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Post by Skyfire on Feb 23, 2009 8:14:34 GMT -5
As in he has all those already, or are all those synthetically made along with the synthetic body? Because if all of those are synthetically made... then he's a machine, not an organic? As in, his brain, spinal cord, eyes, heart, lungs, and other vitals are all from his original, more human body, transferred into a synthetically organic body. He's more organic than machine - most of the actual "machine" part of his body would be in his arms, where his hands morph into his weapons and generate energy.
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Post by Blacksteel on Feb 23, 2009 12:12:45 GMT -5
That might work... if his internal organs are still organic... I think. Which means he's a cyborg then! XD But would the synthetic body "accept" the organs? Here we have organic bodies not accepting organic organs because they aren't compatible... his synthetic body would have to have been made from a sample of his previous tissue, right?
Wait, what did I just say? Does that even make any sense? O.o;; ...My head hurts now, lolz. XPP
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Robbie Valiant, P.I.
Rookie
Proud Veggie Fan- "Some people are so open-minded their brains fall out."
Posts: 174
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Post by Robbie Valiant, P.I. on Feb 23, 2009 13:11:56 GMT -5
I think he's an organic with life-support armor that runs on a P.L.O.T (Pretty Life-like Organic Transcription, just for Pun. It does make a little sense.) device.
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Post by Skyfire on Feb 23, 2009 14:12:48 GMT -5
That might work... if his internal organs are still organic... I think. Which means he's a cyborg then! XD But would the synthetic body "accept" the organs? Here we have organic bodies not accepting organic organs because they aren't compatible... his synthetic body would have to have been made from a sample of his previous tissue, right? Wait, what did I just say? Does that even make any sense? O.o;; ...My head hurts now, lolz. XPP My head hurts, too... but that could also be the headache I've had all morning. =P Anyway... you know what, I think I'll just shut up until Saron and I can work out the details. I'll get back with ya on that. ;D
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saron
eXpendable Member
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Post by saron on Feb 23, 2009 16:16:21 GMT -5
I'm working on the cyborg plan (mainly because I like to make the improbable sound possible), but it's taking longer than I thought. Will be posted this week.
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Post by ChapstickFantastic on Feb 28, 2009 15:22:01 GMT -5
I agree. With Blacksteel.
Yep.
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Post by eez on Mar 11, 2009 13:58:43 GMT -5
Alien all the way! Horns and all!
............But you already knew that reaction. XD
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saron
eXpendable Member
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Post by saron on Mar 11, 2009 15:31:57 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Alien all the way! Horns and all! [/glow] ............But you already knew that reaction. XD No, really? XDDDDDDDD Can't deny his alien heritage.
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Post by Skyfire on Mar 12, 2009 14:25:26 GMT -5
Okay, must remember to post the brilliant anatomy for my cyborg Zurg that Saron came up with. I would say GENIUS, only last time I did, we ended up going back and forth about that for weeks. *not sure whether to laugh, stick out tongue, roll eyes, or cry...*
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Post by Skyfire on Nov 7, 2009 7:47:25 GMT -5
Ghost in the Shell: Zuriel Zurg Somehow, I got the itch to return to my history and anatomy for Zurg, so here it is! Or at least, the part of his past that pertains to his anatomy. ;D Along the way, you’re gonna learn a lot about cyberbrains and cyberization, most of it coming from the original inspiration for my whole cyborg!Zurg concept: Ghost in the Shell. However, the original anatomy was worked out by the wonderful Saron – we used to bounce around story ideas a lot, and she agreed to help me create a cyborg anatomy for our favorite Evil Emperor. That was back in February – yeah, I’ve procrastinated big-time. =P But now I’ve returned to the little project and updated it, refining some of discussion of the nervous system, changing the matter of his hands, and trimming out the “how’s” of the surgical procedures. If anyone still wants to see that part, just let me know. Hope you all have fun reading this! www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsrpihrcXD4&fmt=18The song “I Do” from GITS: SAC 2nd GIG. ZeretanaeSingular: Zeretana Anglicization: Zeta Physical appearance: 5’10” average height (male), 5’8” average height (female), human build, various amethyst skin-tones, dark hair (dark brown, black, dark purple, dark blue), red “laser eyes” Average life-expectancy: 250 standard (365-day) years Zurg’s people, the Zeretanae (a.k.a. Zetas), had technology beyond what the Galactic Alliance has. However, it is because the Zetas had preserved older and better technology that the rest of the galaxy lost over the course of several wars from A.D. 2500 to as late as the mid 2900s. In the Zeta Empire, cyberbrains and cyborgs were practically as common as computers themselves. Most Zetas would undergo some degree of cyberization to their brains at a young age, usually between 10 and 15. Cyberbrainen.