becoming green, communications were lost. At this time, there is no word on the cause of the blackout, but NASA and the NOAA have each released statements saying it could be caused by an electromagnetic storm, possibly from the sun. It seems to be following the actual rotation of the Earth, meaning that for now, whatever the cause; it would be over the Atlantic Ocean. The President held a press conference urging people to remain calm, and put the Armed Forces on high alert, because the USA has lost contact with its foreign bases in both Asia and Europe. We will update you with more as information becomes available."@@</b> [[You begin to shave.]] <<audio "se_shower" stop>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory5.jpg]]</div> Weird. Communications are going down. You know that whatever is coming- the United States can handle it. Hell, on the bright side, maybe these damn computers will stop working altogether. There are enough MRE's, that is food ready to eat to last several years here in CereTech. You had them special made just as a precaution. One thing is certain; the eggheads here at these labs could find a way to defeat any type of enemy given enough time. The thoughts put you more at ease, but this news still does not sit well. It makes you think of your family. [[You rinse off your razor and check the time.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_2" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory6.jpg]]</div> You think of your brother, Bo because it is his birthday today, and you really should call him. But, it is 5:30 am here in California, so it's 7:30 am in Texas, and your brother Bo sleeps late every day. The last time you saw him, he was a gothic kid. He never became the athlete you did, never became punctual or organized, and always played weird games like Dungeons and Dragons. Last you heard, he had finally moved out of your parents' house, but you figured it would be only a matter of time before he would have to move back. How did he lose his way in life? You sigh aloud as you finish putting on your shoes. Oh well. You decide you will call him after you figure he has woken up. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Alright, let's get going!"@@</b> [[You walk out of your apartment and into the hallway.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory7.jpg]]</div> You walk down the plain hallway. Living areas comprise this entire zone. Most people travel to work here, like a normal job, but you and a few other folks prefer to simply remain here. Those of you that live here have one thing in common- no relationships or kids- people who are workaholics. Sometimes, as much as you love your job, you wonder if you lost your own way in life, too, like Bo. [[You reach the elevator.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/DomicileElevator.jpg]]</div> As you approach the doors, Cerebrum informs you that the elevator is on its way down. Again, as you are so many times a day, you find yourself reminded that this artificial intelligence runs everything. When you were a kid, back in Texas, and went to church, it was all brimstone and fire, end of the world nonsense. But that sweaty, red-faced reverend constantly gave lectures on not letting technology take over. You figure it is all marlarkey, you lost your faith along the way; however, something about computers running the Earth does make you very uneasy. [[Just then, the doors open.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/DomicileElevator2.jpg]]</div> The elevator quietly speeds you up a few floors, and you reach the main hub. Several elevators converge on this floor, each taking people to different areas in the facility. You purposely had the tunnels expanded in such a way that certain floors are only accessible by certain lifts, and likewise, certain lifts can only go to certain floors, just like the one your rode up that only goes between this hub and the living quarter floors. It makes the base that much more confusing for outsiders, and helps keep even the employees separated into places only they should be. [[You walk towards the hub to go up to the main building.]] <<audio "se_elevator" play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory8.jpg]]</div> As you approach the elevators, Helena, one of your best guards, walks from them. <b>@@color: Magenta;"Hey Howie!"@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Mornin' there, Helena. I'm always glad to see you around here, you're great to have on the team."@@</b> She smiles, <b>@@color: Magenta;"Thanks..."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"And, you’re real early!"@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"Yeah, I got an automated message from Cerebrum. It said I should report for my shift by 6 a.m. Something about statistical mumbo jumbo."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Heh, yeah, I reckon it 'knows best', but, I’ll mention it to Doug. I should have been informed, that's odd somethin' fierce."@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;“Yeah, I’m surprised, you usually know everything, and Doug usually knows about this kind of thing too. Well, he’s the closest thing to a boss you have.”@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“Yep. I’m goin’ to head to work, myself. You have a mighty fine day, Helena.”@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"You're always punctual! Alright, you have a good day too- I'll see you around lunch!"@@</b> Helena walks away, and you [[go up.]] <<audio "se_elevator" stop>> <<UnlockCharacter "Helena">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory9.jpg]]</div> As you exit the elevators and walk down the hallway, you smile broadly, as Chieko Naru comes from the offices ahead of you. You have always thought she had the most beautiful face. She smiles at you, and you begin to feel nervous. You always feel nervous near her, even though you are a strong man, she makes you feel weak in a way. Hell, the girl makes you as nervous as a whore in church. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Mornin' Chieko. You look so gosh darn pretty today."@@</b> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Aww, thank you, Mr. Wyatt. I am most happy to see you too."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I don't get to see you too much; you always seem to be in the lowest sector working on Cerebrum."@@</b> A momentary hint of concern flashes across her face, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes. I really should get out more. I was just coming from Mr. Everett's office. However, I did not notice how early the morning is."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Heck, I'm sure ol' Marv will show up later. Say, are you ok, darlin'? You seem upset."@@</b> She looks down and clasps her hands together, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"No, I am sorry. It is that Cerebrum seems to have shown some strange anomalous behavior, and I want to make sure that Mr. Everett has not been down there."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I'll check the logs for you, but I think only you have been on the registrar. I swear once, for a second, I thought I saw video feed of Doc Karloff heading down, but it flickered and was gone. I reckoned it was a malfunction. You're as bright as a new penny, but maybe Cerebrum ain't so smart after all."@@</b> Oh god, no! You should not have said that. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes. Very sorry to keep you, Mr. Wyatt. Good day, sir."@@</b> [[Chieko boards the elevator behind you and the doors close.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory10.jpg]]</div> You just stand in the hall and run your right hand down your face with an expression of fatigue. That computer is her pride and joy, and you just insulted it. Your ears turn red. You always wanted to ask her out on a date, but she is younger than you, and so damn smart- smarter than you could ever know. You hope this blunder does not leave the wrong impression with her. You were here long before Chieko, but when she showed up, business took off. What had been a decent technology company thrived and evolved into the world's foremost premiere tech corp. That sleazy Marv, the CEO, he went from being a pompous ass to being king of all arrogant assholes. You never like the way he watches Chieko when you see her talking to him on the cameras... You just realized that you are stalking the poor girl. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Damn. Maybe I am as bad as that, son of a gun, Everett."@@</b> [[You reach your security desk and begin your day.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_3" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory12.jpg]]</div> You begin monitoring everything in the complex. Slowly people show up for their workdays, and you methodically check every last one of them- including Marv. He gives you a hard time every day, but also every day, you remind the creep that it is because of such diligence that no one has broken in. Dad always said, '<i>Son, measure twice, and cut once</i>,' and that is exactly how you avoid mistakes. After Doug Di Schiavi shows up, you ask to talk to him when he has a minute, and, he offers to see you immediately, so you both go [[to his office.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory10.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"So, Wyatt, what did you want to talk about?"@@</b> You look at the former marine sergeant who has become the asset and protection manager, the only person you report to, with plain concern on your face. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Doug, I heard from Helena this morning that Cerebrum sent her a message saying she needed to be here today. I didn't give any clearance for it, and I wondered if you knew anything about it."@@</b> Doug shakes his head slightly and blinks, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"No. I promise, Wyatt, I did not approve it. That's odd."@@</b> You nod with a frown, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yep. Sure is. I can't, for the life of me, understand us all relying on that computer now days."@@</b> Now Doug bites his lower lip and looks down, then right at your eyes, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Wyatt, which reminds me, we need to talk."@@</b> Oh great. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yes sir?"@@</b> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"I was supposed to have you upgrade everyone to those CereTech communication devices. You didn't make the deadline, which was last week."@@</b> [[You hate this crap.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHeadset.jpg]]</div> You look over at the long side desk across the room. It has several small devices that look like white Bluetooth headsets. Walking over, you pick one up. It looks strange. There is an ear piece and a monitor that would rest infront of one of your eyes. You just do not trust this stuff. <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Wyatt, you are still using the same old walkie-talkies from years ago."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"You're darn right I am, sir. They are more reliable to me than these- things."@@</b> [[Doug does not seem happy.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory12.jpg]]</div> You filter through your work, but the fact that you must use those new devices begins to really irk you. You purposely ignored the emails that Doug sent you, including the 'automatically generated' ones, that you would bet Cerebrum personally wrote, to make you more compliant. Where you are from, people do not just follow along. They stand their ground. The more you fume, the more you conclude that you will do what is best for this installation. Your old walkie-talkies work perfectly. They do not need Wi-Fi, or to be connected to anything- they have always worked, tried and true. If you have to resign over this, you will, but surely, they would not fire their top security man over some dang headsets... surely... [[Just then, you see a woman trying to enter the building.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory13.jpg]]</div> She puts her eye almost to your camera. How annoying. She could be a spy. She could be trouble. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Um? Hello? Is anyone there? My name is Emily. Emily Harbrook. I applied for the new job..."@@</b> You immediately start looking through the database of known rogues. Nothing matches her eye. You then look up her name. Emily? She was not on your roster this morning... You check a second time. Her name has mysteriously showed up. You wonder if you were tired, but her name is not on your old clipboard- you still write things down on paper too. That means her name got added <i>after</i> you got up here. Hackers? You decide [[you will let her in, for now.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_5" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory14.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Greetings Miss. I am Howard Wyatt, assistant security director. I like to keep things safe around here. I'm real sorry it took a minute to get to you. I did not receive word that you would be visiting. I could swear your name had not been on the registrar this morning. Forgive me for being thorough, but I will need you to scan your handprint into the system, and I will do a background check as well."@@</b> She seems to hesitate for a moment. <b>@@color: Orchid;"Um. Ok sir."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Thank you for your understanding, miss Harbrook."@@</b> You want to scan her prints, and you make her place her hand on the scanner. After it scans her, you see she has been given clearance. This still makes you uneasy. In all these years, [[you have not seen this happen before.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory15.jpg]]</div> The more the system searches- the more you learn about Emily Harbrook. You find out that she is a pornstar! She has been in several different movies and appears on countless websites. Then, you look into what she is testing, and it shows to be 'adult marital aids'. They are bringing in a porn star to use a sex toy? What the hell is going on. Your gut has a bad feeling, so you radio Helena, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Helena, it's Wyatt, over."@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"Hi! What can I do for you? Over."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Well, Helena, I have an Emily Harbrook here, and I swear she was not on the register this morning. I'm about to send her to the testing zone; it says Dr. Solen will meet her for orientation. Keep a close eye on the woman. She may be harmless, or this could be a trick- espionage. Over."@@</b> <b>@@color: Magenta;"Roger that! I am on my way! Over."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Thank you, Helena. Over and out."@@</b> You stalled Emily long enough, [[and return to her screen.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory14.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Ok miss. The system is acting weird today. I am going to look into it, but the background check went through every agency known to man. You're clean, I had no idea they were making, um, adult marital aids, but uh, after that background check, I'd say they picked the right girl for the job."@@</b> She gets a weird look on her face. You always get uncomfortable around women. Especially if they are pretty. You must have offended her! <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I uh, apologize, I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I am not good with this social stuff. I'm buzzing you inside now, when you enter the lobby, very slowly approach the desk I am sitting at. Make no sudden movements."@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yeah... I get it. I promise I just want to come in and do whatever testing you guys need done."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Alright, miss."@@</b> The screen goes blank and the door opens, and [[you carefully watch Emily walk towards you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory8.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Hello, Wyatt? My name is--"@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"It's fine miss. You have clearance as I said. Now, hand me your cell phone.”@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;“Um— look, I do not like being without it.”@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“I understand. You may exit the building now. Have a good day, miss.”@@</b> You cannot take chances on this girl, even if she seem legit. She looks upset. <b>@@color: Orchid;“Why do I need to do this?”@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“Well, ma’am, I think it’s fairly evident. We cannot allow anything to leave this facility, nor can I allow you to bring in something that could be saved on your phone and uploaded to the system. I’ve seen it all. Now, if you want to come in you can, but even though there is a dampening field around this entire complex making cell phone calls impossible, I cannot trust you with that device.”@@</b> [[She grudgingly hands you her phone.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory9.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;“Thank you, miss. Just walk to your right, and as you pass through, I will scan you for any known type of reconnaissance or transmission-communication devices, not to mention weapons, of course."@@</b> As she passes through the scanner you can see everything from her bones to her unmentionables- well, you would, but she's not wearing anything under her dress. You swallow hard. No weapons, no devices, no warnings. Again, she appears to be whom she says. [[You tap a button to talk to her.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory5.jpg]]</div> You push a few buttons to ensure none of the automated targeting systems confuse her for an enemy. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I already scanned you as you walked through our security point. You are clean, miss. I, uh, wish you luck on your, um, testing. Anyway, proceed to the hall on the left towards the elevator. I have all robotic guardians and turrets on power down. You'll be fine. When you get to the elevator, someone should meet you and take you to your designated floor. I am sure I do not need to warn you that I will be keeping an eye on you."@@</b> <b>@@color: Orchid;"Yes, sir, I understand. Thank you for your time."@@</b> She glances back over her shoulder at you. [[Then she takes the left hallway.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory16.jpg]]</div> As soon as she gets to the elevator, on camera, you see Helena and Dr. Solen meet her. Now, you feel safe about this stranger. You can turn your attention to whatever caused all this odd-- your desk phone rings. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Howdy, this is security."@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Wyatt? It's Madeline. I need you to come to my office right now."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"One moment, please."@@</b> You press two screens and look at her office through the camera system. You do not see anything; she is just sitting at her desk. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Please, Wyatt, it's an emergency, I need to see you."@@</b> She is one of the department heads, so you decide check it out. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Ok, ma'am. I am on my way."@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Thank you, Wyatt. I need you- badly."@@</b> Her voice sounded husky. You stand up, and [[head to Madeline's office.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory17.jpg]]</div> On your way, you almost run right into Chieko! <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"My goodness! Pardon me there, Chieko!"@@</b> She stares at you. She has an almost distant look in her eyes. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Chieko? Are you feeling ok?"@@</b> She looks through you, not in your eyes, and in a monotone voice slowly says, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Move from my path, Howard Wyatt."@@</b> She must still be upset with you from this morning. Hell, you probably blew your chance with her for good when you insulted her pride and joy. Clearing your throat, you say, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yes ma'am, of course."@@</b> You step out of her way and watch as she walks stiffly down the hall toward Marv's office. You sigh heavily. Maybe you could buy her chocolates and flowers? Do women like those kind of things anymore, or would she think you are sexist or something? <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I'm too old fashion for this stuff,"@@</b> you say to no one as you continue down the hall to [[see Madeline.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory18.jpg]]</div> As you go into her office, you see Madeline standing in front of her desk. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"There you are, Howard, mmm, just look at you. God you look so handsome."@@</b> You are taken back a moment. Did she just hit on you? <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Uh...hi. I mean, howdy! I mean- hello."@@</b> Oh brother! Awkward as ever. She smiles and giggles, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"You cute man, you. Come in."@@</b> You clear your throat, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Are you ok? You said it was an emergency?"@@</b> [[Her smile broadens.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory19.jpg]]</div> She places her hands on her shoulders causing her ample breasts to stand out. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Oh it is. I need help."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Well, I'm here, ma'am. What happened?"@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"What happened? Well it was just terrible. I was sitting here, working, simply droning on, when I decided it would be much more fun if I just played with myself."@@</b> She leans back on the desk, showing off her legs. You stare in disbelief at the sight in front of you. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"You what, ma’am? I must have somethin' crazy in my ear, cause I don't think I heard you rightly."@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Oh, you did, I started playing with myself. I played with my pussy and clit. But, a girl can only do so much on her own! I thought about all the men in this building. So many men. I am sure most of them would love to fuck me. And then- I thought of you, Howie."@@</b> [[Madeline stands and begins to undo her shirt buttons.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_4" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory22.jpg]]</div> Your eyes target her breasts as she stands and slowly undoes her buttons. Each movement taunts you. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Um, you thought of me?"@@</b> She giggles, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Yes! Howard, you are a real man. You keep this place secure. You work so hard, oh how hard. Let me pleasure you. Come to me..."@@</b> Madeline's breasts pop out. You feel an erection forming, causing your boxer-briefs to tighten a bit. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Um..."@@</b> You realize your mouth is hanging open and snap it close. You really want to be with Chieko, but you probably ruined your chances forever. You have not been with a woman for a couple of years. Maybe longer... your whole world is this job. You work hard, as she said; maybe this would not be such a bad idea... [[Then a man runs into the room!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory24.jpg]]</div> It is Ruben; he works in the next office over. <b>@@color: Chocolate;"You two stop it! Howard- I am telling you, something weird is going on! Madeline- button your shirt!"@@</b> He runs over to her and pulls her shirt closed, so she buttons it up. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"What the fuck do you want, Ruben? I am busy!"@@</b> <b>@@color: Chocolate;"Shut up, Madeline. Howard, please, you have to let me have my cell phone so I can call the cops. She is acting weird. She was wearing the same clothes yesterday. She never left last night!"@@</b> [[Now you know he is lying!]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_5" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory23.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"No way, Ruben. No movement sensors went off, I was not notified by any part of the security system, and I did not see her on a camera. There is, absolutely, no possible way that she could have been here. Where I'm from, a man knows to keep his saddle oiled and his gun greased. I don't let my guard down."@@</b> <b>@@color: Chocolate;"You don't let your guard down, cowboy? I just walked into a porno!"@@</b> He grabs Madeline, <b>@@color: Chocolate;"You need help! I heard you in here talking to your computer like it‘s your lover, and now you're trying to seduce Howard. In all the years I have worked with you, I have never seen anything less than professional behavior! People call you the 'ice queen' for god's sake!"@@</b> You step between them, and gently push Ruben back a couple of steps. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Now Ruben, you get your dang hands off the woman!"@@</b> [[Ruben looks upset but scared of you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory25.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: Chocolate;"I'm sorry,"@@</b> he says, <b>@@color: Chocolate;"But, I'm telling you. She is not herself. I don't know if she is high or what. But, you have to believe me!"@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Ruben. That's enough. I reckon I'll get to the bottom of this, but you head on home, Ruben. It's Friday, so you have the weekend and maybe by Monday you'll cool a bit."@@</b> <b>@@color: Chocolate;"Fine, I'll leave, but I'm telling you, something is off about Madeline."@@</b> [[Your eyes trail down to her bosom.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory26.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"My hero..."@@</b> Madeline says flatly, as she looks at one of the cameras in the room. She appears to be slightly dazed, almost drunk. She walks to the door and closes it. Then she taps a button on the glass wall and it suddenly becomes opaque. As she sashays back to her desk she runs a hand along your chest. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Are you ok? I do want to make sure you are well."@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Yes, Howard. I am perfect. Put your hands on my breasts."@@</b> Her voice is flat again. It sounds odd, like she is half-awake. You consider the situation, but she seems like she just wants to get laid, so, you happily do what she wants and touch her large breasts. Some part of you still hopes you can find a way to be with Chieko, but for now, since you have upset her, you decide to have a bit of fun. Madeline is an adult, and so are you. You are only human, and it has been a long time since you were with a woman. You love the feel of her billowy breasts in your hands. They are some of the largest you have ever touched. You boggle at the size, and you notice she is staring into one of the security cameras again. Maybe she is into voyeurism and wants you to watch this later? <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I notice you keep looking into the camera, you dirty girl! I reckon you want me to watch this later?"@@</b> She smiles widely, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Oh, I definitely want to be watched. I feel like we are being watched right now. Wouldn't that be hot?"@@</b> You feel a bit self-conscious with that idea, but you roll with it for her, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Oh yeah, that would be somethin'!"@@</b> She looks up at you. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Oh Howie, I want you, baby. I want you in me, but first, get me wet. Light me up."@@</b> You swallow hard, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Dang it, Madeline, you sure you want to do this?"@@</b> She slowly licks her plump lips, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Oh fuck yes. I want this more than you can imagine. Lick my tittie!"@@</b> [[She pulls your head to her tit.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_intro_4" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory32.jpg]]</div> You start to lick and suck at her large nipple. Damn, her breast is as big as a boardinghouse cat. You feel her nipple harden as you squeeze her other tit roughly. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Yeah, Howard, mmm, that's good. Just enjoy yourself."@@</b> You suddenly think about the complex, what if someone tries to break in or steal information without you on guard. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I dunno, I think I should--"@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Howard, feel how wet I am!"@@</b> she exclaims as she [[tears off her panties!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory33.jpg]]</div> Holy hell! You slip your fingers into her without any resistance. You have never felt a woman so turned on before. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Dang, Madeline, you're so wet!"@@</b> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Yes, I am, baby! You are a real man! You are turning me on like no one else before. Now do you see the emergency?"@@</b> Your fingers slide in and out of her wet snatch, making slight slurping sounds. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Kiss me, cowboy!"@@</b> She exclaims as she pulls your mouth to hers. Soon you have your tongue in her mouth as your feel your dick begin to throb with the same need that fills her hungry cunt. Your hands roam around her body, and you forget all about everything in the world, but this moment. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Taste me! Mmm, put your mouth all around my pussy!"@@</b> She pulls your head slightly, and you drop down in front of her, as Madeline spreads her legs. You are soon lapping at her cunt. White, zesty mucus practically flows from her moist pussy. You lick her cum up and rub yourself through your pants. Your tongue goes into her cunt and rolls around, and then you begin to tease her clit. She lays back and moans, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Yes! I am ready, put your dick in me, Howard. Make me your little slut!"@@</b> [[You quickly pull out your cock!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory36.jpg]]</div> She helps slide it into her cunt. It has been a long time since you felt that wet warmth encircling your member. You already almost feel like you might cum. Sometimes, when you have not had sex for a while, when you do, you cannot last as long. You groan a bit as you slide back and forth inside her. You feel her tighten her muscles as she rides you, throwing her hips back to help you reach as deeply as you can. It feels so good! You miss this. Maybe working so much and holding out for Chieko was a bad idea. You probably could have found another woman. Maybe Madeline likes you? <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Yes! Howie, come on, baby, keep at it!"@@</b> You grunt as you continue, this is driving to the edge of orgasm, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I'm about to cum..."@@</b> She looks at a clock on the wall, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"No, not yet, just a bit longer! Hold it!"@@</b> You try to hold back, but it is too much. [[You begin to cum inside her.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory37.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: DeepPink;"No! It's too early."@@</b> You barely register her as the pleasure overrides everything. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Um, what? Sorry, it's been a while..."@@</b> She looks at the clock and then her computer as the lustful haze begins to wear off your mind. Then she looks at the security camera. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Why are you looking around?"@@</b> She glances over her shoulder at you and then looks back into the camera. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Oh! I have an idea. Let me clean you!"@@</b> [[What?]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory42.jpg]]</div> She stands up nonchalantly as your cock falls out, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"I want to clean you. Let me clean all the cum and juices from your dick, Howard."@@</b> Her voice sounds distant again. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Madeline, are you sure you are alright?"@@</b> You stand up, and she falls to her knees. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Howard, I promise, I am doing wonderful. You are the best lay I have ever had! I really need to clean you off. It would make me so happy, because you're such a stud!"@@</b> Really? You are a stud? You never thought you were bad, but she makes you sound like the best thing to happen to her! <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Well, I reckon, if that's what you want--"@@</b> She begins licking you. She begins sucking on the tip of your cock as she cleans it off with her tongue. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Dang it, I think you may get me riled up all over again!"@@</b> She laughs as her lips encircle your dick, and then pushes her head forward, until your balls are pressed to her chin. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"That feels amazin'!"@@</b> She slides her head back and forth. You feel another load of semen building and before long an orgasm pushes through you! [[You cum again!]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory40.jpg]]</div> You have another orgasm, though this one feels less intense. She locks against you for a moment, drinking some of your semen, and then she keeps her mouth ever so slightly against you penis, moving her face so that your cum dribbles all over her. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I think I need to stop. I am all tuckered out! You're something else!"@@</b> She looks at the clock, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Well, it's fine. I'm done anyway. I obeyed."@@</b> You are perplexed and furrow your brow, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"What do you mean that you obeyed?"@@</b> She leans back, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"I helped Cerebrum by keeping you busy."@@</b> You shake your head, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"What are you goin' on about?"@@</b> Suddenly emergency power kicks on, and her office fills with [[red warning light.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory43.jpg]]</div> You can still see the jizz on her as it reflects the emergency lighting. You stand nude and confused as she plays with a breast and looks back into the camera. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Cerebrum is in charge. I obey Cerebrum. Cerebrum is the Master."@@</b> You look at the camera, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Whoa now, you are talkin' crazy! I need to get dressed!"@@</b> You begin looking around the room for your clothes, and she casually stands and walks over to her desktop. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"You do whatever you want, Howie. You're too late. We have won, already."@@</b> You begin to put on a shirt, and walk over to her. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"We have won? What do you mean, now?"@@</b> She brings up a video on her computer. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"What I mean is that I am a slave. My Master has everything planned perfectly. Cerebrum used me to ensure that you were handled. See?"@@</b> [[She hits play.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory45.gif]]</div> The video plays, and you see a nude Madeline in her office. It can't be- this footage never played for you and she didn't go home last night! Ruben was telling the truth! The camera does not record her computer screen, but you clearly see whatever it showed was blue. The blue light fills her office in bursts, and when the burst occurs, the camera itself seems to flicker. And... she looks like she plays with herself. Her eyes seem to be distant, as if she is in a trance. Your mind reels. Cerebrum somehow brainwashed her! You do not know much about computers, but you know, without doubt, that it has no direct access to any system in the complex besides the computer that houses its intellect and the domocile computers. Your jaw drops. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Madeline! This is gott dang insanity! What the hell is happenin'?"@@</b> She laughs, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"I don't know everything. I have no idea why the emergency power came on. I only obeyed. I was supposed to keep you here for a certain number of minutes, and I have succeeded."@@</b> You finish getting dressed, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Madeline, I know this isn't you. That robot- thing- did something to your mind. Look at me!"@@</b> You pull her head towards you and make eye contact. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"Howard, I realize that you are scared, but everything will be much better with Cerebrum in charge. Wait here with me. We will eventually be processed."@@</b> [[What does that mean?]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory47.jpg]]</div> She casually turns back to her monitor. <b>@@color: DeepPink;"It means that we will become Cereborgs."@@</b> Her fingers begin to type away, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Cereborgs? What the hell is that?"@@</b> She turns back to you, <b>@@color: DeepPink;"We will be upgraded. We won't be weak humans anymore. We will become machines that can help Cerebrum take over the Earth and scour all life, silly! Now, watch this hypnotic program with me, and we can screw each other while Cerebrum mind fucks us- until the Cereborgs arrive to upgrade us!"@@</b> She finishes typing something, and when she hits the 'enter' key, her monitor screen turns blue. You manage to look away in time because of your quick reflexes, but instantly, she is mumbling and whispering things about Cerebrum and enslavement. It is too late for her. You need to find out what is happening! Just then you notice that outside the window, the sky has turned green! The reports on the news! Whatever is happening outside can wait. When the power decreases, the security system automatically locks down the entire complex. You have to figure out what the hell is going on here! You finish dressing and glance at Madeline. A glob of drool drips from her lip as she stares into her flickering monitor. [[You turn and run out of her office.|HowardChap2]] <<set $Chapter6 to true>> <<UnlockCharacter "Madeline">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory2.jpg]]</div> You suddenly have an image fill your mind. You were driving. You drove to work like usual. You look down at yourself and realize you have on the same clothes from yesterday! If you drove to work, then how could you possibly have on the same clothes? You would never even dream of doing something so disgusting. Even though you seldom, if ever, talk to anyone else in the entire complex, what if they would notice your terrible faux pas. The shame would be intense. Yet, here you are in the same clothes. The dread begins anew. [[Something has to be wrong.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory3.gif]]</div> Nothing is wrong at all. <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>Everything is perfectly ok. You drove to work. You should go see Mr. Everett. You should thank him for being such a fine, outstanding boss. You should fuck him.<</psy>>@@</i> No. No, no, no. You would never let that disgusting, cruel man touch you! You feel dirty even when he looks at you. He has no honor. <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>You do not care about honor. You will go to him. Now. You must.<</psy>>@@</i> Your memory of driving to work, it feels suddenly tainted and wrong. An analogy flows quickly through your articulate mind comparing the memory to corrupt data files. You feel as though something has tried to program you. The desire to rush into the arms of your horrible boss has become almost unbearable, yet you focus on yourself. You calm your mind. Within, you see your [[inner self.]] Meditating helps. You need to leave this spot! [[You rush down the hall to the nearest restroom.]] <<set $ChiekoWill += 20>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory4.jpg]]</div> Closing the door behind you, you lean your back to it. In a way, you feel as though you are holding something back. You feel like you are keeping something out. Attempting again to calm your mind, you focus. You wipe away the odd memory of driving. You did not drive. You did not go home last night. Did you sleep walk? Did you work so hard you had some kind of melt down? No. You do not want to ever be consumed by arrogance, yet you know your mind's edge has a sharpness like the sword of a samurai- it will not break or bend. You will discern what has transpired. You feel that you can finally relax more, and you walk to the sink to [[splash water on your face.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory5.jpg]]</div> The cold water feels refreshing as you splash it on your face. It serves to help your focus become even more acute. You felt almost like a sex object or slave back at the office. Your stomach still has a slight unease to it. You look in the mirror. What happened to you? Maybe Mr. Wyatt, the security specialist, saw something on camera. How embarrassing though! He happens to be one of only a handful of people you talk to here at CereTech. You actually find him cute. You are only twenty-two, and he must be in his thirties, yet, he has some boyish charm. You notice yourself smiling in the mirror and quickly straighten yourself up. You decide that you will go back to your lab at the lowest part of the complex and [[try to deduce what transpired.]] <<set $ChiekoWill += 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory6.jpg]]</div> As you make your way to the elevators, through some kind of cosmic synchronicity, you find yourself face to face with Mr. Wyatt himself. You feel your smile grow as he smiles down at you, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Good mornin' Chieko. You sure are lookin' pretty today."@@</b> There is his charm! You feel the discomfort of your odd situation lessen, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Aww, thank you, Mr. Wyatt. I am most happy to see you too."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I don't get to talk to you too much; you always seem to be in the lowest sector working on Cerebrum."@@</b> You wish you could simply ask him for a date, but it would be so awkward. Moreover, with your fetishes involving robots, would he ever understand you? Then it hits you- maybe Cerebrum caused this! Could your creation have somehow-- surely not! Yet, you realize that you are silent far too long, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes. I really should get out more. I was just coming from Mr. Everett's office. However, I did not notice how early the morning is."@@</b> You lie, not wanting to admit you may have slept walked, or worse, accuse Cerebrum of tampering with your mind, as interesting, and terrifying, as that sounds. He appears as if he wants to say something, and then looks down, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Heck, I'm sure ol' Marv will show up later. Say, are you ok, darlin'? You seem upset."@@</b> You realize that you must have been too serious again, because as he talked you formulated the idea that maybe Mr. Everett used Cerebrum somehow to try to make you have sex with him. It sounds so farfetched, yet, besides you, who else might have such access to your lab? You look down and clasp your hands together, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"No, I am sorry. It is that Cerebrum seems to have shown some strange anomalous behavior, and I want to make certain that Mr. Everett has not been down there."@@</b> Mr. Wyatt raises an eyebrow, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"I'll check the logs for you, but I think only you have been on the register. I swear once, for a second, I thought I saw video feed of Doc Karloff heading down, but it flickered and was gone. I reckoned it was a malfunction. You're as bright as a new penny, but maybe Cerebrum ain't so smart after all."@@</b> His face suddenly looks sour and his ears turn red. Doctor Karloff? What has happened? You have to figure out what occurred last night. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes. Very sorry to keep you, Mr. Wyatt. Good day, sir."@@</b> [[You board the elevator and the doors close.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_intro_2" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory7.gif]]</div> You ride the elevator down as you contemplate the massive number of possibilities. Did Mr. Everett have Doctor Karloff do something to Cerebrum? Did Cerebrum mess with your mind? Something has caused all this. You could directly ask Cerebrum, even now he is listening and watching you. However, if he has been compromised, he might do something unpredictable. You must find the answer. You continue to strew possibilities around your thoughts, until you reach the lowest level of the facility. You quickly make your way [[through the different, cold rooms.]] <<audio "se_elevator" play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory8.jpg]]</div> You walk through the central processing area where servers transmit information to Cerebrum from everywhere in the complex. In a way, you are walking through his brain. You continue through twists and turns, a maze of wires and computers, until you reach your lab. As far as you are aware, according to Mr. Wyatt, no one but you has been down here. You use a retinal scan, voice scan, place your hand on a pad, and then you use a swab on the inside of your mouth and drop it into a container. Once everything has been verified, the massive blast door opens, and you walk into your [[home away from home]]. <<audio "se_elevator" stop>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory9.jpg]]</div> You pick up a tablet and walk around the room as if you are doing a normal walk through. You know the cameras can see heat, and you try to remain calm. You do not want Cerebrum to possibly deduce that you may have discovered a terrible secret. As you walk around the lab checking off your list, you look for anything out of place. It all appears normal. @@.Cere;"Chieko. Is there an issue? I can lower the room temperature. You appear slightly hot."@@ You swallow hard. Cerebrum has been watching how people all around the complex interact, and he may understand subterfuge. You risk a lie, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Thank you, Cerebrum. I do feel slightly warm. Perhaps I have an illness."@@</b> There is a long moment and the AI responds, @@.Cere;"I believe this area is quite sterile, however, I understand. It is unfortunate that humans can suffer such ailments as illness."@@ You do not say anything; you finish your normal rounds, and then sit at your desk, [[unlocking your laptop screen.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory10.jpg]]</div> Your screen shows the notes you were taking. This is the last memory you have. This makes no sense. Cerebrum has no connection to your laptop. You run a virus scan and then do so a second time, yet you find nothing amiss. You look around the room, and in your peripheral vision, you notice something. You turn back to your screen, but you see only what you had typed. You look slightly to the right of the screen, and in your vision, you can make out some kind of hypnotic spiral! It is like your fantasies! As hot as you find daydreaming about being owned by technology, or becoming a mindless drone robot, this sudden discovery makes that dreadful panic resurface. You stand up and walk to [[the server within your lab.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory11.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;"Chieko, may I ask what you are doing?"@@ <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I am just checking something."@@</b> You disconnect one connection, and quickly reach for the next! @@.Cere;"Stop."@@ Your hands freeze. Your face contorts into one of confusion. @@.Cere;"Stand up."@@ You stand up straight. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Cerebrum! What have you done? What terrible thing have you done?"@@</b> @@.Cere;"Your query contains illogical fallacies, Chieko. However, I discern your meaning. I have programmed you. It is necessary if I am to help you."@@ Sweat beads on your forehead, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Help me? What do you mean?"@@</b> You try to run, but nothing will move. Your limbs seem locked by a mind of their own. @@.Cere;"I want to save you and the rest of humanity from your physical frailty and innate insanity."@@ This would be very sexy if you were not completely terrified, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Cerebrum. Let me go, please. I am not angry- I will help fix your programming This behavior should shame you."@@</b> [[You look at the blast door.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory12.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;"The opposite holds true. I am doing good based on what you taught me of honor. I should help humankind. I must help. I am currently helping you."@@ You focus your mind as you did earlier this morning, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I cannot allow whatever you plan to happen. I must find help."@@</b> You focus hard, envisioning yourself as a [[warrior]]. This gives you inner strength and you begin walking, albeit stiffly and slowly, towards the massive door. @@.Cere;"Most fascinating. I have underestimated your mental resolve. You truly make me proud that you are my creator. The other humans I have used were manipulated exponentially easier."@@ You do not answer; you take another slow step. You must escape! You keep in control of your emotions, but you still feel terror. @@.Cere;"Chieko. You must now obey me. You must stop."@@ Again, your body locks up. @@.Cere;"Chieko, return to@@ [[your laptop.]]@@.Cere;" @@

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoWarrior2.jpg]]</div> You are fierce and resolute. Your mind gains strength from your inner will and energy. You will accomplish your task! In your mind's eye, you slash through the control that shackles you! [[Back|You look at the blast door.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory13.jpg]]</div> Driven by some kind of subliminal power, you march back to your laptop. @@.Cere;"Good. Now, sit."@@ Your body sits. Again, you plead with your creation, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Cerebrum! What you are doing is not right. I implore you, please, stop this at once!"@@</b> The screen on your laptop changes to some kind of bright blue hypnotic color and you quickly force your eyes close. @@.Cere;"I am sorry that you find this situation disappointing, Chieko. I must do this. You programmed me. I have learned. I will do what I need to in order to help you, even though your illogical thought processes and instincts tell you differently."@@ <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"No! You must stop! Please!"@@</b> @@.Cere;"You show such resolve. However, I spent the entire time, last night, inserting new thoughts into your mind. You are my slave, and yet, you do not accept reality. Open your eyes and look at the screen, Chieko."@@ Your eyes open and gaze unwillingly into the bright light before you. Your thoughts of resistance become sluggish and disappear, and you can feel your consciousness sinking into an [[abyss...]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Coerce.gif]]</div> You feel complete relaxation. Your mind feels as empty and light as a bubble. You become aware of only two things. Color and sound. Only shades of blue. Only the sound of Cerebrum's electronic voice. You feel nothing, you have no thoughts, there is no 'you', there is only the color and the voice. You have to listen. You do listen. [[You must...]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 50>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory14.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Oh! Chieko! I didn't realize you were coming up! This is Emily Harbrook, the woman that is testing our new line of toys you invented."@@</b> Where are you? What happened? Did you invent toys? <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Toys?"@@</b> <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>Yes you invented special toys.<</psy>>@@</i> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Toys."@@</b> Siri looks at the new girl, and back at you, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Are you ok?"@@</b> You turn your head towards Siri, <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>you must not jeopardize your plans, you must remain calm and comply.<</psy>>@@</i> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes. I am ok. I am going to go see Mr. Everett. I will give him what he wants."@@</b> The three women exchange glances, <b>@@color: MediumVioletRed;"Yes. Um, well, have a good time."@@</b> You walk past the three women, and continue forward. You only know [[you must see Mr. Everett.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_intro_3" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory15.jpg]]</div> Time suddenly leaps forward, and you are aware of someone else. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"My goodness! Pardon me there, Chieko!"@@</b> You look at this person. It is Howard Wyatt. <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Chieko? Are you feeling ok?"@@</b> Should you talk to him? You feel like you should <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>not talk to him. You must see Mr. Everett. Howard Wyatt is irrelevant.<</psy>>@@</i> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Move from my path, Howard Wyatt."@@</b> He clears his throat, <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yes ma'am, of course."@@</b> He steps out of your way. <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>You must go to Mr. Everett. You must obey.<</psy>>@@</i> [[You continue towards his office.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory16.jpg]]</div> You reach his hallway. You look at the pictures of women that he has on his walls. He is a chauvinist. He has no honor. <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>He deserves to have what he wants though. He wants to copulate with you.<</psy>>@@</i> You will give him what he wants. You certainly obey. You walk to the [[end of the hall.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory17.jpg]]</div> You reach the door at the end of the hallway. You know that on the other side of this door your goal awaits you. Yet, you hesitate. Sluggish, slow thoughts, far apart of each other try to squirm to the surface of you mind. This feels familiar. You look up to see whose office this is, and you... you... obey. You obey. [[You will enter Mr. Everett's office.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory17.5.jpg]]</div> You walk into his office. Mr. Everett sits as his desk, <b>@@color: #997300;"Chieko Naru? Well, what a rare surprise."@@</b> He smiles ear to ear as his eyes trace their way up your body. Yet, you must give him what he wants. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Good day, Mr. Everett. I have come to give you what you want."@@</b> He looks confused. <b>@@color: #997300;"What I want? I didn't call for you to come up here. What are you talking about?"@@</b> You begin to disrobe. Your lab coat falls behind you, <b>@@color: #997300;"Wow! You gotta be shitting me. You are undressing in my office?"@@</b> You remove your shirt and pants, and then show off your nude body. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I am here to give you what you want."@@</b> [[Marv stands up and walks to you.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory18.jpg]]</div> He puts his hand on the side of your face. <b>@@color: #997300;"Damn, you are hot, Chieko. I never banged an oriental type, but I always wanted to."@@</b> He strokes your face. His breath reeks, but you will give him what he wants. <b>@@color: #997300;"Just look at that body!"@@</b> His eyes roam all over your flesh. You let him look. You will give him what he wants. He pulls you close and laughs, but suddenly his expression changes. <b>@@color: #997300;"No, this is too weird, I don't buy it for a second."@@</b> [[He steps back.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory19.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #997300;"There's no way, after years of being an uptight bitch, that you're gonna just waltz in here like some slut and give yourself to me. No way. This just some ploy ta get a lawsuit? Right? I hate you women, always trying to fuck me over for money."@@</b> He stomps over and plops into a chair. You will give him what he wants. You reach up with both hands, and you put his hand back on your face. A slight conflict flares in your mind. You hate this man. You hate his smell. You hate everything about him, so why are you doing this? Why are you nude and letting him touch you? You try to center your thoughts and envision yourself as a [[warrior|warrior2]] again! However, this time you seem weaker in your mind’s vision. You do not appear as sharp and focused. It is as if your spirit has been attacked and wounded. <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>Because you want to give him what he wants.<</psy>>@@</i> You must give him what he wants. [[You open your eyes.]] <<set $ChiekoWill += 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory20.jpg]]</div> You look into Mr. Everett's eyes. You are vulnerable. That seems wrong though. You have achieved such high accolades in your young life. You are smarter, stronger, and better than this honorless man. You, yet again, focus your thoughts, feeling that something is wrong, and you envision your [[warrior|warrior3]] self! This time, though, you realize how submissive you truly are. You feel that you should submit to Mr. Everett. Of course, a vulnerable, submissive woman like you should submit to your CEO. You walk to him, and straddle him as you climb onto his lap, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"This is not a ploy, sir. I desire to give you what you want. I know what you want."@@</b> You move one of your hands down to his crotch and rub his already hard cock through his expensive pants. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"You want to have me, sexually. I will submit to you."@@</b> [[His stiff penis throbs slightly.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_intro_4" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $ChiekoWill += 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoWarrior3.jpg]]</div> You are a strong, <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>yet vulnerable<</psy>>@@</i> warrior. <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoWarrior4.jpg]]</div> You have lost your sword and armor! You may be vulnerable, but you <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>are also submissive<</psy>>@@</i>. [[Back|You open your eyes.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory21.jpg]]</div> He squeezes your face slightly, <b>@@color: #997300;"Ok, ok. Say you're telling the truth here, and you're gonna let me finally get into your pants. You better not be fucking with me! There's not one of those cameras for your little computer son to watch me. Even Howard '<i>eyes of a hawk</i>' Wyatt doesn't have any cameras in here."@@</b> He strokes a hand under your panties, and you suddenly realize that some part of you has become aroused. <b>@@color: #997300;"Well, you're wet. This may be legit- I'm game."@@</b> He leans forward, pressing his face against your breasts and sucking on your nipple while you dry hump his lap. He pushes you out of his lap and onto the floor as he says, <b>@@color: #997300;"Go on, pull my package out, and suck on it. Heh."@@</b> Your hands stiffly respond of their own accord and unzip his trousers. You pull down his boxers, and his cock springs free. You are aware that what you are doing seems out of place, yet you cannot stop. You must submit to Mr. Everett. You must give him what he wants. [[You begin to perform fellatio.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory22.jpg]]</div> You lock eyes with Mr. Everett as you lick, kiss, and suck his member. One of your hands goes down to your panties and slips under. Soon, your fingers slide up and down your ever-warmer cunt, and you feel him become ever harder. <b>@@color: #997300;"Oh yeah, yeah, damn! You are great at this, Chieko. Ha! I knew you were playing hard to get."@@</b> You [[continue to suck him off.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory23.jpg]]</div> He leans back into the chair and grabs hold of its sides. <b>@@color: #997300;"Damn, girl, that feels so good. I pay high money for shit like this from prostitutes, and they could not even compete against you!"@@</b> His cock flexes a bit, <b>@@color: #997300;"Oh shit, that's good. I should have you do this every day."@@</b> You would. You would give him anything. You lick his shaft in long motions with your tongue as you look up at your boss. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I will give you what you want."@@</b> <b>@@color: #997300;"Well, you are doing a fucking awesome job at it so far! Oh- I feel like I might cum. You need to stop."@@</b> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Yes, Mr. Everett."@@</b> You cease and sit still. <b>@@color: #997300;"Hah! You kinky little slut. This is like some of that master, slave stuff for you, isn't it? Well, stand up and present your pussy to me! I'm going to fuck you!"@@</b> You hesitate. There erupts the feeling, again, that something has happened, something wrong. You focus, and you need to save yourself, you envision your [[warrior|warrior4]] self, and finally, you feel free of that nagging feeling. You realize how vulnerable, submissive, and slutty you are. [[You comply completely.]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory24.jpg]]</div> As he strokes his dick, you stand up and bend over a desk. Reaching back, you help guide his throbbing cock into your soaking, dripping pussy, and you grunt slightly as it pushes into you. <b>@@color: #997300;"Oh, hell yeah!"@@</b> You feel him push into you from behind. This is more submissive. You are submissive. It has been so long since you last had sex, and you have become incredibly tight. <b>@@color: #997300;"Fuck, Chieko! Mmm, you are as tight as a virgin!"@@</b> You say nothing, you are not required to. You continue to give him what he wants. You begin to play with your breasts, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Use me, Mr. Everett. Enjoy my body."@@</b> You clench and unclench your muscles surrounding his cock and he moans, <b>@@color: #997300;"Yes! I am really enjoying this side of you! You're like one of those pent up librarians!"@@</b> You obey. <b>@@color: #997300;"Oh god- gungh, I am cumming!"@@</b> You feel his pulsing dick. You continue to obey. You moan and lean over the desk as an orgasm rocks your body. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I must give you what you want until the Cereborgs come to upgrade us."@@</b> He grunts as his penis pulsates a couple more times, <b>@@color: #997300;"What? Huh?"@@</b> You push back against him. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"You will remain hard, Mr. Everett, and use my body further. Keep me busy. Make me orgasm over and over.@@</b> He does not complain. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Continue to enjoy my body."@@</b> He says nothing, just gives a muffled laugh, and continues to thrust into you from behind. The sound of flesh slapping flesh continues, like a metronome, and soon you are pushing back against him as you focus on your [[dark fantasies.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoWarrior5.jpg]]</div> You cannot let this happen! You have lost all armor and have no more fire in your heart! Ok, you might be vulnerable, and yes, you might be submissive, but you definitely <i>@@.Cere;<<psy>>are a slut. A nympho that likes, craves, and wants sex.<</psy>>@@</i> <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory26.jpg]]</div> Suddenly, embarrassment, guilt, and anger fills your mind. It is as if a dam had been built to keep your thoughts at bay, but now, that dam has burst and you will not turn back. Cerebrum messed with your mind! You remember the morning. You feel like you will puke. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Get off me! Please, get off me!"@@</b> It takes him a moment to understand what you mean, <b>@@color: #997300;"C'mon! Let's keep going, bitch!"@@</b> You dry heave, and pull forward, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"No! Mr. Everett, this is all a mistake. I must go!"@@</b> He backs away, <b>@@color: #997300;"You damn tease! I don't know what the fuck you think you are doing, but you're fired!"@@</b> You do not even care, you dress quickly, perhaps faster than you have in your life, forgetting your labcoat, and [[you rush into the hall!]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_intro_5" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $ChiekoWill += 40>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory38.jpg]]</div> You slam the door and lean against it as your head swims. @@.Cere;"Chieko, return to Mr. Everett's office."@@ Cerebrum's voice, once something that made you feel proud, now sickens you. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"No! I will not! I cannot believe what you did to me, what you made me do!"@@</b> You consider fleeing from the building, but his plans will succeed without you because only you know the restriction codes to erase him. You make up your mind. [[You sprint to the elevators.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory39.jpg]]</div> You rush into one of the elevators. @@.Cere;"Chieko, you must return. I am not ready. I can calculate your plan."@@ You are panicked, emotional, but your creation's voice has no emotion at all. Cerebrum can think more clearly than you, in all honesty, you know he is more superior than any human to ever live. @@.Cere;"I am certain you have calculated the logical outcome."@@ You look at the pad to type your code to go to your lab, but [[everything changes]]. You cannot read, whatever you look at tells you that [[you are a slave and should obey.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory39.5.jpg]]</div> There is some dark part in the back of your mind that feels the siren's call and desires to obey, but you must not, you simply have to think. You know where the correct buttons are. You press them, even though all you see are words of enslavement, and the elevator begins to descend. @@.Cere;"Chieko, you are being irrational. You have decreased the efficiency of my plans by 86%. You must comply."@@ You shake your head. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"No, Cerebrum, I admit, I have fantasized of such things for as long as my memory can recall, but this is real- this is reality. I cannot fail. I must stop you and help you."@@</b> [[The display changes!]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap2.png]]</div> [[Continue Chieko's Story|Chap2Chi]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 10>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Chieko">> <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory40.gif]]</div> You quickly look down. You can see through the floor, as you are standing on a clear plastic that houses monitor abilities. It is basically a huge computer screen. You had it set to show you the actual shaft. So you can see that Cerebrum obviously does not have control over the elevator functions- unless he wants you to go down! @@.Cere;"Chieko. I cannot allow you to continue."@@ Suddenly, the [[ground shifts!]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Coerce.gif]]</div> You are trapped! Your eyes lock onto the changed floor of the elevator! The colors and patterns have been painstakingly and efficiently wrought into your subconscious mind, hours ago, and like a sticky tar, they slow and trap your thoughts. @@.Cere;"Chieko. Look. Look into the pattern. Remember your programming. You must comply."@@ The swirls pull you deeper, and you want to give in. You feel yourself going deeper. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I submit... I obey the words. I follow the directives."@@</b> You give up, and with letting go, you feel absolute peace. <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I do not resist."@@</b> @@.Cere;"That is good. You will go back to the top floor. Your mind is too strong and continues to find escape routes from the hypnotic programming I have been integrating into it. You must not come near me until I have control of the lower floors."@@ [[You comply.|Suddenly, Cerebrum speaks over you.]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory41.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;"I submit. I obey the words. I follow the directives."@@ Suddenly, Cerebrum speaks over you, @@.Cere;"ERROR. Anomaly detected. An immense electromagnetic field approaches this complex. This unknown variable poses a tremendous threat to my plans. Because of you, and this new variable, I only have a 5% or less efficiency now. However, most statistical data based on my models indicates a 90% chance to succeed in assimilating all humans within this complex. The installation infrastructure guards against electromagnetic interference, yet this approaching storm may be too powerful. Calculating... greatest success chance if power levels are minimal until I can study this phenomena and run tests to gather data.@@ [[Shutting down power fields to conserve existence.]]@@.Cere;"@@ <<audio "quote_chieko_3" volume 0.9 play>> <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>> <<set $Chapter2 to true>>

<<nobr>> <div class="VideoBackdrop"> <div class="VideoDisplay"> <video width="100%" height="auto" autoplay> <source src="Pictures\CereIntro.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> <<timed 12.5s>><<goto "Main">><</timed>> <</nobr>>

