Research Progress:
- For selecting the PCA as your starting point, you have received Basic Integrated Power Systems, Circulating Current Generator Theory, and all precursors. Additionally, all PCA-aligned research will progress more quickly, as you are more familiar with their underlying principles.
- Basic Integrated Power Systems - Small-scale application of non Dust-based generators, power distribution buses, and power storage. Suitable for powered infantry armor and light vehicles, or for auxiliary systems on larger vehicles. Unlocks Intermediate Integrated Power Systems.
- Circulating Current Generator Theory - Unlocks Small Circulating Current generators. Small, dense, with high power output, and lacking the high operating temperatures and noxious exhaust gasses of Combustion generators, they are ideal for powered infantry armor and other confined-space applications.
All unlocked technologies are available for prototyping and production by you and your allies.
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Over the past few days, you've settled into a routine with Penny and her father. In the morning, Penny's father inspects the interface between the Coral and her systems, before letting her prepare his breakfast - a novelty for you, since Raven was… functional at best outside their AC, and mostly ate nutrient packets. Still, it's clearly important to your host, and keeping your attention on your own research is the closest thing you can give her to private moments with her father. You think she appreciates it.
While Penny helps Pietro get ready for the day, you study the world of Remnant. Its people, its history and politics (a distinction with little difference, really), but most of all, its technology. What you've learned shocks you. In some respects such as robotics and computing, they are shockingly advanced (as if your host was not proof enough of that). In others, their ignorance is staggering. Calling Rubicon III's records of the history of humanity "barebones" is being exceedingly generous… but even so you know that humanity took its first, tottering steps out from their cradle and into the stars long before creating anything resembling many of the technologies this world takes for granted - they even have what you can only describe as an oversized first-generation Armored Core, though you're pretty sure even G4 Volta would take offense to something that sluggish being compared to an AC. And in spite of their incredibly sophisticated tech base, not even Remnant's technological powerhouse, Atlas, has anything resembling a space program.
The answer, of course, is Dust. The magnificent, mysterious material that is at the root of this world's technology. Spectacularly energy-dense, stable (usually), and capable of numerous exotic effects out of a storybook, it would be ideal for space travel except for one
minor detail. Namely, the fact that it suddenly becomes inert as soon as it reaches the Kármán Line.
Evidently, getting off-world to start figuring out where in the galaxy you landed is going to be a little more complicated than you first assumed. Still, that may be for the best. Balam and Arquebus' ability to make good on their desire to loot Rubicon 3 may have been exceptional, but Dust is quite a prize for anyone who can figure out how to make it work off-world, and you can think of at least three system governments and two corporations (Not counting the crippled Arquebus and Balam) who would be more than happy to conquer Remnant for a shot at the prize. A Closure System would be a mistake - too easily turned on the world's residents, as the Rubiconians discovered, but some form of orbital defense will be necessary, if only to make any ill-intentioned neighbors reconsider their plans.
Eventually, the Polendinas finish their morning routine and go their separate ways, Penny heading down to the labs to help you with your research as her father returns to his clinic, and the two of you resume work on …
[ ] A Circulating Current generator - Penny's current generator is excellent for her current loadout, but leaves her chassis with no power budget for upgrades, and when using her flight pack she can either fly or fight. An improved generator will give her more room for loadouts, and provide a proof-of-concept for powered infantry armor.
[ ] Integrated Control System research - Penny's attitude control firmware is excellent… for a first effort for a platform that also moves at high speed. However, it lacks the self-correcting features that allow even the cheapest BAWS mech to correct for battle damage without external intervention. This was nearly her downfall during your last battle. You will rectify that.
[ ] The Arena - You promised to teach Penny what you know, and what better way than to train her in single combat, as Raven taught you? And perhaps, prepare her to teach others. Of course, without a body of your own, you'll need a simulated environment that perfectly matches the real world.
… while you wait for Ironwood to arrive. Pietro point-blank demanded you read Ironwood in on your existence, as he's a major sponsor of the PENNY project. And, you suspect, he wants another person aware of your existence if Penny starts acting oddly.