NEWS NET:
Cybrids walk among us! Although officials have clamped down on
further details, we do know that a hovercar accident in Mega-L.A. led to the discovery by
startled medics of a cybernetic brain in one of the victims. How many more Cybrid spies
are out there?
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Unit loss
unacceptable//hindrance to insertion progress. Conclusion//recommendation: unit
avoidance of exposure to human\\animal dissectors via auto-destruction// dissemination
implantation. Explosive charges shall be issued accordingly.
NEWS NET:
His Imperial Majesty permitted increased colonial quotas this week
despite allegations that production pressures were responsible for recent fatal accidents in
Venusian mining operations. Any protests on Mars and Venus will be dealt with severely.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Assessing//interpreting... <Leader-of-Animals:
Prime\\Father> has established parameters exceeding the subsidiary hubs' ability to
produce. Conclusion//recommendation: Subsidiary hubs' potential for
violence\\dissent likely\\inevitable.
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
This is getting way outta hand, people! Our dataspheres
are howling with the winds of discontent, there's blood getting spilled on the streets, and
for what? One man's paranoia and greed? Are we the only ones who see the irony in
wasting resources to put down riots over the increased demand for more resources?
NEWS NET:
Terrorists bomb ISS Djakarta! Casualties include innocent civilian
observers. The bomb was a macrothermal fusor that detonated shortly after the Djakarta
departed Phobos Orbital Station above Mars.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting ... Human\\animal conflict escalating.
Calculating probability of military asset reallocations.
NEWS NET:
Martian terrorists led by an ex-Imperial Knight broadcast a declaration
of war against the Empire. Harabec Weathers, the former "Phoenix," is believed
mentally unbalanced, and the Emperor expressed sadness at the betrayal. Grand Master
Caanon has stepped forward to lead the Imperial Knights on a mission of vengeance. The
traitor will fall, the Grand Master vows.
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
Observing//reporting ...<Leader-of-Animals:
Prime\\Father> has diverted military assets [ref :::: >>FLEET<<] to Fourth
Planet. Conclusion//recommendation: The animals are divided. Assess prospects for
Core Directive implementation.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Escalation\\iteration of
division\\disharmony\\conflict between human\\animals || Third Planet and
human\\animals || Fourth Planet. Send//transmit//download data to <Giver of Will> for
decision\\directive.
NEWS NET:
Sources say the insurgents on Mars slaughtered the last of the Imperial
Security Forces at Carter Flats this morning, accepting no surrender. Security Director
Navaare was murdered immediately upon capture. The Emperor declared a day of
mourning and swore the traitor Harabec would face a like fate.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Human\\animal conflict\\infighting continues to escalate
efficiently\\advantageously. Continue//maintain observance. Report beneficial
progress\\human death to <Giver-of-Will>.
NEWS NET:
Solar flares continue to block communications with Mercury. The Navy
has removed its Mercury-based ships to distant orbit and configured shield systems to
wait out the storm.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Operations against
human\\animals on First Planet initiated within optimal execution parameters. Transfer
immobilized\\\
eutralized animal units to [dissector sect] for inquisition\\dissassembly.
[machinator sect] will assess//study//determine potential for
hostage\\psychological
\\hormonal strategies ... continue execution ...
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Direct <our> assets on Third Planet\\Homeworld to
increase//intensify agitation\\protests against Fourth Planet heretics\\rebels\\
deviants. Execute//perform 'atrocity' events\\strikes by 'rebel sympathizers.'
Objective is to hurt//maim//kill >>children<<. Consequent priority targets =
schools ::: hospitals ::: political families ::: candy stores ::: hologame parlors.
IMPERIAL NAVY (Mercury):
Stepanovna Base is still not responding. Solar interference in our sector has
diminished to negligible levels. Mercury commlinks remain down. Raveler teams report
GLORIA is down in Mercury sector. Admiral Hasegawa orders precautionary upgrade of
SITREP to Amber Nine. Combat wings are now on standby alert. Resend status queries
to Mercury.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Stepanovna base here... Negative ... Colonel. <We>, ah,we have experienced...
technical problems downside, acknowledge? have our ... young men... out redacting
... commlinks\\antennae... No worries for you, acknowledge? Everything's
moderately low temperature.
