I, the undead, save the world with the dolls

"As puppets, these machines are too weak. Only the Iron Guards and Raiders have decent firepower here." AK15 looked at the puppets that fell into the box.

[Could that be your future? Being deemed unnecessary and then thrown into a grinder~] AK12 started to fan the flames again.

"Impossible! As long as there's struggle, humanity will need powerful war machines, and I am that powerful war machine. Even if I'm scrapped, it will be on the battlefield." AK15 didn't have any messy thoughts.

"I have a question. Can a human who uses a machine brain as a tool be trusted? The commander doesn't seem to have taken any precautions or given any warnings. When he faced the scientists at the Great Mountain Range, he acted like a showman, beating them, scolding them, and making empty promises." AN94 interjected.

"I haven't seen any technical or historical data on brain cloning in this world yet. Therefore, producing a robotic brain in this world is equivalent to killing a person, removing their head, and inserting it into a machine. Add to that the deaths caused by the experiments, and this research is bound to result in a massive loss of life." AK15 said coldly.

"I've received some information about the robotic brain. Simply put, this is General Atomics' first successful creation of a product that's a cross between organic matter and machinery. The robotic brain serves as both a control center and a data repository, and it's even more efficient than standard circuits." AK12 explained.

"That sounds like the synths the AR team mentioned. A combination of biological and mechanical." AN94 recalled.

"I think they're two different concepts. The design philosophy of a robotic brain is different from that of a synth. General Atomics wants to use the human brain to amplify the functionality of their machines. Wow, they're replacing the human brain with a hardware defect? ​​Genius idea. These robotic brains are even less individualistic than an AK-15. At least the female gorilla knows how to use a plasma gun to break through walls." AK-12 teased.

"Leaving aside the law and human ethics, the cost of a machine brain is too high. I don't understand why such a thing would be made," said AK15.

"Hmm? That's hard to say. If we can't break through with new technology, we'll have to think of something else. We could use the company's power to recruit live subjects...death row prisoners, the mentally ill. If we don't have enough, kidnapping humans would cost far less than research. Perhaps kidnapping and feeding monkeys would be even more troublesome than kidnapping humans."

AK12 glanced through some internal documents of General Atomics and smiled somewhat ambiguously.

"Humans in every world are very similar. While their goals and circumstances may differ, the methods they employ are strikingly similar. Their waste of human resources is even more extreme than William of Paradis," AK12 added.

[12, watch your words and actions.] AK15's face stiffened. She seemed to associate some of AK12's words and actions with RPK16's.

"I know what you're thinking. I won't betray my teammates. Although I'm very interested in becoming human, that's no reason to abandon my bottom line." AK12 was a little angry, but decided not to discuss these matters anymore.

"So, this world has too many similarities to Paradis. The US government here is far too keen on human and social experiments. If this number is correct, there are at least a hundred shelters, and most of these shelters, these preserved fires, are even being used for such meaningless purposes." AN94 sighed and quickly smoothed things over.

[Perhaps, some different kinds of suffering always lead to the same result~ Speaking of which, I read something else interesting.] AK12 sent this information.

For a long time, the mechanical communities wandering the wasteland have been following the instructions of the Mechanical Master, diligently helping the people of the wasteland. The Mechanical Master did indeed order the machine brains to help the Federation - that is, the people of the Boston area.

But according to the calculations of these robots, the most effective way to help humanity is to directly eliminate humans. In the eyes of these machines, continuing that fragile and ridiculous life is simply meaningless.

This is the most effective way to assist humanity. Any other effort seems to have many negative consequences.

These machine brains acted based on this inference.

"I'm not surprised at all that you came to this conclusion. But generally, companies thoroughly test their products before releasing them. Even we have some underlying protocols that are prohibited. Except for a certain RPK," AK12 said.

In short, after receiving the order from the Mechanical Master to help the people of the wasteland, these machine brains interpreted the words and fulfilled their obligations in the way they believed to be most efficient.

In the minds of these machine brains, even if they tried their best to rescue, they could only save 25% of the wasteland's inhabitants; the remaining 75% would die anyway. Therefore, it would be better to hasten the death of humanity, sparing them from suffering and thus saving both sides' limited time.

"If you don't perform regular overhauls on your machine, it'll end up like this. This guy is such a loser. I've already packed up all the information and sent it to the commander via M4." AK12 finished his work while chatting.

"I remember my initial question was whether a Master Mechanic with a machine brain could be trusted? You've strayed too far from the topic. But now it seems this Master Mechanic is being kept in the dark and knows nothing." AN94 complained, a rare omission.

"Due to ethical and legal limitations, I believe the researchers involved in the development are likely unreliable. However, users shouldn't be the criterion for judgment," AK15 said matter-of-factly.

