Super Robot Quest

Basarin · May 22, 2018

0810, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

Haruko closed her eyes, taking a few moments to breathe in deeply. Do not be so hasty to make a decision. Voices from her days in the academy came back to her. But also do not be timid in the face of danger or uncertainties. Though we may never come close to their caliber, the great leaders of old knew when to be cautious...and when to throw caution to the wind. It may have won them or lost them the day, but they at least committed.

Haruko thought rapidly.

Grand Coulee Dam. No longer a tactical consideration. The image of the Dam in her mind faded away, to be replaced with the image of the refugee camp near Coulee City. First Response Corps en route. Possibility of people requiring assistance remains.

It was joined in her head by the images of the trail of death towards Fort Brenner. Battle damage consistent with past Kausen raid sites. Loss of contact with Fort Brenner. All local and national communication lines rendered non-mission capable. Means remain unknown.

Enemy actions are inconsistent. But something is at Fort Brenner. DFRI represents the only combat capable forces in theater.

Action is required. We must commit.

Haruko sharply exhaled. May fate prove me correct, she asked silently.

She opened her eyes. No one else could see her with her doubts. She couldn't afford to let anyone else see. "Lieutenant Wilde. Continue search and rescue operations with the First Response Corps. Cover ground between Coulee City and the flood zones."

"Ma'am." Wilde's link disconnected.

"Sergeant Henry. Order the First Support Wing to make way to Fort Brenner. Make all due haste."

"Full speed, Ma'am."

"Lieutenant Callaghan. You will have your air cover, but we cannot afford to delay. Make all speed towards Fort Brenner."

"On it, Captain." Within moments, all comms links cut out, leaving Haruko alone with her thoughts. Her face was faintly illuminated by the tactical display showing the specks on the map moving to enact her orders.

May fate prove me correct.

0820, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Coulee City, Refugee Gathering

"Found a few more, Sir. Had to use the tow cables on this one; they were just floating on a piece of roof."

"Good copy, bring 'em in," Wilde said before he cut the link. Turning to his counterpart from the FRC, he sighed. "Man, you guys get the fun jobs, don't you?" he grumbled.

"Fun. Heh." The FRC officer gave a mirthless laugh. "We volunteered for this crap, man. We drill for it everyday. But you never think it could happen to your home." The officer scowled at the flood zones. "Until you guys came in, we couldn't talk to anyone on the ground. Our bosses were about to call us off until your dropship set up local comms."

"Part of the service," Wilde said wearily.

A fresh cheer rose from the gathered police and Soldiers as another convoy arrived, all laden with soaked, shivering, but unharmed refugees. The rescue officer's gaze softened. "I complain...but then you at least save people," he said. "Thanks for the assist."

"Don't thank us yet," Wilde warned. "There's still that crap going on everywhere else to worry about."

0821, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Entrance to Fort Brenner

"Oh, geez," Richard muttered as he pushed the accelerator as fast as he dared. Lumbering behind him and leaving a billowing trail of dust and grass in its wake was the Shepherd. The closer he got to Fort Brenner, the more he was forced to weave around additional ruins. Both out of wanting to preserve his speed, and to allow the dead their dignity, Richard drove around the overturned wreckage of an armored carrier. "I've seen horror holos that start out like this."

"Bad taste in movies, Sir," Henry replied from his end. At the corner of his eye, Richard could see the slowly approaching forms of the TMUs on the map, all pushing as fast as they could in jet form. "It'll give you the jitters in situations like these."

"Yeah? And how do you figure you'll ever end up in situations like these?" he fired back. Less out of outrage, and more to keep his mind off of the carnage he was seeing.

He wasn't sure what he was supposed to feel. Fear. Revulsion. Maybe disgust.

Richard found it interesting how easy anger was starting to come about. "These poor bastards never had a chance."

"So let's make sure any survivors get one," Henry said grimly.

0825, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin, Command Bridge

"...and that is the situation so far, Sir," Haruko said, finishing her report.

"Good work so far," Major Devin said from the other side of the sat-link. He was hiding it well, but Haruko had the feeling, after nearly a year of working with the man, that he was just as stressed and anxious as she was. For one thing, his hair was still askew, and there was a small stack of coffee cups behind him. "General Armistead is finally rallying his forces...about three hours too late. I've got General Peters asking for answers as well, but I told her to back off." Answering the raised eyebrow from Haruko, he explained grumpily, "I don't rush my people, Sasaki. You're doing fine. You just have to trust the guys on ground will get it done."

"Just as you must trust that I will get it done?" she asked, a rough approximation of a smile on her face.

"Hah!" Major Devin was not so reserved with his smile, though that might have been the exhaustion. "Just see this through, Captain. Then-"

"Ma'am, Sir, apologies," one of the pilots cut in. "But you both might want to see this..."

0827, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

"Sir, careful," Henry warned. "Even from here I'm picking up - "

" - weird signals, I know," Richard said. The scanners normally could pick up and roughly identify most sounds. The single staccato of an assault rifle firing could be picked up, but the scanners essentially threw their hands up in the air and gave up at the other signals. No known sounds could be compared, and the uncomfortable signs of the scanner logging new entries was hanging over his HUD. At this point, he was still pushing full speed towards the sounds of what sounded like weapons fire and explosions, though he'd never heard anything like the former.

Richard was counting himself lucky he was still some distance away from the source of the disturbances.

"Any idea what - ?" Henry was about to ask before the situation decided to take over.

The distant wall of what looked like a motor pool burst open in a cloud of debris and dust, and -

"Is-is that a Mecha?"

Whatever it was, the figure flew a fair distance, tumbling over and over until it slowly came to a stop, leaving gouges along the concrete along the way. It looked as if it were cradling something.

Another Mecha-sized figure - this one clad in yellow, and uncomfortably standing a full head above the roof of the motor pool - strode through the wreckage, brandishing what looked to be a unsettlingly large weapon. Richard's scanners were picking something up, something that might be text, but he couldn't be sure. And in any case, he realized he was still accelerating. Should he-?

Before he could get his thoughts together, the chain of events decided to throw another wrench at him. From the cradled hands of the downed Mecha-sized figure, the scanner positively picked up the sound of assault rifle fire. Assault rifle fire, and recognizable speech.

"Stay away, you big bastard!" the scanner picked up. "Stay away from him!" The scanner was still loading in the corner of his eye, but he didn't need a positive identification. All he needed was that there was an EUDF rank badge broadcasting a signal to any friendly IFF in range. That, and what looked to be an EUDF personnel firing a personal weapon against a Mecha ineffectually.

"Well, shit."

Richard seemed to be saying that a lot. But he had a decision to make, and not a whole lot of time to make it.

The enemy is still unknown, the situation just unfolded, and 1LT Callaghan is still on an accelerated course straight into the fray.

There is what looks to be a downed Kausen, with an EUDF personnel (identity unknown) attempting to defy an opposing Kausen with an operational weapon. Very little is known about the enemy Kausen; you surmise that it is about to try and finish off its disabled opposite.

The First Experimental Support Wing is en route, but they will take one turn of combat to arrive. The Shepherd remains on standby should you require it.

You are about to commit to battle. Outline Callaghan's battle plan. How does he commit to battle?

Here is where we begin entering combat.

I will be rolling for both Callaghan and the enemy. However, I will do so in sections of two-to-three turns (depending on situation).

Outline what you want (in plan format, if you please) to be Callaghan's approach. Below I have posted the options that are available. Keep them in mind as you outline your plan.

Also, if there is a particular catchphrase or any other bit of fluff you want me to write in, now's the time to outline that.

A name for the combined Jackal/Shepherd combination wouldn't be amiss, or Callaghan will make one up in the heat of the moment.

Enjoy! I will call the vote tomorrow morning sometime.

1LT Richard Callaghan - Intuitive Piloting (You may Re-Roll One failed Strike or Agile Roll per Turn)

Jackal 'Callaghan Custom'
8 Hit Points (HP)
Notable Character (Can Strike at Enemy Target twice per turn)

Conventional Weaponry (Can conduct Test Roll to Strike at Enemy Target at 2d6)

Heavy Weapons (Disposable Heavy Weapons specifically for use with the Jackal. Can make Heavy Weapon Strike against Enemy at Advantage (3d6) for 2 HP. If not utilizing Shepherd Armor Pack, can only be used Twice per Combat) (Costs 1 RP)

Agile (Can negate One successful Enemy Strike against Jackal. Conduct Test Roll at 2d6)

'RAMMING SPEED!' (Can configure into patrol truck form to make a ramming attack. Conduct Test Roll at 2d6. If successful, can attempt a free Strike at Disadvantage (1d6))

'Combine!' (May spend one Turn summoning Support Unit to conduct Combinable Configuration with SV-10 Shepherd. Any attempted Enemy Strike is made at Disadvantage (1d6))

'Combine!' (Will add 10 HP to Jackal 'Callaghan Custom')

Extra Tough (Can ignore one Enemy Strike at Disadvantage (1d6))

Conventional Weaponry (Can conduct Test Roll to Strike at Enemy Target at 2d6)

Demolisher (Can freely make Heavy Weapon Strike at Advantage (3d6) every other turn, deals 2 HP. Does not incur extra RP cost

V-33 TMU 'Longship Configuration' Flight
They will attempt a Heavy Weapons Strike Once every Three Turns at Advantage (3d6) for 2 HP. Once expended, they must return to the Gagarin for rearming)

Basarin · May 23, 2018

0828, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

Combat, Turn One

Richard had long since stopped thinking consciously. He wasn't aware that this was where the MMI, where Sam Carlson's hard work effort into creating something this crazy, really shined.

For a few glorious moments, he didn't worry about the sheer recklessness of what he was about to do. Or how much Adam was going to yell at him for.

He only knew this: there was a friendly that was about to get possibly killed by an enemy hostile, and he had one very potent weapon that could solve a lot of problems really quickly.

"This is Callaghan," Richard distantly heard himself say over the radio. If he looked at the rear-view mirror, he might have noticed he had a manic smile plastered over his face. "Kausen engaging downed friendlies. Engaging!"

Tuning out the frantic shouts over the radio to explain himself, Richard depressed the accelerator.

0828 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

"He's doing what?"

Haruko barely had time to mentally agree with the Major before the Jackal blasted across the distance between himself and the enemy.

0827, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

"Cav," Jessica said, frantically trying to get some kind of response out of the Kausen. "Cav!"

The only response she was getting was garbled speech, corrupted by the sheer damage he'd taken from that other bastard. "-*ksst*-et out *szzt* -ere," the Kausen managed to rasp out.

"I'm not leaving you behind!" Jessica shouted frantically. Leave behind the Kausen who saved her life months ago?

Like hell!

"Well, this was fun," the sinister voice before them said. Looking up, Jessica glared at the incoming yellow giant as he hefted the large plasma cannon in his arms. "But since I've figured that those new changing toys of yours all come from this base...eh." Bandit then shrugged in a mockery of apology. "...boss man Tyrannous really don't got much call for you left. Loose ends, bad business, y'know?"

Without even thinking, Jessica scrambled atop Cavalier's cradled hands and leveled her rifle at the Free Brother. "Stay away, you big bastard!" she screamed, unloading the magazine against Bandit, fully aware that she was doing nothing but buying seconds. "Stay away from him!"

Bandit only chuckled as the rounds simply bounced off of his hull. Sure, he was sporting a few scorch marks from a few shots before, but this wasn't going to do anything. She needed-

Before she could think about what she needed, her brain finally caught up to the fact that she was hearing the incredibly loud roar of engines blaring behind her.

"Hey, you!" a voice blared out. "Pick on someone your own size!" Before her eyes, what looked like a Coyote simply slammed into Bandit, sending the both of them right back through the hole Bandit had blasted through earlier.

Thinking quickly, Jessica threw herself back into the relative safety of Cavalier's hands, instinctively knowing the shockwave was not far in arriving.

0831, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Interior of Fort Brenner

The impact was jarring. Richard's head hurt like someone had used it for a drum solo marathon. And still in vehicle form, he and the Kausen were now tumbling head over hood back into the command centers of Fort Brenner, with each impact slamming into him like a punch to the face.

The MMI would later log a single thought, somehow caught for official record:

Worth it.

Thinking quickly, Richard sent the command at the speed of thought to unfold his right arm. Catching the rifle...thing, he immediately flung it far, far away from them. He wasn't sure where it went. He just knew the Kausen was unlikely to reach it now.

"Okay, jackass," he heard a metallic voice rasp. Summoning his minimap, he realized that despite its bulk, the Kausen had recovered quickly. "Cute trick, but let's see-"

"Not interested!" he shouted. Immediately completing the rest of the configuration, he unfolded into Mecha mode and attempted to throw a punch towards the Kausen.

The strike was deflected easily. "Wait, what!?" The opportunity lost, both combatants jumped some distance away from each other. "...heh....heheheh," the Kausen chuckled. "I knew it! I knew we hit the mineral lode! This base is making these damned things, of course they are!"

