Stray Cat Strut-Glossary: Model Three

Model Three

Enemy Classification: Scavenger / Low-Threat / Terrestrial Scout

Elimination Reward: 10 Points

Model Description: Model Threes are the quintessential ground units, resembling terrestrial animals such as dogs or large cats in their four-legged form. They possess a unique 'triple hinged' jaw mechanism, allowing for an unusual range of motion to the side and down, optimizing their ability to scavenge and defend. With an advanced olfactory system, they excel in identifying the specific nutrients their hive requires.

Their loyalty to the hive is unmatched, aggressively protecting it from perceived threats. Although they have a longer lifespan compared to other models, they are often recycled once they are deemed surplus to the hive's needs. As the most frequently encountered model, their presence is a constant threat to humans due to their role as terrestrial scouts and aggressors.

Artist Depiction of a Model Three

Threat Analysis Report: Model Three

Threat Rating: Low

Overview

Model Threes serve as the primary terrestrial operatives of their hive. They are frequently the first kind of model produced by a hive. Their commonality and aggressive behavior towards humans and other threats make them a significant concern in inhabited areas.

Threat Capabilities

Enhanced Scavenging:

Equipped with a sophisticated sense of smell and specialized jaws, Model Threes can efficiently locate and obtain resources critical to their hive's survival.

Aggressive Defense: Their innate aggression and protective instincts make them formidable opponents, especially when defending their territory or hive. Model Threes are known to hide in underbrush and rubble in ambush. They also tend to move in packs. The smallest of these are packs of two. The largest recorded Model Three pack had four hundred and thirteen members.

Survivability and Adaptability: The physical design of Model Threes, including their digestive systems, allows for extended operational periods and adaptability in various environments.

Strategic Threat Assessment

Containment Difficulty:

Low. Their commonality and terrestrial mobility pose unique challenges for containment and neutralization, but they don't have noted movement capabilities.

Military and Civilian Risk:Low. Given their role in actively hunting and engaging with human targets, Model Threes pose a direct threat to both civilian populations and military personnel. However, they are relatively weak physically and a civilian in good health should be capable of overpowering one.

Potential for Expansion:High. The versatility and adaptive capabilities of Model Threes allow for significant territorial expansion and resource acquisition for their hives. They are the primary early-hive expansion models.

Mitigation Strategies

Targeted Elimination:

Prioritize the elimination of Model Threes in strategic areas to reduce the threat to civilian and military assets.

Defensive Measures: Implement defensive structures and protocols specifically designed to counteract the unique abilities of Model Threes. Killboxes are effective, as are landmines, tripwire explosives, and some chemical and biological weapons.

Research and Development: Focus on understanding the biology and behavior of Model Threes to develop more effective countermeasures.

Public Awareness and Training: Educate the public and military forces on the characteristics of Model Threes to improve preparedness and response effectiveness.

Conclusion

Model Threes represent a pervasive and adaptable threat that requires a focused and informed response strategy. Their ability to scout, scavenge, and defend hive interests, combined with their aggressive nature, necessitates a multifaceted approach to containment and neutralization.

Addendum M3-1: Transcript of Dissection Report by Dr. Evelyn "Dagger" Hargrove

Date:

[Redacted]

Subject: Model Three Dissection Analysis

Start of Transcript.

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove: Recording now. This is Dr. Evelyn Hargrove. Today's subject is quite the departure from the avian-like Model Ones we've become accustomed to. Instead, we have what's colloquially been dubbed a 'Hive Hound', a Model Three, and it's already presenting a unique set of challenges and curiosities. For the record, the subject was deceased upon arrival, a necessity given their aggressive nature."

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[Sound of gloves snapping]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove: First impressions: the Model Three resembles Earth's canines in form but is significantly larger and more robust. The musculature is highly developed, suggesting immense strength and agility. The skin, or should I say hide, is tough, almost armour-like, indicating a creature built for both offence and defence. Interestingly, the Model Three sample I have here has bony plates on its exterior. An exoskeleton? Armour? Anyway, these guys have two eyes set vertically, which is an interesting adaptation. One seems slightly larger than the other. I'm going to remove these and send them to a specialist.

[Several minutes pass. Sound of scalpel making incisions, grinder cutting into bone]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove: Huh. Okay, here's an early erratum for my report. Further observation contraindicates initial supposition. The musculature seemed dense and quite developed, but these muscles, while large, are spongy and relatively weak. I obviously don't have a live subject to test this on, but I'm willing to bet that these muscles are, kilo-for-kilo, weaker than the kind of musculature you'd find in terrestrial organisms.

[Pause, a sound of notes being taken]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove: Ah, here we get to one of the more peculiar features, the 'triple hinged' jaw. It's as bizarre as reported, capable of opening not only downwards but also sideways, significantly wider than any terrestrial animal. I wonder if this would allow the Model Three to consume a variety of materials, perhaps as part of their scavenging nature? The teeth are... multifaceted, varying in shape and size, likely to accommodate different types of activities.

[Sound of instruments being set down]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove: Moving onto the olfactory system, it's incredibly complex. Those big ears on its head? Theyre noses as well as hearing canals. This creature could likely detect and differentiate a vast array of scents, supporting its role as a scavenger and tracker. The brain is larger than expected, hinting at a level of intelligence and perhaps even social coordination? Again, I'd need live specimens. Preferably in a remote location. I don't want to be in the same room as one of these.

[Sound of a can of soda opening, sipping]

Dr. Evelyn Hargrove: Internal organs are a mess. I can't tell what's what at a glance. The avian Model One was alien with its lack of stomach and digestive systems. This is alien on a whole other level. At least it doesn't stink when you cut into it, so that's nice.

[Recording ends]

End of Transcript.

Addendum M3-2: Similar to other models, Model Threes have also been given various unofficial names by civilians and military personnel, reflecting their dog-like appearance and aggressive nature. These include:

- Hive Hounds

- Jaw Snappers

- Scavenger Beasts

- Dogs

- Doggos

- Pups

- Puppers

- Trash Trackers

- Sniffers

- Skinks

- Mutts

- Hounds

- Tree Dogs

- Little Baby Boys

Addendum M3-3: Ongoing research into the 'triple hinged' jaw mechanism of Model Threes has revealed potential vulnerabilities in their anatomy that could be exploited in combat scenarios. Further analysis is required to develop effective counter-strategies.

Addendum M3-4:

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

The increasing encounters with Model Three units in urban areas have raised concerns about their potential impact on civilian safety.

These encounters are increasingly coming from people who have managed to capture Model Threes and who are trying to 'domesticate' them.

It should be noted that there has never been a successful case of Antithesis domestication.

A conversation with [REDACTED], the personal AI of Samurai [REDACTED] suggests that Antithesis domestication is impossible.

Further public advisories should be posted, warning people not to attempt Model Three domestication. Perhaps we can use the footage of previous attempts as a warning? A full eighty percent of domestication attempts end with the breeder being eaten by their quarry.

Addendum M3-5: Reports from field operatives indicate an increase in Model Three variants. Model Three Bs first started appearing in western China in 2034. Their appearance resembles that of a large predatory cat. Model Three Bs are somewhat larger than their ordinary counterpart and seem less aggressive and more prone to ambushing attacks.

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