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Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 203 Live Fire

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The Vault as the testing facility was known, loomed in front of Max when his planned route ended. an enormous door, the height of the entire level, and twenty meters thick stood in front of him in shining metallic glory, open and waiting for his arrival.

[X137 Please step to the Blue Line to begin testing the Main Ion Bombard Arrays.] Came the voice of Sister Lilith over the intercom, shaking with excitement.

Her team wasnt involved in that part of the development, so she had never seen the new design in action, even in a simulation. This was a big moment for her and the team.

The Blue Line was the closest to the door, giving the weapons the maximum range of 800 meters to the far wall where a thick armored target was set up to take the full fury of his blasts. It was covered in dozens of layers of energy shielding, so it didnt need to be replaced every time it was used, and Max could only wish such a thing was practical for a Mecha.

Unfortunately, the power requirements were too much for even a reactor as mighty as the X137 carried and needed one intended to power an entire major city to keep them online. This was a modified design of the Orbital Strike Defenses that all major cities had, but used on a much smaller area. The chance of a Mecha unleashing something more terrifying than the Orbital Lance of the Fleets Destroyers and President Class transport ships was laughable, so Max had full confidence in unleashing the full fury of the new weapons in this room.

Single Shot, Maximum output strike with the right arm. Sister Lilith directed, and Max triggered the blinding white light of the Ion Bombard Array to crash into the target.

Excellent results. Now, left arm.

All six barrels at once.

Rapid Fire, cyclic pulses.

The Ion Bombard Arrays were put through their paces, including heat retention and power draw tests that saw them put on rapid fire mode for a straight minute to ensure that they had a level of stability that the original version lacked. That was mostly due to power output though. The X137 had a much larger reactor than even the Shining Darkness, which was set up specifically for Energy Attacks.

Align the Thunder Gun, we will start with all three barrels on single shot mode, Lilith instructed.

Hundreds of people were observing and there were ten team members, they had more than enough manpower to analyze all three guns at once, so she might as well put on a show for the crowd. Within test scenario regulations of course.

All three guns barked out their crackling report as the Mass Drivers pushed their shells toward the target. The speed was lower than usual since the distance was short and speed wasnt necessary, but all three rounds hit the target millimeters apart.

Excellent synchronization. Repeat the test with maximum velocity. Lilith instructed and the guns barked again, except this time with a heavy boom of the sound barrier being broken by three large projectiles.

With that sort of speed, the X137 would have no problem lobbing projectiles over the horizon, making it a suitable replacement for the standard artillery battery that the Infantry units currently deployed.

Maximum Rate of Fire, staggered intervals at maximum velocity. The design team is eager to hear the thunder in person. This time the voice belonged to Uncle Lu, who was just as eager as the weapons team to hear the sound in person and not in a simulation.

The two should theoretically be identical, but he had always felt that the simulation was lacking something visceral. A feeling that only the real world could provide, no matter how well simulated the sound and shockwaves were.

The observers were all in a separate room, thickly armored and isolated from the worst of the effects of the live fire lab, but Max was pretty sure that this would get their hearts pumping like the bass line of a dance club.

At two hundred and forty beats a minute, the rhythm of the Thunder Guns made the air inside the live fire lab shake, and even the insulation of the cockpit couldnt keep the changes in air pressure from the vibration from affecting Max.

It wouldnt hurt him, his System had made him far too durable for that, but he could see it giving lower-ranked technicians a severe headache with prolonged fire.

Max added it to his notes and let the guns fire for the entire minute of the test, running the test munitions dry at the end.

Munitions spent, Max reported, and the sound of clapping came over the radio as the scientists celebrated.

As Uncle Lu had expected, the tests were flawless. Virtual testing only ever failed if physical construction didnt meet specifications, and his lab did an amazing job of creating exactly what they were told to.

The first signal the eccentric General sent was to Central Command, informing them that the tests were successful and that the production of the Pre Production models could begin for the first round of battlefield testing.

The second signal he sent was to General Tennant aboard Abraham Kepler.

[My dearest brother Tennant,

It is with great regret to inform you that you are no longer the most beautiful in the family. Today we celebrated the birth of Sanju Nana, the most beautiful baby girl. One day she will grow up just as mighty as her big brother, I am certain.

With Regards,

Uncle Lu]

General Tennant had been waiting for the signal from the Labs to indicate that the testing was finished, but what he hadnt expected was that the General in charge was such an odd character. General Tennant did view the Shining Darkness as his own child since it had been in the family for generations, but that message was a bit unexpected.

Sanju Nana was the local languages word for thirty-seven, so General Tennant knew exactly what the message was about, and how long he had to get all the upgrades finished before it would be time to go pick up the test units, as well as a crew to staff them.

It was going to be a very busy month for him.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 204 Testing Completed

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Once the tests were completed, X137 was walked back to its testing bay and the whole team gathered around for an afternoon celebration. The Heavy and Super Heavy Mecha projects had been taking up most of the combined manpower of the lab for most of a year now, with an intense crunch at the end when General Lu decided that the planned design needed some serious overhauls, but now that all three patterns were finished in house testing, they could finally relax and start focusing on less time-sensitive projects.

Some would be moved to Exoskeleton projects, some to small arms development, others to Virtual Reality upgrades or even civilian interests, like better shelf stable ration packs for the disaster recovery portion of the mission that came at the end of most military interventions.

That also meant that the primary reason General Lu had brought in Max and Nico was now finished, which raised the question of what they were going to be up to next.

Max hoped that it would be something relatively safe and interesting, but that sort of assignment didnt often come up two deployments in a row, and this one had been pretty good to him so far.

There were still many more mecha designs that needed to go through the final testing phases, including upgrades for the existing models of mecha within the Kepler Military, and the new weapons for the Corvette Class units, so there was hope that he wouldnt be leaving here for a while.

The most important part of not wanting to leave was actually standing right next to him though. Moonie was looking up at him with a data tablet in her hand, wanting to get his take on the data that she had collected during the live fire exercises, and hear all about what it was like being inside a Super Heavy Mecha when it was actually in action.

Is it as loud in there as it was in the observation room? I mean, they turned down the external volume, but it was still pretty loud in there. She asked, impatient for more details.

Its loud, but its not the volume that really gets you, it is the air displacement from the vibration. There really isnt anything you can do about it, being so close to three high-powered Mass Drivers, but it can really shake your insides. Max explained.

Hmm, we have the sensor data from inside the cockpit, and it includes vibration information, as well as audio and other sensors. I will have to send the data to be analyzed for overall safety, so they can determine who is safe to send in as the Technicians in these units. Moonie nodded, tapping away at her tablet.

What are our plans for the rest of the day, Sister? Max asked Lilith, who was only a few meters away, working on her own data analysis.

Data, data, and more data. The General has a questionnaire here for you to fill out about the responsiveness of the Chassis. You might need to go into the virtual trainers to check on some of the answers, but most of it you will be able to fill out right away. Lilith informed him, handing over a data tablet with the questionnaire open.

It was all simple things. Lag time, responsiveness, any hesitation under rapidly changed commands, potential overloads, and thermal variations in the electronics after prolonged firing. Some he knew, some he could look up after the testing, but some he would have to go to the simulator for as Lilith suggested. They hadnt done any combat maneuver testing yet, which would come sometime later, so the simulator was his only option for the day.

The rest of the day passed in a mind-numbing blur until finally, it was time to head home. Max checked out of the simulator and headed for the locker room to freshen up, wondering what he would order for the night. He rarely went to the restaurants, and instead preferred to cook or pay the extra fee and have something delivered to his room.

A bit wasteful, but everywhere was so packed with people lately that it was hard to enjoy yourself. Even the Games Room had been near maximum capacity, which was strange because the total number of people on the base hadnt changed. It was like everyone was just congregating in this district for some reason.

That made Max think of the unauthorized message that had been intercepted. How many of these people had allegiances other than the Military? How many were sent specifically to gather data to send home, or were hired by outside forces? The vetting process was good, but top scientists were needed, so the employee pool was limited, and it was unreasonable to think you could fill a city with people who didnt have split loyalties, even over an area as large as the Kepler Empire.

Max was just about to start looking up data on employee recruitment when his doorbell rang, bringing up a security feed that showed him three women standing outside his door. Nico, Lilith, and Moonie, who were all dressed up to go out.

Ladies, come in. Welcome to my humble abode, and Im sorry I dont have enough chairs. Max greeted them.

A small Cyborg has brought it to our attention that today is a very special day back on your homeworld. Sister Lilith laughed, walking towards Maxs closet.

And so, we are dragging you out for the evening. Reservations have been made, so there is no reason for you to turn us down. Moonie agreed.

Max thought for a second about what would constitute an important day, then checked his watch, not finding anything.

In two hours and sixteen minutes, Kepler Standard time, you will be another year older. Nico smiled, seeing Maxs confusion.

