Symphony 05 “Conductor”
<< If you’re going to break the comms in small-talk, I’d actually prefer for the topic to be of substantially higher value than your bickering. Offence intended on all fronts, sir. >>

Symphony 02 “Ebony”
<< Okay, fine, then. Uh … all right. Symphony Four: why the call-sign? >>

>DEMON (+2 Engagement, +1 Hunting)
>DAREDEVIL (+2 Evasion, +1 Engagement)
>HOUND (+2 Hunting, +1 Engagement)
>PROPHET (+2 Evasion, +1 Hunting)
>REAPER (+2 Hunting, +1 Evasion)
>STORMCROW (+2 Engagement, +1 Evasion)
>JESTER (+1 Engagement, Plane HP +1)
>TEXTBOOK (+1 Hunting, Plane HP+1)
>BASS (+1 Evasion, Plane HP+1)
>WIZARD (No bonuses, PSYCO Growth doubled)

*If you’re dissatisfied with the call-signs, write one in and choose one of the bonuses.

LEGEND:
>Hunting: When you’re moving in for an attack
>Engagement: When you’re in an attacking phase
>Evasion: When you’re on the defensive.
>Plane HP: How many “hits” you can endure. This translates into saving rolls. As you level up, Plane HP goes up.
>PSYCO Growth: How quickly your AI levels up.
The first three start at "1".

>>4576726
>WIZARD (No bonuses, PSYCO Growth doubled)

>>4576726
Is AI level this quests equivalent to character level?

>>4576728
It depends on certain things. The first encounter should give you a gist of how things work.

>>4576726
Guess ill put one in for some good defense, then. Cant do much if you're dead, after all.
>PROPHET (+2 Evasion, +1 Hunting)

>>4576726
>>STORMCROW (+2 Engagement, +1 Evasion)

I'll be back when you guys finish up with how you want to start out.

>>4576726
>PROPHET (+2 Evasion, +1 Hunting)

>>4576726
>>WIZARD (No bonuses, PSYCO Growth doubled)

>>4576726
>WIZARD (No bonuses, PSYCO Growth doubled)

>>4576726
>>JESTER (+1 Engagement, Plane HP +1)

>>4576726
>>HOUND (+2 Hunting, +1 Engagement)

File: choose your fighter.jpg (30 KB, 564x317)

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Symphony 03, “Ivory”
<< Really, you’re going to ask why his call-sign’s Wizard? That’s your idea of small-talk? >>

Symphony 02, “Ebony”
<< What? You’re not curious at all? >>

Symphony 03, “Ivory”
<< Not as curious as I am as to why they assigned him to her of all things. >>

Your eyes stray to the empty panel of the hologram, briefly wondering if that twang of temper would snap at the blatantly obvious dig. Not that you minded, after all; you were quite comfortable saddled in the cockpit of an

>F/A-18
>F-16
>F-15
>F-14
>MIG-29
>SU-27
>F-35

>>4577280
>MIG-29

>>4577280
>F-15

>>4577280
>>F-14
JOLLY ROGER TIME

>>4577280
>>F/A-18

>>4577280
>>F-15

>>4577280
>F/A-18

>>4577280
>>SU-27

File: Spoiler Image (37 KB, 350x490)

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I flipped a coin. Congratulations to the F-15. I fucking knew this was going to happen.

File: F-35 [Leticia].jpg (97 KB, 1024x563)

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Someone requested F-35's Avatar on the Discord. This is her. She was the Yandere.

>>4577451
MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS

I didnt get my yan but getting rias plon is way ok too

Oh boy, I hope there isn’t too much orange in this quest.

File: Elaine, the F-15.jpg (13 KB, 300x168)

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Symphony 04 Flight Intelligence, F-15 “Elaine”
<< Maybe the fact that he has the highest mean score on the PSYCO simulations has something to do with it? >>

You’re spared from an answer by the fiery bloom of your F-15’s artificial intelligence module; the craft’s holographic panel displays a three-dimensional image of a greenish-blue tint, conjuring the full figure of a tightly-clad young woman in possession of a full volume of hair and a skirt that you’re very sure that you’d seen in a lingerie catalogue, regardless of its resemblance to that of a prep school uniform. Even the tint can’t hide the details of her person: from the blood red mane that was her hair to the full cheeks and mischievous eyes and the full bosom that you’re very sure isn’t merely a natural mutation of the visual algorithm … she bore a closer resemblance to those pin-up caricatures than she probably did any human alive. Coquettish, energetic and independent, there were times that you wondered just how in the world you and Elaine were a match … never mind the best of the bunch.

Ivory
<< Going straight for the jugular.: that’s Elaine for you. About as demure as a bucking bronco. >>

Elaine’s hologram—the projection of her very existence—turns her nose up in satisfaction; you spy the corner of one mouth turn up as she leans slightly back, extending a leg towards the edge of the circular device, audibly snickering over the shared channel. You hear the groan of your senior, Ebony. Turning your head up you spy his shaking helmet, clearly exasperated.

Jackpot
<< Did none of you read his file? Wizard’s Wizard because he was one of shortlisted candidates for the PSYCO sampling and experiment unit without having a prior history as a jockey. He was WSO for the Special Operations Platform in the defence of the Falkland Deposit.

Ebony
<< Wait, Wizard’s actually a wizard? >>

Ivory
<< Wow, Ebony. Keep going; maybe those last two brain cells’ll spawn a whole household. >>

Ebony
<< Up yours, Ivory. >>

Jackpot
<< In any case, Wizard still does hold the highest mean score in PSYCO simulations: from compatibility to adaptability, the processing power of he has has the coats clocking the learning rate for attached AIs at a clean two-hundred percent under test conditions. It makes some sense that they’d slide him together with Elaine, what with her … record with pilots. >>

Ivory
<< I guess even computers can be dumb blondes. >>

Elaine
<< I’m a red-head, you jerk! >>

>>4577919
>Ask Elaine to maintain discipline; Ivory was still your superior, after all
>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous
>Write-In

>>4577921
>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous

>>4577921
>>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous

>>4577921
>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous

>>4577921
>>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous

>>4577921
>>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous

>>4577921
>Ask your superior to stop teasing Elaine; he might make his jealous

Running in a few, lads. Hang tight.

File: MIG-29 Fiona.jpg (22 KB, 260x195)

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Ivory
<< Jealous? What are you playing at? >>

The comm patch indicator beeps as your second-in-command’s confusion rings through the channel.

Symphony 02 Flight Intelligence, MIG-29 “Fiona”
<< I concur with Symphony Two’s mystification. Envy is not a function that I am well-acquainted with, nor, in the case that I ever could be, would have it be of such a modicum of associative value adjacent to a pilot who continually refuses sound input and judgement. >>

Ivory
<< Yeah … what she said. >>

Ebony
<< And you say that I’m the one lacking in brain cells. >>

You hear an indignant string of mumbled curses over the comm; Elaine crouches slightly, her avatar giggling into a closed fist as a muffle string of laughter shakes the shared channel. A glance outside your cockpit has you seeing the Fulcrum—Fiona— displaying her belly as she widens the gap slightly between herself and Jackpot’s VX-23 while Ebony and Conductor decelerated in tandem as the both of you found international borders right on your RADAR.

Conductor
<< As much as the AIs and the systems are here to learn from us, they’re also here to help us where we happen to come up short. I won’t claim to be one of the coats, but maybe there’s a proper reason that Elaine and Wizard work so well together, test conditions or no. Definitely boggles the mind how he managed to score so high, but there you go. That’s what I got. >>

Ivory
<< What? You’re saying that I gotta wine and dine this lady here? >>

Fiona
<< May I request an emergency landing? I believe I am leaking fuel. >>

Ivory
<< Hey! >>

Elaine
<< Hah! >>

Jackpot
<< You know what? I am curious myself. No offence meant, Symphony Four, but Elaine’s algorithm isn’t exactly the most stable … or the most cooperative for that matter. The fact that you made it past the second screening test alongside her and set a new record doing so is doubly impressive. >>

Elaine’s avatar grins widely before leaning over and slipping you a wink.

