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  1. - Top - End - #421
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "Idiots! We are from the Federation too!" Adrian exclaimed angrily seeing himself getting battered by hits as he reacted with shots of his own.

    Spoiler: Ooc
    Show
    Disarm on the railgun: 41

    Armor breaker to halve DR on a Heavy user: 25 to hit, 10 damage

    Chakram for 30 to hit and 17 damage, trip roll of 5.

    Last edited by Valmark; 2020-06-17 at 03:07 PM.

  2. - Top - End - #422
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "... Nice work, Zeke," Yue answers as the combat becomes more intense. "You have a way of drawing fire, Adrian... let's fix that."

    The Ophanim brandishes its rifle to aim towards as clean a line as it can against the Valkyries, gathering power as she seeks to tear through their ranks.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Swift: Activate Gun Fight
    Full-Round: Use Oxtongue Rifle E-Mode
    Heavy, Area(Line), Pushing, Hybrid

    (1d20+27)[33]
    (9d10+22)[70] damage

  3. - Top - End - #423
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    The Strider flips the high caliber rifle over his shoulder and it locks in, then pull two small yet still efficient and highly accurate rifles. He aims at the two that originally seemed to approach him. One shot for both.

    Spoiler
    Show

    They are twin-linked
    Attack 1
    (1d20+13)[20]
    Damage
    (2d10+3)[12]

    Attack 2
    (1d20+13)[29]
    Damage
    (2d10+3)[16]
    ~Thanks to AsteriskAmp for the Illya Avatar!~

  4. - Top - End - #424
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "Eh, I thanks... Guess I underestimated the power of my new rifle. Probably would have been better if I didn't do that though."

    About that bit of being in the Federation, he would broadcast on an open channel. "It's true, but I doubt you all will believe us. Sorry about your fellow men. I only had intended to blow out Kukri's cannon."
    Last edited by YuweaCurtis; 2020-06-17 at 07:12 PM.

  5. - Top - End - #425
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    The two shots Zeke fires both strike their targets, but unfortunately only one of them actually penetrates the mecha's armor. Yue's shot has a lot more power behind it, and her shooting from stealth denies her opponents the chance to evade in time. Though they both manage to weave away just enough to avoid whole-sale obliteration of their mecha, the two valkyries are still crippled by the massive beam of energy, taking them out of the fight.
    Last edited by DeTess; 2020-06-18 at 03:08 AM.
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  6. - Top - End - #426
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Arriana whistles as the blue mecha's expert shot results in the destruction of the Kukri. "We should be glad those guys are on our side. Intrepid, deploying!" A well hidden small door at the rear, below the engines, would open and a gun metal gray Mecha would launch head first from it. It would stop nearby and in very humanoid way Steady itself before holding it's empty hands out as if it has a rifle. A weird laser cannon rifle would appear and it would fire two long distortions with impressive accuracy. These where aimed at the two mechas headed for Zeke. Her blue HARO would flap open it's top panels, as I'd in anticipation of Ari's shot.

    Spoiler
    Show

    Passive; HARO provides -4 damage /+4 DR (Total 21 DR)
    Coolness
    Burning Justice (Stance)
    Level: Super Pilot 1
    Initiation Action: Swift action
    Range: Personal
    Target: You
    Duration: Stance

    While in this stance, your DR increases by an amount equal to your pilot level, but all your attacks suffer a penalty on damage rolls equal to half your pilot level, rounded up. Opponents are aware of this.

    Move Action; Exit the Mantle

    Swift Action; Annihilation Engine
    Neo Granzon (Stance) [Force]
    Level: Super Pilot 1
    Initiation Action: Swift action
    Range: See text
    Target: See text

    A perfectly efficient energy source.

    While on this stance you gain Reactor I, that increases one grade per 5 pilot levels you have. This does not stack with other sources of Reactor.

    Free Action; Assault[Super Pilot](25): You may perform a fullattack, fullround maneuver, charge, or fire a Heavy weapon as a standard action.

    Standard Action (via Assault);
    Neo Gran Beam
    Neo Granzon (Boost) [Force]
    Level: Super Pilot 3
    Initiation Action: Swift action
    Range: See text
    Target: See text

    I am sorry but it’s time to say good bye.

    For 1 round you can fire Gran Beams as the maneuver as an attack action without paying energy cost.
    If you initiate the actual Gran Beam maneuver while affected by this, double the range and it affects everything in a line.

