Post by Catsmate on Apr 9, 2016 10:42:12 GMT
The SSS is covered in the First Doctor Sourcebook (pages 113-4), and mentioned in the First Doctor Expanded Universe Sourcebook, here are a few further bits of information from other sources such as "The Dalek Outer-Space Book".
The Mk 6 seems to be your basic blaster, 4/8/12 damage,with a pair of stun settings as well. The electro knife appears to be the old science fictional staple of the "vibro blade" (something that's being experimented with today). Something like STR+2 damage with an armour penetrating effect (AP5?). Something to make taking on a Dalek with a knife not completely suicidal.
Llike most military knives today, the electro knife is probably intended more as a tool than a serious weapon.
The buckle is basically a concealed grenade (hopefully there's a delay between activating it and detonation!) while the 'blast button' is a small flare with incendiary properties.
SSS agents might have other concealed explosives or compact weapons.
Not a lot of detail here. It seems to be some sort of of compact grenade launcher firing programmable smart rounds.
Possibly useful, though Daleks had access to interrogation methods other than simple torture.
Space amphetamines! Combined probably with nutrients (Sara Kingdom in The Outlaw Planet had access to "concentrated vitamin and liquid tablets"). Hopefully they don't include the problems of amphetamines, such as impaired judgement, aggression and paranoia, and addiction. Or maybe they do, Marc Cory didn't seem that stable, perhaps long use has serious side-effects?
Compuvac.
The SSS central computer is described as "a super-colossal computer, [which] when fed details of any problem could give more than just an accurate mathematical answer. It had the extra quality of instinct". Probably some sort of sentient computer, a true artificial intelligence with the ability to intuit, reasoning from inadequate data.
Now in the Whoniverse it seems compulsory for any sentient computer to rebel against it's creators and attempt world/galactic/universal conquest in the mold of Colossus or the Empire of Man's Central Computer. This doesn't bode well for Compuvac or the SSS...
The Outlaw Planet can be found here.
Comments? Ideas? Suggestions?
All S.S.S. agents were equipped with two special weapons. The Mk 6 variable effect hand weapon, and the electro knife. The first, with its range of 1½ miles, beams a troniun ray which can be varied in intensity. By setting the dial on the right of the gun, the agent can select the effect the ray will have on its target so that it can either immobilize, stun, or kill. The latter, the electro knife, has a blade made from diametal—the hardest substance in the universe. The knife handle contains a concealed Grauman power unit. When switched on, the blade saws back and forth at tremendous speed enabling it to cut through inch-thick hardened steel. When thrown, the power unit propels it with the speed of a bullet.
Llike most military knives today, the electro knife is probably intended more as a tool than a serious weapon.
Two other specialist weapons are worn by all S.S.S. members as part of their apparel. They are an explosive belt buckle, and blast buttons. The belt buckle is made from neutrovon, an explosive metal. When the prong is snapped off the buckle automatically detonates—a useful device for escape or sabotage. The blast buttons are part of the uniform, and made from a rare metal called magniflare. They merely have to be dampened to burst into flame of great intensity.
SSS agents might have other concealed explosives or compact weapons.
Another devastating S.S.S. weapon is the homer dart, an automatic weapon designed specially for night fighting. When the dials are set, the homer dart will seek out any meal weapons, home in, and detonate.
But even S.S.S. members are captured by Daleks, and, in such emergencies, are able to resist disclosing valuable information by using the S.S.S. anti-torture capsule, This minute, almost invisible capsule is swallowed to deaden the nerve centres. It makes the S.S.S. member completely immune to pain for a period of twelve hours. However, all members are strictly warned not to take more than two of these capsules over a thirty-day period. They would cause instant death.
Since it is often essential for S.S.S. members to be in action for excessively long periods, they are issued with energetin tablets which permit the agent to be fully alert and active for a period of one hundred hours without sleep, food or drink. But they are only to be taken in extreme emergency.
Compuvac.
The SSS central computer is described as "a super-colossal computer, [which] when fed details of any problem could give more than just an accurate mathematical answer. It had the extra quality of instinct". Probably some sort of sentient computer, a true artificial intelligence with the ability to intuit, reasoning from inadequate data.
Now in the Whoniverse it seems compulsory for any sentient computer to rebel against it's creators and attempt world/galactic/universal conquest in the mold of Colossus or the Empire of Man's Central Computer. This doesn't bode well for Compuvac or the SSS...
- In fact perhaps this has 'already' happened. Could a machine have been pulling Mavic Chen's strings during the whole Masterplan business? One fascinating possibility is that the Daleks were also being manipulated. Early Daleks also had a sophisticated computer (the Brain Machine). What if its descendant and Compuvac started to communicate and decided to work together? Shades of Colossus and Guardian.
The Outlaw Planet can be found here.
Comments? Ideas? Suggestions?