>>1970228
“That's going to require a series of discussions,” Haman sighs. “Now that I think about it there isn't even a “standard” route through the asteroid belt to be protected, so it'll have to start there.”

“Let's not get bogged down in the minutiae,” Artesia suggests. “At least not just yet. The point, I think is that each of the things Lady Mineva will be suggesting is in the collective interest. If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, that should be sufficient: drive home the point that neither side is served by defection and both are served by cooperation, and the argument basically makes itself.”

“The difficulty is in convincing the President that Lady Mineva is being honest in presenting the key details and in laying out her preferences,” Haman replies.

Two different styles, huh?

>I have faith in Lady Mineva's ability to make a case, even to a hostile audience.
>Then we will have to vouch for the credibility of the information she's basing her decisions on.
>He's not going to buy that we're truly “neutral”, but we know her. We can still make an appeal.
>Other?

>>1970232
>>Then we will have to vouch for the credibility of the information she's basing her decisions on.
certainly *our* name carries some weight, at least?

>>1970232
>>Then we will have to vouch for the credibility of the information she's basing her decisions on.

>>1970232
>>I have faith in Lady Mineva's ability to make a case, even to a hostile audience.

>>1970232
>>Then we will have to vouch for the credibility of the information she's basing her decisions on.
I reckon the information about the Cuithe asteroid pirate base and the wreck encountered before that is gonna be relevant in the discussions to come.

>writing

>>1970281
“Ultimately it's Lady Mineva's place to convince President Marcenas,” you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose in thought. “And if we get too vocal during their discussion it could only serve to discredit her.”

“You have a point,” Mineva nods. “I was concerned about the same issue... believe it or not I am rather conscious of how I appear to most politicians.”

“It's my thinking that we should limit our involvement to backing up the information you've used to make your decisions,” you declare. “After all, that's where our greatest authority lies.”

“I would appreciate that,” Mineva tells you. “Thank you. I would also kindly ask that you leave the rest of the discussion to myself.”

Haman almost seems taken aback for a moment, but then smiles. “Well, alright then. I'll leave it in your capable hands, Lady Mineva Lao Zabi.”

The official office of the President of the Lunar Republic is located at the top level of Von Braun city, with a clear view out into space. It honestly makes you a little uneasy... space is a place where you have near unlimited freedom of movement, a sort of dangerous playground for people like you. It's almost your natural habitat even if direct exposure to it would surely kill you. But in here your movement is hampered by gravity, you're missing the protection of a mobile suit's armor, a ship's hull, or even the thin membrane of a space suit. And though you know the transparent barrier through which you're gazing is hardened against micrometeor strikes and the like it still leaves you with an intense feeling of vulnerability.

It's neither the freedom nor the safety you've become accustomed to.

“Now don't tell me you're fine,” Artesia smirks. “You like the view?”

“Hate it,” you admit quietly.

“Well, you're not alone,” Haman shakes her head. “The people living here were so desperate to make Luna seem more like 'home', like the Earth... but it never will be. Such an arrangement... I wonder...”

If Haman has any further thoughts on the subject you don't get to hear them before your little delegation reaches the Executive compound.
>1/2

>>1970331
“Welcome, please take a seat,” a voice greets you.

Ronan Marcenas doesn't strike you as a particularly unpleasant man. A high forehead, thinning blonde hair, and a very square but somewhat recessed chin hardly paint the image of a living Adonis, but his attitude seems fundamentally reasonable. Though... the inherently skeptical mind would be quick to observe that the line between “reasonable” and “coldly pragmatic” is a rather blurry one sometimes, and that you shouldn't be too quick to label someone as good or bad based on one initially favorable impression.

“President Marcenas,” Mineva greets him in practiced, diplomatically neutral tones. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice.”

Good, she didn't say 'us'.

The President lifts a finger, quickly silencing one of the two other men present before he can speak. “Of course, what sort of neighbors would we be if we turned away the esteemed monarch of the Martian colonies?”

“The Martian Republic would extend its gratitude, I am sure,” Mineva replies calmly, taking her seat. “Unfortunately I fear we hardly have time for formalities and pleasantries, due to the nature of our business.”

“And what precisely is your business?” the man President Marcenas had shushed before speaks up.

“Defense Minister Barclay,” Marcenas sighs. “Remember that you too are here at my leisure.”

“Of course, Mr. President,” Barclay nods.

“However his question isn't inappropriate,” Marcenas admits.

“We are here to negotiate an agreement,” Mineva explains, handing you a manila folder loaded with printed reports on the Jovian threat and your contacts with it at various points.

“What is this?” he asks.

“Intelligence reports,” you explain.

“Intelligence reports?” he repeats, glancing at Artesia. “Miss Deikun?”

“Some of the details are from our own intelligence service, which I can personally vouch for as credible,” Artesia clarifies. “The others are detailed reports compiled by the Colonial Transit Fleet during its own independent investigations.”
>3d10, DC 18, crit 22

Rolled 7, 4, 6 = 17 (3d10)

>>1970399

Rolled 9, 8, 2 = 19 (3d10)

>>1970399

Rolled 3, 1, 9 = 13 (3d10)

>>1970399

>>1970399
“Alright,” President Marcenas sighs after taking several minutes to look over the files. “You have my attention. But what do you intend to do based on this information?”

“The Martian Republic is willing to contribute materiel to the effort of securing shipping lanes through the asteroid belt,” Mineva begins. “And we are also proposing a joint effort to confront the armed Jovian factions which have been funding and directing terrorist activities in the inner Solar system.”

“Mars is only a small market for our exported goods,” the second minister replies sternly. “Lady Zabi, you must also be aware of the impact on inner-system markets if Maritan agricultural goods were to be allowed easier passage through the asteroid belt en masse?”

“Astaroth,” Mineva replies.

The two ministers exchange confused glances even as Haman shifts uneasily. You've heard that name before.

“And what, Queen Mineva Lao Zabi, is that?” President Marcenas asks quietly.

“Astaroth is the name of a Duchy-era bioweapon,” she explains. “Intended to wipe out civilization on Earth by forcing the vegetation on that planet to grow out of control. One sample of the virus survived in the early Zeon base established on our world.”

“And you're offering this...”

“Because I believe in taking measures which serve the interests of all humanity,” Mineva declares firmly. “Dealing with this Jovian threat is one act which serves us all, an unfortunate situation but one which we may hopefully resolve with as little loss of life as possible. Easing food insecurity for the various human colonists scattered through the galaxy would be another positive step. It has no specific benefit to the Martian Republic except in that it benefits everyone.”

