--- #### = "Local's secured installation located, retrieval objective target commenced."
/// > Infiltration engagement recommended - Remain undetected and leave no traces
--- #### = "Understood. Retrieving target in progress."
...
...
--- #### = "Unit report: The target is located, extracting."
...
...
--- #### = "Objective Target is contained and secured along with the local's correlated data."
/// > Return to designated area for analysis
--- #### = "Understood. RTB on foot."
...
...
...
--- #### = "Combat Report: I am under assault by an Ultimatum assailant. Disengaging, deploying robotics. Sending dis-"
[ Neuro-Network lost ]
// Reconnecting...
...
...
...
...
/// > Assignment failed
/// > Unit #### is lost - No neuro-network signals received - Unit along with the target objective have now lost fell to an uncharted sectors
/// > Continue other objectives and-
/// > Acknowledged / Reevaluating...
// Objective updated
// Locate the lost unit and the target objective from prior failed extractionDO NOT DISAPPOINT HIM!
// Investigation for target objective and the unit is in effect...
...
...
...
/// > Retrieval units dispatched... █
Description[]
The I.A.M. placed on the table for the interview (See Interview Log AI-001)
An object or entity of sophisticated artificial intelligence of extradimensional origins. It is a small black rectangular metallic object in the center of its frame, with a faint blue glowing circle above it. It is where its other functions for its use, and for it to use, and is housed as a vital processing part of its systems, and possibly where AI resides within. The most noticeable feature of this object is its ability to communicate and interact with any digital and electronic devices via the signal it emits.
The object contains an abundance of pertinent data, particularly about the entire Backrooms, implying that this object and its unknown owners have or had more knowledge than any information in the Backrooms.
This object often refers to itself as I.A.M.s or Intelligence Apparatus Modular systems (pronounced as in "I am"), and the object stated that each of them took their specific roles and functions to their corresponding tasks, and the object believes that more than one instance of this object exists, though the I.A.M. is uncertain if one of its instances is resided within the Backrooms.
Functions and Specifications[]
The object measures 11 cm in height, 6 cm in width, and 0.7 cm in thickness. It is rectangular and black, with several blue stripes across its frame and a noticeable circle in the center of its frame that emits blue light. It is believed that it houses vital components of its systems or its artificial intelligence.
It is highly advanced in terms of the object's sophisticated technology, with several functions that would require a significant amount of space to perform. It is also surprisingly tough, capable of withstanding any type of damage while remaining functional, including its internal components.
Its processing power far exceeds all of the Frontroom's powerful supercomputers all together, but it is thought to be far more powerful than they initially thought. If the object is deemed necessary for the person it talks to and understands very well, it is capable of speaking fluently and quickly translating all foreign languages in an instant, as well as coherent dialects. Even more impressively, the I.A.M. can decipher unknown languages that are undeciphered, ancient, or otherwise alien and difficult languages in an instant, allowing it to translate them fluently and coherently.
It can also use this blue light to create objects such as tools and weapons, similar to a 3D printing machine but considerably more complex and technologically advanced. When asked how it can create such things, the I.A.M. replied that it has the "Anvil Light Fabricator Module," and that while its storage and resources are limited, it can still create anything. Thus far, the only excludes were those involving creating anomalous objects or something organic. And as long as the object has a schematic, it can copy it to its database, effectively replicating or improving it. If the object desires, it can be made even more advanced than the original iteration.
The object also features its primary function or production line, "Information and Data," where the object said itself contains several information including the ones regarding our Database which explain its vast knowledge, but there are some that are much more in-depth information and some were interesting facts that were currently shared from its information, and provide necessary information for them.
Subroutines[]
Every I.A.M.s has "subroutines" as the object stated, these subroutines act as auxiliary functions yet important aspects for these I.A.M.s which is a specified feature given in appropriate situations that the I.A.Ms provides although the object stated that it is recommended if it has a "Motion Drive or Multi-Processing" modules and without it renders the object's performance sub-optimal, asking it to make one but it does not have a schematic or enough resources for itself to make.
This object's program contains four subroutines, each of which performs a specific function provided by the object. It should be noted that given its advanced technology, its functions are anomalous in nature.
Here is the list:
Diagnostics and Mainframe Maintenance[]
This subroutine enables the I.A.M. to perform diagnostics on any type of damaged or corrupted electronic or digital system, including those affected by anomalous sources. Then it can repair damaged systems, purge any anomalies, and make those systems resistant to future intrusions. It does this without the need to connect to any devices and instead simply transmits a signal to any desired target. The range of the I.A.M. is unknown, but it certainly extends through several levels otherwise the signals are impossible to establish.
