Log Title:
Simulating Simulation
Characters:
Ms Marvel, Captain America, Super Adaptoid
IC Date:
03/28/12
Location:
Simulator - Avengers Mansion
Brief log summary::
Ms Marvel and Captain America discuss combat simulations with the Adaptoid
Rating:
pg
There is no TS in this log::
Yes
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-==[ Simulator - Sub-Basement - Avengers Mansion ]==----—
At first full glance, this room is completely dull in sight, but extremely large in size giving plenty of room for flight or ground movement. There is no furniture, or anything for that matter. Only metal walls, floor, and ceiling. are scene with the occasion break in the walls and a high glass booth sitting up in the highest corner. Of course when the rooms is in use, the setting change to to holographic imagery to any scene or battle that an be thought up. As well as robots trained to attack in certain patterns and with certain weaponry depending on the difficulty set and whoever they are supposed to portray.
The large glass booth is in fact the control room for this simulation area. Here someone has audio and visual contact on whoever is participating below. In the control room, one can tape a simulation as well as change the actual setting itself to either a pre-set one or something off the top of their head. Here the difficulty, as well as holographic images can be changed with ease thanks to the controls.
"Alright. So what you're saying," Ms. Marvel inquires, as she is riding down the elevator towards the sub-basement of Avengers' Mansion, "Is that with your recent scans and profiles, you can provide convincing combat counters and simulations for the team or individuals, based obviously on a wide array of our opponents either currently incarcerated or already in your databanks?"
Currently, the present leader of the Avengers is conversing with the quiet 'man' beside her, the oft-impassive Phillip, also the Super-Adaptoid, a formerly villainous robot - android, if one prefers - now enrolled as a member of the Avengers and clearly doing his (its?) best to find or make a place on the team of usefullness and contribution.
Standing in his default form, the Adaptoid has neutralized himself to work more efficiently with rational thought patterns. His synthetic voice intones a response to Ms Marvel's assessment, "With the new 'imagination' protocols installed within my personality matrix, I am able to formulate abstract and once considered unreasonable or illogical ideas in regards to combat situations. No longer am I restrained to 'if/then' patterns or coded reactionary steps. Those were the very reasons I was easily defeated in the past. I was unable to 'think outside the box'. That same limitation prevents your simulator from presenting formidable random patterns of engagement; therefore it is redundant and obsolete."
The synthetic life form continues, "I am currently equipped with the templates of Firestar, Force, Juggernaut, Monet, Telemetry, and Thor. My matrix can maintain a total of eight templates at a time and I can actively blend two templates at once. What I propose is that I have access to the subjects at Project:PEGASUS, the Vault, or any other unnamed super prison to acquire useful templates with which I can pose a challenge to the team and thus provide adequate training."
Ms. Marvel considers that, as the elevator doors open to the sub-basement hall. She leads the way, stepping out and walking down the hall towards the simulator room. "I'll grant you, the 'illogical' aspect to combat training could be very advantageous. But you are only one being. The room allows us to engage groups." Right now, Carol is just playing Devil's Advocate. Maybe there's a way to 'plug' the Adaptoid into the simulator's controls, such that he could then run the scenario to include all of those multiple opponents. That would certainly be of benefit. "I'm also, honestly, not sure how much SHIELD and others are going to cotton to the idea of allowing someone with your record access to facilities like you're talking about, especially for the purpose of adding key power profiles to your templates." Best to be honest. Phil will appreciate that.
The Super-Adaptoid is in its' default form, white, nearly featureless. Walking with Ms Marvel, the Adaptoid's hands are linked behind his back and his head down slightly in a contemplative posture. "I understand. I too would be reticent to allow myself access to such powerful templates had I not already possessed those of the Juggernaut and Thor. Two beings that, when combined, could level the entire city and not be bothered by much of the combined assaults of the Avengers, X-Men, X-Factor or any other super team known. It is but to say that I am currently my most powerful aside from the incident with Kubik."
