[0] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Ensign. Command: Hercs: 3, Bioderms: 3 [0.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Marcus Burrell's address to new recruits, Mox Taans Herc Base: "...now you belong to me. From the moment you stepped off that shuttle you became the property of Unitech. You think that because you survived the academy that I should be impressed. Here's a hard dose of reality: Unitech does not give a damn about you. All Unitech cares about is the bottom line. Are you making us money, or costing us money? At this moment, these machines you see here are worth more to this Consortium than your lives... it is your job to change this. Ensigns are allowed to own three 'derms and three Hercs. You've been assigned two Hercs linked to two Bioderms. Use your personal Credits however you see fit. You prove to us that you can make Unitech more profitable without blowing yourself up, and maybe we'll let you command more. If you screw up, we'll strand you on a barren moon somewhere with a beacon strapped around your neck guaranteed to attract every Cybrid in the sector. Welcome to the frontier gentlemen." [634] BIODERM ASSIGNMENT Excerpt: Unitech Science Disc Con-Unt75: "Bioderm Generation Guidelines", Dr.T.Daelstrom: "...human physiology simply didn't keep pace with its technology. We created machines and weapons that required super-human reflexes and abilities. What was our solution? To create beings that could be directly bio-linked to the machines..." [634.2] Excerpt from Encyclopedia Galactica, volume 2, Disc 17b: "Protohuman clones were used industrially for centuries to operate heavy equipment in hostile environments. As Bioderm technology improved, it became feasible to use them for military purposes as well. Though Bioderms have limited higher thought processes they can function quite successfully with human supervision and guidance." [2037] Ensign Yar Sibbick: "I think they're setting us up to fail. Look, they only allow us to grow three Bioderms, and the only genetic material we have access to is crap. Look at those protoderm faces. I've seen more intelligence in a parked hovercar... and we're supposed to take these guys on missions? Gimme a break..." [2037.2] HERC ASSIGNMENT Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Herc restriction mandate 01:16:01: Preliminary Commander rank: Ensign: Shadow Remora [2750] Unitech Command Directive: "Ensigns shall be restricted to the Herc types Shadow and Remora. Under no circumstances shall an unproven cadet be entrusted with proprietary technologies." [2750.2] Excerpt from Unitech Technical manual, volume 36, Disc 5e: "The Shadow was originally intended as an exploration vehicle. It is one of two Hercs with an extensive sensor array. Sensor arrays allow broad terrain mapping and remote targeting of the enemy. Since being pressed into military service, the Shadow has been outfitted with energy weapons and missile pods." [3098] Excerpt from Unitech Technical manual, volume 36, Disc 5c: "The Remora was initially designed as an escort vehicle for the heavy Hercs. Since the Remora's deployment at the beginning of the third Cybrid War it has proven especially useful as a fast assault Herc. Some Herc Commanders have successfully equipped the Remora with mining pods, capitalizing on its speed for mining in hazardous areas." [3098.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Unit Leader. Command: Hercs: 4, Bioderms: 4 [3865] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Unit Leader status: "...Apparently some of you encountered active Cybrids in the training zones. Get used to it. Perhaps some real equipment will get you jacked-up about being here. I encourage you to spend every Credit making premium Hercs and Bioderms, because you won't need any Credits if you fail. Now pick up your promotions and get back out there." [3865.2] Executive Commander Osterman: "...The recruits don't need to know about stolen BGMs. I'm more interested in this 'Prometheus', the Central Cybrid Mind. No word of it for centuries, and then Prometheus code appears in downed Cybrids when BGM samples are stolen. It's too coincidental." [4431] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Orientation seminar, Central BioVat Storage Facility, 0200 hours. Agenda: an overview of the Base Genetic Matrix inventory and sequencing protocol for Bioderm generation. [4431.2] Excerpt: OMAG interview 10:05:38 with Herc Commander [BL] Frank Tarsus: "They say it's an honor to have your genes selected for the BGM bank...I say it's crap. We never really die. Imagine an army of meat-robots, jacked-up, bio-linked, and wearing your face...All being ordered around by young greenhorns fresh from mommy's teat...sounds like someone's idea of Hell, if you ask me..." [4949] Excerpt: Transcript 07:50:00 from Central Biovat Storage Facility emergency meeting (Dr.W.Gibson, Director):"...(This information) is crucial to us. The Cybrids have never been interested in the Bioderms before. If the Cybrids have taken BGM samples, we must assume they are studying them for strategic weaknesses. If they have some other purpose, I'm afraid to know what it is..." [4949.2] NEW HERC ASSIGNMENT Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Herc restriction mandate 01:16:01: Herc Commanders: Unit Leader, Unit Captain: Ogre Sensei Giant [5725] Excerpt from Unitech Technical manual, volume 36, Disc 6b: "The Ogre has enough energy-based attacks to break through many types of shielding and still deliver a double ballistic salvo. It's the most independent Herc available to the Unit Leader..." [5725.2] Chief Engineer Raymond Scott: "The Sensei is what the Shadow should have been. Bigger, tougher, more weapon types...it was designed with the Command Bioderm in mind. It offers speed, sensors, varied weapons, and some protection." [6155] Excerpt from Unitech Technical manual, volume 36, Disc 6c: "The Giant is outfitted exclusively with ballistic weapons. It's best used in tandem with an energy-weapon Herc like the Ogre..." [6155.