Thats it. The change in seasons and from Kepler Terminus to the Standard calendar threw him off, but it will indeed be his birthday. According to the altered data in his official records, changed when the Cygnus officers were captured to prevent accusations of child soldiers, today will be his eighteenth birthday and not his fourteenth, but it is still his birthday. Thats fine by Max though, with all these returned memories, he certainly doesnt feel like a youth anymore.

Im sure you will love it. We put a lot of thought into what would be just the right evening. Moonie smiled, giving Max a kiss on the cheek, before handing him the clothes that Lilith picked out for him.

I only have one more question. Did our favorite Cyborg troublemaker tell you that it is her birthday too? We were born only a few minutes apart. Max pointed out, and Nico just shrugged. In her mind, she wasnt that nonchalant, she was greatly looking forward to a proper birthday party, but she didnt know how to show that, so instead she arranged a party for him.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

205 Chapter 205

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Maxs party outfit for the day, as chosen by Lilith, was a black on black shirt and pants, with a gray vest and tie. Max rolled the shirt up to his elbows, as was customary for off-duty officers, to remind themselves that they werent in uniform. After straightening his tie, Max strolled out into the main room to a wolf whistle by Nico and an appreciative look from Moonie.

Now that the birthday boy is ready, we can head out. The reservation wont wait, and we used a lot of pull to get this spot. The big brunette told him with a wink, making Max wonder what exactly they had planned for his birthday.

Outside, one of the electric carts that served as group transport, but were normally only available to those whose duties required patrolling the city, was waiting for them, along with a uniformed driver in his parade best.

He was one of the men who usually worked the gate to the Testing Department, so Max had seen him almost every morning. The man gave him a knowing wink, then helped the ladies into the cart with a very gentlemanly gesture that made him look like an actual chauffeur.

It will be ten minutes to get you to your destination, so please, relax and enjoy the ride. He called over his shoulder as the cart slowly rolled away.

You know the hoverboard is twenty times faster than this thing, right? Max laughed, making Nico smirk and gesture at the others.

Do you really think we should take proper ladies in such elegant gowns on a hoverboard ride through the city? Imagine the scandal. Nicos laugh was contagious, and the image of high winds flipping skirts as they raced through the city made Max realize the error in his suggestion. He wouldnt mind seeing it, but he certainly wouldnt want to share the view with the whole city.

The cart stopped at the nearest elevator, where the driver punched a button for one of the top floors, reserved for senior officers and those willing to blow large amounts of their salary to enjoy the finest that the city had to offer.

Their destination was a place called Chateau Chen Ming, an upscale hotel and event hall, where the Management staff hosted important visitors that held a sufficiently high-security clearance to enter the Lab City.

That meant that it was mostly empty, with the visitors usually being researchers celebrating special events more significant than a birthday party. But they also just finished up the X137 project, so there was a decent excuse if they had needed one to get reservations at the last minute.

Its still a bit early for dinner isnt it? Max asked quietly as Moonie and Nico led him by the hands to the hotels restaurant and Sister Lilith greeted the host with a big hug that smothered his face in her chest.

Please, follow me. The man stammered while his face turned bright red in embarrassment. Lilith had a pleased look on her face and Max recalled the first time they had met. Younger, easily embarrassed men were exactly her type.

Despite the early hour, the restaurant was already starting to fill up, but the host led them to a private booth that had sound-deadening curtains all around it.

Your orders have been placed and prepared in advance, please do enjoy. Were his last words before he left their side.

A group of waitresses arrived seconds later with an assortment of appetizers and Comors local champagne, made from a local fruit that gave it a distinct taste Max enjoyed much more than the original. He wasnt sure who knew he liked this version, since only a few people had been around him when he was drinking, but he suspected Nico and raised a questioning eyebrow at her when the staff left the bottle of premium wine behind.

Dont give me that look. Its the house specialty. The Chen familys vineyard makes it, so they bring a bottle for all the special events. Nico responded, sticking her tongue out at him.

Im not sure Im old enough to drink. Moonie hesitated, looking at the drink.

The Kepler drinking age is your day of enrollment into the academy. After that, you are under military regulation until you retire. Im quite certain that you are in fact old enough. Lilith corrected her and Moonie took a sip, looking surprised at either the bubbles or the taste.

Its like soda. I could begin to enjoy this. Moonie told her team leader, pouring her glass full.

Unlike a normal wine, Comor Champagne was a fortified spirit, at sixty proof, so drinking it like soda with her meal would lead to a very drunk Moonie. Especially since she had zero alcohol tolerance.

Lilith promptly moved the bottle out of her reach and held up her glass.

To victory, growth, and new beginnings. She toasted.

Hear Hear. A fine toast. Nico congratulated her, sipping the bubbly wine happily, knowing that she wouldnt suffer any side effects.

They chatted about their time since enlistment over appetizers, all of them deliberately ignoring the topic of early childhood for various reasons clearing the first round of plates just before the main dish came out.

Sister Lilith had ordered them all Prime Rib dinners, in some sort of mushroom sauce. The meat fell apart under gentle pressure from a fork, releasing an irresistible aroma into the room.

Its from the the Tapani Wildebeest. I dont think they exist in Kepler, but they are incredibly good. Sister Lilith explained.

Max noticed that while three of the dishes were identical, Nicos was brought out split in half, on two plates.

I dont actually need food, and youre a big guy, towering over us little ladies. Im sure you need your nutrition. The raven-haired Cyborg teased him, the metallic sticks that she used to style her hair into a bun waggling in time with her hand as she waved off his concern.

The wait staff brought multiple bottles of wine to go with the meal, and the group drank and laughed for hours until an alarm on Liliths Wrist Device went off.

Alright, its ready, lets get this party properly started. She laughed, wiping the last bit of gravy off her plate and totally ruining the ladylike image she had been going for all night.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

206 Chapter 206

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Once they had left the Restaurant, Lilith again led them to a waiting transport cart, with another driver from the security team, a shorter man with almost coal dark skin and hair who Max didnt recognize. That likely meant that he was a friend of Liliths and worked on the upper research floor entrances, so Max just greeted him politely and hopped in with the others.

Now that were all nearly in a food coma from the birthday dinner, there is a full team party going on to celebrate the completion of the last of the three new Heavy Mecha designs. They reserved the Military Museum deck just for the party, and Im sure you will find something amazing there. Lilith joked while thinking hard about everything but the museum and the party to try to fool Maxs mind reading.

It was working pretty well, Max got hints of the party planning, but nothing about what sort of surprise would be so amazing in a Museum. But maybe that part was for Nico, she loved the history and design process as much as Max loved Piloting, so the Museum likely did have a lot in store that she would enjoy, even if there wasnt a party.

The Military Museum Deck was near the bottom of the citys spherical shape, taking up an entire floor to itself. This was common in many Hab Domes, since the entrance that most people would use came in from the bottom, the first few floors were all shopping and entertainment districts so that the tourists didnt have to pass through the residential areas to get to the places that they actually wanted to be.

In this case, it also served as camouflage in case someone did get in by accident. They would find themselves first in the shopping area for designer augmentic implants and clothing, then the museum, after which they would find that the elevators needed authorization to go higher, or appeared to have a malfunction, depending on who they were.

The moment they stepped out of the Elevator, the most unexpected sight in the world greeted Maxs eyes. Two Bone and Bronze Crusader Class Mecha encased in Stasis tubes, with a detailed write-up of the long history of the Redemption Pattern Crusaders on the placards in front of them and a huge sign saying Happy Birthday.

All of the bases senior staff were there waiting, along with General Tennant, who Max didnt know was even still on the planet.

Congratulations on living to reach another year older, Majors. Your new orders will arrive in the morning, but today we have a monumental achievement to celebrate. First, the retirement of the two Heavy Mecha, Stalwart and Tariths Rage. Secondly, the birthdays of both of their pilots, Major Keres Max and Major Tarith Nico. And finally, the official announcement that the Alpha development and testing phase of the Next Generation Project that the entire Mecha Modernization Bureau has been committed to has now been completed.

I realize that was quite a mouthful, but I will only have to say it once. Tomorrow, a lot of you will receive updated orders for the next round of testing, which will be done off-world for practical reasons, meaning that this might be your last chance to socialize together in this group. Enjoy it.

General Lus speech set the whole crowd to cheering, and even the most dour-faced members of the Mecha development teams managed a smile for this moment.

Happy Birthday you two. There is one more thing I should show you before we get too invested in the party. Its over on the far side of the Library, and not up for public viewing yet, but you two will certainly be interested. General Tennant told Max and Nico with a smile, motioning them to follow him away from the party that was quickly getting rowdy as drinks were served and the previously low music was cranked up.

