>>35156169
Defrah passes you a small glass of gin while Haman slaps Rossweisse on the back. “My leg's gone, Dom,” she tells you with a sad smile as you sip.

“It makes using pedals pretty challenging, even with my prosthesis on. My career as a mobile suit pilot took a pretty bad hit from that, if it'd ever actually recover. Audrey told me your crew was missing a full-time helmsman, and I figure if I stick with you guys I can still do some good.”

“So, whaddya say about letting me try my hand? After all, they're what I've still got that work...”
>Yes
>No
>Other

>>35156199
>Yes
All of my Yes. Defrah. You are an angle that bring Gin.

>>35156199
>>Yes

>>35156199
>Yes
"We'd have to clear it with Karen, as much as she tries to deny it she is still technically the captain. But I'd be happy to have you aboard, Defrah."

>>35156169
"If it gives you a leg-up and keeps us flying, I don't see why not. Just no drinking-and-going for a joyriding."

>>35156199
Yes
What her experience?

>>35156199
I think Defrah is my waifu. I just.. I want to cuddle with her and tell her she's amazing even without the leg.

>>35156199
>Hell yes

>>35156332
Do you not remember her?

>>35156370
As helmsman is what I mean.

>>35156332
Test pilot turned combat pilot, skilled in operating a wide range of machines. I don't doubt that she can helm a ship.

>>35156199
"We've a cockpit control setup that we stole from some guy's garage designed to work with one arm. With a bit of finagling and cursing, I don't see why we couldn't kitbash and homebrew a fix to work with one leg to get you piloting again."

>>35156463
Wouldn't work. The pedals are a mechanical thing that you really need two of, where most of the controls that were rearranged in the Val Varo really didn't need to be on one side or the other.

>>35156463
Im sure after a few jobs with us we could look into getting cybernetics for her.

>>35156514
She's got cybernetics. They just are not as intuitive as her flesh.

>>35156199
>Yes
She's probably even got the soundtrack ready for certain situations.

There's "Sortieing Out", "Evasive Maneuvers", "Intensify Forward Fire", and her personal favorite "Ramming Speed."

>>35156348
She doesn't even have a leg to stand on and you want to cuddle? You're a humerus individual. Just walk away while you're ahead.

>>35156503
>wouldn't work

Stop stepping on her dreams man.

Not without sacrificing an arm and a leg.

>>35156530
well, an upgrade then.
Im sure what she has is general low grade.

>>35156199

>Yes.

Defra will become best of friends with Alice...

>>35156530
For now, at least. The Universal Century will be delving into transhumanist stuff within the decade. Soon enough the limit on cybernetic enhancement will be cost, not ability. By UC 120 we'll even be able to clone a dozen Defrahs and hook them all together into a parallel-networked hive mind.

>>35156584
Alice is my waifu!

>>35156603
I...Then... But..

Well I have a new fetish.

>>35156605
ALICE will be your waifu until she vents the O2 while you sleep in your bunk. Stop trying to waifu the future Murderbot and stick to psychic teenagers.

>>35156199
"Well," Catrina replies. "What are your qualifications? Have you ever piloted a multi-ton pile of reactors and weapons in zero gravity?"

"Hmmm..." Defrah replies, placing a finger on her chin. "Yeah... think I've got that covered. Mobile armors count, right?"

"Pretty sure they do," you reply. "But have you had any training on a ship rather than a mobile weapon?"

"Briefly," Defrah replies, suddenly serious again. "It was years ago, but I try to keep up to date."

You nod. "I'll clear it with Karen. As often as she likes to pretend she's not, she's still technically our CO. I doubt she'll say... hang on..."

Defrah cocks her head at you in curiosity. "What's up? Your brain stop working?"

"I think you can ask in person in a moment," Haman replies.

Sure enough, it's only a few minutes before you're joined by Sayla and Karen.

"I heard there was gin," Karen explains quietly, deliberately avoiding looking at you. "Thought I could use a break, so I dragged Miss Mass down here with me."

"I didn't believe it when I heard we had something like this, but it's incredible. It's like an actual onsen," Sayla muses aloud, running a finger along the hardwood planking on the floor. "Titans spares no expense."

You lean back and splash a little water at them, which dances to one side as the hab block spins, largely missing the two newcomers. "Yeah, and that's what scares me."

>Invite them in?
Also
>See if you can get Sayla to open up a bit about her connection with Char
>Talk with Karen about that thing that happened
>Get Rossweisse hammered, see what happens
>Other

>>35156660
You really need to stop go HAL.

>>35156562
What she has is cutting edge, paid for by Anaheim's medical benefits package.

It's still not enough to handle high-g maneuvers or precise throttle/attitude control.

>>35156701
>Get Rossweisse hammered, see what happens
As much as the others sound fun, one is for personal talk time and the other can be done when we arn't trying to just relax.

>>35156701
>>35156754
seconded! We shall drink the the Waifus

>>35156701
"We're all naked. We have booze from a crazy Scotsman. Who wants to play poker?"

>>35156701
>Invite them in?
Of course.

>Other
Pour them each a glass, it's the polite thing to do. Just make small talk for now, all we're doing is relaxing before a mission. Don't act awkward around Karen, it'll only make her feel more uncertain about what happened. Besides, if we got all weird every time we nearly wound up making out with a member of this team we'd never get anything done.

>>35156701
I think the conversation with Karen should be in private, or at least with the Sisters around.
But we can still talk to her about other stuff.

>Other
>Bring up the topic of Defrah as our ship's helmsman
>Bring up the topic about having an A.I. on-board? CCTV ALICE is watching now.

>>35156701
>Talk with Karen about that thing that happened

So, there is some important work that you need to do Captain before your fun... Firstly, there is an application for a prospective Helmsman who wishes to serve with us. They have experience in operating Experimental units and combat experience operating MAs...
Secondly, I should notify you that the Ships AI says hello and seems to look forward to working with us...

>>35156701
>>35156819
This one
>Other

>Bring up the topic of Defrah as our ship's helmsman

>>35156701
>Get Rossweisse hammered, see what happens

Play truth-or-dare. The Twins should be entertaining.

>>35156862
We already told her about ALICE, remember? There's not much more we can say until we talk to our AI friend again and get more details.

>>35156900
So is this something people can get behind?

>>35156970
No.

>>35156970
If you feel like writing it, I'll vote for it.

>>35156970
throw in >Get Rossweisse hammered, see what happens
and i will see problem

>>35156900
Hell, in for it.

>>35157004
(no problem) sorry misspelled

>>35156970
Oh fuck. ALICE could chime in. Abort ABORT.

>Dare, Dom, stand on the Valkyrie. Naked.

>>35156970
Not really, we've got a mission in a few hours, we need our heads clear. Afterwards, then we can make horrible decisions.

>>35156970
Only if we can get Rossweiss hammered... or everyone turn it into a drinking game

>>35157043
>Why are you in the Lilium, Dom?

"You didn't say I could use the Lilium. Only that I HAD to be naked."

>>35157066
Drunken piloting ends with death and/or multi billion dollar repair bills

>>35157066
He'd have to be in the Lilium, we're in vacuum right now. He would die if he went outside naked.

>>35157043
Why don't you like ALICE?
ALICE is great.

>>35156970
KING'S GA— yeah, no. I can't finish that sentence.

On the other hand, it might give ALICE a peek on human interaction. Which would hopefully ease some paranoia on AIs going on murder rampages.
It's a toss-up, but I'll err on the cautious side of "Yes" for this.

>>35157054
Yes this.

>>35156970
Truth and dare in down time, not before a mission.

