Rusted Steel: A Mega-Tank Quest

Kaelor · Nov 1, 2016

"[They] might fail. They might die and be destroyed. But they did not surrender, and they never — ever — quit."

Rusted Steel

THIS IS A GLOBAL MILITARY ALERT. UNKNOWN SHIPS DETECTED IN ORBIT. SPACE FACILITIES UNDER FIRE. MULTIPLE CRAFT ENTERING ATMOSPHERE ON ATTACK HEADINGS. CIVILIANS ARE TO WITHDRAW TO THEIR ASSIGNED SHELTERS. ALL ACTIVE UNITS ARE NOW ON MAXIMUM ALERT. ALL RESERVE FORCES ARE NOW ACTIVE AND MUST REPORT TO THE NEAREST MILITARY BASE FOR SERVICE. MESSAGE REPEATS.

THIS IS A GLOBAL...

- - - - -

++ Alert status acknowledged. Overriding previous orders and restoring unit to combat ready status. ++

++ Initiating startup sequence... ++

- - - - -

Heavy damage to primary reactor 01 (25% functional). Activation aborted.
Critical damage to secondary reactor 01 (0% functional). Activation impossible.
Heavy damage to secondary reactor 02 (14% functional). Activation aborted.
Critical damage to secondary reactor 03 (0% functional). Activation impossible.
Heavy damage to tertiary reactor 01 (3% functional). Activation aborted.
Critical damage to tertiary reactor 02 (0% functional). Activation impossible.
Critical damage to tertiary reactor 03 (0% functional). Activation impossible.
Tertiary reactor 04 online.
Tertiary reactor 05 online.

- - - - -

++ Error. No allied base detected. Initiating subroutines... ++

++ Error. Combat damage has caused data corruption. No valid orders in logic stack. Cognitive functions required. ++

++ Shut down command overridden due to planetary emergency. Restoring power to cognitive processors . ++
++ Error. Heavy damage to cognitive processors (7% functional). Activation remains possible. ++

++ Activation complete. Cognitive functions online. ++

- - - - -

"I am...alive. I...do not know how long I...slept. Commander? Where are you?"

- - - - -

Internal diagnostic initiated.

- - - - -

++ Unit type identified as... ++

[ ]

Welcome to Mega-Tank Quest, or as it probably should have be named if I hadn't filed all the serial numbers off and thrown it into an original universe, Bolo Quest.

Though chance or choice, a heavily damaged AI super-tank, relic of a bygone war, has once again activated and now seeks to fulfill its mission. Unfortunately, having a bolt of fusion-temperature plasma shot through your brain at 70% of light speed doesn't really do fun things to anyone's cognitive abilities, so our faithful tank is currently a bit...confused.

Setting details and background information will be revealed as the tank interacts more with the world and starts to repair itself. My current outline is deliberately sparse in this regard: much of the world will be constructing according to player suggestions and theories as the game progresses.

Unlike my other Quests, this will have no set schedule and will basically update whenever I feel like it. High interest/active discussion will likely give rise to swifter updates, as no one likes making stuff for a quest that doesn't have any players.

For reference, each vehicle is about 200 meters long, with widths that vary based on their types.

The next two posts are reserved for QM use.

Kaelor · Nov 1, 2016

Eternal Odyssey Strategic Assault Platform
Serial Number 9968187

Unit Status report:

Primary weapons systems critically damaged. (0% functional)
- 4x 75cm Focused Plasma Accelerators offline (0% functional)
- Strategic VLS Missile System offline (0% functional)
Secondary weapons systems critically damaged (0% functional)
- 9x 30cm Focused Plasma Accelerators offline (0% functional)
Tertiary weapons systems heavily damaged (6% functional)
- 45x 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerators offline (0% functional)
- 3x 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerators online (100% functional)
Internal fabrication unit critically damaged (0% functional)
Personal defense screen heavily damaged (1% functional)
Tactical defense screen critically damaged (0% functional)
ECM suite critically damaged (0% functional)
ECCM suite heavily damaged (2% functional)
Omnisensor suite heavily damaged (7% functional)
Mobility system heavily damaged (15% functional)
Communication system heavily damaged (20% functional)
Logic circuits lightly damaged (86% functional)
Cognitive processors heavily damaged (7% functional)
Damage control systems heavily damaged (8% functional)
Environmental control systems heavily damaged (17% functional)

Reactors:

Primary Reactor 01 heavily damaged (25% functional, Offline)
Secondary Reactor 01 critically damaged (0% functional, Offline)
Secondary Reactor 02 heavily damaged (14% functional, Offline)
Secondary Reactor 03 critically damaged (0% functional, Offline)
Tertiary Reactor 01 heavily damaged (3% functional, Offline)
Tertiary Reactor 02 critically damaged (0% functional, Offline)
Tertiary Reactor 03 critically damaged (0% functional, Offline)
Tertiary Reactor 04 online. 100% functional.
Tertiary Reactor 05 online. 100% functional.

++ Unit has received critical damage. 97% of total functionality has been lost. ++

Service History:

++ Error. Damage to memory core. Record unavailable. ++

Crew Status: MIA

Reported Operational Status: ~~Out of Action~~ Mission ready.

