Difference between revisions of "Ardacorp"

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Some people become targets of the company because of their efforts to disrupt operations, or because they possess alien biology or advanced technology and cannot be persuaded to allow their study. Then there are the ones who simply don't like Ardacorp and seek to bring them down for one or several reasons. Whatever the case may be, they are considered to be Ardacorp's adversaries.
 
Some people become targets of the company because of their efforts to disrupt operations, or because they possess alien biology or advanced technology and cannot be persuaded to allow their study. Then there are the ones who simply don't like Ardacorp and seek to bring them down for one or several reasons. Whatever the case may be, they are considered to be Ardacorp's adversaries.
 
  
 
===<div style="color:black; background-color: grey"><u>Unknown Shapeshifter</u></div>===
 
===<div style="color:black; background-color: grey"><u>Unknown Shapeshifter</u></div>===
  
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[[File:Zero@KostlivecR.png|350px|thumb|center|'''A computer-rendered image from an Argus Drone of the unknown shapeshifter''']]
  
 
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An elusive and highly aggressive lifeform, designated "Loki" by Ardacorp for its remarkable shapeshifting abilities. Despite several attempts to capture the creature, the company have seen no success in obtaining a sample of its DNA. In response to the challenge posed by subject "Loki", Ardacorp funded Project Oneiros; a drone-like nanomachine collective that possesses its own shape-changing qualities. The company hopes that Oneiros will bring results, but the project is still very much in its infancy and will likely require time to gather valuable data on its target.
  
 
='''''<div style="color:black; background-color: grey"><u>Artwork</u></div>'''''=
 
='''''<div style="color:black; background-color: grey"><u>Artwork</u></div>'''''=

Revision as of 14:06, 14 July 2019

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Ardacorp Logo.gif

Do you own a business or an institution that needs protection? Are you responsible for the safe keeping of financial assets, government property, or sensitive materials? Then your solution is clear: Ardacorp. Originally a CCTV developer, we have been involved in the business of security since our foundation in 1983, and have progressed to providing additional means of protection; alarm systems, weaponised cameras, infrared laser tripwires, electroplate floor conversion, and optical camouflage sensors are just a few of the services we offer for one-time payments.

If you'd prefer something a little more mobile, or perhaps want to add something alongside your fixed security systems, we also offer self-guiding drones, as well as server installation for monthly fees; but if none of that takes your fancy, we can always throw a well-trained agent your way for varying monthly costs. Seen anything you like yet?

If the answer is yes, then head over to our website at www.ardacorp.com to browse our product line; alternatively, you may give us a call on 0196219830 and speak to a non-automated advisor (call costs vary with provider).

Do not delay – your security depends on it.


Overview

A weaponised CCTV camera

Ardacorp began as an automated security company, producing cameras and alarm systems for commercial, as well as private properties. Its CEO, Victor Ardaman, set up the company in 1983, based in North Carolina; In late 1990, the company evolved to producing cameras with built-in weapon systems; these were purchased by other licensed businesses and property owners to protect high-priority buildings.

Staying true to its roots, Ardacorp stuck with the development of security cameras, but began moving in the direction of mobile systems: robots. Initially, it began with the company's first automated unit, known as the 'Argus Drone'; small, quadruped robots that made use of many sensors, making them an effective alternative to stationary cameras. The Argus Drones were typically linked to a central mainframe that ran servers specifically to keep them all online and issue necessary commands to the units, similar to a hive mind concept. It wasn't long after the introduction of these drones that Ardaman came to a realisation; if he developed machines that could be used in place of human soldiers during times of conflict, he could both save lives and open up a whole new window of opportunity to his company. Gaining the attention of the military was his next big goal.


