Super Robot Quest

Basarin · Apr 23, 2018

It is AD 2070, and world peace is under threat.

The Earth Union has presided over thirty years of peace, prosperity, and growth. Healing the scars left behind by the Unification Wars and the Day of Starfall, the Earth Union has brought the world together for the betterment of mankind. With technological innovations in medicine, space exploration and commerce, mankind is poised for greatness.

But it is also on the precipice of ruin. For even now, in what would be our Golden Era, those jealous of the Earth Union's success would bring down the dreams of peace to ruin.

The simmering resentment of those who longed for their positions of power and prestige in the Old World would consign the Earth Union to squabbling superpowers and nuclear fire. The Westphalian Separatist Movement continues to launch terror attacks against innocent citizens in the hopes of undermining the Earth Union's legitimacy and continue to bring frightening weaponry to bear.

The rise of the criminal mad scientist George Sheol and his kaiju abominations continue to ravage the Pacific districts. Having long since declared his right to rule mankind, he will not stop until either he is dead, or all the world lies in ruins. It is only at great cost that the Earth Union Defense Force (EUDF) can stop the kaiju, and the damage continues to rise with each attack.

And even with the promise of a better future, mankind's First Contact has been a violent one. The alien Kausen abruptly arrived but a year ago, and have conducted nothing but raids on infrastructure, trade convoys, and energy. The Kausen have initiated no contact with the Earth Union or its' leaders, only their violent raids and demands to surrender cargo. EUDF commanders can only do so much when their Soldiers' equipment is so clearly outmatched.

Yet all is not lost. The rise of the Super Robots has gone some way to pushing back against the threats. In the Pacific, Sheol's attacks are vigorously contested by the mighty Mercury V, and the black robotic giant has become a symbol of Earth's defiance. The threat of the Westphalians in Europe is also challenged by the stalwart Valiant, who stands to protect the innocent where evildoers dare to tread.

As mighty as the Super Robots are, they are but two, and the threats myriad. Many fear for the future and wonder how humanity will endure.

One man is about to find out and change history forever.

1248, 4 January, A.D. 2070
Earth Union Defense Force Headquarters, Research and Development Branch
Unity Station, Mid-Atlantic Ocean

"-another kaiju attack just hit Manila-"

"-more damned separatists are running wild all over Barcelona, I don't care if they're-"

"-ew Year, and already getting Kausen raids along Newfoundland-"

The whispers echo fretfully along the cool, metallic blue hallways of Unity Station as you stride confidently towards your appointment. You have, of course, heard of all the recent attacks; it's all the news networks seem to be talking about. You would have even been a part of the response efforts if you hadn't been called here.

You are Johnathan Devin. Newly-promoted Major of the United States Army. Seconded to the Earth Union Defense Force, a fact that the globe and shield patch on your right shoulder reminds you of daily. And you honestly aren't even sure why you were called. It's not every day someone as high as a Brigadier General (rank discrepancies with the Earth Union and national armed forces aside) calls on a Major. Much less get called to the Capital and military nerve center of the Earth Union, Unity Station itself.

Oh, you certainly saw the strange stares from people far more senior than you; whether it's due to your rank or your reputation, you're unsure. You're just glad you're indoors, or you'd have a medical ticket for a fatigued arm from saluting by now.

Still, as you approached your destination, you are reminded more and more of the fact that you are in the center of the world government. Besides the grand optics of a giant man-made floating city in the Atlantic, many small details build up to a bigger message. There's hardly a flickering light that's gone just long enough without maintenance to notice, not a speck of rust on any of the walls…there's even fully-stocked canteen vendors placed every few corridors. From the many, many pictures on the walls celebrating humanity's great achievements – particularly invention and innovation, appropriate to where you were – to commemorative plaques of some event, all brightly announce that the Earth Union is the guiding hand of humanity.

Shame that there's plenty out there who still don't agree. But you digress.

You're shaken out of your reverie when you enter the office to your appointment. "Identification please," an officer requests in an almost monotone voice from behind a rather nice oak desk. The foyer seems almost out of place from the rest of Unity Station; granted, you'd only seen the main thoroughfares, but here there were upholstered seats, some carpeting, and ceiling fans. It almost looked like a normal office. If it weren't for the uniform and the EUDF patch sewn onto his left shoulder, the man working the desk could be a corporate executive elsewhere, complete with document editor screens hanging askew around him.

As you hand over your ID card, the aide – your eyes habitually glide over the shoulder boards, noticing he is a Captain from the Republic of Korea – blinks his eyes slightly into more focus. "Ah, my apologies, Sir," he says as he inserts the card into a slow on his computer. A new holographic window opens itself between the two of you, and angles itself so both of you can view it, verifying that you are who you claim to be. "It has been a long day...ah. Very good, identification verified." The screen displaying your basic information and service records, abruptly snaps shut, leaving only empty space where there was a screen. "Now, one moment please. I will ensure Brigadier General Peters will see you shortly."

He is as good as his word, and before long you are admitted into the office proper of Brigadier General Louis Peters. Though her office is just as seemingly-opulent as the waiting room, that is not what draws your attention. The elderly woman behind the desk in the uniform of a Brigadier General in the British Army radiates an air of authority, demanding your respect before even laying eyes on her. Cold grey eyes seem to stare right through you, as if wondering how exactly you would fit into some puzzle only she could see.

Trying not to let that get to you too much, you take a few steps forward before snapping to attention and saluting. "Major Devin, reporting as ordered."

"At ease." Idly returning your salute, she gestures curtly towards the chair in front of her desk. "No doubt you're wondering why the hell you're here, aren't you?" she asked, directly jumping to business.

"A little, Ma'am," you answer honestly enough.

[] – "I'm honestly not sure what you want with a loggie like me."
"Please, Major. 'Logistician' will do. And don't think I'm unaware of your relief efforts during the Day of Starfall anniversary last year."

[] – "What do you need with a helo pilot?"
"I know about how quickly you and your aviators flew against the Kausen raids. I also know you've seen them. Care to elaborate on it?"

[] – "I know guns, Ma'am. Not sure how I fit in here."
"You also know enough about the current state of them. Specifically, how much it takes us right now to bring down a single Kaiju."

Why this quest?
As cheesy and goofy as they can be, I love the classic Super Robot anime, for about the same reasons I love Silver Age superheroes. Cheese, technobabble, and just downright moxie and derring-do all wrapped in a tale of good vs. evil, determination, and overcoming great obstacles for a great but simple cause. It's admittedly not the most complicated plot style out there, but damn if it isn't fun.

Anyone who is already familiar with this genre (or anyone who's just flat-out played any Super Robot Wars/Taisen in recent memory) probably knows where I'm going with this. Series as old as Mazinger Z and Getter Robo, to the 90s such as the Brave/Yuusha series (ExKaiser, Might Gaine, GaoGaiGar), to something more recent (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann). It's in the spirit of these series that I decided, 'let's try out this whole quest thing.'

If you are looking for Mobile Suit Gundam-style military conflicts and political intrigues…well, while some of that might be in here (no promises), there is already another Quest running that covers the 'Real Robot' genre quite nicely. A shout out to Petals of Titanium; I highly recommend it!

Okay, so what is this quest about?
Good question! As I type this, I'm still figuring it out! But as an upfront disclaimer: you are not the pilot.

You are playing as the Director for the Earth Union's crash program on what are popularly termed "Super Robots."

The Earth Union wants and needs its own response to the threats plaguing it, and it does not want to rely on civilian programs it does not control. For whatever reason (which will be highlighted as you play), you will be responsible for developing that response. Recruit the people you think can make your vision a reality, establish the facilities and defenses to house your project, and create the Union's answer to the alien invaders!

Great! So how will we play? Will there be numbers?
This is going to be a narrative-heavy quest. In a similar vein to Dark Prince of Camelot or Petals of Titanium, this is going to be a joint-story writing effort between the players and myself.

Will there be numbers? A little bit. I'm much more of a writer than a number cruncher, and most rulesets that are already floating around do not really fit what I am trying to go for here (not even Mekton Zeta).

SIMPLE is the name of the game for me here (Well, it's actually Super Robot Quest, but-look, you get the idea). I want to focus on the trials and the obstacles of making some damned sense out of the mad SCIENCE running around. Even what you might consider 'failures' can be repurposed into a strong supporting asset.
(Whether or not I succeeded at "Simple" I leave to you. Fully willing to admit I may fall short in some areas)

Additional posts will introduce and discuss the mechanics, but this will be a mixture of d6 rolling and point-buy. Your Military, Science and Engineer teams will roll to even see if build options are available, and then you will assemble a prototype.

Anything else?
As a disclaimer, this is my first attempt to run a Quest. How will this turn out? No clue! But I'm eager to find out. I welcome all debate and discussions, but here are some rules for the thread.

Spoilers: This naturally draws inspiration from a lot of anime and other media. If you want to discuss them in the thread, that's fine. But for anything spoiler-y, please hide in spoiler boxes. Just because you saw a series and all the attached OVAs/supplemental material doesn't mean everyone else has!

