Chapter 1: You have been saved.
So just a heads up, during the recon phase of Operation Shadow Hawk, the UN/Commonwealth forces will be using equipment (mostly vehicles and armour) that shares a resemblance to those used during the early 21st century. Also note I will be taking elements from other fandoms like Halo, Command and Conquer, Mercs of Boom, and a few others.
Note that this is 100% fiction. When we get to the Beacon arc, most of the characters' lives will stay the same. Otherwise, there will be some differences (Like certain characters surviving).
Entry Logs: Operation Shadow Hawk
By Colonel Lewis O'Neil
Log 1
March 9th, 2857 (10 years before the battle of Beacon)
We got the base camp setup. It's on an island a few dozen klicks from the coast of the Kingdom of Vale, south of the Actual city. It's about the size of Thetis and Penelakut Islands combined, both of which are off the coast of Vancouver Island on Earth. There are no villages for several Hundred kilometres so we're safe to do all the building we want. We're also lucky that the people of Remnant haven't invested much into space travel. What ground-based telescopes they do have are in the Kingdom of Atlas. All spaceborne ships and aircraft are to stay away from the Northern Hemisphere. And we were lucky that there was hardly any seafaring travel near this island for hundreds of kilometres. We can actually deploy a maritime base here. There is also a large chain of Islands south of its location so if we need to expand, we can do it without people noticing.
Anyways, the island doesn't have a name so we've named it New Sandfish Island. Why? I don't know, the Grunts named it. Anyways, we got to work by deploying a few drones to search for any large swarms of Grimm and using a few metal rods dropped from orbit, along with a MOAB, to take out the biggest of the Bunch. I'm thankful the corvettes and destroyers are armed with VLS tubes full of light Space to ground missiles because a 60 megaton nuke would have annihilated everything. After that, Ranger platoons stormed the island looking for any surviving Grimm. No casualties (thank goodness all of our troops have Hybrid-Mag weapons and energy shields) but we discovered that our M3 line of rifles may not be enough. We've requested a batch of the newer M5 battle rifles. A field test would be nice.
Once the Grimm were gone, we deployed several construction teams and drones and are in the process of building up the base. We have the Barracks and a few Cold Fusion plants set up. We will have a proper Research Lab setup in a week or so, along with sensors, a vehicle production plant, actual restaurants, airfields, and defences.
Not a bad start.
End Log
March 16th
Log 2
The good news, there are a surprising amount of raw resources on New Sandfish Island. That means we won't have to be entirely reliant on the UNS England's fabricators and system conveys. I think the brass are going to be happy that resources can be diverted to rebuilding the surrounding systems. The research lab is also open, the eggheads are happy to begin vivisecting those Grimm and learning about this Dust.
In Other news, we got Fabricators, the Airfield, proper facilities, and all the necessary buildings needed for a proper military base. Brass has currently forbidden us from using anything heavy like new MOABS, tanks, nukes, etc, but armed drones, a few attack VTOLs, IFVs, and infantry should be enough for now. We're looking into beginning operations to clear out the nearby island chain. We're going to need a new name for this place.
End Log
March 30th
Log 3
It's a great day for Operation Beacon of Light. Hell, a great era. We got Solarian and Commonwealth Forces working together now (instead of being at each others throats on the frontlines), new technological ideas have popped up, and we're doing a decent job killing Grimm. However, the Grimm has proven to be feisty and annoying. Ammunition resupply is becoming a problem so we had to equip our troops with bayonets in case of ammo shortages. We're also giving certain units the underslung plasma launcher, a weapon with unlimited shots (at least until the energy pack runs out). We're lucky we got air superiority on our side. We should get our hands on those mecha shift weapons, kind of interested in how those work.
However, the news from outside the base isn't great, well on the planet at least. The Galaxy is still fine. It's the planet. Civil and racial unrest, a hint of terrorism, and more Grimm attacks. We're considering potentially aiding the locals in emergencies.
