Robotech - Tales of the RDF

Corporal Zaile Alencar


Meanwhile, Zaile's been mulling over the combat situation, based on what they've seen so far. Finally, she taps into the squad-only channel and speaks slowly and deliberately. "My only conclusion is it doesn't look good, sir," she says, addressing the Sergeant. "For the initial ambush where they stole the truck, they passed up other priority targets for acuqisition in favoring of securing communications equipment. That must have been their objective to begin with. Now I'm hearing that we've found at least one piece of comm gear here and in use."


"There's also their choice of deploying ground-element fire teams. This is the first time I've really seen the Malcontents intentionally aiming at Micronian civilians at all. Usually they come after the mecha or at least the armed infantry. They've switched, at least in this encounter, from solely focusing on depleting our fighting capital to simply increasing body count. This seems like they're adopting the asymmetric warfare model used by Micronian rebel movements across Earth. Which means a whole lot more people are going to die if we can't decapitate their command structure. Finding and killing their strategist seems the best chance of getting individual Zentraedi Malcontents to return to purely Imperative-based tactics which, while a bit deadlier for us, should help keep the civilians safe."


"...At least, that's how it looks to me."
 
At the mention of a powerful magnet, The Kid fumbles around and holds up, a powerful telescopic magnet. Then smiles and goes back to work.


"Wouldn't touch the radio gear that much, might be booby trapped."


Glares at the pilots that got his mecha shot up.


"Could you have maybe dodges ONE shot? This is going to take a bit to patch up." ((OCC: About how much time would it take for 100%, oh awesem GMness?))
 
Barbara looks over at the Kid, then points her thumb over at Sgt Taniya. "Don't look at me; she's t the driver. I just handle the phones!"


From his position below the water, Kevin reports no contacts.


OOC the best repairs that can be done at the moment is a few spot welds over the damage patches of armor. Full repair will require the heavy equipment at base.
 
The Kid continues to do what repairs he can, while giving the occasional glare at the pilots.


"Well at least you guys didn't get hurt. Fine driving for that one."


"BUT! You still owe me a box of cup cakes."


Eats one of his twinkies.
 
Sergeant Taniya


Taniya returns The Kid's glare with one of her own. At the mention of cup cakes, the lifelong warrior turns to this new person in her squad. Her tone is commanding while seeking understanding. "Mechanic, elaborate your thought to me. Do you mean to imply that you require motivation of some kind to perform your sacred duty when the very survival of your people rests on people like you?" It is times like these that Taniya's Zentraedi heritage battles with her lack of experience with the humans she is trying to save. Battle damage, like lost lives, happen in combat. Did this mechanic have some edge or secret to changing this age-old fact?


At overhearing her squad's thoughts on the situation, Taniya folds her arms and nods. "Good work and good thoughts all. Especially yours, Tolson. Tracking the receiver will give us 'hounds' a 'scent' to hunt... and in the hunting will we come upon answers... and perhaps Commander Sarena as well." Taniya turns to Zaile and Tolson. "Zaile, this transmission is a sensitive thing. Do you agree that the humans should not attempt such a ruse on the Malcontents? I believe one of us should provide. What say you?"


Finally, when it is clear that Braidwood is to join Taniya's squad, she examines the human with open scrutiny. As she has with her current squad, she takes note of Braidwood's walk, his apparent level of fitness, the state of his uniform and gear, and most importantly his manner. She waits for him to approach, her left hand open and waiting for a dossier if it appears he has one for her. "Corporal," the destroyer looks the healer in the eye. "Present yourself."
 
Corporal Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


With the injured taken care of, Eadric lightly claps the infantry corpsman on the shoulder with a smile. "Good job keeping them stabilized until we got here. They'll be OK for now, but see that they take care of themselves the rest of the trip and we'll all make it back to base in one piece, hmm?"


He then makes his way over to the squad, resettling his big bag's shoulder-strap as he looks over the mechs on his way. As he enters speaking distance with Taniya, he snaps a sharp salute. "Corporal Eadric Braidwood reporting, ma'am. I've been assigned as your field scientist; I can also be your medic and can do some mech repairs, among other things." He unzips a side pocket of his bag and pulls out a folder, which he holds out to his new sergeant.
 
"You saying "humans" aren't delicate?" Connor said, taking slight offense. "I can be as delicate as a butterfly if I want to be." he said, trying to save his kind from being insulted. Not knowing that he has just opened himself up for some nasty barbs. Well, he wasn't the fastest. He or the brightest. But by god could he hit things hard. Well, the Defender could. And he piloted the Defender. So by the transitive property and all that jazz.
 
"Sacred Duty? Actually no, it's not sacred, duty yes. I like cupcakes, it motivates me to place your mecha up the repair order, since I'm the one that determines how soon a mecha get's repaired."


Note that there is no sign of disrespect in his voice, but is attempting to add some frivolousness to ease the tension of post combat.


The Kid continues to do what repair work he can do within the time allotted.
 
Corporal Zaile Alencar


The Sergeant's question on the transmission makes the blue-haired Zentraedi Corporal nod enthusiastically. "Sir, I volunteer!"


