After-Action Report
Second Theoi, codenamed "Mnevis," detected in Sahara desert. Quadrupedal entity formed of swirling gravitational anomalies, with "mask" structure on the front of the "body." Target began approaching Cairo region, periodically altering course as though homing in on something. Pharaoh units deployed via airdrop to semi-prepared position near 6th October City. With assistance from Americans, additional support platforms were deployed, and STARS analysis was accelerated. Target detected Pharaoh units, and altered course to engage them.
Pharaoh units suffered heavy damage, as the target made repeated charges. A lucky hit on the core seemed to catch the target by surprise, and inflicted minor damage. Attacks on the body proved ineffective, and none of the Pharaohs landed hits on the mask (though post-battle analysis suggests this was for the best). It was determined that core hits would be the best way to take it down. This plan was hampered when Pharaoh 03 suffered a disabling hit to its arm, followed by a strike to the torso that injured Pilot de Sol.
An effective tactic was developed when Pharaoh 00 neutralized and grappled with the target, slowing its movements and reducing its ability to absorb attacks. During this opportunity, Pharaoh 03 took up an ambush position from which to fire its weapon again, and Pharaoh 01 made several ranged attacks that were deflected by the target's gravitational anomaly. The target responded by savaging Pharaoh 00, and injuring Pilot Xavier.
The target broke free, and began to charge at Pharaoh 03 again. Pharaoh 03 was able to dodge the attack, and deliver a retaliatory shot to the core, which staggered the target. At this point, Pharaohs 00 and 01 attempted to coordinate a ranged attack, but failed to account for the gravitational anomaly, and missed their shots. The target then began to flee, was interdicted by Pharaoh 00, and Pharaoh 01 managed to destroy the core with its progressive knife. The destruction of the core destabilized the gravitational anomaly, removing Pharaoh 01's right arm.
Tactical Analysis Summary, Codename "Mnevis"
This battle saw minor injury to our pilots, but resulted in virtually no collateral damage. Having learned from the prior engagement, conventional forces were deployed for maximum-range probing. Then, the target was intercepted well outside any settled area. This allowed us to gain valuable data in advance of the battle, and engage the target, with no loss of human life.
Mnevis used much the same tactics as its predecessor, but with greater mobility and impact force. Its entire form was designed for ramming opponents using the armored "mask" on its front. It also showed a surprising ability to use its gravitational fields to "kick" out at melee attackers. Neutralization of its AT Field and mobility was instrumental to victory, and further credence should be given to such methods in future.
The Theoi seemed to be in a search pattern, and that pattern was closing in on Cairo-3. As both encountered Theoi have shown interest and hostility towards the Pharaoh units, it is possible that the Pharaohs themselves are their targets.
- Wu Liang
Biology Analysis Summary, Codename "Mnevis"
No organic material to recover, this thing was almost entirely made of gravitational forces, and whatever material its core was made of got pulled into the singularity at the end (along with Unit 01's arm). I'll turn this over to Doctor Vahlen, and get back to mopping up what remains of Yammu.
- Dr. O. Salieri
As Doctor Salieri has said, no biological material could be recovered. However, the data we gathered on the Theoi's manipulation of gravity has been invaluable, and points towards ways that we might exert our own control over this fundamental force. AT Field manipulation seems to be our most accessible option at the moment, even considering that only four people in the world are capable of doing so. Additionally, the creature's mask/battering ram was recovered intact, and my team is subjecting it to every test we can think of. Early metallurgical results have come back negative. It isn't even made of metal! This is incredibly exciting!
- Dr. M. Vahlen