Robotech - Tales of the UEEF (Main)

[Sherwood]

Now that Chen has gotten herself primped up and ready for her date, she heads out with a bounce in her step. After making her way past the security checkpoint standing guard on those seeking entrance, she heads up to the Command Deck to Zyorna's office.

At the outer office there is a rather young man with corporal's stripes on his shoulders typing away rapidly on his terminal. When you enter, he looks up without taking a break from his machine gun typing. "Good evening, Lt. Tseng. The Commander is expecting you. Go on in." Once you go in, you see Zyorna sitting behind her desk, wearing a pair of denim jeans and a white blouse. She looks up and gives you a smile as you enter, then she motions to a couch that is sitting up against the wall. "Relax and take a load off." Zyorna opens up a drawer on her desk and pulls out a bottle of some kind of alcohol and a pair of small glasses. "You said that one of the things you wished to do was to have a drink with me, so lets drink." She pours a healthy slug in each glass then slides over to join you on the couch and takes a sip of her drink." She looks over at you and seems to sense your nervousness. "So, what do we do now?"

 

[Epiphany]

Well.

Slightly embarrassing to be screened by an enlisted who obviously would know how unofficial this visit was. Chen grimaces but knows it can't be helped. "Thank you, Corporal." The least she can do is be polite!

Upon entering the office, Chen spots the Commander and is delighted by the informal wear. The uniform isn't especially flattering on anyone and no one likes to be checked out in the gym but here, in casual clothes, Chen's at last free to gaze admiringly at the other woman. Then she smiles and indeed takes a seat on the suggested couch. "Thanks for the invitation!"

Once both women are seated on the couch, Chen accepts her drink and sips at it, once again wishing she'd thought to have dinner before coming. Not that she probably could have kept it down with her nerves right now. Then the Commander's question surprises her and she immediately relaxes, realizing the Zentraedi really had no expectations at all for this.

"This is very nice," she says first, raising her glass slightly. "And what we do is up to us. Since I first saw you, Commander, I've...well, I admire you and you seem like someone I'd like to get to know better. To be honest, I haven't talked to many of your people. There aren't many in China, you see. Ordinarily, seeing someone socially means you have conversation, you get to know each other, you spend some time together to see if you enjoy it and would like to spend more time together in the future. So, to start with, I'd like to know more about you."

"If you're asking what happens next, that's also up to you. I don't want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. And I don't know how much time you've spent around humans, how aware you are of our social relationships. But, if we like each other, maybe we could...date?"

Chen's voice starts off cool but is a bit high-pitched by the end of that and she takes another sip of her drink to wet her throat and get her composure back.

 

[Sherwood]

Zyorna looks surprised, then smiles. "You are the first person to ever ask me that. I have often wondered about how humans pair bond, but have never done so with anyone." As you look at her, you can see a faint touch of color to her cheeks; an unusual thing to see on such a confident woman. "If you are patient with me being new at this, I think I would like to try this dating with you. So we can get to know one another . . . better? Have you eaten dinner yet? We could start with finding out what you like to eat."

The next day, the Storm Dragons are up for another long range recon run through one of the asteroid belts of the system, along with several other squadrons. You have been tasked to investigate a series of intermittent signals that the MacArthur has picked up, with the very real possibility that there is another Zentraedi ship out there, somewhere, that is looking to cause trouble.

Missile loadouts for your wing points are all being loaded with Proton Torpedoes for the whole squad. The normal selection of 46 short range (or 6 shorts for the EW fighters) is up to you for warhead type, but HEAP or Plasma are the normal warheads.

 

[Psychie]

Amanda can't help but notice the happy glow about Chen as they go through the usual pre-flight routine. She finishes her external check of her Valk, then climbs into the cockpit. Over the squad's private channel, she calls out to her squad leader. "Sooooo, how did last night go? I am guessing it went well, or else you wouldn't be so . . . bouncy with everything. C'mon, girl! Lets have some details!"

 

[Orikanyo]

"Another scouting mission, I'd say "Hopefully this one goes better than the last one" but we all know how this is gonna go.." Grumpy grumbled as he finished typing up something on his data pad, the keen eye could spot a rather delicious looking steak upon the screen. "Seems Scorch is getting right into snooping already.. Maybe we should've called you Snoopy from the start huh?"

 

[Psychie]

She sticks her tongue out at Grumpy. "I'm not snooping! This was a big night for Chen, and I am hoping it went well! So you can go get stuffed, you turd bucket!" Amanda continues to run through her checklist to make sure her Valkyrie is ready to fly. "Now that we are ignoring a certain other pilot, are you going to tell me if you had a good evening with Zyorna, and are you going to see her again?"

