263-A "Grain Rain"
Introduction
The 263-A "Grain Rain" is a large frigate and the lead vessel of the Grain Rain-class. It is part of Earth's Abyss Exploration Fleet (E.A.E.F.), established by the Earth aerospace agencies Roscosmos and CNSA. Designed to be the fleet's principal surface combatant second only to the Twilight Rain-class, it draws on and successfully implements numerous technological achievements from the Twilight Rain-class. As one of the E.A.E.F.'s core capital ship models, the Grain Rain is equipped with the shipborne AI Gu Yuxi, which assists the captain in enhancing the submarine's condition monitoring and security capabilities.
Submarine Historical Background
In the early operations of the E.A.E.F., fleet vessels were often unable to conduct deep-sea relic exploration due to insufficient endurance, risk resistance and self-supply capabilities. In response, the E.A.E.F. R&D Department designed and commissioned its controlled large shipyards to build the Twilight Rain-class Dreadnought Submarines. While these effectively addressed the issue of shallow exploration depth caused by limited endurance, the operational cost of the Twilight Rain-class was prohibitively high. The E.A.E.F. relied heavily on material support from Earth to maintain their operation. As relations between Earth and the Europa government soured, the E.A.E.F.'s financial situation deteriorated further, making it impossible to continue deploying the Twilight Rain-class for large-scale abyss exploration missions. Thus, the E.A.E.F. identified an urgent need for a low-cost, large-scale submarine based on the Twilight Rain-class design, giving birth to the Grain Rain-class.
As the E.A.E.F.'s second major capital ship model, the Grain Rain-class inherits the exceptional defensive capabilities and seakeeping of the Twilight Rain-class, while boasting enhanced maneuverability. Firepower was compromised to cut costs: the number of artillery pieces was reduced by nearly half compared to the Twilight Rain-class, and onboard defense cannons, depth charges, nuclear torpedoes and other heavy armaments were removed. Endowed with robust defensive capabilities, the E.A.E.F. frequently deployed the Grain Rain-class as the Fleet Shield, and as a destroyer leader alongside smaller vessels for relic exploration operations.
When contact between Europa and Earth was lost, the Alliance's raids on the E.A.E.F. left only one Twilight Rain-class submarine in active service. The Grain Rain-class then assumed greater fleet responsibilities, becoming the mainstay of the E.A.E.F. It continued relic research and assisted the fleet in its efforts to re-establish communication with Earth.
Key Features
As a vessel built on Twilight Rain-class technology, the Grain Rain retains the signature fixed-angle indirect fire capability of the Twilight Rain-class main battery. However, its sonar detection range is reduced compared to the Twilight Rain-class's ultra-long-range navigation station. The Grain Rain excels in maneuverable close-quarters combat against leviathans: it is equipped with an additional engine boost function for rapid tactical maneuvering during battles. It also retains the Twilight Rain-class's formidable bow armor. Leveraging the submarine's high mobility, captains can use its thick bow armor to withstand bites from leviathans and fire from enemy submarines and beacon stations alike.
Miss Gu Yuxi humanoid AI Unit
Ms. Gu Yuxi is a down-to-earth and earnest individual, who acts with unwavering efficiency and meticulous organization."— A diplomat of the E.A.E.F.
[Miss Gu Yuxi cannot be directly commanded via orders, but you can press E to interact and make her follow you.]
E.A.E.F. ZBZH-175 Series Power Armor
ZBZH-175A "Fuxi" Power Armor
Developed by the E.A.E.F. R&D Department, the Fuxi-type is a heavy defensive assault power armor designed to counter unknown extraterrestrial biological and mechanical threats in alien relics. Constructed with extensive high-strength extraterrestrial materials, it provides unparalleled heavy protection. This comes at the cost of extreme weight, however, requiring nuclear fuel rods from submarine reactors to power its drive motors and enable operation.
ZBZH-175B "Xingtian" Power Armor
Also developed by the E.A.E.F. R&D Department, the Xingtian-type is a high-mobility assault power armor for defensive operations against small extraterrestrial creatures and Alliance incursions. It is fabricated primarily from materials extractable in the shallow waters of Europa. Though it cannot match the Fuxi-type's heavy defensive capabilities, its lightweight design grants superior maneuverability in indoor combat, excelling in engagement, flanking and retreat operations. This lightweight construction also allows it to be battery-powered, eliminating the need for costly nuclear fuel rods.
