>>32942453
Since Karen had the Kyongju's military police contingent handcuff her and escort her to your team's ready room, Haman has fallen silent. Karen is sitting quietly in a seat in the back, content to let you work, and Carya, Audrey, and Reiko are sitting with her. The armed MPs are guarding the door, with two just inside and two in the hall.

You'd felt at first as though things had gone well, so you can't help but wonder at what went wrong. The problem at hand isn't that you can't figure out the reason she's upset at you, but rather that you can think of all too many reasons.

Still, you have ways to get her to talk.
>Wave off the guards, that might make things easier
>Try and get her to open up: you probably have some shared experience to talk about
>You've been too nice: maybe play some “good Newtype, bad Newtype” with Carya?
>Have something to eat brought in. You're hungry, and she probably is too.
>Other?

>>32942480
>Have something to eat brought in. You're hungry, and she probably is too.

>>32942480
> Have something to eat brought in. You're hungry, and she probably is too.
> Try and get her to open up: you probably have some shared experience to talk about
Maybe convince the others to give you two some privacy.

>>32942540
second.

>>32942540
This sounds like a plan to me.

>>32942480
>Wave off the guards, that might make things easier
>Try and get her to open up: you probably have some shared experience to talk about
Even without the guards we're still four hardened soldiers (and a secretary. Sorry, Reiko.) of whom two are Newtypes. I think we can take her if she gets loose, and it would ease tensions a bit. We can use that to start talking to her. I think a good start would be asking what a member of Zeon's aristocracy is doing piloting an experimental suit. Between her demeanor and her unwillingness to say her family name, it's fairly obvious.

>>32942639
We don't know she's a member of the aristocracy yet. She only identified herself as "Haman" with no last name, and said she's a civilian.

Now we can poke holes in how a civilian managed to get the permission to fly an experimental suit, but lets do that after we get her to open up a bit.

>>32942639
She's a teenager and probably in a rebellious stage. Removing the guards will probably make her think we don't take her seriously and make her close up.

I would also mention that the Mobile Armor pilot got away safely.

>>32942540

sounds like a solid start.

If needed, we can go harder, but it is best to start soft...

>>32942676
I wanted to do the "We already know all about you" interrogation trick. Put her off her balance and what not. And like I said, between the fact that she's in an experimental suit, her refusal to give her family name, and her poise we should be able to infer she's an aristocrat.

>>32942705
I suppose that's true. Maybe leave the ones outside the door, then? So they're not an imposing presence but she can still sense they're there with her Newtype abilities. And mentioning the mobile armor's pilot survived is a good idea. Though if we could hear him laughing I don't know why she wouldn't be able to.

Shit, I just realized: We're the Devil's Jester (though that name doesn't really roll off the tongue to me. Laughing Devil would be better, in my opinion, maybe we should push for that). We need to use that against Char at some point. We have to show up to laugh at him and steal his thunder. Combine that with confusing him for Johnny Ridden and we might infuriate him enough to actually be able to take the rival role from Amuro.

“Corporal?” you ask one of the troopers stationed at the door.

“Sir?” You can feel the poor soldier is nervous just being in the same room as you and two other powerful Newtypes.

“Go see if the galley is open, would you? And see if you can't score me some coffee.”

The young man nods, seemingly happy at the chance to escape your company. “Can do, sir.”

“Good, and have a meal brought for our guest as well.”

Once the MP leaves, you turn to the rest of your team.

“Commander, would you mind giving me some time with Ms Haman here?”

Karen eyes you warily. “Afraid not, O'Hara. But if you think it's going to make a difference, I'll give you fifteen minutes. But I'm leaving Lieutenant Marseille in here to keep an eye on things.”

Carya nods. “Yes, ma'am.”

“With your permission, sirs,” Audrey asks, “I'd like to start examining this new machine. I can have a preliminary report for you inside the hour, but it'll take some time to figure out exactly how far Axis has developed their psycommu systems.”

“Sounds like a plan, Ensign. Get to it. Will this work for you?” Karen asks as she waves the second MP and the rest of your team out.

>Accept having a chaperone, try getting Haman talking again (how?)
>Press the issue with Karen (on what grounds?)

>>32942796

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I, THE LAUGHING DEVIL HAVE COME TO DEFEAT YOU!!! JONNY RIDDEN!!!! YOUR RED COLOUR-SCHEME TELL NO LIES!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

>>32942705
You know, Char surviving has some interesting implications, which now that I think about it could disrupt the canon timeline even more than killing him off. Hearts said we captured Haman before she had a chance to kill Natalie Bianchi. Which means that in a few months, Char's going to be a father. How would that affect his role in Zeta if he had a family to take care of? Natalie's death was one of the primary reasons he left Axis, it's possible that we might not get Quattro Bajeena even without killing Char. Or if we do, he'd have experience as a father influencing his character, which could seriously change his interactions with Kamille. Man, this is such a minor change, but we've already shifted the plot into potentially major AU territory.

>>32942834
So... nobody has any specific questions or tactics for getting Haman to say anything?

>>32943031
We're thinking. Give me a moment longer.

>>32942834

>Accept having a chaperone.
after all, we really haven't done this kind of thing before...

"So, tell me, What's life on Axis like?"

get her to talk about her home, possibly family, get a sense of her opinion of Axis and it's leadership... it should give us an idea on which walls to push to open up the room....

File: WHO IS YOUR DADDY AND WHA(...).jpg (22 KB, 432x256)

22 KB JPG

>>32943091
This is fine

>possibly family
Possibly who is her daddy and what does he do?

>>32943031
As a test pilot did we ever test pilot Rick Doms? If So I'd ask about how the back pack would mess up the handling. Go in at a pilot-to-pilot level. She seemed very proud of her piloting at 16 in the last thread so we'll have to pull on that.

Otherwise just keep it professional, she didn't like the idea of being interrogated by a rookie, and she wants to be taken seriously.

>>32942834
> Accept having a chaperone, try getting Haman talking again (how?)
It's CC, so what the hell. Might as well use the whole "we all in this room went to war at the same age as you" angle. And unlike both of us, Haman can have a shot at having a normal life away from the war. Maybe help other children to avoid becoming child soldiers and going through hell like we did, if she's willing to talk. We'll guarantee that nothing bad will happen to her, treat her as an equal and all that. Also, your buddy survived, so you don't have to worry about your wingman in the MA.

Side note, CC is former Zeon, so we could maybe use that angle as well, though that depends on how indoctrinated Haman already is.

>>32942834
>Accept having a chaperone, try getting Haman talking again (how?)
Make a joke about how we can't help but think that Karen's stereotyping us, leaving all the Newtypes to talk to each other alone.

Then start to ask Haman about why she was deployed against us. Make it clear we're not disparaging her piloting skills, she did quite well and if we hadn't ganged up on her she would probably be able to beat us in a one on one fight. No, we're more curious as to why an experimental mobile suit that clearly hadn't had all of its bugs worked out was sent into battle when there were more practical options. What made her so eager to engage?

>>32943157
This is a bad idea. CC is a traitor to Zeon, if she finds this out too early she'll just clam up and not say anything.

Zeeks have an irrational hatred of logic and if she's high up enough to pilot a prototype she's unlikely to defect.

>>32943139
This sounds like a good idea, seconding.

>>32943139
Yeah, this.

>>32943259
To be fair, it's not just Zeeks. Feddies are just as allergic to rationality. It's the Universal Century, everyone's crazy. The Federation is just better at hiding it.

“So,” you begin, “what's life like on Axis?” Carya settles into her seat again, no doubt quietly wondering if you had any idea how to interrogate a prisoner. For a moment it seems like Haman isn't going to answer you, but eventually she responds.

“It's crowded.”

“It's... crowded?” you repeat. “Surely you can tell me more about it than that.”

“What do you want from me, a poem?” she snaps. “It's a colony full of Principality soldiers and their families. We're short on supplies, we're short on space, and we're even shorter on hope.”

“So why don't you surrender already?” Catrina asks pointedly.

“Because WE,” Haman replies angrily, “still hold to our ideals. And unlike some people, we're not traitors.”

“Newtype understanding my ass,” you mutter, drawing both of their attention back to you. “Even if Karen leaves us in a room together, we just end up bickering.”