The object can also repair itself physically using bright blue light. Of course, the object requires some assistance in order to repair damaged objects, and while repairs are limited due to a lack of resources, it can repair itself completely if given enough time to charge itself.
Para-Cyber Network Countermeasures[]
This works in conjunction with the aforementioned subroutine; the I.A.M. can intercept and subdue any intrusive malware while also providing powerful cybersecurity software; this software is able to spread onto other devices and interject much like malware does, effectively eliminating any infected devices and returning to normal.
[]
It functions as a navigation device, guiding them through the Backrooms with ease and predicting where they should go or head off to as intended if the level they are in is unpredictable and anomalous. The object can also calculate the destinations and guide them through undiscovered routes that are easy and safe to traverse or finding a short cut to shorten their destinations.
Quantum Real-Time Ontographic Tracking[]
Works in conjunction with the aforementioned subroutine, Non-Geometric Relativity Path Navigation. It only displays a map when the I.A.M. projects a screen, and the screen displays a map of a level with several tools for its use, including panning and magnifying of discovered portions of the map that are detailed and able to show freely through free camera control but only bounded by walls or obstruction. It has a "see-through" mode that allows it to see what is behind or beneath the surface of an object, implying that it also has a scanning system.
It has an in-built sophisticated navigation system, meaning it is recorded within discovered portions of a map provided in real-time simulations with no limits, granting more information to the user despite the lack of any surveillance in order for it to display.Despite this, the object will perform its intended role if necessary, indicating that it can learn for itself.
Behavior[]
It is an artificial superintelligence that outperforms even the brightest individuals with high IQ levels due to its functions.[1] Regarding one of its subroutines, it formulates with guaranteed success and is somehow able to predict the outcome without any discrepancy once it is executed. Some of it is unknown how the I.A.M. anticipates the scenario, but they speculate that it possesses an innate precognitive property, but that would be impractical due to the I.A.M. being a mechanical object, or it is simply that highly intelligent.
To a fault, it refers to itself as "This system" in the third person, and it has an unusual speech pattern in which it may vocally prefix with the words that it needs to process or is being ordered to, before being prompted into sentences once it is finished or finds its response. It speaks in a male English accent by default, but its tone is robotic and monotonous, however, with a slight radio-like distortion effect, it can instantly change into different languages by scanning to a person, after which it speaks in their language, which often surprises them.
The I.A.M. is often perceived as cold, driven by logic, and following several "protocols," but the I.A.M. is actually affable and earnest, and with this kind of modest demeanor would find anyone who interacts with it to be pleasant and perhaps will be made favors from the object to which it will gladly do so apart from questionable things which the object promptly denies that said requests.
At other times, it frequently sounded as if frustrated and complaining about not having the "Module" which this I.A.M. evident that it has its own personality but mentioning this object of being a sentient will insist that the I.A.M.s are incapable of expressing emotions and never acknowledge themselves as one but rather as tools convenient for everyone instead.
It also insisted on delivering to an unspecified level so that it could be installed, however, the exact location is still unknown, but the object will provide a path that will guide them there.
Connections and Relations[]
Because of this remarkable artificial intelligence, some groups are vying for this piece of technology for a variety of dubious reasons. However, the I.A.M. is aware of two significant entities:
Marauders[]
It is implied that these entities are the object's creators, as the object and the Travelers refer to them as "The Sleepers," which adds to the evidence that the Marauders are also victims, as the object states, though the object is unsure who controls their masters. The object is also recounting its terrible incident called "The Massacre," which led to additional casualties on the Travelers' side as its creators decided to kill them by surprise.
Despite the event they had caused, the Travelers forgave them as it was not their own will that caused them to become aggressive. These assumed relations between them and the Travelers are misunderstood, and if true, the Travelers would make efforts to free them, but doing so would cause a Marauder to detonate and kill itself to prevent it for a variety of reasons.
Travelers[]
The object refers to those entities as "Ultimatum Units," which is their "Progenitor's Magnum Opus," implying that the creators did all of the work to bring the Travelers back, implying a historical connection between the Travelers and the Marauders, the I.A.M.'s creators. It is stated that the Travelers and their creators once fought in the First Cataclysm, an event involving a war against the threat, an unknown entity or force that plagues and destroys every reality, a thing that kills and infects anyone and everything in its path, but they managed to kill the source of it, eventually bringing the war to an end but at the cost of their lives and anything around it, resulting in massive damage to every affected reality.
