Just had a dispatch AU idea while choking on a gum
Imagine this, the mech suit is actually sentient
The astral pulse developed to a far more than just an energy source
The mech was gradually becoming more aware especially after Robbie's death
And since Robert took over really young (let's say for this au 13-14 years old) the suit developed parental like behavior, like moving on its own when a hit is directly where Robert is or putting on safety protocols when he's injured
Maybe even the one that cut Flamebae fingers off because Robert was being cooked alive inside
(Z team witnessing the protective nature of the suit as well because damn it they're all family)
And Robert slowly come to that realization, he doesn't know how to feel about the suit being sentient, but he knows he doesn't feel alone anymore
And he's young and desperate to any kind of company and family bonds so he grows to look at the suit as his parent
Then the explosion happens, and the suit uses all its remaining strength to keep Robert safe and alive when they fell
And Robert falls into depression because he just lost another parent (one that actually cared for him more than his biological flesh one)
And even when they rebuilt the suit, it's not recognizing Robert or worse, not even sentient, it's consciousness was stored in the astal pulse so it could come back when it's body was rebuilt
And that's why, even if shroud took the astral pulse, it would reject him, either killing him or using his body to find Robert
Or maybe a different scenario, idk, Robert needs a parent and the suit could be the perfect candidate for this!!!