>>1244344
A couple minutes later, Izumi hops up. “Alright, I’d say I’m done. How about you?”

You lean back up- those stretches actually weren’t bad. “Sure. Just say the word!”

You both assume fighting positions, and for some time, there is quiet. Utter silence.

One second…

Two seconds…

Three seconds…

Four-

“Go!” And with that she immediately dashes towards you, her hands lighting up with something.

>Any technique that has a visible cost associated with it is banned from this fight.

>Aggressive gameplan; the best defensive is a good offense- don’t even let her get rolling. Just smother her movement as best you can so she can’t actually use that agility.
>Counter-strike gameplan; meet her strikes with your own, and interrupt whenever she’s trying to do something. Be careful not to be caught off-guard and unbalance yourself!
>Defensive gameplan; Tank the shots she gives you for a sure strike when she opens herself to attack. So long as it doesn’t hit TOO hard…
>Sneaky gameplan; feints and misdirection are the order of the day here. If she’s not sure what you’re doing, then she won’t be able to prepare for it.
>Other

>>1244348
>>Sneaky gameplan; feints and misdirection are the order of the day here. If she’s not sure what you’re doing, then she won’t be able to prepare for it.

Catching her off balance is gonna be key

>>1244348
>>Sneaky gameplan; feints and misdirection are the order of the day here. If she’s not sure what you’re doing, then she won’t be able to prepare for it.

>>1244348
> Counter-strike gameplan
we supposed to be sparring, not trying to end this fight as fast as possible.

I'm a little confused, are we using mana enhanced physical boost?

>>1244402
Magiblasts and all the other stuff that doesn't have a listed mana cost are go

>>1244348
>Sneaky gameplan; feints and misdirection are the order of the day here. If she’s not sure what you’re doing, then she won’t be able to prepare for it.
Make her think we're going full defensive, keeping her at range with Magi-blasts and seemingly waiting for one to tag her when she trips up, when we're actually going for a grapple.

Since we can only use techniques without a cost, our endgame should probably be a grappling hold plus Shock Touch and Energy Channel.

wait a minute none of izumi's techniques have a cost

>>1244471
Nope. But just for fairness' sake, she won't use Demon's Roar, Extreme Tension, Shape Weapon, or Rajomon.

Writing!

>>1244348
>Sneaky gameplan; feints and misdirection are the order of the day here. If she’s not sure what you’re doing, then she won’t be able to prepare for it.

Pretend to actually be hurt then sucker punch her. Haha that's what you get for still having a heart Izumi.

>>1244348
>>1244372
>>1244392
>>1244471

As she dips forward, you rush as though you’re going to meet her in the middle; you can see her grin as you close the distance quickly melt into a somewhat confused eyebrow raise as you quickly shift into a slide tackle- she’s forced to hurdle you and clears you with some success- you reach out to try and grab her by the ankle, but she’s a bit too quick for that and all you get is some skin-on-skin contact.

You quickly lift yourself up as she turns again to approach, but you barely manage to catch an open palm strike as she closes ground. From there it’s a high-paced dance of dodges and blocks and swift strikes- she moves like a snake, quick and powerful and so very deadly, and it takes a surprising amount of focus to keep them from hitting you flush, even the blocked attacks stinging you harshly; but you return the favor with powerful punches that she’s forced to avoid- feinted strikes let you get some glacing blows in, but she’s not exactly made of paper, and holds her ground while retaliating with a palm to the head that you’re sure would’ve had you seeing white for a second if it’d hit; which causes you to hesitate for a split second-

Suddenly, her left leg shifts to the right slightly as her hand draws back, still glowing in preparation for some sort of technique- you’ve got to act now!

>Action?

(Ugh, might be slow...agaaain)

>>1244614
Dash straight at her and headbutt her in the face.

>>1244614
>Dodge.
Then teleport behind her.

>>1244614
Relative positions not fully clear. We seem to have just hit her with a glancing blow (Arm(s?) presumably outstretched or in the process of being withdrawn directly after), while she's just missed us with a palm strike and is pulling back an arm (The same arm? Left or right?) and bracing her left leg. Are we currently already in the process of getting clear, or is our footing still braced from our previous strike?

By our estimation, are we able to land a blow before she does whatever she's about to do?

>>1244653
In the interest of moving on: in the event we still have our forward momentum, make use of it to lunge in and grab her to throw her off balance, or shoulder charge her (depending on the current positioning of our arms).

In the event we're currently moving backwards or away, it would be easier and probably more effective to just dodge and throw Magi-waves to force her away.

In the unlikely event that we're currently completely stationary, I suppose she would be least expecting a charge, so let's do that and then actually just tuck and roll past her because there's no way we're connecting when she has the initiative.

>>1244867
>>1244614
Supporting

>>1244867
Looks good, supporting

Great news. I've gotten word from my employer, and I'm getting more hours at work.

Problem is, this means I won't be able to run nearly as often unless I were to bump up run start times by at least 2 or so hours, and I'm not sure most folks are game for that. Sundays are the only guaranteed days, maybe Saturdays.

>>1245475
Get paid nigga.

Hey, is there a cost for just using magic to blind her? Like a laser beam to the eyes?

>>1245487
Hm. Good question. That sounds kinda like a toned down magi-beam/sun's flare. Magi-beam doesn't cost anything, but Flare does. But presumably you mean like a low-powered strobe? Hm...

I'm gonna rule no. As in you can do it, no cost.

Incidentally, you all can come up with techniques; I did give you a bit of a throwaway line when describing her stuff with 'this isn't everything she knows', but I'll admit that might've been a bit obtuse + hasn't been a lot of downtime. I'll think of a way to hash that out- maybe with rolls.

Writing, incidentally.

>>1245505
Can we combine that with magical sound since we have a history of that, for a disorientating light show? Like echoing our voice around her?

FULL MINMEI!

>>1245505
Or like, a magic-enhanced scream into her face while grappling? Or mimicking Lorelei's voice from behind her?

>>1245475
Real life always takes precedence. Don't feel obliged to run on days that you can't.

I wouldn't have a problem with moving the start time myself.

>>1245505
We probably need some kind of limitation on what we're allowed to come up with. What sorts of magic are Miranda most knowledgeable in? Or what power level should we limit ourselves to?

At the very least, there are a fair number of useful techniques wouldn't make sense for her to have actually known all along simply because she probably ought to have used them in missions before now (most notably, flight and mind-affecting magic), so we could do with a list of things Miranda most definitely doesn't know or won't touch.

To spitball some ideas given Miranda's apparent skill in blowing stuff up, would any of:
>a portable barrier, the size of a tower shield, passively anchored relative to Miranda's body, or actively moved with concentration, strong but some magnitudes weaker than Great Barrier or Light Barrier
>persistent mana constructs which hover in place unless actively directed to move by Miranda and automatically fire Magi-blasts/beams/waves at designated targets within range
>Magi-blast/etc. optimized for sniping and penetrative rather than explosive power; optimized for spread shot and becoming a literal Touhou; or modified for automatic homing on designated targets
>targeted physical debuffs within wide-area zone-of-effects
>teleportation and/or high-speed movement bursts
>remote telekinesis
be things Miranda might already know?

