Perception:
2d6: [3, 3] = 6+2/ (7 Base TN)
JIC:
Career/Pirate
2d6: [2, 5] = 7 +2 (to try and remember if the pirates had any details of note.)
Active Effects: Tech Empathy (if applicable)
Fears wrote:”Glad to see you’re all in one piece. We have a salvage team recovering the defeated mechs. I know you’ll want to talk to Captain Fisher about salvage rights when you get back. Just remember there are other concerns for now. It looks like this was a two pronged attack to steal supplies from a DDF supply depot. The man over there,”He points to the blood stained agent, ”He was on the ground when the pirates showed up. Ended up pushing them back in that ShadowHawk. We brought the other man as backup as we heard there might have been heavies on the field. You should introduce yourselves to them. I think Captain Fisher might be adding them to your lance. I’ll let him explain more when we land.”
Liang sees the two men standing and is curious about them. They both looked to be in some disarray. The beer hat attachment was a bold and not effective choice. Efficient though. It does save carrying the cans around so it was not an all together terrible idea. some grenades were about the size beer cans and some grenades needed to be kept cool probably. Her view on the attire and open disregard for rules was not a reason to be rude.
Bluto wrote:"Here you go, buddy!" Bluto exclaims, his voice a touch slurred with the remnants of his previous three brews. "This one's on me! Name's Baron John Blutanski. Folks call me 'Bluto'."
"Pleasure to meet you both. Names Liang Yunn." she says with a nod.
On the field of battle the beer was alcohol and could be a disinfectant. she thinks then takes a look at the other one. Drinking in the field was not new to the Capallian soldier. It was just not so blatant. He was either that good or had political ties to keep him from a dishonorable discharge. maybe both?
Blood? I can see we weren't the only ones in fight. her initial instinct to ask is kept in check to not confuse matters. He looked like much more orderly telling by attire which was something she could agree with.
"Fitz, you did great out there." she says, "anytime you need a gunner or comm officer let me know. and any time you want to hang around I can use a driver for 'Jenny' over there." she points to the tank they rode in as she smiles.
"The pirates were pretty typical, the choice of name aside. I can check combat footage for any insignia or details that may tie them to a larger group, but they seem like the kind a larger group would use as fodder or distraction. the fact they had an AC/20 tells me they got lucky or are part of bigger group and did not want us to know." Yunn says adjusting her helmet and armor. they did have a good haul for salvage and would need to sort that out as a team. That tank was nice so was that Trench bucket (hunchback). Either would be a good prize.
Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)
=======================
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sun Jul 21, 2024 8:06 amSigma is met by Angel II’s XO Lieutenant Gallow,
”Glad to see you’re all in one piece. We have a salvage team recovering the defeated mechs. I know you’ll want to talk to Captain Fisher about salvage rights when you get back. Just remember there are other concerns for now. It looks like this was a two pronged attack to steal supplies from a DDF supply depot. The man over there,”He points to the blood stained agent, ”He was on the ground when the pirates showed up. Ended up pushing them back in that ShadowHawk. We brought the other man as backup as we heard there might have been heavies on the field. You should introduce yourselves to them. I think Captain Fisher might be adding them to your lance. I’ll let him explain more when we land.” he turns and moves back to directing the deck hands in securing the mechs and other loose gear.
Perun does not look like a man celebrating a victorious battle or foiling of a smuggling ring. But rather shell-shocked and grief-stricken. Work seems to be primary on his mind and with whatever 'free' time he has that isn't committed to meetings, he tries to work on the various bits of
Recommend posthumous commendation/medal(s) for Supply Clerk Barus Mankin
Find who the MechTech was that maintained the Shadowhawk 2D. Intention is to write a thank-you note for his exemplary work and try to get that MechTech re-assigned to work with him
that he has committed himself to finishing.
Bluto wrote: ↑Sun Jul 21, 2024 3:51 pm"Hey there," he says in a friendly tone. "Looks like you've seen some shit. You alright?" He gestures with a full can of beer, and offers it to Perun.
"Here, how about a brew to help disinfect that?," Bluto gestures to the bloody wounds Perun is sporting. "You look like you could use one. Name's Baron John Blutanski, but most folks call me 'Bluto'. Out in the warzone, callsign is Brewski, Baron Brewski."
He looks up at the Shadowhawk, "That yours? Nice."
"Thank you," Perun says, politely accepting the beverage, but setting it down carefully.
"Vanto Perun. DDF Logistics." Perun identifies, "My assistant, Supply Clerk Barus Mankin, saved my life." He gestures absently at the blood-stains and then his computer as if there was some unifying logic to connect the two.
Then, glancing up at the Shadowhawk, he confirms, "I believe she's a DDF reserve unit. Kept at the ready for emergencies. I was VERY lucky that someone had the foresight to stash it away. And that Administrator Park knew of its existence." He glances around, realizing that he never found out the fate of Mr. Park. But can only assume that he must have managed to establish communications, otherwise DDF may not have been able to respond as they did.
"Nice to meet you. Uhm. Sir? Blutanski. Err. Bluto. Brewsky?" The many names seems to confuse Perun as he muddles his way through the introduction.
When others get around to asking about what happened at the Supply Depot, Perun will detail the events. He will especially caution against taking this pirate force too lightly as they had at minimum, a pair heavies, the Marauders, in the dropship that whisked Chief Grimes away.
Perun wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24, 2024 9:32 am"Nice to meet you. Uhm. Sir? Blutanski. Err. Bluto. Brewsky?" The many names seems to confuse Perun as he muddles his way through the introduction.
A hearty laugh erupts from Bluto's throat.
"Sir Blutanski? Baron Bluto? Brewski?" Bluto chuckles, each name punctuated by a booming guffaw. "Haha! Don't worry about it. Kinda glad out here in the Periphery fancy titles get lost faster spare parts on a pirate ship. Just call me Bluto, alright?" He claps Perun on the shoulder.
Brewski grins, his eyes a little red but twinkling. "You see," he continues, "the more mechs you scrap, the more names they seem to hang on you. Back in Davion, you kill a Grasshopper they end up calling me 'Sir John,' then you save a Marquessa and then it's 'Baron' this and 'Baron' that. Never got the hang of all that stuffy crud. But out here? Out here, it's all about results, not titles. And if you can pilot a mech and hold your liquor, well, that's all the recommendation you need in my book." Without really intending to, Bluto informs the others that he's a brave man. Perhaps too brave. Possibly stupid too. Too stupid.
Brewski finishes his beer and a satisfied sigh escapes his lips. Yeah, he thinks to himself, this mercenary life is starting to grow on me. No more noble rules, no more weird formalities. Just good people, good fights, and a healthy supply of local brews. He nods to the other newcomers.
Perun wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24, 2024 9:32 am
When others get around to asking about what happened at the Supply Depot, Perun will detail the events. He will especially caution against taking this pirate force too lightly as they had at minimum, a pair heavies, the Marauders, in the dropship that whisked Chief Grimes away.
Bluto listens intently as Perun recounts his tale of facing down pirates with his Shadowhawk. It makes him takes a second look at Vanto Perun, and he fully appreciates the fact he survived a close encounter. This Perun's tall and thin, sure, but tough too. Knows his way around a mech too, that's what matters. He nods at Perun, feeling a surge of respect for the man.
Then come the details about the Marauders. Bluto's posture shifts. A slow smile spreads across his face, the same one he reserved for spotting a well-stocked cantina or a particularly juicy salvage opportunity. Marauders? Woah.
"Marauders, huh?" Bluto repeats. He crushes the empty beer can in his massive hand, the metal groaning in protest before collapsing into a satisfyingly crumpled mess. "Nasty bit of kit, Marauders. You did good getting back," Bluto says, and his voice is filled with a gravelly enthusiasm.
Disappointment might be a strong word for those expecting a strategic breakdown from Bluto. He's not that guy. There's a fleeting, almost comical look of someone trying to do math that flashes in his eyes for a moment. Then, as quickly as it appears, it is replaced by a wild, almost feral grin. At least he isn't reaching for a fifth beer. He's riding a wave of pleasant wooziness, the sort that seemed focus him in battle, tamping down in distractions and somehow improving his aim. If there were a Marauder about right now, Bluto would be a very dangerous pilot indeed.
"Gonna be great kicking some mech with you guys!"
Yeah. he thinks to himself, and a touch of slur creeps into his inner monologue, Maybe that's enough for now. Don't want to be too fuzzy for what's coming. Just 'nicely' drunk. He glances at the dented chronometer on his wrist – a couple of hours till lunch. And maybe another beer. Or two.
But then another thought, unrelated and utterly delightful, intrudes on his musings. Mashed potatoes, he thinks, and a dreamy smile spreads across his face. They ever serve mashed potatoes in this mess hall? Fluffy, buttery, with a nice dollop of gravy… Man, I haven't had a decent plate of mashed potatoes in ages. The image of creamy comfort food momentarily eclipses thoughts of an upcoming fight with pirate Marauder pilots. Just the thought of that starchy goodness has his stomach rumbling in anticipation. Maybe, just maybe, victory would taste even sweeter washed down with a mug of ale and a mountain of mashed potatoes.
”DTG” wrote:
27 January 3026
1840 hrs
Winter; 2०F
Clear
It been a long day for everyone and it's not over yet. As the introductions and conversation commence the DropShip speeds it's way to the DDF HQ arriving in short order. MechTechs descend and begin the process of getting the mechs into their proper bays for refit and repair.
Sigma is met at the base of the ramp by the familiar face of CPL Sanchez. "Glad you guys made it back. I hear it got hairy out there today. The Captain is waiting in the conference room for a debriefing. Follow me."
Sigma makes their way to the conference room. The atmosphere is not the normal for a successful return from a mission. CPT Fisher stands at the head of the conference table hands behind his back and a scowl on his face. "Ah. Sigma, glad to see you've returned. I received the initial reports from the field. Good job handling yourselves out there." His expression brightens slightly before darkening again, "I am concerned about the insider threat Chief Grimes poses. She had access to much of our sensitive information due to her position in the logistics chain. Agent Perun, a commendable job of uncovering what you did. Locating the supplies and interdicing them likely sped up her timeline and forced her to expose herself. Even if you hadn't initially suspected her, you still uncovered her schemes." He pauses for a moment, "The rest of you acquitted yourselves admirably on the field during your first mission. You stuck to the ROE and were able to defend yourselves. Our MechTechs have recovered the downed Mechs are in the process of restoring them to full functionality. I'm told they should all be able to complete this in about 10 days. As per our contract, the mechs are yours to do with as you like." He looks down at a note pad briefly, "We currently do not have any information of the destination of the DPRK dropships. Once we have something, you'll be the first I call. Agent Perun, Barron Bluto, I'm assigning you to Sigma Lance. Given what you've been able to accomplish, I'm looking forward to having information to give you in the near future." He takes a deep breath, "Now. Agent Mankin's memorial will be held in two days. Agent Perun I have received your request for commendation for Agent Mankin. It will be approved. I'd like you all to be in attendance for the memorial. Perun. I'd like you to say a words for him." He looks around once more but with a little more finality then before, "Any questions?"
Once all questions have been asked and answered he dismisses everyone to their own devices. Upon leaving the conference room a familiar red head is leaning against the wall across from the doors. Ivy waves down Jackson and throws an arm around him, "I hear you got on the kill boards today! Come on I still owe you a drink from before." She leads Jackson off into the night leaving the rest of you to your own devices.
Feel free to write out as much of the night as you'd like in your next post. You will wake up in Ivy's room the next morning.
