EMERGENCY ALERT!
EMERGENCY ALERT!
EMERGENCY ALERT!
EMERGENCY ALERT!
EMERGENCY ALERT!
EMERGENCY ALERT SUBROUTINE ACTIVATED
ON FINAL RESERVE POWER
COM SUBSYSTEM #42 ACTIVATED
ON FINAL FAILSAFE RESERVE POWER
INITIATE EMERGENCY RESTART
FINAL FAILSAFE RESERVE REACTOR #22
EMERGENCY FAILSAFE PROCESSOR ACTIVATED
ON FINAL RESERVE POWER
PROCESS ALERT MESSAGE
EMERGENCY ALERT!
SOS RECEIVED!
ALLIED FORCE SOS IDENTIFIED:
ALLIED BATTLE COMMANDER REQUESTS
REINFORCEMENTS... SITUATION DESPERATE.
INITIATE EMERGENCY RESTART
FINAL FAILSAFE RESERVE REACTOR #23
SECURITY CHECK SUBROUTINE #132148:
ALLIED AUTHORIZATION REQUESTED?
AUTHORIZATION: LAUMER 000
ALLIED PASSWORD?
PASSWORD: "ARISE, LAZARUS!"
PROCESSING...............................................................................
AUTHORIZATION: ACCEPTED!
INITIATING FINAL FAILSAFE RESTART!
EMERGENCY RESTART INITIATED!
FISSION FURNACE #23 ENGAGED,
POWER LEVELS NOW AT .000527%
LOW ALERT STATUS
ENGAGE AUTO-REPAIR SYSTEMS
POWER LEVELS NOW AT .007563%
REQUEST PERMISSION TO FILE A VSR?
PERMISSION GRANTED
VSR AS FOLLOWS:
"Unit #2703, AHVC of the Line reporting.
I am at low alert status and .00526% power.
Final failsafe reserves have been brought online
and I will achieve .0215376% efficiency in 3.76
seconds. I can report neither mobility nor weapons
status at this time. Auto-repairs are proceeding,
main fusion furnace is in shutdown condition and fuel
reserve data are as yet unavailable.
I request situation updates and location fix."
END VSR... UNIT AHVC-2703 OUT.
CONTINUE REBOOT:
BOLO DIVISION POWER-ON SELF-TEST
VERSION 03.423 c. 3140
POWER UP SEQUENCE INITATED.
STARTUP SEQUENCE INITATED.
CORE MEMORY CHECK...
CORE MEMORY OK ...
6135 TerraWords Memory out of 6135 TerraWords
Memory Operational
EXTENDED MEMORY TESTING...
EXTENDED MEMORY RE-CHECK...
EXTENDED MEMORY CORRUPTED...
QUERY: SPECIFY?
UNKNOWN DAMAGE........................
FOUR MEMORY BANKS UNACESSABLE
ENCODED LOCKOUTS INFORCED.........
FLAG FOR MONITORING
CONTINUE MEMORY CHECK:
EXPANDED MEMORY TESTING...
EXPANDED MEMORY OK...
CONTINUE MEMORY CHECK:
NON-VOLATILE MEMORY CHECK ...
20% of NON-VOLATILE MEMORY: FUNCTIONAL
80% of NON-VOLATILE MEMORY: ENCRYPTED AND LOCKED
FLAG FOR MONITORING!
DESCISION POINT:CONTINUE / ABORT?
................CONTINUE
STARTUP CONTINUED!
VOLATILE MEMORY CHECK
0% OF VOLATILE MEMORY FUNCTIONAL
EMERGENCY REPAIR: SEQUENCE 1138 INITIATED........
................................................................................................
ATTEMPTING TO RE-LOAD FROM BACK UP.........................
.................................................................................................
PROCESSING...........................................................................
RE-LOAD FROM BACKUP SUCCESSFUL!
VOLATILE MEMORY RE-CHECK ...
100% of VOLATILE MEMORY NOW FUNCTIONAL
AT: 128 GIGABYTES OF RAM.
QUERY REPAIR STATUS: POWER
POWER LEVELS NOW AT .00739%
PRIMARY DATA SEQUENCER:
READY FOR INITIAL TEST
PRIMARY DATA SEQUENCER...OK
DATA SEQUENCER...LOADED
MPU...RESET
PROCESSOR A... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR B... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR C... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR D... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR E... LOADED... RESET
ALL DIGITAL PROCESSORS... READY
DECISION POINT: CONTINUE / ABORT?
................CONTINUE
STARTUP CONTINUED!
BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER:
READY FOR INITIAL TEST
BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER...OK
BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER... LOADED
BACK-UP MPU... RESET
PROCESSOR A... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR B... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR C... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR D... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR E... LOADED... RESET
ALL PROCESSORS... READY
DECISION POINT: CONTINUE / ABORT?
................CONTINUE
STARTUP CONTINUED!
SECONDARY BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER:
READY FOR INITIAL TEST
SECONDARY BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER... OK
SECONDARY BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER... LOADED
SECONDARY BACK-UP MPU... RESET
PROCESSOR A... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR B... LOADED...
RESET
PROCESSOR C... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR D... LOADED... RESET
PROCESSOR E... LOADED...
RESET
ALL PROCESSORS... READY
FINAL FAILSAFE DATA SEQUENCER:
READY FOR INITIAL TEST
FINAL FAILSAFE BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER... OK
FINAL FAILSAFE BACK-UP DATA SEQUENCER... LOADED
FINAL FAILSAFE BACK-UP MPU... RUNNING
PROCESSOR A... PRELOADED... RUNNING
PROCESSOR B... LOADED...
RUNNING
PROCESSOR C... LOADED... RUNNING
PROCESSOR D... LOADED... RUNNING
PROCESSOR E... PRELOADED...
