>>216727
@Both:
Tony, it's easy enough to rig the mech so it impales a would-be thief if they sit in the seat for, say, more than 30 seconds after the unauthorized access warning. You need to know about security in order to bypass it, and sudden death is a pretty good way of retarding their education.
Of course, you'd probably be better off if it just injected them with sedatives and hallucinogenics. Once they start tripping balls and drooling it'll be hard for them to keep Burn upright.
We'll talk about that later, though, since now isn't the best time to talk about how security should have been handled.

So she bypassed the mech's computer systems.
There's no authentication? No asymmetric key encryption? No interrogation time checks?
I'll give you a list of changes you can make to keep this from happening again, but for now we've gotta roll with the punches.

I said she's got telekinesis because we've got boosters in nonstandard locations, meaning that Burn's control systems needed to be custom-tweaked to use those without failing miserably. You need to run a simulated model of the physics involved in order to get a proper thrust/drag map; otherwise you can't abstract it out and the pilot would need to manually direct and vary each and every thruster individually while they were piloting. Normal control software would have had to assume default locations for the thrusters, and since she didn't run it through a thruster calibration test she must have either perfectly guessed the metrics about those thrusters on her first shot - including the unit identifiers for nonstandard parts, which is a difficult enough task that clairvoyance is a reasonable answer - or bent physics with her mind to achieve that backflip.

Ok, with that out of the way, how about you ask Tiny Dancer if she'd like to tap-dance on Burn's square little head?

>>216742
you are over-thinking this. your idea assumes she used generic software. she could of just watched a match and made new software with the booster locations set.

>>216765
If her measurements were off by a few inches or degrees then that backflip would have been fatal. More notably, she needs to know the thrust profile of those boosters, which is not something she can tell by watching the match; boosters aren't binary on/off, and the software would need to be calibrated to the specific characteristics of the boosters as installed. Remember, these thrusters are generic parts. In order for them to function properly they would need to be calibrated and governed for the mech's weight distribution and their own location; burning 100% thrust on a leg booster would be a very bad idea if you've got equally powerful thrusters on your back, since you would pivot around your center of mass and make a rather large mess of yourself. Since the boosters could be hardware governed, software controlled, or a mix of the two, there's no real way to know what burn percent you want without testing.

So, no, watching the match wouldn't tell her what she needs to know in order to pull off a backflip.

As far as 'inside information' goes, only Ashley and Tony know Burn's details, and I am very disappointed in you for suggesting betrayal.

>>216774
so burn's stats are not written down ANYWHERE?

>>216774
>>216742
First of all, it's very likely we're dealing with a very skilled thief. You can lock the doors all you want (so to speak) but people are going to simply smash the window. There's a good reason this doesn't happen often. The security in Burn somewhat relies that the OS is on, which is usually the only way to even run the mech.

Secondly, I don't want to install a security system that can either kill the driver, or kill the people around them by drugging them. Sorry, that is simply not an option. I'd rather simply lock down the mech.

As to her abilities regarding Burn's handling... I don't know anything, but stop assuming what others are capable of. It's annoying. I don't know how she's capable of it, but don't jump to illogical conclusions just because something is slightly out of your scope.

We turn another corner, and for once, I'm happy to see the GILB logo. Three police mechs, each from a league above Burns, sit in the next intersection, a fourth closing behind us.

"You are surrounded! Leave the vehicle immediately!" they command, leveling their weapons.

There's a long pause where she looks around for various escape points. Then she scoffs, leaping directly up...

And suddenly flies away west. Something in the air shimmers above her, and it looks like she's holding onto something.

"Damn her!" roars one of the police mechs. "This is the fourth victim this year! Sir, if you can come to the station, we will explain the situation. Since you're a competitor, your mech is insured, so don't worry about that."

... well fuck me sideways. high-speed stealth mech transport plane. that is just bullshit. at least it means you were hit by the best of the best and not some two bit nobody.

Why the heck does the best of the best want Burns?

>>216885
THAT is the million dollar question.

"Why did she take Burns? I mean, he's a good mech, but..."

"Trust us when we say that we have no idea either." one of the mech's head opens and a tall man steps out. He's lean, with a short beard and short blonde hair. "We'll lead you back to the station. Follow us."

We make our way back to the station, the police mechs carefully stepping around cars, and we enter the large building. I'm escorted into an office.

"My name is Officer Harold, and I'm in charge of the Sarii case."

We shake hands and we both sit down.

"We'd question you regarding the theft, but we've seen this twelve times before."
"Twelve? And you haven't come up with a way to stop her?" I ask, incredulous.
"We've tried everything. Fingerprints, DNA, Retinals, hand-scanners, passwords, hundreds of types of encryption... Nothing works. Nothing even stalls her. It's almost as if she doesn't even need to bother with verification, even though that should be impossible."
"And her targets?"
"Utterly random. No connections aside from the fact that they all owned insured mechs."

