24: The Face of Modern Gaming

terminal 0

unfinished

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This facility controls automatic defense systems along the perimeter of the Citadel. I tried to divert as many troops as possible from this area to help the Pfhor here, but it's been for naught; Pfhor tactics are about as good as those of the A'khr. They've sent a flood of troops straight into the Renegade maw, and not much remains. I've given you an override chip to disable the defense systems here. Make your way past the forces stationed here into the basement and install it.

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Of course, it's not a direct passage downstairs. There are two levels of physical security, on top of all the troops they have in the area. They seem to have picked up on how effective a simple locked door is against you, at least. So pay attention. The first step is getting into the fortress itself. My plan was to teleport you down by the front door, and I am proud to say I've done that. But the door is locked. The door controls are in a nearby tower; I suppose if you could find the controls, you may be able to activate them from a distance. There are other possibilities: there's an opening in the north end of the complex, and at least one noted gap in their perimeter defense along the sides. Keep your eyes open; a stealthy entrance into the building may be easier. You can stay out of as many Pfhor/Renegade battles as possible, anyway.

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Once inside, you'll have to get through the inner security. Near the big front door is a large elevator guarded by three locked doors. These doors are opened by big, bright-red control panels throughout the installation; they can't be missed. None of the Pfhor have been able to breach the perimeter of the facility, so once you get inside it will be you against the world. Not that that's unfamiliar territory for you. Just don't waste time; you don't want to get caught by any reinforcements, now do you? When you're done, find a way to get back to this terminal and I can take you further into the citadel.

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success

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With the remaining citadel defenses failing all around them, and Pfhor troops streaming through the shield wall unopposed, the A'khr have ordered a general retreat. There's no longer any resistance for you to make your move. Prepare for teleport.

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# t
<teleport to level 25>

terminal 1

unfinished

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security log by Defense Officer 36.22387 ---------------------------------------- Perimeter defense has been proven time and time again to be completely impossible to maintain with the sloppy architecture mandated by High Council laws. While half-carving buildings out of mountains is easier for the poor laborer clones, it's very difficult to ensure a completely tight perimeter seal. For example, the security tower over there? Obviously, it's got high open walls so that we can fly through them, but it's not accessible from the ground below so clones and invaders cannot get in. This is fine, but it seems to be a better idea to just keep the windows closed and make fellow A'khr pass through security gates too. Just because a landborne invader can't directly access the tower doesn't mean he can't somehow destroy the controls or something.

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terminal 2

unfinished

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What will you do once you have destroyed me, anyway? I mean, have you been paying attention to anything I've said? I know you were on Lh'owon, and you walked among the ruins of the S'pht civilization, but it is difficult for the human mind to associate inanimate evidence with reality. But you must understand, now, seeing the Pfhor onslaught in action, that there is no one who can withstand the might of the Pfhor war machine once it has been fully awakened. Will you allow yourself to return to sleep, waiting to be called upon by some other master to participate in some irrelevant squabble? Or will you and Director Harrison be able to convince UESC High Command of the truth of the inevitable defeat of humanity at the hand of the slavers?

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Maybe your salvation lies beyond the UESC. Just south of here, it appears you can find a recharge station. Move.

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terminal 3

unfinished

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[S'pht translator active] Don't think you've beaten us yet, Human. The traitorous machine Karma might have fooled the rest of the council, but I am not the idiot sycophant the rest of my kin seem to think I am. I am Commander Kalgan, and I have convinced the council that Karma is untrustworthy and incompetent; control of the A'khr army has fallen rightfully into my possession. We will fight you on the streets of our citadel; you and the slavers will pay in blood for every inch you take from us. Even if you do succeed, you will suffer so greatly you will regret ever coming to our home.

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Karma has now attempted to relocate our forces to leave you with an open path to the High Command Tower. What a laughable attempt at letting you in unopposed. He may think we're all fools, but we aren't as easily duped as he'd like. You will die.

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terminal 4

unfinished

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Welcome to the Defense Grid Control Center! At the bottom of this elevator you will find the core mainframe controls for all local automatic defense systems. Before you descend, however, please keep a few things in mind: 1. Due to high security troubles over the last several months, data forwarding now requires permission from High Council. We've had too much trouble with hackers stealing all of our information. Please, no hacking. 2. In accordance with High Council Decree 29963, in which all full wall "computer workstations" are to be disabled and replaced with more secure central computing facilities, please do not operate any of the workstations. 3. Please do not touch anything at all, really. There's nothing that you need to touch down there. In fact, do you really want to visit at all? Enjoy your stay.

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