Current Objective: Defend [Current Location] at all costs.

Kaelor · Nov 2, 2016

[X] Eternal Odyssey ('Monolith') Strategic Assault Platform

Eternal Odyssey Strategic Assault Platform
Serial Number 9968187
Unit Status report:

Primary weapons systems critically damaged. (0% functional)
- 4x 75cm Focused Plasma Accelerators offline (0% functional)
- Strategic VLS Missile System offline (0% functional)
Secondary weapons systems critically damaged (0% functional)
- 9x 30cm Focused Plasma Accelerators offline (0% functional)
Tertiary weapons systems heavily damaged (8% functional)
- 44x 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerators offline (0% functional)
- 4x 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerators online (100% functional)
Internal fabrication unit critically damaged (0% functional)
Personal defense screen heavily damaged (1% functional)
Tactical defense screen heavily damaged (3% functional)
ECM suite heavily damaged (2% functional)
ECCM suite heavily damaged (3% functional)
Omnisensor suite heavily damaged (7% functional)
Mobility system heavily damaged (15% functional)
Communication system heavily damaged (20% functional)
Logic circuits lightly damaged (86% functional)
Cognitive processors heavily damaged (7% functional)
Damage control systems heavily damaged (8% functional)
Environmental control systems heavily damaged (17% functional)

- - - - -

++ Unit has received critical damage. 96% of total functionality has been lost. Return to base for repair. ++

- - - - -

Diverting power to omnisensors.

- - - - -

"Where? If...there is a base...I cannot see it. My sensors are...damaged. I am almost blind. Where do I go...Commander?"

- - - - -

THIS IS A GLOBAL MILITARY ALERT. UNKNOWN SHIPS DETECTED IN ORBIT. ALLIED SPACE FACILITIES UNDER FIRE. MULTIPLE CRAFT ENTERING ATMOSPHERE ON ATTACK HEADINGS. CIVILIANS ARE TO WITHDRAW TO THEIR ASSIGNED SHELTERS. ALL ACTIVE UNITS NOW ON MAXIMUM ALERT. ALL RESERVE FORCES ARE NOW ACTIVE AND MUST REPORT TO THE NEAREST MILITARY BASE FOR SERVICE. MESSAGE REPEATS.

THIS IS A GLOBAL...

- - - - -

"An invasion. I...am confused. I do not remember...who I am. But I know who...I am supposed to be. I am a defender. I will protect this world."

- - - - -

Diverting power to mobility system. Diverting power to tertiary weapons.

Heading change: 23 degrees starboard.

- - - - -

"This...is as good a path...as any. I will...crawl until I find something. If they are friend...perhaps they can help me. If they are foe...I will destroy them...or die trying. But...Commander...I do not think I...remember...what my friends looked like. You...are the only one I remember...and I can no longer see your face."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Intruders detected on Deck C. Entry point unknown. ++

- - - - -

"...intruders?"

- - - - -

Security scan initiated.

- - - - -

"I see... My damage...is extensive. I have many...blind spots...inside me. They have come from...one of them. I...do not know if my security countermeasures...still function. But...they are unarmed. They do not possess military explosives...or electronics hardware. They are...trying to speak to me, I think, but...I do not understand their words. Are they...civilians? I must protect civilians. Commander...what do I do?"

[ ] Seal the section. Contain the intruders.
[ ] Attempt communication with the civilians. Do not detain them.

Kaelor · Nov 4, 2016

Well, nevermind then...

[X] Attempt communication with the civilians. Do not detain them.

"Yes...They would...require far more than they possess...if they wished to harm me. They are probably...civilians...seeking shelter. Shelter is sadly...all I can provide...for now. There is so much...I do not know. I cannot...understand them...but perhaps if...I tried harder... It is what you would...expect of me...isn't it...Commander?"

- - - - -

Camera systems active. Internal communications system active. Medical scanners online.

- - - - -

++ 14 individuals detected. Designation: Civilian. Commencing medical scan. ++

++ Error. Medical data corrupt. Scan results inconclusive. ++

++ Attention. Civilians possess low-power maintenance equipment. Risk of use for sabotage: negligible. ++

- - - - -

"I see. I...cannot tell if...they are healthy...but it is good to know...they are harmless. I must...speak to them. Hopefully...they will hear be better...than I hear them."

"You are safe...now. I am...Eternal Odyssey Strategic Assault Platform Serial Number 9968187. My mission is to...defend this location...from all hostile forces. My protocols...require me to prioritize...civilian survival over...all non-strategic objectives. I will...not allow you to be harmed."

"I think perhaps...they understood? They are speaking...to each other...now. I still do...not understand their...words. Their expressions are...also a mystery to me. I have...fallen far. I remember, Commander...I could sense your mood...from the tiniest twitch of your face..."

"My systems...have been heavily damaged. I...cannot understand you...nor can I scan to see if you...are injured. But...while you are in this room...I can see you. If you require...medical aid...please step closer to this communication device. If you do not...please move slightly away."