He led them through a series of corridors and back rooms until they reached a massive storage hangar, where items that the Museum held, but didnt display were stored in a controlled environment. It was impossible to not know what he brought them here for, Shining Darkness stood proudly in the center of the room, inside a half-assembled Stasis Tube.

Thats right. She has been mothballed. It was a good run, but the faithful old girl has seen the last of her active service unless something truly catastrophic happens. The General told them, his eyes glistening with suppressed emotion.

Nico moved over to give him a soft hug from behind, while Max asked the obvious question. So, if they have grounded Shining Darkness, what is next for you?

I have been named Fleet Lord Commander of the Testing fleet, with an upgrade from two to three star General. I will be in charge of Central Command for the testing missions, as well as what comes after. Understand, I am not at liberty to discuss that, and my System Skills should be enough to keep you out of the parts of my mind you shouldnt be in, but we will be together for quite some time. The only difference is, that I wont be grooming you to take over the Shining Darkness anymore, but to take over a newly formed Mechanized Regiment.

Why us? There are thousands of experienced Colonels and Brigadier Generals who dont currently have a Command posting. Why would Command pick us for a newly formed Regiment? Max asked, unable to get the answers straight from the Generals mind.

The same reason that all Super Heavy Mecha Pilots swear an oath directly to the Emperor and in his presence. Loyalty. Experienced political officers all have strong connections with the various noble factions and are usually from one of them themselves. You two both hold Noble Title, but neither of you has an inherited faction or outside influences. I wont lie, I have been instructed to raise you up as loyal servants of the Emperor, and so far you have been exemplary soldiers.

But the new Regiment will be in the spotlight from the moment they set foot in battle after our test missions are completed. Kepler cant afford a Commander that might pit factions against each other, or work to undermine the leadership. The Rebels are still simmering away, waiting for their moment to try again, and we cant afford to turn on our own with our neighbors breathing down our necks. A loyal show of force with the new Pattern Mecha is what the Emperor believes we need to settle the situation.

General Tennants lengthy explanation both alarmed and reassured both Max and Nico. The Emperor was doing what he could to avoid civil war, even if it meant letting his enemies survive a bit longer until the Kepler Empire was strong enough to eliminate them without being swarmed and overrun by hostile outside forces.

Occasionally missing content, please report errors in time.

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207 Chapter 207

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After the stunning revelation that one of the Empires most revered war machines was being put into retirement, and all that followed, the trio returned to the party, where Sister Lilith was waiting for them with drinks in hand.

I didnt bother putting alcohol in yours Nico, its a fruity energy concoction, made into a slushie. There are a lot of partial conversions on the research team, so they can process this much more easily than a normal drink, plus it tastes amazing. Lilith explained, handing out the drinks.

Nearly a thousand researchers were here, all celebrating the end of a project, and the possibility that they would be transferred to somewhere outside the lab. Active duty was terrifying and dangerous, but most of them were researchers and not combat certified, so they would be staying aboard whatever transport they were assigned to, doing the data analysis of the new Mechas engagements.

There was still some risk, but there was also the hope that they would be able to contact family, see the Galaxy during the testing, and not spend more years confined to the hab city. It was a nice city, but eventually, many of them wanted to see more, even if it was just the nature reserves on Comor they would have been happy, but during the development process even that was too much of a security risk.

It didnt take long before the entire crowd was in full party mode, with all sense of decorum forgotten in favor of looking toward the future with drunken optimism.

Max, come quick, we have a situation, Lilith called, drawing his attention to where Nico was consoling a very drunk Moonie. That couldnt be good, but her thoughts were so scattered by alcohol that Max couldnt make sense of them, so he couldnt determine why Moonie was crying, but he did hear his own name.

There he is. The greatest man ever. Did you know that he is an amazing chess player? Like really amazing. Moonie rambled to Nico, who was carefully leading her toward the edge of the room.

What set her off? Max asked Lilith quietly, so he wasnt overheard over the beat of the music.

Something about the deployments. I think shes worried about being left behind when everyone else leaves because shes a new researcher and this is her first assignment. Lilith explained though Max could sense it was about half guess and half interpretation of her outbursts.

Why are you taking me away? Hes that way, take me to that marvelous dick. Have you ever seen it, its so beautiful. Moonie called, making the researchers around her laugh at her single-minded devotion to getting what she wanted.

We went through the academy and three battlefields together, and we both work in the lab as Pilots, the only person who has seen him naked more times might be his mother, Nico confirmed, making Moonie pout, but renewing the laughter of the other testers, who all changed together every morning.

Thats not fair. I should have asked to be a Test Pilot. Did you know that they didnt even let me practice in the Mecha after learning my System Functions? Its total bullshit. I would have been a great Pilot. Moonie complained, and Lilith pulled Max over before the girl could embarrass herself anymore.

Alright, we brought you the handsome man with the beautiful dick. Now how about you two take this key and head to the Hotel on the next floor up to sleep it off? Lilith suggested, giving the key to Max.

Make the best of your time in life, you never know what tomorrow holds, Nico whispered in his ear before handing him a small package and picking up Moonie to place her in his arms.

Oh, there you are, we were just talking about you. Moonie cheered when she realized she was being carried by Max.

I heard. Now, lets get you upstairs and into bed. Max chuckled, nodding goodbye to the people he knew as he left the hotel.

Max was quite certain that he hadnt gotten more than two hours of sleep when he woke up to the feeling of Moonie shifting positions on top of him and the sound of two wrist devices blaring out the urgent alert notification that wouldnt end until the message was read and confirmed. Ꮇ∀ԼЕᎷⱣΥƦ.ƇՕᎷ

Moonie was an energetic drunk, and even after they reached the room she had spent hours showing Max just how much she would miss him if they were separated by the new deployment. Max wouldnt complain, but he certainly wasnt in much of a condition to accomplish anything the next morning.

No, make that afternoon, the morning had already passed by the time Max checked his message.

[Major Keres Max,

Please be notified that as of receipt of this message the entirety of the Heavy Mecha Development teams will be transferred from the Mecha Development Lab on Comor Prime to the transport vessel Abraham Kepler, currently docked in wing C Bay 4 of the Comor Orbital Station.

Your Duty Status has been reinstated at A1, Combat Ready, and fit for service as of this message.

You have 48 hours to gather your belongings and report to your new duty assignment.

Regards,

Central Command]

Usually, these messages are quite personal and dont refer to anyone else, but if they are mentioning that the entire team is going, then their deployment isnt meant to be kept secret from the other members that are going. The news that everyone is going is also good news for him because there is a cute little blonde passed out on his chest that he would hate to have to leave behind.

Moonie wake up. You have a Duty Assignment message on your wrist device and it needs to be read and confirmed to make the thing stop beeping. Max whispered in her ear, before giving it a gentle bite to wake her up.

No, Im not getting dressed, Moonie complained before Max handed her the wrist device.

Dont get dressed then, youre perfect the way you are. But you need to read the message. Max tried bargaining.

My heart isnt ready yet. Give me ten more minutes. Moonie whined, but a quick smack at her backside made her take the beeping device and open her messages.

Were going into space. All of us, for live combat testing. She gasped in astonishment and then gave Max a big hug.

Im sorry Im like this, I dont know what came over me. She whispered to him, making Max smirk.

I can think of a thing or two, but I will let Lilith fill you in on what happened at the party when you meet up with her later.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 208 208 Chaos On Deck

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Now that Moonie had a purpose, she was more than happy to get up and get dressed. They were excused from lab duty today, since their project had ended and they were being reassigned, making it pointless to assign them a new task for a single day before they left.

Unlike Max, who had only been here a short time, and had barely purchased anything, Moonie had been here for nearly two years and had made herself at home, assuming that she would be remaining at this lab for the majority of her Military Career.

That meant that she had an abundance of personal items, clothing, lamps, bedding, and so on that she would have to sort through to see what she could fit in the storage cases and what she could not.

Fortunately, Nico and Lilith had woken up much earlier and were well prepared for this scenario. They had sent a new duffel bag and two storage cubes to Moonies room, which was more space than she had expected to get allotted as a Corporal. Since they were researchers and not active duty combatants, the Fleet had made exceptions to move them all to officers quarters, giving them individual rooms of two by three meters, only slightly smaller than the ones the lower ranked researchers like Moonie were currently in while stationed in the Lab City.

But the level of decoration that they had done in the base simply wasnt going to be possible aboard a transport ship, so Moonie had a lot of cleaning house to do.

Its only the team from the Mecha Projects going, under a hundred of us out of ten thousand, so Im sure you could just donate some of the good things you collected to others. There are still a bunch of new arrivals here. Would you like me to send a message? Lilith suggested.

Oh, that might be good. Once I get everything I can take packed, you can send a message and arrange for them to pick anything that they like. Moonie agreed.

Downsizing wasnt easy, and a lot of these things had sentimental value, so it was a slow process for Moonie that afternoon, and it became even slower when Nico showed up with Vacuum bags.

