>>1921791
Though she's a little unsteady on her feet from the blow to her head, Haman does manage to walk at your side all the way to the sickbay. You quickly ask the doctor to take care of her, then head up to the cockpit where you know you're needed.

“How is she?” comes the immediate inquiry.

“She's fine, Rossie,” you insist quietly. “Just a broken arm and some cuts on her face. Maybe a concussion at worst.”

“You should see the other guys.”

“So we are really falling back?” Rossweisse mutters. “This feels strange.”

“It's the only choice to make,” you sigh, settling into your seat. “Press on the way things are and we might not get another chance to withdraw.”

“So what is the plan now?”

>Head back to Luna, try and convince the government there to lend aid.
>The Martian government owes you a favor, time to collect.
>It sounds crazy, but this will take EVERYONE'S cooperation.
>Other?

>>1921797
>>It sounds crazy, but this will take EVERYONE'S cooperation.

>>1921797
>>It sounds crazy, but this will take EVERYONE'S cooperation.
"...unfortunately for us both, I *like* crazy."

>give me 3d10 to see how cooperative the powers that be are
>best of three

Rolled 3, 4, 9 = 16 (3d10)

>>1921915

Rolled 9, 1, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>1921915

Rolled 10, 2, 6 = 18 (3d10)

>>1921915

>>1921915
“I think we need to get Mars and Luna in on this,” you sigh, rubbing your neck, “otherwise nothing's really going to change. But more than that, I think we need the Republic to get involved too.”

“That will be quite the tall order,” Rossweisse observes. “Even with the benefit of the three 'Zeon Princesses' being in your camp.”

“That's the only reason we even have a chance,” you admit. “So I intend to push that angle as hard as I can. Get miss Mineva onboard first, since we have Haman already and Artesia shouldn't be hard.”

“What about the Sadalahn?”

Rossweisse actually has a good point. Without Haman at the helm you're not sure that the other ship can actually travel using the Psychofield phenomenon, and you're not sure when Haman will be medically cleared to navigate.

“For now we'll cruise at regular speeds,” you decide. “But we'll need Haman back at the helm as soon as possible.”

“I take it you would prefer that I not contact Mars while in Jovian space?”

You nod sternly. “Good instinct.”

Once the course is laid in, you have several things that you figure could help you pass the time.

>Head back down to the hangar deck, get to work on basic repairs and recalibrations. Maybe start to work out how the hell you're supposed to proceed from here.
>Meet with Cima, put your heads together and come up with a plan to get military support if the generals and politicians won't cooperate.
>Take a rest for now, get your heartrate down. Maybe look over your personal messages and take care of some official business.
>Other?

>>1922034
>>Take a rest for now, get your heartrate down. Maybe look over your personal messages and take care of some official business.
We do need to decompress a bit, staying wound up won't do us any favors.

>>1922034
>>Head back down to the hangar deck, get to work on basic repairs and recalibrations. Maybe start to work out how the hell you're supposed to proceed from here.
The thought of Catrina undergoing a tune-up does tickle my fancy a bit.

>>1922069
>The thought of Catrina undergoing a tune-up does tickle my fancy a bit.
Lewd.

So if nobody breaks the tie I'll have to flip a coin.

>>1922128
do eet

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>1922128

>writing

>>1922157
You decide to head back down to the hangar deck, in hopes of getting a better idea of what exactly will be involved in getting your unit back in working order again. Upon arrival you find the technicians already hard at work draining all of the thruster propellant and live ammunition to make Viola and Qubeley safe to work on.

“How do things look down here, Chief?” you ask the highest ranking technician you can spot.

“Not great, ma'am,” he admits. “It looks like both these machines took some heavy damage, and we don't have the facilities to produce replacement composite armor. We'll likely have to replace a lot of Viola wholesale... though its new design will make that easier.”

You wince at the rough news. “Right then. And how is the Qubeley?”

“Lady Haman's machine is in even worse condition, and we're not familiar with the design,” you hear the man sigh.

Right, so the situation really isn't good. That basically means you'll be throwing yourself on the mercy of one or the other of your prospective allies for help in restoring your own mobile suits to working order.

We could always signal the Nagato.

“She's on deep deployment,” you sigh, shaking your head. “Sorry sis, but we're going to have to find another workaround.”

“I'll... leave you two to it,” the tech chief offers hesitantly before excusing himself to return to his work.

>Catrina, I want a more detailed diagnostic of Viola's damage. Let me know what we're working with.
>Let's assume a need for massive repairs and replacements, move on to designing those replacements.
>We got overwhelmed out there... I think it's time we asked around, got some new ideas and concepts.
>Other?

>>1922232
>Catrina, I want a more detailed diagnostic of Viola's damage. Let me know what we're working with.
>We got overwhelmed out there... I think it's time we asked around, got some new ideas and concepts.

>>1922232
>>Catrina, I want a more detailed diagnostic of Viola's damage. Let me know what we're working with.
>>Let's assume a need for massive repairs and replacements, move on to designing those replacements.
Expand her wardrobe closet, so to speak. Emphasis on "war".

>writing

File: Carrina_concept_codec_view.png (377 KB, 637x634)

377 KB PNG

>>1922320
“Sis, I need your help,” you frown. “I need you to give me a rundown on what we have to work with, what systems will need replacement... and most importantly what systems didn't really work as well as we'd hope in the first place.”

Got it. I can do all that easy enough, give me a few minutes to do a diagnostic.

“While you're at it, feel like sharing your views?”

Sure. I made a big fuss about the funnels, but there's a few issues.