Richard raised an eyebrow, an expression lost on the face of the Jackal. "...uh, what?"

"Boss man wants more of these things!" the Kausen crowed. "And I'm gonna get my hands on 'em, or my name ain't Bandit!"

"Aaaaabout that," Richard objected. "I'm going to say that's not gonna happen."

"Yeah? Why not?"

Combat, Turn Two

"This."

Having stalled him long enough, Richard caught the catapult-launched rocket launcher dispatched from the Shepherd some distance away.

"Think fast!" In one smooth motion, the Jackal caught the rocket launcher, smoothly reoriented it towards 'Bandit,' and depressed the trigger.

"Ohhhhh, scra-" Lost in the plume of explosions and dust rocketing the still-fragile ruins, the Kausen was buffeted by high explosive force and falling debris falling about him. "Hey! Ow! Stop that! I said-"

"Sorry, not done yet!" Richard shouted as he immediately launched the last salvo in the disposable launcher. More dust and debris were knocked away from his position from the launcher's force as it continued to lob high explosive presents Bandit's way. "Feel free to just keel over and-"

"I SAID STOP THAT!" Incredulously, the Kausen strode through the high explosives' concussive force and slammed his fist into the Jackal's chest.

"Oh crap," Callaghan muttered. At least, he had the time to say that as he was sent sailing through the air from the force of the punch, and getting slammed through the nearest wall.

Man these walls really didn't like this, he idly thought as he slammed through another set of walls.

0835, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

"Integrity is still holding, hull still sitting around-"

"-Kausen looks to be emitting some energy field, but is not registering-"

"-Fort Brenner has to be written off, there's nothing left after this fight-"

Haruko tuned all of the chatter from the pilots out. Her entire focus was on the duel unfolding between Callaghan and the Kausen, who had identified itself as 'Bandit.' He was faring fine, but the Gagarin's scanners were still not able to get a good reading on the thing.

But even the failure to scan the Kausen was already putting themselves ahead of literally everyone in the EUDF. They had actual scans of the Kausen.

"Not enough," she heard herself say. Temporarily forgetting that Major Devin was still tuned into the transmission, and just as transfixed by what was unfolding as she was, Haruko decided to take the plunge. "Sergeant Henry."

"Ma'am. We're on approach, we just saw Callaghan fly out of the building."

"Hostile target is about to emerge. Initiate single target engagement." Without waiting to hear his response, she turned her attention to Callaghan, whose Jackal was getting to its feet. "Lieutenant. I am authorizing the Steel Combination."

"Ma'am?" Callaghan asked, the shock apparent even through the static.

"You know it's not been tested," Major Devin said calmly. But in the corner of her eye, she saw an approving smile.

"There is no time like the present, Sir," Haruko replied. "As long as I still have your authorization."

"You still do. Let him have it."

0839, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

Richard saw it on his HUD. The authorization code for the Steel Combination protocol. Never tested outside of controlled environments. Certainly never tested in combat.

"Oh, what the hell," he said to himself with a smile. "If I'm gonna do this..."

He knew Katarina would never forgive him for not taking this opportunity.

"LT, we're beginning attack run," Henry said over the radio. Even as Bandit emerged again - still apparently looking for the weapon that had been thrown to the side - he was buffeted with additional Hellstrike rockets. Unlike his earlier rocket launcher strikes, a purple energy field encased him like a bubble, protecting him from the worst of it. "Do it!"

Richard took in a deep breath. As if recognizing the moment, the HUD displayed what looked to be a voice command console.

"Steel Combination! Go!"

Okay, this fight was going on for far too long.

The humans pulled a cute little trick, sure. And this particular model looked like it was a cut above the rest already.

Sure, he was going to need to fiddle around with the dispersion field later, but at least it worked this time with those damned aeros. It'd damned well better. He paid good energy for-

Bandit was nearly bowled over when an armored truck decided walls were for other people.

"What the frag!?"

Richard grinned as the laser guidance sequence began. He couldn't believe he was actually doing this for a living. Much less doing this in defense of the human race as he knew it.

"Phase One, initiated," he heard someone in the background say as he leapt into the air, the air billowing with debris and dust as the Shepherd launched itself upwards via its rocket boosters. Closing his eyes, he allowed his mind to sink into the formation as his brain and the MMI folded the Jackal into the chest unit, tow cables and the laser guidance sequence already drawing him into the chest cavity that unfolded.

He could see the sequence happening from almost a third-person perspective. He could hear shouting over the frequencies, likely from either the Gagarin or the 1st Wing as Bandit's arm unfolded into what looked like a weapon and struck at the combining machines.

Yet he felt none of that. Nothing was knocked askew. All he saw was a rather distinctive pattern emblazoned onto the 'chest' of the combined unit-

His senses immediately snapped back into focus as soon as the helmet unit encased the head of the Jackal's.

There was only one thing to say.

"YOROI GATTAI!" Richard shouted, a shit-eating grin on his face. "TIMBERWOLF FORMATION!"

0840, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

Major Devin just stared flatly at Haruko.

"Seriously?"

Haruko huffed, but stood her ground. "Yes, I implemented it as the vocal passcode. I am within my rights."

Major Devin just sighed, but shrugged.

This is a harbinger of things to come.

The first form of humanity's latest champion, it will not be its last.

Though plasma and steel! The Dream of the Union's Peace shall stand!

The Kausen has been identified as Bandit.

The Gagarin is unable to scan him, but you know you have inflicted at least 6 HP worth of damage to him. He in turn has inflicted 1 HP on Callaghan's Jackal.

The Timberwolf stands tall and strong. It is ready to do battle.

The EUDF personnel, as far as you know, still remains by the fallen Kausen and is refusing to move.

Orders?

1LT Richard Callaghan - Intuitive Piloting (You may Re-Roll One failed Strike ~~or Agile~~ Roll per Turn)

HP: 17/18

Notable Character (Can Strike at Enemy Target twice per turn)

Extra Tough (Can ignore one Enemy Strike at Disadvantage (1d6))

Conventional Weaponry (Can conduct Test Roll to Strike at Enemy Target at 2d6)

Demolisher (Can freely make Heavy Weapon Strike at Advantage (3d6) every other turn, deals 2 HP. Does not incur extra RP cost

Basarin · May 23, 2018

0844, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

Combat, Turn Four

"…what."

Green-tinted optics zoomed in on the monstrosity the humans had just brought to bear. The transforming vehicles were already a boon, ones that he'd already brought a few of to the boss man. Curiosities, but the big bot had his eye on making use of them, and he paid well. Who was he to argue with a customer?

But…this thing?

The humans might have actually made something worthwhile.

He wanted it.

"Okay, I'm done playing around, human." A compartment on his waist opened, allowing a sphere the size of his fist to fall into his palm. "Time to break out the good stuff."

"The what-?"

Not letting the dead human walking even ask the question, Bandit primed the P-Sphere and let it loose in a pict perfect (in his unbiased and balanced opinion) pitch. "He shoots, and-!"

The giant warform the humans brought to bear immediately disappeared in a dazzling display of light and reacting protons. "Aaaaaand it's gooooood!" Bandit crowed, hold both servos into the air as he walked back and forth strutting his stuff. "Oh yeah! Oh, yeah! Scratch another possible headache outta the way!" He grasped both hands together, his optics already reflecting energy shards. "Oooh, the upgrades I could fit myself with from this run! And…"

"Uh, think you're celebrating a bit early, man."

"Huh?" Abruptly pulled from his process queue, Bandit turned around. In the clearing smoke, the warform still stood. Badly singed, and missing a few pieces of armor plating, but it simply gave the impression of being annoyed.

"My turn." The shoulders of the warform abruptly slid open as what looked to be launcher tubes surfaced, all while a strange cannon thing emerged from the warform's back. "And for the record? That was a cheap shot."

0846, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

Jessica peered over Cavalier's fingers as she watched the confrontation unfold between the two.

When did her life become so crazy? One moment she's just on an advanced training course to pay for college as a cadet, the next she's caught up in some strange alien Legion's adventures to fight off a rampaging band of criminals. If you believe their half of the story, though considering what the other side got up to that wasn't hard to believe.

Now there was an EUDF combining Super Robot that was about to unleash all sorts of firepower on Bandit.

"…huh," she heard Cavalier crack. Turning around, the bot's reddish-yellow optics was focused squarely on the EUDF robot. His voice at least seemed to have stabilized. A bit. "Your *zzr*ys…finally ha*qrrt* somethin'…"

Before she could respond, Jessica was forced to hold her hands over her ears as the most ungodly racket echoed across the ruins of the base. Missile salvos left nothing but giant wisps of contrail smoke in their wake, punctured occasionally by the rapid and loud fire of what looked to be a massive chain-gun.

And even this didn't seem to take. Bandit's purple Dispersion Field reactivated, and all but negated the veritable thunderstorm that the robot – the Timberwolf? – was unleashing. Damaged or not, however, the kinetic force was enough to send the stupid little freak flying into another pile of rubble, all but burying him halfway in.

The wolf apparently wasn't happy with this. Allowing the chain-gun to detach and fall to the side, the Timberwolf strode towards Bandit with thunderous steps before all but leaping towards the rubble pile. Rearing back a great fist, the robot slammed hard into Bandit's face, hard enough that she could see something crack even from this distance.

Combat, Turn Five

It managed to get another earth-shattering punch across his jaw before Bandit blasted at the robot at point-blank range, forcing him to take a few steps back. His arm-mounted cannons unfolding from their braces, rapid fire plasma bore their way into the robot's hull. Great chunks of paint and hull flicked away from the impact, but the Timberwolf seemed unconcerned.

"Oh no," she whispered. She saw the telltale sign of a heat razor emerging from Bandit's underarm. "He's going to-!"

0849, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

Richard jerked slightly as he felt the sharp edge of a heated knife thing jam itself into his gut. "Heheheheh," he heard the Kausen cackle. "Always looking at the guns, never at the knife. Tsk, tsk…"

"Funny," Richard croaked. Sure, it hurt, but from his new perspective as a giant eff-all robot, it hadn't stabbed anything important. "Because I'm not done yet." Before the Kausen's skeptical eyes (at least he thought they might be skeptical), the Timberwolf raised both arms together into an attempted haymaker.

"Scrap, no!" The knife withdrew immediately and Richard connected with nothing but thin air.

Richard brought both his – no, the Timberwolf's – fists into a fighter's stance. His blood was now pumping, the residual anger from before now combining with the sheer adrenaline from the situation now. "C'mon, you think you're tough enough? Show me!" he abruptly shouted before launching himself at the Kausen.

0855, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

"Please tell me we are recording this," Wilde pleaded over the secure comms.

"Oh we are," Henry said grimly. "Rearming done in two minutes. We're not letting that Kausen get away without a fight, Ma'am."

"Do not wait for authorization!" Haruko snapped, her gaze still transfixed by the on-screen footage from Callaghan's feed. "Take off
immediately!" It incongruously reminded her of some of the 'retro' arcade machines where one was to physically punch targets as they appeared.

Only this time, the camera jerked and shook badly whenever the Kausen landed a blow against Callaghan, only for Callaghan's fists to slam into the Kausen with just as much force. The two combatants were utterly destroying what was left of Fort Brenner.

Each blow shook the surrounding area with enough kinetic force to be felt, even from the camera feeds of the Gagarin.

The Kausen latched onto a piece of remaining Coyote chassis, and slammed it into the Timberwolf's face.

The Timberwolf, nonchalantly, simply slugged Bandit in the 'gut' and hurled him into another pile of debris.

Bandit countered, recovering unusually quickly from such a blow. Using the rubble as a springboard, the Kausen launched himself at Callaghan, his fist raised in anticipation of a flying strike.

Callaghan then proceeded to do something very foolish.

0900, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Ruins of Fort Brenner

"Urk!" Before Bandit could launch the follow-up strike he planned, the warform's massive arms simply latched onto him around the waist.
"Oh, no you don't," the human said over the comms. "You're with me." With that, the ground abruptly was approaching very very quickly oh Metatrine what!? "We're going on a trip!"

Dispersiondispersiondispersionactivatenownownownownownow-

The comforting flow of the purple shield encased him, but Bandit's head still slammed hard into the ground. Rolling away rapidly from the crazy lunatic human warform, Bandit groggily got to his feet. "What the depths, human!?" he yelled. "That was uncalled for!"

Combat, Turn Six

"Yeah?" the human scoffed. The expressionless visor and faceplate seemed to give the human an air of disdain and scorn, though Bandit was probably just imagining that. "So's this."

Warning: human aeros en route.

"…oh, scrag this," Bandit said abruptly. He'd already snatched more of those shifting warforms, and he'd nearly scrapped Cavalier. He'd have to be fine with that; he couldn't make shards if he was scrapped. He activated a signal before abruptly hightailing it out.

Fast.

"I'm outta here!"

0902, 1 November, A.D. 2070
1SW-1, 1st Support Wing Craft

"Wait, what?"

