S1: The Unique IMC Pilot

by IMC Librarian

Michael W Johnson, found and raised by Spyglass unit #826591740-A, grows up to become an IMC Pilot, but soon discovers that he is more than that. More than a Pilot, more than a soldier, more than anyone knows, even himself. He is endowed with a destiny that will change his life and the lives of those around him for good.

21. CH20

S1-20
New Titans?

---

Time: 9:27 AM | 12/22/2283

Location: Planet Vez-2 | IMC HQ

Music: Titanfall - OST 02

On this day on the Frontier, Titans were becoming increasingly expensive to manufacture since the IMC was having a hard time keeping up production of the Atlas, Ogre, and Stryder Titans.

"Yo." Michael paid Anthony a visit.
"Ey, Michael."
"What's this?"
"Just a few new Titan designs. I noticed you guys were having a nearly impossible time maintaining the models you have now."
"I see. Hmm." Michael looked at one of the blueprints, it was quite an interesting design.
"Watcha think?"
"Hm. What weapon were you planning on giving this one?"
"A cyclic particle accelerator."
"Sounds powerful." Michael remarked.
"Yeah. Here's the schematic." A digital blueprint of a kinetic energy weapon was shown on the screen. "I call it the Splitter Rifle."
"Nice. I guess anyone seeing this will just 'split' outta town?" Anthony let out a laugh at Michael's joke.
"Good one. I wasn't expecting a pun."
"I guess I just couldn't help myself, just had to lighten the mood, ya know?"
"I like where you're goin with that, but now this mood's too light."
"Did it go on too much of a diet?"
"Heh heh... No, it didn't. Heh heh... I gotta get back to this now."
"Alright, but why not take a break once in a while? After all, Christmas is coming in three days."
"Yeah, I know that. I'll just get two done and I'll work on the others in January."
"OK. What are they?"
"Here they are."
"'Ion' and 'Scorch', huh? Nice." Michael was fascinated.
"Lemme tell ya about 'em. I'm making the Ion-class Titan all about energy-based abilities, the Splitter Rifle taps into a shared energy pool. The Scorch-class Titan is fire-based, using incendiary weapons and abilities to incinerate anything in its path."
"Cool, or rather, HOT for the Scorch."
"I was just thinkin about that joke myself."
"I'll get IMC mechanics to work on these models and see if they can be mass produced."

Time: 2:41 PM | 12/22/2283

Michael was examining the newly built Titans, inspecting the chassis designs. "These two look strangely familiar."
"I based them off of the old Titan models. The Ion is modeled after the Atlas and the Scorch is modeled after the Ogre."
"Impressive. So Ion has the Splitter Rifle, but what does Scorch have?"
"Scorch has this incendiary grenade launcher called the T-203 Thermite Launcher."
"Nice. So, you mentioned a shared energy pool with Ion before?"
"Yeah, and you'll notice that Core abilities charge a lot slower. I also noticed that the Titan Reactors weren't internally shielded enough, so I made a better design. If the Titans are doomed, they won't decay. I also noticed you guys had a large amount of very odd resources, so I experimented with them, creating these." Anthony held up a high-tech power cell, with green lights on it.
"What exactly is it?"
"I call 'em Titan Battery Packs. You put one in a damaged Titan, it repairs some damage and gives you a shield. I can't put in the shield mechanism because it won't fit. If your shield takes any damage, it won't recharge. If one of these gets removed from the Titan, it'll cause a small chunk of health to be lost."
"Might be interesting."
"There's two ways the Titan Battery Pack can be installed. Through the cylindrical slot on the top, or by direct installation inside the cockpit."

An IMC mechanic approached the designer. "Anthony Higgs, they're ready to come online."
"Let's give 'em a test run."
Two of the new Titan Battery Packs were carried in by two Grunts, handing them both to Michael. On the tops of the Batteries were a few words near the handle.

TWIST CLOCKWISE TO RELEASE LOCK

"What am I suppose to do with these again?" Michael asked.
"Climb up there, and install the Batteries. Slide them into the slots, then turn them 45° counter-clockwise."
Michael jumped up onto the Ion-class Titan first, taking one Battery and sliding it into the slot on top. Perfect fit. With a 45° twist, the Titan's systems came online. "[Ion-class Titan power systems online and fully operational.]"
Michael then hopped off the Ion and installed the second Battery into the Scorch. "[Scorch AI active. Thermal systems online.]"
Michael jumped off and landed next to Anthony.
"Man, you guys have some wild skills." Anthony remarked.
"Comes with being a Pilot. So, now that the Titans are online, what're we gonna do?"
"As I said, we're gonna test 'em."
"Alright. We'll test them out in the IMC's Training Grounds."