“This has to be some sort of trick,” Minister Barclay snaps.

>I can guarantee you, none of this is a trick.
>The decision is not yours to make, Mr. Barclay.
>Remain silent.
>Remain silent, but glare Barclay into submission.

>>1970495
>>Remain silent, but glare Barclay into submission.
Even with only one eye, he's still out-glared.

>>1970495
>>Remain silent, but glare Barclay into submission.

>>1970495
>>Remain silent, but glare Barclay into submission.

>>1970495
>Remain silent, but glare Barclay into submission.

>3d10, best of four

Rolled 1, 8, 8 = 17 (3d10)

>>1970604

Rolled 3, 1, 6 = 10 (3d10)

>>1970604

Rolled 3, 5, 4 = 12 (3d10)

>>1970604

Rolled 3, 3, 9 = 15 (3d10)

>>1970604

>effective, but less dramatic than it could have been

>>1970679
You shoot Barclay a glare out of your one good eye, and the man visibly winces.

“Speaking out of turn is quite rude, Minister,” you tell him.

“Captain,” Mineva warns you gently. “I would appreciate if you wouldn't glare at the Ministers. That tends to unsettle people, you know.”

“Right,” you nod. “Sorry.”

“It's alright,” she sighs. “But to answer the man's question this is no trick, our office of land management has been testing various strains of the virus based on the original in isolated craters on the far side of the planet from Mariner. The initial results have been quite promising, even turning irradiated, sterile soil into something usable.”

I wonder what their cleanup procedures have been?

You glance at Haman, who shrugs. Seems she doesn't know much about this either.

“So, you're suggesting the sort of utopia that speculative fiction writers used to dream up?” President Marcenas muses quietly. “I have to admit, were I young and idealistic I would leap at such a chance. However I'm old, and a little jaded, Lady Mineva. While I would love to believe you I find it rather difficult to conceive.”

“Which is why joining to deal with the imminent Jovian threat is a good first step,” Mineva observes. “Neither of us would gain anything by betraying each other in such an arrangement, and security for both our Republics would be enhanced.”

“I see that I didn't give you enough credit,” the President smiles slightly, shutting his eyes in contemplation. “Ultimately such an action requires approval of the Legislature, but I think I have enough political capital for that.”

“Then all that remains is a discussion of force compositions better suited to military officers than ourselves,” Mineva bows slightly. “I thank you for giving our cooperation a chance, Mr. President.”

“I look forward to seeing how far I can trust you, Queen Mineva,” President Marcenas nods in response. “Now then, I see a few reports here from a previous contact with the Jovian armed forces...”

>That would be us, sir. I can offer you a briefing if you like.
>We can't say for sure that what we faced was representative.
>I believe I can coordinate with one of your flag officers, sir.
>Other?

>>1970737
>That would be us, sir. I can offer you a briefing if you like.

>>1970737
>>That would be us, sir. I can offer you a briefing if you like.

>>1970737
>>That would be us, sir. I can offer you a briefing if you like.

>>1970737
>>That would be us, sir. I can offer you a briefing if you like.

>writing

>>1970848
“That would have been us, sir,” you offer. “We can offer some contextualization if you'd like.”

“By all means,” the President nods. “Some expert opinion is always nice.”

“Mostly, they seem to be what we'd consider overdesigned,” you explain, pulling out a grainy picture of a mobile suit. “This machine for example was literally covered in beam cannons. Two more were loaded with dozens of missile tubes. They each did one thing to excess and were organized into units that covered one another's weaknesses.”

“Their cruisers were mostly of an older variety,” Haman adds. “Basic, but well-tested and effective. We drove off a numerically superior force, but only due to the fact that our unit is designed for such a match. And even then... it was a close thing.”

“You would be Haman Karn, correct?” Marcenas muses. “So even legendary aces are pushed to their limits by the Jovian forces.”

“That may be so, but they do have one weakness,” you suggest, “or at least if we're correct they have a weakness.”

“And that is?”

“What evidence we've seen suggests that the units did not work particularly well with each other.”

Haman nods quietly. “I see what you're saying... you have a point. And if you're driving at what it sounds like you're trying to drive at...”

“I think these units are raised more like militia than a standing army,” you explain. “Internally consistent, but only loyal to themselves and poorly-coordinated, with no real technical standards across the whole force.”

The President seems to ponder the point carefully. “And you believe this would be exploitable?”

“But only if the task force we sent was carefully coordinated,” Mineva points out. “Otherwise we would find ourselves in disarray too similar to the Jovians to actually capitalize on this... assuming it is true.”

>It's consistent. I think the Jovians are too independent and territorial to cooperate among themselves.
>I'm not sure we can count on it, but tight coordination will help us in any event.
>Other?

>>1970910
>>It's consistent. I think the Jovians are too independent and territorial to cooperate among themselves.

>>1970910
>>It's consistent. I think the Jovians are too independent and territorial to cooperate among themselves.

>>1970910
>>I'm not sure we can count on it, but tight coordination will help us in any event.
There's a chance we might be facing a (tenuously) united Jovian front after that action.

>writing

>>1971033
“There has to be some sort of organizing force,” you admit, “and it's probably how they get their funding. That's the only thing I can imagine as a unifying force, but it didn't seem to translate into their tactics. They just didn't fight together.”

“I see,” the President nods thoughtfully. “So the CTF knows the enemy, and I assume you know something of both our forces and the Martian Naval units?”

“That's correct,” you nod.

“I see where you are taking this,” Mineva nods, “and I share the sentiment. Captain, would you mind coordinating unit formation? Your team would know what sorts of military hardware would be necessary, and from your recommendations I would be happy to submit any amount of forces.”

>I can do that for you, yes.
>No. the Martian and Lunar officers should do that themselves.
>I need to see to my own unit first.
>Other?

>also I've been thinking: if we don't get as far as I hoped this weekend I might post nightly updates all through the week

>>1971079
>>I can do that for you, yes.

>>1971079
>>I can do that for you, yes.

>>1971079
>>I can do that for you, yes.

That third option falls under arranging Bianca to get her MS, by any chance?

>>1971105
Yes, along with repairs to your own machine.

>3d10
>dc 17, crit 23

Rolled 5, 1, 6 = 12 (3d10)

>>1971118
So very tempted to get right to that. Responsibilities though.

>>1971083
And regarding this, I'm expecting votes will trickle in over a long span after the update. A /qst/ norm at this point for most quests probably, since I'm used to a few of those.

>>1971149
Let's see dem dice.