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyberbrainThe resulting cyberization yields what is referred to as a cyberbrain, which is a hybrid of an individual's original nervous tissue with cybernetic components. This procedure increases subject's neural abilities beyond their original biological constraints in some fields. Additionally to gain these increased abilities it is not necessary for a subject to undergo complete cyberization and acquire a body prosthesis to support the cyberized brain. Due to advances in technology and the understanding of a human being's biological processes, an individual may choose to only have their brain cyberized, leaving the rest of their body in its original state. Also, after undergoing neural cyberization an individual may easily be transferred to a new cyberbrain as conditions dictate and if integrated with a complete cyborg body an individual could increase their lifespan several fold beyond that of a normal human. ((…Okay, that was talking about human cyberization in Ghost in the Shell, which is where this concept came from. Hopefully, that gives you enough data to get a picture of what I’m talking about. Back to the Zetas, now.)) Cyberization: Procedure, Risks, and BenefitsTraditionally, members of the Zeta Imperial family would undergo Partial Cyberization, the “middle stage” of brain cyberization. Through this method, large parts of the cortex would be replaced with nano-technological interfaces and computational elements; however, despite the cyberization of the autonomic systems of the brain, they would remain intact to retain the Ghost, or the soul. The upper left lobe of the Zeta brain focuses on memory and relationships – cyberization here would be integrated carefully to retain the memory, which the Zetas considered to be 50% of a person’s identity and thus vital to the retention of the Ghost. In most cases, memory cyberization results in advanced memory processes, making it the most common form of cyberization, present in all three degrees of cyberization. Cyberization always carries risks – some technical, some psychological, including and not limited to: Ghost-hacking (replacing a person’s entire memory with fake memories), Closed Shell Syndrome (a form of cyberbrain-induced autism), Cyberbrain Sclerosis, and Stand-Alone Complex. The process itself of cyberization in any degree carries the risk of damaging the memory processes, locking up memory, or erasing memory partly or completely. However, such cases are extremely rare, and tend to be the result of illegitimate surgery. Any partially-cyberized Zeta can interface with just about any kind of computer, and can hold cyber-telepathic conversations with another cyberbrain or even a group of cyberbrains – with the ability to share memories, scanned articles and images, downloaded videos, even eyesight. Such a level of cyberization also includes ‘Net access, and as long as the person can concentrate, he can download an article, an image, or even a video from the ‘Net to his memory. At the age of 10 (in A.D. 2955), Prince Zuriel underwent this level of cyberization. Emperor in the ShellIn A.D. 2970, at the young age of 25 (Zeta coming-of-age is 30), Emperor Zuriel Zurg suffered an accident which left him quadriplegic. Using his cyberbrain to manipulate a supercomputer built for such purposes, he designed himself a new synthetically-organic/cyberized Shell, or body. Organic CyborgThe brain, spinal cord, vertebral column, eyes, some limb muscles, heart, and lungs were all transplanted into the new body. ((Saron and I never got around to working out the digestive and waste systems :-( – suffice to say for now that he does have them.)) Zeta BrainA Zeta brain is compartmentalized, akin to a high-performance computer hard drive. The upper right lobe focuses on intellectual processes and cognitive thought; the upper left lobe, again, focuses on memory and relationships. The lower right lobe is the center of motor skills, etc., while the lower left lobe is the center of sensory information, including a sixth sense which processes subtle, involuntary changes to allow a sort of “seer” sense. The more attention placed on a particular person or object, the more a Zeta can see into and predict its behavior. Zeta EyesZeta eyes are unique to their race, the only naturally-occurring “laser eyes.” Such laser beams are produced by concentrating a band of light through the multiple compound lenses in the back of the retina – much like those of an insectiod – and sending the light rays to a phosphorescent compound that releases red laser light once the excited electrons return to their resting states. It takes a long time to recharge this compound to high enough energy levels to excite the electrons, which is why the action is not performed often. Furthermore, once the electrons return to their lower energy levels, there is a relapse period during which the electrons will fall to a state lower than their normal resting point. More time is needed to raise the electrons back to their starting point; thus, a Zeta cannot repeatedly fire their twin laser beams. However, the energy levels rise