The force needed to jelly flesh is pretty damned high.
If the armor rigidizes to prevent flapping, a ±6 variation is falling a centimeter or two. Hell on the internal organs, but not terribly lethal. Full body bruise.
Boarding Actions in "Age of Sail" Space Combat
- Thread starter robject
- Start date
The force needed to jelly flesh is pretty damned high.
If the armor rigidizes to prevent flapping, a ±6 variation is falling a centimeter or two. Hell on the internal organs, but not terribly lethal. Full body bruise.
Hmm, no offense kilemall, but when were you watching that?
I'm not understanding the question nor why I would be offended by it.
When, as in what time of the morning, or age watching it originally?
Yeah, sorry I wasn't clearer. I meant how old you were.
20s. Anime was something of a slog or an art form to getting hands on.
One friend of mine was exchanging Sailor Moon tapes for MacGyver tapes with a Japanese woman to get his fix.
Interesting.
*EDIT*
No offense, but what on Earth was he doing wanting to watch Sailor Moon vids? Isn't that a school girls cartoon?
*EDIT*
No offense, but what on Earth was he doing wanting to watch Sailor Moon vids? Isn't that a school girls cartoon?
Last edited:
creativehum
SOC-14 1K
I just wanted to say I've really enjoyed this thread.
The main point I'm taking away was brought up in several post, but summed up in one of Welsh's posts:
Since my focus is Classic Travellerplay, which really means Players making decisions for their Player Characters, this is perfect for my needs, since it offers of plenty of Opportunities and Threats for the Players to sort through.
When facing pirates, the Player Characters, if in charge of the ship, need to make choices about how they want to handle the situation. They can surrender and be boarded. Or they can fight. Either will entail risks and dangers. How heavily are they invested in the ship? Can they risk damage? Do they think they can manage a victory? All these things are RPG Session Adventure Grease.
And if they they are the pirates and they need something from another ship, do they risk piracy? Do they think they can win? Are the bluffing the other ship? What happens of the other ship calls their bluff? And so on. Again, perfect material to use during RPG sessions.
Ships tend not to be blown to smithereens in Classic Traveller ship combat. But lots of damage, sometimes crippling, can be inflicted. So the question becomes, "How much are we willing to gamble here?" That seems like a very Classic Traveller question.
The other quote that is vital is this one from Enoki:
I would offer that this question is vital for RPG play.
Who is doing the pirating? Why? What do they need? Perhaps the cargo is that vital to the people who need that specific cargo? Maybe it is the ship. Perhaps they are looking for a passenger? If it is the ship the pirates want, are the PCs willing to part with it? Are they looking for ransom (for passengers? for the ship? the cargo?)
Who are these people? How desperate are they? What have they done with their lives that they have become pirates? What bridges have they burned? What are their temperaments? What might not seem a very big haul for those still part of society might be a small treasure for those scratching out a living in a remote corner of space, far from society and civilization, exiled by either the law or their desire to live apart from the rule of law.
What are their tactics? Well, what resources do they have? Are they on their own? Backed by a noble house? A planetary government? Are they on their last legs or commanding several ships? Are they willing to die for one more success? Or will they only attack when they think they have overwhelming odds?
Much of this depends the Referee's setting, of course, and I make no assumptions about such things. (Traveller can handle countless kinds of settings.)
But, more importantly, I'm making no assumption that there is a uniform method for piracy or boarding actions. Different people with different agendas, different resources, and different assumptions about life, wealth, and risk will all handle such circumstances in different ways. In RPG play especially, this is the juice, as it provides countless opportunities for variety. What worked to board a ship once (or repel a boarding once) might not work again given a different set of antagonists.
For the Players especially this means more problems solving, choices, on the fly decisions about tactics and strategy. (Surrendering the ship now might mean a chance to get it back later, and so on.) Encountering adversaries of difficult cultures, different temperaments, different resources and strategies means lots of opportunities for surprise, victory, loss, vengeance, strokes of luck, brilliant ideas, and so on.
So, again, thanks for this thread. You all have clarified some things for me and made me even more excited about getting to ship-to-ship conflicts in Traveller.
The main point I'm taking away was brought up in several post, but summed up in one of Welsh's posts:
Since my focus is Classic Travellerplay, which really means Players making decisions for their Player Characters, this is perfect for my needs, since it offers of plenty of Opportunities and Threats for the Players to sort through.
