[Message Begins]
Greetings pilot, if you are receiving this message then it means that we at Hanse have deemed you acceptable for a mission outside of regular AC works. Due to the current civil war the AC’s attention has been focused elsewhere meaning that older jobs had to be postponed until everything calms down. The mission we require your aid with was one of these jobs, however due to recent developments Hanse has caused its importance to increase and now we need it done.
If you accept the job, head for ‘The Last Drop’, a suit bar located in Scotland, once you arrive ask the owner if your mutual friend is there, he will direct you to our agent that is waiting to brief you on the mission.
Good luck and good hunting pilot, we expect your answer soon.
[Message Ends]
______________________________________
For reasons known only to yourself, you accepted the job, maybe it was for money, maybe action hell maybe just because you had nothing else to do, no matter what the reason was you now found yourself standing outside The Last Drop.
The quiet pattering of rain on your armour vanishes as you as you make your way inside, pausing to look around at the quiet establishment. The recent civil has clearly taking its toll on the normally bustling bar’s patronage if the small number of pilots sitting alone in corners is any indication. Noticing you enter the barkeeper nods as you approach the counter and leaning over the bartop you ask him about your mutual friend. He shows little indication that heheard you, instead he continues cleaning the glass he’s holding for a second before putting it down and heading to a side door, indicating for you to follow him.
As you exit the main bar you find yourself at the top of a flight of stairs, following the man down he leads you through a series of tunnels, every so often you pass an open door with glances inside revealing booze, ammo and what look like dormitories before you reach a large hanger like room.
>Cont
You wait in the bay for around half an hour as a few other pilots arrive and join the slowly assembling squad, eventually you hear the sound of someone clearing their throat and turn around to investigate, instead of the usual unmarked light or mesh favoured by Hanse you find yourself staring at an unsuited man sitting behind a small desk.Once he is sure he has everyone’s attention the man pulls out a small file and begins the briefing.
“Northwest of here lies the main base of a group of unaffiliated raiders, originally they were just a small group of pilots supported by non-suit combatants using looted military equipment and thus the AC considered them a small and unimportant inconvenience. In the last few months however they have had a sudden increase in the quality of their equipment and if rumours are true a large number of their non-suit using forces have been seen wearing what appear to be Tin Men armour. There are also reports of their previous equipment being upgraded and that they are now able to pose a threat to pilots.”
“Understandably this has caused a deal of concern and increased their threat level enough that we are commencing an operation to investigate the source of these improvements and either take it out, or find a way to convince the raiders to stop their hostilities and join command. Having a force of combatants that already control a large portion of the nearby area will make the reclamation if Britain a lot easier and will save on resources.”
Looking up from the file the man sweeps his eyes over the assembled pilots, “Now do you have any questions?”
>Cont
There will also be a “take 10” system in effect for this mission. On non-stressful situations(if you can find them), you can automatically be 30 away from target, and roll a d20 to modify it closer to ‘target’. Taking 10 will make it easier to succeed in most cases(easy rolls will be pretty much impossible to fail even), but you cannot use it for dodging, attacking, while being attacked, or if the action would end up putting you through danger.
Basic actions (moving, communicating, observation) will all be success only, so basic actions will happen successfully almost always. There will be three major categories for non-basic actions, DEXY, COMBAT, and TECH. You can only perform ONE TYPE OF ADVANCED ACTION per turn. Rolling DEXY for dodge is NOT an 'advanced action' cost or use unless it is stated otherwise.
Basic actions include just moving around not caring about stealth, releasing out drones for activation, activating camouflage(not the stealth roll), using suit abilities such as bullrush or celerity, and reloading(Hah, who does that anymore...)
DEXY refers to actions such as melee or dodge rolls, and other checks towards maneuverability, agility, and so on. DEXY uses a 'closest to 1' roll on a D100.
COMBAT refers to the act of shooting ranged attacks (NOT melee attacks), plain and simple. COMBAT uses a 'closest to 100' roll on a D100.
TECH refers to anything else really, mostly it's using or fixing your suit's systems. Tech uses a 'closest to 50' roll on a D100.
>Only pilot stats will apply in this mission. That means only faction and cyber brain +es.
>Mission start
>>44264633
Maureen, who also had a fondness for sitting in the dark to appear mysterious. (And also to look like you knew what the hell you were doing, but that's beside the point) Felt quite at home in the hangar bay. She'd been listening to the debriefing for what seemed like less then an hour.
Which was a nice change, considering that every Hanse Agent and their mother would talk your ear off with how discrete you had to be, or how you shouldn't do this one thing and going into details why. Completely missing the fact that most pilots just want to murder things.
"No questions, but you may want to zimpify our objectives"
>>44264744
(Forgot my build, fug)
> http://the-power-armor-cyoa.wikia.com/wiki/Hood_Rats_Anonymous
>here, gathering my build
>>44264744
The agent turns to regard you and nods.
"Agent Showtime, pleasure to meet you at last, I've heard about your skill at evading danger, though hopefully it won't be required too much for this operation."
"To answer your question, there are two main objectives for this mission." He pulls out a smaller sheet of paper and looks it over while he talks, "Find the source of the raider's supply of tin man armour, either eliminate or find a way to aquire the being or beings responsible."
"The secondary objective is to see if it is possible to recruit the raiders into command, having a force of well equiped individuals already based here would make the pacification of Britain easier and save on resources." His impassive face grimaces for a second before resuming its mask like visage, "AC is less caring about this objective but Hanse would prefer the minimizing of resources and time taken in this endevour so we can focus on other, more important objectives worldwide."
>>44264633
"Can you be a tad bit more specific to exactly where they are in the local area?" The walking red tank spoke up, only now turning to the Hanse operative.
"And what kind of support can we call on if we need it." He was being pragmatic. He had no intentions of starting anything....but then again he rarely did.
Ok...that might be a lie.
>Build http://pastebin.com/6bRRY3MP
>>44264884
"Would you mind giving us zay... An 'incentive' to recruit them? Just to keep everyone, including myzelf, to go with the 'easy' route of juzt destroying them"
>>44264887
"The main base is a few kilometers Northwest of The Last Drop, it's hard to miss. Aerial reconnaissance has revealed what appears to be a shanty town built around the base and what appears to be a large fortified wall built around both."
"The raiders patrol their territory using looted military jeeps carrying four man squads of tin man armour equiped soldier." The agent pulls out a blurry image "A medium suit has been seen in the town and patrolling raider territory as well, they are assumed to be a high ranking member of the group."
"As for support, there is a small two man GI sniper team out there with orders to aid you in combat if you request aid."
>>44264976
"Sadly, killing them will decrease the amount of intact technology we can recover and I assume the provider of said technology will be unwilling to let us obtain it if you go in guns blazing."
"The shanty town also means that there might be civilians in the AO, if we get a reputation for murdering civvies even by accident then we will take a massive hit to our PR battle, potentially sending people into Reddit's arms."
>>44265030
The woman mumbles in french, along the lines of "..Would've expected a payraise, but alright" Before switching back to slightly broken english
"Zat will be adequate"
>>44264981
>>44265030
"Has there been any attempts before now to contact this group?"
Handle: Revenge of Katyusha
Faction: AC - Specialist Class "Raven"
Size: Fortress
>Features
Adhesion – [FREE] (drider)
Tremorsense – [FREE] (drider)
Spinner - [FREE] (drider)
[Natural Weapons - 10] (active)
[Skates 10]
>Body Type(s) – Point Cost:
Drider – [20] (active)
Hybrid - [10]
Quadruped - [10]
BIO - [10] (active)
>AI
SOLDIER [10]
>UI:
Brain Implant [20]
>HUD:
Advanced Suit Status [5]
>COMMS
Radio Transmitter [0]
>Weapons
Rocket Pod [20]
Rocket Pod [20]
Rocket Pod [20]
Rocket Pod [20]
Rocket Pod [20]
Guided Missile [20]
Plasma Blade [15]
MA-X Micro Missile System [30]
>Upgrades
Cyber Brain [10] (active)
Marksman [10]
Enviornmental Controls [0]
Maneuvering Rockets [10]
Mk 695 “Exceptional” Brand Rockets [10]
Kinetic Stabilizers [10]
Armor Plating [10]
Medkit [0]
>Defenses
Emergency Evac [10]
>Drones
>Nanites
Mycelium I [10]
Mycelium II [10]
Total: 355
Max Points: 360 [+20 to cap from Relay, +20 Cap Heart of Darkness, +20 OP Skeleton/Liquidator]
*Stats*
Dex – [3] (+2 Drider)
Dur – [4] (-1 Bio)
Pow - [5]
Rec – [7]
Speed - [2]
Str – [5]
Special: Broadcast Integration System (Active)
Special: Scorpion Gun
Special: Turtleshell Drone
>>44265084
"Due to heavy VP activity elsewhere it was put down as a minor notice due to how they rarely posed a threat to anything, only the recent addition of advanced equipment into their ranks has caused their importance to be reassessed. Apparently a group of them used to come and drink at The Last Drop but stopped recently, they were regarded as slightly annoying apparently and their suited leader lost his plasma sword to an AC pilot."