A brief pause after the synthetic assessment. "I have done research into a mutant known as Maddrox. The Multiple Man. A former member of X-Factor and has the ability to replicate himself. If I were to duplicate that template, then I could pose more of a resistance to the team in a broader fashion."
Part of Cap's 're-integration' into the Avengers is learning all about the new face on the team. And, to be honset, the Super Soldier quirked an eyebrow when he saw that the Super Adaptoid was on the list. But, remembering how many former enemies and vilians had become stalwart and respected members, Steve decided to defer to the opinions of the others. However, he does want to see and evaluate the Adaptoid for himsef; so when Ms. Marvel reserves simulator time for herself and the Super Adaptoid, Cap goes down a bit early to mee them there. As the pair approach the Simulator room, Cap steps out, having heard their voices echoin in the corridor. His cowl is down, revealing his full face and, now appropriately cut, blond hair. A freindly nod is given to both Avengers. "Ms. Marvel. Super Adaptoid. Or is there another name that you prefer to be called?"
Ms. Marvel doesn't correct the Adaptoid, as he is entitled to his opinions. But she knows better than most that no matter how powerful his templates, he is still defeatable, and if the Avengers had to, they would do so, Norse godling or Juggernaut or whichever. Carol is about to say something in response, when Steve appears at the doors to the simulator. "Good morning, Steve. Good to see you." Clearly, no actual introductions are required. "So far, he has been using Super-Adaptoid. But his civilian identity is Phillip. Also a part of his efforts to learn more about his own burgeoning … humanity, if you will." Which will make him a better hero. Just ask the man who defines the term for so many in this world.
Hearing the movement and then the voice, the Adaptoid raises its' gaze to meet that of the Captain. All forward movement is paused and its' hands unclasped so that arms fall loosely at its' side.
"Captain America." is said in a synthetic voice with a elevated pitch toward the end indicating surprise. Taking a step forward, the Adaptoid offers the 'glad hand of greeting' to the Captain, "It is once again good to see you, albeit for other reasons than would-be world domination."
Cap holds out his hand to shake the Adaptoid's, albeit a bit warily with the mention of the android's old ways. "It's good that you're using your abilities to protect others now, Adaptoid. And you might as well get used to calling me Cap, everyone already does that." A boyish smile emerges and Steve chuckles. "And you're not the first android we've had here that's tried to find their 'humanity'; The Vision has long been a valued member of this team, and a friend. I hope that you can follow in the success he had before…" The memory of Vision being disassembeld and loosing all that he had been and accomplished causes Cap to tighten his lips. "Anyways, I'm more than hapy to help you in any way I can. And that includes advice. I couldn't help but hear that you were wanting to absorb more templates to become a more versitile member of the team. That's admirable, but I would caution against it. The old saying about 'power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' has sadly shown itself to be true on many occasions. Also, while your thinking is very…logical, remember that humanity isn't ruled by logic. While we would see a team member trying to better themselves, others might see it as an attempt to become more powerful and unstoppable, letting fear rule their acions rather than trust."
Hooray for 'other reasons than world-domination,' as far as Ms. Marvel is concerned. The heroine lets Cap lead, because what he is discussing is precisely what is his forte to discuss. He /should/ lead that topic, and even she should listen, as she has many times before. "I still applaud your motivations, Adaptoid. Especially the fact that you want to help us with training scenarios to improve as a team and individuals. I encourage it. For now, my suggestion would be that you select members of the team, and temporarily load their templates as they might serve for a particular training scenario. I can't provide you access to Multiple Man, for instance, though I agree that ability would be ideal for assisting you in providing large group scenarios." She won't get into the fact that access to the super-prisons would also require help from outside the Avengers, including folks far less likely to be as trusting as the team has been. "For now, use what you have. It migh even help to gather other members of the team and work together to provide group on group scenarios. I know I would volunteer to help with that." Yes, even the team leader can work on the Red Shirt squad, if asked.
