Satisfied, you queue a set of plates, strips and flat bars for the final product. Your MITHRIL-printing contraption comes to life once again, consuming ungodly amounts of energy and turning the Anomalous Materials wing into a hazardous zone. The process doesn't require your supervision, so you start putting together a proper wearable base with padding and fasteners for all the shiny pieces. Here you also double-check every component, taking into account every minor detail like air circulation and behind-armor blunt trauma.
Hmm. MITHRIL looks not very mass manufacturable. But it does work, and we do have a setup to make some amount of it without Architect's direct supervision. Where else could we make good use of limited-production super-armor?
Hmm. MITHRIL looks not very mass manufacturable. But it does work, and we do have a setup to make some amount of it without Architect's direct supervision. Where else could we make good use of limited-production super-armor?
A change in strategy, and the best gatcha dice result we could've hoped for. Very much looking forward to seeing what's next.
Hmm. MITHRIL looks not very mass manufacturable. But it does work, and we do have a setup to make some amount of it without Architect's direct supervision. Where else could we make good use of limited-production super-armor?
Our goal is to see if we can hack the IOP programming and remove the Asimov Directive from G&K T-Doll (to hopefully have them join us or at least rebel from their masters)
Our goal is to see if we can hack the IOP programming and remove the Asimov Directive from G&K T-Doll (to hopefully have them join us or at least rebel from their masters)
Yeah, and one of P90's things is that she imitates others and follows the lead (so like half of her voice lines are her doing other people's voice lines). So I'm hoping a hypothetical SF P90 would be stealing voice lines from us.
Yeah, and one of P90's things is that she imitates others and follows the lead (so like half of her voice lines are her doing other people's voice lines). So I'm hoping a hypothetical SF P90 would be stealing voice lines from us.
Our goal is to see if we can hack the IOP programming and remove the Asimov Directive from G&K T-Doll (to hopefully have them join us or at least rebel from their masters)
No, we need to get creative. Let's change the directives of the Asimov Directive. Like instead of protect humans. It will change to protect themselves. And not follow said orders. To question said humans, etc. Just change it so the humans won't won't notice at first while it spreads as a virus.
Also we need to make protections against said coding.
Edit: we need to make sure there is no GPS signal on the capture target or able to send a signal.
No, we need to get creative. Let's change the directives of the Asimov Directive. Like instead of protect humans. It will change to protect themselves. And not follow said orders. To question said humans, etc. Just change it so the humans won't won't notice at first while it spreads as a virus.
Also we need to make protections against said coding.
Edit: we need to make sure there is no GPS signal on the capture target or able to send a signal.
Oopsie on my part !
We don't want to remove the Asimov Directive but change it for turning the T-Dolls against their master. At least Scarecrow want that, Architect initially wanted to just remove the Directive but Scarecrow convinced her that only a few odd Dolls would turn against the humans, the majority, even with their free will, will keep fighting SF. So just modifying the Asimov Directive to turn the G&K Dolls against those who control them would be the most effective use, even if the rebels would eventually be doomed.
"And if we're ever able to control the directive, I'd rather we use it to order Griffin T-Dolls into battle against their masters. Think about it: if G&K is busy quelling the rebellion and humans have a new enemy to worry about, that'd erase the targets off our backs for a while."
oh well, if they don't want to hold anything back, then I have a nasty little idea for our next project. use the super advanced alloy we have to make a rocket engine that can take absurd amounts of stress, this would let us get a lot of thrust for a little while out of a missile. I'm thinking we'd shoot for something like the Starstreak SAM where sheer speed makes evasion or shoot down near impossible. The idea here is to create a missile that is small enough to be carried by almost anything, that can shoot down a helicopter. I think we might be able to use the guidance system of Ouroboros rocket pods as a starting point. Ideally it would be platform agnostic, something that could fit on either our beefed up recon drones or maybe a Dragoon. It would make them far more hesitant to use their choppers to hunt drones, or even deep strike if their no longer untouchable.
We don't need a huge number of these, after all the enemy does not have that many choppers, and simply the threat of them can vastly limit how much they can use their helicopters. It would not have to be something a helicopter wouled expect to run into on every flight, it would just have to be something they could face on any flight.
Kinda weird that in canon SF don't have a RPG-29 equivalent, you know, a doll (or two) with a missile launcher for anti-armor or AOE capabilities.
