Akeron Unleashed

By Rick Harbor

In the future, humanity reaches faster light speed awakening a group of aliens that dwells on the moon that averts humankind from being a spacefaring civilization. Nevertheless, human nations united to repel this extraterrestrial martial force summoning an elite squad of mech pilots. Tensions rise as the pilots struggle to cope with the burden of being humanity's last hope against strange enemy technology.

This sci-fi novella is a thrilling, fast-paced story that will appeal to fans of both science fiction and military fiction. With its blend of high-octane mecha action, gripping storyline, and memorable characters. So readers will be plunged into a story that blends drama with gritty action.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rick Harbor
• Release date: Apr 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223240648

Rick Harbor

Rick Harbor spends evenings writing tales about anti-heroes, warrior maidens, and werewolf sorcerers.  A fantasy novel and Norse sagas fanatic for years, Harbor began writing his first book to appease his creative spirit. As well as writing, Harbor enjoys outdoor activities, for he is a nature lover and anywhere within the trees is his happy place. Lives a tranquil life in his home with his sidekick and stubborn cat.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2023 by Rick Harbor

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher or author except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Thank you for choosing this book. Your support means much to me, and I’m grateful you’ve embarked on this journey with me.

Prologue

In 2035, the Third World War broke out with unexpected ferocity, resulting in widespread devastation and suffering that defied comprehension. Over the following years, the Earth healed; its damaged terrains regenerated, reinvigorating the once thriving natural habitats. However, as civilization reemerged, the globe experienced an immutable change marked by the horrors of warfare.

Corporate factions took the place of governments, leveraging their vast resources to further their collective agendas. A fragile coalition took shape within this new global governance system, aiming to foster global unity through collaboration. As a result, technology rose to paramount importance, influencing every dimension of daily life.

Earth was divided into three primary factions: the Westarc Coalition, the Red Consolidate, and the Sakura-Han Conglomerate. These groups engaged in relentless competition, striving to outdo each other with their pioneering breakthroughs.

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Episode 1

Date: Lupercus 6, 132

In Shin Kyoto, people bustled about the base of vast skyscrapers like ants, each contributing to the city’s complex structure. Lonely people sat at tables laden with synthetically generated street food. Meanwhile, authorities in full mechanized suits were a constant reminder that following the rules is a mandate, not an option. Celebrities wearing exotic clothes extolled the advantages of new products and promoted system compliance on gigantic public displays. Their silky and seductive words whispered not just the merits of consumerism but its sheer necessity, binding people in chains of want and obedience.

Yet, for all its shimmer and shine, Shin Kyoto was a city with hidden depths. Its facade, though gleaming, concealed fissures deep and dark.

Drones, branded with the mark of an omnipotent government, navigated the hazy, ash-filled skies, casting their watchful eyes below, ensuring allegiance.

The people swiping their identification cards to purchase goods and obtain entry into buildings seemed to rush from one location to another while giving nervous glances to the ubiquitous surveillance cameras.

However, in the heart of the city’s cutting-edge research center, far above, a new kind of tension played out.

Deep within Shin Kyoto’s state-of-the-art research facility, their esteemed leader, President Kobayashi, paused to study the holographic blueprints unfurling before him. These weren’t just any designs; they represented the future of infantry weaponry, tailored for all-terrain but explicitly to outer space’s vast expanse.

The engineers, attired in pristine white jumpsuits, were fully immersed in their duties. Their clear crystal goggles captured the room’s brilliance, reflecting the intricate machinery that hummed beyond the glass. Compact robots hovered in the air, their propellers creating a gentle breeze that rustled papers and carried a metallic tang.

As Kobayashi observed the room, his attention was drawn to a young engineer, Tanaka, who seemed mainly focused on a set of schematics. Walking over, Kobayashi inquired, How’s the calibration on the new thrusters coming along, Tanaka?

