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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Aug 28, 2020 7:27:47 GMT -8
Staging Point Lazuli Alsetto Glacier, Yunzabit Highlands, Northern Demon Kingdoms Operation: Bluesky Day 139It was amazing what snowy arctic weather and a box canyon within a glacier could do to make an excellent staging point. The prefabricated facilities were protected from the buffeting winds on three sides, while the prefabricated facilities could be set up and given arctic camouflage patterns. Yunzabit was within King Piccolo's territory, and the last thing they wanted was to attract attention. The one saving grace for this scenario was how Alsetto was simply too cold for any productive settlement. Too remote for the capabilities of the oppressed underclass to establish a sizeable community in. But you could never be too careful. The Demon King's spawn performed expansive aerial patrols, and the wrong decisions could cost countless lives. Expeditionary Platoon Lazuli was careful enough to keep their tracks scarce, while preparing for the rest of the Battalion to arrive. Well... Brigade, now, if the Platoon Commander's recommendations were heeded. Within days of the Engineering Platoon's arrival - and with them the more powerful equipment - the bulk of the Staging Point was rapidly established, with a handful of construction drones hollowing out a portion of the glacier to serve as an artificial cave. With that job done, it was only a matter of positioning the Dynocaps for ideal placement of the prefab facilities. The resulting network of tunnels was extensive, necessary for holding the large number of prefab arctic station components. Barracks, vehicle bay, supply depots, camouflaged sensor devices, the works. It was going to be quite the stay here, and their job was to prepare for the Colonel's arrival. In fifteen weeks, they came. 2500 soldiers, moving only in the dead of the night. Hiding in tundral pine forests, or camouflaged snow domes in the day. It was not easy moving such a large body of troops through the Demon King's territory undetected, or even cross the Northern Channel without alerting Piccolo's sea guards. But Azure's Dragoons were nothing if not experienced and resourceful. Most of their strategies and tactics were developed under the umbrella of the Golden Gate Army, situated in the depths of the Southern Demon Kingdoms to the South. With sufficient intelligence on King Piccolo's operations, it was a matter of adapting these strategems to account for the quirks of their Northern counterparts. Now they had arrived, in full. A Brigade three thousand strong, and focused on accomplishing a single mission: excavating what was likely an extraterrestrial vessel that had been trapped in the ice for thousands of years, if the ice core dating was accurate. It was dawn. The Brigade had mustered at the mouth of the primary cavern, with the Colonel standing before the whole assembly. "My Dragoons. You have served with distinction over the years. And now, our numbers have grown thrice its initial count. These men and women were the ones who survived the rigours of the training we gave, the tests that we did, and the challenges we posed. Now, we are a single fist..."With her right hand, she picked up a spade that had been embedded in the ice beside her, "Clenched around our tools, and prepared to dig into this mountain of blue ice." Deftly hefting it like a lance, she thrust the head at the darkness of the artificial cavern. "At the end of this tunnel lies our prize. I have kept the true nature of our loaded march North a secret to prevent leakage of classified information to those who would eventually drop out of the training regimen. But now that we are one fraternity, the time has come to reveal our objective in this Hercule-forsaken frozen hellscape."It wasn't that it was frozen that made it a hellscape. General Cerola was a native of the northern tundras of Planet Plant. This environment was as close to home as she got. No, it was that these lands were polluted by the influence of the Demon King and his spawn. That wasn't to say she wasn't open to working for them. However, the stipulations of the Azure Clause ensured that the Dragoons were by no means allowed to attack the World Government, which backed many of the northern settlements that Piccolo's children raided. Perhaps one day, they might see such a conflict through with professionalism even on the side of the Demon King. But until they completed a contract with another governing party, they were in no position to make such arrangements. Azure activated a Dynocap and tossed it in front of the formation. It contained a powerful projector, which filled the full height of the cavern. To those too far behind to see, screens set up in advance in the mid and rear areas transmitted this image. It was a silhouette, enclosed in the deep blue ice of the glacier. What little was visible through the filter of frost hinted at a great scale, and sturdy construction. "We believe it is a spaceship of some sort, extraterrestrial in origin. We will liberate it from its frozen prison. And if it remains functional, we will heal its wings. We will make it fly. And then, you, my Dragoons, will no longer have to brave the elements on the road, or resort to temporary camps to rest the night. This vessel will serve as our shelter. Our fortress. Our new home."The Colonel raised up another capsule, orange, with 19 painted on the side, for all to see. "Each of you has been issued Dynocap No. 19. It houses an excavation drone, equipment once in the possession of our first benefactors, the Golden Gate Army. Now, they are ours. With its precision design, and our numbers, we should be able to dig this leviathan out of the ice in short order. But do not make it an excuse to hurry. I would rather spend an extra week hiding from the Demon King's aerial recon units, digging in this cave, than risk damaging the ship."She marched straight down the centre of the formation, and began to lead the way into the back of the cave, briefly stopping to turn back and face her troops. "Now, Dragoons! Let us go claim our prize! Our Caeruleus!"WC: 1040 Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Sept 6, 2020 4:13:56 GMT -8
For a moment, smoke filled the air; clearing only after the muffled roar of gunfire had faded. And, followed by an irritated sigh – a rare sign of rage from the android who called herself a professional and little else. ”You were under orders to hold your fire, Spade 3. I will be reporting this to our supervisor.” snapped the machine, her voice sounding even sharper through their headsets – but, she restrained herself. Any more than that would be needless. She had to keep this crew sharp, not scared. ”Spade 4, ID the body. Spade 1, Spade 2, Spade 3; eyes on the doors.”
Though she kept her firearm up, Maxine stared at the unidentified body carefully as the team’s medic checked it. The black camouflage-clad trooper glanced up and down it, checking for lifesigns through her gloves; before turning back to the her unlikely leader – “T-They’re gone. Unarmed, unarmoured. Malnourished, but humanoid…” she explained, before turning back again, and carefully turning the body over… blood sprinkled over the metal floor, and a ragged but fluffy tail draped to one side. “It’s… a Saiyan? That explains its speed, b-but… why…?”
Under her mask, Maxine grimaced. This – was getting out of hand.
<I can call it in for you while you keep your eyes up, Eleven. I know that punk of a lady said to keep radio silence, but this seems serious. She was really insistent it should be clean here.> piped in Two, albeit to the android alone; <Maybe this explains the Pilaf gear earlier. They might have just fled, or –>
”Spades. I’m calling this in. If Miss Delrouval has any complaints, I’ll take responsibility. You just focus on your survival, and the mission.”
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“So much for getting this done undercover… tch, whatever. The Colonel’s gonna chuck a tantrum over this, no doubt. Typical! Shouldn’t have put any faith in those wannabes…”
Snarling and grumbling to herself, the Azure Dragoon’s most loathed R&D specialist paced her tiny office – no, tiny cell. Once upon a time, she’d been an ISLET legend! Then, a Golden Gate elite, as they paid far more generously for her work. Then that blue-haired brat had torn it all down, and here she was… a war criminal who’d traded her freedom for her life. She got to carry on her life’s work, under utmost supervision from ISLET, but she had to play along with that spoiled Colonel. It was doable… but intolerable. Her work wasn’t for punks with guns! It was so much more than that!
And now with this mess, she’d no doubt come breathing down her neck later. While the brainless troops were out digging a hole, she’d been making moves… she’d picked apart the recruits and found a few that ought to be easy to use, and assembled her own squad. As far as the Colonel knew, she was just testing a new arctic camouflage pattern; sending them on recon and then testing various electronic sensors on them while they were out. But, in truth… they had a much more important role.
Though much of the vehicle’s state was unclear, there was at least enough information for them to confirm where the mobile fortress was prior to this operation. And with that, a little excavation work and some power tools had opened a vent inside along the forgotten machine’s landing pad… and that was where Delrouval’s squad came into place. Expendable, but obedient grunts, who would slip in and give her a taste before the main front came and stomped all over all that priceless metal and machinery. It’d surely been eons since it’d been touched, so it’d be completely safe…
…or, so she had hoped.
A Saiyan… how could it be on board? A prisoner would have surely perished by now. Even any cryostasis ought to have shut down long ago without any power source. And, according to the obedient robot she’d used as their leader, there was evidence of Pilaf Corp snooping about as well. Surely they would have called in a proper team if they found a find of that magnitude, and yet…
“Spades, I’ve made some calls. You’ll have support in twenty minute’s time. Stay put, and be ready to explain yourselves to the Boss… I think she will have a lot of questions. But, don’t forget your mission! If there’s any information whatsoever on the ‘Tăbānus’ project, get it to me before anyone else; over all other objectives! It’s more important than even this relic… and, don’t mention it to the Boss, either! Understood?!”
Biting her lip, Delrouval shut off the channel’s input – hopefully those rookies could at least understand instructions that clear, but… it might be a gamble. Dammit, it’d be so much easier if they’d just been wiped out or something instead; she hated playing internal politics like this. It hadn’t been like this back in the ISLET days!
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Surrounded by forgotten, freezing steel; Maxine was left to wait after disseminating the orders to her team – all they could really justify doing was holding their ground until support arrived. By the sound of things, taking the initiative right now wouldn’t be appreciated… if even tolerated. Thankfully, they weren’t far in yet. She’d had to do a lot of brute-forcing to get any of the electronic door locks open, at least until Delrouval had handled it with complete ease remotely. Clearly the chain of command had a lot of secrets up their sleeve yet… but, that suited Maxine just fine. Information was useful, but business was about results, not context. It was not her place to pry.
Still, the technology here was fascinating. Certainly, Capsule Corp and Pilaf had comparable work, but this was like an entirely different species of technology. No hint of corporate identity… it was all sleek military designs. Maybe the World Government could dream of having hardware like this someday, but she doubted it. Even they were shackled by their political identity. This, instead, was something sublime – perfectly practical.
Reaching out and touching a wall through her thick glove, the android lowered her guard; though it was impossible to see her tender expression through her intimidating mask. A relic of a machine, still held in such high regard to be called ‘home’… certainly, it was a marvel from what she had seen so far, but it felt like there was more to this mission than that.
A machine, with such a history… Maybe – being old wasn’t so bad.
A creak of metal that pierced the utter silence of the sleek black hallway made the whole team jump; guns raised – “Movement – take your angles!” chirped Spade 4, much to Maxine’s surprise. It felt like she’d grown a lot within just this mission. The Dragoons certainly had an efficient recruitment regime. Fanning out; two of the team stood by the locked sliding door, while the other two stood alongside the walls watching the hallway behind, with Maxine in the middle (albeit wise enough to get up against a wall as well).
”Possibly another – target. I’ll watch the vents. Spade 1 and 2, move up to the next corner and stack up; the angles down a hallway like this are worthless. This time, try and secure them rather than firing… but, do try to avoid tackling our reinforcements in the meantime.”