Connor's question results in her shaking that blue hair and giving him a small smile, one of fondness mixed with a touch of melancholy. "Oh, we're well aware Micronians can be delicate. Too delicate sometimes. But we're trying to track and gain intel on Zentraedi Malcontents, Connor. In all the years of the glorious Zentraedi Empire, no Zentraedi has ever fought another outside of training. Even if the Malcontents are aware that some Zentraedi favor the Micronains, it's probably not occurred to them that REF forces on scene may have Zentraedi among them. We may hear something you wouldn't, be able to respond to something they ask instantly, without having to think it through and thereby 'pass' as one of them."


Then she flashes Connor a grin and adds "Besides, if the transmitter is rigged to explode, better us than you, eh?" She slaps the man on the arm affectionately.


Braidwood's introduction elicits a sound that seems suspiciously like a delighted 'eeeeeeee!' followed by "A medic, our very own! I adore medics!"
 
Sergeant Taniya


Taniya's expression toward The Kid is one of mild confusion. Not sacred, yet still duty? What could be more important than the survival of one's own race? She looks him up and down and replies, "When it comes to repair order, I have found it efficient to work on the least-damaged first. This helps keep as many units active as possible. Is this also your approach?" Taniya listens to his answer and adds, "Should your work be up to par, you can expect to see yourself rewarded. However," she gives him a grim grin, "battle damage is part of war." She points at The Kid and then indicates the mecha. Her tone is not rough, but easy-going (for her, anyway). "Unless you can do better than we in avoiding damage in these hulks, lament not the damage we receive. Many of our opponents are true warriors, however misguided. And they will fight as such."


Taniya then turns to Connor. Her expression of mild confusion remains coupled with growing annoyance. Her fists discreetly clench. Her eyes narrow, ready for battle. Unbelieveable! This ignorant male presumes to question my experience! Does this foolish simpleton not realize I have been fighting and winning since before he was able? Aye, since he was but a defenseless babe barely able to walk? This is an affair best left for Zentraedi! What is it with males?! -- Wait...


Taniya's fists unclench slowly. She glances to Zaile then back to Connor. He is male but he is human... He attempts not to question but to understand. And I... I seem to have wounded the honor of this one... But how? How can he find insult from facts? And while Zaile is wonderful to provide proper reasoning (Taniya gives Zaile a brief smile for this), it is I who must provide answer for my wounding.





"Zaile's words are correct, corporal. However, allow me to add this - were this a human element we were seeking to deceive, I would call upon a human. My aim is to use the most-qualified among us to perform the task." Then she puts a finger to her lips in thought. "Do you see yourself Zaile's equal here, corporal? Can you deceive the Malcontents better than she? If so, the task, and the honor of its reward are yours to perform, as are the consequences of failure." She lets that sink in. "This might be the only shot we have at this. If not Zaile, who do you recommend take the shot?"


A salute is a greeting between warriors, thinks Taniya. Taniya returns Corporal Braidwood's salute as she peruses his information. "You are far more than a simple medic. You are a doctor. A scientist. An engineer. And a mecha warrior to boot." She looks him in the eye. "You are far too qualified to be a front-line fighter. Why are you here among us?"
 
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Corporal Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Were Eadric among humans only, he'd just shrug and say something humble, but he didn't think that would work with a Zentraedi Amazon like Taniya. Therefore he met her gaze, lifting his chin slightly because of the height difference, and tried to sound confident (which he was) and matter-of-fact. "I have a lot of different skills, yes. That's because I'm interested in a lot of different things. However, I'm here because I've chosen to serve in the military, and it's my duty to go where I'm sent. I'm told your team didn't have a scientist of its own, plus we're at the end of the supply lines out here, so that's probably why the brass chose me - I can fill multiple roles, assist with the ones that are already filled, or fill in for someone too injured to go out on a particular mission. I do have a mech assigned, a Spartan, but we hadn't quite finished its repairs when I was called to the choppers for medic duty. It should be ready to go by the time we return to base."
 
Connor puffed out his chest at the way Taniya glared at him. She may be his superior, but he wasn't letting an alien push him around on his planet. Zaile had done a good job at talking him out of it, however. What she said had made sense. A human shouldn't talk to Zentraedi malcontents, a Zentraedi should do that. But he did not like backing down, as dictated by testosterone. But Taniya only drove the point home. Mulling over her words, he gives a small what could only be described as a growl, and says "Fine, let Zaile do it. Better if she got blown up then me anyway."
 
Corporal Zaile Alencar





The Zentraedi woman gives Connor a delighted grin. "That's the spirit!" Then she turns to face her commanding NCO. "Just say the word, sir. ...and, uh, let me know if there's anything specifically you want me to say."
 
Sergeant Taniya


Taniya only smiles when McKinley gets puffed up. She replies to him with pride in her voice. "Yours is the kind of fighting spirit that first led me to believe your people were worth joining. It is good to have it present my own squad. Keep it up, Corporal."