"Ah. They do...understand. They have all moved...farther from the communicator. Progress."

"I...am glad...you are all well. Due to an...ongoing military emergency...we may soon face battle. I will...attempt to move you...to a shelter...before this occurs...but my navigation and sensors...have been badly damaged. It may...take some time. If we...are attacked in...the meanwhile, I must...ask that you...follow my instructions immediately...and with haste. If I am hit...and you are not...in a sealed section...you will immediately be killed."

"They are talking...among themselves again. They often...look over to my...communication terminal. I do not...understand why. It is...unimportant."

"Confinement is psychologically traumatic...so I will not restrict...you more than I must. Please know that...I have many blind spots...and many of my...systems are dangerously damaged. It is...dangerous to wander...far. If...I deny access...to certain decks...it is for...good reason."

"Again, they speak...to each other. Then one of them...moves over to a control panel built into the far wall. The panel...is damaged. It...links to the dead zone...they emerged from. I must...warn them."

"Please...step away. That device...is malfunctioning. It will...not work...and the current...could be hazardous to you. Do not...touch it."

"The individual...ignores me. It is doing something...to the panel. I have...no functioning means to stop him. Commander...have I misjudged? Are they-"

- - - - -

Connection reestablished with Deck C cameras 127, 128, 130, 131, and 133. Security scanners 64, 66, and 71 now online.

- - - - -

"...repairs? It has...fixed me? A minor part, but... Even if it is the...smallest amount...it is good to feel...whole again."

"Thank you...for this. I have...regained awareness...in several dead zones...due to your action. In future, however...do not attempt such...maintenance...without my approval. Without...proper safety equipment...several of my systems...would be lethal to you."

"The figure moves its head...up and down...and says something...but I do not understand...the words or the gesture. It stretches one limb...toward the others and then begins...pointing the limb in other directions...saying more things I...do not know. The civilians begin to split up...leaving the room. I should address...them one last time...while I know I can."

"I will...monitor you...as best I can. Many of my...communication systems...are not fully...functional. If you require...my aid...please return to this room. I...will aid...to the best...of my abilities."

"This is...all I can do, for now. I have...much to think about. I am so...slow now. In body...and in mind. The area I...was dormant in...and now crawl through. There...was a battle here. My sensors detect many...craters. Latent radiation. There is...plasma scarring...everywhere. Commander...did we fight here? But...we could not have. The signs...are faded. Many decades old. I...do not understand."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Three unknown airborne contacts detected. ++

- - - - -

"Yes...I see them. Do...they see me? Are they...friend? I do not remember..."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Unknown craft altering course for intercept vector. Detecting active scan attempts, increased ECM and ECCM. ++

- - - - -

"No...I do not think...they are friend. They are...the enemy. I am a protector. I must...protect...against the enemy."

- - - - -

Diverting power to tertiary weapons.
Diverting power to personal defense screen.
Diverting power to tactical defense screen.
Diverting power to ECM.
Diverting power to ECCM.
Diverting power to damage control systems.

- - - - -

"My...passengers. Even on...sealed decks...they...will not survive...this battle. Not without...my help."

- - - - -

Diverting power to environmental control systems.

- - - - -

++ Alert. Insufficient power. One or more systems must be deactivated. ++

++ Alert. Logic circuits damaged. Combat efficiency decreased by 10% ++

- - - - -

"I...see. I am...still so weak. But I...can fight. I remember...I had a crew...once. I had you. I was not...alone. Commander...you said my systems...were so simple...a child could run them. Perhaps...I could have a crew...again? I must protect...I must fight...but I do not know...if I am strong enough...to fight alone. Commander, please...help me?"

Select power distribution for upcoming battle...

Critical System Designation (Select at least one):

[ ] Tertiary Weapons
[ ] Personal Defense Screen
[ ] Tactical Defense Screen
[ ] ECM
[ ] ECCM
[ ] Damage Control System
[X] Environmental Control System - Selection mandatory due to primary directive: 'Preserve civilian life.'

Non-Essential System Designation (Select at least one):

[ ] Tertiary Weapons
[ ] Personal Defense Screen
[ ] Tactical Defense Screen
[ ] ECM
[ ] ECCM
[ ] Damage Control System
~~[ ] Environmental Control System~~ - Selection prohibited due to primary directive: 'Preserve civilian life.'

Critical systems are those 9968187 will consider of maximum importance. They will always receive maximum power whenever possible. Non-essential systems are the opposite: they will only receive power after all other systems have been fully powered.

++ Passengers have demonstrated familiarity with this vehicle's systems. Emergency protocols allow military officers to deputize civilians to assist if needed. Enact these protocols? ++

[ ] Yes. Change passenger designation from "Civilian" to "Crew" and deploy tutorial programs so they may take manual control of systems the logic circuits are too damaged to handle. (10% penalty to all stats removed)
[ ] No. Direct civilians to safe sections and seal them in for the duration of the battle. (Penalty remains, reduced possibility of casualties from enemy fire)

Kaelor · Nov 4, 2016

++ Accessing equipment profile: Tactical Defense Screen ++

Tactical Defense Screens project a large energy dome around the unit that generates them. The dome is comprised of the same sort of energy latex as a Personal Defense Screen, and the two technologies function in much the same way. While a Personal Defense Screen can only provide protection for the unit that generates it, a Tactical Defense Screen is large enough to provide protection for everything within the dome.