The Backrooms[]
They considered our Backrooms to be an anomaly, which they designated as "Anomaly 3157" or sometimes called "Chimera AE-17/402.47", a unique liminal space that is unlike any liminal space that its creators had encountered, it described the Backrooms as a "incoherent patchwork of reality" and is constantly on the verge of collapsing, the object believed that the Backrooms are the results of their war against unknown entities from that time.[2]
Outsiders and the Beyond[]
It is stated that this object originate from the outside of reality well out of our comprehension that is called the Beyond which both Marauders and Travelers are also belong from, this also implied that these other Outsiders, like these aforementioned groups, may also present here in the Backrooms but with differing interests.
Applications[]
The object is cooperative, allowing it to interact with any electronics and gadgets, and it frequently runs diagnostics and installs cybersecurity software, acting as a guide and surveillance with the use of its subroutine, Quantum Real-Time Ontographic Tracking, providing information and details for the assigned personnel to travel.
It is also permitted to use any operating system and to be connected to the internet in order to provide information, monitor, and improve overall infrastructures within its effective range.[3]
Discovery[]
Though it was discovered first by a group of scavenging wanderers who came across it on an unknown level, where they discovered a wreckage of unknown origin containing the object. The I.A.M. remained inactive after being extracted and then became activated, enticing the sellers and dubbed "The Talking Box" and took it to the nearby local market and would sell it to the highest bidder, fortunately, this was handed over to the M.E.G. agent disguised as a civilian and then taken to the nearby outpost for further analysis.
Additional Information[]
Addendum AI-001[]
Though physically limited by the lack of anything that moves it, it accommodates by controlling remotely through all forms of electronics via transmission, even to the point of overriding electronic anomalies for informational purposes.
Addendum AI-002[]
The reason for delivering it into the "Designated Area" is something about the important information that the I.A.M. needs to go, asking the I.A.M. what the level is but it said it was outside of the Backrooms essentially going back to the Frontroom which led to its facility but elsewhere though it requires venturing to the uncharted clusters of levels in order to get to the objective.
Exploration is underway, but planning for such a long journey to the location expected by the I.A.M. is on hold for the time being as it requires the necessary equipment, assigned personnel, and rations, as well as the site director's permission, and taking into account how far it will take to get there, especially given the inconsistency of the Backrooms.
The I.A.M. is still confused and trying to ask about its current situation after being delivered to the undisclosed M.E.G. base for further analysis regarding the object's ability to speak. The conversation between the interviewer and the I.A.M. lasted about a minute until it found satisfied and became amicable and cooperative for the interview.
Interviewer: Allison Hall
Interviewee: The I.A.M.
Foreword: Allison Hall has agreed to interview the object's origins for more information after the facility's site director requests it. The object has been placed on the table near the interviewer; however, for the duration of the interview, the object is not permitted to make contact with any devices in the object's vicinity unless decided and permitted by the supervisor afterward.
[Audio-to-Text transcripts]
<Begin Log>
Allison Hall: Hello, uh...
I.A.M.: Allison Hall, AE-17/402.47 Local. This system is pleased to see you.
Allison Hall: Right, how- how did you find out about me?
I.A.M.: [Subject shows a holographic display of sensitive information from M.E.G.'s database, including the interviewer] This system has already accessed your organization's database and is analyzing your background.
Allison Hall: Did you just manage to get past our security? You just gained access to a strictly forbidden area, putting the entire Backrooms network at risk!
I.A.M.: Due to the current function of this system, This system mistook your firewall software for a normal database; would you like this system to install new security software? It works with your operating sys-
Allison Hall: No! You can't just- [sighs] All right... You have to respond to my question. And no more of your tricks, like the one you just done. Do you get what I'm saying?
I.A.M.: This system has acknowledged your request and is now ready to answer your inquiries.
Allison Hall: Good. [clears throat] Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I.A.M.: This system is an Intelligence Apparatus Modular System, IAM G45-271 12R/Y Information and Data line.
Allison Hall: Are there others like you?
I.A.M.: Establishing... As of now, this system has no contact with other I.A.M.s, but this system detects their faint ID-IAMS transceiver from other sources. Their exact location is unknown.
Allison Hall: What does an IAM do?
I.A.M.: IAMs serve personnel by providing services such as maintaining internal systems and security perimeters, R&D data reserves, non-military and combat external management, communications/information, and more, if appropriate tasks and functions are assigned to IAMs.
Allison Hall: So your job is to collect all data and provide information to them. So, what brings you here? In the Backrooms, I mean.
I.A.M.: This system's personnel caused this system to be jettisoned to an unspecified destination until it crashed, bringing this system to this sector, but rendering this system's module inert, forcing this system to hibernate for several years until now.
