"Drones are expendable. You are not." ~Prosper Industries
Today on April 825 AS, Prosper Industries have released a software update for their Firestalker Drone that is promising to add a new type of command to ships equipped with the software. While the details aren't completely clear as to what use the new [Deliver] command will see, the spokesperson for the company assures that it will find popularity among base management providers and other related services. Hints of a new ''C'' type drone capable of deploying and constructing interstellar structures are also strongly present with this revelation.
The Firestalker Drone software is installed on specially re-equipped civilian grade ships. Unlike military-grade AI systems or even Gammuian-based vessels, the Drones are a low-end solution for basic protection and minimization of human casualties on the field of battle.
"The drones are currently operating in Liberty and the Omicrons. We chose to field-test their capabilities in two diametrically opposed territories for best data analysis."
The drones use a purpose-built system that has been optimized to be cost-effective for even small companies as well as wealthier individuals. While in most cases the drone is not capable of matching a veteran pilot, their participation in engagements will often tip the tide. Prosper Industries assure potential users that the drones, if hired, will can not be tampered with. The controversy of their hiring mechanics is still very much present as the effort to keep the system as simple as possible can lead to the vessels being hired by criminal elements, though rumors persist of a ''kill switch'' being present in newer models, the access of which might have already been granted to the house of Liberty.
To hire a Drone, the user must be in the drone's radar range. If the purpose of hiring is combat, the drone must also be within the target's range. All commands are limited to simple keywords such as [Engage] [Move] [Protect] [Repair] and similar.
To hire a Drone, the user must first clarify the name of the drone (if multiple are present), then specify the Target, then the Monetary Sum that they are offering.
If done correctly the Drone will acknowledge the command input and will remain on standby until at least 50% of the specified sum is transferred to it. It might be necessary to specify the target's exact name if multiple hostiles are present.
Users are advised to be very careful and scan the drone in order to ensure that their own commands do not put them in danger. A repair drone that is told to target an enemy ship will engage in repairs. Likewise, a drone that is assigned a target which the loadout is not capable of countering will underperform.
In the case of needing to relocate a Drone to the desired designation, they must be issued a [Follow] type of command, where, if the ship callsign is not specified, the drone will default it to the contract issuer.
Note: Follow orders do not enable the drone to engage targets. You must cancel your previous contract and re-apply it once the target is within the drone's radar range, while the [Protect] protocol will have the drone attack any ship that opens fire on the costumer. The contract automatically terminates if the target ship docks with an installation.
With these limitations in mind, below are examples for proper hiring of Firestalker Drones.
Code:
"Drone Nr. 00. Engage Nasty-Pirate, X 000 000 credits." (50% Prepayment Required)
"Drone Nr. 00. Repair Cool-Dude, X 000 000 credits." (100% Prepayment Required)
"Drone Nr. 00. Follow Friendly-Man, X 000 000 credits." (100% Prepayment Required)
"Drone Nr. 00. Follow me, X 000 000 credits." (No Prepayment Required)
"Drone Nr. 00. Protect me, X 000 000 credits." (100% Prepayment Required)
There are certain quirks that the users need to know about some of these commands though:
If a repair drone finishes its task, it will remain following the targeted ship until it or the drone is destroyed.
The ability to set the drone as its own attack target has been disabled due to vandalism.
A drone will not attempt to avoid hazardous areas while engaged in battle. If an enemy capital ship will try to skirt a star corona in order to escape, the attack drone will follow it.
A drone can be set to attack another drone. Useful in cases, where multiple drones are present and an enemy has already hired one of them.
Entering commands must be done with each drone individually. Using syntax such as ''droneS'' or similar is not supported by the software.
Drones are not capable of switching priority targets.
If a target is fleeing, the drone will follow them until they are out of scanner range. A drone will follow a target through jumpgates, jumpholes and lanes.
If a drone loses its target during an engagement, you must issue it a new attack target by repeating the same hiring commands. Be careful as during this time the enemy may try and hire it first.
A drone is incapable of claiming blanket bounties.
Drones equipped with stealth matrixes will often use them during an engagement.
The Firstalker Drones are a possible boon for understaffed groups that are looking for cheap security, though there are concerns as to how their presence will influence the need for escort personnel. Only time will tell how successful the Drones are and what their next upgrades will be.
The Firestalker Drones refers to an automation system designed by Daniel Prosper, later founder of Prosper Industries and is becoming a popular and very cheap alternative to in-house designed AI within the houses of Sirius.
While often being described as a glorified autopilot, the Firestalker Drone software allows ''acceptable'' automation of standard sirian ships for combat, mining and escort services. The hunter wing is currently one of the most popular viariants often found for hire, but the company has made statements that their mining and repair-ship models have been launched for testing as well.
Note: Please read the full manual before hiring a combat drone. Failure to do so may lead to collateral damage that ProsperIndustries have no legal obligation to cover in the case of mishandling.