> A) Attempt to fix those generators.
Let's do this. Just fill Woolf in on what happened.

How hurt are we? Are we bleeding badly?

>>26880403
Fix the generators. It wasn't that badly damaged, really. From the description in the last Dirk chapter it was mostly the support structures that were damaged. The actual generator would be more durable than that. Especially considering that reactors in Gundam are horrible volatile and it would have exploded if it was actually busted. When was the last time a reactor was destroyed that it didn't explode? Hell, we even get exploding reactors that don't actually have enough reactivity to detonate. I'm looking at you, SEED. Fission power does not work that way!

Also, how bad is the our wound? I was kind of hoping that since it was a pistol we were shot with this time it wouldn't have actually penetrated our suit. We'd still be pretty badly hurt and need medical attention, because a bullet still has a lot of momentum, but bruises and hemorrhaging are a lot better than damage to our intestines. Real easy to get an infection that way.

>>26880631
>>26880640
The wound hurts, you can't tell the amount of bleeding due to your space suit but you should be OK for a bit even if it hurts like a mother fucker.

>>26880459
"Woolf, Zeheart was the one who fucked up the generators. I'm going to try and repair the emergency one. I don't know how well this will turn out, but I'll try to get it at least partially running". You say as you pick up a nearby tool box and hobble over to the emergency generator.

"Great, more good news!" Woolf mutters sarcastically. "Things are getting hairy out here and we're not getting any backup. Try to work as fast as you can!"

You immediately get to work, MID helping you out as best he can...

(Roll 1d100 vs Engineer. 80 or below will succeed. 81 or above will fail. 1 is a critical success and 100 is a critical failure. Only the first three rolls will be counted)

>>26880640
Support for the auxiliary generator being mostly undamaged:

>Zeheart doesn't seem very amused by this. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out some kind of detonator and pulls the trigger. The three spider robots explode causing the roof above the auxiliary generator to collapse

Plus, he was pretty emotionally disturbed. He left pretty suddenly and there's no mention of him firing shots back just to make sure. If we can clear the rubble away we should be fine. Are there any worker mobile suits around, or did Zeheart make sure to trash all of those just in case?

File: 1377721425702.jpg-(171 KB, 640x480, Dirk.jpg)

171 KB JPG

Rolled 64

>>26880838
Rolling for engineering.

Rolled 1

>>26880838
Where are the other engineers, anyway? I know Zeheart killed the ones here but why were we the only other one in the base that could be spared for this vital function?

>>26880880
Holy shit yes.

Rolled 63

>>26880838
I hope we pass this. Because we need to spite Zeheart after this. "You've keep shooting me and it hasn't done anything to slow me down", that sort of thing

>>>/m/

>>26880880
>>26880866
>1
After pulling away some of the rubble you feverishly begin to patch together damaged circuits and cables. The generator itself isn't damaged but a lot of the important external systems were trashed not to mention the extensive damage to the bases power infrastructure. Normally you wouldn't have been able to get it working, even on your best day, but you have a sudden stroke of genius and manage to bypass the damage circuits and connect the generator directly to the systems power grid.

Using MID to read the power output, you find that the emergency generator is pumping out full power, but the grid is damaged to the point only half of it is getting to where it needs to go. Still, it's better then the nothing you would have gotten without your run of luck.

"Woolf! I got the generator running, at least partially. Some of the automated defenses should be coming on now. How are things looking?" You ask after fiddling with a few of the circuit breakers.

"Not good, I don't think we'll be able to hold the base. We've been ordered to retreat. Thanks to you it looks like we'll be able to evacuate the base's personal and set a little surprise for the Vagans before we leave. The automated defenses are preventing the Fa Bose's from getting within bombardment range." Woolf explains, with a sigh of relief.

"Good work gear head! Now get back to your suit and meet us outside, we're going to leave once all the shuttles are full." Akito says with a laugh.

What do you want to do Dirk? You feel like crap and all that moving probably didn't do wonders for your bullet wound, but you can still get around alright.

>A) Go straight back to the Merlin. It's damaged and you're shot, you both need to get the hell out of here.

>B) Help lead people to the shuttles. You're shot but they need help too.

>C) Other

>>26880861
Or he still follows Ezelcant's orders of "give them a chance to fight back and grow". You know, the exact same reason he hasn't obliterated the Federation yet, because he's an insane Social Darwinist who wants to create a perfect humanity through conflict.

We really need to get the data what Ezelcant's real goal is. We tell that to Zeheart, and he's sure to snap, maybe even joins us.

>>26881087
Go help the people. We can manage it.

>>26881087
Help people back to the shuttles. Merlin can be rebuilt, people can't. We can get out on the shuttles with them.

Also, before we go, can we send a message? Open channel, preferably. The message is for Asemu but I want Zeheart to hear it. Yurika, too, since she's probably here with Akito. It needs to be said. Asemu so he knows what to do, Yurika so we can help her move past Zeheart, and Zeheart just to twist the wound.

"Asemu, remember how we wanted to convince Zeheart to surrender if we could? That's not going to work anymore. He is past the point of redemption. The story about his parents was a lie. He let them die, sacrificed for the Eden Plan. He's a murderer in all but name. If you see him, shoot him."

>>26881262
Anon, we sorta... turned his parents into vegetables. I think we've done enough.

>>26881328
This. Let's at least try to make the guy flying in Gen-3 tech not actively try to kill us, or our friends.
As for helping his parents, we might be able to save them if we deliver the nanotech over there, or fill Jake in on how to make it.

>>26881328
No. He did. He knew about the implants and yet he practically BEGGED us to go save his parents. "Desil-ni-san, help! I don't want to hurt people, but Ezelcant is holding our parents hostage unless I do what he says!" He might not be willing to admit it, but he wanted this outcome. He keeps saying how he wants to kill the people he loved so that they don't have to see what's going to happen. And now his mother and father are never going to even wake up to see what he's become. He murdered them so he wouldn't have to face his shame. I want him to realize it.