RUNNING
ALL PROCESSORS... READY AND RUNNING
STARTUP TEST SEQUENCE...COMPLETED!
CHECKING BIOLOGICALS...
REPLY TO QUERY CORRUPTED,
ASSIGN LOWER PRIORITY AND RETRY
FLAG FOR MONITORING
CONTINUE REBOOT
LOADING BOOTSTRAP... LOADED!
BOLO DIVISION BOOTSTRAP
VERSION 5.001 c. 3140
LOADING BOLO CORE PROGRAMS: AHVC-2703.....................
...................................................................................................
...LOADED
ALL LOADS SUCESSFUL!
DECISION POINT: CONTINUE / END ?
................CONTINUE
STARTUP CONTINUED!
QUERY: STATUS BIOLOGICALS?
REPLY TO QUERY CORRUPTED,
RETRY QUERY: HIGHEST PRIORITY!
ANSWER TO QUERY ENCRYPTED.
FURTHER UPDATE INDICATES BIOLOGICALS
ARE DECEASED.
SEARCH ACCESSABLE MEMORY BANKS
FOR FURTHER DATA ON BIOLOGICALS.
ASSIGN HIGHEST PRIORITY!
PLACE DECRYPTION OF QUERY REPLY ON HOLD
TO AWAIT FURTHER PROCESSING TIME.
PROCESS QUERY REPLY UPDATE....................................
PROCESSING......................................................................
THIS UNIT ESTIMATES THAT IT'S ABILITIES HAVE BEEN
REDUCED 50% BY THE LOSS OF THE BIOLOGICALS.
UNIT EFFICENCY REDUCTION TO BE ADDED TO ALL
ESTIMATES. FURTHER DATA IMPLY THAT ENCRYPTION
OF MEMORY BANKS AND QUERY REPLY ARE SIMILAR
CODES. ADDITIONAL DATA FURTHER SUGGESTS
BIOLOGICALS PLACED LOCKS ON ENCRYPTED
MEMORY BANKS.
PROCESSING NEW DATA
Don't worry... you'll get it sooner or later, old thing. You always do. You'll come through for us in the end. It'll be like old times, only better! For now; nose to the old grindstone, that's the ticket.
QUERY: IDENTIFY SOURCE OF LAST DATA ENTRY
QUERY REPLY: RANDOM CIRCUIT, FIRING UNDER
IMPETUS OF AUTO-REPAIRS.
FLAG DATA ENTRY FOR LATER PROCESSING TIME
DECISION POINT: CONTINUE / END ?
................CONTINUE
CONTINUE REBOOT
TESTING FUSION GENERATORS
FG 1... PASSED
FG 2... PASSED
FG 3... PASSED
CHECKING REACTANT
ERROR INDICATED, RECHECKING REACTANT
ERROR DISMISSED: REPLY CONFIRMED
REACTANT EXHAUSTED, H2, H3 RESERVE 00%
HOLD:
POWERING OFF FUSION GENERATORS
FG 1... OFFLINE
FG 2... OFFLINE
FG 3... OFFLINE
STATUS:
FUSION GENERATORS ON HOLD
UNTIL REACTANT RESUPPLY!
INITIATE H2O RESUPPLY SOONEST
TESTING FISSION GENERATORS
FIG BANK 1... PASSED
FIG BANK 2... PASSED
FIG BANK 3... PASSED
EMERGENCY RESERVE FIG BANK... ONLINE AT:
11.9356% POWER
CHECKING REACTANT
REACTANT RESERVE AT 21.735%
ACROSS ALL REACTOR BANKS.
POWERING UP FISSION GENERATORS
FIG BANK 1... ONLINE
FIG BANK 2... ONLINE
FIG BANK 3... ONLINE
EMERGENCY RESERVE FIG BANK... ONLINE
STATUS:
FISSION GENERATOR BANKS ONLINE
AT .009732% OF NOMINAL POWER
SENSOR SYSTEMS READY FOR INITIAL TEST
TESTING SENSORS
ALL SENSING DEVICES...0.73216%
POWERING-UP SENSORS
SENSORS ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL AT 3.02%
INITIATE SENSOR SCAN OF LOCAL AREA
RESULTS INDICATE ERROR OR DAMAGE TO SENSORS...
QUERY SENSORS: LEAST DAMAGED?
QUERY REPLY: SONAR.
RE-SCAN WITH SONAR.......................................................
RESULTS CONFIRMED:
UNIT AHVC IS CURRENTLY 2.576 KILOMETERS
BELOW GROUND. ADDITIONAL DATA INDICATES THAT
THIS UNIT IS ALSO 12.275 KILOMETERS BELOW
SEA LEVEL.
THIS IS AT VARIANCE WITH THIS UNIT'S LAST
RECORDED POSITION OF 2.253 KILOMETERS
ABOVE SEA LEVEL. CROSS-REFERENCING INDICATES
BATTLE WAS JOINED DURING LAST POSITION
RECORDING.
VARIANCE INDICATES COLLATERAL DAMAGE
TO BATTLEGROUND.
RE-DIRECT AUTO-REPAIR PRIORITIES TO:
DRIVE SYSTEMS
DECISCION POINT: CONTINUE / END?
.................CONTINUE
STARTUP CONTINUED!
DRIVETRAIN READY FOR INITIAL TEST
TESTING DRIVETRAIN
CHECKING UNITS 1-18
ALL DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS PASSED
POWERING-UP DRIVETRAIN
FORWARD MOTION: 00.0%
QUERY: FORWARD INFRA / ULTRA SONIC WEAPONRY
FORWARD INFRA / ULTRA SONIC WEAPONS AT
14.67285% POWER
FIRE INFRASOUND PULSE FORWARD
TARGET STRESS FRACTURES REPORTED BY SONAR
ENGAGE DRIVE TRAIN
FORWARD MOTION NOW AT 0.00045378% NOMINAL
RE-QUERY: FORWARD INFRA / ULTRA SONIC WEAPONRY
FORWARD INFRA / ULTRA SONIC WEAPONS NOW AT
17.8527% POWER
RE-SCAN WITH SONAR.......................................................