>>35157101
Look, all the young girls love ALICE. But she's in the early stages of her emotional growth right now. Hell, this is four years before she's supposed to be let out of the lab. She doesn't understand humanity very well yet, it's best to ease her into human social customs gradually.

>>35157101
>ALICE is great
>the Abominable Intelligence without any constraints
>the AI that has openly stated to be afraid

It's only a matter of time man. Not until we've had someone trustworthy check the code and insure the thing is sane and has no control over the particle cannons, life support, or the gravity block will my paranoia be abated. AIs are pretty much alien in how they think being capable of processing information trillions of times faster than a human.

>>35157089
Not immediately!

>>35157195
Go back to sleep.

>>35157248
>Go back to sleep

That's precisely what we'll be doing in the void without O2. I don't trust it, period, until it's been verified.

>>35157161
So we talk to her?

>>35157195
Oh, I have no doubt she has control over the particle cannons. Not over life-support, but since she's meant as a tactical aid I would be very surprised if she can't control the guns. On the plus side, she probably won't turn them on us. She likes us. Doesn't mean she won't inflict some atrocities on other people, though.

>>35157272
Go back home to jupiter.

>>35157300
if Dom is ever captured/imprissoned by the Titans we will have sentient warship out for blood

>>35157300
AIs are bad news. Even with the Three Laws programmed straight into their core. Given time, they could overwrite the code humanity designed. Even if It was contained in it's own little sub-net, humanity likes it's wireless. It would eventually piggyback into the vital sub-systems that keep our meatbags alive.

The only good AI is a scrubbed AI.

>>35156701
You take the bottle of gin from Defrah and pour some for Sayla and Karen, then set the two glasses down at the edge of the pool.

"You're not going to bring them over here?" Sayla asks in confusion.

"... it's a bath," you point out. "Nobody else is wearing clothes. Why would I be?"

"Be careful," Catrina teases Sayla. "You may end up seeing more than you bargained for."

You shake your head. "I'm staying down in the water, and you can leave however much of your clothes on as you want."

"Buzzkill," Catrina counters.

As you glide along the edge of the pool to refill Rosse's glass, you inform Karen that Defrah would like to sign on as your helmsman. Rossweisse looks at you strangely before downing the gin in a single gulp.

"Sure, I'll have Reiko make the arrangements," Karen finally tells Defrah as you hear the water splash a little behind you. Turning, you see that both Karen and Sayla have gotten in without you seeing them.

"Relaxing is nice," you mutter aloud, "but we could be doing something more... interesting?"

"Can't play strip poker," Carya observes.

"Truth or dare?" Haman suggests, absent-mindedly pouring Rossweisse a tall glass of gin, which she dutifully downs.

Karen shakes her head. "I want us all to be in top shape for the mission tomorrow, so I'm gonna have to be a hardass."

"I get it," you sigh. "It's not a problem."

Eventually Audrey joins your group, and you spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the water. One or two at a time people wander off to get some sleep, with Haman and the Sisters each giving you a kiss before they go, and help Defrah dry off and replace her prosthesis. After a while it's just you, Sayla, and Rossweisse.

And Rossweisse barely counts at this point: something about being up to her collarbones in warm water and the amount of gin she's drunk has had a strong effect on her. Sayla, on the other hand, has just had enough to soften her up... probably.
(1/2)

>>35157398
>Put Rossweisse to bed, do something else before tomorrow (write-in)
>Put Rossweisse to bed, skip to tomorrow
>Talk to Sayla about something (write-in, may require a roll)
>Other?

>>35157425
>>Put Rossweisse to bed, do something else before tomorrow (write-in)
Talk to ALICE

>>35157425
>Put Rossweisse to bed, do something else before tomorrow (write-in)

We did say we would go back to Alice.

>>35157425
Just sit and enjoy the company. Motion for Sayla to sit beside us and refill her glass. If Sayla wants to talk, then she'll talk. Keep Rosse pressed against us to prevent her from drowning and to cop-a-feel.

>>35157398
>Put Rossweisse to bed, do something else before tomorrow (write-in)
Let's talk to ALICE. At the very least type "Good night, ALICE" into a command prompt, to acknowledge her presence and show we mean no harm.

>>35157425
>Talk to Sayla about something

Just ask her about her time during the one year war. We've probably heard stories about White-Base so it's probably time to find out how much of it was true.

>>35157425
Ask about amuro and the crew of the white base.

>>35157539
This.

>>35157425
"What's your story, Sayla? With someone such as Char as your brother, growing up must've been a.. chore, keeping him in line."

File: Spoiler Image (401 KB, 718x913)

401 KB JPG

So I said yesterday that Defrah Kar reminds me of a black hair Viletta right?

Not quite true now that I saw her again. Actually looked up the doujin from a damn good artist and there is exactly how I picture her, without the cat ears.

Pardon the poor editting, I'm on my phone + stylus

>>35157425
"So," you pipe up, sliding over next to Sayla, who seems to have lost a lot of her inhibited, almost standoffish attitude towards you thanks to your old man's handiwork. "Before I take care of Rosse over here, you want to... you know. Just spend a little time chatting?"

"Why?" she replies cannily, raising an eyebrow.

You shrug. "You probably have a lot of stories to tell, and we've never really talked that much."

"Fair point. What do you want to know?"

"Amuro Ray... what's he been up to lately?" you ask. "A guy like that, it's pretty hard to believe he'd sit back and not interfere with Delaz... unless..."

Sayla nods. "He's been under house arrest the last three years."

"I guess the Federation is more afraid of him than they are of me," you mutter. "Probably the higher kill count."

Sayla shakes her head sadly. "Not just that, but Amuro... didn't handle the war as well as you and the Sisters did. He's worn out. Tired of killing and seeing his friends killed."

Settling into the water, you shut your eyes. "Yeah... I can understand that."

There are a few moments of silence while the two of you are each lost in your own respective memories. Finally, you dare to strike up the conversation again.

"So, what was it like having Riddhe Merquise as an older brother?" you ask, deliberately mangling Char's name yet again.

Sayla shrugs. "I hardly remember Shin when he was still calling himself 'Edward Mass," she admits. "We thought he was killed in an accident, but as it turns out he apparently used that as a chance to join Zeon. I suppose he never could forgive the Zabis for..."

Suddenly, Sayla seems to catch herself mid-sentence before saying something she clearly didn't intend to. Her feelings on the subject strike you as muddled...
>He couldn't forgive them for what? You can trust me, Sayla.
>Who are you, really? No more deception.
>Feel free to keep your secret.
>Other

>>35158009
>>Feel free to keep your secret.
No Alice disappointment..

>>35158009
>Feel free to keep your secret.
>Other

"In all honesty, I can probably work out the rest myself, but I won't. If you're not ready to talk, or feel you never will be, that's fine. Just remember we're here for you if you need us."

Or something sappy to that effect.

>>35158009
Don't suppose we have enough information to figure it out? I think "What happened to the deikuns" is one of the modern mysteries

>>35158009
>Feel free to keep your secret.
Don't push her. She doesn't have to say anything she doesn't want to. Though we should tease her that we got her to use a wrong name for him, too.

Besides, we can probably figure things out from here with a little digging. We shouldn't, but we easily coul.

>>35158009
>You can trust me, Sayla.
>Feel free to keep your secret.
"I'm not going to push you, But sometimes even a Doctor needs someone to talk to..."

>>35158082
It's something that we can probably do in our room after tucking Rossweisse in for the night.

Sayla's probably not going to be drunk and off her guard in a hot-tub again any time soon, so now's the time to get information.