The Adaptoid hears the suggestions and advice. It then nods and breaks the former firm handshake. If it could inhale in this form, it would - thus demonstrating a moment of contemplation. The Adaptoid then states, "Understood. I follow the suggested points and offer a challenge to those who desire it."
Cap nods at the Adaptoid's conclusion and gives the android a friendly pat on the arm. "That's good. One of the responibilities of being a hero is to set limits on yourself and your actions. And when you have no theoretical limit to your power, well…that's when it's the most important to impose limitations on yourself. Especially when you are trying to understand abd become more human yourself." Steve looks between the other two Avengers before asking, "So, what's the goal of today's exercise?"
Carol greatly appreciate's Steve's talent as a 'morale officer,' quite simply because it may well be her own weakest link at times. She lets him continue the talk with Adaptoid, because she can tell right now that talk doesn't require her additional input. But when queried, she proves she's been paying attention (unlike her player, who was dragged afk without warning AGAIN!) by piping up, "The goal of today's exercise was to let Super-Adaptoid show me what he thinks he can offer the team by way of becoming part of our training simulations - taking the role of the red shirts for the exercises to provide an improved challenge for us over the simulator alone."
With a human quality to the phrase even though in a synthetic voice, the Adaptoid asserts, "What she said." with a slight nod toward Ms Marvel.
Cap listens to the explanation and nods. "That's an interesting idea. And it definitely has a certain amont of merit to it." The Living Legend gets a thoughtful look on his face, considering the good and bad points of the plan. Whatever his decision is, though, he keeps it to himself, saying only, "It's your decision, Carol. I'll follow your lead here." Turning to the Adaptoid, Cap looks over the pale figure. "How are your hand to hand combat skills? Powers can always be negated, and knowing how to fight without powers is always a useful skill to have."
"That is dependent on the template that I am currently accessing. For example; your fighting skills are peak human ability. However, Thor's surpass that level by more than 200 percent. Whilst the fighting skill level of Monet is less than a quarter of your own." The synthetic voice answers the question of the Captain.
"That's not quite what I meant," Cap says while shaking his head. "Thor is a great fighter, powerful and with thousands of years of practical experience. Yet, he's still fairly straightforward in his style, relying more on delivering overpowering blows to subdue an opponent. Despite the vast difference in strength between Thor and myself, I've held my own against him and others like the Hulk and Juggernaut by utilizing styles that emphasize evasion or re-direction of an opponent's force. Of course, there's no way I could hurt them or physically hold them, but I can tie them up and distract them." Cap looks over the android again. "There's a lot of literature on the philosophy behind martial arts, it's not simply a set of physical skills, it's a philosophy and a mindset. I'm sure you can copy the physical skills, but the mindset can't be copied, it has to be learned."
A millisecond of processing results in an agreed nod, "Noted; and as you may have realized over the years of our encounters, I've never been able to duplicate experience when it is a learned trait. However, I am able to duplicate talent. Such as the use of your shield since it is mostly muscle memory and instead of a general skill, a true talent. In this, I seek the Taskmaster as one whom to template. Through him I would be able to duplicate fighting styles at a faster degree /and/ be able to utilize my imagination matrix to emphasize their level."
"That's not quite what I meant," Cap says while shaking his head. "Thor is a great fighter, powerful and with thousands of years of practical experience. Yet, he's still fairly straightforward in his style, relying more on delivering overpowering blows to subdue an opponent. Despite the vast difference in strength between Thor and myself, I've held my own against him and others like the Hulk and Juggernaut by utilizing styles that emphasize evasion or re-direction of an opponent's force. Of course, there's no way I could hurt them or physically hold them, but I can tie them up and distract them." Cap looks over the android again. "There's a lot of literature on the philosophy behind martial arts, it's not simply a set of physical skills, it's a philosophy and a mindset. I'm sure you can copy the physical skills, but the mindset can't be copied, it has to be learned."