>>44264633
>>44264884
>>44265149
A older man with a grizzled beard enters the bar, and see's if he can get a drink, while listening to the mission objective.
"Hmph. Bandits. Raiders. Rapists." Ivan spits.
"Trying to live like kings while the world is at war. I've fought their type before more than I care to remember.
If it's all the same I'm perfectly fine with 'dealing' with them in the good old fashioned Armored Corps way." he says, raising his fist.
"But I can see the merit in acquiring more force to the war effort.
I'm sure a well placed display of firepower is what will take them to see reason. Or not, and they can join the ranks of the other bandits we've put down."
>>44265224
"Zee? Zis is exactly what I mean be 'incentive'."
>>44265149
"Lost his sw-" Oh.
Oh boy.
"Heh...oh that was forever ago. Hope that the sword is still behind the bar...god that was....Heheh..."
>>44265247
>Also, REPOSTING BUILD IGNORE THE OLD ONE IT DOESN'T EXIST
>http://pastebin.com/6L8exX6g
>>44265224
>>44265244
>>44265247
"Well, if you all feel you are prepared I can say that it is time to begin the operation, good luck pilots."
Clicking his fingers once the Hanse agent returns to reading from his notes, behind you the groaning of metal is heard as large hanger doors open, big enough for even a fort to enter. Outside you can see the drizzle of rain and the dreary sky of Scotland waiting for you.
When you turn back to the agent he's already gone, even the desk isn't there anymore, all that remains is a blank piece of paper on the floor, the only evidence that he was even there.
>>44265322
Maureen took the slip of paper, holding it up to the light in case the person left some sort of secret message on it.
Fucking Hanse, gotta love cryptic shit
>>44265322
"...Oooh...Spooky. Jesus. Alright, so we gonna play this on the fly or what?" The tank stomps a bit off before turning to his fellow suits.
>>44265411
Even with in depth investigation the paper yields no secrets, it appears the man simply dropped it.
The only noticable thing is the emblem of the Hanse Behort on the upper left corner, marking it as officialy from the offices of Hanse headquarters.
>>44265462
Showtime folds the paper up, sticking it in a compartment in her sleeve...Usually reserved for flowers or a card
>>44265451
"Iah was waiting for everyone here"
>>44265322
"Give it to Hanse to have a thing for flair."
>>44265322
>>44265500
"Unless somebody gives me a map, I suppose doing this on the fly is our only option."
>>44265322
ACTION:
Ivan's suit assembles with the rest of the pilots to depart when they are ready.
Rolled 13 (1d20)
>>44265541
"No map here. You would think that Hanse would have prepared for that. Hmm."
>Actions: Uses BIS+Radar, Taking 10 Hawkeye
"Well, we know that the Base is North of here...so we know that we don't need to work that way."
>>44265641
Activating BIS - Range should be doubled.
>>44265541
Showtime shrugs, using adhesion to attach herself to the large spider suit.
>>44265641
As you begin your scan a message appears in your HUD.
Sorry forgot the map. It's my first day on the job.
-Mr. Hanse
Attatched to the message is the coordinates of the base.
>>44265641
>>44265694
Your scan does help though and get a clear picture of the area and your objective.
(Sorry for crappy image)
>>44265775
>>44265713
>>44265641
"Let's talk gameplan. How are we gonna go about this?
We could either focus on getting their attention and see if between the three of us we have enough guns to get them to stand down. How bad could bandits be anyway?
Otherwise I'll just stay in as reserve artillery and let one of you more focused on stealth take the lead."
>>44265775
"I don't zuppose zis suit has, say, cloaking?" She knocks on the artillery, attempting to get Ivan's attention
>>44265775
CALLSIGN: Kingfisher
FACTION: Phoenix Collective: Raven
TYPE: Mesh
6 DEX
1 DUR
1 POW
5 REC
3 SPD
1 STR
FEATURES:
None
SUIT A.I.:
Soldier (10/80)
USER INTERFACE:
Brain Harness (20/80)
HUD:
None
COMMS:
Radio Transmitter (FREE)
WEAPONS:
Railgun (40/80)
DEFENCES:
EMP Shield (50/250)
DRONES:
None
UPGRADES:
EC1 (FREE)
Cyberbrain (60/80)
Marksman (70/80)
Maneuvering Rockets (80/80)
NANITES:
None
MISC:
Double Up
The Token
"I heard someone was needing help for money. I'm in."
>>44265867
Welcome
>>44265820
"Heh, funny. Ivan being stealthy." He laughed a bit as he studied the map, and then forwarded it to the others.
"Alright seems we are pretty close already, didn't expect that."
>>44265814
"Sounds like a plan. I would rather not shoot the place up...I would rather reserve all this firepower for actual VP...still really want to try the Cross out though...."
>>44265867
"Welcome to Soggy Scotland, forwarding coordinates and map of the local area now. Still in the planning phase, your input is welcome."
>>44265910
"Vell, I could be let off here to zcout ahead...Possibly ztealth ahead...Don't vorry about the fall"
>http://pastebin.com/rek0Gj9Z
"Yeah... there's a reason I moved from here. I think this is it. What's happening? The... weather held me back a little my fellow criminals."
>>44265958
"Go ahead. Stay Safe and keep in touch." He didn't feel like adding any notes about being caught. Having worked with Showtime long enough, he knew they didn't get caught unless they wanted to.
>>44265967
"Going to be diplomatic to a bunch of Raiders. Its a special Criminal to Criminal Outreach program that Hanse cooked up. You in?"
>>44265910
"Well, I can stealth in for scouting purposes if need be. "
>>44265867
>>44265967
"Good, you two are here.
To sum up, there is a local bandit warband that previously was not large enough to register as a threat.
However, new reports indicate that they have recently be up-armed with more advanced technologies. Our job is to find the source of this and cut it out, and either get rid of or otherwise recruit these armed individuals to the allied force.
Currently we've got a basic map and are debating on the game plan. So far it seems we'll opt for the stealth route and infiltratino of the base here, with the heavy guns in reserve for now."
Any suggestions?
>>44266018
"Alright then, make it TWO stealthies. Woo."
>>44266026
"Honestly, I was thinking we send in the Stealthies, but still go forward with making contact. At the very least, it'll keep there eye's on us and not them." He points a gauntlet at King and Magic.
>>44266049
"If we want to make contact, we may as well go all out. I've got my loudspeakers ready, and we're more than capable of delivering 'warning shots'"
>>44266006
Showtime unhooks from the fortress she chose to ride on, the initial winds threatening to throw the woman off. Or at least shred her suit jacket.
If she hadn't slid off in the first place, that is. Her suit made a quiet hum as it righted itself midair, joints in her legs became assisted with secondary systems..
She didn't grab onto anything, instead cloaking before she landed, counting on the suit to keep her unharmed. When she landed, Showtime would look around to get a quick survey of her environment.
>>44265867
>>44265880
FACTION: Phoenix Collective: Raven
TYPE: Quadruped Mesh (10/250)
7 DEX
2 DUR
3 POW
5 REC
4 SPD
2 STR
FEATURES:
Levitation (20/250)
SUIT A.I.:
Soldier (30/250)
USER INTERFACE:
Brain Harness (40/250)
HUD:
B/ASS (45/250)
Hawkeye (50/250)
Night Vision (60/250)
Radar (70/250)
COMMS:
Radio Transmitter (FREE)
Free Space Optical Transmitter (80/250)
WEAPONS:
Helion Lance Rifle (100/250)
Railgun (120/250)
Sharpshooter (135/250)
DEFENCES:
Heavy Shield (145/250)
EMP Shield (155/250)
DRONES:
Scout (160/250)
UPGRADES:
Cyberbrain (170/250)
Marksman (180/250)
Kinetic Stabilizers (190/250)
Maneuvering Rockets (200/250)
Sub-Armor Pistons (210/250)
Armor Plating (220/250)
Capacitor 1 (230/250)
MISC:
Double Up
The Token
>fixed build
>>44266106
"Then we do this. King And Magic breach their perimeter and get an idea of who is supplying them with the Tin Men armor as part of the mission objective. While they do they're thing, we wait a bit, then move into the perimeter ourselves, asking to talk to their boss. If they let us, its all cool. If they shoot first...well...we avoid Civilian Causalities. Sound Good?"