You can post general activities for the next couple of days
”DTG” wrote:
31 January 3026
1000 hrs
Winter; 7०F
Clear
The next couple of days fly by as you look in on the progress of the mech repairs and prepare for Barus Mankin's memorial. As you arrive at the courtyard outside the HQ several DDF banners hang lazily swinging in the crisp winter breeze. The condensing breaths of the hundred of so attendees continually creates quickly dissipating clouds above everyone in attendance. It feels almost like the air itself is demonstrating the fleeting nature of life. Captain Fisher stands at a podium in front to the gaggle of attendees. Next him is a woman Perun has never seen before. As the ceremony begins, Captain Fisher speaks. "Today we honor the life of Barus Mankin. Any who knew him would have described him as meek or withdrawn, yet he always had an inner strength and a passion to preserve the peace here on Detroit. He worked diligently as a logistics specialist helping ensure the front line and combat units were continually supplied and ready to face the menace of the pirates. In the end he chose to place the lives of others over his own safety. In doing so he demonstrated unparalleled loyalty and commitment to his friends and community. As such for his final act courage and bravery he is posthumously awarded the Detroit Defense Service Cross." CPT Fisher turns from the podium to the woman next to him. He kneels down and presents her with the medal, "While it will never replace what you've lost, please accept this token of our deepest thanks and honor to have known and served with your son." The woman nods and accepts the container with shaking hands. Her tears splash down her cheeks as she tries and fails to express anything in words. You can see CPT Fisher comfort her before turning back to the podium, "Now with some final words from Barus Mankin's partner, Vanto Perun." CPT Fisher motions for you to approach the stage.
As Perun approaches the stage, Liang feels a small tug on her sleeve. Niko looks confused as she whispers, "Mommy. Why is everyone so sad?"
Feel free to write as much or as little as you like for comments for the departed.
The memorial concludes with Perun's comments. As everyone begins dispersing Barus' mother walks up to Perun. She's wearing a sad smile, her tearful eyes pierce through your core. She says nothing. She simply takes you hand and gives it a small pat. Perun can feel her emotion and thanks in the small gesture. She departs quickly leaving you alone as everyone else moves around you.
Now that I'm done wiping tears off my keyboard... what are you guys doing? You are free for the next 5 days.
Baron Brewski sits ramrod straight, a rare moment of discipline in his otherwise chaotic existence. He was always good at sitting still, at least for about 5 minutes at a time. It was a skill that came from practice. His mother often told him to do so, as did the school Principle on those long afternoons of detention. The briefing is mercifully short, and with interesting news.
Captain Fisher's mention of the DPRK dropship ignites a spark of excitement in Brewski's eyes, for the prospect of a fight lies ahead.
When his name is called, he snaps to attention, his salute a mixture of formality and exuberance. "Aye, Captain! Sigma Lance? Consider it done! Those pirates stole one of ours, and we're gonna take it back with interest. And them Marauders? They’re gonna wish they’d never left their dropship!"
There's a brief pause as he takes in the news of Agent Mankin's memorial. A flicker of respect crosses his face, quickly replaced by a grim determination. This is a man unafraid of battle. A low intelligence has its advantages in situations such as this. Indeed Bluto's bravery isn't the calculated courage of a seasoned tactician. Oh no. It is more akin to the unyielding charge of a rhinoceros; raw, unfiltered, and utterly terrifying to behold. He possesses a unique blend of fearlessness and stupidity that makes him a formidable opponent on the battlefield. In this world of war, it has its place. Where others might hesitate, Bluto charges. Where others would calculate risks, he would simply ignore them. His courage isn't borne out of bravery so much as a complete and utter disregard for personal safety. He is a human wrecking ball, a force of nature unleashed upon the battlefield. And while his tactics might be questionable, his sheer audacity often tipped the scales in favor of his team. The only reason this works for him is his supernatural talent for aim and piloting. Most mech pilots simply cannot perform such maneuvers, and enemies for this reason fail to anticipate them. And so, they often die. Whether this will work in this current campaign remains to be seen, but Bluto is clearly keen to try.
Bluto scans the room, his gaze lingering on each member of the newly formed Sigma Lance. He is a man of action, not strategy, and the question of leadership needs to be answered. His eyes, curious eyes, dart from one face to the next, searching for a sign, a hint, or even a subtle assertion of dominance.
When the call for questions comes, Bluto looks around at the other members of Sigma Lance. "Alright, who's Lancer Leader in our circus of death? I need to know who's in charge here. I'm good at following orders, but someone's gotta be giving 'em."
Bluto scratches his head, a gesture that speaks volumes about his internal struggle. It simply isn't obvious to him. Who's calling the shots? Who will lead us into battle, and more importanter, who makes sure there is plenty of beer afterwards when we kick some?
Sum wrote:Sigma is met at the base of the ramp by the familiar face of CPL Sanchez. "Glad you guys made it back. I hear it got hairy out there today. The Captain is waiting in the conference room for a debriefing. Follow me."
JC greets the CPL with a smile. "Our gear is still in our vehicles. Any chance one of your guys could get it back to our barracks?"
Sum wrote: Agent Perun, a commendable job of uncovering what you did. Locating the supplies and interdicing them likely sped up her timeline and forced her to expose herself.
JC nods at Perun with respect. Good to have someone with a brain on the team. This will come in handy when the mission isn't just pew-pew.
Bluto wrote:"Alright, who's Lancer Leader in our circus of death? I need to know who's in charge here. I'm good at following orders, but someone's gotta be giving 'em."
JC looks around to see if the rest of the lance is going to answer, then answers himself. "That is something we can discuss at the barracks, as a team. DDF doesn't have command within the team."Glad he is at least aware of his abilities. He seems to be a gun, just needs someone to point him in the right direction.
He then takes a moment to think for himself. "Are there any non-mech missions or non-contract pick up missions? Maybe a list of planetary bounties if we want to do some side jobs?"
Sum wrote:Upon leaving the conference room a familiar red head is leaning against the wall across from the doors. Ivy waves down Jackson and throws an arm around him, "I hear you got on the kill boards today! Come on I still owe you a drink from before." She leads Jackson off into the night leaving the rest of you to your own devices.
JC raises a hand in greeting to the redhead. "Good to see you again." Before they can walk off he says to Jackson under his breath "Make sure to put in a few good words for me." Then in a normal voice. "Have fun!"
Jan 27
During the debrief, Margret takes notes as she listens to what the Captain has to say, saying nothing unless she has something important to say, thinking she would be holding back more than she ended holding. The copies of the exchange with the pirates the only thing not immediately turned over as she felt only one individual in the room had no business hearing what was recorded. I can present that after that is not around. Her sight very briefly on Bluto when the fight with the pirates is brought up, even if there is an opening to do so.
After the debrief and her own brief extended debrief for the recording of the fight with the pirates, she leaves the conference room potentially just in time to see the back of Ivy's head and keeps her amusement to herself as she heads out to keep her personal promise, "And this is where I go and get chicken for me, myself, and I."
After chicken eating, having given herself a night out she returns to the dorm, checking the board as she passes for anything involving her and doing that first unless it's to late for the time of day to do it before heading up to her room for a shower, turning on her computer and getting some heavy metal on to kill the silence her room experienced all day.
Jan 28
In an almost early start to the morning, Margret sits up, one leg already hanging off the bed, miraculously not missing any toes, and sits there a moment with no expectations of going anywhere. She gets up and stretches, reaching for the ceiling she'll never be able touch before heading to the bathroom for its services.
"Paint ball. Paint ball." She says to her self as she looks for a range online in the area that isn't too expensive, if not just covered by the DDF that'll be open and gives herself a couple hour window to get there so she can get fed and watered before hand.
While at the paintball range, whether in a team based group or having to solo it against robots, Margret tries her hardest to avoid getting hit as one does in any paintball match, using her practiced skill to seek out targets whilst at the same time hiding from their aim, moving quickly. Swift as she tries to be for the hour long course, she does try to avoid slipping and falling on the terrain or getting lost in the pursuit of whatever the objective of the course is.
Small Arms:
2d6+3: [4, 2]+3 = 9 /TN 7
Running:
2d6+1: [2, 2]+1 = 5 /TN 7
Stealth:
2d6+4: [6, 3]+4 = 13 /TN 8
Navigation/Ground:
2d6+1: [1, 1]+1 = 3 /TN 7
Whether she won or lost, Margret returns to the dorm looking like she may have been involved in a little paintball while she was out. She firmly owns liking such sports if someone brings it up.
Until the later hours of the day, Margret stays in the dorms, giving some time to expanding her collection of miniatures for her board game with the assembly of one, then watching a horror movie casually in the main room as the glue sets before applying its first base coats and layers of paint. She does eventually head out for a drink or two in a club.
Jan 29
The day starts very much the same as the one prior, except it being later depending how late she stayed out. Margret is slow to move, but she does soon enough. It's a largely quiet day compared to the previous day, only broken by a visit to a gym with punching bags she in variably beats the tar out of for about an hour.
Jan 30
She is fairly ready to be up in the morning but not in a hurry to be anywhere. Cereal is how she feeds herself to start, milk first in a display of some hidden madness if someone is in the kitchen to watch. She watches television in the main room as she has her breakfast.
Jan 31
The day of the memorial had come and she was up nice and early to get ready and have enough time to spare to not know what to do with it. in the morning. The name of the deceased not being one that comes to mind other than at the debrief had her question why even go, but the Captain had requested the whole lance's presence there and thus so would she.
She stays quiet for the duration, having nothing to say, given her experience with death is minimal and she doesn't know the deceased.
After the briefing Bluto takes a meandering path through the base towards the barracks. He's not in any great hurry and is content to explore the base a little. Soon enough he wanders into the gym.
The scent of stale beer hangs heavy in the air and what remains of his fourth beer are sloshing dangerously within him. He looks about the gym, wondering where the bar might be located. Power drinks ought to be in a gym, he thinks. If beer isn't allowed then at least some cider. Anything with fruit in it has gotta be classified healthy. A gym is healthy. So where is the bar with peach schnapps?
Alas all he finds is a heavy bag hanging invitingly from the ceiling, its worn leather surface promising a productive way to release tension. Grumbling, Bluto staggers a little as he walks up to it half-heartedly. He lands a tentative punch at it whilst wishing he had a proper motivational brew in hand.
A nearby group of MechTechs, their bodies honed by years of physical labor, observe Bluto with a mix of amusement and disdain. One, a particularly wiry individual with an air of academic superiority, cannot resist a jibe. "Maybe you should stick to drinking, big guy," he sneers. "You seem to have more talent for that than for fighting."
Bluto's response is swift. His face, normally a mask of agreeable stupidity, twists into a grimace of focused aggression.
"Nerds," he growls, and his voice is the low rumble of a war machine that has just been activated.
"What did you call us?" demands one of the MechTechs, his voice laced with indignation.
Bluto, ever the master of brevity, replies, "Nerds."
The MechTechs, a group of highly skilled technicians with surprising athleticism, sense an opportunity for entertainment. They clear a space, revealing a makeshift boxing ring behind them. "Come and get it if you think you're up for it, fat boy," one of them challenges.
Bluto, unfazed by the provocation, calmly steps into the ring, and his movements are surprisingly agile for a man of his size. The staggering gait he had earlier is gone. The other MechTechs form a makeshift crowd, their faces a mixture of anticipation and amusement.
The first MechTech launches a swift, calculated punch, aiming for Bluto’s head.
But the Baron, with an unexpected display of agility, dodges the blow and counters with a powerful hook to the body. The MechTech doubles over, gasping for air.
Before he can recover, the second MechTech, a burly figure with a menacing scowl, charges in. But Bluto is ready. With a precise and calculated movement, he dodges the incoming blow and lands a devastating kick to the MechTech's groin. The burly technician crumples to the floor, defeated.
A hush falls over the crowd as they witness this seemingly unlikely victory.
Bluto surveys the wreckage of his impromptu and brief sparring match with a certain satisfaction. The two MechTechs lay sprawled on the gym floor, their ego's temporarily subdued. With a magnanimous gesture, he extends a hand to the nearest opponent.
"Hey," Bluto offers, his voice calm. "You guys know where the bar is? First round's on me."
Defeated but not entirely discouraged, they accept Bluto's offer.
January 27th: Some nearby bar with Nerds
The bar is dimly lit, and the only source of illumination comes from the flickering neon sign above the door. Bluto, a lumbering figure amid the crowd, balances a tray of beers with surprising dexterity. He slides across the counter, offering a frosty beverage to each of the MechTechs.
"On me," he announces with a toothy grin. "Name's Bluto. Let's get drunk."
