S1-15
The Iron Pilot
10:52 AM
12/13/2283
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Briefing room
Music
Titanfall - OST 02
It was another quiet day at the IMC HQ, until Michael was called in for a solo mission. "IMC Pilot Michael W Johnson reporting for duty. What's the trouble, Spyglass?"
"A strange energy signature has been detected. We require a Pilot to investigate. Knowing your level of skill, you were the best choice."
"Thank you. Now, where on the Frontier is this energy signature?"
"It is not within the Frontier."
Michael was confused at this. "What?"
"The energy signature is not in the Frontier. It resides on Earth. I understand it has been years since your last visit to planet Earth, but we require an answer, and you are one of the best Pilots in the IMC. You can do this."
"I will not let you down."
11:07 AM
12/13/2283
Approaching planet Earth
Music
Metroid Prime 3 Corruption - Gunship Theme
An IMC Drop Ship was flying through the Milky Way galaxy, passing Jupiter. "This is IMC Pilot Michael Johnson, en route to planet Earth. Any additional mission info, Spyglass?"
"I have a fix on the energy signature's location. Country: United States of America. State: New York. City: New York. Locale: Manhattan."
"How is New York within itself?"
"New York, the city, is within New York, the state." This didn't ease the Pilot's confusion at all.
As soon as Michael passed Mars, he contacted Blisk. "Blisk, you got anything about the area I'm headed to? Anything I should know?"
Blisk replied on the comms. "From what I've got, there's a celebrity there. A hero. His name is Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man."
"'Iron Man', huh? Sounds cool."
11:19 AM
12/13/2283
Planet Earth - Low orbit
"Entering Earth's exosphere now. Establishing visual feed via helmet camera."
"Acknowledged. Once you have gone below the clouds, it may become visible to you."
"Right. Let's get some answers."
Music
Super Mario Galaxy - A Tense Moment
Upon entering the stratosphere, something hit the Drop Ship. "What the heck?!" Michael stopped the Drop Ship and searched for any signs of the attacker, noticing a very small figure closing in. Turning on a local communications transmitter, Michael attempted to establish radio contact. "Identify yourself!"
The bogey in flight stopped right in front of the view port, revealing itself to be a humanoid robotic entity with a hot rod red and gold color scheme.
A voice came on the comms. "You first!"
Michael was surprised to hear a normal man's voice over the transmitter, but responded nonetheless. "My name is Michael W Johnson. I'm here to investigate an abnormal energy signature."
"I'm Tony Stark. People call me Iron Man."
Music
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Gunship Theme
"Wait a minute... 'Iron Man'? I've heard about you. You're a hero! Is that a sort of humanoid drone you're using right now?"
"No drone. It's just my suit."
"Oh, so you're right here. I'm opening one of the side entrances. Come on in." The left side of the Drop Ship opened as Michael motioned to it, with Tony flying in.
On the suit, the face plate flipped up to reveal a middle-aged man's face. "Nice ship. Was it made for some sort of military?"
"That military is the IMC, the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation."
"Huh. Don't know it."
"That's understandable. The IMC haven't been on Earth for at least a few decades."
"That would explain it. Anyway, you said you were investigating an unknown energy signature in this area?"
"Yeah, I did."
"That's probably the Arc Reactor powering Avengers Tower."
"What?" Michael put the Drop Ship back in motion as the side hatch closed.
"Here. Mind if I drive?"
"You probably don't know how to operate a Drop Ship. You can provide directions though." The Drop Ship descended below the clouds, with a large city coming in sight.
"Head for the tallest building. That's Avengers Tower."
Michael gawked at how tall the tower was. "Exactly how tall is it?"
"It's 93 stories tall."
"HOLY COW!" Michael exclaimed.
"Didn't expect a reaction like that, but yeah. Avengers Tower is 93 stories tall." Tony put an armored finger to where his ear would be. "Hey, FRIDAY? Think you could open the landing pad? We've got a visitor."
A female AI was heard from the suit. "You got it, boss."
"Who's 'FRIDAY'?" Michael asked.
"FRIDAY is my home computing system, taking care of everything to do with the house, from heating and cooling systems to engine analysis of my hot rod in the garage. She was also adapted to be downloaded into my suits to help out when things get difficult."
"Well, it sounds like an interesting AI."
11:22 AM
12/13/2283
Planet Earth - Avengers Tower
Recreational center
The Drop Ship landed, the rear hatch opening for Michael and Tony to exit. "Well, I see you have a nice place."
"Well, thank you. I prefer it that way."
"I don't blame you. If I had a place this nice, I'd prefer it that way as well. And I'm actually interested in these suits."
"Whoa whoa whoa. I don't give my suits away."
"Who said you had to GIVE one away?"
"Uhm..."
The AI, known as FRIDAY, was heard from speakers in Avengers Tower. "He's probably saying that you can make one instead."
"Well, FRIDAY understands what I mean."
"I'll think about it. And could you get rid of that uniform? It's unsettling. I keep thinking you're a SHIELD agent."
