┣┨̈//̈ No┨ΦounΔ•••

“Pointless exercise”... What does that mean, I wonder...

Considering the Omicrons' single-minded character, the lack of new orders does seem unusual. I agree that we should seek out their leader.

Accepting the quest

So, the console we seek lies on the far side of this isle.

Given the nature of the ground, the route may not be entirely direct as it seems.

Let us all watch our step as we make our way.

Optional dialogue

M-032

Please refrain from making contact with Omicrons undergoing repairs, as their security functions are currently suspended.

N-0055

The subject appears to be capable of thought, yet chooses to keep primitive armaments in its possession... Further observation is required.

N-0253

The storage crates around the base contain weapons and materials recovered from various star systems. Accessing them, however, requires Sir's authorization.

M-097

Rest assured that engaging with units outside the base will not register as hostile activity. We welcome additional combat data.

However, engaging with Omicrons inside the base will place you squarely in the sights of our entire arsenal. You are encouraged to moderate your behavior accordingly.

Greetings, Sir! Can you hear me? Say something if you can! Awaken! Activate! ...Password!

...Well, I tried.

The glow would suggest it is still operational. But how are we to interact with it...?

Speak with G'raha Tia.

This appears to be the console.

But it seems...unresponsive.

Would you care to take a look at it?

Optional dialogue

Judging by the size of the Omicrons we've met, I'm reasonably confident the console is controlled via the orb.

Examine the console.

You try touching, smacking, and attuning with the console, but there is no response...

No luck, I see.

But there must be a way to activate it. There must...

Start of voiced cutscene.

Well, I'm out of ideas...

As am I. Operating such consoles is trying enough, but if we can't even activate it...

Perhaps there is a way.

First, consider the world that has been recreated here.

Its inhabitants were machines who gathered combat data to enhance themselves. And among the many wars they waged, the most notable was that against the dragons.

If the player has completed the Omega quest line

As you've doubtless surmised, I believe this was the home world of Omega.

Cid built a jamming device to defeat it. A device which generated massive bursts of lightning, its sole weakness.

Otherwise

The significance of these details may be lost on you now, but they lead me to believe this was the home world of Omega.

According to the records I read in the future, it possessed a single weakness: lightning.

That's all well and good, but what does that─ ...Wait, you're not thinking to strike the console with lightning, are you?

As a matter of fact, I am. Ask yourselves this: why would an entity as puissant as Omega not be designed to suppress the effects of lightning?

Because it relies upon it ─ or something akin to it ─ as a source of energy.

My thoughts exactly. And there is a good chance the same is true of the Omicrons and their devices.

So, shall I cast caution to the wind and try something reckless and dramatic?

What will you say?

Have at it!

Very Well, Here I go!

I'm not sure this is a good idea.

Worry not, I will be careful. And if it fails, we can think of something else.

Or I could use my custom-made Omega jammer! (if the player has completed the Omega raid quest line)

You still have it!? Cid and Nero's legendary device, which brought low the superweapon Omega!?

Wait... The actual device was much too big to lug around, so you must have only the control module. And there I was getting all excited...

Never mind. An old-fashioned spell will suffice.

G'raha Tia casts a lightning spell on the console. It activates.

It...it worked!

???

Opening connection to Communications Module I... Connection established.

Transmission: strategic Matrix Stigma-1 now online. As the primary strategic matrix, you may address me as “Sir.”

Checking for new communications... None found. All units, please maintain current state.

End transmission. Closing connection...

Wait! We have questions for you!

Of late, no mission orders have been issued. Why not? Has there been some manner of trouble?

Reply: the extended operations unit has yet to determine guidelines for future assignments.

All strategies are calculated, devised, and actioned in accordance with said guidelines.

In the interim, all citizens are directed to maintain a state of combat readiness. End reply. Awaiting query.

Can you tell us why the extended operations unit hasn't yet determined the guidelines?

Unable to comply. Information unavailable or access restricted.

In that case, is it possible for us to communicate directly with the unit?

...Access denied. Unable to establish connection.

Is there anything you can tell us? Have there been any abnormalities, like a threat to the star or widespread unrest?

Reply: negative. All citizens continue to operate at maximum efficiency.

If your operations are suboptimal, please proceed to a maintenance facility for evaluation. Otherwise, standby at your designated post. End reply.

End transmission. Closing connection...

I could activate it again, but I doubt it would be productive. What do you think?

If all the Omicrons really were running as efficiently as it claimed, then I doubt they were hoping for life here to end.

As this Sir told us, there just haven't been any new instructions, and everyone is standing by.

