Super Robot Quest
- Thread starter Basarin
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
Thors_Alumni
Proud member of Thors Class VII from Liberl
- Location
- Liberl Zemuria.
Pretty sure the GM will use them when appropriate.
Not in Person
Once Known as The Nobody
- Location
- A place
I would think that the next step would be adding a bigger unit to the mix. Like: Jackal -> Jackal + Shepherd -> Jackal + Shepherd + Phalanx.
... Now I want this. But it leaves no resources for development.
- Location
- Canadia
Just to clarify are you talking about a combination of the Beowulf with both the Shepherd and the TMU at the same time or do you mean a combination of two robots in Timberwolf and Foxhound configuration through psychic theater?
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
COmbination of both at the same time, sorry.
- Location
- Canadia
Ah, thanks.
SoixanteZio
Dead man walking
- Location
- anywhere
So was the plan named Rise! Beowulf! or is the super robot named Rise Beowulf?
SoixanteZio
Dead man walking
- Location
- anywhere
Well, let's just keep the name around.
- Location
- Nowhere
Not in Person
Once Known as The Nobody
- Location
- A place
Me, I'm voting to name it "Beowulf Rise". Or, if there are still people here that care about proper grammar, "Beowulf Rising".
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Turn Nine, Year Two Results
- Location
- USA
Special Actions
To be followed by Interlude.
To be followed by Interlude.
Defense Force Actions
No Defense Force Actions taken this turn. Next turn, will apply "Well-Rested" Bonus!
Engineering Actions
With the Duo's efforts focused exclusively on the Super Robot, it falls to Katarina and Lana (who has more attention and processing power to spare for this; she insists this is typical 'multitasking') to start efforts on converting the Pilum…or, whatever we're calling it now.
The differing styles between the two sisters are apparent in this exercise. Where Katarina is bubbly, cheerful and supportive, Lana is grumpy, no-nonsense and is more apt to point out flaws. But both sisters are dedicated, and for the most part you can trust them enough to leave them be while everyone else's efforts are focused on the Super Robot refit and reconstruction.
Even if a few bouts of sparks and small explosions make you cringe every so often.
Ignatov's only reaction is to give a resigned sigh and to go check on how they're doing.
First step to welcoming a new AI that cannot be installed into the Lair's wider networks: find it a body. Easy enough to do: Katarina was able to take a spare Jackal frame and bring it up to the Beowulf's standards. No weapons, no offensive capability, or anything like that; its main purpose was to give the new AI something to integrate into, and to associate as 'his body.'
Second step: install the AI into the Beowulf-class frame. Also simple enough. After ensuring that a running backup was permanently installed into the Lair, Katarina is ensuring that just enough information is flowing to both ends of the sleeping personality – the primary and the backup. This is to ensure that even though the personality won't be a floating avatar like she is, the primary and the backup are always streaming to each other.
Should something really unfortunate happen, the primary will then be able to flush himself out of its body and upload to the secondary's sanctuary. All traces of the AI in the body will be erased, but the personality himself will be intact (if frazzled).
Third step: wait. As with everything with the AI, the setup takes the longest time. Katarina wants to make sure that her 'brother' has plenty of time and space to simply soak in all the information, and that's even with the ludicrous speeds that the AI sisters process information as is. He might be up and running next month, but she warns you not to expect him to 'wake up' until November at the latest.
Fourth step: Profit? You're not sure where you were going with this anymore. That's okay. More coffee solves everything.
Science Actions
No Science Actions taken this turn. Madness! And the "Well-Rested" bonus to boot!
Super Robot 1.0 - It's time. With everything that you've learned up until now, you can either retrofit an existing Prototype and 'bring it up to code,' so to speak, or build a brand new one from the ground up.
You have your options. Let's get to work!
Cost: 27 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Will create new or upgrade existing Super Robot and make it available for Deployment
You have your options. Let's get to work!
Cost: 27 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Will create new or upgrade existing Super Robot and make it available for Deployment
To be followed by Interlude.
