The Mech Touch

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”Hmph.
It turns out they are all ignorant sheep who are blindly following a stray donkey. ”

While there were several authors who shared some of Ves ’ beliefs, they didn ’t go far enough.
Almost every mech designer believed that hero mechs were bound to explode in popularity in future mech generations!

To his dismay, Ves couldn ’t entirely dismiss the possibility.
Mechs armed with two weapon systems might very well become viable enough for the market to demand them in great numbers.

As long as the demand was there, mech designers would do their best to meet them regardless of what they thought about hero mechs!

Ves foresaw that the hero mechs published during this time would take on a different meaning.

”Hero mechs will become an empty term by then.
Maybe the mech industry will have some decency and use a different label to refer to their mech type. ”

Regardless of what everyone else thought about hero mechs, Ves was determined to design a hero mech that conformed to his own beliefs for the upcoming commission.

While Ves wrestled with his beliefs on hero mechs, the Barracuda finally arrived at the Kesseling System.

Its twin stars emitted a lot of heat and radiation.
The Ylvainans who initially colonized the Kesseling System left the inner system alone and settled the most outward planets instead.

Kesseling VIII rose as the local seat of government as it was the most comfortable planet to live upon.
The Curin Dynasty even solidified its importance by placing the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on this planet.

When the Barracuda arrived in high orbit of Kesseling VIII, the corvette could fly no further.
The Protectors of the Faith barred any shuttle or ship that did not belong to an Ylvainan from landing on the planet.

Ves prepared his outfit and his luggage.
He inspected his form through a mirrored projection and nodded in satisfaction.
The stylist bots in his stateroom did a good job in making him appear presentable in his formal business clothing.

As he exited his stateroom with his floating luggage coffers in tow, he joined the others who were bringing along their own luggage.

Madame Cecily already arranged a shuttle for them all.
As soon as the vehicle docked alongside the Barracuda, Ves, Lucky, Ketis, Gavin and Leland all stowed away their luggage and took their seats.

The shuttle separated from the Barracuda and carefully descended down to the surface of the planet that they would be staying upon for the duration of the trip.

”They say that Kesseling VIII itself is split between the reformers and the traditionalists. ” Gavin noted as Ves watched out the porthole at the ocean and land masses of the terraformed planet.
”Although the planet is largely under the administration of the Curin Dynasty, the Poxco Dynasty maintains a presence on every planet. ”

The Protectorate wouldn ’t be much of a religious state if they didn ’t spread their churches everywhere.
The Attendants of Ylvaine avidly made sure that every Ylvainan attended services!

”What ’s the current trend, Benny? ”

Gavin sighed in exasperation.
Could his boss at least remember his name? ”The higher classes who stand to benefit directly from opening up the Protectorate are largely in favor of reforming the state.
The lower classes are much more resistant.
Even though their welfare will also improve with increased trade, they don ’t expect to receive many benefits.
That makes it a lot easier for the Attendants of Ylvaine to keep them in their camp. ”

”I would be more careful of your utterances if I were you, Gavin.
Remember where we are now. ” Leland noted from the other end of the Ylvainan shuttle.
”You insult every Ylvainan when you equate the strength of their piety to their personal benefits.
Don ’t generalize the citizens of Kesseling VIII according to their social class.
There are extremely pious believers among the highest government officials and there are very casual Ylvainans among millions of average farm and factory workers. ”

”Ah, I ’m sorry. ” Gavin said, recognizing his mistake.
”We ’re lucky to have someone connected to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in our business delegation. ”

Ves couldn ’t help but bite his lip.
”We are indeed blessed by the addition of Leland.
However, I hope that all of you remember who ’s in charge here. ”

Leland turned his head and threw a subtle glare at Ves.
”Of course, Ves.
I would never do anything to contradict your goals. ”

That remained to be seen.
Whether Leland was messing around or not, Ves hoped he wouldn ’t get caught in any messes!

After some time, the shuttle eventually descended onto a landing pad next to the grandiose villa-like structure that housed the Office of Strategic Mech Management.

”Wow! ” Ketis said as she stepped out of the shuttle with her poofy beret on her head.
”The Ylvainans sure have style! It kind of reminds me of some of your work, Ves! ”

The Ylvainans had a penchant for architecture derived from the ancient baroque style.
It was a surefire way to make their state and religion appear more stately and dignified.

As Ves and his entourage were guided inside, they underwent a routine security check that forced them to relinquish all of their weapons and most of their gadgets aside from their comms.

Only until Ves had taken off his toolbelt and the holster holding the Peaceful Repose did the guards allow him to meet with the client.

”What about my staff? ” He asked when the guards directed the others elsewhere.

”Madame Cecily wishes to meet you in private, Mr.
Larkinson.
Your staff will be directed to a waiting room during your initial meeting. ”

”Can I at least bring my pet? ”

”My apologies, Mr.
Larkinson.
Madame Cecily maintains a strict prohibition against bringing any pets inside.
No matter if it ’s mechanical or organic, your cat must remain in the courtyard. ”

While it wasn ’t a weird rule considering that pets could be stuffed with all kinds of spying gear, Ves still felt it was a pity.

”Remain outside and do go off on your own, got that, Lucky? ”

”Meow! ”

Once he settled Lucky, Ves proceeded to follow one of the guards as they moved to the upper levels.
After weeks of travel, he was finally going to meet the client!

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