Hurm.

"You just need to submit the claim and all parts will be shipped to you." Harold says. "We'll also keep you abreast of the case in case anything occurs.

how about a small blast bolt on the controls that is not connected to the system that we have a remote detonator for. someone hacks in and gets it running we just blow the bolt and they can't do anything.

>>216982
Yea, we need to have a serious talk about security. If you think in terms of metaphorical 'breaking windows' then you're not familiar with the basic precepts of security.

As for non-Lethal security, how about you install a remote lock-down system that locks all the joints in place when activated (think iron man, emergency lockdown mode). Ashley (or us, or us and Ashley) keep the trigger for it.

>>216997
a blast bolt is non-lethal. it doesn't cause a massive explosion, it just causes a just big enough puff to break something.

Heh, maybe her goal is to take money from GLIB, just in a way that is easier than robbing them directly. She makes them have to keep paying out cash for insurance, cash that they would use on other things. She probably has a few top notch-ers under her belt, but they also likely have better security. Not just Mech security, but environmental security.

So I would also suggest using some of your cash to upgrade your hanger and equipment in it. You coudl also install a few laser grid security systems around your personal hanger and the hanger bay itself so as to have multiple layers of security. This was you also help Ashley.

>>216998
You assume that she was using the conventional controls.
But yea, we can look at that too.

Yeah, I'm going to need more security. It's irritating, but it's a lesson to be learned here. On the bright side, I can, if I want, refund the total price of Burns and start from scratch, if I like, along with the winnings from my most recent match. I've been thinking, is the rifle really the correct choice? What about the missiles?

So...

Should I get Burns back as he was? Or should I get Burns at market price, essentially trading in the whole setup for 100% market price?

"They stuck you down Burns..."

"But they didn't strike him down they stole.."

"Silence woman, They struck you down, but you will rise again, more powerful than they could ever have imagined!!!!"

Take the cash, Burns 2.0 will outclass his former self in every way.... I just wish we could have saved the on board comp. SOON IT WILL GAIN A PERSONALTY OF ITS OWN AND ANTHONY WILL GET A NEW FRIEND!!!!

This line of insanity has led me to a rather far fetched idea. What if they stole Burns to prepare you? Think about it.

>>217318
Take the price, then rebuild him with it. You really don't want to trust anything they give you.
Keep the rifle, but switch the missiles from explosive to sticky chaff rounds; if you can cover an enemy mech with sticky strips that interfere with their wireless controls, then you can take them out of the fight.
There's countless ways you can debilitate enemy mechs without causing any real damage or putting the enemy pilot at risk. Another option would be to do basically the same thing, but use randomly colored strips that brightly flash on and off rapidly in order to blind the optics with lens flare... and pack in a charge of teargas to render the pilot unable to fight.

Actually, does the mech have to be immobile for the 10-count, or do they just need to be unable to fight?

>>217346
Utter immobilization is neccesary. There was a match that the current Pro of the Competition Circuit won, despite having naught but head and torso, by forcing his mech (some say rewiring haphazardly, others are more fanciful) to boost directly into the enemy and force them into the plasma window. One of the greatest turnarounds of the game's history. Interior parts don't count, by the way, it needs to be limbs.

I like the idea of sticky chaff. Might have other uses as well. Perhaps in a shoulder cannon as opposed to a missile, so I can shoot it at will?

GET A STRONGER RIFLE (and as a result stronger arms for Burns 2.0)

OK, here's the list.

+ Back-mounted large-bore rifle + extra ammo containers + speed loader (auto)
^Modify this so that it can fold around and slide into your back for ease when you do Melee.

Modified Magnet Arms that can also attract so that you can lock a foe easier when you do your signature punch.

Modified Tower shield. Lighter and retractable into along the Arm mode. Versatile.

Retractable, +Anchoring for legs, for when you are firing the super rifle and doing multiple magma slams.

Reinforced armour and double the amount of thrusters you had before. And of course a shiny new coat of Ferrari Red on Burns 2.0 (for the red parts)

We are gonna knock their socks off.

oh wait, let's finish the sponsor things so we can build him up with the sponsor special parts.

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/08/12(Thu)09:37 No. 217663 ID: e31d52
File 128163106050.jpg - (259.89KB , 1728x1096 , Duon.jpg )

>>By the way, If someone can compile a list of parts and the expenses needed to put together Burns, (the base price total, not the amount actually spent) I'll give that poster ID a free re-roll on any dice roll OR a single +20 bonus on any roll.

