"I was wondering just how much of it we could replicate. I am always looking into new applications of technologies sometimes. Those psionic grenades we encountered on Bowhordia were something of a shock when they were initially employed. I would like to try and turn the tables on our enemies for a change." Nyton replied to Masako evenly.
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After heeding the summons all personnel marked with infantry status would arrive at the simulator room. Upon opening the doors they would reveal a well lit conference room. Small but comfortable fixed chairs were arranged in a semi-circle around a circular holographic projector that was attached to the floor. The walls and floor were a dull gray color that reflected only a hint of the light. There were few features in this room so that there would be little else to distract the attendees to this meeting. A quiet din of conversation was being held by some of the first arrivals to the meeting which would shift as more people arrived.
Those new to the ship would find several unfamiliar faces assembled already along with their wing commander, Masako Kurohoshi. She was standing at the front next to a large man who seemed to tower over her by more than a foot. The man was obviously Nepleslian, with a full head of gray hair in a tight military styled cut but with one small shock that traced down into his face slightly. He was well built but not overly muscled, a sharply angled face with ice blue eyes which were calmly observing everything that entered. His expression was unreadable as he merely waited for everyone to arrive with his arms crossed and his feet set slightly apart.
The new members, Yamada Tsuya and Gunshin Kyoufuu, would take seats and notice the other crew either already seated or arriving afterwards. Next to Tsuya would be a sprite in an orange paneled maintenance suit with close cropped black hair and gray eyes seated very stiffly with no hint of emotion on her face. Nakamura Kai was there seated easily enough among the small group. Intermingled would also be various other sprites who had served as Armor pilots in Masako's Mindy wing in space during the Bowhordia campaign. Two more sprites arrived, one with waist length white haired and porcelain skin and the other with shoulder length blonde hair and caucasian skin.
With the latest arrivals the tall man at front finally spoke in clear fluent Yamataian. "That should be everybody I am expecting. Thank you for coming, I know you two were busy."
"We wouldn't be late if you'd told us were supposed to be here earlier." the blonde one replied somewhat annoyed.
"You two were a last second summon due to your roles in the last mission. Now that you are here we can begin." he replied before looking over towards the assembly. "Very well. I know everyone here has had a long day, newcomers included, but we have a long way to go. I would like to welcome the new crewmembers to the
Miharu. I am Taii Nyton Claymere, ship's tactical and second officer. What I am going to cover in this brief are our enemy's known combat abilities. This is not only for the sake of the new arrivals but also for those who were not present for the planetside portion of the Bowhordia mission."
The
holographic projector on the floor suddenly came to life and began displaying what appeared to be a synthetic nekovalkyrja. It was obviously an android replica with metallic features that made it look soulless. The image would rotate slowly to allow the viewers a good look at it from every angle. "First off these are what the enemy has designated as Nekomachina. They are robotic versions of a Nekovalkyrja, styled after the NH-17 variant. Mainly used as laborers, these can also be employed for combat roles when properly armed."
Large windows appeared which displayed silent combat recorded footage of the battle depicting the Nekomachina. The views consisted of the earlier skirmishes when the weapons employed were anti-personnel weapons along with scenes when they had become more dangerously armed with aether saber rifles, zesuaium shields, and body armor. Another screen gave the technical specs with full capacity readouts filling the screen from speed, strength, and durability. "Although they possess no more strength than an average unarmored Nekovalkyrja, these robots are more than capable of performing adequately once properly armed. Do not underestimate them." Nyton continued while the data played out. "They are usually controlled via a central command structure and will carry out their orders with no regard to their continued function. They are canon fodder but their sheer numbers can become a serious threat. They can employ basic team based tactics and do not show up on life sign detectors. Also they are able to shut down their energy signatures low enough to hide among metallic objects to ambush."
The windows began to blink out and the hologram shifted. It was replaced by what appeared to be a Mishhuvurthyar but it too was a robotic stand in. The giant metal Mishhu had various weapons attached to it's appendages. Just like before more combat footage was displayed showing the robot's many weapon configurations along with simulated data compiled through the use of technical data obtained from Bowhordia.
Ke-J4-1A Mishhumachina
(Experimental SARA project. Dropped in YE 29)
Dimensions:
Main body - 4m long, 4m wide, 2m tall.
