>>781982
>> “Yeah, let's talk with Danner, see what he wants.”

>>781982
> “Yeah, let's talk with Danner, see what he wants.”

>>781982
> “Yeah, let's talk with Danner, see what he wants.”

>>781982
>> “Yeah, let's talk with Danner, see what he wants.”

> “Yeah, let's talk with Danner, see what he wants.”

You sigh. Danner. You rub your head a bit, groaning. More Idol planning stuff, stuff that you're not good at but forced to do because apparently you're the one to do it. Oh well, if it keeps the Federation afloat. “Alright, let's talk with him, see what he wants.”

“Very good, ma'am. I'll direct you to one of the hotel conference rooms, okay?” You nod to Mills. “Did you want your dress uniform or just the utility greys today?”

“Just the greys,” you say. He nods, quickly pulling out your utility greys from your closet. Now that he mentions it, you are just standing in front of the window in your underwear. Yeah, you probably shouldn't go to an important meeting with an MWI official in just your knickers. Maybe the sexy undies, but not your plain ones.

Whatever, it was time to meet with Danner.

-

-

One of Danner's interns placed a cup of coffee in front of you, which you immediately decided to pour a bit of whiskey into to give it some zest. Unfortunately, with Azuma, Burkett, and Mills taking the girls to the Hall to practice, you were alone with dealing with Danner. That meant you had little to no advice on whatever action you want to take. You leant back in your seat, sighing deeply as he went over some boring boardroom chat stuff, budgetary concerns, all that noise. “... and as you can clearly see, we project that once we build up a significant fanbase, get followers on social media platforms like FriendNet (oh god who came up with that fucking name), we should see a very constant stream of quid flow into our coffers.”

You nod, taking a sip. Nope, not enough whiskey in the world to knock you out of this right now.

Danner stands in front of a board, with a projector, and despite being blind he somehow manages to gesture and point to various important elements on the board. “Now I predict that with constant money, we can start thinking about growth. Think about improvements. Think about hiring more staff. I will see to it that after our first initial concert, we will hire a full staff of at least one songwriter, a dance choreographer, a make up artist, and a costume designer as well. We'll also need roadies as well to carry equipment, sound engineers. I imagine Rosalie might need someone to work with her on her voice until she can start singing decently. Security as well, and finally.” He points to you. “Something you can do. More Idols.”

“More Idols?” you ask.

“Yes,” he says. “And because of our unique situation, we have an opportunity. I don't think it'll be efficient to recruit from the street like you did with Olga, Rosalie, and Stacy. No, I think we should take the example of Naka... whatever her name is. We should recruit directly from a service.”

You lean forward, squinting at him. “The Prime Minister told me that the MI doesn't have many cute girls.”

“Well, that's her prerogative. I mean, she found you, didn't she?” Aww...

[1/2]

>>782105
[2/2]

Wait. He's blind. Goddamn it, you fell for it again.

He smirks, folding his arms. “We don't have to recruit from the MI however. There's plenty of branches to choose from. Keep in mind, selecting an Idol from one particular branch might not make us popular with the rest, but it will improve relations with the Idol's home branch, maybe even give us something in return. After this concert, we will have room for at least one more Idol. Two if the concert goes amazingly well.”

“Right, I see.”

“So which service do you want to recruit from?”

> The Mobile Infantry – Fierce fighting men and women who serve the primary bulk of the Federal Armed Forces. No military is without a dedicated infantry.
> The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.
> The Colonial Defense Force – They're... the CDF. They're not even a Federal Service so, why these guys? They don't have suits, they have to use old ships, and organization is a nightmare for them.
> “Let's wait and see.”

>>782109
>> The Colonial Defense Force – They're... the CDF. They're not even a Federal Service so, why these guys? They don't have suits, they have to use old ships, and organization is a nightmare for them.

>>782109
>> The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.
As much as I want to support the MI more, that last bit about the pilots could be very important.

>>782109
> The Colonial Defense Force – They're... the CDF. They're not even a Federal Service so, why these guys? They don't have suits, they have to use old ships, and organization is a nightmare for them.

Fuck the Navy, You bastard don't win the war. Plus a cute hick girl would be nice.

>>782109
>>782144
Changing my vote if the Concert goes REALLY well, Grab one from the Fleet and one from the Defense Force. the MI knows its lacking bodies already, so we can use the other two to funnel people in.

>CDF is first pick
>Navy is second

>>782109
>> The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.

>>782109
> The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.
Making Naka a full idol's the only real choice.

>>782109
> The Colonial Defense Force – They're... the CDF. They're not even a Federal Service so, why these guys? They don't have suits, they have to use old ships, and organization is a nightmare for them.

File: Hotel Miami Naka.png (839 KB, 750x1125)

839 KB PNG

>>782109
>> The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.
Make Naka a real idol, she's already on our staff

>>782109
>The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.

We promised this to Naka. MI doesn't go back on promises.

> The Federal Fleet – From Galactic Arm to Galactic Arm, the Federal Fleet has conquered over the Bug's meagre navy with gusto. Plus, they've got lots of cute girl pilots.

“I think we should prioritize the Fleet for now,” you say. “But. I want to also take on someone from the CDF afterwards.”

Danner tilts his head. “The CDF? The CDF that still uses ancient pulse rifles and fly around in Conestoga-class starships that are almost as old as the Federation? That CDF?” You nod. “Why?”

“Call it a hunch,” you say. “Plus, I think Naka will make an excellent addition to our roster once we have the money to hire her. After that, we should definitely consider the CDF. Think about it, I don't really think much of them, but they comprise a good majority of our fighting force. They may not be allowed to actually participate in offensive operations, but they take positions that the MI would have to.”

Danner takes a minute to process this. “... and Naka?”

“We may as well have promised the position to her,” you say. “And if not Naka, maybe a cute Fleet pilot.”

“I see.” Danner looks to his interns, who shrug and nod in reluctant agreement. “Alright. Naka will be recruited first once the concert goes well. If it goes REALLY well, we'll look into the CDF. But mind you, I don't want any colonials molesting our Idols, you know how handsy they get out in the Outer Rings.” Oh, you DEFINITELY know that.

“Is that all?” you ask.

“For now,” he says. “Unless there's something else you want to discuss.”

> Budget
> Future venues
> “Nah. I need to go see my girls at the Hall.”
> Other

>>782222
> Budget
> Future venues

WE NEED IT ALL DAMN IT.

>>782222
>> Future venues

>>782222
> “Nah. I need to go see my girls at the Hall.”
Nice quads.

>>782222
> “Nah. I need to go see my girls at the Hall.”

>>782222
>> Budget

> Budget
> Future venues

You sigh. “Is there something else you want to discuss?”

“Well, yeah. We have issues with budget. And then there's future venues after this!” says Danner. “For instance...” You start to space out as he starts to prattle on about the budget. Honestly, you'd rather be with your girls right now, watching them sing and dance and all that. Why did you choose to talk with Danner today, he's going to talk you to death. “... and by my reckoning, I believe that once we have the budget, we may in fact be able to upgrade to a new ship. Or at least have someone fix the issue with heat aboard the Jimmy Stewart. It's up to you. Once that's done...” Jesus, he doesn't stop. “... and with enhanced cash flow, that means more money goes to the Factories, they can build more suits, more ships, more weapons, everything a war needs...”

You lean back, rolling your eyes. Not like he can see that. “... and lastly, I believe that when we truly have cash to dispose of, I think the priority should be upgrading the girls' suits as well. Give them some survivability. The Marauders are good, but not invincible. Some smart purchases of mods, maybe even get them some paint so they can deck it out, it'll make us look unique. And that's what teenagers love: being unique. Unfortunately, the MI doesn't encourage that nor does Fleet. But the minute you tell a teenager they can be unique and important, you have their attention.”

“Right.” You nod slowly. “And future venues?”

“We haven't booked any yet,” he says. “But I suggest we stick to the Sol system until we can build a decent fanbase. I can get us some place nice up in the Titan Colony, or perhaps we can even go to Aberdeen. It's all up to you of course.”

You're about to say something when you receive a phone call. Oh thank God. You pick it up. “Yes?”

“Hey, Lieutenant. It's Rosalie.” Oh, what's she doing calling you? You look over at Danner, who waits rather patiently. “We're just calling to check in on you. How are you?”

“I'm fine, just in a boring meeting with Danner.” Danner rocks his head back in a visible eye roll. “What's going on down there?”

“Not much, Azuma and Naka are running us through our drills. Are you going to come by?”

> “Soon. I need to settle this.”
> “Yeah, yeah. I'm coming right now, hold on.”
> Other

>>782373
> “Yeah, yeah. I'm coming right now, hold on.”

>>782373
>> “Soon. I need to settle this.”
Be a responsible Producer for a while.

>>782373
>> “Soon. I need to settle this.”
Be the responsible officer

>>782373
>> “Soon. I need to settle this.”

>>782373
>> “Soon. I need to settle this.”

>>782373
> “Soon. I need to settle this.”

>>782373
> “Yeah, yeah. I'm coming right now, hold on.”
LT clearly isn't made for the meeting life anyway.

>>782373
>“Soon. I need to settle this.”
Logistics and budgets are what wins wars.
I mean, we're ignoring what it will take to get mods and upgrades to the suits that our girls are using. Ignoring that deserves a beating.

> “Soon. I need to settle this.”

You sigh, rubbing your face. “Soon, soon. I need to settle this, okay?”

“Alright,” says Rosalie. “We'll record something for you, okay?”

“That sounds nice. Will see you soon.”

With that, the two of you hang up on each other. “Where were we?” you ask.

“Budget,” he says. “Especially for mods and upgrades to the suits. Or perhaps spare suits if need be. I imagine that you might need a set of spare suits in case your Marauders break down or get lost in combat.” You nod. Yeah, a spare suit of Paladins perhaps, cheap, relatively similar to the Marauder. “But as for modifications, I'll leave that up to your Quartermaster or whoever sells you that stuff.”

“Probably Olga's Dad,” you say. “He does own a factory that builds these suits.”

With a snap of a finger, Danner smiles at that. “That's right. We ask him for some aftermarket stuff maybe. But... we don't have the budget now currently for modifications or upgrades. We barely have the budget just to pay the girls and Azuma and Burkett for security. And obviously you and Mills are paid your pensions.”

“Can you at least get me some paint?” you ask.

Danner smirks. “What, you want to paint your suits?”

You shrug. “Sure.”

“...” He takes a deep sigh, pinching his nose a bit in frustration. “Alright, yeah, yeah, we got money for paint I guess. I'll call in a favor. I can even have your paint around tonight in fact, you can do that with your Idols, be mommy to their little girls and what not.”

“Maybe I will.” That actually does sound fun, painting suits. Just nothing too extreme. The dull greys, blues, and greens are built to blend into the background. You especially don't want Olga painting her Marauder hot pink just to make herself stand out. “What kind of mods and upgrades do you think we'd get for the girls?”

“That's for Olga's dad to decide and the engineers who will build it,” says Danner. “I've been out of the MI for quite a while so I wouldn't know. I just pointed and shot things, and look at me now.” Right, the blind eyes, that explains a lot. “Anyway, I'll let you go. You're clearly not too interested in this and by the looks of that bottle of whiskey, you could use a drink.”

Huh? You look to the table.

… You just drank three Whiskey bottles without realizing it.

Man, these meetings are going to kill you.