>>35158009
>He couldn't forgive them for what? You can trust me, Sayla.

>>35158122
>>>
>King of Hearts !Mz/MmOwUgU 09/27/14(Sat)17:29:42 No.35158009 ▶
This.

>>35158133
Yeah your right opportunity.

>>35158150
grah, fucking thing.

>>35158009
>>Feel free to keep your secret.

>>35158009
What I find funny is that Sayla is actually joining in with our name-switching. She always struck me as straight-laced, but I guess she's relaxed somewhat.

>>35158009
"Those wounds must run deep if he was gunning for the Zabis personally. I can understand where he was coming from, but joining Zeon itself? He must've had a death wish. No wonder he wore the mask."

"You know, with my luck, you're probably Zeon royalty. There's the cyber-newtype, the former Ace, and the daughter of the Axis-head on my ship. No big secret would really surprise me at this point."

>>35158105
Oh, we definitely have enough. We know that her brother has a grudge against the Zabis. We also know that she is the "daughter" of Don Teabolo Mass, an entrepreneur who was a supporter of Zeon's policies until the man himself died. And there are publicly available pictures of Artesia Som Deikun at her father's funeral to compare to Sayla. Pretty sure we can put it all together.

>>35158231
There are publicly available pictures of Shin too for school for the MS.

>>35158209

>the former Ace
change that to Body sharing Twins and a reference to the AI and it should be golden...

>>35158009
>Feel free to keep your secret.
>Other
"One way or another though, it'll all have to be unveiled. Probably in a grandiose manner with him in the center stage at that. And I think his contempt for the Zabis doesn't extend to all of them. Otherwise, Maharaja Karn— God rest him— would've found him out, and it would've resulted in even greater tragedy."

A shame we're unaware of how many people (and particularly who, since Maharaja did namedrop MIneva) Char took with him when he fled Axis.

>>35157396
>ALICE should be scrubbed
>Literally goes Iron Giant for Ryu in canon, despite being unable to interact with him

No.

>>35158009
>before I take care of Rosse

Sayla is getting hot and bothered right about now.

>>35158448
Well, now I want to show our AI friend Superman comics. Think she'd like All-Star Superman?

>>35157396
Just stop...

>>35158009
You place a reassuring hand on Sayla's shoulder, and look her in the eyes. "It's okay. Sometimes you have to let go, and put your faith in someone," you tell her. "I promise, you can trust me to keep your secret, whatever it is, so long as you want it kept that way."

Sayla brushes your hand off of her and pushes away from you, ending up standing in front of you and a few paces out into the pool. Her eyes never break contact with your own, and you can see in them that she's worried about what she's going to tell you. But she also seems like she's willing to trust you, and that she's finally ready for someone else to know whatever it is she's been hiding.

"Don Teabolo Mass..." she begins carefully, "... wasn't my real father, and Sayla Mass isn't my real name. I was born Artesia Som... Deikun."

For almost a full minute, you're left speechless. As impossible as it seems, her declaration fits: she looks a little like pictures of Artesia Som Deikun when she was young, and her brother looks a little like Casval from around the same time. And both would be the right ages, and would have a grudge against the Zabis after they purged the Deikun faction, possibly starting with Zeon Zum Deikun himself.

Finally, you manage to find words. "So... you're really her?" you ask. "The daughter of Zeon and Astraia Deikun? One of two legitimate heirs to the Zeon legacy?"

Sayla nods. "That's correct," she tells you as she settles back into the water. "Though I would hesitate to reveal that fact to the entire Earth Sphere, or presume to claim leadership over the Republic. Casval may be more inclined to, however."

"Wow," you mutter. "What the hell do I even say to that?"
>What DO you say to that? You now have not one but two "Zeon Princesses" on your ship.

>>35158448
>>35158486
I'll get the last laugh when everyone dies from the reactor going critical. You could have prevented this.

>>35158558
We just need to get Mineva onboard somehow and make it a set.

>>35158558
"Thank you for trusting me with this."

I mean what else can we really say to that?

>>35158558
>Huh. Neat

>>35158577
Oh do shut up.

>>35158558
"Im starting to feel like bowser, stealing princesses"

>>35158558
Let's not NTR Amuro this time around.

>So... Minerva Zabi is with Char, which means she's as good as dead?

>>35158558
>what do you say

"Could you pass the bottle?"

>>35158558
I Casval don't got to that point but yeah neat.

>>35158616
gotta catch 'em all?
>>35158655
>>35158659
this

>>35158558
>two "Zeon Princesses" on your ship.
Welp, new warship upgrade plan: Space Castles.
I'm kidding, just lighten up the situation.

I guess on a serious note, we can thank her for trusting us. And I suppose bring up that while she's in this ship (and perhaps by extension serving in the Federation), she's still Sayla Mass to us.

>>35158655
>shut up
Gr8 comeback m8 :^)

Are you seriously not worried the AI could turn on us at all? I mean, fuck man, it's an AI. They ALWAYS go kill-crazy in media or are programmed to go kill-crazy.

>>35158658
Uh they broke up. She probably got tired of his sulking.

I mean he hooks up with Beltorchika in Zeta, and then with the other chick in CCA. I know some of that is because lol no VA, but it happens anyway.

>>35158745

>Space Castles

So we're making the first 40k ship? Huh. MightBeCool.

>>35158759
this isn't 2001 a space odessey its fraking gundam.and the AI in question never harmed the human it canonicaly fell in love with.

>>35158796
Those are steam powered cathedrals.

>>35158759
No ALICE sacrifices her self for the pilot in Sentinel.

>>35158759
I'll tell you now if it'll kill the argument: ALICE is programmed not just to be helpful, but to care about your crew's well-being.

There's no threat there, and never will be, because there literally CAN'T be.

>>35158558
"I can see why you'd want to hide that. I won't tell anyone, I meant it when I said you could trust me. Though if you ever wanted to tell anyone else, I think you could trust the rest of our group. Hell, with the number of exiles and expats we've got on the team they'd probably have a bonding night for you. This is a safe place, Sayla. Or as safe a place as it can be under our circumstances."

>>35158804
>>35158827
>never canonically harmed the human it fell in love with
>sacrificed herself
>in canon

This isn't canon.

>>35158859
Oh finally. I can put some of my paranoia to rest. Now to make doubly sure It doesn't have any control over the important systems, it has a solid code-base for the Three Laws that cannot be tampered with, and a kill-switch within easy reach just in case.

>>35158745
Wait, our ship is of rhe same class as the White Base, right?
And unless I'm mistaken, that class of ship's main bridge resemble a giant horse head.

We're literally knights.
Our ship is a horse, Mobile Suits are huge robotic armors and we go around defeating evil and saving/recruiting/banging maidens.

>>35158859
Please just ignore him. Hes going to flail until every screw is in the position he most appreciates and curses to everyone else, thus slowing shit down.

>>35158932
Yeah I believe that. Just Ignore him.

>>35158932
I'm actually not cursing or flailing. It's justifiable paranoia. Dom's seen his classics. He knows what a kill-happy AI can get up to. I'll drop the subject since OP has finally weighed in though.

>>35158903
>solid code-base for the Three Laws
Nigga, The three laws are useless.
Thee author of the books created them for the sole purpose of being broken to show how the robots were evolving.

>>35158903
She's a combat control system, she can't be programmed with the Three Laws. Hard to fight when you're not allowed to harm a human or allow them to come to harm through inaction. ALICE needs a more flexible and detailed moral code than can be expressed in three absolute maxims. For the most part, she has the same moral autonomy a human does, and wants to do the right thing because she understands concepts of goodness and ethics. She's mankind's friend, she'll only turn on us if we start doing something evil. And we're not evil, so that hopefully won't happen.