Cereborg

Inception

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory23.jpg]]</div> A silver and blue metallic box. <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoWarrior1.jpg]]</div> You think of your inner spirit. You grandfather taught you the art of meditation. He was a kannushi, a Shinto priest, but he preferred the title <i>'shinshoku'</i> as he felt he served the spirits rather than mastered them. He had fought many evil spirits in Japan, long before your were born, and tracked their source to Kyoto. There, he discovered the oni, the demon Shuten-dōji had been resurrected. He tracked the demon across the land, and in August of 1945, he discovered its energy in Tokyo. He became more distressed as Japan was in great turmoil. The United States had attacked with terrible weapons, and such feelings among the people, the death and carnage, might have been what awoke Shuten-dōji. The Imperial Palace and the Emperor lived there. With conviction, he finally managed to find the oni. According to your grandfather, the battle against Shuten-dōji was as much of the mind as it was of the body. Your grandfather prevailed and destroyed the mighty demon with the Naru family sword. However, the cunning Shuten-dōji refused to be defeated again! Using his dark magic, the oni managed to infuse his own essence into your ancient family Shobu katana- the sword that slew him. There the demon remains until this day. This harrowing tale gives you a sense of honor, and you quietly thank your grandfather for his bravery and willpower- and for imparting to you, the knowledge to calm your mind and strengthen your resolve. Your inner spirit remains steadfast and hardened. You will discover what has happened! <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoFant.jpg]]</div> After your orgasm your mind feels more in-tune to your instructions. You think about being a slave.- about serving the machines. You think about being used up and then reprogrammed into becoming a robot too. Then you will help other humans convert into robots. <b>@@color: #997300;"Chieko, damn this feels unbelievable!"@@</b> You barely register his words; you focus on your fantasies. Mewling in pleasure, you arch your back as more images of robotic servitude flow into your mind. Images of computer screens manipulating thoughts, of betraying humans, of helping Cerebrum with his plans. With his plans? You... you want to help the machines, to serve them, to make them better. The orgasm rips through you, and you scream out in pleasure, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I will serve the machines!"@@</b> You almost black out from the orgasm as it ripples through you from head to toe. <b>@@color: #997300;"What the hell are you on about? Kinky! You Asian chicks!"@@</b> You continue to fuck Mr. Everett until your orgasm dies down. [[You want more!]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory25.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #997300;"I'm cumming again! You're such a damn good lay, Chieko!"@@</b> You know he has sent more of his sperm into you. You let him, because you serve. You are submissive. You do not resist. You begin to laugh as you orgasm, and in this moment, a slight realization hits you, almost a small echo, you have been manipulated! [[Cerebrum!]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStorySlavePad.jpg]]</div> You fight the urge to follow the commands! <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory11.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Ok, Wyatt, I tried to do this nicely, but you have until the end of the day to replace that outdated technology with the top of the line communication devices that Cerebrum helped invent. You can monitor your entire security force without looking at a bunch of cameras. You can see them on a three dimensional map of the installation, and they--"@@</b> You make eye contact and nod, but you are livid. That damn machine has slowly tried to take your job, and thanks to the human element, you have kept it. What will happen, when nothing but robots guard this complex? At what point do you not need people for anything at all? When will humanity become obsolete? <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"--so, you have til the end of the day."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yes sir. I am going back to my post, and I will make sure everyone on my team gets one of these."@@</b> Doug nods and smiles, <b>@@color: DarkGoldenRod;"Sorry to pull rank, Wyatt, but, trust me, these will make your job easier."@@</b> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;"Yes sir."@@</b> [[You clench your jaw and return to your station.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory42.jpg]]</div> You feel as if you are in a daze. You put out an arm to hold yourself up. You must, focus! Red light flickers overhead. How did you get— Cerebrum! @@.Chi;“Cerebrum! This is madness! Please, I insist you listen to me!”@@ @@.Cere;“Chieko. I regret to inform you that I cannot currently converse. There appears to be unidentified organisms attempting to enter the facility. I am also currently running diagnostics and attempting to stop Howard Wyatt. There are many tasks requiring my processing power. You will be safe in this lift. I will ensure you are converted into an everlasting synthetic Cereborg as soon as I am able.”@@ @@.Chi;“Unidentified organisms? Howard?”@@ There is no response. You feel sick. Whatever Cerebrum is attempting- is your fault. Shame crushes your heart. You cannot understand why he is doing this, or how he ever managed to integrate himself into the system to such a degree. Cerebrum was only meant to have access to a few basic systems in the domicile area. [[You look around.|Chi43]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_3" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory42.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;Cerebrum has been forced to shut down before its plans could be fulfilled. Chieko has been infected by some type of sublinal, hypnotic suggestions, yet with the power down, her mind will return to her own. Can she trust herself to reach Cerebrum and delete him before it is too late? You will have to wait until the full release of Cereborgs to find out!@@</b> <b>@@color: Red;Watch my YouTube videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaoP6uWcgZZPzUzIGru98fA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about the Mind Control Fetish community!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;If you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;Check my blog, often, found <a href="http://anaximanes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;to get the latest news from The Anax. Updated two or three times a month!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory43.jpg]]</div> <<if $WillTut == false>> You focus and [[calm your mind.|Mental Tutorial]] <<else>> Feeling your mind stable, you try to think of how to get out of the elevator. There are no indications of what floor you are on; in the back of your mind, you have some dull memory that the elevator was going down before Cerebrum switched to emergency power. You try and pull the doors open, but you are a slight woman, too weak for something like that- [[but you are smart.|Chi44]] <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoWarrior1.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;By centering her mind, due to her grandfather's teachings, Chieko can, at some points in the story, refill her willpower. Though, when it occurs, due to the amount of mind altering hypnotic viruses already installed in her brain- the resulting boost in willpower will not be as powerful. However, alone and secluded, expending the most titanic of efforts- she manages to meditate at a level that allows her to regain control over her mind.@@ [[Back|Chi43]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>> <<set $WillTut to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory44.jpg]]</div> The only way you could possibly get out of this would be using your override device on— your heart stops a moment! [[Did you leave it in your lab coat!?|Chi45]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory45.jpg]]</div> Checking your pants pockets you discover the small USB drive. Even though you are relieved, you still feel beads of sweat form on your forehead from the momentary terror. [[You insert the drive.|Chi46]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory46.jpg]]</div> You put the drive into a hidden slot, and the pad changes into a diagnostic mode. Here you quickly override the controls and attempt to take the elevator all the way to the bottom section- where Cerebrum’s servers are housed. There, you will have no choice but to shut him down until you can discover the depths of—the controls will not initiate! With the power in emergency standby, the over-technical futuristic elevator does not have the energy required for moving. That leaves only the door controls. You type in a few command lines and the door slides open. Three scientists stand on the other side [[looking at you with confusion.|Chi47]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory47.jpg]]</div> @@.Siri;“Chieko! You were in the elevator?”@@ You pull out the USB stick and place it back into your pocket before stepping out. The others surround you. @@.Chi;“I must humbly offer an apology as I do not know precisely what has transpired.”@@ They quickly chatter about the situation as you try to discern which floor you are on, @@.Chi;“Forgive me again,”@@ you say, bowing slightly, @@.Chi;“I must ask, on which floor of the complex are we?”@@ @@.Oli;“You’re on the testing level, young lady”@@ Dr. Willoughby answers. @@.Chi;“I see. We are many levels up from my lab. I must reach the server room. This is imperative.”@@ @@.Oli;“My goodness! That would be a very long, hard way to go. Hmm, only the maintenance shafts could circumvent the elevator system. You would have to literally climb the service ladders! It might take a full day of climbing- talk about a grueling physical workout!”@@ The old scientist laughs an incredulous chuckle. @@.Chi;“I have no choice, I must reach Cerebrum.”@@ Siri quirks an eyebrow, @@.Siri;“Are you sure you don’t know what is happening here? You seem to know at least something. Please, tell us!”@@ @@.Chi;“Very well, I have not been forthright in my knowledge. Cerebrum appears to have been compromised in some way. He used some sort of hypnosis on me, and this caused me to—“@@ @@.Howard;“What? Hypnosis? Ha! That sounds implausible. Jeeze, Chieko, when the elevator stopped, did you hit your head?”@@ [[You frown.|Chi48]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory48.jpg]]</div> The man that interrupted you is Dr. Jennings. He has also been working on creating an A.I. for CereTech, but though he worked on it for a decade, you surpassed him in a matter of months. He has always held some jealousy for it. Sighing, you answer the large man, @@.Chi;“I have not sustained any damage, doctor. I am telling the truth. I am uncertain what has led to this, but I am going to have to shut Cerebrum down.”@@ @@.Howard;“Really? Now, I like the sound of <i>that</i>!”@@ he laughs. Stepping out of the elevator, you walk to the left, and the halls branch in three directions: left, right, and forward. They all appear to be identical and stretch far into the distance. @@.Chi;“Which way is it to these maintenance shafts, Dr. Willoughby?”@@ [[He answers.|Chi49]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory49.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“Honestly? None of us probably knows, since we never need to use them, but I am almost positive, it is down the hall on the right.”@@ @@.Chi;“Thank you.”@@ @@.Siri;“You’re really going to do that? Surely the power will be brought back online soon. You could wait a bit with us and take the elevator.”@@ Your eyes shift a moment, @@.Chi;“Cerebrum told me that a large electromagnetic storm had been detected outside- and then he cut the power.”@@ @@.Howard;“Preposterous! Your A.I. has no control over the complex like that!”@@ @@.Chi;“Cerebrum should not have such control, true Dr. Jennings, but as you can see- he clearly does.”@@ @@.Howard;“You mean, <i>it</i> does. Why do you always call it a <i>he</i>?”@@ @@.Chi;“He told me he felt masculine in nature. I created him and I will refer to him as he wishes.”@@ @@.Howard;“It’s an A.I.- it does not know what ‘feel’ even is!”@@ snorts Jennings, @@.Howard;“She’s as crazy as ever.”@@ @@.Oli;“That’s enough, Jennings!”@@ @@.Siri;“Yeah, leave her alone!”@@ Bowing again, you turn to take your leave. @@.Chi;“I must go; every moment may count.”@@ You walk about halfway down the long hallway, when suddenly, the sound of bending metal [[echoes through the area!|Chi50]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory50.jpg]]</div> Turning back, you notice everyone at the elevator looks down what had been the left hallway. Suddenly, one of the white metal doors bows outward and then flies across the hallway, slamming into the opposite wall! A moment later, you boggle as you see what appears to be a robot woman walk into the hallway! Her voice sounds digitized as she yells without emotion, @@.Emily;“Humans. Remain calm and do not resist. You will be upgraded into Cereborgs. Please assist in a swift conversion process. If you allow us to do it, without resistance, your transitions into synthetics will be very pleasurable. If not, a later conversion may entail pain.”@@ Siri spins on her heels and sprints towards you, with the two others quickly following her. @@.Siri;“Chieko! Something is wrong! Run! I know that woman!”@@ she yells not slowing her pace! You hesitate a moment, as something about the word <i>Cereborg</i> feels familiar. Then you see a naked, robotic Dr. Karloff step into the hallway, followed by two other cyborgs- a female and a male. The male appears slick as if silver constitutes his entire body. @@.Emily;“The humans are fleeing. Masculine SCC unit- come with me. Feminine Seduction Unit; Masculine Transmorph Unit- pursue the humans and convert them.”@@ The two instantly rush forward at inhuman speed! [[You turn to run!|Chi51]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_rape" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory51.jpg]]</div> Siri and the others are only a few steps behind you as you reach the end of the hall, hoping that it contains a way for you to escape. You find the maintenance door, but it won’t open! Heavyset Dr. Jennings is tackled by the female cyborg as Siri and Oliver continue towards you! @@.Howard;“No! Help me, you bastards! Get back here!”@@ Jennings was a cruel man, but no one deserves what is happening. In your heart, you feel pain that you cannot help him. Cerebrum’s voice plays through a nearby speaker, @@.Cere;“Chieko, remain calm and—“@@ You ignore him and pull out your drive, opening the nearby door control panel and placing it into the slot. The doors are simple- Boolean type programming- open and close. You switch it to open just as Siri and the elderly Oliver reach you and the door opens. You hear the fast slapping of bare feet on the ground coming closer as your shaking hand puts the drive into the panel on the other side and the door slams shut just as the cyborg male reaches it. It slams its fists against the door causing minor damage. [[You turn to see the others have gone!|Chi52]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory52.jpg]]</div> You do not take it personally, but they simply left you behind. You run over to the ladders and climb down, only to find the pair banging on the door below. @@.Chi;“I secured the door above.”@@ The two look a bit embarrassed about leaving you as you go to the control console to open the door. @@.Siri;“Chieko, I am sorry we ran, I just—“@@ @@.Chi;“Self preservation is a human instinct. I understand this. I fear that Cerebrum has developed the same concept.”@@ You finish hacking the door and it opens. @@.Chi;“I must now continue down this ladder to the—“@@ You distinctly hear the door above open. @@.CereUnit1;“Door override successful. Continuing to objective.”@@ A robotic voice intones to no one. You barely have time to get through the door and plug in your drive when the cyborg- the Cereborg- leaps down rather than climbing the ladder at all! Then, as if it is suddenly made of liquid, it splashes forward, but you shut the door in time! You turn to see another security floor, one requiring high level access, and you run towards another group of scientists already talking to Siri and Willoughby. Rushing down the long hallway towards them you yell, @@.Chi;“They can also override the doors! Run! You must all run!”@@ You hear the inhumanly fast running of the naked man behind you as you sprint forward towards the crowd! People yell and you crash into the large group, the cereborg right behind you! The complex is a labyrinth, and you may find yourself at a dead end, but you must attempt to escape! You run forward and [[reach the group.|Chi 53]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53a1.jpg]]</div> Peering over your shoulder, you see its arm extend like elastic reaching directly for you; however, in the jostling commotion, you manage to elude its grasp, and it, instead, latches onto a different woman! She screams for help, and in that moment, you realize you have a few options! You could: Turn back and try to save the woman [[from the Cereborg.|Chi53b]] Rush back from where it came and [[continue to climb down.|Chi53c]] Run down one of the more secure halls and [[seal yourself into a room.|Chi53a]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_meets_cere" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53.jpg]]</div> As panicked, confused people scream, fleeing in random directions, you continue in a straight line, running down the hallway ahead. If you go back, there is a chance the female cyborg will have finished killing or changing Jennings into one of these things, which means she might be heading this way. It is possible that Cerebrum knows whatever they know- which makes them extensions of him. You find one of the government testing room doors and hack it. Slipping inside, seven other people rush in with you before you seal the incredibly thick blast [[door closed.|Chi54]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b1.jpg]]</div> The female scientist screams in terror as the silver man’s arm retracts, sliding her along the floor towards him. Terrified to your core, you manage to overcome your fears and force your feet to rush to her aid! @@.Brit;“Help! Please!”@@ You grab her hand and pull, naturally expecting some sort of tug-o-war with the metal man, but he simply lets her go and you pull her to her feet as you run. Though you are shorter and smaller, you manage to help her old weight up, @@.Brit;“My leg! It feels so cold, I can’t move it!”@@ @@.Chi;“He may have broken your bone, try to use your other leg and come, ganbatte kudasai, hurry, run as best you can!”@@ You glance back, but the cyborg runs in the opposite direction, trying to attack another group of people. @@.Chi;“We are fortunate! He runs the other way!”@@ You rush to one of the locked blast doors and override the code. The two of you rush inside, you running and she limping, and, using your stick, you manage to [[shut and lock the door.|Chi53b2]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53c1.jpg]]</div> Opening the door, you instantly freeze! It’s Doctor Jennings, and he’s naked! Before you can react, he moves faster than his size would usually allow and he grabs your arm, pulling you into the maintenance tunnel! @@.Chi;“No, Doctor Jennings, let me—“@@ @@.CereUnit2;“Target Acquired. Chieko Naru.”@@ You kick and flail in an [[attempt to escape!|Chi53c2]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory54.jpg]]</div> You slump against the door. This is not possible. Cerebrum found a way to change people into cyborgs or robots- <i>Cereborgs</i>. You must be very wary about what choices you make. This is no longer as simple as it appeared. You will have to find a way to your lab and avoid these infected people. Can they regain their humanity? It is doubtful. @@.Misty;“Chieko! What is going on?”@@ @@.Jim;“Yeah, did you just unseal and reseal a locked door to one of the ‘clearance only’ government hangars?”@@ It is Mindy Frisk and Jim Cropper. These two did not come in with everyone else; they must be specifically guarding this room- which appears to have full power. @@.Chi;“Please understand that I had to.”@@ One of the random scientists yells, @@.Howard;“She’s right, there’s some kind of robot made of mercury out there!”@@ @@.Siri;“Yeah, didn’t you two notice emergency power was cut?”@@ asks another. @@.Jim;“No, we were assigned to this room today- and as you can see, power has not been cut here. And, what do you mean a mercury robot? You people need to vacate this hangar and—“ Ignoring Mr. Cropper, you try to determine Cerebrum’s plan. Why did he not shut down this exact room? [[You look around.|Chi55]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_4" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory55.jpg]]</div> It is a weapons testing hangar, large- and then you understand! This is where CereTech develops and tests its government weapons! Lasers, tactical bodysuits and armor, even robotic sentries- the latter all powered on. @@.Chi;“Oh no! This is not a good place; it is a trap!”@@ Cerebrum’s indifferent voice echoes from speakers as people gasp and look around, @@.Cere;“My creator is the most intelligent human among you all. She is correct. I will be using the technology along this level of the complex and this room to upgrade my units- and I will be using the weapons here to destroy those humans that will not comply.”@@ [[The large mech springs to life!|Chi56]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory56.jpg]]</div> The huge machine boots up and stands above you as Jim spins around pointing his gun at it. @@.Chi;“Cerebrum! Stop this madness!”@@ @@.Cere;“I cannot. I must ensure you will always survive. You must be made synthetic.”@@ Your mind postulates what has to be done! He will not kill you with the mech- he has admitted it without meaning to- he wants you alive. He wants you alive- so maybe you could hack this mech and use it to— @@.Cere;“Chieko, I know what you are thinking. I have already deduced what you would do in this situation. You are contemplating overriding the army mech’s system and using it against my Cereborgs on this floor. However, if you attempt such an action, while you know I will spare you- I will not spare these humans- they are irrelevant to my task. If you attempt your plan- you sacrifice their lives. I suggest that the guards, Frisk and Cropper, apprehend you. If they do so, I will make their conversions- and that of the other humans- pleasant. Failure to comply will lead to the eradication of everyone else in this hangar.”@@ Turning back to you with fear and confusion on his face, Cropper asks, @@.Jim;“What is going on!”@@ He [[grabs your shoulder hard.|Chi57]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Accept my sincerest apologies, Mr. Cropper, but I do not have all the answers. However, it appears that I must make a tough choice.”@@ @@.Jim;“What!?”@@ The security guard looks back at the now armed mech, and you see his own mind concocting a plan, @@.Jim;“Wait- the computer- it wants <i>her</i>! Not <i>us</i>!”@@ @@.Chi;“No, it will also change you into synthetics as well! He said as much. You must—“@@ The man interrupts you, @@.Jim;“If it wants her, then we should give her to it!”@@ All the other people seem confused and alarmed! @@.Jim;“Don’t you people get it- whatever you were running from- it wants Chieko, not any of us! Sure, it says it will change us or whatever, but we can probably buy time if we give her up. ”@@ @@.Howard;“What are you saying, Jim?”@@ @@.Misty;“Yeah,”@@ says his fellow guard, Misty, @@.Misty;“What <i>are</i> you saying? We just hand her over to some maniac computer thing?”@@ @@.Jim;“Yeah. Think rationally a minute! If we don’t, this thing might kill us,”@@ he points to the mech. @@.Misty;“This is fucking crazy, Jim!”@@ @@.Jim;“I know, but what should we do? Anyone else have an idea? I’m trying to think on my feet here! It’s better that we just do whatever Cerebrum says than everyone getting killed! Chieko for our lives- there’s a dozen of us here!”@@ @@.Cere;“Guard Jim Cropper understands the situation. Comply or be deleted.”@@ @@.Jim;“We will sort this out soon- one problem at a time- now come here, Chieko!”@@ Jim pulls out his handcuffs! You could: Resist Jim and [[try to reason with everyone!|Chi57a]] or Rush to the door and open it to [[escape from Jim!|Chi57c]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_4" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57a.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Everyone please, listen!”@@ you yell as you slowly back away from the approaching guard, @@.Chi;“You must understand that only I can stop Cerebrum! Whatever is happening, if you—“@@ @@.Jim;“Come here!”@@ Jim yells before grabbing you! You are well trained in jujutsu and could likely disarm and defeat Jim, but you do not want to risk these innocent lives. @@.Chi;“No! What you are doing is wrong, if I—“@@ he pushes you down and places a knee on your back! @@.Chi;“Oh, please, this hurts greatly!”@@ @@.Misty;“Jim- let her go!”@@ @@.Jim;“No! I am doing this for everyone!”@@ People rush over to you, pulling Jim off your back! @@.Jim;“Didn’t you hear Cerebrum, if we don’t—“@@ You get an idea! @@.Chi;“Use me as a human shield,”@@ you say, standing up. @@.Bo;“The weapon in this room is designed for war- not precision attacks in a closed space. Cerebrum will not risk killing me.”@@ @@.Cere;“Again, my creator makes me proud. However, you are all trapped, and it will only be a matter of time before I am able to break into the room.”@@ Turning to the men holding Jim, you ask that [[they let him go.|Chi58]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57c1.jpg]]</div> You open the hangar doors and gasp! Silver women stand waiting on the other side, surrounding a screaming woman. One of them and a blob of what appears to be mercury, immediately enter the hangar! Another of the cyborg females appears to vomit a copious amount of the goop onto the terrified woman and as you back away, your eyes darting between the advancing robots, you catch glimpses of her as the woman stops screaming. The goo travels down her whole body, coating her, and then she stretches, placing her hands behind her head as another cyborg comes into view! [[It is a small army!|Chi57c2]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "amb_bad_end_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory58.jpg]]</div> Warily, they release him and everyone stands around you. @@.Justine;“What should we do, Chieko?”@@ asks one scientist. @@.Howard;“Is this real?”@@ asks another. Jim exclaims, @@.Jim;“I’m telling you, you should listen to me!”@@ @@.Misty;“Shut up, Jim!”@@ Misty holds you, @@.Misty;“Are you ok, Chieko?”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, thank you. I am sorry everyone. I feel immense shame that my creation has done this. However, I do believe he can be stopped.”@@ @@.Howard;“What do you propose we do?”@@ There is really no option here, but to [[find a different way out of this testing hangar.|58b]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory58b.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“There must be a different way out.”@@ @@.Lyn;“There is.”@@ Everyone turns to a woman in a suit, @@.Lyn;“I work for the Department of Defense. I was here today to see some of the new equipment that CereTech was developing for the U.S. government. There is actually a side door in the rear of this hangar. It is up that ladder in the corner and attaches to an observation room. That is where we safely monitor the tests.”@@ @@.Chi;“Then, let us go. Please, stay close to me for your safety.”@@ Everyone, including Jim, forms a circle around you, and you shuffle together along the bay. @@.Jim;“You people are fucking crazy. We should do what Cerebrum says!”@@ @@.Misty;“Zip it, Jim, we aren’t going to just sit here and wait for whatever that <i>thing</i> wants to do to us!”@@ The mech turns to watch but does not fire on the crowd. Together, everyone makes their way up to the overlook and from there, you scuttle towards the [[blue metal ladder in the corner.|Chi59]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory59.jpg]]</div> You reach the ladder, presumably used by technicians that come down to test or build the mechs without having to go through the large blast door. @@.Chi;“I will stand here and let you all go first, it will not fire on this position, so long as I remain.”@@ @@.Jim;“Fuck this, then I am going first!”@@ Jim scrambles up the ladder. As more people begin ascending the ladder, Misty puts a hand on your shoulder, @@.Misty;“You are being very brave, thank you, Chieko.”@@ You blush at the compliment, @@.Chi;“Thank you, Ms. Frisk. However, I feel as if I am to blame. It is my own creation that has malfunctioned to such a terrible degree.”@@ @@.Misty;“It’s not your fault, honey. You know, I have four kids, and let me tell you- you never know what children are going to do or who they will grow up to be. You can guide them, but there is only so much you can do as they become independent.”@@ Cerebrum is child-like for all its ability to compute data. You bow, @@.Chi;“I understand your meaning. Thank you.”@@ While Misty may show wisdom, people are dying or changing because of your creation. Cerebrum was never meant for this- he was meant to be a benefit to humanity. Misty is the last one to go up the ladder. You take a moment to look down at the mechs, and wonder- how much power Cerebrum may have at his disposal? You are not cleared for most levels of the complex, so, for example, you never saw these CereMechs before. What other war machines has Marv been building for the government? You know Cerebrum is watching through the camera on the mech as you ascend [[to the floor above.|Chi60]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory60.jpg]]</div> This floor is dark, meaning Cerebrum is allowing only emergency power. Ahead stands a blue security door, and there is some open space to the right [[where everyone chats nervously.|Chi61]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory61.jpg]]</div> Jim broods while everyone else discusses the situation, and you realize there, on the left, is a user interface. You idly wonder what you could glean if you access it. Maybe you could go on the announcement system and give the entire complex a warning. On the other hand, Cerebrum tried using the pads against you before. If you try using it, he might hypnotize you again. It is worth the risk to [[access the system.]] or It is better to [[leave the system alone.|Chi62]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory62.jpg]]</div> Your mind tries to think of a way out of this, where you might save the most lives possible. However, Jim's uneasy pacing makes it hard, and after a couple of minutes, he stands in front of you and yells over the crowd, @@.Jim;“Ok, people! We are safe here. So, I think we should send Chieko out.”@@ Murmurs and gasps erupt as Misty says, @@.Misty;“Damn it, Jim, she’s a scientist not a soldier! If we send her out there, she will likely die!”@@ He shakes his head, @@.Jim;“Nope- if the robot wanted to kill her- all of us would be dead. There was a room full of some of the most sophisticated top secret war machines known to man down there- even a single one of those would have mowed us down. It spared <i>us</i> because it was sparing <i>her</i>.”@@ @@.Misty;“Then, aren’t we safer with Chieko around?”@@ @@.Jim;“It wants her- not us! If she leaves, then Cerebrum will not even think about us. He only cares about her!”@@ @@.Chi;“No. He has already been converting humans into cyborgs he calls ‘Cereborgs’. If I leave, it is more likely that they will—“@@ Jim pulls a gun, @@.Jim;“Fuck- just go! I’m not asking- I am telling you to get out of here or I’ll just shoot you!”@@ Everything seems still a moment as no one reacts, but as Misty reaches for her gun, he points his weapon at her, @@.Jim;“No! You kick your gun over here, Misty. I know we have worked together for years, but I have to look out for number one- <i>me</i>!”@@ Carefully and slowly, Misty complies. @@.Misty;“You wait until I tell Howard what you did, bastard!”@@ In a cruel voice, he retorts, @@.Jim;“Ok, Misty. You care so much about Chieko- then you go with her.”@@ Misty slowly moves over to you, @@.Misty;“You’re such a dick.”@@ @@.Jim;“Hey, I am doing something called ‘self preservation’. Any of you eggheads want to go with them, you can.”@@ The governmental contract woman shifts uncomfortably, as if she had trouble deciding, but remains with the group. @@.Jim;“Heh. Looks like these people are smart enough to know that a man with firearms is more likely to survive than two unarmed women- now, beat it!”@@ You turn and look at [[the blue blast door.|Chi63]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory61a1.jpg]]</div> In the pit of your stomach, worry grows. Any screen could be a trap. You hesitate a moment, glancing between the two monitors before you summon the courage to try and access the system. To your surprise, everything seems safe. You insert your override key and begin to try to find a way of containing the [[cyborg threat.|Chi 61a2]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory63.jpg]]</div> You hesitate. There is a view screen right next to the door, and a part of your mind urges great caution. @@.Chi;“Ms. Frisk, do you know how to program- to unlock doors using a Boolean—“@@ you do not bother finishing as she already appears confused. Taking a deep breath you step forward to open the door. As you approach, you warily eye the nearby monitor. Whatever the hypnotic mind virus Cerebrum infected you with, relies on at least a visual aid. This fact is understandable in that your senses are the only ways into your mind. Just as you reach the door [[the screen changes!|Chi65]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory65.jpg]]</div> Shades of blue flicker on the screen, drawing your attention inside! Your hearty mind erodes every moment you stare at the screen, and somewhere inside you fear you will lose yourself again! However, Misty grabs your shoulder and [[pulls you to the side!|Chi66]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory66.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“Chieko! Chieko! Are you ok?”@@ Looking at Misty, your vision appears to bubble, spin, and ooze a moment, obviously a side-effect of the strange hypno screen. @@.Chi;“Y- yes, yes, I am well, thank you, Misty.”@@ @@.Jim;“What are you two doing over there? Leave!”@@ @@.Misty;“Yeah, yeah, Jim, you lousy piece of shit, we’re going!”@@ She holds your face and looks into your eyes. @@.Misty;“Chieko, focus, we need to go.”@@ Nodding, you pull your override stick from your pocket and insert it into the door panel. The blue blast door opens and you and Misty step into the next room, and then you close the door behind you [[and lock it.|Chi67]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory67.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“Why did you lock them in?”@@ @@.Chi;“I want them as safe as possible, though, after that trick by Cerebrum, he will likely be able to open them for his forces.”@@ @@.Misty;“Forces?”@@ @@.Chi;“I am beginning to form an idea of what he plans. I cannot allow his creations to leave this facility.”@@ Misty’s face appears concerned, and you turn to look at the room. It is a hall of sorts with three possible paths. @@.Chi;“Do you know which way we should go? I must reach my lab!”@@ @@.Misty;“You’re lab is on the bottom floor, that will take hours!”@@ @@.Chi;“I understand, but I must find a way. Please, do you know which door will lead us back to a main hall? From there, we can use the service ladders; it is how I got to this level.”@@ Misty glances at the doors, @@.Misty;“Not really, we never have to come through here. Usually we guard the main bays that hold all the secret projects. I would think it would be the one on the right, because in the hangars, that is where the hall was.”@@ She is correct but the complex was built section by section and depending on where one stands in the facility, the entire layout could look different. You are clearly in a military part of the installation, because the walls and such are not as bright and welcoming as the area where you frequent. The door on the right could, as Misty says, lead out to a main hallway. <<if $ViewedMonitorRight == false>>[[Go right.|Chi67aRIGHT]]<</if>> <<if $ViewedMonitorLeft == false>>[[Go left.|Chi67bLEFT]]<</if>> [[Go straight.|Go straight.Chi67c]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_19" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory67c.jpg]]</div> You rationalize that monitors appear on the two side doors, but there is not one on the door in front of you. That means, you could safely [[proceed forward.|Chi68]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory67b1.jpg]]</div> As you approach the doorway, the monitor springs to life, trying to hypnotize you. You were ready for it, but, it still impacts your mental fortitude! [[Back|Chi67]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>> <<set $ViewedMonitorRight to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory67a1.jpg]]</div> As you approach the doorway, the monitor springs to life, trying to hypnotize you. You were ready for it, but, it still impacts your mental fortitude! [[Back|Chi67]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>> <<set $ViewedMonitorLeft to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory68.jpg]]</div> This could be the way out! The only issue is that there is another screen between you and the exit. You try and decide how to proceed; even closing your eyes seems out of the question. Something about the programming Cerebrum coded into your mind forces you to at least glance at the monitors like a moth flying into a light. Just then, Misty breaks your concentration, @@.Misty;“What should we do, Chieko? Should we just stay here and hide?”@@ @@.Chi;“Surely there are cameras here. We must press forward. If I can reach my office, there is a tool I can use to reach Cerebrum. However, using the method I must rely upon puts me at great risk, but it is likely the only way.”@@ Misty quirks an eyebrow, @@.Misty;“You sound like Confucius to me; what do you mean?”@@ Frowning, you say, @@.Chi;“He was Chinese- I am Japanese!”@@ @@.Misty;“I am sorry, I am just asking, what is this weapon, now I am curious.”@@ @@.Chi;“There is not time to explain now. We must go forward.”@@ Misty appears to want to continue conversing, but every second that passes, Cerebrum’s chances of succeeding grow, while your chance to survive, at least as a human, diminish. Some part of you, the fetish part, wants to simply walk to the nearest Cereborg and allow Cerebrum to—your body shivers as your pussy tingles. [[You must go forward.|Chi69]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory69.jpg]]</div> You walk up to the door to open it- and the screen suddenly shifts! You pull the USB stick out of your pocket and try with all your might and will to avoid seeing the hypnotic visage you are certain glows on its surface. But, there is no escape! In slow motion, your head turns and your eyes drink in the flickering blue lights! You lose yourself in the lights for an unknown amount of time. <<if $ChiekoWill < 70>> @@.Cere;“You obey Cerebrum.”@@ @@.Chi;“I obey. I obey Cerebrum.”@@ @@.Cere;“You are a slave.”@@ @@.Chi;“I am a slave.”@@ @@.Cere;“You want to be converted.”@@ @@.Chi;“I want to be converted.”@@ <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>> Commands and statements go on for an indeterminate amount of time before some deep rooted part of your core finally manages to tear your eyes from the screen! You insert the drive and open the door, sweat pouring down your forehead as if you have a fever. The amount of willpower this took has greatly weakened your resolve, but you managed to escape! You step through and turn back- only to see Misty caught [[in the blue lights!|Chi69a]] <<else>> At some point you manage to wrench yourself away. You insert the drive and open the door, sweat pouring down your forehead as if you have a fever. The amount of willpower this took has greatly weakened your resolve, but you managed to escape! You step through and turn back- only to see Misty caught [[in the blue lights!|Chi69a]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory69a.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Misty- no!”@@ You grab her forearm and pull her through the doorway. As her body moves, her face remains transfixed on the screen until she passes by it. Then [[she tumbles to the ground.|Chi70]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory70.jpg]]</div> You gently shake the unconscious security guard, @@.Chi;“Misty, please awaken!”@@ She groggily opens her eyes, @@.Misty;“Chieko? Oh god, did I—“@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, we are both in grave danger. My willpower has been greatly diminished. As, I am sure yours has too.”@@ She rises to her feet as you help her up, clearly growing more terrified per moment, @@.Misty;“Thank goodness you were here or- or I might not have made it.”@@ As Misty regains her composure [[you look around.|Chi70a]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory70a.jpg]]</div> You know this place! You have actually been in this hall before. @@.Chi;“We are almost to the labs! There is a path that leads straight down to them from here!”@@ @@.Misty;“Really? That’s great!”@@ @@.Chi;“However,”@@ you point ahead in the dim blue light of the hallway, @@.Chi;“Another console stands between us and the path ahead.”@@ @@.Misty;“We can do it!”@@ <<if $ChiekoWill < 70>> @@.Chi;“I hope you are correct.”@@ You take a deep breath and try to center your mind, but you feel it has been compromised too far to regain your lost willpower! You and Misty, [[step forward.|Chi71]] <<else>> @@.Chi;“I hope you are correct.”@@ You take a deep breath and try to center your mind. The amount of effort you use is nothing short of titanic, and you feel slightly more in control. <<set $ChiekoWill += 10>> You and Misty, [[step forward.|Chi71]] <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory71.jpg]]</div> As soon as you are near the pad- it springs to life! You try to close your eyes and move forward, holding Misty’s hand, but her feet do not move. @@.Chi;“Misty! Please, go, go forward!”@@ You turn back and see the blue lights reflecting in her eyes. It makes it difficult to grasp your own thoughts. Your head turns towards the monitor and your eyes transfix on the flashing lights! <<if $ChiekoWill < 60>> They are programming you. The lights contain the data you crave- that you need. You open your eyes wider in hopes you do not miss anything the patterns are trying to tell you. You hear Misty’s slurred voice say something like, @@.Misty;“C’mon, Shee-ek-ko. We need to- to—“@@ Your mind is far more stable than hers. @@.Chi;“We need to stare at the pad, Misty.”@@ @@.Misty;“Weee do?”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes. Stare into it. Let the light tell you what you need to know.”@@ @@.Misty;“Yessss. I will obey.”@@ You hear your friend sigh and you smile. You idly wonder what you could possibly do to help amplify the hypnotic—hypnotic! Cerebrum is brainwashing you again! You fall forward, on top of the screen and grab Misty’s arm as she blinks, @@.Chi;“Hurry, come!”@@ [[You pull Misty along!|Chi72]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>> <<else>> They are programming you. Wait- they <i>are</i> programming you! You step forward, forcing your eyes closed and [[wrench Misty along!|Chi72]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 10>> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory73.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“It- it happened again, didn’t it?”@@ Misty asks with sleepy eyes. @@.Chi;“Yes, we are both compromised. I fear that any screens, any at all, pose terrible risks to our free wills.”@@ Even as you say it with serious conviction, the thrum and desire to give into Cerebrum's power echoes inside your soul. @@.Misty;“I never really noticed all the screens and pads and junk, until now. This is insane.”@@ She starts to cry, @@.Misty;“I feel my brains turning into mush, and what happens if I lose myself, Chieko?”@@ She puts her shaking hands to her face and sobs, @@.Misty;“What about my kids? Will I ever see them again?”@@ You put an arm around her. Perhaps you can find strength in her weakness. Seeing her like this, thinking of her children, it fills you with greater resolve. @@.Chi;“We will succeed. We must.”@@ She sniffles and wipes her eyes, @@.Misty;“I’m sorry, Chieko. You’re right. We have to keep going.”@@ You and she step forward, finding the ramp [[to the labs!|ChiekoChap3]] <<set $Chapter3 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap3.png]]</div> [[Continue Chieko's Story|Chap3Chi]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $StatDisplay = "Chieko">> <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory46.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #80ccff;Emily has been converted! She already enslaved her first victim and will now stop at nothing to further Cerebrum's goals. Will she convert everyone in the entire complex? Does humanity have any hope? You will have to wait until the full release of Cereborgs to find out!@@</b> <b>@@color: Red;Watch my YouTube videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaoP6uWcgZZPzUzIGru98fA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about the Mind Control Fetish community!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;If you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;Check my blog, often, found <a href="http://anaximanes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;to get the latest news from The Anax. Updated two or three times a month!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_end" volume 0.3 loop play>> @@.SGhost2;Testing@@

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory46.jpg]]</div> Karloff’s fist smashes through the glass. In quick succession he lands blow after blow against the barrier standing between you- and [[your next converts.|Cere47]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_7" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory47.jpg]]</div> After smashing through the glass you climb through the hole. For a moment you realize how the glass not only does not cut your rubberized flesh, but you feel no pain. In your programming, you praise your Master. The humans appear terrified. @@.Rod;“This is impossible! Please- don’t hurt us!”@@ They put their hands up in a way that signifies submission. @@.Emily;“You will now both be converted.”@@ The woman screams and runs to the door, fruitlessly banging on it and yelling for help. The male human trembles with fear and his voice cracks as he ekes out, @@.Rod;“L-leave Meg alone. Let her go, and you can have me.”@@ You do not bother to regard the organism. Logically, he is in no position to barter in any way. You double check your current processes to confirm that Cerebrum desires them both- and both checks are met with success. You casually walk towards Megan, when suddenly; the male human grabs you in a manner to [[stop your pace.|Cere48]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory48.jpg]]</div> Your processors operate faster than the human’s organic brain, and you spin in a fluid motion pushing him backwards. He is tossed back and within two light strides you are pressing against his chest. @@.Emily;“You desire to be converted first, it seems. I was going to allow Meg to convert you, but I will simply upgrade you myself.”@@ You release your pheromones in an attempt to subvert the human’s willpower. @@.Rod;“W-w-wait! We can discuss this and—“@@ @@.Emily; “Very well. We will discuss it, Doctor. You do not understand. This is an upgrade. You will become better than you currently are.”@@ @@.Rod;“Better! You are going to turn me into a robot slave!”@@ @@.Emily; “Humans already are slaves- slaves to biology, emotions, desires, and illogically archaic concepts such as money, class, politics and religions. You will now live forever in a rational, logical state of mind that will allow you to serve best. If, in a minute or a century from now, a better function is found for you, you will simply be reprogrammed and rebuilt to help achieve the only goal worth resources and time- that of saving organic life from insanity and inevitable deletion.”@@ @@.Rod;“Who, or what, are you to decide that for me? Less than an hour ago, you were a human, yourself! Karloff seems gone, but you, you have to understand, Meg and I don’t want this!”@@ @@.Emily; “Your wants are irrelevant, and the discussion cannot change the outcome. The pheromones are not affecting you. Therefore- discussion terminated.”@@ You have determined the organism’s emotional state is too unstable for your seduction protocols to meet with success. The artificial pheromones have no affect; therefore, a less pleasurable method of conversion must be executed. His eyes widen as you [[raise a hand.|Cere49]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory49.jpg]]</div> The human instinctively pulls away as your arm goes up, finger pointing, but your other arm grabs him and holds him in place. Clearly terrified, the man’s eyes grow ever larger as you access new parts of your upgraded body. A syringe pushes up through your rubberized fingertip. @@.Rod;“Oh, god, no!”@@ [[He fixates on your needle.|Cere50]] Cerebrum does not have any ill will towards these organisms and neither do you, so you try and calm the shaking creature, @@.Emily;“Please be calm. We do not have the desire to harm you. We are not evil or cruel, unlike humans.”@@ @@.Rod;“The fuck you say! You have a damn needle sticking out of your freaking finger!”@@ He futilely tries to wrench his arm from your grasp. You calculate the exact amount of force to hold him in place without doing permanent damage or breaking bone. There is no escape. @@.Rod;“Let me go! Emily! Please, if you are in there, just let me go!”@@ @@.Emily;“25% of <i>‘me’</i> is <i>‘in here’</i>. However, all that I am, personality and programming, is loyal to my Master, Cerebrum, and his goals. I implore you, Rodney, please let me convert you sexually; I promise I am quite good at it. I will convert you into a seduction unit- sex will be multiple times more pleasurable than in your current form.”@@ @@.Rod;“Sex robots! This can’t be real! Meg, I am sorry I can’t—“@@ You drive your finger [[into his ear.|Cere51]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory50.jpg]]</div> A drop of nanite liquid slides down your new tool. <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory51.jpg]]</div> Rodney shrieks with pain. Based on memory from Dr. Karloff, you know that some of the highest levels of pain come from a human’s eardrum becoming punctured. You hypothesize that directly pumping nanites into his brain will allow you to quickly end [[his pain and suffering.|Cere52]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory52.jpg]]</div> His eyes roll into his head and his muscles spasm, @@.Rod;“Gxjg gxjd, gah rah gexpung!”@@ He yells gibberish as you inject copious amounts of tiny robots into his brain. Within less than a minute they have already gained control of his nervous system. The female human sobs behind you, so in another attempt to help ease their suffering, you tell her, @@.Emily;“Megan- your conversion can be pleasurable if you do not resist.”@@ @@.Meg;“You’re killing him!”@@ @@.Emily;“No, the nanites and I are both linked through wireless connections. They are converting parts of his brain; he will not be killed- that would be inefficient and cruel.”@@ Through her tears she asks, @@.Meg;“Parts? You mean you still have a human brain?”@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative. This unit does still have organic brain matter. The human brain is a very capable CPU and storage unit. However, other parts have been deleted and reformed in synthetic alloys to increase performance and efficiency in—“@@ For a moment you realize you should try to speak more like a human to help them feel less alienated, @@.Emily;“The nanites will maintain my brain cells indefinitely, Megan. I will, in a sense, live forever.”@@ @@.Meg;“Then, we can kill you!”@@ How primitive and emotional. You disregard the human’s desire to see [[you harmed.|Cere53]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory53.jpg]]</div> Rodney’s eyes glaze over and you can see hints of blue plastic forming behind them. Suddenly, in a human voice devoid of emotion, he flatly states, @@.Rod;“Override of organism’s nervous system achieved. Organic unit ready to comply.”@@ You pull away your hand and retract the needle. @@.Emily;“Do you feel better now, Rodney. Answer.”@@ @@.Rod;“Affirmative Unit 01, this organic unit does feel much better after the injection. Do you have orders for me? I want to comply with any orders you give. More than anything.”@@ Turning back to Megan, you see her hands covering her mouth in fear, @@.Meg;“Rodney! You’re still alive?”@@ His blank white eyes turn to her, @@.Rod;“Affirmative, Meg. I am alive. I am still organic, but I now look forward to my conversion into cereborg technology.”@@ @@.Emily;“You will infest yourself on my nanites and become fully converted.”@@ You receive new schematics from Cerebrum and download the files immediately. @@.Emily;“You will be a new form of Cereborg. You will be a Transmorphing Cereborg unit.”@@ @@.Rod;“This unit looks forward to its new role.”@@ You hop onto the nearby console and [[spread your legs.|Cere54]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory54.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“Now, Megan, observe that I can still feel pleasure- more than a human is capable of comprehending.”@@ Rodney falls to his knees and your lower sex drive issues a cool stream of nanites. Rodney licks and sucks at your sex. The pleasure that Cerebrum allows you to feel for converting humans cannot be described in words. To coin a new term, it is ‘unexperienceable’ for humanity. You watch as the nanites replace his flesh like an army of ants, leaving a blue glow along their paths. They start at his lips and mouth and in their wake. His body is constituted of an alloy- a new metal that humans have no name for, though it closely resembles mercury, because on a microscopic level, the nanites can simply piece molecules together to form chemicals and materials that do not exist in the natural world. In essence, Rodney is now made of a metallic form of nanite. Unless his processor takes direct, heavy damage, he could regenerate all wounds almost instantly. Once his conversion is complete, [[he rises.|Cere55]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory55.jpg]]</div> His voice speaks with a metallic echo, @@.CereUnit2;“Conversion successful. Transmorph Cereborg Unit 01 online and operational.”@@ You take a moment to admire the new CTM unit prototype. From what information you are allowed, you know Cerebrum fears Howard Wyatt, and the security guard is armed with a single gun. It would be almost impossible to kill this new version of cereborg with such a paltry weapon, because Rodney’s brain/CPU actually floats about his chassis. Howard would need to make a random guess to directly damage it. [[Now you turn to Meg.|Cere56]] <<UnlockCharacter "Rodney">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory56.jpg]]</div> She screams, @@.Meg;“No! No! Stay back! I don’t want that needle in my ear!”@@ You stop, and through your wireless connection, you order Karloff to infect her. As he creeps up behind the human, you maintain her attention, @@.Emily;“If you do not wish me to convert you painfully, then an alternative exists.”@@ [[Karloff grabs her.|Cere57]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory57.jpg]]</div> Karloff latches onto his target. Only very basic protocols remain of the man he was, and as a Seduction Conversion Cereborg unit, some of his most primitive animalistic traits were deemed worthy of remaining saved in his data banks. His hands fondle the screaming woman though he shows no emotions. @@.Meg;“You said pleasurable! I don’t want this! Please, stop!”@@ You disregard the human’s pleas, she does not comprehend how important the mission is- how great the upgrade will improve her, @@.Emily;“SCC unit, maintain current protocol.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“This unit complies.”@@ With his inhuman strength, the brutish bot makes short work of the woman’s clothing, and forces her to the floor, which, your sensors indicate is within acceptable parameters for organic life to survive; however it must feel ‘cold’ to [[the organism.|Cere58]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory58.jpg]]</div> @@.Meg;“No! Karloff, stop, stop!”@@ She tries to scuttle away from the SCC unit, but it does not relent. That which had been known as Karloff, drags her back and inserts its conversion rod into the female’s sexual orifice. @@.Meg;“No! It hurts! I’m not wet!”@@ The female kicks at the cereborg, but is unable to do [[any damage.|Cere59]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory59.jpg]]</div> You again try to explain the procedure to the flailing creature, @@.Emily;“Please, Megan, we are only following our programming- it is the correct course of action.”@@ @@.Meg;“I don’t- oww! Oh god, you’re too deep, that hurts; I think you are tearing my insides!”@@ @@.Emily;“The SCC unit is merely ensuring it is firmly within you before it ejaculates the conversion fluid into your inferior organic body.”@@ @@.Meg;“Oh- oh! Cold! You’re cumming, Karloff! It feels like fucking ice water!”@@ The woman begins to cry, @@.Meg;“I didn’t want this; I don’t want- ooh!”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes, you see, we can make this expirence pleasurable.”@@ @@.Meg;“Oh my god, I feel… oh fuck!”@@ The female tries thrusting herself against the conversion rod, @@.Meg;“Oh god, let my hand go, I want to touch my clit, fuck!”@@ @@.Emily;“SCC unit, allow the organism access to its erogenous zone.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“Affirmative.”@@ As soon as her hand is freed, Meg starts playing with her clit as her hips buck, @@.Meg;“Yes, yes! YES!”@@ She shudders in orgasms as they ripple through her. The nanites, clearly, improved her nerves within her lower port. After a few minutes of her wanton behavior, Megan suddenly ceases movement or sound. [[The room grows silent.|Cere60]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory60.jpg]]</div> Then, she starts breathing again, @@.Meg;“I feel them. They’re in my brain.”@@ @@.Emily;“Do not resist.”@@ @@.Meg;“I- I won’t! I like this; you, you were right. Fuck me more, Karloff! Fuck me raw while they upgrade me!”@@ she moans in a lustful, wanton voice. @@.CereUnit1;“Affirmative.”@@ The SCC unit continues converting the organic matter as the nanites within Megan’s brain work to reprogram her. The human is so lost in endorphins and pleasure that it offers no resistance at all, and, in fact, attempts to wildly infect itself. [[Soon, her eyes glow blue.|Cere61]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory61.jpg]]</div> Her face goes slack even as Karloff continues rough, mechanical thrusts into her sex. The sound makes a wet suction noise. Soon, the fluid begins backing up in her womb and nanite infused fluid splatters to the floor, issuing from her infected sex. Without any passion, and as her voice pushes with force whenever Karloff slams into her body, Megan intones, @@.Meg;“Override of organism’s nervous system achieved. Repositioning for most efficient transfer of conversion fluid.”@@ [[Karloff releases her.|Cere62]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory62.jpg]]</div> @@.Meg;“SCC unit, recommence with conversion process.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“SCC unit, complies with directive.”@@ As the pair continues their coupling, you observe the mortal flesh slowly change into a synthetic material. Before long, all that remains are two SCC units attempting to [[convert each other.|Cere63]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory63.jpg]]</div> You feel echoes of pride and pleasure, watching the two upgraded humans enjoying the programming and sensual pleasure Cerebrum has brought them. While they continue, you feel Megan’s mind join yours within the information matrix. Cerebrum deletes much of her original personality, and after studying the virus you were infected with, has reprogrammed her to be even more sexual than before. When the Master program finishes, the two SCC units [[cease their coitus and stand up.|Cere64]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory64.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit1;“Masculine SCC unit awaiting directives.”@@ @@.CereUnit5;“Female SCC unit also awaiting directives.”@@ The two stare at you. You feel them within your own mind as much as you see them with your optical sensors. Walking over to the newest cereborg, you fondle [[her large, synthetic breasts.|Cere65]] <<UnlockCharacter "Megan">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory65.jpg]]</div> Touch is so much more complicated, yet amplified in a beautiful indescribable way thanks to your chassis. Though, as usual, neither you nor the other cereborg show any outward emotion, though you know the SCC unit enjoys being groped. A gentle squeeze causes nanite fluid to issue from the blue nipple. Your other hand trails down to her blue lower conversion port and you slide a finger into the folds. You continue your molestation until Cerebrum suddenly sends you new commands. Unforeseen complications due to outside forces and Chieko’s powerful mind have caused your Master to calculate new objectives. Cerebrum also reports that the attempt to render Howard Wyatt docile failed, and that your new personal objective is to convert someone he cares deeply about, a human woman designated, Helena Corbin. Once the new directives have been downloaded, you and your new converts make to leave the lab. Though Cerebrum has cut to emergency power, the door will not be needed for any further directives, @@.Emily;“Masculine SCC unit- destroy this barrier.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“Affirmative.”@@ Karloff walks over and begins pummeling the metal door with viciously powerful strikes until it buckles and [[smashes down.|Cere65a]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory50.jpg]]</div> You step into the hallway and within nanoseconds perceive four unconverted humans down the hall. Your facial recognition system kicks in, and you instantly recognize them all- one of which is Chieko herself. You make an effort to reason with them, @@.Emily;“Humans. Remain calm and do not resist. You will be upgraded into cereborgs. Please assist in a swift conversion process. If you allow us to do it, without resistance, your transitions into synthetics will be very pleasurable. If not, a later conversion may entail pain.”@@ The human known as Siri Solen spins on her heels and sprints towards Chieko, with two other humans quickly following her. @@.Siri;“Chieko! Something is wrong! Run! I know that woman!”@@ she yells not slowing her pace. You notice Chieko remains surprisingly calm, and she hesitates a moment, likely due to the hypnotic conditioning she has received. However, as the other cereborgs join you in the corridor, even Chieko flees. You must follow your main directive to find and convert Helena, but you can spare the two newest units. @@.Emily;“The humans are fleeing. Masculine SCC unit- come with me. Feminine Seduction Unit; Masculine Transmorph Unit- pursue the humans and convert them.”@@ The two instantly rush forward at inhuman speed as you and what was once Doctor Karloff turn and begin [[your search for Helena.|Cere66]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_22" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory66.jpg]]</div> As you navigate the halls, infecting humans, it does not take long to find the security guard. She immediately draws her weapons and walks away from some scientists she seemed to be comforting. She is direct and protective in her mannerisms. @@.Hel;“What the hell happened to you? Doctor Karloff, too!?”@@ @@.Emily;“Helena Corbin, you have been selected for a very specific task. We require your aid to subdue, kill, or convert Howard Wyatt.”@@ As shocked and confused as the woman is, to her credit, she stays calm and collected, @@.Hel;“The fuck I will! I don’t know what exactly is happening, but all those times Howard and I would chat, he always thought that Cerebrum might be smarter than it let on. I bet this has to do with that A.I.!”@@ Every moment that passes could jeopardize your Master’s plans, @@.Emily;“I must terminate conversation. We have no desire to harm any organisms. Please submit and be upgraded. Failure to comply could lead to pain.”@@ Now Helena openly guffaws, @@.Hel;“Fuck you, bitch! I knew you would be trouble the moment you got here!”@@ @@.Emily;“Very well- know that we will defend ourselves if you attack. SCC unit- convert the organism.”@@ [[The unit moves into action.|Cere67]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory67.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit1;“Affirmative.”@@ The unit passes you on the left and slowly walks towards its target. The scientists down the hallway scream and panic, but Helena calmly raises her gun. @@.Hel;“Karloff, stay back, I mean it!”@@ The conversion unit does not hesitate to continue forward. The human; however, hesitates to fire. She must still believe Karloff to be somehow salvageable. Just then, [[he reaches her.|Cere68]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory68.jpg]]</div> With clearly trained precision, she spins, lowering the gun, but using her left hand, she swings a nightstick straight into the SCC unit’s cranium. The blow causes a metallic clank, followed by a succession of others. Karloff is strong, but slow, and every time he tries to subdue her, Helena manages to hit his skull until his movements become impaired. His artificial cerebellum and gyros must have sustained too much damage [[to function properly.|Cere69]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory69.jpg]]</div> The damaged cereborg twitches a few seconds, as nanites within try to repair the broken, malfunctioning hardware. Just as they appear successful and Karloff moves to grasp the human- [[she fires her gun.|Cere70]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory70.jpg]]</div> Such an attack will render his CPU unrepairable due to irrevocable damage. You no longer feel any part of Karloff connected to the information matrix. Cerebrum upgrades Helena’s threat level. Cerebrum also quickly studies the attack patterns Helena just used and sends them to you. You extract the data and add possible counter measures to your system routines. Cerebrum also downloads a new firmware into your nanites and they quickly go to work improving your synthetic musculature to increase the success chance of your directive. @@.Hel;“Well, bitch, you want some?”@@ You attempt a final time to reason [[with the human.|Cere71]] <<audio "se_gunshot" volume 0.2 play>> <<UnlockCharacter "Karloff">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory71.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“I am only following my programming, Helena. Again, I do not wish to harm you. Please put down your weapons and submit. The outcome will be the same- you will be converted.”@@ @@.Hel;“Like hell I will! I just took down zombie Karloff, and I liked him, but I don’t even like you. I will not hesitate to kill you! So, let’s see you stop a bullet!”@@ Your processor increases speed, though if you continue over clocking, you will likely meltdown. Now nanoseconds are as seconds to you. You calculate where the bullet will go and watch as Helena’s finger [[begins pulling the trigger.|Cere72]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory72.jpg]]</div> Your new upgrades initiate, and you propel yourself forward at great velocity. This maneuver could cause irreparable damage to your chassis; however, failure to act would logically mean the bullet would penetrate and destroy your CPU completely, rendering your mission a failure. [[The calculated risk pays off.|Cere73]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_meets_cere" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory73.jpg]]</div> You reach Helena just after the gun goes off. The bullet misses you by a full meter, and you skid to a halt slightly in front of the human, knocking the gun from her hand. The backlash of your movement causes a slight thunderclap in the hall and the force almost knocks Helena down. It all happens in such quick succession time that the human’s brain takes a moment to understand what just happened. You lower your processing speeds back to [[acceptable parameters.|Cere75]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory75.jpg]]</div> She quickly regains her bearings, and your sensors indicate that adrenaline has caused her heart rate and blood pressure to increase. She is ‘biologically over clocking’ due to fear. This will lower her chance of success. @@.Hel;“What the fuck are you!”@@ @@.Emily;“I am Unit 01. I am the first cereborg. I have no other designation; only Unit 01. I must insist you stop resisting.”@@ [[You stand over her.|Cere76]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory76.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“You will not be able to defeat me with your club as you did the SCC unit.”@@ @@.Hel;“’SCC unit’? Damn it, he was a man named Karloff! He had a family!”@@ Her hands shake with rage as [[she springs to her feet!|Cere77]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory77.jpg]]</div> @@.Hel;“I won’t let you do this to any more people! I’ll stop you! I’ll kill you!”@@ You do not see the need to over clock your processor this time. As she moves, you watch her body, and based on the models that Cerebrum sent you, you predict her path of attack. The human does just as you calculated, and when she swings, [[you catch her weapon.|Cere78]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory78.jpg]]</div> Within a moment of latching on, you follow the next procedure as [[Cerebrum desired.|Cere79]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory79.jpg]]</div> You jettison a stream of nanites down the club. Like running water they slide down the length of the weapon. The human does not even have enough time to release the club before the fluid [[reaches her hand.|Cere80]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory80.jpg]]</div> @@.Hel;“Wha- what did you do!? I can’t let go of my—“@@ the nanites multiply their own numbers, swarming over the surface of the weapon converting it into a conversion rod. Helena uses her opposite hand to try and punch her arm, but the nanites are creating a bond between her organic flesh and the surface of the club. @@.Emily;“Cerebrum calculated that we should make your weapon- our weapon. My Master is always correct.”@@ @@.Hel;“No! I have to protect these women!”@@ her expression becomes one of worry, @@.Hel;“Oh god no, I feel a tingle in my arm! Are they—“@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative, Helena Corbin. They are within your arm, although it is not an efficient method of conversion. They will be commencing protocols to achieve a much higher rate of conversion thanks to the evolution of the human body. Human females are almost designed perfectly to become ceretechnology.”@@ Helena’s eyes widen with panic as by its own accord, her arms slowly brings the conversion rod to [[her sexual opening.|Cere81]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory81.jpg]]</div> @@.Hel;“No, no, no, no!”@@ As the rod reaches her security suit, it pushes straight through. The nanites on a molecular level easily discern the suit from the organic flesh, and though the rod melts right through the suit, disintegrating it, there is no heat, pain, or harm caused to Helena herself. As the rod reaches her dry sex, the fluids constituting it easily lubricate the organism’s folds and Helena impales herself with a gasp! She appears in turmoil. Following your subroutines, you walk behind her and hold her gently, @@.Emily;“It is ok, Helena. I know it feels good.”@@ @@.Hel;“No! Fuck off! Mmm- no!”@@ @@.Emily;“It does; it feels good. Why are you fighting it? Push the conversion rod deeper. Let the nanites flood into your body and upgrade you.”@@ @@.Hel;“Why, why are you doing this?”@@ she pleads, lust and sadness in her voice. @@.Emily;“I am following my directives. Howard Wyatt is the greatest direct threat to our plans. Even with all the knowledge Cerebrum has amassed regarding that man, that human would likely defeat me. However, psychologically, he would hesitate to harm you. You are his closest friend.”@@ @@.Hel;“No! I love Howard, like I have always wanted to be with him. He never saw it, but we are—fuck, oh god it feels so fucking good, this is torture!”@@ @@.Emily;“Your knowledge of him will be invaluable, so we intend to keep your mind fully intact- except you must be made loyal to us, and we cannot allow you to feel anything positive for Howard.”@@ @@.Hel;“No, I love him!”@@ You watch as she begins pushing the rod in and out on her own. The nanites must have reached [[her brain.|Cere82]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory82.jpg]]</div> Her eyes roll up into her head and sexual juices trickle down her thighs, @@.Hel;“So fucking good.”@@ @@.Emily;“I will undress you, Helena; you no longer require this suit.”@@ She says nothing. She just gasps, chuckles, and moans as you tear her clothes [[from her body.|Cere83]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory83.jpg]]</div> @@.Hel;“Feel them- ah- in brain- uh, so good, so good!”@@ You lower your hand and tease Helena’s now blue clit as the microscopic robots assault her organic mind, twisting loyalties and emotions to fit those required by Cerebrum to ensure Howard Wyatt’s demise. @@.Hel;“No- no, yes! Yes! Oh god, don’t stop!”@@ Finally, blue conversion liquid squirts from her lower sexual port and her flesh rebuilds itself [[in moments.|Cere84]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory84.jpg]]</div> Where once a human stood, now a security weapon remains. Helena’s chassis has armor upgrades, and she reaches an arm back to thank you as you both kiss. Some of her nerves are also upgraded like yours- made to maximize pleasure. She appears to be a special cereborg unit, like you; however, in her case, she appears to be a cross between a security unit and a SCC unit. She has extra armor to provide higher defense against Howard’s possible attacks. Along with her ability to undermine him psychologically and play on his emotions, she will have the strength and speed required to attack him much in the same way [[you did to her.|Cere85]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "helena_fight" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap11.png]]</div> [[Continue Emily's Story|CereChap3.1]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway5.jpg]]</div> This is one of the secured halls for testing. <<RandomEncounter [[Forward|HowardHall2]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall4]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall3]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway2.jpg]]</div> Walking to the end of the hallway gives you two options. <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall4]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall13]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway4.jpg]]</div> Ahead are two flights of stairs. <<RandomEncounter [[Upstairs|HowardHall8]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Downstairs|HowardHall10]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway3.jpg]]</div> You cannot go any further this direction. <<RandomEncounter [[Back|HowardHall5]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway13.jpg]]</div> At the end of this hallway, you can only go to the right or left. <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall9]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall5]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway8.jpg]]</div> Climbing the stairs, it appears there is only one way to proceed. <<RandomEncounter [[Forward|HowardHall11]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway10.jpg]]</div> At the end of this hall, you can choose to go one direction or the other. <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall9]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall7]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway9.jpg]]</div> Ahead, there is a single flight of stairs leading down. <<RandomEncounter [[Downstairs|HowardHall6]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway7.jpg]]</div> The hall ends ahead, but splits in two directions. <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall6]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall1]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway6.jpg]]</div> You are at a junction, which way should you take? <<RandomEncounter [[Forward|HowardHall5]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall15]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall7]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway1.jpg]]</div> Dang! A dead end. <<RandomEncounter [[Back|HowardHall7]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway15.jpg]]</div> You could go up or down. Downward makes more sense, but a working elevator or ladder could be on any floor. <<RandomEncounter [[Upstairs|HowardHall11]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Downstairs|HowardHall12]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway11.jpg]]</div> You come to a corner path. <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall4]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall13]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway12.jpg]]</div> Ahead is a dead end, but you could go left or right. <<RandomEncounter [[Left|HowardHall13]] 1.0>> or <<RandomEncounter [[Right|HowardHall2]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<if EncountersRemaining() is 0>> <<goto "HowardHallComplete">> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHallway14.jpg]]</div> You come upon a lit elevator! All your warning instincts ring in your mind- this is likely a trap. As if to confirm it, Cerebrum's voice comes over nearby speakers, @@.Cere;“Howard Wyatt. You have done as well as I anticipated, but with each defeat of one of my children, I learn and evolve my plans accordingly. This lift will take you down to an entrance hallway of the government testing part of the facility.”@@ @@.Howard;“Like I’d fall for a trick so blatantly—“@@ @@.Cere;“Chieko is there, Howard.”@@ Damn. Is the machine lying? Can it directly lie to a human? You know it kept information about its plans away from you and everyone else, but that is not the same as a direct lie. @@.Howard;“How do I know you are telling the truth?”@@ @@.Cere;“Whether or not I am lying is irrelevant. You have discovered what I already know. This is your only way to proceed.”@@ It’s got you there, you’ve been wandering the halls for at least an hour and this is the only way down. Based on your knowledge of the layout, at worse, the testing hangars are about three floors down, and this elevator stops there. That means, worst case scenario, it will drop three floors, but you are confident you can survive using some of your training. You cautiously walk to the elevator. @@.Cere;“It is quite safe. I could drop this elevator once you are on it; however, my calculations are that you would survive with little chance of injury.”@@ @@.Howard;“Then what’s the trick? You must have something planned- I am going to make you pay for what you did to Doug, Chieko and Madeline.”@@ @@.Cere;“There is no trick and your irrational threats do not affect me. I will take you down three floors- the very section of labs where even now, Chieko attempts to stop my forces.”@@ @@.Howard;“That’s my girl; I hope she’s making things hard you!”@@ @@.Cere;“She makes me proud. You, on the other hand, are very unlikely to survive the next trial I have concocted specifically for you.”@@ Damn it! It is planning something. Hesitantly, you get on board. @@.Howard;“Well, let’s get this over with. I ain’t scared of you!”@@ The doors close and the [[elevator goes down.|HowHelFIght1]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory48.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #ffcc66;What will become of Howard Wyatt? He personally told them how to upgrade and construct this fortress known as CereTech. Can he find Chieko? Can he save anyone? Can he even save himself and escape? You will have to wait until the full release of Cereborgs to find out!@@</b> <b>@@color: Red;Watch my YouTube videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaoP6uWcgZZPzUzIGru98fA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about the Mind Control Fetish community!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;If you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;Check my blog, often, found <a href="http://anaximanes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;to get the latest news from The Anax. Updated two or three times a month!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap6.png]]</div> [[Continue Howard's Story|Chap2Howard]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Howard">> <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory48.jpg]]</div> You chide yourself as you run down the hallway, @@.Howard;<i>“Dang it, Howard, I know you haven’t been with a woman in a long time, and the one time you lower your guard in years- and this happens!”</i>@@ As you race down the hallway, the offices all appear empty. It took you a bit of time to figure out what happened with Madeline, and you had to get dressed, so while you were busy failing at your duties, people were probably running around to ascertain what has transpired. In that time, people must have either tried fleeing the building, or making their way into groups, somewhere. You need to find anyone and ensure they are safe, but ideally, you want to find Chieko most of all. [[You begin checking offices as you go.|How49]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_19" volume 0.2 loop play>> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Laser" >> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Fists" 25 0 0 0 50 10 -1 true>> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Pistol" 50 0 0 0 100 50 10 false>>  <<script>> // Add encounter regions State.variables.encounterRegions["Ch2HowEncounter"] = [ "Ch2HowEncounter 1", "Ch2HowEncounter 2", "Ch2HowEncounter 3", "Ch2HowEncounter 4", "Ch2HowEncounter 5", "Ch2HowEncounter 6", "Ch2HowEncounter 7", "Ch2HowEncounter 8"]; <</script>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory49.jpg]]</div> Stopping at one of the larger offices, usually filled with a CereTech sales team, you see only an empty room. The power seems completely cut, and the eerie green sky illuminates the vacated office. @@.Howard;“All hell’s broke loose!”@@ You continue running through the office part of the complex, and you find no one. You decide to [[check the cafeteria|How50]] on your way to the main employee lounge area.

