The State of Cybernetics ( Roleplay, Minor Spoilers, Critique)

Sent: Seconday, 12th of Desnus
To: Director of Abadarcorp Customer Relations (thursty.dir@abadar.gov)
Cc: Starfinder Agent Roster (Agent#_star@finder.org) Celita (notHis7@finder.org)

Subject: The State of Cybernetics

Salutations. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am an Android, designation OV-416, known as Overwatch to my peers. I am a seasoned field agent of the Starfinder Society and a colleague of Detaphiles Executive Officer Celita. Our line of work entails great personal risk, so it is imperative my colleagues and I use only the best equipment and augmentations available to ensure the safety of our agents. Given my years long professional relationship with Abadarcorp as a Starfinder Agent, it is my responsibility to inform you of a grave deficiency in certain products offered by your company. In other words, I wish to lodge a complaint.

I will state it simply: the state of Cybernetic Augmentations is in urgent need of redress. In most cases they are grossly overpriced for the amount of actual value they provide, in terms of value they are utterly eclipsed by Armor Modifications, and they are lacking in functional diversity when compared to other augments available on the market. As a Cyberborn who values the calculated synthetics of Cybernetics instead of the unpredictable Magitech or the fleshy tumors of Biotech, this is simply untennable.

As I think divorcing the question of cost from the question of value when compared to Armor Mods is utterly impossible, I will address these first two points simultaneously. The most readily available comparison would be the Cybernetic Augmentation of Darkvision Capacitors, as the armor mod equivalent in Infrared Sensors is readily available to any adventurer the second they step off the shuttle into Absalom's Stations vast markets. Standard Darkvision Capacitors and Infrared sensors both provide the same benefit, that being able to see through complete darkness out to a distance of sixty feet. However, while the Infrared Sensors are a modest 200 credits, Standard Darkvision Capacitors are a significantly more substantial 1750 credits, an increase in cost of 875%.

An even more egregious example would be the comparison between the Armor Modification of Deflective Reinforcement with the Cybernetic Augmentation of Dermal Plating. While Deflective Reinforcement may cost 214% more than Dermal Plating Mk 1, but it also provides 500% more protection than it's Cybernetic counterpart. When compared to a Dermal Plating model that provides equal benefit, the Dermal Plating Mk 5, The Dermal Plating costs 105,000 Credits, a 1400% increase! The Dermal Plating product line also has a troublesome glitch where it's effectiveness decreases to that of a Mk 1 regardless of it's actual mark should the person it's installed in possess other, similar forms of physical protection. While the same glitch is present in the Deflective Reinforcement, it's greater potency at first purchase suggests that you are more likely to get your full value out of the Deflective Reinforcement, whereas with Dermal Plating investing in anything more than a Mk 1 seems like a woeful waste of credits.

Now I have discussed this in the past with other agents, and some may argue that the trade off is Armor Modifications are limited by the armor you are wearing. Armors can only support so many. To that I must point out that while that is true, Armor Modifications are modular and easily interchangeable with a little time and effort, making it relatively easier to simply swap through a rotation of mods as the situation calls for it. Augmentation however requires invasive surgery, and unless you are a member of a species with a natural proclivity to augmentation, or are a member of the Augmented who have special tech and training to handle more augments in the body, each system in the body is capable of only handling one augment. I also understand the argument that Augmentation prices reflect the need for a medical bay and a surgeon to properly install the augment, but I would argue that even still those fees should not be an over 800% increase, for even the most conservative of comparisons. How do these augmentation clinics expect to stay open when the same technology comes in a modular, cheaper, easier to acquire form?

Then there is the issue of diverse functionality in Cybernetic Augments. While Cybernetic Augments share much of the same territory as Armor Mods, Magitech, Biotech, and even Necrografts boast unique, impactful augments that are favored by many an adventurer. Force Soles are a very popular Magitech item, and I have personally seen Selective Ears used as well. Biotech seems to get the Lion's share, with Dragon Glands, Venom Spur, Glass Skin, and Pressurized Lungs all being popular options. I have even seen an agent willing to look past the stigma of Necrografts to get a Bone Blade. Meanwhile Cybernetics are woefully underrepresented.

Sure, Cybernetics have a few standouts. Speed Suspensions and Data Jacks are popular with scouts and engineers. But Cybernetics still fall short of being unique because of Adaptive Biochains. Effectively for any Cybernetic Augment that exists, there is also a Biotech version of it. When Biotech already has most of the appealing augments. It may come with a small markup, but there are plenty of Biotechnicians out there who usually can exercise their connections to not only make that mark up disappear, but still manage a tiny discount. It has the appearances of self dealing.

