Status: Online - A Xenon DiD (TC 3.2)

[blazermick]

Actually, i am really enjoying this start. Tried it a few times but got bored early.

I think that since the hijacker script has been used sparingly and has its own restrictions, along with the other restrictions placed on it via the start, then its fine to leave the script as is without changes.

Add another script and break a game save ?? it works now, poetic licence allowed .. just watch how its used on capitals.

Love the yarn ! Keep it up !

[Idleking]

Argh, reading that "machine code" makes my head ache - but it's still quite awesome because it's different from "normal" ways of writing.

I think it might get a bit boring in the long run because it'll be the same over and over again: pick target, analyze, engage/evade.
Ah well, that's the "life" of a Xenon isn't it

[Triaxx2]

Okay, we've agreed you can cap ships. Now, with that out of the way:

MOAR.

You know, when you have the chance.

[Kirlack]

I like the check-and-balance that the microchips provide. What are your thoughts on capturing larger ships, like M1s and M2s? Certain number of chips, after the shields are down, or something? Or are you going to conquer the universe with a swarm of M7 and smaller craft?

I'm not sure the script will work on an M1 or M2, as I've never tried. I don't think that would be very 'fair' though, even with the restrictions already in place. I think I'll keep them for boarding only.

i really love the style this is written in.

machine simplicity. identify, choose action, execute action, next line.
no unnecessary descriptions, just pure story, what happened and, more importaintly, why it happend

Thanks! I wasn't really sure at the start how it would be received, but it's good to know you're enjoying it

Actually, i am really enjoying this start. Tried it a few times but got bored early.

I think that since the hijacker script has been used sparingly and has its own restrictions, along with the other restrictions placed on it via the start, then its fine to leave the script as is without changes.

Add another script and break a game save ?? it works now, poetic licence allowed .. just watch how its used on capitals.

Love the yarn ! Keep it up !

It's certainly an interesting start That was one of my concerns about the hijacker script though, that over use would make the game, and the story, rather boring. I'm hoping I've got the balance alright

Argh, reading that "machine code" makes my head ache - but it's still quite awesome because it's different from "normal" ways of writing.

I think it might get a bit boring in the long run because it'll be the same over and over again: pick target, analyze, engage/evade.
Ah well, that's the "life" of a Xenon isn't it

Well, I'm hoping that the 'dual nature' of Unit Zero will allow me a bit of room for ah...evolution? We'll see.

Okay, we've agreed you can cap ships. Now, with that out of the way:

MOAR.

You know, when you have the chance.

By your command... I'd actually played this chapter before the discussion began about the hijacker script, and very nearly went back and scrapped it...but this is how it went, and it's a DiD after all.

Log 04: Power

Memory. Confusing. What was I before this? Was I alive?

Am I alive?

...

Status: Online. Location: Sector, designate 'Alpha'. Systems check. Check complete. Damage to aft port quarter. Optimising power relays to compensate for damage. Optimisation complete.

Directive?

Energy.

Assessing available data. Assessment complete. Closest source: Sector designate 'Zyarth's Dominion'. Strategy?

Smash and grab.

Transferring primary interface to unit 'Q'. Transfer complete. Accessing data banks. Processing. Processing.

Memory. I...I had a name. What was it? What was my name???

Who was I? Who am I?

Access complete. Re-configuring weapons array. Configuration complete. Main bank: Incendiary Bomb Launcher x4. Left turret: Photon Pulse Cannon x2. Right turret: Photon Pulse Cannon x2. Rear turret: Ion Shard Railgun x2. Shields? 1Gj x3. 200Mj x1.

Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector, designate 'Zyarth's Dominion'. Target acquired. Station. Designate 'Solar Power Plant L beta'. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete.

Destroy it.

Firing. Firing. Recharging weapons banks. Firing.

…

Target destroyed. Scanning. Debris detected. Analyse. Energy cells detected. Retrieve.