When facing pirates, the Player Characters, if in charge of the ship, need to make choices about how they want to handle the situation. They can surrender and be boarded. Or they can fight. Either will entail risks and dangers. How heavily are they invested in the ship? Can they risk damage? Do they think they can manage a victory? All these things are RPG Session Adventure Grease.
And if they they are the pirates and they need something from another ship, do they risk piracy? Do they think they can win? Are the bluffing the other ship? What happens of the other ship calls their bluff? And so on. Again, perfect material to use during RPG sessions.
Ships tend not to be blown to smithereens in Classic Traveller ship combat. But lots of damage, sometimes crippling, can be inflicted. So the question becomes, "How much are we willing to gamble here?" That seems like a very Classic Traveller question.
The other quote that is vital is this one from Enoki:
I would offer that this question is vital for RPG play.
Who is doing the pirating? Why? What do they need? Perhaps the cargo is that vital to the people who need that specific cargo? Maybe it is the ship. Perhaps they are looking for a passenger? If it is the ship the pirates want, are the PCs willing to part with it? Are they looking for ransom (for passengers? for the ship? the cargo?)
Who are these people? How desperate are they? What have they done with their lives that they have become pirates? What bridges have they burned? What are their temperaments? What might not seem a very big haul for those still part of society might be a small treasure for those scratching out a living in a remote corner of space, far from society and civilization, exiled by either the law or their desire to live apart from the rule of law.
What are their tactics? Well, what resources do they have? Are they on their own? Backed by a noble house? A planetary government? Are they on their last legs or commanding several ships? Are they willing to die for one more success? Or will they only attack when they think they have overwhelming odds?
Much of this depends the Referee's setting, of course, and I make no assumptions about such things. (Traveller can handle countless kinds of settings.)
But, more importantly, I'm making no assumption that there is a uniform method for piracy or boarding actions. Different people with different agendas, different resources, and different assumptions about life, wealth, and risk will all handle such circumstances in different ways. In RPG play especially, this is the juice, as it provides countless opportunities for variety. What worked to board a ship once (or repel a boarding once) might not work again given a different set of antagonists.
For the Players especially this means more problems solving, choices, on the fly decisions about tactics and strategy. (Surrendering the ship now might mean a chance to get it back later, and so on.) Encountering adversaries of difficult cultures, different temperaments, different resources and strategies means lots of opportunities for surprise, victory, loss, vengeance, strokes of luck, brilliant ideas, and so on.
So, again, thanks for this thread. You all have clarified some things for me and made me even more excited about getting to ship-to-ship conflicts in Traveller.
creativehum
SOC-14 1K
Yes, it depends on the specifics of the cargo.
And all of this discussion makes me really inclined to use the range band system from Starter Traveller:
Starter Traveller said:
Rather than having to try and match a 2-dimensional velocity, we just need to match a simple velocity.
Of course even with 2-D velocity, you can eventually match velocities with someone who is no longer maneuvering, but it would play out much quicker with 1-D velocity.
Frank
Different interests, I want at least Mayday vector precisely to have to think through movement, putting them firmly in the moment of being in space and not ground. Legit either way of course.
Sifu Blackirish
SOC-14 1K
Sifu peeks in...
Been a while since I have lurked, and found this thread quite interesting. Although my prose is not as detailed as 'Assault on the ICS Jefferson Davis' by flykiller, it might provide some entertainment value. Great read, flykiller. I am hooked and not even a fourth of the way through!
from novel OBSERVER and GUARDIAN, story PEACE THROUGH SUPERIOR FIREPOWER
#
ORDERS *** ORDERS *** ORDERS
YOU ARE DIRECTED TO PREPARE YOUR UNIT FOR IMMEDIATE COMBAT.
TARGET BRIEFING TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN 6 HOURS.
MOBILIZATION TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN 24 HOURS.
COMBAT INSERTION TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN 48 HOURS.
Issued by my authority as Commander-in-Chief,
Christine Grant
ORDERS *** ORDERS *** ORDERS
#
With a thunderous roar, three formerly sleek hypersonic craft accelerated down a cleared runway. Their lines were obscured by stealth plating, anti radiation armor and multiple chemical booster packs. All windows were covered, so their entire ascent was guided by internal instrumentation.