On the other hand, there is no Cybernetic equivalent for Biotech, even those Biotech Augments where logically one would exist. Augment Makers would really pay a premium to harvest the scales of a deadly Eoxian Serpent for Glass Skin, but wont pay a modest sum for the photo cells perfectly capable of replicating the effect. Even worse, the Machine Telepathy Cluster is a gift from robotic organisms commonly known as Drift Angels, who are believed to be heralds of Triune. Triune is the tripartite God of machines, AI, and synthetic life. This Augment, which even has Machine in it's name, is Biotech. I had one implanted despite my misgivings, if only because it plays to my strengths and is a gift of Triune. I would readily replace it with a Cybernetic version if given the opportunity.

Weaponized Prosthesis might vaguely resemble the offensive power granted by Dragon Glands or Venom Spurs, but the weapons capable of being installed in such a prosthesis are limited in number, lacking in efficiency, and like everything else, overpriced. Why is there no option to convert existing weaponry to be compatible with a Weaponized Prosthesis for a modest fee? Why no melee attachments? Is Abadarcorp really that comfortable with Eoxian Necrografts cornering the market on weaponized arm blades? How is it possible that the technology exists to stick an organic computer into my brain as a Data Jack, but not a synthetic blast nozzle in my throat as a Dragon Gland? Where do you even harvest all those Wyrmling Dragon Glands anyway? On second though, maybe I don't want to know.

I just don't understand how Cybernetics got into this state. Maybe Abadarcorp scaled back their investment in Cybernetics in fear of market backlash after all those faulty implants were sold in the Free Market back in Pharast 318. Yes, I am aware of that event.Maybe the ongoing media smear against my organization coupled with the internal politics of your organization has resulted in Abadarcorp being reluctant to sell their best equipment to Starfinders. Maybe the ongoing Corona Plague sweeping the Pact Worlds and the Veskarium has had an unseen impact on Research and Development for newer, better Cybernetics. It could be all or none of these things. All I know is the situation needs to change.

I can be patient. In these trying times, I understand that fixing the state of Cybernetic Augments will take time. Please do not mistake my patience for weakness. If Abadarcorp is unwilling to address the deficiencies in their cybernetics, your organization is not so big that I could not take my business elsewhere. The society has already done business in the past with Zeizerer Munitions, and I'm sure other companies both in the Pact Worlds and in Near Space would be willing to see to our needs. And of course, I would be recommending my colleagues do the same. I am sorry if this seems drastic, but I hope now I have your full attention, and this matter may finally be put to rest. Because I know if there is one thing Abadarcorp hates, it's losing business to a competitor.

With Regards,
Overwatch

P.S. This has been posted as an open letter visible to my colleagues in the Starfinder Society so that they may cosign or provide addendum as they see fit. Maybe then you will understand the market demand for impactful, affordable Cybernetics.

P.P.S. As a sign of good faith, attached below you will find the schematic for a prototype Cybernetic Augment developed by myself and some colleagues in the Dataphiles. You have our permission to mass produce and sell this augment royalty free, under the condition that the Dataphiles and Starfinder Society are properly accredits for it's discovery. It should require minimal fine tuning. This augment can serve as a stop gap for the Cybernetics issue until new product lines are developed, and help the Society in our ongoing struggle against negative media attention. I hope the mutually beneficial nature of our offer appeals to you.

^^This is a top-shelf quality complaint to the manager.

((Agreed Shifty. I liked the post as soon as I read "notHis7@finder.org," and then patted myself on the back as I kept reading as the content stayed excellent. Well done!))

As an Eoxian Necrografter I would hope Abadar Corp ignore these Vile Slanders and continue to price things as they see fit. We of course will still continue to offer our wonderfully suited necrographs at our discounted rates... if you would like to step into my parlor I can show you some slightly used Lungs perhaps?

I have a cousin who tried to resort to a cheaper option after her heart was ravaged by Abadarian working conditions.

That cheaper option nearly killed her, and it was only due to the help of some kind sorts from the Starfinder Society that she's still around and kicking.

It's possible to have profit with a conscience -- unless, of course, the tin-hatters are right and Asmodeus mergered with Abadar during the Gap.

