File: Zakus for ants.png (316 KB, 279x418)

316 KB PNG

>>5616811

Dozle was shot more times than the rest of you combined, but between his vest, immense physical stature, and sheer luck he managed to come out of the ordeal able to walk ‘comfortably’ after less than two weeks of recovery. His marriage to your mother was completed in a very quick and private ceremony while he was still recovering in the hospital; it was never going to be a grand state affair, but the entire thing came and went in the blink of an eye… you’re a Zabi now, sort of. It is a deeply uncomfortable state of affairs, but one you're learning to live with regardless.

“I agree, it truly is excellent.” Vivima replies with nearly a purr, her voice sweet and clear, and carrying easily even among the sounds of machinery all about you. Enormous sections of mobile suits slowly trundle down the lines as they’re being assembled, bright flashes of welding torches faintly visible off in the far distance, “Is it the sensors themselves or the ports for them which have been standardized?”

“The ports. The sensors are expected to be upgraded and replaced, but all of our new designs will use the same port system for them.” The bald engineer answers after a moment of thoughtful hesitation.

“Good.” Vivima I expect the rest of the redesign plan is underway then?”

“Yes, Lady Vivima.” The man answer at once, pointing to a long line of half assembled green Zaku arms, each nearly as large some of the biggest conventional vehicles currently in Federation service outside of land battleships and other super-heavies, “The printing files have already been adjusted and the test batch hasn’t shown any issues as of yet. Full compliance will-”

“Take more time, of course. Things seem to be on schedule, I’m very pleased.” Vivima finishes the sentence for him and nods slightly, her violet eyes wide as she watches the manufacturing process in a nearly mesmerized trance. It feels good to see her this happy again, she’s been positively miserable the last few weeks in the hospital.

“Do they only come in green?” Your brother asks, and the engineer shakes his head.

“Our lines can be adjusted to apply finishes in many other colors, these shades of green were specified for this batch but we were producing tan ones just yesterday.”

“Could a red one be made?” Casval questions further, a glint in his blue eyes as he too watches the great war machine slowly being pieced together.

“Yes. It could be, my lord.”

The titles are going to take some getting used to, it still makes your skin crawl sometimes. This isn’t what father would have wanted… but you are essentially royalty, even if the titles haven’t gone quite that far yet.

>”How about blue and grey?”
>”Is this the only factory producing Zakus currently? What is its output?”
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”
>Write-in.

>>5616812

Voting:
Feel free to vote for several options and list them numerically [1), 2), 3), etc.] in order of your preference. Numerical listing is very important to avoid confusion. If your first choice loses your vote will shift to your second choice, and so on. If you switch preferences before votes are counted, please link back to your original preference vote. If you do not pick multiple options it will be assumed that you only want one. If you list several options without numerical separation I will assume you want to combine them.

If you’re phoneposting or otherwise in a position where your ID will change frequently, please try to link back to your previous posts during votes.

Previous Threads
Thread one: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5414507/
Thread two: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5492260/
Thread three: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5533615/
Thread four: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5575952/

>>5616812
>”How about blue and grey?”
>Color vote
Damn starting off with the big choices

>>5616812
>>”How about blue and grey?”
>>”Is this the only factory producing Zakus currently? What is its output?”

>>5616812
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”
Colors can come later.

>>5616812
>”How about blue and grey?”
Colors can't come later.

>>5616812
(1)
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”
(2)
>”How about blue and grey?”
Nice tiff btw, very delicious.

>>5616812
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”
>Make a mental note to do what your father would've wanted and get rid of any noble titles when you come into power.
Sweet, we back.

>>5616812
1)
>”Is this the only factory producing Zakus currently? What is its output?”
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”
2)
>”Is this the only factory producing Zakus currently? What is its output?”
3)
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”

>>5616812
>>”How about blue and grey?”

>>5616812
>”How about blue and grey?”
Colors!

We're SO back bros

File: FelixZaku.jpg (66 KB, 1074x604)

66 KB JPG

>>5616812
>>”How about blue and grey?”

Fuck yeah custom colors. I've imagined Felix's blue grey color scheme to be like pic related which is what I'm painting my gunpla. Just got to wait for the paint to cure now before I can do the gold trims.

I'll also back >>5616843 's write-in for the mental note as well.

>>5616812
Let's go bros!
>"How about blue and grey?”
>Make a mental note to do what your father would've wanted and get rid of any noble titles when you come into power.
I'm supporting this thinking too. Seems like something in character to think about.

>>5616858
Adding the mental note to all my votes

>>5616812
>”How about blue and grey?”
Early start, hell yeah.

File: FelixZakuSBS.png (752 KB, 1100x924)

752 KB PNG

And here's a side by side of two gray-blue Zaku color permutations to celebrate the new thread.

>>5616877
The gold accents are good, though they seem a bit too flashy for Felix.
>Gold highlights offer no tactical advantage whatsoever.

>>5616812
>>5616843
Screw it, changing my vote to:
1.
>"How about blue and grey?”
>Make a mental note to do what your father would've wanted and get rid of any noble titles when you come into power.
2.
>”...So, a successor to the Zaku is already being worked on?”
>Make a mental note to do what your father would've wanted and get rid of any noble titles when you come into power.
Write-in is more of a suggestion to what our thoughts are.

>>5616940
Maybe silver or white accents instead?

>>5616957
The "color wheel" would dictate orange be used has the accent due to the highest contrast.

>>5616957
I'm just not big on accents personally, and they in general seem too flashy for Felix. Especially when you factor in the write-in you voted for. Seems like a needless distinguisher when you're wanting to do away with such things.
>>5616961
Orange in this specific case could look good even if it'd make us stick out like a sore thumb. Though there's more to it than just contrasting colors. Given the color choice of blue green, any warm color would look at least presentable as highlights.

>>5616964
>Blue-green
Meant blue & gray.

>>5616964
It visually help break the colour.
Officers often have stripes on their uniform to be a able t be quickly identified in the battlefield, right? I could see this more organized Zeon adding accents to the suits of squad leaders, so we wouldn't necessarily be special.

>>5616966
>Officers often have stripes on their uniform to be able to be quickly identified in the battlfield, right?
No, not at all. That's the exact opposite of what you want. In a modern context, officers want to blend in with their men as much as possible to prevent being singled out by enemy snipers, drones, smart munitions, etc. The people they work with know who they are, they don't need anything more than a rank insignia as a formality. Felix will excel in leading a recon/marksman unit. Painting him brightly or making him even more identifiable will only work against us in that regard.

>>5616969
In that case we should probably have multiple color schemes to use: Yellow and Orange for desert regions, Green and Brown for forests, Blue and Grey for urban and Black and White for space

>>5616971
I don't disagree but that's unnecessarily over complicating our choices without any meaningful outcome. If we want to get invested in it then we should look into disruptive patterns, camouflage, netting, and the like. WW2/1 Style ship disruptive liveries could be pretty damn cool if applied to MS. Not necessarily to make it more difficult to spot but to make ranging by eye much harder.

But if we need to pick only one, this is good
>>5616877
I like the soft blue and grey and how they alternate.
I still want atleast some white stripes just to add a break to the colour block. It would have less contrast, but it wouldn't make us stick out. But removing it wouldn't be a deal breaker
>>5616974
I'm now imaging a Zaku wearing a robe while sneaking around.
Spotting things by eye is going to be very important in the OYW because of the particles messing with sensors, so investing in some way to camouflage mobile suits do feel like it would be worthwhile.

>>5616979
>Spotting things by eye is going to be very important in the OYW because of the particles messing with sensors
100%. This early in MS development it'll be super important to optically deaden our suits. More advanced sensors come back eventually but right now the various camos are our best bet.

>>5616822
>>5616834
>>5616860
>>5616862
>>5616877
>>5616882
>>5616907
>>5616948
>>5616838 (2nd)
Writing.

>>5616812
>”Is this the only factory producing Zakus currently? What is its output?”

That womb tattoo got me questioning my loyalty to our New-Type waifu.

“How about blue and grey?” You ask, your curiosity at once piqued by the idea of unique colors,

“Blue and grey?” The bald man repeats your words, nodding after just a moment, “Yes, absolutely, my lord. We’ve already produced a few in those colors for testing.”

“...For testing, really?” You grin, already imagining what it would be like to pilot a Zaku; free from the confines of the simulator you’d be able to truly feel the rush of acceleration, the g forces pulling on you as they always should have. Indeed, every burn and clanking footstep of the massive machine would be a reminder of just how far you’ve come… But it will have to wait for another day, your injury wouldn’t tolerate such forces well yet, “A shame we’re in the state we are, I would’ve loved to try one.”

The engineer quickly agrees, and just a little too quickly, “Y-yes, my lord, quite a shame w-wha happened. Would you like one of the blue and grey Zakus to be kept aside for you, sir?”

“No, that won’t be necessary just yet.” You sigh as the illusory opportunity fades away into nothing, your chance to pilot a Zaku foiled by an assassin's bullet - It might have failed to kill you, but it’s certainly been succeeding at killing fun, “I don’t wish to impose on testing this early, carry on with them as you were... Do make sure those colors can be put on future models though.”

"Yes, my lord, that should prove no trouble at all."

Dozle and the engineer continue to move ahead through the increasingly loud inner workings of the factory, a few workers stopping briefly to nod respectfully or even give small bows as your group passes by. Red light washes over you as nearby one of the red eye sensors burns into life, sliding about inside of the track of a half assembled Zaku’s head. One of the grey coverall wearing workers shouts something to another and flashes a thumbs up, and the test of the eye sensor repeats once more before the light fades from it and the head it rests in is moved down the line and another arrives to replace it, the entire act repeating once more.

“Are their weapons produced here as well?” Casval asks, red light flooding all about him once again; it suits him well, but he’s always been somewhat fond of the color.

“A few, over on the far side of the factory.” Vivima answers before the engineer can begin speaking, eagerly taking up the topic, “That’s where the vulcan modules are being produced, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Lady Vivima.” The bald engineer confirms, glancing down and checking something on his clipboard before continuing. His brow furrows in deep lines of worry, “...Apologies, they aren’t producing the modules yet, it should begin next week.”

“Oh? Weapon modules?” Dozle scratches a bit at his scarred chin with one massive hand, “Explain what you mean.”

>>5617046

“It was an idea put forward by a few of our engineers in the past, Colonel Dozle.” The man explains, shifting uneasily under the gaze of the largest Zabi, “Opinions among test pilots about the utility of integrated vulcan guns was very polarized, even their location in the head or chest has proven controversial, and so-”

“And so long story short the spaces set aside for them in the chest and head have been expanded somewhat and turned into standardized bays which can accept a number of different modules.” Vivima takes over once more, waving off the beginning of the engineer’s nervous explanation, “They’re small, but it allows for the thirty millimeter vulcans to be installed as well as those of a larger caliber if desired, and even single use rocket launchers. An extra fuel tank can be installed in the area if weapons aren't needed. That’s correct, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Lady Vivima.” The bald engineer bows his head, and part of you increasingly wonders what the point of having him along even if Vivima already knows so much about nearly everything here. “The spaces themselves have already been adjusted for, and we’re standardizing around the same sizes for future designs. Provisions are being made for additional spaces of the same type in the next generation of mobile suits, but it has proven somewhat tricky to maintain durability and the flow of the fluid pulse systems…”

“Make sure durability and mobility are not sacrificed. Chasing customization at the cost of performance is no good. A few spaces will serve well enough - Eliminate them if it proves too troublesome. Mobile suits must be strong and maneuverable before anything else!” Dozle thunders out the order easily, almost without thought, smashing one great fist into the palm of his other hand, “...These modules may have the making of a great advancement though, Vivima.”

Vivima looks at her older brother warmly as he compliments what must have been her idea. You vaguely remember her explaining it in the past during your joint project at the academy.

>>5617051

“Y-yes, Colonel Dozle, it will be done.” The engineer agrees readily, scribbling down the order on his clipboard.