“And why should I cooperate with you?” Haman asks.

(1/?)

>>32943358
Aw shit, she knows who CC is.

>>32943358

"A good point. Lieutenant, is there any reason for Miss Hamon to cooperate with me?"

>>32943358
>“Newtype understanding my ass,” you mutter, drawing both of their attention back to you. “Even if Karen leaves us in a room together, we just end up bickering.”

This is the best line, and summarizes the UC universe perfectly.

>>32943358
"For one thing, we're more alike than you may think."

"Yeah," Haman practically sneers. "You were a child soldier, I get it. So am I, you know."

"How many people have you killed?" Carya asks quietly.

"I don't know," the younger pilot replies slowly. "Maybe half a dozen?"

"You're talking to two survivors of the most costly war in the history of the human race," Carya continues. "A war that OUR side started, all in the name of the ideals you claim to hold."

"Claim?" Haman asks, incredulous. "How dare you insinuate..."

"We're not done yet," Catrina replies. "The Zabis used to talk all that good shit about “liberation” and “Spacenoid rights”, too. If you still believe that Loum or Riah or any of the other Sides wanted our war, or that our “War of Independence” actually helped anyone, you're deluded."

That seems to catch Haman off-guard, as she can't immediately come up with a response. But then again, you've never quite felt the sisters this agitated, and you're sure Haman can feel it as well.

"I..."
>Carya and Catrina opened up a crack, exploit it
>Back off, change the topic (to what?)
>Ease off for now, but return to this later

>>32943506
>Ease off for now, return later

She's 16, if we hammer on the point she'll clam up tighter than anything.

>>32943506
>Carya and Catrina opened up a crack, exploit it

>>32943506
>Carya and Catrina opened up a crack, exploit it
Prepare for penetration

>>32943506
>Back off, change the topic

Start asking about the mobile suit, that's why we're here, not debate politics.

>>32943506
>>Ease off for now, but return to this

Guy's newtypes have the instinctual impluse to lach on to anyone who's nice to them. Also, logic creaking a 16 year old isn't going to help.

I was just thinking, her saying she's a civilian when she was captured was a *bad* idea. No Geneva Convention for you, girly!

>>32943506
> Back off, change the topic (to what?)
Whoah there. Calm down, everybody.
Try to get her talking about the suit, tell her that the other pilot survived. Appeal to the pilot in her.

>>32943720
Considering she grew up on Axis, it'd only cement her opinion that everybody in the Federation is insane. She'd never talk to us that way.

>>32943506

>ease off.

>>32943720
True, but also sort of irrelevant. The series has an equivalent with the Antarctic Treaty, but after the war Zeon isn't even recognized, so she wouldn't have been treated as a POW anyway.

>>32943758
Well I never said us doing that was a *good* idea.

>>32943781
Which is also kind of weird.
The Geneva conventions only 250 years old at this point. It should still be on the books.

>>32943789
>Write an option for breaking her resistance
>Check back, see that back off won
You float over to Carya, briefly putting a hand to her shoulder. Shaking your head, you mouth the words "not yet", then turn to face your captive. The sisters seem conflicted, but eventually follow your lead.

"So how long have you been piloting that machine, Haman? And how is it that a civilian came to sortie in an experimental mobile suit like that?"

The Newtype girl seems to recover her poise, and turns away from you abruptly. "You killed the other pilot, who came out to help me. I'm not telling you shit."

"Oh, him?" you ask. "He ejected, actually." At that news, Haman seems to perk up slightly, but manages to reign in her response.

"Hey, I told you something, now you tell me something. It's only fair, right?"

The girl sighs. "I've been testing it out of combat for a while. They needed a Newtype, and so I was ordered to help."

"And you were allowed to fight in it as well?" Carya presses.

"You attacked us. Just be thankful I'm willing to talk to a pair of traitors wearing my enemy's uniform."

(1/2)

>>32943961
"I'd be interested to know what the kind folks at Axis taught you about 'your enemy', you know."

Haman snorts derisively, now back on full defense. "That your Federation is trampling over the freedom of the colonies, and that those who accepted your peace are no better. That "our war", as your girlfriend over there calls it, is one for survival. Either the colonies gain their freedom, or they stifle to death under the Federation's pro-Earth policies and trade barriers."

>How do you respond?
>Change topic?
>Engage in policy debate?
>Bring home the human cost of "Zeon's War"?

>>32944048
>Change topic?

Ask her about the suit. I mean, yeah, chances are she'll clam up. But it's worth a try isn't it?

Regardless, don't engage her in a debate. Remember that she's still a teenager, so you will not be able to convince her

>>32944048
>How do you respond?
"That's not remotely true."

>>32944048
>Bring home the human cost of "Zeon's War"

How many billions died? How many people who didn't have a goddamn bone to pick with the colonies got murdered? How many who just wanted to live their lives saw everything they'd ever worked for obliterated? Does she honestly think motherfucking *trade barriers* are worth killing billions for?

>>32944048
>How do you respond?
"Hmm, sounds about right."
Because, yeah. She's totally fucking right.

>Change topic?
"So what's this Dom Custom called? The guys in records nicknamed it Snow White."

And guys, can we stop trying to be a dick to the girl?

>>32944048
>Bring home the human cost of "Zeon's War"?
"Zeon gassed Side 5 and tried to drop a colony without any regard for the millions of people on the planet that are still suffering from radical weather changes from the colony drop. Yes, I know it was supposed to hit Jaburo. Even if it hit Jaburo, Earth is still reeling from the damage it caused today, but still tries to supply the colonies. If Zeon knew how bad starving to death is, why would Zeon inflict on innocent civilians?"
>>32944100
no, try to avoid too much confrontation

>>32944130
>>32944135
>>32944174
>>32944192


>Dropping the blame for gassing colonies on the shoulders of a teenage girl.
Just what are you guys trying to accomplish? There's no way she can own up to that. Hell we sound like a generic Federation Warmonger with that.

Weren't we trying to win her over. This will just make her refuse to talk to us ever again.
I'd like to remind you all that

>>32944048

>Bring home the human cost of "Zeon's War"

"I agree, EFF policies are not ideal. However, I do not recall the EFF GASSING A COLONY OF CIVILIANS THEN DROPPING IT ON MORE CIVILIANS!!! Neither did the EFF deploy a weapon which killed Half of it's own forces ON PURPOSE!!"

"WE WERE BOTH AT A-BOA-QU WHEN THE SOLAR RAY WAS FIRED!!! YOUR OWN GENERAL KILLED HIS NATIONS LEADER, AND HIS OWN FATHER! JUST TO EXTEND THE WAR!!!"

>>32944048
>How do you respond?

"I don't seem to remember being oppressed, things were fine in Side 1, until the war."

Guys don't get into a political debate with an indoctrinated 16 year old, it's fairly pointless. She's not going to change her stance on the Federation or Zeon.

>Change topic?

Start asking about the Dom, it's performance etc. She's a pilot and proud of it, focus on that.

>>32944201
>Dropping the blame for gassing colonies on the shoulders of a teenage girl.
>>32944192
here

I didn't put any blame on Haman for gassing colonies, did I? Only Zeon.

>>32944231
Feddie propaganda. Or else a false flag.

>>32944201
Fair enough.

Seconding >>32944236

>>32944231
Again, no confrontation. If we're going accuse Zeon of warcrimes, just plain disappointment.

“There was a pilot in the Kyongju's MS team,” you begin. “Zachary Zancuto. I heard him talking before the mission about his fiancee: their third anniversary was supposed to be today.”

Haman looks away, already seeing where this was going. “He was killed today. By you.”

“I lost my whole team at A Baoa Qu,” Carya picks up. “Ramirez, the oldest of three sons and the last survivor. Stentson, married with a kid on the way. Valdir, father of two. Cassandra, who had just proposed to her boyfriend of two years.”

Yeah, you remember those pilots... they were the ones you shot down at A Baoa Qu. You feel a pang of guilt, that Haman seems to pick up on. “... you?” she asks.

You simply nod.

