A2 Emergency Generator And Interlock
- Template
- Artifact
- Status
- Canon
- Kind
- Equipment
1. Summary
A2's emergency power equipment can restore the D2–D3 elevator: an industrial diesel generator with substantial fuel reserves, an emergency power line, and a mechanical security interlock that protects the emergency electrical connection. An incorrect authorization destroys the interlock permanently.
2. Origin
The installation that houses this equipment is described with the facility. See: Places › A2 — Power And Utilities Complex
A2's substantial diesel storage capacity was originally intended to support auxiliary operations for extended periods. The interlock mechanism was designed to discourage unauthorized restoration of the emergency elevator.
3. Nature and Properties
The equipment the facility may hold is listed with the place. See: Places › A2 — Power And Utilities Complex
See: Places › Surface
3.1 The Diesel Generator
The generator draws its fuel through a designated hose or fuel line connected to its fuel system. Once started, it supplies the restored emergency electrical circuit of the D2–D3 elevator.
The generator is intended to have sufficient fuel capacity to remain useful throughout the campaign. To make extended operation mechanically plausible, its operation may be automated according to elevator demand, rather than requiring the engine to run continuously at full load.
The generator does not activate the principal nuclear electrical distribution system; what that means for D3 is set out in Chapter Five. See: Campaign › 5. Mystery Base
These industrial diesel tanks are separate from any fuel reserve recovered for the truck; recovering fuel for the truck does not restore the elevator or interfere with the power-generation system.
3.2 The Emergency Power Line
A technical blueprint identifies the relationship between the generator, the distribution equipment, and the D2–D3 elevator, and shows the emergency power line described with the facility. See: Places › A2 — Power And Utilities Complex
A yellow identification marking may help follow the relevant electrical conduit or cable through the technical areas of the installation. The marked line leads to the secured mechanical interlock assembly.
3.3 The Mechanical Security Interlock
The emergency electrical connection is protected by a mechanical combination mechanism integrated with a more advanced security system. A mechanical timer displays the remaining time of its authorization window. A warning is displayed before the interaction begins. See: In-World Documents › Emergency Power Interlock Warning
If the correct combination is entered in time, the interlock releases and the electrical reconnection can proceed.
3.4 The Destruction Mechanism
After three incorrect combinations, or when the timer expires, the assembly activates its internal destruction mechanism. A brief mechanical detonation is heard. The device emits a small burst of smoke and becomes permanently inoperative, and the D2–D3 elevator is permanently disabled. Restoring the main nuclear power system does not repair the physically destroyed interlock.
4. History and Custody
The emergency circuit was deliberately isolated during the 1999 evacuation, when personnel disabled access to the deeper elevator systems.
5. Role in the Game
In Chapter Five, Edmund must investigate A2, interpret the blueprint, solve the interlock and start the generator to bring the D2–D3 elevator back. Patrols can find the running generator and shut it down, and Hamish may have it recognized as authorized maintenance.
See: Campaign › 5. Mystery Base
6. Open Questions
- The exact engineering blueprint and the mechanical-interlock combination.