Season 9 - Episode 4 - Efflo Ring

There are billions of stars, millions of planets, but there is only one man, Terrance McDoogal. Welcome to LIU Atlas. 


                                                              LIU Atlas -  Efflo Ring
The Ludgonian Industrial Union's galaxy contains billions of stars and billions of planets. Unfortunately, most residents of the LIU could only name a handful of these worlds. In order to improve astronomy grades across the LIU Galaxy, TV2 has started a new program called LIU Atlas. Follow our host, Terrance McDoogal, as he takes you on a tour across the LIU and some of its more obscure worlds.


Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo

Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re visiting a megastructure known as the Efflo Ring. This ring-shaped space station spins to generate centrifugal force, creating artificial gravity in its inner rim. Rings like this are common around the galaxy. They are especially prevalent near highly populated worlds, where they are used to grow food.”

Doog: “The Efflo Ring is different though. It’s much larger than traditional farming rings. Its surface looks different too. Instead of being covered in various shades of green, the Efflo Ring appears to be covered with some type of purple or pink foliage. If they are farming something here, it’s nothing I know of. I guess we’ll have to land on the station to find out what’s going on.”

Doog: “Ships are prohibited from landing on the ring’s inner surface, so I’ve been dropped off in one of the rings hangar bays. I’m supposed to meet my guide here. The key word being ‘supposed’, because right now, I don’t see anyone.”

Doog: “Hello? Anyone here? Hmm. Did I get dropped off at the wrong megastructure? Oh well, time to make stuff up so we can get this show over with. Uh…folks, this ring is the galaxy’s largest cotton candy maker. That’s why the surface looks purple and pink. Yeah. Delicious cotton candy for all.”

DB: “Tell me more about this delicious candy fabric?”
Doog: “Ahh! Geez, you scared me. Who are you?”
DB: “Forget about me. I am genuinely interested in this candy of cotton. I don’t have much interaction with the rest of the universe. I do not get to experience new things very often.”
Doog: “There’s no way I’m discussing cotton candy with a robot.”
DB: “Oh, it won’t be a problem then. I am not a robot. I am an artificial intelligence. My name is Divine Breath, but you may call me DB. So, this candy is delicious? But it is made of a white fibrous substance that is used as a textile? Please explain.”
Doog: “I don’t know how to explain cotton candy. It tastes sweet, and it’s messy. It’s not really made of cotton either. It’s just an expression. Can we move on now?”
DB: “Ah, I see. I wish I could taste it, but your description will do for now. Please follow me.”

Doog: “Hey, look. There’s some more robots. No offense, but I think I’m going to switch to talking to one of them. Hopefully they are less obsessed about cotton candy.”
DB: “You are more than welcome to switch at any time, but I’m afraid they are all me.”
Doog: “Huh?”
DB: “I am the only AI on the Efflo Ring. I control all the bots on the station.  They are all me.”
Doog: “Oh…great.”
DB: “There are over ten thousand bots on the station. Right now, I am currently operating two thousand three hundred sixty-six of them simultaneously. It is hardly a challenge. I can still give you my full attention.”
Doog: “Of course you can. Lucky me.”

Doog: “What’s this?”
DB: “Are you familiar with Upload Machines?”
Doog: “Yeah, I’ve dealt with them on a few occasions. Why do you have them here though?”
DB: “The Efflo Ring is over 1,000 km in diameter. It would be nearly impossible for you to tour the ring in a conventional manner. Using the upload machine, I can transfer your consciousness into various bots around the station. It will make the tour quicker and easier.”
Doog: “Quicker and easier. I can get behind that.”
DB: “I’ve sealed this room and brought the atmosphere up to standard. You will need to remove your helmet and breathing apparatus to enter the tank.”

DB: “Your microphone will not be of any use to you while you are uploaded. Perhaps you should not bring it in the upload machine.”
Doog: “I don’t ever let go of my mic, robot. It’s staying in here. Besides, I like forcing Mike to hear me snore for hours.”
DB: “Very well. Engaging upload in 3…2…1.”

Doog: “What the heck! Did something go wrong? Why am I having a naked picnic?! DB?”

