>>3878772
>Try to listen in on what they're talking about.

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>>3878772
>>Go greet them.

Time for some planes.

Also, a little doodle.

>>3878772
>Go greet them.

>>3878772
>Go greet them.

I'm all for gathering info but if we get caught just randomly listening in that's gonna be extremely awkward

>>3878783
Based art anon
Bravo

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>>3878783
Nice

>>3878772
>>Try to listen in on what they're talking about.

>>3878772
>>Try to listen in on what they're talking about.

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3878772
Looks like we've got a tie so we'll have to roll it off!

1. Listen
2. Approach

>>3878772
>>Try to listen in on what they're talking about

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Rolled 17, 17, 14 = 48 (3d20)

>>3878881
You decide to hang back a bit, deciding to try and listen in to whatever you can.

>Roll 1d20

>>3878881
2. Approach
>Approach

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3878887

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3878887

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3878887

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>>3878887
You try to inch yourself a little closer, but you must've made some sort of noise or something, since the old man quickly speaks up.

"It's rude to listen in on other people's conversations." He says, his voice just as rough and gravelly has his appearance. "At least have the courtesy of announcing yourself."

"Oh my, Milly!" Princess Cossette gasps as she turns and sees you. "I didn't realize you arrived!"

"Yeah, I literally just got here." You laugh sheepishly.

"Princess, please turn me around." The old man says quietly.

"Oh my, of course!" Princess Cossette frets as she quickly steps behind the old man's wheelchair and pivots it around so he can face you.

He stares at you long and hard, almost to the point of making you uncomfortable. The somberness in his eyes is immediately dispelled, now resembling those of a predatory bird, taking a measure of its target.

"Um, welll, I'm Milly. Milly Welter." You explain awkwardly. "A pilot for the Belkan Air Force."

"Belkan..." The old man seems to nod a bit. "I presume you were the one flying that Berkut earlier today?"

>Um, yeah.
>No...
>How the hell did you know?
>Other

>>3878913
>Um, yeah.

>>3878913
>Um, yeah.

>>3878913
>>Um, yeah.

>>3878913
>Um, yeah.

>>3878913
>How the hell did you know?

>>3878913
>>How the hell did you know?

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>>3878913
"Um, yeah." You nod, a bit too bewildered to ask how he knew. At this point, you wouldn't be surprised if he was some sort of wizard or something.

"Hm, I thought so." The old man nods.

There's another awkward silence.

"Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Princess Cossette coughs, prodding the old man to keep speaking.

"If I must." The old man sighs and closes his eyes, as if trying recall something. Did he seriously forget his name-

"My name is Mihaly Dumitru Margareta Corneliu Leopold Blanca Karol Aeon Ignatius Raphael Maria Niketas A. Shilage." He says calmly. "Though, you may just call me Mihaly, for obvious reasons."

>...what.
>Cool!
>Other

>>3878974
>>...what.

"And, I'm...uh...Milly, I guess..."

>>3878974
>>...what.

>>3878974
>Cool!

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>>3878974
>Cool!

A pleasure to meet you sir

>>3878974
>>...what.
Who the hell has names this long other than royalty of old?

>>3878974
>Wait, what's the A stand for?

>>3878974
I can go with >>3878978

I guess it's time for some casual music https://youtu.be/J0hlOvnBBF8

>>3878991
Switching to this
>What does the "A" stand for


I love the autism of it

>>3878974
>Wait, what's the 'A' stand for?

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>>3878974
"...what." You blanch.

"I understand my name may be a bit confusing-" Mihaly starts.

"No, I'm just stuck wondering what the hell the A stands for." You frown.

There's a loud snorting sound as Mihaly tries to suppress a laugh. Princess Cossette almost goes white at the sight, as if this was the very first time she ever saw the guy laugh or even chuckle. Guess this Mihaly guy was usually pretty dour.

"Even I do not remember at this point." Mihaly grunts after regaining his composure.

"Mihaly is royalty too, you see." Cossette adds. "In fact, he's actually a king."

"A Duke, to be more accurate." Mihaly grumbles.

"A king?" You blink, glancing at Mihaly. "Um, no offense, but you don't seem particularly... royal."

"I traded my crown for wings." Mihaly cranes his head upward, gazing at the sky stained orange with the dusk light. "It was the least Erusea could do to secure my loyalty."

"His country, Shilage, was one of the many annexed by Erusea." Princess Cossette explains, a small hint of regret in her voice. "Even know, its status remains in flux as its native people fight to regain their independence."

"It's nothing for you to be concerned with." Mihaly says coldly.