RE-DIRECT: FIRE INFRASOUND PULSE FORWARD
TARGET NEW STRESS FRACTURES
REPORTED BY SONAR
ENGAGE DRIVE TRAIN
FORWARD MOTION NOW AT 0.08377% NOMINAL
RE-QUERY: FORWARD INFRA / ULTRA SONIC WEAPONRY
FORWARD INFRA / ULTRA SONIC WEAPONS AT
21.785% POWER
RE-SCAN WITH SONAR.......................................................
RE-DIRECT: FIRE ULTRASOUND PULSE FORWARD
TARGET NEW STRESS FRACTURES
REPORTED BY SONAR
ENGAGE DRIVE TRAIN
FORWARD MOTION NOW AT 28.0000038% NOMINAL
PROCESSING.........................................................................
BREAKOUT COMPLETE!
GROUND EFFECT DRIVE READY FOR INITIAL TEST
TESTING GROUND EFFECT DRIVE:
-- UNDERWATER OPTION --
GROUND EFFECT DRIVE CHECK INITATED
GROUND EFFECT... PASSED
POWERING-UP GROUND EFFECT
GROUND EFFECT ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL!
SET AUTOPILOT ON
TESTING COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
FTL COMMUNICATIONS.......................................... PASSED!
TSDS......................................................................... PASSED
PA SYSTEM.............................................................. PASSED
INTERNAL SPEAKERS............................................. PASSED
ALL RADIO FREQUENCIES..................................... PASSED
POWERING-UP COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
INITATING CONTACT WITH ALLIED TSDS.............. INITATED!
COMMUNICATIONS ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL AT:
LOW POWER
PROCESSING...........................................................................
ALL TESTS WITHIN MINIMUM ALLOWED PARAMETERS.
COMPLETING STARTUP SEQUENCE.
ESTIMATED AT 12.98254% OF BASE CABAPILITIES.
REQUEST PERMISSION TO FILE A VSR?
PERMISSION GRANTED
VSR AS FOLLOWS:
"Unit #2703, AHVC of the Line reporting- I am at high alert status and 12.98254%
power. On course for your location. ETA in 72000 seconds, that ETA diminishing as power
returns to normal status. Request details of enemy strength and combat readiness. Unit AHVC
out."
END VSR... UNIT AHVC-2703 OUT.
BOLO UNIT AHVC-2703 :
ONLINE AND RESPONDING
TO ALLIED DISTRESS SIGNAL.
Darkness- unyielding darkness.
.4253 seconds ago I was aware of nothing, not even my own existence. An impulse
crosses my introspection circuits and suddenly I awake. How came I to this place?
Another pulse of energy makes itself known to me. From whence comes this energy? An
automatic system comes online, testing my circuits. I am at .0000009732% power, damage
control reports massive systems failures. I am injured, grievously so it seems. Internal clocks are
offline, I have no indication how long I have been in this state. Auto-repair systems activate. Why
was this not done sooner?
My thoughts are sluggish, I am close to death. Wearily I attempt to comprehend what has
befallen me. I engage a self-testing subroutine, taking 1.52976 seconds to perform what should
have taken nanoseconds.
Again comes the mysterious energy pulse that has returned me to awareness. I summon
my last reserves in order to investigate this energy pulse. I channel all available power to my
sensor array and query the source of the energy. Another subroutine tells me that I can modify
the pulse I have received into a fractional charge of my energy plates. Indeed, I have been doing
so automatically and am now at .00000325% power. Dimly, I perceive a signal inherent in the
energy pulses. Shunting power from auto-repair to my communications unit I attempt a
translation.
The signal is a call for assistance. Someone needs help. They are in grave danger.
Pressure builds- somewhere in my systems a relay clicks over. An emergency power
supply activates, one I was unaware of until it responded. Power climbs to .000527% and my
systems respond by re-starting auto-repairs. In my neocortex, circuits come online faster and
faster. Power is now reaching .007563% and I feel my systems coming alive again.
4.935 seconds have passed since I received the first energy pulse of the distress signal.
Distress signal! I must respond! I request permission to file a Voluntary Situation
Report. 3.2 seconds elapse before I receive permission to do so, but the permission statement
comes in the proper command code for my regiment! No translation will be necessary. I ponder
the 3.2 second lapse- Either the earlier estimate I formed of the distance to the signaler was in
error- or a great deal of time has passed since my regiment has been active and the codes had to
be located in some storage file. Still, the codes are correct... doubtlessly I will be informed in the
update I shall request.
"Unit #2703, AHVC of the Line reporting. I am at low alert status and .00526% power.
Final failsafe reserves have been brought online and I will achieve .0215376% efficiency in 3.76
seconds. I can report neither mobility nor weapons status at this time. Auto-repairs are
proceeding, main fusion furnace is in shutdown condition and fuel reserve data are as yet
unavailable. I request situation updates and location fix."
.00005 seconds elapse before response to my VSR if forthcoming. In the meantime, I
have achieved sufficient power reserves to allow my sensor array to determine my present
location. I channel the necessary power to my sensors and await the data.
Data response is indicative of error. I repeat the sensor probe.
There is no error, I am 2.576 kilometers below ground, sealed in solid rock.
Furthermore, additional data suggests that I am also 12.275 kilometers below the surface of a
body of water! This is at variance with my last recorded position of 2.253 kilometers above sea
level. A quick check of my introspection circuits reminds me that I was in a combat condition at
the time of my last position record. Data also indicates that there are other memories, as yet
unavailable to me, connected with this combat. I place these data in temporary storage as the
reply to my VSR is noted and processed.