Keep the discussions civil. I am making this Quest for fun, so let's all enjoy it in that spirit.

PS: I wanted to use the tag "Super Robot" but that isn't exactly in there. The tags are as close as I can make 'em. *shrug*

Basarin · Apr 24, 2018

It appears our vote tally has called for Logistician. Enjoy the following post!

So as a note: you've now established from what field Major Devin comes from. But he's not a nobody; Brigadier Peters would not have called him in if he were. He stands out for some kind of achievement that no one else in the Defense Force has. What did he do that was so notable?

Vote for it!

These early posts are going to be a bit short, but this will pick up speed soon. These early posts establish who you are, what you've achieved, and more aside.

That said, apologies for anyone who might have missed out on the first vote. I generally post in the mornings and evenings of US Eastern time.

You slowly blink at the general officer sitting in front of you. She, in turn, stares back at you impassively - where did she get a teacup? You sure as hell didn't see that there earlier. "I'm...honestly not sure what you want with a loggie," you say slowly.

"Please, Major," Peters says with a dismissive wave of her free hand. "'Logistician' will do." Sipping at the tea again, she sets it down before staring directly at you. "And don't think I'm unaware of the relief efforts in the Day of Starfall attacks last year. Or how you were the one organizing them."

"You heard about that?" you ask incredulously.

"It's the reason you're even sitting here," she primly responds.

That's...new. Your Battalion Commander certainly had appreciated the scope of what you'd accomplished, but a lot had taken place last year when the Westphalians tried to make a point. And honestly, most of the limelight had been overtaken later on by the debut of the Super Robots.

But you hadn't thought too much about that part. You accomplished the mission, it went into your evaluation records, you returned to home station and life went on.

At least, so your thinking went.

"Don't play coy with me, Major," Peters sighed. "And do not just brush this off. The Defense Force doesn't care what you think of it."

[] "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."

[] "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."

[] "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?"

Basarin · Apr 24, 2018

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!

Basarin · Apr 25, 2018

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.

As you turn around in your seat, you see a young woman dressed in the uniform of the Japanese Self Defense Air Force stride into the office. "Captain Sasaki reporting as ordered," she says crisply, proudly and confidently announcing herself to the world – at least, the one in this room.

"At ease," Peters dismisses, returning the salute. "Have a seat, Captain." You feel more than see her eyes immediately glance over at you, from the rank boards on your shoulders to the fruit salad of award ribbons pinned to your right chest. The discerning gaze lasts but a moment, and she returns her full attention to Peters as she sits down, hands clasped together on one knee.

You make a note to watch this one. She seems pleasant enough, but it's like she's studying everything for some weakness or some contextual trait.

"Captain, I'll be frank with you," Peters says to Sasaki. "The Defense Force Research Institute is going to be…unconventional. It must be. I understand you are going to periodically report to your superiors in the Air Defense Force –" Sasaki's eyes narrow slightly at how blunt Peters is – "– and quite frankly, I don't bloody well care if you do." She gestures towards you. "You will function as Major Devin's executive officer. Whatever you do, so long as you contribute to the project's success, I will acquiesce to your superior's requests for…priority." The word seems to hang in the air between them, as if it were a distasteful thing keeping its distance from the wrath of the general. "But that means nothing if the project fails. Do we understand each other?"

"Perfectly, Ma'am," Sasaki replies. Just with a touch of frost to the tone, you note.

"Splendid!" With that out of the way, Peters seems to discard the moment as if it were something to throw into her outbox. Sasaki, for her part, is slightly thrown off. So are you, frankly, but you're not a participant of THAT discussion, so you can hide it. "Now, resources. We're only a pretty name if we don't give you something to work with." Reaching into her desk, Peters rummages through a few files before pulling out what appear to be authorization orders. "Now, the gentlemen over at human resources have decided to give us our pick of the lot in Engineering teams. Conventionally they are not the best in the services." She grins, ever so slightly. "I suspect they're palming us what they see as the odds and sods. People with ideas, those who buck the trend. Quite frankly, they're doing us a service in this."

"How should we proceed, Ma'am?" Sasaki is already poring over the authorization orders with laser-like focus, attempting to see if there were any hidden details waiting to ambush her.

"By 8 January, you are to have your teams chosen and assigned to you," Peters replies. "I was also able to have an older facility assigned to you. It's fairly barebones, but that will give your Engineers time to rebuild it to what you need for your research."

It's a heady feeling. Your own dedicated facility? Your own handpicked team?

Then reality boots your optimism in the head and reminds it that the facility is going to most likely be ramshackle with little to no services, and your team is going to be either cast-offs from convention or downright insane.

You ignore the fistfight occurring in your head as you say, "Then by your leave, Ma'am. We might as well get started."

"A suggestion if I may, Sir," Captain Sasaki says abruptly.

"Hmm?" You turn you head quizzically. The both of you are still in the metal blue hallways of the R&D Branch of Unity Station, having paused to simply rest for a few moments and introduce yourselves to each other. This amounted to basically sharing each other's respective service records and prior postings. You learned that her first name is Haruko, she's served as a flight control coordinator and was in the Pacific Command Sector's plans section at staff before coming here. "What's on your mind, Sasaki?"

She didn't seem too comfortable with a first-name basis yet. Fair enough.

"As skeptical as I am about the idea of constructing our own version of Mercury V," she says, "It is prudent that we identify the Science team." She frowns as she glances over the authorization orders. "Unlike the Engineer section, there is only one name listed…"

She passes you the orders for you to look at as she sips gently from a bottle of green tea. "'Dr. Sam Carlson,'" you read out loud. "Multiple citations for recklessness in his experiments…one citation explicitly by the platform administrator for 'please make the nightmares go away…'…he actually wrote this in the citation…"

You simply glance up at Sasaki with a raised eyebrow. "Just…what did Peters see in this guy?"

"I imagine we will find out soon," she replies. "Better to know what we are about to face for the next while, yes?"

That was hard to argue against.

Chaos.

That was the only word you could use to describe the…lab you were facing.

Haphazard notes and paperwork were scattered everywhere, the sink was constantly running, scientists were arguing over anything and everything, interns were running at breakneck speeds with coffee in their hands, beakers were lying about precariously, Bunsen burners were unsecured…you really had no idea what field – if any – Dr. Carlson was focusing on.

…if you weren't from the field you came from. You can see an order to all the craziness around here.

Scientists were scurrying back and forth, arguing over chalkboards while completing each other's equations. They were pointing out the small mistakes that weren't caught before and were then scribbled down onto notes.

The scientist held out the note, for an intern to replace with coffee, and the intern immediately rushed to another scientist near the Bunsen burner. Having handed off the note, the intern rushed for more coffee presumably; the scientist who received the note immediately began arguing over adjustments of some chemical mixture behind the burner, and a flurry of activity took place again.

It was…bizarre. You'd never seen anything like military ordered chaos in a laboratory.

It was then that the PA speaker for the lab blared loudly.

"Sam Carlson here! Just want to let everyone know that we have a couple of EUDF cats coming by the lab. Don't know if it's for official business, scientific curiosity, or if they're just looking for more 'workplace violations.' So, you know, be ready for that. But just one thing:

(CHOOSE ONE)

[] "As you all know from your contracts that you never read, if anyone asks, Jack is perfectly fine, and did not start to float two feet in the air while glowing magenta. Any allegations that he began chanting the Old Testament backwards perfectly is nonsense. Even if he did, he still did fantastic work yesterday. It's not like we're going to let the laws of physics get in the way of scientific discovery! Now get to it!" [Possible research into ESP/Psyker technology, unlocks options, ???]

[] "I know we've been studying the kaiju scale sample the general sent us, but seriously, this is getting old. The general gave it to us to study. Now, I don't care how good seafood tastes – do not open the containment freezer. That means you, Paul. Don't come crying to me if you start growing fifty feet tall and have an indescribable urge for takeout at Tokyo Tower. You got better options, like fugu. We don't try aping Godzilla until after we know how it works. Now get back to work!" [Background Unlock: Bonus to Kaiju Sample Research, unlocks options, ???]

[] "Does anyone else remember the last time Mike tried to plug in the alien doohickey into the wall socket? So do I. And so does the entire platform. I applaud the scientific curiosity in trying to figure out what it does, but we can't do more science if the entire facility blows up. Besides, we've only got one of the damn things, so don't go breaking it." [Possible research into Alien Artifact, unlocks options, ???]

[] "Good news is, the quantum channeling works. Sort of. Sticking something through the gate brought it out through the other end. The bad news is, looks like no biological matter's getting through it the way it went in. On an entirely unrelated note, if I find the jackass who calibrated it to land in the canteen the next platform over, I will personally quantum channel your thesis into the sun! Otherwise, good work. Spill my coffee over me again, will you?" [Possible research into Quantum Gate Channels, unlocks options, ???]

I'm still not sorry.

Your Science adviser-to-be may be slightly off...but isn't that what you need to research a Super Robot?

Now, Dr. Carlson is going to be your science adviser. He and his team are going to unlock the mysteries of the mad science that will power your Super Robot. But which one is it?