>>44266163
"But of course. I have ze portable waterboarding kit and everythink if ze leader decides to be...difficult" there was an awkward pause, going on for much longer then needed
"Zat was a joke"
>>44266163
"Sounds good to me. If we have to go loud then I guess it will be the standard smash everything plan then?"
>>44266006
"I guess I am, I was told to come here after all, we all came for the same reason, right? Deep cover insertion?"
>>44266026
"Can't we take them from a different angle? We should at the very least be able to talk or lie our way over to them."
Drache pauses for a moment.
"...That's when we punch them, right?"
>>44266049
"It doesn't seem right sending them in with no support, can't we afford a distraction at least? Dragonfly should more than suffice."
>>44266163
>>44266200
>>44266213
"I was not informed there would be civilians in the area. Are there?"
>>44266247
"No clue, I guess we find out."
>>44266200
"Funny."
>>44266213
"Pretty much. Though I want to avoid loud as much as possible."
>>44266238
"Drache, you, me and Ivan are gonna be the distraction. By walking right up to their front door and saying 'Allo'."
>>44266247
"We don't know. And given that there base is a literal Shanty Town....I lean towards yes. I'm not firing into it till I know for sure. Its the reason I'm not going full smash and grab from the get go."
>>44266344
"Hmph. As far as I'm concerned it's nothing but a bandit hub, the lot of them all. Still, perhaps there are hostages to consider.
Whatever the matter, I am always ready to bring firepower when needed.
If these bandits know anything about my reputation towards their scum, that might be enough to get them to stand down."
>>44266344
>>44266460
"Alright. Are we all good to go then?"
>>44266344
"Then you two should sit back, I'd rather not think about what would happen to those robots of yours in close combat." Drache clenches his fist "At the very least stick back a little, kay?"
>>44266460
"It's better to think that way, don't have to stress yourself over who's dying a coward's death, right?"
With a basic plan sorted out, the squad leaves the hanger with its doors grinding shut behind them hiding it completely from sight. From outside all you can see is what looks like a hill or some sort of natural mound.
Soon enough they pass the border of the raider's territory, the only sign of the changein ownership being a wooden sing with the words 'KEEP OUT OR WE'LL WRECK YOU YA CUNT!' painted on it. After a while Kingfisher and Showtime break away looking for a way to reach the shanty town unnoticed. As they pass through a small patch of trees they hear the sound of an approaching engine. Probably a raider patrol car passing by, from the sound it will probably pass them soon.
The rest continue on bold as brass,the sight of the fortress and the two smaller suits almost a challenge for anyone looking at them. Sure enough a loud *thunk' is heard in the distance and a patch of dirt 20 meters in front of the group explodes as a shell hits it, almost immediatly after a jeep carrying five men drives over a ridge and stops 30 meters from the squad. Three of the guys get out, all clearly wearing some form of tin man gear, they halt and the leader yells.
"STAY WHERE YOU FUCKING ARE AND DON'T TRY ANYTHING RASH, THAT WAS JUST A WARNING SHOT MATE, WE'RE NOT AFRAID TO FIRE AGAIN IF YOU DO SOMETHING STUPID!"
>>44266680
-Huh...well they have some sort of Artie. Nice.- He keeps the comment to the comms, as he watches the Raider Tins approach. His weapons remain stowed....though for him its kinda hard not to look like a wondering armory at this point.
-Ivan, those Tins look AC or UN to you?-
Rolled 64, 58 = 122 (2d100)
>>44266680
Activating camo, and sending out scout drone.
Scanning with Hawkeye and Radar.
2 TECH ROLLS
No bonuses
Rolled 20 (1d100)
>>44266680
Showtime, being able to cloak, quickly scrambles into a tree, where she would turn invisible.
If it succeads, She'll run off at speed 5 when the jeep is out of earshot.
If it doesn't, she'll just run off at speed 5
>-50
Rolled 95 (1d100)
>>44266680
With a quick whip motion of Dragonfly's arms, the suits avatar drone pops out the suit's head, firing its newly acquired missile launcher at just enough of a distance to startle the newly appeared exosuits.
"Same to you, but we've got more shots. Why don't we keep the pillow talk, so at least we know who's getting their shit pushed in?"
>MA-X
>+10 to Combat from FireRate+Accuracy
>>44266894
"....."
-Drache, I swear if this pisses them off I'm gonna take that ML and shove it up your ass.-
>>44266941
Dragonfly points toward Redneck while the suit's head swivels over to the tank-like suit.
"I... didn't know you felt that way boss, at least I know what 'Suit Bar' means now."
>>44267019
At that, showtime sloooowly turned her radio down, looking at the ground to make sure cars didn't suddenly shoot at her
>>44267019
The Tank simply face-palms....
"I swear to Christ, why is it that you end up on nearly every mission that start off trying to be diplomatic?"
>>44266730
"Can't say, let's fine out."
>>44266680
>>44266941
"THAT, was our warning shot. Forgive us if we enjoy some turnabout."
Says Ivan on the loud speaker, the Katyusha digging in to Siege Mode
"This is Armored Corp, of the allied suit forces. I am Field Artillery Officer Ivan Nikolayev."
Ivan says, dropping his name, hoping it registers to these bandits. If he was lucky other names would register, 'Scourge of the UN', 'Hellfire', or any other such monicker as he's heard he's been called would suffice.
"Identify yourselves immediately. On the authority of the United Nations, we are given orders to ensure the cessation of hostile action from any banditry in this area.
We await your response."
>>44266757
As you fade from sight your drone picks up the raider patrol, the jeep is speeding along full of guys, each carrying presuitfall rifles that look like they've been modded extensively.
The radar detects a heavy vehicle and some footsoldiers moving around closer to the objective.
>>44266811
You vanish into the trees completely, not even the slight blur that usually accompannies camo is left to indicate your presence.
Soon enough the patrol passes you both, the raider's manning the vehicle missing both of you as they glance over the forest, camo once again proving itself to be invaluable for situations like this. After a minute the noise of the jeep fades away as it moves on to continue its patrol.
>Cont for other squad
>>44266894
Two of the raiders visibly flinch as the missiles fly out and impact the ground 10 meters to the right of them. The leader doesn't flinch however and instead pulls out a radio and begins talking loudly into it.
"Hey Dougie! Aim a bit farther to the left next time if things go south, make sure you hit the wise ass. And Ryan, bring Bessie over, these guys need to know what they're dealing with if they want to cintinue acting like dumbasses."
>>44267326
After you stop talking the raider on the jeep's turret turns to the driver.
"What the flying fuck is the AC? Some kind of merc band?" He queeries
"Mercs? Fuck that did he say he worked for the UN? I thought that fell apart when the pods fell?" the driver asks, also confused.
The leader simply sighs in response to this and rubs his forehead in annoyance.
"The AC was that big group of Suit pilots the New Boss told us about you idiots." he growls, "The ones that do whatever they want wherever they want."
Turning back to the pilots he adresses Ivan.
"Listen mate I don't know who you are, we're just looking to be left alone, I know what you AC guys do, you land somewhere and next thing youa know there's fucking firefights all over the bloody place. So you can leave or If you want to meet the boss we can take you to him on the condition that you stand down and let an escort lead you in." his tone changes as a large tank rumbles over the ridge, clearly jury rigged the only thing odd about it is the newish looking turret pointing at Salt.
"But if you try anything! We. Will. Bury. You. You got me?"
>Post
>>44267611
"Understood.
My team and suit will remain outside. I will go meet with your leader myself."
>>44267069
>>44267019
>>44266941
>>44266894
>>44266811
Ivan then speaks to the rest of his team via his CB, in a telepathic electronic message over their radio's he says.
"Make sure nothing interrupts this. I'll be fine, I'm still controlling the Katyusha via my CB."
Rolled 41 (1d100)
>>44267375
>>44267611
"I have a feeling that something has happened to the rest of the team, Showtime. Well I'm sure they can handle it."
Set off towards the objective silently.