>>1245595
Well, we know she has a history of being a Singing magical girl, so I figured I would work with that.

Also our flux wave is disorientating.

Our other stuff is pretty basic "blow shit up" and "Be Stronk" from POWER OVERWHELMING.

FYI, we should try a charge against Izumi. Strength = Speed.

So I would like to go with confusion/control magic to disorientate and disable enemies so we can get in close & wreck them.

> Sonic Scream - Magically amplified scream that can stun enemies at close range.

> Bullet Whisperer - Guide bullets by vocally manipulating the air around them, "singing" air out of the way, or singing a "tube" of air to more accurately group bullets; best used with fully automatic weapons or ideally a GAU-8 "Avenger".

> Destructive resonance - Punches leave timed magical bursts that detonate at the same time to create a destructive resonating burst with each other and blow enemies apart from within.

> Smoke and Mirrors - Strobing magical lights and echoes disorientate enemies.

> Now you see me , , , - Magical camo~! Can also be used for instant costume changes on the battlefield.

>>1245657
Don't we already have a power called megaphone that is basically screaming real loud?

>>1244614
>>1244867
>>1244950
>>1245352
You quickly shift further back, jumping back in the hopes that it’s about to whiff.

It doesn’t- it’s some kind of incredible short ranged magi-wave, but it’s wide and travels just enough to impact. A second wipe with her other hand reveals it to be slow, but long lasting- it’s crawling through the air, practically, almost like it’s a glowing fire that’s stationary in the air. You give her all of a questioning glance, and she just grins. “I’ll explain later.”

Fair. You can do that, too. Sorta.

Two swipes of your hand, and two magi-waves shoot forth- the first impacts the slow moving wave- you’re surprised it lasted so long, and apparently with little effort from Izumi? -and the two disperse in a small blast and shimmering light. The second careens through, and you can see Izumi dodge gracefully, before moving to close in again, palms ready.

Hm. Alright, sure thing, then. Time to meet her head on…

...For all of a half-second. She sees your charge coming, and you can see her shift to catch you- which means she’s not in a good position when you tuck and roll, skimming past her on her left side; she’s quick to turn around, but not quite quick enough to jump away- you manage to just barely catch her trailing arm, and quickly pivot it into an over-the-shoulder throw, intending to hurl her away.

What you DON’T expect is her gripping onto the collar of your jacket with her free arm in the nick of time, arresting her own momentum and nearly taking you off your feet as she falls back first- only to shift her legs under her at near the last second, catching her body and avoiding her landing flat on her back. You’re not stuck in a great position even as she holds onto you in a sort of inverted grapple- you leaning forward off your center of gravity, her leaning far, far back, nearly parallel to the ground.
She just looks at you with a smirk on her face from her strange position. “Good attempt.”

You shrug. “I got more.”

>Headbutt
>Lift, powerslam
>Chokehold
>Other

>>1245763
Yup, but I was thinking like an "Overcharge" version.

Smoke and Mirrors is the same sort of thing, using the same principles as "Sun's Flare" to create light shapes that look like us, while covering us in light too, as opposed to trying to blind people.

I wonder if we could also do a sort of "Plasma Beam" by using Shocking Grasp w/ magi-blasts, or maybe do a light "laser taser". Something something polarizing beam between us and the target creates a pathway for the electricity/magic to flow down. Lightning GUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

>>1245785
>> Cunt Punt
>> Chokehold

Let's use our superior strength here.

>>1245785
>>1245795

ALSO! Shock Touch doesn't have a mana cost. Let's juice her up in addition to whatever we do.

>>1245785
>Other
>Shock Touch+Energy Channel

Also start throwing our Magi-blasts into the air. Not with the intention of hitting her, just to hover in place around the arena to be actually fired when needed. If we break concentration, we lose nothing.

>>1245657
That's Lorelei that liked to sing, incidentally.

>>1245802
>>Shock Touch+Energy Channel
And keep the energy channel up

>>1245816
Well whooooooooooooops

>>1245816
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN-qaiKtVw4

Have a wrestling song.

>>1245785
>>Other
Oil coaster.

Shocking magic something something I dunno.

>>1245896
You cannot oil up enough to do that.

>>1245909
Goddamn it. Next time we're back home, I'm autismo-fitting until we get at least a bottle of oil in our bag.

>>1245795
>>1245801
>>1245802
>>1245840
A wicked idea sparks through you. Almost quite literally. “Say uncle.”

“What? No.” You shift as best you can- she tries to follow suit, adjusting to get out the hold without giving too much of an opportunity.

“You sure?” And with that you drop down into an inverted facelock- at least partially. She figures what you’re trying to do as soon as you let gravity win, and she immediately starts trying to squirm out- ah, too late, though. At a thought, electricity shoots up your body- not the grossest shock, but enough to cause her to jerk a bit. “Aaaaughghghg ohohohohoh!”

...is...is she laughing?

Yeah. Yeah that’s laughing okay let’s change this now. You quickly light up as well- free flowing energy burning up through your body in addition to the electric surge, and sit yourself up, bringing Izumi up as well, who’s getting lashed by the two energies in concert. “Give up yet?”

What comes out of her mouth is strained giggling as you continue to grip at her, and she wriggles a bit, testing your hold only to find your grip ironclad. You can see her tensing a bit now- she’s going to try SOMETHING…

...and with little warning she CATAPULTS a leg up, up, up and back- and the next thing you know you’re seeing white as her leg cracks you square on the head at a near 180 degree angle. You’re both impressed, and in pain, and that plus the surprise of it loosens your grip just enough to allow her to burst out of your hold, forcing you to scramble to your feet as she does hers.

Izumi is breathing a touch harder now, you can see parts of her smoking a bit with residual energy, but nothing she can’t nap off. Good. She leaps back, as do you, and before you know it the whole affair’s turned into a bit of a shootout, as she starts launching magi-blasts your way; you’re forced to run and duck continuously, and at one point you can feel a distinct ‘prick’ on your body- she’s gotten you marked. You return fire, and magic collides in the air in technicolor bursts as several of your shots collide with each other. Soon, you can see her move in behind her shots, darting forward and trying to close the distance yet again. She’s doing an amazing job of juking your own shots- hers you mostly avoid by sudden stops and erratic movement, and even then more than a few clip you, or smash into you flush- not enough to take you off your feet, but enough to feel, certainly. Might be best to try and end this quick.

>Meet her head on.
>Sucker punch her via controlled magi-blasts.
>Other

Last for tonight, I apologize. Will hopefully be back Saturday. Can probably use this time to talk about things you'd like to see from the quest, suggestions, comments, future plans, etc.

>>1246082
Send a barrage of blasts AT her, forcing her to dodge . . . To where we'll be charging to punch her.