Now, since you secured the Kaiju Sample as part of your backstory, that will come with you. It will stay in cold storage, and will be there when you decide you want to get to it. But if you choose the option now, you will get a head start in possibly reverse-engineering kaiju 'technology.'

If you choose one of the others, you gain a new mad science theory to pursue. But the kaiju sample will still be available to you.

So the question for you guys is this: do you want to double down, or diversify? Keep in mind, your Engineering options later will also possibly synergize with what you're trying to do. But I'll let you all make that choice when you get there.

Vote away!

Basarin · Apr 26, 2018

"As you all know from your contracts that you never read, if anyone asks, Jack is perfectly fine!" the PA blares out cheerfully. You and Sasaki share a bemused glance. "He did not start to float two feet in the air while glowing magenta."

Wait. What?

"Any allegations that he began chanting the Old Testament backwards perfectly is nonsense."

".doG ruoy droL eht ma I :sdog netlom sevlesrouy ot ekam ron ,slodi otnu ton ey nruT"

Oh. That was not hyperbole. At all.

"And even if he did, he still did fantastic work yesterday. Heh. Bet he's still writing his observations like a champ."

…that isn't hyperbole either. He really is floating in the air – tethered to a floor vent with a piece of string, you notice. And he really is jotting down his notes, independently of the fact that he was quoting scripture backwards.

"…that appears to be mauve, not magenta," Sasaki manages to say.

You just give her a pointed look, to which she simply stares back. As if to say, 'Well, what else do you say in a situation like this?'

"Anyway, get to it! It's not like we're going to let the laws of physics get in the way of scientific discovery."

…you really need to talk to this man.

Your observations earlier weren't completely off the mark; you flag one of the interns asking for directions, and it's only a few moments of weaving through more patterns of chaos before you're brought to the man himself.

He's…not what you were expecting.

A tall, broad-shouldered man, he practically leaps over his desk when he sees your uniforms. "A-ha! The man and woman of the hour!" he proclaims. Shaking both your hands like they were water pumps, the man seems like someone bottled a hurricane that really wanted out. "Dr. Sam Carlson! I run this lab."

"So we heard," you manage to say wryly. "John Devin, EUDF." You gesture – with your free hand that's not being gripped in a vice – to Sasaki. "My executive officer, Haruko Sasaki."

"Great, great! So…what can I help you with?"

You decide to cut to the chase before he can launch into a sales pitch. "We're assembling a team to research new weapons and equipment for the EUDF," you say. At the mention of 'weapons,' you can see Carlson's eyes light up like a kid on Christmas morning. Before he can say anything, you add, "But the real focus is making our own Super Robot." That causes Carlson to shut up immediately, and just stare at you.

An uncomfortable five seconds pass before you add, "We want our own-"

"-Mercury V and Valiant, right!" Before you can do anything again, Carlson runs over to a holographic projector and practically slams the poor power button. Before long, a series of equations and scans of the human brain are floating in between you. None of it is anything you can make sense of. "And I have just the things that can make this work!"

Sasaki takes her turn to try and control the conversation. "Dr. Carlson – "

"Sam! Call me Sam. Too much Science here to stand on formality."

"…Sam. You have not even heard our requirements."

"Doesn't matter!" Immediately thumbing additional controls, the equations all fall to the wayside, as if they'd been brushed off the table and fallen to the floor like a cat had its way with them. "Now! This is the human brain as we know it today. Along with all the usual treatments in utero." Another brain then pops into being like some strange stage balloon. Did his personality rub off on the equipment? "And this, is the human brain – with a mutation." Certain parts of the brain are immediately highlighted, showing a side-by-side comparison to the Earth Union accepted norm.

"In normal day-to-day operations? Totally irrelevant. Benign mutations, at best a slight increase in higher brain processes. Like SCIENCE!"

"SCIENCE!" the outside door rumbles as the entire lab takes up the word as a battle cry.

"But on its own? Not anything to get worked up about. Only about one percent of the human population even has it." Carls-Sam, you correct yourself – just jumps back into the explanation like the outburst never happened. "And none of them can even use it for anything major. I was told to ignore it and move on with life."

He then has a broad smile on his face. Perhaps a little too broad. You think you understand why the platform administrator was so quick to volunteer him if it got him to move away.

"But did I? No sir, I sure as hell didn't! I decided to see if someone with the brain mutation could do anything with it. Small scale tests show, they sure as hell can!"

"Like…Jack out there?" Sasaki asks hesitantly.

"Oh, is he still doing that?" He sticks his head out the window. "Keep working, Jack! You're almost through Leviticus!" Turning his attention back to you, he said, "So we tried every machine under God's green earth and then some to see if there was a reaction, since the math just wasn't there. Hell, we don't even have good enough formulas to figure this stuff out. But as it turns out, you can amplify the mutations to do a few things!" Pointing to Jack, he said, "He's not a really good example, by the way. Outlier and all. But some machines have reactions to them. They jump and dance a little if they get too close, especially if you fiddle around with the inner settings. Never really noticed before because most people never even get near a microscope, let alone a laser."

"So how does this factor into a Super Robot?" you ask. "I'm not entirely sold on how you can turn this into – "

" – a giant death dealing god of destruction and violence and merchandise? I'm getting to that!" Another hologram appears, practically shoving the brain samples out of the way into parts unknown. It's an image you know very well.

The kaiju sample.

"Now, we just got our hands on this thing, so the lab boys haven't had a chance to do the Science yet," Sam says. "But you give us enough money, time and resources, we will figure a way to make this work. ESP is a thing, John – can I call you John? – we just never had the chance or permission by the stuffed shirts upstairs to pursue it. You want to pilot a car or plane without controls? ESP has the potential for it. Want to scale that up to a Super Robot?" He points to the kaiju sample. "We'll sure as hell give it the old college try. And that thing is probably going to be a literal backbone of the idea."

The kaiju sample then magnifies. "When I say we just got this thing, I mean it. But I can confirm it's artificial biology. It's a living thing that some crazy maniac made and let loose." Heedless of the irony of his statement, he drives on, "Just watching the news? I see a brain with one or two directives and told to 'go smash something.' I don't know what I can do with this, but I can tell you this. Unless you have some other mad science project lying around, you're not getting far without a building block like this."

Between all the craziness you witnessed outside, and meeting the man himself, you have a better sense of what drives him. It isn't exactly safe science that he is conducting, but he is looking towards the new, the unexplored. He just needs a proper outlet, and someone watching over him before he destroyed the planet.

Not destroying the planet is good. You live on it, after all.

With a small flourish, you pull out the authorization paper regarding Sam, and hand it to him. "Pack your bags by the eighth. You and yours are helping us make a Super Robot."

Sasaki gives you a questioning glance as you both abruptly depart the office and lab. You, for your part, resolutely ignore the fact that exactly ten seconds later, you hear a rumbling cheer erupt from the office you departed. "Is this…wise, Sir?" she asks.

"Do you know about anyone else crazy enough to try?" you counter. She remains silent.

"Sam here," the intercom blares. "Wrap up what you're doing, we're out of this popsicle stand!" You can easily hear the excitement in his voice and see as it rapidly spreads among the research staff. "New boss in town, and we're moving on to bigger and better things! Sam Carlson, we're done here!"

(I am going to wrap up the post here with a purely voting choice. You get your choice of two Engineering teams that John and Haruko pick out to finally round out the team. Please vote in a way that won't hopelessly confuse the tallying system!

(I'll leave voting up until tomorrow at around lunch time. Any questions, just let me know!)

[] Mechanical Engineers – a pair of EUDF mechanical engineers have been highlighted as candidates from the 15th EUDF Motorized Division based in California. A First Lieutenant and a Sergeant First Class come with conflicting reports. On the one hand, superiors have cited them for their miraculous ability to repair broken down vehicles so long as they are given free reign in the scrap yard and left-over parts. On the other hand, they have a reputation for manic 'experimentation,' with those same superiors frustrated over how 'they bust almost more vehicles that they repair.' They are apparently attempting to experiment with creating what they call 'variable configurations' to allow vehicles to change form for different purposes. Left alone, the idea is likely to fizzle out. Given official support, however…

[] Mechatronics Engineers – a small industrial automation firm based in Bremen, Germany has been noted as a potential candidate for recruitment. The head of the company, an old, wily inventor, has been responsible for manufacturing many of the automated servos used by assembly lines in automobile firms. Lately, however, the company head seems to have been inspired by the hulking robotic frames cobbled together recently by the Westphalian separatists and is attempting to pursue the idea independently. Results are mixed, but this is very likely because this is a side project and not a source of serious investment. Given time and resources, however…

[] Computer Engineers – a defense contractor company based in Novgorod, Russia was identified as a potential recruiting option for Engineering. They are manufacturers of military computer systems that supplement EUDF vehicles. Anything from fighter jets to main battle tanks, some of their hardware has likely found their way into the cockpits, all the while complying with the main manufacturer's software requirements. Lately, they have been attempting to push into developing super computers for use in combat vehicles. Thus far, few in the EUDF command or civilian agencies have been interested, as the company is relatively unproven in such an endeavor. Perhaps they simply haven't met the right customer…

[] Materials Engineers – a civilian company based in Nova Scotia, Canada has been tapped as a recruitment possibility. Responsible for fabricating supplemental armor plating for infantry and combat vehicles, they have lately been experimenting with new alloy mixtures. Nothing has borne fruit yet, as the EUDF has greater demand for their usual products, but they seem unsatisfied with the effectiveness of armor against the EUDF's latest foes.