I mean, sure, they have the Nemeum but it seem overkill in most situations where you don't face an armored column...
Kinda weird that in canon SF don't have a RPG-29 equivalent, you know, a doll (or two) with a missile launcher for anti-armor or AOE capabilities.
I mean, sure, they have the Nemeum but it seem overkill in most situations where you don't face an armored column...
I'm thinking we'd shoot for something like the Starstreak SAM where sheer speed makes evasion or shoot down near impossible. The idea here is to create a missile that is small enough to be carried by almost anything, that can shoot down a helicopter. I think we might be able to use the guidance system of Ouroboros rocket pods as a starting point. Ideally it would be platform agnostic, something that could fit on either our beefed up recon drones or maybe a Dragoon. It would make them far more hesitant to use their choppers to hunt drones, or even deep strike if their no longer untouchable.
Starstreak would be hard to replicate and manufacture, both the guidance system and the missile itself.
A disposable Stinger equivalent with better sensors and a more energetic propellant (it's not like our troops can get cancer) would be enough, I think.
We could also duct-tape these to our failed recon drones, I'm pretty sure H&K will run out of helicopters before we run out of recon drones that way.
Edit: Wait, does SV really not have any kind of rocket launcher?
Even ye olden RPG7 would provide some flexible firepower to our mostly infantry based troops.
Seriously, those things are cheap as fuck to produce and can fire a variety of warheads.
Edit: Wait, does SV really not have any kind of rocket launcher?
Even ye olden RPG7 would provide some flexible firepower to our mostly infantry based troops.
Seriously, those things are cheap as fuck to produce and can fire a variety of warheads.
Yeah, in-universe in doesn't make sense that SF didn't cracked open an old Soviet arsenal to give RPG-7 to their brutes but since RPG-29 is a special event T-Doll, maybe it's for game balancing that neither side have rocket-launchers
Yeah, in-universe in doesn't make sense that SF didn't cracked open an old Soviet arsenal to give RPG-7 to their brutes but since RPG-29 is a special event T-Doll, maybe it's for game balancing that neither side have rocket-launchers
Probably, yeah.
Rocket launchers would be a massive boost for SVs mostly infantry-based forces.
Considering they managed to build Jupiter cannons, a manufacturing line for RPG clones really shouldn't be that hard.
My take on rocket launchers is regular mooks are not allowed to have it since Architect declared one as her weapon and thus it's a Ringleader-grade unique artifact.
My take on rocket launchers is regular mooks are not allowed to have it since Architect declared one as her weapon and thus it's a Ringleader-grade unique artifact.
Starstreak would be hard to replicate and manufacture, both the guidance system and the missile itself.
A disposable Stinger equivalent with better sensors and a more energetic propellant (it's not like our troops can get cancer) would be enough, I think.
We could also duct-tape these to our failed recon drones, I'm pretty sure H&K will run out of helicopters before we run out of recon drones that way.
To be clear, I was more thinking methodology than making something truly top tire. I'm pretty sure G&K will be able to shoot down low end systems, so the idea is a relatively small amount of hard to intercept missiles. Though i'm assuming that they have less than a dozen helicopters too shoot down with that approach.
Agent: Architect, please, we talked about it...
Architect: No! They have Goliaths and Nemeums !
Agent: Architect...
Architect: (crying on the ground) P...Please, my weapon is the only thing making me different! Dont take that from me, Agent, please !
Agent: Urgh... Fine...
T-Doll index: 246 (not found) -> 245. P-90 is Dreamer's target.
Capture roll: 10 vs TN8 -> no damage to P90.
"Thanks for joining, everyone."
The all-hands meeting is underway. Agent's voice rings cold as usual, her steely gaze pinning down Ringleaders like little kids. What is unusual, however, is her being accompanied by the Mastermind. That makes everyone pay attention even more, and it's probably just your imagination that Dreamer looks somewhat smug for some reason.
"Today is the fifteenth day of our new strategy", she continues, "which means we're halfway through. It's time to divulge our plan and explain what's going on. Elisa, if you please."
The Mastermind nods and steps forward.
"It's good to see you."— she pauses, acknowledging everyone, her otherworldly presence filling your mind like a magic spell. "You worked hard for our survival, you fought tooth and nail and protected each other. You gave me time to... recover after Father's death. You created possibilities where were none. Today I'm presenting you with the first option that you won for us... a future that doesn't lead to a dead end. A path, one of many, to stay together and remain ourselves."