The Regency – Give it some leeway. You don't really trust it, but you're willing to recommend a quid pro quo approach to dealing with the Regency. Recommend that you enter negotiations with the Regency to see what it wants, and in turn see what it's willing to give up for it. You are concerned about the idea of empowering a champion, as you ARE dealing not only with EUDF personnel, but also a citizen of the Union. Make sure your superiors are aware of this.
To be followed by Interlude.
Defense Force Actions
No Defense Force Actions taken this turn. Next turn, will apply "Well-Rested" Bonus!
Lowers threshold of One Defense Force Action success to 3-6. Must be used this turn! Any additional Defense Force Actions taken beyond applied bonus must meet regular 5-6 threshold.
Engineering Actions
Variable Configuration – Cored Armor
Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Will convert Combine Unit Pilum to Core Unit Pilum; stats will be revealed on conclusion.
Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Will convert Combine Unit Pilum to Core Unit Pilum; stats will be revealed on conclusion.
With the Duo's efforts focused exclusively on the Super Robot, it falls to Katarina and Lana (who has more attention and processing power to spare for this; she insists this is typical 'multitasking') to start efforts on converting the Pilum…or, whatever we're calling it now.
The differing styles between the two sisters are apparent in this exercise. Where Katarina is bubbly, cheerful and supportive, Lana is grumpy, no-nonsense and is more apt to point out flaws. But both sisters are dedicated, and for the most part you can trust them enough to leave them be while everyone else's efforts are focused on the Super Robot refit and reconstruction.
Even if a few bouts of sparks and small explosions make you cringe every so often.
Ignatov's only reaction is to give a resigned sigh and to go check on how they're doing.
Will conclude next turn. Stats will be unveiled.
Supercomputer AI – Integration - It's time to bring your new AI pilot to life, but there was some disagreement over how to bring him online. After some discussion on it, it was agreed to upload the AI directly into a Beowulf-class chassis and simply let it mingle with everyone. No weapons or anything built into it, but you're going to need to set aside some resources to ensure the integration goes smoothly.
After all, this is a new citizen of the Union and a new member of the family. It's important to make him feel welcome and safe.
Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Will roll for personality traits
After all, this is a new citizen of the Union and a new member of the family. It's important to make him feel welcome and safe.
Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Will roll for personality traits
First step to welcoming a new AI that cannot be installed into the Lair's wider networks: find it a body. Easy enough to do: Katarina was able to take a spare Jackal frame and bring it up to the Beowulf's standards. No weapons, no offensive capability, or anything like that; its main purpose was to give the new AI something to integrate into, and to associate as 'his body.'
Second step: install the AI into the Beowulf-class frame. Also simple enough. After ensuring that a running backup was permanently installed into the Lair, Katarina is ensuring that just enough information is flowing to both ends of the sleeping personality – the primary and the backup. This is to ensure that even though the personality won't be a floating avatar like she is, the primary and the backup are always streaming to each other.
Should something really unfortunate happen, the primary will then be able to flush himself out of its body and upload to the secondary's sanctuary. All traces of the AI in the body will be erased, but the personality himself will be intact (if frazzled).
Third step: wait. As with everything with the AI, the setup takes the longest time. Katarina wants to make sure that her 'brother' has plenty of time and space to simply soak in all the information, and that's even with the ludicrous speeds that the AI sisters process information as is. He might be up and running next month, but she warns you not to expect him to 'wake up' until November at the latest.
Fourth step: Profit? You're not sure where you were going with this anymore. That's okay. More coffee solves everything.
Will conclude on Turn Eleven, Year Two.
Science Actions
No Science Actions taken this turn. Madness! And the "Well-Rested" bonus to boot!
Lowers threshold of One Science Action success to 3-6. Must be used this turn! Any additional Science Actions taken beyond applied bonus must meet regular 5-6 threshold.
KnightDisciple
Love God. Do Right. Fear No Man.
- Location
- Midwest, USA
The first step on our shining path of courage, for the sake of the planet and it's people.
First Steps to Ascension
- Location
- USA
1200, 4 September, A.D. 2071
Command Center
It was time.
The entire maintenance bay below the bridge at the Command Center was emptied out completely, all except the key components of the upcoming operation.