Fired from a squadron of hastily modified transports, a spread of tactical nuclear missiles was detonated high above them. Their intent was to cause a large scale disruption of enemy radar and communications systems. They were not burned down immediately, so it might be working.
It is common knowledge among those in ascent that these craft are the last readily available single stage to orbit class. Their all-purpose design made them the obvious choice for a space assault and return to Terra. However, if something went wrong, their missile laden escorts might not be able to penetrate defenses and reach them for an extraction.
In the extremely cramped passenger modules of their assault craft, Stryker’s force suffered through enhanced gee forces. After two minutes, booster packs began to separate and forces quickly lessened to a ‘normal’ three gravities. Additional shocks came to them as their craft performed evasive maneuvers.
Another salvo streaked overhead, aimed at a screening squadron of enemy craft. Space was immediately filled with counter battery laser fire. Most of the incoming missiles were eliminated, but a tightly packed grouping of ships on their direct course was not so fortunate. One ship was destroyed, five others were severely damaged and their formation began to disperse.
One of the target craft began an unplanned tumble, apparently caused by radiation damage to attitude thruster controls. Its erratic movement suddenly became purposeful as it righted itself and suddenly leaped forward in an unexpected and surprising burst of speed. How could that unwieldy craft move so quickly, with no evidence of chemical boost?
It was hard to be certain, especially with untrained eyes, but the alien craft looked like it was -- shimmering and fading away? Just for a moment every few seconds, one could see stars faintly shine through the structure, and it looked like a reflected image from a body of water. With another burst of speed, it turned directly into the path of one assault craft. That hapless craft was struck amidships, broke in half, and exploded.
Both remaining craft were unable to avoid a rapidly expanding cloud of debris. Stryker’s craft received only minor damage, but the other was severely impacted. With their additional shielding they remained mission capable. However, instruments showed they had suffered severe structural damage. In their current condition they could not open their external bay doors or return across the atmospheric terminator.
Explosive bolts fired, freeing their craft from armored cocoons. Remaining in several large pieces, they slowly tumbled away. Their mass would add an additional layer of confusion to alien detection systems.
Stryker had a private comline in his powersuit that was tuned to Naval frequencies. He and his command NCOs of his infantry company knew of the loss of Delta Company with all hands and Bravo Company’s damaged status. Odds might be against them even more than before, but when did that ever stop a Marine?
“Fifteen seconds to deployment. Good luck, Colonel.”
“Thank you.”
He tied himself into the general frequency.
“Marines, stand ready!”
There was no need for him to say anything else as his craft made a violent deceleration maneuver and opened its cargo bay doors to space. With a blast of steam, one hundred sixty five men rocketed through open space towards the targeted alien craft.
As they approached, external maneuvering units helped them to separate into tactical formations. One group reached the main hull, ready to place shaped charges in a wide area. Despite a hull that they thought was metallic, there was no point of contact where their magnetized soles had any effect. Fortunately their charges had a sticky plate that barely adhered to designated attachment points.
Moments after creating a breach, one could soon hear barked commands, grunts of exertion and sounds of weapons fired on full automatic.
Stryker stood near the breach, with his magnetized soles finally finding metal to grip. He directed traffic and watched a map display attached to his left forearm. Transponders built in to everyone’s suit reported their position and helped to draw an internal floor plan. While he was thus occupied, the rest of his headquarters unit kept a ready watch, in case rude strangers wanted to interrupt him.
--- TO BE CONTINUED ---
Been a while since I have lurked, and found this thread quite interesting. Although my prose is not as detailed as 'Assault on the ICS Jefferson Davis' by flykiller, it might provide some entertainment value. Great read, flykiller. I am hooked and not even a fourth of the way through!
from novel OBSERVER and GUARDIAN, story PEACE THROUGH SUPERIOR FIREPOWER
#
ORDERS *** ORDERS *** ORDERS
YOU ARE DIRECTED TO PREPARE YOUR UNIT FOR IMMEDIATE COMBAT.
TARGET BRIEFING TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN 6 HOURS.
MOBILIZATION TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN 24 HOURS.
COMBAT INSERTION TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN 48 HOURS.
