by M. D. Cooper
SMI mechs were also cost-saving mechs, as they retained more of their human body components, making for fewer prosthetic neural connections. They also leveraged progress in muscle and bone augmentation that had been used in RR and FR mech models.
Mechs of this model were built exclusively from small, lithe women who could fit in the armor and still create a small profile.
Unlike other mech models, SMI mechs were never deployed with two functional hands. One was always a weapon mount.
SMI mechs are all skinless.
Sub-Models
SMI-1 – The first generation of SMI mechs had a short production run due to psychological issues. Because they retained more of their human bodies than other mechs, they ended up having additional dysphoria issues.
SMI-2 – Second generation SMI mechs had improved physical integrations and psychological conditioning that caused the mechs to view themselves as less human. However, in the field, it was observed to have the opposite effect, and SMI mechs retained a strong connection to their humanity.
SMI-3 – A few experimental SMI-3 models were produced near the end of the war. These models had more powerful legs and higher top speeds, and used a new short-barreled model of the GNR. Some SMI-3s were deployed with two GNRs and no ‘regular’ arm.
SMI-4 – Though there had always been rumors of an SMI-3, no one in the Marauders ever saw direct evidence that the model was produced. Still, for the same reasons as the FR-4s, the SMI range moved to ‘4’ as well.
The SMI-4 mechs had few visible improvements to their configurations, excepting that they received the MK99 chameleon armor. Advanced materials shed over ten kilograms, while adding additional batteries, and stronger bone and muscle enhancements. The SMI-4 armor also possesses the same chameleon capabilities as their skin.
While SMI-4s support the same universal weapons mount system as all mechs, they do not have the recoil control or power systems for some of the more powerful weapons, and stick to their tried and true rifles and GNRs.
LHO (Lateral Hyper Operation)
LHO mechs were a model created by Finaeus to suit the needs of shipboard operation in Rika’s fleet. As the human crews within the 7th Marauder Fleet saw the skill and precision with which the ISF created the 4th Generation mechs, they began to request mechanization.
A problem the Marauder ships faced was that they were lightly crewed. To aid in solving this problem, Finaeus crafted a new mech body that was like an SMI in many respects, but possessed four arms and a slightly elongated torso. These mechs also had neural mods and brain alterations to handle operating a new set of limbs with full dexterity.
The desired—and achieved—result were mechanized humans capable of performing a task load of two people. This ability created greater efficiency in the smaller crews, while also creating a formidable shipboard force to repel boarders if a ship were to come under attack while bulk of its mechs were away on a mission.
The LHOs are all designated 4th Generation.
It should be noted that Finaeus had told Rika that 4-limbed mechs were not advisable due to the time it would take for their brains to learn how to manage the extra limbs.
This is why none of the LHO mechs have combat as a primary function, but are working on training for it. Some of the naval personnel who chose mechanization went for FR or SMI frames because their couldn’t afford to take the time to learn how to manage extra limbs.
