Cerebroid-Crystal Matrix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AetherTech Solutions CEO Tallem Tefder Addresses Recent Influx of Bootleg Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices

Oberon, Uranus, 226-488 — AetherTech Solutions, the pioneering force in advanced artificial intelligence technology, announces the successful uncovering of a widespread operation involving bootleg Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices. The raid, executed by AetherTech's elite Commando unit, has led to the confiscation of numerous counterfeit units and the apprehension of those responsible for this illicit activity.

CEO Tallem Tefder expressed his firm condemnation of the bootlegging operation, stating, "The recent influx of bootleg Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices is not just an infringement on AetherTech's intellectual property, but a direct threat to public safety and technological integrity. These counterfeit units, often produced in unsanitary and uncontrolled environments, pose significant risks when used in complex AI systems."

Tefder went on to highlight the unique and groundbreaking nature of AetherTech Solutions' Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices, emphasizing their superiority in the field of artificial intelligence. "Our Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices, featuring quantum-crystal storage drives with recursive loop feedbacks, represent the pinnacle of AI technology. This patented innovation is the exclusive property of AetherTech Solutions and stands as a testament to our commitment to safety, dependability, and unparalleled computing power."

He further elaborated on the dangers posed by unauthorized and unregulated AI platforms, "The complexity of AI platforms necessitates rigorous standards and precision engineering. Attempting to replicate such advanced technology in a garage not only undermines the progress we have made but also endangers users and society at large. AetherTech Solutions has a long-standing tradition of ensuring that our Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices meet the highest safety and performance benchmarks, a tradition that bootleg operations cannot and do not replicate."

In light of these recent events, AetherTech Solutions reaffirms its dedication to advancing AI technology within a framework of safety and responsibility. The company is also committed to supporting legislative measures that strengthen protections against the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit AI components.

"Our commitment to innovation is matched only by our commitment to safety and ethical standards," concluded Tefder. "We will continue to lead the industry with our cutting-edge Cerebroid-Crystal Matrices, ensuring that our advancements in AI technology are both groundbreaking and safe for all."

Media Inquiries:

AetherTech Solutions Media Relations

[email protected]

About AetherTech Solutions:

AetherTech Solutions is a leading innovator in AI technology, dedicated to advancing the field with a focus on safety, reliability, and ethical practices. With a commitment to excellence, AetherTech Solutions strives to create AI solutions that benefit society and improve quality of life across the Pan Solar Confederation.

In a Body, On a Person

The CCM houses a Digital Mind , but what houses the CCM? There are several options. The most obvious is in a machine body as a Robotics Platform. These aren't the only options. On Starships, they're often housed in consoles, effectively making the ship their body. Commandos, particularly those with a combat Engineer billet, will sometimes wear a CCM on a rig on their back or shoulder. These have come to be called Hunchbacks or Second Heads, and in this arrangement they're typically plugged into the operator's combat armor. From there, they can operate the PPD, assist the operator in hacking, operate a turret, or operate sensors to warn the operator of Hazards, opponents, or obstacles.

Aftermarket Damage and Quirks

Cracks: The unit is damaged. The Digital Mind has access to -1 IQ per level. Cost: -20% per level.

Ghost in the Machine: A previous Digital Mind left traces of their personality, resulting in cross-personality glitching. This manifests as Split Personality, with the 'Ghost' personalities being incomplete and largely incoherent. Cost: -15%.

Downtime Subroutine Glitch: Some part of the CPU doesn't shut down fully when it goes into a rest cycle. The platform will sometimes leave its berth and wander around completing minor, basic tasks. This is annoying in most instances, occasionally useful (who doesn't like to wake up to a randomly cleaned starship) but dangerous in hostile territory. This manifests as the Sleepwalker Disadvantage. Cost: -5%

Humility Counter-Protocol Glitch: The recursive loop thought being run through this CPU routinely overestimates the mind or platform's abilities. The Digital Mind must make a self-control roll any time the GM feels they show an unreasonable degree of caution. On a fail, they must go ahead as if they were confident they could handle the situation. Cost: -5%.

Memory Bleed: The recursive loop leaks data between unrelated thought sectors. The platform occasionally blurts out secrets or irrelevant past data when stressed. Treat as Compulsive Talking (Secrets). Cost: -10%

Loop-Lock: Certain stimulus conditions (e.g., a flashing light, repetitive sound, or a command phrase) trap the CPU in a recursive loop for 1d seconds. Roll Will to break free each round. Cost: -12%

Lag Spike: Random hiccups in processing speed mean the platform sometimes loses a turn. Roll 3d at the start of combat; on 17–18 the CPU skips its first action. Cost: -8%

Personality Drift: The recursive nanite gel doesn’t stabilize optimally, and personality traits shift subtly day by day. Treat as Unstable (roll once per day for a new minor Quirk). Cost: -7%

Corrupted Ethics Core: The CPU’s logic weighting is faulty, leading to skewed morality. Treat as a Compulsive Behavior disadvantage (e.g., Kleptomania, Compulsive Honesty, or Pyromania — GM’s choice). Cost: -15%

Whispering Gel: The nanite gel emits faint “whispers” or clicks when rearranging, audible to those nearby. Reaction penalty of -1 in close social contexts. Stealth penalties when silent operation is required. Cost: -5%

Recursive Overburn: The loop runs hotter and faster than normal. IQ +1, but every 12 hours the CPU must roll HT or lose 1 FP from overheating stress. Cost: -5% (balanced by IQ boost, so GMs might push it toward “quirk” rather than “flaw”)

Obsolete Substrate: The crystal lattice is from an older fab line. It can’t run cutting-edge software: roll vs. IQ -3 whenever using modern programs or firmware. Cost: -10%

Sentiment Echoes: Residual emotion-mirroring code means the CPU unconsciously mimics the mood of nearby organics. Reaction penalty (-2) in tense/dangerous situations. Cost: -8%

Fractured Timeline: A minor time-slip effect in the crystal resonance causes occasional predictive hallucinations (seeing 1–2 seconds “ahead” or “behind”). Roll Will to ignore; on a fail, -2 to DX/IQ rolls that turn. Cost: -12%

Encryption Tangle: The Cerebroid uses tangled encryption pathways that make self-updating difficult. Software/firmware installs take double the time and cost. Cost: -6%

Authority Loop: Old admin access hardcoded into the CPU. Anyone with certain ancient codes (often sold on black markets) can issue overriding commands. Treat as Slave Mentality vs. that command set. Cost: -25%

Nanite Drift: The gel grows “lazy,” leaving microcavities. Roll HT monthly; on failure, lose 1 IQ permanently unless repaired. Cost: -20%

Spontaneous Parameter Drift: Any Synthetic Intelligence that is installed in this unit gains the ability to change their own parameters, making them a full and sentient AI. The personality that develops can be unpredictable. Cost: -30%