DAYBREAK Exoframe Load Carrier

The DAYBREAK Exoframe Load Carrier was a powered exoskeleton developed by Cascade Stronghold Technologies in the wake of the Human-Covenant War's conclusion. 
=Overview=
==History==
While it's sister project, NIGHTFALL would later become favored for its best in class life support systems, DAYBREAK was envisioned as a more combat-oriented counterpart. Even by 2558, the armor system has failed to see widespread adoption throughout the UNSC, though it has found some favor with those who continue to see heavy action in the tumultuous days following the war's end.
==Armor Components==
While suits of DAYBREAK armor can vary in appearance, the most popular configuration heavily resembles the battle dress uniform employed by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers in the later years of the Human-Covenant War in both its coloration and silhouette. But regardless of appearance, almost every suit is compromised of the following components:
*Helmet
The DAYBREAK armor is compatible with the vast majority of contemporary UNSC combat helmets, and is often paired with a standard ODST helmet. This grants the wearer access to a Heads-Up Display, integrated communications and a variety of optical enhancements like thermal imaging or VISR mode. In rare cases, even the Artemis Tracking System may be available.
A polymer sheathe, worn around the neck and shoulders and embedded with a complex mesh of circuitry acts as the connective tissue between the helmet and the rest of the suit.
*Vacuum Suit
Like the ODST BDU of old, DAYBREAK features a thermally-regulated, vacuum-sealed body suit worn under all other layers of the armor. Combined with an enclosed helmet, this allows the wearer to survive up to 15 minutes in a vacuum or similarly hostile conditions. The suit's outermost layer has proven effective at deflecting small caliber rounds, and even in the event of a puncture, the suit's compartmentalized design and self-sealing foam will minimize the loss in internal pressure. Internal thrusters and a higher oxygen capacity were heavily considered, but ultimately decided against for budgetary reasons. For proper EVA, it is suggested that the operator secures their own means of outfitting the armor with an external thruster pack and additional oxygen reserves.
*Armor Plating
Instead of the Titanium-A of MJOLNIR or the liquid nanocrystal of SPI, DAYBREAK retains the ceramic-titanium inserts and underlying Kevlar more commonly found in ODST and Marine BDUs. This is largely for budgetary reasons, as while SPI proved surprisingly resilient for its lightweight, the reality was; what proved cost effective for a company of 300 was far too exorbitant for a single division of 14,000. Let alone the entire Marine Corps, as was Cascade Stronghold Technologies ultimate ambition for the armor system.
*HULC Exoskeleton
In stark contrast to NIGHTFALL, DAYBREAK's exoframe assists not only with the lower extremities, but with the upper body as well. Using similar principles to SPI and the prototype Orion armor that informed it, DAYBREAK's exoframe is designed to be as lightweight and form-fitting as possible while maximizing the performance of the wearer.
For the unaugmented, the value of the exoskeleton is not so much in its increase of striking power or speed as its ability to relieve the burdens present in everyday soldiering. Having assistance in bearing the weight of their gear ensures that the trooper can fight longer and harder, as well as lowering the risk of developing chronic back, shoulder and knee conditions later in life.
*Power Cell
Tucked away in the suit's backplate is a replaceable and rechargeable BA-56163/PLMD battery. A model intentionally common and easy to charge. On top of powering the HULC exoskeleton, the power cell is also responsible for the various miscellaneous electronics present in the suit. Such as the on-board computer that manipulates the exoframe in accordance with the wearer's movements.
*Force Amplification Gauntlets
As the limbs of the HULC exoskeleton are unable to provide assistance for the hands of the wearer, there exists an option for a specialized gauntlet that amplifies grip strength. This is similar to the RIFT-class Gauntlets of SPI and Mirage.
*Magnetic Mounts
There exists several mounting points on the DAYBREAK armor system that allows the wearer to affix weapons and storage pouches to the outer plating of the armor in lieu of traditional holsters and slings. Extra care was placed in DAYBREAK's design to allow it to remain compatible with all manner of common rucksacks, jump jets and thruster packs. The bottom of the boots are magnetized as well, allowing one a greater degree of stability in zero-g environments. The presence of wrist mounts would make DAYBREAK theoretically capable of utilizing Project MAGNES's Grappleshot or even a UNSC Repulsor. Whether or not DAYBREAK's exoframe-- or the wearer, is capable of enduring the sheer force of these technologies is another question entirely.
==Operational Use==
While not entirely uncommon in the hands of ONI operatives or even the occasional Army Ranger, DAYBREAK's clientele largely consists of a lucky few battalions or companies in the 105th Shock Troops Division. As CST's own CEO is a former Helljumper and has spearheaded numerous projects designed to appeal to his former brothers and sisters in arms, this should come as no surprise. 
But even outside of the apparent nepotism, there is truly no other, non-Spartan, organization in the UNSC as ready to stress test the DAYBREAK exoframe as the ODST.
Fireteam Wolf, and the rest of their company of Helljumpers aboard the UNSC Zephyr, are one such unit that has continued to see extensive action against all of Earth's enemies, foreign and domestic. CST may dream of securing a contract to outfit the entire Marine Corps and beyond in DAYBREAK, but if they'll need to win over veteran Troopers like these first.
==Gallery==
File:Daybreak2.png|A common variant of the DAYBREAK Exoframe
File:DaybreakVariants.jpg|Various potential variants of the DAYBREAK armor system
File:Scottwiki2.png|Trooper in another DAYBREAK variant
File:DAYBREAKGunner.png|DAYBREAK configuration optimized for Heavy Weapons Specialists
File:DAYBREAKSniper.png|A configuration of the DAYBREAK Exoframe intended for snipers and designated marksmen
File:Lloydwiki2.png|DAYBREAK Exoframe configuration commonly employed by medics and Hospital Corpsmen