>>1116723
[2/2]

A plasma shard scratches by your visor. And hits Dizzy square in the chest. “AAGH!” He falls back, the giant shard disintegrating immediately. He screams, flailing around. He drops down onto his back, howling in bloodcurdling pain. “NOO! AAHH!”

Oh sweet mother of God. “CORPSMAN!” you scream. Instinct drives you now as you push past Dune and down to Azuma. Corpsman Andrews kneels down, assessing Dizzy's condition. The retreat is stalled as Dune, Azuma, and Thames hold things off. Andrews looks to you, then shakes his head. Oh no. Mortal. You check the status of him yourself. Shard right straight through his suit and through him. Bleeding, two sliced ribs, kidney completely fucked. No, no, no. You're not giving up on him. “Andrews! Andrews, you grab his arm and we'll-”

“I can't carry him!” says Andrews. “He'll slow us down!”

“You'll fucking carry him, that's an order!” you shout.

Azuma looks back, eyes frantic as he turns his motion scanner on. “Lieutenant! The motion tracker's picking up scans around us! They're gonna cut us off! We need to leave now!”

“Lieutenant! You know what to do!” Dune shouts. He blasts another Warrior with his shotgun. “Do it!”

You look to Dizzy. His eyes dot around the tunnel, then to you. He knows. Sweat and blood is dripping down his face. He breathes heavily, forcefully. No. No. No. Please no. Anything but this. He shakes his head. Dizzy, don't make this so hard.

“DO IT!” screams Dune.

> Mercy kill Dizzy.
> “No! We carry him out! I'll carry him out!”
> Other

>>1116732
> “No! We carry him out! I'll carry him out!”

>>1116732
>> “No! We carry him out! I'll carry him out!”

>>1116732
>> “No! We carry him out! I'll carry him out!”

>>1116732
>> Mercy kill Dizzy.

>>1116732
> Mercy kill Dizzy.

>>1116732
> “No! We carry him out! I'll carry him out!”

> “No! We carry him out! I'll carry him out!”

-

-

Oh no. The nightmares are coming back. As you lay in your bed, quietly sobbing your eyes out, you realize something. Things are only going to get worse before they get better. You sigh, wiping some tears from your eyes. It's the day after you learned the news of Myrmido's recent invasion by the Arachnids. Yesterday, even though you calmed Charlie and told her that relief was coming, she simply could not get her head into the game.

The concert is in the next couple of days. Rehearsals are already beginning. And your mainline Idol for the show is not ready at all.

…

Welp. Time for a scotch.

-

-

You arrive at the AT&T Concert Hall down in the city, a medium sized venue that can fit maybe several thousand people at once. Of course, outside you had the big screens that projected the show to the parking lot crowd. But who wants to stand in a parking lot when you can hope to get a ticket for the show inside where its warm, loud, and you get to see the Idols in person? Already you can see people parking tents by the ticket window to get an early spot inside when the concert comes.

When you walk inside, you see everything being prepared for the show. Recruiters are setting up booth at the entrance, the girls' suits are being put on parade display by the doors, and photos of their recent victory at Myrmido were posted on the wall. Yep, Azuma's doing you suppose.

You find him ordering some of the rented hired hands around. “And get those lights working in two hours! We got rehearsal by then and-” Azuma turns around, flinching when he sees you. “Jesus. Lieutenant.” You nod, tugging on the blouse of your utility dress uniform. “... you look fucking horrible. What happened? And-” He takes a sniff. “Wh-... are you drunk?”

> “Yes.”
> “Listen, just because there are two of you doesn't mean you can judge if I'm drunk.”
> “No.”
> Other

>>1116883
>> “Yes.”

>>1116883
>> “Yes.”

>>1116883
> “Yes.”
> "Now shut up and tell me what's the problem that we have."

>>1116883
> “Yes.”

>>1116883
>Maybe, What do you need?

>>1116883
>“Listen, just because there are two of you doesn't mean you can judge if I'm drunk.”

> “Yes.”

You nod. “Yes.” He rolls his eyes, sighing very heavily. He takes your shoulders and starts marching you to the backstage. “Hey, hey! I can walk on my own, ya idiot! Fooking manky...” He doesn't stop. Damn it! “Stop treating me like a fucking child ya bastard! I'll have you know that I am your Lieutenant and I-”

“Just.” He shoves you backstage, where the girls are busy practicing their routine for today's rehearsal in slow order. “Stay calm. I'll handle the tech stuff, alright?” He shakes his head, grumbling a little. “Can't believe it...” He references his clipboard and walks away from you.

Why the- just because he's cute doesn't give him any authority over you! Why... you could- ah! You shake your head, sighing as you rub your nose a little. You're not that drunk. You only had like six scotches. Anyone who gets drunk after that is a fucking lightweight. “Hey, Lieutenant!” Olga smiles at you, wearing her costume today's rehearsal. Saki had a hand in designing these new ones, which are refurbished versions of the one they wore at the New York performance. Not much difference aside from the material and the addition of an MI Combat Ribbon, which hasn't been officially rewarded to the girls yet (but is awarded to all MI troopers who deploy in a combat situation, almost everyone has them). “Wow. You smell...” Olga scrunches her nose. “Mm.”

“Sorry, little gal.” You ruffle Olga's hair, making her slap you away. She probably worked all morning to get it right. Poor girl. “Now, now listen. I am here to help you all. What do you need help? Anything?”

Stacy sniffs you a bit, then flinches. “Ugh. First thing you can do Lieutenant is take a shower and a mint.”

“Ah, fuck off, Stacy!” you say to her. Stacy snickers, walking away. You see Rosalie still practicing dutifully, and Naka as well practicing alongside her and uh... “Where's Charlie?”

“Still in the dressing room.” Olga frowns. “Poor girl. She isn't really-”

“I understand,” you say. “D- don't worry. I uh...” You start to stumble towards the dressing room. “I'll hug her and things will be right-” You trip on something and fall flat on your face. “... ow.”

“Are you okay, Lieutenant?”

> “On second thought. I'm just going to stay here.”
> “MILLS! HELP ME UP.”
> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”
> Other

>>1117028
> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Combat crawling, its been years. I got this, good training.”

>>1117028
> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”
>"The floor is nice. I like the floor."

>>1117028
The Lt. would probably be better off dead.

>>1117028
>> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”

>>1117028
>> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”
>>"....and maybe get me some blackest coffee you can find"

>>1117028
>Other
Take a moment to realize that we have become dead weight, a hindrance to our squad, the one trooper that gets everyone killed by slowing them down. Unable to help Charlie and the girls because we can't help ourselves.
Try not to cry.
Cry a lot.

>>1117028
> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”

>>1117164
This

>>1117164
Yep.

>>1117028
> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”

>>1117028
>>1117164
Seconded.

>>1117028
changing this >>1117034 too >>1117164

> “I'm fine. I'll just crawl. Crawling's in vogue.”

“I'm fine, I'm fine.” You wave your arm up, then start crawling to the dressing room. You risk dirtying your uniform like this but forget it. Standing up is a core. “Yeah, crawling's in vogue. Once we're done with the concert, people will crawl everywhere, it'll be smashing!” You snicker, trying to hold in your tears. That really fucking hurt. Ow... Everything hurts. The girls leave you to your own devices it seems, then you feel around for the door. You push it open, then crawl inside.

There you find Charlie staring at the mirror alone, still dressed in a plain t-shirt and some shorts. Her costume sits on the dressing rack by the closet. You crawl over to the couch, and pull yourself up, then lie on your side. Yes, act casual. “Hey, Charlie.”

“Hey, Lieutenant.” She frowns heavily, looking back at you through the mirror. “You look terrible.”

“I look how I feel,” you say simply. “What about you? I hear you're not doing well.”

“How can I?” She swivels around on her chair. “My sisters, my family, everybody back home... it's hard to focus when I know that the Bugs are just crashing through and destroying and killing everybody!” She throws her arms up, then stands up and starts pacing around the room. “I could be back home, trying to do something about it and yet here I am. I know you say that I'm making a difference getting people enlisted, trying to sell the war and all, but it's-...” She sighs, rubbing her face. “Mmm...”

You nod slowly. “Sucks.”

“It does,” she says. She takes a sniff of air, then looks at you. “Have you been drinking?”

“Maybe.” You shake your head, then sit yourself up on the couch. “Look, Charlie-”

“Save it.” She sighs. “I just want to get this concert over with. And I want to go home. Forget the Idol stuff, forget everything else. We do this concert, and then I'm done. Okay? I want to go home.” She frowns heavily, knowing for a fact that maybe your reaction to that is not going to be the best. “... please don't be mad.”

> “I'm not mad. Just disappointed.”
> “You can't go home.”
> “I'm too drunk to be mad.”
> Other

>>1117255
> “I'm not mad. Just disappointed.”

>" Millions of people have suffered like you, nobody hasn't and yet you think just 1 more gun will make the difference for the CDF? Not the sway you'll influence once we make it big, Not the new shiny guns they'll get or the support or god knows what else? Kinda selfish but ya, Rush home and fight because that's all you want the CDF to be. "

>>1117255
>Other
"Go home and be just another grunt on the line. Sure, you'll feel like you're helping, but instead of actually helping by getting people to care, you'll just be one more statistic. And what will you have to show for it? No new guns, no Fleet support, no armor. If you're not going to help win the war, then don't drag the rest of us down with you."

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>>1117255
>> “I'm not mad. Just disappointed.”

And here we could have told Charlie a story of how we blew open ours bf head but no…

>>1117255
>Hold on to this feeling. Gather it, and pour it into your song. Make it reach your audience. Grip their hearts. Make them want to come with you.

