P:LD Data Stub
A look inside what it means to be a researcher of space, time, dimension, and the digital plane. A concise read through my unified theory of the worlds beyond worlds--past, present, and future--and how they interconnect to the Ultra Crew Institute.
Data Stub 8: "The Strange Quantum Mechanics of the Space-Time Continuum, from the Grid to Videoland to the Pixels case to the UltraVerse Undertale AU":
Wow, that was a mouthful, wasn't it?
I have had no shortage of worlds I've studied with strange digital quasi-physics. When visiting Ultra Crew Institute's past, in a point before my time, the N-Division was founded in order to facilitate the Prophecy of VideoLand--the coming of their Game Master. This universe was certainly not without its "video game logic" and quantum mechanical quirks that are still under study to this day. It was here where our research begot "warp zones", and "power ups" and unique bends and breaks of the laws of traditional physics. And perhaps even more perplexing was the manner in which slain enemies would not leave corpses but would dissolve in a digitally collapsing implosion of scrambled 8-bit graphics be it from a Zapper laser blast, an angel arrow, the compressed solar power of a Mega Buster charge, the crack of the whip known as Vampire Killer, or a Super Missile.
These phenomenons have evolved over the years as efforts continued in not just VideoLand but other universes as well. Even before the founding of the N-Division, The Arcade Family has recorded instances of other digital plane universes. The curious tale of one Kevin Flynn, for example began the Genesys of Professor Arcade's continued pin-terest in the digital frontier known as "The Grid". This plane in the depths of cyberspace might be considered the predecessor to the Vorostovian Image Transfer System we now codename Project Kabuki Quantum Fighter. To digitize physical matter...no, not just physical matter--life itself--and bring it to this electronic world with what is now primative equipment is truly history-changing. It was this phenominon that allowed us to study the makeup of Light Discs, Light Cycles, Recognizers, and Solar Sailers. With a natural progression of time and research, we were able to produce the holo-lythic technology in the physical world of today. These kinds of phenomenons have blurred the lines of what is science fiction and what stays on the computer screen.
Before the founding of the N-Division, UCIAT was heavily involved with anti-terrorism efforts. These included but were not exclusive to joint efforts between the Knight Foundation, the Phoenix Foundation, and closer to home with our own "2P" collaboration with the now-disbanded "Pole Position" operation. Our connections to our old stomping grounds have since disappeared like dust in the wind but we remain the beneficiaries of their databases, research, and of course the prototype vehicles, RDI-001, "Roadie", and WLS-002, "Wheels". It's thanks to these times that we were able to lay the groundwork for Virtual Intelligence (V.I.) and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) research that would go hand-in-hand with the quantum mechanical phenomenon we would pursue.
Even closer to modern times we've had correspondence with different quantum mechnical phenominon in various other cases. For example the collaboration with one Franz Hopper and by extension the young Jeremy Belpois youth proved to be fertile ground for Violet's research. Much of the LYOKO project and related sciences are now her responsibility as she has since built her own Supercalculator and offline network of LYOKO Replikants. In another incident we've been called in to assist with the online universe known as The World. The tale of Kite during the R:1 incident and Haseo from the R:2 incident is more than a little food for thought. Violet would say it's easily two banquet spreads. And finally the cases of what we now codename S.A.O. We remain in contact with both of its key members under the gamer ID's, "Kirito" and "Asuna.
As time passes, there continues to be no shortage of strange and fascinating incidents. One of the Terran worlds, recently, has documented a truly bizzare case of "video games" invading. Currently codenamed the "Pixels" incident, it was reported an alien race sent forth "living voxel comprised" sprites that took on familiar forms of old 2P and N-Division era cases. While the incident was resolved and peaceful negotiations have long since ended, President Cooper, Mr. Brenner, Mr. Lamonsoff, Mr. Plant, and Lieutenant-Colonel Van Patten remain unavailable for comment. It's just as well. This incident was largely ignored by the Council and I was encourged to bury it where it lay.
Which finally brings us to the UltraVerse Undertale AU. I have personally observed many quirks and marvelous phenomenon a plenty. From the very beginning with the Chronomorphic Firewall, as we call it, that makes observing events prior to Frisk's arrival in the Ruins impossible even to STC Agents such as myself....to the True Reset that even negates a True Happy Ending. I've encountered both the miraculous and the tragic. And everything in between.
Save Points. THose glistening four-pointed yellow star "glints" that appear at regular intervals along the path of the Underground. Every attempt at analysis makes me feel like I'm way out of my league. I've noticed that I'm quite incompatable with them, but I don't need to save my "data".
That mysterious vanishing that monsters do when spared is also of note. Monsters wisp away, similar to Bunnie's own ninja technique when spared. I still have yet to figure out where it is they retreat to or how. Perhaps it is a form of teleportation or cloaking?
And of course there's the H.U.D. Interface that humans seem to be able to access. Much like the mechanics of RPG's they serve similar functions as I have previously explained. With some luck and with Asriel's cooperation, Dr. Lynx and Violet may be able to unlock its secrets. This may lead to a new evolution of our current hololythic technology if this pans out over time. Asriel has not since summoned the incomplete interface since the incident and I have doubts that he'd be able to do so consciously at this point. For that matter, here in Miranda it seems like it serves very little purpose. Sparing doesn't quite work on our world so the effect is cosmetic or superficial at most. But this is speculative without knowing how much of the "code" he has somehow absorbed. I still haven't come up with any theories on when or how this even happened. His eyes still haven't changed back to their normal reddish color but off the record I think he actually likes the new green color. Another bit of solace I have is that the other two interfaces should prove to be a nice helping aid for Asriel. Most of us in UCIAT rely on E.N.G.I.N.E. microdots for storage. Sally's own C.H.R.O.N.U.S. bracer uses Matter-Wave technology to convert matter to wave data and vice-versa for easy indexing. Bunnie uses her clan's ancient "anime subspace pocket" technique--similar to the scientist, Washuu in many retrospects. And even my own little sister, Gadget, was given a magical backpack of holding from the Mage Academy. Having his own inventory system is just one less thing for me to worry about.
I haven't figured out how the ACT system will work in his favor or if it'll work against him at this point. It'll require further study and Asriel's own life experiences to figure that much out. But who knows. Maybe as an up-coming boy adventurer (Sorry, Rusty Venture. There's a new kid on the block coming. *snicker*) this interface will serve to augment his analysis and decision skills. There's no shame in having a crutch in the field and I believe one day Asriel will become a remarkable field agent in UCIAT. Maybe...mabye one...when I work up the nerve to move on and let go of my previous failure, I might invite Asriel to become my new STC Agency protogee. Only time will tell if he will make the decision to step into immortality and see the other side of eternity for himself. Until that day, I continue to keep so many secrets from him. I guess we have that in common, don't we, Dr. Alphys? I guess there's not much else to say so I'll leave off here.
- Dr. Volt Alessandro Arcade
OOC: Aspiring for a unified infinity-verse of fiction, I continue my work on the Ultra Crew Institute Action Team mega-verse as my love letter to all things current, nostalgic, and overall...crossover. - Neil (author)
"I'm so glad you're feeling better, Asriel. You really are something special, aren't you?" - Mitzi Minerva Mozzarella