> Go head to the Hall, meet with your girls.
> Call up Olga's father for details on modifications.
> Forget it, to the bar, you're already getting on a buzz.
> Other

>>782498
>> Go head to the Hall, meet with your girls.

>>782498
> Call up Olga's father for details on modifications.

>>782498
> Go head to the Hall, meet with your girls.

>>782498
> Go head to the Hall, meet with your girls.

>>782498
>> Go head to the Hall, meet with your girls.

> Go head to the Hall, meet with your girls.

-

-

You decided to save Mills some trouble and take a cab to the Hall. A very helpful Security Guard was out at the doors of this gigantic building, a huge monument to the old days. Makes you wonder how people lived back then, knowing that their lives was held in the hands of people who didn't know the responsibility of voting. To think they could build something as beautiful as this building or make art or science, it's almost miraculous. He leads you through the massive lobby, and into one of the side hallways towards the backstage.

And stepping through the many dressing rooms, showers, recording stages, you finally step on stage. The lights were up on full, revealing the massive hemispherical auditorium centered around the big old fashioned wooden stage. No dynamic panels, holographic tech has to be brought in manually, lights are probably older than you are. This was an old fashioned stage for sure. And on it, your girls were laying around, sweat beading down their skin. Rosalie especially looked ready to die. “Lieutenant!” Azuma walks over, headphones around his neck, clipboard on his arm like a real stage tech. “Good to see you.”

“Good to see you too.” You look around the auditorium, and see Naka and Mills sitting halfway up the seats, probably to see if the girls are loud enough. “Where's Burkett?”

“Bar,” he mutters. Figures. “We're walking the girls through the routine now.”

“Just like we discussed?” you ask.

“Something heroic, but also cutesy and bouncy, yes,” he says. “Difficult to ascertain but we're doing our best. They just finished up their dance rehearsal.”

“Oh, sorry I missed it.”

“It's fine,” he says. “They recorded it for you just in case.” He checks his watch. “Anyway, we gotta be ready to clear the stage soon. The Galaxy Gals are going to be coming in soon, they'll want to rehearse.”

“Wait.” You fold your arms. “The Galaxy Gals, rehearse? Aren't they just a bunch of computer programs and holograms? Why do they need to rehearse?”

“I don't fucking know, I don't make the rules!” Azuma shakes his head.

> See the recording of the Rehearsal.
> Talk to the girls a bit, see how they're doing.
> Go over with Azuma as to how things are going to go.
> Other

>>782593
> See the recording of the Rehearsal.

>>782593
> See the recording of the Rehearsal.

>>782593
>> See the recording of the Rehearsal.

> See the recording of the Rehearsal.

You sit down at one of the camera wells with Azuma as you watch through the rehearsal. It’s just the basic dance routine, with Naka guiding them along. “Alright! Ichi, nii, san, shi! One, two, three, four!” The girls raise their arms up and down, stretching, their legs spread apart as they whirl their heads around and limber up.

“You could’ve cut this,” you say.

“Just keep watching,” says Azuma.

“Alright!” Naka steps in front of them. “Ready, one, two, three!”

Are you ready? I am ready!
Let’s rally up now!
We need everybody now! So come on, guys, let’s go and…
We’ll drop as one!

The girls start their routine. For now they’re skipping the singing part and going straight to the dancing, with Naka watching their every move. “Rosalie, keep up!” Rosalie nods, wiping some sweat off of her brow. “Olga! Back to your position!” Olga quickly sidesteps back to the flank, with Stacy leading front and center. “Stacy, Stacy, come on! More energy!”

You fold your arms, leaning back in your seat. “They seem uh…”

“Stilted, disjointed?” asks Azuma. You nod. “Yeah, it is the first rehearsal. But with the concert coming up in a couple of days well…” He shrugs. “Right there.” He points something out to you. What is it, Azuma? “We’re going to be doing some spotlight work here. Probably try and have some backlighting as well. Have it be bright as possible. Then it gets a bit dimmer, we’ll have LEDs on the girls to keep them lit, keep them dynamic.”

“Why not colored spotlights?” you ask.

“Nah, they look ugly if we can’t coordinate the colors,” he says.

Rosalie falls over on her dance routine, stopping the dancing. “Ah, ah, no one stop!” yells Naka. “It’s Stage Crew’s job to handle casualties, it’s your job to look cute!” Olga and Stacy reluctantly keep dancing while Naka helps Rosalie up to her feet. “You okay, Rosalie?” Rosalie nods. “Okay, good, good. Little slower now, girls!”

Azuma sighs, rubbing at his eyes. “What do you think of it so far?”

> “They’re great!’
> “They need work.”
> “Eeeehhhh…”
> Other

>>782777
>"It's a start."

Hey, Rome wasn't built in a day.

>>782777
I'll back >>782785

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>>782777
I'd have to go with: >>782785

>>782777
I'm with Anon >>782785

We gotta start somewhere

>>782777
>>782785
Yeah he's got the right of it I think.

>>782777
>>782785
Backing this.

> Other

“It’s a start.” You kick back in your chair on the back two legs. “I mean, the Federation wasn’t built in a day, Azuma.” He nods at that, in understanding agreement. “I think the girls, with another day, and a bit of encouragement will be able to get this thing locked down.”

“Right,” says Azuma. “So what were you and Danner taking about?”

“Budget mostly. I figured once we get the concert out of the way, we bring on Naka as a new Idol, and if we really do good with our act, we can hire a new Idol. I’m thinking CDF.” Azuma tilts his head in confusion. “Look, trust me. I know, I can explain later.”

“Well, alright,” says Azuma.

“Oh my God!” You all look over to Olga, who runs back onto stage. “Guys, guys, guys!” She bounces on stage, grinning widely. “Guys, guys, guys! It’s the Galaxy Gals! They’re here! They’re here! We gotta go meet ‘em, wegottagomeet’emnownownowlet’sgogogo! Come on!” She grabs Stacy’s arm and lifts her to her feet.

“Hey, hey, careful!” yells Stacy. Rosalie and Naka quickly follow as well.

You and Azuma decide to follow as well. Let’s see what they’re about. Olga is bouncing up and all around all the technicians and security guards as they handle what appear to be gigantic black boxes, almost the size of an actual idol. Each one is labeled with a number like 01, 02, 03, 04, etc. All of them bear Japanese names such as Ichi, Roku, and more.

You yourself are confused by this, but then one of the technicians hits a button. “Okay, girls, come on out!”

The black boxes project an image of a 3D girl, with amazing generic beautiful looks. She smiles happily, wearing an incredibly techno-frilly outfit with a flowing black skirt, a white shirt with glowing blue lines along the sleeves and along the back, and flowing white hair tied into a loose ponytail. “Hello!” she says with an electronic flair to her voice. “I’m Ichi, of the Galaxy Gals!”

“AAH!” Olga screams in joy, while the others look on in complete confusion. “Wow! They are real!” She holds out her hand. “Hi, I’m Olga! It’s nice to meet you!” Ichi blinks, looking down at the hand. “… oh right, hologram!”

“Hehe! That’s alright!” says Ichi. “I get that a lot!”

> THE GALAXY GALS <

The other Galaxy Gals are projected in as well. Ichi sees Azuma, and grins. “You must be their Producer, it’s nice to meet you!” Azuma blinks, then looks at you. “Oh?”

> “Yeah, Producer. Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?”
> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”
> “The hell are you guys?”
> Other

>>782934
>> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”

>>782934
> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”

>>782934
> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”

>Tfw Ai's sass you

File: taking over the macross.jpg (24 KB, 480x360)

24 KB JPG

>>782934
>> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”

If their schtick features hypnosis, we might have a Sharon Apple on our hands

>>782934
> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”

He's the tech. He does the work, I do the boring.

> “Actually, I’m kind of their producer.”

“Actually, I’m kind of the Producer around here,” you explain. The hologram girls all look at you, surprised.

“Oh, you must be that Lieutenant we’ve heard so much about!” says Ichi as she phases through one of her own girls. “Oh, sorry, Roku!”

“Don’t phase through me, that’s embarrassing!” Roku holds herself as if she were forcibly stripped in the middle of the street.

Ichi looks up at you, her eyes glowing a little as she examines you. “Wow! We have never seen a Mobile Infantry Trooper up close!” You fold your arms, smiling. “I apologize, we’re normally used to Producers of Idols being male.” Gee, you wonder why. “But, if you’re producing these girls, Lieutenant…”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s okay,” you say. “So, you girls are artificial intelligences?”

“Yep!” Ichi points to the W-Y on her black box. “Designed and developed to promote products for the Westland-Yukari Corporation! By the way, have you ever bought a car by West-Yuk?” You shake your head. Ichi blinks. “Musical instruments?” You shake your head again. “Firearms?” Nope. “Cameras?” Nope again. “TVs?”

“Nope, sorry.” All the Idols look at you and the girls strangely. “Uh… is that a problem?”

“No, but we are programmed to promote Westland-Yukari whenever we can! Westland-Yukari purpose builds the best artificial intelligences for your utility and luxury needs!” says Roku. Roku immediately looks at Olga, who phases her finger through her. “Ah! Don’t do that!” Roku flinches back.

“Sorry!” Olga grins nervously. “Curious.”

“Anyway, we are going to begin rehearsal. Would you like to join us?” How… do they even rehearse?”

> “Sure.”
> “No, I should get my girls some dinner anyway.”
> Other

>>783022
>> “Sure.”

>>783022
> “Sure.”
Curiosity too stronk.

>>783022

> “Sure.”

>>783022
>“Sure.”

May as well. Not like we'll be able to drag them away.

> “Sure.”

“Sure. You could show us how veteran Idols perform, alright?”

“Alright!” the ten of them declare. “Come on, girls!” says Ichi. “Let's show these newborns how an Idol performs, even if we're incorporeal!” They all cheer, changing into more matching Westland-Yukari blouses, skirts, and tights in a flash. All of you head back down to the auditorium then take a seat down. The lights go dim quickly.

“Alright.” Their stage tech holds the earphones up on his ear. “Lights are dim, go to sound.” A glam metal guitar starts to play as the Idols phase into their positions, one by one. Being holograms, they have no need for spotlights, and are as bright as they need to be even in complete darkness. “Ichi. 3, 2, 1.”

They step forward, jumping up for joy. “Yeah!” Fireworks explode behind their black boxes, immediately getting your attention. Ichi starts to sing, backed up by Roku and San.

Waking up on Monday morning, feeling slow, dreading Tuesday,
Gotta get myself together, have to pull through, find a way,
We're starting on a grand journey, all the way through to the day we want!
SATURDAY, SATURDAY! Let's head down, and party on! SATURDAY, SATURDAY!


You all stare in awe. Olga's eyes are sparkling in admiration, while Stacy, Naka, and Rosalie pay attention rather closely, seeing what they can copy. Already the mind of an MI trooper in each of them.

“They're good,” says Rosalie.

“Real good,” says Stacy.

Naka pouts a bit. “Good for robots I guess.”

The hypnotic lights pounce on your eyes, making them shimmer and sparkle like diamonds as they sing and bounce on stage. The Westland-Yukari Corporation logo shines on a screen behind them. “SATURDAY, SATURDAY! The best of the week! SATURDAY, SATURDAY! From strong to slow, thin and meek, we can all come on down to Saturday!”

Rosalie nudges you. “They're gonna really overshadow us.”

She...

Oh God. She has a point.