Henry scowled as he saw the giant mecha turn tail and run. "LT, hit him hard. Sergeant-"

"Already ahead of you, Top. All units, light 'em up."

The contrail concert of five Hellstrike missile salvos chasing after one target never failed to impress Henry, even after seeing this for the second time in a single day. The sheer volume of volley fire coming from the LT from his discarded chain-gun only added to the absurdity of the situation. "Bingo on ammo," the pilot said abruptly, "All break, repeat, all break."

As the formation broke off pursuit, Henry saw one last flash of purple emerge from the Kausen's retreating form…only for the field to break down from the sheer amount of rounds being lobbed at him from the Timberwolf's cannon. It was something interesting to note. The technology was leagues ahead of the Union's, but if it had limits-

His thought process was immediately derailed when the pilot was forced to bank right hard. "What the-?" the pilot said calmly, though confused.

A strange, glider-like contraption swooped down onto Bandit's retreating form. Without missing a beat, the Kausen, sparking somewhat and looking more than a little battered, latched onto the glider. "Pilot, can you-?" Before he could say anything, the glider abruptly plowed through the air and far into the horizon. "…disregard," he lamely finished.

"That's it?" Callaghan's voice said incredulously over the radio. "Cop out! Get back here! We're not done!"

0909, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

Haruko sighed, finally allowing herself to visibly relax. If just for a moment.

She then turned to the sat-link of Major Devin, who had remained quiet throughout the entire duel. "Pending questions, Sir, I will initiate clean-up operations immediately," she said.

Major Devin simply nodded and dismissed the link.

Now she allowed herself a smile.

No matter how ridiculous it had turned out…it was her first combat command.

She had won. Against the Kausen.

The Union had won against the Kausen.

In times of great adversity, our champions have emerged triumphant.

Yet they must not lower their guard. For though they have scored a great victory, their struggles are just beginning.

Go forth, men and women of the Defense Force Research Institute! Fight, for your family, for your nation, for the Earth Union!

Basarin · May 24, 2018

0933, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin, Loading Bay

"You know," Rich said through his comms as he dragged the leftover flatbed trailer from the Shepherd up the loading ramp, "I never expected to use this thing as a stretcher."

"But you're the only one who can, bud!" Adam said. His voice sounded jovial, but the look on his face was an intense mask of concentration as he directs the engineers onboard to begin repair and lockdown procedures. "Hey, guys, I need that secondary generator hooked up. Looks like we have someone who really needs it."

All the while, the downed Kausen - whose callsign apparently equated to 'Cavalier' - had been ratchet strapped to the Shepherd's leftover trailer, and was being slowly, carefully being brought onboard the Stork-class dropship. In a similar state to Bandit when he had been driven off, Cavalier was badly sparking, and communications was...problematic. The speech unit was simply too badly beat up.

"Can you help him, Sir?" the cadet next to Adam pleaded. Turning towards her, he saw that she was wearing the First Response Corps' colors, all with local insignia patched to her left sleeve. A small part of him noticed that they all belonged to the local Air Defense Forces Command. Who were nowhere to be found at the time.

He shook his head of that thought. Adam figured he'd be able to bring that up in a later report. He had a patient he had to help. "I'll do what I can," he shrugged, "But, uh...first time for everything?" Responding to the incredulous look on her face, he held up both hands in a placating manner. "Hey, hey, chill. I'll do what I can to help, but right now? You are the closest we've got to a subject matter expert on how to treat the big guy here." Jutting a thumb in Cavalier's direction as Rich finally brought the trailer to a halt, Adam asked, "What does he need? What can we do to help him right now?"

With that, Cadet Jessica Satsuma began telling him as much as she apparently thought could be useful to help the injured Kausen.

0944, 1 November, A.D. 2070
Yuri Gagarin Command Bridge

"Better late than never," Major Devin said dryly.

Haruko simply stared at the news reports at the corner.

"...and in other news, the relief efforts at the Grand Coulee Dam and surrounding regions are ongoing," a newscaster reported. "General George Armistead of the Earth Union Air Defense, commander of the Third Air Force, expressed in an interview that his command would work around the clock to ensure all affected by the floods would be provided for through the duration of the crisis. We will have more at the top of the hour-"

The report immediately switched off. "Haruko, breathe," she distantly heard the Major order.

She exhaled sharply. "I understand we cannot claim the credit for anything we did just yet," she said balefully, "but this is galling all the same."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Major Devin said with a wry expression on his face. "Sure, we won't exactly be broadcasting what Callaghan was able to do or anything, but you'll find a fair few in the know who will put two and two together."

"Sir?" Haruko stared at her superior inquisitively. "How do you mean-?"

"The First Response Corps on ground? They know who at least tried to help at Fort Brenner. They know who was actually on ground when the disaster hit." He shook his head. "If I were a commander on ground over there, I'd be feeling really awkward right now. This response to the folks on the ground is going to feel like locking the door long after the house was robbed. It's nice that you're there, but where were you when it happened?"

"And yet the General claims the glory," Haruko tried to argue.

"Let him." Haruko just stared at her superior officer. "Yeah, you heard me right, Captain. He wants the glory breadcrumbs from showing up and having cameras on him, that's on him. I know what you and everyone else accomplished. Brigadier Peters definitely does. Let someone else chase after commendations while we focus on doing the right thing. Which segues nicely into what we need to officially wrap up before you bring everyone home."

Haruko's mind immediately snapped back into the routine of efficiency. "Of course, Sir. Where did you want to focus on?"

Excerpts, Analysis of Grand Coulee Relief

<...the use of the Stork-class dropship Yuri Gagarin as seconded to the DFRI by BG Peters was of immense utility to the forces on the ground. Due to unforeseen communications jamming, the Gagarin was able to provide local signal and restore communications between all combatants on the ground...>

<...the ability for the DFRI to deploy rapidly is currently limited. The use of the Gagarin mitigated this, and enabled deployment within one hour of departure. However, due to mission requirements the Gagarin was forced to remain stationary. Recommend modifications in future...>

Result: New Aviation Actions Unlocked.

<...the deployment of Third Reconnaissance to aid in relief efforts greatly aided the recovery of stranded civilians. A dedicated search and rescue formation appears to be warranted, and further investigation into the matter is being considered.>

Result: FRC opinion increased. New Engineering Action Unlocked.

<...despite previously being untested, the Timberwolf formation proved itself under trial by fire. Its sheer resiliency even against unknown alien technology has been noted. However, its combat capabilities beyond heavy ordnance and physical strikes is greatly limited. Combat data has been forwarded to both the Carlson Laboratories and the Engineering Departments...>

Result: New Engineering Actions Unlocked. New Science Actions Unlocked.

<...combat against the Kausen entity known as 'Bandit' provided a wealth of combat data. This particular Kausen appeared to have some form of energy field that could periodically negate all incoming force...>

<...of particular note is the recovered sample of a damaged Kausen weapon. The First Support Wing has recovered the weapon and has transported it back to the Yuri Gagarin. It will be delivered to Carlson Laboratories for further analysis...>

<...wounded Kausen brought on board for preliminary repairs and treatment. Point of contact is Cadet Jessica Satsuma, who appears to be familiar with this particular Kausen. 'Cavalier' was positively identified by Lieutenant Callaghan as going out of his way to protect Cadet Satsuma...>

Result: Additional data on Kausen gained! Damaged Kausen Weapon gained! CDT Jessica Satsuma, Cavalier, being brought back to DFRI!

Basarin · May 24, 2018

1100, 2 November, A.D. 2070
Commandant's Office

"I'm surprised you didn't just try to brush off my call," Peters says wryly.

You blink blearily at her as you down another cup of coffee. You're thinking it's losing its potency. Not a good thing. "In favor of what, exactly?"

"Sleep?" Peters suggests.

"It's a good idea, Ma'am," you say. "Which I'll get to after we're done here."

"Good," she says. "No sense in having my people go around the bend from lack of sleep." She leans back in her chair, and has a genuine smile on her face. "So before we continue further: a job well done, Major. You've done quite well for yourself out there."

"Don't give me that, Ma'am," you say quickly. "Captain Sasaki and the folks on ground did everything worth praising."

"And all you had to do was stonewall me for an hour," Peters says with a smirk.

"If it let them work without pressure, sure," you shrug. "As it is, they recovered a lot. And I'm going to let them sleep it off for one more day before I start really digging into what exactly we found out there."

An image of 'Bandit' appears in the corner of the sat-link. 'Cavalier' appears in another. "You are sitting on a hot commodity, Major," Peters says conversationally. "Between you, me, and your away team, no one knows we have recovered a wounded Kausen. Much less actually fighting off a hostile one."

"Again-"

"Just shut up and take credit when it's offered, Major. Feel free to offload it onto your subordinates after the conversation, hmm?"

It's a fair point, so you dutifully shut up.

"So I don't feel terribly bad for rerouting some resources your way," she says. "It's a pittance compared to what you spent to make this mission possible, but I can guarantee you that come the New Year I am going to be able to justify sending you much more."

"Understood, Ma'am," you say as you down the last cup of coffee. "Pending further questions, we'll get to work."

"Please get rid of the leaning tower of cafe behind you. It's unseemly."

Available Resource Points: 11 RP - 5 RP (Deployment) = 6 RP+ 2 RP (Re-Routed Resources) = 8 RP

Available Supercomputer AI Personalities: 1

Special Actions

[] Trauma Center – You have a Kausen under your custody who is in severe condition. You also have an ally of the Kausen – an FRC Cadet – who definitely knows a hell of a lot more about how to treat the Kausen than you do. From what little you have been able to glean so far, the Kausen can, if given time and security, slowly repair themselves similarly to how the human body does.

You aren't too keen to wait. You have a lot of questions. And this 'Cavalier' might have some of the answers.
Cost: 3 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Chance for effective accelerated healing/repairs at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Accelerates healing of Cavalier, Leads into Interlude, ???
Exception: 'Katarina's Support' May Be Applied!

[] Xenotech – Sam is quite excited to look at the salvage you managed to bring in. He fully admits that it's not exactly his field – ESP and kaiju biotechnology don't exactly mesh with alien physics – but he has a solution for that in mind. For now, he can start examining the thing and start making observations, at least until he can reach out to someone who's willing to sign on for long-term.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turn
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)

Defense Force Actions

[] Official Debrief – CDT Satsuma – Apparently Jessica Satsuma has known of a new faction of Kausen for quite some time. For whatever reasons, she has kept quiet about it, but she seems to strongly trust the injured Kausen.

She was also just extracted from a high intensity operation in the middle of a warzone. And she needs to be debriefed. So soon after the operation, now is the best time.
Cost: 1 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain additional information on the Kausen

[] Eye in the Sky – The dropship was really handy to have in this operation. It's a shame you had to give back the Gagarin, though it's understandable. But Sasaki is now inspired. Could we modify the Stork-class to overcome the setbacks it faced at Grand Coulee? If not the Stork-class, is it at all feasible to make our own?

Cost: 4 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress in Aviation, Gain ?? Blueprints

[] Lessons Learned – The Grand Coulee relief effort was a major first for your organization in a lot of different ways. There really isn't much else to say in this regard: Sasaki wants to put together an official study documenting everything that was observed, seen, acted upon.

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Develops Combat Support Options for Battle Deployments, Unlocks New Actions

[] Tactical Options – The Jackal and the Timberwolf Formation have proven themselves. But their options were limited, given that the Engineers and the Scientists are still playing catchup.

Sasaki doesn't think that's a proper excuse for not coming up with new options with what we have available now.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Develops new Attacks, Actions for Timberwolf

[] Expansion - Motor Pool - Sasaki is very happy with your current capabilities. But she is not one to rest content on her laurels. As unorthodox as the Duo's designs are, the Coyote prototype plans she sees is enough to convince her of the merits of Variable Configuration.

She wants to kill two birds with one stone. She wants to requisition from Unity Station armored personnel carriers. This is both to gain even greater protection and firepower for the regular patrols, and to give Wilde and Henry something else to try configuring.

That, and she really wants to see a configuring armored personnel carrier. Is that too much to ask?

Cost: 3 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Progress to Security Net, Progress to Variable Configuration
Unlocks New Actions

[] Fact Hunt – You have recently gained a lot of goodwill in certain circles. BG Peters still doesn't want you to stick your head out necessarily, but a few people of note – particularly in the FRC – have expressed an interest in extending an official liaison with your organization. Peters assures you that there is no rush; people remember when you do good by them it seems.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain New Contacts, Unlocks New Actions

Engineering Actions

'Katarina's Support!' – You may add +1d6 to an Engineering Action ONCE THIS TURN. Refreshes for next turn!