    Gran Beam
    Neo Granzon (Strike) [Force]
    Level: Super Pilot 1
    Initiation Action: Standard action
    Range: 300 feet
    Target: One enemy or object.

    You can’t really stop me.

    You fire gran beams from your mecha’s eyes or another part of their head, make a normal attack roll and if it hits the target takes 1d4 per PL you have plus your Int mod Force damage.

    Attack #2
    (1d20+14)[17]
    Damage #2
    (8d4-4)[15]
    Disarming, aimed to disarm Md Cannon from flight mode mecha.
    Attack #2
    (1d20+14)[26]
    Damage #2
    (8d4-4)[20]
    Disarming, aimed to disarm Md Cannon from the other one.

    Current Energy: 170/170
    Current Spirit: 41/61

    Module Effects;
    Dueling Visor - Pending

    Shadow Beam socketed to emitter - Deal extra damage with Energy Beam as cone once per turn on hit.

    Power Beam w/ 2 energy - +2 Deflection (Total AC: 26)

    Thrust Lancer w/ 1 energy - Thrust assistance allows you to more easily maneuver at high speeds. When you charge, you can move to and attack from any space from which you can attack your opponent, not just the first space in a direct line towards your opponent. Additionally, you can charge through spaces occupied by your allies and through spaces that would hinder (but not completely stop) your movement. This doesn't allow you to charge through enemies (even if you have the ability to move through their spaces unhindered), and you must still move in a straight line. +5 all speeds.

    Screw Attack socketed to feet w/ 2 energy - 30ft flight speed, good manueverability.
    ~Thanks to AsteriskAmp for the Illya Avatar!~

  7. - Top - End - #427
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "Hmmm, let's hope they actually are." Commander Mercur replies to Arriana on a private channel. "Keep your guard up, at least until I've been able to fully confirm their identities." The Mantle flips around quite nimbly, at least for a vessel of its size, and starts closing in on the combat zone, flinging a pair of missiles down-range at the final remaining mecha of hound squadron. One of the missiles manages to strike home, dealing substantial damage to its target, while the other goes spins wide. Arriana's attacks meanwhile both hit her intended targets, but the shots get mostly stopped by armor and fail to disable the mecha's weapons.

    The two remaining mecha of Hound squadron swap back to their full mecha form and unleash a withering barrage of fire on Zeke's position.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Zeke gets shot at for a total of 6 times. The mecha have pinpointed his position, but can't see him, so Zeke can apply the miss-chance form total concealment against all these attacks, as long as the quantum generator doesn't get disarmed.

    First, there are 4 attacks with the Rending, Heavy, Disarming and Pinning properties. Disarming first targets quantum generator, if it goes down the property targets the gun Zeke used against he Kukri, and the the biggest arsenal space weapons. These attacks have a 27 a 43, a 27 and a 42 to-hit (if focus is still active, the 27's fail automatically), and deal 44, 50, 36 and 40 damage respectively.

    then there's a pari of attacks with only the rending property. These have a 27 and 35 to-hit(if focus is still active, the 27 misses automatically), and do 32 and 33 damage respectively.

    After this, Zeke and Adrian are up again.
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  8. - Top - End - #428
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "HARO, take note- get a quantum generator first thing in the morning" Adrian said, aiming his stolen railgun at one of the hostile robots.
    "The two pilots from before should still be alive- you should drop your weapons! It's six against two!" he called out to the Hounds- but he wasn't going to make the error from before.

    Spoiler: Ooc
    Show
    Focus for 15 sp.

    Immediate action for second Armor Breaker: 27 to hit and 12 damage.

    Full round to shoot the Burst Railgun: 28 to hit and 41 damage, Rending, Pushing and Pinning.

    Intimidation: (1d20+6)[18]

  9. - Top - End - #429
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    The shot from Fluffy's armor breaker hits its intended target and starts eating through the mecha's thick plating. Now warned, however, the mecha then manages to throw itself out of the way from Adrian's follow-up shot with the rail-gun with a quick boost from its maneuvering thrusters.
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  10. - Top - End - #430
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Zeke avoids two of the shots, even as one hit solidly and Strider phases slightly out of existence cause two to pass through. He sighs, putting a rifle away so he can precisely shoot with one. He'd aim at least damaged one's head, hopefully he would take it off without destroying the mecha. "Please don't loose your lifes by doing something foolish. We have no intention on harming anyone peacefully surrendering."

