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Super Robot Quest

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[X] "After all, you were also on hand for the kaiju clean-up in Pusan. I know other officers who were there, but none of them wrote the book on Kaiju sample preservation by themselves."

The Kausen one seems more matter of luck. The separatist one, it could be skill, if was a result of analysing enemy logistics, but it could also be luck, and its more about enemy logistics that ours.

This is one, though, sounds like pure skill and most in line among the choices with what I expect logistician to do.

I was expecting something more along the lines of 'working miracle to keep X force supplied' or 'save refugees and sufficientlt scrap resource post disaster' though
 
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[X] "After all, you were also on hand for the kaiju clean-up in Pusan. I know other officers who were there, but none of them wrote the book on Kaiju sample preservation by themselves."
 
Still at work, but I'll tally and continue the posts tonight when I get back.

Vote seems relatively spread out at the moment!

Note: in the event of a tie, I will roll for it.
Adhoc vote count started by Basarin on Apr 24, 2018 at 6:53 PM, finished with 28 posts and 9 votes.
  • [X] "After all, you were also on hand for the kaiju clean-up in Pusan. I know other officers who were there, but none of them wrote the book on Kaiju sample preservation by themselves."
    [X] "I read your report on what you found in Bordeaux. Something the separatist bastards left behind that they couldn't destroy. Something about a mechanical frame?"
    [x] "Your name came up a lot in the reports on the Kausen raids coming into Norfolk. Do you really think anyone else has discovered discarded Kausen technology? That's a one in a million find."
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Prologue: Attention to Orders
  • Threadmarks
    • So it appears that votes were relatively split (vote tallied above), but the majority eked out a vote for the Kaiju sample. A little unexpected, but I can dig it.

    "After all," Peters says with an eyebrow raised, "you were also on hand for the kaiju clean-up in Pusan. I know other more senior officers who were there; plenty seem to think their presence alone is enough for commendation." She shakes her head in disgust. "I am not doubting their courage or their performance, but none of it has a wider impact. None of them wrote the book on kaiju sample preservation by themselves."

    You nod, knowing now exactly why she called you specifically, and what she was after. Of course she'd be interested in how you figured out how to preserve the sample. What bothered you was why no one else figured it out.

    "I was probably lucky there was even a sample to begin with," you say up front. "I read up on the other kaiju attacks, and none of them even had leftover limbs. Everything just...melted, it reads like."

    "So it seems," Peters agrees. "But we've never known until now. And, might I add, it's downright criminal that I am only receiving the report as of two months ago." She huffs in disgust again. "But nevermind that. I read your superior's reports when I finally got my hands on them; you and your Soldiers did everything you should have, and then some. But I need to hear it from you." She leans forward, the tea long forgotten. Her grey eyes flash almost like lightning as they narrow onto you. Like she's judging you on some basis. "Consider this a debrief if it helps. What took place?"

    Slightly unnerved by the laser-like focus, you inhale, then exhale sharply. "Alright, Ma'am," you acquiesce. "Please keep in mind, it's been awhile..."


    "조심하십시오! 조심하십시오!" a sergeant bellowed. The streets were playing host to a constant stream of vehicles, flowing through them like blood through an artery. Your sergeant, Staff Sergeant Kwon, was constantly bellowing orders and warnings to the rapidly fleeing civilians.

    "Clear the roads!" the lieutenant yells in your recollection. "Sergeant! The 1400 convoy is coming up, I need these people redirected."
    "Yes, Sir," comes the crisp reply. "이쪽으로! 이쪽으로 가세요!"

    All of this was just so much background noise to you. Rather than the impression of chaos, it is the comforting din of activity. You knew your officers and non-coms were performing their jobs. They don't need your input just yet. As you hovered over the hood of your issued truck, you dismissed the usual noise as nothing worth worrying about.

    What you heard from higher     was.

    "HQ, HQ, say again, over," your comms operator said in a controlled, but tense voice over the radio.

    The response came, somewhat faint and tinged with static. "Require confirmation that Waypoint 5 is clear. Kaiju inbound, armor redirected to engage."

