>>38402968
>We need to formulate a plan before we contact anyone else.
Let's start by going over the potential new leaders. Also, could Cima fill us in on what exactly the Republic's plan for this was? I mean, obviously the people who came up with it didn't put a lot of thought into it, but they had to have some idea for how to capitalize on it. Knowing what moves they're going to make will be essential for ensuring this doesn't spiral horribly out of control. Well, more horribly out of control, I guess, it's going to happen no matter what.

>>38402968
>>We need to formulate a plan before we contact anyone else.

>>38403037
Backing this.

Looks as if the Jupiter Man is making his move early.

>>38402968
>We need to meet somewhere secure, preferably with Karaba.

>>38403083
I would be surprised if he wasn't one of the aforementioned front-runners.

>>38402968
>>We need to meet somewhere secure, preferably with Karaba.
and the three front runners?

>>38402968
>We need to bring up our whole team. This is getting serious.
While their leadership is still in the process of re-establishing, plan for a quick, decisive strike to end it.

So now what are we gonna use those Cyber NT research we dug up for, if the guy we want to hang for it is dead? Bask doesn't seem like the kind of fellow that'll be affected by it.
I suppose we could still leak it around to dissuade any new recruits from joining at this point.

>>38402968
>We need to meet somewhere secure, preferably with Karaba.

>>38402968
"This doesn't seem like the sort of thing we can discuss over space-Skype," you point out. "As much of a risk as it is, we need to treat this seriously. Call in representatives from all the parties concerned, come up with an actual goddamn plan."

Cima nods. "As much as I hate to say it, I've come to the same conclusion."

"Send a small task force," Karen suggests. "I'll contact Admiral Kowen and have Karaba send its representatives as well. We'll meet at a neutral location."

"Londenion," Cima suggests. "It's politically stable and has no real political affiliations with any Federation or non-Federation organizations."

You're not sure you like bringing your problems home with you, but you have to admit that Cima's logic is sound. The Lunar cities have been openly debating the issue of spacenoid independence ever since the attack on Riah, and the colonies are even more openly divided. Londenion, you suppose in part due to your parents' insistence to the governing council, has refused to take an open stance and has largely avoided trouble.

"Fine, we'll send out the messages," you reply. "Londenion, three days."

>Any other questions for Cima before she gets to work?
Also,
>How will you bring your team up to speed?

>>38403714
who the three front runners are.

>>38403714
>Any other questions for Cima before she gets to work?
She's safe, right? I imagine she's facing some pressure due to refusing to cooperate with this plan. No one's going to try to throw her into a military prison for treason, are they? I want to think that the Republic isn't that stupid, but after what they just did...

>How will you bring your team up to speed?
"I'm sorry, team, I have some bad news. It looks like we'll never get to make any of those horrible puns about 'busting Hymem' that we were planning. Some idiots in the Republic had him assassinated. So, yeah, dealing with the fallout of that should be fun. We're meeting up in three days with our various allies to discuss what to do next. The meeting is at Londenion, so nobody tell my parents about what happened. I just sent them an email saying everything is going fine."

>>38403714

Does she know who the main candidates are? We can have ALICE dig their names for us while we fill in the team. And whether we should arrive there with our full team, or just a select few members to keep a low profile.

As for bringing the crew up to speed, call a meeting somewhere we can have our privacy and access to a computer with a larger screen so ALICE can help us - somewhere like the briefing room, I suppose. As for how we'll deliver the news, be calm. This is bad news, since it means shit is about to hit the Minovsky generator. We need to know how they feel about this, what their thoughts are, and what they suggest we do next.

>>38404044
this

>>38403714
>Any other questions for Cima before she gets to work?
Remember that ship design Haman proposed? Looks like it'll be thrust into a maiden battle sooner than expected. I hope they're prepared enough, even if this action pretty much jumped the gun.

>How will you bring your team up to speed?
Assemble the officers and the heads of each section staff to the briefing room.

"Right. We just learned that the Rebulic of Zeon issued an assassination order on old man Jamitov and it was successfully executed. In any other circumstance, this would be a good cause for celebration. But unfortunately, the rest of the Titans is now going to have greater justification in their anti-spacenoid crusade now, with the possibility of them resorting to even more extreme methods being more likely."

"At this point, they're still scrambling to consolidate under new leadership. However, in a few days time, we'll meet up with the representatives of the main groups resisting against the Titans and formulate a plan to nip this in the bud."

>>38403714
“You mentioned three front-runners,” you press. “Who are they? I'm guessing Riddick is one of them?”

“Riddick?” Cima replies, puzzled. “You mean Bask Om? Yes, he is the first. Many of Titans' older Captains are in his camp. As for the second, his name is Kamuna Tachibana.”

“You mean Admiral Tachibana's kid?” Karen asks. “The guy with the most pretentious nickname in military history?”

“The Young Nobleman of Iron,” you mutter. He was another rising star back during the One Year War, and he fought both at Odessa and at the perimeter around Jaburo. You heard his father, Admiral Tachibana, was killed during the Delaz conflict.

Cima nods. “The very same. Do you know him?”

“By reputation only.”

“Apparently he has the backing of the Pezun Base commanders,” Cima continues. “He also has a popular reputation among the regular EFSF from his counter-Zeon activities in Africa.”

“A good name and the Titans MS Instructor Corps at Pezun,” Karen frowns. “His base of support in Titans may be smaller, but Pezun us a huge player.”

“They've got nukes there, too,” you point out. “In storage. Most of the Titans' arsenal comes from Pezun... hell, our own nukes did too.”

Cima raises her eyebrow at you, apparently surprised that your armament includes nuclear missiles. You simply shrug. “Standard equipment since the Delaz conflict. We kept ours when we resigned from Titans. They haven't mentioned it 'cuz the public's not supposed to know.”