Rolling for stealth
-22 to dex
>>44267611
-I might just join you Ivan....though I guess someone will have to babysit Drache here....Blerg-
"Oi, got two questions for ya fellows. One. is there a dude around here that once had a great big blue engery sword? And two, heard you guys stopped going to the bar that a way," He thumbs over his shoulder. "How come?"
>>44267611
"These cunts are serious? Fine."
Drache flips a switch in the suit's cockpit, turning its broadcast system on.
"Alright, guess that shot makes us both even, I'll comply. The one that shot at you is coming out now, stick with Ivan, as a sign of good faith."
Dragonfly -and its pilot, giving what could be caught as a 'friendly' gesture- both slump down , turning the suit 'off' as the drone disengages from the main body.
The drone walks in behind Ivan, buzzing lightly as it calmly follows the other pilot.
>>44267846
>>44267611
"I hope you don't mind the drone, it is not armed and simply there for communication purposes."
>>44267919
"Hang on. . .it IS unarmed, is it not, pilot?" says Ivan, refering to Dragonfly >>44267846
>>44267971
"She currently has no lethal gun equipped and is unable to use her systems to cause harm in a melee. That answer your question?"
>>44267989
"Understood"
>>44267611
Showtime, still at speed five, would attempt to vault over the wall of the compond, hardlighting the words "DON'T SHOOT, I AM A DIPLOMAT" over her head when she landed in big bold letters.
>Preemptive dodge, -90
Rolled 91 (1d100)
>>44268127
>Shit
>>44267721
You make good progress, walking past a few foot patrols as you make you way to the objective. Soon you pass over a mound of dirt and come across an odd sight.
That looks like a large wall. A very large wall.
Are, are those tanks sitting around it?
Upon further inspection yes, those are indeed tanks.
>>44268127
Showtime however ignores all this and simply leaps the wall in a single jump, the tanks turn their turrets surprisingly quickly but fail to catch up with the sneaky suit before she dissapears behind the wall.
Landing in the middle of a small courtyard she hears the sound of screaming as small figures run away from her and hide behind a shocked Tin man raider.
Apparently Show landed in the middle of some kids' game of football.
The guard trains his rifle on her, but lowers it after a moment of confusion visable on his face. He sighs and the snake on his shoulder slithers inside the armor.
He looks for a moment at the figures behind him and sighs again. Reaching to the head of the suit you hear him talking.
"Unidentifed suit has entered base grounds. Has not armed weapons and is requesting parley."
He then looks at Showtime and you can see a furious grimace past his visor. "What the FUCK are you doing here? Trying to make the hard work of guards like mine wasted?" You see him dig into a chest pouch and take out an egg which he throws at your face. "Stay still, don't do anything stupid, and for the love of Odin PLEASE don't say something STUPID! Fucking amatures."
>>44268414
"Sir, with all respect, zey would have missed if they zhot anyway." she slips off the mask, wiping the egg away, still with the blaring sign over her head "Not because of a lack of zkill on their part, but just because of how Iah am built"
she reaches into her own chest pocket, now able to smoke, she lights a cigarette with one of her cards, never breaking eye contact the entire time "But lets zkip to pleasantries, My name is Maureen, and you are?"
>>44267679
"Holy shit someone intelligent!, and here I was thinking we'd be wasting ammo today! Colour me impressed."
Waving his subordinates off the radiers clamber into their jeep and look like they're radioing someone. Soon after the tank turns and drives off to the east, still pointing at Saltire as it drives away.
"We'll lead you to the gate and then the town guards can lead you to the chopshop."
>>44267919
>>44267989
"Alright, it can go too as long as you promise the thing'll behave, if it doesn't we'll have to get violent."
Soon enough the group is following behind the jeep at a leisurely pace.
>>44267801
The turret guy strokes his chin in thought at that.
"Big glowy sword.....Was the guy a pilot with a medium suit? I think I know the guy."
After five minutes the convoy comes to a halt and the leader stands up in his seat looking behind you all.
"Hold up, we got a contact coming in behind us, big one, did you guys bring a friend?"
(Que Mike.)
A burst from the radio has him glaring at you all.
"And do you know anything about the suit that just broke into out town?"
>>44268414
>>44268484
"Fucking magicians and their BS."
Kingfisher walks over to the wall and hovers up top to take up overwatch on Showtime.
>>44268534
"You try cramming zeveral doves up your zleeves for a cheap trick! There is an art to what I do"
>>44268526
"Ya, Medium. Heh, last time I was here we had ourselves a bit of a duel. Tell him a Redneck said al-Oh....uh...maybe? Didn't hear anything from-Oh goddamnit." Another loud clang as a armored hand smacked his faceplate.
![loki-11-the-avengers-why-it-s-all-about-tom-hiddlestone-s-loki-the-avengers-everything-you-need-to-know-about-loki[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/LNZMqLv.jpg "loki-11-the-avengers-why-it-s-all-about-tom-hiddlestone-s-loki-the-avengers-everything-you-need-to-know-about-loki[1].jpg")
>>44268484
The soldier takes of his helmet as you do. His face grimy and dirty.
"Fucking pissed, but you expect that don't you and plan to make a quip?" he draws out his own hand rolled tube and lights it. After he retrains his weapon halfheartedly. "You act as if your in a battlefield. I would think you would have treated this a BIT more delicately. And if you have to call me by name call me Viper. It's what you'll get for now." the guard takes a drag as he waits for more guards while staying calm for the civs.
>>44268526
Ivan tries very hard to hide his disdain for bandits. At least these were somewhat rational, and he supposed they could be made into soldiers given time.
To be fair, he had to give them credit for their ability to salvage and use battlefield scrap to form a fighting force, which is the kind of people impetus we needed.
Now if only they weren't the literal scum of the earth.
>>44268526
"Reading transponder codes. . .yes, that's one of ours, arriving late. . .callsign 'Mammoth'"
>>44268526
>"And do you know anything about the suit that just broke into out town?"
"That. . .that is probably one of ours. Part of a contingency plan to reach you diplomatically" Ivan has a hard time drawing and stretching the words to explain that.
They are ordered to stand down."
>>44268606
"Yes yes, nice to meet you fucking pissed, etc..."She dusted off her suit coat "But really, it is a pleasure to not be zhot at for once, Viper."
"And I vas delicate, I knew full vell that you wouldn't tear up your own town if Iah came in to talk, zo here I am. I cannot hurt you, and you cannot hurt me. Isn't middle ground zuch a wonderful thing?"
>>44268630
"Mammoth? Well, couldn't ask for better company to sit here outside the wall."
>>44268549
>>44268534
-Kingfisher, Magic, Status?-
>>44268671
"Currently not having a gun aimed at me, a change in routine for once"
>>44268526
>>44268582
>>44268630
The ground begins to rumble as the mighty machine approaches, Micheal being halfway outside the vehicle Tank Commander style as it plows its way through anything and everything in its wake. "Allo gents, Command thought you could use some support, so here I am." Micheal calls out as Mammoth comes to a rolling stop behind the others.
>http://pastebin.com/jFdR86YY
The drone walks on through the bandits, attempting to look friendly by waving, but fails due to its... robotic appearance.
The drone inspects the fortifications made by the bandits, noting the 'fuck it, that'll do' attitude similar to the operator of Dragonfly's projects.
That and the manner they seem to act in.
Drache may be excessive, but at least he doesn't decide that you need to outnumber, as well as outgun, unarmed civilians.
<<...How many of you have the skeletons?>>
>"Hold up, we got a contact coming in behind us, big one, did you guys bring a friend?"
The Drone silently stares at the guard for a moment.
It whistles, then points at the guard meekly. Then extends four of its 'fingers' at the him.
<...>
<... 4U...>
>>44268654
Vipers anger simmers to a scowl as they continue talking. "Trust me. There is always more then one way to cut down a jotun." He adds. "Do not think you are immune to everything. Besides. There is plenty of time later to act smug when you are not seeking favor from someone you are constantly antagonizing." He takes another drag.
>>44268685
-Good to hear. Any sign of Civies?-
>>44268704
"Welcome Mike. How do you feel about sitting in park and having a staring competition with some Challengers?"
>>44268837
"I am by no means zmug, sir, I am french. Zere are subtle differences." She took her own drag, deactivating the blaring sign. "And least of all am I antagonizing. I am zimply ztating facts in a zlightly cocky manner, which I do regret somewhat" She takes out a much more well rolled cigarette, the quality it was made from can be seen with a cursory glance "Here, to get us off on ze right foot"
>>44268534
>>44268606
>>44268654
>>44268837
Soon enough a squad of armoured troops comes running into the coutyard.