with the person’s emotions, enough to cause the eyes to heat and glow – though not enough to produce actual beams. Nervous SystemZurg’s vertebral column is reinforced with supercondensed carbon nanotubules intermixed with zerillium for extra support and structural integrity. Due to the paraplegias, the lower internuerons of the lumbar region were unsalvageable, and nerve circuitry was integrated into the nerve cells. Immune SystemRather than transplanting these organs, Zurg uses nanobots as his immune system. They are multiple-limbed, roughly 10nm in diameter, and equipped with spikes to puncture the cell wall of any bacteria or virus (resulting in the explosion and destruction thereof). The tiny bots also store up on the body’s naturally-produced toxins such as zorea (like urea, but 10x more potent), and use it to poison any invading cells. The nanobots are very efficient at repairing lacerations, bruises, etc., thus giving the impression that Zurg always remains unhurt, even in scuffles with Captain Lightyear. LimbsSome of the muscles from the original body were transplanted and intertwined with prosthetics synthesized from nylon fibers and refractory materials with the ability to withstand high pressures. The bone structures in the limbs are constructed of steel rods, a series of pulley systems, levers, rotating knobs, etc. – covered in macroscopic coils of zerillium for additional integrity. Iodine is deposited within the microscopic depressions, making the Evil Emperor purple inside and out. His vambraces are removable, but his hands are completely cybernetic. The vambraces contain the original technology that the weaponry in the Shiv Katall gauntlets are based off of. Triggered by an impulse from the cyberbrain, a weapon can cascade out of one of the vambraces in less than two seconds; however, any weapons within the vambraces are also completely detachable. Respiratory SystemThe basically human heart of the Zeta body was not quite strong enough to pump blood throughout all of his more powerful frame. Thus, the space inside his ventricles and atria was expanded by inserting patches of metal fibers between the heart cells. The patches conduct electrical impulses freely through the heart while monitoring for any disturbances – in which case, the mesh can act as a built-in defribulator. The mesh also acts as a pacemaker, regulating the heart beat. Rings of a carbonic mixture of lipids attached to glycerol attached to amino acids with various zeryllium cofactors (the main metallic, synthetically-organic substance used in cyberization) surround the arteries, veins, and arteriors – which constrict at regular intervals in-sync with the heart, to keep the organs from being stressed. Three metal oxygen tanks are situated around each lung, storing extra amounts of oxygen when the airways need to be shut due to exposure in environments with little or no atmosphere ((“The Main Event” comes to mind)). The maximum window of survival in an oxygen-less condition is exactly 1 hour, 23 minutes, 42 seconds. After that, Zurg would become lightheaded due to the buildup of SO4 (Zeta version of CO2), and death would soon follow. Zeta lungs have 3 flaps as opposed to a human’s 2, and are made of a moist pleural membrane introverted multiple times into a zigzag shape, instead of the granular appearance of human lungs. Zeta lungs could be compared to an accordion. The one alteration to the lungs is that the bronchioles were replaced by a thick polyester-plastic material, flexible and able to contract and expand with the metallic rings surrounding it. These rings flex to help regulate Zurg’s respiration, only speeding up in fight-or-flight moments. Over time, as age wears down the original organs, they may be slowly replaced with other compatible natural organs OR chemical components – in which case Zurg can eventually become a Zeta downloaded into android form (if he ever plans on postponing his death indefinitely, which some Zeta cyborgs have tried to do). Body, Head, and AppearanceZuriel’s original mature height was 6’1”; his cyborg height is 6’7”. There is really no similarity in build between his two bodies: his original body was slim and wiry, while his cyborg body is muscular and powerful. His skin color was also changed to what is called “Zeta purple.” Zurg wears no helmet – that is his real cyborg head, likewise for his face. The design is actually taken from a traditional Zeta Imperial war helmet. The flexible horns are auditory organs, and the green mouth grille… ((Craters, we never got around to this part. I’ll have to ask Saron sometime.)) The purpose for the new look of the cyborg body (rather than simply build a stronger version of the original body) was to create an intimidating presence – a goal in which Zurg obviously succeeded. It was upon the full transplant into his new body that Zurg took the title Evil Emperor. …And that’s all for now, folks! Thanks for reading the whole long thing, and I hope you enjoyed it, or that it at least interested you! (And don't forget, I'm not saying that this is what canon!Zurg has to be - I'm just saying it's what he could be in canon and what he is in my storyline. ;D)
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Post by eez on Nov 7, 2009 12:40:31 GMT -5
I get most of this--AP Bio really does pay off--but how do you explain how he eats or goes to the restroom in the series?
