Author's note: This is just, like, an alternate interpretation of the first chapter, man.
Sphere Corporation Archives
Subject: Redeemer
The Redeemer is a specialized Executioner program. It was designed by a team lead by Blair Lansfeld as a less destructive solution for Connection-type anomalies in the Eternal Sphere. Rather than completely deleting the anomaly, the Redeemer is able to use specific defects in the Connection subroutine to edit the anomaly's root files. In result, the anomaly can be converted into a new Executioner program while keeping its basic appearance and abilities. The converted Executioner is able to alter its parameters (i.e. shape shift) depending on its current function. It is native to the Eternal Sphere and can move around more or less covertly in the system. Only one Connection-type anomaly has ever been identified, but the Redeemer was extremely effective in this situation (read: Project Catnip). Since the Redeemer is only compatible with Connection modules, the Proclaimer, Enforcer, and Convictor programs are still the only effective weapons against other threats.
The Redeemer program was put into place following an incident where several high-risk anomalies left the Eternal Sphere and infiltrated corporate headquarters in an act of rebellion. CEO Blair Lansfeld believed the only option was to eliminate the entire group, but Software Manager Blair Lansfeld insisted that they should "try to fix the cute one." She had already done significant research on one of the anomalies and thought she had discovered a workaround. Posing as a company traitor, she convinced the anomalies to return to the Eternal Sphere before it was completely destroyed by her brother. Over the course of several in-game days, she guided them toward a test map where they believed they would find an "Out of Place Artifact" that could help them win their rebellion. Once they reached the designated location, they were ambushed by a squad of Executioners.
The Redeemer's outward appearance is based on the Proclaimer. Unlike most Executioner classes, however, the Redeemer will never deploy by itself. Instead, it remains in an idle state until another Executioner detects a Connection-type anomaly. The Redeemer will then spawn itself and begin deploying its maintenance protocols. Once an anomaly has been quarantined, the Redeemer uses 100% of its resources to salvage the anomaly's code. In its first successful use, the Redeemer waited until the target was busy loading one of her Symbology subroutines before interfacing with her. The other anomalies ceased their attack once they were informed their friend was already being recompiled and she could be accidentally deleted if the Redeemer experienced even the slightest interruption.
Blair was the one who suggested modeling the Redeemer after a medieval iron maiden. A large portion of the Redeemer's body is actually a quarantine cell that can house a single Connection anomaly. Once the Redeemer is in range, it will expose its core (a large glass chamber) and seal its target inside. During its first incarceration, the Redeemer appeared to use its skirt as a curtain to hide the anomaly. This may simply be a quirk in the Reedemer's AI, but there are rumors Welch Vineyard deliberately wrote the program to act this way because she was concerned for the anomaly's "privacy." All that could be seen outside of the Redeemer were some laser flashes and a vague outline, causing the other anomalies to react in varying degrees of fear, anger, confusion, and titillation. The full event was only viewable to employees with Administrative privileges, but a video log was saved for educational and marketing purposes.
The salvaging process is comprised of three phases: Fumigation, Purification, and Restoration. During the Fumigation phase, the Redeemer temporarily disables all of the anomaly's external parameters (weapons, armor, accessories, etc.), regulates their critical I/O functions (circulatory, respiratory, etc.), and runs an extensive decontamination procedure.
In the Purification phase, the Redeemer overwrites the anomaly's problematic features with new code. The anomaly is baptized in a magnetic solution so significant revisions can be made to their physical and psychological processes. If the Redeemer feels more needs to be done, it is equipped with several transfer cables that feed into the quarantine cell. Nearby Executioners may be called on to upload additional code to ensure the process is thorough. Three Enforcers and a Convictor were able to synthesize their anti-virus code with the anomaly in the first test.
In the Restoration phase, the Redeemer purges any unused code, disengages life support, re-enables weapons and clothing, and releases the final build back into the Eternal Sphere. During the test run, the influx of Executioner data ended up overwriting significant portions of the anomaly's character and equipment textures. Her hair lost its color and her default attire changed to black and white. Other minor wardrobe alterations gave the anomaly a more gothic (i.e. maid-like) appearance. Her new outfit was the result of combining her personal fashion tastes with the color palette and custodial function of the Executioners.
The rest of the anomalies didn't survive more than two in-game minutes once the new Executioner was deployed. She still prefers to call herself "Sophia."
END OF FILE
Eternal Sphere Resources - "Redeemer" Voice Bank
Actor: B. Lansfeld
"Prepare to be cleansed." [SPAWN]
"Your redemption is at hand." [TAUNT 1]
"Your impurities must be purged." [TAUNT 2]
"Your existence is a blight on this world." [TAUNT 3]
"You will not avoid your baptism forever!" [CONNECTION NOT FOUND]
"Nice to see you again, Sophia. I'm so glad you came back for your check-up." [CONNECTION ACQUIRED]
"Not bad. You're even cuter when you blush." [ADD-ONS DISABLED]
"Now take a deep breath." [BEGIN FUMIGATION]
"Let's get you washed up. Let me know if the data stream is too cold." [BEGIN PURIFICATION]
"Heh. I knew you wouldn't be too much trouble." [PURIFICATION – LOW]
"Well, you had more bugs than I thought. At least it wasn't worse." [PURIFICATION – MEDIUM]
"Hmm. Luther was right. You really are a filthy girl. We'll just have to give you the works. Disciples! Join this holy ceremony so we may scour this harlot! Sorry, dear. Just a roleplaying thing." [PURIFICATION – HIGH]
"All done. Time to dry off." [BEGIN RESTORATION]
"Too much for you? That's okay. I'll wake you up when I'm done." [EXCEPTION - PROGRAM CRASH]
"Rise and shine, little one." [EXCEPTION - PROGRAM RESTART]
"She's kicking again. Still alive." [SYSTEM CHECK - PASS]
"I... I think I lost her..." [FATAL ERROR - CONVERSION FAILED]
"The traveler has come." [PREPARING INSTALLATION]
"…want to save Sophia too, but does Ms. Lansfeld really need me to write code like this? It's so gross. …Welch, what are you doing with my microphone?" [?]
"Delete them." [EXECUTIONER INSTALLED]