Danger Zone One

[Encrypted NetMail – Dated 3 Years Ago]
To: VHardiman@PCPD.xop
From: BKendal@PCPD.xop
Subject: Regarding the TOTOs…

Chief Hardiman:

I know I’m not technically authorized to perform maintenance on the TOTOs, but I tried to make a few repairs on that damaged unit from last week and found something extremely disconcerting. Apparently, these units run on utanium power cores. I’ve had experience with utanium cores in the past, and they are highly volatile. In fact, many corporations don’t use these specific types anymore for this very reason. It boggles my mind that Syren Industries installed them in the TOTO units. The only “logical” thing that springs to mind—the cores must have come cheap, saving Syren a bundle.

I’m not trying to spread panic here, but I don’t exaggerate when I say that if a stray bullet reaches that utanium core, the TOTO will likely explode—with a very good chance of taking anyone in the vicinity with it. We both know how flimsy the TOTOs’ metal plating is. It’s a miracle it hasn’t happened yet…

Also, why are these units equipped with a beam cannon and missiles? I’m under the impression that Syren took these right off the battlefield and sold them to us without any modifications. These things are not fit to patrol urban, civilian-populated areas.

Brenton Kendal
Armory Division

Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Sikretwepon.