From behind them a large individual walks out carrying an oversized LMG, they nod to Viper once they make it through the squad.
"Good job kid, we'll handle things from here unless you want to help escort our 'friends' here?"
"An as for you two!" He turns to Show and Fisher, "You're coming with us to the gate where we'll wait for your allies to arrive, they'll be here soon enough."
>>44268630
"Alright, I'm starting to think we aren't on the same page now, any more surprises around for us to run into?"
The leader indicates for the driver to continue as he carries on talking to Ivan.
"Last warning, if you got anything else your hiding speak or else the next surprise willbe the last. I don't appreciate being lied to."
>>44268821
One of the underlings takes a second before starting to laugh at the little robot's joke.
His mirth is cut short by his compatriot slapping him around the head and muttering "Shut up Niel that joke's deader than my great-great-grandmother."
>>44268704
Eyes widening at the arrival of Mammoth the turret gunner grumbles to himself about he's "Not paid enough for this bullshit."
The leader simply takes it in his stride and rolls his eyes.
"So, looks like the family's all together! How nice, maybe we should invite Aunt Bettie, Uncle Will and all of the rest!" he yells in a voie oozing with sarcasm before slumping back into his seat, "Nevermind let's just get home and dump these assholes on some other poor shmuck.
And with that you continue on, arriving at a surprisingly robust looking gate built into the wall's fortifications.
At least 20 guys are manning towers around the area and along with challenger tanks there are some artillary pieces. likely the source of the earlier warning shot.
"Alright, we're here, your escort are waitng for you inside with your little sneaky friends."
>>44268924
Viper chuckles and with a spare hand massages his furrowed eyebrows. "Well if your going to act I suppose you should never stop. Just make sure you work to convince the audience and not the other actors." he then finishes his roll, spits it out, and stomps on it. "And nothing personal, but I don't smoke tobacco."
>>44269096
Viper salutes as they approach. And after they arrive he ushers away the children. "I'm ready to follow sir. This will be better then latrine duty any day." with the last comment dripping with a bit of venom.
>>44269096
Ivan nods, preparing his words to speak to their leader as he follows.
>>44269096
Showtime would follow without protest,taking the rejected cig, and putting it back into the holder..
>>44269096
Staying with the deactivated Drache heavy and the newly arrived Mammoth, Red decides to play a bit of music through his loudspeakers and his internal comms.
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12-n0_LvxwU&feature=youtu.be
>>44269096
"Very clever Kommandant, would you like some crisps with your salt?" Micheal says with his best French accent as Mammoth moves with the others "I get the feeling you should tone down the sarcasm Sir, you'll turn into that bastard Gordon Ramsey if your not careful."
>>44269343
"Oi." He turned down the music a tad. "Play nice." He knocked a fist against the tank's plating.
>>44269343
Drache anonymously whispers across his comms at the new arrival. "Would you like them to be? Sit down pal."
>>44269184
"Heh, if you don't like grime yous houldn't have done the crime. Everyone knows that stealing rations leads to punitive work."
>>44269284
Alright, you act real nice and don't make any sudden moves, it would be a shame to have to let this civil discussion turn south."
Once he is certain the two are following him and his squad they set off, taking the long way around the inside of the wall until the reach the gate, most of the way there is deserted with the occasional pair of eyes looking out from nearby windows at the passing group.
>>44269228
As you walk inside you are struck by how surprisingly orderly the town is for a place built out of wreckage and junk, the main street is a long straight line from one side to the other, you can see civilians going about their lives all over the place hell there are even some market stalls further ahead.
From your right you see a squad of radiers approaching with Showtime and Fisher following behind them. The raider squad leader appraises you for a moment.
"You the Ivan fellow Danny talked about? If so I think these two are yours." he indicated the stealth tea,.
>>44269321
One of the gate guards looks up when the music starts playing.
"Hey I think I know that song. God what was the name again?"
>>44269343
"Ramsey? You mean the chef? I heard he died in suitfall poor sod. Or depending on your view lucky sod." the leader muses, "Also very funny, I'm sure your the talk of the town back in frogland."
Still, he and his team eventually move off, leaving the three outside of the town and surrounded by guards.
Assuming that you're in for a long wait you all get comfortable and are taken by surprise when a voice rings out.
>>44269375
"HOLY SHIT, IT CAN'T BE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"
Approaching him is a familiar looking medium suit.
>>44269735
"Rider? You know zis man?"
>>44269735
<<Russian human, what's happening now? Speak.>>
>>44269735
Ivan turns to see the captured pilots
"Yes, alas, I cannot speak for their success in their endeavors."
He turns to the squad leader?
"Are you the leader of this organization?"
>>44269735
"Kamelot, When the lights are down. One of my favorites actually. Been stocking up my suit with as much music as I can, for the times between missions and during even. Passes the time." He, and the suit, shrugs. "If you gotta request, just sound off, I'm sure Ill have som-" He was interrupted...by none other then the Dueling Medium.
>>44269746
-Ya, its cool. I met him....over a year ago I think. Got into a sword duel and won. His sword should still be at the Bar actually.-
The Red Tank turns to the new arrival, waving a tad. "Howdy. I just thought I would do some site seeing. Heard Scotland was beautiful this time of year. Shame the Aliens fucked that image right up though. How about you? What are you doing here?"
>>44269735
Viper chuckles at leaders comment. "Right. Better punishments then my last payer at least."
Walking with the group and now part of the guards surrounding them his eyes widen as he hurriedly puts back on his helmet with visor. He then whispers to himself. "Well whatever their mission they certainly brought an army.... And the flaming wolf......"
>>44269813
<<Just call... if they disagree.>>
>>44269853
>Shame the Aliens fucked that image right up though.
"Nope, that's just Scotland. All the apocalypse brought was less urban decay and more... everything decay. Nevertheless I'm sure you can all talk this out, like /always/ huh."
>>44269930
"Talking things out? In ze armor corps? And I'm almost zure I can zummon rabbits with a whistle"
>>44269930
-Huh....-
>>44270008
-Given how you survived Tommy's Death Room, I wouldn't be wholly surprised.-
Rolled 10 (1d100)
>>44270008
"I thought you needed a hat for that, or is that no longer a 'good show'."
Using Hawkeye to look for any guards we might not notice normally.
No Bonus
>>44269853
>>44269735
"Nathan, I'm glad you share a common history with this person. I hope your friend here will be open to the terms I must deliver from our superiors."
>>44270180
-Eeeeeh....I don't know if I would call us friends Ivan....more like...very aggressive acquaintances. Ya that sounds about right...-
>>44270215
"...Guess we should hold out then... might not be as clean as you envisioned if it's going down like that. At least one of us is here."
>>44269813
"Me, not personally but if you follow us we'll lead you to Tink, he's the new boss and should be in the chopshop."
>>44270008
>>44270129
While he talks to Ivan you do your scan but honestly, the guards aren't trying to hide themselves, this is their home and they have no fear here.
The guard the turns to glare at Showtime and Kingfisher
"You're both coming as well, I'm keeping my eye on you."
The man turns and leads you down the main street, civilians parting before the armed escort. You note that they don't seem to be afraid of the guards instead their eyes glare at you, showtime and Salt's drone.
Off to one side you see a table covered in water bottles being guarded by some raiders, a line of people standing in front of it. Each person is given two bottles before being directed away from the table. You also pass a courtyard where some teenagers are shooting rifle at tied up VP drones. Another raider walks past you carrying a crate filled with food, stopping at each door and giving out rations.
The civilians seem surprisingly fine with how things are, some are talking amicably with off duty guards, laughing with each other, only stopping when you pass. Some children run away as you approach, hiding behind adults as they star slackjawed.
>>44269853
"Well this is my home and my family is hear, where else would I be?" He gestures at the gate, "If you mean out here with you, well I thought I'd meet the people getting the radio all stirred up, make sure it wasn't those Reddit dicks again." He chuckles to himself, "Who'd have thought it would be the other dick that I want a rematch with?"
>>44269930
He chuckles at Drache's comment.
"Ain't that the truth, rain hides aything remotely resembling beauty around here." He slaps the side of his head, "Where are my manners! The name's Stalker and welcome folks, to our quaint little town of Scunnered."
>>44270312
Of course, Maureen didn't expect to come here and be hailed a hero. She was a woman with a suit and a creepy mask! That wasn't exactly grade A material in the first place.