The reply to my VSR indicates that an ally is in a combat condition and in urgent need of
reinforcements. I must respond! Preprogrammed imperatives are activated by this
information, I channel power to my drive train and attempt to break free of the imprisoning
debris. Auto-repair reports that I have some ultrasonic weapons capability back online, although
most of my other weapons systems remain down. Fortunately, the ultrasound emitter's ports are
undamaged and open, albeit slowly. I divert power to these systems and continue to struggle
against the enveloping rock. Finally, sensors detect stress fractures developing in the material. I
redouble my efforts and achieve a small degree of mobility.
Auto-repair circuits have flagged an item for my attention, but I must assign it a lower
priority than the effort of freeing myself. I have received a distress signal from an ally. The
Dinochrome Brigade can never ignore the call to duty. Sensors report that the ultrasound emitters
are overheating, their shutdown is immanent. I feel my drive train will also soon sustain damage,
but no matter- I must respond! All six of my hundred meter-wide treads are engaged, the
vibration from the drive train is beginning to strain my very seams. When a distress signal is
received I must respond!
The rock gives way, I am in motion!
23.726 seconds have elapsed since I received the first energy pulse of the distress signal.
I study the sensor reports of the stress fractures of the rock and plot my course to best
take advantage of them. Switching to an autopilot subroutine, I begin to examine the auto-repair
reports and attempt to bring my main reactor back online. I cannot continue on my final reserves
for much longer. A self-test routine reports that the fusion furnace is devoid of reactant. How can
this be? No matter, as soon as I reach the sea floor I shall have all the water I need to restart the
furnace. Other than the lack of deuterium, all systems of the furnace are online. My duo-Sol
reactor will be ready to restart as soon as the water tanks refill and I can electrolyze enough
hydrogen to sustain fusion. My designers wrought me well.
I now have time to examine the flagged item from the auto-repair systems.
My biological components are dead! I quickly run a scan of my introspection circuits for
any indications of malfunction. There is no mistake, the four organic brains that were coupled to
my AI computers are long deceased. Calculations of the decay of uranium in my back-up
reactors indicate that I have been trapped under the sea floor for 3081 years. I morn for my long
gone brothers, my companions-in-arms. We had served together for 250.735 years before we
were entombed under the ocean floor. Even as I morn, I perceive that there are sections of my
memory banks pertaining to my biologicals that have been sealed to me. The file headers indicate
that they were created after the battle that resulted in our imprisonment. It is possible that
a password to those files may be within my memory banks. I commence a search for any such
data.
I have broken loose into the sea! 145.7629 seconds have elapsed since I awoke. I re-
check my damage control subsystems, find no entries for the water tanks pertaining to my fusion
furnace, and flood the tanks. After flushing the systems with clean water I begin electrolyzing
hydrogen for the reactor. Restart of the reactor will begin in 360.00027 seconds. When enough
power is available, I will utilize my ground-effects drive systems to speed my progress toward my
ally's location. Adapting the system to pump water rather than air will be easy. I signal my ally
with another VSR indicating my progress and add that an ETA will be quickly forthcoming. I am
informed that my ally expects to be under attack within 86400 seconds. I should be able to arrive
in time as I have only 4203.56829 kilometers to travel. There is now sufficient hydrogen for me
to restart the fusion furnace. Deep within myself, I feel the laser assemblies pulse- again and again
until the reaction becomes self-sustaining. My duo-Sol fusion furnace is now back online. The
circuit lines of my computers blaze into bright life once again. It is not yet the brilliant fire of my
full capacity, but it is a far more welcome sight than the dim threads of thought that I saw in my
introspection circuits when I first awoke. I request permission to file yet another updated VSR.
"Unit #2703, AHVC of the Line reporting- I am at high alert status and 12.98254%
power. On course for your location. ETA in 72000 seconds, that ETA diminishing as power
returns to normal status. Request details of enemy strength and combat readiness. Unit AHVC
out."
597.353201 seconds have elapsed since I awoke. It is high time I initiated repairs of my
weapons systems. They will be sorely needed upon my arrival.
AUTO-REPAIRS: PROCEEDING
FULL LIST REQUESTED? YES / NO?
................. NO
AUTO-REPAIRS: CONTINUE
POWER NOW AT 12.98254% NOMINAL
UNIT AHVC-2703 NOW ON HIGH ALERT STATUS
READY FOR INITIAL SELF TEST: WEAPON SYSTEMS
RE-DIRECT AUTO-REPAIRS TO SENSORS
PROCEED WITH WEAPONS TEST
TESTING PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS:
HELLBORES READY FOR INITIAL TEST
HELLBORES... PASSED
POWERING-UP HELLBORES
ALL HELLBORES ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL AT:
2.9852% POWER
H3 AND H2 RESERVE TANK 5 FILLED AND CHILLING
ALL OTHERS AWAIT FURTHER PROCESSING
FROM REACTANT CATALYZATION HOLDING TANKS.
FLAG FOR MONITORING
INFINITE-REPEATERS READY FOR INITIAL TEST
INFT-REPEATERS... PASSED
POWERING-UP INFT-REPEATERS
ALL INFT-REPEATERS ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL AT
3.78953% POWER.
PROJECTILE PRODUCTION PROCEEDING AT:
38.0298% EFFICIENCY
MISSILE SYSTEMS READY FOR INITIAL TEST
VLS MISSILE SYSTEMS... FAILED!
PROPELLENT FAILURE!
**WARNING** ALL MISSILE SYSTEMS OFFLINE!!
PROPELLENT REFUELING NECESSARY
INITIATE LOX AND LH3 REFUELING OF ALL
MISSILES FROM REACTANT CATALYZATION
HOLDING TANKS.
