Robotech - Tales of the RDF

Connor didn't bother with a salute. His destroid couldn't bend like that and there wasn't really a point. "Major Lang, Connor McKinley of the Red Pandas. What else do you want us to do while we're here?" As he waited for a response, he casually looked around at the scene. They were in a Zentradi Destroyer class ship, with several high ranking Zentradi in the RDF, sever dead malcontents, and a prisoner. This was probably the oddest situation he's been in in a long time.
 
The next several hours are a blur of some frantic activity spaced out with periods of sitting around and waiting. You spend some time wrangling prisoners and standing guard over them as they are shackled and led away in small groups, other times you are tasked with rooting around the many locations inside the damaged ship that can be used to hide weapons and personnel. While doing this, you do come across several caches of gear that the Malcontents were planning on using against the human forces in the area, many crates of high tech human made gear, with no outward signs of where they got ahold of such items. As you work, Barbara asks Taniya to get a good video record of everything so she can begin to compare the loot with the lists of stolen and missing equipment over the past several months. She says with confidence, "If there is a record of it out there, I'll find it."


Finally, you get word that the Red Pandas are being released back to Anton-17, and to take the nearby highway back to the BSURP to finish filling out the after action reports. As you make your way overland, it gives you all plenty of time to talk about what has just happened, along with what you can expect for the future. Barbara sums it up when she says, "With the loss of the High Lord, what is going to happen with the Malcontent movement? Will it fall to pieces or keep going strong? We just took out a major chunk of their people; it makes me wonder just what we might be doing coming up. Its not like there is going to be a need for this level of RDF troops in South America anymore. Where do you think we'll be going next?"


@Dannigan, @Kaerri, @Beowulf, @Epiphany, and @Dano.
 
Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya strides along in The Beast with open eyes and open heart. "Whatever happens, we have made history this day my Red Panda Squadron. As such, I am satisfied not only in our performance but how we are growing together as a unit. If there is one great advantage we have over the Malcontents, it is that the future belongs to the RDF. Unless the Malcontents know how to create more of themselves, time is against them. Their numbers lessen by the day while ours, as incredibly slow as humans come, grows. With that, I cannot help but feel our fate is our own to decide."


"As for where that fate leads next, if it were up to each of you, where would you take us, Red Pandas?"
 
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"Nepal. Right where the red pandas are." Connor said, talking before thinking. What he said did process, however, and he immediately regretted it. "I shouldn't have said that." he said out loud, whether it was on comms or not didn't really matter at that point. "I just hope it isn't space. It's amazing and all, but one little knick and you're, by default, screwed." he said, hoping to cover up what he had said earlier.
 
Barbara lets out a laugh. "Its not like we are veritech pilots. We'll probably pull some duty here on Earth."


Doug nods. "Yeah. Its one of the reasons I signed up. I get to travel around and see the world. Not bad for a farm boy from Kansas, ey? Not to mention the perk of getting to operate a awesome Destroid like this."
 
The return to Anton-17 is a welcome event. You are fighting exhaustion as you finally lock your destroids into their maintenance cradles. The ground crew begin to swarm over your mecha, rearming and repairing tour vehicles. As you dismount, you are met by the major. After he returns your salutes, he treats you with one of his rare smiles. "Red Pandas, you have done exceptionally well. As of now, you are officially released of all duty for the next three days. Get some chow, then some sleep. Let us worry about the next few days. Good job out there."


By this point, Barbara is having trouble keeping her eyes open. Stifling a yawn, she says, "Thank you sir. That means a lot to all of us. Personally, I think that food can wait. I'm about to pass out."


Doug nods. "Yup. Some rack time sounds like just what I need, too. Sir, any ideas on what we will be assigned to now?"


Lang shakes his head. "There are other hot spots around the globe, I'm sure that there will be plenty of missions ahead for you. But, if I were to hazard a guess, I'd say Africa. There are several rogue nations that are causing trouble, so it wouldn't surprise me. We will see. One thing is for sure, you can expect to stay busy. The Red Pandas have made a name for themselves, and many important people will be watching you. Now, unless you have any questions for me, you are dismissed."
 