But the children hiding was just rubbing it in, she thought. She kept pace with the gaurds, making a low whistle to summon one of her doves...Which crawled out of her sleeve, perching on her shoulder
Which one was this? "D"...Descartes, of course.
>>44270312
The Drone stays behind Ivan, bobbing after him, trying to absorb all of the sights around it.
<<Follow... to Tink?>>
>>44270312
"Well not very friendly now are ya? They think we're VA or something?"
>>44270312
"Oh. Well All very good reasons." He perked up at the word 'Reddit'. That...could bode good or ill. Means they've at least run into other factions. And due to them still being here...Hmm.
"Reddit can be a pain. Hell, they tried to retake Chicago with Star Destroyers and AT-AT's." He stopped again at the mention of Rematch.
"Wouldn't mind another go honestly...though your sword is still back at the Bar that a-ways." He pointed off. "Though, I could still fight if that's the case."
>>44270430
-Unfortunatly No...probably Reddit. Isn't that Ironic as all hell.-
>>44270424
>>44270312
"From what I've seen of your base, I am highly inclined to meet this Tink."
>>44270422
>>44270424
>>44270430
Ivan makes a discreet non-verbal radio comminuqe to the rest of the crew.
"These are bandits?
They appear to be more survivors."
>>44270422
>>44270430
"AC aren't that lively around these parts. Left the people here to themselves and the immense TA presence. Pilots only came here on their own will, and even then mostly to the bar." Viper looks at the nearing inner gates. "To be honest I don't think you knew this would have been your first impression or you all would have been a lot smarter in how you came in."
>>44270503
"We didn't exactly ztorm ze gates. It was more of a leisurely ztroll towards them, and insults being exchanged"
>>44270503
"No, we wouldn't have. Our mission intelligence is. . .conflicting.
Our reports indicated a group of raiders in these parts, not a survivor town."
>>44270543
-Ivan, do you honestly think that every situation is a black and white clear cut thing? They are Raiders, that much is probably true, but ever wonder WHO they were raiding for? Maybe more then themselves?"
>>44270543
<<Then what were they raiding? There has to be a reason for that. exo-Skeletons are worrisome too>>
>>44270586
-Actually yes, I do. There are those that prey upon defenseless civilians, and those that do not. It is as simple as that. This world is full of survivor groups who did not resort to despicable means, and i intend to find out if these were one of them-
>>44270631
-I would be SORELY irritated at Hanse if this was a case of semantics. If these were simply survivors that preyed upon TA forces, just like the vast number of those we've recruited, calling them raiders is a massively poor choice of words-
>>44270538
>>44270543
Viper chuckles again. "Only shows how much you all know. Now it's my turn to be smug."
>>44270586
"Heh. Now you're starting to think. You keep those questions ready. Looks like your about to be lead to the source that can answer them all. And try not to think of being a magpie and take anything. We have eyes like falcons around here."
>>44270586
>>44270543
-You do realize we were zent here for diplomacy first, combat second, correct?-
>>44270652
"I'm a woman in a two peice zuit with ze words 'DIPLOMAT' in big red letters. I'm not exactly packing ze fucking heat here"
>>44270659
"Then it's the usual AC Strategy, tell them we're beating them up first, then beat them up, it all goes by the same way."
>>44270650
<<The Exoskeletons are still there. They clearly have been doing something to deserve them. They are being named 'raiders' Please collate these three facts>>
>>44270659
"Our main mission priority is to find and secure the source of their advanced equipment and cessation of hostilities.
Diplomacy is simply the option which takes the least amount of effort, and therefore advisable to be the first.
But I hold a special kind of diplomacy in my heart for any true bandits and raiders."
>>44270652
"If you start sending us pictures of anime girls I'm ending you."
>>44270741
"Should I juzt get ze paint now? Mesh ze colors of black and white into a morally grey?"
>>44270422
A couple of the children look amazed by the appearance of Descartes. Some even clap at the sight of it.
>>44270430
"Most of our contact with outsiders has been with murderous hostle forces trying to wipe us out. Take a guess as to why we're so neighbourly."
>>44270467
"Nah it's alright for now, I can kick your ass later after all, I got all the time in the world to get my revenge." Stalker turns to a nearby guard, "Ain't that right? I am the best in world!"
The guard laughs as the pilot begins to pose dramaticaly.
"Ah get outta here Stalker, we've no time for your shenanigans."
The pilot shares a laugh with the guard and soon every one of them is howling away.
>Cont
>>44270767
"Never worry.
Ash is an acceptable grey color."
>>44270935
>>44270469
The leader nods in agreement.
"He arrived a few months ago, claiming the AC was full of infiltraitors or something, whatever that means. Said something about being ex-TE? Personnally I don't know what the hell he means by that but hey doesn't matter to most of us."
"Anyway, his arrival has been a godsend, we lost a lot of our own Pilots due to VP attacks, Stalker is the last original pilot in town. He hasn't been the same since his comrades died, they were all like a big ol' family."
"Anyway, Tinks been the one who got us up and running, him and some techies he brought with him helped fix the place up and built us our gear out of the old military gear we looted during the conflicts when the pods fell. And trust me, we got a lot of gear, half of the guys here are old soldiers themselves."
As he talks you reach a large building in the centre of town, it's enormous, asily able to fit a fort or two inside. Ushering you inside you find youselves in a large open workshop, the sound of machinery almost deafens you as you walk in.
All around the place you can see people hard at work stripping old warmachines down and throwing their peices onto a construction line where they are sorted into different catagories by hat look like scavenger drones.
"WELCOME TO THE CHOPSHOP, TINK'LL BE DOWN THE LIFT OVER THERE, I ASSUME YOU KNOW HOW TO USE AN ELEVATOR RIGHT?" the guard yells over buzz of construction, "I'LL LEAVE YOU TO IT, AND REMEMBER, THE CHOPSHOP IS PACKED FULL OF GUARDS AND FRESHLY MADE ORDINANCE, DON'T TRY ANYTHING."
![1403633670853[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/E7nZ4DA.jpg "1403633670853[1].jpg")
>>44270741
As the guards walk along Viper stares at Ivan. "I just love how you are saying that out loud. Then again around here everyone with the bigger stick rules the smaller sticks."
>>44270760
Viper pulls out a tablet with one hand and points it at Kingfisher. "Cortona bring up image 'Smug anime girl #3.jpg' and fullscreen display."
>>44270986
Puts the tablet away and stares intently as the leader talks.
>>44271015>Actually that was part of the non-verbal communications
>I just used quotes by mistake
>>44270935
"Sure thing...heh." Watching him pose kinda reminded him of himself a tad. "So, what are you using these days as weapon these days?"
>>44270986
Descartes picks up a cigarette with it's beak, placing it into Showtime's mouth...Lighting it with a small sparker in it's mouth. Showtime, however, was busy looking through the chopshop...
>>44270986
"Permission to end your subordinate." Kingfisher points towards Viper.
"I heard you talking about punishment detail and for a low, low PC-certified price of free I can help with his punishment."
>>44270986
The drone probably shouldn't be here.
Its head flits around the entire building, focusing mainly on the carcasses of the 'war machines' lying around, giving a look roughly resembling worry.
<<Ch-chopshop?>>
The robot keeps walking with the group, keeping its eyes on the technicians standing around, particularly the ones with plasma cutters.
>>44271220
"Try and get something off him too, my bosses might pay for it, after all. (And I get a bonus too~)."
>>44270986
"I am eager to speak with this Tink. A former Engineer huh?"
Ivan waits for Tink to arrive.
>>44271220
Viper just starts laughing. "Well for one I'm not due for one."
Then his helmet snaps it's focus to you. "I also thought you would be the type for business before pleasure. Either way I am ready for Ragnarok to come."
>>44271335
"Did you ehh...Zleep in for ze last few months? Ragnarok came and goddamn went"
>>44271481
Across the comms Red chimed in. "Dunno, Ragnarok is suppose to a universal restart. This seems like a minor hiccup in comparison."
>>44271481
Viper just starts laughing at Showtimes comment. And after it becomes a little awkward, he stops. "Heh heh heh. You and I both know that the war hasn't even finished yet. Or really, even started..."
>>44271566
"Ztill classified as an apocalypse. Which is vaht just happened"
>>44271127
"Oh, well that would be Lola here......"
He pulls out a large rifle and pets it happily.
"She fires 50mm round packed the the brim with gallium. Makes enemies all brittle and slow as it ruins their armour and system. Packs a real mean punch too!"