“Very flexible.” Casval agrees approvingly with Dozle’s assessment, “Do you expect they’ll see common use?”

Viv shakes her head, feathered purple hair shifting about slightly as she does so, “Among normal pilots? No, I expect maximizing fuel load and durability will be more important, hand held weapons for a mobile suit cover most needs. …Are the reconnaissance modules under work yet?”

“...Y-yes, Lady Vivima, our entry to the design competition will prove quite excellent, I have no doubt it will win. Zimmad's design stands no chance.”

>”So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a larger one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head? Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”
>”It sounds like things are coming along very well then. What other standardizations have been made so far? I hope they're not limiting new design work too severely.”
>”Are any of the handheld weapons made here as well? I know Yashima made some of the guns a year ago, but we’re making our own now, right?”
>Write-in.

>>5617053
>”So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a larger one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head? Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”
Big ol' electro-optical suites I hope?

I just realized I forgot to add in anything about Felix wanting to do away with noble titles. I'm not working on much sleep right now so it just slipped my mind, but Felix isn't a fan of them.

>>5617053
1)
>”Are any of the handheld weapons made here as well? I know Yashima made some of the guns a year ago, but we’re making our own now, right?”
>”It sounds like things are coming along very well then. What other standardizations have been made so far? I hope they're not limiting new design work too severely.”
2)
>”So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a larger one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head? Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”
>”It sounds like things are coming along very well then. What other standardizations have been made so far? I hope they're not limiting new design work too severely.”

>>5617069
Get some sleep man, health is important and all that.

>>5617053
1)
>”So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a larger one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head? Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”
>”Are any of the handheld weapons made here as well? I know Yashima made some of the guns a year ago, but we’re making our own now, right?”
2)
>”So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a larger one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head? Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”
Weird, I thought I had already voted

>>5617053
>>”So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a larger one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head? Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”

>>5617138
>>5617098 (2nd)
>>5617056
Writing.

>>5617098
Sometimes 4chan eats posts.

“So the Zaku will only have two of these spaces, a large one in the chest and then… one or two small ones in the head?” You ask, unsure of the specifics of these module port - The potential to tailor a mobile suit for a specific mission profile with needing a specialized suit is a very appealing idea, but it sounds like a rather serious engineering challenge.

“Yes, my lord, that’s correct.” The engineer answers, “If I recall correctly the next generation is planned to have at least two in the chest, one on either side, to allow for more symmetrical loadouts. External hardpoints and specialized backpacks are also being worked upon, but the backpacks are still largely on paper. In a few weeks we should have the first prototypes ready.”

A few weeks? Development moves faster than you expected, but something external like a backpack probably is easier to make than redesigns of more integral systems.

Nodding, you look up to one of the partially assembled mobile suits nearby as you roll along with the rest of your tour group. Searching over the exposed internals of the great machine you spot a relatively modest cavity on the left of its chest which must be where the module will be placed, “Fascinating… What’s this about a reconnaissance module competition?”

“It was Kycilia’s idea.” Vivima answers you, “As soon as I told her about my module plan she came up with the idea - She doesn't like missing details, and wanted to make sure that intelligence gathering was given an important place in development early on. Some of her agency's engineers wrote up specifications for a contest, Zeonic and Zimmad are both submitting bids. A few smaller companies are as well, but I doubt they’ll amount to much.”

“Doesn’t like missing details? Oh ho ho!” Dozle chuckles deeply at his younger sister’s statement, shaking his scarred head with amusement, “No, Kycilia does not. Intelligence gathering is vital to any operation - You cannot crush an enemy you don’t know is there!”

“How are the designs coming along then? What is Zeonic submitting?” Casval asks the bald engineer, and the man checks over his clipboard for a few moments before answers, one finger resting on the information he was searching for.

>>5617274

“Very well, my lord.” The engineer answers, “We’re working on an advanced electro-optical suite, with modules planned for the head and torso slots… very large cameras, essentially. The chest module is planned for more demanding intelligence gathering missions, it houses more powerful sensors, whereas the head modules are focused more upon gathering enhanced targeting information - Both modules will be able to work together of course, but they’re useful on their own as well.”

“...Targeting enhancements? I do like the sound of that.” You flash a small grin, “When is this competition being held?”

“One month from today, my lord. Most of our equipment is already nearing completion.”

>”A month? I’d like to be there for that.” You should be closer to being recovered by then, but it’s difficult to predict how long recovering from your leg wound will really take. Perhaps you’ll be able to test it yourself.
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”
>”Could you tell me more about this backpack idea? That sounds promising.”
>Write-in.

>>5617275
1)
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”
>”Could you tell me more about this backpack idea? That sounds promising.”
2)
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”

>>5617275
1)
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”
>"Have you planned on investing on camouflage options? With the Minovsky particles, optical detection will become more important than sensor in the battlefield"
2)
>"Have you planned on investing on camouflage options? With the Minovsky particles, optical detection will become more important than sensor in the battlefield"
3)
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”

>>5617275
>”A month? I’d like to be there for that.” You should be closer to being recovered by then, but it’s difficult to predict how long recovering from your leg wound will really take. Perhaps you’ll be able to test it yourself.
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”

>>5617275
>”A month? I’d like to be there for that.” You should be closer to being recovered by then, but it’s difficult to predict how long recovering from your leg wound will really take. Perhaps you’ll be able to test it yourself.
>”So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”

>>5617275
>>5617277
Changing my vote to support >>5617278

>>5617278
>>5617280
I'll this write in onto my vote
>"Have you planned on investing on camouflage options? With the Minovsky particles, optical detection will become more important than sensor in the battlefield"

>>5617275
>>5617278
+1

>>5617275
>”Could you tell me more about this backpack idea? That sounds promising.”

File: UMP.png (464 KB, 430x741)

464 KB PNG

>>5617285
>>5617282
>>5617278
Writing.

“So these modules are being planned for recon use, and one of them is a targeting enhancer… There’s nothing wrong with aggressive recon, but that almost sounds like it could do sniper work as well.”

“A sniper mobile suit?” The bald engineer’s brow furrows, “...“I’m not sure that’s been considered, the module was intended to help with shooting down federation reconnaissance craft… We do have anti-ship rifles under development, but test pilots haven’t been using them much at long range. I could forward that idea to our engineering teams, my lord. ”

“Please do, I’d like it to start being discussed at least - That’s not a design request though, keep up the other work…” You reply, adjusting a bit in your wheelchair as it continues to be pushed along by your guard, “These targeting modules are too fragile for wider use, aren’t they?”

“Yes, it’s the nature of advanced optics, they can’t be armored very much. We do have several teams working on the next generation of sensor upgrades, those should be rugged enough for the heaviest of fighting.”

“I see, that’s what I suspected.” You say with the faintest touch of disappointment, part of you having hoped that these targeting upgrades could have been applied more generally, “Has there been any work put into camouflage options? With Minovsky interference optical detection will be more important than other sensors.”

“We’re studying it currently.” Dozle rumbles, his response hardly surprising you - He’s kept busy by all kinds of work, the academy especially, but he is still the head of Zeon’s mobile suit research units, “Space and ground patterns as well.”

“Camouflaging a mobile suit sounds like an exercise in futility, Felix.” Casval says, eliciting a small shrug from Dozle, “ Wouldn’t enemies spot engine flares whenever a mobile suit moves?”

“We’ve had some success making targeting more difficult…” Dozle rumbles, and you can’t help but notice that he doesn’t actually sound all that disappointed by stealth being of limited usefulness - He’s not a very stealthy man, ”The effects are minimal. There is more use for it on the ground to hide from aircraft.”

Casval smirks, probably imagining some silly scene which you’re not privy to,“That does make more sense.”

>>5617398

“You shouldn’t underestimate a good ambush, in space or on the ground, but perhaps you have a point.” You begrudgingly acknowledge Casval’s point about thrusters - Of course the colors of a mobile suit don’t matter very much in space, they fire blindingly bright flares of burning fuel every time they move - They could be painted bright white and it would change the range at which they’re detected by all that much. Still, there might be niche applications… Or perhaps paint isn’t how a mobile suit should be hidden at all, maybe there’s a better way.

Rolling past the end of one of the lines, you’re soon in another vast chamber of the factory. Nearly completed Zakus are undergoing finishing touches here, at least a dozen but with room for many times that number. They tower over the room, great green cyclops’ staring out at the world with glowing red eyes. Production truly is just beginning, there is a lot of capacity that has not ramped up yet.

>”Could we see what weapons have been made so far?”
>”Casval, you just want the enemy to see you coming, don’t you?” That’s very Cas.
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”
>Write-in.

>>5617399
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”

>>5617399
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”
SIEG

>>5617399
1)
>”Casval, you just want the enemy to see you coming, don’t you?” That’s very Cas.
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”
2)
>”Casval, you just want the enemy to see you coming, don’t you?” That’s very Cas.
3)
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”

>>5617399
1)
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”
>”Could we see what weapons have been made so far?”
2)
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”
3)
>”Could we see what weapons have been made so far?”

>>5617399
>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”

BIG-ZAM

>>5617399
>>”...So, how about Mobile Armor?”

>>5617404
>>5617405
>>5617408 (3rd)
>>5617422 (2nd)
>>5617453
>>5617461
Writing.

“A dozen so soon?” Your step-father asks, his deep voice sounding throughout the vast room, “This is ahead of schedule!”

“Yes, Colonel Dozle, ahead by several days even with the requested changes,” The engineer replies, for once without a hint of nervousness - It’s clear at once that he was leading you here for exactly this kind of reaction, “The new factory is really something, isn’t she?”

“Indeed she is, what a lady!” Dozle laughs thunderously, hands on his hips as he looks out across the colossal forms of the Zakus, “I look forward to seeing her at full capacity in the coming months, and factory B as well.”

“...So, how about Mobile Armor?” You broach the new subject with all the subtlety of a Zaku crushing a terrorist underfoot, but the giant man and the enormous robots have your mind of large weapons - And unless you want to count ships there just isn’t anything larger than those Mobile Armor proposals Vivima discussed in the past.

The question knocks the wind right out of the engineer’s sails, sending him spiraling back into nervous responses, “M-mobile armors, my lord? Those designs lost out to Mobile Suits just last year, why would you ask?”

“Mobile Armor?” Casval questions, blue eyes looking at you with unconcealed curiosity. It’s not something you’ve discussed with him, even your discussions with Vivima haven’t ever been all that long.

“Sort of a middle point between a mobile suit and a small ship, but a hell of a lot meaner than either if the pilot has the right stuff,” You explain very crudely to your brother before looking to the engineer, “There aren’t any facilities for producing them here, are there?”

“No, my lord, there are not, those designs were rejected…” He looks to Dozle and Vivima, “...Are they being reconsidered? We still have the prototypes in the testing facility, it’s a short drive from here, I could send for one of the pilots to show you them.”

“Mmm, I did like those Mobile Armors… Very large. Shame about the cost.” Dozle nods slowly, “Are you three up for it? I don’t mind revisiting the past.”

>”Of course we’d like to see them, right Casval?” BIGGER ROBOTS!
>”I was just curious if there was any more design work being put into them. One failure isn’t the end of the road, is it?”
>"No, another time perhaps. I'd like to hear more about this next generation of Zaku that's already being worked on."
>Write-in.

>>5617551
1)
>”I was just curious if there was any more design work being put into them. One failure isn’t the end of the road, is it?”
>Something about that talk of mixed arms combat and mobile armor could fill the role of tanks from last thread
Can't think how to word it exactly
2)
>"No, another time perhaps. I'd like to hear more about this next generation of Zaku that's already being worked on."

>>5617558
The second vote was supposed to be
>”Of course we’d like to see them, right Casval?” BIGGER ROBOTS!
I'm tired

>>5617551
I'll support >>5617558's write in

>>5617551
+1 >>5617558

>>5617551
>>5617558
I"ll take a stab at it.
>I was just curious if there was any more design work being put into them. One failure isn't the end of the road is it?
>Mobile Armor would make for excellent support units. Smaller production, sure, but you'd need fewer still to attach one to a Mobile Suit squad for organic fire support or to organize them in an attached company for breakthrough or shock and awe.

