Suggested modifications for some MSGIDs in the .po file (ufoai.org) : 2016/11/17 by Rodmar Firstly, I'd point out a few facts, some of them evidences: - I worked on v2.5. Some proposals here may not be relevant with v2.6 anymore. - Although I have a master degree in physics, I'm not an expert, especially in the high grade physics and biology. So, take time and care with the proposals, and ask some students around you. - Modification proposals come with the following format: -- line -> the string extract to be removed; sometimes, it's only to locate where to inject more text. ++ line -> the string htat's proposed to exactly replace the -- line; they are only proposals and could greatly depart from the final modification, if any. [...] means that some obvious text was skipped in the -- line, and should be kept at the same place in the ++ line (in place of it's own corresponding [...]). [] lines are reasons why the modification is proposed. In a few cases, they become quite large and correspond to a debatable matter. - I provided the MSGID numbers; in case there aren't sufficient to locate a string, there are '--' lines to help locating the modification. - I (swear I) first wanted to correct or to complement some scientifical and technical articles, but it ended as often in such a case... I went on correcting most entries, with details, rigor, and pedagogy in mind, and even those outside of the UFOpaedia... - As there are some slight discrepancies between v2.5 English and v2.5 French, I suspect that French entries are (were) not all up to date. Some of those discrepancies fed the proposals, however. I made them easy to identify. - Important: please review my English and check the style proper to each protagonist. - Important: pay attention to these proposals, as their purpose is not only to correct rare blurr pieces of text or to enhance the general understanding: some inter/extrapolate the game lore and may be very debatable, with domino effects, or even non wanted. - As a notice: I believe it would be better if all the entries about the same topic are reviewed altogether before taking decisions. For instance: all laser weapons, all particles beam weapons, ... XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Beginning XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX MSGID #666 --African Village ++Bush Village [or] Savana Village [The African maps apply to any intertropical areas, e.g. in former Venezuela] [Note that the problem is that the map's code name is used in game on the loading, pre-briefing screen. It would be better if a given generic map (and map code name) would be used for different missions, named accordingly to their exact location.] Thus, map code name wouldn't need to be realistic and detailed.] MSGID #667 -- African Desert ++ Desert Landscape MSGID #675 -- Snow ++ Snowy Landscape [It's either a factory or some wilderness] MSGID #678 -- Frozen Landscape ++ Glacial Landscape [The map features either an inlandsis, a glacier, or an ice pack] MSGID #738 --Worker ++Engineer [or] Technician [of course several entries should then be changed acordingly] MSGID #763 --It has one variable weapons hardpoint located on its nose. ++It has one light, directional weapon hardpoint located under its nose. --It has 1 light weapon hardpoint located in the nose. [duplicate with the preceeding] MSGID #778 --giving it significant range before the atmosphere can slow and/or disperse the particles enough to render them harmless. ++giving it significant range before the atmosphere can slow and/or disperse the particles enough to render them harmless for any armoured target. [I guess that against a goose, the weapon's practical range is longer] MSGID #780 --The regular operation of Supply Ships in an area may indicate an alien installation under construction or, worse, one that's already operational. ++Now, it looks like this ship has foldable wing tips. Though this feature might prove useful inside a space carrier, or whatevever location the supply ships come from, this could well indicate that they are designed to be hold in some tiny hangar, here, on Earth. Thus, we believe that regular operation of Supply Ships in an area may indicate an alien installation under construction or, worse, one that's already operational. --the Supply Ship should be engaged whenever possible. ++and despite its lack of armament, the Supply Ship should be a high priority target and engaged whenever possible. MSGID #784 [For some reason, the generic text, at the beginning, is not the same as with the other UFOs (save the Corrupter). Is this wanted?] --This is the largest UFO we have recovered yet. ++The Ops has it named the "Bomber" from the beginning, but I'm not so sure now I've glared at it. This is the largest UFO we have recovered yet. [It's clear that its main function is not to bomb planetary surfaces, so the name should be introduced one way or another, here, and/or in the post-research report.] MSGID #783 --which we have called the Bomber. ++which we had called the Bomber so far. ++For your rememberance, we have given it this name accordingly to the early sightings, as it seemed to display the habit to launch powerful Air-to-Ground missiles while flying above military installations. --No lab equipment. No medical facilities. The Bomber is equipped with the thickest armour we've seen and ++No lab equipment. No medical facilities. Only life support systems and weapons. Besides the heaviest ordinance we've ever seen, the Bomber is equipped with the thickest armour too and --a heavy fighter craft ++a heavy fighter craft, or even a bomber craft, --Eventually, it was the size and emptiness that led us to the only conclusion we can fathom: this UFO's purpose is to deliver troops to combat. ++Eventually, it was the size and frame of what looked like its cargo hold that led us to the only conclusion we can fathom: this UFO's purpose is to deliver assault troops to combat Terran military targets. ++Then, on the next night, I had a vision of anguish, and I woke up all the team to test my nightmare. And they did it. The 'living quarters' in the hold are indeed structured into six same modules --or bays-- that are self powered, armed... and detachable. We managed to detach one of them and the attach mechanism can obviously operate several times before having to be changed. Although it's never been witnessed so far, we can but speculate that each one of those modules can be used as a self-sustaining, fully NBC-able bunker for a fair number of days, once deposed on the ground and separated from the Bomber. --This is a flying box of destruction. ++Oh Commander, this is a flying box of destruction. I mean, this is a full-fledged invasion spaceship of f* hell, designed to incinerate a patch of land as large as several housing blocks, before seeding its cursed pods in the middle of the rubbles, and deploying a platoon of elite hostiles. Take off, rince and repeat. [Explain why we thought it was a bomber at first, then let's figure how many troops it could bring on Earth, game engine's limitation put aside, and lastly how close to a container ship it looks like]. MSGID #785 --Where previous alien equipment seemed to focus mostly on collecting human biomass, ++Where previous alien equipment seemed to focus mostly on collecting human and animal biomass, [Wait, no cattle abductions, at first?] MSGID #794 --It deforms wildly[...]Once the energy has dissipated, the deformed plate ++The plates fixed on the hull deform wildly[...]Once the energy has dissipated, the deformed plates [The text tells about polymere material, then suddenly about plates, without precising how the armour consists on, whereas with Advanced Amour, it's precised that this layout would be far too heavy, and that now, only a very thin layer is fixed on the craft, no more plates (as it should be added in Advanced Armour text btw).] MSGID #795 --Now that we have the ability to produce and work the alien materials ++Now that we have the ability to work the alien materials [Throughout the game, alien materials have to be scavenged from retrieved UFOs. There are never produced!] MSGID #796 --You and I both know the price tag of new aircraft, Commander -- we cannot afford to let any of our planes become obsolete. ++You and I both know the time cost and the price tag of phasing our entire fleet, Commander -- on the meanwhile, we simply cannot afford to let any of our planes become obsolete. --Even a very thin of alien materials ++However, even a very thin of alien materials [It looks like this new armour is just to endure the enemy while we are researching a new plane] MSGID #797 --It wasn't just thicker, as most alien armor upgraddes have been ++Surprinsingly, it wasn't just thicker, as most alien armor upgrades have been --fabricration ++fabrication MSGID #800 --and it can intelligently recompute ++and it can intelligently and dynamically recompute --These filters can be layered on endlessly ++These filters can be nested and layered on endlessly --(even a previously-undiscovered moon of Pluto), spectrum analysis of every body in the asteroid belt as well as the distant Kuiper belt, and the orbits of every body in the solar system plotted out hundreds of years in advance. ++, spectrum analysis of more than one million minor planets (dwarf planets, asteroids, trojans, centaurs) and satellites (even a previously-undiscovered moon of Pluto), and the orbits of most solar system bodies, including a few millions of comets from the distant Oort cloud, plotted out hundreds of years in advance. [Added complexity (and potency), and updated data about Small Solar System Bodies (as per Wikipedia's page)] MSGID #802 --they will be extremely expensive to produce ++they will be extremely expensive to adapt [New PHALANX aircraft need either Alien Propulsion or Advanced Alien Propulsion as required components; engines seem to not be produced for real (even for last tier Stingray).] MSGID #807 --The Aerial Laser Cannon may well be our most challenging laser to create. The sorts of power loads we need ++The Aerial Laser Cannon may well be our most challenging laser to create: we need a very high power versus space ratio here. The sorts of power loads we need [Despite the last sentence, I'd make it even clearer why it should be our most challenging laser to create.] MSGID #808 --It's hard to miss with it. ++It's hard to miss with it, except if the target hides behind the darkest of storm clouds. [IR are absorbed by dark clouds. Cf. Aerial Canon] --an integrated magazine of deuterium-fluoride ++integrated magazines of deuterium and fluoride [Given the way it works there is no deuterium fluoride magazine. Only a deuterium magazine, and a fluoride magazine.] --we will not need to keep ammunition in inventory. ++we didn't design pre-filled cartridges to be stored in inventory. Rather, we shall burry secured tanks beneath our hangars and refill the integrated magazine the same way a standard craft is refueled. [Text says that there's no need to store ammo in the hangar because 1) D-F is available worldwide at a low cost, and 2) It's not safe to store them on base. It doesn't say how the aerial laser cannon is recharged.] MSGID #809-811 --20 horse power beast ++15 kilowatts power beast [Metric unit, like other specs] --achieving a rate of fire up to 6,000 rounds a minute with the accurate, hard-hitting 20mm HMG shells. ++achieving a rate of fire up to 6,000 rounds a minute with the accurate, hard-hitting 20mm HMG shells. This is no theoretical rate of fire, as development of the CTAS concept (Case Telescoped Armament System) dismisses the delay needed to eject a leftover metal case before refeeding the breech, and then, the need for percuting a primer. [Then, the UFOpaedia picture should be altered, as it clearly depicts a band of shells] MSGID #810-811 --It can contain up to 10,000 rounds. ++It comes as a relatively light-weight box containing up to 10,000 rounds, filled and sealed at the factory to prevent athmospheric corruption of the propellant. Handling the palette and reloading the canon can be done by but one man only if direly needed, with mechanical assistance, and is as nearly as simple and secure as handling a rifle clip. [CTAS magazine without binding bands] --before the incendiary compound