“And the third?” Karen asks.

Cima looks down, apparently at a file on her desk. “The officer they simply refer to as 'The Jovian' among Titans forces: Paptimus Scirocco.”
>(1/2)

>>38404791
And he's finally introduced. Magnificent.

>>38404791
>Kamuna Tachibana
http://gundam.wikia.com/wiki/Kamuna_Tachibana
Sounds like a good guy huh?

>>38404948
Better than the alternatives, that's for sure. Too bad Scirocco is almost certainly going to kill him.

>>38404791
“Papsmear Spicy Taco?” you ask, confused at Cima's struggles to pronounce the oddly-constructed name on her first go. “No wonder they just call him 'The Jovian'... otherwise who could take him seriously?”

“Probably nobody,” Karen agrees. “But he's gotta have something to him other than really shitty parents.”

Cima licks her finger before turning a page in Scirocco's dossier. “He's a climber: smart, ruthless, ambitious. He apparently has as much of a knack for designing mobile suits as he does for piloting them, and he's rumored to be a powerful newtype.”

The dark-haired woman locks eyes with you. “They say he has a way with people not dissimilar to your own, Mr. O'Hara... but not in a nice way. One of my spies suggested it's more of a dominating presence rather than... well, rather than what you've got.”

That doesn't sound good. You're not sure what exactly Cima means about "what you've got", but this "Spicy Taco" person doesn't sound like a man to be trifled with.

"What else has he got going for him?" you ask wearily.

"Several design bureaus are working closely with him," Cima replies, "including Augusta and Murasame. He's got charisma, skill, and he's drawn the most ambitious Titans towards him like moths to a flame."

"Great," Karen mutters. "He sounds more and more like a mirror-universe Dominic. Probably has a goatee too."

After exchanging some brief pleasantries with Cima and promising her booze when you get to Londenion, you call your teammates into the ready room. Many of them read the mood immediately.

"Bad news?" Emma asks quietly.

You nod. "Jamitov Hymem was assassinated this morning by order of the far left ruling faction of the Republic of Zeon."

After a moment of hush, the first response comes from Haman.

"Goddamned idiots," she snarls. "What the hell were they thinking?"
>(2/3)

>>38405045

>Ask for someone's thoughts on the matter (who?)
>Just remain quiet.
>Let them know that you'll be meeting with Cima and Kowen at Londenion, leave it at that.
>Tell them the plan, excuse the meeting, but make it clear that others may come to your quarters to discuss any matters that concern them in private.
>Other

>>38404993
And Pezun Base is on his side!
RMS-141 Xeku Eins
RMS-142 Xeku Zwei
RMS-143 Xeku Drei

>>38405076
>Let them know that you'll be meeting with Cima and Kowen at Londenion, leave it at that.

>>38405076
>Ask for someone's thoughts on the matter (Everyone)
Well we have bounced stuff between the team before during big decisions.

>>38405076
>Tell them the plan, excuse the meeting, but make it clear that others may come to your quarters to discuss any matters that concern them in private.

>>38405076
>>Let them know that you'll be meeting with Cima and Kowen at Londenion, leave it at that.

>>38405076
>>Ask for someone's thoughts on the matter (Everyone)

>>38405076

>Tell them the plan, excuse the meeting, but make it clear that others may come to your quarters to discuss any matters that concern them in private.
>Ask for someone's thoughts on the matter (Everyone)

File: Kitano Seiichirou.jpg (114 KB, 1500x1181)

114 KB JPG

>Dom vs Scirocco
Why do I have the feeling this will end up with us trying to seduce Emma to prevent Papsmear from seducing her first?

>We need to do this Emma, the Earth itself is at stake!
>And by 'this' I mean 'you.'

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>38405076
>Ask for someone's thoughts on the matter (Haman)
"Looks like you've come to the same conclusion as me, Karen and Cima. I don't mind it if you explain it for the benefit of everyone here though."

Then switch track to gather everyone else's thoughts on the matter.

This simplifies things for the immediate follow-up.
>Let them know that you'll be meeting with Cima and Kowen at Londenion, leave it at that.

And any other stuff they might be bothered about during the discussion, we can talk about in private.

>>38405456
Nah, it's Reccoa who sided with him. We haven't even met her yet.

>>38405456
It'll be fine as long as Reccoa is thrown at his direction first.
Or if Jerid's working under him and tries to make some moves on Mouar or Lilah.

Speaking of death related puns, I'm disappointed that we missed the opportunity to do so when Kacricon bought the chicken farm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IHr-5G6PvI

>>38405076
“This is probably the beginning of something big,” you tell them. “I don't know what possessed Zeon to do this, but the political dynamics are about to change. In three days we put into Londenion to meet with Cima and Kowen to coordinate our long-term strategy. If any of you want to discuss this, I'll be in my quarters. Feel free.”

“For now, you're all dismissed. Get some rest.”

Your teams are a little surprised that there's no speech or pep-talk to be found, but they mostly seem to understand how seriously you're taking this turn of events. After a few minutes of resting in your quarters, you start to wonder exactly what's going to happen from here.

Choose one:
>Spend time napping.
>Spend time in meditation. If it's ever going to work for you now would be a good time.
>Spend time doing some fitness training. That can help focus your mind.
>Take a bath, wash off the sweat from your last mission.

Also
>Roll d12, taking third roll

Rolled 12 (1d12)

>>38405744
>Spend time doing some fitness training. That can help focus your mind.

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>38405744
>Take a bath, wash off the sweat from your last mission.

Oh yeah, did we get a chance to see the contents of whatever files us and Audrey nicked from the Leipzig office?

>>38405744
>>Spend time doing some fitness training. That can help focus your mind.

Rolled 7 (1d12)

>>38405744

Dice Gods, guide my dice!