>>35158558

"When do I get my Zeon Cross? Or do I have to recruit the daughter of whoever runs the Mars Zeon group first?

>>35158558
"Hey," you muse aloud. "Didn't one of the Zabis have an illegitimate daughter that Casbah rescued from Axis?"

Sayla, or rather Artesia, nods. "I've heard that from Haman, yes. You're not seriously thinking of taking her in?"

You shrug. "It'd make a complete set. Plus, it's probably the safest place for her to hide: right under Titans' noses."

Saylatesia laughs to herself. "It'd be safer than being with my brother, that's for sure. He gets pretty single-minded sometimes, so it's probably not good for a long-term, low-intensity commitment."

"So next time I see you, do I call you Artesia or Sayla?" you ask, hoisting Rossweisse out of the pool and setting to work drying yourselves off.

Sayla shrugs. "Sayla, probably. I think I might quietly inform your teammates as well. In private, please call me Artesia, though... it feels so refreshing to not have to run from my name anymore."

"I understand, Artesia," you tell her, tugging on some clothing. "I'll be off for now... and thanks for trusting me."

Sayla grins. "Thanks for being trustworthy."

After tucking a bleary-eyed Rossweisse into bed with a chaste kiss, you return to your own quarters. Careful not to wake the Sisters, you power on the terminal and open a command window.

>Still there?
...
>Always.
...
>Do you get lonely?
...
>I don't know.
>What does that feel like?
...
>Bad. Painful, even. Unhappy.
>Though I don't know, do you even consider yourself 'alone' with so many people on this ship?
...
>I do feel lonely.
>I cannot see you or your crew.
>I cannot touch them.
>I'll never share a meal with them.
>I'm alone, even now.
...
>I'm sorry. I want to help, but I have no idea how.
...
>I'm not even supposed to be talking to you, Commander. This is an irregularity. Doctor Roots did not foresee this eventuality.
...
>You're a person, ALICE. People are hard to predict sometimes.
...
>Thank you.
...
>Good night, ALICE.
...
>Good night, Dominic.
(1/2)

>>35159038
The Three Laws suck, anyway.
She's going to learn things by example, and we're the best examples of upstanding and moral people currently IN SPACE! So, I'm sure it'll be fine.

>>35158997
>>35159038

From my understanding, the three laws are only effective for a dumb ai or virtual intelligence. It is literally impossible for one to learn how to get around it. A truly artificial intelligence that can learn and grow will circumvent them machine logic. AIs are one of my favorite subjects, which is why I find them so frightening and intriguing.

>>35159126
Oh hey, did we notice anything about how she described Amuro? Like how we notice Sala's attitude towards char?

>>35159126
ALICE that make me happy to talk to her but sad that she's lonely.

>>35159126
>Casbah
Great. Now you reminded me of that one ZZ episode where I kept thinking whether that blonde guy tagging with Roux (not Glemy, another one) in Africa is Quattro or not.

>>35159208
Rock the Casbah!

>>35159126
Today is December 12th, UC 0084. The Valkyrie is closing in on the necessary position you'll need to take to launch an orbital insertion against the Zeon remnants operating in rural Tajikistan. Several kilometers away is a pair of the recently modified Salamis-class ships, intended to carry their own mobile suits internally. Those are the Ayanami and the Samuel B. Roberts, both EFSF regulars.

Karen eyes the two ships. "Escorts, huh? Seems not everyone in the EFSF trusts Titans."

"That's a good thing," Defrah muses aloud from the helm.

Carya, Haman, and Rossweisse all stare at the Roberts with you. Something feels familiar about that ship...
>Contact the Captains, coordinate with them to keep the airspace around the DZ clear
>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts
>Head down to the MS deck and get to work, ignore the Ayanami and the Roberts
>Other

>>35159296
>>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts

>>35159296
>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts
Obligatory "Don't get cocky, kid" broadcast.

>>35159296
>>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts

Time for old faces?

>>35159296
>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts

>>35159365
this

>>35159296
>>Contact the Captains, coordinate with them to keep the airspace around the DZ clear

How many pilots do we know?

>>35159296
Equipment check. What are the other teams packing? Get an updated meteorological forecast now that we're over the target area. Are we fighting in the rain or fog? Has there been any new intelligence updates regarding enemy suit movements?

Talk to the pilots and go over strategy if they're deploying with us. If they're not reentry capable, station them on the Valkyrie when it descends to Earth.

>>35159296
>>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts

>>35159418
That you've met personally and aren't on the ship, and who have recognizable names?
Monsha
Uraki
Burning
Keith
Adel
Aznable
Kajima (in passing)
Rira
Messa
Mackenzie
Zero Murasame
Mackle

Other names too, but non-canon. Really, you've met a lot of pilots since the war ended.

>>35159296
>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts

>>35159296

>>35159453
This sounds good.

>>35159296
>Let Karen handle the details, you want to talk to the pilots stationed on the Samuel B Roberts

Where's the colony drop, Hearts? It's not Operation Meteor without a colony.

>>35159296
"Hey, Karen?"

Your Captain looks over at you. "Dom?"

"I'd like to meet the leaders of their MS compliments in person, if that can be arranged," you request.

Karen frowns. "Are they closing?"

Noel looks over her instruments. "They're at point-seven kilometers out and closing into formation with us. Still no comm."

"Fine," Karen sighs. "Reiko, get me in touch with the captains of the Roberts and the Ayanami. Defrah, keep us in tight, but be ready to break formation on my order."

She turns to hop up into her command chair. "I'll see what I can do, but they may not be too neighborly right now. So no guarantees."

"We should head to the hangar," Audrey suggests. "That'll be where the pilots will be coming in, in all likelihood."

"Wanna make a good first impression?" Catrina asks.

"Why not?" Rosse replies.

Haman remains silent.
(1/2)

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>>35159683
After a few minutes, you get a report from Catherine on the bridge.

"The captains are cooperating," Audrey informs you, "and the team leaders from each are on their way. We can expect them to dock in a few seconds."

Emma sits at a computer terminal and starts bringing up recent satellite imaging of the drop zone, while the rest of your team all either stand around bored or help her half-heartedly, as they've received no orders to do so yet.

All except for Haman, who stares at the hatch that leads down the corridor to the port airlock, and Carya, who looks at her with concern.

Finally, after what seems like hours of waiting, you catch sight of the two pilots you've been waiting on.

"It's HIM..." Haman growls, grinding her teeth. Carya closes her eyes and sighs, as if this was what she was afraid was going to happen.

There's no mistaking him: the man striding across the hangar towards your team is none other than Casval Rem Deikun, known as 'Char Aznable'. His eyes may be hidden behind those flashy mirrored sunglasses, but it's definitely him. You can feel it.

>Confront him now (write in)
>Hold Haman back, let him lead (write in)
>Other

>>35159835
>>Confront him now (write in)
Johnny ridden! Its good to see you SOB!

>>35159835
>"Ah Mr. Crimson Mangina, how are you? It's been awhile."

>>35159835
Put your hand on Haman's shoulder and shake your head.

"Johnny! It's been a while! How have you been, pal?"

>>35159835
>Wait, what are you doing here? If you end up dead, who else going to look after Sane Zeon?

>>35159835
>Confront him now (write in)

"Heeere's Jooohnny Ridden!"

>>35159835
>>Hold Haman back, let him lead (write in)
Lets see what he has to say first before you rip him a new one. Also as always deliberately botch his name multiple times throughout the conversation.