Also would like to note that the 22nd Squadron is up and flying now. We're running surveillance scans of the nearby island chain so we can expand our operations. However, the airborne Grimm are starting to become a problem. SPAAGs and combat drones are enough but we should really consider deploying a few air wings from England.
Oh, and yes, we're using the local's terminology for the Grimm. Not that bad at naming. Oh and one more thing, the lab boys have done some research on the local non-Grimm wildlife.
End log
Log 4
April 9th
So the Eggheads found something disturbing, the Grimm are partially psionic. How did they find out? I honestly don't know but it may have to do with the dozens of Grimm they 'studied' and had to be replaced (stun weapons work at slowing down the Grimm, allowing for us to use modified cryo beams). They explained that no, the Grimm can't use psionic powers against us, someone is controlling them psionically and it enables them to sense emotions (so that's why the locals say the Grimm are attracted by emotions). That's bad, it means someone with enough power can control the Grimm, hell they might even be controlling the Grimm already, just not showing. The brass are admittedly freaking out a bit. Apparently, they're marshalling a maritime force and several armour units to reinforce us. I heard elements of the 10th armoured cavalry are going to join us. I won't say no to their Liberator MBTs, we're starting to encounter larger Grimm.
End log
Log 5
May 1st
So the first day of a new month. We've begun to deploy companies of troopers to the kingdoms. Just Vale and the nation of Menagerie. Why not just a platoon or so? Well most of the planet is inhabited by giant scary monsters so our main enemies are the Grimm, not Humans because there aren't enough of them Command thinks that it may be better to be prepared for the worst and I'm inclined to believe them. A few FOBs in Vale's mountains and Menagerie's wilderness wouldn't hurt too much (Though the Menagerie force is about a battalion strength of Rangers, SF, some armor, and decent drone support. The continent is way too hostile for a simple company to handle).
And some good news, command has given us the green light to 'support' local forces in their fight against the Grimm. They have stressed that this is limited to drone strikes and spec ops teams. Honestly, it may be good for the men. They are tired of listening to reports of destroyed villages and whatnot. Command has also stressed that for the time being, we are not to be involved with local politics until we can get disguise ready. For the time being, any troops interacting with the locals are to pretend we're mercenaries or PMC. Actually, one of the Grunts suggested we can 'officially' place ourselves under the command of the United Nations Security Force (basically the military police) so that way we wouldn't be lying if they ever found out. Something along those lines, I may need to ask them again for clarity. Though I do like the name United Nations Security Force as a name for a PMC. The word nation in this world means a large group of people so we technically would befitting the term correctly (after all, the United Nations is still a collection of United Nations. It's just that the Earth-based ones are more or less centralized under one banner and it is more divided along with the old nations and the new alien species that joined us later).
End Log
Remnant (somewhere in the Kingdom of Vale)
Force Force Group 2
May 3rd, 2857
A Pathfinder named Master Sergeant Andrew Grinsom watched through his sniper scope as Grimm trotted a few kilometres away from his location.
If it weren't for the fact that they hunt sapients, the Grimm would have been cool to study. He thought. He had been stationed on Remnant for 2 weeks and was going on solo missions to gather intelligence.
"This is Redeye 4 to Blue Hound 1, looks like the Grimm are heading your direction. Appears to be a dozen Beowolves and some Boaratusks over." the Pathfinder reported.
"(Comms) Copy that Redeye 4. We'll capture a few. Keep a lookout for anything else." the reply came from a Ranger company located deep in the forests.
"Honestly, this place isn't a terrible planet to retire to. Friendly locals, things to hunt without most people fussing around, that sort of stuff." Andrew turned to his spotter, Sergeant Alexie Fedorov, a Commonwealth marksman and his partner.
"Of course you Eagle eyes would want a place where you drink beer and shoot guns every day." Alexie chuckles at the Solarian's reply and checks his sensors.
"These Grimm hunt using negative emotions right? Pays to be a little positive."
