Two hours later, the storm's fury finally passed. The environmental readings slowly stabilized.
"Release stabilization mode."
With a series of mechanical clicks, the anchoring clamps retracted. Qianlong attempted to move the Reaper forward, but the massive machine lurched violently before crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. The cockpit shook violently, leaving him momentarily dazed.
Phantom's calm voice cut through the disorientation.
"Diagnostics complete. KC-745 Reaper Mech status: Multiple joint freeze incidents detected. Leg hydraulic system compromised due to frozen lubricant. Current operational capacity: 30%."
A holographic schematic of the mech appeared before Qianlong's eyes, with six yellow warning zones and one critical red alert at the left leg actuator. The system interface, however, only vaguely indicated "Power System Malfunction."
Pulling up the emergency repair manual, Qianlong found two solutions:
1. Wait for natural thawing (low risk of damage but time-consuming)
2. Manual injection of de-icing solvent into affected systems
"Recommend Option 1," Phantom suggested.
Qianlong shook his head. "Option 2. Sitting defenseless is not an option." He activated his pressure suit - a standard-issue Level 2 protective gear with 24-hour operational capacity - before climbing out of the cockpit.
Emerging onto the planet's surface, Qianlong was struck by the absolute desolation. The storm had scoured the landscape clean, leaving only cracked earth and jagged rock formations under an oppressive gray sky. The scene carried a weight no simulation could convey.
After retrieving two 50kg solvent tanks from the mech's storage compartment, Qianlong spent a grueling hour performing his first field repair. His inexperienced hands fumbled with the tools, but eventually succeeded in injecting the de-icer.
Back in the cockpit, the Reaper roared back to life as Qianlong increased power output to thaw remaining systems. While waiting, he attempted to contact Aina. After several failed attempts, the connection stabilized.
"Status?"
Aina's hologram appeared, her face grim. "Three teams lost in the storm. Their workloads will be redistributed. Focus on your tasks - dwelling helps no one."
The call ended abruptly. Qianlong exhaled slowly, absorbing the harsh reality of their profession.
As temperatures soared under the planet's unforgiving sun, Qianlong stripped off his stifling pressure suit, working bare-chested in the sweltering heat. He gulped down an entire water ration - one small luxury afforded to field operatives.
When the last collector was placed, Phantom made an unexpected suggestion: "Recommend verification of previously deployed units. Storm interference may have caused malfunctions."
Though unauthorized reactivation was prohibited, Qianlong chose to manually inspect units along his return route. This diligence would prove pivotal.
At the rendezvous point, Aina and Jones were already waiting.
"All collectors deployed?" Aina asked tersely.
"Confirmed."
"No issues."
After multiple attempts, Aina established a shaky connection with the Fat Fish. Quark's hologram flickered to life.
"Collector activation sequence initiated... 82% success rate." The pilot's eyebrows shot up as data streamed in. "Well I'll be damned! You've hit titanium-chromite veins - exactly what Hyperion needs!"
Reward details scrolled across their screens:
- Total bonus: 2000 credits
- Aina: 80% activation rate
- Jones: 75% activation rate
- Qianlong: 97% activation rate
Quark's jaw dropped. "Ninety-seven? Rookie luck or what?"
Even the typically stoic Aina couldn't hide her surprise as she studied the newcomer with renewed interest.