Zalibraxis, Dragonbot reads the missive (nevermind where he downloaded it from), and a thrumming noise, like a growl, emerges from the speakers built into his chest. He turns to the halfling waiting in the Bluerise lobby.

"THIS FLIMSY BIO-MECHANICAL FORGETS THAT ARMOR UPGRADES AND AUGMENTATIONS FULFILL DIFFERENT NEEDS. THOUGH I, A HUMBLE DRAGON ROBOT, CAN SEE IN THE DARK PERFECTLY ANYWAY, IF I COULD NOT, TRADING INFRARED SENSORS FOR DARKVISION CAPACITORS WOULD ALLOW ME TO FURTHER MODIFY MY ARMORED CARAPACE WITH POWERFUL ENHANCEMENTS."

The halfling shrugs and goes back to calibrating his sniper rifle as the SRO drones on, "YES, WHAT THEY CALL "ARMOR UPGRADES" ARE ACTUALLY JUST 'STRONG EXTERNAL UPGRADE SLOTS.' IF YOU CAN BUILD THE SAME CAPABILITY INTO YOUR INTERNAL CHASSIS FOR A GREATER PRICE, IT IS STILL WORTH IT SO YOU CAN INSTALL AN ELECTROSTATIC FIELD OR A SHOUT PROJECTOR INTO YOUR ARMOR.

SPEAKING OF WHICH, I HAVE WEAPONIZED PROSTHETICS... REALLY I'M 40% WEAPON AT THIS POINT... BUT ARE SHOCK PADS AND RETRACTABLE SPIKES NOT SUFFICIENT MELEE CAPABILITY?"

The halfling frowns and says, "I'm going to go report to Arvin. Take your time shouting at nobody in the lobby." He shoulders his sniper rifle and walks off.

Dragonbot's facial articulators bend in consternation. "I WILL DESTROY YOU!" he calls at the halfling as he is leaving. "...after I write a sternly worded letter to this 'Overwatch' squelch-bag," he mutters in conclusion.

The robot pauses for a moment, millions of thought-calculations processing in that time before he opens up a new sphere-mail.

Sent: Whatever Today is, the 46th of Stupid Fleshbag Month
To: Director of Abadarcorp Customer Relations (thursty.dir@abadar.gov)
Cc: Starfinder Agent Roster (Agent#_star@finder.org) Celita (notHis7@finder.org)

Subject: The State of Cybernetics

DEAR ABADARCORP. YOU OWE ME. START PRODUCING ADAMANTITE JAW AUGMENTATIONS WITH WHICH I CAN RENDER MY FOES INTO FLESHY GOBBETS. I REQUIRE THEM TO ALSO ACCEPT FUSIONS.

GOODBYE.

Sincerely,

Zalibraxis, Dragonbot
Captain of the Stormreaver
Starfinder

Addendum: Salutations. This is Overwatch once again. At the suggestion of a fellow agent, I conducted more research into Necrografts. The situation is even more dire than I had realized.

Necrografts are capable of astounding feats and provide amazing utility and defense, for an incredibly modest price compared to both Biotech and Cybernetics. There are Necrografts that grant extra limbs for manipulating equipment, as well as the ability to rise from a prone position quickly. A different Necrograft provides astounding resistances to a variety of conditions that normally only a true undead would possess, as well as function as environmental protections that recharge on their own when not in use. There are Necrografts capable of spreading deadly disease, Necrografts that allow one to step through shadows, and of course the arm mounted bone blades mentioned earlier. It seems like Necrografts cover a broad variety of uses, some of which do multiple things at once.

What's even worse is their price. Did you know that the Eoxian Necroforge produces and installs Necrografts capable of replicating Cybernetics and Biotech for 90% of the price? That means Necrografts and Biotech both can replicate Cybernetics at a reduced price (see my previous point about Biotechnicians) but Cybernetics can't replicate anything. Even though we are capable of crafting anything out of a universal polymer, effectively a synthetic mesh.

Yes, the installation of Necrografts are outlawed throughout most of the pact worlds. And yes, there is a significant social stigma about possessing one that could make negotiating with others difficult. But most Necrografts are internal and not visual upon casual inspection, so even if someone absolutely loathed Necrografts, they generally aren't going to know someone has them. As for the legal issue, it is still legal to have them installed on Eox, and the Eoxian government is even willing to pay for people to travel there to receive their augments. In the rest of the Pact Worlds it is illegal to install Necrografts, but not illegal to possess one. So the law is very easy to circumvent to the point that it might as well not exist. Frankly, it astounds me that Abadarcorp, masters of law and commerce who work closely with the Stewards, would not advocate for such loopholes to be closed. Especially given that they are being exploited in such a way that is resulting in loss of market share to a competitor.

