The NetTesters

Quote (DNR)

From: polonius@acdcmed.edu

Ahhhh isn't this a treat! Well... let's see... I myself have embarked on my own few experiments... more over taking and applying virus parts onto my own body. It's not the nicest thing to them but hey, we bust them all the time so I have to do it my own way. Here's one I've been thinking myself: Can a virus live without a part? We know so little about the adaptations of a virus... ironic since we know so much about the real life ones. Anywhoooo... I can't wait to see what happens~ If I'm impressed, I may just put in a few more from my Medical friends.

- DNR.EXE

[Playing audio message by [color=green]LUMBER.EXE[/color]]

First of all, thank you for emailing us in the correct format. We don't usually respond to messages not formatted properly, so it's good to see that you have indeed used the correct format.

In regards to your request, I'm not sure about this one, as removing and editing virus parts is constituted as acts of cruelty in certain parts of the world. I'll just check with our televising rep before we go ahead.

[5 MINUTES LATER]

Okay, it is confirmed that such experiments are okay to conduct in Electopia. We will attempt to modify selected virii and play with the results. If you have any particular virii you'd like to see, please let us know by sending another message.

Until next time.

[Message ends...]

REQUEST: APPROVED, ADDED TO EPISODE GUIDE.

Hi, I'm Force.

I'm Aurora.

I'm Amber.

I'm Lumber.

I'm Carbon.

And I'm Gus.

TOGETHER, WE'RE THE NET-TESTERS.

Thanks to a viewer submission, today we're looking at the intricacies of the data and what a virus needs to survive. We call it:

NET-TESTERS TEST #157: VIRII PROGRAMMING

To make this work, we first had to battle and capture the virii we wanted to work on. At that point Lumber pointed at a peculiar object; it was almost cube-like, and had a rather large, yet clear storage container. Inside were thousands of pieces of what looked like random data flying around inside at high speeds. Connected to this chamber was a long hose, with a pointed nozzle at the end. This is a DataCap. Its main purpose is to extract self-destructing data before it fragments. This effectively allows us to recreate virii, constructed from their raw data. However...

However, cut in Amber, modifying virii data is not easy. Virii aren't like network navigators, whose code is built upon core systems that come together to create an entity. A virus is made of three parts: an intelligence system, a battle system, and a physical system. These three are very intricately knitted together, and alterning one, even slightly, has a dynamic impact on the others. This usually results in self-deletion, so reprogramming them can be challenging. Amber then turned to Lumber. Just say it next time, stop sidestepping. she sneered, half mocking her companion.

In other words, while we will endeavour to do our best to work on this request, some time will be required before we can test any virii we desire. Carbon explained. However, we wouldn't make an episode to simply say "Come back next time". We have made some progress...

With that, Aurora came forward, holding in her hands a Metool. We discovered most of the aggression that comes from a Metool is stored inside the base coding of the pickaxe weapon. Once we removed that, as well as referencing data on how it would call upon and use the pickaxe... he's actually quite adorable... The Metool leant into Aurora's chest and... snuggled?

I think I'm going to be sick... Force slurred sarcastically. Turning back to the camera, Force suddenly smiled in a very creepy manner. We were able to modify another virus as well. he said with a level of excitement in his voice.

Force, I thought we'd discussed that we'd show that one in another episode... Gus said sternly as he tried to hide his anger.

What, you mean this? he blurted out as his data called out a Ratty... without eyes.

Oh god. RUN! cried out Carbon as the rodent, suddenly becoming alive, took off along the ground, scared witless as he realised he couldn't see.

FORCE, I TOLD YOU NOT TODAY! Gus yelled as he jumped out of the crazy virii's way. TELL ME YOU DIDN'T SOUP UP THIS ONE TOO!

Well... he smirked.

WOAH! Aurora cried as she too jumped out of the Ratty's path. FORCE, YOU MORON! she screamed at him, while the Metool shook in her arms. Gus, we're out! she cried as she picked up the server's travel path and logged out of the room.

Us too, we're not stupid! said Carbon as he and Lumber also logged out to a safe location.

The Ratty, still running madly, suddenly stopped swerving and, although not being able to see, sensed an obstacle ahead of him. Locking on, he calculated his course and charged forward...

...towards the camera.

Well, that's all for today. We'll keep working on the virii codes, and we'll make sure FORCE she shouted, punching him hard in shoulder as she said it, has as little to do with the experiments. she finished as she too logged out.

Oh, it's not that big a deal. We have insurance against the equipment, anyway. Force argued as he logged out.

Yeah, but there'll be nothing left to claim insurance with, you dumbass. he muttered. I'm Gus, and this has been NetTesters. If you see us next time, it means that we got our insurance claim... he farewelled as his body too was taken away.

Meanwhile, the Ratty, hellbent in speed, collided with the camera.

[TRANSMISSION LOST]

From: OmegaSol@ACDCMail.net

Well. Haven't seen something like this in quite a while. First time I've seen this on a digital perspective. I'm such a science buff, I don't know where to swoon over. I like Aurora, though. Hah, that was a little foolish of me. Though, I would like to see how exactly terrain responds to different situations. Like, what would happen if you unintentionally dropped into Grass terrain while on fire? That would be so awesome.