That was when gunfire erupted a few kilometres from their location. Andrew quickly activates his comms. "This redeye 4, is anyone engaged at the moment? We got Gunfire to our west."
"(Comms) This is England Actual, no allied forces are being engaged at the moment. Looks to be locals. We're sending some Hawk drones for support. Redeye 4, move to investigate."
"Copy England Actual, we're moving." Andrew turns to his spotter. "Come on, let's move."
Andrew picks up his sniper rifle and pulls out his M5 battle rifle. (For an idea of what the M5 Battlerifle looks like, it looks similar to the standard assault rifle from the Mercs of Boom video game though with forest camo. Also, the rounds are caseless).
Alexie nods and the pair set off to find the source of the gunfire.
"Sniper fire, semi-auto. Somewhere in between 4mm and 50 caliber. Sounds like a non-magnetic weapon." Alexie comments.
"(Comms) This is England Actual. Eagle drones are flying overhead. Seems to be two individuals engaged in some sort of duel."
The pair of pathfinders look at each other. "Do we know who's fighting what and are we allowed to intervene?" Andrew asks.
"(Comms) We're trying to figure who's fighting by having our Cyber Warfare Teams find a list of identities but from the weapons alone, we can guess that one or both of them may be a Hunter. For now, use your active camo and stay clear of the fight."
"Copy that England Actual. Redeye 4 out.'' The pair continue creeping along. Eventually, they find a reasonably tall hill and perch up on top. Andrew unhooks his sniper rifle from the magnetic holster from his backpack's side and aims it at the pair duelling half a kilometre away. (I imagine the rifle is similar to the Alliance Viper sniper rifle from Mercs of Boom, though having a bit of green camo. Also uses mag-tech).
"I got eyes on the targets. Appears to be a male Fanus and a Human female." Andrew reports as they duel, the fanus has a pair of wrist-mounted blades and the female holding a red sword.
"(Comms) Standby, corroborating data." the officer on the UNS England replies. A few seconds pass before the pair got a reply. "We got a match. The Human looks to be Summer Rose, a Huntress of the Kingdom of Vale. No idea who this Fanus is though, nothing yet."
"Yes sir, shou-" that was when a scream was heard and the pair of operators look in horror as the Huntress was stabbed by the Fanus's scorpion stingers before being kicked into a tree and knocked out. "Shit, the Huntress just took a big hit. Requesting permission to engage."
"(Comms) Redeye 4, you are clear to engage the unknown. Drive him back, do not follow. Save the Huntress."
In a mere fraction of a second, Andrew pointed his rifle at Tyrian and pulled the trigger. In a flash, a hypervelocity round zips through the air, and slices off the Fanus's stinger. Alexei, mere milliseconds later, fires a burst from his battle rifle.
The fanus screams as he takes a 9.5 mm round that shattered his aura and flees. Alexei fires a few more rounds but the Fanus is able to (narrowly) dodge them.
"Move move." Andrew orders as the pair move up to the downed Huntress. That was also when a pair of Hawk drones descended from the sky in a protective stance (The Hawk drones is also from Mercs of Boom, though also armed with a plasma lance).
"Cover me, I'm patching her up." Andrew runs up to the downed Huntress, holsters his rifle and kneels down next to her. That was when the Pathfinder noticed something odd.
"Fuck! The tango left some sort of poison. I'm applying a dose of Medi-Nanogel and some antidote." Andrew called over to Alexei as the pathfinder pulled out a package of Medical Nanogel and an injection of universal antidotes while moving aside the white cloak.
"Make it quick!" Alexi yelled as he kept an eye out for the attacker. That was when one of the Hawk drones noticed movement and fired a flechette rocket into the treeline.
The huntress groaned as Andrew injected the antidote into the huntress before applying a bit of the nano-medigel onto the would. Once the healing effects took place. He called out. "Patient secure."