"We'll have to talk about this 'SHIELD' organization another time. I'll be right back." Michael rushed back into the Drop Ship for about two minutes before returning in his civilian clothing, which he wears under his Pilot uniform. He wore a Doctor Who T-shirt, white shorts, and a pair of old Skechers shoes.
"Doctor Who, huh? Nice. Now what's with the arm and leg?"
"Prosthetics."
Tony stepped back in surprise. "Whoa. Didn't expect that."
"Well, it's always hidden when I'm wearing that ablative Pilot armor suit. Now then, these suits are all sized for you to fit, right?"
"Well, yeah. Why do you ask?"
"Making one in a different size?"
Tony facepalmed. "Oh MAN, it was so simple and I couldn't get it!"
"You fight criminals, villains, and terrorists, right?"
Tony nodded. "Yeah, I do."
"In that respect, we are the same. Of two people who share the same desire to help people, if one has something that can help people..."
"Why can't the other?"
Michael smiled. "My point exactly."
"Now, tell me more about this 'IMC'."
"How about I just hand you my helmet and you can speak with someone more informative?" Before Tony could respond, Michael ran back into the Drop Ship and grabbed his helmet before coming back again. "Hey, Spyglass?"
"Yes, Michael?"
"Care to answer a few questions from Tony Stark?"
"You are in contact with one of Earth's mightiest heroes?"
"Yeah, here he is." Michael handed the helmet to Tony, who put it on.
"Hello?" Tony called.
"I assume I am currently speaking with Tony Stark, correct?"
"Yeah, who is this?"
"I am Spyglass, Vice Admiral of the IMC. I sent Pilot Michael Johnson to your location to investigate an unknown energy signature."
"That's the Arc Reactor powering Avengers Tower."
While Tony and Spyglass talked over the radio on the Pilot's helmet, Michael followed the now empty suit as it led him through a few halls and rooms before stopping in a large chamber filled with more suits.
Planet Earth - Avengers Tower
Hall of Armors
"The IMC can install their own additions when you head back. I'll construct the suit frame from your own measurements. Could you stand on the highlighted platform, please?" A platform in the back of the chamber lit up with blue and white lights. Michael set foot on the platform, being lifted up to a few devices. "Let's measure you up." Various devices released a holographic green beam, scanning Michael entirely. "Measuring complete. Would you prefer any sort of design?"
"Let's see what there is." Over 40 holographic images of armor suits appeared, allowing the Pilot to examine them all. After careful consideration, Michael came to a conclusion. "I have an idea."
"Let me hear it."
"Can you make a suit with the deployment capabilities of the MK5, the MK7, and the MK42?"
"Let me see what I can do."
Music
Iron Man - Driving With The Top Down
Various bits and pieces of technology were assembled around the Pilot, creating a suit of high-tech armor and basic Repulsor weaponry. First, a metal glove was formed over his Spectre hand, the Repulsor in the palm dark with no power. The same glove was mirrored onto the other hand, with more pieces of tech connecting them up the arms and right to a spare Arc Reactor in a chest plate, causing the Repulsors to light up. With the hand Repulsors complete and the arms being armored, leg armor was being attached, after a pair of metal boots were applied. Once the arms, legs, and torso were done, a helmet was assembled and attached, followed by a faceplate. The suit was basically complete.
"Any preference on the color scheme?"
"Yeah. I've seen the color scheme on Tony's MK3 suit. Replace the gold with silver, and the red with blue."
"That color scheme is reminiscent of the MK38 armor."
"Interesting. Now, how are things looking for the suit's basic systems?"
"All primary systems are online."
"OK, how about a schematic for when this suit becomes damaged or if it ever gets destroyed?"
"A blueprint for armor repairs or replacement? Makes sense. The blueprint will be ready for you in two minutes." The suit, now deactivated, removed, and folded into the MK5 suitcase form, was ready for transport.
Planet Earth - Avengers Tower
Recreational center
Music
none
Michael, carrying the suitcase, returned to where Tony was, seeing his IMC Pilot helmet on a table. "Hey, Tony."
"This IMC organization is actually pretty interesting. I wouldn't mind allying with you guys."
"Well, thanks. It would be an honor, Tony Stark. And FRIDAY? Thanks for the gift. I'll figure out some way to repay this."
"No need. Mr. Stark, I used some of the spare materials to construct that suit. He had a very interesting idea for its construction."
"It can deploy like the MK5, the MK7, and the MK42." Michael added.
"The blueprints have been finalized, but I'm having trouble accessing the mainframe within your helmet. I need your authentication so I can successfully access it."
Michael took the helmet, put it on, and activated the HUD.
UNKNOWN AI ATTEMPTING TO ACCESS HELMET MAINFRAME
ALLOW?
Y / N
"Pilot command override. Grant access." Michael ordered his helmet mainframe.
[Y]
ALLOWING AI TO ACCESS MAINFRAME
"Your helmet's accessible. I'll try and provide the blueprints."
RECEIVING BLUEPRINT FILE FROM AI
BLUEPRINT FILE DOWNLOADED
FORMATTING BLUEPRINT FILE
BLUEPRINT FILE FORMATTED SUCCESSFULLY
AI HAS DISCONNECTED FROM MAINFRAME
"OK, this will definitely help. Bye, guys. It was great meeting you both." Michael stated as he turned to leave.