“I lost a Ramirez that day too. And two Smiths. My whole ship, the Normandy, was lost with all hands. Same as the Stalingrad, the Sullivans, the Akagi, the Kongo, the Tirpitz, the Canberra...” you list, recalling the dozens of vessels lost all at once on that day, now three years ago. Hundreds of soldiers, technicians, and officers went with each.

“It DID bring some people closer together,” Catrina offers. “Like my sister and I. We feel different to you, right?”

Haman nods wordlessly, still too taken aback to form the words for a reply.

“We were helping the Flannigan suits build a device to let normal soldiers pilot at the level of a Newtype. Dunno how it worked, exactly, but we were told the Feddies were working on the same thing.”

“An EXAM system,” Haman mutters. “I've heard of those.”
(1/2)

Deleted my vote, changing it to this
>>32944236

>>32944309
“Good,” Catrina replies. “Makes it easier to tell the story. But what you may not know is when that shit goes wrong, it REALLY goes wrong. It was a goddamn calibration test... we were both hooked up in those creepy bigass chairs when it happened. They never could tell us exactly what failed, but there was a fire. That was where I died, kid.”

Haman's eyes widen in shock as she processes the implications. It even throws you for an emotional loop... you always suspected the truth was something like that, but the sisters have never told you the story before now.

“Open your eyes, kid,” Carya picks up where her sister left off. “The world is full of people who have lost their loved ones and their livelihoods because of this damn war... spacenoids, earthnoids, Federation, Zeon, doesn't matter. Hell, even Axis is probably worse off under the shadow of war from what you've told us. Another war would mean we'd ALL continue to suffer, regardless of what side we find ourselves on.”

“Don't let yourself be bound by the last generation's mistakes... or you'll just end up repeating them."

The Newtype girl simply hangs her head in silence, making no attempt to hide the growing feelings of shame and anger.

>Say something reassuring?
>Let her work it out herself

>Also, apologies, but it seems that at the time I started writing things were leaning towards the "human cost" angle, so I went with that.

>>32944435
>Let her work it out herself

>>32944435

It's okay. at least we didn't go full Gas attacks, colony drops and giant lasers.... sometimes you need a Brightslap to get those angsty teens to work out there problems... we just done it without the physical slapping....

>>32944435
>Let her work it out herself

That's fine. I'd like to appeal to her vanity personally, it's more likely to endear us to her, but running a guilt trip sort of works. I'd also possibly stop at this point and let her stew. See if we can get her the food and go see the technicians about her Suit.

>>32944435
>Let her work it out herself

>>32944435
>Let her work it out herself

>>32944435
>>Say something reassuring?

"We may still be caught in the shadow of war, but I believe there's a brighter future out there for all of us."

Isn't there already a Gundam quote for this situation?

>>32944435
>Let her work it out herself

>>32944435
Nah, this is fine, too. I'd have liked to mention that we're from the colonies as well, though.

>Let her work it out herself

>>32944435
Oh, so the twins know which one of them died? I figured it was the sort of thing where even they weren't sure who the body they shared originally belonged to. I'm not sure if that makes it more or less creepy.

>>32944653
They do know, it was Catrina whose body died in the accident.

Also, writing.

>>32944738
For a few long seconds, Haman seems to struggle with her emotions... you even notice that she's shed a few tears, which drift lazily out into the room. Carya feels a little concerned, possibly that they went too far too quickly.

The moment is shattered, however, as Commander Joshua comes crashing through the hatch with a bundle of wires in her hands, accompanied by Reiko and an MP.

“Sorry to cut your time short, Dom, but we're patching a message through down here... from Axis, of all places. What's eating her?”

You cast a nervous look at her... she really does look as bad as she feels. “She has a lot to think about right now. That my coffee?”

The MP passes you the beverage containers, along with two food packets. “Sorry, sir. It's beef stroganoff tonight.”

“Shit.”

Meanwhile, Reiko is giving instructions to Karen as they attempt to hook up something to the monitor in your briefing room.

"Input video 2?" Karen asks.

"No, commander, video 1..."

Finally, the screen flips on, and the static resolves into the image of a careworn man in a Zeon uniform with a neatly-trimmed goatee. Haman seems startled for a moment at the sight before he speaks.

"I am Admiral Karn, Regent of Axis. Who is in command here?"

You and Commander Joshua share a look: technically she's the CO of your small unit, but you have tactical command authority."
>That would be the Commander
>That would be me

>>32944907
>That would be me

>>32944907
> That would be me

>>32944907
>That would be the Commander

>>32944907
>That would be the Commander

>>32944907
>That would be the Commander

>>32944907
Hoo boy, time for hostage exchange, where one of us is willing to return her and the other isn't. Still better stick to keeping brass happy for now.

>That would be the Commander

>>32944907
>That would be the Commander
We have tactical authority, but we're not in charge of negotiation. She should be the one to talk, though if things start to look bad and Maharajah Karn starts getting angry at the fact that we kidnapped his daughter, jump in and take responsibility for the incident to ease the heat on Karen.

>>32944907

>That would be the Commander

We only take over when we need kick ass, at this point in time, it is down to the standard chain of command...

>>32944907
You gesture at Karen, who stares back at you in disbelief. You then wave her over to the viewscreen, and point straight at the camera they've attached to the monitor.

Karen glares at you before clearing her throat. "I'm Commander Joshua, EFSF. To what do I owe this call?"

"There is an important matter I wish to discuss with you and your team, Commander."

A second man enters view from the left: a red uniform, with messy tangles of blonde hair and sunglasses. Something about him seems familiar...

“Ah, I see.” You nod to yourself. “So it was the famed Crimson Lightning we were facing. No wonder we had such a difficult fight.”

“I'm not the Crimson Lightning, kid. My nickname is the “Red Comet”,” the man responds.

“Call yourself whatever you want, Ridden. I know who you are.”

The man shakes his head. “I'm not him.”

“Of course you are, you're the Red Comet, right? By your own admission?” Catrina is struggling to keep a straight face, the previous tension in the room having evaporated.

“It's useless.”

“Such young pilots, and newtypes from Commander Aznable's reports...” the admiral interrupts, “you wouldn't happen to be the infamous Devil's Jester and the Black Star of Zeon, would you?”

>Seems the man's talking to you. What do you want to say?

>>32945149

"Yes, Sir. I do have the misfortune of holding the name; 'Devils Jester'..."

Allow the twins to answer themselves

>>32945149
"Depends. Who's asking?"

>>32945149
Do the whole professional approach. Salute, sir yes sir, all that noise.

We will never live that name down, will we.

>>32945149
Haha, take that Char!
>Seems the man's talking to you. What do you want to say?

"Yes, I wouldn't have thought our names would have spread this far."

I'm going to assume that we have the mental faculties to guess that that this 'Haman' is his daughter, If he's taken combat reports from Char already.

"I assure you your 'Miss Haman' is unharmed. Although, given tonight's meal is a horrible stroganoff her stomach may not be."

>>32945226
That's just rude he's already introduced himself.

>>32945226
That's not going to work, he already introduced himself as "Admiral Karn, Regent of Axis"

>>32945226
Its Admiral Karn. He already introduced himself. Also we need a more fitting name than Devil's Jester. We should either go by our old nickname or get a new one

>>32945149

"Mhm. How do you do?"

Polite, but not overbearingly so.

File: 1365650994849.jpg (44 KB, 641x480)

44 KB JPG

>>32945149
>>Trolling the shit out of Char
Yes. I think our response should involve us continuing to not take him seriously. Let's see if we can get him to drop Axis early entirely because we called him names.

>>32945278
>>32945281
>>32945296
Well, yeah. I know that. I was thinking more as either a smart-ass response, or else to make him think we're dense.
You know, just in case.

>>32945296

we could always do a "I prefer <insert better nickname here>, but Yes, I am he..."

>>32945149
"I'm not fond of it, but yes, that's a name people use for me," you reply.

Carya shakes her head. "I gave up that name, but I was once called the Black Star of Zeon."

“Three legendary aces in experimental mobile weapons... I'm glad I had one of my officers recording the encounter,” the Admiral chuckles to himself.

“We could charge admission,” Char mutters.

“I take it that part of your orders includes capture of the pilot of the psycommu test machine, and that even were you inclined you would be incapable of returning to Axis at this point. Am I correct?”