Boris, the burly MechTech, takes a long swig of his beer and nods approvingly. "Boris," he replies, his voice gruff but friendly.
Quinten, the wiry technician, smiles. "Quinten," he introduces himself, his voice carrying a hint of academic curiosity.
Alexei, a broad-shouldered man with a serious expression, takes a sip of his beer. "Alexei," he says simply.
Ravi, the youngest of the group, hesitates before speaking. "Ravi," he quietly introduces himself, and his voice is barely audible over the din of the bar.
Bluto grins. "Well, Boris, Quinten, Alexei, and Ravi," he begins, "it's been a pleasure. I probably won't remember anything in the morning." He raises his glass in a toast.
"You know," Quinten begins, his voice laced with a hint of grudging respect, "you've got a real knack for this fighting thing."
Bluto grins, and his teeth flash in the dim light of the bar. "Years of training," he lies, for the truth was far less glamorous. He'd spent more time in the barracks than in the training grounds, his education in combat come courtesy of the harsh realities of life as a not so bright recruit. "I was better before the Mechwarrior training, but I like blowing shit up more than infantry duty."
As the drinks flow, the MechTechs, discover a new side to the brawling Mechwarrior. Beneath the drunken exterior lies a surprisingly friendly and uncomplicated man. They talked about mechs, missions, and the endless grind of life during wartime. Bluto, in turn, tells tales of his time in the Davion Infantry Unit, 'The Stone Lions', a unit he describes with a mixture of awe and sadness.
"Those guys were hard as nails," he says, his voice filled with a strange kind of reverence. "They taught me everything I know about fighting dirty. Most are dead now."
By the end of the night, a sense of camaraderie develops between Bluto and the MechTech crew. They had shared laughter, stories, and even a few bruises. As they part ways, the MechTechs promise to look after Bluto's Grasshopper while he was off duty. And Bluto, in a moment of unexpected generosity, offers to teach them the finer points of street fighting. After all, anyone worth his salt needed to know how to handle himself.
Expanded MechTech Descriptions if you want quick NPC's
Boris, the Burly MechTech
Physicality: A towering figure with broad shoulders and calloused hands, Boris is the epitome of physical strength. His build suggests a lifetime of manual labor, and his presence commands respect.
Personality: Beneath his gruff exterior lies a heart of gold. Boris is loyal, reliable, and possesses a dry wit that often surprises those who underestimate him. His voice is deep and resonant, carrying an authority that inspires confidence in his team. His practical approach to problem-solving is often complemented by a wealth of hands-on experience.
Finn, the Wiry Technician
Physicality: Lean and agile, Finn is more comfortable with tools than with physical exertion. His appearance suggests a life spent more in laboratories and workshops than on the field.
Personality: Driven by insatiable curiosity, Finn is the intellectual of the group. He approaches challenges with a methodical and analytical mindset, often delving deep into the theoretical aspects of their work. Despite his academic bent, Finn is also highly practical and capable of applying his knowledge to real-world solutions. His voice is typically soft-spoken and measured, reflecting his thoughtful nature.
Alexei, the Broad-Shouldered Man
Physicality: Alexei is a imposing figure with a broad, muscular build. His appearance conveys a sense of determination and resilience.
Personality: Serious and focused, Alexei is a natural leader. He is calm under pressure and possesses a strong sense of responsibility. His expression is often stern, but his actions reveal a caring and protective nature towards his team. In the mech bay Alexei is a skilled planner, able to analyze complex situations and develop effective plans. His voice is deep and commanding, reflecting his leadership qualities.
Ravi, the Youngest of the Group
Physicality: Smaller and slighter than the other MechTechs, Ravi is still quick and agile. His appearance suggests a youthful energy and enthusiasm.
Personality: Quiet and observant, Ravi is a keen listener and a quick learner. He possesses a natural talent for problem-solving and often offers innovative solutions. Despite his young age, Ravi is mature beyond his years and commands respect from his teammates. His voice is soft and carries a hint of youthful optimism.
A dull throb pulses in Bluto’s skull as consciousness seeps back into his brain. The cockpit of the Grasshopper is a claustrophobic cradle, and that's where he finds himself. How did I get here? He groans, pushing himself upright into his seat. Last thing I know is beers with the MechTechs. That was fun. 'Sleep-meching' was a subconscious habit of his, and a dangerous one at that. He’d often climbed into his pilot’s seat after he'd fallen asleep in a bed someplace, but fortunately he’d never actually started a mech up in his sleep.
He clambers out of the war machine and down to the hangar floor. He groans as he stretches, and his neck cracks like a whip. A wave of nausea rolls through him, it's been over 8 hours since he last consumed alcohol and the nausea was a warning sign.
Need beer.
Bluto slams the mess hall door behind him, and a shiver runs down his spine. He ignores it, and slides onto a stool. The mechwarrior orders his usual: beer and eggs. The familiar routine is just what the doctor ordered for his pounding head. The eggs disappear in record time, their nourishment soaking into his empty system. With the first sip of beer, the nausea in his head begins to dissipate.
As the beer works its magic, his tiny mind wanders. Today is a free day, a rare luxury. He thinks about the previous night, the camaraderie of the MechTechs - Barry, Quinto, Axeman, and Raver. Or were the names somethin' else? I forget. Good bunch of guys. Then, his thoughts turn to pirates, or rather, the Marauder mechs that were mentioned. Badass mechs, can't wait to kill one.
Finishing the beer, a plan forms. Sleepwalking into the cockpit was something that happened now and then. Simulators, on the other hand, were for waking hours! A grin spreads across Bluto's face. Time to get some practice in.
Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)
=======================
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3026/01/27 1755
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Jackson Cooper wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2024 11:45 pmAfter watching the Lieutenant head off, Jackson strolls over to the two new mechwarriors. He sizes up Perun and throws him a lopsided grin. "Hoooo-eee! Looks like you were on the wrong side of stampede, pardner!"
Perun nods politely at Jackson's attempt at levity. His lips pinch into a brief, thin smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
Should the moment demand it, Perun repeats his cursory introduction among the rest of Sigma lance as necessary. He does seem to pay attention to their own introduction and is generally courteous.
Bluto wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24, 2024 6:26 pm"Marauders, huh?" Bluto repeats. He crushes the empty beer can in his massive hand, the metal groaning in protest before collapsing into a satisfyingly crumpled mess. "Nasty bit of kit, Marauders. You did good getting back," Bluto says, and his voice is filled with a gravelly enthusiasm.
"I don't believe my survival there was due to any decision I made. I think they just weren't sporting for a fight at that exact moment in time." Perun remarks. Though he sees Bluto's mind is an ephemeral thing and his focus does not linger long on the man of logistics.
Bluto wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24, 2024 6:26 pm"Gonna be great kicking some mech with you guys!"
But then another thought, unrelated and utterly delightful, intrudes on his musings. Mashed potatoes, he thinks, and a dreamy smile spreads across his face. They ever serve mashed potatoes in this mess hall? Fluffy, buttery, with a nice dollop of gravy… Man, I haven't had a decent plate of mashed potatoes in ages. The image of creamy comfort food momentarily eclipses thoughts of an upcoming fight with pirate Marauder pilots. Just the thought of that starchy goodness has his stomach rumbling in anticipation. Maybe, just maybe, victory would taste even sweeter washed down with a mug of ale and a mountain of mashed potatoes.
What kind of face is he making? Is he having a stroke? No... a bit of spittle developing in the corner of his mouth... Maybe he is relieving himself? Perun steals an inconspicuous glance and twitches his nose in a sniff, but doesn't see any obvious signs that any of his theories might be true.
Strange.
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3026/01/27 1840
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Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:11 amHe looks down at a note pad briefly, "We currently do not have any information of the destination of the DPRK dropships. Once we have something, you'll be the first I call. Agent Perun, Barron Bluto, I'm assigning you to Sigma Lance. Given what you've been able to accomplish, I'm looking forward to having information to give you in the near future."
Perun nods once at the order and looks around again at Sigma Lance, trying to commit their names to memory.
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:11 amHe looks down at a note pad briefly, "We currently do not have any information of the destination of the DPRK dropships. Once we have something, you'll be the first I call. Agent Perun, Barron Bluto, I'm assigning you to Sigma Lance. Given what you've been able to accomplish, I'm looking forward to having information to give you in the near future."
"If you can give me access to the starport jumpship registrations for ships at either of the Lagrange points, perhaps I can go through them in my spare time and see if anything pops out. To have a dropship, they must have a jump-capable ship to deploy from. And so if they remain in-system that jump-ship is still out there, likely at one of the two Lagrange points." Perun offers helpfully.
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:11 amHe takes a deep breath, "Now. Agent Mankin's memorial will be held in two days. Agent Perun I have received your request for commendation for Agent Mankin. It will be approved. I'd like you all to be in attendance for the memorial. Perun. I'd like you to say a words for him." He looks around once more but with a little more finality then before, "Any questions?"
Perun accepts the honor politely then shakes his head quietly at the prompting for more questions.
Whereas others may decide to use their downtime toward physical activities or consumption of relaxing beverages, Perun gets back to work. If given access, he will work on expanding his investigation. His basic assumption is that for efficiency-sake, the pirates likely left ample cargo space for the ill-gotten goods. And so probably didn't actually bring anything to system. If they did, it was likely illicit and so wasn't logged. So he is looking for jump-ships sulking about after jumping in without having logged any dropship transports planetside.
((Note: I will work on a Mankins Memorial post later. But wanted to get this in before the day started))
Smolders wrote:"Paint ball. Paint ball." She says to her self as she looks for a range online in the area that isn't too expensive, if not just covered by the DDF that'll be open and gives herself a couple hour window to get there so she can get fed and watered before hand.
While at the paintball range, whether in a team based group or having to solo it against robots, Margret tries her hardest to avoid getting hit as one does in any paintball match, using her practiced skill to seek out targets whilst at the same time hiding from their aim, moving quickly. Swift as she tries to be for the hour long course, she does try to avoid slipping and falling on the terrain or getting lost in the pursuit of whatever the objective of the course is.
Hearing Smolders say “Paint ball.” Nash, having already been out for a run, sticks his head around the corner. ”mind if I join you. I can use some time to decompress.”and it might be good to see what we can do outside a mech.
That evening JC asks Smolders if he can join her for the movie, even offering to make the popcorn. Making sure to sit in a chair by himself, he makes small talk trying to find out more about his team member. When she heads out, he heads to bed.
Jan 29
Smolders wrote:The day starts very much the same as the one prior, except it being later depending how late she stayed out. Margret is slow to move, but she does soon enough. It's a largely quiet day compared to the previous day, only broken by a visit to a gym with punching bags she in variably beats the tar out of for about an hour.
JC asks if Smolders would like to run to the gym with him, then assists with the bag, weights, and anything else she needs at the gym, then runs back home.
On the way back he stops by the simulator to see if he can get some solo time vs the AI. I need to get experience in the Locust and Hunchback just in case I end up in them next time.
Other than that, it is mostly reading, cleaning gear, and seeing if Nimiko wants a hand to hand lesson.
Bluto is having a lazy day off in his room. He sprawls out on his couch, thinking about smashing Marauders in pirate colours. Bluto knows it's his job to do the smashing, but right now all he can do is wait.
He grabs his action figures and starts setting up a battle scene. He places the Marauder mechs in the middle of the room, surrounded by the Sigma Lance mechs.
"Let's see how you like this," Bluto says to the Marauders. He then picks up his Grasshopper mech and starts to move it around the room.
"Your huge *Pew Pew Cannons are no match for my smaller weaker lasers!" Bluto says to the Marauders. "I'm gonna to save the day!"
*PPC: Particle Projector Cannons
The imagined Marauders are dangerous with their custom Pew Pew Cannons, with superior range and damage. Bluto, in his gaming, seems to know well to keep moving quickly and to try and close the distance under cover. "Gotta run sideways so they miss with those Pew Pew Cannons," he counsels himself out loud. "Run sideways like a snake, and shoot that Marauder in the face. Ha ha!"
