Robotech - Tales of the UEEF (Main)

[Sherwood]

The robed woman looks down at the three of you one at a time. Her face is unreadable until she gets to the Thing, then she raises up a eyebrow at the sight of the stone man in front of her. She finally steps back from looking at you and turns to one of the Temple Guards. "Bela, I want them marked and remembered for later. These three will now be allowed into the Temple; they have earned that right by risking their lives against the Hated Invid to protect our race's genetic legacy." She turns back to you. "This is an honor that not many outworlders ever achieve. Fight well and show all that see you why you have been favored by the Temple. I would speak with you later, once the fighting is over."

With that, she turns on her heel and walks back into the Temple, leaving you with the guards and the growing crowd of Paraxians. Those within earshot of the High Priestesses' words look at the three of you in wonder as one of the guards pulls out a very sharp looking knife. Unless you stop her, she goes up to you one at a time and scratches a bizarre symbol into your Cyclone's chest armor. With that done, the guard gives a satisfied nod and moves back.

Once you put your helmets back on, you can hear Alex on the radio. "Well, hello there! I wasn't sure what she was about to do to you guys when the priest-lady asked for you to take off your helmets! Glad that everything has worked out well for you guys!"

 

[Orikanyo]

Grumpy looked like a cat who got the cream, and was immediately told he was gonna have a bath, he didn't change stance when the knife was drawn, nor when he got that symbol scratched onto his armor... But holy sweet jesus christ he was hot shit now! He got PERMISSION! To be in the fucking god dman temple, a holy place to these folks!

Not to mention being recognized by...

Hoo... Shes ever pretty great from behind as well...

ait what was he thinking about?

Oh yea, alien tech, oh boy gotta get more of that! Also... Maybe find somebody who works on that shield emitter stuff? Well, he'd only watch and see when it comes to the temple, last thing he wnats is to damage anything in there, holy palce as it is, the tech is likely very fragile... and.. well.. AMAZING!!!
Once his helmet was on grumpy smirked. "Heheh, the Stormdragon temple guardians, our accolades only get better and better, techies are gonna freak when they see the symbol on the armor... Not that they'll bitch when they hear what it's from~!" grumpy was seemingly rather cheerful for once.

Though the many, many, many eyes on him, well, the others two, was getting to him. Damn it this is worse than the award ceremony for the shields... At least there he was only being ogled by one pair of aliens, now there was a whole city of them!

And they were hot!

Mostly.

he wove to the crowd for a moment before walking towards his valjyrie, silently wodnering... What ever happened to those two aliens at the ceremony... What was that species called again?

 

[Psychie]

Amanda gives a nod to the Paraxian warrior that carved the symbol in her Cyclone's chest plate, then makes her way back to her Valkyrie and proceeds to pack up her Cyclone in the mecha's storage bay once more. She doesn't say anything until she gets into the cockpit of the Veritech where it cannot be overheard by anyone else. "Wow. I do hope that this gets put in our permanent files as a good sign that we did well on a delicate First Contact moment. But I got to say, was that scene pretty awesome or what? We kick ass as a team! Even ol' stony over there. What was your name again? Was it The Thing? We'll have to work on getting you a better callsign than that if you are going to hang out with us."

 

[Sherwood]

Over the radio, you all can hear Alex giving the higher ups a sitrep on the events at the Temple, and the response that the three of you have gotten from the Paraxians. He includes a image file of the High Priestess talking to the three of you, and how there is now a scratched symbol on your armor from the warrior women. The response from the Raven AWACs aircraft is guarded, since they are not entirely sure if the Storm Dragons have just stepped into a pile of crap or did you just daintily step aside and avoid the bad smell.

"Valkyrie pilots, report to Forward Operating Base Bravo for repair and rearming. VF-104, for the time being, you are being attached to the Storm Dragon squad. This may be just a temporary assignment, but depending on how well you work together, you may be a permanent part of the team. Orders to this effect are in your file, so get a move on! This war isn't waiting for you to come to it."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Copy that, glad to return to get some of these dents pounded out." grumpy affirmed before readying his valkyrie, being sure to take it slow for the people watching, almost looking like he was showing off a tad of what the valkyrie could do for the crowd. he slowly closed the cockpit and got hidden away once more form the onlookers. "Well, looks like we've made some new friends. heh, the others are gonna be so jealous when they see us next."

 

[Psychie]

On the squad only channel, Amanda giggles. "Well, the Paraxians obviously recognize quality when they see it. That's why we all got the thumbs-up from the High Priestess. We are top shelf stuff, after all!" Powering up her Valkyrie, she checks her navigation system to see where the FOB is at. "Got the location locked in and ready to fly. Storm Dragons moving out."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Thing remained silent as he moved back to his Valkyrie, and flew. He was honored by the move of the Praxian High Priestess, but he didn't feel the human need to brag about it. He was doing his job, and getting even with the Invid, and that was all the accolades he really needed.
Despite being around humans for several years, he still had a hard time comprehending their jokes, and desire to glorify things. Even Amanda's earlier comment about his name, was mystifying to him. That was just a name he took upon himself so Humans can pronounce it, and it was just a shard of his Spherian name. But Maybe if she thinks it needs to change, to have him be recognized as a member of their team, he might endure it. depending on the name she comes up with.