>>1117319
That's just a "how to get motivated", not a "why should Charlie stay".
Right now she's a quitter, and if she wants to quit, she is perfectly within her rights as a Civilian to walk down Washout Lane.

>>1117255
>Other
>"Charlie, I'm too drunk to be mad right now, but shut up and listen because I'm also too drunk to be tactful."
>"And if I sound a little incoherent, it's because I wish I could just down a couple bottles of scotch and a couple sleeping pills, go back to bed and hope to get a good night's rest for once. But I can't do that, because I have a duty to you girls."
>"And I have orders, but honestly I give less of a fuck about those."
>"You were on the front lines, Charlie. I think you believe - you know - you have a duty too. Probably something about fighting for those beside you and behind you or some shit like that, I'm not going to pretend I can tell you exactly what it is, because no one should be giving anyone straight advice when they're fucking drunk."
>"But I do know for sure that there are people in your life who will care for you and love you unconditionally, who would give you the best advice they can for you, you alone, and not for anyone else - no matter what, even if it makes you mad or upset, even at their own expense."
>"So, instead of being a fucking idiot and trying to tell you what to do, I'm going to ask you: what would your parents tell you to do right now?"
Don't think I got the drunken rambling quite right, but whatever.

>>1117255
> “I'm not mad. Just disappointed.”

> “I'm not mad. Just disappointed.”
> Other

You motion Charlie to come round to the couch and sit down. She does so, sitting down, finding her knees more interesting than this conversation it seems. “Charlie. You can go home. There's nothing stopping you. In fact, it's interesting you want my opinion on you uh...” You press your lips together, trying to find the right words. “Fucking off.” Yeah. Smooth. “But listen. You go out to the front, you'll be a cog in the machine again. But up here, as an Idol, you'll be more than that. And that is how you help Myrmido. You sing your heart out, you show them what a girl from Myrmido looks like. Or you can go and die like all the rest.”

Charlie takes that all in, leaning back on the couch. “So you're not mad?”

“Just disappointed,” you say. “Look. When I was a trooper, I missed home a lot too sometimes. I may not have had the best relationship with my parents, but I did worry for them sometimes. You just have to know that somethings in life are out of your control. But the things that you can control?” You place your hand on her knee, looking her right in the eye. “Grab 'em by the ears and fucking pull. Got that?”

“... for a drunk, that's actually quite something, Lieutenant.” Charlie cringes as she smells your breath.

“I'm not THAT drunk,” you say.

She snorts, then stands up and walks on over to the dress rack. “... I guess I will stay, Lieutenant. But-... I just hope that when we do come back to Myrmido, I still have a family to come back to.” You nod. That's fair. “I'm sorry.”

“No, it's fine. Just uh...” You lean back on the couch, groaning. Ah, must relax. “Just go and practice. Sing your heart out.” Charlie stands there for a second, holding her costume on the rack. Then she quickly heads to the door. Mills opens it up, and Charlie storms out with a purpose in mind. “Okay. Bye.”

Mills looks at you. “Heard you were drunk, Lieutenant. Need some coffee?”

“That'd be lovely,” you say. “And uh... get me a fresh uniform as well?”

“Yes, ma'am.” He exits the dressing room.

You sigh, shutting your eyes and lying back on the couch. For whatever reason, this faux-leather couch is more comfortable than any hotel bed you've slept on. Maybe you're just tired.

Eh.

> Get off and go see to the girl's practice.
> See how Azuma is handling the backstage work.
> Go find a bar. You're not drunk enough.
> Other

>>1117494
>> Get off and go see to the girl's practice.
RINSE YOUR GODDAMN MOUTH OUT FIRST, GOD, WHY DOES IT SMELL LIKE FISH AND LIMBURGER, UGH

>>1117494
> Other
Sit, sober up. We may be publicly needed later

>>1117494
>See how Azuma is handling the backstage work.
Perhaps a quick check before we go see the girls?

>>1117494
>Go take care of yourself and then watch the girls practice.

>>1117494

Wait for the coffee and get changed then go see hows things

>>1117494
> Other
Pass out on comfy couch.

> Other

You sigh, and sit back and wait for the coffee. About ten minutes later, Mills comes back with a piping hot cup of black coffee. He hands it over to you and you drink. Immediately, you can feel the drunken effects of alcohol start to dissipate. “Thank you, Mills.”

He smiles, standing beside you. “Feel better?” He holds up a fresh uniform as well.

“Much.” You sigh. “I think a cold bloody shower will help me out.”

“Right, right, ma'am.” He helps you stand up. “Come on, I'll escort you to the shower. Oh, thank goodness for a loyal man like Mills.

-

-

After a fresh shower and some breath mints, you're feeling fresh as a boot out of the training camps. You pat yourself down and brush back your hair a bit, then smile. Yes, feel good, look good, be good. Right, no more of that traumatic memory stuff. Push it down! Let no one see you be weak! NOBODY! Not even Mills and his house!

You step out of the dressing room to find the girls resting up. Stacy takes a drink from a bottle of water, then looks over at you. “Oh, hey. Lieutenant's back. Feeling better?”

“Much!” You grin at them, smiling. Mills steps up behind you, ready to do anything you need. “You girls taking practice well?”

“Yeah.” Stacy nods at that. “Rosalie especially is taking things pretty good.” Rosalie nods, squatting up and down, apparently not bothering with rest. Squatting does help with the ass and the legs you suppose. You should know, you have plenty of both, hehe. “I have to say though, I'm kind of concerned for Charlie.”

“Mhm.” Naka nods, frowning a little. “I just hope she doesn't do something to ruin the performance.”

“Where is she now?” you ask.

“She's talking with Azuma,” says Olga. “The two of them need to coordinate since she's the star of the show. I do agree with Naka though. As terrible as it is having your homeworld invaded, I-...” She shrugs, puffing her cheeks out. “She's not going to do anything, right?”

> “For her sake, she better not.”
> “She won't. I promise.”
> “Just be on the look out.”
> Other

>>1117743
>"For her Sake and the CDF, I hope not. Alot of strings were pulled and if something goes wrong... well I don't need to tell you how much the PM and her will suffer because of it... But I have faith in my girls, no matter what. "

>>1117743
> “She won't. I promise.”

>>1117743
>> “She won't. I promise.”

>>1117743
>> “She won't. I promise.”

>>1117743
>"Trust her. And if you're worried for her, be there for her. She's one of you, isn't she?"

>>1117743
>> “Just be on the look out.”

> “She won't. I promise.”

“She won't, I promise that much.” They all look at each other, skeptically. “Hey, just trust her. Okay? She probably trusts all of you.”

Olga nods, grunting. “The Lieutenant. Maybe we shouldn't judge her. Let's try and keep a good face on for the show! And hope that when the show comes, we'll knock it out of the ballpark!” Naka pats Olga's shoulder, grinning in agreement. “Come on, everyone! Let's practice some more! It's only in a couple of days after all!” They all rush out on stage.

“Hey, Charlie! Come out on stage!” yells Stacy. Charlie looks over from Azuma. Azuma nods to her, then motions her on stage. Charlie takes a deep breath, then hurries aboard.

-

-

The rest of the day went by uneventfully. Thanks to the diligence and efforts of Mills and Burkett along with the strong arms of all the roadies, not many journalists were able to get any word of any kind in. Annoying little pests. You sit in the passenger seat of the rental van, with all five girls in the back, napping as you drive them back to the hotel. Burkett was in back too, also napping. Azuma and Nonon took the car behind, while you sat with Mills. “I'm guessing you had a nightmare, Lieutenant?”

You look to him. “Eh?”

“You drink because that stops the nightmares, doesn't it?” he asks.

“Well, no.” You squint a bit. “I drink because I enjoy it.”

He looks at you, then smirks a little. “The girls are asleep, Lieutenant. You don't need to put on a strong air in front of them anyway. They'll love you all the same. Doesn't matter if you're a beautiful war hero or an ugly dependapotamus. You gave this opportunity after all.”

“Yeah. I guess.” You lean back in your seat, sighing.

“If you don't want me to pry, that's fine, I won't,” he says.

> “I'd prefer if you didn't, Mills.”
> “It's fine. It's just really hard to talk about these things.”
> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”
> Other

>>1117969
> “It's fine. It's just really hard to talk about these things.”
> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

>>1117969
>We all have a reason to hate the Bugs Mills, We all have a reason. I'll tell you in full one day. " Then look out the window and try to get some shut eye.

>>1117969
>> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

>>1117969
>> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

>>1117969
>“It's fine. It's just really hard to talk about these-”
>“Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

>>1117969
> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

We are so needy.

>>1117969
> “It's fine. It's just really hard to talk about these things.”
> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

>>1117969

Wait. Beautiful war hero?

>>1117969
> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

> “Wait. Beautiful war hero?”

“Wait.” You blink, looking at him. “Beautiful war hero? Are you implying I'm not beautiful?”

He snickers, keeping his eyes on the road. “Eh, just saying. Heh. Woman like you... pretty needy I think.”

“I am not needy!” you loudly whisper. He should be calling you cute, pretty, with nice tits and shapely legs too! That is how you look! None of this talk of being chubby or out of shape! “Honestly. You- you make this about my problems now suddenly you're calling me ugly.”

“I never said you were ugly,” he says.

“You're implying it,” you mutter.

He snorts, leaning on the car door as the van hits a red light. “Lieutenant. I'll be frank, you're attractive.” Ha! So he says! “It's just a shame, you know? A woman like you deserves someone to love.” Ah. Oh. You frown, then lean back in your seat, sighing. “The girls love you, I'm sure that's plenty though.”