> “We'll be fine.”
> “Go get Azuma, tell him to take notes.”
> “Well, just pay attention and make sure you learn something.”
> Other

>>783139
> “Go get Azuma, tell him to take notes.”

>>783139
>> “Go get Azuma, tell him to take notes.”

>>783139
> “Well, just pay attention and make sure you learn something.”

That's what's supposed to happen. Its bad form for an opening act to be better than the headliners.

Years from now, someone's going to be able to say "I was at their first show" talkings about you girls. That'll be their bragging rights.

Don't worry about how you look compared to veteran performers. Just do your parts.

>>783139
> “Well, just pay attention and make sure you learn something.”
That's the point, we're an opener.

>>783139
>> “Well, just pay attention and make sure you learn something.”

Schteel, is there a particular song the lyrics are supposed to go to?

>>783170
No, I made it up.

I'm too busy watching Game 7. My laptop died. I'm switching between rooms just to update.

> “Well, just pay attention and make sure you learn something.”

“Well, just pay attention, Rosalie.” Rosalie frowns a little, looking back at the stage. “We're the opening act. This is their show. They're letting us perform ahead of them as courtesy. It'd be bad form if we overshadowed them.”

Rosalie opens her mouth to say something, then sighs deeply. “Right.” She looks forward as well.

And just like that, the song ends. The ten girls all pose in cutesy ways, some of them indicating shyness, some passion, others a bit of lewdness. Ichi grins, holding a holographic microphone. “Thank you, New York! Remember, buy Westland-Yukari, your very best friend and the creator of the Galaxy Gals! Woohoo!” You all stand up, politely applauding them as they finish their act. They bow to you. “Thank you, thank you!”

You quickly hurry over to Azuma and Mills as they collude with each other. As much as they are supposed to overshadow you. You'd like at least an equivalent showing with the Galaxy Gals. That way you aren't just swept under the rug. The Federation deserves better than that. “Azuma, what do you think?”

“What do I think?” he says. “These girls are yesterday's news the minute the Galaxy Gals walk in.” You frown a bit. “Don't sweat it. We'll figure something out alright?”

“Alright,” you say. “Still...” You look back to the girls. Everyone except Olga looks nervous as Olga continues to applaud and cheer. The Galaxy Gals go back into their black boxes as their software engineers start to troubleshoot and debug any glitches they saw in the performance.

“You should probably build their confidence a bit,” says Mill.

Right, confidence. No better place than...

> The gym
> The bar
> The hotel room watching movies
> Other

>>783198
> The gym

LETS THEM LOSSENED UP FOR INHUMAN MOVES!

>>783198
>> The gym

>>783198
> Other

More practice

>>783198
>> The gym

>>783198
>The gym
If there's one thing our idols have over any other idol group, is physical conditioning.
Our girls survived Mobile Infantry training and an actual live-fire orbital insertion.

There should be a place in the gym where they can work on their coordination.

>>783198
> The gym

>>783198
> The gym
We need to be cute again as well.

> The gym

-

-

You spot Stacy as she lifts some heavy weights on the lifting bar. Meanwhile, Naka helps Rosalie run some laps around the gym while Olga does yoga in the background. “It bugs me a little, Lieutenant.” You help her set the bars down on the rack, and let her sit up. She airs out her tank top a bit, tugging a bit on the sports bra underneath. “I know we're gonna be overshadowed, we're the opening act, people are there to see them, not us. But would it kill the Federation to give us a bit more of a budget?”

“Oh, relax,” says Olga. “You should consider yourself lucky you get this opportunity! We're really going to perform on stage!” Olga stands up, pinching at her tights near the buttock. “Listen, Stacy. You're going to be our lead dancer, our lead singer, the lead everything for this part!” Stacy looks up at Olga with a bit of a worried look. “Our job is to get up there and promote the Federation! And that means singing our hearts out no matter how much people hate it.”

“See?” You smile at Stacy. “Olga's got your back. Rosalie's got your back.”

Rosalie pants heavily as she trails behind Naka. “Y-... yeah! Got your back, Stace!”

“Right.” Stacy sighs deeply, then flexes her arms a bit. “I feel like I got a bit stronger, Olga?”

“Yep!” Olga shakes her hips a bit. “That MI training really built us up. And I think those vaccines really did something” Part of MI training involves getting a lot of vaccines, some of which can have wild side effects due to them being vaccines for alien diseases (it knocked out three recruits and killed a fourth on the first day). Some have a few unproven “placebo” side effects. Honestly, you never believed those vaccines enhanced anything, if they did it'd make being an MI trooper a bit cheap.

“Rosalie?” asks Stacy.

“Could be better!” yells Rosalie as she jogs in towards everyone. Naka giggles a bit, slapping Rosalie on the butt for her hustle. Rosalie yelps in surprise, holding her shorts covered bottom. “Y-... yeah, I could be a little better. Lieutenant, how'd you come out of training. Were you pretty strong?”

“Oh, one of the strongest! Not as strong as the boys but...” You roll up your sleeves, grinning as you sidle up between all of them. “I could probably bench press Olga.”

[1/2]

>>783369
[2/2]

“Really!?” Olga grins. “Try it! I want to be benched!” Stacy and Rosalie help Olga get straightened up, then you squat down and let a stiff Olga be lowered onto your shoulders. You grab onto her. Wow, she's not as heavy as you thought she'd be. You take a deep breath, then heft yourself up with Olga. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! AAH!” she screams a bit in fright. “Whoa!”

“Ha!” you struggle a bit to hold her up now, your legs wobbling a little. “Oh dear!” Wow, okay, better put her down, losing your grip! You quickly kneel down and let Olga off.

“I can't wait to do that!” says Olga.

“You probably can,” you explain, rubbing your shoulder. “Just gotta find it in you.” There's a knock at the door into the gym. “Come in!”

Mills walks in, holding a crate underneath his arm. “Package from Danner.” He steps in, then drops it. He lifts the lid up.

Paint cans. Spraycans. Brushes. Stencils.

“What's this for?” asks Naka.

Oh. You know what that's for.

>>783198
> The gym

File: Flamethrower.gif (149 KB, 656x936)

149 KB GIF

That's it for tonight's Starship Idols. Can't wait to wake up to see who won Game 7 tomorrow morning. We'll continue tomorrow when I get home from work.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
Ask at: http://germanschteel.tumblr.com/
Book Tumbles: http://germanschteelbookblog.tumblr.com/

See you next time.

>>783383
Thanks for running, Schteel

>>783383
Thanks for the fun, boss. See you tomorrow.

>>783383
See you next time!

>>783383
Thanks for running.

The scotch burns right down your throat as you take in another chug. Goddamn, thank the man who invented alcohol. Right now, you were seated at the restaurant in the hotel. Your girls were all laughing and smiles now as they ate a pretty late dinner. All of you had spent the past few hours painting the suits that you had delivered from the Jimmy Stewart down to the Hotel, at considerable secrecy. They were currently sitting in storage for now. All the girls were covered in paint, a bit fatigued but still happy and discussing the painting they did behind you as you drank.

“Olga, explain to me something.” Stacy smirks a little as she looks through photos on her phone. “Why did you paint your suit completely red? Not even like dark red, but really red.”

“Red's my favorite color!” says Olga. “Reminds me of the Arkellian Sand beetles, really cute critters.”

“You think Sand Beetles are cute?” asks Rosalie.

“Yeah, don't you guys?” Naka, Rosalie, and Stacy all look at each other bemusedly. “Come on!”

“Well, I ain't painting an Arkellian Sand Beetle on my suit,” says Rosalie. “Or any kind of bug for that matter.”

“No, you just painted the Federation flag on your arm and painted a domino on the side of your helmet,” says Naka.

“It's-” Rosalie coughs a bit, blushing. “It's for tradition! We're Domino Squad, paint a domino? Eh? Eh?”

“Stacy though...” Olga looks through photos of Stacy's suit. “All these paint splatters, all these stripes and stuff. Lots of blues and whites. Did you run out of creativity or something?”

“I never had any to begin with.” Stacy huffs and puffs, leaning back in her seat. “I just went with what looked cool.”

“I saw you painted a motto on there too on your helmet. No fate but what we make?”

Stacy rolls her eyes. “Something my H and M teacher always said. Hated his guts but he had good advice from time to time.”

Olga smiles a little, nodding. “Lieutenant, what did you paint on your suit? If you ever painted anything?” Hm, you never were the creative type. Though...

> “Didn't paint anything in particular.”
> “The only thing I painted on my suit was camo. And that wasn't me, that was for the engies.”
> “I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”
> Other

>>784798
> “I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”

>>784798
>“I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”

>>784798
>> “I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”

File: Pinup.jpg (183 KB, 920x1280)

183 KB JPG

>>784798
>> “I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”

Could've had a photo taken and put on a calender.

>>784798
>“I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”

> “I once lost a bet and had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.”

“I once lost a bet with some of my squadies during my days as a Third Lieutenant,” you explain. “I had to paint myself on my suit like a bomber pin-up.” Stacy and Olga snicker while Rosalie and Naka scoot closer to you, genuinely interested. “It- it wasn't anything lewd or anything.” It was very lewd. Hard to explain to Captain Chekov and Major Darling. Still, they didn't force you to clean it off, and you were too lazy to do it of your own accord, so it stuck.

“Wait, I found a picture!” says Stacy as she searches through her phone. NOOOOOOOO “Wow! Damn, Lieutenant, you had a rocking body!”

“Hey, I- I still have a rocking body!” You motion down to yourself, pressing your hands against your hips. “I'm just- I just have a bit of weight to shed.”

“That's putting it mildly,” says Burkett as he walks past. OH FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING WANKER.

The girls all laugh and giggle at your expense. Olga checks her watch. “Oooh, we should go shower and hit the sack. Rehearsal's gonna be early tomorrow, girls.” Everyone stands up, pushing their chairs in. “You coming, Lieutenant?”

> “Yeah, I'll be with you.”
> Stay at the bar. What do they know about bodies, fucking kids and their image perception.
> MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM
> Other

>>784856
> MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM
>Bitch angrily about fucking wankers

>>784856
>> MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM

>>784856
>> MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM
Swear Scottishly the entire time.

>>784856
>MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM

>>784856
>MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM

File: We Have Come To Consensus.jpg (310 KB, 1440x1755)

310 KB JPG

>>784862
>>784865
>>784869
>>784871
>>784875

>>784856
>> “Yeah, I'll be with you.”

>>784881
We totally don't have a problem with how we see ourselves.

File: SuitCommand.gif (241 KB, 826x936)

241 KB GIF

> MUST SHED WEIGHT AT THE GYM

-

-

You sweat it out at the gym at the lifting racks. Arms first, then you can move on down to pull ups, curls ups, push ups, all that stuff. Dune would say that your body works best when it feels like it's going to die. And you're inclined to agree with him considering how many times you've come close to dying in the War. You hiss, lifting the weights up again, then slowly bring them down over your chest. Hmph, what does Burkett know, what does anyone know? You're still as cute and sexy as the day you enlisted! Fucking blind wankers and their perceptions of bodily attraction.

Bunch of blind people, you swear!

“Lieutenant.” You blink, looking over to see Mills walking in. “I see you're dressed to work out. Need a spotter?”

“Yes, please.” He grabs the bar tight, and allows you to lift as if he weren't even there. “Thanks, Mills! Always good to exercise with a mate!”

