Random Idea #80: Pink Goo Scenario

From musings about Grey Goo, a mass of flowing nanomachines consuming everything to make more of itself, I wondered about someone going about something similar but via using biology. In a sense, cells are tiny machines too, and DNA their code.

These thoughts were in service to ideas about a Terminator style character, but using more biological materials instead of nanomachines or a metal chassis for further increased camouflage during infiltrations. Injuries sustained will look more normal to outside observers, despite its wholly artificial nature and higher survivability. It trades the raw durability of nanomachines and speed of repair for being more life-like. It needs to gather resources from the environment for serious repairs, which is also a boon in some cases. It doesn’t require manufactured materials on site, and can scavenge from any organic material, increasing time between missions and needing to go back to base for inspection.

(Yes this is based on that Morphling idea again from a few years back)

Collecting info from local fauna and flora helps it decide upon a facial disguise. Secreted venom dissolves biological material for fuel and regeneration of worn parts, minimizing the need for internal digestive systems. Collecting flora-based material allows it to recover some energy from sunlight.

It is, due to the nature of biological materials, somewhat slower to respond to things than what a fully electronic system would be, but it can also be built around an electronics harness to give it an edge in combat, customized to take in different fuels, different internal communication systems. (OCs of mine drinking kerosene is practically a meme for me at this point)

Localized hibernation of non-essential components reduce energy usage without atrophy.

The Goo acts as a hybrid system, oxygen used in helping build up a store of energy that can be used independently in anaerobic environments, though if equipped prepared battery pouches and renewable energy generation methods, can swap out and run completely air-free.

Internal systems are mostly simplified due to the near total lack of hormone based signaling systems, being more like an electronic LAN in function. Thicker neural cables transmit notably more electrical power to muscles that are designed to act more like linear electric motors. This allows a significant period where the Goo can run anaerobically. However, systems are now more vulnerable to EMP unless going back to aerobic or hydraulic systems. Only low pressure “blood” tubing that’s used to transport repair materials. External independent system is needed for heavier repairs or replacement parts. This is an attempt to hide the most artificial parts of the Goo in an separate external location.

Hydraulic system variant is somewhat similar to a spider’s. Torso-centered pump pressurizes red-dyed oil to run steel hydraulic pistons. More bulky for their power output. More vulnerable to damage, which can cause an entire limb to lose power as valves are shut to prevent pressure drop. It is more obvious that it's artificial on scanners and upon injury.

Heart analogue acts as a generator. Fuel/resources dumped into a tank, Heart generator converts it to electrical energy and stores it, energy which is drawn upon to move.

Option one: Mitochondria based, modified to charge chemical ionic batteris
Option two: turbine or rotary engine with generator
Option 3: both

Skeletal structure is slightly more reinforced, due to bones not as needed for blood production. Most notable difference is the extra ribs around the stomach area, and the spine in general being a bit more flexible, more snake like. Feet and knees are more rigid.

Due to the lack of need of hormones, the only other internal organ is a kidney/liver hybrid organ, mainly for filtration and repair duties.

Summary:
95% Goo setup. Intended for long term infiltration and information gathering.
ECU = 2-section Brain. Skull contains primarily sensory processing, with other decision-making parts located in the upper chest and neck. Grey matter protected by scale armor.
Engine/generator = Giant chonker of a mitochondria-catalyst thing for organic material. Small assistant Rotary for more combustible sources. Hybrid-electric drive. Effectively 2 “hearts”
Fuel = external sources, prepared externally (1: machine processed, 2: venom/acid glands in mouth and hands, pouch) and inserted through a port into a tank.
Fuel Pump = simple 2-chamber heart since lungs not used conventionally.
Battery = chemical/ion pouches fed from generator
Motor = copper lined muscles
Wiring = copper-infused nerves,
Oil Filter = kidney/liver organ, blood/lymph, powered by turbo.
Intake/Radiator = back mounted intake (linear breathing), blood, nose (circular breathing) for stealth
Exhaust = mouth, somewhat constantly smoking. For stealth, she puts on a filter mask with a muffler that sticks off to the side and back. Backfires are utilized to launch a secondary weapon, a blow-dart that launches HE or HEAT rounds. For blending in, she has a fake cigar.
e-Turbo = low speed: turbine pumps blood, cooling. High speed: increases fuel burn, useless when running silent.
Chassis: Bone reinforced with calcium composites, denser due to no longer being blood producing.
Shell: Skin reinforced with interior sheets of carbon-silk composites.

Primary Weapon: back mounted 40mm anti-armor cannon, turreted. Needs to be sieged up and stationary to fire
Secondary: mouth-mounted 10mm blowgun.
Tertiary: handguns

50% Goo setup. Intended for short term, high intensity combat.
Internal chassis being largely cybernetic, with the outer covering being made of Goo material.
Chassis, battery, generator, fuel, filtering, ECU: purely cybernetic
Muscles, skin, wiring: Goo components