You nod. “Yes, sir. That's correct.”

“Then not as an officer, or as regent of Axis, but as a father, I have a request I would like to make. You are under no obligation, of course, but the pilot you captured is my daughter, Haman Karn. As you are already beyond range of Axis, and under orders, I would like you to see to it Haman comes to no harm while in Federation captivity.”

You frown slightly. “As you can see, she's being treated well. We're even feeding her... sort of. Speaking of which, catch...” you add as you toss the stroganoff to Haman, who catches it without looking up. You can tell she feels too ashamed to face her father right now.

You ponder the Admiral's request...
>You have my word.
>Not my responsibility.
>I'll do what I can.

>>32945325
When Haman corrects us and says that was really Char, we should refuse to believe her.
>"What? No way that was Char, Char would've killed us all. That was Ridden."
>"Curse you Ridden, confusing young girls!"

>>32945438
> You have my word.

>>32945438
>>I'll do what I can.
"Short of starting another war? I'll be sure to watch over her."

>>32945438

>You have my word.

We did kind of kidnap an underage citizen, so that's the least we can--

Oh god.

We're the Federation's equivalent of Char.

>>32945438
>You have my word.
>>32945443
Nah, point out that his wingmen lasted too long

>>32945438
>>You have my word.
"Kinda helped that she stated she was a civi. So she cant be counted as a true POW"

>>32945516
>suddenly relevant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1AAXRu3TBA&feature=kp

>>32945438
>I'll do what I can.

Let's be honest here, we're a newtype so no-one is really going to give us all that much leeway to make such a promise. However Karen seems to be willing to let us lead in this situation, so we could probably imply to command that she knows enough about psycommu to be kept on our support staff, and treated reasonably well.

>>32945438
>I'll do what I can.

>>32945438
>You have my word

>>32945516
>We're the Federation's equivalent of Char.

What? No way.

To qualify for that we'd needto have some borderline irrational need to kill authority figures. That would be like us wanting to murder Bask Om in his ....

Oh, you're right.

>>32945438
>I'll do what I can.
We have limited operational authority in this, but we will devote our attention to ensuring fair treatment of her.

File: notChar.jpg (251 KB, 733x1024)

251 KB JPG

>>32945551
Why would that be relevent? We're talking to Ridden.

>>32945438
>>I'll do what I can.
Let's be human, but let's not make promises we can't keep.
>>Inb4 Titans ship her off to Augusta and drive her insane.

>>32945438
Eh also

>I'll do what I can.
You don't make promises you can't live up to.

>>32945149
Thank you for agreeing to let us troll Char, Hearts. Thank you so much.

And I guess Karen didn't want to handle this. Sorry, Commander Joshua. We thought that it would be outside our authority to conduct negotiations. We're tactical, not diplomatic. We won't put you on the spot like that again.

>>32945443
Yes. Dear God yes.

Rolled 8

>>32945438
>>You have my word.

>>32945531
>Nah, point out that his wingmen lasted too long
I like this one better.

>>32945623
>>32945443
Just wait guys. The QM is going to throw a pissed off Ridden at us, insulted we would compare a creature as lowly as Char to him.

>>32945779
>"How dare you compare yourself to Ridden, Char! Have you no shame? What would your mother say?"

>>32945779
Nah, Ridden's busy being an amnesiac Federation soldier.

>>32945438
"I'm not even the highest ranking officer in this unit, Admiral." The older man frowns at you, but senses that you have more to say. "I don't have any political power, either, but whatever I can do short of starting another war to keep your daughter safe, I will."

Everyone in the room is stunned by your declaration, none more so that Haman herself. The Admiral, for his part, allows himself to smile.

"Very well, Commander. I'll trust your word on this. And Haman?"

The red-haired girl raises her head at her father's mention of her name, anxious as to what would come next.

"Yes, father?"

"Don't blame yourself for being captured like this, Haman. Really, I sort of envy you... you have a chance to find your own way from here that you wouldn't have had on Axis."

Haman stares at her father incredulously. "Plus, you won't need to face that fool Bernini's temper tantrums when he finds out. Don't worry, I'll also make arrangements for your sister's safety, and that of Ms. Mineva as well. So just take care of yourself, my daughter."

At that, Haman finally loses it in earnest. "Take care of yourself too, you idiot," she manages between sobs.

"We're nearly out of range, Admiral," Karen announces.

"That's fine Commander. Do try to keep your team alive, I feel the world can do with more people with convictions like theirs." Karen merely salutes, a gesture which the Admiral returns.

You nod towards Char. “I look forward to killing you another day, Crimson Comet.”

“That's DOUBLY WRONG!” Char shouts at the screen as the feed from Axis terminates abruptly.

Carya floats behind you, resting one hand on your shoulder. "You know that was Char, right?"

"Yeah, I know."

"You're a dick, and I love it."
(1/2)

>>32945779
No, right now Johnny has amnesia due to brain damage caused by hypoxia after getting spaced. He's actually working for the Federation as an engineer under the name Led Wayline.

>>32945832
>“That's DOUBLY WRONG!”

You are a saint.

>>32945832
>“That's DOUBLY WRONG!” Char shouts at the screen as the feed from Axis terminates abruptly.
I love you, Hearts. I love you so much.

>>32945832
The date is still April 16th, UC 0083. Haman Karn is still crying to herself, her wrists still cuffed from earlier. Audrey has no idea what has just transpired, as she is still working in the hangar on the captured Schnee Weiss. Karen and Reiko are struggling with the wiring once more, and Carya is having a bit of a brooding moment to herself, looking intently at Haman.

>See if the Commander knows what comes next
>Check in on Audrey's progress (d20)
>Try to comfort Haman a little (maybe try un-cuffing her?)
>Ask how Carya feels about Haman now

>>32945824
>>32945865
I don't think he's doing that at the moment. They had an Asshimar in that manga, so that'd be later. According to Gundam Wiki (as unreliable as ever) He's apparently calling himself Johnny Depp.

File: 1282326870940.png (1.82 MB, 1920x1088)

1.82 MB PNG

>>“That's DOUBLY WRONG!” Char shouts at the screen as the feed from Axis terminates abruptly.
My sides hurt so hard I'm going to drop them on Australia.

>>32945913

>Check in with the Commander.

we could totally use that thing where Civis can join independent military units to put Haman firmly under our care..... of course she would have to agree to it....

And that would mean training Haman during Operation Stardust.....

>>32945824
>>32945846
Who knows? He could be on board with us. Maybe we'll accidentally jog some memories.

File: my sides.jpg (55 KB, 640x370)

55 KB JPG

>>32945832
> “That's DOUBLY WRONG!” Char shouts at the screen as the feed from Axis terminates abruptly.

>>32945913
> See if the Commander knows what comes next
Might as well apologize for putting her on the spot like that. And asking what we should do about Haman.
Probably see if we can get her a bunk or something, maybe uncuff her, but we should first clear it up with Karen.

>>32945913

>Try to comfort Haman a little (maybe try un-cuffing her?)
>See if the Commander knows what comes next

I think leaving Haman alone for a while with her thoughts, if we try too much she'll just pull away. I'd also try and keep Carya away from her. Once those are done talk to the Commander, she's probably going to be pissed that we put her on the spot, so we probably need to sort this out, but not in front of our prisoner.

>>32945913
>Try to comfort Haman a little (maybe try un-cuffing her?)

Uncuffing her without talking with Karen is a dumb move, but we can at least do what we can to make Haman's stay easier on her.

>>32945913
>>See if the Commander knows what comes next
>Try to comfort Haman a little

>>32945913
>See if the Commander knows what comes next
Apologize for putting her on the spot. We thought the conversation would be under Admiral Karn's official capacity, as such we'd lack the necessary authority to negotiate. We didn't realize it would be a father asking after his daughter's safety. Speaking of which:

>Try to comfort Haman a little (maybe try un-cuffing her?)
"I meant it. I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. I know this is going to be hard on you, but hopefully we can minimize that. You didn't realize what you were getting into, but that doesn't mean you deserve punishment for it."

>>32945913
"So, Commander," you ask Karen as you give her a hand rolling up the tangles of cords, "what happens now?"

"With our orders, or with our new guest?"

"... yes."