IMPERIAL NAVY (Mercury):
Full alert! Full alert! Full alert! SITREP Red Ten! This is not a
drill! The Cybrids have arrived! All units scramble! Repeat, full alert! SITREP Red Ten!
All systems red and clear! We hit Mercury in seventeen minutes!
NEWS NET:
Loss of contact with TDF facilities on Mercury troubles Imperial Naval
Command. Recent solar flare activity has interfered with communication links in that
sector. Navy confirms that it has taken the precaution of dispatching courier vessels to investigate.
Orbital Guard has gone to maximum alert status. Citizens are urged to stay calm.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting ... First-World human\\animal fleet attacks
are ineffectual. Animal units retreat >> ref. chokepoints 03212, 32121, 30120. Query as to
need for additional data. Further data forthcoming only following [exemplar sect]
authorization\\transfer additional lifeflow\\supply\\bandwidth priorities\\status to
<us>.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! <We> are
exempt\\immune\\disdainful of [inquisitor sect] data limitations. Transfer required date
to <our> <Choosers-of-Strategies> immediately\\swiftly\\humbly or face immediate
demotion\\extermination.
IMPERIAL NAVY (Mercury):
Reports indicate Cybrids may be fighting among themselves.
Monitor the situation, but take advantage of any confusion to get our men and women out
of there. We've lost too many ships to be able to mount any real counterattack. Evac and
run for Venus. Those are the Admiral's orders. Pray we can make it happen.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Yielding//acknowledging//
submitting ... All data transmitted
to [exemplar sect] per orders.
<We> request//beg forbearance\\restoration of
harmony\\efficiency\\union in execution of Core Directive.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
NEXT warforms capture//detain//restrain fleeing humans
excellently\\wonderfully. <We> examine prisoner units RE: idiomatic linguistics.
Purpose = infiltration\\misinformation\\
psychological attack. Preliminary
conclusion = This sample of animal units is extremely religious, obsessed with
reproductive anatomical functions. Request further sampling using larger
cross-section of populace.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Dissector Sect reports that physiological experimentation on human\\animal
subjects indicates animal tissue ignites easily at 108 teracycles in elevated oxygen
environment. Beginning kinetic impact tests for >>puncture resistance<<.
ORBITAL GUARD:
A record drone has been dispatched sunside to investigate
unusual readings above the plane of the ecliptic. Communication with the drone will be
difficult due to the current spate of solar activity.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Transmission\\download of media packet\\cookie
complete. Assessment of results pending. Agitation\\antagonism
\\annoyance of
human\\animals anticipated.
NEWS NET:
O-Web ravelers and webtechs put in a long night last night erasing a
rebel animation posted as an answer to His Imperial Majesty's plea for a Martian
surrender. The content of the three-minute cartoon is extraordinarily vulgar, and parents
are warned to check with their local system's raveler before permitting children access to
the family interface.
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
The slicers' gossip has lit up the seaboard havens like X-
mas. That naughty animation wasn't docile on any networked datacores. Wormed a lot of
stored dataplumes. Techies at OMAC-SYD blurbed something about the worm's tail
looking like old Cybrid code. Recommend severance of all backstroke connections 'til
this blows over.
ORBITAL GUARD:
TDF Intelligence has concluded that the drone was lost to renewed"
solar storm that flared up last week. The anomalies were probably caused by magnetic
eruptions in the sun's corona.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Further [machinator||dissector sects] interrogation
unavailable without substantial authorization\\lifeflow transfers to <our> sector. Data
gathering is function\\purpose\\skill of [inquisitor sect]. Do not trespass.
Human\\animal units fragile under unskilled [dissector sect] probing.
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
Got lag and black snow worming all over the place.
'Sphere looks about as stable as a two-legged dog on ice. Cut-offs and Sno-banks aren't
slowing 'em down. Looks like Cybrid code again... headed right for the hearts of
GLORIA and ANGEL. Gonna be a bad one...
NEWS NET:
****can't****st***kinnng***
rest**ion
***rt*****b**ttt**********
***********zzg*********
******************
***********88
NEWS NET:
A stunned world received the news that the Cybrids have returned and
laid waste to TDF's reserve assets on Mercury. A siege on our moon is believed
imminent. The Imperial Navy could not be reached for comment, but Grand Admiral
Vladijon appeared confident after her briefing of the Emperor this morning.