>>5617551
>”Of course we’d like to see them, right Casval?” BIGGER ROBOTS!
>”I was just curious if there was any more design work being put into them. One failure isn’t the end of the road, is it?”

>>5617551
>>5617558
Normally I don't like write-ins, but this is good.

>>5617551
>>”Of course we’d like to see them, right Casval?” BIGGER ROBOTS!

File: BIG ZAM NEVER DIES.png (324 KB, 709x869)

324 KB PNG

>>5617551
>>5617558

Supporting the write-in.

Ah, I didn't realize the new thread was up....very...interesting op image.

>>5617738
>He hasn't taken the Tiff pill

>>5617743
Huh, I thought that was Vivima actually.

>>5617747
Viv is purple on lesbian, not purple on red

>>5617750
The way you describe it, Tiff should be Purple on Blonde.
But sure, I'll keep that in mind for the future.
Now time to actually read what you chuckle fucks you boys have been up to.

>>5617750
Wait, purple hair... Tiff has secretly been a Zabi this entire time?!

>>5617618
>>5617577
>>5617575
>>5617565
>>5617563
>>5617558
Writing.

>>5617750
>>5617757
kek

“I was just curious if there was any design work still being put into mobile armors. One failure isn’t the end of the road, is it?” You ask.

“I don’t believe there’s been any work for s-some time, my lord.” The engineer is still mostly looking to Dozle, searching for some deeper sign of approval on the huge man’s scarred face, “After mobile suits were chosen our design teams shifted focus, but as I said we did keep the prototypes and design work in case interest was shown later… Is there interest?”

“Yes, that makes sense…” You agree, knowing the broad strokes of why mobile armor lost out in the design, “They would be able to fill roles that mobile suits probably can’t, it’s caught my interest.”

“Mine as well.” Vivima agrees from nearby, “I’d like to hear your take on it, Felix.”

“What are you getting at, Felix?” Dozle rumbles, looking down to you, “We don’t have unlimited resources.”

You sit up a little more in your wheelchair and meet Dozles eyes as you explain your reasoning, trying to get the gist of it across without talking his ear off, “I’ve been thinking of mobile armor as fulfilling the role of support units. They would have smaller production numbers than mobile suits, the same numbers simply aren’t needed. My idea is that they could be attached to mobile suit squads for organic fire support, and when or where that isn’t necessary they could be organized into their own mobile armor formations for making breakthroughs or general shock and awe.”

“Mobile armor as support and breakthrough units? That sounds like tanks, Felix…” Dozle tilts his head a little, eyes narrowing for a long moment before a toothy grin slowly spreads across his face, “That might work.”

“You won’t need to convince me then, Felix. My idea is close enough to the same thing.” Vivima says happily, lending her support, “I was going to focus more on a dedicated role as a capital ship hunter, but there’s no reason those units couldn’t provide support with the same tools.”

“...I’d like to see these mobile armors.” Casval adds, taking up the engineer’s earlier offer. He’s the least informed about them of your group, so curiosity isn’t all that surprising - Something powerful, fast, and reliant on the skill of a single pilot does also check a lot of boxes for Cas. In some things at least he’s not too difficult to predict.

“Is there renewed interest in the designs?” The engineer perks up as he asks the question.

“Perhaps.” Dozle rumbles.

>See what’s left of the mobile armor program, Cas doesn’t know much about it.
>Continue checking out mobile suit development, there are new things for all of you to learn.

>>5617965
>See what’s left of the mobile armor program, Cas doesn’t know much about it.
ZAM ZAM ZAM ZAM

>>5617965
>See what’s left of the mobile armor program, Cas doesn’t know much about it.

>>5617965
>See what’s left of the mobile armor program, Cas doesn’t know much about it.

File: Umgarna.png (714 KB, 650x700)

714 KB PNG

>>5617965
>>See what’s left of the mobile armor program, Cas doesn’t know much about it.

Hell yeah, I love MAs.

>>5617968
>>5617969
>>5617976
>>5618026
Writing.

Half an hour later, at an old hangar within Zeonic’s industrial compound.

Traveling out of the factory was not a long process, after a quick transfer over to one of the many internal trams your group was right off on its way to see the opposite side of Zeonic’s industrial compound - The opposite side of their colony almost, the industrial works here are immense, though most of it is given over to consumer products and heavy construction equipment. Back ‘outside’, a sky of factories wraps up overhead, heavy cargo transports more along the zero g center axis of the colony’s cylindrical interior, and even a few yellow and black Mobile Workers are visible here and there.

More engineers and a man in a suit, an executive of some stripe or another, have joined your little tour, arriving too late to show off the mobile suit production but just in time to be caught nearly totally off guard by a request to look at what they must have thought was a dead project - The looks on their faces probably won’t ever get old, surprise inspections really are something.

The wheels of the heavy elecar slowly roll to a halt outside of what looks to be an enormous and relatively old aircraft hangar. A number of helicopters and many light spacecraft parked about the field, giving the area a nearly archaic look, very much like something you’d see at a Federation base on earth… you had the mobile armors to be stored at a bay back at the spaceport, but perhaps they really have been languishing in obscurity since their failure…

Your guard helps you out of the car and into your wheelchair - It’s not strictly necessary, you can still move if you have to, but the doctors have been insistent that you don’t strain your leg for a while. It’ll be on to physical therapy after that, and recovering some of your muscle mass that you’ve already noticed fading away… You haven’t lost too much thankfully, and you’re expected to again make a full recovery, but that assassin’s bullet has proven more troublesome than you would’ve first expected. Vivima and Casval have been having similar issues but somewhat worse.

The great doors of the old hangar slowly rumble open, sliding apart on tracks to reveal a brightly lit interior and a number of enormous objects concealed under green tarps, each easily larger than a pair of mobile suits put together.

“You really did mothball it all!” Dozle calls out to the executive in a friendly tone, pointing with one huge finger toward the the tarp covered machines, “Do they still run?”

“Their reactors haven’t been disabled yet but it has been months since a full startup has been performed… I’m not sure, Colonel.” One of the many, many engineers answers the question, the voice seeming to just emerge from the crowd of technical experts and businessmen that are slowly accumulating about you as more elecars roll up. Damn, word of the visit really has gotten out.

>>5618307

“Well, let’s check then!” Vivima says, clapping her hands together before point to a few of the engineers, “You, get those tarps off of them, I want to see these lovely machines again… oh, I can’t believe I missed this the first time around!”

…Damn, you haven’t seen her this excited since she was around Tryphosa. Ha, that was something wasn’t it? Karaoke would be fun to do again sometime.

You push thoughts of drinking and singing aside for now though, watching intently as the group of engineers pull at the tarp - After a few weights are removed the whole tarp falls away, rippling down to the ground and piling high as the sleek and angular mobile armor beneath is revealed.

An enormous mono-eye sensor stares out at you from within a deep recess in its triangular dark blue hull, heavy weapon ports dotting its curving armor plates here and there, missile launchers of some kind. A single heavy cannon, a beam weapon of some kind, protrudes far from the pointed nose of the craft, giving off the vague impression of an ancient tank hunting aircraft, or one of the long extinct narwhal whales. A pair of recessed arms cling to the bottom of the craft, more spindly and far less humanoid than those of a mobile suit, but you recognize at once that they’re part of an AMBAC system. Armored vernier ports and a trio of enormous engines at its rear bring everything together, the mobile armor even looks fast despite its immense size.

“This was your attempt at outdoing MIP, wasn’t it?” Dozle asks the executive, “I remember this one.”

“Yes, it was a competitor to their Bigro. I stand by its superiority.” The old man smirks, “They share some of the same initial design work, but the Gavrilo is vastly more capable.”

“The Gavrilo?” You repeat the name, something about it sounding oddly familiar, “What are the others?”

“A pair of the Bigro prototypes!” Vivima answers, nearly standing up from her wheelchair before wincing and lowering herself back down, and as tarps are pulled away her claims are proven to be true, “So the technical cooperation law really has been followed, I’m glad to see it.”

The executive frowns, not even attempting to hide his displeasure at whatever it is she’s referencing, “Of course, we comply with law as strictly as possible. MIP and Zimmad have received examples of the Bugu and Waff as well. We have one of Zimmad’s flying coffins under study right now as well.”

“A Zudah?” Viv asks, receiving a small nod in the affirmative.

>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.
>”The Zudah?... Those are exploding ones right? The Zaku was definitely the better choice.” May as well get on the good side of the Zeonic, right?
>”...Technical cooperation law?”
>Write-in.

>>5618310
1)
>”...Technical cooperation law?”
>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.
2)
>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.

>>5618310
1)
>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.
>”...Technical cooperation law?”
2)
>”...Technical cooperation law?”
3)
>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.

>>5618310

>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.
>”...Technical cooperation law?”

>>5618310
>”...Technical cooperation law?”

>”The Zudah?... Those are exploding ones right? The Zaku was definitely the better choice.” May as well get on the good side of the Zeonic, right?
BLANCHE LORE GET

>>5618310
>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.

>>5618310
>”The Zudah?... Those are exploding ones right? The Zaku was definitely the better choice.” May as well get on the good side of the Zeonic, right?

>>5618310
>>”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.” A reactor that size has got to have a nice thrum to it if nothing else, it’s a massive craft.

Zudah deserves love and appreciation too..

>>5618313
>>5618314
>>5618319
Writing.

>>5618322
Now that Felix has easier access to mobile suit testing there are many more situations where he might run into Blanche.

>>5618455
For a design that overheats and explodes randomly it is still very cool.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” You ask the slowly growing crowd, “Let’s see if the Gavrilo can still power up.”

“You heard him, get a move on!” The executive barks at a couple of the engineers standing nearby, one of the younger ones turning pale in the face as the older man’s gaze settles on him, “Lyre, get it running!”

“Yes, sir, right away!” Lyre shouts back, jogging off to begin the long climb up one of the ladders that has been left in position near the building sized machine. His climb up it is slow, grey coveralls and black slowly moving up the ladder, but eventually a hatch is reached and Lyre disappears inside the Gavrilo’s dark green hull. Time passes, a few murmurs of conversation passing through the crowd as you wait. Dozle and the executive, Gil, speak for a time about mobile suits and the planned standardization of certain parts and maintenance techniques for future designs - it’s all information you’ve heard already.

…Nearly imperceptibly, something in the air changes. A low hum, nearly beyond the range of human hearing, fills the enormous hangar; it’s something felt more than heard, slowly growing louder until even engineers deep in conversation with one another cannot help but notice it. With a flash of crimson light the Gavrilo’s massive optical sensor comes to life, whirring loudly as it slides along its recessed track in the mobile armor’s angular hull.

“Oh, listen to that purr.” Vivima says, pulling her arms in tighter to her chest and nearly shuddering in pleasure as she listens to the thrumming hum of the Gavrilo’s fusion reactor, “That’s what a mobile weapon should sound like.”

“You’ll love this then.” A smile crosses Gil’s wrinkled face as he waves up at the censor, one hand balling into a fist before being pulled down a few times, as if he was tugging on a cord or handle of some kind… What is he doing?

The deep bone rattling roar of a war horn answers your question, a wave of pressure and noise assaulting your senses as the sound blasts forth, pressing you back in your wheelchair with its sheer power; several engineers take a step or two back, unready for intensity of it, while other try in vain to cover their ears. As the noise slowly fades Vivima’s laughter can be heard above murmured curses from a few men in the crowd, her crystal clear voice carrying easily across the hangar.

“Oh, I do!” Viv manages to say between fitful excited laughs, barely getting the words out, violet eyes wide, “She has a lovely voice! …It’s a shame it can’t be heard out in space.”

“She’s rated for atmospheric flight as well!” Gil replies at once, with greater spirit than you’d expect for a man of his age, “Not the focus of the design, but just imagine how quickly an enemy force would surrender after hearing that!”