If possible, set the blasts to actually stop behind her so if she dodges back THEN they explode. Or service we can punch her into them.

>>1246082
How well did we meet gnearths and the rest of DMs expectations when we took out the cannons?

>>1245595
Never answered this. In order:

>Light Barrier is basically this only bigger. It moves with her if need be.
>Nope, that's more Lorelei's wheelhouse.
>Magi-beam was initially intended to be that- it just fell out of use for the jobs she normally takes.
>Define?
>She's incapable of teleportation. High-speed movement/flash step is possible with some help.
>She's incapable of tk. That's not in her powerset.

>>1246111
> G'nearth: "...Well damn, lookit 'em go! I'd call that a worthwhile investment!"

> Icey: Outstanding. I wonder if we might could poach them..."

>Green-hair: "Damned sparkly big-haired...bah, whatever..."

>>1246082
>Meet her head on.

>Might be best to try and end this quick.
What are you, afraid of losing?

>>1246082
>Meet her head on.
When in doubt, go in hard

>>1246082
>>Meet her head on.

>>1246082
>Other
Move in such a way that her (automatically?) homing Magi-blasts come at you from a single direction, and then disperse several at once with a Magi-wave, thus maintaining better shot efficiency than her.

With the remaining time you're not using to counter her shots, pester her with controlled magi-blasts.

There should always be some hovering ominously in the air, waiting to be used when she's least expecting, just to keep her honest.

You're (probably) more practiced in hurling magical blasts around, given how your entire arsenal revolves around it, so she likely shouldn't be able to out-shoot you. Closing would be a bad idea since you'll become less able to dodge her shots, while she's just as able to dodge yours.

>>1246112
Seems like there's a decent amount of limitations on what Miranda can and can't use?

>>1246929
> Teleporting & TK not available

> Mana clones/drones not available

I don't think missing those things are terribly limiting.

I bet we could do a lot more with mana traps though. Maybe even build up to creating Ateliers given time.

Think like a spiders Web.

>>1246967
Are you forgetting something...?

>>1246967
It's not that missing those things is limiting, it's that I would expect a brute-force combat-focused caster to be able to do at least some things of that sort. Perhaps I've just got the wrong idea here.

I guess I just can't tell what types of magic Miranda is actually versed in, aside from Explosions and Bigger Explosions, which makes it seem like there's more limitations on what she knows than there actually are?

>>1246972
yeah he needs to define the boundaries f her powers or this will just suck

>>1246972
The Flux wave & light trap thing makes it seem like she can build magical "constructs" and shift mana frequencies easily. That plus her "aura" buffs.

Maybe shapeshifting is an option?

Magical construct mecha, like D-va's mech?

Hey, I'm more awake now, thought on a couple things, and I can clarify some stuff (that I really should've Day 1, admittedly.)

Miranda's power definition can be called extreme energy projection, while all three can do it to an extent, Miranda can put a LOT more force behind whatever it is she does. She can build 'constructs' but just not complicated stuff. A lot of what defines Miranda is practicality, in my head. For example, she hasn't copied Izumi's weapon shaping simply because (at least in my head) she's seen no practical need for it- she can outpower anything Izumi shapes out with a full-charge magi-blast, and they generally move fast enough for her purposes.

Miranda was described as a 'Goku' character earlier, and that's kind of an apt description of what I was initially going for with her- someone with both impressive energy control and monstrous physical strength, but relatively straightforward with her techniques. Later I realized that wouldn't quiiite make sense, so I'd adjusted it to give her some more esoteric powers, like the self-buffs and whatnot.

I could see her, for example, developing some kind of giant spirit mode to allow her to fight giant monsters head to head, but she's had success in just using her size and agility to her advantage, so she hasn't yet.

I can understand if there's some conflict with logic here, so if you've anything to point out, feel free.

>>1247547
So we should be able to become a Diablo 2 hammerdin, but with magiblasts, or stuff like homing soul mass?

Cause i'd love something like that

>>1247688
Had to look up what you meant, but I s'pose so, yes.

And I thought I picked examples anyone would know. Basically just floating, homing proximity mines around our person. An offensive boon and a great deterrent is pretty much perfect for us.

>>1247547
>She can build 'constructs' but just not complicated stuff.
And she can move these constructs around right? So can we make a hoverboard?

>>1248376
In theory. It'd take concentration to move, but yes.

>>1248778
>Miranda is a low key green lantern confirmed
nice

>>1248996
If you want to call it that...

Oh, and run should be tomorrow. Time is uncertain, but it'll be earlier than normal.

>>1251546
Whoop, dropped my trip.

Begins in 30, sound off if anyone's game.

Hopefully I can get better at writing fight scenes.

>>1254592
I'm here.

>>1254592
here

>>1254592
'ere

>>1254592
Add some POWs, BAMs, KAPOWs and KABAMs in there. Along with some exclamation marks. That'll make the action scenes more actiony.

>>1246082
>>1246156
>>1246333
>>1246753
Almost on instinct, you push forward as well, moving to meet her as well. She moves confidently, but you’ve no time to second-guess yourself. She slips back into close combat range, right in time for you to meet her with a solid right; at least, if it’d connected. Instead, your punch seems to slide off her, as she tilts her face just so- you heard impact for certain, but that doesn’t stop her from driving two palms into your gut, and a third into your chin that causes your head to snap back like a bobblehead as you take a few steps back.

You’re nowhere near out of it yet, however, and she darts in for another series, slipping past another fist of yours only to nearly double over as your knee collides with her gut- once is enough, but twice isn’t happening! A second knee to the abdomen gets a wheezing cough from her, and you make with a forearm to drop her to the ground.

The hand that snatches you up doesn’t surprise you- what does is the fact that after two knees she still has the core strength to hop up, wrapping her legs around your forearm and neck as she drops her upper body to the ground- and you along with it in a wickedly strong triangle choke.

For a second your vision blurs, and you’re blinking hard, dropping to one knee as Izumi clenches with all she’s got. “Surrender!” she barks out. You’re...not inclined to…but things are getting a bit...tiresome...hm…

...so sleepy...

>This is a bit much...maybe you should call it done...
>Sleep. You’re tired...
>Ugggh...you can get her off you...right?
>Other

>>1254833
>Other
Whatever happened to that Shock Touch and Energy Channel we had up?

>>1254851
She's tanking it at the moment. It's being taken into account- I'm surprised I forgot to mention it.

>>1254833
>>Ugggh...you can get her off you...right?
>Shock Touch
zzap

>>1254592
>>1248996
I think we're more Red Lantern actually. Lots of raw power, but difficulty with complexity.

Still. Hmm. Hey, is there a way to use up ambiant mana WITHOUT absorbing it?

Just thinking about things we could do. Like maybe triggering pockets of high density mana with our Flux wave by attuning to it or opposing the frequency. Like, "pushing" it around with our mana until it starts to over-correct and collapse on itself?

