Right.... so I been unable to vote so far.
If I could vote, I would have voted Rusty. The story was brilliant - quite simply brilliant in every way.
Honestly speaking I could not fault it and I was left wanting to read more. Aamirsaab - you got a story on your hands bro - which I would like to read more of.
Your choice of name for the Muslimah, Hal, was sneaky - short for Halima. So many sci-fi movies have an "Hal", sometimes an hologram, other times some sort of AI, and yet at other times, an holo-matrix. The word Hal, seems to be suited to the sci-fi world, yet your use of it was unique, which I found really quite endearing.
Speaking of Hal, the character development was instant - I was thrown into the midst of the story, and immediately understood the main character, Hal, was no ordinary girl, but a strong willed and physically able individual who had the strength to make men look like girls. She had grit, grunt and growl... impressive.
For the AI mecha exoskeleton, I didn't have to work my imagination. Being familiar with Sci-Fi, I noticed your description of the mecha was reflective of Iain M Banks stories with a touch of the old Asimov. Asimov gave his AI robots some human qualities, such as loyalty, and I found this theme prevalent in your story.
The action scenes were intense, and brutal - and knowing that a Muslimah was fighting this epic mecha rumble, coupled with her AI exoskeleton was interesting. Particularly the conversations between the two. At one point, there was almost a Vulcan mind merge where the AI and Hal are finishing each others sentence off - that was really exciting.
Hal's struggle for survival in a post apocalyptic world was unique and championed the human spirit. I think this story has lots of subtle mind blows attached to it, which when really reflected upon left me feeling like this was just the start of an
epic in scope story which is more of a tease - an intro - to an otherwise fantastical tale of survival, faith, companionship and loyalty.
Basically bro Aamirsaab - my hat comes off in respect. I nod my head in acknowledgement of your skill and say to you, Sir, please - please - write this book.
Honestly - I want MORE.
EDIT:
My little brother will be overcome with joy
WOW mashaAllah haha, how old is he? Tell him I said I really liked his story and smiled because it took me back to when I was a child and had one heck of an imagination. For that, I thank him. His short story allowed me to reconnect with me innocent inner child again
God bless,
Scimi