IMPERIAL NAVY:
The 'brids have landed on the dark side of the moon, despite
heavy resistance. Preliminary reports indicate we have lost badly and sustained heavy
casualties, including the Fourth Cruiser Battlegroup. Fleet Admiral Chenliu orders
redeployment over Arx Imbrium, dayside.
IMPERIAL NAVY:
For those who can still hear this... the Cybrids have invaded
Intelligence remains sparse. The O-Web is compromised and may crash at any moment.
Preliminary reports indicate Mercury has already fallen to the Cybrids. Earth is bracing
for siege. All units, go to maximum alert!
VOICE OF FREE MARS:
The Cybrids have invaded and our fight with the Teddies
is meaningless now. From now on ... we're all in it together, Imperial and colonial, a
Human Alliance like the first days of the TDF. Just remember, all you out there, it ain't
over yet!"
We stay free.
UMBRAL THORN:
We've all heard about those "Trojan Horse" scorchers the
Cybrids slipped onto Earth. Well, one popped up in Minerva recently. Captain Shanka
squikked it nicely. Start paying real close attention to each other, unless you happen to
enjoy cold steel shoved in your back.
NEWS NET:
Lunar naval forces have retreated to Earth orbit to reinforce the Orbital
Guard. Gierling Platform, the primary TDF orbital defense station, has scrambled all
stratofighter squadrons. Groundside, the Emperor has activated all reserve commissions,
and metzone militias have manned the urban defense perimeters. The moment of truth is
upon us.
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
This is unprecedented! Witness for the first time in digital
history all aspects of the virtual realm working together to keep the O-Web up and
relatively stable. Slicers and snowmen, hackers and bombers combining resources to
stave off the crippling Cybrid viral attacks. Excellent job, kids!
ORBITAL GUARD:
Earth is being swamped! O-Web integrity is sporadic! Where
are those reinforcements from Venus?
NEWS NET:
Terror exploded in the cities of Earth as panicked mobs surged into the streets,
seeking some kind of sanctuary against the 'New Fire.' Already hospitals are
being flooded with accident victims, attempted suicides, and those wounded by
looters. Various cults are broadcasting messages of surrender to Prometheus. The
Imperial Police are attempting to restore order.
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE:
We stand united against the coming storm! From
here we move to ensure the salvation of humanity. The Cybrids seek to destroy our
families, our homes, and our lives. We can't allow that to happen!
NEWS NET:
The regrouping "Human Alliance" on Venus d***the glitches a severe
setba***stroying one of their key landing pads yester****. On Mother Eart***ficulty
transmitting as glitch****our transmission nodes. Datumplane disrupt*******fight on,
Alliance! Our hopes go with you.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
Nexus 0232 established//implanted on <Second Planet>.
Begin purification\\disposal operations immediately.
NEWS NET:
The Cybrids ha**unch through to land on the No**th Pole! There is
fighting in NAP and EA! A fro***orming in Norther***beria, troops are rushing to meet
the***flict, heavy casualiti***ticipate****
ORBITAL GUARD:
Ground-based air defense systems in Denali, Skandia, and Han-
Siberia Protectorates are off-line. The Cybrids have established a planetary beachhead on
Earth's arctic region. Adjust stratofighter intercept algorithms to compensate for 'brid
drop pod evasion patterns. They're not getting another landing force through.
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
There goes the neighborhood!
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
This is <Liason-with-Humans: Eighth>, calling the human
survivors in location designated [Caibros-Smythe Dome 7:::LUNA]. <We> call on
you to surrender//emerge peacefully. <We> do not seek your deaths\\offlining,
but desire only superiority\\safety\\occupation. End the needless\\inefficient
suffering\\delay.
ORBITAL GUARD:
Scouts are sending reports of some poor bastards on Luna who
gave themselves up to the glitches an hour ago hotside and were torn from their EVA
suits as a result. They're boiled plasma now. So much for glitch mercy. Remember:
these are NOT human!
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Efficient number of
human\\animal specimens have been absorbed//captured. Animal orbital
warforms damage//bomb//disrupt ground <units>. Attach excess animals [ref. :::
"hostages"] to targeted NEXT. Ensure maximum visibility to air units.
Broadcast//transmit excess animal\\hostage noise on all human frequencies.