    [roll]42 damage taken, Enancher disarmed

    Diplomacy?
    (1d20+3)[20]

    Standard Action; Legendary Sniper-One mecha ranged weapon of your choice can cripple an oponnent's limb, weapon or accessory of your choice as a standard action (fullround action for Heavy weapon) (the attack still deals normal damage, only one attack) unless they succeed on a Fort save with DC 5+Bab. The limb/accessory can't be used until the target receives regeneration or a Heal check with DC 20+Bab as a fullround action (or in the case of mecha, they reach a base where accessories can be swapped). A crippled leg reduces speed by half, stacking until no legs are left, in which case the victim can only crawl at speed 5 feet, while a crippled wing makes flight impossible. A crippled head instantly kills the target, but they get a +5 bonus on their Fort save on that case. A mecha does not get the +5 bonus, but will be left blinded, deafened and mute if the head is destroyed. Increase the DC by 5 if it’s a Heavy weapon. If the target succeeds on their save by less than 10, they suffer the penalty for 1 round.
    11, I think.

    Attack
    (1d20+13)[17]
    Damage
    (2d8+3)[16]

    Health: 87/129
    Current Energy: 78/80

    Module Effects;
    Dueling Visor socketed to visor - Pending

    Wind Strider w/2 energy - Gain a +4 circumstance bonus to your Armor Class against ranged attacks

    Holographic Projector w/ 2 energy - You can project a holographic shroud around yourself, changing your visual appearance. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus on Disguise and Hide checks.

    Spazer Beam - Cleave, but only adjacent enemy in range at half damage
    [/spoiler]
    ~Thanks to AsteriskAmp for the Illya Avatar!~

  11. - Top - End - #431
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Zeke's shot strikes the head of one of the two remaining mecha. Its armor absorbs enough of the blow that most of its sensors remain intact, but the wash of energy still blinds it temporarily.

    "You bastards glassed a colony full of civilians! Don't speak to me of peace!" A female voice coming from one one of the two remaining Mecha's replies to Zeke's plea, and neither Valkyrie shows any sign of standing down.

    "Zeke, Adrian, don't bother trying to talk them down." Revalk's voice comes over the radio. "They've been lied to, and nothing we can say right now will convince them otherwise. Just take those mecha down quickly, but try to keep the pilots alive." Accompanying his orders is another burst of updated targeting information, as well as a detailed scan of the mech Zeke and Adrian just hit.

    Spoiler
    Show

    Adrian and Zeke get to take a standard attack, as per the restrictions of the "Focus Fire on the Target" maneuver, with a +4 bonus to-hit and to damage.

    Scan details for Valkyrie mark 3 / combat mode
    ID: Hound 3
    HP: 39/60
    energy: 100/100
    spirit: n/a

    AC: 26
    DR: 6/13
    movement: 45 MU

    feats: evade, counter, offensive support, combo attack, robotech
    weapons: disruptor flare, Md impact cannon, Lt impact cannon, twin photon beam rifle, nanolaminate saber


    OOC note on talking them down: Despite what Revalk says, it is actually possible, but has a fairly high DC.

    next up are Yue and Arriana.
    Last edited by DeTess; 2020-06-25 at 12:44 PM.
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  12. - Top - End - #432
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Zeke would choose not to take the extra shot, lowering his weapon. [B]"Calm down! The colonists are safe! We are from said colony!"[b]

    -------------------------------

    These guys just wouldn't give up! Well it did nothing but drag things out, likely to still end in capture or death.

    Spoiler
    Show
    Zeke's Diplomacy
    (1d20+3)[14]

    -------------------------------

    Passive; HARO provides -4 damage /+4 DR through Coolness stance (Total 21 DR)
    Annihilation Engine stance provides Reactor II

    Standard Action;
    Neo Gran Beam
    Neo Granzon (Boost) [Force]
    Level: Super Pilot 3
    Initiation Action: Swift action
    Range: See text
    Target: See text

    I am sorry but it’s time to say good bye.

    For 1 round you can fire Gran Beams as the maneuver as an attack action without paying energy cost.
    If you initiate the actual Gran Beam maneuver while affected by this, double the range and it affects everything in a line.

    Gran Beam
    Neo Granzon (Strike) [Force]
    Level: Super Pilot 1
    Initiation Action: Standard action
    Range: 300 feet
    Target: One enemy or object.

    You can’t really stop me.

    You fire gran beams from your mecha’s eyes or another part of their head, make a normal attack roll and if it hits the target takes 1d4 per PL you have plus your Int mod Force damage.

    Attack 1
    (1d20+14)[22]
    Damage 1
    (8d4-4)[19]
    Disarming, aimed to disarm Md Cannon from flight mode mecha.

