22 May 2019 – 03 June 2019
Operation
On Wednesday (22 May 2019), the event began with the release of Update 25.0 and was set to run until 03 June. Upon logging in, a new mission was available on Jupiter, labelled "Operation: Hostile Mergers Mission 1". This update also contained the Jupiter Gas City tileset rework, and the Amalgam enemies found within.
Mechanics and Missions
The new node on Jupiter, Operation: Hostile Mergers Mission 1, was a Disruption mission on the remastered Gas City tileset. The Tenno had to complete one round of Disruption, and then were given the opportunity to extract. Upon completing the mission, a second node was unlocked on Jupiter, where the Tenno had to complete two rounds of Disruption. Completing the second mission unlocked a third mission with three rounds of Disruption. Completing the third mission unlocked a final node, labelled "Operation: Hostile Mergers Endurance", where the Tenno participated in Disruption for as long as they could.
During Disruption missions, the Tenno would drop into the Gas City and have to hack a door to proceed. Ordis and Alad V would send transmissions throughout the mission. Some of Alad V's transmissions were distinct from his usual ones, spoken in a lower tone of voice and with a darker camera view, and a camera angle high above his head. These transmissions were mostly addressed to an individual called CT, and not intended for the Tenno.
Ordis: "Ordis is detecting Sentient waveforms, Operator. Strange interlink. Splattered in Corpus crosstalk. Bypass that console so we might get a better understanding…."
Alad V: "Oh no! You've caught me! Me and my little partnership! Where's that Lotus when you need her? Now, sniff-sniff, Betrayers. See if you can find the cheese."
(upon hacking door) Ordis: "Outgoing communications cipher…. Not much of a trick for Ordis, is it? Oh, how scandalous! Alad's system has a back door! Shall we… listen in?"
Alad V (to CT): "Ah, more test subjects have arrived. Right on schedule. CT, prepare my Amalgams for further… evolution. I've baited the traps."
Ordis: "These conduits are the source of those Sentient waveforms. This may be worthwhile if we can find the key component… but it does seem a tad convenient, doesn't it?"
Beyond the door, the Tenno could find four terminals of Sentient design. Vapos Corpus enemies would begin to spawn in high numbers, accompanied by occasional Amalgams. Upon death, these Amalgams dropped keys that would activate the terminals.
(upon picking up first key, variant) Alad V: "Almost there, you clever vermin! But what to do next? Can you feel that coming rush? That cocktail of unflinching violence and pseudo-random rewards? Mm, good for business."
(upon picking up first key, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Showtime, CT. Inform our Partners another trial has begun. Prep interference routines. Bait and wait… it's time for Alad V to get back on the corporate map, yes!"
Inserting the keys into the conduit terminals would trigger a 2-minute countdown, and trigger either a boon or a hazard for the Tenno, which would last for the duration of the conduit activation. In addition, a Demolyst would spawn somewhere on the map, and immediately head towards the active conduit. This Demolyst was essentially an improved Amalgam unit that periodically pulsed a nullifier field. If it was able to reach the conduit, it would charge up for roughly 3 seconds before detonating, destroying itself and the conduit. If it was killed before it could detonate, the conduit would be considered safe and the countdown would end.
If the conduit was projecting a hazard and was destroyed, the hazard would persist for the rest of the round. If the conduit was projecting a boon and was defended, the boon would persist for the rest of the round. In all other outcomes, the condition ended once the conduit was no longer active.
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "In battle, advantage goes to the one most willing to die. And my Demolysts, Tenno? Well, they aren't just willing… they want it."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "As a man with everything to lose, I make a point of employing the opposite. Release the Demolyst!"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "Feeling a bit… out of sorts, Tenno? Noticing any… performance problems with that metal seashell of yours?"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "I've taken my knocks in the past, but, Tenno, you seem a bit sluggish, a bit spent. Are you sure you want to continue?"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "Disciples, remember your vows. Increase profits, and decrease… Tenno!"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "Demolyst! Target the Conduit… and claim your glory!"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V: "Demolyst! Light your fuse!
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT, time for a Demolyst."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT… they've accessed a Conduit. [sigh] Deploy a Demolyst!"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Conduit activated! CT, send in a Demolyst."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "They're preoccupied! Now, CT, the Demolyst!"