>>26881156
>>26881262
Despite your injuries you decide to go and help the remaining base personal evacuate. After climbing out of the ruinous generator room you make your way back to the main base, helping the injured and wounded to the port.

Once you've helped out everyone you could, you hobble your way back to the dock were you landed the Merlin and begin to make your way out. Missing an arm, a leg, and most of your weapons, you stick by the shuttles as they take off, ready to defend them from any Vagan attacks.

Thankfully Woolf and the others draw aggro with the remaining defense systems long enough for you to get the shuttles to the Dagon.

Soon Woolf and the LEVIATHAN forces pull back, Vagan forces washing over the base like ants over a pile of sugar. As the Diva and Dagon get their distance, you see a tremendous flash of light followed by an immense explosion.

"Gotta love self-destruct devices huh Woo-" You don't get to finish your sentence as the moment you land on the deck of the Diva you black out.

(Cont)

>>26881425
>he practically BEGGED us to go save his parents
"My parents are held hostage in the depths of Ezelcant's Garden! They can't possibly be rescued!"

Somehow segues into:

"Please rescue my parents!"

Uh, no. The Heart wasn't anticipating a rescue mission. Much less a successful one.

What sane person would? We were even caught by Ezelcunt and could have had our brains melted for that.

>>26881425
Not really begged. I think he wanted to use sympathy to make us think twice when facing him and the 8 in battle (they're Desil's supposed family, after all), but I don't think he imagined we'd go to Vagan to save them. So he lied and manipulated, yes, but he was sure his parents would be safe in Ezelcant's garden. So, he's a lying bastard, but he didn't want his parents dead or as vegetables.

>>26881520
>>26881537
I suppose the "forced to work for Ezelcant" could have just been Desil's interpretation of it. We never heard it straight from Zeheart himself, after all. Alright, I concede the point. Zeheart probably didn't want this scenario to come about from his manipulations. But I think we should keep that argument in reserve for if we ever need to cause him a lot of pain. It might not be true, but it's got enough basis in fact that Zeheart would have a hard time rejecting it.

File: 1377724666484.jpg-(65 KB, 784x1019, Cute Emily.jpg)

65 KB JPG

>>26881515
You wake up once again in an infirmary, light headed and with a roll of damages wrapped around your gut. Blinking a few times you see a familiar women standing in the corner.

“Gah, why do you always show up after I’ve been shot or dismembered?” You say to Emily with a small groan.

“Bad timing. Don’t worry I’m not here to steal anything from you, just making sure you’re OK.”

“Well that’s nice I guess…”

“Listen, sorry about the whole stealing your…’stuff’. It’s pretty weird I know, I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about taking it from you and my son but I was told we would need it."

“We?”

“It’s complicated. Listen, I’m not a bad guy. I suspect you've been told about us by Grodek? Well I’m here to tell you we’re not the ones you should be afraid of…”

“What do you mean?” You ask, not sure what to believe from Emily.

"There are a lot of mixed interests in the Federation at the moment. Lots of people want different things. Some just want to end the war with the Vagan, others want to exterminate the Vagans no matter the cost. If the war continues things will only get worse and worse. I can't tell you anything too much, but I can tell you this. Be careful who you trust, there's a spy aboard the Diva and I can tell you right now it's not me. We've narrowed it down to someone in YOUR team..."

Emily walks over to you and puts a hand on your cheek. "I'm sorry about all this cloak and dagger stuff. If you aren't too mad when you wake up, could you tell Asemu I left him for his own safety?"

"When I wake-OW!" You flinch as Emily pricks you. "What the hell was that fo-"

You black out again.

Waking up you find Woolf, Asemu, and Akito standing over you smiling.

"You OK greasemonkey? You were asleep longer then the docs said you should have been." Akito asks.

"Yeah, and were you cut on the cheek?" Woolf asks.

What do you wish to do Dirk? Spill the beans about what Emily said?

>>26881876
Spill the beans.
We'll tell Asemu what Emily said about leaving him in private, no need to get everyone aboard the Diva involved into their family problems.

>>26881876
"Woolf, can you call your wife down here as soon as she isn't occupied? There's something I need to tell you and Captain Millais. Asemu, Akito, I'm sorry but I think I'll need privacy for it. I've got stuff to tell you, too, but this is a bit more urgent."

Then we relay the message. But we don't tell Asemu what Emily said about him. Dirk can hardly be blamed for forgetting about something he was told right before he was drugged and blacked out. It's not because we're spiteful about Emily's refusal to comply with safe standards of anesthesia or anything like that. I mean, how could we expect a doctor to have access to syringes? That's just silly, her methods of drugging us are clearly the best way for her to do it.

>>26881876
"There's some LEVIATHAN doctor aboard, the same one from Big Ring. She drugged me, again, so I guess that cut is from the needle to the face. Anyway, according to her, we have a Vagan spy aboard the Diva. So Zeheart's escape, and all the weird shit going on - it's an inside job."

No need to mention Emily directly.

>>26882101
Yeah, let's relay this to Woolf and Millais first.

>>26882125
Yeah. I think talking about Emily, especially her motivations for abandoning Asemu, is only going to complicate matters. Let's give the pertinent details and just tell Woolf and Millais the personal stuff. They can decide if they want to talk to their son about it.

>>26882168
>>26882143
>>26882125
>>26882101
"It's complicated. Listen Woolf, could you bring Captain Millais down here? I have something I need to tell you two in private." You look to Asemu and Akito and shrug. "Don't worry guys, I have stuff to tell you two just not this stuff."

"Meh, I'm sure you have your reasons for it." Akito says with a shrug, Asemu following suite. "This better not be something weird to do with you loving my Mom or some creepy crap like that..." Asemu warns.