Technological advancement

The Argus Drone

The first truly autonomous robotic unit developed by the company, produced as early as 1992, Argus Drones are designed as mobile spy platforms; small and highly agile, the unit is able to quickly traverse terrain and climb up sheer surfaces with specialised claws, allowing it to access areas that would otherwise prove difficult for humans to reach. Each Drone possesses an opaque dome at the front, which contains a sophisticated sensor array for perceiving a variety of things, including: light, sound, temperature, and even harmful airborn chemicals. If necessary, Argus Drones can also be converted into mobile bombs by replacing most of their expensive sensor equipment with an explosive charge; this variant of drone is highlighted by the vibrant red colouring of its frontal dome. Over the years, the design has gone through a number of revisions and still sees active use to this day.


The original ICD unit

Ardacorp's first automated infantry unit made its debut in 1995, designated the "ACRP-ICD-001", an acronym for "Intelligent Combat Drone"; it had a basic AI, controlled by a non-localised central mainframe, which would often be situated safely within a headquarters. The ICD ran with the concept of "quantity over quality", and were built with fairly inexpensive materials, but their programming often led to confusion when in combat. Of course, the company sought to improve the performance of the ICD; despite being so cost-effective, the unit did not perform to the high standard required, and replacing trained soldiers with them would be a laughable notion. It took Ardacorp over 6 years to produce a new unit that was reliable enough to be used as conventional infantry. The ICD series ended with the Mk. 4, which turned out to be too expensive to mass-produce. The ICD series was superseded by the Cyclops Mk. 1 on the 10th of June, 2002.


The Cyclops Mk. 1

Since the closure of the ICD series, Ardacorp had moved forward in the field of robotics with the introduction of the Cyclops. It proved to be a roaring success in action, outclassing the ICD's combat performance, and cheaper to produce than the ICD Mk. 4. One of the key design features of the Cyclops is the complete lack of a head, which cuts production costs and expands the budget for other areas; the drone's torso naturally had to be made larger to accommodate sensory equipment. The Cyclops was outfitted with short-barrel 5.56mm machineguns, which were built onto its arms from below the elbow joint; this meant that the units came with their own armament, but at the cost of any versatility that articulated hands would provide. The Cyclops Mk. 1 was replaced with the upgraded Mk. 2 on the 16th of December, 2010.


The Cyclops Mk. 2

The Mk. 2 Cyclops is a drastic improvement to the older Mk.1; its design concept is strikingly similar, but it features a sleeker body and upgraded internals, as well as more devastating weaponry; thanks to advances in energy weapons research, the Mk. 2 Cyclops pioneered the company's first small-scale particle projectors. Cutting-edge technology was used to create a more sophisticated optical array, encompassed by an armoured ring that protects it from flanking attacks. To top it all off, its power supply was improved with a more economical micro-filament generator, which became a widely used piece of technology within company products. The Cyclops Mk. 2 was replaced with the upgraded Mk. 3 on the 7th of August, 2018.


The Cyclops Mk. 3

The most up-to-date revision of the Cyclops Drone, redesigned from the ground up. The Mk. 3 features an upgraded chassis and a pair of more energy-efficient particle projectors. The model retains the classical singular 'eye' with only minor changes to the internal array, but an upgraded CPU increases its responsiveness to visual information. Many quality-of-life changes were made to its software and programming, overall improving the unit's performance.


Manually Operated Units

Ardacorp might have begun as an automated security firm, but Ardaman isn't one for limitations when it comes to profit; after all, he was already trying to crack open the military market, so manually-operated products were surely something that needed to be considered; Sadly, at times, AIs and robots can become faulty -- piloted machines are considered to be safer, by some.


A Mk. 1 Comet unit, deployed in the Nevada desert

So, with heavy firepower seemingly in high demand, the company gave birth to the Comet in 2006. It was a towering, mechanized powerhouse, featuring a number of inbuilt weapon systems that gave it an unprecedented level of offense. The cockpit was found within the torso; an armoured hatch on the front of its body allowed entry to the pilot's seat -- digital displays linked up to the Comet's cyclopean optic, as well as cameras mounted on both arms, would be used instead of a conventional windshield or viewscreen; this gave the driver increased levels of protection, which made the Comet a favorable choice amongst Ardacorp's larger and more wealthy clientele. The Comet was the company's first batch-produced product. Over three-hundred are estimated to have been built.The Mk. 1 Comet was replaced by the upgraded Mk. 2 on the 3rd of January, 2008