    You mutter a curse under your breath – no need for the poor comms operator to hear it – and look up at the cramped streets. Waypoint 5, as it so happened, was where your humble movement detachment had set up headquarters. But like most streets in the city, much of it was cramped. Armor was going to absolutely tear the place apart just traveling through it, leaving travel time for all future traffic horribly mangled.

    "Advise secondary route through Waypoint 8," you instructed the comms operator. "And we need an ETA on the kaiju sighting."

    "Yessir," the harried operator responded. "Roger, HQ. Advise alternate route, requesting-"

    He never got to finish that sentence. A massive fireball slammed into the apartment building a block away, sending the unfortunate construction tumbling down in a plume of dust and debris. Instinctively, you and your men immediately duck for cover; the lieutenant and staff sergeant outside opting to throw themselves to the pavement.

    "…nevermind, dammit, it's already here," you grumble as your eyes clear.

    Pusan's harbors were now playing host to Sheol's latest crime against all that was holy. A massive, lizard-like creature     roared to the heavens as it emerged from the depths, as if announcing its presence and the doom of all before it. The damn kaiju that the EUDF was evacuating the whole city for had arrived.

    Early.

    If I die, you thought, I'm going to haunt the intelligence idiots that came up with the timetable.

    Before you could even attempt to come to terms with your mortality, however, the kaiju stopped. It then cocked its head. It was only then that you realized that it was already…bleeding. As if it was escaping from a fight somewhere.

    Before you could even react, rapidly approaching grey blurs were converging in on the kaiju's position. Fiery lances were released from the fighter-bombers and slammed into the kaiju's side. It roared in pain – or annoyance, you honestly couldn't tell – as parts of its scales and flesh were blown off. But for all the damage inflicted, it might as well have been needles poking a dinosaur – maybe painful, but not lethal.

    The kaiju retaliated as another of the fireballs screamed forth from its nostrils, angling its neck in positions no natural lizard would consider. Several of the fighter-bombers immediately disintegrated in a fiery ball of metal and ash. Yet the pilots must have considered it worth it, as they swung for another pass, as if to attempt to lure the kaiju away from land.

    It seemed to work, as even more aircraft joined the diminished few that remained to lure the creature away. Seemingly enraged, the lizard-like monster followed them, constantly bellowing fire and doom skywards the whole time.

    You could only blink as you stared at what you were sure was your death slinking away, prevented only by the heroism of the pilots that sold their lives gladly.     "…lieutenant," you said, managing to find your voice at least. "Lieutenant! I need a status on our personnel."

    Miraculously, no one had been hurt. Not even anyone at Waypoint 4, which had been stationed near the apartment that blew up. "Good," you mutter. Thanking small miracles, you moved on, "Get these roads clear, we might have more – "

    Your sentence dies the moment you gaze onto the street.

    Somehow, while witnessing the battle, you all had missed the giant piece of kaiju scale that had landed a block away. A few rows of crushed cars along the street pay testament to the fact that it had landed     hard before settling onto that road.

    You and your men can only blink and stare at the damned     thing for a few moments before. Before the image of the pilots simply melting to the kaiju's onslaught re-emerged in your head.

    No one had ever captured a sample before. Just maybe, you reasoned in a haze, someone up higher could use it to do some good.

    "Lieutenant," you order. Your voice was firm, your orders were clear and audible. "Tell Waypoint 1 we need their forklifts, time now. Staff Sergeant, there's plenty of seafood restaurants here. Take some Soldiers and open all the freezer lockers. Comms, tell HQ we are requesting a hazardous materials team here now."


    Peters does not interrupt you at all as you reminisce through your memories. Your quick thinking had resulted in an intact kaiju sample, preserved at subzero temperatures (after judicious jury-rigging from the Staff Sergeant). This came at the cost of several earth-moving vehicles with melted manipulators and ultimately had to be manhandled by hazardous material teams in protective gear.