"What? No! God this isn't some badly written anime. Just shoo, I have secret crap to tell them!" You can tell Asemu was kidding, but you're not really in the mood for those kind of jokes.

The two leave and the Captain arrives you talk.

"Some agent from LEVIATHAN, the same one from Big Ring, drugged me. Before she knocked me out, she told me that they believe we have a spy here on the Diva. So Zeheart's escape and all the weird leaks we've been having are all being done from the inside." You explain, leaving out the details about Emily.

"Did he tell you anything else?" Millais asks.

"Yeah, he said they think the spy...is someone in Woolf's team." You say, watching a frown crease Woolf's lips.

"Well I think I can cut you and Asemu out. Since the agent contacted you and I'd KNOW if my own son was a spy. So that leaves Akito, Yurika, Max, Obright, and Arisa as possible suspects, if the Agent was even right." Woolf states.

"For all we know anyone on the ship could be the spy...listen, Dirk thank you for telling us this. Don't worry about this now. Just rest up and leave when you're ready." Captain Millais says with a grateful salute before leaving with her husband.

What do you wish to do now Dirk?

>>26882501
Okay, call Asemu and Akito back in and tell them about how fucking crazy Zeheart has been confirmed as being. I want to get their help in breaking Yurika of her feelings for Zeheart. If she is the spy that might get her to turn, and even if she isn't we need to do this as her friend. Friends don't let friends have affection for crazy people.

Besides, we need to tell Asemu about Zeheart anyway. He's his friend too, even if we stole Asemu's role as rival. He deserves to know.

>>26882604
That sounds like a plan.

>>26882604
We should eventually talk to Yurika about Zeheart in private. Or just check up on her.

(Sorry about the delay, I got distracted)

>>26882604
>>26882685
You call Asemu and Akito back in and tell them what happened to Zeheart...

"You mean his parents are...braindead?" Asemu asks, looking a little horrified.

"That means he's snapped. He need to be put down like the dog he is then... Akito mutters, prompting a glare from Asemu.

"So watch out for him, he's pretty fucking crazy now." You say you're mind buzzing with possible suspects.

Akito leaves, but you keep Asemu back with you. "Listen Asemu...Emily showed up again, that's how I got this cut. She asked me to tell you that she only abandon you for your own safety..."

Asemu frowns and nods his head. "That sounds like something she'd say all things consider but...how is she not dead? I saw her...her..."

>A) Push Asemu on the subject, find out what's with him lately.

>B) Leave him be, pushing him might make things worse

>>26883297
>A) Push Asemu on the subject, find out what's with him lately.

>>26883297
"Asemu, bro, if you wanna talk about it, shoot. I'm all ears. If not, hey, I'm not going to force you to do something you're uncomfortable with."

>>26883349
>>26883372
"Asemu, listen if you want to talk about something be my guest. I'm not the kind of person to judge, I won't push you or anything." You say honestly, prompting Asemu to sit down in the corner.

"When I was a kid...I saw Flit Asuno push my mother down the stairs..."

"What?"

"Well I saw her fall down the stairs and Flit was standing at the top, so there's no way she just 'tripped'. I was so scared I ran off, when I came back there were paramedics and stuff taking her away saying that she died." Asemu explains, his hands balling into fists.

"I tried to tell people what happened, but no one would listen. They told me it was an accident, that no one else had been there. Now she shows up, alive and well, telling me through you that she faked her death to protect me. From who? Flit? If so why hasn't he tried to do something to me? I hate the man so much, but I don't understand. Why? Why did all of this have to happen? What is Mom protecting me from? Who is she protecting me from? What does Flit have to do with this? I don't...I don't understand..." Asemu begins to cry at this point, completely breaking down into tears.

What do you do Dirk?

>>26883641
Pat him on the back and tell him to let it all out?

Damnit, Flit. Why are you taking pages out of Emperor Wakamoto's book, you already know Nunally didn't turn out quite right.

>>26883641
Give Asemu a brohug and let him let it all out.

"Hey, man, everything is going to be okay. We'll find out what's going on, you can count on it. And if someone tries to get to you, they'll have to go through me first.. hopefully they won't have a gun with them. You're my bro, and I care for you, even though I'm sure you hang around me because you like my sister. Don't give me that look, I've seen the googly eyes you two give each other."

"If you need anything - anything - just let me know, alright? I'll see what I can do."

>>26883869
>>26883846
You get out of bed, limp over to him and hug him. "Asemu, it's gonna be OK. We'll find out what the hell is going on. If anyone tries to mess with you, they'll have to go through me and you know how much I like getting shot..."

Asemu stops crying and actually laughs at that.

"If you need anything just ask and I'll do my best to help out OK? I'm sure there's an explanation for Flit's involvement in this, so don't do anything crazy OK?"

Wiping away the tears, Asemu nods.

He leaves and you get dressed. The doctor clears you for duty and you're out in the hallway.

You still have work to do with the Nano-machines, the Merlin needs work done on it, and you'd like to know what the Diva is up too.

What do you wish to do Dirk?

>>26884092
Let's call mom and fill her in on what's going on. We can talk with her while we get on our way to fix the Merlin.

>>26884100
Let's not spill the beans over traceable comms

>>26881876
>> Be careful who you trust, there's a spy aboard the Diva and I can tell you right now it's not me. We've narrowed it down to someone in YOUR team

Olbright or Max.

>>26883641
>>What is Mom protecting me from? Who is she protecting me from?

THE EDITORS. They clearly want to build up to "CRUSH THE TSAB IN NO TIME" !

>>26884177
We do have a secure communication network we put up just in case someone's tracing our calls.
Though I'm not sure how we're going to exchange tech data besides docking on Zarth for a while.

>>26884188
Yurika is too obvious, though she might be it - she knew about Zeheart being a Vagan and still tried to convert him to our side. Akito doesn't seem like it, though working for Zeheart might actually explain why he's so pissed all the time - that guy has dirt on him, dates his sister, no wonder he'll snap. The rest of the crew we haven't really talked that team, so suspicion is split evenly.

