[Battletech] A Life Worth Living For

-[X] 'Drona' VTOL
--[X] 24 ton support vehicle, 8/12 movement (129.6 kph max speed), VTOl, 1 ton fuel (1333 km max range), Advanced Fire Control, 1.5 tons of Bar 6 armor (Front 8, Sides 6, Rear 4, Rotor 2), Primitive Prototype Medium Laser, 2 machine guns and half ton of ammo (100 shots), Prayan Communication Nexus

Drona 1


Drona 2

Excerpts from the journal of Doctor Nikolai Nyugen

The following are a selection of relevant entries taken from Doctor Nyugen's last journal, recovered from his lab on August 5th, 2413 by SD. Gopal Shree and AM. Ranjan Pavagi. Commentary is presented as necessary for clarification.

Note: Text is translated from its original German into Hindi; modifications have been made to grammar and syntax to account for differences between the languages

1/3/73
A new year calls for a new journal; it is fortuitous that my previous one ran out of space just in time for Christmas. I've purchased a new fountain pen as well to go along with it. Something told me it was the right thing to do.

[Three entries omitted]

1/26/73
My benefactor has finally delivered the texts required for the persona sublimation procedure. Transferring the sigils into a circuit form will be difficult, but what is a few months of work compared to the glory of changing the world?

[The identity of Doctor Nyugen's benefactor remains unknown even after thorough investigation, as well as the source of the knowledge they seem to have been transferring to Doctor Nyugen.

The texts referenced in this entry were unable to be located, although inspection of a chair-like device located in the lab revealed electronic components with abnormally patterned circuitry that seem to be connected to this entry]

[Two entries omitted]

2/5/73
I had a fine day with my colleagues today. Tea as usual, followed by a game of Rugby. I kept score of course. I caught a glimpse of my benefactor as we left the park, watching as he always does. As strange as it sounds, his presence is comforting in a way I can't quite describe, as if I knew him long ago.

[Records indicate Doctor Nyugen was diagnosed with Hereditary Partial Paraplegia, primarily affecting his right leg. It is unknown why his benefactor kept such close tabs on the Doctor. Below the entry is a sketch of a man in a long coat and wide brimmed hat. No facial features were drawn in]

[Three entries omitted]

2/20/73
Work on the limbs is progressing well. Iteration 3 is much more articulated and has ample internal space for bio-component integration. I've improved their strength and weight by using titanium in the skeleton, though it does make them harder to construct. The fingers still require work; integration with bio-myomer?

[This is one of several references to the unknown material 'bio-myomer'. No samples have been located in his lab or among his works, and details on the material are sparse in his notes. Included with the entry is a sketch of one of the mechatronic limbs recovered from his lab]

[Five entries omitted]

3/3/73
I've made incredible progress on the Sublimation device. It is crude thus far, but I've finally found magnets powerful enough for the Separation procedure. With the aid of the ---- I should be able to penetrate the Guf Shield.

[A large mark had been drawn through one of the words of the entry.

A sketch of the unknown symbol found on the lab's floor was drawn alongside this entry.

The phrase 'Guf Shield' appears several times throughout his notes, notably in conjunction with mentions of 'Sublimation' and 'Personas'. It's exact meaning is never explained, though linguists have identified Guf as being Hebrew for 'Body']

[Two entries omitted]

3/10/73
I had the dream again. I long for her though I know not who she is.

[A sketch of a door like structure constructed out of monolithic black blocks on top of a hill. A figure bearing some resemblance to the Doctor's 'Replika' diagrams is standing at the threshold, their back turned. Underneath it are the phrases 'I've been here before' and 'Who is she???'. The identity of the figure in the drawing is unknown]

[Three entries omitted]

3/27/73
Vihaan is a wonderful assistant. He pointed out a mistake in the other's work before I even entered the lab this morning. One day, he'll do incredible things, perhaps even as incredible as my own work. I should think of something to do for him.

[Two entries omitted]

4/5/73
The Sublimation device is ready to be tested! Sometimes I astonish even myself with my brilliance, though I must give thanks to my benefactor for his aid. I shall use it immediately; if it works, I am one step closer to realizing my project.