can be quenched or compartmentalized ++before the incendiary compound can be quenched or compartmentalized by onboard safety systems [Text applies both to small human craft and to large UFOs. Although there may be firemen onboard large UFOs, there aren't any onboard Terran jets, only automated safety systems, if any.] --Each SHIVA cannon is loaded standard with a full pallet of 10,000 rounds, unless there are not enough rounds available in base storage. ++Each SHIVA cannon is loaded standard with a full pallet of 10,000 rounds, unless there are not enough rounds available in base storage. The Case Telescoped technology allows for an amazingly compact and light, sealed magazine instead of the usual ammunition band, that's usually layed out and stored in a special compartment in an aircraft's hull or wing. It's because the shells'ogives are encased within their own solid propellant, without any external rigid casing, and the whole ammunitions have a flat tip, that the layout can be very compact with no fear for accidental priming when the ammunitions are close and next to each other. [Future CTAS benefits would be : 1/compact, light magazine (no metal casing, flat-tip rounds cancelling accidental firing in compact magazine), 2/high rate of fire (no need for ejecting casing/jacket, better propellant as nowadays), 3/high velocity shells (saboted, undercalibrated (lighter) shells), 4/Faster reloading (sealed, compact, light magazine instead of bands)] [See http://faragedesignworks.com/caseless-ammunition-firing-system/ for caseless ammunitions (it's perhaps optimistic)] MSGID #817 --speeding particles ++speeding charged particles [Synchroton is of no use with non electrically charged (neutral) particles] [What are these particles? Are they the same as in portable alien beam weapons? Only stable, charged particles are: electrons and protons, plus several ions. Another candidate could eventually be the "heavy electron" or muon (an elementary particle 200 times the mass of an electron, that can travel several hundreds of meters in the atmosphere, provided its speed is near light-speed and time dilatation occurs)] [Other elementary or composite particles, such as tau lepton ("super-heavy electron") and the charged mesons seem to be too much unstable to have any tactical usefulness besides small area radiation sources (lifetime < 0.1 µs)] [A hint to choose the particle could be the power amount portable and aerial beam weapons may generate when emiting their beam.] --into a coherent beam ++into a concentrated beam [Confirmation's needed but I'm not sure if fermions may exist in coherent states inside the same beam; masers and lasers are photon-based beam weapons, and photon physics are not the same as electron physics.] --than anything we've managed before. ++than anything humanity's managed before. [Experiments on high energy particles are not the bread and butter of PHALANX, even if we know that the labs have some particles accelerators.] --we can field right out of the sky. ++we can field right out of the sky, even hiding behind thick clouds. [PBW cut through clouds far more easely than CW lasers.] MSGID #818 --using powerful magnetic rails to accelerate its missiles to hypersonic speeds ++that seems to use a powerful magnetic coilgun to accelerate its missiles to hypersonic speeds [The launcher has not been studied yet, and "magnetic rails" is confusing with electrical railguns. Reasarch report tells about coils around a tube, not about rails in a tube.] [The hypersonic range starts at Mach 5, and research report tells about Mach 4 at the tube's exit. However, a preliminary report based on remote measurements may prove a little wrong.] --This launcher system[...]than our Sparrowhawks ++This launcher system[...]than our Sparrowhawks' [Compare one system to another one, not a launcher to a missile.] MSGID #819 --do its onboard rockets kick in. ++do its onboard rockets kick in and drive it at nearly double the exit speed. The tube's loading system is innovative and dwarfs our own missile-launcher technology, making it basically an automated gun. [Mach 8 is in the hypersonic range. Feeding system is mentionned below. The most obvious difference between this launcher and a Sparrowhawks' is precisely the number of "tubes" or firing "stations" (one as opposed to several).] --The bad news is that we've had to drastically reduce its magazine size in order to meet weight and size restrictions on our aircraft ++The bad news is that we've had to completely abandon the idea of adapting the feeding system, and to drastically reduce it's "magazine" size, in order to meet weight and size restrictions on our aircraft. However, we hope we can use the original ones on ground installations when we spent additionnal research time on this specific program. --We've had to custom-build a magazine ++We've had to custom-build a feeding system and a magazine [Perhaps, adapted Alien Launchers could have a lesser rate of fire than those mounted on UFOs? Perhaps, Sparrowhawk (AAM) <= Cicada (SAM) < Adapted Alien Launcher < Upgraded (Alien Launcher) SAM site <= UFO Launcher?]] MSGID #821 --The kinetic energy generated by the impact ++The kinetic energy liberated/released by/at the impact, then mostly transfered to the shrapnel, [The kinetic energy is build/generated by the mere missile's velocity, not the impact.] MSGID #823 --We've lost a bit of speed and sheer kinetic force by foregoing the antimatter propulsion used in the aliens' missile. This projectile will not be quite as powerful but we should ++We've lost a sheer amount of speed and kinetic energy by foregoing the antimatter propulsion used in the aliens' missile. This projectile will only slightly accelerate after exiting the launching tube, and raw impact force will be a quarter of the alien missile's. Still, by using the Terran concepts of pre-fragmented enveloppe, proximity fuse, and belts of light explosive running right under the hull, we'll manage to cause the desired fragmentation just before the impact, forgiving a glancing blow, or a near miss, and generating an even larger cloud of shrapnel. Although not being quite as powerful, this missile should achieve the desired result. [No anti-matter means far less speed, and still, the damage output is not vastly inferior. Whereas Aliens rely on sheer speed and precise strike, PHALANX could be more cunning.] MSGID #824 --in all aircraft with a free electronics bay. ++in all aircraft with a free electronics bay, that is sent to engage UFOs. MSGID #825 ++It is excluded that we use large, slow tankers to refuel our planes while in the air. Our fighters and transports are the only planes that should remain in the air once UFOs are detected above a region. MSGID #826 --We've recovered a new alien corpse from the battlefield. We should begin dissection ++We've recovered remnants of an alien machine from the battlefield. We should begin disassembly [Bloodspider? Hovernet is presented as a machine, and not the bloodspider? Corpse and dissection should be words reserved for organic entities] MSGID #827 --in a large cavity located in front of the power cells. ++in several internal cavities located in front of the power cells, for retrieval. [The Combat Bloodspider text #828 tells about such internal cavities; are they really that different? Also, there's a kind of redundancy with next line.] --These machines have been recorded cutting apart live humans during a terror mission and storing their biomass for retrieval. ++These machines are also regularly recorded cutting apart live humans during harvest missions, and they have been seen doing the same during terror missions, except they don't care about retrieving any biomass. [Granted, dissecting live humans is a way to terrorize the survivors, but it's doubtful that the Aliens conceived this robot for anything but harvesting (either dead bodies or live humans), and as it seems, the terrorists have no habit to leave witnesses behind them.] [Alternativelly, we could precise that on some terror missions, such robots were witnessed spoiling humans with no intend of harvesting their biomass.] --and they're not asking questions. --and they're not asking questions nor bother to establish communication with us. It's probable that they consider us as cattle, or some primary resource for some dark, unknown goal. [Those machines are primarily harvesters, and nowhere is the meaning of such harvest questionned. Bloodspiders should be strongly linked to the Harvester-UFO description.] MSGID #828 [This entry needs a complete rewriting, imho, because it looks like a virtual duplicate of the Bloodspider's entry.] Suggestion: ++At first glance, it looks like a heavier cousin to the Bloodspider. They basically share the same internal structure and seem to play the same role in the Alien army. The robotic creature's razor-sharp mandibles are just longer and more powerful, and a thick, heavy plating increases the chances it will survive a few rounds from our soldiers and keep coming. On a tactical point of view, the beast is much more suited to terror mission and harassment of our own armoured troops. Indeed, it has a slighty smaller storage space, due to increased armor, and combat reports seem to witness a more aggressive behaviour toward Terran soldiers. But perhaps, the more interesting point is the way how the machine is derivated from the Bloodspider. Believe us, Commander, it's badly done, as compared to Alien standards. We can but only conclude that those new robotic units are recently upgraded Bloodspiders, and that modification might even have taken place on board an orbiting vessel. That is, the Alien are adjusting their tactics to our own activity. They are able to do so "on the spot", and they are willing to do so. If we ever were a game for them, we thus know that they assessed the game has became dangerous for the hunters. This is their answer. These creatures are terrifying on the battlefield if they get close and it's only natural we call them Combat Bloodspiders. We will need to hunt it in packs. MSGID #829 --We've recovered a new alien corpse from the battlefield. Dissection ++We've recovered remnants of another alien machine from the battlefield. Disassembly [Combat Bloodspider ?] MSGID #830-831 --and usually busy themselves handling perimeter security for the Tamans when not engaged in combat. ++and when not engaged in combat, they are usually busy themselves handling perimeter security for the Tamans. [Disambiguation?] --We have no idea quite where the name 'Ortnok' came from. The troops don't seem to know, and neither do we. Still, it's as good a name as any, and it seems to have stuck. ++We have no idea quite where the name 'Ortnok' came from. The troops don't seem to know, and neither do we. Still, it's as good a name as any, and it seems to have stuck. Now, some of our veterans would swear that when it's badly hit, the otherwise silent creature emits a kind of grunting, like a loud "Oort Nokk". Reality or self-dellusion? [How can't we know the origin of the name for a creature that seems to appear quite late in the campaign ? First time they appear, witnesses are few for sure, it's not like in Mumbai. Either we find an explanation, or a sort of post-justification like this.] MSGID #832-833 --and the structure of chromatin in their DNA ++and the structure of chromatin in their nuclei (the condensed compound of DNA and binding proteins) [Text is much familiar. Chromatin is not 'in' the DNA, it is the nucleo-filament, i.e. the result of the DNA's condensation, when it's "curled" by binding proteins (histons)] --PHALANX has never been able to verify a single report ++Not only has original PHALANX never been able to verify a single report..., but... [PHALANX in XXth and early XXIst centuries was not the same organization as PHALANX in 2084. Indeed, there has been two PHALANX.] --a century ago ++more than a century ago [1950 < (2084 - 100)] MSGID #834-835 --in a long, leaping gait ++in a long, leaping gait, as we believe some dinosaurs did [More picturesque?] --the aliens seem to have no shortage of these creatures ++the aliens seem to have no shortage of these creatures, unlike the Tamans [If not, why to tell this?] MSGID #836 --able to hover above the ground. ++able to hover above the