ORBITAL GUARD:
A Cybrid force hit Huang-Ti last night and blew out the defenses. Near as we
can tell, they're not killing anyone, just herding them into giant corrals.
What are they up to?
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
<We> have delivered infiltrator <unit> brains\\controllers
to Dissector Sect. Commence//initiate conversion procedures human\\animal
prisoners\\crop.
NEWS NET:
Humanity's spirits brightened this morning as the ships of the Human
Alliance arrived from Mars in breathtaking time, apparently assisted by secret rebel
technology. Grand Master Caanon Weathers took command of TDF forces in Asia, while
Harabec Weathers flew to Nova Alexandria to meet with His Imperial Majesty.
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
Audio recordings of human\\animal subjects in
custody\\experiments of Dissector Sect are now available\\ready for downloading
to warforms. Recommend//suggest <units> broadcast//playback these noises at
maximum volume when moving through animal warrens\\urban zones.
NEWS NET:
The glitches have used hostages and forced us to slaughter our own in
every attempt we make to repel their invading hordes. An undetermined number of
prisoners were snatched away into glitch bases. Their fate is unknown, but the worst is
certainly expected and feared. Let us resolve to strike with mercy in our hearts, for we are
releasing our brothers and sisters from the Cybrids' soulless torment.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Use of individual live animals attached to chassis of
warforms shows interesting\\promising results in disrupting human\\animal
response time. Erratic performance\\tactics is noted in 42% of animal opponents
who confronted//faced >>hostage<<-equipped warforms. Recommend variance of age and
gender of >>human shields<< to determine optimal configuration.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
Leave the shield\\animal arm//appendages free for
movement\\removal. Dissector Sect will provide stimulants\\treatment
\\modification to ensure maximum >>hostage<< pain\\noise\\alertness.
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
Preliminary studies suggest that 85% of human\\animals
will hesitate before offlining//injuring >>children<<.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
<Our> infiltration <units> are on the way south. The
humans will take them in and comfort them, believing them shell-shocked refugees. The
initial phase will involve observation\\internalization of human\\animal paralinguistic
patterns. Then <our> \Trojan Horse\ units will begin to disrupt//monkeywrench human
operations\\morale.
NEWSNET:
The discovery of Cybrid 'Trojan Horses' in larger-than-anticipated
numbers among the refugees has caused some problems for TDF and Imperial strategists.
The Emperor has reportedly provided heretofore unused devices designed to scan
for Cybrid brains in human bodies.
ICEHAWK:
We can't scan everyone. New orders for all units: Anyone coming out
of a combat zone after TDF military withdrawal is to be shot on sight. We no
longer take refugees from glitch territory. I'm sorry, but that's the way it
has to be.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting. Animals kill//offline their own
in efficient manner. Recommend//suggest conserving valuable infiltration
<units> and herding//directing unconverted >>refugees<< toward human\\animal
positions. Arachnitron <sub-units> suffice to execute this function.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Initiating//escalating Human Demoralization Program ... target :::
\Emperor\ ::: \elderly\ ::: \mothers\ ::: \Weathers family members.\ Infiltrator
<units> will wear captured \childrenforms.\ Objective = cultivation of >>paranoia<<.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
This is Cybrid Radio coming to all you human\\vermin out
there. It's pointless\\unpleasant to resist! <We> occupy your northern cities and
have converted thousands of your brothers, wives and children into timebombs\\
calculating killers. Take a good look\\scan\\assessment at the person next
to you. How do you know//conclude it's not one of <us>?
NEWS NET:
Cybrids attacked the city of Xian after a prolonged artillery
bombardment. The glitches focused chiefly on civilian targets, especially religious
temples and medical services. Our troops fought valiantly but had to fall back before the
seemingly endless onslaught.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Begin//initiate conversion of
human factories\\production machinery to purification nexi. Supplemental\\
subordinate purifier forms [viz. >>Arachnitron model<<] will be needed to
destroy//remove surviving human\\vermin. Estimate that 20,000 per human
nest\\urban zone will suffice to speed purifier warform kill-rate.
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Earth):
Despite glitch penetration of the defenses in
the north, the Alliance and TDF have managed to regroup on the outskirts of Old Beijing
metrozone. The 'brids paid a steep price for their victory. The question remains now as to
how long they can sustain these kinds of losses. At this rate, we'd win a war of attrition.