Tentacle weapons (36) - 10m long, 20cm diameter
Systems of note:
Large Aether Generator (stronger output to the M9 Tasha, nearly starship-grade)
Extensive battery reserves.
AIES control unit, with sensor augmentations around eyes and the ear fins.
Mobility:
~ Locomotion with tentacles. Estimated 60 KPH, with heightened climbing capabilities.
~ Anti-Gravity Control, permitting to hover in any direction at speeds up to 100kph.
Defenses:
~ Heavily Armored (Yamataium with thick Zesuaium panels and stealth coating)
~ Conformal Gravimetric-EM Barrier Shielding
~ Scalar Protection
~ Thermo-optic Stealth Camouflage
Weapons:
Main Body:
~ 4x GRASER Eyebeam ball mounts
~ 2x 105mm Rotary mounted Gauss Cannons
~ 4x Micro-missile pods (20 Multi-purpose Shield and Armor Piercing warheads) / Possibly replaced by 80 Nodal Support Drones
~ The 'Mouth' is essentially some sort of elaborate vibroblade-grinding weapon with a powerful plasma torch with a 50m effective range.
Tentacle weapons (each, to a total of 36 tentacles):
~ 1x Aether Pincer-Cannon
* Aether-limned claw, 3m aether cutting 'spike' and projected beam functions
~ 4x Phased-Pulse Weapons
* similar to NSP, with normal, stun and heavy area burst settings
Combat Analysis:
Combines the melee prowess of a Mishhuvurthyar with the deadly effectiveness of Aether-based weaponry. Comparatively slow to any spacy-unit, but in closed confines it matters a lot less. Its tentacles provides it with a great deal of control and coverage, each being everybit as deadly as a Mindy II's forearm weapon, with superior ability to grapple and provide covering fire with the secondary phased-pulse weapons. The plasma flamer beneath it removes the mouth as a possible blind-spot, with dorsal gauss cannon mounts and missile launchers at the flanks and top insuring expansive firing arcs on top of the repositionable tentacle weapons.
The camouflage cloak is quite powerful, enabling it to fight very effectively while visually concealed, though its power plant prevents it from being truly undetectable (this is mostly a direct fire/homing weapon accuracy concern). The barrier shield it has is on the level of NDI mobile frames and nothing but the heaviest anti-mecha weapons will likely get through - and even then will need to contend its thick armor.
For ground combat, in close-quarters, the J4 Mishhumachina's threat level exceeds that of the M9 Tasha and the NH-28 NIWS.
"This subject has been designated the 'Mishhumachina' and it is much like the previous Nekomachina. It is an android simulation of a typical Mishhu but slightly larger. It is armed with a variety of weapons located all over it's body along with powerful defensive measures such as scalar fields and aether generated fields. Along with heavy armor plating this weapon platform is nigh difficult to destroy. Defeat of this device was only rendered possible by cutting it's ability in half with the use of an enemy system designated the 'Aether Canceler' and employed against it. The effect only made it slightly more possible to defeat. Even with it's aether abilities removed it was still a formidable opponent. It also has a sensor array located near the ear portion of it's head which can also be destroyed to reduce some of it's combat effectiveness." Nyton explained. Data fields showed the railguns and flame thrower attached to the main body in action while it floated about along with the energy claws within each pincer. After technical data for the Mishhumachina had finished displaying it would switch to a new subject.
This time the hologram became one of a Nekovalkyrja woman wearing a slight lavender sleeveless tunic with a frilled skirt. She had chin length blue hair, red eyes, average height and build, along with a zesuaium kusarigama. More windows opened up which replayed combat scenes from Bowhordia. "This is Eve. Or rather, it is one of her younglings. It could even be a clone however encountering this subject lent much more credence to the title 'Daughters of Eve.' We should expect to encounter more of these individuals, possibly in the command structure. The subject is a powerful psionic which employed telekinetic control over her kusarigama along with the ability to alter space around her. She employed this ability in order to generate protective barriers that were capable of deflecting the firepower of several missiles and SLAG rounds launched at her."
The screens then displayed the Eve youngling using her psionic powers in both aforementioned methods. One then showed her revealing herself to be an NH-25 hybrid. "This subject is highly dangerous and cunning. While her deflections were very effective she can eventually be overwhelmed. A concerted barrage will eventually tire her out but do not expect her to just sit there and take it. She is fast and will retreat to recover. These powers were the only ones she displayed that we know about. Future encounters may reveal more abilities than we are currently aware of. I suggest everyone take note and be prepared for anything."