ground with a characteristic buzzing. --it is able to cross the battlefield rapidly. ++it is able to cross the battlefield rapidly. This biomechanical creature is already dubbed various names, from "Killing Saucer" to "Honey Bee of Doom", or coarser. One should choose but one and I find that "Hovernet" is both the least non-ambiguous and the most picturesque. [Nowhere is its name introduced. The entry exists before the player can read this, so "Hovernet" is a name already in use amongst the troop.] MSGID #837 --We're calling this alien the Combat Hovernet, an acknowledgment of its clear combat-oriented mechanical augmentations. ++We've called this alien the "Combat Hovernet", from the day we assessed its clear superiority in combat-oriented features. [Nowhere is the name introduced, so it should be an early battle-earned name, even if further disassembly prove they are as different to Hovernets as a main battle tank is different to an infantry support tank.] --But a small biomass, including a "brain" of sorts, lies at its core and appears to control the machine. ++Like with the Hovernet, a small biomass including a "brain" of sorts, lies at its core and appears to control the machine. Another characteristic they share is the overall shape and size (hence their name), and that's all. --The plasma weaponry installed on the alien is capable of firing three-round bursts ++Unlike the self-defence, semi-automatic, pistol-like weapon found on the Hovernet, the plasma weaponry installed on this alien is capable of firing three-charged bolt bursts --These guys won't be easy ++It's of course more than enough to kill any lightly armoured target, and it's obvious they are designed to meet and dispatch any opposition on the battlefield. These guys won't be easy [These plasma rifle fire the same charged plasma bubbles as rifles, and being hit by three bolts of plasma is bad news.] --You'll want to take these guys down as soon as you see them. ++In contrast to the Combat Bloodspider as compared to the Bloodspider, the Combat Hovernet is not just a hastily made, makeshift upgrade of the scouting Hovernet. Several evidences make us think that these things serve in the Alien army for some time to some precise purpose. Every inch of them is there specifically to suit their role: probably to cover, secure, and hold the ground against any threat. They might even well be their cheap, mainstream warriors. Because they are fast, armoured and deadly, you'll want to take these guys down as soon as you see them. Now, as best as we can figure, and if we put apart their genuine hability to bypass obstacles on the battlefield, one question arises. What does such a substantial deployment of robotic or hybrid machines means, if they aren't to replace bio-units? Either the Aliens are somewhat short on biological warriors, they are sometimes limited with life-support logistics, or they prize their life just as we do. For now, we have no answer, giving the way they conduct their attacks. [It's debatable, but it's hard to believe CHN are only better armoured, upgraded scouts. Moreover, it's not questionned why Aliens use robots, and not only biological units.] MSGID #839 --There's no way to reduce their size any further than we already have. ++There's no way to reduce their size, or enhance their control any further than we already have. [Consistency with the Power Armour #841, that anticipates bearer's movement through nerve impulses detection.] MSGID #841 --The outer skin is a flexible three-layer composite, with outer layers consisting of nanotube-fullerene fabric, and an inner layer of special polymer gel, ++The outer skin is a flexible three-layer composite, with outer and inner layers consisting of nanotube-fullerene fabric, and an intermediate layer of special polymer gel, [There is 'outer layers' and then only one 'outer layer'. Furthermore, that would mean that the thermal gel is in direct contact with the memory gel.] --that will consume much of the energy. ++that will absorb much of the energy, then reradiate it in the air at a less steady rate. [The metallic cloud will steadily warm up and then slowly disperse the heat in the air while dispersing itself.] --and cushion ++and pro-actively cushions [What cushions? The sensors or the helmet (including its integrated electronics and activators)?] --rather than resisting the user's movements. ++rather than resisting the user's movements. Mechanically wise, that's the big difference with the coarse servomotors we already use on our nanocomposite armour. [The Nanocomposite Armour's #839 text already mentions servo-assisted movement (most probably boots?)] MSGID #843 --able to disperse ++able to dissipate _rather than absorb_ [Shouldn't "dissipate" be the proper, technical word when heat is channeled through/reflected back into the environment, and "disperse" applied to mater only? The rest is to introduce the "roasting effect" when facing a flamethrower, as compared to facing a plasma bolt] --roasting its wearer inside the suit. ++roasting its wearer inside the suit. To some extent, the same effect would occur if the plasma was to be deposited through a constant stream instead of applied by one single, large bolt. [Even if Plasma Blaster has not been researched (or encountered) yet, the armour performs less well against the modeled "three-shot" continuous beam, and this could be predicted by Navarre.] --to parts of the forearm. --to parts of the forearms so that once detected, any aiming posture may be locked down with few effort whatever the weapon. [Else, what could be this "curious system"? An eye-weapon loop system?] --due to the differences in physique ++due to the differences in physiology [Once retrieved, an alien armour looks the same in-game, whatever the alien race that wore it. So, this point looks pretty weak given there's as much difference between a Taman and an Ortnok as betwen a Taman and a Human, physically. On the other hand, the peripheral nervous systems may be completely different and the alien servomotors thus incompatible with Humans' physiology.] MSGID #846 --Its trauma plates are made of the densest CNT (Carbon Nanotube) weave I've ever seen. ++Its trauma plates are made of the densest non-metallic material I've ever seen, most probably some CNT (Carbon Nanotube) weave. [Is there really a preliminary research to determine this? Or is it a hypothesis?] MSGID #847 --adding several megawatts to power and several dozen kilometres to effective range. ++generating a beam of X megawatts in power, and Y kilometers to effective range. [Can you confirm? It seems that French version retains an old comparaison between Laser Batery and Aerial Laser Canon ("as compared to an onboard Laser Canon"), and it looks like English version was only partly changed, and kept a partial comparison: 'adding'. It would be more logical that the Laser Battery is a prerequisite of Aerial Laser Canon because the text tells that it's an incredible challenge to pack as much as power in such a tiny place (MSGID#808). It's ok to beef up the electrical system because a SAM turret would have one, but how can it add power and range, whereas SAM turrets have no "power", and more range than Laser turret?] --Unfortunately, atmospheric blooming is still a problem. ++Unfortunately, atmospheric blooming, that is thermal plasma generation by such a focused beam, is still a problem. ["blooming" is not defined (see Wikipedia at "Blooming" disambiguation page). The atmospheric plasma generated by a highly concentrated laser beam will defocus it and drain energy from it. By the way, atmospheric blooming is the reason why we can see particle beams (and laser beams when they are emitted in the invisible spectrum). See also #808] MSGID #848 --a powerful deuterium-fluoride reaction. ++a powerful de-excitation of deuterium-fluoride. [No chemical or nuclear reaction. No reagents.] MSGID #849 --LeClerc ++Leclerc OR Le Clerc [unuseal French spelling, if it's a French surname] ++The chamber itself is made into a material that resist to corrosive atmospheres or organic fluids for a reasonable time. It has security hatch-doors and delivery orifices to supply solid and liquid nutriments, or experiment items. It's also has a vaccum exhaust. Containment is as total as we may afford: besides being airtight, the chambers are isolated physically, visually, and acoustically. Their walls prevent see-through in the visible spectrum and beyond; a shielded screenwall allows the prisonner to see what we want him to see in various wavelengths, and that serves as a light source too. The chambers are also equiped with broadband sound devices, and a microwave antenna. --or to administer electroshocks for interrogation purposes. ++to monitor vital and nervous activity through a battery of sensors, to administer electroshocks for interrogation purposes, or to operate various kind of smart shackles. [The chambers are not precisely described : armour, windows, sensors, door, nutrition/interaction hatches...] --The facility also has a fully-equipped cryo-morgue to store corpses and samples for later review. --The facility also has a fully-equipped cryo-morgue in its basement to store corpses and samples for later review. An airtight bunker-room is also designed to perform experiments and autopsies on dead bodies, facilitating our researches on new alien species. [Either the Containment Unit speeds up an autopsy research by, say, 10%-20% as compared to it being conducted in a Lab, or the unit is mandatory to perform such a research. In either case, a room is present in the facility.] --another, more risky strategy ++another, more risky strategy, the intruders being knowledgeable of some powerful stimulating drugs MSGID #850 --The CC is packed ++And now, meet my lady/friend. The CC is packed --because without it we will be unable ++because without it we are fucked/doomed, and we will be unable ++Oh my, I just can't realize that if you're reading that, they have arrived... Good luck. [The drunkish style is abandonned the more we read this text] --All other components are still viable and effective. ++All other components are still viable and effective in design. We only use modern materials and furnitures. [Perhaps, a note that materials and style are modern too? Well, only when we have new base facility models?] MSGID #851 --LeClerc ++Leclerc OR Le Clerc [unuseal French spelling, if it's a French surname] --Having no advanced equipment ++Moreover, having no advanced equipment [Previous sentence is to explain why the Aliens shouldn't attempt at destroying the Entrance; this and subsequent phrases are to lessen the impact of eventual dammage.] MSGID #853 & #855 --VTOL aircraft. Repairs, rearmament and refuelling can be carried out in complete obscurity. ++VTOL aircraft on a powerful hydraulic lifted plateform. Repairs, rearmament, refuelling, and onboarding can be carried out on the same spot, semi-automatically and in complete obscurity, albeit in sequence. --and the large hydraulic lift ++and the lift [Reformulating and added description] ++The taking off proper, once the pilot is onboard, and the checklist is done, is a matter of seconds, giving the aircraft reasonable chances to leave a base attacked by surprise. [To stress that aircraft are able to leave unharmed an attacked base, and a base may be attacked without an incoming UFO is even detected.] --carrige ++carriage --the lift features several tall catchhooks that -- once engaged by the undercarrige of a hovering pilot ++the lift features several tall magnetic catchhooks that -- once fired by automated canons at special spots on the underhull of a hovering craft [modern technology; let's hope that magnetic sensitive patches on the hull are not a stealth issue.] The system is simple and easy to use once a pilot gets the hang of it. The automated system is simple and easy to use once a pilot gets the hang of it, and requires but one person in the Command Center to activate it once authorization is passed on. [Added description: no tech is needed in the hangar.] MSGID #853 --A nearly-identical system has been implemented for the Small Hangar.