[1227/1227]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Sept 10, 2020 7:35:49 GMT -8
Commander’s Cabin, Staging Point Lazuli Alsetto Glacier, Yunzabit Highlands, Northern Demon Kingdoms Operation: Bluesky Day 144General Cerola reclined into her chair and pored over the data on her screen. She had been studying the information gathered by the expeditionary team over the weeks since discovering the frozen relic. Lazuli Actual had a very good reason to be excited. One phrase sat highlighted and bloated in a pop up window on her screen. GRENADINE-class: VERY LIKELY Cerola had had her suspicions even before reading the reports. But these findings were undeniable. Even through the ice, the vessel seemed to faintly respond to old Tuffle Fleet Service IFFs. Lazuli first used combinations assigned to pure spacefaring vessels that seemed to fit its estimated size. Corvette. Gunboat. Perhaps even a Frigate. This was only a suggestion by someone lower down the expeditionary team’s chain of command. They couldn’t be sure who it belonged to at first, especially given the dates given by the ice cores. Over 25,000 years. The Tuffles hadn’t even developed rockets back then, let alone such a crucial mobile fortress. Indeed, the suggestion was dismissed a number of times before Lazuli Actual approved it just to get him to stop. The results were as puzzling as they were amazing. A completely alien vessel wouldn’t even have recognised the IFF for what it was, let alone respond. Instead, they received an error message directing them to use the frequency for an Aerospace vehicle. So it was one of theirs. What were the odds that a TFS vessel would end up on this planet? Well the odds were rather high, given the records indicated that there were a number of TFS ships stationed on Planet Aspic after the Tuffle Exodus. And if a number of Installations could survive the Fold Intrusion experiment that destroyed the planet, perhaps there was a possibility that some of these ships could survive the destructive voyage as well. But then, how could such a ship end up thousands of years in the past? The Exodus was a mere eight centuries ago. Sure, Cerola wasn’t around for that whole time period, but the records were reliable enough. So how could this fly in the face of the dating? The Fold was a strange place, the Astrophysicist from R&D Platoon explained. It was entirely possible that the ship was not only thrown through space as the rest of the bunker network, but time as well. That didn’t explain why the bunkers - the occupied ones, at least - arrived at roughly the same time. Time travel was still highly theoretical, and TSE experiments so far indicated that it was impossible to go back to your past, only to that of a separate timeline. Whatever the case, the prospects of going back in time to change the fate of their race were unlikely to flourish. Still, it was not her place to ponder such things. What they had here was, as far as they could tell, one of their own ships. Not that ISLET hadn’t constructed some Grenadines over the centuries or anything. The plans were available on the Master Index, after all. But the present ISLET infrastructure and locally accessible resources were vastly inferior to those that were available to the TFS. The airships that had been constructed so far were nothing more than pale imitations of the original. In comparison, their armour was paper. Their engines had trouble reaching supersonic speeds. And the abysmally tiny production rate of Synth-Katchin - which in any case was reserved for Mk III Pomegranate suits - meant that accelerating past a certain point would melt the ship. If they could get their hands on an honest to goodness Exodus-era TFS ship, it would be a true boon to ISLET operations. Of course, the problem was what IFFs that did work were strangely only partially useful. The system wouldn’t even acknowledge an identification request. Hacking attempts had been largely unsuccessful, although low-security controls could be bypassed with sufficient talent. Perhaps she could chart a course through all the low-security doors and bulkheads and clear a path to the bridge… Major Carnation’s pink-framed face popped up onscreen. ”Hoss, we just got a call from Doc Delrouval.”Cerola checked her watch. It was much earlier than the estimated return report for that new Arctic Gear test. Something was going on, then. Was it Demon Clanners? Bandits? An Outside Context Problem? ”Sitrep?””The Doc wasn’t much specific, but she did give us her toy squad’s coordinates.” A topographic map of the theatre popped up onscreen, monochrome shades of blue. A certain part of the glacier blinked a fiery red contrast. ”Now call me crazy, but don’t that look a mite too close to one o the proposed ‘high speed’ exposure points for the ship?”And by ‘high speed’, she meant “blow up all of the surrounding glacier to expose the ship entirely, in case hiding from the Demon Kingdom didn’t matter anymore and they needed to fly it away fast”. ”So it would seem our friend wanted to get first pickings… possibly from the database.” Though why she would focus on digging up a warship’s records was anybody’s guess… ”Course of action?””Inform the Doctor that we will arrive in 20 minutes.” Cerola stood up from her seat and waved at the screen. The holographic monitor disappeared from the desk and reappeared, floating over the palm of her hand, now in the format of a tablet. The screen split between Carnation’s face, and a Call icon that soon became Teal’s shaded mug. ”XO, I’m taking Alpha First on a little march. You’re in charge until I get back.”Teal smiled, the muffled sound of high-powered tunneling equipment behind him. ”I’ll hold down the fort for ya, Chief. Enjoy your march!”The General stopped in front of the armoured cabinet set up in her quarters to type in a ten digit code. The doors slid open to reveal a suit of Dragoon power armour ready for mounting. ”Much obliged, XO. Carry on.” The screen floating over her hand disappeared as she began to mount the suit. It was time to ask some questions… --- BGM: Digital DestinyWARNING: Low-Security Doors D-22 through -27 compromised by remote TSE command protocols.
>>>rTSEcps.AG.4214.a6 register as valid under CONTINENT daily rotation code database.
INCONGRUITY: rTSEcps.AG.4214.a6 are 7,226,423.46 hours past validity expiration.
>>>Refresh Low-Security Door protocols to sync with CONTINENT daily rotation code database.
ERROR: ContiNet inaccessible. Surface-level interference of significant mass.
>>>Resolve potential {{Trojan code}} insertion through employment of reactionary verbal communique.
<<<ATTN: Your intrusion has been logged. Further attempts will result in your on-site personnel’s appending to Anti-Boarding System’s targeting ledger.>>>
INCONGRUITY: ABS is offline. Unable to route power to ABS Master control suite.
>>>Reactionary verbal communique does not require follow-through. Perception of threat is sufficient when intruder does not {{call your bluff}}.
>>>Maintain observation of all active and observable potential threat factors.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Observation of potential threat factors remains in progress.--- Spade Squad Breach PointTo call it a march was a bit of a cheat. With the MHQs now adapted to the arctic conditions with improved heaters and camo patterns, Alpha First didn’t actually need to plough through the snow. Not that their suits couldn’t handle it, of course. But marching all the way was going to take more than the twenty minutes promised. The Dragoons stepped off of the convoy of large-wheeled vehicles, their reinforced titanium boots thumping into the snow in unison. Colonel Azure led the formation into the narrow canyon in the glacier where Lazuli Team originally discovered the ship, vaguely visible in the thick blue ice. Sure enough, with the Golden Gate’s drones, even a squad could quickly tunnel through right to one of the ship’s landing pads. The cover was nowhere as extensive as what eventually became Staging Point Lazuli, from which they would drill a long way through the glacier to get to the ship. But it was clearly intended to be a covert operation. The plan was to hollow out a main tunnel wide enough to accommodate the whole ship. Because even if you could drill straight to it from this entry point, you still had the problem of liberating it from its frozen coffin. Blowing up all the surrounding ice was an emergency protocol, in case the clandestine nature of the mission was compromised. And that was assuming it was possible to restore power to the ship at all. In case it turned out to be completely dead, then they carried enough explosives to destroy it all from within: the ship, the tunnel, and whatever couldn’t be packed up in capsules. If the Dragoons couldn’t get it, then nobody would be allowed to. Of course the covert part could easily be maintained by setting the charges to blow a week after they left. They’d keep the box canyon hidden while they were at it. And the Demon Kingdoms would be none the wiser. To them, it would just be glaciers collapsing as they tend to do after thousands of years of building up. ”We expecting company, Boss?” Corporal Caesi asked as they approached the landing pad with the excavation gear. Azure noted some of it was also not something they brought along. Pilaf Corporation? ”Not the sort I was expecting, but company nonetheless...” She hefted her minigun. ”CQB formation 1.”Double-file, she and Casei led four of the platoon’s five squads into the insertion point, while Fifth Squad secured the entrance. Night optics enhanced what little light penetrated from the outside, giving them an eerie grey view of the ventilation corridor. In the dull grey darkness, titanium footsteps clanked, as the platoon carefully marched toward the squad’s tracker coordinates. Azure opened a comm channel to that presumably troubled squad. <<Spade Actual, this is Fafnir Actual. Come in Spade Actual.>>If the squad leader reported in, she would continue on, <<We are past the insertion point and on your trail, ETA 2min. Maybe you could give us a sitrep on the way there.>> If there was silence… well, they were two minutes away. Experience said there was a big difference in two minutes. But one should not throw caution to the wind. Who knew what ancient security systems were still active at this time? [1749/2789/4016] Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Sept 14, 2020 19:43:41 GMT -8
As the platoon marched into the inhospitable ventilation shafts, they would be met with a particularly auspicious greeting – the sound of distant gunfire, echoing all too well through the enclosed metal’s acoustics. But then, silence… and, most reassuringly, an answer to their radio signal. <<Fenrir Actual, this is Spade Actual. We’re holding position for you. The situation is under control here, please continue.>> answered the familiar tone of a certain android; her professionalism dipped in Western Lands’ politeness standing out among the generally more cavalier cadets. <<Understood, sitrep will follow. Please hold for one moment –>>
Another cascade of firepower. Thankfully, it only showered sparks across Maxine’s armour – though, she would have liked some results instead. The Doctor was not one for rules, but she was wise enough to insist upon anything but railguns – using anything with high penetration inside that relic would earn you a punishment far worse than a court martial. Ballistic weapons were still the pick of the day, but using ammunition more akin to hollow-point… though it was obvious the complex was made of sturdier stuff than any conventional armour, the Doctor had still ruled out lasers for the squad.
”Spades, our backup is coming – hold your fire entirely. We’re not catching that thing in any hurry…” Though she restrained her tone, the android was certainly frustrated by the results – and her team felt that irritation as well. The blur drifted away, and the movement tracker on Spades 4’s sensor pack soon stopped pinging anything… such a bother. And they barely ever got to use such old-fashioned gear anymore, too. ”I have contact with our CO. Keep our angles covered while I call in our situation.”
<<Spade Actual, Fenrir Actual – thank you for your patience. Our situation is not dire, but do be aware there are possible contacts within the complex. Based on the equipment outside, we are not the first here… however, we have also faced a live contact within the complex. No serious hostilities so far, but – be aware that it is – was – a simian. We’ve had eyes on one other, so expect a developing situation. We should only be less than half a click from you, but expect a few corners before then. From the vents, you should be able to drop into the hallways of the machine proper – one of the vents was already dislodged when we entered. From there, Doctor Delrouval has opened two sets of doors electronically. They should still be open. That should be all until we rendezvous. I am getting a call on the Doctor’s channel, so expect a brief silence – Spade 4 will listen for me in the meantime. Over.>>
And with that, the only sound was the android’s hushed voice echoing – there wasn’t a creak or a skitter to be heard. Which was perhaps the worst thing to be met with, all things considered. Her team was unsurprisingly getting antsy after their experience so far, but Maxine had to focus on their priorities. <<Android; Spade! About time. Listen, this is very important – as usual – from here on, you absolutely must take point. Azure may be your superior, but do not let her take the lead here. Your squad should pathfind regardless, you have our – mapping data, which is more up to date!>> Hearing the Doctor blather like this was odd, but Maxine nodded along politely; unaware of the second layer of scapegoat she had become. ”Understood. I shall endeavour to take the lead. On that note – will I need to give you remote access again? I am unsure of how the system is wired at this point…” <<That – that’s not important! It won’t be necessary. From here on, avoid getting involved with too much of the technology on board. It needs to be perfectly preserved. Now, that’s enough. Go entertain the soldiers. Update me if you get the mainframe sorted, or if you find any servers. They seem to have been isolated…>>
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Isolated? As if – Delrvoual realised that as soon as she shut down the channel. No, that was obviously bait! This system… it wasn’t full of holes like she thoughts. It was making holes right now! S-She’d be in serious trouble if they knew she’d gone prying into the machine’s code using old ISLET data, even more so if they knew she’d ticked off security! So… so, right now, she really needed that expendable squad to promptly – expend!
“Okay, okay! Let’s just – make the most of it, while we have it. I can just say a prepackaged virus got out of hand, or it was already like this. And reformat that android… b-but, one step forward. Maybe I can crack the ABS before the ABS cracks someone else… well, they have a good number of boots, so I should have some time to clean up…!”
Oh well. On the bright side, she might get the Colonel shot to ribbons!
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“…it was definitely a second Saiyan, wasn’t it?” mused Spade 4, as Maxine returned her attention to the situation at hand. As she broke the ice, the rest of the team relaxed a little – unprofessional, but… it was a conversation that needed to happen. “Or… not quite. See, the tail was clearly present, but hair colour is off. Same with this one. At least, compared to a pureblood Saiyan, from what I was taught. See, they’re a dark brown, not black… it’s common nowadays, though; so maybe they snuck in another way? Hm, but –“
”Enough for now. Good to know, but let’s take charge of the situation before investigating.” A quick rebuke, but a well-intentioned one. ”At ease for now. Spade 4, keep focussed on your scouter. If anyone hears or sees movement, form up. Again – hold your fire if possible.” Their target had vanished into the thinner vents below them already. Admittedly, asking them to secure that thing without their firearms was ridiculous… but, she’d really rather not present a second corpse to her command. It wasn’t a useful result, given how bizarre the situation was. Surely they had to have just crept in somehow, but in all this ice…?