Issued by my authority as Commander-in-Chief,
Christine Grant
ORDERS *** ORDERS *** ORDERS
#
With a thunderous roar, three formerly sleek hypersonic craft accelerated down a cleared runway. Their lines were obscured by stealth plating, anti radiation armor and multiple chemical booster packs. All windows were covered, so their entire ascent was guided by internal instrumentation.
Fired from a squadron of hastily modified transports, a spread of tactical nuclear missiles was detonated high above them. Their intent was to cause a large scale disruption of enemy radar and communications systems. They were not burned down immediately, so it might be working.
It is common knowledge among those in ascent that these craft are the last readily available single stage to orbit class. Their all-purpose design made them the obvious choice for a space assault and return to Terra. However, if something went wrong, their missile laden escorts might not be able to penetrate defenses and reach them for an extraction.
In the extremely cramped passenger modules of their assault craft, Stryker’s force suffered through enhanced gee forces. After two minutes, booster packs began to separate and forces quickly lessened to a ‘normal’ three gravities. Additional shocks came to them as their craft performed evasive maneuvers.
Another salvo streaked overhead, aimed at a screening squadron of enemy craft. Space was immediately filled with counter battery laser fire. Most of the incoming missiles were eliminated, but a tightly packed grouping of ships on their direct course was not so fortunate. One ship was destroyed, five others were severely damaged and their formation began to disperse.
One of the target craft began an unplanned tumble, apparently caused by radiation damage to attitude thruster controls. Its erratic movement suddenly became purposeful as it righted itself and suddenly leaped forward in an unexpected and surprising burst of speed. How could that unwieldy craft move so quickly, with no evidence of chemical boost?
It was hard to be certain, especially with untrained eyes, but the alien craft looked like it was -- shimmering and fading away? Just for a moment every few seconds, one could see stars faintly shine through the structure, and it looked like a reflected image from a body of water. With another burst of speed, it turned directly into the path of one assault craft. That hapless craft was struck amidships, broke in half, and exploded.
Both remaining craft were unable to avoid a rapidly expanding cloud of debris. Stryker’s craft received only minor damage, but the other was severely impacted. With their additional shielding they remained mission capable. However, instruments showed they had suffered severe structural damage. In their current condition they could not open their external bay doors or return across the atmospheric terminator.
Explosive bolts fired, freeing their craft from armored cocoons. Remaining in several large pieces, they slowly tumbled away. Their mass would add an additional layer of confusion to alien detection systems.
Stryker had a private comline in his powersuit that was tuned to Naval frequencies. He and his command NCOs of his infantry company knew of the loss of Delta Company with all hands and Bravo Company’s damaged status. Odds might be against them even more than before, but when did that ever stop a Marine?
“Fifteen seconds to deployment. Good luck, Colonel.”
“Thank you.”
He tied himself into the general frequency.
“Marines, stand ready!”
There was no need for him to say anything else as his craft made a violent deceleration maneuver and opened its cargo bay doors to space. With a blast of steam, one hundred sixty five men rocketed through open space towards the targeted alien craft.
As they approached, external maneuvering units helped them to separate into tactical formations. One group reached the main hull, ready to place shaped charges in a wide area. Despite a hull that they thought was metallic, there was no point of contact where their magnetized soles had any effect. Fortunately their charges had a sticky plate that barely adhered to designated attachment points.
Moments after creating a breach, one could soon hear barked commands, grunts of exertion and sounds of weapons fired on full automatic.
Stryker stood near the breach, with his magnetized soles finally finding metal to grip. He directed traffic and watched a map display attached to his left forearm. Transponders built in to everyone’s suit reported their position and helped to draw an internal floor plan. While he was thus occupied, the rest of his headquarters unit kept a ready watch, in case rude strangers wanted to interrupt him.
--- TO BE CONTINUED ---
Sifu Blackirish
SOC-14 1K
“Report, Alfa platoon!”
“Harrison reporting. Standard rounds are keeping their heads down, but they are not causing casualties. Machine guns require several rounds before inflicting minor wounds. Grenades stun, do not injure. Request immediate squad reinforcement.”
“Charlie heavy weapons squad and reserves deployed to you. Inflict collateral damage to structures. Out.
“Report, Bravo platoon!”
“Stevens reporting. Using demolition charges as grenades to clear resistance. Demolition team priming nuclear charge now.”
“Return to breach after prime and set up recall beacon. Activate on my signal. Out.”
Making sure his weapon is loaded, Stryker headed for the action.