Elaine
<< It’s all about trust! Ain’t that right, partner? >>

ACTIVATED: F-15 “ELAINE”
>Acrobat Lv. 1 (+1 to Evasion at Lv. 1)
>Multi-Lock Lv. 1 (+2 Extra Targets at Lv. 1)
>[LOCKED]
>[LOCKED]

Your flight leader chortles heartily into the comms as his craft elevates slightly above you, prompting you— and the rest of the Squadron—to do the same. You’d probably be crossing the line soon.

Jackpot
<< Trust, huh? Not a bad way to put it. >>

Ebony
<< So that's how it is, Wizard? >>

>Disagree with Elaine’s perspective
>Agree with Elaine’s perspective
>Write-In

>>4578734
>>Agree with Elaine’s perspective
you must be one with your plane
YOU MUST PUT YOUR SOUL INTO IT

>>4578738
Elaine
<< Ain't that right, partner? >>

You
<< That's right ... partner. >>

God, I feel like throwing myself off a cliff just typing that.

Lmao why bother with a waifu WSO when you can get an AI? Now the the real question is if we've lost our virginity prior to 30, otherwise we won't live up to our moniker.

>>4578734
>Agree with Elaine’s perspective

>>4578734
>Agree with Elaine’s perspective

Also is this a regular old F-15 variant or did we get supermaneuvrability?

>>4578741
You were a WSO during the Falkland Deposit Conflict. Your nickname is "Wizard" because you were the only candidate to make the grade that wasn't a pilot prior.

>>4578753
It's a regular F-15 with an AI attached to it. It's more resilient because of all the daredevil maneuvers that the corporation is expecting you to do, anyway, but nothing special outside of Elaine. Anything else?

>>4578734
>Trust and possibly the idea that I enjoy teaching the next generation of WSOs.

>>4578734
>Agree with Elaine’s perspective

>>4578740
While it does make you feel ill I do believe it is important that we have a great working relationship with the A.I that could barrel us into the Atlantic if she is unhappy.

>>4578755
can we modify the f15 later to smtd variant? become as TRUE wizzard

>>4578734
>>Agree with Elaine’s perspective

>>4578791
Maybe. Maybe not. It will all depend as you play the quest.

File: Elaine.jpg (45 KB, 500x500)

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PSYCO +2 EXP
2 to Next Level

Elaine doesn’t say a word, but you don’t exactly require any verbal tells to know that there’s an amount of joy that the PSYCO system relays over to you through the receptors. Her avatar glows a little brighter as the both of you share a look—or rather, what you interpret as a look—in the immediate aftermath of your affirmation of Elaine’s stance regarding the nature of your two-man tandem. Perhaps having been a WSO for the bulk of your military career had been a blessing in disguise in this aspect: you knew the push-and-pull of a partnership, covering each others’ weaknesses and addressing the strengths were what made things work, even more-so than being a wingman. You’d understood just what it was like playing in the back-seat to the point that when the opportunity finally arose for you to take the reins … it was almost natural for you to allow Elaine to clean-up where you couldn’t. Perhaps the absence of pride had allowed you to ease into the program better than the others … perhaps not.

Whatever it was, you just found it easier to take to the concept of an AI aide more than others. You wouldn’t have had this job in the first place otherwise.

You appreciated how Elaine was with you, as bland as you probably were compared to the antics of Ivory and Conductor.

Ivory
<< Are you two … having a moment? Yeesh … >>

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< Emotional feedback is considered a priority of the learning process for our modules. Empathy, sympathy, instincts, they all corral … >>

Ivory
<< None of that for me, thanks. >>

There’s a grunt of indignation that you’re quite certain came from Symphony Two’s side, but you don’t comment on it. Fiona was Ivory’s assignment and that wasn’t a bag of beans you were quite willing to spill, given that you were en route towards a very important rendezvous. However they got along, you’re quite sure that they had their own way as to how to manage it. Ivory was still a grown man underneath that tusk-ordained helmet and Fiona was one of the more contemplative intelligences that you’d encountered.

There was also the part of your brain that was telling you that you’d be toeing lines you really shouldn’t be touching in the first place with an off-hand comment.

Ivory
<< Well, Flight Leader, seeing as Wizard hasn’t been properly oriented with our unit’s SOP, do you mind if I do the honours? >>

Ebony
<< Wow, your sense of timing has to be one of the worse in existence. >>

There’s a brief pause.

Jackpot
<< Well, Wizard? It’s up to you. It’s not like we’re pressed for time. >>

>View Combat Tutorial
>Skip Combat Tutorial

>>4578896
>>View Combat Tutorial

>>4578896
>>View Combat Tutorial

>>4578896
>>View Combat Tutorial

>>4578896
>View Combat Tutorial

File: Fiona.jpg (87 KB, 1024x578)

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You roll right out of the formation, tailing Ivory. The second-in-command peels off past a nimbus, banking left and down towards the cloud line … not that there were enough to call it a “line”, at least in its current state. Fiona and Ivory accelerate ahead of you, breaking themselves into a position on the corner’s edge of your HUD. You jink the joystick and pull left, just as they do, bringing him cleanly within your sights but still some distance away. By the basics, your craft should have had an edge on the MIG right in front of you, but the stress testing that your current employers had put the planes through—in keeping pace with AI and human reaction times and vector limits—had given both Fiona and Elaine more than enough to run a few rings around those belonging to standard production lines.

Ivory
<< All right, let’s see what you can do, Wizard. >>

The MIG practically phases through the cloud formation below, prompting you to copy his movements. Elaine’s avatar creases her brows as you find your shoulders being pulled by the G-forces, diving nose first and with the throttle back.

Ivory
<< Ho, ho, ho … got a little bit of a show-off in you. All right, let’s see how well you can follow me. >>

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< Follow us, you mean. >>

Symphony Two doesn’t retort.

Roll for Initiative (DC: 8)
>Use PSYCO (+1)? (1d20)
>Use Hunting+Engagement (+2)? (1d20)

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4578923
>Use Hunting+Engagement (+2)? (1d20)

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4578923
>>Use Hunting+Engagement (+2)? (1d20)

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4578923
>>Use Hunting+Engagement (+2)? (1d20)

>>4578923
>Use Hunting+Engagement (+2)? (1d20)

I'm assuming bo3?

File: Chase me if you can.jpg (5 KB, 284x177)

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You cut him off before getting into position. Fiona attempts to realign herself, but you have control of the chase by virtue of being the first one to anticipate the dive and the climb that follows it. The Eagle—Elaine—is more manoeuvrable, more agile than its off-the-line counterparts … but so is the Fulcrum. The aircraft weren’t just made to endure physics, but the new generation of insanity that came with AI-assisted vectors; stress of the G-forces that pull against the back of your skull are almost headache-inducing, but nothing compared to the test conditions that weathered you down for such situations. You’re vertical with a juke; the HOTAS rumbles you and Ivory exchange spins, the superior thrust of your engines pulling against the sheer verticality the MIG-29 was capable of. You both fight for position, jostling mere dozens of feet away for a clean break. He dips left as you bank right, decelerating as he comes to stand-still and …

Ivory
<< Holy … you know that I’m just busting your balls, right? >>

You’re right on top of him.

Elaine
<< Woohoo! That’s my man, right there! >>

A string of curses breaks out from the plane below; over the comms you make out the amused mumble of Ebony, who was probably witnessing the mock-duel on his own instruments. Elaine’s head bobs up and down as she turns absolutely enthusiastic, eyeing the vulnerable Fulcrum as though it was a bullseye in a fair.