Target acquired. Station. Designate 'Solar Power Plant XL alpha'. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete. Firing. Firing. Recharging weapons banks. Firing.

…

Target destroyed. Scanning. Debris detected. Analyse. Energy cells detected. Retrieve. Cargo bay filled. Activating jumpdrive.

Jump complete. Location: Sector, designate 'Alpha'. Moving to position: Unit Zero. Restoring primary interface.

…

Transfer complete. Initiating freight transfer. Transfer complete. Activating jumpdrive.

Jump complete. Location: Sector designate 'Zyarth's Dominion'. Engines engaged. Warning. Hostile contact detected. Ship. TL, designate 'Split Supply Elephant'. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete.

Engage.

Firing. Firing.

Shields = 0% Activating transporter device.

…

Computer component transferred. Activating system override software. System installed. Processing.

…

New asset acquired,TL class vessel 'Elephant'. Orders: Move to position: unit 'Mistral', sector designate 'Alpha'.

Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Ship. M8, designate 'Viper'. Hull = 11% Pilot registry? None. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete. Uploading operational parameters. Upload complete. New asset acquired, M8 class vessel 'Viper'. Orders: Move to position: unit 'Mistral', sector designate 'Alpha'.

Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Ship. TP, designate 'Toucan'. Hull = 16% Pilot registry? None. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete. Uploading operational parameters. Upload complete. New asset acquired, TP class vessel 'Toucan'. Orders: Move to position: unit 'Mistral', sector designate 'Alpha'.

Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Ship. M3, designate 'Barracuda'. Hull = 40% Pilot registry? None. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete. Uploading operational parameters. Upload complete. New asset acquired. M3 class vessel 'Barracuda'. Orders: Move to position: unit 'Mistral', sector designate 'Alpha'.

Engines engaged.

Warning, unit 'Toucan' under attack. Location? Sector designate 'Zyarth's Dominion'.

…

Unit destroyed.

P. Locate.

Engines engaged. Warning, multiple hostile contacts detected. Ships. M6, designate 'Xenon P'. M3, designate 'Xenon L' x3. M4, designate 'Xenon M' x2.

They destroyed my ship! Engage!

Firing. Target 'M' destroyed. Firing. Target 'M' subdued. Evade. Firing. Evade. Firing. Target 'L' destroyed. Firing. Firing. Target 'L' destroyed. Evade. Firing. Evade. Firing. Firing. Target 'L' destroyed.

Excellent. Now to take the P!

Evade. Matching speed. Firing. Firing.

Shields = 0% Activating transporter device.

Malfunction. Shield recharging. Aborting transport. Firing. Shields = 0% Activating transporter device.

…

Computer component transferred. Activating software override system. System installed. Processing.

…

New asset acquired, M6 class vessel 'P'. Orders: Move to position: unit 'Mistral', sector designate 'Alpha'.

Moving to position, subdued 'M'. Scanning. Scan complete. Uploading operational parameters. Upload complete. New asset acquired, M4 class vessel 'M'. Orders: Move to position: unit 'Mistral', sector designate 'Alpha'.

Engines engaged. Following unit 'P'. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Alpha;. Moving to position: unit 'P'. Transferring primary interface.

…

Transfer complete. Accessing data banks. Processing. Access complete. Re-configuring weapons array. Configuration complete. Main bank: High Energy Plasma Thrower x6. Phased Repeater Gun x2. Rear turret: Pulsed Beam Emitter x1. Shields? 200 Mj x2. Activating jumpdrive.

Jump complete. Location: Sector designate 'Grand Exchange'. Engines engaged, Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Tears of Greed'. Accessing memory banks.

South. From there it's border territory. Secdef should be lighter.

Engines engaged. Target acquired. Ship. M2, designate 'Teladi Military Phoenix'. Threat level: extreme. Evade. Target acquired. Ship. M1, designate 'Teladi Military Condor'. Threat level: extreme. Evade.

Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector, designate 'Bright Profit'. Accessing memory banks.