Karen makes a show of rolling her eyes. "Smartass. Well, we've got to arrange for Ms. Karn to remain in our custody... perhaps Reiko could figure something out. A berth in one of our rooms, too... could be tough."

"And our orders from here?" you follow up.

"Switch over to the carrier Albion at Granada, then they'll drop us off at the Oakland lab. From there, no clue."

"Sergeant," you suddenly hear Carya order. "Come here, please."

With some small amount of surprise, you watch Carya take the MP's keys and release the handcuffs around Haman's wrists. Now free, the girl massages her arms a little and stares at the Lieutenant in confusion.

"Remember what your father and I told you," Carya tells her. "And don't make me regret letting you loose."

Well, that went well enough. The two young women push off the seats to join you near the hatch.
>Talk to Haman (Say what?)
>Go check on Audrey (d20)
>Try and arrange Haman's situation with Reiko

Rolled 5

>>32946265
>>Go check on Audrey (d20)

Rolled 16

>>32946265
>Go check on Audrey (d20)

Rolled 1

>>32946265
>>Go check on Audrey (d20)

>>32946265
> Try and arrange Haman's situation with Reiko
We can take Haman with us, keep an eye on her. Might as well ask her how she's holding up.

Rolled 7

>>32946265
>Go check on Audrey (d20)

>>32946265
>>Try and arrange Haman's situation with Reiko

>>32946310
Heh, Good enough time to ask as any. Do crits override in this quest?
Also, how many rolls do you accept?

>>32946265
We're going to be on the Albion in 0083. With Haman Karn onboard. Yay?

>>32946312
This seems appropriate. We have utterly devastated this girl. We should at least have the courtesy of accompanying her to arrange a berth. The simplest way I can think of, which I'm sure Hearts has already thought of, is having her bunk with us. The sisters have been bedding down with us lately, we could fit a fourth roommate. But I can see so very many ways that could go wrong.

>>32946360
It'll be a regular failure. In a lot of cases, that'll be bad enough... especially in combat.

>>32946265
>Try and arrange Haman's situation with Reiko

I suppose we could talk to her too, maybe ask about Char? Whilst the MS is important, it can probably be dealt with by a team of engineers at base, who might know more about it, than our crew poking at it.

File: 1335318393043.jpg (60 KB, 578x681)

60 KB JPG

>>32945832
>“That's DOUBLY WRONG!” Char shouts at the screen as the feed from Axis terminates abruptly.

Anyways,
>Try and arrange Haman's situation with Reiko
Let's get her situated before we do anything else.

>>32946265
>>Talk to Haman
Let's see if we could get her to open up about Char. I think we could avoid like three wars if we can convince her that boy is lame.

>>32946265
Well, at least Oakland is the most humane of the Federation's Newtype labs. Augusta and Murasame were where the Cyber-Newtype research was happening. Oakland was focused on biosensors and incoms.

>>32946428
Maybe? The first Neo Zeon war would be omitted, yeah. Char's Neo Zeon might be skipped, possibly, but the issues that lead to him starting his movement originated in 0079 and Zeta, so making ZZ never happen might not prevent it. And the Sleeves were more due to Char's Neo Zeon than Haman's, so it would probably still happen. After that the last hurrah of Zeon is the Oldsmobile Army, but they're so far in the future it's hard to place what exactly influenced them.

You figure that as interesting as Audrey's progress might be, it hasn't been nearly an hour, so you'll give her some time. More importantly, you've helped to turn Haman's entire world upside down in a matter of minutes... then shook the whole damn thing like a bully shaking change out of a kid's pockets. The least you could do is see to her arrangements.

"Reiko, what exactly is the typical procedure for adding a new member to a pre-exisiting unit?"

The sergeant thinks for a moment. "Give me twenty minutes and the right paperwork and I could have Elvis legally declared alive and transferred to any unit in the EFF. I'll take care of Ms. Karn's official documents later tonight."

"And her rooming situation?"

Carya grins. "She can use my bunk."

"But where will you sleep, Miss Marseille?" Reiko asks, confused at the offer.

Carya simply raises an eyebrow and nods in your direction... and you can literally feel the exact moment when the sergeant figures out what she means.

"I'msorryma'amIdidn'tknowcongratulations!" Hollinger sputters, bowing her head comically in apology.

Carya just laughs. "It's fine, Reiko. Just have our guest assigned to my old berth, and I'll see to it she doesn't misbehave... assuming Dom okays it."

"And will Dominic be misbehaving, do you think?" Karen asksthe sisters, nudging them in the ribs with her elbow.

"I should certainly hope so."

>Object to the rooming assignment?
>Excuse yourself, talk with Haman in private
>Leave Haman to the ladies, go see Audrey (d20)
>Take Haman with you, talk to her on the way to the hangar (d20)

Rolled 14

>>32946614
>>Take Haman with you, talk to her on the way to the hangar (d20)

>>32946614
>Take Haman with you, talk to her on the way to the hangar

Rolled 2

>>32946614
>>Take Haman with you, talk to her on the way to the hangar (d20)
She could help understand it

>>32946614
Object to the rooming assignment? Hell no. That seems super bueno to me.
>>Take Haman with us.

>>32946614
> Excuse yourself, talk with Haman in private

Rolled 5

>>32946673
Bah. Cannot into dice apparently.

Rolled 14

>>32946614
>>Take Haman with you, talk to her on the way to the hangar (d20)

>>32946614
Also, fun fact. Since I see some similarities being drawn between Dominic and Char, I'll admit that your character does in fact share a Hidden Ability with one canon character. And it isn't Char.

Rolled 13

>>32946614
>>Leave Haman to the ladies, go see Audrey (d20)

Rolled 17

>>32946614
Reiko knows who Elvis is and yet Gihren, a professional politician, had to be reminded about who Hitler was. That's...that's real encouraging.

>Take Haman with you, talk to her on the way to the hangar (d20)
Offer to have her stay with someone else while we actually talk with Audrey, though. We don't want her to feel like she's committing treason by just standing by while secret Zeon technology is being examined.

>>32946703
Forgot the dice.

So, it seems taking Haman along wins with a 14.

Anything you want to talk to her about in particular?

Rolled 12

>>32946744
Screwed it up.

Rolled 5

>>32946757
Get her to open up about Char.

>>32946730
Hmm. Canon characters who had distinctive and unique Newtype powers... Is it Scirocco? We're evidently strong enough of a Newtype to effect non-Newtype brains when we lose control, based on the fact that EVERYONE heard our laughter at A Baoa Qu. He's the only other Newtype I can think of who could do that sort of thing.

>>32946730
Scriocco's inexplicable playboy powers?

>>32946757
Talk about the understanding her mech.
And if she is cool with rooming with us

>>32946757
See how she's holding up about all this.
Reassure her that we'll try our best to keep her safe, but that we'd need her to cooperate with us on that.

Maybe apologize for the beef stroganoff.

>>32946757
Ask her how she feels about crewing with us for a while.

>>32946741
That kinda is.

>>32946838
second

>>32946757
Just a "getting to know you" sort of thing. She doesn't have as much reason to conceal details about her past now, we might be able to get some details now. Use the excuse that if we're going to be her roommate it would be best if we could get along. So ask about her interests, life goals, maybe some stuff about her family if we can broach that without her getting defensive. Offer details of our life in return. Avoid saying that our brother died because of the OYW though, just say that he was a firefighter who died in a blaze when we were her age. But tell her about our family, what we do as part of the EFF, that sort of thing.

Rolled 10

>>32946757

Ask her if she has any questions about the EF or earth in general.

Shes lived her whole life on Axis.

>>32946870
Well yes, I suppose it is nice to think that our culture's legacy of music and art will outlive any of its tragedies. But I'd still prefer it if Space Hitler could recognize that he was being Space Hitler.

>>32946790
>Close, but no cigar
You manage to catch Haman's attention. It seems she's stopped crying now, though her eyes are still red. Even better, you can feel that she's calmed down dramatically. That's good.

"Haman, would you mind following me to the hangar for a moment?"

She nods briefly, her red hair bobbing weightlessly from the movement. "Sure, I suppose."

