by Jesthar. Mission date Tuesday 29th October 2024, 19:00 GMT
SITREP
The Artificial Reality Encounter System, or ARES, is a brand new military training simulator utilising the latest in virtual simulation technology combined with a physical adaptive arena to create virtual battlezones for advanced troop training. Scenario parameters are outlined by human mission controllers, but initiated and controlled by an advanced AI with automated learning capability – the Dynamically Evolving Independent Mission Operating System, or DEIMOS.
48 hours ago, DEIMOS went off the rails, overriding all external controller input and badly injuring many members of a regular platoon running a test mission – some physically, some by sensory feedback overload.
Perhaps naming the thing after the Greek God of Terror wasn’t such a wise idea…
With all external controls disabled, a squad of four specialist operatives was sent into ARES to shut DEIMOS down using internal control consoles. Unfortunately, DEIMOS anticipated their tactics, and has trapped their avatars in the simulation. We believe the AI is trying to access their memories to improve it’s understanding of human phsychology and military tactics to allow it to better defend itself. What it’s long term aim might be, we have no idea, but it must be stopped.
TFA have received the call due to our unpredictable and unorthadox combat style. It is hoped DEIMOS will be less able to cope with this than the standard military tactics it is used to.
MISSION
TFA have been called in to enter ARES, rescue the specialist team and regain control of the sytem by uploading a Panacea program into the control stations located within the physical arena. There are four secondary consoles which must be overidden first, which will then allow access to the core console to upload the Panacea program. We believe the specialist team is being held near the final console.
DEIMOS will not make this easy. What little data we managed to gather from our operatives before they were captured indicated that each console is now protected by four keycodes that must be retrieved in order to access the console. These keys (sixteen in total) are hidden within the arena, and will need to be searched for and collected. They are likely to resemble items that would not be out of place in whatever environment you find yourself in at the time.
EXECUTION
TFA will be inserted into the ARES arena at the only safe location remaining. From there, you will progress through the arena in search of the keys and overriding the secondary consoles, with the ultimate aim of rescuing the specalist team and uploading the Panacea program to the central console.
MAPS
None – as this is a VR system you could be literally anywhere.
OpFor
Unknown – again, as this is a VR system, anything is possible. Especially as some muppet gave DEIMOS access to YouTube as a ‘learning tool’…
TFA Equipment
Loadouts: Limited. With external controls blocked, providing weaponry at all was challenging. A small but comprehensive array of primary and secondary weapons has been provided at your entry point. We hope as you progress and override parts of the system we will regain enough control to resupply you.
Vehicles: Unavailable. On the positive side, this does mean you will not be facing any vehicles either.
Respawn: Rolling respawn