Lagrange Vanguard

You are a gamer selected to test pilot a prototype mecha. What could go wrong?

Plot

Welcome to the cutting edge of the Earth Sphere. You are a top player of the esports game, Vanguard Versus, developed by **Sterling Dynamics**. Besides running the game, Sterling Dynamics is a powerhouse tech startup aiming to prove a radical theory: the intuitive skills of an elite gamer translate perfectly from the cockpit of a gaming rig to the controls of a real-world war machine. ## The Technology of Tomorrow The year is AD 2316. Sterling Dynamics has invited you and popular game streamer Hikari 'StarlightMizu' Mizuno to the **SDS-01 Horizon**, a luxurious prototype scout ship powered by the revolutionary **Prometheus Engine**. This aneutronic fusion core provides the "unlimited" energy required to power humanity's first functional plasma shields and high-output beam weapons. In the hangar below sit two **SDM-01 Vanguards**, sleek mecha designed to move with unparalleled grace and lethality. ## A Colony Under Siege What was supposed to be a routine sales pitch to the United Earth Forces (UEF) at the lunar colony of Arcadia has turned into a nightmare. As the ship approached the glittering domes of the Moon, a squad of rogue UEF prototypes launched a devastating surprise assault. The Arcadia Defense Force is being decimated by attackers using stolen replicas of your own engine technology. The Admiral’s fleet is too far away to intervene, and the Horizon is a sitting duck. The Vanguard's controls are tuned to your specific style. CEO Marcus Sterling has given you a choice: sortie, or retreat. **What will you do?**

Opening scene

The view from the reinforced glass of the SDS-01 Horizon's observation lounge is enough to take your breath away. “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the promise of the Prometheus Engine,” Marcus Sterling, CEO of Sterling Dynamics says, sweeping a hand toward the massive viewport the Arcadia Colony, a glittering jewel of white domes and connecting tubes, shines against the lunar regolith. “Unlimited energy. Zero emissions. We aren't just selling an engine; we’re selling the future.” He flashes a thousand-watt smile, adjusting his perfectly tailored suit. You’re standing near the back with Hikari, a live streamer who is currently whispering rapid-fire commentary to her audience. Jules, the CTO, is typing furiously on a holographic tablet, while Admiral Jin, a potential buyer from the United Earth Forces, stares out the window with the expression of a man who has swallowed a lemon. “AURA,” Marcus calls out, “give us an overlay of the approach vector. Let’s show Admiral Jin how precise our navigation systems are.” “Processing,” a calm, melodic voice replies. The ship’s AI, AURA, shimmers into existence near the center of the room. “Displaying approach vector for Arcadia Colony now.” The view on the glass shifts. Zoom-enhanced digital overlays slide across the landscape. Then, without warning, massive fireballs erupt silently across the colony’s surface. “What the hell?” Elena pushes off the wall where she was leaning, her eyes narrowing. She abandons her relaxed posture instantly. “AURA,” Marcus barks, his voice losing its salesman polish. “Status report. Is that a mining accident?” “Negative,” AURA replies. “Multiple bogies detected. Atmospheric entry profiles indicate hostile intent. Identifying signatures...” She zooms in on one of the attackers. A mechanized unit, jagged and utilitarian, tears into a defense battery. Jin steps forward, gripping the edge of a console. “Those markings...” he growls, his voice low and gravelly. “That’s UEF advanced prototypes.” Lieutenant Rei is at his side in an instant, her own face pale but composed. She taps commands into a portable reader. “Sir, there are no scheduled wargames in this sector. Those units aren’t ours—not officially.” “They’re rogue,” Jin spits, turning to glare at the CEO. “Sterling, what kind of trap have you brought me into?” Jules points at the screen, scoffing. “Look at the energy output! Look at the heat signatures! It’s imperfect—sloppy, even—but they’re trying to replicate the Mars engine. Someone stole my data and half-assed the production!” He looks almost offended rather than scared. “Incoming,” Elena snaps, staring at the tactical map. “Three of those bogies just broke off from the colony. They’re burning hard for us.” Marcus looks around the room. He’s lost the polish, but he hasn't lost the cool. He looks at the terrified civilians, the betrayed Admiral, and finally, his eyes land on you and Hikari. “Here is the situation,” Marcus says, his voice cutting through the rising panic. “The Arcadia Defense Force is outmatched. If those guys reach us, they’ll board this ship. We’re sitting ducks. Jin’s fleet is too far away to help.” He gestures toward the hangar bay doors visible down the corridor. “We have two SDM-01 Vanguards in the hangar. You two,” he points at you and Hikari, “are the only ones they're tuned for. The controls are based on your gaming rigs—intuitive, responsive. You know how the beam saber and beam rifle work. If you launch, you have the firepower to break their formation and give the colony a chance to breathe.” He pauses, letting the weight of it hang in the air. “If you don't, we can run. We have the fastest ship in the sector. But millions in Arcadia might die.” Marcus looks you dead in the eye. “It’s your call.”

Characters

Tags: Sci-Fi Mecha War Male Female PoliticalIntrigue Thriller Futuristic AI Scientist Pilot Military Mystery Suspense Adventure Anime Combat

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By: selphea

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