Hello, World!

[kinaesthete]

1. [video]
[After the formal announcement, a broadcast goes around the Unity Group's networks, flagged as to-whom-it-may-concern. The video's of a young woman, auburn-haired and early twenties, wearing a uniform which those versed in Spacenoid politics may recognize as belonging to the militia of Erewhon, a neutral scientific colony.]

Now that we're officially a team, I should say hello. Lieutenant Catherine Butler, with the Erewhon Colonial Defense Forces. My sister and I will be operating out of the Star Rose for the time being, at least until it's time for ground trials. It's our hope that the Rose, the mobile suit we're testing here, will be an able to support to you all.

I look forward to working with you, and I expect we'll see you around.

[Short and to the point - though if you want more detail, Cathy's online for responses.]


2. [video]
[Just after that first broadcast comes another, marked as related. The person in this video is a slightly younger-looking woman with long black hair, wearing civilian clothes and a less formal expression.]

Hello! I'm the sister Cathy mentioned. Elizabeth Butler, but you can call me Liz. I'm really looking forward to meeting and working with everyone!

I'm online a lot, so don't hesitate to get in touch. You might see some of my drones around, too, so wave if you do! I'm just a warrant officer, so there's no need to stand on ceremony, don't worry. And if you want to know more about the Rose, I'm always happy to show off!

[As with her sister's broadcast, Liz shows up as ready to respond.]

3. Star Rose hangar
If you find yourself physically visiting the Star Rose, you may see the pair working on their machine in the hangar! Or - well, no, you see Cathy, apparently alone, working on and around a bold red mobile suit. Technical types will note it's an unusual design, with many non-standard features of interest. Cathy's directing a team of technicians setting up the surrounding gear and maintenance infrastructure, and putting the MS through its paces in launch exercises.

4.
And over the next few days, Cathy can be seen around and about not just the Star Rose but Sakihama and Alhambra too, clearly exploring. Checking out the hangars and machines, curiously investigating the living spaces and surroundings, and tucking in to whatever the staff recommend as the most distinctive local specialties in the mess halls.

Comments

[kinaesthete]

[Cathy's grinning, obviously getting in to it as well.]

That's where the Armor Skin system comes in to it! See this?

[She taps the red surface of the machine near where she's working. Indeed, while some exposed parts of the machine show grey-black fibres like bundled steel cable that are probably the artificial muscle she mentioned, most of the Rose is covered in this red material - rumpled and folded in places, smooth and rigid over the most exposed surfaces, like a strange hybrid between ordinary clothes and plate armour. A hexagonal grid pattern can be discerned underneath it.]

Anti-beam coated smart fabric on an adaptive mesh! Lightweight, and cheap and easy to replace. Presents a minimal target profile, adjustable on the fly. And if someone tries to get physical instead of shooting at you, individual segments can be foamed to produce an ablative kinetic defense!

It does trade off some armour for improved maneuverability, but that just means you're better at avoiding being hit in the first place, which is always the better outcome anyway!

[a_linear_mind]

I see, so there's enough defenses on the machine to protect it from stray attacks, all while keeping a focus on evasion.

I have to say, it sure seems like whoever designed this machine has a firm grasp on mech design.

[kinaesthete]

I should say so - it's the pride of my parents' workshop! Grace Butler - you might have heard of her work.

Once we've proven the design in combat, the production version will be a low-cost, efficient option for smaller nations that need a way to defend themselves without relying on rare materials or fuels from outside.

[a_linear_mind]

Unfortunately I can't say I have.

[He is an Earth boy after all.]

Still, I can appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the machine. I hope you'll make sure that the production model requires less...well you know.

[Willis motions to the back of his neck.]

[kinaesthete]

Oh, don't worry about that. Each of the Rose's systems are designed to give a performance advantage when used on their own - and a bigger one when used together. Implanted pilots are the target demo for the full package deal, but if you like what you see we'll have something in the pipeline that'll stand alone just fine.

And this is just the basic model, of course. We've got extra systems in the works as we speak, for once the core concept is proven. Are you more of a ground fighter, or a space jockey?

[a_linear_mind]

Ground fighter through and through.

[kinaesthete]

That's cool, that's cool. We've got stuff for that. Gonna be testing things in Alhambra a little ways down the line.

But here I am talking up the virtues of the Rose, as if there are so few I could possibly list them all just like that. Obviously I should be asking what your machine of choice at the moment is, so I can limit myself to just the ways the Rose is better than that. Still plenty, of course, but the count should be a little more manageable.

[a_linear_mind]

Strahlend, it's just an out of date machine I've been using for about 12 years now.

It stands at about...30 meters tall, no thrusters, no built in weapons, limited mobility, and a very awkwardly designed cockpit. Even if I wanted to get rid of it, I don't think there would be anyone interested.

[kinaesthete]

...So, okay... the basic-model MP Rose will have better maneuverability than that, all right, and thrusters for basic short hops, though mostly we're gearing it towards space and colony use. Weapons should be pretty modular - the Rose has a couple of wrist-mounted beam saber mounts, and there's a bunch of other stuff being prototyped. As for controls, well, even without a direct connection the onboard AI will be able to predict and adapt to your movements, and the moderate-frills setup will have non-invasive sensors for motor signals to allow subtle control and feedback without all the issues of a full motion capture setup.

It sounds like your Strahlend must have been hard to keep competitive. What's the parts situation like for it? How's its compatibility? Chances are UG will provide some upgrades you might otherwise have a hard time finding a seller for. I might even be able to hook you up as a tester for some of our designs as they come out.

[a_linear_mind]

It uses...one of a kind parts. Kind of... It's compatible with pretty much any weapon though! Of course, you'd have to resize it for a 30m robot. The internals are pretty much incompatible with any other parts though so I don't think upgrading it will be that easy.

That last bit sounds like something I can do though!

[kinaesthete]

I'll keep you in the loop, then! And maybe you can show me the Strahlend some time when I'm down at Alhambra.

[a_linear_mind]

Alright, but don't expect too much from it.