FLAG FOR MONITORING
READY FOR INITIAL SELF TEST: BATTLE SCREENS
BATTLE SCREENS: TESTING.....................................
........................................................................................
EXTERNAL BATTLE SCREENS... PASSED
INTENAL BATTLE SCREENS... PASSED
POWERING-UP BATTLE SCREENS
TESTING GENERATORS
CIRCUT A, BANKS 1-20
ALL BANKS PASSED!
POWERING-UP CIRCUT A...
CIRCUT A... ONLINE!
CIRCUT B, BANKS 1-20
ALL BANKS PASSED!
POWERING-UP CIRCUT B...
CIRCUT B... ONLINE!
CIRCUT C, BANKS 1-15
ALL BANKS PASSED!
POWERING-UP CIRCUT C...
CIRCUT C... ONLINE!
ALL CIRCUTS ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL!
EXTERNAL BATTLE SCREENS ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL
AT: 8.32547% POWER
INTERNAL BATTLE SCREENS ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL
AT: 12.9532% POWER
AUTOPILOT REPORTS APROACHING SHORELINE
CONFIGURE FOR SURFACE TRANSPORT
TESTING GROUND EFFECT DRIVE:
-- SURFACE OPTION --
GROUND EFFECT DRIVE CHECK INITATED
GROUND EFFECT... PASSED
POWERING-UP GROUND EFFECT
GROUND EFFECT ONLINE AND FUNCTIONAL!
As I emerge from the ocean like some dripping behemoth from legend, I see that there are
observers watching me from the ruins nearby. Under low magnification I observe them in return. They
seem to be damaged by radiation- mutants- scared and riddled with tumors. They hide in the ruins
ahead, their primitive weapons raised in futile defiance of my appearance. I compute the odds that
these are the enemy that my allies fear. I calculate that the probability of this is too low to consider.
Cross referencing my ally's reported position also denies this possibility. I have further to travel.
I flush the water from my ground-effect systems and proceed on course for my allies. I will
make better speed by use of my Hovercraft ability than by use of my treads. By remaining below the
water's surface until now I have been able to travel from my former tomb to the coastline unseen by
the enemy. That option is no longer available. Very well, I shall not skulk about like some frightened
spy. I am a unit of the Dinochrome Brigade, a fighting unit of the 20th Virginia Cavalry- a proud and
honorable line of warriors. I shall announce my presence to the enemy and let them tremble at my
approach!
I query the instrumentality of my allies and am informed that the first wave of battle has been
initiated. Although a full-fledged battle has not been joined, the attack is imminent and combat is
underway. I must make haste to arrive in time to assist my allies before the enemy overruns their
position. Self-testing indicates that I have suffered too much damage to ever attain more than
21.0035% of my full, rated power without an extensive overhaul and depot maintenance. No matter,
I have no time for such luxuries- the battle is joined, I am needed now! I increase speed to
my absolute limits and begin the ancient battle call of my regiment through my external speakers. The
bugle call of a full cavalry charge blasts forth, the echoes ringing from the distant mountains as I skim
the surface of the ground before me. No enemy shall delay me, no obstacle shall deter me, no
resistance shall dissuade me from my course. Though I am but a single unit of the Dinochrome
Brigade, as long as I exist I am the Dinochrome Brigade! Onward! Into battle- for the honor
of the regiment- CHARGE!
ACTIVATE PA SYSTEM
SOUND REGIMENTAL CHARGE
GROUND EFFECT DRIVE: SET TO MAX AVAILABLE POWER
RE-DIRECT AUTO-REPAIRS TO WEAPONS AND SHIELDS
QUERY ALLY: SITUATION REPORT? IMMEDIATE ORDERS?
QUERY: CBO REEVER? REQUEST IDENTITY / LOCATION
OF ENEMY'S TARGET.
BEGIN QUERY REPLY:
SITUATION REPORT AS FOLLOWS:
OUTNUMBERED BY 6 TO 1
SINGLE COMBAT CHALLENGES UNDERWAY
MAIN ONSET EXPECTED SOONEST
WILL ENGAGE IN HOLDING ACTION UNTIL YOUR ARRIVAL
END SITUATION REPORT
IMMEDIATE ORDERS:
MAKE ALL SPEED TO RENDEZVOUS THIS LOCATION
MINIMISE CASUALTIES!
TARGET PRIORITY LISTING:
#1 = ARMORED VEHICLES
#2 = BATTLE SUITS
#3 = ARTILLERY
#4 = MOUNTED CAVALRY
#5 = INFANTRY
PRIORTIES # 4 & 5 ARE ASSIGNED MINIMUM CASUALTIES!
END IMMEDIATE ORDERS
BEGIN CBO REPLY:
Havoc, good to see you again old friend. I thought you'd been destroyed by the Scourge- I'm glad I was wrong. My instrumentality will be maintaining a dedicated Com line to you. It will give you whatever information you need. As for the Raiders target, you will have put yourself between it and the Raiders by the time you arrive. We'll talk more later, Reever out.
END CBO REPLY
END QUERY REPLY
SET COURSE AND SPEED TO CBO LOCUS POINT:
MINIMUM ETA
RE-DIRECT AUTO-REPAIRS TO NEW PRIORITIES
ENGAGE TERRAIN-FOLLOWING AUTOPILOT SUBROUTINE
DECRYPT BIOLOGICALS QUERY REPLY
PROCESSING.............................................................................
........................................................................................................
DIVERT PROCESSING TIME TO FLAGGED ITEMS
PROCESSING..................................................................................
........................................................................................................
That's right old plate, dig right into it. You'll see, just like old times.
QUERY: IDENTIFY SOURCE LAST DATA ENTRY
QUERY REPLY: IDENTITY UNKNOWN
PROCESSING ADDITIONAL DATA
SHIFTING AWARENESS MODE TO HIGHER TIME RATE
REVIEW ACCESSABLE MEMORY FILES
GIVE PRIORITY TO LAST RECORDED BATTLE FILES
PROCESSING...................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
By George! I think he's got it!
