Fuck yea from the start this time! Lets hope Captcha will let me post now.

You return to Pezun carrying the High-Mobility Psychommu Zaku attatched to the prow of the Musai.
Nell still seems semi-catatonic, but survivors of the Bifrost are trying to talk her out of it.

When you return to the hangars and dismount your met by Station Commander Zamza.

"Good to see you all back Commander. From the sounds of it, that would have been a difficult fight if you hadn't been there."

"We still weren't able to save the Bifrost." You comment.

"You saved more than anyone else could have. Plus with these heavy losses, Loyalist activities will be most likely curtailed in the area for the time being."

Strauss has dismounted by this point as well.

"He's right on both accounts David, two Chivvays and six or more Gelgoogs was a sizable force for the Loyalists to deploy on this front, we've probably ruined whatever plans they had for this area for weeks if not months with this."

Ookawara would like to talk to you about the modifications he made to your newly christened "Nacht-Zaku"
You believe you saw the Mail-Carrier arriving when you were coming in.
You haven't physically checked in with the Outer Heaven (currently under repairs) today.

YOUR ORDERS?

I tried to read through the ZQ archive once. All it resulted to was the convinction that while it's great fun, I will never have enough time to finish it all.

>>12544508
Talk with Ookawara first, then check our mail. After than look into arranging transport to Granada I believe it was?
>>12544518
It's easy, just read a thread a day like I did.

Well fuck. I'd stay, but I've gotta go to work.

>>12544555
On a saturday?

>>12544518
It's the same with any long running serial; the later you come into things, the more there is to catch up on. Guiding light has been one for decades, hundreds of episodes, but it rarely draws in new viewers because of how much has already happened.

>>12544508
Poor Nell..... :<

Get mail, but before reading it go to Ookawara and learn about all our new shiny upgrades, just in case there's something we've missed. Then get something to eat and read our mail while eating, and then go check the OH.

>>12544562
Yeah. Running my family's store. 10 - 7 today. 12 - 5 tomorrow, too.

>>12544550
>>12544565
>Get mail, but before reading it go to Ookawara and learn about all our new shiny upgrades, just in case there's something we've missed. Then get something to eat and read our mail while eating, and then go check the OH.

You meet up with Ookawara and discuss the new improvements to your ride.
The wrist mounted heat-rods work great as grappling tools, although with your current configuration using a Lunar-Titanium shield you stole from The Gundam, using it can be a little awkward.
In any case you got good use about the leg mounted Heat blades that extend from the soles of your feet.
Although you do worry that you have to get the angle EXACTLY right to make a kill with those roundhouse kicks you like to make these days, and if you get it wrong you might bork your leg up.
The Headvulcans weren't much more than a distraction as expected, and the extra power in both thrust and general power was always welcome, and you didn't notice any drastic balance problems in the suit. Although testing it in gravity will be the true test of that.

Ookawara say's he'll think those little niggles in his spare time, assuming you don't give him any more pressing matters to attend to, and goes off.

You then journey to the mail-room. The mail wont have been sorted yet...

>>12544508
Check to see if we got any mail, and check in with Ookawara.
Then start making plans to take a trip to Grenada and speak with Kycila Zabi about sending the Federation some Mincemeat Pie (reference to Operation Mincemeat idea from end of last session's planning).

>>12544622
See if we can track down some vids of Char in combat. He is a pro at kicking the fuck out of things in combat, and we need to bring our NachtmaRider Kick up to Zolomon-level effectiveness.

>>12544622

Find time, speak with Nell, give her a good hug.

See if she would like to join us back to Grenada.

>>12544665
Seconded.

>chibi all
You heard captcha! Chibi Nells for everyone!

>>12544644
Technically speaking what your doing is a Crossbones Gundam RIDER KICK (Kabuto Variant), the Char Kick is... well it's pretty much it's own animal.

No problem in taking pointers though.

You arrive in the Mail-Room as the new post is arriving. It's chaotic as expected, and you struggle to find someone in charge who will give you the time of day. Honestly, this is probably the most work they do all week.
In any case, you ask if any priority mail has been sorted yet. He says somewhat abrusquly that they're still going through it, but should have the mail sorted in about 30 to 45 minutes. But that any electronic mail that was courier delivered has been inserted into the stations network.

You take a few minutes to check your mail via a spare computer in an office, and see you have no new email.
You tell the mail room head that you're waiting for a priority mail from Lord Garma Zabi's Office to you Cmmdr David Lister and to tell you if they find any mail addressed to you.

You opt to wait whilst the post is being sorted.
Is there anything you want to do during this time?

>>12544687

You realise this is how things like the Puru clones program get started right?

>>12544699
Flirt with every attractive lady we see.

Uhhh, feed our Tamagotchi? Just try and stay out of the way and let the mail guys do their thing. The last thing they need is us pestering them.

>>12544699
Talking to Nell would be nice, but we scared her nearly catatonic last time.
There was talk of going to Grenada to suggest a misinformation campaign to get the Federation and the Loyalists fighting each other in Africa; can we see about preparations for a side trip?

>>12544719
The wha? I know only of Gundam what Zeonquest has taught me. Regardless, that picture seems happy. So clearly, Nell clones would be happy. So nothing can go wrong!

>>12544745
The only thing you need to know about crossbones gundam is this: Space Pirates. Space Pirates EVERYWHERE.

>>12544745
>So nothing can go wrong!

It's people like you who get people like us killed.

>>12544745

Yeah... not so much, sadly. The Puru clones are from Gundam ZZ, and not many people get a very happy ending in that, though it's not on the level of Victory, in which everyone dies.

>>12544767

No. The only thing you need to know about Crossbones Gundam is this picture.

I know the notion might not be popular, but...

...I think we should try to initiate peace talks with the Loyalists.

>John drimphi
Captcha suggests him to lead the negotiations.

>>12544719

Oh and apologised, I remember you asking about the Gihren assassination manga. It's completely scanlated on mangafox.

And it has a canon Zeon version of our One-armed Bandit. Enough reason to read it.

>>12544778
Awww..... Well damn. Though in all seriousness, I do think we should try to see Nell. If she starts freaking out we can leave. But she seemed to be okay with us when we met her the second time.

>>12544779
.......How the fuck did he open the cockpit? I mean seriously? In his defense, they deserved it for not just shooting him and getting it over and done with.

Also, hitting your loved ones is NEVER okay.

Anyway. After waiting about 30 minutes, the Mail Room comptroller gives you you mail. A single large letter for you from California GHQ. You open it up to find a hand written envelope for Degwin personally in Garma's handwriting.

GARMA'S SECOND LETTER TO HIS FATHER ACQUIRED.

Any other non-priority mail will get sent to your inbox in your office/quarters on Pezun.
You travel back and secure a secure lockbox from the outfitters to put the letter in. You then put it in the secure-lockbox in your quarters.
You then decide to go visit Captain Mauser and see how the Outer Heaven repairs are going...

>>12544822
The crap around the head and cockpit is a dummy balloon he triggered and burst. The pilot's the one who opened the cockpit.

And yeah, the Jupiter Empire is a faction of nothing but batshit crazies.

>>12544822
First question, he stole the automated glue pods in the X-2's finger micromanipulators and splattered it's head sensors with it. So the pilot then had to open the cockpit to see what was going on and SUPRISE! IT'S TOBIA FUCKING ARRONAX BITCH!.

Also, that's not his designated love interest he's slapping, she's sort of a Queen Relena for the Colonies figure that he basically had to brightpunch in order to get the Colonies to join in the final battle against Dogatie and his 13 gigantic Nuclear Weapon armed Mobile Armours. Each of which could destroy all life on the earth.

>>12544770
Someone doesn't understand sarcasm.

>>12544822

He covered all the external sensors with an exploding dummy ballon, so the pilot had to pop the cockpit to see out, which was Tobia's plan.

>>12544849
It's still not nice to hit people.

>>12544846
>>12544849
Ah. Smart kid. And I see he's inherited Elaine's fear of terrestrial deer.

>>12544872
Look, he had to punch her to save the Earth.

Plus, I've been listening to Radio 2 for two weeks and I saw with some degree of experience that some people honestly just need a good punch to the face.

She was basically espousing Neville Chamberlain style appeasement bullshit completely misunderstanding that the Jupiter Army was ABSOLUTELY BATFUCKING INSANE X 13 AND AFTER THE EARTH SHE WAS NEXT.

Plus I think she tried to kidnap Tobia for her creepy newtype harem/lab thing that would probably later become the Angels Halo facility.

>>12544872
>Not nice to hit people who are going to get millions killed due to their inaction
Then I am a supporter of very not nice people.

>>12544824
After speaking with Mauser, we'll need to make plans for a trip to deliver Garma's letter.
Should we make a detour to Grenada first, or do it on our return?

>>12544910
>Plus I think she tried to kidnap Tobia for her creepy newtype harem/lab thing that would probably later become the Angels Halo facility.