It is a crude display, but in his own simpleminded way he is strategizing for the fight to come. As Bluto plays his game, his mind wanders to more philosophical questions. His latest comment elicit thoughts on the concept of a snake's locomotion.
"Do snakes run?" he muses out loud as his toy Grasshopper fires the mech's large laser at a distant Marauder. The question hangs in the air as his mech performs a backflip in mid air, and starts karate-chopping a Marauder's rear armour.
"They must do, a viper can move fast. Where are the legs on that thing? Must have tiny little ones under the belly or somethin'. Like those weird crawly bugs, you know? Maybe that's why they're so quiet. No clinking metal parts to give them away."
He chuckles, pleased to have solved the problem. For a moment, he imagines a world filled with giant, mechanical snakes, each equipped with lasers and missiles. Woooah! To Bluto it is a bizarre and terrifying vision, but is seems perfectly plausible in this strange and unpredictable universe.
"BattleSnek would be awesome," he says to his action figures, imagining adding those to his collection.
Bluto continues to play with his action figures for the most of the day, sinking the odd beer to stave off starvation, and imagining himself as a hero saving his imaginary town from the pirates. He is so engrossed in his game that he doesn't even notice the time passing.
That night, Bluto dreams of giant robotic snake mechs!
Bluto is a simple man, but on this day Bluto has a revelation. He realises that his Grasshopper needs a new look, something that would strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. There's some funeral tomorrow for some guy I never met. But the pirates killed him. Pirates need to be scared off I think. He decides he want a logo for his mech, something that would become a symbol of his baronial mightiness.
As a child, Bluto was scared by a story his mom told him about a witch's castle full of flying monkeys. Years later, he now decides these creepy creatures would be the perfect, intimidating image to slap on his mech.
And so Bluto spends the day sketching out various designs. He is no artist, in fact he has absolutely no talent at all. But he has a clear vision in his mind, and is determined to bring it to life. Determination counts right? It's been some time since he used his set of crayons, and with those he starts with a simple outline of a monkey. To this he adds laser eyes and a laser gun.
Bluto Flying Monkey 300px.gif (54.94 KiB) Viewed 3018 times
Finally, he adds the words "Flying Death Monkeys" in bold letters, although he misspells "death" as "deth." He is proud of his work, and he can't wait to share it with his new friends.
And so Bluto takes his sketch to Finn, the wiry technician whom he beat up at the gym the other day, and whom he subsequently befriended over many rounds of drinks.
Finn chuckles at Bluto's crude drawing, but he sees the potential in it. The tech spends an hour working on the design, refining it and adding his own touches. He uses a computer program to create a digital version of the logo, and he adds intricate details that bring the monkey to life. He also corrects Bluto's spelling mistake, changing "deth" to "death."
When Finn is finished, he shows the logo to Bluto, who is blown away. The logo is everything he imagined and more.
Flying Death Monkey.png (140.75 KiB) Viewed 3016 times
"Oh man, you added a beer in his hand! I love it!"
In fact Bluto is so excited that he immediately orders a custom paint job for his Grasshopper, featuring the new logo in all its glory. He can't wait to charge into battle with it.
Once all questions have been asked and answered he dismisses everyone to their own devices. Upon leaving the conference room a familiar red head is leaning against the wall across from the doors. Ivy waves down Jackson and throws an arm around him, "I hear you got on the kill boards today! Come on I still owe you a drink from before." She leads Jackson off into the night leaving the rest of you to your own devices.
Jackson flashes a toothy grin at the redhead and snakes his arm around her waist. "That's right, darlin'! You're lookin' at THE up and comin' ace mechwarrior round here." He turns back to rest of the lance as Ivy drags him out the door. "Drinks're on me down at the saloon, Sigma!" The rest of the night is something of a blur of laughter, loud music, booze and acrid cigarette smoke. The next morning, the sunlight stings his eyes and stirs him awake. Despite his throbbing head, he can't help but smile to himself as he sees Ivy turned over on her side next to him.
At the memorial, Jackson nods to the rest of his lancemates as he walks over and stands next to them. He's quite serious during the service as the reality of the events of Operation Sand Man finally set in. Sigma Lance got off easy, but people died that day. After the speech and the conclusion of the ceremony, Jackson makes his way over to Perun to offer his condolences. "I, uh... I'm sorry about makin' light of the happenin's the other day, pardner. Good folks died that day. I'm glad you weren't one of 'em." Jackson pats Perun on the shoulder briefly before heading off.
There rest of Jackson's down time is spent in and out of the simulator, at least when he isn't in the mechbay attending to the Crab. He tends to the maintenance himself. No one knows more about Shelly than him and he casually waves off any attempts by the mech techs to get in and work on his mech.
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:11 amThe next couple of days fly by as you look in on the progress of the mech repairs and prepare for Barus Mankin's memorial. As you arrive at the courtyard outside the HQ several DDF banners hang lazily swinging in the crisp winter breeze. The condensing breaths of the hundred of so attendees continually creates quickly dissipating clouds above everyone in attendance. It feels almost like the air itself is demonstrating the fleeting nature of life. Captain Fisher stands at a podium in front to the gaggle of attendees. Next him is a woman Perun has never seen before. As the ceremony begins, Captain Fisher speaks. "Today we honor the life of Barus Mankin. Any who knew him would have described him as meek or withdrawn, yet he always had an inner strength and a passion to preserve the peace here on Detroit. He worked diligently as a logistics specialist helping ensure the front line and combat units were continually supplied and ready to face the menace of the pirates. In the end he chose to place the lives of others over his own safety. In doing so he demonstrated unparalleled loyalty and commitment to his friends and community. As such for his final act courage and bravery he is posthumously awarded the Detroit Defense Service Cross." CPT Fisher turns from the podium to the woman next to him. He kneels down and presents her with the medal, "While it will never replace what you've lost, please accept this token of our deepest thanks and honor to have known and served with your son." The woman nods and accepts the container with shaking hands. Her tears splash down her cheeks as she tries and fails to express anything in words. You can see CPT Fisher comfort her before turning back to the podium, "Now with some final words from Barus Mankin's partner, Vanto Perun." CPT Fisher motions for you to approach the stage.
Perun nods at the motion, clears his throat lightly and makes his way up to the stage. Once there, he produces a few pieces of paper from his jacket pocket. The pages look disheveled, crumpled and worn. They reflect a man who agonized over what to say and likely went through numerous revisions, ultimately dissatisfied with every one. He shuffles the pages, seemingly trying to get them in the right order with a heavy crease carving a deep groove across his normally placid brow.
Then, as the frustration of the moment threatens to overcome him, he closes his eyes a moment. The act squeezes a single tear from his left eye that instantly crystallizes in the cold. When he opens them again, they glisten with new moisture. Perun inhales slowly and lets out a small sigh. He sets down his pages and slides them away from his line of sight. Then he addresses the gathering.
"In situations like this, the speaker often explains how they know the departed. They speak glowingly about fond memories they shared with them. And describe the vibrancy of life they embodied." Sadness threatens to creep in again. Perun visibly fights it off, his lips pressed together tightly in the effort.
"I regret to say that I did not have the pleasure to share such moments with Barus. I only knew him a few days while he assisted with an investigation. It was hard work. Arduous. Methodical. I was glad that he had both the temperament and endurance for it. But it was not a light-hearted time. We had no frolicking moments." Another slow breath and long exhale.
"What I can speak of... is the character of Barus Mankin." Perun swallows hard as though the mere mention of his name created fresh waves of grief. "Steadfast in his support, there was a blossoming of his confidence as the investigation progressed. By the time we were inventorying the stash set aside for the theft, his transformation had been complete. No longer was he the withdrawn logistics specialist unsure of the next words that would come out of his mouth. Instead, he saw the overall picture of the investigation revealed before him. And knew his contributions helped unveil the mystery. In light of his newfound self-awareness, he was free to act as only his character would allow." Despite claiming to not have a fond memory, the light in his eyes during the retelling of this moment is all the audience needs to see to know how precious the remembrance is to him. But the moment passes and a shroud of darkness extinguishes the glimmer in his eyes.
"It was my fault." Perun admits. "I dismissed Chief Grimes as a suspect. And we were blindsided by her betrayal. There was even a healthy dose of hubris as I stood there unbelieving that she would resort to violence so quickly." Perun looks down in shame, shaking his head slowly.
"But Baris knew. He saw what I did not. They opened fire on us with the intention of eliminating us so that their story would be the only one to tell." Perun swallows again. "And in that moment, Barus acted on instinct. And his instinct reveals the depth of his character."
"He chose to knock me out of the line of fire, even though it meant his own person would be put in greater risk of harm."
"It was an act of bravery. An act of nobility. An act of sacrifice."
Perun looks up, scanning the audience with intensity as he concludes.
"So let us remember Barus Mankin not as a quiet bookkeeper. But rather what his character revealed in a time of crisis..."
Perun pauses a few heartbeats, ensuring that the audience is paying attention and understands the importance of the upcoming label.
Active Effects: none
As the team follows CPL Sanchez the woman realizes how lucky they were. That fight could have gone very different. These two new Sigma members seemed alright. She was a little concerned about Bluto. He was in control, if a bit reckless or impulsive depending on the action taken. Perun struck her as a decent person as well. Orderly and precise are the words she would have described him as.
Agent Perun and Barron Bluto being assigned to Sigma Lance was a good move. If this 'plot' became bigger and it looked as it would they could better deal with it. The pirate was also happy to have a logistics officer on the team as well. It meant less paper work for her and better dealings with the supply sergeant. Paper work was not a pirate thing.
The next couple of days fly by as Liang spent time with Nimiko and checks in on the progress of the mech repairs.
There was also the team Sim she was looking forward to. Before that the memorial was scheduled. These memorials reminded of her of her time in the Capellan Infantry and the friends she lost there.
Some would call the respect for all military personnel foolish. It was a thing her and her husband shared in common. In fact it was one of the things she liked about him. She treated most soldiers as brothers in arms and people just doing their job. It took extreme actions to get her to hate or dislike another soldier on a personal level. Liang was careful and remembered they were still enemies. There was a certain expectations to honor both sides of the fighting and what to expect from them in her mind.
Proper rules of conduct as pirate were 'discouraged'. It was that lack conduct that pushed her to move on from that career. A decision so far she did not regret. Hearing the question from Nimiko it dawns on her she had never discussed the topic death with her. This was an odd detail since soldiers were at risk of death daily. Crouching she looks at Nimiko and was thinking how to say it.
This not a conversation I wanted to have. Ever. she thinks with tinge of sadness and concern. this also reminded her of other things like if something happened to her. not the most pleasant reminder, but Nimiko needed an answer.
“Nimiko, When we get old, have terrible accidents, get really sick or someone hurts us badly we can die. When someone dies who is close to us like a family member or friends we feel sad because we won't see them again. The people here are sad because Agent Mankin was like family to them and they will miss him. This memorial is so we do not forget him or what he did.” she tells her looking the girl in the eyes gently keeping her voice low, but loud enough for her daughter to hear.
After the memorial she keeps Nimiko busy and decides to bring her to the Sim. Better to keep her spirits up and her mind off of the memorial and on more cheerful and fun things.
”DTG” wrote:
5 February 3026
0840 hrs
Winter; 9०F
Clear
It's been several days since the mock simulator battle with the First Tiger lance and a few more days since you've laid Barus to rest. Perun ahs been pouring over both their mock fight with the Tigers and any information he can get about the pirates. Perun is finding the task of lining up the different info streams difficult. He notices that the actions of Majesty Metals is odd given the timing of the pirate raid on the supply depot. While it's only a sample size of one the timing of their scouting operation coincided with the pirate raid nicely. They also ran away when the dropships appeared. Odd but not incriminating.
Jackson and JC have grown much closer to their counterparts in Tango Lance. With them spending time together on the regular. Not only do they get along with each other, but in all being Mech Warriors sharing tactics and suggestions has made them all better as pilots.
The rest of the crew busy themselves with their own activities sharpening their skills for what awaits them next. Liang has been having the hardest time getting Nimiko to leave Perun alone. Nimiko seems to be obsessed with the sim battle, more so then a normal kid should be. She seems to really be into the little details of the battle and how the mechs were employed.