    Attack 2
    (1d20+9)[11]
    Damage 2
    (8d4-4)[15]
    Disarming, aimed to disarm Md Cannon from the other one.

    Current Energy: 170/170
    Current Spirit: 46/61

    Module Effects;
    Dueling Visor - Pending

    Shadow Beam socketed to emitter - Deal extra damage with Energy Beam as cone once per turn on hit.

    Power Beam w/ 2 energy - +2 Deflection (Total AC: 26)

    Thrust Lancer w/ 1 energy - Thrust assistance allows you to more easily maneuver at high speeds. When you charge, you can move to and attack from any space from which you can attack your opponent, not just the first space in a direct line towards your opponent. Additionally, you can charge through spaces occupied by your allies and through spaces that would hinder (but not completely stop) your movement. This doesn't allow you to charge through enemies (even if you have the ability to move through their spaces unhindered), and you must still move in a straight line. +5 all speeds.

    Screw Attack socketed to feet w/ 2 energy - 30ft flight speed, good manueverability.
    ~Thanks to AsteriskAmp for the Illya Avatar!~

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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "... I was once like you too. Too full of fervour, thinking I would throw down my life for a cause," Yue answers. "I can only hope you survive this. Here I go."

    The Ophanim once more shifts its aim to target one of the Valkyries, focusing power as she lets loose with another shot.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Free: Focus
    SP - 50 -> 60 out of 88

    Full-Round: Use Oxtongue Rifle E-Mode
    Heavy, Area(Line), Pushing, Hybrid

    (1d02+27)[29]
    (9d10+14)[67]

  14. - Top - End - #434
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Adrian sighed.
    "Hey, I tried" he decided, shooting a razor towards the enemy.

    Spoiler: Ooc
    Show
    Dunno why I kept forgetting about the free attack.

    (1d20+22)[39] if it rolls 36 or more it's automatic hit.
    Damage (3d6+4)[14] and 7 automatic damage to the enemy, 3 to their buddy.

    Targeting the one that got armor breaked! Downfall property.

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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Arriane's shots go wide. The same can't be said for Adrian and Yue's shots however. Adrian's shot knocks his target spinning, simplifying the shot for Yue. Given the Ophanim's continued invisibility, neither of the remaining Mecha from hound Squadron can dodge effectively. Yue's shot looks all but guaranteed to take out both her remaining targets when a momentary glitch in her quantum generator displaces her slightly in position and time, causing part of the beam to miss. However, one of the two Valkyries still takes a solid hit, knocking the mecha out of the fight.

    The last remaining Valkyrie, damaged and outnumbered, transforms back to its flight form and makes a break in the direction of the Nokwai jump point.

    "Let him go." Commander Mercur's orders. "In another minute or so I should have someone on comms who can convince him to stand down."

    A short while later the Valkyrie indeed returns, its weapons stowed and broadcasting a signal of surrender.

    "Commander Mercur just requested that we leave these other pilots, as well as any survivors of the Kukri if there are any to be found, to him." Revalk contacts Yue, Zeke and Adrian over radio. "Any reason we shouldn't trust him with those prisoners?"
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Adrian fell back in his seat, breathing heavily.
    "...sure, he can have fun. We should still go talk to the survivors eventually but he can take them" he replied in the comms, sighing. Apparently the improvments to the Fluffy had been perfect, he thought satisfied to himself. Still lacking punch, but he was getting there.

    Spoiler: Ooc
    Show
    Spoils of war! What accessories and/or weapons can I steal?

  17. - Top - End - #437
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "I tried as well..." Zeke shrugs, "I have no reason either way, but yea I think we should be able to question them ourselves."
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "I'll let him know." Revalk responds. "Once you're done out there, return the Fenrir. I expect commander Mercur will be dropping by sooner rather than later as well, and he'll have some questions about what's been happening here."
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Adrian started his return back to the Fenrir, once he was done stealing salvaging what he could on the fly.
    He reported on the bridge as fast as possible.
    "Say, you think we can get the robots' scraps? We can use those for repairments- the Mantle looks like cutting edge technology, they probably don't need anything" he asked Revalk.

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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    The atmosphere on the Fenrir is odd. There's a certain tenseness in the air, but also a feeling of relief. It's not very surprising though, given that the Fenrir has just fought and survived its first combat, even if the ship's role was relatively minor.

    Revalk is just finishing a conversation with commander Mercur as Adrian arrives at the bridge. "I don't like that guy one bit." Revalk comments to no one in particular.