>You're not going to fight for your home?
>Sounds like they just brought trouble on themselves...
>Other

>>3879037
Both options sound insulting desu

>>3879037
>You're not going to fight for your home?

>>3879037
>You're not going to fight for your home?

I'm gonna go with this, although seeing as how the guy is a literal invalid in a wheelchair it's kind of a derpy question.

>>3879037
>>You're not going to fight for your home?

>>3879037
>>Sounds like they just brought trouble on themselves...

>>3879037
>You're not going to fight for your home?

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>>3879037
"You're not worried about your own homeland?" You blink.

"After joining the Erusean Air Force, I gave up any desire to return to my former home." Mihaly says as he continues to stare at the sky above. "I found a new home to covet."

It's only for a brief second, but you realize why the aura around Mihaly seemed so damn familiar to you. For just an instant, you saw Karla sitting in that wheelchair, gazing at the sky above.

"The sky is my domain." Mihaly continues. "It is where I lived. It is where I hoped to die. But... fate can be cruel at times."

"Don't say that!" Princess Cossette slaps Mihaly lightly on the shoulder like a disappointed mother. "You still have two granddaughters to look after!"

"My apologies." Mihaly says simply and turns his gaze to you. "And so why do you fly, Milly? What pushes you to reach for heights few dare even approach?"

That was... an interesting question.

>You just love flying.
>You want fly for your country.
>You want to get revenge on those who wronged you.
>Other

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>>3879082
>You want fly for your country.

>>3879082
>You want to fly for your country.

>>3879082
>You just love flying.

>>3879082
>>You want fly for your country.
Both reason why she started flying and why she continued to fly until now.

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>>3879082
>You want fly for your country.

National revenge and justice my friends. Personal revenge is just icing on the cake.
We avenge ourselves by making Belka great.
Sieg Belka

>>3879082
>You want fly for your country.

>>3879082
>>You want to fly for your country.
The sky above watching over the sacred clay below.

>>3879082
>>You want fly for your country.
I'm surprised nobody's voted outright for revenge yet.

>>3879126
I mean i think both blocs of voters here are in agreement that Milly's desire for revenge isn't really a selfish revenge. She wants revenge for Belka. Can't really seperate the Burning of Hoffnung from the Belkan War after all.

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>>3879082
A warm feeling flits through your heart as you recall an old lecture from the Professor, so many years ago. How he accidentally segued into the story of when he first joined the Belkan Air Force. The pride and sense of fulfillment he felt flying to defend Belka's land and honor.

It was then that you felt so jealous of him. Of finding that one true calling to fill the void in your heart. The reason you wanted to fly in the first place.

"I'm flying for my country, of course." You smile. "To defend its land and honor."

"I see." Mihaly nods. "It seems that we've started on different paths, then."

>Sorta looks like that, yeah.
>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?
>Other

>>3879129
>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?


Cant wait till we open a roster book and see he was Eruseas baddest boi. Surprised we haven't heard his name given how successful he was as an ace.

>>3879129
>>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?

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>>3879129
>>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?

We pretty much need every edge we can get to beat these drones.

>>3879129
>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?

>>3879129
>>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?
If anyone knows how to take down the drones, it's the man who provided their combat data.

>>3879128
I'm just honestly a bit confused about this whole thing. I'm all for making Belka great again, but do you think it's ever occurred to Milly that making Belka great again for the sake of revenge is what started 2 wars, nearly ushered in a drone apocalypse, and resulted in the untimely death of probably one of if not the only decent politician we've ever seen in Strangereal?

>>3879129
>Any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?

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>>3879129
"So, uh, any chance you could give me some pointers? Pilot to pilot?" You ask.

Mihaly is silent for a moment.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3879171
uh oh dice roll

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3879171

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3879171


>>3879175
Is high good or bad on the D20s here i forgot

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3879171
>>3879175
We learned the shit out of Mihaly

>>3879177
high on d20 is good, low on d10 is good.

>>3879175
You.

Thank you.

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>>3879178
>>3879185
Thank you based Erusea.

>>3879188
Erusea might be a joke but Mihaly isn't

Make Shilage Great Again.

BTW Merc, did Wit survive in this quest?

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>>3879171
Mihaly just stares at you again, looking at you long and hard before settling back into his wheelchair.

"You cannot rule the skies by flying safe." He says grimly. "You can't settle for merely pushing the limits of your physical abilities, you must strive to exceed them. And not just for an emergency, but at any time."

"Mihaly..." Princess Cossette looks at him in concern.

"In the sky, against another pilot, it is life and death." Mihaly coughs. "The one willing to risk more, to put everything on the line, will be the victor."

You pause at that. Was he really saying what you thought...?

