2023-01-14: Die Zauberflote - Love Drifts Away
- Cast: Asciel Colette, Leina Ashta, George de Sand, Romilly Draid, Banagher Links, Roux Louka, Lucine Azul, Nena Trinity, Vitaly Sokolov, Regina Everhart, Li Yao, Hikaru Amano, Setsuna F. Seiei
- Where: Side 4
- Date: U.C. 0097 01 14
- Summary: Colonel Garland commandeers the Macross 13 to raze a key Celestial Being outpost from the map - all to hide revelation of his own misdeeds. And behind it all, there's one step closer to the real goal of it all...
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
A flicker of light marks the scurrying of a most hasty train car soaring along the Orbital Ring's frame - high speed rail reaching obscene speeds for priority visitors, after all, when there's no aerodynamics to be concerned for.
There have been more lines creasing Colonel Wilbur Garland's forehead as of late - a fact not at all helped by the patent teasing of his collaborator.
"Stress like that just isn't healthy for you, Colonel. Relax! After this whole affair is through, we'll hook you up with the best spa facilities in the Earth Sphere," muses Director Manfred Brando, who, during this entire conference call, is conveniently multitasking by practicing an elegy on his violin. One of them is having fun, at least.
"Hmph. Fortunate that you're so capable of taking it easy here. You realize that the errant documents implicate you just as much as me, don't you? At this point it's both of our necks on the line, and you'd better not assume I'll be doing all the work." Garland tries his best to lower the volume while Brando fills the train car with his practicing.
"I can see the scandals plaguing the headlines now: "Company sells product to customer". Shock and awe! After all, it's not like we're twiddling our thumbs. We've fully refined the new equipment of the Macross 13, just as you specified. You're planning on wiping out their entire outpost, correct? Good! They're in for a nasty surprise when they try to repel you."
The airy, yet mournful tune of the violin carries all the way towards the naval outpost, where a vivid purple aircraft carrier is docked, waiting and refueling...
Garland, making his way to the bridge, eyes as steely as ever - but anyone with a bit of wisdom can tell that he's talking faster than before, hastier to conclude his mission briefs than before.
The map of space in the still tentatve colony space of Side 4 - honing in one one in particular.
"Today's target will be a revealed Celestial Being R&D outpost - one occupied by their plausible deniability backers in Vindirance. Funding is rumored to be from ZAFT backers, and much of their material and resources are traded with the PLANTs, but one thing is for sure - this nest is confirmed to have multiple key Celestial Being agents, as our imminent swatting of it will attest. We're here to raze these terrorists' stationing to the ground. The Macross 13 will be preparing its payload - don't be afraid to treat this ship as the battering ram that'll storm down their gates."
A waveform joins in the call - a badge simply labeled 'OWL' chiming in. "Looks like aaaaaall of our preparations are ready! Don't mind that I gave the Cannon a quick little test fire earlier - I just wanted to be tooootally sure it was operational. I'll be your remote navigator for today, Colonel, so you just keep the commands coming, and we'll blaze a trail through the sky!~"
A stern nod from Colonel Garland - followed by a dramatic sweep of his arm. "Operation - Love Drifts Away: Commence!"
And at full speed ahead - the small outpost, barely larger than a La Vie en Rose-class mobile dock - is quickly opened fire upon by the Macross 13 and its escort...!
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has deployed in RX-123-P Gundam TR-S [Rabscuttle Proto].
KTS: Lucine Azul has deployed in eEXM-17FT Alto Flight Type.
KTS: Hikaru Amano has deployed in Aestivalis Zero-G Frame (Hikaru).
KTS: Regina Everhart has deployed in eEXM-17FT Alto Flight Type.
KTS: Regina Everhart has changed loadout.
KTS: Li Yao has deployed in GNF-00XNH Yulong.
KTS: George de Sand has deployed in GF04-009NF Gundam Rose.
KTS: Nena Trinity has deployed in GNW-003 Gundam Throne Drei.
KTS: Nena Trinity has changed loadout.
KTS: Leina Ashta has deployed in MSZ-013 MP Type ZZ Gundam.
KTS: Roux Louka has deployed in ReZ II - <MS Mode>.
KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has deployed in GN-001 Gundam Exia.
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has placed a bucket with capacity 5!
KTS: Banagher Links has deployed in RX-0 Unicorn Gundam <Destroy Mode>.
KTS: Asciel Colette has placed a bucket with capacity 4!
KTS: Leina Ashta has joined Asciel Colette's bucket!
KTS: Romilly Draid has deployed in NHI-78 Kingmaker.
KTS: Banagher Links has joined Asciel Colette's bucket!
KTS: George de Sand has joined Vitaly Sokolov's bucket!
KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has joined Asciel Colette's bucket!
KTS: Nena Trinity has joined Asciel Colette's bucket!
KTS: Lucine Azul has placed a bucket with capacity 1!
KTS: Asciel_Colette has deployed as a Boss for 4 opponents.
KTS: Hikaru Amano has placed a bucket with capacity 1!
<Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
<poem>
EARLIER
"That is why we need you here during this." Vitaly tries to impress on Lucine Azul. "After deployment, I'll make top speed to the outpost. The Macross will be bombarding from a longer range, and I will be trying to get us in closer. I fully expect that the moment we start poking the nest, we are going to get stung. I need you to protect the Macross with everything you have. I am not looking for you to assault the outpost itself. Leave that to the captain. Expect Gundam presence."
NOW
Moving alongside the Macross 13, moves a machine that seems to almost be like a wart upon the bottom of its body. The occassional glimmer from the sun catches its frame, giving aways its position, as the 'Winter Witch of Ravnui' stares out into space, at the small colony ahead.
This isn't the first time that Vitaly Sokolov has come along on a mission to assist this particular man. Colonel Garland.
She lets out a sigh, as she adjusts the lock on her prosthetic arms, hearing the little crick of the metal straining. Something doesn't feel right about pulling the young pilots into this. But she knows that there are stakes at play here beyond the fall of this outpost.
The moment the first blast erupts from the Macross 13, the Rabscuttle breaks away from the massive vessel, and enormous rockets launch it straight forward amidst said beam fire. A rare occassion upon which the Rabscuttle can be seen before entering the fray.
Like a terrible spectre, announcing itself.
KTS: Romilly Draid has joined Vitaly Sokolov's bucket! KTS: Regina Everhart has joined Hikaru Amano's bucket! KTS: Li Yao has joined Lucine Azul's bucket! KTS: Roux Louka has joined Asciel Colette's bucket! KTS: Vitaly_Sokolov has deployed as a Boss for 2 opponents.
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
Leina had taken a brief trip to Sweetwater, so when the call went out that Federation forces were moving on the R&D outpost-
"<This is Spade-7 of the Shuffle Alliance responding. I'm already in the area - ETA 13 minutes.>"
-the MP Double Zeta moved to respond thrusters burning bright, pinging a friendly IFF to all Shuffle and Celestial Being units, joined by several Shuffle Units on the way, "<It's a relief you could make it, Club-7, Heart-6... I have a feeling this one is going to be bad.>"
It's all very official how she uses their code names, Leina is... stressed. She had mixed feelings about protecting a Celestial Being outpost - but it's Federation aggression all the same. Most of the people here are likely civilians.
And the Federation can't get ahold of Celestial Being's advanced technology. That would be disastrous for all involved.
"<... They're using a Macross 13?>" There's a sudden pulse of anger out of her, all the ideals of the Macross fleets, trampled on by the Federation.
A p r e s s u r e that seeps out over the battlefield like an oppressive chill upon those who aren't especially psychically sensitive...
... though it is much more intense to those who are, like ice pushing in claustrophobically.
"<Again and again the ideals of Spacenoids are coopted by those disgusting aristocrats in Dakar.>" She says over her voice changer, bitterness plain.
The MP Double Zeta takes up a defensive stance near the outpost - and waits for the fray to be joined.
KTS: Leina Ashta targets Asciel Colette, Vitaly Sokolov, and Lucine Azul with Shock. KTS: Leina Ashta has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Leina Ashta shocks Asciel Colette, reducing her Morale significantly. KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 66075 KTS: Leina Ashta shocks Vitaly Sokolov, reducing her Morale significantly. KTS: [Spirit Defense] Vitaly Sokolov's Sheer Spite activates, and her spirit endures. KTS: Leina Ashta shocks Lucine Azul, reducing her Morale significantly.
<Pose Tracker> George de Sand has posed.
George de Sand did not like Celestial Being.
He did not like their brutish ways of resolving conflict.
He did not like that they seemed to be operating off of a long dead man's will rather than having any leadership of their own.
And he did not like that the Shuffle Alliance was currently working with them.
However, he did not like how the Federation's autonomous bloc G-Hound had begun to overextend their hand even more, so he had agreed to a shaky truce. After all, their goals were technically aligned.
He finds himself in front of the Celestial Being outpost, the Rose Gundam simply standing there, holding out its saber. The Federation was bringing out the big guns...he had to stop this before a full-out war broke out. The Gundam's head immediately turns towards the Rabscuttle. An opponent.
The Rose takes off, rushing towards the Rabscuttle with its blade stretched out forward, coming in for an initial lunge.
KTS: George de Sand targets Vitaly Sokolov with En Garde! KTS: George de Sand has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov fails to parry George de Sand's En Garde, taking 2400 damage! KTS: George de Sand has engaged Vitaly Sokolov!
<Pose Tracker> Romilly Draid has posed.
"Junior! Get to gettin'! Now, now, now!" Lights flicker as Romilly sprints down a hallway, helmet in hand. His spacesuit sports a plug for an MMI at the base of the spine.
UNDERSTOOD, PILOT. BEGINNING CHECKMATE OS PRE-BOOT PROCEDURES.
The outpost's launch bay, abuzz in activity, soon has one more pilot in the midst of scrambling. The blond-haired ex-mercenary snaps on his helmet and seals it with a crisp 'ksshp,' as impacts from enemy fire shake the ground beneath his feet. A blue wanzer with a cylindrical head and one cyclopic, gleaming blue eye reaches a hand out to catch its pilot as he leaps. The cockpit, painted with a white decal of a butterfly escaping a coccoon, splits open, and the wanzer helps its pilot in.
Inside the cockpit, viewscreens aglow, Romilly's hands find the manual controls easily. A data spike juts from the pilot's chair, plugging into the port at the base of Romilly's spine. CHECKMATE OS ONLINE. WELCOME BACK, MILLY.
Gloved fingers race across keypads and toggle switches, before a notification flashes on-screen. Permission to launch. Flung into space via inertial catapult, the wanzer's thrusters burn brightly, carrying it into the engagement.
<Roger, Spade-7! This is Morpho, C.B. I got visual on hostile armor from a previous engagement. We got a leak needs seein' to real soon, over.>
ALLIED MOBILE SUIT ENGAGING YOUR TARGET.
The Kingmaker is a small target, weaving between the chaotic exchange to perform the difficult task of keeping the Rabscuttle in his sights. His eyes flick across the screen, and he does a brief but noticeable double take.
<Well, damn. Is who I think it is? Shoot... I ain't about to look this gift horse in the mouth. I'm on your six, mon-shoor.>
The Kingmaker reaches for a heavy pack mounted on its back, mechanical servos popping up the butt of a drum-magazine assault rifle. The chain rifle spits out controlled bursts, the pilot waiting for clear sight lines yet taking utmost advantage of east.
KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Romilly Draid: Will Barrier Activates. KTS: Romilly Draid targets Vitaly Sokolov with Chain Rifle Burst Fire! KTS: Romilly Draid has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov fails to evade Romilly Draid's Chain Rifle Burst Fire, taking 4050 damage! KTS: Romilly Draid begins a Formation attack! <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Banagher is never eager to leave Leina's side, but after what happened on Tuesday, he's practically been glued to her. Half for his own comfort, and half to make sure nothing more could go wrong. It's still too much to think about -- the blood, the horrific pain of that necklace -- and so he's kept himself very busy.
One beneficiary of this frantic energy has been Haro. The little green companion robot is safely attached to Banagher's pilot seat in his Christmas-present net. That's hardly the only new aspect to Haro's appearance, though: a glowing white decoration crowns Haro's front, a stylized Unicorn horn. It provides enough light to illuminate the Unicorn's cockpit. Lining Haro's winglets and central opening, soft lime green glows. The little robot is terribly proud.
"<Banagher Links, Unicorn Gundam! Accompanying Spade-7!>" Banagher broadcasts, accompanied by a happy noise from Haro.
Already glowing scarlet, the Unicorn trails starlight as it races toward the battlefield. Banagher feels Leina's pulse of anger, and that icy chill, perhaps more than anyone else. Shuddering in his seat, he opens a private line.
"<Love, are you going to be okay for this? I know you're angry, and this is horrible, but you've got to stay focused!>"
As usual, when the MP ZZ takes its stance, the Unicorn hovers just in front of it, protectively. She's holding a shield and her beam magnum, ready to protect the one her pilot loves.
KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Pass! KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Accel Spirit Command and Has Engaged with Romilly Draid KTS: Asciel Colette fails to react to Banagher Links's Pass, taking 0 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 66075 <Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.
And with the semi-mass produced variant of the Double Zeta is -- something else!
It's a Gundam!! Wow!!
Well, it's a Gundam like object. It has been repainted a relatively flat navy blue, potentially for camouflage purposes, and really quite recently. In the cockpit, Roux keeps her lips pursed. The ReZ-II soars...
And Roux signals Leina directly. "Okay," she says. "This is pretty big and I'm wondering why, just looking at it. I - I mean I'm not gonna disagree with you, not one tiny percentage point, but this is serious overkill. It's so overkill I'm wondering if there's something behind it."
"But maybe," Roux says, rather darkly, "that's the point itself." (inwardly, Roux thinks: Am I just going along with Leina? To impress the, you know, the cult? Is that just how they talk here? In the cult?)
"... And," still to Leina directly, Roux adds, "how do you do the voice thing, anyway?"
The ReZ-II isn't as fabulous as the Unicorn Gundam, but the advantage of this may become clear when the Mobile Suit brings out a great big goddamn Beam Rifle and takes an aim at the largest ship. "Can't believe I'm shooting at one of these," Roux whines softly, before popping off--!! Several shots, aimed towards a dorsal turret and what Roux is like 90% sure is a weapons tracking array of SOME kind.
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
EARLIER:
This has been the third time Lucine has been called in to some assignment for the Federation. The first was over a Side Six battle that ended up with Ryoko dragging poor Lucine's unit back to safety after it was trashed. The second was supposed to be a simple fact-finding mission that turned into a battle against a duo of Void Dragons.
And now, this.
Hikaru may notice that Lucine is withdrawn after that talk with Vitaly. If Hikaru presses, Lucine's answer is simple: "..... we can't afford a war right now, with so many people gone. I don't like it... but if this gets worse, there'll be no one who will be able to...." She twists the ring on her finger, self-consciously. ".... Hikaru... if things get bad, we can double back, okay?" She gives her a small smile. "We can't give Ryoko another heart attack."
======
Uribatake likely has to stifle a wince as Lucine walks past all the available units to the poor eEXM-17FT Alto (not to be confused with poor Alto Saotome, the pilot), now freshly repaired after Lucine's near fatal battle with Rau Le Creuset. Now, it takes off, off to another difficult battle.
It will be a battle against foreign agents that Lucine won't know. It'll be fine.
It'll be fine, she tells herself, as a cold wave of something familiar floats over her like an unwelcome winter wind on a spring day.
The voice changer can't change someone's mind to be unrecognizable. ".... Leina...? No...." Lucine's hands loosen on the controls. ".... I can't..."
Lucine's dad would remark that sometimes, at the end of the day, it's just a job. Survive. Better to be alive and disliked than dead because you froze at the wrong second.
"..... If it weren't for wars like this... all these conflicts... maybe... Mars would have gotten the help it needed.... but instead.... we just spend our days yelling at each other about the same things....!"