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Unit Captain. Command: Hercs: 6, Bioderms: 6 [6576] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "...At last, Nanotechnology is here! Limited repairs on the battlefield are now possible with the Nanoenhanced Repair Pod. Each pod contains millions of micro-robots that, when directed at a damaged component, permanently assume the form and function of the device. You can access its power through the Herc status screen." [6576.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Unit Captain status: "...A few of you people still don't get the whole picture, so I'm going to paint you a new one: Unitech owns you the way they own that Herc, or that 'derm over there. When a model is unprofitable, it's discontinued. You'll notice a few more holes in our ranks today. The lucky ones died with their units, planetside. The others were 'discontinued.' I hope I'm making myself clear. As Unit Captains, you now command up to six Hercs and six 'derms. Some of you will be receiving special Bioderm assignments. I remind you that these Bioderms count as part of your allotment and cannot be replaced..." [7052] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 0900. [7052.2] Excerpt from UniReport 10:50:02: "A controversy surrounds the destruction of the Mos Orsini Herc Base in the Paracelsus system. While Unitech officials claim that a Cybrid task force was responsible, survivors claim that it was a renegade Bioderm... Initial test results show that radiation traces are not Cybrid in origin... [7887] Excerpt: Transcript from Bioderm Control Agency emergency meeting (Dr.W.Gibson): "I demand to know why it wasn't destroyed?" Agency President Moynihan: "Look at the possibilities this Bioderm represents! We've never seen these traits..." Dr.W.Gibson: "It destroyed an entire Base single-handedly to avoid the Biovat!... It killed thousands of... Agency member Smith: "Those losses were acceptable..." Moynihan: "..And insured." Dr.W.Gibson: "I just hope you know what you're doing..." [7887.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Squad Leader. Command: Hercs: 7, Bioderms: 9 [8707] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "Alright, the biggest tech advance this time around is guaranteed to be the least popular with the 'derms. There are Auto-Destruct Devices available for each Herc that damage up to a four-hex radius from the exploding Herc. DON'T blow up my Herc Bay." [8707.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Squad Leader status: "...It's just as well that some of your comrades didn't make it this far; less to screw up. The promotion to Squad Leader is one that every Base Commander fears. It's the first time you people can do some real damage to yourselves. The Demon Herc isn't a bigger Ogre, it's another class of Herc. Pay attention to the briefing because if anyone mismanages one of these things, the least that'll happen is that I'll go ballistic on you. Literally. Once again, some of you will be receiving special Bioderm assignments. I would encourage you to use them wisely. You'll also notice that you are now allowed to command more Bioderms than Hercs. You are encouraged to vary your pilots and rotate your Link assignments as you encounter different battle situations." [9111] NEW HERC ASSIGNMENT Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Herc restriction mandate 01:16:01: Herc type: Demon. [9111.2] Excerpt: OMAG interview 16:06:88 with Quartermaster Grunnell: It's no wonder the newbies don't get this model. It acts alone very well, without escort...(it's) a one-man slaughterhouse is what it is. [10112] Excerpt from Unitech Technical manual, volume 37, Disc 6d: "The Demon was created with the Ogre's design in mind. Missile pods replaced cannons. The quadruple energy attack was kept but equipped with larger weapons, and a larger chassis was needed to support them. The result, though slower than the Ogre, possesses even greater potential to fulfill its design objective: to be able to punch through the enemy's shields and deliver massive damage." [10112.2] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 0800. Excerpt from Bioderm Generation Research Facility Project proposal 10:50:45: ...Project Codename: Qabal increases the potential of the Protohuman Bioderm model with more efficient GCSI use. A new substance called Plasmatter, combined with Protoplasm, provides enough of a base genetic matrix to use a mix of donor gene information. Though somewhat unstable, the promise of higher skill ratings and a higher learning curve may help us to create the perfect Bioderm... [10764] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Squad Captain. Command: Hercs: 8, Bioderms: 12 [10764.2] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "Lots of weapons this time, but the Overdrive Node will probably be what changes the battlefield from here on out. Basically, it