CSF-S3a-002 Castel Test Type (Unit 02)

- LCDM

The CSF-S3a-002 Castel Test Type (Unit 02) is a Garrisai from the *Harbinger* Universe. It is piloted by Marie Winhart.

## Technology and Combat Characteristics

The second of the Castel Test Types. Making a significant amount of improvements compared to Unit 01, this machine was actually far more advanced than the Castel Ground Type, nearly rivaling the performance of the Limited-Production Series that succeeded it. Unlike Unit 01, Unit 02 had a movable optic, which allowed it to clear up the former’s blindspots by allowing for peripheral camera views. In order to match this new camera layout, the cockpit was changed to better match the designs of the AEGIS Program, as it too had Garrisai with movable cameras and thus was the perfect basis for Unit 02. Unit 02 was also the first to test Thruster Kits, receiving a prototype version of what would become the Standard Thruster Kit.

## Armaments

- Nanolaminate Shield: This prototype version of the Nanolaminate Standard Shield (as well as its numerous variants) was a single layered sheet of Nanolaminate material with a handle. While not being the most complicated piece of equipment, it still fulfilled its role as a defensive equipment that served as the basis for shields in the future.

- 40mm ASU: This early version of the 40mm ASU wasn't too far off from its modern counterpart, with the only exception being the addition of numerous sensors around its body to help record data during testing. Accuracy rating, reload speed, and maximum range were all tested during active combat simulations, effectively prompting the development of sidegrade weapons such as the 60mm Carbine by Kestrel Technologies.

## Special Equipment and Features

- External Fuel Canister: Due to the Dechalus refinery process being in its early stages, the amount of it that was usually consumed during Garrisai Testing was often excessive and led to quick power drains. Thus, externally mounted canisters of the energy source were often attached to the body of the Garrisai, as to allow operation to continue. Energy efficiency would be substantially improved come the introduction of the Castel Ground Type.

## History

Initially conceived as a pet project by DTRO scientist Robert Castel, the Castel Test Type eventually garnered a small following of researchers, all interested in the technology of the Interstellar War. Knowing that the creation of Garrisai-like machines was illegal at the time, they kept the development of the three prototype Castel Test Types under wraps, until they properly circumvented the issue in the form of the Castel Ground Types posing as Construction Vehicles. This was done as a sort of preparation for what could be a conflict--Decholon’s recent success outpacing Armeli’s meant that it was only a matter of time before someone took conflict to their shores. After testing was completed with the three prototypes, they were promptly sealed away to discard any evidence that the illegal developments ever existed. However, this did not stop Marie Winhart and Richard Novak from finding one of the prototypes--Unit 02--in the secret storage wing of Guardia Seven during the Fall of the NDRC, promptly revealing to the rest of Decholon the scandal that all of the Garrisai since then were founded upon. This would do very little though, as the NDRC had already entered its final moments, the Mercury Legion already closing in and the last of the LDCM's reserves depleted. Marie would not let this secret weapon go to waste, however, converting it into her own personal Garrisai as a reminder of the truth.