Swanson

General Perry's aide, accompanying him to a tech demonstration in the Mojave desert. Perry is dismissive of the presentation even before they arrive, because Swanson admits in a roundabout fashion that this group is "the clowns that claim they found aliens" (well... not directly). He also explains, at Perry's request, why Bishop was taken off the project, and Perry remarks that "things are a Charlie Foxtrot when the heartless military contractor turns down money." Swanson retorts that Bishop kept the money, as they have better lawyers.
Perry is still dismissive of the project, as every robot ever falls over.
After the demonstration goes south, IX7 chases Jacob and Perry to the military car, informing them to consult the relevant Advisory regarding compensation for the damages, and accepts Jacob's apology before running off.
Perry tracks IX7 in a Humvee easily, although Swanson and Jacob try to talk him out of following. Jacob specifically notes that IX7 will not be stopped by an M2 Browning (or, not permanently enough) as the Inlay's fullerene armour is "atomic level bubblewrap" with the only known working attack being a chemical attack with inorganic solvents.
Perry continues pursuit, but at a distance. He asks Jacob about IX7's weaponry, which Jacob describes and Perry interprets as a Metal Storm, although he points out IX7 used to have two before "something" burned off one side. Perry asks what that something was, and Jacob replies that no one told him, as the information was classified. Perry then turns to Swanson and asks who fucked up. Swanson admits that no one knows, as the security footage was wiped, and their only leads were a programmer and security guard who went missing. Yet they don't know how IX7 was stopped.
Their conversation is interrupted when the driver and navigator(?) report that IX7 abruptly turns toward the airfield. Perry orders them to radio ahead to warn them. IX7 notes their pursuit and suddenly turns, aiming at the Humvee's right front tire and blasting it, causing the vehicle to spin out. The driver is able to stop the Humvee, but at the loss of Perry's dignity.
Perry finds his jet still waiting at the airstrip but isn't sure what he expected, positing that IX7 would not be able to fit through the door. Swanson interjects that he said that about the other generals, and Perry points out that General Howley has some give, so he can get into anything with enough lube and force.
In impatience at Swanson's insistence that they leave to get to safety, Perry insults Swanson by asking if he got a purple heart for getting shot in the ass while running away. Swanson finally gets fed up with Perry and "politely" informs him that an IED shattered his legs and killed his friends, the PTSD from which took him out of active duty, so now he babysits "bored old fools trying to relive their glory days"--punctuated by spit-borne "SIR"s. Swanson insists on seeing the end of his career and speaks freely to advise Perry to fall back and at least get a tank if they must attack. Perry finally concedes, just as a loud noise distracts them.
Category:Characters
Category:Canines
Category:U.S. Military