“It is.” You smile a little. “I just hope the next time they have to deploy, things go better. I don't want them risking their lives or fooling around.” He nods, understanding. “Mills, um. Have you ever thought of settling down?”

“I have,” he says. “Dismissed it really. As much as I dismissed being a Recruiter.” Ah. The legs and the arm thing. To be frank, you like a man with scars but... eh. “I just don't really imagine it anymore. The Federation is my wife, and I guess anyone I inspire to enlist are my children.”

“Right.” You sigh.

“Go ahead and take a nap, Lieutenant. Traffic's pretty bad, it'll be a while before we hit the hotel,” he says.

“I-... I don't think I want to,” you say.

“Why not?”

> “Nevermind.” Try and get some shut eye.
> “Nightmares.”
> “I like talking with you, Mills.”
> Other

>>1118152
>“Nevermind.” Try and get some shut eye.

>>1118152
>Sing me a song Mills, Its an order.

>>1118152
> “Nightmares.”

>>1118152
>> “Nightmares.”

>>1118152
>> “Nevermind.” Try and get some shut eye.

>>1118152
>Other
"Because I'm dragging the squad down. I'm keeping them from being able to exfil to the boat, and because of it someone is going to die."

> “Nevermind.” Try and get some shut eye.

You sigh, then lean on the car door. “Nevermind.” You shut your eyes. Mills' silence means there's no more to the conversation it means. That means it's time for a short nap. Hopefully you won't have any nightmares. You just have to think of the girls and hope that they be your dreams soon. Think of the girls, think of the girls. You feel yourself give in to sleep as the city hustle and bustle goes on around your van.

-

-

“I can't leave him,” you whimper to Dune. He looks straight in the eye, his icy eyes freezing you on the spot as Thames and Azuma hold off the horde of bugs. “Please. Please don't me leave him, Dune.” Dune stares back at you, and for a second, you think you see him actually consider picking Dizzy up.

“Come on!” yells Thames. “Lieutenant! They're getting closer!” He and Azuma switch to their hand flamers, giving off a short firewall to buy some more time. “Lieutenant!” No, Dizzy. Dizzy, please, no. Get up! He looks up at you, tears in his eyes, his breathing get more and more labored. Andrews shakes his head, immediately calling it on the spot. You fucking useless man, come on!

Suddenly, Dizzy grabs your wrist. He pulls it closer to him. You look down. The mini-nuke. He grabs it. “Go!” he shouts. “Gimme the nuke!” he cries. Even though he's dying, he manages to wrestle it free from your hands. “You have to go, baby! Just go! I can- I can do this!” Wait. No. No. This can't be right. Dizzy. DIZZY! You suddenly feel Dune and Andrews pull you up and start dragging you. No, let go! LET GO!

“DIZZY!” you scream. “DIZZY! NO! NO! LET GO!” you scream at them. Azuma and Thames are the last out. Dizzy pulls his dogtags out, then hands them off to Azuma. Azuma hesitantly takes them, looking at Dizzy before bugging out with Thames. “Dizzy!”

“Baby!” he yells. “Don't worry!” He looks back at you, grinning. “This is how a citizen dies!” He rolls over, pulling out his MPAR, his emergency pistol, and every weapon system on his suit. He blasts away at the advancing horde of bugs, shattering their shells and blasting their green blood all over the place. He screams like a warrior. Then you hear the armed mini-nuke. It count downs.

“Go! Go!” yells Dune. Dune pushes you forward. Instinct drives you now. Survival instinct. Run. You turn around and get running.

Run.

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>>1118397
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfTHckpFMFA

That's it for tonight's Starship Idols. We'll be back for more around the same Idol time, same Idol channel. Hope you enjoyed.

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

See you next time.

>>1118405
Oof. Bit of a heavy one this session. Thanks for running Schteel.

>>1118405
thnaks

>>1118397
>froze up when it really counted
>would have gotten the entire squad killed to try to save a dead man
>only saved because Dizzy wasn't useless when it really counted, unlike the LT
>She's barely able to keep it together as it is and is one public drunken episode from bringing the careers of the girls crashing down
>she's going to fuck up when it counts and put the entire idol group in danger
We should be driving this point home harder.

“Very good, girls, very good!” Azuma claps politely as the girls hold their finishing pose on stage. Another rehearsal in full costume. You, Mills, Burkett, and the rest of the staff sit in seats far back to get an idea of projection of their voice. Sure, they'll have mics to help with that. But the sound people need an idea of how far you can push the voice of a girl, and how much help they'll need to be heard over the audience, over special effects, everything. “Rosalie, again! Tighter movements please! You're kind of lagging behind the rest!” Rosalie nods, giving a thumbs up as she takes a drink of water. The rest of the girls sit down on stage, groaning in exhaustion. “Ten minute break, everybody!”

You stand up, groaning. Might as well congratulate them on a job well-done. “Hey, ma'am!” One of the roadies calls to you. “Someone here to see the girls.” Mills and Burkett look over as well, curious.

“Tell them to fuck off, we're in the middle of rehearsals,” you say.

The roadie looks nervous. You actually now recognize him as Hightower, the biggest roadie on the crew. “She says she's from Internal Security, ma'am.” … Internal Security? You quickly move out of the row of seats and hurry on over. Mills and Burkett follow behind, but you quickly motion for them to stay. Hightower leads you on to the doors.

And outside you see quite possibly one of the smallest girls you have ever seen. Wow. She's probably half your size. She wears a thick black trenchcoat, along with a plain peaked cap. And beneath that the utility greys of Federation Military Intelligence – Internal Security branch. She brushes her sharp yet messy blonde hair back and looks up at you. “Lieutenant?” She offers her hand to you. “Lieutenant Helga Baxter. I represent Internal Security.”

You shake her hand, then glare at Hightower. Is he pulling your leg? He shrugs. You nod to him, then politely and silently motion for him to fuck off, which he does swiftly. “Nice to meet you, Lieutenant.” Goddamn she's short. “Um. Quick question, don't let this seem rude and all... how old are you?”

She glares up at you with icy grey eyes. “15.”

“... Let me guess.” You smirk a little. “Spook?”

“I prefer the term, 'special talent',” she says firmly. “As does the rest of Military Intelligence.” Ah, you see now. She's a PsyOps spook attached to the Internal Security branch. Internal Security actually buys that psychic bullshit. “I am here on behalf of Prime Minister Thach. I need to debrief your Idols in regards to the situation on Myrmido and ask them if they saw anything strange.”

“Strange?” You fold your arms. “What do you mean?”

“That's classified,” she says. You almost want to ask if her true height is also classified but that'd be impolite.

> “Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”
> “Sure. We can arrange it now.”
> “You can wait.”
> Other

>>1120804
> “Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”

Fucking Spooks, I Know what you've done.

>>1120804
> “Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”
>"Why only girls? I was there as well."

>>1120804
>“Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”
>Other:: I was there too, what about me

>>1120804
>“Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”
>"Also what does it mean 'classified'? I was there too. Don't you want my account?"

>>1120804
>“Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”
>"Wanna become an idol?"

> “Sure. But after rehearsals. You can sit and watch, you're part of their target audience after all.”

You lead Baxter inside the auditorium. She simply looks straight ahead as you motion her to sit down. “You can sit down. Though, it's interesting you leave me out of this. I would've figured you'd interview me too about Myrmido. I mean, I was there too, hell I was leading the girls on with Burkett as well.” Burkett looks over at his name being called.

She looks over at you, pulling out a notepad and a pen. “We'll see how the girls' interviews go first, then I'll consider if its worth it to interview you two.”

Mills looks over at you, then points to Baxter. “Who's this?”

“Lieutenant Helga Baxter,” you introduce. Helga looks positively disinterested. “She's with Internal Security. A 'special' talent.” The two of them nod, understanding. “Though, it's interesting that we get a Special Talent after all, considering this is something I'd expect some civilian private dick to do, not an official Intel investigator, especially not a spook.”

“Internal Security's reasons belong to us,” she says firmly. “Now can we please proceed with the rehearsal so we can get this over with?” You sigh, then nod. You motion for Azuma to start the show.

“Alrgiht, girls! Headsets on!” The five of them get their headsets on. “Sound! Mics on, you got audio ready?” He sees a thumbs up from the sound room way in the back. “Alright. Live in 5, 4, 3, 2...” He points to the girls. The lights remain completely on for the rehearsal, which allows you all to see the girls throughout their routine. They get into position.

For the most part, you can see that the girls have their stuff together. Charlie keeps her stuff together for now, singing the main part with amazing gusto and power. The girls provide the singing backup she needs. For this rehearsal, Charlie is mostly static as she hasn't fully mastered the art of dancing and singing at the same time (surprisingly more difficult than it seems). But you figure that more practice will iron it out by the time the show comes. Sound levels are good though, Rosalie is in time with the rest of the girls, Olga and Naka aren't hogging the spotlight either.

Already the makings of a great show here.

[1/2]

>>1120949
[2/2]

-

-

“How was it?” you ask as you walk Helga to one of the venue's many conference rooms.

“It was okay,” she says simply. “I have no opinion of Idol shows to be quite frank. I find them silly and overdone.” You open the door to one, and find the girls already inside, waiting. “Quite frankly, I enjoy the classics more than I do modern music anyway. Give me a good AC/DC anyday.” AC what? She steps inside, taking off her trenchcoat and placing her hat down on the table. “Good afternoon, girls. My name is Lieutenant Helga Baxter. I am here to debrief you all individually on your actions at Myrmido. This shouldn't take too much time. Who would like to go first?”