“And those would be?”

The first thing I noticed was that letting one or the other of us control them is definitely better, it makes them far more difficult to hit.

“Because they don't follow patterns,” you guess.

Exactly. But their power output is too low, and their aperture motors are kinda wimpy. So they dance around pretty good, but they have nothing behind them.

“So you think there's a balance to strike between maneuverability and raw power?” you ask, trying to tease out what Catrina really thinks can be done about the issue she raised.

I do. The second problem was that a lot of our secondary reactor power wasn't adequately used in the battle.

“Which ones in particular?” you ask.

The legs were glaring. They're a good idea, but they should either be relocated or we need to add like... charging racks there, or something.

>dice+3d10, highest of three

Rolled 5, 5, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>1922371

Rolled 4, 1, 3 = 8 (3d10)

>>1922371
Is she thinking of having a few funnels with high power output complementing a numerous swarm?
If makes could do it, just take it to another level with combining funnels.

Okay, rerolling is fair game.

Rolled 9, 1, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>1922440
Reeeeeee
rolling.

>>1922447
....bollocks.

>>1922440
“So how does it look?”

Mostly scrap. The leg reactors have shut down for safety, so both legs will need to be replaced. The arm servos are damaged as well, and the central drum will need to be recalibrated.

The entire drum?

“How did that happen?” you ask.

One of the articulation points has been damaged by a stray shot.

“Damn,” you grumble. “So legs, arms, and torso... basically everything.”

The rifle worked well.

You sigh loudly, rolling your eyes as Catrina returns to your head. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

“Well, that leaves us the million dollar question... where do we take it to be repaired?”

I think you know the tradeoffs as well as I do. My real question to you is do you still trust Anaheim?

>I think we can trust them to repair their own tech without screwing us over.
>Mars could build the replacement parts if we gave them the specifications to use.
>I think we should 'call a friend', get Audrey's opinion on where to go for new parts.
>Other?

File: Spoiler Image (45 KB, 531x411)

45 KB JPG

>>1922489
>>I think we should 'call a friend', get Audrey's opinion on where to go for new parts.
Phone a friend.

>>1922489
>>Other?
Does Anaheim do a mail-order equivalent? Or does it require sending their repair ship La Vien Rose? Maybe just request the basic stuff, nothing too conspicuous. Handle the assembly ourselves.

>>I think we should 'call a friend', get Audrey's opinion on where to go for new parts.
But here is where that unique touch comes in.

>writing

>>1922546
“Let's get someone else's opinion on this,” you suggest.

You were thinking Audrey?

“Exactly.”

You head to a terminal and key in a series of commands, and ALICE pokes her head in frame curiously.

“Would you like me to secure this terminal?” she asks you.

You nod in agreement. “Please.”

“Done,” she responds immediately, suddenly reminding you how fearsome the little AI can truly be. That was instantaneous, and you realize at the same time she was probably doing a dozen other things at the same time.

Checking over your personal messages you find Audrey's address, and try to raise a direct connection with her out on one of the frontier worlds. You hear three rings, and almost expect not to hear from her, before she responds.

“Yeah, whazzup?” she asks blearily, running her fingertips through her messy mass of brown hair. “Carrina, that you?”

“Hey Audrey,” you greet her. “We need a little bit of advice.”

“About your run-in with Jupiter, right,” she mumbles, disappearing briefly below the frame for a moment.

“Audrey, you there?”

“Yeah,” she replies, popping back into frame. “Actually, me an Nina were talkin' it over yesterday. I only fell asleep a bit ago.”

“And what've you got?”

“Designs for more powerful funnels that'll make use of your leg generators,” she tells you. “Bout the same power as a normal beam rifle... you could only mount six though.”

I like that... it's exactly like what I was considering.

“I think we agree on that,” you nod. “Catrina raised that exact complaint with the last set of funnels.”

“So what else you have?”

Audrey flashes you that familiar grin that tells you you're going to love this.
>1/2

>>1922597
In addition to those items, there are a few more additions your old friend has suggested which she and Nina Purpleton have worked out. These include multiple options for subarms, a 'cannon pack' which offers two large, midrange artillery weapons, and the most unusual of all is a set of broad shoulders laden with massive thrusters and fuel tanks, which would also add two slightly larger additional arms which can mount beam blades and spot guns.

The main difference however is the option to use a lightweight rail cannon instead of a variable-speed beam rifle, and a means to mount additional equipment at the shoulders and hips.

“You can probably use an i-Field generator in one of those spots,” Audrey yawns. “That'd be what I'd do.”

“The real question is who should we rely on to produce the parts?” you ask with a frown.

“There something wrong with Anaheim?” Audrey grumbles.

“They've still got troublesome ties with the Vists,” you sigh, “and there's been some political unrest on Luna.”

“The Martian dockyards can handle this I think,” Audrey shrugs. “Well, mostly. You go there you'll have to either write off the more complicated ideas, or you'll need to re-use a lot of the damaged parts in the Viola's psychoframe. Cause I don't know if the Martians can handle that kinda order.”

>We'll focus on patching up the Viola and Qubeley on Mars.
>Anaheim DOES have the best abilities to repair these machines.
>We can let Mars do the quick fixes, but Anaheim should handle the more complex systems.

>>1922661
>>Anaheim DOES have the best abilities to repair these machines.

>>1922661
>>Anaheim DOES have the best abilities to repair these machines.

>>1922661
>>Anaheim DOES have the best abilities to repair these machines.