magnifies Herc drive system efficiency. It costs some power, but gets you additional movement. You want speed?! You got it!" [11480] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Squad Captain status: "...In the last Cybrid war the enemy got smarter. Cybrids were able to act without direct programming from Prometheus. Our tech boys believe that the Cybrids are now tied in to one another like a 'collective mind.' This is not to say that we don't still believe in the existence of a huge Prometheus entity somewhere out there. We'll continue our search for it based on our past experience with the Cybrids... ...There are still some of you running your troops like cowboys out there. Hit and run with minimal losses is still the best tactic. Keep your objective in mind and stop thinking about bounties. I see any more of this type of command and I'll recycle you like a Bioderm." [11480.2] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 0800. Excerpt from UNIReport 12:66:09 [Subject: Feraderm]: ...subject displays adequate weapons skills and an exceptional rating in piloting Hercs. Experiments with Plasmatter have been discontinued due to the irreconcilable issue of instability... "Monkeys?!...MONKEYS?!!!"-Custodial Technician Tony Rains, Central Biovat Storage Facility. [12561] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Squad Commander. Command: Hercs: 9, Bioderms: 14 [12561.2] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "...The Light, Medium, and Heavy Particle Guns are the first ballistic weapons capable of damaging shields. Not by much, mind you, but useful nonetheless..." [13147] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Squad Commander status: "...If I catch anyone taking on that elite military mission before their fleet's ready for it, they'll disappear like Torrelli and Brown did. You'll notice they're not here. We don't need hot shots, gentlemen. Brute force does not win the day. Use that terrain defensively, hide when you need to, make them move with energy they'd rather be firing. When you do take that base, this system is ours! And we'll be one step closer to finding Prometheus..." [13147.2] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 0500. Excerpt: Unitech Science Disc Con-UnT75:85:20: "Advanced Bioderm Generation Guidelines Addendum", Dr.T.Daelstrom: New advances in the science of genetic computer strand implants have produced a superior Feraderm with greater skill ratings and above average learning capability. [13899] Directive: MSI, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Force Leader. Command: Hercs: 11, Bioderms: 17 [13899.2] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "One of the shiny new toys is for the greedy ore-mongers out there. The Improved Ore Extractor trades some efficiency for greater storage capacity. If I were still making ore-runs, I'd rather load more on one Herc and miss a little than have all my Hercs wasting time and energy." [14400] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Force Leader status: "...The Cybrid installation destroyed was receiving sub-pulse transmissions from somewhere within the Ionis system. As of today, all of this Base's efforts will be focused on that system. The Paracelsus system is now under the Unitech Consortium's control and is not to be revisited for any reason... ...the rumors of Bioderms rescued from that last installation are true, as are reports of terraforming by the Cybrids. Traditionally, Cybrid infestation has occurred on worlds that are either rich in resources or possess peculiar electromagnetic fields. We now believe that the Cybrids are experimenting with EMFs and their effect on Bioderms. Their intent is not to control Bioderms, but to enhance Bioderm potential. Their reasons for this are still unclear." [14400.2] NEW HERC ASSIGNMENT Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Herc restriction mandate 01:16:01: Herc type: Reaper. [15586] Chief Engineer Raymond Scott: "'Grim Reaper' is more like it. The name 'Reaper' was a reference to the wide firing arc of the arm-mounted missile launcher. Now, of course, we all think of the path of carnage this thing leaves in its wake. Almost every weapon type can be mounted on this thing, so the smart Commander would Link it to a competent Bioderm..." [15586.2] Excerpt from Unitech Technical manual, volume 37, Disc 6f: "The Reaper was designed to take advantage of advances in Bioderm technology. Bioderms that are highly skilled in many weapon types are limited by lesser Hercs. The Reaper allows the best Bioderms to respond with technology appropriate to almost any situation..." [16085] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 0800. [16085.2] Excerpt from transcript of Central Biovat Storage Facility special meeting (Dr.W.Gibson, Director): "An underground genetic facility was discovered beneath the primary Cybrid base destroyed in the Paracelsus system. The Cybrids have been engaging in Bioderm research for reasons unknown to us. This Bioderm was the only survivor to be rescued from that facility and has apparently been the subject of experimentation. Furthermore, the electromagnetic field surrounding the planet was altered to have a positive affect on the Bioderms they were growing... [16536] Excerpt: Unitech Mobile BioMed log 90:65:34: Subject "Jai" has suffered extreme EMF immersion. Extreme polarization effect noted, acting as Command GCSI. Possible intent to increase Bioderm potential, though average skill ratings evident... [16536.