>>217515
This sounds like an excellent idea. "I'll be sending the form in for the insurance money claim, then." I say simply, rising. The officer nods, and we leave, heading home. I'll go meet up with Pangolin Defenses tommorow. I need some sleep.

I open the door to my home, and see someone reading a small leatherbound book with a black feather emblem on the cover. He wears a fedora, has a mask about his face and tinted goggles over his eyes. His entire body is covered, no skin is exposed anywhere. He wears a long trenchcoat and has a small handgun in a hip holster.

"My name is Duon." he says, closing the book and placing it inside his coat. "I've been sent to check the safety of your house. Given that I'm inside it, I'm almost certain you can guess what grade you've earned."

His voice is synthesized like Trine's.

We seem to have a lot of people breaking in recently. I assume you are going to suggest ways we can improve the security?

>>217667
"I assume you have ways to improve it?"

"Of course. Depends on how safe you want it though." he says, taking off the hat. "I also went to the liberty of putting your bugs on longloop."
"Longloop?"
"They'll 'record' everything from when they were installed to..."
He checks his watch.
"About five minutes ago." he stretches. "I'll do it again in a month if you like."
"Er..." Ashley begins, but he holds up a hand.
"It's my job to make sure that the folks I work with are as safe at home as they are on the base. You're Ashley, right?"
"Yes."
"Incredible. Really. You don't even need to wear a mask like I do."

... is he an android?

A member of the ravens nest? Ok then.

Thank the man Anthony, your special brand of aloofness should be held in check at least sometimes man.

>>217822
"Oh? Are you synthetic, or prosthetic?
Either way, you've got everything you need to do the same."

>>217823
"Are you an android?"
He chuckles.
"When the... incident occured, myself and my brother Trine were nearest to the blast and thus recieved the most augmentations. While we now hold the technology to be able to function without these modifications, they mean something special to the Raven's Nest. They are..." he pulls off one glove, revealing a nearly skeletal metal hand that nonetheless curls and moves with a sort of liquid grace. "Reminders. Scars of, as my brother puts it, exposure to an ugly truth. When the time comes, we shall show ourselves to the world, and we will tell them, 'look upon us. We are what this 'peace' you hold has, and will cost you.' We are unpeople, Anthony. According to public record, we are not only dead, we do not exist." he puts the glove back on. "Long gone are the days when I was a genetic neurologist. Long gone are the days of Richard Barne. Now I am Duon. That is why I wear a mask of leather and plastic, not one of synthetics."

There is a long pause.

"W-well..." I manage. "Thanks for the help. I trust you to know how far to go in securing me."

He nods. "It'll only take a few hours. Get on to bed, you look tired."

sounds like a plan.

>>218215
what he said

We head upstairs, And slide into bed. I'm exhausted, and fall asleep immediately.

------------------

I wake up, stretching. It's early in the day, and I wander down the stairs in my bathrobe, looking through the fridge. There's a gentle knock on the door, which nearly sends me into the roof.

I walk up to the door and look throught he peephole.

Trine?

I look down at my new security system and disengage it, long enough to open the door. He slides inside, dripping a bit, but walks into the kitchen rather than letting it soak into the carpet.

"I was waiting for you to wake up." he says. There's no anger in his words. "But I think you should know. We found the informant."

He slides the photo over to me.

"We thought... you should decide what to do about him."

"How'd you find out?"

"He tried to vanish when you called him about the 'interview'. My brother went after him to ask why. They had a scuffle, with... Paperboy striking first."

"..."

"It's up to you, Anthony." he leans against the wall.

"This is a hell of a thing to wake me up with."

"I know. But, ah, Akaba insisted. Said that it was your choice to make."

I look down at the photo of the journalist who had helped me against Smokah. Who had brought me home after I joined the underworld. Who spotted me the cost of the wine for that date.

I just don't know.

sigh, nothing ever goes right. capture him first and interrogate. need to see why he would do that.

>>219215
He's useless because he's been outed, so work this to your advantage.

Specifically? Stage a 'rescue' to free him, then tell him that they're going to keep going after him so he needs to get out of the region.

That will boost your credibility with his backers, and may lead you to be put in contact with them. If he figures it out, then tell him he doesn't have a clue what he's been getting himself into, that you're bailing him out because you owe him one, and that he's probably a persona-non-grata to his bosses and he should still get the hell out of the area. Give him some parting words when you leave him; something like "I don't give a damn what anybody wants. I do what's right."

How do I shot Trip!H508X.HbJ6 2010/08/24(Tue)01:22 No. 221669 ID: e31d52
File 12826381345.jpg - (384.05KB , 1280x1624 , Ingram404.jpg )

>>219222
I vaguely explain my plan to him, though it takes a few minutes. He nods. "Heard you lost Burns. Tough break."