>>1922661
“The Martian dockyards are good... and honestly, I don't trust the suits at Anaheim,” you sigh deeply. “They've never had anything in mind except their own profit margins, and I suspect they've done a lot of shady business to keep their position at the forefront of mobile suit design and materials science. But that being said... they have the capabilities required to repair our machines.”

“What are the odds calling in our fleet from the Hypatia system wouldn't be seen as an act of war?” you ask, already knowing the likely answer.

“Basically nil?” Audrey shakes her head sadly. “You have to remember Nagato herself has unparalleled value as an engine of war, and we can't take her anywhere without at least a picket of three cruisers.”

“Then Luna launches the General Revil,” you sigh, “and Mars sorties whatever its newest superweapon is with or without Mineva's approval.”

“It would be a mess,” Audrey concludes. “Nagato can't go in-system without plenty of advanced warning. Sorry, but that's just our position.”

“Then Anaheim it is,” you sigh. “I just hope we can convince these idiots to actually cooperate for once.”

“Good luck with that,” Audrey offers a half-hearted, and only half-conscious, salute.

“Get some sleep. You look tired.”

“With gusto, ma'am.”

Looking over the new schematics, you can't help but sigh. Sure enough Audrey dropped options at your feet, but now you almost have too many options instead of hardly any. And if you're going to upgrade, ONE of these is going to have to be the more or less "default" arrangement.

>Go for the “Fiver” modification, featuring an i-Field, the new heavy funnels, two subarms, and powerful thrusters at the hips to keep maneuverability unchanged.
>Go for the “Midrange” modification, lower thrust but higher firepower with the new funnels, a pair of heavy cannons over the shoulders, and subarms.
>Go for the “Byarlant-II”: much greater maneuverability, but the weaponized claw arms it adds are fairly close-range oriented.

>>1922760
>>Go for the “Fiver” modification
mobility is too important against the new jovian beam spammers to lose

>>1922760
>>Go for the “Fiver” modification, featuring an i-Field, the new heavy funnels, two subarms, and powerful thrusters at the hips to keep maneuverability unchanged.
We still have the option to switch up to the light rail cannon regardless of the selected spec? Or is that exclusive to the Midrange option?

>>1922760
>>Go for the “Fiver” modification,

we need someone on our side to r&d a battletech style particle projection cannon

>>1922786
The light rail cannon is hand-carried, so it's not exclusive to any configuration.

>>1922760
>Go for the “Fiver” modification, featuring an i-Field, the new heavy funnels, two subarms, and powerful thrusters at the hips to keep maneuverability unchanged.

File: mig.jpg (23 KB, 265x238)

23 KB JPG

>>1922760
“High speed, an i-Field,” you mutter to yourself, “plus those new funnels and subarms? This 'Fiver' configuration sounds like a beast of a machine.”

The others sound tempting in their own ways as well, but I tend to agree with your assessment sis. The Midrange option trades a robust defense and speed for pure firepower, and the Byarlant version is too... god I can't believe I'm saying this... it's too much speed.

“I bet it would work wonders in atmosphere though,” you admit, reading over the specifications of the massive shoulder thrusters that option would add. “But in space and inside colonies it would be nearly wasted. So it's not a well-rounded option at all.”

Neither were the Jovian mobile suits.

“Yes, and they're all dead.”

Point taken.

You let loose a deep sigh, something you seem to be doing a lot more often since the wars should in theory have ended. “Can you cycle the i-Field generator fast enough to avoid overheating?”

If I were flesh and blood... maybe. As a space ghost?

There's a noticeable pause as your sister thinks to herself.

How does eighty milliseconds sound to you for 'fast enough'?

“That should do,” you chuckle warmly. “That should do just fine.”

Damn right.

“Well then, let's go see how Haman's recovery looks...”

“Hold on one second, Captain,” a familiar voice interrupts. “You're forgetting one crucial detail, aren't you?”

Standing behind you is none other than Bianca Carlyle, arms crossed under her modest bust and a frown on her face.

“And what exactly can I do for you?” you ask, stretching your neck as you rise from your work station.

“I overheard you talking mobile suits, so let's talk mobile suits,” she grins. “We've just proven there's room in here for two...”

“Barely,” you observe.
>1/2

>>1922911
“Barely, but noticeably,” Bianca retorts.

>So... what were you thinking? We're going to the mobile suit junkie's equivalent of a candy store, after all.
>The Sadalahn needs replacement pilots. We can talk permanent assignments after the current crisis is over.
>I'd prefer you sit this one out. It'd be a shame to lose you before we even get you officially in our registry.
>See if you can't bring up her service record with the Federation. Her tattoos tell a story, but leave out some details.
>Other?

>>1922911
>>So... what were you thinking? We're going to the mobile suit junkie's equivalent of a candy store, after all.
Stark Jegan or Jesta equivalent?

>>1922919
>So... what were you thinking? We're going to the mobile suit junkie's equivalent of a candy store, after all.

>>1922919
>>So... what were you thinking? We're going to the mobile suit junkie's equivalent of a candy store, after all.

>>1922919
>>So... what were you thinking? We're going to the mobile suit junkie's equivalent of a candy store, after all.
>>The Sadalahn needs replacement pilots. We can talk permanent assignments after the current crisis is over. this way she gets a suit and we aren't playing tetris to fit them in our hangar

>writing
>this will be the last post of the evening

>>1922973
“What were you considering?” you ask.

Bianca blinks. “What?”