>>5618543

“It’s an impressive roar.” Casval agrees, “But can it fight?”

“Scary bark, scarier bite.” Gil nods, pointing up at the front facing weapons of the Gavrilo, “The mega particle cannon is a cut down version of the design going on the Gwazine-class… Pre-production, so it has a few issues with the recharge rate, but the production model on the Gwazine sorted those issues out, didn’t it?”

“It did, sir. …Seventy percent faster, if I remember correctly.” One of the engineers near Gil answers, but it seems as if the old man already knew - He barely waits for the answer before carrying on.

“That mega particle cannon is the primary weapon, but those torpedo ports along the hull are ship breakers, each one can split a Salamis-class in two if it lands a solid hit, and those two up there aren’t torpedo ports at all - It’s hard to see from down here, but there are a pair of heavy rotary cannons for dealing with smaller craft, much heavier than what our Zakus will carry - And those are already magnificent weapons. The larger optical sensors allow for engagement at much greater ranges than a mobile suit can manage, further than many ships even - Especially the Federation’s old scrap fleet of refits, and it does all of this while moving just as fast.”

He’s really laying on the sales pitch; it does sound very appealing though, even if it’s an obvious tactic. There must be all sorts of issues he isn’t mentioning.

“What about the arms?” You ask, your gaze settling on the limbs kept nearly flush to the underside of the Gavrilo’s triangular hull.

“They’re mostly for the AMBAC system, but they have smaller 120mm machineguns integrated into the palms - The same core design as what the Zaku uses. It can defend itself if a fighter swarm got behind it, not that they'd be able to hold that position for long, or shoot down incoming missiles. Here, follow me around to the back, the engines are something to behold.”

As your group and the crowd of engineers follows Gil on the walk around to the rear of the Gavrilo, you have some time to speak with Vivima.

>>5618550

“...What was that about a technical cooperation law earlier?” You ask her, pulling her back into reality from whatever mobile armor cloud she was floating on.

“It was Kycilia’s idea, but I worked with her and Gihren on it. Companies supplying certain technologies to our defense forces are required to share information with their competitors. …The details of what has to be shared are complicated, it only applies to certain projects, but… The details are very favorable.”

Favorable to the Zabis is what she must mean. It would give them greater control over military industry. Threats of being forced to share cutting edge designs or promises of secrecy for others are quite motivating for profit driven entities. As if controlling military spending wasn’t already enough, the Zabi’s are taking over softer methods of control. It might have some positive effects though, especially for unifying production standards and speeding up certain kinds of research… Obviously Gil wasn’t very fond of it earlier.

As you reach the rear of the Gavrilo and get a better look at its massive engines you see at once why Gil wanted you to get a better look; even as enormous as they are they have some very aggressive looking gimbaling, far more than what ships of equivalent size must have… That seems like a pain to maintain, but the performance is probably incredible if it works.

>”...Could you build an even bigger one?”
>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.
>Write-in.

>>5618553
>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.

>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553
>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.

>>5618553
>>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.

>>5618553
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553
>>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553

>>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.

>>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553
1)
>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.
2)
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553
>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553
1)
>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.
2)
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>>5618553
>”It’s a very impressive machine. What made it lose out - just cost? There must be something causing trouble.” Even as heavily armed as it is there was a lot of what looked like unused space around the front. The beam cannon is certainly long, but it couldn’t be using up that entire space.

>”What is its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” Most hangar bays just aren’t the right size.

>>5618555
>>5618570
>>5618577
>>5618585
>>5618599
>>5618620
Writing.

"What’s its range? I’m struggling to think of many ships that could carry it.” You ask, trying to do your best to step back from the excitement and spectacle of the mobile armor and consider more practical concerns.

“With a full weapon load it is still slightly greater than a Zaku, but the Zaku’s catching up quickly with all of the enhancements we’re already working into the design.” Gil answers, pointing up to the massive engines, “It’s only a difference of a few percent, but the same improvement could be applied to mobile armor as well.”

“And the ships?” You press further.

“The new Dolos-class will be capable of it, and modifications could be made to a number of other types.”

“The Gwazines will be capable of it.” Dozle adds, but there’s a skeptical look in his eye that you’re more used to seeing from Kycilia or Vivima, “That is still very limited.”

“It is not an insurmountable issue, the fleet is already expanding, a new class for mobile suits and armor seems sensible to me. They could be carried externally as well.” Gil answers, as ready as anyone could be for the question.

VIvima shakes her head at that, mouth wrinkled up in dissatisfaction and one hand extending out to point to a technician hidden among the crowd of engineers, ”You, how would you feel about needing to do a spacewalk every time you had to service a vehicle?”

“...Me, Lady Vivima?” The young woman asks for confirmation before speaking, looking over to Gil nervously, the old man’s gaze causing great unease in his relatively unimportant employee, “I… I suppose it would be more challenging. It would be possible, but…”

“The truth.” Vivima urges her on.

“It would be very fatiguing, mistakes would be more likely. Accommodations could be made to alleviate that, but regular space walks are a good way to run down a crew.”

Viv nods, having received the answer she was expecting, “Exactly. It’s useful, but no substitute for a ship in the long term.”

“There have been proposals for intermediate carriers to provide mobile suit cover in sectors where a Dolos is not required.” Dozle crosses his huge arms as he mulls over the idea, and for some reason you find a part of you wondering if these carriers are going to get scale models released of them as well, “...The Dolos is a great design though, a proper carrier for decisive fleet actions!”

“...Could a flight deck and hangars be added to a Musai? If the turrets were removed the interior could be hollowed out for storage.” One of the many engineers suggests, “Navies did something similar centuries ago to make light carriers, back during the old global wars. …I might be getting the numbers wrong in my head, but a Gavrilo could fit along with a fair few Zakus.”

>>5618696

“That would leave the ship unarmed.” Dozle points out immediately, and discussion among the engineers quickly erupts as a hangar full of particularly talented engineers begin to come up with all kinds of potential solutions - It’s too much to take much of it in, but Dozle engages with them at once.

“Gil, sir,” You speak respectfully to the old Zeonic executive, “This Gavrilo’s a very impressive machine, but what made it lose out? Just cost?”

“Everything comes back to cost in the end.” He nods, “There were a few technical challenges as well, but I’m certain they could have all been overcome in time.”

“Technical challenges? That’s not something a pilot likes to hear.” Your brother gives the old man a skeptical look, blue eyes piercing right through him - Of course Gil is going to downplay technical issues, he’s obviously trying to get the program picked back up.

“Fine, I’ll be frank with you boys then; besides the cannons firing rate, we could never get the I-field generator to work, and there were stubborn issues with the optical targeting systems. The torpedo launchers had reliability issues with their feed mechanisms, and there were a dozen other things… but those kinds of teething issues aren’t uncommon with early prototypes.”

“...I-field generator?” You and Casval both ask Gil at the same time. The term is not one you’ve heard before.

The old man explains things confidently while Dozle and Vivima speak with the horde of engineers all about you, “Minovsky particles can be projected in a kind of force field to deflect mega particle beams; it’s pulls more energy than a mobile suit could ever produce and generates some ferocious heat, but it can stop the guns of an entire fleet for as long as cooling systems hold out… if the generator works at all, anyways. We’ve managed to get it working in larger vessels, the Gwazines will have several.”

“An entire fleet’s worth of mega particle cannons? The field doesn’t get worn down by that much fire?” You ask incredulously, thinking at once of the shields which so often show up in science fiction stories and how they drain away when hit.

Gil shakes his head, grinning wolfishly, “No, an I-field is completely impenetrable to mega particle based attacks if it is constructed correctly. Isn’t that grand? They’re finicky though, and put off enough heat that they can’t be used for an entire battle, twenty minutes tops… But for a lightning strike into an enemy fleet? That’s more than enough.”

>>5618697

“They only protect from beam weapons?” Casval asks, raising the next question you had in mind.

“That’s right, doesn’t do a thing to stop old fashioned shells, but the Federations moved its whole fleet over to mega particle cannons besides their defensive guns - Convenient, isn’t it?” Gil laughs darkly, “It’s no wonder though, a beam cannon does far more than the old shell spitters ever could. It’s a shame it can’t be scaled down for mobile suits, the reactor output just isn’t there.”

>”...I-fields are quite finicky then, that’s a shame. I think it should be pursued, even if the Gavrilo never got it working.”
>”...How’s the armor on the Gavrilo then? If the I-field was removed the other issues don’t sound too terrible.” That might just be the optimistic assessment of a non-engineer though… If only Elena were here! You’d be able to trust her assessment of things even if she is just a student.
>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.
>Write-in.

>>5618698
>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.

>>5618698
>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.


>”...I-fields are quite finicky then, that’s a shame. I think it should be pursued, even if the Gavrilo never got it working.”

HIGHLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO INFORM.

>>5618698
>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.
We NEED beam rifles if we want to suit for suit match GMs, it would also make any suit have an inkling against the various Gundams which are highly resistant to kinetic wepaons.

>>5618698
>>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.

>>5618698
>>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.

Get this off the ground. We could honestly have something click from the information we've gleamed from the intel at Side 7.

>>5618698
>”...How’s the armor on the Gavrilo then? If the I-field was removed the other issues don’t sound too terrible.” That might just be the optimistic assessment of a non-engineer though… If only Elena were here! You’d be able to trust her assessment of things even if she is just a student.
>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.

>>5618698
>>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.

>”...I-fields are quite finicky then, that’s a shame. I think it should be pursued, even if the Gavrilo never got it working.”

>>5618698
>>”Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?... Do you have anyone actually researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?” …The Federation was working on more compact beam weapons on Side Seven.
>”...I-fields are quite finicky then, that’s a shame. I think it should be pursued, even if the Gavrilo never got it working.”

I can't fucking believe Contolist might really let us have beam rifles earlier. I pray this means earlier production of the Gelgoog at some point, and if I dare to dream, we'll have input on whether or not the Gyan gets canned because man do I love both the Gelgoog and the Gyan.

>>5618699
>>5618702
>>5618705
>>5618710
Writing. Might take a bit, got a weird class schedule today.

“Beam weapons can’t be scaled down?...” You ask, the idea not sitting quite right with what you learned of Federation experiments back on Side Seven, “Do you have anyone researching it or is that just an assumption from the reactor draw it would need?”

Gil answers in his usual way, giving both more and less information than you asked for, “We have a beam weapons research division that works on naval weaponry, they agree with our reactor division that there just isn’t the power output necessary from a mobile suit sized fusion reactor - Now that we’ve got Minvosky working again I’m sure reactors will be right back to steadily improving, but it’s a tall mountain to climb.”

You shake your head a little, unsatisfied with the answer, “I understand the technical challenges might not be overcome, but has an attempt to do it actually been made? I have it on good authority that the Federation has managed to scale down their beam weapons significantly.”

“No, we don’t have anyone working on it. I’ve seen those reports as well. Lady Kycilia had them sent to our offices along with a contingent of her security officers after Minovsky’s… doubts.” The old man’s expression turns dreadfully dark for a moment, eyes staring off at some horrible unseen memory which you can nearly feel - fear and disgust mingling in the air before dissolving away, “From what I understand the Federation was looking into scaling down naval weapons for smaller ship classes. That’s a much more achievable goal - We’ve already done it with the Gavrilo here, and she’s a year out of date now.”

“Did you see the originals?” You ask, his take on what the pictures showed somewhat off from your own memory of them - Elena isn’t an energy weapons expert by any means, but she didn’t

“No, I don’t believe so, they’re state secrets.” Gil says, his eyes narrowing as he begins to pick up on what you’re trying to tell him, “A technical memorandum and engineering drawings were sent over from the Kycilia agency… Why?”

“Was there any mention of an e-cap system? My…" You search for a moment for how you'd like to describe Elena, certainly you can't admit to your publicly secret girlfriend doing spy work, "Personal technical expert thought it might be some kind of capacitor technology, there wasn’t enough in the documents to make out exactly how it works, but from what I understood it helped to make up for the reactor output being insufficient. They called it an ‘e-cap’ system.”