Carya gives you a reassuring pat on the shoulder as the rest of your team makes way for you to leave, Haman following close behind. It's a little impressive to see how she handles herself as she moves down the hallway: a little stiff, but already well acclimatized to zero gravity. Certainly better than you were at that age.

"So, how do you know Char?" you ask her.

You feel a strange mix of emotions at the thought. "He is an ally of my father's, and a... friend. I suppose." Something about that makes you feel as if there was more to the story, but the girl seems uncomfortable, so you let it go for now.

"Commander O'Hara?" she finally asks as you approach the hangar.

"Dominic. You're not my subordinate."

Haman shakes her head. "Why are you going out of your way for me? An hour ago I might have tried to kill you... and yet I've never felt any aggression from you."

>How do you explain yourself? She clearly doesn't understand how you can be so forgiving.

>>32946963
Well, we were her age once when the war fucked everything up. So we can guess how she feels about the whole thing.
And we don't want to see some kid go through the same hell as we did.

>>32946730
ANIME JA NAI

>>32946963
It's not an hour ago anymore is it?
I disagree with you guys on principal but I don't hate you. All I want is to keep the peace that my friends and I fought to obtain

>>32946963
>"Holding a grudge against you wouldn't bring anyone who died today back. Besides, I'd say you've already having a hard enough day.

>>32947005
this

>>32946963
"In a battle, the fact that a person is trying to kill you rarely reflects on their actual character. You weren't trying to kill me because of any personal grudge or hatred, so why should I think less of you for it? You had a duty to defend your home and your life, and while causing genuine harm was not in our mission profile you had no way of knowing that. And remember, I was your age when I first started piloting. I've been in similar situations to the one you were in today. It would be damn hypocritical for me to show you any anger when you haven't done anything to deserve it."

>>32946963
"I learned a long time ago, holding a grudge won't bring the dead back to life. Believe me, I tried. For now, I'll settle for making sure you don't make the same mistakes the sisters and I did, and for doing what I can to keep the peace my friends died for."

Haman nods, satisfied. "Thank you, Dominic. I'll try not to disappoint you."

"More importantly," you ask her as you near the hangar, "you okay sharing a room with us?"

"Do you snore?" she asks in response.

"No?"

"Then it's better than sharing a shuttle with Char."

Audrey is visibly confused when the two of you float into the hangar laughing to yourselves. "And then," Haman continues her story, "he tells me "I thought if I painted it red it would go faster!"" She tries her best to imitate Commander Aznable, and fails magnificently.

"Either I've been here longer than I thought," Audrey muses, "or it's been a damn long forty-five minutes. You sure she should be here, sir?"

"It's fine, Ensign. She'll be joining us, for a while at least."

Audrey cocks an eyebrow at you as she returns to her work.

"At first glance, it seems the transcriptors are much smaller than on the Elmeth, but I'm not entirely sure how or why they've been able to make that drastic a change..." Audrey turns to see you silently staring. "I've lost you, haven't I?"

>No, not at all (try to say something intelligent?)
>Maybe try that again? I'm too low on coffee, too high on stroganoff
>Ask Haman, maybe?

>>32947240
>Maybe try that again? I'm too low on coffee, too high on stroganoff
No one can fault us for being a bit out of it; we ate the stroganoff, after all.

>>32947240
>>Maybe try that again? I'm too low on coffee, too high on stroganoff
>>Ask Haman, maybe?
It's your machine, do you know?

Rolled 15

>>32947240
>>Maybe try that again? I'm too low on coffee, too high on stroganoff
>>Ask Haman, maybe?

Shit. I missed the first thread. Noticed the Twitter post hours ago and forgot to check /tg/ proper. Time to catch up.

>>32947240
> Maybe try that again? I'm too low on coffee, too high on stroganoff
> Ask Haman, maybe?

>>32947240
>>No, not at all ("I suppose the new transcriptors are what allow for the extended range for the bit system?")

Psycomm systems aren't that complected.
Remember how we knew how the ships engine worked?

>>32947369
>Remember how we knew how the ships engine worked?
That's very old technology by this point, anon. Psycommu are still developing technology at this point... also, something that could have done with a bit more in-depth explanation in the series.

>writing

>>32947420
Wait, I have something that was just taking me a while to type because I wanted to find a picture to accompany it. Give me a minute

>>32947420
What I meant is that Dom has a basic grasp of mechanics.

Except for the parts that rely on Esper powers the interface works about the same as a remote control car.

File: elmeth.jpg (211 KB, 804x1128)

211 KB JPG

>>32947240
>>No, not at all (try to say something intelligent?)
"I've never worked with psycommus, but I have some knowledge of them. The Elmeth's system was based on physically reproducing Newtype brain patterns on a larger scale in an artificial neural network. It was almost literally a giant brain, and as a result it had many of the inefficiencies of a biological system despite being electronic. So it took up a lot of space to make work properly. With this, while the system is still pretty massive, it looks like the majority of the space is just storage for the bits. Zeon never had the best luck with miniaturizing energy systems, so I suppose it's to be expected that they're still that large. So what do you think they did? Just an improvement in computing that let them shrink the neural network's size? Maybe they found a brain pattern to emulate that's more efficient at generating psychowaves, instead?

>>32947420
"Give me a second," you tell Audrey. "Haman?"

Haman passes you a container of coffee, which you down in a few gulps. Now sufficiently caffeinated, you turn back to Audrey. "Go ahead and explain it to me."

"The psycommu works by passively scanning Newtype brainwaves, then altering that into a pattern that the remote weapons can understand: basically, machine code. That code is so complex and the brainwaves so difficult to quantify and interpret that the processing power is huge, and the instruments need to be quite large accordingly. These also have the secondary problem of energy draw. Now, I can't tell exactly how Axis managed to get functioning parts down to this size."

You shrug, and turn to Haman. "It's your suit, Haman."

For a moment she's conflicted about it...
>20
... but seems to eventually decide what to do. "It's simplified code," she explains. "Parse it down to only what's vital, and what's left is the more elegant solution... in this case, 'elegant' reduces processing demands, allowing for smaller and simpler processors."

"I see, so you refined the software... that's what our technicians couldn't do. This could be a breakthrough for Federation Newtype research," Ensign April concludes. "It's a technological coup!"

Haman still seems somewhat less than enthused, and given your recent discussions with Carya and Catrina you're not surprised to find yourself feeling uneasy as well...

>Ask Haman what's up
>Ask what Audrey is going to do with the data
>Make a decision yourself (do what?)

>>32947575
>>Ask Haman what's up
>>Ask what Audrey is going to do with the data

>>32947575
>>Ask what Audrey is going to do with the data
>Make a decision yourself (do what?)
"And the second you hand it over the Federations going to stick us New-types in a lab and have us run it until our brains collapse."

Rolled 8

>>32946730
Well if it's not Paps ability, maybe Doms ability is the ability of Banana Links to win arguments by saying "SORE DEMO".

>>32947633
Or broadcasting giant Newtype ghosts like Judau.

>>32947633
I don't understand the reference could you elaborate?

>>32947633
Cooler. Someone else got pretty close as well, but you don't share much with Banana... yet.

There will be an option.

>>32947575
> Ask what Audrey is going to do with the data
> Ask Haman what's up
First the job, then lets see what's bugging Haman in private.

>>32947633
Speaking of Unicorn, didn't the Admiral mention Mineva?
I forgot, did the Feds know one Zabi's still around in Zeta, or was she kept top secret?

>>32947575
>>Ask Haman what's up

>>32947575
>Ask what Audrey is going to do with the data
I don't think Dom would be that enthusiastic about Newtype weapons research. I think he can say, without giving too much away, that Carya's sister died that way and he's a bit wary of the idea. He'd want to make sure that any research the Federation does would be safe.

>>32947693
I believe she was unknown. Even if she was, I don't think her name was known to the Federation, and all Maharaja said was her first name, so that's no clue.

Rolled 9

>>32947665
It's a reference to Gundam Unicorn. Banagher Links, the main character, had a habit of saying "Even so" to refute the logic of people of disagree with him. One character even said it was his super power.

>>32947693
Haman was open about the fact. She used her as a figure head.

>>32947845
Huh I've never seen Unicorn Gundam but that sounds kinda funny

>>32947887
Banagher quickly descends into self parody. Less so in the books than the OVA, but even then it's pretty bad.