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Force Captain. Command: Hercs: 13, Bioderms: 20 [17339] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "The AntiGravity Unit increases a Herc's movement and jump capability by partially negating the effects of gravity. Couple this with an Overdrive Node and we're talkin' speed..." [17339.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Force Captain status: "...The Ionis system is taking its toll on our ranks, gentlemen. Much of the terrain in this system is hostile and you've got to account for it. Keep those Life Supports one hundred percent operational in poisonous atmospheres. Don't leave a Herc on terrain that puts it at a disadvantage. Review all your upgrade options in the Hercbay. Extra Credits in the bank won't do you any good if you're buried up to your neck on a corrosive planet..." [17678] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 0800. [17678.2] Excerpt from UNIReport 16:76:30: The destruction of the Mox Imril Base on Praab has left few survivors. Among them is the Bioderm Ma-Yuan (literally translated: "Killer of Gods"). Herc Commander Galtos gave her this name after the major conflict on Mardalla when, equipped only with a standard issue Demon, Ma-Yuan destroyed 2 Hades and 4 Genocite Cybrids before reinforcements arrived (see UNIReport 02:98:00). [18357] Excerpt: Transcript 10:32:00,Central Biovat Storage Facility (Senior Lab tech Harding): "...(Her) tolerance for Stimgland is like nothing I've ever seen. I don't know what the limits on this model are." [18357.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Combat Leader. Command: Hercs: 15, Bioderms: 23 [18980] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "You need protection? The Shield Amplification Crystal works with shields to greatly increase your shield strength." [18980.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Combat Leader status: "...I cannot stress enough the importance of defense, gentlemen. You'll never have to repair an undamaged Herc. Check the Quartermaster's report on shield amplifiers. Keep damaged components turned away from enemy fire. And dammit, crouch your Hercs!.. ...I need to address the issue of mission selection. Some of you are refusing to protect Consortium installations, which is unacceptable. We're here to expand Unitech's territory, not for your personal gain. You'll notice that Connor and Lancaster are absent. Unitech does not tolerate dissent..." [19250] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: MSI, Unitech Command Receive encoded transmission 05:40:29 at 0900 from Unitech Science Facility regarding special project assignment. Transmission: 05:40:29 Directive From: Unitech Science Facility, by authority of Main Synthetic Intelligence The content of Cryogenic Pod 1500/17 is to remain confidential. Under no circumstances should Project: Tarn be seen by other Bioderms. Bioderm Tarn is a cybernetic fusion of heightened-cohesion protoplasm and retrieved Cybrid biotechnology. The result has proven to be the most stable unit created. "No CybriDerms!"-Anonymous Bioderm grafitti found on Mox Taans Herc Base. [19250.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Combat Captain. Command: Hercs: 17, Bioderms: 26 [20576] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "Of the handful of new tech advances, the Thermal Needler is my favorite. A variation of the Thermal Lance, it has the ability to affect many components by trading power for a maximum rate of fire." [20576.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Combat Captain status: "...This is it, gentlemen. This is the moment you officially become bad-ass. With the Juggernaut Herc, you finally have enough firepower to destroy this base and everyone on it. We're all familiar with the Mos Parda incident and I don't need any replays. I'll thank you to keep your 'derms detoxed, stabilized, and away from me if you're putting them in a Juggernaut... ...along the issue of Bioderms, I'm hearing some ugly rumors on the 'reaction' to the Tarn model. Look, people, Bioderms are instruments of war. I haven't seen anyone cry about running a protohuman with a bomb into a Cybrid base. It doesn't matter if we use Cybrid tech to make a Bioderm look like the Devil, as long as we win..." [20930] NEW HERC ASSIGNMENT Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Herc restriction mandate 01:16:01: Herc type: Juggernaut available. [20930.2] Excerpt: OMAG interview 16:06:88 with Quartermaster Grunnell: "I'll admit, I'm old enough that even having one of these in a Herc Bay makes me nervous. If a protohuman 'Derm so much as looks at a Juggernaut I'm the first to say, 'It's Mos Parda time.' This baby takes out bases by itself. When a Juggernaut gets to the target, the battle's pretty much over..." [21890] Chief Engineer Raymond Scott: "...The romance went out of it for me when the walking fortress came along. When you've got that kind of long-range capability, with a few sensor craft to zero the enemy, who needs subtlety? [21890.2] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Unitech Science Facility, by authority of MSI The content of Cryogenic Pod 8806/50 is to remain confidential. Under no circumstances should Project: Mentor be seen by other Bioderms. Bioderm Mentor represents our answer to the issue of response time: direct synaptic access. [22476] MSIintlog (monitoring:HCComCapSmith): 50:00:37:"I don't give a rat's ass if MSI's listening! That thing's an abomination! My 'Derms trust me and I'm not carving them up to make the Machine happy!...What are we, Cybrids now?!" "MSI = CYBRID" --Bioderm grafitti found near recycling vat, Mox Taans Herc Base. [22476.2] Directive: MSI, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Combat Commander. Command: Hercs: 19, Bioderms: 30 [23106] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "Four new weapons are available but, as usual, it's a new system that gets my attention. The Sensor Amplifier works to greatly increase sensor capability." [23106.