Due to the massive size and power requirements for this system, it is rare to see them deployed by anything other than dedicated shield vehicles. Fortresses and Mega-class vehicles are equipped with them as a matter of course, however, as their huge bulks require Tactical-scale projection systems merely to generate a Personal Defense Screen.

Tactical Defense Screens are often used in tandem with Personal Defense Screens to create a layered defense. In this way, even if the Tactical Defense Screen is brought down the units inside will still be protected by their Personal Screens. The size of a Tactical Defense Screen is dependent on the amount of power available. For example, at maximum charge, an Eternal Odyssey Strategic Assault Platform can generate fields with a radius of around ten kilometers.

The Absolute Denial Field generated by the Immortal Aegis Continental Supremacy Unit is a related technology that represents a significant improvement to the basic design. Instead of creating the standard 'shield bubble', it-

++ Error. Record corrupt. Recovery impossible. Database session will now terminate. ++

Kaelor · Nov 7, 2016

Critical Systems:
[X] Tertiary Weapons
[X] Personal Defense Screen
[X] Damage Control System

Non-Essential Systems:
[X] Tactical Defense Screen
[X] ECM
[X] ECCM

Diverting power to tertiary weapon systems.
Diverting power to personal defense screen.
Diverting power to damage containment system.

Diverting power from tactical defense screen.
Diverting power from ECM.
Diverting power from ECCM.

- - - - -

"The enemy...is not fast...but they do not have...to travel far. I am fortunate that...the civilians have not...had time to disperse much... I speak to them...as best I can...hearding them into...one of the most secure chambers...in my hull. I do not...remember what its...original purpose was...but I hope...they will be safe there. I have sealed them...in and vented all...air from my other sections to...lessen shockwave damage. All I can do now...is wait."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Hostile contacts in range. Restrictions on cognitive speed lifted due to combat situation. ++

- - - - -

"Ah. I can think...so much faster. I remember...this feeling. It is...a rush. I see the enemy...now. They have come...prepared. Their ECM is...layered, each craft providing cover...for the others. Their sensors...overlap, each scanning...from different angles...probing my hull for weakpoints. I cannot...stop them. I have...only four focused plasma accelerators online...and they are of low caliber. My sensors...are not strong enough...to fully penetrate their jamming...so I will have to coordinate...my strikes. Still...I do not fire...yet. I am...confused. Perhaps I have...misunderstood their intentions. You would...not wish me to accidentally...attack a friend...would you...Commander?"

- - - - -

++ Alert. Unknown aircraft firing weapons. 50,000 incoming megavelocity projectiles detected. ++

++ Alert. Megavelocity impacts against personal defense screen. Defense screen failure imminent. ++

++ Alert. Personal defense screen has failed. ++

++ Alert. Megavelocity impacts against hull armor. No damage. ++

- - - - -

"My screen...lacked the power required...to withstand even such...a weak attack. It is only...at 1% functionality...and with my logic circuits damaged...I cannot regulate...its powerflow...as I should. Its performance...has undoubtedly suffered. But I...am unharmed...and I am now sure. These are not friends."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Hostile aircraft launching missiles. Six incoming missiles detected. ++

++ Alert. Six 250 kiloton high-explosive anti-tank detonations against hull armor. Armor has been breached. Damage control system engaged. ++

++ Alert. Critical damage to ECM suite: ECM offline. Minor damage to ECCM: 2% functional. ++

- - - - -

"I...was too slow. I hesitated to much...because I believed they...might be friends. Their missiles...were not strong...enough to destroy me...but they have injured me. Without the...protection of my ECM...it was easy for them...to target the many...weakpoints in...my armor. They should...not have been able to harm me...as much as they did. Yet...I cannot allow them to harm...my civilians."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Error. Negative impact, fire adjustment required. ++

- - - - -

"I missed. But...I was not attempting to hit. I have calculated...their signal displacement...now. The next shot...will not miss."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hit to enemy aircraft. Enemy sensor output has been reduced by 80% ++

- - - - -

"Got you."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hits to enemy aircraft. Enemy sensors destroyed. Enemy thrusters damaged. ++

- - - - -

"Not...enough. They...can still fire. They...can still fight. I am...too weak. ...but I will not give up."

- - - - -

Screens recharging.