Or is it possible to pull it in and cycle it out without absorbing it, and if possible would that then be faster since we aren't absorbing or manipulating it but just changing the frequency slightly as it happens but constantly? Maybe even time it out so that we can have it different enough to clash when we pass the mana around a second time.

Cheaper Flux Wave or maybe a greater AoE in higher mana density areas? Or screwing with things that absorb ambient mana like bullshit crystals.

Like how a singer can shatter glass with the right note. But with mana. And less "the perfect note" and more "Sonic Cannon".

>>1254833
> Sonic Shout

Do our scream thing. It should push open our throat yeah? Then we can wiggle out while her grip is loosened + she is stunned.

>>1254833
>>1254855
Good to know.

A brief Google suggests we may be able to rotate ourselves out of the choke by pressing our weight forward and pinning her with an arm and a knee to either side of her to prevent her from turning with us.

Alternatively, we could try blasting her in the face from close range.

>>1254891
>>1254855
> Megaphone

Figured I would be NOT lazy and look up the name.

Alternate plan:Point Blank Mana Blast. We're tanky. We can take it.

Alternate alternate plan: Lick the inside of her thigh and tell her that she's salty.

10 minutes till vote lock.

>>1254833
> magi blast
I would have gone with a megaphone to the pussy of I wasn't worried about fucking up our throat. Not sure of the mechanics. Our jumping up to smush her against the ceiling, but that might hurt our neck...

I'm also good with the thigh lick plan.

What did the five fingers say to the face?

Writing.

>>1254833
>>1254891

> Sonic Shout
and/or
>>1254902
>lick her thigh
it sounds so fucking stupid that it might just work

>>1254833
No, no...you gotta get something done, right...she’s gotta get off…

You can’t spare any more thought on the matter, and just do the first thing you can process- your hand is in front of her face, right?

Yeah…

There’s a flash of greenish-white, and and then...nothingness.

…
…

When you wake up, your vision’s still fuzzy, and you’re on your back. You blink briefly, trying to clear out the cobwebs. How long were you out?

A groaning nearby seems to want to answer that. You crane your head up slightly to see Izumi sprawled out as well- huh. You knew she was wearing a skirt. The bike shorts are new, though. You start to pick yourself up off the ground, dusting yourself off, breathing deeply. Taking a better look at her, you see she’s more than a bit burnt looking thanks to your energy channel and shock touch doubled up. Her clothes...might need some repair. Yeah.

The girl in question leans up similarly to you, her hair a mess, and some marks on her face- she’ll be able to heal that up easily enough, but it’s prove at the moment of your efforts. She looks, blinking briefly as she tries to register what just happened. “Ugh...I...suppose that means you won…” You can tell that her statement is less in disgust and more in exhaustion. “I’m going to need a bath…”

You sigh, looking at yourself. You’re not a whole lot better, honestly. “Could probably use the same, myself. Unfortunately, all we got is showers.”

Izumi smiles ruefully. “Ah, the sacrifices we make for our job.”

At least you'd have the rest of the day to handle preparations...

>Roll 1d20, Best of 3.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1255185

>>1255185
10 minutes before lock.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1255185

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1255185
One day we'll meet a problem that we can't just blast our way out of.

Huh. 19. Neat!

Writing, by the by.

>>1255017
> lick her thigh

I mean, obviously a joke suggestion. But some fighters DO, do things like that. Tell dirty jokes or sometimes give a little tickle or a nipple tweak or something just to mess with the other guy in the clinch.

Licking is usually a little too far, but a) this isn't a performance match and b) rules are different for girls, doubly so for magical girls, and c) Izumi seems to have some trouble with getting her head in the game unless bullets are flying.

Like she's a wrecker when she puts her mind to it, but I kind of feel like if she's not in high gear then she thinks too much about things like getting licked intimately by a co-worker/friend or "are we the baddies."

>>1255185
>>1255207
>>1255283
>>1255316
At the very least, the showers are actually good. High pressure, water temperature nice and hot, and seems like there’s little to worry about in the way of wasting it. Then again, it’s likely converted mana. Very useful, those massive converters, really. You and Izumi take your time getting cleaned up- neither of you are too particularly injured, so the both of you quickly decide to just walk it off rather than waste effort healing it.

It’s past then that you bump (almost quite literally) into Morris, apparently wandering around a bit. “Oh, yo! One of the super-chicks, right?” He grins in a smug yet playful way. “Sorry, I forget your name. Started with an M, though, right?” You nod. Whatever he wants, hopefully it’s nothing too annoying. “Hey, considerin’ my runnin’ into you, just wanted to say, well...y’know. Thanks for helpin’ out. We’re still kinda bummed about Owlia doing what she’s doin’, but…” he sighs. “Glad to know it’s not over just yet. We’re gonna get our little sis back and turn this tide!” His confidence doesn’t quite reach his eyes, but he keeps going. “So yeah, if there’s ANYTHING you wanna know, just ask. We’re totally open books!” He looks askance briefly right as he says that, however.

You follow his eyes to a door beyond- looks like he might've been headed to the hangar?

He shrugs, slightly embarrassed. "Well, I mean, later on...maybe. Right now, At-man's been talkin' like he's gonna keep us kinda busy- I'm s'pose to be going out to help patrol and guard the ships and stuff. But hey, I probably got time for a quick one, at least! If you're curious, I mean."

>Ask about the team's history together.
>Ask about their specific encounters with Lord Cylica.
>Ask about Owlia’s personality and if it was different than now.
>Other

>>1255648
>Ask about their specific encounters with Lord Cylica.

>Ask about Owlia's weaknesses, bad habits and quirks that can help us defeat her.

>>1255648
>>Ask about their specific encounters with Lord Cylica.

>>1255648
> ask about their encounters with Silica
> Ask about Owlia's personality changes

Agh, forgot about the 5-10 minute warning. Ah well.

Asking about bad times. Writing!

Bit of a delay. Will be back!

Think we might have to convince both.

>>1255648
>>1255660
>>1255666
>>1255699

Hm. Not like you’d let such an invitation go, really. It could be valuable intel. “Well, if you insist…”

“Can’t say I’m not!” He spreads his arms in a show of good faith. “Fire away!”

“You mentioned you’d encountered Lord Cylica more than once, right?” You ask. “What were those situations like?”

He cringes, but only slightly, and the smile isn’t entirely removed from his face. “Oof, asking the hard stuff right off the bat, huh? Yeah, I guess you might be wondering about it.” He takes a deep breath, leaning against the hallway wall as he searches his mind for memories. “Okay, soo...yeah, us and her have had more than one scrap throughout this whole thing. She’s a real slippery gal, and crazy powerful, too. It’s always scary, lemme tell ya. She just never seems to crack, emotionally. Like, sure, she’ll be super quiet one minute, and then all loud and scary the next, but I’ve never seen her actually ‘freak out’, y’know? Unshakeable.” He shivers at the thought.

“So, any examples? I’m asking because I’m curious about how she got into Owlia’s head.” you clarify.