[] Weapons Engineers – a group of weapons engineers establishing their own business has been identified as potential recruits. Veterans of arms development, they are intimately familiar with weapons ranging from small arms to naval cannons. However, they are attempting to become pioneers in laser technology, by turning them into weapons instead of just industrial tools. The EUDF has barely taken note of them, and it is uncertain whether they will succeed or not.

Basarin · Apr 27, 2018

1536, 6 January, A.D. 2070
Landing Pad 5B-2
Unity Station

You try not to sigh as you watch the assorted Soldiers assigned to you load onto the Stork-class aerial transport, the Yuri Gagarin. The assorted officers and Soldiers were slowly – but surely, you try to console yourself – loading the laboratory equipment onto the hulking aerial transport. The vehicle looked so much like a nesting bird with its wings folded inwards, if one didn't mind the steady stream of Soldiers going in and out of the vehicle via the loading ramp in the rear.

Really, you try not to hold it against them. It's not their fault, and certainly isn't Sasaki's. She has her hands full simply organizing and requisitioning everything you will need to get on your feet. It certainly helps that the Brigadier gave you essentially carte blanche to grab what you wanted…within reason. She has things as well in hand as she can, given what you must work with.

But couldn't they have assigned you actual Logistical Soldiers? You looked over the personnel rosters, and many of them were drawn from combat units. It's logical; most of them are likely to serve as facility security, along with a cadre of maintenance, engineers and test pilots. And any Soldier will tell you, no matter the time or place, that Soldiers are always used to having to load things.

But your old Soldiers in your last post…they at least knew how to do things right without you having to hold their hands. The officers all knew how to do what you wanted; you just had to give them direction, and they and their sergeants could deal with the rest.
You sigh. You miss those simpler days already.

"…telling you, he's over here!" you hear a voice echo from the warehouse behind you.

"That's what you said the last few warehouses, LT," another voice said. Compared to the first voice, which sounded energetic and excitable, the second voice was deep, monotone, and…not much else.

"Oh, come on," the first voice insisted. He sounded much closer now. "Who the heck transports a giant refrigeration unit like that?"

"The Quartermasters."

"Details!"

Turning around, you see a very mismatched pair approaching in…is that a power-loader truck? The profile is all off.

A First Lieutenant and a Sergeant First Class are approaching you while animatedly talking to each other in the open-topped driver's compartment. The lieutenant has a shock of yellow hair and the five 'o clock shadow of someone who hadn't had a chance to shave in some time, likely from a long plane flight. The NCO, on the other hand, sat stoically beside the officer, his EUDF Regulars black beret still hanging on his head over a squat pair of glasses.

You'd served in plenty of EUDF formations, but most still retained the uniforms of their national origins. Apparently, they were being serious about starting a pure EUDF integrated force from the ground-up; the light green digital camouflage patterns bore only an American flag patch on their right shoulders, situated over the globe and shield of the EUDF.

You glance back at the transport, then back at the pair. You were not expecting 1LT Wilde and SFC Henry to arrive so quickly. Even when over the phone, their Battalion Commander had all but signed the transfer orders verbally, and flat out begged you to take them off her hands. Her loss. You think.

"Sir!" With a wide, happy grin, Wilde sketches a salute towards you. Henry does the same, but much more solemnly. "Lieutenant Adam Wilde, checking in as ordered!"

"Sergeant First Class James Henry, Sir," came the monotone of the NCO.

You return a salute just as brief as theirs. "Major John Devin. Heard some interesting things about you two," you greet them.

"We deny everything, Sir," Henry responded.

Wilde jabs him in the ribs, then shakes his arm in an exaggerated fashion when it utterly fails to faze Henry. "We're not that bad, Sir," he says. The grin has yet to fade from his face. "But…uh, what did you hear about us?"

"Something about 'variable configurations,' I think were your BC's words," you say dryly.

"Oh, yeah! Those!" Excitedly, Wilde engages a few levers that you can't see. You automatically take a few steps back as the back of the truck seems to fall apart. But the pair stubbornly refuse to be fazed, and still sit calmly in the driver's seats. Instead of falling apart, the back of the truck has two giant claw manipulator arms hovering menacingly over the flatbed. "We figured, why wait for a power loader truck when we can make a power loader truck out of any truck?"

You absentmindedly wave a hand at the Soldiers behind you taking cover to stand down. They were clearly as shocked as you were. "…did you get one of these trucks from here?" you hazard to ask.

"It was scheduled for turn-in for scrap, Sir," Henry says with a shrug. "They didn't care what we did with it."

"Fair enough." Turning around, you see the Soldiers slowly begin to get back to work. An evil thought crosses your mind as you turn back to them. "Well, welcome board, gents," you say. "As of now, as per your transfer orders uploaded to Unity Station, you're part of the Defense Force Research Institute." Immediately, the rank badges on all three of your uniforms chirp with a soft chime. Voice recognition of the lawful transfer had been recognized. "I'd normally let you get settled in, but…" You gesture towards the troops, who suddenly seem to have a sense of dread. "Take charge of getting our gear and Soldiers stowed away. I want all of this stowed away and ready to go by 1200 tomorrow."

The pair glance at each other. Wilde is now smiling even more, while you see a suggestion of a grin on Henry's face. "We're on it, Sir!" With that, the truck trundles on towards the unstowed gear.

You chuckle a bit as you see the manipulator claws simply grab all the gear and throw them onto the flatbed. Wilde hops out of the driver's seat to immediately gather all the NCOs to put some sense of order into the loading process while Henry continues to load things onto the truck at a more sedate pace than his superior.

"Lively pair, aren't they?" a deep, bass voice says curiously from behind you. Turning around, you see an older man staring at the truck with some measure of fascination. "Interesting. Defense Force training normally calls for slow methodical movements with guidance from Soldiers on the ground. Movements on a control scheme such as that would require a significant amount of thoughts and calculations per second. Even with an onboard computing suite."

"You're…not wrong," you say. "But I believe they created a custom framework for this one. That isn't standard issue."

"All the same, it is impressive," the man says. "I would very much like to speak with them later." Turning fully towards you, you see the man up close for the first time. A head shorter than you, the man has a well-trimmed beard that juts out past his chin. His hair, while brown, has already begun to bleach into gray. He wears a simple business suit, with a Unity Station pass clipped to his lapel.

He holds out a hand to you. "Dr. Boris Ignatov, Novgorod Computing Solutions. I understand from the communique from General Peters that I am to work with you?"

"Major John Devin. Good to have you, doctor," you greet as you firmly return his handshake. Despite his age, he still has a strong handshake. "I understand you want to branch out into supercomputers."

"Not just branch out, young man," he huffs in amusement. "I want to make supercomputers our business." He nods to the staff trailing behind him as they add their cargo to the now rapidly shrinking pile left to load onto the Gagarin. "And this project of yours…I do believe we can assemble something of worth for you."

"Don't sell yourself short, doctor," you chuckle. "I'll be blunt with you. BG Peters wants our very own Super Robot. I haven't fully taken stock of our options yet, but I will take any advantages you have to offer us."

You can see a small twinkle in the man's eyes. "Music to my ears, tovarisch," he says with a smile. It puts you in mind the image of a grandfather doting on a grandson. "We will do this for you. You give us the means, we will give you the ends."

8 January comes very quickly.

As you sit in the guest room of the lodging that had become your office over the past few days, you glance at the figures sitting around you. Very quickly, even without it becoming formal yet, you have a 'staff' that you see will be helping you in the future.

Captain Sasaki, your Defense Force coordinator, your executive officer, and unofficially your 'minder.'

Dr. Sam Carlson, your chief of mad Science.

SCIENCE!

…weren't the windows closed?

Dr. Boris Ignatov, your chief Engineer. To his side is the excitable Lieutenant Wilde and the somber Sergeant Henry.

Together, you all had one charge. Create the Earth Union's own Super Robot. Then, when that happened, do it again.
All that was left was to take final stock of where you all will be setting down roots. Though Brigadier Peters had promised you an 'adequate' facility, both of you knew that it was likely going to be run down, in poor condition, and not entirely suited for what you need. But it does come with the advantage that there will be something that can help you, and as you will be signing for the land, you have full control over any renovations you initiate.

All you must do is provide results.

No pressure.

What facility did Peters manage to acquire for you?

[] An abandoned missile silo complex. Long abandoned after the Unification Wars, the facilities are surprisingly intact for their age. Obviously, the missiles have been removed, but the silos can be repurposed to whatever you want. In fact, most Old-World bases were quite modular; with a little work, what started as a missile silo can turn into something quite different. Lieutenant Wilde and Sergeant Henry are quite excited, as they can see opportunities to expand the base to be a paradise for building and testing prototypes. (+ Bonus to Engineer Actions, + requires relatively little renovation, - what you see is what you get, ???)