Olga grins, raising her hand. “My name is Olga Schwarber! It's nice to meet you!” Olga jumps over to the table, leaning across it into Baxter's very unamused face. “Aw, you're just adorable!”

“... right.” Lieutenant Baxter pulls a set of reading glasses from her blouse pocket, then puts them. “Lieutenant, girls. If you'd please.” You motion everyone outside, and quickly Baxter shuts and locks the door behind you all.

Charlie folds her arms, glaring at you. “What's a spook want with us?”

> Put your ear against the door and find out.
> “Who knows?”
> “She said it was for if you saw anything strange.”
> Other

>>1120952
>> “Who knows?”

>>1120952
>“She said it was for if you saw anything strange.”

>>1120952
>> “Who knows?”

>>1120952
> “She said it was for if you saw anything strange.”

>>1120952
>“She said it was for if you saw anything strange.”

> “She said it was for if you saw anything strange.”

“She said it was for if you saw anything strange. Did you?”

Charlie shrugs. “Not really. The Bugs when they raid planets like ours are only really there to scorch farms or anything useful to the war effort. If I saw something strange, I think I'd know it when I see it.” That's a fair point.

You all wait in the hallway for some time, at least an hour. Finally, Olga comes out. “Okay, next.” Olga looks pretty exuberant for having been essentially interrogated by some PsyOps spook. Stacy steps in with Baxter, and quickly the door shuts.

“How was it?” you ask.

“She asked me some questions on what happened down there, anything I saw, all that stuff,” she says. “Really though, I couldn't get over how adorable she was!” Olga giggles, blushing heavily. “She's seems so cuddly, I swear!” You all stare at Olga. Well, at least she's staying positive.

-

-

The interviews took some hours to complete. Finally though, Charlie the last one steps out. Baxter steps out, consulting her notepad. “Alright. Lieutenant.” You blink, looking to her. “Come here.” The girls look at you, skeptical as you step inside the room with Lieutenant Baxter. She shuts the door and locks it behind her.

“So. It's necessary to interview me then?” you ask as you sit down.

“Yes.” She looks to you, not happy at having to spend another minute here it seems. “The girls gave me the standard answers. 'We saw bugs and skinnies, we shot them to pieces,' yadda yadda.” She shakes her head, then sits down at the table across from you. She pulls a cigarette box from her pocket then bumps out a new fag, lighting up quickly. “Now. Here's the deal, Lieutenant. We'll make this quick. What did you see down on Myrmido?”

“Not a lot. We were only there to help liberate Plasma Mountain and eliminate the Bugs,” you say. “Geographically, we only saw a little bit of the planet, and even less of the Bugs.” She nods slowly, writing that down in her notepad. “Why are you asking this?”

“I explained this to the girls, Myrmido wasn't the only planet that was invaded. Just this morning, two other planets were attacked in the Outer Rings as well, along with an attempted raid in the Inner Colonies that thankfully was intercepted by Fleet before they could get groundside.” She places the notepad on the table. “Bluntly speaking, Lieutenant. We're trying to see what the Arachnids are planning.”

“Oh?” You smirk a little. “I thought you PsyOps spooks were supposed to know everything.”

[1/2]

>>1121120
[2/2]


“If we did, the war would be over.” Fair. “I will continue to be candid however, Lieutenant. The interviews I give you do affect the war effort in that oh-so subtle way. Myrmido is just another colony for us on the Outer Rings, and given how prohibitively far it is from the Core Systems, Military Intelligence is debating currently if we can afford to simply let the Arachnids have it in the long run.” You stare at her. “I don't believe that myself, let's get that clear.” She takes a drag of her cigarette.

“Well. I can't tell you I saw anything strange if I didn't see anything strange,” you say.

She nods. “Fair.” She flips through her notepad. “Tell me about the CDF though.” Oh? “The girls were surprisingly very mum on the Colonial Defense Force's actions, besides Charlotte of course. She praised them quite highly. The general consensus was that the CDF fought well, however... I wish to know your opinion of them. Were they hostile to your intervention or cooperative? Describe it to me.”

> “They didn't much like us.”
> “They fought well.”
> “Our teamwork was mostly out of necessity rather than wanting.”
> Other

>>1121123
>They hate how we treat them in general hardly providing aid, all that normal shit but.. they are good at their job and they work well with what they have. I'd fight with them again given the chance. PM was right on giving them a chance.

File: 1.png (281 KB, 601x850)

281 KB PNG

>>1121123
> “They didn't much like us.”
> "While you're very cute, if you keep smoking you won't grow."

>>1121123
I'll go with this >>1121135.

>>1121123
>“They fought well.”
I'm picturing the MC of Youjo Senki as the spook.

>>1121135
Thirded

>>1121123
>Other
"Their general wanted to use us as much as he could, but middle-rank officers kept trying to sideline us until the general intervened directly. They seemed to resent that we had better equipment, and I can't blame them for that, but they worked to accommodate us as long as we were killing Bugs."

>>1121123
This. >>1121135

>>1121123
yep, this:
>>1121135

> Other

You shrug. “They hate how we treat them in general, hardly providing aid and all that stuff but...” You sigh, leaning back in your seat. “They are good at what they do, and they work well with the equipment that they have as well. I'd probably fight with them again given the chance. The Prime Minister was right on giving them a chance.”

Baxter nods, writing that down on her notepad. “The general perception of the CDF as fobbits and garrison monkeys is not so true considering the state of the war.” Oh definitely not. “It's such a shame the Federal Council doesn't see it that way. But, if we are to win this war, the war at home must be won first.” She closes the notepad, then stands up and takes her trenchcoat. “I apologize for taking up so much of your time, Lieutenant. You've been very reasonable.” She nods to you, pulling her trenchcoat on.

“What are you going to do with the interviews?” you ask.

“Run them through with my colleagues,” she says. “However. I know of your status as a war hero. And I know that you are a very competent CO.” She steps to the door, and grabs the knob. “If I need something done, I will know who to go to.”

You blink. “Hold on. I'm not a SpecOps Officer. I thought you used Pathfinders for those kinds of gigs.”

“We do, but Pathfinders are in very short supply these days,” she says. “I've already dug up dossiers on your old unit as well. If needed, they will be recalled.” Recalling your old unit? As if. Most of the platoon that participated in the capture of the Queen have long since faded away quietly. Hell, you even heard Andrews hung himself about a year after that capture. Poor man. “Until next time, Lieutenant.” She opens the door, pulling her hat on. “I will keep a close eye on you and your girls.”

You nod, stepping out. “Girls, say goodbye to Lieutenant Baxter.” They all politely shakes hands.

Except for Olga. “You and I should stay in touch! How can I reach you?”

“Yeah, goodbye,” says Baxter. She quickly pushes past a disappointed Olga and walks down the hall again.

Hmph. Spooks.

> Resume the rehearsals.
> Retire for the day, get some dinner sorted out.
> Go out for a drink.
> Other

>>1121238
> Resume the rehearsals.
> But get a dinner plan sorted out so the girls can have their fill afterwords.

>>1121238
>> Resume the rehearsals.
>> But get a dinner plan sorted out so the girls can have their fill afterwords.

>>1121238
> Resume the rehearsals.
> But get a dinner plan sorted out so the girls can have their fill afterwords.

Too bad Baxter did not debrief Burkett. That could have been fun.

>>1121238
>Resume the rehearsals.
Don't these people have their own SpecOps? Why do they need to leech from others?

Also we will need a Military Intelligence rep for the idol unit sooner or later so unless Helga finds a cuter spook to lend us she better start taking dancing and singing lessons with our girls.
For some reason, I see the MilInt rep as being like Yoshiko from LoveLive in full Yohane mode..

>>1121238
> Resume the rehearsals.
> But get a dinner plan sorted out so the girls can have their fill afterwords.

>>1121258
Would we even be able to 'get' a MI Idol? Is that a field you can just sign up for?

>>1121258
Military Intelligence generally uses Pathfinders, who are essentially the Mobile Infantry equivalent of Delta Force (though more used like US Marine Force Recon) for their wetwork.

However, if they want or need an element of MI troops for some operation, it's fully in their rights to just grab one. It's not a very popular thing, but it's not like MI troops openly question it.

>>1121262
Military Intelligence is generally where you put the smart people who are too valuable to waste on the front lines. This includes researchers, businessmen, and most higher educated people who graduate with honors in a specific field the Federation needs.

For Special Talents, Military Intelligence is their ONLY option.

>>1121238
Supporting this >>1121242


>>1121258
>Why do they need to leech from others?

One military. Why have multiple branches wit units doing the exact same thing when you can have one military, one SpecOps, one fleet, one flying corps

Never understood the multiple branches with redundant units.

>>1121282
Ya, So that brings me back to my question, Could we even recruit a ST for our Idol's or wouldn't they be far more useful?

>>1121301
It remains to be seen if Military Intelligence will want to give up a Special Talent for propaganda purpose.

>>1121238
>Resume the rehearsals.
> Other
Get a dinner plan sorted out.
Proper nutrition is essential for a unit in the field.

>>1121303
Danke. What Branch are we missing currently from our mishmash of Idols?

>>1121307
For all branches, you currently have

> Mobile Infantry
> Colonial Defense Force
> Fleet - Shipside Tactical Liaison (FTL)

You are missing:

> Fleet - Mission Groundside Liaison (FGL)
> Fleet Hospital Corpsman
> Fleet Pilot Corps
> K-9 Corps
> PsyOps
> Pathfinders

There are probably more but I think that's most of it.

>>1121321
Jeez, Well lets hope these performances go well and keep bringing the money in then so we can get'em and Put the fucking Anti-War cunt in her place.