“Yeah, yeah,” he says. “Just came to check in on you, you've been in the gym for a little while.” Well, you wouldn't say two hours is a little while. “Plus, it's almost midnight.” Ah... “And you look like you're going to die.” Ah.

“That's just weakness leaving the body!” you declare.

“How many of these you do?”

You lift it up again, peaking at the apex, then setting it back on the rack. “... Fifty!”

He smirks, helping you sit up on the rack. “Not bad.” You'd ask him if he wanted to join you but then you saw the prosthetic legs and arm. Yeah, probably in bad taste. “So what spurred this on, did Burkett hurt your feelings or something?” Tsk. You look away. “I wouldn't worry too much about him. I think there's a lot of you in him in fact.”

“What, the drinking part?” you ask.

“Well.” He shrugs. “The two of you have more in common than you think.” You have nothing in common with a coward who takes credit and prestige from the lives of others. “Of course, let's not tell Azuma what Burkett said anyway, there might be a fight.”

“Right, right.” You sigh, then slowly your stretch your arms a little. “Say, Mills. You think my girls are going to do well in the opener soon?”

“Oh, definitely!”

“Honest opinion.”

“... honest opinion?” He blinks. You nod back. “... er.” You sigh. “N- no, don't get me wrong. I don't know good singing from bad singing. I was always more of a- I'm a soldier! Singing's singing. They seem fine to me, Lieutenant.”

“Right, right.”

He sits down on the rack next to you. “Still disappointed the Prime Minister doesn't think you're cute enough to be an Idol?” You scoot away. Ugh, as if. “Something eating at you, Lieutenant? You have that particular expression. I see a lot of it in other veterans.”

> “I feel old.”
> “I feel ugly.”
> “I feel like shit.”
> Other

>>784935
>"I'm fine."

>>784935
>> “I feel old.”

>>784935
>> “I feel old.”

>>784935
>Other
>I love the civilian life don't get me wrong but.. its not the same. It will never be the same.

>>784935
>“I feel like life was a lot less of a headache when just surviving till the next drop was the worst thing I had to worry about.”
>"I guess I feel old?"

>>784935
> “I feel old.”

>>784935
>> “I feel old.”

>>784935
>I feel fat.

> “I feel old.”

You look down at your arms. They don't have the muscle they used to when you were in. You pinch at your hips a bit, still a bit of fat too there. “I dunno. I guess I feel old. When you're at home you got so many problems now. Bills, taxes, having to figure out who to vote for, keeping up on who's doing what...” You lean back a bit. “In the MI, things are so much simpler. You go there, you kill somebody, you wait around. Boom, you're done. You know what I mean?”

“You feel like you grew up too fast,” he says. Grew up too fast? “We were pretty young when we enlisted, all of us, Lieutenant. Most people think you're supposed to spend your years past high school doing more book learning, learning how to work and how to hold a job. And that takes time, gradual time. You go into the Federal Service though. That forces you to grow up.”

“Yeah.” You fold your arms, sighing deeply. “You ever feel like that, feel old?”

“Oh yeah, every time I try to talk to a civilian my age, they always ask me why I took Federal Service, ask me if it was worth it considering uh...” He motions to his legs. “Look. You give up a lot of things, earning your place in society. Some people don't understand that, you can't teach it in some cases either. I just tell them I'm proud of what I did, what other people do for this Federation.” He gently nudges you. “And I'm proud of you, Lieutenant.”

“For what?” you ask.

“For doing what you're doing. It's unorthodox, yes. But, way I see it, the Federation is built on the youth. Every good society is built on the youth. And we're never going to survive this war if we can't convince them that taking Federal Service, fighting in the war, is the right thing to do. You get what I mean?”

“Yeah.” You smile a little. Spoken like a true patriot. “Yeah, I get what you mean, Mills. Thanks.”

He takes a whiff. “Oooh. You should take a shower and head to bed, Lieutenant.” He stands up, rubbing his hands together. “We got an early day tomorrow, alright?”

> “Lemme go a few more rounds then I'll head to sleep.”
> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”
> “Lemme hit the bar first then get back to you.”
> Other

>>785028
>> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”

>>785028
>> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”

>>785028
> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”

>>785028
>“Lemme go a few more rounds then I'll head to sleep.”
By this time next week, we'll bench Olga without breaking a sweat, and then they'll HAVE to admit we're cute.

Wait. No, that came out wrong.

>>785028
> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”

>>785028
>> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”
>>785063
That or we'll end up being built like a TANK.

>>785028
> “Lemme go a few more rounds then I'll head to sleep.”

> “Alright, let's go, Mills.”

You stand up. “Alright, let's go, Mills.” You grab your towel off the rack, rubbing your face free of sweat. “Thanks again for that little speech.”

“I have them by the dozen.” He pats your back, smiling proudly. You snort a bit. The two of you walk out of the gym together. Oh, what would you do without an assistant like Mills to keep you afloat?

-

-

You didn't dream at all last night unfortunately. Once you showered and threw yourself in bed, you just woke up out of blackness back into your hotel room. A bit of a headache, probably from those last few bottles of scotch you had right before bed. Still, today was going to be an early day. All day, you'll see your girls practice their hearts out for the opener tomorrow.

So for now though, it was time to get dressed. You decide today you'll wear your dress uniform. Probably just to show off a little. Personally you kind of hate wearing it. It makes you look sexy, but you certainly don't feel it when you first put it on. You remember when Dizzy first saw you in your dress uniform. Those were good times. It's in the past though. And Dizzy certainly isn't going to rise from the grave just to see you wear the dress uniforms one more time.

The door opens. “Lieutenant.” Azuma looks inside, seeing you button up your blouse. “Lieutenant, there's a problem.”

“What now?” you ask.

“Journalists,” he says. “They're mobbing the entrance.”

“So?” you ask. As if you give a fuck what journalists think.

“Well, I just thought you'd want the girls to have some semblance of privacy?” he says. “At the very least, make sure they don't ask too many revealing questions or things that might upset them? You know how nosy they can get.” Ugh, you do.

> “Just push past them. Who gives a fuck what they think? You don't become an Idol to have a private life.”
> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”
> “How about you talk to them, I'll get the girls in the car.”
> Other

>>785149
> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”

>>785149
>> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”
Welp, time to have the press distort everything we say.

>>785149
>> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”

>>785175
Just say everything in the most neutral, official answer-est way possible

>>785180
They're still going to interpret our vague statements to suit their own needs, and then claim that their side won! But what the hell, why not?

>>785149
> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”

>>785149
>“Fine, I'll go talk to them.”
>other
"You sneak the girls out the back into a car."
We're MI; throwing ourselves on a plasma grenade to protect the squad should be second nature.

>>785149
>> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”

> “Fine, I'll go talk to them.”

-

-

You meet with the journalists outside. Contrary to what you expected, there are not a dozen of them just hanging around, there are at least twenty or thirty snapping pictures and trying to all ask you questions at once. “Lieutenant, Lieutenant! What's your view on the CDF!?”

“Lieutenant, how does it feel going from front line duty to propaganda work!?”

“What's your opinion on the Hesperus Operation, could disaster have been averted!?”

“Do you think more women should join the MI, or do you think women should stay out of it!?”

“Do you believe that the Federation can still win this war, Lieutenant!? Answer my question please!”

“Is there a definitive solution to defeating the Bugs, yes or no!?”

Oh my God so many stupid questions! “Please, please, one at a time.” You look back to see the girls quickly heading out back through a side entrance with Mills, Azuma, and Burkett. “Please, I can settle your questions. First off, my opinion on the CDF is neutral. Secondly, it feels great, I'm serving the Federation in any way I can. Thirdly, I have no opinion, it was a dreadful thing but seeing as I'm a Lieutenant that did not even participate in the Operation I do not have the full details. Fourthly, I do believe so, it would do women some good to join the MI, bring more people into the Infantry. Fifthly, of course we can. Sixthly, there is one, we haven't found it yet.”

The Journalists all glance at each other, then quickly proceed to take notes. “Lieutenant, one more question for you! Have you found a boyfriend yet, cute boyfriend?”

“One that can handle me?” You smirk. “Not yet.” The journalists all laugh, a bit of a canned laughter if you're honest. You start moving to the curb. Please for the love of God, go away.

“Lieutenant, another question! These girls, do you honestly expect them to perform well in combat compared to regular MI troopers?” asks one of the journalists.

“Of course I do. They passed training, they'll be fine.”

“But they only received one week of training, do you think that-”

You hold up a finger. “They'll be fine. They're officially graduated MI troopers.”

“Lieutenant, what can you tell us about the Mars incident?” asks another journalist. “The official Federation statement is that a training accident killed several troopers but we have reason to believe that high explosive ordnance was deployed to the location of training and that an increase in ferocity from worker bugs still left on the planet near the area may have meant that the Arachnids staged an attack.”

“It was a training accident,” you declare. It's technically not wrong. It was an accident that somehow no one managed to figure out what happened to the base before the training battle was initiated. You see Mills come along in a car just for you. “No further questions.”

[1/2]

>>785362
[2/2]

“Wait, wait, Lieutenant! What is your opinion on the Prime Minister's Bill to lower the enlistment age from 16 to 14?”

“Do you believe that the usage of drones and robotic infantry could save the Federation millions in pounds or do you believe it cheapens our Federation if we start replacing men with robots!?”

Nope, nope, no more stupid questions. You shove yourself in and close the door. They still bang on the glass trying to get more out of you. “Leeches. To the Hall, Mills.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

-

-

This time, the Idols were dressed up in their stage costumes. The same ones Saki designed way back when. All of you, Mills, Azuma, Burkett, and Saki included watched as Naka walked the Idols through the routine. “Step, one, two, three, four! Step, one, two, three, four!” Naka gently whacks Olga on her bum with a meter stick. “Olga, keep in formation!”

“Sorry!” Olga rubs her butt, pouting a bit.

“Stacy, more confidence, more energy!” says Naka.

“Yeah, yeah!” Stacy proclaims.

“They're getting better,” says Azuma.

“Yeah. I'm sure they'll dance the Bugs to death,” says Burkett as he takes a sip of beer. You roll your eyes.

Suddenly, the doors open up, revealing a courier. “Mail for Rosalie O'Connor?”

The girls stop, looking at the courier. Rosalie gasps in surprise. “It must be from Dill and Joey!”

> “Ah, ah. Keep practicing. I'll read it.”
> “Alright, five minute break, let's see what they have to say.”
> Other

>>785365
>> “Alright, five minute break, let's see what they have to say.”

>>785365
> “Alright, five minute break, let's see what they have to say.”
Inb4 one of them bought it.

>>785365
> “Alright, five minute break, let's see what they have to say.”
>Everybody is dead. sorry boss.

>>785365
>> “Alright, five minute break, let's see what they have to say.”

> “Alright, five minute break, let's see what they have to say.”

You motion them over. “Alright, five minute break everybody.” You take the letter from the courier, then hand him a nice tip of about five quid. With that, you tear the envelope open, and allow the girls to all crowd around your shoulders and read.


Dear girls,

Hello from the ass ends of the Galaxy! I'm here with Joey right now, we just got our duty station aboard the Gallipoli. We got our new Paladins, we introduced ourselves to some of the guys in our company now. Guess what, Sergeant Dune is going to be our platoon sergeant! How about that? I guess he took a liking to us or God really had it out for us.