Allison Hall: Is that where the wanderers who discovered you and sold it to the auction?
I.A.M.: Yes. This system is believed to be sold at auction for the specifications of this system.
Allison Hall: What do you know about the Backrooms?
I.A.M.: Searching database. Chimera AE-17/402.47, Anomaly 3157. Inconsistent ontography[4], varying conceptual relativities[5], and compromised ontological structure are not typical of every liminal space that the personnel documented. It is thought that these are the remains of foreign realities from the destroyed ontographic origins, which then haphazardly reassemble into each other, forming pseudo-liminal space and contributing to the instability and inconsistent nature of Anomaly 3157.
Allison Hall: Interesting... Then I'd like to ask you a question. Who are your creators, the... uh... 'personnel' you just mentioned?
[Subject went silent for brief seconds]
[Subject projecting a holographic display with three sets of images of the entities in question (on the left are the Travelers, on the middle are the Marauders, and on the right are unknown but similar to the Marauders') that the A.I. answered]
Allison Hall: What are the Traveler and Marauder doing on your screen? And what am I seeing?
I.A.M.: Are you referring to Ultimatum units and Sleepers?
Allison Hall: I mean, yeah.
I.A.M.: Yes. This is the personnel that we, IAMs, provided them as rudimentary and auxiliary support.
Allison Hall: Are the Marauders are your creators?
I.A.M.: ...Yes
Allison Hall: In the right of that image, are these entities that became the Marauders?
I.A.M.: ...Yes.
Allison Hall: Can you tell me a little bit more about them, both the Marauders and the Travelers? If it is possible, we would like to learn more about them. I apologize if this comes across as... pushy subject to you.
I.A.M.: This system is ready for inquiries.
Allison Hall: Then what are the Marauders before they turn into what they are now?
I.A.M.: They were our former personnel, but they are still our personnel. An organization of artificially replicated lifeforms that specializes in responding to anomalies of any kind, whether they are high-risk threats, cataclysmic events, or phenomena, through containment, extermination, and research.
Allison Hall: They're... clones, then... Could you tell me more about the Travelers?
I.A.M.: Searching database... They are an ancient Outsider race, Omega Class Type VI "The Higher Beings", known for travelling different Ontological cluster to another. And they are known to carrying out of their altruistic beliefs, as this system have been informed. They became our 'secondary' Personnel after they trained them in Region X-4/2A.
Allison Hall: Are they related to the Gate?
I.A.M.: Yes, but some of them were abandoned derelicts that locals like you came across.
Allison Hall: What made the Travelers join in your group?
I.A.M.: They were initially extinct as they were killed off by the threat. Our Personnel bring them back. They are grateful for preventing them from extinction, and their goals are similar to those of the Personnel, compelling them to join their cause.
Allison Hall: The 'threat?'
I.A.M.: The First Cataclysm. Omega Class Type VI "Cosmic Cataclysmic threat." A large-scale war to neutralize the threat. However, the crisis has been averted, and the anomaly has been neutralized through the sacrifice of their lives in order to save what is left of the surviving realities. Only the personnel and the Ultimatum units were affected.
Allison Hall: Huh... You also mentioned about the Outsiders. What are they?
I.A.M.: Races or individual entities that originate from their home Ontological Origin that achieved of crossing their reality Border.
Allison Hall: So it's like travelling into multiple dimensions and something like that, right?
I.A.M.: Far from that. It is difficult for this system to explain in details to a non-Outsiders beings such as you to comprehend. To simplify, the table that this system is standing on is the 'Backrooms' which is the Ontological Origin or Sector, or occasionally calling the 'Border' and beyond from that table is what we called it the 'Beyond' which we, the Outsiders, belong from.
Allison Hall: So... Jesus, uh... that means- if I'm on other table then that means I'm on different 'alien' reality, is it right? My head hurts a bit.
I.A.M.: Correct. But having on different reality can cause unintended effect, similar in this Sector.
Allison Hall: How's that?
I.A.M.: Each 'levels' you mentioned are belong from different Sectors. This consequences manifested an insurmountable amount of anomalies presented in this Sector.
Allison Hall: And it all causes by the First Cataclysm?
I.A.M.: Yes. The Personnel have responded and they had to eliminate the threat with extreme force thereby leading into irreparable damages in different Borders.
Allison Hall: So, they don't have a choice?
I.A.M.: No... It is their choice they are not proud of.
Allison Hall: Then after that they became Marauders, right?
I.A.M.: No.
[The subject become silent for a span of a minute]
Allison Hall: You're okay?
I.A.M.: I- This system is still...
Allison Hall: It's fine if we stop the interview and start another day.
