Aina led Qianlong toward the towering KC-745 Reaper Mech, secretly impressed. The rookie showed no panic—just quiet focus. If not for his age and file, she'd have mistaken him for a veteran.
The 15-meter machine loomed before them, its modified frame bristling with:
- 2x 100mm auto-cannons (20 rounds total—"comfort weapons," as veterans called them)
- 4 multi-purpose mining arms
- Reinforced stabilizer legs with terrain scanners
"This is yours now," Aina said.
Jones tossed over a pressure suit. "Don't rely on it. Life support lasts 30 minutes tops."
As Qianlong studied his mech, the ship's PA blared:
"Fat Fish sealing hangars. All Reapers to stations."
Aina climbed her mech's access ladder without another word. Qianlong followed, settling into his cockpit's cold embrace. The metal felt... right beneath his fingers.
Across the bay, Reapers powered up one by one, their optical sensors flaring to life.
Qianlong pressed the ignition.
"Activating. Biometric scan complete. Pilot: Qianlong."
Hydraulics hissed as the machine stood.
Jela's hologram appeared fleet-wide:
"Mega-ships Shark, Mushroom, and Hound—hold at grid 425-658-745. Others to assigned coordinates. We harvest today so Hyperion lives tomorrow. Good hunting."
Alarms wailed as the hangar's massive doors ground open. The Fat Fish's aged engines roared—far louder than specs allowed. (Decades of patchwork repairs will do that.)
Qianlong's screen displayed a 40-minute countdown to destination.
Aina's face abruptly replaced it. "Listen rookie. Our scan zone on V42-52 already has weird readings. Atmospheric interference means we're blind. Stick to my orders like glue."
"Understood."
When the timer hit zero, their orders flashed:
>> INVESTIGATE ANOMALOUS ENERGY READINGS @ LAT. 462-752
Clamps released with a metallic snap. Aina's mech charged toward the opening bay door, leaping into the void.
Qianlong followed—his movements jerky compared to training simulations. As he activated jump jets to pursue, the planet below came into view:
A swirling gray orb, its atmosphere thick with—
"Analyzing composition:"
Qianlong's breath caught. Phantom's voice.
"Elements detected: Hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, sodium—"
"You're awake."
"Affirmative. Note: Current energy reserves sustain me for one month. Optimal recharge: Energy crystals."
Aina's shout cut in: "Quit daydreaming! Atmospheric entry in 30 seconds!"
Just as Qianlong braced for turbulence, Phantom murmured:
"Precision-assist mode engaged."