otter

Repair complete. There is an electronic component under the base that compromises thermal sensor efficiency. It has been removed without affecting device operation.

Sweet! Took less than two!

Wow! It talks!

What's a smart upgrade without a voice module?

Took some time to get used to it myself. It's not exactly the chatty type, though.

Did you really have to make the voice so gruff though...? Whatever, to each their own.

Keep going.

Meeboo SUPER, set a new password for the workshop door.

Password set using a combination of alphanumeric characters in upper and lower cases, and special characters. Password does not include your birthday.

Alright, awesome!

Applied testing, phase one complete!

And there you have it, the new, the improved, the Meeboo SUPER! So? What'd ya think? Smarter than your AI buggies, right?

Sure is a clever little guy! But Lancet-2 or Castle-3 could do all that, no problem.

Hey, no biting! You're just like Mayer!

Let her go for now, Meeboo SUPER.

Can't tell if its performance is better than the buggies, but it sure holds a grudge better.

Stay away!

So, how much time did this upgrade take you?

Lemme see... three months, ish?

Closure, Closure! I've got that 'Raythean Challenger Hellcat Demon High-Performance Operation Platform' upgrade proposal you wanted!

Thanks. Next up is—

Nah, I need a month off.

Whoa, a workaholic like you? Burnt out? Or... are you looking for a raise?

No way, you know me.

Just finished up all my requests from Rhine Lab and Rhodes Island, so my schedule's a clear blue sky.

And it's high time I upgraded the Meeboos.

Haven't you been doing that in your spare time? What do you need more time for all of a sudden?

Three more Meeboos have gone kaput the last few months, and there's still a whole pile waiting for repair.

There's only one 1st-gen left.

Aw, poor little guys.

Their efficiency's improved, but survival rate remains poor in adverse environments, or operations requiring a high degree of precision.

Implementing a full AI should let 'em properly take care of themselves while performing their tasks.

Oh, I'll help then!

Thanks, but no thanks. I'll be fine on my own.

Why not? Didn't we work together on Iwona's Justice Knight?

That was a PRTS-based customization. Not even you know the ins and outs of the buggies' operational algorithms.

That's not what I want for my babies. From Rhine to Rhodes, I've always worked on 'em myself.

I'll give you a shout if I've got any questions, though.

I'd installed a learning system on 'em, but that's not even in the same ballpark as true 'intelligence.' Needed to start from scratch.

First I tried optimizing the existing Meeboo core to improve its automation logic, but the results weren't too great.

So I rewrote the underlying code... Which took a while.

Original plan called for five SUPER prototypes to get some proper control experiments in, but I only managed to finish one.

Still! This Meeboo SUPER is an unprecedented achievement with applications in highly complex environments, including demolition, surveying, reconnaissance, combat, and everyday life.

Most importantly, it can complete precise operations fully independently.

It'll be the most powerful smart machine in all Terra... Small and easy to mass produce too. Makes your customized buggies look like a science fair project.

We're talking about a whole Meeboo army!

So what's this tag on it?

Nametag. Got one on every Meeboo.

But why so many? Let's see, C00-1, B03-4, B12, G70...

Took 'em off of decommissioned Meeboos.

Yeah, I know, but weren't those supposed to go in the Great Meeboos Monument? Did you...

So the Meeboo SUPER carries on its brothers' hopes and dreams?

Hehe.

But you still left yourself control permissions for the Meeboo's core, yeah?

I guess.

Then it's not quite 'smart' enough, yet.

I'll start the next phase of applied testing in a couple days.

I'll see you then, then.

By the way, make sure you've got the settings right on the Meeboo SUPER's demolition program. We <i>are</i> on the landship, after all...

Now I just gotta log today's test data.

Hey, are you even listening, Mayer?

I know, I know.

Oh, right, what's the new door password, Meeboo SUPER?

Huh... Is that a bug?

Meeboo SUPER!

Meeboo SUPER Test Logs 07

Continuing applied testing for the Meeboo SUPER prototype today.

I'll temporarily disable my control permissions for the Meeboo core, allowing the Meeboo SUPER to autonomously inspect nearby buildings and resolve potential problems.

This is the most important stage.

Meeboo has learned to speak, though we're both still getting used to it. It's learning to complete more complex tasks; it's no longer just a 'walking bomb.'

However, this is the first time ever that a Meeboo will be operating outside my control.

If successful, it will mean that the Meeboos have truly reached the stage of artificial intelligence, without relying on the Rhodes Island mainframe, which is very important for both Lutra Workshop and the Meeboos.

Although there have been some occasional data deviations, based on the Meeboo SUPER's performance to date, I think there's a lot to look forward to in today's testing.

After all, every last Meeboo is lending us their strength.

Core control permission off.

Meeboo SUPER, scan and resolve potential issues for buildings in the designated area.

Of course, since we're on the Rhodes Island Landship, you'll need to...

Oh, what am I saying, you're smart, you know what to do, right? Haha.

Whew—

Now just gotta wait for it to finish the job and come back.

Wow, the requests sure have piled up... Guess I really put 'em off for too long.

Let's see... wall projectors for operator quarters, weapons system upgrade for the training grounds, synchronization between drones and charging equipment...

And the workshop's a mess.

Might as well clean up the operating console while I have time.

Meeboo— SUPER. Scanning building. Resolving potential problems. Scanning building. Resolving potential problems.

8 structural integrity issues found. Calculating. Issues resolved using method—

One remaining structure to inspect.

'Lutra Workshop'

There, that's more like it!

Full-area scan.

Retrieving comparison data. Activating analysis.

Results—

Area is larger than expected. Lacks distinction between living and working space. Presence of dangerous equipment—

Warning. Resolving potential issue. Evacuate area.

Now lemme fix these heat sensors.

Warning. Resolving potential issue. Evacuate area.

Running short on materials. Guess I'll need to submit another order to the Procurement Department...

Resolving issue using method— method—

Demolition.

Did something just move?