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Relentless, even when they're spinning on the spit. CT, signal the supply decks. We're going to need additional 'volunteers' for conversion."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "This has gone far enough. CT, cycle the interference routines. We need to knock these freaks down a notch."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT, permute the next interference routines. They had better work this time."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Bait followed by battery followed by bait. I'm getting bored. CT, let's salt our interference routines and dispatch the next Amalgams, yes."
(upon activating conduit, variant) Alad V (to CT): "I need to cut my losses, quick. CT, dispatch updated interference routines… and, uh… lower the room temperature, could you?"
(upon activating conduit with a boon, variant) Alad V (to CT): "What… what if we make the Tenno more of a threat… really see what these Amalgams can do?"
(upon activating conduit with a boon, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Let's flip the script, and see what these Amalgams can do."
(upon activating conduit with a boon, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT, invert the algorithm. Give them a little false hope."
(upon activating conduit with a boon, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT, the model is getting a bit predictable. A little morale boost might be good for conditioning, yes."
(upon activating conduit with a boon, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Let the Betrayers have a little fun while we crunch the numbers."
(upon activating conduit with a boon, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Give the Betrayers a little hope, and we'll sink the hook deeper."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V: "Don't be discouraged! Failure has made you what you are… a failure."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V: "Betrayers, frustrated yet? Get used to it."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V: "Will you try again? Will you give me another reason to laugh?"
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V: "A pity… you could have used that. Hmm, but I'm bad at sharing, you know."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V: "This week on Nightwave: Tenno lose big, give up on life! Details at the next cycle."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Finally. Some investments take longer to earn out."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V (to CT): "These disciples finally show some merit. Credit where credit is due: I am an excellent leader."
(when a conduit is destroyed, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT, fast-track these disciples for promotion… I mean, conversion, of course."
(upon defending conduit) Ordis: "Scans indicate these conduits are connected to a massive stockpile of resources. Just how long is the Operator planning to fight for?"
(upon defending conduit) Ordis: "Operator, the stockpile of tech and resources connected to these conduits seems beyond Alad's means. Where did he get all this?"
(upon defending conduit) Alad V: "Good! Keep it up. Every single bit-stream of this carnage only makes me richer."
(upon defending conduit) Alad V: "Thank you for your generous brutality and violence! My Amalgams have never been better!"
(upon defending conduit) Alad V: "The smart move would be walk away while you still can. Consequences aren't your strong suit, are they?"
(upon defending conduit) Alad V: "Ready for more, Betrayers? I have to admire your greed! Sure! Let's go again!"
(upon defending conduit) Alad V: "Oh, are you still floating there? Like a twit tetrapod, oblivious to the rising heat."
(upon defending conduit) Alad V (to CT): "Steady… steady now, follow the plan. Trials make data, data is sold, Amalgams evolve… Tenno die. And I won't have to beg for mercy from the Partners."
(upon defending conduit) Alad V (to CT): "Useless disciples! CT, is it so hard to get good help these days? The sooner they're all Amalgams, the better."
(upon defending conduit) Alad V (to CT): "CT, rescan the comm channels. I can't shake the feeling that someone's listening in. The Board? Our Partners? I don't know."
Hidden in an out-of-the-way room could be found a datamass. This datamass could be inserted into an active conduit that was projecting a hazard in order to cancel the hazard.
(upon finding conduit failsafe) Ordis: "Some kind of failsafe? If placed in a conduit, it will cancel the running interference routines. Use it wisely, Operator; there's only one!"
After all four conduits had either been defended or destroyed, the round was completed and another round would begin shortly (unless all four terminals were destroyed, whereupon the mission promptly failed).
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "The data's good, at least. Worth more than a few trinkets to our business partners, yes."
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "CT, integrate this for the next generational cycle. We need to recoup… aggressively."
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Unfortunately. But this is how evolution works. One generation closer to an Amalgam they just can't kill."
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Wasteful, but failure teaches faster. Our Partners will be pleased."
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "I thought you were better than this! You're making me look bad in front of my new business associates."
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Another weakness revealed and removed. Who knew these violent prongs would be so good at science!
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "I don't like this. Inventory as bait was a mistake. What do I do now?"
(during a round, variant) Alad V (to CT): "This is getting out of hand."
(upon completing a round) Alad V: "Take your trinkets. A small price to pay for a superior product."
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "Impressive! Ordis is just fluttering with anticipation! What will the Operator—murder—find next?"