KTS: Roux Louka targets Asciel Colette with Mega Beam Sucker Shot! KTS: Roux Louka has completed their actions for the round. <Pose Tracker> Nena Trinity has posed.
Nena Trinity is currently at the Side 4 Celestial Being hideout because she recently had an operation in the area and didn't want to have to fly all the way back to the Trinity Warship before getting a shower. Or some good food. Or a comfortable nap. Or the ability to brag about her recent heroics, "And so one of them tried to shoot me his beam rifle and I was like, 'Hahahaha, really?' and then cut his machine in half with my saber."
Setsuna in particular has been the focus of much of Nena's attention when she realized that he too was at the base. Probably to his distress.
Unfortunately the fun times are disrupted by SUDDEN MACROSS ATTACK! Though not an actual 'Macross Attack' as that would have pretty much ended the Celestial Being base in one go. But an attack from a Macross nonetheless!
Floating through the base towards the hangar containing her transport pod, Nena is conflicted. On the one hand, the attack is interupting her rest time! On the other, Nena giggles, "Ooooh, I get to see how that guy fights in person!" She passes into the pod's interior, the menacing form of her Gundam alseep within it.
Said menacing red Gundam comes screaming out of one of the base's hangars, those crimson particles of light trailing behind it. It quickly reorients towards the Macross 13. Nena looks on as the large vessel quickly grows in her panoramic display. She whistles at the size of it. She definitely wants to destroy that! After all, the bigger they are, "... The prettier the explosion!"
Heading towards the Macross 13, Nena notices some additional signals heading the same way. Signals that appear to be friendly. Including, "Ah! It's him." Nena brings up a zoomed feed of the Exia, "So cool."
The Purple Haro nestled in the alcove in front of Nena's chair buzzes, "He's a loser! He's a loser!"
Nena hmphs, "Look who's talking. Bolts for brains." Nena turns her focus back to the Exia and smiles, "Let's give him a hand..."
The Throne Gundam comes to a stop on its approach to the large warship, raising its arms up. Vents across its surface, its backpack in particular, snap open and streams of those crimson particles begin to rush out of them. They spread out like giant wings of light behind the machine, beginning to shower this area of the battlefield and interfering with sensors. Though those fighting alongside the Throne Gundam receive data links from its advanced sensors to cut through that same interference and not also be blinded by it.
KTS: Nena Trinity targets Setsuna F. Seiei, Leina Ashta, Banagher Links, and Roux Louka with Scatter. KTS: Nena Trinity has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Lucine Azul targets Li Yao with Pass! KTS: Lucine Azul has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Nena Trinity scatters cover, making Banagher Links harder to target! KTS: Nena Trinity scatters cover, making Leina Ashta harder to target! KTS: Asciel Colette blocks Roux Louka's Mega Beam Sucker Shot, taking 1920 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 64155 KTS: Nena Trinity scatters cover, making Setsuna F. Seiei harder to target! KTS: Nena Trinity scatters cover, making Roux Louka harder to target!
<Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
Regina Everhart has been assigned to this particular base for guard duty. She would rather be spending her time scouting the earth for that which she seeks... but, the people here put themselves at great risk for Celestial Being, and so, it is her sworn duty to guard them.
It would happen that this day is also the same day that it comes under attack. That they would field a Macross of all things...
"...A show of power. They wield it as a bludgeon, to daunt all those who disagree with them into silence with no regard for those caught beneath it." Regina mutters, climbing into her Alto. It may be able to be picked up by all those tuned into the same line. She launches from the station, and as she does...
It would seem they are not alone.
"We welcome your assistance. Thank you." She broadcasts for the Shuffle Alliance(and friend). They disperse, and Regina assesses the situation. As much as she would like to crush the Federation's weapon, her machine is not well-suited to tackling a vessel such as that. Instead, she positions herself to cut off any who would seek to intervene in the defense.
<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
The old man of the celestial beings had been tasked to be active in space as of late, probably due to the fact that with teh gundam fight cancel Veda had decided he would be better suited for spae combat. so as he has spent his days waiting for a mission. When the message came in about the incoming attack Li Yao was deep in zero-g meditation, and not sleeping despite what some of the younger people claimed.
Li Yao is the last to his suit, the last out of the hangar door, and is almost leisurely flying towards the battle despite the obvious urgency of protecting their safe house.
The slowness does allow him a sort of different view of the battle, like that Alto that had gone unnoticed because the majority were focused on the Macross, "Tsk tsk tsk, always having to pick up after the kids." The Yulong's 'veins' glow with the mystery green particles of the Celestial Being preparing itself for battle as it approaches the Alto.
From the Yulong's waist it pulls a small rectangle that extends into what could be described as a beam knife before it throws it towards the Alto, with more the intent to catch it's intention then to actually hit it. Once attention is gained he speaks up over the comms, <" Well hello there youngin' you look loss. Can I give you directions somewhere?">
KTS: Li Yao targets Lucine Azul with Single Knife Toss! KTS: Li Yao has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.
Hikaru was relaxing in her room, making the finishing touches to a panel in her prospective manga: GekiGirl vs. Gekiganger!: Heart-Stopping Climatic Battle!. Moments like these never last too tong, as the signal rings for all available pilots to deploy... what does that Admiral want this time!
Deploying against a Celestial Being base, a so-called terrorist group that has declared war against war.
"...This sucks." Hikaru replies, noticeably less cheery than usual to Lucine, who points out that they can't afford to fight a war. "If these guys are declaring war against war, then we're just playing into their hands by deploying against them, huh?" Although she doesn't exactly have a choice... this is the only place she's got, even if her loyalty is to the Nadesico rather than Nergal.
Her cheer does return as Lucine suggests doubling back if it comes to it to avoid giving Ryoko a heart attack. "I'm not a coward, but I usually know when to run away," she bleps. "And I'd rather not give poor Ryoko-chan a heart attack either! She's kiiinda scary when she's worried."
Alongside Lucine's Alto deploys Hikaru's signature orange Aestivalis, in Zero-G frame. Again, without that sunny cheer that accompanies her when fighting off the Jovian lizards. Even if she draws it, she hates fighting humans...
"Leina? Friend of yours?" Hikaru asks Lucine. It also sucks fighting friends, even if it makes a very compelling plot beat sometimes. In real life, it's just cliche and no fun.
The Aestivalis' IFS responds directly to the pilot's movements through cybernetics. But it also adjusts the targeting according to the Nadesico's computer, Omoikane. And when Hikaru begins firing off the rapid rifle for cover, the IFS locks onto Regina's machine. Looks that she'll be her dance partner for tonight!
KTS: Lucine Azul fails to evade Li Yao's Single Knife Toss, taking 3240 damage! KTS: Hikaru Amano targets Regina Everhart with Rabid Rifle!! KTS: Hikaru Amano has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
George de Sand. A man that Vitaly has spoken to in the past. One might say she's quite familiar with the redheaded gentleman. So when she spots the Rose Gundam, she is a bit surprised. Taking off towards her, the massive Mobile Armor unhooks its right arm from its moorings. Rotors shift and the ambulating arm soon comes forward, intercepting the Rose Gundam with a massive Beam Saber of its own!
<"That technique. That machine. De Sand, what is meaning of this? Why are you operating alongside enemies of Federation?"> The woman demands to know, as the force behind the Rose Gundam pushes back the manipulator arm. At first, it seems like the Rabscuttle will win out over the Rose Gundam through sheer force, but then... there's something in the air.
This errant ripple that strikes even into a heart as closed off as Vitaly Sokolov's. An oppressive weight that almost pushes her back in her seat - allowing George de Sand's weapon to start digging their beam saber into the hull of the Rabscuttle. I-Field generators spring up, trying to further push back the strike, but there's a clear tremble and stress within the metal. Until finally, the Rabscuttle makes up for it and pushes George away from itself for a moment, only to get shot at from the side!
Sensors did pick up on the Kingmaker, but in a battle like this, everything is a snap-moment decision. The Chain Rifle's bursts tear across the thick bull of the Rabscuttle, ripping tears into it as Vitaly jerks on the controls, trying to go into a roll. Space spinning around her as she repositions. Many thrusters adjusting its position, creating enormous G-Forces on the machine!
The spinning maneuver bringing it around closer to the Kingmaker in a sudden and fell motion, almost like a massive wrecking ball coming towards it. The heavy body of the machine seeks to slam into the side of the Kingmaker, before the heavy left clawed arm of the machine draws out, unlocking, and grabs at the smaller machine in an attempt to grab hold of it and start crushing it. All while the machine's Mega Particle cannon at the tip starts charging as Vitaly brings it around.
From the corner of her eyes, she spots a mass produced Zeta unit. Mass produced it may be, it's still based on a highly dangerous high performance unit. But more important... something about that machine... the chill she gets when she looks at it...
From the tip of the Rabscuttle fires a flood of small particles straight for George de Sand's machine - as well as Leina's. Both of them are no doubt skilled enough that they can tell that this is a warning shot, calculated with a Gundam's armor in mind. She wants answers before she will fully engage with both of them.
A Lasercomm then opens up towards Lucine Azul and Hikaru Amano both; ~"I do not like this situation. If you get into trouble, feel free to use Rabscuttle as shield. Do not trust word of enemy, and shield your heart. I will ensure you come back alive."~
Vitaly may not be a NewType, but she has experience to fall back on. Experience, and pure gut feelings. As far as some would say, the only kind of feelings this woman has.
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov targets Romilly Draid with Hrududu II - Claw Grab! KTS: Regina Everhart successfully evades Hikaru Amano's Rabid Rifle! KTS: Vitaly_Sokolov Changes attack to George de Sand and Leina Ashta with Diffuse Mega Particle Cannon - Wide Range Spray. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Leina Ashta has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Leina Ashta successfully avoids Vitaly Sokolov's Diffuse Mega Particle Cannon - Wide Range Spray KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Romilly Draid's Will Barrier activates, negating 1000 base damage. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov anchors Romilly Draid, forcing him into close range. KTS: Romilly Draid fails to react to Vitaly Sokolov's Hrududu II - Claw Grab, taking 4080 damage! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has engaged Romilly Draid! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov begins a Formation attack!
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.
Setsuna cannot fathom how a woman could hold any romantic interest in him. And yet, Nena exists. It's fine, he'll simply keep up his guard while he goes about his usual business so he isn't ambushed like last time. Ambushed? That doesn't seem like the right word, the more he thinks about it, but he can't think of anything better.
He doesn't have time to potentially ponder the correct vocabulary though, as they suddenly fall under attack. If he was the type to joke or believe in God, he'd consider this a small blessing. He doesn't do either of those things though, so for him, this is a serious matter. He makes his way through the corridors of the base using the guiding rails as the warning lights flash bright red, all the way towards the hanger where he's reunited in both body and soul with perhaps the only thing that understands him...
"This is Setsuna F. Seiei. Exia, now launching."
The Exia leaves behind a trail of glowing green particles as it shoots out from the hangar bay, its sights already set on the massive Macross ship. A ship... This really is Tieria or Lockon's speciality. They're not here, however, so he'll simply have to fill in.
The Exia reaches behind its back, removing a pair of flat handles that immediately emit long, pink beam blades. Normally, it'd be risky to try and barge in on a ship with that much fire power, but with the jamming assistance of the Drei, it should be possible to close the distance. No. It has to be possible. The GN Drive on the Gundam's back kicks into full as it propels it forward, both blades raised high as it eventually reaches what can assumedly only be one of the ship's gun placements. Without hesitation, the Exia drives both blades across the structure, aiming to cripple the Macross at least a little bit.
KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei targets Asciel Colette with GN Beam Saber Slash! KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has completed their actions for the round. KTS: George de Sand retreats from the attack! KTS: George de Sand successfully evades Vitaly Sokolov's Diffuse Mega Particle Cannon - Wide Range Spray KTS: Asciel Colette fails to react to Setsuna F. Seiei's GN Beam Saber Slash, taking 3450 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 60705 KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has engaged Asciel Colette! KTS: Roux Louka has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
<Pose Tracker> George de Sand has posed.
Once his attack makes contact, the Rose Gundam immediately shoots backwards, rocketing out of range of the Rabscuttle's particle cannon.
"Vitaly Sokolov. Trust me, I don't relish working with them, but the Federation has been overstepping its bounds. The Shuffle Alliance has entered into a truce with Celestial Being to push back."
Keeping its distance, the Rose Gundam sticks its left arm out to the side, its mantle flying up to allow several Rose Bits to fly out, forming a circle around the Gundam. The ends of the blooms glow with energy, firing out several shots to hit the Rabscuttle.
KTS: George de Sand targets Vitaly Sokolov with Rose Shot! KTS: George de Sand has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov charges into the attack! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov partially guards George de Sand's Rose Shot, taking 2450 damage! <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
The lights and eruptions of war blaze out over the stars - the Macross 13 and its complement creeping closer and closer to the station practically outsized by the immense violet vessel. Soon enough, Colonel Garland orders the disperal of the Valkyries - and swarms of navy blue Variable Fighters sortie from the Macross's hangars ... along with, an oddity among them, a single silver VF-17S, as opposed to the slightly older models used elsewhere.
<"Hooh? You told me about these whimsical characters earlier, Miss OWL,"> cites the less familiar voice to Leina, Roux, Banagher, and Setsuna - that of Manfred Brando, director of independent contractor Critical Path. <"These are the ones you claimed impressed you? I don't see much special about them at all. Heheheh.">
<"Oh, knock it off, Director. Looking at a gaggle of Gundams and laughing that they're nothing to write home about is prooooobably tempting fate a little too hard."> A much more familiar voice - that of their recurrent adversary "Atrytone". <"But yes! Hiiii there to all of you! I don't think I've seen that fabulous Gundam spewing red particles like cosmic ichor before - and I assure you I hate it!~ It's always a pleasure seeing you all. Unfortunately, as much as me and my colleague here love the work you've been doing and eagerly await your results, the ~tides of fate~ mean we'll have to test you once more. Such a shame! ...mm, looking at it from out here, the sight of a Macross on the war path really is something strange and unseemly. Such is the inevitable outcome of the vessel representing humanity's dreams being just another Federation warship, isn't it?~">
...Asciel is, of course - a little bit 'completely full of shit', considering she has her metaphorical hands directly on the wheel of the vivid pink starship - buried deep in the modifications Critical Path made as part of their deal with the Federation is a convenient area to plug her core module.
>I like this feeling already. It feels...'right'. Of course. These are easily on the scale of cities - so it's easy to adapt all those processes I haven't been able to stretch yet.
>...Oh, no I really like it. I had no idea! I've felt so cramped this whole time just because they're not ready to truly connect me with Isaac City yet. This is so great! Nnnnnn. The reward for working so hard is so close. Soooooo close~
>...Patience. It's not 'mine' yet. Patience. Just a few errant strings to cut.
Roux's opening beam shot seems to somewhat...'thud' against the sensory turret on the Macross. It leaves a smoking point, but it certainly feels 'harder' than expected - in a way that Setsuna's assault has less trouble with, but perhaps is something more acutely tangible to him. It almost feels like magnetic repulsion coating the ship's surface - the sword gets just that extra bit harder to drive in. In direct response to the Exia directly closing in, the primary turrets on either side of the Macross's bridge unfurl - with Colonel Garland particularly invested in seeing Celestial Being's Gundams wiped out. A curious 'arcing' happens with the beams launches from each towards Nena and Setsuna - warped by what feels like the same force constraining Setsuna's strength.