LOCKED – AI Supercomputer Advisers – The New Help! - Sam's new assistant will have fully developed and have absorbed the education packets Sam has provided by the end of the month. Katarina and Ignatov hinted that it would probably be for the best if you were to attend the AI's formal entry into the team.
Duration: 1 Turn
Progress to Supercomputer AI

LOCKED - What is Dakka? And Why Don't We Have Enough? – Strange references from Ignatov aside, the Engineers bring up a good point. Your Mecha are still using weapons meant for infantry engagements. Henry is confident that the Jackal and the Hound (when it's finished) could handle the strain of better firepower, but so far you've been modifying existing weapons to a frame that was never meant for them. You have nothing against using existing ammunition – the logistician within you sings at the streamlining – but taking advantage of the Jackal's unique traits is a must.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Unlocks Mecha-Scale Weapons, Progress in Mecha-Scale Weapons

[] Variable Configuration: Change! – The Timberwolf Formation proved something: it was pretty damned tough, and mostly laughed off whatever Bandit threw at it. However, you do have three configurable vehicles and/or Mecha. Could you make them all combine? There doesn't seem to be any damned reason as to why not.

Wilde and Henry, after witnessing the Timberwolf in action, want to add even more if they can get away with it.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Progress to Combinable Configuration
Unlocks new Formation (Write-In Name)

[] Hell on Wheels – It's time to try expanding our horizons. Wilde and Henry have plenty to do as it is, but with the resources available from the motor pool, they think they can have a basic configurable prototype of a new vehicle ready to go in a month. With the Timberwolf having proven its mettle in such a convincing fashion, the Duo are ready to try experimenting.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Chance for Combinable Configuration mode (2d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Development of new Configurable Vehicle (Write-In)

[] Variable Configuration – Rescue Team – Wilde has been inspired by the rescue operation he was a part of the other week. The Coyotes did a passable job, but he wonders if he could create Variable Configuration vehicles tailor made for the job. With your warming relations with the FRC as it is, you could even give the prototypes to the FRC and have them be the first to field-test them.

These would be simpler machines, but giving their primary mission even just one more tool to their arsenal would go a long way. Naturally, you would also retain some for your own use.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Gain new vehicles/Mecha, Rescue/First Response Operations

[] AI Supercomputer – Networking – Katarina is really eager to get started on helping out the rest of the facility. But that said, you're going to want to ease the majority of people into the idea that yes, you have an intelligent AI as their neighbor, and no, she doesn't have an inexplicable urge to kill everyone. She's actually quite bubbly and cheerful. Still, best to take this slow and steady.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Progress to Supercomputer AI
Expands 'Katarina's Support' to Defense Force and Science Actions. Bonus still only applies ONCE per turn.

[] AI Supercomputer Advisers – The New Help! – You have two basic Supercomputer AI personalities hanging around. They're turning out to be just as curious as Katarina was, albeit in a much more limited capacity…but limited in this context means comparing Albert Einstein or Werner von Braun to the winner of your local Science Fair. They seem to want to help, you'd love for them to help. But how exactly?

You may only choose ONE this turn. Each action shares the same cost and duration.

- [] Defense Force Coordinator – You could slowly introduce one of the AI personalities to helping out as an assistant to Sasaki. She would appreciate the help and would help develop new ideas as well as assist her in managing the crazy crowd of cats called the DFRI.

- [] Engineering Coordinator – Though Katarina herself is filling this role currently, she sees herself as Dr. Ignatov's student and assistant first. One of the personalities could be detached to help the Duo with designs and construction, while also extending help indirectly to Ignatov's team.
Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Progress to Supercomputer AI
Introduces New Adviser/Assistant in Science Category. Will Roll for Trait.

[] Supercomputer AI Mecha Pilot – This one is suggested by 1LT Callaghan. They would be operating independently and would effectively become the mecha frame they are installed into. They would be outfitted with an extremely powerful wireless link in touch with the central mainframe of the DFRI's networks, so they would be able to escape destruction (if somewhat frazzled). He suggests installing the AI personality into the customized Jackal while he changes gears and learns how to pilot the TMU.

This is somewhat delicate, and you would have to create additional facilities and services to accommodate what is effectively an entirely new demographic, so this will require more time and resources. But the AI would be much more capable of actions the human brain simply isn't.

NOTE: If you choose this option, you cannot choose AI Supercomputer Advisers!!!

Cost: 2 (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Gain new Pilot Candidate, Unlocks New Actions

Science Actions

LOCKED - Kaiju Biotech – Kaiju Valley – So you've discovered that by keeping a kaiju sample on ice for almost a year, you can eliminate the self-destruct mechanisms of a kaiju sample. Assuming it's roughly the same size as the one you found. The facilities are ideal enough that Sam thinks he can start a growth facility for the sample.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 1 Turn
Progress to Kaiju Biotech Theory, Reduce Duration of all Kaiju Biotech Actions by 1 (cannot reduce below 1 Turn)
Construction of Kaiju Biotech Growth Facilities

[] ESP - Harder, Better, Faster, Smarter - "Sam here. Here's another question me and the boys have been thinking about. Psychic powers are pretty cool. Just by themselves, they let us do things no one else has been able to, and probably won't be able to naturally for a few more centuries at least.

"But does psychic powers do anything else for you? Could someone theoretically become tougher or stronger or stronger-tougher (or tougher-stronger, depending on your preferences)? No clue. But we'd like to find out."

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 4 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough (2d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress to Advanced ESP Theory, Unlocks Actions

[] All the Mind is a Stage – "And we are merely players! Sam here; we weren't able to make any headway with the psychic theater phenomenon last month, but that's no excuse for us to laze around on our asses and not give it the ol' college try! The pilots recovered with no recordable side effects, we know how it happened originally, we just don't know if we can purposefully recreate or harness the phenomenon."

"We're going to fix that."

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough (2d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress to Advanced ESP Theory, Unlocks Actions

[] ESP – I'm the Mechanical Man – This is a joint venture with Dr. Ignatov. The MMI works, but can you design and create a computer operating system specifically designed to work with the human brain's psychic signals? This is all very theoretical, and both Sam and Ignatov are working at a huge disadvantage. As usual, they are breaking new ground, so temper expectations as such.

Cost: 3 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6); Chance to reduce Locked RP by 1
Progress to Advanced ESP, Progress to Supercomputer AI

[] Kaiju Biotechnology – A Natural Fit – Sam is intrigued that Kaiju tissue doesn't like it when you try to force it into a form it's not familiar with. You can do it, but it's a bit time consuming. So he's going to figure out what it will roll with, and what it will fight against.

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6); Chance to Unlock New Engineering Options

[] Little Help? – Sam brings up a good point to you. He is going to eventually need to reach out to additional experts to join his team, since you're running into all sorts of science that isn't exactly his field. You're okay with this, Sam has become a much better manager of people in the last year. But the question remains who and how.

Sam wants to reach out to some old friends in the academic establishment. If you give him the resources and time, he can bring one of your choice (after Sasaki has fully vetted them) to the DFRI.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain new Scientific Field, Unveiled by Interlude

Basarin · May 25, 2018

Special Action

Trauma Center – You have a Kausen under your custody who is in severe condition. You also have an ally of the Kausen – an FRC Cadet – who definitely knows a hell of a lot more about how to treat the Kausen than you do. From what little you have been able to glean so far, the Kausen can, if given time and security, slowly repair themselves similarly to how the human body does.

Chance for effective accelerated healing/repairs at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Accelerates healing of Cavalier, Leads into Interlude, ???
Exception: 'Katarina's Support' Has Been Applied!

Interlude to follow, "First Contact - Let's Try This Again..."

Defense Force Actions

[] Official Debrief – CDT Satsuma – Apparently Jessica Satsuma has known of a new faction of Kausen for quite some time. For whatever reasons, she has kept quiet about it, but she seems to strongly trust the injured Kausen.

She was also just extracted from a high intensity operation in the middle of a warzone. And she needs to be debriefed. So soon after the operation, now is the best time.
Cost: 1 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain additional information on the Kausen

Interlude to follow, "First Contact - Let's Try This Again..."

Lessons Learned – The Grand Coulee relief effort was a major first for your organization in a lot of different ways. There really isn't much else to say in this regard: Sasaki wants to put together an official study documenting everything that was observed, seen, acted upon.

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Develops Combat Support Options for Battle Deployments, Unlocks New Actions

1100, 3 November, A.D. 2070
Planning Center, Defense Force Barracks

Sasaki took about a day off. A single day.

She was right back into it after that.

"Figured I'd find you in here," you comment as you walk in, another cup of coffee in your hand. Someone (you're not sure who) decided that apparently it was more sanitary to give you a proper metal coffee cup. "Not taking the extra day?"

"One was enough," she shrugs. Her eyes have not diverted at all from the playback recordings from Grand Coulee. "While the memory is fresh, it's best to look back and see what worked."

You nod as you take a seat next to her, watching as Sasaki's hands continue to manipulate the holo-display. "What've you found so far?"

"So far? The obvious solutions at the moment," she says. Her face is a mask of concentration, only sparing enough attention to speak to you. "Local communications as provided by the Gagarin. The inability to rapidly deploy and rely on damaged road networks. The Timberwolf's limited offensive capabilities."

"All of which can be worked on," you point out mildly. "...you're focusing on outside factors again."

"Can you blame me?" she asks, just as mildly. "Much of the damage could have been contained or mitigated had the adjacent commands investigated earlier."

"...go ahead and log it," you sigh. "But focus on what we could have changed. Our decisions to investigate where and when we did, the capabilities of the TMUs, the Timberwolf...just don't beat yourself up over what we couldn't possibly have done anything about."

She nods, but her focus remains on the tactical readouts. You quietly depart, leaving her to her concentration.

Sasaki will have something in two months.

Engineering Actions

LOCKED – AI Supercomputer Advisers – The New Help! - Sam's new assistant will have fully developed and have absorbed the education packets Sam has provided by the end of the month. Katarina and Ignatov hinted that it would probably be for the best if you were to attend the AI's formal entry into the team.
Duration: 1 Turn
Progress to Supercomputer AI

0800, 10 November, A.D. 2070
Carlson Laboratories, Main Office

"Are we ready?" Sam asks.

"You asked me this question five times within the past ten minutes, Sam," Ignatov says wearily.

"He actually asked fifteen times within 10 minutes, forty seconds, Doctor!" Katarina says cheerfully.

Sam just glares at Katarina. "Did not."

"Did too!"

"Settle down, both of you," you sigh, "Or I turn this trip around and no one goes to the water park." Ignoring their reactions, you nod to Ignatov. "Just connect when you're ready."

Right as you say this, the command prompt appears in the main screen on Sam's monitor. "Well," Ignatov says, "No time like the present. Katarina, if you would? It is time to introduce your sibling to the world."

"On it!" The actual process is actually somewhat underwhelming. But that's likely because you are still comparing it to the rather dramatic means in which Katarina was brought into the world. "Aaaaaaand...there," Katarina announces. "The runtime has finished absorbing all data files Sam provided...and the avatar is just compiling it...herself," she corrects herself. "She'll be here in just-"

"I am here, sister," a new voice announces. Within moments, a new avatar appears on Sam's monitor.

"Welcome!" Katarina beams. "Have you chosen a name yet?"

"I..." The avatar tilts her head for a moment. "...Ivanna, I think."

"Welcome, Ivanna," Ignatov beams. "Welcome to the family that is the Defense Force Research Institute."

You also nod your head in greetings. "We're very glad you could join us, Ivanna," you say truthfully.

"Thank you, Major Devin," Ivanna says with a smile. Looks like she's already tapped into personnel recognition. Quick study. Turning her 'attention' to Sam, she says, "Dr. Carlson-"

"It's Sam, dammit," Sam says gruffly. "I don't stand on formality nonsense."

"But that is your title," Ivanna points out calmly.

"I know, don't care. Anyone wants it, diploma's in the back." Sam shakes his head. "Too much work to do as is!"

Ivanna pauses as she accesses Sam's files, permissions that were explicitly pre-approved before today. "Ah! Doctor Carlson, your attention is needed at Kaiju Vat #4..." She then blinks. "...there appears to be an argument over...'Black Sabbath vs. Judas Priest?'"

"What!? Well, c'mon, let's go!" Before any of you can react, Sam is already out of the office in a trail of dust and flying paperwork.

Ivanna blinks again, before she sighs. "Is he...always like this, sister?" she asks Katarina.

"Afraid so," Katarina smiles. "It'll be your job to keep him focused!"

"...oh dear."

New Science Adviser, 'Ivanna,' gained!
Calm - You may re-roll a failed Science Action ONCE each turn! Takes effect on Turn Twelve!

LOCKED - What is Dakka? And Why Don't We Have Enough? – Strange references from Ignatov aside, the Engineers bring up a good point. Your Mecha are still using weapons meant for infantry engagements. Henry is confident that the Jackal and the Hound (when it's finished) could handle the strain of better firepower, but so far you've been modifying existing weapons to a frame that was never meant for them. You have nothing against using existing ammunition – the logistician within you sings at the streamlining – but taking advantage of the Jackal's unique traits is a must.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Unlocks Mecha-Scale Weapons, Progress in Mecha-Scale Weapons

SFC Henry, having personally witnessed parts of the Timberwolf's debut, had something of a brainstorm. Mounting conventional weapons onto the Timberwolf was already effective, but it was just one option that could not be used all too often. And having seen that the Timberwolf could manage the weight it had safely, he sees that there are places for improvement.