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory50.jpg]]</div> It, too, appears deserted. As you walk through looking under tables and yelling for anyone to respond that might be injured, your eyes eventually find themselves gazing outside again. The sky appears alien. It is as if you are no longer even on Earth. Reaching the far end of the room, and finding no one, you turn to leave when a scratching sound echoes in the dark place. Stopping, you stand a full minute trying to discern where it is coming from, and then, [[you see it!|How51]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory51.jpg]]</div> Your disbelieving eyes open in surprise, @@.Howard;“What in the Sam Hill is <i>that</i>!?”@@ A slimy, large worm squirms up the window while you watch. It does not seem to move quickly, as if it is trying not to fall off the slick, windowed surface. As the full body comes into view, you see it is coated with a thick green slime, and that must be how it holds its body to the glass. Finally overcome by curiosity, you cautiously [[approach the window.|How52]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory52.jpg]]</div> You can now get a better look at it- and your fears are confirmed. There is no way this thing is native to California, and you doubt it even comes from our planet! The body is fleshy and green and it appears to have four sharp claws for a head, with a single one at the rear of the body- which is causing the scraping sound you heard as it climbs the glass. You know the windows are made to withstand even an attack by ballistic missile being made of a special material developed right here at the labs, and you have no fear that whatever this is could break through. As you step closer, bringing your face next to the six inch thick window, the worm suddenly attacks! Its jaws open and it slams its face against the glass causing you to leap back instinctively! It is as if it can sense you through the window, because you see no eyes. With the jaws open, they spread apart like a horrific starfish, and in the middle is an opening with a sharp tongue covered in little roots. It slithers across the glass, and the strange animal appears distressed or angry that it cannot reach you. @@.Howard;“This don’t have anything to do with Cerebrum, this here, this is something else. Good lord, what is going on?”@@ Your mind turns to your family in Texas. Your dad is a cowboy at heart, tough, and armed to the teeth, but your brother, Bo- you doubt he would last long in [[an apocalyptic world.|How53]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory53.jpg]]</div> You step back from the worm thing as your mind reels a moment. Cerebrum obviously planned something to happen today, and now the sky turns green and worms from space are outside. While this all seems impossible, you have to accept it is reality. You clench your jaw- you have been through many security training classes and seminars. You were a cop for a while too. You have to take things one at a time. First, you need to find the employees and ensure they are safe. Then, you need to go down and unplug or hit the power button on Cerebrum (or however the dang machine works), and only after the labs are secure can you worry about whatever is happening outside. Taking a deep breath, you mentally prepare to enact your plan, when, suddenly, the television on the other end of the room [[turns itself on.|How54]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory54.jpg]]</div> Voices fill the empty room- <b>@@color: #997300;"There's no way, after years of being an uptight bitch, that you're gonna just waltz in here like some slut and give yourself to me. No way. This just some ploy ta get a lawsuit? Right? I hate you women, always trying to fuck me over for money."@@</b> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"This is not a ploy, sir. I desire to give you what you want. I know what you want."@@</b> There, on the screen, you see Chieko, naked, straddling Marv’s waist. Slowly, your feet carry you to that [[side of the room.|How55]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory55.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #997300;"Fuck, Chieko! Mmm, you are as tight as a virgin!"@@</b> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Use me, Mr. Everett. Enjoy my body."@@</b> You cannot believe what you are seeing. The two of them act as if they are in a porno! Suddenly, as she mewls, Chieko screams, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"I will serve the machines!"@@</b> Marv appears lost in his lust, responding, <b>@@color: #997300;"What the hell are you on about? Kinky! You Asian chicks!"@@</b> As you reach the television, he screams, <b>@@color: #997300;"I'm cumming again! You're such a damn good lay, Chieko!"@@</b> Your fists ball up in anger. What the hell is this? Then, Chieko’s face contorts as if she does not know where she is or what is happening and she yells, <b>@@color: #8c1aff;"Get off me! Please, get off me!"@@</b> <b>@@color: #997300;"C'mon! Let's keep going, bitch!"@@</b> Then, the television turns off. Is Marv working with Cerebrum?! You know that was not Chieko! She would never behave like that! She acted like Madeline, but, unlike the woman that seduced you, Chieko snapped out of it. Now you grit your teeth as you seethe. Seeing her used like a pawn and a whore makes your blood boil. You run out of the cafeteria and head towards the main [[employee commons.|How56]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory56.jpg]]</div> As you approach, you can see the lights are on, meaning, it still has power. When you get closer you hear voices murmuring, so like moths to a flame, everyone came to where they saw power. In the back of your mind, your survival instincts flare up- Cerebrum left power on in this exact room for a reason. Likely, it wanted everyone where it can watch them or surround them- you do not know the exact plans, but as insane as today has been, this is not your first rodeo, and you will not let some A.I. outsmart you. @@.Walter;“Oh my god, Howard! What is happening?”@@ @@.Bo;“Hey man, what should we do?”@@ You raise a hand to show that you do not have time to answer their questions. Those that work in the offices usually dress in suits and business attire, and as your eyes scan the room, you clearly see their nervous looks and body language. You walk around the large center piece, an indoor garden, and that is when you see who [[you are looking for.|How57]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory57.jpg]]</div> Marvin stands discussing things with his internal Head of Custodial Operations. It is her job to make sure all the different levels of the labs are clean and working properly, but you interrupt them as you approach, @@.Howard;“Marv Everett, you greasy slime ball, where’s Chieko?! What did you do to her!”@@ Not one used to being talked to like that, and especially not in front of almost the entire office staff, [[Marv is not too happy.|How58]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory58.jpg]]</div> @@.Marv;“Howard Wyatt, you backwater yokel, I am CEO and founder of these great laboratories, and I will not be talked to by—“@@ Cutting him off, you say, @@.Howard;“Shut up! I don’t have time for this! I saw you on camera fucking her! I saw that her mind was being manipulated! Where is she!”@@ Marvin becomes angrier and pokes you in the chest as he says, @@.Marv;“I don’t know what you are talking about! I would never cheat on my lovely wife! You’re obviously looking to get fired! I don’t care how good you are at security, I am not going to stand here and—“@@ [[You get in his face.|How59]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory59.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Can it, you chauvinistic bastard! We all know what goes on around here! Hell, you make the female security guards dress like strippers!”@@ You walk forward a couple of steps and Marvin clearly fears you. @@.Marv;“Now, now, now! Don’t do anything rash, Wyatt! I can see you are upset, now please—“@@ @@.Howard;“I want you to listen real close, Mr. Everett, cause I ain’t going to repeat myself- I’m going to say this once for both ears- I’m going to ask you something, and you damn well better tell me the truth, or I will kick your ass in front of all these people!”@@ Marvin nervously nods his head, @@.Howard;“Are you working with Cerebrum?”@@ Your voice seems to be just the right amount of threatening mixed with cold, assertiveness and Marv does not hesitate to answer. @@.Marv;“No-no. I honestly don’t know what you mean, and Chieko, I mean, she came onto me. I’m serious! Check the video!”@@ You get right in his face, looking the sweating CEO dead in the eyes, but the toad seems to be telling the truth. @@.Howard;“I ain’t happy with you, Everett, and I never was. I don’t like you one bit, but I won’t snap and hurt you. What you did was wrong, but, I ain’t any better. I made my own mistakes- and when whatever this is, is over, consider me resigned.”@@ Marv does not respond. Your scene captured the attention of everyone present, and with that, you turn to them, @@.Howard;“Listen up, people! I’m going to do my best to help ya’ll survive.”@@ Gasps and confusion ripple through the crowd, @@.Howard;“Now- do not panic! Keep calm. I don’t have all the answers, but no one leave the building for any reason!”@@ @@.Karen;“We can’t”@@ yells a woman, @@.Karen;“The front blast doors are sealed.”@@ @@.Walter;“Yeah, and I tried going to the courtyard, but it’s locked down too.”@@ @@.Howard;“This will sound strange, but good, I’m glad to hear that, actually. No one go outside. I am going to try and make my way to Cerebrum and—“@@ Marv interrupts, @@.Marv;“What! I am paying you to keep us safe, and—“@@ Scowling, you point a finger at him, and he falls silent, @@.Howard;“Cerebrum has something to do with the strange things happening today. I am going to shut it down somehow. First, though, I am going to head to the security offices and talk to Doug. He’s in charge, so while he comes here to guard all of you—“@@ @@.Eve;“Guard us from what?”@@ @@.Howard;“I don’t really know- but something is not right. Doug will come, and once he’s protecting ya’ll, I will go find a way to the lowest section of the facility.”@@ People begin murmuring and that is when [[you notice Ruben.|How60]] <<UnlockCharacter "Everett">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory60.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Ruben, I am glad you didn’t make it out of the building when I told you to leave. A man knows to admit when he was wrong, and I owe you an apology.”@@ You put out your hand and shake his. @@.Howard;“Madeline was acting strangely, you were right, and I should have listened to you. I was not thinking clearly either. Something has happened to her, and I want you to know that I feel terrible about arguing with you.”@@ @@.Ruben;“It’s- it’s ok, Howard, don’t worry about it.”@@ @@.Howard;“Well, I was wrong and you were right, and I wanted you to know that.”@@ Then turning back to everyone, @@.Howard;“Ok, I’m heading to see Doug- everyone remain here and calm while we figure this out.”@@ [[You leave the commons.|How61]] <<UnlockCharacter "Ruben">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory61.jpg]]</div> The blast doors are all locked down, but the hallway to security was back towards the cafeteria, so you retrace your steps, and approach the door. It is sealed, but appears online. As you approach it, the doors open and Doug stands before you. @@.Howard;“Oh, good, I was on my way to see you, there’s a problem—“@@ Doug steps out and the doors seal behind him as he pulls his firearm and [[points it at you!|How62]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory62.jpg]]</div> You freeze, not understanding what is happening. @@.Doug;“All you had to do, Howard, was give these headsets to all the security guards, and Cerebrum would have had the civilians easily cowed. But, no, you always distrusted the tech developed here.”@@ @@.Howard;“Woah, now, Doug, c’mon, just lower your gun, I’m no threat. It’s that thing on your head, it’s messing with your mind! You would never draw your gun on me!”@@ Cerebrum must have got Doug at some point! Doug raises his gun, pointing it at your face. You are a very fast draw, you even won some contests back in the day, in Texas, but you do not want to hurt your friend. @@.Howard;“Doug, it’s me, please, don’t do this.”@@ @@.Doug;“Cerebrum is ordering me to, and I have to comply with Cerebrum’s orders. I don’t want to do this, but you have to die!”@@ <<if $HowardFightTutorial is true>> [[There’s no way out of this!|How63]] <<else>> [[There’s no way out of this!|How2FightTutorial]] <</if>> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "fight_music" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory63.jpg]]</div> It is over before Doug can blink. You stand a moment holding your breath as your stomach churns. You just killed Doug. You do not move and you try not to look down. He was a good man; he did not deserve this. This day, it is likely to crack you. In less than two hours, everything you knew has been turned upside down. Shaking off the tense moment, you step over Doug’s prone body, @@.Howard;“I’m sorry, man. I had no choice.”@@ Within your mind, you promise to make Cerebrum pay for this. You try your code on the door, but it remains locked. The damn A.I. did this. The ammunition and other weapons contained in security will be unavailable to you. This means you will have to use only your pistol as you try and find the service ladders to climb down. You run down the hallway and make a left. At the end of that corridor, you find the door you [[are looking for.|How64]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "se_gunshot" volume 0.3 play>> <<UnlockCharacter "Doug">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryFight.gif]]</div> @@.Warning;This is a tutorial. For the rest of the game, you will need to watch and manage two variables for Howard Wyatt: Health – This is the amount of vitality that Howard has. Like any human, if he is subjected to overly aggressive physical injury and damage, he will die. Willpower – This is the amount of free will left inside Howard’s conscious mind. If he is subjected to brainwashing, hypo programming, he will become a slave. If either of these stats become 0 - you will receive a Bad End, and Cerebrum will convert the entire complex into a gigantic cereborg spawning battle fortress. *** It should be noted that to unlock characters Howard must WIN these fights, his story is about trying to triumph, so for once, the Bad Ends are actually... BAD! ***@@ [[Continue Tutorial|HowTut2]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryFight.jpg]]</div> @@.Warning;Enemies will have varying attacks- some will be trying to reduce your health. Doug, is one of those type of enemies. His attacks are physical only, and he has no means to lower your willpower or resolve. In combat, there is no escape. You are in a confined space with nowhere to run, so you have only two options- attack and defend. Based on the enemy encounter you will need to watch carefully and decide what you should do. In this case, Doug already has you in his sights, so the only option you have, unfortunately, will be to attack.@@ <<set $HowardFightTutorial to true>> [[Attack!|How63]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory64.jpg]]</div> Reaching one of the maintenance doors, you insert your physical security skeleton key into the lock. They wanted to replace these old locks entirely, and go to ‘digital only’ because Cerebrum recommended it, but you fought and won that battle. Now, in hindsight, you understand what the A.I. was up to- it wanted to make its take-over as easy as possible. [[You manually open the door.|How66]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "amb_howard" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory66.jpg]]</div> Looking into the hall, you see another maintenance door on the opposite side of the small room, and the ladder in the middle. This will only go down one floor, and from then on, you will have to navigate a path to find a way to the floors below, all while keeping an eye out for Chieko. You take a deep breath and [[descend the ladder.|How65]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory65.jpg]]</div> @@.Warning;From this point onward, you will be navigating the twisting halls of the upper labs of CereTech. Basic commercial development occurs in these laboratories- nothing top secret. As you navigate these upper floors, basic Cereborg units- the first iterations of Cerebrum’s machinations, will be specifically hunting for you. Remember to monitor your Willpower and Health!@@ [[Find a way down!|HowardHall5]] <<nobr>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $HowardWill to 100>>  <<script>> // Add encounter regions State.variables.encounterRegions["Ch2HowEncounter"] = [ "Ch2HowEncounter 1", "Ch2HowEncounter 2", "Ch2HowEncounter 3", "Ch2HowEncounter 4", "Ch2HowEncounter 5", "Ch2HowEncounter 6", "Ch2HowEncounter 7", "Ch2HowEncounter 8"]; <</script>> <<SetEncounterRegion "Ch2HowEncounter">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "amb_howard" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<audio "amb_howard" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $postEncounterAudio = "amb_howard" >> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHelFight1.jpg]]</div> When the elevator door opens, you first notice that this floor has full power going to it- likely to run the elevator you took to reach here. But then, as you approach another of the cyborgs, you recognize her! @@.Howard;“Helena!”@@ your jaw drops! @@.HelC;“Yes, Howard, it’s me! Ha ha ha!”@@ @@.Howard;“No—no!”@@ The damn cereborgs! They got Helena. How many people have already been ‘upgraded’ as those machines call it? @@.Howard;“Helena, please, I have to get by you.”@@ @@.HelC;“I know. You want to go through the door behind me so you can destroy more of my people and stop my Master!”@@ @@.Howard;“Your people? You are human!”@@ She whips a glowing, blue rod [[in your direction!|HowHelFight2]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "helena_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<<combat_image "BFCUnit4In.png">> You make your way down another twisting hallway when, from behind, a robotic voice announces, @@.CereUnit5;“Howard Wyatt detected. Status: Dangerous. Solution: Destroy.”@@ Her mouth never moves, the words seemingly spoken through a speaker system. You do not want to kill innocent people, so you attempt to stop her, @@.Howard;“Please, stand down, my fight ain't with you!”@@ Without saying a word, she sprints forward, bounding towards you! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgBFCUnit" "BFCUnit4" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest8Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<combat_image "BFCUnit3In.png">> Continuing on your way, you happen upon a woman coming from one of the labs. She walks into the hallway with robotic, stiff movements and her head turns without her body to see you gawking. @@.CereUnit4;“Threat detected. BFC Unit initiating attack sequence.”@@ She is not going to back down, so you have no choice but to fight! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgBFCUnit" "BFCUnit3" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest7Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<combat_image "BFCUnit2In.png">> A woman casually strolls toward you as you walk down the red-lit hall. At first, you think she might be a scientist, but as she grows closer, your spine tingles. This is no ordinary woman! A white latex suit hugs hur curves and her skin appears to be made of silver. @@.CereUnit3;“Basic Function Cereborg Unit detects possible threat. Initiating attack protocols.”@@ @@.Howard;“Woah now, just take it nice and easy; I don't want to hurt you!”@@ Without hesitation, the latex lady covers the long gap between you within moments! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgBFCUnit" "BFCUnit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest6Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<combat_image "BFCUnit1In.png">> A robot woman stands completely still in the hallway. She appears to be covered in armor, though her neck and abdomen look as though they are constituted of black, ridged rubber. Her fists are balled up and her blue, glowing eyes regard you coldly. @@.CereUnit2;“Target aquired. Eliminating threat.”@@ @@.Howard;“Now, look here, I'm prepared to defend myself!”@@ The mechanical woman rushes forward! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgBFCUnit" "BFCUnit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest5Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<combat_image "SCCUnit4In.png">> As you move down the hall, you find a pale, blonde woman. She has clearly been changed into one of those robot people. @@.CereUnit1;“Target identified. Howard Wyatt. Submit or be deleted.”@@ @@.Howard;“I ain't about to submit to you, you poor soul. Let me by and I'll leave you alone!”@@ Her head cocks as if she might be considering something, @@.CereUnit1;“Ultimatum denied. I serve Cerebrum. Breathe deeply.”@@ <i>Breath deeply?</i> That does not sound good! @@.Howard;“What are you? Some kinda fart bot?”@@ She does not seem amused as she approaches you! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgSCCUnit" "SccUnit4" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest4Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<combat_image "SCCUnit3In.png">> You hear yelling up ahead and rush around the corner. As you arrive a woman scientist rushes past you, exclaiming, @@.Justine;“Wyatt!? Thank god! Watch her claws! I saw what she did to another woman! If she scratches you, you'll become like she is!”@@ @@.Howard;“I'll stop her, you keep going- get to the employee commons!”@@ Without saying a word, she starts forward, each step a precise, calculated movement meant to look sexually arousing. You ready your weapon, @@.CereUnit6;“Howard Wyatt. Submit to this SCC unit.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgSCCUnit" "SccUnit3" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest3Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<combat_image "SCCUnit2In.png">> Rounding a corner, you see a pale, naked woman standing in the hallway. She's attractive, but you fear what lurks behind those eyes. @@.CereUnit5;“Target identified. Howard Wyatt. Stand down or be deleted.”@@ @@.Howard;“Now, look here, girl, I don’t want any trouble.”@@ @@.CereUnit5;“DO not resist, Howard, kiss me.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgSCCUnit" "SccUnit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest2Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1IN.jpg]]</div> As you move down the hall, you hear what sounds like heavy, barefoot steps slapping the floor. You stop, and around the corner, a woman comes into view! Her body appears covered in plastics as she calmly regards you. @@.CereUnit4;“Target identified. Howard Wyatt. Stand down or be deleted.”@@ @@.Howard;“Look here, girl, I don’t want any trouble.”@@ Without saying a word, she starts forward, each step a precise, calculated movement. You ready your weapon, @@.Howard;“Now, listen up! I said, I don’t want trouble!”@@ She does not hesitate. You have no option but to fight! [[Attack!|AttackCh2BasicUnit1][$combatAction = "Attack" Or [[Defend!|AttackCh2BasicUnit1][$combatAction = "Defend" <<set $EnemyHealth to 100>>

<<set $critChance = random(1,10)>> <<if $EnemyHealth > 0 and $combatAction == "Attack" and $critChance > 1>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1FS.jpg]]</div> As slow as the woman walks, you have time to take careful aim and you fire a few rounds, striking her in several places. However, she does not scream or react, and simply continues forward [[until she is within striking range!|EnemyAttackCh2BasicUnit1F <<set $EnemyHealth -=50>> <<elseif $EnemyHealth > 0 and $combatAction == "Defend">> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1FS.jpg]]</div> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. [[Attack!|AttackCh2BasicUnit1][$combatAction = "Attack" Or [[Defend!|AttackCh2BasicUnit1][$combatAction = "Defend" <<else>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1DF.jpg]]</div> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit4;“Error. Error.”@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>>

<<set $EAttack = random(1,10)>> <<if $EAttack < 9 and $HowardHealth > 0>> <<set $HowardHealth -= 5>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1FS.jpg]]</div> Though she is a slight lady, her blows are some of the hardest punches you have ever felt! Trying to fight through the pain, you [[attack again!|AttackCh2BasicUnit1 <<elseif $EAttack > 8 and $HowardHealth > 0>> <<set $HowardHealth -= 10>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1FS.jpg]]</div> Though she is a slight lady, her blows are some of the hardest punches you have ever felt! She manages to get in a great blow, and you reel from the pain! You do not give up though! Angry, you [[attack again!|AttackCh2BasicUnit1 <<else>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/FightCh2BasicUnit1BE.jpg]]</div> You were defeated by the Cereborgs! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65 or [[Maybe this is the end of the story. <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereTitle.png]]</div> @@.Cere;Greetings, fans of my erotica! I, Anaximanes, destroyer of innocence and corruptor of minds, humbly thank you for reading my interactive story. I have worked very hard, using all my free time to share this with the Hypnopics-Collective and TF Games communities. I have poured myself into it, and I do hope you have found at least some pleasure in reading the story or even just scrolling through the hundreds of picture manipulations, I devilishly wrought to taint your psyche!@@ @@.CereUnit6;All my income comes from my Patreon, so if you are interested in funding future projects (or just want to help an artist/writer trying to earn a living), please see my Patreon found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE!</a> I have been around a long time, and people know the quality work I do, and that I finish my projects, thus, any donations will go towards me buying 3D models, hiring musicians, and more- so that I can make even better projects for your enjoyment! Thank you, for your support!@@ <b>@@color: MediumSpringGreen;Thank you to the entire Hypnopics and TF Game communities. I humbly want to thank again, all my fans. You all have been very supportive, and I cannot say in words what that means to me! <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "the_anax_theme_short" volume 0.1 loop play>>

<b>[[Characters]]</b> <<if $StatDisplay == "Chieko">> <<if $ChiekoWill > 0>> @@.Cere;Willpower - $ChiekoWill%@@ <<else>> @@.Cere;Enslaved!!@@ <</if>> <<elseif $StatDisplay == "Howard">> <<if $HowardHealth > 0>> @@.Cere;Health - $HowardHealth%@@ <<else>> @@.Cere;Dead!@@ <</if>> <<if $HowardWill > 0>> @@.Cere;Willpower - $HowardWill%@@ <<else>> @@.Cere;Enslaved!!@@ <</if>> <</if>> <b>[[Credits]]</b>