>>32947794
The admiral mentioned being Regent of the Zabis. I'm pretty sure people know about it.

>>32947845
>Haman was open about the fact. She used her as a figure head.
Yeah, but she revealed her during the events of Zeta.

It's just that I wonder how this time things will go around, considering Haman might not end crazy and not sending Mineva down to Earth later on.
So we might end up with Mineva Zabi as the leader of Neo Zeon, and her being as crazy as her uncle.

"And so what do you plan to do with the data, Audrey?"

Ensign April seems a little surprised at the question. "File a report at Oakland. Why? I thought that went without saying?"

Looking at you both, Audrey can tell something is wrong. "Lieutenant Marseille and I aren't a hundred percent sure about our orders so far," you admit. "I can't put my finger on it exactly, but the whole thing feels wrong... from our faceless bureaucratic mission-planners to our Gundams that don't even show up on the official registry."

Haman nods to you. "You were sent here to capture me. It's clear that the Federation wants this data... but honestly, I'm not sure it's any better off in their hands than it was in ours."

"So what do you expect me to do?" Audrey asks honestly. "I mean, I get that you don't like how this unit has been working so far, and I agree... but you're talking about sitting on technical knowledge that could help the Federation."

"You'd also be helping the Federation turn Newtypes like us into living weapons... or worse," Haman reminds her. "Can you honestly say you'd be okay with that?"

"I... I guess I could hang on to the data for a while, see how the rest of us feel about it," Audrey offers. "I haven't filed anything official yet. And I really don't like the thought that this data could be used unethically."

Thankfully, you feel as if she means that.

>Okay, hang on to the data until we decide what to do.
>I'd like to hang on to the data myself for now.
>Save the data, then wipe it off the machine. They gave us full operational authority on this mission, time to exercise it.

>>32947951
Oh yeah, good point. I guess I missed that. Though there's still the possibility that people think of that as being a formality and not literal.

>>32947926
>>32947887
Banana not that bad, but I will agree, it gets funny at times.

>>32947972
>>Okay, hang on to the data until we decide what to do.

>other
To Haman

"I don't suppose you could... encrypt whats left on the machine?"

>>32947972
>Okay, hang on to the data until we decide what to do.

>>32947972
>Okay, hang on to the data until we decide what to do.
That should be fine. If we decide to wipe it completely we can do that before we dock with the Albion. And I trust Aubrey to hold onto it for now.

>>32947972
> Okay, hang on to the data until we decide what to do.
And by "we" we mean the whole team. This is a team decision.

Maybe get the Doc on the line, maybe he knows something more than we do.
After all, the guy's a scientist, he probably has some contacts at Oakland.

>>32947972

"Put the data on two thumb drives and encrypt it. Wipe the rest. When we get a chance, we'll have Herr Doktor look at it and get his input. I trust him far more than the Brassholes in the Fed."

Hand one of the drives to Haman as a sign of good faith. Plus redundant backup in case one of our drives gets swiped.

>>32947972
>Okay, hang on to the data until we decide what to do.

Bringing it up to the others later is the smart thing to do, wiping the Machine at this stage well... While I'd like to it'll make us more of a target on us of bureaucratic bullshit.

>>32948025
>>32948093

The data should already be encrypted. Wiping the Zeke suit would alart the Feddy spooks somethings up. No, don't wipe the data. Leave it. Do make personal backups for us and Haman and ask her to lock the suit down to slow down the Feddies attempts at getting the data. It'll buy us time while we figure out what to do.

>>32948163

Actually, would it be plausible to think Haman would have wiped her prototype suit when she was captured? It would not be that far fetched to think there would be a kill-switch to wipe the OS and data in case of circumstances such as these.

>>32947972
"Right, then," you conclude. "Ensign April? Please copy the data and encrypt it." Audrey salutes and goes to work.

"Haman?"

"Yeah, Dominic?" she asks. "What now?"

"I'd like you to help Ensign April encrypt the data on Schnee Weiss as well. Then we'll decide as a team how we proceed with this... and any similar situations that may come up."

Haman gives you a nod and a smile before moving to assist Audrey with her task. Thankfully, no other technicians wander in before your task is complete: for good measure, you lock up the copy of the data underneath Carya's bed.

Before long the day is through, and the Kyongju's internal lighting is dimmed once more for another artificial "night". Carya forces you to change in the bathroom, and by the time you're finished your roommates are already in bed. As a matter of fact, Haman seems to have passed out before pulling up the sheets.

>Finish tucking her in
>Leave her be, try not to disturb her

Next update will be the last of the weekend.

File: 8a3fd0d0be6adf4dea729556d(...).jpg (38 KB, 500x722)

38 KB JPG

In the future, could the QM please post a link to the thread on his twitter? This one was hard to find, and I am, once again, late to the show because of it.

>>32948243
>Leave her be, try not to disturb her

>>32948243
>Finish tucking her in

>>32948243
>Finish tucking her in
Awww, we're totally going to sisteru Haman, aren't we?

>>32948243
>>Finish tucking her in

>>32948243
>Finish tucking her in
Gotta take care of our new fukken Imouto.

>>32948246
So far I've only used it to give a pre-thread announcement, but a link could be arranged.

>>32948243

>Finish tucking her in

If she wakes up say, "If you don't cover up properly you could catch a cold."

>>32948243
>Leave her be, try not to disturb her

File: Spoiler Image (187 KB, 838x1200)

187 KB JPG

>>32948288
Thanks, mate. Now to catch up!

File: Haman_Weiss.jpg (49 KB, 262x409)

49 KB JPG

>>32948246
>5 hours Late
>Couldn't filter for "Quest"
>Couldn't ctrl+f "Gundam

Sure buddy,, whatever you say.

>>32948288
Not everyone checks the /qtg/.

>>32948288

Yeah. A thread link would be nice. I barely check /tg/ anymore and stick to the archive. Saw the post on Twitter hours ago and forgot to check the catalog.

File: Spoiler Image (204 KB, 1447x2046)

204 KB JPG

>>32948367
What's the point of a twitter if not to link to the thread when it starts?

File: Spoiler Image (484 KB, 648x1000)

484 KB JPG

>Pic related: because we've got plenty of images of Haman already
You're not sure why, but you take the time to reach down and tuck the exhausted Newtype girl into her bunk. You sense her stir briefly, her emotions mainly betraying warmth and comfort as she mumbles her thanks before passing out again.

The sisters, however, are still awake when you tuck yourself in next to them, and Carya draws herself in close as you dim the lights.

"She's better off for having met you, I think," she whispers. "Take good care of her... but what about the data?"

"I don't know," you whisper back. "We have a few months to sort it out, so let's take it slow."

"Right," she mutters as she lays her head against your chest. "I just hope the Federation gives us that much time."

On that note, it's time to end for the weekend. I will, however, call for a vote on how to start next weekend:
>Timeskip to Granada, where you're slated to transfer to the Albion and pick up new team members
>Don't timeskip

>>32948583
>>Timeskip to Granada, where you're slated to transfer to the Albion and pick up new team members

>>32948583
>Timeskip to Granada, where you're slated to transfer to the Albion and pick up new team members

We've got an idea of how we'll spend our time until then, I don't think we'll miss much if you give us some nice details

>>32948583
> Don't timeskip
Have we even met the captain of the ship?

>>32948583
Also, archive is up.

>>32948635
I'm sure we did during the trip. We knew the names of the GM pilots despite never talking to them on camera, I figure it's something similar.

>>32948649
They're not even relevant to the plot, unlike some other nameless NPCs you've run into.

>>32948583
>Timeskip to Granada, where you're slated to transfer to the Albion and pick up new team members
As an aside, Carya seemed to be predominant over Catrina through most of this thread. Was there a reason for that, or is it just coincidentally how it went?

>>32948683
It's Carya's body, so it's only natural she'd tend to be more dominant most of the time. Beyond that, I won't say.

>>32948741
Alright, I need seep. I'll check back later today, but it seems for now that timeskip is winning.

Thanks for playing, and I hope you're ready to watch Gundam canon implode from this point onward: starting with politics on Axis.

>>32948860
Thanks for running, Hearts.