The key prototypes that, up until now, have served as the bedrock of the DFRI's successes are all that occupy the maintenance bays below you. As young as your organization is, the machines laid out in front of you are already well-steeped in your milestones and achievements. In a way, it's only fitting that they become the bedrock of your next great step forward.
The Beowulf. In fact, the very same prototype Jackal frame that 1LT Callaghan unwittingly took to battle against the first of the Westphalian infiltrators. Though blooded and mighty, it was the subject of nearly a year's worth of incremental upgrades. Today, it would receive a full refit, and be installed with the armaments and armor that the engineers agreed were its due.
The Shepherd-class Armor Support Truck. Despite Wilde's failure to make it a proper Mecha in its own right, in that failure came its greater accomplishment: forming the basis of the Timberwolf. The very same model that initiated the rescue of Cavalier alongside the Beowulf's earlier incarnation and humbled Bandit. Striding along plasma and steel, it opened a budding partnership with the Legio Galbinus, and remains as a powerful presence in its own right.
The V-33 'Falcon' module. Together with the Beowulf and the men and women of the Defense Force did they lay waste to the Warlord's armies. Through a storm of lightning and steel, together as the Foxhound, they smote the Warlord where he stood with the heavens' furious power and punished him for his hubris.
To think all of this was done with only a vague inkling of what any of you were doing. It's a sobering thought. Regardless. True to your orders and intent, the Engineers have taken the ridiculous sum of resources available to you and are installing as much new equipment and quality-of-life improvements into the warmachines as best they can.
Lana, ever at home in the workshop and knee-deep in machinery, operates the automated servo-claws with dexterous skill as the Beowulf is disassembled before your eyes. The Beowulf in this state resembles a robotic skeleton more than anything else; even bereft of its optics and faceplate, the head unit distinctly reminds you of a metal skull.
Wilde, with his usual sense of enthusiasm, is already at work. His face obscured by bright sparks and a welding mask, he and a few assistants are well underway in fabricating new armor plating. A nearby vat's contents – filled to the brim with K-Class – are periodically applied to the armor plating along with the chemical compositions that somehow provides the Anti-Gravity treatment, and the subsequent greater lightness of weight.
Henry is inside the guts of the Beowulf. With his greater patience and sense of precision – and his own tank of K-Class – he is slowly, but surely, etching lines along vital components of the Beowulf's structure. He only stops periodically to apply electrical charges and ensure that on top of the kaiju material the electrical workings do not conflict with each other. The K-Circuits' installation are in good hands with him, as he will not settle for anything less than the best work he can provide.
You nod in satisfaction. By the end of next month, you will have something that BG Peters can really boast about. And then you can work on even further improvements on top of this.
Command Center
It was time.
The entire maintenance bay below the bridge at the Command Center was emptied out completely, all except the key components of the upcoming operation.
The key prototypes that, up until now, have served as the bedrock of the DFRI's successes are all that occupy the maintenance bays below you. As young as your organization is, the machines laid out in front of you are already well-steeped in your milestones and achievements. In a way, it's only fitting that they become the bedrock of your next great step forward.
Core+Combines: 6 RP.
Anti-Gravity: (2 RP. Adds Bonus Upgrade Slot.)
K-Circuits: (1 RP + 2 RP for additional damage = 3 RP Total. 2 Upgrade Slots used.)
K-Scale: (2 RP Total. 1 Bonus Upgrade Slot used.)
K-Suit: (2 RP + 2 RP for re-rolls = 4 RP Total. Does not use Upgrade Slots.)
Total Cost: 17 RP Total (counting both Combine forms)
Anti-Gravity: (2 RP. Adds Bonus Upgrade Slot.)
K-Circuits: (1 RP + 2 RP for additional damage = 3 RP Total. 2 Upgrade Slots used.)
K-Scale: (2 RP Total. 1 Bonus Upgrade Slot used.)
K-Suit: (2 RP + 2 RP for re-rolls = 4 RP Total. Does not use Upgrade Slots.)
Total Cost: 17 RP Total (counting both Combine forms)
The Beowulf. In fact, the very same prototype Jackal frame that 1LT Callaghan unwittingly took to battle against the first of the Westphalian infiltrators. Though blooded and mighty, it was the subject of nearly a year's worth of incremental upgrades. Today, it would receive a full refit, and be installed with the armaments and armor that the engineers agreed were its due.