>>38405744
>Spend time doing some fitness training. That can help focus your mind.

>>38405744
>Take a bath, wash off the sweat from your last mission.
We do have that onsen aboard, right?

>>38405781
God damn it.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

I'd point out that Dom's still bruised from the blunted gunshot wound and "strenuous activities" from before and leave it at that.

>>38405942
Should I be counting this as a vote in favor of something other than fitness, or have you already voted?

>>38405744
>Take a bath, wash off the sweat from your last mission.

>>38406003
Already voted, just pointing out that minor tidbit.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>38405744
Tiebreaker.
1 - GET SWOLE
2 - Get clean

>>38405744
>Take a bath, wash off the sweat from your last mission.

>>38405744
It's been a long time since you exercised with any real seriousness, so you quickly change into loose-fitting pants and begin a regimen. Pushups, situps, shadowboxing, kata: you cycle through each in turn, constantly moving and challenging your body. Each punch and kick you throw puts added strain on your injuries...
>Roll 3d10, taking first three. DC is 9.

Rolled 9, 4, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>38406352

Rolled 1, 2, 9 = 12 (3d10)

>>38406352

Rolled 2, 6, 1 = 9 (3d10)

>>38406352
Then Audrey or Artesia rounds the corner and reprimands us.

Rolled 6, 1, 10 = 17 (3d10)

>>38406352

>>38406366
Close, but no cigar.

>>38406352
... and a sharp pain in your side brings you to your knees with an angry hiss.

"Shit..." you mutter under your breath, holding your badly-bruised side. You weren't thinking about your injuries, and pushed just a little too hard.

A knock on your door draws your attention, before Emma steps in. Finding you on the floor, she moves immediately to help you to your feet.

"What happened?" she asks, concern obvious in her eyes.

"Just help me get to the baths," you grunt as she hauls you up.

Easing into the hot water relieves your pain somewhat as your muscles relax. You feel cleaner now, too, having been only just aware of the fact that you haven't showered since before the mission to Leipzig.

"Better," you sigh as Emma eases herself into the water. Unlike your own teammates, Ms Sheen still takes the trouble to cover herself as she slips in next to you. She's careful to preserve a semblance of modesty for herself until the water can do it for her.

"What's up?" you ask her. "I'd bet you didn't come here for the waters."

Emma nods. "I wanted to ask you about my team's situation. We're using two very good machines alongside two outdated machines. If these "Marasai" are any indication our Barzams will be hard-pressed to keep up."

>Then we'll have to upgrade them. New weapons, mobility options: whatever we can scrape together.
>We can spare some personnel from the Psychoframe project to design two new machines.
>We can try to capture some from Augusta or something.
>Other?

>>38406738
>We can spare some personnel from the Psychoframe project to design two new machines.

>>38406738
>Then we'll have to upgrade them. New weapons, mobility options: whatever we can scrape together.

We really need to get a hold of more build and supply options, just a shame everyone seems to be rushing head long into shit before we can prep up.

>>38406738
>Then we'll have to upgrade them. New weapons, mobility options: whatever we can scrape together.

Considering how we're meeting with the Karaba guys and Kowen, we might convince them to get us some supplies or new machines. Or, if Karaba does want unique weapons in the upcoming war, they can provide us with material and we'll get someone to design a new suit based on our Gundams.

>>38406738
>>We can spare some personnel from the Psychoframe project to design two new machines.

>>38406738

>Then we'll have to upgrade them. New weapons, mobility options: whatever we can scrape together.
>We can spare some personnel from the Psychoframe project to design two new machines.
>We can try to capture some from Augusta or something.

>>38406738
>>Then we'll have to upgrade them. New weapons, mobility options: whatever we can scrape together.

>>38406738
>Then we'll have to upgrade them. New weapons, mobility options: whatever we can scrape together.
I didn't realize that it was our Barzams that couldn't keep up. I thought our versions drew inspiration from the Mk. II, so I assumed performance wise it'd be a watered down version of Emma's machine while being slightly superior to the Kaempfer.

Spec them up to the level of or superior the Marasai then.

I wonder if Emma learned by now that Carrina fought with Jerid and Kacricon at Leipzig?
I'd be curious about her thoughts in that matter. Perhaps a sense of relief in bailing out from the Titans early would be foremost in her mind?

>>38406738
>We can spare some personnel from the Psychoframe project to design two new machines.

>>38406738
...We ask Cima if the republic of Zeon has any suits we could borrow, with or without permission.

>>38406738
>Other?
Ask Kowen for MSs.

>>38406738
“If we can't requisition replacements at this meeting we'll have to upgrade them,” you tell her. “We've got the gundarium to spare.”

Emma nods, seemingly satisfied. “Have you heard what happened with Carrina while you were fighting?”

You shake your head and admit that you haven't discussed what happened with her in Leipzig, so Emma brings you up to speed: she describes the fight with Jerrid Messa, and the death of Cacricon Cacooler.

“And you're thinking if we hadn't met, Carrina would have killed you yesterday,” you conclude, guessing her thoughts. She nods quietly.

“It reminds me how far divorced Titans has grown from its supposed ideals,” she tells you. “And of how differently things could have been.”

“No point thinking about that,” you sigh, sinking a little deeper into the water. “For all you know, someone completely different could have killed you if I never existed. Or you could have started a family with some lucky guy and lived to a ripe old age.”

Emma leans back into the side of the pool, resting her elbows on the edge. “Fair point.”

“So you feeling better about things now?”

“Not quite. What exactly were you doing when I found you on the floor, moaning in pain?”

>Lie (write-in)
>Truth

>>38407461
>Truth

>>38407461
>Truth

>>38407461
>Truth
Let's hope for Dom they didn't get the paddle from his father.

>>38407461
>Truth

>>38407461
>>Truth
Being an idiot.