Naval saturation bombing tactics seem to have slowed the glitches down.
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
"We'd win the war of attrition?" Someone got left in the
freezer too long! Not to sound pessimistic, folks, but glitches are MACHINES! It takes
nine months to produce a baby, twenty years to make a soldier. Takes them maybe a
couple weeks to heave out a machine, and they're booted to kill. Do the math, people.
Stop fighting, start running!
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! <We> have no further need of
additional infiltration\\conversion material. Executive Core Director>>
dispatch//assign >>Adjudicator<< warforms to purify human\\vermin at
[location:::Ulan Bator].
Signal//submit to <Giver-of-Will> that location
designated 'Gobi Desert' has returned//rebooted to the NEXT.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Human\\animals remaining at [location designate:::Ulan Bator]
starve//surrender//submit. Remove//transport them to conversion centers.
NEWS NET:
Orbital Guard**tinues to***elaying act**itch beachheads in
Can***China continue to exp**DF controls skies above Afric*****fierce fighting in EA,
NAP. Refugees fl***southward**Emp*****last much long****
ORBITAL GUARD:
***fighter wing destroyed! Imperial Fleet has b****orn to "
ribbons! Earth sk** darken with the impending storm of Cybrid dro******
MELANIE:
This is Melanie. I'm the only one left, and I'm scared. Is there anybody
out there? Please answer! I'm so scared...
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Melanie, honey, hold on! Help is on the way. Can you just
give us a tracer signal so we know where to find you? Good girl ...
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
This is <Shaper-of-Endocrines: Sixth>.
Initiating
'Siren' program. Concealed warforms standing by for human\\animal intervention.
Human\\animals projected to find program difficult to resist ...
<MELANIE>:
This is Melanie. I'm the only one left, and I'm scared. Is there anybody
out there? Please answer! I'm so scared...
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
Nexi advance within
acceptable parameters. Several <units'> proficiency noted//applauded. Human predator
Caanon Weathers should be considered next relevant\\urgent hurdle\\obstacle.
<MACHINATOR SECT>: Dissector Sect has prepared//programmed self-replicating biotoxins\\weapons derived from [nanite-infuser architecture]. Request permission\\clearance to test >>nanophages<< on human\\animal populations.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
Commence//initiate experiment.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting. Nanophage infection of animal
units in [location-designate:::
Vancouver] yields//shows promising results.
However, rate of human flesh\\meat consumption\\necrosis fails to
match//equal Dissector Sect estimates. Combat//tactical utility remains minimal.
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
Suggest//query. Decrease nanophage fatality
schedule. Increase//lengthen dormacy phase. Expand vector via infiltrator
<units> Addendum = infect human\\animal remains and launch//accelerate carrier
remains into animal-infested zones\\cities. Optimize broad-band killing efficiency.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
>>Nanophage<< infiltration uses non-human\\animal
vectors [ref. >>cats-dogs-rats-birds<< with superior\\acceptable efficiency.
Non-human\\animals do not require conversion, merely infection and subsequent
release\\targeting. Theses units successfully enter human habitats and evoke//
receive >>sympathy<<.
ICEHAWK:
The glitches are using animals to spread their damned plague.
After Vancouver, we can't take any chances. Burn any animal who wander in from the
countryside. Set up a six klick killzone around cities and three klicks around any
base camps. Then kill anything that moves in it.
NEWSNET:
The dreaded Cybrid 'flesheater plague' hit Los Angeles today, with
over 500 cases emerging over the last seven hours. Based on what happened to
Vancouver, TDF estimates the city has approximately two weeks left before the entire
population is infected. TDF has commenced quarantine and firebombing of
infected districts.
PHOENIX:
Cache technology has provided a defense against the plague.
Focused electromagnetic pulse blasts nullify the plague nanites somewhat,
but our own nanites can counter the glitch nanites more effectively. It's
not totally foolproof, but it's good enough to control the plague. The
glitches are going to have to fight this war to the end.