Me and Joey are doing fine. We got to know some of the guys in our company. We're being led by Captain H. Zanovic, he's a veteran officer, everyone loves him. Our SL is Sergeant York, he's a new guy like us but a lot of the guys already took a liking to him when he beat the shit out of a Career Corp who didn't like him much. That really made a presence. Made us look small, real small.

How are you guys doing? We'd like to know how things are on the Idol front. I know it must be tough being in the public eye, but I hope you guys do well with your concerts. We're hoping to listen to some big hits from you soon.

Also, some of the guys here like to paint girls on their suits. We're hoping we could ask for a picture or two for you guys to send to us, just so we have references.

Write us soon, okay? Hope we see each other! Rosalie, Olga, Stacy! Keep on singing!

From,
Dill Breckenridge and Joey Marconi


Included in the envelope was a picture of the three of them. Dune, Breckenridge, and Joey standing in front of one of the Paladin suits in their utility greys. Dune does not look very happy, as is usual.

“They want us to send a picture?” says Olga.

“Probably something lewd,” says Stacy. Yeah, most likely. You knew half the guys in your old company had plenty of porno pics of their loved ones, some of which already sent the Dear Johns but still.

“We should send them something at least,” says Rosalie. “At least give them some street cred.”

> “Alright, a nice formal picture then.”
> “Knock yourselves out.”
> “Nope. We'll wait til the concert and send them an official pic.”
> Other

>>785519
>> “Nope. We'll wait til the concert and send them an official pic.”

>>785519
> Other
"Nothing lewd, but you can send them pictures, maybe idol'd up and posing or just something informal. Stuff you won't be embarrassed to have scrutinised by the public eye but not just canned photos they could get off a poster or magazine anyway.

>>785519
> “Knock yourselves out.”

>>785519
>Other
Nothing lewd, but there's no real need to be too formal. Just pass them by us for a check before actually sending them off.

>>785519
>>785539
Supporting.

> Other

“Nothing lewd, but you can send them pictures of you guys maybe idol'd up or something. Just try not to do anything slutty or anything that'll get you carved to pieces in the media? We'll check them before we send them.”

The five girls salute! “Ma'am!” They quickly go off to take pictures of themselves backstage, but Azuma quickly catches Saki by the collar. “Aw, come on, nii-chan!”

“Not you. You're way too young to be sending pictures to troopers,” Azuma says clearly and sternly. Yeah, you wouldn't trust a trooper who had an indecent picture of a youngster as far as you could throw him. And you can throw people pretty far, right over the mountains if you had to. “Go and design more costumes, okay?”

Saki kicks the floor a bit, pouting. “Okaaay...” She mopes a bit, walking away with the girls with her notebook under her arm.

Mills folds his arms. “So Saki isn't your first pick for Idolship?”

“Nope,” you say. “She's young, enthusiastic, and she's actually trained. But...” You look at Azuma, who shakes his head. Yeah, he clearly doesn't like the idea of his sister being dragged into this mess. “Yeah, we'll not go there.”

Burkett kicks his feet up, smirking. “Great, great. It's acceptable to send barely trained teenage girls into battle, but someone under the age of 16? That's deplorable.” You fold your arms, looking right at him. He takes another chug of beer, grimacing a little.

You look at Mills and Azuma. “Can you two give us a minute?” They nod, heading off backstage as well to supervise the girls. For now, that just left and Burkett alone in the auditorium. Plenty of time to talk. “So... Burkett.” He nods to you, leaning back in his seat. “I hope you understand the responsibility we're putting on you. If we get into combat, you're going to be protecting these girls. And they'll be relying on you. I'd have gotten Dune to do this for me, but you know. I think I already gave this speech, I'm sure.”

“Yeah, you probably did and I don't remember.” He sighs, looking at you. “That's not why you want to talk to me in private though is it. What, you want to ask me on a date or something?”

“This is about something a bit more you, Burkett.” You place your hands on your hips. “I know what happened on that Hill.” His eyes go wide. “Ozgen told me.”

…

He stiffens his posture, looking at you. “I see.” You nod.

[1/2]

>>785707
[2/2]

…

“Nothing to say?” you ask.

“What, you want me to justify leaving dozens of MI troopers to die while I hid in a hole for an entire night and waited for the Bugs to go around the hill? Or maybe you want me to justify keeping quiet about it except a moment of very drunken weakness against Ozgen.” He sighs deeply, frowning. He looks as if he just aged ten years at that point. “I got nothing to say about it. What's done is done.”

“Let me just put it to you straight.” You walk closer to him, then step on the seat next to him and address him, eye to eye. “You leave any of my girls to die and you'll wish you had died on that hill.”

“I already do.” He looks down, nodding slowly. “Are we done?”

> “Also no more drinking.”
> “We're done.”
> “If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”
> Other

>>785710
>> “If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”

>>785710
> “Also no more drinking.”
>That Hill will be the least of your troubles if you fuck with my girls. Remember that Ozgen cause I sure as fuck didn't hide to earn my cross.

i want dune back.

>>785710
>> “Also no more drinking.”

>>785710
>"As done as you say we are."
>“If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”

>>785710
>> “If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”

All he did was cower. Not like he ran, not like he lead the bugs back to his buddies.

And its not like this war doesn't need heros to idolize

>>785710
> “If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”
And try to reign in the drinking a little.

>>785710
> “If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”

> “If you ever need to talk to me about it. I'm here.”

“If you ever need to talk to me about it, I'm here.” You step off the seat next to him, giving him a very concerned look. “I know what it feels like, being guilty for other people's deaths.” You know exactly how it feels. “But guess what, this is the difference between a life for these bunch of girls and a very vicious death. You're going to be thrown back into the grinder with them soon, maybe even after this concert. I want you straight and I want you to be set for it. Okay?”

“Okay,” he says.

“Also, since I'm cutting back on my drinking.” You place your hand on your chest, smirking. “You should too.” You take the beer from him, then immediately chug it empty. You toss it into a nearby trash can. “That's your one beer for today, hope it was good.”

“It tasted like piss,” he says.

“Well, sucks for you then.” You snort, looking away from him. You see your girls come back around from backstage, happily chatting and showing off their pictures to each other. There better not be anything lewd on there. “We can talk later when you're ready.” He nods, leaning back a bit.

The girls all come up to you. “Hey!” Rosalie hands you a camera. “Azuma loaned us his camera. Check it out, which ones do you like?” Let's see, which ones are tasteful enough to send and won't get them crucified on the Fednet? You flip through, all three of them kneeling on the floor in their Idol uniforms? Eh, not bad, they can send that.

Rosalie standing tall, saluting in her idol uniform with a smile on her face? Yeah. That passes.

Stacy's arms folded beneath her breasts a bit, pumping them up, but still relatively tasteful. Fuck it, that passes.

Olga pulling her thigh-high on, smirking smugly at the camera. She's showing off her shapely legs in this one. Uh... “Hehe.” Olga smirks. “It's tasteful right?”

“I'll keep it if you don't want it!” says Naka.

Ugh. Good grief, Olga. Do anything for attention will you?

File: Olga.jpg (152 KB, 579x818)

152 KB JPG

That is it for tonight. We'll return for the conclusion of this chapter tomorrow when I get back to work and hopefully be up for LGA2 on the weekend.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
Ask at: http://germanschteel.tumblr.com/
Book Tumbles: http://germanschteelbookblog.tumblr.com/

See you next time.

Who's the lewdest Idol?

>>785905
Thanks for running Schteel

Naka. Goddamn it girl be more subtle.

>>785905
Thanks for running, and it's definitely Naka

>>785905
thanks for the fun, boss.

the Lieutenant is lewdest and cutest idol

>>785905
There is only one answer for this.

Saki, the little bugger seems to want the men on the fed-net.

Are you ready? I am ready!
Let's rally up now!
We need everybody now! So come on, guys, let's go and...
We'll drop as one!


You sit down in the auditorium seating with Mills, Burkett, and Saki. Naka and Azuma were backstage, watching as the dress rehearsal went on. The lights weren't ready just yet, so for now this wasn't an official dress rehearsal. This more of a pre-dress rehearsal or however Azuma described it. Yesterday came and went without much more trouble, it was spent entirely on training and rehearsing and singing practice.

The girls thankfully were moving as one. The one thing that was ready for them besides the musical accompaniment (synthetic glam stuff off of a computer that Azuma had to do in his spare time) were the LED bracelets and anklets. They came in three colors, red for Olga, blue for Stacy, and green for Rosalie. The movements, the dancing, it was like a bit of a laser lightshow. And the colors were sure to stick in the audience's mind, and make them identify with that particular girl with one particular color. Bit of a clever idea from Azuma. At least, you think Azuma came up with it.

And best of all, Rosalie's singing has actually improved to the point where it doesn't sound like a dying kitten. She blends relatively well with the others, just as long as she tries not to project. Hopefully she understands that and doesn't take too much offense to it.

Their boots clacked and thumped against the stage as they skipped and bounced on stage, all smiles and sunshine underneath the spotlights. “We'll all drop as one!” They pointed to the air, in position, with the makeshift spotlights shining off of them.

“Wooo!” Mills was the first to stand up, applauding. You and Saki did the same, clapping as well. Even Burkett had to politely applaud the effort with a smile on his face. The girls all pant, some sweat dripping down their brow as they hold position. “That was great! Bang up job!”

They finally allow themselves to relax. “Alright, girls.” Azuma walks on stage, clipboard in hand, headphones around his neck. “Ten minute break. Get yourselves cleaned up, we'll do it with the lights and proper musical accompaniment in just a bit. Lieutenant, do you have anything to say?”

“Well, it'd be perfect if I was up there,” you say. He rolls his eyes.

“Alright, girls. Come on, break time, break time!” He waves his hands towards them, herding them backstage as they chat excitedly amongst themselves. Even the normally sanguine Stacy was actually kind of excited by the looks of things.

[1/2]

Of course, they say it's always brightest before the night. Or however the saying goes.

Mills briefs you. “The Recruiters should be by to set up their booths in the lobby in just a bit, ma'am. There's also the issue of some people camping outside.” Camping? “They really want to see the Galaxy Gals.” Who camps outside a concert hall just to get a glimpse of someone? Especially someone who isn't even real?

Pathetic.

> Go see the Recruiters.
> Go and laugh at the people camping outside. LAUGH AT THEM!
> Walk backstage, see if you can give some last minute encouragement.
> Other

>>788217
> Go see the Recruiters.

>>788217
>> Walk backstage, see if you can give some last minute encouragement.
As much as I want to laugh at the campers, I feel it would be in poor form as a manager.
Also, if they have advanced AIs, as well as MI suits, why don't they just make bipedal AI drone warriors to fight the bugs?

>>788217
Go and teach the people camping outside some proper fieldcraft and wilderness survival skills. Make a bit of MI promotion.

>>788227
The Federation looks down severely on the usage of AIs and robots to replace actual soldiers in warfare (owing to the whole "earn your citizenship the hard way" attitude). It's not technically illegal but it's never one of the solutions to how the Federation can solve their problems with manpower.

The CDF to its credit tries, but it can't afford to field too many drones due to its low budget.

>>788217
>> Go see the Recruiters.

>>788227
AIs must be hard to make, expensive as fuck, and considering the Galaxy Gals seems to be as intelligent as people, you get the whole 'are AIs equal to human' and 'is this technically slavery' problems

>>788237
The solution is obvious then, give combat AIs citizen rights! AIs are people too.