>>44271158
The sight of a technician and 4 scavenger drones constructing a basic exoskeleton frame for what you assume to be tin man armour stands out the most from all the bustling work going on.
>>44271220
"Sorry mate, but they've ot done anything wrong by us and as this is our turf they're clear."
>>44271250
A couple of scavanger drones look oddly at the little avatar before returning ot their work, slicing up large plates of armour.
>>44271257
Your patience is rewards as soon the sounds of af an elevator moving starts to drone over the usual sounds of a mechanical workshop.
Before the life even arrives you see Tink's suit arrive, clearly a fortress it towers over the factory, a large bipedal titan of engineering in its natural habitat.
"Are these the guests you talked about?" He adressess the guard with you.
The guard in turn looks nervious as he nods to his boss.
"Yes boss, said they wanted to talk with you about something important."
The fortress places the tank it was working on down and gestures vaugly with one of it's many arms.
"Alright that'll do, you come with me, we can chat in my personal workspace." Tink picks up a defunct jeep then lumbers back to the elevator.
>>44271608
The drone follows the Fortress, albeit at a distance.
<<Isn't that entire Fortress a workspace? Wouldn't it be more efficient to meet in there?>>
>>44271605
"But not the end all of end all apocalypse. Otherwise we wouldn't be here."
>>44271608
"...oh." He got quiet.
"That's one nice gun. Gallium? Never heard of it, I'll take you word for it. Me? I got my two babies here..." He pulled both the break action shotguns off his back, holding them in the most non threatening way he could. "M40 Sweetwaters. The older and more mature sisters of the Big Mac."
>>44271741
"Point ztill stands. Earth iz in shambles, what more could you want?"
>>44271608
Viper looks wildly around while following. Staying silent as it followed the fortress.
>>44271608
"Fine. But if he ever goes rogue, here's how you can contact me. Or if you ever just want to hire some mercs for dirty business."
Kingfisher hands a slip of paper to the boss with a frequency on it.
>>44271608
"You are the one they call Tink? It is good to meet you.
I hear, you were formerly a Tumblr Engineer"
>>44272042
"Hey, if that's the case, try to get a confession from him, would you? I need to make some progress here, after all."
>>44271778
"Less half-baked mythology references? For Zeus's sake."
>>44271727
"Well yes but what sort of person would I be if I invited you inside my suit the first time we meet?"
>>44271741
"Oh, very nice, break action huh? Used to us an old break action shotgun when I went hunting with my father, always had a soft spot for the feeling of it clicking into place during a reload."
>>44271778
>>44271819
>>44271934
>>44272042
The group stand upon the elevator, more of a frieght one they note now that they can see it clearly. Once everyone is on Tink pulls a lever with one of his smaller arms and the lift starts to descend down a large shaft.
>>44272042
"Hmm, yes used to work for the Engineers, the it was discovered that eve command had been infiltrated by the damn Vannai. Let me tell you something, that hurt, finding that 'humanities best' could be so infested with the enemy. The fact that any pilot I knew could be a traitor, the fact everything I had worked for could be for nothing."
The elevator stops after 3 minutes and a large door opens to an open room full of scrap metal. Tink starts walking towards a corner of the room.
"So I grabbed some likeminded normal humans and left. I knew Stalker due to meeting at The Last Drop a couple of times, he wasn't part of command and his settlement was full of normal people, the perfect place."
Placing the jeep on a large worktop Tink moves around his workspace, cutting and welding peices of machinery together with a pprecision and skill rarely seen, even in the TE.
"Just think about it, even though they had no suits the crazy bastards had managed to survive, scaenging any tch they could, apparently their earlier forrays rought them into conflict with some exploring AC forces. They assumed the pilots were like all the other suits they had enountered so far, violent, mindless beasts that killed without reason. By the time they realized their mistake command had already judged them as little more than raiders leaving the to cower in their walls waiting for repraisal."
>Cont
>>44272290
"Light ze morally grey paint cannon, ve have enough ethics dilemmas for everyone!"
>>44272290
Looking down at his work the fortress' glass visor seems to shine as it picks up the newly assembled Exosuit.
"So, tell me, Ivan. Why are you here? What is it that the AC wants? More cannon fodder for their war? More technology that they will fail to utilize? More people to betray?"
A set of drones pull themselves out of the the nearby scrap heaps. They sit and look at the group, not moving as Tink glares down at you all.
"Well? I'm waiting for the answer."
>>44272403
"Well knowing now that you lot weren't intentionally shooting our guys for malicious reasons. What they want is for you to stop fucking shooting our guys. If you can do that then who cares what else you do."
>>44272290
>>44272403
"You are asking me, and therefore, I shall speak for myself first.
We have been betrayed. Not only you, but everyone. All of humanity from every corner of the world. Pilots, civilians, our entire species, by a group of traitors.
Traitors who turned brother against brother, friend against friend. I've lost many good comrades, seen many good men die for their ambition.
But I refuse to allow it to all be in vain. And it has NOT been in vain.
We have found the traitors, we have proof of their dark deeds, and even now pursue them to our ability.
If you want the details, I can give you the logs.
The things they have taken from us, the trust of the people, the faith in our cause, and the safety due in our ranks, we can and will fight to regain by any means.
My conviction to fight to my ends to save humanity has not and will not change, no matter whether the enemy is without or within.
Not for command. Not for any government. But for the people, for the survivors, for the towns, and cities and nations we have fought to defend and will continue to defend. Just as you do here.
That is why /I/ am here.
But that does not answer your question. You are asking why we have been sent here. I will answer that for you."
>con't
>>44272290
>>44272290
"Mhm, and with that extra kick from the magnetic accelerators. Then I got the Double Oh Fours." He unfolded those over his shoulder. "Basically EMP Cannons..." He let them slide back. "Hmm....ever heard of the Cross?"
>>44272403
"We have been sent here for two reasons:
To investigate the source of the advanced technology falling into these peoples hands
To end the cessation of all hostile activity, any raiding, pillaging, or attacking of either our forces or other civilians.
We have already found the source, which means half of our mission is achieved. I know not whether you have or have not attacked us or our civilians, but I am here to make sure it won't happen.
If you are not going to help us, all they want is for you to not harm us.
No matter what, this remains. We are all of us still human, and it is the alien that seeks to destroy us. We have a common enemy and it is not each other.
I am sent here to ensure you are not hostile and if need be remain neutral to us. I am not here to subjugate you or force you into servitude.Not today."
>>44272403
The drone remains silent for a second, then speaks in Drache's voice.
"We're at war, the biggest one humanity's witnessed, and we're here to stop some alleged traitors, but the survival of humanity is more important than any other crap reason we or our bosses can dream up. Despite what the badges say, we don't need them, we're working for humanity, survivors, soldiers, whatever you call them, we'll help whoever the hell needs it, we've got faith and some kind of camaraderie so I guess I'm here for that good old fashioned 'protect the weak' line. And we were brought here believing you stood for the opposite. This base shows that to be incorrect, not only that, you seem to be against most of these horrid organisations we choose to stand against. So... I guess you could say we're on your side."
Drache's drone steps closer and points at the Fort.
"So just ask our goals and we'll answer you, just so long as half of the shit we've been told about you is wrong, we'll stand with you. So long as the 'saving civilians' part remains true... Right?"
>>44272497
"We never shot any of your people in the first place, due to the possibilty of any suit being hostile we even stopped going to that bar, in case someone followed ur guys back. But fine, we'll avoid hostilities with your people."
>>44272577
Tat has piqued his interest.
"No, sounds nifty, some sort of codename for a weapon or something?"
>>44272525
>>44272603
The fortress stares for almost three minutes, the atmposphere in the room becoming tense as a bead of sweat drips down Ivan's forehead.
Without warning Tink starts laughing, his drones standing down as the engineer tries to contain himself.
"Oh my god, that, that coming from most people would be a load of bullshit, spewed out in a desperate attempt to appear calm and rational but from you, you actually believe everything you said, even after what's happened...."
Slowly the mech stands down a door opening and ladders decending from the cockpit. Out of the machine steps a small man, his face wrinkled and hair greyed from age and stress. Pulling a pair of glasses out of his pocket he approaches Ivan and offers his hand.
"I need to see you face to face, a man's word is a fickle thing, easily banded around and rarely given truly." His eyes are fierce, almost glowing as he judges you, "Do you truly, honestly believe that the AC deserves even the slightest chance, after everything you've done. After all they cost you? Answer truthfully, I have to know, you were said to be one of the most honest men in the corps. Do you still believe they deserve your trust?"