Let's not forget the supposed one big drawback of Necrografts, that being that they make the host susceptible to effects which are designed to target Undead. Common knowledge is this would most likely be some spell effect. So I scoured the databases at Lorespire Complex and consulted with Guidance, and received council from Royo in the Forum. Do you know how many spells known to the Society that have effects which specifically target undead? Three. One of them is Necromantic Revitalization, which actually heals undead. One is a sixth level spell, and so the likelihood the average adventurer would ever encounter it is infinitesimal. The last one is a second level spell, but in all the missions I have been on I have not once seen it used, or even learned by our Technomancers or Mystics, or by hostile Technomancers or Mystics for that matter. So the supposed drawbacks to Necrografts - Legal hurdles, social stigma, and undead susceptibility- are so easy to navigate as to not be drawbacks at all.

So in summation, Cybernetics cost more to purchase and install, are not as effective as other types of augments, and any good Cybernetics can be replicated by other classes of augments at a more affordable price. I am Cyberborn. Do you understand why this is so frustrating to me?

Side Note: Shrana Hoarfoot.
I am familiar with your family's reputation. While I am not a particularly religious man, I have studied enough data on the subject to know that Pharasma does not condone your behavior.

Side Note: Zalibraxis

Overwatch scoffs.

In what ways do Armor upgrades and augments fulfill different needs? Darkvision Capacitors and Infrared sensors provide the same effect. Dermal Plating and Deflective Reinforcement both provide enhanced physical resistance, one is just more expensive for less value. Although it is Biotech, Resistant Hide provides a similar effect to a number of different armor upgrades including but not limited to Electrostatic Field, Sonic Dampener, and Thermal Capacitor. Just again, At an increase cost for a lesser effect. Any available integrated weapon for weaponized Prosthetic can also be used as an armor mod. There is a significant amount of overlap. What is "unique" to cybernetics when compared to Armor Modifications, and I use that terms loosely because Necrografts and Biotech are perfectly capable of mimicking it, is a very short list.

I already address the argument of armor mods having limited slots. The argument that "installing it permanently frees up an armor slot" doesn't pass the logic test. To use a hypothetical situation, If I find myself entering a fiery mountain full of lava, and my Resistant Hide is set to resist electricity, I can't just rip off my Resistant Hide and put on a different resistant hide. but I can take a few minutes to uninstall my Electrostatic Field to install a Thermal Capacitor. Besides that, Augments cost significantly more than armor mods, so it's not as simple as "I don't have space for this mod, so I'm going to get a comparable Augment." If I have no room for my Deflective Reinforcement and I really want that level of physical protection, I am not going to spend 105,000 credits for a Mk 5 Dermal Plating. I am going to buy myself better armor that not only improves my defensive capability but has more space for modifications. If I have 105 grand to spend on a Mk 5 Dermal Plating, I could buy Deflective Reinforcement for 7,500, get myself a Swarmsuit which has six spaces for modifications, and still have a couple thousand credits left over. Or, if I was really hurting that badly for Augment slots, get a suit of Ready to Wear Echelon Fashion with it's staggering 8 armor slots. Either of those is a far better option than spending 105 grand on making the only skin augment I can take Dermal Plating, so I can replace one mod in what is likely far lower quality armor than what that money could purchase, when mods are already interchangeable.

And no, the melee spikes and shock pads are not effective for Weaponized Prosthesis, not when compared to other melee weapons both in terms of cost and efficiency.As I stated already, any weapon capable of going into a weaponized prosthesis can go into an armor slot, without the additional cost of the prosthesis and filling your arms system with synthetic limbs for holding weapons that armor can hold already. But aside from that, even the cheapest available retractable spike costs several times more than other melee weapons with comparable effectiveness. Even the highest quality Retractable spike costs more than it's peers by more than 300 thousand credits, and still is less effective than other melee weapons in it's class. Shock Pads aren't quite as bad, but still cost twice as much as weapons of the same quality and are still surpassed by some of those weapons despite the cost. You may argue that the reason why they are so costly is because it frees up my hands for other things and leaves me still able to fight, But when their effectiveness is sub par on top of that,it would seem that they were overtuned toward the low end.