A modified Mk. 1 Comet unit, illegally obtained by armed insurgents

In fact, the Comet was so popular, that second-hand units began to appear on the black market. Company forces were dispatched to Alaska in order to eliminate a modified Comet unit, within the hands of armed Russian insurgents reported around Wainwright, to the North. Some of the unit's armour had been removed and replaced with custom-built plates, a missile pod was missing, and its left arm was replaced with a reinforced steel blade; it was assumed that if the modified Comet were left unopposed, the insurgents would've completely re-armoured it, and possibly added additional weaponry.


The Mk. 2 Comet

After two years of the Mark 1 being in service, its successor emerged. Some parts from the original were used on the Mark 2, but its visual design was totally different. It had a lower overall weight, making it more mobile - despite this, its defenses were barely compromised; however, its range of weaponry was more limited, and it had no offensive systems stored inside its paneling; instead, it made use of a 105mm cannon, mounted upon its right arm, along with a coaxial 20mm auto-gun. On its left arm, it mounted Ardacorp's first energy efficient laser blade, which concentrated enough heat to slice through a majority of conventional armour materials less than 100mm thick within a short timeframe. The Mk. 2 discarded one of the original's missile pods in favor of additional sensory and communications equipment, as well as a spotlight. The Mk. 2 Comet was superseded by the Amarok on the 11th of July, 2012


The Amarok

Considering the production cost of the Mark 2 Comet, Ardacorp decided to greenflag a new and more cost-efficient model. The new 'Amarok' unit was far superior to the previous Comet models when it came to economics, once again thanks to the complete lack of a head - which removed the need for many expensive components; instead, a cockpit with digital Heads-Up-Display was implemented, and special cameras were mounted on the torso to help with target acquisition. Instead of solid ammunition weaponry, the Amarok makes use of a large-scale particle cannon, taking up the entirety of its right arm and powered by the unit's generator, which is comprised of many high output micro-filament batteries. A Questionite alloy high frequency blade is mounted upon the Amarok's left arm, which is able to rapidly saw back and forth at a rate of twelve cycles per second, allowing for immense cutting power. The Amarok was replaced by the upgraded Mk. 2 on the 2nd of November, 2015


The Amarok Mk. 2

The Amarok Mk. 2 is the second revision of the design. Breakthroughs in particle accelerator technology allowed for a more compact cannon design to be implemented; this significantly cut costs, and opened up the budget for a second particle cannon to be mounted in place of the high-frequency blade on the previous model, granting redundancy and additional firepower. Additional armour was added in various areas to increase its survivability, and two 12mm anti-personnel machineguns were built into the torso, flanking the cockpit on each side. The Mk. 2 was replaced by the Mk. 3 on the 15th of May, 2017


The Amarok Mk. 3

The Amarok Mk. 3 is the newest rendition of the walking tank. Extensive testing revealed that two particle cannons was normally excessive, so the Mk. 3 was given a single cannon with twice the power, and its left arm was instead replaced with a multi-purpose module that incorporates a grasping claw, a napalm-nitrogen flamethrower system, and a cannister launcher that can fire a variety of different grenades. The new unit comes equipped with twin-linked plasma mortars, granting it the ability to bombard targets outside of its normal engagement range.

The ABRAD absorption

Shortly after the Cyclops Mk. 1 first saw service in 2002, Ardaman had considered an alternative to robotics which could possibly reduce production costs tenfold; they would attempt to create a biological soldier. The aim was to make them non-sentient and driven by instinct, yet subservient and receptive to commands. They wouldn't require armour, or weaponry; everything would be grown 'naturally', equaling more profit for Victor's company.

However, it wasn't Ardacorp that pursued this goal single-handedly; they didn't have the resources, staff, or facilities to even begin work in this field - one they had no previous experience with; which is why Ardaman instead approached a string of stem cell research labs, known collectively as 'ABRAD' (American Biological Research and Development), buying out their sites and scientists in order to fulfill his wishes.