These self deflate, sucking out the air so you can pack soft items like clothes and stuffed animals into a quarter of their original space, Nico explained, looking at all the stuffed decorations on the bed.

Nico didnt know that most of Moonies collection was already filling her transport cubes until the blonde popped it open and fluff practically exploded from every seam.

It looks like I made the right call. I will let you two work now that you can deflate the stuffies. Dont worry, once the vacuum is released they will gain their shape back in only a few hours. You can also use them to pack clothing more tightly, they are designed to sit in layers inside the cube, so pack as much as you can. With a swish of her long raven hair, Nico was out the door again, headed to assist other team members she had worked with on the X109 Fast Attack Heavy Mecha project.

They were the original X104 Crusader Replacement Project team as well, so most of them had been in the lab for almost a decade, making the moving process a hard one for them. Fortunately, other than the coding team, they were all officers or assigned to officers dorms aboard Abraham Kepler, so everyone who was going got a second storage cube to go with their duffel bag worth of space that even the lowliest of privates in the infantry were allotted.

Some packed light, others had hoarded until their rooms were packed and were having trouble deciding what to take, so the whole first day was insane for the teams that were moving.

Max and Moonie had finally packed all her favorite clothes, about half her stuffed animals, plus her duffel bag full of Military Uniform standard items and undergarments when the doorbell rang and the security camera showed a group of younger female staff members milling about outside, one with a takeout bag in her hands.

Sister Moonie, let us in. We brought dinner for you and that super hunky pilot boy. The leader called while the others laughed.

Moonie opened the door to keep them from making a scene in the hallway, or at least any more of a scene than they already had, and the girls rushed forward to give her a round of hugs.

Greetings Major Max. I dont think weve met, since were all in the food service division and you dont live near our floors, but we all arrived here on the same shuttle as Sister Moonie here. But weve been friends a long time and just heard that the whole Mecha team is being sent on an extended research mission, so we came to say goodbye. One of the girls explained to Max, bringing him into the group hug.

Its good to meet you as well. The mission is a full change of posting and not a research trip, so Moonie has to clear out her dorm here. Which of course has way more than a storage cube can contain. If you ask nicely, Im sure that she has a few things left over that need loving new homes. Max suggested.

That was exactly what the girls were hoping for. Dear Sister, I dont suppose you had room to pack all your clothing did you? Aboard the ship you will need to wear a uniform every day, and youve got such great fashion sense.

The girls pleading made Moonie smile. They had often exchanged clothes with each other in the past, to find just the right outfits, and they were right, she had stacks and stacks of casual clothing in her room already.

That wardrobe was expensive you know. Moonie gave them a fake pout, not wanting to give in too easily.

We have prepared a credit transfer for you. Its two months wages, not enough to buy everything new, but it should help you start to replace the things you lost here when you get to another lab assignment. The leader explained, setting the food down on the small kitchen counter in Moonies apartment.

You didnt need to. I already knew I had too much stuff to transfer with me. Im all packed now, so feel free to take what you like, even the fluffy comforter. I packed one with me, but the second simply wasnt going to fit, even vacuum packed. Moonie laughed.

Not so fast young ladies, youre not Moonies only friends you know. Someone called from down the hall, and Max realized that the door was still open, due to the abundance of people in the small space.

Auntie Margaret. I saved you the potted plants. Moonie called, and the old womans laughter rang through the hallway.

Slowly the well-wishers came from all through the building. Moonies gentle disposition and shy personality seemed to have made friends with everyone she interacted with over her time here in the Lab. Many of them left with small items, stuffed animals, trinkets, or a particular clothing item in the case of those around her size and fashion sense.

By the end of the evening, the girls from the food department, Moonies first friends here, left with an armload of clothing each, and the room was clear of everything but the issued furniture and bedding.

Well, that went smoothly. I thought we would be cleaning for hours, but they even brought someone from maintenance to vacuum the floors, so that the automated system would have an easier time of things and not dock you credits for excess energy usage. Max told Moonie while picking her up in a hug.

Yes, it went perfectly. I totally didnt expect that Big John from security would love hydrangeas so much that he would argue with old Auntie Margaret over them though. Moonie agreed. The flowers were hard to get on the station since they werent native to the planet, but Moonie got the seeds from another new arrival, who had packed them in his storage cube.

Since your room is now clean and empty, lets head to mine and not mess it up, Max told her, picking up the transport cubes so that they wouldnt have to return here in the morning to load them for shipment to Abraham Kepler.

Lead the way, Sir Max.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 209 209 Moving Day

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The next morning Max woke Moonie up in time to take a shower and then double-checked the shuttle schedule. It wasnt easy to leave or enter this hab dome, so he wanted to make sure that they were aboard the morning shuttle, giving them plenty of time to make their way across the Comor Station and get settled into their new homes aboard Abraham Kepler.

Of course, he wasnt the only one that had that same idea, and the upper floors near the hangars were absolutely packed already when he checked the cameras. Getting off the base shouldnt be an issue, the military was nothing if not efficient in planning transportation, but it looked like it might be wiser for them to wait a while.

[Attention all Staff Transfers. Cargo pickup will begin in fifteen minutes for those wishing to send their luggage ahead. Please schedule your luggage pickup with the Transportation Department.] An announcement repeated all over the stations public areas, as well as appearing on the wrist devices of the crew that were leaving today.

Max barely had time to read the message before the confirmation of his luggage pickup arrived, and a message dinged on Moonies wrist device as well.

That was quick, did you send it while the announcement was playing, or did you arrange it in advance? The blonde researcher asked.

Neither. Im willing to wager that Major Nico arranged them both, and likely a pickup for Sister Lilith as well. Her skills are uniquely well suited to mission organization. Max explained.

As expected, a few seconds after the message there was a knock at their door, and the cyborg in question was waiting outside.

How did she get here so quickly? Thats just crazy. Moonie muttered and Max couldnt help but laugh.

She lives right next door, she was literally five steps away.

Max let Nico in, and she handed them both a small digital token. These are your boarding passes. The mob that assembled upstairs forgot that this is a military transfer operation, not a public bus. You dont just cram yourselves aboard at the first opportunity, everything is organized. We are all on the transport leaving at zero nine hundred, so weve got over an hour before we need to start heading for the hangars. The staff should be here soon to gather all our luggage, and Sister Lilith is on an earlier transport, so she wont have time to come down and meet us.

Moonie nodded in acceptance. One last trip to the breakfast burrito stand then? I go there all the time on my days off when Im not eating in the lab.

That was a good enough plan for the day, and the shop ended up being a rather good takeout food place, with breakfast burritos as the daily special every single morning. More than a few people were here, despite it not being close to a standard shift change, but it didnt take long to get their breakfast ready and head back to the rooms so that the staff could come to get their luggage.

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As usual, all baggage would be scanned, disinfected if necessary, and randomly inspected before being allowed aboard Abraham Kepler, despite coming from another military facility. Protocol demanded that baggage was checked at every entry and exit incidence, so sending it separately meant that you didnt have to personally wait for it to be done before you could go aboard yourself. It was a real time saver when there was a large movement of troops, like today.

The luggage carts arrived only a few minutes after they finished eating and took their bags, leaving them sitting in an empty room with time to spare.

Why dont we head up early, in case the chaos isnt cleared yet? If the shuttle is waiting by the time we get there we can get the good seats near one of the curved windows, so we can watch the planet as we leave? Max suggested.

Their rooms already have an amazing aerial view of Comor, but there is just something about watching it fade as you leave the planets atmosphere that makes the view a little more amazing in his personal opinion. Unlike a combat drop or lander pickup, leaving in a shuttle you really get to appreciate the trip into space in a shuttle.

The elevator was almost empty when they went up, containing only a single security officer whose identification badge identified him as part of the Cyber Security team.

Majors, Corporal. The general wanted to give you an update on the unauthorized signal situation before you left, but he couldnt come himself due to last-minute obligations. Both the user who modified the tablet and the intended recipient have been identified and detained. He greeted them once the doors had closed, isolating them from any outside listeners.

Domestic or foreign? Max asked, wondering how much the officer could tell them.

Domestic. Both were affiliated with the same noble family, who is a major producer of Redemption Pattern Mecha. Questioning has determined that the incident was a corporate one, but their home planet has been placed under temporary administration of the military as a precaution.

That wasnt entirely unexpected, other labs are constantly trying to come up with a design that the military administration will approve since the royalties for a new pattern of mecha would make them both immensely wealthy and respected.

Though if the whole planet is now under administration by the military, there might be much more to the story that they arent authorized to know.

Thank you for your consideration, it will let us leave with a clear conscience knowing that the incident is resolved, Nico responded with a polite salute.

