Story Reader / Main Story / 13 Fake Ascension / Story
Meanwhile...
Murray has already disassembled the large terminal in the archives and connected cables of various sizes to a peculiar-looking module.
He looks at the jerry-rigged bionic access terminal and smiles wryly.
Looks like this is the only place to infiltrate Gestalt without being detected.
Gestalt is limited by the principal protocols, so it won't intentionally inflict fatal damage to a human consciousness...
But who can be sure that Gestalt is still its former self after having evolved for so long?
Murray sighs as he puts the mask-shaped bionic access terminal on his face.
Upon doing so, Murray is removed from all his senses as his consciousness falls into a vortex of emptiness.
There is only one thought left in Murray's mind as he falls.
If this is what you feel... what Constructs feel when they dive in, then, Lee... I don't envy you.
...If I had a choice between infiltrating Gestalt and negotiating with some strange Ascendant, I'd probably choose the latter.
The vortex subsides and Murray finds himself "once again" in Babylonia.
...
...Time to get to work.
While Gestalt is busy dealing with the intruder and the Gray Ravens...
I'll see what secrets I can uncover here.
But before I do, I need to be prepared.
Murray reaches out with both hands toward where he entered, and he opens his hands as if calling upon something—
Start the full band lockdown procedure and activate safe mode for this block.
This will deactivate the normal immersion disengagement procedure, but that shouldn't be an issue for you, Lee.
...Let's see how Commander Nikola's minions will react.
After all... only by activating the security mode can I cover my tracks.
...What's this signal?
What?
Take a look.
Asimov points at the screen, which displays a lit-up dot hovering around "Core S-4-2".
What's this? It just appeared.
That shouldn't be there. That floor is highly isolated—it shouldn't be accessible to external entries...
While they are busy figuring out the source of the signal, the screen turns blank right before their eyes.
And then, the screen displays a massive warning: "Connection rejected."
...What's going on?
Switch to jumper L-X-12A!
*Connection rejected.*
Then add X-K-6 and bridge it directly to Gestalt's maintenance interface!
*Connection rejected.*
...The ****?
This is not an external problem. All interfaces have been disconnected internally.
It seems like... no one but those already inside can tell what the internal situation of Gestalt is right now.
...
All we can do is maintain power and give them a chance to disengage.
Scanning complete... No anomalies detected.
Understood.
Asimov, we're going to the bridge in the virtual space.
...
Asimov?
...Our comms are disconnected.
No clue.
Try activating the logout sequence?
*Logout requests nonoperational.*
...We can't disengage.
Right. Let's focus on our mission... We'll figure out the rest later.
The main intrusion terminal is under threat. Proceeding intrusions cannot be guaranteed.
...That's enough. Withdraw the main intrusion terminal as soon as possible. Since it's about to fail, there's no reason to tangle with them any further.
That will take some time. I will need to withdraw all the data uploaded to Gestalt through each external port to prevent them from tracing the source and each bridge contact.
...
Sister.
Yes?
Our mission to crash Babylonia has failed. Have everyone maintain defensive positions and retreat in my direction.
Alright, I will begin immediately.
Wait, not so fast.
Don't fall into their trap. Maintain an orderly retreat.
Understood.
Is something wrong?
Gabriel and Roland both "took a detour" on their way to their destinations.
...I see.
