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[evilgrows]

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Comments

[sciencesquid]

[Otto finds it very hard to take that statement about getting the hell out of here seriously. He doubts the intent to remain here has ever influenced the duration of one's stay, after all. Still, on a more lighthearted level, he gets what Robotnik is trying to say and smiles.]

With that attitude, Elias should have the finest vessel to serve his needs before long. [He starts rolling up the blueprints again.] What do you think? Can we include night vision cameras? Thermal, maybe? Or is that too advanced?

[evilgrows]

Oh, that's absolutely manageable, and frankly should just come standard. [He takes a small notebook and a pen out of a coat pocket and starts taking notes.] We should, of course, stuff this thing with as much tech as possible.

[He scribbles something down, then looks up.] And obviously we have to make sure it's upgradable. Can't let scientific advancements go by!

[sciencesquid]

[Manageable is great! While Otto does worry about fitting Elias with tech that could be used to harm people, he does also want enough in there for the Fourth to defend himself from any attacks, and defend his followers when the Usual Horrors wash over the peninsula again. Thermal vision provides more of a benefit than a con for that, as far as he can estimate.]

Oh yes. Any part should be taken out with ease and replaced, and any additional software will need update features. Though, with most of that running through Elias's mainframe, I expect additional software will be kept to a minimum. Even drivers could go through the mainframe itself to update themselves the next time Elias gains more power.

[evilgrows]

Of course, of course, [he says, continuing to write things down.] That's where the software's going to shine, I think. Having that level of power should make certain things trivial that might be a little harder if you're trying to come up with a standalone system.

[And the less guts required to run the thing, the more space there is for additional features. Oh, the kinds of things they can cram this drone with... he's pretty stoked.]

The space that'll free up!

[sciencesquid]

So long as the 'brain' [He pats a hand down on the blueprint of the small mainframe integration box] functions as a true brain and allows for growth while handling all the main tasks of the body, the amount of 'limbs' it could potentially control would be limitless in theory. However, that's only if the technology advances itself to keep up with the brain. If we add on so many weighty, outdated accessories the drone can no longer take flight, it'll lose its entire purpose. I expect it's best to start smaller, then keep pushing the boundaries when we're certain the construction can handle it.

[evilgrows]

Metaphorical as well as physical space, my fine acquaintance, metaphorical as well as physical space.

[He turns the notebook around to show off some of what he's been scribbling down. It's a lot of notes, plus a couple of quick drone designs.]

We just need to decide on the most important features and go from there.

[sciencesquid]

[Otto leans in closer to have a better look at the notebook, eyes narrowing into a light squint as he does so. Anything to do with the interfacing, he can decipher and understand. Some of the more technical drone-specific things, he can wager a guess about at most. It's impressive for certain.]

I'd say sight, sound and defense are the top priorities at this point. Speakers would be secondary, with a microphone as one of the first things to go in. If someone's approaching from behind, it needs to be heard. How far can we go with armor plating, do you think?

[evilgrows]

[He pulls the notebook back and flips to a new page so he can start scribbling some more stuff down.]

We're going to want to keep that part lightweight to keep the other features in, but I think some protection's viable. If we keep it stealthy enough, we won't have to worry enough about damage in the first place... but we'll still need to fit the weaponry.

[sciencesquid]

[Otto was just about to agree that the best defense is not being seen at all, but that last bit throws his train of thought straight off the rails. Weaponry hasn't been a priority at all in his mind. Rather, it's something to avoid if at all possible, with the focus on defense rather than offense. Though, some offensive measures are mainly there for defense, so he won't veto anything without details.]

What sort of weaponry did you have in mind?

[evilgrows]

Oh, whatever we can jam in there, really. The kid deserves to have something to play with.

[Look, most of his drones back home had at least some kind of combat ability, it's not like he's going to let the guns and everything go unless he absolutely has to.]

But I guess we should keep it a little small until he's ready for more.

[sciencesquid]

[That... is a very vague answer, and he's not sure he trusts it, but he's not about to press for more details. It's a bridge to watch out for when they get to it.]

Of course. Baby steps are best, since we'll need to carefully measure the abilities and limitations of the technology. [In other words, let's get this thing hooked up and airborne first, then worry about the finer details.] ... Then, I'll keep working on the interface for Elias, and you'll get started on the drone itself?

[evilgrows]

Absolutely. I'll get the body on this thing set up and then we'll figure out what to fill it up with.

[There are other projects, of course, there are always other projects, but this one's interesting enough that he'll probably get to working on it pretty soon.]

Let me know if the kid has any special requests.

[sciencesquid]

[Otto smiles. If nothing else, he expects this cooperation to be very efficient, which is always a bonus.]

I will. Thank you, Doctor. I'm sure the fruits of our combined labor will be something most revolutionary. [...] By this world's standards, in any case.

[evilgrows]

Revolutionary is just what I do. Just ask my former bosses!

[He laughs, because of course nobody can ask his former bosses. But they totally praised his work back in the day, however reluctantly.]

I'd still like to drag this place's standards up a little, so this might be a great place to start.