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< He would have more than those if this was a live combat situation. Be thankful that it isn’t. >>

True to form, the advantage doesn’t extend beyond what you’re able to take as is. You’re right on top of him, but he doesn’t make it any easier for you to grab a proper lock on the Fulcrum anymore than you had before.

Ivory
<< Well, not bad, but reeling in the catch is different from just casting the line! See how your tagging works! >>

>ROLL FOR HUNTING (+1) (DC: 9, 1d20)
>ROLL FOR ENGAGEMENT (+1) (DC: 14, 1d20)

NOTES:
>*“Hunting”, after winning initiative, allows for you to roll for better chances to line-up your “Engagement”, which are your odds on a successful kill. Should you have NO JOY (unsuccessful kill), the opposing plane will line-up on you instead, if successful at escaping. Certain planes (BOSSES, CONVOYS, GUNSHIPS) need to be hit multiple times to be downed. Watch out for Furballs, as they come with the added danger of cunning pilots hoping to bag easy kills.

>You may roll HUNTING for as many times as you want as long as you are successful in your rolls. Every two successes, however, the DC will rise by 1. In turn, ENGAGEMENT’S DC will decrease by 1 every success. If you miss your ENGAGEMENT (and have no abilities to counteract the failure), your offensive ends.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4579029
>ROLL FOR HUNTING (+1) (DC: 9, 1d20)
I think we should try to hunt at least 3 or 4 times to pull the engagement DC down to 10 or 11.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4579029
>>ROLL FOR HUNTING (+1) (DC: 9, 1d20)
a real hunter only needs one shot. so lets line it up right

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>4579029
>>ROLL FOR HUNTING (+1) (DC: 9, 1d20)

>>4579035
>>4579036
>>4579037
Current Hunting DC: 9 (0 change from base)
Current Engagement DC: 13 (-1 change from base)
Roll again?

>>4579040
>>4579041
>>4579042
Guys, hang on. This isn't the roll prompt yet. I'm just asking. Wait a minute. Yeesh.

>>4579043
In that case yes we would like to roll again

>>4579045
same

File: Not Yet.jpg (5 KB, 450x300)

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Symphony 02, Fiona
<< Ho … not bad at all … >>

Ivory mumbles obscenities into the comm as you break through another nimbus and tear a stratus into non-existence. The Fulcrum’s agility is something to behold. You must be raking the sound barrier for all its worth at this point, but you don’t stop in your pursuit. The tail fins and the ailerons of your second-in-command are dead in your sights as the cries of encouragement from your plane’s avatar cry out like some heavenly witness crying for absolution.

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< You’re not going to beat him out on speed alone. >>

Ivory
<< Come on, new guy, show me what you got! >>

You oblige.

>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 9, 1d20)
>ROLL FOR ENGAGEMENT (DC: 13, 1d20)

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4579047
>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 9, 1d20)

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4579047
>>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 9, 1d20)

>>4579048
>>4579049
Current Hunting DC: 10 (+1 Change from Base)
Current Engagement DC: 12 (-2 Change from Base)

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4579047
>>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 9, 1d20)

>>4579050
You guys wanna roll again?
>>4579048
>>4579049
Haha, >>4579051 is lucky that the 19 more than makes up for it.

>>4579052
ikr and sure lets see if we cant be lucky once more.

File: Elaine zooming.jpg (70 KB, 1080x720)

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You cut him off with a cut downward, teasing him with your sights as the Fulcrum points its nose upward to bring itself to a controlled stall. Ivory, apparently bamboozled by your sudden—and they are, indeed, sudden—movements hisses into the comm as the both of you dash in and out of the clouds, the sun changing shoulders with every second that ticks on the clock. At baseline, the Fulcrum would be at a clear disadvantage, but it was a testament to Ivory’s skill that he was able to last so long after giving up the advantage in the initial dance. Elaine squeaks as you roll to the left as he breaks off to the right, the both of you performing almost exact mirror images of horizontal looping to …

Ivory
<< Son of a … >>

You break just before the clip, decelerating and diving down to catch Ivory before he evened out his craft, nesting Fiona right on the tip of Elaine’s nose.

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< How did he … >>

Her arms crossed over her chest, Elaine grins widely … and proudly.

>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 10, 1d20)
>ROLL FOR ENGAGEMENT (DC: 12, 1d20)

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4579056
>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 10, 1d20)

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4579056
>>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 10, 1d20)

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4579056
>>ROLL FOR HUNTING (DC: 10, 1d20)

>>4579058
>>4579060
>>4579063
Holy damn. That's three successes in a row.

>>4579064
gotta channel all them ace combat/gundam protags

>>4579065
>inb4 that's why we're Wizard.

If you guys are still around, I would like to get back to this in a bit. Haven't had this fun running in a while.

>>4579091
think im the only one left awake

>>4579091
Lurking.

File: My Partner Is The Best.jpg (67 KB, 1020x797)

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Ivory
<< All right, all right: time. You’ve made your point, Wizard. Sheesh … >>

The erratic fakes of the Fulcrum stops within seconds. Your second-in-command decelerates into a cruising speed thirty or so degrees to your right; you do the same, shifting your own vector from a gradual north to an even eight o’clock with Ivory. Upon your console, you’re treated to the sight of your craft’s avatar pumping her fist in unrestrained enthusiasm, the advanced graphics of the interface showcasing the shine in her eyes at having witnessed your recent triumph. Elaine’s small figure twirls slightly before stopping with her avatar’s features directly facing that of the drifting MIG-29, her pilot seen visibly shaking his head in the cockpit.

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< Encounter data received; compiled and stored. Would it be in error to assume that this is the factor in which the modules are lacking in … beyond situations where endurance and fortitude which we can and have measured? >>

A heavy sigh sounds through the comms, wrapped in a mix of shame and bewilderment.

Ivory
<< Can’t say that I get any of that, but if you’ve picked anything up from Wizard, I won’t mind getting some of that shot down into my neurons. Yeesh … don’t think I’ve felt that kind of pressure before; all without firing a single round or pod, too. >>

You don’t miss the sparkle in Elaine’s eyes as her tiny figure looks up at your visored visage, as if expecting your own remark. Thankfully for the both of you, you weren’t the type to spoil victories with unnecessary extras. You merely follow Ivory’s lead, the encounter now a memory, a reference.

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< That is not how my learning matrix executes its processes. However, if you wish for me to simplify the percentages of you being able to reverse Symphony Four’s initial advantage, your percentages would have increased had you chosen to prolong the encounter instead of conceding so early. >>

Ivory
<< That’s not the point, Fiona. Anyway … you got me good on that. Right in front of the home stands, too. >>

A series of laughs erupts through the channel, lead by none other than Symphony Three … and emphasized by the smug, prideful look of your F-15’s avatar, who had her hands over her breasts. Even the Flight Leader seems to be in on it.

Elaine
<< The outcome was never in doubt. Wizard’s Wizard for a reason. >>

Ebony
<< I’m never letting you live this down. >>

Ivory hisses into the comms, clearly dissatisfied.

Ivory
<< Yeah, yeah … anyway, you’re pretty damn good pushing and chasing. Can’t say I’m not curious about seeing how well you do when the shoe’s on the other foot … >>

>Continue Tutorial (Evasion)
>Proceed

>>4579137
>Continue Tutorial (Evasion)

>>4579137
>>Continue Tutorial (Evasion)

>>4579137
>>Continue Tutorial (Evasion)

>>4579137
>>Continue Tutorial (Evasion)

>>4579137
>Continue Tutorial (Evasion)

File: Let's Roll, Partner.jpg (101 KB, 1280x720)

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Jackpot
<< It’s not like we’re pressed for time. I’ll allow it. >>

You and Elaine share a nod as you break away from the two-man wing to put yourself in a position of pursuit, waiting for Fiona and Ivory to fall into your previous position. Not ten seconds later, the Eagle and the Fulcrum were now reversed in your roles, with you and Elaine cruising on the edge of a hard lock and Ivory and his AI at the back in hot pursuit. Your grips the throttle as you feel Elaine’s chassis swing side to side, waiting for Ivory to properly fall into your six.