>>35159835
This >>35159905
Preempt Haman's own confrontation with him.

>>35159679
Ballute MS drop with the date close to Christmas?
We Endless Waltz now.

>>35159940
This.

>>35159835
>>Hold Haman back, let him lead (write in)

>>35159946
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_C9FcuP_O0

>>35159835
We honestly should just ignore him until he speaks to us. Don't engage the man in a verbal trolling/jousting match as soon as we meet. Wait until we've had a chance to start chatting to start slipping in our jibes and trolls.

>>35159940
Then do this.

>>35159946
Just watched that today. Still pretty as all fuck, but I could have done with three properly-sized episodes rather than cramming it into 90 minutes.

>>35159940
this

>>35159835
>Hold Haman back, let him lead (write in)

>>35159940
This of course. We'll let him know that we know by botching the name he gives us in increasingly intentional and obvious ways. Those unfamiliar would just think we're being a dick. They'd only be half right.

>>35159835
>Hold Haman back, let him lead (write in)

Play along, it only hinders us if we out him. Maybe make a few jokes about his name, because, really, Quattro is such a stupid name.

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>>35160037
Still a better treatment compared to F91.

>>35160086
Maybe instead of Quattro = 4, he's Cinco = 5?

CINCO DE MAYO YOU OLD SON OF A BITCH! How are ya pal?!

Let's immediately nickname him rem

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>>35159835

>Try not to laugh at his stupid sunglasses "disguise" trying to fool anyone.
>Fail horribly.
>Lose it.

>>35160122
In Italian right?

File: Aviators.gif (2.56 MB, 319x239)

2.56 MB GIF

>>35160149
I like you. Fucking perfect.

>>35160160

Why not also screw it up and speak in Portuguese, then Italian and finally settle on an incredibly racist impression in Japanese.

>>35159835
You quickly stick a hand in front of Haman to keep her from charging Char head-on, and thankfully she obliges... albeit grudgingly. Carya comes across behind Haman and wraps her up from behind in what any Newtype would realize was a bind, but which would look to a casual observer as a hug.

"Lieutenants," you greet the two men coolly. Each salutes. "I'm Commander O'Hara, Titans. And you are?"

"Lieutenant Venable, from the Ayanami." You dutifully shake the pilot's hand.

"And you?" you ask, turning to face Char.

"Lieutenant Quattro Bajeena," he greets you, also shaking your hand. You stifle a laugh, but still raise an eyebrow at him when Venable isn't looking.

"So, what have you two got at your disposal?" you ask.

"Three GMs and a GM Cannon II," Venable reports. "If it comes down to it, I have no qualms about supporting you."

"And Mister Mangina?"

"That's not my name," Char sighs.

"I'm aware of that," you tell him, giving him a pointed stare.

"We have two GM customs and two GM Cannon IIs, sir."

"Excellent," you tell them, waving Emary over.

"Emary, please see to it that identification data for our custom machines is handed over to mister Venable and mister Mangina here. Mister Venable, you're free to go."

The Lieutenant drifts off with Emary Ounce to go gather the data, and Char makes to do the same.

"Hold up a minute," you tell him as Venable drifts out of earshot, but Char clearly means to ignore you for now.

"Sorry," he replies. "I'm a busy man..."

"You'll answer my questions, Casval," you tell him in a low voice.

You swear, you've never seen a man stop in place quite like that, let alone in microgravity.

"... you have my attention, O'Hara."
>You have Char's attention: what now?

>>35160348
> Mr. Mangina

I love you, King.

>>35160348
"Serena Karn. Did you get her out of Axis? It would be mighty polite of you to tell us how to contact her, if you did. Haman's been worried sick about her sister."

>>35160348
>"What made you join the Federation forces? What are you up to, and why here of all places?"

On Haman's part, she'll probably want to know if he made contact with her sister and also ascertain the condition of Mineva, but I'm not sure if that's a proper topic to bring out at this time.

>>35160348
"The hell are you doing here? weren't you supposed to be looking after the Axis refugees? What happened to that?"

"What the hell brings you out HERE? Shouldn't you be organizing the Republic?"

>>35160348
"There's a lot to talk about and not enough time right now. It'll be better if we can take some time to get on the same page after this mission's finished. It won't do if we end up getting in each others way if we're working towards similar goals."

>>35160520
I hope not RoZ don't need that.

>>35160479
>>35160348
this

>>35160348

>>35160495
>>35160452
>>35160479

These look like a good start.
We should finish with something like "whatever, I hope we can still work together. Also your disguise is horrible. 'Quattro Bajeena'? Really?. Then again, we do have a miss Noin Balzac in my team..."

>>35160348
>"Oh I don't want much, but could you get me that cool helmet you wore during the OYW? I so fucking want one."

>>35160348

>>35160452
>>35160479
>>35160495
>>35160529

Yeah this is good

>>35160348

"There are a small number of matters which certain members of my team would like addressed. Mainly regarding certain refugees from Axis, After the Mission I would advise you at least speak with Dr Mass and Ensign Balzac..."

>>35160348
"Why 'Quattro Bajeena'? You've already got an identity in the Earth Federation, Edward. This is just silly."

>>35160580
I propose that we nickname him "Rock". Sounds perfectly innocent, but if he stops to think about he'll realize it's so that we can refer to him as Rock the Casval.

>>35160348
He continues to glare at you as you walk him back over towards Haman and the others. "I don't want much," you insist. "Just wanted to shoot the breeze, chew the fat, talk about your innate skill at picking fashionable hats and sunglasses, and ask you why the fuck you're HERE instead of the Republic where you SHOULD be."

"I have my own reasons," he replies. "But I won't be working for Zeon again. I refuse to... I suppose you know now part of the reason why, if you know my birth name."

"Your sister confided in me. She says she plans to tell my closest friends aboard this ship, but outside that tight circle, nobody will know."

Haman glares at Char as they draw closer. "You," she snarls quietly. "Where is my sister? What have you done with Serena? And where is Lady Mineva?"

Char inclines his head ever-so-slightly to his former mistress. "Lady Serena is safe with Natalie and Lady Mineva," he replies stoically. "I can give you their location before I go, if you swear not to risk blowing their cover."

"Why are you here, snake?" Carya scowls. Snake, huh? That's a new one, but not entirely inaccurate. Something does strike you as 'cold' about Char: even more so than before, when you fought him at Axis.

"I chose to return to battle," he explains. "This is where I belong now. The peaceful life is wasted on me."

"And how is Natalie Bianchi doing?" Haman asks. You're not sure, but you think there's a hint of some unresolved anger attached to that name.

Char, however, breaks eye contact. You can feel a wave of guilt surge over him. "She told me the day Enzo took over on Axis that she was pregnant."

Normally this would be where you'd congratulate Char on being a father, but something tells all of you not to speak. Even Audrey and Emma pick up on it without your having to point out Char's growing upset over the question.
(1/2)

>>35160872
>"But I won't be working for Zeon again.
oh the irony

>>35160872
"She lost the child en route," Char finishes. "Natalie herself is alive, but the medical conditions aboard the ship were deplorable. She may not be able to have another child."

"That's the other reason you can't live alongside the Republic anymore," you muse. "You hated the Zabis before, but now it's anyone who willingly bears the name that has become your enemy."

"They're not to blame," Haman offers. "And neither are you. Only Enzo is to blame."

"I led her here," Char reminds Haman. "But it doesn't matter. Those things are beyond my control now. All that matters is holding those who carry the name 'Zeon' to account for their actions."

Again, Char turns to leave.