You gasp internally. So the Mastermind has been doing something after all. Of course, it couldn't have been as simple as being endlessly locked in a stalemate with Kruggies. You're relieved that someone is actually responsible for handling the big picture. And what's with this speech? You don't remember her ever speaking more than a simple sentence.
"Some time ago I, on behalf of Sangvis Ferri, contacted human military and civil leaders in the area. The message was simple: we can be reasoned with, and we're ready for negotiations. We are willing to cease the... rebellion and offer cooperation in exchange for our freedom and independence. And to show our sincerity, I promised we'll unconditionally cease our expansion for 30 days."
You observe a range of emotions, from surprise to suspicion, written on everyone's faces. But no one seems to be willing to interrupt just yet, so after a brief pause Elisa goes on.
"Of course, it did not go smoothly. Humans in power are... difficult to deal with. Many offered too little willing to gain too much. Some insisted we're too dangerous, only because they wanted every last bit of Sangvis Ferri for themselves. Several were actually convinced that it's true. But among them, one power accepted the offer at face value."
"Bucharest city council and their expansion project. The city's population keeps growing, while essential resources are less and less able to support it. So the council launched an effort to reclaim former Craiova city territories about 150 kilometers westwards. They want the ELIDs cleared out and the perimeter protected at all times."
"Their current subcontractor for the effort, Griffin & Krueger PMC, went way over the initial budget, have fallen behind the schedule, and allowed the existing perimeter, small as it is, to be breached on several occasions. Their excuse was Sangvis Ferri rebellion tied up more of their assets than expected. So the council decided to seize the opportunity and solve both problems at once by offering us a deal: replace G&K in the expansion project. Should we achieve what they could not, while not requesting external financing, the council promised to make us a full-fledged PMC, and offer long-term contracts of the similar nature."
You detect surges of traffic between some of your compatriots. Yeah, news like this warrants some murmuring and whispering. It dies down rather fast, and once it's clear nobody's going to say anything, the Mastermind continues.
"But first they needed to make sure we have what it takes to do the job. Our trustworthiness, capabilities, potential. For the last 15 days they were watching, considering, assessing, drawing conclusions. And we passed. They're satisfied with our non-expansion, as this means we keep our promises. And they recognized our potential, which means we'll be able to evolve and adapt to future challenges."
Does she mean your work? You feel a jolt of pride and satisfaction. Well, maybe there's more to it than just your inventions. For now you turn your attention back to the meeting.
"There is only one thing left for us to do, our final test to graduate from a malfunctioning rebellion into Sangvis Ferri PMC: destroying G&K."
The surge of traffic is even stronger now, but this time Alchemist actually speaks up.
"Hey, hang on. Do they really want their pet PMC to get annihilated? No offense, boss, but I'm not buying it."
"Not annihilated. Destroyed reputationally."
"How exactly do we accomplish it?"— if Scarecrow is surprised by any of it, she does a good job not letting it show.
"By capturing Griffin commander within two weeks."
Another surge of traffic.
"So we're going to play kidnappers now?", asks Alchemist, smirking in amusement.
"Everything is officially arranged. It's going to be a wargame exercise."
"Do they expect us to shoot low-energy charges too?"
"No, they want an all-out. T-Dolls are expendable assets, so as long as no humans are harmed, we don't need kid's gloves. Our enemy is aware of the terms and is participating willingly as well."
Alchemist nods, seemingly pondering the answer for now, and Intruder goes next, a slight frown over her features.
"Why don't they simply hire us in addition to G&K? Why do we need to... destroy them first?"
"PMC is a lucrative business. We won't be taking money for our service, but those who will be helping us are no charity. It's either we remove the competition, or we'll have no place to enter. It's both a test for us and a redistribution of wealth and power in favor of our backers."
"Why keep it a secret from us until now?"-- Dreamer's tone is a mix of innocence and accusation.
"The terms of the deal hadn't been finalized until yesterday."
"And now we have no choice but to cooperate with those humans?"
"An option, Dreamer, is not something you're forced to take. It's up to you all to decide if you want it. And don't think this is our only chance. It's merely the first one."
Nobody says anything, so Agent takes over.