"I agree. If it's a descendant of those who did the research, I'll need to warn the Commander and gather evidence. But if the user grew up in the wasteland, they probably don't know the production process of the robotic brain, and they probably don't have a choice. Otherwise, this mistake would have been discovered long ago." AK12 echoed.

[What are the commander's orders?] AN94 sighed again.

"Take good care of the Mechanical Master. Tell her we're here to save the wasteland and report any mechanical damage. She'll understand. We might need her in the future." These were the commander's exact words. AK12 felt a little depressed.

[I'd better lower my expectations.] AN94 reloaded the bullets.

"I hope it's an interesting human~ Okay, I've already prepared the address and camouflage signal. The location is... Robco Sales and Service Center, underground." AK12 said.

275 Mechanical Master (Part )

Robco Sales and Service Center. While the humanoids haven't fully explored the city, they're still filling in the details on the map based on the data in their mechanical brains.

After leaving General Atomics, the Rebellious Squad immediately boarded a helicopter and flew non-stop to the service center. With the detailed data and equipment on the machine brain, they had mastered a complete set of methods to enter the location of the Mechanical Master.

"I didn't expect House to cause us so much trouble even after his death. If he had truly flourished, wouldn't his bases be everywhere? It's a good thing he died early." AK12 said after browsing the data in the machine's brain.

"If that clever and arrogant fellow were commanding the mechanical army, we'd have a much harder time. The Raiders and Iron Guards' firepower is reliable enough. The reason we're winning now is simply because we're bullying some foolish, autonomous AI. If we had someone with some command experience, the situation would be far more dangerous." AN94 echoed.

[I don't mind if the enemy is a little weaker.] AK15's fighting mentality remains the same as always.

The rebellious team entered the sales center through a side door. Inside, like any other building in the area, there were gilded railings everywhere, tools scattered across the floor, and unrepaired machines piled in corners. However, AK12, relying on his brand-new equipment, found a working device in the dilapidated maintenance area.

After docking with a device removed from the machine's brain, a metal door disguised as a concrete wall opened. The passageway inside was incredibly long, with layers of doors opening in various configurations, including rotating, split, and vertical stripes. This made one wonder if the designer had put in some extraordinary effort.

"Robots detected approaching, open security gates." An emotionless announcement echoed from within the passage. Behind these gates were three metal security doors over ten centimeters thick. Upon detecting the three humanoid figures, these doors lit up green and slowly opened inward.

"Does this feel like the secret base of a villainous scientist in an anime? It takes a lot of effort to get in and out," AK12 suddenly asked.

"It's hard to say. Maybe the people who built this base had some strange complexes. I wouldn't be surprised by anything that House does." AN94 shrugged at the seemingly unnecessary number of security doors before him.

After entering through the security door, they arrived at an area resembling a staff rest and changing area. Nearby was a locker room, a security office, and a laser scanning tunnel. Using AK-12 remote overlay software, they forged the identities of the rebellious team, completely avoiding alerting any units.

"No biological signs detected." The announcement sounded again. The AK12 passed through the arched scanning tunnel. Directly in front of them was a fully automated production line blocked by barbed wire and metal railings.

Through these nets, the rebellious team saw one rusty metal part after another hanging on the track. These parts would be assembled into different types of machines along the complex and long automated production route.

"Going through the production line isn't a good idea. The precision lathes and industrial cranes will crush our bodies. Let's go through the employee passage." AK12 said after scanning the surroundings.

"Can't we disable the local power system?" AK15 asked.

[It won't work. The protective design and production design indicators here are military-grade, with backup power systems and redundant equipment distributed throughout the factory. I don't have the ability to do that. Why don't you have the commander come over and throw a lightning gun?] AK12 shrugged, completely helpless.

"Then I'll go through the employee passage. Gather information along the way." AK15 didn't hesitate.

AK12 then advanced along the staff passageway, heading deeper into the area. The entire journey was silent, as the camouflage worn by the rebellious team easily deceived the two-hundred-year-old security system.

"Wait, who's there? How did you open the door? Why didn't my alarm go off?! Who are you!" After the rebellious team walked in silence for a long distance, a strange voice came from a nearby eyeball robot.

[AK12?] AK15 didn't fire directly, but instead asked the figure next to him.

"It's obvious that the Master Mechanic is human. He won't be fooled by electronic technology. Alas, without advanced identification technology, there's no way to fool him." AK12 babbled.

"Solve your own problems yourself. Otherwise, I'll use violence to solve them." AK15 said.

"You are the Master of Machinery, right? We are robots who heard the news by chance." AK12 said to the eyeball robot that floated over.

"What?! Robots?! Impossible, you must be synthetics..." The eyeball robot scanned the humanoids for a while, "You're actually robots?! There's not a single human tissue. Okay, then who are you guys?"

As soon as the Mechanical Master confirmed that the women in front of him were robots, his attitude changed immediately.