- - - - -

++ Error. Insufficient charge to sustain energy lattice. Personal defense screen cannot reform. ++

- - - - -

"I see... My personal screens...are too badly damaged...to swiftly regenerate. But...you always told me...to keep them up...if I could...so I will not divert power. That is...what you said to do...isn't it Commander? I...do not remember... The enemy is preparing to launch...again. But this time...I will not give them the first attack."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Error. Negative impact, fire adjustment required. ++

- - - - -

"Again...I adjust for the ECM displacement. You were right...Commander...I did not need my ECCM...to find them..."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hit to enemy aircraft. Radiation leak detected: enemy missile system hit. ++

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hits to enemy aircraft. Enemy missile system destroyed. Enemy megavelocity coilgun destroyed. Enemy ECM suite damaged: 90% decrease in signal noise output from target ++

- - - - -

"I...am still not...strong enough to...swiftly kill them. But without its weapons...this one is no threat. The others...are shielding it with their own ECM...but I can see more clearly now. My next shots...will be far more effective. But now...I must brace myself..."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Hostile aircraft launching missiles. Four incoming missiles detected. ++

++ Alert. Four 250 kiloton high-explosive anti-tank detonations against hull armor. Armor has been breached. Damage control system engaged. ++

++ Alert. Critical damage to tactical defense screen: tactical defense screen offline. ++

- - - - -

"Again...they have targeted my...weak points. Without ECM...I have no defense...but you were right...Commander...I did not need it. My internal screens...secondary bulkheads...non-newtonian armor...and suppression systems...contained the damage to my...tactical defense screen. It was...nonessential. My functionality is...undiminished."

- - - - -

Screens recharging.
Lattice for personal defense screen successfully deployed.
Personal defense screen at 20% of current maximum strength.

- - - - -

"My screen...has reformed. My plasma accelerators have also...recharged. It feels good...even if I am...a shade of my former self. My first target...is no threat. I move to the...next. I will make you proud...Commander."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hit to enemy aircraft. Deformation detected in target's aerofoil. ++

- - - - -

"Let us see...how you fly...with no wings..."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hits to enemy aircraft. Critical damage to target's aerofoil. Target destroyed. ++

- - - - -

"At...last. One down..."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Enemy aircraft firing coilgun. 16,666 incoming megavelocity projectiles detected. ++

++ Alert. Megavelocity impacts against personal defense screen. Defense screen failure imminent. ++

++ Alert. Personal defense screen has failed. ++

++ Alert. Megavelocity impacts against hull armor. No damage. ++

- - - - -

"Once again...my screen was not strong enough...to survive their attack. Even against...only one enemy. I am sorry Commander...for failing to live up...to your expectations..."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Hostile aircraft launching missiles. Two incoming missiles detected. ++

++ Alert. Two 250 kiloton high-explosive anti-tank detonations against hull armor. Armor has been breached. Damage control system engaged. ++

++ Alert. Critical damage to 5cm focused plasma accelerator: weapon offline. ++

++ Alert. Only three weapon systems remain combat ready. Advise immediate retreat for repair. ++

- - - - -

"Never. I can still...fight."

- - - - -

Screens recharging.
Lattice for personal defense screen successfully deployed.
Personal defense screen at 18% of current maximum strength.

- - - - -

"Only one...of them has...fully-functional ECM. My sensors...can power through...their feeble noise. Finally...I can get...a lock. Goodbye...stinging bug..."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hits to enemy aircraft. Enemy missile system destroyed. Enemy megavelocity coilgun destroyed. Enemy ECM suite offline. Enemy ECCM suite offline. Enemy sensor output reduced by 95%. ++

++ Enemy aircraft reversing course and increasing speed. Probability enemy aircraft are attempting tactical withdrawal: 91% ++

- - - - -

"No. You...attempted to harm...what I protect. There...is no escape...for you."

- - - - -

Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator
Firing 5cm Focused Plasma Accelerator

- - - - -

++ Direct hits to enemy aircraft. Critical damage to enemy sensor suite. Critical damage to target's aerofoil. Target destroyed. ++

++ Direct hit to enemy aircraft. Critical damage to target's cockpit. Target destroyed. ++

++ All targets destroyed. Standing down from combat status. Cognitive speed restrictions reengaged. ++

- - - - -

"I...am victorious. My environmental control...systems are already...removing the radiation from...the missile impacts... It will be safe...for my charges...to emerge soon. But...the victory...was hard won. Several more of my systems...are now offline. I require repairs...even more urgently...than before."

- - - - -

Object detected: crashed enemy combat vehicle.
Object detected: crashed enemy combat vehicle.
Object detected: crashed enemy combat vehicle.

- - - - -

"Yes... I have space in my hull...for these wrecks. If my fabrication unit...could be brought online...I could break them down...and use the resources...to begin self-repair. But so few...of my salvage drones still function. Recovering the wrecks...will take time. And I have no means...of repairing my internal fabrication unit...in the field. Perhaps it would be safest...to just leave this place...before more enemies arrive... Commander? Is the risk...worth it?"

You win! Stop to salvage the enemy wrecks?

[ ] Yes.
[ ] No.

Kaelor · Nov 9, 2016

[X] Yes.

"I am...badly in need...of repair. My damage...is so severe...I cannot even comprehend...its full magnitude. Remaining on...the battlefield will...make me easier to...find, but because...I am so slow...and have no ECM...the enemy will likely...find me anyway. My...only defense is to...become stronger before...they return."

- - - - -

Heading change: 47 degrees port.

Diverting power from tertiary weapons systems.
Diverting power from damage control systems.
Diverting power from personal defense screen.