The next day, Capitan Marx sends a request for Taniya to stop in his office at about eleven in the morning. When you get there, he says, "I know this is a day off for you, so I won't keep you for long. I just wanted to let you know that if I were to get a request for leave from the Red Pandas, I can see a week in Rio getting approved without any problems. I also know a good hotel that is quite reasonable in their rates for servicemen. Get some time away from here and have fun." He gives you a big grin as he dismisses you. "You have certainly earned it."
 
Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya replies to Captain Marx with a pleased salute. "Gratitude. I will ask my Red Panda Squadron and return as soon as I know their mind on this."


With that, Taniya returns to her teammates, puzzled and curious. In a highly-Zentraedi fashion, she places herself in a position where she can easily be seen and heard. With a troubled expression, she shouts, "Red Panda Squadron! Front and center! Your assistance is... required." Assuming her squadron does as ordered, she continues.


"Captain Marx has seen fit to... grant us 'leave'. I am not directly familiar with this concept and, in the 27 years of my war-life, have never before taken up such an offer. This leave, if requested, will last one week's time. The destination is some place called Rio." Then she mutters, "Might that be near this aforementioned 'Nepal'?"


She turns to each of you with flying-bullet-seriousness and adds in a slightly softer tone, "I... do not know this function of the RDF military. This sounds like a reward as opposed to extra training or any mission of sorts. Do we accept the captain's offer?" She nods. "I would have each of your thoughts on the matter. It would be appreciated if you would define this concept of 'leave' for me."
 
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Barbara blinks a couple of times, then starts to laugh. After wiping a tear from her eyes, she says, "I'm sorry, Taniya. I sometime forget the differences between our two cultures, and then something like this comes up to show us just how different we have been brought up." She laughs some more, then takes a deep breath. "When the Captain says we are allowed to take 'leave', that is a privilege. What that means is that we are allowed to take time away from the battle zone to go to a non-combat area and relax in whatever way we choose. It is not mandatory, but psychological studies of human soldiers show that they have better performance when given time to unwind, drink, carouse and have fun away from the front lines. Tell me, Taniya, what would you like to do for fun that you may not have had the chance to do? Scuba diving? Bunjie jumping? Para-sailing? Whatever it is, I'm willing to go with you to make sure you have a great time!"
 
Connor rolled out of his bunk, bottom might I add since he didn't want to climb up to get to bed after a long day, and quickly fell in line to listen to what Taniya wanted. And he sat in dumb founded silence at the question. Before he could really get a gripp, Barbara spoke up. And once she finished, he added his own two cents. "In normal person, it's like a day off but better. More like a vacation really. And what better place then Rio? It's about the same weather wise, but a change of scenery is always welcomed."
 
Sergeant Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric responds promptly when summoned, though he's still buttoning his shirt when he arrives. He smiles when Taniya explains the "problem."


"Ma'am, since you asked, that you needed to ask is the best sign that you need to experience it for yourself. We humans need regular breaks, as Barbara says, and whether Zentraedi do or not, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Rio's a popular vacation destination, and I'm sure we'll find a lot of things there that could appeal to you. And to the rest of us, of course!"


He smoothes his shirt collar and smiles at her. "In short, ma'am, I vote we accept."
 
Doug gives a serious nod. "That's right, ma'am. A trip to Rio as a team sounds fine to me. I've never been there, but it does have a bit of a reputation as a party town. Five days, huh? That gives us plenty of time to get drunk off our assess and be able to sober up before having to go back on duty. When do we go?"


Barbara gives a small cheer. "It's settled, then! Let's tell the Capitan that we are onboard. I'll have to buy a new swimsuit so I can party on the beach. Taniya, do you have a good bikini? You are quite sexy, and we need to show off that body!"
 
Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya proudly grins at the pleasure her team is displaying, but soon her expression is once more clouded in confusion. She regards Tolson's question with deep thought. "What would I want to do for fun that I have not had the chance to do? Hmm. I have never defeated a Malcontent without the use of mecha. I suppose taking one on using only the cover of a nighted jungle and proper armament would suffice as a suitable challenge. But you are referring to true recreation..."


Taniya smiles at Braidwood's explanation. "I see; you refer to non-combat recreational activity. I enjoy motorcycle riding and dancing, but I could be persuaded to do more." To Dorsey, she remarks, "Five days? A week is seven unless command has changed the definition of the word." She states this in a way that contains no humor whatsoever, as if it were a thing that could be reasonably expected.