>>38407461
>>Truth
Doing stupid things..

>>38407461
>Truth
We kind of forgot we took a bullet to the ribs, no big deal.

Just a heads up, the first episode of Gundam Origin aired the other day.

The torrent is out, so you can check it out if you're interested.

>>38407461
"No big deal. I just overexerted myself... kinda forgot about the bruised kidney and the cracked ribs like an idiot," you admit.

Emma sighs as she turns to face you. "Sir. I apologize in advance."

"For wha-"

The palm of Emma's hand crashes against your cheek with a sharp, resounding smack. It sends you off balance, completely surprised at her sudden outburst.

"You numbskull," she chastises you. "There are people here who deeply care about you, Dominic! So at least TRY to think about yourself every once in a while, because they worry about you when you act too recklessly."

With that, Emma rises to her feet and steps out of the water.

>Response?

>>38408128
Sink into hot water for shamefur dispray.

>>38408128
Should have a V8.

>>38408183
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUPdW3ba6F4

File: dqkY0o1.png (342 KB, 394x394)

342 KB PNG

>>38408128
The obvious response.

>>38408128
"Yeah, I deserved that. Sorry, Emma. I'll take better care of myself."

>>38408128
She clearly misses having Apolly and Roberto here to boss around.

>Response?
Emma's not wrong here, there really isn't any excuse.
Audrey already insinuated that during the office ransacking and Carrina already told us to visit Artesia. This is pretty much the third time being the charm.

>>38408128
Apologize, blame it on the stress and everything. First the mind-control weapon, now Hymem has been torn from the Titans, and there's this Jovian around who might be an insider working alongside Mars Zeon... There's too much going on, we don't have time to get rusty.

>>38408078
Seen it two days ago, but avoided any possible spoileriffic discussions, since KoH apparently hasn't seen it yet.

To keep it somewhat thread related though, I really hope SoZ Cima ages as gracefully as canon Hamon Crowley and not like Kycillia.
The latter seems to be more likely at the moment though, given all the stress Cima is accumulating.

>>38408330
I'm kind of dreading talking to Artesia. I was looking over the past threads to catch up on some bits I had forgotten, and her dialogue towards Dom has expressed a lot of frustration with us lately. I think maybe she's upset with us for the drunken hookup during the post-Dakar party. Her phrasing has kind of implied that, to me. And we never had a talk with her about it like we did the others, I wouldn't be surprised if she was upset for it going unaddressed.

>>38408078
Thanks I forgot all about it.

>>38408481
As long as none of us age like Ramba Ral. 25 year-old Ral is smoking fine. 35 year-old Ral looks like he's in his fifties. Did he take up a pack a day smoking habit to cope with the stress of the war?

>>38408481
Nah, Kycila's fine compared to, say, Burning. Poor guy looks like he's in his late 50's when he's going on 40.

>>38408553
I see Dominic age like that...

File: img.jpg (54 KB, 530x767)

54 KB JPG

>>38408553
Some people just have crappy genes. Look at Dozle, he looks like a shaved gorilla and he's only 28.

>>38408585
Given that he dealt with Monsha on a near daily basis, that's pretty much the best he can hope for.

>>38408128
"Emma," you ask quietly before she manages to stomp off, looking at the far wall rather than the officer dressing behind you.

She pauses. "Yes, Sir?"

"Please have Artesia meet me here. It's about time I had her look at my side, and it could take her mind off her other patient. At least for a little while."

Emma seems surprised at first, and after a few seconds you feel a hand against your shoulder.

"Will do, Dominic."

>Roll me a d12. Taking the 4th roll so long as it's not a 7. If it IS, I'll take the 5th.

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>38408734
Well this is different.

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>38408734
That's oddly specific. Is Artesia number seven on the table?

Rolled 8, 10, 4 = 22 (3d12)

>>38408734

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>38408734
Rolling.

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>38408747
Artesia isn't on this table. The 7 you rolled earlier was Emma.

Also, it may take a few extra minutes to respond. I'll be making tea.

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>38408734

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>38408734

>>38408734
After several minutes, you begin to quietly review yesterday's events: something about what Emma said really struck a chord. The first mistake, you reckon, was the trick with the elevator. With no way of knowing what floor the other intruder was on, calling the elevator only had a 50% chance at best of working to your advantage assuming your opponent made a mistake and panicked. Second was the fact that you ambushed your opponent on your own floor, having no way to tell which way they were facing, whether they were armed or not, and what sort of readiness they were in to respond to your surprise. Third, you lingered on site for a data file that may or may not prove useful in the long run, exposing both yourself and Audrey to unnecessary danger.

The scientist may have gotten off a lucky shot, but you did everything in your power to give her that shot. And that's not like you at all.

Artesia finally arrives, snapping you out of your contemplations.

"Alright," she grins wryly. "Show me your boo-boo."

You oblige, getting out of the water and throwing a towel around your waist before sitting at one of the benches.

"Nasty," Artesia mutters, delicately prodding at your injury. "Sadly there's not much I can do but get you a few things from the dispensary."

"Next time, don't get shot?" you offer.

Artesia takes a moment to kiss the discolored splotch of skin on your side. "Exactly. Now that I've kissed it to make it all better, anything you want to talk about?"

"Catrina already made that joke," you wave dismissively.

>Yes, there is something.
>Not really.
>You need a break.
>Other?

>>38409204
>>Yes, there is something.

>>38409204
>>Yes, there is something.
>You need a break.

>>38409240
Should have mentioned that's a write-in. So yeah, take your time if you'd like to be more specific.

>>38409280
Has dom talked to Artesia about the whole drunk orgie yet?

>>38409315
I'm not sure, don't think so.

>>38409315
Not that I can recall. Anyone who does know off the top of their head feel free to correct me.