>>1121289
>Never understood the multiple branches with redundant units.
Because the unit you need for the job will always be in another castle.

It's why the SEALs exist. The Navy couldn't wait for Delta Force to learn how to swim so they made their own SpecOps unit.

>>1121321
We're gonna look like AKB48 at this rate.

> Resume the rehearsals.
> Other

As the girls rehearse again, you come through to a delivery service for food. “Yes, hi. I need the family package of fried chicken about five times.” You squeeze the phone between your shoulder and your ear as you look through the menu on Mills' PDA. “Yes, extra fries. And, you deliver alcohol, right?” He says yes. “Good. I'm gonna need a case of scotch as well. And throw in for beverages five of those big soda bottles. Don't care what kind, just give us soda. I guess the whole bloody lot. Yes. Okay, we'll pay at the door, thank you.”

Mills looks at you. “That's quite a bit of food for everyone, Lieutenant.”

“Huh? No, that's for me, get something for the girls, Mills.” Mills snickers, taking his own phone and looking for a place that'll serve something healthy. The two of you watch from the soundroom as the girls' routine comes along swimmingly.

Except for Rosalie. Once it ends, Azuma shouts out to her. “Rosalie, come on! Tighten it up!” Rosalie nods, giving another thumbs up. Olga pats her on the back and gives her some encouraging words. “Come on, the show is almost here! We gotta have this down to a science!”

“Thank you.” Mills hangs up. “I got something cooking for the girls now. They'll deliver.” Good, good. “I will admit though, I'm skeptical of that Military Intel girl. Ran into a lot of spooks like her when I was a Pathfinder.” You nod at that. That's right, Mills used to be a Pathfinder up until the injuries. “I am kind of worried, Lieutenant. There must be something going on if they're interviewing about some random planet being invaded. Not that Myrmido is just some random planet but... it is to a lot of people.”

“Whatever it is, we'll just have to take it on the chin and move on,” you say simply. Mills nods at that.

Burkett steps in as well. “You ask me though. Not sure we can trust what they say to us. It was Military Intelligence that declared Mission Accomplished when you captured that Queen, Lieutenant.” That is also very true. “Never was much of a fan of those fobbits.”

“I have to agree.” Mills grunts. “Military Intelligence has a strange idea of how this war is being run. They think they can peel back what makes an Arachnid think from behind a computer. That's just not how it works. And don't get me started on the so-called 'special talents.'”

Burkett nods. “You don't believe any of that, do you, Lieutenant?”

> “If they're psychic, then I'm ugly.”
> “Nah.”
> “Maybe. Lot of strange things these days.”
> Other

>>1121392
>“Maybe. Lot of strange things these days.”
Half tempted to vote for the "I'm ugly" option only to reveal PsyOps is indeed psychic and the LT is indeed ugly.

>>1121392

Maybe. Lot of strange things these days
But if she can do something then call me ugly

>>1121392
>> “If they're psychic, then I'm ugly.”

>>1121392
> “Maybe. Lot of strange things these days.”

>>1121392
>“Maybe. Lot of strange things these days.”

>>1121420

If she dose something special and usefull when we need it then smack my ass and call me a bitch

>>1121392
>maybe lots of strange things these days

>>1121321
gota get them all

> “Maybe. Lot of strange things these days.”

“Maybe. Lots of strange things going on these days,” you state simply. “If she is psychic though, I'll eat my hat.” Mills snickers at that, as does Burkett. “How are the girls?”

Mills looks over, and finds them doing their last rehearsal for today. “They're pretty good I'd say,” says Mills. “Almost ready for the show tomorrow.”

“Almost isn't good enough,” you say. “But, hopefully things get ironed out by then. I'm relying on Azuma to do most of the stage work for us. As for you two.” They look at you. “Tomorrow's going to be big. So I want you both on double duty security. Anybody tries to take a lewd picture of my girls or tries to creep on them, you have free reign to maim but not kill.”

“Isn't maiming kind of extreme?” asks Mills.

“Eh.” Burkett smirks a bit. “Maiming ain't enough for some folks. We got it, Lieutenant.”

“Good.” You turn around, looking to the stage. “Then tomorrow's set.”

-

-

The entire crew has now retired to the venue's cafeteria to eat food in some relative peace and quiet. The girls all happily discuss the show tomorrow. “Have you seen the line of people outside the door!?” asks Olga. “There must be hundreds!”

“More like dozens,” says Stacy cynically. “Don't exaggerate, Olga.”

“Have you guys seen what they're talking about on the fan site!?” says Naka. “Look at this!” They all crowd over Naka's phone. “They love you, Stacy!” Stacy blushes immediately, making Olga and Naka giggle happily. Rosalie simply smiles, picking at her food. “Ahaha! Don't be so shy! They're just fans!”

“Eh...” Stacy leans away, not really eager to continue the topic.

> Sit with the Idols.
> Sit with your staff.
> Go find a bar to get drunk at.
> Other

>>1121623
>Get you're fucking Idols and Staff to eat together.

What the fuck type of god damn Unit are we apart of where troopers sit from other troopers? We're all one big fucking family here. If we hired them, they are traveling with us and they are fucking sitting with us all together like good squad-mates.

>>1121623
>Sit with the Idols.

>>1121623
> Sit with your staff.

>>1121623
>> Sit with the Idols.

>>1121623
I like this >>1121634

>>1121623
>> Sit with your staff.

>>1121634
Gonna go with this.

>>1121634
Support

> Other

You decide to get the entire staff grouped together to eat with the Idols. So as you sit amongst the Idols, on either side of them are Burkett and Mills, next to them are Nonon and Azuma, and then Faraday and Severino the makeup artist, the roadies, everybody. You munch into some fried chicken happily, happily sighing at the grease and fat giving some comfort to the stomach. Ah... “So, Azuma.” Stacy looks over at Azuma, smiling at him. “You have any funny stories?”

Azuma blinks. “Ah. Well, the Lieutenant-”

“No, not the Lieutenant!” Stacy waves it off. “About you. I don't think the rest of us know you very well.” The girls all nod, looking to him.

Azuma shrugs. “Ah. Well...” You smile at him, quirking your brows. Come on, don't be shy. “Well, I mean, I remember this one time me, Thames, and Shughart made a game out of seeing who could hit an exposed piece of rebar with some rocks.” Yeah. Really funny story. You snicker a little. “Ah, don't you start, Lieutenant! Enlisted life is fucking boring, you know that!”

“I know, but a lot of funny stuff fills the void,” you say.

Stacy smirks, then picks up her plate and goes to sit down next to Azuma. “Really though. Tell me more about what it was like.”

“Well um...” Azuma scratches his chin. “We were in the shit most of the time, but even then, as a trooper you're usually waiting for the call to deploy. Either you're on ship or on garrison on a base. On ship, most of the fun you can have is wrestling your suits against each other or racing down the halls. I remember, this one time me and Thames hijacked some dollies in the hangar and used them to race each other. Of course, we got busted by Dune.” Stacy snickers a little at that, as does Rosalie and Olga. “He made us scrub the latrines with our toothbrushes.”

“Considering Thames, I didn't notice a difference with his breath,” you mutter. Azuma laughs a bit at that, as does Burkett and Mills. You look over to see Charlie poking at her food, a bit disinterested. “Something wrong, Charlie?”

“Nah. It's fine,” she says. “Just a little nervous about tomorrow as all.”

“You'll be fine.” Olga smiles warmly, wrapping her arm around Charlie. “Right, Lieutenant?”

“Right.” You smile at Charlie. “Don't worry.”

“Oh, Lieutenant!” One of the roadies comes over with your case of scotch. “Delivery boy forgot to give that to you.” Oh fuck. Uh...

> It's only six scotches. Nothing you can't handle.
> Share it with everybody.
> Nope, no alcohol today. No sir.
> Other

>>1121841
we can have it after the show dose well
its the arfter party starting drinks

>>1121841
>> Nope, no alcohol today. No sir.
For Charlie if shit really goes to shit.

>>1121841
>> Nope, no alcohol today. No sir.

That's for a job well done tomorrow.

>>1121841
> Nope, no alcohol today. No sir

We need to be on our best game. Charlie's on edge, we're having nightmares, if something goes awry, we need to pounce on it.

>>1121841
> Share it with everybody.

>>1121841
> Share it with everybody.
>Loosen those muscles.

>>1121860
>>Loosen those muscles.
in the gym

>>1121862
I meant with the Scotch and everybody.

>>1121865
i know just beening cheeky
though when was the last time we worked out?
puch those nightmares away

>>1121841
>Nope, no alcohol today. No sir.

>>1121841
>Nope, no alcohol today. No sir.
This is the night before a major drop operation.
Do NOT fuck this up.
We fucked up enough for one lifetime by not doing what needed to be done when the time came, and had to have Dizzy save our ass and that of our squad.

> Nope, no alcohol today. No sir.

“Nope, no alcohol today, no sir!” You shake your head and give the case of alcohol back to the roadie. “We'll save that maybe for later. After the concert even.” Azuma smiles at you proudly, as does Mills. “Burkett, you'll have to buy your own.” He rolls his eyes, smirking. “Get me a soda, Mills!” Mills nods, standing up and hurrying to get you a drink. “Right, everyone, eat up! Tomorrow's the concert! This is a warrior's breakfast!” You all start scarfing down food with amazing gusto. Mmmm! Yes, fried chicken, so delicious, so tender, so crisp!

This be the food of champions!

-

-

The girls all sleep over in Charlie's room. You find them curled up together on her bed, with her slumbering peacefully. You all made it back to the hotel in one piece thankfully. And despite their protests, you told them all to get an early night's sleep. You'd rather they be up early and be tired in the morning rather than oversleep and be tired at the concert. At least they listened. Burkett salutes you, smirking. “I'll keep 'em safe, LT. Don't worry.”

