by M. D. Cooper
AM-1 – The original model of AM. Fewer than 100,000 AM-1 mechs were made, and none were known to have survived the war.
AM-2 – The AM-2 mechs quickly superseded the AM-1s, with better armor, more efficient power systems, and superior human-mech integrations.
AM-3 – The third generation of AM mech had upgraded power supply systems, and an artificial epidermis to remove the need for periodic removal and cleaning. Some AM-3s were also AI capable.
AM-T – Design specs for AM-T mechs exist, but it is not known if any were made by the Genevians. The AM-T design utilized two AM-3 mechs working together in one larger body, controlling more limbs and separating motion and combat functions.
AM-4 – Designed by Finaeus Tomlinson, the AM-4 mechs are a step closer to humanity for the mechanized warriors. With stub limbs (like RR-3 and SMI models), the AM-4 mechs also utilize the MK99 chameleon armor epidermis.
AM-4s now support fully-swappable limbs with all other models, though they still possess the heaviest frames, and are capable of carrying heavier weapons, more ammunition, and heavier armor than any other mech type.
The 4th generation model now possesses internal, torso-mounted a-grav units for added mobility and stabilization.
RR (Recon/Ranger)
The RR model of mech was the precursor to the SMI model. RRs were based on both male and female humans, though smaller humans were used for RR models than AM and FR mechs.
These mechs were similar to AM models, except they were physically smaller and lighter. This allowed RRs to handle light aircraft/drop deployments.
As a compromise, they had smaller power sources, and could only operate for 2-3 days in the field.
Their loadouts were swappable with AM models, but they rarely utilized the chainguns.
Sub-Models
RR-1 – This model of mech began to appear on the battlefield around the same time as the AM-2 mechs. They utilized the power upgrade of the AM-2 mechs to have smaller power systems, but they also had a smaller power capacity. In theory, the new batteries of the AM-2 line should have worked, but they had overheating issues in the field, and more than one RR-1 had battery detonation when utilizing multiple firing systems.
RR-2 – The RR-2 mechs were rolled out around the same time as the AM-3s, and had few significant changes other than improved armor, and marginally longer-lasting power that no longer suffered from overload issues.
Second gen RR-2 mechs were also skinless, like AM-3 and SMI mechs.
RR-3 – The RR-3 mechs reached the field shortly before the end of the war, and were different in that they had partial legs, like SMI mechs. This was done as a cost/component-saving measure.
RR-4 – These mechs moved a step closer to the SMI spec, gaining the MK99 chameleon armor epidermis, and becoming lighter—even with their new stub limbs—thanks to advanced materials provided by the ISF.
The RR-4s use the same swappable weapons mounts as all mechs, but have high-output a-grav units in their thighs. These units allow them to fly at low altitudes (up to three hundred meters) and provide additional zero-g maneuvering options without using armor-based systems.
Seven of the RR-4s took the option for an additional set of arms and the brain modifications required to control the extra limbs.
FR (Force Recon)
Force Recon mechs were mechs that had the lighter drop capabilities of the RR mechs, with the additional power and armor of AM-3 models. All FR mechs were skinless.
Sub-Models
FR-1 – The first generation of FR mechs were limited run, and had both weight and power load distribution issues.
FR-2 – Second generation FR mechs solved many of the issues from the first generation, and were well regarded for their effectiveness.
XFR – The XFR model is not known to have been widely produced. This model had additional power and carrying capacity to utilize shoulder-mounted proton beams and chainguns. However, the mech’s loadout made it almost as heavy as an AM-3 without the armor.
FR-4 – Though there is no FR-3 model, Finaeus and the members of Rika’s Repair and Medical platoon decided to go with consistent generational numbering across all mechs.
The latest FR model gained the XFR’s shoulder-mounted beam weapons: one an electron beam, and the other a high-output burst laser cannon. These weapons slot onto the wearer’s back and slide up over the shoulder where they are each capable of two hundred and seventy degree motion, even with the meter-long barrel on each.
Additional changes include a-grav stabilization similar to the AM-4s, and the same universal limb and weapons mounting system, as well as the MK99 chameleon epidermis.
SMI (Scout Mech-Integrated)
The final mech model produced at the end of the war was built out of a desire for a super-light mech that could be used in place of standard infantry in sniper/recon situations, and bring extreme fire to bear if desired.
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 often 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 Ashely (LHO-4)
Capital
612-meter destroyer
Ship’s AI: N/A
Captain: Lieutenant Buggsie
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)
- PVT Matthew (AM-4)
Second Squad
Squad Sergeant – Corin (RF-4)
3 Fireteams (13 mechs)
FT 2-1
- CPL (K1R-X-4) Oosterwyk-Bruyn, ‘The Van’
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)
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: Shore Leave (in Galactic Genesis until Sept 2018)
- Book 2: Operative (Summer 2018)
- Book 3: Blackest Night (Summer 2018)
The Intrepid Saga (The Age of Terra)
- 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
- 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 (2018)
- Book 8: Airtha Ascendancy (2018)
- Book 9: The Orion Front (2018)
- Book 10: Starfire (2019)
- Book 11: Race Across Time (2019)
- Book 12: Return to Sol (2019)
Tales of the Orion War
- Book 1: Set the Galaxy on Fire
- Book 2: Ignite the Stars
- Book 3: Burn the Galaxy to Ash (2018)