\n The Large Hangar cannot house small craft due to incompatible support equipment such as fuel lines. ++A nearly-identical system has been implemented for the Small Hangar. But the Large Hangar cannot house small craft due to incompatible support equipment such as fuel lines, catchhooks position, and storage allocation (life support systems versus ammunitions). --Alternately it can house and support larger combat craft. [Can you confirm? French version is either not up to date or it doesn't mention anymore this obsolete feature. Is Large Hangar scheduled to ever house a futur large, spaceborn heavy craft, besides the Manta? Kind of space bomber?] --Hangars are a particularly vulnerable installation due to their direct connection to the surface. They will be a primary point of entrance for any extraterrestrial attackers. ++Hangars are a particularly vulnerable installation due to their function. Due to their direct connection to the surface, they will be a primary point of entrance for any extraterrestrial attackers. [See #855] MSGID #854 --The aliens may try to kill our wounded and deprive us of proper medical facilities, ++The aliens may consider depriving us of proper medical facilities, --Still, if we are attacked, ++Still, if we are attacked, they may try to kill our more grievous wounded who can't be transported to shelters, and [Strategically, the hospital is a moderate priority target (to make us unable to heal), but tactically, during a base attack, any wounded will surely be slaughtered. That means that they probably won't head for the hospital, even if they know where it lies, but it's better if they don't go any close to it.] MSGID #855 --A nearly-identical system has been implemented for the Large Hangar.\n Obviously the Small Hangar cannot house large craft due to size considerations. ++A nearly-identical system has been implemented for the Large Hangar. But obviously the Small Hangar cannot house large craft due to size considerations. --Hangars are a particularly vulnerable installation due to their direct connection to the surface. They will be a primary point of entrance for any extraterrestrial attackers. ++Hangars are a particularly vulnerable installation due to their function. [As per v2.5, intruders are never spawn at Small Hangars and they have no connection to the surface through doors, only through the foldable roof.] MSGID #857 --a second plant may be required, but a subsequent increase in base defences and security will be required to properly protect it. ++a second plant may be required, but as one base facility can monitor and coold down but only one reactor, more plants mean more sensible surfaces to be properly protected with our base defences. [To explain why one base facility (room) can't control several underground plants] MSGID #858 --LeClerc ++Leclerc OR Le Clerc [unuseal French spelling, if it's a French surname] --contains a soldiers' barracks ++contains a barrack for any low-ranking personnel [What about the 60-ish engineers and scientists some bases house? Do they all live on the upper floor in private quarters?] --for up to 20 people and several necessary ancillary personnel. ++for up to 20 rostered operatives, plus several necessary ancillary personnel, who are managed by the UNO under PHALANX control. [Although clear, text could be more precise: the people are the employees on the rosters, whose salary are paid by PHALANX; the ancillary ones could be employed by a special UNO secret office.] --It is also intended for storage of uniforms and other on-duty equipment. ++It is also intended for storage by the quartermaster. [Uniforms, any on-duty and off-duty small equipment besides that in the base inventory] --short of a nuclear blast. ++short of a powerful anti-bunker device, or a ground-zero tactical nuclear blast. [A few kilotons, distant blast would most probably left it unharmed.] --the nearest shelter or strongpoint ++the nearest shelter [No non combattant is ever seen in the CC, so they shall be in a similar shelter, under it.] --from a tactical standpoint ++from a base operation standpoint [OR] from a strategical standpoint [Ambiguity: it's a tactical standpoint as far as PHALANX wholescale operations are considered, not as far as this base's attack is considered. During a base attack, hijacking, setting explosives, causing destructions are tactical operations. But loosing a radar facility, a hangar, a power plant do have "strategical" consequences, on the other hand.]] MSGID #859 --It's actually a control centre for a series of camouflaged dishes placed on high ground around the base. There are between 8 and 12 dishes set up for each installation, depending on the available space and the dishes' individual coverage. Each dish is equipped with several means of detection rather than simply radar, as radar has trouble maintaining a lock on alien contacts. --It's actually a control centre for a series of camouflaged stations placed on high ground around the base. There are between 4 and 6 flat, active array, multibeam, 360° coverage antennas set up for each installation, depending on the available space and the ambiant influence on individual antennas' coverage. Each antenna is able to detect and track down several targets, to alter and adjust it's own emitting pattern to foil ennemy detection, and can be used either singlely, or in array for interferometry mesurement. Each station is equipped with several same radar antennas for redundancy purpose, and with extra broadband receivers, both at low and high wavelength, to help detecting stealthy flying objects and maintaining a lock on alien contacts. [By the 2080s, passive dishes should be completely obsolete for detecting and tracking fast moving objects. Even by now, missiles are equipped with semi-conductor active arrays to make it for their smaller size.] --and laser rangefinding. ++and laser rangefinding. The only antenna present on the roof of the installation is a low-energy com-link that queries and controls in turns the surrounding stations. [To explain the installation's superstructure.] --The facility is manned round-the-clock ++The stations are partly autonomous, and can be used as independant detectors or as part of a larger, nested array. Interferometry may help in detecting and assessing very low intensity contacts. All these features have never been used prior to us in the military domain at such levels of integration, redundancy and efficience. They are the reasons why we achieve such a reliable, continent-scale coverage with but one PHALANX base, and why the surrounding stations are deemed to be much more stealthy as compared to an outbase, autonomous SAM site. The facility is manned round-the-clock [Not sure about interferometry to detect and localise high speed targets, however. Cunning detection technologies means less powerful emitters and less chances to be detected. Detection of a PHALANX base should be more likely caused by succesful triangulation of SAMs' and interceptors' courses.] --Building more than one Radar installation ++Given the way it works, building more than one Radar installation --Since our radar-emitting dishes ++Since our radiation-emitting detectors [OR] our emitting stations [No dishes, and no "emission of radar"] --to find the general area of a base. ++to find the general area of a base. As for the loss of a whole station itself, it won't be a great loss as far as the remaining surrounding stations are still functionnal. MSGID #861 --LeClerc ++Leclerc OR Le Clerc [unuseal French spelling, if it's a French surname] --for our battlefield vehicles ++for our battlefield vehicles (Unmaned Terrestrial Vehicles or UTVs) [French text is perhaps not up to date, but why not precise (back again) what battlefield vehicles are?] --with fully-loaded magazines ++ready for combat action at any time [not only are their magazines fully-loaded, but their fuel tanks are filled up, and their computer is probably on-line 24/24.] --in locked containers in the quartermaster's office ++in explosion-proof, locked and sealed containers in a special vault build inside the thick walls [It sounds a bit like dozen of alien weapons are stored in the drawers of the quarter master's office desk!] --The contents of each individual pallet are scrupulously tracked by magnetic labels and detailed punch-card logs. ++The contents, condition and position of each individual pallet are scrupulously stored on onboard chips, tracked in real time by a radio-frequency management system, and presented as a logfile on the CC and quartermaster's monitor. ["magnetic" labels may be confused with passive, very short range reflective antenna devices such as currently in use in general stores. Instead, the Storage should use a kind of radio system, each "magnetic" label would awake upon request and emit its id, status, and location to the quartermaster's computer.] MSGID #862 --LeClerc ++Leclerc OR Le Clerc [unuseal French spelling, if it's a French surname] --It is designed for the production of classified materials and parts for which no other facility on Earth is equipped; even the replication of extraterrestrial technology. ++It is highly competent in advanced metallurgy, plasturgy, nanoelectronics, chemicals synthesis, and ceramic and powder production; it is indeed designed for the production and processing of classified materials and parts for which no other facility on Earth is equipped. Even the replication of the less exotic extraterrestrial technology should be at our reach. [More details, and more humbleness to replicate not yet seen alien technology.] --for up to 10 engineers at once. ++for up to 10 engineers operating any needed machinery at once, required by up to 10 independant production programs. [A hint on how production is scheduled.] --Even the A-bomb may not be a sufficient deterrent. In a worst-case scenario we may be forced to resort to nuclear missiles if we have no other hope of staving off the assault. ++Even a tactical nuke may not be a sufficient deterrent. In a worst-case scenario we may be forced to resort to nuclear ballistic missiles if we have no other hope of staving off the assault. I don't need to draw up the consequences for the Earth. [I'm not sure if in the near future, tactical nuclear bombs, such as the ones used against non-traited terror sites, are still basic A-bombs, or minute neutron/H bombs. Please ask a military expert. As well, a "nuclear missile" is a H-bomb MIRV ballistic missile, isn't it?] MSGID #863 --all designed to keep any radiation inside the outer shell. ++all designed to keep any radiation inside the outer shell. For instance, the walls and the roof, are made of armoured, thick concrete, with heavy metals that absorb high energy gammas, and X-rays. [Note that it's not clear if all of this is enough to protect the base from utter destruction and pollution, in case of an explosion (energy-wise). At least, electromagnetic and particular radiations is stopped as long as the walls resist.] --This procedure will not give ++Even if the blast doesn't somehow occurs, this procedure will not give --At full capacity just one storage facility will be containing the equivalent of nearly half a megaton of TNT ++At full capacity, that is 10 grammes of antimatter, just one storage facility will be releasing the equivalent energy of 300 kilotons of TNT, or 20 Hiroshima bombs [Again, either French version is obsolete, or this info keeps being useful to mention. Wikipaedia states that annihilating 10mg leads to 300 tons equivalent TNT.] --of --to turn the entire base and everything inside to cinders ++to vaporize the entire base and everything inside, leaving a nice crater [The fact that ashes could be themselves vaporized is even more dramatic, isn't it?] --in less than a second ++in less than a second, without appropriate containment measures. [It's not clear if such a disaster may still occur with all our security and containment measures.] --It's difficult to 'blow up' antimatter, but under the wrong circumstances, it can happen. ++It's difficult to 'blow up' antimatter, but under the wrong circumstances, it's sure to happen. [Perhaps we should precise why a matter-antimatter reaction might not be explosive? Is it a time scale matter?] --with the normal matter of the containment system. ++with the normal matter of the inner shell [repetition 'containment'] --We can't just build up a pile of unstable, alien, possibly-damaged