K-Scale: (1 RP Total. 1 Upgrade Slot used.)
Heavy Zirvitium Armor: (2 RP + 3 RP for added damage protection = 5 RP Total. 1 Upgrade Slot used.
Total Cost: 6 RP Total.
Heavy Zirvitium Armor: (2 RP + 3 RP for added damage protection = 5 RP Total. 1 Upgrade Slot used.
Total Cost: 6 RP Total.
Arc-Blade: No cost due to Timberwolf.
The Shepherd-class Armor Support Truck. Despite Wilde's failure to make it a proper Mecha in its own right, in that failure came its greater accomplishment: forming the basis of the Timberwolf. The very same model that initiated the rescue of Cavalier alongside the Beowulf's earlier incarnation and humbled Bandit. Striding along plasma and steel, it opened a budding partnership with the Legio Galbinus, and remains as a powerful presence in its own right.
Zirvitium Armor: (2 RP Total. 1 Upgrade Slot used.)
Charged Cannon: (2 RP Total. 1 Upgrade Slot used.)
Total Cost: 4 RP Total.
Charged Cannon: (2 RP Total. 1 Upgrade Slot used.)
Total Cost: 4 RP Total.
Arc-Cannon: No cost due to Foxhound.
The V-33 'Falcon' module. Together with the Beowulf and the men and women of the Defense Force did they lay waste to the Warlord's armies. Through a storm of lightning and steel, together as the Foxhound, they smote the Warlord where he stood with the heavens' furious power and punished him for his hubris.
To think all of this was done with only a vague inkling of what any of you were doing. It's a sobering thought. Regardless. True to your orders and intent, the Engineers have taken the ridiculous sum of resources available to you and are installing as much new equipment and quality-of-life improvements into the warmachines as best they can.
Lana, ever at home in the workshop and knee-deep in machinery, operates the automated servo-claws with dexterous skill as the Beowulf is disassembled before your eyes. The Beowulf in this state resembles a robotic skeleton more than anything else; even bereft of its optics and faceplate, the head unit distinctly reminds you of a metal skull.
Wilde, with his usual sense of enthusiasm, is already at work. His face obscured by bright sparks and a welding mask, he and a few assistants are well underway in fabricating new armor plating. A nearby vat's contents – filled to the brim with K-Class – are periodically applied to the armor plating along with the chemical compositions that somehow provides the Anti-Gravity treatment, and the subsequent greater lightness of weight.
Henry is inside the guts of the Beowulf. With his greater patience and sense of precision – and his own tank of K-Class – he is slowly, but surely, etching lines along vital components of the Beowulf's structure. He only stops periodically to apply electrical charges and ensure that on top of the kaiju material the electrical workings do not conflict with each other. The K-Circuits' installation are in good hands with him, as he will not settle for anything less than the best work he can provide.
The Beowulf
HP: 12 HP + 6 HP
Cost: This is a retrofit of an existing Prototype, so 1 RP
Agile: May roll to avoid a successful enemy attack at 2d6, Threshold of 4-6.
- Diminishing Returns: After two successful agile rolls, Threshold increases to 5-6.
K-Scale Mesh: You may reduce damage at a 2d6 roll (Threshold of 5-6).
- Reduce damage by -1 HP. Applies once per combat turn.
Strikes:
- Counts as One Action (Notable Bonus may apply).
- Roll 2d6, Threshold of 5-6, inflicts 1 HP + 2 HP on success.
Ramming Speed: Counts as One Action. May roll to ram an enemy at high speeds at 2d6, Threshold of 5-6, inflicts 2 HP. Success may have additional effects if declared prior to attack, to be ruled by QM.
- Follow-On Strike: May attempt a Free Strike at Disadvantage if Ramming Speed succeeds.
Combine: May Combine with either the Shepherd or the V-33 Falcon at reduced cost (see Combine Units)
HP: 12 HP + 6 HP
Cost: This is a retrofit of an existing Prototype, so 1 RP
Agile: May roll to avoid a successful enemy attack at 2d6, Threshold of 4-6.