"(Comms) Good job Redeye 4, Bluehound is sending a squad to back you up. Get the huntress and rendezvous with the ranger. Drones have driven the tango back."
The pair of operators nod and Andrew quickly scooped up the huntress in a fireman carry before the group legged it back to their original spot. The Hawk drones kept watching over the area.
Eventually, a few minutes pass and they run into the ranger squad and they began to withdraw to the makeshift FOB in the mountains (which was mostly converted IFVs and tents). A few medical personnel and more soldiers arrive from other camps to patrol the area.
"(Comms) Looks like the tango ran off. He's heading East so we're in the clear." England's officer reported, allowing for the group to let out a sigh of relief. They brought the injured Huntsmen into a medical tent and a few medical personnel began to look over her.
10ish minutes later
"I've treated the Huntress, bandaged up her wounds. I've also taken blood samples, the antidote works well against the venom that hostile used. However, she's still out as I gave her a bit more sedatives." one of the medical personnel reported.
"Good work doc. Now, what exactly do we do with her?" a ranger asked.
"Well, the most sensible thing to do is to throw her into a cryopod until she can be released. That way she can't spill the beans." a Ghost said.
"Not going to work. The Huntress, Summer Rose, is apparently a famous Hunter and has a family. Her disappearance may cause some sort of search, at least according to England Actual." Alexei argued.
"We aren't the evil aliens from some cheesy movie. Look, Alexei and I can take one of the APCs and bring her to one of the villages. If she walks up, we can just tell her we're mercenaries." Andrew added.
After some more debating, the group agrees to release the wounded Huntress when she recovers.
2 hours later
Ow, my head. I feel like I went up against Qrow in a drinking contest. Summer thought as she shifted. Wait, wasn't I fighting someone?
Summer Rose instantly opened her eyes and realized that A) she was not on the forest floor, B) She was in some sort of vehicle, and C) there was a well-armoured figure sitting.
(Due to the major technological difference and the difficulty of explaining why they would have access to power armour, Commonwealth and UN forces have chosen to wear armour similar to the early 21st century to look a bit less out of place. For the first part of the story, imagine most UNS/COM forces wearing armour similar to that of the US marines from Call of Duty Black Ops 2, though with forest camo).
"Take it easy ma'am, you just got out of a pretty bad fight." the figure spoke in a calm and somewhat soothing voice.
"Where am I? Who are you?" Summer groans.
"You're currently in a transport being driven by my friend Alexei being taken to the Village of Endeavour. As for who I am, I'm Andrew Grinsom, an independent combat contractor. I was hunting some Grimm when I and my partner heard your fight with that scorpion Fanus." the figure explained.
"Uh, thanks? I'm Summer Rose." Summer hesitantly said. "Where's my weapon?"
"Here." Andrew handed Summer her sword, Iron Throne. Summer was grateful that her weapon was still intact.
"Say, that armour looks, kind of like one from Atlas. Are you from Atlas?" Summer questioned.
Andrew snorted. "As if those bucketheads could shoot straight. We're not Atlas. Let's just say me and my buddies are trained like soldiers but don't agree with how Atlas runs things."
Not Atlas? He sure is trained as a soldier, he's got armour like a soldier, and he's way too young to be a Veteran of the Great War. Who is he- Oh, nice sniper rifle. Summer's eyes drifted to the sniper rifle next to Andrew.
"You like the looks? I call this Viper, it hits very hard. Fires primarily incendiary munitions." Andrew explained as Summer examined the weapon.
If it weren't for the fact that she had just come out of a life or death battle and feeling so drained, Summer would have instantly gone into a weapons organism. Instead, she just smiled meekly.
"So, what exactly were you doing this far out of the city?" Andrew asked.
"Well, I was kind of on a mission for the Headmaster of Beacon. I really can't say more than that. Otherwise, I had already completed my mission when I got jumped by that Scorpion Fanus." Summer admitted.
"Ah, so some very spooky government secrets that I shouldn't know. I understand." Andrew nods.