“Ohhhh. Okay, yeah!” The implication you might be trying to figure something out seems to spark something in him. “So, one time we were going on a supply run near Ferrosian borders at the time, right? Trying to get some stuff to the guys on the front lines, y’know? But, long story short, we ran into a disguised Cylica with some ‘friends’. She’d heard that some sorta relic or other was in one of the skyland’s mines, and so she and a team decided to head in their themselves- but we got to it first. Eventually, we got trapped in the mines, thanks to a trap of hers- that is, everyone but Owlia.”

You raise an eyebrow at that.

“I suspect that’s when it started, honestly. As Owlia told it, her and Cylica got trapped in another part of the mines, and they supposedly had to work together to get out. SUPPOSEDLY Cylica got away when they managed to get free.” He then comes off the wall, leaning in closer. “Personally? I think that bat managed to plant somethin’ in Owlia’s head.”

Well. That could be interesting. Although that could be explained by a number of factors...some probably not wise to mention to Morris. “Hm. Did she suddenly start showing sympathy?” you ask, trying a different tack.

He shakes his head. “Nah, nothing I recall...until a lot later, anyway. At the time, I noticed she looked strange, but I thought she was just ticked that Cylica got away. Wasn’t until the next time where she said anything outward about it.”

cont.

>>1256489
That quickly? “And what was that?”

“Well, we were on a mission trying to sabotage one of her plants. Since Cylica likes crystals so dang much, we figured it’d make sense to have Owlia call the shots on it. We got in alright- mostly, anyway. But something about the place struck a cord with Owlia, I guess…” He trails off, unsure of how to continue.

You simply motion for him to continue. He gives you a look, before sighing. “Well, she started to want to try and take as many crystals outta there as she could. Was just gushing about all the crystals and how she was amazed that they’d been made so well. I mean, it was funny for a while...until we learned that the place was being inspected personally by Cylica.” Ah. “She just kinda showed up, and before I knew it she’d locked eyes with Owlia and asked her her thoughts. Owlia gave ‘em- said she was impressed and all that, but she figured they’d be better used for everyone than some. And then Cylica agreed...and then we got caught and put in prison.”

“I’m sensing a twist to this.” you note. That seems a bit too cut and dry for your tastes.

He nods in confirmation. “Yup. They had us all imprisoned in separate cells in the compound. But, turns out Owlia got the luxury suite, so to speak. Atley managed to bust us all out, but when he got to Owlia, she was sitting in like...a fancy suite with a bed and everything. Only it had one part sectioned off like a prison cell. Creepy, huh?” He doesn’t wait for a reply. “Apparently Cylica had brought her up there to ‘talk shop’ or something. Dunno why. Anyway, it’s all been stuff like that- we meet Cylica, and something happens, they get alone for a while, then...something. Heck, they’ve even fought before; just neither ever got the upper hand it seems. Thought maybe she was just a rival, then next thing you know…” he waggles hand in a loose example. “Yeah. Boom.”

You open your mouth to ask another question, but before you can, you hear a yell down the hall that Morris jumps at. “Ah! Oh, geez, I might be late, talk to ya later, bye!” And with that he takes off with a sprint.

Hm. So, Cylica and Owlia had this over several close encounters...very interesting, for sure. Might talk to Izumi about it later.

>Day 1 OVER

>Day 2

>Pick two events.

>Rest up for the day.
>Gunplay practice.
>Interview potential replacements for Lorelei.
>Talk more with Atley and Morris.
>Other

Trying something else. Like I said, don't want to write out the entire day, and that's just practically what happened.

>>1256522
>Talk more with Atley and Morris.
Intel is important.
>Interview potential replacements for Lorelei.
If someone else is going to back us up, I want it to be someone we can use.

>>1256522
>>Gunplay practice.
and thats the last vote for me tonight, it 02:50 here

>>1256522
>Gunplay practice.
>Interview potential replacements for Lorelei.

>>1256522
>Interview potential replacements for Lorelei.
Um, but isn't she pretty much topped up and just napping now?
>Talk more with Atley and Morris.
I still wanna ask if magical compulsion is a thing in this world. And how close she was to her ex-teammates. Like she just straight up betrayed them. Did she used to justify dodgy missions via utilitarian ethics or was she more worried about causing the least harm possible during the missions.

>>1256600
Magically, she's fine. Physically there's still room for doubt. If you don't want to/think she'll be good to go, then don't pick the option.

Oh geez, sorry, been writing. Thought I sent this.

>>1256522
> Investigate further into Cylica

What's HER goal? Just power? Is she likely to be enhanced with Owlias crystals, or would she be averse to the risk of using new technology like that?

> Find out more about crystals

Specifically, how they're made and how to break them. Can they be shattered, overloaded with mana, countered and rendered inert etc.

It also occurs to me that they have this big old engines spewing out lethal amounts of mana - to anyone who isn't us.

I don't suppose they could make us a vehicle run by one of those with like, ALL of the shielding removed so we can just ride around in an ambulatory war crime.

We stay pumped full of mana, people who get close to us die from it. Huzzah!

>>1256748
Man I did not see this. Nevermind

>>1256522
>>1256537
>>1256571
>>1256600
The next day, you’re quick to check up on Lorelei’s condition. To your relief, she seems to be able to stand up well enough, so after the morning routine, she, you and Izumi head into one of the training rooms for a quick exercise routine, simply to see if she’s gotten her mojo back.

The results were...middling. It seemed like although her weakness had recovered, she had a lot less stamina than you recall. Izumi was quick to mention that this was also something that still needed to recover, but that was just something time could restore. Lorelei insisted she’d be set for the mission, but considering there was still room for doubt…

“You still want to look into replacements?” Izumi asks as you both head down to one of the entertainment rooms. “I’d be surprised if she wasn’t in shape enough to come along tomorrow, all things considered. True, I don’t know if she’d be one-hundred percent, looking at her results today...but I’m pretty sure she’d be more than capable so long as we play it smart.”

“Well, consider it as less replacement, and more backup. I’m just worried, that’s all.” You don’t doubt Lorelei could step up when the situation called for it, but you think you might feel better if she had someone else with her just in case some sort of repeat of what happened back then happens again in the future. You can see Izumi is more faithful than you, judging from her expression, but she’s not saying anything…

It’s a surprisingly short list of people willing to go down with you- you’re not sure why, but nonetheless, the ones who volunteer are:

cont.

>>1256950
Green-hair(who’s name you finally learn is Thaddeus). He’s a second lieutenant, and apparently he uses normal rifle weaponry. Although he looks arrogant, you can’t deny he’s capable where it counts. As you talk to him, you get the impression he might want to take the lead more than follow, however...

Icey also volunteers, stating her desire to work with you guys up-close. Apparently she’s one of the team’s general all-stars; at least, according to her teammates. She uses smaller arms, but she promises she’s got more than martial skills to work with. You already know she and you two get along well enough, and she’s calm enough under fire to consider.