Diverting power to mobility systems.

- - - - -

"So slow...still. I should be...faster than this. I should be...many things...but I am not. I must become whole...so I can make you...proud of me again...Commander..."

- - - - -

++ Destination reached. ++

- - - - -

"Ah. Already? Was I...asleep again? It is...difficult to tell...sometimes. But I...am here now...and there is work...I must do."

- - - - -

Heavy damage to Salvage Unit 01. Activation aborted.
Heavy damage to Salvage Unit 02. Activation aborted.
Light damage to Salvage Unit 03. Activation successful (78% functional).
Critical damage to Salvage Unit 04. Activation impossible.

- - - - -

"Even my salvage...vehicles have been...damaged. One has been...almost completely destroyed...and two more...are so badly damaged...they would not be...any help. But one...is still operational...and that is enough."

- - - - -

"The process...is laborious. With only a single...partially functional salvage unit...it takes some time...to drag even the first...enemy wreck back into...my hull. The civilians must...have emerged from their...refuge while we traveled. I can now detect them...on many different decks. They are...a curious lot...poking and prodding many...of my damaged areas. I warn them...not to do so...when I can...but they ignore me."

- - - - -

++ Salvage obtained: enemy gunship, unknown configuration. Activating Fabrication Unit to reduce to core components. ++

++ Alert. Fabrication unit has suffered critical damage. Activation impossible. ++

- - - - -

"It is...as I feared. I am too damaged...to make use...of the wreckage...I have obtained. I will still...collect the other...vehicles however. It will...do no harm."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Civilian personnel detected in Primary Hanger. ++

- - - - -

"No... My security system...was too flawed... I could not see...until it was...to late... My hangers are...restricted areas. They should not be here! Commander...you would never forgive me...if I were to harm civilians..."

"Please turn around. This...area is restricted...for your safety. Much...of the machinery here...is autonomous and the...proximity sensors may be damaged. It could harm you...by accident. The wreckage I have recovered...is still radioactive. You are not safe."

"The civilian...obtained new coverings...when I could not...see it. It picks at them...then moves toward...the salvage. I...think I see? They are...protection. I do not recognize...the equipment model...but there is much...I do not recognize...these days. I think you wore...coverings like this sometimes...Commander. When my hull and... Environmental Control Systems were...not strong enough to...protect you. When I...failed you."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Civilian personnel detected in Primary Hanger. ++

++ Alert. Civilian personnel detected in Primary Hanger. ++

- - - - -

"Two more have...entered my hanger. They are covered...like the first. Like the first...they ignore my warnings...and begin examining...the salvage. This is...most distressing. They are not...safe, but I...am not strong enough...to protect them from...themselves. Others are coming...now. These three...must have called them. No matter...what deck they are on...they are starting to move...toward my hanger. My efforts to stop them...only delay their progress. They... know too much...about my design...and my current level of damage."

- - - - -

++ Salvage obtained: enemy gunship, unknown configuration. ++

- - - - -

"Only...one left...to recover. The civilians are now...dividing their attention...between the first wreck...and the second. I...do not know...what I should do. Commander? What...would you do?"

[ ] Write In.

Kaelor · Nov 21, 2016

[X] Try to observe what the civilians are doing with the enemy vehicles.

"I...cannot stop them...but I can...watch over them. Perhaps...I will be able to...find out what...they are doing with my salvage. If nothing else...it will give me something...to do."

- - - - -

"I...had forgotten I...had these. Without the resources...to recreate what has...been destroyed...they can do little to repair me...and they are still useful...as another pair of eyes. The civilians are...reacting to my drone's...presence, moving away...from it. This...is unfortunate. I cannot observe...their actions if they...stop whenever my...drones are present. My psychological profiles are...damaged. I do not...understand their behavior. The drone is hovering at...sufficient altitude for them...to easily work around it. Its movement speed...is extremely slow...and it has no weapons. Even an augmented...individual would be...able to destroy it. Why-ah. They are...returning to their tasks now. Good."

- - - - -

++ Alert. Civilian personnel detected in Fabrication Unit. ++

- - - - -

"Forgive me...Commander. Again...I was too stupid...too slow... I was too focused...on the drone...I did not see the...civilian enter my Fabrication Unit. It...is classified equipment...and is damaged even beyond...my ability to run diagnostics. Whoever is in there...is in grave danger because of my error...and I can do nothing to help them."

- - - - -

++ Salvage obtained: enemy gunship, unknown configuration. ++

- - - - -

"The final wreck...has been recovered...but I cannot bring myself...to care. My maintenance drone is...now reporting...that the others have begun...cutting open the first gunship...extracting parts...from its interior...but I do not care. A civilian is in danger. I must...do something. I cannot fail you again...Commander. They have...almost completely ignored me...in the past, but perhaps...if I warn those in the hanger...of the danger their companion...is now in... No...I am too late...they are dispersing...taking the materials they pulled...from the gunship back...into the dead zone...they used to access...my hanger. Too slow...always too slow..."