- Diminishing Returns: After two successful agile rolls, Threshold increases to 5-6.
K-Scale Mesh: You may reduce damage at a 2d6 roll (Threshold of 5-6).
- Reduce damage by -1 HP. Applies once per combat turn.
Strikes:
- Counts as One Action (Notable Bonus may apply).
- Roll 2d6, Threshold of 5-6, inflicts 1 HP + 2 HP on success.
Ramming Speed: Counts as One Action. May roll to ram an enemy at high speeds at 2d6, Threshold of 5-6, inflicts 2 HP. Success may have additional effects if declared prior to attack, to be ruled by QM.
- Follow-On Strike: May attempt a Free Strike at Disadvantage if Ramming Speed succeeds.
Combine: May Combine with either the Shepherd or the V-33 Falcon at reduced cost (see Combine Units)
You nod in satisfaction. By the end of next month, you will have something that BG Peters can really boast about. And then you can work on even further improvements on top of this.
Super Robot prototypes being 'brought up to standard.' Will be fully unveiled next turn.
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Thors_Alumni
Proud member of Thors Class VII from Liberl
- Location
- Liberl Zemuria.
This is going to be awesome.
- Location
- Nowhere
Only if the future evolution is called "Beowulf Shine", to go with sun-themed jokes.
ITS COMING! Will the super-robot (which should be called Ares or Zeus IMO) be delivered along with a custom song?
Would this apply in a sudden "base defense" situation if we were to be attacked next turn?
What about "Red Baron"?
Just to piss off the Westphalians.
Safety hazards? A word of the weak!
Finally, our Protoman is coming out of the Blue(s)!
Would he be receptive to an emergency wake-up if the kaiju strikes earlier than expected?
It's okay, just pretend otherwise. It's what Gendo did.
And the one that fought the not-Decepticon. It has a short but intense history.
I'm sure that's what the GGG guys felt all the time. Except Mamoru, whose attention span was short, in an odd bout of realism.
Does it have a coffee machine integrated?
Symbolism!
Excellent! We need to start our marketing campaign!
Hopefully it can be used in an emergency while half-made once trouble arises. Also, typo. It's a single SR prototype we're making, or better said non-beta, fully developed unit. No Day 1 patches for us.
The Regent and the Union
- Location
- USA
1148, 15 September, A.D. 2071
Unity Station
As far as briefings you've conducted go, this is by far the weirdest, and certainly one of the more unusual ones. Stress-wise, it's definitely leaning on one of the more moderately-stressful ones. It doesn't quite compare, yet it does: you've had Colonels scream in your face about why this or that piece of equipment hadn't yet arrived, or why you couldn't use unit funds to make an outside purchase that he really needed right this very moment why aren't you swiping it yet hurry the hell up. Taking it a step further to a Brigadier General, one that you've been working with for a year and a half now, isn't the worst.
Even the general oppressive atmosphere of the briefing room itself doesn't give you too much cause for concern. This is a typical approach; dim the lights, ensure no natural sunlight can come in, no sounds from the outside world make it in, etc. Just you staring down the people to be briefed, all along a normal rectangular conference table and with you seated at one empty (except Anna Smith) end, and with them taking up space on the other end. Nothing new there.
No, it's Anna's 'friends' in the Intelligence Service that make you somewhat concerned. Undaunted, but concerned.
"And this Regency came online only recently?" a nondescript man in a plain suit asks. "After being in your custody for several months?"
"That is correct," you say. No matter what you thought of the other person, you've always made it a point to conduct your briefings as neutrally as possible. Just tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you just told them. No bluster, no outbursts, no jokes. You want to be done with this briefing, they probably want to be done with this briefing. Don't waste time. "It initially made contact with my Xenotechnology specialist, Doctor Brand. I was alerted, and then arrived at her station. The contents of the discussion is already available to you."
"So we saw," Peters says dryly. "Skipping the rote repetition of information, then, Major. Tell us: what is your interpretation on its offer? Do you believe it to be genuine?"