“I asked what you were considering,” you repeat yourself. “What sort of mobile suit you'd be looking for. We're basically taking you to the proverbial candy shop here, you can have anything that doesn't require a newtype to pilot it.”

“Well,” Bianca frowns, seemingly surprised at your willingness to entertain her request. “The most fun I ever had piloting a mobile suit was an old GM Cannon-Aqua. A piece of junk by modern standards, but it just... worked, you know?”

“I... can't say I know the feeling,” you sigh, “the first time I ever got a halfway decent mobile suit was a custom-model Gelgoog. The old Zakus were garbage.”

“So, you think you can get something like that lined up for me?” Bianca asks hopefully. “We'd be like... best friends.”

“A souped-up mass production machine, heavy on the missiles,” you muse. “I think Anaheim can put one of those together on short notice.”

“Thanks,” Bianca smiles. “Wow, I've never had a CO that was this... not a cunt!”

“Who was your last CO?” you ask, bemused at her choice of language.

“This old bat of a Colonel and her XO,” she grimaces. “Pike was living proof that humans evolved from apes.”

The insult actually gets an honest chuckle out of you. “Sounds like a real charmer.”

“Yeah, well, I thought he was actually run of the mill for EFF,” Bianca admits. “Part of the problem really.”

“Well, hope you like things better here.”

Bianca shrugs. “Not even a contest.”

With that sorted, the two of you excuse yourself from the hangar.

Good thread, King.

>>1923096
Thanks, a pleasure to get back into things.

I'll be preparing things for next weekend, same time and place. MAYBE an omake between now and then if I can find the time.

>>1923037
>old GM Cannon-Aqua
>souped-up mass production machine
>heavy on the missiles
And have it fit in the hangar and plausibly existing in an era with ReZEL mooks too. Maybe the Jesta Cannon fits the initial criteria, but it looks like a alotta bulk.

A Heavygun (w/ beam shield replacing the normal one) or Jamesgun kitted with shoulder missiles might not be so far-fetched considering the era our characters live in, if compact size is an absolute requirement.

>>1923169
Thanks for the run! In any case, looking forward to what you have in store for Bianca.

>I'll entertain omake suggestions if anyone has one

>>1925957
I want to know what's going on with Dom and the gang, alternatively what Quess is up to.

>>1925957
>>1926280
Yeah, I'm curious about Quess too. She hasn't really been relevant for quite some threads, but I reckon no screen time is better than whatever tragedies typically happen to female casts in U.C.

Maybe even a chance meeting of stumbling upon Haman in the medbay or such? Dunno how that interaction would exactly go over.

>>1926280
Dom and the Purus would probably be off psyching themselves into a warpath after learning about the Jovian skirmish. That'd be something to read.

File: 1438150209590.gif (992 KB, 500x272)

992 KB GIF

>>1925957
“Really?” Haman asks, glaring at the open door to the medbay. “Do you really believe you can hide from someone like me just by standing around a corner, or do you simply not know better?”

A few seconds later a girl steps cautiously into view, her vivid unnatural hair and youth making it immediately obvious who she is even without introducing herself. “I assure you it was not my intention to insult your ability.”

“You would be that Paraya girl?” Haman muses quietly. “I always suspected that the genuine Char Aznable had a weakness for younger women, but for that same trait to show up in a copy is unexpected. Perhaps they included it in the conditioning process?”

“I never met this man you're speaking of,” Quess admits. “Only his henchmen, who killed my father before miss Carya... took care of them.”

“You'd like him,” Haman sighs, rotating her bandaged shoulder slightly until she can find a comfortable position for it. “Most people do until they really get to know him... at that point it gets harder to like him.”

“So why are you here? Come to gawk?”

“I had heard that the so-called 'Princess of Axis' was aboard,” the girl volunteers, “so I was curious. May I enter?”

“So gawking it is,” Haman chuckles. “Very well, you may enter. You were already eavesdropping anyway, so it hardly makes sense to deny you at this point.”

“Again, my...”

“That was a joke,” Haman insists quietly. “Relax. If I were offended you would know it.”

With a deep breath, Quess takes a seat near the one where Haman, still sitting with the sleeves of her pilot suit tied around her waist, has been resting. “I... have questions, if you would be willing to answer them.”

“I could tell,” Haman replies. “And as I have little else to do at the moment, I will entertain your queries.”

“What is it like piloting a mobile suit with the...”

“Similar to how it feels for any other service,” Haman quickly responds, anticipating the rest of the question. “It's dangerous, difficult work. Do you understand why so many experienced combat pilots are multiple aces?”

“No?” Quess replies hesitantly. “Why, is that a widely known trend?”

“It is because the aces are the survivors,” Haman explains quietly. “Those whose skills and natural abilities are sufficient to see them safely through one battle are likely to be able to do it again. Those who find their skills lacking... don't get a second chance.”
>1/?

>>1933168
>Those who find their skills lacking... don't get a second chance.
Dropped that cold truth harder than a space colony on Sydney.

It's mildly amusing that all the would-be role models for Quess in the Sericea are so weathered by combat experience, and it shows in the interactions. Almost like how a grizzled veteran speaks gruffly to the new guy. Bianca is about the closest to chill as any in the vicinity, but then again, she's also a relative newcomer in the ship too.

There is ALICE to consider though.

>>1933168
“And are all the aces so...” Quess begins, gesturing vaguely at Haman.

The older woman blinks in awkward silence before Quess' meaning becomes obvious. “Fit?”

“Yes,” Quess admits.