Ivory
<< All right, let’s see how you do on this stage, Wizard. >>

Elaine
<< Let’s show him what we’re not just a one-trick pony, partner! >>

>EVASION REVERSAL (Roll against GM, GM Roll+5, 1d20)
>EVASION (DC: 8)

EVASION AND EVASION REVERSALS
NOTES:
>EVASION AND EVASION REVERSALS are two different ways to approach defence. Evasion Reversals are more aggressive manoeuvres concentrating on getting back on offence in the quickest way possible. Due to the high risk that comes with the series of manoeuvres, they are generally of a higher difficulty to achieve; you will be rolling against the GM. Failure to do so will result in you being open to an attack. Success, however, allows you to skip your HUNTING phase and gives an automatic ENGAGEMENT bonus depending on your ENGAGEMENT Level, in which you will have TWO rolls (2d20) to beat the DC. Normal Evasion is safer, as you are given your normal Evasion DC Rolls (1d20) but still stand a chance to survive the exchange should you fail with a successful PSYCO save (1d12), should it beat the DC. Remember, though: THE INSTANCES IN WHICH YOU DEPLOY YOUR PSYCO FOR ASSISTANCE SHAPES THE NATURE OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR A.I., WHETHER YOU EXECUTE IT OFFENSIVELY, OR DEFENSIVELY, FREQUENTLY OR OCCASIONALLY.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4579700
forgot to not add the modifier
BLESS ME RNGESUS

>>4579706
Please do not attach modifiers automatically as I have to manually tally them anyway and it becomes confusing.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4579700
>EVASION REVERSAL (Roll against GM, GM Roll+5, 1d20)
Lets go for broke.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4579708
>>4579710
All right, let's see if you beat/match me.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4579700
Rolling to make mech job.

>>4579708
>>4579710
(19+10)+1 = More than 11
>>4579712
6+5 = 11

File: Nice One, Partner.jpg (145 KB, 1920x1080)

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Breaking the chase off is harder than you initially thought it would be, but trusting your instincts, you deploy an AOA manoeuvre, twisting and banking until the both of you are practically nose-to-nose within seconds … and looping back to reclaim the advantage. Ivory’s instincts and experience is quite the gulf to cross, but from what you’d seen before, it was still raw in flashes. You feel Elaine accelerating as the ailerons scream to make the bank, eager to cross herself over that threshold into defence. Fiona does the same, the circumference of her turn larger but compensated by her leaner design, forcing you to tug and thrust as the stall warnings—both automatic and manual—protest the relentlessness of your drive. The klaxon beeps its warning; that you’d upset the air flow of the craft’s very capabilities …

But all you see is Elaine’s cry of victory.

Ivory
<< Son of a … >>

They’re in your sights within seconds.

Conductor
<< Jesus, son, it’s just a training exercise! >>

Jackpot
<< Holy Hell, Wizard. That’s some flying if I ever saw it. >>

Elaine’s avatar does a joyous pump of her fist, jumping mid-air … and inadvertently rolls the craft from her unrestrained joy. After that AOA split, though, it was more of a wake-up shake than anything else.

Elaine
<< Man, that was something else! You really know how to show a girl a good time! >>

Her half-foot tall avatar laughs … before looking up at you expectantly.

Did she ... expect you to say something?

>Write-In

>>4579729
>Takes two to tango after all
>shoot her a grin

>>4579733
This, but make it as cheesy as possible.

File: tenor.gif (1.23 MB, 498x373)

1.23 MB GIF

>>4579760
This image sums up what I want to do right now.

>>4579733
>Supporting

>>4579733
You're wearing an oxygen mask.

>>4579904
Ok then replace the smile with giving the avatar a psuedo-headpat.

>>4579904
I'd personally say it's the mentality that matters when it comes to that

>>4579904
then just change it to a thumbs up instead of a grin

>>4579729
>>4579733
Supporting, but make it a thumbs up.
Also, doing an aoa without supermaneuvrability holy shit wtf

File: e4eaa61725f3ffa4db02f6ea2(...).jpg (26 KB, 474x355)

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>>4579907

File: thumbs up.jpg (14 KB, 600x315)

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>>4579904
Give a thumps up then

Just to be clear in an evasion reversal its 2d20 added together to beat the gm roll, not best of 2, right?

>>4579920
No, no, that's just for the Special Engagement phase AFTER you win that roll. It's just a really hard DC to beat normally.

>>4579920
Most rolls will be average of our first 3 rolls with modifiers then added.

>Evasion DC 9 (1d20) with a +1 bonus
>Poster 1 rolls 7 to Evade
>Poster 2 rolls 11 to Evade
>Poster 3 rolls 15 to Evade
>Result is 12 (11(roll average) +1 (bonus)) to Evade

During a successful Evasion Reversal our free Engagement check will be the standard 3 roll average + modifiers with a follow up "reroll" of 3 roll average + modifiers if we fail the first roll.

>Engagement check (DC 15) after a successful Evasion Reversal
>Poster 1 rolls 6
>Poster 2 rolls 15
>Poster 3 roll 9
>Result is 10: Failure
>Poster 1 rolls 12
>Poster 2 rolls 20
>Poster 3 rolls 13
>Result is 15: Success

>>4579935
Sweet this helps thanks

Roll call for those that wanna play Project Wingbride in a bit. Since I'm, you know, free.

File: MIG-31, Farah.jpg (35 KB, 384x512)

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OPTIONAL MISSION - INTRODUCTIONS: OBJECTIVE COMPLETE!
>Standard Experience Points Received: 12*
>PSYCO Experience Points Received: 8*
>PSYCO Leveled Up! New Level: 2 (0 to Next Level)*
>PSYCO Leveled Up! New Level: 3 (10 to Next Level)*

You give a small nod and gesture towards the little lady with an upright thumb. Evidently appreciating your gesture, you feel the shake and sway of Elaine’s happiness as the frame moves freely of your control, a feedback of positive vibes leading back into you through the experimental receptors built into your helmet. Your demonstration over and done with, you form up alongside your second-in-command, climbing above the cloud line before banking right, spying the angle of approach of the three remaining members of Team Symphony. Ivory accelerates and rolls acrobatically above the three-man formation; a move that, to the unaccustomed eye, would have made for screams at a possible clipping of the vertical fins of his MIG-29 with that of Ebony’s own MIG-31 … but even after knowing them for barely two weeks and having zero active hours together, you knew that it was perceived recklessness more than an actual show of it.

Symphony 03 Flight Intelligence, MIG-31 “Farah”
<< If you’re thinking of showing off to compensate for that lackadaisical effort, Symphony Two, you’re going to have to pull off more than a roll and a tentative paint trade. >>

Granted, there were those that it didn’t fail to get a rise out of.

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< None of those accusations apply to my pilot, or myself. >>

Farah snorts into the comm, evidently unamused by the retort. It was amazing, really, what technology could achieve these days. It was almost fascinating.

Symphony 05 Flight Intelligence, F/A-18, “Hiryuu”
<< Settle down, both of you. >>

Symphony 03, Farah
<< We weren’t the ones that … >>

Jackpot
<< Break it up, ladies. If you want to go all-out, wait until we’ve set you back in the hangars. The last thing I want is our intelligence modules picking up cues from Symphony Two and Three. >>

You and Elaine trade knowing glances. You wonder if she can see the defeated smile underneath your mask. Still … the Flight Leader’s command is heeded, and whatever three-way brawl is kept from erupting through the adherence protocols and the chain of command. As boisterous and independent as the artificial intelligence could get at times, there were implications and unsaid orders that they were able to heed. For you, it was like a bunch of delinquents in a classroom being given an ultimatum by a stern teacher.