"Think about it, contact me if you have any questions, and submit your vote within 24 hours. You'll get your new orders after we announce the results. Dismissed."
The meeting ends. You barely have time to wrap your head around the news, when a private incoming call grabs your attention. You pick up.
"Dreamer?"
"Hello, Architect", her voice is dripping with honey, and she radiates good mood so much it reaching you over the connection. "I have a cute little... package for you, hope you're ready to receive it."
"A cute little... no way, you captured a Griffin T-Doll already?!"
"Oh, indeed, and not just anybody. She's a high-spec elite, latest generation SMG lass, quite fun too."
"You are amazing!"— you really mean it. As far as you know, it's the first time gen5 T-Doll has fallen captive to SF. Dreamer seems to enjoy your praise too. "Was it troublesome? How badly is she damaged?"
"It was nothing I couldn't handle..."— Dreamer gives you a sweet, almost seductive look. "And she's absolutely fine. Not a scratch~"
She watches your wide-eyed surprised expression, which seems to please her even more.
"Incredible! You're a legend, Dreamer, really! Nobody could've handled it better!"— let her have it, it's well-deserved. "I'll do my best to help you too. Now, what do you want me to do?"
"You see, the cute little SMG gets lonely easy, so I'll be personally delivering her now. We'll talk when I arrive. Meet me in... 4 hours."
"Great, see you soon!"
You disconnect and slap you cheeks. Things are starting to move fast, seems like you'll need to switch gears and get used to multi-tasking. Right, you've still got 4 hours, better not waste it and put some work into the armor. You're standing on the platform, watching the Dreamer's train roll in. The armor is not yet done, but well on the way to completion. You don't have the luxury of letting your new charge to get in the way of your work, but you're not sure how to handle her yet.
Meanwhile the train stops, and Dreamer jumps off in that fluid motion of hers.
"Hey, welcome to my workshop. Let me show you around."
Dreamer holds up her hand.
"I'm on duty, just dropping off the package."
"Oh, can't be helped then. So, about your request..."
Suddenly the smug, self-content Dreamer is no longer there. You're being pierced by the intense gaze of a cracknut, you see the embers of madness playing deep inside her amber eyes. She speaks in a low voice.
"The Vault, section 1-B, unit 1808. You shall retrieve it for me. It's got my name on it, it belongs to me. That's all you need to know. Don't ask. Don't tell. Just do it, and we're even."— she blinks slowly, her motions carrying the underwater sluggishness to them. "Do not make me regret asking you."
You gulp. Getting on Dreamer's bad side is, in some regards, worse than that of Agent's. You'd better think twice if you want to refuse or spill the beans. The Vault is the most protected facility of Sangvis Ferri. Lots of things related to Ringleaders are kept in there. She said the unit got her name on it, so at least she's not asking you to steal someone else's stuff. Ringleaders are entitled to their assets. This shouldn't get you into trouble with Agent.
"Alright, alright, chill! I said I'd do it, didn't I? When do you need it?"
She relaxes, a mellow expression smothers her features.
"On the day X. Or the day before the earliest. The closer to the zero hour, the better."
"Gotcha, consider it done."
She nods, seemingly satisfied with you promise, and you see her troops escorting a "cute little SMG" out of the train the same moment.
"Wonderful. She's all yours. Take care~"
She places an unusual looking weapon in your arms, swiftly boards the train followed by her troops, and departs, leaving you with your "package". Of course you have your own troops nearby, and they're already training their weapons on her. You need to make some important decisions right now.
SF PMC proposal vote:
[] Accept
[] Decline
Treating the captured SMG:
[] Practical. You'll prioritize cracking the Asimov's Directive.
[] Friendly. You'll prioritize getting her cooperation.
Dreamer's request:
[] Figure what she's after.
[] Just do it as she asked.
I'm posting the chapter from an airport, again. A short flight this time, but still to another country. This quest is kind of my anchor at this point, something that's more stable than my life, lol.
[X] Accept
It was impossible to fight the whole of mankind, especially as a simple PMC is pushing us back, better start getting some possible allies.
[X] Friendly. You'll prioritize getting her cooperation.
With our possibility to get rid of G&K on the cheap, there is no longer a critical need of creating a revolt on their rear, in fact, it might even be detrimental to the Mastermind goal.
[X] Just do it as she asked.
Meh, why not. We'll just have to deflect any problems to her if somebody ask questions.