Spoiler: Missile List

8 Proton Torpedoes
46 Short HEAP
8 Mini Fragmentation

 

[Epiphany]

Chen's evening passes in a haze of unexpected pleasure, as she finds the incredibly formidable Zentraedi warrior as innocent in the ways of courtship as any maiden. Something Chen herself isn't too far removed from! Delighted by the opportunity, Chen puts on a great effort to display excellent manners during dinner, deep interest in the other woman's background and good candor about herself. By the time the meal and the evening is finished, she leaves a kiss on Zyorna's cheek and suggests the chance for more on their next date before departing home for her quarters, where she she immediately falls into a deep, restful sleep thanks to a day of training and a night of nerves.

The next morning at briefing, Chen is all business once more as the Storm Dragons receive their orders. She's easily bemused by her squad's easy manner, though, and as the radio chatter begins before launch, she's quickly amused when it turns to her. "Always the optimist, Grumpy," Chen says with a light, laughing tone. "And I don't mind being asked! It was lovely. Would you believe the Commander's never been asked out on a date? I suppose it's true what they say, that sometimes the prettiest girl is also the loneliest for no one thinks they have a chance so they don't try. I'm glad I did! We had drinks, then dinner and we got to know each other better. I like her. And as soon as our schedules line up again, I absolutely plan to see her again. She's adorable!"

"Hopefully all of you had an equally nice evening to relax. Because we're going to be busy today!" With that, Chen signals the deck crew she's ready to launch.

 

[Sherwood]

From his seat behind Grumpy, Alex lets out a chuckle. "Good to hear that you made a move, LT. I'm glad that you had a good date, and I'm hoping for a follow up with Zyorna real soon. But for now, we have a job to do. Everyone, I have our recon route plotted and uploaded to everyone's computer. From what I can see from the intel on this, there is some intermittent radio signals coming from this area that don't all match Zentraedi codes. Very perplexing. I guess that's why we were picked to make this trip; after all, we have the Radome on Grumpy's bird, and I'm a comms specialist to be able to look over the signals in close proximity."

 

[Psychie]

Amanda lets out an excited squeal of joy as she claps her hands together. "Awesome news! I'm so glad to hear it! That gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside for you." Now I just need to work on my own love life so I can have a special someone in my world, too.

From what I can see from the intel on this, there is some intermittent radio signals coming from this area that don't all match Zentraedi codes. Very perplexing.

She nods in agreement. "Well, we know that the Zentraedi are not the only intelligent life out here; perhaps we'll find some friendly aliens for a change. But you're right about the Storm Dragons being the perfect choice for this mission. We'll get the answers that the fleet is looking for. I'm ready to fly."

Spoiler: Missile List

8 Proton Torpedoes
46 Short HEAP
8 Mini Fragmentation

 

[Sherwood]

Once the squad is airborne, everyone settles down into the routine of flying to the designated area to patrol. This time out, the Storm Dragons are not alone; there are four other teams in their Alphas and Betas out here that can respond to any report of contact quickly. Since Grumpy has the EW Radome on his Veritech, his electronic reach is greater than anyone else, and Alex is making sure to share the telemetry with the other teams as well as sending a data stream back to the MacArthur to show what you are looking at. At least you are in radio range of the rest of the fleet in case things go bad.

As time passes, Alex suddenly pipes up. "I have a radio signal! Correction - multiple signals. They are in a commonly used Zentraedi frequency, but they are very corrupted and broken up. I am able to clean up one enough to be able to identify it as a automated distress signal; basically a scream of 'help me' with coordinates to the ship. No details of just what it is that is causing the distress signal to be sent out, but at least I have a location to look at. The other one is more garbled. Perhaps as we get closer I can clean it up a bit and hear what is being said. Intercept course now being sent out. ETA one hour at top speed. I've already gotten an acknowledgement from the MacArthur so they are on top of what is going on. They are sending the three Garfish transports out this way to offer up extra support if needed."

The other squadrons are also angling towards the signal coordinates; a total of six Alphas linked with six Betas.

 

[Psychie]

Scorch changes to the intercept course that Alex gives them. She muses, "The Zentraedi are calling for help? I don't know how I should be feeling about that. Assuming we find these Zentraedi in trouble, are we going to save them or let them burn? What is it that is making them call for help in the first place? Do we even have the facilities to deal with a bunch of full sized Zentraedi?"

