Reserve Thruster System / RTS
sc-050 Emergency Bypass Protocol & Frame-Stress Feed
The sc-050 [RTS] is a desperation-grade mobility logic functional only during a total Thruster Overheat state. By forcibly diverting emergency power through the unit's actuators, it enables a 1.0-second "Ignition Burst" to maintain positioning. This bypass allows the pilot to stay mobile and offensive while the machine's cooling systems are compromised.
- Activation Trigger: Functional only during Thruster Overheat
- Ignition Window: 1.0 Second of High-Speed Movement or Jumping (Ground-start only)
- Offensive Capability: Attacks/Weapons remain fully operational during the burst
- Structural Cost: +10% Load to Leg and Back parts per activation
- Recovery Penalty: Overheat Cooling Sequence is completely STALLED
Mechanism: The 1.0-Second Ignition
When the unit is overheated and its Leg/Back components are functional, pressing the thruster command initiates a 1.0-second bypass. This window allows for High-Speed Movement (HSM) and Jumping. Unlike standard overheat states that force a stationary posture, the RTS permits the pilot to maintain an Aggressive Posture—enabling weapons fire and tactical positioning simultaneously. However, Emergency Evasions and Tackles remain locked as they require a stabilized thruster output.
The "Move or Die" Loop
Each activation feeds 10% stress directly into the unit's propulsion housing. Crucially, the
Cooling Sequence Stalling effect ensures that the natural recovery timer is paused and
reset upon every ignition.
As long as the pilot continues to rely on the RTS for positioning, the machine will never recover
its thruster gauge. The pilot must choose between damaging their own frame to stay mobile or risking
immobility to allow the cooling process to finalize.
| Action Type | Status during RTS | Structural / System Impact |
|---|---|---|
| HSM / Jump | ENABLED (1.0s) | +10% Part Damage (Legs/Back) |
| Weapon Fire | ENABLED | No additional thruster cost |
| Emergency Evasion | LOCKED | N/A |
| Cooling Recovery | STALLED | Sequence resets on activation |
Strategic Protocol
⚠️ CRITICAL FAILURE: If the Leg or Back components reach 100% damage (Break), the RTS becomes unavailable. The logic is a double-edged sword: it transforms the "vulnerable cooling phase" into an active combat window, but at the cost of the machine's long-term structural integrity. Use the 1.0-second burst to secure the kill or reach cover; do not let the loop become your grave.