Open Workstation

Image

Encounter Conditions

None

Initial Text

After wandering through the lab for quite a while, you finally find an open workstation. Its previous occupant just left, but doesn't look like they're coming back, so you should be able to jump in.

And, post Feb 17, 2013:

From the sign near the terminals, they're also hooked up the new "Novos" system, which is sharing functions with the old system until they formally move over. It also warns that old software may not work with the Novos system.

And, after April 14th, 2013:

From the sign near the terminals, they're hooked up the new "Novos" system, which has formally taken over functions from their old computer system. The sign also warns that old software may not work with the Novos system.

Summary of Choices

1. Hack the Novos system - (Requires 1 unoccupied Processor) Leads to Metroplex U Lab Novos hacking
2. Search for code - Gain command script, search script, or filtering script
3. Look for games - Play a fishing game, rhythm game, FPS, or chess (determined randomly; details on results below)
4. Search the desk - Find 2-3 of: caramel bar, frayed cable, Legion Tract, lukewarm latte, Omnicola, scorched glass shards
5. Harvest it for parts - (Only with salvaging tools/electrical kit equipped) - Gain 4-5 of: frayed cable, circuit fragments, memory stick, microcapacitor, processor chip, thick cabling
6. Leave it be - Nothing

Choice Text and Results

Try to hack the system

You hook up to the University's Novos test server. It's obviously still a work in progress, but it looks pretty interesting.

Leads to Metroplex U Lab (hacking)

Search for code

(With experimental indexer, fractal indexer, spectrum downloader, secured indexer and/or remote indexer*)

You let your file scanner dig through reams of old projects so you don't have to. It saves a ton of time and finds some useful code by the end.

You found: 1-2 of: command script, search script, or rarely, filtering script

(Otherwise)

You dig through the open directories, looking through reams of half-finished projects for usable modules. It's a pain, but you eventually come up with a useful piece of code.

You found: 1 of: command script, search script, or rarely, filtering script

Look for games

One of four possible games is played, chosen at random. See the following for details:

• Extreme Bass XIII
• Rhythm Game
• First Person Shooter
• Chess

Search the desk

Looking over the desk, you find a couple of items left by the previous occupants. You gather them up in case they come in handy later.

You found: 2-3 of caramel bar, Eclipse, frayed cable, Legion Tract, lukewarm latte, Omnicola, scorched glass shards, My Little Idoru, french vanilla latte, pep pill, knit cap

Or, if you've fought a writhing mass here:

Looking over the desk, you find some debris from the monitor that exploded earlier. There's some larger bits that might come in handy, so you sweep them up for later.

You found: 1-2 of frayed cable, scorched glass shards, microcapacitor

Harvest it for parts

You pretend nothing's out of the ordinary and dismantle the computer, digging through for useful components. It'll probably take them a while to fix it, but you find a good pile of components.

As you finish, you hear some of the students starting to figure out what's going on. Even if they call security, they shouldn't find you if you don't stick around.

You found <4-5 of:> frayed cable, circuit fragments, memory stick, microcapacitor, processor chip, thick cabling

Leave it be

You ignore the open station and wander off. A few students give you a weird look, but one of them gladly takes your spot.

(Unlocks No Loitering choice adventure, uses no energy)

History

Before April 14th, 2013, searching here gave:

With file scan, quick scan, or deep file scan running:

You found: 1-2 of: file interface, math subroutine, or networking code

With deep scanner, sometimes:

You run a deep file scan on the system. Although it's kind of laborious, you do uncover some files students obviously intended to keep hidden.

Ah well, at least it's you finding them and not Midgard.

You found: <one of:> network jammer, target search, vulnerability database

Otherwise:

You found 1 of: file interface, math subroutine, or networking code

* Note the file scan, quick scan, or deep file scan still works… but will probably be phased out with more Novos updates.

The first option here used to be:

1. Try to hack the system - (Requires 1 unoccupied Processor) Leads to Metroplex U Lab hacking