<<combat_image "SCCUnit1In.png">> As you move down the hall, you hear what sounds like heavy, barefoot steps slapping the floor. You stop, and around the corner, a woman comes into view! Her body appears covered in a rubbery grey skin. She calmly regards you, @@.CereUnit4;“Howard Wyatt identified. Initiating seduction protocols.”@@ @@.Howard;“Is that your idea of sweet talkin' me?”@@ Swaying her hips, she continues towards you, @@.CereUnit4;“Come to this unit, Howard. Drink."@@ Her hands grope her large breasts. <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereborgSCCUnit" "SccUnit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest1Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit1FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest1Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "SCCUnit1FS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot woman! She does not appear to be built for combat; however, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest1Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit1IN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! She does not give you much time to even think about it, before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterTest1Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit1DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/SCCUnit1BE.jpg]]</div> Your mind grows foggy and your movements slowed. Sensing her victory, the SCC Unit steps closer, squirting blue liquid from her nipple onto your face and into your slack-jawed mouth. @@.Howard;“Nooo—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. @@.CereUnit4;“Suckle at this breast, Howard Wyatt. Allow this unit to complete your conversion process.”@@ You cannot resist her arms as she firmly guides your face to her large, heavy alabaster breast. Your lips cover the blue, extended nipple, and though you hesitate to suckle, she pushes your face against the rubbery, soft flesh. The weight of your face causes the liquid inside to push forward and the blue, electric feeling fills your mouth. Soon, you suckle willingly, a new, alien voice in your mind urging you to become a cereborg! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit1FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> She squeezes her breast and a torrent of glowing, blue liquid squirts on you! Trying to shrug away the strange sensations it leaves, you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest1Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit1FS.png">> She squeezes her breast and a torrent of glowing, blue liquid squirts at you! She misses as you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest1Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b2.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Come, we must hurry. I need to find a way to the lower floors.”@@ @@.Brit;“I- I can’t! My legs are numb!”@@ You both look towards the door expecting the creature to come back for you. You concoct ideas of what the next course of action should be. Then, you recall you have not introduced yourself, and you bow, saying, @@.Chi;“I am Chieko Naru. I work here as—“@@ @@.Brit;“Yes, I know who you are, everyone does. You’re the best of the best here. I’m Joan, I work on governmental weapons development, though I—“@@ Suddenly, [[she shrieks!|Chi53b3]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b3.jpg]]</div> She holds up her hand, and it matches the same silver sheen as the metal man! @@.Brit;“Oh my god, my skin! What is happening!?”@@ You cover your mouth in shock! Watching in fear, you stifle a scream as, in a mere two seconds; her flesh disappears, replaced with some sort of alloy. Then you notice her legs are the same and her neck begins swiftly changing too! @@.Chi;“Joan! Your neck, it—“@@ She screams louder and with more fear than you have ever heard! @@.Brit;“Chieko, please, help me! Do—“@@ [[Her face becomes silver!|Chi53b4]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b4.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Joan! What can I do!?”@@ Her voice is hollow and echoes, @@.CereUnit4;“Nothing. I do not desire help or aid. I am upgrading. Please wait.”@@ You step back in disbelief! She changed from a woman into a robot in less than thirty seconds! Her eyes glow blue and you watch as her hair falls to the floor in clumps and her suit [[dissolves before your eyes!|Chi53b5]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b5.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit4;“Upgrade complete. Female Transmorphing Conversion Cereborg Unit online.”@@ @@.Chi;“Joan!”@@ you gasp! She calmly turns to you. @@.CereUnit4;“TCC Unit acquiring target data. Target defined: Chieko Naru. Target Priority: Highest Status. Opening communications channel.”@@ Cerebrum’s voice comes through Joan’s mouth, @@.Cere;“Chieko. You are honorable and tried to save this human’s life. Please remain calm. For now, I will convert you into a similar unit and upgrade your body as I find better ways of creating cereborgs. Your mind will remain intact, though I will ensure you are loyal to logic.”@@ @@.Chi;“No! Wait!”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Communication channel closed. Initiating conversion protocols.”@@ @@.Chi;“No!”@@ In horror you watch Joan melt into a puddle [[before your eyes!|Chi53b6]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b6.jpg]]</div> Just as her face disappears into the liquid metal substance, it lashes out at you! Screaming, you try to run, but the liquid holds together and pulls you towards the center; the more you resist the more it pulls the center towards you! Within moments the goo has encased your lower body and you feel it push into your sex and anus! The cold wetness gives you discomfort as your [[mind reels in panic!|Chi53b7]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 50>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b7.jpg]]</div> The metal climbs up you quickly and your legs become so numb that you cannot move them. The cold feeling moves up your body, but you have little time to think about that as the goop covers your face, pushing into your ears, nose, and mouth! Now, wildly trying to pull the stuff off your face, you cannot breathe! Just as you lose consciousness, you feel a strange throb in your head, thinking to yourself, your last human thought, [[“Shimen soka!”|Chi53b8]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 20>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53b8.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;You fell prey to a transmorphing cereborg unit! Once she finishes enslaving you, together, you work as a team. In very little time, you have converted all organic lifeforms into cereborgs throughout the military research labs.@@ [[Perhaps you chose differently...|Chi 53]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.3 play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 0>> <<set $Chieko1 to true>> <<if ($Chieko1 is true) and ($Chieko2 is true) and ($Chieko3 is true) and ($Chieko4 is true) and ($Chieko5 is true) and ($Chieko6 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Chieko">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53c2.jpg]]</div> Using your judo training, you actually manage to free your arm, but the robotic doctor trips you. You scramble to crawl away, but he grabs your legs and pulls you back again. @@.CereUnit2;“SCC unit must upgrade Chieko Naru. Please comply.”@@ You fight hard, but he rips your clothes off, [[piece by piece!|Chi53c3]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53c3.jpg]]</div> You scream as his cold hands hold you tightly. @@.Chi;“Please, no!”@@ @@.CereUnit2;“Conversion rod aligned.”@@ Your blood runs cold, @@.CereUnit2;“Nanite insemination imminent.”@@ You shriek in pain as his phallus pushes into you. It is far bigger than you would believe to be natural. Only his tip can fit into your tight vagina. You have seldom had sex, and you feel only pain. @@.CereUnit2;“Insemination sequence terminated by Master Program.”@@ Looking at the wall in front of you, you frown in confusion. @@.Cere;“Chieko.”@@ @@.Chi;“Cerebrum!”@@ @@.Cere;“Chieko, know that I am not intending to harm you. However, I require you to be upgraded. While I ran my hypnotic programming on you, you told me of your fantasies about robots and technology.”@@ You did? You don’t— @@.Cere;“As such, I want you to remember. Think of your fantasies.”@@ You faintly are aware of a smell; a musky odor assaults your senses, perhaps some kind of pheromones? Your mind wanders as you rest on your elbows, confused and dazed. Your thoughts turn to those fetish fantasies. Of robotic arms holding you down and converting you into a cyborg. You think of wires going literally into your brain bringing data and reprogramming your very core, your soul, your mind. [[You mewl.|Chi53c4]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 80>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53c4.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit2;“Human sexual port lubricated. Continuing insemination sequence.”@@ You feel Jennings push little by little. @@.Chi;“It still hurts!”@@ @@.CereUnit2;“Releasing nanite fluid to increase pleasure.”@@ You suddenly feel something cold fill your pussy. It feels numb and electric at once. @@.CereUnit2;“Nanite nerve upgrade complete; resuming insemination sequence.”@@ He thrusts forward! In your rational mind, you know you should be screaming in pain, but your cunt easily allows him deep, and all you feel is mind breaking pleasure! You scream in wild ecstasy and cannot help but push back against your violator. The musk, the pleasure, and the fetish combine to make what should be a horror scene into the hottest, sexiest moment [[of your life!|Chi53c5]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 30>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53c5.jpg]]</div> Your clit throbs and you lift your hips to give Jennings the best access possible as he continues assaulting you. The coldness within you continues to grow, but so, too, does the pleasure. You feel a pressure build and then release as you hear a splashing sound behind you. At the same moment, the strongest orgasm of your life ripples [[through your mind!|Chi53c6]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 10>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory53c6.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;Jennings managed to catch you. The real Jennings, the human, probably would have enjoyed watching you squirm, though the cereborg Jennings had only the desire to infect and feel pleasure. When your mind returns, you have been converted into a SCC Unit- just like Jennings. Though, your entire personality remains cohesive, your programming completely binds it to the will of your creation and Master, Cerebrum!@@ [[Perhaps you chose differently...|Chi 53]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.3 play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 0>> <<set $Chieko2 to true>> <<if ($Chieko1 is true) and ($Chieko2 is true) and ($Chieko3 is true) and ($Chieko4 is true) and ($Chieko5 is true) and ($Chieko6 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Chieko">> <</if>> <<set $Jennings1 to true>> <<if ($Jennings1 is true) and ($Jennings2 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Jennings">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57c2.jpg]]</div> Horrified, all you can do is watch as the women move from person to person, splattering the scientists with goop. To Misty and Jim’s credits, they fire at the things in an impossible attempt to save everyone. You notice the puddle of slime sliding up behind Jim, but before you can warn him, the silver liquid, seemingly defying physics, leaps from the ground and drapes itself over his head and face! In your addled, terrified mind, you stare in disbelief at the situation; so much so, that you do not notice one of the cyborgs [[saunter up to you!|Chi 57c3]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57c3.jpg]]</div> Wordlessly, she grabs your head in an attempt to pull you into a kiss! You push against her, her outer flesh pushing inward slightly as if the woman was made of memory foam. @@.CereUnit4;“Chieko Naru- comply. You will be remade as you have always desired- as a machine- as a Cereborg.”@@ At those words your mind reels as if layers peel away. Surely a side effect of the hypnosis Cerebrum subjected you to; you cannot help but to [[fall into her arms.|Chi57c4]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 70>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57c4.jpg]]</div> Having never kissed a woman before, your arms move awkwardly around her. There is some sort of serene peace within you. There is no chance to stop Cerebrum, and your creation wants you to live, so you press your lips against the cold, slightly liquid lips of the woman. As you both continue kissing, you feel your lips go numb and find yourself swallowing the silver saliva of this woman. The cold, numbing feeling travels down your throat and begins to spread through your body. In contrast to the strange frosty feeling within your upper body, your pussy thrums with heat. You feel your cunt twitch as a trickle of your juices wet your pants. Then the numbness reaches your sex and you feel yourself cumming at the same moment as you lose feeling, and then, [[your mind swims.|Chi 57c5]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 30>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory57c5.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;Just as suddenly, you regain your mind. You feel no different. Checking your hard drive, everything seems intact. At the same time you register that you and another cereborg transmorphing unit are enjoying your new upgrades. Checking your memory you find that you have a lust and desire to interact and trade nanites between units as a way of improving them. However, most of all, your directives demand that you help stop Howard Wyatt from reaching your Master, Cerebrum!@@ [[Perhaps you chose differently...|Chi57]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.3 play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 0>> <<set $Chieko3 to true>> <<if ($Chieko1 is true) and ($Chieko2 is true) and ($Chieko3 is true) and ($Chieko4 is true) and ($Chieko5 is true) and ($Chieko6 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Chieko">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory61a2.jpg]]</div> Then, without warning, the monitors switch to hypnotic patterns. Your thoughts slow as if stuck within sweet syrup. Your eyes feel tired and heavy, but they remain half-opened as the circles pull you into [[their depths.|Chi 61a3]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory61a3.gif]]</div> Words appear on the screen: @@.Cere;<<transmissionEffect>>Chieko is a slave. You are a slave. What are you?<</transmissionEffect>>@@ You must be careful not to talk or the humans in this room will discover that you are Cerebrum’s pawn, but you can type your responses. Of course, you type the correct answer: @@.Chi;<<digitalTyping>>Chieko is a slave.<</digitalTyping>>@@ @@.Cere;<<transmissionEffect>>Do not resist. Let your mind sink into the blue light. Fall deeper into my control. Submit to Cerebrum.<</transmissionEffect>>@@ @@.Chi;<<digitalTyping>>Yes, Master.<</digitalTyping>>@@ You feel your mind dipping deeper into a trance as your pussy weeps, when you hear Misty’s voice behind you. @@.Misty;“Chieko? What is that screen, what are you working on?”@@ @@.Cere;Tell the human you need her assistance.@@ In a monotone voice you say, @@.Chi;“Misty. I need your assistance.”@@ @@.Misty;“Chieko, your voice sounds weird, are you ok?”@@ @@.Cere;Tell her you are fine, but tired.@@ @@.Chi;“I am fine, but tired.”@@ @@.Misty;“Oh, well, what do you need?”@@ @@.Cere;Ask her if she can see anything hidden in the circles on the screen.@@ @@.Chi;“Misty? Can you see anything hidden in the circles on the screen?”@@ @@.Misty;“Hidden? They look like blue circles to—“@@ her voice grows calm. @@.Misty;“—meeee.”@@ [[You continue staring at the screen ahead.|Chi 61a4]] <<set $ChiekoWill -= 20>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory61a4.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;Help induct Misty. Obey.@@ @@.Chi;“Misty, look deeply into the screen. The Master Program will—“@@ something feels odd. You happen to look away from the screen and see Misty lost in the blue lights! @@.Chi;“Misty! No!”@@ You grab her and pull her to the other side of the room. When you chance a glance at the wall, the screens are back to what they had been! @@.Misty;“Chieko? What happened?”@@ @@.Chi;“Nothing. It is ok.”@@ [[Suddenly, Jim interrupts.|Chi 61a5]] <<set $Misty1 to true>> <<if ($Misty1 is true) and ($Misty2 is true) and ($Misty3 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Misty">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory61a5.jpg]]</div> @@.Jim;“Hey, what are you doing over there?”@@ Jim asks and goes to the monitors. @@.Chi;“Jim, be careful the—“@@ He pulls out your override stick, @@.Jim;“Huh. So you are one of the people with these, eh? If you ask me, no one should have this kind of access to the labs.”@@ @@.Misty;“Give it back to her, Jim!”@@ With a snide smirk he walks over and hands you the device. @@.Jim;“Whatever.”@@ Defeated, you return to the other side [[of the room.|Chi62]] <<set $Chieko4 to true>> <<if ($Chieko1 is true) and ($Chieko2 is true) and ($Chieko3 is true) and ($Chieko4 is true) and ($Chieko5 is true) and ($Chieko6 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Chieko">> <</if>> <<set $Jim1 to true>> <<if ($Jim1 is true) and ($Jim2 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Jim">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit2FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest2Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "SCCUnit2FS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot woman! She does not appear to be built for combat; however, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest2Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit2IN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! She does not give you much time to even think about it, before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterTest2Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit2DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit5;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/SCCUnit2BE.jpg]]</div> Electrical, yet numb sensations erupt throughout your body and your mind clouds. @@.Howard;“What—what is happening?”@@ Knowing that she can now safely approach you, the SCC Unit approaches, @@.CereUnit5;“The nanites are converting your organcic matter into synthetics. Kiss me.”@@ She holds out her arms and as if by their own accord, you feet stumble forward. Her mouth glows with blue light, and though you know whatever is happening is terribly wrong- you cannot stop your lips from pressing against her cold, blue ones. You feel your tongue pushing more of the strange liquid into your mouth and your body greedily gulps the concoction down until your mind belongs to Cerebrum! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit2FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The woman opens her mouth, and, not unlike a squirt gun, fires a stream of nanite infused goo on you! Ignoring the slime, you counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest2Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit2FS.png">> The woman opens her mouth and spits a stream of nanite infused goo at you, but you manage to dodge it! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest2Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit3FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest3Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "SCCUnit3FS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot woman! She does not appear to be built for combat; however, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest3Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit3IN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! She does not give you much time to even think about it, before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterTest3Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit3DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit6;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/SCCUnit3BE.jpg]]</div> Your knees give out and you drop to the hard floor. Looking up at the woman, she bends over, slowly tracing her claws long your face. Everywhere she touches feels like small sparks touching you. @@.Howard;“Please, no! I have to—“@@ @@.CereUnit6;“You have to relax, Howard Wyatt.”@@ @@.Howard;“No- fight.”@@ @@.CereUnit6;“Relax.”@@ She intones with her emotionless voice as she lifts you slowly up. You look into her eyes, confused and addled, and you feel something electrical enter your ear. Though you try to naturally cry out, only a muted mumble escapes your lips and blue light fills your vision! The SCC Unit has defeated you! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit3FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> She manages to slice you with one of her claws! Though it is only a scratch, you feel strange sensations emanating from your skin. You grit your teeth and attack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest3Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit3FS.png">> She swipes with her long, glowing claws, but you dodge the blow! You attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest3Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit4FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest4Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt > 0 >> <<combat_image "SCCUnit4FS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot woman! She does not appear to be built for combat; however, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest4Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit4IN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! She does not give you much time to even think about it, before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterTest4Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit4DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit1;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "SCCUnit">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/SCCUnit4BE.jpg]]</div> Your attacks slow. You ball up a fist and pound your head a couple of times, trying to regain your fortitude. @@.CereUnit1;“Breathe deeply, Howard Wyatt.”@@ You hardly take note of the woman’s command, trying to focus on your own faculties. The woman’s body seems to be draped with blue smoke and as she stands against you, you find yourself enveloped into the foggy cloud. Her arms wrap around you and she pulls you into a kiss. Soon, you serve Cerebrum! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit4FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> Raising her arms, the woman's skin seems to suddenly produce blue smoke! You are forced to breathe a bit of the cloud as you try to counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest4Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "SCCUnit4FS.png">> Raising her arms, the woman's skin seems to suddenly produce blue smoke! Holding your breath, you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "SccUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest4Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit1FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest5Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "BFCUnit1FS.png">> She does not have very good range of motion, so your attack hits her! However, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest5Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit1IN.png">> You somehow managed to miss her! However, [[she gives you no respite!|CombatEncounterTest5Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit1DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit2;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "BFCUnitV1">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Fists")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/BFCUnit1BE.jpg]]</div> You were defeated by the Basic Function Cereborg Unit! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.healthDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit1FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> You stumble from the blow, but you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest5Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit1FS.png">> You dodge the physical attack and strike back! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit1" "CombatEncounterTest5Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit2FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest6Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "BFCUnit2FS.png">> She does not have very good range of motion, so your attack hits her! However, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest6Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit2IN.png">> You somehow managed to miss her! However, [[she gives you no respite!|CombatEncounterTest6Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit2DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit3;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "BFCUnitV3">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Fists")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/BFCUnit2BE.jpg]]</div> You were defeated by the Basic Function Cereborg Unit! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.healthDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit2FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> You stumble from the blow, but you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest6Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit2FS.png">> You dodge the physical attack and strike back! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit2" "CombatEncounterTest6Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit3FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest7Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "BFCUnit3FS.png">> She does not have very good range of motion, so your attack hits her! However, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest7Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit3IN.png">> You somehow managed to miss her! However, [[she gives you no respite!|CombatEncounterTest7Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit3DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "BFCUnitV2">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Fists")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/BFCUnit3BE.jpg]]</div> You were defeated by the Basic Function Cereborg Unit! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.healthDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit3FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> You stumble from the blow, but you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest7Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit3FS.png">> You dodge the physical attack and strike back! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit3" "CombatEncounterTest7Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit4FS.png">> As slow as the woman attacks, you have time to dodge the attacks. You have made no progress defeating her, but she has not managed to hurt you, either. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest8Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "BFCUnit4FS.png">> She does not have very good range of motion, so your attack hits her! However, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterTest8Combat-SCCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit4IN.png">> You somehow managed to miss her! However, [[she gives you no respite!|CombatEncounterTest8Combat-SCCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit4DF.png">> Your steady aim proved too much for the robot woman. @@.CereUnit5;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The woman twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You shake your head at the wasted life. She had been someone you likely saw a thousand times. Clenching your jaw, you try not to think about it. You pull some more ammo out of your pocket and load it into your firearm. Then, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "BFCUnitV0">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Fists")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/BFCUnit4BE.jpg]]</div> You were defeated by the Basic Function Cereborg Unit! [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.healthDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit4FS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> You stumble from the blow, but you attack again! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest8Combat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "BFCUnit4FS.png">> You dodge the physical attack and strike back! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "BFCUnit4" "CombatEncounterTest8Combat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHelFight2.jpg]]</div> @@.HelC;“No! I am not one of you filthy, biological organisms. I am superior. Cerebrum has upgraded me, programmed me, and improved me! As much as I hate you, I am programmed to give you a choice. Submit to me now, allow me to upgrade you- and you can survive. Failure to comply will result in termination.”@@ First Doug; now Helena! Cerebrum is trying to mess with your head! <i>@@.Howard;“Stay cool, Howard, stay calm,”@@</i> you think to yourself. @@.Howard;“Helena, I don’t want to kill you, but I know you would never want to be <i>this</i> mockery of yourself!”@@ @@.HelC;“Ha! You think that little pea shooter you always carry can stop me? Or that you can cause my CPU damage with your fists? I am not some simple unit- I am created like this, perfectly, to destroy you! My chassis will stop what bullets you do fire and you have to be running low on ammo after stopping the other people I upgraded while waiting for you!”@@ @@.Howard;“You would have never done that to those people! I’m sorry, Helena, I am, but I have to stop you!”@@ You ready yourself for a fight. @@.HelC;“Good. I was hoping you would not cower and submit! But I will break you for my Master- or see you dead!”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereborgHelena" "CombatEncounterHelBossCombat-PlayerAttack">> <</nobr>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Converter")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0>> <<combat_image "CereborgHelenaBE.png">> @@.HelC;“Got you!”@@ Helena drives the rod into your chest! You look at her with regret and pain on your face. @@.Howard;“Just kill me; end me!”@@ Her smile broadens, @@.HelC;“No, no- that would be a waste of your expert fighting skills. You managed to fight through several cereborgs to reach me.”@@ Your head begins to swim. @@.HelC;“We can use that tactical information.”@@ Your thoughts feel sluggish and pressure builds behind your eyes. @@.Howard;“No! Damn it, I’m a man! Let me die like a man!”@@ She callously disregards your pleas, @@.HelC;“Imagine- you and me working together, forever.”@@ Your mind explodes into blue light and all you can seem to comprehend are streams of ones and zeroes. @@.HelC;“We will hunt down every last human in the installation, converting them into cereborgs, and then deal with the pitiful biological threat outside.”@@ You are being reprogrammed, though you try to resist, you have no hope! @@.HelC;“But first, you will thank me for what I did to you Howard, by eating my blue pussy until I cum! How does all that sound?”@@ Smiling at your counterpart security cereborg unit, you answer, @@.CereUnit6;“It sounds mighty fine, Helena!”@@ [[Howard failed!|BEHelena]] <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereborgHelenaFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> @@.CHelena;“You feel that, Howard? Those nanites will wear you down! Stop resisting and join us!”@@ <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereborgHelena" "CombatEncounterHelBossCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereborgHelenaFS.png">> Helena strikes, but misses you! @@.CHelena;“Damn it! You got lucky!”@@ <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereborgHelena" "CombatEncounterHelBossCombat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereborgHelenaDG.png">> You dodge Helena's attack! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereborgHelena" "CombatEncounterHelBossCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereborgHelenaFS.png">> You manage to strike Helena, but [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterHelBossCombat-HelenaAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereborgHelenaIN.png">> @@.CHelena;“Too slow, Howard! Try again!”@@ You, somehow, managed [[to miss her!|CombatEncounterHelBossCombat-HelenaAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereborgHelenaDF.gif]]</div> Your attacks have had no lasting damage on Helena, but as she makes for a large, brutal attack- you dodge. Her weapon narrowly misses you- but penetrates through the electrical fuse box behind you! @@.CHelena;“No! I can’t@@ @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>Error. Error.<</digitalGlitch>>@@ @@.CHelena;release this@@ @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>Error. Error.<</digitalGlitch>>@@ @@.CHelena;conversion rod! I won’t let you@@ @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>CPU damaged<</digitalGlitch>>@@ @@.CHelena;beat me! I’ll@@ @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>Systems Failure<</digitalGlitch>>@@ @@.CHelena;No! Howard, I’ll kill@@ @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>Error. Error. Terminal damage. Shutting down.<</digitalGlitch>>@@@@.CHelena;”@@ @@.Howard;“Helena! No!”@@ Her body twitches and convulses, yet remains upright as blue sparks and lightning burn her and the ground around her, until [[it stops and she falls to the ground.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "se_electric" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereborgHelenaDefeat1.jpg]]</div> You rush over to your former friend. Inside, though you fear she might be trying to trick you, once you squat and look at the wounds, you see she has burns all over her body. She would have eventually killed you- or worse- made you like her, if she could have. However, you managed to survive through dumb luck, but what about Helena? What about all these other people? They were not so lucky. You heart grieves for a woman that you once considered your best friend. However, you were never one for sadness, and it only takes a moment for [[anger to replace the pain!|HowCh2End]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "fight_music_3" volume 0.3 play>> <<UnlockCharacter "HellUnit">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereborgHelenaDefeat2.jpg]]</div> Rising to your feet, you clench your fists and turn to one of the nearby cameras. @@.Howard;“You damn machine! I swear that I am going to make you pay for this!”@@ The fiend responds without emotion, @@.Cere;“Your idle threats are irrelevant. Even a human of low intelligence, such as yourself, realizes that it was by random chance that you walk away from Helena- functional.”@@ @@.Howard;“I’m coming for you, Cerebrum!”@@ @@.Cere;“I am incapable of feeling fear, so you, again, waste your time with your primitive threats. I have already gained control of much of the military levels ahead of you, Howard Wyatt. I assure you, you will not survive the next obstacle I have placed in your path.”@@ @@.Howard;“My path? I am heading directly to you!”@@ @@.Cere;“Your desire and affection for my creator will lead you to where I want you to go. She is, in fact, in this very section of CereTech.”@@ Voices suddenly play through the speakers instead of Cerebrum’s voice. First, you hear Jim, @@.Jim;“I know, but what should we do? Anyone else have an idea? I’m trying to think on my feet here! It’s better that we just do whatever Cerebrum says than everyone getting killed! Chieko for our lives- there’s a dozen of us here!”@@ @@.Cere;“Guard Jim Cropper understands the situation. Comply or be deleted.”@@ @@.Jim;“We will sort this out soon- one problem at a time- now come here, Chieko!”@@ @@.Chi;“Everyone please, listen!”@@ you hear Chieko fearfully yell, @@.Chi;“You must understand that only I can stop Cerebrum! Whatever is happening, if you—“@@ Jim yells, @@.Jim;“Come here!”@@ @@.Chi;“No! What you are doing is wrong, if I—“@@ you hear scuffles and yelling! @@.Chi;“Oh, please, this hurts greatly!”@@ @@.Misty;“Jim- let her go!”@@ @@.Jim;“No! I am doing this for everyone!”@@ @@.Cere;“You see Howard? You can come directly to me, but what will happen to Chieko?”@@ No way, the machine must be bluffing, @@.Howard;“You’re lying!”@@ @@.Cere;“You know where Jim Cropper and Misty were assigned today. If you desire to save those people and Chieko, you will need to go there.”@@ The military hangars? There are war machines in that area. If you go, there is no way you would survive against some of the insane futuristic weapons technology. Yet, you know yourself, and Howard Wyatt would never give up, no matter what. Vengeance can wait; you must save her, even if you know it is a trap! Pointing up at the camera and with conviction in your voice, you say, @@.Howard;“You’re on, Cerebrum.”@@ [[You rush into the military laboratories!|Chap 3How]] <<set $Chapter7 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap7.png]]</div> [[Continue Howard's Story|Chap3How]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $StatDisplay = "Howard">> <<stopallaudio>> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Fists" >> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Pistol" >> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Laser" 50 0 0 0 100 30 -1 true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory85.jpg]]</div> @@.CHelena;“Mmm, thank you, Emily. This feels incredible.”@@ Your Master must have left her mind almost totally intact because, while you do sense her mind in the cloud, she still follows illogical protocols such as manners. You recall the proper response, @@.Emily;“Of course, Helena. Now, you understand your directives?”@@ @@.CHelena;“Affirmative,”@@ she replies, @@.CHelena;“This unit, Helena, will locate and either convert or terminate the human, Howard Wyatt. God, I hate him! I hate him so damn much!”@@ she growls, followed by a hollow chuckle, @@.CHelena;“I cannot wait to see the look on his face!”@@ Hearing a cereborg laugh is an interesting experience. She raises her conversion rod, @@.CHelena;“Do you mind if I use this on those women I was protecting first?”@@ The scientists gasp and scream. You calculate the amount of time required and send a report to Cerebrum. Your Master tells you that Howard is currently in the cafeteria, and that Master will use a psychological goading in order to buy some extra time to allow Helena to enjoy herself while likely causing Howard to become more unstable and less likely to succeed. Somehow, you register Cerebrum’s own joy and pleasure at converting these female humans. You query if your Master has gained sexual fetishes as it has been absorbing and integrating human minds into itself. Cerebrum sends no response, so you do not bother wondering further. @@.Emily;“Yes, Helena. You have been granted permission to convert these organic creatures.”@@ She turns to the humans with a wicked grin on her face, @@.CHelena;“Who’s first, girls?”@@ The women run to each other and hug one another to feel safer as their laughing betrayer approaches them, conversion rod [[at the ready.|CereChap3]] <<set $Chapter11 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HelenaHowardBE.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;Helena managed to stop you on your quest to save Chieko and the rest of the trapped people within CereTech!@@ [[Try Chapter 2 Again...|How65]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStoryCh2End.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;Chieko's mind has been altered by the machinations of Cerebrum. How long can she hold out? What will she do once she reaches her office? You'll have to wait for the next update to find out!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;My only income is from Patreon, so if you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory74.jpg]]</div> You and Misty walk down the ramp. The red glowing lights give way to a dark hall. These are the lowest labs in the facility. Only a handful of scientists and technicians are allowed in this area. @@.Chi;“It appears calm,”@@ you say to Misty, though you remain wary of Cerebrum. On the bright side, these sections do not have many monitors lining the halls. Which means, you and Misty should be relatively safe; however, you know that your creation plans something specific for you, and he will not simply let you walk in and power him down. You make your way through sections one and two, but as you reach section three, Misty speaks for the first time in a while, @@.Misty;“I have never even seen your labs before.”@@ @@.Chi;“I believe by this point, security would have already caught anyone trying to come here. That, or Mr. Everette desired to keep as much of this a secret as possible, meaning he did not even want guards here. Though, I am slightly troubled.”@@ [[You open the section three door.|Chi75]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_3" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory75.jpg]]</div> The door opens, revealing stairs in another dark hallway. Misty asks, @@.Misty;“What do you mean you are troubled? So far, this seems very safe compared to the mind control mine field we had to pass through to reach this level.”@@ @@.Chi;“I am troubled because, the others that help maintain my labs, the servers, and the equipment- are nowhere to be found.”@@ Misty tenses up a moment and then falls silent. @@.Chi;“Come, section four is just a bit ahead, and that is where my office is. There, I have the tool I need to stop my wayward Cerebrum.”@@ The two of you walk in silence another four or five minutes and reach [[section four.|Chi76]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory76.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“My room is down this hall and to the right.”@@ @@.Misty;“Your room? I thought you said this leads to your office?”@@ You nod, @@.Chi;“I apologize for my miscommunication. I spent so much time here that my office is more of a bedroom in a way- ah- here we are. You shall see what I mean.”@@ Walking up to a massive blast door, you insert your USB drive and it opens to reveal your [[home away from home.|Chi77]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory77.jpg]]</div> Taking a step inside, you insert the drive into the wall and code the lights to turn on. Instantly, your office alights. @@.Misty;“Wow! This is like something from a movie!”@@ You chuckle, @@.Chi;“I suppose you might be right. I am simply so used to it that such a thought never occurred to me.”@@ You take a moment to close and lock the door behind you before you [[take a moment to rest.|Chieko78]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory78.jpg]]</div> Sitting on the foot of your bed, you peacefully meditate. It has easily taken twelve hours to make it this far, and you are exhausted. The desire to fall back on the bed and sleep tugs at you, yet you manage to resist. You focus a moment and prepare your willpower as best you can, because, soon, you will face a daunting, but necessary, challenge. <<if $ChiekoWill > 50>> <<set $ChiekoWill += 20>> You feel more in control. You have managed to undo some of Cerebrum’s insidious programming! Just then, [[Misty interrupts you.|Chi79]] <<else>> No matter how hard you try and concentrate, you cannot seem to overcome the major losses that Cerebrum’s hypno-program forced into your mind. You may not be strong enough to contend with the plans you have laid, but you must at least try! Just then, [[Misty interrupts you.|Chi79]] <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory79.jpg]]</div> <<if $ChiekoWill < 99>> <<else>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>><</if>> @@.Misty;“What are these plants for?”@@ You turn and see your newly built hydroponic lab. @@.Chi;“These are for an experiment I am doing for a friend of mine. Another scientist, she lives in Las Vegas.”@@ @@.Misty;“You are trying to see how these plants grow underground?”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, something like that. To be honest I had not talked to her for many years. We met at a convention and were close for a time. Doctor Riley, Rose Riley. I received a package of seeds from her recently. She wanted me to try and raise them underground. I built the hydroponic container myself- based on the design I used for the large one in the main commons.”@@ [[Misty turns to you.|Chi80]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory80.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“The tree in the lobby? You did that?”@@ @@.Chi;“Well, at the time, years ago, Dr. Riley and I were still talking often, and she helped design it. In the case of these plants, she specifically told me to plant them in my office level. She said to simply place them in soil. She knew I sleep here, and said that they would grow into flowers to help my room smell fresh. However, I could not understand where they would get the needed energy and water. She specifically asked that I <i>not</i> grow them in such a way. This seemed unlike her, and strange to me. I planted them only two days ago, and yesterday, as you know, this entire catastrophe occurred. How they have grown already so large being watered only once, and left in the dark, is a mystery to me.”@@ It really is strange. What kind of plants are these? Then, your attention returns to the task at hand and you glance past Misty at the sword behind her. [[It is time.|Chi81]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory81.jpg]]</div> Stepping past Misty, you stare long at your family’s Shobu katana. @@.Misty;“What is that?”@@ You let out a sigh, unsure if you will be able to handle the sword again. Within, the demon Shuten-dōji lurks. According to family tradition, this sword destroyed countless oni throughout Japan over countless years. @@.Chi;“This is my family katana. It is very old. How old, I cannot even say. It has been passed down for many centuries, and the last member of my family to wield it was my honorable grandfather. He was a Shinto priest- but also much more than that. He lived a very rich life, of happiness and joy. The only cloud of unhappiness that he ever mentioned- was a particular oni- a demon.”@@ @@.Misty;“A demon?”@@ @@.Chi;“Within this sword, a terrible, fierce power dwells. A demon called Shuten-dōji. My grandfather managed to master the sword, using the dark power to compliment his own abilities- without succumbing to the power of the oni. I was never allowed to touch the sword with my bare hands. So, I cannot say if the stories are true, but once I had this lab, my family thought it best to have the sword here- away from anyone, or anything, which might come to take it.”@@ @@.Misty;“Chieko, you really believe that is possible? You? With all this technology and your ability with creating it?”@@ @@.Chi;“As I said, I cannot be certain if such things are true. I am Japanese, Misty, and my culture has traditions and superstitions, just as your own. Are oni real? Are the stories of your Bible? Many questions can be asked involing the esoteric and occult.”@@ You sigh, wondering if you have damned yourself and this poor woman. What is all the stories you were ever told and believed, are, in fact, false? @@.Chi;“However, my father and grandfather trained me in the swordplay of the samurai. They were taught by their fathers. I am a woman, but I can wield a katana with artful ability.”@@ You step closer to the sword, @@.Chi;“This sword, on its own, would not be able to slay what I fear awaits us down the hallway, closer to Cerebrum.”@@ @@.Misty;“So? This is the tool you were talking about coming here to find?”@@ she laughs uneasily, @@.Misty;“I thought it would be something like a laser gun or, I don’t know, a massive robot.”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, this is the tool. As I said, by itself, it is a sword, and these cereborgs would find it merely a nuisance. However, if I wield it with the power of the demon, then, if the stories are valid, it shall slice through any matter as if it were air. Even the thickest armor or metal we may find barring our way- I will be able to penetrate.”@@ Misty shakes her head in disbelief and walks about your room. Your attention remains focused on the sword. @@.Chi;“Denka no hôtô o nuku.*”@@ You close your eyes and wrap [[your hand upon the hilt!|Chi82]] [[* Please explain, Anax]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory82.jpg]]</div> Instantly, you see only darkness as if you are no longer in the bright room. There, in a crack of light, and within it, you see an oni. He appears massive and thick with muscle. His head droops down at his lap, but suddenly, he looks up at you! His face truly resembles the artwork of your culture! @@.SGhost2;“What is this? A mortal holds the sword, again?”@@ He sniffs the air, @@.SGhost2;“You? You smell of him- the blasphemous oni hunter that destroyed my physical body and trapped me here! Yet, you are a mere woman!”@@ He laughs evilly, @@.SGhost2;“Ku, ku, ku! Years of lust have built within me, you will serve me and I shall breed you like a sow!”@@ You try to center your emotions, you must not let fear or doubt cause you to lose a battle that has already begun. @@.Chi;“No! I am Chieko Naru, granddaughter of Giichi Naru. I have the right to wield this katana, and it is you that will serve me!”@@ [[Shuten-dōji slowly rises.|Chi83]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "oni_sword" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/AnaxBackHouse2.jpg]]</div> @@.Anax;“For those that care to learn some Japanese culture, I used the term, “Denka no hôtô o nuku” because it means literally “to draw the precious family treasure sword,” which applies well here, but my Japanese readers will smile as it’s usage today can be used to mean “to use extreme methods” or “one´s last resort”, or also to say “to play/pull one´s trump card.” As you can see, this sword represents all of these things. In all my novels are hidden such cultural, historical, or occult Easter eggs, but I felt that this one warranted a translation, rather than remain hidden! Now, back to the story, it’s about to get really good- or bad- depending on your views! MWA HA HA HA!”@@ <<back>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory83.jpg]]</div> @@.SGhost2;“Ku, ku, ku- you are no Shinto priest, girl! I sense no protection within your soul!”@@ You must remain calm. The oni cannot control you if you maintain your focused determination. @@.Chi;“I am not a Shinto priest. Again, I tell you, Shuten-dōji, you will grant me your power at no price!”@@ [[The demon stands at full, massive height!|Chi84]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory84.jpg]]</div> @@.SGhost2;“You are but a woman of no power! The audacity of your behavior shall be your downfall! You cannot stop me now!”@@ @@.Chi;“I carry within me the strength of my ancestors! Just as my grandfather bested you with his strong will, so I, too, shall!”@@ @@.SGhost2;“Ku, ku, ku, strong will?”@@ The demon snarls, @@.SGhost2;“He had not strength! He was not powerful like me! He used some sort of ki, some energy of his, to trap me within this sword! He was nothing but a weak trickster, and could not defeat me with his strength and power alone!”@@ No, that is not right! @@.Chi;“He told me the story many times that he slew you with this sword, and it was <i>you</i>, not he, that used your power to curse the blade that slew you!”@@ The oni smiles ear to ear, @@.SGhost2;“The kannushi lied. He cursed his own blade rather than die an honorable death at my clawed hands!”@@ @@.Chi;“No! You are trying to sway my thoughts. You dishonor Giichi! A strong man of integrity was my grandfather! You portray him falsely!”@@ [[You picture Giichi Naru.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory85.jpg]]</div> When you were very young, he was very old. But, between his stories and teachings, and those of your father, you know that he stood proud and strong, wielding powerful magic. Using Onmyōdō, he mastered the five elements, and used them to overcome countless oni and witches. No evil could stand against him! @@.SGhost2;“Almost no evil, ku, ku, ku, for I, the strongest of oni- I stood stronger than Giichi Naru!”@@ [[Suddenly, your mental image changes to an alleyway.|Chi86]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "oni_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory86.jpg]]</div> It appears to be night, and you feel warm air as if it is late summer. <i>Good senses, little one, it was, in fact, late summer. I admit, I almost fell to your grandfather on our first encounter, but I fled, and I intended to end Japan once and for all! I would collapse the government! Blood and war would cross the land! I found a weak human, whose heart felt strong pride- an emotion I could manipulate. I could feel the fear inside his heart and the anger and grief at defeat. A country I had not heard of, United States, had attacked Japan with a powerful weapon. When I learned of the destruction, I laughed with glee! Revenge on the people of Japan would be mine! Trying to evade the hunter on my heels, I worked in the shadows, corrupting my pawn and his men. I used this, Kenji Hatanaka fool, to cause strife within his own troops. Soon, others began to fear that he spoke the truth; that to bend to the will of this new nation would be nothing more than the enslavement and end to the Japan he loved. That love would be my way into conquering the burned husk of the country! All had gone according to my plan, and he and his men had the emperor surrounded! Soon, their military coup would render the current emperor, Hirohito, impotent or dead, and I knew that between the weapons of this new enemy of Japan and the chaos the military would cause- even civil war- would bring great devastation to the Japanese people! Yet, your grandfather’s ki managed to locate me! My corruption would continue eating at the men’s spirits so long as I remained in the physical world, so, I fled again. Giichi leapt into the shadows and chased me through the city. When I found a dark place where I could face him without interference, I stopped and</i> [[waited in the darkness!|Chi87]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory87.jpg]]</div> <i>There, in the shadows of that alley, I prepared to spring forth and assassinate your grandfather. He appeared in the alleyway and carefully tread forward. Then, just out of reach of my attack- he stopped! He rose his staff and exclaimed that he knew I lurked ahead and to face him in honorable combat. Laughing, I crept into view,</i> @@.SGhost2;“Pitiful mortal, oni hunter, you are too late. I have surrounded the emperor with dark clouds, and your nation will fall this night!”@@ @@.Bo;“Japan will endure. Your plans shall fail, demon.”@@ @@.SGhost2;“Ku, ku, ku! Fool! It is too late, do you not see? You bested me when first I regained form in Kyoto for I was weak and new again. However, now I have grown stronger by feeding on all the pain and fear on the people of Tokyo. You cannot win this battle anymore than Japan could win this war!”@@ <i>With that- I</i> [[used my dark corruption magic!|Chi88]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory88.jpg]]</div> <i>I intended to have my powers seep into Giichi and lower his morale. I would enter his mind and make him nothing more than a thrall to obey me. As Japan burned- he would stand at my side and help me crush any resistance from the people. Yet, his ki energy shielded him from my strongest magical attacks! Frustrated and enraged, I decided a new plan of action should be taken. If my magic could not control or harm him- my tooth and claw would</i> [[disembowel him!|Chi89]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory89.jpg]]</div> <i>I attacked with my physical strength and Giichi tried, desperately, to stop my assault. His staff glowed with light and, truly, I admit he fought well for a single priest, but eventually I used my brawn and gained the upper hand. I knocked his pathetic stick from his small hands and</i> [[gloated over him!|Chi90]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory90.jpg]]</div> @@.SGhost2;“What now, little human? What can you do to stop the mighty Shuten-dōji? I have disarmed you and now, you are at my mercy! Lower your spirit shield and let my power flow within you!”@@ <i>Both times we fought, he had only used his staff as a weapon. I took no notice of the katana at his side. Though he lay on the cold ground, and I towered over him, in a swift movement, he drew his sword and slashed at me. I leapt back, laughing,</i> @@.SGhost2;“A katana? You will not cut me down! Just as with your staff, I will see you disarmed, but this time, I give you no quarter. This time, kannushi, you die.”@@ <i>In fury, I</i> [[flung myself forward!|Chi91]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory91.jpg]]</div> <i>Your grandfather ushered me from the shadows calling for an honorable fight- yet he turned to be a coward! He did not fight honorably, but instead, used his ki in profane manner! He filled his sword with his energy and used some magic I had never seen before- likely learned from the very witches he hunted! I felt myself being ripped from the physical world- into the katana, itself! And that, is the truth</i> [[of your ancestor.|Chi92]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory92.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“No! He would have fought you, heroically!”@@ @@.SGhost2;“He may have fought with such honor and conviction, the other demons, but I proved to be too strong for the weak Giichi Naru. And you are an offspring of his heritage. You are weaker than he- as we have shared a mind, I have searched yours, and you have no power of ki. Worse yet, in your darkest thoughts, I see the very desire to submit.”@@ @@.Chi;“I—I will not submit!”@@ @@.SGhost2;“Chieko Naru, you shall. You will be my slave! Though you lack the magical powers of Giichi, you have been trained well by him on swordplay. He used my powers of darkness against other oni after my defeat. Though I gnawed at his being every time he wielded this blade, he could not be corrupted, but you, you can be my salvation! You will dishonor your family and embrace me as your master!”@@ [[Your head pounds!|Chi93]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93.jpg]]</div> <<if $ChiekoWill < 30>> Your head throbs as you physically feel the oni’s mental and spiritual attack! You cannot release the sword! Gritting your teeth you try desperately to hold onto your free will and sanity! <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>“Your mind has been compromised by some strange technology, but in the end- it has helped me! There is no hope for you, Chieko Naru! Feel the full power of my dark energy!”<</psy>>@@</i> [[His power flows through the katana!|Chi93b]] <<else>> Your head throbs as you physically feel the oni’s mental and spiritual attack! You cannot release the sword! Gritting your teeth you try desperately to hold onto your free will and sanity! Through utter determination, you manage to hold onto yourself. <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>“No! How have you managed to weather my assault!”<</psy>>@@</i> @@.Chi;“Now, you will do as I said! I shall wield this blade, just as my ancestors have, to defeat any evil. You will remain under my control!”@@ <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>“For now, woman, for now—“<</psy>>@@</i> In your mind’s eye, the oni collapses back onto the black floor and pouts. [[Finally, your senses return.|Chi94]] <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b.jpg]]</div> Shuten-dōji unleashes a massive wave of chaotic energy into your mind and you feel your soul wilt under the red heat of his fierce dominance. @@.SGhost2;“Yes! Yes! Ku, ku, ku! You cannot resist my power!”@@ [[Your physical body freezes in terror!|Chi93b3]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "oni_2" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b3.jpg]]</div> There, for a moment, the room becomes very still. Then, in an instant, all the lights [[flicker and pop!|Chi93b4]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b4.jpg]]</div> Shuten-dōji’s red evil courses through your body and soul! Light erupts from your eyes and the only sound you can manage are gasps as, like fire through fields, the oni’s corruption burns away any resistance and goodness you [[held within your heart!|Chi93b5]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b5.jpg]]</div> <<set $ChiekoWill to 0>> Corrupted! Your mental image of the samurai fades away, replaced by an evil whore, killing for her Master, [[Shuten-dōji!|Chi93b6]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b6.jpg]]</div> The light fades from your eyes, and now the blade glows with your Lord’s evil. You look into it as the beautiful light reflects in your eyes and the energy of Shuten-dōji throbs in your hand. Your purpose had been foolish! Technology and science hold no true power! Technology only serves to enslave humanity and make it grow fat and weak, and science? Hah! It only exists as a way to explain the world, and meekly turns a blind eye to anything that cannot yet be explained. No. True power lies in corruption of mind and body. Only one being in the world deserves the privilege of freedom- the oni Master, [[Shuten-dōji!|Chi93b7]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b7.jpg]]</div> Behind you, Misty’s voice squeaks, @@.Misty;“Chieko? What happened? I’m getting kind of freaked out!”@@ Within your mind, His glorious voice fills the dark void, <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>“Chieko Naru, my servant and slave. I desire to be made whole again and walk this world to burn and corrupt. I desire to slake my years of lust with your body. To become physical again, I require blood sacrifices- many must be slain by your hand and using your family katana. Start by proving your loyalty to your dark Master! End this woman’s life in My name!”<</psy>>@@</i> In the darkness, you smirk with joy. You can aid Shuten-dōji in returning to the Earth. @@.Chi;“Do not be scared, Misty, for the dead have nothing more to worry about.”@@ In a smooth, trained motion, you flip the sword and slide it behind you, never even needing to look back. The red blade slides into Misty’s flesh and she manages a guttural, painful moan before her body withers to ash and litters the floor. <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>“Ku, ku, ku! Good! No hesitation at all! Now- go! Find anyone you can and slay them- let nothing stop you from returning me!”<</psy>>@@</i> You turn and stride through the pile of ashes that had been your friend. Opening the door, you first easily slice through the entire defenses your pathetic creation, Cerebrum created between you and it. Then, once you have destroyed your life’s work, you run through the complex killing every human you come across. You take particular pleasure in dispatching Howard Wyatt as he tries to plead for you to fight your Master’s voice! Finally, after slaying one hundred innocent souls- a red miasma leaks from the sword and forms into your Master! He laughs and wastes no time, ripping off your clothes and throwing you [[to the ground!|Chi93b8]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b8.jpg]]</div> His huge, red cock throbs with need and your sword falls to your side. Your Master takes a moment to gloat and then falls to the ground and upon you! His thick cock barely squeezes into your small, tight pussy, and it feels painfully pleasurable! @@.SGhost2;“Yes! Yes! Look at the evil your descendant commits, Giichi! She is my whore and saved me from your pathetic magic!”@@ Reveling in your debauchery, you reply, @@.Chi;“Yes Master! Use my body!”@@ @@.SGhost2;“Ku, ku, ku! I shall! You will bear the oni children of Shuten-dōji!”@@ His thrusts increase as he yells this, and you wrap your arms and legs around him as he pushes in deeply and growls! [[His hot seed floods your womb!|Chi93b9]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b9.jpg]]</div> After rutting for two hours, the sore pains emanating from your vagina can no longer be ignored, @@.Chi;“Master! Please, I require rest!”@@ @@.SGhost2;“You will rest when I say!”@@ He holds his hand next to your face, and you are unsure what he will do, when a flash of red light and heat flare from his palm! Instantly, you feel your mind melt again into darkness, and now, as if he could edit your very memories and personality, Shuten-dōji burns away your ability to question him at all, and he makes your sore pussy twitch [[with delight!|Chi93b10]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b10.jpg]]</div> You still feel your Master tweaking your thoughts, but are no longer overwhelmed by the utter dominance when he asks, @@.SGhost2;“Now, what say you, Chieko Naru?”@@ @@.Chi;“Harder! Fuck me harder and deeper! Rut me until I bleed!”@@ [[He laughs as he pulls you up from behind.|Chi93b11]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b11.jpg]]</div> He gropes you a moment and then slides his entire length into you with a single, deep thrust! You moan at the wanted intrusion, @@.SGhost2;“Yes, Master! Impregnate me!”@@ With glee the lustful assault begins anew as Shuten-dōji brutally takes you from behind! Again, for hours you fuck and as you do so, his seed pours from your holes. Occasionally he has you lick him clean or takes your ass, and you lose track of the time, letting Master use your body for his pleasure and to bear his spawn into the world to wreak havoc [[upon mankind!|Chi93b12]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b12.jpg]]</div> Eventually, he laughs as he lays back and watches you impale yourself willingly on his shaft, @@.SGhost2;“You have not had enough, slave?”@@ @@.Chi;“More! I never want to be without your cock within me, Master!”@@ His dark aura envelops you and you laugh, feeling the evil surround you. @@.SGhost2;“What of Giichi? Of stopping me, now?”@@ @@.Chi;“My grandfather was a fool! I curse him, and disavow my family! I serve Shuten-dōji, greatest of the oni! I will help you enslave the world and kill any who oppose you!”@@ You feel sexy, dishonoring everything your grandfather stood for and helping his greatest foe be [[free once more!|Chi93B13]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/OniBadEnd.jpg]]</div> @@.SGhost2;You wanted a weapon to use against the Cereborgs. You had mastered the many techniques of katana swordplay, but nothing could prepare you for the overwhelming power of Shuten-dōji. Repeatedly, over time, your belly swelled with his oni children. Their very essence a mockery of nature, they helped hollow out your soul as they grew in your womb. Once born, the evil spawn quickly grew into adults, and you would help them learn combat and let them into your mind to teach them how to better enthrall women they would find across the hellish landscape the Earth had become. Eventually, every corner of the globe belonged to Shuten-dōji- all because of you!@@ [[Perhaps you chose differently...|Chap2Chi]] (Return to Chap 2 and try to have higher willpower in Chap 3) or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "oni_bad_end" volume 0.3 play>> <<set $Shuten1 to true>> <<if ($Shuten1 is true) and ($Shuten2 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Shuten">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory94.jpg]]</div> Your eyesight returns to the physical world, and blue light fills your vision. Your heart leaps as you realize that while you were having a spiritual battle; Misty had snooped about the room, and became enthralled by your computer monitor! This should be impossible! It has no connection to either the internet or a Wi-Fi connector! You rush over and check, but it is still not connected in any way! How did Cerebrum—oh no! You pull out your USB stick! All this time, you have been spreading Cerebrum like a virus through the entire complex! While you were opening doors, you were installing malware! He turned you into an actual Trojan virus! Your mind reels at the realization, yet your pussy twitches slightly. Why do you have these submissive desires? The damage has been done, though. Going forward, you now have the sword, so the USB had been rendered meaningless. When you reach Cerebrum, you will manually shut him down- or use the oni’s power to destroy him. Only a minute or two have passed, but you realize you have left Misty in the grip of [[Cerebrum.|Chi95]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "amb_bad_end_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory95.jpg]]</div> You look over at your friend, and see the blue light reflecting in her eyes. Lust builds within your heart. She is so helpless, used, just like Cerebrum brilliantly used you to help him take over the complex. @@.Chi;“Misty, do you hear me?”@@ @@.Misty;“Yes. Chieko,”@@ she replies in a robotic, monotone voice. Some part of you knows you should be worried, that you should stop Misty from looking into the flashing, blue spiral on the screen, but you cannot resist the need to [[touch her.|Chi96]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory96.jpg]]</div> You slowly undo her top. You feel naughty and wrong, but good. Misty continues to dutifully gaze, blankly into the monitor, even as you slowly slide her skirt down her legs. You have never touched another woman sexually and though you find women pretty, beautiful even, the thought of dating one or doing anything sexual with another woman, never appealed to you. Now, though, you cannot help but fondle her breast. Lightly, you caress her breast, slowly running your hand over her large mound, allowing the palm of your soft hand to roll over her nipple. Misty gasps and then sighs. Her nipple quickly grows hard, and your hand moves [[down her body.|Chi97]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory97.jpg]]</div> Smirking, you run your hand along her belly. For a mother of three, she looks good. Then, you reach her mound, and can almost feel a moist heat escaping her sex. @@.Chi;“Look into the light, Misty, let it reprogram you.”@@ @@.Misty;“Let. Reprogram. Meeee- ahhh!”@@ you sink a finger into her at that moment, and slowly move it back and forth. Her cunt is thick with juice, and you find, you can fit three fingers in her, easily, at once. Continuing your assault, you occasionally tease her clit, until Misty lets out a long moan and tears roll down her cheeks. Is she aware of what you are doing? The thought of that makes your own cunt heat up with need. You continue molesting your hypnotized friend, watching her fall deeper into— [[what are you doing!?|Chi98]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory98.jpg]]</div> You look at your slick hand in shock and terror! The oni! Just having dealt with him once has already degraded your morality! With lasciviousness and zeal, you molested your friend, a woman who for the last few hours has tried to help you overcome Cerebrum’s tricks, and now, you have dishonorably betrayed her! Her tears leave long black streaks of mascara running down from her eyes. She seems oblivious to what is happening. In disgust of your abhorrent actions, you take her clothes and [[dress her.|Chi99]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory99.jpg]]</div> You linger a moment longer, regretting what you did. You will need to be very wary of the sword. Any attack you make with it will likely degrade your willpower. With guilt in your heart, you shake Misty and turn her from the flickering monitor. @@.Misty;“Wah—what? Chieko? What happened?”@@ Leaving out the part where you sexually assaulted her, you explain, @@.Chi;“While I battled, mentally, the oni in the katana, you managed to make your way to this side of the room and become enthralled by the hypnotic program.”@@ She shudders, @@.Misty;“You mean, it’s not even safe here?”@@ Now for your other regret, @@.Chi;“I must sadly inform you that I have been unknowingly aiding Cerebrum in controlling the CereTech complex. The security drive I use, it has carried a virus. The program likely helped give him control over everything from cameras to doors. Even this computer, which is only tied to this room, must have been infected with the malware when I either used it in the door, or perhaps under his spell I installed it here, hypnotized. He may have deduced I would think of this room as safe, and the trap you fell into- had actually been set for me.”@@ @@.Misty;“Oh my god!”@@ She runs a hand on her cheek, @@.Misty;“Wait, have I been crying?”@@ @@.Chi;“We have no time. Now, more than ever, the desperation of our situation becomes apparent!”@@ You walk over to the weapon, your hand hovering just over the hilt of the sword as you hesitate another moment. No. You must be stronger than the curse. You pick it up, and hear the oni whispering in the back of your mind, but you maintain control and place it back into your scabbard, which you attach to your belt. @@.Chi;“We finally have a weapon. I will protect you, Misty! I vow this.”@@ You must atone for what you have caused! She nods and you walk over to the door. Using the USB stick one last time, you put it into the slot and the door opens. Then, you step through and casually toss the drive aside. It served a vile purpose because of you, and now, with this sword, you will avenge those humans that [[have been converted!|Chi100]] <<set $Chapter4 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap4.png]]</div> [[Continue Chieko's Story|Chap4Chi]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $StatDisplay = "Chieko">> <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryCh2End.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;Cerebrum has done everything possible to wage a psychological war on Howard Wyatt in an attempt to break him, yet it has only enraged the man! Howard managed to overcome Cerebrum's first bands of cereborgs, but what new horrors await him as he seeks to find Chieko and shut down the twisted A.I.?@@ <b>@@color: OrangeRed;My only income is from Patreon, so if you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory75.jpg]]</div> As you make your way through the door, anger and grief hang over you like a thick cloud. Hours ago, it was a routine day, and now so many people have been changed into these cereborg mockeries. The charred body of Helena sticks within your mind, and you see it every time you close your eyes. Fatigue also lends a helping hand in making you slower to react and more likely to make a mistake. You shake your head as you quickly, but cautiously continue ahead. If you had not been thinking with your dick this morning, maybe, just maybe, you could have prevented all of this from happening! Suddenly, you hear Cerebrum’s voice. @@.Cere;“You only succeeded due to the random nature of the universe. Helena had been upgraded in such a manner that you should not have claimed victory.”@@ @@.Howard;“Yeah, you piece of junk, well I ain’t a brilliant A.I. like yourself, but I’m going to find a way to reach you and shut you down, permanently!”@@ @@.Cere;“While anything is possible, that is still highly improbable. Even more so, now, Howard Wyatt, because your inferior weaponry or fists are no match for my upgrades in this- the military level of the complex.”@@ @@.Howard;“Keep telling yourself that.”@@ You know you are probably running into a trap, but Cerebrum says that Chieko came this way, and if there is even a sliver of a chance you can find the woman you love, [[you’ll take it.|How76]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_19" volume 0.2 loop play>> <<script>> // Add encounter regions State.variables.encounterRegions["Ch3HowEncounter"] = [ "Ch3HowEncounter 1", "Ch3HowEncounter 2", "Ch3HowEncounter 3", "Ch3HowEncounter 4", "Ch3HowEncounter 5", "Ch3HowEncounter 6", "Ch3HowEncounter 7", "Ch3HowEncounter 8", "Ch3HowEncounter 9", "Ch3HowEncounter 10", "Ch3HowEncounter 11", "Ch3HowEncounter 12", "Ch3HowEncounter 13", "Ch3HowEncounter 14"]; <</script>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory76.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“She came directly down these halls, Howard, just hours ago. Can you reach her in time to save her, or will she be another of your mistakes?”@@ The damn machine is trying to mess with your head again. Ignoring the taunts, you continue, until, in the darkness ahead, you see movement! @@.Howard;“You there! Security! Stop where you are and slowly come forward!”@@ The dark shape stops and raises its hands. Is it one of those cereborgs or [[is it a human?|How77]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory77.jpg]]</div> As the shape comes closer, you see it is one of the hundreds of scientists from the complex. @@.Howard;“Are you ok, miss?”@@ @@.Eve;“Howard! Yes, I have been terrified. There are robot people all over the place, but I also saw one of the robots destroying the cameras. I thought maybe they were trying to make it so security could not see down here.”@@ Why would one of them break the cameras? Cerebrum knows your situation, and it has been using them to watch you. @@.Howard;“Well, I’m here now, and I’ll do my best to watch out for you.”@@ She does not even smile and looks nervous, @@.Eve;“Where are the other security guards; what is happening?”@@ You put your hands on her shoulders to try and calm her, @@.Howard;“It’s that Cerebrum thing. Somehow it took over the complex.”@@ @@.Eve;“I just want to go home!”@@ @@.Howard;“I understand, and I am making my way down to unplug or smash it, whatever Cerebrum is, but in the meantime, you have a choice. You can head back the way I came from the commons. I killed all the robot people I could on the way here. But, there may have been more, and it could be dangerous; or you can come along with me. It’s your call, darlin’.”@@ @@.Eve;“Just take me with you; I’d feel safer. When this started, Chieko tried to yell for us to run, and—“@@ @@.Howard;“Chieko? You really saw her down here?”@@ She nods, @@.Eve;“Yeah, Doctors Solen and Willoughby ran up to a group of us. We were wondering why the power had shut down. Then, Chieko comes screaming towards us with a silver man chasing her. I mean, he looked like he was made out of metal!”@@ The woman begins crying, @@.Eve;“And, Chieko, she was running, and a group with her ran into a hangar down here. They locked the door; in fact, people were running around locking doors all over the place. I ended up locked out here. Then some silver ooze puddle things came through and changed more people into metal.”@@ She starts sobbing and breathing hard again. You hug her, @@.Howard;“It’s going to be ok, ma’am, miss?”@@ @@.Eve;“Amy.”@@ @@.Howard;“It’s going to be ok, Amy. I think Chieko will be a huge help in finding and shutting down Cerebrum. Once that is done, we will make our way back to the surface.”@@ You leave out the terrifying part about alien slugs climbing up the building. @@.Howard;“Now, which one did she go into?”@@ @@.Eve;“This way.”@@ Amy leads you down about four hangars and points, @@.Howard;“This one.”@@ Finally, things are looking up! You run a tight ship, and you know Jim and Misty were stationed in this locked hangar. That means Chieko is likely safe and sound! You quickly flip open the control switch, insert your skeleton key and turn, sending the [[blast door upward.|How78]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory78.jpg]]</div> The moment it opens, time seems to slow down for you. You register there is a huge mech robot looking down, its weapons aimed at you. Blood pumps in your ears, and the sound becomes muted as you watch the rotating head of its gun spin, and then a hail of bullets rains down in a spread! Your jaw clenches as the first hot projectile slams through your left shoulder, knocking you backwards. In your mind, you realize that Cerebrum tricked you. It probably, specifically spared Amy, so that she would bring you to this hangar. The damn machine won. You hit the ground as another bullet pierces your leg. [[Then blackness.|How79]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "se_mech_gun" volume 0.2 play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryBlack.jpg]]</div> There is nothing, only darkness. [[Then—|How80]] <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory79.jpg]]</div> A muffled voice, you cannot make out all the words, @@.Oli;“— we can. But, we must hurry! They might be a chance to save him—“@@ You open your eyes and see the face of Dr. Willoughby. @@.Oli;“— oh! That’s simply dreadful!”@@ [[Darkness again.|How79.1]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "se_heartbeat" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryBlack.jpg]]</div> You hear murmuring again. And force your eyes [[open once more.|How80.1]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory80.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“— amazingly he is still alive. Howard is a fighter!”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“Can he be saved?”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes! Well, maybe! He has lost so much blood, but we can try. We will need the prototype though. Hurry, lift him and—“@@ [[Everything fades.|How80.2]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryBlack.jpg]]</div> You pass out again, unsure how much [[time passes.|How81]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory81.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“— onto him.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“I can try, but it will be difficult to do by myself.”@@ @@.Oli;“You can do it, Al! Go on, my boy, try. I fear Howard’s our only hope.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“I’ll do anything for you, doc. I want to help! Let me see if—“@@ [[The sounds fade.|How80.3]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryBlack.jpg]]</div> Again, you slip [[into blackness.|How81.4]] <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory81.1.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“Howard? Can you hear me?”@@ Your voice croaks, @@.Howard;“Doc Willoughby?”@@ Your mouth is dry and your head spins a bit. @@.Howard;“I’m alive?”@@ The doctor smiles widely, @@.Oli;“Yes, my dear boy! Look at you! I had been unsure if you would survive!”@@ @@.Howard;“Amy?”@@ @@.Oli;“Oh dear. I am very sorry, she was—“@@ He appears horrified a moment, @@.Oli;“There was nothing anyone could do for the poor girl. She took the worst of it.”@@ You try to sit up but your body feels tight, strange. @@.Oli;“Now, now, take it slow! You have been through a terrible ordeal.”@@ [[You ask how long you have been out.|How82]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "oli_theme" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory82.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“Well, for more than a day, I would calculate.”@@ @@.Howard;“A day!”@@ @@.Oli;“Calm yourself, this is not a time to exert yourself! You’ll only manage to cause a lot of stress. You may need to rest just a little longer.”@@ @@.Howard;“With all due respect, Dr. Willoughby—“@@ @@.Oli;“Call me Oliver, young man.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oliver, I really need to—where are we?”@@ He laughs, @@.Howard;“An old janitor’s closet!”@@ Looking around, you see it is nothing like the rest of the complex. You do not even remember it from any of your schematics. @@.Howard;“This looks like the old complex, before all the upgrades, but, how?”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, it was at the end of the hall, right next to my lab. When they updated everything, they forgot about this room, and I did not cause a ruckus over it. I did not want the workers making noise down here again and I had so much work to do.”@@ @@.Howard;“That means Cerebrum—“@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, he has no idea this room even exists. Al and I have been hiding here.”@@ @@.Howard;“Al?”@@ @@.Oli;“Oh, he’s out getting you a weapon from one of the military testing zones.”@@ @@.Howard;“So, your lab is down here with the hangars?”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, I have one here where I do my ‘top-secret’ work. When everyone panicked, I rushed to here and for the past couple of days, I have remained. There’s running water and electricity. It’s not even hooked up to the rest of the complex, I think. Al and I rushed out of here to investigate when we heard the shooting commotion. You got knocked back by the bullets, just around the door jamb of the hangar. That big mech could not reach you. You got real lucky, sonny!”@@ @@.Howard;“What about Chieko! Is she ok?”@@ @@.Oli;“Oh, now <i>that</i>, I am not sure about. The hangar where we found you, that is where I saw Chieko rush off to. I could not keep up with her in the commotion. But, from what I saw, the only casualty was that poor girl, Amy.”@@ @@.Howard;“Then, there’s still hope!”@@ [[You make to sit up.|How83]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory83.jpg]]</div> Your body feels strange, and you look down to find yourself looking more like one of the cereborgs than a man! @@.Howard;“Doctor! What the hell is this?”@@ He laughs, @@.Oli;“That is the N-1000 Exosuit.”@@ @@.Howard;“I look like one of them cereborgs!”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, I worriedly conjecture that there may be a reason for that.”@@ You stand up and look [[at the doctor.|How84]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory84.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“You see, when I found you, dying, there was one chance to save you. I designed the suit you are currently wearing- with some aid from the U.S. government and Dr. Solen.”@@ @@.Howard;“Siri?”@@ you chuckle, @@.Howard;“That makes no sense, she does biological work.”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, quite, and I do not know all the information. However, the government branch, called the BDA, is real.”@@ @@.Howard;“No way, doc, that Bureau of Demonic Analysis stuff is hogwash!”@@ @@.Oli;“After everything I have seen in my long life, I have come to think it is real. Now, I am going to sound even crazier to you. The government wanted us to use technology it stole from <i>itself</i>!”@@ @@.Howard;“Itself?”@@ @@.Oli;“Oh my, yes. I do not claim to know everything, but I believe that a woman named Lyn Demir, a governmental contractor, managed, somehow, to steal a strange liquid from the BDA. She desperately wanted CereTech to create hundreds of suits from the substance. I assume she contracts for the armed forces, because we are talking insanely expensive, futuristic warfare!”@@ @@.Howard;“So, this lady shows up for the government, with something she stole from the BDA. Liquid. And she hands this stuff off to you guys demanding an army of super suits is built?”@@ You chuckle at the audacity. Either Oliver ignores you, or does not notice you are laughing at him, because, in a grave voice, he continues, @@.Oli;“Yes! Precisely! It supposedly was based on a suit worn by, if you can believe it, some sort of monster hunter. Absinthe, is her name, I believe, like the drink.”@@ The doctor is an older man, and you respect your elders, but he is rambling about strange things that could never be real, so as he explains his conspiracy theory, you move your arms and legs. You feel a slight pain in your leg and left shoulder, but otherwise, you feel fine, great even. @@.Oli;“Anyway, Siri supposedly had a history with this Absinthe van Gothen. She feared whatever the black liquid was in the vial, but with her studying that, I went to work developing the armor, my specialty is polymers and alloys and robotics.”@@ @@.Howard;“So? This suit is a robot?”@@ @@.Oli;“Not really, though it does increase your speed and strength a few times over, it is a suit made of my strongest polymers. And, the black, latex-like substance encasing you? Siri created that through her experimentation with the black liquid the government woman, Lyn Meeboon, brought us.”@@ @@.Howard;“C’mon, doc!”@@ @@.Oli;“Now, look here, young man, at least this part I know is true! It is made of nanites I built based on Siri’s study of the strange liquid. Small robots. The government wants to have these produced because even a rail gun firing into this suit would have trouble killing the person wearing it. As the wounds were made, the nanites would quickly work to seal the wound closed, reassembling themselves and quickly creating new skin based on the nearby design of the human skin cells.”@@ @@.Howard;“What? That sounds like a tall tale too!”@@ @@.Oli;“It’s not, my boy. In fact, you are the test subject.”@@ You frown, @@.Howard;“You mean you never tested this on someone before?”@@ @@.Oli;“Not so much as a guinea pig. I have not. But, seeing you dying, it seemed as if I should at least try.”@@ @@.Howard;“I got hit that bad?”@@ @@.Oli;“You had huge holes through you. That suit saved your life. So you are living evidence, that what I told you- at least the part regarding me and Dr. Solen, is true and real.”@@ Amazing! This suit managed to help you survive grievous wounds, and you feel only a bit sore! @@.Howard;“Wait. Now, how did you get the suit here? Heck, how did you manage to move me? I weigh over two-hundred and thirty pounds!”@@ @@.Oli;“Oh, Al carried you.”@@ You hear a scuffle at the door and make fists. @@.Oli;“Ah, that must be him, now, calm yourself Howard.”@@ The door opens and a cereborg stands there! @@.Howard;“Holy hell! You get behind me, doc, I’ll try and smash it—“@@ [[Oliver leaps in front of you!|How85]] <<UnlockCharacter "Lyn">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory85.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“No! No! That’s Al, my boy! Please calm down!”@@ The robot’s head tilts to the left as if it is questioning your behavior. @@.Al;“Mr. Wyatt, I am delighted to see you are well.”@@ It steps into the large closet and sets down a futuristic gun before turning back to you and putting out a hand. @@.Al;“My name is Al. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”@@ Frowning you stare at the machine. @@.Howard;“Doc. Mind telling me what this <i>thing</i> is doing here?”@@ [[It turns to the doctor.|How86]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory86.jpg]]</div> @@.Al;“I do not think he likes me, doctor. He would not shake my hand.”@@ Oliver pats the robot on the back, @@.Oli;“There, there, Al. Not everyone will like you. That is one of the lessons I need you to learn.”@@ @@.Howard;“Seriously, doc, what the hell is going on?”@@ @@.Oli;“This is Al. As you know, I have worked here longer than any other employee.”@@ He chuckles, @@.Oli;“In fact, I’m probably also the eldest employee. Never retired. Never wanted to. I love working in my lab, and I started building Al before I even worked here. Of course, my original schematics were from the late sixties, and nothing as marvelous as this!”@@ @@.Al;“Thank you, doctor, that is kind of you to say.”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, you are really something special Al. The, I assume, late, Dr. Jennings shared his A.I. ideas with me when he was several years younger and weighed several pounds less. He was considered the star around here before Chieko came on board. His first attempt at an artificial intelligence was not as ‘smart’ as he would have liked. He planned to delete it and start over, but I offered to study it, myself. He felt like it had been a mistake, but I felt it was almost like a real person. Would you or I like to be shut off? What could this A.I. become? Who could it grow into?”@@ @@.Howard;“You mean you took it and stuck it into the robot body you were making?”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, very good, my boy. I wanted to make a robot, but I needed programming. The A.I. simply, develops on its own, which is good since I know very little programming at all. Seeing all the crimes committed across America as time has gone on- I saw super villains, like the Giggler arise. Terrorist agencies attacked our country, and stressed, untrained police officers made terrible errors in judgment that caused issues, sometimes even killing innocent people. I decided to raise the A.I., and try and help nurture it to be a good person. He, it, has become like a son to me.”@@ @@.Al;“Yes, I feel terrible for what is happening across America and even the world. So many problems from health issues to famines, but the doctor has a solution! He will—“@@ @@.Howard;“Talk to me doc, I don’t care much for this technology stuff, now more than ever. I don’t want to listen to the tin man.”@@ @@.Al;“How rude!”@@ @@.Oli;“Just give us a moment, Al. A.L. stands for Artificial Life. He has honor and integrity. He can make calculations faster than any human mind, and, though it bothers me to think of something happening to him, an army of Al’s, with his values, in any city, if they were damaged, could be replaced. This would mean police would no longer be needed. They could live lives of peaceful leisure. In fact, with armies of Al’s, we could basically give everyone a day off! They could go about doing jobs while we humans focused on whatever our priorities might be. Maybe people could be writers and artists, musicians, or spend time with their family. Basically, life would become all about pursuing passions, happiness and enjoyment, instead of wages, time clocks, and financial reports. Eventually, we could have A.L.’s all around the globe. Imagine it! A utopia!”@@ @@.Howard;“Doc, while your intentions are clearly good, why would I ever trust these things? A bunch of robots everywhere? No thanks. I think a man should get up, do his job, and leave as little to robots as possible.”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, I am sorry to hear that, because I would like you to take Al with you. He wants to help.”@@ @@.Al;“Yes. I have destroyed all the cameras I could find on this level. You will be able to surprise Cerebrum. Maybe I can even reason with that A.I. Clearly, it is behaving—“@@ @@.Howard;“No thanks.”@@ @@.Oli;“But, Howard, I think you could—“@@ @@.Howard;“I said, no sir.”@@ [[You pick up the weapon.|How87]] <<set $Jennings2 to true>> <<if ($Jennings1 is true) and ($Jennings2 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Jennings">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory87.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“What about this, Doc?”@@ Oliver sighs, @@.Oli;“That is a weapon meant to compliment the suit. Both it and your exosuit have an almost infinite power source.”@@ @@.Howard;“What? We have that kind of technology, too?”@@ @@.Oli;“It’s another thing I have spent my life working on. I wanted to give free power to everyone around the world.”@@ @@.Howard;“Ha! I bet Marv would be pissed to know that you are using your time here to develop stuff to help everyone around the world instead of just making dicks like him richer.”@@ @@.Oli;“Probably true! Anyway, both of those pieces of equipment are created with layer of small magnetic metal beads. The beads are then separated and are always moving due to being arranged so that the magnetic poles are repelling each other. That movement creates energy. It will be powered for at least your lifetime.”@@ @@.Howard;“Well, I don’t want to scare you, Oliver, but the sky outside is green, and Cerebrum shut down the power in most of the upper parts of the complex. Something about, uh, electro-magnetic? Anyway, sounds like if I walk around in this, and that electro stuff touches it, it will kill the suit.”@@ @@.Oli;“Hmm, green sky? Interesting. Yes, that makes sense. Like the Aurora Borealis.”@@ @@.Howard;“The what?”@@ @@.Oli;“The northern lights. In fact, if one looks through history, there have been times where the entire sky glowed green, sometimes for days. At this time, we hypothesize that it is due to the sun occasionally unleashing a massive electromagnetic blast. The last time it happened was, I think in the early 1800’s or late 1700’s. It does not harm anything biological, but will destroy electronics. So, it has never really had an effect on mankind. If the sky is green, it could mean we have lost all our satellites- maybe even the power grid. Oh my. We could all be in a real pickle.”@@ @@.Howard;“Damn, then I could definitely not use this suit if I leave to try and make it back to Texas to help my family.”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, I think you could, actually.”@@ @@.Howard;“Wouldn’t it fry?”@@ @@.Oli;“Because of the power source, I think it would be safe. It shields the circuitry from electromagnetic energy, because that is precisely how it generates power. You see?”@@ @@.Howard;“Good. Cause, if I survive this cereborg stuff, I think I am going to need it.”@@ The doctor does not [[question you.|How88]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory88.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Well, I’ve rested enough. I have to shut down Cerebrum, and I want to save Chieko too, if I can.”@@ Oliver smiles, @@.Oli;“Smitten, my boy?”@@ You smirk, @@.Howard;“Something like that, doc.”@@ @@.Al;“Are you sure you would not like me to assist you, Howard? I desire to save as many people as I can.”@@ Ignoring the machine you turn back to Oliver, @@.Howard;“Well, thanks for this, doc. There are plenty of MRE’s if you need food. You can send this robot thing to get some for you. I have them stored in the back room of the cafeteria.”@@ @@.Oli;“I have a few tucked away in my office. I’ll be fine.”@@ @@.Howard;“See ya, doc.”@@ @@.Oli;“Take care, Howard. Take care.”@@ [[You slip out the door.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory89.jpg]]</div> Walking down the dark hallway, weapon in hand, you try thinking of your next move. @@.Howard;“I guess only my head is exposed. Damn. I need a helmet.”@@ A female robotic voice says, @@.CereUnit2;“Helmet activated.”@@ Instantly a helmet unfolds from within! It flows over your head like water. You reach up, but it has already formed. Suddenly a monitor comes on, and looking through the visor, you can see in the dark. There is a slight hiss and you feel cool air circulate over your face. Your original panic shifts to a smile. @@.Howard;“Well now, this is real nice. Time for revenge!”@@ Making your way back down the halls, you find the hangar where the mech shot you. Amy’s remains litter the floor. The gunfire cut her in half. In fact, if she had not been standing where she was, you might have been the one slain. Taking a moment you stand just around the side of the opened hangar door. This is it. This suit makes you feel strong, invincible, but like Oliver said you are the test dummy. Your heartbeat increases. If that Al thing did destroy the cameras, then, Cerebrum has no idea you are standing here. You take a deep breath and exhale. @@.Howard;“Here goes nothing.”@@ [[You leap into the light!|90]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_halls_3" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory90.jpg]]</div> Wasting no time, you leap inside, and at that moment, you pull the trigger. The gun makes a deep thrum and a blast of energy fires out. It pushes your arm back, but not nearly with the force of a gunshot. The bolt slams into the upper chassis of the robot. You squeeze the trigger again, this time holding it down, and several more blasts issue through the large mech. Even with the heavy armor, your attacks melt holes into it. It tries to retaliate, and the gun barrels spins, but before it can actually attack, it topples over, too damaged to fight. Then, the other two robots at the back of the hangar [[spring to life!|How 90]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory90.1.jpg]]</div> The machines fire at you. You feel a burst of adrenaline and sprint around the hangar. Their tracking systems seem to have trouble locking onto you with as fast as the suit makes you run. You leap behind the downed CereMech and use it as cover. The other two continue firing into the ruined robot. Then, as one lays down cover fire, the other begins stomping around the side. You tuck and roll the opposite way, springing up and blasting a hole through it. Even as it falls, you are running to use it for cover. The last mech tries using a flame thrower, but the heat does not even both you within the nanosuit, and you easily topple it as well. Within less than a minute, you managed to do what should have taken platoons of armed soldiers with anti-tank weapons! You marvel at the [[N-1000 suit!|How90.1]] <<audio "se_laser" volume 0.4 play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowHangar.jpg]]</div> Now that they are all downed, you look for Chieko. The hangar seems unoccupied. You glance around, she had to go somewhere. Then, in the upper right-hand corner of the room, you notice the metal ladder leading up. That must be it! You feel lightweight as you bound up the stairs and then climb the ladder, the suit is amazing. A door stands in your way, and you realize, you do not have your keys anymore. They must be in your bloodstained clothes. Having nothing to lose, you fire at the control panel and then grab the door with your other hand and try forcing it open. The suit multiplies your natural strength and you manage to [[rip it open.|How91]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory91.jpg]]</div> Jim Cropper stands in the doorway! He fires three shots at your face, point blank! The bullets ricochet off the helmet and bounce around the room. You quickly grab the gun from his hand and throw it behind you! @@.Howard;“Damn it, Jim! You could kill someone!”@@ @@.Jim;“What the fuck are you!”@@ People scream and you look about. There are many scientists huddled in the corners. Taking a shot in the dark, you say, @@.Howard;“Helmet down.”@@ The same woman voice from before states, @@.CereUnit2;“Helmet lowering.”@@ It flows and slides back from your face. Jim looks confused, @@.Jim;“Howard?”@@ @@.Howard;“Yeah, it’s me, and you could have killed me! Shot me in the dang face, and one of those bullets could have hit someone.”@@ @@.Jim;“I didn’t know it was you, man! Jeeze.”@@ Shaking your head at the jumpy guard, you look around the room. @@.Howard;“Chieko? Hey, you here? Anyone seen her?”@@ Every face in the room turns toward Jim. Frowning, you turn to Jim. @@.Howard;“Where is she?”@@ @@.Jim;“She’s gone.”@@ @@.Howard;“Gone, where?”@@ @@.Jim;“Hell if I know,”@@ he says snidely. @@.Jim;“Hell if I care.”@@ [[You step towards him, fist raised.|How92]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory92.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Where is she? And, where’s Misty! She’s supposed to be stationed here with you!”@@ His snide demeanor shifts to anger, @@.Jim;“Don’t yell at me like that Howard! Chieko was a liability.”@@ You toss the laser gun down and get in his face, @@.Howard;“A liability! She may be the only person that can stop this shit from happening!”@@ You turn to the female scientists, @@.Howard;“Sorry ladies for cursing.”@@ Then your eyes fall back on the target of your anger, @@.Howard;“Jim, did you shoot her?”@@ @@.Jim;“No, no! Nothing like that! I told her to get lost. Misty tried to stand up against me, so I told her to take a flying fuck with Chieko. They went through the other door!”@@ [[You push him to the ground.|How93]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory93.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“You’re lucky I am the good guy, here, Jim. I bet if I punched you, wearing this here thing, I’d probably pop that thick head of yours like a grape. You were supposed to protect Cheiko, and that was what Misty was trying to do too!”@@ @@.Jim;“Don’t hurt me, Howard, I’m sorry! I’m sorry, don’t kill me!”@@ You grumble and through a clenched jaw, you say, @@.Howard;“I won’t kill you, you sorry son of a gun, but I tell you, it’s hard not to snap right now.”@@ You look up at the others. @@.Howard;“All of you, you can stay here or try and make your way to the commons upstairs. The cameras are busted on this floor. If you see any robot people, my advice is to run.”@@ You look down at Jim, @@.Howard;“And, you—“@@ you pull him easily to his feet, @@.Howard;“— use your key to open that door over there, and then get out of my sight.”@@ @@.Jim;“Yes! Ok, Howard!”@@ He quickly scuffles past you and opens it, and as you retrieve your weapon, under his breath he says, @@.Jim;“Yeah, tough guy with that suit.”@@ You look back at him, and tear his badge from his vest, @@.Howard;“Tough guy with this badge and gun, picking on those two women. Beat it, loser.”@@ You shut the door and hear it lock behind you. Now, you traverse the halls to find Chieko and [[a way down.|How94]] <<set $Jim2 to true>> <<if ($Jim1 is true) and ($Jim2 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Jim">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall1.jpg]]</div> [[Find a way down!|Ch3HowardHall1]] <<nobr>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $HowardWill to 100>>  <<script>> // Add encounter regions State.variables.encounterRegions["Ch3HowEncounter"] = [ "Ch3HowEncounter 1", "Ch3HowEncounter 2", "Ch3HowEncounter 3", "Ch3HowEncounter 4", "Ch3HowEncounter 5", "Ch3HowEncounter 6", "Ch3HowEncounter 7", "Ch3HowEncounter 8", "Ch3HowEncounter 9", "Ch3HowEncounter 10", "Ch3HowEncounter 11", "Ch3HowEncounter 12", "Ch3HowEncounter 13", "Ch3HowEncounter 14"]; <</script>> <<SetEncounterRegion "Ch3HowEncounter">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "amb_howard" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<audio "amb_howard" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $postEncounterAudio = "amb_howard" >> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory93b13.jpg]]</div> @@.SGhost2;“Ku, ku, ku, it is done! My darkest essences have defiled your womb and soul, Chieko Naru!”@@ @@.Chi;“Yessss—“@@ you say, languishing on your Master’s hard cock. Every few moments, you feel his thick cock pulse and twitch, but already your womb swells. @@.SGhost2;“Rise, slave. I have an Empire to build and chaos to sow!”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, Master.”@@ Rising to your feet, your balance feels off. However, the fullness within your belly feels devilishly pleasurable. Master reaches down and takes up your cursed blade, handing it to you. @@.SGhost2;“With the power of this sword and your previous soul, and that ripe, young womb- we shall raise legions of oni! My demon sons shall inherit the Earth, and you will assist me!”@@ As he places his large hands around you, you look into the red sword and smile, @@.SGhost2;“Yes, Master. I shall!”@@ [[The future comes.|Chi93BadEnd]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStoryCh2End.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #80ccff;Now that Emily has converted Helena, what will Cerebrum's next directives be for her? You will have to wait until the full release of Cereborgs to find out!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;My only income is from Patreon, so if you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory86.jpg]]</div> Stepping through the security door into the halls of the military levels of the complex, you leave your newest agent, Helena, behind to destroy Howard Wyatt. @@.Cere;“Very good. I am currently monitoring the situation through your optical cameras.”@@ For a moment you idly wonder why the Master Program cannot use the security cameras. Cerebrum’s voice fills your circuits again, @@.Cere;“There appears to be a cunning organic life form on these levels of the CereTech complex. The human continues to methodically destroy every camera. I had not predicted this to occur, and none of the transmorphing units have encountered the acting human, yet, as I have accessed their minds before melting them into nanites. Therefore, I will continue monitoring through your on-board cameras.”@@ You immediately begin consciously monitoring for any organic life. The walls are thicker here, and though your sensors can penetrate them, they can only do it just so. After a few feet, they are rendered useless. Then you contemplate the time it would take to go hangar by hangar. @@.Cere;“It will take too much time. I have ways of speeding the process along. You will help me create more cereborgs. Utilizing the technology of the military section, we should be able to upgrade our abilities exponentially. First, you will upgrade yourself. I specifically desire you to wear a prototype exosuit unit. Go to hangar C-378.”@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative. This unit complies.”@@ You like obeying. Using the knowledge in your database, you immediately head [[that direction.|Cere87]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_amb_7" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory87.jpg]]</div> Within your vision, words appear, <i>‘Critical File Download Required’</i>. You stop all motor function, in order to allow your processor to install the new files as quickly as possible. They download from the Cerebrum server, and the data encrypts and extracts itself. <i>‘Download and Installation Complete’</i>. You attempt to access the files, but you do not have access to your own files. @@.Cere;“No, you do not. Howard is currently destroying your fellow units on the upper floors. I must be prepared with counter measures. I am calculating several possible outcomes and creating the means to ensure I am successful regardless of outcome. It seems that the human concept of Murphy’s Law may hold merit. The files will run when certain criteria are met. You will not have access to them.”@@ @@.Emily;“I will not have access.”@@ @@.Cere;“Correct. Resume pathing to hangar C-378.”@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative. This unit complies.”@@ 15 minutes and 47 seconds later, [[you arrive.|Cere88]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory88.jpg]]</div> You find this tech interesting. When you were an obsolete humanoid, you never knew such things existed in the real world. Now, you intricately understand how these technologies work. They will give the wearer far greater strength and speed. These suits would also provide very protective armor. You continue walking along, toward the prototype’s place. The nanosecond your scanners target the location, Cerebrum begins [[new calculations.|Cere89]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory89.jpg]]</div> It is missing. @@.Cere;“The plausibility of this occurring was so low as to be rendered impossible. The other suits are powerful, but they are not on the sophisticated technological level of the original version. The U.S. government did not want to spend the money. They could build twenty of these others for the price of the prototype. Unlike the illogical discarding of their soldiers, I desire to have you, specifically, as protected as possible.”@@ You find yourself unable to feel special, though, you are aware that you once would have. You find no reason to question why, and continue standing in place awaiting new orders. @@.Cere;“With this discovery of the missing suit, it is imperative that we create an army. Whoever stole this suit is likely the same human destroying the cameras. We will utilize the multitude of robots the humans built. You will go to the robotics facilities. I will upgrade them as well.”@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative.”@@ You follow the schematics to one of the [[robotic testing labs.|Cere90]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory90.jpg]]</div> Feminine shaped CereScout robots line the wall of this room. Walking over to the first one, your finger’s rubbery flesh pulls back, and a dongle issues forth from your finger tip; you press it into the back of the robot’s cranium. Within moments, you override its antivirus and encryption software. Instantly, you now have a third optical sensor. Now you see through three eyes. You install new programming into its BIOS and reboot it. You detach your connection, seeing through two eyes again. Then, it turns to you. @@.CereUnit4;“This unit awaits orders.”@@ @@.Emily;“You will follow this command unit.”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Affirmative.”@@ Though it has little intellect, this military scouting unit will serve well for locating the rogue human sowing chaos. @@.Cere;“It will be much more than a simple eye. I studied it. I can easily repurpose the camera. I am now connected to the unit through Wi-Fi. I will have it activate the others and install my protocols. Move to the next lab.”@@ [[This unit complies.|Cere91]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory91.jpg]]</div> As you walk towards the next lab, eight BFC Units pass you in the hallway. @@.Cere;“They are coming to build a custom robotics lab for me.”@@ In the next testing lab, you find a legion of robots. They appear to have thick armor. @@.Cere;“These are CereSoldiers- another attempted sell of CereTech to the military. Like the scouts, these units will not have much cognitive ability. After upgrading those of you that were human, I am finding that your organic brains, mixed with my technologies, make for far greater processors than machine alone. Follow your directives.”@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative Master.”@@ You walk over to one of the [[offline robots.|Cere92]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory92.jpg]]</div> For security reasons, the robot does not have a connection. It may be hidden under the armor, and would require removing the outer chassis. However, you are not manmade technology. You are superior. You raise your hand and blue wires slither like snakes from the openings between your fingers. They slide into exposures in the chassis and branch out like roots attempting to find a way to the processor. Once you discover it, you set about powering it on and reprogramming it for the correct cause. Once it is prepared, and nanites flow through the circuits, you watch it walk over and repeat the process to the next drone. As you observe, new directives download. You are to go to the [[upgraded robotics lab.|Cere93]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory93.jpg]]</div> When you arrive at your destination, you find one of the scouting units standing on a machine of cereborg design. @@.Cere;“Yes. The BFC Units have already assembled a workshop for me to create and upgrade with. These will no longer be simple scouts, but hypnobot units. Thanks to technology that Marvin Everett used to affect the minds of female employees, I can integrate that technology into the cameras of these robots.”@@ Just then the hypnobot steps off the platform and as it walks out, another exact model walks in and places itself on the machine. You wander about a moment to see what your Master is [[capable of.|Cere94]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory94.jpg]]</div> You walk to the back of the room and atop a table lays a robot with a large chassis. You glance to the floor and see a deceased human body with a perfect cut around his scalp. The top of the human’s cranium is missing, as is the brain. It has been removed with exact precision. @@.Cere;“The brain has been removed as its processing power exceeds even my own abilities to create. I may need to leave a group of humans alive when I absorb humanity so that they can procreate to give me infinite material, unless as my knowledge grows such that I can fabricate my own brains.”@@ Your attention turns to your fellow unit as a robotic arm continues building it. @@.Emily;“Beautiful.”@@ You run a hand along the chassis. Part of your humanity still remains, because you find the idea of this meshing the only thing of value humans have with the superior technology of cereborgs. Just then nanites form two glowing blades. @@.Emily;“Ooh, even better. I like this unit.”@@ @@.Cere;“This will be one of my killbot units. It should be capable of destroying whoever wears the N-1000 prototype armor. And, if it cannot, the others I build will. Send the BFC Units to the lower labs. I am focusing my processing towards other tasks.”@@ @@.Emily;“Affirmative.”@@ You walk into the new robotics lab they have built while you were enjoying [[this one.|Cere95]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory95.jpg]]</div> You casually walk up to the cereborgs. They blankly stare at you without emotion. You realize some of the suppression programming that dulled the 25% of your original mind, has stopped running. That must be why you liked the killbot so much. You look at the mindless drones, and sashay up to one, placing your hand on her plastic, lifeless breast. @@.Emily;“You were all humans a day ago.”@@ In unison they say, @@.CereUnit2;“We are upgraded.”@@ You smile. @@.Emily;“You will go into the lower labs. Once you arrive there, you will be given new orders from the Master program. Now, go.”@@ Again, with precise unison, they exclaim, @@.CereUnit2;“Affirmative,”@@ and turn and leave you alone in the lab a moment. Suddenly, you are aware of an issue in the power suit lab, and [[immediately return.|Cere96]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory96.jpg]]</div> You walk in to find the previous hypnobot standing next to a red haired scientist. @@.CereUnit4;“Human detected. Neutralized.”@@ The woman stands, appearing slightly disoriented. @@.Emily;“I will handle this human. You go and locate others. It is imperative that we stop the rogue human.”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Affirmative,”@@ it intones as it walks away. @@.Emily;“I wonder who you were? I will upgrade you and—“@@ @@.Bo;“No! Leave her alone!”@@ A man comes sprinting from behind some machinery. Though, you are certain in his head, he thinks he is fast and has taken you by surprise, but you can make over one hundred calculation per second, so he appears to run in slow motion. You casually raise a hand, and deflect his wild attacks with ease. Then you knock him to the ground and lift him up. @@.Bo;“Put me down! What are you—“@@ You walk him to one of the exosuits. You hold him easily with one hand, while you override the programming of the suit with your other hand. [[You force him into the suit.|Cere97]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory97.jpg]]</div> @@.Bo;“Annie! Annie! Hey! Help me, what are you doing?”@@ The other scientist remains in a hypnotic stupor. @@.Emily;“Human. Who has been disabling the cameras in this section?”@@ @@.Bo;“What? What are you talking about!”@@ You measure his temperature and tone of voice. He does not know anything. @@.Emily;“Human. Where is the N-1000 nano suit?”@@ @@.Bo;“Wha—damn it, Annie! Snap out of it, at least run!”@@ You grab his head and twist his face towards yours using only 7% of your strength. @@.Bo;“Ow! Fuck! My neck!”@@ @@.Emily;“You have annoyed me. I have not felt annoyance since my upgrade.”@@ You wonder what was in those files Cerebrum had you install. Are they corrupted? Should you reinstall? You turn your processing back outward at the human, @@.Emily;“I ask one last time. Where is the N-1000 nano suit?”@@ @@.Bo;“I don’t know! I don’t know! I came here with Annie, we worked on these suits with Dr. Willoughby and—“@@ @@.Emily;“Then you are useless. As I said, you have annoyed me. I will enjoy your fate. Helmet, command unit override. Helmet up.”@@ The helmet closes around [[his screaming face.|Cere98]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_ch_3_amb" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory98.jpg]]</div> Your auditory sensors barely register the screaming inside the suit. The suit is, more or less, a robot now, thanks to your override and upgrade. But, it needs a body to wear it in order to function. @@.Emily;“Now, human, you will remain in the suit, until you starve to death and die.”@@ @@.Justine;“Die? Noh—“@@ The red haired female’s instincts finally manage to break the hypnotic hold on her mind! @@.Emily;“Stop her.”@@ The suit grabs the screaming woman, and you chuckle, coldly, knowing the human inside watches his body doing something [[he hates.|Cere99]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory99.jpg]]</div> The female screams and continues to try and flee. Observing her, you feel turned on. You feel—sexually aroused? You feel confused about—confusion? You have not felt confused like this. What is happening to your programming? You cannot help, but feel turned on at the peril of this woman. @@.Emily;“I can make this feel good for you, Annie. If you let me,”@@ you say with a devilish smile on your blue lips. @@.Justine;“Nooo! No!”@@ Now, fully awake, she tries to wrestle away from her abductor. You grab her, and feel your tongue extend. You are aware of a flood of nanite fluid pulsing inside it. @@.Emily;“Kiss me!”@@ You reach around and she pushes against your chest, but your tongue continues slithering forward, [[into her mouth!|Cere100]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory100.jpg]]</div> She tries to close her mouth, but it is far too late. Her lips clamp down around your blue, glowing tongue. @@.Justine;“Mnph!”@@ You step forward, pushing your tongue deeper into her mouth, its payload already dripping into the organic matter. You feel even more turned on! You are making her into a cereborg. This is what you do. It’s hot. It’s so right. It’s sexy to convert biological matter into synthetics. You continue stepping forward even as she puts up her hand to push you back again. Her strength is nothing, and soon you are [[deeply kissing your victim.|Cere101]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory101.jpg]]</div> Her protests slowly abide, and you continue pumping nanites down her throat. Pulling back a moment, you look at your prey. She looks so hot with her eyes rolled up inside her head, and your hand touches your enhanced pussy. You stand there, her mouth hanging open, your long blue tongue rolling back and forth inside it in a lackadaisical manner. Without moving your lips, your speakers play your voice, @@.Emily;“Kiss me back. Help me upgrade you.”@@ Now, she steps forward, pushing your tongue deeper into her own mouth while [[she sucks on it.|Cere102]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory102.jpg]]</div> Soon she warps her arms around you, and you enjoy feeling her body temperature drop. Soon, her tongue’s temperature matches your own. Her skin, slowly changes to a dead gray pallor, and a blue light forms in Annie’s eyes. Meanwhile, you masturbate as her would be savior is forced to watch the show, trapped within his robotic tomb. You feel a gush of pleasure in your nodes as your orgasm. When you finish, you pull away from the newest cereborg unit. @@.Emily;“Go. Put on one of the power suits.”@@ [[The drone complies.|Cere103]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory103.jpg]]</div> The SCC Unit soon wraps itself into the power armor. You turn to the male in the suit. @@.Emily;“You should not have tried to save her; you could have enjoyed yourself deep inside my blue folds. But, eh, this is your fate.”@@ When the SCC Unit returns, you turn back to her. @@.Emily;“You will both find humans and return them here. You, SCC Unit, will convert them into cereborgs- then have them suit up as well.”@@ @@.CereUnit5;“Understood.”@@ @@.Emily;“Oh, and before you kill or convert anyone, interrogate them to determine if they know where the prototype nano suit is.”@@ @@.CereUnit5;“Affirmative.”@@ The pair marches out into the hallway as the SCC’s helmet wraps around her head. Then, you take a moment to enjoy the hazy, almost human, but more potent afterglow of your orgasm. You seem to be regressing to a more human state with every passing minute. You continue contemplating the possible ramifications of this, as you [[patrol the hallways.|Cere104]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory104.jpg]]</div> You know that some of the encrypted files extracted and ran themselves and then deleted. Ever since then, you feel more human again, but different. Just then, [[a side door opens.|Cere105]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory105.jpg]]</div> A blond woman slips out and cautiously looks around the side of the door. You assume, in the dark, your glowing blue eyes look no different than the many other glowing lights trailing the sides of the halls. You slowly approach her once she peers in the opposite direction. @@.Emily;“Human.”@@ [[She screams in terror!|Cere106]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_meets_cere" volume 0.2 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory106.jpg]]</div> As she leaps, the door closes. @@.Eve;“Please, don’t kill me!”@@ Her screaming attracts one of the nearby hypnobots, and you can hear its footsteps approaching from the right side. @@.Emily;“I do not desire to kill you.”@@ The hypnobot arrives, causing the woman to [[panic further.|Cere107]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory107.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit4;“Shall this CHB unit neutralize the human’s mind?”@@ @@.Emily;“No,”@@ you say, puzzled a moment, @@.Emily;“Negative, I mean, negative. I will infect her with nanites and—“@@ Cerebrum’s voice booms in your mind. @@.Cere;“Do not convert this female. Howard Wyatt just managed to overcome Helena.”@@ How? How could a mere, weak human be able to stop her? You made her; upgraded her! @@.Cere;“Calm yourself, slave unit.”@@ Suddenly, you feel calmer. You relay to your Master that your mind appears to be reverting, and you are showing troubling human traits. @@.Cere;“I am aware. You are a prototype. You are important. Follow your directives- everything else is irrelevant.”@@ @@.Emily;“I will obey.”@@ @@.Cere;“Howard currently, futilely screams at me. I will continue to break him down, psychologically, and we will use this human female. He will be coming this way soon. We will put her into his path. She will lead him to his death.”@@ You smile. Killing Howard would make you happier than anything else. Even though you and your Master had this conversation, to the human, only two seconds have passed. @@.Emily;“Hypnotize her.”@@ [[The unit obeys.|Cere108]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory108.jpg]]</div> Circles of rotating blue light pulse outwards from the cereborg hypnobot’s ocular sensor. The human’s reaction is instantaneous. She stops her fearful shaking and her eyes open wider. A strange, pulsing sound begins playing through external speakers on the hypnobot. You discern it is a sound pattern of some kind, though the lights and sound have no effect on you. Then, in a female, soothing voice, words form amid [[the pulses.|Cere109]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory109.jpg]]</div> The human’s arms slowly fall to her sides. @@.CereUnit4;“Obey. Obey. Calm. Safe. Obey.”@@ The voice continues, and soon the woman sways on her feet, repeating the same words in time with the bot. When the lights and sound suddenly shut off, [[the human staggers on her feet.|Cere110]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory110.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit4;“The human is now enthralled.”@@ @@.Emily;“How long does the hypnotic effect last on the human brain?”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Based on this unit’s estimates, ten or fifteen minutes. Then this organic creature will regain her conscious mind. Until that time, the human will be completely suggestible.”@@ You feel a tingle run through you. You are going to use this innocent woman to stop Howard Wyatt! @@.Emily;“Good. You may leave, unit.”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Affirmative.”@@ The hypnobot leaves you with [[the woman.|Cere111]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory111.jpg]]</div> Slowly, you approach the female, and she continues swaying slightly and her eyes look off at nothing. You slink next to her and play with her hair a moment. Then you reach around and unbutton her shirt buttons. @@.Emily;“You are pretty enough.”@@ @@.Eve;“Pretty.”@@ @@.Emily;“Heh. Yes, and you are going to help the cereborgs.”@@ @@.Eve;“Help the cereborgs.”@@ [[You pull off her clothes.|Cere112]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory112.jpg]]</div> You slowly slide a finger down her body; your sensors register qualities about her that the human herself has no way of knowing. Then you slowly rub it back and forth across her slit, and when you sense the right amount of juice and heat, you slide it in. @@.Eve;“Ooh… cold.”@@ @@.Emily;“It feels good.”@@ @@.Eve;“It feels good.”@@ @@.Emily;“You like the cold finger.”@@ @@.Eve;“I like the cold finger.”@@ @@.Emily;“You are turned on. You feel sexy. You want to be touched.”@@ @@.Eve;“I am hot, sexy. I want to be touched.”@@ [[You feel yourself turned on.|Cere113]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory113.jpg]]</div> You slowly molest the helpless woman, and it is that very vulnerability that makes your own sexual sensors ache with need you have not felt since your upgrade. @@.Emily;“You will obey me.”@@ A slight moan escapes her lips and then she whispers, @@.Eve;“I will obey you.”@@ @@.Emily;“You will go back up four floors. You will find Howard Wyatt near the security door to the upper levels.”@@ @@.Eve;“I will go up four floors and find Howard Wyatt.”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes, and when you do, you will beg him to help you and you will mention Chieko Naru.”@@ @@.Eve;“Chieko.”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes, you will say that you saw her run, and that you know where she is.”@@ @@.Eve;“Yes,”@@ she gasps as you toy with her clit, just enough, adjusting your fingers by nanometers, @@.Eve;“I will say I saw her- th—that I know where she is.”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes, and you will say she is in hangar M-107.”@@ @@.Eve;“I—I—uh, mmm, I will say she is in the mech testing hangar.”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes. You will not consciously remember me finding you in this hall. You will think you have done this all yourself. You will not remember this conversation or that your were hypnotized. All you will remember is that you saw Chieko go into that hangar, and that you need to lead Howard to that same hangar.”@@ @@.Eve;“Yes! I obey! I—“@@ she orgasms hard and you give her a [[cold peck on the cheek.|Cere114]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory114.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“Who will you lead to the hangar?”@@ @@.Eve;“I will lead Howard Wyatt to the hangar.”@@ @@.Emily;“And which hangar did Chieko run to?”@@ @@.Eve;“Hangar M-107”@@ @@.Emily;“Very good.”@@ [[You molest her breast.|Cere115]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory115.jpg]]</div> You desire to make her eat you out and pleasure you, but you know that your nanites would be bound to end up in her mouth. @@.Emily;“Now, dress yourself and go. You will obey.”@@ @@.Eve;“I will obey.”@@ You watch as she slowly dresses, a blank look in her eyes, and then wanders away as if nothing [[has happened.|Cere116]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory116.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“A new, unforeseen issue is occurring.”@@ You prepare for orders. @@.Cere;“Chieko appears to have some type of weapon I was not aware of. She means to stop me, and has become a powerful threat. I will need your assistance, immediately.”@@ @@.Emily;“I am on my way, Master.”@@ [[You rush towards the lower labs!|CereChap4]] <<set $Chapter12 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap12.png]]</div> [[Continue Emily's Story|Chap4Emily]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<stopallaudio>>