>>26884216
Down boy, down! Bad, bad! Enough paranoia!

>>26884253
> The rest of the crew we haven't really talked that much
I should get me some coffee.

>>26884253
>>26884100
>>26884177
Your G-Phone has a secure line thanks to some modifications made by Dad. It should allow you to contact Mom at Zarth without being traceable over the colonial cellular network.

You manage to get in contact with her and explain all the crazy shit that went on with Zeheart as you go to the hanger and begin to work on your suit.

"Dad's not going to be happy to hear this..." Mom says with a sad sigh.

"Zeheart lost his shit when he I told him about his parents, I doubt he was lying." You confirm.

"Well I'll break the news to him. I'll try to get in contact with Desil when I have a chance...break the bad news to him. Try to be more careful when it comes to getting shot honey, I don't want a brain in a jar for a son." Mellis tries to bright things up with a joke and you manage to crack a smile.

"I'll try my best Mom. Love ya, bye!" You hang up and focus on getting the repair work done on Merlin.

(Roll 1d100 vs Engineering. 80 or below will succeed. 81 or higher will fail. 1 is a critical success and 100 is a critical failure)

File: 1377735020058.png-(507 KB, 1400x1600, Gundam Merlin.png)

507 KB PNG

Rolled 25

>>26884772
Fixing the big guy.

Rolled 99

>>26884772

>>26884798
>>26884890
>25
>99

The work takes longer then you thought. The slapped on Genoace arm and leg prove to be difficult to remove and appear to have damaged more components upon attachment. Thankfully due to the modular nature of the Merlin, you're able to repair the internal damage and reattach a new arm and leg fresh from the AGE Builder.

The Merlin is ready for combat again, but the're still some more you could do engineering wise. You haven't finished your nano-machine experiment and there are some weapons tinkering you could do.

At the same time you have no idea what the Diva's next mission is or where you are currently headed.

What do you wish to do Dirk?

>>26884979
Nano-machines ahoy!

>>26884979
Let's get some nanotech.

Also, are the other crew members around?
If they are, they could file us a list of what they'd like upgraded on their suits while we're down here.

>>26884979
Nano experiments

File: 1377736867682.jpg-(133 KB, 960x544, 03-mobile suit-gundam-age(...).jpg)

133 KB JPG

>>26885020
>>26885062
>>26885069
None of the other pilots are in the hanger besides Dique and the other engineers. They're probably resting up after that big fight. You ask Dique if he knows anything about the next mission or how the other pilots liked their upgrades.

"Everyone seemed pretty happy. Obright's fine with Genoace III, Max was really excited over that Samurai styled Titus wear you made using Brocka parts and some custom stuff. Arisa didn't have a probably with her Razor Stark wear, even if she did say it was somewhat difficult to control. And you know how Woolf is with his mobile suits." Dique explains with a shrug.

"Well it's good to know I don't have to worry about losing my good name as an engineer. What about our next assignment?" You ask, and Dique scratches his head in thought for a moment.

"Oh, now I remember. We're heading to escort some cargo ships carrying Adele wears."

"Adele wears? What's so important about that?" You ask.

"The Mass Production and distribution of the Adele has been escalated. Along with the increase in production, the adoption of many of the AGE-1’s wears, including the Starks, Gundead, Razor, Magina, Beelzerga, and Warzes wears, which were previously turned down due to cost, have also been adopted for the defense of Big Ring." Dique says as he turns back to work on Max's Titus, a young girl with glasses and pigtails works on Obright's Genoace. "Cost isn't an issue at the moment I guess. It’s holding the line and protecting Big Ring”

"The Warzes wear? Really?" This surprises you. The Warzes wear was an AGE-1 equipment wear designed with a special shield and armor that absorbed beam energy, storing it up for a large energy attack. However it was incredibly buggy and prone to failure. It was powerful, but expensive and prone to a lot of issues. If the Federation was busting out such wears, then things must be pretty serious...

You turn back to your Nano-machine experiment
(cont)

>>26884979
Oh good, I got back from classes before we started tinkering. Yes, definitely nanomachine time now. There's a Gen 3 suit running around, we need a major upgrade. Okay, Dirk doesn't know what "Gen 3" would mean, but he's fought the Zeydras. Presumably Zeheart's new suit is an upgrade from that, so he knows he needs to step up his game. I just hope the particle bits haven't been developed yet.

>>26885325
Difficult to control, huh. Well, we should fix that when we have the chance.

>>26885325
Oh, so the other AGE-1 wears got made over the years? Wish I had known that, the Magina and Gundead would have been useful for weapons tech while we were waiting on the Hyper DODS. Still, cool that we have them. The Warzes, too. Because I just like it's concept, even if it's not that practical.

>>26885325
Last time you had completed the new shell for the New AGE Builder and learned how to program the Nanites. Now you need to see what they can do. You plan to prepare and program three sets of nanites, one disassemble something, another to reassemble it, and another to break something down and multiply using the broken down materials. You get to work and begin the experiment...

(Roll 1d100 vs Engineering. 80 or below will succeed. 81 or above will fail. 1 is a critical success and 100 is a critical failure)

Rolled 18

>>26885472
Rolling for nanotech.

Rolled 6

>>26885472
Rolling for sweet, sweet alchemy. Within the limits of no elemental transmutation.

>>2688547
Yay

Rolled 57

>>26885472

Rolled 82

>>2688547
Yay!

Rolled 2

>>26885472
Rolling.

>>26885572
Ah! So close to critical. Oh well, still good.

>>26885519
>>26885514
>>26885572

Gekkou Chodearu!

>>26885454
Well, we could get those wears and upgrade the ones we have aboard the Diva.
Use the Warzes and the Gundead on Max's Samurai Adele, turn it into a goddamn Mobile Armor.