"That's all I have to say on the matter." Mihaly grunts as he closes his eyes. "Do with that information as you will."

>PUSH THE LIMIT gained! In the event of a failed ACM roll, even a critfail, players may choose to instead convert it into an automatic success at the cost of physical injury to Milly.

"Come along, now." Princess Cossette says softly as she takes your hand and leads you away. "He's absolutely exhausted. Coming out to watch that little aerial battle today took a lot out of him..."

>But I want to talk to him more...
>Okay, let's go.
>Other

>>3879196
>>But I want to talk to him more...
What was it like to fight against Three Strikes?

>>3879196
>Okay, let's go.

"Always nice to meet a war hero Mr. Mihaly. Thank you."

---

Also hype for BERSERKER RUSH Milly

>>3879196
>Okay, let's go.

>>3879196
>Okay, let's go.

>>3879196
>Okay, let's go.

>>3879196
>Okay, let's go.
Need to go find mini-Karla and tell her how great her homeland is.

>>3879196
So when we are talking "Physical injury", does this mean we'd roll for it? Like we unironically snap our wrist if we roll poorly enough for the injury?

>>3879205
The real question is which level will this injury go, Guld level or Mikazuki level?

>>3879209
If Milly ends up with an eyepatch by the end of this i will not be unpleased.

>>3879196
>>Okay, let's go.

>>3879205
I'm expecting broken bones, heavy bruising, and not being able to walk for a while among other things.

>>3879212
Could be something more subtle as well. Organ damage from ungodly G Force isn't out of the question. Given our Berkut I imagine we will be able to pull off some brow raising maneuvers

>>3879214
At the rate we're upgrading, Milly's body will break first before her plane.

>>3879219
Unless she learns how to restrain herself. Minimize the damage to herself while squeezing out what she needs from the plane. Trigger didn't need to fly like Mihaly to shoot him down.

As Capt. Bartlett once said: "We can replace these things, it's getting the crew back alive that counts."

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>>3879196
"All right, I got it." You nod and turn to Mihaly. "It was nice to meet you, Mr. Mihaly. Thank you."

Mihaly just gives you a silent nod before Princess Cossette leads you away.

"I'm quite surprised he was so talkative with you!" She says, rather impressed. "He's normally very taciturn, even around his family."

"Guess it's a respect between pilots." You grin. "He's THE Sol 1, right? Erusea's greatest fighter ace?"

"If you don't count Yellow 13." Princess Cossette gives a wry smile. "But yes, that is him, in the flesh."

"Shit, I thought he died!" You gasp.

"And so does the rest of the world." Princess Cossette nods. "It's not something we like to advertise. I doubt even his surviving squadronmates know."

"Well where are they now?" You wonder.

"Last I heard, fighting for Shilage's independence." Princess Cossette says sadly. "They are all from Voslage, another nation Erusea swallowed up in its age of expansion. I suppose they see fighting for Shilage as a way to fight for their own homeland."

>Sounds like they're fighting the good fight.
>But they're trying to break away from Erusea...
>Other

>>3879225
>Sounds like they're fighting the good fight.

>>3879225
>But they're trying to break away from Erusea...

I see some interesting parallels here to Ustio breaking from Belka. Let's see where this line of thought goes.

Also rule of thumb: dont shit on a country in front of their monarch

>>3879225
>>But they're trying to break away from Erusea...

>>3879225
>But they're trying to break away from Erusea...

>>3879225
>But they're trying to break away from Erusea...

>>3879225
>>Sounds like they're fighting the good fight.

>>3879225
>Sounds like they're fighting the good fight.

>>3879225
>>But they're trying to break away from Erusea...

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So does Milly use her money to secretly get herself a custom made suit of armor and sword to live out her knight fantasy in private?

>>3879254
Only on Halloween.
Does Strangereal even do Halloween?

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>>3879225
"But they're trying to break away from Erusea..." You frown. "Aren't you bothered by that."

"I'm not sure if I can really call Erusea my home anymore." Princess Cossette says sadly as she takes a seat on a bench overlooking the bay. You naturally take a seat next to her.

"Why? Because the Conservatives run the place now?" You raise an eyebrow.

"That's part of it, yes." Princess Cossette sighs. "The Conservatives blame me for bringing Erusea to ruin and... well... they're not wrong."

"Hey, you should just pile the blame on yourself like that." You blink in surprise.

"I was blinded by my own pride and self righteousness." Princess Cossette looks to the sea, regret and sadness clear on her face. "I was so confident that with our new drone technology, we could fight Osea on even terms. Force them to admit defeat and leave Usea. But I was wrong."

"Osea and the IUN didn't back down. They kept fighting." You nod.