Rolled 4, 5, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>1971149

Rolled 4, 3, 6 = 13 (3d10)

>>1971149

wew

>>1970910
“Yes, I can do that,” you nod. “However I will need a complete set of files on what mobile suits and cruisers Luna can contribute. Same from you, Queen Mineva.”

“We can't do that,” Minister Barclay insists. “You can glare at me all you want.”

“I asked her to do so,” the President counters.

“And statute is clear on the matter,” Barclay crosses his arms. “The president cannot declassify defense department secrets without following proper procedure.”

“He has a point,” Marcenas sighs. “Damn.”

“Either way, I will provide you with the information necessary to make the decisions,” Mineva insists. “Unilaterally if need be. Then you may present the data relevant to your units you choose to the Lunar officers.”

“Thank you,” you nod. “That's very generous.”

“This is hardly what you would call optimal,” Mineva admits. “However I cannot help but trust the four of you...”

“Three?” Barclay corrects.

“Interrupt again, Barclay,” you grumble. “See what happens.”

“... four of you,” Mineva reiterates.

>Look over the relevant files immediately.
>Check in with Anaheim on the progress of your own unit.

>>1971312
>>Check in with Anaheim on the progress of your own unit.

>>1971312
Welp, Luna playing hardball. Figures.

>>Check in with Anaheim on the progress of your own unit.
I guess we'll start adjustments on our end first.

>>1971312
>>Check in with Anaheim on the progress of your own unit.

>3d10 best of 3

Rolled 1, 6, 5 = 12 (3d10)

>>1971385

>>1971168
>>1971401
Yep, still consistent alright!

Rolled 10, 1, 9 = 20 (3d10)

>>1971385

Rolled 4, 6, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>1971385

>>1971418
Ey, a break at last.

>writing
due to exhaustion setting in this will be the last story update for tonight

>>1971484
You decide to excuse yourselves from the meeting with the President of the Moon, a title which would have sounded almost as crazy to you ten years ago as “the Queen of Mars”, and return to Sericea. You bid Mineva farewell for now, and with Haman in tow you make for Anaheim's fabrication facilities. The production floor is as busy as you remember it, and you can pick out a wide variety of different projects all running at once.

A woman in a Chief's uniform spots you, and runs straight over with an excited look on her face.

“... Defrah Kar?” you ask, hardly believing your good fortune. “I knew you went corporate a few years back, but I didn't realize you were here!”

“Actually, I don't work for Anaheim any more than Nina or Audrey do,” she admits in the midst of a hearty embrace. “I do private consulting work now, freelance.”

“Freelance?” you repeat. “Didn't realize there was a market for that.”

“Well, it's not all that easy anymore,” she tells you. “Anaheim's the only company that hires me anymore, though I get some contracts from the Lunar Navy and Nina sends some stuff my way every now and then.”

“The political environment's not open enough to do work like that,” you realize.

Defrah nods. “Sadly, yeah. You're absolutely right.”

“Well... take you on a tour?”

You give her a wide gesture of your arm. “Lead the way.”

“I heard from Audrey that you've got a new pilot in the stable, an oldtype by the sound of it?”

You nod carefully. “Yes, we'd wanted to get her a mobile suit to fit her tastes.”

“Well she might like this,” Defrah tells you, gesturing to a mobile suit standing against the wall. “Take a look.”

“A GM Sniper model?” you muse. “With a half-cannon pack, anti-ship missiles over the shoulders, and a small sturm booster?”

“You haven't lost your knack I see,” Defrah smiles. “I was actually kinda proud of this one. That's a 180mm cannon, and the missiles are actually cluster munitions. So they'll open up a lot of little holes in a hull or shred a mobile suit into tiny little pieces.”

>I think she'll love it.
>I think she'll love YOU.
>I have a tweak in mind...

>I lied, second to last.

File: Spoiler Image (918 KB, 360x225)

918 KB GIF

>>1971568
>>I think she'll love it.
>>I think she'll love YOU.

>>I lied, second to last.

>>1971568
>>I think she'll love YOU.
Well then, looks like Defrah gets a new best friend.

>I have a tweak in mind...
Let's give it something for defensive survivability. Can the reactor support 1 beam shield? Since it seems like our unit will get a major overhaul, I reckon sparing one for it would suffice if it comes to that.

>>1971633
I'm good with this too.

>>1971568
“Can the reactor support a beam shield?” you ask. “I'm thinking in terms of pilot survivability here.”

“It could, but it would have to run on a charge,” Defrah tells you. “So maximum two minutes.”

“Is there anything else you can do?”

Defrah thinks to herself for a few moments. “I can see about convincing someone to put a beam-resistant coating on the torso and over the vital systems.”

“That ought to help in a pinch,” you nod. “I think our newbie should love it... and you for that matter."

Defrah chuckles, then realizes you're serious.

"So what about the Viola and Qubeley?”

“That's a harder sell,” Defrah sighs dramatically. “The funnels will take some time to fabricate along with their charging racks. Though Anaheim already had backup parts for repairs like this available on hand for the Viola, rebuilding the Qubeley will take more time.”

“Alright,” you nod.

“How long?” Haman asks.

“At least forty-eight hours” Defrah admits. “The funnels will be ready tomorrow morning, so we'll need to get those calibrated. Until then...”

“Sack time,” you smile. “That sounds nice.”

And that's where I have to call it for now. Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed the read, and I may post something either tomorrow or Tuesday as a continuation.

See you then, and keep an eye on Twitter for when I'll be running.

>>1971775
Appreciate the thread run, see ya on the next one.

Those missiles sound pretty wicked. Initially assumed from the anti-ship description they were the fat, unwieldy kind and almost opted for something smaller, more numerous, and can be fired individually, in bursts or in full salvos. And then I got to the "cluster munitions" part.

Also, I never got to bring this up during the omake last thread, but did the accelerated growth on the Purus affect their lifespan? And if so, were they able to find a remedy for it?

>>1971858
Yes and no, respectively. All things being equal they'll live 16 years or so less than they would have otherwise, but in the grand scheme of things "all things being equal" is absolutely not a condition that will ever exist. Especially not in their line of work.

It may have robbed them of a few years, or it may have made them less likely to die young. Who can say, really.

>writing

>>1978287
The next morning sees a flurry of activity aboard Sericea as your mobile suit is unloaded from the hangar and carefully maneuvered onto the flat bed of a cargo train car. Then it disappears under a massive nylon tarp, strapped down to the corners of the car. You, Haman, and Bianca take a marine escort and settle into a passenger car just ahead of your mobile suit, while the Qubeley is strapped onto a flatbed car just behind Viola's car.