Ive got to get back to work, but I will give you one last piece of advice. Room A7 will have the best view of the Western Mountains as you leave. I highly recommend claiming it early. With his piece said, the officer tapped the button for the next floor and got off the elevator, leaving the three of them alone for the short trip to the flight deck.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 210 210 Back In Space

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When they got out of the elevator, Nico led them past the crowd and out on to the flight deck where the next shuttle was still cooling down for boarding.

The guards greeted her with a fist bump and escorted the group through, much to the dismay of the crowd that was waiting in line to load.

Shut it. Qualify as a Super Heavy Pilot and you can dodge the line yourself. The staff responded to the complaints of favoritism, silencing the crowd.

That wasnt a status that any of them would ever make, and the man who walked around the line almost certainly outranked them all. Even worse, they might end up his direct subordinates once they got to the ship, so antagonizing the Pilot or his two cute friends could make their deployment a nightmare.

Nico led them straight to their destination, a four-seat private room in the nose of the shuttle on the Port side. It was the last booth towards the bow of the ship, and the hull curved slightly, giving it an exterior wall with a panoramic view.

It was only a few minutes before the temperature was low enough that everyone else was cleared to enter the shuttle and Max could hear them all competing for the best seats.

The private rooms were usually for senior officers only, so Max thought thought they would be flying alone, but at the last minute a young man in parade uniform opened the door with a sheepish grin.

Forgive my intrusion, it is a full flight. He explained, taking the seat across from Max and buckling himself in next to Nico.

Major Keres Max, good to meet you. That is Major Tarith Nico and Corporal Moonie. Max introduced everyone.

Lieutenant Coates, formerly lead technician of test bay seven. We did most of the weapons testing for the new heavy Mecha. He responded with a smile, happy that the last available seat wasnt next to some stuffy Command officers whose clique he wasnt part of.

So, are you going for the second seat in a command Mecha or a repair and redesign spot aboard the Abraham Kepler? Nico asked, making the slender Lieutenant laugh.

Despite having a physique like this, I have a Beta Ranked system with two separate System Functions for Mecha repair, plus a degree in Nuclear Physics. I am afraid I am condemned to live in a cubicle. Lieutenant Coates sighed.

Theres still a chance. I heard a rumor that the Super Heavy Pilots will be allowed to choose their own technician, so you might get to risk your life in glorious combat for the fatherland before you know it. Nico joked.

Well, Ive got the connections now. Im sure if everyones favorite killer Cyborg puts in the good word someone will take me in. Coates agreed.

All you need to do is act like a lost puppy, flutter those big green eyes, just begging to be picked, Nico told him with a straight face while Moonie tried not to laugh.

They wouldnt get their final assignments or even a unit that they would be attached to until after they arrived on board, and probably not even then. As far as Max knew, there werent even any Mecha on board now that the last three had been moved to a museum, so they would need both mecha and crew before those final decisions would be made.

Max knew that the General had earmarked him for Command, but what exactly Nicos position was going to be was still unknown. Whether she would be his executive officer still, a Company Commander under him, or even moved to maintenance or logistics for a time. The variety of her System Functions made her future unclear, unlike his own combat-focused System.

Max thought at first that she might be his second seat, but she was highly overqualified for the position. From what Max had learned so far, the second seat was there purely as a technician, and they werent intended to be a full-fledged pilot for the X137 Super Heavy Mecha.

[Shuttle departure in 30 seconds] the automated announcement came over the shuttles intercom moments before the vessel began to shudder as the engines were powered up and the preflight checks were finished.

Once off the deck and out of the confines of the hab dome, the shuttle ride immediately turned glass smooth and the vessel banked gently, aligning itself with one of the planets approved exit routes. The mountains slowly passed in front of the windows as they got ready, giving the three of them time to fully appreciate the advice that led them to this room.

The smooth hover of anti-gravity flight shifted to the pressure of rapid acceleration as the shuttles dampeners did their best to mitigate the force of their planetary exit. A momentary floating sensation marked the transition into space before the artificial gravity adjusted and everyone let out a soft sigh.

There was no pretending they were still on a relaxed research assignment now.

The magnificent sight of Comor Station quickly grew in front of them less than twenty minutes later and the intercom warned them of the standard docking procedures.

[All personnel are to remain seated until the disembark lights turn green. Shuttle staff will guide you to exit in an orderly manner.]

They were in the civilian wing of the station, in a shuttle bay, so they would have to cross a large portion of the station to get to their destination, but that was just a good excuse to explore and relax.

They still had eighteen hours until they needed to report for duty, which meant they could relax for most of the day on the Station before they needed to get their rooms set up and sleep.

Most of the staff would only pull out, iron, and hang up one uniform tonight, for them to wear tomorrow, but Max preferred to have everything in place the first day.

Moonies wrist device dinged and she smiled happily at the message before turning to relay the message to Max. Sister Lilith is nearby in the Cafe at the book store. She has proper coffee for us.

Having to drink Mess Hall coffee was going to be one of the greatest losses taken by the staff that was transferring from the lab to Abraham Kepler, and soon every coffee shop and import store would be swarming with researchers looking for enough of the good stuff to get them by until their next station stop.

As they reached the Cafe, Max could see that Sister Lilith was among the horde of coffee aficionados, as she had no less than six packages of roasted beans in a plastic bag beside her seat and a large thermal insulated cup in front of her.

Alright, lets get some of the good stuff and watch the Chaos. Nico cheered, looking back to the busy intersection outside the shop where the rest of the crew would soon appear.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 211 211 On The Road Again

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The insanity was every bit as amazing as they had all hoped for. Between the soldiers that didnt use the luggage service, and the ones who had issues clearing security, everyone was in a panic. Half of them didnt know where they were going, since they hadnt arrived at the Comor Station on their way in, plus there was simply so much to see and do that they couldnt possibly have time for it all.

Through everything, the quartet of Mecha enthusiasts simply sat in the coffee shop, which turned out to have a rather amazing soup and sandwich combo and just watched.

Its almost dinner time, should we find a restaurant or head aboard and get our gear set up before we hit the mess hall and begin the adjustment? Max asked, but he didnt need to read the ladies minds to realize that the question only had one possible answer.

One more real meal before we go. We have been spoiled too long, I dont want to start on the fleet meals the very first night. Sister Lilith announced with a very serious look on her face.

Done and done. Follow me, I have a table reserved for us. Nico announced, startling everyone but Max, who was mostly used to her efficiency.

How did you even manage that? The place is packed and everyone is looking for somewhere to eat. Moonie asked, looking outside to the crowd who could barely walk past each other.

I have my ways, you will understand when we arrive, Nico smirked.

Her wrist device dinged a few seconds later, and they saw one of the luxury hover platforms from the Comor Royal Hotel waiting outside, piloted by a hotel butler in uniform.

Thats our ride, everyone aboard, Nico announced, taking Sister Liliths waist and jumping up on the platform with her.

Max grabbed Moonie and followed close behind, and the Butler left for the hotel with a silent nod to his passengers. Both of the researchers looked shocked at the luxury, not many facilities and even fewer individuals had the privilege of flight within the station, but it was saving them an incredible amount of time.

Once they reached the hotel restaurant, Nico tapped wrist devices with the Butler and gave him a wink, which the man returned with a bow and a smile, before escorting them into the building.

Private room for Imperial Lady Tarith. The butler announced when they reached the host, who seemed to recognize both Max and Nico the moment he saw them.

Right this way, please. Your table has been prepared, did you have any special requests tonight? The Host asked.

Our companions have not yet had the pleasure of visiting the Comor Royal Hotel, but unfortunately we are deploying this very evening. Do you have an assorted platter? Im certain we can manage a family-style meal to let everyone try a variety by the finest chefs in the System. Nico suggested.

We have just the thing. Your server will be in momentarily.

The host wasnt lying, the meal was fit for a buffet, but in smaller portions, with nearly two dozen dishes served if you counted desserts. They even packed up four small boxes at the end with an evening snack as they put it.

Moonie and Lilith looked even more despondent than they had at the thought of a meal aboard the ship by the time they made it to the security lineup checking all the soldiers into Abraham Kepler though. The last meal at the station was one of the greatest experiences of their life, with a live classical band playing in the background, incredible food, and staff treating them like royalty.

The harsh green of the walls in the military docks only highlighted the difference and reminded them that this would be the color of their lives for the next few years unless something changed the schedule for the testing.

According to the plan, the Mecha were to be tested against nonsentient threats first, then against nonhuman sentient targets before being officially revealed to the public and rolled out with the next wave of recruitments.

The change would impact the entire deployment strategy and to an extent, the basic combat doctrine of the Kepler Empire. Using overwhelming force has always been their way, but it was the force of numbers before, once the entire army is updated they will hopefully be fielding a Super Heavy Mecha with almost every Company. One Super Heavy for every hundred instead of every ten thousand would totally change the strategy of the Kepler Military, as well as their casualty rate.

