>>4593843
>>A high schooler who lives in the Titan Colony of Shangri-La. (super type more likely)
Mecha is in essence anime BS along side any tipe of space combat that needs humans on the frontline.Also
>Male
let's be a child soldier.

>>4593843
>A high schooler who lives in the Titan Colony of Shangri-La. (super type more likely)
>Male

>>4593843
>A soldier in the NEC's army who's stationed in the Martian Colony Phobos 3. (real type more likely)
>Male

>>4593843
>A soldier in the NEC's army who's stationed in the Martian Colony Phobos 3.
>Male

>>4593843
>A soldier in the NEC's army who's stationed in the Martian Colony Phobos 3. (real type more likely)
>Female

>>4593843
>A soldier in the NEC's army who's stationed in the Martian Colony Phobos 3. (real type more likely)

>>Male

>>4593843
>A high schooler who lives in the Titan Colony of Shangri-La. (super type more likely)
>Male

>>4593843
>A soldier in the NEC's army who's stationed in the Martian Colony Phobos 3. (real type more likely)
>Male
Child soldier, here we come

>>4593843
>>A high schooler who lives in the Titan Colony of Shangri-La. (super type more likely)

>>4593843
>>Male
Oh right.

>>4593843
>>A soldier in the NEC's army who's stationed in the Martian Colony Phobos 3. (real type more likely)
>Female

>>4593843
>A high schooler who lives in the Titan Colony of Shangri-La. (super type more likely)
>Female

Was called in to cover a shift, forget to post before I left
Soldier barely scrapes a win, writing

>>4594263
I personally prefer a balance between super robot and real robot but I’m fine with this direction.

>>4594263
"This wasn't supposed to end up like this"

In the shadows of the dilapidated buildings, you cursed the situation you find yourself in. The task was simple: weed out insurgents within the city, eliminate the targets with as little collateral damage as your group could manage, return and leave the rest to whoever was dutied to clean up. However, due to some combination of overconfidence and a surprising level of overpreparation, what was supposed to be a easy grab has spiraled into a fight for your lives. As a string of shots ring out, you try to devise some plan to salvage this mess, your determination illuminated by the glow of the main screen of your machine.

"Yo Max, this sure turned into a shitshow, huh?"
Your concentration is broken by the chipper voice of one of your squad members and longest friend since you were transferred , Ricardo Cruz. turning towards the voice you see the hand of the white and tan Avalaunch he's piloting waving at you.

"I saw you rush ahead a while back, how bad is it? And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Maxim while we're on duty?"
While you appreciate his attempts to always brighten up the mood, Ricardo's lack of discipline when speaking to his superiors is a well known stickling point for you despite your countless attempts to correct him.

"Well Captain Max, good news is four of the enemy's steel scouts have been taken out, leaving just two. Bad news, Louis got shot down taking out one of the bastards, May and Luke had their scouts disabled by a trap, and those shots you might of heard a moment ago were from Diana trading blows with one of them so you're truly could get away."
As you listen to Ricardo's report, you begin to pain a picture of the battlefield in your head. Both sides are down to their last two members, with potentially one of them lying before you in the concrete jungle you find yourselves in, leaving only one unknown. As you begin to piece together what to next, Ricardo calls out "So Max, what the play that's going to lead us to victory?

>Make some noise to lure them to your position
>Move in with Ricardo to try and take them out as quick as possible
>Split up and try and pincer the known enemy
>write-in

>>4594361
>Split up and try and pincer the known enemy

>>4594361
>>Move in with Ricardo to try and take them out as quick as possible

>>4594361
>>Move in with Ricardo to try and take them out as quick as possible

>>4594391
>>4594422
Direct assault wins. Writing.

>>4594361
>Split up and try and pincer the known enemy

>>4594487
This has gone on for too long, if you want to end this you need to hit the enemies back with no mercy. "The plan is simple" you reply, "We'll move in, surround the target, strike hard, strike fast, and-"

"Strike often, right?"
Ricardo cuts you off with the third part of the philosophy pounded into your heads by your commanding officer during training. You can't help but smirk as you both prepare your rifles for what about to come. "Alright, let's take this guy down" Ricardo says, all the joking in his voice vanishing in an instant, as you move forwards, the sound of the thrusters screaming to life ringing in your ears

You and Ricardo weave through the streets and buildings as the sky begins to blue from the setting sun, the telltale bullet shells and burn marks of battle growing more numerous as you get closer. You pause for a moment when you see the battered remains of Diana's Scout, one arm crudely ripped off with various holes splattered all over the torso. You tighten your focus as you move past her towards your goal, ready to make their losses not in vain.

Finally you see a large figure standing in front of a rundown building you can only assume is their base, a metal menace in grey and green with a crimson visor monitoring it's surroundings. With a simple hand motion, you tell Ricardo to veer off to the right as you move in from the left ready to leave them defenseless from at least one of your attacks.
>roll 1d100 Bo3
Will continue tomorrow at 10pm UTC, sorry today got screwed over.

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>4594539
Rollin

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4594539
Make sure to say:
>”URAHHHHHHHHHH”

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>4594539
holy shit my brain fried itself for a second, managed to type 1d3 instead of 1d100
properly rolling this time

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>4594570
>>4594578
>>4594671
These will more than do. Writing

>>4595361
You harshly scrape your Avalaunch's feet against the concrete below as you move into position to fire at the enemy's guard, wrapping your finger around the trigger in anticipation. As you raise up your Scout's arm to shoot, the enemy's mecha turns to face you in surprise. Before they can properly respond, your shot rings through the air, a large bullet slamming into it's right shoulder and throwing it off balance.

"You bastard, I'll gut you till there's nothing left!"

A gritty snarl crackles through your speakers as your target shoots into the air before rushing towards you. Pulling a large knife stored on its back off, his attempts to skewer you are repeatedly thwarted by your shield blunting his thrusts. Catching Ricardo's approach in the corner of your eye, you break you deadlock by shoving him with your shield. Ricardo follows up on your opening by firing a salvo of rounds towards the unlucky recipient, who manages to avoid some of more potentially deadly shots by some miracle. As he attempts to survive your two pronged attack, you holster your rifle on your back before grabbing onto the blade handle resting on your right hip.

"Time to wrap this up!"

With a determined cry you dash towards your wounded prey, shield held forward as you wait to ignite your beam blade until the last possible moment. However before you can deal the decisive blow, a warning siren alerts you to a new challenger entering the fray. Another Green Scout slides between you and the damaged enemy, a large antenna on the head symbolizing the leader. You grit you teeth as you ready for the fighting to restart stronger than ever.

>Focus on the leader, Ricardo can clean up the weaker opponent
>Focus on the weak link, you should be able to finish him off quick enough to turn the odds in your favor
>Write-in

>>4595452
>Focus on the weak link, you should be able to finish him off quick enough to turn the odds in your favor
Crush the bugs under our big ol'Mechanical heel One at a time

>>4595452
>Focus on the leader, Ricardo can clean up the weaker opponent
>Try to come comm diana

>>4595452
>Focus on the weak link, you should be able to finish him off quick enough to turn the odds in your favor

>>4595452
>>Focus on the leader, Ricardo can clean up the weaker opponent

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4595489
>>4595509
>>4595844
>>4596016
Time for a tie breaker, either way I need 1d100 Bo3

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4596127

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>4596127

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4596127

>>4596134
>>4596169
>>4596341
Whew that 98. Writing

>>4596437
lel , now to fuck the rest of the rolls for the entirety of the quest

>>4596448
On it

>>4596437
"I'll handle the leader, Ricardo, clean up the trash."

You dash towards the commanding unit, slamming your shield into their body as Ricardo herds their weakened ally to the side, leaving you with plenty of room to fight. You begin your deadly dance with the enemy leader, both sides blocking bullets and weaving around the thrusts of dagger blades and beam handles, with you just barely keeping the edge. A swift kick forces you away as your opponent starts to reach for the large gun on their back. Before they can take the shot, you burst forwards and jump, slamming into their shoulder joint with the bottom of your shield. With a resounding crunch and the unfortunate compressing of your shield, you shear off their right arm, forcing it to crash onto the ground, bent and malformed.

"GAHH! This can't be happening, I WILL take you down for the honor of my comrades!"
With a scream of rage, the commander tosses their shield aside and pulls out their dagger, violently thrusting at you Scout. You parry a few of the thrusts with the remnants of your shield before sliding to their armless side. Slamming your beam handle into their torso, you ignite the blade, a brilliant blue beam expanding and piercing through the cockpit. Pulling back your arm, you see the glowing hole your blade left glow as you disengage your blade.

