Thank you for the idea! It's actually not too far off from the current concept I've been toying with on and off. I didn't mention it in the post, but I've been thinking of there being a second pilot that you switch between depending on the mission. So rather than there being a character select where you just pick one at the start of the game to spout the same lines, instead he and Val would alternate and there'd be maybe two separate plotlines going. One would play the part of the radio support back at the base who'd assist you during the mission if needed. Afterwards the two of them would banter and meet up back at the base/hangar and generally stick together when you're interacting with others and doing things like negotiating with arms dealers (you'll have to buy your weapons from somewhere)
I don't think there's really going to be a specific "handler" like Armored Core has, though the base should have some sort of authority figure or commander that you receive orders from. It's still kind of up in the air, but I'm trying to put it all together.
Thanks again!