Time: 3:08 PM | 12/22/2283

Location: Planet Gridiron | IMC Training Ground Whitehead facility

Music: Super Smash Brothers Melee - Targets

"So, this is your 'Training Grounds' area?"
"Yeah, it is. Now then... Spyglass, are those new Titans ready to drop?"
"Stand by for Titanfall." Two Titans dropped from the IMC Carrier in orbit, each landing in a completely new position.
The Ion was down on one knee, with a fist on the ground, Splitter Rifle on the back, hatch closed, and surveying its current surroundings.
The Scorch was knelt down, T-203 Thermite Launcher on the back, closed cockpit, arms extended to the sides, and the optic was scanning the current environment.
They were both surrounded by a Dome Shield with a strange new appearance.
Two Pilots with brand new equipment had also arrived on the Drop Ship Michael and Anthony used to get there.

The new Pilots entered the Titans. The Scorch placed a hand down on the ground and opened the cockpit as the Pilot lunged inside, the Titan standing up and bringing out its incendiary weapon. The Ion seemed to replicate the movements of embarking in an Atlas-class Titan, except it pulled the Splitter Rifle off its back with the left hand and put the weapon's trigger straight into the right hand, standing straight up.
"Ion-class Titan ready to link."
"Scorch-class Titan standing by to establish neural link."

"Pilots, link." Michael ordered.
After about a minute, the Titans began walking as the motion links were established.

Multiple training targets were deployed to test the Ion and Scorch. The Ion fired orbs of energy while the Scorch launched thermite canisters, having to reload after every single shot.
"Splitter Rifle magazine holds 40 rounds."
"T-203 Thermite Launcher magazine holds... 1. Really?!"

"OK, that's the primary weapons, now for the other abilities."
The Ion deployed three glowing devices that projected a yellow beam between them while the Scorch launched a large canister of green gas.
"Laser Tripwire: online."
"Incendiary Trap: good to go."

"That's the utility ability. Now for the offensive."
A retractable weapon unfolded on the Ion-class Titan's back, charged up some energy, and unleashed a powerful beam. The Scorch slammed the ground with its right arm, causing a thick line of fire to extend from the impact in the direction it was facing. The line of flames met the green gas from the Incendiary Trap, creating a pool of fire around the canister.
"Incendiary Traps can be ignited to deal a big amount of elemental damage." Anthony stated.
"Impressive." Michael mused.
"Laser Shot is online."
"This ability is fully functional, and I see why it's called 'Firewall'."

"Now for the defensive ability."
The Ion projected a Vortex Shield without the normally required mechanism. The Scorch did the same thing, but the field was made of flames instead of energy.
"The Ion has a fully functional Vortex Shield?! Nice!"
"Uh... Thermal Shield? Well, at least it works."

"Last, but not least, the Core ability."
The Titans put their weapons on their backs as their Core abilities were activated. The Ion projected multiple holographic red beams from the optic before unleashing a massive red laser that completely blasted through the training target. The Scorch slammed the ground with both arms and sent out a powerful wave of thermal energy, incinerating the other target.
"Laser Core functions perfectly."
"The Flame Core is awesome!"

"I think we should add these new Titans to the production line." Michael stated.
"I've been busy working out any problems there would be the possibility of while I worked on them. So far, I've made five kits specific to each new Titan. For Ion, there's Grand Cannon, Entangled Energy, Zero-Point Tripwire, Vortex Amplifier, and Refraction Lens. For Scorch, there's Wildfire Launcher, Scorched Earth, Inferno Shield, Fuel For The Fire, and Tempered Plating. For any Titan, there are six universal kits."
"Hang on, Anthony. I've got one question."
"Ok, lay it on me."
"What's that strange arm on the back of the Ion?"
"That's the Acolyte Pod. The Acolyte Pod is a small chassis component that helps in using the ordinance weapons, like Ion's Laser Shot."
"That's actually very helpful. Continue."
"The Assault Chip is an upgraded version of your Guardian Chips, so Auto-Titans become even more effective, allowing them to use their offensive, utility, and Core abilities. You remember your Auto-Eject Titan tier kit, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Stealth Auto-Eject works the same way, so does Nuclear Ejection, but you can't choose both. Turbo Engine gives Titans based on the Atlas and Stryder an extra dash, but it halves the replenishment time of the single dash on Titans based on the Ogre. Overcore starts the Core ability at a fifth of its required charge, keeping it at least 20% charged at all times, so you don't have to recharge the Core ability as much."
"I'm personally going with the Assault Chip. Now, what does each Titan-specific kit do."
"Well, considering I stay up-to-date on all IMC plans, I'd say there's not enough time to tell ya about each and every single one of 'em. I'll leave a list for ya, how's that sound?"
"What do you mean 'not enough ti-'"

Music: Titanfall - OST 03

"All Pilots, the Militia are attacking a new location: the Black Water Canal refueling facility on planet Cibus, located between planets Gridiron and Demeter. Any Pilots not at the HQ are to return and gear up and stand by for deployment, effective immediately."
"Got it, Spyglass." Michael acknowledged, heading back to the Drop Ship.