"I hoped they would see reason. Realize there wasn't any point causing more bloodshed. But I only ignited hatred in their hearts. And not just them, my own countrymen, too." Princess Cossette rubs at her eyes. "We never expected the war to go on for so long. Never expected the war to come to our very own cities. We couldn't do anything but make more and more drones, hoping they would solve all our problems..."

"Until you lost control of them." You conclude.

"That was the final nail the Conservatives needed." Princess Cossette says sadly. "But it's not just them. I've seen regular Erusean soldiers and civilians look on me with fear and hate. I'm the witch that brought ruin to their country. But here..."

She then motions to the refugee camp set up all around the island.

"Here, I have a chance to start over. To watch over and protect the people who need it. To be the leader I should have been." Princess Cossette smiles and then does a cute little gaps. "Oh my, I went on for quite a while there. I'm so sorry!"

"No, no, it's all right. I think I get what you're saying." You chuckle. "Guess you don't see yourself as an Erusean princess?"

"I was originally a commoner, just like everybody else. I simply had the royal name hoisted upon me by powers beyond my control." Princess Cossette shakes her head. "If it were up to me, I'd just drop the title altogether, but everyone here insists I keep it."

"I dunno, Princess Cossette of the Lighthouse has a nice ring to it." You grin.

"Oh please!' Cosette laughs. "I have little doubt our stay here is temporary. Once the situation in Usea settles down, many of these people will be able to return home. I hope I can count on you and your squadron for that."

"That's what we're here for." You grin. "And what about you? Where would you end up if you can't go back to Erusea?"

There's a brief pause.

"I'll... figure that out when the time comes." Princess Cossette answers sheepishly.

>I'm sure things will work out.
>You can always come to Belka.
>Other

>>3879257
>I'm sure things will work out.

>>3879257
>I'm sure things will work out.

>>3879257
>>I'm sure things will work out.

>>3879257
>You can always come to Belka.

AHAHAHAHA YES

Imagine the Allied Asshurt

>>3879254
She probably got one to wear for the off chance of being knighted.

>>3879257
>You can always come to Belka.

>>3879257
>I'm sure things will work out.

>>3879257
>>You can always come to Belka.
For the Glory of Belka!

>>3879257
>>You can always come to Belka.

>>3879257
>>You can always come to Belka.

>>3879268
>Milly, what did you do at work today?
>I brought us a Princess
>Is that your Cat?
>No i mean an actual Princess. See, she talks!

>>3879257
>I'm sure things will work out.

It seems we have reached an impasse

>>3879257
>>You can always come to Belka.
BUT ONLY IF SHE PROMISES TO KNIGHT US

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>>3879257
"Well." You give a devilish grin. "You can always come to Belka!"

"While the offer is nice, moving to Belka could send all kinds of incorrect messages." Princess Cossette sighs. "Much of the reason the Conservatives despise me is because they think I'm a Belkan puppet."

"Speaking very frankly, screw what they think!" You huff. "You're totally cool, regardless of who's running Erusea!"

"I suppose that's something to think about, then." Princess Cossette smiles warmly.

>Well, better go and find Karla.
>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.
>Other

>>3879299
>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.

>>3879299
>>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.

>>3879299
>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.

>>3879299
>>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.

>>3879299
>>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.

>>3879299
>>Other
>Ask her if she can knight us!

Hey you guys wanna hear a joke? What does a Communist in this world listen to music from?

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>>3879308
A Yuke Box

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>>3879311

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>>3879311
This brings me anguish, yet also laughter at the same time

This is what the V2 was for.

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>>3879299
"So uh, I assume you've met Karla, too?" You ask, genuinely curious.

"Of course! She's been a massive help in keeping things running smoothly here!" Princess Cossette smiles. "Having the Valkyrie here has done wonders in securing foreign aid from all over! Sometimes I feel we have more supplies than we know what to do with!"

"Heh, yeah, that sounds like Karla." You grin.

"If I understand correctly, you were her pupil?" She asks.

"I'd like to think I'm more like her squire, even if she's not actually a knight." You nod. "I mean, I learned practically everything I know about dogfighting from her!"

"Perhaps that's why Mihaly took such a liking to you." Princess Cossette's eyes widen. "Now that I think about it, it seems he and Karla seem to get along rather well, too."

>Kinda weird. Karla doesn't seem as ruthless as he is.
>Guess they both have this weird love for the sky.
>Other

>>3879337
>>Guess they both have this weird love for the sky.

>>3879337
>>Guess they both have this weird love for the sky.

>>3879337
>>Guess they both have this weird love for the sky.

>>3879337
>Guess they both have this weird love for the sky.

>>3879299
>>Ask Princess Cossette if she's met Karla.