A small, pigtailed, pink haired slip of a thing who said her name was Lulu. Although she only comes up to your neck, she claimed to be a member of the Heavy Weapons Specialist team that called themselves the ‘Big Birds’. She stated that she’s more interested in ‘provin’ you ain’t the only ones that can hit hard’, but she also states she’s not going to do anything stupid in that pursuit. Izumi seemed to nearly fawn over her, though...

A wild-haired, heavy-set teen who says his name is Blaine. He’s more of a gadget user, apparently, having a lot of various technology to help with his...mobility problems, which has come to influence his ground-side work. He has a backpack that seems to have a pair of arms coming out of him. He’s a bit shy, from his own confession, but he’s hoping to get over that sorta. His blushing makes you think there’s another reason, but if anything he seems like he’ll take orders well…

A quieter guy who calls himself North. Thin, black hair over one eye...kinda looks a bit too familiar. He’s not the most physically able of people, he admits, but he’s good with spotting stuff other folks don’t see, so he claims. He uses rifles as well, but prefers to stay well behind where the action is in an effort to support his allies.

At the end of the day, though, you both deliberate…and decide to talk more to-

>Thaddeus
>Icey
>Lulu
>Blaine
>North
>No one, Lorelei should be fine.

>>1256959
>Lulu

>>1256959
>>Icey
But lulu is also a nice option.

>>1256959
>Icey
Lulu seems nice enough, but we should pick someone we already know how to get along with.

>>1256959
For anyone else who forgot what mission this is for
>“We’re headed towards this lil’ series of islands, here.” He points at the group in question. They’re called the Gail Beltlands, due to high winds goin’ about. Crazily enough, Ferrosian forces have been spotted congregating in the area more than recently, despite the risks of the winds throwing aircraft off. Coucil figures there’s a reason for it, so we’re goin’ in to sniff it out. And by we, I mean you three.”
>And here G’nearth looks at you and Izumi. “The kinda winds that place has would toss most troopers around like ragdolls unless they were weighed down to near uselessness. We figure you lot would have better luck, though. Task here is to infiltrate and eliminate. Figure out what’s going on down there, report it back to us, and wipe out as many Ferrosian forces as possible. We’ll be supplying you with super-weighed boots to help keep your feet on the floor, and we’ve agreed that it’d be best if you were ferried in again.

>Icey
So given that we are going in with no support and against an unknown but probably hight number of hostiles I'm going with who I think can keep alive under fire, rather than who can do the most damage like some of them are boasting.

"Oh, hey, I've heard of you guys...I think. 'Black Hearts. Cold Steel. Dark Deeds.'"

"...no, that is an ENTIRELY different group."

"Oh."

Writing!

>>1256959
>>1257011
>>1257061
>>1257073
All things considered, you decide to talk more with Icey. When you both approach her, she just smiles confidently. “I take it I’m coming groundside?” You both nod. “Excellent. I’ll be sure to be ready in time.”

“Well, we figured if it was anyone, you were our best bet.” Izumi states. You had to agree. Icey had proven more than amiable towards you three, and more than likely she’d be able to help out with a minimum of fuss as well as generally suitable combat ability.

“Of course. As I said earlier, I’m rather interested in seeing you work, so I’ll be sure to provide as much support as possible- without getting in your way, of course.” She looks behind you, as if expecting someone else. “If I might ask, how’s Lorelei doing?”

“She’s alright,” you confirm. “She’s just gorging herself in the cafeteria right now.”

Icey lets out a short laugh. “Sounds like a positive development. Well, then. I’m going to go get a few things, and in the meantime you can let Lorelei know of the situation if you haven’t already.”

“Sounds like a plan,” you acknowledge. As she heads off, you both look at each other.

“I think we’ll be alright,” Izumi says with a small smile. “So long as there’s no particularly nasty surprises- which there may be, but on the whole I’m not too paranoid about- then this hopefully won’t go badly.” You’re not sure whether to say anything on her tempting fate, even if she DID sorta cover herself.

As for what you had planned for the rest of the day...

>Talking to Atley and Morris
>Gun practice.
>Other

>Regardless, roll 1d20, best of 3. I'll be cutting it here for tonight. Next run...I'm thinking about trying an early Monday run, but no promises.

>>1256932
Ithis sounds like a nice idea I can get behind, if it happens.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1257437
>Gun practice.

>>1257437
>Talking to Atley and Morris

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1257437
>Talking to Atley and Morris
We need more intel!

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>1257437
>Gun practice.
>Other
>Try and figure out some techniques that can augment any equipment you use as well.
I figure that, since Miranda's default mode of operation is strategically shoving large amounts of mana at things, overcharging projectiles for increased yield or even tagging guidance effects on them as from her or Izumi's Magi-blasts should be well within her capabilities.

Can we ask Lorelei to talk to Atley and Morris, since she'll be spending most of her time refraining from exerting herself anyway?

>>1257437
>Gun practice.

>>1257559
Mana enhanced bullets sound nice but if we have mana we can use our basically no-cost magi-blasts. The gun is for when we need to conserve mana.

>>1257773
Depends if the mana has an additive or multiplicative effect on the power of the rounds, or if guns can do things our magic cannot (that freeze ray we saw a while back, for instance, or possibly long-range sniping?), though I take your point.

>>1257130
Fighting Prince when?

>>1257130
Am I missing something?

>>1260630
No, sometimes Handler does little noncanon blurbs when he announces he's writing. Usually, if it's canon, he'll greentext.

I dunno if Miranda v. Prince would be a fair fight, though. love to see it still.

Prince is the MC from Black Company Quest. Apparently he reads it.

>>1260844
Oh. Ok.

Hm. Page 5. I think that's decent enough to still run. Starting in 20, if anyone's here.

>>1263758
I'm here, but I'll be starting my commute home at 4:30.

>>1257437
>>1257529
>>1257556
>>1257559
>>1257662

“Going to the shooting range,” you state. “Could use some practice, I suppose.”

Izumi smiles. “Fair enough. I was considering getting some more practice in with the weights. I suspect I’ll have a slightly more annoying time with them than you would.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.” You’d been informed of what would be weighing you down a bit earlier- it was basically a belt with a circular buckle- the center was made up of high density weights. You’d lost a great deal of your amazing agility, but you were still confident in your capacity to move swiftly relative to most if it came down to it; you’d have to be a lot more careful than normal, however. You honestly figure that you probably should do similar to Izumi, just to be safe, but you’ll get a groove for that later. Right now, gun time.

Your giant HD-LR-5 is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, and very few practice at the gun range aren’t impressed to see it in action, even if the firing doesn’t last very long. You can hold the thing much like an assault rifle, it turns out- you only see one other person using one, and they’re holding it much like you would a missile launcher. Still, the CBW works as advertised, slicing through and melting any and all of the targets it comes into contact with. It runs out before very long, but you can’t say you’re unhappy with the firepower output.