>>38409204
>Yes, there is something.
We already talked with Karen and Cynthia, but we kinda got waylaid on getting Artesia's thoughts on the matter.

>Other?
"And I think we both need a break."

>>38409402
This has my vote.

>>38409204
>Yes, there is something.
Ask her what she thinks about this whole mess. The Titans, Mars Zeon, the assassination and so on.

>>38409421
This.

>>38409204
>You need a break.
>Other?
"You've clearly been stressed lately. And, responsibility where it's due, I've certainly contributed to it. My behavior both on and off the field has been rather reckless lately, and I think you've been feeling some backlash from having to put up with me. So if there's anything I can do to help, please tell me."

>>38409204
“You okay?” you ask. “We've all been under a lot of stress, and the idiots who've taken your dad's name for themselves have kicked their idiocy into overdrive.”

“They have,” Artesia agrees. “It's no worse than the Zabis, though, and to be honest I don't have much attachment to the name.”

“Fair enough,” you shrug. “Makes sense since you were young when he was murdered.”

“Really, I'm still worried about what Mars Zeon and the remnants are going to do to take advantage.”

Again, that makes a lot of sense... but it's difficult to deal with it now given how pressing the Titans' instability is likely to become.

“I guess we'll have to deal with it as it comes.” Settling back into the water, you gesture for Artesia to join you. “You seem like you could use a break.”

With no argument, the Zeon princess shrugs off her uniform and joins you in the steamy, mineral-laden water. “There's something else on your mind, isn't there”

You smile nervously at her. “We never talked about that one time, did we?”

“What's there to talk about?” Artesia replies, dumping a handful of water onto her hair. “We had sex. It was fun, and it helped me blow off stress. We're still not in a relationship.”

Well, that settles that, you figure. “Still holding out for Amuro?”

She shrugs. “I dunno. From what I've heard he's got another girl running around with him, so I doubt he's still 'holding out' for anything.”

“And you're alright with that?”

“I'm sure I'll manage.”

>Anything else before the last encounter for the day?

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>38409840
>Anything else before the last encounter for the day?
Go see Audrey and reassure her that Artesia gave us a (relatively) clean bill of health to ease any lingering worries she may have. An apology for being exceedingly reckless and a promise to not do any more stupid stuff in the future would also be nice.

>>38409840
"Alright, just making sure. We never talked about it, I was worried there was lingering drama. Right, then, I'm going to go apologize to Audrey for being so reckless lately."

>>38409840
Disassemble the Tera S'ona and than assemble it back and use her.

>>38409840
Go talk to Audrey, apologize for being reckless back at the labs. We'd like to blame it on lingering effects of the Serene System, just in case, though, we'll take it easy the next few missions and re-examine our decisions before we do anything silly.

>>38410019
>We'd like to blame it on lingering effects of the Serene System, just in case, though
I'm not so sure about this. Seems like everyone else dealt with it on their own just fine without it affecting how they did their job and they haven't been falling back to the mental influence as an excuse.

>>38410157
That's why I said "like to". I wish we could, but honestly it's probably not.

>>38409840
"Do you know where Audrey is?" you ask offhand.

Artesia nods. "She was planning to come up here eventually. Haman and Rosse are also showing Miss Sera around as well."

"Ah," you nod as you sense three familiar presences approaching. "That explains it."

A few seconds later, Haman and Rossweisse lead Sera into the room, gesturing widely at the facilities.

"This is where some of us come to relax," Rossweisse explains.

Sera looks around curiously, your nudity seeming to make little impression on her. "The benefits of being an officer?" she asks.

Haman shakes her head. "The bridge and combat teams use this to get some privacy. Other officers and enlisted have larger facilities of their own aft of here."

"I see."

"Hey Haman, Rosse, Sera," you wave.

"Good to see you resting," Rosse smiles. "Both of you."

"I may come back here when I can be alone," Sera announces. "May I see the bridge?"

"I'll have to talk to Karen," Rossweisse tells you.

Haman nods. "I'll be staying here a moment if you don't mind. See you later."

If you remember correctly Haman was deeply disturbed by her sudden loss of control at Leipzig. She must want to talk about that.

>Let her speak
>Gently remind her that you all lost control to varied degrees
>Other?

>>38410527
>>Let her speak

>>38410527
>Let her speak

>>38410527
>Gently remind her that you all lost control to varied degrees
And it's not really the first time it occurred with her, isn't it?
There's also the time when Haman almost got lost in her ambitions during one test piloting incident, though I'm keen to learn how this and that differs.

Repeated encounters with the Hollow Man may have made our mental defenses sturdier. Maybe.

>>38410527
>>Let her speak

>>38410527
It takes a minute or two for her to choose her words. When she does, they're simple and direct.

"I'm sorry I lost control. It won't happen again."

You nod sternly. "I know it won't. The fact that it did even this once is nothing to be ashamed of."

"You coming along up to our quarters?" Haman asks.

You shake your head. "I'll be there once I've had a good soak. The water's good for y ribs."

Haman takes a look at the door, then shakes her head and begins to strip.

"I was going to go review mission footage," she muses, "but I suppose if my CO is taking the time to rest and recover I should follow his example."

"I'll feel better trusting you with our lives if I know you haven't run yourself into the ground," you reply. "You've more than earned a break."

>(1/2)
>Taking a brief pause to collect my notes on the impending meeting.
>While I'm gone, decide who you want with you as representatives: no more than two other pilots.
>Karen will be with you, Haman and Artesia will be going to speak with the other representatives in their own capacity as "rightful heiresses of Zeon"

>>38411145
Emma's one of our team leaders, it would make sense to bring her with.

>>38411145
>>While I'm gone, decide who you want with you as representatives: no more than two other pilots.
Emma and Reiko

Need someone to take minutes

>>38411145
South could be another good person to bring. He is a team leader and he has been working with the rest of our forces in our rag tag fleet.