Everyone is at their home gathering breakfast for themselves when the vidcom activates.
CPT Fisher fills the screen when it's answered. "Good Morning Sigma. I have an assignment for you. One I think you will find interesting. We have located the signature of one of the dropships. It left from an abandoned mining facility in the mountains of the southern continent and broke atmosphere several hours ago. Current satellite imagery shows no activity currently, however the intelligence value of this site can not be understated. I need you to secure the facility for a full forensics team to follow you in. Given the possibilities of pirate mech activity we will have Tango Lance on standby in case you run into trouble. I would like to have you airborne in an hour. The trip should take three hours. Please use that time to look over the sat imagery and plan your approach and landing site. What questions do you have for me?"
"Seems straight forward. Who owned it originally and did the mining facility change ownership? Do we have any idea why they abandoned it? If we have anything on underground and the local waterways that may be helpful." Liang asks.
Could be a good base or depot for the pirates or whoever is funding them. underground and easier to secure. would need air and water possibly. unless there is an underground river or lake that would solve air and water. she thinks as she considers the water access and local terrains tactical value. Mountains were a good place to fortify.
If this was a pirate base it could be a death trap she thinks as she considers how Infantry would get in.
Sum wrote: I would like to have you airborne in an hour. The trip should take three hours. Please use that time to look over the sat imagery and plan your approach and landing site. What questions do you have for me?"
Liang wrote: Who owned it originally and did the mining facility change ownership? Do we have any idea why they abandoned it? If we have anything on underground and the local waterways that may be helpful." Liang asks.
JC looks to Liang and nods. Good, she is taking point and asking good questions.
He then takes out his notebook and the list of standard questions he has been thinking about. When Liang is finished.
”Sir, you mention that we will be securing a facility with buildings and that Tango will be there for mech support. Does that mean we are going in on foot, or securing it with mechs? Either way, I have a list of questions, but may need to request additional information once we have access to the maps.
First, do we have either air support or artillery support? If so, is there a cap to the number of Deliberate Targets and Dynamic Targets? Second, will we have real time satellite support? If not, how close to drop time will the last satellite sweep be? Lastly, for now, if this is a mech mission, what mech and mobile choices do we have?”
JC pauses as follow on questions will be determined by the answer to these.
(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)
Jackson sits with arms folded and on foot up, resting on the knee of his other leg. He chews on a toothpick as he listens to the briefing. In the days leading up to the briefing he'd been a bit salty about not being chosen as lance leader, but the feelings had tapered off somewhat. Mostly due to an excessive amount of simulator practice, drinking with Bluto and spending time with Ivy, though he was careful to keep it casual. Fortunately, she seemed to feel the same way. After all, in their line of work (even though the DDF wasn't exactly deployed in a war zone), you never knew who was coming back or not. Barus' death and their recent simulator loss had really hammered that point home.
After JC and Liang have said their piece, Jackson speaks up.
"What're the rules of engagement going in, sir? We gotta wait for them t' core us before we shoot back, or are we weapons free?"
His thumb and index finger shoot out, mimicking the shape of a pistol as he closes one eye.
"Cause I just wanna know one thing: where they are."
The young mechwarrior grins and lets out a soft chuckle.
Marget, at one point, had been on the roof of the building they call home in the middle of the night, binoculars in her hands watching all directions in five minute intervals, shifting and turning in one movement.
The morning's call from the Captain is heard with portable coffee mug in hand and note taking. She has no input for the debrief other than, "Is there a name for anyone on forensics to look for?"
"Well if we know which pirates were probably there, we got somethin' to go on." She starts looking through the images provided.
"I know mechs are expected, BUT... do we really want to go mech heavy in such a cover-heavy area?" She looks at JC, "Well Jazz? One head goes in without a mech ahead of the lance? I'm up for it."
Bluto blinks, and his mind is hazy with the remnants of a wild night.
February 5th? What happened to the 4th? He shakes his head, and gets himself dressed.
Soon enough there is a mission to focus on, and so the mechwarrior makes his way to the briefing. As the team assembles, Bluto settles into his seat at the back of the room. Various things are discussed, and Bluto wonders if any of the nerds present actually agreed on who was Lance Leader.
Beats me, nobody let me know.
His mind wanders, lost in a sea of deep thoughts. A question pops unbidden into his head. A random thought, which he reflects on.
I wonder if giraffes even know what farts smell like?
Whatever happened to the people who asked me for directions?
Which is better? Regular fries or country fried potatoes?
Jackson wrote:"What're the rules of engagement going in, sir? We gotta wait for them t' core us before we shoot back, or are we weapons free?"
His thumb and index finger shoot out, mimicking the shape of a pistol as he closes one eye.
"Cause I just wanna know one thing: where they are."
JC looks around the table at the team members. As his eyes reach Smolders he pauses, wonder what she was doing out all night and why she was trying to sneak. His life as a scout and bounty hunter had made him a light sleeper. Tough way to get enough rest, but a good way to stay alive.
Listening to Jackson he is impressed for a moment. Good question about ROE. I need to add that to my list of standard questions. JC begins to write it down as Jackson continues with the finger gun and next comment. And.....this is why I was against him being leader. Maybe missed a bullet there.
Smolders wrote:"I know mechs are expected, BUT... do we really want to go mech heavy in such a cover-heavy area?" She looks at JC, "Well Jazz? One head goes in without a mech ahead of the lance? I'm up for it.
JC smiles back at her. Finally something I am good at."If the team and/or Liang are for it, I am too. But I disagree about one thing. We work in pairs at least. Maybe even a three person team. You, me, and Perun? Maybe you, me, and Liang? That way we keep three mechs hot and Fitz has the tank for extraction if necessary?" JC is happy to either be in a mech or dismount. Though actually securing the location would be difficult in building sized machines. "We could even get eyes on, then bring in the mechs to secure the perimeter while we do an initial building sweep."
Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)
=======================
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 2:54 pmThe rest of the crew busy themselves with their own activities sharpening their skills for what awaits them next. Liang has been having the hardest time getting Nimiko to leave Perun alone. Nimiko seems to be obsessed with the sim battle, more so then a normal kid should be. She seems to really be into the little details of the battle and how the mechs were employed.
"Let's learn together," Perun eventually offers to the eager child. He produces a tactical manual that he must have either nicked from somewhere or finagled from the logistical inventory stacks set aside for officer's training. ((This coincides well with my OOC desire to spend XP on Perun gaining a level of tactics (24XP) and a base of strategy (16XP)))
The two will happily pass the hours trying to figure out together both mech combat roles and tactics. They will begin their journey with the simulation battle but will delve deeper into the tactical rabbit hole using whatever archives (whether simulator or real-life) DDF has available and is accessible to them.
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 2:54 pmEveryone is at their home gathering breakfast for themselves when the vidcom activates.
CPT Fisher fills the screen when it's answered. "Good Morning Sigma. I have an assignment for you. One I think you will find interesting. We have located the signature of one of the dropships. It left from an abandoned mining facility in the mountains of the southern continent and broke atmosphere several hours ago. Current satellite imagery shows no activity currently, however the intelligence value of this site can not be understated. I need you to secure the facility for a full forensics team to follow you in. Given the possibilities of pirate mech activity we will have Tango Lance on standby in case you run into trouble. I would like to have you airborne in an hour. The trip should take three hours. Please use that time to look over the sat imagery and plan your approach and landing site. What questions do you have for me?"
Perun reactively squints at the vidcom activation.
CPT Fisher is off-site and can't meet with us in person? He manages to think as his eyes scan the background behind the CPT for clues of his whereabouts for a split second before he returns his attention to the assignment.
"Even atop a mountain, mining facilities rarely rely on airlift to get their goods out. Did this facility rely on meandering roads for trucks or rail to move their extracted minerals?" Perun asks, opening with what seems a perfectly mundane question a logistics specialist would ask.
Unfortunately for him, suspicion has crept into and lodged itself into Perun's mind ever since he missed the connection with CW3 Grimes at the supply depot that resulted in the death of Barus. His paranoia wonders how deep the conspiracy goes. Because if one supply officer might be corrupted by the allure of smuggling planetary goods to pirate friends, what is to say another, potentially higher ranking officer, might not be willing to do the same. Perhaps it is simply a matter of 'how much' it costs to corrupt rather than 'if'. Was his original assignment to the investigation of the supply depot missing inventory meant to use him as a convenient scapegoat?
"What valuable intelligence do you suspect is there? Is the postulation that pirate forces have been using this abandoned mining facility as either a waypoint or perhaps command center? I'm afraid I am just a little skittish at how 'empty' the facility might be given that my most recent foray into an 'empty' supply depot resulted in an unexpected gunfight that resulted in my assistant sacrificing himself to save me. I would just as well prefer not to walk into traps on back-to-back deployments. Sir." Perun finishes officially, recognizing that his tone might be bordering on insubordination in the face of their superior officer.
Smolders wrote:"I know mechs are expected, BUT... do we really want to go mech heavy in such a cover-heavy area?" She looks at JC, "Well Jazz? One head goes in without a mech ahead of the lance? I'm up for it.
JC smiles back at her. Finally something I am good at."If the team and/or Liang are for it, I am too. But I disagree about one thing. We work in pairs at least. Maybe even a three person team. You, me, and Perun? Maybe you, me, and Liang? That way we keep three mechs hot and Fitz has the tank for extraction if necessary?" JC is happy to either be in a mech or dismount. Though actually securing the location would be difficult in building sized machines. "We could even get eyes on, then bring in the mechs to secure the perimeter while we do an initial building sweep."
"With all due respect," Perun responds to JC's suggestion at him going in without a mech, "I would much rather be deployed in a mech. Preferably alongside Bluto." The logistics specialist jerks a thumb in the direction of the giraffe day-dreamer. "I'm not much use on the ground with small arms or melee in any sort of firefight. And if our primary objective is to secure the area... A firefight seems an inevitability... Whether from initial contact with the facility or counterattack when the OpFor realizes we are trying to hold their base."
JC wrote:"If the team and/or Liang are for it, I am too. But I disagree about one thing. We work in pairs at least. Maybe even a three person team. You, me, and Perun? Maybe you, me, and Liang? That way we keep three mechs hot and Fitz has the tank for extraction if necessary?"
Perun wrote:"With all due respect," Perun responds to JC's suggestion at him going in without a mech, "I would much rather be deployed in a mech. Preferably alongside Bluto." The logistics specialist jerks a thumb in the direction of the giraffe day-dreamer. "I'm not much use on the ground with small arms or melee in any sort of firefight. And if our primary objective is to secure the area... A firefight seems an inevitability... Whether from initial contact with the facility or counterattack when the OpFor realizes we are trying to hold their base."
"Taking structures needs feet on the ground. Any mechs there will likely be on support and anti mech duty. And yes we will be traveling in pairs or better if possible. Just like tank doctrine suggests. I have a few old formations we can use for the mission I worked on. she suggests.
Perun, 4 of us here have ground combat and taking a structure will need marines. My guess is we have some marine support as it is needed. You should be in good hands. Just let marines do their job." Liang says, "Mechs don't fit through doors."
Margret wrote:"Is there a name for anyone on forensics to look for?"
Jackson wrote:"What're the rules of engagement going in, sir? We gotta wait for them t' core us before we shoot back, or are we weapons free?"
Would be nice to know what the Forensics team has for support. Infantry or are they on there own and what are their combat orders if any? Liang agrees. She was pleased most of the major issues had been covered. The ones that a field team wanted to know at any rate.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 5:31 am"Taking structures needs feet on the ground. Any mechs there will likely be on support and anti mech duty. And yes we will be traveling in pairs or better if possible. Just like tank doctrine suggests. I have a few old formations we can use for the mission I worked on. she suggests.
Perun, 4 of us here have ground combat and taking a structure will need marines. My guess is we have some marine support as it is needed. You should be in good hands. Just let marines do their job." Liang says, "Mechs don't fit through doors."