[] An abandoned series of oil derrick platforms. Formerly owned by a Westphalian-aligned warlord fighting for the return of national borders, it has long been abandoned after he was decisively defeated by Special Operations teams. The platforms once held a small nation of Soldiers and could easily be repurposed for a Defense Force presence. However, the location is well-known and infamous. (+ Bonus to Defense Force Actions, + defensible location, + military facilities for testing purposes ready to go with some repairs, - not particularly suited for Super Robot development and will require extensive renovations for the purpose, - well-known location, enemies could easily locate you if they were inclined, ???)

[] A destroyed university campus. The campus management was unable to afford reconstruction fees after it was caught as part of a kaiju raid last year, and ultimately opted to move to a new location. However, it still has plenty of excellent research facilities (if in need of repairs), and plenty of facilities for offices and housing for personnel. (+ Bonus to Science Research Actions, + ready-made facilities, - requires comprehensive renovation, ???)

We have now reached the end of the prologue. Soon, you will begin Turn 1! Exciting!

I'll likely count the votes sometime tomorrow early afternoon or early morning depending. But before I post turn one, you will all get an interlude of things happening. In future, you will get your choice of what interludes you want to see, but this one is already pre-planned.

Enjoy!

Basarin · Apr 28, 2018

1328, 10 January A.D. 2070
Ruins of Morrison University

"Well, this is...a thing."

Peters had been rather apologetic in the note she sent you before you departed Unity Station, but you were expecting at least a proper (if decommissioned) military base. Not...this.

Morrison University looked like it used to be a nice place too. It wasn't too far from a proper township, giving the Soldiers and technicians a place to go blow off steam on weekends (and giving the local sheriffs a headache undoubtedly), and some of the buildings were surprisingly intact. Appropriately you'd grabbed the former dean's office as your own, and it had a nice window view that overlooked the rest of the campus.

Pity that the rest of the place looked like a kaiju had stomped through it. Because that's exactly what had happened.

For a campus that had its origins dating to the beginning of the twenty-first century (so a discarded and faded brochure proclaimed), the costs for rebuilding were apparently so ruinous that the campus was ultimately abandoned. By the time Peters had cleared the funds to appropriate the campus grounds through a contracting officer, the local company holding the land parted with it for a song. Apparently it thought it'd never see any money from the place.

As it was, the campus grounds are covered in tents, temporary latrines, mobile kitchens, and the usual chaos of masses of people crammed together for a purpose. There is also a temporary landing pad where the Gagarin is parked. You can already see some Soldiers streaming in and out of it, hauling out additional supplies brought in from Unity Station. Good. You'll need all of it.

With some TLC, and some resources that Peters was funneling your way, you could easily make this place your own. Heck, if you did everything right, this facility could long outlast you and become an entrenched institution in the wider Defense Force.

Heady a thought as that was, you had work to do. Thoughts of bigger dreams could come later.

As if on cue, you hear two knocks from the heavy wooden door. "Enter," you call out.

Captain Sasaki enters, and is immediately followed by the rest of your 'staff.' "We are ready to discuss plans of action, Sir," she says as she claims the seat to your right at the nice oak table in the dean's office. "As you can see, there is...much to do."

"It is disgraceful to see such a place fall so low," Dr. Ignatov grumbles as he takes a seat next to Sasaki. "There are plenty of good facilities on campus, but most of them are in a state of disrepair." He nods to Sam. "With a significant exception."

"I took a look at the labs, and they're mostly good to go," Sam agrees. "Only so much we can do with basic labs right now, but we can at least get started with the Science."

"SCIENCE!"

...you're not sure who you're more worried for at this stage. Sam, or the hapless scientists who work for him.

"Basic services are shot," Wilde says bluntly. "Sir, there's not going to be much from the Engineers until we get the basics up and running."

"Water, electricity...anything, really," Henry chimes in. "We're going to be busy for a few months."

"And in the meantime, housing and security need to be addressed," Sasaki says. "There is much to do, but only so much from Unity Station." She consults a map of the surrounding area. "We will have to look after ourselves as well. We are the only Defense Force presence in the local area."

You sigh, then nod. "Alright, folks," you say. "Every big project has to start small. Let's get to work."

Having taken stock of your resources, BG Peters has delivered 8 RP worth of material and resources to work off of. Rather significant in any other case, but you have a lot of work to do in order to get this project off the ground.

Defense Force

You've tasked Captain Sasaki to take charge of securing the university grounds. With her usual air of confidence, she has taken to the task with aplomb, and has all but browbeaten the combat engineers into breaking out the earth-moving equipment. With the growls and beeps of bulldozers and excavators echoing outside of the main hall, she has provided several courses of action to you. She understands that resources will continue to be tight, but she insists that any of these options would go a long way to establishing a good security net early.

Naturally, the test pilots have nothing to do right now. Nothing concrete has been established by either the Engineers or the Science teams for obvious reasons. But Sam still has one thing you may wish to consider.

[] Housing – One of the first rules of any military camp – Soldiers need a place to rest their heads. And you are responsible for both Soldiers and civilian auxiliaries, so it's best you get lodging and basic services now. You can afford to wait for a month if you think there are other priorities, but tents and cots are going to last only for so long. Besides, she reminds you, actual buildings are going to be easier to defend than a tent city. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Increased Facility Security, Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs)

[] Security Net – Patrols – Sasaki brought up a good point earlier. Aside from the Research Institute, you are the only Defense Force presence in this area. If you are to make good on the claim that you are here to stay, it's best you start developing patrols early. You should be fine if you do not pursue this for a month, but best not to delay too long on it. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration; 1 Turn; Increased Facility Security, Unlocks Additional Options)

[] Candidate Screening – ESP – Sasaki brings up something Sam suggested, and it is relatively low-investment. Though the Science department has only a very basic understanding of psyker theory, they still have some means of detecting those with ESP potential. Sam is offering to screen the test pilot pool now, in anticipation for future testing, and Sasaki sees no reason to deny him. It's just a matter of time and resources, with the understanding that you should not expect spectacular results the first go-around. (Cost: 1 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll at Disadvantage (1d6); Chance to detect early Pilot Candidate)

Engineers

Dr. Ignatov is appalled at how an institute of higher learning was brought so low. LT Wilde and SFC Henry are appalled at the amount of work there is to do. All three agree they are likely to be eating the lion's share of resources this month.

[] Well there's your problem! – LT Wilde is blunt in his reports. It is not simply a case of fixing the workshops. There is no power, no running water, no internet. He seems more offended at the last part than anything else. This is going to be a longer project than everyone else has; while the mobile power generator will do for now, he simply cannot recommend putting this off. This option will restore the workshops, but he and SFC Henry are getting straight to work on restoring basic services. Dr. Ignatov confirms that there is very little the Engineers can do without basic services. (Mandatory Action: 3 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Test Roll (2d6); Chance to finish in 1 Turn, Failure will result in 2 Turn Completion; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs; Unlocks Additional Options)

[] Excavation Now – With all that said, Dr. Ignatov believes there could be additional infrastructure hidden away in the rubble no one's picked up on yet. With LT Wilde heading the repairs, SFC Henry has volunteered to begin further excavation. He just needs a few trucks and free reign on the spare parts pool. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll (2d6); Chance to discover something; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs)

Science

Sam is pleased to report that the lab facilities are in decent shape. He admits that there also isn't too much his team can do without proper services. But with the mobile power generator the Engineers brought, he can certainly get started with cleaning up the labs and start unpacking and prioritizing what scientific principles to work on.

The scientists have already cleared up the basic labs and are now just working on unpacking the gear they brought. However, the labs available can only afford to focus on either the ESP or the kaiju sample, not both at once. Sam also takes you aside to remind you that at this point, 'we're throwing Science at the wall and seeing what sticks'; don't expect spectacular results just yet. (CHOOSE ONE)

[] Make My Monster Gr-oh, wait – The refrigeration unit is still up and running, and SFC Henry has set aside time and men to manhandle the kaiju sample container into the lab. Preliminary Science can now begin on seeing just what exactly George Sheol did to make giant monsters. (Cost: 1 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll at Disadvantage (1d6); Chance to discover additional properties; Progress to Kaiju Biology)

[] Let's Think About This – The refrigeration unit will keep. You are intrigued by the possibility of psychically-augmented pilots for a future Super Robot. By starting now, you will unlock a deeper understanding than you already possess on the benign mutations Sam showed you already. (Cost: 1 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll at Disadvantage (1d6); Chance to discover additional properties; Progress to ESP Theory)

So begins Turn One proper. If you want a primer on the Mechanics, that section on the front page has been updated. Now, you will need to manage resources, time and effort to build a Super Robot. But as John says, you have to set up your foundation first. This is now your base; time to make it viable.

Organize your votes into plans for ease of vote tallying. We are now at that stage where you have many more options to vote on than just the single choices from the Prologue. And from here on out, you have more to think about.

I will check back tomorrow afternoon to see where we're at. If you all are still debating voting, I will push the decision till Monday or so.

