It's been a few days and HDF has already began its manufcaturing plans for the new units. The training program involved everyone who was willing to volunteer. Pilots of fighter planes joined in on the mission. Whoever that could operate a machine was given the chance to try it out and it has yielded some results in a way. Two of the Gladiators were able to operate Vanguard units, 3 of the Orions were able to do so but majority of them were primarily Valiants and Infantry as well as armored division members.

Their coaches varied. Shilage, Mako and Vertex were guiding them. From the start up process to basic manouvering. They didn't have any AI units because they were not as shielded as the Lions but the advantage that they have was their weapon system's effectiveness and range would be calculated within the milisecond. High processing chips and smart weapon systems. The smart weapon made it that the unit's rifle will help to adjust the shot as long as the Vanguard Rider's aim was on target. The system and weapon itself will adjust to ensure the shot is made at its perfected form.

The Vanguard Units were still practicing their aim, firing with their standard issue assault rifles.Where exchange of technology with the corperations in the World of Lions had done. They managed to start up a few new weapon systems to use. Even creating the rifles they need to use. Which made it easier for the many Vanguard Units.The standard issue assault rifle fired faster and the reload controls could be done manually. The smoothness of the joints allowed the unit to move like a human like hand. Swapping magazines and reloading weapons were easier.

The corperations suggested that having a rifle with an inbuilt magazine reload system. However the HDF felt that if the weapon jammed from within, it would be unable to be useful in battle. The corperations agreed to manufacture weapons as long as the HDF provides some fort of testing and proving ground for combat testing.

Mitsuru was present with her Great Wall. A tank type unit that was built for high powered weaponry. Everything was ballistic, with the arms being howitzers that blast off explosive projectiles and a special grenade launcher that would merge together to form a huge barrel to fire itself.

Joshua was standing beside Commander Shane and Lana.

"It's good progress." Commander Shane said, breaking the silence between them.

"It should be faster. They need to be ready for deployment if anything. Currently if only a handful can operate well enough near a Lion's capabilty then its good. Not having Force Armor is good, it removes the need for the Rider's to learn EMS. It's more of a dumbed down version of an M-Frame but better than a MARS unit. The fact that they've thought about refitting them with external armor packs is good." Joshua said where Lana gave a report to him.

"The current squad of 12 that can operate... We've placed them against Athens. They barely put a scratch on Athens. The use of quick boost thrusters on our units make it far too much for them keep up. We ran the test again, they fared better against a Quad Legged Frame but even then it didn't have much time. Athens current combat potential is very good and it is capable." Lana explained.

"The team of 12 includes 2 Gladiator and 2 Orions with most of them being Valiants." Lana reported as Joshua read through their files. They have good service records but it may be a big adjustment for them."

"There's a reason why we made sure that the Vanguard units would house a part of their equipment. The weapons they used as Orions or Gladiators. The storage system can hold it. The generator outputs for these units are too much but that allows it to factor in plasma weapon usage and other types of laser armaments if needed. How's the sniper training?" Joshua turned to Lana.

"Not too bad. Shaoran said that with the system on manual only 2 out of 30 can hit their targets. With the automated system, it does increase it to 25 but the problem being pinpoint targeting is not able to done. Gram said the fundamentals are the same but the problem is that these guys don't have much confidence in the weapons that they use. Some of them are unsure about the idea of walking away from their team to operate inside a Vanguard Unit."

"When you've been in a team for so long, it's tough to leave them behind. I understand that sentiment but it's fine. They'll manage. They'll realize the changes of having such a unit is different. Deploy them with their teams and watch the teamwork shine. Gladiator with a shield and pile bunker can handle the aliens and enemies ahead hwile his other teammates can handle long range to medium range against infantry units. That's something we can consider about."

"You think that will work?" Commander Shane asked the two of them.

"Yeah. By the end of the week we should have 2 teams that are prepped for this. Some civilians joined in and as much as I think it's not a good idea to have them but they can do it. They're following training to the T and pick up things faster than the military men."Joshua heard them both continue on about details, he needed to go handle a few Entente's bases.

Heading out with Rayland's Unforgiven in hand and Ashen Phoenix in the other hand. Holstering them both as he headed through a civilian area. Where they occupied buildings again, the townspeople had light in their eyes. Light for humanity, perhaps a bit of hope. He found Black Jack, Ronin and Mistral sitting in a cafe, enjoying some food. Where their Frames were kneeling at the plaza for all to see. The Frames were talking to the children and passers by who were curious about them. Even lifting some of them up in their hands so they could see the view from where they stood.

The children were laughing happily at the works they had. Joshua walked on over to the table of the Three Lions.

"Yo."

"What's up, Lord? We're just relaxing here. Taking it easy." Black Jack said, enjoying his cup of coffee.

"Good beans and good food. Such a shame that aliens want in on this earth." Ronin was the only one who kept quiet as he looked at Moon Slayer that was kneeling with the blade in hand. Still like a statue and like a knight awaiting for its next orders.

"Everything good so far?"

"Well it's been fun. I mean come on, aliens and alien robots. Doesn't get better than that. Pay's good too. Mitsuru just made modifications to my railgun so that it fires a powder that will cover the targets and then explode. The fights been fun."

"I feel great sorrow when I see these people. For all they have is merely nothing but wounds in their hearts. Everyday is a fight for survival." Mistral spoke with a deep sigh, while Ronin kept staring at his plate.

"Ronin?"

