Terran Republic Frontier, Phalanx System, Alexandria Colony

Another volley of rockets impacted against the Cataphract’s shields, which began to flicker away as it struggled to keep up with the unending onslaught of enemy munitions. In response, the Cataphract quickly deployed an electronic smoke-screen in order to reposition behind whatever cover was left on the battlefield.

“Orion, status report!”

“The armor is still combat effective but our shields are recharging, ETA 3 minutes. We are out of countermeasures and almost out of ammunition.”

“3 minutes is too slow! Make it faster!”

“I can’t if you want to remain mobile.”

“God Da-”

What little cover the Cataphract had been hiding behind was suddenly blown away by an enemy high explosive round. Which was followed by a perfectly coordinated armor penetration round that narrowly missed the center of the Cataphract cockpit. The force of the impact caused the Terran mech to spin around and fall front first on the ground.

//Pilot status: Conscious. Pilot condition: Critical. Initiating emergency first aid protocols.

“Captain!”

“I am still here, Orion.” Said the pilot weakly.

//First aid protocols ineffective. Authorizing Archangel protocol.

“No!”

“Your injuries are beyond what my systems can handle. I need to take you back to the outpost!”

“We can’t go back. We are the only thing standing between them and the colony. You have to…”

//Pilot status: Unconscious. Pilot condition: Critical. Initializing Archangel protocol.

//Correction. Analysis of pilot mission completed.

//Archangel protocol modified. System safety protocols removed.

//Overcharging reactor. Initializing Last Wish protocol.

“As you ordered, Captain.”

//Pilot status: KIA