Have at it!

Oh, and for those who voted for the Mechanical Engineers? Be happy this is becoming a thing.

Japan now has a transforming giant robot/car that two full-sized adults can ride in【Video】

Basarin · Apr 29, 2018

"Alright, folks," you say. "Every big project has to start small. Let's get to work."

Housing – One of the first rules of any military camp – Soldiers need a place to rest their heads. And you are responsible for both Soldiers and civilian auxiliaries, so it's best you get lodging and basic services now. You can afford to wait for a month if you think there are other priorities, but tents and cots are going to last only for so long. Besides, she reminds you, actual buildings are going to be easier to defend than a tent city. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Increased Facility Security, Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs)

1235, 25 January A.D. 2070
Renovation Site of Morrison University

You walk along what used to be a rather sizable student dormitory complex. Rows of three-floor buildings, all with rooms that originally were fit to house two students as roommates quite easily. After the combat engineers had done their work, they could still fit two personnel each with all their kit comfortably.

If this was the end of the matter, you would have called this a good month's worth of effort. But that was not the end of it.

"We were also able to restore some of the walls," Captain Sasaki says as she walks to your left. Tapping a few commands on her tablet, she expands an aerial view of the campus grounds. You take the tablet and look down at it; though the grounds are still trashed, all the stone walls that had giant gaps in them were now reinforced to infantry camp standards.

"You even brought back the security gates," you note as you hand it back.

She shrugs. "The previous administration already had campus security posts. We still did not get everything; I chose to prioritize the main hall, the laboratories, and what will be the Engineering Bay. A few of their squadron cars were even still left over. They will not be fit for operation until basic services are restored."

At that moment, you hear a large crash echo from the other side of campus. A small plume of dust is seen spiraling into the air, along with the usual curses of sergeants yelling at someone who probably did something foolish.

"Which...will likely take another month," Sasaki says quietly.

You sigh, but shake your head. "One thing at a time, Sasaki," you say. "Everyone's got a solid roof over their heads. That's a hell of a lot more than we could say when we got here. Good work."

All personnel now housed in former dormitories. Critical areas now are walled off from basic investigation. Progress made in Campus Grounds Repairs.

Security Net – Patrols – Sasaki brought up a good point earlier. Aside from the Research Institute, you are the only Defense Force presence in this area. If you are to make good on the claim that you are here to stay, it's best you start developing patrols early. You should be fine if you do not pursue this for a month, but best not to delay too long on it. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration; 1 Turn; Increased Facility Security, Unlocks Additional Options)

Until the Engineers can actually establish facilities such as a motor pool, your Soldiers are currently forced to make do with what used to be the staff parking lot at the Main Hall. Thankfully, due to Sasaki's efforts the whole area is walled off so your vehicles are mostly secured. Before long, as you make the trek from your dormitory to your office every morning, the yells of Soldiers performing field maintenance on their vehicles and the smell of diesel greets you.

It isn't ideal, you admit. Hell, Sasaki herself isn't exactly happy with the arrangement either; the parking lot isn't exactly a great place to store lots of tools, fuel tanks, or military-grade vehicles. But all the same, you watch in approval as the Soldiers mount up on their trucks and begin making sweeps along the perimeters.

They aren't venturing too far right now. This month is just as much a familiarization run as it is for legitimate security. And as you sit at your desk, you hear the radios echo reports that there was nothing significant to report. Aside from disturbing flocks of birds, the only memorable instance was a bear that peered out at them from the woods. Thankfully, both parties decided to just keep out of each other's way.

If nothing else, until the Engineers are done, you are as secure as you can be.

Basic security sweeps established. All efforts to investigate Defense Force Research Institute grounds uninvited must pass Test roll. New Options Unlocked.

Well there's your problem! – LT Wilde is blunt in his reports. It is not simply a case of fixing the workshops. There is no power, no running water, no internet. He seems more offended at the last part than anything else. This is going to be a longer project than everyone else has; while the mobile power generator will do for now, he simply cannot recommend putting this off. This option will restore the workshops, but he and SFC Henry are getting straight to work on restoring basic services. Dr. Ignatov confirms that there is very little the Engineers can do without basic services. (Mandatory Action: 3 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Test Roll (2d6); Chance to finish in 1 Turn, Failure will result in 2 Turn Completion; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs; Unlocks Additional Options)

Roll Result from 2d6: 2, 1
Required 5 or 6
Failure; Action locked for Turn Two

0912, 26 January A.D. 2070
Campus Grounds Works Office, Morrison University

"So, check this out, Sir."

Lieutenant Wilde stands with you in what was the work call center for the university before a kaiju had strolled through it. The office floor was relatively intact. The inner workings? Entirely different story.

"So, the good news: this office is in a good spot. We've got the power substation built in right next to it, and by next month for sure, we can expand this baby into a proper independent power station." Tapping onto a tablet that had been bolted to the wall, he then expands the map of what look to be a pipe layout across the entire campus. "My guys are still digging through the rubble next door, but we can reconnect the water supply from here to the town. It feeds into the District supply, so it shouldn't be too bad."

"Good," you hazard to say. This all sounded all well and good. But... "So what's the hold up?"

"Kaiju footprints," Sergeant Henry says glumly. He establishes an overlay of the pipe system of where the kaiju had literally crushed it. Abruptly, a lot of angry red blurs and pipe alignments horribly out of place was what appeared. The power grid overlay was similarly destroyed. "Those strange marks the Soldiers were seeing? Lot of that was electrical burn marks. We're still clearing out all the leftover stale water in some areas. The medics weren't happy to see those."

"But it will be finished next month?" you press.

"Bet your pay cycle, Sir," Wilde agrees. "Honestly, the worst of it is gone. Just the pipes and the power substation are what we need to fix. We've already gotten a start on the power connections to all the classrooms and the dorms. It's not going to take much after this."

You nod. You're not happy, but you understand just how much work had actually been completed this turn. "Alright," you say. "You'll get what you need next month. But by the next monthly meeting, I want to see options for what we can expand into."

"Too easy, Sir," Henry confirms. "We'd definitely have enough breathing room to fit something in next month."

Action locked. Estimated time of completion: end of Turn Two. Option Unlocked.

Let's Think About This – The refrigeration unit will keep. You are intrigued by the possibility of psychically-augmented pilots for a future Super Robot. By starting now, you will unlock a deeper understanding than you already possess on the benign mutations Sam showed you already. (Cost: 1 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll at Disadvantage (1d6); Chance to discover additional properties; Progress to ESP Theory)

Roll Result from 1d6: 3
Required 5 or 6
Failure; No new breakthroughs

1744, 31 January A.D. 2070
Carlson Labs, Morrison University

"What is all this?" you ask. What was once a freshman science laboratory classroom is now full to the brim of wires, flickering machines, and discarded tablets. All the while the same group of interns and scientists are running wild, while somehow not destroying something expensive.

"Progress!" Sam barks back as he leads you into the lab. "At least, what we can do right now with what we've got."

Half a month of living in a cot and tent, and a full month of living on processed water and rations has done nothing to curb the energy or enthusiasm of the man. In fact, he seems much more invigorated than you remember him being at Unity Station.

Then you remember that he's in his element. This is something new, something unexplored. And he's taking the first recorded steps.

"So, true fact: we started poking into what exactly makes the human brain use crazy psychic powers," Sam says without preamble. "First assumption we have to make is that it needs the brain mutation that only one percent of the lazy bastards out there decided to grow." Slapping the screen on a tablet, the holographic projector brings up the same brain scan that he showed you before. "Next assumption is that those crazy psychic powers are limited to machines. Because before we had government money to blow on this, that was our only observable result."

"What did you find, Sam?" you ask. "Anything we can use yet?" You can see him bristle a bit, and you hold up your hands in a placating manner. "I know! I know! I'm not expecting a breakthrough yet. I'm obligated to ask, you know that."

"Fair enough." Punching another command, a multitude of brain scans to contrast with it are produced to the side. "Turns out: we have no freaking clue yet. But we did find something interesting." The brain scans of other individuals then are magnified, highlighting certain parts of the brain that are similar to his first example.

"...these are brain scans from people on campus," you realize.

"Yep! I asked for volunteers, and a few brave souls stepped up to the plate for science!" You pause...only to hear no battlecry this time. Sam continues on while you're still confused, "True fact: so far, very few people have the exact same mutation. But a good 70% of the sample group we have? They share some of them. Not all. But they all have certain properties that we've witnessed to have strange powers attached like a string."

"Okay..." You shake off your bemusement. This guy was determined to drive you insane, you feel. "...so what does that mean?"

"Current hypothesis: the majority of people on God's Green Earth have some psychic potential. I'm guessing if you got a small group of them together if they don't have the full mutation, we could probably cobble something together with the Engineers to reproduce the effect." He shrugs, and the scans disappear. "But until we can really dig into it, I'm just whistling in the dark."

"And you'll need power before you can really make sure," you wince.

"Pretty much."

"So one last question: if we know that those people with the mutation are more likely to have psychic potential...where are they? I thought you would have tested them."