Before you can say anything, a general next to her – one wearing the uniform of a Korean Marine Corps Major General – adds, "What you really think, Major. Not what we would want to hear." Other general-grade officers near him nod in agreement. You can't help but feel amused by all this.
You clearly don't know me that well, you think. You don't let that show on your face, though. "Sir, I have significant doubts about the Regency's claims," you say honestly enough. "As it stands, the Regency is only feeding us enough information to try and give us a context in which to be more sympathetic to it." As you pause to let that sink in, you don't miss the fact that Anna and her counterpart – the Intelligence Services' rank structure you never quite figured out – share a knowing glance with each other.
"But that being said," you continue, "if it's willing to give us something for our help, I say we do so as a one-for-one trade. If it really wants to 'help us,' then I say let it. But only on our terms."
"Sensible," the Intelligence agent agrees. Turning towards you and Anna, he asks, "Chances of detection?"
"At the moment? Minimal." Here you do let your confidence seep through. "After recent separatist attempts to break in, we've taken a lot of steps to make sure they can't."
"I've vetted it," Anna confirms with a shrug. "They keep the artifact secure and with no way to transmit energy or signal. And anyone trying to sneak in will be found." You fight to keep a smirk off your face; Anna was so incredibly salty after being found four out of seven times in a simulated infiltration scenario. Something about 'ruining her winning streak' or something. "If they want in, they'll need a large conventional force at least." At least she's not letting it show.
"Before you come to a decision," you say, "It specifically asked to 'empower' a champion of some kind." Pushing past the incredulous looks the assorted brass are giving you, you continue, "It claims it found a compatible candidate within the base while it was bringing itself online, and wants permission to empower that person. I don't know who that is yet, as it hasn't revealed that information. I just know that when it tries to go home, it's made it clear that it wants the champion to go with it." That piece of information is greeted with mutterings between the board members as they process that. You figured they would; this is talk of a Union citizen the Regency would take with them.
Abruptly - and right on time - Anna chimes in. "I can only recommend that if we do accept that – and as far as I can tell, this is a deal-breaker to it – we have it commit to contributing to our own space exploration program." That spurs another round of mutterings, but you stay quiet and let Anna make this pitch. After she had run this by you earlier, you can't help but agree with her logic. "If we're going to send someone to God knows where in space, we should at least send an escort with them. Both to explore and represent, and to make sure it's not trying anything funny."
By now, you're fairly certain only a few members of the board are even paying attention to you now given the information and recommendations you gave them. Peters is one of them; with a raised eyebrow, she simply shakes her head, raises a glass of water at you in a mock-toast, and grins wryly.
The other is the Intelligence Service man. He looks similar enough to the one you made the Steed and Shade pitch to, but you could never tell. He simply glances at you for a moment, as if looking for something, before nodding briefly and looking back down at his notes.
You get the impression they're going to take a bit to think this one over.
Unity Station
As far as briefings you've conducted go, this is by far the weirdest, and certainly one of the more unusual ones. Stress-wise, it's definitely leaning on one of the more moderately-stressful ones. It doesn't quite compare, yet it does: you've had Colonels scream in your face about why this or that piece of equipment hadn't yet arrived, or why you couldn't use unit funds to make an outside purchase that he really needed right this very moment why aren't you swiping it yet hurry the hell up. Taking it a step further to a Brigadier General, one that you've been working with for a year and a half now, isn't the worst.
Even the general oppressive atmosphere of the briefing room itself doesn't give you too much cause for concern. This is a typical approach; dim the lights, ensure no natural sunlight can come in, no sounds from the outside world make it in, etc. Just you staring down the people to be briefed, all along a normal rectangular conference table and with you seated at one empty (except Anna Smith) end, and with them taking up space on the other end. Nothing new there.
No, it's Anna's 'friends' in the Intelligence Service that make you somewhat concerned. Undaunted, but concerned.
"And this Regency came online only recently?" a nondescript man in a plain suit asks. "After being in your custody for several months?"