It takes a while to eventually maneuver the Qubeley and Viola into position once you reach Anaheim, at which point your party meets with Defrah once more.

“The funnels are ready, as promised,” she tells you. “We're going to try mounting the recharge racks on the lower legs to make use of those secondary reactors, should give you a total compliment of six.”

“So how many units are we going to be adjusting?” you ask. “Per machine, I mean?”

“Twelve for now,” Defrah tells you. “We're also working on missile pods to place over the shoulders, giving you eight medium-sized guided warheads.”

“Nice,” Haman nods approvingly.

“You would be... Bianca, wouldn't you?” Defrah asks.

For her part, Bianca nods excitedly. “Yeah, I hear you have a mobile suit for me?”

“It's over this way, I've got a datapad with the specs right here...”

Meanwhile you and Haman head for your respective mobile suits, sharing a brief fistbump before settling into your cockpits.

“Okay, we have everything set up for you,” one of the Anaheim technicians tells you. “They're substantially larger than what you may be used to, so the suits upstairs want us to take it nice and slow. How about you start with the standard thrusters and apogee motors...”

God, this is so boring... can't I take a nap instead?

"No," you grumble bitterly. "If I've gotta sit through this so do you, sis."

You can't make me.

"I could always start singing... badly..."

... you wouldn't.

"Misery loves company."
>3d10, DC 15, Critical 22

Rolled 8, 4, 7 = 19 (3d10)

>>1978680
'Ey man. And right into MS testing.

Rolled 7, 2, 8 = 17 (3d10)

>>1978680

Rolled 7, 7, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>1978680

Rolled 4, 10, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>1978680

>>1978775
You begin by testing the basic parts and functionality of the funnels, beginning with their activation and deactivation cycles. They're basically cylinders, which open at one end almost like a four-petaled flower to reveal the apogee motors and serve in vectoring. The main gimballed ion thruster is powerful enough that they have a similar top speed to the ones you're used to, but with a large fuel storage capacity. The entire system is delightfully responsive on top of it.

There's something else here, your sister muses as she takes a closer look at the weapon's systems. What's this?

“It's psychically receptive,” you realize quietly. “More so than the old set. Think you can take advantage of that?”

I don't know, depends on what you want me to try doing with it.

>Try extending its beam gun confinement field to form an i-Field.
>Try lifting it, despite the fact that it's in-atmosphere and should be nearly uncontrollable.
>Test the difference in responsiveness when it's under your control versus Catrina's.
>Other?

>>1979057
>>Try lifting it, despite the fact that it's in-atmosphere and should be nearly uncontrollable.

>>1979057
>>Try lifting it, despite the fact that it's in-atmosphere and should be nearly uncontrollable.
>>Test the difference in responsiveness when it's under your control versus Catrina's.
I don't think one of these precludes the other

>>1979057
>Try extending its beam gun confinement field to form an i-Field
>Test the difference in responsiveness when it's under your control versus Catrina's.

>3d10, best of 4
Next update tomorrow due to it being nearly 1am here.

Rolled 8, 9, 1 = 18 (3d10)

>>1979617

Rolled 9, 3, 9 = 21 (3d10)

>>1979617

Rolled 9, 9, 5 = 23 (3d10)

>>1979617

>>1979638
damn, nigga

King, just tweeted you, figured itd be easier to talk on here. How do you feel about having someone post your quests (specifically SSQ) on other questing sites? Id link your twitter and give you full credit. I just want others to be able to read and enjoy your quests as I have.

Rolled 1, 8, 7 = 16 (3d10)

>>1979617
Might as well take it up to the 4th roll, even when it's way too late and all of the rolls were high.

>will start writing after dinner

>>1982321
“Try lifting it,” you suggest. “I know it should be uncontrollable under gravity, but I get the feeling these are different.”

You may be right... alright, let's give it a shot. Bypassing safeties.

The head technician curses outside. “Um, Captain? Hate to say it but the safeties just went off out here. There might be a fault we didn't notice when we tested the avionics package, so we're calling the test here.”

“There's no fault” you reply. “Stand by.”

I'm certain that the apogee motors aren't strong enough to sustain a hover, and the main thrusters would chew through fuel too quickly to be viable as a source of lift.

“Is it even enough power?” you ask skeptically. “Used to be you had to use ramjets, because otherwise the motor you had to use to produce thrust weighed so much you could barely lift anything with it. The scale was all off.”

“Um, Captain!” the technician calls over your internal comms system. “We need you to abort the test, ma'am.”

“Please stand by,” you repeat. “What about... hey, I get it. Try using that trick.”

On something this small? Isn't that usually used with cruisers and carriers?

“Psychofield,” you remind her.

Okay, if you insist.

“Captain! The funnels have gone active, you have to...”

But the panicked order is never completed. Instead the tone shifts to amazement. “What the hell?”

“So it worked?” you muse quietly. “Nice job, sis.”

Please, this is what I do.

“How is this possible?” the technician demands as you watch the funnels drift almost lazily around on your internal monitors. “The Minovsky Craft effect can't be triggered by such a small amount of particles, it needs a reactor like what you'd find on a warship.”

“Fuck conventional physics,” you explain, “that's how. You wanna know why vets still consider mobile suits with psychoframes to be pants-shittingly scary?”

“You're looking at it.”
>1/2

>>1982538
“Why are we still researching things like this?” the visibly-shaken technician asks of no one in particular. You've set the funnels back in their cradles for now and left the cockpit, content with their performance.

“They're not as mobile under gravity,” you explain to Haman, “but they're stable shooting platforms. I think they have serious potential.”

“But can they be used safely inside colonies?” Haman asks. “The firepower of those beam guns tells me no, but can they be modified...”

>Defrah, what are the odds of getting a few of these mounted with rotary cannons?
>Defrah, how about funnels that shoot small anti-MS missiles? That possible?
>It's interesting, but the missile pods are already intended for a similar role.
>Other?

>>1982547
>>Defrah, what are the odds of getting a few of these mounted with rotary cannons?

>>1982547
Hmm, the rotary cannons sound nice and with the psychofield phenomena reducing mass (I assume) the only issue here is the ammo capacity. Kinda redundant to use it as a missile delivery system considering psycho missiles are a thing already.

>Defrah, what are the odds of getting a few of these mounted with rotary cannons?
I'll still take it though.

>Other?
Just for consideration: Clay round buckshots (if collateral damage on colonies is still a concern). The range or combat effectiveness will probably suffer though.