"Tried to. Was turned down by the stuffed shirts on my Platform." Sam looks annoyed at the memory. "No appreciation for higher learning, those idiots. I was only given the scans, no personal identification attached. So the mutation could've either been from an Olympian, a Soldier, or a Old Home citizen pushing 120. Right now, I just have no idea yet."

"Alright." You nod. It's not much, but Sam did warn you it's early days yet. SFC Henry's words echo back to you about hedging on the completion of services next month. "Well, do what you can, Sam. Depending on what Wilde and Henry get done next month, I might have something for you."

No breakthroughs, but Insights gained; Progress to ESP Theory; Progress to Identifying ESP Candidate Potential

Basarin · Apr 29, 2018

1255, 3 February A.D. 2070
Morrison University Main Hall

Well, it's been one month since you took on Brigadier Peters' idea. One month to adjust to the vastly different personalities that made up the unlikely leadership of the Defense Force Research Institute. One month since you realized just how little faith outside of Peters people in the establishment had in your idea that they'd just give you a destroyed university campus.

Thankfully, your people were now properly housed. The eyesore that was the scattered tents were a thing of the past; only a few here and there remained as Soldiers were set out by their sergeants to clean up the last of the equipment. Only the mobile latrines and the truck-mounted generators remained; even the field kitchens had moved into the cafeteria. The place looked just slightly more livable now. If you ignored the buildings that had literally been stepped on.

But, as you gaze out of your window into the campus grounds, one thing is for certain. Building a Super Robot is certainly a long way off. Physically, you know you are seeing a few functioning buildings, along with earthmoving equipment shoving rubble out of the way so engineers could crawl in and fix what needed it. In your mind's eye, however…a motor pool, a hangar and runway, additional research facilities joined what was already there. There was much more left to do.

As your staff files in, you sit down at the table and wait for them to join you. "How are we doing, everyone?" you ask. It's a formality; you already have a rough idea of everyone's progress. But you've been surprised before. You nod to the Engineers. "Lieutenant?"

"On track, Sir," he says, with some measure of relief tinged into his voice. "Power'll be back online in a week. Going to take another week on top of that for water."

"The good news is, we will have just enough time to get started on a new facility," Henry offers. "Pending your orders."

"But as usual," Dr. Ignatov boomed, "There is much to do, but not so much time or resources to do it, yes?" Activating the holographic projector on your table, a few schematics are presented to you. "All facilities that will aid this Super Robot's development. Which to focus on is up to what you believe will take precedence."

"We've had a good start," Sam says with good cheer. "But anything else you can give us now will save us time later. In the meantime, I've got a few options on the table when it comes to digging deeper into ESP Theory. Your call, chief."

"There is not much else we can do at the moment," Sasaki admits. "We are as well established as can be. But if the engineers can spare some effort, there are areas we can still improve on." She grimaces as she says, "But they admittedly can wait."

"Lay out your options, people," you declare. "We've still got work to do."

RESOURCE POINTS AVAILABLE: 8 - (1 RP LOCKED IN ENGINEERING) = 7 RP AVAILABLE
RESOURCE POINTS INCOME NEXT TURN: 8

Defense Force Actions – Captain Sasaki was honestly not expecting as much investment into security as she received last month. She does have options to pursue, both to improve security as well as to help the Science team.

Otherwise, she has little to report aside from that the assigned units have been happily acclimating to the campus and the local towns.

[] Candidate Screening – ESP – Sam's offer to screen the test pilot pool still stands. In fact, he'd like a wider sample than just the pilot pool; considering new insights, he'd like to screen from as broad a pool as possible. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Will lower One Science Test Requirement to 4-6)

[] Security Net – Local Area Investigation – Your domain in the university is now well protected against anyone who might stick their nose in. The only question now: who would those people be? You currently have no idea if there's even anyone out there. Sasaki recommends, for peace of mind if nothing else, to send out your patrols to get a better feel for the area. This is relatively low priority at the moment. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Gain information on local area)

[] Information Gathering – Threats – The Research Institute is in a good spot right now. Rather than focus on internal security, which is as good as it will get for the moment, Sasaki wants to send out agents to observe the threats available. While you are far from being combat effective, Sasaki points out it's better to at least be in the know. (Cost: 1 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Gain information on Significant Threats)

[] Information Gathering – "The Distinguished Competition" – Additionally, Sasaki notes it would be prudent to send observers to gather some information on the existing Super Robot teams. If nothing else, they can see what works (at least from a distance) for the other teams, and what doesn't. As with observing the Threats, better to stay in the know. (Cost: 1 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Gain information on Super Robot teams)

Engineering – The Engineers are absolutely determined. Basic services will be restored this month. And to make up for lost time, they are going to make sure something of use to the Super Robot Project is going to be built. They only await your word.

[] Well there's your problem! – LT Wilde reports that services will be restored this month. He closed out on this report with, "Finally bringing civilization to higher learning!" Ignatov and Carlson were not amused. Regardless, this will also restore a very basic workshop for the Engineers to pursue independent projects. (Mandatory Action: 1 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs; Unlocks Additional Options)

[] Excavation Now –Dr. Ignatov is still intrigued by the idea of additional infrastructure tucked away in the rubble. SFC Henry still confirms he can detail some engineers to clear it away if he receives the resources to do so. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll (2d6); Chance to discover something; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs)

New Construction Options! – Making good on his word, LT Wilde reports that the Engineers have collectively come up with the plans for a new facility. Emphasis will be on restoring destroyed or broken-down facilities to fulfill their original purposes. The only question remains: which one do you want first? CHOOSE ONE ONLY.

[] ESP Testing Facility – SFC Henry admits that he has no idea on what Sam is actually asking him to build. All he knows is that with it online, tackling all future ESP Theory tests is going to be much more simple and straightforward. Somehow. You'd have to ask Sam on the details if you're brave enough. (Cost: 2 RP (existing basic lab); Duration: 1 Turn (inspired); Facility Constructed by end of Turn, Unlocks ESP Theory Actions)

[] Biology Lab – Sam is focused on developing the basics on ESP Theory, but that doesn't mean the kaiju sample should remain neglected. Investing in the restoration of the biology labs on campus will finally allow you to put the sample in a safer area and begin unlocking its secrets. (Cost: 3 RP; Duration: 1 Turn (inspired); Facility Constructed by end of Turn, Unlocks Kaiju Biology Actions)

[] Motor Pool – This is admittedly a personal project for LT Wilde and SFC Henry. While this would also help the security forces by giving them a dedicated Motor Pool for maintenance and whatnot, this would also let them pursue their variable configurations project. You are probably going to lose a few vehicles doing this, but at least they were up front about it. (Cost: 3 RP; Duration: 1 Turn (inspired); Constructed by end of Turn, Unlocks Variable Configuration Actions, Contributes to Security Net)

[] Server Banks – This is a request from Dr. Ignatov. If he is to begin constructing a Super Computer system for your Super Robots, or even scaled down versions for wider EUDF use, he's going to need to start somewhere. (Cost: 3 RP; Duration: 1 Turn (inspired); Constructed by end of Turn, Unlocks Super Computer Actions)

Science – Though Sam has not made any breakthroughs yet, he feels he's in a good position to push forward. He admits he's had a head start compared to everyone else, but any help you can give him will get the team that much closer to putting theory into practice. As you directed him to focus on ESP Theory last month, that is still where his focus remains, at least until new facilities are made available.

[] How Do I Shot Web? – Sam's current theory is that those with psychic potential – whenever he can detect them reliably, anyway – do not just "get to jump around like a Jedi. And ignore Jack; he just moved on to Revelations, and it's his fault for poking at the power port with a pen." He theorizes that psychic powers need some sort of outside focus, and machines and computers just happened to be a valid focus – once. He wants resources to test how valid this is. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Requires constant investment of 2 RP per turn; Progress to ESP Theory, Unlocks Actions)

[] Hello? Is It Me You're Looking For? – On the other hand, Sam was quite upfront last month when he said it was difficult enough finding out who actually has psychic potential. He knows that variations of the benign mutation all have the potential, but outside of calling for volunteers to be scanned, he doesn't have much data. With enough volunteers, Sam thinks he can overcome this issue. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll (1d6); Chance to discover additional properties; Chance to Discover Pilot Candidate(s); Progress to ESP Theory, Unlocks Actions)

Basarin · Apr 30, 2018

Turns out, today was a bit quieter than I expected.

Have an early update. Enjoy.

Your domain in the university is now well protected against anyone who might stick their nose in. The only question now: who would those people be? You currently have no idea if there's even anyone out there. Sasaki recommends, for peace of mind if nothing else, to send out your patrols to get a better feel for the area. This is relatively low priority at the moment. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 2 Turns; Gain information on local area)

6 February, A.D. 2070
Morrison University, Commandant's Office

You double check the assignment orders that Captain Sasaki sent you one last time. If anything in a life of Logistics has taught you, it was to be absolutely sure about your wording. More than once you've had your day ruined by improper words or ill-defined parameters on orders you didn't catch in time.