Then she regards Tolson's latest words with a raised eyebrow, fists upon her hips, and an unamused, if befuddled, expression. "Tolson? You find me sexually attractive? I was not aware of this." She shakes her head and presents yet another a question to her squadron. "Is a bikini something human would-be lovers wear? Perhaps it is required uniform for non-combat recreation?"


Taniya felt that this was just the beginning of things for the Red Panda Squadron's non-combat relationships and these were far-off glittering stars and dark reaches of space that were all but unknown territory to the female Zentraedi Ace. She was getting more confused by the moment and she had not even yet agreed to Captain Marx's offer of reward. She considered inwardly that perhaps a change of sidearm would lighten her mood. As she examines her human crew with an uncertain eye, one thought rose above all others.


Where in the cosmos is Zaile when I need her?
 
Barbara goes bright red when Taniya suggests that she might be attracted to her. "I, you, what... I don't know how to respond to that."


Doug laughs at the embarrassed girl. "It looks like she hit the target dead on, right guys? No wonder Barbara gets along so well with our humble leader!"


Barbara's response to that is to punch Doug in the gut hard. It was apparently unexpected, since he promptly doubles over and gasps for breath as he gets the wind knocked out of him. "You are not earning any points with comments like that, Dorsey. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a bag to pack." She turns on her heel and bolts out of the room, not quite running, but definitely in a hurry.


When Doug is able to speak once more, he has enough manners to look somewhat crestfallen. "I didn't mean to upset her that much. I was just being silly."
 
Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya grins as Barbara takes her exit without having been dismissed. How very human of her. Hands on her hips, Taniya watches her go with some admiration. "Radio Specialist Barbara Tolson, slayer of Male Power Armor, capturer of Malcontent officer; a woman able to lay low a healthy Robotech Defense Force warrior with a single blow." She regards Doug with a touch of pity. "Tolson has come so very far since her first joining our beloved Red Panda Squadron. I now daresay she would have made a good Zentraedi given her ability to stand up for herself. All that needed doing was to bring out the warrior in her."


"As for you," Taniya looks to her remaining squadmates with crossed arms and amused expression. "Do any of you possess the courage to tell me what a bikini is or must I look it up?"
 
Connor contained the laughter that threatened to roar out of him, barely. Instead it was kept at a snicker, and a quiet one at that. But for his part, he does step up to try and explain what a bikini was. "It's what women wear when they go to the beach so their normal clothes don't get wet. Men wear swimming trunks." there, he took a stab at it, for better or for worse.
 
Corporal Zaile Alencar


The Zentraedi woman was only too happy to return to the arms of her wife, Elyana, when the Red Panda squadron returned to Anton-17. But duty was duty, even to the besotted alien, so when Sergeant Taniya called the next day Zaile was among the first to report to duty.


...Besides, Elyana doubtlessly had work which meant getting out of their shared married couple's room was a priority anyway.


When the Sergeant asked about leave, Zaile smirked but nodded along to the Micronian explanations. To theirs, she added only "Leave is like...temporary assignment as an honor guard to the Robotech Masters, except we're the ones honored. It's a...what's the Micronian word. Morale? Morale boosting exercise? Micronian psychology is different than ours, sir, and it's more necessary for them than it is for us. I have no doubt that your warriors will not only be grateful for the opportunity but willing to work that much harder for you upon their return!"


"Besides, if I can take my Bela Flor, I could see her in a bikini again..."


The green-haired Zentraedi woman drifts off in inward reverie at the mental image of her gorgeous wife wearing a bikini all day. When she finally comes out of her trance, she catches the tail-end of Taniya and Barbara's exchange. She frowns a little, rewinding the conversation even after the other woman's left. Then she steps up to Taniya and speaks softly.


"I'm...uncertain if she's attracted to you or not, sir. Micronian sexuality is complex. And women are different than men. Obviously." The notion of gender differences is second-nature to a Zentraedi. "Among Micronian women, they often express appreciation for each other's appearance. This doesn't necessarily mean attraction. Tolson may have wished to increase your chances of catching male attention, for example, because she's fond of you.


"...That said, if Tolson was uninterested, I think she would have said so rather than avoid the question. Matters of love among Micronians are like matters of war among us. Consider a duel, sir. A warrior may feint and misdirect, pull back rather than charge forward. Evasion is not cowardice, though. Only the warrior who turns and flees the field is uninterested in battle. From my experience, Micronian females are...coy? Coy. They are not straightforward in admitting their feelings or their interests. If you press them, they may evade. But that doesn't necessarily mean they've left the field. If you wish to know for certain, seek out Tolson and speak with her privately. If she's interested, she may step away or even deny interest. But if she doesn't flee your presence, she may very well be interested.