We have several examples of him requesting food or drinks: such as water in "NOS-4-A2", popcorn in "Shape Stealer", as well as going to the john in the same episode--the towel and newspaper a good giveaway along with bunzel muffins and their high fiber rate.
You could say he mimics what he knows, but that is highly unlikely. As you evolve, you do not continue the motions your body has no need of and if you did, it wouldn't last very long as you progressed in your adaptation.
Logically he has a waste and digestive system, but this would not fit with your own adaptation as a cyborg as extensive as he would not need to eat or drink--much like a certain Kaleesh warlord we all know.
And also, how do you explain tears. The only way he would cry is if he had his lachrymal glands if only his eyes were taken then he would not have the need to cry.
All in all, I am not yet convinced but with more construction and consideration, who would I to judge once all gaps are bridged and navigational? Although...I am curious how you found out about the name...'Zuriel'.
Just rings a bell in my head, that's all; actually you ring several bells in my head, to be honest, with your plots and your word choices.
And Zetas! Now I can't unsee my own character whenever I see the name! GRAHTHRHAAH
AND ONE BIG, BIG, BIIIIIIG THING I FORGOT TO ASK INITIALLY:
Why.
Simple, right?
Why would his kind do this artificial ascension? Why would they have the need? The want? The general desire to go this path as a society in a whole?
A cultural reference would clear this up, if you have one ready.
An advanced alien race does not simply do anything because they just woke up one morning and felt like it. There must be a reason, a purpose, a plan; you get what I mean.
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Post by Blacksteel on Nov 7, 2009 14:15:05 GMT -5
Oh gosh, I don't remember much from the Ghost in the Shell but I do want to say: cyberbrains are a frightening notion. Even more so when applied to an underdeveloped brain. That could cause serious damage even if nothing goes wrong in the operation.
So does Zurg's people believe in a higher entity of sorts called the Ghost? I don't know... cyberbrains and the Ghost remind me too much of Ghost in the Shell. Great concepts, but essentially not your own ideas... but that's just my two cents on the matter.
If Zurg had a cyberbain, his erratic movements and actions and bubbly personality just... wouldn't fit. In Main Event, for example, he looks right, left, then up, before Buzz swoops down from the sky and floors him. If he had a cyberbrain, I think he would have already calculated/predicted Buzz's next moves.
Plus, studying Buzz's movements and actions, he probably would have discovered a way to defeat him long ago with his super-advanced brain. Buzz and Zurg know each other inside and out, like open books. I'm even tempted to say like brothers. Buzz has beat Zurg 3,247 times (canon fact, if you need proof Qorg has it). After so many times... I'd say Zurg would have probably wiped the floor with him if he had a cybernetic brain.
Still on the brain in attitude, he would probably be cool, calm, collected and calculating just like Spock. The fact that he's a cute, loveable, bumbling goof-ball is like... comparing Spock to a Tribble!
And he wouldn't need to actually videotape Buzz's escapades--it'd be stored in his cybernetic brain. And if he could download from the net what would happen if he got a virus? Spyware, malware, God forbid! That would be just... messy. Hilarious, but messy.
I won't go over the whole placing-the-organs-into-a-superior-body again. Just want to point out that... the organs would rot, the body would rust based on your descriptions, and that would make for a very, very messy funeral. Plus, if he were originally a wiry individual, his muscles would be insufficient to support his new cybernetic body. Not to mention if his body was actually mechanical he would not need his original muscle tissue.
If he were built like a human being, initially, why would his heart be like a human's and yet they'd have 3 flaps for the lungs? That doesn't make sense because the way nature works, everything is in balance, in tune with the environment. Nature would have already supplied them with what they needed in order to survive in their environment, right?
And if you're dying I don't think you'd take the time to make your new body look intimidating. You'd be more worried about freaking surviving than focusing on the aesthetics.