"Zaile, you and Tolson will make this happen. I want to know where the Malcontents are, and anything else you can find out, especially that which concerns their commander. But remember - without a location we have nothing." She points to the communication equipment. "Do us proud."


Then she turns once again to Corporal Braidwood. "You are correct in your assessment and welcome to join us. At this time, we lack a squadron name." She glances around to her squadmates; her expression says, "If you do not rectify this, I will and you will be stuck with my choice. Do you really want that?" Nodding to Corporal Braidwood, she says. "You will ride with Corporal Bryer in his Defender until your own mecha is ready for battle."
 
Barbara nods in understanding. "I'm sure that we can come up with a message out that is sufficiently inflamatory that the Malcontents will respond, and if they signal for as long as a few seconds, we can have their exact position locked and ready for a strike." She looks over at Zaile, seeking confirmation on what she is saying. "As much as honor and duty play a role in your life, if we were to poke that with a sharp stick, someone may say 'ouch'."
 
"Um, Sarge, if we got some time do you mind if I go check over the enemy mecha? Might give us some ideas on where they came from and maybe how they are in such good condition. I also want to salvage what parts that I can, if we're gonna be out here a while, we'll need parts. Also I think an ammo recovery team might be a good idea, for sure we don't want to leave live munitions behind for anyone to salvage, yes?"


"Also, me bugging you about damaging my mecha is a form of incentive that we humans use to cause us to do better in combat. If the mecha comes back to base without a scratch on it, it means that the pilots are also healthy and well. So, stop banging up my mecha!" Gives the Sarge a silly smile.


"And yes I do the least damaged unit first. I thought I mentioned that... hum." Goes back to work.
 
Corporal Zaile Alencar


Zaile hooks one arm in Barbara's and practically skips her way over to the house with the encrypted transmitter in its attic. "Would you mind turning it on? I can run a basic radio but encryption is a bit over my head, beyond flipping a switch to change between prerogrammed channels like we use for our squad radio." After another moment of thought, Zaile adds "It's possible, if unlikely, that we'll actually be talking to a Micronian on the other end. If the response is in English, could you be prepared to jump in and save me if I'm at risk for making a fool of myself? I know Zentraedi but I'll defer to your greater experience with humans. Except for Elyana. I think I know her better."


She winks playfully at Barbara.


And when everything's ready to go, she speaks into the transmitter and says in Zentraedi, "Mission accomplished. The Micronian forces were easy prey to our strategy. We have secured the village. Confirm our next orders."
 
"Perhaps we should be Red Pandas." Connos said, mostly joking. But when he thought about it, they were like raccoons. And raccoons were smart. The only difference really was that red pandas were asian while raccoons were american. And they were rather adorable. He could just see a smiling red pands painted on his mech roght at that moment. And if only they could have a mascot.
 
Before Zaile makes her transmission, Barbara stops her. "Just give me a minute to make the arrangements with the other listening stations. Then we can poke the hornet's nest." She quickly goes to work, calling out to the various posts with the capability to assist in the hunt. "There! Six stations on line, and ready to pounce on the signal when it hits the air. Ready to go." With a thumbs up, Barbara gives Zaile the go-ahead.


The transmission goes out, and for several long seconds,there is no response. But suddenly, there is a return signal. "Use proper recognition signals! We are Zentraedi, not some micronian! Code in!" Barbara gives out a wicked grin and a thumbs up. "Got a fix on their position! We just need to go and nail their asses quick before they relocate!"
 
Corporal Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist

Dannigan said:
Nodding to Corporal Braidwood, she says. "You will ride with Corporal Bryer in his Defender until your own mecha is ready for battle."
Click to expand...
Eadric nods. "Yes, ma'am." He gives 'The Kid' an odd look, apparently disapproving of his possessive attitude towards the mechs, then shakes his head and turns away to listen in on the other conversations. "Red pandas, hmm? That'd make for a pretty distinctive logo - " He breaks off when Barbara and Zaile start transmitting. He looks to Taniya for direction before heading to Cpl. Bryer's mech to ride with him.
 
"Well, it's a red panda. Their like raccoons, but better." Connor said simply. "I'll show you a picture of one when we get back to base." he continued, inspecting his Defender. Those last two shots were brutal. They had caused a nice dent in his mech, and would probably need to be buffed out. "Pandas, on the other hand, are bears. But their nicer, and eat bamboo."
 
With the signal triangulated, it is now time to arrange a raid on the Malcontents there. But first, Eadric needs his mecha and the damage done to your rigs needs to be repaired. Lt Moran is already giving orders for the infantry to load up the handful of prisoners into the transports and to move out. "Sergeant, be ready to step in ten. We need to be back at Anton-17 to interrogate these prisoners. Wrap up your work here." With that, she turns and heads back to her troops.


Barbara straps herself into the jump seat of the Tomahawk. With an upbeat tone of voice, she says, "All set here!"


Kevin checks in. "Same here. I'm all set to do a recon in force at those coordinates. I just want to a swap out some of my missiles for different warheads."
 
Heads off to strip the bad guys mecha of ammo, armaments, armor, and components. Taps his communications headset "Check check, Comm Check."
 
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