MPL-97S Python

Python
The unlucky Labor, armed with pride.

Type number: MPL-97S
Manufacturer: Manabe Heavy Industries
Total Height: 7.80m
Total Width: 4.85m
Weight: 7.25t
Loaded Weight: 7.85t
Maximum carrying capacity: 2.60t
Minimum turn radius: 5.90m
Armor Materials: Reinforced Steel
Rollout: August, 1997
Equipment: Stun Stick, Exclusive Shield, etc.

Within the history of Labors that now spans five generations, there is one machine cursed with poor fortune.   This machine is most likely Manabe Heavy Industry’s Second-Generation Patrol Labor, the MPL-97S 'Python'.

Technically, this machine is an improved version of the company’s MPL-97 ‘Serpent’ which was deployed into Special Vehicle Section 2 in 1997.   Utilizing all of the labor technology that had been cultivated by Manabe Heavy Industries, this model was to have been the culmination of these technologies, and despite Manabe’s late entry into the Labor industry, their hopes were placed into the a heavy advertising campaign, as well as the unit’s extremely reasonable costs.

In reality, the power and durability of the unit, in addition to the available parts and options were beyond comparison to the first generation Patrol Labor, the ASUKA MPL96.  

However, the speed of advancement in the industry proceeded far beyond Manabe’s expectations, and the Serpent was out of date almost instantly.  Rushed improvements were made to the armor and control systems, and the unit was released.   Of course, since the basic design was already out of date, the wire-driven manipulators and outdated induction motors used in the joints meant that the entire unit was a completely mechanically driven machine.  With the unbelievable debut of the Ingram one year later, the Python was completely defeated.

However, in spite of the rapid introduction of Toyohata’s SRX-70 and Shinohara’s AVS-98, two new models which completely outclassed the Python, Special Vehicles Section 1 would be forced to use this outdated model until the 1999 test deployment of the Peacemaker.

Though Section 1 would be seen to deploy against a wide range of superior labors engaged in destructive practices, the tireless training and precise operational planning, and above all, the pride of the section members would ultimately prevail.

 Source: Another Century's Chronicle Vol. 3: The Labor Industry Development Complete History.  Gakken Mook 2009