‘Rakke’ Exo-rig Zeoform
The Rakke Exo-rig is a ubiquitous sight on orbitals, dock facilities, and slip-ships throughout the Heliospheres, and for frequent travelers, it is likely the model of zeoform they have seen the most in real life.
Like all zeoform models constructed by the coalitions of People’s Galactic, manufacture is decentralized among dozens of workshops and colonies, so slight variations in design are commonplace.
All Rakkes follow the same basic body plan; a humanoid-shaped frame with slender limbs and torso.
Both the torso and the main manipulator arms are noticeably lengthened to give improved reach and leverage, while the legs are shorter and thicker to improve the zeoform’s center of gravity and lifting stability.
This unique body shape creates a compact and agile zeoform with surprising strength for its weight class.
Rakkes appear to be somewhat hunched during ordinary operations, an impression reinforced by the placement of the sensor unit well below the level of the shoulders for protection.
High-speed locomotion can be achieved by the main manipulator arms temporarily dropping the zeoform into a four-limbed gait, and it can climb surfaces exceptionally well.
Pact militarized Rakkes can be easily identified by a flexible weapon mounting on the shoulder, a somewhat limited compromise to the issues of mounting a suitable ranged weapon.
A much greater threat is mounted on the Rakke’s manipulator arms in the form of a variety of deadly close-quarters weapons.
Weight-for-weight, a militarized Rakke with an experienced pilot can easily overwhelm another tactical-class zeoform in a brawl and seriously threaten a heavier model, a fact that has given many GuardCorps strategists sleepless nights from time to time.
One of the most respected analysts, known both for highly detailed breakdowns and post-engagement evaluation as well as more informal “pop” texts is “Drew Chambert” (a nom de plume). Little is known about this writer except it is evident they are or have been a zeo designer, possibly even a pilot at some point, and have some quite deep connections into both Pact and GuardCorps operations. Their writings and audiocasts are available across all one hundred heliospheres to a greater or lesser extent.