What is this? As they penetrated deeper into areas of the alien craft that have active lighting, it is a harsh, eye blinding violet. Who can stand staring into a welding arc? Built in filters reduced that glare to something human eyes could barely tolerate.
Compartments which were occupied had aliens that curled up into a ball as soon as someone entered. Marines showed restraint and did not shoot anyone who remained passive and defenseless. There were plenty of occupants who were anything but passive, and are actively looking for trouble.
Take a moment and use your imagination. You can probably identify that ancient Terran carnivore, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Push that being forward in time, developed by that process which some call evolution. Now see him in your mind’s eye, sized as a large human, with heightened intelligence and retaining that same ferocity.
Hand to hand combat is a frequent occurrence. Those aliens must have possessed awesome strength, as they stood toe to toe with their attackers. Repeatedly the Marines suffered servo failure, and were literally dismembered. Most of them are still in their suits when this happens.
Stryker found himself engaged with a massive alien, who was dressed somewhat differently than most of the other occupants. All of those who dared fight to this point were only wearing an equipment harness and a loincloth. What was the significance of a robe made with a plaid pattern of cotton and metallic threads?
He pushed back to gain a slight bit of breathing space, then emptied the entire clip from his assault rifle into center of mass. Sheer force knocked his target backward, but there was no blood. How can they withstand such firepower?
There was no longer thought in his mind as Stryker jumped forward, in an attempt to keep his adversary disoriented. With surprising agility his target was already standing up. His rush forward was evaded and he received a double handed overhead smash on the helmet that rattled him clear through to his feet.
Abruptly he lost all communications on his Marine frequencies, as well as the Naval liaison. Tingling in several areas from his sensor garment informed him that his servos were no longer operating at full capacity. Already operating on overload power, it was just a matter of time until a servo failed and started a cascade that would leave him helpless.
He did not close on his enemy, but moved more by instinct, evading slashing claws. It may not look very smooth, but it worked. He had seen some of his Marine casualties, who looked like a C-ration can after it had been attacked by a ’John Wayne’ can opener. Incredible damage was done by organic claws sharper than a saw blade.
At least some communications channels were operative. It must be on the old AM ‘civil defense’ emergency frequency. It was so distorted he could not understand what was being said. Who was groundside with that harsh guttural rasp? Maybe one of the Houston controllers, calling in the missile boats for recall.
Stryker regained just enough awareness to realize that it was not a radio signal, but sound coming in from his external microphones. It seemed familiar somehow. Comprehension came to him so quickly that his head spun for a moment. He was hearing English!
“Your shame runs deep. Regain your honor and remove your machine. Meet me face to face!”
Pushing himself away from his opponent, Stryker backpedaled while accessing his suit systems. Making some adjustments, he now heard an ugly whine in the background, a reminder that he was tapping his reserve power. He couldn‘t take much more punishment.
An override closed gas ports to his built in zero gee harness. Only one leg had operative pressure, so he diverted everything to that limb and hoped that now wasn’t the time for another systems failure. He made one more adjustment, hoping that his armor had enough power for one last maneuver.
His enemy made a leap towards him, claws extended. With what was a combination of skill and luck, his own boot, aided by an explosive release of all remaining maneuver propellant, struck the saurian on the side of his massive head. It was probably the world’s most poorly executed spinning heel kick.
Poor form or not, it was results that mattered, and they were devastating. His target flew away to impact a nearby bulkhead, then collapse. Safe bet to say that the alien is severely injured or dead, since his neck is at such an unnatural angle.
Stryker thought he would have a few seconds to enjoy his victory, but that was denied him. A massive explosion occurred in an adjacent compartment, followed by others. Obviously not his nuclear demolition charge, or nothing would have survived, including himself. A self-destruct mechanism, perhaps?
Something very heavy struck him from behind, and he felt a liquid snap as his armor and right shoulder broke from the impact. As the structure began to break apart, magnetic soles failed as well. His vision faded to black and his now inert form, surrounded by other bodies and debris, was swept out into open space.
##
“Harrison reporting. Standard rounds are keeping their heads down, but they are not causing casualties. Machine guns require several rounds before inflicting minor wounds. Grenades stun, do not injure. Request immediate squad reinforcement.”
“Charlie heavy weapons squad and reserves deployed to you. Inflict collateral damage to structures. Out.