Spoiler: Missile List

8 Proton Torpedoes
46 Short HEAP
8 Mini Fragmentation

 

[Sherwood]

You would know that the Atlas Three Star Construction Ship does have a small area geared to house the Zentraedi, and it also has a micronization chamber capable of shrinking them down to a more manageable size.

Alex does respond to Scorch's questions with, "Unfortunately the voice signal going out is very garbled, so I have no idea what might be causing them to send out the distress signal. I will work on trying to clean up the broadcast as we close in."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Could possibly be a trap, keep your eyes and scanners peeled, no doubt we're going in... But it never hurts to be cautious." the man warned the others, readying what scanners he could to help them fully locate any other targets in the area. "Maybe we'll find some folks truly looking for help... Maybe theres something worse lurking out there..."

 

[Psychie]

Scorch nods. "As the great Thuther Hawat once said, 'the first step in avoiding a trap is knowing of its existence'. We will go in ready for anything, and if there is a need to kick some ass, we'll bring the fight to the baddies."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Guess a broken clock is right twice a day... Lets hope it's not now."

 

[Epiphany]

Lightning listens to the radio chatter, then nods to herself as a tentative plan forms. She switches the radio to the multi-squad frequency to loop the four other teams.

"I can't shake the feeling this is being staged for our benefit, to draw us in. What would you think about us splitting in half? Three squads, including the Storm Dragons, go in to check out the distress signal directly with normal radio chatter. The other three, come in on a parallel course, from below this system's elliptic plane where they're probably not looking. We plot an intersection just a little after the first three squads get in there. If it's innocent, no harm done. But if we're ambushed, the second three ambush our attackers in return."

Having delivered her suggestion, Lightning listens as the various squad leaders talk it out and ultimately supports whatever the majority wants to go with. One thing is for sure, the Storm Dragons will be heading straight in. "Alex, we'd better make sure you have a clear path of escape in case it is an ambush. We'll need you to warn the fleet and they may try to jam us. Storm Dragons, if this mission goes pear-shaped, be ready to break our EW out so we can get the word out."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Sounds fine to me... keep in mind I'm here to Lightning, isn't just Alex riding the bird."

 

[Epiphany]

"We are all escorting Alex, for our part in this mission. Forgive me for forgetting you have the real place of honor." Lightning's tone is equal parts teasing and affectionate.

 

[Orikanyo]

"Don't you get cheeky just because your date with Zyorna went well." grumpy huffed, though he still couldn't keep abit of a smile from his face. "Pretty sure Scorch is jealous from the way shes been snoopin."

 

[Sherwood]

"I can't shake the feeling this is being staged for our benefit, to draw us in. What would you think about us splitting in half? Three squads, including the Storm Dragons, go in to check out the distress signal directly with normal radio chatter. The other three, come in on a parallel course, from below this system's elliptic plane where they're probably not looking. We plot an intersection just a little after the first three squads get in there. If it's innocent, no harm done. But if we're ambushed, the second three ambush our attackers in return."

The pilots of the Storm Dragons - Scorch, Lightning, and Grumpy - link up with a pair of Alpha/Beta fighters and the seven of you fly in formation towards the coordinates while the other four Alpha/Beta units boost to come around from the other direction. Alex is keeping himself busy with trying to clean up the voice message that is occasionally being sent out with the automated distress signal, but so far he's not getting much luck. He promises to keep working.

Finally, the assembled team has gotten close enough to the coordinates for the EW systems of Grumpy's fighter to begin getting radar returns, and what you are seeing is not quite what you expected; there are three large ships, one is a Zentraedi Scout Ship (about a quarter of the size of the Destroyer, mostly used for, well, scouting). The second ship is one of alien design, and it is keeping the Scout between it and the third ship out there, a multi-legged thing that is roughly the size of a Garfish Troopship:


It is in the midst of a mighty firefight with the Zentraedi Scout, with heavy lasers being fired from the two outer 'heads' and the twin tails. All three ships look to be badly damaged. Now that you are getting closer, you can see that the sky is also filled with dozens of smaller mecha fighting one another, including a dozen Female Powered Armor and at least a score of Fighter Pods. They are fighting an enemy that none of you have ever seen before:



Alex reports, "The Automated Distress signal is coming from the Zentraedi Scout ship, and the voice message is being transmitted by the other alien ship that the Scout is protecting. All I am getting from them is a frantic voice begging for help, saying that Invid are trying to destroy them. It doesn't look like they mean the Zentraedi; they are actively protecting the second alien ship from the funky multi-legged one. Which one do we hit?"

