Factory, Arachnid

From OPU Wiki

(Plymouth Only Structure)

Common Metals Cost: high

Rare Metals Cost: none

Build Time: long

Tube Connection Required:yes

Power Required: 50

Size: medium-small

Workers Required: 2

Hit Points: high

Scientists Required: none

Armor: medium

Description

While both colonies make extensive use of small robots and drones in maintenance, construction, agriculture, medicine, and even child care, only Plymouth has taken the concept a step farther, creating the Arachnid series of heavy robots. The Arachnids combine basic robot technology with compact versions of vehicle power and drive-train components. The result is a large, versatile robot, with the speed, range, and independence of a much larger vehicle. The Spider was the first Arachnid design, and went through a number of prototypes. Initially intended for use in construction and in vehicle and building maintenance, it has since found use in combat situations as well. The Spider's multiple limbs are mobile and agile, and through the use of retractable tool and manipulator pods, can be used for lifting, holding, welding, assembly, disassembly, and computer interface attachment. While it is most mobile using all its legs, the Spider can continue to move and function even with several of them damaged or occupied with other work tasks.

The final production version of the Spider retained all its peacetime utility but added enhanced power and drive systems capable of carrying shielding against Plymouth's new EMP weapon without any loss of performance. In combat, the Spider is able to approach enemy units disabled by the EMP weapon, interface with the enemy unit's computer as it reboots, and effectively capture the unit for Plymouth use. The Scorpion uses a version of the Spider chassis, with even greater enhancement of power and drive. The increased payload is used to mount a Mark II beam rifle and enhanced conventional armor.

The Arachnid Factory is a highly automated production facility that handles primary part fabrication, assembly, testing, and programming, with a minimum of intervention by human Workers. It can produce both the Spider- and Scorpion-series Arachnids. Operational Notes: The Arachnid Factory produces Spiders and Scorpions. NOTE: This structure is available only to Plymouth.

Tales from New Terra

Jem Estes stood by the window of the Arachnid Factory's programming center and watched the four 'bots, two Spiders and two Scorpions, as they lined up neatly outside, waiting for commands. She heard footsteps behind her. It was Koto Uhla, her apprentice. She crossed her arms and nodded in greeting. "It's final exam day, Koto. You need some music?" He smiled nervously and held up a data-slip. "Brought my own." He stuck the slip to the control console's input pad, called up his control program, patched in the audio feed, hit the "start" icon, and stepped back with his mentor to watch the show.

It was piano music. It sounded very old, something from the Earth cultural database she assumed. She thought perhaps the style was called ragtime, but she wasn't sure. As the music started, the 'bots began to move their feet in time, swaying first left, then right, in perfect unison despite the uneven ground. They broke into two pairs that circled each other, formed into a line again, and then the whole line began to turn. The tempo of the music increased, and their feet moved faster and faster, their weaving and bobbing more intricate, until finally the piece reached its climax and fell silent.

The robots froze, pointing out at the points of the compass, beam rifles of the Scorpions turned so they were almost touching, a foreleg on each raised toward the sky. She turned to Koto, whose wide face was split by a unrestrained smile. She put out her hand to shake his. "Congratulations. You pass. You're ready to program solo." She'd taught him well, but until now, she'd never been sure how well. She's always said, "nobody gets trusted with my bugs unless they know how to make them dance."