>>5186808Holding out his metallic palm more images were projected. Saw toothed chain weapons and other types of high frequency blades. You had questioned the likelihood of any melee engagements, but it might be better to be safe than sorry. "There is also the opportunity for Phobos Drone integration training, the access to support and combat drones is a staple of Phobos combat. And lastly the chance to train alongside more conventional Eskarrian combat forces. Including a vast array of infantry units and mechanized detachments. Joint Unit Training will help perfect cooperation with traditional companies and divisions. Take a moment to think about what interests you, it will be confirmed as we draw closer to the course start date however." You nod. His hands-on walkthrough was vastly different to what you had experienced before.
You were never told much, let alone such a wide array of choices. His ageless knowledge was a frightful thing, but you wanted to probe what the explorer knew. "Herr Stumpfegger. Do you know about an ancient legend of sorts? The Half-Soul? He was a pilot during the early years of the empire allegedly." You spoke clearly, trying to sound intrigued by a rumour more than a desperate hunger for the truth. The part man part machine froze. His artificial eyes watching through the imperceivable reality he shared. Thorsten rested both hands palm down on the table, a hiss escaped his chest chassis as a puff of smoke snaked from gaps in the sleek plating of his body.
It smelt strange, a series of staggered gasp trickles free as he stares through you. "The Half Soul? wie grob. He always hated that damn name… Yes I knew him. By that point in my life I had fully transitioned from pursuing music and onto the fervent hunt to link artificial minds together. Machine and Machine. I'm surprised it has been so difficult, but it's clear whoever made the Phobos seem to have very little interest in directly integrating their technology. But I'm getting distracted. Ilya was what I knew him as, but I'm sure it wasn't his real name. He was known by many, Kiska, Orrel and plenty of others. I do believe he never had a true name, it was a very different time. Or at least one he didn't care to share with me. Survival was immensely cruel and bloody back then, if you could imagine.