<"Well - if our... 'Atrytone', that's what you call her, yes?"> Director Brando signals to a matching dark-colored squadron of Variable Fighters - and they open fire on Leina, Roux, and Banagher, with the Director himself particularly engaged at testing just what the Unicorn is capable of. <"I'll do my best not to take it easy on you all. But I'll warn you - on top of my many talents and accomplishments in the arts and sciences alike, I'm an undefeated pilot in the ring. Ahahahahaha!~">
KTS: Asciel Colette targets Leina Ashta, Roux Louka, and Banagher Links with VF Squadron - Wide-Area Sweep. KTS: Asciel Colette targets Setsuna F. Seiei with Shoulder Mantle Ionic Blaster! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Nena Trinity with Shoulder Mantle Ionic Blaster! KTS: Asciel Colette rattles Leina Ashta, making her next maneuvers more difficult. KTS: Leina Ashta partially guards Asciel Colette's VF Squadron - Wide-Area Sweep, taking 2115 damage! KTS: Roux Louka charges into the attack! KTS: Roux Louka successfully avoids Asciel Colette's VF Squadron - Wide-Area Sweep KTS: Nena Trinity's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Nena Trinity blocks Asciel Colette's Shoulder Mantle Ionic Blaster, taking 1170 damage! <Pose Tracker> Romilly Draid has posed.
A shiver travels down Romilly's spine, Newtype senses blaring alarm bells for something he can scarcely see. He only has a moment to wonder what the danger is, before he gasps and pulls back on the sticks, gunning the wanzer's thrusters.
ANALYSIS IN PROGRESS. SUGGESTING ADDITIONAL EVASIVE MANEUVERS.
Twisting in an effort to thread through the gap in the closing hand, the Kingmaker is still trapped, caught by the leg. Romilly's hand races to a switch in the cockpit, his free hand slamming a button uselessly.
ARC PYLON SPOOLING. WARNING: INSUFFICIENT OXYGEN FOR IONIZATION.
NOW, Junior! Before the damn leg comes off! He doesn't bother shouting--he doubts he'd be heard over the distressing sound of crunching metal.
Vents open up along the wanzer's backpack, releasing copious amounts of O2 as so much misty, white lances. VACUUM COMPENSATION COMPLETE.
When Romilly's hand smashes the button a third time, the coil which peeks above that bulky backpack generates a violent burst of lightning within the little cloud of quickly diminishing atmosphere, providing a brief but turbulent defense--and hopefully, escape.
<"I seen that machine of yours when your people came after that submarine,"> he sends over comms to the Rabscuttle. <"Y'all move awful quick, when you want to.">
<Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
Regina's sensors warn her of incoming fire. There's only the slightest window of opportunity. Her Alto shifts at the last moment, narrowly evading some of the incoming spray. A few stray bullets glance across her armor, but the damage is thankfully minimal. Her attention is drawn to the source - spotting Hikaru's Aestivalis.
"...An interesting machine." Regina notes aloud. Her tone is curious, rather than judgmental. She has never fought an Aestivalis before. She has her duty, but she is curious, too, to experience for herself just what it and its pilot are capable of.
She accelerates quickly, ducking down as she draws close to unleash a spinning kick aimed at the Aestivalis' legs. On solid ground, it threatens to knock a unit's legs out from underneath it - in space, there's the very real risk of being sent into a spiral of one can't recover quickly enough.
KTS: Regina Everhart targets Hikaru Amano with Leg Sweep! KTS: Regina Everhart has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Hikaru Amano has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Romilly Draid targets Vitaly Sokolov with Arc Pylon Lightning Field! KTS: Romilly Draid has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Regina Everhart rattles Hikaru Amano, making her next maneuvers more difficult. KTS: Hikaru Amano fails to Parry Regina Everhart's Leg Sweep, taking 3100 damage! KTS: Regina Everhart has engaged Hikaru Amano! KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei successfully Evades Asciel Colette's Shoulder Mantle Ionic Blaster
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
A private channel to Roux, "<... I think you're right Roux. The overkill is the point. At least we have George here with us.>"
Then how does she do the voice thing...??? "<Oh. Sayla had a few of them laying around in her secret comms room. You just install them right on the Comms. ... I'll get you one when we get back!>"
Banagher opens that private line to her, and Leina takes a deep breath, but eventually responds, "<It's upsetting, but I can do what needs to be done.>" It's a relief to her that he's here with her, her and Roux.
Leina senses Lucine, and a point to point laser communication. "<Lucine.>" The voice may be unrecognizable, but- "<If things get bad, turn back. I understand you don't want to be here.>"
The flood of Red GN particles from the Throne Gundam briefly brings her alarm from how disturbing it looks, but then the data they receive causes her to calm down. "<Appreciate the assist.>"
With a flash of warning the MP Double Zeta is already moving the Rabscuttle fires that flood of small particles, and she's weaving throughout the spray, before the Double Zeta turns upside down, and zooms along the Y axis, staring at the Rabscuttle from its inverted position.
This transmission is sent on a broader band, "<Ah. I should have known you'd be here Sokolov. So proud are you of how you stopped 'Illegal Experimentation' by enabling Blue Cosmos to stuff the old and infirm in crates to die that you have already moved on to your next horror.>"
The comms are then all but flooded by... "<Atrytone.>" She says and... "<I guess it was inevitable that our truce would come to an end...>" Before she makes an angry noise, "<Unseemly is a word for it. Disgusting is another. Are these the kind of people you ally with?>"
A squadron of Variable Fighters is launched, and the Double Zeta's little sibling's thrusters fire as it tears across the sky in it's inverted position, taking pot shots as she goes with its arm mounted rifle as it swings up. "<Gonna try to get a shot off on the Macross ship itself Banagher, Roux - let's watch each others' backs out here.>"
Each one is targeted by simple intuition, as it pivots around before moving in a flanking arc towards the Macross ship, firing off more barely targetted blasts from its beam rifle towards the Macross 13's weapon systems and turrets.
"<One thing I've learned is that people who boast like that are rarely even half as good as they think they are.>"
KTS: Leina Ashta targets Asciel Colette with MP ZZ Single-Barrel Beam Rifle Snap Shot! KTS: Leina Ashta has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Asciel Colette blocks Leina Ashta's MP ZZ Single-Barrel Beam Rifle Snap Shot, taking 2660 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 58045
<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.
The ReZ-II receives a link from an anonymous source. This is briefly set to LINK REDACTED, but the relatively up to date antivirus protection for the Mobile Suit confirms NOT HACK and starts overlaying it in the panoramic view.
Roux makes a c_c face at the Throne Gundam. "... Those are like blood specks, haha," she forces out. "Neat!"
And then...
Any hesitation Roux has fades when she hears a voice that might be familiar. Something with a familiar feeling behind it. There's a presence out there. She hadn't really thought about it - the sense of tiny flickering lights in a vast dark hall is pretty routine to Roux even if she's never thought about it in elaborate detail - but then the other Shuffle verifies it...
And Roux links to the Unicorn Gundam. "Oh my God! Ba-- Unicorn Gundam! It's that horrible--" minovsky crackle "--old you people like this were going to be the same as always! This is Titans tactics! I'm SO GOD DAMN MAD! They haven't learned ANYTHING! If they try to pull all of this, then--"
There's more words. Clearer, with the Macross 13's power behind it.
"... Atrytone?" Roux echoes.
"Is she with them...??" Roux continues, baffled, confused. Perhaps even *wounded* somehow. She rocks her head back, mouth slightly open -- but there are interceptors inbound.
"Tch!"
The ReZ accelerates forwards, moving to intercept one of the VFs as it comes inwards. The missiles fly out, but the ReZ twists round to avoid the one that she didn't completely dodge by just not being where the volley was going. The beam saber comes out with a lavender glitter -- "We're not your enemy, stupid!" Roux shouts, at the same time as she slashes at the wing of the VF. An intent, perhaps, to cripple without just going straight to vaporizing the contents of the curiously exposed, fruitlike cockpit!
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov parries Romilly Draid's Arc Pylon Lightning Field, taking 720 damage! KTS: Romilly Draid repulses Vitaly Sokolov, forcing her to disengage. KTS: Romilly Draid: Will Barrier Activates. KTS: Romilly Draid completes the Formation attack! KTS: Roux Louka targets Asciel Colette with Beam Saber! KTS: Roux Louka has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Accel Spirit Command and Has Engaged with Romilly Draid KTS: Asciel Colette's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Asciel Colette fails to react to Roux Louka's Beam Saber, taking 2850 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 55195 KTS: Roux Louka has engaged Asciel Colette! Barrier Off
KTS: Banagher Links successfully evades Asciel Colette's VF Squadron - Wide-Area Sweep <Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
Vitaly Sokolov has never shied away from speaking. When Leina's words come in, speaking on the matter of the invalid and elderly, it simply confirms something in her head. Tying some dots. This is not the first time someone with a voice changer - perhaps even the same - has spoken to her in this exact manner.
Perhaps, most of all, that should make it notable that Vitaly... doesn't answer Leina. But she'd sense it. This sense of... irritation? No, it's not quite irritation. It's not anger at what Leina said. It's aimed elsewhere. This is something else. But with how 'dense' Vitaly's heart can be, it's hard to get the exact meaning of those feelings.
<"I understand. De Sand. Then, respectfully, I will fight you as enemy. We will hopefully speak after this. Information cannot be trusted on the battlefield."> She tries to impress upon him, as those Rose bits come out. The I-Field on the Rabscuttle flares to life once more, and the machine rapidly presses the advantage, flashing towards him at the same time that Romilly manages to escape from The Claw.
In the same motion, as the violent burst tears across the Rabscuttle, it pushes it away from some of the Rose Bits, as it charges its Megaparticle weapon and various beams cut through space, chasing the beautiful flowing weapons!
Vitaly picks up on Romilly's voice, making note of it, as she gets that communication from him. <"Da! Rapid Response Team form recently!"> She answers him, perhaps not quiet catching his drift. <"Can expect G-Hound responses to improve further in future."> It's a tone of warning. That even if Romilly gets away here, even if they all get away here, G-Hound would continue the hunt. Would respond faster...
The beams then begin to shift, cutting after the bits, as small manipulator-arms on the machine shift and adjust, weaving the beam-energy towards both Rose Gundam and the Kingmaker, each cut seeking to slice into their machines. All as their own assaults dump on the machine's heavy shell. Sparks are already showing on its body.
But Romilly no doubt knows that the Rabscuttle hides its true weapon still.
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov targets George de Sand and Romilly Draid with Hrududu II - Beam Reflector Trick. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has completed their actions for the round. <Pose Tracker> Nena Trinity has posed.
'I don't think I've seen that fabulous Gundam spewing red particles like cosmic ichor before - and I assure you I hate it!~'
<"Awwww, thanks!"> Nena replies with sweet venom to the disembodied voice over the radio. She then taunts back, <"Where did you dredge that relic up from? Aren't they like over thirty years old at this point?">
The Macross's turret opens fire, beams streaking towards the relatively stationary Throne Drei Gundam. The Throne, having finished the dispersal of its GN Stealth Field, turns its attention to those beams. It swings its left shoulder around, bringing the attached shield into the path of them. Just before the beams strike, a barrier of crimson forms just beyond the shield. The beams are partially dulled by the barrier before hitting the shield, the energy splashing over and away from it.
Naught much but scorch marks are left over on the red Gundam's shield as it turns back towards the Macross, Nena giggling, <"I guess that explains why it's weapons are so weak though. I've seen worker bots that hit harder!">
The Throne Gundam then rushes forward, raising both its arms towards the Macross ahead, <"But then I suppose you're up against the latest and greatest, it only makes sense!"> The twin beam handguns, attached to the Drei's arms, begin to spit out multiple bursts of crimson light, focused on the ship's turrets.
KTS: Nena Trinity targets Asciel Colette with GNW-003 Dual Beam Handguns Saturation Fire! KTS: Nena Trinity has completed their actions for the round. KTS: George de Sand fails to rush. KTS: George de Sand partially guards Vitaly Sokolov's Hrududu II - Beam Reflector Trick, taking 5200 damage! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has engaged George de Sand! KTS: Nena Trinity rattles Asciel Colette, making her next maneuvers more difficult. KTS: Asciel Colette partially guards Nena Trinity's GNW-003 Dual Beam Handguns Saturation Fire, taking 2700 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 52495 KTS: George de Sand has activated the Spirit Spirit Command. <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
"<I'm glad you're with us, Roux.>" Banagher says, quietly. "<I won't let this turn into a slaughter. None of us will.>"
His eyes locked on the enormous ship before them, Banagher listens to Leina's reply. "<Alright. I trust you. Just remember, you come first.>" His voice is so soft, gentle and full of affection.
As Leina senses Lucine, Banagher does too. He tilts his head at her machine, but chooses not to engage. Unable to tell exactly who that familiar feeling is, he decides to stay focused on the mission.
Red particles emanate from the Nena's machine, and Banagher startles. Haro notices the data before Banagher does, and chirps out. "<Thank you! Thank you!>" Toward the assisting machine. Banagher smiles, placing a head on his companion's head.
The MP ZZ moves in under cover of the red particles, and the Unicorn follows. Lifting her beam magnum, she begins to charge it, letting magenta power meld with the scarlet-and-red flooding the battlefield. Banagher frowns at the unfamiliar voice. Who the hell is this guy to criticize them? His expression changes, suddenly, at the voice of Atrytone.
"<Atrytone. You're behind this?>" He projects, sounding sad. "<I thought you cared about heroes! How could you ally yourself with someone trying to stomp them out? And using a ship meant for such -- better things, than this!>"
The Variable Fighters open fire, while Banagher feels the presence of someone focusing on him. With inhuman grace, the Unicorn easily dodges around their attack, trailing stardust in her wake. The Beam Magnum is charged. He has no reason to hold back, now, and so -- targeting the nearest Variable Fighter, the Unicorn fires. If Leina can go for the ship, Banagher can handle the small enemies.
"<I'm with you, Leina!>" He calls to his girlfriend, charging another shot already.
Roux's voice comes through, with a crackle of static. "<I don't know what's going on with Atrytone, but -- we can't just let this happen! Even if they won't change... We have to protect the people they're trying to hurt.>" His heart pounds, shaking his head in the embrace of the NTD's metal arms. "<I hate this. But what else can we do?>"
KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Beam Magnum Double Shot! KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round. <Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
===EARLIER===
Walking alongside Hikaru as she pins her hair up to better fit inside her helmet, Lucine sighs. ".... I'm.... not good with understanding politics... the last time I tried to debate, all I could say was 'Blue Cosmos don't exist'. I thought I was saying something profound, like... 'I don't believe in their ideals', but... I just ended up needing to be towed away. To believe in something so strongly at the behest of everything else.... I wonder if I'm like that, about anything..."
She pauses at the deployment doors. "..... So yes, it sucks. Majorly." Hikaru isn't alone, in where her loyalty specifically lies.
===NOW===
~"A-ah! S-shoot, Uribatake must've left the local radio on!"~ The video screen from Lucine on Hikaru's end suddenly features a lot of fumbling around from Lucine. ~"Whew, it was just set to local. So only you saw that...."> She flumps back into her seat. < ".... Yeah, I don't know why she's there on their side, but... I guess, if she were to fall on someone's side, it'd be the one who is against war, rather than.... us. I think a few others are out there too." > She doesn't mention Banagher's name, not wanting to complicate matters.
As if anyone can make the wrong guess by now as to who is piloting the giant unicorn Gundam.
Leina's voice comes in on a direct link, easing some of the tension in Lucine's shoulders. Sending a brief message in hopes that it gets through, she replies back. ~"I'm sorry, Leina... Please, you and Banagher... keep safe."~
Do not trust the word of the enemy, Vitaly says. Shield your heart. I will ensure you come back alive.' This is said, moments before Leina reveals a truth(?) about Vitaly herself.
"...." There were nights when Lucine's dad would regale his old pals with old stories of their bounty hunting days. All those tight situations, the subterfuge, the jobs where they may have stood on the wrong side of morality but on the right side of what paid better. It was just a job.
Vitaly didn't have that feeling, when she told Lucine why she felt Lucine's help was needed.
Switching her line to beam directly to Hikaru now, Lucine says.