A moment goes by, then you hear from the MacArthur Commander Zyorna's voice. "All units, all units, do not engage the Zentraedi unless you are fired upon. Your target is the Scorpion looking ship and any mecha it is launching. Destroy them at all costs. Am I clear? Engage the Invid! Reinforcements are coming to aid you!"

 

[Orikanyo]

"Well well... the plot thickens... Whos up for making some friends? maybe we can find more cute Zentraedi so Scorch doesn't get more jealous." grumpy smirked, liking the turn of events in truth. "invid... their mecha are very interesting... that ship looks like a hydra.. i wonder what it's weapons are like... heheheh.... We should blast it apart and pick at the pieces~!" in a rare bit of enthusiasim, an almost scary amount at that, he looked over the reports coming from his screens.

"Somebody tell the zentraedi we've come to be their dashing heroes, i want to see what combined fire power does to these things..."

 

[Psychie]

Scorch angles her Valkyrie to an intercept course with the ship that Zyorna labeled a Scorpion and wakes up her long range missiles. "Alex, you might want to get on the radio to the Zentraedi out here and let them know we are not aiming at them, but at the bug-ship-thing out there, and that we'd take it right unkindly if they were to attack us instead. Lightning, I'm going to target that big ship with a dual volley of my torpedoes and see if they manage to hit."

Once she is able to get a lock-on with her targeting radar, she will go ahead and launch the first four of her Proton Torpedoes, followed by the second four. "There. For what its worth, let see what these guys go ahead and do with that! By the way, does anyone have any information on just what an Invid is?"

Spoiler: Missile Loadout

46 Short HEAP
8 Mini Fragmentation

 

[Sherwood]

As Scorch closes in to 150 miles out for her targeting radar to be able to get a lock-on, Alex calls out, "I'm getting a data burst from the Mac. It includes a brief data file on these Invid-things. There is a weak point on them, vulnerable to a direct fire weapon taking a shot. Use your gun pods to target the central sensor eye cluster. That will kill the pilot with a single good hit, but you have to have it facing you. It looks like that they have a distinct lack of missile weapons, so if you see a missile flying at you, its from a Zentraedi, not these new opponents." He then shifts his signal to be able to broadcast to the Zentraedi troops that you are here to help.

The missiles fly out at high speed, and the first four Proton Torpedoes slam into the side of the massive ship, exploding and doing sizable damage. Then, the second four hit, doing even more damage. It would seem that this ship doesn't have any significant missile defense systems, other than thick armor. But, from the amount of damage done by the eight torpedoes, you don't think it will take much more to be able to totally wipe it out.

This leaves the warheads on both Grumpy's and Lightning's Veritechs to do their worst.

As all of this is going on, the Zentraedi and Invid in the space between the three ships are continuing to battle, and it seems that the tide of the battle is going towards the Zentraedi, and so long as the Scout ship is not taken down by the big guns on the Scorpion, they should be able to pull this out of the fire.

Epiphany and Orikanyo are up

 

[Orikanyo]

grumpy seemed to have a sharp toothed grin as he armed his proton torpedos. "Oh here it comes... makes some fire works baby.... Fireing torpedos now!" he armed 4 left torpedos and 2 on the right, fireing them upon the large vessel. Hopeing the amount will take it out of the game and let him get that kill he wants to see. "I wonder what they look like..."

Missiles

6 HEAP
2 proton (Right wing)

 

[Sherwood]

The second missile launch of the mission goes out without a hitch. They hit the enemy ship with a massive detonation that rips into the ship, splitting the hull into pieces. This stops the massive lasers from firing on the damaged Zentraedi Scout ship, or the smaller vessel that the Scout is protecting.

Under the combined guns of the Alphas, Betas and the Zentraedi, the Invid mecha flying about are all quickly eliminated. This leaves a fairly tense stand-off of the Zentraedi and the UEEF forces eyeing each other. Alex is on the radio, trying his best to keep the peace between the two sides, and so far, its working. He occasionally pauses to give an update to the squad. "Ok, real quick here. We have a pair of ships loaded with refugees of a major war between the Robotech Masters and Zentraedi on one side, and the Invid on the other. These ladies are basically gone AWOL, trying to keep the other ship with its passengers safe. If the Captain plays her cards right, we might have some new allies on our hands, from both these Zentraedi and the other aliens that they were protecting."