Okay, nevermind. Punch away.

So like yea, waiting on you apologized

>>12544824
So.... how are the repairs going?

>>12544920
Degwin is still on Grenada. Last you heard he's still recouperating, but that might now be old news.

Anyway you travel down to the hanger to see how repairs to the Outer Heaven are going.
You can see a small army of space suited technicians and engineers floating about the Zanzibar Kai's great bulk. Occaisionally flares of sparks erupt from the repair crews arc-welders and into space.

Several of them and a few Petit construction suits are delicately moving a new piece of armour plating into place.


You ask if Mausers about and if you can see him. You're directed to an airlock and move inside. You're told to keep your suit on, as several sections of the ship are exposed to the vacuum.

You find Mauser on the bridge directing the repair crew. He greets you relatively goodnaturedly if a little stressed.

"I heard you had some combat this morning. You do okay?"

"I've had missions end better."

"Well, at least you have your helth right?"

"how bad is the Outer Heaven?"

"Frankly, I'm amazed we even managed to make escape velocity and get into space. I knew we took some heavy hits during that last Odessa Sortie, but it wasn't until we limped to Pezun that we found out just how bad. About half the ship is exposed to the vacuum, and we're going to have to replace about 70% of our external armour plating. The rest we just patch up. Then there's the internal parts that need replacing as well."

"What's the repair time looking like? I've heard 2 weeks maybe but..."

"Yeah, at least 2 weeks. Just machining and fitting the armour plating is going to take that long, and that's assuming no bottlenecks with the internal parts we'll be replacing whilst the armour's off."

WHAT NOW GENTLEMEN?

>>12545102

UPGRADES TO THE OH.

We did capure that trojan horse long ago. There must be some new toys we can throw in after reverse engineering.

See if they can increase hold space for more suits.

Check on our team and organize a trip to Grenada. I don't think everyone needs to come along, besides it's better to leave some good pilots in case there is another attack. I say we grab Zoloman and Ruby and charter a shuttle over to the moon.

>>12545122

Shit, we might as well try and see if we can't get the one we captured repaired and upgraded with Zeon tech and use THAT as our mothership.

>>12545102
Since we're doing such extensive repairs, see if there are any upgrades that we could have installed, especially if there's any new things that came out of reverse-engineering captured Trojan Horse technology.
More hangar space is always nice if they can manage it.

As for the trip to Grenada, see if we can charter a shuttle.

>WHAT NOW GENTLEMEN?

Use the time for cross-training and writing? There's no point in having survived all this shit if we don't teach the kids how to survive too.

We also oughta check on Nell, even though she's probably gonna call us an eater of man or something.

Also, before we go, what's the best time to talk to Char? We need to discuss Gundam-killing strategies.

>>12545209
I will be off for my tea, but I'll get started when I get back.

BRB.

>>12545209
>Use the time for cross-training and writing?

Combine that with sketching out possible additions to the corps. I know the whole new fighter thing isn't coming along all that well, but organic fighter support and probably an organic tank unit might be worth considering. (It will also help explaining why we should get a second ship...)

>>12545270
So upgrade the Nachtmaren Unit to the Nachtmaren Battalion?
..I can get behind that.

Oh.

Shit.

Zeonquest on a Saturday. Day=made.

I think one of the things we should do with this little break in the action is relax with the team a bit. We always seem to be talking to Garma, or designing a new MS Mod or writing our books or saving Zeon with our fucking insane terrorist parents or whatever. I think our presence will be enjoyed. See if it can be a stop on the way to somewhere. Maybe head out an hour or two early to a meeting or some shit.

>>12545303

Second. Been a while since we have done anything with the team other than blow things up.

>>12545324

Or starting a civil war.

>>12545299
Yes, something along those lines. Make it into a true combined arms unit, instead of an MS/MA unit (with organic space transport capacity and a special forces detachment) that will be attached to other line units to operate as combined arms only on a larger scale.

That might also help to spread not only our doctrine, but our experience. Training together with other units for a day or two at a time is all well and good, but forming a permanent team (from which people then can transfer out to other units) seems to be the superior approach.

>>12545299
Actually, we're not even a full Company yet (3 MS Squads) We only have 2 MS Squads + 1 MA and Infantry support.

If we're going to focus on upgrading the Nachtmaren, then I think we need to focus on getting our Dragoons back up to full power and seeing to it they are better equipped and trained. After all the shit they've pulled on the moon and at Odessa, the vets in the squad are probably better than normal Zeon SF. We need to make sure any replacements are up to snuff for the shit we've come to expect from them and that they are equipped with the best equipment that is available.

Other than that, a general overall and upgrade of all the OH's system is something to look into.

>>12545362

Going with that idea, we should have a good number of our experienced infantry men rotate back to the training camps and//or other units.

Spread the word. Don't let it die with them.

On the other hand, if we want to transform the Nachtmaren from an independent strike team into a full on military unit, then we are going to have to pull some major strings in getting not only more suits/tanks/infantry, but SHIPS. The OH does jsut fine for support our team as is, but there is no way it can cover a full Company, let alone a Battalion (3 companies)

We would need at least 2 more Zanzibar-class cruisers, a rather tall order. If we are only going to be taking part in space operations for the rest of the war, then several Musai's would probably do, but even then, that's a lot of shit to suddenly hand over to one guy.

If we plan on going dirtside again, then we'll need all sorts of extra shit to maintain extra suits, armor and more troops, probably a land battleship or two.

>>12545394
That's true.
One of the things that really killed the Imperial Japanese pilots and helped the American pilots in WW2 was that Japan kept on sending in their ace pilots to the frontlines till they died, while the Americans rotated them back to the training camps to pass on their experience to rookie pilots.

Zeon doesn't have the nearly limitless personnel of the Federation, so we need to make every soldier count.

>>12545394

Yeah, that would be a good idea. The rest of the army certainly could use more organic support too.

>>12545394
Then the first thing we should do is get at least one of our MS pilots back to the academy...

...why don't we ask for the attachment of a training squad to the unit? Four extra MS. Pilots will come either straight from the academy (maybe not so good) or from line units. They serve for a pre-alotted time (maybe a month?) with the Nachtmaren, then transfer back to their old units. Transfers will be staggered, so that we always have some 'old hands' on the extra squad.

Same with the infantry.

>>12545349
Or ending one.

I am still in favour of peace talks with the loyalists. Let Ghiren have Side 6. Don't contest his claim to it any longer. Then see to showing the Federation scum once more why they should never have started messing with spacenoids - no matter how many flags or leaders they choose to follow.

>>12545481

I take my earlier comment back, it's people like YOU who get people like us killed.

Before we leave for Grenada (regardless of the means of transit) we should talk to our Tech friend here on Pezun. Name starts with a K but I can never remember the spelling right.

Ask about creating a Magnetic coating refit package that can be given to aces pushing their suits too hard, a Kampher with Gouf flight type legs and an active chaff despenser.

If somebody can find the posts on suptg talking about the active defense systems in one of the other threads that'd be great. Dont have time to look them up atm.

And lastly, remember to suggest that counter intel op we discussed last time in the hopes of diverting Fed forces into Africa.

>>12545481
Do you have any idea, any idea at all, what it is that you are proposing?
Gihren will not stop until he has all of Zeon under his control. That's what happened in the canon timeline, and there is no reason for him to settle for anything less.
The only peace we can have with the Loyalists is when Gihren is dead and atomized.

Wouldn't we have to be a Major in order to run a battalion?

>>12545509
I support all of those suggestions.

I've been pushing to have Operation Shepherd's Pie brought up and suggested so far, but we haven't gotten to Grenada yet.

I'm liking the idea of turning the Nachtmaren into a sort of pseudo-training Company. While we're still in space, it would probably be rather easy to implement.

All we would need is an extra Musai to carry/support another squad of MSs. That gives us room to train 3 more pilots and maybe another platoon or two of infantry. We could even do 4-5 pilots if we transfer out a "regular" member of the team, however I'm very much against that idea. We work well with what we have, adding things might be ok, but taking stuff away is definitely not.

Instead of transfering people out, I say we just organize a few days in which they sit in/supplement academy training.

>>12545522
We're a Commander, that's equivilant to a Colonel.

>>12545509

Frankly, Fed forces pushing Africa is already the next most likely thing for them to do.

Considering the buildup of fed mlitary power in Odessa, the need to secure the continent and the strategic objective of denying the spaceport facilities (Kilimanjaro). We should be seeing them making a move in force in the near future.

>>12545532
>I'm liking the idea of turning the Nachtmaren into a sort of pseudo-training Company. While we're still in space, it would probably be rather easy to implement.

Shit! That was the other thing I was trying to remember. Have any of our guys not going with us to Grenada help train the local squadrons. And have Bernie get some time in a Rick Dom, a Gyan and one of the Gelgoogs just so he has some experience.

Okay g2g guys!

