One week after the mock battle, Shadow-Mirror rides two Ladybirds toward our target. Ladybirds, Federation transports, carry 5–6 PTs or AMs, or one special machine. Weakly armed but high payload.
"Basically a Midea," I mutter.
Unlike Midea, it has missiles alongside machine guns. Could it survive a Jet Stream Attack? Doubtful.
"Axel, you say something?" Lemon asks from across.
I shake my head. Our Ladybird holds Vindel, Lemon, and me; the other has Martin, Al, Bobby, and Frost, plus maintenance and comms crew—outside my purview.
"Vindel, any more on the enemy? Weak terrorists, but details?" I ask, eyeing him reading documents mid-flight. Seriously?
"They're DC dropout-centered, absorbing local thugs and mafia," Vindel replies.
"DC dropouts? Not so weak then," Lemon interjects.
I agree. Despite time since the DC War, their remnants are numerous and seasoned, far above rookie level.
"Relax," Vindel says. "Dropouts, not elites. About 30, with a few F-28 Messers and Type-71 Baldongs, as I told Axel."
Relief hits. Not hardened veterans, just riffraff. Vindel's assessment seems solid.
"Safe enough," Lemon sighs, relieved.
As a scientist, not a pilot, this is her first combat. She's nervous, despite her future ace potential.
"You'll be fine. I've got your back," I say, though it's unlikely needed.
Against Messers and Baldongs, my Ashsaver alone could wipe them out. We've also got Martin's mass-produced Ashsaver, three Gespenst Mk-IIs, Lemon's Laz Angriff, and Vindel's…
"Wait, Vindel, your machine? Never asked."
"Right, we got sidetracked by my Laz Angriff," Lemon adds.
Not my fault. Vindel sighs. "Mass-produced Gespenst Mk-II Kai."
"Kai? Custom?" Lemon asks.
"Not quite. It's from the Halloween Plan—modernizing and extending the life of Gespenst Mk-IIs. Only a few exist," Vindel explains, glancing at me.
In OG Gaiden, only Kai and some Cry Wolves used them. "Thought so. Rare, right?"
"Power's for using," Vindel smirks.
"I heard El Eins is favored for next-gen mass production," Lemon says.
As a scientist, she's skeptical of extending old models when trials for new ones are underway.
"Trials take time. Even if decided, replacing all units instantly isn't feasible. The Halloween Plan's practical," Vindel counters.
Lemon nods. Scientist versus soldier perspective.
"How's your Kai enhanced?" I ask.
"Reinforced frame, expanded mobility, new plasma generator, extra hardpoints, and more," Vindel lists.
"Practically a redesign," Lemon marvels.
True. It needs that to compete with next-gen units.
"Next-gen, huh," I mutter, thinking of Exsala.
It's early in development, but if Exsala joined the trial, how would it fare? El Eins, R-1's successor, might edge out in raw performance, but Exsala's frame-swapping versatility and Time Flow Engine could match it.
"Axel, what's up?" Lemon notices my pondering.
"Wondering how a Time Flow Engine unit would do in the trial."
Lemon shakes her head. "Unlikely. Its near-perpetual energy is a huge advantage, and smart design could rival El Eins. But cost is the issue. Vindel's report says one Time Flow Engine equals 3–4 El Eins units. With airframes, maybe 5. No regular pilot can bridge that gap, except maybe aces."
Montoya mentioned cost issues. Tech advances might lower it eventually.
"I'd use it for ace pilot machines. Cost's justified if they shine," Lemon adds.
Vindel nods. "Good point."
He grins. "Who's our ace?"
"Axel, obviously. Squad leader," Lemon says.
"So, a Time Flow Engine for Axel's machine makes sense."
"What?" I blink.
I know I'm the ace—my training victories over Martin, Al, Bobby, and Frost prove it. But…
"You're getting a Time Flow Engine?" Lemon asks.
"If we had one, yeah," I reply.
"Soon. We're getting one as a sample. Thanks to Axel, the deal went smoothly—they trust his unit," Vindel says.
Montoya pulled strings. Or is Exsala's development stalling, needing a boost?
"Wait, I don't get the sample?" Lemon protests.
"You can research it on Axel's machine. It's efficient and keeps our partners happy," Vindel counters.
"Fine," Lemon sighs, turning to me. "Get ready, Axel. You're helping with my research."
"I'm squad leader, you know. Some consideration?"
"Denied," she snaps.
I laugh bitterly. The Ladybird's captain interrupts. "Major Vindel, we're nearing the target. Prepare for deployment."
"Understood. Thanks. Relay to the other craft," Vindel replies, turning to us. "Showtime. They're weak, but it's Shadow-Mirror's first real fight. Stay sharp."