[The following is scrawled roughly below the entry]

HE LIED HE LIED HE LIED HE LIED I WILL NEVER SEE HER AGAIN HE LIED HE LIED HE LIED HE LIED HE LIED HE LIED IT HURTS I CAN FEEL THEM ALL PERHAPS THIS IS HELL

[Penmanship notably degrades past this point]

Undated
My soul is in agony. My body is in agony. My mind is in agony. Even though I stand, I can feel my neurons tearing apart. My nose is beginning to bleed as I write this. God help me.

4/6/73
It can't end like this. My work cannot end like this.

[The phrase 'I need more time' is repeated several times on the rest of the page]

4/7/73
I have given Vihaan the key to our future. He will know what to do with it when the time comes. As my end comes, I curse myself for my ignorance. I should've known my 'benefactor' had ulterior motives, but I was blinded by my quest to find the truth.

I will never see her again.

[The next page is dominated by a sketch of a wide-open eye]



[Doctor Nyugen was found dead in his apartment on 4/10/73 after co-workers reported him missing after failing to show up for work two days in a row. Recovered autopsy records indicate that he had undergone multiple, simultaneous brain aneurysms the night of the 7th. According to police reports, several neighbors reported seeing a man in a long yellow coat enter his apartment on the 8th, but there was no evidence of the man on the building's CCTV cameras and there was no sign of forced entry into Doctor Nyugen's apartment. Doctor Nyugen was buried on the 26th of April; his funeral was attended by a handful of colleagues.]

Somewhat rushed and probably non-canon due to obvious reasons, but have a glimpse into the final days of our erstwhile robo-waifu designer

EDITS:
1. 'randomly' to 'roughly'

Hermano Mayor Part 4

2310

Zaida and her husband Geraldo sat in a hospital room, specifically Geraldo's room. After the last medical checkup from a Doctor that both had known for over twenty years Geraldo was advised to retire and reduce the stress on his heart. Despite him changing his diet, exercising more and delegating some responsibilities it was not enough. A week ago he had suffered a heart attack at home and had been brought in for surgery. After the surgery the Doctor advised them both that they had bought time but Geraldo's heart had been weakened. For a week or two he would be under observation before being released. During this time Zaida had a member of the Fellowship she personally knew posted as a guard. The hospital also made sure that Zaida and Geraldo were admitted under false names to prevent the news channels or the government knowing about this.

"Zaida. What is your thoughts on Raopatnam?"

"Should you be thinking about business at this time?"

"I have been thinking about the Fellowship for the last thirty years, it is like breathing. Besides, one can watch so many serials or read the papers over and over."

Several weeks ago one of Zaida girls brought her information from one of her steady clients, a Union Representative from Glowple, regarding a program to develop an island to the south of Naya Ghar. It was planned to be a tropical land with a coral reef. The client, full of alcohol and lust had spoken with the girl extensively. After hearing about this development, Zaida would research this and confirm it with other Fellowship members that worked in the company. She then would keep this knowledge to herself, speaking only to her husband. Instead of dealing with the five blocks of the special area, here was a chance to expand into a new territory and if the rumors were true they could develop the island into a tourist destination with all the various businesses and vices needed. She even looked up several places like that back on Earth like Las Vegas with similar beginnings.

At first Geraldo was hesitant, he had reached a place of comfort and routine. Why would they risk this all on a few rumors? Such places had also been built and never developed back on Earth, was she sure of this research. He said he would think about it, then the heart attack came. She thought that her idea had been thrown away during the chaos.

"I thought I would have some time to gracefully retire but it seems God has other plans. I tried to keep the Ministers from working together too much, prevent them from staging a coup. I am sure however they already know about my condition. This is not a criticism of you, but they probably have spies and informants as well, especially Vicente and Ventura. They won't move against me know while I am in the hospital, but I am sure they will call for my retirement when I am released."

"Are you going to retire? Just give up everything we worked to build just like that?"

"How many people will support us Zaida? How many are willing to wage a war just on our say so? You could convince our people to resist the Hindus or the Muslims groups but an internal power struggle? Many people will wait until the smoke clears and who the new rulers are. So I will need you to be my eyes, ears and hands. You will be the good little wife in front of the Ministers, caring for you dear husband. You will take money from our emergency stash. Set up a company to invest in Raopatnam whenever it is announced. Select a choice group, people that you personally trust, to be your staff. You also need to update the alternate documents you have."

