Armored Core: Project Phenomenom

The Murakumo Facility

The grinding and hissing of machinery echoed throughout the massive Facility. The Working Crew overlooking it all and making sure the mostly automatic processes went smoothly. High above it all was the office of the Director. Massive reinforced bullet-proof windows were there to shield him from harm in the unlikely event of an attack. At least long enough for him to be brought to safety. Currently he was looking out the windows, down at the workfloor. His arms were at ease behind his back, hands kept close together. "How are the preparations going?", the Director asked, finally turning his gaze over to the man in his office.

"They're going well, sir. We'll have the MTs and Weapons we need to assault Crest soon. Our Recon Units haven't taken notice of any Crest Movements, either." He replied to the Director. "Excellent news. Have you found a Raven to lead the assault?" The Director asks in a calm tone, finally turning from the window and making his way over to the desk. "No sir. We've offered a substantial sum for the job, but no Raven has taken it yet." The Director lets out a small scoff. Taking a bottle out from under the desk and then pouring some of the contents into a small glass. He takes a drink and then sets the now empty glass back down. "We might have to perform the assault without a Raven's support, then. Plan accordingly."

The Man hesitates for a moment. "Sir... Without an AC to back us up, assaulting Crest seems like suicide." The Director stares at him intently. "I'm aware of that. But we can only wait so long before Crest suspects something on our end. We may have wasted too much time as it is." The Director replied in a tone that now seemed a little more stressed. "Well then... I'll see what plans I can make, sir-" The sound of an explosion rang throughout the Facility. Shaking the very foundation and sending most everyone inside stumbling.

The alarm sounded off. The Director steadies himself, adjusting the suit and tie, and then pressing a button and speaking into the comm. "Who is it? Is it Crest?", The Director questions. On the other end... "It's a Raven!" Sure enough, there was an AC piloted by a Raven assaulting the Facility. It was making short work of the Muscle Tracers throughout the Facility that were stationed to guard it from an attack from Crest -- There were few ways to defend against a Raven, however. They were the few Elites. Mercenaries piloting extremely advanced Muscle Tracers known as "Armored Cores". They were in a league of their own.

They were commonly hired by Corporations or individuals with wealth to perform missions of great risk. The Raven's Nest served as the middleman for all missions received, which was then issued to it's Ravens. Beyond that, the Raven's Nest had no obligations to it's Ravens. They would not shield the Raven from potential repercussions of their actions caused by the missions they perform or the Corporations that they anger. One such individual was now attacking the Murakumo Facility.

The Security MTs were easily destroyed -- Manned or unmanned alike. "Is that it?" The Raven piloting the AC asked to no one in particular as he mowed his way through the forces in the Facility. "I expected more from Murakumo. This is just pathetic..." Soon enough, only one MT remained. The Security Chief had been annihilated by the Raven. The evacuation had been called -- Including for any Security that remained. The Facility was lost. However... That last remaining MT refused to flee.

"A Raven, huh...? Tch... I can't just run away!", The Pilot exclaimed, activating the Boosters on the MT and moving in between the various machines of the Facility for cover, only staying out in the open just long enough to fire upon the Raven's AC. The AC stumbled slightly. "What?! Another AC? ... Ahh, no. It's just an MT. Not a bad Pilot, though..."  The Raven tried to aim and return fire, but the Pilot in the MT had already pressed on the offensive, and he knew the Facility better than the Raven did. All of the advantages were in his hands as far as the tactics went.

The stress on the Raven was growing more apparent. "Dammit! How is outmaneuvering me?!" The Raven exclaims once more. Finally, the MT Pilot sees an opening, he sets the Boosters to their full power, closing the distance between him and the Raven. He moved the arm of the MT and then activated the Laser Blade, slashing clean through the AC. "N-... No way...! It's not possible!" The Raven's last words, before his AC exploded. Karasu then opened transmission with the members of Murakumo that were about to abandon the Facility entirely. "The Raven's down, I took care of it."

"... Lieutenant, which Pilot would that be?", The Director inquires. "That would be Karasu Reiuji, sir. A new recruit into our ranks. He's a natural at piloting, but he's reckless." The Director nods. "I figured as such. But to take down a Raven with such odds... Impressive. He'll make an excellent candidate."

It took a day to get things back into semi-working condition in the Facility. It had sustained notable damage, but nothing that couldn't be repaired, thankfully... Karasu was currently located in his quarters back at the Murakumo HQ. He was given leave to rest, at least, that was the official "story". After a night's sleep, he awakens and checks the email on his computer.

"Karasu Reiuji
You've displayed impressive skill in defeating a Raven during an attack on the Facility you were stationed at. It is for this reason that we've brought you to Murakumo's HQ. We want to extend an important offer to you.

We're developing an Armored Core Unit for you to pilot, we've also arranged for the necessary resources to sponsor you to take the Raven's Test and become a Raven -- From then on you will receive their training and all of the privileges of a Raven. We do this because we have a severe lack of AC Pilots dedicated solely to our cause against Crest. As a Raven you may well serve as our trump card.

We also plan... One more thing for you. Your skill as it is, is certainly impressive, but we would like to enhance it. We strongly urge you to consider our offer of "Human PLUS" enhancements. Your piloting skills will become that far beyond the average Human -- You'll surpass even Ravens. If you accept, you'll become the Star Pilot of Murakumo.

Succeed and you will be rewarded with great wealth.
- Direct Aldric Barends

(New post settings are weird. Hopefully it shows up correctly.)