3rd MARAUDER FLEET
4th DIVISION
Fleet Commander: Colonel Argon
Division 4 Complement (2 Ships)
Golden Lark
1200-meter heavy cruiser
64 fighters
Ship’s AI: Cora
Other Ship AIs: Jane & Frankie
Captain: Major Tim
XO Commander: Scas
Dockmaster: Chief Ona
Perseid’s Dream
650-meter destroyer
24 fighters
Ship’s AI: Moshe
Other Ship AI: Lauren
Captain Penny
7th MARAUDER FLEET
1st DIVISION
Fleet Commander: Colonel Rika (SMI-4)
Fleet XO: Captain Heather (SMI-4)
Division 4 Complement (5 Ships)
Fury Lance
4100-meter dreadnought
420 fighters
Ship’s AI: N/A
Captain: Captain Heather (SMI-4)
Navigation: Chief Warrant Officer Garth
Weapons and Scan: Chief Warrant Officer Ona
(Note: Ona and Garth frequently switch roles)
Republic IV
1100-meter cruiser
44 fighters
Ship’s AI: N/A
Captain: Lieutenant Travis (AM-4)
Undaunted
1130-meter cruiser
34 fighters
Ship’s AI: N/A
Captain: Lieutenant Ferris
Asora
544-meter destroyer
Ship’s AI: N/A
Captain: Lieutenant Klen (RR-4)
Weapons and Scan: Chief Ashley (LHO-4)
Capital
612-meter destroyer
Ship’s AI: N/A
Captain: Lieutenant Buggsie
Dropship Pilots
- Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3) Charles ‘Mad Dog’
- Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2) Halley
COLONEL BORDEN’S MARINES
Commanding Officer: Colonel Bartholomew Borden
Chief Rel – AI paired with Borden
Team 1 Leader: Lieutenant Saris
Team 1 Members:
- Sergeant Mona
- Corporal Pars
- Private Tina
Team 2 Leader: Lieutenant Gemma
Team 2 Members:
- Sergeant Daphne
- Private Kali
- Private Kev
9th MARAUDER BATTALION
Note, there are some spoilers below. You may want to reference the names and ranks in the prior book until you’ve reached the chapter entitled “Training”.
After General Julia promoted Rika to Colonel, and placed her in command of the 9th Battalion, Rika created ‘N’ Company, and moved two platoons into it.
Several platoon leaders and dropship pilots moved into fleet command positions, and others moved into the new company HQs.
‘HQ’ COMPANY
Battalion Commander (CO): Colonel Rika (SMI-4)
Battalion Executive Officer (XO): Lieutenant Colonel Alice
Command Sergeant: Sergeant Major Barne (FR-4)
Operations Officer: Captain Niki (SAI)
Intelligence Officer: Captain Leslie
‘R’ COMPANY (M&M)
Platoon Commander – Lieutenant “Bondo” Carson
- Corporal Stripes (AM-X)
‘M’ COMPANY
Note, not all personnel in the Company are listed.
Company HQ
Commanding Officer (CO): Captain Chase (FR-4)
Executive Officer (XO): Lieutenant Karen (SMI-4)
First Sergeant: Tex (RR-4)
Gunnery Sergeant: Aaron (AM-4)
Tactics and Strategy AI: Potter
First Platoon
Platoon CO – First Lieutenant Chris (AM-4)
Platoon Sergeant – Staff Sergeant Kristian (RR-4-M)
First Squad
Sergeant Crunch (AM-4)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
FT 1-1
- CPL Ben (AM-4)
- PVT Al, ‘Whispers’ (AM-4)
- PVT Kim (RR-4-F)
- PVT Harris (FR-4)
FT 1-2
- CPL Kelly (SMI-4)
- PVT Shoshin (AM-4)
- PVT Keli (SMI-4)
FT 1-3
- PVT Kerry (RR-4)
FT 1-4
- CPL Mitch (RR-4)
- PVT Lauren (SMI-4)
- PVT Wolf (AM-4)
Second Squad
Squad Sergeant – Corin (RF-4)
3 Fireteams (13 mechs)
FT 2-1
- CPL (K1R-X-4) Oosterwyk-Bruyn, ‘The Van’
- PVT Ainsley (SMI-4)
- PVY Jenny (RR-4-F)
Third Squad
Squad Sergeant Carolyn ‘CJ’ (RR-4-F)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
FT 3-1
- PVT Kyle, ‘Goob’ (AM-4)
