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The design of [the Edge Runner] is meant to mimic generative AI design of industrial parts. It uses as few parts as possible while re-using internal propulsion and power generation elements as the main structure. [e.g.] exposed twin liquid drum reactors in the middle of the ship. -Koder's Description (here)
Description
Edge Runners (aka. ATLASes) can appear as a random event that occurs during a dive in the rings, or from a contact. Players may either hail these vessels at range (with appropriate Astrogator crewmember), or wait until the vessel approaches and hails the player. Appearance-wise, these ships are triangular, containing a Quantum Computer (lootable), 2 reactor cores, and 2 Microwave emitters. Edge Runner ships are very EM hardened, meaning microwaves have little to no effect on them.
Dialogue Options
Upon hailing the vessel, the player is greeted with the following prerecorded message: 'This is autonomous Edge Runner [vessel name]. You have been seleceted for a routine AT audit. Please open a port and authorize my access to your internal sensors.'
Players may choose from a number of available dialogue options, given their circumstances, including special dialogue options provided by crew members (notably the 'AI hater' crew):
- And who are you exactly, [name of vessel]?
- AT Audit?
- I'm not giving you access to our ship.
- Okay [vessel name], setting you up, take a look
- (SPECIAL, requires AI hater crewmember) What is this bullshit? I want to talk to a human in charge.
Approved
If players choose to allow the AT Audit to proceed, the Edge Runner vessel will scan for 'rogue AI', stating [insert approved dialogue here], After some period of time, the Edge Runner will provide a thank you message, 'AT scan complete. Thank you for your cooperation.' , and will continue on its' way.
Denied
If players choose to deny the Edge Runners request, the vessel will inform the player that they have been authorized to use force, if necessary: 'I am authorized to use force. You are getting audited, [player vessel], one way or the other.'
If denied a second time, or simply ignored, the Edge Runner will state: 'Commencing involuntary audit protocols.' and will begin 'scanning' the players' ship.
If the Edge Runner completes its' scans, whether approved by the player or denied, the end message will appear: 'AT scan complete. Thank you for your cooperation.'
AI Hater Interaction
If you let your AI Hater crewmember speak, the following conversation will happen:
- AI Hater > "What is this bullshit? I want to talk to a human in charge."
- ATLAS > "Of course [Your ship name], patching you through. Stand by...
- ATLAS > "This is agent [AI Audit agent] of ATLAS. You requested... wait, is that you again [AI Hater]? [Edge Runner], I authorize deadly force. Proceed with audit."
- AI Hater > "You won't get us that easily [AI Audit agent]!"
- AI Hater > "This is bullshit. They can't just treat us like that."
Loot
Destroying Edge Runners is NOT for the faint of heart. With their EM shielding, and low mass, these ships are quite nimble and will attempt to evade the player similarly to the racers: when the player begins gaining, the Edge Runner will attempt a quick attitude change (bearing/ heading) relying on it's low mass to allow quick maneuvering. With microwaves having little to no effect on them, mass drivers and plasma throwers are the best options for disabling/ destroying Edge Runners. Another option is always the old school: Slam it into various rocks OR Torch it with the main engines.
Loot available from destroying Edge Runners is their Quantum Computer in place of a lifepod that you would expect from an ordinary ship, valued at 250,000 E$ back on Enceladus Prime. Once prised from the cold husk of the ship, there is nothing overtly special about this item. It will continue along the trajectory the Edge Runner was travelling, and can be grabbed by the player using various means (ie AR-1500 Manipulator, Excavator, or if it can fit, the Cargo Bay).
Behaviour
Edge Runners will circle the player as they pass them while on neutral terms. Once attacked, they will attempt to flee or try disabling your computer with microwaves.
Interesting note: Edge Runners will cease attacking the player without the computer active [requires verification]. It seems as though Edge Runners can only detect the player if their on-board computers are powered and active. Players will remember, of course, that all functions are still available without the computer, except Auto-Pilot and HUD.