Swarmling Logbook Entry

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//-- AUTO-TRANSCRIPTION FROM CREW QUARTERS OF UES [Redacted] --//


''Whaddaya got there? A game?''

''A GAME?! Buzz off, I'm doing fieldwork. IMPORTANT fieldwork!''

''Looks like something one of the keyboard jockeys plays during breaks to me... Plays it on shift too, if nothing needs monitoring.''

''Consider paying even the SLIGHEST bit of attention to what's going on past the tip of your nose, eh? Anything look familiar? Like say, that curved pillar? Or that stone platform?''

''Oh... Yeah. You're piloting those things down on the planet?''

''Eureka! She finally gets it! 

Yes it's a networked swarm of my custom CT-CHB Mobile Walker Turret. Piloted via my custom software using the ship's comms array, allowing for sub-5 millisecond input latency from low orbit down to the planet's surface. Even works up to a thousand meters below. I say 'shoot' from up here, and they shoot before you could even blink.

A complete upgrade over those ancient TC-2RT junkers you see dotted around down there from the Contact Light. Miniaturized frame offering no drawbacks to the older model in terms of structural integrity, and a massively elevating the model's threat pacification capabilities. Now with ambulatory limbs capable of traversal comparable to meat-sacks like us, and it packs flat for easy storage, transport, and repair.''

''All of them?''

''What do you mean, 'all of them'? The majority of the fleet is the miniaturized model, while others have some... custom hardware. Purely for specialized operational parameters, of course.''

''No, like... You're controlling all of them? I've seen a whole bunch of those things laying around. Even patched one up for myself. Pretty slick that you can handle all that with just the two hands.''

''NO, you meathe-

No, they have autonomous protocols when manually activated by anyone planet-side. I'm only one-... well, most of one man, but things still need doing down there. The CT-CHB swarm can become my eyes and gun barrels on the planet, even beyond the limitations of this singular body.''

''What's up with that one glowing rainbow colors?''

''Ah, yes, the overdrive protocol. Naturally, some situations may require more force than any individual unit can exert at a given time. So, I've designed a special subroutine to run that allows for limited-time overclocking right up against their failure thresholds, vastly augmenting their capabilities. Thus far, I've run into... difficulties getting the subroutine to run correctly under autonomous function. As an 'Emergency' command, it can't be run remotely. Therefore, the subroutine occurs randomly on the units you'll find planet-side. For now, just consider it a bit of good luck if you happen upon a Rainbowized unit.''

''Okay. That really doesn't explain the rainbow colors.''

''The... um, excessive voltage running through the modules causes their indicator lighting and thermochromic hull panels to... temporarily malfunction. A technical glitch, is all.''

''Sure. Now, that one's bright orange. All the other ones are neon or pastel colors too. I even remember seeing one with some bunny ears and a slice of cake sat on it. Just what kind of 'specialized operational parameters' need bunny ears?''

''...''

''Look, you can just say you wanted them to look cute. Ain't no shame in it.''

''I-

...

You will not speak a word of this to ANYONE.''

''You got it, boss.''


//-- Transcriptions complete. --//