Next after the Eve youngling came an image of a black Mindy. Once again the holographic projector displayed an image to be observed along with data screens. "These are the Mindy units typically used by the Daughters of Eve and Black Spiral operatives. They are highly dangerous with a variety of weapons and systems that can be configured for combat. They are also especially dangerous at close range for their array of zesuaium spikes fitted into them and scalar fields they can emit. Do not take any of these subjects lightly even when mortally wounded. Surrender and mercy are not options considered by the enemy and they are capable of self-destructing should the pilot give the command before killed."
The technical specs scrolled by on other windows displaying combat recordings from such battles as the
Meng Po and other recorded encounters. "The Daughters of Eve have several Nekovalkyrja and Mishhurvurthyar among their ranks. These beings are highly trained and motivated in their cause. Many joined due to disillusionment with either the Yamatai or SMX empires. Their loyalty to Eve is unshakable so no quarter is to be given to any opponent despite any kind of incapacitation."
Nyton did not stay too long on this subject as there were other unencountered threats to be seen. The hologram shifted again this time to produce a new unknown type of power armor. It was shaped like a gargoyle with huge oversized clawed forearms and lower legs, large shoulderpad and head sections that gave it a hunched look, along with winglike stumps extending out from its thick-shelled dorsal section.
The chest cavity seemed designed for a nekovalkyrja to fit in and pilot it while in fetal position, leaving the head and the limbs mechanized. The armor was thick and seemed to accommodate hemosynthetic tubing similar to the ones Ketsurui Fleet Yards built to help enhance the 'self-healing' factor of Yamataium hull.
The head was mostly a sensory apparatus that had a bat-like quality to it, with what looked like a well developed suite housed in twin flaring earblades. There likely was enough equipment to rival the Daisy C's command and communication equipment.
The front of the chest, the dorsal section and the shoulders had what seemed like field generators as well as a power supply, In addition, it had extensive thruster assemblies on its main body as well as the shoulders and lower legs.
The wing stumps, forearms, the sides of the hips and the lower legs seemed designed to have weapons attached to them. The enlarged forearms and the head already seemed equipped with integrated weapons, however. The ones for the forearms seemed to involve the claws being used as the weapon's point of origin. The one on the head seemed to involve a gas supply and a nozzle.
A diagram was present with a display pertaining to the amount of heat generated by the forearm direct energy weapon, and how the heat levels and scalar radiation could interfere with the proper function of the adjoining fire control system. The curve diagrams seemed less than perfect after 71 seconds of constant operation because of the lack of heat impervious zesuaium, appropriate cooldown measures would need be programmed in the AIES.
A trio of winglet assemblies was presented: one being part of a still-to-be-perfected fold booster, another boasting teleportation modules on each wings enabling it to store four teleportation charges at once, and the last being psionic augmentation gear, with a benchmark evaluation making a comparison with how long a Mindy II and a Plumeria gunship PSC systems would hold on. Versus the Mindy, total loss of protection happened in 3 seconds. Against a Plumeria, 17 seconds. There was a note that combined units could shorten the time involved, but no mention of the range and area of effect.
"This is a new type of Armor that the Daughters of Eve are currently developing. While the technical data has been acquired we have no actual combat data to verify it's actual performance. Due to the amassing of resources at the enemy's current site we should expect to encounter these units." Nyton coolly explained.
The images played out for a little longer before changing out into the next topic. The hologram then turned into a pair of Nekovalkyrja.
This pair of neko were both dark skinned with close cut hair and were identical twins of each other. Very little data scrolled by and even less of genuine combat data. What was mostly seen were actually theoretical simulations of abilities. "These two are Meni and Mani. They are a pair of Nekovalkyrja who have accompanied Eve for many years as her servants and bodyguards. Currently there is very little information on them besides file footage of their appearances. Combat data is unknown but expect them to possess powerful psionic abilities along with combat skill. They will likely be encountered using black Mindy Armor according to a ship manifest we have deciphered. If they are encountered then Eve may be considered within the vicinity."