>>26885572
>>26885571
>>26885561
>>26885519
>>26885514
>18, 16, 57, 2
>82

The experiment goes very well. You discover Nano-machines are capable of reassembling and disassembling materials, as well as breaking down materials and making more of themselves.

Additional experiments show that they are capable of breaking down and organizing materials into groups, easily able to break something down into it's base elements. They are also capable of assembling things based on given instructions, you are able to have the nanomachines break down an ingot and change it's shape, height and width.

However during your experiments you discover nano-machines are incredibly sensitive and without a proper environment they are subject to rapid damage and deterioration. Kind of like cells outside of a human body.

You believe they will function fine within the confines of the New AGE Builder or inside of a mobile suit, but they seem to have limited or no weapon application at the moment.

(cont)

>>26885776
After finishing your experiment and recording the data, you make a few minor modifications to the New AGE Builder you are left with some more time on your heads. You could go off and have a chat with the others, or you could spend more time working on the Merlin. You have some mechanical ideas you've wanted to try, a new wear, modifications to the Hyper DODS, maybe some more weapon modules.

What do you wish to do Dirk?

>>26885776
Fine by me, that's what I was expecting. Nano-dissembler swarms are neat but impractical. However, would it be unreasonable to ask for dust mote-sized robots, functioning on the microscale instead of nanoscale? Those would be a lot more durable, and I can still think of a lot of neat applications.

A new wear for merlin

>>26885827
Improved armor. I mentioned this in the thread when we wear brainstorming new tech, but corundum armor is quite practical for us to build. It should be relatively easy to construct, and it has a lot of benefits over the alloys we're using: It's strong, non-conductive, heat-resistant and though dense for a crystal is still quite light. It's also available in a variety of colors, but plain sapphire should look really good with the Merlin's color scheme. We should also replace the internal structural frame with corundum at some point, but that can wait until we have time to do a full rebuild.

>>26885827
Is Yurika around? She's apparently the Asuno engineer around here, get her to help us with upgrading the suits. Gives us time to talk with her about Zeheart as well as split the job of developing new stuff. I guess the HDODS should be fixed first, and then mass-produced so the entire team has those.

>>26885852
Well, at least with this we get advanced generators, engines and sensors sooner. Though we could see if we can group maybe some nanobots into larger groups that function similarly, but on a bigger scale - make them more like bugs instead of cells.

File: 1377739906793.jpg-(758 KB, 1500x1125, Hyper DODS Rifle.jpg)

758 KB JPG

>>26885986
>>26886010
>>26885852
>>26885857
You decide to tinker with the Merlin a bit. You have some ideas for improved armor, but the Hyper DODS Rifle takes precedent over that due to it's firepower importance.

It takes months of testing and work to schedule a weapon for mass production and while you can't do that in the time it takes, you can at least make the Hyper DODS safe enough to pass around to everyone.

On top of that you'll be able to figure out way so modify and customize it. Once you're done you'll call down Yurika and brainstorm up a new wear or that armor idea you have.

(Roll 1d100 vs Engineer. 80 or below will succeed. 81 or above will fail. 1 is a critical success and 100 is a critical failure.)

File: 1377739990523.jpg-(238 KB, 1440x810, AGE-2_battling_in_Solon_City.jpg)

238 KB JPG

Rolled 5

>>26886293
Rolling.

So, what are the chances we're going to Solon City for the new wears?

Rolled 78

>>26886293
Rolling.

Rolled 46

>>26886293
rollin

Rolled 91

>>26886293
Rolling for justice.

>>26886323
>>26886360
>>26886396
>>26886472
>78, 46, 5
>91

You manage to modify the design of the Hyper DODS Rifle so it's safer to use. This way Dique won't be so uptight about passing it around to the other pilots to use. During your modding process you learn that the Hyper DODS isn't as modifiable as the regular DODS beam Rifles.

For example, if you want to increase the strength of the beam you end up decreasing the rate of fire and increasing the amount of energy consumed. If you want to increase the rate of fire you lower the rate of energy consumed with each shot, but lower the amount of penetration and power behind each shot.

Whatever modification you choose you end up sacrificing another aspect of the Hyper DODS. There's no way to really work around it, it's merely how things work with the Hyper DODS.

Now here's the question, how do you want to customize the Merlin's Hyper DODS Rifle? You've already made a kickass frame for it *as shown in the Merlin lineart* but now you need to decide what this customized Hy-DODS is gonna do.

Well Dirk? What's it going to be?

Okay, once we get the new wears and blueprints, we should upgrade our stuff using the new tech. The Samurai should be further upgraded using the tech we get from the Warzes and the Gundead.

From the Warzes, we use its armor plates instead of the usual plates we just stacked on top of an old suit. That way, we get increased defense and some slight increase in mobility. Also, let's use that bitching Mirror Shield the Warzes has - the Samurai already comes with a tower shield, let's upgrade that thing. It further increases defense, allows the suit to reflect light beam weapons, and can unleash absorbed energy in powerful attacks.

From the Gundead, let's use the additional generators the suit has strapped on its back to fuel the integrated weapons on the new suit, as well as the Mirror Shield. Because the generators are carried around like a backpack, throw some weapons on them - a heavy vulcan cannon for light targets and damaging sensitive parts of the suit, and a DODS cannon for eliminating heavier targets from afar.

Also, are Adeles Mk2 a thing? Because those had additional thrusters in the legs that could be moved separately, allowing the suit to strafe and dash across the battlefield. And upgrade those grenade launchers that are already on the suit to deploy smoke and anti-beam chaff grenades.

>>26886626
We're a ranged beast. Increase the beam strength and range.
For fast attacks, we can always replace the EM arm cannon with a modified heavy Vulcan - increase in power, keeps the same rate of fire.

