Quoted By:
<span class="mu-g">
Reactor online.
20%
30%
50%
80%.
</span>
Disconnecting external power.
Whole once more. Better than, even. You flex the new arm. Freshly attached, bare of even paint. Carrying a deadly new weapon.
<span class="mu-b">The Sunburst Laser Array is a flexible weapon, suited to all types of engagements.</span>
All systems check out.
You inform your pilot as much.
“Armed and ready. All systems go. There is already a 23% increase in output compared to the prior model reactor.“
She is drifting in low-sync, letting you handle the details of diagnostics. Thinking about…something. Your commentary rouses her, though.
“Take us out, Beta.”
Her breath slows. Focusing for the push to a higher level. Easing into it with the luxury of time, rather than rushing.
So you march out of the hangar, leaving the gantry behind. A mere four engineers watch the fruit of their labor walk away.
To take steps under your own power is a joy. To feel the connection with your pilot again, to move, to act with direction.
Simulators simply cannot compare.
Outside, the base is a hive of activity. A line of 5 mechs are worked on in the open, being reloaded and rearmored by scrambling repair crews. One salvage vehicle drags another from the outside, followed by man-sized exoskeletons ready to set upon the wreck.
A trio of MRVs are visible in the distance beyond the walls, doors open and disgorging other Patriot mechs, leaving for their own tasks.
—----------
As your pilot slides up to mid-sync, everything seems to snap into focus that much more.
The outside temperature is low, again. Low enough that snow falls once more in an eerie fashion. A mere dusting.
An air-defense unit nearby volleys off interceptor missiles.
The light of explosions in the sky, illuminating clouds from within. Assailing your audio sensors with the crack and boom.
A beautiful sight. Like fireworks.
Transfixing you.
Your trance is interrupted by a request for an audio channel. Granted to Command.
“Cobalt Zero-Four. This is Corral. As per briefing, communications will be limited. Support will meet up when you get 15 clicks out of the base. Return in one piece, Sophie.”
Colonel Kinston directly.
“Acknowledged, Command.”
Sophie returns. Then closes the channel. A smile graces her face. An eagerness to get back to form.
“Finally. Let’s do this, Beta.”