    "You never did like dealing with intelligence officers." Rief remarks.

    "Intelligence officers are okay, it's people that hold the fact that they know things you don't over you like that that I can't stand." Revalk shakes his head. "Well, if he has any sense he'll put all his cards on the table once he comes over." He then turns to Adrian. "I doubt he'll have any trouble with us claiming the salvage, but I'm going to delay any salvaging operations until after we've had an open chat with Mercur. He and his mecha pilot will be dropping by in an hour or so, presumably to hear what exactly went down here the last couple of days. If there's anything you want to prepare for that I suggest you do so."
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    Zeke would return to the ship and go to the bridge long enough to see what was going on. He would have the mechanics change his unit's set up back to it's standard, but it was no rush and repairs are priority.
    _________________________

    "Look at that, I didn't even have to be out there." Arriana says as she carefully maneuvers the Intrepid back into the hidden bay. She returns to the cockpit of the ship, "Guess it's time for you to interrogate, hmm?
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    Default Re: The Starsong War (IC)

    "Hmmm, something like that, yes." Jonathan Mercur is leaning back in his captain's chair, seemingly staring off into space. The lights flickering within his pupils and occasional twitches of his hands show that he's not as idle as he appears. "I'm leaving the initial debriefing and interrogation of the Kukri's pilots to that former training officer of theirs we managed to contact with the QEC. That saves me the whole 'proving I'm really with the Federation' song and dance. Instead I'll... ah... now that is interesting." Jonathan gets up from his chair and starts pacing. Despite his graying hair betraying an advanced age he moves as easily as a man half his age.


    "We'll move in to dock with them in about half an hour. You and I will then move to the Fenrir to have a chat with them. You should be prepared for trouble, however, because these people are not what they seem." Jonathan stops his pacing and gestures towards one of the large screens on the bridge, which starts displaying text and pictures, both stills from the battle that was just fought, as well as images of people. "Let me tell you what we've found out so far, and I'll let you draw your own conclusions." An image of a young man in a federation uniform appears on the screen, accompanied by the summary of a service record.

    "First, identities. We're certain that the pilot of the mech that did the Kukri in was Ezekial Mathis. He was formerly with the Federation Navy as a pilot. Served for several years, got a couple of commendations, then received an honorable discharged. He'd been flagged for special forces training if he'd chosen to stay. After retiring from the Navy he started working as a mercenary, and ended up on Avron. Nothing else really stands out, right up untill he took down a Dagger class destroyer with a single shot."

    "The pilot of the mech that originally approached us is likely to be Adrian Basil." A picture of a young boy with dark hair appears on the screen. "Don't worry, that picture is just a really outdated one from Avron's last full census. He should be 19 now. And that's all we really know right now. In fact, because we don't have extensive biometric data we can't even be certain the person that identified himself as Adrian is in fact this Adrian."

    "Lastly, we've got a maybe and an unknown. The unknown is the pilot of the third mech, the one that took out most of Hound squadron. From listening in to their communications we know that she's female, and was called Yue, but that's all. She isn't a registered inhabitant of Avron and might not be a federation citizen at all. That's not too unusual for a border system like this, as people wanting to disappear could do a lot worse than Avron. Analysis on her behavior during the battle suggests that she's a veteran pilot, however."

    "The captain of the Fenrir identified himself as Revalk Maserat. As with Yue he's not an official federation citizen, but unlike Yue I did find some references to him in news and reports coming from Avron, so he's been there for a couple of decades at least. What's interesting, however, is this." On the screen, an image of a large man in his mid-twenties wearing the uniform of an Imperial Navy officer appears. "The empire provided us with a lot of personnel info after the battle over Avron as part of efforts to repatriate their people. This included one commander R. Maserat. The empire didn't provide much more than was necessary to identify the person in question, but luckily commander Maserat served with the Third fleet prior to the Breakaway war, so we know from their records that he was a solid officer and a bit of a rising star. That does beg the question why someone like that would choose to remain on Avron after having fought for the empire for the entire war." Mercur gives Arriane a moment to absorb the information, and then continues. The personal profiles on the screen get replaced with still images of the battle.

    "Then there's their equipment. The performance of their mechs consistent with that of well-tuned third generation mecha. Our information on the Avron colony suggested that the most advanced local mecha where several second generation mechs owned by local mercenaries or salvaged from the wrecks littering the planet. This information is either wrong, which I doubt, or these people have recently been supplied with some serious military hardware. This hypothesis is supported by the ship that accompanies the mechs. Its drive signature matches that of a freighter called the 'Latrodectus', which is registered to a small shipping company over on Paydirt, and which was last seen in this system. The Fenrir's silhouette is very different from that of the Latrodectus, which suggests a major refit. Avron should not have the means to perform such a refit according to the documentation we have on the colony."