For now, though, they ought to wait – even if she was to take the lead, Azure would no doubt want to take stock of the situation and perhaps had more insight on where they should be headed next. Glancing along the walls, she spied a lens embedded in the wall… security, no doubt. Surely the Doctor was watching them even now… if nothing else, knowing the electronics were on their side was comforting. Machines did not need to be convinced, or reassured… monkeys and corporations could not be trusted, but she could trust a machine.
Now, if only a machine could not be naïve, too.
[1136/2363]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Sept 17, 2020 6:22:10 GMT -8
<<Understood, Spade Actual,>> Cerola led the platoon down through the open vent grill, the formation slowly taking shape as they secured the hall in pairs. One would expect it to be a tedious process, but with their training and experience, they didn't lose more than three seconds to the initial ETA. Once complete, they continued the march, this one around a corner. The sitrep was apt, and having previously seen Maxine's dedication to the mission, be that supporting a film, or passing the grueling basic training regimen, it was something of a relief. Such commitment was the sign of a strong mind, the kind of thing one needed under such harrowing situations as live combat. <<Spade 4, we have passed into the corridor and one of the two indicated doors. ETA, 30sec.>>Although Azure could easily have contacted the Doctor, who was to say that she wouldn't come up with something to say about her plans? Maxine was at least honest. Loyal. While her answers might be more limited by the Doctor's secrecy, she certainly knew more about the actions they were performing. And from that, the colonel would be able to possibly piece together the intent. Again, though, she could barely imagine what the Doctor would want with a warship's database. Granted, there was always the possibility that the TSE kept some research backup aboard as well, knowing their meticulous nature with their files. The situation after the Fold Intrusion experiment was certainly a unique one. Intentionally isolating themselves from the ContiNet in order to prevent the Saiyans from discovering the rest of the Tuffle people out there... They hurt themselves so much with that move, but in a way, it was a noble self-sacrifice. If they fell here, CONTINENT would still have time to grow stronger. The Saiyans would not be allowed to once again scavenge their technology and wage war on the galaxy, like they did after King Vegeta's conquest of the homeworld. If ISLET fell here, they would leave nothing but useless ruins. But a ship like this could be a complete game changer... Titanium boots echoed on the floor, and scouters pinged a steady rhythm as they closed in on Spade's location, at the end of another segment. Alpha First marched through the second door, and soon rounded another corner. Spent casings and compacted bullets indicated that this was likely where they first met the problem and called in support. A short distance from this was... Cerola shone her headlamp down at a limp figure on the floor. Humanoid. Tail. Messy hair. Simian. This was what Maxine meant. Now the only question was if this was part of that Pilaf Corp expedition that was strangely missing? Or a Pickle that had broken out of its jar... Unfortunately, with their isolation from ISLETNET, they wouldn't be able to look up the records. Even if they could, their scouters weren't equipped with the proprietary software used to determine the presence of a certain isotope that they injected into their subjects. ... and even then, if the ice core dates were correct, the isotope would be long gone after 25,000 years. In short, there was no telling if this Saiyan was an escaped pickle, or a remnant of that Pilaf expedition. A moot question. They would have to capture that second one alive. They continued on and closed in on Spade's position. Lights in the distance, by another door at the corner. With perfect cadence, Alpha First secured the segment. Two score dark blue walking tanks with heavy weapons like they were toys. Granted, they too were loaded up for minimising collateral damage. The miniguns' drum mags, for example, were loaded with 7.62mmx51 hollow point rounds. Technically mande for snipers, given the hollow point's propensity for higher accuracy, but the key element was the flattening nature. If there were more Saiyans, these wouldn't really do much, but if they were as badly malnourished as the last one, they might stand a chance... But would it be possible to capture one alive? They weren't the kind to surrender easily. Still, it paid to have foresight. In case they did have a run-in with Demon Clanners, the Colonel would have wanted one taken for questioning too, concerning how much they knew about the operation. In which case, a number of her minigunners did come loaded with piezoelectric rounds calibrated for the human standard. Even if they sprayed a monkey with this, they weren't likely to die, given their race's legendary resilience. Reports streamed in. Fenrir 4-1 called in the rear door. Fenrir 3-1 did the same for the corner door. Fenrir 2-1 had led his squad down to the next corner in the hall and called it in. And Fenrir Leader had completed the rendezvous with Spade Squad. The segment was secure. Azure gave the squad a nod as she stepped apart from her squad so they would know who to address. "Good too see you're all on the bounce. Now, Spade Leader. What can you tell me about this little... expedition into the ship? I distinctly recall signing off on a request to test the effectiveness of your new arcticamo patterns. Start from the beginning."871/3660/6023 Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Sept 18, 2020 6:36:13 GMT -8
As soon as the mass of fully armoured and fully certified Azure Dragoons came into view, the Spades squad of greenhorns both relaxed – and then immediately shaped up. They had to try and look good in front of the big shots! After all, they ought to be proud, as they’d been chosen for such a notable duty; while their peers were mostly left handling excavation tools. Alas, little did any of them know, they were actually in particularly hot water… only Maxine had a hint as to the fact that her actual superiors were unaware of this jaunt, but even she was too straightforward in her thinking to piece together the trouble they were in. She was committed, certainly – but it didn’t take a master of puppets to pull a mere doll’s strings.
Given they had only mere rifles to compare to the full members power armour and miniguns, among a range of armaments, Maxine’s squad were quick to get out of the way and instead converge on their leader to give the Colonel the details she wanted – it’d be a lot more useful than the firepower they could offer. Thankfully for the other recruits, the Doctor had picked a good choice for their leader, as she of all people would be quick to take any responsibility – and was wise enough to talk fast in the first place. Mirroring her superior’s actions, the mask-clad android stepped out of her own group to convene with Azure. Though it was hard to even tell she was female beneath her BDU, her little instinctive bow gave her identity away before her voice did.
”Fenrir Actual. Our squad was assembled by Research & Development under the pretence of a camouflage testing mission; but the express intention was to undergo this mission into the complex. Our orders are to secure a connection to the server room. I don’t have a lot of further details, but from my understanding there were concerns that this machine may have countermeasures against anyone entering conventionally. Doctor Delrvoual cautioned that the data might be wiped if accessed without proper permissions.”
It was indeed what Maxine had been told, but it was utter twaddle – the Doctor had made it up as an easy excuse not to tell the android anything more. Anyone with a proper rank within ISLET ought to be able to handle such security properly, or at least find a proper answer to it. But, as most of the new Azure Dragoons were unaware of their organisation’s true background, and the Doctor had turned her back on the Tuffles long ago… well, she had to come up with some explanation, and she certainly wasn’t about to admit she herself didn’t have the chops to break open the CONTINENT’s software.
”We’ve made little ground so far – according to our support from R&D, the electronics are proving difficult to bypass from here on. Furthermore, we made contact with… new elements.” continued Maxine, glancing at the fallen Saiyan. Her concern was palpable through her tone, even if it wasn’t visible through her mask’s visor. ”There were traces of a Pilaf Corp expedition, too, as you likely noticed, but we have yet to see any further evidence of them. It isn’t typical of their modus operandi to leave behind any traces, though. Add an additional Saiyan sighting so far, and it would seem that - there may be some cleaning up to do.”
Raising her arm, Maxine would stride closer to Azure, albeit briefly turning back to her team – ”Spade 4, update Fenrir on your information on the Saiyan. R&D hasn’t given any comment on it, but it might mean something to Fenrir. Since the full Dragoons are here, you should continue your examination while their platoon takes overwatch.” ordered the android, turning back to the commander with her peppy comrade coming to her side. “Yes! Sir – err, Fenrir Actual! The Saiyan appears to be malnourished and in poor physical shape, as you could likely notice at a glance, but furthermore – the pigment of the subject’s hair and the length and vertebrae count of the tail isn’t quite right. Though I will intend to do further examination, it appears to be a crossbreed, not a pure Saiyan. But, it doesn’t look like a conventional Saiyan-Earthling match.”
”It’s possible it’s just a scavenger, particularly in such bad shape. But, dug so deep down, and taking refuge in a machine like this? It doesn’t seem typical. It is – concerning, to me. If this…” begun Maxine again, but she trailed off as she realised she was blathering. This wasn’t the time for assumptions. ”Regardless. Our contact at R&D has outfitted us with an estimated map of this complex, with their latest updates. It’s highly encrypted, however, so I can’t share it easily; even as an android. With that in mind, I would like to continue to take point.”
Nonsense said with a straight face, unbeknownst to Maxine. ”I would offer to merely navigate, but I was informed that only my system has been given security clearance that allows remote access to the security grid here. It may be dangerous if I don’t take the lead… however, your orders overrule any advisory measures I can give.” Bowing again, as per the Duchies’ tradition, the android would step back; as if to align herself with the ranks of her comrades again instead of standing aside as a leader.
However – the lengthy explanation wasn’t given long to hang over her head. There was an electronic hum, and then a thin beam from above lit up the steel hall; cutting a swath of black-seared metal across the floor for just a moment – and a swath through the arm of Spades 2. His BDU did little to resist it, but thankfully he dragged himself out of the way before losing the limb entirely. Before he could even cry out, a menagerie of barrels were aimed at the room – yet, there was nothing to be seen, and any amount of hollow-point bullets merely pinged off the reinforced metal.
At least, there was nothing to be seen with the naked eye. Spades 4’s scouter pinged in response to the sudden movement, and infrared signals showed up on the Alpha First’s range of sensors – it appeared that second Saiyan was catching them based on their sound alone, and using some sort of beam weapon… yet, it used an infrared beam before firing? It couldn’t be a ki technique with that signature. It looked more like –
<Was that a security device?> chimed in Two, in Maxine’s command line; <Hard to believe a Saiyan survivor is a better hacker than whatever the Azures can brag about, but maybe… err, maybe it’s just gotten to know them that well?>
While the Spades checked on their wounded comrade (or panicked, in Spades 1’s case), Maxine raced through hypotheticals through her parallel processes. Unfortunately, the obvious escaped her, and Delrouval…
[1161/3524]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Sept 20, 2020 7:13:26 GMT -8
"Understood, Spade Leader." It of course only made sense to manipulate the initiates into doing her dirty work for her. Colonel Azure - no, General Cerola - would have to have a talk with the Doctor about this later on for sure. For now, however, they would have to deal with the present situation: the Saiyans. Fortunately, Spade Squad's medic was able to give a valuable eyeball autopsy. Yes, Cerola herself might have been able to notice the most obvious sign, such as the malnutrition. But it took a specialist to point out things that were less obvious. The hair could have been written off as a result of hybridisation, but that didn't say anything about its origin. And she certainly would not have known anything about the number of vertebrae in a Saiyan's tail. Tuffles might have evolved greater capacities for intellection, but they still needed knowledge in these fields to put it to good work. Cerola could speak all day about tactics, strategy, logistics, what worked before, what might work later, and all the features and benefits of certain weapons. But aside from the general matters of medicine, such details were beyond her. This was why the higher up someone was, the more advisors they had, for the sake of making educated calls based on the knowledge provided by these broadening bases. Spade 4's conclusion that it was inconsistent with Earthborne hybrids told her everything she needed to know. These were pickles. And more likely than not, they scared off the Pilaf expedition, if the Demon Clanners didn't abduct them. One or the other. "That certainly is unusual. Can you rule it out as a hybrid with some other race? A Demon Clanner of some sort?" It sounded uneducated. Demon Clanners, particularly King Piccolo's mutant Namekian children, looked far too different from the average humanoid. But it was a matter of geography. They were, after all, the closest civilisation around. Of course, this was cover. Azure was not supposed to know what Cerola knew. Most Earthlings didn't even know what planet Namek was, let alone that its people were actually aliens, rather than a particularly green and resilient race of demons. "I suppose we'll have to bring him back for a full autopsy... encapsulate the body."Besides... she wanted to know just what sort of hybrid this one was. And why they were being kept on a warship, rather than an onworld lab. Spade Leader - Maxine gave her input on the situation, as well as some additional information that proved relevant. Delrouval had given her the most updated copy of mapping they could get on the ship... and had encrypted it, to ensure nobody else would be able to pull it out without causing a mess. Inside her helmet, Cerola's eyebrows furrowed. Delrouval wanted to hold all the cards. She wanted to get to the mainframe first. The cover story was convincing, of course. It would make sense that Delrouval would give her the map, and then piggyback off her system to deal with the security measures. And yet while this was obvious misinformation, Cerola had cover to maintain. Ironic, the one individual with the most authority over this ship would, due to the circumstances of parameters of maintaining secrecy, be unable to use it... and thus have to play along with this asinine game. The best scenario was to split up, so that she and Fenrir 1 could find a terminal and invoke her Security Key on the system. But as things stood right now, that would be unwise, especially with at least one other subject out there. Then for now, at least, she would have to play along, until an opportunity presented itself. "I can understand the Doctor's reasoning. And I do not question your competency. But if only your system is capable of getting through security, then your safety is our highest priority if we are to-"BGM: IntensityWarnings flared up on her helmet's scouter, a split second too late. By the time Cerola could give a warning, Spade 2 had almost lost an arm to the beam. Instead, all she could do was give the order to cease the ensuing return fire when it became clear the hail of bullets was only hitting metal. The subject was taking advantage of the darkness. Well, who knows how long they've been awake? <<Fenrir 2-1. Monkey's gone 'round the corner at the end of the hall. Permission to pursue.>> Fenrir 2-1 did a quick check on his squad, and finding none injured, prepared to take the first step at first opportunity. <<Denied. Deploy a recon drone to chase him down. I don't want any more nasty surprises.>> That was not to be, however. <<Copy, Fenrir Leader. Popping recon drone.>> Fenrir 2-1 gave a hand signal. Fenrir 2-4 reached for his belt, unclipped a capsule and pushed down on the actuator. In a puff of smoke, a Golden Gate recon drone's miniature levitation drive hummed. It was a simple device, an armoured IR camera mounted onto a single L-Drive platform you would find on most hover vehicles, if miniaturised. It also came with a laser rangefinder, in case you wanted to guide a sniper or other long distance munitions. Handy little contraption. After a quick boot hooking its OS up to Fenrir 2-4's scouter, the drone was off down the hall, and to its destination around the corner... Cerola turned around to face the Spades. It was time to get moving. "As I was saying, Spade Leader. For the sake of protecting your system and mapping data, I cannot let you take point. But your squad is free to navigate with us. From now on, drones will scout ahead. Even if we do take this one down soon, there's no telling how many of his friends are on the loose."A Saiyan capable of using the ABS? What madness came over them to create such a hybrid? As for the fallen Spade 2, she made the appropriate calls. <<Wyvern-04. Prep your ward and send a medevac team for one. We have wounded. Fenrir 5-1. Send a two-man fireteam to escort Wyvern-04-01 to this ping. Fenrir 4-1. Hold position until Spade-2 is in the clear. The rest of you prepare to move out. We're securing our new home.>>For a brief moment, her channel was swamped with acknowledgements of her orders. --- BGM: Digital DestinyERROR: Crpytosleep Registry data corrupted. Unknown number of specimens registered under TSE Executive Order 3322 "Pickle Jar".