After eight years of research, Ardacorp finally managed to develop the "Cerberus". This was to be known as the company's first biologically-engineered creature. It was a menacing beast with a standing height of 3 meters, but was too expensive and imperfect to mass-produce; extensive cybernetic augmentation was necessary in order to sustain the it. The Cerberus took two years to fully mature, and only five were ever grown. Ardacorp's newly-acquired bio-engineering labs were fairly sophisticated, but the scientists involved in the project were still unable to yield a self-sustaining lifeform due to inexperience with growing man-made organisms.

Around five years later, the Crusader was born. This new unit stood as tall as 7ft, a bit bigger than the average man; it adopted a hunched posture, much like the Cerberus, but it was different; the Crusader made use of a biologically-engineered weapon, grown from its right arm, that used muscles to squirt corrosive biogel produced by specialised glands, and onto anyone unfortunate enough to be stood in the way. Unlike its predecessor, the Crusader was totally void of cybernetics; it was able to sustain itself without the need of machinery, had an estimated lifespan of ten years, and took only two months to fully mature.

A Crusader unit


February 23rd 2008, United States Armed Forces audience

The following text is the written translation of a formal meeting with the US Military, attended by Victor Ardaman, Ardacorp CEO:


USAF Representative (Rep): “Mister Ardaman, welcome.” Rep rises from a chair placed behind a desk, extending their right arm towards Victor in offering of a handshake.

Victor: “Hello, thank you.” Victor takes Rep's hand and completes the gesture, before sitting down in the chair on the opposite side of the table to Rep, who simultaneously sits in their own.

Rep: “So, I understand that, after your last arrangement with us, things have changed?” Rep leans on the table with both arms, intently awaiting Victor's response.

Victor: “W-Well; not quite.” Victor pauses. “I actually came to ask a question – and discuss it, of course... I've had a...” Victor once again pauses. “An idea, really.”.

Rep: “An idea. I see; well, please go ahead.” Rep gestures with a hand for Victor to continue.

Victor: “Putting Ardacorp's robotic infantry aside, I was thinking, say... Theoretically... What if a soldier, that can outclass a human in combat, could be grown from scratch, and required no additional help?” Victor pauses. “As in... Equipment or training.” Victor pauses again, before raising a finger and stating: “Now that IS theoretical, of course...” Victor appears to fidget.

Rep: studies Victor's body language for a moment, faintly raising an eyebrow before responding. “Alright... Well, that concept would be good if said 'soldier' could be grown in a reasonable amount of time.”, Victor seems incredibly eager to answer.

Victor: “I knew you'd say that, which is why I was-” once again, Victor pauses. “Nevermind. so... Within a reasonable amount of time. How does, say... Two months sound? Theoretically.” Victor leans on the table with his elbows, interlocking his fingers.

Rep: “Your frequent use of 'theoretically' is a little unnecessary; you've already made it clear that it's a concept – and not a reality. Right?” Rep tilts his head a little, with Victor cutting in before he can continue.

Victor: “Absolutely. To think of it as a reality would be ridiculous.” Victor chuckles, then shakes his head. “No, no – it's entirely theoretical.” Victor blinks, perhaps realising his citing of 'theoretical'.

Rep: pauses for a considerable time, observing Victor. “Right... So, you're telling me that you've... 'Considered'... Growing soldiers for the military. And you're saying that they'd only take two months to mature?”

Victor: “Yes.”

Rep: “So what will these soldiers be like, then?” Rep once again raises an eyebrow, awaiting a response.

Victor: “I think they're a lot like animals.” Victor pauses. “They'd BE a lot like animals, rather. They would have basic instincts – fear included; because it's rather a necessity for survival, is it not?” Victor grins nervously. “But of course, it would take quite a lot to scare them, say... When a heavy loss is occurring. Anyway... They'd be grown with their own weapon – a biological one that replenishes its own ammunition.”