tanks of nuclear-level explosive. ++We can't just build up a pile of unstable, alien, possibly-damaged tanks of nuclear-level explosive. If undamaged, they will be only used to transfer this fuel back to any UFO dismantling base into its existing Antimatter Storage, or to transfer antimatter between bases. Else [To explain how antimatter is transfered from an UFO yard to the dismantling base.] [See #2353 "%s has been destroyed by an antimatter storage breach."] MSGID #874 --to the aliens ravaging across the countryside ++to the aliens ravaging their city [Please, confirm meaning: it's about the massacres of Bonn, Johannesburg, and Bangkok. What is the countryside in those cases? Was the countryside ravaged before or at the same time the cities were depleted from their population, or does countryside mean city territory, here?] MSGID #888 --that damage alien forces before they come within range of our soldiers. ++that soften alien forces before they come within range of our soldiers, draw hiding enemy out from cover, and if properly laid, prevent most of them to get too close of our positions. [Fire field have several uses.] MSGID #890 --to apply to our own aircraft. ++to assess their capacities and flaws, or to apply to our own aircraft. --with appropriate facilities, ++with appropriate facilities, a Laboratory for the first dismantling, a Workshop for any subsequent one, MSGID #891 --Once built you'll need to equip the SAM site with missile batteries ++Once built you'll need to equip the SAM site with missile batteries or any other surface-air defence system we might resort to [It's debatable. Will SAM site be ever able to equip laser canons or particles beam canons? If so, it should be renamed in 'Surface-air Defence System'] MSGID #909 --The aliens penetrated your base defenses and are inside the compound. Rally the soldiers on site to eliminate the threat. ++The aliens penetrated our outdoor base defenses and are now inside the compound. All personnel are bound to the shelters. Rally a squad of soldiers on site to eliminate the threat and ensure they don't lay waste on the primary base facilities. Surrending is not an option.] [A base is deemed to be guarded from any ground intrusion by a proper external guard, or does stealth imply it's not guarded? Not all the soldiers on site can be put into action, only 12 of them. Also, primary alien objectives could be recalled.] MSGID #910 --In the first decade ++In the first decades [Let's say the first two decades] --Tensions increased when Iran, Syria, Jordan and Afghanistan formed the Middle-Eastern alliance, a political body to unite the islamic world. Soon after, democratic elections in Iraq caused the United States to lose control of the country, and Iraq joined the Middle Eastern Alliance along with Palistan and Lebanon later that year. ++As a reaction to the dramatic and bloody events in the end of the 2010s, Iran and Syria formed the Middle-Eastern alliance, at first a political body to unite the shi'a islamic world. Soon after, democratic elections in Iraq and the dawnfall of the Wahabite monarchy caused the United State to lose control in the area and reborn Iraq asked to enter the Alliance. To the surprise of all diplomats, the Alliance seized the opportunity, changed its goal and opened wide its arms to all the "brother islamic countries", being of sunni or shii allegiance. By the end of that year, Iraq, Jordan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Lebanon had joined. [Shouldn't we try to update the world history with recent events?] --However, as 2009 turned into 2010 ++However, as 2019 turned into 2020, --of 2010 ++of 2020 --2012 ++2022 [Let's be ready to move this date further in the future? Then, is 2031 still a good date for the Second Cold War to end?] --This is the official ending of the Second Cold War. ++This ending of the Chinese Civil War is also the official ending of the whole Second Cold War. [Could you confirm that the Second Cold War did not end in 2031 when US economy crumbled, as previously said?] MSGID #911 --to any other country ++to any other supra-nation [I figure that the Asian Republic is compared to the Commonwealth, the EEU, etc. 'Nations' is already used in this text as a synonym of nowadays states.] MSGID #912 --Until it was rediscovered on 9 March 2084 by an old man who remembered reading about it in a dusty file in his long-demolished office. ++Until an old man communicated its code name to the UN General Secretary on 9 March 2084, remembering reading about it in a dusty file in his long-demolished office. [Actually, the project was retrieved in the old USA files under UN orders. Hence, the old man probably only said "PHALANX" and didn't retrieved the files himself.] --NASA evacuated International Space Stations 1 and 2 ++NASA and all the other space agencies evacuated the international space stations ISS-One and ISS-Two [We don't know what nations are responsible for the ISSs' support by the 2080s. For instance, it's curently both the USA and Russia.] --The entire range of planned missions to Mars was stricken from the calendar. ++The entire range of planned missions to Mars was stricken from the calendar, and the small scientific base already deployed was ordered to shut down any communication and strive to survive on its own. [To add to the dramatic drawing. Possibly a future spaceborn mission, if the aliens let it alive?] --known only to the highest-ranking politicians and military commanders in the world. ++known only to the most eminent politicians and military commanders in the world, either working inside the UN, or acting as relays in the supra-nation's ministries. ['eminent' as in 'above others in rank, merit, or reputation'. Shouldn't we add a few Nobel prizes as well in a kind of secret PHALANX Advisatory Council, an UN commision reporting only to the Security Council?] MSGID #913 --in every member of the Taman species ++in every member of the Taman species, whatever the date the sample was taken [To stress even more the artificial origin of the organism] --in the alien bloodstream. ++in the alien bloodstream. In any alien. In all the aliens. [To be sure that 'total prevalence' is understood] --This leads us to believe ++That's unheard as far as we know cytology/cell biology. This leads us to believe [To stress that a natural virus is subject to mutations, and that each natural organism is unique.] --We now surmise[...]with currently unobserved benefits. ++We now surmise that all aliens carry a version of this micro-organic infection. The organism's function is not readily apparent. We've run tests on various experimental tissue samples, and this infected tissues do not appear to suffer any effects from the organism's presence, well at least as far as alien histology compares to any terran animal histology. Since the organism requires a living host for its own survival, it seems to be either a parasite or a symbiote with currently unobserved benefits. [How do we have control alien specimens if prevalence is total? All this paragraph comparing alien infected tissues to alien uninfected tissues, save first and last sentences, is dumb. However, we could recycle it when we speak about the human version, because we have uninfected humans at hand.] --This may be somewhat of a misnomer in microbiological terms; XVI is a complex multi-celled organism far larger than any terrestrial virus, but it acts and replicates exactly like one. ++This may be somewhat a misnomer in microbiological terms; XVI is a complex mono-celled organism without a nuclei, far larger than the usual terrestrial viruses, but it interacts with its host cell and replicates quite like some giant virus discovered in the beginning of the century. I mean that it's phagocyted by a blood cell and when it replicates, it pours its genetic material inside the intracell medium where the cell machinery is used to build a copy of itself, that's released in the blood. Now, what makes it different to all we know is firstly that only one virus is phagocyted by a host cell. Secondly, it lies dormant inside the host cell until some uninfected, newborn cell comes nearby. Thirdly, it replicates quickly in but one copy only, that was observed homing for the nearby uninfected cell. Endly, the replication process neither kill the virus nor its host cell. When infection is completed, every host cell in the alien blood contains one and only one viral organism, and further replication occurs only as much as new host cells are released in the blood system. The best for the end. Unlike Terran viruses or bacteriae, XVI holds several chromosom-like organites, and a complex cell machinery that we suspect able to perform many cellular fonctions, as opposed as a specialized cell. This would imply that the fraction of expressed genes is far higher than in any cellular organism we know. It's so unbelievely unnatural and most upsetting. [Spoiler! At this time, Doc. Connor doesn't connect the XVI with the Hive Mind yet. Hence, the XVI agent is a monocellular organism, like any terrestrial virus. The question is wether it's of bacteria-scale size, still replicating inside host cells the same way a virus does, using the cell machinery for its own purpose.] [Usual viruses are 10-400 nm long, "die" while pouring their own genetic material inside the intracellular medium of their target cell, and replicate most often using the cell genetic machinery, or alternatively, its non-core machinery. In the 2010s, however, giant viruses are discovered. They are up to 1 µm long, and are too large to "open a door" in the target cell's membran and inject their genetic material. Instead, they are phagocyted by the cell, encysted in it, and then they open the cyste and use the intracellular machinery to replicate. Some bacteries are encysted as well, but they replicate by their own means.] [What I mean is that we can't call it a virus if it doesn't use a host cell machinery to replicate. Then, either it wanders in the blood until replication is needed (in which case it enters a host cell), or it lies inside a host cell and wait there until replication is needed.] [Perhaps, further research could be conducted to assess the biological properties of XIV, now that it's discovered. I gave hints above.] --Therefore ++Despite of these differences --When injecting cultures of human tissue with fresh alien blood, we have observed the alien blood being completely rejected, as expected. Unexpectedly, however, any trace of the infection was subsequently annihilated by standard human T cells. The organism was unable to take root in the face of our immune system. ++When adding a drop of fresh alien blood to a greater volume of fresh human blood, we have observed the alien blood being completely eliminated, as expected, and through the expected immunity ways. Unexpectedly, however, most alien infected blood cells managed to release several XIV copies each, before being neutralized by human killer T-cells or dying out of exhaust, and the free XIV was itself rapidly targeted and phagocyted by human monocytes patrolling the blood, to be subsequently digested. [Why is it unexpected than the immunity system reacts to an external organism? Or do you mean an uneducated T-cell managed to target a previously unknown organism? Instead, we could say that the mobile blood phagocyte (or monocyte) manages to phagocyte the XIV, and then to digest it. Later we may discover that human monocytes are indeed the host cell for the H-XIV, and that they can't digest this version of XIV. Monocytes have more or less the largest life duration and size of all leukocytes, are mobile blood cells, and perform phagocytosis. On the other hand, killer T-cells make holes in their target cell's membrane (e.g. infected cell), and inject "lethal agents".] [The whole text could be revised by a medicine student, because I'm not sure if cultures of human tissue may model how the human immunity system would react to an alien blood injection. I fear that only solution would be to inject blood to a living human. Perhaps a brain dead person?] --The organism was unable to take root in the face of our immune system. ++The organism was unable to take root in the face of our immune system, but still, the violent reaction of an extraterrestrial