“You better, for your sake.” He grunts at that response, and with that you head down the hotel hallway with Mills. “Well, I'm feeling confident, are you feeling confident?”

“Sure!” He smiles at you. “I must say though, Lieutenant. That was quite big of you to refuse those drinks. Especially after the nightmares you've been having.”

“Ha!” You grin at him. “Nightmares eh...” You mutter. “Well. I should probably head to bed soon as well. Don't want to have any bedhair or have wrinkles like I'm a dime a dozen hoor on some retreat. But uh... Thank you, Mills. For being understanding.”

He nods, smiling. “I've known lots of troopers who go through the same stuff, Lieutenant. Some differently than others. Some just give up.” He pats your arm. “I'm glad you're not.”

“Of course not!” You sigh. You will admit. You can endure a nightmare for one night if it means not embarrassing the girls with your drinking. It's not a problem, you just really love alcohol. But you do admit being drunk is not the public image you want to present.

> “Good night, Mills.”
> “If you want, you can stay up in my room. Might get a bit lonely.”
> “I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”
> Other

>>1121948
>> “If you want, you can stay up in my room. Might get a bit lonely.”

>>1121948
>> “If you want, you can stay up in my room. Might get a bit lonely.”

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191 KB JPG

>>1121948
>“I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

>>1121948
> “Good night, Mills.”

We gotta deal, and sometimes that means dealing with it alone.

>>1121948
>> “If you want, you can stay up in my room. Might get a bit lonely.”

>>1121948
>“I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

>>1121948
>> “I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

>>1121948
> “If you want, you can stay up in my room. Might get a bit lonely.”

>>1121948
> “I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

and proceed to have a nightmare and have him hold us tight or we wake up and try to fight him as we are still half asleep and thinking we are in a fight

>>1121948
>“I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

>>1121948
>> “I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

> “I'm gonna go see if Nonon's accepting to having a guest again.”

“I'm gonna go sleep over with Nonon, Mills.” You smile at him. “But really, thanks again. You've been a real good bloke.” He nods, smiling happily. “See you tomorrow morning, alright?”

“I'll cook ya breakfast,” he says simply as you walk away to Nonon's room. Ah, a nice homecooked breakfast. Now that will be properly sweet.

-

-

You and Nonon have changed into night clothes. Though in Nonon's case, she keeps a big thick blanket draped around her shoulders as she types on her laptop. “Right now, I'm downloading new episodes of this anime that's about dragons fighting the Mobile Infantry.” Oh? That actually sounds pretty badass!

“Really?” You scoot closer to her on her bed, smiling. “Is it good?”

“Eh...” Oh, bad sign. Nonon puffs her cheeks out. “It's more about the MI trooper getting a harem of dragon girls and then the MI stomping all the fantasy land creatures that try to oppose the Federation. See, there's this Portal that leads from space into a planet that's basically like a fantasy world? And then the Federation goes through and decides it wants to set up relations and stuff with the locals. It's basically like a planetary romance kind of thing except... shitty.”

“... are the dragons at least cool?” you ask.

“Yeah!” Nonon turns her laptop to you, showing off the dragon girls. Oh, they're pretty badass. They look like regular human girls except with lizard tails and eyes and horns and wings but... yeah, nice you suppose. “That one even looks like you!” Does she? You squint at the one Nonon points out. Eugh, you're no dragon.

“Hmph!” You turn your head away.

She smirks a bit, then starts up the first episode. “Come on. We'll watch the first episode together.” She pulls up some popcorn. Well... You check your watch. It's about midnight. But...

Eh. Can't hurt. At least you're not drinking or having nightmares.

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152 KB JPG

>>1122130
That's it for tonight's Starship Idols. We should be able to finish it out tomorrow then lead on to 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.

>>1122133
thanks

>>1122133
Thanks for running Schteel.

>>1122133
thanks for writing!
was there something that was odd we missed reading about M-planet?

>>1122196
I wouldn't think so. The question was mostly asked in regards to the big picture of why the Arachnids chose Myrmido specifically since it's a rather strategically unimportant.

>>1122208
What inner rim world was being targeted?

Titan Station Police was kind enough to offer some security trucks and vans to escort your Idols to the venue. Though, looking out at it in the passenger seat from the van Mills drives, it doesn't seem like it's necessary. The crowds weren't backed up to the next few streets back. Nor were there a lot of screaming, crying, or absolutely horrifically obsessed fans that you could see. Everything was actually quite orderly when you approached the venue. The street and the surrounding parking lot was filled with people waiting to get in and grab tickets for sure.

Olga pressed her face against the tinted polarized glass. People can't see in, but they can see out of the car. Thank goodness for that. “Whoooaaa! Look at all of these people!” Charlie looks absolutely nervous, as does Rosalie and Stacy. But Naka and Olga, being the ones who thrive off of attention love it. “There's so many!”

“From what I hear, this is a small turnout for some Idols,” says Mills. A small turnout!? There's got to be at least a couple thousand people here. The vans all pull into the underground garage, with everybody none the wiser that the car holding the Idols just passed them by. Once police security detail secures the garage, you're all cleared to step out of the cars.

“We'll escort your Idols up to the changing room,” says one of the police officers says. “If there's anything you need to do...”

“I'll have Mills with me, don't worry,” you say. The officer nods.

Right, where to then?

> See what the Recruiters are up to.
> See to the girls in the dressing room.
> Go find a bar.
> Other

>>1123841
> See what the Recruiters are up to.

>>1123841
>Other
Check for particularly annoying paparazzi.
Check everywhere. Imagine they're bug lurkers.

>>1123841
>> See what the Recruiters are up to.

>>1123841

> See what the Recruiters are up to.

>>1123841
> See to the girls in the dressing room.

> See what the Recruiters are up to.

-

-

You allow the girls some time to themselves. For now, you decide to check out what the Recruiters have to offer. This time the booths are a bit larger and much more official. The same very attractive men and women man them this time. “Sergeant Danilov.” He shakes your hand and Jesus Christ you can almost make out his pecs beneath that utility dress greens of his. “It's nice to make your acquaintance, Lieutenant!”

“Yeah, yeah.” You keep staring at his chest. My God, he's cut. “Um. Listen.” You make eye contact again. “So, what exactly do you guys have here for today?”

“Well, we have the Fleeties over on the other side there.” He motions to the Fleet Recruiters, very attractive and cute girls setting up holograms of the various ships of the Federal Fleet, along with a film to watch as well. “And here in the Mobile Infantry side, we of course have your girls suits over in the lobby to look out plus our own holograms.” He motions to a small hologram image of a Paladin suit on the booth table next to him. “We also have a CDF Recruiter over there.”

You look to the CDF Recruiter, a napping old man in a khaki military utility uniform. Not much more than a table and a CDF flag next to it with some brochures. “... is that it?” you ask.

“They can't afford much else,” he says. “Don't worry, we'll try and divert people who we see probably won't make MI to him. Military Intelligence also tells us to keep a lookout for anybody who seems pretty smart as well. Higher than average intelligence usually means psychic but...” He shrugs. “Don't much believe that myself.” He sits on the table. “Of course, we also have free stuff to give to them. We have model kits, keychains, t-shirts, hats, mousepads, all that stuff. A lot of people like the free stuff, we're drowning in it.”

“I can imagine,” you say. “Will you need any help here?”

“War hero like yourself would be an immense help actually. We'll try to give out brochures once the doors open but I think with you, we can get a lot more attention to us. We're expecting that the vast majority of people here are only here for the song and that's it,” says Danilov.

> “Sure. I can help.”
> “I think you guys can handle yourselves.”
> Other

>>1124062
> “Sure. I can help.”

>>1124062
>“Sure. I can help.”

>>1124062
>> “I think you guys can handle yourselves.”

>>1124062
> “I think you guys can handle yourselves.”

> “Sure. I can help.”

“Sure, I can help.” He smiles at you, handing you a stack of pamphlets and brochures. “When do the doors open?”

“Right about...” Oh fuck. He checks his watch, timing it. “Now!” The doors open, and in pour in many fans both old and new of the Starship Idols group. You see some children accompanied by adults as well intermixed with teenagers mixed in with some working men and women as well. Seems people are skipping work to attend the concert. Interesting. The Recruiters immediately grab the attention of some stragglers outside the main swarm of people who are heading directly to the auditorium. And as that happens, you hand off pamphlets to people who seem interested. “Hey there! I'm Sergeant Danilov! Would you like to talk about your future here in the Federation?”

“I'm Petty Officer Weiss! Here, we can show you the types of ships you can be expected to crew in the Federal Fleet!” A small group of people on both sides are already taking an interest in the booths. As for the old CDF guy uh...

He continues napping, snoring peacefully. Ah.

You feel a tug on your skirt. Huh? You look around, then look down to see a girl, no more than ten years old. “Are you a soldier?”

You smirk. “I am, yes. I'm a Lieutenant of the Mobile Infantry.”

“Wow!” She gasps, her eyes full of wonder. Huh, are her parents around? You look around, then see some a couple nearby chatting on their phones. Ah. A little neglectful you suppose. “So how many Bugs have you killed?” Ah...

“A lot,” you say, trying to force a laugh. Ahaha, fucking smartass. She looks over at the booth, then looks wide-eyed at the suit hologram on the table. She seems positively enraptured.

> “Ah, how about I take you to your parents, little girl?”
> “That's a Paladin suit, we use those in the Mobile Infantry.”
> “Have you ever considered the Federal Youth Corps?”
> Other

>>1124292
>> “That's a Paladin suit, we use those in the Mobile Infantry.”