    "So, to summarize, we've got an evidently very skilled group of combatants claiming to be systems militia. However, we can only reasonably confirm the identity of two of their major players, and of the remainder one could very well be a decorated imperial officer who might or might not have deserted. Add to that their equipment, which is far more advanced than they should have, and we get a picture that's about as clear as mud." Jonathan turns back to the bridge's main view-screen and gestures at the distant silhouette of the Fenrir. "I think actually taking a poke around their ship should be the easiest way to determine who they're really working for, but depending on their true loyalties it'll be risky."
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    She takes a moment to process. "An inspection may not work. If they are from the colony, they have all the reason to be on edge right now. And the situation of dealing with us and the Kukri probably didn't help. You find out what you can by talking to them, I'll try to scan what I can. You know if they've left an opening I'll find it."
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    Spoiler: Answering this post
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    The atmosphere on the Fenrir is odd. There's a certain tenseness in the air, but also a feeling of relief. It's not very surprising though, given that the Fenrir has just fought and survived its first combat, even if the ship's role was relatively minor.

    Revalk is just finishing a conversation with commander Mercur as Adrian arrives at the bridge. "I don't like that guy one bit." Revalk comments to no one in particular.

    "You never did like dealing with intelligence officers." Rief remarks.

    "Intelligence officers are okay, it's people that hold the fact that they know things you don't over you like that that I can't stand." Revalk shakes his head. "Well, if he has any sense he'll put all his cards on the table once he comes over." He then turns to Adrian. "I doubt he'll have any trouble with us claiming the salvage, but I'm going to delay any salvaging operations until after we've had an open chat with Mercur. He and his mecha pilot will be dropping by in an hour or so, presumably to hear what exactly went down here the last couple of days. If there's anything you want to prepare for that I suggest you do so."

    "I'll just go check on Tooth and then I'll be ready" Adrian shrugged "Chances are we'll remain in space for a time so I don't have any major changes to do to the Fluffy- I'll just check on the scars it took last fight until those two come" with that he went back first to his room, then went with his puppy to the hangar- a jackal shouldn't be too much of a bother while working on giant robots, right?

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    ---Mantle---
    "We'll call that plan B." Jonathan responds to Arriana's suggestion. "I agree that it's unlikely to be quite as easy as them giving us the grand tour, but you never know."

    "Commander, we're coming in to dock with the Fenrir." The Mantle's helmswoman speaks up.

    "Very well, we'll head for the airlock." Mercur gestures for Arriana to follow him as he leaves the bridge. "The Mantle will move some distance away as soon as we've boarded the Fenrir, and if trouble arrises they'll make sure the Federation knows what's happening. Which reminds me, are you equipped for subvocal communication? If not, grab a subvocal microphone and earbud from that locker, as it'd be useful to be able to talk without our hosts listening in."

    ---Fenrir---
    Several minutes later, Zeke, Yue, Adrian, Revalk and Rief are waiting at the Fenrir's port airlock. Flickering lights on the console next to the door detail the final phases of a docking procedure. Aisha's voice comes over the ship's intercom as the light all switch an even green glow. "The connection is secure and the Mantle's delegation is in the docking tube now. There's just two of them, and neither appears unreasonably well armed."

    "Very well, Aisha. You can let them in." Revalk responds.

    Several moments later the airlock doors open, revealing two figures. The first is a middle-aged man wearing a sharply tailored suit. His face is clean-shaven and his graying hair has been combed back. Accompanying him is an android. He offers a hand in greeting to Revalk as he crosse the threshold into the Fenrir's interior. "My thanks for accommodating my request, captain maserat. I'm commander Mercur, Jonathan Mercur, with the Federal Internal Affairs Bureau. Accompanying me is the lovely Arriana, a specialist whose services I acquired for this mission."

    Revalk shake's Jonathan's hand, then gestures to the others present as he introduces them. "I believe you've already spoken with Adrian. Zeke and Yue are the other two pilots making up our mecha complement. Commander Eiver is my second-in-command."

    Jonathan nods in greeting to each person as they're introduced, then turns to Rief. "That would be Rief Eiver, correct?"