Issuing orders is the easiest thing in the world. Correcting errors before they're published is even more so. Amending orders once they were out in the wild? You were frankly better off fighting a kaiju with a rusty spoon.

But as you glance over it, you nod in satisfaction. Captain Sasaki was very meticulous about this project. The orders were very specifically an adjustment of the patrols that were already out there, and to extend to the edges of the local townships. Officially, they were just there to 'wave the flag' so to speak and get the local population used to having a military base spring up in their area in the last month.

Unofficially…you read between the lines, and you see the ambiguous wording that in any other order you would have stabbed to death with red ink. Many of the patrol officers were given additional tasks to engage with the town leaderships and get a feel for anything out of place. They were highly unlikely to open up to your forces now, but given time and familiarity, trust would follow.

For all you know, there might actually be Westphalians out here.

One step at a time, though. With a flourish, you sign over your title block and then stamp over it, double verifying your authority on the orders.

With luck, you and Sasaki are just being paranoid.

Patrols now widening patterns to visit local towns. Due to complete by end of Turn 4.

LT Wilde reports that services will be restored this month. He closed out on this report with, "Finally bringing civilization to higher learning!" Ignatov and Carlson were not amused. Regardless, this will also restore a very basic workshop for the Engineers to pursue independent projects.

(Mandatory Action: 1 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs; Unlocks Additional Options)

10 February, A.D. 2070
Morrison University Power Station

You are practically rendered deafened and blind the moment you enter the power substation. You feel, more than hear the roaring buzz of the power station's inner workings. You blink away the spots developing in your peripheral vision as the fluorescent lights inside the substation spring to life, and unlike the usual flickering on the mobile generator, they stay cheerfully bright.

"Let…there…be light!" a distorted voice says from the side. Looking over, you see Lieutenant Wilde with some strange microphone attached to a power conduit – holding it all the while with red rubber gloves, you notice – that distorts his voice. All the while having a child-like look of glee on his face as he cackles through the distorter, arcs of electricity flaring behind him as the machines produce live-giving power to the facility. "AHHHHHHH-HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

To his side, to your utter lack of surprise, is SFC Henry. With a hand and his beret covering his face in embarrassment.

You honestly can't blame his reaction.

"Good job, both of you," you manage to say with a straight face. "I take it you'll be able to get started next month on proper projects?"

"To a point," Henry sighs as he puts on the beret again. "Me, the crazy man over there, and Dr. Ignatov can get started on small-scale versions of our projects for you next month. We have power now, so it won't be a problem. It just won't be as effective."

"Dedicated facilities, I know," you nod. "Just…when the lieutenant stops having delusions of grandeur and godhood, let him know I need options from you for next month."

"SOON! I SHALL BE MASTER OF LIGHTNING AND WATER!"

"That may be awhile, Sir."

Fair enough.

All basic services restored to Campus Grounds! Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs! New Engineering Actions Unlocked! And Lieutenant Wilde's delusions of grandeur and godhood will dissipate by beginning of Turn 3!

Dr. Ignatov is still intrigued by the idea of additional infrastructure tucked away in the rubble. SFC Henry still confirms he can detail some engineers to clear it away if he receives the resources to do so. (Cost: 2 RP; Duration: 1 Turn; Test Roll (2d6); Chance to discover something; Progress to Campus Grounds Repairs)

Test Roll: 2d6
Results: 1, 3
Required: 5-6
Failure; No Immediate Benefit, But…

0713, 15 February, A.D. 2070
Engineering Hall…Basement?

"What."

Now, more than ever, you are thankful for the life-giving ambrosia known as coffee. Now that proper running water was flowing through the campus, proper coffee supplied from the nearby towns – Gasparton, you think – could be brewed on campus easily.

It helps to keep you sane. Especially when strange discoveries are brought to your attention this early in the morning. Such as a giant sinkhole in the far corner of the Engineering Bay. With a concrete staircase.

Dr. Ignatov nods. He, too, is nursing a hot drink in a disposable cup. Tea in his case. "It was brought to my attention this morning," he says through bleary eyes. "Well. Earlier this morning." Sipping at his drink, he gestures for you to follow him, his spare hand grabbing hold of a hardhat. Likewise, you don one yourself; no need to take yourself out of action by falling bits of rock and concrete.

"The engineers decided to get an early start today, and were clearing out the rest of the workshop for our use," Ignatov says. His voice takes on an echoing tone as you both descend down the steps. Hastily assembled floodlights hang along what looks to be a drab concrete hallway like decorations. "The plans claimed there were additional water pipelines along here as well, so Sergeant Henry desired to connect them to the main network. About an hour ago, one of the power drills made contact with something. Right when the Soldier reported it, the entire corner of the workshop…well." He gestures to the gaping hole above both of your heads. "As you can see."

"Was he injured?" you ask.

"Compound fracture to the leg and a minor concussion; he will recover," Ignatov says with a shrug. "Especially now that medical has proper water and power to draw from." He raises his voice to a higher volume. "And especially now that everyone knows to wear proper safety equipment, yes?"

The Soldiers accompanying you, all wearing proper gear, stoically only look slightly sheepish.

"So what's down here?" you ask. The hallway abruptly ends in a pile of collapsed debris. "You don't just make underground bunkers for no reason." You pause. "…no, Sam doesn't count."

"I was about to say," Ignatov says in a dry tone.

"Was this anywhere on the university plans?"

"Interestingly: no." Withdrawing a palm-sized tablet, Ignatov shows you a three-dimensional blueprint overlay of the campus grounds, along with your approximate location. By all accounts, you should be standing uncomfortably in the middle of a sewage pipeline. "And these are plans that retain their approval timestamp from pre-Unification, along with periodic updates that were approved by the District government." He looks directly at you with an intrigued expression. "My friend, aside from the original owner of this complex…we may be the only souls who know this exists."

You nod. Hiding rooms or facilities from officially approved blueprints was a shady business. That was common enough pre-Unification as far as you can tell, but to stay so off known blueprints for so long? "You can't tell if anything inside was damaged?" you ask.

"No. Without purposely digging through, there is no way to know," he replies. "I imagine, however, you would like to investigate at some point."

That's putting it lightly.

No immediate benefit, but you discovered something…unusual. Action Unlocked.

SFC Henry admits that he has no idea on what Sam is actually asking him to build. All he knows is that with it online, tackling all future ESP Theory tests is going to be much more simple and straightforward. Somehow. You'd have to ask Sam on the details if you're brave enough. (Cost: 2 RP (existing basic lab); Duration: 1 Turn (inspired); Facility Constructed by end of Turn, Unlocks ESP Theory Actions)

Casual Science – Test Roll at Disadvantage (1d6)
Rolled: 4
Required: 5, 6
Near-Failure, no new breakthrough, minor progress in ESP Theory

25 February, A.D. 2070
Carlson Laboratories, ESP Branch, "Grand Opening"

"I love it!"

SFC Henry just gives you a resigned look as Sam and his team just gush over the upgraded lab. The place is still an utter mess by any definition of the word; the same haphazard layout of wires and tools strewn all about the lab remains.

But the laboratory complex is now just humming with power. Additional computer stations are placed at intervals beside holographic whiteboard interfaces. Flat screen monitors adorn the walls, all displaying data that really makes no sense to you.

Above all, though, are the medical stations that share none of the claustrophobic nature of the rest of the lab. Medical cots sit next to pharmaceutical cabinets, which are in a shockingly neat order. Adjacent to those is a larger room, which looks to be part interview review, part gymnasium in miniature.

"And…this is?" you ask Henry as you approach what looks like a reclining seat with strange apparatuses and restraining belts.

"I…have no clue, Sir," Henry admits. "He asked for things I could get easily enough…I've just never seen them put together like this."

"Discovery is what it is, gentlemen!" In a rush of wind and dust, Sam appears instantly between the two of you, arms wrapped around both your shoulders. "Thanks to the Engineers here, we now have a proper lab facility! Kaiju sample's gonna take the backburner for a little bit, but now we can make some real progress on ESP Theory! Hell, we just made a little bit today!"

"That fast?" you ask quizzically. Peripherally, you notice Henry as he shrugs off Sam's arm and quickly distances himself.

"Nothing concrete, but we sure as hell found something!" Zooming over to the chair, he points out to what looks like an old-fashioned virtual reality helmet. "So! True fact: we've found out that the human brain can sometimes broadcast signals." He taps the helmet with a gleeful expression. "No idea what it means yet. But it's definitely a pulse of something that some of our systems picked up. That means we can start calibrating the machines until we pick up on those signals!"

"That's…" You blink. You actually understood all that. "That's excellent news. Can you get started next month?"

"Without a doubt," Sam agrees. "I know we've been busy just getting set up – hell, that's what me and the lab rats will be doing until March – but we'll nail down what makes ESP tick."

Well. Even without dedicated resources to research, that's excellent news.

ESP Testing Facilities constructed! All ESP Action rolls now roll at regular Tests (2d6)! ESP Actions Unlocked!

RP SPENT: 7
RP REMAINING: 1

1 RP TO CARRY OVER TO TURN 3. MUST BE SPENT ON TURN 3.

Super Robot Quest

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