Gate. South. Pirates. North....west.

Access complete. Memory indicates southern gate. Locate. Memory indicates pirate presence. Locate. Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Station. Designate 'Pirate Base'. Moving to position. Scanning, Scan complete.

Interesting. This one can train mercenaries. I'm going to have to find a means to make money.

Change course. Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Ship. M3, designate 'Falcon'. Hull = 45% Pilot registry? None. Close to target. Scanning. Scan complete. Uploading operational parameters. Upload complete. New asset acquired, M3 class vessel 'Falcon'. Initiating freight transfer. Transfer complete. Orders, unit 'Falcon': Jump to sector, designate 'Alpha'.

Resume course. Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Company Strength'. Accessing memory banks.

West.

Access complete. Memory indicates western gate. Locate. Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Sanctity of Corruption'. Accessing memory banks.

South, into the Boron core.

Access complete. Memory indicates southern gate. Locate. Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Queen's Retribution'. Accessing memory banks.

South.

Access complete. Memory indicates southern gate. Locate. Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Ship. M3, designate 'Yaki Susanowa Hauler'. Incoming communication protocol.

Respond to the hail. They might have some paying work for me.

Opening channel. Confirm. New mission acquired. Resume course. Engines engaged.

Warning, target 1 of 3 destroyed. Warning, target 2 of 3 destroyed. Warning, target 3 of 3 destroyed. Error. Incoming message.

Well at least I got paid for one. Not sure why.

Mission complete. Resume course. Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Queen's Harbour'. Accessing memory banks.

West.

Access complete. Memory indicates western gate. Locate. Engines engaged.

Warning, hostile contact detected. Ship. M5, designate 'Boron Police Octopus'. Threat level:

None. Engage.

Close to target. Firing.

…

Target destroyed.

Target acquired. Ship. M5, designate 'Yaki Fujin Sentinel'. Incoming communication protocol. Opening channel. Confirm. New mission acquired. Resume course. Engines engaged.

Warning, multiple hostile contacts detected. Ships. M1, designate 'Atreus Military Shark'. Threat level: extreme. Evade. M2, designate 'Boron Military Ray'. Threat level: extreme. Evade. M7, designate 'Atreus Escort Thresher' x4. Threat level: severe. Evade. M6, designate 'Boron Military Heavy Hydra'. Threat level: minor.

Evade. Short jump to the gate.

Activating jumpdrive.

Jump complete. Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Faded Dreams'. Accessing memory banks.

Boron defence sector. South. More pirates beyond the gate.

Access complete. Memory indicates southern gate. Locate. Engines engaged.

Target acquired. Ship. TS, designate 'Teladi Caiman Hauler'. Mission target confirmed. Engage. Target acquired. Ship. TS, designate 'Teladi Demeter Miner'. Mission target confirmed. Engage. Target acquired. Ship. TS, designate 'Teladi Caiman'. Mission target confirmed. Engage. Close to targets. Firing. Target destroyed. Firing. Target destroyed. Firing. Target destroyed.

Incoming message. Mission complete. Resume course. Engines engaged. Entering warpgate.

Location: Sector designate 'Veil of Delusion'. Accessing memory banks.

Pirates.

Access complete. Memory indicates pirate presence. Locate. Engines engaged.

Warning, multiple hostile contacts detected. Ships. M3+, designate 'Pirate Blastclaw Prototype' x3. M3, designate 'Pirate Blastclaw' x4. M4+, designate 'Pirate Elite' x2. M5, designate 'Pirate Kestrel'. Evade.

Target acquired, Station. Designate 'Pirate Base'. Docking request sent. Docking approval received. Engines engaged. Unit 'Matey' docked.

Status: Powering down.