Allow me to be clear: I have no doubt that you can use those integrated weapons to great effectiveness. My dissatisfaction is rooted in the fact that for the same amount of money as it would cost to purchase that weapon, and purchase the prosthetics to install that weapon into, I could have purchase either a better weapon to just hold in my hands, or better armor which could handle the weapon as a modification. Again the question: Do I spend 105 thousand for Mk 5 Dermal Plating, or a Swarmsuit and Deflective Reinforcement with 2.3 thousand left over? Do I spend 200 for Infrared Sensors, or replace my eyes with Darkvision Capacitors for 1750? Cost both in credits and physical limitations, versus benefit. Cybernetics tops the chart on costs, and is at the bottom of the list for effectiveness. Those few Cybernetic Augments that are worth the investment? Biotech or Necrografts can get them cheaper. In this modern society where we make things out of synthetic polymer, fly space ships through alternate dimensions, build robots so complex that souls can inhabit them (like yours truly) have not one but two massive planet sized space stations orbiting our sun, yet a third massive space station residing comfortably IN the sun, and a wide world of amazing technology and scientific advancement, I just... I really thought we would be better than this...

phishes Dragonbot's email and reads it I do concur though on some form of jaw augment. There is an aesthetic there that people would be willing to pay for, even if I myself would not prefer it.

I have a cousin who tried to resort to a cheaper option after her heart was ravaged by Abadarian working conditions.

That cheaper option nearly killed her, and it was only due to the help of some kind sorts from the Starfinder Society that she's still around and kicking.

It's possible to have profit with a conscience -- unless, of course, the tin-hatters are right and Asmodeus mergered with Abadar during the Gap.

That would be the issue what happened in Pharast of 318. That was a very messy affair, you have my condolences. I trust she is fairing a lot better? Last I saw she was very ill, but on the road to recovery.

MEANWHILE, IN ABADARCORP'S COMPLAINT OFFICE

Complaints! Oh, goody I get to be in the complaint department and help people!

The bright yellow skittermander wearing a suit and a gold key around her neck settles in to the best part of her day, processing complaints!

Although Abadarcorp's etiquette manual encourages a more formal writing style, Aba always prefers the personal touch.

Dear Overwatch and even dearer Dragonbot
(whom I totally don't know from having adventured with him!)
(okay, I do know him. Hi, Dragonbot!!!)

Aba looks over her greeting, and decides that it sounds properly professional and she continues all-sixing her typing.

Thank you for reaching out to us! Know that Abadar Corp relies on your feedback to improve our products and service! Hugs and high-sixes from me for pointing out a limit in the current offerings of our catalog. Now... a few comments. Abadarcorp does invest in innovations, but we are also largely a reseller. Most of the new technology products that flow into our stores come from several innovation hubs:

Aba pauses in her typing to count on her fingers.

Bretheda -- biotech
Eox -- necrografts
Apostae -- Weapons and armor

You would think Aballon would lead the way with cybernetics, but they're not that interested in modifying bio-organic people with their technology. The schools of magic and technomancy tend to be more interested in theoretical or magical gear than straight up engineering. Aba pats her utility toolbelt fondly. Engineering is the best! As for Verces... Although it's the home of the augmented, it prices its gear high because they believe that becoming an augmented is such an honor that you shouldn't quibble in price.

PS Are you two interested in Apples? For some reason, we have an overstock of them! I would love to gift some to you, to show you how much Abadarcorp cares about you!

Aba sends the message, happy to make another customer happy!

Old Abadaran saying. Beware of Eoxians with deals too good to be true.

The dragonbot reads the open forum letter and starts ranting a response, words appearing in all caps on the SRO's internal comm unit as he shouts them.

"OVERWATCH, YOU MAY BE CYBERBORN, BUT YOU ARE CERTAINLY NOT AMONG THE AUGMENTED, WHO UNDERSTAND THAT THE PATH IS A CONTINUAL JOURNEY TO APOTHEOSIS, A PERFECT FUSION OF NATURE, GENETIC ENGINEERING, AND UNYIELDING *METAL*. EACH ASPECT WORKS IN HARMONY WITH THE OTHERS. WHAT MAY SEEM AS A SMALL OR UNWORTHY BENEFIT IS A SMALL PART OF A GREATER WHOLE.

FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS KNOWN THAT HAVING DERMAL PLATING CAN ADD SLIGHTLY TO ONE'S RESISTANCE TO DAMAGE EVEN IF YOU ARE NATURALLY TOUGH ENOUGH TO SHRUG OFF ATTACKS. MY OWN SPONSOR IN THE STARFINDER SOCIETY, ONE ZOGULON GRAV, USES THIS TO INCREASE HIS ALREADY PRODIGIOUS DAMAGE RESISTANCE. IS IT WORTH THREE THOUSAND, TWENTY FIVE CREDITS? IT IS TO HIM, BECAUSE HE IS ALREADY SO RESISTANT THAT A DEFLECTIVE REINFORCEMENT WOULD NOT HELP HIM. CLANG."

At this point, Dragonbot, lost in his personal war of words, walks smack into a sign pole with a loud clang. He looks at the pole, holding up a sign designating the Botscrap neighborhood and frowns. The dragon gland, visable through a little window in his neck, crackles with electricity, and Zalibraxis vomits electricity on the signpost in his ire. The sign, being metal and grounded, is not affected.

"REGARDLESS," he continues, reactivating his dictation circuit, "I HAVE MYSELF EVOLVED FROM EVEN THE AUGMENTED. I HAVE LEARNED THE TRUTH, THAT THE ONLY ORGANIC WORTH MIMICING IS THE MOST POWERFUL: DRAGONS. SPECIFICALLY BLUE DRAGONS. I AM EVEN NOW ATTEMPTING TO ATTAIN LICENSING TO BUY GLORIOUS BLUE DRAGON SCALES, RESISTANT TO ELECTRICITY, AND OF A STRENGTH WORTHY OF MY GLORY.

ORGANIC, CYBERNETIC, NECROMANTIC, AND MAGICAL AUGMENTATIONS ARE ALL REQUIRED FOR ONE SUCH AS I TO ASCEND TO THE MIGHTIEST OF CREATURES. SOON YOU WILL ALL TREMBLE WHEN I TAKE TO THE SKIES AND WREAK MY TERRIBLE VENGENCE."

ADDENDUM:

"TO ABA CALLING: THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES YOU, AND ABADARCORP, MAKE AVAILABLE. I DO NOT REQUIRE ANY APPLES," he then mutters "as I have not mastered eating yet," then continuing: "BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR OFFER. WHEN THE TIME OF RETRIBUTION COMES, YOU WILL BE SPARED."

I would be thankful for any tidbits of information your study into my families past would yield... All I have been able to find in studying my Death Cursed dreams show horrible examples of how Pharasma has cursed my Heritage time and Again. Hence my spurning her advances with my pursuit of the Eoxian Perfection. Take your metallic implants if you wish they too will eventually lead you down the path of undeath. If you would like more information I could also offer you some "undeath insurance" to allow you to experience the FULL Eoxian replacement plan.

I must provide a correction to my previous statement when citing armors as examples for modification. Do not, and I repeat, do NOT get Ready to Wear Echelon Fashion if you are seeking to upgrade to armor that is more customizable. there was a glitch in my database and it was presenting the measure of mobility afforded as how much modification it can stand. Ready-to-wear echelon fashion does not allow for armor modification. The swarmsuit however would still be a good upgrade in that respect, though the number is not as high as I initially stated.

I must provide a correction to my previous statement when citing armors as examples for modification. Do not, and I repeat, do NOT get Ready to Wear Echelon Fashion if you are seeking to upgrade to armor that is more customizable. there was a glitch in my database and it was presenting the measure of mobility afforded as how much modification it can stand. Ready-to-wear echelon fashion does not allow for armor modification. The swarmsuit however would still be a good upgrade in that respect, though the number is not as high as I initially stated.

DO YOU THINK THAT I, ZALIBRAXIS, DRAGONBOT, JUDGE YOU FOR YOUR FASHION ADVICE ACCURACY? I DO NOT.

I JUDGE YOU BY YOUR WILLINGNESS TO UPGRADE YOURSELF.

THE LEVELS OF ADVANCEMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Organic
Part Robot <-- You are here
Fully Robot
Dragon
Robot Dragon

AS YOU CAN SEE, YOUR CYBERNETICS ADVANCE YOU BEYOND THE CHURNING MASSES OF BIOCHEMICAL INSUFFICIENCY, BUT YOU STILL HAVE A WAYS TO GO. WHILE I MIGHT NOT SUPPORT YOUR QUEST WITH ENCOURAGING WORDS, BECAUSE YOU LACK SUFFICIENT VISION, KNOW THAT YOU REMAIN SUPERIOR TO NON-DRAGON ORGANICS.