>>788237
well if the CDF isn't given 'service' rights like the MI, They should get a fucking budget increase to field it with drones/AI's/ect. That way you're only devaluing the CD, while 'real' soldiers are valued.

>>788217
>Go see the Recruiters.

>>788217
> Walk backstage, see if you can give some last minute encouragement.
Fuck writing OPs, just fuck it, they're the worst.

> Go see the Recruiters.

-

-

“Oh yeah, yeah.” The Recruiters are a pair of Sergeants from the MI. In keeping with the new “sell the war, don't tell the war” attitude of the Prime Minister, you no longer see the mangled and deformed Recruiters who tell it like it is to new recruits to scare off the gutless. Now, it was... actually really handsome and attractive men. Oh my. “When we got the word, of course! Who'd want to say no to the Sky Marshal for an opportunity to help others get into the Federal Service?”

“Of course,” says the other Recruiter. “I'm Sergeant Heinz Richter. This is Career Sergeant Sal Vasquez. We were just rotated back, we were supposed to train a new wave of recruits, but the Sky Marshal personally called us in to do recruiting duty.”

“Shame,” says Vasquez “They're replacing my Recruiter and shoving him onto desk duty.”

“I know. But hey, lots of fresh faces, naive minds, we might as well help them along into the Federal Service,” says Richter. He smiles at you, a glint in his white teeth. “Got that, Lieutenant?”

“Er- uh...” You blink. Goddamn, those uniforms are-... “Are those uniforms a bit too small for you?”

“Yeah, that's another thing the Sky Marshal told us,” says Richter. “Gave us slightly more formfitting stuff, apparently to show off the muscles.” Jesus Christ. You bite your lip a bit. Oh Jesus Christ. “It's like the I-Suits.”

“It's definitely like the I-Suits,” says Vasquez. “Say, when are the Fleet girls supposed to get here?”

“Speak of the devil and he shall appear!” The three of you look to see two Fleet girls in... oh my fucking God they're gorgeous! Their uniforms just like the Sergeants are cut specially to show off their figures, and those breasts and those legs...

You don't stand a chance. What chance do impressionable young men and women stand?!

“I'm Petty Officer Brown,” says the one with blonde hair. “This is Petty Officer Li.” She motions to the other one, who bows politely. “We're representing Fleet.”

“Definitely,” says Vasquez with a grin. “So, Lieutenant. What did you want to talk to us about?”

> “Just uh... act natural.”
> “Be aggressive.”
> “... you guys want to get a drink later or something just... uh...?”
> Other

>>788330
> “Be aggressive.”

>>788330
>> “Just uh... act natural.”
The Lieutenant getting a drink is an annoying, disgraceful person who's only tolerated by Mills and Azuma.

>>788330
>“Just uh... act natural.”

>>788330
>> “Just uh... act natural.”

>>788330
>“Just uh... act natural.”

Don't want to over egg the pudding.

> “Just uh... act natural.”

You shrug. “Just act natural. Like uh... do as any other Recruiter would do. But make sure you sell it and sell it good. Sell it, don't tell it.” They all nod. “Now, uh... go ahead and set up your booths.” You look over at the Fleeties. Those are some amazingly tight skirts. “I'll have my PA come and help you if needed, alright?”

“Alright,” says Brown. “Let's do it then.” They drop their cases down on tables set out for them. They place down some holo displays, some stacks of brochures, some merchandise and souvenirs (kids love free stuff). The MI troopers even begin to set up a portable pull up bar to show how strong they are. Oh boy, that'll be a show to attend.

“By the way,” says Vasquez. “It's an honor meeting you, Lieutenant.” Oh? “You're actually the reason I signed up.” … oh? “I was in High School when you captured the Queen. I decided I needed to chip in to the war if things were going that great for us now that we had a Queen. So thanks for inspiring me to enlist.” Wow, he must be at least four years younger than you. Oh.

Hm. Wow. They do not look their age. You look over at Brown, and see her bend over to adjust the wrapping on her table. Oh fuck, wow. Those are some intensely tight skirts. The Sky Marshal knows what he's doing.

Mills steps in. “Ma'am.” You smile at him. Please be something good. “The opener is set to start in a couple of hours. Is there anything you need from me?”

> “A drink.”
> “Let's go see our Idols.”
> “Let's check out the campers first.”
> Other

>>788519
>> “Let's go see our Idols.”

>>788519
>> “Let's go see our Idols.”

>4 years younger
Already gone career at 19? Jesus, the propaganda machine is strong

>>788519
> “Let's go see our Idols.”
It's getting way too lewd out here.

>>788519
> “Let's go see our Idols.”

>>788519
>“Let's check out the campers first.”

A little recon won't hurt.

> “Let's go see our Idols.”

-

-

You decided to say goodbye to the Recruiters. Any longer in there and you swear things would've gotten heated like an Arcturian mating season. You shudder, that one month on Acheron was one hell of a party but you'd rather not reminisce on it. Anyway, you meet with your Idols in the dressing room and find them quickly getting back into their outfits. Naka especially is busy gawking in awe over Stacy's outfit.

“Lieutenant!” Olga zips up her skirt. “Nice to see you!”

Stacy leans back in her chair as Saki does her hair up for the show. “Come to give us words of wisdom?”

“Yeah, I did.” You fold your arms. “Listen up, girls.” Rosalie comes out as well, wearing the skirt but topless save for a towel around her shoulders keeping her decent. “Today's your opening show. Now, let me be honest. You're not here to upstage the Galaxy Gals. You're here to put on a show, sell some war bonds, get some asses into the suits, and that's it. Don't overthink things, and don't try to be a hero. Olga.” You point to her, and she flinches in response. “No hogging the spotlight. All three of you are Idols.”

“Alright, ma'am!” they all declare.

Azuma pokes his head into the dressing room. “Girls, last rehearsal's in twenty minutes then we gotta loan the stage over to the Galaxy Gals. Get ready.” Rosalie quickly grabs her blouse off of the counter and starts putting it on, while Saki hurries to finish Stacy's hair.

Saki sniffles a bit. “Stacy, your breath smells like cigarettes.”

“Find me a couple of breath mints then, half-pint.” Saki huffs, reaching into her pocket and pulling out some gum. She sticks a stick into Stacy's mouth and lets her chew.

“Now, Stacy, don't be rude,” says Rosalie. “Thank you, Saki.” Saki smiles at Rosalie, then glares a hole right into the back of Stacy's head.

Olga bounces up and down. “Oh man, I can't wait, I can't wait! I'm so nervous and I'm so excited!”

“I know, I know!” Naka as well bounces up and down in tune with Olga. “The lights, the music, the notoriety!”

[1/2]

>>788784
“Personally I think the notoriety is overrated.” You all look to the back door of the dressing room to see a somewhat familiar girl. “You don't get much privacy once you become one of the top Idols in the business.” Is that... It's Shannon Shujumi! She smiles, stepping forth, dressed in a light trenchcoat and simple clothes with a hat to shade her appearance. It its her recognizably, but only up close.

Olga loses her mind. “AAAAHHHH!”

Naka as well. “AAAHHH!”

They immediately swarm Shannon. “Ohmygodohmygodohmygod! Shannon Shujumi! Hi, I'm Nakagawa! This is Olga! Hi I'm Olga! Can you please sign my everything! Please, please, please!”

You shove them to the side a bit, they don't even notice. “Miss Shujumi, what are you doing here?”

“I came to scope out the competition, what else?” she explains. Rosalie, Stacy, and Saki all look confused, but in awe of Shannon as well. “And besides, you do well here. Maybe we can discuss a bit of cooperation. I could always use backup dancers. I have a new song coming up so that'll be good. But we'll see how you do.”

Olga sniffles a bit. Is she crying? “I can't handle this! I'm such a huge fan of you!” Olga immediately hugs Shannon. And Shannon to her credit smiles and holds Olga gently and warmly. “Aaahhh!”

… Idols.

> “Well, go ahead and say your well-wishes. They've got to rehearse in a bit.”
> “Right, no more distractions. Get dressed and get out there.”
> “Do you have any advice for my girls then?”
> Other

>>788789
>Let them have their fun, but keep an eye on the time.

>>788789
>no more distractions girls. You can fan girl afterwords.

>>788789
>> “Right, no more distractions. Get dressed and get out there.”

>>788789
>“Do you have any advice for my girls then?”

>>788789
>“Do you have any advice for my girls then?”

Advice from local experts is always useful when preparing to drop.

>>788789
> “Do you have any advice for my girls then?”

>>788789
> “Right, no more distractions. Get dressed and get out there.”

> “Do you have any advice for my girls then?”

“Do you have any advice for the girls then?” you ask as you check the time.

Shannon nods, holding up a finger. “One, coffee and milk are your best friend.” Olga nods, still clinging onto Shannon like a child would her mother. Naka immediately starts to take notes down. “Two, the best way to spread excitement and cheer is to sing real loud for all to hear. Three, you can disarm anybody with a great smile.”

“Is that really advice?” asks Stacy with some skepticism.

“Of course it is!” yells Olga. “You can count on Shannon! Can I call you Shannon?” Shannon nods. “You can count on Shannon!”

“It's just skepticism,” says Shannon as she happily pats Olga's head. Olga squeaks with joy from being petted on the head, biting her lip. “It might not work for me, but it's worked for me, Miss...”

“Stacy Elson.” Stacy points to Olga. “That's Olga. And the girl next to you with the glasses is Rosalie.”

Rosalie offers her hand and shakes it. “It's nice to meet you. Hopefully we impress you enough to serve as your backup one day, Shannon.”

Shannon grins. “Oh, don't worry about it. Tell you girls what, I'll forward my newest song to you all.” She pulls out her phone to the surprise of all of you. “It hasn't been released yet!” She leans over to Rosalie. “Don't tell my handlers!”

“Isn't this some kind of copyright infringement thing?” asks Stacy. “Aren't your songwriters afraid we might steal them?”

“Songwriters?” Shannon snickers. “Hehe. I write all of my songs!” Everyone's phones ping as they receive the song in their mailboxes. Everyone starts to file through them. Olga especially grins looking at it, apparently ecstatic at being treated like one of Shannon's best friends. “One day, you girls will get to that phase too in your Idol life where you get that spark endlessly. You gotta find ways to let it all out.” She checks her watch. “Anyway...” You see Rosalie's face start to fall a bit, closely examining the song in question. “It's almost time for your rehearsal.”

[1/2]

File: HeavyGun.gif (121 KB, 936x508)

121 KB GIF

>>789059
[2/2]

“Oh!” Olga lets go. “Alright, did you want to come see us?”

“Sure. Let's go.” Shannon happily lets herself be dragged out of the room with Olga. Saki as well goes out with Stacy. You make your way to the door as well, but then you see Rosalie leaning on the counter, looking at the song.

“Rosalie, let's go.” You nod to the door. “Time to rehearse.”

“This is an anti-war song,” says Rosalie. What? She motions you over. You look at the lyrics.


I lost my heart to a Starship Trooper!
He died on some nameless field!
Late at night while I slept and I dreamt,
I could feel his pain in my heart and I wept!

I lost my heart to a Starship Trooper!
The Feds took him from me while I cried!
I watched him leave in a hovership!
They told me he'd become a citizen!


