M9D Falke

The M9D/A4-1 Falke (ファルケ) is a third generation Arm Slave operated by Mithril. It is based on the M9E Gernsback.

Development
When Mithril was developing and testing the Lambda Driver, the first unit was installed in an M6 chassis in a test bed known as the ARX-6 Halberd. With the success of the test, it was decided that the M9 would form the combat platform for the finished Lambda Driver. For that reason two M9 chassis variants were made, one was the ARX-7 Arbalest, and the other became the M9D Falke.

However due to the suicide of the lead researcher Bani Morauta, Mithril did not manage to complete a second Lambda Driver, and the Falke never received one.

Much like the M9E, this unit comes with an enhanced electronics package to engage in electronic warfare along with an enhanced communications package.

The M9D is uniquely geared towards its pilot, and is developed for Clouseau's preference of extreme operating bilateral angles for high manoeuvrability, particularly in close combat. In addition to this, the unit has hard points on its legs for Clouseau's custom monomolecular cutters.

After the events of Hong Kong, The M9D was upgraded with a Fairy's Eye system, allowing Clouseau to visualise the energy fields created by Lambda Drivers.

Operational History
The M9D was first assigned to the Mithril Mediterranean Fleet, with it’s designated pilot, Lieutenant Belfangan Clouseau.

While stationed there, the unit saw action in Sicilia after the Western Pacific Fleet SRT’s abduction of Mithril defector Vincent Bruno from his Mafia safehouse. The mission escalated with the intervention an Amalgam strike team headed by an RK-92 Savage, which Clouseau intercepted and destroyed after covertly monitoring his Mithril counterparts.

With the death of Gail McAllen during the Perio Islands incident, Clouseau was transferred to the Western Pacific Fleet and assumed the position of Uruz-1.

On his arrival to Merida Island, Clouseau was ordered to train Sousuke's use of the ARX-7, primarily to improve his inconsistent ability to use the Lambda Driver which requires a particular mental state to operate effectively. Clouseau utilised the full potential of the M9D in an attempt to incite Sousuke's use of the Lambda Driver, but it was to no avail and the ARX-7 was defeated in close combat without significant damage.

The units next notable deployment would be during the Hong Kong incident, where the SRT fought against a Codarl-m that had been terrorizing the city, nearly inciting civil war. After direct engagement with the enemy AS, the unit suffered heavy damage and was immobilised.

During the Amalgam’s first full-scale invasion of Merida Island, the unit was deployed in the field to fight against three Behemoth type AS that were sent to eliminate the base. The unit was recovered fully intact aboard the Tuatha de Danaan as the remaining Mithril forces evacuated the island.

It was deployed in San Francisco, USA, where its first successful defeat of a Lambda Driver equipped AS would occur during a plan to capture Lee Fowler, a close confidant of Leonard Testarossa. When Amalgam forces deployed a Codarl-m to protect Fowler, a surprise counterattack from the M9D combined with a Tomahawk Missile launched from the Tuatha de Danaan was able to destroy the enemy AS without suffering damage. Notably; Clouseau was now able to a Fairy's Eye to visualise the Lambda Driver energy fields of his opponent. This allowed him to avoid its offensive use, while also allowing him to maintain pressure on his opponent and force them to use it for defence.

The M9D was deployed alongside other Mithril SRT M9's to Mexico to attack the Amalgam base of Leonard Testarossa. During the attack, the M9D was able to attack and defeat one of three Codarl-m units guarding the facility in collaboration with the M9's of Melissa Mao and Kurz Weber. The attack was stalled when the three Plan-1065 Eligor type ASes of Fowler, Sabina Rechnio and Wilhelm Casper intercepted and negated the SRT team, with Fowler personally targeting Clouseau, before retreating.

The units last known mission would be in Afghanistan, where it engaged the custom Plan-1065 Eligor of Fowler during an attempt to recapture a Soviet nuclear missile base. Despite the opposing AS having a Lambda Driver, the M9D engaged and defeated Fowler in close combat, where the unit was critically damaged by the resultant explosion of the enemy AS.