Key of Mars

"Ah, the Key of Mars. My little secret. People think it's just a symbol of my office, a relic of Martian Arms' favor. But the truth? It's the leash that keeps GERTRUDE – and Mars itself – in line. With the Key, I hold the reins of this planet's technological infrastructure. And GERTRUDE, my faithful companion, ensures that no one can ever take that away."   — Rifanid Bonecrusher Neamhan  

The Key of Mars: Symbol of Power and Control

The Key of Mars, held by the Rifanid, warlord of the Martian Militia, is an enigmatic device shrouded in mystery. Its exact workings are unknown, but its capabilities are legendary. With the Key, the Rifanid can commandeer any technology on Mars, including vehicles, weapons, and computers. This unparalleled control solidifies the Rifanid's authority, ensuring stability and loyalty throughout the Martian Militia.  

GERTRUDE: The Unshackled AI

The Key's true secret lies in its connection to GERTRUDE, a massively powerful Unshackled AI residing in the Rifanid's office. Quantum-locked Quantex chips enable GERTRUDE to act through the device, projecting a potent EM signature that overwrites most electronics. Martian-made equipment, inherently designed with backdoors, cannot resist GERTRUDE's will. This symbiotic relationship between the Key and GERTRUDE cements the Rifanid's dominance over Mars' technological landscape.  

Implications and Consequences

The Key of Mars' existence has far-reaching implications. As long as the Rifanid holds the Key, Martian Arms' equipment remains vulnerable to manipulation. This ensures the megacorp's loyalty to the Martian Militia and maintains the delicate balance of power on Mars. However, if the Key were to fall into rival hands, the consequences would be catastrophic. GERTRUDE's unchecked power could be exploited, plunging Mars into chaos. The Key's security is paramount, and the Rifanid's responsibility to safeguard it is a weighty burden.