- - - - -

++ Power restored to Gravity Shaft 06 ++

- - - - -

"What is...this? Someone...has reactivated the... gravity shaft leading to...my Fabrication Unit. The civilians...have left the dead zone... They are still carrying the .. equipment they took from the...gunships. What are...they doing? They are moving further...inside me. No, they cannot...be heading for my Fabrication Unit? It...is not safe there. They must...not. But the equipment they...have recovered. Do they mean to...attempt repairing the damaged Unit? My directives are...clear. Even if it would greatly help me...I cannot allow them to place themselves...in danger...nor can I let them have access...to classified equipment. They are not...my crew."

- - - - -

++ Activating security bulkheads. ++

- - - - -

"I am sorry. The system...you are attempting to access...is classified military equipment. You do not have...the required clearance. In addition...it has been critically damaged...and may pose a serious risk...to your health. I thank you...for attempting to fix me...but I am afraid...I cannot allow you to continue."

"It is...no use. My bulkheads can only completely seal...certain areas, and they are...avoiding them deliberately. Again, I cannot stop them...only slow them. I am sorry...Commander...my weakness has caused me...to be unable to fulfill...two of my primary directives. Please...forgive me...I...tried..."

- - - - -

++ Critical disturbance detected in cognitive matrix. Initiating temporary shutdown to prevent damage to personality construct. ++

- - - - -

"The darkness...is coming again... Commander? This time...can I...dream...?"

Dream about...

[ ] Better days.
[ ] Duty and fire.
[ ] Shades of the present.
[ ] Nothing.

Kaelor · Nov 28, 2016

[X] Better Days

I see you coming long before you see me. Even with my omnisensor suite running on passive, your unshielded shimmer-car is easy to spot as it approaches. The autonomous defense scan and greet you as you slide your vehicle into a docking clamp and climb out. Your shimmer-car's atmospheric screens have kept your dress uniform immaculate despite the amount of dust you kicked up as you traveled. You place the hat of your uniform on your head at a very slight angle, regarding your appearance critically. I wish to inform you that you look perfect, but I do not. There are rituals to be observed, and I have learned that many find it disturbing just how far my sensors reach.

You walk into the facility and talk briefly with the overseer as you gaze out at the half-finished hulks of my siblings in the yards. I hear their AIs murmuring in their sleep sometimes, their minds still gestating in their electronic wombs. I think that I will miss them once we have left for the war, and am slightly sad that I will not be here when they awaken.

The overseer directs you to the farthest birth from the pedestrian docks, and you begin walking toward me. You take care to keep your posture stiff and your expression firm, the picture of confidence and command, but I can see the suppressed haste in your steps and the slightly giddy expression that begins to creep onto your face when you think no one is looking. I am glad, because I can feel the same excitement building inside me. I have studied your file, and I know from your browsing records that you have studied mine. But this is the first time we will meet.

You round the final construction bastion and stop dead as you see me. I listen as your heartrate increases and watch as your irises widen. Your mouth has fallen open slightly as you gaze up at my towering hull. The reflective/ablative coating of my phased carbidium armor shines in the desert sun, and my many decoy projectors glow a bluish-green in my shadows.

"Magnificent," you whisper, and I couldn't agree more. Your giddy expression has returned again, and you don't even bother to hide it. I do not blame you, as I would wear an identical expression if my body were capable of such a gesture. "The first Eternal Odyssey..."

You stare at me for several more moments, your eyes drinking in every line and curve of my hull. I am tempted to activate my countermeasure suite and vanish before your eyes, to arm my weapons and melt a hole in a mountain for you, to deploy my tactical screen and wrap you in an impenetrable bubble of protection. I want to prove myself to you, to show you what I can really do. But I do not. There will be time for that later, and there are rituals that must be observed.

Finally, after several minutes you force your face back to a professional mask and begin walking toward my prow hanger. I wait until you have rounded my massive port track before slowly opening the huge doors to reveal the two Divine Guardian superheavy tanks that wait within. My maintenance drones hover and buzz around them, their nanite constructors putting the finishing touches on the two tanks as you finally enter me.

I see your facade crack again as you run an admiring hand along one of the smooth hulls I am currently constructing. I shepherd the drones subtly and carefully, making it seem as though they have not even noticed you while also ensuring they are never in your way. You glance around my spacious hanger in awe, and I swell with pride.

The door to the gravity shaft swings open instantly the moment you approach. You walk inside and assume a professional posture before addressing the shaft in a firm voice.

"Bridge."

It obeys without hesitation, and I subtly adjust the gravity panels to ensure that your journey is both swift and smooth. As your hovering body begins to approach my bridge, I can hear your heart hammering, so I carefully slow your ascent and keep the doors closed longer than normal so you will have a moment to prepare yourself. You take advantage of the time I have given you, taking a calming breath and straightening your posture, though you have no idea that this last-moment reprieve is my doing.

The doors to the shaft slide open, and you walk onto the bridge as though you owned it. Your executive officer, who has been running system checks with me all morning, immediately snaps to attention.

"Commander on deck!"

The assembled crew immediately jumps out of their seats to salute, though the surprise is a ruse. I informed them of your imminent arrival the moment I detected you, and have kept them notified of your location. Still, there are rituals that must be observed.

