OVERVIEW
The ancient android race known only as “The Sentinels” were constructed by an alien civilization which has long ago perished. It is unknown at this time if they were the cause of their own creator’s demise or if they are the remnants of their now inert civilization which ruled over a dozen known star systems.
HISTORY
{UPDATE}: A few of their outposts have been discovered which were either abandoned or never had any androids placed there. Further investigation has led to a few theories. The Sentinels are all that remains of their former empire which appeared to be highly advanced. Especially in the ways of A.I. and robotics integration. The Sentinels were used to fight their wars and to perform most of their menial tasks which freed the majority of their populace to pursue more enlightening activates such as the fine arts and philosophy. Overall they were not a very aggressive or warlike race. But it is possible that there was some sort of catastrophe that had caused their civilization to decline and eventually become incapable of maintaining itself. Weather it was disease or that when things broke down or if their computers malfunctioned, by that time no living beings knew how to repair or maintain it, as if they had become so dependent on their mechanical systems that they no longer knew how to take care of themselves. Or at least not enough in the ways to feed and provide enough energy to maintain their advanced cities and other establishments for basic survival.
It is believed that their civilization had declined to this point over the course of many decades or maybe as long as a century. It now seems doubtful that the Sentinels had rebelled or had a direct hand in this. They were made for the primary purpose of defense. When things started to spiral downward for their creators, they were so dedicated to defending their people and colonies that they did not fully understand what was happening to them or what to do about it, and would only react to physical threats such as an alien invasion force, which never came. They probably stood by at their assigned posts remaining inactive while their very creators died all around them. After they were all long gone, the Sentinels continued without falter to perform their primary purpose of defense.
Now they defend their lifeless skeletons and empty cities. They patrol their many star systems flying over their dead worlds and ruined colonies. Fully satisfied that there are no distress calls. No longer are there any signals or messages of urgency. No more pleas for help. No longer do they hear those horrible broadcasts filled with helpless voices crying out in pain or cursing their celestial deities for letting this happen to them. No more spiels of regret or self loathing. “Everything is quiet now. All is well. Everything is good” Totally satisfied with a job well done. They are doing exactly as their masters had instructed all those millennia ago. Tirelessly carrying out their original primary order to defend them and all that they had laid their hands upon. Yes, for sure their masters must be pleased with them. Very pleased indeed.
BASIC/TACTICAL INFORMATION
The Sentinels are composed of three main types, three meter tall combat androids, their slightly shorter and more robust servo or worker androids, and their fully aware automated combat ships. If the entire crew is rendered inoperable, the ships themselves can continue to fully function on their own. At least long enough to finish their mission, and to return to the closest automated facility to receive new crew and the necessary repairs.
With defense being their primary function. They engage the enemy in the same fashion. With very few exceptions, all of their systems are equipped with a virtually impenetrable shield technology. All of their combat units have similar shielding including their strategic fortifications and automated factories. Even many of their long dead colonies still have active shields being generated from an unknown power source ( possibly geothermal) despite no one living there for many thousands of years. Which makes any sort of exploration or excavating of their ruined civilization range from extremely difficult to impossible. Their ships exteriors are made out of a dilithium-latnum mix which gives their ships a bright lustrous aura to them. They often appear to be golden in color. This might be part of what is used to radiate their shield aura. Each group of Sentinals has a designated leader called Prime Sentinel. If the Prime sentinel is lost during combat or some other event, their data including any combat experience is then downloaded into the next best candidate and they assume the role of leader. It is also possible for the Prime to connect directly with the ship or other large vehicle or device and they can merge as a single consciousness. This sync-up allows them to process data and perform more advanced maneuvers and tactics much faster and more data can be put to use
They were built to be their military warriors and defenders. There appear to be a handful of automated systems which only involve the maintaining of their armed forces. Anyone who approaches their territory in space will first be greeted with a message informing them that they are now trespassing and will be met with force if they do not leave immediately. If the new visitor continues to advance they will be met with a second warming in more intimidating language. There is no third warning. Anyone attempting to approach any of their planets or facilities is greeted with merciless lethal force.
As they are not very congenial or good at conversation, they prefer to avoid it whenever they can. If anyone that is engaged in combat suddenly has the good sense to retreat and run away, the Sentinels do not pursue them for long. They are more than happy to chase you off of their property (including space real estate). Once you have left their special place or borders, they will cease the pursuit and go back to defending or patrolling as if nothing ever happened (unless they actually need repairs etc). They have never once invaded or left their area of space to attack. Their only desire is to continuously defend everything that they already have. There are many valuable treasures to be had within the confines of their space however. Such as an almost endless supply of rare elements and compounds. Exotic highly advanced tech, and the occasional 8-Track player and Betamax VCR. Along with near complete collections of their compatible cassettes. There have been a few reportings of pristine 1st edition Beatles and Pink Floyd LPs as well, but this has yet to be confirmed by a reliable source. As a result, Sentinel space has had its fair share of attracting raiders, pirates, and the occasional treasure hunter and thrill seeker
Thought for the day: “Lie to your parents…Daily”
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