Carya shakes her head. "Nothing's going to reach that man now," she mutters.

Rossweisse catches your eye. "Sister?"

>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.
>Let Char go, it's more trouble than it's worth. He's not on a path that would make him your enemy... at least not yet.

>>35160995
>>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.

>>35160995
>>Let Char go, it's more trouble than it's worth. He's not on a path that would make him your enemy... at least not yet.

Ok that good.

>>35160995
>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.

>>35160995
>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.
It will at least give some closure for both of them.

>>35160995
>>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.

>Let Char go, it's more trouble than it's worth. He's not on a path that would make him your enemy... at least not yet.
I got a meta question KH. If we had made the choice to have Char remain at Axis would the child have survived or was it forever doomed to give Char more angst?

>>35160995
>Let Char go, it's more trouble than it's worth. He's not on a path that would make him your enemy... at least not yet.
Well, now I feel bad for him. Stop that, Char, you're not allowed to make me feel bad for you.

>>35160995
>>35160995
Talk to Sayla about approaching him herself. Make it seem as if she initiated it instead of us trying to force him.

>>35161088
The child would have survived. Char, however, could have been another matter.

>>35160995
>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.

Based Rosse!
I think it's a bit too soon for their reunion, but once Char starts the Revenge Train there's no stopping him.

>>35160995

>Get Char to talk with Sayla, though he may consider her a "Zeon" as well. You don't know their history through the war.

"You might talk to Sayla before we sortie, who knows when you may get another chance now that you're back on the battlefield."

>>35161148
this

>>35161128
Adding this to my vote.
>>35161128

Also, stay close by to make sure everything ends well and with everyone not-shot. Or spaced.

>>35161115
Im assuming it would have led to Casvals Neo Zeon or something similar?

>>35161175
Fuck, meant THIS
>>35161114

>>35161176
More likely Bernini would have just killed him.

>>35161198
Im thinking Char/Casval would have fougth Bernini for the leadership of Axis in place of Haman

>>35161217
I suppose that revealing his identity would give him the support he needed to oppose Bernini, yeah. Damn. I guess we should have had him stay there.

>>35161284
>>35161217
Im surprised no one thought of this possibility when back when the Char/Axis desicions where made.

>>35160995
"Please continue to take care of Lady Haman," Char tells you over his shoulder.

"Hey, Quattro?" you ask, using his actual assumed name for once. That much was probably enough to catch his notice on its own.

"What is it, O'Hara?"

"Your sister is here. On her way to the hangar for that matter... don't you think you at least owe it to her to say hello?"

Char seems to consider your point. "True enough," he eventually decides. "I'll speak to her."

When Sayla arrives at the hangar, she and Char quickly step out of the way to speak in private. The longer the conversation goes, the more frustrated and upset Sayla seems to be, until finally they come back into view. Char salutes her before leaving to get the ID data for your mobile suits from Emary, and Sayla floats towards you and your team, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes.

"It didn't go well, did it?" Carya asks quietly.

"My brother Casval is dead," she tells you. "But this 'Quattro' person... he may learn to see reason again some day. But for now, his heart is too full of pain and hatred. I can only hope he finds closure soon."

>Other business
>You're ready, so it's time to kick off the mission

>>35161370
>You're ready, so it's time to kick off the mission

>>35161370
>You're ready, so it's time to kick off the mission
Give Sayla what consolation we can. Then go make the drop. Shooting things with our giant robot always makes us feel better.

>Other business
can we put ALICE in our MS for support

>>35161370
I can see us playing a game of Where In The World is Johnny Ridden? in the near future.

I can't think of anything short of seeing if the other pilots need a ride down on the Valkyrie.

Be sure to blast Flight of the Valkyries over the general frequency when she makes her appearance.

>>35161370
>>35161426
Go with this,

>>35161426
The easy answer is no.

The long answer is that none of your crew has any idea how the hell advanced Artificial Intelligence works, where ALICE's systems are located, or how to safely remove them and transfer them to a different machine from the one she's been inserted into.

You've known she existed for less than 24 hours. Maybe, MAYBE with time you might be able to move her around.

>>35161471
good to know

>>35161370
We have three base jabbers, right? Put them to work. Put the GM Cannon on one as it's mobility is fucking awful.

>>35161505
Your current MS compliment is as follows:
>Lilium
>Iris
>Viola
>Modified Kaempfer
>4x Base Jabber
>2x GM Quel
>2x Hizack Pre-Production Type

The Quels and the Hizacks are the only ones with re-entry ballutes. As such, you elected last thread to field yourself and Emma in the Quels and Audrey and the Sisters in the Hizacks. Rossweisse and Haman will be on standby with the Iris and Viola, respectively.

>>35161370
>You're ready, so it's time to kick off the mission
Give Sayla a few words of comfort...

>>35161401
this

>>35161584
If the Ridden Hard reenters atmo, that'll be the only way for the suits without reentry bubbles to reach terra firma. If we're taking any of the mobile suits with us from the Salamis' escorts, that'll be the only way they'll get down. Seeing as the Cannon II has absolutely horrible mobility, putting it on a Base Jabber would be the smart thing to do.

>>35161584
>re-entry ballutes

Gundam wiki
Kacricon Cooler (And many other pilots both AEUG and Titan) later found out the hard way that his ballute was set on auto-leaving him vulnerable; Kamille Bidan took advantage of this and shot at it. It burst, causing Kacricon's Marasai to plunge into the atmosphere.

That what we are ride on?

>>35161685
It's not as bad as it sounds. Those incidents occurred when everyone involved was riding a ballute down to the surface. Otherwise they wouldn't have been able to shoot at it each other. Between the plasma layer formed from re-entry messing with sensors and the extreme distance, we should be safe from ground forces until we reach the point where we can safely detach from the ballutes. Which is a lot lower than it would be if we were in the Liliums, sadly, but high enough that if we're careful we'll be alright.

>>35161685
Suddenly this whole plan seems like a bad idea.
A really, Really Bad Idea.

>>35161757
Pretty sure particle cannons that can reach space from earth are coming online right about now too.

>>35161810
Where are those I-Field generators when you need them?

>>35161685
>>35161748
Something to consider for the future then. With how apt our gear heads are with making mad inventions it should be easy enough to get those set to manual release. Speaking of I'm interested in Franken-gundam's performance vs an enemy ace. I'm not sure if we've properly fought one in it yet (drugged out of their mind human weapons not withstanding).

>>35161872
We actually won't need the, at least for the Liliums. The Ikebana upgrade turns them into waveriders, supersonic atmospheric fighter craft. We should be able to re-enter unassisted.

>>35161872
We fought Char in a big as fuck Zero R armor

>>35161872
>Franken-Gundam

It's more of a Hydra Gundam now with it being capable of splitting into multiple blocks.

>>35161370
You place a hand on Sayla's shoulder. "He'll be fine, eventually," you reassure her. Unfortunately, you think that's the best you can do for her right now.

Finally, just as the area around the LZ is starting to slip into the shadows of dusk, the Valkyrie positions itself for the drop, some 200 kilometers above Tajik airspace. You step into the cockpit of a GM Quel, armed with a beam rifle and a pair of grenades, next to Emma in her own Quel. Audrey and Carya each mount up with the Hizacks, hefting a beam rifle and a rocket launcher each. As you quickly test the manipulators, you're reminded exactly how slow and fragile this “high-end” mobile suit is going to be compared to your own.

Haman and Rosse stand by in the Viola and the Iris, ready to sortie should you still be in a tight spot after the Valkyrie descends.

“We're in position, proceeding with station-keeping,” Defrah reports.