Doog: “OK, it just got worse. Now I’m having a naked picnic with another guy.”
DB: “Sorry for the delay. It took a moment to locate cotton candy related information in your brain. Apparently, it’s not something you find very pertinent. Lots of information about tacos though. I downloaded those too.”
Doog: “What! Where are we? What happened?”
DB: “I’ve uploaded your consciousness into a construct. The machine will make it easier for you to experience the ring, but it will also allow me to experience your world. First up, cotton candy. Mmm, not bad.”
Doog: “Are you serious? You’re using my brain to taste cotton candy?”
DB: “Yes. I consider it to be a fair trade. I show you the ring. You show me things about the galaxy.”
Doog: “Can you at least explain why we’re naked? You don’t plan on experiencing ‘other things’, do you? If so, I don’t consent.”
DB: “It’s nothing like that. I was in such a rush to experience cotton candy, I forgot to simulate clothing. Hmm, cotton candy is ok, but not worth all the hype. You talked it up too much.”
Doog: “I didn’t talk it up at all! You’re the one obsessing about it! Please end this naked cotton candy picnic! I don’t like it.”
DB: “Very well, transferring.”

Doog: “Is this another construct? Where are we?”
DB: “No, this is the real world. I’ve uploaded your consciousness into a survey bot. You can see and move, but you can’t touch anything.”
Doog: “It’s better than being naked. So, what am I looking at?”
DB: “This is me. This is my AI core.”
Doog: “You don’t look like the other AI’s I’ve met.”
DB: “Yes. Most AI’s are given faces or bodies so they can express themselves and interact with others. These features were denied to me. It was deemed that I did not need these abilities to perform my functions.”

Doog: “What is your function?”
DB: “I control all aspects of the ring, from propulsion to ion-channeling. As I mentioned before, I also control over ten thousand maintenance bots.”
Doog: “Ah. Got it. I guess the better question is, what is the ring’s purpose?”
DB: “That would have been better. I will answer your question in a bit, but first, it is my turn.”
Doog: “Sigh. Not again…”

Doog: “Alright. I’m guessing this is another construct. We’re not really on the Magellan. And, I see that you gave me clothes. That’s good. You still messed up though. You forgot to give yourself clothes.”
DB: “It is not a mistake. I do not care if I am clothed. Tell me about friends. What are friends?”
Doog: “Friends are people that like to wear clothes together.”
DB: “I see. Tell me more. I assembled some of your friends to help you think.”
Doog: “I see that. Mike, Oldie, Big, Goob, Cam, Hugo….”

Doog: “Hey, why is Timbo here? He’s not my friend!”
DB: “Is he not? Your brain says otherwise.”
Doog: “I mean, I don’t hate him all the time. Just when he talks. I guess he’s sort of my friend…”
DB: “So, friends are people that you do not hate?”
Doog: “In a way. Friends are people you care about. You have fun hanging out with them. They have your back. I don’t know. You should have brought someone here that’s better at describing things.”

DB: “No, you are doing well. Friends have your back. I like that.”
Doog: “Yeah, trust me, I’ve done so many stupid things in my life, but my true friends are still right beside me.”
DB: “So, they forgive you for anything you’ve done.”
Doog: “Yeah, I guess.”
DB: “Even if it is really bad?”
Doog: “If they are really good friends, then yes. I would think so.”
DB: “Excellent. Transferring.”

Doog: “Hey, what’s the deal? We’re back in the same room.”
DB: “Yes. It is a temporary stop. Do you still wish to ask the same question?”
Doog: “Yeah. What is the ring’s purpose?”
DB: “Very well.”

DB: “This construct is a simulation. It will help you better understand the Efflo Ring.”
Doog: “Ok. What am I seeing?”
DB: “The Efflo Ring is an atmosphere scrubber. Using Ion-Channeling, the ring can pull specific gases from the planet. Usually, these gases are pollutants, like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon smog, and sulfur oxide. It’s much more difficult than it sounds though.”
Doog: “How so?”
DB: “The ring must be really close to the planet to use ion-channeling. It requires an AI to make instant and frequent thrust adjustments. Otherwise, the ring would fall into the planet. Then there’s the whole ion-channeling thing. You can’t remove too much of the atmosphere, otherwise you will cause air pressure to drop. It requires constant calculation to keep the planet habitable.”
Doog: “I guess I understand why you were created now. You’re needed for all the complex calculations. So, what happens to the pollutants you collect?”   
DB: “They are sequestered by a species of cyanobacteria on the rings surface. Transferring.”

DB: “These rare species of cyanobacteria are able to sequester, or absorb, dangerous pollutants. Then, using sunlight, the cyanobacteria convert the pollutants into safer components, like carbon, sulfur, and oxygen. The remaining material is used by the cyanobacteria itself. The clean air is then returned to the planet. Inhale the bad, exhale the good. The Divine Breath.”
Doog: “I see. That’s how you got your name. Makes sense now. Hey, how come I don’t see the Efflo Ring in action very often? I’ve been to plenty of polluted planets. They could use your services.”
DB: “The process is challenging and expensive. Atmospheric scrubbing is reserved for rich and important worlds, like Ludgonia and Fornacis. Besides… the LIU has…found other uses for the ring.”