>>38411145
>While I'm gone, decide who you want with you as representatives: no more than two other pilots.
Catrina and Carya. That's two pilots already.

I kid. Include Audrey so we can have someone efficient who has a knack for knowing which tech and materials we'll need from Karaba or the Republic to keep up our fighting strength.

>>38411145
Doctor Jay and Katherine.

>>38411323
>South
This good too.

>>38411145
Reiko and..?

>>38411323
South's not on your ship anymore.

I see Emma with two votes, I'll roll on my end between Audrey, Reiko, and Catharine.

>Writing

>>38409840
>we're still not in a relationship
>missed chance to cuddle in the hot springs
>missed chance to spill our spaghetti when the new acquisition walked in

God damnit. I hate having plans and missing threads.

>>38411145
October 17, UC 0084.

Londenion.

The trip to the meeting site passed without serious incident, though on your way over you DID see something interesting: the Karaba ship that brought Kowen here apparently counted among its mobile suit compliment three of the new "Zeta" line of machines. One is a gray machine that's utterly nondescript aside from its pilot: you and Artesia both immediately recognize that Amuro Ray is behind the controls. The second is a god-awful yellowish-gold, and carries a gargantuan beam cannon in place of a shield. The third is a red machine whose clean lines are violated by what you feel is an overabundance of spiky control surfaces and antennae, and is also piloted by what you believe to be a newtype. It isn't someone you feel you've met before, but you sense something unusual about it that you just can't quite place.

The meeting location is a conference center used by the Londenion council to host visiting dignitaries, and inside you find that you're the last ones to arrive.

Kowen is seated at the table with a trio of pilots standing behind him in uniform: Amuro Ray nods at Artesia, while the other two look you and your companions over with some interest. Artesia is wearing a crisp civilian outfit befitting a Zeon princess, while Haman stands next to her in her dress uniform. Karen and Reiko look similarly professional in their own uniforms, while you and Audrey look downright dangerous with your pilot suits under matching black jackets. Of all those present, you realize that only your group is armed.

The young newtype girl you felt earlier is there as well: violet hair like Sera's, but much younger. You'd say she was around fourteen or fifteen. She seems somewhat intimidated by you, as well as by the sheer number of powerful newtypes who just strolled into the room all at once.

You also still look a little like Titans, which adds to the effect somewhat.

(1/2)

>>38411760
Still shipping her and Amuro.

>>38411880
Darn. I was hoping that we could have gotten the original intended pilot for the Zeta 3C. Yuri's okay, but can you imagine how awesome it would have been if we actually had Johnny Ridden in the party? We'd have so much fun with it.

>>38411880
>god-awful yellowish-gold
Yes.
>You also still look a little like Titans
Good.

>>38411887
same.

>>38411880
The third man, however, sends a delightful little shiver down your spine as you realize who he is. Dark hair, weather-beaten skin, and a wolfish grin framed by a trimmed beard.

There's no mistaking it.

"Shin Matsunaga," you observe, nodding in the man's direction.

Audrey spares you a quick glance. "Really? You sure?"

"I thought you were dead," you tell him.

Matsunaga grins. "So far as most people know, I am. I take it you are the Devil's Jester?"

"Yup. How'd you know?"

"I was there at A Baoa Qu," he replies with a little shiver of his own. "As a warrior, I could never forget that laughter. You give me the same feeling now as you did then. It even feels stronger."

This whole exchange seems to be driving Reiko up the wall... you remember now that she absolutely loves this sort of ace-pilot-warrior stuff.

"Impressive," you compliment him, and not just to keep up the show for Reiko. "Not many oldtypes could figure that out just by looking at me. It's too bad we never fought when we were enemies."

"Indeed," he sighs. "A missed opportunity. By the way, where is Miss Marseille? She serves with you, does she not?"

>What do you have to say to the White Wolf of Solomon?

>>38412082
Watching the kids and on the lookout.
Still like The Red Wolf of Odessa more.

>>38412082
Shes back aboard our ship.

With so many leaders of various factions here, I thought it best that she remain on alert to lead our other pilots in case of problems from outsiders.

>>38412082
"Watching the kids, and making sure that we're all safe here. Never can be too careful when your enemies are as psychic as you, after all."

>>38412082
"Yep. She does."

Get his autograph for our squee'ing subordinate and if he really wants us to have a giggle again, we can oblige him with a mock battle later.

>>38412247
>Get his autograph
And give he our.

>>38412082
"She's back on the Nagato dealing with overwatch. Can't send all our pilots to this meeting. I'll convey your regards, though, I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from you.

"So, how'd you wind up working with Karaba?"

>>38412082
>What do you have to say to the White Wolf of Solomon?
"She'll be sitting out this meeting. Leave the talking and planning to the higher chain of command, as it were. If you're wondering though, she's still as sharp as ever. Maybe even more honed by this point."

"I would certainly like to hear more of your story probably just as much as you'd like to hear ours, but we'll probably have to shelve it for later."

>>38412082
>It's actually Shin Matsunaga

I thought Shin was Johnny Ridden for a moment with the mentioning of the red suit. God was I confused.

>>38412082
I know we shouldn't actually do it, because it's a major security breach, but I'd love to invite him to see Mineva. She's his goddaughter, he has to be worried for her ever since she went missing.

>>38412337
Ridden actually was the original pilot of the Zeta 3C. That's why it's red. They moved him to a different unit after it was converted into a Newtype test rig. Not sure why they used his mobile suit for it, seems kind of rude, but that's the official story.

>>38412423
It's that we as Dominic always mangle or conveniently forget Char's name that I thought it was actually Char in the room. Not Matsunaga. Truly, Johnny Ridden's capability of disguising his identity has reached new bounds.