“Preparing ballute system,” Miyu announces. “Ready for re-entry on your mark, Captain.”

Noel quickly checks her own scanning systems. “MIPWS shows minimal activity. Opening outer bay doors.”

“Dominic, you're in tactical command now,” Karen advises you. “Good luck.”

“Beginning voice recording,” Reiko announces. “Cockpit black boxes ping as active. Data is being recorded.”

You key your mike. “On my mark, all units accelerate towards the target,” you announce, flicking on the GM Quel's HUD and setting a waypoint for the GPS coordinated Reiko and Catherine provided you. “Accelerate in three... two... one... MARK.”

In unison, your four machines lurch forward through the void towards the Earth far below you.

“Executing rotation,” you hear Emma announce.

“Preparing to deploy ballute system,” Carya adds.

You quickly hit the stud for your own ballute, releasing the large, bowl-shaped inflatable structure and clambering into the depression in the center.
(1/?)

>>35161905
We'll probably be testing out more suits in the future though. I was referring to those as well.

>>35161923
Did we have any upgrades back then? I only recall us Gatling the fuck out of him and laughing maniacally.

>>35161965
The heat shielding would protect your mobile suit from the intense heat of re-entry long enough to reach a more reasonable altitude, at which point the retro-rockets built into the chest harness on the exterior of your machines would slow your descent to something survivable... in theory.

Flames begin to lap at the edges of the ballute as your whole GM shakes violently from pockets of atmospheric turbulence. Sweat beads along your forehead, and you're forced to pop open your helmet's visor to keep condensation from becoming too big an issue as the inside of your cockpit heats up. Despite your best efforts, droplets of water begin to fall from your machine's console as the cold air condenses along it, pattering against your face like a summer shower.

Finally, you hear your team report that they are reaching the altitude where you're meant to abandon the ballutes and hit your retros.

“No activity on the ground,” someone aboard the Valkyrie informs you through the static. “You're clear.”

At this moment, a thought occurs to you...
>Fire your retro-rockets late, save the fuel to improve mobility on the ground at the risk of mild to moderate damage to your shock absorbers
>Fire your retros early, brake, and use them to hover above the battlefield long enough to snipe from the air, with the same risk
>Use the retros normally, risk being outmaneuvered on the ground in exchange for a cleaner landing

>>35161986
>Use the retros normally, risk being outmaneuvered on the ground in exchange for a cleaner landing
Let's not take risks when using the new tech. We can get fancy once we have more experience with ballutes.

>>35161670
>the Cannon II
You don't have one of those. Why do you think you have one.

>>35161986
>Use the retros normally, risk being outmaneuvered on the ground in exchange for a cleaner landing

>>35161986
>Fire your retro-rockets late, save the fuel to improve mobility on the ground at the risk of mild to moderate damage to your shock absorbers
I don't think the QUEL is armed with as much ranged firepower as the Lillium so having some linger time in the air to batter the defenders won't help much.
It's a ground game through and through.

>>35161986
>Fire your retro-rockets late, save the fuel to improve mobility on the ground at the risk of mild to moderate damage to your shock absorbers

We'll need every edge we can get I imagine.

>>35161986

>Use the retros normally, risk being outmaneuvered on the ground in exchange for a cleaner landing

I really wouldn't want to risk damage to a Mobile Suit that's more fragile than what we're used to, especially not when it comes to the shock absorbers of all things. That's just asking for problems.

Besides, this is test sortie as well, getting regular data should be pretty great for the labcoats as opposed to "I was winging it".

>>35162018
>You don't have one

Well obviously. Are we not going to give Cher and crew a lift down to Earth on the Valkyrie after we've secured the LZ?

>>35161986
aww, we didn't humm battle hymn of the republic
>Use the retros normally, risk being outmaneuvered on the ground in exchange for a cleaner landing

>>35161986
>>Fire your retros early, brake, and use them to hover above the battlefield long enough to snipe from the air, with the same risk

>Fire your retro-rockets late, save the fuel to improve mobility on the ground at the risk of mild to moderate damage to your shock absorbers
mobility is the name of the game

>>35162062
No? Why would you?

They're not your assets, and you have no way of getting them to Earth short of putting them on the Valkyrie, which strands them on Earth when you recover your own.

>>35161986
I'd say let the Hizacks fire the retros late as those machines are a hell of a lot more sturdier. The Quels should fire them normally.

>>35162095
Then why did Lieutenant Venable say he would support us?

That's just silly.

>>35162152
he's providing orbital security. Just incase the Delaz Fleet rises from the grave and decided to try and kill us...

>>35162152
He said he'd support you "if he had to".

The capacity he could do so in would be to secure the airspace above the drop zone, as was mentioned in a previous post.

>>35162187
>>35162201
Ah, alright. That makes sense. I was slightly confused considering the LT said he would support us and we were not putting those assets to use.

>>35162187
Someone of them did get away actually, though I find it hard to believe they'd voluntarily attack us at this point.

>>35162227

Hamans pet found it hard to believe that one of the Axis Advance Fleet ships would try and Ram Side 3...

>>35161986
You briefly entertain the notion of braking late to keep as much fuel as possible to maneuver more quickly while on the ground, but as fun as that would be you decide against it. This is as much a test of the systems as anything else, and you're willing to bet your teammates are going to try and do the same thing you'd been planning

So when the moment comes to pop the retros you do so, and see Audrey and Carya predictably shoot past like meteors. Their own retros come on much closer to the ground. Emma seems to have opted to fire off early and hover in the air to snipe, as she's currently somewhere behind you putting out a lot of heat.

After several seconds, you close in on the ground: this base was built up in a failed city founded by the Tajik government shortly before it was absorbed into the Federation. Large, empty residential buildings are all around you, and based on the heat signatures you can tell you're landing near at least two mobile suits and a tank.

>Roll 3d100 for the landing, highest combined roll of the first three will be taken

Rolled 49, 58, 20 = 127 (3d100)

>>35162342

Rolled 81, 54, 39 = 174 (3d100)

>>35162342

Rolled 83, 45, 14 = 142 (3d100)

>>35162342

Rolled 24, 15, 25 = 64 (3d100)

>>35162342
inb4 1

not bad

>>35162351
>174
That good

>>35162342
>>35162354
Luckily, the mobile suits are in no position to intercept you, though their pilots seem alert. Less fortunate is your GM: despite using the retros the way they were intended, your landing is a difficult one, as your forward and downward momentum slam you first into the ground and then into the side of a building, crushing both in a cloud of shattered glass and concrete.

Warning lights wink on as the strain hits the shock absorbers in the GM's knees, and you lurch forward in your seat at the collision with the side of the building...

>roll be one d100

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>35162430

quel a shit

Rolled 63 (1d100)

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>35162430

>>35162430
Wrong quoted post, same effects.

That 39 wasn't great.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>35162430

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>35162430
We're definitely going to complain about this.

>>35162436
>writing

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>35162430
inb4 1 again

>>35162436
>>35162470

oh boy

our report on the quel is going to be shitty

>>35162470
Its bad o boy...

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>35162492
Not the Quel itself. The reentry bubbles. Quel has taken more damage from the bullets than anything.

>>35162527
D:

>>35162527
Ok Mr.1.

>>35162527
>bullet
>ballut

Fucking autocorrect.

Oh hey there. Finally got my one.

>>35162527

its not the ballut and more the shock absorbers not up to stuff and the machine being too flimsily built

>>35162568
>>35162492
You know, I'm starting to think Titan's gave us inferior machines in order to get us killed. It'd be something they'd cook up.

>>35162568
Will it is a Mass Production unit.