“Report, Bravo platoon!”
“Stevens reporting. Using demolition charges as grenades to clear resistance. Demolition team priming nuclear charge now.”
“Return to breach after prime and set up recall beacon. Activate on my signal. Out.”
Making sure his weapon is loaded, Stryker headed for the action.
What is this? As they penetrated deeper into areas of the alien craft that have active lighting, it is a harsh, eye blinding violet. Who can stand staring into a welding arc? Built in filters reduced that glare to something human eyes could barely tolerate.
Compartments which were occupied had aliens that curled up into a ball as soon as someone entered. Marines showed restraint and did not shoot anyone who remained passive and defenseless. There were plenty of occupants who were anything but passive, and are actively looking for trouble.
Take a moment and use your imagination. You can probably identify that ancient Terran carnivore, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Push that being forward in time, developed by that process which some call evolution. Now see him in your mind’s eye, sized as a large human, with heightened intelligence and retaining that same ferocity.
Hand to hand combat is a frequent occurrence. Those aliens must have possessed awesome strength, as they stood toe to toe with their attackers. Repeatedly the Marines suffered servo failure, and were literally dismembered. Most of them are still in their suits when this happens.
Stryker found himself engaged with a massive alien, who was dressed somewhat differently than most of the other occupants. All of those who dared fight to this point were only wearing an equipment harness and a loincloth. What was the significance of a robe made with a plaid pattern of cotton and metallic threads?
He pushed back to gain a slight bit of breathing space, then emptied the entire clip from his assault rifle into center of mass. Sheer force knocked his target backward, but there was no blood. How can they withstand such firepower?
There was no longer thought in his mind as Stryker jumped forward, in an attempt to keep his adversary disoriented. With surprising agility his target was already standing up. His rush forward was evaded and he received a double handed overhead smash on the helmet that rattled him clear through to his feet.
Abruptly he lost all communications on his Marine frequencies, as well as the Naval liaison. Tingling in several areas from his sensor garment informed him that his servos were no longer operating at full capacity. Already operating on overload power, it was just a matter of time until a servo failed and started a cascade that would leave him helpless.
He did not close on his enemy, but moved more by instinct, evading slashing claws. It may not look very smooth, but it worked. He had seen some of his Marine casualties, who looked like a C-ration can after it had been attacked by a ’John Wayne’ can opener. Incredible damage was done by organic claws sharper than a saw blade.
At least some communications channels were operative. It must be on the old AM ‘civil defense’ emergency frequency. It was so distorted he could not understand what was being said. Who was groundside with that harsh guttural rasp? Maybe one of the Houston controllers, calling in the missile boats for recall.
Stryker regained just enough awareness to realize that it was not a radio signal, but sound coming in from his external microphones. It seemed familiar somehow. Comprehension came to him so quickly that his head spun for a moment. He was hearing English!
“Your shame runs deep. Regain your honor and remove your machine. Meet me face to face!”
Pushing himself away from his opponent, Stryker backpedaled while accessing his suit systems. Making some adjustments, he now heard an ugly whine in the background, a reminder that he was tapping his reserve power. He couldn‘t take much more punishment.
An override closed gas ports to his built in zero gee harness. Only one leg had operative pressure, so he diverted everything to that limb and hoped that now wasn’t the time for another systems failure. He made one more adjustment, hoping that his armor had enough power for one last maneuver.
His enemy made a leap towards him, claws extended. With what was a combination of skill and luck, his own boot, aided by an explosive release of all remaining maneuver propellant, struck the saurian on the side of his massive head. It was probably the world’s most poorly executed spinning heel kick.
Poor form or not, it was results that mattered, and they were devastating. His target flew away to impact a nearby bulkhead, then collapse. Safe bet to say that the alien is severely injured or dead, since his neck is at such an unnatural angle.
Stryker thought he would have a few seconds to enjoy his victory, but that was denied him. A massive explosion occurred in an adjacent compartment, followed by others. Obviously not his nuclear demolition charge, or nothing would have survived, including himself. A self-destruct mechanism, perhaps?
Something very heavy struck him from behind, and he felt a liquid snap as his armor and right shoulder broke from the impact. As the structure began to break apart, magnetic soles failed as well. His vision faded to black and his now inert form, surrounded by other bodies and debris, was swept out into open space.
##