This time Haman's laughter is unrestrained rather than a mildly amused chuckle, and she winces as she laughs a little too hard and hurts her broken arm. “Not all, but all of the best are. I've heard plenty of stories of inexperienced pilots pulling high-speed maneuvers and crashing, simply because their muscles weren't ready for the strain of sustained positive G-forces. That goes for the core muscles as well as the limbs, thus...”

Haman ends her explanation by gesturing to her own abdominal muscles. “When I was a rookie pilot I spent as much time in the gym as the cockpit, if not more.”

“And how does it...” Quess frowns, struggling with the question. “How does it feel to kill people?”

“I'll admit, it's hard sometimes,” Haman sighs, cradling her arm and narrowing her eyes. “For us more than most. Many of us can feel the effects of it, and it sticks with you a little. What helps is the camaraderie, the knowledge that your friends and companions are going through the same thing, and that they're there for you the same way you're there for them.”

“And you don't feel guilty about it?”

Haman shakes her head. “Not the word I'd use for it. The feeling wears on you, but I don't regret any of the times I've killed. Because I have a reason to fight, and people to protect... in exchange I have to admit there are times I'll be obliged to kill.”

“I... think I understand.”

“That's good,” Haman nods, grip on her own arm relaxing ever so slightly. “Because if I understand it correctly you have to decide how you feel about that. And if I know one thing about Carrina Marseille it's that she won't make that decision easy for you, or take it out of your hands.”

Quess narrows her eyes. “How so?”

“Because she's seen enough people like us who didn't get to choose,” Haman explains, a faint smile spreading across her face. “Now I think we both could use some rest, so this interview is over.”
>2/2

I'll be reviving the thread in about two and a half hours for a weekend session.

File: Mariner District Map.png (1.4 MB, 1119x555)

1.4 MB PNG

>>1943649
The long cruise back to Luna picks up once more when Haman is finally cleared to return to her own ship. The badly-damaged Qubeley is towed aboard by the remaining ReZel units, and Haman herself immediately takes command back in hand. Now that both Sadalahn and Sericea have their Newtype navigators aboard it takes only a few hours to reach Martian orbit. Now comes two critical messages: a heavily encrypted data stream to Anaheim using one of their own private communications channels, and a message to the Martian surface requesting an audience with Queen Mineva.

It only takes a few minutes for you to get word that you've been cleared to land at the Tithon Yards, where Sericea and Sadalahn find themselves berthed next to each other under the watch of a half-dozen mobile suits. These appear to be hauling heavy beam cannons, probably designed with anti-ship use in mind.

In the terminal building you're met by a uniformed officer of the Martian Navy, an older, vaguely Asian-looking woman with a close-cropped haircut and no unit markings... probably from their intelligence service.

“Apologies for the rather rude greetings,” the woman offers with a salute, which you and your fellow officers return. “You caught us rather off our guard.”

“Understandable,” you nod. “We had no intention of coming here ourselves until just a few hours ago.”

“Well then, I guess what they say is true,” she muses. “Whenever the CTF's experts show up something's already gone wrong.”

“Better than thinking we're responsible somehow,” Haman admits with a shrug. “Because we get that too.”

“Rossweisse, please remain with the ship,” you announce, laying out the beginnings of a plan. “I hope to make this as quick as possible.”

“I will see to our re-provisioning,” Rossweisse nods, first to you then to your guest before spinning on her heel and marching right back up the embarcation ramp.

“Follow me,” the Martian officer insists. “We have secured a train car for you into Melas.”

“We appreciate the effort,” you nod, following her towards the train terminal adjoining the spaceport.
>1/2

File: ddb374c8af83e22c0a6b9c683(...).png (813 KB, 638x1055)

813 KB PNG

>>1944006
“So... that fighter squadron that was sent with us last time we were here,” you begin, the smooth, quiet rocking of the train having nearly lulled you to sleep without having anything to talk about. “Did they return in good order?”

The Martian officer, who to this point has been almost painfully stoic, nods. “They did.”

“And their status in future military terms?” you press, curious to hear how the Navy evaluated its starfighters' performance.

“Classified,” the officer replies. Then, after considering you for a moment, she seems to relent. “However the initial indicators are favorable.”

“Good deal,” you nod, satisfied with that scant amount of information. “I liked those three numbskulls.”

Looking forward to a reunion?

Instead of speaking in front of the unknown officer, you focus your mind inwards. I wouldn't be averse. Their sort of escort capability is something we'd be able to make good use of.

Point taken... cheese it, the fuzz.

“Are you alright, Captain?” the officer asks with a concerned stare.

“Just thinking to myself,” you lie.

The rest of the trip passes in silence, right up to the moment you're escorted into the Executive Mansion in Melas City, right at the heart of the massive Mariner Valley complex. It's already late evening in local time, and soon after your arrival you're ushered into a formal dining room where a familiar face is waiting for you.

“Captains,” Lady Mineva nods, with a warm smile on her face despite her full formal state attire. “Good to see you well... more or less. Does your arm hurt, Lady Haman?”

“Only a little,” Haman admits. “It'll be fine.”

“Good to hear,” Mineva sighs, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “So what brings you two back here?”

>Introduce your proposal to her: Jupiter is a mutual threat, and you want to broker a deal between Mars and Luna to answer it.
>Your unit will be leading a campaign against the Jovian threat, all Mars and Luna need to agree to do is BOTH lend support.
>This is a decision that her military and political advisers should be present for, given the severity of the situation.
>Other?

>>1944009
>>Introduce your proposal to her: Jupiter is a mutual threat, and you want to broker a deal between Mars and Luna to answer it.