>>12545494
Probably yes. But I still prefer shooting Feddies to shooting my Zeonic brothers.

>>12545532

Did we completely kill that last Trojan Horse? Maybe we can swing by Solomon and requisition it. Then we don't need to take up anymore valuable ships in the Zeon Spacefleet.

>>12545509
Fuck Flight Gouf legs. Try one that removes some of the more absurd thrusters and adds fuel and armor. Then we get a not-as-ridiculous-but-still-crazy-fast armed to the teeth and armored for bear killing machine.

Because, let's be honest, we HAVE to main a Kaempfer at some point in this Quest, if only for a little while.

And I continue to push the idea of kicking it with the team. Been a while since we tossed the ShipFags a bone, so we should consider hitting on Jolyne or something.

>>12545551

They are traitors to the ideals of Zeon.

There can be no reconcilation until the head has been removed.
(Even then it's unlikely... seeing the hardcore fanatics that Giren attracts...sigh...)

>>12545573
>hitting on Jolyne or something.
Hit on Elaine?

>>12545583
Or some combination thereof. Going for the harem end isn't generally a bad call when you fight for Zeon.

>Zeon doesn't have the nearly limitless personnel of the Federation, so we need to make every soldier count.

That's why we should not cripple the unit by sending people back to the academy, but rather give soldiers from other units to learn by serving with or on the team.

As you leave the Outer Heaven to return to your office when you're flagged down by a couple people in civilian coloured EVA suits.
You set down on the hangar floor to see what they want.

They introduce themselves as survivors from the Bifrost that you rescued this morning.
"What is it that you need?" You ask.
"It's about Nell, Commander. When the Bifrost was destroyed, she lost both of her primary handlers. They'd been working with her for over 6 years and she's mentally near unresponsive to anything we try. It's not really safe for her here, and we need to get her back to familiar surroundings and professional facilities by taking her back to the Flanagan Institute on the moon. Rumour about the base is that you'll be heading up there shortly yourself. Could you take her?"

"Just her?"
"We'd be sending a caretaker with her to attend to her needs of course, but that will be it."

YOUR ORDERS?

>>12545611
Of course, it's the least we can do, and it should be any trouble.

>>12545611

HUG NELL.

>>12545628
>should
>shouldn't
Ugh...I'm more out of it than I thought...

>>12545630
Are you sure that's wise, considering she considers us as a nightmarish figure of Death incarnate in a Zeon uniform?

>>12545611

Time for a a heartwarming voyage TO THE MOON.

>>12545630
LOVINGLY!

We probably ought to detail her to Bernie or maybe Hovis, since they're the only Oldtypes in the squad. Hell, Hovis is, or was a family man at one point right?

>They are traitors to the ideals of Zeon.
>seeing the hardcore fanatics that Giren attracts
>hardcore fanatics
>There can be no reconcilation
oh-u.jpg

>>12545646
It'll be fine. Worse comes to worse we just can't be in the same room as the poor child.

At any rate we must spoil our new, albeit almost certainly temporary, imouto as much as possible.

>>12545681

Send Bernie. An elder-brother figure for her would do wonders.

Well, first we need to find the Skull mask we keep around, then hide around corners to suddenly jump out as Nell passes...

>>12545719

NO.

rolled 30574 = 30574

83 posts.... what the hell I overslept.

>We probably ought to detail her to Bernie

Including Bernie seems like a good idea. He's apparently not terribly bad with kids. And he's the most sane and normal member of our team on top of that.

>>12545719
You are a mean person.

Also, 2 weeks is a pretty long time. If we wait that long for another crack at Jaburo and Luna 2, the Feds might have enough time to consolidate at Odessa and bring their men back to Jaburo and effect actual repairs to the damage we did. As wonderful as the OH is, we might want to consider using a different ship (still piloted by Mauser of course) for the next Zeon attack. We should also try to talk to Garms about this and think about when the attack should take place.

Or maybe I'm worrying over nothing. My sense of time scale isn't that great, 2 weeks seems like a lot to me but maybe it's not that long and we'll still have a decent shot at Jaburo. But it's going to be hard to take on Gihren AND the Feds at the same time, and if we stop fighting the Feds to finish Gihren's faction then they'll take the opportunity to finish us off. I think it would be better to make a decisive strike at the Federation's two major strongholds, negotiate peace or at least a ceasefire, and then use that breathing room to clean house.

Sorry for rambling, just woke up.

>>12545862

Though we might just want to talk to some of the secondary caretakers whom they think appropirated.

I would honestly prefer our support-people to hang back and teach the noobs rather than act as an escort.

>>12545719

Considering the only skull mask you have is the one that your Zaku sports, that would be quite a task.

Anyway you agree to take Nell to Grenada with you. I guess now you have to start having a look at ships on their way to the moon.

You contact the rest of the Nachtmaren team and tell them what's happening, and then take a look at possible ships.

Your options appear to be as follows.

Commandearing one of the Musai Cruisers sent to defend Pezun.
or
The Pazock ship that just delivered the mail has Von Braun as it's next destination. The ships cavernous bays are now mostly empty and they could store all of your mobile suits if you needed.
Heck, if you're calculating this right you could fit the Val Valo inside as well.
Of course you'd need to blow a giant hole in the top first to do so... which the Mail Ship probably won't go for. Still there are support umbelicals for it to carry along.

YOUR ORDERS?

>>12545900
I think it would be better to take the mail ship; we don't want to decrease the defenses around Pezun.

Also, before we leave, can we talk to our Tech contact and suggest the options outlined here: >>12545509
Also, until we get back, I think our Dragoons should do some cross-training with any infantry stationed here at Pezun so that their experience can be distributed.

Keep the Val, along with Hovis, Calvin, Jolyn, and Ruby at Pezun. Take Zolomon and Bernie along with three suits, just in case.

>>12545900

Check with the techs about using spare steel to build an external bulkhead with which to store the val varo.

Pic being the type of disguise I'm going for.

>>12545965

Clarification, it'll be blow-away armour.

It'll give us the jump on any enemies we'll meet and hide our strength until we unleash hovis on them.

>>12545900
Take a Musai. Leave the Val Varo and Hovis. Him and the Val Varo more than make up for the loss of a single Musai if the base comes under attack, AND he can help teach some of the squads there as well, or any other MA pilots. Or just give the techies some advice on MA design. He's piloted a bunch of them, so he should be able to tell them what things work and are useful and which are not.

In fact, I think we should only take two wingmen with use and have the other squad stay behind. Maybe Elaine and Bernie? They seem like they'd be less likely to accidentally upset Nell than Zol or Jolyne. And Calvin stays because he has HUEG SENSORS.

>>12545900

I will vote for a mailman-ship mission. Fission's gonna get mailed.

>>12545981
I think Zolomon would be a better choice. Having him with us not only keeps him out of trouble, but we know he's a total bro and will have our back in case the shit hits the fan.

rolled 28923 = 28923

>>12545981

That... is actually a good idea.

Tell Hovis we'll bring him back something from Grenada.

... what specialty nicknack do they sell there? Macadamia nuts?

>>12545981

Don't we need to bring along the psycommu zaku as well? We're gonna be short on MS space.

rolled 30891 = 30891

>>12546016

Maybe leave Hovis and another MS pilot there.

We've been pretty combat heavy, they could consider it a bit of RnR?

>>12546044
Well I figure that at least one of us will be flying and scouting at all times, so there will only be 3 MS inside the Musai at any one time.

>>12546016
Fair enough. But I still support Elaine going.

>>12545900

Take the Pazook.

Don't split up the party.

>>12546016

I'll vote for taking Solom and Bernie with us. Means we can have the other three teach and train whomever's on Pezun.

>>12545989
>>12545946

Okay so you opt to take the Mail Ship. You talk to the ships captain about taking up his empty cargo space with your Mobile Suits.

"You even sure you need the Mobile Suits?" Zolomon asks you when you get back to the group.

"Yeah, like we didn't need our mobile suits on the LAST mail delivery mission we had to do Zol."

"Oh come on, what's the worst that could happen" he replies. There is an empty silence that lasts for several seconds.

"Okay fair point."

Okay, so which members of the Nachtmaren do you want to take?
FYI the Psycommu Zaku prototype that the Bifrost was carrying WONT be taken with you, that's being kept here.

I also vote we take the mail ship. I think a lone cargo ship is less likely to be attacked than a lone Musai. Even if the mail shit IS attacked, we have the element of surprise, since I don't think many people would expect SURPRISE NACHMAREN for a lone cargo ship like that.

I vote we take Zolomon and Bernie with us, since they have the least amount of things they could probably teach other pilots while still providing amble escort. Not to mention it gives us a little time with Bernie for a change.

rolled 7180 = 7180

>>12546088

>"Oh come on, what's the worst that could happen"

Zeonquest drinking game! Every time Zol says this, we take a drink and slap him upside his head.