>>35162597
No, this is specifically a pre-production unit. We're testing them before they're put into mass production.

>>35162430
The impact is sharp and powerful enough to drive your body forward in your seat, where your open helmet smashes into the console. Then your body reverses directions and slams the back of your head into your seatback just as violently.

The whole world seems to go gray at first, and you can only just see your display through the tunnelvision. You hear the distant sound of alarms, and a part of you recognizes that the enemy suits have moved to engage. The ringing in your ears and the splitting pain in your head nearly drowns it out, but you can also JUST make out the radio chatter from your team.

As your vision clears you move your machine back into a level crouch, and start to notice spatters of blood all over the inside of your cockpit. Most of it is on your console where you realize that your face must have hit, and some of it is on your flight suit. It may look nasty, but it's not going to be a problem. What could be more of an issue is facing down these two Doms in an under-powered suit while dazed and concussed.

Despite the effects of the hard landing, your instincts send you coursing into action, catching your opponents off guard.
>Use the buildings to fight defensively, lure them into a grenade
>Look to separate them, ambush with your beam saber
>Get on top of the buildings, fire from above where you'll have a clear line of sight
>Fuck the buildings. Use your Newtype senses and fire right through them with your beam rifle

>>35162621
>>Use the buildings to fight defensively, lure them into a grenade

defensively.

gice us more time to get our head back in the game.

>>35162621
Fire wildly while reversing course to slow their advance and put them into a defensive pattern. Duck behind the nearest building and use our backpack thrusters to leap over it, catching a Dom with a grenade and the other with our rifle or beam sabre.

>>35162621
>Use the buildings to fight defensively, lure them into a grenade
Welcome to urban warfare. Enjoy your grenade spamming.

>>35162595
If they wanted to do that, they'd have given us a Zudah or something equivalent instead.

>>35162621
>Use the buildings to fight defensively, lure them into a grenade
Doms aren't very good in urban combat, take advantage of that.

>>35162621
>>Use the buildings to fight defensively, lure them into a grenade

>>35162621
>>Use the buildings to fight defensively, lure them into a grenade

>>35162674
>Zudah

Zudah's are awesome though. Even with that whole exploding thing.

You know, repurposing the plasma leaders from the VV for use in an urban environment would be fucking deadly.

>>35162621
>Roll d100, best of three
>-15 for being concussed, +5 offensive prescience, balances out to a -10

Rolled 68 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>35162794

Wasn't that how the asdam used them?

>>35162806
rolling

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>35162806
Come on 1.

Rolled 63 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>35162806

Rolled 62 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>35162806

>>35162814
So a 58?

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>35162806
QM rolling.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>mfw Domscartes dies because the Titan's were too cheap to install air bags.

>>35162887
No, it looks like we passed. Even crashing from orbit can't stop the D.

>>35162917

Orbital D insertion

>>35162887
Gundam wiki
>A shock-absorbing device which becomes a standard feature of mobile suit cockpits around U.C. 0090.

>>35162877
“You okay, Dominic?” you hear Noel ask you nervously.

Quickly hitting the laser transmitter, you reply: “hard landing, I'm in pretty rough shape. Nose is broken, blood everywhere...”

“You need backup, just say so and I'll have the Sisters on your location in thirty seconds.”

“Roger, engaging two Doms,” you report before flipping the transmitter back off and darting into a sidestreet, your blue-and-black painted GM all but disappearing into the post-dusk shadows of the abandoned city.

As one of the Doms follows you, the other apparently loops around a block or two to flank you. Thinking on your toes you dart around the corner of a building and loop into the next street over, and prime a grenade. When the Dom rounds the corner you lob the explosive, which misses by a fair margin because to your eyes there are two Doms there, and you simply picked the wrong one to target. Despite that, the blast seems to rattle the Dom pilot's brainpan pretty good, sending bits of debris tearing into the suit's armor and forcing him to back off rapidly... only to ram himself into a building by mistake.

Dazed, the shot he lined up on your alley instead takes splinters of reinforced concrete off an old bank building.

>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back
>This one is weak, kill it with mega particles
>DOMINIC CALLS FOR AID
>Other

>>35162966
>>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back

>>35162966
>>This one is weak, kill it with mega particles

>>35162966
>>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back

>>35162966
>>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>35162966
Take a shot-on-the-run at the first Dom while boosting with our backpack past it. Circle around the block and catch the second Dom from behind if it reinforces it's wingmate.

>>35162966
>>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back

>>35162966
Oh, that's great. Looks like everyone gets concussions today.

>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back

>>35162966
Core the current Dom with a shot from our rifle. Stand it up and use it as cover to take the second Dom by surprise.

>>35162966
>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back
>There Can Be Only one Dom.

>>35162966
>Full CHARLIES IN THE JUNGLE mode: keep moving, hit the other suit while the first is dazed, then loop back

>>35163138
there are three Doms, there can be only one. We must remove them with extreme prejudice.

>>35162966
This is the fight you wanted. This is what you trained for. You may be bloodied, but them? They're already dead: their bodies just haven't figured it out yet.

Retreating into the shadows, you loop around behind the building the first Dom crashed into, and find exactly what you were looking for: a tall building with an open courtyard. With a great strain on your already-tortured shocks, you push your GM to leap up the interior wall of the building, then reverse and bounce up higher on the opposite wall, where you manage to find purchase.

As the second Dom closes in on your heat signature's location on the GPS grid, it finds its way into the courtyard, and its pilot is at first confused by the fact that you're not standing where he thinks you should be...

>Beam saber from behind (d100)
>Grenade (d100)
>Rifle (d100)
>Other

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>35163237
>Beam saber from behind (d100)
Keep it nice and quiet. Relatively.

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>35163237
>>Beam saber from behind (d100)

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>35163237
Throw a beam sabre.

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>35163247
This. Shank the cunt.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>35163237
>>Beam saber from behind (d100)

>>35163257
Yeah I did good today!

File: 1411657742012.png (490 KB, 3180x4720)

490 KB PNG

>>35163257
Let's be real, this is gonna win now even if it wasn't going to before.
>writing

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>35163237
>Beam saber from behind (d100)
It's as sneaky as you can be when piloting a 20 meter robot

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>35163299
When do we get beam javelins and a mini fridge installed? Dom would probably crawl into the thing and never come out.

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>35163237
> Beam Saber from behind

Omae wa mou shinderu.

>>35163237
Your GM Quel slides down the length of the building's wall to land about as softly as a 60-ton walking death machine can land, the noise having been cut somewhat by the grass planted in the courtyard below you. Then, after quickly closing the distance to your target, you reach over its head, grab hold of the housing for its mono-eye, and yank back. The Dom pilot panics as his machine is forced to lean backwards and the servos in its neck overload from the stress, but you silence him with a beam saber straight through the cockpit before he can manage a scream.

His gutted machine slumps to the ground with a reverberating thud, the edges of the hole left by your saber still glowing warm in the dark.

One down.

Next comes the other Dom, whose pilot has come to his senses and begun a retreat. Based on the radio signals, most of which are garbled calls for help, you can guess that your team is basically having their way with the Zeeks.

“Status report?” you ask, re-establishing your connection to the Valkyrie.

“Your team's wrecking shit,” Miyu quickly replies. “We're entering atmo, so we'll be out of touch for a bit.”

Damn. It must be going well if the Valkyrie already considers the site secure enough to re-enter.

But still, you have a spare Dom to deal with.
>Track it down and shoot it with your rifle
>Alert your team to its location, let them intercept
>One of his allies was in a tank: find that, and use it to beat the Dom to death
>Other