"Farewell, Michael Johnson."
"Bye, Michael."
Michael turned back to them as he stepped into the Drop Ship. "I'll try and keep in touch."
11:47 AM
12/13/2283
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Briefing room
Music
Titanfall - OST 02
"Michael, the suit blueprints have been downloaded, and we have successfully installed a modified AI into your suit. Do you wish to provide an identification?" Spyglass asked.
Michael looked over the suit as its weapon systems were redeveloped by the onsite IMC weapon scientists. "Let's try... the Iron Pilot."
12:18 PM
12/13/2283
Planet Gridiron
IMC Training Ground Whitehead facility
Music
none
The Iron Pilot combat suit, still in its suitcase form, was brought in as multiple training targets were prepared. Michael set it down and pressed a button on the side with his foot, causing it to flip up and partially unfold, revealing two handles. He took a hold of both handles before pushing them back in, causing the suit to latch onto his arms as he lifted it up and quickly placed it on his chest. He then extended his arms out to either side, causing the armor to close around his torso, revealing plates of armor lining his arms, and the Arc Reactor power source in the chest. The armor on his arms rearranged itself until it was all in place, with the Arc Reactor and the Repulsors glowing with power. More armor made its way down his legs, going all the way down to assemble the boots, the various bits and pieces of metal contracting around him to form the Iron Pilot combat suit. The helmet unfolded from between his shoulder blades, wrapping around his head while keeping his face exposed until the faceplate clamped down, with the eyeholes glowing a sky blue.
"Michael, are you alright?"
"All good to go, Spyglass."
The AI for the Iron Pilot activated and synchronized. "Activating all systems. Iron Pilot combat suit online. Connecting to neural link." There it was again. The twitch in the back of the head. "Connection: established. Loading Titan protocols."
"You put Titan protocols in the Iron Pilot?" Michael asked the Vice Admiral.
"We combined the basic processes of a Titan with those of a Spectre, creating the AI of the Iron Pilot. The Titan protocols were installed to ensure it would help you survive and complete the mission, but mostly for you to survive." Spyglass explained.
"Huh?"
"Think of it this way: The Iron Pilot follows protocols 1 and 2 with only 30% of its programming each, while protocol 3 is followed with 40%."
"It mostly follows protocol 3, huh? Nice."
The Iron Pilot's AI spoke once more. "Titan protocols loaded. Performing weaponry check. Repulsors: online. Unibeam: online. Basic weapons: ready."
"The Iron Pilot's basic weapons are ready to fire." Michael aimed the palm of his left hand at a training target, with energy quickly building up in the Repulsor before being launched as an attack. The blast blew a hole straight through the target, the hole itself releasing steam. Michael turned to another target and launched the same blast from his right hand, getting the same result. He turned to another target, using both Repulsors, and blasting a bigger hole in it. Michael then turned to a fourth target, the energy in the miniaturized Arc Reactor building up before being released as a powerful beam, fired from his chest.
"Weapons test: complete." Spyglass stated. "Initiating flight test."
"Flight? Oh yeah. Iron Man can fly." Michael straightened both his arms, pointed them downward, and made his Repulsors face the ground, switching them from Combat mode to Flight mode. The energy came blasting out of the Repulsors, propelling him skyward.
At first, Michael was just 3ft above the ground, then he blasted off and quickly went to 200ft in a matter of seconds. He was flying over the Training Grounds, seeing it from a bird's-eye view. The Drop Ship lifted off the ground and slowed down about 268ft in the air, the side hanger door gaping open. Seeing this, Michael zoomed right to the open Drop Ship door and slowed down as he got close, landing inside as the side closed.
"Iron Pilot, function command: disembark." The Iron Pilot's frontal armor retracted, allowing Michael to step out of it before the armor closed back up.
As the Drop Ship sped up, Michael grabbed a support bar along the ceiling as the Iron Pilot sat on the metal bench-like panel jutting out of the wall, just seconds before the Drop Ship jumped, ending up back at the IMC HQ.
Iron Pilot function commands
"Disembark"
Opens the Iron Pilot suit for Michael to exit.
"Embark"
Opens the Iron Pilot suit for Michael to enter.
"Guard"
The Iron Pilot engages Guard-Mode.
"Follow"
The Iron Pilot engages Follow-Mode.
"Stand down"
The Iron Pilot disengages its combat systems.
"Eject"
The Iron Pilot opens its back and ejects Michael before closing back up, the AI taking control.
"Pulse"
The Iron Pilot activates a version of the Active Radar Pulse which pings twice as quick and lasts twice as long.
"Power off"
The Iron Pilot shuts down.
"Cloak"
The Iron Pilot turns invisible. This can be used when Michael is either inside or outside the combat suit.
"Retreat"
The Iron Pilot cloaks and retreats from the battle to head back to the IMC HQ. Used when extremely damaged.
Well, that was quite the chapter to write.
So, the Iron Pilot is a great tactical advancement, comprised of both IMC and Stark tech.
I also believe we'll have a newcomer pretty soon.
See you next time.