"You fought your hardest, but victory smiles on me today"
Your defeated foe, now without the control of its pilot, collapses onto the ground, the concrete cracking underneath the sudden impact. Holstering your beam handle, you move towards where you last saw Ricardo, swerving around the remnants of buildings before you see the two locked in combat. Despite the damage taken prior, the lone survivor seems to have put up a good fight, with Ricardo's Avalaunch having various gashes and holes scattered all over. You grab your rifle as you close the distance between the two, the hail of bullets signaling your entrance. Your sudden interruption is enough to throw off the weakened foe, Ricardo Unloading his gun directly into the cockpit hatch and blowing the last green scout to the ground.

"I think that finally the last of the them."

"Phew! Man the commander really upped the ante with this one, huh Max?"
You share a small laugh as you celebrate your victory. As you watch the sun begin to slink further downwards, you see the words "MISSION COMPLETE" in front of you as you close your eyes and remove your helmet.

(cont.)

>>4596547
When you open your eyes, you find yourself back in the simulator room of your current home, Fort Yamato, which lies outside of the largest city on Phobos 3, Akatsuka. As you futilely try to fix up your permanently messy black hair, you open up the door to the light grey walls of the waiting room of the simulator, being greeted by the sheepish grins of May and Luke, the blond siblings who are seemingly inseparable. As you look around you see Louis sitting in a chair, his attempts at looking calm betrayed by his perpetual biting of his dark hand, and Diana chewing on some gum, her pale blue eyes widening as she realizes you've finished.

"Sorry for messing up, we promise to do better next time!"
The siblings blurt out a sudden apology, bowing quickly before rushing back to their seats. Louis and Diana remain silent, most likely waiting for the final member of your group to emerge from his room. After a brief moment of silence, you hear a door behind you unlock as the tan figure of Ricardo emerges, his smile shining brightly as he walked into the room. He gives you a thumbs up before taking a seat.

You think over the performance of the five pilots as you wait for your commander to give her opinion on today's test. While Ricardo lasted until the end, May and Luke were taken out by something they should have seen coming, Louis was blinded to his surrounding due to hyperfocusing on one enemy, and Diana was too reckless as usual. Even Ricardo, struggled to take down an enemy that should have posed no issue.

>Reprimand the group, as their leader it's your responsibility to make sure they perform up to snuff
>Try and encourage them, despite their failing, the mission was more difficult than expected
>Stay silent until the commander comes in, she'll have enough to say for both of you
>write-in

>>4596585
>Try and encourage them, despite their failing, the mission was more difficult than expected

>>4596585
>Stay silent until the commander comes in, she'll have enough to say for both of you

>>4596585
>Try and encourage them, despite their failing, the mission was more difficult than expected

>>4596585
>>Try and encourage them, despite their failing, the mission was more difficult than expected

>>4596597
>>4596945
>>4597050
Writing

>>4597328
You take a hard look at the people sitting before you as you all wait for your commander to enter and give her review of your performance. Disappointing is the only way you'd describe the way the events of the holo-mission played out, with several rookie mistakes and preventable damage occurring. However, you have only been together for a little under half a year and the advancement this group has made is more than commendable. Standing up you, give a force cough to get their attention, struggling to piece together a rare offering of praise.

"W-Well, I just wanted to say that despite the results of today, I'm proud of how far we've come in such a short amount of time. Let's keep growing to new heights!" the words awkwardly stumble out of you mouth as you give your neck a small rub. The room is filled with silence before a snicker that evolves into full on laughter erupts from the lithe frame of Diana, who's bent over pose make your embarrassment even worse.

"You really wasted all your cool points with that one, Maxim my man!" Diana's heckling is something you've grown accustomed too, but it stings more now that you've tried to open up to your team in a more casual way.

"C'mon, Di, let the man speak his heart before you immediately make him regret it."

"Yeah, in fact I think he's twice as cool for trying to pick us up after how we did!" Louis and May give you a much needed boost in confidence by them perking up to their usual selves and defending your "coolness" from the scathing remarks of Diana, who's now stuck in an argument with those two. As you watch the trio continue to bicker, you feel the hand of Ricardo patting you on the back.

"Nice Job Max, getting those three back to normal that easily!" Ricardo shoots you a grin as you walk towards the only person left mopping. Luke looks up to see the two of you giving him a thumbs up as you offer him and hand so he can stand up. He brushing your hand aside before putting his head down again, causing some irritation to rise inside of you.

"If you want to improve past how you did today, you need to not let every little mistake get you down, Luke." Your voice is firm but warm as he picks his head up again, the sadness in his eyes slowly being washed away by a renewed sense of determination. You offer you hand to him again, this time he grasps it as you lift him up, his balance slightly thrown off by the surprising amount of force used.
(cont.)

>>4597434
All mirth in the room is suddenly extinguished as the main door creaks open to reveal the bespectacled face of Commander Marika Park, her impeccably maintained raven hair and well kept uniform with various badges and honors showing her perfect soldier status. You all stand at attention and give a practiced salute, Commander Marika shooting her own before locking the room, her left hand grasping onto a folder containing the data from your Holo-mission.

"One hour and 17 minutes. That's how long it took you to complete this mission." Commander Marika begins, her words calculated, not a single breath unnecessary. "Louis Atkins, your failure to perceive your surroundings lead to you failing see an obvious ambush and lead to you getting shot down after only 15 minutes" she continues her analysis beginning with the darker man, his mouth twitching to give some kind of excuse before snapping shut in fear.

"May and Luke Waleski, while you cooperation with each other is commendable, you enemy was able to use this bond to their advantage in order to separate you from the rest of the group and efficiently disable your Avalaunchs 47 minutes into the mission." The commander's cold critique continues to the siblings, May's eyes beginning to well with tears as Luke tries to comfort his sister as best as he could.

"Diana Martin, while you were able to take out two of the enemies units by yourself, you rushed ahead and broke formation. This led not only to your defeat one hour and three minutes in, but also left your other team members in a state of confusion and scrambling to find a solution to their predicament." Diana sucks her teeth with an audible 'Tch' at the review of her performance, but a sharp stare from Commander Marika quickly makes her straighten up in reflexive fear.

Finally, she turn to you and Ricardo, flipping through her notes and data in preparation of her final examination. As you try to brace for the worst, you begin to consider trying to one-up the commander with a defense of your own, in some vague attempt to save face for yourself, and possibly your men.

>Take the blame for the lackluster performance today, your teammates errors are also your own
>Try to give some excuse to soften Commander Marika's ire (write how)
>Just take the verbal lashing
>Write-in
May or may not have gotten distracted with some IRL issues

>>4597553
>>Just take the verbal lashing
no problem , we man up and deal with it , plus I don't think she gonna lynch us that hard we rolled a pretty high number

>>4597553
>Just take the verbal lashing
Leaders don't make excuses, they learn from their mistakes

>>4597553
>Just take the verbal lashing
her analysis seems pretty spot on so far.

>>4597570
>>4597577
>>4597640
Got one more update in me tonight. Writing

>>4597715
'No, a leader doesn't make excuses from their mistakes, a leader learns from them' you think to your as you ready yourself for Commander Marika harsh, but so far accurate, teardown of today's performance. If the rest of your team can sit there and take their lumps, it would be a disgrace to them for you to crack under pressure. The commander finally looks up from her notes, adjusting her glasses, her grey eyes piercing into the core of your being.

"Ricardo Cruz and Captain Maxim Russo, the only two members of your team to make it to the end of the mission. Before I give my opinion, I would like to congratulate the both of you for success." her compliment comes as a shock to both you and Ricardo, but you withhold your joy and continue to stay silent as she prepares the next section of her review. "Ricardo, retreating to find your captain was a wise decision, but you ultimately abandoned you comrade to do so. If you hadn't it's likely Diana could have survive her conflict and lead to a faster clear time." Ricardo's normally joyous face is filled with regret as his cowardice is exposed by the Commander, Diana's face distorting in rage as she hears this. She begins to rise from her seat, likely in an attempt to give the Hispanic a piece of her mind, but is quickly restrained by the much larger Louis.

"Now Captain Russo, despite your subordinates shortcomings, you handled the situation at hand with calculated poise. While your strategy was simplistic, it was executed with great skill." The Commander's words of praise continue to baffle you as your personal view of the events are noticeable more critical. "Your teamwork with Cruz was deserving of praise, though your lack of total aggression during attacking to keep the pace with Cruz's level lead to a much slower elimination of the enemy." Captain Marika pauses to flip to another page as you take in the mix of praise and criticism, finding it ironic to look forward to any form of critique.