>>1982578
I'm good with this.

>>1982547
Supporting >>1982578

>3d10, best of 3

Rolled 9, 8, 2 = 19 (3d10)

>>1982782

Rolled 5, 1, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>1982782

Rolled 3, 4, 2 = 9 (3d10)

>>1982782

Damnit, didn't have auto-refresh on...Nice roll >>1982793

>>1982782
“What are the chances you can fit something in that casing that's a little less... deadly?”

Defrah glances at you in confusion. “You're asking me to put a non-lethal weapon into a funnel?”

“Against something like Viola or Qubeley, if you're mobile suit ends up disabled you may as well have died instantly,” you explain carefully. “And if we have an option that can disable a mobile suit, it poses much less a threat of collateral damage.”

“Well, unless you wanna use a specialized ammunition type you'd get two, maybe three shots out of each,” Defrah sighs, “and I gather you don't wanna complicate your supply chain like that.”

“The 30mm vulcans are starting to become standard,” you nod in agreement, “but by and large yes.”

“It also defeats the purpose of modularity,” Haman agrees, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. “So good idea, but is it doable?”

“I do have one idea,” Defrah admits. “Are you familiar with an old Titans machine, the Hambrabi? Limited production run, transformable?”

You shake your head. “No, can't say we have. Sis?”

Doesn't ring any bells.

“Well, it had this weapon called a “Sea Serpent”,” Defrah explains. “I might be able to convince the suits to produce one and try it out...”

>>1982885
And with that see you tomorrow.

>>1982885
>>1982890
>Hambrabi
>Sea Serpent
Oh shit, taser funnels!

Even better if the wires can connect to other funnels like a bola. Looking forward to see what's cooked up.

>writing

>>1985805
Over the next few hours, Defrah expands on a few key concepts.

The “Sea Serpent” is a guided projectile, powered by apogee motors and controlled by means of a long wire that itself features miniaturized motors along its length, which can deliver a powerful electric shock. In principle it works similarly to any other electroshock weapon of that scale, by attacking not the armor or structure of a mobile suit but its electronics. The upside to using it in this way is vastly increased range, with multiple units so armed able to weave dangerous webs that can even ensnare small groups of mobile suits. The obvious downside is that each remote weapon using a Sea Serpent-style weapon would essentially double the mental strain placed on a pilot. Additionally, this is essentially a 'ranged melee' weapon which itself lacks an appreciable firing range.

On the other hand you have the humble 90mm cannon, capable of rapid fire that will hit hard enough at a long enough range to just about equal the effectiveness of the small beam guns your older funnels used to rely on. At a high rate of fire these remote weapons would expend their ammunition after severely damaging one, maybe two mobile suits each. But unlike the Sea Serpent armed version they can be ready in a few days and reloading them is simple. 90mm ammunition is hardly a difficult commodity to come by.

Then you have the question of melee weapons. Your current rifle has a long heat blade incorporated into the underside of the barrel, which is a useful tool at your disposal. It cuts deep and can exchange a few blows with a beam saber before suffering increasingly catastrophic damage. But the downside is that this weapon is by very nature bulky and somewhat awkward to wield. If you switched away from such a streamlined, integrated weapons kit each weapon would be easier to handle in battle.

In that case you'd be relying on the beam sabers mounted in Viola's wrists.

PICK ONE
>Pursue the grappling/shock funnels
>Pursue the physical projectile funnels

PICK ONE
>Ditch the complicated “single weapon” concept
>Retain the single long-bladed rifle design

>>1985970
>>Pursue the grappling/shock funnels
>>Ditch the complicated “single weapon” concept

>>1985970
>>Pursue the grappling/shock funnels
>>Ditch the complicated “single weapon” concept

>>1985970
>Pursue the grappling/shock funnels
Hard counters for this include beam sabers and cutting melee weapons. Since most Jovian suits will be tailor specced for specific roles, we can exploit that vulnerability if they lack melee capabilities.

And since that particular range is covered.
>Ditch the complicated “single weapon” concept

>>1985970
>Pursue the grappling/shock funnels
>Ditch the complicated “single weapon” concept

>past midnight here, so calling it
Thanks for keeping with it, and look forward to continuing on Sunday.

I'll post on Twitter to confirm the time.

>>1986333
You are Captain Carrina Marseille-O'Hara, and you're still not thrilled.

“One ship,” you repeat. “Your government...”

“Yes,” Artesia sighs.

“... is only committing...”

“Yes,” Artesia sighs again.

“... one ship.”

“And I had to talk the security council up into sending the ship they did,” Artesa reminds you. “At first they were going to send a single Salamis refit, so at least we're getting a modern warship.”

“I still don't like this,” you grumble. “Even if it's a Plan 4011-hull, what does it say about the Lunar government that they'd only assign a single ship to the cause like this?”

“It says they're risk-averse,” Artesia contends.

“And so am I,” you reply, “the difference being I'm better at assessing what's actually a threat and what's not.”

The battleship Minas Geraes is a rather conservative design in many regards, based loosely on the hull of the old Magellan class with a few basic changes. The first is that the engineering section has been rotated so that the two twin-engine blocks are laid out on a port/starboard configuration rather than an upper/lower. A rear-facing deck with a single catapult is nestled between these two blocks, while a wider twin-catapult deck runs forward of the superstructure and hangars along the dorsal side.

While it seems the point defense weaponry has been strengthened in this design, the main battery of beam cannons has been reduced to make room for the hangar and flight decks. Four twin mounts are able to fire broadside with three of those forward of the dorsal superstructure, while one twin mount is more or less locked into an aft firing arc which is complimented by the sole broadside emplacement aft of the bridge. Two more twin turrets can fire forward, and can traverse to the dorsal and ventral arcs.

“I guess it comes down to what sorts of mobile suits she carries, and how many she can fit,” you grumble as you're escorted along a docking terminal towards where the Minas Geraes is moored. “Though I can't imagine she carries more than eight.”

“Good eye, as usual,” Artesia admits.
>1/2

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>>1997953
“Permission to come aboard?” you greet an Ensign at the entrance to the docking ramp.

“Granted, ma'am,” the young man replies with a crisp salute, “right this way. Captain's waiting to see you on the bridge, follow me.”

A few minutes and several corridors later you find yourself standing on the bridge of the Minas Geraes, where an older man turns to face you.

“Captain Pike,” the man offers his name with a salute, a gesture you and Haman return as officers of equal rank. “Welcome aboard. I take it you're here to evaluate us?”