See you next time.

>>32948860
And thank you for running man. You come from a very noble lineage of gundam quest gms.

>>32948583
>>Don't timeskip. I want to play Haman Karn Raising Project.

>>32948741
I suppose. It seemed like Catrina was the more present of the two in early threads, though then they moved to rough parity. Maybe they periodically switch which one of them is most active, I don't know. I'm just paranoid because they recently had a major change in their life (entering a relationship) so I'm worried about how that could affect their own relationship with each other.

Anyway, thanks for running Hearts. This was fun, as always, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

File: Slams.jpg (562 KB, 1280x720)

562 KB JPG

>>32948860
>I hope you're ready to watch Gundam canon implode from this point onward: starting with politics on Axis.

That is just about the best part of any Gundam quest, catch ya next time Hearts.

>>32948860

I really cannot think of a reason not to timeskip unless we want to build our social link with Haman before arriving back in ESF space. Plus I myself want to begin further tests on the experimental systems the Good Doctor did not have time to work into our mobile suits.

>>32948961

Honestly, I won't mind doing that.

Once we head full back into feddie space, it'll never be quite so peaceful

>>32948583
>Don't timeskip

>>32948860
Let me think. Okay, Maharaja Karn is actually a proponent of peace with the Federation. It's Enzo Bezini who wants to continue the war. In canon it's implied the Admiral's death was at Bezini's order. Haman being captured could either prevent or ensure that. If he moves to a more militant position because of this incident, Enzo might not feel the need to do it. Alternatively, he could respond to his daughter being captured by investigating just what lead the Federation task force to come to Axis, and discover Bezini's hand in luring them there. His reaction to that could either lead to him removing the threat of Bezini or getting Bezini to accelerate his plans and kill Karn sooner.

Haman also is the one responsible for Natalie Bianchi being killed. Without her there, Natalie will soon reveal to Char that she is pregnant with his child. His response to this could be...interesting, to say the least. On the one hand, Char's abandoned his family to pursue his personal goals before. On the other hand, his life is empty of meaning now that the Zabis are dead and having the responsibility of fatherhood could fill the void. Perhaps he'll become a family man and decide to become involved with Axis' governance out of an obligation to provide a safe home for his child?

Depending on what happens at Axis, this could affect Operation Stardust in some interesting ways. The Delaz fleet received aid from Axis, admittedly it was limited but the Neue Ziel came from there. So this could mean that Gato won't have his mobile armor, leading to far smaller Federation casualties and the Solar System not being damaged. That could have all sorts of effects on the battle as a whole.

I'm sure there are other implications of us capturing Haman that I just haven't thought of. My point is really that this has the potential to take us to some really cool places. Good job, Hearts. I am looking forward to this.

>>32949226

Pretty much. We basically have a free month to do shit.

>>32949236
Maybe the Jupiter fleet gets involved sooner than they did?

>>32942917
We've captured Minerva already. Unicorn may not happen. Has the fallout of 0083 happened yet (colony drop, Titans, I WANT TO FIND ME A LOVE)

>>32948961
I want to get those mobility upgrades. Aubrey mentioned modifying the sturm booster to be mounted on the wrist. If we do that we could make the shield boosters the Hazel uses. I want this. I want the Hazel and its derivatives being descended from our Gundams, so we have an excuse to be part of its development. The TR series of mobile suits are some of the best the Federation ever made, and if there's a chance to get in on the ground floor with them I think we should take it.

>>32949271
We captured Haman. Mineva is still on Axis, and might be used by the militant Zeeks as a rallying call.

>>32949271
Huh? No, Mineva's still at Axis. Though we did kidnap Mineva's adopted mother, so we have at least seriously changed how she'll be raised.

>>32949333
>>32949306
Oh god, with Haman kidnapped, this is bad. We might ACCELERATE 0083.
>>32949236
See, if Char had accepted his responsibilities as head scion of Zeon NOW, he could actually crack down on rogue fleets, and CCA won't happen. Hell, Char has no interest in destroying the Earth, (yet), and the responsibilities of fatherhood might make him moderate his views.

>>32949295
Getting a Hazel means joining the Titans, unless you can poach designers away.

And joining Titans might become a dealbreaker. And by dealbreaker, I mean, "ship us off to Augusta for mindrape". Well, that, or having to handle Four and Rosamia.

So what's the consensus? We running tests on the Gundams/social link with Haman? Or timeskip?

>>32949468
The Test Team was only loosely affiliated with the rest of the Titans and most of them defected to the AEUG by the end anyway. I'm sure we could do that too. I just want to have the Hyzenthlay-Rah, is that really too much to hope for?

>>32949295
That isn't F91 if you mean inhouse federation machines, if you mean EF machines, that isn't the GP-01/02/03 series, or the Zetas

>>32949413
>ACCELERATE 0083
Well, least there's no naval review to nuke. Yet.

>>32949548
The problem is getting into the Test Team in the first place. Our fates are as follows:
Mindbreak (most likely)
Test Team (somewhat likely)
Newtype handler (somewhat likely)
Squad leader (least likely)

Bump up Mindrape to "absolutely" if any of them decides to reopen EXAM development.

>>32949413
>this is the timeline that leads to Gundam X

>>32949486
I wouldn't mind sticking around for a while. Dealing with Haman and the suits might be fun.
And besides, we have to check out how CC is holding up after telling us about how Catrina died.

>>32949562
Okay, yes, there are suits that outperform them. By best I meant "most interesting" not "most powerful".

>>32949617
Yeah, I suppose you're right. Too bad. Maybe we can Gundamjack it? Or develop a parallel track of advancement as part of the AEUG that results in a very similar machine?

>>32949656

>Gundamjack

That's something this quest seriously lacks.

>>32949617
>>32949640
I could see this. With a Zeon princess kidnapped by the earth, the Zeon remanants go full radical and say "FUCK EARTH," and this is the Earth Federation that has the Blue Destiny NT style suits as a recently made thing,, as well as a loyal base on luna. I could see a series of BD machines becoming GX bits, and a modified GP-01 becoming Gundam X.

>>32948583
>>Don't timeskip

Bah, overslept
Thanks for mot making Haman hate us a/tg/

>>32949687
Well, we're headed into Stardust Memories in the next few threads, so you won't be waiting long.

>>32949716
Actually, fuck it. If Gato steals the GP-02, steal it back without destroying it.

For extra insult, refit it and load it with a nuclear warhead to take out the colony. If there are no warheads, slap on the MLRS pack and go to work.

>>32949773
We're going to end up with Axis nuked, aren't we.

This is going to be so much fun.

>>32949773
The beam bazooka, too. We're turning this quest into Gundam Katana. I want the Striker Custom's beam tonfa, damn it.

>>32949791
No actually, I was planning to nuke Operation Stardust and steal the credit from Jamitov.

>>32949791
Last I remember, it took five~ten nuclear explosions inside of Axis to even split it in half during CCA. Nuking Axis is a pipedream.

>mfw we will be the elite mooks alongside Kou and the GP-01

>Elite mooks DIE

>>32950567
Chapman, Adel and Monsha survived just fine.

>>32950724
>Chapman
I meant Alpha A Bate.

>>32949909
Yeah, but GP-02 had a magic warhead. We could probably do it in one shot with the GP-02.

>>32950724
Burning died pretty hard though

>>32950724

We are the most experienced member of the team.

We are BURNING.

>>32950775
Plot demanded that Cima needed to die to Kou in exchange for Gato winning their duel.

>>32950745
It would just bake the surface of Axis. I don't think we'll be able to hit the engines of Axis before some schmuck shoots us down.

>>32950799
We don't have an ex-wife. (inb4 QM gives us an ex-wife.)

>>32950849
We also don't look like we're pushing 50 at 39.

I don't want to timeskip. Harman raising project go!

>>32953173

>Harman

I was going to make a Carman San Diego joke, but I am far too tired to think of one.

>>32953361

Harman Sans Diego

>>32953378
Some interesting thoughts in this thread, glad I came back. Guess we'll spend a little more time on the Kyongju next weekend.

>>32953904

>Harman without Diego

She must have dropped it on its Side

>>32953904
What happened to Haman's sisters?

>>32953929
You should ask her.