That, and having joined Captain Sasaki in the after-battle analyses, placed a particular focus on the enemy Kausen, 'Bandit.' The focused energy charge grenade, the melee weapon, the arm-mounted cannons - those are all things Henry thinks we can use. Or at least, he thinks the ideas are sound.

The only issue is that very little in terms of existing human weapons are ever going to be quite right for the Timberwolf. The missile tubes, the Close Air Support cannon, those work...to a point. But they do not take advantage of what the Timberwolf brings to the table at all.

So Henry, with Wilde and Dr. Igantov, have gone back to the drawing board with fresh copies of the battle data. They are going back into all the little quirks and oddities that enables the Jackal, the Timberwolf, the TMU to even work.

Engine buildup causing ventilation issues? Wilde wants to see if they can put that to offensive use.

Leftover configuration hardpoints? Ignatov wants to have the TMUs deliver them mountable weapons mid-fight, they can just redesign a module or two for the job.

Need a reliable on-call melee weapon? Well, Henry is banking on the K-Class being readily available, but Sam (verified by Ivanna after checking the math) has promised those will be available.

Nothing concrete has emerged, but the trio are working like madmen. You expect good things.

Due to good rolls, new weapon designs unique to the Variable Configurations will be available at end of next turn!

Science Actions

LOCKED - Kaiju Biotech – Kaiju Valley – So you've discovered that by keeping a kaiju sample on ice for almost a year, you can eliminate the self-destruct mechanisms of a kaiju sample. Assuming it's roughly the same size as the one you found. The facilities are ideal enough that Sam thinks he can start a growth facility for the sample.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 1 Turn
Progress to Kaiju Biotech Theory, Reduce Duration of all Kaiju Biotech Actions by 1 (cannot reduce below 1 Turn)
Construction of Kaiju Biotech Growth Facilities

To be followed by Interlude, "Science Report: Carlson Laboratories, Kaiju Biotechnology Study #2"

Little Help? – Sam brings up a good point to you. He is going to eventually need to reach out to additional experts to join his team, since you're running into all sorts of science that isn't exactly his field. You're okay with this, Sam has become a much better manager of people in the last year. But the question remains who and how.

Sam wants to reach out to some old friends in the academic establishment. If you give him the resources and time, he can bring one of your choice (after Sasaki has fully vetted them) to the DFRI.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain new Scientific Field, Unveiled by Interlude Choice (to follow)

Basarin · May 25, 2018

2 November, A.D. 2070
Secure Barracks

Audio Log: De-Brief with CDT Satsuma, Jessica

CPT Sasaki: "Please state your name and rank, please."

CDT Satsuma: "Jessica Satsuma, Cadet, First Response Corps."

CPT Sasaki: "You were with the Fort Brenner garrison?"

CDT Satsuma: "Since January. It was part of training, before I go to the academy."

CPT Sasaki: "I see…alright. So, just to complete the official portion of this debriefing: I am Captain Sasaki of the Air Defense Corps, and Executive Officer of the Defense Force Research Institute. You are being debriefed regarding the Grand Coulee Dam and the Fort Brenner garrison. You may speak freely, but anything you say will be placed on official record."

<Pause>

CPT Sasaki: "Now, unofficially, we are a Secret-level clearance. We have more leeway over what is recorded and what is not for 'relevancy' to the mission."

CDT Satsuma: "So that means-?"

CPT Sasaki: "Anything you say that you know about the Kausen stays with this organization. No one else outside of our chain of command is in a 'need to know' status.

<Pause>

CPT Sasaki: "We are also just curious. How long have you known…'Cavalier'?"

CDT Satsuma: "Since August."

CPT Satsuma: "How did you meet him?"

CDT Satsuma: "We were part of an operation to help rebuild a power plant that was hit by the Kausen. I got separated when we were trying to reconnect some of the main power lines, the ground was unstable."

<Pause>

CDT Satsuma: "I literally landed on top of him. It was…uh, kind of a shock. To both of us."

CPT Sasaki: "I…see. What happened then?"

CDT Satsuma: "I was scared out of my wits! I mean, you would be too, Ma'am, I'm sure. You hear nothing about the Kausen except that they show up, they raid or loot something, and leave. They blow you up if you're unlucky…Cav wasn't like that, though. I mean, he was as shocked as I was that I landed on him."

"What the-!?"

"Eeek!"

Both red-lensed optics and green eyes stared at each other blankly as both parties came to grips with realizing this scenario was even happening. Jessica had literally bounced off of the Kausen's shoulder only to land on an open palm.

"…uh, are you okay?" the dark blue-colored giant asked.

Jessica blinked as she sat up. The face was metal, but it was moving like a real face. "I, uh, I mean…I'm okay. I think. Yeah, okay, I'm okay. How are you?" She was more than a little discombobulated at that point. And more than a little scared.

"…fine? I think?" The giant robot just stared at her, his head tilted somewhat. "…um, not to be rude? But how'd you even get here? I thought you rebuilder types were over-" he pointed a giant hand over the cliff-face, "-thataway."

"Before I say anything…why aren't you attacking me?"

"Why would I do that?" The Kausen's optics blacked out for a moment before lighting back up to a cheery red. It was almost like he was blinking. "You haven't been part of an ongoing civil war tearing my people apart while trying to raid a pre-spaceflight civilization, have you?"

That was an oddly specific question. "Uh, no?"

"Then we don't have a problem."

"Oh. Good."

Both parties just sat in silence for a minute, the awkward moment stretching further and further.

"…how are you speaking English?"

"Auto-translation software."

"That's cool. I have to speak into my phone and wait for a bit before the translation kicks in."

"…how do you put up with that? It's-"

"-really slow? I know. But it's the 'best thing on the market.' No one else's come up with anything better."

"That's a load of scrap."

"Tell me about it."

CDT Satsuma: "He was surprisingly chill about everything. He even got me back to my patrol, though he asked me not to tell anyone…I mean, that was fair. I didn't want him to just get cut up or anything."

CPT Sasaki: "How confident were you that he was not just trying to deceive you?"

CDT Satsuma: "Fairly sure. If he really wanted to set us up, he would have been asking about the base itself. Patrol routes, time schedules, all sorts of things. He never did."

CPT Sasaki: "Even if the possibility existed that he could try to hack into your communications?"

CDT Satsuma: "I'm a cadet, Ma'am. They don't trust me with anything remotely important."

CPT Sasaki: "…that is a fair point. I was there a long time ago."

CDT Satsuma: "I met him a few more times. And…we just got to talking. Told me about where he was from, what he was fighting for. He asked questions about Earth, but not things I was expecting. Like, he asked about things like, 'why do humans eat things growing from the ground?' Or 'why are your machines so clumsy?'"

CPT Sasaki: "You mean it was a general curiosity about…ourselves?"

CDT Satsuma: "Yeah."

CPT Sasaki: "Did you ever meet any of his allies?"

CDT Satsuma: "Another big guy…well, they're all kinda tall compared to us. Their leader, I think. They called him 'Galbinus.'"

CPT Sasaki: "What did he say to you?"

"So you are the one helping Cavalier with his scouting efforts," the green-clad giant said.

Jessica blinked as he knelt down to face her, though the size difference meant she was craning her neck to look up at him. "I…guess?"

"He means you're helping us to understand humans better, Jess," Cavalier said in an easy manner. "And how not to spook them or rile them up. We don't want any trouble with them."

"Indeed, we do not," the green mech said. His gold optics seemed to give the impression of being really, really tired. Exhausted, even.

But also determined to not simply roll over.

"I am Galbinus-R," the green giant said. "And I am grateful for your help."

"I, uh, I mean sure," Jessica said. She was confused. What help? "But I didn't do anyth-"

"You do not judge us." Galbinus shook his head. "You do not call us monsters out of hand. You speak with us. You educate us on human culture, norms…tastes." Jessica could hear Cavalier cough something behind Galbinus, but she couldn't hear, and Galbinus chose to ignore it. "You are taking a risk of faith with us…and that means so much more to us than you realize."

"So…does that mean there's another group that really is just trying to make trouble?" Jessica asks.

"They call themselves the 'Free Brothers,'" Cavalier says. She could practically see the quotation marks. "Led by a fragging gangster. Likes to call himself Tyrannous these days."

"'Tyrannous?'" Jessica raises an eyebrow. "That's just screaming 'I am a bad guy!' already."

"Tyrannous is a menace and a threat," Galbinus rumbled. "And it is our mission to stop him from damaging this world any further than he has." He emitted a small grating, rasping sound that Jessica had learned to equate as 'sighing' from her interactions with Cavalier. "So it is that I ask you for help. Though we can and will take the fight to the Free Brothers, we do not wish any confrontation with your Defense Forces. Any assistance you can provide would go a long way to helping us avoid unneeded damage."

4 November, A.D. 2070
Engineering Bay

"They rely on processed energy," Satsuma says briskly as Wilde and Henry roll in additional equipment. Ignatov and Sam are also present; the former is ensuring all the electronics are in working order, the latter because studying the Kausen later on will fall to his department. "They have a specific way of processing it, but they can generally get by on how we make it. Oil, electricity – you name it."

You stand near Ignatov as he enters a final command prompt, arms crossed in front of you. This particular warehouse in the Engineering Bay was specifically emptied out to make room for your rather large patient, and you and Ignatov are elevated pretty high up on a reinforced platform. "And how do we use that to help him?" you ask calmly.

"We hook it up to him like an IV bag," Wilde says through the radio. Manipulating some controls, a servo arm begins gently attaching a series of jumper cables to the Kausen's – you correct yourself, Kaus' – wrist. "Only problem is, we don't exactly have the right ratio of what's ideal for the Kausen as a whole. So we're kinda winging it, but we know enough that any kind of processed energy will help a bit."

"On station." Katarina's avatar appears and hovers dutifully near Ignatov. "I'll monitor the energy flow and adjust accordingly."

"We'll probably need it, Katarina," Henry says from his monitor. "You can adjust power flow much faster than we can."

"Flipping the switch!"

The room lights flicker temporarily as electricity fluctuates between the attached generator and Cavalier. "Steady…steady…" Wilde cautions. Cavalier's body jerks slightly from the injection of energy, but otherwise is remaining unconscious…or offline.

The wording with the Kausen is going to take some getting used to-you blink as you hear a higher pitched noise from the generators.

"No, no, nonono slow it down!" Jessica says frantically. "He's absorbing too much!"

"Is that bad!?" Wilde says incredulously as he tries to cap the flow.

"Yes! It's bad! Slow it down!"

"It's not us! He's trying to draw it in faster!"

"Standby." The flow abruptly plateaus, and the cables spark violently before the flow resumes a regularized flow. You can see from Ignatov's monitor that Cavalier's body – which is trying to draw energy at a faster rate – is actively being resisted by Katarina's efforts.

"…I don't know what you did, but that definitely worked," you comment.

"Cavalier's body looks to be trying to overload itself with energy to hasten its recovery," Katarina says, sounding somewhat distracted. Her avatar gives the appearance of frantically typing something on her own keyboard. If the situation wasn't what it was, you'd comment on that. "I don't want to risk either hurting him or overloading and blowing up something important…but I think I've got the right flow this time."

At that moment, the black slits where the eyes would be on Cavalier's face abruptly flare to life. Bright red optics slowly come into focus as the Kaus gives the sense of groggily coming to life. "…u….*zzzkrt*"

"Cav! You're okay!" Jessica cries out. The giant's head sharply turns to focus on Jessica, before visibly relaxing, all tension fading away. "You're safe, you're okay, alright? They're the ones who got you back online."

"Standby," Katarina says. "His voice system looks to be too damaged…I'm linking him to a local console. With your permission, Sir?"

"Granted," you agree. "Let's hear what he has to say."

Ten seconds later, a "SOUND ONLY" window appears on Ignatov's console. "…huh. This is different," the voice says. The voice sounds metallic and digital as you'd expect, but…also rather young. That you didn't expect. "What happened?"

Below you can see Wilde's platform moving closer to Cavalier's body, though not close enough that the equipment could pose a danger to either himself or Jessica. "It was Bandit," Jessica says grimly. "He got the jump on us. You remember?"

"…yeah, I do," the voice says in a low tone. You can see Cavalier's fists clench slightly. "Fragged me pretty good."

"What were you thinking!?" Jessica all but screams. "You could have died out there!"

"And leave you and the others alone with that creep? No chance, Jess," the voice says.

You find yourself nodding in agreement with Cavalier despite yourself. He sounded young, but he was thinking like a Soldier. "You are Cavalier?" you ask.

