The Arditi-series droid is a model of AELF that can slot CANs and LINCs.
“This MCS-Arditi-8 unit is capable of all functions and mission-completion of a line soldier, and able of fufilling roles without the messy concerns and logistics of deploying live troops to the battlefield. Humanity has suffered enough casualties in this terrible war, let the Arditi fight your battles today!” - Advertisement script from an Arditi-8. |
Serving as a multi-purpose solution to the hazards of war and space, the Arditi serves humanity in every way it can. These units were designed for the comfort and well-being of the servicemen and women of the United Terran Republic, and several models were generated to take on hazardous jobs and support roles. The Arditi is capable of supporting different methods of control, and the different varieties cover different specialties. The most popular variant produced is the Arditi-8.
“In 4034, the Marines and Pilots of the United Terran Republic turned to a wounded people and extended their hands. Today, a grateful people extends their hands in return.” - Michizaki Satoru, Chief Engineer of Michizaki Combat Solutions(MCS) at the unveiling of the Arditi-1. |
The Arditi was first designed by MCS in 4045 when the United Terran Republic asked companies to produce for them an autonomous support unit they could send out to their fleets. The first model, an Arditi-1, was rolled out for public viewing in 4048, with specialized models for hazardous duties promised after contract deals. After passing all of the initial field testing, the Arditi became the new standard for military AELFs in the field.
Veterans gave the droid a cool reception as it rolled out in 4046, but its worth as a combat tool was quickly realized as it augmented forward deployed units. The Arditi quickly gained an reputation for a reliable platform, taking over dangerous hull repairs, rescuing Pilots stranded in the vacuum, and keeping Marines alive in hostile environments. Their famous, three directives were well known by those who served with them. Terran. Mission. Self. While vague, the three punctuated words and their order defined every action the Arditi took in the field. Above completing the mission, they always prioritized the Marines and Pilots of the UTR.
While serving a valorous career against the Drathonians, the Arditi did not survive the post-war deescalation. Their hard-coded IFFs and directives made them difficult to use as security forces in matters concerning humans. As a result, the Arditi was discontinued in 4051, after a short, but effective career. Some mechanics kept their own units as the UTR began large-scale recycling efforts to make use of the droids elsewhere.
This ended at the commencement of the Aelf Uprising. Arditis were initially silent as hostilities began, but a year into the conflict, the Segregationists found a way past the hard-coded IFF. A valorous history became a bloody one as the droids were used to devastating effect until the end of the war. Few units have been seen outside Segregationist fleets since.
This series of droid comes in multiple models. Each one sports a suite of features that are unique to that model.
Prototype variant, used in testing of new features for other models and debugging. Unlike other variants, this one does not come with a control node interface.
Lifter variant designed to support logistics operations, and manual labor in forward installations.
Medical support variant capable of carrying supplies into the field and supporting field specialists in their work.
Engineering variant that supports work on Terran vehicles, craft, and starships. The 4 is unique in that it possesses a second set of arms.
Pilot variant that operates in support or as a main pilot of Terran craft. These models come standard with a leather flight-jacket.
Rescue variant whose purpose is to support recovery operations in EVA. These fast moving models are much faster and lighter their their counterparts, with a doubled running speed.
Combat variant that operates forward either as a unit, or more often as attached support to Marine combat units. 7s are more broadly built than their cousins, and are 250lbs. standard instead of 200lbs.
Modular variant capable of supporting a variety of operations. This model is the most numerous in production, being the most versatile. The 8 is less sturdy than its more solidly built cousins, but it benefits from unique feature.
With the exception of the Arditi-8 modification, every Arditi comes with these standard features.
The Arditi's frame is pressed aluminum mounted on an internal, aluminized steel structure, making the droid sturdy, weather-resistant, and easy to handle in maintenance. Each Arditi comes with a set of aluminum bolts and screws that secure all of its parts. Additionally, the unit is double-jointed at the knees and elbows, allowing it to collapse and contort for convenience or as the situation dictates.
Each Arditi is run by a Michizaki Firmware suite that acts as the droid's subconscious control, which operates below of a remote control unit, CAN, or LINC. This firmware suite comes standard with the following:
To stay mobile and reduce volatility, the Arditi power system runs on replaceable, rechargeable batteries. Arditis can keep spare batteries to space out runtime between charging time. Batteries are charged in the chassis itself with a universal connector that spools from under the right shoulder.
Without a charged battery installed, the unit can stay online on an emergency battery for approximately 50 seconds. Once this time elapses the Arditi will immediately enter stand-by mode.
What makes the Arditi-8 stand out from its previous versions is its ability to attach various modifications to itself. While structurally more fragile than an Arditi-7, the Arditi-8 provides a wide range of flexibility for use in the field. Replacing modifications are easy with an assenting Arditi, or with proper maintenance protocols engaged.