Conductor
<< Well, we still got some time … Wizard: you have anything you want to shoot up into the air waves from your end? >>

>Decline questions, press on
>Ask about the state of the world
>Ask about Symphony Squadron’s operational history
>Ask about the AIs and how they’ve developed so far, their relations, etc.
>Ask about their personal feelings regarding the current assignment
>Talk about baseball
>Write-In

>>4580298
>>Ask about the state of the world

world building ahoy

>>4580298
>Ask about the AIs and how they’ve developed so far, their relations, etc.

>>4580298
>>Talk about baseball

>>4580298
>Ask about the state of the world

File: gomen.jpg (53 KB, 450x337)

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=][=ALERT! MECHANIC FORGOT TO GIVE THE EXP PAGE FOR ACEING THE TUTORIAL, SO PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS! =][=

CURRENT EXP HELD: 12
You have received Experience Points! Choose where to allocate them:
Hunting Lv. 1 (5 Experience to Level 2)
>New Abilities at: 3, 6, 10, 15
Evasion Lv. 1 (5 Experience to Level 2)
>New Abilities at 3, 6, 10, 15
Engagement Lv. 1 (5 Experience to Level 2)
>New Abilities at 3, 6, 10, 15

PSYCO Level 2!
Old Modifier: +2
New Modifier: +3
PSYCO Level 3!
Old Limit DC: 12
New Limit DC: 11

You have reached PSYCO Level 3
Choose:
>Upgrade 1 current ability
>Unlock 1 locked ability (Left: 2)

>>4580351
use 5 exp to lvl up hunting to lvl 2

use 5 exp to lvl engagement to lvl 2

then use the psycho lvl 3 to unlock a new ability for elaine

>>4580298
>Ask about the AIs and how they’ve developed so far, their relations, etc.

>>4580351
Supporting >>4580361

>>4580298
>Ask about the state of the world
>Ask about the AIs and how they’ve developed so far, their relations, etc.
>>4580351
5 exp to lvl up to hunting lvl 2
5 exp to lvl up evasion to lvl 2
unlock a new ability for PSYCO lvl 3

This is Mechanic. Sorry about that. I nodded off last night.

Testing

File: F-15.jpg (363 KB, 2850x1663)

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====================
EXPERIENCE SCREEN
====================

Current EXP Held: 2
Evasion Lv. 2 (8 Experience to Level 3)
Hunting Lv. 2 (8 Experience to Level 3)
Engagement Lv. 1 (5 Experience to Level 2)

F-15 “Elaine”
Unlocked new PSYCO ability : Relentless Lv. 1*
>Only available for activation after failing a Hunting or Initiative check. You may roll again at DC+1 (At Level 1); if you fail this roll, the encounter proceeds as normal. This ability is affected by the limit.

Current PSYCO Abilities (Level 3; 10 to next level)
Modifiers: +3 on activation
Limit DC: 11
>Acrobat Lv. 1 (+1 to Evasion)
>Multi-Lock Lv. 1 (May lock onto up to 2 extra targets)
>Relentless Lv. 1 (May roll again if fail Hunting/Initiative at DC+1)
>????

>>4581244
Just a brief on what a "limit" DC is. Every time you use your PSYCO, you have to roll whether you can roll it again. Fall below the DC and you won't be able to use PSYCO abilities at all until your next sortie.

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Jackpot
<< What’s there left to tell? The world turns, some ambassador stubs their toe against a rock and we cash in our bonuses minus unwarranted losses at the end of the fiscal year. >>

You notice Elaine’s brief look of hesitance, but don’t make a deal of it.

Conductor
<< So much has changed for mercenary units in the last decade, I don’t even know where to start. I remember when we had to deal with shoddy hangars and barflies that held themselves above the standard and now … man[/], you kids have it good. The Edict of Legitimacy really turned things around. >>

Ebony
<< The Edict wouldn’t have been a thought at all if it weren’t for the Two Hundred Days of Fire. As twisted as it is to even bring up, Amaterasu Defense and Security would still be renting out transports to pirates and independent mercenary units if the Cascadian Independence movement didn’t end up the way it did. >>

Ivory
<< What was the name of that mercenary group again? Sicario? >>

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< The Sicario Mercenary Corps are a now-defunct Private Military Contractor that, even prior to the Two Hundred Days of Fire, were well-known amongst mercenary circles for being relatively small in number but relatively valuable in skill level. The most recent record regarding the performance matrices registers the Sicario Mercenary Corps with the highest kill ratio in the history, accounting for more than forty percent of registered air-to-air and air-to-ground kills, as well as heading a plethora of vital operations for the Cascadian Independence Force. Their last leader, Arnold Frenken, call-sign Kaiser, disbanded the PMC shortly after Cascadia achieved independence. Most of its personnel are at large for alleged war crimes, but Kaiser was last seen acting as an independent consultant to The Intermediary. Save for Kaiser, none of Sicario has been seen in the last twelve years. >>

You blink, surprised at the sudden unloading of information.

Ivory
<< Uh … thanks, Fiona. >>

Jackpot
<< Sicario … they’re the ones that took down Frost Druid. >>

His tone is bitter, filled with contempt.

Ebony
<< Frost … Druid? >>

Ivory
<< How can you not know Frost Druid? She was one of the aces of The Oceania War!Over two hundred confirmed kills! The Pale Cougar of the Skies! >>

Conductor
<< She must have been pushing forty by the time Sicario punched her card in. Still … if there was anyone that could have done it, then, it must have been … >>

Ivory
<< Yeah … couldn’t have been anyone else. >>

>Write-In (Seriously, guys, you should know this)
>Who?

>>4581282
>>Write-In (Seriously, guys, you should know this)
"the king of the skies himself and his lady in waiting of course"

>>4581282
Would have to support this, though it could have been anyone from Hitman, 1~4, since they were all present for the fight.

>>4581287
>PTSD of Dip and Mic KSing intensifies
Monarch should have joined the Federation.

>>4581282
It was Master Goose betraying Frost Druid, duh.

>>4581283
Supporting

>>4581283
Supporting

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Jackpot’s laugh is dry, sardonic.

Jackpot
<< King of the skies, huh? If the shoe fit; it’s never been said that all kings are just. >>

He doesn’t follow-up beyond that.

Ivory
<< Well … seeing as we’ve pretty much crossed the Cobalt-Cruz line and are about twenty minutes out from little rendezvous … anything else you want to throw out there, Wizard? Maybe something to lighten the mood? >>

To your surprise, you see Elaine’s otherwise-silent avatar make a small gesture with her shoulders, evidently agreeing with Ivory’s propose course of action.

>Move on
>Ask about Symphony Squadron’s operational history
>Ask about the AIs
>Ask about their personal feelings in regards to the current assignment
>Talk about baseball
>Write-In

>>4581621
>Ask about the AIs

>>4581621
>>Ask about the AIs

>>4581621
>Talk about baseball
To lighten the mood

>>4581621
>Ask about the AIs
>>4581244
While I do enjoy that my exp decision vote was chosen, it was engagement that received more votes and not evasion

>>4581778
I apologize. I'll revert it later on the next screen.

>>4581621
>Talk about baseball

>>4581621
>>Ask about the AIs

>>4581833
Could just run another vote seeing as it looks like there's a lot more people voting now

Running in a moment. Can I have a show of hands?

Conductor
<< Eh … as far as I care, it’s steady employment. Let the unions and ethic committees figure it out for themselves. >>

Ivory
<< Not interested into that sort of thing? >>

Conductor
<< I’d say it’s more that I don’t have a particular inclination towards the topic outside of the fact that it’s had a hand in keeping my bank account healthy. The fact that Hiryuu and the rest of the modules are less poisonous than your average human being is an added bonus. >>

You glance down at Elaine’s avatar, seemingly intent on listening in on the conversation.