Since only a thousand soldiers were aboard the ship at the moment, they were all assigned to the reservist quarters where Max had spent so much time in the past, waiting with the retiring forces returning to their homeworld.

Even his room was the same. Third door down the hallway to the left of the Mess Hall, with Nico beside him. Moonie and Lilith were in the same block, but around the corner, and the main barracks were currently empty, with the research staff housed in the officers bunks regardless of rank.

According to the assignment data, most of them would be staying there, and the reservist area would become the research wing of the ship, slowly modified to serve whatever purpose they needed it to once the rest of the Pilots and the equipment were on board.

Max quickly set up his room before changing into the comfortable silk pajamas he had acquired on Comor and turning in for the night. Everyone had an early morning tomorrow once Abraham Kepler left the docks, so he planned to get as much sleep as he could.

It wasnt as easy as he remembered though. Without the cool exterior of Nico, or the soft flesh of Moonie, his bed felt exceptionally small and empty. Max had heard from other soldiers that the first few days back from shore leave were the hardest ones to get to sleep, but he never fully understood what they meant until tonight.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 212 212 It's Just a Day Trip

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The next morning brought the alarm bells that signaled the exit of Abraham Kepler from its berth at Comor Station. No official announcement had been made yet as to what their destination was, only that once everyone was aboard they would be going to pick up the rest of the required resources for the testing.

In the Kepler Empire, that didnt really narrow down their destination by much. Other than the actually inhabited planets, there were countless mining and manufacturing outposts placed within asteroid fields and Nebulae with the needed natural resources for the products that they were making.

Not every Empire did it this way, many of them sent bulk freighters to go recover the resources and bring them to the manufacturing site for safety and ease of access, or in the case of some smaller nations, safety during manufacturing. Leaving your most important facilities exposed near the resources that your neighbors would definitely want was a risky proposition when your Nation wasnt large enough to fully surround it.

[All Personnel, please prepare for the transition to faster than light travel.] The announcement from the ships intercom called out into every room and corridor. For Max that was easy, preparation within your room only meant laying down and waiting. Every room on the ship was set up with one side of the bed facing the rearmost wall, so even if the transition was rough and you got thrown backward, you probably wouldnt fall out of bed.

Todays transition gave a sinking sensation instead of the stomach-twisting feeling that Abraham Kepler used to give Max, and he wondered exactly what they had done during the overhaul, and just how worn and damaged the engines were before to warrant such a difference with optimal operation. That definitely wasnt a complaint about the current transition though, he would take this version over the old one any day.

With the transition over, Max headed to the closest Mess Hall to grab some breakfast, finding it full of curious researchers who had never been stationed on a ship of the fleet before.

Max, were at the usual table. He heard Nico call, then saw her waving and seated next to Mooney and Sister Lilith.

Both of the girls looked exhausted, but he knew that they went to bed early last night, so he wasnt sure what the trouble was. In this crowd, it was hard to pick out individual thoughts, so Max got in line to wait his turn.

You might as well go to the front. None of us know what is good, so it takes them forever to decide. One of the researchers laughed, motioning Max forward.

The kitchen staff was exactly the same crew members as before, but now with a much happier look on their faces, in their freshly refurbished kitchen, which was no longer painted in the military pale green. Instead, it was a more pleasant sand color, though that was still a military standard paint.

The departure special is up today, the Menu 13 breakfast. The cook called to Max when he finally saw a familiar face.

That meal was a stack of French toast, with eggs and sausages, served with a large amount of syrup on top, and a side of fruit. Definitely not one of the healthier options, but one of the best.

I will take it. And a glass of juice, give me a day before I dive back into cafeteria coffee. Max replied with a laugh.

You dont know how good you had it Major. Weve been renovating the ship for months, and only got a single week aboard the station to enjoy the good life. But they found us a couple of new chefs, and they updated the meal plans, so I can guarantee that this here will be the finest Mess Hall on the ship. The cook told him proudly.

It was fairly common for the different regiments aboard to get different menus to match their individual tastes, at least when they werent all eating standard ration packs, so a new chef might be just the thing that this place needed to become more than tolerable.

With the cooks recommendation, the researchers started getting more adventurous and ordering random meal sets to see what they liked, while Max took his place next to Nico since Moonie and Lilith were sitting side by side.

We got our assignments today. Me and Moonie here are both going to be in the lab doing data analysis for the combat trials. I dont know when the decision was made, but it looks like they have a pool of extra pilots who have repair functions that the Super Heavy Pilots will get to choose from. Lilith told Max before he could start eating.

Strange, usually the orders come all at once, and I havent gotten anything yet, Max told her with a frown.

General Tennant was by earlier, while I was in the Gym with these two, getting them back in shape. None of the Mecha crew will get an assignment until tomorrow, but the research teams will be getting theirs today once the Team Leaders pick their members. Nico explained.

That makes sense. So, are you leading a team again Lilith? Max asked, wondering how things were going to be organized.

Not just one of them. They put me in charge of Data Compilation and official reports, so I get to be the evil older sister who drives everyone to get their work done on time. Thats why Im stealing Moonie back. I need a friendly face to keep them from whining and arguing.

Maybe we can get you a nice hairy fellow like Russo to cuddle with, Nico suggested with an evil smirk.

The cockpit must have a weight limit. With both me and him in there we would barely have room to move. Max replied, making Lilith laugh.

You know, that did come up during the design phase, and they determined that it was just within the acceptable comfort range for use by two maximum size pilots. Sister Lilith pointed out, having done some of the calculations and simulations herself.

See, as I said, it would be cozy. Then I could find myself another Pilot from Kepler 142 and we could treat the cockpit like a hotel suite. Nico laughed, knowing that like her family, most of the planet was much shorter than average, small enough that most of their women couldnt be pilots because they didnt meet the minimum height requirements. Nico herself was within 1cm of being too small before her conversion.

[Next transition will be in 13 hours and 7 minutes. All Crew, prepare for docking after the transition to sub light speed travel.]

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 213 213 Arrival Assignments

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Max and the others spent most of the day playing cards and chatting, with a short workout tossed in to burn some excess energy so that they could take a nap and get on schedule with ships time.

Arrival at their destination would be at 0800 by the ships clock, so they all expected to have a full day ahead of them, starting the moment they arrived.

Max woke up from his nap not to the alarm as expected, but to an urgent notification on his wrist device.

[Major Keres Max,

You are hereby awarded the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and assigned Command of 1st Batallion, Comor 1st Heavy Mecha Regiment, under the direct command of Brigadier General Yaakov.

The General is scheduled to assemble the Regiment for the first time at 1000 today, Abraham Keplers standard time and full attendance is mandatory.

Best Regards,

Central Command]

The message might have been a bit abrupt, but the instructions didnt need much more. His new rank insignia were already delivered to the mail slot in his door, so Max hastily attached them to his formal uniform and hopped in the shower to get ready for the day. When he was clean and ready, Max headed for the staging area where new troops would first arrive aboard the ship, excited to meet his new troops.

The attached data showed that his unit would have three Companies of Heavy Mecha. Each with one X137 Super Heavy, 10 X109 Fast Attack Crusaders, 40 X104 Pattern Crusaders, and 100 Comor Pattern Corvettes. There were no Line Mecha at all in most Heavy Mecha Regiments, but a pure Heavy Mecha Regiment was usually fielded alongside a mixed asset or a large amount of infantry, to make up for their inability to defend well against small targets that got very close to their Mecha.

Max thought it was a bit odd that he hadnt seen Nico yet, and that she wasnt waiting in the staging area when he arrived. Usually, he would sense her thoughts from next door if she was awake, but she didnt seem to be in her room today, so he had thought she was ahead of schedule.

[Prepare for the transition to Sub Light Speed travel.] Was the announcement over the intercom, and Max took a seat, along with the other handful of officers that were waiting in the staging area already.

They still had two hours to kill before the meeting, but none of them had anything better to do, and they were all nervous and eager to meet their new comrades. Especially the Pilots who had spent most of their career testing the Corvette Class Mecha. They had all been qualified on the Crusaders before they left, so this would be a big promotion day for them, and a jump in their prestige as well.

Colonel Max, congratulations on your promotion. A deep voice came from behind him as Max rested his eyes, waiting for the ship to dock.

Max looked back and saw a Major named Miller, who kept sneaking proud glances at his new rank emblem, showing that he was freshly promoted. Max saw in his thoughts that he was from the Logistics division and had just been assigned the position of Executive Officer of 1st Batallion, under Maxs Command. He was a qualified Crusader Class Pilot, but his System Skills had developed toward bookkeeping and not combat, so he had originally been transferred to Logistics, and only now, at over fifty years old, had he managed to get back into a combat posting, despite his repeated requests.

It is a pleasure to meet you Major Miller, and I look forward to working with you. Max greeted him, startling him for a moment before the Major decided that Max must have gotten a personnel listing.