>>1124292
>> “Ah, how about I take you to your parents, little girl?”

nb4 I don't have parents. You gonna get kidnapped.

>>1124292
> “That's a Paladin suit, we use those in the Mobile Infantry.”

>>1124292
> “That's a Paladin suit, we use those in the Mobile Infantry.”

>>1124292
> “That's a Paladin suit, we use those in the Mobile Infantry.”

Wave at the parents, just so they know their kid is ok

> “That's a Paladin suit, we use those in the Mobile Infantry.”

“That's a Paladin suit.” You lean on the table, smiling down on her. “It's not as good as the old Marauder suits but it's standard issue in the MI now.” She nods. “Features durable armor plating, EVA and extra-atmospheric capabilities, big jumpjets to make you jump really high and really fast, and a lot of guns.”

“Wow.” She nods slowly. “Can I have one?”

“Only if you join the Mobile Infantry,” you say.

“How do I join?” she asks.

“Well, first you need to be a little older,” you say simply. She frowns heavily at that. “But anyone can be a citizen if their heart is in the right place. It's not just about the suit after all. You gotta have the courage and the strength to wear that suit.” She rubs her chin, looking down at the floor. In a way, this reminds you of a certain someone. “I think you can be a citizen, kiddo.”

She looks up, her wide eyes still regarding you very cautiously. You snicker a bit, patting her on the head. She gently slaps your hand away, then looks at the suit again. “You ever wear a suit like that?”

You nod. “Yeah. Everyone in the MI wears a suit. Because everyone in the MI is a trooper. Only the good guys wear suits like those.” She nods again.

“Emma!” Her parents call her over. “Come along now!” Emma, the little girl, waves goodbye to you then hurries off. You fold your arms, smiling a bit. There's a slight pang of guilt in your heart but an even greater sense of pride at instilling just a bit of citizenship in that little girl. Federal Service isn't for everybody, but everyone who makes it can one day be a Sky Marshall you suppose.

“Lieutenant!” Mills calls to you. “Three hours to show!” Ah.

> Go see the girls.
> Keep up recruitment here.
> See how the backstage is.
> Other

>>1124410
>See how the backstage is.
Check that everything is ready.
Then yell at people until everything is actually ready.

>>1124410
>See how the backstage is.

>>1124410
>> See how the backstage is.

>>1124410
> See how the backstage is.

>>1124410
> See how the backstage is.

> See how the backstage is.

-

-

You arrive backstage to find everything busy and bustling. It's like preparations for a drop in here. Lighting techs are moving spotlights here and there. Saki and Severino run towards the dressing room with a dressing rack, costumes hanging off of it ready to be worn. You can see Faraday and Nonon discussing things with Azuma there. “Azuma!” The three of them look to you as you and Mills walk up. “How are things?”

“Just dandy,” he says. “Our sound guys have good tone, lighting is good, SFX is spot on. We're gonna go for a fade in kind of thing, try and make the mood sort of solemn yet... Idol-y I guess.” Right. He shrugs at that, holding the headphones around his neck with one hand and a clipboard on his other. “Right now, we're busy getting final checks on our lights and equipment before the show. Hopefully the girls are ready.”

“They will,” you say. “I promise you.”

“Right, right.” He looks over it in his clipboard. “Other than that, Lieutenant. Can't tell you much other than that we're ready.” You smile at Azuma. “Don't worry, we got it.” He looks over at somebody. “Hey, hey! Easy on those spotlights! Come on! They cost more than you do!” He steps past you, smoking a very nervous looking lighting tech. “Pick up those bulbs now! And get them where they fucking need to be!”

Nonon smirks, folding her arms. “He always was so intense with his work. Pretty sexy.” Definitely.

“Lieutenant!” Olga comes out, wearing just a plain t-shirt and some jeans. “Good to see you!” You smile at Olga, and let her hug you tightly. She pulls back, looking at you worriedly. “I'm worried about Charlie.” Oh? “She's in the bathroom a really long time.”

“Is she dead?” you ask. Why was that the first question you asked?

“No! We've been talking to her. She's just a little nervous as all,” says Olga. “Stacy's been trying to comfort her. I was hoping you'd come and help her.”

> “I'll drag her out myself if I have to.”
> “She's part of your family, you can do it, Olga.”
> Other

>>1124618
> “She's part of your family, you can do it, Olga.” But stand by and make sure it works out.

>>1124618
Supporting >>1124620

>>1124618
This >>1124620

> “She's part of your family, you can do it, Olga.”
> Other

-

-

You lean against one of the dressing room mirrors and watch as Stacy, Rosalie, Olga, and Naka sit and stand around the bathroom door. Inside is Charlie. “Come on ,Charlie. Come on out. The show's almost about to begin!” says Naka. “You can do it!”

“Yeah!” says Olga. “We believe in you! And that's all you really need!”

“What if I mess up?” asks Charlie.

“I mess up all the time,” says Rosalie. “You mess up, you just pick yourself back up and get running again. This time though, you got all of us to help you.”

“That's right,” says Stacy. “We're all here for you, Charlie. This is your show.”

…

Olga leans close. “Come on. Where's the Princely little girl we know and love?” Charlie pokes her head out, then steps out in full costume. Her own costume wasn't themed for the MI or Fleet like the rest of the girls. Her costume was an olive drab blouse cut short to expose her midriff. Her black pants were cut pretty tight to form around her long legs, with a red stripe along along the sides as well. Her sleeves were gone, replaced by a CDF armband and her own smooth skin, and a black collar with a CDF pin upon it. She stands there nervously.

“How do I look?” she asks.

“Like a million bucks,” says Olga. Stacy gently punches Charlie on the arm, smiling. Charlie huffs, snickering a little.

Azuma pokes his head into the dressing room. “Show's on in ten mikes.”

“We better get out there!” says Rosalie. “Come on, Idols! No one lives forever!” She runs out, followed shortly by a very confused group of Idols. They all follow her out.

Except for Charlie. She looks at you. “I hope you're right about this, this helping the cause.”

> “Of course I'm right.”
> “I hope so too.”
> “Get your cute ass out there.”
> Other

>>1124864
> “Get your cute ass out there.”

Where the fuck did everybody go?

>>1124864
> “Of course I'm right.”
> “Now get your cute ass out there.”

>>1124864
> “I hope so too.”
> “Now get your cute ass out there.”

>>1124950
Audit Quest came back, so there's a few people over there.

>>1124864
> “Of course I'm right.”
> “Now get your cute ass out there.”

>>1124864
> “Of course I'm right.”
> “Now get your cute ass out there.”

> “Of course I'm right.”
> “Get your cute ass out there.”

You nod. “Of course. Now get your cute ass out there.” Charlie smiles a little, then hugs you quickly. You pat her on the back, sighing. The hug ends as quickly as it started, and she leaves out to the backstage.

“Five mikes! Dim lights!” You hear the crowd noise as you step out to backstage. Mills leads you on through one of the many extra hallways back through the venue and to the private viewing box where you can watch with relative comfort and ease. “Girls in position! Get me fog, get ready to cut filler music!” You step into the luxury box, where Nonon and most of the non-essential stage staff are there to watch. Even Danner is there to see.

Danner looks back at you, smiling. “You know, we're streaming this live to the Prime Minister?” Oh? “She couldn't make it unfortunately but she gives her regards. Both to Myrmido and to you, Lieutenant.” Right, right. You fold your arms, taking a deep breath. Charlie, don't screw this up. For god's sake.

“One mike! Shut lights!” The lights in the venue go out, save for the stage spotlights. “Cut filler! Transition! Get ready!” Deep breath, deep breath. God, if you're listening now, please make Charlie's first show her best show. “Thirty seconds. Send in Olga, Rosalie, Stacy, Naka.” The four girls all come in from stage left and right in that order. The crowd erupts with cheers and screams for them. They bow and wave to the crowd happily.

“Hello, everybody!” shouts Olga. The crowd screams again in response. She jumps up, arm held high. “I'm Olga!”

Stacy folds her arms, smirking. “I'm Stacy!”

Rosalie waves politely. “I'm Rosalie!”

Naka raises her hand, throwing up a V-sign. “I'm Naka!”

“We're the Starship Idols!” they declare.

“And today, we're introducing our newest member to the group! A beautiful, handsome girl from the Outer Rings!” Olga says. They part ways, Olga and Stacy to the left, Rosalie and Naka to the right. “Everybody! Give a round of applause for!” The lights shut out. “Charlie!”

She steps out of the curtains. The crowd is silent when they see her walk slowly into position. Even in the dark you can see the nervous eyes of your Idols stare at Charlie. They keep up the smiles at least. Charlie takes a deep breath.

[1/2]

>>1125158
[2/2]

Some guys kiss me,
Some guys hug me,
I think they're ok,
If they don't give me proper credit
I just walk away!

They can beg and they can plead
But they can't see the light!
'Cause the boy with the pulse rifle
Is always Mister Right!

Cuz I am fighting on a colonial world!
And I am a colonial girl!
They'll know that I'm fighting on a colonial world!
And I am a colonial girl!

Some boys romance
Some boys slow dance,
That's all right with me!
If they can't fix a powerloader then I
Have to let them be

Some boys try and some boys lie but
I don't let them play!
Only boys (and maybe a gal) who beats up bugs
Make my rainy day!

Cuz I'm fighting on a colonial world!
And I am a colonial girl!
They'll know that I'm fighting on a colonial world!
And I am a colonial girl!

-

-

Fucking fantastic.