"What about yours?"

"Do you think I our people will let me retire peacefully? No, I know too much and people know me too well. You on the other hand still have the looks of a younger woman and with some assistance can change your looks. I remember your costumes when you worked."

"Dirty old man."

"I was the same age as you. You will need to carry our heritage forward. I trust you. Now, let me rest and you should rest also."

Selections from the Feline Metalwork Incorporated catalog (2313)

Wheelman Car Portable Radio Phone (2310)
750D (200D installation fee, 10D monthly fee to register to FMI's radio-to-landline relays)
"Our Wheelman radio phone offers you a portable communications service accessible from the comfort and convenience of your car. No more hassle with payphones or even borrowing someone's landline; with the Wheelman, the driver's seat becomes your desk!

Note: relay availability may vary by region."

The Wheelman met with some success in the decade after it's 2310 release date, even as it was quickly overshadowed by the near simultaneous release of FMIs various mobile phone models. It was primarily popular among businessmen, who preferred the improved sound quality and professional atmosphere offered by the car mounted unit versus the portability and convenience of the new pocket phones. Its popularity was also hampered by sometimes substantiated rumors of the relay system marking certain units for 'enhanced logging' of calls, all of them owned by important business leaders or known members of dissident groups. Despite this, many continued to use it, either disbelieving the rumors or feeling safe in having 'nothing' to hide.

Several upgrades were made to the Wheelman over the following two decades to better cater to the elite business market, each one upping the price to make up for declining sales. The Wheelman line was eventually retired by 2338, though third-party support and maintenance continued up until software changes in 2345 made them totally incompatible with FMIs radio relays (now fully optimized for mobile phone support). The blocky, 30 pound Wheelman would go on to be remembered fondly however, and is a common sight in modern period pieces and contemporary films of the time.


Pala Portable Phone (2311)
500D (10D monthly fee to register to FMI's Relay system)
"Sleek and portable were the goals we set out with when designing the Pala, and we are proud to present the results. The Pala is the world's first truly portable phone, and a must have for anyone who never wants to miss an important call.

Note: relay availability may vary by region."

Released only a year after the Wheelman, the Pala quickly established itself in the market as a dependable and convenient alternative to landline phones. Its sleek, rectangular form and flip open receiver wooed the public the moment it was announced. While audio quality was worse than most landlines and connection spotty at times, the sheer convenience of having a compact phone in your pocket outweighed the benefits, especially for quick calls when out and about. Landlines were still popular for years to come, especially for official business and longer chats, but most people knew to whip out a Pala if you were at the store and wanted to ask your spouse what kind of bread they wanted.

A more ruggedized version called the Pala-Jha was offered to rural consumers; though somewhat more costly at 650D and much larger (resembling a brick more than anything else), it dealt with moisture and dirt better than any Pala, on top of using a longer lasting powerpack and a satellite connection to allow it to work anywhere in the world. Farm families out in the hinterlands of the developing country would pass the phone around to give tinny well wishes to their relatives in the city, and the phone's blocky form became a sight that evoked warm memories for many people years later.

Of course, the government kept a close eye on the relay system, making heavy use of warrantless wiretaps in their quest to 'protect' society from dissenters and traitors. Rumors said that they could even track the exact location of Pala units, though government agencies refused to comment on the issue, and reporters who brought it up usually didn't last long anyways.


Home-Smart Personal computing system (2313)
2500D
2.2 GHz single core, 4 GB RAM, 70 GB Drive
"After decades of work, FMI is ready to unveil the latest in computing equipment. The Home-Smart PCS makes use of innovative hardware and architecture to bring the power of a mainframe to your own home office, all at an affordable price. Our newly unveiled, point-and-click MOUSE system offers unparalleled usability, perfect for enjoying one of FMI's new Virtual Entertainment Programs. The future comes today, and with a free installation and 4-month subscription to our patented LIGHTNET network you can share it with your friends and family no matter where they are.

Note: LIGHTNET relay availability may vary by region."

