ConVecs

From OPU Wiki

Properties

• Common Metals Cost: 1000
• Rare Metals Cost: 0
• Build Time: Very Long
• Hit Points: Medium
• Armor: Light
• Track Type: Wheeled
• Speed: Medium

Commands (not always available): Move, Stop, Repair, Build, Demolish, Dump Cargo, Transfer, Self-Destruct.

Description

Most colony structures are manufactured as prefabricated kits in a factory. The task of transporting and assembling these kits falls to the Construction Vehicle (ConVec). A literal jack-of-all-trades, the vehicle is equipped to haul the building kit, prepare the site, erect the structure, and perform all hookups to tunnels, utilities, and services. The ConVec is equipped with a versatile array of retractable conveyers, cranes, robo-manipulators, and remote drones for any structure-related task.

When the ConVec backs away from a new building, it's ready for the Colonists to move in. In time of war or emergency, the ConVec is there again, making vitally needed repairs. It's also there at the end of a building's useful life, demolishing the structure and collecting the rubble for recycling at the nearest GORF unit.

Operational Notes: ConVecs are used to deploy structure kits, which are built and loaded at Structure Factories. They can field-repair any structure up to its full hit points, using Common Metals (and Rare Metals, if the item being repaired cost Rare Metals to build) in the process. ConVecs are also used to demolish unneeded structures.

Tales from New Terra

"Teacher, look, it's the ConVec!" Rob Blish broke away from his classmates and pressed his nose against the view port, watching the huge vehicle picking daintily at the structure kit it had just spread out on the ground. Robby was taken with all vehicles, but ConVecs were his special favorites. The robot teacher whirred to a stop just up the corridor and circled back, rounding up stray children as it did so. "Robby Blish," it scolded in its monotone, "others are waiting for you. We'll be late for lunch."

Robby didn't move. "This is the best part; it's starting to unfold the geodesic trusses. By this afternoon, we'll be able to tell what the building is going to be. What do you think it is going to be?" Several other children had wandered over to the port to join him. The teacher made an electronic noise that Robby had come to think of as a sigh. "Working," it said, "one moment." There was a communications chirp, and another voice came from the teacher, not flat, but warm and friendly, with its funny computer accent. He recognized it as one of the Savant computers from the Command Center. It had talked to them during their tour last quarter.

"Good question, Robby. This is an important structure for all of you. Many of you will be spending a lot of time there. It's the colony's new University." Robby pulled his nose away from the view port with a start. "What? More school!"