The holograms continued to display until a new one appeared. This time it was of a woman with long blonde hair and nordic features wearing a snug long sleeved blouse, a skirt, and ankle length boots. Windows appeared which displayed files from Star Army records along with what little new data they had cobbled together.
Code:
Psionic Rating: A
Psionic Overview:
Upon recruitment, Amaya psionic aptitude was rated at B-. Eve personally trained her when she discovered that she had untapped potential that had apparently gone unnoticed by her previous benefactors.
(Amaya could be A+, but I've little interest in her becoming that powerful. Better I leave the tutoring at that and pretend I can teach her no more so that she will remain the underdog in case she one day chooses to become defiant. ~ Eve)
Psionic Profile:
Effective Range: Line of sight, Imago Contact, Non-Interstellar, Realtime.
Defense, Id: Major
Defense, Ego: Major
Defense, Intellect: Moderate
Defense, Prescience: Minor
Spatial Manipulation, Defensive: Moderate
Spatial Manipulation, Offensive: Minor
Spatial Manipulaton, Telekinesis: Major
Matter Agitation, Inert: Moderate
Corporeal Agitation, Pyrokinesis: Moderate
Corporeal Manipulation, Healing: Minor
Empathy: Minor
Telepathy: Major
Telepresence, Passive: Limited
Telepresence, Active: Minor
Charm: Minor
Compulsion, Passive: Limited
Compulsion, Active: Moderate
Domination, Passive: Moderate
Domination, Active: Major
Glamer: Minor
Phantasm: Minor
"This is Amaya Ashigari, formerly of Star Army many years ago. After the death of Kai Ashigari she allowed her body to be used by an alien race known as the Melumsi. She was listed as deceased as the process was supposed to have killed her but somehow she managed to revive and then allied herself with Eve. Her motive is revenge against the Empire for being allegedly involved with the death of Kenji. She is a powerful psionic near the levels of Eve in terms of strength and is also to be regarded as a technical genius. It is through her efforts that Eve's operation has managed to proceed as far as it has. Little combat data on her exists but she is also to be considered very dangerous. Currently we can only make estimations based on the enemy's deciphered notes regarding this subject. Expect her to use a customized Kylie according to data deciphered from a ship's manifest. Her personal ship is the
SS Dominion, a Vale class cruiser modified to function in tandem with other vessels much like AIES. If her ship is encountered then expect her to be in command of the vessel."
For a few more moments the images of Amaya would scroll through before being replaced by another image. This time it would be Eve herself, the original sister of Yui Ketsurui. Multiple images would be displayed, one of her original Eve persona, another of her Naraku incarnation, and then finally her latest gathered from the most up to date information they had obtained. All three had the same blue hair although the Naraku version had a single horn sticking out from her forehead and was somewhat shorter and younger looking. "This is Eve. For almost three decades now she has been both at large and a menace to the Empire and all individuals of the galaxy as a whole. She is to be considered sociopathic, along with being a genius and powerful psionic. Her power ratings go beyond those of the average Ketsurui Samurai and even Mishhuvurthyar. She was responsible for a murderous rampage on Ayenee where she consumed multiple small children while broadcasting it. Current data supports that she is still pursuing her choice of cuisine as recently as last year when children had been recovered during an operation against Black Spiral and Mishhuvurthyar forces. She can not only use manipulative psionics on both physical and mental levels but she is herself quite psychologically resilient. Her demeanor has manipulated many Star Army officers before into assisting her along with maneuvering herself to always have an ace up her sleeve that allows her to escape from capture. Operatives within the Star Army have aided her in her escape before and it is known that she has connections within the Empire."
Nyton paused for a second as he let his words sink in. He had been researching every scrap of intelligence he could get his hands on for over a year now and the latest influx was still being dissected. He then continued his not so concise brief. "Eve is currently believed to be using a NH-23 body of which are only authorized to be used by the Mistress Taisho herself or the Empress. Her power level is one we have not yet encountered and methods with dealing with it are still being conceived. We will be fighting one of the most dangerous individuals in the known galaxy."
Another pause and the hologram shrank down before being accompanied by more holograms of the previous subjects. Now there were small models of each subject floating nearby but they were small enough so that they did not obscure each other or Nyton and Masako. "At this point I would like to ask if anyone has any questions." he said, finally opening the forum up for requests.