Perhaps one of the most unprecedented and groundbreaking products in the history of the computer industry, FMI's Home-Smart PCS marked the beginning of home computing, putting power once only held by larger corporations and governments into the hands of most consumers. Workplace productivity and efficiency skyrocketed across the board with the aid of FMI's Dig-Org software line, and the public found themselves enamored by the nearly instant communication and connectivity offered by the revolutionary LIGHTNET system. The entire system was also designed with modularity in mind, allowing for easy upgrades and customization for years to come.

Of note was the bevy of 'virtual entertainment programs' offered alongside the computer, which quickly captured the attention of many out of sheer novelty. Despite their simplicity many were enamored by the gameplay, and they served as a testament to the computational and graphical superiority of FMI products. Small communities of 'virtual gamers' quickly formed on LIGHTNET, congregating in crudely constructed text forums or subforums of the much maligned 'FMI Chat' to discuss how much fun they had. Data-miners were quick to decompile the games to learn their secrets, only to find an incredible discovery; none of them used more than a tenth of the Home-Smart's full power! Hundreds were emboldened by this find, and with their newly acquired knowledge of the code used set out to make their own games and truly push the limits of their creativity and PCS' hardware. It is here that Wild-Cat Gaming entered the scene, but that's a story for another time…


LIGHTNET Installation (2313)
300D for disc and installation (bottom price, varied based upon distance from LIGHTNET infrastructure), 35D monthly fee for subscription (generally, a 20 percent discount was applied for subscribing a year at a time)
"FMI is proud to announce the future of telecommunications. LIGHTNET is an innovative public computer network that allows for communications at the speed of light. With the aid of our own highspeed, high bandwidth cable network, LIGHTNET users can send messages or even images to people on the other side of the planet, and our new LIGHT-Sheet technology allows for the easy creation of publicly accessible forums or 'Netsheets' hosted by your very own hardware! Step into the future with LIGHTNET.

Note: LIGHTNET relay availability may vary by region."

LIGHTNET was FMI's crowning achievement for decades, a truly open space for the sharing of information and public discussion. It connected thousands of users all across the globe, created entire new professions, and marked the beginning of a digital revolution that transformed culture and brought people together closer than ever. At the same time, however, it represented a new frontier of government oversight and monitoring.

While the infrastructure and architecture itself was surprisingly secure and free of surveillance, FMI and government created Netsheets were almost always jammed full of message loggers and back ends into people's accounts, something that they did surprisingly little to hide. FMI Chat (FMI's own managed forum) and LIGHTNET Connect (a government sponsored email system) were both elements of the government's extensive surveillance system, and were widely lampooned by LIGHTNET users for their lack of data security and secrecy. While there was no official policy forbidding people from using or creating 'unsecure' Netsheets, FMI definitely favored official 'sheets when it came to search results or bandwidth priority, and the government had a small campaign encouraging people to only trust 'sheets accredited by the 'LIGHTNET Safety Commission'.

The separate installation package was primarily intended for older systems not originally installed with LIGHTNET, though Home-Smarts could technically be installed without a LIGHTNET connection either due to cost or a desire to use it totally in-house for many businesses; the installation service would allow people to change their mind as circumstances changed.

EDITS:
1. Fixed some mentions of 'LIFENET'
2. Fixed years and FMI acronym

Amused By My Hometown/मेरे गृहनगर से खुश/Divertido por mi ciudad natal/Memleketim Tarafından Eğlendirildi is based in the fictional Barsi society, which houses many several families (Indian, Spanish and Turkish) each quirky and different in their own unique way. And though they are largely different from one another, they are united in the heart of it all. This family-friendly show has still not lost its popularity and happens to be a fan favorite.

The show revolves around their daily lives and how comically they deal with their everyday problems. It also touches on delicate subjects like child marriage and teaches us various moral lessons in the guise of comedic situations. No one can predict how long this show will keep airing on television but so long it does, it will continue to make people spread joy and laughter.

Story Of Everything/हर चीज की कहानी/Historia de todo/Her Şeyin Hikayesi. This TV soap drama focuses on a strong-willed woman named Indra, whose only true goal is to become an Police officer. She is met with strict opposition by her in-laws but continues to strive towards success with the help of her doting and supportive husband, Basilio but not without a fair share of troubles and mishaps.