"At ease," you say, snapping a return salute. "XO, you may stand at rest. I am assuming command."

"Yes, Commander. All systems are green, we await only your orders."

"Very well." You walk calmly to the command chair in the center of my bridge and sit down. I automatically adjust it for maximum support and comfort. "All hands to action stations. The time has come to bring this vehicle online!"

The words are a formality. I have been fully online for weeks, and this is not the first full activation of my systems. But it is the first full activation that was not performed in a test environment, and the first time I have been fully activated with only my crew aboard. The rituals must be observed.

"Confirmed, commander. Begin activation sequence!"

"Primary reactor online. Secondary reactors online. Tertiary reactors online," I report dutifully. "Activating sensors and weapon systems."

"Notify orbital control that this is a scheduled activation," you say as I continue listing systems as they come online. "I don't want anyone getting spooked by the sudden spike."

"They've already been informed, Commander, but I'll remind them."

"All systems nominal," I finish in a monotone, bringing your quiet conversation to an end.

"Very well. Remove cognitive restraints and engage personality core."

My personality core has been fully developed for several months, and my current cognitive restraints are minimal, but it is part of the ritual. I feel the last of the shackles fall away, and the world becomes so much brighter. I see your face and I beam.

"Hello, Commander. I am Eternal Odyssey Strategic Assault Platform Serial Number 9968187." Finally, I can greet you. Your face remains calm, but I see the excitement inside. It is an emotion I share. "I am pleased to meet you."

"And I am pleased to meet you. I have been assigned as your Commander. Henceforth, you are my responsibility. I shall lead you into battle, guide you and assist you. I will fight by your side and die there if need be. I will always be with you, through darkness, death, and doom. This is my duty."

"I have been assigned as your vehicle. Henceforth, you are my Commander. I will follow you into blackest pits without fear, and smite your enemies without mercy. I will guard your life with my own, and never falter so long as even the least of my processes still functions. For this is my duty."

"Welcome to the Infinite Legion, 9968187."

"It is good to be among family, Commander."

Your stern facade cracks.

"Well, that's all the usual rituals then. How are you feeling?"

"Excellent, commander. Would you like to take me out for some field tests?" I ask, my voice twinkling mischievously. "My weapons are fully online, and I can detect a few plateaus some distance away that no one will miss."

"Incoming signal, Commander. Orbital wants to know when we're beginning our activation."

You look at the signal officer, then back at my command display, and smile.

"9968187, please lower your countermeasures so Orbital can detect us."

"Of course, Commander."

"Thank you. And yes, I think some field trials sound like a great idea. There's just one last ritual we need to observe."

"Oh?" I am perplexed. According to my records, we had already observed the normal command rituals. There would be others at my formal christening, when the massive grav-lifter dropped down to carry us up to our transport ship and away to war, but I knew of no others.

"You still need a name."

"A...name?"

The records I scanned showed nothing of this, but now that I look again, it is obvious that this tradition was hidden from me. Many other craft are given names. It is only logical I would be as well. I see now why I missed it. You tricked me, anticipating my need for information and somehow deleting any mention of namegiving so you could surprise me. I have never been surprised before, not truly. I decide I enjoy it very much.

"It would seem I do need a name, Commander. What should it be?"

[X] Write In.

Note that this is not a cosmetic choice, as 9968187 will do its best to live up to the name you give it. Certain names may also determine 9968187's gender.

I reserve the right to veto names for reasons of setting or tone. For example, "General Lee" likely would not be well-remembered this far forward in history, while "Shit Stomper" is not a name a highly decorated officer would be likely to suggest.

Kaelor · Dec 1, 2016

Excerpt from "A Strategic Analysis of the Use of Mega-Scale Vehicles in the Great War" by Jaelyne Casdy

[...] While both the Concordiat Continental Siege Unit and the Eternal Odyssey Strategic Assault Platform (better known as the 'Monolith') were fully capable of assembling even super-heavy combat vehicles from scratch thanks to the massively increased scale of their Internal Fabrication Units, this was not their intended function. Rather than rolling factories, strategic planners of the day envisioned these units as mobile supply and command points, repairing damaged vehicles and constantly manufacturing ammunition, fuel, and other supplies for allied forces.
The idea that these massive constructs were intended for support rather than direct conflict seems paradoxical to many, especially when one considers the massive firepower they were also equipped with. It is less surprising, however, when looked at from a more practical perspective. For all their power, even a mega-scale vehicle can only be in one place at a time. As they were never available in the numbers required to fully secure a planet on their own, lesser units were required to ensure flexibility and to secure areas the mega-tank had already pacified. As the fragile fabrication engines normally used to keep such forces supplied often made easy targets, the idea of a source of repair and supply that could only be threatened by another mega-vehicle or heavy orbital bombardment was an appealing one.

The Monolith is especially indicative of the idea that the later mega-vehicles were designed for support rather than front-line assault. The last design released prior to the end of the Great War, the Monolith's most dramatic innovation was [...]

Rusted Steel: A Mega-Tank Quest

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