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "Ordis thinks Alad will miss this."
(upon completing a round) Alad V (to CT): "More losses. More debt. How am I going to explain this to that… that thing?"
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "Excellent find. Might the Operator now consider returning to the warm embrace of the Orbiter?"
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "For how much longer will the Operator play along with Alad's twisted game?"
(upon completing a round) Alad V (to CT): "What did they get? This is spiralling on us. I'm haemorrhaging inventory."
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "Ordis will add this to the pile."
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "May Ordis suggest extraction? Nothing Alad has is worth your life."
(upon completing a round) Ordis: "Ordis knows the Operator has the wisdom to choose comfort and safety over material gain. Ordis… is right, is he not?"
(upon completing a round) Alad V (to CT): "CT, transfer more disciples and begin conversion at once. We're deep in the red now."
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "Is that all you're good for?"
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "Stay awhile… stay… forever!"
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "We're just getting reacquainted. Don't leave the party just yet!"
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "Smell that? Newly evolved Amalgams, fresh from the oven! Want a taste?"
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "You could have so much more…."
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "You're greedy, Tenno, very greedy. It's an inspiration to us all."
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "Don't leave, Betrayer! Think of all the science we could be doing…."
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "Impressive performance, Betrayer. But, if you don't mind, we're going to change things up."
(waiting for next round, variant) Alad V: "Keep testing me, Betrayers. And I'll keep testing you."
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "The next Amalgam cycle will show you what it means to be on the bleeding edge."
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "Destroy them, my Amalgams!"
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "We have unfinished business. Shall we?"
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "So… feeling better, Tenno? I can fix that."
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "Another roll, Betrayers? I think your number's bound to come up."
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "I told my Partners you were insatiable… but even I'm impressed!"
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "Let's see if that shiny Tenno luck holds."
(when next round starts, variant) Alad V: "I see. Another round? Good to see my greed wearing off on you!"
(when extracting, variant) Alad V (to CT): "It's not an ideal outcome. I just hope it's enough to appease that flying freak [sigh]."
(when extracting, variant) Alad V (to CT): "They'll be back. And my Amalgams will be waiting."
(when extracting, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Costly. CT, send combat results to our Partners, but… omit our losses.
(upon failing, variant) Alad V (to CT): "This… this is how we do it. CT, prepare the revised Amalgam routines for the next production cycle."
(upon failing, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Well done, disciples. CT, promotions. Fast-track them for Amalgamation!"
(upon failing, variant) Alad V (to CT): "That should keep the Partners happy. Or, at least, less… un-happy. [sigh]"
(upon failing, variant) Alad V (to CT): "Disciples performing well. Perhaps I should start a profit-sharing program? [snickers] No."
(upon failing, variant) Alad V: "Game over! You lose… but take comfort in what that means: that I win! [laughs]"
(upon failing, variant) Alad V: "You got greedy, Tenno. Best leave that to a professional."
(upon failing, variant) Alad V: "Thank you, Tenno. By your thick-headed violent demonstration, my new Partner Amalgams are ready for full production!"
Rewards
After completing the first mission, the Tenno received an inbox message from the Lotus containing an Operation: Hostile Mergers badge.
Inbox message:
Success!You went above and beyond the call of duty today, Tenno. The skill you displayed will inspire your fellow warriors.
—The Lotus
After completing the second and third missions, the Tenno received identical inbox messages containing an Operation: Hostile Mergers sigil and an Aura Forma, respectively.
If the Tenno achieved a score of 1000 on the Endurance mission, they would receive an inbox message from the Lotus containing a Spectra Vandal. If the Tenno achieved a score of 4000 on the Endurance mission, they would receive an inbox message from the Lotus containing a Glaxion Vandal. These inbox messages were identical to the messages received before. Both Endurance goals could be completed on the same run.
The founding Warlord of each clan received an inbox message from Ordis with a trophy based on the clan's level of participation in the event.
Inbox message:
HOSTILE MERGERS: Maximum DisruptionOperators,
[clan] inflicted maximum disruption to Alad V's Amalgam laboratory. In doing so, you robbed him of resources and strained relations with his Sentient partners.
Ordis has taken the liberty of commissioning this statue. Surely it will become the focal point of whatever room you place it in.
Your loyal cephalon,
Ordis
5 Replies to “Operation: Hostile Mergers”