MESS-S1aF-003 Harbinger

The Harbinger is the main Garrisai of the LEGACY Novel. It is piloted by protagonist Alexander Baltimore.

Technology and Combat Characteristics
Being a general purpose machine, this now customized version of the Harbinger Ground Type retains much of its original form's functionality. Despite having lost many of its original weapons and equipment, these were substituted by many of the weapons commonly used by the HGT's successor.

Armaments
- 300mm HPNC: Originally developed for battleship-grade turrets, this heavy-caliber weapon is extremely deadly when it hits its mark. It contains a three-round internal magazine, firing one shot per canister.

- Folding Heat Blade: A prototype weapon based off of the Anti-Armor Folding Blade, it is a close-range weapon that can serve as a primary melee weapon. When not in use, the blade splits down its middle horizontally, allowing for more compact storage.

- Anti-Armor Knives: Using the data recovered from the Anti-Armor Knife the Underground Harbinger still possessed, alongside the schematics of the Harbinger Ground Types, these new pairs of knives are best used at extreme-close range. While not being as effective against armor, they are devestating against the joints and camera sensors of other Garrisai. When deployed, each knife slides out from the calf armors via a rotating socket.

- 60mm Carbine: This marksman-grade semi-automatic is best used in the hands of an experienced pilot; however, the use of a METACOM System makes use of this rifle notably easier. It fires precision rounds best aimed at the vulnerable points on a Garrisai Frame. When not in use, it is stored on the back.

History
After the Underground Harbinger arrived at Minerva Base, it was taken in by the LCR and upgraded according to the designs of the Harbinger GTs of the FGC. It was also given weapons developed in more recent eras, such as the 300mm HPNC and Folding Heat Blade. It would be used during the defense of Minerva Base, the capture of a Mercury Legion Warehouse, and against the Diamondback. When an impending Mercury Legion attack from ace Miia Deltavi was discovered, the Harbinger was upgraded into the LAND STRIKE Harbinger.

Trivia
- The Harbinger takes general inspiration from most of the main Mobile Suits from several Gundam Series, though its design can be roughly attributed to the Barbatos of Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.