I remember it now.
What if the scientist can manufacture a MANHACK?
A friendly one that will not attack players!
It can either follow the player to protect them while they are scavenging or it can be ordered to stay still in one spot and attack anything that comes near.
Maybe it can be destroyed?
Maybe only one can be out at a time because multiples of them might be a game breaker?
And/or Maybe a City scanner for the scientist, maybe it can like carry 50 pounds of equipment? Or it can act as an alarm system due to the way it behaves as an npc on a whole (beeping & flashing at anything that goes near it)
As for the ai involved im not sure, but i remember playing with a gun once that basically spawns a manhack, and then you can use secondary fire to make it target an enemy. I realize that saying its possible doesnt mean that it will be easy, however I think that the idea of a manhack as your personal bodyguard is pretty cool- And that it could be more do-able than alot of other ideas.
This gave me an idea for a few things now actually- but I'll post it later. Basically it involves an NPC pet/tool/etc for each class. Involving Manhack, Scanner, maybe some other things... Idk how to explain- so for now only comment regarding the manhack idea.
. that would be excellent. Also i know the "normal headcrab" is the best for a pet as you have lamar and has no teeth but if you was to use the put it on your head idea it would have to be normal with teeth so it makes sense why you would loose hp