"(intercom) We're coming upon the village of Endeavor now. Your stop is here."
"Thanks Alexei. Sorry Ms. Rose, looks like we have to part ways. We still have a mission to complete." Andrew said.
"Wait, that's it? You're just dropping me off? No demand for lien?" Summer was taken a bit by surprise. Usually, mercenaries were in for the money, sometimes there were special individuals
"We're not your simple common mercenaries, we have morals. Besides, this is just us being Human." Andrew chuckles and the vehicle lurches to a halt. Right, I'll get the door."
Andrew moved closer to the side door and opened it. The bright light of the outside world briefly floods the interior of the vehicle. Andrew motions Summer to stand up and follow him, so the Huntress follows the 'mercenary'.
"How long was I out for?"
"Just over 2 hours," Andrew answers before climbing out of the vehicle. Summer, when she steps outside, she notices the vehicle she was just in. (Imagine the Cadillac Gage Commando APC but with Forest Camo. Andrew and Alexei are using the V-100 model, with an HMG on top. It's also powered by a fusion core and uses several 2800s technologies but no one outside the UNS/COM knows that).
"Have to say, you guys are doing well for a bunch of mercenaries," Summer comments as she looks at the big machine gun on top.
"We do well. Not many clients but the ones that we work for pay well. Alright, I have to get going. May those above watch over you." Andrew simply said before getting back on the APC.
"Oh, uh goodbye?" Summer wasn't sure how to respond to a heavily armed warrior who just saved her life and gave her a ride.
Andrew chuckles. "See you later ma'am." The door closes and the vehicle drives away.
A minute after staring at the leaving vehicle, Summer turns and starts walking to the village Oh oum, didn't get his scroll number. Dammit. Ah well, I need to get back to Patch. Ozpin may have a new ally.
A couple of days later, in the kingdom of Mistral
In the skies above Mistal, a pair of UCC-3 Hawk drones (the same ones with the missiles and laser) flies slightly overhead. Controlling the pair of drones is AI ALF-8903, going by the name of Lena.
So glad that we got these new combat drones. I got air-to-air missiles and a Gamma Pulse lance I can use against these Grimm. Honestly, the planet isn't so bad, anyone can be a hero. Lena thought as her drones soared through the clouds. Wait, what's this radio frequency?
"(wide broadcast on Comms) This is the VIllage of Kuroyuri! To anyone out there, We need help! There's a Grimm Nuckelavee and we nee-" the rest of the broadcast is cut off with a loud scream.
"England Actual, this is Lena. I got a distress call from a Village called Kuroyuri. What should I do?"
"(Comms) Lena, this is England Actual. Move to the village and get eyes on. I'm detaching additional drones to your location."
"Copy that England Actual. Moving to get eyes on." The two Hawk drones flew North, racing towards the village. The formation would grow to 7 Hawk drones, along with two more surveillance drones.
5 minutes later, the drone swarm Lena controls gets eyes on the village. I see the village. Crap, that's a lot of Grimm heading their way. Lena mentally grimaces as she finds the village, with the Nuckelavee rampaging in the town.
"England Actual, this is Lena. I got eyes on the village. Their holding but a lot of Grimm are heading their way. Requesting orders."
"(Comms) Limited engagement only. Distract the Grimm. Might as well start making a name for ourselves."
"Copy that, engaging." Lena's drones suddenly shot forward and raced towards the village. 4 Hawk drones detached heading over to stop a growing Grimm swarm. The remaining 3 closed in on the rampaging Grimm.
"This is Lena, missiles away." a small salvo of guided missiles erupted from the drones and rocketed towards the Grimm beast. Not expecting an airstrike, the Nuckelavee hesitated and was rewarded with a dozen rockets into its face. It stumbles and falls to the side but slowly gets up.
"Firing Gamma lances." three blue beams of Gamma laser beams burst forward from the drones and whacked into the still downed Grimm. The Grimm was missing large chunks of its body but now it looked pissed.