>>3879337
>>Guess they both have this weird love for the sky.

Planes are love. Planes are life.

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>>3879337
"Hm, well, I'm not too surprised." You shrug. "Both he and Karla seem to share this weird love for the sky."

"It is rather romantic, don't you think?" Princess Cossette giggles. "Abandoning all worldly ties to fly high through the sky!"

"So they hang out often?" You wonder.

"Not that much, but Karla still visits him from time to time." Princess Cossette replies. "Though if his body could handle it, I do not doubt the two of them would fly against one another."

"That would totally be something I'd put money on if it happened." You grin in agreement.

"And her daughter is just so adorable, too!" Princess Cossette giggles. "I believe my friends have taken quite a liking to her, as well!"

Of course Ellisa would have already wormed her way into everybody's hearts here...

>You should go see Karla.
>You should see if Ellisa has gotten herself into trouble.
>Other

>>3879357
>You should go see Karla.

>>3879357
>>You should go see Karla.
Ignore Plane Brat.

>>3879357
>You should see if Ellisa has gotten herself into trouble.

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>>3879357
"Well hey, what's this I see?" Karla grins smugly as she appears behind the both of you, leaning on the back of the bench. "I never figured you and the Princess would already be besties!"

"I-It's nothing like that!" Princess Cossette stammers, her face going red.

"Well, don't worry Princess, I can handle things from here!" Karla pats Princess Cossette's shoulder. "You should go make you rounds. Looks like there's still plenty of people rattled about that little dogfight that took place earlier."

"You're right." Princess Cossette nods dutifully and stands up. "Milly, it was a pleasure seeing you again. I hope you can make Usea safe again so everybody has a home to return to."

"Thanks, Princess." You smile. "I'll do my best."

Princess Cossette gives one final polite nod before taking her leave.

"Anyways, Milly." Karla grins as she ruffles your hair. "I think I've found the answer to your little Raven problem."

"Really? What?" You ask, intrigued.

"You're gonna have to take a bit of a detour..."

>And that's it for tonight! We'll continue things on Saturday so stay tuned!

>>3879371
Thanks for running Merc!

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>>3879371
"Okay, what is this detour thing you're talking about?" You narrow you eyes, a bit suspicious Karla was about to rope you into something crazy.

"Well, I was thinking. Even with a Berkut, you'd be hard pressed to go up against a Raven." Karla explains. "Ideally, you'd want another high end fighter to go up against it."

"Well, it's not like anyone's about to let Belka have any." You roll your eyes. "My Berkut is about as good as it's going to get."

"Not necessarily." Karla gives a devilish grin. "I assume you met Mihaly already?"

"Yeah." You nod ."Pretty serious guy."

"What he probably didn't tell you was that the last plane he packed was an X-02S Strike Wyvern." Karla continues. "Well, before it got shot down, anyways."

"And you think it can be salvaged?" You raise a skeptical eyebrow.

"Hey, you never know. And you got one of the best mechanics on the planet tagging along with you." Karla laughs."The Scrap Queen can make pretty much anything fly!"

"Okay, then where is this crashed Wyvern?" You ask, already dreading the answer.

"That's the awkward part." Karla laughs nervously. "It's somewhere in Shilage."

"Shilage." You grunt. "You mean a region that's currently a war zone between Erusea and Shilagean secessionists."

"That's the one." Karla nods.

>That's freaking insane!
>Sounds as good a plan as any.
>Other

>>3881299
>That's freaking insane! Let's do it!

>>3881299
>Sounds as good a plan as any.

>>3881299
>>Sounds as good a plan as any.

Time for Dame Milly to venture off into some godforsaken war zone to retrieve a holy relic.

>>3881299
>Sounds as good a plan as any.


I am very hesitant to step into a Bosnia situation where everyone is gonna be shooting at us but that's a good plane.

Maybe we can score cookie points with some of the factions there. Who knows.

>>3881299
>>Sounds as good a plan as any.

>>3881299
>>Sounds as good a plan as any.

>>3881299
>Sounds as good a plan as any.
Karla does have connections to Pixy still, right?

>>3881312
>Time for Dame Milly to venture off into some godforsaken war zone to retrieve a holy relic

The real Relic is the friends we make along the way :)

>>3881334
Fuck ignore that OP nametag. I'm in two threads. :/

>>3881299
"You mean like every other place we've been to on this continent?"
>>Sounds as good a plan as any.

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>>3881299
"Sounds as good a plan as any!" You grin. "But uh, how are we actually going to GET to Shilage? Last I checked, the IUN wasn't getting involved in the Erusean civil wars."