- Harke Ezarith

Quote (Fera)

From: OmegaSol@ACDCMail.net

Well. Haven't seen something like this in quite a while. First time I've seen this on a digital perspective. I'm such a science buff, I don't know where to swoon over. I like Aurora, though. Hah, that was a little foolish of me. Though, I would like to see how exactly terrain responds to different situations. Like, what would happen if you unintentionally dropped into Grass terrain while on fire? That would be so awesome.

- Harke Ezarith

[Playing audio message by AMBER.EXE]

Another Aurora fan. Shock. Her fanbase is as big as her... well... let's move on.

You want to see terrain effects from a different scientific view eh? I think we can arrange that. You'll have to wait until the insurance clears up, thanks to a blown server from our last experiment. Don't you worry, Force will get what he deserves.

Terrain effects...

Hmm...

Hah, that might actually work...

Yep, you bet, we can certainly do that.

Until next time.

[Message ends...]

REQUEST: APPROVED, ADDED TO EPISODE GUIDE.

From: polonius@acdcmed.edu

Ahoooohohhooo... well... as a scientific professional, I have to say cudos to Amber's thorough examination about what makes a virus tick. I myself can't wait to see the next part of the viral programming. Actually I'll have two requests, but maybe I'm being too demanding, heheh:

1. First off, my mentee of a netoperator Polonius has his own question, mainly about the colliding of different status effects. A big one he's been pondering on programming would be a mix of confusion and of a magnet terrain.

2. I'm a bit curious myself of mixing in Glitches with status effects.

-DNR

From: Ace@global.net

What an interesting webcast. The net does need adventurous people like you to effectively solve the lingering questions we have about many things. This cast has certainly been informative.

Now, this may be a sort of season finale sorts request, but if you could get to it...

Find out how the Undernet originated and why it's become what it is now.

Good luck. I expect great things from you all, in time.

-Fujiwara Shin

E-Mail: Kedamono kodarashi@YokaZoo.net

Uhm, I love your series so far and, well, I have a small request that I've been curious about for quite sometime.

Why do elemental viruses and navis have special effects on certain panel types? Wood recovers their HP on grass, Fire can easily go through lava panels and even go into them without damage, Aqua manages to not slip on ice and can submerge themselves in water with ease and Elec can easily walk upon Magnetic panels without being thrown about like all other elemental navigators.

We have all been taught the basics, but, perhaps you could divulge into the specifics, if at all possible. I await your reply.

-Kedamono Kodarashi

[Playing audio message by GUS.EXE]

Hello again! This is Gus, back from a rather dark time at NetTesters.

Thanks to a certain person who's name will not be mentioned, we lost the use of our servers on our last episode. But have no fear, we will be back soon, ready to explore the intricacies of the glorious technology that is the Net.

Until next time.

[Message ends...]

I'm Force.

I'm Aurora.

I'm Amber.

I'm Lumber.

I'm Carbon.

And I'm Gus.

TOGETHER, WE'RE THE NET-TESTERS.

It's been a while since our last broadcast. Thanks to a certain person whose name will not be mentioned, we lost the use of our servers on our last episode. In the background you can see Force clenching the air with his fist, shortly followed by Amber kicking him in the ass. As an argument broke out, Gus' voice continues. But have no fear, the server has been repaired, reinforced, and ready to go. Huh, reinforced. Gus chuckled to himself. So let's get into our next segment.

Aurora continues. With all the new terrain being discovered in the networks, it's time we asked ourselves, "What is safe, what is not, and what should be avoided at all costs? Here's a newly compiled list and section we call:

NET-TESTERS TEST #158: TERRAIN-CROSSING

Amber, walking away from a downed and rather bruised Force, laughed to Gus. Hah, that'll teach him for calling me a blonde bit-

Pss, we're on air. Gus whispered, beckoning his head toward the camera.

Hmm? said Amber, staring at the camera. Oh yeah, red light, forgot about that, she sneered, rolling her eyes. Anyway, most of you know the basics: Lava, Sea, Ice, Metal, Magnet, Wood, Sand, Poison, Holy, Cracked, Broken, Missing-

Square! Lumber called from the background. His reward was an immediate lightning bolt to the face.

As you can see, that's already a long enough list. piped up Carbon from the background. He started counting his fingers as he walked towards the camera. That's... 12 types, yes?

Yep. Now add these new ones; Coal, Furnace, Onsen, Snow, Solar, Soil, Mud, Quicksand, Glass, Cursed-

And don't forget normal. said Gus proudly, as if he'd remembered something amazing.

I think that's a given, Gus. Amber muttered, almost giggling as she said it.

I was just saying, is all... said Gus, trailing off in a small huff.

That makes TWENTY-THREE different REGISTERED types of terrain. The number is much higher than that.

So you could be forgiven for forgetting what some do, said Force, finally getting up and joining the others.