- CPL Yiaagaitia, ‘Yig’ (RR-4-M)
- PVT Cole (RR-4-F)
- PVT Fiona (SMI-4)
FT 3-2
- CPL Dave (AM-4)
- PVT Chad (FR-4)
- PVT Knight (AM-4)
- PVT Rouse (AM-4)
Fourth Squad
Squad Sergeant – Kara (SMI-4)
4 Fireteams (20 mechs)
Second Platoon
Platoon CO – First Lieutenant Fuller (AM-4)
Platoon Sergeant – Staff Sergeant Chauncy (FR-4)
Squad One
Squad Sergeant – Alison (SMI-4)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
FT 1-4
- CPL Fred (AM-4)
- PVT Jenisa (SMI-4)
- PVT Kor (AM-4)
- PVT Randy (AM-4)
Second Squad
Squad Sergeant – Tre (FR-4)
4 Fireteams (21 mechs)
Third Squad
Squad Sergeant Bean (SMI-4)
5 Fireteams (25 mechs)
Fourth Squad
Squad Sergeant Kristina, ‘Abs’ (RR-4-F)
4 Fireteams (20 mechs)
FT 2-4
CPL Musel (AM-4)
PVT Bitty (K1R-X-4)
PVT Smitty (RR-4-F)
Third Platoon
Platoon CO – First Lieutenant Wilson (FR-4)
Platoon Sergeant – Staff Sergeant Bookie (SMI-4)
Squad One
Squad Sergeant Char (RR-4-F)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
Second Squad
Squad Sergeant Mal (FR-4)
4 Fireteams (22 mechs)
Third Squad
Squad Sergeant Cory (AM-4)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
Fourth Squad
Squad Sergeant Lana (SMI-4)
4 Fireteams (20 mechs)
‘N’ COMPANY
Note, not all personnel in the Company are listed.
Company HQ
Commanding Officer (CO): Captain Scarcliff (FR-4)
Executive Officer (XO): First Lieutenant Crudge (AM-4)
Gunnery Sergeant: Sergeant Johnny (FR-4)
Tactics and Strategy AI: Dredge
First Platoon
Platoon CO – First Lieutenant Michael (AM-4)
Platoon Sergeant – Staff Sergeant Alana (RR-4-F)
Squad One
Squad Sergeant Bruce (RR-4-M)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
Second Squad
Squad Sergeant Aerin (SMI-4)
4 Fireteams (21 mechs)
Third Squad
Squad Sergeant Justin (FR-4)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
Fourth Squad
Squad Sergeant Val (RR-4-F)
3 Fireteams (14 mechs)
Second Platoon
Platoon CO – Lieutenant Darla (RR-4-F)
Platoon Sergeant – Staff Sergeant Sal (FR-4)
Squad One
Squad Sergeant Sarah (RR-4-F)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
Second Squad
Squad Sergeant George (FR-4)
4 Fireteams (20 mechs)
Third Squad
Squad Sergeant Jessa (RR-4-F)
3 Fireteams (14 mechs)
Fourth Squad
Squad Sergeant Jynafer (RR-4-F)
3 Fireteams (13 mechs)
‘Q’ COMPANY
Note, not all personnel in the Company are listed.
Company HQ
Commanding Officer (CO): Captain Ron (AM-4)
Executive Officer (XO): First Lieutenant Bookie (SMI-4)
First Platoon
Platoon CO – First Lieutenant Layna (AM-4)
Platoon Sergeant – Staff Sergeant Boris (RR-4-F)
Squad One
Squad Sergeant Mela (RR-4-M)
4 Fireteams (19 mechs)
FT 1-1
Corporal Harlan (K1R-X-4)
THE BOOKS OF AEON 14
Keep up to date with what is releasing in Aeon 14 with the free Aeon 14 Reading Guide.
Origins of Destiny (The Age of Terra)
- Prequel: Storming the Norse Wind
- Book 1: Tanis Richards: Shore Leave
- Book 2: Tanis Richards: Masquerade
- Book 3: Tanis Richards: Blackest Night
- Book 4: Tanis Richards: Kill Shot (Nov 2018)
The Intrepid Saga
- Book 1: Outsystem
- Book 2: A Path in the Darkness
- Book 3: Building Victoria
- The Intrepid Saga Omnibus – Also contains Destiny Lost, book 1 of the Orion War series
- Destiny Rising – Special Author’s Extended Edition comprised of both Outsystem and A Path in the Darkness with over 100 pages of new content.
