Robotech: Army of the Southern Cross - IC Thread

[Purr]

Dorsey looks over the situation, then says, "Everyone, see what you can do to help out here, but stick close to your tanks. We have no idea how long it will be before the Malcontents will be able to try another attack, and I don't want to get caught off guard."

The next several hours are a blur as everyone works to gather up and treat the wounded and get the base ready for another attack.

"Your will, sergeant," comes Miyazaki's curt reply for there is much to do. Human lives have been lost, shattered, and traumatized. They are not Meltrandi, but are greater creatures born into a world of much uncertainty where the stakes for their continued existence have never been higher.

Steven does his best to lock away his emotions over what he's seeing with all of the damage and harm done to the BSURP and its personnel and puts on his doctor hat to do what he can to save some lives. Moving with a calm sense of urgency, he moves from patient to patient, triaging their injuries and helping the base medical staff on hand to treat the most grievously wounded first and then work down the line to those that are hurt but not doing too bad.

Sherwood "Steven." Kitty's tone is gun-serious yet lacking any sort of worry. "Allow me to follow you? Act as another body to aid your fellow women and men? I would learn the Skills that restore and correct lives, especially human lives. May I?" She turns her open hands to him. The small hint of a smile lights along her lips. Her unblinking stare is that of a being fully ready for whatever may come.

If she senses Steven's hidden anger, she does not mention it. Instead, Kitty fully devotes herself to the things she can change, can improve, can take back from the Malcontents and deliver into the wanting arms of the Army of the Southern Cross and all whom they protect.

However Steven replies, Kitty does not stop until Sergeant Dorsey commands it. She aids Chris, Nova, and anyone with the calm approach of a scientist and the soul of a guardian.

 

[Psychie]

Over the course of the next three days, emergency supplies and personnel are airlifted in while the worst of the casualties are taken out for treatment in the larger facilities of Brazilia Base, and heavier equipment is brought in by ground transport. During this period, there are a few minor skirmishes along the outer border of the BSURP's defense line that is quickly routed by the rapid response of both the hover tanks and the Valkyrie mecha on guard with no losses of life on your side.

Construction work on the damaged walls and turrets are running 24/7, and while not working on rebuilding, Dorsey is busy working on a plan to convince the commander to deploy the 3rd out into the field to do some proactive hunting of the Malcontents. Finally, your squad commander gets the ok that he's been waiting for, and calls for the team to assemble.

"Listen up. After being a bit obnoxious with my idea of bringing the fight to the enemy, we have finally been given a hunting license with no bag limit. We are going out into the field to try and hunt down the main base of operations being used by the rebels, and once we have that info, we'll call in air and ground artillery assets to take it down hard. In order for this to work, we will be getting occasional air drops of supplies, but much of what we will need we'll be hauling in with us in the trailers. I fully expect to be out in the rough for several weeks as we recon in force, so start thinking about what you wish to bring along with us in order to get the job done. I plan on having us set out at 0800 tomorrow. Any questions?"

 

[Purr]

(EDIT: I'm sorry. I feel like I'm slowing the game down with things that are... only going to slow the game down. I'll edit so we can move the game along).

Spoiler: Previous post - please disregard

Miyazaki shares a friendly if confused expression as she unloads a small barrage of what she hopes are easy-to-answer questions. "I hope you will pardon me, sergeant; I find the idea of performing reconnaissance while lugging trailers around to be... problematic and counterproductive to clandestine operations... unless there is some intel I am missing?

For example, what will we be needing besides food that will require us to cart it around behind us in... noisy, cumbersome, and easy-to-detect, identify, and follow trailers?"

"Could we get our Spartas tanks painted brown or dark green to better match the terrain we will be performing recon through? Typical Spartas colors have us standing out like signs to Macross City, sir."

"Would it be possible to get a hold of a VHT-1S unit for its command and electronic abilities in the field?"

"Might we request some light reconnaissance gear like sound detection equipment or collapsible antennae to further the range of our tank radios?"

"Could we get our Spartas tanks painted brown or dark green to better match the terrain, sir?"

Miyazaki looks about to the others for their ideas, curious as to what they might add.