Ebony
<< It doesn’t bother you that we might be having a hand in pushing our current vocation into irrelevance through the development of such technology? >>

Conductor
<< Like I said: I’ll let the unions and ethic committees figure that one out. >>

Jackpot
<< Well, Conductor’s right about the average Amaterasu Intelligence module being more amicable than your average human being. Not sure if I’d chalk that down to sheer naivete or the algorithm mutation that the boys in coats work by, though. >>

Ivory
<< You probably have an opinion on that, Wizard. Well? >>

>Write-In

>>4582264
Okay, seeing as I'm feeling generous, here are some options as to where you want to take the conversation:

>Relate your interpersonal relationships with the Artificial Intelligences and prompt them into doing the same
>Focus on the politics of the matter and where you and the rest stand professionally
>Be casual and just say that you think that they're really neat.
>Say that you understand the perspective of dissenters
>Write-In

>>4582264
>>Write-In
"I dont think they will ever let these things be autonomous, there will always be a man-in-the-loop and thus there will always be a need for pilots"

>>4582264
>Be casual and just say that you think that they're really neat
They are.

File: kimochi warui.png (1.03 MB, 1500x1500)

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>>4582267
>Calling AI Waifu "things"
You have to leave.

Seeing as there aren't a lot of you that are on right now ... I'll continue this later. The vote will remain open, so mail it in if you want to.

>>4582271
until i can mofu mofu the bewby, she will kinda be a thing

>>4582266
>Be casual and just say that you think that they're really neat.

>>4582266
>Be casual and just say that you think that they're really neat.

>>4582266
>Say that you understand the perspective of dissenters

>>4582266
>Say that you understand the perspective of dissenters

>>4582266
>Say that you understand the perspective of dissenters

>>4582270
>>4582319
>>4582323

>>4582378
>>4582515
>>4582530

We have a tie. Flipping a coin; coin flipped and ...

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Ivory
<< Neat, huh? Not the word that I’d pick out myself, but … an opinion’s an opinion. >>

You shrug. You were never a big on thinking over things. As far as you were concerned, things were at face value until otherwise subverted. From a more personal perspective, you find yourself aligning a little bit more towards Conductor’s perspective on things: Elaine and the others seemed pleasant enough, even when they were practically add-ons to your twitch reflex or rolled one barrel too many and that’s really all you have to say about that.

Symphony 05, Hiryuu
<< Symphony Four. >>

You tilt your head as you respond to the call, confused.

Symphony 05, Hiryuu
<< I, too, find you … neat. >>

Conductor
<< Oh, my … >>

Jackpot
<< Looks like the ethics and committees are going to have to do a whole lot of figuring out by the time we RTB. >>

A burst of masculine laughter erupts along the comms. You lean forward, rubbing the back of your neck, unable to bring yourself to line up a proper response.

>Write-In

>>4582663
>Thank Hiryuu for the compliment

>>4582668
Supporting.

>>4582663
>Y-you too

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The plane does a sudden, violent roll as you finish your response to Hiryuu’s kind words.

Upon gaining your bearings—which takes less than a third of a second—you peer down at the innocuous body language of your craft’s avatar, humming off-tune and staring up at the canopy. Leaning forward, you open your mouth to ask just what that was for, only for the comm alert to go off right as the first consonant swan-dives from your tongue.

????
<< Unidentified aircraft, identify yourself. >>

Jackpot
<< This is Sheffield-Niner-Eight-Seven-Zero authorization code Alpha-Charlie-Sierra-Sierra-Zero-Four; relay verification. >>

????
<< Verification is Alpha-Charlie-Zulu-Oscar-Zero-Zero. This is Captain Finn of the Orleasian Royal Guard. Asset transfer underway; handle with care. >>

The IFF immediately locks onto what was probably the most luxurious-looking airliner that you’d ever seen. Even from this distance, you could tell that there was marked difference in the design and architecture of its peers. The body was much too bulky, its wings much too long for it to be marked as a mere modification off the production line. Elegant curves, rectangular intakes and what could only be described as a rather tall curve doubling as a cockpit at its tip, the first word that enters your mind is the sheer cost of the craft’s commission, as it could only have been custom-made. The closest that you could describe it in a catalogue of its contemporaries was a three-way marriage between the 747, TU-144 and an artist given free rein in regards to the steepening of curve gradients.

Jackpot
<< Package received, Captain Finn; we’ll take it from here. >>

Although … knowing just who it belonged to, none of that should have surprised you. The diagonal, jet-black cross and the golden wings of the twin birds that make the emblem painted on the side of the craft peeks into full bloom as you plug yourself into the escort, cruising several dozens of feet away from the tip of the right wing.

Your real work hours had begun.

Jackpot
<< Cinder Lord, this is Captain Joe Hikaru of Symphony Squadron. We’ll be your escort for your trip to the Asarian Conference. Please inform his majesty that he’s in good hands. >>

Transport Asset, “Cinder Lord”
<< I’m sure I am. >>

Ivory
<< Whoa, is that … >>

A bout of laughter erupts from the airliner; deep yet jovial.

Ebony
<< The King of Orleasian Kingdom … >>

Ivory
<< Is he … flying the plane? >>

The laughter subsides into light chuckles … or as light as Cinder Lord can manage; his voice would probably cause tremors if he so much as boomed on solid ground.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Don’t worry. I was flying rubber dog shit from out of Port Hong for five years in a cargo plane. This is a lot easier. >>

Cinder Lord, Co-Pilot
<< Your Highness, that’s the chaff trigger! >>

The craft rumbles slightly to your right as you hear sounds of a light scuffle … but remains otherwise stable.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< I knew that. >>

You hear a groan from Conductor … and a nervous laugh from Ivory.

>Write-In
>Stay Silent

>>4582707
>Write-In
[Polite levels of laughter]

>>4582707
>>Write-In
>chuckle lightly and get ready for a long trip

>>4582709
Supporting

>>4582709
Support

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You politely chuckle, more amused than alarmed as you fall into a routine of check-ins and micro-management. Jackpot’s VX-23 maintains point, just slightly ahead of the group. Ebony and Ivory maintain discipline, much to your surprise, with the only occasional break being Ebony’s AI chatting about some minute detail going unaccounted for and demanding the slack to be picked up. Even Elaine had fallen into the monotony of half-hourly system reports; you almost feel like dozing off yourself, but fully trusting the plane with Elaine alongside an asset of such import wasn’t something that you were eager to do just yet … if only because you’d already caught a nap on the way up here and risking a second right now would likely be an infarction worthy of a docked pay-check.

And you weren’t even half-way yet.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< So, seeing as I’m going to be putting our full support behind your AI advancement prerogative … am I going to get to meet any of the little ladies? >>

Jackpot
<< Your Majesty? >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< You know … the girls? >>

Conductor
<< The girls? >>

Conductor’s tone is one of confusion; he repeats the sentence as though it is a foreign tongue he has little to no grasp of.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Your planes are fitted with AI, aren’t they? Don’t I get to meet one of them? >>

Jackpot
<< Um … >>

>Prompt Elaine
>Keep silent
>Write-In

>>4582741
>>Prompt Elaine

>>4582741
>Prompt Elaine

>>4582741
>>Keep silent

>>4582741
>keep silent

>>4582741
>>Prompt Elaine

>>4582741
>Keep silent

>>4582741
>Prompt Elaine
She could probably use the experience.

>>4582741
>Prompt Elaine

>>4582741
>Prompt Elaine

>>4582741
>Prompt Fiona

>Write-In
Introduce Elaine and tell how she is wonderful and cute

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Elaine stares back at you for a moment … before slumping her shoulders and letting out a small whining sound.