"As luck would have it, it seems Shilage was able to scrape together the money to hire a particular PMC to help them out." Karla winks. "It should provide enough cover for you and your squadron to slip into the country without arousing suspicion."

"Well, guess that is luck- wait what?!" You gasp. "The rest of my squadron?"

"Looks like Bandit and the others are eager to come along and give you a hand." Karla smiles. "Officially, they're just meeting you halfway to escort you back to Fort Grays. That should give you enough time to link up, get into Shilage, and get out with the Wyvern!"

"Those dummies." You chuckle. "Guess there's no helping it, then."

"Guess not." Karla pats you on the back. "Anyways, I gotta go find Ellisa. The little hellion is probably plotting another prank or something. You should go get some rest. You're gonna have to leave early tomorrow, you know."

>Yeah, you should get some rest.
>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer.
>Other

>>3881398
>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer.

>>3881398
>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer

Oh dear. Something tells me we are gonna get involved in the war anyways.

>>3881398
>>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer.

>>3881398
>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer.

>>3881398
>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer.

>>3881398
>>You're in the mood to hang out with Karla a little longer.

File: Karla loli 9.jpg (569 KB, 1100x1556)

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>>3881398
"I can hang around a bit longer." You shrug. "Besides, I'd like to see Ellisa again, too."

"All right, well we have to be quick about it." Karla sighs. "I'm guessing she snuck into the tunnels underneath the Lighthouse. They've largely remained sealed ever since the war, and she's always expressed interest in exploring them. I don't doubt for a second she's found a way past the seals."

"So a search and rescue job. Got it." You grin cracking your knuckles. "Let's get this started, then!"

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>3881447

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>3881447

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3881447

>>3881458
Y u do dis to us

>>3881458
>>3881463
Once again, Ellie manages to escape us.

>>3881447
>>3881458
Is it me or is Red losing vs Elisa a regular thing now?

>>3881471
It's a theme yes

File: Karla 16.png (1.41 MB, 1290x1800)

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

>>3881447
...

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>>3881492
You and Karla head inside the main admin center for the Lighthouse, where you proceed to take an elevator down into its depths below.

You vaguely remember reading that the Lighthouse's engineering underground was just as massive and intricate as the mighty space elevator that reached to the heavens. Below, not only were the foundations required to anchor such a tall structure simply massive, but there was also a massive network of power supply cables, each one as thick as a subway tunnel running underneath the entire Usean continent.

Really, it was mind boggling to know that mere humans were capable of all of this.

Anyways, to service these massive power cables, there was an equally large and complex system of maintenance tunnels and access paths. It was practically a massive, artificial labyrinth down here.

"Jeez, how are we supposed to find Ellisa in all of this?" You groan as you glance at what had to be miles and miles of tunnel.

"Oh ye of little faith." Karla chuckles as she brings out a tablet. "Do you think Ellisa is going to get anywhere here by WALKING?"

It's then you see a small parking lot occupied with a number of small, open topped electric carts, obviously meant to navigate these long tunnels.

And one of them was missing.

"Okay, so we can take a cart to go after her..." You nod. "But that still doesn't solve how we'll find her."

"Every single one of these carts has a tracker." Karla points to her tablet. "It's just a matter of chasing her down!"

>Cool, I'll drive!
>Lead the way then.
>Other

>>3881507
>Cool, I'll drive!

>>3881507
>Cool, I'll drive!

When we get our hands on her, we're going to have to figure out what else Aunt Tarin taught her.

>>3881507
>>Lead the way then.

>>3881507
>Cool, I'll drive!

>>3881507
>>Cool, I'll drive!

>>3881507
>>Cool, I'll drive!
Hope these things have insurance.

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>>3881507
"Cool! I'll drive!" You grin as you hop into the driver's seat.

"All right, I'll navigate, then." Karla hops into the passenger seat, still keeping an eye on her tablet. "Just head down that tunnel. Looks like she hasn't gotten very far so we can still catch up with her."

"Got it!" You nod as you flip the power switch on the cart. The electric engine hums to life and the vehicle lurches forward...

>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to.
>Pedal to the metal! Nab her before she does something stupid!
>Other

>>3881572
>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to.

>>3881572
>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to

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>>3881572
>>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to.

>inb4 Ellie is a sleeper agent

>>3881572
>>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to.

>>3881572
>>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to.

>>3881572
>>Pedal to the metal! Nab her before she does something stupid!

>>3881572
>Tail her quietly. See what she's up to.

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Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3881572
You decided to try and keep your distance and tail Ellisa quietly. Just what the hell was she up to down here anyways...?

