Chapter 50

　　Kal rose out of the VR Terminal, shaking his head at the outcome of his foray into the World Event on Beluth.

　　Ultimately, he had come ahead financially. When he respawned on Atland, his account had more than enough credits to purchase whatever Light Class Mech he wanted, but his motivation to continue had run dry.

　　With someone as antagonistic as Mare still in the game, he didn`t want to subject himself to more of her hostility, especially when he didn`t need to at the moment.

　　Kal was skilled enough to practice in a Light Mech in the real world safely. He wouldn`t need to return to VR until he was ready to advance to Medium Class, which could take quite a while as he had too much on his plate.

　　Pushing the encounter out of his mind, he turned off the VR Terminal, closed the lid and locked the door to the storeroom before returning to his room for a shower and a meal. It was midday on Caledon, and coordinating with his teammates had affected his schedule, pushing his Mech Training to earlier to compensate.

　　Freshly showered, wearing a clean and crisp uniform and with his belly full, he asked Tamara to gather his other military advisors to discuss the upcoming combat operation against the Pirates.

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　　"We`re two months out from the start of the operation. What can you tell me about our current status?" Kal asked from where he was seated at the head of a long table. To his left, Governor Sylla and David Rowe represented the administration of Caledon.

　　On Kal`s right, Tamara, Elric, and Talha all wore uniforms of his House Guard. Tamara acted as Kal`s representative before he assumed command on the day. Elric was here to advise on the repair facilities and operational support, while Talha would command the former Marauder`s Starship.

　　Tan and Miranda were both present in case Kal wanted a review of finances or business operations.

　　"We`re on schedule. We have secured a dozen Starships, with several more to be delivered before the start of the new year. We have also outfitted them with assault ships and space-capable Mechs, although we`re still short on Pilots. I`ve contacted several groups and believe I have some promising leads." Tamara explained, pulling up a holo of the breakdown of Caledon`s forces.

　　"These Mechs, what can you tell me about them, Elric? Will we have any problems repairing or securing equipment?" Kal asked, turning to the large man.

　　"We`ve obtained the XNR VII Nyx` Light Class Mech from Hyperion Industries. They`re a bit of a niche machine since they can only operate in the vacuum of space." Elric punched in a command to the table`s display, showing a holo of the Mobile Suit.

　　It was similar to a Scout or Blade but broader. It had adjustable thrusters on its torso, legs and shoulders, giving it unparalleled mobility in space at the cost of reduced armour. It was also useless in gravity or atmospheric combat.

　　Most armies chose Mechs that could be adapted for space, but Kal didn`t want to risk losing against brigands. Caledon`s reputation needed a win right now. So he decided to purchase Mechs for space and separate Mobile Suits for ground and air operations. It increased costs and would require more storage, but it would give them an edge against Mechs not designed for combat in zero gravity.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author`s consent. Report any sightings.

　　"What about training? Are any of your Pilots used to using these?" Kal asked, turning to Talha.

　　"No, but we`ll run them through manoeuvres as soon as possible. A few groups have already started. It can be an adjustment, but the Nyx` handles well. Those Pirates aren`t going to know what hit them." Talha replied.

　　"I understand we`re going to lure them out with a decoy Starship, but what about if their Base is on a planet?" Kal asked Tamara.

　　"We have contingents of Mechs ready for drop once we know their location, including a few Heavies," Tamara explained.

　　"Will Light Class Nyx` be enough? I`ve seen what a higher-class Mech can do to smaller variants. I don`t want any surprises." Kal questioned.

　　"If those pirates have anything bigger than an assault ship or a Light Class, I have a surprise for them. I picked up this beauty at an Imperial Net auction. Tamara is going to Pilot it personally." Elric said, a grin spreading across his face. He swiped his right hand toward the holo, changing the image.

　　A monster stared at Kal from the display. The Mobile Suit looked fierce and terrifying.

　　The Mech was humanoid, with thick limbs and a heavily armed torso. From the scale, he judged it to be over seventy feet tall, a dark navy colour with bands of bright green around its arms and legs. Sprouting from its back were four Wings` with thrusters and embedded missiles.

　　A repeating video looped, demonstrating the Wings` being used as additional thrust in space, as well as a protective shield.

　　"What is it?" Kal asked, impressed by the figure. In every aspect, it was a war machine.

　　"Assault Class Mech, Rise.` It cost a large fortune, but it was worth it. Our techs are reviewing it now, but it`s in perfect condition. The reactor has triple the capacity of a Heavy, making it suited to be a multirole Mobile Suit. Space, atmosphere, ground, this model of exquisiteness does it all." Elric stated, looking at the image with undisguised admiration.

　　"You sound like you`re in love with it," Tamara stated dryly as she sized up the Mech. A sense of anticipation filled her at the sight of the machine.

　　"I am," Elric admitted, laughing as she punched him in the arm.

　　"Assault Class&are you sure you can handle it? No offence, but I thought you were only rated for Heavy?" Kal asked, concerned that it would be too much.

　　"I`ll have two months to get a handle on it," Tamara stated, and for once, her cold expression thawed as Kal could see the eagerness there. That timeframe was short, but he trusted her dedication and talent.

　　"With this, we won`t have to worry about brigands," Talha said, envious of her grandmother for Piloting one of the best Mechs available outside the Imperial Guard.

　　"I should hope not. Rise` saw service during the Rebellion. Fifteen major engagements and not a single mechanical combat repair were required. We only got a shot at purchasing it because the Imperial Guard released it for a special auction.`" Elric stated.

　　"What was so special` about it?" Talha asked, curious.

　　"Nobles only. I had to use your name in the bid. I thought for a moment they would refuse, but it cleared without a problem." Elric explained, turning to Kal. The Baron suspected that the Emperor was involved somehow in the sale and approval of his bid.

　　"The Nyx`&. I want to join in on the training maneuvers, discretely, of course." Kal asked, looking at Talha.

　　"Why? I hope you don`t think you`ll join the fighting?" Tamara interrupted, looking concerned at the request. Kal would be lying if he said he hadn`t considered it before dismissing the notion immediately.

　　"No. But I should understand how the Nyx` handles and any limitations it has before we start the operation. Besides, I`ve come as far in the game as I can, I need to transition to a real Light Class Mech, and this is the perfect opportunity." Kal replied. He followed up with what had happened in the World Event.

　　"Will this Mare` be a problem for you going forward?" Talha asked, frowning at the woman`s audacity in confronting Kal over his identity.

　　"Doubtful, and it will likely be quite a while before I return to play. I expect I will be taking on Medium Class when I do." Kal replied.

　　"I`m impressed. Four months and you`ve already shown you can handle a Blade." Tamara stated, nodding before agreeing to his request to join the maneuvers.

　　Kal would hide his identity, replacing a new recruit named Merit` and joining a squad of other newer Pilots. Ending the meeting, he returned to his room, intent on getting a good night`s rest before tackling the Nyx` in the morning.