Rep: seems amused at the thought, shaking his head. “Mister Ardaman, are you aware of the implications of such an idea?”

Victor: pauses for quite a while, an expression of bewilderment overcoming his face. “What 'implications'? You mean-” Rep cuts in.

Rep: “I mean the fact that, as you said, they're animals. What if we needed to send them into a conflict where civilians are present? An occurrence like that happens quite a lot. They'd be absolutely terrified of these...”, he pauses with a smirk, “Okay – they're practically monsters, from what you're suggesting. They'd be terrified of these monsters around them; and the United States Military does not terrorise civilians.” Victor doesn't offer a reply, despite Rep's pausing. Rep continues: “Human soldiers can think properly, and don't rely solely on instinct to carry out a mission; they can communicate – and that's a very good point, actually; how will these things speak?”

Victor: “No – you're right. It's a far-fetched idea.” Victor shakes his head, with Rep crossing their arms. “I'd just considered alternative ways of reducing military costs.”

Rep: “And we'd be happy to accept your alternative ways, if they prove to be viable.”

Victor: looks at Rep silently for a short while, seemingly deep in thought, and eventually nods. “Thank you for your time. I'm sorry if you feel it's been wasted.” Victor stands up, offering his right hand to Rep for a handshake.

Rep: “Not at all.” Rep stands up and completes the handshake, Victor turning to leave shortly after.


The sound of a door closing can be heard in the background. Rep addresses a colleague through the one-way glass allowing sight into the meeting room:


Rep: chuckles, knowing Victor isn't in earshot. “Was he being completely serious? Growing monsters to replace soldiers. What a joke.”


The meeting ends there.


The mass burning of March 12th

After the USAF audience that Ardaman had arranged to discuss the 'concept' of his Crusader units, he was incredibly displeased with the response they gave. Considering the disapproval of the Army, and the units having no other real use aside from being terror weapons, the CEO ordered a mass burning of the creatures; a cruel, but necessary (he felt) solution to this new 'problem'; and so, on the 12th of March, 2008, Ardacorp staff gathered up the Crusaders into large pens outside, not far from the company's branch situated in Denver, torching the masses of monstrous products - much to the beasts' dismay, bellowing out agonized cries and terrified screeches.

Some residents of Denver, present in the city at the time, reported to have smelt a strong barbecue scent.


Playing God

By 2008, ABRAD had gained much experience from the Crusader project. However, because of the failed 'pitch' made by Ardaman, the company had to shift its focus a little. Instead of creating organisms from scratch, they begun to integrate alternative DNA into embryos, attempting to find the perfect recipe. Some of the scientists had already experimented with Qularr subjects in the past, so this was a perfect starting point; using a small clutch of frozen Qularr eggs, which had been kept in preservation since early 1966, the company created four successful products that incorporated Qularr and Human DNA. All of the subjects were given "meta genes" of varying type; gyrokinesis, electrokinesis, cryokinesis, and pryokinesis.

The successful experiments were suspended inside tubes filled with nutrients to hasten the process. By the end of the year, they were all fully grown, and had attained the biological age of twenty-five. Artificial memories were implanted into their brains, allowing the subjects to understand the world around them. Unfortunately, the electrokinetic embryo had developed incorrectly, and was missing both of its arms; this problem was remedied through the use of cybernetic augmentation.

Despite all of the work that was put into the creation of these hybrids, a terrible incident involving the Qularr invasion of 2009 had led to the escape of the four meta subjects. In a bid to free themselves from the lab, the traumatised creatures used their abilities to wreak havoc within the facility, causing the deaths of several scientists and responding security personnel. This was an incredibly detrimental event for Ardacorp; not only had their facility been heavily damaged and employees killed, but their newest successful subjects, which were intended for transfer into the Monster Squad programme, had also gotten loose.