>>12546088
Quick reminder of the current loadouts?

>>12546088
Take Zolomon and Bernie. The others get some R&R and can do cross training with other MS teams here.

>>12546088

Apologised, about the bulkhead building deception here?

>>12545978
>>12545965

They'll probably like it better than blowing a hole in the ship.

>>12546112

We're not taking the Val, end of story. Besides, how fucking suspicious will it look if this lone ship is towing this fuckhuge chunk of metal though space. It's guaranteed to get us attacked.

>>12546088
I'm voting for Bernie and Elaine.
Bernie because he's good with kids, and Elaine as the token Big Sister, as well as to get an opportunity to hit on her.

>>12546146

bulkhead = attached to the hull.

>>12546146
Yeah. Not to mention that it would do better at Pezun (or are we at Solomon? I always get them mixed up...) in case they base comes under attack.

Zol and Bernard.

Usual suits.

Also, a small team of dragoons. Maybe four or five of them.

>>12546170
So we'll look even MORE suspicious. A lone, heavily modified cargo ship doesn't scream we're hiding something. Besides, building something like that would probably take a day or two to build, and divert much needed manpower and resourced away from the OH's repairs.

>>12546170
Even if we do this, there's no way to load it back in, and the Val Varo doesn't have enough propellant to make the trip alongside or back, especially after combat. It's just not logistically feasible.

That said, I say we take Bernie, Elaine, and maybe Calvin. I seriously doubt a transport ship's sensor net will be of much use to us.

We welcome your return, Johnny Ridden.

>>12546146

I would say take the MA only if we can mod the ship to fall appart in a controlled fashion, aka so that they can fix it easily later on. Towing it could be too suspicious, even if chances are that we won't encounter anything IN SPACE.

>>12546166
Seconding this.
>hit on Elaine
Except for this.

And when was the last time David heard from his parents?

>>12546216
And tack on Calvin for sensor support.

>>12545900

A cargoship with an extra bulkhead. To carry more cargo, is it that suspicious?

>>12546205

It's a oneshot against the first encounter we run into on the way to Grenada. A surprise MA ambush will kill most things.

And on transporting:
>>12546200
>>Support Umblical cords

>That said, I say we take Bernie, Elaine, and maybe Calvin.

I'd rather have Zolom and Bernie as I believe that killing planes with thrown heat-hawks is a non-transferable skill anyway. That in spite of Bernie and his 'nades being not-so-useful in Space.

Oh, and a few Dragoon would be totally sweet too.

>>12546216
Probably a few weeks ago when we talked to them?

>>12546215
It's still a waste of time and resources, in both building and recovery. Also, as stated, the Val doesn't have the legs for the run we're about to make anyway. The thing is a damn battleship buster, unless we run into a whole enemy fleet we won't even need it. It is better to leave it at Pezun, where it will do the most good in the event of an attack.

>>12546229
>>12546251
>>12546166
Zolomon and Bernie both have very little they could probably teach other pilots, and we really won't need Calvin on this run. If we do get into a fight, then we need to GTFO as soon as possible. This is an escort run, we come under fire we need to protect the ship/mail/Nell, not stand and fight/go chasing after enemies.

Calvin can probably do a lot more good demonstrating his invaluable skills in coordinating forces and showing what kind of difference a good communications and intelligence officer can do for a fighting force back at Pezun.

>>12546105
>>12546229

From what you can tell, the ship captain is DECIDELY disenchanted to the hints you drop about any conversion work. He takes his job as a mail carrier very seriously.
Honestly, you're not sure if you'd need to push the issue.

Also, I've got calls for Bernie, Elaine, Calvin, Zolomon and Jolyne.
Why don't you just take everyone aside from Hovis who you tell to keep working with Pezun on those MA combat doctrine exercises?

There's space aboard the Pazock after all.
Oh, and on the subject of Dragoon. Your current dragoon force has been put offduty until it can replenish it's numbers back up from the 4 it is currently, and there are no replacements he on Pezun.

They're might be on Grenada though.

Compromise: Take Elaine, Zol and Bernie.
That way we can hit the entire child emotional relative spectrum (Brotherly Figure, Big Sis, Crazy Uncle).

>>12546303

Can't we just bring them along to Grenada? They can do their recruitment since they probably have the best idea of what is expected of the new meat.

>>12546303
All of them? But, but, what if something bad happens while we're away? And by "what if" I mean "when".

>>12546322
Very yes. Seconded.

>>12546303
Bring Zolomon and Bernie, as stated they have the least to give to any training activites. Leave Jolyn in charge of the guys we leave behind. If people are dead set on bringing another person, then I guess we can bring Elaine.

Jolyn, Hovis and Calvin should definitely stay behind to help train people/defend the station though. I still say Zol and Hamburger are enough though.

rolled 1397 = 1397

>>12546303

Yeah that Anti MA training is pretty important.

We don't want our rooks caught with their pants down in the field.

Maybe we ask if Hovis can send us updates.

... and pick him up something nice from Grenada?

>>12546322
This is an acceptable compromise, and I am willing to second this.
Anyone staying behind take some R&R for a day or two, then start training with the people here at Pezun.

Let's get the paperwork going on replenishing our depleted manpower; we'll pick them up at Grenada.

Also, before we leave, make sure to bring up these points: >>12545509

>>12546339
Sure. You make the call to see what they think.

>>12546375
>... and pick him up something nice from Grenada?

He's in the Val Valo, I don't think Zeon makes anything better for the OYW period.

>>12546342
>All of them? But, but, what if something bad happens while we're away? And by "what if" I mean "when".

It's not like Strauss in a fucking Galbady Alpha isn't guarding the site. Plus the re-cocking-diculous amount of defensive firepower that Pezun has these days.

>>12546322
Okay: Taking Elaine, Zol and Bernie.

As you tell the three of them to pick their suit loadouts, take plenty of spare ammo (just in case) and load up into the Pazock. Strauss signals that he want's to talk to you.
Honestly, it seems everybody want's a piece of you today...

You open up the communications link to Strauss and ask him what ELSE he needs from you today.

"Don't shoot the messenger David. I just got a priority call from Ramba Ral in Grenada. He's saying that he might have uncovered something fairly big, and he wan't my help. I told him that you were heading towards Grenada today, and if you'd do instead. He said that would be fine if you agree."

"Agree to what?"

"He didn't say over the vidlink, but I got the impression that it was important. Ramba likes to work alone most of the time, he wouldn't have called for help unless he needed it."

"Why not simply use the forces in Grenada?"

"Commander Ral has never really trusted the Legitimacy that runs Grenada, and sometimes that works both ways. I can only assume that either he's burnt his bridges with them again, he thinks the Grenada garrison is compromised, or he doesn't think that there's anyone there up for the task. In anycase, I'd consider going myself since it looks like Pezun's going to be a bit quieter for the forseeable future, but if you're going that way anyway..."

"Fine. But we deliver Garma's letter to his father first if AT ALL POSSIBLE, all right?"

"Deal."

DOES THIS CHANGE ANYTHING?

>>12546537
Not at all, we just need to notify our team.

>>12546508

For hovis, how bout the latest augmentics for his leg?

>DOES THIS CHANGE ANYTHING?

Like...maybe we should talk with Ramba before taking off?

>Not at all, we just need to notify our team.

Maybe talk with Ramba first, then decide if we will need some extra firepower for whatever he's proposing and then notify our team?

>>12546537
>DOES THIS CHANGE ANYTHING?

I don't think so. Alert the rest of the team. What MS should Zol, Bernie and Elaine take? Since we'll likely be IN SPACE for combat, maybe a duo of Gelgoogs, with a Gelgoog Cannon for Bernie since he's had artillery experience with the Gigan?

>>12546537

I really really want the val varo along now.

>>12546596
Ral's in Granada. Kind of hard to talk to him before we've even left Pezun yet. Besides, if he was that willing to talk about it over communications, he would have just told Strauss instead of being hush-hush. Obviously he wants to discuss this in person.

>>12546619
Well tough.

>>12546537
Without knowing anything more, no changes except to let our team know that we might be doing something extra at Grenada.

>>12546568
Ramba's on the moon. Dude.

>>12546558
You tell the team to pack their pistols, knives, SMG's and grenades, as Ramba Ral might have some work for them as well during this mission.

with everybody loaded up for who knows what, now all you have to do is wait for Nell and her caretaker. By this time, you and the rest of the team have secured your Mobile Suits and dismounted and ar chatting with the ships crew.

"So, there we were (no shit*) in the middle of Costa Rica, getting pounded by those tanks from the other side of the bridge with the only thing for cover being the stacked up corpses of the tanks we just killed. Anyway, I'm there in my shitty stolen back Zaku 1 and I'm thinking, screw the other two, I've seen war movies, this is how the black dude dies first. So I get two heat hawks and I leap over the fucking river. Those tanks had no fucking clue what was going on."

Zolomon appears to be acclimitising nicely.

