Unstable Isotope: The First Solo Mech Pilot
In the sprawling metropolis of Terranova, the United Colonial Systems Marines (UCSM) stand as humanity’s ultimate shield, piloting colossal mechs in the defense of interstellar peace. For Leo Trask, a 24-year-old man paralyzed from the waist down in a drunk driving accident, that world was a distant dream—until an unexpected acceptance letter changes his life forever.
Leo discovers that his enrollment into the elite UCSM pilot program is no mistake. Instead, he’s been handpicked for an experimental initiative designed to push the boundaries of human and machine integration. The procedure will render him fully paralyzed from the neck down, a sacrifice that promises to unlock the potential for solo piloting an unheard feat in the dual pilot program—an ability to control mechs with unparalleled precision.
As Leo confronts his fears and the skepticism of those who doubt his place in the program, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy behind his selection. With the enigmatic Dr. Cortana as his ally and an untested mech awaiting his command, Leo embarks on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation.
In a world where technology blurs the line between human and machine, Leo must prove that even a shattered body can house an unbreakable spirit.
As an author, I set out to create a novel that brings a fresh perspective to the mecha genre. My aim was to craft a story that feels both grounded and immersive, offering readers a deeply human connection amidst the towering steel behemoths of war. I wanted the narrative to strike a balance between the heavy, tactile reality of piloting a mech and the emotional resonance of the characters driving the story. Dialogue plays a central role in the novel. I envisioned it as the primary vehicle to explore the perspectives of my characters each with their own motivations, struggles, and philosophies about war, technology, and survival. These conversations aren't just filler; they serve as the heartbeat of the story, revealing the personal stakes that make the battles meaningful. A key priority for me was to highlight the mechanical feel of the mechs. I wanted readers to hear the groan of metal under stress, feel the vibration of engines throttling to full power, and sense the tactile feedback of in the cockpit. Every system, every maneuver, with the aim being nitty gritty. My hope with this novel was to create a mecha story that resonates on multiple levels delivering thrilling action, thought-provoking dialogue, and a tactile sense of realism that lingers long after the final page. this novel is inspired by armor core, pacific rim (before it became ahh)