organism to human blood exposure was most upsetting. ++If we recap all the oddities about the XIV organism, we have: it seems able to target a given host cell type, and to trigger it's ingestion, but only as far as there is no other organism already inside of it. It seems able to stay dormant while resisting any intracellular harming process. It seems able to detect a nearby, uninfected host cell. The replication process looks then as a targeted attack against but one single host cell. And something in the human blood triggers this "attack". [Somewhat redundant or unuseful? My theory is that the XIV is able to detect any phagocytosis-able monocellular organism, such as alien host cells and human monocytes, and that the alien engineer will elect monocytes as suitable host cells for the human version.]] MSGID #922 --We're confident we can employ the same magnetic storage techniques, creating special facilities for safely storing antimatter. ++We're confident we can employ the same magnetic storage techniques, creating special facilities for safely storing up to ten grams of antimatter. [Is the French version obsolete? It tells that 10g is all that may store an Antimatter Storage unit (1000 units), whereas English text doesn't tell about this (anymore?).] MSGID #926 --Every organic specimen we've autopsied has carried one of these devices, all with the same basic functionality, ++Every organic specimen we've autopsied has carried one of these devices, all with the same basic functionality whatever the species, --An examination of the tanks' contents has given us our first accurate data on the alien atmosphere. ++An examination of the tanks' contents has given us our first accurate data on the alien atmosphere, or should I say on alien atmospheres? --A few of the mixtures in the device are nitrogen-oxygen compounds, very similar to our own, but others don't contain any oxygen at all. If all of these mixtures are actively used by one or more alien species, some of our enemies seem to breathe an atmosphere of almost pure methane. ++If one of the mixtures is a nitrogen-oxygen compound, very similar to our own, another one is almost pure methane, and the third one is a complex cocktail without oxygen at all. [We could even be more precise and name the only three species here (as they are all prerequisites), because current text let think that there are much more gaseous mix and thus species, or that each individual breathes a different mix. The question is wether there's three different mixes, or many more.] [My guess is N2-O2 for Shevaars, methane for Tamans (can their blood be red, then?), and exotic cocktail for Ortnoks. Or the reverse!] MSGID #930 --it also brings up threads we had not yet considered. ++it also brings up threads we had not yet considered. Firstly, what will happen when the Alien manage to land forces in such a number, or with whatever mind linking assistance to the greater Hive Mind out of there, that their tactical awareness may outsmart that of our forces? [Only threat described thereafter is infiltration (as in secret ops). Hence I suggest to add the fearful eventuality, in the future, that PHALANX teams may encounter an Alien force on Earth (or in space) that would not be so "cut" from greater Hive Mind.] MSGID #934 --in which the infection is most concentrated, in order to try and find some piece of intel that could help us understand how and why this infection spreads so fast from these focal points. ++in which the infection is most prevalent, in order to try and find some piece of intel that could help us understand how and why the infection is unusually concentrated here, why it's more virulent here, and why it spreads much faster from these focal points than from any other infected locations. Should IVX infection be a spreading grass fire caused by some unattended campfire, I would ask if gas isn't constantly poured on said campfire... --It paid off this morning. ++It paid off this morning. We found a campfire. MSGID #937 --Commander ++Sir [Col. Falkland uses 'Sir' when interacting with base commander.] --how can they be delivering UFOs to Earth? ++how can they be delivering UFOs to Earth this streamingly? --detecting the UFO beyond that range, ++detecting the UFO beyond that range, or that was shut down at the same time the UFO became visible, --the appearance was highly sudden, ++the appearance was highly sudden, without any fog effect, and [A third hypothesis is not mentionned: that of a cloaked UFO unclocking at 10,000 km. We can dismiss it thanks to the gravitic anomaly.] MSGID #938 --Commander ++Sir [Col. Falkland uses 'Sir' when interacting with base commander.] MSGID #939 --an extreme hazard to our interceptors ++an extreme hazard to our interceptors, due to the powerful EM flare that would fry dead their electronics --radiation detection, as the antimatter-based engines produce quite a lot of both. ++ray detection, as the antimatter-based engines emit quite a lot of both radiations. ['Ray' is only to avoid repetition if 'radiation'] --memory alloy ++shape memory alloy [Familiar. Coined term prefered. See #941] MSGID #941 --the alien materials form a "memory alloy", remembering several shapes that it can change into ++the alien materials form a "shape memory alloy", that can remember several shapes, unlike those we can produce on Earth [It seems that the coined expression is "shape memory alloy", and current alloys have only one threshold temperature and two shapes, if I'm not wrong.] --low-voltage current at a very specific amperage ++low intensity current at a very specific amperage [I don't know what is a 'low-voltage current'; besides, if the alien materials are electrically resistive, a low-intensity current would correspond to a low electric field inside the material, and a low voltage between its terminals, anyways.] MSGID #943 --but even a few of these organisms ++but unlike with human viruses, even a few of these organisms [What is 'a few' as compared to, say, HIV? One drop of blood, or really a handful of viral cells?] MSGID #947 --and are distributing handbooks on anti-alien tactics. ++and are distributing handbooks on anti-alien tactics and some advanced weapons. [Know that PHALANX works closer with the governements and local forces, shouldn't any sub-region (ancient, medium-size states) be defended by a special, mobile force, kind of sub-PHALANX, equipped with basic armour and conventionnal weapons, but with EP ammunitions, medikits and anti-alien gas grenades, and instructions on how returning alien weapons on the field in case of emergency. These special forces could be later integrated in-game as allied forces. That would made a tier-3 IA player, after policemen, and basic military.] --Commander ++Sir [Consistency with other messages from Col. Falkland.] MSGID #949 --sir ++Sir MSGID #950 --All of humanity's space-based assets have been evacuated after the initial attack on Earth. Only a few stations and outposts are still running, and they have been remanded to military control, with only skeleton crews of volunteer military and civilian personnel. ++All the nearest humanity's space-based assets have been evacuated after the initial attack on Earth, and either left under remote control or shut down for stealthy reasons. Only a few stations and planetary outposts are still manned, with only skeleton crew of volunteer military and civilian personnel, or because they are to far to be evacuated at low risks. All of them, plus any smaller, automated assets have been remanded to military control. [Precision needed? What is an outpost as compared to a station? Military versus civilian? Planetary versus spaceborn? Small versus large? Outer-space versus near-space? Moreover, given the sudden attack, it's probable that any planetary asset (such as the one on Mars?) haven't been evacuated, or only lately for the nearest, since we know UFOs come in periodic waves.] --space-based weapons platforms ++space-based automated weapons platforms [By the way, what's the role of these platforms in a world at peace for 3 decades? To track and destroy small orbiting items? That's why they should be automated, or else of so few importance that they've been evacuated.] --any human endeavours in the solar system. ++any human endeavours in the solar system. We expect them to know precisely were we are. --Emergency landlines exist, but only for military use. If the grid ++Emergency landlines exist, but only for military use. Right now, it's being doubled and even tripled as much as secretlty as can be, but this new ground grid is deemed to link large cities and strategic assets such as PHALANX bases. If the space grid --ferrying items and UFOs ++ferrying items and smaller UFOs --alien ships out of the sky ++large alien ships out of the sky [To precise that 'UFOs' are small, and 'ships' are large.] --into the side of a mountain, so the target would have to pass directly in front of the gun ++into the side of a mountain, to benefit from the natural incline, so the target would have to pass directly in front of the gun and remain on a set course long enough [Added precision] MSGID #951 --Good morning, Sir. ++Good morning, Sir.\n\n [Typo?] --wreckage ++pieces --but that seems unlikely ++but that seems unlikely, given the way it's been retrieved and it's outer surface's state [See #952. At best, the device was merely separated from a platform, and at worst, it was slightly hammered and gently cut with lasers. Does this turns it into a wreckage, proper?] --With kind regard, ++With kind regards,\n\n [Typo?] --sir ++Sir #MSGID #952 --Sir, our troops ++Good morning, Sir\n\nOur troops [Typo, or is this the only urgent memo in the game?] --the wreckage[...].I need this wreckage ++the pieces[...]. They have dissambled it on the spot as best as they could. I need these pieces [I figure that the Psi Device wasn't retrieved through means of massive explosives, and thus it's not really in a wreckage status.] --psionic attacks which emanated from it during the attack. ++psionic attacks which emanated from it during the attack. Now, you know why we call it "Psi Apparatus", in wait for a proper name. [To explain the name] --Commander ++Sir --With kind regards, ++With kind regards,\n\n MSGID #953 --takes caseless ammunition from a large drum magazine instead of a belt. This limits fire rate and magazine endurance, but it's also ++takes caseless, saboted ammunition with undercalibrated penetrator from a large drum magazine instead of a belt. This limits fire rate and magazine endurance, but it diminishes the recoil and the need for a second servant, and it's thus [Lighter round makes less recoil, even without compensator. I figure that 4.7 mm is the penetrator's caliber, and that's the ammunition and barrel is wider. --whole alien squads ++ a whole alien squad [There were only "six small UFOs" at the battle for Mumbai, probably Harvesters, so it's likely that this one GPG faced but one crew, if 'squad' means something.] --We feel that the GPG is the best candidate for our arsenal in the machine gun category ++We feel that the GPG is the best candidate for our arsenal in the squad automatic weapon category --For PHALANX use, we have given this machine gun the classification MG12. ++For PHALANX use, we have given this machine gun's infantry version the classification MG12. [Given it's weight, the GPG is definitively a LMG, or a SAW as we now say for the 8+ kg M249. Perhaps, the heavy barrel version, mounted on UTVs will have another codename, such as HMGxy] [http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/index.html] MSGID #955 --We'll need ++We'll also need [We need to capture live alien for two reasons: to study alien physiology, and to study alien psychology.] MSGID #956 --you haven't allocated any ammunition for it. Equip a missile launcher ++you haven't allocated any weapon system for it. Equip one or more missile launchers [The SAM site doesn't lack any missiles (which are delivered by the UN, it lacks (a) missile launcher(s).] MSGID #957 --Chemical lasers ++Chemical lasers such as excimer lasers --without danger of contamination. ++without danger of contamination. Its 3800 nm wavelength ensures optimal propagation in the atmosphere. [As opposed to the hydrogen-fluoride emission which photons