>>1944009
>This is a decision that her military and political advisers should be present for, given the severity of the situation.

>>1944009
>>Introduce your proposal to her: Jupiter is a mutual threat, and you want to broker a deal between Mars and Luna to answer it.

>>1944009
>>Introduce your proposal to her: Jupiter is a mutual threat, and you want to broker a deal between Mars and Luna to answer it.
>This is a decision that her military and political advisers should be present for, given the severity of the situation.

>>1944009
>>Introduce your proposal to her: Jupiter is a mutual threat, and you want to broker a deal between Mars and Luna to answer it.
>This is a decision that her military and political advisers should be present for, given the severity of the situation.

>3d10, DC 17, crit 22

Rolled 4, 3, 5 = 12 (3d10)

>>1944127

Rolled 4, 4, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>1944127

These fucking *rolls*, man.
I really shouldn't be surprised anymore, qstdice love to shit on SoZ.

Rolled 9, 6, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>1944127

>>1944009
“I want to negotiate an agreement between Luna and Mars to jointly dismantle the Jovian military machine,” you explain in no uncertain terms. “We've assembled evidence that they've been responsible for every major terrorist act in the Sol system for years, either directly or through financially-backed proxies, including the nuclear incident here in Melas and the mass kidnapping of newtype children on Luna.”

Mineva's eyes widen slightly at the scope of your accusations. “I assume you have the data necessary to back up these claims?”

“ALICE?” Haman inquires.

Through your own body mic the AI hears her call to action, and quickly transmits the data to a secured wireless-enabled device on Mineva's person that turns out to be a music player. She takes it out of her pocket, and her eyes go even wider the longer she reads.

“I've seen enough,” she declares. “What do you need me to do?”

“It might be better to bring in some of your military and political advisers...”

“No,” Mineva insists quietly. “Bringing them here would just mean arguing around in circles for hours with not one word of it being about our people's well-being.”

“How pointed of you,” Haman observes. “You've been giving this issue some thought.”

“Zeon has always had this problem,” Mineva reminds the Axis Princess. “You know that as well as I do.”

“And you know how independent action will look to some people?” you press. “Specifically because of who you are?”

“I am not blind to that reality, Captain,” Mineva asserts. Something about her tone... you're inclined to trust her on this matter.

>At least speak with an active-duty Captain... maybe Olivier? Off the Gambier Bay?
>You could go over their heads and speak to the people, popular sentiment tends to be on your side.
>You may be right. It might be best if nobody knows what's going on until it's over.
>Other?

>>1944183
>At least speak with an active-duty Captain... maybe Olivier? Off the Gambier Bay?

>>1944183
>>You may be right. It might be best if nobody knows what's going on until it's over.
As an aside, anyone else watching The Expanse?

>>1944216
Rewatching the 2nd season sporadically.

>>1944183
>You may be right. It might be best if nobody knows what's going on until it's over.

>>1944216
Not sure I can actually watch that over here, but I have it set to record back at my parents' place while I'm out of the country.

So no spoilers.

>>1944183
>>At least speak with an active-duty Captain... maybe Olivier? Off the Gambier Bay?

>>1944227
It takes place in space

>reported
>writing
Also, give me a 3d10 again against DC 18

Rolled 4, 1, 4 = 9 (3d10)

>>1944265

>>1944279
welp

>>1944279
wew lad

Rolled 4, 4, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>1944265

Rolled 8, 3, 2 = 13 (3d10)

>>1944265
taking the reroll

>>1944288
“At least consider contacting a current-duty Captain,” you offer. “Olivier on the Gambier Bay station seems like a reasonable professional.”

Mineva shakes her head resolutely. “No, I believe this has to be my own decision... and the Martian Constitution supports my right to pursue diplomatic measures independently.”

You exchange a glance with Haman, who pulls out a notepad and begins typing.

“Then we'll do it your way,” you sigh. “We have no right to insist otherwise.”

“It's my understanding that we now have three escort squadrons prepared, including Viper,” Mineva tells you calmly. “We also should have several cruisers available, and could likely spare one for the effort if Luna could match our contribution.”

“That would be good,” Haman agrees. “But the difficulty is in convincing the Luna government to play ball.”

“Then I will go myself,” Mineva insists. “Strike a deal with their President face to face to demonstrate our sincerity.”

>That's... going a bit far. If I were in your position I would authorize someone to do that for you.
>We can guarantee your safety for that trip, if you're sure about it. But please consider letting someone know what you're up to.
>We can do this in secret, sure. Not a problem.

>>1944355
>>We can guarantee your safety for that trip, if you're sure about it. But please consider letting someone know what you're up to.

>>1944355
>>We can guarantee your safety for that trip, if you're sure about it. But please consider letting someone know what you're up to.

Rolled 6, 10, 2 = 18 (3d10)

>>1944355
>>We can guarantee your safety for that trip, if you're sure about it. But please consider letting someone know what you're up to.

>>1944392
where were you earlier with dem high rolls

Okay then, 3d10, dc 16, crit 20

Rolled 10, 8, 3 = 21 (3d10)

>>1944423

Rolled 9, 6, 3 = 18 (3d10)

>>1944422
I thought I'd bleed the bad rolls if I left it on.

>>1944423
See if it's still in.

>>1944436
Hey, consistency is impressive in and of itself.

Rolled 3, 10, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>1944423

>>1944423
“We can escort you there and back easily enough,” you respond after a moment of contemplation, “but please let someone in a position of authority know that you've left. I can understand being frustrated with the sort of plutocrats you've been getting to fill the ranks, but please don't let that become recklessness.”