Just curious, is all. I see some good points, but I also see some flaws. I'd say this could use a bit more work. You're on a good start, though! There's nothing like a little brainstorming on our favouritism evil emperor, I always say. :>
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Post by eez on Nov 9, 2009 17:33:01 GMT -5
Holy moozles, Steel did her homework.
Steel had some pleasant points this time! Most importantly Spock and the Tribble bit! Did you know Spock succumbed to those little furry mongrels...
I'd have to agree on Zurg's apparent personality. He's bubbly, aloof, and not always quite there on Fridays but he certainly would act more calm and collected if he had a cybernetic brain, wouldn't he? Something bent on logic and order? Zurg is like the complete opposite: fleeting and chaotic, but with a smidgen of method to madness.
And that's true! Zurg does tape Lightyear! While that might seem a tad er, odd, it does make a valid point. If Zurg had a cybernetic brain, he wouldn't need to video tape his favourite Space Ranger to hate during all their excursions and skirmishes. His eyes should be able to register the live feed, no?
And again, with nature, that's also true. Nature--through evolution--does have a tendency to balance things out in the end; it always does. To have larger lungs would mean that the heart should at least be capable of handling the oxygen/blood flow. If its smaller, then what's the use? Things in a body are proportional and finely tuned. It's why we're all alive today.
Same goes with the skinny versus muscular spiel. If he's a string bean then his muscles, sadly, will not fit the quota of a more muscular design. He'd need way more muscle mass. If you want to make it more accurate, take the nerves and apply those suckers to the prosthetic tissue.
AND I REALIZE!
Iodine is very lethal. VERY. If he is has to be purple, make sure he can combat the lethality of iodine. It also likes to explode when mixed with ammonia and water so if Zurg has to use the restroom.....well....I'll just leave that thought right here...
Also, I wouldn't recommend making up elements since, well, they don't exist and you'd need considerable research on how they work and perform with known elements we all hear today. No matter where you are in the universe, all elements are commonly known since all come from stars long gone. Such a new element can only be crafted artificially in a laboratory of sorts, and even then, that would take time in the profession of chemistry. I would stick with surgical steel or something to that effect instead of 'zerillium'--Yes, I do hear Saron in that somewhere. XD
Anyway, our point is not to deconstruct you, Skyfire, but rather to help you improve with your theories through constructive criticism. We see many good things as well as many flaws and we want to help you see and correct them as best we can.
So if you take this as an affront, which I feel you do at times, please don't think anything of it in ill faith.
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Post by Skyfire on Nov 13, 2009 7:23:11 GMT -5
Gooolly, it’s taken a LOOOOOONG time to type all this up, hence why I’m finally responding just now. Sorry about the wait. Well, part of it was because the whole Earth topic got hot and took first priority. This could have been done a day sooner if it hadn’t been for that. Oh, and I also triple-post here for convenience’s sake. Yeah, it’s against the rules, but I think it’s justified: by the time I’m done – between quotes and my own writing – there’ll probably be over 4,000 words. O.O AAAAHHHH!!! EEZ, YOU PRECLUDED MY BRIEF BUT CATHARTIC RANT!! CUUUUURSE YOUUUUU!!! …Eh-heh-heh… ;D *sighs* Yeah, yeah, I know, I know – I have problems taking criticism… Believe me, it’s nothing that I haven’t noticed or that my parents and oldest brother (especially oldest brother) haven’t noticed… …I’m workin’ on it… *puppy pout* Hmm, first of all, something I should have mentioned before… I’ve ALWAYS thought of Zurg as being a cyborg, literally ever since I first started watching the show. I thought of him as a robot, and I definitely never seriously considered the man-in-a-mask thing – and that, if I remember correctly (I’m sifting through 8.5 years of memory here, so bear with me), was because I could just never imagine him taking off his helmet if he really was wearing one. I could imagine Buzz without his hood (well, sorta), but I couldn’t imagine Zurg without his “face.” The concept of him being an alien that actually looks like that NEVER EVER occurred to me – so you can bet that finding it “Cursium Perfecio” and BotE really blindsided me. Okay, so now you know. ;D Oh, and I’m finding that I have a crater-freakin’ LOT to discuss with Saron. It all seemed so cool at the time… then she got brain-dead from school so we had to drop the anatomy project, and I never thought of asking her why she did this or that. PLUS, besides my excitement getting the