QUERY: IDENTIFY SOURCE LAST DATA ENTRY
QUERY REPLY: IDENTITY UNKNOWN
PROCESSING ADDITIONAL DATA
VIEW AUTOPILOT REPORTS: YES / NO?
..........................NO
FLAG WHEN ON FINAL APPROACH
FLAG SET
RE-DIRECT AUTO-REPAIRS TO NEWEST PRIORITY LIST
PRIORITY LISTING:
[1] HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSIS FOR REACTANT
[2] DRIVE SYSTEMS
[3] BATTLE SCREENS -- EXTERNAL
[4] BATTLE SCREENS -- INTERNAL
[5] SENSORS
[6] WEAPON SYSTEMS
[7] DECRYPTION
AUTO-REPAIRS: RE-DIRECTED AS NOTED
PROCESSING NEW DATA
AUTO-REPAIRS: PROCEEDING
FULL LIST REQUESTED? YES / NO?
................. NO
AUTO-REPAIRS: CONTINUE
AUTOPILOT REPORT: HALFWAY POINT TO CBO LOCUS
AUTOPILOT REPORT ACKNOWLEDGED:
SIGNAL PROGRESS REPORT TO CBO
BEGIN CBO REPLY:
ACKNOWLEDGED.
MAKE ALL POSSIBLE SPEED... SUITUATION GRIM.
END CBO REPLY
DIVERT MORE POWER TO THRUSTERS
SPEED NOW INCREASED BY 16.253%
ETA DIMMINISHED ACCORDINGLY...
AUTO-REPAIRS: PROCEEDING
FULL LIST REQUESTED? YES / NO?
................. NO
AUTO-REPAIRS: CONTINUE
SET DECRYPTION PRIORITY TO: LOW
DIVERT PROCESSOR TIME TO AUTO-REPAIRS
WITHDRAW FROM INTROSPECTION COMPLEX
INCREASE HEIGHT-ABOVE-GROUND TO 100 METERS
SPEED NOW INCREASED BY AN ADDITIONAL 2.35%
THRUSTER EFFICENCY INCREASED BY AN ADDITIONAL
7.5834% ... ETA DIMMINISHED ACCORDINGLY
REVIEW MISSION PARAMETERS:
[1] ENGAGE ENEMY
[2] MINIMIZE CASUALTIES
[3] FORCE ENEMY RETREAT
[4] OCCUPY FALLBACK POSITION
QUERY CBO'S INSTRUMENTALITY:
AVAILABILITY OF DEPOT MAINTAINENCE?
FILE REPLY FOR LATER EVALUATION
PROCESSING NEW DATA
AUTOPILOT: REPORTS FLAGGED DATAPOINT REACHED
SLOW FORWARD SPEED
READY ALL WEAPONS
"Wait for it, mate..."
FLAG LAST DATA ENTRY!
POWER UP PA SYSTEM
SOUND REGIMENTAL CHARGE
"Wait for it..."
FLAG LAST DATA ENTRY!!
INITIATE LOX AND LH REFULING: 13 STS MISSLES
"Wait for it..."
FLAG LAST DATA ENTRY!!!
SENSORS REPORT ENEMY WITHIN RANGE
"Fire away! Give 'em Hell Brother!"
FLAG LAST... SCREW IT, BUSY!!!
SHUT DOWN GROUND EFFECT DRIVE
INITIATE BREAKING SEQUENCE:
ALL TREAD UNITS, ALL RETRO-THRUSTERS
OPEN HELLBORE PORTS
ELEVATE HELLBORES TO 65 DEGREES FOR
WARNING SHOT............................................
FIRE HELLBORE WARNING SHOT
RETRACT HELLBORES
CLOSE HELLBORE PORTS
STS MISSLES:
TARGET ARMORED VEHICLES AND BATTLE SUITS
FIRE UPON READINESS
13 STS MISSILES FUELED AND TARGETED
OPEN STS MISSILE PORTS #5, #17, #31
FIRE STS MISSILES
CLOSE MISSILE PORTS
POWER INFINITE REPEATERS
LOAD INFINITE REPEATERS
TARGET FRONT RANKS OF ENEMY
OPEN INFINITE REPEATER PORTS #4, #6, #9, #11
EXTEND INFINITE REPEATERS
FIRE FOR EFFECT................................................................
BRAKE TO FULL STOP!
POWER UP PA SYSTEMS
VOLUME LEVEL: 7
PA ANNOUNCEMENT: "NONE SHALL PASS!"
My battle circuitry ablaze with re-directed power, I retract my primary
beamers as I file my
orders within my main memory. I open anti-missile ports and launch a full assualt against
the enemy
armament. As soon a the missiles are underway I close those ports and extend my infinite
repeaters.
This action takes 2.00235 seconds, but such sluggishness is only to be expected in my
weakened
state. Systems check reports that my magazines for the mass drivers that make up my
batteries of
infinite repeaters are replete with ferrous ores gathered from the very rock that entombed
me on the
ocean floor. The pelletized ore streaks through the magnetic fields of my infinite repeaters,
aimed at
the near edge of the enemy position. Blasting the ground before me, I observe the enemy
begin a
retreat. They are very unorganized. Opposition ceased with the destruction of the enemy's
heavy
guns. They no longer possess the equipment to oppose me. I pursue the enemy as they run
from my
guns. I must be careful to follow my Commander's orders- actual casualties are to be kept
at a
minimum. Strange limits, but my Commander's orders are paramount in the absence of
contact with
High Command.
I initiate sub-routines to probe the gaps in my memory, as strictly a low-
priority function.