    The restaurant itself was also going to need a massive renovation. You idly wonder if it went back into business

    "All the same," you finish your report, "We stayed and secured the sample. At least until your teams came by to pick it up."

    "And believe me, it's the only reason we even have any kind of knowledge on the damned things," Peters says. Scowling, she mutters, "It's not like the Yukimura Institute is sharing information." Looking back up at you, she says, "We still have it in storage." Seeing your questioning look, she said, "I'll explain that in a moment. But right now? All the scientists being made available to me through normal channels are too conventional. Half of them don't want to come close to it. The other half is insisting I give it to the 'experts.'" Her tone warned you against bringing up the creators of Mercury V, so you let it lie.

    "I also made sure that as of two months ago – once I finally got my hands on the report – your way of preserving the material was spread to all commands." She shakes her head – seemed to be a thing this conversation. "Bloody bureaucracy. To think I could have had this earlier."

    You wait in silence as she clears her thoughts.

    "Regardless." Additional screens appear on Peters' interface. There was no mistaking the subject matter of the screens: the tall, imposing figure of Mercury V clashing with a kaiju in Kyoto, and the smaller but nimble Valiant wreathed in electrical currents as it pursued.

    The Super Robots.

    "You are amply aware that they are accomplishing what we in the Defense Force cannot," Peters says in a dry tone. Another screen materializes, and shows footage of Mercury V land a weighty punch across the kaiju's jaw, toppling it to the ground in a cavalcade of dust and flying debris. "That civilian agencies have developed weapons in response to threats we cannot fight."

    Yet another screen shows the Valiant fighting a heavy tank with what appears to be a robotic torso grafted to where the turret would be. An arm is blown off when the tank lands a glancing blow, only for the Valiant to destroy the tank's armaments with its sword. A moment later, a new arm slams into the Valiant, heralded by a blinding display of electrical currents. "And, for the moment, they are succeeding."

    The footage on both screens freeze. "I've been arguing with Unity Station for years that we need modernization," Peters says in an even voice. You get the idea that there's plenty she's not saying out of irritation. "And only now, two years after the third kaiju appears, are we springing into action." She lets out a huff. "The first two times, I am willing to forgive willful ignorance on the assumption that maniac Sheol couldn't make a third. The fact it took Mercury V to put down the fourth one is disgraceful."

    You remain silent as she slowly winds up to her point.

    "What I am about to appoint you to aims to fix this problem." She slides over a sheaf of papers to you across her desk. Curiously, you pick it up and glance it over to see a set of...appointment orders?

    "As of today, we are forming the Defense Force Research Institute. You've seen what we are facing against up close. You've shown you are not blocked by conventional thinking on the subject. The position of Commandant of the Institute is yours. If you are willing." Looking at your shocked expression, she offers a wry smirk. "I've already had your transfer approved. If you agree, it is effective immediately."

    You blink in shock for a moment. "And the mission statement, if I agree?" you ask.

    "Officially, you are designing new equipment and weapons for the Earth Union Defense Force in light of the new threats we are fighting," Peters replies. "Unofficially, I think it safe to say we have established that anything so conventional is too slow." She points at the still-images of the Super Robots. "There are two Super Robots out in the wild, and official policy is going to be to tolerate them so long as they keep fighting for the Union. I don't doubt more are coming. We need our own Super Robots, and we needed them last year."

    This...was not what you were expecting when you walked into the door this morning. Or maybe it was.

    But really, there was only one way you could respond. "When do I start?"

    "Immediately." As you sign the orders where your signature block is, she adds, "I will have to warn you, however." You look up, halfway towards sliding the orders to her already. "I'm getting a lot of pushback from the more hidebound idiots in command positions. I'm not exactly making it a secret we need our own Super Robot, and most don't care for the idea." She winces. "I had to burn some...political capital. We are getting our way, but I had to make a concession."

    The intercom at her desk opened up, displaying her aide's profile picture with "SOUND ONLY" appearing over it. "Pardon me, Ma'am," he said apologetically, "But your other appointment is here. Shall I - ?"

