Builder Mech

## Introduction

The **Builder Mech** is General Ironhand's exclusive construction unit in *Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour: Contra*.

## Overview

The Builder Mech is a construction vehicle that takes on a shape of a crane with a bulldozer blade. However, it has a few twists: Its chassis is quite similar to four-tracked tanks and it does not use wheels to move, rather it uses four hover engines underneath its "limbs" to cruise around mid-air smoothly while hovering about 5cm from the ground, allowing it to move in almost any terrain. It also uses AI with stored databases and blueprints provided by Ironhand to construct the general's buildings. Since it is completely automated, the mech does not need anyone to be in the vehicle and thus is immune to capture (opponent acquires a builder unit and uses the equipment against its original owner). Other than that, it is just a construction unit.

The Builder Mech is the first unit to appear on the map along with the Command Center. It builds Cyber faction's buildings only.

It is also arguably one of the most performing units of its category and there are reasons why:

* First, it is an unmanned vehicle so it cannot be depiloted nor hijacked. Consequently, the enemy will have to rely on capturing one of your buildings instead, leading him/her to have access to only a part of your arsenal and not the majority of it.
* Secondly, like other dozers, it can run enemy infantry over as last resort.
* Thirdly, its gravitational engine allows the Builder Mech to move on water or climb over cliffs, which proves to be an advantage when seeking room to build more quickly and safely.

However, this unit is not flawless. It is extremely vulnerable to anti-armor weaponry due to its weak armor and to ECM and EMP attacks like most Cyber faction units. Consider escorting it when you are sending it far from your base and be on lookout to any ECM units such as the ECM Trooper or the Banshee.

## Assessment

Pros:

* Can build all US Cyber faction's buildings.
* Can crush most infantries.
* Can move on water.
* Can climb cliffs.
* Decently fast.
* As an unmanned unit, it cannot be hijacked or de-piloted.
* Immune to toxins, radiation and neutron.

Cons:

* Unarmed.
* Very weak armor.
* Quite expensive (1000$).
* Vulnerable to ECM and EMP like most other Cyber units.

## Quotes

### When Selected

* Dozer ready to build, General.
* How can this unit be of service?
* Construction unit waiting for instructions.
* Programmed to build.
* All systems functionning.
* What task should this unit fulfill?

### When Ordered to Move

* Pathfinder on.
* Relocation order received.
* Understood.
* Dozer moving.
* Waypoint marked.
* New destination acknowledged.
* Motion protocols activated.
* Confirming new coordinates.

### When Ordered to Build a Structure

* Commencing construction.
* Building protocols activated.
* Initiating construction program.
* Dozer starting construction.
* Building instructions received and approved.
* Building in progress.

### When There is no Room for Construction

* Unable to comply.
* This construction unit does understand your order. Please try again.
* \*Error\* non valid area.
* Terrain unsuitable for construction.
* Instructions incorrect. New instructions required.
* This unit's protocols do not allow this instruction.
* Building spot does not match. Please find another one.
* Dozer cannot build there.

### When Construction is Complete

* Building done. Anything else?
* Construction complete.
* The building is finished.
* Construction program fulfilled. Waiting for new instructions.
* Building's completion confirmed.
* Building operational. Dozer now on standby.
* Work complete. Renewing building protocols.

### When Ordered to Repair a Structure

* Repairing.
* Fixing damage.
* Initiating repair protocols.
* Repairing order confirmed.
* Starting repair program.
* Dozer on its way for repair instructions.
* That building will be fixed right away.