>>26886626
Let's go increased power. Reduce E-Cap capacity (E-Capacity?) to ten shots from fifteen, and boost penetration accordingly. I'd also like to add in a beam bayonet extending the length of the barrel and beyond. I'm thinking something like the Hyper Mega Launcher on the Zeta.

>>26886860
We have heat blades, I guess those things would fare better.
But agreed, we need some bayonets on our guns - we should equip the entire team with them..

File: 1377742539932.jpg-(23 KB, 400x294, Beam Rifle Example.jpg)

23 KB JPG

>>26886785
>>26886860
>>26886916
You decide to increase the strength and range of the Hy-DODS Rifle. This will decrease it's rate of fire and increase it's power consumption to where you'll get 8 shots from 1 E-Cap Clip. However you've also gained increased penetration and beam size. The barrel of the Hy-DODS is longer and is no less of a barrel then it is two plates/rails that extend from the chamber of the rifle.

After painting it in the Merlin's purple, you let it to dry and call Yurika to ask her to come down and help you in the hanger. What do you wish her to help you with Dirk and how do you wish to ask her?

File: 1377743361789.png-(773 KB, 972x1210, Adele-starks.png)

773 KB PNG

>>26887270
Keep it cool and friendly, like always.
"Hey, Yurika, you free? I could use some help down here with some engineering, and I thought the Asuno gearhead might be willing to lend me a hand, like in the old days."

Arisa complained about some controlling issues, might wanna check that out.
We could upgrade her Starks wear with some parts from the Razor and the Phoenix.

>>26887555
Yeah, I like that. And ask Yurika if she wants any upgrades, too. Phoenix is pretty awesome for an AGE-1 wear, but we can always improve it. Like enhancing the wing cannons with HY-DODS technology, or adding a beam shield so that Defense Shield mode is even more durable. Stuff like that.

>>26887657
I think we should build her an AGE-2 as well (possibly an Artimes, because we get HDODS artillery), but yeah, upgrades are always nice.

Might give us some ideas for how to upgrade the Starks if nothing else, because I've got nothing besides turning it into some sort of fly-by attacker that wrecks shit up using Gatling cannons and missile barrages. Maybe we should replace the Starks thrusters with Vagan tech - increased mobility and maneuverability at the cost of speed, but at least the damn thing won't get out of control or explode because she isn't an X-Rounder.

>>26887270
"Hey, Yurika, care to help me with these control systems? Sorry I've been so busy with engineering lately. I don't think I've really talked with any of the team in...you know, I don't know how long. These painkillers are actually pretty strong. I swear the entire trip to the Moon took only an hour from my perspective. How long has it been since we left Zarth?"

I want to bring up our hospital stay so she's thinking of what Zeheart did. Might make it easier to move the conversation to that topic.

>>26887555
You already upgraded the Stark with parts from the Razor. High speed plus cutting blades has shown itself rather effective. Loading more stuff onto it might not be wise. As for the control problem, you suspect that has less to do with something fixable and more to do with the fact the Stark was designed to go organ crushingly fast speeds. It's a wonder Arisa can fly it properly at all.

Adding anything else would require a major overhaul, or rather a new design all together.

You keep it cool and call up Yurika, asking her to come down and help you out like she used to when you were building the Merlin.

"Sure Dirk I can help you out. We have a couple hours before we reach Solon so we should have time to finish whatever you have in mind."

A few minutes later she comes on down and smile at you. "Hey Dirk, so what do you want me to help you with?"

>A) A new wear
>B) Better armor for the Merlin
>C) Other

File: 1377744669310.jpg-(37 KB, 369x479, 369px-Dark_hound_artimes.jpg)

37 KB JPG

>>26887885
Well, when we first made the Razor Starks Dirk considered making a custom OS to compensate for X-Rounder suits so oldtypes (Old-Rounders? X-Flatters?) could use them too. We've got Yurika for a helper and a cyborg arm that can interface directly with computers. Programming should go easier now. So we could work on that.

As for a third AGE-2, Artimes wear would be really nice to have. Though I kind of want to let Asemu have that, if only because of a pic of a really cool Dark Hound Artimes model I found.

>>26887930
Let's keep the Adele Starks for now. We'll make a new wear for her and Max later on, when we arrive on Solon and get those new blueprints.

Let's see if we can upgrade the Merlin a bit. We could add some giant electroshock systems to the scissors so that they fry or knock out enemy suits on impact, as well as some guiding systems so that the scissors don't miss. Replace the EM cannon in the arm with a stronger one, or a Heavy Beam Vulcan. And get cracking on some armor upgrades - Yurika is an expert in optimizing stuff and eliminating unnecessary stuff, we should get her to tweak the big guy.

> organ crushingly fast speeds
Huh, so we could get that suit Scarlet's wearing for surviving high speeds in the Gawain and make one for Arisa.
That, and we should upgrade dad's old OS so it works with regular pilots as well as X-Rounders.

>>26887930
A new wear. The armor has to be something we work on alone. Well, Asemu could help, but we're not supposed to let the nanoassemblers become wide knowledge yet. We'd have to explain where we got microcrystalline corundum armor plates from, and that might be tricky.

"I'd like a new wear to go along with beam shield tech. Getting my suit's limbs blown off is not something I want to repeat. Mostly I'd need to enhance heat management systems and add redundant emitters to spread the strain. I'm thinking adding a charged droplet radiator on the back, too, that would dump waste heat really good. The fact that it would look like a billowing scarf of fire, and be totally awesome, has nothing to do with my decision. Nope, nothing at all."

>>26888229
Seconding this

>>26888190
We could make the scissors full X-Com units. Adding that level of mobility would make them a lot better, though harder to use. Still, we've never gotten around to actually using that tech, and I think it's time we give it a try. Especially now that Dirk can link his nervous system to computers through MID.

File: 1377745845610.jpg-(193 KB, 941x1378, 1377113737387.jpg)

193 KB JPG

>>26888319
You know, now that we're starting to go down X-Rounder lane, we really should begin training that stuff. Yurika might even be the best coach around, since I doubt training with Akito would be pleasant.