Time: 3:31 PM | 12/22/2283

Location: Planet Cibus | Black Water Canal

Music: Titanfall 2 - Substation

Eagle-Eye 9-1 was flying in over the area, and Militia Titans were patrolling the area. "The Militia are most likely attempting to take the Black Water Canal facility to replace the Dig Site location on planet Gysa. Pilots, you are to prevent them from doing this. Once Militia contacts have been lowered, I will drop in to assist you."
"Hold up, Spyglass. I think we should give the Ion and Scorch a test in actual combat." Anthony suggested.
"Considering there is only one of each in existence, it is unadvisable."
It was then that a Grunt got on the radio. "Vice Admiral, more Ion and Scorch Titans are being mass produced, they cost less resources, and we're making use of those strange materials mined from the Dig Site to make Titan Battery Packs to repair them. Don't worry. They work."
"Very well. I authorize the use of the Ion and Scorch."

Michael heard Anthony's voice. "Michael, I've patched into your helmet display. Do you see that certain Titan?"
On his helmet's HUD, a specific Militia Titan was marked. A Stryder-class Titan with a Plasma Railgun. "What about it?"
"Fun fact: That Titan is actually similar to one of the Titans I'm working on."
"Huh. Didn't know that."
"Lemme check my blueprints. Ahh, there it is. That Titan's loadout bears a striking resemblance to the Northstar-class Titan I'll finish up after Christmas."
"Northstar-class Titan? You know what? I'll ask about that when it's done."
"Alright. Now tear those guys up."

Music: Metroid Prime 3 Corruption - Tense Battle Theme

"Pilots, drop in!" Michael ordered.
Eagle-Eye 9-1 jumped off the Drop Ship, with Titans dropping from the IMC Carrier in orbit.
"[Where's Samus?]" Sid asked.
While dealing with infantry, Vanessa responded. "[And where's her Titan, Arc-Rod?]"
Jeeves was busy fighting off that Stryder with a Plasma Railgun. A sniper duel. "[Still at HQ. Adam is helping the mechanics work on a new Gunship for her. I just received word that Anthony has located Chozo ruins, but it's not within Frontier space. He's plotted a course, and when we return to HQ, a small team will follow the plotted route, and Samus will be with them.]"
"Then let's get this done and get back!" Michael replied.

Music: Metroid Other M - King Kihunter Boss Theme

"We're taking heavy fire!" A Pilot shouted over the comms.
"Iron Pilot under attack from five Militia Titans. Requesting immediate assistance."

"Spyglass, I know where you can drop in, but you need to drop in when I say." Michael said, clearing out a squad of Grunts.
"Confirmed. I will stand by. Safe-Guard, prepare for combat, we are dropping in sooner than expected."
Michael looked over the area, a massive battleground with large bullets and rockets flying everywhere, pelting and blasting Titans, IMC and Militia, with the occasional Repulsor Blast from the Iron Pilot.

There was a very reasonable spot for a Titan drop, and Michael noticed this, marking the location. "There!"
"Location acknowledged. Stand by, I'm on my way." With amazing timing, Spyglass landed and crushed some of the Militia.

Spyglass [Crushed by Titanfall] Militia Atlas

Spyglass [Crushed by Titanfall] Militia Pilot

Spyglass [Crushed by Titanfall] Militia Ogre

Spyglass [Crushed by Titanfall] Militia Pilot

"Where are the nearest hostiles?"
"You're standing on them."
Spyglass looked down, seeing the smashed Titans that were once where he now stood. "I see. Your sense of timing is to be respected."

Music: Titanfall - OST 01

Intensive metallic noises were heard as Michael and Spyglass turned to see Sid literally rip apart a Militia Stryder-class Titan, crushing the Pilot within the chassis.

VF-2968 [Termination] Militia Stryder

VF-2968 [Termination] Militia Pilot

"HOLY HELIUM! Sid, that was pure brutality, and it was disturbing..."
"[Sorry. I'll try toning it down with how I take out these Militia Titans.]"

Two Titans dropped in, an Ion and a Scorch.
"IMC Pilots Rick Ojai and Ethan Riles, you have your orders."
The two IMC Pilots went off to destroy the Militia Titans in the area, which they did, with all their abilities.