"When the enemy commander entered the picture, your decision to handle him by yourself was a difficult one, as while Cruz might have struggled to hold on, it would have been possible for you to have eliminated the weakened target faster than he could. As for you fight with the commander itself, you proved your skill quite formidably by eliminating them in only three minutes and 35 seconds. However, I must comment that while your unorthodox use of the tools you possess such as attacking with an unlit blade handle or turning your shield into a crushing weapon can throw off an unprepared foe, such techniques may leave you at a disadvantage against more crafty enemies." As you listen to the Commander's unusually kind review, you do take note of her battle commentary. While you had came up with those attacks on the fly, you do admit that using your shield in such a way lead to it becoming compromised. Against a more robust attack, you doubt it would have lasted much longer.
(1/3)

>>4597841
"Unfortunately, I have to temporarily pause my praise to give me last piece of criticism to Cruz. Despite having the upper hand, you failed to deal the finishing blow until after Captain Russo had finished his own battle. What would you have done if he hadn't arrived, or even worse had fallen in battle?" Ricardo receives one last strike to his confidence, the sting being far greater after all the praise she had just given you.

"Overall, despite the tone of this review so far, my expectations in several ways were exceeded." Your team looks shocked to hear this after all the scolding so far, with a bubble of murmurs emerging before being silence by the Commander's clearing of her throat. "This mission was actually a recreation of a minor mission from the Lumiere Rebellion where the ERC's force fell to the rebellion's force on Mars. The fact that you were even able to do what the original team couldn't gives me hope for your future. Continue to grow and learn and make the Solar System proud." With a salute which you all gladly return, Commander Marika unlocks the door, your team exiting to receive a much deserved rest. However as you prepare to walk out, she extends an arm preventing your leave.

"Captain Russo, I have something to discuss with you in private" Agreeing to her request you take a seat in the stiff chair, as she looks around the main hall to check for any potential onlookers and locks the door yet again.
(2/3)

>>4597843
"What can I help you with, Commander Russo?", you ask as she hands you two sheets of paper, one of which has a picture of a man with crazed eyes on one side, while the other is a news report about some large excavation being made on the moon Phobos. Your face is painted with confusion as the commander takes a seat across from you, ready to give a much needed explanation.

"Being one of the senior commanders of this base, I tend to receive outside requests from time to time. The first is from Doctor Erik Ishgard, a mechanoid developer who lives in the outskirts of the colony. He needs a test pilot for a new prototype and asked me to send my best pilot for the job. Commander Marika explains, as you begin to recall the name she had mentioned . Dr. Ishgard played a pivotal role in the development of Steel Scouts, introducing the Compact Plasma Battery which powers most beam rifles as well as being the son of Alf Ishgard, the man responsible for modifying the giant colony builders into potential weapons. While you had heard he lived on Phobos 3, you had also recalled his reputation for being unhinged and far too into his work.

"The second request," Commander Marika continues, breaking you from your thoughts, "Comes from a private source who wished to remain anonymous. As you can see in the report I handed you, something big was found buried on Phobos and is now being transported to Phobos 3 so a larger ship can take to Earth.

"But why is the military being asked to perform such a task? Isn't this the job for more traditional bodyguards?" You interrupt the explanation, not seeing the point of such a bizarre request.

"While you'd be correct under normal circumstances, the object in question is considered potentially valuable to the NEC and is planned to be sent to their main headquarters. From what I have gleamed, this artifact is potentially some remnant of a prior civilization." Understanding the situation better you continue to nod, until you hear about the potential prior civilization, your confusion returns in full force. "The shipment is expected to arrive in tomorrow, so I'm giving you the option of which mission you'd like to participate in. Whichever one you don't choose will be completed by another candidate. Take your time and choose which ever one you feel most comfortable with or interests you more."
>Help Dr. Ishgard by becoming a test pilot
>Help escort the artifact to it's destination

>>4597844
>Help Dr. Ishgard by becoming a test pilot

Prior Civilization is above our pay grade man...

>>4597844
>Help Dr. Ishgard by becoming a test pilot
I dont know if that prior civilalization is deadspace or escaflowne, so im not chancing it.

>>4598005
>Martian Escaflowne
Spooktacular

>>4597844
>Help escort the artifact to it's destination

>>4597844
>>Help Dr. Ishgard by becoming a test pilot

No update today, but this is a pretty important choice so the extra time is nice for anyone left to vote

>>4599122
I can't wait to get our skull cut open and have the experimental AI-Link implant shoved into our brain meat.
Or to end up with our squishy parts liquefied by poorly calibrated acceleration and end up an as a brain scan piloting a steel scout no mortal meatbag can pilot!

>>4598515
CaualCanibal? Really?

>>4599173
Not familiar with Deadspace or Escaflowne. Just be happy it isn't NGE or RaXephon.

>>4599173
Or Bokurano. We'd actually be rekt if Bokurano.

>>4597844
>Help escort the artifact to it's destination
Lets start with the mass effect opening mission

>>4597844
>>Help escort the artifact to it's destination

Note to self: don't invoke Murphy.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4597933
>>4598005
>>4598077
>>4598515
>>4599253
>>4599847
Time for lady luck to decide what awaits you next.

>>4599906
You think long and hard about what mission to take. Both options have their pros and cons, Dr. Ishgard's offer being the more potentially dangerous while whatever you're escorting give you major chills on what "prior civilization" might mean. Eventually you open your eyes, revealing your hazel eyes to the awaiting Commander Park.

"I'll go with assisting the good doctor as a test pilot" your voice is filled with purpose as you reveal your choice "While the danger may be greater, I'm pretty dealing with some leftovers from ancient civilizations falls outside of my pay grade." The woman in front of you give a small chuckle at your reasoning before reaching into her pocket and tossing you a small card, the front featuring a elaborate design of a vibrant green beetle.

"You are going to need that in order to get into Dr. Ishgard's lab. I'll send him a message to expect you tomorrow" the commander explains as you carefully store it in your pants pocket, "For reasons you can guess, he lives by himself separate from most of the colony and rarely allows visitors. In fact, the last time I saw him was when he visited the base to collect some data for some project around a year ago." "If you'd like, I can answer any questions you have before moving forwards."
Select up to three questions
>What is Dr. Ishgard like
>Is there anything I should avoid doing/saying
>Has he requested any testers before
>Did he tell you what exactly I'm going to be testing
>Surely there's better pilots on the base, why me in particular
>Who's going to be handling the other mission
>Write-in

>>4600000
>Who's going to be handling the other mission
>Is the test going to involve drugs or very invasive probes stuck on me
>Is there anything I should avoid doing/saying

>>4600000
>Is there anything I should avoid doing/saying
>Has he requested any testers before

>>4600000
>What is Dr. Ishgard like?
>Is there anything I should avoid doing/saying?
>Surely there's better pilots on the base, why me in particular?

>>4600000
>What is Dr. Ishgard like
>Is there anything I should avoid doing/saying
>Did he tell you what exactly I'm going to be testing

Reclusive scientists probably have something that set them off and cause paragraphs of exposition; possibly related to what made them a recluse in the first place.
If the Commander knows any taboo or sensitive topics, it'd be great.

>>4600581
>>4600634
>>4600976
>>4601169
Now I know what type of prompts to avoid in the future
Time to smush these together into something usable, writing

>>4601313
I don't know what you were expecting.jpg

>>4601332
Neither do I, apparently me from a few days ago wasn't thinking straight
>>4601313
"Just three" you reply after a brief period of thinking, "First, can you tell me what the good doctor is like? Next, what things to avoid doing or saying, since reclusive types tend to be that way for good reason. Finally, what in particular does me being a 'test pilot' imply? He's not going to be injecting me with any drugs or probes right?"

Commander gives a nod with every question, alongside a small laugh at your concerns of bodily invasion, before readjusting her glasses and giving your questions genuine thought. "To answer you first question, the simplest way to describe him would be a bonafide mecha lover, play to his heart and you'll get along fine." "However," you sigh of relief is broken by the commander's continuation, "He's someone who likes to see how far he can take things. He would rather see if something can be done rather than be concerned on whether it should."

The commander takes a short pause to let you digest what she had said before continuing, your mind creating nightmarish images of what experiments he'll put you through. "That look on your face tells me I should inform you that the doctor is highly against using drugs to improve the performance of pilots, preferring the pilot's skill and their Steel Scout to be improved instead. While he didn't tell the specific of what you're testing, I'm at least sure he wouldn't intentionally cause you harm."

"Finally, unless you want to hear a 20 minute rant, I'd avoid these two topics. The first is his father, Alf Ishgard apparently they had a falling out a while before his passing in 65. Last time someone asked him, he rambled on about how 'The old man never believed I could make it work' and 'One day, my work will stand beyond his large shadow in history'."

"The second," Commander park continues, "Is the technology company Miroplex." You give a look of confusion as to why a genius scientist would have issues with the major developer behind most of the NEC's military vehicles, including the Avalaunch Mk IV standard to all areas of the solar system. Likely seeing your response, the commander continues "He claims that they only care about lining their pockets over the safety of humanity, and were giving parts to the Jovian rebels during the colonist's rebellion. While I have my doubts about his claims, there is some lack on information on how the rebels got resupplied during certain points in the war."
(cont.)

