Ms. Shock/Exo-Storm Armor, Version Eta
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
Definition
The Exo-Storm Armor Prototype suit is a militarized version of the ExoProto armor suit developed for use by superhumans across the globe. It retains the ExoProto's original flexibility and durability against normal wear and tear. Standard upgrades include increased ballistic and impact armor protection.
Several versions of the Exo-Storm armor suit have been developed; this document covers the most recent iteration, also known as "Version Eta."
Physical Characteristics
The Exo-Storm Armor suit consists of four modular components. Each component is linked to the others via secure nanofiber-optics and/or secure Bluetooth wireless communications.
The Exo-Storm Armor series includes several innovations gained from reverse-engineered Rikti technology. Many of these features are still classified; those features which have been made publically available outside of the British government are discussed within this document.
All Version Eta modules come with integrated nano-batteries and power wiring. These power systems are spread throughout the entire inner layer of the suit. This decentralizes the power requirements and allows each module to work independently if another should fail.
Version Eta modules are constructed much like the ExoProto outfits they are based upon. In addition to the normal construction materials, a layer of STF (shear thickening fluids, less commonly known as dilatant material) provides flexibility and protection against sudden impacts. An additional layer of armor plating composed of Dragon Skin ceramic "mail" and additional STF materials covers larger and more vulnerable areas where flexibility is not a major concern. The combined armor provides good protection against conventional and directed-energy weapons and average protection against close combat attacks and kinetic impacts.
NOTE: Ironically enough, the STF's used in Version Eta module construction has allowed users to deliver more forceful blows in unarmed combat. Current testing shows that unarmed combat blow forces can be increased by as much as 20% for an unaugmented, unassisted human. It is also important to note that exerting more force upon an STF-equipped implement could injure its user. Such usage is not recommended by untrained personnel.
Version Eta also introduces recent advances in quantum computing to greatly reduce the size and mass of the suit's computer equipment. Coincidentally, this also removed the need for complicated EMP (electromagnetic pulse) shielding and other protective systems. The Version Eta suit now appears to be skin-tight, although field tests have shown it to be quite malleable and can "adjust to fit."
NOTE: During intense usage, the innermost layer of the suit has been said to glow with a radiant light; usually the color and intensity of this light is related to an emotional state or to what capabilities the user has activated. This behavior has been noted in all versions of the Exo-Storm Armor developed to date. No directly harmful effects have been noted, but the tactical disadvantages of this phenomenon cannot be understated.
Shirt
The central component of the suit is the upper body unit or "Shirt." This piece serves as the central unit of the armor suit; it provides the majority of functionality for the entire package, including weaponry and motive systems.
The Shirt is the heaviest piece of the suit; the main cause for this is the Dragon Skin armor. Even with hyper-modern materials, the Version Delta body armor still weighs in at a hefty 30 pounds (14 kilograms) by itself. Other computerized systems, even spread throughout the suit, added an additional ten to twenty pounds (4 to 9 kilograms) of weight. The Version Eta Shirt, even with quantum computing matrices, weighs in at 15 pounds (7 kilograms) but is much more flexible and durable.
Attachments for external systems are also available; these attachment points are included on each shoulder and along the center spine. Each hardpoint offers power and data connections and can be adapted for nearly any imaginable use, including (but not limited to) weapon hardpoints, unmanned vehicle control systems, and logistical equipment.
Pants
The Version Eta Pants continue the theme of protection and power. Their construction is the same as the Shirt with one notable exception. The Pants focus most of the power stored within into providing mobility, enhancing movement speeds and lifting capacity much like conventional hard-suits do. While the Version Eta Pants are not as powerful as a comparably equipped hard-suit, they do provide its user with normal dismounted mobility and enhanced carrying capacity despite the additional mass of the suit itself.
The Version Eta Pants also contain a reverse-engineered Rikti nanotechnological medical system. Essentially, this system diagnoses negative conditions and helps administer corrective actions or medicines to the user. It does not have the capability to repair the suit, but it will allow the wearer to remain healthy and alive longer. Current field deployments indicate that improvements made from Versions Ceta to Delta have improved survivability tremendously without the increased need for maintenance and resupply.