Mineva sighs, shutting her eyes for a moment before speaking. “You're right of course... thank you. Both of you.”

“For what?” you ask.

“For keeping my interests at heart even when I cease to pay them any mind.”

You shake your head. “You don't need to thank us for that.”

“It's not like you could stop us for starters” Haman shrugs, passing her datapad to the young Zabi queen. “Here, take a look.”

“What is this?”

“Talking points for a public speech,” Haman explains. “These are the ones I felt would cause the least public outcry while still explaining the necessity of what you're about to do.”

Mineva takes the datapad and looks it over carefully. After a few minutes she looks up at you. “Are you in any particular hurry?”

You shake your head. “Anaheim will still be working on the upgrade packages and replacement parts for our mobile suits through tomorrow, even at their best pace. So we have no particular need to hurry.”

“Then let's have dinner,” she suggests. “We can talk about more pleasant things for a while, then record a message to release in coincidence with our departure.”

Haman nods in agreement. “I think that would be a suitable measure. Carya?”

I doubt anyone would have the spine to make any moves while she's absent, especially if it's clear that she's with US.

>I agree.
>I disagree (write-in)

Rolled 1, 8, 8 = 17 (3d10)

>>1944490
>>I agree.

File: tLZIojy[1].jpg (1.77 MB, 805x6155)

1.77 MB JPG

>>1944490
>>I agree.
Image loosely related.

>>1944490
>>I agree.

>writing

>>1944543
“Alright,” you nod quietly. “I agree.”

“So... meet any cute boys lately?”

Mineva's eyes widen and her cheeks immediately turn red, and in an instant she's back to being that girl you watched grow up aboard the Nagato years ago rather than the image of a young Zeon queen. A tasty and unpretentious meal is brought in by the mansion's head chef, pasta in a light, slightly cheesy sauce with a fairly small amount of ground meat and roasted vegetables.

“So this food, it was all grown on Mars?” you ask.

Mineva nods in confirmation. “Crop yield has improved steadily over the last few seasons. Much of the soil down here in the bottom of the canyon has been successfully regenerated.”

“The basic city block design is proving fairly successful,” Haman adds. “But it seems like Mars has had even more spectacular success than would be expected.”

“Luna certainly can't match this sort of output,” you muse. “Maybe that's one reason they're so mistrustful?”

“Maybe,” Mineva admits.

Eventually, after a long evening of conversation, you turn in upstairs. The thought crosses your mind as you ease into sleep... what does it say about you that even here you sleep with a loaded sidearm under your pillow?
>1/2

>>1944613
Early in the morning you wake Mineva, and after some cajoling manage to get her out of her pajamas and into something a little more appropriate for someone of her station to be seen in. Next you have to get her into a chartered VTOL flight which takes you direct to the Tithon Yards, and thankfully by the time you reach the spaceport at 06:45 that morning she's conscious enough to fast-talk her way past what few knots of civilians seem to be around to take interest. She also fast-talks you through security, as under Martian law diplomats and their escorts are allowed to bypass public security screening in much the same way pilots and security personnel are.

This means you're pushing off from Tithon by 07:00, while ALICE sends the pre-recorded message to the major Martian news outlets. Even as Sericea and Sadalahn break out of the thin Martian atmosphere, the television sets in the spaceport and all around the Mariner District are explaining the Martian Queen's unexpected and sudden departure.

>My fellow citizens of the Martian Republic
>I must firstly apologize for my abrupt departure, but I would like to assure you that the business which I am conducting is both unanticipated and critical to the security and welfare of all our citizens.
>I have received credible evidence linking the Jovian Colonies to crimes and acts of terror all across the Sol System, including here on Mars with the recent insurrection and attempted nuclear attack.
>For the many fledgling Republics which asserted their independence after the collapse of the Earth Federation government, Jupiter's increasingly brash efforts at destabilization have become a grave threat to our safety and stability.
>Therefore, I have made the decision to travel this morning to the Lunar Republic in an attempt to extend an offer to cooperate in our mutual defense.
>It is my sincerest wish that we may all find common cause with one another, and put this meaningless era of factionalism behind us for the sake of a more peaceful and prosperous future.
>To those of you who may still harbor doubts about my leadership, I can only beg your patience with my youthful idealism as I act on my belief in what is right.
>Thank you, and with any luck I will return with good news.

“You speak well,” you admit as the broadcast ends. “Really nailed the tone of a youthful, idealistic princess.”

“It suits you,” Haman nods in agreement.
>2/3

File: 26def72794ec96ad348331a12(...).jpg (187 KB, 514x785)

187 KB JPG

>>1944708
“It suits my ends,” Mineva sighs. “But some day I will be secure enough in my position to speak my mind more freely, without pretense given to my image. Until that day however...”

“They will only see a child,” Rossweisse completes the thought. “The fate of all who rise to prominence in their youth.”

>Head for Anaheim, make sure you can answer any military questions that come up truthfully.
>Meet with Artesia first, confer on your best strategy with the political side of things.
>Arrange a meeting with the President of the Lunar Republic. Make that arrangement public.
>Other?

>>1944710
>Meet with Artesia first, confer on your best strategy with the political side of things.

>>She also fast-talks you through security, as under Martian law diplomats and their escorts are allowed to bypass public security screening in much the same way pilots and security personnel are.
Fucking TSA.

>>1944710
>>Meet with Artesia first, confer on your best strategy with the political side of things.