>>38412082
“She's pulling guard duty,” you explain. “She'll be pissed when she finds out you were here, but hey. If you were with Titans would YOU want to attack us while she was on the prowl?”

Matsunaga lets loose a loud, hearty laugh. “Yeah, I s'pose so.”

A thought strikes you. “You know, we could always spar, or stage a practice duel later if that'd whet your appetite. Just 'cause we're on the same side now doesn't mean we can't have some fun.”

“I may have to take you up on that,” he nods. “Yuri here's too kind-hearted to fight me seriously, and Amuro's too much of a stick-in-the-mud.”

Artesia nods knowingly from her own seat. “He's still taking things too seriously.”

It wasn't a question.

“Are you done flirting with your new boyfriend now?” Karen asks testily.

You shrug. “Yeah, I guess we can start. Cima?”

Cima Garahau, who so far has been watching your banter with Matsunaga from behind a folding fan, snaps the implement closed to draw everyone's attention back to the task at hand. You, Audrey, and Reiko fall in behind Karen.

“First,” Cima announces, glaring at a staffer who had the misfortune to appear in the doorway to check on you, “bring more chairs. More than half your guests are standing, you blithering idiots.”

“Now, on to the matter that brought you here. Over my objections, the Republic of Zeon sanctioned an assassination three days ago: the target was Jamitov Hymem. This attack left him dead, and Titans leaderless.”

“We are here to discuss the best way to respond to this development, both to limit possible negative repercussions and backlash from Titans and to possibly take advantage of the situation to reduce or eliminate their influence on the Earth Sphere and the threat they represent to the colonists.”

(1/2)

>>38411880
>The second is a god-awful yellowish-gold
You have no taste, Dom, no taste.

>>38412733
It's Ridden who has no taste. Dom is simply pointing out the truth. We should paint it salmon pink when he's not around.

>>38412733
It is awful.

>>38412773
No, that's Matsunaga's suit. He doesn't like it either, but apparently Karaba only has access to inferior anti-beam coating and can't paint over it like we can without compromising it.

>>38412560
>>38412560
As Cima goes over the names of the three possible replacements for Jamitov in the Titans hierarchy, you can't help but wonder if Matsunaga would like to meet Lady Mineva. After all you know that he was Dozle Zabi's bodyguard or something during the war, so he may be the closest thing to actual family she has left. It'd only be right that he should meet her at some point, right?

You make a mental note to ask Karen and Haman about it later.

"And that's the size of it," Cima finishes. "It may be prudent to recall that at this point both the Scirocco and Tachibana factions will be producing high-quality mobile weapons in some numbers, making up for their lack of numerical superiority over each other or the Om faction."

"We mus also remember the other Zeon factions," Artesia points out. "The Remnants' main base in the Garden of Thorns remains elusive even now, and they no doubt have been laying supplies gained through their commerce raiding. They won't sit idly by."

"Nor will Mars," Haman adds. "Despite their distance, they've already demonstrated that they can stage attacks and raids at the edges of Federation space. My concern is that those attacks demonstrated that the time was right to send an advance force, which we may soon be seeing."

"I think the solution's obvious," Karen replies. "Until now our three forces have been disjointed, operating largely in separate hierarchies with little or no communication."

"You're proposing a joint task force," Kowen concludes. "A group of ships and mobile suits capable of responding to the most serious threats while reporting back to all three organizations. That way each separate force will be able to coordinate better without needing to take the extreme measure of combining our command structures."

Karen nods. "In less words, but yeah. Basically that's it."
(2/3)

>>38412806
Thought the Hyaku Shiki was gold which Ridden piloted. Or am I misremembering my suits?

>>38412773
AE chose the gold. The entire point of the Hyaku Shiki is to:

1. Trololo Titans, we built a yellow MS under your noses, and you were too stupid to figure it out

2. Anti-beam coating

3. To get shot at by enemy pilots more easily. I bet everyone would have died if Quattro was such a shiny target.

>>38412822
There are more than a few questions that enter your mind at this suggestion.
>What ships would join this task force?
>Whose tactical authority would they acknowledge?
>Who'd be selecting the missions? What missions would they be ALLOWED to select?
>Would this new task force have a political affiliation?
>What would we call it?
>Something else?

>>38412860
>>What would we call it?

ALPHA NUMBERS

>>38412842
It's not the Hyaku Shiki, it's the "Yellow Zeta" from Gundam Evolve. All three of their machines are Zeta prototypes.

>>38412842
The gold suit here is the Zeta 3B, Shin Matsunaga's suit. And he hates it's color scheme. But apparently they can't change it without ruining the anti-beam coating, so he's stuck with it. Ridden (the actual one) piloted the red suit, the Zeta 3C, before it got switched to Yuri when they installed the Psycho Neutralizer. Casval (who we call Ridden to mess with) is piloting an as-yet unseen suit.

>>38412860
>>Would this new task force have a political affiliation?
>Whose tactical authority would they acknowledge?

>>38412860
>Whose tactical authority would they acknowledge?
>Who'd be selecting the missions? What missions would they be ALLOWED to select?

>>38412860
>Whose tactical authority would they acknowledge?
Wong Lee

>Would this new task force have a political affiliation?
Vist Foundation.

>What ships would join this task force?
Titans Test Team

>What would we call it?
The Harem

>>38412948
>Whose tactical authority would they acknowledge?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w06W_vcGL_0

>>38412860
>What ships would join this task force?
Valkyrie for small missions. Nagato if we need to cripple Gryps or make extra long ranging missions (probably poised at Mars Zeon).

>Who'd be selecting the missions? What missions would they be ALLOWED to select?
It might also interfere with ongoing missions and objectives their respective groups are already in, like with ours being the liberation of Cyber Newtype facilities.