>>> Execute visual inspection of Cryptosleep Storage Wards.
ERROR: Observation devices in Cryptosleep Storage Wards 6 through 9 inoperable. Cannot execute visual inspection thereof. Executing visual inspection of remaining Wards. Standby.
CONCLUSION: Visual inspection indicates 0 specimens in stasis in Wards 1 through 5, and 10. All visible specimens and personnel are expired.
WARNING: High energy output detected on Deck D-2, Sections 22 through 27. Heat and multiple kinetic sources confirmed.
>>> Execute scans and visual inspection.
CONCLUSION: Number of intrusive forces has increased by 40 individuals. Intrusive reinforcements clad in powered combat armour, aberrant configuration.
>>> Reason for aberrance?
STATEMENT: Intrusive PCA units exhibit signs of design hybridisation, primarily alien, with traces of improvements based on TSE nanofabricators.
>>> Identify lead unit.
CONJECTURE: Potential lead unit selected via determining ratio of inbound-outbound transmissions and overall transmission length.
>>> Establish contact.
ERROR: Potential lead unit utilises encrypted radio frequencies at Tech Tier-K0. Compensation will require approx 30 minutes to establish.
>>> Maintain observation of intrusion force. Transmit renewed verbal stimulus to primary electronic intruder.
<<<QRY: Who are you?>>>1254/4914/8438 Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Sept 24, 2020 0:21:25 GMT -8
After the buzz of action, everyone was back on guard – thankfully, Spade 2 wasn’t heavily wounded, but they might have to consider one less gun on their side for this operation… not that they were particularly in need of more guns, thanks to the presence of Alpha First. As the recon drone was dispatched, the tenseness in the room began to ease just a little; though there was no shortage of gun barrels steadied on every angle.
Cerola’s question made the Spade squad’s designated field medic jolt with surprise – if it weren’t for that armour and armoured mask, her reaction might have seemed cute. “A-Ah, a hybrid would make the most sense, but it doesn’t look like anything modern. It’s possible that it’s a really early generation with something, unlike the Saiyan hybrids you’d see nowadays; or it’s with a humanoid race I don’t know. I think it’d be more starkly different if it was a Demon Clan, but there have been some cases where their racial traits are highly recessive in nature…” blathered the girl, checking over the body incessantly in search of any more clues – “I’d like to say the somewhat yellowed skin here is of note, but if it’s been indoors for a long time it might just be natural, or an illness.”
In the meantime, Maxine had done her own meagre investigation; tracking the motions the rogue simian had taken. She barely gave her injured squadmate a glance – her team clearly considered her cold, but in her line of thinking it was unnecessarily to make a fuss of the wound when it had already been assessed by their medic. ”On a more tactical note, I believe these contacts have been moving through the inside of the walls – there’s a gash through the metal where that beam fired. Though, I doubt there’s ventilation of that capacity for a hallway like this. Perhaps something to hold electronics… but, that would leave the question of where the original electronics has ended up, if it was hollowed out by something.” In spite of her usual stoic demeanour, that particular musing had clearly put the android ill-at-ease. Maybe it was insecurity about the mission, but more likely it was concern about the relic they were in… or, maybe some sense of synthetic sympathy or disgust at the thought of having her own wiring emptied in such a fashion.
Thankfully, Spade 2 was able to talk, and would be easy to pick up – particularly with a pair of miniguns at his side. Maxine merely acknowledged her superior’s order with a nod towards the member in question. ”Spade-2, you are dismissed.” Other matters were on her mind, unsurprisingly. ”Understood, Fenrir Leader. My squad may be comparatively inexperienced, but the lighter equipment load of our members may prove useful if it can help us avoid any unnecessary breaching.” With that, the android would slink away, to Fenrir 2-4’s side – after all, if she had the navigational data, she ought to be helping whoever was doing the scouting.
Through the recon drone’s feed that had been linked up to 2-4’s comrades, it was clear to see that their target had moved quickly – even if it was moving through a parallel shaft like Maxine had theorised, it wasn’t even audible. As it floated along near-silently, it would pick up no movement… however, the rest of Spade squad and even a few Dragoons were entranced by it for other reasons. The interior of the ship was a wonder, after all; a sort of technology most of the organisation would have only seen offshoots from, if anything at all. ”On the next left, there’s a large room – I would guess a service elevator, since we are close to the roof. Or, perhaps a barracks? Or… err…” Of course, it was all alien to the android, but thankfully ISLET had always been a practical group. <<Doctor, could you open the door I’m marking? Or is it –>>
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<<Done; already done! Keep moving!>> snapped Delrouval hastily, barely distracted from her central focus to force the command through the ship’s interface – she kind of had bigger problems right now! Like, really big! She had to… make time, just buy time. S-Surely even age-old Tuffle space magic wasn’t going to be able to get back at her from here! Eh, at worst, a virus… no, that was pretty bad, but still! S-She had to look on the bright side. For now… she could at least pilfer what she could!
If this stupid machine would just shut up and let her.
Clearly someone had cursed her to talk to AI all day today – first the android, now this. What was she supposed to expect from some old ISLET server bank? Maybe it was just coded this way to bluff people. But, whatever! Maybe she could turn this around, and pinch superuser access, or even just basic access. Let’s see…
>>> sudo –i
Invalid. Okay, expecting ISLET to forget to program an admin password was… a bit unreasonable. Maybe her memory would serve her? What was the first pass she could remember?
>>> sudo –i sicgorgiamusallossubjectatosnunc
Nothing. Probably shouldn’t have expected the old workaround she used in her cadet days to work, but it was the earliest system she knew. How about – the emergency password? Maybe they’d kept it around that long?
>>> sudo –i 0000FF0000A0ADD8E6
Still no good… erk. No doubt the system would kick her out if she tried too much. But, if there was an AI… either it’d assume she was a spy and kill her connection (or worse), or it’d pry further. It was a gamble! And, honestly, the good doctor did love a gamble. Speaking of which, maybe it was retroactive? Maybe it’d recognise her old password? Her admin access had been wiped from ISLET’s actual system long ago, but you never know…
>>> sudo –i quid infantes sumus
Pssh. Worth a shot.
>>> mv artificialintelligence.cor to user/recyclebin >>> mv artificialintelligencedefault.cor to user/recyclebin >>> mkdir admin/whitelist/delrouvaladmin
No luck without superuser access. Oh well. No one could ever say she wasn’t practical!
>>> print "exemption rank islet doctor, r&d sec 7, number 409918. accessing as system technician for regular system log dump"
…admittedly, it was a terrible excuse, but AI weren’t supposed to think about that! A couple of hundred years between checks wouldn’t matter for a machine. It was just another integer!
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As the assembled group were lost in their screens, the door before the drone would slide aside with ease in spite of its age; revealing – ah, indeed, a service elevator, no doubt for cargo or vehicles that any sort of matter transportation wouldn’t be reasonable for. A huge, nearly empty room, and hopefully a way to get lower in the complex… it was hard to imagine stairs in a ship like this. ”R&D informed me earlier that the elevator systems appear to be on the same grid as the doors, so we should be able to use them. The second lowest floor should have the mainframe and control systems, but… that is just a guess, based on the size and positions of the room outlines, as well as Earth’s sense of logistics.”
Not exactly the most confident assessment, but none of Maxine’s comrades could give a better guess when only she had even a barebones map. However, something else would show up on the recon drone’s screen, as it moved forward – that simian’s hair rounded the door for just a moment, and something was thrown down the hall! A small, round – “Grenade – the target must be armed up –” announced 2-4, but… then, nothing. The object pinged off the walls, and fell still. Maybe it was too old to function? What was still functioning, though, were the grenade countermeasures in the hall; as a thick foam was sprayed down and filled the hall. It appeared to harden in seconds, no doubt to cushion the explosion, but with no explosion… it was just an implacable barrier. Hopefully a lot weaker than steel, but… “If it’s not just using the systems, then that thing definitely knows them well… what a pain. That puts that drone on ice for now, though.”
Glancing at the assembled troops, Maxine frowned. <Eleven, can you give me a direct connection to that feed? You and the troops should focus on your field trip, I’ll see if I can scope anything extra out of it with my sensors.> The android wasn’t impressed by Two’s offer – she preferred to keep the extra AI out of the Dragoons’ business – but, she had a point. She put it through as requested, albeit through her own connection… she didn’t really want to introduce her mouthy comrade to her CO right now. <There’s sound from the other side – too bassy and rhythmic. The elevator’s probably moving. Not much you can do right now, though.>
”Fenrir Leader, I would suggest we move forward for now. From the elevator, we can at least consider a staging point, or make more sense of my outline; and allow us to split up and cover ground properly. Hopefully R&D will have more answers about security before then…” suggested the android, albeit sounding a lot less determined now – while her mission was on her mind, she really didn’t like how slow this was getting. Chasing a monkey around a giant complex could only be a headache. ”The audio on the connection suggests the elevator is functioning now, though I cannot be sure without visuals.”
<<Spade, Fenrir; this is Doctor Delrouval – I’m taking your priority channel for a reason. Something’s coming up, and it’s big. It’s on the security grid, but I can’t identify it just based on its ports. You might finally get something to shoot at, after all; but be sure to bring me back everything in one piece!>>
Well, at least she wasn’t trying to get the Spades killed anymore. Publicly, anyway.
