[IC] Evolution of Conflict: A Sci-Fi Mecha 1x1 FaithfulMuse and Stern Algorithm

[Stern Algorithm]

Maya stayed silent for a bit. She didn't like how the program recruited from the civilian population. Where they were headed, the pilots would certainly have to face the grim reality of combat. "alright, well, I really just wanted to introduce myself. Good luck with your training." Maya left the comm link and exited her cog.

---

"I think our mission starts when we leave hyperspace," israfil said. He checked his drive for information on the current mission. It revealed the destination and ETA. It should take a little less than 24 hours to get there, so I suppose I'm free until then." Israfil wondered why Mike wanted to know.

[FaithfulMuse]

Claire turned her attention back to Tera once Maya had left the cog again. "Is something wrong? You're so quiet?" She asked, hoping that she had said nothing wrong or offensive to Tera.

"Oh, I see. Say, would you like to do something together?" Mike asked, hoping he didn't seem too pushy. He just really enjoyed being around Israfil and would like it to get to know him more.

[Stern Algorithm]

"No, nothing's wrong," Tera replied, "I was just...listening to your conversation." Tera had always known that she was a quiet person, but it had never occurred to her that she was 'noticeably quiet'. "I guess these cogs really are optimized to our personalities; Mayura's main function is observation."

---

"Um, yes," Israfil agreed a little too quickly, then asked, "What did you have in mind?"

[FaithfulMuse]

"Oh, I see. In that, you should let me know if I talk top much." Claire answered, glad that she hadn't said anything wrong. The last thing she wanted was to upset Tera.

"I wasn't sure yet, to be honest." Mike admitted, looking at Israfil. Is there anything you would like to do?"

[Stern Algorithm]

"Not at all, if anything, I should speak up more often," Tera replied. "I guess, on the previous topic, I can see why your cog would have the ability to repair other cogs based on your personality. Which makes me worry a bit about Solomon; both his psychic power and his cogs ability imply a desire to control. To be honest, I don't feel very comfortable around him, and it will be difficult for me to trust him. I haven't seen enough of Israfil, or either of our commanding officers or their cogs to see the correlation between their personalities and their cogs."

---

"Israfil chuckled a bit, feeling relaxed, and finding it Mike's lack of preparation kind of funny. "I don't know," Israfil mused for a bit, trying to think of something. His mind wandered back to the training mission, and he remembered what he saw of the hyperspace bubble outside. "Have you ever traveled in hyperspace before?"

[FaithfulMuse]

"I doubt that you're the only one who's uncomfortable with Solomon, after what happened. He didn't exactly leave a very good impression, and if it only takes that little to upset him enough to use his powers on someone, than that's not a good thing..." Claire said. Sure, she had accepted Solomon's apologies, but she wasn't stupid. She was still going to be careful around him.

"No, not that I can remenber. My family never really travelled that much, do neither did I. Or at least, not until now." Mike answered. Until hoe accident, the onthand lived an almost too boring life. "What about you?" He asked.

[Stern Algorithm]

"I'm glad you think that way too," Tera said, but then she became a little self-conscious, "S-sorry, I didn't mean to slander anyone behind their back or anything. Like the lieutenant, I hope we can all work together."

---

"I've traveled by hyperspace a few times, my university wasn't on the planet where I was born and raised," Israfil said. That being the case, on those previous trips Israfil had never got to see what was on the outside of a ship traveling through hyperspace until today on the training mission. "Let's go to one of the outer hallways, find one that actually has windows." He wanted to show Mike the hyperspace barrier separating 'real' space from hyperspace.

[FaithfulMuse]

"Yeah, maybe we shouldn't talk about the others like that." Claire agreed to admit, borg emberassed now. She didn't intend to be mean to or about anyone at all, let alone behind their backs.

"Sure." Mike agreed, following after Israfil. The mechanic himself hadn't really taken the time yet to explore the ship just yet, so be hoped that Israfil knew which way to go to.

[Stern Algorithm]

Tera bit her lip; she had only intended to criticize herself for what she had said, but had unfortunately made Claire feel bad as well. "Well, your points are still valid," Tera said, trying to reassure Claire, "And caution does not equate suspicion." Tera decided it might simply be better to change the subject, "So, how's training? Getting the hang of the simulation? Most of my sessions seem to be tutorials on all the sensor capabilities."

---

Israfil followed the map in his drive and led Mike to a hallway that did actually have windows. Looking out, it was an empty expanse of space, a sphere about a kilometer in radius around the formation of four ships. Surrounding this sphere was a translucent barrier with a bright, iridescent shimmer that created a streaking rainbow effect as the stars of the galaxy zoomed past. At the front of the hyperspace bubble, the destination could be seen, obscured by an aurora spray, while behind, the planet they had left could be also seen, crowned by a similar aurora effect. Due to the spacefolding phenomenon, both the destination and the origin would be visible for the entirety of the jump. Israfil had never seen this before except when he had gone out training just a bit ago, but didn't have time to appreciate it. He smiled to himself as he stared out at the wonderful display of color, feeling a bit embarrassed, because he had been mocked before for appreciating natural beauty. Despite this, he felt he had to show Mike, even if Mike would think of him as 'girly' from now on.