Assets:

'Matey' – P - 78% - Chipped
Fully Tuned
2x 200 Mj Shield
6x HEPT
2x PRG
1x PBE

'Unit Zero' – LX – 93%

Q – 87% - Chipped
Elephant – 94% - Chipped
Zephyrus – 84% - Chipped
Mamba Vanguard - 91% - Chipped

Viper - 11%
Chimera – 65%
Falcon - 45%
L – 11%
M - 14%
Harrier Vanguard - 25%
Jaguar - 32%
Jaguar Raider - 22%
Dolphin Super Freighter XL x2 – 64%/69%
Mistral – 26%
Vulture Super Freighter - 77%
Hermes - 71%
Hermes Hauler - 72%

132,459 Credits

768-05-01 12:22

[Song Of Obsidian]

Unit 'Matey' docked.

Cracked up the first time I read it when you docked at the pirate station and it's not losing its charm.

[Scion Drakhar]

Awesome!

I love the shot of the Q going through the jumpgate.

Now I feel pretty confident that I simply missed this but what is sector designate alpha?

[Song Of Obsidian]

It's the Unknown Sector east of Zyarth's Dominion. Where he started, I think.

[Scion Drakhar]

Thanks!

[Kirlack]

It is the Unknown sector east of Zyarth's, but that's not where I started. That was the unknown sector west of X-534

[Triaxx2]

Interesting. Why the change to the P over the Q?

[Scion Drakhar]

i really love the style this is written in.

machine simplicity. identify, choose action, execute action, next line.
no unnecessary descriptions, just pure story, what happened and, more importaintly, why it happend

I have to agree wholeheartedly. I admire... and even envy... the elegance of the presentation. It's the story boiled down to the essentials.

[Idleking]

Interesting. Why the change to the P over the Q?

The P is designated as "Matey" and can dock to the Pirate Stations (to save the game).

[Kirlack]

Interesting. Why the change to the P over the Q?

I figured the P would have a better chance of making the run down through the Teladi border and crossing the Boron sectors. The Q might have the firepower, but it lacks the speed and agility. Trying to get past the Phoenix in Tears of Greed, for instance, would have been considerably harder in the Q than it was in the P.

The P is designated as "Matey" and can dock to the Pirate Stations (to save the game).

The P's designated 'Matey' because I thought it was amusing Of course, I couldn't have docked in the Q, but the LX would have been just as good.

[Poseidon]

I want to post a positive, encouraging message, but you're kicking so much ass, i'm not certain what to say.

I'm enjoying this. Curious how you're going to progress, and how creative you're going to get. Well done.

[jimlpearce]

This is awesome

[Triaxx2]

Ah, I see. Taking the easy way out.

Kidding. The P is actually possibly the most lethal and agile Xenon ship of all. The PX has more firepower and weapon energy, but a P with a full bank of PAC's can shred enemies and keep shredding them for a hilariously long time. And it turns well enough to keep most fighters that are a threat in it's sights long enough to make them stop being a threat.

And if you're willing to go to ramming speed, you can knock out Kha'ak Vettes in one.

[Idleking]

[..]The P [..] turns well enough to keep most fighters that are a threat in it's sights long enough to make them stop being a threat.[..]

Yeah, I totally agree - I learned that the hard way

[ruger44]

Great writing, great idea for did. How big can this guy get. Could this meet Legion? Near combo .Looking forward to more.

[Kirlack]

Thank you all for your kind comments

Ah, I see. Taking the easy way out.

Absolutely

So. I find myself staring at the list of mods and scripts in my library, and wondering which, if any, I should add. I'm considering CODEA, along with the Military and Personnel Transport scripts (although I will be setting some rules about acquisition of pilots and crew), Pirate Guild & Yaki Armada, Improved Boarding...and Marine Repairs. Of all of them, the one I'm most worried about is Marine Repairs. I really don't want it to unbalance my game.

So, what do you guys think?

[Triaxx2]

Go for MARS instead of Marine Repair. Goblins can only repair to 80% I think and drones are easier to come by than marines. Plus the ship needs to basically sit still for them to do their stuff, so there's another point of balance. Even if you don't use it for anything else, it's still balanced.