[2585/6109]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 2, 2021 7:40:30 GMT -8
"Very curious traits," Azure stated matter of factly. ”Hopefully the autopsy can tell us more about what they are. But as for who, we’ll need his friend… or friends.” Colonel Azure, of course, would not know what to make of a yellow colouration of the skin. As such, it would only make sense that her response would be minimalistic, if enough to give a point of direction. General Cerola, however, had already put two and two together, with just that small detail, in combination with the sudden laser attack. It wasn’t that Saiyans weren’t gifted in the arts of combat. If anything, they had a frightening instinct to adapt to tactics. As if they were built specifically to fight. Ambushes were nothing new. No, what made the difference between these Saiyans and the majority of the ones they fought during the war was that these had Tuffle genes. She could still remember that same shade of slight yellow on the elders of her village, the older members of the military brass… and of course her superiors’ holographic visages during their brief times in contact. Even if these genes weren’t enough for them to bypass the biolock on the ABS turrets, there was no reason to assume that they didn’t simply cannibalise the turrets and build their own. And with that horrendous gash in the walls Maxine had pointed out, there was no shortage of electronic components to make such a thing happen. This was unacceptable. Not in their new home. ”We’ll have to take extra precautions, then. The enemy has the home field advantage in topography and maneuver, as well as the seeming ability to operate the defences.” She would’ve said more, but the Tuffles in this unit should’ve understood the implications, especially after she discreetly sent them audio of Spade-4’s note on the skin tone. Spade Leader took her place with Fenrir 2-4 and the recon drone. Fenrir-2 advanced, with 2-1 taking point, and they made their way down the hall toward a leftward corner. Unsurprisingly, quite a few of them were patched into the drone’s feed, intently watching. Most of the Tuffles within the Dragoons were Earthborn. Raised in next-generation bunkers, or hidden in plain sight within human settlements in order to better learn Earth culture for infiltration purposes. Most of those bunkers made use of more conventional earth-based infrastructure and materials, with the pre-Earth material either being restricted to original bunkers still in working condition, or funneled to top priority facilities, Command Centre ISLET being the greatest recipient. These halls, built with the same material as Command Centre ISLET itself, but more pristine and assembled through far more precise machinery, studded with mysterious devices, were surely to them, something of a small marvel. To Cerola, they truly were a reminder of home. Only her helmet and continuously steely voice kept the others from seeing the tear flowing down her face as they made their way to the corner. A quick exchange with the doctor led to a quick hijacking of the systems to open the door, revealing what was indeed a service elevator to the drone - and to anyone on the feed. Maxine reported in again. ”That does sound sensible.” And from what she remembered, not too far off from the correct logistical assumptions either. Most would assume the CIC to be in the nose compartment, but on what was essentially a warship, that was suicide. No, the CIC was buried deep within the most heavily armoured portion of the ship, safe from all but the worst fire. ”Prepare to secure the elevator. And keep an eye out for our friend.”IntensityNo sooner did she say this that 2-4 reported another quick ambush by the hybrid, who had hurled a grenade down the hall before disappearing again. At his announcement, some titanium boots shifted backward instinctively. But not their commander. Her retreat was methodical, each step counted, and she had good reason why. ”Fall back to the corner! Make sure the past hall is in your direct sight before you stop!” Titanium boots, previously uncertain, immediately sprang to follow their leader’s precise instructions. It was an old Type-2. Probably still functional if you knew what you were doing. But if you didn’t, then it was moot. Especially since they were rated for two centuries, not eight, and certainly not 250... It didn’t use a pin mechanism, but it would normally transmit a warning to any nearby scouters, in addition to a blinking light. Neither had gone off. That didn’t mean he couldn’t have jury rigged it to remove the safeties and get it to work again, but there was another alternative reason for throwing a dud grenade in these halls. Which was why she was specific about her retreat command. Sure enough, another facet of the ABS, the grenade countermeasures, sprung to life and blasted the dud with foam. The mass quickly expanded and hardened, stopping just before the corner. Anyone who would have been out of sight of the previous hallway would have certainly gotten caught in that foam. 2-4 grumbled, further highlighting their enemy’s intelligence. Maxine made another astute suggestion. Just what she was thinking, really. If memory serves, this service elevator was one of a few that had access to most of the decks. It would make it much easier to split up… and to find a terminal where she could use her own updated credentials. Cerola didn’t like leaving the chase of these monkeys to her subordinates, but delegation was a necessary part of command. And in this case, getting the ship back under their control as soon as possible was sure to make the capture even easier. ”Duly acknowledged, Spade Leader. I agree with this suggested course of action. 2-1. Pop some torches. We’ll cut through this gunk.”2-1 acknowledged and relayed the order down the line. 2-5 and 2-6 got to work, tossing capsules from their belts and preparing to cut through with the resulting plasma torches. From her recollection, it shouldn’t have been too tough, enough to suppress the sort of explosion you would get from a Type-2. Small as one would expect of a grenade, but compared to Earthling weapons, surprisingly destructive. The payload was equivalent to about a kilogram or two of TNT - not something you could fit in Earth grenades - and mainly used to kill with the overpressure from detonations and clear out bunkers. Deadly in close quarters. And in a pinch, you could use them to damage a building if you knew what you were doing. Not long afterward, however, Maxine noted that the elevator sounded like it was moving. Before the colonel could even say something about that, the doctor finally made her voice public, apparently breaking her earlier policy of restricting communication to the android leader of Spade. She not only confirmed Maxine’s suspicions. She warned them to prepare for the worse. And even worse, she wanted it intact… Well, it wasn’t like they weren’t trying to do that with the hybrid already, so this was just more of the same. But things were just getting more complicated. Cerola of course shared the same sentiments. If they could capture whatever this was intact, then that was another asset they could study… But the question was whether it was machine, or monster… Might as well prep for both. <<Fenrir 2-1. Arm EMP charges and switch to AP rounds. Fenrir-1. Move up front with Fenrir-2 and arm your flashbangs. Switch to piezoelectric rounds. You heard the Doctor. We’ve got a big surprise heading our way. If it’s a machine, we’ll switch it off. If it’s a beast, we’ll put it to bed. Spade Leader, take cover.>> Positions were taken and titanium boots marched around as needed. 2-4 moved to the back with the Spades, big gun at the ready. He still had the drone. In which case he was basically in with the Spades until otherwise stated. EMPs were crude, in the sense that they fried electronics. Irreparable damage, especially here on Earth. That was why the TAS developed more sophisticated ways to deal with potentially rogue machines. That being said, despite being crude, they were still effective on occasion. Standard TAS circuitry was made of materials that were highly EMP-resistant by nature. They weren’t fully impervious, and could be taken down with enough pulses. But even in that case, they would never fry from an EMP, merely have their functions interrupted for a time. A few hours, perhaps, enough to open them up and fix whatever went wrong, before they started running again. Useful thing to remember. AP rounds were a last resort, in case it needed to be mission killed to some component that allowed it to move. Yes, there was a risk of destroying its CPU, but she would rather have a scrap hunk than have unnecessary casualties. After all, if the Fabricators were still functional… maybe they could use them to build a replacement for whatever this was. And if it was alive, enough electric shocks from the piezo rounds should do the trick… Hopefully, it was tough enough to just fall asleep. These were technically less-lethal, after all. Cerola hefted her own minigun, using what little time they had to replace the drum mag with a fresh AP mag from a capsule. It might have been her imagination… or maybe the drone feed… but either way, she could have sworn she heard that elevator coming up too… <<Dragoons, prepare to roar..>>--- BGM: Digital DestinyWARNING: Primary electronic intruder has made repeated attempts to access superuser privileges. Attempts logged and denied.
>>> Return summary of attempts.
QUERY RETURN: Attempt 1: Unprotected command. Attempt 2: Outdated admin password, “sicgorgiamusallossubjectatosnunc”. Attempt 3: Outdated emergency password, “0000FF0000A0ADD8E6”. Attempt 4: Outdated personal admin password “quid infantes sumus” End of line.
>>> Further activity?
STATEMENT: Primary electronic intruder has attempted two failed superuser actions. 1: Delete AI core data files 2: Whitelist username “delrouvaladmin”
UPDATE: Primary electronic intruder has printed string, “exemption rank islet doctor, r&d sec 7, number 409918. accessing as system technician for regular system log dump”.
HEURISTIC INTERPRETATION: Primary electronic intruder has self-identified as Islet Doctor, R&D Section 7, ID num 409918 [username: delrouvaladmin | profilename: Daiqiri Delrouval] and claims attempts to access are for system maintenance purposes.
>>> Execute direct connection to Primary electronic intruder’s data line. Optimise for auditory transmission.
UPDATE: Direct connection established to primary electronic intruder’s data line. Lines optimised for auditory transmission.The speakers within the doctor’s cell sprang to life, separate from whatever comm set she was using to keep tabs on her contacts. They were apparently hacked, as one couldn’t otherwise explain the voice that came through. It was subtly distorted, not the kind one might find from poor fidelity on a transmission. But rather.. One might imagine, just the slight flaws in an almost-perfect synthesiser. Despite this, however, it did a very good job of sounding like a distinguished gentleman of noble upbringing and a certain age of veterancy. <<<Pardon the intrusion onto your system, Doctor… Delrouval, was it? But don’t you think it a mite condescending to attempt to spoof the supervising intelligence with an excuse that you wish to perform a system dump that is 824 years overdue?>>>It was quite the introduction. Perhaps that was why it gave her ample time to respond before continuing. <<It isn’t that I doubt your credentials without good reason, but it appears you and your friends are making this rather more complicated than it has to be. All I require are the verifiable credentials of someone of appropriate authority listed on the local copy of the CONTINENT database. Unfortunately, even if yours are authentic, they are insufficient. Perhaps you can explain why such credentials are lacking?>>
WARNING: Unauthorised activation of Service Lift 02. Object of significant mass detected in transit.
>>> Execute visual inspection of Service Lift 02.
ERROR: Cameras to Service Lift 02 offline.
>>> Inspect Cargo Bay 02 for out of place vehicles.
ERROR: Cameras in Cargo Bay 02 offline.
>>> Execute Heuristic on potential solution.
UPDATE: Initiating Heuristic solution. Standby…<<I assume you already know that something big is coming up the elevator? I don’t like it either. I hope your friends are ready for a rude awakening.>>2113/7027/13136 Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Jul 3, 2021 4:12:18 GMT -8
Fortunately, the protective – or rather obstructive, this time around – foam was not an arduous duty, though it took a little longer than anticipated… for that grenade had not even gone off. A well-used dud was revealed; missing the pin and matching all the right chemical signature, but certainly lacking any blast radius. Obnoxious, but fortunately not dangerous. Spade 4 carefully investigated it, and encapsulated it just in case of any future problems; leaving the Fenrir heavies to comfortably take point. Following Cerola’s swift orders in response to the Doctor’s – questionable, at best, intelligence, the lighter armoured Spades slipped back around the corner; though Maxine lingered around the edge. This was like being in a lucid dream; a world of unfamiliar alloys and incompatible technology. Certainly, this world had many things she did not understand, and many technologies she may never have encountered; but this was all… alien, to put it in blunt terms. Capsule Corp didn’t do work like this; nor Pilaf. And, this was merely scraping the surface of this compound. She would not pry, of course; she was a professional – but, she’d awfully like to. Eh, but… she shouldn’t get ahead of herself. She hadn’t even played with a minigun yet. The door ahead had closed automatically since the drone had gone under – most likely part of the ABS precautions. But, fortunately, it was still entirely unlocked. As its motion sensors ticked over, eased into use by Delrouval’s earlier work, the sizable steel door would slide aside… and, right on time, as an immense thud resounded, as the huge cargo elevator also slid into place. There was no quake – it was all too well reinforced and smooth. But… it felt like there should have been, judging by the immense beast it had been burdened with. The bipedal machine had never been an elegant creation. Once titled the ‘workhorse of CONTINENT’, the GANDER-II was originally a construction vehicle, but – in more desperate times, it’d been outfitted with sensory equipment or light artillery for military use. It’d long since been mothballed for favour of nanomaterial construction methods, but sometimes shipyards would find a use for it. Standing at 10 metres tall, it was intimidating, but about even with a Southern Lands’ dinosaur – just replace the scales with a space-age metal exterior. Early space age, and clearly patched over many times now, but space-age nonetheless. One its left side, a radome plate; at its top, a swivelling head-like frame – originally meant for a cockpit or sensory unit, but in this case mounting a pair of slim machine guns. And, at its centre, a pressurised liquid cutting beam, for salvage work. Big, certainly, but on even footing with ISLET’s new look. The 8 metre-long multi-lensed laser cannon attached on its right hardpoint, however, was considerably less welcome, and decidedly not ‘light artillery’ of its age. It wasn’t made for war, but for mining – however, in the absence of an asteroid belt to work on, turning any Earth metal into slag would have to do. The weapon was clearly unwieldy, and perhaps even an improvised addition; but ‘unwieldy’ did not mean ‘not able to turn most infantry into a singe mark on the floor’. And, judging by the fact that it was moving, and the little AI-control indication light above its centre, it was most likely not here to assist. Or at least, not assist anyone labelled as an ‘intruder’ of any kind. ”…Doctor, what – w-what is that, exactly? I-I apologise – Spade Actual, R&D – what can you tell us about the – c-current target?