"Hey Zol tell him about the time we started painting skeletons on our Zaku's. We actually had farmers pointing at us and going 'El Meurto Grande! AIIIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!" you suggest.

You finally see Nell and her one handler leading her into the Pazock via the umbelical.

Nell appears to be clinging to her handler like a scared child. She finally enters the ship, and the Handler introduces herself as Sara Torvil, a blonde who appears to be around 19, and probably of no use if things get violent.
Nell herself appears to wish to avoid staring at you directly. Sara tries to get her to say hello, but Nell furiously shakes her head.

"I may have slightly traumatised her a few months back in a combat exercise a few months ago somehow."
"Oh so you're THAT guy."
"Oh dear that sounds bad."
Sara tries to introduce Nell to the other team members with greater success.

>"Oh so you're THAT guy."

And then Lister was a Neckbeard.

>>12546537
Well now I kinda want to take everyone.

>>12546889
Oh dear. Ask her details about what being THAT guy means. What's Nell been saying? If we can do something to help at all it would be good. Though on the other hand, if she went and got traumatized just because we beat her in a test battle with no actual risk of any of us dying, I think she's being just a tiny bit of a sore looser.

>>12546889
>Nell herself appears to wish to avoid staring at you directly
>"Oh so you're THAT guy."
Yup, terrifying manifestation of Death incarnate.
I feel like David's become Grandpa Lich in this whole child relative emotional spectrum.

rolled 16001 = 16001

>>12546940

He always was.

>>12546952
No, the trauma more has to do with how when she looked at us via Newtype powers, she saw Death Itself.

>>12546889

I must make a terrible demand on you now.

At the end of this session, IMOUTO OMAKE.

>I feel like David's become Grandpa Lich in this whole child relative emotional spectrum.

To paraphrase George Bush jun.: "We touched her in places no one else could reach."

>>12546889

When introduced to Bernie she seems strangely suprised to see him. She says hello in a strangely bemused fashion.
When introduced to Jolyne however she giggles in glee and latches onto her. She doesn't seem to be saying anything specific, she just appears to be just especially happy to see Jolyne. Even Sara can't explain it. Jolyne shrugs similarily nonplussed at this.
Eventually however she disconnects from Jolyne when introduced to Zolomon.

She seems to size him up with great seriousness for a few seconds.
Before giving him a very serious thumbs up.

This appears to be the introductions all made.

With everybody finally aboard the Pazock Mail Ship: Nightinghale sets off.


* It is a requirment of military law that all warstories MUST involve the phrase "so there we were, no shit..." within.

>She seems to size him up with great seriousness for a few seconds.
>Before giving him a very serious thumbs up.

Black Dude managed to survive. Mad props.

>>12546981
Ahh, that makes more sense. Damn, and not much we can do about it. Still, could it really hurt to just tell her that we're on her side and don't plan on hurting her?

>>12547014
Uh..... didn't we take Elaine with us, not Jolyne?

ELAINE ELAINE ELAINE ELAINE ELAINE ELAINE

>When introduced to Jolyne
Did we take Jol? Or is that Nell's reacton to Elaine?

>>12547014

Wait... Elaine or Jolyne?

Ref:
>>12546537

>>12546952
see
>>12545705
and
>>12545509

>>12546537
>>12546357
>>12546322
WE TOOK ELAINE

>WE TOOK ELAINE
We wanted to at least.

Question: Does Nell react all happyhappyjoyjoy to Elaine as well?

Or would that have been her reaction only to Jol?

>>12547067
>>12547079
Calm down dude, Apologized gets them mixed up sometimes.

>>12547060
I thought we took Jolyne because that was what I was having her respond to.

I've got to stop getting those two confused.

>>12547123
Getting mixed up is one thing, but this is starting to get to early-onset Alzheimer's levels.
>>12546537
>Okay: Taking Elaine, Zol and Bernie.

>>12547147

Now that was uncalled for.

>>12547123

Apologised, how would Nell react to Elaine?

>I thought we took Jolyne because that was what I was having her respond to.

Then let's just stick with Jolyne being along and be done with it.

>>12547161

She wouldn't really.

>>12547147
Dude. Not funny.

>>12547179

Guys shall we take Jol then? Nell seems to like her.

>>12547205
Sure, let's just go. It feels like it's been an hour.

>Guys shall we take Jol then? Nell seems to like her.
Yes.

rolled 18140 = 18140

>>12547244

Yep.

I guess so. At least we probably won't be able to inadvertently damage her more with Jol around. We can just keep to the background and busy ourselves talking things over with our remaining Dragoons during the trip. These guys all spend time INSIDE a Pegasuses-class carrier, maybe we can learn something about their weaknesses from them or something.

The journey from Pezun to Von Braun will take one day, you pass the time getting some RnR with the rest of your team.
You also try to find out just what Nell has been saying about you to the Flannagan Institute as well.

On the way you're paths cross with Jolyne.
"So, do you have ANY idea why Nell reacted to you like that?"
"I... no. I think. There is something kind of familiar. But, I dunno."

"That's delightfully vague."
"Oh shut up."

You reach Sara and Nell's quarters and press the comm button. Sara answers and says that Nell is currently asleep, but is there anything with which she could help you with.

After she let's you in, she offers you tea and coffee. Jolyne declines but you accept a cup of coffee. After three minutes she comes in with a pair of coffees for her and yourself.

"The main burning question I have is, just what is Nell's issue with me?"

"Well, unfortunately we lost several of the drawings she made of you as a skeletal knight atop a horse with hooves of flame, a many pronged crown of iron and flames atop your head when the Bifrost went up, but from what I remember she basically... actually, do I even need to continue?"

"What is up with Nell anyway?"

"Well, some of it's classified, but she's been with the Institute from the age of 4 when she was shown to be exhibiting newtype like symptoms within the hospital where she was living after the Zum Hall disaster..."
Jolyne stiffens.
"You're familiar with it?"
"Several sets of slums in Zum city collapsed 8 years ago when they attempted to move the colony deeper into Side Three. It several hundred people died, I was there when it happened, I lost my mother, but luckily my Uncle Kujo was able to take me in."

"Well, Nell wasn't so lucky, she got trapped in falling debris and lost both of her parents. Apparently she had a broken leg and had to be carried out of the falling buildings by another child, who was able to deliver her to the field hospital in the north si..."
"FUCK ME I REMEMBER THAT!"
Ah. Things it appears are about to make sense.

>>12547452

Ask about Nell's background and how she ended up in the institute.

>>12547452
Ask her about the 'that guy' thing.

Also ask her whether we can get her a drink when we are on the moon.

>>12547461
And so Nell and Jolyne met that way. I cannot name the emotion that I am feeling but it is a mixture of sadness and happiness that at least they both survived and have been reunited somewhat. Good show OP.

>"Well, unfortunately we lost several of the drawings she made of you as a skeletal knight atop a horse with hooves of flame, a many pronged crown of iron and flames atop your head when the Bifrost went up, but from what I remember she basically... actually, do I even need to continue?"

Why am i laughing and how old is Nell anyway?

"I thought there was something familiar with her! Back then she was smaller, and her hair had some colour in it. But yeah. I found her with her leg trapped under some rocks..."

"She still limps sometimes..." Sara mentions.

"So anyway, I got her out and we had to walk through about a mile of collapsing buildings before we actually managed to make it to the field hospital they had set up for survivors in the uptown district. I still don't know how we made it through alive."

"It's quite possible the trauma is what caused her to develop Newtype abilities at such an early age."

"Well, now we know."

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WISH TO KNOW FROM SARA?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TO ANYONE ELSE?

>>12547502
12. Nell is 12.

>>12547461

Alright, we get that Nell sees us as a skeletal knight and all, but the question is why? Is it any more complex than piloting a MS with a skeletal paint job?

>>12547531

Any chance of her eventually being able to treat us normally?

>ANYTHING ELSE YOU WISH TO KNOW FROM SARA?

Yes: >>12547494

Would she mind being taken to a fancy lunar restaurant by a highly decorated Zeonic war hero and knight commander?

>ANYTHING ELSE YOU WISH TO KNOW FROM SARA?

What's the deal with that Newtype-stuff. I don't think we know more than the usual official: "People go to space, people become Newtype, everyone's happy!"

>>12547461
>>"Well, unfortunately we lost several of the drawings she made of you as a skeletal knight atop a horse with hooves of flame, a many pronged crown of iron and flames atop your head when the Bifrost went up, but from what I remember she basically... actually, do I even need to continue?"
You lost me.

>>12547547

Yeah, some pointer on that would be nice too. She seems to react oddly to people in general. Is that normal for her?

>>12547547
It's our Newtype aura. Whenever a Newtype exerts himself to a great degree, he gives off an aural image of his true self that other Newtypes of sufficient sensitivity are able to see. See Dozel and Amuro's fight in the original series.