“That's...” you squint at Rosalie. “I mean. It's not strictly for the war but it could mean a lot of-”

Rosalie glares at you. “We can't work with Shannon. She's arguing AGAINST the war! She's probably our greatest enemy right now if it's not the Bugs!” You don't want to believe it. But it does make a strange amount of sense. If the Galaxy's biggest Idol is arguing against the war, maybe the youth are unknowingly following suit.

Still. If she's offering help though...

> “Just go rehearse. I'll figure this out.”
> “We'll work with Shannon as I see fit.”
> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”

>>789067
>> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”

>>789067
> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”

>>789067
>> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”

>>789067
> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”


She needs to be shot or deployed to the front line. Fucking traitor.

>>789067
>“Just go rehearse. I'll figure this out.”

We should have a sober conversation with her. And record it secretly, so she can't record and release an edited version.

>>789067
>“You're right. We'll talk about this later.”
The first thing we ask her should probably be 'Where did you get the inspiration for this song?' If she writes her own songs, all she needs is a different spark.

>>789067
>> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”

>>789164
Well when I typed up "lost my heart to a starship trooper" I got this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kii8Zsuo3_c&list=TL3wkszU1SQRk

>>789210
Oh hey
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Lost_My_Heart_to_a_Starship_Trooper

>>789210
That's what I was thinking of when I googled, but I got this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKftiJS30Cs

>>789210
>>789224
>>789229

Good eye. Though I didn't steal the tune or the lyrics, just the name.

I really should be pre-writing these darn songs.

>>789234
btw

http://moviepilot.com/p/Starship-Troopers-reboot-based-on-original-novel/4140549?utm_source=fb-stream-post&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=starship-troopers-reboot-heading-back-to-original-militarist-novel

Something doesn't smell right. She's anti-war, but she's acting all friendly. Shouldn't she know about our intentions already?

I mean, if it's sabotage (which it might well be), then we shouldn't be super overt- that'll drag us into a PR quagmire of horrific proportions. We need to play this subtly.

> “You're right. We'll talk about this later.”

“You're right, Rosalie. But not now, let's talk about this later. Go and rehearse with the girls.” You fold your arms, while Rosalie reluctantly walks out the door. Fuck.

-

-

You, Azuma, Mills, and Burkett sit in the dressing room in the back with one of the TV's repurposed for a conference call. Danner was one of your targets. Prime Minister Thach the other. “So you're telling me that the Galaxy's cutest and biggest Idol as of right now happens to be anti-war and is actively but subtly protesting through the usage of anti-war lyrics,” says Prime Minister Thach.

You shrug. “Yeah. I was hoping you'd be able to do something about it.”

“We can't,” says Danner. “The Federation was founded on the principle of Free Speech much like the United States of old. The old democracies had it right with that. Unlike voting, free speech -is- an inalienable right. God gave us our mouths for a reason, not just to eat, to express. Not just that, if we were caught trying to suppress one of the Galaxy's biggest and most famous Idols, we'd be crucified. Nobody would ever take us seriously anymore. It' hurt our chances of promoting our girls.”

“Danner speaks the truth,” says the Prime Minister Thach. “I can't fix the issue of Shannon Shujumi for you. Instead, all I can tell you is that you have to figure out a way to knock her out of contention, along with all the other Idols.”

“What.” Azuma leans forward. “You mean sabotage?”

“No. I mean cheating,” she says. “Sabotage implies a hostile intent to destroy. Cheating is just to win unfairly. And we all know the media business, Idols especially, is unfair. Everyone cheats, but only an idiot outright sabotages.”

“I'd rather our girls become famous of their own merit,” you say bluntly. “Prime Minister, I know we're in a bind here, but if we build our fanbase legitimately, rather than try to steal it from other Idols, I feel we can create a healthier and more dedicated fanbase that can branch into the others without our need to sa-” She tilts her head. “... cheat the others.”

“Of course. It's all up to you, Lieutenant. I can only advise you.” Really. “Of course, if it comes to it. Then I can just replace you with someone who'll listen to me. Maybe someone cuter.” Oh you fucking BITCH! “Do what you need to do.”

“We'll keep in touch,” says Danner. They cut their transmissions.

Hmph. Someone cuter.

“This is bad,” says Azuma. He leans back, sighing deeply, obviously stressed. “Lieutenant, what do we do then? We obviously can't work with her. And if it comes to it, we're too new and we're too fresh to survive any kind of... war of words with her.”

> “We'll have to fight to survive.”
> “Let me have a chat with her.”
> “As the Prime Minster says, cheat, don't sabotage.”
> Other

>>789317
>> “We'll have to fight to survive.”

>>789317
This is officially war, now.

And what was our stance regarding 'cheating' in war again?

...that said, she was a bitch about it, so I'm formally voting

>We'll do what's necessary to gain a foothold, but we'll play it square after we're on even footing.

>>789317
>“Let me have a chat with her.”
May as well see if we can't resolve this without expending too much effort before we commit to anything serious.

>>789317
> “Let me have a chat with her.”
>Get to work on cheating boys, I have a lady to speak with.

>>789286
>Shouldn't she know about our intentions already?
She does, and since she's a professional she won't do anything. She knows her popularity will carry the message more than ours.

>>789317
>“Let me have a chat with her.”
Go figure, I'm a citizen, but I forgot to vote. Tee hee!

>>789317
> “Let me have a chat with her.”

>>789286
Idols are all about friendly. If rumor gets out that one is a bitch, they could become less popular. Idols have a short shelf life and anything that shortens that is very bad

>>789317
> “Let me have a chat with her.”
Might as well try and resolve things amicably. Nothing she's done or said so far has led us to believe she's unreasonable.

>>789517
But with all the media around all the time, as well as cameras, they would have to put on the smiles and sunshine, otherwise Idol A is a mean bully to sweet Idol B and the Idol A is shipped off to the porn studio to get what she deserves from foreigners.

>>789423
>Idols are all about friendly.
On stage. Off stage the industry is as cutthroat as any other.

But if we tried to stop her there's nothing stopping her from pulling the girls' relationship with those three MIs, which will send our cred to hell so fast it already smells of brimstone. We really faceplanted that mine, guys.

>>789531
Yes, but more often than not idols are also actresses, or otherwise good at roasting you alive while smiling for the cameras.
It's social combat, and idols are fucking Bruce Lee at it.

> “Let me have a chat with her.”

-

-

As the girls rehearse on stage, this time with full music accompaniment, lighting and special effects behind them, you decide to talk with Shannon Shujumi in one of Carnegie Hall's many barrooms. “So what's this about, Lieutenant? We're missing your girl's dress rehearsal!”

You lean forward on the counter, looking around. They haven't opened up for people just yet, and you're assured the staff won't say anything. So you decide to go right out with it. “What's with the anti-war bend to your song?” She tilts her head, confused. “I read it with Rosalie. Your lyrics are pretty against the war, at the best they're against the concept of a trooper going off to fight a war. You know we're in the middle of one, right?”

“And we have been for twenty years. This war started before I was even born!” She takes a sip of her milk, sighing deeply. “Lieutenant, I won't mince words. I don't believe in the war.”

“Why? Did you lose someone?” you ask.

She shakes her head. “No. I just don't believe in war in general. My mother always taught me that violence never solves anything. I grow up, there's a war on. Apparently it's been on since before I was born. Do you really believe in the Federation, it's ideals, Lieutenant?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I don't,” she says.

“I could tell a lot of people you said that,” you say.

“And what? I lose some Fedheads in my audience?” she asks. “I'm the number one Idol in the Galaxy, Lieutenant. I could kill somebody in the street and the billions of people who worship me wouldn't bat an eye. They come to see me sing, be cute, and just be a nice little girl for the cameras. All those pathetic loser guys who buy every CD of mine, they'd die for me. You tell people I'm the biggest bitch this side of the Orion Arm, they'll never believe you. You're just a common war hero, you're a dime dozen. But a girl like me comes only once in a lifetime.” You scratch at the bar, glaring a hole into her. But she continues smiling at you.

“So. This is war then?” you ask.

“No. You're smalltime,” she says. “And even if I did want to, I'm going to play it safe. I'll let you kill yourselves on the battlefield for me, Lieutenant.” She takes another sip of milk. “... so are we clear?”

> “This time tomorrow, we'll see who's the top.”
> “We're clear.”
> “You just made a huge mistake.”
> Other

>>789621
>Sigh condescendingly and walk away.

>>789621
Yeah, this >>789637

>>789637
Pretty much this.

The problem is that she's entirely right. She knows it, and we know it. It's way too likely to actually happen. She could literally behead a man in cold blood on live TV and people would just say how he obviously had it coming.

>>789621
>"For someone who doesn't believe in war, you're sure eager to see people kill themselves. To be blunt, I'm not sure that's quite what your mother meant when she advised you against violence. Have a good day."

>>789621
Do this >>789637

You can take the warrior from the war, but not the war from the warrior. And this is still a war, just a different battlefield with different warriors and different weapons.
In time, our LT will realize a hidden recorder is the equivalent of a nuke. Hope it is soon, because this girl just buried herself with those words.

Speaking of, is PTSD a thing in this? Or people suffering from it are blammed for cowardice?

>>789621
i'll back this up >>789637

But we need to make some calls. Be a real shame if the best fucking idol there was refused to do any sings for front line troops who were risking their lives. Or... we go the route they did in Starship troopers 3? I think, Have her ship have a mistake while traveling, crash land and find her ripped apart by 'bugs'

You know. this is the kind of shit that people would kill for in tabloids.

Pls tell me that recording her speak was a thing.

>>789672
PTSD is very much a thing. The Lieutenant suffers from it along with the much more common subset Haldeman's Syndrome, which is essentially one's perception of time going out of whack through constant exposure to warp jumps and stress in combat.

Visits to the shrinks are free with the pension though the Lieutenant never cashed her visits in.

>>789757
She makes regular appointments with Dr. Johnnie Walker, Dr. Jack Daniels and the finest medicine Scotland can produce

> Other

You huff, glaring her down. There's nothing to say to this little ungrateful shit. You turn around and walk away as she sips on her milk. “Bye, Lieutenant! Hope to see you soon!”

You consider all the possibilities. Maybe a recorder when she speaks? No, no. That wouldn't work. She chooses her words carefully, and you caught her in a bit of a moment of surprise. She'd probably never give you stuff this good again. Maybe you could arrange for her transport to be shot down over enemy lines? Let her experience the war, and die by it. That'd eliminate a rival!

No, your brains says no. That'd actually JUSTIFY her point of view. You'd make her a martyr. And that would make convincing the public the war is worth fighting for even harder. If they lose their darling child to the war, the youth wouldn't want revenge. They'd want the war to stop so that their little safe space won't get damaged again by it. Those little shits. No wonder the Prime Minister is so bitter. How can you fight a war if the young refuse to fight for you?

Whatever.

-

-

With the dress rehearsal over, the Galaxy Gals were now in the midst of their dress rehearsal. You were too busy though watching the girls quickly shower, then pretty themselves up for the opening show. Stacy's excitement is now gone, replaced by her hands nervously shaking as she stares into the mirror. Rosalie meanwhile chooses to try and exercise out her nervous with a bit of stretching exercises on the floor, limbering up, arching her back. Naka takes a few pictures, hopefully for Breckenridge and not for herself.

As for Olga... “I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!” She runs around, grinning happily. You haven't had the heart to tell Olga that her greatest hero is the littlest bitch ever.