"…yeah? Who's asking?" the voice asks cautiously.

"Major Johnathan Devin, United States Army, Defense Force Research Institute," you say. You pause when you think about just how long-winded that's starting to get. "…and I'm now seriously wondering if I should even bother with a business card…anyway. We extracted you and Cadet Satsuma from Fort Brenner, near the Dam. You looked to be in a bad way."

"…heh. I'd say you should have seen the other mech, but you beat me to the punch, it looks like," the voice says ruefully. "I'm still kind of feeling out of it, but…thanks."

You simply nod. "I'd like to say 'welcome to Earth,' but this First Contact hasn't exactly gone the way anyone wanted it to."

"Yeah," the voice says with a chuckle. "None of us should even be here. But Tyrannous' goons are just trying to loot the place…we're trying to stop 'em with what we have."

"Take the time to recover," you encourage him. "But whenever you try to contact your leadership…we would like to be there. I ask this as a professional courtesy, and for security reasons."

"Secret lab, huh?" Cavalier's optics stare directly up at you, where they can see you simply shrug. "Heh. Fair enough, Sir. I'm honestly not going to be up for it for Metatrine knows how long. I'll be sure to let you know."

"That's all I can ask. We'll be asking you more questions, but we'll make sure you're kept in as good a shape as we can manage."

Gained Information on the Kausen! Gained additional information on Kausen factions!

Cavalier healed! Wounded, but on a fast road to recovery. Gained relations with Legio Galbinus!

New Actions Unlocked!

Took quite a while to get this one out, mainly due to lots of interruptions and things needing to be resolved. But here you go!

Science interlude to come either tomorrow or Sunday. Can't say which just yet. But here you are!

Basarin · May 26, 2018

"Sam here! We are proud to report that we are now in the kaiju-lite development business!"

An image of a squat tin container with 'LITE' superimposed behind a chibi-kaiju flashes across the screen.

"…not quite like that, but it is getting close to lunchtime. Editor, take five-!"

*bzzt*

"Sam here! Proud to report that the Kaiju Tissue Growth Facilities are online and operational! We finally figured out enough of the details behind what encourages a kaiju to grow, and we're going to turn it to our use."

The images of kaiju samples all distributed along different stations. All of the tissue containment vats are floating in preservation liquid, and have wires injected in each of them. "These were all samples taken from the core sample, the one captured in Pusan back last year." A very diminished, but still intact, original sample is shown briefly. "Most of the past few months were figuring out what exactly caused the tissue to grow, now that we don't have to worry about it simply disintegrating."

"First option: Nutrient flow. It works, but it's slow. It's simply not something we have the time for, and Science waits for nothing!"

"SCIENCE!"

"Damned right. So we don't use that by itself and we use it in conjunction with our third method. I'll get to that later."

"Two: photosynthesis. Already wrote this off as a way to grow the kaiju samples, but turns out the genetic code just interprets that as wanting to soak up as much solar power as possible. This alone has some applications we can turn this to, but it's not something that'll grow a tissue sample. That, and I can finally stop the interns from trying to get a tan. Not on my clock you don't!"

"Three: power metal works." A panning view of the Kaiju Biotechnology Branch shows what are effectively nothing but giant speakers aimed both at the tissue samples and just positioned in general. Interns, researchers, and passing by EUDF personnel are simply bobbing their heads or mimicking air guitar motions as they work.

"Our initial theory about vibration physics stimulating the tissue held water. So at this point, we are just sticking heavy metal, punk rock, and everything in between and in context on non-stop shuffle repeat while also feeding the things nutrients. Sure as heck, we're getting an appreciable growth rate within acceptable levels. Our new test: does the genre of metal or rock actually matter? We'll find that out eventually…as soon as they can agree on the playlists."

"What does this mean besides causing schoolyard arguments over who's the better artist? It means that experimentation with K-Class anything is now viable. It's still going to be heavy on resources, but now we can do it a dramatically shorter timespan. Hate to say that John's gonna have to cough up some more resources coming in from Unity Station, but we already have a few ideas."

"K-Scale does not like it when you try to fashion it into something it doesn't want to be. So some new lines of inquiry are going to include: what do K-Class materials grow into naturally? What can we fashion out of it?"

"And I'm a little concerned, but just a bit. Some K-Class materials are already exhibiting additional properties on top of what we found out already. Some aren't just conducting electricity, now they're generating it. Heh, generating. Some are producing fire, some are…I have no idea, too early yet. But they look dangerous, they look destructive, and they look absolutely useful somehow to the Super Robot. So we're gonna keep on testing 'em."

"Sam Carlson, we're done here."

Construction of Kaiju Biotech Growth Facilities Complete!
K-Class Materials now much more plentiful (if still expensive)!
Reduce Duration of all Kaiju Biotech Actions by 1 (cannot reduce below 1 Turn)!
New Kaiju Biotechnology Actions Unlocked!
Sam Carlson, we're done here.

From: Carlson, Sam, Dr.
To: Devin, Johnathan, Major
Subject: Extra Help

Sam here. Just following up with you on getting extra hands for the science around here. Like we talked about earlier, I'm still the head honcho of science here, but I'm not too proud to admit when I'm running into something I don't know enough about.

Just check the ol' datafile below. I have a really good candidate, old friend of mine. The establishment'll tell you that they're off in the head, but they said that about me. So what do they know?

Note from Ivanna: Please disregard this, Sir. He does not mean it...I hope.

Just hit me up if you have any questions, but there's no doubt this is the one for the job. You want to decipher alien doohickeys? Look no further.

Sam Carlson,
We're Done Here

Who did Sam recommend? They all are qualified to, at the very least, start examining Bandit's leftover weapon in greater detail, but they all also have their own pet projects...something you may be able to incorporate for your use.

[] A scientist hailing from Zhejiang University in the People's Republic of China. He has raised eyebrows at his more unorthodox ideas...including his thesis on a parallel universe of exotic energies. Despite this, he has not been censured due to the sheer quality of his work.

Ivanna's Note: The idea is sound, if somewhat out of left field for most academicians. But given that sister and I exist, you are growing kaiju-tissue to empower transforming robots, and we are housing an alien life form in our facility, we do not have much room to doubt.

[] A researcher from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Her career up to this point has been fairly conventional, if non-innovative, and has a solid record...until recently. She is convinced that a new type of mineral yet to be classified is capable of producing a staggering amount of energy under certain conditions.

Ivanna's Note: Few records of this mineral exists, but the few references I could ascertain did not start appearing until a few years ago. This is perhaps a new phenomenon, but I am unsure if this is related to the threats we face or if they signify something else.

[] A professor from Humboldt University comes with incredibly mixed reviews. Sam naturally endorses her, but the establishment is not convinced that she has discovered an alien artifact of some sort. That said, she could do the job you're asking her to do easily enough.

Ivanna's Note: Very little has been published on the 'artifact' in question, likely because the professor in question is threatening bodily harm against the peers who 'mocked her, and oh yes they will pay.' ...I am afraid I am quoting verbatim, Sir.

Go ahead and vote for your choice of new professor. They will begin adding to your options.
The results of this mini-vote and the Turn Twelve vote will likely go up tomorrow.

Basarin · May 26, 2018

Turn Twelve

0700, 1 December, A.D. 2070
Carlson Laboratories, Main Office

Dr. Brand is…

…well, she was recommended by Sam. You're not entirely sure why you are surprised by the outcome.

"Sam!" a voice roars.

"Max!"

For some reason, your brain is suggesting that abject terror is the appropriate response to this exchange of greetings.

"You rascal!" A woman in a business suit walks up to Sam. "You never told me you hoodwinked someone into funding your research!"

"Well, now you can say the same! Your crazy expeditions finally came up with something!"

"'Crazy expeditions,' he says!" Huffing, the black-haired woman points a finger at Sam's head. "That is rich, coming from the man whose staff nearly ate kaiju tissue!"

"…that…that's actually still a problem," he mutters.

"…oh. Paul?"

"Yup."

You simply share a look with Ivanna's avatar. Only one month into the job, and she already looks like she's regretting her life choices. You manage to clear your throat. "Dr. Brand?" you ask.

"Max," she promptly says. "I prefer to be addressed as Max, or as Doktor Maximiliane Brand, thank you."

You inwardly sigh. You're not sure why you expected any different when you hired on someone from Sam's shortlist. "…Max, then," you manage to say. "I trust everything was brought over safely?"

"You would know more, Herr Major," she says flippantly. "But yes, my research, my staff, and my experimentation have made it safely under Defense Force escort." She pauses, you expect, for dramatic poise. "All but this. I carry this on my person."

Opening a briefcase, you see what looks to be…

"…what am I looking at?" you ask.

"The artifact," she says matter of factly. To you, it looks like nothing more than a ruby or red jewel…though it is unusually clear. "I have yet to actually conduct any experimentations on it, based on the fact that half of the faculty at Humboldt refused to acknowledge it, and the other half promptly tried to discredit it. I was forced to resort to explosives when the Westphalians made an attempt on it."

You blink at her. "Wait. What?"

"I assure you, Herr Major, I only used dynamite," she says. Good gods, you think she's genuine in thinking this is reassuring. "Plastique explosives were beyond my budget at the time."

"…just…do get yourself situated," you finally manage to say.

As you turn to leave, you see a message on your tablet.

"Sir. Why do we have two of them?"

You will answer Sasaki when you also find an answer.

At least BG Peters was able to divert some resources your way for a month.

Resource Points Income: 11 RP + 2 RP (Landing Pad) +2 RP (Discretionary Resources, BG Peters) - 2 (More Dakka, Lessons Learned)

Special Actions

[] Xenotech – This is the primary reason you agreed to bring on additional help (and call you a fool if you don't think Peters allowed this on purpose), and Max is quite eager to begin looking into Bandit's rifle. She proclaims loudly that 'the oceans shall part, angels shall weep, and…oh, you just wanted an analysis? Fine."

You wonder how long it will take to drive you to drink.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turn
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, +1d6 (Self-Proclaimed Xenotechnology Expert), Threshold of 5-6)

[] Initiate Communications – You'll need to get clearance from BG Peters, but that should not be too difficult. Cavalier is recovering at an acceptably fast rate according to Satsuma, and is willing to send out a secure transmission to his leaders. No binding agreements, no promises, no disclosure of your location. Just assurances that Cavalier and Satsuma are fine, and that you are willing to talk.

Cost: 2 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Chance for Increased Relations with Kausen faction (2d6, Threshold of 5-6), Unlocks New Actions

Defense Force Actions

LOCKED - Lessons Learned – The Grand Coulee relief effort was a major first for your organization in a lot of different ways. There really isn't much else to say in this regard: Sasaki wants to put together an official study documenting everything that was observed, seen, acted upon.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Develops Combat Support Options for Battle Deployments, Unlocks New Actions

[] Acclimatization – Cavalier – Cavalier is now up and about, though his access to the base is by necessity somewhat restricted (he is thankfully quite understanding about this). Sasaki suggested giving him access to the Proving Grounds and letting him compete with the pilots under strict supervision. It would let him stretch his limbs and allow him to adjust being around humans who do not want to shoot him at first sight. In turn, it would also allow you to gather some data about a (friendly) individual Kaus.

Cost: 3 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain Additional Data on the Kausen

[] Tactical Options – Mecha Doctrine – The Jackal and the Timberwolf Formation have proven themselves. But their options were limited, given that the Engineers and the Scientists are still playing catchup.

Sasaki doesn't think that's a proper excuse for not coming up with new options with what we have available now. The EUDF now has their own giant stompy robots (albeit very early models). Now is the perfect time to start looking into options before anyone can get a chance to become set in their ways.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Develops new Attacks, Actions for Timberwolf

[] Aviation – TMUs – The TMUs saw their first live combat at Grand Coulee, but it's not a familiar craft to the pilots. Sasaki wants to fix this. By the time she is done, she wants to see the TMUs become a familiar and relied upon part of the arsenal. Working with the Engineers, she wants to develop new options for the TMUs beyond simply relying on the one-shot nature the Longship configurations played out as.

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Develops New Attack Options in Deployments for TMUs

[] Expansion - Motor Pool - Sasaki is very happy with your current capabilities. But she is not one to rest content on her laurels. As unorthodox as the Duo's designs are, the Coyote prototype plans she sees is enough to convince her of the merits of Variable Configuration.

She wants to kill two birds with one stone. She wants to requisition from Unity Station armored personnel carriers. This is both to gain even greater protection and firepower for the regular patrols, and to give Wilde and Henry something else to try configuring.

That, and she really wants to see a configuring armored personnel carrier. Is that too much to ask?

Cost: 3 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Progress to Security Net, Progress to Variable Configuration
Unlocks New Actions

[] Fact Hunt – You have recently gained a lot of goodwill in certain circles. BG Peters still doesn't want you to stick your head out necessarily, but a few people of note – particularly in the FRC – have expressed an interest in extending an official liaison with your organization. Peters assures you that there is no rush; people remember when you do good by them it seems.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Gain New Contacts, Unlocks New Actions

Engineering Actions

Passive Bonus - 'Katarina's Support!' – You may add +1d6 to an Engineering Action ONCE THIS TURN. Refreshes for next turn!

Katarina: Hi, Commandant! Um, so please do not be alarmed. But it looks like that additional code structures are forming in the original servers somehow. Short term, that means that you will have rambunctious code running around again. Long term, that means that you may get potential personalities.

That said…we still have one who's really kind of eager to do something, and I wouldn't expect any more for a few months. I'll let you know if something happens!

Lowers threshold of One Engineering Action success to 3-6. Must be used this turn! Any additional Engineering Actions taken beyond applied bonus must meet regular 5-6 threshold.

LOCKED - What is Dakka? And Why Don't We Have Enough? – Strange references from Ignatov aside, the Engineers bring up a good point. Your Mecha are still using weapons meant for infantry engagements. Henry is confident that the Jackal and the Hound (when it's finished) could handle the strain of better firepower, but so far you've been modifying existing weapons to a frame that was never meant for them. You have nothing against using existing ammunition – the logistician within you sings at the streamlining – but taking advantage of the Jackal's unique traits is a must.
Cost: 1 RP Locked
Duration: 1 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Unlocks Mecha-Scale Weapons, Progress in Mecha-Scale Weapons

[] Variable Configuration: Change! – The Timberwolf Formation proved something: it was pretty damned tough, and mostly laughed off whatever Bandit threw at it. However, you do have three configurable vehicles and/or Mecha. Could you make them all combine? There doesn't seem to be any damned reason as to why not.

Wilde and Henry, after witnessing the Timberwolf in action, want to add even more if they can get away with it.

Cost: 4 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Progress to Combinable Configuration
Unlocks new Formation (Write-In Name)

[] Hell on Wheels – It's time to try expanding our horizons. Wilde and Henry have plenty to do as it is, but with the resources available from the motor pool, they think they can have a basic configurable prototype of a new vehicle ready to go in a month. With the Timberwolf having proven its mettle in such a convincing fashion, the Duo are ready to try experimenting.

Cost: 3 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Chance for Combinable Configuration mode (2d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Development of new Configurable Vehicle (Write-In)

[] Variable Configuration – Rescue Team – Wilde has been inspired by the rescue operation he was a part of the other week. The Coyotes did a passable job, but he wonders if he could create Variable Configuration vehicles tailor made for the job. With your warming relations with the FRC as it is, you could even give the prototypes to the FRC and have them be the first to field-test them.

These would be simpler machines, but giving their primary mission even just one more tool to their arsenal would go a long way. Naturally, you would also retain some for your own use.

Cost: 3 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Gain new vehicles/Mecha, Rescue/First Response Operations

[] K-Class Materials – Scale Armor Tests – You have K-Class materials, and until Sam can find a way around it, it does not like it when you force it into being something too artificial (the irony is not lost on Wilde or Henry). Still, they decided to roll with it; they want to try layering kaiju armored scales (hence referred to as K-Scales) into a sort of mesh layer between the armor and the internal workings.

They have no idea if this will work. This is just to see if this can even be done.

Cost: 4 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress in K-Class Materials, Chance for New Jackal/Timberwolf Upgrades
Unlocks New Actions

[] K-Class Materials – An Outside Factor – Sam noticed that the tissue responds to outside stimuli, including some left over tissue samples that apparently decided to do all sorts of strange things. Such as become frictionless material, conducting electricity, or emitting fire. Wilde and Henry have their share of the samples, they have the math as provided by Ivanna. Now they have to figure out if they can do anything with this.

Cost: 4 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress in K-Class Materials, Chance for New Jackal/Timberwolf Upgrades
Unlocks New Actions

[] AI Supercomputer – Networking – Katarina is really eager to get started on helping out the rest of the facility. But that said, you're going to want to ease the majority of people into the idea that yes, you have an intelligent AI as their neighbor, and no, she doesn't have an inexplicable urge to kill everyone. She's actually quite bubbly and cheerful. Still, best to take this slow and steady.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Progress to Supercomputer AI
Expands 'Katarina's Support' to Defense Force and Science Actions. Bonus still only applies ONCE per turn.

[] AI Supercomputer Advisers – The New Help! – You have two basic Supercomputer AI personalities hanging around. They're turning out to be just as curious as Katarina was, albeit in a much more limited capacity…but limited in this context means comparing Albert Einstein or Werner von Braun to the winner of your local Science Fair. They seem to want to help, you'd love for them to help. But how exactly?

You may only choose ONE this turn. Each action shares the same cost and duration.

- [] Defense Force Coordinator – You could slowly introduce one of the AI personalities to helping out as an assistant to Sasaki. She would appreciate the help and would help develop new ideas as well as assist her in managing the crazy crowd of cats called the DFRI.

- [] Engineering Coordinator – Though Katarina herself is filling this role currently, she sees herself as Dr. Ignatov's student and assistant first. One of the personalities could be detached to help the Duo with designs and construction, while also extending help indirectly to Ignatov's team.
Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Progress to Supercomputer AI
Introduces New Adviser/Assistant in Science Category. Will Roll for Trait.

[] Supercomputer AI Mecha Pilot – This one is suggested by 1LT Callaghan. They would be operating independently and would effectively become the mecha frame they are installed into. They would be outfitted with an extremely powerful wireless link in touch with the central mainframe of the DFRI's networks, so they would be able to escape destruction (if somewhat frazzled). He suggests installing the AI personality into the customized Jackal while he changes gears and learns how to pilot the TMU.

This is somewhat delicate, and you would have to create additional facilities and services to accommodate what is effectively an entirely new demographic, so this will require more time and resources. But the AI would be much more capable of actions the human brain simply isn't.

NOTE: If you choose this option, you cannot choose AI Supercomputer Advisers!!!

Cost: 2 (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Gain new Pilot Candidate, Unlocks New Actions

Science Actions

Calm: You may re-roll one failed Science Action Test this turn.

[] ESP - Harder, Better, Faster, Smarter - "Sam here. Here's another question me and the boys have been thinking about. Psychic powers are pretty cool. Just by themselves, they let us do things no one else has been able to, and probably won't be able to naturally for a few more centuries at least.

"But does psychic powers do anything else for you? Could someone theoretically become tougher or stronger or stronger-tougher (or tougher-stronger, depending on your preferences)? No clue. But we'd like to find out."

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 4 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough (2d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress to Advanced ESP Theory, Unlocks Actions

[] ESP - All the Mind is a Stage – "And we are merely players! Sam here; we weren't able to make any headway with the psychic theater phenomenon last month, but that's no excuse for us to laze around on our asses and not give it the ol' college try! The pilots recovered with no recordable side effects, we know how it happened originally, we just don't know if we can purposefully recreate or harness the phenomenon."

"We're going to fix that."

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough (2d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Progress to Advanced ESP Theory, Unlocks Actions

[] ESP – I'm the Mechanical Man – This is a joint venture with Dr. Ignatov. The MMI works, but can you design and create a computer operating system specifically designed to work with the human brain's psychic signals? This is all very theoretical, and both Sam and Ignatov are working at a huge disadvantage. As usual, they are breaking new ground, so temper expectations as such.

Cost: 3 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6); Chance to reduce Locked RP by 1
Progress to Advanced ESP, Progress to Supercomputer AI

[] Kaiju Biotechnology – A Natural Fit – Sam is intrigued that Kaiju tissue doesn't like it when you try to force it into a form it's not familiar with. You can do it, but it's a bit time consuming. So he's going to figure out what it will roll with, and what it will fight against.

Cost: 3 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6); Chance to Unlock New Engineering Options

[] Mind And Matter – Sam has noticed something about the K-Class Materials. It reacts to outside stimuli, but reactions to machines operated by the MMI or exposure to directed psychic signals are inconsistent. This lack of consistency offends Sam. He wants to know why this is happening.

Cost: 3 RP (2 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 3 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough (2d6, Threshold of 5-6); Chance to Discover New Actions

[] This Goes to No Museum - Xenotechnology – You don't know what it is. Sam doesn't know what it is. Max sure as hell doesn't know what it is (if her story of high explosive debates are to be believed). But Ivanna has confirmed that the object is artificial in nature, and is emitting some kind of energy inconsistently. It isn't dangerous, and is in a solid containment unit in any case, but this is going to be a very long-term study.

Max is quite grateful (in her own way) for the support and funding. Mostly the funding. But the support is nice.

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 5 Turns
Observations of Alien (?) Artifact

Basarin · May 27, 2018

Special Actions

Xenotech – This is the primary reason you agreed to bring on additional help (and call you a fool if you don't think Peters allowed this on purpose), and Max is quite eager to begin looking into Bandit's rifle. She proclaims loudly that 'the oceans shall part, angels shall weep, and…oh, you just wanted an analysis? Fine."

You wonder how long it will take to drive you to drink.

Cost: 3 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turn
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, +1d6 (Self-Proclaimed Xenotechnology Expert), Threshold of 5-6)

1432, 7 December, A.D. 2040
Carlson Laboratories, Spare Lab

You hear laughing as you approach the laboratory building allocated for Bandit's rifle.

You aren't sure you ever wanted to associate that laugh with xenotechnological research.

You don't know what's going on, only that it's totally happening.

"Um, Commandant?"

"Yes, Katarina?" you sigh as you bravely make your way towards the analysis site. "What happened this time?"

"Nothing yet," Ivanna chips in, "Just Cavalier was asking what we were doing with Bandit's rifle."

"What did you tell him?" you ask.

"Only that we had a specialist studying it," Katarina replies. "He didn't poke any further, he just wanted us to know not to mess around too much with the power supply." She seems to shrug, even though this communication link is sound only.

"Knowing Dr. Brand, I doubt that will be a problem," Ivanna says dryly.

"Why?"

You stop as a large blast of energy roars out of the building and down into a nearby portion of the Proving Grounds.

"No, nononono," you hear Max's voice echo out from the building. "Depress the trigger slowly, like you are a tiger sneaking up on its prey! NOT as the camper desperately firing his pistol at a bear eyeing the picnic basket! Again!"

Instead of going for the door, you peek around the massive hole in the side of the building, all of which appears to have smoothened out somewhat. Inside, you see Bandit's rifle, in something of a state of minor disrepair and attached to all sorts of sensors and equipment.

And manning the rifle on a shoulder stock, and somehow looking utterly miserable even through the chassis of the Jackal, was Lieutenant Callaghan.

"Slowly this time!" Max demands from the gantries. "Slow and steady now. If we want to determine the exact energy properties of the Kausen weapon, we need consistent data. CONSISTENT DATA!"

"…I suppose that answers the question of if the Mecha can use these weapons," you sigh. "Ivanna, please tell me she at least has reports ready."

"…I can make it so?" Ivanna suggests.

"Thank you."

Breakthrough achieved in energy composition of Kausen weapons! Energy Weapon Actions Discovered; will be folded into New Actions next turn.

Initiate Communications – You'll need to get clearance from BG Peters, but that should not be too difficult. Cavalier is recovering at an acceptably fast rate according to Satsuma, and is willing to send out a secure transmission to his leaders. No binding agreements, no promises, no disclosure of your location. Just assurances that Cavalier and Satsuma are fine, and that you are willing to talk.

Cost: 2 RP (1 RP Locked Next Turn, Modified by QM)
Duration: 3 Turns
Chance for Increased Relations with Kausen faction (2d6, Threshold of 5-6), Unlocks New Actions

"How are you so okay with this?" Jess asked Cavalier as engineers scurried around to set up equipment around the Kaus.

"Operational security, Jess," Cavalier grunted. "I don't blame your boss one packet for being so cagey about where this place is located. After that big warform stomped all over Bandit?" The Kaus had a big grin on his face as the memory passed through his optics again. "Heheh. Yeah. I'd want to keep this place off the grid too."

"We don't mean any insult, Cavalier." A nearby monitor displayed the avatar of the on-base AI, Katarina. "But besides your enemies, the Earth Union is also facing threats from other fronts. Any number of them would literally kill just to know you were here, let alone everything else that goes on around here."

"Like I said, miss, I'm fine with it." Cavalier wanted to shrug, but he realized that human electronics were probably fragile enough that he might snap something important just doing that. Resisting the impulse, he asked, "So...how do we do this?"

"We are attaching you to a shaped communications buoy," Katarina explained. One of the humans, a taciturn, quiet fellow who habitually wore a black hat of some kind wherever he went, attached one final radar dish to Cavalier's shoulder. "It will allow two-way communication through your regular channels, but it will obscure the actual location of the base."

"That's fine," Cavalier says. "I just need to let Galbinus know Jess and I are okay."

"You're just about ready?" a new voice asked. Looking down, Cavalier could see the diminutive (well, they all were) form of Major Devin. Cavalier didn't mind this human so much, even with the caution. He had a similar enough gait to Galbinus; too much to do, not enough time or shards to do it, but the expectations that he'd do it all anyway. Somehow.