The Monster Squad

The Monster Squad is an elite fighting unit formed upon CEO Victor Ardaman's request after a formal meeting with his team of biologists – ABRAD scientists, formerly devoted to the practice of stem cell research. The Crusader project was a resounding success, despite the military's response; But it wasn't quite the result they needed. Ardacorp required something more intelligent, and The Monster Squad was the answer.

The squad was to be composed only of the most successful products – the wheat among the chaff. Many experiments came out as malformed fetuses or, more commonly, lumps of basic living matter with no real use – but those chosen for the Squad were marvels of the (un)natural world, sporting intellect, strength, or agility that far and away surpassed the Crusaders before them. It was no longer about building an army, but about assembling a compact force that could topple one.


Subject-N04 as seen in full armour
(Character made by @pendulumrhino)

Subject-N04, codenamed 'Dragonfly' and also known as Xintos, was one of the original four intended for transfer into the Monster Squad programme (See "Playing God"); after nine years, the company were able to reclaim him, and have now successfully integrated Xintos into the unit. A headstrong personality mixed with the destructive ability of pyrokinesis, along with his superhuman resilience and flesh possessing non-Newtonian properties, makes Xintos a formidable warrior. He is likely the most dangerous squad member, and his potential for mass devastation is unprecedented; the manipulation of extreme temperature allows him to incinerate almost anything in his path, and he has devised many creative ways to utilise his powers throughout his many engagements, such as depriving targets of breathable air through the use of convection currents. Xintos' highest recorded temperature is 8,132c, but he is theoretically capable of achieving more than this; unfortunately, because of an exponential increase in his body's metabolic rate due to higher heat output, he must wear an inhibitor at all times to moderate it; with this inhibitor active, Subject-N04's maximum temperature is capped at around 2,000c, in order to avoid burnout and, eventually, death.


Subject-N13 as seen in full armour, along with an arm-mounted blade formed by 3GEN nanites
(Character made by @Absonus-Noctis)

Subject-N13 was officially the first successful post-Crusader product to be grown from scratch. A severely deformed individual, 'Titan', as he likes to be known, was 'born' without arms, and required extensive cybernetic augmentation – including the need for limited life-sustaining enhancements due to malformed lungs; the result was an amalgamation of crimson flesh and metal, a hulking figure of over seven feet tall, Titan is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to brute strength – and he even has an admirable level of intellect to compliment it, avoiding the typical “all brawn and no brains” stereotype. The subject became a test unit for Ardacorp's '3GEN' nanites – tiny, bug-like robots with incredibly basic functions; they were programmed to scuttle along Titan's body, repairing any inflicted damage – even being able to recycle material from the armour that the creature wears into a wide range of weaponry, making N13 a very diverse and adaptable fighter.


Subject-N18 as seen in full armour
(Character made by @berfegor)

Subject-N18 was grown using various feline genes along with human DNA. Codenamed 'Hackman', this sly creature was exemplary because of his affinity for computer systems - an unexpected trait that became apparent after a particular incident; nonetheless, this perk proved valuable in practice. Capable of an astonishingly fast sprint speed, N18 was known for crossing long distances in a short amount of time; this, in combination with his lean and nimble body, made him an effective scout for routing out enemy positions and keeping the opposition on their toes when infiltration was no longer an option. N18's hacking skills came in handy if a less 'hands-on' approach was necessary, disabling security systems or accessing hidden digital information when the need arose. However, his strange fascination for cats often led to complications during operations, and he was deemed a liability. Subject-N18 was disposed of on April 16th, 2013.


Subject-N24 as seen in full armour
(Character made by @the_Gator1404)

Subject-N24, or 'Caliber', is a blend of rhinoceros and human DNA, gifted with psionic meta genes during his initial formation process. The result was... initially not as successful as the company had hoped. Due to abnormal growth, N24 came out as just a torso and head, but was spared from genetic repurposing when the company realised how quickly his psionic powers were developing. Despite being capable of everything a human could, due to his extraordinary ability to manipulate the world around him using only the power of his mind, N24 was assigned custom-built cybernetic limbs to act in place of the ones he never had; Ardacorp deemed these prosthetics a necessity to reduce the amount of passive mental strain that came with him having to constantly levitate his own body, and lift objects without hands. The end product was a halfway between biological and mechanical, with the potential to crush whole buildings through telekinesis. N24 primarily acts as long-range support for the squad, putting his specialised marksman training to use as a sniper equipped with a heavy DEW or railgun - a terrifying armament in the hands of a soldier, but even scarier when said soldier can detect his targets through walls via telepathy.