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3881620

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3881620
CPS is much dissatisfied Karla. Smh.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3881620

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3881620

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>>3881620
Thanks to Karla's directions, you're able to stay on Ellisa's tail, though just out of sight so she doesn't notice your presence.

"So what do you think she's doing down here?" You ask Karla curiously. "Doesn't seem like any sort of prank or anything."

"Probably off looking for some kind of adventure, I guess." Karla grumbles. "One of the downsides to being famous is that your kids deal with it in real weird ways. For Ellisa, it's ranging out on her own."

"Sounds a bit irresponsible." You grunt. "Letting her just run off like this?"

"Jager is generally pretty good at keeping her reined in." Karla sighs. "But we just got a new influx of refugees so he's got his hands full and she took the chance to slink off.."

"Sounds like a whole lotta trouble to deal with." You shake your head.

"Well, it's worth it in the end." Karla smile. Can't say it's boring having her around."

You were about to question the merits of such optimism when Karla glances back at the tablet and frowns.

"Looks like she stopped."

"Where?" You ask, slowing down the cart.

"In the primary data transmission hub, directly at the foot of the space elevator." Karla shakes her head. "What could she possibly be there for...?"

>Stop now and try to observe from a distance.
>Barge in and confront Ellisa.
>Other

>>3881635
>Stop now and try to observe from a distance.

Is she a fucking Spook

>>3881635
>Stop now and try to observe from a distance.

Oh dear god, is she going to send a message across all of Strangereal's comms networks?

>>3881635
>>Stop now and try to observe from a distance.

>>3881635
>>Barge in and confront Ellisa.

>>3881639
If she's spying on us for Uncle the old man needs to be tazed. That would be autistic as shit and creepy.

>>3881635
>Stop now and try to observe from a distance.

>>3881635
>Stop now and try to observe from a distance.

File: Karla 24.jpg (3.36 MB, 2571x3991)

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Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3881635
You slowly bring the the cart to a stop just outside of the main chamber. Already, you can see somebody had left the door to the central chamber open after going through it.

"Come on, let's see what she's up to." You grunt as you hop out of the cart.

"Oh, believe me, I'm curious to know what she's doing down here, too." Karla scowls as she hops out.

The two of you make your way into the chamber to look for Ellisa...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3881673
What in the goddamn?

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3881673

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3881673

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3881673

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>>3881673
You and Karla enter the cavernous main chamber together. The structure was gigantic, easily dwarfing the two of you. At the center was the very bottom of the primary space elevator shaft. The elevator usually didn't go all the way down here unless it had to load up something particularly large and heavy.

All around the outer wall the chamber, you could see the telltale craters of missile and bullet impacts, as well as the burnt out husks of a series of large signal booster devices. Each one methodically taken out with precision. If you remember correctly, this was the site of the final battle of the Lighthouse War, where Trigger himself ended the threat of the rogue drones for good.

Sure enough, you could see an abandoned F-15 laying on the concrete, having made a controlled crash landing. It looks like even after all this time, nobody has yet come down here to clean everything up. Though, to be fair, there was a LOT of other things to clean up, first.

"Hey, Mom! Hey Milly!" Ellisa calls out happily.

"Ellisa!' Karla scowls as she jogs over to Ellisa, who pops out from behind a support column. "What the heck are you doing down here!?"

"I just wanted to see the place of the final battle! Where Three Strikes saved the world!" Ellisa says happily. "And I found something cool! Look!"

Ellisa then holds up a small, bright orange case, burnt and dented. However, it was very clear what it was. A black box data recorder, with a faint, scratched Erusean roundel barely visible.

"Ellisa." Karla says very quietly. "Where did you find that."

"It was just laying the on the ground! Like someone dropped it!" Ellisa's head bobs. "Why, is it valuable?"

>You're holding a freaking drone brain!
>It's just a peace of junk.
>Other

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>>3881691
>>You're holding a freaking drone brain!

>mfw the AI flight recorder with its own and Trigger's flight data is still intact

>>3881691
>>You're holding a freaking drone brain!
Horey shiet

>>3881691
>You're holding a freaking drone brain!

>>3881691
>>You're holding a freaking drone brain!

>>3881691
>You're holding a freaking drone brain!

>>3881691
>>You're holding a freaking drone brain!

>>3881692
I say we destroy it. No telling what would happen if it ever gets connected to a live network.

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>>3881691
"You're holding a freaking drone brain!" You blurt out.

"Really?" Ellisa gasps as she glances at the box. " Cool! What if I plug it into my laptop? Will it get a mind of its own?"

"Ellisa, that's not funny." Karla says grimly. "You're holding a box that should not be opened. Ever."

"Huh?" Ellisa blinks, a bit confused.