    Revalk can't hide a frown at Jonathan's casual display of knowledge, but Rief merely gives Jonathan a cold smile. "That's correct. And you wouldn't happen to be related to the New Atlantis Mercurs?" Rief retorts.

    "Distant cousins, but quite estranged at this point, I'm afraid." Jonathan responds with a sad smile.
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    "Can we wait more then a second before poking each other?" Adrian chanted with a shrug. He had fashioned an improper leash for Tooth from metal scraps and leather straps, attached to a equally improper harness for dogs (well, jackals) and had brought the puppy along with the HARO. The former was, in fact, poking the latter rather then caring for the newcomers. Adrian instead was taking in the two's appearance- he honestly didn't think Mercur would look so much like a businessman rather then a soldier. Plus, he was fairly sure that was the second android he ever saw.
    "Should we go somewhere comfier? I'm unsure how military people hold meetings, but standing around at airlocks doesn't look necessary"

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    Zeke would remain quiet, but would reached for a handshake if he was approached. He would slap Adrian on the back when he speaks about the jabbing and meeting place. He wouldn't care to explain that Adrian should let the small pokes go, but he would say, "Of course we're going to the meeting room, this is just the greeting.
    _______________
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    With some expensive ass shades on.


    Arriana would observe the people introduced to her, saying nothing as she was already introduced herself. Also talking is Mercur's job, she's merely another outlet for intelligence gathering as well as a body guard. She would give Adrian a sideways glance when he spoke up however.
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    Adrian's admonishment earns him a curious glance from Jonathan, but the intelligence officer let's it go without further comment.

    Revalk nods at Zeke's clarification. "Indeed. If you'll follow me?"

    The ship's meeting room is located next to the larger briefing room, and is sparsely furnished with a long table, eight chairs and a single holo-projector and recorder set in the middle of the table. Revalk takes his seat at one of the long sides, while commander Mercur sits down opposite him.

    "It'll be best if we begin with explaining what has happened here for the past week or so." Revalk begins. "After that you can tell us what is known by the wider Federation and what the reaction has been."

    "Of course. I'm glad you see the importance of openness in this case, captain." Jonathan responds with a friendly smile.

    Revalk frowns at Jonathan's comment, but then turns to Adrian and Yue. "I think it's best if you start this off, as you were the first to discover something was going to happen during your search for the missing colonists."

    Spoiler: Arriana scanning
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    Your scans of the ship return two noteworthy things. The first is the over-sized powerplant. Though converting a freighter to a military ships is not that uncommon, up-sizing the powerplant as part of such a conversion is generally very costly and time-consuming, and often costs enough that it might be more economical to have a new ship custom-built for combat.

    The second thing is the presence of a high capacity data-cable leading into one of the rooms that, based on the ship's layout, should have been an officer's cabin. This room also has some additional scan-shielding in place.

    Checking some of the crew you pass on the way to the meeting room doesn't get you much out of the ordinary. The scans result a mix of 'unknowns' and registered citizens of Avron, which isn't that odd in the border regions, where more than a few people live without having an official ID, either because they're hiding out from law enforcement, or simply because they fell through the system's cracks.