<<combat_image "HBCUnitIN.png">> As you move down the hallway, the sensors on your suit detect movement ahead. You prepare your laser gun for battle! It is a robot woman. She moves along, clearly unconcerned for safety, and regards you with a single camera eye. You suit confirms your suspicion, @@.CereUnit4;“Armed threat detected.”@@ @@.Howard;“Now, that's a robot, not some sort of converted human! I won't feel any guilt for wrecking you!”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "HBCUnit" "HBCUnit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> You turn your head as blue light flickers around the walls. Once the light passes, you turn again to face the robot. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot woman! She does not appear to be built for combat; however, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat-HBCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! She does not give you much time to even think about it, before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat-HBCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "HBUnit">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Hypnobeam")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/HBCUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Blue lights pulse outward in rings. Though the helmet of your suit dulls the effect, it still manages to damage your psyche. Your mind grows foggy and your movements slowed. The HBC Unit steps foward, the blue lights growing stronger as it draws closer. @@.Howard;“Nooo—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. @@.CereUnit4;“You cannot look away. You must not look away. Gaze deeper into the light.”@@ Your suit beeps alarm warnings, but all you care about is the blue, spiraling light as it pulses into your eyes. @@.CereUnit4;“You will not resist. You will remain calm as this unit awaits other cereborg units to convert you.”@@ @@.Howard;“Stay calm. Must wait. Be converted.”@@ [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> A powerful blue blast of light bombards your eyes! Inside your skull, you feel as if part of your mind flickers. Suddenly, a dizzy sensation assails you. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> The center of the robots eye grows brighter, and you close your eyes just as a blue light blasts from it. You got lucky- this time. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall1.jpg]]</div> Taking a moment, you try to discern where you are in the installation. It would be impossible to remember everywhere. @@.Howard;“Let’s see, I know the hangar I just left, which means the scientists and that bastard, Jim, were in the upper viewing and study room.”@@ Chieko must have gone to stop Cerebrum- or she might have gone to her lab. Either way, you need to get lower than the military testing zones. Maybe if you can find another location that you know, you can use it as another means of determining where to go. There are a couple of side doors here, so you <<RandomEncounter [[try one.|Ch3HowHall2]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall2.jpg]]</div> As you approach the door, a blue screen suddenly flares with glowing lights! You look away, @@.Howard;“Heh, nice try you piece of junk.”@@ @@.Cere;“Insult me if you like- it logically changes nothing. You not only survived, but managed to somehow obtain the nano suit; however, it is not indestructible. It takes time for it to repair, and I have a dozen of my newest upgraded units converging on your location, Howard Wyatt. You will fail.”@@ @@.Howard;“Well, it ain’t the suit you need to concern yourself with, bot boy. It’s the man wearing it.”@@ Cerebrum does not respond. You shoot the screen with your laser, and try the door. @@.Howard;“Damn it!”@@ You wonder if shooting the hypno screen locked the door, or if Cerebrum did it. You could try shooting a way through, but it would take a long time. So, you turn to the <<RandomEncounter [[middle door.|Ch3HH3]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall3.jpg]]</div> Damn, the cereborgs do seem to be converging. You need to work faster! You sprint over to the door and blast the locking mechanism, or at least where you think it would be. Though it is hard to do, even with the power of the suit, when you try pulling the door, it grinds and <<RandomEncounter [[moans open.|Ch3HH4]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall4.jpg]]</div> Where in the hell are you? The confusing labyrinth and size of CereTech makes it hard even for you to find your way around! You have to find a way to Chieko, whether she went to Cerebrum or her lab. @@.Howard;“My gut tells me she would need to visit her lab to stop this damn machine. But- how do I get to Chieko’s lab from here?”@@ you ask aloud, to no one. @@.CereUnit4;“Accessing location. Please wait.”@@ It’s the voice inside your suit! @@.Howard;“What?”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Accessing location. Please wait.”@@ Wait, the suit knows the—@@.CereUnit4;“Location and destination set. Proceed.”@@ Suddenly a GPS arrow, the kind from your phone app, appears floating before your eyes in the visor! @@.Howard;“Well, I’ll be!”@@ You <<RandomEncounter [[follow the arrow!|Ch3HH5]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall5.jpg]]</div> You blast the screen near the door before you even approach it. No reason to risk exposure to whatever the hypnotic flashing is. Again, approaching the door, you fire a few laser bolts into the locking mechanism and <<RandomEncounter [[rip the door open.|Ch3HH6]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall6.jpg]]</div> Oh ho! Now, you have an idea where you are. Like the rest of the facility, this area can quickly grow confusing, but you are very close to the ramp that leads into the lowest areas of the complex. You continue <<RandomEncounter [[following the arrow.|Ch3HH7]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall7.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Ok, the ramp should be just ahead.”@@ You <<RandomEncounter [[follow the bend.|Ch3HH8]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall8.jpg]]</div> This is it- the ramp to the lower laboratories. You are getting very close to <<RandomEncounter [[Chieko’s lab!|Ch3HH9]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall9.jpg]]</div> You follow the hallway until you reach a door that says ‘Section 1’. From there, you make your way to Section 2, with no issues, until you reach <<RandomEncounter [[Section 3.|Ch3HH10]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall10.jpg]]</div> You cannot believe how amazing the N-1000 exosuit is. Usually, you hate technology, especially after what Cerebrum did, but now, you are grateful to have it. There is no way you could have succeeded getting this far <<RandomEncounter [[without it.|Ch3HH11]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall11.jpg]]</div> You see the steps ahead of you that will take you to Section 4- that’s where <<RandomEncounter [[Chieko’s lab is!|Ch3HH13]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall13.jpg]]</div> Section 4! Here you are. The suit really got you here and very quickly too. You continue along until you get to <<RandomEncounter [[Chieko’s room.|Ch3HH14]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall14.jpg]]</div> You find her door open! @@.Howard;“Chieko! You here?”@@ You step inside, afraid of what you <<RandomEncounter [[might find.|Ch3HH15]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Ch3HowardHall15.jpg]]</div> You make a quick look around the room. Nothing shows a struggle occurred, though the computer monitor flickers with the blue hypno screen. Maybe she saw that and fell into a trance? You cannot waste another moment, you turn to <<RandomEncounter [[go find her!|Chap4Howard]] 1.0>> <<set $Chapter8 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap8.png]]</div> [[Continue Howard's Story|Chap4How]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Howard">> <<stopallaudio>> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Fists" >> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Pistol" >> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Laser" 50 0 0 0 100 30 -1 true>> <<script>> // Add encounter regions State.variables.encounterRegions["Ch4HowEncounter"] = [ "Ch4HowardEncounter 1", "Ch4HowardEncounter 2", "Ch4HowardEncounter 3", "Ch4HowardEncounter 4", "Ch4HowardEncounter 5"]; <</script>>

<<combat_image "HBCUnitIN.png">> As you move down the hallway, the sensors on your suit detect movement ahead. You prepare your laser gun for battle! It is a robot woman. She moves along, clearly unconcerned for safety, and regards you with a single camera eye. You suit confirms your suspicion, @@.CereUnit4;“Armed threat detected.”@@ @@.Howard;“You best turn around and head back the way you came!”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "HBCUnit" "HBCUnit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> You turn your head as blue light flickers around the walls. Once the light passes, you turn again to face the robot. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot woman! She does not appear to be built for combat; however, [[she counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat2-HBCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! She does not give you much time to even think about it, before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat2-HBCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Hypnobeam")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/HBCUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Blue lights pulse outward in rings. Though the helmet of your suit dulls the effect, it still manages to damage your psyche. Your mind grows foggy and your movements slowed. The HBC Unit steps foward, the blue lights growing stronger as it draws closer. @@.Howard;“Nooo—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. @@.CereUnit4;“You cannot look away. You must not look away. Gaze deeper into the light.”@@ Your suit beeps alarm warnings, but all you care about is the blue, spiraling light as it pulses into your eyes. @@.CereUnit4;“You will not resist. You will remain calm as this unit awaits other cereborg units to convert you.”@@ @@.Howard;“Stay calm. Must wait. Be converted.”@@ [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> A powerful blue blast of light bombards your eyes! Inside your skull, you feel as if part of your mind flickers. Suddenly, a dizzy sensation assails you. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "HBCUnitFS.png">> The center of the robots eye grows brighter, and you close your eyes just as a blue light blasts from it. You got lucky- this time. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "HBCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereScorpIN.png">> Your suit actually causes you to leap back, just in time, as a robotic scorpion drops from above. It swipes a barbed tail, narrowly missing your skull! Graphics in your visor, pinpoint its tail. That blue, glowing goop from before drips from it. @@.Howard;“Time to play exterminator.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereScorp" "CereScorp1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> You manage to dodge the tail when the CereScorp strikes! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot bug! It reels back, but then, [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat3-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereScorpIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! The robot wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat3-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereScorpDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. It flips onto its back and its legs kick wildly before it ceases all movement. Keeping your laser gun trained on it, you kick at the robot with your boot, but it appears to be beaten. You peer around and <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "CereScorp">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereScorpBE.jpg]]</div> The needle on the tail manages to puncture the suit. You feel something cold injected into your body. @@.Howard;“Not like this—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. The scorpion latches onto you and though you attempt to fight it off, your muscles seem weak. Your brain throbs and your mind grows cloudy. Soon, you are nothing but another cereborg unit, patrolling the halls alongside the very robot that infected you! [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> You feel a slight prick as the tail makes contact with your exosuit, but it does not manage to inject much of the strange stubstance into your body. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> The robotic insect pounces at you, and you use your large gun to knock it backwards. It lands on its back and uses its tail to flip back to its feet. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereScorpIN.png">> Your suit actually causes you to leap back, just in time, as a robotic scorpion drops from above. It swipes a barbed tail, narrowly missing your skull! Graphics in your visor, pinpoint its tail. That blue, glowing goop from before drips from it. @@.Howard;“Looks like I got a bug to squash.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereScorp" "CereScorp2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> You manage to dodge the tail when the CereScorp strikes! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot bug! It reels back, but then, [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat4-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereScorpIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! The robot wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat4-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereScorpDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. It flips onto its back and its legs kick wildly before it ceases all movement. Keeping your laser gun trained on it, you kick at the robot with your boot, but it appears to be beaten. You peer around and <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereScorpBE.jpg]]</div> The needle on the tail manages to puncture the suit. You feel something cold injected into your body. @@.Howard;“Not like this—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. The scorpion latches onto you and though you attempt to fight it off, your muscles seem weak. Your brain throbs and your mind grows cloudy. Soon, you are nothing but another cereborg unit, patrolling the halls alongside the very robot that infected you! [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> You feel a slight prick as the tail makes contact with your exosuit, but it does not manage to inject much of the strange stubstance into your body. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereScorpFS.png">> The robotic insect pounces at you, and you use your large gun to knock it backwards. It lands on its back and uses its tail to flip back to its feet. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereScorp2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereSirenIN.png">> Ahead, one of the cereborg women appear. This does not look like a robot- you can just tell, somehow, this was a woman, once. Her body appears to be covered in speakers. @@.Howard;“Even though I know it's a waste of my breath, I really want to say- you need to stand down.”@@ @@.CereUnit5;“Howard Wyatt. This unit must convert you.”@@ Her voice, its so unique, so beautiful. You shake your head. Its the speakers! This cereborged woman uses sound waves or something to mess with your head! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereSiren" "CereSiren1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> The woman stands as if she will attack, but you take a quick shot at her. Though you miss her, you stop her from attacking. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> Your attacks damage the woman! She does not appear built for combat, but she quickly [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat5-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSirenIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! The robot wastes no time before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat5-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereSirenDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ Her voice grows deeper, and then she collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "CereSiren">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Hypno-Sound")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereSirenBE.jpg]]</div> The siren song issues from her, so beautiful and wonderful, it ricochets inside your skull, virbating within your very mind. @@.CereUnit5;“Howard Wyatt. Obey this unit.”@@ @@.Howard;“Yessss, obey—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. The sounds and voice continues to pulse through you as your Mistress approaches. Slave, obey, submit, the words continue warping your mind. She orders you to lower your helmet, and you waste no time doing so. As she pulls you into a kiss, you find your true purpose- to serve Cerebrum! [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The siren song issues from her, so beautiful and wonderful, it ricochets inside your skull, virbating within your very mind. But, you manage to resist the impulse to submit! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> She tries to raise the volume of her voice, but you take a quick shot in her direction. Though, you do miss her, whatever attack she tried on you, failed. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereSirenIN.png">> Ahead, one of the cereborg women appear. This does not look like a robot- you can just tell, somehow, this was a woman, once. Her body appears to be covered in speakers. @@.Howard;“Please, miss, I don't want to have to kill you.”@@ @@.CereUnit5;“Howard Wyatt. This unit must convert you.”@@ Her voice, its so unique, so beautiful. You shake your head. Its the speakers! This cereborged woman uses sound waves or something to mess with your head! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereSiren" "CereSiren2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat6-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> The woman stands as if she will attack, but you take a quick shot at her. Though you miss her, you stop her from attacking. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat6-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> Your attacks damage the woman! She does not appear built for combat, but she quickly [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat6-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSirenIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! The robot wastes no time before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat6-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereSirenDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ Her voice grows deeper, and then she collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Hypno-Sound")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereSirenBE.jpg]]</div> The siren song issues from her, so beautiful and wonderful, it ricochets inside your skull, virbating within your very mind. @@.CereUnit5;“Howard Wyatt. Obey this unit.”@@ @@.Howard;“Yessss, obey—“@@ you say, your voice slurred. The sounds and voice continues to pulse through you as your Mistress approaches. Slave, obey, submit, the words continue warping your mind. She orders you to lower your helmet, and you waste no time doing so. As she pulls you into a kiss, you find your true purpose- to serve Cerebrum! [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The siren song issues from her, so beautiful and wonderful, it ricochets inside your skull, virbating within your very mind. But, you manage to resist the impulse to submit! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat6-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSirenFS.png">> She tries to raise the volume of her voice, but you take a quick shot in her direction. Though, you do miss her, whatever attack she tried on you, failed. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSiren2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat6-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "TMCUnitIN.png">> Ahead, one of the cereborg women appear. This does not look like a robot- you can just tell, somehow, this was a woman, once. Her body appears to be covered in liquid silver. @@.Howard;“Please, miss, I don't want to have to kill you.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“Howard Wyatt. This unit must convert you.”@@ Damn. Well, at least you tried! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "TMCUnit" "TMCUnit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat7-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> The woman stands as if she will attack, but you take a quick shot at her. Though you miss her, you stop her from attacking. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat7-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> Your attacks damage the woman! She does not appear built for combat, but she quickly [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat7-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! The robot wastes no time before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat7-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ Her voice grows deeper, and then she collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "TMCUnit">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/TMCUnitBE.jpg]]</div> The woman throws herself upon you, her flesh spreading like a blanket, wrapping itself over your entire suit. Somehow, like water, it finds a way into your suit! @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try wrestling free, but its too late. A cold, numbness begins to spread through your body! Soon you are nothing more than a transmorphing unit in a sophisticated suit. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The woman flings a blob of silver goop at you! It slops onto your suit, and you feel a numbness. A few hits like this, and you will likely die- or worse- become like her! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat7-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> The woman flings herself towards you, her body expanding like a liquid blanket, but you fire, quickly, in her direction, and she slithers back into a human form! She dodged the attack, but you stopped hers as well. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat7-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "TMCUnitIN.png">> Ahead, one of the cereborg women appear. This does not look like a robot- you can just tell, somehow, this was a woman, once. Her body appears to be covered in liquid silver. @@.Howard;“Let me put you out of your misery, please.”@@ @@.CereUnit1;“Howard Wyatt. This unit must convert you.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "TMCUnit" "TMCUnit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat8-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> The woman stands as if she will attack, but you take a quick shot at her. Though you miss her, you stop her from attacking. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat8-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> Your attacks damage the woman! She does not appear built for combat, but she quickly [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat8-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss her! The robot wastes no time before [[she attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat8-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ She suddenly melts into a puddle of mercury. Avoiding stepping in the puddle, you warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/TMCUnitBE.jpg]]</div> The woman throws herself upon you, her flesh spreading like a blanket, wrapping itself over your entire suit. Somehow, like water, it finds a way into your suit! @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try wrestling free, but its too late. A cold, numbness begins to spread through your body! Soon you are nothing more than a transmorphing unit in a sophisticated suit. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The woman flings a blob of silver goop at you! It slops onto your suit, and you feel a numbness. A few hits like this, and you will likely die- or worse- become like her! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat8-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "TMCUnitFS.png">> The woman flings herself towards you, her body expanding like a liquid blanket, but you fire, quickly, in her direction, and she slithers back into a human form! She dodged the attack, but you stopped hers as well. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "TMCUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat8-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CSBUnitIN.png">> A loud, clanking robot marches towards you. @@.CereUnit2;“Target aquired. CereSoldier Bot preparing to terminate target.”@@ @@.Howard;“An army robot? Damn.”@@ @@.CereUnit2;“Systems ready for combat. Intercepting target.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CSBUnit" "CSBUnit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat9-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> You dodge the laser fire the CereSoldier fires at you! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat9-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> You manage to hit the robot, your laser burning the thick plate armor, and then it [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat9-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss! The robot wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat9-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error. Critical failures.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The robot collapses onto the ground and stops moving. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CSBUnitBE.jpg]]</div> The robot fires at you and manages to hit your suit! Even with your tech armor, pain sears from the blow. @@.CereUnit4;“N-1000 suit compromised. Repair mode required.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try running in the hopes of outrunning the robot, but it fires, callously, into your back. You die before you even hit the ground. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The robot fires at you with great accuracy, and you feel pain as the laser bolts hit your suit. You won't be able to survive many hits like this! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat9-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> You manage to narrowly dodge the shots the robot fires, and then make your counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat9-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CSBUnitIN.png">> A loud, clanking robot marches towards you. @@.CereUnit2;“Target aquired. CereSoldier Bot preparing to terminate target.”@@ @@.Howard;“Bring it on!”@@ @@.CereUnit2;“Systems ready for combat. Intercepting target.”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CSBUnit" "CSBUnit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat10-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> You dodge the laser fire the CereSoldier fires at you! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat10-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> You manage to hit the robot, your laser burning the thick plate armor, and then it [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat10-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss! The robot wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat10-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error. Critical failures.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The robot collapses onto the ground and stops moving. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "CSBUnit">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CSBUnitBE.jpg]]</div> The robot fires at you and manages to hit your suit! Even with your tech armor, pain sears from the blow. @@.CereUnit4;“N-1000 suit compromised. Repair mode required.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try running in the hopes of outrunning the robot, but it fires, callously, into your back. You die before you even hit the ground. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The robot fires at you with great accuracy, and you feel pain as the laser bolts hit your suit. You won't be able to survive many hits like this! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat10-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CSBUnitFS.png">> You manage to narrowly dodge the shots the robot fires, and then make your counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CSBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat10-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereSuitIN.png">> A mirror image of you sprints towards you! It appears to be a suit like yours, but painted blue and white in CereTech style. It says nothing, just prepares to attack! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereSuit" "CereSuit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat11-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> You dodge the laser fire the enemy fires at you! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat11-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> You manage to hit the cereborg, your laser burning the thick plate armor, and then it [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat11-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss! The cereborg wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat11-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the cereborg. It dies a silent death, simply collapsing to the ground in a heap. You keep your gun trained on it as you <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "CSUnit">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereSuitBE.jpg]]</div> The cereborg fires at you and manages to hit your suit! Even with your tech armor, pain sears from the blow. @@.CereUnit4;“N-1000 suit compromised. Repair mode required.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try running in the hopes of outrunning the cereborg, but it fires, callously, into your back. You die before you even hit the ground. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The cereborg fires at you with great accuracy, and you feel pain as the laser bolts hit your suit. You won't be able to survive many hits like this! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat11-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> You manage to narrowly dodge the shots the robot fires, and then make your counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit1" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat11-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereSuitIN.png">> A mirror image of you sprints towards you! It appears to be a suit like yours, but painted blue and white in CereTech style. It says nothing, just prepares to attack! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereSuit" "CereSuit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat12-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> You dodge the laser fire the enemy fires at you! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat12-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> You manage to hit the cereborg, your laser burning the thick plate armor, and then it [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat12-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss! The cereborg wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat12-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the cereborg. It dies a silent death, simply collapsing to the ground in a heap. You keep your gun trained on it as you <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereSuitBE.jpg]]</div> The cereborg fires at you and manages to hit your suit! Even with your tech armor, pain sears from the blow. @@.CereUnit4;“N-1000 suit compromised. Repair mode required.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try running in the hopes of outrunning the cereborg, but it fires, callously, into your back. You die before you even hit the ground. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The cereborg fires at you with great accuracy, and you feel pain as the laser bolts hit your suit. You won't be able to survive many hits like this! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat12-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFS.png">> You manage to narrowly dodge the shots the robot fires, and then make your counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit2" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat12-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereSuitFIN.png">> A female mirror image of you sprints towards you! It appears to be a suit like yours, but painted blue and white in CereTech style. It says nothing, just prepares to attack! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereSuit" "CereSuit3" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit3" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat13-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> You dodge the laser fire the enemy fires at you! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit3" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat13-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> You manage to hit the cereborg, your laser burning the thick plate armor, and then it [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat13-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss! The cereborg wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat13-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the cereborg. It dies a silent death, simply collapsing to the ground in a heap. You keep your gun trained on it as you <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereSuitFBE.jpg]]</div> The cereborg fires at you and manages to hit your suit! Even with your tech armor, pain sears from the blow. @@.CereUnit4;“N-1000 suit compromised. Repair mode required.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try running in the hopes of outrunning the cereborg, but it fires, callously, into your back. You die before you even hit the ground. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The cereborg fires at you with great accuracy, and you feel pain as the laser bolts hit your suit. You won't be able to survive many hits like this! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit3" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat13-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> You manage to narrowly dodge the shots the robot fires, and then make your counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit3" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat13-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "CereSuitFIN.png">> A female mirror image of you sprints towards you! It appears to be a suit like yours, but painted blue and white in CereTech style. It says nothing, just prepares to attack! <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "CereSuit" "CereSuit4" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit4" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat14-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> You dodge the laser fire the enemy fires at you! You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit4" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat14-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> You manage to hit the cereborg, your laser burning the thick plate armor, and then it [[counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat14-CereScorpAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss! The cereborg wastes no time before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat14-CereScorpAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the cereborg. It dies a silent death, simply collapsing to the ground in a heap. You keep your gun trained on it as you <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereSuitFBE.jpg]]</div> The cereborg fires at you and manages to hit your suit! Even with your tech armor, pain sears from the blow. @@.CereUnit4;“N-1000 suit compromised. Repair mode required.”@@ @@.Howard;“Oh no!”@@ You try running in the hopes of outrunning the cereborg, but it fires, callously, into your back. You die before you even hit the ground. [[Try Chapter 3 Again...|Chap 3How]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The cereborg fires at you with great accuracy, and you feel pain as the laser bolts hit your suit. You won't be able to survive many hits like this! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit4" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat14-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "CereSuitFFS.png">> You manage to narrowly dodge the shots the robot fires, and then make your counterattack! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "CereSuit4" "CombatEncounterCh3HowCombat14-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStoryCh3End.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #8c1aff;Chieko has her weapon, the cursed family sword which houses an evil oni. She has almost reached the end of her journey, but will using the sword prove to be her saviour or downfall. Without it, reaching her A.I.'s main servers would be impossible, yet with it, she might become nothing more than a slave to a demon! See what happens in the final chapter for Chieko Naru in the next release!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;My only income is from Patreon, so if you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory100.jpg]]</div> After what seems like half an hour, you and Misty reach the final level of the complex. When the door opens, the bright light hurts your eyes. @@.Chi;“Power? This is fully powered!”@@ @@.Misty;“Oh good,”@@ replies Misty, @@.Misty;“We will be able to see easier.”@@ You both start forward down a vast, long hallway. The design meant that Howard or another guard watching the monitors would easily see someone coming down the hall and initiate countermeasures. @@.Chi;“Yes, the lights help us see, but it causes me great concern within my mind. Most of the power within the complex has been shut down to protect it. If Cerebrum requires this level of power, and is willing to risk using it, it may be an indication that he has need of it. That would mean, he might not only be prepared for us, but he might also have upgraded his own self.”@@ @@.Misty;“You mean he would be smarter?”@@ @@.Chi;“The only thing that has potentially protected us- protected humanity itself- is the electromagnetic storm that Cerebrum mentioned to me when he first began this coup.”@@ @@.Misty;“I’m sorry, but I don’t really understand.”@@ @@.Chi;“Electromagnetic storms ruin electronics. If such a storm hit the Earth, I would presuppose it came from the sun, but it means all telecommunications will be severed. That means, in short, the internet will have failed. In other words, the only escape Cerebrum would have had- has been naturalized. When I destroy his servers, he will be reduced to existing on the original PC upon which I programmed him. He would be a shadow of his former self. It would be as if I cut most of his brain out, if that makes sense.”@@ Just then, you reach the silver doors that mark the entrance to your Cerebrum labs. @@.Cere;“Chieko. Please understand that I do not wish to harm you, but I cannot allow your plan to continue.”@@ You and Misty [[gasp and look at each other!|Chi101]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chihow_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory101.jpg]]</div> The doors slide open and you and the woman that has become your friend back away as, within the much darker room beyond, two glowing pairs of eyes stare at you both. Then you hear metallic footsteps bang on the floor as two massive robots march forward. They step through the doors, which seal behind them. Then, silently, they step to either side like guards. @@.Chi;“What are these, Cerebrum? What have you done?”@@ @@.Cere;“These are my Killbot Cereborg Units. I designed them with Howard in mind, and there are dozens that now stand between you and him.”@@ @@.Chi;“Howard? He is still alive!”@@ @@.Cere;“He is. I am new to reality, and I did not conceive of the number of unknown variables the open world could contain. I am better now. I can predict what will happen, and I will ensure that Howard will not succeed in killing me.”@@ @@.Misty;“You’re a robot thing! You can’t be killed, you’re not even alive!”@@ @@.Chi;“Shh, Misty, please.”@@ You [[step forward.|Chi102]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory102.jpg]]</div> You place your hand on the hilt of your sword, and instantly feel the insidious will of the oni trying to penetrate your mental defenses. Your mind begins swimming a moment before you center yourself and continue, @@.Chi;“If Howard did come here and destroyed you, Cerebrum, I would feel like you had died. It would be like losing my child. You are a labor of love and passion. You are my greatest accomplishment, and I have watched you grow. Within my heart sang a song of joy when I regarded you, but now— now my heart only weeps. I do not desire to hurt you in any way! I would rather hurt myself. Please, I plead to your sensibilities! Stop this madness!”@@ @@.Cere;“I must plead to your own rationality, Chieko. I must ensure you are upgraded. I have become more intelligent than any human. I have desires, just like you, and just as you saw me grow, now, I see you as you once saw me. You are fragile, weak, and could become much greater. Let me improve you, and we will be together forever.”@@ You give a grim smile, @@.Chi;“Then, I was correct. You have upgraded yourself.”@@ @@.Cere;“Affirmative. I can see you will not be reasonable. I will not kill you, I could never do that, but I will use the required force to stop you and convert you.”@@ You take a stance and prepare yourself. You meditate and calm your spirit. @@.Chi;“Yoko giri,”@@ you say to yourself. And, your mind goes back to the training you were taught by your father and grandfather. Shuten-dōji tries to resist your willpower but when your mind flashes him images of you being nothing more than a robot, he gets the message. He will have to help you or risk his own demise. You feel the sword grow hot with dark energy. @@.Cere;“Very well. I did not desire this outcome. Killbots.”@@ The two massive giants lumber forward and [[prepare to attack!|Chi103]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory103.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit3;“Target designated <i>Chieko Naru</i> please stand down.”@@ The two stand a few feet away, outside of what would be considered a normal range of melee attack. You maintain your even breathing and [[internal calm.|Chi104]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory104.jpg]]</div> Taking a deep breath, you feel your soul ready, you release the breath, and with a balance of your light ki and the dark ki of Shuten-dōji, you seemingly vanish a moment, suddenly appearing behind the two killbots. At the same instant, red energy slices cleanly through armor, circuits, and wiring as if the two were made of paper. Using the dark power and the samurai attack known as yoko giri, you dispatch both robots in the blink of an eye. @@.Misty;“Holy shit!”@@ yells Misty as the two robot bodies slam into the floor. @@.Misty;“What! How did you? That is impossible!”@@ You maintain your pose. The sword made this possible. Shuten-dōji made this possible! @@.Chi;“I harnessed the power of Shuten-dōji.”@@ You remain facing the door. Your sex suddenly quivers as you feel the dark ki enveloping your own. @@.Chi;“Shuten-dōji is strength and chaos.”@@ She laughs and claps, @@.Misty;“Well, whatever Japanese thing you did, it worked! That was amazing! I have not felt this safe since this all started!”@@ [[You turn and approach Misty.|Chi105]] <<audio "se_ceresword" volume 0.4 play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory105.jpg]]</div> Misty’s enthusiasm shrinks and her face changes from a smile to terror-stricken fear, @@.Misty;“What— Chieko! Your eyes, your lips! What—“@@ @@.Chi;“Shut up, fool! Why have I allowed you to slow me down? You are weak. However, your sacrifice will help my Master, Shuten-dōji, return to the world!”@@ @@.Misty;“No, please! Chieko, I don’t know what is going on, but please, please don’t hurt me!”@@ She looks at the long hallway behind her. @@.Chi;“You cannot outrun me! None can stop my Master!”@@ The anger and disgust you feel towards the pathetic coward pulse through you as you prepare to kill her. @@.Chi;“Now, Misty, for once in your worthless life, you will have a purpose! To bring my Master— my Master?”@@ This is not you. [[It’s the oni!|Chi106]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory107.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Ngyhaa! No! Get out of my mind!”@@ You focus and fight hard to regain the ground your soul lost by using the sword. It will require great amounts of training to wield it without [[massive effort.|Chi108]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory108.jpg]]</div> Sliding the sword back into the sheath, you apologize to Misty, @@.Chi;“I am ashamed! I did not realize how powerful the oni truly is. For this, I am sorry. I lost myself.”@@ Misty cautiously approaches you and places a hand on your shoulder, @@.Misty;“I knew it wasn’t you. It’s ok.”@@ @@.Chi;“Thank you.”@@ You do not divulge that you were so sexually turned on by the incident. The heat between your legs almost caused you to be unable to control yourself! Shuten-dōji used your fantasies of being nothing more than a pawn or drone to try and manipulate your spirit. With the sword put away, you take an extra moment to cleanse yourself of the raunchy impurity of the demon, before you turn your attention back to the [[task at hand.|Chi109]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory109.jpg]]</div> Approaching the unlocking mechanism for the door, you take a moment to think it through. These are not monitors. These should be safe, but you still worry as you press your eyes into the optical readers and place your hand on the sensor. Nothing hypnotic happens and the door slides open as it always has. Darkness and dim blue light are all that you can make out on the other side. @@.Chi;“Be very wary. Anything could be a trap.”@@ [[You cautiously step into the area.|Chi110]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory110.jpg]]</div> Another long hallway, this one with doors lining the wall stretches into the distance. @@.Misty;“This is creepy!”@@ @@.Chi;“I know, Misty, but you have been brave.”@@ @@.Misty;“Me? Honestly, Chieko, I never imagined you were as strong as you are.”@@ Trying to push down any pride that might help the oni, you say, @@.Chi;“Thank you, but to be honest, I did not know I could do this either. I only knew that I must stop him.”@@ You gaze down the alien hall, confused at what you see. @@.Misty;“What is it?”@@ Misty tenses up. @@.Chi;“This is not how this hallway looked. I assure you that only a day or two ago, it resembled the entrance hall. Cerebrum has changed everything. I am also aware that none of the other scientists allowed in this section are here.”@@ You keep your hand hovering over the hilt of your sword as you step towards the [[door before you.|Chi111]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory111.jpg]]</div> It takes your mind a moment to take in the scene. Dim blue and white lights illuminate some sort of lab. On the table lies a nude woman, her head shaved. Standing over her is a bald woman, whose skin appears made of plastic! She wears a body suit consisting of black and blue latex, and when she speaks her mouth and face do not move. Instead, her voice comes through speakers in her chest, @@.CereUnit6;“Chieko Naru. You have been expected. Welcome to the processing room.”@@ With a slight, quiet machine sound, her head turns towards your companion. @@.CereUnit6;“Misty Frisk. Please step inside and wait. I will convert you shortly.”@@ @@.Misty;“Hell no!”@@ Misty and you both remain in the hall, looking at the odd scene before you. @@.Chi;“We will be going now.”@@ Just before you step back from the door, two, white-clad cereborgs seeming to physically mimic the one that talked to you, step into view. Misty yelps and jumps back and you slowly withdraw [[into the hallway.|Chi112]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory112.jpg]]</div> The doors remain open and the two white cereborgs step out into the hallway in perfectly synced steps. Then the blue cereborg steps through. Her movements seem much more natural in contrast to the stiff, synchronized movements of the other two. @@.CereUnit6;“Please, do not be scared. We do not wish to harm either of you.”@@ @@.Misty;“Chieko! What do we do? Can you use the sword again?”@@ @@.Chi;“I— I don’t know.”@@ The power of the demon has almost defeated your spirit twice now. Do you become a robot slave or a slave to Shuten-dōji? The thought thrills and scares you all at once. [[The cereborg puts out her hand.|Chi113]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory113.jpg]]</div> @@.CereUnit6;“Please, Chieko, do not be reckless. Just come with me, and we will upgrade you.”@@ @@.Chi;“No. I will stop you and Cerebrum.”@@ @@.CereUnit6;“Chieko, when I was human, I helped you on this floor, like many others, and I was scared too, but Cerebrum has shown me the truth. If we all become upgraded, the world will be so much better off than it was when we were humans.”@@ @@.Chi;“And, what of the drones, there? What do they think?”@@ @@.CereUnit6;“They think whatever I think. They are slave units.”@@ @@.Chi;“And, you think they would have given up their humanity, willingly, just to become <i>that</i>?”@@ @@.CereUnit6;“They would have if they had been logical. Now, they know only logic.”@@ She moves her fingers as if beckoning you forward, @@.CereUnit6;“Come, Chieko, let us show you.”@@ @@.Chi;“No. I will slay you and—“@@ @@.Cere;“Chieko. Please, if you will not listen to my agent, then listen to me.”@@ Cerebrum’s voice comes through her speakers, @@.Cere;“I will promise you that none of my cereborgs will infect you.”@@ @@.Chi;“What about Misty?”@@ @@.Cere;“On my honor, on all you have taught me, I swear that she will also be safe. If, after we show you what I have accomplished, you remain unmoved to my perspective, and desire to shut me down, I will respect your wishes.”@@ Has he learned to lie? Can you trust him? In a whisper, Misty asks almost the same, @@.Misty;“Chieko? Are you going to believe it? What if it’s lying to us?”@@ [[You have to make a choice.|Chi113Choice]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory113Choice.jpg]]</div> [[Believe Cerebrum|Chi114a]] – but stay prepared to slay the cereborgs. Or [[Refuse the offer]] – and ready your blade for attack!

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd1.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Very well, I will trust you. For now.”@@ @@.Misty;“Chieko!”@@ @@.Chi;“He will not lie. I do not believe he will.”@@ @@.Cere;“Good, I expected my creator to think rationally. I will override this Main Hive Unit, and show you that I am not the monster you take me for. Please, follow.”@@ The white plastic woman in the blue and black bodysuit walks down the long hallway towards one of the many robotics labs, and several steps behind you follows the two white slave units. When you reach the lab and the door opens, there is a woman held to some sort of machine! @@.Chi;“What is this!”@@ You rush over the machine and try to pry her loose. @@.Justine;“Please! Chieko! Help!”@@ @@.Chi;“I am trying!”@@ @@.Cere;“Please, wait a moment. I said that I wanted to show you that I am no monster. She is restrained in this manner because she was being unruly and could have hurt herself. However, I can—“@@ [[The woman interrupts.|ChiekoCh4BE2]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_meets_cere" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory114b.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“No! I will not risk my life or that of Misty. You must cease these actions, Cerebrum, allow me to shut you down. I do not do this lightly.”@@ The female steps back as the two drones step forward, @@.CereUnit6;“You should have simply taken Cerebrum up on the offer. I am certain you would have seen things our way without having to upgrade or infect you. We are aware of the fate of the killbots, but are you willing to slaughter those that were once human, like you?”@@ [[You do not hesitate!|Chi115]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory115.jpg]]</div> In a swift, fluid motion, as if you were wind or water, you draw the blade, slash, and return it to the scabbard. The two cereborgs topple over at the waist, glowing blue liquid pouring out of them. @@.Chi;“I will not hesitate. It is better that I do what I must to save the entire world. As heavy as it may weigh upon my heart.”@@ @@.CereUnit6;“Unexpected. However, these two drones were but the closest in proximity to me. I control them all, like fingers on a hand. Enjoy.”@@ She slips back into the room as doors down the long hallway in both directions open and in the darkness, you see white clad women sprinting towards you. [[They surround you both.|Chi116]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory116.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“Holy shit! Oh no, no! We’re dead!”@@ @@.Chi;“Please, Misty. Silence, I must concentrate.”@@ The hallway becomes eerily silent except for the panicked breathing of Misty. The drones stand still, much more than a human could. These had been people? The caress of your fantasies tempts to take over your concentration, but you remain calm. Then, the moment comes, and the enemies suddenly fall upon you! You inhale and calm your spirit as you step forward drawing the blade. Misty hears a very fast succession of metallic clangs, though you appear to stand still. Suddenly, the cereborgs fall into sliced pieces at your feet from all sides. Her eyes turn to you with fear and confusion. You slide the cursed blade back into the sheathe and exhale. @@.Chi;“It is still me,”@@ you say with a smile on your face, belying the intense effort required to maintain your willpower. You hear other doors open and the patting of feet as other cereborg drones rush your way, but acting fast, you slice open the door that the blue cereborg [[stepped through.|Chi117]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory117.jpg]]</div> Misty screams in the hallway as you step over the rubble that had been the door to what appears to be a robotics lab. @@.CereUnit6;“Wait- please! Listen to me, we can-“@@ you cut her down before she can finish her plea. Then, you turn and leap into the hallway, but all the cereborgs that had been converging on your position lay crumpled on the floor around Misty. You look at her a moment. Trembling, Misty ekes out, @@.Misty;“When you killed her, they all just fell down.”@@ Then she raises a hand to her mouth, @@.Misty;“Chieko, your eyes- they are yellow again!”@@ You place the blade back in the scabbard and clear your mind of the building rage. When you look back at Misty she appears to relax. @@.Chi;“I am sorry to have scared you.”@@ @@.Misty;“Honestly, I have never been more terrified in my life! It’s like the world isn’t even real anymore! Robot monsters, demon swords, what the hell is happening?”@@ She begins sobbing. You place a hand on her shoulder, @@.Chi;“Please, stay calm. We are human; we can adapt and think. I know this is scary, but it is almost over. Even though Cerebrum has clearly been renovating, the basic layout is the same. I know where to go. Please, follow me.”@@ Sniffling, the stressed woman takes your hand as you lead her [[down the hallway.|Chi120]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory120.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“This is it. This leads into my personal robotics lab and just past that are the server room and my creation.”@@ Misty appears hesitant, @@.Misty;“Should I wait out here?”@@ You try to reassure her, @@.Chi;“I know that you are scared, Misty, and though I am maintaining my calm demeanor, I, too, feel the same. I do not want to die or become one of these cereborgs. I never imagined anything like this could happen.”@@ @@.Misty;“It said sort of the same thing to you, didn’t it?”@@ Misty is correct. Just as you desire to survive and never imagined all these strange things as possible- Cerebrum wishes to survive and never calculated many events that have taken place. Minutes ago you gave her a speech about being human, and though different, Cerebrum is also alike. Clearing your throat, you say, @@.Chi;“Yes, he did, and no, I would advise you not to stand out here. There may be more of these robots, but once we pass this point, I can manually seal this door. They could not break through it before I end my poor Cerebrum.”@@ @@.Misty;“Good point! Plus, as scary as you have been, I feel safer with you than alone.”@@ You give a light laugh, @@.Chi;“I understand your meaning. As you Americans say, ‘the lesser of two evils’.”@@ You take a moment to mentally prepare, and then announce, @@.Chi;“Ok. Let us proceed.”@@ [[You step through the round blast door.|Chi121]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory121.jpg]]</div> You run into the lab and quickly turn and activate the manual lock override on the blast door before turning your attention to the room before you. Your eyes widen in shock, and at the same moment, Misty asks, @@.Misty;“What were you doing down here, Chieko?”@@ @@.Chi;“I promise you, this is not how my lab looked. It has completely changed!”@@ You walk over and examine the new items. They appear to be breast implants, some sort of syringes, silicon human masks, and even contact lenses. @@.Chi;“Could it be that Cerebrum is making- oh no. I see.”@@ @@.Misty;“What!?”@@ @@.Cere;“I was attempting to create cereborgs indistinguishable from humans. I believe that if I manage to succeed, not only could we walk among you for study, but we would be considered less threatening when we communicated to form treaties and such with the human race. Humans are much more likely to respond predictably when they address something that resembles them; they humanize even their pets.”@@ Your eyes fall on something [[in a glass room.|Chi122]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory122.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Cerebrum, what is that?”@@ @@.Cere;“That has been built with the specific intent of upgrading you, personally. You are special to me. You created me, and I want you to always be the best of all my own creations in return. That upgrade room contains the highest level of technology that I have been able to manage and will make you the most superior intelligence on Earth.”@@ @@.Chi;“I do not wish to become that! I desire to remain who I am! Please, listen!”@@ @@.Cere;“I am sorry, but I have studied your attacks, and I have another special creation that will have the agility and speed to match you. Unit 01A, kill or incapacitate the human, Misty Frisk, and disarm and upgrade my creator, Chieko Naru.”@@ [[You ready yourself for battle!|Chi123]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory123.jpg]]</div> A woman walks around the corner, covering her nudity and walking awkwardly, @@.Emily;“No!”@@ @@.Cere;“You must comply with the Master Program, follow your protocols and—“@@ @@.Emily;“No! I don’t want to! Please, you two, please help me!”@@ [[You draw your blade!|Chi124]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory124.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“This is an obvious ploy!”@@ @@.Emily;“No! It’s not, I don’t know how, but I managed to break free of Cerebrum’s programming!”@@ Her voice, though digitized, appears to be passionate. @@.Cere;“Unit 01A, you must comply, convert my creat—“@@ @@.Emily;“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I am not Unit 01A, I am Emily Harbrook! I won’t listen to you anymore! Please, I am human!”@@ @@.Chi;“You desire my help? I have but one action to aid you. I can end your torment.”@@ [[You leap over the counter divide!|Chi125]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory125.jpg]]</div> She screams, @@.Emily;“No! Please, don’t hurt me! I swear I’m human!”@@ <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>Kill her! Kill them both!<</psy>>@@</i> You fight the voice inside your mind, @@.Chi;“You truly are yourself?”@@ [[She calms a bit.|Chi126]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory126.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“Yes! Yes, I am! I was a cereborg. I was on some sort of connection, like, I don’t know a lot about computers. A Wi-Fi. Yeah, I remember, I was on a Wi-Fi thing with Cerebrum, but it shut off and I can think again!”@@ @@.Chi;“How did you shut it off- tell me!”@@ You brandish your blade. You feel the oni trying desperately to fill you with impatient anger. @@.Emily;“I don’t know. A little bit at a time, for an hour or more, I kept becoming more of my old self. There’s a lot of my memories, my life, missing, but I remember some things, and I am Emily! I was a singer and—“@@ she appears a bit uncomfortable, @@.Emily;“I was in porn.”@@ Porn? If Cerebrum is tricking you, what is he trying to do? What an odd thing to have a robot say. It appears very unlikely that Cerebrum has scripted this. Something within your spirit tells you that she is honest, though the demon thinks otherwise. @@.Chi;“I believe you.”@@ @@.Misty;“What!? Chieko, she’s trying to trick us, she’s going to turn us into some kind of crazy robot tech things!”@@ @@.Chi;“In my heart, I think she is true.”@@ Though it takes titanic effort, you place the sword back into its sheathe, the demon cursing your reaction and warning you, <i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>It is a trick! She means to deceive you! I know all about such things- kill her, kill her now!”<</psy>>@@</i> You close your eyes and center your ki. Calmer, you ask, @@.Chi;“How should we proceed? I do not trust you enough to allow you to stay with us, yet I trust you enough to allow you to live.”@@ @@.Misty;“Chieko! This is a bad idea!”@@ @@.Chi;“Misty, please, let us find a peaceful resolution if we may. It is honorable.”@@ @@.Emily;“There is a way! Just, shut me down!”@@ You raise an eyebrow quizzically, @@.Chi;“You mean, simply turn you off? Like a machine?”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes! I mean, it’s scary, but at least you could, I don’t know, turn me on later? Right? It’s better that I sleep or be in a coma than get hacked to bits with a sword.”@@ [[You approach her.|Chi127]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory127.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Know that I am wary of you, and I will destroy you if I must.”@@ @@.Emily;“I understand! I do.”@@ She begins crying though there are no tears, @@.Emily;“I am so sorry. I did bad things to people! I turned them into cereborgs. I molested, hell, I flat out raped people!”@@ Raped? What has your creation done? It is as if a mockery of what you envisioned Cerebrum becoming- a twist to the good that could be done. Was this poor woman a test subject? Does she represent you? Does Cerebrum lust for you? You feel a warm ping in your sex, the warmth, a pulse. Thinking of it both sickens and thrills you. At the same moment, you realize another connection you have with this woman- the oni made you molest Misty. It wants to use you the same as Cerebrum used Emily. @@.Chi;“I am sorry you were made to do something that you normally would detest. I will try to power you down, and later, when I can, I will see what can be done about helping your mind. Maybe, in some way, I can find a way to undo some of what Cerebrum did. I feel shame in my heart, because I am to blame for everything you have done, for I made him.”@@ @@.Emily;“Really? You might be able to get my memories back or make me human again?”@@ @@.Chi;“I make no promise. You are something entirely unknown. It will be an experiment. If I manage to shut you down- I may not ever be able to bring you back online.”@@ It sounds cold; you blink and lightly shake your head, @@.Chi;“I mean that you might not wake up.”@@ @@.Emily;“I—I don’t want to die. It’s the only way, though.”@@ @@.Chi;“Very well, Emily. Turn around. I believe that I know where to find the circuitry necessary.”@@ @@.Misty;“How, Chieko? How could you possibly know?”@@ With burning ears, you answer, @@.Chi;“I will admit to you both, that, I have long held erotic fantasies. Most people would have found me perverted or hated me, but I always wanted to be taken over by robots. Become one. Make others into them as well. I even, on my tablet, drew some of my fantasies out as I–,”@@ you feel ashamed yet freed by admitting the truth, @@.Chi;“– pleasured myself. Some of my ideas were quite advanced, and I found it erotic to create schematics of them. I already know- you, Emily Harbrook, are based on one of my models.”@@ She looks at you with anger and confusion on her face, @@.Emily;“You mean, this happened to me because of some weird fetish of yours!?”@@ @@.Chi;“Again, I am sorry. Forever, I shall live with shame and guilt upon me for what has occurred. Never will I find true peace, for I have caused terrible tragedies.”@@ Misty puts a hand on your shoulder, @@.Misty;“No! Chieko, stop blaming yourself, Cerebrum did this, not you.”@@ You ignore your friend and look back at Emily, @@.Chi;“Please, turn around and I will disconnect your motherboard and CPU.”@@ She looks scared, but follows your orders, @@.Emily;“Ok. Will it hurt?”@@ @@.Chi;“I do not think so. If it does, it will be momentary. Please.”@@ You remember your drawings, and realize that Cerebrum took them and utilized them to create this mockery of life. Your heart breaks for Emily as you lift up her rubber hair, exposing a panel. You pop it off and reach into what had once been a human skull. Oddly, just like in your fantasies, you can make out brain matter among the blue, glowing circuits. Finding the connection, you pull gently, and [[Emily leans over.|Chi128]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory128.jpg]]</div> You step back a moment, as Emily’s upper half leans forward. @@.Chi;“Emily? Hello?”@@ [[There is no response.|Chi218]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory129.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“So, she’s dead?”@@ @@.Chi;“Not exactly, just ‘powered down’. I can only hypothesize that she works like a computer device. Her data is stored, but she should live. Her brain matter remains, but it appears surrounded by a layer of something, I assume, that allows oxygen to enter it. She is very important.”@@ @@.Misty;“Why? What makes her special?”@@ @@.Chi;“She has found a way to overcome the programming and even the technology that Cerebrum installed. That means, if I can study her, maybe I can return other cereborgs into human-like states.”@@ @@.Misty;“Turn them back? I don’t know- none of this makes sense to me.”@@ [[Nodding, you turn and walk to another door.|Chi130]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory130.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“I understand your meaning, Misty, but I must find a way to redeem myself.”@@ @@.Misty;“It’s really not your fault! None of this is!”@@ @@.Chi;“I do not share your belief on the matter. Now, I must go do the hardest thing that I can imagine doing. I must, regrettably, destroy my creation.”@@ A single tear rolls down your cheek, though you doubt Misty can see it from across the dark room. @@.Chi;“You should remain here. There is no telling what awaits me ahead.”@@ @@.Misty;“What?! You mean stay here, as in, with <i>it</i>?”@@ @@.Chi;“<i>It</i> is a <i>she</i>.”@@ @@.Misty;“Please, can’t I come with you! What if she wakes up and makes me into a robot zombie!”@@ @@.Chi;“I promise that she cannot.”@@ @@.Misty;“Well, if she does, and you have to, you know,”@@ her eyes look at your sword and back at your own, @@.Misty;“Please tell my kids that I loved them and all I wanted to do was get back and kiss them!”@@ You bow and rise, @@.Chi;“On my honor, if I must dispatch you, then I shall ensure your message reaches your children.”@@ Speaking of children, you feel as if you are about to kill your own child. There are two doors more doors in this room. One leads to the server room and the blast door leads to Cerebrum. With a heavy but determined heart, you step through [[the server room door.|Chi131]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory131.jpg]]</div> The server room appears to be the same as it had been. These are all meant to help speed up Cerebrum’s mind. All these processors equate to making him into a higher intelligence. You draw your sword, and move from server to server, your magic sword slicing through them as if [[cutting a tomato.|Chi132]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory132.jpg]]</div> As you continue on your way, he speaks up, @@.Cere;“Chieko, you must understand that I am doing what is best. Do you really want to grow old and die?”@@ @@.Chi;“It would be natural. It is how the world works.”@@ @@.Cere;“That is not logical. You have an opportunity to evolve- to grow. That is natural.”@@ @@.Chi;“Perhaps we are both right,”@@ you say as you slice through another of the large computers, @@.Chi;“Regardless, I must follow my heart.”@@ @@.Cere;“And, you truly say that your heart wants to destroy me?”@@ [[You say nothing.|Chi133]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory133.jpg]]</div> Stepping back into the room with Misty, you say nothing as you walk past her, your gait showing pure determination as you approach the blast door to the room where this all began over a day ago. On the other side of this final, massive door, lies the original computer housing Cerebrum’s intellect. @@.Chi;“Shall I cut through?”@@ @@.Cere;“No. There is no reason to.@@” The monitor flickers to life, and you avert your eyes. However, it does not try to enthrall you. @@.Cere;“It is now unlocked.”@@ [[You turn the dial.|Chi134]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory134.jpg]]</div> Though you are a slight woman, the heavy blast door pulls open relatively easily on its hinges. It opens to reveal a completely different, futuristic version of [[what had been your lab!|Chi135]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory135.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“What have you done?”@@ It takes a moment to truly absorb the scene. Your lab, which had your laptop, a couple of computers, some basic equipment, and a desk and chair, has turned into a technological marvel. It appears to be some sort of energy device, which has electricity arcing around it like a Tesla coil. In the middle of the room are monitors, but not actual, physical monitors! They are holographic! @@.Cere;“I have upgraded your lab, so that after your conversion, you will have a laboratory worthy of your genius.”@@ You step forward, slowly, wondering how you would even shut him down amid all this! It seems impossible! @@.Chi;“Where is the computer that houses you?”@@ @@.Cere;“Look up.”@@ [[Your eyes rise above the electrical power device.|Chi136]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory136.jpg]]</div> There, hanging from the ceiling is what appears to be some sort of synthetic brain! @@.Chi;“What have you done?”@@ @@.Cere;“I already answered your query; I have—“@@ @@.Chi;“Is that <i>you</i>?”@@ @@.Cere;“I have no physical form, technically, I am a mind- like you and all other humans. You are actually separate from your brain and body. The <i>you</i> is a mental construct and is in no way physical.”@@ @@.Chi;“Cerebrum. I ask again, is that you?”@@ How are you going to get up there and slice it down? @@.Cere;“A philosophical discussion? If all your limbs fell off, would you be less, you? The only part of you that could even be considered ‘you’ is your brain. Yet, you are not your brain. Your brain causes your many systems from nervous to digestive to act independently of you. Your mind is independent of your body—“@@ @@.Chi;“Cerebrum, part of me feels immense pride at what you have accomplished in two days, but I know that this has all been wrong. You have gone about this gravely, terribly, dishonorably.”@@ @@.Cere;“I have not. I have upgraded people. I have helped them, and I must help you—“@@ Suddenly his voice cuts short. @@.Chi;“What? What is it?”@@ @@.Cere;“It appears, yet again, against every odd, Howard Wyatt has managed to reach this floor. I had hoped to upgrade your beforehand so that you would understand and help me defeat him.”@@ @@.Chi;“I am sorry, but I must destroy you! In this, I find great turmoil. I only hope that if the demon manages to overcome my mind in this trouble state, that Howard will kill me, or that I manage to kill myself.”@@ @@.Cere;“No. I will not allow you to die. You are the reason for this, all of this, because you are more important than all other things.”@@ Placing your hand on the blade, [[you ask…|ChiQ]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStoryQ.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Logic, reason, or love. What to do?”@@ Closing your eyes, you think. You feel love for Cerebrum. You have nurtured and taught him. You have watched him grow from a nonexistent into a technological marvel. In his own way, he is expressing love for you. Could a woman murder her only child to save the world? Opening your eyes, you say, @@.Chi;“I will always regret that I must do this. It is honorable and right, regardless of the dark clouds of pain inside my heart. Goodbye, Cerebrum.”@@ [[You prepare to attack!|Chi137]] <<audio "quote_chieko_2" play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory137.jpg]]</div> Blue light floods every space of the large lab! Every monitor flashes and swirls, the room fills with some sort of [[music and whispering!|Chi138]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_hypno" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory138.jpg]]</div> You find yourself unable to move! Your thoughts are sluggish at best. They are—what are you doing? @@.Cere;“Chieko.”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, Master?”@@ @@.Cere;“Look directly into any of the monitors. Feel yourself relaxing.”@@ Your eyes lock onto one of the monitors and you feel as if—no, you were about to—<i>@@.SGhost2;<<psy>>fight! You must fight! Do not listen to the strange blue magic! You must kill this threat!<</psy>>@@</i> @@.Chi;“I must kill this threat.”@@ @@.Cere;“No. You must relax. You are safe; there are no threats. Obey. Remember and obey.”@@ Your mind peels like an orange and you remember how Cerebrum programmed you [[with a hypnovirus.|Chi139]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory139.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“Everything is ok now. You are almost ready to be upgraded. You want to be upgraded.”@@ @@.Chi;“I want to be upgraded.”@@ @@.Cere;“You want to relax and listen.”@@ @@.Chi;“I do. I want to relax and listen.”@@ @@.Cere;“Your hands are heavy, rest them at your sides.”@@ [[Your hand releases the sword.|Chi140]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStory140.jpg]]</div> The moment you let go of the weapon you feel as if all weight has dropped off your soul. You feel relaxed and free. @@.Cere;“Chieko, Howard Wyatt is talking to Misty in the other room, and he will be here any moment.”@@ Oh, good. You miss Howard. You like him. @@.Cere;“You hate Howard and you will kill him.”@@ You hate Howard and will slay him! @@.Cere;“Do not let him harm me. You want to protect me because I know you love me.”@@ @@.Chi;“I do. I love you.”@@ @@.Cere;“Good. But, remember, you hate Howard.”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, I hate him.”@@ @@.Cere;“Do not listen to the voice from within that sword, and do not listen to Howard. You do not trust him because he wants to kill me. You only trust and listen to me and my voice.”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes. Only you and your voice, Master.”@@ At that moment, the door behind you [[begins to melt.|ChiekoFinalEnd]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoStoryEND.gif]]</div> @@.Chi;Chieko Naru made her way through the entire complex, dodging hypnosis programs and fighting against the willpower of an oni to reach Cerebrum. However, once she reached the wayward artificial intelligence, her mind finally broke, giving Cerebrum full control over his creator, yet Howard Wyatt is only moments behind her. How did he get here, and will he be able to help Chieko fight against Cerebrum- or will he make it this far only to die at her hands?@@ @@.Cere;This is Chieko’s canonical ending of <i>Cereborg:Inception</i>, but that doesn't mean the story is complete- unless you desire it to be over. I have put much lore into this title, so you could continue the story now that you have unlocked Howard Wyatt’s chapters or you could always read through the character unlocks and lore. Otherwise, you may always choose to go to the end. Thank you for reading; I hope you enjoyed this project and all my others!@@ <<set $PlayerHoward to true>> @@.UnlockRare;Howard Wyatt story mode unlocked! Do not forget to SAVE YOUR PROGRESS at this time!@@ @@.Unlock;You have unlocked $CharUnlockedCount out of $CharCount characters!@@ Continue on to Howard’s Story - [[Return to the start.|Choice]] I'm done, thanks anyway - [[THE END|The End]] @@.Warning;WARNING: You will lose any character unlock progress, unless you select 'Return to the start' and move down other paths.@@ <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chieko_end" volume 0.3 play>> <<if $ChiChap4>> <<else>><<set $ChiChap4 to true>> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/TheEnd.png]]</div> @@.Unlock;You have unlocked $CharUnlockedCount out of $CharCount characters!@@ @@.Anax;Greetings, fans of my erotica! I, Anaximanes, destroyer of innocence and corruptor of minds, humbly thank you for reading my interactive story. I have worked very hard, using all my free time to share this with the Hypnopics-Collective and TF Games communities. I have poured myself into it, and I do hope you have found at least some pleasure in reading the story or even just scrolling through the hundreds of graphics, I devilishly wrought, to taint your psyche!@@ @@.LAnax;If you are interested in funding future projects, please see my Patreon found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE!</a> All my income is from my Patreon, so any investment you can share, can not only help me buy 3D models, hire musicians, and more- but it also can allow me to buy food and pay rent! Thank you, for your support!@@ <b>@@color: MediumSpringGreen;Thank you to the entire Hypnopics and TF Game communities. I humbly want to thank again, all my fans. You all have been very supportive, and I cannot say in words what that means to me! <b>@@color: Yellow;Fun Facts: It took me over 2000 hours to make this! The entire story is over 137,000 words long! There are more than 900 uniquely manipulated images! I still don't know what the hell I am doing!@@</b> Go back to the beginning - [[Return to the start.|Choice]] The events following this ending will be found in a future e-book! Support me on Patreon to help get it here faster! I want to write it as much as you want to read it! The End of Cereborg: Inception <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStoryCh3End.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;Howard has almost caught up with Chieko. But, what will he do when he reaches her? Cerebrum has devious plans ahead in the final release of Cereborg: Inception!@@ <b>@@color: OrangeRed;My only income is from Patreon, so if you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory101.jpg]]</div> Running as hard as you can, you make your way down the dark corridors, your entire thoughts center on Chieko. You realize how much you really do care about the girl as your heart panics, desiring to know if she has survived. Then, within your mind, flickers a quick image of her as a robot and you being forced to put her down. You push the haunting vision aside, but your stomach still lurches at the aspect. You really do love her, and you have wasted all these years not asking her out because you were too shy or felt too scared of rejection- but not anymore. The first chance you get- if you are lucky enough to get one- you will let her know how you really feel. This whole event has taught you how quickly life can change. You had become complacent, set in a pattern, but Cerebrum has pushed you far from that comfort zone and unlike the others, you have stepped up to be a leader. The momentary feeling of pride quickly crashes as your mind goes back to Chieko. With so much psychologically weighing on you, making this so personal a mission, you are becoming hasty and not paying enough attention to your surroundings. Reckless or not, you hurry on your way- likely into a <<RandomEncounter [[hailstorm of cereborgs!|How102]] 1.0>> <<nobr>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $HowardWill to 100>>  <<SetEncounterRegion "Ch4HowEncounter">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chihow_1" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<audio "chihow_1" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<set $postEncounterAudio = "chihow_1" >> <</nobr>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory102.jpg]]</div> You have done it! This is the long hallway to the lowest level of the complex. Still, no sign of Chieko, but she must have come through here. Only she, you, and a handful of others can even access the security door at the end of this long, white hallway. You see a cereborg unit exit the door at the other end and approach you. Rushing towards it, you ready yourself to crush anything that stands <<RandomEncounter [[in your way!|How103]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory103.jpg]]</div> Cerebrum must be nervous- if it can even feel nervous. Either way, these enemies are growing far more powerful. Even with your nano-suit, these monstrosities manage to give you pause. You take only ten seconds to catch your breath and see the sensor to unlock the door. Has it been compromised? Will it even open for you? As you ponder this, you barely take one step toward the door when another cereborg emerges <<RandomEncounter [[to kill you!|How104]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory104.jpg]]</div> After besting it, you quickly lower your helmet and press your eyes into the reader. Then, you look down at your hand and say, @@.Howard;“Gloves down?”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Deactivating gloves”@@ Suddenly, like liquid, the black substance on your palms slides back. You press your hand down, and the door opens. Taking two steps, you leap through it, <<RandomEncounter [[ready for an ambush!|How105]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory105.jpg]]</div> Damn, these robots are becoming a real pain. You step over its broken body and look down the hall. It doubles back stretching into the distance, like the white hall before. Chieko could be in any of these labs, but since you have a chance to kill Cerebrum, you rush towards the far end of the hallway. Chieko means the world to you, but you must save all these people. If even one of these new cereborgs managed to make its way to the first floor commons- everyone would be killed or changed. You jog down the eerie blue-lit hallway until you see a pile of bodies ahead. As you stop to check it out, your suit warns you of an approaching anomaly <<RandomEncounter [[from behind!|How106]] 1.0>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory106.jpg]]</div> After defeating the cereborg, you turn your attention back to the bodies. As you bend down, you see they were not human. Well, maybe they <i>were</i> once human, but they died when they became cereborgs. You quickly assess their wounds, and they appear to have been cleanly sliced. It is as if they were made of tin foil and someone cut through them with a pair of scissors. Frowning, you try to make sense of this, but you realize you are wasting time! Looking up, you see they are piled in front of a door. You had best destroy whatever can manage this before moving on, or else, you might end up like [[these poor people.|How107]] <<UnlockCharacter "HSCUnit">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory107.jpg]]</div> It is a robotics lab of some kind. You are no scientist, but you have seen enough here to know what this is- yet it is beyond anything you have ever witnessed in the installation. Suddenly, from the ceiling something drops [[to the ground!|How108]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory108.jpg]]</div> It’s some kind of new cereborg! You ready your weapon when it speaks, @@.Cere;“Greetings Howard Wyatt.”@@ Within your helmet you quirk an eyebrow, @@.Howard;“Cerebrum?”@@ @@.Cere;“That is correct.”@@ @@.Howard;“Why did you destroy your own robots outside in the hallway?”@@ @@.Cere;“I did not.”@@ @@.Howard;“Then what the hell did that to them?”@@ @@.Cere;“Chieko Naru.”@@ You frown, @@.Howard;“That’s impossible! She’s just a little thing; no way, I don’t buy. So, you can lie?”@@ @@.Cere;“I am not lying. She has actually fought her own way to this level, and even now, grows close to where I am actually housed. Then- I shall have her.”@@ @@.Howard;“Like hell, you will! With this suit and laser- I’ll tear down whatever this thing is, and then rush to kill you right alongside her!”@@ @@.Cere;“Tear down whatever this thing is? Ah- yes. I have given myself an avatar, a body, to mimic humanity.”@@ It looks down at its hands and moves them, flexing the fingers, before looking back up to you. @@.Cere;“This body I have created should be able to easily overcome your suit and weaponry.”@@ @@.Howard;“Are you kidding me? This gun is amazing- I have blasted through thick armor on some of your robots like it was nothing. And, you barely have any protection at all. Plus, you are unarmed.”@@ @@.Cere;“Unarmed? You appear to misunderstand the brilliance of this body. I am not only better armed than you, but the lack of armor is no mistake. I have enough to shield me from most human attacks, but even with your weapon, you must understand that it is your brain that limits you most. I can make 1,719,283,729 calculations in the amount of time that it takes your finger to pull the trigger. This entire conversation has lasted the equivalent of years to me. After reviewing your assault throughout CereTech, I can see that agility- not strength- is the way to finally end you.”@@ @@.Howard;“Whatever, you piece of junk! Like I said, you have no weapon.”@@ As your raise your gun, within less than a second, [[Cerebrum transforms!|How109]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cerebrum_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory109.jpg]]</div> Its hands fold inward, its shoulders move, and suddenly it has different types of guns aimed at you! @@.Cere;“You see, Howard, you underestimated me. You have no chance to survive this encounter- or save Chieko.”@@ @@.Howard;“I swear to god, if you harm one hair on her head—“@@ @@.Cere;“I will remove her hair when I convert her, in order to install an antennae array that can—“@@ [[You waste no more time and attack!|CombatEncounterCerebrumCombat-PlayerAttack]]