"You are ordering me to join the infantry on foot then?" Perun asks with a twinge of incredulity. He is clearly uncomfortable being in a firefight again so soon after the trauma of losing Barus.
Aside from a generic platitude about how it's "going to be okay", I have not been told why I am needed outside a mech in this combat operation.
"What skills of mine do you expect to be worthwhile in securing a facility with infantry rather than my being a part of the mech support outside the facility?" He asks, "If the marines will do all the work on foot then why do you need a logistics specialist in the way, clogging the hallways?"
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 5:31 am
"Taking structures needs feet on the ground. Blah blah blah tank doctrine blah blah formations. she suggests.
Perun blah blah marine support blah blah do their job." Liang says, "Mechs don't fit through doors."
Bluto snaps out of his reverie as Perun's voice cuts through the briefing, protesting the assignment to infantry duty. He mutters, "Who cares about doors? Stomp all the big hurty stuff first."
Perun wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:03 am"You are ordering me to join the infantry on foot then?" Perun asks with a twinge of incredulity.
"What skills of mine do you expect to be worthwhile in securing a facility with infantry rather than my being a part of the mech support outside the facility?" He asks, "If the marines will do all the work on foot then why do you need a logistics specialist in the way, clogging the hallways?"
Concern etches his face and he volunteers to help the man without thinking ahead. "Hey, last time Perun was on the ground, he got all shot up. I can go with him."
He nods encouragingly to Perun, and gives a misguided pep talk. "So many ways to die in infantry. Mechs can chew through your platoon in one salvo, buildings can flatten you, turrets and gun emplacements suck too. And then there's the crossfire – your own boys can gun you down in the panic. There's always panic when the ground starts shaking and the air smells like barbecued dog meat. And the noise – woah. The roar of mechs, the sound lasers make burning metal and men, the screams of the unlucky pricks in the wrong places. It's what Hell sounds like. I've seen men go nuts from the noise alone."
He snaps his fingers as more memories come to mind. "And I almost forgot the little things. The cold, the hunger, the fear. You'll never fall asleep on guard duty guarantee it. You might not sleep ever again. Beer helps though bro. Yeah, you're always on edge, always looking over your shoulder, always waiting for the next thing to kill you. It's a hell of a feeling when you come out of it alive. I always come out of it alive. Never died once! If I did I'd tell ya. So stick with me! Hey I remember a time my CO volunteered me for patrol. In a forest? Whole platoon of us goin' though the woods thought it all was great cover. Then mech laser fire started a fire. Trying to run from mechs and trees when you can't see anything from the smoke cept for the red glow of fire coming up in the wind?"
"I'll come with ya," says Bluto as he pats Perun reassuringly on the shoulder. Then his eyes fall on Perun's uniform. "But you better wear brown trousers bro. Trust me."
Then he thinks a little, and scratches his head, pondering the reasoning. He turns to Liang. "So you're in charge then? OK, why do you want him on the ground anyway? He's a mech pilot. Got mechs? BOOM. Got tanks? BOOM. Doors stuck? BOOM. Miss Scruffy won't come down from that tree? BOOM. What's the problem that mechs don't solve anyway?"
Liang wrote:"You are ordering me to join the infantry on foot then?" Perun asks with a twinge of incredulity. He is clearly uncomfortable being in a firefight again so soon after the trauma of losing Barus.
Aside from a generic platitude about how it's "going to be okay", I have not been told why I am needed outside a mech in this combat operation.
"What skills of mine do you expect to be worthwhile in securing a facility with infantry rather than my being a part of the mech support outside the facility?" He asks, "If the marines will do all the work on foot then why do you need a logistics specialist in the way, clogging the hallways?"
"I am saying you may be forced into that role. I don't expect that happen here. In the future I think it would be wise for those of you who do not have infantry training might want to get used to it. Like door breaching and CQB the first time you do it in the field should not be your first time." she says politely.
"Like it or not we will be forced to into combat situations we are not comfortable in. Being adjusted to it before it happens is a wise option. We can run those of you through drills on our free time." she shrugs.
"As for skills the forensic team may need. You know the case and may spot something they miss if you get stuck on the ground. Again I don't expect that happen here. " she adds, "chances are we are just going to be support mechs to keep watch. Am I correct?" she looks to fisher
"So you're in charge then? OK, why do you want him on the ground anyway? He's a mech pilot. Got mechs? BOOM. Got tanks? BOOM. Doors stuck? BOOM. Miss Scruffy won't come down from that tree? BOOM. What's the problem that mechs don't solve anyway?"
"This seems a mech run. if any of us goes to the ground it will be me and Fitz in Jenny." she answers. I'll need a good formation with us in pairs. my thinking is Perun should be near jenny to help with analysis of combat and Jenny's escort." she responds to Bluto.
Bluto wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 3:56 pm"I'll come with ya," says Bluto as he pats Perun reassuringly on the shoulder. Then his eyes fall on Perun's uniform. "But you better wear brown trousers bro. Trust me."
Bluto's pep talk makes bad, worse. His descriptions about the horrors of war as an infantryman are surprisingly vivid and detailed for a mechwarrior savant. So Perun is inclined to believe that Bluto has personal experience in the matter.
By the end of the 'pep talk', Perun's hand is visibly shaking with fear.
"But you joined Sigma lance as an individual..." the logistics specialist begins, logically working his way through the impact of the story, "So what happened to those that stuck with you? Are they alive? Did they become so traumatized through combat hell that they were no longer effective soldiers?"
I wouldn't be surprised if Bluto really doesn't understand why the people around him can't just follow in his footsteps in combat. It seems so easy and intuitive to him. And for all those who try and fail, the consequences are dire. Maybe that is part of the reason why he drinks. To calm the nerves, quiet the ghosts of his past.
Bluto wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 3:56 pmThen he thinks a little, and scratches his head, pondering the reasoning. He turns to Liang. "So you're in charge then? OK, why do you want him on the ground anyway? He's a mech pilot. Got mechs? BOOM. Got tanks? BOOM. Doors stuck? BOOM. Miss Scruffy won't come down from that tree? BOOM. What's the problem that mechs don't solve anyway?"
"That." Perun echoes with a pointed finger in response to Liang. "We've graduated to mech combat and you want to intentionally expose us to the hazards of unarmored fighting?"
Perun turns his gaze toward the vidcom, affixing a steely look in CPT Fisher's direction, daring him to confirm the infantry deployment.
And we would be the sacrificial lambs. The convenient idiots to whatever nefarious scheme is in place to ferry illicit goods to the OpFor pirates.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 7:21 am"I am saying you may be forced into that role. I don't expect that happen here. In the future I think it would be wise for those of you who do not have infantry training might want to get used to it. Like door breaching and CQB the first time you do it in the field should not be your first time." she says politely.
"With respect," Perun echoes himself, "I prefer to take a mech into expected combat. And will deal with being on foot should to occasion call for it. Seems a wholly unnecessary handicap to impose on oneself. I am not in the DDF to die a glorious fiery death because I thought I can take down a Locust as an infantryman with a satchel charge. In fact, in the logistics field, we do not expect infantry to defeat mechs. In such a lop-sided situation, the best that can be hoped for is that the lost lives the infantry pay is enough of a delay for a properly equipped unit to be redirected to the battlefield to counterattack."
Perun huffs a breath, "You have not given me a tactically sound reason that you need me as an infantryman. 'Might want to get used to it' has nothing to do with tactical deployment. A tactically sound reason to go on foot might be for the purposes of stealth. Silent insertion and quiet extraction. A situation where mechs are too big and too loud. But that is not the mission. Securing a facility when OpFor mechs are a possibility means going in with mechs."
"So if it is all the same to you. And you want to press me into infantry for this mission. Go ahead and write me up for insubordination. I'll ride out the mission in the brig. And I'll see your name in the after-action report."
Perun wrote:Perun huffs a breath, "You have not given me a tactically sound reason that you need me as an infantryman. 'Might want to get used to it' has nothing to do with tactical deployment. A tactically sound reason to go on foot might be for the purposes of stealth. Silent insertion and quiet extraction. A situation where mechs are too big and too loud. But that is not the mission. Securing a facility when OpFor mechs are a possibility means going in with mechs."
"So if it is all the same to you. And you want to press me into infantry for this mission. Go ahead and write me up for insubordination. I'll ride out the mission in the brig. And I'll see your name in the after-action report."
"This mission is going to need you in mech so save the drama and energy for the enemy. In the future not all missions will be mechs. In those missions we all rely on each other in combat. I would like to make sure you are all ready and aware of the hazards of ground combat is all." she shrugs.
"And I did say you would be in a mech as escort for Jenny. Rest assured we will have ground missions and I would strongly advise you adjust to ground combat in the future. for now just don't worry about ground combat. Fitz and I may be in a tank. we are the only two who need to worry about that." she says finishing the debate.
Perun wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 7:43 am
By the end of the 'pep talk', Perun's hand is visibly shaking with fear.
Bluto grins, and he mistakes the quivering for hot blooded anticipation. "Yeah exciting isn't it? I can see you're excited."
Perun wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 7:43 am"But you joined Sigma lance as an individual..." the logistics specialist begins, logically working his way through the impact of the story, "So what happened to those that stuck with you? Are they alive? Did they become so traumatized through combat hell that they were no longer effective soldiers?"
Bluto grins, and a touch of bloodlust floats in his eyes. "Oh, most of them didn't make it. Some got blown to bits by mechs, others got caught in crossfire. One guy got flattened by a collapsing building when a PPC blast cracked it open like an egg. It was a real meat grinder."
He pauses, a nostalgic look crossing his face. "But there was this one guy, Joey. Tough as nails. He saw some real horrors, but he never cracked. He's still out there, somewhere, probably kicking ass. It's not so bad. You'll get used to it. Just remember, you're tougher than you think. Never affected me." Then he glugs thirstily at his beer and it becomes apparent Bluto was changed quite a bit from his experiences.
Bluto wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 3:56 pmThen he thinks a little, and scratches his head, pondering the reasoning. He turns to Liang. "So you're in charge then? OK, why do you want him on the ground anyway? He's a mech pilot. Got mechs? BOOM. Got tanks? BOOM. Doors stuck? BOOM. Miss Scruffy won't come down from that tree? BOOM. What's the problem that mechs don't solve anyway?"
Perun wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 7:43 am"That." Perun echoes with a pointed finger in response to Liang. "We've graduated to mech combat and you want to intentionally expose us to the hazards of unarmored fighting?"
Perun turns his gaze toward the vidcom, affixing a steely look in CPT Fisher's direction, daring him to confirm the infantry deployment.
"Yeah I'm getting confused," he adds as he follows Perun's gaze to the Captain. "This a mech drop boss? How you want me to kill em?"
If anyone is foolish enough to ask Bluto's idea of a plan he says
, "Weird you wanna know what I think, but ok. Operation Sinfony of Destruction."
With an evil look in his eyes, he explains, "We just mount up in mechs, ride into that mountaintop fortress like a herd of angry bulls, and lay waste to everything that moves. Mechs? Gone. Tanks? Crushed. Fuel depot? Boom! Shock and awe, that's what I'm talkin about. Scare the pants off those pirates, make 'em think we're gonna blow the whole place to kingdom come. Then, when they're shaking in their boots, watch 'em surrender. Tell 'em if we don't find what we're looking for, we're gonna turn their fortress into Swiss cheese. Don't even think about deleting any of these file things. They do, we say we're gonna shoot em out of a PPC cannon. That'll learn them."
It is a simple plan, from a simple man, but executed with brutal efficiency. Bluto believes in the power of overwhelming force and the fear it could inspire. You want elegance, talk to someone with a brain larger than a walnut.
"Yeah I'm getting confused," he adds as he follows Perun's gaze to the Captain. "This a mech drop boss? How you want me to kill em?"
"Mechs only unless Fisher says otherwise." she says, "We are there to clear a path for the ground teams."
"Speaking of I will send you the formations so you all know them. Makes life easier in tanks and mechs are not so different in the need for formations with all those guns and missiles that can cause friendly fire incidents" she adds then goes back to searching for the PDF with the Formations to send them.