>Would this new task force have a political affiliation?
Leave it to Blex, I suppose?

>>38412860
"What is everyone bringing to the table and how deeply are we willing to integrate our command structures amongst the others? Without full cooperation between all sides, this will fail. This isn't the backroom skirmishes we've been instigating. This will be Total War and nothing else. Every side will bring their biggest toys to play and that will include nukes."

Give Kowen overall command of the allied fleet.

Give Cima overall command of the guerrilla wolfpack fleet for raiding behind enemy lines.

Haman and Artesia will be our public figureheads for the entire organization. They made a good showing when we hijacked the Feddie Assembly.

The ground teams operate in self sufficient cells.

The mobile suit teams will retain their current units and makeup.

Leave the politicking to the politicians and civilians. We've a three front war to win.

>>38412860
>What would we call it?
Prometheus

>>38412860

>What would we call it?

The Alliance To Restore The Republic

>Whose tactical authority would they acknowledge?

Lieutenant Kettch

>What ships would join this task force?

Rogue Squadron

>Who'd be selecting the missions? What missions would they be ALLOWED to select?

Alliance High Command, especially the Bothans

>Would this new task force have a political affiliation?

The Alliance To Restore The Republic

>Something else?

Yub Yub, Commander.

>>38412860
"So who'd be in tactical command?" you ask.

Kowen bites his lip. "I suppose Captain Joshua would have the highest tactical authority."

You nod. "And your political affiliation? I know that Karaba has representation in the Assembly, but I'm no more comfortable with that than I was with Titans to be honest."

"There'd have to be no direct political affiliation," Cima insists. "This unit would report to the Republic and Karaba, but we could at no point take direction from them."

"We?" Karen asks.

Cima nods. "I will be taking command of the Republic representatives in this scenario. I've always preferred to command from the frontlines, and I can't stand these damned politicians for one damn second longer."

"I sympathize completely," Karen admits with a sigh.

"Last, and most importantly: who will select our missions? Because we're kind of in the middle of something."

Kowen frowns. "You mean the newtype labs?"

Amuro and Yuri turn slowly to face you: apparently they haven't been told about your recent activities.

"Exactly," you admit. "We can't stop now. Not when we've seen the kind of shit they've been up to."

"It should be left up to the Captains," Kowen nods, "among which you will be counted, Commander. Along with Cima, Commodore Joshua, and Captain Bright. I have no doubt that given your likely mobile suit pilots, your priorities will continue to be dealt with."

"What will be committed to this task force?" Audrey presses. "The longer this infighting continues, the more likely each side is to throw their maximum effort into it."

Kowen is the first to speak. "We will commit the Argama, along with its suits. This includes the Zetas piloted by Mister Ray, Mister Matsunaga, and Miss Ajissah."

"And my own forces should prove more than up to the challenge," Cima grins. "I've been making some powerful new tools for us to use."

>Any other concerns

>>38413523
Should we detach the Valkyrie from the Nagato? As useful as it is to have them docked, the Nagato has major manufacturing capability. Keeping it with us all the time instead of allowing it for use for the faction as a whole would be potentially quite wasteful.

>>38413523
"Joshua is good, Kowen. But she's only commanded two ships. You've commanded a fleet, sir. No offense, Karen. Overall fleet operations should fall to you while you yourself should defer to Miss Garahau for piracy and wolfpack tactics."

"I could detach one or two of our engineering teams to assist you in further modifying your current suit line-ups, Cima. God knows they worked miracles for ours."

>>38413523
>Any other concerns
A universal gate pass for all known friendly ports in within the faction? I reckon we'll still need to replenish essential supplies, even if our teams' Nagato is pretty self sufficient.

Also, some measure of tech trading just so we'll all be familiar with our currently deployed equipment and make use of them well in concert with one another.

>>38413688
this

>>38413598
I could get behind that. We also have contacts on the Le Vie en Rose we could finally use to turn that thing to our ends. We go back to our routes on the Pegasus while leaving the Nagato behind to shore up our rear.

>>38413523
>>Any other concerns
"Yes.

Someone get me a bottle of wine and lots of glasses. We need a toast to the start of joint operations."

>>38413660
Kowen already has a fleet to command. Karen can handle a task force just fine.

>>38413523
Kowen as overall commander he HAS commanded a fleet.

>>38413712
no it is our flagship not giving that up

>>38413712
>leaving the Nagato behind
No lets not.

>>38413794
>>38413749
So we make it our Fatboy and have it shit out T1 assault bots? Forward command post and all that. I don't wanna expose that whale to too much fire is all. Best to keep it way back behind our lines so it doesn't draw fire like Sweden draws Somalis.

>>38413794
>>38413749
>not leaving Best Girl behind to be a rear guard against Mussolini

It's as if you want to be flanked and raped

>>38413523
"We'll need to work out the details," Karen frowns.

Haman shrugs in response. "Still, it sounds like an idea worth pursuing. What will we call this new task force?"

"Londenion..." Amuro mutters. "Londo Bell, perhaps?"

Hm. It has a certain ring to it.

"The name can be sorted out later," you decide. "So I think all that's left to do is get some wine and some glasses to toast our joint venture."

Cima grins. "You're talking my language now, Captain O'Hara."

>>38413956
Damn. Amuro beat me to it.

>>38413956
And that's the last update for tonight.

Archive's up and thanks for playing! We'll be continuing next weekend with the first missions as "Londo Bell", or whatever name you decide on, shakes out all the details in its joint operations.

>>38413984
Yeah, this is going to be fun. Thanks for running, Hearts. See you next time. I'll be looking forward to it.

>>38413984
Thanks for running.

>>38413984

Londo Bell's perfectly fine.

>>38413984
Looks like we might get a chance to see some friendly warship captain rivalry going on with Karen and Cima at some point in the future.

Good run Hearts.