are more absorbed.] --Inside the combustion chamber ++We are basically facing a rocket engine. Inside the combustion chamber --which are then brought into contact with ++which are then expulsed out of the exhaust nozzle into --excited molecules of deuterium fluoride ++excited molecules of deuterium fluoride, an exciplex --These undergo stimulated emission in the weapon's optical resonator, generating a beam. ++These undergo emission of infrared photons when they separate in two atoms again. Those photons are trapped in the weapon's optical resonator and trigger themselves further emissions of photons, now in the same (coherent) state. When reaction gets steady, stimulated emission of a coherent, monochromatic beam is achieved. [Why not using more of the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_fluoride_laser article, and teaching the laser.] --by the shooter or the target. ++by the shooter or the target. Efficiency is maximal because exciplexes cannot exist in a stable state and won't absorb any radiation, being already excited. This means too that outsides of the combustion system, the excitation process doesn't need any additional energy as opposed with other kind of lasers. The drawback is that the lasing gas must be continuously renewed, and stored in some kind of magazine. [It's nowhere explained why pumping energy is not enough with excimer/exciplex lasers: the lasing medium is not regenerated and needs to be constantly fed with new excited molecules.] MSGID #959 --The 7.62mm round makes ++The high-velocity 7,62mm round is so hard and so energetic that it makes --Despite good penetration against organics, this weapon performs very poorly against robotic targets. ++Despite good penetration against armoured organics and unarmoured vehicles, this weapon performs very poorly against robotic targets and armoured vehicles, which are all basically multi-layer armoured targets. [The P12 may penetrate one helmet, not two.] MSGID #963 --to reduce overall weapon length. ++to reduce overall weapon length, for a given barrel length. MSGID #964 --It is of a classic curved box design, conceived to minimize its length when loaded with conical ogives rounds [Then they are not caseless telescoped, cylindrical ammunitions, only caseless, with the thinner bullet tip emerging from the propellant, so that a curved magazine still makes sense.] MSGID #965 --instead of a belt ++instead of a belt in a bag MSGID #966 --are linked together into a long belt rather than stacked onto a spring. The belt links are made of a special plastic that disintegrates upon exposure to open air. ++are disposed radially in four stacked planes, tips inside. The center of the drum is hollow and match the weapon's feeding system where the next round is rotated along the drum's axis before being transfered to the breech. [I'm not sure if 'this belt inside a drum' wouldn't be outdated by the 2080s. We could have a more compact design.] [Or is this for the HMG version, the infantry version being #953? In this case, text should be reviewed as both are presented as infantry weapons.] MSGID #967 --and are fin-stabilised in flight. ++are fin-stabilised in flight, and have a tactical range of 70 meters. [Again, is French version obsolete?] --an impact trigger. ++ a very sensitive instant impact trigger that's primed at firing time. [Given that a soft body is enough to to trigger the warhead.] MSGID #968, #969 --Two or more are strongly recommended. ++Two or more are strongly recommended. Extra ammunition may be carried by other squad members. MSGID #969, #984, #988 --The compound itself ++The pyrophoric compound itself [Military jargon.] MSGIF #969 --that are almost impossible to extinguish. ++that are almost impossible to extinguish because they don't need any oxygen to burn. --thermite --thermite (aluminium and iron oxyde) [More details. See #984.] MSGID #970 --a scaled-down Hybrid Rocket. ++a Hybrid Rocket. [How is it scaled down as compared to the HE and IC rockets? Of course, it is smaller than the Hybrid Missile, though.] MSGID #971 --for a scaled-down version of the rocket ++to scale down the missile technology and fit it into a 120mm rocket [See #970: it's the Air-Air Hybrid Missile that has to be scaled-down, not a rocket.] MSGID #972 --for such a small projectile. ++for such a small projectile, and an impressive stopping power. MSGID #973 --this results in the rails and projectile pushing each other, ++given the nature of magnetic field lines to spread as much as possible (the same way two magnets would repel each other), this results in the fixed rails and mobile projectile pushing each other, --to rail erosion. ++to rail erosion, due to mechanical abrasion, and micro-sparks generation. --This causes successive shots ++The increased electrical resistance leads to a drop in amperage and this causes successive shots [More details] MSGID #974 --a reality. ++with decent range a reality. [Portable, short range "can-piercer" experimental guns are currently on the web.] MSGID #976 --may be just unconventional enough for our needs. ++, a powder-less, pre-loaded weapon, is just gentle enough with its projectiles for our needs. [More understandable? Less shocks and vibrations in a Bolter's barrel.] MSGID #978 --but still small enough to be worn ++but still small enough to be one-handed and to be worn MSGID #980 --The muzzle of the weapon is a powerful pump that squirts gas into the air, then sets off the gas-air mixture ++Upon command, the gas vaporizes and expands at supersonic speed out of the canister. Part of this kinetic energy is used inside the weapon's "barrel" to motions a pumping and adjustable premixing system, as if a kind of inverted turboreactor. The muzzle acts as an adjustable choke that optimizes the main squirting and the further mixing of the gas into the air. It also squirts a peripheral, poorer gas-air mixture that is set off [No real electrical pump for safety reasons. Only a "pumping" effect as the gas expands through the "barrel".] --before it disperses. --before it disperses. Given its supersonic speed and richness at the muzzle, the mixture keeps travel far away before dispersing, so as the flame starts half a meter ahead of the muzzle --when injected into the air, creates a slow thermobaric reaction ++when properly injected into the air, creates a sustained flamebursting flame, much like a thermobaric reaction [If there's no surpression , it's not thermobaric. Perhaps, the idea is that the C90 forms an gazeous mix in ideal proportions that turns the volume of air ahead of the weapon into a perfect fuel/comburant mixture. Then, we have a premix combustion flame that reaches 1500-2000°C. It would be then similar to the bursting of a hot cooking oil bath on which water is poured: the water vaporizes and projects hot oil drops everywhere, somewhat injuring the persons and forming an fuel-air aerosol, that may ignite in closed area, causing a ball of fire that burns everything and consumes oxygen. But I don't know if this reaction can be sustained if water keeps being poured in the oil bath. The problem is that once it has blown up, how do the weapon sustains the flame? It's nowhere explained how another premix fill the whole, depleted volume before being ignited again. Else, I'm not sure how a continuous reaction could be sustained. Perhaps it would be simplier if the flamethrower was acting like a true gaseous premix flame (see Wikipaedia). In the case of a turbulent (chaotic) regime is achieved with a supersonic premixed leakage, the flame starts a little away from the leak hole, is very hot (more hot as when the fuel-air mixing occurs in the air, because the proportions are ideal), but the flame is still two-dimensional, an interface between a too rich mix (inner flame) and the combustion leftovers (outer flame). C90 could be an already premixed compound, that wouldn't need any air to burn, only proper pressure/temperature conditions that would be obtained out of the weapon's muzzle.] I suggest a fire fighter review the whole subject.] --living tissue in seconds. C90 inflicts horrific damage on organic targets; the heat generated exceeds ++living tissue in seconds. Compared to the liquid combustible flamethrowers in the 20th century, its range is much more limited, as the C90 must be quickly ignited before it disperses, but it inflicts horrific damage on organic targets that few weapons can hope to match. The heat generated is so high that flame's temperature exceeds [This paragraph is repeated in the #981 C90 text, save for this sentence. However, speaking about range, and comparing to other weapons, fits better under the weapon's description than under the C90 canister's. Then I added a comparison to the flamethrowers of old.] --its heat much more quickly. This makes it significantly safer for urban use than napalm-derivative substances. ++its heat much more quickly. Also, it burns most totally and doesn't produce any corrosive byproduct. This makes it significantly safer for urban use than other substances. [To compare to the phosphorus grenades and bombs.] --just make sure that none of our soldiers are in the line of fire. ++just make sure that their reach is correctly anticipated and none of our soldiers are caught in the torch. [I hope all of this is not too fantasy.] MSGID #981 --to prevent accidents. ++to prevent accidents. For instance, the pression inside is always kept constant, and its valve only opens when the flamethrower is operating correctly. [Some inner piston or membrane should prevent the BLEVE effect, and in case a drop in pression is detected just outside of the container, a security valve prevents the C90 to go. Only correct pression is achieved when the container is in its slot and the weapon is fired.] --Its range is limited, as the C90 must be quickly ignited before it disperses, but it ++It [The weapon's range is already discussed in #980. This one is about C90 and the container.] MSGID #984 --thermite ++thermite (aluminium and iron oxyd) [More detail. See #969] MSGID #985 --The weapon has two fire modes. ++The weapon has two fire modes which are armed only two feet after the grenade left the barrel, so that point-blank detonation is possible, although not recommended. --is aiming it. ++is aiming it. Note that the inertia detonator is very, very sensible and will detect any loss in speed such as a grazing hit, or an impact in mud or snow. [Present-days 40mm grenades have a delayed armament system (several meters) to prevent accidental fire on nearby obstacles ; some of them won't explode when impacting soft surfaces such as mud or snow.] MSGID #986-#988 --They are fired electronically by a spark igniter inside the launcher's barrel. ++They are fired electronically by a spark igniter inside the launcher's barrel. The tuned ignition also determines the fire mode, impact or timer. [We need to precise how the fire mode is programmed : radio or electrical signal? Or an out of center (rimmed) percussion? I don't know for present-days GL, but I figure that the shells are not individually programmed by hand.] MSGID #986 --These grenades are 'fuel-air munitions' that ++These grenades are 'fuel-air munitions' that disperse their chemical content into a cloud and that --with conventional explosives of the same size. ++with conventional explosives of the same size (a ratio 2:1). The shock wave is also longer lasting, for amplified effects, especially against unsealed organic targets.] [Btw, I'm not sure if we can minimize the fireball effect (burning) of a thermobaric weapon...] MSGID #987 --with shotgun shells. ++with shotgun shells. Unlike the CRC-212 shotgun, however, the HPGL barrel doesn't have any kind of chokes, so that the cloud of flechettes is symmetrical. [The Riot shotgun is equipped with adjustable chokes, that would theoritically allow it to either fire an horizontal volley or a vertical volley (not yet implemented, though.)] MSGID #988 --thermite ++thermite (aluminium and iron oxyd) [More detail. See #969] MSGID #992 --we've seen the Kerrblade used with a curious, long-fingered grip ++we've seen the Kerrblade used like a stylus, with a curious, long-fingered grip [As I had a hard time translating this sentence, I came to figure that this grip is a kind of thumb-long finger pinch, instead