Good Chances/अच्छी संभावना/Buenas posibilidades/İyi Şanslar
The host, Remedios Sandoval presents the contestants with a question and 4 options to choose the correct answer from. Each correct answer given brings the contestant closer to winning the coveted prize money of one million Divisa.

Remedios bold and enigmatic personality makes the program, far more interesting than it perhaps set out to be thus becoming a favorite among viewers.

Tomorrow/कल/Mañana/Yarın
Young and intelligent medical interns join the reputed hospital of Pinevale to fulfill their goals of becoming the best doctors. What they do not foresee is that the road to success is excruciatingly difficult, especially with their personal and professional lives inextricably woven together. The series is filled with numerous plot twists that always has you coming back for more.


Speak Of The Good Life/अच्छे जीवन के बारे में बात करें/Habla de la buena vida/İyi Yaşamdan Bahsedin is one of the longest running serials, the program follows the story of Eylül and Sevgi, a couple brought together by arranged marriage.

As we watch the series we learn of their struggles and hardships and their tale of romance. Soon though, we get more engrossed in their family as well and the series complies taking us through the stories of members of their family as well. The show is known for its captivating storyline and unprecedented plot twists. Once you start watching this show, there will be no going back.

Hermano Mayor Part 5

2311

"Everything has been set up then, correct?" said Zaida. She was speaking with Abilio in a small cafe in a shopping mall disguised as an older woman. If a passer by were to notice them they would see Abilio in his business attire and think he was having coffee with a client or a relative. The mall was busy enough that they would not stand out in the ground and both of them possessed small devices to block any electronic signals from listening devices. "Yes mom, we set up the company that you and the financial adviser told us to. It is under the name of Terramor and we have been buying and selling real estate across the city and surrounding areas. All our business records are in order and we even have been mentioned as a rising business in some publications."

"No one has recognized you and Damian from your previous work?"
"A few but no one has said it publicly. Some of our clients are members of the Church and we let them know we can help them if they agree not to mention us. We are silent partners so to speak. They think this is some new legal way to handle various income from other businesses. In fact Flor has been one of our biggest contributors, many of the dancers that she has worked with trust her and have given her money to invest. Now we warn them just like anyone else about the risks but they still invest. Other people in the community like us also. It is odd to be greeted instead of feared when you walk into a store."

"Just remember that charity and discipline have to be given in the same measure. That is how your father has survived so long."

"How is he?"

"Some days are better than others. The heart attack weakened him and despite what I or the Doctors tell him he still wants to work. He has changed his diet, exercised more but I fear that is not enough. I do not see him reaching old age going this way."

"He would rather go out fighting than wither away."

"Now you sound like him. Men and your images. Have you prepared the other documents and plans?"

"Yes, everything is ready."

"Good, I want to talk to you about you and Flor, she is a good woman that you need in your life. You should do the right thing and marry her."

"Mother, I know you mean well but I am just a foot soldier in a suit. She deserves someone better, who makes a better income and can provide for her if she wants to even fix the damages. She deserves a future, what can I offer?"

"Look, I have been married to the Father for forty years. We both had little when we met and we built something together. I see the look in her eyes when she looks at you. You could tell her to wait forever and she would. She is a good dancer, I think she could become a great dancer and even a teacher. She needs a protector, she is lost in a world of entertainment programs in her mind. How long do you think she will survive if you are not there? Especially if your Father and I are not there. Understand this that when your father passes away those carrion feeders will go after everyone that spoke against them, there will be blood I guarantee it. Can you see her hurt or worse? I do not ask as your boss or even a mother, but as a woman. Do you understand?"

"No I understand."

"I need to go now. Call me if you need anything."

A friendly face

Agota flipped through her notepad one last time, her eyes rapidly skimming across the points she had spent the past few days rehearsing.

-Industrial OS market wide open

-Leverage new advancements

-Mascot!

Much of it was already in her head, of course. Little bullet-points like this just helped her connect the dots, and it was easier on the hand than writing out a practical essay. She glanced up at the meeting room, satisfied by the looks on the attendees' faces; suitably engaged and alert, a good start that she only had to maintain rather than build up first. A moment later Mister Bajpaj strode through the door, a flat look on his face. He sat down at the head of the table, looked around the room once, and then waved his hand about.

"Alright, we're all here. The floor is yours Agota."

She smiled and tucked the notepad away in her jacket, stepping aside to leave the presentation screen clear. Her hand reached out to grab the remote from the presenter's table, and with the press of a button the lights dimmed and the projector descended quietly from the ceiling. After a short pause to let the equipment spin up, she started.

"I know we're all busy today, so I'll skip the usual formalities and jump right to the point."

Her smile grew at the satisfied look on Mister Bajpaj's face and the relived expressions of the others, and she pressed on.

"Sales of the Home-Smart have met all of our expectations over the past year, with over 50000 units sold to a variety of consumer and commercial interests."

Another press of the button, and a bar chart of monthly sales flashed on screen.

"We've seen a steady increase in sales month over month, with little sign of slowing down. We still have plenty of room for growth, but considering our success thus far the computing department has decided to use the funds to begin a new project ahead of time."

There were impressed nods around the room, and Mister Bajpaj folded his hands together confidently.

"Good work. What's this new project then?"

He's hooked.

Agota nodded smartly in response and changed the slide, this time to a series of pie charts on market share.

"Simply put, it's a new line of industrial computing equipment, all centered around a specialized OS optimized for industrial or mining workloads. FMI hasn't released much in the way of new products in this field for several decades, and our analysis shows that they've been left behind by recent advances in computing technology."

Mister Bajpaj's eyes widened in interest, and he waved to her to continue. Another click, and sketches of rugged looking computers connected by lines appeared.

"A modification of our LIGHTNET architecture will allow for much more efficient transfer of information and computation in industrial settings, and allow for smooth connections to other facilities, such as administrative or logistical centers. This will allow our users to increase system reactivity, on top of the basic benefits of enhanced processing power."

She paused once more to let that sink in, and then raised her hand as if presenting the screen to the audience.

"To increase consumer appeal we've also decided to spice up the product's branding a little…ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mynah the Miner!"

Right on cue she tapped the button again, revealing a very strange figure on screen.



There were a few chuckles from her audience and quite a few surprised smiles as the attendees inspected the new mascot. One of the men raised his hand, his face trapped between confusion and bemused fawning.

"What is she exactly? There's that stuff on her face."

The woman across from him hemmed in agreement. Agota looked at them, her smile not faltering as she answered.

"She's a mining robot that looks like a human! It was a little idea that robotics whipped up; they said something about how they got some new artistic talent onboard, and they offered to share a design. Her name's a play on words as well; in English, miner is pronounced miner, almost like her name."

The man 'ahhed' in understanding, grinning as the pieces clicked together. Mister Bajpaj interrupted them with a cough, and Agota cursed internally at the unsure look on his face. He put his hands on the table and spoke.

"As cute as she is, I must question the use of a mascot, especially for industrial equipment. The working man enjoys cute things, don't get me wrong, but I don't think she has quite the right appeal for someone who's going to be breaking rocks or running machine lines all day."

Agota nodded along, her lips falling as she realized he was right. Suddenly, a wiry Spanish man sitting next to Mister Bajpaj interrupted; it was Basilio Bustillo, the head of accounting for FMI's capital branch.

"Why not make her Texan or something? Like the old Yankee movies?"

Everyone turned to face him in surprise. Mister Bajpaj's brow furrowed as he considered that.

"I…what will that do for her appeal?"

Basilio shrugged.

"When you think of Texas and America, you think of oil and mining and rugged frontier workers, right?"

Agota's eyes lit up.

"He might actually be onto something Mister Bajpaj."

"Yeah! We give her one of those cowboy hats, a cute accent so she appeals to the guys out in the country, and there we go! We got our blue-collar mascot, with a FMI twist."

Mister Bajpaj thought about that, finally letting out a light 'huh'.

"I see where you're going…we'll have to look into that, that might work."

Most of the people around the table spoke out in agreement. Suddenly, Mister Bajpaj's brow furrowed again, and he turned to look at the screen.

"Why doesn't she have feet though?"

EDIT: oh jesus imagine how cursed American/southern replikas would be

EDIT 2:
FUCKING KILL ME