”DTG” wrote:
5 February 3026
0840 hrs
Winter; 9०F
Clear
Perun can see Fisher is not in the command building, the background looks to be that of a dropship.
CPT Fisher's laugh cuts through the conversation, "What an interesting conversation. I do forget sometimes you all have such varried backgrounds. My internet is for you to secure the area with your mechs. We do not usually have people continue to resist when hostile mechs have the area under control. So in plain speak...this is a mech mission. However if you wish to assist the forensic team once the area is secure I have no issue with that. The forensic team has a 12 man security team so I wouldn't worry about them too much." Fisher grabs a data tablet from off screen and reads it over for a moment, "To answer some of your questions. First there is no artillery or aerospace support. Angel II will be your transportation and extraction. You can expect a 5 minute response time for any extraction requests. The facility was once owned by a periphery conglomerate. There is only one mine shaft which was dug and it is only a few kilometers in distance. The company was dissolved after a short legal battle with Majesty Metals. The mine was then given back to the Detroit government, who promptly left it to rot. There are three buildings on the facility. One administration building, a housing building, and a maintenance building. Fisher looks to the side of the screen, "Did the sat imagery not come through? Damn it. Lieutenant Wilson! Get this imagery to Sigma!" Fisher steps off screen for a moment before returning, "Apologies the imagery will be sent momentarily." Fisher looks right at Jackson, "ROE is only for you Jackson." It's a subtle jab, but Fisher's tone is light and jesting.
Fisher looks back to Perun, "That is understandable. The forensic team is going in to see what the pirates were up to. The sat scan we had indicated no activity after the dropship left. So we do not know what the pirates were doing there. That is what this mission is to hopefully uncover. The forensic team will be on Angel II so you'll be able to get introductions done there. Their leader is Commander Donavan." Fisher looks off screen again, "And you will have access to the same mech selections you had on your previous drop. Try your best not to level the buildings. But personal safety is paramount. When you are ready forward your Mech information to Angel II and their load masters will get your equipment loaded. The imagery will be sent to Angel II for you to look over once you are airborne. Fisher looks off screen once more and you hear someone in the background, "Sir. We're approaching the jumpship."
Fisher looks back, "Looks like I have to go. Got to keep this alliance from kicking us out on our own. Good luck Sigma." The signal cuts out.
Bluto, his eyes glazed over, tries his best to listen to the briefing. The mission seems straightforward, but without imagery he can't be sure what he'll be walking into. His mind flashes back to the sim battle he'd fought recently, where his Grasshopper had been utterly exposed to the devastating long-range weapons of the Catapult and Marauder. He might not be a smart man, but he knew enough to not want to repeat that experience.
Bluto's face creases into a thoughtful frown as his few maintaining brain cells work on this basic question. "So, what kind of terrain are we looking at? And what about cover? The mine got cover that's worth a damn? How far out we getting dropped?"
When the list of available mechs is finally presented, Bluto's eyes scan the options. There is the classic Centurion, a reliable workhorse, and the agile Locust, perfect for hit-and-run tactics. But one mech in particular catches his attention: the Commando. With a smirk, Bluto can't resist making a joke. "So, should I decide to go commando today? Those guys are fast, like wearing nothing at all."
Despite the joke, Bluto feels that the Commando isn't quite right for him. Though he wondered if that was just what this mission needs. In the end, unless someone suggests an alternative, his eyes settle on his trusty Grasshopper. Sure is slower than some of the other options, but it had jump capability, and is built to take a beating.
Wonder if there'll ever be a way to upgrade the Hopper? More LRM tubes would be sweet. Or swap out the large laser for a PPC. But isn't that just a slower Griffin? Ugh, I dunno. MechTech problem I guess.
Perception: [roll]2d6+2[/roll]/ (7 Base TN)
JIC: [roll]2d6[/roll]
JIC: [roll]2d6[/roll]
Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing)
Sum wrote: "And you will have access to the same mech selections you had on your previous drop. Try your best not to level the buildings. But personal safety is paramount. When you are ready forward your Mech information to Angel II and their load masters will get your equipment loaded. The imagery will be sent to Angel II for you to look over once you are airborne
Bluto wrote: Bluto's face creases into a thoughtful frown as his few maintaining brain cells work on this basic question. "So, what kind of terrain are we looking at? And what about cover? The mine got cover that's worth a damn? How far out we getting dropped?"
As the screen goes dark JC looks to Bluto, ”Dude, I thought you always went commando.”That was lame, but try to reach out to him. You haven’t been the kindest.
Next he looks to Liang. ”If it works for the team, can I use the Griffin again? It seems to partner well with the Grasshopper and it fits an formation for a static target I have in mind, but want to see the sat map first.”
JC then holds, waiting for everyone else to give their 2 cents.
Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)
=======================
Perun nods at CPT Fisher's confirmation that the mission is mech-based. Visibly, he seems suitably chastened by the DDF officer's clarification. But internally, his paranoia still holds a deep grip on him.
Fisher is in a dropship on its way to a jump ship to travel beyond the system. Suppose I shouldn't be so ego-centric to believe that he would hang around planet-side during our mission against these pirate forces... But isn't he DDF? Isn't implicit in the name of Detroit Defense Force a commitment that he will defend Detroit, this planet?
Perun looks down at his notepad with an intensity that is meant to hide his facial expressions from the vidcom on the off-chance that his emotions are written all over his face.
I suppose we will need to see how this mission plays out. If we end up getting ambushed at a time when there is not supposed to be any significant opposition because the OpFor dropship is supposedly off-world... Then this out-of-system absence will be the alibi CPT Fisher needs to not be implicated in any foul-play if our lance is either defeated or wiped out. The fact that the sharing of site intelligence is slow to arrive is another red flag. I very much hope to be wrong. Since it would be a very heavy lift to accuse one's commanding officer of corruption and dereliction of duty.
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sun Sep 08, 2024 9:45 amFisher looks back, "Looks like I have to go. Got to keep this alliance from kicking us out on our own. Good luck Sigma." The signal cuts out.
Alliance? Perun wonders. He tries to think of what alliance CPT Fisher speaks of.
((Interest/History.
2d6+4: [5, 4]+4 = 13 <== Know what alliance Detroit is a part of based on recent history. Collection of non-aligned periphery planets in their cosmic neighborhood?))
Largely quiet during CPT Fisher's response, Perun begins looking over the mech options when his lance-mates pipe up.
Bluto wrote: ↑Sun Sep 08, 2024 6:14 pmWith a smirk, Bluto can't resist making a joke. "So, should I decide to go commando today? Those guys are fast, like wearing nothing at all."
"No, I don't think you should..." Perun responds, the 'joke' going completely over his head based on the serious tone embedded in his response, "There is uncertainty about what our OpFor is. Not to mention the inconvenience of our not having sat info of our mission site. So if the mission goes sideways... We might need you to be a one-man wrecking ball through the core of the enemy lance. You hit a lot harder in your Grasshopper. And can't be ignored so easily."
JC (Johnny) wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 4:34 amNext he looks to Liang. ”If it works for the team, can I use the Griffin again? It seems to partner well with the Grasshopper and it fits an formation for a static target I have in mind, but want to see the sat map first.”
"Excellent choice," Perun agrees unprompted. "Is there another 1S in the inventory that we can sport 2 Griffins on this mission? If so, I would also like to pilot a 1S. If not, give the 1S to JC as he will be much more effective with it than I. And in that case, put me in the Centurion CN9-A."
Not having been part of Sigma Lance's prior deployment, the logistics specialist is uncertain if the provided list of mechs allow for duplicates. But he hopes so given the greater tonnage and higher mobility of the Griffin.
"And a funny man in charge of twelve near mutes." She says to herself quietly as she notes down who they're being sent with, acting like she didn't if anyone had actually heard her.
Margret forwards what she needs to to Angel II that she wants to use a Panther for the mission and looks up at Bluto's joke, "Go for it. I got my own. But I'm not sharing."
She stifles a little laugh for Jazz's own joke.
"Peruuun," Her attention shifts to the logistics expert, "You know how warehouses are. How are they?"
"And Liaaang," Her attention shifts again after getting the answer to the previous question, "What am I doing with the cat if I'm not going ahead?"
Perun wrote:"Excellent choice," Perun agrees unprompted. "Is there another 1S in the inventory that we can sport 2 Griffins on this mission? If so, I would also like to pilot a 1S. If not, give the 1S to JC as he will be much more effective with it than I. And in that case, put me in the Centurion CN9-A."
JC looks to Perun and attempts to smile comfortingly. "Thank you. I appreciate that. I don't have a lot of experience in anything other than the Griffin. Though, hopefully the DDF has more than one of each mech available. I think the Griffin 1S, with its LRM's and Large Laser would work well with you supporting Liang."
Smolders wrote:Margret forwards what she needs to to Angel II that she wants to use a Panther for the mission and looks up at Bluto's joke, "Go for it. I got my own. But I'm not sharing."
JC turns his attention to Smolders with a lopsided smile and his head cocked. "Are you admitting you go 'commando', but not willing to tell us, or talking about your monkey?" JC straightens with a strange look on his face. Oh shoot, that didn't come out right! With a blush starting to creep up his neck. "I mean...I didn't mean it...oh hell! I'm going to go get my gear."
As he turns away he smiles. I like her. It is nice having a girl you can flirt and joke with without the pressure of actual intent.
Margret wrote:"And Liaaang," Her attention shifts again after getting the answer to the previous question, "What am I doing with the cat if I'm not going ahead?"
"You will still be scout, we just need to travel together and scout as needed." she says, "I would not deny you or monkey a chance to do you thing. JC can go as your spotter and back up if you need it. They can keep pace with your commando. the other Griffin can stay with the tank and Jackson you can go with Bluto. Bluto's good, but not invincible. he gets surround he will not have a good day. In that sim we were flanked that hurts us bad. I won't let that happen again and not in the field if I can help it." she says.
"Dou Griffins works. Similar speed and maneuvering will be easier to keep up with each other. Bluto your heavy will be the tank until the scouts and Griffins spot the bad guys. YOu have range untill you can get to the battlefield. Then we can deploy as tactics dictate then. " Liang states
Perun wrote: So if the mission goes sideways... We might need you to be a one-man wrecking ball through the core of the enemy lance. You hit a lot harder in your Grasshopper. And can't be ignored so easily.
"ONLY if the mission go sideways. In the field we use the buddy system. With the exception if our scout needs to go alone and that is her discretion." she adds, "This is not a brawl in a sim. this is combat. 'Cannon balling' should only be done if you have someone to follow up your attack or as a last resort, Bluto. remember call to targets that missile fire so mechs with missiles know where to aim. Jenny and Perun will Primary support fire." she says. Last thing I need is a suicide attack that destroys a perfectly good pilot and mech when range and proper ranged support will do the same thing. and Jenny needs an escort. once the real fight starts we can alter formation. she thinks.
Margret Smolders wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 8:16 pm"Peruuun," Her attention shifts to the logistics expert, "You know how warehouses are. How are they?"
Perun blinks a few times, not certain where Smolders is going with her question. "Warehouses tend to be large boxes from the outside and inside could be anything. Depending on the purpose of that particular warehouse. Storage, manufacturing, transportation, maintenance."
After answering her question, he then continues to where he thinks she was going with her question, "Mission intel said site contains three buildings. Administration, housing and maintenance. The first two will likely be similar... designed for people to work and live in. The third will have more of the infrastructure that makes the mining site function and may be a little more complicated. But the sat images will help most with the pre-mission preparation."
JC (Johnny) wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 4:54 amJC looks to Perun and attempts to smile comfortingly. "Thank you. I appreciate that. I don't have a lot of experience in anything other than the Griffin. Though, hopefully the DDF has more than one of each mech available. I think the Griffin 1S, with its LRM's and Large Laser would work well with you supporting Liang."
"Regardless of your mech experience... You are a mechwarrior now!" Perun affirms with a thumbs up, leaning in on the status symbol that is inherent in being a mechwarrior pilot over anything else in the military. At the same time realizing his assurance applies to himself too. And feeling a warm knot of both pride and apprehension form in his belly.