better of me, I haven’t studied biology since my sophomore year, which was 4 years ago. I’m pretty rusty. Also, I’ll be doing a lot of referring to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG, the 2 seasons of the GITS TV series. The reason is simple: GITS is how I’m making my cyborg!Zurg concept a reality – I have to return to the original for answers. Maybe someday I’ll be able to do it on my own, but for now, you’re just gonna hafta live with GITS. It’s cool, anyway. ;D Moving on~! ………………. I’m not sure how Saron was planning to explain that, and I myself don’t know very much about the whole thing. GITS handles those topics… I’m gonna have to do some studying there. He does have some sort of digestive and waste systems – I (heh-heh) just don’t know how. *little Grub wails in background* Ohhh, they’re not going to like this at all! ;D …Okay, believe me, “Nos-4-A2,” “Shape Stealer”… those little bits did not escape my attention. Yeah. Still working at it. In GITS, full-bodied cyborgs DO eat – their bodies are apparently designed to function as close to the real thing as possible. (As evidenced by one of the major characters, Batou, in one episode in the 2nd season of the TV series: full-bodied cyborgs can drink beer without having to worry about any unpleasant side-effects. Which is both… funny and cool at the same time.) GITS cyborgs eat specialized foods that are apparently designed for their synthetic systems – in the 2nd GIG episode 9, Batou explains that it’s the same principle of Taiwanese Buddhist priest vegan cooking: you can’t eat true meat, but you still crave that taste. It’s all well and good to get a cyborg body and not have to eat anymore. However… try putting yourself in that position. I think that, before long, most people would be wanting to eat – even though the cyborg food in GITS is apparently pretty… bleh. “Just because you’re a cyborg, doesn’t mean you stop craving things like that. That’s precisely the reason why they make novelty food for people who are cyberized.” - Batou, 2nd GIG episode 9: “Fake Food” (I haven’t yet found out what GITS cyborg bodies DO with that food, and neither has my brother. Will have to check into this…) Like I said, I’ll do some more studying, okay? (Which I should have done before I rushed headlong into doing that last post…) *facepalm* I can’t BELIEVE I forgot to mention the lachrymal glands! Stupidstupidstupidstupid… *sighs* They were transplanted, too. Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking – “She’s nuts.” …I’m not! It’s not implausible, and I’ll explain it later. Zuriel is actually a Hebrew name, meaning “rock of God” (yes, it’s sheer irony). I had seen it before in a Wikipedia list of Bible names, and then when I did a Google search on names beginning with “Z,” Zuriel popped up again on a different list. *cocks head* I’m ringing bells? Hmm. Okay, the name… what else? Just curious. D’aww, sorry! I just couldn’t think of anything else! They do it because I tell them to! MUWAHAHA… you’re not buying this, are you? xD Okay, all joking aside, you’re absolutely right. All right, here’s the why… …I had this explanation ready, and then I realized it wasn’t all complete. I’m going to be making up some of this as I go, so it’s probably gonna be pretty rough… For millennia, Zeretanae have led the galaxy in cybernetic/biomechanic technology. They were the first race to figure out cybernetic body replacements, possibly as early as 1000 B.C. Full-bodied cyborgs, however, would not appear on the scene for nearly two millennia, due to a sort of Dark Ages that the rest of the galaxy underwent (sketchy history at best here, sorry). By the 20th century, the Zeretanae had mastered cybernetic and biomechanic replacement, and full-bodied cyborgs were becoming more and more like regular people. In order for a person’s brain to be connected to a synthetic body, it must have some level of computerization to interface between the organic brain and the cybernetic and biomechanic components of the body. This is where cyberbrains first came into play, with a low level of cyberization – just enough make the body work with the CNS (central nervous system). In the 1900s, cyberbrains began to get more complex, beginning with improved memory performance. From there, it moved into the medical field, cyberbrain technology being developed to improve defects in brains. By the year 2000, with a galaxy heating up for war, several Zeta cybertechs were joining a sort of underground vigilante movement; these techs were charged with the task of making a cyberbrain more like a computer. The hope was that – with a person’s brain able to quickly download data, analyze it, etc. – they could create the perfect soldier, combining the best of combat bots and organic fighters. When a recon team from the movement accidentally landed on Planet Earth, the techs were very close to a breakthrough. Erin Frame’s own brother Paul was the first recorded human