    "No, no," she brushes off. "Allow entry." Turning back to you as the connection cuts, she says, "They wanted someone of their choosing to be appointed to the project - for 'accountability' - as your executive officer. At that point I couldn't say no. This appointment was out of my control." As the door behind you opens, you turn around to see:

    [] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.

    [] A young man dressed in - surprisingly - no national uniform almost saunter into the office. He is dressed in the EUDF First Response Corps uniform. He seems to be treating everything as an amusing joke, a wry smile etched onto his face, but the commendations on his uniform speak to significant achievements.

    [] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.

    Now we slowly start to assemble your team. Your first pick of team is the Defense Force officer, who will act as your right hand. Effectively, though, conservative elements in the Defense Force aren't too keen on the project, and want to keep an eye on it. How you will address this is up to you.

    Vote, and I will post an update tomorrow evening!
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.
     
    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.
     
    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.
     
    [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.
     
    [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.
     
    [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.

    Haha, time to develop Kokubouga!
    Or Patlabor.

    Or even Jet Alone.
     
    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.

    Potential waifu option get.    ​
     
    [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.

    Having a Competent Right Hand beats out everything.
     
    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.
     
    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.
     
    LinkOnScepter said:
    [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.

    Having a Competent Right Hand beats out everything.
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    Also potentially a good Devil's Advocate and Reasonability Check. Old experienced soldiers know crazy crap works, but also know it has to be tempered crazy crap.
     
    [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.
     
    [x] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.

    It's Super Robot. There's defintely need for some a Japanese somewhere (PR Uprising got leeway for using Chinese instead 'cause Shao in Conn-Pod is hot).

    So what kind of X-dere is she? :p
     
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    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.

    The problem with the second is unpredictability, the problem with the last, for me, is that he is an old time ground operative, and we really don't want our robots to be ground bound, now do we?
     
    [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.
     
    Still at work, but to answer:

    The next post will show what kind of bonuses the officer will offer to your organization. None are bad, but they will influence the nature of your Super Robots.

    Both will have their own sets of options, but in turn they come with different sets of obligations to the conventional corners of the EUDF.

    Kind of surprised there was a big NO to the First Response Corps, but them is the breaks.

    I'll leave voting running until tonight. Then you get to meet the SCIENCE.

    Aaaaaand back to work for me. Someone post a vote tally in the meantime please!

    Any thoughts or suggestions so far, do let me know.
     
    Here you are, and goddamn it guys.
    Adhoc vote count started by LinkOnScepter on Apr 25, 2018 at 1:10 PM, finished with 17 posts and 14 votes.
    • [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you.
      [X] An older-looking man slowly and ponderously enters the office. Dressed in a Russian Ground Forces uniform, a weathered and scarred face openly displays a history of hard-won experience in the face of battle.
      [X] A young woman dressed in a Japanese Self Defense Air Force uniform stride into the office exuding sheer confidence. Despite a pleasant-looking demeanor, a studious, analytical set of blue eyes studies you. ​
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    So far the quest has a good setup. I'm just personally hoping we can really fulfill the "Super Robot" part of the quest despite our military occupation, which is more of a "Real Robot" background.
     
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    Pred1059 said:
    So far the quest has a good setup. I'm just personally hoping we can really fulfill the "Super Robot" part of the quest despite our military occupation, which is more of a "Real Robot" background.
    Click to expand...
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    But most super robots also have the military behind them, it's just things like "we don't understand how it works, we just make use of it!"
     
    Metrux said:
    But most super robots also have the military behind them, it's just things like "we don't understand how it works, we just make use of it!"
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    A few do, GaoGaiGar is one that comes to mind as a military Super Robot group. Others are more privatized, such as Mazinger/Getter Robo being the property of their respective research labs. Others still are more "I've got a giant robot stashed in a cave/in my garage, don't tell".

    Point is, Super Robots come from a variety of backgrounds, given they are depicted as larger than life superheroes. Real robots, given their nature as tools, are more likely to be owned by corperations/government/military groups.
     
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