Elaine
<< Greetings, your majesty … >>

It’s not as eloquent as you’d hoped, but you don’t dare look a gift horse in the mouth.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Now that’s a voice that’ll bring any man to attention at 2 AM over the Bering Straits. >>

Elaine hangs her head, equal parts flattered and embarrassed by the King’s remark. At the same time, the King’s co-pilot—which you now realize is probably the craft’s captain who had been unceremoniously usurped of his responsibilities—lets out an exasperated whine at what you assume to be his monarch’s lack of delicacy.

Cinder Lord, Co-Pilot
<< Sire, please … >>

The King would have none of that, however.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Relax; you’re acting like I’m tap-dancing on the throne. >>

You hear a resigned rumble from the co-pilot, but little else follows after. You can only conclude that he’d finally given up in his attempts at having the SOP heeded to the letter.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Well, Miss, what can I call you? They give you names or am I going to have to get out a calculator to make sure I don’t misplace a digit? >>

Much to your surprise, Elaine laughs.

Elaine
<< It’s … Elaine, sir. >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Wow … it’s pleasure to make you acquaintance, Elaine. I’ll be in your care. >>

There’s a moment of contemplative silence that breaks through the comms, accompanied only by what feels like a ponderous hum.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Which one are you, Elaine? >>

Elaine
<< Sir? >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Which plane are you? The MIG-29? >>

You hear what sounds like a suspiciously indignant snort, but you’re uncertain just where its node of origin was.

Elaine
<< I’m the F-15, sir. Coming up on your left. >>

Elaine prompts you to give her a little push … which you do, bringing up the plane from the tip of the airliner’s wings to just within the viewing cone of the larger craft’s cockpit. Turning your head towards the King’s plane, your line of sight trails from the craft’s sleek—if bulky—frame all the way to the DV windows … where you’re able to spy a clean-shaven middle-aged man of a rigid countenance and white hair almost pressing himself against the glass, his expression one of almost child-like excitement.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< You’re a beauty, all right. >>

Elaine hugs her small form, her mouth wiggling as she struggles to elicit a proper response.

Cinder Lord, Co-Pilot
<< Your majesty … >>

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Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< What? You’re going to tell me that there’s a woman on this planet that doesn’t appreciate being called beautiful? >>

You’re quite certain that the uncomfortable grunt that follows is from your Flight Leader, but you weren’t about to risk disciplinary action by pointing it out. Elaine, meanwhile, refuses to lift her head, the blue tint of her projection only making the pink tinge upon her cheeks look worse. The King’s co-pilot, however, doesn’t respond, mumbling incoherently (or praying, as you’re quite sure you hear half a sermon in there) as he retreats from the fore once again.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Beautiful; beautiful; beautiful. >>

Elaine hugs her knees, squeaking.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Your man treat you right, Elaine? >>

You don’t know why, but you feel a rather tight sphincter at the King’s question.

>Write-In
>Stay Silent

>>4582940
>>Write-In
Say that my parents taught me to be a gentleman to any lady

>>4582941
same

>>4582940
>stay silent

>>4582940
>Stay Silent
If she needs it i guess we could prompt her to answer truthfully, though it might be taken wrong if not done non-verbally.

>>4582941
>>4582942

>>4582944
>>4582943
We have a tie. Flipping a coin; coin flipped and ...

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You’re quite sure that his question was directed at Elaine, still.

However, there was a part of you that was a little … sensitive from the man’s line of questioning, resulting in your veering from response protocols. You’re uncertain how much of your pay check had been ripped up in that brazen declaration … but the only sound you hear along the comms is an agreeable grunt from the masculine half of the conversation that you’d just interrupted.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Your parents raised you right, then. A lady’s a lady; transistors and vacuum tubes or credit card-maxing ball-gowns, a lady’s a lady. You treat her right and she’ll bring you home. You can take that as a royal proclamation. >>

Cinder Lord, Co-Pilot
<< I’m quite certain that’s not how it works, Your Majesty. >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< You know what, Downey? You’re not fun at all. >>

Elaine laughs; rather audibly, you might add.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< There you go. Always a pleasure to hear a pretty girl laugh. >>

Elaine smiles warmly as her small form looks up to you, her laughter fading away into giggles as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. You can’t help but wonder what went through the minds of her creators in designing a graphics engine that compensated for such subtleties on the three-dimensional spectrum, even with all the flickers that followed. Despite you knowing her as an artificial, semi-independent attachment to your current person, you’re quite certain that there was nothing tactical about having a constructed intelligence of her design having the capacity to blush and giggle like a teenage girl.

God help you, it only made her all the more charming.

Jackpot
<< If you don’t mind me saying, Your Majesty, you’re … a lot more candid that I thought you’d be. >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Yeah; the only reason I’m even on this … throne at all is because they pretty much threatened to fire bomb each others neighbourhoods if I didn’t restore the—and I quote—The House of Bonaparte to its rightful glory. If it was up to me … I’d happily be putting up sticks and heading back down to North Silat with my daughters. God knows how they tracked down the line all the way down to me. >>

Conductor
<< The Orleasian Kingdom’s younger than the emergency kits under our seats … which makes their choice to return to a centralized monarchy whose origins were as the conquerors of the region actually amount to less sense than peanut butter on tomato sauce. >>

There is a pause.

Conductor
<< No offence meant, Your Majesty. >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< You’re making more sense than anyone on the ground; believe me. >>

>Ask how he got the job
>Ask why he’s been such a big proponent of AI development
>Ask what he hopes to achieve at the Asarian Conference
>Ask him about more casual topics
>Stay silent
>Write-In

>>4582988
>>Ask why he’s been such a big proponent of AI development

>>4582988
>Ask why he’s been such a big proponent of AI development

>>4582988
>Ask how he got the job

>>4582988
>Ask what he hopes to achieve at the Asarian Conference

>>4582988
>>Ask what he hopes to achieve at the Asarian Conference

>>4582988
>>Ask why he’s been such a big proponent of AI development

Show of hands for those that would like me to run now.

>>4583376
Go for it.

>>4583376
sure

File: Cascadia Becoming Waifu.jpg (610 KB, 1015x761)

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Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< I suppose it’s because I’m a bit of a futurist at heart. >>

>Question his stance as the development of Artificial Intelligence in the context of his support is their application in warfare and defence.
>Question his stance from his personal feelings on the matter; his history and what has him confident in the continual development of Artificial Intelligence
>Question the prospect of the redundancy of the human factor in the theatre of war
>Argue that futurists that put investment through defence technology are practically non-existent
>Accept his statement as is
>Write-In

>>4583379
>Your Majesty, which gacha game did you whale on?

>>4583379
>Accept his statement as is

>>4583379
>>Question his stance from his personal feelings on the matter; his history and what has him confident in the continual development of Artificial Intelligence

>>4583381
this

>>4583397
supporting

>>4583379
>>Question his stance from his personal feelings on the matter; his history and what has him confident in the continual development of Artificial Intelligence

>>4583379
>Question the prospect of the redundancy of the human factor in the theatre of war

Remember AC: 7

File: King of Orleas 2.png (535 KB, 1200x900)

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Jackpot
<< Symphony Four, maintain discipline … >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Hah, don’t worry about it. I guess there are some questions that are going unanswered with the why and what of my support and I would’ve been more surprised if you’d decided to drop it at just that. >>

Cinder Lord, Co-Pilot
<< Your Highness … >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< It’s all right, Downey; it’s nothing I’m not going to give out in my autobiography, anyway. >>

The co-pilot grunts rather audibly over the comms, but doesn’t protest your client’s decision.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Well, I already said I was a futurist … and that’s true. I’ve always been fascinated with the continuous advancement of technology and the waves that each step forward makes; in my opinion, it’s never been so much people that change the world, but the societal responses that attempt to make the pond of humanity return to a still, undisturbed surface, unwittingly—and ultimately—changing things more than a single flicker of innovation ever could. When the the telephone was invented, it was humanity’s response to that technology and their attempts at restoring a new status quo that shaped our attitudes to communication. Computers, planes, cars … and now with Amaterasu Defence and Security’s recent breakthroughs, I truly believe that you’re on the cusp of something incredible. Something I personally want to be a part of because I believe that what you’re doing is the next step … or rather, a step that I believe we have tip-toed around much too timidly for my liking. >>

Jackpot
<< The exclusivity and the op sites must make this deal all the sweeter, then. >>

A boom of laughter rings through the comms.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< I never said that there weren’t side benefits that my country wouldn’t be enjoying through this deal. The mutual investment is something that I’m sure is going to yield dividends through the next decade. The world’s stability is practically non-existent right now … and I may have been a cargo pilot back in my younger days, but don’t think that I don’t get that there’s more than one game afoot. The concept of adhering to the realpolitik of circumstances is something I personally loathe doing, so the opportunity to actually back practicality up with my actual beliefs is something that I’m thankful for. So … here’s to you, Miss Elaine, and all that come after you. >>

Elaine doesn’t answer; her expression, however, is clearly contemplative.

