A Mech Tech's guide to dealing with Harpies/Hawks/Falcons
So many have wondered, what's the difference between a normal Hound and a Harpy?
Well for starters, in this mech tech's humble opinion, they're actually competent.
Sure, a Hound is loyal, kills shit, and can be easily manipulated by an shmuck handler with a degree in gaslighting. Yknow what Hounds aren't?
Smart, stable, self-aware, safe, you name it!
Hounds are more likely than not to blow up in your face unless the person training them realizes that carrot and stick works easier when the carrot actually means something. An actual dog will eventually lash out when given the opportunity, and Hounds are no different. And don't get me started on their Handlers. BTW, to any Handlers reading this? This was approved by THE DIRECTOR OF THIS BASE, because you have cost me enough mech-techs to fill all the pipes in this base with pureed human viscera.
So, pray tell, what are Harpies good at?
Everything that Hounds aren't.
Harpies are smooth, subtle, have a sense of wit, a strong sense of self, independence, and actual technical know-how.
Give me the choice between the average Hound and a Harpy, and I'll go with a Harpy any day. Sure, repairs on a flight-capable mech may take longer, but on average Harpies bring them back in better condition than the Hounds. ON AVERAGE to be clear, my little Scope brings her chassis back with minimal damage from most engagements, she is the exception to Hounds.
Now, you may say I'm being unfair, of course a long-range flying acrobat will accrue less damage than a close-rang shock troop berserker, that's not fair!
Well you'd be WRONG. Because one of the Harpies serving here, Hook, pilots a flying chassis with a chain-glaive as a main armament, and she comes back just fine.
Which brings me to the main point: programming.
A Hound is programmed for loyalty and brutality, whereas Harpies are trained for precision and independence.
You send a Hound to do a mission, you'll have to babysit it, manage when you drop the activation phrase, yada yada yada.
Harpies? You drop their activation phrase, and like a Gator they lock the fuck in for an entire sortie.
See, I know the real reason most Handlers go for Hounds: they're easy, for the Handler.
All the Handler has to do is give the Hound distractions so the mental paradox doesn't shatter. This is why most Hounds suck.
But well trained ones? Those ones are beautes, but take time, much like a Harpy.
And at that point, you may as well have trained a Harpy, for the effort you put in. Besides, Harpies actually have a soul left. Have to, otherwise they'd break while flying. They need nerves of steel even before the activation phrase.
Now, this brings me to the main point of this document: how do we as mech techs deal with the birds?
Simple: don't step on their talons and feed them treats. I'm serious.
Harpies are programmed to be a bit rebellious, so their Handlers have to actually put in effort to treating them like people. As such, unlike a Hound, where you can boss them around, if a Harpy wants to do something, it's best to actually listen.
Now, if you know you're inevitably gonna piss one off, maybe that delivery of the new railcannon is taking a bit too long and she'll have to fly the next sortie with an autocannon instead, I was serious about the snacks.
Pack jerky, trail mix, anything. Get to know their preferences, and stay on their good side. Harpy-Handlers often have close bonds, and if the Harpy tells her Handler she likes you, you're likely gonna get a bit more leeway. Safest bet is to keep a snack basket handy and offer some during downtime.
One last thing: I know some of you idiots are immediately gonna try throwing mountains of snacks at the bird babes trying to hook up with one. Don't, just don't. You don't pick to be a Harpy's favorite, they choose you. Also they can sense bad intentions from a mile off, so if you favor the junk between your leg, don't be a fuck-head.
And of course, play nice. The birds are gonna be some of the nicer clients we work with, trust me, it gets worse.