>>4601418
Satisfied with the answers you've received, you stand and give the commander a swift salute before heading towards the door. "Captain Russo" Commander Park's voice causes you to pause as she readies her final remarks. "I want you keep any information about this mission to yourself as much as possible. Call me paranoid, but whatever Dr. Ishgard has in store for you might be valuable enough that those with less sound morals might want to take it for themselves. Rest easy, for tomorrow will certainly be interesting." You give a nod of approval and another salute to Commander Park before opening the door and heading out into the hall.

As you make you way towards the main floor of the base, weaving your way through engineers and workers too caught up in their own worlds to be concerned with such trivial matters like paying attention to where they're going, a sudden force pull you around the corner. Spinning around you find the five faces of your teammates staring you down.

"Soooo, what took you so long Max?"

"Did she tell you something about performance today that she didn't want us to hear? Is she secretly ultra-pissed at us?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if our captain secretly, has some fling going on with the commander. An absolute military scandal waiting to happen!"

The voices of Ricardo, May, and Diana, ping against your ears as you remember the promise you had just made. You push past the quintet as you move towards the stairs, only to find them continuing to follow you. "There's nothing to tell, we didn't bring up anything else from the holo-mission, and there's no way in hell I'm in some relationship with Commander Park." you hiss out as you try to lose your comrades, your irritation slowly building up.

"Then what DID you two do that took so long?" they all ask as you finally make it to the ground floor.

>Keep quiet, you did promise to keep information from spreading
>Make up something to throw them off (what)
>Tell them you're going on a mission, but don't go into details
>Tell them about your mission
>Write-in

>>4601439
>Putting me on a mission away from you lot, don't miss me too much.
>Might just be a vacation, or some chore she didn't want to do herself most likely.

>>4601439
>Fiiiiiiiiiine you got me, the commander and I are secretly conspiring to elope tp se far flung colony tucked away from all the instability of this life.
Total deadpan delivery put that one acting call your parents put you in as a Child to use....

>>4601439
>>4601966
This. Fight fire with fire, and tasteless jokes with even more tasteless jokes.

Then segue into:
>Tell them you're going on a mission, but don't go into details
Just enough to not worry them, but not enough for anyone to figure out what we're going to do.
Call it, "an errand from the Commander".

>>4601450
>>4601966
>>4602481
Time for Maxim to reach maximum sass. writing

>>4603311
You've had enough of their prodding, time to give them what they're asking for. You suddenly come to a halt, your tagalongs walking past you before awkwardly turning around. "You want to know the truth?" you ask, a small grin forming on your face as they lean in for the reveal, "Well I must admit that I've been caught in a lie." You strut around the group, your face unreadable as you appreciate the years lost to the theatrical arts you admired in your youth "You see, me and Ms. Marika were planning on leaving this spinning prison to spread our love to some far off land, maybe that new colony they're building beyond Saturn. Now I know this is a sudden announcement, but try not to miss us too much, we'll send you all a postcard every now and then"

It takes everything you've got not to break into laughter and ruin the moment as you bask in their faces, from Luke's eyes flickering from side to side as he tries to compute the last three minutes, Louis' complete shock at the 180 from your normal self, and most of all the normal mocking Diana's face coated a deep crimson as you finally beat her at her own game.

Eventually, it becomes too much to handle and your bust out laughing, the tension being sucked out of the air as you all share a well deserved laugh. "Ahahaha, man Max I wasn't expecting that kind of performance out of you!" Ricardo manages between bouts of laughter.

"Please captain, don't mess with me like that, my heart can't take much more..." Louis sighs exasperated

In all seriousness" you begin as you start to walk towards the chow hall, your stomach growling in anticipation, "I was given an errand by Commander Park that she didn't have time to take care of herself, simple as that."
(cont)

>>4603448
For once, your teammates seem to give you a pass, even Diana who still seems to be reeling from your spectacular performance earlier to give her usual ribbing. You enjoy your meal with the ones you called comrade and friend. Despite the festivity you're sharing, in the corner of your mind lies the dread of tomorrow may bring. The irony of your earlier mocking despite partially wanting to share your fears gnaws on your psyche.

As the night goes on, you say goodbye to the five as you head to your room, the sparse decorations giving it the smallest hint of personality. Laying your head on the pillow, you try to sleep, submitting yourself to whatever your mind decides to call upon. As you slip between the barrier of consciousness, you see:
>A future that will never be, a world where you rode the line between destroyer and saviour
>A nightmare of the coming day, a warning from your subconscious
>Someone calling out for you, a message from the unknown
>Nothing (skip to tomorrow)

>>4603470
>>Someone calling out for you, a message from the unknown

>>4603470
>>Someone calling out for you, a message from the unknown

>>4603470
>A future that will never be, a world where you rode the line between destroyer and saviour

Stunned them.
Perfect.

>>4603470
>>A nightmare of the coming day, a warning from your subconscious

>>4603470
>>A future that will never be, a world where you rode the line between destroyer and saviour

>>4603470
>A nightmare of the coming day, a warning from your subconscious

No update tonight, terrible headache has killed any writing energy I have

>>4604520
get well soon qm

>>4604520
The curse strikes.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>4603470
Back and actually alive this time. But we have a three way tie to settle
1 = alt future
2 = nightmare
3 = message

>>4605840
You stand in a raging inferno, the skies darkened by vile smoke as the city burns around you. Sweat pours down your face as you stare down your enemies, twisted mockeries of humanity cast in metal. You begin to move, each step shaking the very earth around you as you go from a slow gait to a mad dash, ready to face those who threaten your home. You slam your fist into the one closest to you, its green face crumpling under your mighty fist as you send it flying into a nearby building.

The remaining two fire beams and blasts, but they scatter off your body as you turn to face them, eyes agleam with energy. With a burst of heat, your eyes let out a laser that pierces the rotund, second robot, turning the metal monster into slag in moments. The final robot seems to realize the futility of the situation and spreads its wings to fly away. You won't leave anyone to escape, not after this.

Raising your right arm, you notice the flames around you coating your fist as you take aim at the fleeing opponent. With a loud bang, you fire a blazing fist into the air, the distance between it and the flying coward shrinking by the second. The last mechanical monster turns around for a brief moment before your fist crashes through its body, an explosion raining its remains onto the city streets. Raising your arm to the sky as your weaponized appendage returns, the flames dance around you, swaying to your unconscious commands. As the first bit of sunlight breaks through the haze of violence, you're left to wonder:

Was the fire caused by those you fight, or from your own power?
(cont)

File: Forest building.jpg (1.21 MB, 1592x760)

1.21 MB JPG

>>4606022
The rays of the sun peeking through your window rouse you from your bizarre dream, sitting up from you place of rest as you try and interpret what you had seen. The strength you felt was exhilarating, like you could take on the entire NEC's forces and come out on top. But in the back of your mind, the final moments where you stood victorious amidst a burning city made you question if what you were doing was right. Recalling what Commander Park said about what you could be testing being a potential revolution in Steel Scout technology, you can't deny that being in control of something that incredible didn't make you feel somewhat giddy. Maybe this was your subconscious mind's obtuse way of remind you to stay on the straight and narrow, lest you become as much of a monster as those you fight.

You prepare for the day ahead, cleaning yourself off, putting on your uniform, and fixing up your dark hair that will inevitably look like you'd just woken up after only a few hours. As you move through the base you feel a buzz in your pocket as you pull out your phone and find a message from Commander Park containing the address of Dr. Ishgard. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, you run towards the garage, hoping onto one of the few remnants of your old life, a deep blue motorcycle that you've been taking care of for the last 3 years. Starting it up, you ride out into the colony, the wonder of how far humanity had came still striking you all these years later.

Looking up the location Commander Park had sent you, you're baffled by how out of the way this guy lives, going past smaller towns and lakes before crossing into a small forest. As the road turns from concrete to gravel and finally dirt, you start to see signs of someone living out in the middle of nowhere. Small light fixtures built into the ground, the path is surprisingly well kept for such a remote location, and most importantly a large automated gate standing before an affront to the nature around you, a large grey block building, with little care for beauty.

Looking at the gate, you notice a button and a small camera sticking onto the wall the barrier is attached to. Giving it a tentative push, a few moments pass before you hear a nasally voice break the silence. "Who are you, and what business do you have that warrants taking me away from my masterpieces?"

>Show him the card Commander Park gave you
>Tell him Commander Park sent you to do some testing for him
>Tell him you're here because you admire his work
>write-in

>>4606025
>Tell him commander park recommended him for the foremost advances in steel scout technology.