>>5619137

Gil goes quiet for a long while, thinking to himself, perhaps running the numbers or whatever it is that goes through the head of a man like him. You don’t even know his background, he could be a well informed businessman or a former engineer, or any of a dozen other things - wherever it is he came from he's ended up as very powerful businessman, “...Interesting that got left out. Capacitors off all sorts are already used as part of any beam weapon, but you wouldn’t be mentioning it if was something regular like that… We’ve looked into expendable capacitors for smaller ship weapons before, but the storage technology just isn’t there even for those - and they’re terribly volatile besides. You’re sure the Federation was testing this?”

“Absolutely certain.” You confirm. Casval and Vivima have gotten caught up in conversation with one of the lower ranking engineers nearby, and Dozle’s still speaking about ships with many of the others. It’s good you didn’t bring Glemy for this part of the visit, he would’ve been terribly bored with all this discussion and a whole mobile armor so close by but going unexplored.

“...We’ll look into it. Could you have the originals of those documents sent over?”

>”I’ll speak with Kycilia about it.” …Why wouldn’t she send them all over? Maybe she’s given them to a different company… She’s always up to something.
>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.
>Write-in.

>>5619140
>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.
Oh yes, time for connections.

>>5619140
>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.

>>5619140
>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.

>>5619140
>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.

>>5619140
>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.

>Dozel and Vivim right now being like "Wtf"

>>5619174
I don't think they're listening, kek.

>>5619140
>>”Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” Elena still has copies of her own, it wouldn’t be hard to arrange sending them over now that you have more freedom to act.

>>5619144
>>5619150
>>5619155
>>5619161
>>5619174
>>5619237
Writing.

“Yes, I’ll have my technical assistant send over copies.” You agree, but your words are very nearly drowned out by the lively conversation going on all about you - It doesn’t even seem like Vivima heard you, she’s deep in discussion about mobile suit melee weapons, claws of some kind. There’s certainly no shortage of ideas for new military technologies, whether they’re a useful idea is a very different matter.

“I’ll have my people get to work looking them over as soon as they arrive.” A smile spreads across Gil’s wrinkled face - And just like that things are set in motion.

Is this your new power? A few minutes of conversation and an entire research project begins?

…You make a note to take care with that in the future, lest you run afoul of the Zabis or other powerful players within Zeon. You’re only intending to improve the military by handing over this information, but there might be all kinds of schemes afoot which you aren’t yet aware of. It seems unlikely that Kycilia’s engineers would omit information about the e-cap system on accident, unless they’re painfully incompetent it must have been purposeful.

Later that day. This will be fairly brief.

>You’re with your group from earlier, but Glemy has joined you as well now - He’s about as excited as a boy his age can be. A Zaku is giving a practical demonstration of its military capabilities; shooting at far off moving targets and stomping on old tanks ready to be scrapped, that sort of thing.
>Your group is inspecting some of those mobile suit melee weapons Vivima was talking about. You’ve heard of heat hawks before from Blanche and seen them in the simulator, but there seem to be more than that being worked on. Glemy is with you, awed by the giant axes and swords.
>Your group is watching the Gavrilo and one of the prototype Bigros take their first flights in nearly a year, obviously! How could you not after all of that mobile armor talk earlier? Casval and Glemy are arguing over which shade of red it should be painted.

>>5619276
>You’re with your group from earlier, but Glemy has joined you as well now - He’s about as excited as a boy his age can be. A Zaku is giving a practical demonstration of its military capabilities; shooting at far off moving targets and stomping on old tanks ready to be scrapped, that sort of thing.

I'm glad we've un-scrapped the MA program but they're more up Cas's alley than ours.

>>5619276
>You’re with your group from earlier, but Glemy has joined you as well now - He’s about as excited as a boy his age can be. A Zaku is giving a practical demonstration of its military capabilities; shooting at far off moving targets and stomping on old tanks ready to be scrapped, that sort of thing.

>>5619276
>Your group is inspecting some of those mobile suit melee weapons Vivima was talking about. You’ve heard of heat hawks before from Blanche and seen them in the simulator, but there seem to be more than that being worked on. Glemy is with you, awed by the giant axes and swords.

>All three options contain GLEMY

You WILL spend time with your little brother. God bless

>>5619286
Felix is a family man at heart

>>5619276
1)
>Your group is watching the Gavrilo and one of the prototype Bigros take their first flights in nearly a year, obviously! How could you not after all of that mobile armor talk earlier? Casval and Glemy are arguing over which shade of red it should be painted.
2)
>You’re with your group from earlier, but Glemy has joined you as well now - He’s about as excited as a boy his age can be. A Zaku is giving a practical demonstration of its military capabilities; shooting at far off moving targets and stomping on old tanks ready to be scrapped, that sort of thing.

>>5619278
I wouldn't say it is unscrapped yet, people are just talking about it again and in a new way. Restarting it takes money and lots of it, and none of that has moved around yet. Zeonic might do some private R&D now in hopes of another chance at a contract. With Viv and possible Dozle back on board it's a fairly safe bet it will eventually happen, but Gihren and Degwin are the ones who really control funding. And Kycilia, but don't ask where she gets the money from.

>>5619276
>>Your group is inspecting some of those mobile suit melee weapons Vivima was talking about. You’ve heard of heat hawks before from Blanche and seen them in the simulator, but there seem to be more than that being worked on. Glemy is with you, awed by the giant axes and swords.

>>5619309
Certainly, I was just trying to direct conversation about it in hopes of figuring out if other anons want to pilot MA themselves or leave it to those more suited like Caseval.
>but don't ask where she gets the money from.
Must have a pretty substantial OnlyFans following.

>>5619314
>Kycilia OnlyFans
Her hair must have ensnared you to even think of such a thing.

>>5619329
The thing I would detest most is what she's most likely doing to earn money on the side. Ergo, onlyfans.

>>5619276
>>Your group is inspecting some of those mobile suit melee weapons Vivima was talking about. You’ve heard of heat hawks before from Blanche and seen them in the simulator, but there seem to be more than that being worked on. Glemy is with you, awed by the giant axes and swords.

>>5619276
>Your group is watching the Gavrilo and one of the prototype Bigros take their first flights in nearly a year, obviously! How could you not after all of that mobile armor talk earlier? Casval and Glemy are arguing over which shade of red it should be painted.

>>5619278
>>5619280
>>5619293 (2nd)
Stompy stompy robots.

>>5619285
>>5619310
>>5619356
Glorious heat weapons.

We have a tie, I'll give it an hour.

>>5619276
>You’re with your group from earlier, but Glemy has joined you as well now - He’s about as excited as a boy his age can be. A Zaku is giving a practical demonstration of its military capabilities; shooting at far off moving targets and stomping on old tanks ready to be scrapped, that sort of thing.

A practical demonstration will give us a better idea mentally of how one moves and controls.

>>5619452
>>5619278
>>5619280
>>5619293 (2nd)
Writing.

Out at Zeonic’s vehicle testing fields.

The reflected sunlight of the colony shines down upon you, bright and warm against your skin, the distant sound of roaring thrusters filling the air. You hold up a hand to shield your eyes as you try to track the leaping thruster enhanced jumps of a pair of Zakus as they vault from one copse of trees to another across the vast landscape of Zeonic’s testing grounds. The great green machines crashed down among the trees, saplings and full grown alike splintering like matches beneath tons of super hardened steel. Glemy cheers next to you in the observation stands, tugging lightly on your arm and point out at the explosion of wood and dirt kicked up by the landing.

“Woah! They just smashed all of them! Look, Felix!” Your little brother urges you, as if you weren’t already enraptured by the display - You can hardly take your eyes from it for a moment, the Zakus hardly slowing after their deforesting landing, pushing right out of the trees and into the open field of the rest of the testing area.

“You won’t want to miss this,” You gently direct his vision back out toward the Zakus and away from you, “They’re about to shoot.”

The flash and smoke of their 120mm “machineguns” firing are visible for half a moment before the sound reaches you, a rapid string of dull thunder cracks rolling one into the other. A few hundred yards from the Zakus an arrangement of old armored personnel carriers and junky cargo trucks vanish under a storm of explosions and kicked up dirt, pieces of metal flying about here and there as they’re utterly obliterated. The Zakus sprint forward toward the mulched vehicles, crushing great footprints into the grass before scorching a great streak of it black with the flame of their thrusters.

The jump carries them up into the air once again, and after a long moment suspended and silhouetted against the skyline of distant factories, the Zakus come crashing back down on a pair of tanks. A blazing orange-white edge of one of their heat hawks cleaves a tank in two, sending most of its upper hull and turret flying a dozen yards before skipping and scraping to a stop, digging a deep furrow into the ground. The other tank is nearly completely caved in by the second Zaku’s foot, and a contemptuous kick sends it rolling over a few times. It is an unrecognizable heap of steel when it finally comes to a halt.

>>5619717

“And now for the real show!” Gil announces, sweeping an arm out toward the field before speaking into a small radio one of his assistants hands him, “Hit unit one, five rounds.”

The torso and arms of one of the Zakus disappear in blossoming fireballs as heavy guns at the edges of the testing range open fire. The mobile suit takes a step back, half staggering before bracing itself against the fire - As the smoke clears it is still standing strong and tall, heat hawk raised over its head victoriously before quite literally walking off the tanks shells.

“More.” Gil says, and the thudding steady drumbeat of cannon fire begins; both Zakus press forward into the attacks, advancing even under such heavy hits. A few shells bounced as they strike the edges of their limbs, ricocheting off into the distance before exploding mid air as safety fuses detonate the rounds.

“They’re so strong!” Glemy says, standing up on his seat to get a better view, blue eyes wide -

“Is this just high explosive rounds?” Vivima asks Dozle quietly, and the big man gives a small nod in the affirmative, “No wonder they’re holding up that well. Gil, give them a few armor piercing rounds, lets see how their armor holds up against a real threat.”

“At this range they’re nearly immune.” Gil boasts proudly before giving the order, “Load armor piercing and give them another salvo. Unit one, unit two, you have AP coming your way, get ready boys.”

“Is this… safe?” You find yourself asking, immediately worried for the pilots - Normally armor testing would be done against stationary and unmanned units. Shooting a crewed vehicles almost seems insane, but… you hear cheers over the radio, faint and crackling but definitely cheers. The pilots want to be shot at. Perhaps it is safe then, they’d know the machine better than anyone.

“Absolutely not!” Gil laughs, speaking into his radio again, “You have permission to dance.”

And with that the cannons open up again, shells whizzing by overhead as the heavy guns lay into the twin Zakus which are not showing off their ample agility - Their running is a robotic and steady pace, not terribly graceful, but they still manage the same speed as a main battle tank moving at full pelt; except no tank in service has jump jets as well. Carefully timed thrusts send the Zakus flying away from the incoming barrage of shells, dirt kicking up hundreds of yards behind where they where just moments ago. More shells fly in, some striking the mobile suits even as they move, none find purchase, bouncing and deflecting off in burning arcs or simply stopped cold by slabs of super hardened steel armor.

“That’s enough.” Gil signals over the radio, the cannon fire coming quickly to a stop and the Zakus again flourishing their weapons, ”Excellent work boys, you’ll get the usual bonuses. How do you like the display?”

>>5619718

“It’s very impressive - How close can they get before being penetrated?" Vivima asks, biting a little at her lower lip after asking the question.

“Even at this ranger there are a few places near their joints, but the real danger is within a few hundred meters.” Gil answers, “I’m sure you’ve seen the static test results, Lady Vivima.”

“I have.” She nods, “There’s no substitute for the real thing though - They’re magnificent, I can hardly wait for the next generation.”

“The agility was impressive, but they still took hits.” Casval compliments, but you can already see a competitive fire in his blue eyes, “Are these the best pilots you have? Zakus might need to be made more maneuverable if this is the best they can manage on the ground.”

“All of our pilots are excellent.”