Are you kidding me? How is it still alive? Oh wait, these aren't actual animals or armoured vehicles, shredding their insides isn't enough. Lena sighs. "Alright you bastard, follow me."
One of the Hawk drones lowers itself the Nuckelavee's face in a taunting manner before darting away in a taunting manner. The Nuckelavee screeches and starts to follow the drone, which pelted the Grimm with more missiles.
That's it, come on, come on. Lena urged the beast. Suddenly, a flight of 4 more Hawk drones arrive, this time carrying thermobaric rockets.
"(Comms) Lena, this is England Actual. We have some more Hawk drones equipped with the new thermobaric warheads that the Eggheads managed to finish up. They should do the trick. Lure that Grimm outside the Villages walls and finish the fight."
"Finally, something I can use. WIll do." Lena's drones inside the village began pelting the Grimm monsters with lighter explosive rockets, enraging the beast. It stormed straight towards the retreating drones, ignoring arrows and bullets from the surprised defenders.
For another full minute, the Grimm stormed outside the village and raced after the Drones. Many of the defenders watched from the walls as the Grimm followed the weird tiny aircraft.
"Ok, out of range of the Village, Thermobarics out!" Suddenly the four reinforcing drones, along with Lena's 3 original, unleashed dozens of missiles on the Grimm beast. It screamed as fire erupted around it. The Drones kept firing missile after missile until they ran out.
After a few tense minutes, the fireball caused by the warheads vanished and the Grimm was no more.
Lena released a sigh of relief. She checked her other drones (the ones she sent to fight the other Grimm) and was pleasantly surprised that the Grimm were driven off with relative ease.
"Hostile down. All my drones are out of missiles but we still have our Gamma lances. Orders England Actual?"
"(Comms) Close one, but good job Lena. RTB, get out of here before the Mistralis come knocking."
"Copy that, RTB to Sandfish island."
In the village below
Li Ren couldn't believe what had happened. First, the dreaded Nuckelavee appears and attacks his home, then three aircraft practically descend from the Heavens and begin doing more damage to the Grimm than the entire militia combined. Said aircraft lure the Nuckelavee out of the village before four more craft shows up and absolutely demolishes the Grimm with a lot of rockets. The Nuckelavee, the plague of Mistral, was no more.
"By the brothers. Wh….was that an Atlas prototype?" one of the militia asked.
"No, it had a forest-like exterior. And it looked more utilitarian than anything Atlas ever deployed. And Atlas shouldn't be testing prototypes over our land." another added.
"Who cares…THE GRIMM IS DEAD!" Everyone starts cheering at the fact that one of the toughest Grimm was gone.
Li Ren just sighs, that battle was too close. He could have lost his family. An, Lie, too close.
Li just sighs. He still remembers the time where he saved Ren who was trying to protect a homeless girl. This battle showed how one could easily lose everything. Perhaps he could meet this girl, invite her to stay.
Vale, June 1st, 2857
And in other news today, news from Mistral. The village of Kuroyuri was recently attacked by a Nuckelavee class Grimm when the defenders received unexpected reinforcements. A trio of small but heavily armed aircraft attacked the Nuckelavee, luring it out of the village before supposedly half a dozen more aircraft appeared and destroyed the beast with a massive rocket volley. More surprising was the fact that the village, which was experiencing large amounts of negativity, was never attacked by any other Grimm. Kuroyuri militia scouting the area have destroyed clearings in the forest surrounding the village, with signs showing the use of military grades weapons in potentially wiping out other grimm and saving the village from harm. Many people are currently speculating that Atlas had a part in sending those aircraft and violating Mistral airspace but they have denied ever deploying Atlas forces outside of their current bases. A rumor has started to spread that aliens could have been responsible, though most governmental officials have denied the rumors of aliens. We'll be back with more after the break.