>>4606025
>Tell him Commander Park sent you to do some testing for him

>>4606025

>>4606399
And:
>Show him the card Commander Park gave you

>>4606399
>>4606827
Brownosing it is. Writing

>>4607117
Reaching into your shirt pocket, you pull out the beetle card and wave it in front of the Camera. "I came here on recommendation of Commander Marika Park from Fort Yamato" you begin, remembering her advice on how to get on the doctor's nice side "She told me that I could find the man behind some of the best advances in Steel Scout technology here."

"Ahh, I see my guest is a bit of a suck up." the voice responds, as the gate begins to open to welcome you in, "But who said I was against such behavior?" Revving up your bike again, you drive down the road leading up to the grey blot that houses your client. Leaving you bike on the side of the house near a surprisingly well kept flower garden, you walk towards the door, a gangly man with curly brown hair with several bit of grey speckled throughout, his cold grey eyes analyzing you from top to bottom. "Welcome to my humble home and laboratory. I take you are the Maxim Russo that Ms. Park had so lovingly recommended to be my assistant for my magnum opus?"

He motions you into the house, leading you into a lavishly decorated main room, the natural lighting shining just right onto the expensive furniture and various baubles decorating the table in the center to make them pop. However, this opulence is brought down by the obvious signs of a busy worker, various papers littering the floor and couch, a laptop on the coffee table surrounded by books and notebooks filled with information you brain cannot even begin to comprehend. Dr. Ishgard leads you to an elevator door, hitting basement floor button as you begin your descent. "I know you're curious about what goodies I have in store for you," your companion begins, his eyes filled with an unusual aura under the dim elevator lights, "But I love a good surprise, and you will be the very first to bask in my genius in so long. Can't a poor guy find some fun in these times?"

Eventually you make it to your destination, the doors opening to a large pit of darkness after a soft ding, the only forms of illumination being one flickering light near the entrance of the elevator. Dr. Ishgard gives you a hand sign to wait as he walk towards the light, his hand flicking a series of switches that slowly give you the ability to see what appears to be a vehicle hanger, with various vehicles for moving and repair parked along the side. But what lies in the center takes you breath away.
(cont.)

File: Dynafort.png (33 KB, 600x600)

33 KB PNG

>>4607199
A steel scout, roughly 18 meter tall lies before you. Walking towards it's silvery grey mass, you admire how sleek it is compared to the blocky aesthetic of the Avalaunch Mk IV you're used to. You question the reason for so many thrusters and exhaust vents spread across the body, from the sides of the leg, the cluster on the back, even one on each of the darker colored shoulders. From what you understand, while necessary for propulsion and heat control, the prominence on this goes well beyond what you'd consider needed.

"I present to you the next evolution of Steel Scouts, a machine powered by an engine considered impossible to manage, a body crafted to perfection, sleek yet durable, strong yet graceful! This is the result of 8 long years of labor, Project Dynamic Fortress!"

The grand standing of the doctor seems so small compared to the mechanoid before you, reaching up to touch its head, green eyes waiting to be given life staring at you. "Dynafort, huh? It's nice to meet you."

"If Dynafort is what you'd like to call it, I won't stand in your way." Dr. Ishgard walks up to you and places a bony hand on your shoulder as you bask in the machine's presence, "Now Maxim my boy, shall we begin testing?"

>"How did you build something like this by yourself?"
>"What was that about an impossible engine?"
>Say nothing, just get into the cockpit
>Write-in

>>4607204
>"It's beautiful."
>Get into the cockpit

>>4607269
+1

>>4607269
+1

>>4607204
>Write-in:
>"Hey Doc, mind if you fill me in on how different this guy is compared to a normal Steel Scout, maybe a stock Avalaunch? Like, average movement speed, reaction, freedom of movement? Y'know, so I can have a baseline to compare with."
>"It does look a lot sleeker than a normal Scout. More for dodging than shrugging off bullets, I guess..."

Because if you put so many thrusters around a body, more than what's required for AMBAC, that's almost like saying it's built for "turn on a dime, with vector thrust" kind of movements.
Or unexpectedly, it's so heavy that it requires body thrusters to just move (like the Alteisen Riese).

>>4607204
>>"What was that about an impossible engine?"

>>4607269
Fourthed

>>4607269
>>4607318
>>4607455
>>4607627
A million questions swirl in your mind as you straighten yourself up, but they're all forced by one simple thought. "It's beautiful" you finally manage as you prepare yourself for testing. walking towards the small set of portable stairs leading up to the platform Dynafort is resting upon. Dr. Ishgard begins moving towards the catwalk as you give the center of the chest a quick two taps. The sides of the chest slide back to allow the main hatch to swing upwards and revealing the cockpit.

As you climb into the machine, the cockpit door closing on you leaving you in the dim lights of start-up controls waiting to be used. A new switch suddenly lights up as you flick it on, causing a buzz of static before clearing up with a throat clearing cough from the doctor. "Now that we're ready to begin testing, starting up Dynafort is identical to what you're used to, no point in reinventing the wheel there" he begins, as you flip a series of switches, turn a few knobs, and press a few buttons. The once dim area begins to glow with screens and lights as you finalize initialization, the carrying platform shifting to assist you in standing up. "Oh I almost forgot, there's one extra step you need to complete" Dr. Ishgard says as you turn towards the now opening garage door leading to your next destination, "press the blue button on the main console."

As you begin to walk, you comply with the doctor's request and give the button a curious press. The main screen changes as a series of code flashes in front of you, before changing to a blank, blue screen. "Greetings, pilot 632," a calm feminine voice suddenly begins "I am the Ionic Complex Evaluation System for Project Dynamic Fortress. If this name is too lengthy for you, Dr. Ishgard as authorized the usage of the acronym ICES as an alternative. My purpose is to serve as a combat assistant AI, as well as measure JP concentration levels to ensure proper safety of both the pilot and Project Dynamic Fortress " The flash of words and images accompanying the AI's speech gives you pause as you take in what you just heard and seen. Once again, it seems like you've found yourself in a bizarre situation.

>Ask ICES to elaborate on her functions
>Ask Dr. Ishgard for an explanation of what just happened
>Just head to the testing grounds, this is too much to question right now
>write-in

>>4608723
>Ask ICES to elaborate on her functions

>Begin to worry. A little.
>Ask Dr. Ishgard what JP is and how there can be concentrations of it in a human body AND dynafort.

File: tellmemore.gif (940 KB, 627x502)

940 KB GIF

>>4608723
>>Ask ICES to elaborate on her functions

>>4608723
>Ask ICES to elaborate on her functions

>>4608723
>>Ask ICES to elaborate on her functions

>>4608723
>Ask ICES to elaborate on her functions

>>4608728
>>4608762
>>4609008
>>4609381
>>4609959
Writing

>>4610217
A bead of sweat begins to roll down your cheek as your fears from yesterday begin to rightfully return somewhat. Taking a deep breath to calm yourself, you speak to the screen in front of you, "ICES, can you go into further detail about what your functions are?"

"Affirmative, Pilot 632-"

"Please, just call me Maxim. Maxim Russo if you need a full name" you interrupt, being referred to as just a number, especially one as high as 632, makes you uneasy.

"Confirming preferred name as pilot Maxim" ICES responds to your request before continuing "Due to Project Dynamic Fortress' Hydium engine and its production of the previously mentioned Jekyll Particles, shortened to JP, I was developed to measure and assist in regulation of these particles to allow for Project Dynamic Fortress to be able to function over long periods of time."

Pressing the external speaker button, you ask Dr. Ishgard to explain what a "Hydium Engine" is. "Of course, my wonderful test pilot" the doctor's voice is filled with self-pride as he puff his chest out "The Hydium fusion engine is the invention of yours truly as a superior alternative to the Lithium fusion engines used by most Steel Scouts in use today." His face suddenly sours as he quickly whispers "Unfortunately it was rejected at time of its original development 15 years ago due to being 'too dangerous due to Ionic Complex formation being potentially devastating." "But now, I have perfected it, and with the help of Project Dynamic Fortress and you my boy, humanity will see the worth of my genius!"

The manic shouting of Dr. Ishgard does little to assuage your discomfort as ICES suddenly chimes in "To elaborate on what Dr. Ishgard has said, as JP concentration increases the phenomenon known as the 'Ionic Complex' begins to form. To prevent this, multiple safety measures have been put in place to not only prevent catastrophic damage, but to allow for Project Dynamic Fortress' performance to potentially exceed its usual parameters. The first was myself, who besides serving the normal roles of a combat AI, also monitors JP levels and, if concentrations reach 150% of what is considered safe, can force a cooldown mode where all functions are shutdown except for rapid expulsion of JP."