He hadnt but his ability to read minds came in very useful today.

Just before they reached the dock, the ships crew came and hung signs all over the room, indicating where each unit should meet, so the two officers moved over to where the 1st Batallion sign was hung to wait for the rest of their Pilots and logistical staff to board the ship.

Max almost missed it when Nico arrived, using some trick to block her thoughts from his Innate Talent. She had a friendly smile on her face, and she was greeting everyone she recognized, or who recognized her, but Max could clearly see from her body language that she was livid.

If she was a little mad, he might have missed it, but that tension in her movements, added to the way she kept clenching her hand halfway into a fist before releasing it and the blocked thoughts all pointed to her state of mind being somewhere between a murderous rage and the contemplation of new and unique war crimes.

Hey Nico, what assignment did you get? Max asked as she walked up to give him a friendly shoulder bump.

She didnt reply, only opened her messages for him to read.

[Major Tarith Nico,

It is against Commands better judgment that we have granted General Tennants request to assign you to the Technicians position accompanying Lieutenant Colonel Max. After reviewing your medical history and System Functions, it is our opinion that Major Tarith Nico should have been permanently reassigned to the repair division, though we have acceded to the authority of Theater Command on this matter.

Please note that the position of Combat Technician is probationary, and if at any time you should reconsider, the posting as head of Regimental Mecha Maintenance will remain open for your arrival.

Regards,

Central Command]

No wonder youre cranky today. They didnt even try to sugarcoat how mad they were that you werent in charge of maintenance. I guess we shouldnt expect the warmest of welcomes from our new Regimental Commander when he arrives, eh? Major Miller asked, having read the message at the same time that Max did.

I am certain that he will adapt to the reality of the situation with great punctuality, Nico replied, deadpan, making the Major wince in anticipation of the conflict that was sure to come.

Max was more disturbed that he still couldnt read Nicos thoughts. He would have to keep the two of them apart for now, in case she was willing to risk prison time for the suggestion that she should spend the rest of her career in a repair bay.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 214 214 First Battalion

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[Brace for Contact. Docking in 3, 2, 1] Abraham Kepler settled into the docking bay on a small mining base, built into an asteroid with a gentle thump, and immediately began the procedures to bring aboard their new crew.

They had been waiting outside in ranks, ready to meet the lab staff and the last few officers that had come from Comor to meet them. The Regiment was named the Comor First Heavy Mecha, but only a small handful of the members were actually from Comor. In reality, it was a Special Testing unit, more akin to an elite strike force than a regular Mecha Regiment.

The moment the doors touched down, carts started ferrying luggage to the ships staff, while the Regiment marched aboard, lining up to meet their remaining members.

Max was the only Battalion Commander that wasnt already present, but the First Battalion had heard a lot about him already. Not only from the official reports they were sent, but they had also been exposed to the Governments portrayal of him as a War Hero, as well as an Elite gamer. An officer the average rank and file could look up to and relate with, as well as a symbol of hope for talented youth.

Being isolated in the Lab, Max hadnt seen himself on video much, but that wasnt the case for the rest of the Kepler Empire. He and Nico had been all over the Data Net since the tournament, and even now a fresh wave of propaganda was being prepared, just waiting on their test footage to be compiled and edited, so the Empire could announce their new generation Mecha to the galaxy.

First Batallion, Fall In on me, Max called, letting his men know where he was. That brought nearly two hundred Pilots and technicians running, but it also brought the attention of General Yaakov, a slender and aristocratic-looking middle-aged man with a curved nose, owing to a break in the past that had not been set correctly.

There was a hint of a sneer in their direction, but Max could sense that it was for Nico standing at his side and not for him. Max wasnt sure if it was her or General Tennant that had gone above the Regiment Commanders head to override Central Commands recommendation, which was obviously made by someone who had never met them, but it appeared to have left a bad taste in the mans mouth.

So glad you could join us. I went over my expectations with the other Commanders and Pilots already, I will send it to your communicator, so do get yourself up to speed before we reach our next stop. The General sneered, then walked away to oversee the other Soldiers.

Code Red? Nico asked, using the military slang for a forcible attitude adjustment, and Max shook his head.

Some Nobles are just like that. Nothing will change his mind that far up the ladder, even the Theater Commanders opinion wasnt enough to change his mind, it was only enough to get him to send a thinly veiled threat posing as compliance. Max corrected her.

The inability to see her thoughts was annoying, and Max would have to talk to her about that later. He didnt often look in, but being able to when he needed to was an essential part of his planning method.

The instructions that the General had sent were utter garbage, things you would only have to tell new academy graduates about how things actually worked, so Max skimmed them for anything particular. All he could find was that the General wasnt to be disturbed during set meal times and that you werent to address him directly unless you held a Noble Title. Anyone else should address all comments to his adjutant who would pass back the response.

Im surprised he spoke to you directly. You all fancy with a noble family? One of the Pilots in Maxs Battalion asked quietly after falling in at the head of the line for Able Company.

No noble family. I got a Knights title for Capturing a Cygnus General. Max replied under his breath as he inspected his troops.

Nico, no scratch that, Major Miller, please get these soldiers in shape. They have forgotten how to wear their uniforms. Max spoke in a loud voice to carry across the ranks of his troops, who quickly began adjusting their uniforms and straightening their ties.

Each column was ten soldiers wide, with four columns in total, three for the Mecha Companies, and one group for the Battalion Logistics team. They all seemed very professional and well-trained, and Max was surprised that none of them seemed to look down on him for his apparent age as their Commander.

Good Morning Soldiers. I am Lieutenant Colonel Keres Max. To my left is my personal Technician, Major Tarith Nico, and on my right is my Executive Officer, Major Mack Miller. If you need anything at all, come to Major Miller or Major Nico, and they will get you sorted. Max introduced the only three members of the unit that were joining them from the ship.

In front of each column of Pilots were two soldiers, The Company Commander, and the Technician who would serve as their executive officer, and the second seat in the Super Heavy Mecha they would be assigned.

Able Company was led by Major Ivanov, Baker Company got Major Pippin, both of whom were tall blonde men who would have looked a lot like Max if not for the distinctive shape of their faces that made them look almost like brothers. It was clear that they werent from the same planet that Max was, but other than that, the three of them physically had a lot in common, including Alpha Ranked Systems.

Charlie Company was the outlier, Major Petrova was a tall and burly woman with curly brown hair cut into the short pixie cut that Nico previously favored. She was not much smaller than Max, at 180 cm tall, and certainly no smaller in the arms, which strained the standard cut of her uniform jacket, but her face had the look of a kind and gentle motherly sort that Max was absolutely certain had nothing in common with her personality after listening to her thoughts for even a few seconds.

All here and accounted for, Sir. Logistics reports that all luggage for First Battalion is already in the assigned dorms. Major Miller declared after finishing his inspection of the troops.

Very good. You have four hours to get settled and fed. Meet in training room 1A at 1200 for assessment. Max informed his troops, then let them fall out to go get settled in. The faster he could get away from their new Regiment Commander, the better.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 215 215 Assessment

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By the time noon arrived, all of the First Battalion was assembled in the training room, wondering what their Commander was planning to assess.

Company Commanders, to me please, Max called, bringing the three of them over with their executive officers following.

Pay close attention not only to test results but their personal interactions. This is your chance to rearrange the wings for optimum performance. Max explained and the officers nodded in understanding.

All of the Mecha would be in one of the limited numbers of standard patterns for the experimental Mecha, so how well the wings worked together would make all the difference.

There were no substandard Pilots in the Battalion, they had all been carefully selected for the assignment, but Max could see that some clearly didnt get along easily with each other. It would be a test for the Company Commanders to get them organized in a way that minimized problems within their unit.

Didnt the Regimental Commander already assign the wings? One of the technicians asked politely, making the Pilots laugh.

He absolutely did, and now we use our authority as Company Commanders to reassign them based on personality and equipment conflicts. His Pilot explained.

Discipline and Doctrine, Chapter 16, section 3 Paragraph 7. Matters of interpersonal conflict and morale are under the purview of Company Command Officers, until such time as they must be escalated to reach an amicable conclusion. Max agreed.

The other officers nodded their agreement, all of them having been Company Commanders in the past. They were well aware of what they could and could not do to alter and modify the orders that came down from above to make them work for their troops.

Every wing went through a short assessment mission in the simulators, to determine compatibility and shortcomings, but most of the answers that the Commanders needed were already obvious before the teams even made it that far.

In a group of equals, such as a Mecha wing, a leader would be chosen to keep things clear and concise in combat. But not every wing could agree on who that should be. Egos clashed and personalities conflicted all the time. Not every wing would be perfect, but they could only do so much with a bunch of prideful elites.

