“What we have here, gentlemen, is the JP-03. It is the Empire’s newest multi-purpose fighter craft. It is capable of both space and terrestrial operations, and although it is focused primarily on fighter-to-fighter combat, it can also execute operations in a bomber role and as an air support craft.”
“What’s with the wings?” someone asked.
Blakey smiled. “Naturally, we don’t have all of the information about the JP-03 at this time. However, our friends in the Empire have seen fit to share some information since we’ll be facing it during the upcoming joint exercises next month. In the interests of fair play - and because they really want to put this thing through its pace - they’ve decided to forward us some information.”
Blakey gestured, and the holographic display put up some numbers. “Feast your eyes on the glory that is the JP-03′s testing numbers.”
“Son of a bitch,” someone else muttered. “Are these real?”
Sazh XI frowned. “Ma’am, with all due respect, are we sure the Dia-Farron aren’t pranking us? I’ve faced the G-17 Goshawk. It’s the Empire’s current lead fighter craft. It’s an excellent fighter. It can’t quite match our own B-12 Blitz, but the G-17 is getting on in years. If these numbers are accurate...”
“The JP-03 claims to have a 115% increase in maximum speed, and an overall increase of 225% in combat manoeuvrability, along with an increase of 200% in effective firepower. It’s sensor array is 200% as effective as the G-17′s.” Blakey grinned. “During my last trip to the Empire, I had the pleasure of seeing the G-17 in action. I believe these numbers to be correct.”
Sazh shook his head. “Then I’d say we’re going to have some trouble during the joint exercises, ma’am.” He glanced around at his fellow Winged Lancers. “We’re the best ma’am, but they’re no slouches over in the Empire. If we were on even footing, technologically, I’d give us good odds of winning again. But this? We’re looking at a fighter that trumps the B-12 by significant margins in every meaningful combat category. They’re faster, more agile, more heavily armed, and have better sensors. Assuming the pilot behind the stick isn’t an idiot, we’re going to have a tough time out there.”
“Which is why we will temper our expectations accordingly,” Blakey explained. “However, I wanted to give you a heads up, so you know what you’re up again. I also want you to pay close attention when you’re up against the G-17. If we can replicate some of the technology, or at least get an idea of how they’re doing it, we can improve our own fighters.”
“I know the Dia-Farron are brilliant,” Sazh said. “But this has come entirely out of left field. They don’t typically focus their efforts on fighter design, and the Empire has made heavier use of drones throughout its history than the Alliance. Like I said, their fighter corps are good, but they don’t emphasise fighter combat the way we do.”
“I believe that the Empire have noticed the relative weakness of their fighter corps and are taking steps to remedy that. Previous engagements against Grimm swarms have shown that although drone fighter formations are effective means of engaging Grimm equivalents of fighter craft, they are not necessarily efficient. This is particularly clear when drone fighters are asked to take on more complex missions or to perform non-standard manoeuvres. In the interests of giving their pilots the best possible chance, they have taken a more active interest in fighter design.”
“I know Dia-Farron design,” Sazh replied. “And although there are hallmarks of that in the G-17, there’s something odd about it too.”
“This information is going to be public in the next month, which is why I am telling you now.” Blakey smiled toothily. “The Federation managed to lose a Sato. He grew up on a trash world and attracted the attention of a Dia-Farron after fixing a hyper drive.”
“With what?” some asked. “You can’t fix a hyper drive on a trash world.”
“A Dia-Farron might be able to do it,” Sazh replied. “And so did this Sato kid. What happened next?”
“As you can imagine, the Dia-Farron took him with her. He has since been adopted by her and is a Dia-Farron in all but blood. Although I do not know the exact nature of his Semblance, combined with his genius for design, it is powerful enough that the Federation tried to get him back by exerting both diplomatic and private pressure on him. The empress was not amused and has made it clear that any further attempts to take him will be met with force.”
“Well, shit,” someone said. “The kid must be something special.”
“He is,” Blakey said. “Despite not having any formal education prior to being rescued from the trash world, he is on track to receive a Dia-Farron-level PhD in engineering within the next three years. Let that sink in.”
“So... you’re telling me that the Dia-Farron managed to get their hands on a Sato, one whose intelligence and Semblance both seem perfect for designing fighter craft?” Sazh made a face. “This is going to be tricky.”
“Not just fighter craft,” Blakey said. “The Dia-Farron are, at their heart, a mischievous bunch. When they hosted me, they told me what JP stands for. It means Joint Project. Given that the JP-03 has a 3 in it, we can only conclude that he has been involved in at least two other projects.”
“I don’t suppose we could steal a Sato?” someone asked.
“Believe me, we’ve been looking to see if we’ve got any,” Blakey said. “Our own research and development is excellent, but having a Sato or two on staff would definitely accelerate it. Sadly, we don’t have any, and the Federation has been even more paranoid about potentially losing valuable personnel as of late.” Blakey grinned. “Now, since I was allowed to take some footage of the JP-03 in action, I want to hear your opinions on it.”
Coal’s Semblance and his general intellectual leanings are perfect for objective-based design. If you tell him and Galatea what they need to build and what it has to be able to do, they’ll be able to do it. And, yeah, the Federation was pissed about losing him. They raised a stink, but Averia VII pulled the whole ‘You dare? I am ruler of more than a million worlds. My word is law. Begone from my sight and never darken my door again.’ thing while telling them that Coal wasn’t going anywhere.