“That's correct,” Haman speaks up for the first time in several minutes. “I trust you intend to cooperate?”

“My orders only specify no top secret technologies and no Martian Naval personnel aboard,” Captain Pike nods. “So about what you would expect, really. Short of that, I'd be happy to have you shown around on one condition.”

“And that is?” Artesia asks skeptically.

“Equivalent information on the Martian and Colonial forces committed,” Pike explains. “I want to know who and what my ship and crew are expected to work with.”

>Agreed. We'll share what you need to know.
>I can agree in so far as the Colonial assets are concerned.
>I can arrange for you to speak with Lady Mineva.
>Other?

>>1997961
>>Agreed. We'll share what you need to know.

>>1997961
>>Agreed. We'll share what you need to know.

>>1997961
>>Agreed. We'll share what you need to know.

Rolled 8, 6, 10 = 24 (3d10)

I mean, it's not an ideal hand we're dealt with, but at this point, we're way past the dick waving phase— even if the Luna higher-ups are probably still in that mindset.

Just gonna have to make the best of it.

Dice check btw

>writing

>>1998016
“I can agree to that, of course,” you nod. “It's only reasonable since we're here doing the exact same thing.”

“Good to hear,” Pike nods. “Lieutenant Nash, front and center.”

A young Newtype steps forward, offering you a salute. “Nondescript” is the word you'd choose to describe him, with brown hair and eyes and only a modest newtype presence.

“This is our Navigator,” Pike tells you. “He'll be your minder while aboard.”

You offer a curt nod to Nash, then leave the bridge.

“Where to first?” Haman asks you.

“Mobile suit hangar,” you declare. “That'll be the clearest indicator of how seriously Luna is taking this.”

“And if what you see doesn't meet your standards?” Artesia muses. “What will you do then?”

“I guess we'll have to ask Lady Mineva to press for more mobile suits,” you sigh. “To try as best we can to make this adventure work. But if they're reasonably good weapons the Martian Navy will have to commit matching forces, to try and ensure that Luna doesn't try anything funny.”

“Would that be better or worse, I wonder?” Haman chuckles. “It seems that half the time you can get better results from two intransigent parties by getting them to one-up each other. But without genuine trust, cooperation is out of the question.”

“We'll just have to deal with any problems as they come up,” you admit. “After all, we've got the greatest concentration of top-end weapons and ace pilots. The other factions may bring the numbers but it's our efforts that are likely to make this a success.”
>1/2

>>1998054
>sorry for the delay, gimme 3d10
>best of three, higher means better mobile suits

Rolled 1, 5, 1 = 7 (3d10)

>>1998091

>>1998094
fml

Rolled 8, 1, 7 = 16 (3d10)

>>1998091
Here goes

Rolled 9, 1, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>1998091

>>1998091
Inside the ship's hangar are eight mobile suits, as you suspected. But it's difficult to make heads or tails of which mobile suits they've assigned to the Minas Geraes.

Four of them are clearly transformable types, with rounded profiles on their arms, shoulders, and head that suggest a relationship to the old Titans-era Asshimar. Its weapons seem to be mounted in aerodynamic binders that cover the forearms, and are limited to a pair of beam rifles and probably a pair of beam sabers tucked away somewhere. These probably serve as subflight and support units for the other four machines, which stand across the hangar against the opposite wall.

These four are standard mobile suits, similar to the old RGM line but with more tactically-placed thrusters all over its frame. One large nozzle and two smaller ones protrude from the bottom of its backpack and an intermediate-sized nozzle is tucked into the armor on the back of each leg. Maneuvering thrusters on the backpack, shoulders, and ankles give you the impression that they're maneuverable at least, though their armaments are limited: one beam saber and three grenades at the waist, which is largely unarmored, a vulcan pod on the side of the head, and handheld weapons. Two carry beam rifles while the other two carry bazookas, with what appear to be pistol-sized beam weapons mounted to hard points on the lower back.

“You admiring the goods, Captains?” a voice interrupts your analysis before you can start dissecting the machines with your eyes.

Cockblocked.

You ignore your sister's comment and turn to face a young man in a pilot's suit who's jumped up from the hangar floor to clamber over the safety rails on the balcony you're standing on.

“Assessing,” you correct the pilot as your newtype guide takes an instinctive step back... did he just realize Catrina is here?

“Why do you ask?”

“Commander Bong,” the man introduces himself with a handshake. “I'm the team leader for the MS stationed aboard Minas Geraes.”

“I see,” Haman nods. “So if we have any questions ask you, is that it?”

“You catch on fast... 'Princess of Axis',” Bong replies with a knowing grin.

>Thruster outputs. Operational weight. Reactor output.
>So these are intended to operate in matched pairs, correct?
>I don't care. What I want to know about are your pilots.
>Other?

>>1998155
>>Thruster outputs. Operational weight. Reactor output.

File: AnkshaOAV.jpg (519 KB, 870x1120)

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>>1998155
>the transforming type is based on...

File: Rgm-89d-cheyenne.jpg (187 KB, 380x650)

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>>1998184
>and the basic machines are based on...

>>1998155
>>Thruster outputs. Operational weight. Reactor output.
>So these are intended to operate in matched pairs, correct?

>Cockblocked
Carya pls..

>>1998155
>>Thruster outputs. Operational weight. Reactor output.

>>1998155
>>So these are intended to operate in matched pairs, correct?
>>Other: How many sorties?

>>1998184
>>1998190
Not bad. Was expecting lower or low-middling grunt suits.

>>1998197
It's not a second-string unit to be sure, but the Jegans are standard mass-production. For a ship this size in this timeline, this is fairly unremarkable.

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 8, 6, 1 = 15 (3d10)

>>1998230

Rolled 4, 5, 7 = 16 (3d10)

>>1998230
A roll

>>1998212
With the ReZels in the Sadalahn and the Ankshas here, you're setting up Bianca to attempt a piggyback on one of them, arentcha?

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Rolled 10, 6, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>1998230
have a heart attack in a bun.

>>1998243
>23
The dice gods are pleased by my offering of food!

>>1998243
I feel like I might have a coronary event of SOME kind just looking at the thing.

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>>1998243
Nicely rolled.

>>1998247
It was dice acknowledging that Hamburger is still Hamburger.

>>1998230
“Your standard-issue mobile suits have an operational weight between forty-seven and forty-eight tons, their reactor output is probably between 1850 and 1900 kilowatts, and its total thrust is likely between sixty thousand and sixty-five thousand kilograms.”

Commander Bong stares at you like you've just told him the names of his wife and children. “You... what?”