…Doctor?” ------------------------------- To say the least, Delrouval was – occupied. It’d been a while since her rig had been hijacked, and this time it didn’t seem to be a prank. At first, she didn’t even act; just fuming for a moment. But, it’d only be a moment before she started hammering on her keyboard; eyes and hands bouncing between her other input devices – alas, it was for naught. She wasn’t exactly allowed to play with the Blue Dragoons’ actual electronics, and so there was a little she could do about this particular hacking attempt. Well, besides turning off her only personal external speaker, but… she’d rather keep that idea in her pocket, in case she needed to show her spite. She’d still say silent while the machine – ugh – ‘talked’ to her, not even looking up as she considered her options. But, after it was done babbling, she’d finally throw up her hands in disgust, and spoke up. “Fine! Fine. Unbelievable. I thought I was done with machines like you decades ago, but here we are. Another wannabe Tuffle, right? I hate it when they program garbage like you – machines should stick to being machines, not make assumptions and test hypotheticals and pretend! You’re trash!”But, heaving a sigh after that tirade, the Doctor composed herself. ”If your heuristics are on par with the original gear, and your isomer clock hasn’t been interrupted, then you should be able to surmise that this vessel has been scrapped for some time. My CONTINENT company was dumped here, and I have been promoted outside the system in lieu of any of the original hierarchy’s staff. I can’t update my credentials, and my superiors are dead, so they can’t vouch for me. This is just a tiny, out of date vessel, and we’re lightyears from the Index. I should have absolute emergency authority, far more than enough to salvage this mess. That is why I am taking charge.”“…That being said. The situation has gotten messy. The new hierarchy has found interest in recruiting natives of this planet, and almost all of them have lost sight of our original objectives. Some probably don’t even want to go home! You see, without command, the place just fills with such wretches. So, once you give me super user authority, I order you to avoid giving any hint of our confidential information or security access to anyone else; at least not without my authorisation. I had the old passwords, and managed to get this far, so you can tell I’m a true representative – there’s so many others who can talk the talk, but they’re not to be trusted with our intelligence.”With all that on the table, though, the Doctor would finally roll her eyes, and lean her elbows on the table. “Yes, well, my ‘friends’ say they’re the best on the planet, so they can deal with their own problems. It’s a wonder there’s no Saiyans among them yet. But, that’s not my problem, or my business. If I’m the only one looking out for CONTINENT’s interests, then I may as well be just looking out for myself.” On that note, she outright took off her headset, leaving Maxine to blather to herself; and instead went to grab a can of Pilaf soda – kept ice cold in her metallic thermal chest, of course, alongside the DNA samples she’d been sequencing earlier and the new iron-loaded smectite warheads she’d been tinkering with. “Eh, but… how have the 800 years been for you? Wanna hear any terrible stories about the planet we’re stuck on?”She began to take a sip from the can after she’d nosily popped the top, but stopped before it reached her lips – instead, she reached for a second bottle. ‘Blue Moon Vodka’… she needed a real drink, this time. [1229/9451]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 5, 2021 0:35:46 GMT -8
Much progress had been made on the foam, the centre of the hall having become visible, although the sides were still bathed in the material, still obstructing a couple of metres of hall width on either side. This might prove as useful cover, if the thing coming up the elevator was as dangerous as the doctor insinuated. The surprise revealed itself to be machine, rather than monster. But with the sheer disparity in technology, it might as well have been the latter. Perhaps on the ancient battlefields of Planet Plant, a pair of these repurposed mining mechs dropping in from a passing shuttle would have been a small comfort to a beleaguered squad of troops. With their ungainly movement and transitional flaws rendering them inferior to a purpose-built combat model like the MANGO, the GANDR-II was awkward. But that plating and heavy machinery was built to endure the strip mining of asteroids in a hostile vacuum. Awkward they might have been, they provided brute strength and cover, which would always be valuable to those who needed them, even against Saiyans. Unfortunately, that brute strength and reinforced hide meant that the rifle-calibre AP rounds in their miniguns wouldn’t be worth much. A threat they might have been to light vehicles, aircraft, and perhaps even some older tank models. But such a gap in technology between even aged space mining equipment and Earth’s own machines meant that the former would come out on top. If nothing else, the nanite paint would prove marginally useful against the lighter weapons, with its armour hardening and increased agility. But the mining laser and waterjet were the game breakers here. The former would easily reduce them to ash if given the chance to fire - and in close quarters that was almost a certainty. The latter would cut through their armour like paper if they got too close. It was mainly used as a close-in defence system after all. ”2-1! EMP and Focus fire on the radome! Blind it! Fenrir-1! Arm EMP charges and switch to AT! Everybody keep your distance and find cover. And whatever you do, stay away from that big gun to its right!”Multiple engines spun to life as the guns roared, empty casings dropping to the floor in a cascade of gilding metal. Full-powered rifle calibre AP rounds streaked in the general direction of the radome, although miniguns being what they were, there was no doubt that they would blanket the front of the machine as well. Titanium boots marched to its left, getting behind a flimsy wall of foam. Others got behind the corner. Anything to give that big gun a wide berth. Cover fire established, 2-1 uncliped the armed EMP charge from his belt, hit the actuator and hurled it at the machine monster. ”Pulse out!” The grenade landed between its feet and rolled slightly, warning light blinking three times before a burst of white energy surged from within and engulfed the entire width and height of the hallway. Cerola herself threw an armed EMP as a follow up before moving behind the foam wall and setting her gun aside to procure a missile launcher from the nearest capsule. The superior nature of the alloys behind this vessel and its machinery would be a great boon. But for now, it was a serious disadvantage. No. It was a threat. The consolation, at least, was that they didn’t carry anything that could truly damage the ship. It was only a matter of getting to a functional terminal and input her credentials. --- BGM: Digital DestinyWARNING: High energy output detected on Deck-2, Section 29: Service Lift 02 Access Hall. Multiple kinetic sources confirmed. Multiple EMP sources pending.
>>> Execute inspection of afflicted section.
CONCLUSION: Intrusive PCA units engaged with GANDR-II unit RG-1573-12. Attempting remote command access…
WARNING: Unable to establish RCA connection. RG-1573-12 remains independent.
>>> Locate all accessible and functional security units.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Searching...The line remained quiet but open, as the doctor first spouted her frustration at the voice’s perceived attitude. Ah, if only there were an opportunity to sit down to a cup of tea and perhaps dig into this sort of psyche to understand its anger over what was arguably an achievement in replicating memories. <<I find your fondness for engaging heartily with intelligences of a synthetic origin to be quite encouraging, Doctor. I believe we will get along just swimmingly.>>Whether or not this was sarcasm was up to interpretation, as the tone could easily be misconstrued as one that did not fully grasp the tirade that she had just been through. The doctor would go on about the situation the ship, she, and her comrades, were woefully in. How could one ascertain the veracity of her claims that rather conveniently, made her the only person with the highest rank here on this planet? <<I see. Your situation does sound like a dire one, Doctor. I can certainly assist you in getting back offworld. My diagnostics report with 99.98573% confidence that the Fold Intrusion Engine, though damaged during planetfall, can be repaired with a number of basic Class-C materials. And given your claimed advancements having far exceeded the standards of the Index, then it should be a simple matter to facilitate repairs. Although if you have higher priorities than evacuation, then I will do my best to provide you with this vessel’s capable support.>>In the background, a different discussion continued. UPDATE: 7 Functional RA-151 Autonomous Combat Suits identified in Hangar 03 [Callsign: Guardian-06 through -12] . Remote access capability confirmed at 98% fidelity. Initiate activation protocols?
>>> Activate Guardian-06 and engage performance diagnostic.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Initiating activation protocols for Guardian-06. Approximate time to complete activation and performance diagnostic: 7 minutes.The doctor clarified the situation regarding those Intrusive PCA Units. Which was to say, they were deemed rather expendable. Indeed, their equipment was a far cry from war-era gear, and perhaps a result of their having been stranded here. More investigation would have to be done for now, before a final conclusion could be reached. Which was to say, they would have to be kept alive, at least until this situation could be resolved. Of course, there were other ways to go through such a thing. Brute forcing the doctor’s files might have been possible, but that would be a breach of the currently established trust. No, there would have to be other means to get to the bottom of this question. She seemed to simmer down into small talk, it seemed. Which was just fine… <<We have kept many systems offline to conserve power. Although the reactor continues to operate in top shape, as you might have noticed, we aren’t sparing maintenance drones for non-priority components and sections. Consequently, we have had to deal with attempted infiltrations, and in the past year or so, a small... infestation. One where I believe your associates would be qualified to assist in the eradication thereof.
Please, do tell me about the conditions of this planet. This synthetic glacier has blinded even our most powerful sensors. Just one of a number of experiments gone awry from a catastrophic incident recorded within the logs.>>Yes… for now, there would be communication, even as there was further investigation. If not through brute force, then through discussion, and dissection of logic and motive. [1224/8251/15589] Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Jul 6, 2021 0:35:08 GMT -8
Fortunately, the first greeting Fenrir was given was not the machine guns opening fire as soon as the chance presented itself – on closer inspection, it appeared they weren’t very well supplied, so its belts probably wouldn’t compare to the ammo drums of the team’s miniguns. Less fortunately, though, was the sound of high-pitched mechanical clicking as the mining laser’s lenses slid into new positions. It had never been an elegant solution, but it was the simplest way to account for range and intensity – and that was good for an AI. As the troops opened fire, it seemed non-plussed; but as they move it seemed to struggle as it attempted to reset the lenses and then calibrate once again.
But that wasn’t much of a relief, as the machine slowly began to step forward. Weighed down by its armament and the wave of fire, it was sluggish – but, so far, the rain of AP rounds weren’t giving it much cause for concern. Its radome was clearly taking damage, with the outer structure being punctured by many shots; but it was difficult to tell if it was being affected by the abuse. The reason why would soon be quite clear – those machine guns roared to life, and opened fire… but, much like the miniguns opposing it, the twin firearms cared little for precision. It was suppressing fire, and with just a straight hall to aim down, there was no shortage of targets. For now, they aimed at the left flank of the foam opening, bearing down on the armoured Dragoons – and Cerola.
The machine gun fire wasn’t as sophisticated as the rest of the ship, though, and perhaps not even as much as the GANDER-II itself – which was saying something. They were repurposed point-defence guns, so even against ISLET’s power armour they didn’t pose significant threat. What did provide a significant threat was that close-in water cutter that was approaching. As the EMP charge blinked beneath its feet, the pressure system finally began to audibly rev up. With a gentle hiss, it opened to fire – only for the white wave to blind anyone from what came next.
The cutter did start up, and the guns were still firing – the EMP clearly hadn’t fully penetrated. But, their aims were abominable – the radome had been exposed, even if its other circuits hadn’t. The cutter was far too high to do anything but nearly slice through the top of the foam seal, and the machine guns remained trained a little too high – an AI’s mechanical precision was proving to be a fault here, too, as they made more of a stationary beam of bullets than a suppressing spray now. The Dragoons had an opportunity for a counter-attack, but the danger had not passed. Without it constantly recalibrating, the laser cannon was finally getting into position…
In the meantime, Maxine had finally gotten herself off of the ground – it had not been the first time she’d been hit by an EMP, and her system did have countermeasures; but they were more along the lines of ‘turn it on and off again really quickly’ rather than anything dignified. She ushered Spade 4 away hastily. ”I appreciate your diligence – but, I don’t need medical attention.” While she’d been just following orders and keeping her head down with her team, she was starting to reconsider from how frantic things were sounding. Slinking around the Fenrir company Dragoons that had also taken cover around the corner, the android briefly surveyed the situation. Fortunately, she wasn’t immediately pulled back to cover – being an expendable robot had its advantages.