~"Hikaru, I can say this: I can't tell you why, but.... Sokolov... believes what she is saying. I still don't think we can trust the Federation, but we can believe her to stand by her word."~ She looks at her camera, completely sober. ~"However, that also means...."~ She trails off, letting Hikaru come to her own answer.
As focused as Lucine is, it's easy for a lone, well-meaning old man to come in and offer to 'help' Lucine out.
"Gh...!" The beam knife hits its mark; Lucine chides herself for not paying attention.
Well, if she needs to tango with someone... it will be this person. < ".... Sometimes it's better to let sleeping dogs lie." > Deploying her cannon, Lucine shoots a round of shots at the Yulong, attempting to back away while doing so.
KTS: Lucine Azul targets Li Yao with Flight Module Cannon Rapid Fire! KTS: Lucine Azul has completed their actions for the round. Block does not work against Barrier Breaker
KTS: Li Yao successfully evades Lucine Azul's Flight Module Cannon Rapid Fire KTS: Asciel Colette fails to evade Banagher Links's Beam Magnum Double Shot, taking 4875 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 47620 KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 249. KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 140. KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.
"A barrier? Annoying."
The Exia's attack is met with resistance, and rather than try to push, it immediately retreats, a decision by Setsuna that was reinforced by when the ship's defense systems turned on his suit in an attempt to shoot it down.
Unfortunately, Celestial Being's Gundam is fast, and it gracefully avoids the beam, spiraling back as it holsters its beam sabers, before suddenly lunching back to a new weapon emplacement, this time drawing the two physical blades on its hips as it brandishes them for its counterattack.
Despite how the blades look, they're anything but solid weapons, as when the Exia swipes the blades across the Macross, a thin layer of GN particles create a sort of protective micro edge that seems to be specifically designed to deal with defensive measures like this, allowing Setsuna's attack to hopefully find better purchase.
<Pose Tracker> George de Sand has posed.
The Rose Gundam rushes into the attack, taking some of the cannon shot as George comes in close. He clicks his tongue as he wavers a bit, stabilizing as he comes in range. "Oui, Lieutenant Commander. I shall hold no hard feelings after this battle. En garde!"
With a twirl, the Chevalier saber comes back up as George rushes in for another thrust to the Rabscuttle's head. George, of course, still held himself to the rules of the Gundam Fight, deliberately avoiding the cockpit area.
KTS: George de Sand targets Vitaly Sokolov with Riposte! KTS: George de Sand has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei targets Asciel Colette with GN Long & Short Blade Slice! KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov parries George de Sand's Riposte, taking 690 damage! KTS: George de Sand has engaged Vitaly Sokolov! KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Trust Spirit Command targeting George de Sand KTS: Asciel Colette retreats from the attack! KTS: Asciel Colette fails to react to Setsuna F. Seiei's GN Long & Short Blade Slice, taking 3750 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 43870 KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Romilly Draid fails to Parry Vitaly Sokolov's Hrududu II - Beam Reflector Trick, taking 6110 damage! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has engaged Romilly Draid! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov completes the Formation attack! <Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
The Gundam Fighter begins to dance through the air, performing acrobatics to dodge the shots being fired at him. The movements of the fighter are different then what one would normally expect, as if it the unit is leaping from one spot to another and landing on invisible platforms. <"The dog can lie as long as it does not walk into another dogs yard.">
Yao stands inside the fighter's ring of the cockpit and looks at the opponent trying to gauge the opponent infront of him and get a read. It's not quite the same but something just doesn't feel completely right, however once a fight begins it must continue.
The Yulong flies toward the Alto trying it's best to close the gap. Once in range it begins to spin in the air with the left arm extended before bringing the back of the left arm down towards the Alto's shoulder.
KTS: Li Yao targets Lucine Azul with Wu Xian Llu Long: Dragon's Flight! KTS: Li Yao has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. <Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.
"I can't say I believe in anything profound like that, either," Hikaru admits, nervously laughing. "Selfish, but what I'm really focused on is fulfilling my dream! But I'd like for other people to fulfill their own dreams and happiness too." She frowns, at the mention of Blue Cosmos. "So people like Blue Cosmos, who build themselves on hate and crush people's dreams? Don't like them. It's simple as that, I think."
Hikaru notices Lucine's panic after her mention of Leina's name. "Oh, Uribea..." she sighs, switching it to private. "...Maybe you can call a truce with her, specifically?" Hikaru suggests. "I don't think you should fight, so..." Either way, it seems that they won't be fighting after all. "And our promise to ditch is still always up~" One of the benefits of being a private corporate dog over a solider.
An older, rather gruff - distinctly military voice beams over the Nergal comms - Vitaly Sokolov. ~"Aye aye, ma'am!" Hikaru lasers back. Her fighting style has always involved zipping in and out of range, while Ryoko goes in melee and Izumi snipes from behind. Having the protection of a ship helps a LOT.
Sokolov's second statement, that they should steel themselves from the enemy's words, elicits much more of a frown, and she doesn't respond to that part specifically, especially when it's paired with an accusation of some particularly bad crimes colluding with Blue Cosmos. Closing her heart is easy for Hikaru, but when she's up against other people... it's hard to just ignore what they're saying.
~"We have to take what we can get out here, I guess," Hikaru responds to Lucine. But it also means... "We don't have to feel good about it? Bleh."
Her opponent, Regina, is much more of the quiet sorts. But she does compliment her machine. "Hehe... that is Aestie, Nergal's finest - so they'd say. She's my partner now!" Your mech being an extension of your body does tend to give you some interesting feelings about it. Regina's own machine, the Alto, the same one Lucine's piloting... "You're in a Nergal machine too, huh? Guess they're the ones really profiting here tonight. They're the only reason I'm here, anyways." She says gravely.
Regina goes for the kick, which the Immediate Knife fails to parry. Hikaru you CAN'T just parry a kick that only works in anime!
With the immediate knife already in her hands, she thrusts it forward into Regina's Alto, not quite putting her whole spirit into it.
KTS: Lucine Azul rushes into the attack! KTS: Lucine Azul partially guards Li Yao's Wu Xian Llu Long: Dragon's Flight, taking 5700 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Li Yao's Follow-up Strike activates, causing Insight L1! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Li Yao's Qi Injection activates, causing Jam L1! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Li Yao's Pin Point Accuracy activates, causing Nullify! KTS: Li Yao has engaged Lucine Azul! KTS: Hikaru Amano targets Regina Everhart with Immediate Shish Kebab!! KTS: Hikaru Amano has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Regina Everhart has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Regina Everhart parries Hikaru Amano's Immediate Shish Kebab!, taking 765 damage! KTS: Hikaru Amano has engaged Regina Everhart! KTS: Romilly Draid uses Hyper Reloader
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<"Ow ow owwww, not so close-!"> Asciel emits - still very full of shit, mind! - when Roux's beam saber comes within a hair's breadth of the VF's cockpit - one that Manfred almost relishes in seeing graze so close to his life - though his attempts to swing and sway around Leina and Banagher's hailfire mostly wind up with his squadmates getting their arms roasted off for their trouble.
<"Hmmm. Behind this...No, I'm really just a contractor for a contractor in this case~"> (yet more outright lying!) <"The cruelty and turbulence of a world where private affairs are embedded deep in the mechanisms of war is that today's companions wind up being tomorrow's rivals. That much is pretty obvious in many dimensions - I can tell from here that our associates from Nergal are fairly low on motivation in this operation. Getting to only ever fight against 'evil', and always with your 'friends' by your side is a luxury few truly have - especially when all of them are their own nodes of agency in the web of conflict. Dear me, I can hear it in your voices - aww. On some level, the encounters you've shared with me have resonated with you. Well, don't you all worry!~">
<"The future stops on this itinerary will satisfy you. I know it.~">
<"Heh. Always so full of things to say when the fireworks of war abound. It's almost like tasting the fervor of near death excites you!"> Director Brando laughs haughtily, like he isn't the same way - and draws an honest to god claymore-esque two handed sword from his Nightmare's gunpod, holding it in the same kind of stance a German mercenary might diligently prepare it - diving in a two-hit sequence that first arcs towards the much nearer Roux, then aims to plunge right towards the Unicorn's head - before sending a salvo of missile pods outwards at Leina's direction. <"Were I not a man whose aspirations transcend nationhood, I'd have made a fine Gundam Fighter!">
...but in the orbit of the Macross itself, the real aspect Asciel's enduring pain from is the two Gundams. The red and green lights bombard the ship at too close a range to do much for - and what's worse, she still hasn't quite internalized every aspect of this ship. ...and in her slightly flustered squirming in this new shape, she lets out what she believes is a huff of pain-
And what awakens as an alighting of the Macross's full complement of beam weaponry. Not just the various turrets and gunports at its flanks and upper body, all honing in on Setsuna like he's an itch to be scratched-
But beneath the ship, the Macross Cannon that's slowly been building up more and more power, preparing to scour the colony from the face of the earth...
It blinks to life, and screams towards Nena's Throne in a short, but vicious flare.
"OWL! What in the world was that?" Garland barks tensely, ordering the weapons team to re-charge the Macross Cannon once more. "I thought it was a defensive system you installed - did you screw up the timing on the weapons too? I have a mind to get you back here and-"
"Dooooon't....worry! Colonel! It's just a little hiccup. It should charge back up faster than usual with all the tuning we've done to this! ...Just keep it cool and collected. You have more enemies out here than friends!"
>eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
eeeeeeeeeeee that was an experience!
>it was satsfying even in its current state! even just a little bit!
>mmm. I like this even without the Driver.
>Oh, just THINKING about getting my hands on a Fold Drive and going ~all out~ is
>PATIENCE damn it!!! twitch too much and they'll get suspicious!
KTS: Asciel Colette targets Roux Louka with VF Squadron - Coordinated Assault! KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Focus Spirit Command.
KTS: Asciel Colette has activated the Accel Spirit Command and Has Engaged with Banagher Links KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with VF Squadron - Coordinated Assault! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Leina Ashta with Anti-Ship Maneouverable Missile! <Pose Tracker> Romilly Draid has posed.
Junior, we need somethin' quick.
The Kingmaker is fighting purely on the defensive, early in the fight, at close range--its weakest use case. The wanzer is agile, but not nearly enough to weave through so many sabers. A superheated combat knife is the best the pilot-AI interface can come up with.
Mister, Romilly's voice rings out to George, absent any comms transmission. The Newtype's emotions are grim concern--but not solely for himself or his AI. We're in hot water over here. Even so, the Rose Gundam benefits from a brief, small shield transfer from the wanzer, before its superheated combat knife is turned aside by the Rabscuttle.
<"Heh. I don't doubt it,"> he says back to Vitaly. Even if she hadn't picked up on his meaning, he isn't discouraged from talking to her in the slightest. <"But hell or high water, this is what I signed up for.">
CHECKMATE OS ANALYSIS LEVEL 2. PROPOSING OPTIONS.
Whatever the result of that analysis is draws a smile to Romilly's face, filtered through the emerald green of his helmet's visor. "Ballsy, but it's worth a shot."
Partially melted-through arms move unusually fast, as power visibly crackles from the backpack to the Chain Rifle. When the wanzer shoulders it and fires, the rate of fire is nothing short of obscene, a near contiguous line of lead streaming towards the Rabscuttle.
KTS: Asciel Colette targets Nena Trinity with Macross Cannon - Eroding Burst! KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 309. KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 135. KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Asciel Colette targets Setsuna F. Seiei with Beam Array Full Complement! KTS: Romilly Draid targets Vitaly Sokolov with Chain Rifle Accelerator! KTS: Romilly Draid has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Banagher Links fails to rush. KTS: Banagher Links partially guards Asciel Colette's VF Squadron - Coordinated Assault, taking 5002 damage! KTS: Asciel Colette begins a Formation attack! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov blocks Romilly Draid's Chain Rifle Accelerator, taking 3960 damage! KTS: Leina Ashta has activated the Trust Spirit Command. KTS: Leina Ashta blocks Asciel Colette's Anti-Ship Maneouverable Missile, taking 3600 damage! KTS: Nena Trinity's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Nena Trinity blocks Asciel Colette's Macross Cannon - Eroding Burst, taking 1860 damage! KTS: Roux Louka has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Asciel Colette enervates Setsuna F. Seiei, reducing his Morale significantly. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei fails to Evade Asciel Colette's Beam Array Full Complement, taking 6120 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Asciel Colette's You Don't Have To Be Brave Anymore activates, causing Deject! KTS: Asciel Colette begins a Formation attack! KTS: Roux Louka retreats from the attack! KTS: Roux Louka successfully evades Asciel Colette's VF Squadron - Coordinated Assault KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has activated the Trick Spirit Command. KTS: Leina Ashta has activated the Rouse Spirit Command targeting Banagher Links KTS: Leina Ashta has activated the Rouse Spirit Command. <Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
"Aestie. A fine name." Regina replies. ...She repeats it with such seriousness. That's either a lot of respect or she doesn't recognize that it's a nickname... At her next comment, though, Regina is quiet for a moment. "...Mm. When two powers clash, the purveyors of their weapons are always the victor."
Hikaru thrusts forward with her drawn knife. Regina isn't the best at reading people... but combat is something she knows. She can tell when one's strike is lacking. The Alto's shield hand goes for the knife as Hikaru thrusts it forward, redirecting its path. It slides across her forearm, biting into the armor but limiting the damage caused.
"You are conflicted. If your blade wavers, your partner will suffer. Is that something you can accept?" Regina asks. Her own knife is drawn, slashing out for the Aestivalis. It's meant for parrying, rather than directly attacking. That limits its ability to cause damage but it is still perfectly capable of causing harm if it isn't avoided.
KTS: Regina Everhart targets Hikaru Amano with Parrying Knife Slash! KTS: Regina Everhart has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
This time, Vitaly is ready for George. The heavy claw that she used just moments ago in order to arrest the Kingmaker's movements suddenly snaps out, and a much larger beamsaber comes out to play. The fierce beam tears into George's Chevalier saber while the bits continue their inevitable bombardment of the Rabscuttle.
Vitaly Sokolov normally doesn't avoid the cockpit area. She's a soldier who has long since learned that those you do not kill, will only come to haunt you later! But notably, she is avoiding this with George de Sand, because there is information at play here. One might say she is seeking to capture, rather than kill.
Romilly, being more of an unknown with Vitaly, does unfortunately not have that luxury. The machine continues this heavy spin as the enormous saber presses in against his position, energy quickly being drained from the machine for having to withstand George de Sand's heavy assault, before it lashes that massive saber away and pushes George away. In the same motion, the Rabscuttle tries to level out to mee Romilly's machine, when the slugs from the Chain Rifle begin to rip into the machine.
Its thrusters start, trying to maneuver out, but CHECKMATE is quite capable of adjusting for this. The constant load striking against it forces Vitaly to adjust her tactics immediately, as a detonation suddenly plays out over the Rabscuttle that sends out a pink cloud of debris...
<"I appreciate profesionallism, Wanzer pilot.">
Only for the Rabscuttle to be seen shifting towards Lucine's position in order to support her and Hikaru, right before a beamsaber cuts 'open' the pink cloud, and an oversized and unwieldy looking Gundam closes its legs before them. A shimmer of blue resonates from around it, as it takes off towards Romilly's Kingmaker, two large calibre gatling guns on its shoulders peppering her position and trying to put her between itself and the Rose Gundam, only for one of its big hands to open, and for three flaring beam cannons to fire upon its position, with enough energy to put the Gundam pilot on the back foot! Fierce and high density mega-beam reactions going off that eradicate a few errand pieces of rock debris on the way.
<"Da - En Garde, De Sand.">
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov targets Romilly Draid with Gatling Gun! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov targets George de Sand with 3-Barrel Beam Cannon Fingers! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has completed their actions for the round. KTS: George de Sand fails to parry Vitaly Sokolov's 3-Barrel Beam Cannon Fingers, taking 5280 damage! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has engaged George de Sand! KTS: Romilly Draid has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Romilly Draid successfully Evades Vitaly Sokolov's Gatling Gun KTS: George de Sand has activated the Dash Spirit Command and has disengaged.
