New Knowledge

[Demetri Malius]

The steam engine of the bike hissed as the vehicle sped across the Nexus towards the Ashen. IRIS rested idle, its blue eye staring unfocused towards the barren white landscape. Demetri's thoughts wandered as his eyes stayed transfixed on the Ashen gate on the horizon. Would these new primes accept him as an ally? Or would they not trust him and turn on him. He considered Nealaphh an ally, but couln't be sure of Connor or Cat. Too much was completely unknown about her, besides what he could pick up from his senses. Plus, she didn't speak much to him, but she did seem to connect with Nealaphh, so that was enough for her to be considered friendly. Connor seemed suspicious of them, most likely due to him having a general dislike to machines.

In addition, Demetri had to admit that his personality and attire didn't mark him as the most ...friendliest or trustworthy of types. His tendency to reveal little about himself, yet pry upon the information of others. His cloaked garments and blending presence. In most cases, they would be right to suspect him, and he would not care. However, at this time, in this new world, the Omniverse, he needed to play by the rules, and try to get a solid base for contacts and possible allies. He knew almost nothing of this place, besides what IRIS and Nealaphh revealed to him. IRIS had explained much of the basics about the omniverse to him during the ride to the fountain and a bit more shortly after they left Connor, as well as helping him contact Nealaphh to join his faction.

Demetri had taken quite a liking to the bot, not just because he was the one that summoned it but because it has been extremely helpful to him, although its personality was confusing for him. At first he thought the machine might have been good-minded, most likely to refuse any questionable requests, but it seemed that it was just how it was. Perhaps that would come useful in the case that he came across someone whose values he... contradicted. In all cases, he was glad to have the machine by his side.

As for his goals, Demetri wanted to have a position in this world like he had before, an unmatched informant with the cunning and skills to be able to find anything about anyone, for a price. Although he never did dwell too much into the business of assassinations, he could very well see himself being able to accomplish such tasks with ease, given his new abilities. As Demetri reflected, remembering his home world, he realized he didn't wish too go back. There was far too much potential and new technology in his grasp now, to go back would be a hinderance, a curse. He needed to now establish himself in this world now, and make a name for himself, but only to the people who matter. If he became the wrong kind of infamous, then he would not have his peace and silence. But all in good time, he needed to focus on the present.

Before IRIS had entered its trance like state, it told Demetri that is was going to search the dataverse in depth, which would require its full attention. Demetri glanced at the machine, wondering when it would find something of interest.
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Once I told creator that I was going to be inactive, I set my systems to 'rest' mode and focused on finding a decent quest for him. It was fun doing that last run in the empire base, and I kept that stormtrooper helmet as a souvenir. I had to sneak it into the trunk of Creator's bike before we left the Deep. As for finding a quest, I began searching through the message boards, omitting this, filtering that. It was quite time consuming, and I was starting to wonder if Creator might be worried. I wished creator was able to embark on a void quest, but he he didn't have enough power to take such a journey. There are many questions that can only be answered by Omni, or as Creator's ally calls him "The Smiling One". If it was me, I could easily do it with my expertise and skills. It too bad that... wait, there's plans for a secondary void quest. I needed to get more information. It seemed like there were a few large groups going, but it would still be dangerous. Well, for them, not for me. I could do it myself if I had to. Lucky for them we need to combine our power for it. I just need to sign electronically, download the quest info and contacts, aaaaaand done! Now to get back to Creator. Rebooting systems from rest mode...
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IRIS blue eye darted around before focusing again on its surroundings. "That was a nice nap. Very refreshing."

"Nap? I thought you were searching for more quests that we may pursue?"

"Don't worry. I was just kidding. So, creator, what would you say if i said that it was a strong possibility that I had the ability to possibly embark on a possibly dangerous for others but not for me void quest?" IRIS squealed a bit while it spoke.

"I would say that you haven't sufficiently explained enough for me to understand what you are babbling about." Demetri spoke indifferently, hiding his amusement as the bot seemed to become disappointed.

"What are you talking about? I told you all about void quests! With the danger, the power, the uncertainty and the Omni, and the questions that only he can fulfill!" The bot frantically tried explaining the situation.

Demetri's smirk was hidden by his facecloth. "I hide the truth, IRIS. Of course I remember the void quests. However, are you ready for such a task? From what you told me, it is very dangerous, although rewarding."

"Psh... I can handle it. There's at least a 70% chance that I'll survive. And the only reason why it's not 100% is because I'l probably be carrying the team and taking all the hits."

"Of course you will be." Demetri shook his head slightly at the robots humor. They were nearing the Ashen. "Will you be departing as of now?"

"Yeah, I'll want to get a head start, they don't have an exact place to meet yet.." As they neared the gate, Demetri slowed down before coming to a complete stop in front of it, the wheels squealing as they screeched to a stop.

"Then I believe this is where we depart then. However, I still need to be able to contact you." Demetri began to focus his energy again as IRIS disengaged from its compartment. A small device formed on Demetri's forearm. "This device will allow me to speak to you directly, and vice versa.. Keep in contact with me during your mission. Inform Nealaphh of what you are doing."

"Yeah, Creator, and I'll keep in contact. Farewell." The bot's arms extended as it waved to Demetri.

"Farewell, IRIS." Demetri then hit the gas again before giving IRIS a short wave, then disappearing into the Ashen gate.