[FaithfulMuse]

"Pretty good, I think. I think all cogs have tutorials you have to do before ketting actual training missions." Claire said, glad that Tera had changed the subject. If they were going to talk about training, there was a lot smaller chance to say something wrong.

Mike looked at the scene outside and smiled as well, admiring the view. He knew that most guys didn't care about sights like this, but he could see why Israfil liked it. And after his own accident he tried to get the most out of his life and enjoy as much things as possible without worrying, and this was definitely something to enjoy. "It's beautiful."

[Stern Algorithm]

"It seems Mayura's scanning ability is very complex, and depending on which combination of sensors I use, I should be able to detect practically anything. The only problem is knowing what to look for. It also seems like I can update ally combat navigation systems with whatever information I'm getting, so you can see what I see," Tera added.

As for Asteria, its interface seemed to suggest that its ability to scan and repair was based a great deal on the cog-scan, even to the point of reading personalities. The underlying software of Asteria's healing system was unusually complex and adaptive...intelligent. Claire could also see locked software modules of unknown function that implied some interaction with a 'partner' cog.

Meanwhile, at the rear of the hanger, the doors to the Cadmus Reactor opened, and a large automated pallet slid out carrying bits for Solomon's Legion to replace the ones that Blythe had managed to destroy. The pallet stopped in front of Legion, as robotic arms picked up the bits and slid them into place on Legion.

---

"I-I'm glad you like it," Israfil said, looking over at Mike and then back out the window. He was feeling calmer now, and wouldn't be as afraid to go out in Orpheus when the time came. "Thank you for spending time with me."

[FaithfulMuse]

"It does sound like your cog will be very useful in battle, especially of you can share information with the others like that." Claire said, having listened to what Tera had to tell about her cog and training, while taking the time to look at what her own cog had to offer as well.

Mike looked back at Israfil and smiled. "You're very welcome about that. You're a fun person to be around." He said, deciding that would be a safe thing to say, even if he was trying not to rush anything or to upset Israfil.

[Stern Algorithm]

A few hours later...

The iridescent hyperspace bubble shattered and peeled back in a brilliant display of light as the four ships exited hyperspace and reentered real space and approached orbit over the nearby planet, Cepheus IV. A communications channel was opened between the planetary government and the Captain leading the Incubator Concert. After some deliberation, the four ships entered the atmosphere of the planet and landed in the water. A call went out to all cog pilots to prepare to sortie.

Rather than lining the pilots up in the hangar, Maya just had them all get into their cogs. Once everyone was situated, Maya gave them a quick debriefing, "This will be your first real mission. An insurgent group called 'Homeworld' has been plaguing the Cepheus system for some time. One of their bases has been found on this planet. The Cepheus Planetary Defense Force are here en masse, so it should be a fairly low-risk battle, making this a perfect opportunity for you all to try out your cogs under gravity and gain some actual experience. Since the Planetary Defense Force probably could complete this mission without our help, so if at any point you think you're in over your head, or you do not wish to continue for whatever reason, simply let me know and I will give you permission to pull back, got it? Alright then, instead of launching, we will simply be walking our cogs out of the hangar."

The only exception was Fury, which was jet-shaped and could not walk. After it was launched, the frames holding the cogs in place released, and Obsidian took the lead heading out of the massive hangar doors.

[FaithfulMuse]

Blythe listened quietly to Maya without interrupting her, as did her sister. The assignment was as clear as it could be, so there wasn't even a need to interrupt her to begin with. Blythe had been at the same, lonely spot for a while, simply drawing to kill some time, but had spent most of her time practicing with her cog. She liked Nyx, and she wanted to become the best cog pilot she could be, and of course she knew that was going to require a lot and serious training, but she was willing to do that. And for that reason, she had also kept the comm link off.

Claire, however, hadn't trained as much, but had made sure to get the recommended hours of training done. Afterwards, she had mostly tried to get to know the other ones more. Of course she was still cautious with Solomon, but she still at least wanted to give him a chance.

[Stern Algorithm]

"Remember, we trained in space, but here, we'll be fighting under the influence of gravity, so things definitely won't be the same," Maya warned. "Flight in particular, will be much more difficult. Lear, your bits may not function as optimally as they would in space."

Legion, having followed Obsidian out of the carrier, released one of its bits to test. The bit immediately dropped to the ground, firing its thrusters just in time to not impact the ground. It wavered while hovering, unable to gain enough lift until its thrusters turned up a notch, causing the overcompensation to send it rocketing upwards uncontrollably. It flew in circles over Legion, trying to stabilize its flight, before managing to the return to Legion and reattach itself. "I see what you mean," Solomon said, a bit disappointed that he wouldn't be able to demonstrate his unique ability. He looked up at Fury, which was circling like a vulture above the group of cogs, noting that it too had to stay in constant motion in order to maintain lift.