>”...Do their heat hawks really stop one another, or would both just cut into one another?” You know heat weapons sort of bounce off each other in simulations and cause more than a deep knick to each other's blades, but it always seemed odd.
>”They’re still vulnerable to tank guns at close range? How much weight would it add to make them totally immune? Add-on armor might be useful in urban settings where they can’t jump like that…”
>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.
>Write-in.

>>5619720
>”...Do their heat hawks really stop one another, or would both just cut into one another?” You know heat weapons sort of bounce off each other in simulations and cause more than a deep knick to each other's blades, but it always seemed odd.

>>5619720
1)
>”...Do their heat hawks really stop one another, or would both just cut into one another?” You know heat weapons sort of bounce off each other in simulations and cause more than a deep knick to each other's blades, but it always seemed odd.
>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.
2)
>”...Do their heat hawks really stop one another, or would both just cut into one another?” You know heat weapons sort of bounce off each other in simulations and cause more than a deep knick to each other's blades, but it always seemed odd.
3)
>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619720
>>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619720
1)
>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.
>”...Do their heat hawks really stop one another, or would both just cut into one another?” You know heat weapons sort of bounce off each other in simulations and cause more than a deep knick to each other's blades, but it always seemed odd.
2)
>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619720
Heat weapon option has a slight type
>and RARELY cause more than a knick to each other's bladed.

>>5619731
Typo*, god dammit.

>>5619720
>>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619720
>>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619720
>>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>”...Do their heat hawks really stop one another, or would both just cut into one another?” You know heat weapons sort of bounce off each other in simulations and rarely cause more than a deep knick to each other's blades, but it always seemed odd.

>>5619720
>>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619720
>>”I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these on their land battleships and heavier tanks, nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.” …You do need to get a Big Tray-class model.

>>5619985
>>5619881
>>5619759
>>5619749
>>5619727
>>5619726 (3rd)
>>5619728 (2nd)
Writing.

“I can’t help but agree, brother. The Federation has heavier guns than these,” You motion back toward the gun turrets, “On their land battleships and largest tanks. Nothing can afford to take a hit from one of those.”

Dozle chuckles, “The Big Tray-class is very powerful, that would be a sight. …Perhaps we need something bigger to counter it.”

“I agree that maneuverability is more important, but there’s something to be said for armor still…” Vivima comments, arms crossed as she watches the mobile suits continue to show off in the distance, “Dozle, how about mobile armor? A heavy beam cannon would blast those glorified Feddie coffins to bits.”

“Well, I’ll say the Gavrilo would be up to the task.” Gil replies, always finding a place to push his companies products subtly or not - His suggestions have been fairly reasonable so far though, a Gwazine’s main gun, even cut down, probably packs enough punch to severely damage a Big Tray, ”As for maneuverability and armor, you’ll like our surprise.”

“Surprise?” Glemy asks excitedly, nearly leaping up from his seat again, “What is it?”

“Glemy, he’s an important man. How do you address him properly?” You ask your little brother, and Glemy puffs out his cheeks before correcting his question.

“What is it, sir?”

“Ha, you’re a good kid. It one of our testbed mobile suits for Lady Vivima’s maintenance and modularity program, as well as our Zaku II program…” Gil answers before speaking into the small radio once again, a few of the other engineers observing the test smiling as he does so - they must know what’s about to happen, “Mash, Ortega, bring them out!”

“Mash and Ortega?” Dozle rumbles, his scarred brow furrowing, “They’re good pilots, I’ve met them.”

“They’ve got exactly the spirit you need for testing new designs, real cowboys.” GIl agrees, “Casval, I expect you’ll like these.”

“I await them with bated breath, Gil.” Your brother replies in that borderline arrogant manner he often has; how does he make it come off so charming? If you said the same words it would… Hmm, actually it might work for you as well.

File: Zaku Testbed.png (182 KB, 366x583)

182 KB PNG

>>5620171

In the distance a pair of specks emerges on the horizon, launching from a far off mobile suit hangar and blasting into the sky with a trails of white hot exhaust. You squint and can see immediately that they’re Zaku’s off some kind, but even your eyes struggle to pick up small details so far away - They’re closing the distance fast, faster than the other Zakus did, and growing quickly in size. It looks like someone has serious up armored a Zaku, but that speed and the size of those exhaust plumes could only mean they have thrusters to match…

The pair of heavier mobile suits land surprisingly gently on the ground only a hundred meters or so from the stands, scorching the grass and kicking up a dust cloud but little else - The pilots must be good to control them so well. A wash of wind blows past as even at this distance the effects of their enormous thrusters can still be felt, even a faint heat. Many of the lightly armored sections of the Zaku have been reinforced, a shoulder shield protecting one arm and heavy scalloped plating covering nearly the entirety of the other. The enlarged thruster nozzles are a more subtle detail, but they’re there… and what is with that head crest? It even has a chest vulcan in one of those module slots you saw earlier - It’s a far more impressive sight fully assembled.

“It almost looks like an ancient centurion, or maybe a gladiator! They’re fantastic!” Vivima says, covering her mouth with one hand as she barely contains her excitement, “Are those royal guard insignia?”

“To commemorate the first mobile suit use and honor the fallen,” Gil informs her, and you can’t help but feel something stir in your heart at seeing them - You didn’t know those guards well, but many men died to ensure you had another day of life; you fought besides some of them before they fell… You were named after a fallen bodyguard, and only now are you beginning to understand the depths of why your true father must have chosen the name.

You’re snapped out your self-reflection by the booming voice emanating from one of the testbed Zaku’s loudspeakers, a heavy drawl blasting across the stands, “It’s a shame y’ll couldn’t see us in our real colors, ain’t that right Ortega?”

“You know it, Mash!” The other green Zaku thunders, “Damn shame about Gaia too, left on his ass…”

“Turn yer damn speaker off, there’s a lady listenin’!”

“You had yers on first! Looky there, she loves it!”

Vivima’s giggling in way you’ve not heard often, cheeks red as the two Zakus bicker over her, and she gives them both a small wave.

>>5620172

“Their speed was excellent.” Casval says to Gil, nodding approvingly - He means it too, you can feel it in the air around him, unconcealed approval, “Could it be pushed further? Those pilots could handle it.”

The old man nods, “They can. These are just testbed units. With what we learn from them we’ll be improving all of our future designs, from the smallest module to the bleeding edge of mobile suit design. They have an improved fluid pulse system as well, much more maneuverable in close combat - We’ve been thinking about spinning off a ‘royal guard’ design from them, some of the engineers have been calling them praetorians. How’d you like that?”

>”...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be. I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable.”
>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”
>”It’s good that development is coming along so well, I look forward to seeing the improvements rolled out across the rest of our mobile suits.”
>Write-in.

>>5620175
>”...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be. I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable.”
>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”
I think these two could be reasonably combined.

>>5620175
1)
>”It’s good that development is coming along so well, I look forward to seeing the improvements rolled out across the rest of our mobile suits.”
>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”
2)
>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”

>>5620175
>>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”
>”...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be. I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable.”

>>5620175
>>”...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be. I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable.”

>>5620175
>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”
>”It’s good that development is coming along so well, I look forward to seeing the improvements rolled out across the rest of our mobile suits.”

>>5620175
1)

>”...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be. I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable.”
>”It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty, those are commander antennas aren’t they?”
2)
>”...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be. I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable.”

>>5620183
>>5620225
>>5620297
Writing.

“...It would be appropriate, the fallen should be honored and I’m sure as fighting men they would find these a fitting memorial - more than any statue ever could be.” You reply solemnly, thoughts drifting back not just to the Zabi’s guards but also the men who fought and died in Spain… It’s strange to think you owe your life to two groups who could’ve been killing one another just a few years ago. This long ploy against the Zabis only grows more complicated each day.

“It would be an honor for any soldier.” Casval agrees, “And keeping a mobile suit close at hand may prove useful in the future.”

“I doubt an assassin would dare attack with mobile suits guarding us, especially ones so capable… It would be a shame to only use them for guard duty though. Those are commander antennas, aren’t they?”

“They are.” Dozle confirms at once, pointing with a huge finger toward the angular protrusions jutting from the Zaku’s armored heads, just above their mono-eye sensor, “Look there, Glemy, on their heads.”

The blond boy looks up, his gaze following along where Dozle points to the very tops of the pair of mobile suits; behind them the original two Zakus are moving closer, the differences in design apparent to all sitting among the stands overlooking the testing grounds.

“Do they head butt things with them?” Glemy asks aggressively, balling to tiny fists and move his own head forward forcefully, “Yeah, they’re like rhinos!”

“...Not quite, Glemy. They help their radios work better.” Vivima explains, finally having recovered from her fit of Zaku spurred giggling; Mash and Ortega are still arguing with one another openly over their mobile suits external loudspeakers, and you can feel Gil growing increasingly frustrated with the two of them even if he’s hiding it well so far. They arguing reminds you of your time back on Texas colony with Raferty and the others… Maybe it would be so bad to visit in the future, or at least send a letter.

Casval circles back to your earlier point even as conversation begins to get sidetracked by talk between Vivima and Glemy of mobile suits with heat horns, “Felix, these enhanced Zakus would make for powerful suits for veteran pilots.”

>>5620418

You smile, glad to be on the same page as your brother; squeezing every last bit of performance out of a machine is really more of his thing than your own, but you often think along similar lines when it comes to flying, “I was thinking of something like that, Cas. The expense would be worth it in the hands of a more capable soldier.”

“We could set aside a batch to be modified for such uses as well as guard duty,” Gil proposes, turning away from the bickering Zakus and leaving that situation to sort itself out - It just seems to be the personalities of the pilots, but if they’re good enough to land this kind of assignment they must be good enough for higher ups to tolerate some… eccentricities.

Last vote for this scene.

>”...Vivima, do you think we should wait to pursue this?” She’s been gunning hard for standardization, but a single enhanced type for guarding Zeon’s most important leaders and for veteran pilots isn’t too much of a diversion, is it?
>”Dozle, could that be managed within the budget?” It’s intriguing, but your step-father is the one with the authority to actually see it through; you’re not there yet.
>”...A royal guard paint scheme on normal Zakus should be sufficient for now, a specialized type can come later.” …Or never. Zakus seem to fulfill their purposes fine already.
>Write-in.

>>5620420
>”Dozle, could that be managed within the budget?” It’s intriguing, but your step-father is the one with the authority to actually see it through; you’re not there yet.

>>5620420
>”...A royal guard paint scheme on normal Zakus should be sufficient for now, a specialized type can come later.” …Or never. Zakus seem to fulfill their purposes fine already.

>>5620420
>”Dozle, could that be managed within the budget?” It’s intriguing, but your step-father is the one with the authority to actually see it through; you’re not there yet.

>>5620420
>>”Dozle, could that be managed within the budget?” It’s intriguing, but your step-father is the one with the authority to actually see it through; you’re not there yet.

Maybe I can't into reading today, maybe it's because my brain is fried after a long and difficult work day, but am I correct in understanding that we're voting for whether or not we can have some modified zakus both for guard duty but also for future personal use? Or just for royal guards?

>>5620503
Felix's choice now is between supporting modified Zakus for the royal guard and veteran pilots, or just giving the royal guard normal Zakus with special paint jobs and putting off a choice to produce specialized types until later - They might be finnicky or expensive. He can also ask Vivima how she feels about it, this would be one of the first specialized versions (potentially) accepted into service and it might not line up with how she's been trying to organize things.

Felix will likely be able to use the royal guard mobile suits either way, he's a pilot and a guard is very unlikely to do more than briefly question his request if he asked to fly it. Felix having a personal mobile suit is likely a post-academy thing, but getting access to a MS isn't that difficult if he really pushes it during certain times.

>>5620420
>”Dozle, could that be managed within the budget?” It’s intriguing, but your step-father is the one with the authority to actually see it through; you’re not there yet.

>>5620422
>>5620427
>>5620503
>>5620533
Writing.