"That is correct," you say. No matter what you thought of the other person, you've always made it a point to conduct your briefings as neutrally as possible. Just tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you just told them. No bluster, no outbursts, no jokes. You want to be done with this briefing, they probably want to be done with this briefing. Don't waste time. "It initially made contact with my Xenotechnology specialist, Doctor Brand. I was alerted, and then arrived at her station. The contents of the discussion is already available to you."
"So we saw," Peters says dryly. "Skipping the rote repetition of information, then, Major. Tell us: what is your interpretation on its offer? Do you believe it to be genuine?"
Before you can say anything, a general next to her – one wearing the uniform of a Korean Marine Corps Major General – adds, "What you really think, Major. Not what we would want to hear." Other general-grade officers near him nod in agreement. You can't help but feel amused by all this.
You clearly don't know me that well, you think. You don't let that show on your face, though. "Sir, I have significant doubts about the Regency's claims," you say honestly enough. "As it stands, the Regency is only feeding us enough information to try and give us a context in which to be more sympathetic to it." As you pause to let that sink in, you don't miss the fact that Anna and her counterpart – the Intelligence Services' rank structure you never quite figured out – share a knowing glance with each other.
"But that being said," you continue, "if it's willing to give us something for our help, I say we do so as a one-for-one trade. If it really wants to 'help us,' then I say let it. But only on our terms."
"Sensible," the Intelligence agent agrees. Turning towards you and Anna, he asks, "Chances of detection?"
"At the moment? Minimal." Here you do let your confidence seep through. "After recent separatist attempts to break in, we've taken a lot of steps to make sure they can't."
"I've vetted it," Anna confirms with a shrug. "They keep the artifact secure and with no way to transmit energy or signal. And anyone trying to sneak in will be found." You fight to keep a smirk off your face; Anna was so incredibly salty after being found four out of seven times in a simulated infiltration scenario. Something about 'ruining her winning streak' or something. "If they want in, they'll need a large conventional force at least." At least she's not letting it show.
"Before you come to a decision," you say, "It specifically asked to 'empower' a champion of some kind." Pushing past the incredulous looks the assorted brass are giving you, you continue, "It claims it found a compatible candidate within the base while it was bringing itself online, and wants permission to empower that person. I don't know who that is yet, as it hasn't revealed that information. I just know that when it tries to go home, it's made it clear that it wants the champion to go with it." That piece of information is greeted with mutterings between the board members as they process that. You figured they would; this is talk of a Union citizen the Regency would take with them.
Abruptly - and right on time - Anna chimes in. "I can only recommend that if we do accept that – and as far as I can tell, this is a deal-breaker to it – we have it commit to contributing to our own space exploration program." That spurs another round of mutterings, but you stay quiet and let Anna make this pitch. After she had run this by you earlier, you can't help but agree with her logic. "If we're going to send someone to God knows where in space, we should at least send an escort with them. Both to explore and represent, and to make sure it's not trying anything funny."
By now, you're fairly certain only a few members of the board are even paying attention to you now given the information and recommendations you gave them. Peters is one of them; with a raised eyebrow, she simply shakes her head, raises a glass of water at you in a mock-toast, and grins wryly.
The other is the Intelligence Service man. He looks similar enough to the one you made the Steed and Shade pitch to, but you could never tell. He simply glances at you for a moment, as if looking for something, before nodding briefly and looking back down at his notes.
You get the impression they're going to take a bit to think this one over.
Your briefing, and your recommendations, have caused a bit of a stir. Unity Station's decision will come down within 1-2 Turns. Possible technology gains from the Regency (to include spacecraft) pending the First Minister's decision.
Thors_Alumni
Proud member of Thors Class VII from Liberl
- Location
- Liberl Zemuria.
Is it possible that it is the same guy that was present for the other meeting?
- Location
- Nowhere
Amazon doesn't work anymore in the not-too-grim future.
Method patented by SEELE.
So non-descript that his description doesn't even say anything else.
The security improvements have been worth it. That, or she forgot about the cardboard box trick.
These guys had poor childhoods.
What happens if the answer is negative? Can we still get our magical girl/s in a more subtle way?
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
If he does it's obvious what we do....go to space, find his planet, get Satsuma back, and blow the fuck out of everything he loves!
(JK, but seriously we will find a way to space if Regent fucks us)