The pistols are a different matter. You SWEAR they have kickback, energy weapons or no. It’s light kickback, sure, but it adds up considering that the rate of fire on these things is massive. That aside, the damage is...good enough, and there’s not a lot of shot deviation, it seems. The battery power is nice as well, so on the whole, you’re happy with them, and you put them through their paces- you only end up wearing out half the charge by the time you’re satisfied, which happens to be about an hour or so later.

You’re considering checking in on Lorelei as you step out when the intercom rings again. Will all special assets please report to the bridge? Repeating, will all special assets please report to the bridge?”

Huh. All special assets. Not ‘All available special assets’. Wonder what that’s about, then?

cont.

>>1263758
I'll be around.

>>1263852

“We’re being tailed.” G’nearth spits out as bridge members are working frantically. “Radar’s managed to pick up a fleet of fighters keepin’ at the dead edge of radar range. We just barely sniffed ‘em.”
“Our defenses haven’t taken them out, yet?” Izumi questions.

G’nearth shakes his head. “Nope. They dropped outta range as soon as we pinged a couple of ‘em. They know we know, but we don’t know about their total numbers. I’m not a fan of riskin’ folks like that. Still. We’re getting ready to scramble, just to be certain, but before we do, I was thinkin’...” and here he looks to you. if we drew ‘em in, how big a boom can you make?”

Izumi looks to you, and then back to the Captain. “Sir, are you sure? We just recovered all our mana, and-”

“You’d be authorized a dip in the basin, both of ya. Just don’t near kill yourselves like your friend did. But we can’t have these jagoffs tailing us all the way there, for certain. We gotta hit ‘em hard and fast, and if we end up in a protracted battle, that AIN’T hard and fast. I’m thinkin’ we slow down, draw ‘em in, and give ‘em a big bang to start things off, then everyone else can mop up quick as possible. Whaddya say?”

>Just make sure everyone’s clear when I give the word.
>I’m not confident in this idea.
>Other

>>1263858
>Just make sure everyone’s clear when I give the word.
I get giddy everytime we get to use nebula blaster.

On that note, is it possible for Miranda to do a more concussive short-range technique? For example's sake, let's say concentrating mana on her fist and releasing it on contact to deal with grouped up targets, like the hallways we were in earlier.

>>1263858
>>Just make sure everyone’s clear when I give the word.

>>1263867
Aye.

10 more minutes.

>>1263858
>Just make sure everyone’s clear when I give the word.

Hokay.

Big Booms indeed. Writing!

>>1263858
>>1263867
>>1263887
>>1263935
Well...you can’t say you don’t enjoy the idea in general. “Just make sure everyone’s clear when I give the word.” You look towards Izumi. “Think you can keep everyone safe when things clear out?”

She nods. “I should be able to as long as the blast isn’t THAT close.” Fantastic.

“Alright, do what you need to,” you say, and G’nearth nods, then turns and starts barking orders as you and Izumi head out to the deck.

Man, you were probably gonna need that basin bath after this one.

-------

It looks clear as you step out onto the observation deck, but you can tell that the clouds flying by are more than likely hiding a throng of fighters keeping an eye on you. Why, you’re still unsure, but you’re not aiming to just let it happen. You’ve got your headpiece on, as does Izumi, and you can hear the few fighters sent to pull them in reporting as they shoot out of the launch zone with their engines screaming.

At the same time you can feel the Carrier decelerating bit by bit in an attempt to lure the tails in; hopefully they’d be too distracted with trying to take out the fighters that they wouldn’t realize in time. Not that your Buster didn’t have a long range, but…

“Miranda, are you alright?” Izumi asks worriedly; it jars you from your private thoughts as you eye her carefully.

“I’ll be fine. Just make sure to get that wall up in case someone tries to be a hero on their side.” You didn’t want any desperation shots happening on your watch, and she nods in agreement.

Before long, the wind is howling, and there’s a tenseness in the air that you’re not unfamiliar with as your energy builds. Molds. Focuses.

You can notice Izumi stock still besides you, not letting the wind, the situation, or anything interrupt her. She is stillness, the river held back by a dam. You are the fire, enclosed but yearning to explode.

Any further musings are left alone or not allow to take shape- not when you see the lights of cannons through the air, and streaks flying ever closer. You can see the dogfighting planes weaving in and out of Ferrosian cannon fire, as five, a dozen, two dozen enemy fighters streak out of the clouds after them, like hounds after a fleeing fox. It’s an amazing dance of death, and a testament to the pilot’s skills that they’ve not died in such an impossible salvo as they careen towards you. You won’t have much time before they realize the trap, and as such you allow yourself only a moment of respect before you shout out.

“NOW, BREAK!” Almost instantly you can see your pilots hit the afterburners and shoot off, screaming past you as embrace the glut of mana you’ve nurtured within yourself, and with palms spread and your targets in sight, a brilliant beam of blue-green mana erupts from your palms, easily eclipsing your actual body, and screaming towards the fighters as they desperately try to break off in time.

“NEBULA BUSTER!”

>Roll 1d20 for a certain effect. Lower is better.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>1264096
I've always been proud of my nat ones

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1264096

File: IMG_9152.png (138 KB, 442x480)

138 KB PNG

>>1264129
Gott'm

>>1264123
Well, seems like >>1264129 has reason to be prouder at the moment.

Congratulations, sorta. Owlia's gonna be cheesed off.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1264096
Rolling for sparkles

>>1264096
>>1264123
>>1264129
>>1264161
The impact happens to a four-fighter formation, you think- the lead gets engulfed by the beam head, and that’s all it takes for the reaction to start as the core of the blast forms, the vacuum effect emerging near instantly.

It’s as though they’re magnetized to the center, as even the furthest fighters away seem to almost stop in place, then immediately shoot off in reverse, careening towards the center as they and their unfortunate pilots become one with an ever-growing metallic sphere, crunching and grinding in on itself in a devastating and immense way. None of the pilots escape, and by the time it’s complete, there is a large, nearly building sized ball of something that used to vaguely resemble metal. With the colors and the various bits and pieces poking out of it, it almost looks like a work of art.

It doesn’t last long. Some art is fleeting.

The explosion is so immense that Izumi deems it worthwhile to contribute herself. “RAJOMON!”

The brilliant golden wall erupts forth, enough to shield the entirety of the back end of the carrier- and in good time, as well- while there was nothing whole left of any of the ships, that didn’t mean the explosion that caused such would be discrimnating or that the few pieces flying in at high speeds wouldn’t be dangerous. Small bits of hyper-fast metal plink off the barrier like gunshots, and one or two larger chunks of melted slag moving at a similar frightening pace are rebuffed as well. This lasts for a surprisingly long half-minute, and only after you look out and see nothing but clear skies do you relax.

G’nearth’s voice rings out over your headsets, more muted than he might’ve been normally. “Well, I’ll be dipped…” There’s a small cough, and he seems to regain himself. “You both might wanna get to that there basin so you're ready for tomorrow. I’ll let the techs know you’re allowed in. Damn fine work out there, yeah!” He chuckles a bit- you swear it’s a less boisterous laugh than you’ve heard before- and he closes the connection.

