For :Zapydos2:'s Solarstorm.

Providing both the best and worst characteristics of the Work Pod and Metal Frame, the MF-69V Walz Hazardous Environments Metal Frame is typical of special purpose hardware. It has a standard 0.8mm androgynous docking adapter, limiting the requirement for EVAs in order to board the unit. Theoretically, you could dock a pair of Frames together, but two people wedged into the crew compartment renders most operations impractical at best. Not to mention that such actions would invoke a Skippy's List rule-- "Metal Frames cannot be combined into a giant battle robot."

The Walz can be accessed through either its top hatch or by turning and pushing out the viewport when internal and external pressures are equal. For emergencies, the viewport can be blown out using explosive bolts. The latter tends to make a mess of things, but it was deemed impractical to use the standard hatch on these units.

The militarized model of the Walz, the famous MF-69VM "Gordon" was a mostly-acceptable attempt to provide a combat-ready unit for use by PMSF and Metapol units incapable of purchasing the higher-performance "Kite." This will be dealt with next week.

I'm probably going to change the markings on this unit for those of a civilian operator. Everyone from the Rock-It-Boys to the megas uses the Walz or a similar design extensively, and while PMSF has a large number of the stock Walz units. It should make things a lot easier for the primary artist. Ugh, I really need to get these darn things inked.

Artwork © of me

Solarstorm 1000 setting © of Zapydos2