    Jonathan also passes you some info on the way to the meeting room regarding Rief Eiver. Rief held the rank of lieutenant commander in the Imperial Navy until he went MIA after the battle of Avron. He had served together with Revalk in the Imperial third fleet before getting transferred with Revalk (the imperial officer one, who he presumes is the same person as the one you're dealing with now) to the first fleet before the start of the breakaway war.
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    "Sure" Adrian said bringing drinks for everybody- which really meant water "I have no idea what or wether androids drink" he said apologizing to Arianna before taking a seat.
    "So- it all started with us searching for wherever the kidnappers of the missing colonist went. Me and Yue went to inspect the wreckage of an old Federation ship were nobody usually went due to how unstable it was. We immediately found signs of recent use- and on the lower levels, we found a trap with a blackboard with some information. Three days prior to the explosion there was a 'go/no go signal', then the 'recovering of irreplaceable assets' and finally the date of the explosion marked as the 'Day Of Infamy'. Meanwhile Zeke searched the underground section of Rustport, Avron's city, and found a charred note that still spelled 'Ouroboros go signal' or something like that. You probably already know, but Ouroboros' End was a terrorist group that acted against the Empire. He also found tracks leading from a back entrance to Rustport itself- doesn't take a genius to connect the dots, but it doesn't end here. We spread out then- I went to check up on the Messiah, a wreck of an Imperial ship that had emitted radiations a little while before, while Yue went to check up on the Fujin's place -a corporation- since that was a place that needed checking and Zeke went to check the Latrodectus, which was how this ship was registered when it entered our ports with the only crew being a single dead man" Adrian took a gulp of water since he was talking a lot.
    "Me and Revalk combed through the Messiah until we found an imperial nuclear bomb- a Glasser round. Due to the tipe of bullet, we realized it couldn't possibly do enough damage to be a problem. Meanwhile Yue discovered that those from Fujin went away in the date corresponding to the recovering of irreplaceable assets while leaving word of pretending everything was alright and found an imperial badge and a map. Later, after managing to access Fujin's database that somebody had tampered with, we also discovered that Fujin had unloaded from the Latrodectus when it docked here two weeks ago enough cargo of the right size for six Glasser rounds- we started the evacuation then. Zeke meanwhile discovered that the Latrodectus had been stripped of anything that made it look like somebody used it- and after stripping the fake hull it was covered with he also found an half-scratched off symbol that identified it as the Galm, Ouroboros' signature ship. As we evacuated while Revalk brought the Galm away we were attacked by imperial-colored robots but in a Federation typical 4-roboted lance. Beat them up. While we put the population in a safe place an imperial fleet came here and started its descent- we realized that they were going to be blown up and so I raced back to one of the emitters to try and get a message to the imperials and tell them to run. We found out our communications were jammed, so we had been cut off for days- anyway, everybody was saved. Adrian looked quite satisfied at that.
    "The imperials led by somebody called Kay were chasing the Latrodectus for the terrorists that tried to assassinate the Emperor- the bombs were timed to explode with the pursuit group arrival. By exchanging information we came to the conclusion that the bombs came from salvaged cargo- this implies somebody big is involved in this affair together with Fujin and the terrorists. It is additionally proved by the fact that the Galm's flight path started from Geneva, then Avron, then imperial space before coming back here. Whoever did this left the flight path as a precaution we believe- trying to frame both the Empire and the Federation" Adrian concluded. He made sure to not mention Bernhard's identity or Yue's past affiliation.

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    It looks like Jonathan wants to interrupt Adrian with questions a couple of time, but the flood of information denies him the chance, and he quickly stops trying. Once Adrian finishes hist story he takes a moment to consider, then speaks up. "I've got a number of questions. First, how did you determine that these bombs came from salvage, rather than the empire's strategic stockpiles?"

    "One of the rounds was damaged, with a rent in its casing. That wasn't recent damage either." Revalk responds. "That wouldn't make sense if they came from an imperial stockpile, because the empire wouldn't need to keep damaged rounds around, as they could just make new ones just like them."

    "Fair enough. Do you have any images or similar of this bomb?"

    "I do." Rief jumps in. "If we hadn't found evidence of more bombs, I'd have been the one to disarm the one we'd found, so I'd taken plenty of pictures during our initial approach of the bomb so that I could plan the operation."

    "Very well, I'll need a copy of those. Can you provide me a copy of the Fujin records you mentioned as well?" Commander Mercur is now tapping away with the fingers of his right hand and his occular implants light up as he starts making notes.

    Revalk nods "The portmaster should have copies of all the relevant records, but their headquarters-ship was rigged to self-destruct when the bombs went off, just in case, so the originals are lost."

    "You mentioned the Latrodectus in your story, but based on our own records, this ship we're on right now is the Latrodectus."

    "That's correct." Revalk replies. "It wasn't rigged to self-destruct, and given that ti was the only space-worthy ship left on the colony, we've claimed it."

    "The colony wouldn't have the supplies necessary to refit the ship though. The mecha you fielded are likewise beyond what this colony should have."

    "I'm surprised you're even asking that, commander." Rief steps in again. "Based on the comments you've made so far, it seemed like you already had your theories regarding the source of our gear."

    Jonathan nods at Rief's admonishment. "True. let me be a bit blunter then. Where do your loyalties lie? The empire clearly provided you with equipment, so the obvious conclusion would be that you're working for them."

    Revalk shakes his head. "The empire provided us with equipment because they need someone who can move freely within Federation space to find out who tried to frame them for bombing this colony. The only thing we promised them in return was a report once we find out."

    "Alright, let's assume I'll believe that for now. If everything else you've told me so far is true, it doesn't really matter all that much who you're ultimately loyal to anyway." Jonathan looks around the table. "Is there anything else I need to know about the events of the past few days, or any other proof you can offer for your version of events?"
    Last edited by DeTess; 2020-07-23 at 02:18 AM.
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