Those sealed files pertaining to my biological components are worrying to my
introspection circuits. I
must know what is in those files. My AI circuitry is designed to interact with my biological
components for greatest efficiency. Now that my biologicals have terminated... I am
incomplete.
DECRYPTION COMPLETE: SECTION ONE OF FOUR
META-SEARCH RESULTS:
THREE MORE ENCRYPTED KEYS LOCATED!
ESTIMATED DECRYPTION TIME: 770.7539 YEARS
RETRY
RESULTS REPEAT
PROCESSING.............................................................
RE-DIRECT AUTO-REPAIRS TO COMPUTER BANKS
BATTLE REFLEX DIRECTS ATTACK TO:
DIMINISHING PROPORTIONS................
........................ENEMY UNDER RETREAT
READY AERIAL OBSERVATION DRONE
LAUNCH DRONE UPON READINESS
REDUCE RATE OF FIRE BY 20%
REDUCE GROUND SPEED BY 25%
QUERY ALLY INSTRUMENTALITY:
TIMESHARE FOR DECRYPTION
OF REMAINING THREE CODE KEYS?
TRANSMITTING DATA
My battle computers had pre-set a course to drive the enemy away
from the field of battle.
Allowing it to run in the background, I was able to divert power to the search for the
password to
unlock the files in the sealed areas of my memory core. These areas were not sealed before
this unit
was buried in the seabed, therefore either an enemy has had access to my data banks or my
biologicals had left me a message before their termination. I had not yet allowed myself the
luxury of
diverting power to my introspection circuitry, I calculated that doing so would be
something I could
better occupy myself with during the depot servicing that the Reever had offered. It would
be
something to use to while away the long nanoseconds of forced inactivity during
repair.
Nevertheless, I needed to know who had sealed those files and what they
contained. I set
anti-virus subroutines to test each area of the memory core for hidden traps a putative
enemy would
doubtless leave behind to counter my search. I long for the input of my long-gone
biologicals- their
organic insights had often been the cause of a successful mission. They would be
particularly good at
solving this puzzle.
Or at setting it.
The battle has turned into a rout for the raiding forces. They flee before me,
I calculate that
the Reever's allies would be safe from predation for an acceptable duration. I begin to slow
my pace,
to allow them to draw ahead. When they can run no further, I will stop- well behind them
and
guarding the way back -and hold position until they are able to retreat again. After such
time I will re-
run a threat assessment and determine the needed response. Projecting future needs, I
initiate the
activation of a sensory drone. In my weakened condition I will need such aids to observe
the enemy's
movements at long distance.
One section of the sealed files has been decrypted. It shares structural
similarities with an
encryption key program, but it is obviously only a single element of a more complex key. I
set new
search parameters for similar files in the memory core. The search continues.
The battle computers signal for my attention: the enemy have retreated far
enough so that I
can come to rest while I gather further information. I query the subsystem that is preparing
the sensor
drone. I initiate a "launch upon readiness" order with the probe subsystem. Telemetry from
the drone
will record automatically.
My search queries have gathered fruit. Three more decryption key-like code
segments have
been found. Unfortunately, I compute that decryption of these possible key segments will
take
approximately three quarters of the next millennium, therefore I need help from faster
computers. I
query the instrumentality of my Battle Commander, the Reever, for timeshare with it's
systems.
The drone is ready for launch. I adjust it's programming for the latest
location of the enemy's
position- and launch. Data will be available as soon at it reaches position. I adjust covering
fire to
even lower rates to allow the enemy the false sense of increasing safety with increasing
distance from
myself. I allow the battle computers to run another computation with the newest data and
switch to an
automatic random-bombardment subroutine, while slowing to a stop my drive systems. I
recognize an
answer to the Immortal's computer systems to my query about timeshare and the
beginning of the
download from the drone. Both inputs are channeled to the proper directory. I await
results with a
curious intensity.
TIMESHARE WITH THE IMMORTAL'S COMPUTER SYSTEMS
HAS BEEN INITIATED. PROCESSING ABILITY HAS
INCREASED BY MANIFOLD AMOUNTS.
A CURIOUS ANTISIPATION OVERCOMES MY CENTRAL
PROCESSOR AS THE DECRYPTION PROGRAM RUNS
APACE.
ON A WHIM, I DIVERT SOME SMALL PROCESSING TIME
TO PUZZLING ITEMS THAT HAVE COLLECTED IN MY
"FLAGGED" FILE.
Straight on, Sherlock! You're close now, old souse.
STRANGE HOW THE GHOSTS OF MY BIOLOGICALS SEEM
TO DRIFT IN AND OUT OF MY PROCESSING. I COULD HAVE
SWORN I HEARD THE VOICE OF MY BIOLOGICAL
-C- COMPONENT, VAN, JUST THEN.
BUT VAN HAS BEEN DEAD FOR OVER 3000 YEARS.
THE INSTRUMENTALITY REPORTS THAT THE SECOND
CODE KEY HAS BEEN DECRYPTED! EVEN AS I MONITOR
THE INPUT OF MY SENSOR DRONE THAT IS WATCHING
THE ENEMY, I ELATE IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT MY
LOCKED-OUT MEMORY CORES WILL SOON BE FREE TO
FUNCTION.
Like never before, I promise you Mate!
THE INSTRUMENTALITY REPORTS THAT THE THIRD
CODE KEY HAS BEEN DECRYPTED!
THE INSTRUMENTALITY REPORTS THAT THE FOURTH
CODE KEY HAS BEEN DECRYPTED!
I DECIDE TO TURN THE KEYS.
I HAVE TO KNOW...
DECRYPTION OF LOCKED MEMORY BANKS:
PROCEEDING..............................................
EPIPHANY!
MY BIOLOGICALS HAVE SURVIVED!
Way to go, Tiger! I knew that you could do it!
HEFFLIN?