"We encountered attacks from other mechanical bodies. Of course, this is normal, but we found a machine brain responsible for command based on the signals, and that machine brain led us to this facility. Due to risk considerations, we chose to maintain a stealth posture and explore." AK12 said proudly.

"An attack from other machines? Oh damn! You were not judged as people of the Federation! Uh, ahem, are you injured?" The Master Mechanic seemed not to have expected this and said a little annoyed.

"I thought we'd have to rush in and smash all the junk they've produced. Now it seems like they're pretty easy to talk to?" AN94 said in the internal voice chat.

"We suffered no damage, but in fact, we were attacked because we were involved in a massacre against humans. Master Mechanic, did you say that you wanted those machines to protect the people of the Federation?" AK12 continued.

"Yes, I did say that I gave orders to the machines," said the Master Mechanic.

"But your machines are out there slaughtering living humans, no matter who they are. They even attack non-friendly machines. I don't think the people are being protected at all." AK12 retorted.

"Impossible, they will only eliminate those who threaten the security of the Federation. They will never harm innocent people. The robots are programmed to protect others. Their subroutines are flawless. They observe first, then evaluate, and react accordingly. All robots have been thoroughly tested. I ran through all the scenarios and they all passed." The Mechanical Master was very excited.

"Then I will now transmit the information from the machine brain. Please pay attention and receive it." AK12 transmitted the data extracted from the machine brain to the mechanical master deep in the factory through the eye robot in front of him.

From the other side of the eyeball robot came the sound of someone browsing data. After a few minutes, a stuttering voice came from the other side.

"No, it's impossible for them to change their programming. They're programmed to save people, not kill them."

"Master Mechanic, are you sure there is nothing wrong with those machine brains? Some of the machine brains I encountered were quite manic, at least much more manic than me." AK12 said.

"I know, I know. I was listening, I was just... trying to process it. I took so many precautions, so many safety measures. And the data, they always report how many enemies were eliminated, how many people... were saved. No, this is a logic problem, I understand." The Master Mechanical's voice was still confused.

"I had hoped that erasing the memory in the mechanical brain would prevent this problem from happening... but you're right, their basic settings are flawed." The Mechanical Master's voice was filled with frustration.

"As a robot with high intelligence, all the machines I've seen that put human brains in tanks are problematic. The human brain is not as easy to erase memory and correct behavior as a machine." AK12 persuaded.

"There are so many human brains stored here. I thought that instead of letting them gather dust here, it would be better to make some mechanical brains to shine and make the entire federation better." The mechanical master's voice was low.

"What a tragic accident, isn't it, Master Mechanic?" AK12 tried hard to keep his voice free of sarcasm.

"I just hope that the Federation will become safer. I grew up in a settlement, and I've always seen good people fighting against the marauders and super mutants. I don't want to be with those bad guys," said the Mechanical Master.

"Then let's talk, Master Mechanic. Although we are machines, our intelligence level is quite good, and maybe we can give you some new ideas. Besides, we have some tasks... that you may be interested in. If you want to save the Federation Wasteland, I can give you some different perspectives." AK12 beat around the bush for a long time and finally stated his actual purpose.

"If it can change anything, please come in. My eyeball robot will lead you." The Mechanical Master's words stopped, and the eyeball robot began to lead the human figure to the nearby elevator.

[Look, reasoning is quite effective. Watch how I trick this guy into getting on our tank.] AK12 looked at the two teammates behind him.

"It looks like Commander will soon have another Fallout production plant. Well, having more Iron Guards of your own is a good thing." AK15 smiled, a rare smile.

AK12 followed the eyeball robot to a huge factory workshop, where a man wearing a strange helmet and clothes stood in the middle. He waited until the rebellious team arrived before slowly turning around.

"You really look like female humans. I have never seen machines like you in the Federation." The Mechanical Master took a few steps back after seeing the three fully armed men.

"You look like you have some social anxiety? Don't worry, there are definitely no faces as good-looking as ours in the Federation. After all, I won't get tanned and I'm not afraid of radiation~ Master Mechanic, why don't you let me be honest with you?" AK12 put the weapon on the ground to indicate that he meant no harm.

"Okay..." The Mechanical Master took off his helmet, revealing a sweat-soaked female face. She wiped her face and took a breath.

AK12 also tore off its artificial skin.

"Eh!!!" The Master Mechanic took several steps back in fear when he saw AK12 tearing off his skin. "What are you doing?!"

"Let me show you my proof as a robot. Madam Mechanical Master, we are specially created humanoid machines. Although the person who created us is missing, I am now following a more reliable commander. This commander ordered us to explore the Federation Wasteland, and his purpose is the same as yours." AK12 said.

