What's Junk? (The Mech Touch)

[Sunhawk]

Something Five Scrolls adjacent, probably. A hit on a designer working with spiritual stuff, perhaps?

 

[lost star]

The incident didn't end when Lilly managed to finish the monster pretending to be a mech. The major and easily identifiable enemies were gone. The less identifiable enemies still lingered. It became a sort of quagmire that took several weeks to sort out. Most of this was due to sabotage and the paranoia the sabotage caused. They'd eliminate a hotspot only for another place to flare up, and it was not uncommon for people to suddenly betray their allies with no warning.

Most of this ended up being traced to a set of drugs and various other 'brainwashing' techniques used by a few agents rather than any sort of deep cover operatives. The largest break was a Wrench Rat attempting some sabotage but getting tackled by his fellows and subdued before being dragged into a medical station. There a fast-acting and subtle toxin had been discovered, and they'd followed up from there.

According to the medical reports, the custom toxin allowed for some very particular suggestions to take in very specific situations. It also dissolved quickly and left no traces after the effect. The man who'd gotten hit didn't remember acting strangely, and his recollection of the events had been completely contradictory to his behavior.

Bolt considered it a good reminder of the Five Scrolls Compact's danger. The organization had left very few traces in their assaults. The few things that people could find could be all explained through mundane means. The 'Crown Terrorists' had struck again in the public eyes and while they were new, they were a explainable issue. He did wonder why they bothered going along with the masquerade, but he could venture a few guesses. Really the only thing that made him certain that they were involved was the monster in front of him. Even the agents had destroyed themselves quite thoroughly rather than get captured.

What was worse was that there was really still no physical evidence even with the massive monster that Lilly had downed. The thing they'd dragged to the bay looked like a mech that had been fried. The armor was some expensive almost First Rate alloy. The innards aligned with what a mech would be. Even the pilot cockpit looked like someone had died in it.

If Bolt were not an expert in salvage, and if he didn't have experience in spiritual matters he wouldn't have known a thing. As it was, it made him sick. Literally ill. He'd been forced to spend a few hours centering himself after he'd figured it out.

The senseless killing of the local population wasn't actually senseless. They'd ground up people and poured the bodies over the armor. That alone was sickening. Several thousand people had been killed for this. What was worse was that something had been done with their souls too. The mech still screamed faintly to Bolt's senses, and Lilly couldn't stand being in the same room as it. Most people couldn't. They either become disturbed or fascinated. (The latter was fixed by removing the from the room and dunking their head in cold water.)

Really Bolt was so utterly disgusted by it that he couldn't be happy at the moment. It really drove home how abhorrent this entire philosophy was. Sure, just massacre a few thousand people for power. It wasn't like they meant anything. Utterly disgusting. It distracted him, and made him step away from a lot of the cleanup.

He was going to do something about that. He couldn't do it alone though. It would require far more access than he had. He did have an idea that could give him that access. His little instructional book on spiritual matters that was supposed to accompany the Heart System would have that access. He could use that to add a sort of... What?

The reason sacrifice of people, and apparently their souls too, was useful was because it gave power. So long as it gave power someone would use it. This was why it persisted. People would gladly pay the price if it wasn't them paying it.

Preventing it was impossible. The MTA and the CFA had both failed. Crushing the knowledge just didn't work. The very reality they lived in permitted it, and if it was permitted someone would rediscover it eventually. Bolt had to make it not worth it.

That would take some thinking. Until he had a proper idea he should probably handle a few other things. Or at least keeping up to date.

"Everyone on their way out?" Bolt asked Phillipe.

"Oui. They were not happy they had to re-vet their security detail. Most of them were third and lower heirs so there were probably corners cut somewhere and they are paying for it now." The young man noted.

"It turned out to be lucky getting you all working fer us." Bolt said back with a small chuckle.

"Well, it turned out to be lucky for us too. Ze work is fulfilling and the pay is good." The man teased back.

The banter broke some of his malaise and the designer nodded. "It's good to know that some things have gone right." He said before a priority message made him look at his comm.

A beat passed and Phillipe sighed. "That iz not good news is it?"

"It's... Strange news." Bolt replied with mild confusion. "The military contract we have has been severed in good order, and we're being politely requested to return home. They've also completed our removal from the noble line."

"Wasn't that going to take years?" The young head of security asked.

"It was. Someone pushed hard for this. Politically... I have no idea." Bolt closed his eyes and thought. "Thoughts?"

"Politically it could be seen as distancing themselves from you, but based on the information we have there was no real motion for that. That sort of pressure would have been to our sources." Phillipe reasoned out and rubbed at his chin. "Perhaps they are scared? Are there any statements on your military contracts?"