>>1944710
>>Meet with Artesia first, confer on your best strategy with the political side of things.

>>1944710
>>Meet with Artesia first, confer on your best strategy with the political side of things.
I reckon the Luna President will need some buttering up.

>3d10, higher is better, best of three

Rolled 7, 9, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>1944855

Rolled 6, 2, 8 = 16 (3d10)

>>1944855

Rolled 2, 10, 7 = 19 (3d10)

>>1944855

>writing

File: Sayla 3.jpg (325 KB, 700x700)

325 KB JPG

>>1944954
You send a message during the fairly short transit across the asteroid belt, telling Artesia to be ready to meet with you and the Queen upon your arrival. As Earth slides past the cockpit windows you get a response, demanding to know if you've “lost your damn mind”.

In your own response, you insist that this particular course of action was not your own idea.

Almost a full day later you arrive at Von Braun to a sort of tension you rarely experience when you walk down a gantry: you can actually sense where the armed guards are hidden, carefully watching over the scene. Not because it's you, of course, but because of the girl standing shoulder-high at your side. The media's kept cordoned off a good distance away but you can still see the flashes... you're fairly sure the evening edition of every paper on the moon is going to have some sort of shot in its headlines with you glaring at the camera out of your good eye over the Martian Queen's head of red hair, Haman probably joining you in giving the press the stink eye.

“This is reckless,” Artesia chides the young Queen from behind tinted glasses... though she still gives Mineva a warm embrace in full view of the snapping shutters. So... maybe that's going to be the headline photo instead. Works for you, the fewer headlines you make in your line of work the easier things will be.

“Why don't you three take the back?” you suggest as you reach the limousine under heavy armed guard. “I'll face backwards.”

“If you insist,” Artesia nods, ushering you into the vehicle. Your eyes remain closed for the duration of the short drive to Artesia's office, your focus entirely on the other vehicles around you, sensing for the slightest hints of a threat and finding none.

After what seems like forever, you and the three Zeon Princesses reach Artesia's office.

First time they've been in the same room in years.

“So, we're all here to talk about how we intend to make this work,” you grumble. “Artesia, we need to know anything you can tell us about President Marcenas' position.”

Artesia sighs deeply. “Sorry, but I don't have much to tell you that isn't guesswork. The military buildup and economic competition are probably the two most contentious points of course, with the latter focusing on disparities in the availability of staple crops. Luna has struggled to match Martian growth in that sector, and Marcenas is worried about having to some day rely on marked-up imports from Mars.”

“A trade deficit like that would stifle the Lunar economy,” Haman frowns. “Okay, so that's one problem.”
>1/2

>>1944975
“I suppose my assurances would hardly be enough to base trust upon,” Mineva mutters, deep in thought. “In fact, there may not be much I can say to convince him if all other lines of evidence run against my word.”

>Well then, we'll have to come up with a way to convince him that your words carry meaning.
>Some form of neutral arbitration seems to be called for then. Like the old United Nations... but useful.
>Taking some joint responsibility for securing trade routes against piracy may be a good start.
>Other?

>>1944992
>>Taking some joint responsibility for securing trade routes against piracy may be a good start.

>>1944992
>>Some form of neutral arbitration seems to be called for then. Like the old United Nations... but useful.

>>1944992
>>Taking some joint responsibility for securing trade routes against piracy may be a good start.

>>1944992
Alright, despite my best efforts I'm starting to nod off. So I'll be starting next week with a joint deal to police trade routes against piracy and terrorism. MAYBE an omake this week, depends on how this thread fares by Wednesday or so.

Thanks for coming back, and hope to see you all next weekend!

>should be able to sneak in an Omake tomorrow

Open to Omake suggestions if anyone is around.

>>1952852
>>1954447
Oh, I thought you already had one in mind, or will do one of the previous suggestions. I think /k/ripple had one about Dom? I don't really have anything at the moment. And since this thread's on page 10, this omake will really be skirting around the edge.

File: reach_22624720_Full.jpg (256 KB, 1418x952)

256 KB JPG

>>1954447
“Shouldn't we do something about this?”

“No. Haman and the sisters are big girls, they can take care of themselves.”

“But to take on Jupiter on their own...”

“If nothing else, they're clever enough to know when to withdraw. They'll be fine.”

“But we could...”

There's an audible sigh in the dark, the features of a deeply frustrated man illuminated by the light of a computer screen. “Nagato's capacity to wage a one-sided war is only even approached by the most powerful warships ever built, and none of those have the staying power and fabrication facilities of our ship. To bring something like that into the Solar system with no warning could be mistaken for an act of war.”

“Then perhaps one of our smaller warships...”

“Karen believes it would be a misallocation,” the man replies solemnly. “And I have to agree. Sorry, guys... but these settlers need us more than Sericea or Sadalahn do.”

“I see... so our hands are that badly tied.”

For a few seconds, there's silence. “It's frustrating, isn't it?”

“Well, for what it's worth I think you're right.”

“Marida?”

“We all know how skilled those four are, and we know that Artesia and Mineva wouldn't turn down any request for help.”

“Cynthia, you've been awfully quiet,” the man observes.

“I will have my ship standing by,” one of the three identical voices declares in a quiet tone, “waiting on your word. However I will not stand by if open warfare breaks out.”

“And I won't ask you to. I understand the desire to help... trust me, part of me wants nothing more than to pull the quickest turn possible and head back there. But... we just can't. Not yet.”

“I think we understand.”

“Then for now, just wait. If it comes down to it I'll deal with the fallout, so don't worry about it.”