Stray Cat Strut Glossary: Model Eight

Model Eight?

Enemy Classification: Resource Harvester / Low-Threat / Subterranean Transporter

Elimination Reward: 5 Points

Model Description: Model Eights are massive worm-like entities, ranging in length from 3 to 30 metres. Their mouths are equipped with inward-facing serrated teeth, designed to tunnel through even the toughest substrates. The body is covered with large growths that contain digestive fluids, aiding in the breakdown and transport of organic and inorganic materials. Although not designed for direct combat, Model Eights play a crucial role in the hive's economy by transporting biomass and smaller models back to the hive's core, as well as recycling dead models through digestion.

Artist interpretation of a Model Eight

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Threat Analysis Report: Model Eight

Threat Rating:

LowOverview

Model Eights serve a vital logistical function within the Antithesis forces, capable of altering landscapes and ensuring the efficient transport and recycling of resources. Their ability to burrow and undermine structures can indirectly lead to significant strategic disadvantages for human forces.

Threat Capabilities

Resource Transportation:

Capable of carrying large amounts of biomass and smaller models within their bodies, Model Eights ensure the continuous supply of materials necessary for the hive's expansion and sustenance.

Structural Undermining: Their ability to tunnel through soil and reinforced foundations can lead to the destabilisation of human defences and infrastructure over time.

Recycling Efficiency: By consuming and processing dead models, Model Eights recycle valuable resources, maintaining the hive's operational capacity even in resource-scarce environments.

Survivability and Adaptability: The robust nature of their bodies, combined with their subterranean lifestyle, allows them to survive in various environments and avoid direct confrontation.

Strategic Threat Assessment

Containment Difficulty:

Medium. While not directly confrontational, the structural damage caused by their burrowing can be difficult to detect and mitigate in advance.

Military and Civilian Risk: Low. The risk to direct human life is lower unless their burrowing disrupts critical infrastructure or causes unintended collapses. Model Eights have only been documented attacking civilians and military personnel directly in rare instances. Their usual behaviour leads to them avoiding or outright ignoring humans.

Potential for Expansion: High. By facilitating the movement and recycling of resources, Model Eights significantly contribute to the hive's growth and territorial expansion.

Mitigation Strategies

Monitoring and Surveillance:

Implement ground-penetrating radar and other subterranean monitoring technologies to detect and track the movements of Model Eights.

Infrastructure Reinforcement: Strengthen foundations and underground facilities to resist the undermining effects of Model Eight tunnelling.

Targeted Elimination: Use of heavy explosives or ground penetrating weapons to collapse tunnels and eliminate Model Eights during their burrowing activities.

Research and Development: Study their digestion and recycling processes to potentially develop countermeasures that could disrupt their ability to process materials.

Conclusion

Although Model Eights do not engage directly in combat, their role as resource transporters and recyclers is integral to the hive's functionality and expansion. Their ability to subtly undermine human structures and supply lines requires vigilant monitoring and innovative counter-strategies.

Addendum M8-1: Transcript of Field Observation by Dr. Evelyn "Dagger" Hargrove

Date: [Redacted]

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Subject: Model Eight Field Behavior Analysis

Start of Transcript.

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove:

"Recording now. Observing a Model Eight in its natural operational environment provides unique insights into its role within the Antithesis ecosystem. The efficiency with which it navigates underground and processes materials is both fascinating and horrifying. Honestly, it's nice to be able to study one of these in its natural habitat. It's only because they worm-like bastard doesn't seem to want to eat anyone, but still. Can't wait to dissect this guy once the observational study is done."

[Sound of distant rumbling]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove:

"The growths covering its body aren't just for show—each one houses digestive enzymes capable of breaking down almost any material it consumes. This not only recycles dead models but also prepares the ground for further hive expansion. It can eat through concrete and bare metals as well, though with some difficulty."

[Pause as the creature passes]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove:

"Its movements are surprisingly quiet for its size, a testament to its design for stealth and efficiency. The implications for human infrastructure are significant; unnoticed, a Model Eight could undermine key facilities, leading to catastrophic failures. Big peaceful lump that it is, this guy's still a threat."

[Recording ends]

End of Transcript.

Addendum M8-2: Among those familiar with Antithesis units, Model Eights are often referred to as:

- Worms

- Diggers

- Earthworms

- Recycling Worms

- Burrowers

- Hive Carriers

Addendum M8-3: Research into the digestive fluids of Model Eights has revealed potential applications in waste processing and materials recovery, although the practical implementation of such technologies remains a significant challenge.

Addendum M8-4:

Note from [][][][][][][], on [][]/[]/[][][][]

The strategic importance of Model Eights in supporting the hive's operations cannot be overstated. Efforts to disrupt their activities should be prioritised to slow hive expansion and resource acquisition.

Suggestion: Allow troops to carry one (1) remote detonated pre-packaged brick of a high-explosive for Model Eight termination.

As noted in previous reports, Model Eights are not defensive in nature. Standard pistol calibre rounds (9x19mm, 5.7x28mm) are capable of penetrating. Larger calibres that are standard (such as the 7.52x51mm Hi Caliber) can even over-penetrate to a large degree. However, it may, in some situations, take more ammunition than a soldier is equipped with to terminate a single Model Eight.

Such a low-ranking threat should not use as much munitions to be eliminated.

Addendum M8-5:Operational Incident Report: Collapse of Fort Harrison

Date:

01-05-2029

Incident Summary:

Fort Harrison, a critical supply depot located near a known Antithesis hotspot, experienced sudden structural failure leading to significant material loss and casualties. Subsequent investigations revealed extensive tunnelling beneath the fort's foundations, characteristic of Model Eight activity. This incident underscores the strategic threat posed by Model Eights, highlighting their ability to disrupt military operations indirectly through their burrowing activities.

Addendum M8-6: Experimental Defensive Strategy: Sonic Deterrence

Following the Fort Harrison incident, military engineers have begun testing a new defensive measure against Model Eight incursions: sonic deterrence. Preliminary tests involve the use of low-frequency vibrations, projected into the ground to create an uncomfortable environment for Model Eights, potentially discouraging them from burrowing near critical infrastructure. While still in the experimental phase, early results are promising, showing a decrease in nearby Model Eight activity.

Addendum M8-8: Note on Ecological Impact

Environmental scientists have raised concerns about the broader ecological impact of Model Eight tunnelling. In regions heavily infested by Model Eights, there have been significant alterations to the soil composition and groundwater pathways. These changes have led to secondary effects on local flora and fauna, complicating conservation efforts and altering natural ecosystems in unpredictable ways. Ongoing studies aim to assess the long-term consequences of these disruptions and to develop strategies to mitigate negative environmental impacts.

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