 

[Sherwood]

The Forward Operating Base that you have been sent to looks to be a park that has been taken over by cargo haulers loaded with missiles and armor plates, and scores of technicians ready to load your wings with ordnance and patch your damage up. In the very center of the park is one of the massive MTA Titan ground command vehicles with scores of mecha all providing complete air and ground protection for the command asset. It is to the Titan that the three of you are being directed by the ground crews to meet up with the field commander as they dive into working on your mecha.

Inside the Titan, you find a half dozen Navy and Marine brass (and two Paraxians!) gathered around a 3D map of the Paraxian city, complete with icons indicating the location and status of every allied unit operating in the area, along with any known or suspected Invid forces as the UEEF forces close in on the hive. One of the officers turns to look at the three of you, and you can see that he's Lt. Commander Edwards, the man in charge of all allied air units in the combat theater. He starts out with no preamble. "Step forward and let me take a look at the three of you. I have heard reports that these warrior women have marked you for some special treatment for your rapid response to the Invid Soldiers that made their way into the Temple. Good job there. You three made the right call, and everything has come out roses for you. Still, in the future, I would suggest you leave the ground-pounder work to the Marines that are specialized in tight quarters fighting, and stick to your Valkyries."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Understood Lt. Commander. we had to act quickly to prevent any further losses. If at least buy time for stronger forces to enter the scene." grumpy explained it, at least that's how he attached the logic to it, god knows they didn't particularly THINK before going inside. So many people... But who were these Paraxian big wigs, they leading their forces around here? Likely they were going to talk about the terrain and what they knew of the area.

He also wondered what the sigil meant on their armor. He gazed down on the carved marking, feeling the cuts upon it, what did it mean? What privileges did it give them beyond access to the temple? ...Did they have some title thanks to this?

So many questions, not enough answers, maybe after this he can actually get these answers... or would it be conveniently explained soon?

he hoped so, last thing he needed was to be called an odd name by a stray paraxian then be confused for an hour.

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Things bows his head at the Lt. Commander's words, and makes an awkward attempt at a joke "I'd stick to my Valkyrie, if it was made of crystal."

Spoiler

Things doesn't fully understand human interactions enough, and will take time to get humor, or when it might not be appropriate to even try humor.

 

[Sherwood]

The Lt. Commander nods. "Alright. For those of you that need to eat, go grab some chow while the deck crews working on your jets get to work. As for you," he looks over at The Thing, "feel free to relax with your new squad members. I'm sure that the Marines will be able to clear out the Invid from the heart of this city without having too much difficulty." He turns his attention back to the situation map and dismisses you with a wave.

One of the two Paraxians decides to follow you out. She is one of the refugees that were rescued earlier from the flying wreck of a ship and has since joined the UEEF forces currently as a corporal, and has been a cultural advisor with the contact with her people. "I am Krona, and I would speak with you if I could. This mark you have been given is one of respect, and I hope to help you understand that it is not given out to just anyone. The Priestess of the Temple must have seen something in your actions that impressed her, and that is no easy feat."

 

[Orikanyo]

Grumpy turned to the woman as she began to speak.. Then turned his head upwards to meet her gaze, imposing presence for certain up close. "Is that so, does the marking carry a name or such tied to it? She did mention we were free to come to the temple henceforth but i regret to say we never gotten much more than the fact it was important and it was an honor." grump rattled off what had happened, but he was certain she knew at least.

"Perhaps you can tell us about this priestess as well Krona. We're eager to learn."

 

[Sherwood]

Krona nods. "That symbol is the mark of the Temple Defenders, the Protectors of Life. Only the best warriors are ever granted entrance into the Temple Defenders' ranks. It is a great honor, especially since you are not members of the Paraxian race. It is a rare thing, especially since you are a male. Not that I believe that there is anything wrong with being a male," she quickly says, trying to keep from offending you, "but for most of our race, the only males we have ever seen are Robotech Master and Zentraedi clones; hardly worthy of this honor. Then there is you, sir." She looks at the Thing. "I have heard of your race, but you are the first of the Stone Men that I have ever met. You will be a mystery to the others that have not left our homeworld; not an organic being, but still alive." She looks back at the command center. "Sirs, I am needed back at my station in there, but if you need anything from me or the Battle Sisters, do not hesitate to ask. Any of us will help."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Well thats certainly great news- Wait temple defender's ranks.." So thats why they are allowed in then, honorary, well, legitimate, temple defenders! How nice, though maybe he should've checked for a similar symbol on the other defenders of the temple. "Guess we shouldn't keep yea from your duties then, if you have any further questions yourself or any of the others feel free to ask. Formal instructions on humans and men can only give yea so much."

