In the company’s trade terminal I selected the “Custom” tab and began.

The first step of the construction job was choosing a frame.

When it comes to making walkers, the first step is always choosing the frame, this is because as I mentioned before, to this day it is not possible to make new frameworks, we can only scavenge and make use of Walker frames scavenged from the ever-so-valuable mechanical Old-beast types.

Yes I know, during our time together we have not really met any mechanical ones, this is in fact not too strange, since they were mostly made use of in the early days of the revolution. These days there aren’t many, still running, Old Government Walker factories scrunching out new specimens. Making Arcologies near such factories both very dangerous and very prosperous to run.

Frame 178 A-05 (800 credits)

Frame 312 A-67 (820 credits)

Frame 025 B-25 (910 credits)

Frame 185 U -95 (1600 credits)

So, thinking such thoughts, after scrolling through dozens of options, I pin the target down to 4 potential candidates.

2 Are variations of a more heavy frame with good leg span and decent joints, with the difference that it has a rigid torso, whilst the other has a hydraulics-compatible torso, allowing for more agility. (The A-05 and -67 Frame).

One seems to be all about good accessibility for connector slotting for motors and seeks to minimize hydraulics as to minimize both the weight and excess size, I think.

(the B-25 Frame)

The last one seems to be a production line fault, or a “unique” type, as a more fanciful one might call it, basically it seems that the design has an excess arm slot under the left one, essentially containing 3 arms.

After feeling conflicted for a good dozen minutes, weighing my choice, I picked the U-95 frame, seeing as it is a once in a lifetime chance, I decided to take it, since any other part can be switched except the frame, I might as well splurge to get the best I can afford.

Call it an investment.

Since I have a 70% discount, the price of the U-95 for me is just 480 credits, heh, first component and I already spent a third of my whole wealth, I should try to practice at least some moderation.

After choosing a frame, the next step is to choose an operating system. Ignoring the existing racial superstition about the original DNA of the brain affecting the functions, the argument on the choice here can be boiled down to a spectrum of experience.

Fresh operating system, or a used operating system?

A fresh operating system offers no Drive support unlike an experienced one,

But an experienced one will never completely synchronize with you.This is because of habits of earlier drivers affecting the handling.

After moment of contemplation, I picked a relatively clean and fresh Operating system that came cheap due to being made with a “racially inferior” DNA. Costing some 230 credits. (to me, 69.) I decided to fit the OS core (brain) into a compartment that was right behind the Connector system of the cockpit, minimizing connection lag, keeping it safe and stopping my weak points from being too spread out.

Now then, since I have my Walker’s core components picked, time to get started on its mechanics.

So, legs.

The important things about your frame’s leg types can be summed up to 3 key factors.

Agility, toughness, and length. Personally I prefer frames without excess tallness, as to reduce my size as a target. I also greatly value agility, albeit I do also see the importance of toughness.

As such, I filtered through the options until I arrived to 3 decent options

Leg 020 A-20 (150 credits)

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Leg 033 A-25 (160 credits)

Leg 569 B-19 (145 credits)

Leg 221 B-26 (160 credits)

The A-20 and 25 are built with decent armor to agility ratio, but lose out against specialized types.

The B-19 and 26 on the other hand, have increased armor on the front and sides and because of that, a somewhat reduced agility, but still, quite decent.

After some deliberation I decided to go with the B-26 model, it has a thinner foot than the -19, that allows for better agility in exchange for steady footing, but balances by having a hydraulicall support hook at the backs (think a talon) and as such it should have steady footing to take a blow from the front, whilst retaining good agility for dodging to the side.

That costs me 48 credits. I love this discount…

Next, the torso.

Torso is tricky, depending on what you want from it, it can contain anything from spare space for cargo etc, to even hiding a gimmick weapon or contain a grenade belt, it all depends on what you want from it.

In my case I decided to focus on decent back and front armor, about the same of both, with 2 empty compartments left unused inside it. Nothing too fancy, but should be sturdy enough, I outfitted one with a seat for Alicia.

That set me back another 130 credits.

After the torso, I took a moment to rest my eyes, checking my watch I realized I had been scrolling through these for an hour already, who would have thought how long this can take.

I asked a passing by store clerk if I could perhaps have a some refreshments, to which he agreed and quickly fetched me some bourbon.

I meant water you know? ...Whatever, high-class establishment, embellished customer support eh? At least they gave Alicia juice instead.

That being said, I sipped my drink for a bit longer before getting back to work.

Next comes the Drive core.

For a Walker like the one I am planning we probably should go for a Medium sized power core, one that produces a lower passive output, but can put out bigger power spikes, as such I went for the local 51-51-A Drive core, compact, power efficient, and can put out a lot of power in a short burst, but due to its compact size, lacks in cooling tech compared to bigger models.

That, I purchased for 150 Credits. (discount, still)

Next, arms. (Defaulting to company recommendation on the component types like capacitors/hydraulics that I don't know well enough ya see.)

When it comes to arms we have an issue on shoulder-joints, there are 2 popular solutions for a shoulder joint, a twin rotor (sideways up down in a row, bit like in an old car’s cardan shaft ) or a ball-joint (smooth, full range of motion, like a real shoulder.) A twin rotor generally always more popular, due to being sturdier,

but a ball joint is still often used by pretentious fools and gifted pilots of the agile Walker types despite being much more of a weak point. The problem with a twin rotor though, in my case, is that twin servo joint hugs the main body too much in its range of motion, so it would not be possible to make the second arm fit under it.

I decided upon a pair of tough ball-jointed arm 205 B-55’s as the main hands. No shoulder mounts, but that leaves more space for good mounting and better rotors so it is more agile and sturdy for it. Paid 140 creds for 2. As for the odd arm under the main hands I picked a ball-joint 256 B-36 that has been stripped from essentially all armor and in exchange is at the same time agile, able to take high recoil and small enough to move unhindered under the left main arm. For just 40 credits

And now, time for the fun part.

Weapons.