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Combat Commander status: "...You'll notice that Combat Captain Smith is no longer with us. There were a number of you who were openly critical of some of the MSI's directives, and the MSI reacted. What anyone thinks about the MSI has no bearing on what needs to be done. We're on the front here, and it's very possible that we're zeroing in on the Cybrid home system. I'll need all of you if we're going to take this system, and we'll need everything we've got against Prometheus..." [23395] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: Unitech Science Facility, by authority of MSI Arriving 0800 Subject: Kaesar via Herc Carrier 'Torell'. [23395.2] Excerpt: Transcript 75:15:98 from Central Biovat Storage Facility public relations forum (Dr.W.Gibson): "...This is absolutely not a PR issue, as you people put it. The purpose of this facility has always been to make the best Bioderm, and to that end we wanted a BGM from the best source possible. It just so happens that our source was the most popular as well. New methods of GCSI and bioelectric sequence coding, gleaned from Cybrid biotechnology, have retrieved and enhanced all the skill attributes of the original Herc pilot, even Command potential. Initial studies indicate positive subordinate Bioderm response. Of course, we couldn't have done this without the new EndoPlasm..." [24110] MSIintlog (monitoring: Mox Taans/BioFacility[progLinksubgetinfo]) - "Kaesar rules! Atomic Man kicks ass!" [24110.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Battle Leader. Command: Hercs: 22, Bioderms: 34 [24912] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "The Compression Blasters incorporate a combination of technologies used in the compression laser and the fusion gun. They deliver great damage and require little energy." [24912.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Battle Leader status: "...I'm here to confirm the rumors you've been hearing about the MSI. As of 0500, all monitor links throughout the Unitech Consortium to the Main Synthetic Intelligence will be severed. Low-order functions will be allowed to continue while a system analysis of higher operating functions is initiated. Executive Commander Osterman will be issuing directives during this interim. This is considered a sensitive matter and is not to be discussed with anyone outside this Herc Base..." [25238] BIODERM ACQUISITION Directive From: MSI, Unitech Command: New Bioderm assignment: arrival 1800. [25238.2] Excerpt: Transcript 90:05:68 from Central Biovat Storage Facility public relations forum (Dr.E.Werther): "...But we really didn't expect either reaction we've received on this project, from Bioderms or the general populace. Public opinion has been very negative, while the Bioderms have embraced the project with an almost religious fervor. The fact is, Meta-GCSI technology has a minimal half-life before the initial stages of generation are complete. To achieve success, we must put aside emotional reactions." [25928] MSIintlog (monitoring:HCClarke): "...This "Missile Baby" thing with the Bioderms is bad. You know they hold us responsible for the Cybrids and MSI, but it's like they see some potential in this, like it's their future or messiah or something. They hated MSI after the brain-in-a-box fiasco, but I think they'd kill us now, given half a chance..." "In Excelsius Maia"--Icon found in Bioderm quarters, Mox Taans Herc Base. [25928.2] Directive: Main Synthetic Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Battle Captain Command: Hercs: 25, Bioderms: 37 [26871] Quartermaster's Tech Report: "...The most exciting is the ATN. The Accelerator Thermal Needler Autocannon penetrates shields with rapid-fire capability. [26871.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Battle Captain status: "...Don't fall apart on me now, gentlemen. The state of affairs at home is none of your concern at the moment. All of us need to keep our eyes forward on the task at hand. As of 0800, all non-essential contact with the homeworlds has temporarily been put on hold. You've noticed that we're receiving very little in the way of supplies at the moment. Many of our techies are getting the government back on-line, leaving us with few new weapons. Moynihan and the rest of the CBSF are under a lot of fire for the 'Missile Baby' flap, so don't expect anything new from them. I'd advise you to invest in your fleets because we're all we've got for now. Oh, and good riddance to the MSI..." [27149] Excerpt from UniReport 85:50:16: "... the MSI may have exited Central Mainframe on its own. The massive power surge attributed to the MSI's destruction may have been an escape..." [27149.2] Directive: Executive Commander Osterman/Interim Executor, MilitiaCorps Intelligence, Unitech Command Status/Promotion: Herc Commander. Command: Hercs: 28, Bioderms: 40 [28133] Quartermaster's Tech Reports: "You're going to need some firepower. Two new weapons to review: The Rapid Saturation Rocket system is a rapid-fire delivery system for the Saturation missile. The ATX is the largest super-accelerated weapon ever created, and was made specifically for the Juggernaut. Together, they're unbeatable..." [28133.2] Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Company address to promotion candidates for Herc Commander status: "...You're all we've got against the Cybrid homeworld. You've seen the specs on Gehenna and its moons, and you couldn't have picked a more hostile environment. Take them and you'll write your own ticket in Unitech..." [28637] Excerpt: Transcript from Central Biovat Storage Facility special meeting with facility President Dr.W.Gibson: "... I think it's evident that the Cybrids were never concerned with growing Bioderms, really, just their brains. That is to say, the brain, when linked directly is really the fastest supercomputer that one could create, a sort of "wetware" into which the Cybrids could download themselves. I think that's what we're seeing now..." [28637.2] Directive: Executive Commander Osterman, MilitiaCorps Intelligence, Unitech Command Congratulations are in order. We believe that the Central Cybrid Mind "Proteus" was destroyed in the last base on Gehenna. The added resources these systems provide will ensure the Unitech way of life. The other Consortia will have no other choice but to accept our government. In accordance with Unitech Directive 03:13:06 a Base Genetic Matrix is being created from your tissue samples. This honor has not been extended to a Herc Commander since the Great War. This decision is not open for review and it is the sincere desire of the Unitech Consortium that this is accepted with the spirit in which it was intended. If continued service in the MilitiaCorps is an option, refer to the attached Unitech Science Facility summary and respond by 1100. The Corporate Assembly extends its personal thanks, and wishes to remind the Herc Commander that Unitech rewards the dedicated individual. [29408] Report From: Unitech Science Facility, by authority of Unitech Militiacorps It has been established that the Main Synthetic Intelligence for the Unitech Consortium received sub-pulse transmissions from the Paracelsus system (MSIlog00:13:02). The MSI then began illicitly monitoring all private transmissions and areas within Unitech. When sub-pulse transmissions were traced from the Ionis system to M138, the MSI completely downloaded itself through a simulated power surge to the Cybrid base on planet codename: Gehenna via the Unitech Astronomical WAVdish. Sub-pulse transmissions have since been traced from Gehenna to an as yet unnamed solar system 2000 parsecs from the galactic core. Since the MSI was not present in the mainframe of the Gehenna Cybrid base, it is the Board's conclusion that the MSI has joined with Cybrids or a Cybrid-like entity to avoid reprogramming. MSI should now be considered an enemy. [29408.2] Unitech Command Directive: In the event of a loss of all units coupled with insufficient capital to generate new Herc forces, the Herc Commander in charge will be stripped of all titles, remaining capital, and commensurate benefits. The aforementioned party may be required to make restitution to the Unitech MilitiaCorps if a board of inquiry deems the individual negligent, at which time Unitech Directive 17:00:02 mandating conscription servitude becomes immediately effective. Further penalties may be admininstered at the discretion of the Base Commander. Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Force Review, Mox Taans Herc Base: "...The best thing you can say about him is that he didn't end up costing us much. I'd say conscript him, except he'd screw that up as well. I don't care what you do with him, just keep him off my base." [31315] Unitech Command Directive: In the event of a loss of all units coupled with insufficient capital to generate new Herc forces, the Herc Commander in charge will be stripped of all titles, remaining capital, and commensurate benefits. The aforementioned party may be required to make restitution to the Unitech MilitiaCorps if a board of inquiry deems the individual negligent, at which time Unitech Directive 17:00:02 mandating conscription servitude becomes immediately effective. Further penalties may be admininstered at the discretion of the Base Commander. Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Force Review, Mox Taans Herc Base: "...Damn right I'm calling for further penalties! This clown made scrap of our best equipment! I say give him to the Bioderms for an hour, that ought to do it... [31315.2] Unitech Command Directive: In the event of a loss of all units coupled with insufficient capital to generate new Herc forces, the Herc Commander in charge will be stripped of all titles, remaining capital, and commensurate benefits. The aforementioned party may be required to make restitution to the Unitech MilitiaCorps if a board of inquiry deems the individual negligent, at which time Unitech Directive 17:00:02 mandating conscription servitude becomes immediately effective. Further penalties may be admininstered at the discretion of the Base Commander. Excerpt from Base Commander Burrell's Force Review, Mox Taans Herc Base: "...I had some high hopes for that one. We're on a critical path here...We're counting on the resources from this system, and we're losing