And speaking of X-Rounder tech, I suggest we make the Merlin into RX-93. Those things on its back? Bits with HDODS installed in them that also can pull double duty as a beam shield.

>>26888472
Nu would be nice to have. Especially if we got the rifle from the Heavy Weapons System Nu. Not the whole pack, just the heavy beam rifle. That thing's a smart beam rifle guided by the psychoframe. I could go for that level of accuracy. We've got an enemy X-Rounder of incredible skill in a ridiculously fast suit. We need some way to make sure we hit him.

>>26888624
Oh, just thought of another cool thing to take from the Nu: Its beam saber. The Nu's saber only activates right as its about to strike or parry. Energy efficient, and it would probably be harder for an X-Rounder to predict and parry.

File: 1377747027640.jpg-(115 KB, 1129x1129, sinanju stein.jpg)

115 KB JPG

>>26888761
Yeah, we're already making X-COM tech, that thing would be pretty cool to have installed into our weaponry. Smart guns and swords everywhere. Plus, it doesn't require the X-Rounder pilot to bother with activating it on his own, because the system already regulates that, allowing him to do even better in combat.

Speaking of X-Rounders, if we do end up with Desil and his crew on the Diva, we upgrade their suits into these beauties.

>>26888894
I'm actually kind of worried about what will happen to them. Canonically, the reason we never see any X-Rounder pilots on the Federation's side except for the Asunos is that they were almost all killed at Big Ring. By the Ghirarga. This could go badly for the Magnificent 7.

File: 1377747308875.jpg-(135 KB, 317x656, RGE-1300XR Pioneer Alpha.jpg)

135 KB JPG

>>26888015
>>26888190
>>26888229
>>26888258
>>26888319
>>26888472
"Well I've been meaning to make a beam shield module for the Merlin and I'd really like to develop a Funnel system for it as well. I was thinking of increasing the armor, but the process would take a while and involves some stuff I'm not really supposed to show anybody." You explain.

"Beam shield tech is pretty finicky. Last time I checked they couldn't take a few hits before the emitters over heated and melted. But I'd happily help you make one. What other weapon modules do you have?"

"Well I have the 90mm EM Vulcan Cannon, a 2 Barreled Grenade Launcher with a reloadable clip, a pair of beam vulcans in the head, and a pair of 'scissor anchors' I got with the Luna Wear along with a kick-ass beam javelin." You explain, bringing her over to show her some of the weapons.

"Not as much as I thought you'd have. Well I'll gladly work on the funnels if you want. You should work on the Beam Shield module, I'm not familiar with that tech and it's really sensitive, I don't want to go scrapping anything." Yurika looks over the Merlin enthusiastically.

"You don't seem like you want the small funnels the Farsia head, but at the same time I don't think you want the drill/cannon funnels from the Pioneer Alpha used by the Magnificent 7...Why don't you try for something original?" Yurika suggests, pointing to the Merlin's shoulders. "See those white plates? Why don't we modify them to hold disk shaped funnels?"

"I don't know, they wouldn't have a lot of room for weapon systems..." You say, your mind going to Hy-DODS tech.

"Well with Funnels as they are now, they're pretty big. So if we can make funnels that are smaller and look like they're just part of the suit, then it'll give you an element of surprise. Tell you what, why don't you leave the Funnels to me and I'll try to surprise you with what I make OK?"

What do you wish to do Dirk?

>>26888949
>>Canonically, the reason we never see any X-Rounder pilots on the Federation's side except for the Asunos is that they were almost all killed at Big Ring. By the Ghirarga

I didn't know this. This was early in Gen-3 right?

>>26888949
>> Canonically, the reason we never see any X-Rounder pilots on the Federation's side except for the Asunos is that they were almost all killed at Big Ring. By the Ghirarga

>>all killed

>>all

>>the EDITORS are dangerously close

>>remove deviations from canon

Maximum shadowruns?

>>26888987
"The last time I let you surprise me you signed me up for the MS club. Before that the cooking school. And before that you got me to join you in dance class."
"Sure, go ahead, the big guy's all yours. While we're at it, you don't mind me checking under your hood? ...I mean the Phoenix."

"I'll go work on the beam shields now, if you'll excuse me."

>>26888987
So we just let Zeheart's parents go braindead without trying to stop it?

>>26889154
Well, we did notify Zarth about that, so maybe Jake or the Vagan scientists will come up with something.

Honestly, without nanotech or something interfering with those implants, I've no idea how are we supposed to save them. And to give Jake nanotech, we have to make a stop at Zarth, and soon. Maybe call Spriggan, he's the expert on brain implants around those parts, he might at least slow down the damage done.

>>26889154
How to stop it? We're not doctors, Decil/Jake knows by now, and Emily is gone.

>>26889109
"The Phoenix is fine, besides my Dad is working on an improved version for the AGE-2 already. I like the AGE-1 though. Just because somethings a little old doesn't mean you should get a new suit. If you like something stick to it, mod it as you go to keep up." Yurika says with a shrug,

"Alright I'll get to work on the Beam shields..."

(And this is where we'll stop tonight)

(I don’t know why I’m saying this, but I’d like to admit that I think I could have handled aspects of this role-play a little better. I don’t like that I’ve diminished Asemu’s rivalry with Zeheart and maybe I’ve misrepresented some characters and ideas. However I’d like to say I’m doing this to provide entertainment. If this was something original and I was focused on crafting a great story then maybe I’d be more upset, but this isn’t. I merely took a show I liked and wished to explore the boundaries of the setting. I still love the original, even with all its flaws, so I want to let anyone who reads this know that this Quest is my love letter to Gundam AGE. Even if I screw up and do something stupid, I don’t mean it intentionally. I love Gundam (Yes even the dreaded G-Saviour) and I wouldn’t do anything to stain it. So yeah, Gundam AGE Quest is meant to entertain and provide a different twist on the Gundam AGE universe. On top of that this is my first quest, so Power playing issues aside, I think I’ve done a decent job getting this far. Thank you for your participation in this and I hope I can make the payoff worth wild.)