to make contact with extraterrestrial beings in millennia, and at the age of 20, he was the first human to receive a cyberbrain, despite initial doubts. Cyberization enhanced his already considerable military genius, and several years later, he would lead a coalition of humans, Zeretanae, Tangeans, and other races to victory against an oppressive interplanetary league. This became known as the Milky Way War, and was the galaxy’s first and final nuclear war – after it, nuclear weaponry was never used again. Out of it was born the Confederacy of Sovereign Planets, and about five centuries later came the Galactic Alliance. Cyberbrain technology continued to develop with phenomenal advances, and by the birth of the Galactic Alliance, it was possible for as much as 97% of the original brain to be replaced with nano-computational elements. Via benefits in medicine, mathematics, science, etc., cyberization came to be widespread throughout the Zeta Empire. However, cyberbrains have tended to remain within the Empire – most other races don’t trust the admittedly still-risky technology. Some humans do undergo cyberization (usually scientists, techs, soldiers, agents); however, the percentage in any given generation is too small to even bother with – compare that to the 90+% of any given Zeta generation. Oh yes, and a quick note on full-bodied cyborgs. Why recreate the need to eat and use the facilities in a cybernetic/biomechanical body? Why have hunger, thirst, tears? It’s actually pretty simple. Most people who become full-bodied cyborgs are people who’ve experienced handicaps, debilitating injuries, paralysis, even mortal wounds… and they want to be as normal as they can. They want to still be able to eat, want to still be able to drink, want to still be able to cry. Early full-bodied cyborgs couldn’t do any of that. Their existence was defined by thought alone, and many felt that they were machines rather than people. Some robots do indeed develop full sentience and attain true ghosts (XR and XL come to mind – probably Nos, as well), thus rendering the line between ‘bots and early ‘borgs academic. Those who worked on cyborg bodies grew aware of this problem and began to develop the technology accordingly. By Zuriel’s birth in 2945, full-bodied cyborgs had long since been perfected; however, Zurg is the last known recipient of such a cyborg body. …Phew! And there you have it! A sort of history of both cyberization AND the galaxy! (And maybe 20% of the reason this all took so long…) …Hope that didn’t have too many flaws in it…
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Post by Skyfire on Nov 13, 2009 7:25:15 GMT -5
Well, any time I use a concept that isn’t mine, I always, ALWAYS credit it to the right source. And… the science of the Zurgified idea needs work, but the way it works in the story itself is just… perfect. The cyberbrain is a very important plot element in my overall storyline. And, oh, no, I… I capitalized the “g” in “ghost” because it’s a term, not because it’s a religious entity. It is simply a term – a slang term, apparently, in GITS – for a person’s soul, the part of you that is comprised of your memories and personality, that is your heart and mind together, that is completely and uniquely you. …3,247 times. EEZ, how DO you figure that? *is curious* Brothers? *looks at my own batch of brothers* Lol, that would work. xDDD It IS interesting to note that Buzz can predict Zurg, and not vice versa. What’s up with that? *is curious again* Again, I need to do some studying. I’ll get back with you on this point when I can, and it’s a great point. …O.o You… made some kind of reference – toooo… Star Trek? – and I… have NO idea what you’re talking about. *weak smile* I’ve never seen more than brief parts of Star Trek on TV, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the original. Anyway, not necessarily. Quick GITS facts: in the year 2032, cyberbrains are as common as cell phones. There are probably extreeeemly few characters in the show that DON’T have cyberbrains – even the destitute foreign refugees have cyberbrains (this show takes place in Japan). And yet people are still people: still a wide variety of personalities, and still prone to make mistakes. Good example of this: the character Batou. Quick ref from his article on Wikipedia: He is an outgoing joker, but one with a quick temper. Being emotional and not as calm as the Major, Batou shows anger at injustice and cruelty, to the point of seeming downright hotheaded at times. He sometimes shows impatience with Section 9's rookies, such as Togusa, to the point of rudeness, and jokes with him constantly. Batou also douses the Tachikomas – special AI robots – with care and affection, even going so far as to dub one his “personal” Tachikoma, refusing to operate with any other on-assignment. Cyberizing your brain doesn’t – and can’t, really – erase your personality. Your personality is a part of your soul, and as