Commanders left and right. Unitech's invested so deeply in this that we could be ripe for a takeover by a rival Consortium. Worse than that, the Cybrids could gain enough from this system to launch a counterstrike of their own. [32958] Unitech Command Directive: In the event of a loss of all units coupled with insufficient capital to generate new Herc forces, the Herc Commander in charge will be stripped of all titles, remaining capital, and commensurate benefits. The aforementioned party may be required to make restitution to the Unitech MilitiaCorps if a board of inquiry deems the individual negligent, at which time Unitech Directive 17:00:02 mandating conscription servitude becomes immediately effective. Further penalties may be admininstered at the discretion of the Base Commander. Excerpt from Encyclopedia Galactica, volume 5, Disc 8: "...The Unitech Consortium fell during its attempt to claim the Ionis system. When the remaining Herc Bases were depleted of offensive capability they fortified their perimeters, anticipating a Cybrid seige. These bases did not anticipate the integration of Unitech's Main Synthetic Intelligence with Prometheus, the Cybrid central mind. Armed with all of Unitech's database, the synergistic entity CybridMSI quickly terminated the remaining resistance. After the destruction of the Mox Taans Herc Base, the Ionis system was placed completely off-limits by the remaining Consortia. [32958.2] CybridMSI intlog66:66:66: Status: Assault: Repelled. Cybriderm Assimilation: Begin. HiveMind Base integration: Begin. Unitech (VerminConsortium) Integration: Begin. Status: Mox Taans Base: Assimilated. ENDLOG. [35169] �2� ƒ1� Welcome to Unitech. �1� ƒ0� The purpose of this demonstration is to familiarize you with the corporation you owe your allegiance to. Pay close attention to this training vid as it will serve to remind you of your obligations and duties. [35169.2] Unitech is a large consortium... what was once called a mega-corporation. Run by an executive council, Unitech is poised to become the most powerful consortium in existence. In order to achieve this, we must expand against the Cybrid threat, a mission all consortiums are vying to accomplish. This is where you come in. [35631] You are one of many military commanders assigned to this sector. You will have varying assets at your disposal based, almost exclusively, upon your success. If you do well, you'll find yourself given greater and greater responsibility. Even as a new Ensign fresh from the Herc Command Academy, you are expected to know how to control and command your forces on the battlefield. If you need a refresher, refer to the training vids. These vids can provide you with basic information regarding maneuver, force management, and tactical applications. [35631.2] Unitech views you as an investment. Though in most battles, you will be safely able to direct the battle from within the Herc Carrier, you are held personally responsible for losses of Unitech equipment. If you do not show promise quickly, the best you can hope for is a rapid exit from Unitech service. Unitech does not tolerate failure or inadequacy in commanders. Good luck. [36506] The Unitech forces in this war are under the direction of a synthetic intelligence, the MSI. Though not entirely a computer, the MSI is the most powerful thinking machine ever built. Programmed with the entire history of both warfare and biogenetic mech-engineering, the MSI directs the entire Unitech military operation with precision and forethought. All MSI directives are to be considered absolute. [36506.2] You will be presented with a list of missions to select from while in the Comm Center. These missions are selected by the MSI and are considered the optimal use of your forces. You must select from these missions as other missions will not become available until a mission has been completed. Under the direction of MSI, you will take your forces to many different worlds and world environments. [37298] It is important to note that each planet possesses a different atmospheric effect and a unique EMF field that will significantly affect the performance of your forces in battle. Pay close attention to the effects while reading the mission briefing for the selected mission. Worlds with high toxicity levels will tend to yield higher bioderm casualty rates, while EMF fields will often make certain systems on your Herc function at a reduced capacity. [37298.2] Once a favorable landing site has been selected, your Herc Carrier, a vessel lent to you by Unitech purely for the purposes of commanding and transporting your forces, will set down at the selected site. Immediately upon landing, all hercs will be deployed into the surrounding terrain to prevent ambushes by Cybrid forces. The Herc Carrier, though virtually indestructible, is under Unitech direct command and does not answer to you. Should the pilot deem departure from a planet's surface necessary, the carrier will launch and leave any still deployed forces behind. The absence of the Herc Carrier will prevent your units from performing battlefield resupply. [38151] Once all Cybrid forces in the area have been destroyed or forced to flee, the Herc Carrier will return to pick up your survivors. Though Unitech fleet forces can control the spacelanes of a given system, it is only the line herc forces that can take and hold a planet. You command a part of those forces... and you will be expected to take and hold many worlds against