Everything went brilliantly. The CDF old coot at the entrance was suddenly swarmed by people who wanted to join the CDF, and the MI and Fleet Recruiters were now mobbed again as well. Either by people who want to buy war bonds or by people who to enlist, it didn't matter. It was all progress.

And it was thanks to Charlie. You pop into the dressing room with the staff and find the girls jumping around Charlie in a huddle. “Ho! Ho! Ho! Live forever!” They raise their arms, hugging and clutching Charlie like a doll in celebration. Charlie seems to be brought to tears, grinning happily. “That was fucking great, Charlie!” yells Stacy. “You did great!”

“Th- thanks...” says Charlie. “I- I- Thank you, everyone. I-...” She hugs Olga, then immediately kisses her on the cheek. Olga blushes intensely, immediately melting in her arms. “You've all been so kind! I can't take it!” She starts sobbing, holding onto a limp Olga like a security blanket.

> “Come on, let's get back to the hotel so we can celebrate.”
> “BREAK OUT THE SCOTCH, MILLS!”
> “I'm proud of you.”
> Other

>>1125168
>> Other
TIME TO GO TO M-PLANET!

>>1125168
>“I'm proud of you.”
We need a stage name for each of these girls, because 'Charlie' simply isn't marketable.

>>1125186
What if we teach her to surf?

>>1125201
>implying

>>1125168
> “I'm proud of you.”

>>1125168
> “I'm proud of you.”

>>1125168
> “I'm proud of you.”
>Lets get going!

>>1125168
> “I'm proud of you.”
> “Come on, let's get back to the hotel so we can celebrate.”

>>1125168
> “I'm proud of you.”
> “Come on, let's get back to the hotel so we can celebrate.”

>>1125168
> “I'm proud of you.”
> “Come on, let's get back to the hotel so we can celebrate.”

> “I'm proud of you.”
> “Come on, let's get back to the hotel so we can celebrate.”

You hold out your arms, then Charlie lets go of Olga and lets her fall into the arms of Stacy and Rosalie. Charlie runs into your arms and hugs you tight. “I'm so proud of you, Charlie. I really am!” You pat her on the head, smiling. Charlie soaks your jacket with her tears, but still she grins and hugs you warmly and tightly. “Right. Let's get autographs out of the way, alright? Then we go back to the hotel and we can celebrate!”

“Yeah!” Charlie wipes her tears away, then looks to the four other Idols. “Let's go, girls!” Azuma motions them to follow him, and he quickly winks at you, knowing that today's show was a darn good success.

-

-

You all clink glasses back at the hotel. The entire staff is abuzz with cheer and jubilation at Charlie's first show. “Oh... now I can't wait for my show!” yells Naka. All the girls laugh with her, sharing a table with Nonon, Burkett, and Mills. Champagne and sparkling cider is shared all throughout the room. And while the champagne is good, it's not the hard scotch that you really like to be quite frank.

Azuma smiles at you, having changed into a fresh shirt and some jeans. The work of a stage director like him is a tough one. “Congrats, Lieutenant.” He clinks his glass of champagne against yours. “Another good show under our belt.”

“Of course!” You smile at him. “What, you doubted I could do it?”

“Once is a fluke, twice is a pattern,” he says simply. You playfully slap him, pouting. “But...” He frowns a little, looking to the table with you. “It's gonna get harder, next time they get into combat.”

“No, it won't. They'll have me.” You point to yourself, grinning.

“Yeah. That's what worries me,” he mutters. You what. You punch him on the arm. “Ow!”

> “Get me a scotch.”
> “You're a cheeky fuck, babe.”
> “We'll be fine! Just you wait.”
> Other

>>1125428
> “You're a cheeky fuck, babe.”

>>1125428
>> Other
Punch him again!
HAPPY TIMES NAO

>>1125428
> “Get me a scotch.”

Victory alcoholism!

>>1125428
> “You're a cheeky fuck, babe.”

>>1125428
>> “Get me a scotch. Grab one for Nonon and you, too.”
>> “You're a cheeky fuck, babe.”

>>1125428
> “You're a cheeky fuck, babe.”

> “You're a cheeky fuck, babe.”
> “Get me a scotch.”

You smirk, then punch him again. He yelps. “Ah! What!?”

“You're a cheeky fuck, babe.” Snorting, you motion to the refreshments table. “Get me a fucking scotch. One for you, one for Nonon too. We're gonna celebrate for realsies this time.” Azuma rubs his arm, smiling a little. But still, he sneers a bit before stepping past you to go get the scotch. Danner walks up to you then. “Danner.” You offer your hand to him, and he shakes it very politely. “Job well done.”

“Yes, job well done, Lieutenant.” He smiles at you, looking out to the girls. You look around some more. Understandably, your parents do seem to be absent. That's a shame. It's not really hurtful but it's still a shame. You understand that they have no real horse in the Idol business anyway. “I look forward to our show down on the moon.”

“Oh, our next show.” You blink.

“Something the matter?” he asks.

“Well.” Azuma nudges you. Oh drink. You quickly take it then take a deep drink of the scotch. Oooh, that's much better. “Danner. I was hoping we could make time to go back to Myrmido, help liberate the planet. I mean... we owe that much to Charlie after all.”

Danner frowns a bit. “We do. But we owe it to her now as well to keep the momentum up. I mean, Naka needs her own entrance too, perhaps among her own kind as well?” Yeah, you suppose that's true. But- “Look. We can settle this in the morning. Right now, it's a time to celebrate. I won't rain on our parade with any-”

The hotel starts shaking. What the fuck!? Everyone goes quiet as everything in the dining hall rumbles. “Oh my God!” Faraday yelps in fright as he stands at the window. “The Shipyard!” You all hurry to the window and look up at the night sky of Titan Station.

The shipyard is aflame, a gigantic explosion has engulfed most of it. By God. How could've this happened!? The girls all gasp in fright, except for Charlie. Charlie glares at the explosion. Suddenly, one of the Fleet ships is torn asunder by another explosion, making everyone flinch and scream. “What's going on!?” yells Olga. You see little trails scream past the scattered and scrambled Fleet ships hurl down into the city itself, lighting buildings up. “Lieutenant!?”

A Hotel security officer bursts into the dining hall. “We need to get everyone into shelters now!”

“What's going on!?” asks Nonon.

“It's a raid! The bugs are raiding Titan Station!”

>>1125685
That's it for tonight's Starship Idols. Next week it's Kuat Colle and this weekend, LGA2. Sorry for the slowness, things happened today involving me finally getting a new job but we'll speed things up for LGA2 hopefully for sure.

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

See you next time.

>>1125695
Thanks for running Schteel.

>>1125695
Thanks for the fun boss.

Awesome news!

>>1125685
>Fleet had most of its ships in dry-docks instead of patrolling.

That's fine, we didn't need a budget anyway.

>>1125695
CONGRATULATIONS!
RIP all your free time though
and quests probably

also RIP MC's dad and mom

>>1125695
Thanks for running, congats on job.

>>1125695
thnaks and congrates i guse.
oh no time to suit up and show peopel what we can do
also the bugs are gettign balls on them now.
y didnt the fleet stop this??

>>1125815
Because they're all out defending three frontier planets from bug invasion

>>1125815
>>1125834
This isn't the first time something like this happened. Fleet as a whole generally tries to impose the "final battle" on the Arachnid Fleet (which if you've read any of the answers to questions in previous thread, you know the Arachnids avoid that), and a result most Fleet battlegroups are kept clumped up in very large but horribly inflexible formations.

This was bound to happen again at some point.

>>1125848
So perfect time for PM to go 'You're fucking stupid, Spread it out' ?

>>1125857
She's been saying that quite a bit but Fleet just doesn't really listen.

And to be completely fair to Fleet, anytime they do encounter Arachnid ships, they completely paste them. It's just never a decisive pasting.

>>1125872
So wouldn't it make sense then that if they paste them each time they are encountered to split the battle groups into 2-3 screening fleets lead by 1 or 2 Capital ships to cover more ground and keep up the pasting?

>>1125880
Fleet doesn't consider it worth the effort. The Arachnid Fleet isn't really a Fleet so much as a mishmash conglomerate of ships that just do raid random planets at will. They're hoping that one day they'll get the opportunity however to follow one element back to the Fleet as a whole.

>>1125950
Why not use a patrol vessel to use a missile to implate a tracking beach into the bug? I'm not used to such stupidity of a fleet. Usually its the army lol.

>>1125974
Fleet enjoys the prestige of being the best reason why the Federation is as big as it is. So they got kind of lax.

As for tracking beacons. That was tried. The big problem was that the Arachnid raiding parties generally just never linked back up with the main Arachnid Fleet. It's gotten to the point where some people are convinced that the Arachnids don't even have a Fleet.

The truth is the Arachnids are so completely new to the idea of a navy (being underground dwellers mostly) that they have no real idea how to organize them properly.

>>1125986
Titan is a major shipyard world or a minor one?

>>1125994
They make battleships, so major. Especially since it's right next door (galactically speaking) to Earth

>>1125994
Titan is one of the major shipyards of the Federation. It's also one of the few shipyards in the Federation that can actually build the Fleet's battleships like the Pacific-class Battleships.

>>1126025
They fucking earned this then, Stupid fucks. They better rethink doction now or else we'll keep getting repeats of this.

File: I read your book.png (17 KB, 407x405)

17 KB PNG

>>1126025
I can just see the Bug equivalent of a General Revil going "You wanted a DECISIVE BATTLE? Well here's your FUCKING DECISIVE BATTLE, right at your main shipyard in your home system!"

>>1126181
>>1126025

Have the Bugs Colony dropped us yet Boss?