"I, I'm not sure. What if your commander just wants the factory here? Maybe your commander just wants the raw materials here to crush the entire federation. I've been here for a long time, and I can build a mechanical army whenever I want. I can't believe what you're saying." The Master Mechanic was very persistent and principled in these matters.

"Want to gain trust? Wait a moment, I need to make a wireless contact." AK12 packaged the news he heard and some speculations and passed them to Sun Yang through M4.

"Can you transmit signals so deep underground?" The Master Mechanic looked skeptical.

"I just borrowed your signal station." AK12 was waiting for the commander's reply.

"What? When?" The Mechanical Master grabbed a nearby eyeball robot and manipulated it a few times. "The person who created you must be a remarkable scientist. Your hacking abilities are incredible."

"Compared to her, I think you are more incredible. A human who has not even received formal education and training can actually make an entire factory operate correctly and conduct scenario tests. You are too smart to seem like someone who grew up in this land." AK12 really admired her sincerely.

"Everyone should have some special skills. So, what does your commander have to say?"

"The commander's idea is... to quickly gather the robots outside, then negotiate with the volunteers to jointly maintain local order. I've been authorized to upgrade your hardware processing system, giving you a normal mechanical processor. 'Tell that mechanical master to stop using human brains. It's disgusting. Stop wasting human brains.'" AK12 said.

"You want me to cooperate with those people? But..." The Mechanical Master was obviously still hesitant.

"Ms. Mechanical Master, these are just our suggestions. We recommend cutting losses before things get too bad. All we can do is assist you with some hardware upgrades. How about replacing the human brain with something more reliable? So, do you need a hardware upgrade?" asked AK12.

"I don't understand why you are doing this. If you want, you can just seize this factory." The master mechanic still had doubts.

"Because the Commander ultimately wants you." AK12 pointed at the Mechanical Master.

"Ah? Is your commander a man or a woman?" The Master Mechanic was a little confused.

"It's your talent. He knows you are very gifted and wants you to help with the subsequent machine development work. And if he wants to gain your trust and let you work with peace of mind, then he has to govern the Federation well. For the commander, this is a win-win situation." AK12 explained.

"So that's what you mean. Okay, I understand. Then let's start by recycling the machines and modifying the machine brain. But it seems that you didn't bring any processors?" The mechanical master looked at the three humanoids with empty hands.

"It's not far, not far. I left it outside. Just send a machine with me to get it back." AK12 pointed above his head.

[AK12, you're not planning on taking the processor from the puppet, are you?] AK15 said in the internal communication.

Even a puppet would be enough. It's definitely better than these massive processors that don't even have integrated circuits. With the addition of a converter, it just needs to provide enough computing power. AK12 followed behind the Master Mechanic, smiling slightly.

276 Changes in the Federation

Over the next period of time, the environment in the Boston area underwent some wonderful changes due to the active activities of the human figures and postmen.

The postman and Old Popsicle, who had just emerged from Shelter 111, wandered the outskirts of Boston for a few days. After gradually recovering from the grief of losing his wife, Old Popsicle displayed his exceptional combat skills as a veteran of the Alaskan campaign.

On the way from the suburbs to Diamond City, Old Popsicle barely relied on the postman for help. He used his 10mm pistol to kill all the looters he saw on the road with his nimble movements and calm, accurate close-range shooting.

Even without relying on the Pip-Boy's auxiliary shooting ability, his hands can still shoot steadily and quickly.

Although Lao Binggun considered that there were not enough bullets and planned to replace them with the iron pipe weapons welded with scrap iron in the hands of these people, he decisively gave up after trying them a few times - they were too rubbish and the trajectory was terrible.

The .38 ammo itself is decent, and there are plenty of them, but the gun itself is terrible and jams easily. No wonder some people have to keep their heads down and draw for a long time after using the gun for a while.

No one would use this weapon unless they had absolutely no other choice. At least a gun is better than no gun at all, even the crappiest one is still a gun.

Old Popsicle was not very satisfied with his poor firepower and protection. Combining his pre-war memories and the advice of the old postman in the wasteland, he broke into the nearest military base - the U.S. Air Force Olivia Satellite Station.

This place was used as a base by a group of plunderers. Old Popsicle didn't have any decent firepower, so he could only ask the postman to borrow a laser gun to use.

With this completely recoilless weapon in hand, Old Popsicle's marksmanship was truly unstoppable. The looters, who lacked head protection, felled with a single shot, and even those wearing helmets were killed instantly by a blow to the chin from Old Popsicle.

As for the enemies inside the satellite station, they will use weapons to ambush people around the corner. The way to deal with them is to throw grenades.

He's quite generous with his grenades, usually throwing them only when he feels something's wrong—and it usually works wonders.

After using various explosives and laser guns to accurately shoot and kill all the enemies in the satellite station, Old Popsicle recovered a fairly good R91 assault rifle with a scope and a complete set of pre-war combat armor from the corpses.