of a sword's crush grip.] --certain ancient disemboweling tools ++certain ancient, ritual disemboweling tools [Is this the intended meaning?] MSGID #1000 --This plasma channel ++This plasma channel, or plasma filament, [...] Ironically, it's this plasma generation that hinders us with high power laser cannons. [The blooming effect. See Aerial Cannon and Laser Battery] ++To name two extreme civilian applications, the laser-induced lightning generation is also used in the "laser lightning dischargers" that equip major airports, and in the contact-less laser catenaries that equip the Ultra High Speed locomotives, both operating non-portable pulse lasers. --Electrolasers are a tried and true concept ++As for portable electrolasers, they are a tried and true concept themselves [In case we speak about other electrolasers, such as those suggested above.] --Our electrolaser can project a stable plasma channel at short to medium ranges, depending on atmospheric conditions, and deliver previously unheard-of voltages to the target. ++Our electrolaser thus emits a high power laser impulse that can open a plasma channel in a straight line at short to medium ranges, depending on atmospheric conditions, and then switches to a laser-driven electron beam emitter (from a small, build-in plasma source) that further ionizes and stabilizes the channel, making it more persistent, long, and conductive than a natural plasma channel. Endly, the insulated tip of the weapon is brought to a much higher potential than the ground, that brings in turn the target to a previously unheard-of potential, given there's now a prefered path for the electricity between the weapon and the target. --against organic enemies but ++against organic enemies. Power and duration have been tuned so as to not kill an unarmoured civilian, and because it complies to the non-lethal weapons regulation, our men are clear to use it against any civilians. It performs slightly less against an armoured soldier, and even less against a heavy armoured alien. However, the muscular and sensorial distress it causes are enough to neutralize, or help neutralizing a target for several seconds up to several minutes. --robotic enemies are likely to be designed to disperse the charge. ++But robotic enemies are likely to be designed to drive the transfered charge to the ground, as in the case they collide with an electrical fence. [Either through contact, or a little arc under the robot.] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filament_propagation] MSGID #1002 --to power the laser's electronics. ++to power the laser's electronics. You may have noticed at this point that there is no Deuterium Fluoride proper in these cartridges, and we name them in reference to the lasing gas they produce. Keeping it simple for our troops. MSGID #1004 --cauterise wounds via a special heating iron ++cauterise wounds via a coagulating laser [More modern.] --which lasts no longer than 10 to 15 seconds, ++which lasts no longer than 10 to 15 seconds, perfect so as to not trigger an immunity response, but [Perhaps, the short lifespan is to prevent an immunity reaction (as well as a technology limitation)?] MSGID #1005 --in front of the grip. ++in front of the grip. The plastic itself is formed from reagents stored in a dedicated chamber in the magazine. --The plasma particles are then rapidly fired ++The ionized hydrogen atoms (or protons) are then magnetically and moderately accelerated by a coil, and then rapidely fired [Note: the text doesn't explain how the plasma gas is accelerated out of the weapon! In case of a plasma jet engine, ions are magnetically accelerated (that's the way I chose). In case of a plasma torch, a neutral gas is blown on the plasma to drive it outside the chamber (range is poor).] ++Although the weapon is basically a plasma reactor engine (akin to those equipping our satelites), it's nearly recoiless because the mass and speed of the ejected material are so low. MSGID #1007 --It's capable of firing plasma bolts in single and burst modes but it seems especially designed to fire what we're calling around the office the Ball of Pain. ++It's capable of casting out continuous, short duration plasma jets, both in single and burst modes. A non-encapsulated plasma cools down far more rapidely than the longer range, charged bolts fired by lighter plasma weapons, but the blaster makes up for it by spiting out far more plasma material. But the weapon seems especially designed to fire what we're calling around the office the Ball of Pain. ["bolt" alone is too vague a word to translate, and the fire modes are not accurately described.] MSGID #1009 --like the Panzerfaust of WW2, except designed to kill armoured infantry and small vehicles rather than tanks. ++like the magnetic, hollow charge handmines of WW2, except designed to kill armoured infantry and small vehicles rather than tanks. I'll explain how Alien technology enables the design of a suitable anti-infantry, close-quarter weapon. [Panzerfaust's war head was a hollow (shaped) charge rocket, with no "sticking" mechanism. "Panzerhandmine", on the other hand (http://www.maquetland.com/v2/images_articles/img78(1).jpg), had a grip and a magnetic mechanism.] --1 human for 1 alien is a ratio that neither PHALANX nor humanity can possibly afford. Even if it was closer to 10: 1 ++1 human for 1 alien is a ratio that neither PHALANX nor humanity can possibly afford. Even if it was closer to 1: 10 OR ++1 alien for 1 human is a ratio that neither PHALANX nor humanity can possibly afford. Even if it was closer to 10: 1 [To keep same ration human/alien or alien/human.] MSGID #1015 --It consists of a small plasma core, a tip that fragments on impact and a soft outer casing. When the bullet hits its target, the tip fragments and the small plasma core slams into the armour. The speed of the blow causes the soft outer casing to deform, creating a sealed shell around the plasma core and trapping the heat so that it burns through the armour. ++It consists of a small, shaped "plasma core", a soft tip that deforms on impact and a soft outer casing. When the bullet hits its target, instead of being delivered directly by a hard tip, cinetic energy is used to compress and shape the core material into a fast moving ball of plasma while the tip slams into the armour and buys time enough for the soft outer casing to deform in turn, both creating a sealed shell around the plasma core and trapping the heat so that it burns through the armour. In other words, our classical weapons are now able to deliver high-speed plasma drops instead of cinetic penetrators. --But because the heat of the plasma is able to penetrate its target, ++But because the heat of the plasma is able to penetrate its target, instead of being merely applied on it, [A try to explain better the mechanism, based on old HEAT and HESH warheads. Current text doesn't explain how and what from plasma is created. Also to "warn" that the weapon's damage type is changed.] MSGID #1017 --but it takes this concept much further. ++but it takes this concept much further, being both more precise and more efficient. [To explain why the Aliens with such a rifle are called "Snipers".] MSGID #1019 --It's weight exceeds ++Its weight exceeds MSGID #1022 --There's a reason why our sniper doctrine calls for one shot to a kill, that the target should be dead before he even knows the sniper is there. ++There's a reason why our sniper and marksman doctrines call for one shot to kill, that the target should be dead before he even knows the sniper is there, or before he ever can carry on with his intended action. [Although 'sniper' has a wide meaning in English, the 'Sniper' rifle is used both by true snipers (prizing stealth techniques and forming sniper cells) and marksmans/sharp shooters/designated men whose sole purpose is to kill from afar (they can be part of a combat squad, openly waiting on buildings' roofs, ...)] MSGID #1023 --These slugs are encased in hard plastic shells, 'sabots', which break away shortly after leaving the barrel. The sabots are fired from a rifled barrel and can travel at far higher velocities than ordinary slugs or shotshells. The slugs themselves are made of aluminium-cored steel; ++These slugs are inserted in hard plastic shells, 'sabots', which break away shortly after leaving the barrel, which means a lighter slug for the same propulsive, caliber-dependent charge, resulting in a far higher velocity than with ordinary slugs or shotshells (or a lesser recoil at decreased propulsive power). Also, because the sabots are fired from a rifled barrel, the slug spins and is stabilized, whereas other slugs shot from smoothbore barrels have to resort to small fins or helicoidal rifles on the slug to stabilize it, thus degrading the aerodynamism and speed. The reason why a higher velocity is wanted is that the stored cinetic energy depends more on the projectile's speed than on its mass. The slugs themselves are even lighter, being made of aluminium-cored steel. ['encased' could be confused with the actual casing that surrounds the powder and part of the sabot. Then it's to explain why under-calibrated, lighter slugs are useful, and why the rifled barrel configuration must be set when firing this ammunition.] MSGID #1029 --The S-1 is too slow-firing to stop an advancing alien and will quickly deplete its magazine ++The S-1 is much too slow-firing and yields too much chances of missing a nearby, moving target [It takes 4-8 turns to deplete the 8-round magazine, the same time as other firearms... But, while still lethal, it fires only 1 round every 15 TUs.] MSGID #1030 --extremely heavy ++extremely heavy [French version adds: '(up to one kilogramm)', however the weight is the same as the FA magazine's: 0.5 kg.] ++This ammunition can pierce any body armour, helmet, light armoured vehicles, cover, inner wall... that is deemed to protect the target. However, it won't be effective against sand bags, armoured combat infantry vehicles and most concrete walls. If heavy caliber don't usually have much stopping power, this one is so large that chances are that a vital is reached more than often. [To recall that's it may penetrate walls, and why it's lethal although an AP round. MSGID #1031 --both will survive. ++both will survive. Although a non-lethal weapon, CHOKE would never be used against civilian in normal crowd control operations, but UNO gave clearance for our agents to use it against civilians in emergency situations. [To suggest that CHOKE should be used to keep civilians alive, although this would be considered as inhuman under normal situations.] --uniforms and armours provide airtight coverage of the soldier's body. ++combat dress and armours are already NBC-proof. [Isn't this the case?] MSGID #1034 --mental state, and more. ++mental and physical states, and more. [Wounded aliens are more vulnerable] MSGID #1036, #1040 --would field more deadly weaponry. ++would field more deadly weaponry than simple plasma weapons and Kerrblades. [I translate back the French version. Perhaps it's obsolete, or a welcomed precision?] --in large UFO weapons. ++in UFO weapons. [Any UFO but Scout has this weapon mounted.] MSGID #1042 --Everything. ++Everything. Men, equipments, weapons... [I translate back the French version. Perhaps it's obsolete, or a welcomed precision to stress more the dramatic situation?] MSGID #1217 --Weapon in right hand ++Primary weapon [Not sure; see #2246] MSGID #1301 --Aliens seem to ignore unconscious civilians ++Alien seem to care less about unconscious civilians [Only if we want to be exact, v2.5 AI shoots at unconscious civilians, eventually. Even if they might be a lower priority.] MSGID #2245 --Left hand weapon ++Secondary weapon [Text displayed when reloading.] [See also #2246 and #2248] MSHID #2246 --Right hand weapon --Primary weapon [Isn't this weapon the primary weapon? This text (in red) is also displayed when a two-handed weapon is reloaded.. See #2245 and #2249] [See also #2245 and #2249] MSGID #2694 --Aliens are removed ++Aliens are incinerated [As per 2.5; if dead bodies are still used for autopsy or kept frozen, then: 'are killed'] XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX The End XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX