Exusia IV: Drop Zone

Started by Paintcheck, 31-08-2013

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Paintcheck

The Exusian fleet hung in the void, a massive collection of scarred metal behemoths drifting through space. Years of war had taken its toll on the fleet; nearly every vessel was marred in some way or another. At the head of the fleet, dwarfing every other vessel, was the dreadnought Fate. 10 kilometers long, it had taken nearly 10 years to construct in the shipyards in orbit over Olympus. Too large to land on a planet, Fate would be spending its entire existence in space. In theory, Fate possessed enough firepower to wipe out a small planet, though that remained a point of contention throughout the upper ranks of the Exusian military.

"So let me get this straight, Ares: You've assembled everything we have that has guns on it and instead of sending us straight to Aurora Prime we're going to be engaging them in the Borderlands? Seems like an unnecessary step."

"You're not going to Aurora Prime, Admiral. The Aurorans have a very hard time working together unless something cataclysmic happens. What do you think an orbital bombardment of their homeworld would do? Yeah, it might end the war or it might cause Herran and Mokash to decide that they hate us more than each other. The Aurorans are working together now but their cooperation is strained, most of the colonies we've taken are seen as losses to the individual Houses that controlled them, not to their Empire as a whole. If we bombarded their homeworld and they didn't give up we'd be throwing away a lot of our fleet for nothing, and they would come back at us with a vengeance that would make the gods take notice. They have more ships than us, in case you've forgotten."

"So we throw ourselves away in the Borderlands instead? Why are we inviting them to a pitched battle halfway between their space and our space?"

"Because I said YOU were not going to Aurora Prime, not that we weren't. You're going to draw them into a battle on the edge of the Borderlands, hopefully making them think they caught the fleet in transit to a real objective. We're going to need a few days of distraction, minimum."

"We're INVADING Aurora Prime?!"

"Like I said before, Admiral, you're not."

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Hundreds of thousands of kilometers away drifted a fleet of a different kind. Nearly every dropship, carrier, and transport Exusia had left was quietly edging its way towards Auroran space, taking a sweeping approach southward to come up on Aurora Prime from behind, hopefully avoiding the Auroran fleet in the process. Once the Exusian battle fleet had engaged the Aurorans, this considerably less impressive looking force would make a hard burn for Aurora Prime and drop everything the Exusians could spare straight on the planet. It was a bold gamble.

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The player characters are currently all on the Dromedary, a relatively new dropship housing several Gunslingers and upper-tier combat units (as opposed to the ships carrying more conventional infantry). You're about 3 days out from combat and other than Achilles and the other Gunslingers none of you know exactly what you're about to hit.

Plunger

Weston stands in the barracks, lighting the cigarette that hangs from the corner of his mouth with his lighter. He takes a long drag from the cigarette, using his finger to flip the top closed on the lighter before stowing it in his front right pocket. A long trail of smoke exits the opposite corner of his mouth, and he scans the rooms with his eyes, looking at the assorted crew. He notes the Gunslingers present, and looks down at his own plained uniform, and build, muttering to himself, "It's either a good sign they're here, or we're about to get fucked.". Continuing to take periodic drags from the cigarette Weston walks across the barracks, and approaches Achilles, saying as he draws the cigarette from his mouth and into his hands, "Should I be worried that they sent you with us? Doesn't necessarily bode well for this assignment if they think we'll need you guys.".

Tom

Achilles looks Weston over and shrugs "I don't think you have anything to worry about sergeant." He then takes a sip of his cup of tea before saying "Yeah, I think you'll be fine."
Quote from: TheAndyShandy on 05-12-2013
Oh boy.
Strap yourselves in, it's time for the great 'obligatory' SRP resurrection of 2013/14/15/16/22

Plunger

Quote from: Tom on 02-09-2013
Achilles looks Weston over and shrugs "I don't think you have anything to worry about sergeant." He then takes a sip of his cup of tea before saying "Yeah, I think you'll be fine."
Weston wrinkles his mouth at the response, "Forgive me if I don't take your word on this one, I mean sure we've got the element of surprise, but we're also leading the van.". He looks around after finishing the sentence, "I mean hell, most of these guys are specialists from various units, this isn't some standard assault.", and brings his gaze back to Achilles, folding his arms irritably.

meetdadoom

#4
   'Janus' is seen hunched over, writing in a small, leather bound, black book the size of a playing card. Every few pages he flipped, he would mutter quietly to himself in a very foreign tongue.


"Should I be worried that they sent you with us? Doesn't necessarily bode well for this assignment if they think we'll need you guys."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about sergeant." He then takes a sip of his cup of tea before saying "Yeah, I think you'll be fine."

Weston wrinkles his mouth at the response, "Forgive me if I don't take your word on this one, I mean sure we've got the element of surprise, but we're also leading the van.". He looks around after finishing the sentence, "I mean hell, most of these guys are specialists from various units, this isn't some standard assault.", and brings his gaze back to Achilles, folding his arms irritably.

'Janus' closes his book and tucks it inside his duster. He get's up and walks a few steps towards the worried sergeant.

"Why art thou fearing the unknown, Sergeant?" He says in a just audible,but calming voice.

.// sorry if my old English is rusty (basically Janus said Why are you fearing the unknown)
.// annnnnd did some clean up.

[flash=500,30]http://www.youtube.com/v/9UousVNJaIM[/flash]

Plunger

Weston raises the brow above his right eye as he turns to address the newcomer, "It's not the unknown I'm afraid of, it's the Auroran's that we're going to fight that worry me.". He adjusts his uniform, and taps the patch on his shoulder, "Plus, I'm starting to feel a little under-qualified for this op.".

lolKieck

#6
Conveniently leaning on a wall near the conversation, Alexey smirks. He says in an obvious Auroran accent: "I'm pretty sure that we're supposed to be some super tactical surgery strike task force. If we would be a vanguard cannon fodder against Aurorans then there wouldn't be even a single Gunslinger here."
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Tom

Achilles chuckles at the Sergeant, "If you're here that means you're one of the best, otherwise you would've been stuck on one of the other ships that have more standard type troops. Like I said Sergeant, you have nothing to be concerned about." He then turns his attention to the obvious Auroran and gives him a funny look "When did we start hiring Aurorans to fight?"
Quote from: TheAndyShandy on 05-12-2013
Oh boy.
Strap yourselves in, it's time for the great 'obligatory' SRP resurrection of 2013/14/15/16/22

lolKieck

Alexey chuckles. "Since the clash of Emperors. Many kinds of people end up in mercenary platoons." He walks over to his bed and starts to look for something in his backpack.
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meetdadoom

"It's not the unknown I'm afraid of, it's the Auroran's that we're going to fight that worry me.". He adjusts his uniform, and taps the patch on his shoulder, "Plus, I'm starting to feel a little under-qualified for this op."
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" Thou should be filled with pride, not fear. Thou has been selected among all of the Empire to fight along side with us, not cower in the corner, but to stand tall among thy fellow man. Now prove thyself, Sergeant. Prove that thou has what it takes to be among us." 'Janus' finishes preaching his gospel with a smile on his face.
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"I'm pretty sure that we're supposed to be some super tactical surgery strike task force. If we would be a vanguard cannon fodder against Aurorans then there wouldn't be even a single Gunslinger here."

"If you're here that means you're one of the best, otherwise you would've been stuck on one of the other ships that have more standard type troops. Like I said Sergeant, you have nothing to be concerned about." He then turns his attention to the obvious Auroran and gives him a funny look "When did we start hiring Aurorans to fight?"

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'Janus' throws a scowl at 'Achillies', displeased with 'Achillies' statement. He decides he has had enough and might as well continue to rest. He spins around and begins to make his leave.

[flash=500,30]http://www.youtube.com/v/9UousVNJaIM[/flash]

Plunger

Weston gives a passive shrug of the shoulders as he says, "Well, not like we have much of a choice anyway.". He pulls out another cigarette from the pack, tapping it on his wrist nervously before sliding it into the corner of his mouth. The silver lighter in his pocket gleams as the light strikes it. With a few flicks of his thumb the lighter ignites, and the flame quickly moves to the butt of his cigarette, catching after a moment of trepidation. Weston glances around as he takes a long drag, slipping both the lighter, and pack of cigarettes into his pockets in a single fluid motion. Smoke wisps from the opposite corner of his mouth after a moment, and he runs a hand through his hair. He catches the cigarette between his fingers, and holds it in front of himself as he says, "Plus, a little nervousness can help keep you alive..".

Paintcheck

The ship's loudspeaker hisses to life. A female voice speaks.

"We've just left Exusian space. If you are at all curious as to where we are going and what we are going to do when we get there, head to the cargo bay in 15 minutes. If you aren't curious, I'm sure you'll hear of it all the same. This is a big one, that's all I'll say over the speak. Eris out."

Achilles and Janus would know the name Eris as belonging to a Gunslinger with a penchant for blowing things up and using a battle rifle instead of the usual bolt/pump guns most of the rest of the group use. She's more experienced than either of them and is especially famous for blowing up an Auroran destroyer using nothing but a single satchel charge, a wrench, and a pickle. Unlike many Gunslingers who tend to be aloof or cold, Eris is known for being playful and friendly.

Weston and Alexey may have heard of her by reputation but probably have never actually met her.

Tom

Achilles starts to respond to Weston saying "Yeah bu-" when the loud speaker interrupts him mid sentence, he listens and when he realizes who it is he cracks a grin and abruptly leaves the Sergeant without even finishing his sentence, seeming anxious and weirdly excited to get to the cargo bay first before anyone else does.
Quote from: TheAndyShandy on 05-12-2013
Oh boy.
Strap yourselves in, it's time for the great 'obligatory' SRP resurrection of 2013/14/15/16/22

Plunger

Weston glances to the loudspeaker as it crackles to life, and breathes out a sigh, "Oh boy, if that's actually who I think it is then we are in for something big.". He pulls the cigarette out, and steps on it with his heel, grinding it against the floor.  Moving towards the cargo bay he spots Achilles trying to lead the pack, but neglects to catch up, resigning to meander back with the other grunts.

Kokkaku Kishu

Cerberus was already in the cargo bay at the time of the announcement, the screech of the speaker warming up rousing him from his nap. After coming to the realization that more people were on their way, and a nap would now be almost impossible, he decided he would fully wake up and at least pay attention to the upcoming circumstances they were heading towards.

He grabbed the pole he had been hanging upside-down from and flipped over, landing down upon the 5th story walkway of the hold. After briefly shaking his head to re-orientate himself, he became fully awake, and took a menacing balisong out from his pocket, beginning deftly maneuver it into an infinite and flawless dance around his hand. As he did so, a tune found its way into his head, and consequently began being whistled as he strolled down the walkways to the main deck of the hold for the debriefing.


lolKieck

Alexey takes out a pack of chocolate (yeah, chocolate) then puts it away in a pocket and catches up to Weston. "You got any idea who's that on the microphone? I didn't care about Gunslingers until now."
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Cutch

Virgil begins meticulously packing his medical kit before following the others. These men are not unlike those back in Vega. Blood is on the road ahead. Make sure to bring plenty of bandages, Virgil. He quietly follows closely behind Alexey before saying in a hushed tone, "Gunslingers are dangerous. That's all you need to know."

"Stop living life so that you can do a job with out pay"
-Blake/Last Exile

meetdadoom

'Janus' stops dead in his tracks listening to the speakers. 'Janus' cracks a smile after identifying the gunslinger as one of his comrade as well as friend. He begins to walk at a brisk pace, catching up to 'Achilles'.

"Is it who I think it is?" asks 'Janus'.


[flash=500,30]http://www.youtube.com/v/9UousVNJaIM[/flash]

Plunger

Weston strides into the cargo bay hands clasped behind his head, helmet tipped forward to allow his hands to strain through his thick brown hair. He comes to a stop in the body of the gathering crowd, resting in the middle of the mob. Folding his arms in front of him he looks for the Gunslinger who spoke over the loudspeaker expecting to see her in a form matching the folklore, and tales, perhaps with C4 signifying her explosive entrance or an extravagant fireworks show. The thought brings a smile to his mouth, the corners of his mouth peaking as he breathes out a faint laugh.

Tom

Achilles stands in the front of the crowd gathering in the cargo bay, he stands there trying to figure out how the pickle came into play when she destroyed that ship. He also reminisces about some of the past missions they had carried out, especially about the one where they sneaked onto an Auroran cruiser and to destroy a spy ship that had been intercepted by the Aurorans and captured and how they blew up a good portion of the cruiser while sending it straight into Myrgrad. He mumbles that was a wild mission.
Quote from: TheAndyShandy on 05-12-2013
Oh boy.
Strap yourselves in, it's time for the great 'obligatory' SRP resurrection of 2013/14/15/16/22

Paintcheck

"Hail, Gunslinger" Eris greeted Achilles with a smile and a fistbump as he passed through the cargo doors ahead of everyone else. Eris was a short, rail-thin woman of about 25-30. She kept her hair very short and her one vanity seemed to be cycling through hair colors between missions. At the moment she was a redhead. Her gunbelt hung low on her hips over cargo pants and her jacket was unzipped, revealing a bare torso and a sports bra.

"Been keeping yourself busy, Achilles? Have heard all sorts of stories about you. Is it true you knocked up a Sentinel?" she nudged him with her elbow, grinning. As the cargo bay filled she vaulted her way upwards onto a large container and pulled a remote from her pocket. She pushed a button on it and with a loud fizzle and some pops the pyrotechnics on the wall behind her ignited, changing colors as they burned from blue to green to. The wall stated "Shut the Fuck Up" with fire.

After the cargo bay had quieted Eris began. "I got the call from Ares that I could share this information today. So as you have all probably guessed we are making a push into Auroran space with this one. We're not hitting Mokash or Herran's homeworlds though as I've heard some of you assume. We're going somewhere a little more interesting: Aurora Prime."

She waited for the gasps and "holy shits" to die down before continuing. "Currently every ship we have is out in the Borderlands drawing the Aurorans out to fight. We are going the long way around where we will swoop in from the far side of the planet and drop onto their capital. Once we're on the ground we will need to move our asses quickly because if we are still fighting when the Auroran fleet returns, well it's going to be quite a long walk back home when our ships get the shit blown out of them."

"We're going to be the first drop. Our target is the Deep Space Comm Center which is about 5 miles from their capitol building. Wrecking that will make it harder for them to communicate with their fleet though it is very likely they will get a few messages off before we land so we need to be fast there as well. Once we blow that up it's off to the races for the capitol building and their rulers. If we can nab them we can force a surrender. Does anyone have any questions?"

Tom

"Been keeping yourself busy, Achilles? Have heard all sorts of stories about you. Is it true you knocked up a Sentinel?" she nudged him with her elbow, grinning.

Achilles chuckles and says "Knocked up a Sentinel? Nah that wasn't me I swear."

When she climbs on stage and sets off the pyrotechnics he can't help but laugh a little bit about that, throughout the "briefing" he nods as if he's digesting new information, but this information isn't really news to him as he was briefed long before going on the mission. When she asks for questions he raises his hand and asks

"What will we use to destroy the comm center? A frag grenade, a paperclip, a 9 volt battery, and a potato?"
Quote from: TheAndyShandy on 05-12-2013
Oh boy.
Strap yourselves in, it's time for the great 'obligatory' SRP resurrection of 2013/14/15/16/22

Cutch

Virgil puts his hands in his face, thinking to himself, "Another suicide mission. Why, oh why, am I always the doctor for a suicide mission? So redundant..."

"So terribly redundant..." He says out loud. He adjusts his harness, making sure its tight.

"Stop living life so that you can do a job with out pay"
-Blake/Last Exile

Kokkaku Kishu

Cerberus was more enthusiastic about Eris' pyrotechnics than the announcement. Maybe it was just because he heard it earlier in between his nodding off, he didn't know.

That didn't mean he wasn't excited, far from it in fact. He could have never been happier. Not only could he finally manage to gain some more spoils for his "collection", but this would be one hell of a fight. It had been a long time since he'd seen HIM, and as he thought of the incident, he laughed, quietly and manically to himself, clutching the pendant that held the gift he had been reserving for just such an occasion.


Plunger

Weston quietly congratulates himself on seeing the pyrotechnics display, the corners of his mouth moving into a smirk, "A little predictability never hurts I suppose.". He places a hand on his helmet as he casually maneuvers through the crowd bumping into a few troops, and brushing off the apologies that follow before ending up near Eris. "Hey, I've actually got a few questions about the op if you don't mind?", and removes the hand from his helmet extending it towards her, "The name's Weston by the way.".