For the past few months I've been reworking the concept for RGM Commander and I'm stuck, so I'm changing gears and working on a new project. I was considering a kitbash of two Zeon MS, like the Z'gok and Zaku or the Dom and Zaku, but the ideas weren't coming to me. I was organizing my Gunpla bookshelf and ran across the Superbia GN-X, an infiltration type GN-X with undersea equipment.
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| Superbia GN-X (MA mode) |
Background
Because the Principality of Zeon started it's MS research and development much sooner than EFSF, they began creating specialized MS and MA to suit specific environments. Project V was created in response to the Zeon's MS forces, hence the push for multi-purpose, space oriented MS. Whereas Zeon MS were created for specific purposes, specialized EFSF MS could dock with external boosters or equipment to navigate certain environments or deliver larger payloads (e.g. G-Fighter, G-Defenser, Dendrobium, F90 series, G-Falcon, etc.) EFSF MS also appear 'slimmer' when compared to Zeon MS, allowing for easier docking of external equipment. Zeon took strategic superiority in it's undersea operations by releasing a range of underwater capable MS and MA, leading to many covert, infiltration-type operations and surprise offensives (e.g. Attack on Jaburo.) EFSF produced the RAG-79 Aqua GM, but it was released in small numbers and suffered many design flaws.
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| Aqua GM (Unicorn OVA) |
Early Concept
What if EFGF (ground forces) created a GM with undersea equipment that could be jettisoned?
When developing this concept, I began thinking in two parts: the core unit and the parts needed for the external equipment. Unlike many EFSF units, the Gundam head is exposed or a core fighter-like unit is used to transport and deliver the unit in space. The Superbia MA mode utilizes an armored "head" cover with a visor-like sensor array. Since EFSF hasn't developed MAs, this would fall outside of their technology---and finding a way to keep this project looking like an EFGF unit would be difficult. Ideally, I could use a mono-eye sensor, like the Gaza-C or the Hambrabi, but that's Zeon technology.
What if this was a Karaba unit instead?
Genius. Karaba was the Earth-based anti Titans faction during Zeta, and like the Titans at the time, utilized both EFSF and Zeon technology. Since they were an Earth based faction, versus the AEUG (space-based), this would stay in line with the UC universe. Karaba was responsible for producing the Guncannon Detector (a land based, artillery variation of the Methuss), the Zeta Plus series (a mass-produced Zeta line), and the Nemo (a GM style grunt unit.)
What if the main unit was a Nemo instead of a GM?
To be frank, I don't like the 'look' of the Nemo very much, but I think a big factor is the original color scheme.
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| Nemo, Normal Type (Zeta) |
As demonstrated in Gundam UC, changing the color scheme made a huge difference.
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| Nemo, Desert Type (Unicorn OVA) |
Also, as an added benefit, pairing the Nemo with the "Nautilus" is both fitting and appropriate. I envision the Nautilus attaching in a similar manner to Nemo like the Superbia to the GN-X. The core MS (Nemo) will remain upright and the external equipment (Nautilus) will dock on top of the head/collar bone area, covering the upper torso section. The remaining stabilization binders will attach along the waist and hang out from the sides of the hips.
Nemo, Aqua Type
The Nemo will need to be modified for underwater use and with infiltration related weaponary. I will use the Nemo (Normal Type) as a base, because the orange visor will work best with the darker color scheme. Using the Aqua GM for inspiration, I will modify the Nemo by adding fins to the legs and adding fin-type vernier. I will probably remove the antenna on the head.
Suggested Armaments:
- Blades- daggers? short swords? kunai? combat knives? compact axes?
- Arm shield? (e.g. GM Semi-Striker, FA Gundam)
- Wrist-mounted Submachine guns (similar to Arios Gundam GNHW)
Next Time...
- Nautilus Concept: design, weapons, features
- Kitbash parts
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