Subject-N27 as seen in full armour

Subject-N27, as far as Monster Squad members go, was easily the strangest. Codenamed 'Reaper', he was 'born' without legs and a right arm; but N27 had a heart and willpower strong enough to compensate for his physical setbacks. Like others before him, Reaper was enhanced with cybernetics, being given a set of expensive reverse-jointed mechanical legs, and a right arm limb replacement – effectively an articulated auto-gun; it served no other purpose besides literally shredding the life out of anyone, or anything, unfortunate enough to be on the company's hit list. N27 did, however, have a fully functioning set of organs within his perfectly-formed torso, and his left arm seemed fine; his face, however... His face was something else. The most prominent feature of the creature's mug was easily the large grin he permanently wore, his teeth shown in their full glory within a beaming smile that stretched from ear to ear. But it wasn't a happy one; on the contrary, Reaper was incredibly envious of the more 'perfect' subjects – even Titan, despite his physical abnormalities; Reaper had more, and he hated it. Despite this, he hid his feelings behind a veil of twisted humour, allowing his victims to be the ones to bare his bottled-up emotions – usually resulting in their dismemberment. It was eventually decided that his unpredictable outbursts were too much of an inconvenience. Subject-N27 was disposed of on January 9th, 2015.


Subject-N36 as seen in full armour
(Character made by @Shannarah)

Subject-N36, also known as 'Salvo', is a genetic hybrid between a kangaroo and a human. Using her powerful legs to jump up to twelve feet high, supported by a set of jump jets mounted to her back, means N36 can achieve vertical distances of up to eighteen feet. A pair of missile pods built onto her backpack grants Salvo the ability to rain death upon her enemies from her maximum jump height; this gives her the potential to wipe out entire squads of infantry, and even pose a significant threat to armored targets, depending on the type of ammunition she has on hand at the time. Specialised cybernetics designed to absorb impacts were implemented to support Salvo's legs because of the extra boost provided by her thrusters and, like all Squad members, she received training in handling firearms if there's danger close.


Subject-N52 as seen in full armour

Subject-N52 claimed the title of 'Hunter', and was grown using an altered genetic template from the older Crusader units, possessing some similar physical features – such as the long, exclusively canine teeth and muscular tail; the main difference is that he looks more... Human. N52 stands at just over seven foot tall, sharing the pinkish complexion of Caucasian skin; but the monstrous head, teeth and tail betray any claim to humanity. Hunter formed perfectly throughout his growth phase, requiring no cybernetic aid to support life; among staff members, it is widely regarded as the perfect soldier, naturally strong and dexterous with sharp senses, and boasting rapid regeneration. Hunter received extensive training for handling various firearms, but primarily makes use of two heavy repeating particle blasters; these experimental energy-based weapons are capable of firing volleys of dangerously hot atoms, with enough force to punch through most lightly armoured vehicles.


Subject-N61 as seen in full armour
(Character made by @reeper18)

Subject-N61, or 'Stalker', is a curious mixture of chiropteran, reptilian, and human DNA - by far the most complex Monster Squad member ever grown. Capable of long-distance and near-silent flight with a pair of leathery wings, N61 is considered one of the most mobile squad members; this, coupled with his chameleon-like skin and highly agile form, makes N61 the stealthiest, too. Specialising in infiltration and blitz tactics, Stalker fulfils the role of a vanguard; when necessary, he is able to use his quick reflexes to outpace his opponents in direct combat through the use of firearms and trained CQC techniques. However, he is also able to secrete a potent neurotoxin through sweat glands, and assail his quarry with venomous quills that grow upon his scaly body. To top it all off, his seemingly toothless maw hides away a set of deadly retractable fangs and a disturbingly long tongue, ideal for pulling in and silencing hapless victims.


