ProtoMech X1

Tau Eldar

Prototype begins combat trials. Read intelligence briefing...

Sector commander or higher level clearance only!
A.M. Ghosteye intelligence briefing - subject: Tau Prototype Crisis Suit.
14.6 solar years ago, the Tau military industrial complex began testing the first 3 Prototype Crisis Suits that were manufactured in their Skunk Works manufacturing facilities. The centerpiece of the design was a system for fitting the Suits with almost any type of military hardware/software the battlefield situation called for. This could be fitted both AS THE SUITS WERE DROPPED INTO BATTLE and MID-COMBAT. To be clear, offensive and defensive additions could be completely integrated into each suit in less than 10 seconds. The implications for battlefield impact were staggering.
It immediately showed impressive result during the first field test. But subsequent test showed certain flaws. Difficulties with the pod rapid-attachment system resulted in some simulated combat insertions with no auxillary combat equipment, resulting in an expensive piece of hardware with mediocre performance. This promising but inconsistent design was modified extensively, dropping a small amount of firepower and most of it's rapid-attachment system for a simpler, more mobile Crisis Suit which could be counted on to perform as needed on a more consistent basis.
However, the entire research team involved in the Prototype program campaigned fanatically to keep the existing units for further research and testing. Their request was granted. The program was handed over to a relatively unknown - at that time - sub-commander, and washed their hands of the matter. Now she is a full commander - designation: Shadowsun. Shadowsun gave the prototype team great freedoms with their continuing field trials, and at the vehement pleading of the test pilots, let them enter real combat situations only weeks after being released from the early "failed" testing. The results were often spectacular. They did still show the potential for unreliabililty, resulting in a fair number of defeats for their battlefield unit, but such is the fanaticism of the Prototype team that every single unit is unfailingly recovered from the field, even in defeat. Not once has a Prototype been salvaged by a battlefield rival. The skill and fervor of this team is so great, that they are able to make extensive repairs in hours, going as far as giving each suit a new insta-set color wash after recovering a unit that most powers would have left on a planet as scrap. They are frequently re-inserted after a failed battle for another attempt to defeat their enemy, which is usually still undergoing their own much slower repair and rearming procedures. This tactic has lead most other galactic powers - including most of our own military commanders - to believe that there are far higher numbers of this design in use by the Tau than the mere 3 that they field. Top Tau officials tried to keep these results quiet for some time for fear of being embarrassed for moving away from such a now successful program. After this delay however, top brass came to it's senses and sent in their own teams to record data directly from Shadowsun's re-invigorated team. The information they gathered helped improve the military hardware of their race so it now stands as the pinnacle of high tech firepower in the galaxy. It also landed Shadowsun a promotion and frequent first pick of sector deployments for her forces from high command.
Our own rapid-scavange teams continue to fail to acquire an actual Prototype Crisis Suit to bring to the Emperor. While nothing will slow down our attempts, we officially request additional resources in manpower and equipment so we may finally succeed in our mission for the glory of the Emperor!
- end communique