“You okay, Stacy?” asks Rosalie to Stacy. Stacy looks back. “You look like you've seen a ghost.”

“I'm just nervous,” says Stacy. “I've never performed in front of a crowd before.”

“It's okay.” Rosalie stands up, then places her hand on Stacy's shoulder. She stares into the mirror with Stacy as well. “Think about it. We're troopers now, and Idols as well. What girl can claim to be both? We're special, all of us. We'll let the world know that.”

“That's right!” Olga grins. She walks over to Stacy. “The three of us, Domino Squadron! Nothing can stand in our way!”

Rosalie looks back to you. “Lieutenant, got anything to say?”

> “Good luck.”
> “Nope.”
> “Kick their asses.”
> Other

>>789824
>> “Good luck.”

>>789824
>“Kick their asses.

Let's do this!

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>>789824
> “Kick their asses.”

>>789824
>> “Kick their asses.”

>>789824
>“Kick their asses.”
Knock 'em dead.

> “Kick their asses.”

“Knock them dead for me. Kick their asses.”

Rosalie gently punches Stacy on the back. “See, even the Lieutenant's with us. Got it?”

“The Lieutenant's always been with us,” says Stacy. She stands up out of her chair, taking a deep breath. “But you're right. Right. We can do this.” Olga holds out her hand, grinning. “What?”

“Just like we always do?” says Olga. Rosalie places her hand down on it as well. Stacy hesitates for a second, then relents, placing it down. “Come on, girls. To our first show!”

They begin the chant.

“Rise as many! Drop as one! One, two, three! DOMINO!”

They raise their hands up, cheering. For a second, it actually takes you back to your days as a Recruit. So full of hope and life. Azuma sticks his head in. “Girls, five minutes. Take your positions.” They nod, hurrying out.

“Ganbatte!” yells Naka and Saki. “Go get them!”

“Yeah!” says Saki. “Ganbare, Rosalie-san! Stacy-san! Olga-san!”

You walk with Azuma as they quickly march to the side stage where they'll be walking in from. You take a quick glance at the seats, and already you see people filing in. Some people are probably just here for the Galaxy Gals show and just getting a seat in early. Others are probably genuinely curious to see the Starship Idols perform for the first time. Regardless, it's a showing. And your girls are going to give them hell.

You take a deep breath. Azuma looks over. “Nervous?”

“I'm not the one singing out there,” you say.

“You are their Lieutenant though. Remember the Service? Everything they do reflects on you,” he says. Oh. Shit, he's right. You sigh loudly. “Don't worry, Lieutenant. They'll be great.”

They better be. The lights start to dim. The backup music starts to play. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, OPENING FOR THE WESTLAND-YUKARI CORPORATION GALAXY GALS, MAKING THEIR ON-STAGE DEBUT! THE STARSHIP IDOLS!” A polite applause erupts from the crowd as they stand to their feet.

The lights shine on your girls.

[1/2]

>>790264
[2/2]


Are you ready? I am ready!
Let’s rally up now!
We need everybody now! So come on, guys, let’s go and…
We’ll drop as one!

START, the operations cross the galaxy.
CHECK, Suit, weapon, thrusters
And all the AMMUNITION!
STARS SHINE on our fleet ships shining hulls!
And the paint is dry on our armored SUITS!

I believe in the cause!
It'll never fail me now!
Time to drop and show them WHAT WE GOT!

Are you ready!? I am ready!
Let's drop right into hell!
High file right!
Across the galaxy we'll CONQUER THE STARS!

Are you ready!? I am ready!
Let’s rally up now!
We need everybody now! So come on, guys, let’s go and…
We’ll drop as one!

-

-

You watch in awe as your girls sing and dance their hearts out. You can tell they need more work to their dancing. Naka and Saki watch anxiously next to you, stiff in their posture, hopeful they'll get through without incident. But they're doing it.

By God, they're doing it! The LEDs on their ankles and wrists make rings of color around them as they flow seamlessly from end to end. Stacy leads them with her song, her voice booming across the hall and making everyone stand in absolute awe. Azuma to your right issues commands to the stage crew, all business, but he knows.

This is how a war is won.

The girls take their finishing poses. Behind them a screen projects a fleet of ships zooming across into the stars, with the Federal Flag behind it flapping in the wind. The crowd goes wild, clapping and cheering amazingly for your girls. You feel yourself swell with pride, and even a tear roll down your cheek. Oh God, you're so proud of them.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE STARSHIP IDOLS!” They bow to a standing ovation. You look to the crowd again.

… the house is completely packed! Everyone outside waiting for the Galaxy Gals must have heard and came inside too! Smartphones and cameras snap and flash pictures of your girls as they start to head offstage.

Azuma nudges you, his headphones off and covering the boom on his mic. “At the very least, we'll be a viral hit. That'll give us a good starting point.” Yeah, yeah...

Stacy walks up to you, panting heavily, sweat beading down her face. The others as well look as if they just ran a marathon. “How'd we do?”

> Hug them
> “You did good, kid.”
> “We'll see in the papers later.”
> Other

>>790271
> Hug them
> “You did good, kids”

>>790271
>> Hug them

>>790271
>Hug them.
>You did good, kids.
>Try not to cry.
>Maybe let a single tear slip. There's a long road ahead...but this was a nice start.

>>790271
>Hug them

>>790271
> Hug them

>>790271
>“You did good, kid.”

Salute. Proclaim that its definitely raining

> Hug them

You immediately grab all three of them in a huge hug. “Oh! You did great!” You sniffle a bit as they proceed to wrestle their arms free and then hug you back as well. There's one long ahead for these girls, but this is probably the best start that you could hope for. Goddamn it, you love it! You love it! You love them! These girls might well have one a Galactic Cup for you! You're so proud.

You place them down, grinning at each and everyone of them. “Go grab a shower, get yourselves dressed again, you might be signing autographs soon.” They happily step past you, with Olga again hugging you tight once more, as does Rosalie. Naka and Saki quickly walk alongside them, discussing what it was like up there, how many people there were, how loud it was.

Azuma smiles. “Gotta say. We did good.”

“Yeah, we did,” you say. You nudge him. “Maybe you should try the real thing and get a kid of your own.”

“Yeah, let's not start.”

-

-

You, along with all of the girls, stood with the recruiters in the lobby, helping potential recruits be walked through the process of Federal Service Enlistment. You expected at least several for fleet on the grounds of the cute and sexy girls. You did not except the several dozens, probably over a hundred people gathering around both the MI and the Fleet booths asking for details on how to enlist. “MI training is hard, yes,” says Rosalie. “But part of the process is tearing you down and building you back up. It's not going to be easy, but nothing good in life ever is.”

“Well said,” says Sergeant Vasquez. Several high school girls were too busy gawking at his body to really care about the implications of training. “The Mobile Infantry made me the man I am today! And it can make men and women out of each and every one of you kids. So who wants to join?” They all laugh a bit, then start lining up to sign their names on a sheet. That sheet is going to be a calling card for them. They'll be sent to a pool of recruits that can be called out to train once new slots open, and there are plenty of slots open.

[1/2]

>>790540
[2/2]

Elsewhere, Sergeant Richter was showing off the mobile pull up bar. He did pull ups surrounded not just by interested boys, but a LOT of fascinated and obviously aroused girls. And he did this with weights hanging off his feet. “Thirty-nine! Fourty!” He drops the weights down, then hops down. “And that's just the bare minimum! Who wants to try!” One real skinny kid walks up. “Alright, alright, Stretch. Let's help you up.”

Petty Officer Brown and Li meanwhile were busy processing hopeful Fleet pilots and technicians. “Oh? You're a competitive diver! See, the role of a Fleet pilot demands a lot of athletic potential. We search for things like flexibility, hand-high coordination, reflexes, physical endurance. Here, let me get a good feel for you.” Brown quickly pats down the girl's thighs, then her buttocks, then her hips. “Oooh, very strong! Yeah, we could make a pilot out of you yet!” The girl grins. “Come on, lemme show you what you could be flying. Everything from the Redtail TAC Fighter, all the way up to a Battleship. Of course, you won't be a pilot then, you're officially a helmsman. Fleet terminology and all that, we can teach you that.”

You stand by the side, happily answering some questions as well. “Yep.” You nod to the boys standing around you. “The K-9 Corps is still available to enlist in. But you gotta cultivate a strong mental attitude to join their ranks and get a Neodog of your own. Because of previous circumstances from earlier in the war, they were folded into MI ranks. So if you want to be a K-9 Corps trooper, you gotta take MI training first. Hospital Corpsmen and Fleet Ground Ops as well also have to undergo suit training with MI troopers as well.”

They nod. Apparently your answers are enough to make them want to enlist. As the Galaxy Gal's first song ends, more people pour out for some refreshments and drinks, but the huge crowds surrounding the booths is immediately drawing them in.

Stepping up next to you now is Burkett. “Well, well, well...” He smirks a bit. You frown a bit at him. “Congrats, Lieutenant. Lot of young kids going out there now. Fighting for the Federation.”

> “I'd rather a young kid go out there than a smarmy drunk.”
> “I'm on a roll, Burkett. Don't ruin it.”
> “Let's you and me have a celebratory drink. Just for tonight.”
> Other

>>790547
>“I'm on a roll, Burkett. Don't ruin it.”

>>790547
>"Yep."
And glare at him just long enough for him to get the message that now is not the time.

>>790547
>I wonder how many of them will actually use their rifle instead of snivel in hole.

God i really fucking hate Burkett

>>790547
This >>790559
This is the thing to do

I wonder why a Bug War requires a K9 corps. Bugs aren't going to smuggle drugs or explosives, or have HVTs that need to be taken alive.
Maybe they sniff out people infested by those brain bugs from the second movie?

>>790547
>Other
"Yep."

We could make peace with the Skinnies, but does anyone actually believe that the Arachnids would accept anything less than total surrender of the Federation?
We know that the Arachnids originally had a treaty with the Skinnies, but is there any reason for the Arachnids to actually prefer peace when every projection concerning their numbers and logistics shows that they can win against every other race in the galaxy, and all it would take is time?

>>790547
> “I'm on a roll, Burkett. Don't ruin it.”

>>790597
IIRC Neodogs are used as elite scouts, probably good with their sense of smell and trained in wilderness survival, could be useful if you want a man in the field without having to drop a suit

>>790597
The K-9 Corps don't function like a military police. They function more like a light cavalry/scout analogue to the MI.

The Neodogs especially are genetically modified to be big enough for their masters to ride on, be capable of rudimentary speech, and have powerful senses that allow them to track Bugs over incredibly long distances. The master himself as a force multiplier is also a trained MI trooper with or without a suit.

However, actually training and raising Neodogs is a very expensive and time consuming process, which means they'll never be too plentiful. The bond between a Neodog and his master is also so powerful that Neodogs are put down after a master's death, because at that point the Neodog simply can't function anymore. For the master, they have to spend quite a lot of time in the shrink just to get their mind together.

In short, it really sucks to be a K9 Corps trooper, BUT FUCKING NEODOGS WOOOO

>>790628
>powerful bond
>FUCKING NEODOGS

Probably a lot of jokes about that too

>>790597
>>790622
I think it also helped with finding Bug tunnel entrances?
I remember in the book they needed to use a psi specialist to map an underground bug city instead of using ground-penetrating radar and sonar, so the Bugs probably developed some tech that fools sensors.