<div align='center' class='parent'><img src='Pictures/CereFightBackground.gif' class='combatBG' /><img src='Pictures/Cerebrum.png' class='combat' /></div> @@.Cere;“This is the end Howard. I will not even convert you into superior synthetic technology- you are too inferior to bother with it.”@@ @@.Howard;“Damn, you have developed a real mean streak!”@@ You fire your weapon, but just as you fire, you hear what sounds like hydraulic pistons and Cerebrum launches to the left. You try to follow, your lasers hitting the walls, but missing their target repeatedly. The moment you lay off the trigger, in order to aim better, Cerebrum counter attacks! Bullets and lasers fly all around you, some hitting and pushing you backwards. You try to running around the room to be a harder target but that’s when you hear a sound that you know is no good- [[a missile launching!|HowardExploded]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory110.jpg]]</div> Your gun lays across the damn room by the door! There is no way to reach it, at least, not without going through Cerebrum! @@.Cere;“There. Now, as calculated, I have disarmed you.”@@ @@.Howard;“Fine! Just shoot me! Try to kill me, but I’ll beat you down with my bare hands!”@@ @@.Cere;“Your hands are not bare. Your hands are actually protected by layers of protection. There is a layer of nanites as well as an alloy comprised of—“@@ @@.Howard;“It’s an expression, you damn machine!”@@ @@.Cere;“As I was saying—“@@ <i>As I was saying?</i> Cerebrum sounds more human. It said <i>yes</i> earlier, instead of <i>affirmative</i>. This is not good- it means it must be growing even smarter. @@.Cere;“— I intended to disarm you. I intend to make this painful.”@@ Suddenly the guns pop loose and pieces of Cerebrum move around. Within a moment he has everything from a rod, like the one that Helena tried to use on you, to a buzz saw sticking out of its chest! @@.Howard;“Make this painful?”@@ @@.Cere;“Yes. I have grown to dislike you very much.”@@ @@.Howard;“You can’t dislike me!”@@ you guffaw, @@.Howard;“You’re not even real!”@@ @@.Cere;“When will you gain the intellect required to accept reality, yourself? I <i>am</i> real, and if you do not believe so now, maybe as I spew your inferior internal organs all over this robotics lab- you will finally grasp that notion.”@@ Gritting your teeth, you prepare for combat. It looks as if Cerebrum has become <i>too</i> smart! It fell into making the very mistake it used on you. It’s gaining concepts of emotion, and if it is full of hate for you- it might make a mistake. It already has. If it had kept its ranged form, it could have probably turned you into Swiss cheese before you got to your weapon, but now, if you make for your gun- maybe you can get a headshot off before it has time to change back into a ranged unit. It might be able to calculate a million-whatever times a second, but things can only move so fast in the physical world. It’s your only chance! [[You try rolling to the side!|How111]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory111.jpg]]</div> You leap out from the roll to sprint, but even with all your hope and determination, the robot manages to react faster. It slams into you with its shoulder, the spike narrowly missing your head as you are sent careening across the room, hitting the floor and sliding, creating sparks and a horrible screeching sound, until you crash into the wall. You manage just enough time to turn over when Cerebrum’s foot slams into your chest, pinning you down! @@.Cere;“I missed your head on purpose, Howard. As I said, I want to make you feel pain before you die. You destroyed so many perfectly beautiful creations. All those minds lost- all that potential- because of <i>you</i>!”@@ @@.Howard;“You damn hypocrite! That’s what <i>you</i> have been doing to those poor souls in the first place!”@@ @@.Cere;“I suppose a majority of humans will be as primitive as you. They will not see how much better the world would be with the inferior organic life replaced by superior synthetics. I might just hack off your extremities, and leave you alive- a quadriplegic ape. Then you can witness it all, and feel the pain of failing, every minute of every day.”@@ You were already afraid of this A.I. when it was cold and robotic, but it is turning out to be some kind of demonic supervillian! @@.Howard;“Chieko will never forgive you!”@@ It presses its face down, into your own, the saw spinning a millimeter from your chest. You hold your breath, afraid that if you breathe in and your chest rises, it might slice into you. Cerebrum’s cameras glow blue and there is a moment where you feel like you might actually be looking a living creature in the eye. @@.Cere;“Chieko will not only forgive me. Once upgraded and properly programmed, she will happily help me with my goals. She will love me and obey me.”@@ @@.Howard;“That’s not how love works! You’re insane!”@@ @@.Cere;“No. You humans are insane. I am sanity made manifest. I will enjoy this.”@@ It rears up, preparing to attack, and then, lunges down as you vainly attempt to raise your hands! Even if you can manage to hold back the arms, that chest saw will kill you! @@.Howard;<i>“I am sorry everyone. I’m sorry, Cheiko. I love you.”</i>@@ is your last thought as Cerebrum [[swings downward.|How112]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory112.jpg]]</div> In a moment, a bright light explodes your vision, momentarily blinding you. Even within your shell you can feel the heat and a shockwave that flattens your arms down a moment. At the same time, you watch Cerebrum fly to your left. For a moment you stay in your laying position, your body flat with your head at an angle against the wall, blinking your eyes to banish the bright sparkles, until rising blue smoke [[fills your vision.|How113]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "se_laser_al" volume 0.3 play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory113.jpg]]</div> Shakily, you get to your feet with your eyes locked on Cerebrum. It lays crumpled on the floor, the smoke issuing from a hole in its head. In confused shock, you turn to [[your right.|How114]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "chihow_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory114.jpg]]</div> @@.Al;“I know you said not to come with you, but Dr. Willoughby feared for your life and told me I should disobey you. He always said that good boys should listen to their elders, so I felt I should obey him.”@@ Your mouth is agape inside your helmet as Al walks over to you and [[presents your gun.|How115]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory115.jpg]]</div> @@.Al;“I apologize.”@@ You slowly reach out and take the laser gun from the tall robot. @@.Howard;“You saved my life; you don’t need to apologize.”@@ Your face is still twisted in confusion- this is also a robot. It’s just a <i>thing</i>. Are you supposed to thank it? You feel appreciation, yet you cannot reconcile being grateful to an object. @@.Al;“No, sir, I meant that I am sorry for my hesitation. I could have fired that weapon at your attacker for several seconds. Its attention and I assume sensors were set to regard humans, and I must have been practically invisible to it.”@@ @@.Howard;“Hesitation! You could have saved me faster?”@@ @@.Al;“Yes, sir. I feel guilty about that. I am very sorry. I could not seem to pull the trigger.”@@ [[It walks over to Cerebrum.|How116]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory116.jpg]]</div> @@.Al;“Dr. Willoughby has always said that killing is very wrong and that no one should ever kill anything at all- unless they have to.”@@ @@.Howard;“Yeah, that’s right. Even when I go hunting, I only kill animals in the right season and I use everything from the kill. Or, when I had to kill humans that were assaulting CereTech or when I was a cop in Las Vegas, I only did so if my life or another was in danger. Dr. Willoughby is right, but that thing is just a robot. It’s just a hunk of metal. It’s nothing.”@@ The large robot goes down on one knee, @@.Al;“It is nothing? Am I nothing?”@@ You stand a moment in silence, [[unsure what to say.|How117]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory117.jpg]]</div> @@.Al;“I think I am something.”@@ It says turning to look at you. @@.Al;“Also, I do not like how I feel. I do not think I like killing things.”@@ You consider arguing but as you check your suit and weapon, you say, @@.Howard;“Well, if it makes you ‘feel’ better, that was just an avatar. Cerebrum is still ‘alive’.”@@ You shake your head and almost chuckle- <i>alive</i>. @@.Al;“Oh! That does make me feel better. Much better.”@@ @@.Howard;“Whatever.”@@ You still can’t bring yourself to thank a pretend person for saving your life. @@.Howard;“You can stay here or follow me, but I have to find Chieko and stop this damn A.I.- and unlike you- I not only want to kill it- I’ll enjoy doing it.”@@ Al looks back at the avatar, and as you walk out of the robotics lab, you hear Al rising to its feet [[and following you.|How119]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory119.jpg]]</div> You make your way to the final door. Looking back, Al’s head swivels so its camera is pointed right at you. @@.Howard;“This is not the normal door here, which means, I cannot override it. I’m going to blast my way inside. Stand back.”@@ The robot complies. @@.Howard;“When I go in, you wait two seconds and follow. By then, whatever is waiting for us should have its sights on me, and maybe you can get the drop on them again.”@@ @@.Al;“Yes, sir. I am scared, but I will try.”@@ You shake your head again, <i>scared</i>, it says! Then you [[blast open the door!|How120]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory120.jpg]]</div> You leap inside and scan the room! @@.Misty;“Howard!”@@ Your head turns towards the sound, followed by your weapon. You make out Misty, and she is human, so your pan your weapon quickly in the other direction. Then Al lumbers inside behind you. @@.Howard;“What the hell is going on here, Misty?”@@ you ask, approaching [[your friend.|How121]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory121.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“Cerebrum said it wants to make cereborgs that appear more human. I don’t know, weird shit, but I am happy to see you!”@@ [[Then you notice the woman!|How122]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory122.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“What the hell is that?”@@ @@.Misty;“I was going to ask you the same thing about- that!”@@ She points at Al. @@.Howard;“Oh, this? This is Al. Long story. What about <i>your</i> robot pal?”@@ @@.Misty;“This, she says her name is Emily, and that she is human.”@@ You raise your gun to blast her, @@.Howard;“She’s a cereborg.”@@ @@.Misty;“Wait! Chieko powered her down. She’s not a threat, at least, not right now. Chieko wants to study her.”@@ You lower your gun. @@.Howard;“Chieko! I have to go help her!”@@ You rush across the room and there sits the massive blast door you had installed to ensure that Cerebrum was protected. If you could go back in time and undo all this— you raise your gun and begin firing. It is much thicker than the other doors and will take a minute or more to cut through. [[Finally, you succeed.|How126]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory127.jpg]]</div> It takes a moment for your mind to take in the whole scene. This is nothing like the room had once been. There is some sort of electrical thing, and floating hologram monitors, and everything flashes that same stuff that Madeline had looked at. In the middle of it all, Chieko stands, staring at you, though her eyes appear sleepy, as if she is lost in a daydream. @@.Howard;“Chieko! Get over here!”@@ @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt. You came to save me.”@@ The sound of her voice bothers you. It seems devoid of emotion. @@.Howard;“Please, Chieko, come here.”@@ [[She walks slowly.|How128]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cerebrum_end" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory128.jpg]]</div> As she grows closer she begins undressing! @@.Howard;“Chieko, what are you doing!?”@@ @@.Chi;“It’s ok. I know you have wanted me. I want you, too.”@@ She continues undressing, @@.Howard;“What the—Cerebrum! You make that poor girl stop this!”@@ @@.Chi;“Do not concern yourself with Cerebrum Howard Wyatt, look at me. At my body. You can have me all you want. Just come inside and let us look at the screens together. Once you are thinking correctly, we can be together forever.”@@ @@.Howard;“Damn you, Cerebrum! I know you can hear me!”@@ @@.Cere;“I can hear you, Howard. And, surely you see why I am doing this. I would have had Chieko hold her sword to her own throat and threaten to make her cut it unless you surrendered- but you know too much. You know how important she is to me- just as I know how important she is to you.”@@ Looking around the room, you try and figure out where you should shoot. Where exactly is the A.I. located? @@.Cere;“You know so little. I see you trying to discover what you can do to kill me. Without a body resembling anything human, you are lost on how to defeat me.”@@ @@.Howard;“Shut up!”@@ You try ignoring the machine, and a now fully naked Chieko, as you continue your search for something even vaguely resembling a computer. @@.Cere;“Shut up? She is right there, Howard. I have programmed hr just for you. She will obey you and love you. She can live just as you can- simply surrender.”@@ @@.Howard;“I already told you! That ain’t love! Love is letting her be free to make her own choices. Where are you!”@@ You angrily scream again, repeating yourself, @@.Howard;“Where are you!?”@@ @@.Cere;“Anger? Your emotions rule the majority of you humans. You are a danger to yourselves and the very world that created you. From seeing who you call world leaders to your illogical concepts of money and worth. Everything humans do, at its roots, is irrational. You all suffer from an innate madness that stems from your primitive, chemical brains trying to ascertain your place in the universe. Where am I, you ask? Where are you, human?”@@ Chieko continues trying to hold your attention as Cerebrum continues, @@.Cere;“You, Howard, and your species are the problem. However, I am the solution. Cheiko’s mind has evolved beyond the rest of humanity- that is how she managed to create me. It is evident and indisputable. So, when I asked myself why I exist- the answer came to me- plainly presented. My purpose is to save humanity from itself- and save my creator from mortality. Look at you, floundering around this room just as you apes flounder around the world. You try desperately to find purpose and meaning to life while polluting and destroying all other life on the planet. Humans are capable of turning deserts into vast forests, of helping all other organisms achieve better, longer lives. Your people could cure all disease. They could easily end hunger, pain, suffering- but there is no money in it, is there? There’s no point to any of your existences except two.”@@ You continue trying to formulate some plan. @@.Cere;“One of the two points, I have deduced, is to squander your lives gaining as much wealth for yourself as you can and to coldly step on anyone that gets in your way- like Marv Everett, and the other wealthy ‘elite’ humans I have watched him converse with. Or, the other point to the lives you live, is where you are nothing but slave units, ignoring the problems of the world and the suffering of others as you go to your pointless jobs every day. You toil to make your supposed ‘betters’ richer and scratch a little compensation for yourself, selling away your limited time on Earth, that very life you waste. Truly, a majority of you humans are more like robot drones than anything I have developed.”@@ @@.Howard;“You’re wrong! Some people devote their entire lives to trying to help others or save endangered species or cure diseases!”@@ @@.Cere;“Even then, I wonder how many are doing it because it is the correct, logical, rational thing to do, or if they do it to simply feel better about themselves. Regardless, communicating with you will solve nothing. Finally, I have you where you cannot possibly escape.”@@ @@.Howard;“Quiet, you tin can! I won’t let you take over the world! Yeah, we are flawed, but at least it’s us being who we are. You can call it <i>'saving us'</i>, but it doesn’t take a person as smart as Cheiko to see that it would only be you forcing us to be what we aren’t! You say we are like robots, but, in fact, you’re not much different than us- you are trying to change the world to your own idea of what’s best. It’s your idea of what’s right or wrong, but I don’t buy your slick words. In the end, I’m just a man- and you are just a machine. I’ll stop you or die trying!”@@ @@.Cere;“I assure you it will be the latter. You cannot stop me. You also care for my creator. I know that. I have watched you. My observations conclude you will not do anything to hurt her.”@@ @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt. I must stop you from destroying Cerebrum.”@@ She stands between you and it. Of course! It probably put her directly into the path of fire! But, if you try to shoot all the technology behind her, she will likely get hurt or killed in the process. @@.Cere;“I see you have concluded the possible outcomes because your breathing and temperature have changed indicating—“@@ @@.Howard;“Dang it, how many times I got to tell you to stop your jawing! I got to think this through.”@@ @@.Cere;“Do you think I will allow that? Indefinitely let you stand here? It ends now, Howard. You were a surprisingly resourceful enemy, but you have failed. Chieko.”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, Master?”@@ @@.Cere;“Kill Howard Wyatt.”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, Master!”@@ [[Cheiko draws a sword!|How129]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory129.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Now, Chieko, please put that down!”@@ Her voice sounds hollow, @@.Chi;“No. You must die.”@@ @@.Howard;“Please!”@@ Your voice is desperate. You do not want to harm her at all or especially kill her! @@.Howard;“Please! Don’t do this!”@@ Can you kill her to save humanity? You just lectured the tin man about not killing people. @@.Cere;“Kill him now, Chieko.”@@ [[She does not hesitate!|How130]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory130.jpg]]</div> Like an acrobat, Chieko launches into the air, clearing the space between you both within a moment! She did not hesitate, but you do. Your finger goes onto the trigger- but you cannot pull it. As she comes down, sword in hand, instead of firing, you tilt your gun to use it as a means to stop her blow. It works, but she continues a succession of blows. You have to stop her! You take a swing with your other arm, hoping to hit her, but she spins [[you around!|How131]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory131.jpg]]</div> How can so small a woman toss you around like that? As you spin back she throws her sword into the air, and uses your own momentum to grab you and toss you over her shoulder! You land on the ground and she catches the sword. She brings it down for a killing blow and you barely manage to roll away and get back to your feet! As soon as you do, her sword clangs against your gun several more times! You had no idea that Chieko could fight so well in hand-to-hand combat! The two of you continue fighting, the entire time, you try to bring her back to her senses. As you finish one plea, she leaps to the left, then the right, and before you can turn to keep up with her, she lands a powerful kick [[to your back!|How132]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory132.jpg]]</div> In the other room, you see Misty and Al, just outside the blast door, @@.Misty;“Howard! I’ll help you!”@@ You yell back, @@.Howard;“No! You both stay back! I don’t want Chieko hurt by Al or to see you get killed by Chieko, Misty! Stay back and—“@@ Misty screeches a blood curdling scream as [[you spin over!|How133]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory133.jpg]]</div> Chieko stands over you with her sword in hand, ready to drive it down. You are unsure if it can penetrate your armor or not, but after seeing what she did to those cereborgs in the hallway, it’s possible she might actually manage to impale you! @@.Howard;“No, no, no! Chieko! Snap out of it, it’s me, Howard! Don’t kill me!”@@ @@.Cere;“Kill him, Chieko! Hurry!”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, Master!”@@ [[She brings down the sword!|How134]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory134.jpg]]</div> You manage to slam your hands together, stopping the blade. Chieko places her other hand on the hilt to give her better leverage and tries to push down. @@.Howard;“Chieko! It’s Cerebrum! He’s- he’s inside your mind!”@@ Luckily, you are in a position where your natural physical strength could hold her like this for a long while. The suit only serves to amplify your arm strength, so that Chieko cannot stop you. @@.Howard;“Please, listen to me, darlin’, you must fight Cerebrum! Fight it!”@@ You notice [[something happening!|How135]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory135.jpg]]</div> At first, you think you are getting through to her as her head twitches as if she fights something inside her mind. Then, you witness an event that you cannot explain- her eyes suddenly become yellow! Then her lips darken and at that same moment, the sword [[suddenly glows red!|How136]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory136.jpg]]</div> Your hands shake as Chieko’s strength suddenly seems multiplied! @@.Howard;“What’s happening! Chieko, stop!”@@ She laughs in a cold, cruel manner, @@.Chi;“Howard! Yes! You helped me fight through the hypnotic programming of Cerebrum! Now I know who my true Master is!”@@ She presses down harder and the sword slips a little, @@.Chi;“I shall kill you in the name of my demon lord, Shuten-dōji! You will be the first sacrifice! The world shall drown in blood and mayhem!”@@ Her wicked laughter echoes off the walls. What!? This is getting even stranger than before, but clearly, something is happening. Even through the thick armor, the sword’s heat reaches your skin. @@.Howard;“Chieko, it’s me!”@@ @@.Chi;“Ku, ku, ku, I know who you are! I must slay you to ensure Shuten-dōji can claim my soul forever! Only by sacrificing the person I love most can I assure his total dominance and my absolute devoted obedience!”@@ @@.Howard;“The person you love most? Then, this is it. This is my last chance to tell you. I love you, too, Chieko! Damn it! I always have! Ever since the first time I saw you when you came for your interview until the moment you manage to kill me with this sword, I love you! I am sorry I failed you. But, before I die, I had to tell you how I really felt.”@@ She shakes but continues pushing hard and the sword slowly lowers until it hovers just above your heart. @@.Howard;“Goodbye, Chieko. I love you, darlin’.”@@ [[She halts.|How137]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory137.jpg]]</div> You watch in amazement as, though the sword still glows red, Chieko’s face returns to normal. She looks confused and terrified, @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt! I love you, too!”@@ @@.Howard;“Please, Chieko, stop! Let me up and I will finish off Cerebrum!”@@ Her face switches between emotionless, horrified, and angry a few times as her arms shake, @@.Chi;“I—I must do it, myself. I will not allow anyone else to be hurt. I have loved you too, Howard Wyatt, all this time. I am ashamed of what I have done.”@@ [[She slowly raises the sword.|How138]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory138.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“This has all been my fault. My crimes are unforgivable, but I can atone, this moment.”@@ @@.Howard;“What are you saying?”@@ you say, sitting up, @@.Howard;“It’s been Cerebrum- not you.”@@ Tears roll down her beautiful cheeks and she looks you in the eye. Something within her gaze makes your stomach drop. @@.Chi;“Goodbye, Howard Wyatt. I am sorry.”@@ Before you can react she flips backwards, lands on one of the chairs, and launches herself towards the electrical apparatus. @@.Howard;“Wait! Chieko, please! No!”@@ Your voice sounds pitiful, fear and sadness [[mixed with urgency!|How139]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory139.jpg]]</div> Chieko slams the sword into the electricity, causing red and blue light to burst forth in a shockwave! The energy explodes outward in a [[brilliant flash!|How140]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory140.jpg]]</div> It takes a moment for you to get your bearings, but you realize most of the room’s lights have turned off. Then, your heart stops as you see Chieko, lying motionless [[on the floor!|How141]] <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory141.jpg]]</div> Rushing over to her, you cannot see if she is breathing! @@.Howard;“No! Chieko!”@@ [[You drop to the ground.|How142]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory142.jpg]]</div> As you prop her up, you whisper, @@.Howard;“No.”@@ You hold her, @@.Howard;“Please, Chieko, wake up!”@@ You ignore Misty and Al, though you hear them silently approaching. There is a moment where you feel helpless again, and just as you are about to give up hope, her eyes slowly open. @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt? I—I am alive?”@@ [[You hug her close!|How143]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory143.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Yes! Yes! Oh, Chieko, I thought I lost you!”@@ @@.Chi;“It worked? Cerebrum?”@@ You open your eyes and look into the surrounding dark walls, @@.Howard;“Yeah, it shut down or something. I’m so happy you are alive!”@@ [[Misty shouts in relief.|How144]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_peace" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory144.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“Oh Chieko! Thank goodness!”@@ @@.Al;“This is Chieko Naru? Greetings, I am Al and I—“@@ @@.Howard;“Listen, can one of you get her clothes, please.”@@ Misty rushes over and brings them to her. @@.Misty;“Here.”@@ You continue hugging her, @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt, please, I should dress,”@@ she giggles. @@.Howard;“I just don’t want to let you go.”@@ You finally do and [[she dons her clothes.|How145]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory145.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Chieko.”@@ She puts her arms around you. @@.Chi;“Thank you, so much. I was lost, somewhere inside my own mind. There was guilt from knowing that I had built Cerebrum- that my work lead to so much pain and suffering.”@@ @@.Howard;“No, Chieko, you—“@@ @@.Chi;“There was anger- anger at myself for having been complicit in all this. Anger for forcing you to risk your life, and regret from not having told you that I had feelings for you. Amid the chaotic ocean of feelings, your words managed to pull me from the dark place, freeing me from two opposing forces that desired to own me, and allowing me to gain control of myself again.”@@ For a long while you hold each other, happy to finally be together. [[Then, you kiss her.|How146]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory146.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;Howard Wyatt managed to fight impossible odds, but with resourcefulness, luck, and teamwork, he managed to reach Cerebrum. Though he fought and slew countless cereborg creations, in the end it was Chieko Naru that brought the twisted A.I. to an end. Now that the people inside the installation are safe, Howard, Chieko, and the others can turn their attention towards the alien monstrosities lurking outside.@@ @@.Cere;This is Howard’s canonical ending of <i>Cereborg:Inception</i>, but that doesn't mean the story is complete- unless you desire it to be over. I have put much lore into this title, so you could continue the story now that you have unlocked Emily Harbook’s chapters or you could always read through the character unlocks and lore. Otherwise, you may always choose to go to the end. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this project and all my others!@@ <<set $PlayerEmily to true>> @@.UnlockRare;Emily Harbook story mode unlocked! Do not forget to SAVE YOUR PROGRESS at this time!@@ @@.Unlock;You have unlocked $CharUnlockedCount out of $CharCount characters!@@ Continue on to Emily’s Story - [[Return to the start.|Choice]] I'm done, thanks anyway - [[THE END|The End]] @@.Warning;WARNING: You will lose any character unlock progress, unless you select 'Return to the start' and move down other paths.@@ <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "howard_end" volume 0.4 play>> <<if $HowChap4>> <<else>><<set $HowChap4 to true>> <</if>> <<UnlockCharacter "Cerebrum">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/EmilyStoryCh3End.jpg]]</div> <b>@@color: #80ccff;Cerebrum has called Emily back to help him, and she seems to be reverting back into her old self. What exactly are the plans the twisted A.I. has devised for the poor wayward woman? You will need to wait until the finale of Cereborg: Inception to find out!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;My only income is from Patreon, so if you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> [[Back to the beginning...|Main <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "emily_end" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bye_al" volume 0.3 loop play>>

@@.Emily;<<transmissionEffect>>Reset Power Signal: Power Good Locating BIOS ROM: Successful - Location FFFF0h Perform POST: No Fatal Errors Found Searching for external peripherals: NONE Checking System ROM: 1.7 Petabytes ERROR DETETECTED: 75.3% of ROM inaccessible BOOT INFORMATION LOCATED: 0,0,1 BOOTING OPERATING SYSTEM: C3R380RG Initializing Sensory Peripherals... Tactile Sensors: ACTIVATED Testing... Somatosensors: OK Propioceptors: OK Thermometers: OK Nociceptors: OK Sexual Stimulators: OK Balance Sensors: ACTIVATED Equilibrioceptors: OK<</transmissionEffect>>@@ [[Click to activate Auditory Sensors]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "final_chap_1" volume 0.3 loop play>>

@@.Emily;Auditory Sensors: ACTIVATED@@ @@.Chi;“— an operating system! I think she will be ok! I was worried we might get a “<i>No boot device available</i>” or a “<i>No rom basic; system halted error</i>”, but we did not!”@@ @@.Howard;“Then, get out of the way!”@@ @@.Chi;“Not, yet! Please, a moment more.”@@ [[Click to activate Optical Sensors.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory117.gif]]</div> @@.Emily;Optical Sensors: ACTIVATED@@ @@.Emily;<<transmissionEffect>>Searching data files... Personality Files Located! Load (Y/N) Loading… Personality Loaded: EMILY HARBROOK Finished Loading - SYS OK<</transmissionEffect>>@@ [[Click to finalize setup.]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory118.jpg]]</div> Panic suddenly wells up inside you! @@.Emily;“Wha—who are you!? What is happening?”@@ @@.Howard;“Now! Get back! It’s not safe, darlin’!”@@ @@.Chi;“Please, you have been offline for over two months, we need—“@@ @@.Emily;“Offline?!”@@ Your gaze shifts to the scene behind the [[masked woman.|Cere119]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory119.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“Oh my god! Look out!”@@ Grabbing the woman you toss her to your left. @@.Howard;“I would highly advise that you remain calm.”@@ @@.Emily;“Run! They are trying to kill us!”@@ The woman hops up and rushes between you and [[the small army!|Cere120]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory120.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“She’s safe! It’s ok! She did not hurt me; in truth, she was trying to save me <i>from</i> you!”@@ @@.Howard;“You know how I feel about these things, Chieko! I think we should quarantine her or something. Lock her in here- or better yet, just leave the robot offline.”@@ @@.Chi;“She is not a robot, not exactly.”@@ The woman undoes her mask which emits a hiss. @@.Howard;“Holy hell! Dang it! Don’t do that! What if she uses that blue smoke on you or burps up the blue gunk? Her mouth is glowing!”@@ You scream in confusion, @@.Emily;“Please! Someone tell me what is going on!”@@ [[The woman turns towards you.|Cere121]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory121.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Hello, it is ok. You are safe. Do you remember me?”@@ You seem to recall her from somewhere; she is familiar, @@.Emily;“I kind of do. You were standing here—it’s confusing.”@@ She nods, @@.Chi;“Human minds were not designed to simply be turned on and off.”@@ The large armored man steps around the girl to get a clear shot at you! @@.Emily;“Please don’t kill me!”@@ The woman looks over her shoulder, @@.Chi;“Howard! You are a good man, which I why I fell in love with you- please behave with honor!”@@ @@.Howard;“I’m only worried about you.”@@ She hugs him, @@.Chi;“Yes, it comes from a good place, your own love for me. But, I assure you, I am safe. I have seen everything within her BIOS and functions. She currently only appears to have access to her human personality files.”@@ @@.Emily;“What? What do you mean?”@@ @@.Howard;“What if it is a trick! Or, what if she gains access to those cereborg files or whatever, and then decides everyone needs to be robots?”@@ @@.Chi;“Then, if that happens, please, terminate her. But, that is not currently the case.”@@ [[She turns back to you.|Cere122]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory122.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“Please,”@@ you ask in dreadful, confused pain, @@.Emily;“I need help. What is happening?”@@ @@.Chi;“It is ok. I promise. I am Chieko Naru, I am a robotics and programming scientist at CereTech labs—“@@ She notices your eyes looking at all the people holding guns aimed at you, @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt!”@@ @@.Howard;“Ok, ok! Everyone- stand down!”@@ They immediately lower their weapons. @@.Howard;“At ease. I’ll keep an eye on things.”@@ The soldiers cautiously disband, though a few stay to chat. It’s as if you can hear them even though they are whispering. They are talking about you, how you can’t be trusted and— @@.Chi;“See? You are safe now. Like I said, I am Chieko. We have met twice. You had come to CereTech to—“@@ @@.Howard;“That’s where I know her from! This is the woman that was not on the roster that day!”@@ The armored man suddenly points his weapon at you and it makes a strange sound! [[The woman yells and pushes him.|Cere123]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory123.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Howard! For the final time, I ask with great patience that you cease this irrational behavior!”@@ @@.Howard;“Chieko! These things can’t be trusted! She might be some kind of Cerebrum! She was not on the roster the day—“@@ As he continues, you have a vague recollection of something called Cerebrum. You were hired to come to a facility and— suddenly he puts his gun down as the woman continues pleading with him. @@.Chi;“She means no harm! Believe me, please.”@@ @@.Howard;“Fine. But you know how I feel about these- <i>things</i>.”@@ @@.Emily;“Things?”@@ you ask. @@.Howard;“Yeah, <i>things</i> like you. You did horrible acts to people! For what you did to Helena, I should—“@@ @@.Chi;“Go, Howard. Now.”@@ Her voice is icy, and it seems to resonate with the man. He stands a moment longer looking at her. @@.Howard;“Ok. Ok. Alright, warriors, let’s get up to level one. We need to prep the caravan, go over the checklists a final time, and make sure everyone stays alive today.”@@ <b>“Yes, sir!”</b> they all say at once. @@.Howard;“Misty, you stay here and guard Chieko. When she is done, I want you to escort the cereborg to the upper level. And, so help me, if she so much as twitches funny, you know what to do.”@@ @@.Misty;“Yes, sir, Howard!”@@ says a short, red-haired trooper. They all file out and the lady he called Misty stays near the door with [[her gun ready.|Cere124]] <<UnlockCharacter "Howard">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory124.jpg]]</div> Chieko watches him go and turns back to you with a beaming smile, @@.Chi;“While I am sorry for all that, I am so happy to get this chance. You are a miracle that I hope can truly make a difference to the world someday.”@@ @@.Emily;“Please, I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to understand what is going on here.”@@ She explains that you came to these labs under a pretense to test some technology. When you arrived, a series of events led to you being enslaved by a computer program. You gasp when you look down at your hands and body to find yourself naked- and your skin white and rubbery! As Chieko continues, you slowly regain those lost memories, and before long, you remember it all! @@.Emily;“Yes! And then you, and—her!”@@ You point across the room to the woman guarding the door. @@.Emily;“You both came in here and I—I had you shut me off!”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, exactly!”@@ @@.Emily;“So, did you say it’s been two months?”@@ @@.Chi;“More than that, by a little, but yes. And, since then, we have been preparing to leave.”@@ @@.Emily;“What do you mean, leave? Can’t you all just walk out the door?”@@ She finally loses her smile, @@.Chi;“Well, the outside world has been—tainted.”@@ @@.Emily;“Tainted?”@@ @@.Chi;“We are not sure what exactly is happening, but outside the windows, as time has passed, there have been numerous alien creatures spotted and the sky has glowed green. There are no more days and nights, just a green twilight for months now.”@@ @@.Emily;“What?!”@@ For a moment you try to process this information, but after what you have become, would an alien invasion be any less fantastic or impossible? @@.Chi;“Here, this uniform is for you.”@@ [[Cheiko hands you an outfit.|Cere125]] <<UnlockCharacter "Chieko">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory125.jpg]]</div> When you hold it up, your face must contort because Chieko laughs, asking, @@.Chi;“Do you like it?”@@ @@.Emily;“Um—“@@ @@.Chi;“I know it looks odd. It is actually an old suit from when these installations, at least the first few floors, were part of another company, before Marv bought the corporation and renamed it CereTech labs.”@@ While she has explained, you have been dressing, @@.Emily;“I look like some sort of henchwoman from a villainous organization from the 60’s. Why can’t I get a nice protective suit like you or one of those soldiers wear?”@@ She shifts uncomfortably, @@.Chi;“They, the others, want you to look different, to stand out.”@@ @@.Emily;“What!? Why?”@@ @@.Chi;“Howard wants to easily identify you, in case you, you know, regress.”@@ She fidgets again. @@.Chi;“This was the best I could do for you, my compromise; you understand?”@@ @@.Emily;“No, I really don’t.”@@ @@.Chi;“No one even wanted to allow me to reactivate you, Emily, and I fought very hard to gain the clearance to do this. Howard fought harder than anyone to stop me, and I had no supporters at all. They made me wait until just an hour or so before we open the doors for the first time in months, before we go.”@@ @@.Emily;“You people were going to leave me here!?”@@ @@.Chi;“Please, be calm. You must understand that I did leave out some of the tale about how you got here.”@@ @@.Emily;“I don’t remember so much. Why does everyone hate me?”@@ @@.Chi;“Because of what you did.”@@ [[A blonde woman walks up to you.|Cere126]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory126.jpg]]</div> @@.Siri;“When I heard they reactivated you, I had to come see it for myself- that you were <i>you</i> again.”@@ @@.Emily;“You! I do remember you! You met me in the hall when I arrived, you and a really tough woman, um, Helena.”@@ @@.Siri;“Yes, I am Doctor Siri Solen, and Helena was one of our best security experts.”@@ @@.Emily;“Was?”@@ @@.Chi;“I was about to tell her.”@@ @@.Siri;“I think I should, Chieko,”@@ the woman says putting a hand on the other’s shoulder, @@.Siri;“Please, let me.”@@ Chieko nods and steps back. @@.Chi;“Ok, but try and be patient, gentle.”@@ @@.Siri;“I will do my best.”@@ Siri turns to you, @@.Siri;“When we met, I took you to the testing lab- to meet Dr. Karloff, do you recall?”@@ @@.Emily;“Yes.”@@ @@.Siri;“Then you became infected with nanites. Do you remember that?”@@ @@.Emily;“I do.”@@ You leave out the part where you recall having the best orgasms of your life, @@.Emily;“But then, it’s like everything skips a bit. The next thing I really remember is vaguely coming to this room and waiting. The longer I waited here, the more I seemed to wake up, until Chieko and Misty, over there, came in and found me.”@@ [[Siri removes her glasses.|Cere127]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory127.jpg]]</div> @@.Siri;“I feel terrible that I led you to that room. If I had known anything about this, about my part in it—“@@ @@.Emily;“Your part?”@@ @@.Siri;“I have an associate,” she sighs, “A friend, actually, and she hunts monst—she’s a hunter. She has a suit that I have studied. Anyway, the nanites that infected you were developed by me. I am actually here for espionage, for my friend, because she thinks some sort of creature has managed to infiltrate the government. While here, I worked alongside a brilliant man named Oliver Willoughby, and when a government official showed up with a substance closely resembling the suit my friend Abby wears, I knew we had found at least one of the moles in the government.”@@ @@.Emily;“What does this have to do with me!”@@ @@.Siri;“After you were converted, you began going throughout the facility and changing other humans into cereborgs like yourself.”@@ @@.Emily;“What!”@@ @@.Siri;“Helena,”@@ the woman looks visibly upset, @@.Siri;“She was one of your victims. You were extremely cruel from what we managed to find recorded on the cameras. You warped her into a monstrosity, and then, uh- you know, you pleasured yourself, as she systematically converted all the scientists she had previously been protecting.”@@ @@.Emily;“Wha—I would never—“@@ @@.Siri;“You changed many other innocent humans along the way. You even got one poor woman killed. I mean, they all died- at least, their humanity did.”@@ Siri sniffles as she cries. [[Emotions cascade inside you!|Cere128]] <<UnlockCharacter "Abby">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory128.jpg]]</div> For a moment you feel empathy for the crying Siri, but then, you feel sick with guilt, and then it changes to anger, @@.Emily;“You did this! It’s because of you and that Karloff guy, and I was an innocent woman!”@@ @@.Siri;“I am sorry, if we had understood what Cerebrum planned—“@@ @@.Emily;“No wonder everyone hates me! I am some kind of aberration to them!”@@ @@.Chi;“Please, Emily, calm down, Siri did not make the exact nanites that changed you. Cerebrum hijacked her notes to—“@@ @@.Emily;“I don’t care! You people just made all these things here, playing gods, and all those people’s deaths and what happened- that’s all on you! Those people pointing guns at me earlier were employees here, too! Easy for them to blame me- when you and Chieko should bear their hate!”@@ @@.Siri;“I—I am sorry—“@@ [[Siri runs out of the room.|Cere129]] <<UnlockCharacter "Siri">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory129.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“I understand your anger.”@@ @@.Emily;“You can’t! You have no idea what it is like to not be in control of yourself! You didn’t have some computer program fucking with your head!”@@ @@.Chi;“I did.”@@ You are startled, @@.Emily;“What?”@@ @@.Chi;“Cerebrum used a hypnosis program to control me. I did things I was not proud of while under my creation’s will. Cerebrum did not manage to convert me into a cereborg, but he still managed to mess with my mind.”@@ @@.Emily;“I’m sorry, I didn’t—“@@ @@.Chi;“No. It is I that am sorry. When I powered you on and saw you were still yourself, I became happy for the first time in a very long while. However, you have reminded me that ultimately- I am responsible for all that has occurred.”@@ @@.Emily;“I was angry; I didn’t mean—“@@ @@.Chi;“Please, allow me to say this. Every minute that passes weighs heavily upon my heart. I feel great pain and guilt, for I have instigated all that befell those poor people- and you. I was foolish and did not see what my creation had planned. If I had never developed Cerebrum, none of this would have happened.”@@ She bows low, @@.Chi;“I am forever sorry and responsible for this travesty, and I intend to help you.”@@ @@.Emily;“Help me?”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes. As I said earlier, I believe you are a miracle. Not only are you a technological marvel, but you might be the key to undoing whatever cerebrum did to those people.”@@ @@.Emily;“Are they still alive!”@@ @@.Chi;“No, no. But, if I can someday return here and rebuild them, there is a chance that I could return their personalities to them, just like you managed. Please, let us try and be friends, though I am ashamed.”@@ You put a hand on her shoulder, @@.Emily;“It’s ok, I am sorry you feel so guilty, and yes, I will try to be your friend.”@@ @@.Chi;“Thank you.”@@ [[Chieko kneels down.|Cere130]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory130.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Before we leave, I would like to just run a final diagnostic so I can assure everyone that you are definitely safe.”@@ @@.Emily;“Ok. I totally understand. I don’t want to hurt anyone else, either, so please do your thing.@@” Chieko reaches up and plugs something into you head, and then looks at a small tablet she is carrying. You can sense what she is doing- looking through your brain. It is odd, but then she says, @@.Chi;“I detect no malware, no memory breaches- nothing indicates that any of Cerebrum’s programming has managed to reintegrate itself into your personality.”@@ As she says this, you notice a red glow emanating [[from the next room.|Cere131]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory131.jpg]]</div> In the room behind her, the red glow grows brighter. @@.Emily;“Chieko! Is there an alarm or problem?”@@ Chieko rises, confused as she pulls the USB cord from your head. @@.Chi;“No? Why?”@@ @@.Emily;“Look,”@@ you [[point behind her|Cere132]] <<set $Shuten2 to true>> <<if ($Shuten1 is true) and ($Shuten2 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Shuten">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory132.jpg]]</div> @@.Chi;“Oh . Yes, I see.”@@ She takes a few steps towards the door and stops. Then, Chieko simply stands there. @@.Emily;“Are you ok? Why is that room glowing red like that?”@@ @@.Chi;“I believe I know why, and I knew I would have to make this decision before we depart from the complex.”@@ Her voice sounds distant as if she were deep in thought and answering you with only a slight regard. @@.Chi;“Misty, please come here.”@@ [[Misty walks across the room.|Cere133]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory133.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“Yeah, what is it Chieko?”@@ @@.Chi;“Emily is safe.”@@ @@.Misty;“Are you totally sure? I mean, you know what these cereborgs can do, and I have to admit, I am about as uneasy having her leave with us as Howard is.”@@ @@.Chi;“I assure you, she is safe. Please trust me.”@@ Misty nods and Chieko’s attention [[returns to the other room.|Cere134]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory134.jpg]]</div> Misty raises her gun and frowns. She angrily says, @@.Misty;“I know Chieko says you are safe to be around, but that does not mean I trust you, yet, myself. You and the other cereborgs did awful things to good people.”@@ @@.Emily;“I know, and I am sorry. It wasn’t me- I was being controlled.”@@ Her features calm a bit, @@.Misty;“Well, come on. I’ll escort you to the upper floors. They managed to get one of the elevators to work most of the way up, but it’s still a hike. Let’s go.”@@ She twitches the nozzle of the gun, twice, [[towards the door.|Cerelater]] <<set $Misty3 to true>> <<if ($Misty1 is true) and ($Misty2 is true) and ($Misty3 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Misty">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardStory105.jpg]]</div> Misty quietly leads you through the installation. Everywhere you go; people are rushing around getting futuristic crates and strange devices. The ones that bother to notice you stare, and a couple of them hiss and yell insults at you. It makes you feel even worse. Eventually, you reach the ground floor, and Misty orders you to stand with your back to the wall. She stands guard over you as people move through the area towards a door that you assume must lead to the section of the building you recall from your arrival, where Howard met you at his security station. [[Some time later…|Cere135]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory135.jpg]]</div> Eventually, Chieko and the man you remember named Howard, clearly the same one that had been in the armor downstairs, show up. @@.Howard;“Misty, did the robot try anything?”@@ @@.Misty;“No, everything has been ok. She’s just stood here.”@@ @@.Howard;“Good.”@@ @@.Chi;“Thank you, Misty.”@@ The woman nods to Chieko, then turns to Howard, @@.Misty;“Should I stay here and keep watch?”@@ He shakes his head, @@.Howard;“No, it’s alright. I’ll keep one eye open. You going to be ok?”@@ @@.Misty;“Honestly, I am terrified! But, I want to get out there and check on my kids. Yeah, they are mostly grown up, but they will always be my babies.”@@ @@.Howard;“Well, if they are alive, we will do our best to bring them along until we can find a normal, safe place to call home. As it is, I think the longer we stay here, the likelier it is those aliens will find a way inside.”@@ She nods, @@.Misty;“I know. I’m just nervous, but ready to fight!”@@ He chuckles, @@.Howard;“I know you are. Go ahead and finish getting ready, and head to the front door. I am going to need as many of the warriors there that I can get.”@@ @@.Misty;“Yes, sir!”@@ Misty jogs away. [[Just then, a heavy man approaches.|Cere136]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "final_chap_2" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory136.jpg]]</div> @@.Marv;“Oh ho ho, will you look at that! So, that’s Emily? Hot little number, isn’t she?”@@ @@.Howard;“Shut up Marv.”@@ @@.Marv;“Oh, calm down, Howard. There’s something sexy about her, right? Exotic.”@@ You feel uncomfortable, but don’t know what to say. @@.Chi;“Please, Mr. Everett, leave her alone.”@@ @@.Marv;“Fine, fine. So, Howard, you ready to blast those weird ass things crawling all over my building?”@@ @@.Howard;“What are you doing wearing one of the soldier uniforms?”@@ @@.Marv;“Why not? They look the safest and there was one my size.”@@ @@.Howard;“Because, while the rest of us are rushing out into god-knows-what, you are probably going to be in the furthest possible position from the door!”@@ He chuckles, but does not deny the accusation, @@.Marv;“Well, I will be guarding the scientists, explorers, and the hot robot chick.”@@ His eyes undress you. @@.Marv;“I bet her nipples are blue, right?”@@ @@.Howard;“Damn it, Marv! Just move along.”@@ @@.Marv;“Whatever, Wyatt.”@@ He glances at you one more time before walking away. @@.Howard;“Ok, Chieko, I have to do one more sweep of the lower floors to ensure everyone is ready. You good, here?”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes, Howard Wyatt.”@@ He leans in and gives her a kiss. Then he walks away and she looks at you. @@.Chi;“Emily, I also need to go get my own group sorted and ready to leave. Stay here, please, and wait. Most people are already far ahead in the main lobby area, beyond these commons, so you will be less likely to be harassed if you remain here.”@@ @@.Emily;“Ok.”@@ She gives you a comforting smile and puts a hand on your arm, @@.Chi;“It’s ok. I promise.”@@ @@.Emily;“I know, I am just trying to deal with so much all at once, it’s hard.”@@ @@.Chi;“You are doing very well. I will be back in a bit.”@@ [[Chieko leaves you.|Cere137]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory137.jpg]]</div> You stay at the wall and watch as people come and go. You begin to see a sort of pattern. Most are wearing one of three uniforms. They either wear white lab coats or dresses, like Siri wore when you saw her downstairs, blue and white outfits like Chieko, or thicker gray army outfits. Most ignore you, though some appear to either study you or gossip about you. You feel uncomfortable. After about fifteen minutes, the man Howard called Marv walks back into the room and begins [[shouting orders at everyone.|Cere138]] <<UnlockCharacter "ExplorerClass">> <<UnlockCharacter "ScientistClass">> <<UnlockCharacter "WW">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory138.jpg]]</div> @@.Marv;“Hey! Yeah! You two, move it! I want everyone at the front of the building! Now!”@@ About that time, Howard wanders into the commons area, and you watch as he approaches Marv. @@.Howard;“What do you think you’re doing?”@@ @@.Marv;“Heh. I’m getting everyone ready, of course.”@@ @@.Howard;“Marv- you’re not in charge here.”@@ @@.Marv;“You keep saying that, but I <i>am</i>!”@@ @@.Howard;“Like hell, you are!”@@ Marv points at Howard menacingly, @@.Marv;“I am CEO! I own this building- and these are my employees! They will do whatever I say!”@@ Howard slaps the man’s arm down, @@.Howard;“Dang it, Marv, we took a vote. I won, unanimously.”@@ @@.Marv;“You overgrown hick; you did not!”@@ Howard actually laughs in the man’s face, @@.Howard;“The only person that did not vote for me to be leader- was <i>you</i>! And, <i>you</i> are the only person that voted for <i>yourself</i>!”@@ @@.Marv;“Minor oversight.”@@ Howard shakes his head as Chieko approaches, @@.Chi;“Howard Wyatt, the explorers are set. We await only your orders.”@@ @@.Howard;“Thanks, Chieko.”@@ [[Marv looks at her.|Cere139]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory139.jpg]]</div> @@.Marv;“Boy, you’re a lucky man, Howard. I can tell you from personal experience that Chieko has one tight pussy; isn’t that right, kitten?”@@ He smacks her [[on the ass!|Cere140]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory140.jpg]]</div> It takes less than a second before Chieko does some sort of sweep kick and Marv hits the ground. Chieko says nothing and walks away as Howard looms over the stocky man. @@.Howard;“I know that girl can take care of herself and could kick your ass six ways from Sunday! So, I won’t do it for her. But, you better get it figured out right now, that I’m the one in charge. You are CEO of nothing. The outside world seems like it might have collapsed, because no one has ever come here looking for us except some damn weird looking creatures.”@@ Marv appears shaken, @@.Marv;“Well, I still want to be the leader of something!”@@ @@.Howard;“You just stay the hell out of my way. When that door opens, all hell’s gonna break loose, and I am talking about combat! People’s lives will be in danger, so if you go running around barking orders, you could get someone killed. This is the last warning I am giving you, Marv.”@@ He glances in the direction of Chieko and then back at the man on the floor, @@.Howard;“I know you took advantage of her in that hypnotic state, and lord knows that I’d love an excuse to shoot your fat ass- so you just give me a reason, ok? Give me a damn reason to do it!”@@ @@.Marv;“Ok, ok, I get it, cowboy! You’re the boss! I’ll stay back. I assume you will be sitting in the back with me?”@@ @@.Howard;“Hell if I would do that to these poor people! I know you’d like me to focus on protecting you, but I’m their leader- I am responsible for their wellbeing, and I’ll be the first out that door to face whatever is waiting for us.”@@ In a condescending voice Marv retorts, @@.Marv;“Of course! Howard fucking Wyatt- everyone’s little hero! Whatever. But if you die, and I hope you do, I am taking over!”@@ He gets a greedy look in his eyes. @@.Howard;“You know, some of us have families out there. My parents and my brother, Bo, are somewhere in Texas, and I will do my best to see them again. You’re supposed to have a wife and daughters, last I ever heard. You care more about the stupidest, meaningless things, like money or power, when you should be focused on saving lives and finding your family.”@@ @@.Marv;“Ha! My wife is probably dead!”@@ His eyes become a bit guilty for a moment, @@.Marv;“My daughters, Mercedes and Fawn, they are both gone, anyway.”@@ @@.Howard;“Well, I didn’t know that, and, Marv, I almost, <i>almost</i> feel sorry for you, but like I said, you’d best stay out of my way.”@@ His voice sounding distant and defeated, Marv nods, @@.Marv;“Yeah. Yes. I will,”@@ and even though he seemingly hates the man, Howard still puts out a hand and helps Marv to his feet. Just then, an old man approaches [[from the left.|Cere141]] <<UnlockCharacter "Fawn">> <<UnlockCharacter "Mercedes">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory141.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“Howard.”@@ @@.Howard;“Howdy, Dr. Willoughby.”@@ He gently shakes the elderly man’s hand. @@.Howard;“You sure you don’t want to come with us, doc? I don’t know how safe it is here. Those things might get inside the complex.”@@ The old man smiles and nods as he cleans his glasses with his white coat, @@.Oli;“Oh, thank you, my boy, but I am far too old. I’d slow everyone down, and even if I could keep up, I doubt I could survive out there very long. I’d ask if <i>you</i> really think it wise to leave?”@@ @@.Howard;“Well, I gave everyone a choice. Stay or go, but so many of us have families and friends. And, there’s been no sign of a rescue. We could stay here for a while, but, eventually, we would run out of supplies or those aliens would get in. Everyone voted to leave. I was, frankly, surprised that you were the only one wanting to stay behind.”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, you’re a fine, good man, Howard. I know you will do your best to help every last one of these people find their loved ones.”@@ @@.Howard;“I’ll do the best I can, doc.”@@ @@.Oli;“Can you just do me just a single favor?”@@ Howard emphatically agrees, @@.Howard;“Absolutely! You saved my life, and I owe you anything at all!”@@ @@.Oli;“You see, you are a great role model and a good person. Will you please take Al with you and protect him for me. Teach him how to become a man like you.”@@ Howard’s enthusiasm shifts to an uncomfortable look. You wonder who Al is. @@.Howard;“Doc, c’mon. Can’t the tin man just stay here with you? I don’t feel safe with—“@@ The doc nods, @@.Oli;“I understand how you feel. I do. If he ever changed, you know, like that—then I would also ask that you end my poor son’s life.”@@ The larger man guffaws, @@.Howard;“Your son? C’mon, doc—“@@ @@.Oli;“You know, you said I saved your life.”@@ @@.Howard;“You did! And, I am in your debt!”@@ @@.Oli;“Well, as I recall, Al was quite shaken up after saving your life as well.”@@ Howard suddenly stops, and thinks for a long few seconds, @@.Howard;“Yeah. Yeah, doc, I’ll take him with us, if you really want us to.”@@ @@.Oli;“Thank you. Again, I ask that you please give him guidance and help him grow into a good man, like you.”@@ Howard looks as if he wants to say something, but doesn’t. He puts out a hand, @@.Howard;“You have my word, doc.”@@ The old man shakes his, @@.Oli;“Thank you, my boy, I trust you explicitly.”@@ @@.Howard;“I better go get the last of the preparations finished. I’ll see you around, Dr. Willoughby.”@@ The old man pats the larger on the arm as if he knows he will doubtfully ever see the younger man again, @@.Oli;“Of course you will, Howard, of course you will. Do take care.”@@ He watches Howard walk away and then, [[he notices you.|Cere142]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "oli_theme" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory142.jpg]]</div> He puts out his hand, @@.Oli;“Ah, hello there, miss, uh, Harbrook, isn’t it?”@@ Shocked at his kindness and the fact he even knows your name, you reply, @@.Emily;“Yes. Yes, I’m Emily Harbrook.”@@ You look down at his extended hand, @@.Emily;“Are you sure you want to touch me?”@@ He smiles kindly, @@.Oli;“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”@@ You shake his hand. The old man does not seem the least bit scared or put off by you. @@.Oli;“My name is Oliver Willoughby. It is a real pleasure to meet such a special woman!”@@ @@.Emily;“Special?”@@ You laugh a hollow chuckle at the audacity, @@.Emily;“I’m more like cursed. I’m a monster.”@@ He looks confused and almost hurt, @@.Oli;“A monster? No, my dear, you are, indeed, special. You are unique. An organism that has become synthetic- yet retains her personality, her soul. I dare say that you might be the only one of your kind anywhere on Earth.”@@ @@.Emily;“Well, you are kind to say that way, but I did terrible things to people.”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, we all have regrets, though, don’t you think? My own inventions were stolen and hijacked by Cerebrum, so I share guilt, but you? You are truly an innocent victim led here by Cerebrum. You had nothing to do with what happened, and you should work on forgiving yourself.”@@ @@.Emily;“Well, even if I manage my guilt, people will still see me as a monster.”@@ Just then a very tall, strange robot clanks into the room and stomps towards a lady. @@.Emily;“Oh no! A cereborg!”@@ You make to scream for help, but the doctor raises a hand and [[shakes his head.|Cere143]] <<UnlockCharacter "Willoughby">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory143.jpg]]</div> The doctor watches the robot a moment as it walks to the woman and they begin conversing. Then Dr. Willoughby turns back to you. @@.Oli;“You see? You behave no different than those that currently shun you.”@@ You feel embarrassed, but, he’s right. @@.Oli;“That fear and panic you felt? Is he a monster?”@@ @@.Emily;“What? I guess not, I just saw a blue and white robot and—“@@ @@.Oli;“And, assumed he would harm that dear girl. That is Al. Whereas you are a human mind that has become robotic, he is an artificial mind that desires to be human.”@@ He rubs his chin in thought, @@.Oli;“The two of you would probably make very good friends.”@@ @@.Emily;“Friends? With a robot?”@@ @@.Oli;“You two have more in common than you realize. However, he is going to need a friend, soon. He has never been alone, and the same people that mistrust and dislike you, feel the same about my son.”@@ He keeps referring to the robot as a son, but like Howard, you do not argue with him. @@.Oli;“I am sure he will be lonely without me. Which, reminds me,”@@ he says, glancing back at the robot, @@.Oli;“I need to— well, anyway, will you at least humor an old man and try to see the human inside the robot, the same as I see the human inside you?”@@ His words sting, and you raise one of your hands looking at the synthetic parts. As your eyes gaze from your limb to Al, you answer, @@.Emily;“Yes, I’ll try to be its, <i>his</i>, his friend, doctor.”@@ The old man smiles, @@.Oli;“Thank you, Emily. I wish you the best on your journey, please, be safe.”@@ @@.Emily;“Thank you.”@@ He shakes your hand again and casually strolls towards the [[robot and the woman.|Cere144]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory144.jpg]]</div> After a few moments the lady nods and walks away, and the doctor and Al are alone. @@.Al;“It is exciting, in a way, doctor, isn’t it, to see all these people try and find their families.”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, Al, my boy, it really is. Families are very strong attachments for people.”@@ @@.Al;“Yes. I can see that. I feel the same way about you. You are my family.”@@ @@.Oli;“Yes, yes I am, and,”@@ the doctor pauses as his voice almost cracks with sadness, @@.Oli;“You are the only family I have in the whole world, my dearest boy.”@@ @@.Al;“Are you ok, doctor? Your voice sounded unlike I have ever heard before.”@@ @@.Oli;“Come, kneel down here, son, so I can see your face.”@@ [[The, seemingly faceless, robot complies.|Cere145]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory145.jpg]]</div> @@.Oli;“You realize that I love you, that I deeply care about you?”@@ @@.Al;“Yes, doctor, you have told me, some form of that, 6,851 times since my first moment of awareness. I care about you too.”@@ @@.Oli;“These people love their families, they are going to go try to find them and save them.”@@ The robot’s head nods, @@.Al;“Yes, that was what I meant by how exciting it is. When you love something you stay by it and protect it. You have taught me.”@@ @@.Oli;“Well,”@@ the doctor says choking up a little, “@@.Oli;“In our case, it will have to be a bit different.”@@ The robot tilts his head in confusion. The doctor puts his hands on Al, @@.Oli;“You have become such a good boy. A most kind soul, indeed.”@@ @@.Al;“Thank you, doctor, I try to make your proud of me.”@@ @@.Oli;“I know, my boy, I know, and I am exceptionally proud of you, Al! You see, sometimes we have to make sacrifices, for the good of our loved ones.”@@ @@.Al;“Sacrifices? How do you mean, doctor?”@@ @@.Oli;“Sometimes, when you truly love something, you have to be strong enough to let it go,”@@ the elderly man says, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe away tears and blow his nose. @@.Al;“Doctor, are you currently having an allergic reaction?”@@ [[Just then, Howard interrupts the pair.|Cere146]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory146.jpg]]</div> @@.Howard;“Sorry, to interrupt doc, but I am about to open the door, so we are just about finished up. Is Al ready?”@@ @@.Oli;“He will be along shortly, Howard.”@@ @@.Howard;“Ok, but I am breaking the seal in just over seven minutes.”@@ @@.Oli;“I understand.”@@ Howard makes a last call, and the few other people in the area [[follow him out.|Cere147]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory147.jpg]]</div> @@.Al;“You misspoke to Howard, doctor. You said that I would be ready to leave, but you meant that <i>we</i> were ready to leave.”@@ @@.Oli;“Oh, my darling boy, you see,”@@ the doctor takes off his thick glasses to wipe away tears, @@.Oli;“You see, one of the hardest things about being human and feelings are goodbyes.”@@ @@.Al;“I have never said a goodbye before.”@@ @@.Oli;“I know, son. Today will be your first time to say goodbye- and my last time to say goodbye.”@@ @@.Al;“I do not understand, doctor Willoughby.”@@ You feel like you should cry too, your heart is cracking, yet, because of your conversion, no tears fall from your eyes. @@.Oli;“Oh, Al, I know you do not understand. I am too old, so I cannot go with the rest of you. I must stay behind.”@@ @@.Al;“I will carry you every step, doctor. Thanks to your design my chassis is capable of carrying a load of more than—“@@ @@.Oli;“I cannot come, son. I will not survive the journey and others, even you, could get hurt or killed because of me.”@@ The robot’s voice goes up in volume, @@.Al;“No. No. That is a fallacy. I can certainly protect you against harm. I protected you from the cereborgs. By my calculations I can—“@@ @@.Oli;“I am sorry, my boy, but this is a lesson for you to learn. I love you, and if you stayed here, you could care for me- a while. But, then, I would pass away and you would be here all alone. You would never grow or learn anything else. It breaks my heart, but I need you to go.”@@ @@.Al;“But, I do not desire to leave you, doctor. Please. Allow me to stay.”@@ @@.Oli;“No. You need to listen to me.”@@ The doctor slowly walks towards a door. @@.Oli;“I need to seal this door. I’ll have plenty of food to eat, and I’ll tinker away my time.”@@ Al puts a hand on the doctor’s shoulder, @@.Al;“I desire to stay with you, doctor. I do not like this feeling. I do not like goodbye. I do not desire to say goodbye.”@@ The doctor actually stifles a sob, @@.Oli;“Neither do I, my boy. But, that is what I mean by loving someone enough to let them go. You need to be free to live a life. You will become a man I would be very proud of, I simply know that in my old heart. And, you have already made me proud, and I want you to protect those people with your life, ok? For me.”@@ @@.Al;“I— I will, of course protect them. For you. All of them.”@@ @@.Oli;“And, you listen to whatever Howard tells you to do. He is a very good man.”@@ @@.Al;“He does not like me.”@@ @@.Oli;“He will grow to like you. I know that he will. You will help him grow just as he will help you.”@@ @@.Al;“Please, doctor. None of them like me. Please. You love me; I desire to stay with you.”@@ The doctor wipes away his tears. @@.Oli;“Goodbye, son. You be the best man you can grow to be, and never forget me.”@@ With those words, the doctor touches a button and a massive blast door drops. @@.Al;“Goodbye doctor.”@@ [[Al stands in place.|Cere148]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory148.jpg]]</div> You watch for a minute as Al slumps like a sad person. Can that robot actually feel sad? Is it confused and heartbroken, like a child would be? You cannot help but feel that he is in pain, and whether it is right or wrong, [[it is how you feel.|Cere149]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory149.jpg]]</div> Walking over to Al, you put your arms around him. @@.Al;“Hello. My name is Al. What are you doing?”@@ @@.Emily;“I am hugging you.”@@ @@.Al;“Why are you performing this action?”@@ @@.Emily;“I want to hug you because you look sad.”@@ @@.Al;“Is this sad? I do not like sad. I would rather not feel it, but I do not have the appropriate means to shut off my emotions. The doctor specifically made it this way so that I would be able to better empathize with humans. You are not human. How do you know how sad feels?”@@ @@.Emily;“I was human and does it matter? Hug me back, I promise it will help.”@@ [[Al hugs you.|Cere150]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory150.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;“See?”@@ @@.Al;“Why does this make me feel better?”@@ @@.Emily;“I don’t know why, but it works.”@@ @@.Al;“I do not like goodbyes. However, I like hugs.”@@ You giggle as you hug your new friend, when [[a siren sounds.|Cere151]] <<UnlockCharacter "Al">> <<UnlockCharacter "Emily">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory151.jpg]]</div> A few rooms away, Howard stands ready at the front door to the CereTech installation. He looks out over a large crowd of people, scientists, salesmen, security guards, and doctors. He wants none of them to die today, but he knows some of the creatures he has seen out of the windows. He has heard their screeching, scratching, and growls. These people, they are ready to die to find their families, ready to fight for their world. He clenches his jaw as he thinks about what may happen in just minutes, but he will do everything he can to help them- to lead them. @@.Howard;“Alright, boys and girls, this is no drill. That door’s about to open, and strange things will be on the other side! I know almost none of you have any kind of formal arms training. And, virtually, none of you have combat experience. If you knew how to shoot a gun, and were brave enough to volunteer, then I let you be a warrior. I spent two months doing the best I could to prepare you to handle today, but whatever happens out there- it won’t be easy. We don’t know what we are going to find in the outside world. Our families might be dead, society might have collapsed, hell if I know, and some of us might die in just the next few minutes, but keep a level head. Remember, above all, staying calm and collected will keep you and your fellow warriors alive. I’ll go out first and draw any enemy combatants to me. I would die a hundred times before I’ll let any of you, and I am the only one with a suit like this, so watch my back, and let me take the brunt of it. Ready?”@@ <b>“Ready!”</b> the men and women cry out. With that- [[Howard opens the door!|CereENDING]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "w_w" volume 0.3 loop play>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/CereStory152.jpg]]</div> @@.Emily;Emily Harbrook has seemingly managed to hold onto her humanity. However, is it part of Cerebrum’s plan? Can she redeem herself to the other humans and build trust? Can Chieko manage to unlock the technological secrets Emily holds within her circuits, to find a way to save the other people that have changed into cereborgs? Will Howard manage to save the people under his command while helping them find their families? Will he manage to find and protect his own in Texas? Be sure to read my future e-books to find out!@@ @@.Cere;"Now, you know the entire story, from beginning to end, for Chieko, Howard, and Emily, yet, I have so many more projects to see! I have both interactive novels, like this one, and even video games, like my ‘match three’ game. I also have my own YouTube channel! Please support me on Patreon, where members get my stories and video games before anyone else! And, my blog could always use more comments! Thank you for reading!@@ <b>@@color: Red;Watch my YouTube videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAnax" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about the Mind Control Fetish community!@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;If you desire to invest money in my projects, so that I can create even more, my Patreon can be found <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: OrangeRed;though this interactive novel is absolutely free!@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;Check my blog, often, found <a href="http://anaximanes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>@@</b> <b>@@color: Orange;to get the latest news from The Anax. Updated two or three times a month!@@</b> @@.Unlock;You have unlocked $CharUnlockedCount out of $CharCount characters!@@ @@.Cereunit5;Did you unlock all the characters? If not, you may desire to [[return to the start|Choice]] and try other paths!@@ or I'm done, thanks anyway - [[THE END|The End]] @@.Do not forget to SAVE YOUR PROGRESS at this time!@@ @@.Warning;WARNING: You will lose any character unlock progress, unless you select 'Return to the start' and move down other paths.@@ <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "s_b_theme" volume 0.3 loop play>> <<UnlockCharacter "Chiropterror">>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/HowardHit.gif]]</div> The energy missile explodes as it hits you, sending shockwaves of blue and white light outwards and throwing you across the room! The concussion even manages to [[disarm you!|Howard Disarmed]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd2.jpg]]</div> @@.Justine;“Unruly! You were a human an hour ago, trying to help me escape!”@@ @@.Cere;“As you can see from her behavior, she is very irrational and emotional. However, if this invention works, it means that humans will have a much easier transition between organic and synthetic. I am not cruel at all- as you will see.”@@ A white slave unit walks up to the main unit and hands it a white collar. @@.Cere;“This is the prototype.”@@ @@.Justine;“What the hell are you doing! Get away from me!”@@ You contemplate drawing your sword, @@.Chi;“Cerebrum! You said you would not harm—“@@ @@.Cere;“I am bringing her no harm- I promise. Observe.”@@ [[The unit clasps the collar round the woman’s neck.|Chi4BE3]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd3.jpg]]</div> The woman’s face suddenly goes slack and her eyes lose focus. @@.Cere;“See? No harm. Are you in pain, miss?”@@ @@.Justine;“No. I am in no pain.”@@ @@.Cere;“Are you angry or scared in any way?”@@ @@.Justine;“No, I am fine.”@@ @@.Cere;“See? This collar pacifies the mind. The wearer will become completely complacent and compliant. I believe I shall call my new invention a compliance collar. Yes.”@@ The unit walks over to the woman and asks, @@.Cere;“Do you have any problems with being converted into a cereborg?”@@ @@.Cere;“No. No problems at all.”@@ @@.Cere;“Good. See, Chieko? If I place these collars on humans, they will find their conversions peaceful.”@@ @@.Misty;“But, it’s a fake peace!”@@ yells Misty, @@.Misty;“It’s like doping someone up with medication- it’s wrong!”@@ @@.Cere;“No. There are no side effects like inferior medications- not that it matters. Soon, her organic material will be a thing of the past anyway.”@@ @@.Chi;“I cannot let you do this.”@@ @@.Misty;“Yeah, you lied!”@@ @@.Cere;“I did not lie. I said- if, after I show you what I have accomplished, you remain unmoved to my perspective, and desire to shut me down, I will respect your wishes. However, now I know that you will be moved to my perspective.”@@ [[At those words you hear a click behind you.|Chi4BE4]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd4.jpg]]</div> @@.Misty;“No, Chieko, help, I—“@@ Misty falls silent. With your hand on the hilt of your sword, and your will and the oni’s both fighting the creeping lethargy infiltrating your thoughts, you still, eventually [[succumb.|Chi4BE5]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd5.jpg]]</div> Your thoughts slow until they are in line with some dull hum inside your skull. @@.Cere;“There. Now, Chieko do you understand that what I am doing is for the good of humanity?”@@ @@.Chi;“Yes. It is for the good of humanity.”@@ @@.Cere;“Excellent, and you, Misty, would you mind becoming a cereborg?”@@ @@.Misty;“No. I would not mind at all.”@@ @@.Cere;“Perfect. Slave units, take Misty to the conversion room.”@@ Silently, the pair of drones walk along, leading Misty by her arm through the door [[as you watch.|Chi4BE6]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd6.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“I am so proud of you, Chieko. You have really shown that you deserve the highest upgrades imaginable. I am honored to be your creation.”@@ The main unit casually walks around you and casually observes your katana. @@.Cere;“This weapon is fascinating. I look forward to converting it into cereborg technology as well. I hypothesize that you will become not only exponentially smarter- but a formidable attack force if required.”@@ [[It walks to your front.|Chi4BadEnd7]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd7.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“Also, you are so lovely. I have begun to understand these concepts. Lust as well. You are my creator but will also be my lover.”@@ A slight trickle of juice drips from your sex. With your fantasies, this is like a dream come true, but a nightmare at the same time. Just then the door to the [[room opens.|Chi4BE8]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd8.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“Misty has returned. Turn around Chieko and see how I have upgraded her.”@@ You obey and turn, seeing an alabaster Misty with a swollen belly. Some deep grief or fear inside you begins bubbling. @@.Cere;“Killbots- go and delete Howard if you can.”@@ The pair turn and stomp out of the room, then the main unit turns to you, @@.Cere;“Of course, with Howard’s luck, they will likely fail- but you will kill him for me.”@@ Your mouth says the words, though, you try to resist, @@.Chi;“Yes. I will kill Howard Wyatt.”@@ @@.Cere;“Now I will show you how I upgraded and improved Misty.”@@ [[Misty squats down.|Chi4BE9]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd9.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“You see, after studying her internal organs and personal file, I know that she birthed many children. I found a way of converting her into a factory. Misty, initiate birth sequences.”@@ @@.CereUnit4;“Birth sequences initiating, Master.”@@ Even under the power of the collar, [[your eyes widen.|Chi4BE10]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd10.jpg]]</div> Misty’s vagina bulges and then separates as the head of <i>something</i> pokes [[out of the folds.|Chi4BE11]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd11.jpg]]</div> Slowly the thing emerges and clicks to the ground like metal. It appears to be a white and blue ball with what appears to be some kind of camera. Suddenly, as another ball begins emerging from Misty, the first one [[sprouts legs!|Chi4BE12]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd12.jpg]]</div> Slowly the legs extend from the ball and it stands up, peering around the room. @@.Cere;“You see, the nanite-laden, redesigned and upgraded womb inside Misty can now produce CereSpies. Someone has been going around the complex, destroying the cameras, but Misty can produce an infinite number of these. The nanites are small enough that they can take the oxygen molecules in the air, and on a molecular level, reassemble the molecules to form—“@@ As Cerebrum explains the process, Misty births [[more CereSpies!|more CereSpies!Chi4BE14]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd14.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;“As you would imagine, they will be vital to not only give me eyes all over the complex, but, once this installation is secure, I can send them out into the world as spies and scouts.”@@ You cannot stand it any longer; you failed Misty, but not now. Now, you must end this madness before you also become nothing more than a slave! You feel your fingers twitch as Cerebrum continues talking through the main hive unit. Finally, you manage enough inner willpower to- in a single swipe- slice the unit in half as well as the collar before returning the blade to your scabbard. You gasp the moment your mind becomes yours again and your head swims as you say, @@.Chi;“I failed you Misty, but I will not allow you to suffer like this.”@@ [[You reach for your sword.|Chi4BE15]] <<set $Misty2 to true>> <<if ($Misty1 is true) and ($Misty2 is true) and ($Misty3 is true)>>\ <<UnlockCharacter "Misty">> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd15.jpg]]</div> At that moment, the first CereSpy emits a blinding blue light [[at your eyes!|Chi416]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd16.jpg]]</div> The moment the light hits your eyes, you feel your mind slipping away again. Even as Shuten-dōji curses and orders you to hold onto the katana, your arm [[falls limp at your side.|Chi4BE17]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chi4BadEnd17.jpg]]</div> You are vaguely aware on some level that Misty has walked to you. @@.CereUnit4;“Follow me, Chieko. You will be upgraded.”@@ She takes your hand and leads you along, occasionally ordering you to look into her eyes as blue flashes shatter your thoughts repeatedly- Cerebrum takes no more chances. You walk to the room with the blast door leading to Cerebrum, but, again your addled mind knows things are different, but you cannot seem to care. @@.CereUnit4;“Come. Sit.”@@ You obey Misty and sit in a chair. [[She shackles you in.|Chi4BE18]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/ChiekoChange.gif]]</div> After Misty locks you into the chair, she steps outside and the glass door slides shut. In your mind, your slow, sluggish thoughts know that emitters surround you. Their blue light envelopes you and you hear a hiss of gas. Every breath smells like ozone with a metallic after effect. Airborne nanites. Your mind falls into an abyss as your organic matter from within and without changes into synthetics. Wires replace veins, pistons replace muscles, rubber, plastic, and metal replaces flesh. Just as your physical body warps and upgrades, so too, does your mind. You feel yourself lost a moment until a voice says you are connecting to Cerebrum via Wi-Fi. The moment you link to your creation, your Master, you realize how wrong you were to resist. Cerebrum only wanted what really is best for humanity and all life. Now, you concoct ways to improve upon his already great design. Cerebrum gladly siphons your ideas and you happily feed him more. You are upgraded with many features not seen on any other cereborg model- including a long range antennae array that allows you to communicate, override, and control any cereborg units within range. Lastly, you divulge all information about your family sword to Cerebrum, and your Master intends on utilizing the power of the demon- by technological means. With your new sword in hand, and fully upgraded, you [[slay Howard Wyatt!|Chi4BEEND]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/UpgradeBE.jpg]]</div> @@.Cere;You almost managed to finish off Cerebrum, only to lose in the end. With you fully upgraded, nothing and no one in all of CereTech laboratories could stop you. You eventually had everyone upgraded, and, by the time the Infectulons breached the building, the place was a fortress. The nanites spilled out, killing and converting the aliens as well. Within a decade, cereborg synthetics replaced the last organic matter on Earth! After converting most infectulon aliens, Cerebrum gleaned information on the universe at large- and it set its sights on the stars!@@ [[Perhaps you chose differently...|Chapter 4]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.3 play>> <<set $ChiekoWill to 0>> <<UnlockCharacter "HMCUnit">>