Perun wrote: So if the mission goes sideways... We might need you to be a one-man wrecking ball through the core of the enemy lance. You hit a lot harder in your Grasshopper. And can't be ignored so easily.
"ONLY if the mission go sideways. In the field we use the buddy system. With the exception if our scout needs to go alone and that is her discretion." she adds, "This is not a brawl in a sim. this is combat. 'Cannon balling' should only be done if you have someone to follow up your attack or as a last resort, Bluto. remember call to targets that missile fire so mechs with missiles know where to aim. Jenny and Perun will Primary support fire." she says.
Perun watches Liang carefully as she speaks to Bluto.
Jenny escort for me. That's understandable. But I wonder if asking Bluto to call out targets will work. Maybe he hasn't done that before. Maybe in trying to identify and call out targets, it will diminish his combat ability on the battlefield. I guess we are all going to need to learn together about this. We will make mistakes. Hopefully we don't make a bad enough mistake that one or more of us gets killed over it.
Margret wrote:"And Liaaang," Her attention shifts again after getting the answer to the previous question, "What am I doing with the cat if I'm not going ahead?"
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 5:43 am
"You will still be scout, we just need to travel together and scout as needed." she says, "I would not deny you or monkey a chance to do you thing. JC can go as your spotter and back up if you need it.
Okay, Margret is scout.
Who's monkey? Am I monkey? My mech's got a monkey painted on it. No she ain't looking at me. Maybe JC is monkey?
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 5:43 am"They can keep pace with your commando. the other Griffin can stay with the tank and Jackson you can go with Bluto.
Kay.. JC and monkey keeping pace with Margret. Margret going commando. They gonna get a camera in her cockpit for that? I can ask later. Jackson going with me. Hope he ain't commando. Other Griffin with the tank. We got two Griffins? Liang is the tank.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 5:43 amBluto's good, but not invincible." she says.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 5:43 am
Similar speed and maneuvering will be easier to keep up with each other. Bluto your heavy will be the tank until the scouts and Griffins spot the bad guys. YOu have range untill you can get to the battlefield. Then we can deploy as tactics dictate then.[/b] " Liang states
No wait, I'm the tank? Or Liang? Or we both tanks? The Griffin going with me? Which Griffin? Dou's Griffin?
Perun wrote: So if the mission goes sideways... We might need you to be a one-man wrecking ball through the core of the enemy lance. You hit a lot harder in your Grasshopper. And can't be ignored so easily.
"That I can do," he replies simply.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 5:43 am
"ONLY if the mission go sideways. In the field we use the buddy system. With the exception if our scout needs to go alone and that is her discretion." she adds, "This is not a brawl in a sim. this is combat.
And this is confusing. Can I just shoot the other guys? This is so goin sideways.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2024 5:43 am'Cannon balling' should only be done if you have someone to follow up your attack or as a last resort, Bluto. remember call to targets that missile fire so mechs with missiles know where to aim. Jenny and Perun will Primary support fire." she says.
Ugh... call to targets that missile fire so mechs with missiles can missile the mechs that missile fire. Wait, Margret's scout, but I'm calling out targets?
Bluto's vacant stare gradually grows more plain as he nods slowly and mechanically. His eyes are now dull and unfocused. As Liang rattles on about a complex military strategy, her words are a befuddling blur to Bluto. His mind tries to put the orders together, but his thoughts drift to simpler times, when orders were straightforward and violence was his primary language. His nodding is a perfunctory acknowledgment, a way to appease his superior without engaging in a conversation he knew he wouldn't understand.
He reaches into his survival pack and pulls out a beer. He pops off the top as everyone seems to be busy talking to one another and ignoring him. As he glugs away he wonders what kind of day he's got coming to him.
Bluto wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2024 7:55 pmBluto's vacant stare gradually grows more plain as he nods slowly and mechanically. His eyes are now dull and unfocused. As Liang rattles on about a complex military strategy, her words are a befuddling blur to Bluto. His mind tries to put the orders together, but his thoughts drift to simpler times, when orders were straightforward and violence was his primary language. His nodding is a perfunctory acknowledgment, a way to appease his superior without engaging in a conversation he knew he wouldn't understand.
Vacant stare... unfocused eyes... Mis-timed nods... She has lost his attention. Perun concludes.
Spotting Bluto's disengagement from the mission briefing, Perun carefully works his way over closer to the mechwarrior savant.
When there is a break in the conversation or perhaps redirection of topic so that the attention is no longer focused on Bluto, Perun assures him softly, "Remember what you just told me. As long as you are in a big stompy mech... Everything is going to be alright." Giving him a short upward nod, the logistics specialist clarifies, "Just do what you feel like doing in the fight. The rest of us will catch up. And at minimum, I'll send shots at whatever you are shooting at and hopefully it falls over so that you can go mess up the next mech."
Bluto wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2024 7:55 pmHe reaches into his survival pack and pulls out a beer. He pops off the top as everyone seems to be busy talking to one another and ignoring him. As he glugs away he wonders what kind of day he's got coming to him.
As though an increasingly instinctive reaction, Bluto's production of a beer is matched with Perun's production of his notebook and pencil. He glances at his time-piece and scribbles down some notes about the beverage consumption.
Bluto wrote:Bluto's vacant stare gradually grows more plain as he nods slowly and mechanically. His eyes are now dull and unfocused. As Liang rattles on about a complex military strategy, her words are a befuddling blur to Bluto. His mind tries to put the orders together, but his thoughts drift to simpler times, when orders were straightforward and violence was his primary language. His nodding is a perfunctory acknowledgment, a way to appease his superior without engaging in a conversation he knew he wouldn't understand.
Perun wrote:"Remember what you just told me. As long as you are in a big stompy mech... Everything is going to be alright." Giving him a short upward nod, the logistics specialist clarifies, "Just do what you feel like doing in the fight. The rest of us will catch up. And at minimum, I'll send shots at whatever you are shooting at and hopefully it falls over so that you can go mess up the next mech."
"What he says just do whatever you want in the fight." she says and Looks at Bluto and pauses, "I'll keep it simple." she pauses in a calm and relaxed voice. Liang shows no irritation or anything except a genuine effort to help clear up the issue.
"All I ask is you Just shoot whatever people ask you too. Stay near the tank I am in and defend it. When you the scouts say you attack, you attack the enemy." she adds, Just do not f*ck it up for the rest of us. Calling shots as you make them is infantry basics 101. Nimiko could do it. Hell, maybe I should teach her to pilot a mech Maybe she could help us. As my old sergeant says some times you need to think stupid to talk stupid. the woman thinks keeping her irritation well-hidden.
Perun wrote:When there is a break in the conversation or perhaps redirection of topic so that the attention is no longer focused on Bluto, Perun assures him softly, "Remember what you just told me. As long as you are in a big stompy mech... Everything is going to be alright." Giving him a short upward nod, the logistics specialist clarifies, "Just do what you feel like doing in the fight. The rest of us will catch up. And at minimum, I'll send shots at whatever you are shooting at and hopefully it falls over so that you can go mess up the next mech."
Yeah makes sense. Bluto nods, glad someone is on hand that speaks English instead of Nerdese. He doesn't say a word since Liang seems to be hovering about still.
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Sat Sep 14, 2024 6:43 pm
"What he says just do whatever you want in the fight." she says and Looks at Bluto and pauses, "I'll keep it simple." she pauses in a calm and relaxed voice. Liang shows no irritation or anything except a genuine effort to help clear up the issue.
Oh great. The calm of death. What did I do now?
Liang Yun wrote: ↑Sat Sep 14, 2024 6:43 pm
"All I ask is you Just shoot whatever people ask you too. Stay near the tank I am in and defend it. When you the scouts say you attack, you attack the enemy." she adds, Just do not f*ck it up for the rest of us. Calling shots as you make them is infantry basics 101. Nimiko could do it. Hell, maybe I should teach her to pilot a mech Maybe she could help us. As my old sergeant says some times you need to think stupid to talk stupid. the woman thinks keeping her irritation well-hidden.
"Anything else?" she asks.
"Nope," replies Bluto. Not saying a thing. Just go do whatever it is you wanna do.
When she is gone, Bluto exhales and whilst basking in the glow of a successful Perception check says softly to Perun. "Man, she really hates me. I can tell, I get that look from women all the time." He takes another mouthful of beer with a thoughtful expression. "Did anything she say make sense to you? And who the hell is Dou?"
Perun dutifully shakes his head in joined chorus with Bluto's confirmation of nothing else.
Bluto wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2024 1:35 am"Man, she really hates me. I can tell, I get that look from women all the time." He takes another mouthful of beer with a thoughtful expression. "Did anything she say make sense to you? And who the hell is Dou?"
Does she hate him? No, that can't be it. Probably just trying to organize our lance the only way she knows how. We're all just pretending to know what we are doing anyway. We are all too young to have veteran insight.
"I don't think that's it." Perun soothes, "Has the sounds of frustration to it. Keep in mind that we just asked her to be our lance leader. So every decision she makes can have consequences."
Gesturing toward Bluto to try to encourage him some self-reflection, Perun asks, "If you were in charge and a bunch of your friends died because of what you told them to do... " Perun shrugs lightly, not wanting to put the idea on Bluto, so instead redirecting it to her own person, "I dunno. I would be worried about all the decisions I was making and would be stressed about making those decisions."
With a smirk, he thinks of a good way to conclude, "Besides, it probably also has something to do with having a bad-ass "beer-me" mechwarrior to account for." The logistics specialist nods once in Bluto's direction.
He then checks his timepiece and finishes, "Think you should be done with that one and on to your next... Right about... Now."
Perun points his pencil at Bluto's beer stash for emphasis.
"And don't worry, I'll procure you plenty of inventory of that beverage. Is that your favorite? Or do you like trying out different types?"
”DTG” wrote:
5 February 3026
1040 hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear
Perun thinks back to hearing about a small Coalition of worlds that were gathered in the local area to assist each other with the pirate issue.
As you make your final mech selections a file comes in…it’s the sat imagery. It appears there is a landing area in the complex, but it also appears to only have one real entrance that weaves through the mountain and is extremely narrow. It wouldn’t be hard to get bottlenecked if an enemy force were to press the issue. Fitz Speaks up as he studies the imagery, ”Look like a steep cliff. It looks to be too much for jump jets to get past. I’m not seeing any of the tell-tell signs of mech activity either. I’m hoping that is a good thing.” He turns to look at Nimiko and gives her a smile and wink, ”I’ll take good care of your mom.” ”Be better than the sim.” Nimiko’s sing song voice and words kind of freeze Fitz in place as he looks to Liang, for a moment unsure of what to say. After a brief second he smiles at the child, ”Absolutely, I will.”
As you make your way to Angel II you see a familiar face of the ship’s XO LT Gallow. He waves to everyone as you make your way aboard. You also notice the members of Tango Lance also loading into a different dropship. Jackson only sees Ivy, who waves at him before disappearing into the ship. Your attention is pulled back to Gallow, ”Nice to have you all aboard again. It’s going to take several hours to get to your destination. The ground team is already here. Let me introduce you.” Gallow waves over a woman in a DDF uniform, ”Let me introduce Commander Donavon.” The six foot blond woman athletically jogs over and salutes Gallow. Her blue eyes closely regard each of you in turn. ”Thanks Lieutenant. I’m Commander Donavon. I’ll be in charge of the primary dismounted element. Our current plan is to go in after you have eliminated any armored resistance. We will secure the buildings to allow for the forensics team to begin their data collection. If you have anything you wish to see during the collection I can facilitate. Otherwise I would prefer to have you keeping the perimeter secure.” Her brow furrows in frustration, ”These damn pirates keep ending up one step ahead of us at each turn. I’m hoping we get some useful information today.” She shakes her head, ”Sorry. I should have vented my frustrations out here. You hear someone else call for her from the upper decks, ”Sorry, have to go. We’ll meet back up when we get close to review the imagery.”
Everyone watches her leave and after a few minutes Angel II and Dustoff IV take off heading towards the mountains.