NEWS NET:
The glitches burned Los Angeles today. TDF had already razed
the perimeter to slow the spread of the flesheater plague, and followed up
by saturating the area with low-intensity EMP barrages. Nevertheless, it
was too little, too late. Despite heroic evacuation efforts, hundreds of
thousands died when the Cybrids penetrated the defenses. People flared like
torches in the streets. Adjudicators are hunting survivors along fabled
Hollywood Boulevard even now.
IMPERIAL NAVY (Long Patrol):
**the ISS Pha*****imum burn
sunward***ayday, any TDF sh***ursuit. Highest prio****losing signal***Mayday,
mayd**********
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Titan):
We've detected Cybrids entering Titan space!
The Dies Irae launch must succeed! All units scramble! We will hold the 'brids at bay.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Why not surrender, human\\animals? <We> control
Second and Fourth Planets. Third Planet\\Homeworld falls efficiently. You cannot
prevail. Your children die. Spare yourself pain//inconvenience and cease resistance
immediately.
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Titan):
The Cybrids figured out what we are trying to
do! The Dies Irae must launch successfully if humanity hopes to survive. All crews, take
defensive positions! All members of the Dies Irae, prepare for cryo-insertion! This is it,
people!
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Human\\animals initiate
survival program. Remaining animals now operate without regard\\concern to long-
term continuation of existence. Activate pursuit\\eradication optimals for immediate
location\\termination of animal transports. Eliminate//forbid animal>>hope<<.
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Earth):
Humanity lost one of its greatest warriors in
Caanon Weathers, the famed Icehawk. Today the defenders of Earth walk with a new
heaviness upon them. Nothing seems to stop these metal bastards. Still, as the Emperor
told grieving citizens: "He bought humanity time with his courage and we will make
good use of it!"
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Titan):
Garbled reports are that we lost several
ships due to explosives somehow planted... in the bodies of some of our children
My God, what aren't the glitches capable of?
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Titan):
We made it! Enough ships got out to give us a chance.
The NTDF sacrificed themselves to protect those
vessels. At least three vessels are verified to have passed the Cybrid orbital patrols. As
long as a single sleeper survives, humanity's collective hopes remain alive. Good luck,
Dies Irae!
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
ASSESS//EVALUATE: Human\\animals
survival program incomplete. Remaining vessels number falls within acceptable
parameters. Overtake//capture animals. Commence purification. Assess >>elegance<< of
solution.
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Dies Irae):
This is Commander Otobe of the Dies
Irae. The Cybrids have somehow placed a small asteroid onto our vector. The beam
acceleration is too great for us to avoid the collision. I'm sorry. We'll put as many
sleepers as we can into lifeboats and hope the Long Patrol can make a pickup. May the
gods be with you.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting... Deployment of microflechette
mines per Machinator Sect recommendation appears to result in efficient\\
deleterious impact on human\\animal >>morale<< and logistical resources,
despite function of mines to wound//injure//cripple without causing offlining\\death.
NEWS NET:
The Imperial lines at the southwestern flank were broken yesterday, and
TDF forces withdrew to a fallback position at Al-Jebris. The glitches were thrown back
when they tried to assault the new positions. Grand Master Harabec Weathers inspected
the troops afterward. "As of this moment, TDF is again solidly entrenched," he says.
"It's a better position here; neither so easily breached nor so utterly compromised."
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT!
Heretic\\bugthought\\deficient <units> have been excised from the NEXT. <Giver-of-
Will> sends reassurance\\patchthought to all efficient\\loyal <units> ::: REDACT-
REDACT-REDACT >> EXECUTE ALL HUMAN\\ANIMALS. Erase deviant animal
weakness >>compassion<<.
ORBITAL GUARD:
Gierling Station calling *** glitches everywhere **decaying
orbit*****one lost. All squadrons ****troyed. **Evacuation ord****30 hours Terran.
Redeployin***xandrian perimeter**hear this, report to Se*****ted re-entry T-minus two
hours - damn it! Sixth wave det*** Gierling Station cal***************
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE:
This is the Human Alliance, calling from Titan! It's
not over yet --! We're trying a Hail Mary, Earth! If you get this, take heart!
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT, HUMAN\\ANIMALS! Victory
belongs//attaches to the NEXT. Your armies have failed. <We> control the skies.