"At least, that was the case with my Bela Flor."


"As for bikini, it's essentially a cloth bra and panties. Usually with less fabric, less support and made with the intent of getting wet. Elyana is rather fond of them."
 
Doug smiles while absent-mindedly rubbing his midsection where Barbara hit him. "Well, I guess its unanimous that we're all onboard for some rest and relaxation. Or, knowing our Zentraedi crew, some high speed action sports in Rio. I'm going to go try and make peace with Tolson, and, assuming that she doesn't kill me, I'll start packing a duffle bag up for the trip. Wish me luck. No need for us to have any bad blood between team members, right? Now, if I can be dismissed?" He waits for Taniya to give the ok before he gives a nod to the rest of the team and heads out.
 
Sergeant Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric watches the others with some amusement, and a little concern when Barbara walks out. Yet for all his knowledge and studies, female psychology remains somewhat of a mystery (particularly on the subject of romance) and so he feels it'd be better to let her go rather than try to talk to her and potentially make the situation worse. After a few minutes of considering, he turns back to the group in time to hear Doug's remarks.


"Perhaps a mix of the two? Some beach time, some sports? If they have beach volleyball nets set up, that could be fun, too."
 
With the squad all in agreement, Taniya can get the paperwork filled out and turned in to request leave for everyone.
 
Corporal Zaile Alencar


And with a request for leave in, Zaile wastes no time in tracking down her wife and gently but urgently mentioning the opportunity. Medical staff are as valuable and more than mecha pilots. But now that the bulk of the conflict is over, many of the wounded in this battle will likely be airlifted or transited to major city hospitals instead of left out in field outposts like Anton-17. Perhaps Elyana's superiors could see her clear to join her spouse, one of the Red Panda squad that so recently cut the head off of the Malcontent Snake?


Either way, Zaile's enthusiasm is uncontainable. She practically vibrates with pent-up energy, likely to the amusement of any Micronians who aren't used to seeing the fearsome warrior Zentraedi speaking a hundred miles an hour or earnestly pleading a fellow Micronian to go to the beach.
 
As Zaile comes into the quarters that she shares with Elyana, you are nearly knocked off your feet by a flying hug followed by many kisses, thankfully, they are all from your wife or she'd kill ya. When she finally lets you come up for air, she waves a datapad at you with barely contained excitement. "Babe, look! Word around the base is that you have some leave coming up, so I talked to Dr. Marcus at the infirmary about getting some time off, too. He was quick to approve my request, so I get to go with you on our vacation! Isn't that wonderful?" Elyana pulls you into the room and you can see a duffle bag sitting on the bed with a pile of clothes already picked out to be packed. "I guess being one of the hero's of the day has its perks! I must confess, I was so worried when you left, but I just had to keep telling myself that you and your team are the best at what you do and to have confidence that you would come back to me in one piece."


Continuing to pack her bag, your excited wife finally looks up at you and asks, "So, where are we going, my love?"
 
Staff Sergeant Taniya


(Shortly before.)


"I have much to learn. I will accept this offer and see what the captain says about our taking Elyana with us. Someone advise Tolson lest she miss the flight." Taniya nods in gratitude to everyone and dismisses her team. Then she makes her way to the captain's office. Once there, she makes a request concerning Zaile's wife joining the Red Panda Squadron in Rio (unbeknownst to Taniya, there is no need).


Not long afterward, she makes her way to an open computer, finds a search program, and, intrigued by the definitions she was given, she looks up the word "bikini."
 
Taniya is greeted by Capitan Marx with a smile. "Good afternoon, sergeant. What do we have here? Ah! Your paperwork for your time off. Excellent! It is, of course, approved." He sets the tablet down on his desk and adjusts his glasses. "If you are interested, i can have you on a transport fight by 1300 tomorrow afternoon. I have a few friends that can help me speed things up so you don't have to wait."


After you leave, it is simple enough for you to find an open terminal and do a Google search. Taniya is rewarded by a plethora of hits on websites showing women modeling the latest designs of swimwear, some more revealing than others.
 
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