 

[Psychie]

Dorsey nods to Kitty's question. "I'm sure we can. Anything to make us harder to spot can't be a bad thing out in the jungle, a good camouflage pattern to break up our mecha's silhouettes. I'll make it happen." He looks to the rest of the team and asks, "Any other special requests? Remember, we'll have to haul everything we will be needing for the next several weeks out there."

 

[Sherwood]

Steven ponders the question, starting to make up a list in his head for all the things he want to bring with them. "Sarge, other than the obvious of beans and bullets, I'm thinking we are pretty well set. Will we be able to get air drops of extra supplies as needed? Or do we need to pull back to 'safe' territory to get extra supplies?"

 

[Purr]

Spoiler: A little bit of instrumental mood music.

"Earth Trax (Lick Switch) - Midnight Eye (Cyberpunk 2077)"

Dorsey nods to Kitty's question. "I'm sure we can. Anything to make us harder to spot can't be a bad thing out in the jungle, a good camouflage pattern to break up our mecha's silhouettes. I'll make it happen." He looks to the rest of the team and asks, "Any other special requests? Remember, we'll have to haul everything we will be needing for the next several weeks out there."

"Except for my time with 3rd JSOG, sergeant, I have no recon experience." Miyazaki offers a small smile as means of apology. "In the wild, camouflage and silence are better than the thickest armor and largest guns. My Meltrandi teachings shout at me: 'Not being detected in the first place is key to proper reconnaissance. It is the best means to safety and without safety, you cannot return and report what you have witnessed.'"

"Beyond this, sir," Kitty rubs her nose, "I lack the experience to know what to ask for." Kitty looks to Nova, Steven, and Chris for further ideas. And why not? Every one of them has been alive much longer than she has.

 

[Psychie]

Dorsey nods in understanding. "A lot of what we are going to be going through can be air dropped to us as we are in the field as we use it. Get used to camping out; we're going to be out for a while. We will be taking tents, survival gear, and packing enough food and water to last us at least two weeks. Weapons? I don't expect to need to go on foot against Malcontent targets, but best to be prepared. Sidearms and rifles at the least for everyone, and I'd say a small handful of grenades or demo packs."

"Ammo wise, everyone will carry a full reload of shells for our cannons, and a few pieces of armor plate to spot-weld over any damaged spots on the tanks. Camouflage netting for when we settle in for the night, too. As long as we can stick it out, I want us to be out there on the hunt for the location of the base of operations of these . . . . people." You have a suspicion that the very religious Dorsey nearly broke down to use a curse word but stopped himself at the last moment.

 

[Sherwood]

Steven doesn't acknowledge the almost profanity from his squad leader. Instead, he focuses on deciding what to take along with them. "For a main weapon, I'd like to select a Wolverine Assault Rifle, with a mix of normal ammo and some HEAP rounds. My sidearm? Let's see . . . how about an LP-09 Laser Pistol? And is there enough room to add a RL-6 Rocket Launcher and a few loads of HEAP and Plasma missiles for a bit of heavy punch? For the rest of the stuff, our standard equipment packs should be plenty, even as I add a full surgical kit, ready to handle any malady that might come our way."

 

[GunMan2]

Chiris chuckles as the scotsman choses the heavy artillery. "Man Steven, you trying to one up me. Aren't i supposed to be the heavy Weapons specialist?" He said in a mock theatrical mockery.

 

[Sherwood]

Steven chuckles, saying, "I admit that there are times when a good amount of 'bang for the buck' is needed."

 

[GunMan2]

"Riiiiggghhhttt, bang for buck in a covert ops mission. But you might be right." He looks to Dorsey, "Ill make a request for the room sweeper, some smoke granades and maybe the same laser pistol, with a maybe extended mag just in case" Said the coms officer. He looks around the room. "This might be closer to a suicide mission if it goes wrong..." He left it unsaid what might happen if they are found out.

 

[Purr]

"Then, Chris," Kitty turns his way with a grin, "we simply have to make certain it goes right. Or, if you rather, it goes wrong for the Malcontents. Take your pick. I am open to both."

Kitty looks up to Sgt. Dorsey and says, "Sergeant, I am qualified in eight different weapon categories. I can use with skill - handguns, rifles, energy pistols, heavy military and Mega-damage weaponry. My usual compliment is my M-84 machine pistol, an RL-6 with two magazines, and a plethora of grenades and mines.