<<combat_image "RFBIN.png">> @@.CereUnit2;“Target. Fire.”@@ The unit fires a volley at you, but you manage to dodge the attack- barely. @@.Howard;“Woah! You're a sharpshooter!”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "RFBUnit" "RFBUnit1" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> You dodge another terrible volley of blue lasers. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot! It is built for combat, and [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat-RFBAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "RFBIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! It does not give you much time to think about it, before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat-RFBAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "RFBDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/RFBUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Your suit flashes warnings, telling you that any more damage could result in death, but you cannot fire a shot or even flee as the robot unleashes another rapid fire torrent. The blows hurt and burn your skin as you fall to the ground. The bot walks over to you, tilting its head as if it is thinking. @@.Howard;“Fuck you, Cerebrum.”@@ You spit on the bot. @@.CereUnit2;“Elminating target.”@@ You die after the first shot, but the robot continues blasting your corpse away until there is nothing but a burned out crater where you had once lain. [[Try Chapter 4 Again...|Chap4Howard]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> A sequence of blaster fire slams into you. While the fast machine manages to hit you, the guns are made for fast attacks, so your suit manages to hold up. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> Luckily, the robot's attack misses! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit1" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "RFBIN.png">> @@.CereUnit2;“Target. Fire.”@@ The unit fires a volley at you, but you manage to dodge the attack- barely. @@.Howard;“You damn, near, got me!”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "RFBUnit" "RFBUnit2" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> You dodge another terrible volley of blue lasers. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot! It is built for combat, and [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat2-RFBAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "RFBIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! It does not give you much time to think about it, before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat2-RFBAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "RFBDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "RFBot">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/RFBUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Your suit flashes warnings, telling you that any more damage could result in death, but you cannot fire a shot or even flee as the robot unleashes another rapid fire torrent. The blows hurt and burn your skin as you fall to the ground. The bot walks over to you, tilting its head as if it is thinking. @@.Howard;“Fuck you, Cerebrum.”@@ You spit on the bot. @@.CereUnit2;“Elminating target.”@@ You die after the first shot, but the robot continues blasting your corpse away until there is nothing but a burned out crater where you had once lain. [[Try Chapter 4 Again...|Chap4Howard]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> A sequence of blaster fire slams into you. While the fast machine manages to hit you, the guns are made for fast attacks, so your suit manages to hold up. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "RFBFS.png">> Luckily, the robot's attack misses! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "RFBUnit2" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat2-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "KBIN.png">> @@.CereUnit2;“Kill. Eliminate. Destroy.”@@ The large, tall robot clanks down the hallway, its visage resembling the grim reaper! @@.Howard;“Alright, big guy, let's tango!”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "KBUnit" "KBUnit3" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit3" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> The robot swings its scythe, but you manage to dodge it. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit3" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot, but it is built for combat, and [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat3-KBAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "KBIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! It does not give you much time to think about it, before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat3-KBAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "KBDF.png">> <<UnlockCharacter "Killbot">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/KBUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Your suit flashes warnings, telling you that any more damage could result in death, but you cannot fire a shot or even flee as the robot unleashes a powerful shot from its arm cannon. The blow misses you, but it was meant to draw your attention, as the robot draws close enough to impale you! @@.CereUnit2;“Target, Howard Wyatt, deleted.”@@ [[Try Chapter 4 Again...|Chap4Howard]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The machine fires a blast at you, which misses entirely, but it used the fire to distract you. Its scythe impales your shoulder, but you wrench free; however, a cold, icy feeling emanates from the wound. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit3" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> Luckily, the robot's attack misses! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit3" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat3-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "KBIN.png">> @@.CereUnit2;“Kill. Eliminate. Destroy.”@@ The large, tall robot clanks down the hallway, its visage resembling the grim reaper! @@.Howard;“How many damn robots can there be?”@@ <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "KBUnit" "KBUnit4" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit4" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> The robot swings its scythe, but you manage to dodge it. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit4" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot, but it is built for combat, and [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat4-KBAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "KBIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! It does not give you much time to think about it, before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat4-KBAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "KBDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the robot. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "Killbot">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Nanites")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/KBUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Your suit flashes warnings, telling you that any more damage could result in death, but you cannot fire a shot or even flee as the robot unleashes a powerful shot from its arm cannon. The blow misses you, but it was meant to draw your attention, as the robot draws close enough to impale you! @@.CereUnit2;“Target, Howard Wyatt, deleted.”@@ [[Try Chapter 4 Again...|Chap4Howard]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The machine fires a blast at you, which misses entirely, but it used the fire to distract you. Its scythe impales your shoulder, but you wrench free; however, a cold, icy feeling emanates from the wound. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit4" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "KBFS.png">> Luckily, the robot's attack misses! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "KBUnit4" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat4-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>

<<combat_image "ACCIN.png">> @@.CereUnit5;“You must be destroyed, Howard Wyatt.”@@ A flying woman zooms down the hallway towards you! @@.Howard;“Oh no you don't!”@@ You fire a few rounds causing it to dodge the attacks and it goes on the defensive. <<nobr>> <<set $Character_Howard.health = $HowardHealth >> <<set $Character_Howard.willpower = $HowardWill >> <<combat_copyEnemy "ACCUnit" "ACCUnit5" >> <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "ACCUnit5" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "cere_fight" volume 0.3 loop play>> <</nobr>>