"The enemy fights with big force but there's more to it. I doubt peace can be achieved with them." They watched as Valiants fly above the sky. They were essentially a more souped up version of the gladiators but used higher caliber weapons that the infantry units used. Versatile in the sense that infantry can operate Valiants as well. The current production system is now creating more Valiants than infantry units. The only drawback is the size. Valiants were 2.8 meters tall. Equipped with back mounted weapon systems and the armor was as tough as Gladiators but they were focused on aerial support and acting as additional ground troops. Gladiators run specialized builds in combat. The Orions were the same, more or less.

"Shane to Jane 000. We've got something we want you to try."

"Take care bossman. The other Lions are prepping and awaiting your orders. Just give us the word."

"Thanks Black Jack." Joshua said as he went out to see what Shane wanted to show him. Entering the Valiant hangar where Joshua looked at the Valiant unit before him. Lana and Mitsuru were present to look at it. All white colour scheme, but the joints and motors on its body was different than anything Joshua had seen.

"This is a prototype Valiant unit. One that was made with a few of the alien Brutus units. The shells been made to withstand the high plasma stress. Weapon systems are varied with the back section housing side slug cannons. Loaded into magazines from the back. Rifles loaded for the custom .75 Mulligan. Powerful caliber. Sniper rifles loaded for the 90mm high penetration and explosive shells. Mitsuru's been making weapons to further increase capability. There's just one problem. This unit needs someone who can use it. We've also made some modification to your Ashen Wind so that this V.U can suit your armor. It's also meant to use a Flying Unit to give you air manouverability, but with the high output motors and hydraulics that have been pushed to the limit. You can ditch the flying unit and fight on land." Shane explained.

"How's the weapon potential Mitsuru?"

"I made it to be as lethal as possible. It'll pierce through the Brutus units. We've been swapping weapon systems accordingly. So far no issue, reloads will be manual, but the port system will open it for you. We've got a F.O.B according to our reports. So you ready to bring this baby up for a spin?"

"Sure." Joshua stepped into it. Feeling the system connected to his neck giving him realtime data and information.

"I like it. Realtime feedback and even the movements. It's like another limb. Smooth transitions all around." Joshua reported as he grabbed one of the rifles. Then looking at the magazine pockets within the thigh section. The bullpup configuration meant that Joshua needed to swing the rifle to load the magazines.

"Thanks.. I'll go handle the F.O.B. Send me the details Lana."

"Got it." Joshua headed out first, using the flying unit to get him close to the location from above.

"The base is 5 kilometers from your position. How's the V.U?"

"Stable. So far no hiccups. If there is a hiccup I'll relay it back."

"The unit has a designation OCELOT because its meant for speed and manouverability. It's the first type of its class. Faster than anything so right now we'll be doing tests on your ability and how a normal Valiant pilot adjusts to the situation." Shane explained as Joshua was about to reach the location.

"Data collection started." Lana reported as Joshua disengaged the flying unit and continued moving ahead. Seeing how the unit would analyze the terrain and show its structure's strengths and how much damage it can take from various weapons. It was able to identify the targets and locations in one second.

"Found my targets. I see the main issue with this frame already." Joshua said as Lana sorted the targets out bit by bit. Highlighting them as outlines of Brutuses, Reptile Soldiers, Banshees in cages, Four Eyes that were flying about.

"What's the main issue?"

"You need an operator for each Valiant if they use this. They need an operator who's good as you Lana."

"Begin mission." Joshua ran straight into the compound, leaping upwards. Twirling in the air as he timed the slug cannon's blast. The shots blow to the side, the damage was not seen but Joshua could see the highlights fading from each target that he had shot. When he landed Joshua took aim at Brutuses that prepared their plasma cannons. Firing at the exposed plasma cartridges, the explosion took a dozen of them out. The Four Eyes began to swarm his position but continous fire with what he had was enough. A single shot pierced through perhaps maybe 5 of the Four Eyes.

The magazine went dry, Joshua swung the rifle down as he dived to the side. Locking the magazine in where the words 'Positive Reloads' popped up on the screen. Thumb hitting the bolt release as he continued firing at the targets ahead. Ignoring the swarm of Four Eyes that was parading him from above. Their shots barely did much to the armor, despite the potency of their weapons.

"Damage treshhold is only at 5%. Keep going."

"Copy." Joshua replied as he continued to fire his rifle at the Reptile Soldiers that were remaining. A single shot had left the top half or bottom half off their bodies turned to mush. Firing a few more shots as the Four Eyes began to fly away from the FOB, where Joshua opened a hole to the door. The right pinky opened up and connected into the mainframe. Collecting information.

"Got the info?"

"Received." Joshua stepped out, looking at the Four Eyes flying back again in another swarm. Taking aim, pulling the trigger. He thought about the recoil, it was barely felt to his shoulders. The shock absorbtion of this unit was superb and the aim was in a good shape.

"There's a few other magazines for spread shots with the rifle itself. It might help. Left side." Joshua grabbed the magazines sticking out on the left thigh, loading them into the rifle as he fired. The spread ammo worked wonders, blasting 5 of them at a time. This was a fight of attrition but he was not going to lose to the bugs. Their limbs and wings got clipped, but the result of a direct hit was much more devastating.The Four Eyes slowly began their retreat with Joshua victorious over the FOB.

"How's the information we collected?"

"It's been plentiful. We've got enough data. OCELOT units will be in mass production with the data you've made. We might make it our primary front line unit. Yours will be OCELOT 1-S custom." Commander Shane said.

"Thanks for the update."