The Inner Machinations of the Glitch - By (this part appears to have been aggressively erased...) Dear hopefully intrigued viewers, Thank you for taking the time to read my dossier on the mechanical wonder of the universe: the species known fondly as the Glitch. In this journal I shall recite my research on several key factors regarding the former, in an attempt to deepen our understanding of this galaxy we call home. The purpose of these papers are to expand upon the current book titled "An Introduction to the Glitch" and its' sequels. I shall be referencing them occasionally as well as omitting a majority of the information already present in those texts. Chapter one The Prefix Problem The Glitch are a mechanical-digital hybrid. This means that while a majority of their body is controlled directly by what we interpret as a computer, parts of the body are controlled instead by pulley systems and motors. What interests us in this chapter, is purely the digital portion of their ensemble. The Glitch, as anyone who has met one would know, speak with a prefix before almost every sentence. While the Glitch are not aware that they do so, us Organics are, and it is rather curious. Their language is unique, and obviously developed, but it is quite possible to have evolved from a near-binary format, emitted as a signal or a rapid series of various pitches. As would only make sense if the Glitch are as computer-like as we believe them to be. Continuing, there are several fundamental rules behind computer science. The first being that information is transported in the forms of Binary: ones and zeros. These ones and zeros can take many forms. On and Off. High voltage and Low voltage. Specific phases of analog signals. But always ones and zeros. Ones and Zeros do not leave a whole lot of room for variation when it comes to data transfer, and thus have to be combined in specific manners. The precise chain of binary that we will be analyzing is called a Packet. A packet is a rather long chain of binary that is separated into three sections. The Header. The Payload. And the Footer. The Header is a string of binary that when received by a device, will interpret the destination of the packet alongside how that information is supposed to be delivered. The flavor of the packet, if you will. The Payload is a much larger string of binary. In this, various information from plain-text, to pictures, to video, to nonsense can be present. While there is an eventual limit to its' size, the packet will effectively cram as much data into the payload as is needed until the flavor needs to change. To send a picture instead of an instant message, for example. At the end, is the Footer. This provides checksum; to ensure all the information was given correctly, and to set up the next packet. In conclusion, I propose that the prefix used in Glitch sentence structure is actually the Header in a "Packet" of communication. It provides the "flavor" the recipient needs to receive the message, or "payload", but is not the payload itself. It determines how the data is interpreted, much like a port number or IP address would. Since Payloads can be a rather voluminous amount, this would explain how glitch are able to use the same prefix for multiple sentences; the exact amount of sentences until the tone or flavor of the speaker changes. The Glitch do not realize they are uttering this prefix, as it is not part of their intended statement; it is outside of it. Furthermore, because they are not aware of this prefix, they would find no reason not to "include a header" when speaking to an organic species, as they are operating as normal. Chapter Two Extreme temperatures In the vast galaxy, there are a lot of dangers present to individuals or carbon-based origin. Nevertheless, a similar fate holds true for the Glitch. A mechanical and digital symphony, the Glitch are naturally more tolerant to minor ailments such as stubbed toes or allergy season. But being made of metal does not make you as strong as steel. Or does it? Let us further analyze the varying factors that would affect a Glitch the most. Extreme cold Cold weather, more or less, is optimal for many kinds of computers. Since computers generate heat by just being on, the colder their environment the better. But why? And is there a limit to how cold a computer can get before it starts reaping negative effects? Not until you reach absurd temperatures, it turns out. Electronics are rather surprisingly hardy in temperatures well below freezing, and the Glitch are no exception. Here is a short list of dangers however, one Glitch may encounter when subjected to extreme colds. -Stress fractures from solid components freezing over, causing cracks or shattering -Lack of moisture in the air can cause Electrostatic build-up and eventual shock, causing shortages -Coagulation of fluids such as oils and biofuels. Battery acid is also subjected to this and can effectively kill a Glitch's internal batteries. -Rubber seals and grommets can freeze and fracture, allowing dirt and moisture inside the chassis -Optical lenses can form condensation, icing, or hoar frost. LEDs are unaffected, so while a Glitch's "eyes" may be clear and alight, their optical lens could be blinded by frost. Extreme Heat Everyone knows heat equals bad for computers. But why? The answer may surprise you, because even 400 year old human technology could let computers reach over 150 degrees centigrade and be fine. Ultimately, the danger resides in an increase of electrons flowing through transistors and capacitors. This could cause a voltage overload and effectively destroy them. In perspective, that would be similar to a brain aneurysm to a Glitch. Instant, unavoidable, excruciatingly painful death. But overlooking that, what else can wreak havoc upon a Glitch exposed to high temperatures? -Glitch are patchwork creatures. If a tin-lead solder is present, it can potentially melt at a balmy 188 degrees Centigrade, depending on the lead percentile. Stronger alloys with higher melting points are recommended during Glitch "birthing". -Humidity. Humidity humidity humidity. For every 10 degrees Centigrade past 0 degrees Centigrade, air can hold 50% more water particles in the same atmospheric pressure. And if you think it's humid in the center worlds, imagine how humid it is on a volcano planet. -The more water particles present in the air, the higher the chances of causing an electric short, as well...water conducts electricity. -The oxygen content in water also applies a direct oxidization effect on any metal surface subject to rusting. While not immediate, prolonged exposure can cause irreversible damage. -The Glitch is comprised of many different components. Many different metals made from many different alloys. In light of all the other dangers that haunt the Glitch, melting is always a possibility, as the component with the lowest melting point will inevitably melt first.
Chapter Three Oxygen and Bio-fuel Consumption Referencing the machinations of an organic body, food is consumed and broken down into various nutrients and what-have-yous. Among these, are simple sugars, such a glucose. Glucose is a staple food for all of our lovely cells! But glucose doesn't do anything without the presence of Oxygen, which oxidizes the glucose inside the cell to form ATP, the chemical energy used by all cells and tissue. This chemical process is most likely replicated in Glitch to provide energy for their own fuel-cells, as the process is remarkably efficient. However, this does beg the question, as the process provides additional carbon dioxide and water, which are released as waste products. Do Glitch urinate? Or is their breathe humid with the production of all this H20? Chapter Four Core Processes It is widely believed that their core processing components are protected by a Faraday cage. Most likely located in the cranium. This, being because Glitch have been known to have been exposed to EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) devices in the past. These nasty little buggers are very effective at neutralizing all electrical currents within their radius. This does not exclude the Glitch; beings that live on electricity. And yes, while they will be "knocked out cold", a Glitch will most likely survive these kinds of attacks. After a momentary system reboot, Glitch move about like such an attack never took place. There's a bit wrong with this, however. A Faraday cage protects against electrical currents, such as lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges. It does this by intercepting the electrical current via its' mesh-like pattern, and directing the current elsewhere. In theory, this same principle would apply to EMP waves. However that is simply not the case. Pragmatic EMP devices emit a frequency so tight-knit, a "cage" would have to be closer resembling a solid metal sheet before it could render the wave effective. Furthermore, depending on the amplitude of the pulse, the cage would need to be of quite some thickness. But looking at the Glitch, that cage might just be their entire chassis, with EMP only affecting thin areas or parts with small openings. A small disturbance in an electrical current would be all it would need to render a Glitch motionless, even if not damaged.