Should be standing by, at any rate. If there are those that are neglecting their duties, perhaps we can glean a clue from them.

I propose we take another look around, and also try to find the operations unit.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Though I never encountered Omega myself, in conceiving the means to send the Crystal Tower to the First, we borrowed much from its mastery of the rift.

Indeed, so many times did I read the report of your battle, I believe I could recite it word for word.

Omega's miniature likeness also survived to the future, if a little worse for the wear. I must confess, I was delighted to see it again in the present.

I remember when we set Omega loose to deal with Shinryu...

An Allagan weapon, we once thought. And here we are now, visiting a recreation of its home world.

I can only imagine how else these beings will surprise us...

Speak with Alphinaud.

Let us focus our search on the outpost.

Alisaie and I will try speaking with the Omicrons this time, in the hopes we might learn something new.

Meanwhile, perhaps you and G'raha could observe them from a distance.

These beings are systematic and routine by nature. If there are any that aren't, it shouldn't be too difficult to spot them.

If there are no questions, then let us begin at once!

As we came this way, I believe I spied a promising vantage point. Follow me.

Optional dialogue

And here we are. I see the twins are wasting no time with their inquiries.

Let us begin observing the Omicrons. They are supposed to be standing by, so we should look for any that aren't.

Not only do they look the same; they say the same things as well...

N-0055

The subject appears to be capable of thought, yet chooses to keep primitive armaments in its possession... Further observation is required.

We will be certain to ask about the extended operations unit.

Observe activity at Base Omicron.

Search Base Omicron for errant Omicrons. You may move the camera, as well as zoom in and out. Target an Omicron and examine it with /RT/A.

Start of cutscene.

Find an Errant Omicron!

The Omicrons should be on standby. Search for any that are not.

Optional dialogue

Adventurous Ambystoma

That's no Omicron ─ it's an ambystoma! An especially lively one, at that.

Perhaps it snuck aboard the Ragnarok, but however it came to be here, it seems to be completely in its element...

M-097

The Omicron stands unmoving, the very picture of a unit on standby.

N-0253

The Omicron stands dutifully next to a device. There is naught to suggest unusual behaviour.

N-0055

The Omicron is speaking with Alphinaud. Though you can't hear the conversation, all appears otherwise normal.

M-017

The Omicron wanders about ceaselessly, as if lacking a clear objective.

An Omicron wandering aimlessly? Where!?

Aha, I see it!

It's left the base. Let's follow it!

End of cutscene.

Speak with G'raha Tia.

It's not here, but it definitely came this way. It must have used the portal.

Time to go through and see what we find...

Fallow Portal

Travel through the portal? (Yes/No)

Search for the errant Omicron.

Start of cutscene.

Bzzzt... What is your query?

Ah, you found it!

What are you doing here?

...I am looking at the tree.

Quite an unusual specimen... What is the device attached to it?

The tree is a sample collected from another star. As it cannot survive in our environment, however, it requires life support. That is the function of the device.

To go to such lengths to sustain it... Is there something special about this tree?

Being foreign matter, protocol requires that we study it. As this task has been completed, the specimen may be discarded.

However, when I behold the tree, I am made to feel as though...there is a problem.

In order to become strong, we have continued to enhance ourselves. Like we did countless others, we conquered the star whence this tree came.

It is the last remnant of a dead world, and there is nothing towards which it may aspire. Yet it grows. Extends its branches. Sprouts leaves. Produces seeds.

Why does it seek to continue?

Why was it made to behave in such a way, and to what end? I do not understand.

...I see. Out of curiosity, does this pertain to your duty?

...No, it does not. My apologies, I shall return to my designated post and assume a state of combat readiness.

So, it was acting outside of orders...

Perhaps it is simply a malfunctioning Omicron. These are by no means uncommon.

But it may also be a unit possessed of the ability to make decisions. One not unlike Sir...

I believe this bears further investigation.

To endeavor to live even if we must depend on forces beyond our control...

Tell me, Forename. One day, when this adventure becomes a part of your epic, do you think I will be mentioned in it?

What will you say?

Of course. Why wouldn't you be?

You truly think so? That would be a...

Nay, I shouldn't say such things until the moment comes to pass. Never mind the embarrassment...

Maybe in a footnote.

Oh, come now, how much would it have cost you to simply nod?

'Tis no simple thing to earn a place beside you, this I know full well. But it is something to hope for as I forge on.

You're not here so you can be in a story.

...Forgive me. Let there be no doubt that fame and glory could not be further from my mind.

And yet...I would be lying if I said that I don't relish the thought of my name being spoken in the same breath as yours.