"A polite statement that they won't be needing more mech designs and a firm addendum that all my current contracts are unchanged. There's even a note that consulting might still be requested." Bolt said as he scrolled through his messages.

"My best thought is that it's a polite 'leave now please.'" Phillipe concluded after some thought. "You should see about more feelers. Is that apprenticeship still on?"

"Nothing about that in my messages. Might take some time for the news to travel."

Several days later they had no other conclusions. Most of the nobles still on the planet and in contact were as confused as him. Even the Gaugers weren't really certain, and Bolt was quite sure that they'd have been ecstatic at the news. The best guess people had was that some very high up officials had quietly applied pressure in certain areas to have this happen. His prospective student was still going to become his student, so he wasn't being cut out. It was quite strange.

Ultimately all that mattered was that Bolt and Lilly could go home and not have to deal with pressure from the Friday Coalition. They missed their children.
---

AN: Arch done, and a small break from me. Combo of work and me needing a small break haha. Expect a resumption Monday.

Spoiler: Mechs

Variant name: Son of War
Base model: Banner-Man

Weight Classification: Medium
Recommended Role: Support
Armor: B
Carrying Capacity: B+
Aesthetics: A (Assuming optimal conditions.)
Endurance: B
Energy Efficiency: A
Flexibility: C-
Firepower: C+
Integrity: B-
Mobility: B
Spotting: C+
X-Factor: A+ (Assuming optimal conditions.)

Overall Evaluation: A mech with a deliberately simple and focused design to allow for easy war deployment. This mech is designed to embody the spirit of the unit it's assigned to. Unfortunately this makes it impossible to evaluate it with standard metrics. In optimal conditions it is a battlefield multiplier capable of matching any other morale boosting X-Factor. In suboptimal conditions it is a slightly above average mech with a medium to close range focus and a better than normal endurance. The X-Factor is explicitly dependent on the unit it is assigned to and their enthusiasm in decorating it. (Which is is also why the aesthetics are variable.)


Variant name: Hoarfrost Prototype
Base model: Hoarfrost

Weight Classification: Light
Recommended Role: Lancer
Armor: D (B-)
Carrying Capacity: D+
Aesthetics: A+
Endurance: C+
Energy Efficiency: A
Flexibility: C-
Firepower: A-
Integrity: B-
Mobility: A-
Spotting: C
X-Factor: A

Overall Evaluation: A lancer mech with several unusual and atypical choices. The armor in particular deserves special attention as it is a layered composite, with the first layer being a regenerative ice-analog. While it lacks the traditional explosive lancer power, its weaponry is exotic enough that most mechs are not designed to resist it. The combination with the X-Factor provokes an unusual effect when more are used at once, altering the environment and creating a blizzard like effect upon charging.


Variant name: Yuki-onna
Base model: Hoarfrost

Weight Classification: Light
Recommended Role: Lancer
Armor: D (C+)
Carrying Capacity: C
Aesthetics: A-
Endurance: B
Energy Efficiency: A
Flexibility: C-
Firepower: B+
Integrity: B-
Mobility: A-
Spotting: C
X-Factor: A

Overall Evaluation: A variation of the Hoarfrost mech, refined for mass production. The use of lesser exotics give it less overall performance but allows for cheaper creation, which is considered a worthwhile trade. The blizzard-like effect has been refined and it has the addition of an adjustable dial which causes a inflicts a chilling mental status to the user, granting them resistance to mental effects at a cost of mental stamina.


Variant name: Cheshire
Base Model: Cheshire

Weight Classification: Light
Recommended Role: Scout
Armor: F
Carrying Capacity: D
Aesthetics: B
Endurance: C
Energy Efficiency: C
Flexibility: F
Firepower: F
Integrity: D
Mobility: C+
Spotting: C+
X-Factor: B

Overall Evaluation: A mech without weapons and with light armor. If it did not have a near perfect stealth field and the ability to run invisible for hours it'd be considered a toy in the shape of a mech. As is it has some use as a scout should the pilot be willing to risk themselves in something with minimal armor.


Variant name: Cheshire Expert
Base Model: Cheshire

Weight Classification: Light
Recommended Role: Sapper / Sabateur
Armor: C
Carrying Capacity: D
Aesthetics: B+
Endurance: C
Energy Efficiency: C
Flexibility: C
Firepower: C
Integrity: C+
Mobility: B
Spotting: B
X-Factor: A

Overall Evaluation: A stealth expert mech that is focused on remaining hidden at all costs. It is a ghost on the battlefield, and its exotic backed x-factor weapon causes debilitating back luck to any mechs afflicted with it. Due to the nature of its weaponry and design it cannot be located in battle, but will most certainly be felt.