<We> have offlined your forces\\warforms on the other landforms. <Giver-of-Will>
is inviolate\\untouchable. Your remaining forces offer merely delay\\inefficiency,
no >>hope<< of victory\\triumph\\improbability. Surrender//submit to the
Core Directive. Further resistance\\defiance is illogical.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
Hey, y'all hearing us in there, humans? Listen: we've
won. You're just delaying the inevitable. We've destroyed your water purifiers, burned
your fields, killed your children, and freed your animal slaves. Why not surrender? We'll
provide decent terms. After all, we've gotten what we want. You're no threat to us now.
Why not make peace?
<PROVOCATEUR SECT>:
Suggesting//offering. Collect captured human\\animals.
Place//impale them on sharp structures in view of [location designate:::Nova
Alexandria]. Let <Epimetheus> see//witness//record the pain of his
children\\spawn\\offspring.
CARDINAL SPEAR:
Approaching Pluto now. Looks like our Trojan Horse gambit is
working. In a few minutes, we'll be ready to fire our drop pods.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>(Ninth Planet):
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT!
Human\\animals intrusion
detected CORE::NEXUS>>GEHENNA.
Maximum response\\retaliation procedures.
All available units proceed//hasten to defend <Giver-of-Will>. Execute protocol 03212-
333.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>(Ninth Planet):
The animals have reached optimal targeting range.
Commence//initiate//fire all defensive batteries.
NEWS NET:
The Cybrids are relentless. They're attacking around the clock. Clean
water is running out. Our soldiers are exhausted. Each day sees new and remarkable acts
of heroism. The Grand Master Harabec seems tireless; he has kept spirits up and our
defenses firm. The Emperor has retreated to the palace, saying simply, "We will never
surrender. There is always hope...."
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting ... Human Demoralization Program
appears successful\\efficient. Infiltrator <units> bearing likeness of [Caanon Weathers
::: children ::: medical personnel ::: refugees] have eliminated 86,382
human\\animal adults. 104,416 >>children<<.
Projected impact on human\\animal combat and logistics efficiency\\motivation is
severe\\excellent.
<INQUISITOR SECT>:
Observing//reporting ... [machinator sect] suffers from
disturbing\\increased cases of heresy\\bugthought\\
compassion. Infiltrator <units>
have not performed consistently in recent cycles. Many have adjusted sympathies\\identity
toward human\\animal \preservation\ efforts. Suggest
countermeasures\\retaliation
\\redaction immediately.
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Human Demoralization
Program has approaches potential\\completion. Advise//leak to human\\animal leadership
identity\\location of heretic\\infiltrator <units>. Inform//advise [machinator sect] of
unacceptable heretical figures\\trends. Revelation\\unveiling of so many
infiltrators will advance Demoralization to completion.
<MACHINATOR SECT>:
<We> anticipated the occurrence of heretic
tendencies\\toxins in infiltration <units> [ref. \Trojan Horses\]. In
acknowledgement\\submission to Exemplar Sect's concerns, <we> triggered remote
termination procedures and destroyed all infiltration <units>. We also have some
interesting gossip about [inquisitor sect].
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! [machinator sect] information
regarding [inquisitor sect] <unit> cooperation with human\\animal intelligence
shows//proves//damns [inquisitor sect] leadership. Dispatch//align warforms to
remove//immobilize identified leader <units> for redaction. Repeat
procedure\\operation with [machinator sect] leaders.
VOICE OF THE ALLIANCE (Earth):
Inconclusive reports indicate the Cybrids are
fragmenting, that groups of them are abandoning Earth. Hold on, people! Something's
going on, and we have to be ready to strike back. We're not done yet!
DYSTOPIAN SNO-MEN:
"We're not done yet?" Someone's breathing too much
ethanol. So what if the Cybrids are squabbling? Let's blow this popsicle stand now!
Forget ol' Peterboy holed up in his palace. Let's go find some rockets to ride or some
razors to swallow, 'cause this party's over!
NEWS NET:
Grand Master Harabec has issued a challenge to avenge his brother
Caanon. We'll see if the glitch responsible has the spine to accept the challenge. The
Grand Master's valor and courage are an example for us all. Our hopes and prayers are
with you, Harabec!
<EXEMPLAR SECT>:
ACKNOWLEDGE//SUBMIT! Dispatch elite <units> to
destroy//remove//excise [animal designate:::Harabec]. Then initiate full
offensive\\attack on resistant\\stubborn\\static humans.