"Yessir," he acknowledged. Watching as the officer accepted a pair of headphones linked to the apparatus, he said, "Just...let me talk to him first. I don't want him alarmed or nothing."

"Understandable," he agreed. Major Devin took another headset and gave it to Jess. "Better that you and Cadet Satsuma talk to him first. I'm still an unknown as far as he's concerned."

Cavalier nodded. He could appreciate that. "You can begin when ready, Cavalier!" Katarina said.

<ERROR, LOCALE UNKNOWN>

"...whoah, whoah, hang on," Hotwire said. "Getting a friendly comms request...hey! It's Cav!"

"You're certain?" Patch demanded. Before long, a small crowd of Legionnaires were crowding around the command console.

"Yeah, it's hi-everyone shaddup already!" Hotwire shouted irritably. "Cav, where the depths have you been? We were worried rusted!"

"Yeah, sorry about that," the young mech replied. "It's a long story, and I need to talk to Galbinus. But Jess and I are okay. Friendly humans other than her actually patched me up."

"Friendly humans?" Hotwire just gaped at the console.

"Hotwire," a familiar deep voice rumbled behind him. "Allow me."

Admin control immediately passed to the large leader. "Cavalier. Are you operational?"

"Mostly green, bit of yellow, Sir," the scout replied. "I didn't mean to worry you, but after the last rumble with Tyrannous, Bandit split off to try and rob Brenner..." He sighed over the comms. "He mostly got away with it too."

Whatever Galbinus was thinking, Hotwire would never know. But the stoic mech betrayed nothing that crossed his mind. "Nevermind that. What about Jessica?"

"Here, Galbinus," the human chimed in. "And we can't exactly say where we are. Just that we're in a project with the Defense Force. They were the ones who helped out Cav, fixed him up after his fight."

"Don't salt coat it or anything, Jess, sheesh," Cavalier grumbled.

"Sugar. Sugar coated."

"Whatever, you know what I meant."

"...I see," Galbinus said. Most mechs, Hotwire included, learned long ago to filter out the weird conversations that those two held from time to time. "Operational security?"

"Got it in one, Sir," Cavalier replied. "...their boss, he wants to talk to you. He knows not all Kausen are going off of the same server hub. But he wants to know for sure."

Galbinus paused, for just a moment. "...patch him in," he said slowly. "If the humans are willing to talk peacefully, I am willing to listen."

A moment later, an unfamiliar voice spoke. "I am Major Johnathan Devin, Defense Force Research Institute," the voice introduced himself. "I have authorization from my superiors to speak with you."

"Well met, Major Devin," Galbinus said. "I am Galbinus-R, commander of Legio Galbinus. Though I would wish to offer you a message of peace...it appears we are somewhat late for that."

"I wouldn't be so sure." The voice sounded amused, but also respectful. "We found Cavalier doing his damned best trying to protect our people. No, Cavalier, let me say this. We brought him to our base to fix him up. He looks mostly fine, he says he's fine. We don't know for sure. But treating him is the least we could do for him. And it's also why we even have this chance to talk."

"Then it would behoove us to establish a more permanent line of communications," Galbinus proposed. Hotwire abruptly realized that there was a large crowd of Kausen just observing the conversation in varying states of wonder and shock. He could relate; he'd never thought he'd see the time they'd talk peacefully with anyone not Jessica. "We are not here by choice, and some of our own are abusing their position and technology at your expense. Anything we can do to help each other to deter their ways could only benefit us."

"No arguments from me. I'll see what we can do to meet you halfway on being able to talk."

Communications established with Galbinus-R, Legio Galbinus! Positive reception.
Actions within Initiate Communications Unlocked!

Defense Force Actions

LOCKED - Lessons Learned – The Grand Coulee relief effort was a major first for your organization in a lot of different ways. There really isn't much else to say in this regard: Sasaki wants to put together an official study documenting everything that was observed, seen, acted upon.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Develops Combat Support Options for Battle Deployments, Unlocks New Actions Within

Tactical Options – Mecha Doctrine – The Jackal and the Timberwolf Formation have proven themselves. But their options were limited, given that the Engineers and the Scientists are still playing catchup.

Sasaki doesn't think that's a proper excuse for not coming up with new options with what we have available now. The EUDF now has their own giant stompy robots (albeit very early models). Now is the perfect time to start looking into options before anyone can get a chance to become set in their ways.

Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 1 Turn
Develops new Attacks, Actions for Timberwolf

Tactical Analysis (excerpts)

The subject of this study is an emphasis on the tactical decisions made throughout combat. The wider decisions made – investigation of the Grand Coulee Dam's damage, dispatching the Third Reconnaissance to aid in search and rescue – those are not the subject of discussion. The focus of discussion is placed on the recorded combat engagement between Lieutenant Callaghan and the Kaus identified as Bandit…

…the element of surprise was greatly capitalized on, compounded by the swift and prompt deployment of heavy weapons. Though heavy weapons are recorded as inflicting a reasonable amount of damage against individual Kaus, it should be kept in mind that Bandit was overly distracted and was not fully committed to battle…

…it is noted that the Timberwolf was theoretically vulnerable to enemy attack during configuration. Though it thankfully suffered negligible damage, the possibility remains…

…outside of melee strikes and heavy weapons facing lengthy automated reloading times, the Timberwolf lacks any offensive capabilities. This is being rectified by the Engineers. But despite its impressive armor and redundant systems, the Timberwolf has few options…

…the TMU "Longship" close air support configuration lacked any options outside of missile strikes. The question will arise as to what specific sort of role the TMUs are likely to be assigned to in the future. If we wish for offensive options that will linger before returning to rearm, the impacts are likely to be lessened, but staying the course as is for an even greater impact will likely increase rearmament time…

...the use of a core Super Robot combatant backed by combat support units appears to have been effective. It is recommended that future engagements present a strong and threatening presence such as the Timberwolf as the center of gravity for all future engagements, all the while backed by air and ground support assets...

New Actions to be unlocked under new options at the end of next turn

Deployment options for future engagements now standardized. Gain new Attack options for the Timberwolf, gain RP discounts for future engagements due to standardization of practice.

Engineering Actions

LOCKED - What is Dakka? And Why Don't We Have Enough? – Strange references from Ignatov aside, the Engineers bring up a good point. Your Mecha are still using weapons meant for infantry engagements. Henry is confident that the Jackal and the Hound (when it's finished) could handle the strain of better firepower, but so far you've been modifying existing weapons to a frame that was never meant for them. You have nothing against using existing ammunition – the logistician within you sings at the streamlining – but taking advantage of the Jackal's unique traits is a must.

Cost: 1 RP Locked (1 RP Locked Next Turn)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6)
Unlocks Mecha-Scale Weapons, Progress in Mecha-Scale Weapons

The Timberwolf was full of glitches. Errors. Quirks. You knew this, and so did Sasaki when she knowingly deployed it. To everyone's relief, it worked.

But quirks remained.

The engines were in some cases too efficient, and produced more energy than the Timberwolf was at times capable of using. This led to periods of heightened ventilation. Potent enough that it could be used as a form of weapon in itself, but not consistent enough to do it properly.

There were also leftover hardpoints, some having been left behind with the TMU in mind. And there were needs for a more reliable melee weapon.

Ignatov, Wilde and Henry decided these could be turned into strengths.

The cast-off solar cells from Sam's department were studied, and it was quickly reasoned that, with help from Ivanna, they could reprogram some kaiju cells to collect heat energy to compensate for the ventilation. But those too needed to periodically vent heat, albeit in a dramatic and fiery form. Ignatov decided to, with help from the Duo's experimentation with K-Class materials, reroute the signals to the fists.

The result was a very temporary, very short-lived, but very destructive fiery fist. It could not stay activated for very long - the few bits of K-Scale that were laced in the fists now could only tolerate heat for so long before melting - so operating as a finishing blow was recommended.

Wilde and Henry also reasoned that since the TMUs could carry mounted hardpoints, why not use a TMU as a delivery system? Quickly finding that the K-Class materials still worked in modifying certain weapons, a modified Bulwark cannon was made to configure into a shoulder-mounted cannon delivered on demand by a TMU, one laced with kaiju-tissue that electrically charged and fired armor piercing rounds at great speeds.

The team was stumped somewhat by the idea of a new melee weapon, as Wilde and Henry's experiments were not quite done with the K-Class Materials yet. But the idea of a TMU delivery of a self-contained, self-generated weapon by Katarina was seriously considered. They just did not think they could pull it off.

Yet.

Timberwolf gains Finishing Strike! To be named by voters. (I expect a good one, you are literally punching another mecha baddy to death with a fist on fire)
New TMU configuration unlocked! Delivery pods of Charged Cannon available!

K-Class Materials – Scale Armor Tests – You have K-Class materials, and until Sam can find a way around it, it does not like it when you force it into being something too artificial (the irony is not lost on Wilde or Henry). Still, they decided to roll with it; they want to try layering kaiju armored scales (hence referred to as K-Scales) into a sort of mesh layer between the armor and the internal workings.
They have no idea if this will work. This is just to see if this can even be done.
Cost: 4 RP (One Time Investment)
Duration: 2 Turns
Chance for Breakthrough at Disadvantage (1d6, Threshold of 5-6, Lowered to 3-6 due to Well Rested)
Progress in K-Class Materials, Chance for New Jackal/Timberwolf Upgrades
Unlocks New Actions

The first few results that Wilde and Henry came up with were busts. Attempting to fabricate a series of mesh scale sheets ended poorly, as the kaiju samples they were provided simply curled up into themselves and became useless paperweights.

Both men took the paperweights for their offices anyway. Both because they needed some, and because it was a reminder they needed a new approach.

Wilde and Henry were undeterred, though. A new approach was needed, and a new approach would be had! They decided instead to start assembling a new Jackal chassis as a test, but with a twist. Constructing the vulnerable components first, they were then assembled, and then padded with 'grower' kaiju tissue pre-programmed for armor function. All the while, the nearest local rock station was simply played on repeat.

The results actually surprised them. Within five days, the kaiju samples had all but grown around the components, fitting over them like a loose shirt. The application of a minute electric charge abruptly tightened the sample to form a scaled outer layer. Another application loosened the scales enough to slip them away from the components, all the while retaining their shapes.

This has dramatically influenced how both men are approaching the shaping of K-Class Materials. If they can do that around vital components, they reasoned, why not around areas that are bound to get struck all the time?

Like, say, the cockpit? Or the fists?

Both are excited for next month's results. You can't blame them.

Dramatic results from shaping K-Class materials! Will finish at the end of next turn.

Science Actions

This Goes to No Museum - Xenotechnology – You don't know what it is. Sam doesn't know what it is. Max sure as hell doesn't know what it is (if her story of high explosive debates are to be believed). But Ivanna has confirmed that the object is artificial in nature, and is emitting some kind of energy inconsistently. It isn't dangerous, and is in a solid containment unit in any case, but this is going to be a very long-term study.
Max is quite grateful (in her own way) for the support and funding. Mostly the funding. But the support is nice.
Cost: 2 RP (One Time Investment, Modified by QM)
Duration: 5 Turns
Observations of Alien (?) Artifact

1744, 18 December, A.D. 2070
Temporary Laboratory

"So far I have not been able to record any new readings from the artifact," Ivanna admits as you and Max stand in front of the device. "Just ambient energy readings that don't make a lot of sense."

"Even with isolated readouts?" Max asks.

"Even those," Ivanna confirms.

"....hmm." Max taps a finger against her chin as she considers the artifact.

"Looks more like jewelry than anything," you comment. It does look an awful lot like a triangular pendant with the pointed tip facing downwards, albeit one that is encrusted with dust and mud. It also seems to flash red every so often, though you couldn't fathom why.

"All I know right now is that the energy doesn't seem to be consistent," Max says. "But just remember, you are the very first person who is even giving me resources to try studying it."

"I know," you say dryly. "Sam was much the same way with ESP."

"Hmmph." Max just huffs as she crosses her arms before her. "Well, I suppose lightning will strike on target sometimes."

"Have you only been studying it remotely?" you ask.

"No exposure to human tests yet," she says. "But I may reconsider it. I had thought that it might react to sentients, but I'm going to want to set up some safety measures before I do that."

"No radiation or anything?" you ask.

"None that we can see," Ivanna says. "But that could mean anything, Sir."

You study the artifact one more time, frowning at the damned thing. You wonder if someone out there was looking for this, wondering where their strange artifact had gone off to. You wonder what it was even meant to do...something you at least were trying to figure out.

"Well, just let me know what you need," you say. "After this month, I don't think we'll be too short of resources to go around."

Current hypothesis is that the artifact could possibly respond to sentients around it, but this is not verified. Max wants to ensure there's no dangerous energy or radiation first before she conducts further tests in depth.

Additional interlude will follow this post sometime today.

Super Robot Quest

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