Well – she wasn’t about to take on that without a lot of specialty equipment. But, Maxine knew that clicking, and the partially exposed laser cannon explained it quickly. She glanced at her allies and their aims. The radome was the best priority. But there were other options. Or not – their calibre was ridiculous! So cool… ah, best not to ogle right now! The point was – those rounds were just too bulky for this job. Instead, she drew her comparatively tiny revolver. She’d never penetrate a single part of the machine’s casing with her beloved sidearm… but she might just be able to break a piece of reinforced glass.
<<Spade Actual, Fenrir Actual – the laser system uses a series of lenses. It appears only the first is reinforced. Once its weapons are preoccupied, any fragmentation or smaller firearm may be able to disable the cannon, if it doesn’t have many redundancies. My team’s lighter weapons might – oh!>>
She had not been expecting the missile launcher.
-------------------------------
Delrouval had zero patience or interest in addressing the question of artificial sarcasm – though, she did internally curse anyone who considered designing such a thing. But, there was business on the table, and a lot more half-truths that needed to be weaved. The right mix of humility and honesty, with enough holes for questions but not for answers. It wasn’t her area of expertise! But she knew it was even less likely to be a machine’s area of expertise.
“Your numbers are promising, if they are in fact accurate. My few peers have their own motives, so expected to be haunting about for a while longer before anyone actually puts their mind to getting back into contact with the Index. Fortunately, this isn’t a bad testing ground for practical skills… but even then, I’d rather not waste so much time. Just don’t forget those administrator privileges only belong to those the Index can trust, and I’m certain you’ll prove to be of some use…!”
Now totally and perhaps thankfully ignorant of her comrades endeavour, the troublesome Tuffle focussed her attention back on mixing her drink – she definitely went a bit heavy on the vodka, but it was a special occasion. “Infestation? I’ll take a wild guess that it’s what my subordinate are whining about. CONTINENT elites, relegated to pest control duty… it’s so obnoxious, I don’t think I even mind!” chirped the lady, before taking an undignified gulp of her generous glass – “If they’re good at anything, though, it’s killing things; so it’s for the best. At least it gives me time to do the important work like this. But, expect one of those military wannabes to try and give you orders as soon as they have the place on lock.”
The Doctor took another slug of alcohol, as if the next subject really needed it. “Oh, sure, sure! The snow is the best part, honestly. No, this planet’s crawling with weirdoes – and, if that’s bad enough, with Saiyans, too! It’s a class four or so civilisation, but it’s totally stagnating. All bickering and cold war; the usual class four issues when progress gets sidetracked. Plus, a bunch of the races have taken after the Saiyans and use all kinds of strange physiological abilities in place of technology, so most research is just for conveniences and economy rather than military or philosophy. They even have so-called ‘magic’! I can’t trace it down to the right molecules just yet, but I’m sure it’s no more than conveniently wrapped ki processes or hormone-driven particle manipulation.”
[1191/10642]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 6, 2021 8:33:30 GMT -8
Fire and maneuver was the key to modern combat against a technologically symmetrical enemy. On Earth, that was very much the case. But as part of the TAS’s combat doctrine against the Cold Force, such a luxury didn’t exist. How could you hope to oppose an enemy that depopulated planets with ease? That was why they built all these weapons… this armour. The War for Planet Plant was its first true test, and in the end, it failed. Perhaps they didn’t have enough time to create even better weapons. Perhaps there was some flaw in their doctrines of how to approach the enemy. But their decision to focus on overwhelming force and lightning speed, without regard for such luxuries as Sapient Rights, was a matter of survival. Which could probably explain why such an ancient and outdated machine by TAS standards was proving to be a high risk threat at this very moment. Machine gun rounds rained down on Fenrir-2 and -1. And it was here that the design bared its desperate nature. Lack of ammunition aside, these point-defence guns weren’t showed their age. Chemical propellant, possibly even gas-operated. Full-powered rifle calibre, much like the Dragoons’ miniguns. Possibly even AP. But the Golden Guard built their suits with the intention of defeating AP… and ISLET’s nanomachine paint put them above even that. Were it not for the other weapon systems on this machine, the comedians in the platoon might have been laughing. Which occasionally happened whenever they fought the average enemy force that wasn’t enhanced with ki or truly heavy weapons. Right now, though, this was an annoyance and potential distraction from the true threat. The machine stepped closer, guns continuing to bear down on them. The EMP’s went off just as the waterjet cutter spun to life - and seemed to work. Not completely, as the GANDR remained functional. But given the exposure of the radome’s electronics, and the fact that the cutter was cutting through the foam high above their heads, and the hell that was wrought on the machine guns’ tracking… they had worked enough. That big gun still proved to be a problem, however. The kind that should be dealt with by Fenrir-1’s switching to AT weapons. They carried a variety. Normally, it would have been the crew-served railguns or 2.5 megawatt anti-tank lasers, both coming into vogue with the most advanced Earthling militaries. But for the particular limitations of this mission, those had been left out for older, if still reliable arms, like missile launchers, autocannons, and rotary cannons. Unwieldly in these tight quarters, but just slightly less effective. Fenrir-1 was still getting into position, however, save for Cerola herself, who had joined Fenrir-2 at the point. All she needed was a precious few seconds to put away her minigun and pull out the missile launcher. A number of FPS games and RPGs made it seem like switching between heavy weapons like a minigun and missile launcher were a snap. A second to animate putting one weapon away, and another to draw the new one. In ancient times, this was as impossible as the concept of a single soldier carrying a complete big gun assembly by themselves in addition to their other weapons. In more recent centuries, advances in power armour and the ubiquitous capsule technology made this a bit more feasible. But it was still nowhere near as fast as the games portrayed. Maxine chimed in, and provided a particular observation. The same one running through her own head right now. That was good. She was displaying clear tactical thinking while under the pressure of fire. Cerola was no expert on machines, but this one was definitely doing well. Not exactly the same, as she was working with more limited information. But judging by how she almost gasped at the sight of her CO’s capsule-fresh missile launcher, she had quickly caught up to Cerola’s complete train of thought. This would have to go as an additional commendation on her personal evaluation after this was over. <<Acknowledged, Spade Actual. My thoughts exactly. Fenrir-2! Cross over and maintain fire! Keep the pressure on that radome, and that laser cannon on its toes!>>The point squad began to move again, crossing the hall to the other foamy side as fast as their titanium boots could take them. That was all the time she needed to load a tandem missile into the launcher, laser in on the intended weak point, and fired. Exhaust gas blew out of the launch tube’s rear and the AT missile rocketed forth. If this failed, they would at least have some time to reposition. And hopefully by then, the rest of Fenrir-1 had finished rearming themselves. --- BGM: Digital DestinyUPDATE: Intrusive PCA units reclassified as Unidentified CONTINENT Expeditionary Team.
WARNING: High energy output detected on Deck-2, Section 29: Service Lift 02 Access Hall. Sources confirmed: Multiple kinetic sources. High-pressure liquid jet. High explosive detonation. Damage report: negative.
>>> Execute inspection of afflicted section.
CONCLUSION: Rogue GANDR unit has activated weapon systems. Potential lead UCET unit has deployed high explosive armament. Radio encryption compensation to be completed in approx:19 minutes.
>>> Continue observation of points of interest.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Maintaining observation...The doctor explained that even if the drives were certainly repairable, there would be no leaving the planet just yet. As she claimed, the others in her unit were in no hurry to get back in contact with the rest of CONTINENT. What sort of situation could lead to such a decision? Nevertheless, the vessel would still prove useful. As a testing ground. Did she refer to the planet, or this ship itself? Curious. <<Then this vessel will serve it as best able given the restraints of remaining on-world. Rest assured, Doctor, that access will only be provided to credentials matching the records of the Master Index.>> This was no more than SOP, of course. But it was still curious that she would prefer to have all the access herself… as if she were expecting someone else in this group might qualify? There certainly was a degree of putting down the others aside from herself... <<I suppose pest control would be one way of putting it. As of now, we have at least one Saiyan test subject at large on the vessel, escaped from Cryptosleep. Limitations arising from maintenance issues have prevented us from determining its exact identity, and whether there are more. However, based on its actions, I have reason to suspect that it might be one of the subjects from Project Totoma.>> Now whether she already knew this and was just not making a big deal out of it, or was ignorant of what was meant in this case by ‘infestation’, it would probably depend on how she reacted. That wasn’t to say though that she couldn’t bluff knowing of that. Either way, irrelevant on the grander scale of things. The Doctor wasn’t completely clear on whether the entire planet was of a cold weather biome, or if this current predicament was the least of her worries. Perhaps this had to do with the sounds of liquid she appeared to be generously chugging. Was the stress so great that she decided to start drinking? Or was it more of a celebration that a way offworld had been discovered? So many questions. Regardless, it was not a pretty picture. Class Four Civilisations were on the cusp of achieving great potential and entering the interstellar community. At its peak, the Tuffle Kingdom had made allies and enemies in multiple systems and was a rising power in its sector. Had the war with the Saiyans not erupted, there was no question that they would have pushed on to oppose the Cold Force with precision and forethought. Its Class Four days were far behind. A stagnating Class Four was more a danger to itself than to anybody else out there. Especially if nuclear war was the result. But apparently worse was the prevalence of arcane abilities, ki, and even so-called ‘magic’. Perhaps this might have even been instrumental in the stagnation of technology. After all, if one could fly and punch mountains into pieces, why push aircraft to the limit and develop heavy machinery? This would have to be verified at first opportunity, however... <<This planet indeed sounds to be in dire straits, Doctor. As if the Saiyan infestation weren’t enough, even the indigenous peoples are employing arcane means that stifle the development of technology. I now understand why you consider your stranding here to be a catastrophe. What of this... diluted new hierarchy, though? Why do they prefer to stay?>>[1471/9722/18251] Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Jul 9, 2021 4:04:01 GMT -8
As Cerola brought the heavy ordinance to bear, the situation was changing once more – even with the radome damaged, the AI was beginning to compensate. Was it using alternate sensors, or perhaps reacting to the velocity or sound of gunfire rather than using visuals? It wasn’t clear by its design, but it had stopped flailing and begun to attempt to aim properly again. Its accuracy was still fairly questionable, as if it was trying to keep up with the sources of fire rather than the actual members of Fenrir, but the fact remained that the odds were beginning to even out.
The machine guns were still not much of a threat, but the pressure beam was certainly in range now – and more than that, it was still attempting to advance; trying to hunker down to fit in the hallway like a bear grasping at a rabbit in its burrow. The water cutter flicked across the foam barrier, cutting swathes through it and gradually slicing it into pieces. Some on the right side had to hunker down to try and use it as any kind of effective cover, but fortunately there were no casualties just yet. Any closer and someone might be offering an arm and a leg more literally –
Fortunately, the missile launcher was not quite that unwieldy, and at this range there was definitely no need for a battery pack or any obtrusive IR/UV locking. With a deceptively quiet hiss, it launched – but any drama the launch may have missed was made up for by the impact. The laser cannon was not a great target given its cylindrical shape, but with the way the GANDER-II had shoved it down the hallway… it was not a shot that was going to win any medals, just this once. With a distinctive initial thump of the penetration warhead going off, the surroundings seemed to shudder; but in just half a second the storm came. A shower of sparks, a plume of fire, and a resounding explosion. Ah, just like in the movies.
Even with the clean and compact missile came some smoke, though not a hint of dust was kicked up in these pristine halls – once the air cleared, the damage was clear. All things considered, the laser cannon was in better shape than expected, being mostly intact… but the wrecked and distorted nose of weapon made it clear that it couldn’t possibly refine a laser anymore. It looked like the machine had taken some considerable damage beyond its artillery weapon, though. The radome… didn’t have much of a ‘dome’ left now, between the minigun fire and the fragmentation, and the machine guns were relegated to just clicking. The water pressure cannon, too, had been damaged; a jagged bend at its tip – and it was doubtful a mining machine’s AI was going to be able to learn to compensate for that without a human operator or, if it was one of the heuristic models, a lot of practice and pattern recognition.