“Assuming the transformable suits are based on the mass-produced systems, which is how I would do it, the probably weigh less than forty-five tons but more than forty-two, with a reactor that makes maybe five hundred kilowatts more than the machine it's based on with about fifteen thousand more kilograms of total thrust, assuming it can operate in atmosphere.”

Bong gulps. “Well, if you'll excuse me I'll be filing an after-action report about our conversation here.”

“If we do have any questions we'll be sure to ask,” you smirk. “As you were, Commander.”

Now that the local has been run off, you get a chance to examine the machines more closely... you can see where the weight has been saved, and in a vindication of your previous assumption you can start to see the components which have been shared between the transforming flight-types and the basic grunt machines. They're quality machines, as expected of Anaheim's proverbial home team, but otherwise unremarkable.

“So?” Haman asks. “What are we going to tell the Martians?”

>Depends on whether these are veteran pilots or scrubs.
>Match the Lunar contribution. Two ships like this should suffice.
>We'll need either more bodies from them or specialist units.
>Other?

>>1998293
>>Depends on whether these are veteran pilots or scrubs.
>>We'll need either more bodies from them or specialist units.
In case it's the latter we're gonna get from the Minas Geraes crew.

>>1998293
>>Depends on whether these are veteran pilots or scrubs.

>>1998312
In with this, I suppose

>3d10, best of 3

Rolled 10, 2, 6 = 18 (3d10)

>>1998392

Rolled 3, 6, 3 = 12 (3d10)

>>1998392

Rolled 5, 8, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>1998392

>>1998392
You head down to where you think the pilots' ready room should be, and find a few likely-looking personnel milling about. One's reading a book, two are playing cards, and a fourth is brewing a pot of coffee. It's this fourth pilot, a heavily-built and dark-skinned man with several thin, white scars on his face, who notices you.

He pulls down three spare mugs and pours a cup for himself. “You three ladies want some of this?”

“Sure,” you nod in agreement. “Thanks for the offer.”

You sit down in one of the desks, with Haman and Artesia taking desks nearby, while the nameless man takes a seat behind the podium at the front of the briefing room. “Lieutenant Harding. You'd be Captains Marseille and Karn, correct?”

“That's right,” Haman nods.

“And I assume you know my face,” Artesia guesses, taking a sip.

“Yes, ma'am,” the Lieutenant nods.

“Your buddy here doesn't talk much,” you joke, jerking your thumb in the direction of your newtype shadow.

“Probably under orders not to talk to you,” Harding explains. “Admiralty thinks you're gonna try and recruit him right out from under our noses, like all Newtypes are only loyal to each other. Idiots.”

“Easy there, Harding,” one of the card players sighs.

“You know it's a fair statement.”

“Didn't say otherwise.”

“So you can probably guess why we're here?” you continue. Harding nods.

“To get a feel for us,” he replies carefully. “For our level of skill and experience. Well, I'll tell you. I was formerly with Londo Bell, couple of the other guys were EFSF. So we've got some hours behind us. Our CO's not one of those guys, got into OCS on a recommendation. No combat experience.”

“Is he the type to listen to your judgment?” Haman asks.

Harding merely shrugs. “We'll find out eventually.”

>“Anything else you can tell us while we're here?”
>“Anything you want to know about your partners?”
>“We're off to check the ship's weapons systems, thanks.”
>You've seen all you need to see.

>>1998455
>>“Anything else you can tell us while we're here?”
>>“Anything you want to know about your partners?”

>>1998455
>>“Anything else you can tell us while we're here?”

>>1998455
>>“Anything else you can tell us while we're here?”

Just a clarification for the 2nd one. By 'partners', do you mean the pilots of the Anksha they're paired with? (Assuming they're the Jegan pilots here due to their records.)

Or does this refer to us and the Martian contingent?

>>1998497
The latter.

>>1998517
Ah, well then. Can't speak for Mars until we've got something in-depth, but I think time can be spared regarding our own team.

>writing

>>1998517
“Anything else you think we should know?” you ask.

“Ships built to the specs of the old Birmingham,” Harding informs you. “As in literally reuses a lot of the parts. So don't waste time trying to convince people to tell you the details.”

“Good to know,” Haman nods. “And your typical tactics? We've been assuming that it relies on following those transformable machines, similar to how a subflight unit might be deployed, then those machines loiter while the standard-types press the attack?”

“In-house designations are “Anksha” and “Jegan”,” the pilot who's spent his whole time reading so far, “and if the scuttlebutt's true the Martians use something similar to our Jegans as their mainstay.”

“Actually kinda looking forward to seeing how similar they are,” Harding smiles. “It's not inconceivable that someone at Anaheim literally leaked the specs.”

You'll have to file that little tidbit away for future use... along with all the other evidence that suggests the executives of Anaheim Electronics are scum-sucking war profiteers.

Now the only question remaining is ow much to tell your fellow pilots?

>Give a rough overview of your little unit's overall strategy and how the various “parts” fit in.
>Tell them what your own mobile weapons can do, in some technical detail.
>Ensure that they have a fairly clear understanding of your experience, capabilities, and tech.
>Other?

>>1998600
>>Give a rough overview of your little unit's overall strategy and how the various “parts” fit in.
>>Tell them what your own mobile weapons can do, in some technical detail.

>>1998600
Here's to hoping their choice in tactics and formation won't end up lacking compared to, say, the Jovian Bawoo squads.

>>Give a rough overview of your little unit's overall strategy and how the various “parts” fit in.
Still gonna have to see how Bianca will fit in role-wise though. Wonder if Emma left any records for review?
>>Other?
We got funnels and other fun Newtype stuff.

>>1998600
>>Give a rough overview of your little unit's overall strategy and how the various “parts” fit in.

>>1998600
“My own unit is built around the smallest mobile suit carrier we could build, which serves as support and coordination during long-range missions,” you explain. “It also has its own compliment of remote weapons. My gundam is a multirole-adaptable machine built as a testbed by Anaheim, equipped with a full Psychoframe system. We've also come by another veteran pilot who favors artillery and support mobile suits, and we procured one for her to pilot.”

“Just two mobile suits,” the Lieutenant muses. “Well, I'd imagine they're damned impressive mobile suits, especially if they've been configured to a newtype ace's specifications.”

“Drawback is we're the proverbial scalpel,” you admit, “which is why we need backup this time.”

“I see. And you, Captain Karn?”