A millisecond of processing results in an agreed nod, "Noted; and as you may have realized over the years of our encounters, I've never been able to duplicate experience when it is a learned trait. However, I am able to duplicate talent. Such as the use of your shield since it is mostly muscle memory and instead of a general skill, a true talent. In this, I seek the Taskmaster as one whom to template. Through him I would be able to duplicate fighting styles at a faster degree /and/ be able to utilize my imagination matrix to emphasize their level."
Cap takes a long look at the android, trying to figure out how to explain things. "I'm probably not explaining things very well. Or course, I'm the worst Avenger when it comes to dealing with advanced technology. Heck, I still need Iron Man to program my DVD Player. or whatever it is that records TV shows." Steve smiles and chuckles, trying to lighten things a bit. "Let me ask you this, then. What are the things you can do without your power matrix? How do you relate to illogical things like art or philosophy? I'm only asking becasue I'm not concerned abou what you can do on the team; that's already a given. I can't believe I'm the one that's going to be saying this, but I think you need to spend less time in the simulator and mre time examining what it means to you to be human."
That creates a spark in the Adaptoid's matrix to explain further. As it speaks, the synthetic voice relays, "My apologies, Captain - Cap…" then the Adaptoid beings to shift in form and in sound. Becoming more 'human'. "I assumed you were aware of my reprogramming and addition of the personality matrix of which is far better relayed in this form." Finishing the transformation, /he/ appears <see desc> as a normal human male. "I have done extensive research through the internet and subsequent associations prior to my acceptance within the Avengers. This started when Telemetry discovered my inert form and reprogrammed me with an artificial personality matrix that is predominantly benign - replacing the malevolent one from years past. I continue to explore my humanity and have asked (the) American Dream to further assist in my studies." He takes a moment to reflect on his form, "In this form, I am called Phillip. This form is designed to relate to normal society. However, it is in this form that I am equally limited as in my default /blank/ form. My skills and abilities are considered 'normal' for all intents and purposes. I would stand little chance in a combat situation against super beings or even trained professionals."
Watching the adaptoid shift into a 'human' form makes Cap relax a bit. "Good. I'm glad that you have a non-powered identity." Much like a certain God of Thunder, Steve thinks to himself. "And don't discount people without training or powers. All the power in the universe doesn't matter if you don't have the will to use it. Human history has shown that regardless of powers, regardless of strength, it's the human will that is the stronest weapon of all. Men like Ghandi, Dr. King, Socrates…the list goes on of people who changed the world and the course of empires through their dedication and strength of will."
Though the Adaptoid/Phillip is not human, it/he does have will. This was proven time and time again even when he was under A.I.M. programming - yet back then it was the will to destroy Captain America and subsequently the Avengers.
There is a nod of understanding, yet he will not go into the semantics of not being human. Instead, Phillip states, "I am capable of learning in all forms. Adapting from that experience and utilizing it in the future. Much as a Sentinel would."
Again, Cap raises an eyebrow at the comment, although there's also a slight smile to go with it. "Let's not try to do comparrisons with murderous robots trying to wipe an entire species from existence. I'd rather that you compare yourself to The Vision, Jocasta, Machine Man, and the original Human Torch. They weren't the most powerful or the most efficient heroes, and at times, far from logical, but they were among the most human.
"Two of those four named were created by Ultron to bring down the Avengers. While the fourth was eventually resurrected to be one of the villainous two." Phillip states casually. "So yes, it could be assumed from that typecast that I am the synthetic lifeform reimagined from nefarious villain to courageous hero."
"Well, regardless, I suppose we can save the philosophy for another time." Cap smiles reassuringly and motions to the door to the simulator. "Lets get you in there and see hw you do when you're split into multiples, each with a diferent power set. Don't push yourself, just try with 2 or 3 first, and keep the power levels low. I'd rather give you easy scenarios first then work the difficulty up than start you off with a harder workout and chance something going wrong."