"The second counter measure, is what Dr. Ishgard coined the 'Ionic Discharge System', or IDS for short. This system allows for the funneling of JP into certain areas of Project Dynamic Fortress, such as its thrusters or hands, to allow for heightened mobility or funneling said particles into weapons for superior destructive force. However, please note that this increase in power is proportional to the JP concentration used for this process, so caution is advised in areas such as space colonies or underground locations.
(cont.)

>>4610239
Finally, you reach the surprisingly large testing grounds, a large expanse of various terrain types in a room that is surprisingly tall for being underground. You take note of various equipment lying on a large rack, including a beam riffle, two beam blade handles, a shield, and a peculiarly ridged lance of sorts. "Now that we've answered your questions to the best of our abilities" Dr. Ishgard begins as a series of targets rise up across the arena, "Let's being testing, don't let me down."

>Just focus on getting used to how Dynafort moves before trying weapons
>Grab something from the rack (specify)
>Destroy the targets with just Dynafort, no weapons needed
>Write-in

>>4610239
>Hydium
>Jekyll Particles
Maxim is in for a ride
>Just focus on getting used to how Dynafort moves before trying weapons
>Test out movements that exceed traditional steel scout motions using the thrusters
Weapons are standard, but movements are not.

>>4610240
>>4610241
>Just focus on getting used to how Dynafort moves before trying weapons
>Test out movements that exceed traditional steel scout motions using the thrusters

Ayup

>>4610240
>Just focus on getting used to how Dynafort moves before trying weapons

>>4610241
>>4610881
>>4611367
Need 3 1d100s to see how well you handle Dynafort's speed

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4611838

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4610881
>>4611838
Me at work

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4611838

>>4611913
>>4611917
>>4612353
Writing.

>>4613091
"If you don't mind Doctor, I'd like to see how Dynafort moves compared to the Steel Scout I'm normally used to."

"Of course" Dr. Ishgard replies, his voice a little too happy for your liking, "though be careful, I don't want you getting injured or see my creation damaged from some light exercise."

Finding an area with solid footing, you ready yourself for the initial brunt force of acceleration on your body as you shift the lever controlling thrust forwards, left, and up again, as you blast forwards and take off into low flight. You take your time moving at speeds you're comfortable with, though you find that you can at a noticeably sharper angle compared to Avalaunch Mk IV your used too due to the verniers in the shoulders. This is the part you've always loved about being a pilot, the ability to move in impossible ways and the freedom it brings.

"Come now, my boy!" the doctor's voice cuts through your joy and returns you to reality, "You're not giving this your all, I know Dynafort can move at least twice as fast as what you're going right now!"

You look in shock as you hear the bold claim of Dr. Ishgard, clenching your teeth as you get ready for what's next. Pushing your self to go as fast as possible, you move towards the long end of the room before taking off yet again. Your vision blurs as you accelerate faster and faster, Dynafort's engine galloping with glee. "This thing is insane" you think aloud as you get ready to make a turn and finish your lap around the area "How is it possible for this think to be this fast?"

In fact, it might even be too fast. Your attempt to turn goes haywire as you suddenly swing from one side of the cockpit to the other, narrowly avoiding smashing your head on the dashboard. Dynafort continues to fly without your direction, inching every closer to crashing into the testing grounds wall. Snapping into action, you attempt to slow down to avoid a potentially fatal crash, turning your machine around. You kick against the reinforced wall, the temporary foothold giving you the stability you need to correct your trajectory as you make a rough landing, dirt and stone being kicked up as you skid to a halt. You catch your breath as you feel your internals continue to shake around despite having came to a stop. The sheer acceleration on this thing is incredible, but you feel like you could actually rein in control if the chips were down.
(cont.)

>>4613193
"Top speed of 305 km/h recorded, despite difficulties from Pilot Maxim, no damage has been received by Project Dynamic Fortress." ICES' report of what you experienced confirms the doctor's claims, as you remember being instructed that the top speed of an unmodified Avalaunch clocked in at 165 km/h, while the one you've used for the last 2 years has been tuned to go 180 km/h.

"Bravo my boy! I was worried for a moment that you might have given yourself a concussion due to that high speed turn, but you managed to keep things somewhat under control. Now then, if you still have it in you, are you ready to begin weapons testing?"

>Pick something from the rack (specify)
>Practice mobility by striking the targets with solely Dynafort
>This is too much, ask to retire

>>4613195
>let's try out those beam blades and shield
Hopefully this shield is a little more sturdy than our last one.

>>4613195
>beam blades and shield
percision cuts, and using the thrusters to juke and feint

>>4613195
>>Pick something from the rack (specify)
>the Federation standard SS rifle (with training rounds)

>>4613195
>Beam blades and shield

There might not be an update today, Internet issues decided to strike and I’m not sure when they’ll be resolved

Internet is back, but I need some 1d100s to see how well you do

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>4615076

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>4615076

>>4615079
>>4615335
Maxim gets to flex his melee skills, writing

>>4615835
You give the doctor a grunt of approval as you walk towards the oversized weapons rack. Grabbing onto a pair of beam blade handles, you notice the unusual shape of the beam emitter section, tapered to a point with a seemingly useless set of small joints on either side of the shaft some inches from the top. A diagram, most like ICES' handiwork, pops up on your main screen showing were to store the handles, in small holders built onto the hip section that keep the grips out for quick access. In addition, you decide to pick up the oblong light grey and blue shield, gripping it in your left hand as it attaches onto a port built into the upper arm. Giving it a quick series of taps and bangs, you hear a odd sound echoing within the piece, as if there's something stored inside the shield.

"ICES, bring up a map of targets in the area." your request is answered by a rudimentary diagram of the arena with 13 targets, seven of which appear to be in motion, appears for you. Grabbing onto one beam handle with your free hand, you take off towards the nearest targets, a trio near an imitation of uneven lunar terrain. Your eyes tighten with focus as you swiftly thrust your ignited blade forwards and pierce the first of 13 goals, using the thrusters on your back and shoulder to continue your momentum towards the next two targets. With a duo of slashes, the two fall onto the floor with a clatter.

You continue to move from area to area, only slowing down to turn yourself around as you stab, slash, and smash through the remaining three stationary goals and move onto the first of moving target, it drifting through the air akin to a pilot surveying an area. As you ready to jump, you realize that you were going about piloting Dynafort the wrong way before. Instead of moving as necessary like you would in an Avalaunch, you needed to constantly move, winding and weaving your way through the battlefield in a wild, yet graceful dance. Boosting into the air, you rise above your target before dashing forwards with your shield held out, crashing through it as you land and dash towards a pair of circling bullseyes, a slash from you blade and a punch from your shield eliminating them both. Despite your apprehensions, you appreciate the surprising resilience of this shield, it will surely serve well as both a defensive tool as well as an offensive option in its own right.

Eventually, you make you way to the final target, one "holding" a shield in front of it waiting for you in a forested landscape. With a burst of speed, you prepare to assault the target, taking a wild, visible swipe with your right arm. Predictably the shield raises to intercept, but you pull your arm back and drift to the right, the blade only lightly grazing the shield's surface. Letting go of the shield's handle, you grab onto the other blade at your hip in a reverse grip, stabbing at the defenseless side of the target you finally slide to a halt and drag your blade with you.
(cont.)

>>4615940
You take a deep breath as you take a look at your handiwork. On the console screen, zero targets remain, their remains scattered around the testing grounds burnt and deformed by you blades and shield. "Maxim, my boy you continue to impress me!" the doctor's high pitched voice full of pride as you sheath your blade handles, "Ms. Park had spoken highly of your abilities, but to complete my test in only 139 seconds with only melee weaponry exceeds my expectations." You feel your face grow warm as you receive Dr. Ishgard's praise, giving a small pat to the Main console screen containing ICES as well to share in the success. "With this data, Dynafort's basic combat abilities should be more than enough, now to test-"

There are three sounds that put you on edge the moment you hear it. The first is thunder, due to the time your family's house was stuck by lightning during a nasty storm when you were young. The second is Commander Park tapping her glasses frame with her nails as she prepares to give reprimands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWUUblpDZA

The third, is what you faintly hear now: the sounds of the base's alarm, signally an attack is occurring on the colony. Those siren's are every soldier's worst nightmare, and right now that terror is very real. You quickly move back into the hanger, your brain processing everything that's going on and what to do next. "Dr.Ishgard!" you shout into the speaker as you prepare to exit Dynafort, "I need to return to base as quickly as possible! You stay down here unless the officials give the signal to evacuate."

"Maxim Russo, don't be so hasty." the calmness in the doctor's voice disturbs you considering that it's possible that he might not live to see tomorrow. "Don't you see, this is the perfect opportunity to test Dynafort in live combat! I'm sure JP concentration is also high enough to allow for the IDS to be somewhat usable."

"You expect me to use a unfamiliar machine in the middle of an active battle? What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that the person currently inside of my work, who has proven himself capable of using it to its potential, can do some good and help fix this situation."