Ozpin sipped a mug of hot cocoa, briefly alleviating the stress that he was dealing with. First, one of his most trusted Huntresses gets attacked by an unknown, later identified as Tyrian Callows, before being rescued by two figures in military-style armour. Now this incident has been dubbed the miracle of Kuroyuri.
He wondered who those aircraft belonged to. His most likely suspects were the Kingdoms, Salem, or some unknown force.
The Former he can easily deal with. The middle was also likely, but it didn't make much sense. Why would the queen destroy her own Grimm?
The latter, who? An unknown faction? Someone or some people lost to time?
"I'm getting too old for this," Ozpin grumbles.
50 Kilometers outside of Adelaide, Australia
"So let me get this straight, not only did we release a subject that could expose our operations, we also intervened in a battle that had nothing to do with us at this village of Kuroyuri." Victor Ross looked at the assembled officers through his hologram.
They all nod, gulping.
Ross chuckles. "I approve. They can't blame us for an invasion if we're just helping the locals. And we don't need to be cheesy alien invaders looking to suck their brains. However, I would recommend toning down on the drone strikes. Limit yourselves to regular SF raids if necessary. And we'll have to go with the fake PMC cover soon."
The officers release a sigh of relief. "Yes sir."
"Not a field Marshal anymore, just an advisor. But do tell the eggheads to begin researching new munitions, the Grimm are….tough to say the least." Ross added.
"We'll take your advice into account." Ross nods and the hologram turns off.
Sometimes I miss taking command. Ah well, Sydney is already proven to be enough of a distraction. I think it's time to take him out for hunting, schools over for him. Ross thought as he got up and went to the in-house armoury.
United Nations Database…UCC-3 Hawk Air Support drone (borrowed from Mercs of Boom's Hawk Drone).
After the Unbidden war, UN, Commonwealth, and Pact forces suddenly found themselves stretched as they had to police a quarter of the galaxy after the Unbidden ravished the regions. Not wanting to run the risk of allied forces being deprived of air support due to an insufficient number of manned craft, the UNS and COM began to collaborate on a project to boost the number of combat drones in its arsenal. These would be manned by AIs or organic operators using neural implants, and eventually alleviated a manpower shortage they were facing. The newest line of drones to come off the line is the UCC-3 Hawk drone.
Built by Northrop-Guardia industries (the successor to Northrop Grumman, merged with an alien company), these drones are 4.5 meters long, 4.8 meters wide, and 90 centimetres tall. It is propelled by two anti-gravity engines and four maneuvering thrusters. The drone is powered by a small Fusion core (antimatter wasn't used because it was deemed too dangerous if it exploded). Equipped with a variety of sensors, cameras, and even a min Skuas cloak (though this is usually taken off and replaced with reflective panels due to cost issues). The real power comes from its weapons. These come in the form of two missile pods (each carrying 2 dozen micro missiles per pod), and a cannon under the nose. The missile pods can carry any type of micro missile in the UNAF's arsenal, from EMP, HE, HEAT, AP, Thermobarics, Plasma, and even non-lethal gas grenades (The gas missiles would be used by the UNAF's liaison to Beacon much to the annoyance of the staff). The cannon can be swapped out for different missions. This ranges from Micro Gatling guns, Gamma Pulse Lances (now the most popular because the pulse lance can switch to a non-lethal mode), lasers, plasma lances, grenade launchers, and more.
What is most surprising is its weight capacity. It can carry up to 500 kilograms of extra weight when it is fully armed and equipped. And with the fusion core, it has a near unlimited range. More active Crusader super soldiers and special forces use Hawk drones as cargo carriers or even as improvised personnel transports (usually as medivacs. They aren't comfortable, but they work), with some crusaders using two drones and hanging off them using their hands. They would be used to great effect on Remnant as they were the first aircraft deployed and were sometimes passed off as Atlas prototypes. They soon prove useful in the Reaper war, where Hawks provided desperately needed fire support for allied forces.