Once they had done a single run-through in the default formation, Max addressed the Pilots. If anyone has a request for their Company Commander, please inform them now. If not, we will be making some alterations to the wings under the recommendation of the assembled Command Staff for the First Battalion.

A few soldiers approached, requesting a transfer, none of them a surprise, though one was a request to have a member moved, instead of the Pilot asking themselves for a different wing. The pilot in question was undoubtedly obnoxious, even in combat they wouldnt shut up and questioned everything constantly.

We understand. Give us ten minutes to arrange the wings by their requests and we will see what can be done. Max informed them, while Nico worked with the Commanders to set a new wing plan, based on what they had observed of the potential personality conflicts.

There was some support for forming a wing of all the obnoxious people that nobody else really wanted, but that would leave one Company a full wing under strength, since they were unlikely to work well with each other, so instead they took the time to place them under Wing Leaders with strong personalities. It would surely annoy some of the Pilots, but it was their best option to get everyone working well as a Unit.

Listen up troops. We will be running a second assessment starting now. Adjusted wings are up on the screens. Unless there is a serious issue, this will be the last adjustment until after the first live test, so make it work unless you want to end up grounded. Max ordered, sending the Pilots to check the screen on the wall for their new assignment.

This is crap, how am I not a wing leader? The Pilot who got punted from their wing for their constant questioning of every action yelled loud enough for the commanders to hear.

Thats what the Company Commanders had expected. But to get the position as wing leader you need to have good ideas, not just whining about the ideas that the leader put forward, and the Pilot had not shown any sign of better battle plans during the first assessment.

Not every asshole that thinks he should be the leader is competent enough to actually earn it. Now shut up like a good little boy and get your ass in the simulator. Someone called back, causing a wave of laughter.

The Pilot looked a bit sheepish, but they were the last Pilot from their wing that wasnt ready, and they had to run to get to the simulator before they timed out and the simulation started without them.

Nico handed Max a summary of previous postings, and he noticed that over half the pilots here had led a wing at some point in the past, either as Line Mecha Pilots, or in their current Mecha, so a few disgruntled voices were to be expected, but one argument that he could hear going on was particularly interesting.

Three of five Pilots wanted to change their wing leader. Not because he wasnt a good leader, but because the fifth pilot had a very sexy radio voice, and they didnt want to listen to him talk all day. They were both competent Pilots, suited for the task, but she didnt want the job, and the assigned leader was staying out of it.

That reminds me how you used to scare everyone with the altered voices over the intercom. Max joked with Nico, who smiled in reminiscence.

You say that like Im not planning to do it again. Ive got all the voice augmentations saved to my voice box. Nico responded in a deep demonic growl that shocked the other Company Commanders.

Can you imagine waking up to that voice in the middle of a war zone? Half the unit would have to change their drawers before they could put their Suits on. Major Ivanov, leader of Able Company laughed while his Technician nodded in agreement.

Well, lets see how they manage this time. Petrova sighed, watching the team with the chatterbox make their way through the mission. It was better than the first group, but that wasnt saying much. At least this group seemed to have a better handle on how to shut the Pilot up and get them to focus.

After the lecture, everyone else was doing their best, with some pushing hard to try to convince leadership that they deserved a Wing Leader position once a spot came open. With a whole day wasted, but no major failures noted, they deemed it a success and sent everyone to the Mess Hall for dinner.

Humanity's Greatest Mecha Warrior System

Chapter 216 216 Prepare to Work

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Max and Nico, as well as Major Miller, Maxs new Executive Officer, had to change rooms to be with their new unit, but that was a simple task, accomplished in a single trip before heading to dinner.

Major Miller and the other Super Heavy Pilots were waiting at his new dorm when he arrived, eager to talk shop and get to know each other better since they were actually all on less formal terms. Some Unit structures were very strict, and the upper echelon had very little interaction with those below them, though not usually to the point of the Regiment Commander who didnt want to even speak with anyone who wasnt a Noble.

I heard that you already hit 250 points of total bonus at your age? What sort of crazy System Functions did you get? Petrova asked, drawing the attention of the others in the Command Officers Mess, which served the entire Regiments Command Staff.

Max looked over his status quickly, thinking back to how and when things had really started to change for him. It was almost certainly after that day on Kepler 142 Station when he gained the secondary bonuses and extra points of base stats. Since then the concept of diminishing returns no longer seemed to apply to him, and the points above 200 total bonus, which was generally considered the Human Limit where gains became nearly nonexistent, had been as steady as those from 150 total bonus points were.

Keres Max

[Compatibility Determined] Rank A

[Primary Attribute] STR 2.5x modifier

[Secondary Bonuses] DEX 2x, SPD 2x

[STR] 3+129%

[DEX] 3+76%

[SPD] 3+76%

[Innate Talent] Mind Reading

[Additional Function Unit Optimization]

[Additional Function Multi Point Targeting]

[Additional Function Split Fire]

[Additional Function Perception 1]

Yes, Im over 250 points already, and at the rate which I am gaining, I will likely reach three hundred within the next few years. One of my physical makeovers greatly reduced the Diminishing Returns, so I have an easier time than most. Max explained.

Good on you then. I had wondered why they had made you the Battalion Commander so young, even if you were the face of the new Mecha Propaganda films. They could have kept you as a Crusader Class Pilot and portrayed you as an everymans hero for great effect. Now I understand why they didnt, youve got too much potential to be held back for something like that. Major Pippin of Baker Company said, loud enough that those around could hear him. It was a small thing, backing up the silent criticism of his Battalion Commander, but Max appreciated it.

But why isnt your Technician, Major Nico, one of the Wing Leaders? Half the Empire knows shes a monster in combat, we have all seen the videos. Major Ivanov asked, and Max shook his head, not wanting to explain.

Regimental Command thought that her skills would be better suited to Command of the Mecha Repair Group. Central Command is the only reason shes still in a Mecha. Major Miller said quietly, filling in the others on her situation.

Does she have a really good System Function for diagnosis or something? Major Ivanov asked, still not understanding why anyone would want to transfer a Pilot like that. He was a bit of a combat maniac himself, and just the thought of the close combat scenes they had shown gave him a bit of a tumescent glow.

You could say that. Shes not just a monster in Combat, but she does it without a single Piloting-related System Function. All of her skills are Technical unless you count Drone Controller, which could be considered a combat skill, though not a Mecha one. Max reluctantly informed them.

She can Cap out the Emag on a Redemption Pattern with pure skill, and in a Cyborg body? Monster doesnt even begin to cover that level of skill. If she had the sort of Multi Weapon Activation skill that I have, she would have been a shoo-in for a Super Heavy Pilot. Petrova whispered, referring to the electromagnetic over hydraulic movement system that the Redemption Pattern Crusaders use for motion.

I heard its not only in Mecha. There was a rumor among the second wave that landed on Sigmund that she went ten-on-one with the Narsians in a Mobile Suit and lived. The officers were talking about it before the Regimental Assignment, saying that Regimental Commander General Yaakov actually wanted to transfer her out of combat so he could have her assigned as his personal assistant. A Major at the next table leaned over to tell them quietly, not wanting to be overheard spreading rumors.

That would explain why he was so mad when General Tennant moved her into a Super Heavy as a technician. A Personal Assistant for Generals was more than just an assistant, they were bodyguards, problem solvers, and sometimes even a lover. The position was one that a lot of noblewomen aspired to since it didnt involve a lot of danger but had huge rewards and political influence. Not just women of course, but two-thirds of the Generals were men, and many of the female Generals preferred a female assistant as well, so most of the personal assistants were female.

He wouldnt have survived it. Shes not that kind of gentle and agreeable Noble. Max chuckled, imagining the look on her face if the Regimental Commander had actually had a chance to make the proposal.

Speaking of which, where is she? Major Pippin asked.

Since shes a full conversion, she doesnt keep the same meal schedule, but she is likely hanging out in the general Mess Hall with the other technicians, or over with the Lab staff in the next sector, Max explained. Their new rooms were only twenty meters from their old ones, since First Battalion was right next to the researchers quarters, so it would make sense for her to be hanging out with them.

While they were chatting, General Tennant was putting the final touches on their first live trial. There was a nice uninhabited planet near the border with the Tapani that had an abundance of hostile non-sentient animals, and breathable air. The Empire wanted to secure it with a military base as a front line defense against the threat of a Klem invasion since the Insectoid species was the greatest nonhuman threat in the region, so General Tennant had volunteered the test Regiment to go clear out a landing zone for the base construction crews.

[Mission Assignment: Prepare Planet Rae 3 for construction of Military Facility]

The order went to all personnel on the ship, along with a time stamp and basic maps, but that only brought more confusion.

What are we supposed to fight them with? The Mecha arent here yet? Max thought to himself, not liking being kept in the dark about the schedule, or the lack of time for the actual testing since the star system they were going to was so close it would only be a few-day trip.