“Dozle, could that be managed within the budget?” You ask your step-father, unsure of the cost of such a project or just what kind of restraints the military is working under currently - Zeon’s financial and industrial strength are well known to you, at least in the broad strokes thanks to Vivima’s project, but the specifics of the current military budget are shrouded in secrecy.

“A special class of mobile suits to honor the men who died to protect my new wife and family?” Dozle clenches a single huge fist, holding it up to his chest and standing straighter, “I will make it so! Gil, we will discuss this later.”

“Of course, Colonel Dozle. I’ll have my people prepare design proposals, we should be able to produce a pair of units…” Gil slows for a moment, leaning over to allow for one of his engineers to say something quietly to him, impossible to hear over Mash and Ortega’s voices continuing to fill the air as the two pilots show off, twirling about a pair of heat hawks, “...In two weeks.”

“That’s a fast turn around.” Your brother notes with a slight narrowing of his blue eyes, “I hope you’re not exaggerating your company's capabilities.”

…You can’t help agree with Casval, two weeks does seem like an awfully fast turn around for a new design, even if is just a modification of the Zaku… but they’re in the midst of a period of redesign for large parts of it already, maybe most of the work has already been done.

File: Minko.png (559 KB, 512x640)

559 KB PNG

>>5620787

7:15, 15th January UC 0076
Zeonic Corporation New Factory A, Side Three (Republic of Zeon)

“Good morning, master.” A sweet, gentle voice drifts through the air, dream-like and distant… Reluctantly you lift your head from the silken softness of your beds pillows, blinking wearily a few times as you try to clear your blurry vision. Minks smiling face slowly comes into view, blurring outlines fading away along with the last vestiges of a dream you can’t remember… It was nice, whatever it was.

“Good morning, Mink.” You greet your assistant pleasantly, rays of morning light shining through the windows and catching along her dark hair, “...You’ve let me sleep in again. I’ll get soft if I keep this up.”

“Doctor’s orders.” She makes a little face at you, sticking her tongue out just the slightest bit; there's only one person she could be referencing, the actual doctors long gone by now outside of brief check-ups every week.

“Artesia isn’t a doctor yet, Mink.” You point out - this is hardly the first time you’ve been through this song and dance with Mink.

“Of course not, master, but she’s right that you need your rest.” Mink counters, “And you’ve always been a softie. I have breakfast and the day’s affairs in order for you, as well as your assignment from the academy. They’re waiting on the table.”

“Thank you, Mink…” You slide out of bed and walk over to your table, a delicious if rather simple meal of biscuits, gravy, and bacon waiting for you - It’s not healthy in the slightest, and rather simple by the palaces standards but it does remind you of simple days back on Texas colony… and it smells heavenly. “I don’t know how you manage all of this so quickly every day. You cooked this too, didn’t you?”

“I did, my mother showed me how when I went home and...” She beams proudly, but after half a moment of look of doubt takes her, “...You do like it, right?”

“Well, let’s see. If you can’t make biscuits I might have to send you away,” You tease lightly, turning your attention to the food. Grasping one of the biscuits you press at it lightly, finding it to be wonderfully crumbly, just the right degree of firmness to allow for dipping but easily soft enough just break up and eat with the gravy if you’d like… A rumble escapes your stomach, the aroma of the hearty meal causing your mouth to water. The first bite reveals the truth…

>>5620796

You make an embarrassing noise as you savor the flavor of it; this is exactly like your old meals, or better even, and you’ve missed it… It reminds you of home, even if you only spent a few years on Texas colony. Where even is home for you? Zum feels more and more like it with your family around, but it’s a vague feeling, and home certainly isn’t this palace… Could it be? No, don’t be ridiculous.

“...Mm, it’s… it’s amazing.” You finally manage to say after downing another bite, taken away from the worries of the world for just a moment - This meal isn’t good, it is dangerously good. Mink suppresses a giggling laugh, or at least pretends to do so - It doesn’t bother you one bit, and an easy smile spreads across your face. This is nice.

“What do we have today, Mink?” You ask your assistant once she finally ceases those fits of happy giggling, “Another proposal from some family I’ve never heard of?”

“No, master, I burned up all of those last night with a flamethrower,” Mink answers at once, leaning over to gently slide a few stacks of papers into your view on the table, “Only two matters of, uhm, importance today, but if you wish to see the full stack I could retrieve a wheelbarrow to move the re-”

“It’s quite alright, Mink, I trust your judgment, and your work with incendiaries…” You cast your gaze down at the pair of folded letters, “What are these two then?”

“An invitation from the federation ambassador to Zeon, there’s a ball to be held at the embassy in a few weeks, right before you’re scheduled to go back to the academy. I believe that Kycilia will be attending as well, it sounded important. The other is an invitation from the board of Anaheim Electronics, they’re holding a race on Luna and inviting big names from across the earth sphere - doesn’t that sound like fun? …Both are on the same day, unfortunately. ...You’re going to pick the race, aren’t you?”

>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.
>”The race? Come on, Mink, I’m not that predictable… Okay, I’d rather go to the race. It sounds like a great place to make connections with heads of industry.” She’s right about it sounding fun.
>”...I’ll pass on both, I need to focus on my recovery - Our class of cadets will be up against the Federation in larger wargames soon, I need to be ready for that.” Focus upon your academics and physical recovery, a man’s mind and body should remain sharp. Politics can wait a while longer.

>>5620798
>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.

>>5620798
1.)
>”...I’ll pass on both, I need to focus on my recovery - Our class of cadets will be up against the Federation in larger wargames soon, I need to be ready for that.” Focus upon your academics and physical recovery, a man’s mind and body should remain sharp. Politics can wait a while longer.
This is our chance for leadership options, might as well jump into it now.

2.)
>”The race? Come on, Mink, I’m not that predictable… Okay, I’d rather go to the race. It sounds like a great place to make connections with heads of industry.” She’s right about it sounding fun.

>>5620798
1)
>”The race? Come on, Mink, I’m not that predictable… Okay, I’d rather go to the race. It sounds like a great place to make connections with heads of industry.” She’s right about it sounding fun.
Sounds like we could get some insight into things on the Feddie side, especially since things are pretty different from canon.
2)
>”...I’ll pass on both, I need to focus on my recovery - Our class of cadets will be up against the Federation in larger wargames soon, I need to be ready for that.” Focus upon your academics and physical recovery, a man’s mind and body should remain sharp. Politics can wait a while longer.
The other anon has a point with this being a potential leadership option.

>>5620798
>>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.

>>5620798
>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.
D I P L O M A T I C C O N T A C T S

>>5620798
1)
>”...I’ll pass on both, I need to focus on my recovery - Our class of cadets will be up against the Federation in larger wargames soon, I need to be ready for that.” Focus upon your academics and physical recovery, a man’s mind and body should remain sharp. Politics can wait a while longer.
2)
>”The race? Come on, Mink, I’m not that predictable… Okay, I’d rather go to the race. It sounds like a great place to make connections with heads of industry.” She’s right about it sounding fun.

>>5620798
1)
>”...I’ll pass on both, I need to focus on my recovery - Our class of cadets will be up against the Federation in larger wargames soon, I need to be ready for that.” Focus upon your academics and physical recovery, a man’s mind and body should remain sharp. Politics can wait a while longer.
2)
>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.

>>5620798
1)
>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.
2)
>”The race? Come on, Mink, I’m not that predictable… Okay, I’d rather go to the race. It sounds like a great place to make connections with heads of industry.” She’s right about it sounding fun.

Hmm political connections or industry connections

>>5620796
Fucking lmao, I just realized I didn't change the bold text to be for the Zabi palace on Zum. The context and content of the post made it more than clear, but Felix definitely isn't in a secret bedroom at Zeonic's factory/palace combo colony. Gotta wait to live on Axis for that.

It should have been this:
7:15, 15th January UC 0076
Zum City, Side Three (Republic of Zeon)

>>5620798
>>”...I hate to say it but the embassy sounds more important, politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” Kycilia must be up to something.

I feel like we'll need proper political backing if we want to usurp the Zabis one day.

>>5621206
Why are you spamming this in multiple threads?

>>5621209
Shills be shilling Anon.

>>5621212
Yeah but what are they shilling? It's just an AI voice gen for some chincom shovelware ARPG.

>>5621102
>>5620821
>>5620813
>>5620809
>>5620801
>>5620817 (2nd)
Writing.

“...I hate to say it, but the embassy sounds more important. Politics of that caliber aren’t wise to ignore.” You sigh, mood dampened somewhat by the prospect of a night spent rubbing elbows with whoever it is that attends such a ball - If Kycilia is going it must be a real den of espionage and intrigue, whether they’re politicians or not.

“I suppose so, master…” Mink agrees with something like reluctance, but she gives the matter no more attention, “How is your leg feeling today?”

“Better.” You reply, reaching down to feel gingerly at the wound beneath thin clothes, “In a few weeks I might even be able to manage some light dancing. Just in time, isn’t it?”

“You’ll be back on the floor before you know it, Felix.” Mink’s voice softens as she uses your name, a rarity for her now despite your occasional insistence that she stop calling you ‘master’, “I miss practicing with you… Nevermind that though. I’m sure you’ll have all kinds of requests to dance while you’re at this ball.”

You take a drink of water before turning to look at her, “Hmm? Oh, I suppose so. I was expecting stuffy old politicians and their wives, not much more.”

Mink shrugs cutely, “Yes, but also their daughters. It’s a proper and upright social event for proper and upright people, or… something like that. Gihren would go on about it sometimes.”

“...Really, Gihren? I wouldn’t take him for that type.” He's certainly and arrogant and elitist dickhead, but he's always struck you as the kind of man who sees himself above the particulars of such things.

“Mm, I suppose he just used it as an excuse to complain about earthnoids, it’s his hobby I think. He’s very fond of it.”

You almost cough on your next drink of water, the idea that complaining about earthnoids is just Gihren’s hobby strikes you as deeply amusing, “...Uh ha, yeah, he does go on about it, doesn’t he? You might be right about the distraction…”

>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.

>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.

>”...I might be able to make something useful out of it though.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with being sought after, it might give you some opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. …It will probably eat up your time for other things though.

>>5621318
>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.

She'll act as a good bulwark against any unwanted attention.

>>5621318
>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.
The smart ones will be able to realize she's a maid meant to ward off the dumber ones, I hope

>>5621318
>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.

>>5621318
>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.
Spywork seems like Elena's strong suit, might as well make the most of it.

>>5621318
>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.

>>5621318
>>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.

I'm a simple man. I see an option involving best girl, and I choose it.

>>5621318
>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.

I’d rather not put elena fully in feddie sights.

>>5621318
>>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.

>>5621382
>>5621352
>>5621330
>>5621328

>>5621321
>>5621323
>>5621326
>>5621362

Looks like we have a tie. I'll give it a couple of hours, I should be able to write by then if there's a winner.

>>5621318
1)
>”...I might be able to make something useful out of it though.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with being sought after, it might give you some opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. …It will probably eat up your time for other things though
2)
>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.

>>5621318
>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.

Looks like we still have a tie. I'll give it another hour and then roll off if there isn't a winner.

>>5621318
>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.
Just got caught up with the thread, shame we didn't look at the heat weapons.

I'm pKTYK2rN from last thread.

>>5621318
>>”I’ll invite Elena, I want to keep her out of the spotlight for her sake but this sounds fairly private… for a state event at least. No cameras anyways, right?” Right now very few outside of Zeon’s most important players and a few guards have any clue Elena even exists. She does have a natural knack for this kind of spy work though, good looks and a sharp mind go far… And it would be nice to see her again, it has been a few weeks.

>>5621547
>>5621586
>>5621431 (2nd)
>>5621382
>>5621352
>>5621330
>>5621328
Writing.

Got distracted by the War Thunder April fools event, back to writing now.

>>5621809
>spoiler
Looks pretty based, don't know anything about War Thunder though.

>>5621318

>”You could go with me, Mink.” She’s been to events like this before, helping run them even as part of the palace staff - Besides cutting down on the number of women bothering you she might provide some useful insights.

