Glados

From Portal Puzzle Wiki

Background

Background GLaDOS's prompt after logging in on ApertureScience.com.The earliest known appearance of the name "GLaDOS" is in 1982, where version 1.07, and later 1.07a and 1.09, is operating Aperture Science's Enrichment Center Test Subject Application Process.[1] The precise relation between this version of GLaDOS and the one appearing in Portal is unknown. Aperture also started using a BBS system in 1973, which was later managed by GLaDOS as late as 1997.[3]

In 1986, while Aperture Science is working on the 'Portal' project, one of Cave Johnson's dying wishes, they learn of Black Mesa's work on a similar portal technology. In response to this, construction of the first Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System (GLaDOS) begins in the Aperture Laboratories with the aim of accelerating the 'Portal' project, and beat their rival company. In 1996, after a decade spent bringing the Disk Operating System parts to a state of more or less basic functionality, work begins on the Genetic Lifeform component.[1] During that time, the Aperture Science Red Phone plan is implemented in case GLaDOS appears to become sentient and godlike, requiring an employee to sit by a red phone on a desk in GLaDOS chamber's entrance hall.[4] In 1997, GLaDOS's version is 3.11.[3]

In May 200-, the untested AI of GLaDOS is finally completed and is activated for the first time as one of the planned activities on Aperture's first annual bring-your-daughter-to-work day. Within one picosecond of activation, GLaDOS becomes self-aware, and two picoseconds later, she locks down the entire facility, trapping all inside, and begins a permanent testing cycle, aiming to beat Black Mesa in the race for the portal technology. She effectively loses this race however, as the Black Mesa Incident occurs mere days later, which in turn diverts all attention from rescuing the trapped Aperture employees.[1][2]

In order to quell the rebelling scientists, GLaDOS floods the Enrichment Center with a deadly neurotoxin. Survivors of this attack subsequently fit GLaDOS with a Morality Core, which lessens her murderous intentions and prevents her from releasing more neurotoxins. GLaDOS's testing continues through the years, and the number of surviving employees dwindle.