Ivory
<< Wow, I … huh … >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Heh; I didn’t put any of you to sleep with that nonsense, did I? >>

>>4583436
>Thank him for answering your query
>Write-In

>>4583437
>Thank him for answering your query

>>4583437
>>Thank him for answering your query

>>4583437
>Thank him for answering your query

>>4583437
>Thank him for answering your query

>>4583437
>>Thank him for answering your query

>>4583437
>Thank him for answering your query

Testing.

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You’re met with another bout of laughter from the King; this one friendly and … oddly comforting.

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< It was my pleasure, soldier. You know, I was actually— >>

A high-pitched ringing screams into your left ear, accompanied by a most disorienting static. Your systems go orange as the F-15 shakes, as if passing through an air pocket. Elaine’s avatar returns, whirling around, distress apparent in her eyes. Your hand grips the controls as you peel away from the formation in an attempt to stop yourself from clipping the wing of the Orleasian monarch. You roll out of the impromptu dive, gazing through your canopy to find a blazing fireball spitting out the vivisected remains of a—

Ebony
<< Symphony Five is down! Symphony Five is down! >>

I, too, find you … neat.

Jackpot
<< Anyone see what— >>

You do.

It’s brief, but a streak, akin to a flash of black lightning cuts down on the formation from a vertical position, piercing through the formation with a loud rattle of continuous cannon fire. The formation breaks with a single pass; you roll in an attempt to compensate for the space now taken by the airliner’s bulk, prompting you to decelerate and brake past, the tip of you aileron’s mere feet away from clashing against its belly. Elaine’s stall warning briefly lights up as you really do pass through a temporary vacuum from the flurry of movements, finding yourself on the tail of the fighter escort and with a a clean view of the chaos.

Ebony
<< A single fighter … >>

Symphony 03, Farah
<< I don’t see anything on my scopes; RADAR has no read!

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< Attempting identification of craft … >>

Jackpot
<< Forget the fancy footwork; mark it up as a hostile. Symphony Four! Symphony Two! Get the King out of here! Ebony, Farah, let’s tag this sucker! >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Initiating emergency protocols; Cinder Lord changing course! >>

Symphony 02, Fiona
<< Directives understood. >>

Symphony Two lines up on the other side of the wing as you accelerate through the clouds, the King’s plane banking violently as the three of you peel away from the combat area as quickly as you can manage. Briefly, your eyes meet with Elaine’s … and you see, in that instant, a communication of more raw emotion than you’d seen in half the men and women in your life.

Jackpot
<< Jesus, he’s running rings around us! >>

The RADAR doesn’t track the newcomer. It can’t. As far as it was concerned, there were only five craft within the vicinity.

Ebony
<< Line him up, lead; I’ll tag him the old-fashioned— >>

Jackpot
<< Jesus! That thing just cut right through on a dead angle! >>

Ebony
<< Stay on him! Just stay on him; he’ll land right where I want— >>

You hear a scream; you’re not sure if you’d ever heard anything of its kind. The sharp static pierces your eardrums as your fingers grip the joystick and throttle, a phantom pain coursing through your veins as your breathing begins to grow erratic. The King is on the comms, calling out for help … right as your head bows down to check the RADAR display, your fears confirmed as Jackpot remains the only one of your escort in active engagement with this unknown foe.

Jackpot
<< Sweet mother of … >>

A derisive snarl breaks through the comms; one whose origins you cannot confirm.

????
<< Predictable. >>

It’s a concern, however, that you can’t be distracted by.

Symphony 04, Elaine
<< Farah … >>

Elaine’s eyes widen in horror as she places her hands over her mouth, distress apparent in her quaking form. You feel the rumble of the F-15 under your controls, begging to break away from the airliner’s wing. Your grip on the controls is as tight as ever as you keep Elaine’s influence at a minimum, your discipline and instincts outweighing your distress as you try to push Ebony’s loss out of your mind, glancing through the canopy glass, Jackpot’s yells over the channel confirming what you already know.

Jackpot
<< Symphony Three is down! Symphony Three is down! >>

Ivory
<< Y-You’re kidding … Vergil? >>

Jackpot
<< Cinder Lord, he’s got a bead on you! >>

Cinder Lord, Pilot
<< Don’t need to tell me twice, son! >>

The King dives. Your doubts at his experience at the controls of the plane are erased as the great plane pitches downward as as you reach for the AI visual assist, giving Elaine a full view of the angles of approach. The grey fighter is on your tail within seconds, prompting you to pull up into a split-S. You feel the g-force pull at your molars with every passing moment you hold the stick, eventually levelling out with the King’s craft in full view at two o’clock low, the grey, featureless fighter overshooting its intercept course by a clean—

Jackpot
<< Don’t let him get a lock on you! >>

Ivory
<< I’m gonna tear you to shreds, you bastard! >>

Jackpot
<< Ivory, don’t— >>

But it was too late.

Ivory had rolled around for a clean shot, dropping a pod as he banked and dived in an attempt to cut the craft down on a blind side … but the plane rolled, spinning through the barrage before decelerating in a manner that should have turned its pilot's brain into mush.

Instead … it danced into the pod, head on, tearing off your second-in-command’s wing with a clean burst from its railgun, sending the MIG-29 spiralling below the cloud line.

And now …

????
<< Too easy. >>

Roll for Initiative (DC: 13)
>Use PSYCO (+3) [1d20]*
>Use Hunting+Engagement (+4) [1d20]

*Reminder that you have an active ability called Relentless that allows you to re-roll if failing

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4583537
>Use PSYCO (+3) [1d20]*
The reroll could save us.

>>4583537
Holy fuck man, you know how to write tension. Kudos.
>Use PSYCO (+3) [1d20]*

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4583543
forgot the roll like a fucking brainlet

>>4583543
Thank you.

>>4583542
>>4583543
Seeing as this is pretty much an imminent failure, would you like to activate [RELENTLESS]?

>>4583546
Or you can go straight into the EVASION phase. Either works for me.

>>4583546
I dunno, if it's best of 3, I'd rather wait to see if another anon can save the roll. If we have gone through all the allotted rolls then...
>activate [RELENTLESS]

>>4583549
ah, shit, it's an average. then activate relentless.

>>4583546
>activate [RELENTLESS]
looks like it's going to be needed.

>>4583552
use RELENTLESS

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==================
!!=PSYCO ABILITY=!!
==================

ACTIVATE: RELENTLESS

Roll for Initiative [DC: 14]
>PSYCO (+3) [1d20]

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4583558
Don't fail me, Dice Gods.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4583558
Here goes nothing.

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He’s too quick, too agile for you to react … even with Elaine pulling out all the stops.

You feel a little …

>PSYCO Limiter Recover (DC: 11, 1d20)

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4583566
Here goes nothing, again.