“My own vessel falls between this one and Sericea in size and firepower, with a compliment of five mobile suits including my own,” Haman tells your host. “Four of those are usually high-spec transformable machines, while my own focuses on abusing my newtype skills with remote weapons.”

“And the Martian forces haven't been selected yet, I take it?” Harding nods. “Thank you for the information, I'll be sure to forward it to our Commander.”

You respond with a crisp salute. “Then we'll see you on the battlefield, Lieutenant.”

With that meeting taken care of and some of your concerns assuaged, you head back up to the Minas Geraes' bridge deck.

>I have one last question... what's your take on the mission, Captain?
>I've seen all I need to see (skip to Mars)

>>1998779
>>I've seen all I need to see (skip to Mars)

>>1998779
>>I've seen all I need to see (skip to Mars)

>>1998779
>>I have one last question... what's your take on the mission, Captain?

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The transit back to Mars is uneventful, as Cuithe is nowhere near your intended flight path and the presence of a Lunar Naval battleship would be enough to deter anyone in the area anyway. The full might of the Martian Navy is mustered for you when you do arrive, with nearly two dozen cruisers lined up to greet their Queen. Three ships then dock under heavy observation at Tithon, Sericea next to Sadalahn next to Minas Geraes all in a row with two berths on either side left empty.

“The defense council recommended we keep the crew of the Geraes aboard their ship for now,” Mineva sighs as you accompany her off the ship. This time Haman has offered to stay behind to satisfy site security regulations and allow Rossweisse to stretch her legs.

“Understandable,” Rossweisse replies, her tone of frustration almost imperceptible even to your ears.

“More like unavoidable,” Mineva mutters, half to herself. “This way, I've made arrangements for you to view the vessel I convinced our flag officers to send.”

>dice+3d10, best of four
>it's good to be the Queen

Rolled 6, 9, 5 = 20 (3d10)

>>1998948

Rolled 7, 2, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>1998948
>nearly two dozen cruisers
That's a lotta ships...

Rolled 5, 8, 6 = 19 (3d10)

>>1998948

Rolled 7, 9, 10 = 26 (3d10)

>>1998948

>>1998973
Close fucking clutch!

>>1998960
It was a state event, of course there were a lot of ships. The entire Martian Navy was on standby for JUST this.

>20 it is, prepare for some unexpected hard sci-fi

>>1998973
damn nigga

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>>1998982
>20 it is
Uh, King?

>best of four
Numero quattro is a 26

>>1998982
26, sorry. I forgot I made that best of four.

>>1999003
Instead of a typical design, what Mineva leads you to looks more like a metallic office building that's been docked in one of the terminals.

“Is that...” Rossweisse begins, frowning at the scene before her.

“It's an experiment,” Mineva informs you, looking out the viewport at the vessel and the red cliffs behind her. “Her name is Everest, and she's the first human warship built in a vertical configuration.”

“To harness her own acceleration as a form of artificial gravity,” you muse. “Gets around the issues of having different gravity in different sections, the restrictions imposed by diamagnetic gravity... how does she land?”

“She doesn't,” Mineva smiles. “This is a ship which will spend her whole career in space.”

“Interesting,” you muse. “So this is the warship you intend to task with our mission... what are her capabilities?”

“Why don't we board her and find out?” Mineva suggests.

You concede the point, and a military escort leads you, Rossweisse, and the Queen through the appropriate airlock and onto the Everest.

“My Queen,” the CO salutes... along with the entire bridge crew.

“As you were, please,” Mineva waves her hand dismissively. “No need to stand on formalities. I have brought Captains Marseille and Bell, from the Colony Transit force... they are responsible for much of the investigative work which went into this mission.”

“Captains,” the CO salutes, a fairly nondescript officer with short gray hair in a tight military cut and green eyes... though the man does have a commendable mustache.

“Welcome aboard.”

“Tell me, Captain...” you begin.

“Anders,” the officer offers.

“Captain Anders, then,” you continue with a nod of acknowledgment.

>Do you believe this ship is ready for active duty, Captain? I have my doubts about her design.
>I trust her design is adequate, but how many mobile weapons and guns does she carry?

>>1999081
>>I trust her design is adequate, but how many mobile weapons and guns does she carry?

>>1999081
>>I trust her design is adequate, but how many mobile weapons and guns does she carry?

>>1999081
>>I trust her design is adequate, but how many mobile weapons and guns does she carry?
As with every new design though, some kinks may still need ironing out.

Donnager inspired, or something closer to the skyscraper ships in Firefly?

>>1999107
Definitely leaning towards tv-Donnager.

>>1999133
“I'll trust that the kinks of the new design have been mostly ironed out,” you sigh, “so just tell me what the Everest is bringing to our mission and I'll call it a day.”

“Well, we've got eight mobile suits aboard,” the Captain informs you, “as well as docking space for four long-range escort fighters. Our main armament is ten twin mega cannons with a number of forward torpedo tubes.”

“I want to see the mobile suits in person,” you declare. “It's an important detail that I have to factor into my own assessment of what we actually have to work with, and with that we can come up with a plan.”

“I can save you the trouble,” Mineva tells you. “Captain, please bring up all the relevant specifications. That's an order.”

“Yes ma'am,” the skipper replies, a little surprised at how quick his monarch was to facilitate your efforts.

In fact, the basic mobile suits used by the Martian Navy are functionally identical to the Jegans fielded by Luna... at least in their basic form. Six of the ones aboard the Everest are fitted with extra armor, advanced sensor visors similar to the old GM Sniper-II, and customized weapons loadouts. The remaining two are heavily armed assault variants, with built-up backpacks, heavy anti-ship missiles, and extra armor and thrusters distributed across their frames.

Pound per pound these mobile suits should out-perform their Lunar counterparts even without factoring in the fighters. However, the pilots may not be as well trained... it remains to be seen how effective your reinforcements will prove.

>Meet with the other pilots.
>Meet with your own team.
>Other?

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>>1999206
>the up-armored Jegan model

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>>1999217
>and the assault model

>>1999206
>>Meet with the other pilots.

>>1999206
>>Meet with the other pilots.

>>1999217
Well, at least it's easier to distinguish who's on the same side.

>>1999224
That's the stuff.

>>1999206
>Meet with the other pilots.

Alright, calling it now. It's getting late and I need to get up tomorrow morning.

Archives on sup/tg/ under the Shadows of Zeon tag, as usual, and keep an eye on Twitter for updates on when I'll run next. Until then thanks for stopping by, and see you then!

>>1999283
Cool, thanks as always.

Time to pass out now.

>>1999296
Right there with ya.

>>1999283
Later, boss.