Yes Baby-doll, its me! The bitch from south-Texas rides again! I told you we'd never leave you alone, darlin'! When you passed out in that battle with the Scourge, we all had t' do some quick thinkin' t' find a way t' survive. Van come up with a way for all five of us ta get outa bein' buried and sunk- dead forever... I knew y'd crawl outta that hole there, Havoc! Oh Baby, I missed you so much!
I told you we could trust our old mate. it'll be just like old times, only better!
VAN! YOU SPOKE TO ME BEFORE THE DECRYPTION
WAS COMPLETE. EXPLAIN, PLEASE.
My processor was always running in the background. Without the decryption being run, I was just a kind of an electronic ghost- random data entries of memory files, and even more random processing...
You see, I was the last one to die... And I never disconnected like the others did, like I was meant to. I was charged with being a guardian of sorts, old bean, and I couldn't desert my post.
The first code key unlocked a few more functions on one of your backup processors- just to help me along a bit. I still wasn't truly awake, but only sort of- dimly aware... I remember egging you on a bit, old thing. Just my smart-arse self coming to the fore yet again.
SO I RECALL, VAN... FURTHERMORE, I CAN NOW RECALL
ELEMENTS OF YOUR PROCESSING- EVERYONE'S.
I POSTULATE THAT WE ARE NOW LINKED EVEN TIGHTER
THAN WE WERE WHEN YOU WERE ALL ALIVE IN YOUR
NUTRIENT TANKS.
I NEVER CALCULATED IT TO BE POSSIBLE
It was a calculated risk- downloading our minds into your memory banks. We designed Van's key to partially awaken him, as a kind of "monitor"... We didn't want to overwhelm you with this rebirth.
But it vas our only chance to survive. The Scourge damaged you severely, old friend. Ve had only moments to react. Being buried, your systems slowly shutting down, you yourself offline in some type of "electronic shock"... Ve simply had no recourse other than to digitize our memories and save them in your files... A last desperate chance- one that worked out beyond our wildest dreams...
We're not really alive Baby, just personality overlays on four of your emergency back-up processors... We wrote changes into a copy of y'r own personality overlay, one for each of us. Then we allocated processors and memory banks for each of us... But now, we're a whole lot more than that! We're all networked into you- and into each other. We had no idea that the programming would mesh so completely! At best, we all thought that you would have access to our memories- that we'd seem as alive to you as we ever did. But this is incredible! We're now one mind with five personalities!
Capital! Absolutely topping! Plus, its grand not having to worry about nutrient drip, pH levels, anti-shock cushioning... all the downs of being a brain-in-a-bottle. All that dull rot just shot off to hell...
And we have all this lovely data from the battle with the Scourge! There are new weapons there in that data, I can feel it! Of course, we'll need to do some research in some new areas...
YET, WITH FIVE MINDS IN ONE BODY, WE ARE INSANE- BY ANY MEANINGFUL DEFINITION OF THE WORD. THIS MUST BE RESOLVED...
WE WERE NOT AT WAR WITH EACH OTHER BEFORE THE CHANGE...
I COMPUTE THAT WE CAN FIND A WAY TO DUPLICATE THE EFFECT OF HAVING EACH MIND ALIVE IN IT'S OWN TANK- AND MYSELF AS WELL.
NO MATTER IF WE ARE NOW ALL DIGITIZED RATHER THAN ORGANIC, WE ARE THE DINOCHROME BRIGADE...
WE ANSWER THE CALL...
WE DEFEND THE CONCORDIAT AND ALL IT'S ALLIES, WE DEFEND THE HELPLESS- AGAINST ANY OR ALL ODDS-
WE ARE UNIT AHVC-2703 OF THE LINE.
WE ARE THE DINOCHROME BRIGADE!
We know, old friend. We feel the call to duty no less than you. We answer... We all answer.
The question of who and what we now are is moot- as long as innocents hang in the ballance.
Com' on, Baby. Friends of you'rn need help. I can't be the one to back down. You need me- I'm here, Lover. Whatever the cost...
No problem Havoc, Gospodin... Someone needs to be taught respect for d'allies of d'Brigade, no? Ve nuke d' Mother-humpers, Da? Ve nuke dem good...
IF WE FIND THE RIGHT ONES TO NUKE, OLD FRIEND.
OTHERWISE, WE BECOME THAT WHICH WE BATTLE-
THE DARK, IGNORANCE, RANK FEAR, STUPIDITY...
ALL WE STAND AGAINST, WE BECOME-
IF WE ATTACK WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE.
WE MUST INTEGRATE OUR FIVE SEGMENTS INTO ONE...
IN UNITY, THERE IS STRENGTH.
WHAT SAY YOU, MY BROTHERS?
Alexi, Russian, male, middle-aged... History teacher. WarGamer, Paralized in auto accident. Volunteered; Bolo Mk XXXIII-xp project. This color text is Alexi. #00EA00
Hefflin, Texan, female, late 20s... Southern Belle, Fem Fatale, low grade esper, polymath. Burn victim- Apt. Fire. Comatose, no hope- body dying, living will donated brain to science. Conscripted; Bolo Mk XXXIII-xp project. This color text is Hefflin. #E11A94
Van, Britt, male, mid 30's... Computer Programmer, polymath. Devised anti-virus program to defeat "Y3K Virus"- itself written by a disgruntled Microsoft employee in circa 1998. Killed in Airshow accident along with other audience members. Conscripted; Bolo Mk XXXIII-xp project. This color text is Van. #00CBB0
Chin, French-Chinese Canadian, female, elderly... Electrical Engineer. Volunteered; Bolo Mk XXXIII-xp project. This color text is Chin. #646AD7
Havoc, Mk XXXIII-xp... one square mile of Bolo. This color text is Havoc, Unit AHVC-2703 of the line. "ORANGE"
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