>Believe in yourself and the doctor's work. Take Dynafort into battle
>Exit Dynafort, and drive back to the base. It's insane to take a barely testing Steel Scout into active combat

>>4615943
>Believe in yourself and the doctor's work. Take Dynafort into battle

>>4615943
>Believe in yourself and the doctor's work. Take Dynafort into battle
We will definitely get there faster in DynaFort if nothing else!
Also make sure to grab that rifle on our way out, don't wanna go in with No ranged options at all....

>>4615943
>Believe in yourself and the doctor's work. Take Dynafort into battle
Do it, Anakin

>>4615943
>Believe in yourself and the doctor's work. Take Dynafort into battle

>>4616000
>>4616051
>>4616056
>>4616116
The doctor's words resonate within you as you contemplate what to do next. Deep down, there's a part of you that's afraid of something going wrong, of making a bad situation worse. However, you also now that it's unlikely for you to make it in time if you take your bike, and that this is your best chance to protect the people trying to live peacefully on this colony. Before you know it, your conscious had already made the choice for you as you instinctively return to the testing area to grab the beam rifle from the rack and holster it on Dynafort's back. "I'll do it." you reply as you return to the hangar, your voice steady and clear, "I believe in your work and it's ability to do some good.

"Thank you, my boy, but I believe in your abilities just as much I do Dynafort's" As Dr. Ishgard speaks, you notice another door open up, revealing a elevator large enough for a steel scout. Stepping onto the lift, you give the doctor a salute of respect that he returns with a thumbs up. "Don't worry about me Maxim, I assure you we will meet again!" As the doors close, you risen higher with a jolt as the lift rises towards the surface.

Eventually the ground above you splits open as you find yourself in a empty lot some distance from the doctor's house. You immediately take to the sky, heading towards Fort Yamato. The trees below blur and turn into small cities that seem to be safe for the moment as the trip that took over an hour turns into mere minutes as you dash through the blue sky. As you get closer, your worse fears are confirmed, smoke bellows from the base as you see from the distance several fights occurring. Green and white figures clash and dance until one falls, a disturbing number being your side's forces.

As you get ready to rush into combat, you hear a small noise from the main console, showing 5 dots moving away from the battle. "Five units are exiting the battlefield. Based on their current path, it is like that they will make it to Akatsuka in approximately 10 minutes. Your eyes harden in disgust as you take in the information that they plan to assault innocents. However, you're not sure if anyone else has noticed the fleeing enemies as you overlook the raging battle.

>Head forwards to protect the base. You got to make sure your friends are safe first
>Head after the fleeing enemies, you can't let them harm any civilians
JP Concentration: 50%

>>4617450
>>Head after the fleeing enemies, you can't let them harm any civilians
In this case, I think we need to have faith in our friends's abilities.

>>4617450
>Head after the fleeing enemies, you can't let them harm any civilians
Going into a chaotic battle with an unknown mech will also cause our own forces to panic, even if we can comm them

>>4617456
>>4617555
Roll 1d100, Bo3, to see how fast you can catch up to the fleeing five

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>4618091
can we use some of that JP juice?

>>4618147
Of course, just specify how much you want to use, unless you want to see what happens when you use 50%.

>>4618190
15%, I guess.

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>4618091

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>4618091

>>4618956
>>4619116
Gotta go fuckin fast apparently

>>4618147
>>4618956
>>4619116
Well you’re going to catch up with them regardless, but are you okay with >>4618196 suggestion of JP usage?
Next time I’ll leave it as a choice option to avoid this

>>4619123
Sure, let's try it out

Writing

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>>4619987
No one at the base knows you're piloting Dynafort, so you're presence could spark greater chaos, so it'd be best to avoid approaching the base and deal with the fleeing enemies before they cause havoc in the city. Dropping down to the ground to help keep your presence down while you stalk the group, you begin to devise a plan of attack. A surprise attack to eliminate one of their numbers would be best, but even with Dynafort's speed it's possible they'll catch on and evade your assault. Then it clicks in: the IDS can potentially increase your mobility enough to get the drop on them. "ICES," you begin as you take to the air once more and begin picking up speed. "JP dispersion towards thrusts, 15% concentration!"

"Confirmed, Pilot Maxim. IDS ready to active in 10 seconds."

You line yourself up with the unit on the far left as Dynafort speeds up more and more. "Now, active!" you shout as the air buzzes with energy for a split moment as you shoot forwards faster than ever, your vision blurring as your position yourself for impact. The poor pilot doesn't even realize you're coming until you foot crashes into the side of his Steel Scout's cockpit and sends him spiraling across the air and towards a farm outside of the city. You slide and turn, the blast of speed lasting only a few seconds, though your wobbling stomach makes you glad you ate a light breakfast.

The remaining four enemies don't notice their missing ally at first, stopping to search the area before realizing you're there. Now that you're closer to them, you realize that these Steel Scouts look like heavily modified versions of the Avalaunch Mk IV. While the shaped are significantly different as whatever stands before you is about a head taller, the placement of armor in areas such as the legs, hips, and forearms reveal their common ancestry. The most radical difference is the head, a dark blue and charcoal highlighted block with a single orange eye smoldering with hate. "I'll only say this once" you state coldly over the speakers, "Retreat now and leave this city alone, or I will strike you all down to protect the people of this colony"

Their reply comes in the form of a barrage of bullet fire from three of the enemies guns that you block and avoid by dropping down and and boosting in front of them as you grab your beam rifle from you back. You fire a bright blue beam towards the one in the front, the impact sending him reeling as they struggle to balance themself. Suddenly one of them flies forwards towards the city, your attempt to stop them interrupted by the other 3 surrounding you.

"Cygnus, you go ahead without us!"

"He can't take us all down and catch up with you!"

"No matter what happens to us you must complete the mission!"

The trio's shouts emphasize their intent to stall you until whatever scheme they entrusted to "Cygnus" is completed, which you cannot let go through.

>Focus on taking down the trio
>Try to break through and catch up with the runner
>Write-in

>>4620196
>Focus on taking down the trio

>>4620196
Also, since I was at character capacity and had no room
JP concentration: 35%
>Discharge? (specify percent and where to use it)

>>4620196
>Use 25%
>Blast a hole straight through them into "Cygnus"

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4620209
>>4620545
Welp no one came to break this up so coin time. Either way need 1d100, Bo3

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>4621469

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>4621469

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>4621469

>>4621554
>>4621718
>>4621850
May or may not have fallen sick for two days. Rewriting the junk my sickly brain spewed out

>>4625017
If they want a fight so be it, you'll take them all down before going after "Cygnus". Shutting off your thruster for a moment, you drop from their triple attack and fire a quick shot at the one you hit previously. Surprisingly, the trio separate, allowing him to evade you attack, before your target divebombs at you with a knife in hand. Hitting the ground hard you push off and backwards to evade the assault, only to be smacked forwards by another member striking you in the back while you were distracted. You shaken off the surprise fast enough to avoid the rain of bullet fire from the third member of the enemy trio and get back into the air. You hate to admit that their teamwork is top notch, and your own teammates could probably learn a thing or two from these guys.

However, they failed to account for one thing: Dynafort's speed. The main console show two of them approaching you, likely in an attempt to pincer you yet again. You keep still and aim like you're about to shoot, before quickly boosting to the side, your sudden movement nearly making the pair crash into each other. Seizing the opportunity, you go behind the one closest to you and smash its head with your shield, it's cyclopic image ruined as you crumple it like a can. Your attack effectively leaves him blinded as he crashes into the trees below, the blue machine no longer moving as it's likely the impact knocked out the pilot. Focusing your ire on the second claw of that pincer attack, you put away your rifle and grab a beam blade handle, igniting it as you swing at what you assume is the cockpit area. Your target, the one you had shot earlier, swings their blade to intercept your blow, the metal surprisingly not melting implying it has some kind of ablative coating similar to what is applied on a steel scout's armor and shields. You break off your clash with a swift front kick before stabbing through the enemies left shoulder and cleanly slicing off the arm it's attached to. A second slash of your beam blade removes the right leg and leaves the machine helpless as it joins its ally on the ground.

With two of your opponents down, you finally turn to the one who was strangely absent when his friends fell. Grabbing your rifle again, you to shoot towards where the engine of an Avalaunch would be. "W-Wait, don't shoot!" a shout emerges from the last enemy, one that is younger than you expected now that you're actively listening, "I won't stop you anymore, just don't kill me or my friends!"

>Leave him to pursuit the fleeing enemy into town
>You can't trust an enemy. Shoot him down
>Write-in
JP Concentration: 40%

>>4625064
>Leave him to pursuit the fleeing enemy into town
Smash and dash these fools

>>4625017
Hey man all good, hope you are feeling better!