Version Eta Pants have two external mounts at the waist and hip regions. These mounts are typically used as storage for external ammunition, medical gear, or other essential tools. A typical dismounted infantryman would carry ammunition pouches, canteens, or small belt-packs of supplies here.
Gauntlets
Most of the main offensive functions of the Exo-Storm are focused within the gauntlets. Each gauntlet module is a paired set; mixing gauntlet sets is generally not advised. As of this writing, eight seperate gauntlet sets have been developed and tested. Only one set, the PE-42X, has been successfully fielded and tested in real-world conditions.
Each set of gauntlets typically have two functional sets of uses; these functional sets are more colloquially called "power sets." For example, the PE-42X's power sets are electromagnetic and kinetic in nature. The electromagnetic set is focused mainly upon the use of electrical discharges as an offensive weapon. The kinetic powerset is geared more towards close combat encounters.
Like the other pieces of the Exo-Storm suit, the gauntlets can have other equipment attached to them. Each gauntlet in a pair has one external mount for such equipment. Small specialized computer equipment, mechanical tools, and personal weapons have been used successfully here.
The gauntlets' functions are controlled through thought itself. This sort of mental control is acheived through a combination of direct neural interfacing, Rikti nanotechnology, and intense mental training. It has been rumored that certain cybernetic implants and nanotechnological conditioning systems can overcome the training requirements, but no conclusive proof of this is available as of this writing.
Boots
Version Eta Boots are paired sets and work the same as the Gauntlets do. Instead of offensive action, the Boots focus squarely on motive support and opening the battlefield to new horizons.
Version Eta Boots also come in several distinct varieties. One version gives its user the ability to fly, for example, while another lessens the effects of gravity locally to allow superhuman jumping or running ability. A third subset departs from the normal design philosophy and incorporates offensive and motive technologies into a single package. The "Combo Boots" have been well received by testers both in controlled environments as well as in the field.
Helmet
The Version Eta Helmet acts as a command and control interface for the entire system. Heads-up displays overlay tactical, suit status, and other relevant information over the user's field of vision without restrictions. An integrated SATCOM radio, encrypted Bluetooth receiver, and other communications equipment ensure the user is in constant contact with his chain of command.
The direct neural interface (DNI) technologies in use with Versions Alpha through Delta have been removed. DNI's are still in use for the Version Eta gauntlet and boot systems as they are less invasive and more easily deployed. Further research into making helmet DNI's more reliable is ongoing.
Capabilities
As a complete package, the Exo-Storm Version Eta suit is a complete battle-ready solution for today's advanced soldier. Its modular nature and slim logistical footprint will allow deployments in a much shorter timeframe then comparable hard-suits or mechanized infantry units.
With a complete suit, several more functions come into play. Each individual piece of the suit connects to the nanofiber-optic network within the suit; this allows power and data to flow from one piece to another. It also allows the individual functions of one piece to be transferred as needed to other pieces of the suit or other regions of the user's body.
For example, the PE-42X gauntlets, when worn with a complete Version Eta suit, allow the user to add kinetic energy to nearly any close combat fighting technique. In its electrical powerset mode, the PE-42X allows its user to generate a massive electrical charge over the entire suit; this electrical charge can theoretically be used as a defensive mechanism, or it can be discharged in all directions as an attack.
The complete suit can also draw required energy to keep itself up and running directly from relevant energy sources. In laymen's terms, this means a Version Eta suit can potentially operate indefinitely in an environment where electromagnetic energies are abundant. Such sources can include sunlight, a nearby electrical grid, or even a typical diesel generator. How this is acheived is currently unknown.
Even with its incredible power generation capabilities, the Exo-Storm Version Eta and its predecessors can and do run out of power. When this occurs, all combat and enhanced motive systems functions are unavailable. The suit will still allow normal movement and limited combat interaction, and its medical capabilities will remain intact. As long as a power source is readily available, this limited functionality does not last very long.
NOTE: The PE-42X gauntlets, when combined with the Exo-Storm suit, allow its user to recharge the suit's power stores by draining electrical energy off of their enemies. Doing so requires the use of its electromagnetic powerset. Again, how this is accomplished is currently unknown, but it is believed to be related to the inclusion of Rikti nanotechnology in the suit.
Deployment
Currently, the Exo-Storm Eta armor is only deployed in one theater. More Exo-Storm suits exist in older versions for testing and training purposes.