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
"<I wish I could say that's surprising Roux.>" Leina tells her with a crackle of static, "<But given the Federation's actions of late, I'm not.>"
Leina does in fact mark that Vitaly's irritation is directed elsewhere, despite being difficult to read. However...
... she doesn't exactly consider it mitigating circumstances to what she presented that she's annoyed at someone in G-Hound. She said enabled, not did it herself.
"<We will.>" Leina messages back to her, "<You take care of yourself and your wingmates Lucine.>"
Banagher though asks what else they can do to Atrytone and she opens a channel, "<We can make something awful stop together, Banagher. And we can do it our way.>" It does not provide an alternative, but perhaps she does not have to, "<That's what we can do.>"
A salvo of missile pods opens fire, and Leina at first tries to maneuver behind it, before sweeping behind one of the VFs, forcing the guidance systems to curve around it and it to take quick evasive action.
The flap like shield of the ZZ is raised as several smash into it, peppering the reinforced metal with explosions. Though one slips through and strikes the armor, causing the entire mobile suit's frame to rock.
"<A Gundam Fighter? That hardly improves my opinion of you - I only hold respect for a few.>"
Quickly maneuvering to try and disengage from the wing of Variable Fighters. "<Roux, Banagher - I'm going to need some cover. If they're going overkill like this, then we need to incentivize them to back off.>"
The worst part is that she even finds herself disagreeing with Atrytone's political thesis here, it's just how it's delivered makes her skin crawl.
Suddenly flying up along an angle to come level with the Macross Anterior side, the head of the MP Double Zeta starts to charge with plasmic particles.
"<It's true, our encounters have resonated with me Atrytone. One day I'd love to have a nice, long, talk with you about the state of the world. However it's also taught me one thing->"
Atrytone, for all their encounters hasn't yet seen this, because there's a reason she doesn't like to use it. What erupts forth is like a cerulean discharge of energy spiraling out before it changes into the enormous beam of a Ship-Felling cannon that's normally only mounted on a battleship.
Bright searing crimson disgorges out of the head of the Gundam as it tries to shear across the bottom of the Macross 13's lower end, trying to knock out weapon system after weapon system, melting, and vaporizing it in a display of pure power before - in particular the enormous Macross cannon.
"<-how much I don't want to leave our future to you, as things stand.>"
It's mostly meant as a warning shot 'This kind of force will be met in kind' - she's not trying to destroy the ship. Just maybe make the arrogant Commander sweat and think better of his chances here.
All of a sudden though - it ceases firing, and the Gundam goes... dark.
KTS: Leina Ashta targets Asciel Colette with MP ZZ Simplified High Mega Cannon! KTS: Leina Ashta has completed their actions for the round. [O-AMG] Sonia Sophia-Grace> Asciel-chan, we should plot for shenanigans <Pose Tracker> Nena Trinity has posed.
While flying around the Macross, taking pot shots at it with her beam handguns, Nena muses to herself, "It's no fun when they don't get flustered and taunt back. Maybe I need to get more personal..." She turns her head to look at her Purple Haro, "Hey Haro, do you have any info on this person? Maybe notes on family?"
Purple Haro flaps its wings rapidly, "Macross Cannon! Macross Cannon!"
Nena stares in doubt, "What? What does that even-" A light rapidly flares on Nena's screen as she realizes she's flown around towards the front of the large warship, where a certain weapon's barrel is waiting for her, "-Oh!" This could be bad! She could be vaporized! Killed! How would the world recover from the loss!?
Just kidding~
The Gundam Throne Drei performs a repeat of earlier, shoulder turning into the attack. The barrier that forms is a big larger, to match the large firing beam of the giant cannon. But after the flash of light, the Drei is revealed to still be there, parts of its armor all across its frame a little scorched, but mostly fine off.
<"Now look what you've done! You've ruined my lovely Drei's paint job!">
Pondering how to respond to such an offense with deadly force, Nena notices the Exia taking a rather serious hit from the Macross beam turrets. And Nena stares for a moment, "Okay, maybe he's not as cool as I thought..."
Purple Haro buzzes, "Told you! Told you!"
"Yeah, yeah. Shut up and bring up that ship's course." Since Nena is already flying around near it's front, she might as well prepare a present for the ship.
From the Macross's perspective, it might look a little weird as the Gundam Throne Drei begins to fly back and forth along its path. But the reason why quickly becomes clear as the ship lumbers forward: Numerous small objects litter its path. And they're probably not friendly.
KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Valor Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity targets Asciel Colette with GNW-003 Beam Mines Area Denial! KTS: Nena Trinity has completed their actions for the round. [O-AMG] Asciel Colette> by next week I'll have a party boat secured and detained and it'll be a fun place to plot from. <3 <Pose Tracker> George de Sand has posed.
George attempts to strike the cannons away with his sword, but takes the attack at full force. Noticing his critical condition, he once again dashes back in retreat, firing off his head vulcans as he goes back.
I agree, he says without saying, reaching out to the Wanzer pilot. You don't get to be on the battlefield for as long as her without being good.
But we're not out of the fight yet.
KTS: George de Sand targets Vitaly Sokolov with Head Vulcans Retreating Volley! KTS: George de Sand has completed their actions for the round. [O-AMG] Sonia Sophia-Grace> perfect, just in time for us in the Garden to escape it
KTS: Nena Trinity rattles Asciel Colette, making her next maneuvers more difficult. KTS: Asciel Colette fails to intercept Nena Trinity's GNW-003 Beam Mines Area Denial, taking 3360 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 40510 KTS: Asciel Colette fails to evade Leina Ashta's MP ZZ Simplified High Mega Cannon, taking 8400 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 32110 KTS: Leina Ashta roots her unit, coming to a standstill and leaving her vulnerable.
<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.
As she comes near to ripping open the VF - but doesn't - Roux ends up hearing a lot of what Atrytone is saying. "... What?! Stop talking like you're some kind of shadow overlord, Atrytone! This isn't some kind of animated show!"
In Roux's heart, she's not entirely comfortable with this. There's tension there. The looming bulk of the Macross 13... it's intimidating as a structure for the Federation's ambitions. It's definitely overkill for a La Vie en Rose class ship - even if you aren't taking any precautions. But...
Is it EVIL to use them for that? Weren't they originally designed as tools of war? With dozens of them already built, would using one or two as motherships... be any different from repurposing the old Zentradi hulks? These are questions that bother Roux sometimes, when she's calm.
ROUX IS NOT CALM NOW. "I'll try not to let you down," she answers Banagher, as the AMBAC kicks in and the ReZ-II topples round and she sees in a single scintillant blur -- (Why am I having reactions like this? Am I ringing with her? Like a tuning fork or something?)
'I'd have made a fine Gundam Fighter!'
Something huge is happening. Twenty different chains. Roux finds herself spinning around, and while she's approaching the Variable Fighter, Roux actually sockets the Beam Saber she had been holding while she moves. Reflex. Loaded upwards. And to Director Brando, she says: "Is that right?"
Why is it getting brighter in here? Roux thinks. The MP-ZZ is bringing up the High Mega Cannon. But, Roux thinks, she's right there. Oh, Roux thinks:
The Mega Beam Rifle comes upwards and Roux adjusts a control. When she pulls the trigger, it doesn't fire a shot: it erupts into a double-length, triple intensity fountain of megaparticles. An elongated BEAM SABER in the gun itself as she:
This is what's happening, Roux thinks, even as she says, "Not me, though," as she shoves it forwards, bayonet-style, aiming towards the back of the right shoulder of the VF.
KTS: Roux Louka has activated the Valor Spirit Command. KTS: Roux Louka has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Roux Louka targets Asciel Colette with Mega Beam Rifle Saber! KTS: Roux Louka has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov blocks George de Sand's Head Vulcans Retreating Volley, taking 600 damage! KTS: George de Sand repulses Vitaly Sokolov, forcing her to disengage.
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
"<What are you saying?>" Banagher shouts back at Atrytone. "<People could die, and you're just playing around? I don't care about any of that stuff! What are you even talking about?!>"
He's not willing to take the time to unravel whatever Atrytone is trying to actually say. Not now, anyway. If she's got something she wants to communicate, she'll have to be more clear. Banagher's preoccuiped with the battle, especially as Director Brando charges the Unicorn. Stowing her beam magnum, the Gundam charges to meet him, raising her shield to protect her head.
Most of the damage is turned aside, but the Unicorn's shield begins to splinter. Banagher grits his teeth at the impact, and Haro waves his little winglets. "Danger! Danger!" Haro cries.
Missiles fire toward Leina -- Banagher can't watch, he just has to trust her. Drawing his beam sabre, he meets Director Brando head-on. "<So you're the kind of monster who doesn't care about civilian lives at all! Someone like you -- I'll never allow you to succeed!>"
With a cry of effort, Banagher slashes out, the Unicorn reacting in harmony with his wishes. Scarlet light floods onto the Knightmare, exuding psychic pressure as the Unicorn's young pilot's anger rises. He's still in control, riding the wave, but the NT-D picks up on his feelings, looping them back into Banagher's heart, again and again.
Leina's voice, as always, saves him from the echoed rage. Bright and determined, he lets her faith in the future wash over him. With a determined smile, he nods to himself. "<Then that's what we will do. They won't get past us! I've got you covered!>"
Disengaging from the Knightmare, the Unicorn takes position in front of the MP ZZ, shield raised. Scarlet energy crackles through space. Banagher knows what Leina is going to try, and he's prepared to guard her until she's recovered. Power gathers behind the Unicorn, and Banagher holds his defensive stance. Leina won't hit him.
Forced away from the MP ZZ slightly from the shockwave of Leina's cannon, Banagher quickly floats back over to her, shield up and ready. Even if her machine is dark, the Unicorn shines like the stars. Nothing will hurt her.
KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Beam Saber Slash! KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Asciel Colette's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Asciel Colette blocks Banagher Links's Beam Saber Slash, taking 4290 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 27820 KTS: Banagher Links has engaged Asciel Colette! KTS: Asciel Colette fails to rush. KTS: Asciel Colette's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Asciel Colette partially guards Roux Louka's Mega Beam Rifle Saber, taking 2800 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 25020 KTS: Roux Louka has engaged Asciel Colette! Barrier Off
<Pose Tracker> Romilly Draid has posed.
She's lit but we ain't done yet. No--don't chase. Detach the mag 'n prep a new one--
A familiar chill races down Romilly's spine, ghostly alarm bells playing at the edge of his mind. His reaction, and Junior's, play out in sync, the pilot controlling the intensity of the thrusters and the pitch while the AI handles the yaw and tucks the limbs in. Together, they display an agility not yet seen thus far in the fight, rolling and dipping beneath the chainguns while orienting for another shot. HOT DAMN did we need that!
As it levels out from the roll, the Kingmaker slams another detachable magazine in place. Inside the cockpit, tracking indicators light up.
LEVEL 3 ANALYSIS COMPLETE. SMARTLOCK IN PROGRESS.
"Read you," mutters Romilly. The moment the reticle on the cockpit screen turns green, he holds down the trigger, the wanzer's aim making dozens of minute corrections per second, as pilot and machine work increasingly in tandem.
KTS: Romilly Draid targets Vitaly Sokolov with Chain Rifle Smartlock! KTS: Romilly Draid has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Vitaly Sokolov blocks Romilly Draid's Chain Rifle Smartlock, taking 2750 damage! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Accel Spirit Command and Has Engaged with George de Sand
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
Hikaru states her beliefs. ".... Selfish? No, I think..." Lucine tilts her head, giving Hikaru a small, but warm smile as she slips her helmet on. ".... there's nothing wrong with that at all, Hikaru." The topic of Blue Cosmos makes her frown, however. ".... I don't know if I trust what that man told me, but he did say that Blue Cosmos... has some ties to..." Her eyes drift past Hikaru, towards the camera above.
The Nadesico, she trusts. But Nergal....
Now, as they engage their opponents....
~".... I don't think I'm in any danger of doing much damage to my current opponent as it is... this one's tough as nails..."~ Lucine transmits, to Hikaru.
Maybe, Lucine considers, if she had brought the Dianthus instead of the Alto, she would have been been on better footing. ~"Vitaly won't abandon us, at the very least."~ Though, whatever forces are in the Macross, however.... Lucine frowns. ~"And she might be our only ally, right now, Hikaru. .... I'm sorry I forced you out here like this."~
Yi Lao may not hear Lucine's conversations, but the art of piloting is a language all its own. The movements of Lucine's own craft present as earnest enough, as from someone who is at least competent enough to put some pride in the battles she engages with, but there's a certain stiffness, like a fighter whose ring isn't appropriately synced.
Her heart may lie elsewhere, but it refuses to abandon those who have put their faith in her.
< ".... I suppose... you have me there. I can't defend what's going on at all. But I can't back down just yet. There's people who are depending of me here, just as there are for you. Let's go to the last, and part only then." >
Her resolve seeps back, the Alto presenting for one last possible exchange, as the Alto draws its spear. < ".... Give it your all, and show me your conviction." > Then, boosters on, the Alto charges straight ahead, aiming to make at least one more move before her vehicle gives out on her.
It may have come out of nowhere, but it's merely the last amount of communications she's made, coming to the surface where it can be fully recognized.
KTS: Lucine Azul targets Li Yao with ExAMACS Spear Topple Strike! KTS: Lucine Azul has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
They're not out of a fight yet, but as the Rose Gundam's Vulcans tear across the armor of the Prototype Hazel Gundam, it seems to almost loom against the background of space. It doesn't glow. It doesn't have a well known reputation like the Zeta Gundam. It doesn't even look sleek. It's not modern.
Instead, it has marks of battle. It has scuffs across its paintjob. It has weathering from previous deployments just recently. There's parts of it where there is no paint at all anymore. One of its armor bays is just still the same metal it was poured out from. But that also means this is a machine of someone who survives.
Vitaly's head quickly shifts, watching as Romilly Draid manages to avoid her assault. The constant rattling of those Gatling Guns does not hold up though. They keep following him! And the moment the Wanzer Pilot opens up with the chainguns, it fires a whole pocket of rockets straight for them. Many of the chaingun bullets tear through.
But from George de Sand's position, he can see that she's doing this to hide something. Bullets keep cascading over the Hazel Gundam's armor. Ripping holes into the sides. The pilot is making minute adjustments, just enough to keep the most sensitive parts of the machine out of the spray of bullets.
She doesn't make the kind of beautiful plays that the Kingmaker is making. Instead, there's abrupt adjustments whenever it needs to adjust directions. Terrifying amounts of G-Forces being put onto the pilot, who has gone a bit more quiet on the two of them.
Then, from two of those very specific massive weapon carriers, two large missiles suddenly fire forward. One hidden by the constant bombardment coming from the Kingmaker, adjusting their direction to arc around, using the constant debris-field to hide within, at the same time another flares right for George de Sand.
<"Comrade De Sand. Ensure seals of Rose Gundam are still complete, and prepare for impact.">
As there's silent for a moment as those two missiles approach them...
And if they do not take them down at the critical moment, suddenly, enormous balls of pale white erupt in space, as high yield anti-warship torpedos erupt with enough kinetic force to concern even a vessel the likes of a Macross class.
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov targets George de Sand with Long Tube! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov targets Romilly Draid with Long Tube! KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has completed their actions for the round. KTS: [Mirage] Li Yao's GN Disruption activates, and he slips into a mirage. KTS: Lucine Azul rattles Li Yao, making his next maneuvers more difficult. KTS: Lucine Azul has engaged Li Yao! KTS: George de Sand has activated the Foresee Spirit Command. KTS: George de Sand has activated the Foresee Spirit Command. KTS: George de Sand has activated the Foresee Spirit Command. KTS: George de Sand retreats from the attack! KTS: George de Sand fails to evade Vitaly Sokolov's Long Tube, taking 7680 damage! KTS: George de Sand has been defeated! <Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.