Subsidiaries

Despite its beginnings as a singular entity, Ardacorp has since grown into a vast international organisation with its own daughter companies that all support it in some way.

Amarillo Armaments

An arms manufacturing company set up in 1998, based in Texas. Amarillo Armaments owns factories that produce a wide selection of small arms, solid ammunition, and explosive ordnance for military use. The company also has the capability to build military vehicles, although these are typically produced in batches due to a lack of dedicated facilities and overall lower demand.


ABRAD

Formerly a collective of independent stem cell research labs, ABRAD was absorbed by Ardacorp in early 2003 and now functions as its biological technologies developer. On the surface, this company researches new medical treatments and technology, and offers compensation to meta-humans for partaking in analysis and sampling of their genes for use in medical science. Under the surface, ABRAD also gives people the opportunity to acquire superpowers through various gene therapy techniques, in exchange for money; in addition, ABRAD is responsible for unethical human experimentation and the production of the Monster Squad, Ardacorp's wetwork team.


Erudite Innovations

An energy company set up in 2007 that dabbles in experimental technology to harness power more efficiently. Some of its most notable breakthroughs include high-capacity micro-filament batteries and a low-emission chemical generator. The company often attempts to engineer nuclear fusion reactors in order to achieve a cleaner and safer method of producing colossal amounts of energy, but technological limitations have so far prevented any tangible progress. Erudite Innovations frequently collaborates with Amarillo Armaments to create energy weapons.


Independent Assets

This section is dedicated to other independent companies that Ardacorp considers to be valuable assets.

Howard & Hicks

An arms manufacturing company founded by Ross Howard and Baxter Hicks in 1952, based in San Diego. Before the foundation of Amarillo Armaments, Ardacorp partnered with Howard & Hicks to create their weaponised cameras, and contracted them to supply firearms for the ICD models, since Ardacorp did not possess a license to manufacture weapons at the time.


Bornmueller Courier Services Co.

Bornmueller Courier Services Co. provides secure delivery services with armoured transports and trained personnel. Ardacorp has essentially outsourced all of its delivery jobs to Bornmueller.


Petite Ingénierie

A French engineering firm based in Lyon that specialises in nanotechnology. Ardacorp collaborated with this company in 2012 to create the 3GEN Nanites used by Subject-N13, and then in 2018 for Project Oneiros.


Staff Roster

Like all businesses, small or large, Ardacorp has many employees that all contribute towards the company in one way or another. This section displays important or notable members of staff.

The CEO

Victor Ardaman


Administrators

Harry Saunders


Engineers

Alexander Suffolk

Katie Winters


Scientists

Maria Hewert

Shelly Lawrence

Adrian Breets


Security Agents

Elizabeth "Regina" Hall

Katia "Rebel" Winnock


Test Pilots

James "Goat" Vitson

David "Ace" Rickley


Adversaries

Some people become targets of the company because of their efforts to disrupt operations, or because they possess alien biology or advanced technology and cannot be persuaded to allow their study. Then there are the ones who simply don't like Ardacorp and seek to bring them down for one or several reasons. Whatever the case may be, they are considered to be Ardacorp's adversaries.

Unknown Shapeshifter

A computer-rendered image from an Argus Drone of the unknown shapeshifter

An elusive and highly aggressive lifeform, designated "Loki" by Ardacorp for its remarkable shapeshifting abilities. Despite several attempts to capture the creature, the company have seen no success in obtaining a sample of its DNA. In response to the challenge posed by subject "Loki", Ardacorp funded Project Oneiros; a drone-like nanomachine collective that possesses its own shape-changing qualities. The company hopes that Oneiros will bring results, but the project is still very much in its infancy and will likely require time to gather valuable data on its target.

Artwork

Regina, by @berfegor























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