the Cybrid presence. Unitech is counting on you, commander... [38151.2] Once Cybrid forces are located, MSI will designate the target areas with appropriate missions. These missions are selected for maximum negative impact on the Cybrid plans. Keep in mind that the MSI will quickly thin the ranks of failed commanders. [39254] Within battle, you will control your units via a command interface screen. This interface is more fully explained in the tutorial provided to you by Unitech. Familiarity with all Unitech interface screens in mandatory for all field commanders. Note the battle sequence below... the herc displayed is a Demon class, available only to a select group of commanders. As you observe the sequence, you'll note how the Demon's shielding can stop many devastating attacks. The proper focus of shielding and repair technologies are the cornerstones of Herc command. [39254.2] This display shows three of the most commonplace Cybrid units... the Spectre, the Cerebrus, and the Parasite. Each of these three has five variants that have been identified, each using more powerful and more dangerous weapons. Though no Cybrid is harmless, these three are the least deadly foes you will face. [40068] The Spectre is armed with two light energy weapons, often lasers, and two light autocannons. Without the punch to kill a Herc in one shot, they are only dangerous when encountered in packs. Be respectful of the Spectre's mobility, though, as it can often circle to get shots on more vulnerable elements of your force. [40068.2] The Cerebrus is a scout Cybrid, equipped with long range sensor equipment and low firepower. Armed only with two small energy weapons and two light autocannons, it, like the Spectre, is dangerous only in large groups. However, there are rumors of an experimental model that carries more weaponry, but this has not been confirmed. [40701] The Parasite is a very lightly armored attack Cybrid, often only surviving one or two minutes once the battle is joined. However, the Parasite is armed with two heavy energy weapons and two medium missile systems, giving it tremendous firepower. This makes the Parasites high priority targets as they can be killed easily and leaving them alive is usually extremely foolish. [40701.2] This display shows the three 'medium' Cybrid attack units... the Malignus, the Arachnus, and the Genocite. As with the lighter Cybrid models, these each have numerous variant models that you are likely to encounter. [41409] The Malignus is the most powerful Cybrid that has been fully studied. It is armed with four light energy weapons and two heavy missile launchers. This firepower gives it the ability to drop an opposing shield and then pound the target to scrap with missiles. MSI strongly recommends avoiding Malignus units when possible. [41409.2] The Arachnus is a fast attack Cybrid, armed with four light lasers and little else. The Arachnus is most powerful when paired with a more powerful Cybrid. [41951] The Genocite is the workhorse of the Cybrid forces. They are found on almost every world in significant numbers. Equipped with two medium energy weapons, two medium autocannons, and two medium missile launchers, the Genocite is a foe to respect... before you destroy it. [41951.2] This display shows Cybrid models that have not yet been analyzed by Unitech scientists. The smaller one is believed to be some sort of mobile self-destruct mechanism, potentially very dangerous. The other two may well be heavy Cybrid attack platforms. If so, they are likely armed with a mixture of heavy and medium weapons. If you engage any such units, do so with extreme caution. Unitech will equip you with technology that is sufficient to defeat any Cybrid foe. It is up to you how to use that technology. [42380] This is the Command Center... the heart of the Cybrid forces. Though difficult to kill, they are the primary targets when there is a Cybrid base present. Cybrids can be expected to defend this building tenaciously. [42380.2] This building is a Cybrid Research Facility. Though not tactically important, the Cybrids will suffer greatly if they lose too many of these. The Research Facility is not very heavily armored and is particularly vulnerable to area effect weapons. [43115] The Sensor Array is a critical linchpin in the Cybrid defenses. While the Sensor Arrays are operating, all active Cybrid forces are much more able to successfully target your Herc forces. Destroying all the Sensor Arrays should be a primary concern when attacking a Cybrid installation of any kind. [43115.2] The Processing Node is one of the most difficult targets to destroy due to the hardened nature of the building. The Processing Node is used to process ore captured by Cybrid scouts. [43666] This is an unknown building. MSI believes it may be used to construct Cybrids as battlefield response units, but this is unconfirmed. [43666.2] The Manufacturing Node is used in the construction of primary Cybrid unit parts. It is not a tactical consideration, but will be vigorously defended. [43984] This is a turret, equipped with lasers and autocannons. Many different turret configurations have been encountered... MSI recommends destroying all Cybrids in the area before engaging fixed defenses such as turrets. [43984.2] The Missile Platform is potentially even more deadly than the turret. With a large number of missile launchers, the Missile Platform can devastate any single target that has had it's shields penetrated during battle.