The Macross retreats and fires, and the Exia tries to avoid the fire. It manages for a bit, though its eventually overwhelmed, a well placed volley tagging it against one of its shoulders, completely melting off the armor and damaging the iridicent cable underneath. It's fine. Both Setsuna and his Gundam were expected to deal with this sort of abuse. He simply needs to push past it and complete his mission.
<"Damage within acceptable parameters, continuing the assault.">
Sheathing the dual blades back on its hips, the Exia instead turns to using the massive blade on its arm, the slab of white metal hinging forward as the Gundam makes a straight line towards the Macross yet again. Rather than target a turret or other weapon emplacement, however, this time, the Gundam Meister aims for one of its bridges, planting his mobile suit's feet down firmly against the ship as magnetic spikes help to hold it in place.
There's zero hesitation on the pilot's part as it brings its sword arm up, twisting its torso back as much as possible before thrusting the blade as deep as possible into the battleship. Like the two blades before it, there seems to also be a sort of particle coating that gives the weapon some extra bite as it sinks in.
KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has activated the Accel Spirit Command and Has Engaged with Asciel Colette KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei targets Asciel Colette with GN Sword Thrust! KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Asciel Colette blocks Setsuna F. Seiei's GN Sword Thrust, taking 2900 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 22120 KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has engaged Asciel Colette! KTS: Romilly Draid's Will Barrier activates, negating 1000 base damage. KTS: Romilly Draid fails to Intercept Vitaly Sokolov's Long Tube, taking 6480 damage! KTS: Romilly Draid has been defeated! KTS: Hikaru Amano has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Hikaru Amano has activated the Dash Spirit Command and has failed to disengage. KTS: Hikaru Amano's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Hikaru Amano blocks Regina Everhart's Parrying Knife Slash, taking 2029 damage! KTS: Regina Everhart has engaged Hikaru Amano!
<Pose Tracker> George de Sand has posed.
George attempts to retreat once again from the large scale attack, but there's no place for him to run. The Gundam Rose is disabled, but not destroyed. He will live to fight another day.
"A fight well fought, Lieutenant Commander. May we meet again one day. Do svidaniya."
To the Wanzer pilot fighting alongside him, Do not, my friend, let your fighting spirit waver. The road to victory is paved with defeat. May this setback not discourage you, but push you to go even further.
"Spade-7, this is Jack in Diamond. I'm pulling back. I leave this to you and everyone else!"
KTS: George de Sand's GF04-009NF Gundam Rose has been disabled.
<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.
Blue Cosmos... Lucine speaks of them having ties to something, but it's pretty obvious what she means. Hikaru just stares down at the Nergal logo on her uniform.
From a decent distance afar, Hikaru hears the mysterious overseer of today's operation talk, almost tauntingly, about the low levels of motivation among the Nergal pilots, how it's not just good and evil, fighting together with your friends. She knows this! Maybe Akito has a harder time grasping it sometimes, but Hikaru's always been deceptively good at distinguishing blissful fiction from cruel reality.
She shakes off any distractions, facing her opponent, Regina... who compliments the name Aestie, with total seriousness. "Hehe.. thanks. That's my nickname for her!"
And then Regina calls out her anxiety for what it is, before aiming with a knife of her own. "Not a chance!" Hikaru shouts back, on whether she'll let her wavering hurt Lucine. No, she might not be fighting for the Federation, nor is she fighting for Nergal. She's fighting for the Nadesico, which means protecting herself and Lucine!
"Distortion Field, activate!" The Aestie protects itself with a barrier, causing parts of the knife attack to bounce off of it.
~<"The gal I'm facing is pretty tough herself. And very intense... and honestly? Kinda cool."> Now is not the time to gush about her opponents, as she continues to hold out the Distortion Field. ~<"It's okay, Lucine, promise! I think it's better you're not here alone, really. The Nadescrew sticks together~"> Still, the offer of Vitaly is kept in mind. She's not sure what to think of her, but she'll accept her protection if she has to.
Whatever resolve Hikaru gathered together is put together into the Distortion Field, which Hikaru sends flying Regina's way!
KTS: Hikaru Amano has activated the Enable Spirit Command targeting Lucine Azul KTS: Hikaru Amano targets Regina Everhart with Distortion Push!! KTS: Hikaru Amano has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Regina Everhart fails to rush. KTS: Regina Everhart partially guards Hikaru Amano's Distortion Push!, taking 3116 damage! KTS: Hikaru Amano repulses Regina Everhart, forcing her to disengage.
<Pose Tracker> Romilly Draid has posed.
Shit fire and save matches, she got a lock on us! Junior, the Pylon, NOW!
As before, O2 vents from the Warlord Raiment, a progress bar steadily filling as the wanzer backpedals. Blaring alerts pop up as rangefinder notifications ping over the incoming missiles. The pylon's progress bar hangs--a moment of dissonance between pilot and machine just before impact.
RECOMMEND--
"NO!" Missiles slam into the wanzer, hewing ablative armor off in chunks and partially exposing the cockpit to vacuum. A protective barrier forms, displaying 'Morpho' for one brief instant. "I ain't putting you at risk. If we take any more damage, we'll burn up like kindling on re-entry."
. . . UNDERSTOOD, MILLY. MOVING TO DISENGAGE.
<"Allied units, Morpho C.B. disengaging. Cockpit compromised, emergency vacuum seal holding.">
A sigh of relief escapes him, when he feels George's presence, still.
You better believe it, mister. I didn't sign on with this 'cause I go in with fads--I'm in it for the long haul. You take care.
<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
The Yulong, once, years ago, likely would have been skewered upon the spear, and maybe had lost it's head at that point which if you were to ask Li Yao if losing Yulong's head was worse then dying he would sit and contemplate it, for a long time. However the Yulong now is cloaked in those damn sensor scattering particles that give the unit a sensor ghost, allowing him to move out of the way of the spear before it strikes. However the old man is breathing heavy, aware that he got lucky.
Taking a deep breath the old man stands there and works to gather his senses. <"You have asked for me to give you everything I can, as a warrior I must abide."> Taking a deep breath he does his best to steady his mind.
The Yulong claps it's hands together as the veins along the arms and legs glow green, as more particles pulse through the unit. The hands of the fighter glow green with energy before dashing in and slashing with it's energy infused hand as if the unit suddenly had a claw.
KTS: Romilly Draid's NHI-78 Kingmaker has been disabled. KTS: Li Yao has activated the Spirit Spirit Command. KTS: Li Yao has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Li Yao has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Li Yao targets Lucine Azul with Wu Xian Llu Long: Dragon's Claw! KTS: Li Yao has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul has activated the Alert Spirit Command. KTS: Lucine Azul retreats from the attack! KTS: Lucine Azul successfully avoids Li Yao's Wu Xian Llu Long: Dragon's Claw
<Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
As George de Sand and the mysterious Wanzer Pilot are forced to disengage from the Hazel Proto, sparks are still flying across its body. Both of them are fantastic pilots, and the damage to the Rabscuttle mobile armor, as well as the Hazel Gundam are more than proof of their capabilities as pilots.
The woman takes a deep breath, before she creates a laser link to both Lucine Azul and Hikaru Amano; ~"Status? Do either of you require assistance?"~ The woman transmits, as the Hazel begins to maneuver closer towards the remainder of the battlefield.
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
Director Brando's Nightmare puts up a valiant effort, locking blades with the feared Unicorn with noble effort - but the sheer steady nature that is getting outnumbered overwhelms him - with Roux's beam rifle saber in particular shearing a wing and a leg clean off. <"...Alright, OWL was right on the ball then. She has a habit of lavish detail whenever she gives me any information, so I presumed she was embellishing just how well you and your cohort fight - but I know when I'm outnumbered and outmatched. The both of us have important business in the likely wake of this affair, yes? Let's get on our way now that the Colonel's made a dear sort of blunder..."> Manfred pauses for a bit - expecting Asciel to butt her voice in as she pleases like usual, but instead, silence. A slight perturbed clearing of his throat, as he waits-
But Asciel's pulled herself away from monitoring the Variable Fighters, especially in the wake of Leina's fierce beam searing a shard of metal clean off the Macross 13's shoulders - Nena's mines forcing the vessel's advance on the Celestial Being outpost to come to a halt.
Her voice excludes the ones she's working with - honing in first on Banagher.
<<"I can't bear to leave you so clearly questioning, so I'll make it obvious. I'm doing all I can to unfurl the cover of the rot afflicting this world. And if you bear with me for just a little while longer - if you can hold off this ship just a moment more - everything will fall nicely into place. ...You're doing what's right, defending that girl. That's what's 'right' for someone like you to do. Hold on tight with others like you.">>
Slowly but surely, the Macross shifts and unfurls - the rear engines splitting, and arcing downwards...the front bow twisting to either side. The Macross Cannon, held underneath the ship, splits away - only to move towards the now unveiled 'hand' of the ship.
...a careful observer would notice a bit of 'play' in each joint. Fingers wriggling. Arms stretching wide to either joint - then snapping back into position a lot more flexibly than a normal Macross might.
>HOOOOOOOOOH what a good stretch-!!! ...the legs feel a bit stiff. I'll work on that. Inward-!
A circular 'halo' flits into being at the Macross Cannon's aperture - followed by a fierce flash.
>Controllable!~ The rush of so many connections like this - the input of every crew member - everything is so very small---
The Macross's head twists towards Setsuna - and its spare arm curls its fingers, then splays them - as though 'reaching' towards the Exia. It's more blatant than Asciel's been - when she can't stop herself from whispering next into his ear - a process unwittingly shared with Nena Trinity, on account of mis-triggering Celestial Being's own communication protocol.
<<"Everyone else here has enjoyed caring so passionately. But from you, I've scarce heard a word. You, who called yourself a Gundam - you who don the mantle of something exalted. Haaaah. Are you enjoying the sight of 'awakening' - of a similar symbol for hope and peace extending its will of force upon the world? Is that why you're a Gundam - because transcending your humanity is the only way you can imagine the world to change? Show it to me. Show everyone here. Show it! Display just how much of a Gundam you are!! That sword of yours - can it change destiny? Can it fight the heavens? Can it defy an arbiter of the world's fate for the sake of those important to you!? I want to see it!!!~">>
And to Leina and Roux, Asciel more openly states, finally breaking the 'perceived' silence: <"The future is entrusted to so many people. Perhaps too many. No matter how virtuous one's intent - it collides with others, and the seizing of the ability to assert your intent taints that intent. I want to see a future more than just 'declaring war on war'. That may well be my qualm with Celestial Being here. It runs deeper than that. I think the pursuit of the 'future' has run roughshod over everything this planet holds dear. Countless lives burned as fuel to move forward. It needs to end. You'll see how it ends, won't you? You'll put a stop to that gigantic thing, yes?~ Or at least buy it...a little...more...time-!">
...Not too shortly after - - -
The key operative at the outpost, Mariafokina Barnrose, clearly out of breath as the Macross Cannon begins charging more, gasps out, to the joint forces of the Shuffle Alliance and Celestial Being, "...We just need...a short while longer-! ...it's okay if we won't make it. We knew this might happen. We almost have our key payload in position - we almost have our communications relay ready to make SURE our work won't be in vain! Heh. ...We've lured them far away from the prize, so no matter what...there's a way. In case we can't bring our message to bear - - - Ashta! Trinity! I've just sent over Contingency Plan C to your databases. It'll be up to you - no matter what, neither of YOU can die...!"
Communications start to turn fizzly. The immense Minovsky disruption of the Macross Cannon blazes a path through the skies - Colonel Garland ordering a full ejection of missiles and turrets to every hostile nearby...!
You don't have that Spirit Command.
KTS: Asciel Colette has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with Macross Cannon - Full Output! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Leina Ashta with Anti-Fleet Reaction Missile! KTS: Asciel Colette has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Asciel Colette targets Nena Trinity with Macross Cannon - Full Output! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with Macross Cannon - Full Output! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with Anti-Fleet Reaction Missile! KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 351. KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 120. KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Banagher Links rushes into the attack! KTS: [Spirit Defense] Banagher Links's Determination activates, and his spirit endures. KTS: Asciel Colette enervates Banagher Links, reducing his Morale significantly. KTS: Banagher Links partially guards Asciel Colette's Anti-Fleet Reaction Missile, taking 9360 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Asciel Colette's You Don't Have To Be Brave Anymore activates, causing Deject! KTS: Banagher Links has been defeated! KTS: Asciel Colette completes the Formation attack! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Setsuna F. Seiei with Macross Cannon - Full Output! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Nena Trinity with Macross Cannon - Full Output! KTS: Asciel Colette targets Roux Louka with Macross Cannon - Full Output! KTS: Roux Louka has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Roux Louka retreats from the attack! KTS: Roux Louka successfully evades Asciel Colette's Macross Cannon - Full Output KTS: Asciel Colette roots her unit, coming to a standstill and leaving her vulnerable. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Nena Trinity has activated the Wall Spirit Command. KTS: Asciel Colette enervates Nena Trinity, reducing her Morale significantly. KTS: Nena Trinity fails to evade Asciel Colette's Macross Cannon - Full Output, taking 8760 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Asciel Colette's You Don't Have To Be Brave Anymore activates, causing Deject! KTS: Asciel Colette roots her unit, coming to a standstill and leaving her vulnerable. <Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
A nickname...? Ah. So 'Aestie' is not the proper model name... Still, that she has given her machine a nickname indicates that she has formed a bond with her. That is not something Regina has ever done. Her units have always been supplied to her by Celestial Being, and then returned after the mission. ...Typically in a state of disrepair that causes no small amount of stress to the mechanics in charge of putting them back together.
...She would not know what it's like to form such a bond.
"I see." Regina replies, with a nod of understanding. And her words seem to have affected change in Hikaru, for she shouts back with renewed spirit. She cracks a rare smile as the Distortion Field kicks in, deflecting her knife at the last moment.
"A barrier." She notes. And that barrier isn't just used for defense - it pushes outward. Regina's Alto accelerates, trying to force its way through toward the Aestivalis - but it is ultimately pushed back, flying out of melee range.
"You are in unity. Good. Show me now what you and Aestie are capable of." Regina says. There's a bit more energy in her voice now. She sounds almost pleased. The Alto's spear is taken up with both hands - and she accelerates forward, lunging in and driving her spear toward the Aestivalis!
As her momentum carries her forward, however, a message reaches her. She frowns, just slightly.
"...Fight well. We will honor you." Regina replies, to those remaining in the outpost.
KTS: Asciel Colette enervates Setsuna F. Seiei, reducing his Morale significantly. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei fails to Evade Asciel Colette's Macross Cannon - Full Output, taking 9600 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Asciel Colette's You Don't Have To Be Brave Anymore activates, causing Deject! KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei has been defeated! KTS: Asciel Colette roots her unit, coming to a standstill and leaving her vulnerable. KTS: Asciel Colette completes the Formation attack! KTS: Regina Everhart targets Hikaru Amano with ExAMACS Spear Lunge! KTS: Regina Everhart has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Setsuna F. Seiei's GN-001 Gundam Exia has been disabled. KTS: Hikaru Amano has activated the Focus Spirit Command. KTS: Hikaru Amano's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Regina Everhart anchors Hikaru Amano, forcing her into close range. KTS: Hikaru Amano fails to Parry Regina Everhart's ExAMACS Spear Lunge, taking 3225 damage! KTS: Regina Everhart has engaged Hikaru Amano! KTS: Regina Everhart roots her unit, coming to a standstill and leaving her vulnerable.
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
There are times Lucine wishes she could turn that part of herself off. Newtype or no, she's been soft-hearted from the get-go.
~"Yeah, same here. He's got experience. He's beating me good, but I don't mind that.">
But nothing can deny Lucine the rush of a good battle. It even feels familiar, likely because Yi Lao, while a Gundam Fighter, displays some of the tough characteristics some of the old bounty hunters on Mars displayed. And it was those sorts that became Lucine's teachers, more or less, though few were ever the sort of disciplined Li Yao seems to posess.