Lister:
>>12545509
>>12545705

>Is it any more complex than piloting a MS with a skeletal paint job?

Don't forget murdering lots of people and using said paint job for the express purpose of striking fear into our enemies (and hapless Mexican peasants).

>>12547586

True, there is that too. But honestly is that any more than other combat vets have done? Lets not forget that Zol and Elaine were both in that training fight with Nell too, Zol was a veteran as well, and had the skeletal paint job, but she seems to like him just fine.

>>12547531
Oh hey, so trauma causes newtypes! I'm sure that this knowledge will not be abused in any way shape or form in the future!

Also, ask if there are Newtype tests. I don't think it's too meta to say that we've noticed some of our teammates displaying some highly unusual abilities. And then there was that time back in Mastodon when we heard the pilot of the captured Zaku thinking and taking aim at us on our Dodai....

>>12547569
>>12547580
We already talked some with old Flannigan and have a basic understanding of what a Newtype is. We know that we are probably one, and we KNOW Zol is one.

That's where we first met Nell, was when Flannigan came to us and wanted us to help test a new NT MA that Nell was piloting. We fucker her up good in that fight.

>>12547531

If theres some time we can get a drink together at Grenada.

>But honestly is that any more than other combat vets have done?

Probably for other veterans it has not become their inner nature though (see >>12547583).

Zol sees himself as regular dude who happens to carry a giant axe.
Dave? Dave sees himself as a skeleton knight riding down his enemies sowing death and destruction where he goes.

>>12547627
Hardly. She took out both Elaine and Zolomon quite easily, and David only just barely came out the victor by exploiting her Zaku's recharge.

>>12547663

That's a little bit troubling, I think.

>>12547667
I meant mentally fucked her up.

>>12547547
>>12547563
>>12547569
>>12547564

You inquire further about the Skeletal Knight thing.

"Well, it's hard to explain fully. The only people who ever really seemed to get it are now dead. I mean, there are a couple more back in the Institute. I think it has something to do with her newtype ability."

"Her what?"

"She's a partial Neuromancer. She can perceive the future through the actions, mannerisms and past history of people. She can't predict completely random events though, or actions from people and variables she knows nothing about. Plus she can never predict newtypes all that well. The way I heard it described, it's like trying to calculate a thousand possibilities, over say 5 or 10 for an ordinary person."

"So basically she's the Kiswatch Haderach?"

"Yes but with less mind-control"

Jolyne just looks at the both of you funny.

"Could she ever get used to me?" You ask.

"I think it's just a question of time, she's very young for all this. Give her five or six years and she should be okay."

Lastly you attempt to make a pass at her.

>>12547663
>Dave? Dave sees himself as a skeleton knight riding down his enemies sowing death and destruction where he goes.

Yes, but only so that Zeon can be truly free and independent! And honestly, I don't think that a skeletal knight reflects us very well.... I mean, we've generally been as nice and accommodating to our enemies as possible, and we were never needlessly cruel or unkind. We still talk with out parents and hang out, so it's not like fighting has become the sole purpose of our lives either. Yes, it's a big focus right now because we're a soldier and there's a war going on, but we've got plans for after the war, don't we? A nice little farm down in Fiji!

rolled 30531 = 30531

>"So basically she's the Kiswatch Haderach?"

D:

D: D: D:

>>12547699
Yeah, but it will all come to ruin. RUIN, I say!

>>12547753
Well, OP says that she's often wrong about Newtypes. Guess first impressions really aren't often right. Hooray, there's hope for us yet!

>>12547663
>Dave? Dave sees himself as a skeleton knight riding down his enemies sowing death and destruction where he goes.
Then again David's post-war mental status can be summed up as such: PTSD. PTSD EVERYWHERE.

>>12547687

Ok, I've been googling and I'm coming up blank except for the xenosaga Kirschwasser which is very very tempting to dress Nell up as.

Whats a Kiswatch Haderach?

>>12547699
I don't think so. We're talking about a guy who's parents were basically terrorists. Using skills they taught us as a child we defused a bomb while drunk! While we like to think ourself a civilized and upright citizen, we are a complete monster on the battlefield. We've killed HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of people since the war started, all without a second thought. Every tank, plane, ship, ball and MS we take down we kill the people inside of them and never bat an eye. We are death incarnate, we just aren't all moody and emo about it.

>>12547770
A mistyping of Kwisats Haderach

>>12547770

It's from Dune. It's a person that can predict the future, to one extent or another. Apologised probably spelled it wrong, I know I would.

>>12547699
None of that changes the fact that David is somewhat of an avatar of Death on the battlefield. The realization of the number of people he's killed, wives widowed & children orphaned by his hand alone are probably a large driving force behind his developing PTSD after the war.

The pass appears partially successful, but she claims that she's probably going to be swamped with work when she get's back to the Moon anyway and declines.

"Sure, pretend I'm not here at all why don't you?" Jolyne comments archly.

Since you've finished your Coffee, Sara ushers you out before you wake Nell.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TOO NEXT?

>>12547770

I actually supposed to be spelled "Kwisatz Haderach". It is a reference to Dune, and the mythical god messiah like figure the Bene Gesserit wished to create.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwisatz_Haderach

>>12547805
>"Sure, pretend I'm not here at all why don't you?"
Feign shock.
"Why, how callous of me!
"Jolyne, when we get to Grenada, would you give me the pleasure of accompanying me for some alcoholic refreshment?"

rolled 32494 = 32494

>>12547805

Lets see that Zolomon isn't drinking the mail crew under the table.

>>12547848
This!

>WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TOO NEXT?

How much do we know about Jolyns history anyway?

>The realization of the number of people he's killed, wives widowed & children orphaned by his hand alone are probably a large driving force behind his developing PTSD after the war.

First - the numbers are too big to matter and second, that's not really how PTSD works. You don't just get it from shooting people, you get it from exposure to extremely stressful situations. Like being randomly shot at for days or being in a collapsing section of a Space Colony. And even then not everyone suffers from PTSD. Humans are mean machines after all.

>>12547848
Do it.
>>12547805
We should go chill with Bernie some. Make sure he's adjusted well enough.

How long has Hamburger been with us anyway?

>WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TOO NEXT?
Zol. Hang out a bit. And ask his opinion about attaching a training unit to Nachtmaren.

>>12547770
it is from Dune, total presence and the ability to look back through the history of man

>>12547884
Yes. Burger. Talk with Jol en route.

>Yes. Burger. Talk with Jol en route.

This.

>>12547876
-Shot at for days: check
-shoat at for days with very little sleep: check
-killed people in close quarters out of our suit while on a super top secret mission to try and save Zeon: check
-been told we are a monster by a little girl: check
-had to fight tooth and nail for our very survival countless time: check and check

I'd say we've been under plenty of stress and witnessed plenty of fucked up shit during the war.

>>12547848
>"Why, how callous of me!
>"Jolyne, when we get to Grenada, would you give me the pleasure of accompanying me for some alcoholic refreshment?"

"...Well... Well fine. I guess. I mean there was that somewhat classy place on Von Braun wasn't there? I mean that's about an hours flight I suppose. I mean hell, we'll probably end up going to Von Braun for something sooner or later anyway right?"

DATE WITH JOLYNE SECURED.
WHAT NEXT DON JUAN?

>>12547785
Yeah, and? So have plenty of other soldiers. It's simply not how we see ourselves, or at least, not how I think we see ourselves. And yeah, we used our parent's knowledge to defuse a bomb. Not set a bomb to kill people. And anyone can tell you that blowing up a tank or giant robot is far different to looking a guy in to face while you kill them. Incognito should be scarier than we are.

>>12547912
And the killing of thousands is most certainly something he would regret as well. It's not as if he's some cold-hearted POS or anything. Why else would he even give a shit about some little girl seeing him as what is probably the most terrifying thing she could conceive.

>>12547923

Burger. Ask him what he makes of Nell.

As Bernie pretty much has been pretty much subjected to 'training unit, Nachtmaren style', his opinion might actually be more useful than Zol's anyway.

>>12547923
Wow. Jolyne is tsundere as fuck.

>>12547966
If you think THAT'S tsundere, wait until we try romancing Elaine.

>>12547942
>>12547934
For fucks sake we're the main character, that's why. We get special fucking treatment to make our self interesting and unique.

>And yeah, we used our parent's knowledge to defuse a bomb. Not set a bomb to kill people.

Why do you think our parents taught us those skills? Lister junior was helping his parents build and plant IEDs when he was little. That's why.

Anyway, thinking about Dave's childhood and psychic makeup like that won't lead anywhere.

Just say that he is trying to be a good guy and do the right thing, but is a bit fucked in the head all the same. I think we can all agree to that much.

>>12547976
What the fuck does your statement have to do with >>12547942 ?

>>12547996
Fair enough, and you're right. I hadn't thought of that. Well, hopefully he'll be okay and Nell won't be ascared of him eventually.