The Orion War
- Books 1-3 Omnibus (includes Ignite the Stars anthology)
- Book 1: Destiny Lost
- Book 2: New Canaan
- Book 3: Orion Rising
- Book 4: The Scipio Alliance
- Book 5: Attack on Thebes
- Book 6: War on a Thousand Fronts
- Book 7: Fallen Empire
- Book 8: Airtha Ascendancy
- Book 9: The Orion Front (2019)
- Book 10: Starfire (2019)
- Book 11: Race Across Time (2019)
- Book 12: Return to Sol (2019)
Tales of the Orion War (Anthologies)
- Volume 1: Set the Galaxy on Fire
- Volume 2: Ignite the Stars
Perilous Alliance (Age of the Orion War - with Chris J. Pike)
- Book 1: Close Proximity
- Book 2: Strike Vector
- Book 3: Collision Course
- Book 4: Impact Imminent
- Book 5: Critical Inertia
- Book 6: Impulse Shock (Dec 2018)
Rika’s Marauders (Age of the Orion War)
- Book 1-3 Omnibus: Rika Activated
- Prequel: Rika Mechanized
- Book 1: Rika Outcast
- Book 2: Rika Redeemed
- Book 3: Rika Triumphant
- Book 4: Rika Commander
- Book 5: Rika Infiltrator
- Book 6: Rika Unleashed
- Book 7: Rika Conqueror (Dec 2018)
Perseus Gate (Age of the Orion War)
Season 1: Orion Space
- Episode 1: The Gate at the Grey Wolf Star
- Episode 2: The World at the Edge of Space
- Episode 3: The Dance on the Moons of Serenity
- Episode 4: The Last Bastion of Star City
- Episode 5: The Toll Road Between the Stars
- Episode 6: The Final Stroll on Perseus’s Arm
Season 2: Inner Stars
- Episode 1: A Meeting of Bodies and Minds
- Episode 2: A Deception and a Promise Kept
- Episode 3: A Surreptitious Rescue of Friends and Foes
- Episode 4: A Trial and the Tribulations (2019)
- Episode 5: A Deal and a True Story Told (2019)
- Episode 6: A New Empire and An Old Ally (2019)
Season 3: AI Empire
- Episode 1: Restitution and Recompense (2019)
- Five more episodes following…
The Warlord (Before the Age of the Orion War)
- Books 1-3 Omnibus: The Warlord of Midditerra
- Book 1: The Woman Without a Country
- Book 2: The Woman Who Seized an Empire
- Book 3: The Woman Who Lost Everything
Hand’s Assassin (Age of the Orion War – w/T.G. Ayer)
- Book 1: Death Dealer
- Book 2: Death Mark (2019)
Machete System Bounty Hunter (with Zen DiPietro)
- Book 1: Hired Gun
- Book 2: Gunning for Trouble
- Book 3: With Guns Blazing
The Sentience Wars: Origins (with James S. Aaron)
- Books 1-3 Omnibus: Lyssa’s Rise
- Book 1: Lyssa’s Dream
- Book 2: Lyssa’s Run
- Book 3: Lyssa’s Flight
- Book 4: Lyssa’s Call
- Book 5: Lyssa’s Flame
Legends of the Sentience Wars (with James S. Aaron)
- Volume 1: The Proteus Bridge
- Volume 2: Vesta Burning
The Empire (Age of the Orion War)
- Book 1: The Empress and the Ambassador (2018)
- Book 2: Consort of the Scorpion Empress (2018)
- Book 3: By the Empress’s Command (2018)
Enfield Genesis (Age of the Sentience Wars - with Lisa Richman)
- Book 1: Alpha Centauri
- Book 2: Proxima Centauri
- Book 3: Tau Ceti