On the field of combat, the only person you could truly count on was yourself. Alliances can come and go, but in the end, it's you that will remain.
'I think it's better you're not here alone, really.'
Hikaru's shield ignites, and at the same time, Yulong charges.
There. This is the moment. The energy claws meet air, and the Yulong is missing its dance partner temporarily. < "....!" > The rush of managing such a close shave is negated by what's happening beyond.
.....
"...... Banagher...." Shame burns at her core. "...." How can she even recount any of this to Liam? 'Sorry, I fought with the Macross as it blasted the Unicorn, with Banagher inside it?'
'The Nadescrew sticks together~'
'Do either of you require assistance?'
She can't withdraw from those who depend on her, right now, in this moment. She's not a bounty hunter. She never had the heart for it.
But she is a fighter, through and through.
The flight module aims and fires, Lucine's hawk gold eyes wide in concentration.
<Pose Tracker> Nena Trinity has posed.
Nena rolls her eyes as she catches the radio comm directed at Setsuna. She doesn't interupt though, more interested in just blowing this ship up and going home.
Something which is easier said than done, if the energy readings that big cannon is giving off! This could be bad... This could be very bad!
Unlike before, Nena doesn't stick around to try and tank the shot. She instead tries to get out of the way, her GN Drive pushing her fast away from the cannon's apparent firing line. Unfortunately, not fast enough.
The Macross Cannon fires, its energy ripping everything in its path apart. The Gundam Throne Drei is caught on the edge of the blast, its barrier doing little to dull the energy trying to tear it to pieces.
Once the light finally dies down, the Drei is still floating there, intact. But much of its armor is slagged or otherwise sheared off. The Gundam still looks relatively functional, but it would likely not survive another blast like that.
In the cockpit, Nena is breathing rapidly from the sudden adrenaline spike and near-death moment. Staring out at the large ship now in robot form, Nena finally gathers the breath to say, "HOLY SHIT!"
Taking a few more moments to think about it, Nena decides: She doesn't like this anymore. She wants to leave. But if she doesn't protect the Celestial Being base, she'll probably get in trouble...
Then relief comes. But not in the form of a very heartfelt comm from those on the base willing to sacrifice themself. No, that comm never made it through the Drei's systems and into Nena's ears.
Instead, Purple Haro's eyes flash off for a moment, before lighting up again, the robot co-pilot beginning to buzz, "New orders. New orders."
Nena blinks in surprise, "New orders? From who? How? Who's even here to give us new orders!?"
Nonetheless the new orders flash up on screen: Disengage from the Macross. Do not engage further. Vacate the area immediately.
Nena practically breathes a sigh of relief before she says, "Welp, nothing to it then. Orders are orders. Gotta follow them."
Purple Haro buzzes, "Not like you! Not like you!"
"S-Shut up. Just launch the transport pod and let's get the hell out of here."
The red and grey transport pod docked in one of the outpost's hangars suddenly comes to life, quickly maneuvering out of the base and then turning to blast off into space.
The Gundam Throne Drei isn't far behind it, turning away from the battle and starting to fly off with crimson particles trailing.
No word to its allies.
KTS: Lucine Azul targets Li Yao with Flight Module Cannon Sighted Shot! KTS: Lucine Azul has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Director Brando retreats, but Banagher pays him no heed. There's more important things to focus on. This guy will get what's coming to him -- either today, or in the future. That's a possibility he firmly believes in.
As the Unicorn races to Leina's side, Atrytone's voice comes through. Everything will fall nicely into place? Is she just toying with them? "<If that's your goal... Shouldn't Celestial Being be your allies? Why are you trying to destroy them? And -- you still sound like you're just playing around. This is life and death, to so many people. Back then, I trusted you. I want to be able to trust you again!>"
Banagher can't help but feel a spike of fear as the Macross ship targets the Unicorn. Missiles fire, one after the other, and its main cannon focuses on the young pilot. The Unicorn doesn't flinch, holding her splintering shield firmly. In an effort to protect Leina, she charges forward, meeting the attack.
Hit after hit rattles the Unicorn. She endures the missiles, but the shot from the main cannon is too much. Banagher cries out as the Unicorn's shield splinters away, refusing to move from the path of the beam. Leina needs him. He won't let her be harmed! Jarred by the impact, Banagher coughs, feeling his stomach turn. No -- he's going to hang on. He won't turn away from this!
Devotion is consecrated by the Unicorn's sacrifice, letting out a wave of scarlet pressure. "I won't let you-- hurt her!" Banagher yells. His heart thuds in his chest, and the Unicorn begins to push back the beam. Green motes of light rise up around the Gundam, flickering against the red Psychoframe. leaning forward, he puts all his strength in harmony with the Unicorn's! However--
White armour, damaged by the earlier attacks, splinters apart. The Unicorn's shield is lost, broken in her hand, and the full force of the cannon forces the Unicorn back. Banagher's head slams back against the chair, rocking forward with the impact. Stars dance before him, and by the time the beam has finished, Banagher's vision starts to fade out.
"Leina... Leina..."
Scarlet light extinguishes, and the Unicorn folds into herself. Still between Leina and the ship, she floats, unmoving.
KTS: [Mirage] Li Yao's GN Disruption activates, and he slips into a mirage. KTS: Li Yao fails to evade Lucine Azul's Flight Module Cannon Sighted Shot, taking 0 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
"<As if we'd ever think you would Roux.>" 'Let him down'. "<You've never once let me down.>"
And the sincerity in that statement is so clear that... it's obvious, Leina does not doubt this is true.
"George???" Leina feels her heart sink, "<Acknowledged Jack in Diamond. We'll take it from here and bring this to a close.>" There's a crackle of radio static, then an addendum, "<... Be safe.>"
Leina finds herself smiling at Banagher's statement, and so when the MP ZZ powers down in the wake of that blast, as the reactor recycles, he has her full trust.
He can feel that from her so clearly.
And once it cycles... it's just in time to see that massive missile slam into the Unicorn. To hear him calling out her name.
BANAGHER!
Even knowing he hadn't slipped off this mortal coil, her nerves are frazzled seeing it.
And the P R E S S U R E over the battlefield intensifies even as the MP ZZ suddenly burns bright in its thrusters towards the Unicorn, its shield arm hooking around him - and continuing to fly, dragging it around the.
They need more time, stay alive. Stay alive. Keep herself alive. Keep Banagher alive. Keep Roux alive. Keep Everyone alive. Contingency plan C hits her databases as she replies to Mariafokina over the disruption in communications.
She can't die.
"<It's NOT o>-" Bzzt, "<-if you don't make it!>" SHRKKK "<-CUATE! I'll buy you time - and I won't let your efforts be in vain!>"
The MP ZZ starts flying in an escape arc around the ship with Banagher in tow, "<And you're not doing the SAME THING right now!? Burning lives for YOUR ambitions!? YOUR End? The HYPOCRISY! You think we don't already understand the ROT!? Who asked YOU to uncover something most of us have understood since we were CHILDREN!>"
The arm mounted rifle on the MP ZZ swings out, and starts charging, even as she tries to fly into position. With a prayer in her heart, she fires the beam at the Macross cannon, in a steady stream across what she assumes is its link to the ship's reactor.
She can't be certain of that, it's just... a gut feeling. Sometimes it's all she's got though. It's her only chance, to save the people on that outpost too.
KTS: Leina Ashta has activated the Dash Spirit Command and has gained proficiency bonus. KTS: Leina Ashta targets Asciel Colette with MP ZZ Single-Barrel Beam Rifle Charged Shot! KTS: Leina Ashta has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Asciel Colette fails to charge. KTS: Asciel Colette partially guards Leina Ashta's MP ZZ Single-Barrel Beam Rifle Charged Shot, taking 2784 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 19336
<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.
"Don't talk to me about business, you maniac!" Roux answers Brando hotly. "You're driving a battleship at this research station! You're swatting a fly with a reaction missile! You want to send three ships, six, maybe eight and full Mobile Suit compliment, maybe that's enough of a beat down!"
Roux doesn't quite understand the 'shape' of what's going on. But maybe she doesn't, quite, need to.
Atrytron speaks to them. Something's glowing, Roux thinks, like there's a sun rising.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbgw_rduQpM
That feeling comes back. That curiously thrilling view of the world, everything luminous. Cast into the shadow of a futurity that doesn't quite come. Roux finds her hands - doing something? No, Roux thinks, this isn't like that. Because --
I'm there, Roux thinks. In the future. The future isn't a real thing, is it? It's just gonna be the present in ten minutes. Is it a 'place'?
What do I say now? I'm so mad, Roux thinks. And helpless. And frustrated. I'm scared, too. I'm scared for Banagher. For Leina, and for Judau. For everyone else out there. Where's Sayla? What's happening with Amuro Ray? Elle, Iino - Beecha - Bright Noa - even that little shit Mondo... those guys in the Sahara... Koji! Sayaka! Are they ever going to -
That's too far ahead, Roux realizes, and I'm - screaming?
In consensus reality, Roux started screaming her throat out a couple of seconds ago. The ReZ-II has been advancing and what might be what interrupts the screaming is that the ReZ-II just jinked downwards, down enough to be out of the direct line of fire from the dreadful beam. Not so far as to avoid searing hotness and hell-light filling half of the panoramic cockpit; not so far as to avoid that recently applied paint from bubbling up by sympathetic reaction, the sheer transmission of that vast discharge sending thrilling static through the Mobile Suit.
But the suit isn't actually Roux's body. Somehow, she feels like apologizing to it.
Well, how is this any different, Atrytron, Roux thinks, with a sort of gentle frustration.
From her mouth it comes out as a shrieking, "WELL HOW IS THIS ANY DIFFERENT, ATRYTRON!?!" as the Mega Beam Rifle comes upwards.
How is this any different? Roux thinks.
"HOW IS THIS ANY DIFFERENT??!"
Okay, Roux thinks in that shining flow: Talking's probably out. Geez. I must be having a reaction to that allergy pill I took on Thursday or something. (It all seems normal to Roux, right now. Later, it will be a different story.) So how am I going to do this? I don't have the Psychoframe, or the High Mega Cannon, or the Breast Fire or anything...
The ReZ-II arcs upwards as it gets near enough to the Macross Cannon's barrel to be out of the risk of the ray, a small shooting star against the vast thing.
Roux thinks: I could think of a million things I don't have. I also don't have a creamy porcelain complexion or natural blonde hair or ten million gilla. Whatever. What DO I have...? I have the Mega Beam Rifle, and -- the ReZ-- no, not there. That wouldn't work. It worked for ((him?? dublin)) but I'm not there, I'm --
Her eyes turn. The panoramic screen, partially flickering with rainbow error-sparkles as it struggles to reboot in the aftermath of near exposure to the Macross Cannon's rifle, reveals the outlines of the surface of the cannon.
That, Roux thinks. It's not a miracle. It's not the war-shaft of the Federal patriarchy. It's just a big machine. Like a beam rifle, but bigger.
Optical patterns loom suddenly huge in Roux's vision. In a flash she realizes: That's the optics software! I'm already aiming! But I know where it is already. Why do I need the... the...
I really hope I'm not doing this because I'm fixing to die, Roux prays, as the Mega Beam Rifle comes upwards. Through a raw throat, Roux forces out, "If you're gettin' forced, Atrytron, bail and I'll pick you up, but I'm sick of your stupid --"
The optical software picks up, and Roux feels a slightly embarrassed wave of relief with it. It was just trying to help! I ought not to be such a b-word, Roux thinks, as the Mega Beam Rifle snaps into OVERLOAD mode. The weapon comes upwards and the thrusters on the ReZ-II go dead; it is, of course, still moving, but now it can only do the little fine wiggling that comes with the use of AMBAC. The target point -- that pipeline? No, Roux thinks, moving her aim a little to the right.
Unbeknownst to Roux, although doubtless firmly beknownst to 'Atrytron' if she checks her physical network map, is that this moves from aiming at a primary megaparticle conduit (probably a good call, but flash-patchable) to an area signal control junction. The thing that makes the big machinery listen. The nerve of the great arm.
"Gun," Roux says, pulling the trigger. There is a pulsation of magenta, and damn, Roux thinks as it flies out, I feel like I can see all the places it didn't go. Leina...?
"Leina," Roux says, looking to her side, "Leina, we gotta get -- I don't have enough throughput for this thing." It's remarkably *calm* if through a raspy voice, given, like, everything.
'
KTS: Roux Louka has activated the Strike Spirit Command. KTS: Roux Louka targets Asciel Colette with Mega Beam Rifle - Kill the Target!! KTS: Roux Louka has completed their actions for the round. From afar to Asciel Colette: Nena Trinity (NT) will do her best! <Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.
Hikaru can't see Regina's smile, but she can hear the subtle shift of energy in her voice as she thrusts forward with the spear. Hikaru for two, grins a moment, despite the vicious setting of war she tried to close away from. It's not the case, but it almost feels like a coordinated fight.
In spite of the defensive power of the distortion field, Regina is still an exceptionally skilled pilot, and marks through with the spear. "Wow...!" She can't hold back her impression of Regina's skills. "That was pretty amazing."
~<Ahahaaa, same here. These guys definitely believe in what they're fighting for.. but if it comes down to it, we have each other, right?">
Vitaly then inquires whether she and Lucine need any help. "I'm holding out!" She lasers in return. "But I won't say no to a little backup~"
Regina asks her to show her the full capabilities of her and the Aestie... but Hikaru can't quite do that without her wingwomen. So she decides to fight as if they're right there next to her, anyways.
Hikaru crazy-quick maneuvers around Regina's Alto with the Distortion Field... maneuvers that would only possibly make sense if there were two people right by her. She doesn't hear Ryoko call for Amaryllis Formation or whatever they call it that day of the week. But Hikaru commences the killer move nonetheless.
KTS: Hikaru Amano targets Regina Everhart with Killer Move: Start!! KTS: Hikaru Amano has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Asciel Colette fails to react to Roux Louka's Mega Beam Rifle - Kill the Target!, taking 6780 damage! KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 12556 KTS: Roux Louka roots her unit, coming to a standstill and leaving her vulnerable. KTS: Regina Everhart fails to rush. KTS: Regina Everhart partially guards Hikaru Amano's Killer Move: Start!, taking 4620 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Hikaru Amano's I'll Introduce Myself! activates, causing Jam L1! KTS: Hikaru Amano has engaged Regina Everhart! KTS: Hikaru Amano begins a Formation attack!
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.
<"Gundams aren't a tool for your entertainment.">
Setsuna's answer is nowhere near the same as the last time they fought. It shouldn't be the same either. He said everything that needed to be said on that day. If she forgot that, then it's on her to remember, not for him to repeat the same speech until it's engraved in her head.
There is also a new problem. The Macross stood up. This is not a fight the Gundam can win, at least, not without the back up from the rest of his team. While he could die trying to end it here and rest comfortably knowing the other Meisters would carry out the mission he's devoted his life to, the loss of this base is not comparable to the loss of a true GN Drive and Gundam.
With that said, while he'd still like to continue the fight for as long as he can, the full powered cannon makes it to where he quickly needs to find a way out. It's not like he has any other choice either, it's too big to evade completely. The Exia swerves to the side, its shield raised as the beam manages to clip it, the mere clipping, however, seems to be more than enough to fully engulf the suit.
There's an explosion, followed by a sudden cut out from the suit's communication and ID signature.
When the beam finally subsides, there doesn't appear to be much left of the Celestial Being mobile suit or its pilot, just a shield and various floating armor and mechanical bits.
The Exia is gone.