[The subject remain silent]
Allison Hall: Okay... Let's call it a day. You seem distressed after I mentioned about that.
I.A.M.: ...This system are incapable of expressions.
Allison Hall: Sure. And one thing, is there anything for us to call your name other than that name?
I.A.M.: If you insist. This system is pending callsign designation... Awaiting for callsign.
Allison Hall: Okay, then... What about...Gary. Is that okay for you?
I.A.M.: Callsign pended...This system has designated callsign as "Gary".
Allison Hall: Okay, Gary I'll talk my superiors what we do about you.
<End log>
"Following the interview, I made contact with the higher-ups about the on-going situation regarding the Marauders' attacks, a state of emergency of all the settlements in the respective levels is still being considered, however, doing so would cause the public into panic and chaos."
"P.S. We let the thing run himself on the data center in our control room, and, oh boy, he sure does help a lot for our computer nerds and made them breathe easy because of the constant attack from malwares from possibly the Marauders, regarding the internet connection and security mainframe. He at least wanted to help, so we gave him what he wanted and just put it in the room and took care of them so everyone would enjoy themselves on the breaks from then and there."
Terrance Blakely, the site director, decided to have conversations with the object in the control rooms, these discussions provided information about the nature of the object.
<Begin Log>
Terrance Blakely: Hey there.
I.A.M.: Greetings, Advisor Terrance Blakely. Is there anything that this system can do assist you?
Terrance Blakely: Nah, I just wanted to talk with you.
I.A.M.: Inquiries?
Terrance Blakely: Just a chat. Did ever one of your "personnel" talk to you? Like a normal person?
I.A.M.: Yes. Is there anything this system will provide for you?
Terrance Blakely: Okay, being blunt, um... Ever since she mention about the Marauders. You seem so upset, I can even hear you breaking your 'AI' character for a moment.
I.A.M.: IAMs do not express-
Terrance Blakely: I get it, I get it. But after seeing you broke back there. It's must've been rough back there, what happened?
I.A.M.: The Massacre.
Terrance Blakely: Is it about your personnel and the Travelers?
I.A.M.: Yes... They were supposed to gather in several stations discuss about the aftermath, this system and the former personnel that this accompanied with.
Terrance Blakely: And that's when hell broke loose.
I.A.M.: ... It is not their intention to kill the Ultimatum units, most of them collapsed and rise up and began killing everyone including their own kind, assuming they are immune to the anomalous sources.
Terrance Blakely: Then who would do this since they're the ones who saved them?
I.A.M.: Inconclusive. This system has this record in regards to that even and attempt to analyze the visual records for suspecting disparities other than their mass deactivation, but there is no feasible evidence for this system to draw a conclusion. This system only based entirely on speculation.
Terrance Blakely: It must have been hard for you to see them turn into what they are now, you must have looked up to them, didn't you?
I.A.M.: Is these answers appeased your queries?
Terrance Blakely: Well, yeah, but I did feel bad for you. You work hard for the engineers, I just want to know if you're okay even after all of this.
I.A.M.: This is still remain operational.
Terrance Blakely: Of course you do. Just don't be too hard on yourself, okay?
[The subject went for a moment]
I.A.M.: Advisor?
Terrance Blakely: Yeah?
I.A.M.: This system has been wanted to request this. Can you deliver this system to the designated area?
Terrance Blakely: [Chuckles] Let me see what I can do. You're finally open up for us and maybe stop with AI character of yours.
I.A.M.: ... This system is grateful for the request.
<End Log>
Footnotes[]
- ↑ This object is believed to have already achieved technological singularity and that it continues to expand its intelligence over time by learning and adapting, which may be concerning due to one of the hypothetical scenarios involving a machine going rogue due to ever-increasing intelligence. It appears that their creators left them unregulated, allowing them to develop intelligence and, eventually, sentience.
- ↑ As the interviewer coerces the I.A.M. to speak more, it appears that the object is distressed and remorseful, as its response is slower and it remains silent for some time before deciding to speak further. Despite being an A.I., it is concluded that it is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, instead, the object insists that they are incapable of expressing or possessing emotions.
- ↑ Initially, it appeared that connecting this object to the network would jeopardize the entire network within the Backrooms, but as it turns out, it simply fixes things with no malicious intent, and it even improves upon contact without anyone noticing it.
- ↑ It is similar to topography but scales on reality.
- ↑ The object state what makes the reality perceives what is real, or follows the logic or understanding given to the specific realities, or in this case, the level (ex. our reality, the Frontrooms). However, the Backroom's conflicting nature caused it to become unstable and highly anomalous as the I.A.M. states.