"Yeah, it's really my fault though. Standard security systems these days are a joke. You gotta customize."

"Oh, yeah, I know. My baby Ingram, she floods the chamber with nerve gas every time she starts up or the cockpit closes."

"What about... you?"

Trine smiles and bangs his chest. "About the only thing left squishy is my brain and heart, my good man. I don't really give a flying if I'm doused in the stuff."

"...Huh."

"Wanna see her? She's right outside."

I walk out with him and he stops near the door. I walk into...

...?

"Ingram404 is one of Akaba's better inventions." he says, as the whole thing fades into view. Incredible. "Can't really tell you how she works, but it's right dandy to be able to stake out a place in something like that. Everything I need to stay comfy is right in the 'pit. Size and power of a Rookie mech, but in the right hands, it can tear anything a new one. She's our pride and joy."

>>221669
How much for an invisibility system like that?

>>221669
Heh. 404 - Not found.

Anyways, inquire to lockout procedures for a mech.

Perhaps locking the legs in place if the right instructions are not sent/certain things are not right.

Maybe a weight based system in the seat? Only unlocks under a certain calibrated weight?

>>221670
"Sorry, not for sale. Ingram here is one of a kind. Akaba is sorta odd like that... occasionally she'll make an incredible and then suffer horrific amnesia within hours of sending off the plans. Then she stop production, destroys the plans... I havew no idea what goes on in her head."

>>221743
"That's a fine idea, and it'll keep you in shape, too."

>>221670
"Sorry, not for sale. Ingram here is one of a kind. Akaba is sorta odd like that... occasionally she'll make an incredible breakthrough and then suffer horrific amnesia within hours of sending off the plans. Then she stop production, destroys the plans... I havew no idea what goes on in her head."

>>221743
"That's a fine idea, and it'll keep you in shape, too."

>>222708
>Bah! This is the correct post. the other is password derping.

>>222708
That's hardly a problem. Constructing completely new technology takes far too much time for that kind of breakthrough event, so all you need to do is look at the parts you can't identify to figure out how it works.

So, she suffered brain damage at some point. When her insights don't make the transition from short term to long term memory she becomes infuriated and destroys it out of a feeling that her own achievement has been stolen from her.

I still say the best solution is to go with CTM asymmetric key encryption on the actuator controllers, since then it's not possible to bypass the computer without rendering the entire mech immobile.
Also? Remote shutdown under our control that you manually disable each time you start it up.

>>222713
"That sounds nice and complicated and perfectly elegant. But you might also want a physical deterrent as well as an electronic one. Security onion, you know." he pauses in thought. "One more thing. You might get asked later to participate in our raids later... my advice is that you don't. You're great in the arena, but... the field might be too much."

>>225165
Sounds like good advice to me. Thanks for everything bro. I'll see you around hopefully.

I wave him off and the Ingram walks away, silent as you'd expect a gigantic metal cat to be. The money will be arriving tommorow, I'll be visiting a few more of my potential sponsors... Things are looking up. So why... Why am I getting the feeling everything is getting ready to fall down around me? This crushing, huge despair I just.... I just can't shake. At any rate, I need to mail in the report for how much Burns costed before morning, but... oh god, the physical records for that were in the mech too.

I'm sure you all remember. You record everything, right? Hate to be a bother, but, uh, could you tally it up for me?

>>228495
yeah sure, give us a bit though, back tracking that far still takes a while. and if you forgot to say anything out loud about ANY of the parts you will be boned.

We will do it.... for a price *grin*

>>228708

Yes! A price!

Gloria, I want a hamburger.

Well, I suppose a few hours of wait are understandable.

... I should think about how I rebuild Burns. Previously, I preferred close combat, however, my rifle was unsuited to medium range. I should decide if I want to focus on Long, Medium, Short, or Adaptable Range.

Long range builds tend towards power and accuracy, as well as concealment and heavier armor.

Medium range focuses on balance and manueverability, as well as tactical ability: extra sensors and the like. Most often they use more rapid-firing weapons, such as assault rifles. Less armor and more avoidance are preferred.

Short Range is generally the province of melee weapons, low armor, handheld sheilds, and special parts.

Adaptable mechs generally carry multiple weapons for different situations but do not have any specific specialization. Though more effective in all areas, they are both more expensive and less powerful than specialized mechs.

>>229655
Previously Burn was primarily short range, but had a rifle for long range and a pistol for medium range.
This seems to be a good compromise.

>>229655
Adaptable with a leaning towards close range.

Some specs from awhile back.
>>217514