Tanaka looked up, slightly startled, Sir, we’ve made significant improvements. The efficiency rate has increased by 15%.

Kobayashi nodded, placing a reassuring hand on the young engineer’s shoulder. Excellent work. Remember, every improvement, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal.

Continuing his rounds, Kobayashi made an effort to engage with several other engineers. He asked about their progress, offered encouragement, and occasionally shared a light-hearted joke. It was evident that he valued each member of his team and their contributions.

Kobayashi’s fingers traced the outlines of the mecha unit on the holographic table. Deep in contemplation, he murmured, Facing a demon, one’s instinct is to flee. But inside a mecha, the tables turn. Suddenly, you’re not just facing the ‘demon’; you’re challenging it.

Sato piped up from a nearby console, her voice tinged with excitement. And sir, to enhance the user experience, we’re integrating A.I. voice assistance into the system.

Kobayashi nodded, his eyes narrowing with determination. Sato, our ancestors believed in the power of honor; in leaving a legacy that would resonate through time. The Westarc Coalition and the Red Consolidate corporations are formidable competitors, but we have something they lack: a vision. A vision of an indomitable army of machines that will redefine warfare.

He paused, clenching his fist. Every advancement we make, every edge we gain, is a step towards securing our place at the pinnacle of technological supremacy. It’s not just about profit or market share. It’s about honor. It’s about ensuring that the Sakura-Han Conglomerate is remembered as the entity that changed the course of history.

Sato looked at Kobayashi, her eyes reflecting the intensity of his purpose. We won’t let you down, sir. We’ll ensure our legacy stands tall against our competitors.

Kobayashi smiled, appreciating her input. That’s the spirit, Sato.

Just then, another engineer approached hesitantly, the brilliance of his white jumpsuit magnified by the room’s light. Sir, do you need any adjustments made to the design of our latest model, the Hitokiri 12?

Without breaking his gaze from the mecha design, Kobayashi responded, I like this design. However, make it more lethal, if possible.

As you wish, sir. The engineer’s goggles glinted as he nodded, turning to relay the instructions to a floating robot that buzzed away with a soft electronic chirp.

As the robot disappeared from view, a tangible buzz of excitement coursed through the facility. The newest advancements weren’t just about minor tweaks or improved weaponry; they centered around an innovation that promised to revolutionize warfare. The heart of every new mecha unit model, Hitokiri 12, now beats with the power of the Zero-Point Energy Toroidal Power Supply.

This marvel, which many in the confines of the research center had started to affectionately call the Mugen Reactor, was nothing short of a masterclass in energy design. It had the aesthetic dimensions of a lavishly designed watch face, but its functionality surpassed its looks. The brilliantly luminous core was at its heart, radiating an intense blue-white light. This core was the embodiment of the potent zero-point energy it harnessed.

Beyond this core, the mecha’s energy source showcased a series of concentric rings punctuated with precisely positioned nodules. Every part, down to the tiniest detail, was encased within a robust metallic frame, gleaming with a polished finish. Ensuring its protection, a transparent layer, crafted from the most resilient materials known to man, shielded this core, allowing onlookers to marvel at its intricacies while keeping it safe from external harm.

In terms of design, the Mugen Reactor was a harmonious blend of artistry and innovation. It combined the modern sleekness that characterized cutting-edge techniques with the age-old power and reliability reminiscent of fusion reactors.

The mecha units were set to break barriers with the Mugen Reactor integrated into their systems. The energy constraints that once hindered their full potential were now a thing of the past. They stood as symbols of limitless power, ready to assert their dominance on any battlefield, drawing power from an infinite energy source.

From across the room, an engineer’s voice broke through the hum of machinery. Sir, I think you’ll be pleased. We’ve achieved a significant breakthrough with the one-man pilot prototype.