"QAZ, scout out the area for us," Maya ordered.

Mayura took a few steps forward and opened the fan-like iridescent panels on its back and began scanning. Map data was transmitted to each cog, showing highlighted enemy structures and marking hostiles as red blips.

After assessing the situation, Maya said, "Eihon, head back into the hangar and take the service lift to the outer deck of the carrier to get a better vantage point. If you have line of sight on these encampments, take them out. QAZ, stay with the carrier, and keep an eye out for any signs that the enemy might be trying to disrupt our communications. If they are, let RHS know where they are. Rivers, Rivers, Lear, you're with me, diamond formation; I'll take point, Asteria will bring up the rear."

Legion settled into position behind and to the right of Obsidian, leaving the left side to Nyx. As the team marched forward, Orpheus reached the top of the hangar's outer deck. From his position, six brilliant streams of devestating, magenta light blasted forward, hitting some unseeable target in the distance. As if on cue, the artillery teams of the Cepheus Planetary Defense Force began shelling. Obsidian plowed forward as insurgent forces began to react to the sudden attack.

[FaithfulMuse]

Blythe did what she was told to, taking her position at the left side of Obsidian while Asteria took her place at the rear as the group started marching forward. Of they were to be honest, the twins had no idea of what to expect from their first mission, but supposed that they were about to find out soon enough. Claire still hoped that they wouldn't be faced with heavily injured or even dead people, but at the same knew that it was very likely to happen.

[Stern Algorithm]

The strike team advanced through the lane between the trees that the insurgents must have used to transport their vehicles through. The tire tracks on the dirt road were being replaced by the massive footprints as the cogs trudged forward. Periodic laser fire would come in from the direction of the Incubator, no doubt Orpheus' contribution to the attack. When they reached a crossroad, several enemy tanks attempted to cut them off, coming in from the left and right simultaneously. Obsidian was hit by cannonfire and rockets, managing to take the damage with little effect. "Nyx, Legion, take care of these guys, I'll prioritize keeping Asteria unharmed," Maya ordered.

Legion stepped forward. "Leave 'em to me, Lieutenant," Solomon said hoping to impress, as Legion pointed both arms forward. Though the bits would not be able to fly as easily under gravity, they could still fire their beams while attached. Legion proceeded to fire beams rapidly and haphazardly at the enemies on the right. It wasn't exactly efficient, as his lack of concentrated fire meant that he failed to exactly cripple or destroy the enemies quickly, but it did prove to be a good shock and awe tactic, as the mere volume of searing light raining down on the enemy formation and scorching the earth indiscriminately made the enemy well aware that Legion was a demon with destruction to spare.

The left flank was left to Nyx to take care of.

[FaithfulMuse]

Blythe said nothing, but focused on the left side as she was told to. She took a brief moment to aim, soon firing at the hostile tank, managing to hit majority of the things. She wasn't making as much of a show out of it like Solomon, but she was fast and efficient, and that was just good to her. Just the way she preferred it.

[Stern Algorithm]

Having cleared out this wave of enemies, the team continued to advance, and were occasionally harassed by tanks, jeeps, attack helicopters, and squads of soldiers. Obsidian plowed forward, punching and kicking anything that stood in their direct path, letting Nyx and Legion take care of whatever came from the sides. In his recklessness, Solomon let his Legion take a little too much damage, such that one well placed cannon shot took the Legion's right arm clean off.

"SHIT!" Solomon yelled in rage, "Rivers! Patch me up!" he ordered.

"Lear! Keep that tone in check!" Maya said, sounding angrier than the twins have ever heard her, "That is not how you speak to a medic on the field!"

Sensing an opportunity, the enemy forces started focusing fire on Legion. Obsidian dashed in front of Legion to absorb the damage with its superior armor, and giving Asteria time to heal Legion; but this left Nyx alone to defend both the left and the front, where enemies continued to stream in.

[FaithfulMuse]

Claire moved towards Solomon's Legion to fix him; it was her job, after all. "You, Blythe and I are all the same rank. I don't care that you're Ascended, as long as we're here, fighting for our lives and the lives of innocent people, nobody cares about you being the next step in evolution, you're just as much of an easy to kill target. As long as we're here, we're equals, and nothing gives you the right to talk to me as if I'm your slave." Claire's voice sounded through the comm link as she was busy fixing Legion. She sounded surprisingly calm, though with a hidden tone of slight anger.

Blythe heard what her sister was saying, but wasted no time in thinking about it too much, other than realising that she had only heard Claire talk back to someone a few times ago. She could only approve of it, but for now, focused on trying to fight off the hostile machinery. It was extremely difficult, and she could only hope that Legion would be fixed soon.