Izumi just sighs. “Here’s hoping that’s all they have in the way of surprises for now, knock on wood. I don’t want to imagine what might’ve happened had we not noticed.”

You shake your head. You’re not a fan of that hypothetical, either. “Then let’s just get to the basin and chill out. I’m sure Naomi will be thrilled to have us back.”

“Really? She didn’t seem like she- oh, no, that was a joke, of course.”

Yes, Izumi, it was.

>Day 2 END (sorta)

Back later tonight, maybe. Hopefully. God I hope, really.

>Okay, so, let's see...if I replace the static framework material with a semi-permable liquid-based framework, then it's plausible...no, wait...hmm...

>Oh, hey! My mimic crystal! Ahah, excellent, so something IS unique about their mana signature! Alright, then, now to replicate-

>...

>...what the...what is thi-

>*crash*

>*CRASH*

>OH CRYSTALS WHAT THE IN-

>STOP STOP STOP STOP!

>NONONONONONONONONO!

>...

>...phew...

>...okay. What happened...?

>some papers, okay...some intrusments, replaceable...some materials...

>! MY CRYSTAL INCUBATOR! WHAT THE-

>AARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! WHAT THE-

>WHHHHHHHYYYYYY!

>...great. Okay. Sure. I can come back from this. Just a slight misstep.

>I can come back from this.

>...Live tests it is, then.

>>1264321
I love this character but she is so damn creepy for some reason.

>>1264321
If Owlia tries to kidnap one of us, I don't care about how much we should recruit her. Bitch's head is coming off.

>>1264357
... I didn't even think of that to be honest. I to me that she's going to have to field test prototypes now instead of having an automated system.

Oh dear...

>>1264402
Best case scenario, she's just trying to emulate our tech with crystals. I really hope that happens.

>>1264443
Or not?
I mean seriously, she's our enemy, we shouldn't be hoping her to excel, if anything any imprpvments to the enemy is bad news.

>>1264584
Probably counting on the possibility of recruiting her. Kinda wish I'd been here earlier to vote on talking to those guys. Might help for that.

And back and writing!

>>1264290
>>1265366

To your surprise, it’s Lorelei who wakes you up, in a start and a near flail- she’s shaking you like it’s the most urgent thing. “Wake up, wake up, come on!” You nearly fall over in your attempt to ward her off- or at least you would if you were on something that wasn’t an inflatable bed. You sit up, and it takes a second of wondering before you recall-you’d slept the night in the basin, similar to Lorelei. Izumi was nearby; she seemed to be up and meditating, however, judging from her calm sitting and her even breaths.

As you hop up- running more on autopilot more than anything, really- you do your best to shake the cobwebs and assess the situation. Lorelei looks less panicked and more concerned- must not be too horrible, then, and Izumi’s a fountain of calm. “Problem?” You ask, your mind already spinning into ‘emergency high gear’ mode anyway, just in case.

“We’ve made better time than expected, turns out. We’ll be on final approach in approximately one hour. Captain wants to meet with you for a last-minute briefing.” Oh. Yeah, that was worth waking you up for, you suppose.

You give a final check over of all your equipment; your beam weapon, mana crystals, mana condenser (both filled), sword, pistols...all looked set. You both meet Icey on your way to the bridge. She’s decked out in what looks like some kind of fullbody catsuit, lined with various wires and more than a few glowing lines inlaid that seem to spread across her body. The whole thing is powered by a generator strapped to her back. “Experiment force multiplier skinsuit,” she explains before you can ask. “Won’t exactly put me on your level, supposedly, but it’ll be enough to mitigate the weighted gear I’ll have to carry to stay grounded in the high winds. Are we all ready, then?”

Izumi turns to Lorelei. “Last call, then. Are you positive?”

Lorelei salutes. “Don’tcha worry, okay? We all just do our thing, and Icey’s got my back just in case!”

You sigh, then nod. Lorelei was flighty, but she wasn’t stupid. If she felt she was good to go, then you’d agree with it.

cont.

>>1265818
The four of you head on up towards the bridge, to find G’nearth waiting, as well as two aids, both carrying the boots and belts that had been mentioned. Atley and Morris are also there, looking concerned.

“Howdy, folks. Glad to see you’re all up an’ at ‘em.” He nods behind him. “First thing’s first. Icey, you agreed to go with ‘em on this little outing, so that makes them your field superiors. Remember what I toldja.” She salutes.

“Alright, now, we’re closing in on the place a bit faster than expected.” G’nearth shrugs a bit. “That’s good and bad, I suppose, but it’s happening, so we’ll roll with it. You’ve all been told what the case is- get in, find anything of interest and report it back, blow the rest all to hell. If it’s small enough to bring along safely, bring it. If not, don’t worry about it. Now, I’ve been talkin’ to these two.”

Here he nods to Atley and Morris. “They tell me that Ferrosian’s first tactic is to try and swarm when they’re in a closed in area- pin down any opposition. You get tied up, I suggest you untie very quickly, get me?” All four of you nod. “We’ve managed to get a long-range scan of the place- we’ve managed to locate a spot that’s...well, you’ll see it. Looks like a giant damn foxhole surrounded by rocks. Might be the only place that doesn’t have gale force winds on it. It’s just beyond visual range, and is a natural blind spot. That’ll be your infiltration and exfiltration point. Thaddeus will do his best to shuttle you in from distance. No fighter escort this time, though- we’re going for a blind spot in...well they’re aren’t REALLY patrols around this place, but the closest things to common routes we’ve figured out for any incoming.”

He gives you a moment to digest all that before he speaks up again. “This is your last chance for questions for the time being, doesn’t matter if they’re for me or the kids. After we’re done here, I expect you lot in the hangar. Any of you got anything for me?”

>Any questions?

>>1265821
Can I get a coffee to go? Umm, and a muffin.

Hm. I'll probably continue this tomorrow as well- and this time I'll actually say so on Twitter. Trying to just run earlier.

>>1265821
Can't think of any, unless if there have been anything else unusual to note of.
Also, how is Icey loaded up, in terms of gear? Other than her suit, of course.

>>1265821
What is he procedure for a "Nuke is about to go off" type of situation? Do we just jump off the island and hope they find us or what.

>>1266912
If the base is in the only sheltered location I am looking forward to throwing people high up in the air and seeing them whisked away by the wind.

>>1265939
Aside from the suit, Icey has a pair of pistols, a headset scanner to send images (fits over one eye), an all-purpose door/electronic/security cracking tool, and emergency mini-bombs.

>>1266912
If necessary. Generally, the idea is to try and take cover asap. If you need to call for an emergency evac with your handler, then so be it.

Anyway, writing, probably going to start with a new thread since this is page 7.

New thread:

>>1268129
>>1268129
>>1268129