"Well, Tiago, as you probably already know, Mechs were created with the goal of reducing the fatigue of orcs who are more focused on combat, while also giving orcs with lower fighting capabilities — and even sub-orcs — a better chance to participate in battle. The basic idea is that they enhance the user's body and can even compete with orcs who possess more advanced transformations,"
said the chief of the Mech engineers — a goat-orc with a mature appearance, probably over 150 years old, with white hair and beard, short in stature, and with ancient goat horns sprouting from his head.
Depending on the orc or sub-orc, it's common for them to expose certain animal features for comfort or pride.
At that moment, I heard Tiago's voice:
"Boss, but from what I know, there are times when Mechs still can't win against stronger powers or transformed orcs."
The chief looked at him and responded seriously, but with the kindness of a teacher:
"That's true. The two colonels and the general, for example — especially Colonel Daniel and the General — are capable of defeating several Mech warriors. But in prolonged battles against Zergs, during wars, or when facing beasts, Mechs still serve a purpose. They offer protection, deal damage through weaponry and tech, and exert less strain on the individual. So, their necessity is undeniable."
"What about the carcasses and armor…?" he asked. And then he and the others began discussing various ideas. I stayed on the side, listening, occasionally adding a thought or two.
…
However, as we listened to the explanations, I stopped and furrowed my brow. My instincts and mental power warned me that something was about to happen.
"Alex, are you okay?"
I heard Tiago's voice, always sensitive.
"I'm not sure…"
I told him and gestured for him to continue listening.
But just over a minute later, everyone felt a jolt to the ship.
Tiago almost fell forward, but I caught him with my right hand.
"What was that, professor?"
"Are we under attack???"
Several engineers asked simultaneously.
Then the orc chief, Canel, responded:
"Calm down."
He walked over to the computer, but frowned — it seemed like someone had tampered with the system. However, we soon heard Colonel Pedro's voice over the ship's comms:
[Pirates are attacking. Non-combatants must stay in place. Combatants, report to weapons and Mechs.]
It didn't take more than a few seconds for another warning to follow:
[Alert, alert! Attention, non-combatants, the pir…]
But the transmission was cut off…
Even though the individuals here were orcs, they were non-combatants and began to grow tense. There were no personal weapons available — and even though we were in the Mech room, Mech weapons weren't made to be used by hand.
Some were more anxious, others remained relatively calm. Everyone here had probably received some basic training in power and combat, but they were still non-combatant orcs. That means their physical and mental power weren't very high, and their powers or animal forms were just as limited. While orcs are generally better suited for battle, that mainly applies to the core animal race. Among different races, even sub-orcs can win… After all, it's hard for a tiger to lose to a rabbit — although, of course, there are exceptions when mental and physical power or skills are much higher, like in my case. Still, that's very rare, and those differences are usually bridged with weapons or other tools.
At least the 4th Army team seems calm, I thought positively.
That calm didn't last long, though, when we heard the sounds of gunfire and abilities being used outside.
Tension in the room rose. I saw a few people trying to close the doors, but there seemed to be interference.
Now… how exactly did pirates manage to board the ship...?
Something definitely feels suspicious about this…
But there was no point in thinking too deeply right now — and I had no means to resolve any of it anyway.
For now, I observed the others: aside from the goat-chief Canel, there were five other engineers... Two nervous sub-orcs, two orcs without much combat profile, and one sub-orc who was strangely calm, though clearly tense. Not the entire engineering team was here, but a good portion was.
And then the door opened.
We saw four individuals enter. One of them seemed to be protected by the other three — possibly a sub-orc.
One of the orcs, with red hair, fired a plasma gun into the air and shouted:
"Everyone be quiet and move to the corner, now!!!"
I frowned and moved closer to Tiago.
Sensing my presence, he seemed relieved.
At the same time, I used a trick Tiago already knew well.
I used a voice technique from the Murim world, which I had adapted here to function with mental power.
'Tiago, relax. I'm here.'
He looked at me and subtly turned his head.
He can't use mental power like this — in fact, I doubt anyone else can use mental power with this level of precision and ability to transmit specific messages to just one individual. It's extremely difficult, even for people in this world who work extensively with mental energy, even with delicate and precise use — especially considering the Mechs.