She thinks a moment then continues. "This being a recon mission, my preference is to always have my suppressed M-84 on hand, but I will take on whatever fire role you require of me, sir. I recommend suppressed weapons with flash hiders. After all, enemy giants have a harder time firing back when they don't know where incoming fire is coming from, wouldn't you say?"

Slipping into her native Meltrandi way of speaking, she adds without thinking. "What is your will, my lord?"

 

[Psychie]

Nova chuckles. "Our best defense is to not be seen, and then guide in allied artillery to our target from a distance. It may not be as glorious as delivering the kill ourselves, but in the end, it will result in more lives being saved."

Dorsey nods. "You have it right on the money. If we do discover any Malcontent bases, we sit back and let the Monsters and Phalanx artillery units hammer the heck out of them, and if there is anything left over, we can go in and clean up the mess. To that end, we will deploy with silenced and flash suppressed weapons for the eventuality of having to open fire. We will be invisible, blending in and fading away if things get too hairy for us to handle on our own. Remember, the radio will be our most deadly weapon here."

 

[Sherwood]

Steven glances over at Nova and gives her a smile. "I am continually surprised by you. When I first met you, you had quite the reputation as a fighter, one that I never expected to be willing to take the path of just calling in the cavalry or the artillery strikes and not get your own hands dirty. I'm glad to have the chance to get to know you better to get past all that."

 

[Psychie]

Nova looks at Steven for a long moment, then says, "I believe I understand. I had heard some strange things about you that has proven to be false, namely having to do with your tendency to wear women's clothing. I later learned that it was a traditional outfit and not a dress. Thank you for your words, Steven Bishop."

 

[Purr]

Kitty puts on a sudden scowl and stares with great apprehension straight at Steven as if he is the alien here!

"Steven! So it is YOU who is guilty of pilfering my missing clothes!"

Not a moment later, she cannot hold the face and anyone looking can see grin-lines coming around the edge of the Information Specialist's lips. A moment later, one can notice a small tremble of laughter not-quite-concealed in the Meltrandi's body.

 

[Sherwood]

Steven was about to say something heartfelt and meaningful to Nova, but Kitty quickly jumps in with the accusation that he has been stealing her clothes. "What?!? No! I never did that! Why would you say . . . Oh, you evil woman. You are in soooo much trouble for that!" He delivers his best glare, but finds that it is much harder to keep the angry expression on his face when Kitty is struggling to keep from busting up in laughter.

 

[Purr]

At Steven's reaction, Miyazaki's composure disintegrates and she bursts into laughter - bright, girlish, and infectious.

 

[GunMan2]

The coms officer also chuckled, savoring this moment for it could be their last. "I never seen you as panties thief scotsman."

 

[Psychie]

Dorsey rolls his eyes at the antics of the group, but has a slight smile on his face so you can tell he's pleased with the friendly interactions of his squad. "Alright, alright. Lets move on past the panty thieving accusations and go get some rest, because I want us out the door and on the move by 0800 tomorrow. By that time our gear will be fully packed and the tanks will be ready to hover. If there is nothing else, you are all dismissed."

 

[Sherwood]

Steven rises and stretches, already thinking on what he needs to do to prepare for traveling deep into the Zentraedi Control Zone. Most of what he wants has been pulled for him; his chosen personal weapons and ammo, medical supplies, and back-up shells for the main gun. Still, he feels like he's forgotten something, and it won't come to light until the shit hits the fan and then it will be too late. He turns to leave, saying, "I'm going to grab some chow and hit the sack. Morning will come early enough that I want a good night's sleep."

 

[Purr]

"A fine idea. I shall do the same. Try not to stay up too late, everyone!"

Miyazaki takes her leave and spends her evening studying her newly-gained paramedic skills. "Hmmm. 'Being a good paramedic is one part skill and one part 'beside manner.' That is a fine thing to know!" Looking forward to hopping into Maru tomorrow morning, Kitty makes a point of relaxing and getting the best sleep she can now.

 

[Psychie]

Come morning, everyone is up and ready to go bright and early. You head up to the mecha garage and find your tanks freshly painted in a forest camouflage pattern that might be helpful in keeping you hidden from the enemy for that extra moment needed to keep you alive, and your trailers are all fully loaded with extra ammo and supplies. You are ready for your hunting trip.