The engineer continued, "In the past, our mecha units, while advanced, had a significant limitation. They required two pilots because the neural control interface was overwhelmingly complex. This doubled the training and operational costs and introduced coordination challenges between the two pilots. The synchronization needed was immense; even a slight misalignment in their thoughts could jeopardize missions. But now, we’ve found ways to distribute the neural load through machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence.

This new model is not just about reducing manpower. It’s about creating a seamless, direct connection between the mecha and its pilot, enhancing response times, and ensuring a level of precision previously deemed impossible. We’re planning to roll out the first one-man mecha within forty-eight hours."

Kobayashi’s eyes widened, realizing the potential of this breakthrough. That’s excellent news, he said, a hint of a smile forming. Keep me updated. This could reshape our future.

The room seemed to pulse with purpose as the engineers and robots continued their work. They were on the cusp of a groundbreaking revelation, a technological marvel redefining warfare.

With a swell of pride, Kobayashi turned away from the holo table, ready to face the challenges ahead.

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Episode 2

Date: Tertius 23, 133

In a world now a pale reflection of its former splendor and glorious past, under the stringent and unyielding surveillance of the omnipresent Westarc Coalition government, the residents of the isolated Colony 11 find themselves in a unique predicament. Colony 11 was relegated to the outskirts of society, yet their spirits remained unbroken. Buildings were falling apart, the streets were empty, and modern commodities were scarce.

The colony residents deemed un-citizens by the overarching Westarc Coalition authority have nonetheless managed to carve out a life for themselves ingeniously. Through the sheer might of its formidable tyranny, the Westarc Coalition had subjugated the territories of old Hispanic America, transforming them into twenty-four small colonies, their people relegated to the status of un-citizens; their futures uncertain and their lives fraught with peril.

The lifestyle was a remarkable blend of rustic charm and pastoral beauty, seamlessly interwoven with a survivalist’s resourcefulness and adaptability, allowing its inhabitants to succeed despite the challenges. Most enter the military ranks to find a better life.

Among them, a culture of dueling had emerged—a fierce competition that entertained and settled disputes. These duels were fought with the tools they used for their homestead labors: mechas retrofitted for friendly combat.

The crowd’s roar filled the makeshift arena, a cacophony of cheers and jeers that echoed through the dusty air of the industrial quarter of Colony 11. Enclosed by a barrier of metal scraps and debris, the space had been converted into a battleground for the famous mecha duels. Those machines were designed for lifting and transporting heavy materials rather than for combat, but the young men of the colony adapted them for fight entertainment.

Mechas have an industrial appearance with bright yellow coloration. It has large hydraulic arms with clamp-like hands for gripping and powerful mechanical legs that give it stability and strength. Humans control their mecha from inside the machines.

Each mecha possessed an intuitive movement system that mirrors the operator’s actions. And despite their cumbersome appearance, they are surprisingly agile and capable of intricate movements. The machine’s design incorporates safety harnesses and a roll cage around the operator, giving it a rugged, practical look.

Two hulking machines faced off in the center of the outdoor arena.

Roberto’s heart pounded as he gripped the controls, feeling the mecha’s power responding to his every move. He glanced through the small window and saw Jaime wore a determined expression in the cockpit of the opposing machine. They were friends, but today, they were rivals, fighting for the winner’s share of the pot collected by the eager onlookers.

Roberto knew that stepping into that ring was not a gamble with his life, but he could end up hurt or crippled. But what choice did he have? His aspirations were simple, yet felt unattainable: nutritious food and essentials. And he was fighting for his mother’s smile, a dream that seemed small yet meant everything to him. He lived with his mother in a colony that the government had neglected.

A voice boomed through the loudspeakers, announcing his name, and the audience went wild with applause and whistles.

Roberto assumed his position, facing his friend. The duel began with an energetic charge from Jaime. His machine lunged forward, arms swinging wide for a powerful strike. Roberto deftly maneuvered to the side, using the agility that made him a favorite in these local contests. His mecha’s arm caught Jaime’s machine in a crushing grip, and the crowd went wild.