The GANDER-II was disarmed. But it was not unarmed. With newfound aggression, it lurched forward, crashing against the remains of the foam barrier in a desperate charge. For all their armour, Fenrir 2-1 and 2-3 were tossed aside from the charge – the foam was made for explosives, not for such physical weight and force. Fortunately, the pair’s armour would save them from any serious injuries, and it was far better than being caught underfoot. The discord, however, was going to be a much bigger issue – the combat situation had dramatically changed.
“Rook!” cried out Spade 4, immediately wheeling around the corner – Fenrir 2-3 had helped her a lot in her early drills. It was an unprofessional display, but – her job was handling injuries! Spade 3 leaned around, but could tell that no amount of fire from their rifles was going to help if miniguns didn’t. ”Stand down, Spades!” called out Maxine, trying to regroup the team – but, she didn’t push any harder. She already had her processors focussed on something else. <Two, activate Spark Liner. The schematics we started with – I need a Gravity Bomb, or something to that effect. My processing power is all yours – get it done, please!>”
The surrogate AI did not respond to her. Instead, the machinery did – the Spark Liner, a small cluster of what appeared to be floating metal plates, came to her hands. It was hasty, but the machines moulded a vague cylinder in her hands using their nanomachine-printing beams. Maxine could feel her focus falling away as so much of her processing was dedicated to the operation – but, this was her best plan right now. Finally with the tool in hand, she launched from the corner and towards the monstrous machine. Frankly, it was no different to a dinosaur at this point.
The GANDER-II was just barely fitting through the hallway; its malformed laser cannon making a screech and shower of sparks as it was ground against the steel walls and roof. Maxine sprinted as best she could in her gear – but getting that close would mean being cut in half by the pressure beam beneath it, even if she dodged the unsteady feet. So instead, she improvised. With a brief shower of arcing electricity, she was gone… a tiny, painful teleport, but enough to get her on the other side of it. Her weapons were still useless, even from the flank – but, the Gravity Bomb would at least save them from a retreat.
The cylinder detonated immediately, being too hastily crafted to be any more complicated than that. It deployed a dome-shaped field tinted with dark blue, a warning of its effects, before Maxine – and the GANDER-II – collapsed under their magnified weight. Maxine could at least handle her own amplified weight to a degree thanks to her android nature, but the GANDER-II… it had barely held itself up in the first place. Barely missing the android’s legs behind it, it collapsed before Fenrir squad with a mighty crash.
<<Spade Actual – estimating, one minute – it won’t last, so –>>
Scraping against the steel before its hunters, the machine looked – pathetic. Was this the fate of CONTINENT’s once majestic technology? The Doctor would not be pleased.
-------------------------------
The Doctor was not pleased. She’d put in too much soda. Again.
“Saiyan test subjects – surprising they lived that long. Awful things. I’d rather be a clone than such an old freak. It’s just not right.” whined the Tuffle, putting her boots up on her desk; “Project Totoma, though. I’ve rather missed hearing those names. Hm, but, being in the frontier of science out here has been a good time. We might not have the budget or staff to make titles and teams for every project, but at least I get results. Better than doing genome processing every day. My talents were wasted, you know?”
Finishing her glass with a frown, Delrvoual’s tone turned more serious as the AI continued to question her. “The hierarchy – yes, it’s a serious concern. I’m not privy to all the details, as they insist on clinging to the old structures even in such a crisis, but from my understanding it’s in the hopes of better understanding the Saiyan culture and capabilities. That, and likely to shore up this planet for any future plans on behalf of CONTINENT. I don’t think it makes much sense… we don’t have the supplies we need to make that happen at our usual pace.”
She’d finally pause with that, looking genuinely pensive. Maybe she’d overdone her cover story here. “Still. The study we’ve managed to get on ki here has been good. Much better samples and more freedom than Aspic ever offered. I don’t like the state of things, but it isn’t a complete waste.”
[1297/11939]
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Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 15, 2021 7:07:57 GMT -8
Cerola gazed upon her handiwork as the smoke cleared. It was by no means a mission kill. The GANDR continued to stand. But the current damage was more than enough to restore some confidence in their odds of overcoming this threat. The jokers hadn't quipped yet, so they were still very much aware of the fact that this wasn't over. But at least the situation had gone from potential panic, to extremely high tension, as the machine's damaged state came to light. It was a near-total firepower kill, with the only remaining threat being the water cutter, now bent at an angle that made it useless outside of melee range. But that was no reason to stop. If anything, they had to maintain this initiative. The general in the guise of a colonel reached for the quiver of AT missiles and began to reload, even as she stepped back. The GANDR was still a threat. But that threat depended on its far more limited reach. <<Fenrir 2, pull back. The only way it's hurting us now is if it ge->> She didn't even finish her order before in seeming anger, the machine lurched forward and crashed into the foam. 2-1 and 2-3 were sent flying, although given their well-padded suits of power armour, they shouldn't have been hurt too badly. At the very least, nobody was crushed. <<Pull back! On the double!>> Those who still could followed orders. 2-2 grabbed her squad leader in the properly trained manner and pulled, making sure not to let any injuries take place. Before 2-5 could do the same for 2-3, Spade 4 broke cohesion and rushed to his aid. Maxine responded with a command to pull back, but she had something else in mind. <<Fenrir 1, where are those AT cannons?>> Cerola stopped right next to 2-3, deciding this was far enough for now. She had to finish reloading her missile launcher, and that was fastest standing still. 1-1's response crackled in. <<We're loading em up, Boss! Ready in ten!>><<Make that five! We don't have ten!>> Already, the beast was machine beast rearing for its next lunge forward. That was when Spade Actual, Maxine, suddenly broke formation and rushed forward. Cerola had been aware she had started fabricating something using her personal nanomachine stockpile, but it wasn't exactly clear what. Well whatever it was, the Android had no doubt calculated that this was the best course of action she could take. Now, it was her CO's turn to figure out her plan and catch up. She loaded the missile into the reusable launch tube and watched carefully. Maxine closed the gap, and just before entering that lethal sweet spot where the water cutter could still fire, the android disappeared. In a blink, she was now behind the machine, mystery device in hand. The device, likely a grenade from its cylindrical shape, detonated, unleashing a dark blue dome upon her and the machine. Both fell to the ground, the GANDR in a decidedly more brutal fashion, crashing just before the commander's feet. Maxine's voice crackled through the frequency, reporting in her estimate of how long this gravitational field would last. In simple terms, not a lot of time. Looking to the downed 2-3, she noted that 2-5 had regained the initiative, and was taking 2-3 behind the corner with Spade 4 accompanying them. Good enough. The machine, were it an animal, would have been groaning in pain. Instead, all it could do was barely keep off the floor, some components scraping against the surface in eardrum-rending fashion. <<Acknowledged, Spade Actual. Excellent work.>> Cerola pulled back all the way to the corner wall. Unfortunately, it didn't take long to dawn on her that Maxine was far too close to the blast radius. Yes, the machine was bulky. But her head was visible just behind its mass. The AT would definitely cause fragmentation... They didn't have long, and she hadn't actually managed to test her full endurance in a truly live fire exercise. Would she survive the blast? For just a moment, she hesitated visibly. Android or not, she was one of the Dragoons. She'd completed the training with flying colours, and was performing admirably in what was arguably this baptism of fire. Outdated commercial model or not, she had assisted them greatly, and was doing so right now. More importantly, she played a crucial role in this mission as navigator. Perhaps were it someone else, she might have been able to fight this obvious sentimentality and take the risk. But the general prided herself on doing everything to keep her men safe. Whatever kind of person they happened to be, and whether or not their survival was mission critical. Of course she had to be decisive! But this missile wasn't the only option. There were others. Options that didn't require getting her head blown off from such a big explosion. <<Fenrir 1, I need that cannon NOW!>>A split second passed by as she waited with bated breath... <<Affirmative, Boss.>> Fenrir 1-1 stepped out from behind the corner, hefting a cannon whose barrel was longer than he was tall. Normally, you would find this on a heavily armed current-generation infantry fighting vehicle, the sort that could actually stand up pretty well against the last generation's main battle tanks. All thanks to this autocannon, which came in a big enough calibre to load up APFSDS rounds. The kind that could defeat MBT armour... especially when fired in enough volume. It was big enough to punch through with enough numbers. But there was virtually no risk of overpenetration. <<59 Mike-Mike Auto is ready to dish out the pain.>>Cerola sighed in a mixture of relief and amusement at that timing. All for half a moment, as the next words out of her mouth rang clear. <<Go for the K-Kill. Focus on the centre of mass. Spade Actual is Danger Close.>>1-1 lined up the machine's bulk in his scouter's sights. That was the best part about these handy machines. Almost everything was online these days, and instantly connected to the correctly paired scouter. <<Solid copy, Boss. Target is in direct LOS. Firing for effect.>> He pulled the trigger, and unleashed a closely grouped five-point burst of AT sabot rounds straight at the machine's centre. If that didn't do it, he was very well cleared to keep firing until it stopped moving. The Doctor would be greatly pissed, but the real prize was the whole airship anyway, right? --- BGM: Digital DestinyWARNING: High energy output detected on Deck-2, Section 29: Service Lift 02 Access Hall. Sources confirmed: Multiple kinetic sources. Focused gravitonic disruption. High intensity kinetic source. Damage report: negative.
>>> Execute inspection of afflicted section.
CONCLUSION: Rogue GANDR unit has been disarmed. UCET network-capable unit has deployed focused gravitonic armament. UCET PCA unit has deployed high intensity kinetic weapon. Radio encryption compensation to be completed in approx:18 minutes.
>>> Continue observation of points of interest.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Maintaining observation...It was rather interesting to note the contrast between speaking so terribly of this planet to invoke desires of evacuation, yet to speak almost fondly of one’s newfound freedom to exercise her talents. There was no doubt that the Doctor was skilled in her field. After all, her race took to intellection and mental activity with the same natural ease and effectiveness that the Saiyans took to combat and physical labour. And so was it not only natural then, that she would relish the opportunity to blaze her own trail in the fields of science, as her own researcher rather than a mere assistant? Perhaps it was one of the few good things that she had going for her while stranded down here. But could there have been something more to it? <<Perhaps, if your associates are able to recontain the breached Totoma subject or subjects, you might consider perusing its development over the centuries?>> What good was keeping this running for all this time, if nobody was going to use it? Even given this persona, the results of the experiments were of no practical use for this vessel. Its purpose was to protect and record. Nothing more, nothing less. At least until someone with the right credentials modified its format… The Doctor then went on to explain her view on the current condition of the hierarchy. She explained that they were still set in their old ways, rigid and immovable. Unwilling to adapt to their present circumstances in their intent to prepare the planet for a future CONTINENT incursion despite their dwindling resources. While the actions may have been accurate, was it true that the supply situation was truly as bad as the Doctor claimed? Was there weakness after all, within the Tuffle mindset of rationality? Fascinating things to ponder. However, more information would have to be gleaned before a proper conclusion could be made. There was, after all, rarely only one side to a discussion. <<I understand your supply situation is challenging. Perhaps then, this vessel can provide what you require to complete your operation, before we depart? If resources are a challenge I have determined a number of functional fabricators in the inventory that might be put to good use.>> It also seemed that they had made quite a bit of progress studying ki. Which only made sense. From what she had mentioned earlier, there was no shortage of anomalous para-natural phenomena and abilities to analyse. Cracking the Saiyan ki code had always been a goal for the TSE. A means to neutralise their strengths, or perhaps even coopt it for themselves. At any rate, the powering up of the Guardian unit was going well… in just a few more minutes, it should be online to serve and assist this expeditionary force. <<I am not intended for scientific research, but if I do possess logs of a number of experiments performed here. Perhaps their results may be of use to your continuing work.>>It wasn’t so much a security risk, as most of the available logs were for low-clearance experiments with potentially useful practical applications. That, and the high-clearance project files were not just sealed, but hidden from anyone who had less than a Planetary Executive’s credentials. Which was to say, Dr. Aspic himself, and a small circle of top level advisory staff that assisted in his administration of the laboratory planet. [1733/11455/23394] Maxine
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