Rick [Splitter Rifle] Militia Ogre

Rick [Splitter Rifle] Militia Pilot

Rick [Laser Tripwire] Militia Stryder

Rick [Laser Shot] Militia Pilot

Rick [Vortex Shield] Militia Ogre

Rick [Vortex Shield] Militia Pilot

Rick [Laser Core] Militia Atlas

Rick [Laser Core] Militia Pilot

Rick [Laser Core] Militia Ogre

Rick [Laser Core] Militia Pilot

Ethan [T-203 Thermite Launcher] Militia Atlas

Ethan [T-203 Thermite Launcher] Militia Pilot

Ethan [Incendiary Trap] Militia Ogre

Ethan [Incendiary Trap] Militia Pilot

Ethan [Firewall] Militia Stryder

Ethan [Firewall] Militia Pilot

Ethan [Flame Core] Militia Atlas

Ethan [Flame Core] Militia Pilot

With two enemy Titans doomed, the two Pilots commenced their executions.
Rick caught the fist of a Militia Stryder-class Titan and blasted the metal limb off with the Laser Shot before whacking a leg off the ground and jagging the receiving end of the Splitter Rifle into the cockpit and firing a few energy rounds, destroying the Titan and the Pilot inside.
Ethan jumped up and delivered a powerful punch, knocking a Militia Ogre-class Titan down to the ground before he kicked it in the cockpit's closed hatch, further staggering it, finishing off with a short pulse of the Thermal Shield, sending the enemy Titan falling to its back as a pile of molten metal.

Rick [Termination] Militia Stryder

Rick [Termination] Militia Pilot

Ethan [Termination] Militia Ogre

Ethan [Termination] Militia Pilot

Music: Titanfall - OST 02

"Whoa, that's effective. They just completely purged the area." Michael remarked.
Just then, Blisk got on the line. "These new Titans are WICKED! I gotta get me one of those!"
"At least you'll finally be pulling your weight around here."
"What was that, Michael?!"
"You heard me! It's a wonder the IMC ever promoted you to Sargent to begin with, since all you do is lecture us and order us around."
"Uh... Point taken. Blisk out."

Time: 4:27 PM | 12/22/2283

Location: Planet Vez-2 | IMC HQ

With the Black Water Canal back under IMC control, Michael decided to pay Samus a visit. "Hey, Samus. How are you?"
"Oh, I'm doing well. Just used my new Gunship's computer to initialize some new software that was prepared for it."
"Nice. So what about the Chozo ruins?"
"We'll be there, just not for a while." Adam replied.
"Why not?" Before another word could be said, a Marvin walked by and plopped a Christmas hat on Michael's head without turning to look.

Music: Christmas - Jingle Bells (Instrumental)

"Uh... Heh heh... OK. We'll wait until January."

---

Rick Ojai

Primary: Submachine Gun - Alternator - (Gunrunner) - (Tactikill) - (HCOG) - (Pro Screen)

Pistol: RE-45 Auto - (Extra Ammo) - (Tactikill) - (Pro Screen)

Anti-Titan: Charge Rifle - (Quick Swap) - (Charge Hack) - (Pro Screen)

Tactical: Pulse Blade

Ordinance: Electric Smoke Grenade

Boost: Smart Pistol

Tier 1: Power Cell

Tier 2: Kill Report

Execution: Get To The Point

Pilot Camo: Frontier Woodland

Primary Camo: Quantum Woodland

Pistol Camo: IMC Orange

Anti-Titan Camo: Blood Zebra

November-Zulu Five-Nine-One-Zero (NZ-5910)

Titan: Ion - Normal

Titan kit: Assault Chip

Ion kit: Vortex Amplifier

Titanfall kit: Dome Shield

Titan Camo: Stoic Overcast

Nose Art: Straight Shooter

Weapon Camo: Stoic Overcast

Titan execution: Disarm

Ethan Riles

Primary: Grenadier - EPG-1 - (Extra Ammo) - (Tactikill) - (Pro Screen)

Pistol: B3 Wingman - (Extra Ammo) - (Tactikill) - (Pro Screen)

Anti-Titan: Archer - (Extra Ammo) - (Speedloader) - (Pro Screen)

Tactical: A-Wall

Ordinance: Firestar

Boost: Ticks

Tier 1: Fast Regen

Tier 2: Titan Hunter

Execution: Grand Theft Semi-Auto

Pilot Camo: Checkmate Gold

Primary Camo: Stoic Dark

Pistol Camo: Warship Ocean

Anti-Titan Camo: Zebra Light

India-X-ray Eight-Three-Six-One (IX-8361)

Titan: Scorch - Normal

Titan kit: Assault Chip

Scorch kit: Scorched Earth

Titanfall kit: Dome Shield

Titan Camo: Bullseye

Nose Art: Shellshock

Weapon Camo: Arterial

Titan execution: Incineration

---

Well, there's that.

I'm keeping track of the holidays so the date in the story is upkept and followed.

The Ion and Scorch have arrived, along with a massive supply of new weapons.

As a side note: Because the Wingman Elite and SA-3 Mozambique were wrongly placed in the Primary Weapons category as a result of the Tricks and Treats patch, and EA refuses to put them back where they belong, you will not see them being used in this story.

See you next time.