Setting out, Dorsey indicates that he plans on going deeper into the rough territory of the Zentraedi Control Zone than you have before, all with the intent of finding the Malconent's base of operations to put an end to their fear and terror tactics. Nova seems to be quite interested with the idea of doing this, and is quite intent on getting the job done.

You are currently out in the field, and have been roughing it for the past five days, and have had only sporadic contact with Malcontent forces so far. Your mecha are currently at max armor and full ammo, and you are seated around in the midst of the trees taking a lunch break. Spirits are still high as everyone is sharing a few good chuckles and pleasant conversation over your field rations as you keep your radios nearby to hear the idle chatter of the allied forces in the area.

Just as everyone is brushing away the crumbs from your lunch, you hear over the radio an odd exchange between a pair of Veritechs and a loitering Tiger's Eye AWACs aircraft.

"Buford Flight, this is Theater Command. We have picked up a sporadic powerful ground-based radar signal coming from grid square R10. Can you give us some eyes on that area?"

"Copy that, Theater Command. Buford Flight moving out."

After thirty seconds go by, you hear, "Theater Command, this is Buford-Lead. We are being lit up by targeting and tracking radar. It is nearly enough to short out our computers. Hold one. I see some movement. Buford-2, lets bring it over to - Wait, there is a flash! What-"

A panicked voice hits the air with, "Mayday! Mayday! Buford Lead was just hit with a powerful ground laser that just vaporized his mecha! He's totally gone! I've never seen a weapon like this before!"

"Understood, Buford 2. We are sending out the alert now, and additional units are on the way."

"I'm being targeted by whatever it was that just hit Buford Lead!"

"Get out of there, Two!"

"Holy shit! Its a big-" A sudden bust of static cuts him off.

"Buford Two! Come in, Two! Attention all allied units, this is Theater Command. Buford Flight has been hit by some heavy weapon and they are off our screens. We are now being targeted by the same ground weapon, and we are over fifty miles out from the emitter. It is firing!"

From off in the distance, a beam of light flashes overhead, and it is met by sudden silence from the AWACs aircraft.

What do you do?

Sherwood Purr GunMan2

 

[Purr]

Wordlessly, Kitty glances at Sgt. Dorsey with an expression of mild curiosity. Her attempt at play and joking cease immediately - the warrior within the Meltrandi has clearly been roused.

Without waiting to be told, Kitty does whatever she needs to do be in Maru's cockpit with her hands on the sturdy hover-tank's controls.

 

[Psychie]

The large sergeant leaps to action, leaving the remains of his meal forgotten on the ground as he runs to his tank. As he is sliding in to the seat, he hits his radio, saying, "I am trying to think of what kind of weapon we might be dealing with here, a projected energy beam powerful enough to destroy a Valkyrie with a single hit, but even our larger Destroids don't have a weapon that can do that. Heck, even the heavy artillery shells of the Monster can't kill a Veritech in one hit. Kitty? Nova? You two are our local experts on this. What might we be dealing with here? What is this new variable?"

Nova thinks for a moment, then says, "There are energy weapons in the Zentraedi arsenal that can do enough damage to wipe out a mecha in one hit. The heavy weapons mounted on the starships of the fleet can do that kind of damage, but they are not accurate enough to target such a small and rapidly moving vehicle like a Veritech. Those big guns are made to hit other large targets, like cities and other starships. It is simply not possible."

Dorsey thinks for a moment, then a look of wonder comes across his face. "But what if you linked the targeting and tracking software of the Defender's anti-air cannons to one of these weapons? Like the ones that were stolen from the convoy on our way to Anton-17 all those long days ago? Could that do the trick?"

She looks troubled, and replies with, "To be honest, I just don't know. I think it is possible, but merging Zentraedi and Human technology like that would be no simple task. It would require advanced engineering skill that my people simply lack."

He doesn't push the issue, but instead punches up the maps of the area. "That grid square is less than ten miles away from here, but it is over some very rough terrain. It will take us a while in our mecha to get there, even in Battloid mode. Best that we get started now. Leave the trailers. They will only slow us down."