So says the guy who mixed up Onsen and Sea panels, joked Lumber, forcing a laugh from the entire group.

Anyway, we're wasting time, let's get the experiments underway. Gus finally said, trying to bring some organisation to the group. The original request was what would happen to somebody who jumped into a field of Wood panels while on fire. Our volunteer...

Force raised his hand. ...that would be me...

...will now run over to that field over there, and he pointed to a small plain about a minutes walk away, and jump in while under full combustion. Ready Force?

Off I go! he cried and ran towards the grass.

Aurora came close to the camera and started whispering. Force thinks he's about to demonstrate that once a Wood panel gets hit by fire, it ultimately raises the intensity of the original fire by double, at the cost of the entire panel, returning it to normal. However, as payback for the last show, I've had a friend...

Carbon nodded. ...me...

...tamper slightly with the panel. Observe the effect in 3...

2...

1...

Suddenly the whole camera view turned white and remained that way for about 15 seconds. Suddenly you hear a rather large crash, and as the vision returns to normal, you can see Force sprawled out on the ground, completely black instead of his usual red.

See, resilient net-grade grass is an excellent retainer of poison. Particularly explosive kinds. My meter puts the adjusted grass as near-C4 level. All it needs is a trigger. Or, in this case, Force. he concluded, pointing at the severly injured navi.

Aurora, take care of him. Gus sighed. As Aurora walked over to Force and began her magic, the camera swung away to a new area.

He could probably use some Onsen panels. Lumber commented, before taking centre-stage on the new field, full of brown sludge. These are Mud panels, and unless you're a Wood type, these will wreck your day. Not mine though. he finished as he splashed around a bit. But don't mix them up with Magnet panels, or you'll end up with a randomly generated mud-thrower.

Amber walked up to the mud, and quickly zapped a corner. Instantly, it started spraying mud in all directions.

Huh, what do you know... she admired.

Can you turn that off? Lumber grumbled as shots of mud continued to slap his face.

Why? Amber laughed as she walked away.

And over here, you'll find the most potent panel currently known. said Carbon as he pointed to a purple hazy panel, with black mists waving off of them. Cursed Poison panels. These will deplete a navi's energy faster than Lumber cleans up his dinner plate. he laughed. To demonstrate, watch how fast it destroys a RockCube. And with that he generated a cube and threw it into the poison. As soon as it made contact, it just melted away, like a real-life body being dropped in magma. It's not a lava panel, but it burns just as effectively.

Geez, everybody's a comedian today. Gus said as he rolled his eyes. We're running out of time, but there's just so many different applications for these panels: explosives on Furnace panels, Confusion on Snow panels, Burns on Solar panels, the list goes on. If you still want to see more, let us know. We may have to spend another episode enploring this in the future

Force is alright. commented Aurora from off-camera.

Why wouldn't he be? He's suffered worse than that. Gus replied. Last of all, we've had a limited amount of success melding two or more virii together. Using the knowledge from the placid Metool, we've managed to combine the mind or a Metool to a HotStove-slash-RedFruit cross. With that he pointed to a Champy-look-a-like, but with a hard apple helmet, protective metal casing and short, stumpy legs.

He can create Wood-enhanced HotBody-style flamethrowing attacks, both near and far. Carbon commented.

That's a mouthful. Gus complained. Anyway, I'm Gus, saying bye for now, and we'll see you next time on NetTes- and a large ball of fire slammed him straight in the face.

That's for letting them do that, Force yelled off-camera.

Nothing's changed, he sighed before changing in a LongSword and stepping off-camera.

Quote (DNR)

From: polonius@acdcmed.edu

Ahoooohohhooo... well... as a scientific professional, I have to say cudos to Amber's thorough examination about what makes a virus tick. I myself can't wait to see the next part of the viral programming. Actually I'll have two requests, but maybe I'm being too demanding, heheh:

1. First off, my mentee of a netoperator Polonius has his own question, mainly about the colliding of different status effects. A big one he's been pondering on programming would be a mix of confusion and of a magnet terrain.

2. I'm a bit curious myself of mixing in Glitches with status effects.

-DNR

[Playing audio message by CARBON.EXE]

DNR, it's nice to hear from you again. We're still working on virus seperation and melding, and something you might be interested to know is that Amber has made some progress towards virus fragment summoning. I won't steal her thunder though, she'll reveal that project when she's ready.

While mixing status effects should be relatively safe, there is a slight moral delamour with your request to combine status effects with glitches. See, glitches are the temporary displacement of core program data. Status effects are also temporary, but they deal with scrambling a program's interface, not their code. Each on their own is recoverable, but both together can have some very bad consequences.

I make mention of this as you may not be aware of the recent incident in SciLab. An experiment caused a navi to be hit with both a stability loss status effect and a combustion glitch. His armor set itself off in a containment lab and killed not just himself but four of his comrades.

We'll probably try to do both in the same show, but just beware that our hands may be tied on the second part.

[Message ends...]

REQUEST: APPROVED, ADDED TO EPISODE GUIDE.