Doctor Yi changes the display once more, bringing up a spinning carousel of 3D models of a variety of Mechs. She ‘grabs’ several of the holographic models and transfers them onto her tablet.
“Based on our preliminary testing and predictive modeling, we tried to match each of you with options best suited to your skillset and aptitude. Again, more models may come online in the future, but these are what we have… and what you have clearance for.”
Doctor Yi passes the tablet to Chase.
“Mr. MacArthur, why don’t you go first?”
Chase eagerly flicks through the options. He walks down the corridor, looking up at the Mechs to compare the display images to the real thing. Almost immediately, he stops in front of a large white Mech with red and blue trim. It has a very ‘cybernetic soldier’ vibe, looks athletic and sufficiently armored for battle.
“This one has my name all over it,” Chase says. He selects the file.
Designation: Ronin
Class: Frontline Fighter
Model: Mark I
Frame: Medium
Chassis: Bipedal
Shield: Standard Shield I
Armor: Reinforced Plating I
Engine: 1x Fusion Core
Heat Management: Heat Sinks II
Jets: Standard Thrusters
Comms: Short-Range Q Point
Targeting: Adaptive Tracker I
Modules: None
Armaments
LA – Unarmed Strike (Melee)
LS – Semiauto Cannon (Ranged, Ballistic), 60 rounds
RA – Unarmed Strike (Melee)
RS – Laser I (Ranged, Energy)
Attack Rating – 1000
Defense Rating – 1000
Maneuverability Rating – 1100
Heat Rating – 1200
“That’s Ronin,” Doctor Yi says. “Designed to be in the middle of the action.”
“Exactly where I like to be,” Chase says, his selection confirmed.
Next it is Reo’s turn. He takes his time, reading over the specs and examining the Mechs with great care. At last, he comes to a muddy brown Mech with burnt orange highlights that catches his fancy. It has a wide stance, with a large spherical torso recalling a tortoise shell, or perhaps an old-fashioned atomic bomb. Reo rests his hand on the leg of the Mech, feeling the structure.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“This is the one.”
“Our only Heavy Mech currently ready for action,” Commander Carver notes.
Reo pulls up the specs.
Designation: Bombardier
Class: Demolition
Model: Mark I
Frame: Heavy
Chassis: Bipedal
Shield: Standard Shield I
Armor: Reinforced Plating II
Engine: 2x Fusion Core
Heat Management: Heat Sinks I
Jets: Standard Thrusters
Comms: Short-Range Q Point
Targeting: Adaptive Tracker I
Modules: None
Armaments
LA – Unarmed Strike (Melee)
LS – SR Missile Launcher (Missile), 4 Missiles
RA – Tactical Hammer (Melee, Equipped)
RS – Grenade Launcher (Ranged, Explosive), 20 Grenades
Attack Rating – 1400
Defense Rating – 1200
Maneuverability Rating – 800
Heat Rating – 1000
Next is Hanami Goto. She’s had all the time she needs to decide. She selects her Mech file and hands the tablet back to Doctor Yi without comment. The Mech is dark green with black highlights, has more elongated legs relative to its torso, but broad shoulders. It is vaguely reminiscent of a heron or other such bird.
Designation: Ranger
Class: Artillery / Long-Range
Model: Mark I
Frame: Medium
Chassis: Bipedal
Shield: Standard Shield I
Armor: Reinforced Plating I
Engine: 1x Fusion Core
Heat Management: Heat Sinks I
Jets: Standard Thrusters
Comms: Short-Range Q Point
Targeting: Adaptive Tracker I
Modules: Aerial Topography Drone
Armaments
LA – Unarmed Strike (Melee)
LS – LR Cannon (Ranged, Ballistic), 20 rounds
RA – Unarmed Strike (Melee)
RS – MR Artillery Gun (Ranged, Explosive), 15 shells
Attack Rating – 1300
Defense Rating – 1000
Maneuverability Rating – 1000
Heat Rating – 1100
“May I ask why you chose that one?” Commander Carver says.
Hanami stares straight ahead and answers, “With one pilot selecting an all-around model, and another specializing in explosive damage, a Mech with long-range offensive capability was the most logical missing piece for maintaining a well-balanced combat posture.”
“I see. Three assignments down, one to go.”
All eyes turn to look at Kora, who seems a bit incredulous.
“You all realize I am a medic, ay? And all I’ve seen are weapons of mass destruction. What am I supposed to do, put bandages on a giant robot? I’m not sure how I fit in to this team.”
The mysterious Winter speaks up once more, clicking a button on a hidden palm display to bring up a large Mech holograph.
“Ms. Saint-Sheppard, you volunteered to serve A-PAC in a special capacity in order to preserve life. You’ll find that the team has designed a special model that will allow you to do precisely that.”
“Just so,” Doctor Yi confirms. “Meet Templar, the very first Shield Mech.”
The Mech is mostly blue with white trim. It is thinner than the others, nimble. If Mechs could do ballet this one would have the best chance of executing a flawless pirouette.
Designation: Templar
Class: Shield
Model: Mark I
Frame: Light
Chassis: Bipedal
Shield: Standard Shield I
Armor: Reinforced Plating I
Engine: 1x Fusion Core
Heat Management: Coolant Frame I
Jets: Standard Thrusters
Comms: Short-Range Q Point
Targeting: Adaptive Tracker I
Modules: Deployable Dome Shield Generator
Armaments
LA – Directional Energy Shield
LS – None
RA – Directional Energy Shield
RS – Retractable Charge Cable
Attack Rating – N/A
Defense Rating - 900
Maneuverability Rating - 1300
Heat Rating – 1300
“Don’t let the low Defense Rating fool you,” Doctor Yi explains. “If you master the use of the Directional Energy Shields, you can be a major pillar of defense not only for yourself, but also your team. Also, the lower weight of the Mech allows the engine to be used more efficiently.”
Commander Carver again checks his watch.
“I think it is time to take these Mechs for a test drive.”