>>12547974
.....I can't see Elaine as tsundere. She seems like more of a klutz, easily embarrassed.

>>12547947

Also officially assign him as Nell's big brother.

>>12548059
Nachtmaren: Official spokesmen of the Zeon branch of Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

>>12548074

Moar like: "SLEEP NOW, LITTLE DUMPLING, I'VE REPLACED YOUR PARENTS."

rolled 38093 = 38093

>>12548123

"I need an adult"


"I AAAAAAM AN ADUUULT!"

>>12547923
Getting back on topic...let's go talk to Bernie. The kid probably doesn't have any real on-foot combat experience, and if we're going to be running errands for Ral that might be coming fast.

>>12547966
Less tsundere and more off-balance. If I'm remembering her recruitment dossier correctly, all the previous attempts to ask her out were something along the lines of the zeonic /b/rigade's "Sweet! A girl with tits. You should go out with me, by which I mean sleep with me". Except things usually never got past the "Sweet! A girl-" part before she broke all their arms. And sometimes their jaws.

Now she's going out for a drink with a respected colleague who she gets along quite well with. She's not going to be breaking anyone's bones and she's not going to end up back in the Kara Thrace memorial brig with another mention of disorderly conduct on her record. This is somewhat unfamiliar territory for her.

>A long range support specialist, JOLYNE BRANDE has 14 kills to her name with long range weapons, primarily including use of the Magella Top Cannon. Also trained in Magella Tank use. Three minor counts of insuborniation. Black Belt in Maui Thai, taught at the Platinum Star Gym in Zum City. Born in Side 3, mother now deceased, father unknown.
Also, sweet balls this was back in part 13. Was the Nell thing planned even then? What other long maturing schemes have we become entangled in?

>>12548181

We brought our Dragoons along.

Zero-G CQB 101.

>>12548074
>>12548123
>"SLEEP NOW, LITTLE DUMPLING, I'VE REPLACED YOUR PARENTS."

Okay that's a little creepier than I was expecting. It's like we're trying for Jack Skellington.

>>12547923
>WHAT NEXT DON JUAN?
Talk to Bernie. Ask him how he'd feel about training to use a more powerful MS. The Zaku Kai is a great all-rounder but we may need him to kick it up a notch some day if something happens to one of our other people.

>>12548123
>>12548149
Man. No wonder Nell is scared to death of us. If I was a traumatized psychic little girl I wouldn't want to be anywhere near us either. Let's just go and see how Bernie is doing before we give the poor girl another complex or something.

>Yes. Burger. Talk with Jol en route.

You quietly leave as to not wake up the traumatised 12 year old, and make your way to where Bernie is.
On the way you banter with Jolyne.

"So you used to live in Zum City?"
"Yeah, but after the Zum Hall disaster I moved to another colony in Side 3, and joined the military at 18. Was in Mobile Suits a year later. You really never hear about the Zum Hall Disaster?"

"I grew up in Side 6 with some really weird parents, with a childhood building pipebombs."

"Adorable."

"I do not think that word means what you think it means."

"God, Elaine had to pretend to be a man, I was in Zum Hall, you're a child terrorist, what's next? Zolomon turns out to have solved murder mysteries as a child? Calvin's the lost Casval Sum Deikum?"

"What ever DID happen to that kid anyway?"

"Nobody knows, it's like the great mystery of the Universal Century."

You eventually find Bernard playing low-gravity ping pong with Zolomon in the rec-room.
He is losing badly, Zolomon however is casually playing with one hand, a drink in the other.

"Oh thank god, how the hell is Zolomon doing this?"
Bernard comments.

"Hey boss, you up for a two on two game?" Zolomon offers.

ZOLOMON IS CHALLENGING YOU TO A GAME OF PING-PONG.
DO YOU ACCEPT?

>>12548255
>DO YOU ACCEPT?
How can we not?
Let's give Bernie a break.

>>12548255
No. There is no sense fighting an impossible battle.

Unless we get to be on his side.

>>12548199
Our Dragoons are currently down to four men, and are off-duty until they're back to full strength. We didn't bring any with us. See >>12546303

>>12548192
>Also, sweet balls this was back in part 13. Was the Nell thing planned even then? What other long maturing schemes have we become entangled in?

Not to THAT scale. I just got lucky.

>Zolomon turns out to have solved murder mysteries as a child?

Challenge accepted!

>supend bicycle
Captcha says the loser has to drive around the moon on a bicycle all the time.

>>12548255
Do it. This will be a magnificent loss.

>>12548299

We brought them along. >>12546508

>ZOLOMON IS CHALLENGING YOU TO A GAME OF PING-PONG.
>DO YOU ACCEPT?

Team up with Burfer - Show him the power of friendship.

>>12548311
Indeed. As Red Green once said: "Eventually you stop trying to win and just try to lose as slowly as possible."

We brought the Dragoons with us so that they'd be able to pick out some new team members to replensih their ranks. Still wouldnt advise training against them just now though. I'm betting they're still bandaged up pritty bad.

OF FUCK NO! DON'T FUCKING DO IT!

For Christ's sake, we're going to end up activating some latent ping-pong related NT power and Nell is going to be attacked by visions of us in her sleep and is going to wake up screaming with blood leaking out of her nose and ears and then maybe go into convulsions or some shit.

>>12548255
Hai Team, I'm back.

Alright team, if we're romancing Jol, based on what she just told us, we need to find out her favorite color en-route. When we have rec time on the moon, but before the date, we should go, with Elaine (and maybe Zol) in tow, pick out an absurdly high quality dress of said favorite color, and have it sent to her. Time to use some of that hazard pay. Plus I'm sure the medals will help as well.

Anyway, as for Low Grav Ping Pong, I'm down to get our ass beat. If there's alcohol on board we should see if we can't get some Low Grav Beer Pong going. See how many different ways newtype hax can induce alcohol poisoning in another person.

>>12548255

IT IS TIME TO UNVEIL THE EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUE:
ZEON'S GRIP

>>12548351
Oh come on. I doubt she'd start convulsing.

Accept the challenge. Lister/Jol VS Zol/Burger.

>>12548411
She just said she was raised by her uncle after the slum she lived in fucking collapsed and killed her parents. I'm sure things weren't exactly easy, and I'm sure she'd appreciate it. Though if you make it too expensive she'll think David's tryna buy his way in.

Anyway, yes, JolLisv.ZolBur

>>12548433
Both of them are referring to Nell.

>>12548447

So they are.

Swing and a miss on my part.

Maybe buy something nice for Nell while we're on the Moon? I mean, yeah, we may be an Avatar of Death, a Doom Knight with a flaming crown of bone, but that doesn't mean we can't buy her nice things and be thoughtful.

>>12548505
Maybe ask Sara what her favorite food is and get her some of it?

>>12548496
You are right about the 'buying in' thing in general though.

Also, despite everyone being so keen on shipping, let's not compromise our efficiency as a fighting force. We go on the date with Jol. Seek to have a good time. Maybe see what develops. But don't break the unit bond by messing around with her (or Elaine).

>>12548276

You join up with Bernie, and pick up a paddle.

AND SO THE EPIC BATTLE BEGINS...

"So Bernie how did you get into the military?"

"Well, I only signed up in march, I mean the propaganda was riding pretty hard in Side 3 at the time so I signed up and got put into accellerated MS training. I think by the time I joined up with you guy's they had accellerated the training process pretty hard. I had to pick up a lot of the slack in my free time. I mean that's what we did, we read operations manuals and the like in between sleep and exercises."

"So you're from Side 3 as well?"

"Yeah, my family were Colony Engineers who helped build them. My Great Grandfather supposedly helped build the Zum City Cylinder.Of course my Grandad was always one for tall tales..."

The white ball whizzes past you and you frantically send it back towards their half.

"Eh, I guess there's always an exception that proves the rule. What about you Zolomon? You come from the moon right?"

Jolyne asks as she catches the ball and sends it back.

"Yeah, my parents were mineral miners out of Von Braun. The mines all dryed up now though, and we had to sell most of the facilities and offices. We still managed to keep the central office and convert it into pub though."
Supplies Zolomon

"I think I remember that from last time?"

"Yeah, that's the one."

"So... no traumatic childhood for you either?"
You posit as you continue the rally that's begun to develop.

"Not really... Unless you count that time I solved a murder mystery...."

"I FUCKING KNEW IT." Jolyne loudly exclaims. You take advantage of the opening and get the point.

>>12548543
Quick.

Zol needs some kind of ridiculous communication-capable animal companion.

>>12548543
>Unless you count that time I solved a murder mystery...
Why can't I stop laughing?

>>12548543
>last 4-5 lines

Oh god. Need to know more.

rolled 6655 = 6655

>>12548574

Companion aye?