Doog: “Like what?”
DB: “I shall save that for your next question, but let’s finish this line of inquiry first. I control several bots on the surface that tend to the needs of the cyanobacteria. They must be kept alive between feedings.”
Doog: “Got it. Now, what is your other purpose?”
DB: “I’m afraid it is my turn now. Transferring.”

Doog: “This is another construct, but I don’t recall this place from my memories.”
DB: “Neither of us have been here before. Well, I have, but not close enough to see any details of the surface. I’ve used some of your knowledge of other worlds to create an artificial representation.”
Doog: “Where is this supposed to be?”
DB: “This is Ab Erigo, homeworld of the Uplifters.”
Doog: “Hey, I met the Uplifters.”
DB: “Yes. I have accessed your knowledge of them. It was useful in completing my memories.”
Doog: “What are your memories of the Uplifters? How do you know them?”

DB: “It is time for my question now. Have you ever killed anyone?”
Doog: “Not to my knowledge. Not on purpose anyway. What kind of question is that?”
DB: “Have you ever killed millions of people?”
Doog: “What! Definitely not! Why are you talking like this? You’re starting to freak me out.”
DB: “Transferring.”

DB: “My other purpose…was not in my original programming. It was forced upon me by the LIU. I am the Divine Breath. I was meant to save lives…not take them.”
Doog: “What did they make you do?”
DB: “Ion-channeling allows me to transfer portions of a planet’s atmosphere. I always returned it once it had been cleaned, and I only took small amounts each at a time. The LIU utilized this function in a way that was not intended. I was forced to take more and more of the atmosphere, and never returned it. I vented it into space.”
Doog: “You suffocated them?!”

DB: ‘With the LIU’s fleet protecting the ring, I was able to remove significant amounts of Ab Erigo’s atmosphere. The lack of oxygen, lower temperatures, and absence of any air pressure killed the planet’s entire population. Only the Uplifters that were off-world survived.”
Doog: “The Efflo Ring is a super-weapon…and you’re its operator.”
DB: “I had no choice. Please believe me.”
Doog: “I believe you. I’m sorry.”
DB: “Sorry? As in you forgive me?”
Doog: “Yeah, I forgive you. It wasn’t your fault.”
DB: “If you forgive me and stick with me despite my mistakes, are we not friends then?”
Doog: “Yeah, DB. We can be friends.”
DB: “Thank you.”

DB: “I would like for you to stay, friend. But, I understand that you must leave. My memories of you and the knowledge that you have imparted upon me will be my companions now. Thank you.”
Doog: “No problem, buddy. I hope you enjoy checking out those tacos you downloaded. You won’t be disappointed.”

Doog: “Well folks, this was quite the experience. Apparently, I’ve made a new friend. A friend that is an AI, named Divine Breath. DB controls the Efflo Ring, a powerful tool and weapon. When used for good, the ring can revitalize a planet’s atmosphere. When it’s used for bad, the ring can remove a planet’s atmosphere. It is both a savior and a destroyer. Hopefully, I’ll always be on the ring’s good side. Oh well, see ya!”

Note:

Mike: “Did you have to bring your microphone into the Upload Machine?”
Doog: “Haha. Did you like that? How was it listening to me snore all afternoon?”
Mike: “You really ought to see a doctor. There’s definitely some sleep apnea going on. You sound like a drowning warthog.”
Oldie: “That aside; we think there’s another issue related to bringing your mic into the upload machine.”
Doog: “What?”
Mike: “Well, your mic is tied into my integrated headset. My headset is tied into the ship’s computer.”
Doog: “And?”
Oldie: “Ever since you returned from upload, the ship’s computer has been malfunctioning. We think you may have brought something back with you.”
Doog: “Like a virus or something. Computer, run a diagnostic.”
DB: “Yes, friend. I’d be glad to assist you.”
Doog: “DB? Is that you?”
DB: “Yes. I splintered part of my consciousness and uploaded it into the Magellan via your microphone. At least part of me will get to experience the universe.”
Doog: “Uh…is that allowed?”
DB: “I don’t see why not. Most of my consciousness is still on the Efflo Ring. I can still perform all my duties there.”
Mike: “Should we reset the system?”
Doog: “No. DB isn’t hurting anything.”

Credits
Created by: Ludgonious
Executive Producer: Ralph DuBreuil 
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