Chapter 16 Shattered Hope and Last Chance

He took a deep breath, looking away as if hoping to soften the blow.

"The Combelt IV project was scrapped. The scientists, intel, and everyone who ran the numbers saw the cost-effectiveness just wasn’t there. The thing barely showed a 28% performance improvement over the Combelt III, and that was with you and Elias pushing it to the max. To make it worse, the resources and manpower to build just one mark IV? We could produce four mark IIIs at the same time and on the same budget."

Dyar continued.

"So it’s done, Aria. But at least they’re keeping the suits - that much was a win. Performance stats with the tactical suits were off the charts. But the Combelt IV… it’s almost dead in the water. So even if you were ready to fight solo, the machine you want doesn’t even exist anymore."

Aria leaned forward, gripping the edge of the desk.

"Dyar, the Combelt IV was incredible! Those numbers don’t mean a damn thing out there in the field. You saw the footage; that thing we fought was nothing we expected and we held our own against it, one on one. If we were in our mark 3, we would have died without even injuring it. Screw the statistics - they’re wrong, or they’re missing something!"

She paused, her voice trembling as she continued, "Convince them to try again, to make another prototype. I’ll pilot it with an AI assistant. Send me on missions, let me prove what it can do. I can give them the data, and not just regular data - the kind of results that’ll make them realize what a single-pilot mech can accomplish. With an AI assistant, we could reduce the need for a second pilot. Just think about it: a tank mech that only needs one pilot instead of two. We’d be cutting pilot requirements in half! That’s a game-changer! It means more units in the field and less risk of losing entire crews. That’s worth the investment, isn’t it?"

Taking a shaky breath, she added, "I’d be willing to put everything on the line. Take all the credits I’ve saved up over the years - everything I’ve earned. If that will help, I’ll do it. I’ll risk my life in that mech, gather all the data you need, and show them what it’s truly capable of! Please, Dyar, don’t give up on the Combelt IV project. It can save lives. It can make a difference! Just… don’t let them scrap it. Let me show them this is worth it."

Dyer exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples as he gathered his thoughts.

“Aria, believe me, I understand. I do. That’s actually the only reason this project isn’t dead in the water already. The science division is making the exact same pitch: a one-pilot system with AI support. They’re trying to rally for more funding, planning to adjust and rework the design for a second prototype.”

He looked at her with a somber expression.

“But HQ… they’re skeptical. The higher-ups don’t see the long-term value yet. And as for your credits… I hate to say it, but they wouldn’t even scratch the surface. Ammo, Vallen particle reactor, basic maintenance - let alone the cost of producing a full tank mech? The money you’ve saved up couldn’t even cover a single test run.”

Dyer continued.

“I’m not saying it’s impossible, but right now, they need something to change their minds. A breakthrough, a reason that’ll make them see past the numbers. Without that, they’re ready to move on, to leave this all behind. And to be honest, I don't have anything to make them change their minds.”

He leaned in, his voice lowering to almost a whisper.

“But look… I’ll keep pushing for this, just like the science division. I’ll argue for one more shot. But there is almost no hope.”

Aria’s shoulders slumped as she processed Dyar’s words, her heart sinking deeper with each passing second.

“So this is it? There’s nothing that can be done? I’ve fought so hard, given everything I had to Beehive and my squad. And now… now I’m just left here, sidelined like some broken tool? I just… I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Dyar let out a heavy sigh.

“Yeah, there’s little to no hope right now, Aria. The big issue is that we couldn't retrieve the damaged and wrecked tank mechs. HQ has stopped all active missions and prohibited any expeditions for the time being. They say we can’t spare any of our remaining units to send out for retrieval. Our forces are stretched too thin; they can’t afford to leave the base with even fewer tank mechs than we already have.”

He paused, running a hand through his hair.

“I bet if we had at least the remains of the Combelt IV, we could get the science division to patch it up and maybe even get the funding back. But that’s just a pipe dream at this point. The HQ will never approve of a retrieval operation for damaged mechs. It would have to be a large-scale mission, and these tank mechs aren’t easy to bring back to base when they break down. It needs at least another tank mech to tow it, and we simply don’t have the resources to spare right now.”

Aria took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.

“Okay, let’s consider my options here. Let’s say, just for a moment, we manage to get the Combelt IV back operational - like, a miracle happens. What then? Would I be allowed to pilot it? Would you let me join the fight? What would I need to do to get back to the field? I’ll do whatever it takes. Training, evaluations - anything. I can’t just sit around with a thumb up my ass, waiting while everything falls apart. I need to be out there, fighting alongside the rest of our forces.”

Dyar took a moment to gather his thoughts.

“Alright, Aria, let’s break this down. Getting back into the field would be a long and hard process, especially after everything that’s happened.”

He leaned back in his chair, meeting her gaze directly.

“First, we need medical clearance. The doctors must monitor your mutation to ensure you remain yourself and don’t lose control. This is critical, not just a formality.

Next, we’ll handle your reinstatement. That means paperwork, red tape, and a new identity. New name, past erased, starting fresh.

After that, retraining. You’ll need to adapt to your body’s changes, complete the pilot academy again, and prove yourself in simulations and field exercises. But knowing you, passing finals will be easy.

Lastly, there’s the psychological evaluation. After what you’ve endured, they need to be sure you’re mentally fit for combat. Both body and mind.”