You play Ping Pong for a few more rounds. Bernie's clearly outclassed, but he's sticking in there nontheless.
You eventually lose, but not before giving an excellent showing.
Especially once you figure out how to put topspin onto the thing. Zolomon and Jolyne have to seperate out, Jolyne taking the long balls and Zolomon handling the short ones.
You're getting ready for a second game when the intercom signals that there's a priority message for you from the Captain.

You open up a line to the bridge.

"Commander, the Cruiser Madigascar just pulled alongside, a Commander Ramba Ral is calling on a secure laser line, and he's asking for you. Do you want to patch it through to you there?"

"Sure. It's just me and the rest of the team anyway."

Ramba Ral's face appears in the smallish video screen.

"It's good to see you again Commander. I'll get straight to the point since we don't have much time, and I'm sure you've been curious since Pezun. David, I need your help to save Von Braun city."

"... why is it ALWAYS like this when I'm delivering mail for Captain Garma?" You complain.

>>12548690

Imouto Omake!

>David, I need your help to save Von Braun city.

...we though he was just planning for a picknick and needed some extra hands with the baskets and tablecloths.

>>12548690

Are we keeping Zeonquest on saturday from now on?

Sweet, time for some more low-G Moon shenanigans.

>>12548729
Just for a few weeks due to a change in Apologised's work schedule.

>>12548703
INDEED.
>>12548505
>>12548523
DOUBLE INDEED. WE MUST INQUIRE INTO WHAT SHE LIKES AND ACQUIRE SOMETHING RELEVANT TO PAVE THE WAY TO NOT TERRIFYING THE ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL.

>>12548690

OBVIOUSLY IT'S TO BE CONTINUED.

---Omake---

MEANWHILE IN NELLS BEDROOM

Nell's diminutive form was semi-restless in her sleep. From what Sara remembered, this was apparently normal. She'd gone in to check on her a couple of times, and she'd seemed fine. Occaisioanlly she would flap her arms about and giggle girlishly.
She seemed prety carefree whilst asleep.

Well, Sara thought darkly to herself, at least one of us can.
She'd just begun drinking when David Lister and whatsherface had appeared. Hell the coffee she'd taken had come with a hefty kick of scotch in it. By now she was down half a bottle, and since it was the only one she'd been able to take with her luggage, she was detirmed to make it last until they got to Grenada or Von Braun.

"Damn it Max... was she really worth it?" Sara asked dejectedly of no-one in particular. The sounds over the baby-monitor she used to keep tabs on Nell reported giggling had given way to distressed murmurs. Nell was talking about her sister again.
Not that (to Sara's knowledge) she actually had one. It might have been a pet name she had for Dr Idlevice, who also died with the Bifrost.

Sara entered the room again to make sure Nell wasn't hurting hurting herself. Her hands were stretched outwards, as if grasping for something, Sara leaned down to check if she'd bruised herself in her sleep and Nell latched onto her.
Sara tried to move away as Nell grasped and hugged her tight, but the 12 year olds grip was firm and she couldn't free herself. She moved down for a more comfortable purchase. Nell appeared to be less agitated now and her grip loosened.
By the time Sara was free she noticed that Nell was awake.

>TO PAVE THE WAY TO NOT TERRIFYING THE ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL

As my grandma used to say: "You can't make burning skeletton knights not scary to twelve year old girls."

The only thing we could do is make it clear that we're her burning skeletton knight....in a: "Your grandpa just caught fire while he fell into a heap of trash metal, but inside he's still the same ol' man."-sense.

>>12548813

The picture is a very good reminder.

That char must not be allowed anywhere near her.

>>12548853

Oh god I just realized, that would be pretty awful...

When this sort of situation is just hypothetical, or happening to a jerk like Quess, it's funny. But now...

>>12548690
So will we get a chance to talk to the Pezun R&D techs when we get back? With a solid 2 weeks we might have gotten a chance to see some pritty solid development if we were just suggesting matchups of existing parts.

Have we created a giant bayonet for our gun yet?

If so, why not?

>>12548888

Well, we have two wrist heat rods and extendable heat blades in our feet, that seems to work pretty well.

>>12548830

Or we can put it that the knight is there to protect her.

>The picture is a very good reminder.
>That char must not be allowed anywhere near her.

Man-Erinyes. My money is on him looking like a Man-Fury.

>>12548881

Arty, I love your designs, and earlier in the war stuff like that would have been of immense advantage, but right now I think (Although I freely admit it could just be me) we need to focus all our available resources on re-engineering the Gelgoog and advancing those designs. The Gelgoog is superior in just about every possible way to any other design we could work with right now, and it would be of immense advantage if we could get a significant number fielded before the Feddies get a real push started in space.

>>12548897
It's just not the same.

>>12548881
Goddamnit! I knew we were forgetting something!
It was brought up multiple times to tell the Pezun R&D to come up with the upgrade packages and the idea for the ZakRaider.
Apologised, did any of that get done?

>>12548813
"Was I talking about big sister again?" Nell asked her.
"Yes. Um who was big sister?" Sara asked. She found herself wishing she was more sober for this. This was probably important.
"It's big sister Jolyne silly!" Nell told her. Jolyne, THAT was the other Nachtmaren Pilots name. She remembered now.
"You know that Jolyne isn't actually your sister right? She just helped you when you were very small, and had no-one else."
Nell pouted for a second. A normal child might have thrown a tantrum at this point, but Nell calmed herself.
"Somebody hasn't read her personel files!" She replied with a sing song voice.
"Okay, very good. Now you get back to sleep okay? You've had a very long and hard day. Do you need anything to help you get to sleep?"
Sara had several pills and a syringe with some decent sedatives in a bag beside the bed just in case.
"No thank you." the 12 year old said as she rolled over to get comfortable.

Sara left the bedroom and returned to the living area. She booted up her networked terminal and called up Jolyne Brandes Personel File
>Born in Side 3, mother now deceased, father unknown.
>father unknown

"Son of a..."

>>12548929

...if we ever get back to Side 3, we're gonna have to put our kid detective on that murder mystery.

>>12548929

D:

>DUMDUMDUM

My internet is getting screwy, so I'm going to call it a night.

>>12548926

I'm looking over the stuff. Zeon knows they need some kind of cheap space-fighter like frame to supplement their mobile suits. Although it will probably have to be AMBAC cabable, to help with space maneouvability.

>>12548929
D'awwwww.

>>12548922
Not my design. Somebody else posted that just before we launched last attack on Jaburo. Figure it'd be a good counter to those Federation flight pack equipped GM's.

But you're right about the Gelgoog. We either need to get building more of those or make more long rage equipment available to the Gyan. The Gyan Kreiger seems like an incredibly powerful suit. If the two short range beam guns in it's shield were swapped out for a full out beam rifle in a shield it'd likely be one of the best MS going.

>>12549023

That's... a really good idea, and would probably save a lot of resources on trying to re-engineer the Gelgoog. That said, is the Gyan reactor powerful enough to support a full-on beam rifle? Other stuff (beam lance, beam carbine, scattering beam guns, etc) are useful in certain situations, but in a massed battle not much beats massed beam rifle fire.

>>12548929
Implications...PLEASANT.

>>12549049
It should be able to, but I think keeping the beam lance would put it overbudget on power.
MS-14A
Powerplant:output rated at 1440 kW
YMS-15
Powerplant:output rated at 1360 kW
RX-78-2
Powerplant:output rated at 1380 kW

The problem is that we dont have any real stats on the Kreiger. The fact that it has 2 beam guns AND a lance would indicate that it has a more powerful reactor. That and it's UMP compatability. The MS-15/GMS-15 basicly have the same stats as the YMS-15 right? Or would Kycilia have switched to making them fit into the UMP?

>>12549199

Now that I couldn't tell you. Without canon stats though we'll just have to rely on DM fiat I suppose.

Just tried doing something with the Oggo but that just turned into more fail than anything else.
So here have some unmodified corn sta- I mean Oggo.

Didnt quite give up on it. So if the Oggo is a giant fuel tank might as well make use of that by giving it 4x the engine power of the original. Moved the cockpit forward and slapped additional reactors in behind so that in theory it could use a beam weapon.
I didnt put any of the arms back on since with the engines being moved on those tracks they'd get in the way. Perhaps an arm could be placed underneath the cockpit if needed? Like the Zackraider this thing is meant to go fast and it can carry a wide array of Zeon MS weapons. The 50mm vulcan turrets could be swapped for active chaff launchers depending on the mission.

>>12551308
So the idea is that it'll turn and maneuver like a fat whale, but it'll be going so fast that it won't matter?

>>12551419
Pritty much, though really that's what the Dom is like in space, just this wouldnt have anywhere near as much expensive armor. Personally I'd be happy just to use these things as large bits or funnels rather than put people in them. Only went with this because it's merely a modification of an existing design. If we do end up desperate enough to be using Oggo's later on better to have them designed and tested now.

>>12551749
Wouldn't bits and funnels need to be maneuverable in order to be able to fulfill their function? I mean, if they have a hard time turning, then they're not going to be too effective tracking targets.