(Anyway, I don't have the planning done for the next part butttttt, I had an idea for something else we could do. Tomorrow we could have a Gundam AGE Quest discussion where you guys shoot the shit, plan, conspire and I post "EXA-DB" logs of existing suits like the Pioneer Alpha and such for fun)

>>26888987
Building the beam shields into the funnels, planet-defensor style, could actually work really well. The load would be distributed between several units, and since they'd be free-floating they could have surface area for the cooling systems. And if we were to combine that with the miniaturization of nanotech, we could get the particle bits, and we've all seen how powerful those can be. We should at least propose the idea to her.

If she doesn't think it would work, I say we steal some design elements from the Double Bullet. It can project MASSIVE beam blades, and keep them up throughout half the battle. Those emitters are heavy duty, and must have some good cooling systems too. I'm sure we can make a version that makes a short, wide blade instead of a long one. Other than that, redundant emitters are always good, spread throughout the frame to distribute the load. And a droplet-style radiator would let us dump the waste heat ridiculously fast, though it would fuck our stealth all to hell. Not that we're too concerned with that if we're using brightly-glowing beam blades. And like I said in my earlier post, it would look like a scarf or cape of fire. What's the Wizard Merlin without his cloak of wonders?

>>26889267
You're doing great, man. It's a lot of fun.
Run the next part when you have something planned.

See you next time, Crosswire, have a pleasant night.

File: 1377749161844.jpg-(888 KB, 1240x1086, 1377118729953.jpg)

888 KB JPG

>>26889384
Yeah, the Double Bullet has ridiculously powerful emitters.
Maybe we could combine them with beam shields and create a portable force wall to use against enemy fire. Or just blow shit up when the shield collapses.

>>26889267
Yeah, a discussion thread will be fun. EXA-DB entries for the existing suits would be really neat to see, too. And don't worry about the characterization. Any real problems have been mostly our fault, honestly. Like how we keep going to work on shit instead of talking to people, so guys like Max and Obright haven't had much time on-camera. And Asemu having less plot involvement with Zeheart is a direct result of us seeking out opportunities to blunder into encounters with him. But those are minor problems, and I am still enjoying this quest immensely. Plus, the characterization you've done with characters we have been interacting with is great. Sane Desil and Even Crazier Zeheart are a neat twist, the original characters are pretty fun (though I think we like Rysis a bit too much. We turned her into a family member when she was meant to be a villain.) and the plot twists and exploration of the concepts of the original setting are pretty clever. This is a good quest. There are flaws, but my frustrations are far outweighed by my enthusiasm. Don't sweat it, Crosswire.

Really my only major gripe is how Emily keeps drugging us. And that's just because I'm terrified of it. Where did you get your doctorate from, huh, Emily? You're not supposed to sedate people that way!

>>26889562
Speaking of Emily, what are the chances that Yunoa exists in this timeline as well? Though that would imply that Flit's gone bonkers a bit because of his work.

Anyway, Crosswire, don't forget to archive this baby.

>>26889659
Well that's comforting. Thanks for telling me this.

Well thanks for playing today everyone. I've archived this. I'll post up on my twitter when we're doing the discussion.

https://twitter.com/Crosswire

CRAAAAAAAAAAP. That's what I forget! I forgot to put up the usual "Last Time..." stuff. Oh well. I'll just remember next time.

>>26889267
I think the problem may be because of the story structure we've got going for Gen 2. Having a second point of view (or third for a while, when we had Jake playable) divides your focus and makes it harder to put detail into any one spot. Jake's arc was much more tightly constructed as a result of its singular protagonist. As much fun as it's been to manage both Scarlet and Dirk this generation, I think when we get to Gen 3 we should go back to just one player character. Personally, I'd like it to be Scarlet and Asemu's kid, because that has some interesting implications for character arcs. Especially if, as has been hinted, Kio is going to turn out to be a Leviathan-raised test tube baby. Though Scarlet and Asemu haven't interacted in any meaningful way in a lot of chapters, so any establishment of a relationship between them would have to be in this generation's epilogue or some such. Whatever, I'm getting off topic. My point is, you're not a bad storyteller. You've just taken on a more ambitious project than you intended to. Narrow the focus a little for next arc, and your problems should go away.

>>26889955
(Semi-spoilers, but I intended to make Gen 3 a one player experience. Thank you for your words however, it really eases my mind especially since I tend to overthink things)

>>26889955
Well, we could have the attack on the colonies happen before the attack on Big Ring. Scarlet and Jake and the rest of the crew beat up the enemy, and are called to Big Ring to deliver their reports. All the protagonists meet there for the final battle against the Downes station. We get one POV, Scarlet and Asemu hang around, Dirk gets involved in Leviathan business, and Jake makes the case for forming of the Colony Defense Force Akdamut in light of recent events.

Then the Vagans attack.

>>26890100
That could work very well. I endorse this plan for plot development. It would also give Asemu more interaction with Flit and maybe Emily, which could advance that sideplot and make up for us stealing the Zeheart rivalry for our own character. Besides, Asemu has to declare himself the SUPAH PILOTO at some point. And it would just be so satisfying if it came after the reveal that he's Flit's son, so his claiming of his dramatic destiny can involve stating his name as "the Super Pilot, Ash Enneacle". It would be a really nice way to finish out the plot thread and let him show he's moved on from his fear and doubt.

>>26890251
Ash Enneacle, the White Devil. Jake's gonna be pissed.

Though in our timeline, he might not end as the Bisidian captain, if Scarlet remains in the military. Maybe if something really, really bad happens and everyone is forced to join pirates in order to stay alive, like Leviathan taking over.