>>4625064
>Leave him to pursuit the fleeing enemy into town

>>4625064
>Leave him to pursuit the fleeing enemy into town
20% JP usage

>>4625064
>>You can't trust an enemy. Shoot him down

>>4625906
>>4626241
>>4626288
Writing

>>4628263
You considering shooting down the Steel Scout in front of you for a long while. Why should you trust an enemy? How can you make sure he won't try to shoot you in the back as you go into Akatsuka? What if he joins his allies in assaulting the base? However, another part of you tell you to take this chance, lest any civilians suffer for your hesitance. You slowly lower you rifle and turn towards the awaiting city, but as you leave you say "I'd get out of here while you still can. The next time we meet, I might not be so merciful."

As you fly above Akatsuka, the normally bustling streets are mostly empty save for a few people and vehicles scrambling for safety. But what leaves you confused is the lack of damage, save for cracked concrete where "Cygnus" failed to properly land. "Why would someone invade a major city and not destroy it?" you ponder as you land and scan the area. As far as you're aware, there's should be no major military building inside the city proper, and the few research companies mainly use the city as a shipping and inspection center before they make their final journey to earth.

"Large movement detected 25m south, based on its size and speed, it is likely the enemy unit you are searching for" ICES suddenly chimes in as a moving blip appears on your console screen. You begin to move again, staying low and moving through the gaps between building to keep your presence to a minimum. As you close in, you begin to see signs of violence. Empty shells littering the ground, more and more landing craters, even a few gashes as if the pilot had dragged something across the ground. The lack of signs of resistance implies that this was the result of a chase rather than a smaller battle breaking out.

Eventually, you see the enemy, its movements seeming bizarre as it randomly turns and stops. On a whim, you zoom your main camera onto the machine and the area in front of it, only to find a girl running for her life. The Monoeyed machine suddenly fires a few shots in front of the fleeing female, causing her to turn and find her self corralled into a wall. As the enemy steel scout puts away its machine gun, you realize that their true purpose was to kidnap this girl for some purpose. You see the girl helplessly raise her arms as the cold metal hand of the enemy begin to reach towards her.

>Grab the girl before the enemy can
>Attack the enemy before he can grab her
>Let the enemy take the girl, and follow them to wherever they take her
>Write-in
JP Concentration: 45%

>>4628401
>Attack the enemy before he can grab her
the twist is that the "girl" is actually pushing 50

>>4628443
oh, and 25%

>>4628401
>Attack the enemy before he can grab her
15%

>>4628443
>>4628985
Just need 1d100, Bo3. Also what do you want to apply the JP on?

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>4629904
thrusters? accuracy?

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>4629904

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4629904

>>4630448
High speed violent engagement Intensifies

>>4629904
>>4630082
I don't think moving too fast while carrying a civilian is smart so accuracy

>>4630082
>>4630448
>>4630450
Writing. I gotta make a pastebin for what JP can and cannot work on for next thread

>>4631462
"ICES, can Jekyll particles be used to enhance the main camera's functionality?" You ask the AI as you train your eyes on the clearly panicking girl, her frantic movements only delaying her inevitable capture.

A series of calculations and figures flash across the main console as ICES seem to compute your request before replying, "While Doctor Ishgard never intended for the Ionic Discharge System to be used in such a way, it is hypothetically possible. However, risk of damaging important structures is possible, so it would be wise to take this into account.

"That's all I need to hear. Prepare to use 25% of our current capacity." You cap off your reply by firing a shot at the enemy's machine, intentionally missing in order to avoid potentially toppling it onto the would-be captive. Your warning shot succeeds in distracting Cygnus, who replies by flinging a dagger at you. Blocking the blade with your shield, you push Dynafort to its top speed as you slam into the enemy, dragging it further and further away from the heart of the city. As your grasp is broken by a punch to your side, you draw you beam blade and exchange a barrage of clashing slashes with the Navy Steel Scout.

Breaking away for a moment, you begin to charge again as your opponent draws their Machine gun and prepares to fire. ICES, Discharge!" you command the AI as the air once again sparks alive, a bit stronger than the last time. The world seems to slow despite your movements proving otherwise, the bullets hurling towards you seeming to slow to a crawl as you barrel roll around them and close in on your target. Realizing what is happening, Cygnus raises his gun at you in a final attempt to defeat you. An attempt you quickly prove pointless as you bring your blade through his gun arm and into his Steel Scout's chest, the slowdown effect you've caused allowing you to stop you blade's descent before it strike the reactor and sets off an explosion and raise it up again and out it's left shoulder. The remains of the fighter rain onto the streets below, the result of your experiment wearing off right before they hit the ground. You catch your breath as your eyes readjust to real time.

Returning to where you before your assault, you find the girl still there, her faces covered by her hands as she cries tear of either joy or exhaustion. As she looks up at you, a flash of fear returns to her face, likely unsure of what you plan for her.

>Instruct her to find safety
>Try to comfort her
>Say nothing, it's time to return the base
>Write-in
JP Concentration: 20%

>>4631593
Ishgard is going to be reaaaaal happy with this data.

We're military, so we have SOP for interacting with civilians, right?
>Identify ourselves
>Ask who she is and if she knows why she is being targeted. Is another attack expected?
we're probably going to have to bring her in, at least to an evacuation center.

>>4631593
>Instruct her to find safety

>>4631593

>Instruct her to find safety

>>4631593
>>Instruct her to find safety

>>4631995
>>4632006
>>4632824
Before I write just want to ask, do you want to speak to the girl from inside Dynafort or speak to her face to face?

>>4633164
Like open the hatch and speak to her while still in the Dynafort yeah. getting out all the way would pose too much of a risk

>>4633234
TFW you pass out while writing an update
Lowering Dynafort into a kneel, you see her arms instinctively rise in a defensive pose. You sigh, realizing that her freezing up will only lead to her getting killed later. Pressing a button on the right console, you open the cockpit to the world, the wind whipping into your face as you sit on the lip of the hatch and look at the crying girl. Now that she has you full attention, you notice how her auburn hair is wild and splattered by dirt and pebbles, her once nice dress ruined by small tears, and a freckled faces with vivid green eyes marred by mud and cuts. Just how long was she being chased before you came in?

"Hey, you need to get out of here!" you shout down to the girl as she wipes her face of tears and faces you, "There should be an evacuation center nearby that you can hide in until things blow over, or if necessary, you will be escorted to a ship to evacuate the colony!"

"Ye-Yes Sir!" the girl snaps to her feet at your instruction and begins to run down the street only to pause and return to you to ask, "Umm, where is the evacuation center? I just got here so I haven't learned where everything is yet."

You narrow your eyes at her response, as the last ship that arrived with new civilians was several months ago, long enough to learn where several of the evacuation centers are unless they spent all their time locked up in their room. And you doubt a girl like her would be a shut-in of any kind. "It's two blocks down, at the Merton Recreation Center" you reply, deciding to hold back your suspicions for another time.

The girl flashes you a thumbs up and a smile as she begins to run towards the Recreational center as you sit back in your cockpit and close the hatch. As you rise again and prepare to leave for the base, you hear the strange girl shout "I forgot to say thank you! I'm Noelle by the way, but everyone calls me Elle! What's your name?"

"Maxim, Maxim Russo." you reply as the various thrusters on Dynafort deploy and push you into the air. Elle gives you a double armed wave before finally running to safety as you begin to head towards Fort Yamato. As you exit the city, you notice the two machines you stuck down earlier still there while the one you spared is long gone. You hope he was smart and got out of here before things get worse. But a part of you thinks you were wrong to spare him in the first place.

As you approach the still raging battlefield, your mind replays the events of today, bringing forth more questions and confusion. What is the true potential of Dyn*afort, and is it truly safe to handle? Why was a rest stop colony like Phobos-3 attacked on such a scale? Who is Noelle and what about her made her a target for the colony's invaders? As the wheel of destiny continues to turn, you find yourself a forced passenger on its journey through history, still unaware of your purpose.

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And that is where we'll stop for this thread, seeing as it's on page 9. I'll be taking a few days to do some write-ups and planning.
Thank you to everyone who stayed for my 5/10 writing, and any criticism is appreciated.

>>4635219
Thanks for running Mechanon
When do you think you'll put the next thread up? Or should I just randomly check the catalogue

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>>4635219
>Posting Kamile

>>4635219
nah man, I put it at 8/10. Quality is real good, you can build on it as you go along.

Now what are we doing with this probably princess? Hope she's not the kind that fuels an ancient beast with her virgin sacrifice.

Thread is now archived!
>>4635550
I'm aiming for Tuesday/Wednesday, unless something delays me IRL
>>4635936
Thanks for the kind words. I feel like I'm finding my footing after how rough the first few updates were in my eyes.