SK-000X2 Mercurius

The SK-000X2 Mercurius is a mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam Alpha. Known as the "King's Shield", it is a mobile suit meant for escorting and providing heightened defense for King Milliardo and the SK-000 Tallgeese. 

Appearance
More or less the original Mercurius from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. The only real changes are the Crash Shield (now known as a "Blast Shield") now housing a beam gun instead of a saber, and the original beam pistol replaced with a standard saber.

Technology & Combat Characteristics
Meant to serve as one of two escort units for King Milliardo and the Tallgeese, the Mercurius was specifically designed for high performance. Though it cannot quite match the Tallgeese's impressive speed and mobility, it can still effectively keep up with it, even as the Lightning King charges into battle at full burn. As a result, the Mercurius outperforms virtually all standard-line mobile suits, including those of Zeon origin.

For its intended role, the Mercurius was oriented for defense, acting as the the "King's Shield". Its primary armament is a set of ten defensors, remote disc-shaped beam shield generators that can protect the Mercurius as well as other mobile suits. Each defensor is capable of generating its own beam shield, as well as combining with its siblings to form an even larger and more powerful shield when required. In full form, the defensors are capable of deflecting even battlecruiser level firepower, though only for a short period of time. When inactive, the defensors can dock along a rack on the Mercurius' back for recharging. The only other (initial armament is a Blast Shield (essentially a large physical shield with an integrated beam gun), though later the Mercurius is retrofitted to carry a beam saber as well.

Overall, the Mercurius was designed to operate together with its brother, the SK-000X1 Vayeate, both covering the Tallgeese (as well as each other) when in battle. Both suits have a head cover that defends the sensors but otherwise limits the vision.

Armaments

 * DD 00X Defensor
 * A remote weapon that is used to defend the Mercurius or any other mobile suit from a impending attack. Defensors are essentially small disc-shaped beam shield generators, each capable of generating singular shields as well as joining together to create more powerful barriers. At full strength, they are capable of warding off battlecruiser level fire, though repeated attacks will wear their shield down. When near depletion, they can return to the rack on the Mercurius' back for recharging.


 * CS 00X Blast Shield
 * Both an additional defense and the Mercurius' only initial form of offensive power. It is a large metal shield with a powerful beam gun integrated at its center, granting the Mercurius some medium-range firepower. The shield itself can also be used a melee weapon, as it holds three prong extensions around the beam gun, which can be used to batter enemies into effective submission.


 * BS 00X Beam Saber (Retrofit)
 * Following the debut of Project V, the Federation shares some of the associated technology with its allies, allowing them to adapt their mobile suit forces accordingly. One of the more coveted items is the beam saber, which is eagerly retrofitted on any mobile suit that can support such a weapon. The Mercurius is one such unit, as its Blast Shield was refitted to hold one saber. When activated, the hilt generates a focused blade of beam energy; this is revolutionary compared to standard melee weapons at that point, which can only generate a beam "edge" over a designated area. The blade can be shortened or lengthened at the pilot's command, allowing it to be utilized as a dagger when necessary. Once activated, the beam saber does not rely on the mobile suit's reactor and can be thrown or discarded as a decoy. The beam saber is most often used for close range combat or as an emergency weapon once all others have been depleted or lost.

History
Developed by the same team that created the Tallgeese, the Mercurius was produced from the ground up to act as an escort for King Milliardo and the latter. Piloted by Lieutenant Luna Armonia of the Sanc Royal Guard - consequently one of King Milliardo's personal guardswomen) - the unit is often seen alongside its brother Vayeate at their liege's flanks when in battle.