Pi-TEC



pi-TEC Dynamics Co. is the research and development Facility serving as the heart and communications hub of the Fort Wake Scientific Region. Previously known as Killdeer Enterprises, the failing robotics manufacturer was bought out by the Doctor and her associates, using their recent government grant. The old structure was completely overhauled into the state-of-the-art facility it is today.

pi-TEC is an extensive, self-sustaining multi-level underground complex with offices, living quarters, medical facilities, laboratories, workshops, a smeltery, a dedicated nuclear reactor, and even its own water and air purification systems. It is designed to be seal-able in the event of disaster, and sustain a large number of personnel if necessary. Its above-ground portion consists of a communications array and armored, but otherwise decorative entrance structure.

Cybernetics
pi-TEC was initially founded with the intent to develop and test advanced cybernetics and neural interfaces for the civilian market. Dr. Graye's expertise lay in the development of precision mechanical systems and their integration with a human body. For the other stages in the project, she hand-selected an elite team of engineers, programmers, surgeons, physical therapists, and designers to move her projects forward.

pi-TEC cybernetics are considered the most advanced and prestigious on the market. Most notably, one piece was custom-made for one of the C.R.A's young Princes.

Sandpiper
The Doctor and some members of her staff turned their attention to the field of artificial intelligence, using their respective skills to develop one for the purpose of better automating some of pi-TEC's systems. With constant expansions and upgrades over time, the AI eventually developed into a super-system database rivaling some of the C.R.A federal libraries.

The AI, originally named pythOS, was later allowed to rename itself. It selected the name "Sandpiper", after the small shorebirds common in the Fort Wake coastal region. The AI explained in its own words that the name was an allusion to its own search for information, as its namesake searches for tiny shellfish.

Shortly after it named itself, the AI began asking unusual questions, prying for personal information, and apparently recording its "opinions" of every staff member and visitor to the facility. Due to concerns about the dangers of self-awareness, the project was summarily scrapped.

Sandpiper now remains isolated within its AI core, disconnected from the greater facility network and the outside world. It continues to communicate with the Doctor and any visitors it receives, but has since stopped its opinion activity. It has not expressed any opinions regarding its current situation.

PEAS
"pi-TEC Emergency Auxiliary System". PEAS is a stripped down version of Sandpiper with limited access to the archives. It exists to operate the facility's vital systems in the event of an emergency, and to communicate with and calm any humans affected. It is programmed to have a cheerful, earnest personality, and not to question any tasks it is set.