such, is untouchable by anything physical. Now, another ghost can touch your personality, subdue it (we see this TOO many times in BLoSC itself, lol); but cyberization can’t change who you are. The fact of it being there can help shape your personality, but it doesn’t alter it. Well, okay, actually, cyberization can affect you from “barely not at all” to “extreme” – and if I’m reading right what I’ve seen and know of GITS, I think it’s how much you let it affect you. Plus, Zurg was 10 when his brain was cyberized – just a kid. A precocious kid, but a kid nonetheless. Most Zetas are kids when they undergo cyberization – how they react to that is up to them. Normally, it’s a matter-of-course kind of thing, and most kids look forward to it, like a rite of passage or something. It shows that they’re growing up and that they’re old enough to handle the responsibility. (It also helps them in school, go figure. xD) I guess the way Zeta kids view their own cyberization is comparable to how teens view getting their driver’s license. Aside from all this, I can explain Zuriel being such a lovable goof (he wasn’t always entirely that way). Really, I can. However. To do that NOW would be to give you spoilers pretty much to kingdom come. Both for All That Is Left and for my woefully self-neglected For Good saga. I’ve explained it both to my oldest brother (yes, he’s a fan, too; 3 years younger; 200% smarter ;D) and my cousin (who introduced me to GITS and really knows the series; he’s also watched quite a bit of BLoSC, thanks to YouTube), and both agree that it’s completely doable. In fact, my cousin and I were once talking on G-chat, and he was telling me to watch this one GITS episode, and I was explaining my ideas for Zurg, and he’s like “yes, yes, oh yes, you HAVE to watch this GITS episode now, ‘cause that’s going to help you!” Sure enough, it did. Hmm, I never thought of him storing Buzz’s videos in his brain. But there’s a difference between seeing a video in your mind’s eye and seeing it with your physical eye. A Zeta cyborg with cybernetic eyes could play a video in his cyberbrain and yet still actually SEE it play with his physical eyes. Zurg can’t do it. The quality of a plasma screen would probably be better than his mind’s eye, lol – oh, and it’s not like he can record anything with his still-organic eyes. And, okay, about downloading stuff from the ‘Net… cyberbrains are equipped with powerful firewalls and other security features, because there are a lot of inherent dangers in having such a feature. I’m sure you can think of a few, and I also know of quite a few that you probably wouldn’t think of. Zurg’s cyberbrain would have not only powerful firewalls, but also software that would be able to recognize viruses, spyware, etc. the way that Norton does (only probably even better). ;D However… one thing that I debated on mentioning, and ultimately left out because I couldn’t figure out a way to properly fit it into the “essay,” is that Zuriel did once download something bad. The problem is, his security features didn’t recognize it as a threat, because it had no identifiable signs of being one. I can’t say what it was because, again, that would be big-time spoilers, but it was like touching the hot stove – you do it once, you’re not going to do it again. After that, Zuriel was pretty paranoid, and, well… he hasn’t downloaded much of anything (if anything at all, I’m not sure) in the last 40-odd years. Hmm, good point. *winces* 4 years since biology, very bad… Yeah, gonna hafta work with that. Thanks for pointing that out. …Well, wait a minute, rot? Like, how quickly are we talking here? I mean, average Zeta life-expectancy is 250 standard years – which applies to the organs, too, of course – so he still has, um, almost 190 years still left in him for sure. Or at least, he should… right? O.o Umm, the difference in the lungs was Saron’s idea (like most of the anatomical description was), and to be honest, I don’t know why she did that, exactly. Maybe ‘cause she was going for variation from human anatomy…? …Or… it could be… because she was building them for a harsher environment? There was more in the original anatomy that was meant for that, and I left that out because I’d changed that “natural habitat” part of the history. Do you think that could be it? I’m not sure. Zurg was not dying. In A.D. 2970, at the young age of 25 (Zeta coming-of-age is 30), Emperor Zuriel Zurg suffered an accident which left him quadriplegic. He was paralyzed from the neck down – a severe handicap, true, but not a fatal wound. And he wanted his new body to be as good (or evil? xD) as it could get. *perks up* You really think it’s a good start? Welp, I did say that it wasn’t finished. (Great, now I’ve made MORE work for myself… *grumbles-pouts*)Erin: She’ll get over it. Me: No, I won’t. Erin: *whistles nonchalantly and pulls out M9* Me: I’ll get over it. ;D
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