>>44272990
"My answer depends on his." The engineer replies, pointing at Ivan.
"But I will say this, in the end my life work will and always shall be for the betterment and progress of humankind. Even if I must spend the rest of my days toiling away down here I will carry out my penance for what my creations have been used to do by our failed masters."
"And when death comes my mind shall continue, working eternal for the betterment of a people I failed....."
>>44273010
"Heh, well...kinda. The original name came from the Moqs. Our...Religious faction of suits. Pretty cool dudes so long as you don't hate on their beliefs and don't piss 'em off. Anyway..." He sighed, and closed his eyes...And then the solid metal obelisk detached from his back, and landed behind him with a solid thump. Another hand deflty grabbed it as the weapon decollapsed along the way, till he was carrying the weapon in both hands...
It was his new baby...though then again, most of his weapons he would classify as his babies.
"This my friend, is one of the heavyiest hitting pieces of ordinance the AC has...short of a Blanco. Don't even ask me what it fires...its just fires..." He almost spoke of it in reverent tones.
>>44273010
Ivan looks at the man and thinks really hard, not just at the question but at himself.
AC. Everything he had fought for, stood for, the orders he followed without question all the way up until the curtain fell on the gigantic lie.
The good things AC did.
The bad things AC did.
And all the ways he was involved with them.
Ivan looks at the man, seeing the sincerity in his eyes for his question, and speaks.
"Yes" he says.
"They deserve the chance. Not their leaders, not their organization, not their ambition. That isn't AC.
You know who is AC?
AC is my fellow pilots, who would give their lives each for each other and saving humanity.
AC is the suits holding the line and still protecting towns and cities on the borders from TA assaults every day, unaffected by the treachery or politics, simply putting themselves in between civilians and the enemy.
AC is the glue that holds together the World we are rebuilding, the supplies and logistics we cater to between nations, the hungry people they make sure get supplies when they can.
AC represents the fight for humanity. The fight that I, that my friends alive and passed away, have fought for and will keep fighting. The only fight that matters. And for that reason alone, they deserve that trust"
>>44273134
Ivan takes his hand: "You're not alone, my friend.
There are things I've done. . .but I won't lie down and let my sins defeat me from aiding mankind at every turn."
>>44273134
"Then we're both on the same page. Our goals aren't to work for the 'old masters' that wronged us in the first place, it's about going past that, isn't it? You may have failed your friends but we're all about moving past that, and I don't mean AC, I mean us, as people. We all do this for our own reasons, some might say that AC 'is' us but I say it's the other way around, we're the ones who got it this far, and it'll stay that way, I don't know who wronged who here, but I'm damn right not sitting and letting shit stay this way, it's the only way we can fix this, together. We're not asking you as members of AC, we're asking you as people who went through Suitfall, went through loss, and are fighting to get those bastards away from us. Looking back on your past won't solve anything."
Drache's drone gestures its hand forward toward Tink.
"Looking to the future will. And I, with a personal promise, will do whatever I can to get past all of this. Including counting up your sins."
>>44273403
Stalker whistles in appreciation as you pull out the cross, if you could see his eyes they would be bulging.
"Damn, looks pretty nasty, kinda....clunky looking though, I guess that's the religious part coming into play? I gotta try and get out and see some of the new gear you guys have, I'm getting pretty jealous myself."
>>44273440
The man holds your grip for a long time, tears running down his cheeks.
"You speak with the heart of someone who has known betrayal and yet you still hold what you believe in. I wish I had the strength of character you have, to be able to trust after such an act." He breaks the handshake and turns away, "You are truthful and for that I am thankful, I have had enough lies told to me in my life, to hear honesty after all this is......refreshing."
"I will watch what you do and hope that command is fixed, so that those that fight for all of us can do so with their heads and with the conscious of what they are doing confirmed through trial and effort." He climbs back into his suit, giving you a simple nod of thanks, "Tell those that sent you, tell them I will help if asked but I that I choose to stay here until then, the people of this place need me and I cannot truly abandon them. Go on now, you have a world to reclaim Ivan, you and you comrades. I'll see if I can help somehow but for no all I can offer is my thanks, thanks for restoking the fire that had died in my heart."
The drones step aside and leave the exit clear for the team, saluting as they do so.
>>44273539
"While are frank with your words I thank you all the same, I see now that I have been deluding myself into thinking I had failed, I needed this. Thank you both again, maybe one day I will be able to return the favour."
"Until then I can only say farewell, it;s good to know there are people who still stand for humanity despite what has happened."
>>44273991
Soon after the team leaves Scunnered, some guards escorting them back to The Last Drop where they get debriefed by the Hanse Agent, who is clearly pleased with the outcome.
A month later Hanse Behort reports success in making and establishing links with the small town, technology and supplies being traded between the two. Even the owner of The Last Drop reports happily that the 'raiders' have returned and now frequent his bar again, sharing tales of battle and day to day life with the pilots passing through.
Stalker, feeling that he had more to offer the world eventually went on to join the AC, oartially for the weapons, partially because he missed what it ws like in the old days with his comrades.
Ivan, Ivan recieved a simple message over his suit systems one day, a single line followed by coordiantes to an area in......Russia?
"Thank you my Friend, you are a good man you helped me find hope again after my dreams had been crushed, I can only hope you achieve some measure of peace in your lifetime. I read your profile, I hope this helps you with that." -Tink
The coordinates would lead to an abandoned church, the building was old and clearly hadn;t been used in years, maybe even before suitfall. But inside the pews were fine and in the back was a simple church organ that despite years of neglect managed to produce sweet music after some cleaning up.
Maybe the future wasn't so dark after all?
As the group leaves the town and await pickup they notice one of the tin men walking towards them. When the tin man reaches them it throws off it's helmet and they see it's viper. "OF ALL THE... I mean to hel and back what is WRONG with you people!? I was on scene and NOBODY decides to contact me until they drop ON MY LAP?" He leaves the suit and when he does so you see he in a robe. His features morph until Joumun is in front of you in her suit. "Not only that but when I drop code words you ignore me even when I drop stuff that was obvious as hel! Ugh. I'm hitching a ride with you guys back. Whoever set up your op HAS NO idea what they just messed up."
>>44274237
"...Uh-huh...."
Still sitting in his suit, he just shrugged...
"Wondered where you've been all this time."
>>44274014
Ivan new the coordinate's instantly. It was a place he visited once but long ago and never returned.
It was his home town.
And for as long as he can remember on that fateful day he ventured here since the war, he found nothing but ash and dust. The place was utterly demolished, destroyed in the war. Those he knew, gone, the one he once loved vanished.
Nothing was left standing of the town. The grass had already grown over the ashes and rubble long ago, but to his amazement, as he approached, he saw a sight he never thought he would see again. There in the center of the green stood a church. The church he had grown up in, that was gone now stood again in the center of the field.
Somehow, Tink must have found images of it, for he rebuilt it again.
When Ivan went inside, he did not find the church he grew up in with his father. He did not find his lost belongings, or the relics of his father, or anything of his past.
It wasn't his old home, but it was something new. The organ was rebuilt and working again, now more beautiful and melodious than ever.
To him it represented something. It represented the world. We've lost so much, this world has burned, but no matter how much has been taken, no matter how furious the wrath of the enemy, there is a new and brighter future still waiting for us to rebuild a new world, and just as this Organ has remained, so too will the Human spirit remain.
Ivan had tears in his eyes, and didn't know what to say. So he sat down before the organ seat, and let his fingers do the talking.
Somewhere in Russia, the grave of a town that no longer stands is covered in green and flowers, but in the center sits a simple Church.
And throughout one day and night, wonderful music would play to the memories of old and the hopes of the future.
>>44274237
The frenchwoman stops smoking. Which considering the french, is a goddamn achievement. That, or something happened. She made the same low whistle, causing all four doves to take their place on her shoulders...
And she promptly walked out of the room, unable to deal with every stupid thing that hit her, every single annoyance came crashing down with the genderbending pilot.
Not that she knew who this person was, it was just her time to clock the fuck out for the day when dicks reversed themselves
"Fuck zis, I'm going to go play zolitare or zomething"
>>44274364
Joumun snaps to Red.... But the angry words on her tongue die as she takes a breath and looks at him.
"I was sent to that town to gather everything you gathered without letting them know. Hell if I had orders to I could have popped the deserter."
But that's for the debrief. I got higher ups to bitch at.