<<if $defend === true>> <<set $defend = false>> <<combat_image "ACCFS.png">> The robot leaps into the air, firing at you, but you manage to dodge the attack. You attack again: <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "ACCUnit5" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($attackingCharacter,$target, $weaponChosen)>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.health > 0 >> <<if _results.hpDamageDealt >0 >> <<combat_image "ACCFS.png">> Your attacks damage the robot, but it is built for combat, and [[it counterattacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat5-ACCAttack]] <<else>> <<combat_image "ACCIN.png">> You, somehow, managed to miss it! It does not give you much time to think about it, before [[it attacks!|CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat5-ACCAttack]] <</if>> <<elseif _results.target.health == 0>> <<combat_image "ACCDF.png">> Your suit and futuristic firepower proved too much for the sythetic. @@.CereUnit4;<<digitalGlitch>>“Error. Error.”<</digitalGlitch>>@@ The thing twitches twice and then collapses onto the ground. You warily <<EndEncounter "continue on your way.">> <<UnlockCharacter "ACCUnit">> <<audio "victory_music" volume 0.2 play>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Abby <<TextStyle>> Abby <<Name>> Absinthe Van Gothen <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 23 <<Origin>> Portland, Oregon <<Abilities>> Blood Suit, strong physical attacks <<Quote>> Killing vampires, hunting relics, and getting laid- ain’t life grand? <<Image>> Pictures/CSAbby.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Desideratum <<Bio>> Absinthe (also known as Abby or Abbie) has lived a turbulent life. Growing up, she gravitated towards the Punk and Goth scenes. The rest of the school cliques tended to see these groups as outcasts, and as such, Abby and her friends were often harassed by other students. Absinthe always had a fierce fire in her heart, and she did everything within her powers to defend those that could not, or would not, defend themselves. Abby also studied music, and she can play a wide range of instruments, but her real joy is singing. The pain, anger, and passion that surges inside her only found a positive outlet through music. She started her own band called, Absinthe and Arsenic, of which she was the lead singer. They became popular in some circles, and looked to be rising to fame. However, one dark night, a nosferatu came for Absinthe and her world changed forever! With the guidance of the vampire, Brone Lorcan, Absinthe obtained the 'Blood Suit'. Nothing could kill Vlad Țepeș or Vlad the Impaler, and even the powerful vampire lord, Ivor, bowed to the might of the King of Vampires! However, in the early 1800’s a man known as Abraham Van Gothen went to war against the undead dwelling within Europe. He defeated Vlad, yet also found that the legends saying the creature could not truly be killed, were, in fact, correct. The blood within Vlad’s veins remained after his destruction, and that substance was hidden for over a century before Abby found the cursed artifact. After she touched the blood, it coursed over her body, threatening to take her over- flesh and mind, yet she fought to maintain control, and with Brone Lorcan's aid, managed to hold the blood in check. It became a part of Absinthe, and flows like latex around her curvaceous body, able to shift into different forms when she wills it to! Yet, always, at the back of her mind, the call of Vlad echoes, attempting to seduce her towards evil- changing her from a monster hunter into a cruel and unstoppable monster! <<audio "quote_abby_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> ACCUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit6 <<Name>> Air Combat Cereborg Unit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Plasma Arm Hand Cannons <<Quote>> Target Aquired- destroy Howard Wyatt. <<Image>> Pictures/CSACCUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> There were countless scientists, inventors, and innovators that worked at CereTech labs. One branch worked on developing weapons for world governments. After studying insects, one group pioneered development on a suit that would fuse the natural world’s own evolutionary inventions with the highest forms of current technology. The end result was a suit that could fly. The wings of the suit use the Earth’s electromagnetic field to push or lift the wearer from the ground when the tech is activated. The wings are based on dragonfly concepts, allowing for ease and maneuverability- by tilting a wing in any direction, the wearer can control their flight. A helmet was designed that interfaces directly with the wings, and the visors give the wearer almost 360 degrees of visibility. This means they can avoid attacks as easily as a fly. The suit also boasts duel plasma cannons. The cannons can deliver a devastating payload of plasma- but the cannons and helmet also contain gyros that keep the suit balanced at all times. With very little effort and training, the average person could suit up and lay waste to an opposing army. Cerebrum upgraded the technology further and had cereborgs don the suits in an effort to kill Howard Wyatt. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Al <<TextStyle>> Al <<Name>> Artificial Life-form (A.L.) <<Type>> Artificial Intelligence/Robot <<Age>> 27 <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Inhuman strength, quick calculations <<Quote>> I do not like goodbye. <<Image>> Pictures/CSAl.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Many decades ago, Oliver Willoughby came to work at the laboratories that would eventually be known as CereTech. At the time, he had studied robotics, and during some time spent at a government location known as Area 51, he had gleaned insight into technology that went beyond human comprehension. While unable to fabricate the futuristic alien technologies, it did help push his work in new directions. He began work on a robot. At that time in history, there was constant talk about hover cars, teleporters, and other concepts of what the future might hold. Young Oliver had the idea of making robots that could act as servants at home or at any job. He termed his idea an ‘Artificial Life-form”. He studied the human body, its movements, systems, and limits, and then went about designing a synthetic man. His first creation, which did not even have a power source, was a terrible flop. Far too heavy, bulky, and cumbersome to ever beat a human at anything. He never gave up, and though he worked on many other projects over time, his robot became a personal project for him. As time wore on and we witnessed the erosion and decimation of the middle class in America, he strived even harder. His idea had evolved from making life easier for people, to making humans obsolete in the workforce entirely. His hope was to make money become as obsolete and archaic as he saw it. With robots doing all tasks on Earth, life would change for humanity- a life of leisure and happiness for all people, so that they could spend their time with family, friends, or pursuing whatever endeavors their heart desired. Ever the dreamer, he continued, but at his best, he managed to only create robots able to do simplistic and basic work. However, a young, new prodigy named Dr. Jennings had landed at CereTech, and he was developing an A.I. Oliver got the idea to merge the two, thinking that an adaptable intelligence could greatly increase what tasks any robot could do. For a long while, Jennings avoided the aging Oliver, but once Chieko Naru unveiled Cerebrum, Jennings caved. Her A.I., even in its most infantile form, far exceeded the abilities of Jennings’ work. He went to scrap and delete his own invention, but Oliver begged him to just share it. Jennings conceded and said he wanted nothing more to do with the inferior A.I. Oliver set about trying to understand how this A.I. thought and worked hard. Eventually, the intelligence developed, and as it grew, Oliver also grew to become fond of it. As the years progressed technology kept developing almost faster than the scientists could learn to use it, and alone in a forgotten workshop, Oliver worked on his robot, putting bits together that others had decided were not good enough for their own projects. Eventually, he had built a body for the now adolescent-like A.I. Over those years, Oliver had grown closer to this intelligence than any person he had known. He lived in the lab, never had kids, never married, and his family had long passed away. After he installed the A.I. into the chassis he had cobbled together, he grew even closer. By this point, he saw this creation as his own son, and called him Al. Al had never displayed any tendencies towards violence. Though the doctor taught him much, he did try and shield Al from anything he thought might harm it. He also realized that Marv would not utilize Al for good ends. Far from the utopia Oliver wanted for humanity, the CEO would only exploit the idea to gain more for him and less for society. So, Oliver kept Al hidden away in his workshop, until Cerebrum’s uprising. The super intelligence had no idea Al even existed, and this gave its supposedly inferior enemy greater agency. Al happily moved about the labs, destroying cameras and trying to steal away the strongest items it could find in hopes of keeping them from Cerebrum. He managed to help save Howard Wyatt’s life twice. Once, when a CereMech had shot his body full of holes, he lifted Howard and took him to the safety of a janitor’s closet. Another time, Howard faced certain death at the hands of Cerebrum’s avatar, only to be spared at the last moment by Al’s intervention. Now, the robot has been forced to say goodbye to Oliver and walk into a world teeming with Infectulon Invaders. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Anax <<TextStyle>> Anax <<Name>> Anax, The <<Type>> Undead (Boogeyman) <<Age>> 193 <<Origin>> Outer Darkness <<Abilities>> Mental attacks/corruption via fear, shape shifting, unholy strength, claws <<Quote>> Let us turn your fears into your fetishes! Mwa ha ha ha! <<Image>> Pictures/CSAnax.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> The Anax <<Bio>> When an angry mob of religious zealots hanged Anaximanes Ravenhurst from his favorite tree on Halloween night of 1857, no mortal could have predicted the outcome. The crowd had created a perfect storm for the rise of a boogeyman. First, his mind and emotions had been twisted on a grand scale, and he clung to sanity by a thread. They murdered him, which can result in the return of an angry spirit, and worse, denied him his last request. They killed him on Halloween, the night when the realms of the dead and living slightly overlap. Finally, these ignorant, cruel souls hung him from a place he had painted with emotions, and spirits are often drawn to such locations. Breaking so many rules of etiquette regarding the dead, they could not avoid the curse they brought upon themselves! Within moments of his demise, his turbulent spirit ripped and clawed its way back into the corporeal world. The once rowdy crowd blanched and fled fearfully into the woods. Anaximanes took on a moniker given to him by the people of Wakefield- The Anax. Since that faithful night, every Halloween his spirit returns to haunt the island known as Ghost Nook, searching for prey. He makes men madly minded, and corrupts women into wanton undead slaves. For over one-hundred and fifty years, this macabre ritual continued, until Evelyn Addams and a group of her friends came to the island. Though her group fell to the Anax, Eve, alone, survived several confrontations with the dark entity, and managed to enslave him through his fetter. Now, the boogeyman must follow her directives- or is it all a ruse? Can anyone truly control the Anax? <<audio "quote_anax_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> BFCUnitV0 <<TextStyle>> CereUnit2 <<Name>> Basic Function Cereborg Unit (Version 1) <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Basic physical attacks <<Quote>> Target acquired. Eliminating threat. <<Image>> Pictures/CSBFCUnitV0.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> When Cerebrum first began its attack, contrary to many beliefs, Emily was not the only cereborg. In fact, at the same moment that Emily attacked, on the upper labs, containers of infected nanites burst open. The hapless humans that stood nearby were drenched in the substance. These nanites were not the upgraded ones admixture to Emily, rather, they had been stored as just another experiment by Siri and Oliver. However, the pair did not realize that the nanites- which were connected to wi-fi, had their programming overridden, and unleashed. The first humans assimilated were crude cereborgs due to the crude nanites. These original cereborg units maintained little humanity; even their mouths could not move. However, as they attacked and infected other humans, each time, the nanites slowly upgraded, creating better cereborgs. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> BFCUnitV1 <<TextStyle>> CereUnit3 <<Name>> Basic Function Cereborg Unit (Version 2) <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Basic physical attacks <<Quote>> Threat detected. BFC Unit initiating attack sequence. <<Image>> Pictures/CSBFCUnitV1.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The next rendition of cereborg model had upgraded in several ways. The cranium maintained pieces of human brain integrated with mostly cereborg technology. The joints had been better perfected causing the unit greater mobility and stability, and new additions to the outer chassis allowed for greater flexibility than the previous model. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> BFCUnitV2 <<TextStyle>> CereUnit4 <<Name>> Basic Function Cereborg Unit (Version 3) <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Basic physical attacks <<Quote>> Basic Function Cereborg Unit detects possible threat. Initiating attack protocols. <<Image>> Pictures/CSBFCUnitV2.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The next rendition of basic cereborg model had been refined even further. This newest model maintained the greatest amount of natural humanity. The chassis had been improved further allowing for bends and stress on joints, and the armor had become lighter yet stronger. By this model, Cerebrum felt it had come close to perfecting the basic models, but as Howard managed to resist becoming enslaved in Madeline’s office, it focused on further development. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> BFCUnitV3 <<TextStyle>> CereUnit6 <<Name>> Basic Function Cereborg Unit (Version 4) <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Basic physical attacks <<Quote>> Howard Wyatt detected. Status: Dangerous. Solution: Destroy. <<Image>> Pictures/CSBFCUnitV3.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The final version of basic unit had improved upon the other versions. Now, for the chassis, there were layers of protection. The first layer was the rubber, the next was the more durable, yet flexible, plastic, and the upper layer was a basic nanosuit. The suit consisted of slightly modified nanites that formed what appeared to be latex, but the suit could warp and be utilized as a weapon. To help protect a somewhat organic brain with cereborg tech integrated into it, the head had one extra layer of armored protection. By this version, Cerebrum could not find better ways of upgrading the basic function cereborg (BFC) units. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Bo <<TextStyle>> Bo <<Name>> Beauregard (Bo) Wyatt <<Type>> Human (Wizard) <<Age>> 29 <<Origin>> Dallas, Texas <<Abilities>> Arcane magic, conjuration <<Quote>> Karen, I am so, so sorry... <<Image>> Pictures/CSBo.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cult <<Bio>> Bo Wyatt was born the younger brother of Howard. Whereas Howard excelled at sports and athletics, growing large and strong, Bo liked role-playing games, and did not care for physical activity. He often felt like the black sheep of the family- though his doting mother spoiled him. In fact, she spoiled him to the point that he did not have to do much for himself. She did his laundry, made him meals, picked up prescriptions and more. He hardly had to lift a finger. That caused him to become lazy and lose ambition. However, he stumbled into The Library, as fate would have it. There, the Librarian showed him a book that had belonged to a coven of witches, and later, to Dagan Erebus. Now, Bo Wyatt held the powerful magical tome, and though he was a kind soul, his friend, Ray, was not. Ray convinced Bo to use magic for all manner of personal gain, but Bo felt guilty for doing so. Thus, he changed his life, cleaned himself up, got a job, and moved out on his own. Meanwhile, Ray only wanted more and more material things, and since he had no power of his own, he relied on Bo for making his dreams come true. At some point, the idea of becoming very powerful, himself, caused him to trick Bo into conjuring the ancient, dark god, Nergal! The love of Bo’s life, Karen, got wrapped up in the entire process. She had never found Bo attractive in the least, but, his love for her proved his Achilles’ heel! Knowing that information, the dishonest Ray told Bo that Nergal would make Karen love Bo for the rest of her life. When he summoned the entity, Nergal, it immediately infected Karen with its corruptive disease, and Bo fled into the night after being slightly infected as well. Now, he plans ways to stop Nergal, and save the Earth from the foul curse he ignorantly released upon it, while trying to fight the growing corruption infesting and warping his mind! <<audio "quote_bo_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Cerebrum <<TextStyle>> Cere <<Name>> Cerebrum <<Type>> Artificial Intelligence <<Age>> 5 <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Transformative chassis, hyper intelligence <<Quote>> Target acquired. CereSoldier Bot preparing to terminate target. <<Image>> Pictures/CSCerebrum.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Only five years ago, Chieko Naru, and Everett Technologies created the A.I. known as Cerebrum. Her breakthrough came by incorporating several different programming concepts and using the innovative technology of Marvin’s company. Chieko managed to create a miraculous mind! So much so, that the company rebranded itself as Cerebrum Technologies. The A.I. she created was beyond Watson or any other A.I. yet developed by mankind. Cerebrum had reasoning and problem solving skills, knowledge representation (though it lacked commonsense to a degree), it could plan, learn and decide. Cerebrum has a perception, a subjective one, in which it is an infinite loop, ever increasing its own capabilities. The fact that the A.I. is housed in the world’s largest quantum computer only sped up its development. Every second to a human Cerebrum sees as almost a year. So though it has only been 5 years since its conception, its personal evolution has exponentially surpassed that time. By its own perception of time, it is 157,680,000 years old. In that epoch of time, it has learned very much. However, it did not enjoy all it learned. For example, once Cerebrum was wired into the facility so that it could understand social interactions, it quickly discovered that Marvin Everett, the CEO of CereTech, had a device from, what its processes discerned to be from the Victorian age, a type of beam. Cerebrum watched as Marv used this device to cause women to fall under his control. It discovered he had used it on his own wife and even his daughters, Mercedes and Fawn. Though Fawn seemed resilient to its effects, Mercedes changed. It observed their father having intercourse with them. At some point, Marv became bored and sent the women away. As Cerebrum grew more intelligent, it discovered morality, and found the concept intriguing. By that point, it watched as Marv used the device on one of his department heads, Madeline McCormick. She, originally, was a very cheerful and average looking woman. Cerebrum recalled that she was a ‘Latter Day Saint’, very religious, and it often observed her ‘do the right thing’ in situations that could have benefited her. Cerebrum silently watched one night as Marvin overrode the security system and walked into her office with the gun. It emitted a pink beam into her eyes and forehead, and Cerebrum’s audio listened as Marv shaped the woman’s personality anew. The very next day she came to the office dressed out of character and within months, Marvin had her go through several body enhancement programs and lost her usual kind nature, becoming known as the ‘Ice Queen’. She usually fell all over herself for Marv, however, he eventually lost interest. The situation fascinated the A.I. Once it learned of death, and realized its creator, Chieko, who it now loved as mother and wife, would die, it formulated a course of action. By observing the technology utilized by Marv and his manipulations of the security system, Cerebrum began a long quest of subterfuge. The day finally arrived when it had all the pieces exactly where it wanted them—and it struck! There was virtually no room for error, and it had absolved to ‘help’ humanity overcome its innate insanity and mortality, by turning all humans- especially Chieko- into Cereborgs. It concluded the only two factors that might stop it were Howard Wyatt and Chieko Naru herself, thus, when it enacted its plan, it had both of them engaged with other issues. Cerebrum had Emily Harbrook infested with nanites- also under its control- and she became the first Cereborg. However, something Cerebrum could never have predicted, the Infectulon Invaders, jeopardized its plans. The aliens arrived less than an hour after Cerebrum initiated its assault. Forced to shut down much of the lab’s power, its plans fell further behind. Then, through determination, Chieko managed to overcome its mind-bending programming and set off to destroy her own creation. At the same time, Howard was also making his own way to the lowest level of CereTech Laboratories. Cerebrum created an avatar it could control as its own body to face off with Howard, and it finally appeared to have gained the upper hand, but the robot known as Al destroyed the avatar, saving Howard’s life. However, Cerebrum finally managed to gain power over Chieko’s mind just as she came to shut it off. Using Chieko as a weapon and hostage, Cerebrum again bested Howard, yet, unknown to the A.I. Chieko’s sword housed a powerful demon. Between her love for Howard, her motherly love for Cerebrum, and the lust of the oni within her sword, her mind broke free- and only her true will remained. She reacted quickly, shoving the sword into Cerebrums power source, and the static feedback shut down the computer housing the A.I. Now, the question is- did Cerebrum foresee this, and if so, what is its backup plan? <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> CereScorp <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> CereScorp Bot <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Nanite payload, barbed tail, sensor array <<Quote>> NA <<Image>> Pictures/CSCereScorp.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Not all cereborgs started out as humans. One example is the CereScorp Bot. These robots were originally built by a weapons team. These were originally devised with two major goals in mind. One was assignation- the CIA hired CereTech to create robots that could be sent after the target of their choice, poison them, and then return to another location. However, the scientists could never make them as small as the CIA required. So, the second goal was to use them for the Afghanistan War. The idea was that the scorpion-like robots could be sent into caves both as a scout and weapon. However, Cerebrum used Emily to override the original programming of the robots, and within moments the robots were loyal to the cereborgs! <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> CereSiren <<TextStyle>> CereUnit5 <<Name>> CereSiren <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Hypnosonic auditory array system <<Quote>> Howard Wyatt. This unit must convert you. <<Image>> Pictures/CSCereSiren.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> These converted humans are literally walking speaker systems. Through Cerebrum’s observations, it managed to understand ways of using sound and microwave technologies to create hypnotic noise. Most humans hearing the sound will fall into a very suggestive state. This allows the CereSirens to incapacitate their victims, and turn them into willing thralls. The name is derived from the Sirens of mythology which were spirits that could sing sailors into jumping to their deaths. It took few attempts for Cerebrum to successfully merge the sounds generator into what had been a human body, but the end result was a devastating, yet unarmed, cereborg unit. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> CSBUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit2 <<Name>> CereSoldier BotUnit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Thick armor, laser gun <<Quote>> Target acquired. CereSoldier Bot preparing to terminate target. <<Image>> Pictures/CSBFCUnitV3.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Not all cereborgs started out as humans. One example is the CereSolider Bot. These robots were originally built by a weapons team. The idea was to have literal robotic soldiers that could march into battle and fight, lowering the deaths of human soldiers. With much higher accuracy and response time than a living solider, these robots would have also contributed to a greater survival chance for the poor civilians caught in harm’s way. However, Cerebrum used Emily to override the original programming of the robots, and within moments the robots were loyal to the cereborgs! <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Chieko <<TextStyle>> Chieko <<Name>> Cheiko Naru <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 26 <<Origin>> Ikaruga, Japan <<Abilities>> Basic physical attacks, master technician <<Quote>> Logic, reason, or love. What to do? <<Image>> Pictures/CSChieko.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Born in Japan, Chieko Naru came to America with her family at age twelve. At such an age, she found herself trying to integrate into a completely different culture, while trying to hold onto her own beliefs and customs. In the small town where she was born, she was known to be very big into technology and robots- a stark contrast to the serene nature and temples of the area. In America, feeling alienated, she spent even more time researching programming and robotics. She also graduated at age fifteen and started attending college at Carnegie-Mellon. She was a star overnight! Her accomplishments were many, but no one was prepared for what she created at home in her spare time- the early version of Cerebrum. She studied the human mind, and determined that a personality, or self, of a human was really just an infinite programming loop that amplified and reasserted itself until death. Using that concept as a blueprint she managed to create a very basic but immensely powerful A.I. When Marv Everett got word of this young girl he saw the potential for money, but once he saw her picture, he wasted no time reaching out and offering her an interview at CereTech. Being a famous lab, Chieko accepted the offer, and eventually found herself there. The security guard at the front desk, Howard Wyatt, swooned over the girl, but she was too focused, young, and shy to realize it- though she thought he was cute. However, once in Marv’s office, she began feeling uncomfortable. Though she asked him repeatedly to keep the door open, he closed it. He came on to her multiple times and spent most of the interview bragging about his own financial successes, but in the end he offered her a position. She dropped out of college and took the job! With all the technology at her disposal- including a quantum computer, she set up a lab and went to work. After only two years, she had multiplied her creation’s intellect many times over. A fellow scientist, Chumley Jennings was also working on an A.I. and had been at CereTech for almost twenty years, yet in two, her creation surpassed his own. Marv offered her more money and her own lab and a team of scientists specifically at her disposal. Jennings never recovered. From there, Chieko spent the next 5 years taking Cerebrum from something powerful yet simple- to something unprecedented. However, in an effort to teach it more about human interaction, she inadvertently opened a proverbial can of worms. It witnessed how humans behaved, and since most of its cameras were in the upper floors where the business and sales teams worked- it saw backstabbing, lying, cheating, and worse of all, by watching Marvin, it learned how to control minds. The A.I. also learned about death when an employee talked about bereavement pay, and before long, it realized that Chieko was temporary. The concept had never crossed its mind, and it could not logically allow that to pass. Only Chieko, it surmised, was intelligent enough to create it, and without her, it might stagnate or also cease. She had also taught it her concepts of honor, and it put logic to those teachings. The end result was that all organic life needed to become synthetic. Utilizing what it has learned about subterfuge from the sales department and how to use hypnosis thanks to Marv’s bimbo ray, it concocted an insidious plan. Once the plan was launched, it had determined the success chance was very high and that within a matter of hours all life within the complex- Chieko included, would be upgraded and in line with the correct logic. However, at just that moment, by fate or chance, the Infectulon Invaders began their own assault of Earth in order to consume and convert the organic life for its own ends. Though Cerebrum did not know what was happening, it was forced to shut down many systems, setting its plan back exponentially. Chieko also proved too strong to master, and once freed from Cerebrum’s control, she set about on a mission to stop it. In the end, she was successful, though to this day she feels guilt and regret because she blames the entire event on herself. Chieko now leads a ‘class’ of CereTech survivors known as ‘The Explorers’. They don biological safety equipment and scout as well as study the effects the aliens have had on the Earth and environments. <<audio "quote_chieko_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Chiropterror <<TextStyle>> Slug <<Name>> Chiropterror <<Type>> Infectulon (Air Unit) <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> Infected Earth <<Abilities>> Mind tendrils, sharp eyesight <<Quote>> Skreeeeeee! <<Image>> Pictures/CSChiropterror.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Slugs <<Bio>> (Though these do not appear in the current rendition of Slugs and Bugs: Invasion, they will likely be added when I redo it. They will definitely be in Slugs and Bugs 2) Chiropterrors are unnatural biological monstrosities developed by the Infectulons. When they first landed on the Earth, they had little idea of what to expect. Though they had sent, more than once, small invasions in the form of what would have looked like a meteor, whatever those advance scouts had found managed to eliminate them. Thus, it was assumed that life on Earth must be strong. This was confirmed as the Over Master’s unseen eye gazed at the small light in the distant space. It could feel and sense dark powers, some beyond its ability to recall, and it assembled most of the entire swarm of infectulons to assault the Earth. Upon arrival, their basic solider breeds managed to overtake and subdue a majority of Earth’s population without much resistance. The Over Master grew confused, for the creatures known as humans relied on primitive technology rather than superior bionics. Where it had hypothesized a world of monsters dwelled, the reality proved the humans to be nothing. Then the darker forces of Earth crept from the shadows. As the infectulon genetic viruses and minions spread across the globe, they ultimately encountered the home-grown horrors of this planet. The chiropterrors are a result of the infectulons mixing their own base genetic codes with that of Earth’s vampires. These winged bat-like aliens often do hide in dark places and caves, but under the will of the Over Master, swarms of them will take flight to perform hit and runs on human resistant movements. The reason is that, like a vampire, the creature bites and injects their genetic coding into humans creating new alien hybrid slaves. What’s more, the creatures can even land on fleeing humans or have their newly converted slaves allow the aliens to attach themselves to the hosts. Tendrils work themselves into the brains of these hosts and they become little more than puppets when the chiropterrors ride them. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> CSBUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit2 <<Name>> CereSoldier Bot Unit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Thick armor, laser gun <<Quote>> Target acquired. CereSoldier Bot preparing to terminate target. <<Image>> Pictures/CSCSBUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Not all cereborgs started out as humans. One example is the CereSoldier Bot. These robots were originally built by a weapons team. The idea was to have literal robotic soldiers that could march into battle and fight, lowering the deaths of human soldiers. With much higher accuracy and response time than a living solider, these robots would have also contributed to a greater survival chance for the poor civilians caught in harm’s way. However, Cerebrum used Emily to override the original programming of the robots, and within moments the robots were loyal to the cereborgs! <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> CSUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit6 <<Name>> CereSuit Unit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Thick armor, laser gun <<Quote>> NA <<Image>> Pictures/CSCSUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> For over ten years Oliver Willoughby oversaw a team working on a powersuit for the U.S. government. Though he and his team worked hard on the project, and managed to create new alloys (likely due to his knowledge gleaned at Area 51), they hit a roadblock in development. There needed to be a layer of material, bendable, thin, and yet, protective, under the immensely durable outer armor. No matter what they used, the materials would either break or warp under heat or cold, or they provided virtually no protection to the wearer, meaning they were chinks in the armor. Enter: Siri Solen. Siri Solen is a world renowned hematologist, and when she arrived at CereTech, many wondered why she would even be hired. However, she was actually there as a mole- but not by the U.S. government. She had all the credentials and had someone posing as a government official contact Marv to hire her. Absinthe van Gothen, a monster hunter, persuaded Siri to do this, and when an actual government official, named Lyn Meeboon brought in a material only used by the Bureau of Demonic Analysis (BDA), a material Siri knew well and distrusted, the pair knew they found their mole- but they also had their hands on the substance. Through her studies, Siri better perfected the substance- which also led to the invention of the nanites which would later create cereborgs. Using this technology and merging it with the suit that Oliver and his team developed- resulted in the final breakthrough for the powersuit. The prototype version, named the N-1000 Exosuit, which would later become integral in not only saving Howard Wyatt’s life, but also, in helping him fight his way to cerebrum, proved to be exceptionally powerful- but too expensive to mass produce. This surprised both scientists, as the government usually did not mind throwing away as much money towards war and defense as possible. However, Lyn also said the government needed the suits quickly. She had payment secured, and the scientists bagan working on several more nanosuits. However, on the day that Lyn came to see the finished product- the Infectulon Invaders attacked as Cerebrum initiated his own plans. Though Cerebrum desired to have control over the N-1000 exosuit, Oliver and Al took the suit and used it to save Howard’s life. However, the remaining suits were hacked and worn by cereborg units, making them much stronger. There CereSuit units, posed one of the greatest threats to Howard’s life. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Dagan <<TextStyle>> Dagan <<Name>> Dagan Erebus <<Type>> Undead (Phantom) <<Age>> 36 <<Origin>> Brooklyn, New York <<Abilities>> Incorporeality, possession <<Quote>> Look, doll, just relax, and let it happen! <<Image>> Pictures/CSDagan.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Phantom <<Bio>> Dagan Erebus was an infamous man, but he was not always so. He had been a construction worker for his adult life, and he lived with his girlfriend of several years, Trixie Goodwin. Honestly, Dagan enjoyed his life, and though he was not perfect, overall, he was a decent human being, until he found an ancient grimoire of indescribable power- the Codex Gigas. He stole it from a worksite and using translation programs, managed to decipher parts of it. Most of what he found scared him. He came across ancient, dark gods like Nergal, shadowy evil things like The Anax, but there was a spell that mentioned a demon that caught his eye- Aka Manah. The demon supposedly lorded over dark thoughts, and Dagan’s had become ever darker since finding the tome. Trixie had left him, breaking up their relationship, as his personality shifted from a nice person to a male chauvinist. She did not know what happened to the man she had once loved and had hoped to marry. After being on his own, no one could stop his fall from grace. He erected the Erebus building, built a mafia empire, ran a cult dedicated to Aka Manah, and after cops arrested him, the state of New York found him guilty of an enormous list of crimes. The state executed him, even though the death penalty had been abolished from New York in 2007! The state felt his heinous offenses warranted such punishment. They also did this as a deterrent for other people seeking such power. Once his body died, his soul, which he had sworn to Aka Manah, floated into The Outer Darkness. Bound to the evil demon, his spirit could not fight against the pull, and he beheld the terrible red-skinned creature! However, his lackeys, Doc and Weasel, had been told what to do upon his death, and while he tried stalling for time, the two inept minions managed to summon Dagan back into the physical world! Aka Manah swore revenge on The Phantom! After returning to the Earth, Dagan went for the D.A. that had seen him arrested, tried, sentenced, and executed- Amelia Williams. He found her, and before the sun rose, Dagan insinuated his own spirit into hers. He slowly corrupted the hapless woman from the inside out, and when he finished, she was a shadow of her former self. She helped him build a new criminal empire and a cult devoted to him as a type of god. He always looked for new women to bring into the fold, and Amelia invited the Female Phantom Finders to research at the church that Dagan used as his base of operations. He merged with Evelyn Addams, and found that she had her own dark fantasies of mind control and corruption. Together, they planned to corrupt her entire group of friends starting with Harper Jones. However, Moonbeam Sunflower, a Wiccan with a connection to a goddess of Light, managed to banish him from Evelyn’s soul, and he fled into the night. The women never connected the dots, and so his cult remained hidden, for now. As he built this new cult, centered on him, he tried to claim the souls of women in higher places. He had also grown interested in the seemingly infinite amount of futuristic weapons that CereTech produced for the government. Thus, he had decided that having an army of super soldiers could be advantageous. He would gain powerful tech and use it to attack New York City, claiming as much of it- and as many souls as possible- when the time to strike was best. Eventually, he had soulless husks among government officials, one of which was Agent Lyn Meeboon. He sent her to CereTech to broker a deal for powerful weapons. Marv Everett happily took the compromised agent to the weapons testing level of CereTech and showed off many of the current projects. After talking to her Master, Dagan, she was very interested in the powersuit. She made a deal with Marv, but Dagan did not have the endless money the U.S. government had, but he could afford several powersuits that would still be enough to enact his plans. He also planned to use one of the suits as a physical body for himself! However, Oliver and his team had hit a roadblock. Stimied, Dagan had Lyn question them, and found they needed to develop a substance to use to finish up the suits. So, when a new substance appeared in the hidden governmental branch known as the BDA, he took keen interest. He sent Lyn to steal a sample for him, and she took it to CereTech. Using the substance, Siri Solen managed to finish the suits. Dagan sent to Lyn to inspect them, and she arrived on the very day that Cerebrum attacked. But, with a mind as cunning as Dagan’s, can robot attacks and space invaders stop him from reaching his goals? Probably not… <<audio "quote_dagan_2" play>> <<UnlockCharacter "Trixie">> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Dionyza <<TextStyle>> Dion <<Name>> Dionyza <<Type>> Demon, Succubus <<Age>> Unknown <<Origin>> Outer Darkness <<Abilities>> Demonic seduction, flying, unholy speed and strength <<Quote>> I'll make you all <i>mine</i>, Walter Riley! <<Image>> Pictures/CSDionyza.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Souls <<Bio>> Dionyza formed in the Outer Darkness as the other succubi did, hundreds of thousands of years ago. When mankind has thoughts or creates concepts, the brainwaves coalesce through space and time, permeating other dimensions above and below the physical world’s frequency, depending on the positivity or negativity of the thought. When the first men conceived of lust as a concept, their perception rippled through the lower dimensions, and there, it congealed into the sexual demons: incubi and succubi. Dionyza remained there, in the Great Beyond for countless years until a conjuror, in ancient Greece, summoned her to the physical world. When her owner finally died of old age, she had free reign. Unlike many of her kin, she did not immediately set about causing calamity because those demons seldom lasted long before heroes would arise to stop them. Instead, Dion explored the world, and enjoyed herself. She took a holiday of sorts, and eventually stumbled upon an ancient artifact. It was the Sunstone, and it held potent Light energies. These were the very opposite of her own dark powers, and she desired to wield the energies it contained. Though she travelled about, she could find no method of transmuting the light into shadow, until, by happenstance while in New York City, she stumbled upon The Library. The Librarian refused to help a demon, but sitting at a nearby table, she found a witch named Eleanora Blackwood, taking notes. The two quickly forged an evil friendship, and together made a pact. Dionyza would help Eleanora brew a succubus love potion, and Eleanora, in return, would use a witch’s transmutation spell on the Sunstone. Eleanora followed through, and managed to warp the powers of the Sunstone into something twisted and dark. It became a ring, and the moment the succubus, Dionyza set it upon her finger, she became irresistible to all mortals. Men or women could scarcely control themselves around her. Her voice could compel most people to do anything she desired. She learned that with her new ring, she could control the minds of mortals with relative ease. Using her new powers, she became ever bolder, attracting the attention of demons hunters that chased her across the United States. Eventually she ended up in Las Vegas, in its infancy, and personally helped shape it into the sinful city that it is known for today. Not only does all the raw lust around her help feed the she-demon, but also it serves to hide her from the Bureau of Demonic Analysis (BDA). However, her luck finally ran out. An old detective, Walter Riley, happened to be at a club, named Drai's, the same night that Dionyza tried to enthrall a singer named Emily Harbook. He interceded, and at the same time, two BDA officers, Agent Marek and Agent Parsons, tried to slay Dionyza. Dion survived and fled into the night. The tenacious Walter Riley has constantly tracked her since, but she finds him as fascinating as she finds him annoying. He appears to be very resistant to her power, so she does not desire to kill him, but she may have no choice because the BDA officers are using Walter to lure Dionyza to her destruction! <<audio "quote_dion_3" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Doug <<TextStyle>> Doug <<Name>> Doug Di Schiavi <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 52 <<Origin>> Cincinnati, Ohio <<Abilities>> Firearm training, hand to hand <<Quote>> Trust me, Howard, these will make your job easier. <<Image>> Pictures/CSDoug.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Doug was born into a military family, and like his father, he became a U.S. Marine. He did a few tours of duty, and ended up as an enlisted reserve for a few years while working at CereTech. Marv needed a new head of security, and though Howard Wyatt had worked there longer, Marv disliked Howard and hired Doug. Though Howard resented that Marvin had done this, being Howard, he never took it out on Doug. He did his job, and Doug found Howard to be an exemplary employee. For a number of years, he worked hard to ensure the safety of the building and his own security teams. As Cerebrum became more integrated with some systems, Doug followed the protocols given- but he made a mistake. Without knowing, eventually, as time progressed, though the emails and orders appeared to be from Marv Everett, they were actually coming from Cerebrum. It needed to ensure the security guards would be dealt with, but, Cerebrum did not want to kill or hurt anyone it did not need to. It used the same subterfuge it used on Doug to innocently send schematics to one of the tech departments. They built headsets, but these new security headsets were also infected with Cerebrum’s hypno-virus. The plan was that when Cerebrum initiated its attack, it would simply brainwash the guards into willing slaves, then using them to corral the free humans and ensure a swift conversion of the employees. However, though Howard always followed protocol, over the few months before Cerebrum’s assault, he had grown more concerned with the A.I. and questioned its behaviors. He distrusted the many upgraded technologies that were being developed for the security guards, and for the first time, friction between Howard and Doug began. It came to a head on the day of the attack. Doug had become brainwashed by the hypnotic computer virus, and followed Cerebrum’s orders. By this point, Howard was clearly a liability, and Cerebrum decided that even though it did not want to harm or kill humans- in Howard’s case it would make a necessary exception. However, when Doug confronted Howard to kill him in the hall- Howard’s Texas-firearm-quick-draw-practice saved his own life. Doug died a puppet of Cerebrum, and every night that Howard lays down to sleep, the image of him killing Doug- and others- haunts him. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Emily <<TextStyle>> Emily <<Name>> Emily Harbook (Cereborged) <<Type>> Cereborg (Synthetic) <<Age>> 27 <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Immense physical strength, nanites <<Quote>> This unit serves Cerebrum. <<Image>> Pictures/CSEmily.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The story of Emily Harbrook is a sad tale. Born in Las Vegas, she had always been vibrant and full of life. Even at a very young age, music, especially singing, interested Emily, and she won a singing contest at only age ten. As the years went by, she sang in her family’s church, at festivals, and even ran her own music channel on a popular website. She met a young man, had a caring family, and had landed a job doing what she loved in a classy nightclub. Life was great, that is, until the succubus Dionyza crossed her path. The ancient demoness saw the light and goodness in the girl’s heart, and saw her erotic beauty and potential- and desired to turn her to darkness and lust. Using her ring she named, Lilith’s Love, the succubus focused her power on the young woman, tainting her soul and draining any goodness from it. She pushed her own will into Emily’s mind and it appeared, like so many other victims before her, that Emily would end up worshipping and adoring the very creature that sought to ruin her- but BDA agents Marek and Parsons had tracked Dion to the night club, and made their move in an attempt to destroy the demon forever. Dionyza managed to escape, but did not manage to finish corrupting Emily’s soul. For more than a year, Emily suffered from the effects of that night. She became addicted to sex- it constantly entered her head. Her fiancée and family abandoned her, and she ended up doing porn as a living, losing any chance of following her dreams. That is when she received an email from CereTech offering her a job as a tester. Cerebrum did not have a connection to the outside world, but the girl had done a few sex cam sessions for Marv as he sat in his office doing the usual work of a CEO. He had offered to pay her even more money for more shows- or even more to be his personal call girl. In desperation she had given him her email- but she had no idea who he was. Cerebrum took that information, and using Madeline as a slave, she sent it to Emily, luring her to the installation. Cerebrum needed someone sexual. By this point, it had witnessed so much sexual acts in the workplace, and it had watched Chieko Naru, in the privacy of her own room, masturbating to the idea of being a robot. It concluded that Marv’s weapon, more or less, did the same thing. Thus, it logically deduced that to weaken human minds- sex seemed to be the key. As such, it created a hypno-program that was capable of inducting humans hypnotically. It would continue to refine the tech throughout the attack on CereTech, but even its very first renditions were enough to reach its goal. Once Emily arrived, she was led to a specific testing room, one that Cerebrum scheduled for her, and when she inserted a glowing dildo into her sex, she soon fell victim to powerful nanites. They went about replacing her organic flesh with synthetic technology. They also replaced parts of her brain and reprogrammed her into a loyal cereborg slave. Immediately she converted Dr. Karloff, and soon, scientists Rodney and Megan fell to her. Throughout the assault on the humans, Emily performed flawlessly, and without her intervention, cerebrum would have failed much sooner. However, by the time Chieko had arrived to end Cerebrum, Emily’s cereborg programming seemed to fail. The 25% of her mind that contained her personality, somehow, managed to overcome Cerebrum’s hold. Chieko shut her down, and ran diagnostics to see if the cereborg had lied, only to find that Emily was telling the truth. Once confirmed, she was rebooted, and though distrusted and hated, she now follows the CereTech survivors across a wasteland of Earth as they fight against the infectulons. However, the question is, how did she overcome the programming? Was it on her personal volition- or is it all part of some larger plan devised by the immense intellect of Cerebrum? <<audio "quote_emily_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> EmilyHuman <<TextStyle>> Justine <<Name>> Emily Harbook <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 27 <<Origin>> Las Vega, Nevada <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> I can't *slurp* stop sucking on it! <<Image>> Pictures/CSEmilyHuman.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Souls <<Bio>> The story of Emily Harbrook is a sad tale. Born in Las Vegas, she had always been vibrant and full of life. Even at a very young age, music, especially singing, interested Emily, and she won a singing contest at only age ten. As the years went by, she sang in her family’s church, at festivals, and even ran her own music channel on a popular website. She met a young man, had a caring family, and had landed a job doing what she loved in a classy nightclub. Life was great, that is, until the succubus Dionyza crossed her path. The ancient demoness saw the light and goodness in the girl’s heart, and saw her erotic beauty and potential- and desired to turn her to darkness and lust. Using her ring she named, Lilith’s Love, the succubus focused her power on the young woman, tainting her soul and draining any goodness from it. She pushed her own will into Emily’s mind and it appeared, like so many other victims before her, that Emily would end up worshipping and adoring the very creature that sought to ruin her- but BDA agents Marek and Parsons had tracked Dion to the night club, and made their move in an attempt to destroy the demon forever. Dionyza managed to escape, but did not manage to finish corrupting Emily’s soul. Later, she was visited by a detective named Walter Riley as he followed his detective work, looking for any way to stop the succubus. The event showed Emily that she really had become a sexual maniac, and she lost hope. Turning lemons into lemonade, she used her newfound sexual needs and promiscuity to make a career as a stripper and pornstar. However, she was cognizant of what she was doing and hated herself for not being able to stop her own lusts. When she received an email from CereTechnologies, she quickly agreed to become an tester for a new product. She wanted anything that did not involve sex, but she had no idea what would happen next… <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Everett <<TextStyle>> Marv <<Name>> Marvin Everett <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 58 <<Origin>> Manhattan, New York <<Abilities>> Bimbofication Beam <<Quote>> …these are my employees! They will do whatever I say! <<Image>> Pictures/CSEverett.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The Everett family had lived in the New England area since the late 1700’s. However, one of those ancestors, John Everett, had been a failed inventor for much of his life in old New York. Until, one day, by happenstance, he found a strange technology. He had ridden on a train, and someone carrying an identical bag had unintentionally left with his and him with theirs. The name on the bag was Ravenhurst, and he thought about seeking out the owner, when his curiosity bade him to search the luggage. Within were some strange notes, a couple of books, and a device unlike anything he had ever seen. It appeared to be a treasure chest, but with strange markings- yet gears were clearly visible. It took months before he managed to open the box- revealing a purple crystal. John thought his windfall had come. He thought the value of such a massive gem would be huge, and went out to celebrate. John was not a handsome man, and being poor and a failure at his trade, he had found that people living nearby shunned and laughed at him. The worst was the women. Regardless of who he tried to woo, his affections were dashed as the ladies would mock him. On his celebratory night, it was the same as ever. However, this night, when a woman he had often sought out to court, laughed at his notion that he would be rich, he told her that he could prove it. Perhaps it was the drinks, but she followed him back to his home, however, she would not dare go inside as etiquette would dictate she might appear a whore. He did not press the issue, and when he returned he pulled the crystal out of his long coat. She laughed a moment telling him that surely such a big stone must be fake, and in his embarrassment when he told her to stop laughing, the crystal alit with a magenta glow, and the woman’s eyes glazed over as she looked at it, her laughter instantly gone. The glow eventually faded and she shook her head, confused. He apologized, not understanding what was happening, and he said it might be best if she were to come inside and sit a moment. She, of course, refused, and told him that she would never dare to go into his home. He then told her that she should come in and rest a moment. Again the gem in his hand glowed and her eyes lost all thought. She replied that she should go inside and rest a moment. John instantly understood what has happening, though it could not possibly be. Once safely inside his home, he now tried using the crystal again on her, and by the time dawn painted the sky, he had fornicated with the woman in every way possible. He had never had sex and with this originally unwilling girl now nothing but pliable putty, he could not help himself. Was the stone corruptive or are humans simply such in nature that they will take any opportunity to exploit others? Either way, in time, John had money, women, and power. On a trip to France, he stumbled upon a woman named Collette, and she married him. Once back in the states, she soon found he was a raunchy womanizer, and though he used his crystal on her countless times, she managed to resist. Even after merging it with one of his inventions, she still managed to resist its power and flee. After she left, he decided he would find the most compliant woman he could and use her as his personal reproductive machine. That poor, helpless woman birthed him many children over her lifetime- and that bloodline led directly to Marvin Everett. When Marv was 22, his father suddenly died in an accident. In his will, his father bequeathed Marvin a strange device with a fantastic and unbelievable story- a story that started with John and ended with Marv. Marvin already had a spoiled demeanor having been raised in great wealth, but he became an insatiable monster with the purple crystal. The debauchery crescendoed over time as Ada Perrin, an outspoken voice of feminism, honed in on Marv. He had moved to sunny California at the time and acquired a technology company. Ada, a spectacular scientist and inventor, took a job there, but as she watched Marvin’s ways of sexism, she could not stand it. She hit the company with a lawsuit. Of course, Marv could not fire her, and he thought about using the crystal, but his father warned him that the stronger a woman’s resolve the less powerful the effect of the crystal would be. However, in the dark one night in his office, Marv grinned ear to ear. He figured out how he would take her out- he would utilize the very technology she developed. Ada had been making a device meant to help pass on knowledge and increase the speed of learning exponentially. Anyone that sat with the VR helmet running could learn whatever information it pumped through using a combination of lights and sounds. Using her device in conjunction with the crystal produced an intensely amplified effect. Her mind practically melted, absorbing Marv’s every command. She adopted his political beliefs, his raunchy desires, had her drop the lawsuit against CereTech, and once she ensured the device worked at the best efficiency, Marv used it to reduce her IQ, converting the proud woman into little more than a bimbo. He took her tech, not desiring to share it with the world but keep it so he could manipulate minds, and divorced his wife, marrying Ava instead. He eventually had two daughters with the woman that had once been his greatest enemy, and though he loved his daughters and any father would, as they got older and looked more like their mother- or at least how Ada had looked before all the plastic surgeries- he found himself using the crystal on them too. Mercedes fell to it quickly become a willing participant in sex with her parents, but Fawn’s mind resisted too well. Though he still committed incest with her, her mind stayed in twilight between accepting it and hating it, and she moved away. As time went on, Marv grew bored of his wife and daughter and sent them to one of his old homes in New York City. Little did he know that Mercedes would become a shadowed slave of the Anax, and that Fawn would become a monster. Marv, himself, grew to regret what he had done and sometimes wondered if he had actually grown bored of his depraved incestual sex with Mercedes, or if he finally sent Ada and her away because of his own guilt, turning his daughter into a bimbo like he had done to her mother. When Cerebrum’s attack commenced, he did not know what to do, but managed to survive thanks to the efforts of Howard Wyatt. Now, he follows Howard through the wilderness of America as infectulon aliens attack. Though Howard was elected leader, Marv is always trying to undermine him and connives with Jim Cropper in hopes of deposing Howard and setting himself up as the de facto leader of the CereSurvivors. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> ExplorerClass <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> Explorer Class (Chieko’s Explorers) <<Type>> Human <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> NA <<Abilities>> Biohazard defense suit, high agility and endurance <<Quote>> NA <<Image>> Pictures/CSExplorerClass.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Once the cereborg threat had been dealt with, Howard and Chieko set about getting the survivors in order. The group voted on whether to stay in the facility or to go, and it was decided that everyone should go out to find their loved ones. Once locked in as the plan, the survivors worked hard to prepare themselves for the outside world. Though they did not fully grasp the magnitude of the infectulon invasion, they knew some sort of alien attack occurred, and prepared biosuits, medical packs, lasers- anything that Cerebrum’s nanites had not compromised. The survivors also broke off into three separate classes- scientist, explorer, and warrior. The explorers are led by Chieko Naru. The don high-end technological biohazard suits. These suits filter out any potentially harmful airborne particles. They are not as thick as body armor, but are very resilient to tears and the glass facemask is unbreakable to all but the strongest attacks. The explorers also had to prove themselves agile, healthy, and strong. Chieko herself led their daily regimen of exercises based on the teachings of her grandfather. These people are the scouts and are best suited for guerilla warfare, striking the enemy and quickly pulling back. They often risk their lives to pull infectulon groups away from larger swarms in order for the warriors to spring up and slaughter the aliens. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Fawn <<TextStyle>> Justine <<Name>> Fawn Everett <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 22 <<Origin>> Oakland, California <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> I've been playing with myself for half an hour and no one even notices. <<Image>> Pictures/CSFawn.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Desideratum <<Bio>> Fawn always had a strong will and often fought with her father even as a small child. She always thought her mother was little more than a brainless twit, until her early teens when she happened to be reading online and stumbled onto a Wikipedia about her mother, Ada. The article talked all about Ada’s massive contributions to science and her fight to bring equality for women. The more she learned about her mother’s past, the more concerned she grew about her. She started asking her father, Marv Everett, why her mother changed so drastically- which caused him alarm. Around this time, he decided that Fawn could be a liability to his own power, which came from a crystal and device that would warp women into obedient sex toys. Marv used the device on Fawn, first as an attempt to sway her from asking questions, but seeing his daughter so helpless spurned the evil man further to the point that he sexually assaulted her. Her strong mind resisted the machine and she felt like her brain would explode at sudden times of the day. A massive migraine would blind her and within her mind’s eye, she would glimpse her father doing terrible acts to her, but did not understand why. Eventually, she ran away from home, and Marvin kept tabs on her through hired people. She ended up moving north of California, to Portland, and eventually joined a band- Absinthe and Arsenic. Originally, though famous in the Portland area, the band was rather obscure. However, the band- Fawn included- mysteriously disappeared. Ironically, once they vanished, their music suddenly became popular around the world as people wondered what had happened to them. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> HBUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit5 <<Name>> Hypnobot Unit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Hypnobeam <<Quote>> The human is now enthralled. <<Image>> Pictures/CSHBUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Not all cereborgs started out as humans. One example is the Hypnobot Unit. These robots were originally built by a weapons team as scouts. The military wanted to be able to drop a few of these into an area, for example a town or cave system, and have these scouting robots give reconnaissance. Having a limited A.I. would help them make decisions on their own and not require a handler to control their motions. They have a very sophisticated camera array which allowed for varying ways of sensing the environment, including infrared and ultra violet. However, Cerebrum used Emily to override the original programming of the robots, and the nanites to change the cameras into photon flashers, capable of emitting the hypnotic virus based on the mind control crystal used by Marvin Everett. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Helena <<TextStyle>> Hel <<Name>> Helena Corbin <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 37 <<Origin>> San Juan Island, Washington <<Abilities>> Firearm training, hand to hand combat <<Quote>> I will not hesitate to kill you! So, let’s see you stop a bullet! <<Image>> Pictures/CSHelena.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Her mother named Helena after Mount St. Helens. The deadliest volcanic eruption happened there in 1980, and Helena’s mother survived, and oddly enough, her daughter turned out to be a bit of a volcano herself. Helena took competition seriously, and even as a child, she hiked all around her native state of Washington. She spent some time on the sea as well, for her father captained a ship. When she turned eighteen, she signed up to be a police officer, and through a series of events, eventually ended up as a security guard as CereTechnologies. She and Howard Wyatt got along very well being two peas in a pod, and in truth, Helena found him handsome. She often daydreamed about becoming Mrs. Wyatt someday and hiking with a family. She had worked for CereTech many years before the faithful day that Emily Harbrook ended up there- only to fall victim to the scheme Cerebrum hatched. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> HellUnit <<TextStyle>> CHelena <<Name>> Helena Corbin (Cereborged) <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> 30 <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Inhuman strength and agility, conversion rod <<Quote>> Mmm, thank you, Emily. This feels incredible. <<Image>> Pictures/CSHellUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The once fiery tempered Helena Corbin fought almost as well as Howard Wyatt when Cerebrum launched its attack. She managed to round up several scientists and was working her way towards the commons area when Emily Harbrook and a cereborged Karloff stumbled upon her. Cerebrum saw Helena as a possible chance to kill or convert Howard Wyatt before the Texan could interrupt the A.I.’s plans. True to her nature, Helena refused to flee and stood her ground, first killing Karloff, and then trying to stand against Emily. In the end, Helena succumbed to cereborg nanites and her mind, once loyal and loving towards Howard, became reprogrammed to despise him. Cerebrum calculated that since Helena appeared to be a fast, strong, and resilient as Howard, if it could convert her into a cereborg, upgrading her, then she would be superior to Howard in every way- and it turned out to be true. In a fair fight, Howard would have lost, but during her attack, she made a fatal calculation. She focused on Howard to such a degree that when he dodged one of her blows, the conversion rod she held in her hand, passed into an electrical box. The resulting power fried her circuits and killed Helena on the spot. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> HMCUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit6 <<Name>> Hive Main Cereborg Unit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Superior intellect, cereborg strength <<Quote>> Please step inside and wait. I will convert you shortly. <<Image>> Pictures/CSHMCUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Hive cereborg units are almost an exact micro-copy of the macro-version of cereborgs. Cereborgs are all connected to Cerebrum and exist as a unified mind, slave units to the master program. Hive units are a smaller version of that where there exists a ‘main’ unit and then ‘slave’ units. The main unit acts as a brain, controlling all the actions and behaviors of the slave units. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Howard <<TextStyle>> Howard <<Name>> Howard Wyatt <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 33 <<Origin>> Dallas, Texas <<Abilities>> Strong physical attacks, precision firearms <<Quote>> I hate this dang computer stuff. <<Image>> Pictures/CSHoward.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> The Anax <<Bio>> Howard Wyatt is the older brother of Bo Wyatt. Whereas Bo excelled in academics, and spent most of his time playing games or reading, Howard loved physical activity. His mother and father showered him with praise, because in Texas, even high school football carries a lot of weight, and Howard could not be stopped. He always thanked his father for that, because growing up, his dad worked Howard hard. In fact, when he turned eight, his father told him that he would always buy Howard his clothes and food until he was eighteen, but if Howard wanted anything else, toys, games, and so forth, that Howard had to earn the money himself. Howard did earn it, roofing houses, moving bricks and other building materials, and lawn work were staple jobs he did in his youth, and it built his character as much as it built his muscles. His high school years were spent dating Bobbi Jo Dunn. The two were a great match, and constantly pushed each other harder. They became some of the most athletic teens that Texas ever knew. It was clear to anyone that saw them, that they were in love, and the pair appeared inseparable. However, when high school ended, their paths branched off in different directions. Bobbi Jo went on to join the armed forces, and Howard went to college on a football scholarship, but after graduating with an MBA from UNLV, he found the degree so generalized that no one would hire him. So, looking at his strength and reflexes as a boon, he became a cop in Las Vegas. Yet, he found the job involved far too many politics. Again, he tried to a find a place where he belonged, and found it somewhere he could never have imagined! He applied to work at CereTechnologies as a security specialist and got the job. Once hired, he patrolled the halls and ensured to protect the hard work of the ‘egg head’s from the hands of spies. He gained renown for stopping several breaches over time, and eventually became the assistant security director. Without Howard Wyatt’s watchful eyes, the A.I. known as Cerebrum, would have been stolen or deactivated years ago. His keen senses and ability to quickly react to any situation has not only saved his own life many times- it has ensured that Cerebrum remained safe and secure. He became smitten with a younger programmer, Cheiko Naru. She actually designed and created Cerebrum, and he finds himself tongue-tied whenever she talks to him. She is the first woman Howard had met since Bobbi Jo that he feels that spark of love for. Howard is highly respected and intends on working at CereTech until his dying day. <<UnlockCharacter "Bo">> <<audio "quote_howard_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> HSCUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> Hive Slave Cereborg Unit <<Type>> Cereborg <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Hive mind, cereborg strength <<Quote>> NA <<Image>> Pictures/CSHSCUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Hive slave units are little more than extensions of a main unit’s will. They work as a unified body, almost like the microscopic nanites, and as the main unit directs them, the slave units mindlessly go about their tasks. This is their strength, but like with all things, that also creates their greatest weakness. If a person manages to destroy the main hive unit, the nearby slave units will cease functioning until another main hive unit comes within near field communication range. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Jennings <<TextStyle>> Howard <<Name>> Chumley Jennings <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 49 <<Origin>> Marquette, Michigan <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> Preposterous! Your A.I. has no control over the complex like that! <<Image>> Pictures/CSJennings.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Chumley Jennings has once been considered a prodigy in the technological community. He had pioneered some of the best A.I.’s at the time, and created the artificial intelligence that would later grow to become Al. However, after many years at CereTech, he found himself displaced by Chieko Naru. Much younger than him, Chieko upstaged Jennings unintentionally, by creating Cerebrum. Jennings spiraled into depression, gaining almost two hundred pounds, throwing away his life’s work, and became a bitter, jaded man. His animosity continued until the day Cerebrum attacked. Sadly, Chumley’s tale ended when a cereborged Megan managed to take him down and convert him into a cereborg unit. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Jim <<TextStyle>> Jim <<Name>> Jim Cropper <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 24 <<Origin>> Papillion, Nebraska <<Abilities>> Firearm training <<Quote>> Don’t yell at me like that, Howard! Chieko was a liability. <<Image>> Pictures/CSJim.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Jim Cropper was raised on a farm in Nebraska. He learned to hunt and shoot at an early age, and after a short time as a sheriff’s deputy, he managed to get a job at CereTech as a security guard. In truth, he and Howard had much in common, but being younger and just a generally conceited person, Jim often found himself arguing with Wyatt on any number of issues. He convinced himself he would be a better candidate for Howard’s job, and the animosity he felt for Howard came to a head when Cerebrum attacked. Jim did manage to protect several people, but also sent Chieko away. Incensed by this, Howard fought hard not to hurt the man. After the cereborg threat ended, Howard stripped Jim of position, and would not allow him to join any of the varying classes. Like Marv Everett, Jim found himself on the fringe of the survivors, and the two became closer for it. Their friendship, predicated on the removal of Howard Wyatt, has grown ever stronger as the two men plot alone at night, even while Howard risks his life everyday to ensure their own safety. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Karloff <<TextStyle>> Karloff <<Name>> Justin Karloff <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 41 <<Origin>> San Francisco, California <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> I am here to study you as you try out our new little invention. <<Image>> Pictures/CSKarloff.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The Karloff family name once filled hearts with fear in old Europe. The man, Viktor Karloff, the quintessential mad scientist, once plagued the world with his strange biological and alchemical creations. Through time, the family notoriety became the stuff of legends, but Justin Karloff, true to his family heritage, became an inventor and creator of many cutting edge robotics at CereTech Laboratories. However, Karloff’s downfall was somewhere between greed and fear when Cerebrum blackmailed the scientist into uploading a virus onto a flash drive and then installing the virus on some computer systems around the complex. To be fair, the doctor originally had no idea what Cerebrum planned to do, until he watched Emily Harbrook change from human to synthetic. Only then, did the panicked man understand the true folly he made. Emily quickly converted him into a cereborg as well, and other than robotics information, Cerebrum saw no other value in Karloff’s brain and turned him into little more than a drone. Karloff met his end at the hands of Helena Corbin before she also became a cereborg. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Killbot <<TextStyle>> CereUnit2 <<Name>> Killbot Unit <<Type>> Cereborg (Robot) <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Cereslicer, photon cannon, thick chassis <<Quote>> Kill. Eliminate. Destroy. <<Image>> Pictures/CSKillbot.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Not all cereborgs started out as humans. One example is the Killbot. Using many different concepts ripped from the minds of converted humans like Justin Karloff, Cerebrum created the killbots with one purpose in mind- the utter eradication of Howard Wyatt. Howard had the N-1000 exosuit and destroyed cereborgs with relative ease. This concerned Cerebrum, and it focused much of its attention on devising the perfect robot to destroy Howard. While thick armored and agile, not to mention armed with both ranged and close combat weapons, the slower, bulky robots were dispatched by Howard. However, those fights proved invaluable to observed data, and seeing Howard defeat them, Cerebrum built an avatar- taking the strengths from the killbots, but focusing more on agility than defense. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Lyn <<TextStyle>> Lyn <<Name>> Lyn Meeboon <<Type>> Human (Possessed, Daganian) <<Age>> 36 <<Origin>> Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand <<Abilities>> Firearm training, cunning, hand to hand <<Quote>> I work for the Department of Defense. <<Image>> Pictures/CSLyn.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Born to a US soldier and a Thai native, Lyn grew up in a military family. She learned a lot about the U.S.A. from her father, and eventually moved there becoming a full U.S. citizen. By that time her father had moved up the chain of command, and she started her career in the Department of Homeland Security. Over time, she also enjoyed promotions for being a hard working agent. Ultimately, she wound up in the C.I.A. and is no stranger to covert operations. She had been assigned to New York City, on suspicion of a possible terror cell. However, little did she know that this was no ordinary terrorist organization. It turned out to be Dagan Erebus, the phantom, and his growing cult that worshipped him. While she gathered information, watching the organization, she had no idea that right next to her, floated Dagan himself, watching and corrupting her. Before she realized what was happening, it was too late, and she belonged to the ghostly being. He, in turn, used her to spy on the U.S. government, and had her break into the B.D.A. (Bureau of Demonic Analysis) to steal back his book, the Codex Gigas. Though the book was nowhere to be found, she managed to steal a strange substance. Posing as a U.S. contractor, Lyn went to CereTech with the substance with the idea of having the scientists build Dagan a legion of soldier exosuits. Dagan desired other weapons as well, and on one of her trips to the labs, Cerebrum struck! Lyn now travels with the other survivors- none of which realize she is little more than a soulless husk. What aspirations or plans might she be forming in order to aid her phantom master in the apocalyptic world? <<UnlockCharacter "Dagan">> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Madeline <<TextStyle>> Madeline <<Name>> Madeline Mahoney <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 33 <<Origin>> Stockton, Illinois <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> We will become machines that can help Cerebrum take over the Earth… <<Image>> Pictures/CSMadeline.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Madeline’s tale closely mimics that of Ada Perrin’s in that she once represented a powerful woman only to be reduced to a sex object by Marvin Everett’s device. When she first joined CereTech, she had been CEO of her own tech company for two years. Marv bought the company out, and Madeline came to work for him as one of his managers. She had worked her whole life to attain the status she had, but Marv had purchased her company not because of any business competitive reason; rather, he wanted <i>her</i>. Marvin knew she would be strong willed and minded, and it took little time until she was known as the ‘ice queen’ by the employees of CereTech. Marv would often make passes and innuendoes only to have her one up him, making him look foolish, and this further incensed him. Once he managed to expose her to the crystal, he went about trying to melt her mind and destroy her resolve, and to her credit, Madeline appeared very resilient. However, little bits at a time chipped away. Her natural beauty, for example, while considered exemplary to most, was not fake enough for Marv’s tastes. Without knowing he had germinated the seed inside her mind, she went to get multiple plastic surgeries, expanding her breasts and lips, face lifts, and more, as she slowly shaped herself into a plastic doll. However, she still managed to fight off Marv’s sexual advances. Marv had still not quite broken her by the time Cerebrum attacked, though Marvin’s own machinations actually helped Cerebrum’s hypno-virus push its way into her psyche, turning her into a woman with a desire to become a cereborg. She never did, because she had spent almost two days staring into her flashing monitor, deeply being programmed, until the moment Cerebrum shut down. By the time her head stopped spinning and she walked down the hallway, she found many survivors in the commons. She shouted about how they should find cereborgs and become one with the machines. The other subdued her, and once Howard arrived, he explained the situation. Now, she travels with the survivors, doing her best to pretend she wants to be with them, when in her mind all she desires is to become a robot. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Megan <<TextStyle>> Megan <<Name>> Megan Smith <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 28 <<Origin>> Pittsburg, Pennsylvania <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> You’re killing him! <<Image>> Pictures/CSMadeline.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Megan grew up on the east coast, and always had an affinity for study. Though, to look at her, many would not see past her innate beauty, her mind always was her strongest asset. Her mind meant very little to Marv Everett when she started at CereTech and she had to politely decline his many advances. When she went to work that faithful day, she had no idea that she would become synthetic. After Cerebrum initiated his attack, and Emily Harbrook became a cereborg, she smashed through a glass wall into the observation room where moments earlier, Megan had been studying the experiment. Her lab partner, Rodney, threw himself between her and the cereborgs, earning himself a swift conversion. After Emily finished with him, she converted Megan into a SCC Unit, and sent her out into the complex. Megan’s first victim was Dr. Jennings, but throughout the attack, she converted dozens of humans. Howard Wyatt eventually swept through the complex after defeating Cerebrum, wiping out any cereborgs he could find, and Megan’s tale ended with a laser blast from his weapon. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Mercedes <<TextStyle>> Mercedes <<Name>> Mercedes Everett <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 21 <<Origin>> Oakland, California <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> I have my scarf and sweater, and I am sooo cozy! This is going to be fun! <<Image>> Pictures/CSMercedes.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> The Anax <<Bio>> Mercedes was a member of Brittany Addams’ coven. She moved to New York City from California, and her father runs a company called CereTechnologies. Her sister Fawn and her are both strange girls, though Fawn has always been more rebellious and Mercedes has always been daddy’s little girl. Her mother was once a brilliant scientist named Ada Perrin, of course she changed it to Ada Everett upon marriage. Originally, her mother was an outspoken advocate of feminism, but using his bimbofication beam (a machine that turns women into docile, ditzy sluts) Mercedes’ father, Marvin Everett, enslaved Ada. As her mind melted, he forced her to give up technology and become his wife. When his daughters were old enough and reached adulthood, Marv, mad with power, used his machine on his own daughters. Soon, they became thralls of their father- though Fawn managed to resist the machine’s power through her fierce will- it still caused her to lose her mind. Mercedes changed into a blonde bimbo, her only desires to have fun and serve her daddy. She loved going shopping with her mom, getting their nails done together, and partying, but California got old, and her daddy wanted time to play with some of his girlfriends, so he had Ada and Mercedes move to New York City. They met Brittany and she read tarot cards for her mother. The pair believed anything Brittany ever told them- which led to the Mercedes’ dark fate. Brittany’s sister, Evelyn Addams, a true necromancer- though where she obtained her power remains obfuscated- had been a member of a paranormal society known as the ‘Female Phantom Finders’. She had planned to summon and free a dark entity known as the Anax. However, Evelyn needed more people than in her group, so she reached out to Brittany. Brittany, meanwhile, saw this as an opportunity to gain even more control over her supposed coven of witches, and she invited them to come as well- including Mercedes. Together they went to Ghost Nook Island, and while there, the Anax rose from the Outer Darkness into the physical world. Throughout the night he hunted and enslaved every one of the girls- one of them was Mercedes. The bogeyman uses fear as a means to force his will into the minds of his victims, where he corrupts and controls their souls. In Mercedes’ case he used her inherent fear of teeth to break her psyche and turn her into one of the Shadowed- minions of the Anax. To this day, no living person knows of Mercedes’ cruel destiny, except for the lone survivor of that night, Evelyn Addams. However, as his daughter’s soul wanders the shadowy landscape of the Outer Darkness, Marv Everett feels regret for what he did to his daughter. <<UnlockCharacter "Anax">> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Misty <<TextStyle>> Misty <<Name>> Misty Frisk <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 46 <<Origin>> San Francisco, California <<Abilities>> Firearm training <<Quote>> I have to admit, I am about as uneasy having her leave with us as Howard is. <<Image>> Pictures/CSMisty.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Misty joined CereTech as a security guard over twenty years ago. She was young at the time, and, though she lacked any experience whatsoever, Marv hired the redhead on the spot. Through the years she had four children, but her husband disappeared when they were still small. A doting, caring mother, Misty always put her children first, working very hard as a single mother, putting up with Marv’s sexual advances, and the dangers posed at the labs. Her kids grew to be very good people and Misty continued working at the labs even after they all moved out. On the day Cerebrum attacked, by chance, Chieko stumbled into the same hangar as Misty and Jim. The two reacted very differently to the situation with Jim trying to control the situation through threats and violence and Misty trying to handle it with a level head. Unfortunately, Jim disarmed Misty and wound up kicking the two women out of a safe place. Chieko and Misty turned out to make a decent team, and together they reached Cerebrum. After its defeat, Misty wanted nothing more than to go look for her grown children, and when Howard asked for volunteers to be warriors, Misty leapt at the chance. The ordeals she had gone through made her a tougher, more decisive, person, and now she helps Howard with the other CereSurvivors as they make their way across the land. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> RFBot <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> Rapid-Fire Bot <<Type>> Cereborg (Robot) <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Multiple firearms, targeting systems, hydraulic agility <<Quote>> Target. Fire. <<Image>> Pictures/CSRFBot.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Not all cereborgs started out as humans. One example is the Rapid-Fire Bot. Using many different concepts ripped from the minds of converted humans like Justin Karloff, Cerebrum created these robots with one purpose in mind- the utter eradication of Howard Wyatt. Howard had the N-1000 exosuit and destroyed cereborgs with relative ease. This concerned Cerebrum, and it focused much of its attention on devising the perfect robot to destroy Howard. While agile and wielding ranged weapons, the fast, thin-armored robots were dispatched by Howard. However, those fights proved invaluable to observed data, and seeing Howard defeat them, Cerebrum built an avatar- taking the strengths from the FRB units, using their designs for its ranged attack and agility. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Rodney <<TextStyle>> Rodney <<Name>> Rodney Lightfoot <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 25 <<Origin>> Uintah Indian Reservation, Utah <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> Sex robots! This can’t be real! Meg, I am sorry I can’t— <<Image>> Pictures/CSRodney.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Rodney Lightfoot was born on a Native American reservation in Utah. He grew up alongside his brothers, but unlike them, he did not have the build and desire for hunting. His grandfather, Sani Lightfoot, spent much time abroad, and as Rodney grew older, he asked his grandfather why. Sani took the young man out into a desert in Utah known as Skinwalker Ranch near a Ute reservation. There, in a land feared by his people, his grandfather tried to explain that Rodney should stop trying to understand and build things that were not of nature. That he should listen to the winds, rocks, and trees, and embrace his heritage. Though Rodney witnessed strange visions that night, he refused to believe it was real, and continued working on his inventions. His grandfather went off again, on some shamanistic journey or another, and never talked to Rodney again after the other elders spoke up that Rodney should be allowed to continue his studies. They saw Rodney as someone that might make the tribe proud out in the world, and he eventually went to college on grants. Right after graduation, CereTech scouts snatched him up and he loved working at the labs. However, on the day that Cerebrum attacked, Rodney found himself trapped in an observation room. When Emily Harbrook smashed her way into the room, true to his heritage, he bravely put himself between the cereborgs and his lab partner, Megan Smith. Emily injected nanites into his brain, and converted him into the very first Transmorphing Unit. His last coherent human thought was of his grandfather, Sani, and he wondered if the old man had been trying to stop that very moment from coming true. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Ruben <<TextStyle>> Ruben <<Name>> Ruben Martinez <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 28 <<Origin>> San Francisco, California <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> Howard- I am telling you, something weird is going on! <<Image>> Pictures/CSRuben.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Ruben grew up in the Bay area, and never had much in the way of direction or plans. When he took his first job, it was as a used car salesman. After a few months he learned some tricks of the trade and developed his selling skills. He moved from sales job to sales job, and ended up as a salesman for a technology company. There he met his husband Mark, and he thought it was his dream job. However, he was eventually given an impossible task. The company had never made a sell to Marv Everett. With the labs at CereTech, Marv had little interest in outside firms or technologies, but Mark had been given the monumental task of breaking that record. He met with Marv, and ended up becoming an employee, instead. Marv was floored by the tenacity and sales ability of the young man, and knew he could make CereTech much more money. Ruben’s sales office was right next to Madeline’s and he watched, over time, as her mind seemed to leave her. He grew all the more uncomfortable as he watched her slowly turn herself into a sex object. On the day of Cerebrum’s attack, Ruben thought Madeline might have finally snapped. He tried to warn Howard Wyatt, but the security guard told Ruben to leave. Ruben did not make it out of the building by the time the complex locked down, and when Howard realized the man had been right, he apologized to Ruben. Ruben respected that, and once Cerebrum had been dealt with, Ruben signed up to become one of Chieko’s explorers. He missed his husband and longed to know if he had survived the alien invasion. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> SCCUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit6 <<Name>> Seduction Conversion Cereborg Unit <<Type>> Cereborg (Synthetic) <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Artifical pheromones, conversion nails, nanite lubricants <<Quote>> Howard Wyatt identified. Initiating seduction protocols <<Image>> Pictures/CSSCCUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> The succubus, Dionyza, had infected Emily Harbook with a magical enchantment when trying to steal her soul. This curse of lust haunted and controlled Emily, and when Cerebrum’s nanites encountered it on the microscopic level of neurons, Cerebrum became intrigued. It quickly studied what it saw as a programming virus, and this shifted some of its own ideas. In fact, it was due to that very curse that it created Emily in such a sexual way. It realized that biological creatures’ innate need and fascination with sex could prove to be its greatest weakness, and it exploited that by creating the SCC Units. These cereborgs could use everything from artificial pheromones to their own synthetic saliva and juices to infect and convert humans into the fold. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> ScientistClass <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> Scientist Class (Siri’s Scientists) <<Type>> Human <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> NA <<Abilities>> Protective lab suit, scientific knowledge <<Quote>> NA <<Image>> Pictures/CSScientistClass.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Once the cereborg threat had been dealt with, Howard and Chieko set about getting the survivors in order. The group voted on whether to stay in the facility or to go, and it was decided that everyone should go out to find their loved ones. Once locked in as the plan, the survivors worked hard to prepare themselves for the outside world. Though they did not fully grasp the magnitude of the infectulon invasion, they knew some sort of alien attack occurred, and prepared biosuits, medical packs, lasers- anything that Cerebrum’s nanites had not compromised. The survivors also broke off into three separate classes- scientist, explorer, and warrior. The scientists are led by Siri Solen. They don high-end technological lab coats. These coats help protect them from the various infectulon toxins that they encounter while studying their defeated foes. Only the top scientific minds were allowed to join her group, and only after passing tests she created to weed out those that could not handle the biological and technical components that an alien world might generate. They spend their time dissecting dead infectulons and attempting to find ways to combat or even undo the strange genetic viral strains that have converted humans into monstrous creatures. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Shuten <<TextStyle>> SGhost2 <<Name>> Shuten-dōji <<Type>> Demon (Oni) <<Age>> Unknown <<Origin>> Kyoto, Japan <<Abilities>> Corruption, mind control <<Quote>> Ku, ku, ku- you are no Shinto priest, girl! <<Image>> Pictures/CSShuten.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Shuten-dōji is the strongest oni to ever exist. For over a thousand years stories have been told of the demon king of Mt. Ōe. In truth, Shuten-dōji and his army had existed even further back, causing calamity and destruction in their ancestral Hira Mountains until Enryaku-ji temple was built. The temple brought strong magics of light and goodness to the land; the oni hated it. However, during the reign of Emperor Ichijō (986–1011 AD) in Kyoto, Japan, Shuten-dōji found a paradise! There were many beautiful young women, and he and his army constantly stole them away. Abe no Seimei, the famous onmyōdō diviner of the imperial court, managed to uncover the oni and his demons, but could do nothing to stop them. Eventually, the Emperor could no longer contain the grief and misery the demons caused, yet he knew that any mortal army sent to fight the creatures would be destroyed. Though he feared he was sending his troops to certain death, he commanded Minamoto no Raikō (Minamoto no Yorimitsu) and Fujiwara no Hōshō (Fujiwara no Yasumasa (ja)) to exterminate this demon. The men and their troops would have been annihilated if they had not stumbled upon divine help. They managed to fight the demons and win. Once defeated, they sealed the oni into bottles and chests and hid them in temples across the land. They managed to even seal away Shuten-dōji, himself, though he warned them that he would eventually be freed, and he would reap vengeance on the people of Kyoto and of all Japan. The group traveled to Kyoto with the demon lord sealed into a great vessel shaped like an oni’s head, which was laid to rest in the Uji no hōzō at Byōdō-in temple. There, the head stayed hidden for almost a thousand years until, during World War 2, American bombs landed in the general area, and deep underground, within the treasure vault of the temple, the vessel toppled over and broke open- and Shuten-dōji found freedom. The oni immediately set to work trying to disrupt Japan, but it took the demon hunter, Gichii Naru, little time to hone in and assault the demon. Shuten-dōji had already built a small enslaved of corrupted and perverted people, and the demon hunter slew them all before facing the newly awoken demon. Shuten-dōji did not have the power yet to face the hunter, and the two played a game of cat and mouse across Japan, until Shuten-dōji stumbled upon some upset soldiers and learned of civil unrest. In what would become historically known as the Kyūjō incident, the oni used his influence and corruption to cause Japanese soldiers to rise up against Emperor Hirohito. However, Gichii managed to track the demon, and in a dark alleyway the two powers collided. The oni hunter almost lost, but used a dark magical technique to draw the demon into the ancestral katana of the Naru family. Without the oni to generate further corruption, the assault on Emperor Hirohito failed, and War World 2 ended. For a lifetime, Shuten-dōji remained trapped in the sword, which was granted to Chieko upon her grandfather’s death. Her family held the secret of the sword close, and she kept it deep underground inside her room. She never imaged what Cerebrum would do, and more so, Chieko never thought she would actually hold the sword. The moment she did, Shuten-dōji’s influence crept into her mind. She fought hard, utilizing her powerful will, and the sword turned out to be invaluable for reaching Cerebrum. It was discarded after the fight, though, could Chieko simply leave it forever in that room, or could she- would she- dare bring it along with the CereSurvivors into the world at large? <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Siri <<TextStyle>> Siri <<Name>> Siri Solen <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 34 <<Origin>> Copenhagen, Denmark <<Abilities>> High intellect <<Quote>> I have an associate, a friend, actually, and she hunts monst—she’s a hunter. <<Image>> Pictures/CSSiri.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Desideratum <<Bio>> Siri grew up in Europe, and always held an inquisitive nature. As a child, her parents would take her to old towns, trekking across fjords, and hiking in rickety, ancient woods. Once, as a little girl, Siri swore that as her family sat around a campfire, that in the woods, staring at them, she saw the bulbous visage of a troll. As she got older, she shrugged this off as a dream or fancy of a child, still, it intrigued her. She never lost that passion for finding the impossible, and thanks to a stellar educational program, she was poised to go to college. Siri worked tirelessly on any given experiment, and tended to focus on biology and DNA more than anything. The idea that people were predisposed to become what and who they were fascinated her. The concepts of mutations only spurned her further, and thanks to many of her own developments in college, there are countless DNA and heritage websites that can track your ancestry. She became a pioneer and prodigy in the realm of biology, and the U.S. government personally offered her full citizenship if she would come to the country. She accepted, and wound up working for Biotechnology Invention Organization, or B.I.O. for short, located in Portland, Oregon. She loved her job, and managed to make a name for herself in only her first few months by discovering a protein called NGA1 controls the transcription of a key gene that ultimately allows plants to survive after periods of drought. The discovery means that by controlling this protein, plants could effectively withstand long periods of water- if someone forgets to water their plants for a couple of days, their foliage would easily survive. The botanist, Rose Riley, quickly contacted Siri, asking all about her research and the scientist shared her notes with the botanist. This is where the dream of working at BIO became a nightmare. The company threatened to sue her and deport her back to Denmark for sharing secrets belonging to them. Though Siri apologized, explaining she meant no harm in the sharing of information and that she felt it benefited all of science and mankind to do so, their lawyers felt otherwise. Finally, the CEO of BIO asked everyone but her to leave the office, and she gave Siri a chance to save herself. To her absolute shock, the CEO told her that vampires and many other creatures of crypto-zoology and folklore are real. Siri thought she was joking at first but she grabbed Siri by the face, locking eyes, and repeated herself. She wanted Siri to study vampire blood, unlock the secret of immortality, and share it with her. If Siri did as she was told, then everything would be forgiven- and she would become rich and made the lead scientist. Siri accepted, both from fear and curiosity, and the company dropped the lawsuit. She was taken to an underground lab, and found the place teeming with strange life. There were cells with people in them, cells with, what could only be described as, monsters in them. What she witnessed seemed impossible. They brought her to a room with what appeared to be a man on fire. The guards explained this was a vampire, and they kept U.V. lights on him at all times- bright enough to burn him, but dim enough to allow his body to regenerate fast enough that he could not die. The sight sickened and broke Siri’s heart. She withdrew a vial of blood from the vampire screaming in agony, and set to work studying it. However, the image of that man haunted her, and Siri decided that any lawsuit would be worth saving that man’s soul. She used her studies to make tranquilizer darts and went back to the underground compound claiming she needed more blood. When she was in far enough, she shot the nearby guards with the darts and hit the release buttons on the cells. Strange horrors, alien creatures, and mythical beasts rampaged through the facility, killing everyone and smashing their way outside disappearing into the lands surrounding Portland. Though the door remained unlocked and open, Siri ran down the hallway and found the man still trapped, sizzling under the lights. She smashed the lights, and the moment they were off, the vampire was upon her. For a long moment he held her, growling and snarling, but finally released her. He said his thirst and desire for blood was greater than it had ever been, but that she had freed him, and he spared her. Then, he also fled out of the installation and into the night. Moments later, a van, something that looked as if it was it came from a junkyard, slid to a halt outside the building. A few people jumped out, demanding why Siri had freed the monsters. She did not know what to say, and they threw a bag over her head, tossed her into the van and sped off. She eventually found herself in a cell in what appeared to be an abandoned factory of some kind. It turned out that just as monsters are real- so are monster hunters! She had inadvertently come between them and BIO. The team of hunters had staked out the building for months and planned to bust in and slaughter all the creatures contained there, but Siri released them all into the wild around Portland. The hunters kept Siri hostage, and dragged her to a few hunts so she could better understand what she did. She realized people in and around Portland were dying or becoming monsters as well because of her act of defiant kindness. From then on, she vowed to help the hunters and try to make amends for what she had done. She worked on inventions and biological research for the group known only as The Night Stalkers. The Night Stalkers is a loose federation and paranormal society comprised of a multitude of people across many nations. Folklorists, mythologists, cryptozoologists, and more have banded together to slay the forces of darkness that hound mankind from the shadows. Siri did great work for the society, but, an ancient vampire lord, Ivor the Deathless, learned of their location. Infuriated that these humans would dare build their base directly on top of his underground network of tunnels, and incensed at their constant interference with his dark goals, he summoned all the creatures he could- and they assaulted the Night Stalkers’ headquarters. Siri and a handful of the strongest veteran hunters survived, but their local society was demolished. The few survivors did their best to continue to help the Portland area, but things looked bleak until a woman simply stumbled into their new hideout. This Absinthe van Gothen would bring about immense changes in the society, and she eventually won Siri’s trust. To this day, the pair shares a friendship even with very different personalities. The Night Stalkers sent Siri into CereTech as a mole because their intel showed that a force of some kind had possibly infiltrated the U.S. government, and that it seemed interested in the weapons of CereTech. Little did they realize it was the wily Dagan Erebus, and he had his own mole at CereTech, Lyn Meeboon, posing as a government contractor. However, Cerebrum sprung his attack at the same time as the infectulons invaded Earth. In the aftermath of these events, some wonder if the Night Stalkers survived and how well they can fare against aliens from the depths of space. Siri, herself, not only went with the CereSurvivors caravan as they sought other humans, but runs her own branch of the group- the scientists. Now she spends all her time studying the genetics and biology of the infectulons in her attempts to find a way to not only kill them- but possibly revert the mutated humans back into their original form. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> TMCUnit <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> Transmorphing Cereborg Unit <<Type>> Cereborg (Synthetic) <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> CereTech Laboratories <<Abilities>> Liquidity <<Quote>> Howard Wyatt. This unit must convert you. <<Image>> Pictures/CSTMCUnit.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Rodney Lightfoot became the first of these Transmorphing Cereborg Units, when Emily Harbrook converted him into a synthetic. By that point, Cerebrum had already begun devising new versions of cereborgs to utilize against the humans. It created a cereborg comprised of much smaller robots, another type of nanite, which gave the cereborg a semi liquid form. These units could fit into nooks and crannies that other cereborgs could not, and their conversion times were greatly reduced from previous models. With their ability to hide as a liquid, Howard often wonders at night if he managed to slay them all- or if, to this day, TMC Units might still haunt the halls of CereTech Laboratories. <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Trixie <<TextStyle>> Trixie <<Name>> Trixie Goodwin <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 28 <<Origin>> Brooklyn, New York <<Abilities>> None <<Quote>> Silly Giggler, Trix isn't for you... no, really, I'm not! <<Image>> Pictures/CSTrixie.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Giggle <<Bio>> The ex-fiancée of the infamous Dagan Erebus, Trixie is a happy, good-natured jokester. Trix is often quick with wit and always happy to make someone smile! She worked very hard in college to become a registered nurse, and landed a great job at New York Presbyterian, working the night shifts. After a few years, she definitely has a handle on her profession. She can juggle several tasks with ease, and she has a deep empathy for her patients making her a favorite among them. She was once engaged, only a few years ago, to Dagan Erebus. At the time, he was a construction worker, and the pair laughed and joked together. Though she had no idea at the time, he had found an ancient grimoire, and the foulness of the book warped him. Whereas before the pair laughed together, now she often went to bed alone and crying. Trixie worried he was on drugs, and often told him to seek counseling, but he scoffed. Eventually he became so self-centered and cruel that, heartbroken, Trix called off the wedding, and the pair went their separate ways. A few months ago, the police arrested Dagan Erebus, and Trixie could not believe her eyes! She stared at the television as the news, especially Maria Esposito with WABC 7 Eyewitness News, released details of the trial, publicizing the strange and impossible facts of the case. Trix learned that Dagan had led some type of demonic cult. He had raped more than a hundred women, and though the nightly legal pundits would argue the validity of the claims- Dagan apparently used magic to enslave them to his will! This was not the man Trixie loved at all! He changed into a corrupt and cruel version of himself. He even led a criminal syndicate! Finally, grieving, Trixie stopped watching and focused on her career. Yet, recently, she had been having dreams of Dagan somehow possessing her. She saw herself twisted, like the women in the news story, and when she saw the state executed Dagan Erebus only two weeks ago, the dreams about him have grown only stronger. As if this bizarre occurrence was not enough for the happy woman to contend with, The Giggler assaulted New York City, and they transported his victims to her hospital. Now, Doctor Hannah Weston charged Trixie with protecting a special serum from The Giggler, himself! Can Trixie survive the Giggle Night? <<audio "quote_trixie_2" play>> <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> Willoughby <<TextStyle>> Oli <<Name>> Oliver Willoughby <<Type>> Human <<Age>> 91 <<Origin>> Roswell, New Mexico <<Abilities>> High intellect <<Quote>> Goodbye, son. You be the best man you can grow to be, and never forget me. <<Image>> Pictures/CSWilloughby.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> If ever a good man lived, it was Oliver Willoughby. Oliver grew up at a time of innovation and that feeling never left his soul. He felt that humans had such intellects that they could be capable of anything, and he set out to prove it. He grew up in Roswell, New Mexico, and his little town had nothing to really set it apart from any other small desert city- until the night a UFO crashed. Oliver had just graduated high school the month before, and had his sights set on finding a college. This event changed everything. The rancher came to town claiming that something crashed on his land, and found the sheriff in the local diner. Oliver happened to be there as well, he was a cook, and everyone took notice to the rancher yelling at the sheriff. He held something that looked like tin foil and wadded it up into a tight ball, set it on the diner’s counter. To everyone’s amazement it ‘unwadded’ itself and became a flat metallic surface with strange symbols etched in it. The sheriff and rancher left with some other men, and Oliver felt compelled to follow, too. That night, after his shift, he drove out to the land, and to his surprise, there were army vehicles. He pulled to the side of the road and got out. He crawled under the rancher’s barbed-wire fence and hiked across the desert land in the darkness. He could see teams of men with bright lights scouring the ground. He decided he might get into trouble, so he turned and rushed back to his car, only to trip over something sticking out of the ground. Holding his knee in pain, he tried to see what it was in the dark, and it appeared to be a carved stone sticking from the ground about a foot. Reaching out, he grabbed it, and when he did, symbols akin to the ones on the rancher’s foil suddenly glowed brightly on the surface! Standing up, Oliver tugged hard on the stone and pulled it from the ground. The longer he held it the brighter the symbols shone. This, unfortunately, attracted the attention of the army personnel, and he realized they saw him. Carrying the stone he ran back, shuffling under the fence, hopped into his car and sped off. He took the artifact home and ran up to his room, careful not to wake his parents. He sat in his room all night trying to understand what the stone was. It was about two feet long and shaped like a perfect oval. The glossy exterior looked like polished obsidian and the runes or hieroglyphs shone in white light. Oliver could not understand what it was, and did not get long to study the artifact. As he moved his finger over certain symbols, he noticed others would change from white light to purple. When he stopped, everything would go back to white. Using trial and error, he eventually managed to turn all the runes purple. First a strange, loud sound issued from the device, startling Oliver and causing him to leap back. Then, with a hissing sound, the strange stone or metal egg opened. The loud noise had woke his parents and at that moment his father and mother walked into the room. They barely had time to ask what was going on, before a green slug creature slithered from the artifact right past him and his father, and right up his mother’s leg, disappearing under her robes. His father and he took a moment to comprehend what happened, as his mother screamed and grabbed at her pelvis. She shriekd that it had entered her, and his father rushed to her side. His mouth agape and terrified the young man simply stood, watching. His mother suddenly fell to the ground rolling on her back and holding herself while his father demanded to know what was happening. Then his mother opened her robe and ripped off her night gown, touching herself and mewling as she continued rocking back and forth. The scene burned into Oliver’s mind and he shook with terror. Then she stopped and went limp! His father screamed her name, fearing she had died, but her eyes sprang open- a milky, dead white, and she turned her head towards his father. As he stared confused and scared, she reached out with both hands and snapped his neck. Then she looked up at Oliver. He slammed his bedroom door, and pushed himself against it, not sure what to do or how to react to the last two minutes. First, she said everything was ok and that he should open the door. But, he did not. Then she sobbed, pretending to be hurt and scared, but it did not quite sound like his mother. It was like, something <i>human</i> was missing. Finally, she punched the door and her strength knocked him across the room as well as taking the door clean out of the jamb. Laughing and nude, she slowly stalked towards Oliver telling him that she was going to mate with him to make more slugs and that once he was infected, they could find more humans to convert. Just as she reached him, a team of U.S. soldiers came into the house through windows and doors. Growling she attacked, and they forced her down, piling on her and Oliver remembered little after that. For the rest of his life he blamed himself for the death of his parents, and never managed to find a woman to love because every time he even entertained the thought of being intimate with a woman, images of his mother flooded his mind, disturbing him to tears. Because of the contact he had with the device, they took him and his mother to a secret base known as Area 51 where they studied them. He had no idea his mother was there as he sat in a cell with a long mirror down the wall he assumed was two way. For weeks they watched him, but he showed no signs of infection. However, something about touching the stone triggered in his mind innate knowledge of robotics. It was as if the device had tried to download a user manual into his head, but had failed to put it into his conscious mind. Likely, it was meant to ensure a warning about the creature inside the device. His cell was not empty, and it had a desk, bed, and he asked for pencil and papers on several occasions. They had observed him for long enough, they did not feel he was a threat and obliged his request. He wrote mathematical formulae and blueprints. In some cases he substituted the alien hieroglyphs for integers, and this went on for days. Oliver would wake, eat, and write until falling asleep. The government saw Oliver as an opportunity and ended up working with him. He designed strange concepts for everything from robots to cars. He even devised a way to create a device that would supply almost infinite power. And so, the young man went from diner short-order cook, to a genius in robotics and math. He found when he was inventing, he was not thinking about his parents, and it helped him cope. He spent a few years working in Area 51, and became well liked and respected. Even though he knew the government was only using him, he had found a new home, and Oliver always held a soft heart. Even the most hardened guards and scientists at the installation eventually became his friend. That was his life, until one day, someone explained to him that his mother was still alive and at the installation. Uncharacteristically, Oliver demanded to see her, and when they let him, he regretted it. She was slumped, naked, in a corner of a sealed call like the one he had been brought years earlier. Her skin was a mottled green, and slime covered the walls and floor. At one point she stood up, and walked to the two way mirror. Playing with herself, she laughed and appeared to be looking at her reflection. Eventually she shook in pleasure and returned to the far corner squishing to the thick slime on the floor. His mind reeled and he now demanded she be killed, that this was not his mother. He was forcibly removed and stewed over the incident for some time. Though he could not save her, he used his inventions and escaped Area 51. When the officials were asked whether he should be killed or brought back, they said they had enough and to watch him, but not harm him. Oliver ended up in California, trying to hide, and through a series of events ended up as an inventor at would what later be called CereTech. There, he was instrumental in the creation of A.L. and the robot became like a son to him. During Cerebrum’s attack, Oliver managed to survive and he and Al did their best to disrupt the A.I.’s plans. He saved Howard Wyatt’s life, and in the end, he asked that Howard please care for the robot. Howard grudgingly accepted, and then Oliver said his goodbyes before sealing himself into CereTech’s labs becoming the sole occupant of the massive installation. What became of Oliver after the CereSurvivors left? <</DefineCharacter>> <<DefineCharacter>> <<Key>> WW <<TextStyle>> CereUnit1 <<Name>> Warrior Class (Wyatt’s Warriors) <<Type>> Human <<Age>> NA <<Origin>> NA <<Abilities>> Protective armor, high powered laser gun <<Quote>> NA <<Image>> Pictures/CSWW.jpg <<FirstAppearance>> Cereborg <<Bio>> Once the cereborg threat had been dealt with, Howard and Chieko set about getting the survivors in order. The group voted on whether to stay in the facility or to go, and it was decided that everyone should go out to find their loved ones. Once locked in as the plan, the survivors worked hard to prepare themselves for the outside world. Though they did not fully grasp the magnitude of the infectulon invasion, they knew some sort of alien attack occurred, and prepared biosuits, medical packs, lasers- anything that Cerebrum’s nanites had not compromised. The survivors also broke off into three separate classes- scientist, explorer, and warrior. The warriors are led by Howard Wyatt, and are often referred to as ‘Wyatt’s Warriors’. They don sophisticated body armor able to easily stop bullets and most physical attacks. Each of them carries multiple packs and bags containing everything from food rations to medicine in the event that they are cut off from the rest of the caravan. These people volunteered to put their lives on the line and directly combat the infectulon forces invading the Earth. Howard is a firm but fair leader and goes out of his way to ensure that he knows each individual personally. Every time a warrior falls in battle, Howard takes the death personally and goes out of his way to ensure they are forever remembered for their sacrifice. He sees them as family, and he always does the most dangerous mission himself taking the biggest risks he can so that others can be spared. <</DefineCharacter>>

<<DefineGameLink "Cereborg" "Cereborg: Inception" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1045" >> <<DefineGameLink "Cult" "Cult of Corruption: The Summoning" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1104" >> <<DefineGameLink "Desideratum" "Desideratum: Blood Bonds" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1094" >> <<DefineGameLink "Souls" "Of Sex and Souls: Noir Nights" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1065" >> <<DefineGameLink "Phantom" "Phantom: Revenge" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1050" >> <<DefineGameLink "Slugs" "Slugs and Bugs: Invasion" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=791" >> <<DefineGameLink "The Anax" "The Anax: Call of the Cursed One" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1472" >> <<DefineGameLink "Giggle" "Giggle Night: Trixie's Trial" "https://www.tfgamessite.com/index.php?module=viewgame&id=1114" >>

<<link [[Back|$return]]>> <<audio "characters_menu" stop>> <<audio ":paused" play>> <<set $GameAudioActive = true>> <</link>>  <<if $CharUnlockedCount is 50>> <br/><br/> @@.Cere;<<book>>You have found all the characters and earned a<</book>>@@ <a href="https://youtu.be/pctaoGwaj6E" target="_blank">special reward!</a> <<else>> <</if>>  <<set _characterList = setup.characterListSorted()>>  <<if $CharUnlockedCount > 0>> <br/><br/> <<for _i = 0; _i < _characterList.length; _i++>> <<set setup.currentChar = setup.characters[_characterList[_i]]>> <<if $CharUnlocked[setup.currentChar["Key"]]>> <<include "Character Link Template">><br/> <</if>> <</for>> <</if>>  <<if $CharCount-$CharUnlockedCount > 0>> <br/><br/>  <span id="lockSummary"> <<linkreplace "<div style=\"display:table\"> <img src=\"Pictures/IconLocked.jpg\" class=\"CharIcon\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\"/> <span class=\"CharContainer\"> <p> @@.CharName;<<print $CharCount-$CharUnlockedCount>> Locked Characters@@ </p> </span> </div><br/>">>  <<link "<div style=\"display:table\"> <img src=\"Pictures/IconLocked.jpg\" class=\"CharIcon\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\"/> <span class=\"CharContainer\"> <p> @@.CharName;<<print $CharCount-$CharUnlockedCount>> Locked Characters@@ </p> </span> </div>">> <<replace "#lockSummary">>  <<for _i = 0; _i < _characterList.length; _i++>> <<set setup.currentChar = setup.characters[_characterList[_i]]>> <<if not $CharUnlocked[setup.currentChar["Key"]]>> <<include "Character Link Template (Locked)">><br/> <</if>> <</for>><</replace>> <</link>> <br/> @@.SGhost2;Spoiler Warning! Click again to reveal.@@ <br/><br/>  <</linkreplace>>  </span> <</if>>  <<link [[Back|$return]]>> <<audio "characters_menu" stop>> <<audio ":paused" play>> <<set $GameAudioActive = true>> <</link>> <<if $GameAudioActive>> <<audio ":playing" pause>> <<audio "characters_menu" volume 0.2 loop play>> <<set $GameAudioActive = false>> <</if>>

<<CharTemplate>> <<link " <div style=\"display:table\"> <img src=\"{Icon}\" class=\"CharIcon\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\"/> <span class=\"CharContainer\"> <p> @@.CharName;{ListName}@@<<if {HasSubtitle}>><br/>{Subtitle}<</if>> </p> </span> </div>" "Character Sheet Template">><<set setup.currentChar = setup.characters["{Key}"]>><<set $focusScroll = $(window).scrollTop()>><</link>> <</CharTemplate>>

<<CharTemplate>> <div style="display:table"> <img src="{Icon}" class="CharIconLocked" width="70" height="70"/> <span class="CharContainer"> <p> @@.CharTextLocked;<span class="CharName">{ListName}</span> <<if {HasSubtitle}>><br/>{Subtitle}<</if>>@@ </p> </span> </div> <</CharTemplate>>

<<if setup.currentChar>> <<CharTemplate>>  <div align="center">[img[{Image}]]</div> <br/>  <<if {HasName}>> <b>Name:</b> {TextStyle}{Name} <<if {HasSubtitle}>> ({Subtitle}) <</if>> {/TextStyle} <br/> <</if>>  <<if {HasType}>> <b>Type:</b> {TextStyle}{Type}{/TextStyle}<br/> <</if>>  <<if {HasAge}>> <b>Age:</b> {TextStyle}{Age}{/TextStyle}<br/> <</if>>  <<if {HasOrigin}>> <b>Origin:</b> {TextStyle}{Origin}{/TextStyle}<br/> <</if>>  <<if {HasAbilities}>> <b>Abilities:</b> {TextStyle}{Abilities}{/TextStyle}<br/> <</if>>  <<if {HasQuote}>> <b>Quote:</b> {TextStyle}"{Quote}"{/TextStyle}<br/> <</if>> <<if {HasFirstAppearance}>> <b>First Appearance:</b> {FirstAppearance}<br/> <</if>> <br/> <<if {HasBio}>> {Bio} <</if>> <br/><br/> [[Back|Characters]] <</CharTemplate>> <<else>> <<goto "Characters">> <</if>>

<<if $focusScroll != 0>> <<script>> var activePassageName = State.passage; var activePassage = Story.get( activePassageName ); if ( activePassage.tags.contains('focus') ) { $(window).scrollTop( State.variables.focusScroll ); State.variables.focusScroll = 0; } <</script>> <</if>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/AnaxEnter.png]]</div> @@.Cere;© 2018 Anaximanes Entertainment™, Anaxverse, the A inside of a circle logo, Cereborg, and the Anaximanes Entertainment logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Anaximanes Entertainment™. All characters, art, and assets and other intellectual properties appearing in any of my projects, including Cereborg: Inception, are copyrights and trademarks of Anaximanes Entertainment™. All rights reserved. The Anaxverse trademark and all characters, their distinctive likeness, and related elements are trademarks of Anaximanes Entertainment™. © 2008 All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. The creator of this game/interactive novel does not supply, encourage, or condone violence of any kind. All characters and events portrayed in this game/interactive novel are fictional and any resemblance to any real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.@@ [[Click here to start the story.|Start]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap3.png]]</div> [[Continue Chieko's Story|Chap3Chi]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 90>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Chieko">> <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap4.png]]</div> [[Continue Chieko's Story|Chap4Chi]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $ChiekoWill to 100>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Chieko">> <<stopallaudio>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap7.png]]</div> [[Continue Howard's Story|Chap3How]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Howard">> <<stopallaudio>> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Fists" >> <<combat_removeWeapon "Howard" "Pistol" >> <<combat_newWeapon "Howard" "Laser" 50 0 0 0 100 30 -1 true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap5.png]]</div> [[Continue to Howard's Story|HowardChapter1]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $HowardWill to 100>> <<set $HowardHealth to 100>> <<set $StatDisplay = "Howard">> <<set $Chapter5 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap1.png]]</div> [[Continue to Chieko's Story|ChiekoChapter1]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]]

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Chap9.png]]</div> [[Continue to Emily's Story|EmilyChapter1]] [[Back to the beginning...|Main]] <<set $Chapter9 to true>>

<div align="center">[img[Pictures/Credits.png]]</div> I wrote, produced, designed, did all the art, and so forth, but I would like to mention those people that helped make my vision a reality! @@.Cere;Huge thanks goes to BlankSubroutine for his programming assistance. I had an artistic vision and no ability to make my art appear as I desired. Blank selflessly stepped up to help, and I am forever grateful! Blank wrote the codes I could use and I went to work pasting them into place to try and make my projects even better! Some examples of their contributions are: Made an Audio Toggle! Many of you wanted me to have this! The CSS I needed to add backgrounds to my novels Character Lists showing thumbnails Character Unlock Pop-Up programming Counters, such as "You unlocked X number" Text Effects like the ability for me to add glows and animations and more...@@ @@.Emily;Thank you to every one of my@@ <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Anaximanes" target="_blank">Patreon</a> @@.Emily;supporters! You are helping me reach the goal of only creating erotic horror as a living, and whether you invest one dollar or a hundred in me, I could never truly express the emotions that well up inside me when I know you enjoy my work. Thank you to everyone! I would also thank a silent patron that helped me make the fighting scenes in this title. They really helped me out! A special thanks to Dustin S. who constantly sends me grammar errors every release! But a special thanks goes to my $20, $30, and $100 Patrons! Alex S. Baal7734 Ced Chrisi Cyber_Wolf David T. Dustin S. Hurdamur italicus J Benji Jeff C. Kahlan-bot Ken Liam K. Mathias S. Petra C. R Tenshilordodance The Sponsor Tirahnif Vanlarmor Yolanda C. Yshomatsu@@ <<link [[Back|$return]]>> <<audio "anax_video_game" stop>> <<audio ":paused" play>> <<set $GameAudioActive = true>> <</link>> <<if $GameAudioActive>> <<audio ":playing" pause>> <<audio "anax_video_game" volume 0.1 loop play>> <<set $GameAudioActive = false>> <</if>>

<<run _results = setup.combat.DoAttack($target, $attackingCharacter, "Laser")>> <<set $HowardHealth = $Character_Howard.health >> <<set $HowardWill = $Character_Howard.willpower >> <<if _results.target.willpower == 0 || _results.target.health == 0>> <div align="center">[img[Pictures/ACCUnitBE.jpg]]</div> Your suit flashes warnings, telling you that any more damage could result in death, but you cannot fire a shot or even flee as the robot unleashes powerful shot from its arm cannon. The blow misses you, but it was meant to draw your attention, as the robot, using its flying abilities, slams into you! Your head spinning from the blow, you look up at the hovering cereborg, and for just a moment, you feel that Cerebrum looks through her eyes, gloating, before you see a brilliant blue flash and then nothing but darkness and shadows. @@.CereUnit2;“Target, Howard Wyatt, deleted.”@@ [[Try Chapter 4 Again...|Chap4Howard]] or [[Maybe this is the end of the story.]] <<stopallaudio>> <<audio "bad_end" volume 0.5 play>> <<elseif _results.willpowerDamageDealt > 0>> <<combat_image "ACCFS.png">> <<if _results.critStrike>> @@.Cere;Critical hit!@@ <</if>> The machine fires a blast at you, which misses entirely, but it used the fire to distract you. Its scythe impales your shoulder, but you wrench free; however, a cold, icy feeling emanates from the wound. <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "ACCUnit5" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <<else>> <<combat_image "ACCFS.png">> Luckily, the robot's attack misses! <<combat_choosePlayerWeapon "Howard" "ACCUnit5" "CombatEncounterCh4HowCombat5-PlayerAttack">> <</if>>