Variant name: Forgotten Soldier
Base model: Forgotten Soldier

Weight Classification: Medium
Recommended Role: Rifleman
Armor: C
Carrying Capacity: A
Aesthetics: B+
Endurance: A
Energy Efficiency: C+
Flexibility: B+
Firepower: B
Integrity: C
Mobility: B
Spotting: B-
X-Factor: A

Overall Evaluation: An extremely solid rifleman that is capable of brief bursts of invisibility and movement. Using the two together makes the mech seem as if it is teleporting to those unfamiliar with the mech. The X-Factor gifts it supernatural teamwork and makes it a viable mech useful in every team as supplemental firepower.


Variant name: Valefar
Base model: Valefar

Weight Classification: Medium
Recommended Role: Swordsman
Armor: B+
Carrying Capacity: C+
Aesthetics: A
Endurance: Pilot specific
Energy Efficiency: C+
Flexibility: D
Firepower: A
Integrity: B+
Mobility: B+
Spotting: B-
X-Factor: B-

Overall Evaluation: A swordsman with a refined and efficient construction worthy of being considered a mech. It will likely be considered a favorite of sword purists and have a lifetime far beyond standard mechs due to its ability to increase its performance through X-Factor mechanics. The X-Factor 'steals' the fate of the enemies it defeats and it uses that potential to increase its own performance. Since the X-Factor is tied to nanomachine and tied to the concept of self improvement, the mech has no theoretical limit.

Practically most mechs will fail over time due to various reasons. The improvement is based off how significant the victory is. Only the greatest pilots would be able to realize the potential of the mech, and most will be forced to change mechs for various reasons. This would probably be considered a bonus to many rather than a bane. The path of the sword is not for everyone and requires dedication many would consider obscene.


Variant name: Little Witch (Third Rate V1)
Base model: Little Witch

Weight Classification: Medium
Recommended Role: Rifleman
Armor: D
Carrying Capacity: D
Aesthetics: B+
Endurance: C
Energy Efficiency: C+
Flexibility: C-
Firepower: B-
Integrity: C
Mobility: C
Spotting: B
X-Factor: B

Overall Evaluation: A first attempt of a novice just starting their journey. It shows a firm grasp of the basics and a hint of passion but is otherwise below average for a mech at it's tech level. The X-Factor has been unusually aligned with the weapon, an energy weapon in the shape of a wand. This allows it to shoot small stars that can curve unnaturally through the air. This provides a mildly novel feature that combined with the appearance may appear to some people.


Variant name: Einherjar Berserker
Base model: Bloody Berserker

Weight Classification: Heavy
Recommended Role: Heavy Shocktroop
Armor: A-
Carrying Capacity: B
Aesthetics: B-
Endurance: C
Energy Efficiency: C-
Flexibility: C-
Firepower: B+
Integrity: A+
Mobility: B
Spotting: C
X-Factor: A

Overall Evaluation: A mech that will always be first on the battlefield. Capable of immense surges of movement due to the Star-Shifter Device, it would be a true monster if it had unlimited power. Since it is still bound by some laws of physics, it is still only an immensely deadly shocktroop style mech. Armed with Twin axes and a missile launcher, it will appear next to its target and act with berserk fury before just as suddenly moving to the next victim. The armor also deserves a special mention as being optimized for quick repair, therefore removing one of the larger issues shocktroops typically have in that repair time typically exceeds operational time.


Variant name: Typhoon
Base model: Typhoon

Weight Classification: Heavy
Recommended Role: Expert Artillary
Armor: A
Carrying Capacity: A
Aesthetics: A
Endurance: C
Energy Efficiency: C-
Flexibility: C-
Firepower: A+
Integrity: B-
Mobility: C
Spotting: C
X-Factor: A

Overall Evaluation: An expert heavy designed to function as a centerpoint a group builds around. When coordinating with other mechs it is capable of creating a literally lightning storm that damages enemies, redirects ranged attacks, and alters the very space around itself. Unfortunately, the Star-Shifter variant, Storm-Shifter is an enormous energy hog. This combined with the standard heavy flaws make it a rather expensive to run and gives it less endurance than what would be considered optimal. Were the offense less this would be a massive flaw. As is the mech is best operated in short bursts of deadly activity and long periods of careful observation.

 

[foo-jin]

Surely it's because one of the Friday's higher-ups must be vaguely aware the FSC is after Bolt and they don't want none of that.

 

[Emptiness]

He's probably going to need to ask Bubbles if there is an incident form he can fill out for these situations. And keep a stack of them on hand.

 

[Simonbob]

What a bunch of monsters, the 5 scrolls guys are.

I wonder about the side effects. They're likely going to be horrible.