30 min story exercise
152. That's how many moving parts a typical Talon MkII Infrantry Class Enhanced Armor has. Even an experienced pilot, complimented with a fully automated command system, will have a hard time making the unit move efficiently. If at any time the command system fails and control of its actuators were set to manual, then the pilot is practically left with a five ton paper weight.
The complexity of the unit's controls however did not seem to hinder the pilot of unit 306. The black and white Talon Mk II moved gracefully about the training grounds. It's movement was swift and almost lifelike as it performed a kata. The electronic sounds of its actuators rapidly activating and deactivating along with the hiss of it's hydraulics filled the air. It was for this reason the locals called the unit a "Metal Dragon". The ground shook with each step and each landing, betraying how heavy the unit was, despite how it's movements made the unit look lightweight.
Finally the unit finished performing its kata and slowly went back to a neutral standing position. The sun shone brightly on the machine, giving it a bright luster on areas where the plating was new. Standing still, it was obvious that the unit has been through tough times. Parts of its arms had platings that were more gray than black, and were scarred with bullet imprints or burn marks.
With a loud hiss part of its back cracked open and fell backwards slightly. The head along with the chest area leaned forward finally splitting the unit's body like a V. From the cramped space a young man emerged wearing plain white and red tracksuit. Several medics and engineers in uniform hurriedly gathered around the unit. Some assisted the young man while the others quickly started checking the unit. Worried that the unit may not have survived the strain put upon it by the pilot.
"I'm alright! I'm alright," assured the young man as he pushed aside one of the medics.
"He's just making sure you're alright boy. Let him be," an older voice ordered.
The young man sighed and simply raised his hands in surrender. The medic nodded in recognition and proceeded with his routine. Careful not to agitate the pilot further and quick to shorten the inconvenience. "He's fine general," the man finally reported before saluting and moving away.
"Told you so," the irritated pilot remarked as he shot a look at the general.
"Can't be too sure Tom," the general responded as he walked closer and put a hand on the pilot's left shoulder. "Not because you're an interfacer, you're already immune to basic physics," the old man spoke matter-of-factly as he stood closer to the young man. "Can't have my only grandson get harmed," the general's voice was softer this time and a gentle smile came upon his face.
Tom sighed and shook his head. He smiled knowing how his grandfather was too protective sometimes. The old man had reason to be. War.
The complexity of the unit's controls however did not seem to hinder the pilot of unit 306. The black and white Talon Mk II moved gracefully about the training grounds. It's movement was swift and almost lifelike as it performed a kata. The electronic sounds of its actuators rapidly activating and deactivating along with the hiss of it's hydraulics filled the air. It was for this reason the locals called the unit a "Metal Dragon". The ground shook with each step and each landing, betraying how heavy the unit was, despite how it's movements made the unit look lightweight.
Finally the unit finished performing its kata and slowly went back to a neutral standing position. The sun shone brightly on the machine, giving it a bright luster on areas where the plating was new. Standing still, it was obvious that the unit has been through tough times. Parts of its arms had platings that were more gray than black, and were scarred with bullet imprints or burn marks.
With a loud hiss part of its back cracked open and fell backwards slightly. The head along with the chest area leaned forward finally splitting the unit's body like a V. From the cramped space a young man emerged wearing plain white and red tracksuit. Several medics and engineers in uniform hurriedly gathered around the unit. Some assisted the young man while the others quickly started checking the unit. Worried that the unit may not have survived the strain put upon it by the pilot.
"I'm alright! I'm alright," assured the young man as he pushed aside one of the medics.
"He's just making sure you're alright boy. Let him be," an older voice ordered.
The young man sighed and simply raised his hands in surrender. The medic nodded in recognition and proceeded with his routine. Careful not to agitate the pilot further and quick to shorten the inconvenience. "He's fine general," the man finally reported before saluting and moving away.
"Told you so," the irritated pilot remarked as he shot a look at the general.
"Can't be too sure Tom," the general responded as he walked closer and put a hand on the pilot's left shoulder. "Not because you're an interfacer, you're already immune to basic physics," the old man spoke matter-of-factly as he stood closer to the young man. "Can't have my only grandson get harmed," the general's voice was softer this time and a gentle smile came upon his face.
Tom sighed and shook his head. He smiled knowing how his grandfather was too protective sometimes. The old man had reason to be. War.