He paused for a moment then perked up again.

"Ah, do you know of a person who may be able to help with ongoing projects aboard the main fleet? Awhile ago we managed to get a shield generator up and running but as the acting lead on that research I'd prefer a pair of eyes who has dealt with that technology before, we've managed so far but the main issue is the size and portability."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Krona nods. "That symbol is the mark of the Temple Defenders, the Protectors of Life. Only the best warriors are ever granted entrance into the Temple Defenders' ranks. It is a great honor, especially since you are not members of the Paraxian race. It is a rare thing, especially since you are a male. Not that I believe that there is anything wrong with being a male," she quickly says, trying to keep from offending you, "but for most of our race, the only males we have ever seen are Robotech Master and Zentraedi clones; hardly worthy of this honor. Then there is you, sir." She looks at the Thing. "I have heard of your race, but you are the first of the Stone Men that I have ever met. You will be a mystery to the others that have not left our homeworld; not an organic being, but still alive." She looks back at the command center. "Sirs, I am needed back at my station in there, but if you need anything from me or the Battle Sisters, do not hesitate to ask. Any of us will help."

Thing felt pride to have been given such an honor, even if none of them was really thinking when they entered the Temple. As she addresses him, Thing nods, and responds "I can say the same about your race. I have never encountered a race composed of females, and while my people have never had the issues humans seem to have with gender, we would be intrigued by your people."

 

[Sherwood]

Krona nods. "Same goes for us, sir. I thank you for letting me talk to you. I must go." With that, she turns on her heel and heads back into the command center, leaving the three of you to your own devices.

As you head back out to your Veritechs, you come up on a man in a pilot's suit screaming obscenities as he is being pinned down under the weight of several other crew. Much of what he's saying is a mish-mash of 'No!' and various curse words, not seeming to be directed at anyone in particular. Four MPs are there, but they seem to be taking a hands off approach, since the screaming man is obviously not going anywhere. A Chaplain is there, kneeling down next to the man's head, talking to him in a soothing, calm voice.

The screaming and cussing finally breaks down into sobbing, and the Chaplain directs the people holding him down to let the crying man up. It becomes clear as you watch and listen that this fellow just learned that his brother, a fellow member and pilot of the UEEF, was killed in action on another part of Paraxis, along with his whole squad. A grim reminder that no matter how good you think you are, death can come to any of you.

With the Chaplain taking care of the man, and the initial bit of aggression seeming to be gone, the MPs take their cue from the preacher and back away and don't take the man into custody, despite the growing black eye on the face of the preacher.

 

[Psychie]

Amanda is torn between wanting to go to the crying man or to just leave him alone in his grief. Its not like I haven't had most of my extended family killed by the Zentraedi Global Bombardment. Everyone has lost someone special. She gives into her urge to do something for him, and walks up and places her hand upon his shoulder, saying nothing.

 

[Sherwood]

The grieving pilot looks up at Amanda and nods in thanks for her support. "Fucking aliens! They'll end up killing us all at this rate! We need to tell them all to go to hell, fight their own battles, and go back to Earth where we belong." He stands up, and mutters under his breath, "I wasn't going to do this, but now I have nothing left to stay out here for." Seeming to realize that Amanda is still standing there, he looks back at you. In a quiet voice, he says, "Bulkhead 5, Frame 94, come tonight and you may find some other like-minded pilots that are tired of this shit. Tell only people you trust completely." With that, he walks off towards his waiting Alpha Fighter.

The Thing and Grumpy can try to catch some of this if you wish to make a Perception roll (d20 with any Perception bonuses you may have)

 

[Orikanyo]

Grumpy perception!

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Thing Perception

 

[Sherwood]

Both Grumpy and the Thing catch most of the comment made to Amanda about some sort of secret meeting that will be taking place later on the MacArthur.

What do you do now?

 

[Psychie]

Amanda looks after the pilot with a mix of confusion and caution. What did I just hear? She looks over at Grumpy and the Thing to see if they were able to catch any of what was just said. "What the hell was that? Did he just say . . . hell, I don't know what he just said. I hate to even ponder about what I am thinking he said."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Thing shrugs. The intricacies of Humans seemed to be more baffling than the more-straightforward Praxain or Spheroid interactions.

 

[Orikanyo]

"It... Seems we have an issue up coming... and from the sound of it buddy is thinking of doing something rather..." the man eyed the people around them. "Perhaps we should mention this to the MPs? The last thing we need is some idiots thinking they know everything ruining everything... grief is important, but it can make a person very, very stupid...

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Thing was about to walk away. And then stopped and turned back. The words rang true in his ear. After all, he was prepared to storm the Invid by himself, because of the grief they caused him and his people. "Indeed, perhaps we should."