*Fwoosh*
The thruster engine kicked on and a high intensity flame shot out of the afterburner nozzle.
The entire engine was about 3 meters long and a meter wide, weighing a full ton.
Needless to say it was a beast.
It was being tested in the front of the aboveground warehouse with the nozzle outside the door.
I could see trees 30-40 feet away that were burning from the heat released.
"Not bad... this should easily have the neccessary power to allow the craft to break the sound barrier."
I noted as I began powering the engine down.
The biggest issue I ran into was the heat dispersion system.
I opted for a mix of using airflow and hydraulic cooling systems to keep the engine from producing too much heat that would certainly turn my aircraft into a mobile oven if not designed properly.
Thankfully it seems to have worked out because I didn't end up melting the metal warehouse walls again after the first mishap.
Luckily the engine didn't explode but I still had to rebuild sections of the warehouse after the first failed ignition test.
Since the engine was working properly, it was time to install it into the frame.
Using pulleys and a sliding overhead crane I moved the engine from the test anchor to the frame and then lowered it into place.
I secured the engine and then began working on testing the vertical takeoff thrusters. Which were Mr Handy and Mr. Gutsy thrusters which I was repurposing.
I had to calculate the amount of force that could be produced by each thruster, as well as factor in how much is needed to lift the weight of the aircraft, plus some.
Each thruster had about a max of 500lbs of force so after doing the math, I needed to use at least 8 to get the job done with room to spare.
Each thruster would be able to swivel in order to turn and maneuver the craft during takeoff or landing.
But implementing the whole system took days of effort, but finally I was ready to begin installing them.
Then came the fusion reactor. There is a miniature one that I had in the vault called a utility box fusion generator.
It produces the same amount of power as a regular fusion generator but took up far less space.
Getting it in place, secured and connected to the craft was a painless process and I also installed a fusion core recharger next to it.
This was a utility I wanted to have on board so I could charge new cores I find or use in the field just by bringing them back to the craft.
Once the big stuff was put in, then came all the instraments and flight controls. Everything had to be calibrated and tested completely before the maiden voyage so that took another several days.
I also installed a new deep range transmitter into it so I could communicate with the vault from anywhere on the planet.
Copying the original using the plans found from ArcJet was easy and I hooked one up to the vault as well.
Alfred and Rosie were connected to the vaults communications systems so if there was a problem while I was out, they could send a text or call to the Hydra which would then relay it directly to my Pip-Boy.
I really outdid myself with the whole setup. It was a point of pride for me since I might now be the person with best communication tech on the planet.
Well maybe.
I even planned to start my own radio station in the future that could be broadcasted globally.
<><><><><>
Even with the progress I had been making on the Hydra, I didn't neglect Lady's training.
When I wasn't busy working, I was sparring with her in hand to hand combat using my new skills and even managed to teach her some new stuff.
She is still a bit expressionless but the ending of Phase 3 is in sight.
"You're doing good, just don't pivot out when using this move. You want to pivot in and then use the opponents center of gravity against them."
*slam*
I had demonstrated the technique and threw her to the ground.
She was quick to recover and then I let her try it on me.
*slam* I hit the ground hard but thankfully were on training mats so I took no damage.
"Like that?" She asked with a look that told me she wanted praise. Her facial expression still stiff.
"Yes, exactly like that. Good work!"
I dusted myself off and then patted her head.
"Soon you'll be ready to go on your first mission."
It was the nearing the end of the month and all my current plans and projects were close to finished.
Lady had been given the Perfected Mysterious Serum and Healing Factor Serum, but I would also be able to get her the Speed Demon serum soon as well.
Eventually, I would also start putting various implants in her but right now I'm still struggling to get caps.
I needed to a good way to get alot of them, but unfortunately counterfeits are not accepted by the system.
For now, I can just hope that the system responds to my wish and helps me in some way or I'll be stuck collecting them manually.
Or at least my bots will. I'm far too busy to scavenge, and that's why subordinates exist in the first place.
Lady showed a hint of smile. "Yes sir." She replied.
"Ok. Good job for today. Hit the showers then rest."
She nodded and then walked off.
I headed back to my lab and then began working on finishing a component for the Hydra.
Not long after a robotic ball of chaos strolled in.
"Boss!"
I looked up to see Rosie, floating eagerly in front of me.
"What's up, Rose?" I asked.
"Me and that old coot wanted to know when Savvy will wake up? That new girl doesnt talk to us much and Sav was way more fun."
*sigh*
"I already told you. She will stay in cryo until I can make sure there's a safe place for her. Why are you bringing this up again?"
Rosie's eyes zoomed in and out as I spoke then replied.
"Well... me and the old man made a wager. He thinks you will marry Sav. And I said pssh nuh uh, Boss in the kind of man who will have it all and have hundreds of women. So can you settle this for us, puhleaaaase!"
I rubbed my forehead in exasperation. "Why the hell are you two discussing such things. Is who I become romantically involved with such an interesting topic?"
"Haha... Well it's interesting to us! There's not much else for us to talk about in this place. So who's the top bitch gonna be, Boss? The cute and sweet Sav... or the loyal and fierce, Lady? Or perhaps... you will have both and maybe more like I thought? Ooooh, you're naughty, Boss. Don't get stabbed, Okay!"
'She came in here to tease me again about this... just why did I make her this way?'
"Rosie, I'm in the middle of working. My love life is none of your business. Now go before I decide to turn you into a toaster."
"Hehe, fine! But this isnt over!" Rosie turned and floated out of my lab like a whirlwind that comes and goes leaving disaster in its wake.
"Geez. Romance is the farthest thing on my mind right now, damn robot."
This wasnt the first time Rosie has come to tease me like this. After bringing Lady in, she began finding enjoyment in harassing me about my love life.
I could punish her for it, but I'm the one who designed her to be so annoying so...
Back to the grind!
<><><><>
Status
Frank Winter, 18 (+50)
Lvl: 32
S-7
P-6
E-7
C-9
I-17
A-11
L-8
Perks: Swift Learner, Hard Bargain, Educated, Lady Killer, Advanced Science, Advanced Robotics, Advanced Chemist, Adamantium Skeleton, Action Boy, Advanced Gunslinger, Field Medic, Advanced Hacker, Rad Resistance, Gun Nut, Rad Child, Sneak, Dodgy, Advanced Nuclear Physicist, Advanced Brawler, Local Leader,
Perk Points: 0
Mutations: Healing Factor, Speed Demon, Marsupial, Timeless, Rad-ical,