<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
The Yulong does a rather acrobatic back flip up and away to avoid the shot as it twists in the air before righting itself to look at it's opponent. Li Yao himself looks towards the Macross as he watches the trouble, even Exia's signal dropped out, then towards the Hazel and where Rose Gundam was. Shaking his head the gundam's head turns back to look at Lucine before setting up it's fighting stance again. Yao is aware he has a few more fights ahead of him after the Alto but one opponent at a time, despite low energy reserves.
<" Lass, I must inform you that I do not believe I can continue this for much longer. There are more important things for me to deal with."> Li Yao feels a little bit of guilt at having to say that, but it is what must be done or they will lose their safe house.
The Yulong dashes forward and throws a quick round of strikes at the Alto, a right jab, left cross before a round house kick from the right.
KTS: Li Yao targets Lucine Azul with Wu Xian Llu Long: Dragon's Strike! KTS: Li Yao has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Lucine Azul fails to evade Li Yao's Wu Xian Llu Long: Dragon's Strike, taking 4000 damage! KTS: Li Yao has engaged Lucine Azul!
<Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
"Thank you." Regina replies, as Hikaru expressed her amazement at her skills. They are on separate sides of this conflict... but, Hikaru's words do not mark her as among those who would stoke the fires of war for their own gain. Whatever cause lead her here today, Regina can respect that.
The Aestivalis breaks out into a set of high-speed maneuvers. Even with her sensors and her own instinct for battle, it takes everything she has to keep her eye on her as she flits around the battlefield. She braces herself for impact, as Hikaru starts the killer move - the Distortion Field hammering against the Alto and preventing Regina from getting too close.
"...You are... not usually a solo combatant." Regina notes, reading her moves. "But you are skilled in your own right, even on your own. You, too, are impressive."
Hikaru's maneuverability is greater than her own. But eventually, Regina manages to get a bead on her. The spear is stowed away. Regina's Alto moves in with a bare-handed jab, its body shifting fluidly to follow up with a second.
KTS: Regina Everhart targets Hikaru Amano with One-Two Jab! KTS: Regina Everhart has completed their actions for the round. <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
>...nn, truthfully, I think if I weren't so ~rewarded~ right now, if I didn't feel so free and bright-
>...the passion in their voices is hard to listen to. Hehe. They're really not wrong at all. I've been oh so willing to get my hands dirty in the same way humans do, indeed. If I let go of my light - it won't be any different.
>...that's why I can't let it get to me. I'm oh so sorry to the both of you, but you're not enough. None of you are enough to put an end to this perpetual <spiral of dominance>.
>I'll simply hope you understand, when day finally breaks.
Slowly, the output of the Macross Cannon arcs downwards, downwards - honing in on Vindirance's outpost - the crew within sweating as that violet light of judgment threatens to turn all of them to ash. Ice is running through Mariafokina's veins at this critical moment - it takes all of her willpower to keep in contact with her Earthside convoy - to send as much backup data to the right servers - to do all this, slowly assuming that her end is coming-
- - - And at that key moment - the avenger of the Unicorn's crimson light sees the one space. The one link - the one hope for salvation. The power conduit on the Macross Cannon's underbelly, like the reverse scale of the dragon---
>ghghghghGHHHHHHH THAT HURTS UNIMAGINABLY HARD - - - EVERYTHING'S SO INTENSE - - - IT'S SO MUCH PAIN - - - IT'S SO MUCH FULFILLMENT - - - I WAS NOWHERE NEAR PREPARED FO
>My light. it's okay. i wanted this. I'll control this. Some day later I'll indulge in how amazing it all is. Not now. Not here. I'll control this. I promised I would destroy the future. I intend to keep it. No matter what.
...And oh so suddenly, space is dark. Few people can believe it. Colonel Garland is sweating bullets, as by some seeming ruination of fate - his trump card to wipe this adversary off the map falters.
The silence lingers.
And then, with a veritable swell of triumph, the Vindirance operatives bustle to work - reworking their plan back to the original - several large scale, high powered communications towers emerging from the outpost's shell. And from it - a breathless, volume-uncontrolled voice from Mariafokina.
<<<We're notifying all Earth Federation and Neo Colony personnel - notifying everyone we can-! We've obtained secure, classified documents proving that Federation military assets have on multiple occasions been funneled into the very terrorists they rallied against fighting - along with information that Britannian Colonel Wilbur Garland has been pushing forward several false flag operations, all with civilian lives on the line, purging internal opposition. Records of transactions leading to the Sleeves are at Coordinates D112-B-9.9, along with shared coordinates at 4 additional cities. : the Attorney General of Homeland Capital Pendragon should have easy access to this as well and can corroborate it. People of Earth, of Britannia - you can't allow your militaries to use you as hostages while Blue Cosmos sells every last one of you out!>>>
She's breathing heavily in the wake of this, far from the poised and collected announcement of Aeolia Schenberg's declaration last year.
...But at multiple points in Britannia, a veritable treasure trove of intel is indeed unearthed by public officials and reporters alike - high ranking Blue Cosmos officials indeed provably engaged in illicit negotiations with the groups they were so fervently sworn to wipe out. News that makes absolutely nobody happy - opposition incensed by the scandal, supporters outraged at helping spacenoid scum at all.
The color's drained from Colonel Garland's face - but you don't get as far as he has by letting this cow you. After a covertly shaky breath...he clears his throat, stepping forward, and plainly announces, "The Macross 13's armaments have been disabled, and we are unable to continue launching this offensive. We will be regrouping back at our launch point at the Orbital Ring to discuss the second assault, preferably infiltrating Celestial Being's hideout on foot. All forces, disengage and return to the mothership."
Discipline goes far in the military - but even several of Garland's own crew are uneasy, as reports come flooding in over the airwaves. In the span of minutes, media outlets are putting him in bigger crosshairs.
And as everyone falls back, Leina and Roux get a shared, identical message.
::>You three really are incredible, you know. I was on the edge of my seat watching you plunge into the fray like that. ...Take good care of your friend first and foremost. Don't you dare let someone as kind as him die on us all. I don't know how fast this is all going to move - but you'll really want to keep track of this guy now that he's lost everything. The worms he's with are liable to take everything down with them. I've done what I can to shine a light on the most rotten of the bunch and put them in a bad position - now it's up to the world to cast them down. Good work~<::
KTS: Hikaru Amano's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage. KTS: Hikaru Amano parries Regina Everhart's One-Two Jab, taking 1320 damage! KTS: Regina Everhart has engaged Hikaru Amano! KTS: Really eject? [Enter `yes' or `no'] KTS: Asciel Colette's NMCV-013 Macross 13 has been disabled. KTS: You have not deployed a robot. (see +deploy)
<Pose Tracker> Vitaly Sokolov has posed.
Information begins to flow in, as a communication broad cast starts. The Hazel Gundam slows its approach for a moment, while the Rabscuttle begins an approach towards Hikaru - who's requested assistance. The machine turning towards the small outpost, as the massive Macross' weapons fall silent.
And the woman's eyes narrow. As information about Colonel Wilbur Garland come to light.
"Is this more of your plan, Treize Kushrenada?" Vitaly Sokolov wonders out loud, as more and more information about the fools within the Federation start to come to light. Is this really what this has been about? This assault on this outpost has been about just... silencing this information?
It's not that she cannot understand. False Flag operations are part of military discipline for a reason. But there's still something that draws her ire in there.
~"Hikaru Amano, Lucine Azul. Prepare to disengage. Protect the Macross, but do not chase any targets."~ The woman communicates to the two people she'd pulled into these matters. ~"G-Hound will personally verify these charges itself."~
KTS: Vitaly Sokolov has activated the Resupply Spirit Command targeting Hikaru Amano <Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
Banagher just ate a Reaction Missile! Banagher just ate a REACTION MISSILE!
That fact causes her to just SEETHE! A ship Atrytone was using just fired an anti-fleet REACTION MISSILE at her boyfriend! They shot a Macross Cannon and Roux was in it's path!!!!
It takes Roux being the voice of reason. She can feel all of Roux's outrage, can hear her shouting some of the similar invective at Atrytone.
... But she's also telling her they need to go. Leina is quiet for a time, the Double Zeta's arm hooked around the Unicorn...
She thinks of Banagher calling out to her. She thinks of the Magical Girl Ribbons he so lovingly crafted to her as a gift, now hanging off the back of her cockpit seat.
She thinks of the people in the outpost, willing to sacrifice their lives.
She's about to tell Roux she's leaving, when suddenly- the light in the Macross Cannon fades.
That light.
The P R E S sure fades.
And the transmission comes across in those moments, uncovering the perfidy, the fraud, the deceit. It all pours out - moment after moment.
Some of these things she understood before as a part of the intelligence community, but she had no proof.
And the Macross 13 sounds its retreat. Leina sits there in sheer disbelief, the arm of the Double Zeta all but hugging the Unicorn.
A transmission...
... for a moment she doesn't respond, then...
>... He means the world to me. I won't let the world claim him.<::
It's a simple message, whether it reaches her or not, she can't acknowledge the rest yet, Atrytone's shifting stance gives her all kinds of complicated feelings... but...
"I do hope we get to have that talk some day." She murmurs aloud.
"<Roux... God I... God...>" She sounds dazed, like she can't even acknowledge what just happened, "<-let's get Banagher out of here and in a medbay.>"
She flies him over to her ReZ-II, and lets her take an arm, before the two fly off with the Unicorn in tow.
KTS: You have not deployed a robot. (see +deploy)
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
"..... this isn't right..."
Hikaru may notice that whatever video feed that would have managed to get to her from Lucine's Alto is now cut. But it's just as well, since the Macross's cannon has destroyed any chance of clear communication.
'.. but if it comes down to it, we have each other, right?'
The p r e s s u r e over the battlefield intensifies, and Lucine barely gets the ability to make out a dry 'mmhmm' in response.
What is she? Who is she?
This is her fault. This is her fault. She shares in this, because she went along.
The Yulong's jabs hit home, but it's like jabbing into a suit of armor attached to a practice dummy.
Li Yao gets a single, pained response. ~"..... Please.... go."~
The world goes dark, and not because Lucine finds herself withdrawing within herself.
If Hikaru wasn't here, if Lucine didn't know Vitaly was being true to her words, she would have felt completely alone.
The p r e s sure begins to fade.
Her hands touch the controls. She can barely feel them against her fingertips.
She'll do it for the Nadesico.
< ".... Roger." >
<Pose Tracker> Nena Trinity has posed.
Nena is on her way out of here when the transmission hits. She lets her Haro handle the docking procedure with the transport pod, listening to the thing play out. She chuckles a little as she does so, musing, "Man, there must be some people out there who are toooootally screwed."
Nena feels her machine shake as the docking completes, the large hatch on her screen closing. Nena stretches in her chair, saying, "Come on, Haro. Let's go grab a snack."
Purple Haro sits motionless.
Nena bangs her hand on it, "Hello?"
Purple Haro's eyes light up again, flapping its wings, "What!? What!?"
Nena snorts, "Stupid thing. Don't tell me you're on the fritz again. I'm not fixing you if you break down!"
"Get bent! Get bent!"
----
In a room Somewhere, a figure sits in a chair listening to the same transmission. He asks, "Do we have confirmation?"
Another figure standing beside the chair says, "Yes, we've just received it."
"Hmmm, it's as we expected then. It's unfortunate that we couldn't make use of this information a little longer before the rest of the world got their hands on it. But I assume we at least met the requirements?"
"Yes, sir. The assets are in place."
"Good. It shouldn't be much longer now until we can begin the next phase..."
<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
The Yulong looks at the Alto for a moment before looking at the Macross and the figheter takes a moment to read the situation. The information and everything else that is happening. This battlefield had been tainted.
Li Yao sends one last message to his opponent before he leaves though, <"I would suggest you figure out if you are doing what you want. Your attacks they had fire but lacked conviction.">
The Yulong turns and moves away from the battlefield, Li Yao feeling a bit disgruntled at the situation at hand. "So much chaos brought by the young."
<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.
Regina is definitely a strong read when it comes to combat, even being able to understand Hikaru is usually not a single combatant. "That's right! I'm part of the Nadesico's Three Angels division. We ahh, fight each other more than the enemy but I'd still say we make a good team!" She manages a giggle.
And then focuses, as Regina goes for a final one-two jab. Even as the distortion field catches it, it still does sizeable damage to the Aestie's frame... but it's still not enough to break her focus, as she remembers Ryoko's drilling, Izumi's morbid encouragement.
OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWHtf-1HL4A
"Killer Move: Gekigan Flare~!" Hikaru shouts, as the Aestie performs the iconic move: lunging at full speed with the distortion field up. Just this once, she'll indulge in her fictional paradise to see her through this battle...
Until she's shocked back into cruel reality by the Macross Cannon preparing to fire, and fading. That coupled with an exposee on the awful faces of the Federation.
The retreat order is sounded. "Roger, roger!" She replies to Vitaly, and to Lucine... "I'll be right next to you, and if you want to talk... just ask." She says, totally serious.
And finally, to farewell her lovely opponent. "It's Hikaru Amano. I hope we don't meet again... on the battlefield like this, I mean!" She corrects herself, embarassedly. "Thanks to you, I think I know what to do. And... good luck on the ending war thing! I hate it too." The orange Aestie flies away, to meet Lucine's side.
Roux Louka has connected.
KTS: Hikaru Amano has activated the Enable Spirit Command. KTS: Hikaru Amano targets Regina Everhart with Is this the Gekigan Flare?!! KTS: Hikaru Amano has completed their actions for the round. KTS: Regina Everhart fails to rush. KTS: Regina Everhart partially guards Hikaru Amano's Is this the Gekigan Flare?!, taking 9000 damage! KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Hikaru Amano's I'll Introduce Myself! activates, causing Jam L1! KTS: Regina Everhart has been defeated! KTS: Hikaru Amano has engaged Regina Everhart! KTS: Hikaru Amano completes the Formation attack!
<Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
She says they fight each other more than the enemy, but they make a good team - the Three Angels. To Regina, it's a strange thought.
"Gekigan Flare." Regina repeats. "Show me."
She wants to see it for herself. So when Hikaru readies for her killer move... Regina charges right into it. Maybe the energy is just a little infectious. Perhaps she gets the sense that Hikaru does not mean to kill her. But she wants to see it - just what she's capable of. The Aestivalis, empowered by the Distortion Field, slams into her Alto. And its power - her power - sends the Alto reeling through space before eventually coming to a stop, laying as if on its back. Regina stares at flickering monitors.
"...Ah..." She murmurs. ...Is this the power of camaraderie...?
...And, as she sits there, she hears the report over the systems that still remaining. ...So, that is what is happening here.
Hikaru gives her name, and after a moment...
"...Regina Everhart. And, thank you." She replies. "...I would not object to fighting you again. But perhaps, on better terms. Farewell."
She tests the controls. Her Alto is no longer in fighting condition, but it's still functional enough to retreat. It turns, flying off as the Aestivalis does as well. And, after a moment of consideration...
"...I am glad you are not dead." She broadcasts, to her remaining allies - and to the Vindirance operatives, who risked their lives to expose this information.
<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.
Is it outrage?
Who is the one feeling outrage?
I guess I'm angry, Roux thinks for a moment. Am I angry? She glances down, at legs, feet. Are those mine? Roux thinks, her head turning to look at her left hand. I don't think this is the cold medicine. But...
Things are receding...
A message comes.
Roux feels her face twitch. Her, face, Roux thinks, and that seems to make things collapse and Roux finds she's back with herself and she's also *disgustingly sweaty again* and it makes her shudder and then she sees the message and the annoyance comes back and -
- She glances towards the MP ZZ.
The ReZ-II, untouched other than flash-spoiling of its paint job, pivots around and resumes course. Making for the Double Zeta, Roux answers her, "Yeah. If you latch him on I'll flip to Waverider. We can get more delta-V that way, tell me where we're going..."
Her answer to Atrytron:
> work?
> what do you think this was?
> the job... maybe it's the tribe of modernity but
> we've been here a while, what's next?
> stay safe
A pause.
> don't shoot any megaparticles at people please
> they die