The crowd’s energy intensified with every chant. Go, Roberto, go! Their voices harmonized with the steady hum and clatter of the mechanical titans.

The two mechas moved in combat, each movement combining force and finesse. They circled one another, testing defenses and gauging reactions. Jaime’s machine lunged, hydraulic arms aiming for a swift jab, only to be deftly parried by Roberto’s machine. The ground vibrated with the thud of their heavy footfalls as they sought vulnerabilities.

Feeling the weight and power of his mecha, Roberto dodged and countered, trying to get a better position. But Jaime proved his skill and precision. With a roar of engines, he sent his mecha’s powerful arm swinging in a wide arc, narrowly missing Roberto’s cockpit by mere inches.

The two pilots were locked in an intricate dance of feints and jabs, each trying to outmaneuver the other. The machines mirrored their pilots’ emotions, their movements becoming more aggressive and desperate with each passing second.

With a determined glint in his eyes—one honey and the other green, both slick with sweat—Roberto seized an opportunity. He pivoted, allowing his mecha’s leg to sweep out, aiming for Jaime’s legs. The move was well-timed; it caught Jaime’s mecha off-guard, forcing him to stagger back.

Capitalizing on his fleeting advantage, Roberto’s mecha lunged, hydraulic arms delivering a series of rapid blows to Jaime’s torso. The crowd’s gasps and cheers punctuated each hit, their anticipation was evident.

But Jaime rallied once more. With a growl of engines, his mecha pushed back, deflecting Roberto’s next strike and retaliating with a powerful uppercut. Roberto’s cockpit jolted from the impact, blurring his vision momentarily.

The two machines circled each other, creating dust in the air and tension in the spectators. Metal creaked, and engines roared as each pilot searched for an advantage. Jaime’s mecha lunged forward with a burst of speed, its right leg extended in a powerful kick aimed straight at Roberto’s torso. With quick reflexes, Roberto used the mecha’s arms to parry the blow, deflecting Jaime’s leg to the side.

Jaime pushed off the ground, not one to be deterred, and sent his mecha into a high leap. Roberto looked up just in time to see Jaime’s machine descend, both legs aiming for a crushing double kick. Thinking fast, Roberto rolled his mecha to the side, narrowly evading the attack as Jaime’s feet slammed into the dirt ground, creating a miniature crater.

Roberto retaliated, rushing forward and launching his mecha into the air. He aimed a downward kick at Jaime, but the latter managed to block with both arms, absorbing the impact but getting pushed back by sheer force. The two machines then closed in, grappling and wrestling each other in an epic display of might. Their massive hands locked, metal fingers intertwined as they engaged in a fierce power struggle, each trying to overpower the other.

Engines roared, and metallic feet dug into the ground, trying to find purchase. The spectacle resembled ancient wrestling; a test of strength and will. For what seemed like an eternity, neither gained an advantage, both mechas pushing and pulling—their pilots’ determination mirrored in the machines’ relentless struggle.

In this deadlock, Roberto, summoning all his strength and skill, pivoted his mecha, using Jaime’s force against him. With a mighty thrust and a tactical twist, Roberto’s mecha gained the upper hand, flipping Jaime’s machine over and sending it crashing to the ground with a ground-shaking thud.

A brief hush fell over the arena before the audience shouted triumphantly. The battle, intense and thrilling, had come to its conclusion.

Roberto, muscles aching but spirit undiminished, emerged from mecha’s cockpit. Jaime soon followed his steps, showing the burden of defeat. But as they met on the ground, any trace of rivalry vanished. Jaime gave Roberto a hearty pat on the back, his grin genuine despite his defeat.

Today was your day, Jaime acknowledged, admiration evident in his tone.

Roberto grinned, his eyes shining with victory. We both fought well. It was a good match.

Jaime rolled his eyes, Next time, my friend. Next time. He then grew serious, "You know, these duels... they’re not just about the money or