>>5621809
absolute cringe

File: Spoiler Image (31 KB, 1057x508)

31 KB PNG

>>5621837
War Thunder is always cringe, it's the price the Snail makes us pay.

Just in time to miss voting for Mink. Damn. Elena's fine but Mink deserves to get a dance again after everything.

“I’ll invite Elena. I do want to keep her out of the spotlight, for her sake, but this sounds private… for a state event anyways.” You think aloud, finding it easier to organize your thoughts whenever you speak with Mink. It’s never been any trouble to bounce ideas off others, but she’s a better listener than most… years of unfortunate practice, you suppose, but that’s at an end now, “There won’t be cameras there, right?”

“Absolutely not, master. These events are always closed off to the press, if someone brings a camera it’s just for good memories or…” Mink trails off and just gives you a tired, knowing look.

“Or they’re a spy. Sounds about right.” You nod, eating one of the delicious strips of bacon she prepared; you stop and eat another, the food demanding your attention once more. A man doesn’t pass up bacon like this, it simply isn’t done.

After washing it down with another drink of water you look back to Mink, an important question on your mind, “You sent my other request along to Elena yesterday, didn’t you?”

You sent her out into the city to a get a message to Elena, she’ll be hand delivering her copies of the federation secret documents to Zeonic - It’s awfully handy that she has a smuggling converted freighter, it disappears right into normal civilian traffic, especially at a very busy industrial spaceport.

“Yes! We had a lovely conversation too - You really should call her, you know? The delay to Luna isn’t so bad, and going out is much more fun than I thought it would be too, I just walked around for hours and watched all the people.” Mink smiles sweetly, but her words cut into you deeply - She’s been stuck in the palace since the purges, even walking around in public must be an event for her. It’s almost like Tryphosa in some ways, but you know how it feels to live trapped in a cage as well… It seems to be a common experience.

“Artesia and I would go do that sometimes on Texas colony, we’d sit around at this café near the spaceport and watch the arrivals. There were always all sorts coming and going.” You recall the memories fondly, the hustle and bustle of the spaceport far more than most might expect for a relative backwater like Texas colony, “I wish we’d gone more.”

The baroque interior of the palace might be beautiful to an outsider’s first viewing, and this simpler room you’ve moved into has some charm - the windows especially - but you do miss the lodge… and the Villa… Even your old mansion, though it grows blurrier in your memory every day.

>>5621877

“You could go back and visit. I’d like to see Texas too, cacti seem so... prickly, they're neat!” Mink suggests, placing a finger to her lips as she ponders the idea further, though it's clear at once that she's never been on the wrong end of a prickly pear patch - very few think of those damned things fondly - “...Hmm, probably in disguise though, fighting off paparazzi wouldn’t be very wild west unless you used those pistols of yours… a little black hair dye and a cowboy hat and I bet you’ll blend right back in!”

>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”
>”I’m sure I would, but it’s not going anywhere. I’ve got a lot to get done in Zeon.”
>”...This isn’t just an excuse to get me to teach you how to ride a horse or something, is it?”

Off to the embassy after this vote.

>>5621878
1)
>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”
>”...This isn’t just an excuse to get me to teach you how to ride a horse or something, is it?”
2)
>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”
I want to see Teabolo again, we didn't get to say goodbye and thank him for everything when we left.

>>5621878
>”I’m sure I would, but it’s not going anywhere. I’ve got a lot to get done in Zeon.”
I tire of Elena. But Felix also has no time for diversions. Opportunity is in Zeon!

>>5621878
>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”

>>5621878
>>5621883
Supporting.

>>5621878
>>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”
>”...This isn’t just an excuse to get me to teach you how to ride a horse or something, is it?”

>>5621878
>>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”

>>”...This isn’t just an excuse to get me to teach you how to ride a horse or something, is it?”

>>5621878
>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”

>>5621878
>“...Hmm, probably in disguise though, fighting off paparazzi wouldn’t be very wild west unless you used those pistols of yours… a little black hair dye and a cowboy hat and I bet you’ll blend right back in!”

Don't tempt Felix to have an over the top villain persona Mink, he IS Casval's brother.

...But only if our Mobile Suit gets a hat too.

>”Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.”
>”...This isn’t just an excuse to get me to teach you how to ride a horse or something, is it?”

>>5622312
Contolist did say we'll be getting an over the top villain outfit like Casval... which I am very much looking forward to because goddamn did Cas know fashion

>>5622365
The outfit must be a combination of spanish noble, theme-park cowboy and space pope
No idea how that would work

>>5622370
That's a really weird mix but I'm sure Contolist's AI art program will figure something out.

>>5622312
>>5622005
>>5621899
>>5621892
>>5621883
Writing.

“Visiting again might be nice, maybe I’ll take a day off in the summer.” You say, pondering over the idea for a moment longer, thinking of what Teabolo did for your family - Even if you've never seen him as a father like Artesia did, Teabolo is certainly a valued friend. It would only be right to see him again. Perhaps Artesia could go with you… and maybe Char? Surely he’ll be going to visit his parents at some point.

“I’ll need to get one of those big hats and some boots then…” Mink mutters mostly to herself, sounding quite serious as she thinks aloud, “Oh, and there will be horses everywhere too, won’t there be?”

You nod, “...This isn’t just an excuse to get me to teach you how to ride a horse or something, is it Mink? We have plenty in the stables here.”

“We do, master, but taking care of them was never my duty. I’ve barely gotten to brush them, and I only rode once but it was so much fun… I did it some when I was little, but it’s been years..” Mink explains, her tone turning more playful by the end, “...And it’s not just an excuse. …Would you teach me?”

“You’ll need to know how to get around on Texas, of course I’ll show you how - the basics don’t take long to learn. I’m sure you’ll remember most of it quickly.” You agree, taking another sip of your water before continuing, just about ready to refocus your attention on the delicious meal rather than further conversation, “They’re wonderful animals if you treat them well, and most on Texas are well trained. It’s a good place to learn.”

Mink beams at the offer, violet eyes sparkling and gloved hands clasped together by her chest - she even does an excited little spin, long dark skirt sent twirling slightly, “Oh, you’re the best!”

“I’ll warn you now though, longer rides can leave you pretty sore the first few times, it can be rough if you aren’t prepared for it.” You say very seriously, thinking back to how rough it was on your thighs that first time all those years ago - As you learned to ride better it quickly vanished as an issue.

“Oh, don’t be silly, I’m not afraid of a hard ride, I like it rough!” Minks balls her fists in a silly pose, puffing her chest out and trying to look tough; it succeeds only at causing you to cough again on your water, her claim turning your face the faintest tinge of red, “...What’s so funny, master?”

>>5622844

18:05, 5th February UC 0076
Federation Embassy, Zum City, Side Three (Republic of Zeon)

The last few weeks have seen your recovery go by swifty, and once again you’re able to move more or less comfortably under your own power; even with physical therapy and the medicines given to you by the doctors meant to stave off muscle loss and spur regeneration you’ve still grown somewhat weaker - When you get back to the academy that will sort itself out quickly, but it is a setback.

Currently you’re within the grand hall of the Federation’s quite stately embassy. The interior is fitting for such a building, high arched ceilings and fine decorations, but it still strikes you as quite plain in comparison to even the more modest mansions of Zum city, let alone the Zabi palace. It’s simply the work of a different culture, but just as serviceable for such a gathering of the politically connected and powerful. Politicians of all sorts mingling among one another under the warm light of the candelabras hanging high over head, old men in suits discussing every type of business and endeavor imaginable…

Elena is at your side, one arm looped about yours and looking stunning in a long green dress. She’s keeping you quite close, very wary of the stares many of the young women present tonight are casting in your direction. While the daughters of politicians have been less trouble with Elena here, their wives have taken to bothering you with unusual vigor. You’re a “sweet couple,” “adorable,” and any other of dozens of compliments they could think of.

Kycilia is… Somewhere. You’ve caught a glimpse of her once or twice, copper hair among a sea of brown and blond, but currently you have little idea what it is she’s up to here tonight.

What are you setting your focus on tonight?

>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>You’re taking the time to speak with Zeon’s prime minister, Darcia Bakharov. He’s a puppet of the Zabis, and his office has been stripped of real power and forced to take a more ceremonial role, but he’s still very well connected.

>Elena, obviously. You’ll still find time to speak with others of course, that’s most of what’s done on nights like this, but you take every chance you have with Elena to make great memories… Until you can live together all you have are these brief moments.

>Write-in.

>>5622846
1)
>You’re taking the time to speak with Zeon’s prime minister, Darcia Bakharov. He’s a puppet of the Zabis, and his office has been stripped of real power and forced to take a more ceremonial role, but he’s still very well connected.
2)
>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622846
>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.
Revil is a major character during the OYW, we should try and get to know him.

>>5622846
>>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622846
>>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622846
>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622846
>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622846
>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622846
>>One of the Federation officers that was present when your cadet class was sworn in, Revil, is here, and spending quite a bit of time speaking with the Federation diplomat to Zeon. Getting to know Federation military leadership might prove useful in the future.

>>5622853 (2nd)
>>5622859
>>5622897
>>5622913
>>5622914
>>5622922
>>5622931
>>5622954
Writing, might take a bit.

This is probably a good time to think about what Felix's goals in the short and medium term are. Does he want to build up a powerful inner circle of officers and form a military clique pushing certain doctrines and plans, or create a cult of personality akin to Gihren's (or more charitably, Zeon himself), or what? Throwing some ideas around would be good. Obviously all of this has a long term goal of "Kill Zabis, free (neo?)Zeon, achieve true Contolism" but there are hundreds of steps between where he's at now and being a (ceremonial?) space co-emperor with Casval or however you're planning to end this.

>>5623080
I'm thinking something in between those extremes. The medium term vision is asserting himself (and by extension, his siblings) as a new (but also old) party in Zeon, separate from Kycilia and Gihren. To this end we need both hard and soft power, both military and civilian assets. Officers, industrialists, media magnates, members of the civilian bureaucracy, and even Federation connections will all help the Deikun-Zabi clique in manipulating Zeon.

>>5623080
Try to get Contolism that is different from Gihren's to spread.
And for that, we need to make connections.

>>5623080
I'd assume that a cultre of personality with a strong officer circle would be the key thing. or harem of super elites.

>>5623080

This is gonna be a mix of serious plan, jokes, and "out of character/meta" stuff

Short Term
>Meet Doan
>Poach at least some of Midnight Fenrir to Dozle's Faction
>Generally strengthen Dozle's Faction. His faction had TWO Zabis in it, and one was THE martyr. Its absurd how weak they were compared to Gihren's and Kycillia's.
>MOBILE ARMORS
>Get more allies in the industrial sectors, especially in Zeonic. If we can get them to be pro-Deikun-Zabi instead of just pro-Zabi, the possible civil war against Gihren will go much smoother.
>See if we can fully awaken Tiff, and see if any of our other friends have Newtype potential. I can see Blare having some, based off of how clingy Tiff is and how observant he is.
>Sow the seeds of Anti-Gihren and Anti-Kycillia sentiment amongst the people of Zeon
>Gain more allies in the other colonies. Riah allying with us will already be a massive boon during the war, but more friends is always good, especially when you're as small as Zeon is.

Medium Term
>Marry Elena
>Convince Garma to take Artesia's last name when they get married
>Prevent, or otherwise lessen, the Colony Drop.
>If the Colony Drop succeeds, use it to totally ruin Gihren's reputation. Doing a big denouncement speech would be a bad idea, we should instead leak that it was by his orders. Maybe reveal that he used g3, too?
>Get Cas in a proper High-Mobility Suit. He could probably push a Dom to go faster than the speed of sound, even in-atmo
>Sabotage the Federation's ability to produce mobile suits.
>Fully take Luna. If failing that, get universal trade rights from the cities we don't take to starve the Federation of Luna Titanium.
and of course
>MASS PRODUCE BIG ZAM.
>IF WE DO THAT, THE FEDERATION IS FINISHED