"Drone data is dangerous, Ellisa. We don't know what's stored in that box." Karla explains carefully as she slowly steps forward. "It could just be flight data, but it might also be the actual mind of that drone. Connecting it to anything might give it a chance to copy itself."

"Really?" Ellisa frowns as Karla gently takes the box out of her hands.

"Don't get me wrong, you did a good job finding it." Karla smiles as she pats Ellisa on the head. "But we can't just do whatever we want with it."

"But if that drone's mind is still in there, maybe we can ask it to be friends?" Ellisa asks in that innocent way only children could manage.

"Ellisa..." Karla sighs.

>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.
>We'll keep it between us. Nobody else needs to know.
>We should turn this in to the IUN. They'll know what to do with it.
>Other

>>3881715
>>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.

I feel that Grunder would love to get their hands on this to mass produce an army of drone aces.

>>3881715
>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.

>>3881715
>>We should turn this in to the IUN. They'll know what to do with it.

>>3881715
>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.

>>3881715
>We'll keep it between us. Nobody else needs to know.

Nothing like a bargaining chip.

>>3881715
>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.
Fuck brownie points, we'll be in deep shit if any major power grabs hold of it.

>>3881715
>>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.
We're still 20 years away from Electrosphere and I for one would rather keep it that way than it happening earlier, if keep it from happening at all.

>>3881715
>>We'll keep it between us. Nobody else needs to know.
Why destroy it when we can make use of it?!

>>3881715
>>We need to destroy it. It's too dangerous to keep around.

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>>3881715
"We need to destroy it." You shake your head. "It's too dangerous to keep around."

"But-" Ellisa protests.

"No, Milly is right. We can't let this thing leave this chamber." Karla says in a resigned tone as she opens the box, revealing the hard drive within. "I'm sorry Ellisa, but this has to be done."

"No don't!' Ellisa yelps, but it's too late.

>Let Karla destroy the hard drive.
>You should take the flak and destroy it yourself.
>Other

>>3881740
>>You should take the flak and destroy it yourself.

>>3881740
>>You should take the flak and destroy it yourself.

>>3881740
>You should take the flak and destroy it yourself.

One of us probably has to ask why she wants to be friends with an A.I. after this.

>>3881740
>You should take the flak and destroy it yourself.

>>3881740
>>Other
Make Elisa promise to never connect it to the internet if she wants to keep it.

Cmon guys!

>>3881741
>>3881742
>>3881743
>>3881744
Why not let Elisa try to make friends with it first? She could actually make it non-hostile, and this feels like wasting an opportunity. Imagine having friendly A.I as an ally.

>>3881747
>>3881746
If we decided to keep it, she's probably going to be on everyone's hit list if anyone were to find out she has the super special A.I.

Last thing we need is for some Black Ops group kidnapping her.

>>3881740
>Other

We need to impress on the little girl just how significant finding and/or holding on to this thing is.The state of the world and the implications etc. etc. Then>You should take the flak and destroy it yourself.

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>>3881740
Before anybody else can react, you decide to take the heat as you snatch the hard drive out of Karla's hands, drop it to the ground, and apply your boot to it. There's a loud CRUNCH as the hard drive is crushed to pieces.

"Milly, you big MEANIE!" Ellisa shouts as she throws a tantrum. "You killed it!

"It had to be done, Ellisa." You sigh as Karla quickly scoops up the girl in her arms.

"Maaaaybe it's best we go back separately." Karla suggests. "We need to get both carts back, anyways."

Yeah, seemed like Karla already caught on that riding together with Ellisa may cause issues.

>Sounds like a plan.
>It's gonna take the both of you to keep a proper eye on Ellisa.
>Other

>>3881752
>Sounds like a plan.

>>3881752
>>Sounds like a plan.

>>3881752
>Sounds like a plan.

>>3881752
>Sounds like a plan.
Drones have no place in the blue Ellisa, that's just how it works.

>>3881752
>>Sounds like a plan.

>>3881752
>>Sounds like a plan.
Hey Merc, think you could tell us later on what would've happened if we let Ellisa keep her new "pet"?

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>>3881752
"Sounds like a plan." You sigh as you make your way over to the cart that Ellisa had commandeered. "Ellisa, just to make sure you know, but drones have no place in the sky. They're cold and inhuman."

Ellisa doesn't answer you as Karla carries her off. Guess you were on her shitlist for the time being.

As you drive back to the surface with the cart, you begin wonder if you should tell anyone else about what had happened here.

>Bandit. He can be trusted.
>Princess Cossette. She has a right to know what was beneath her feet.
>Nobody else needs to know.
>Other

>>3881769
>>Nobody else needs to know.

>>3881769
>Bandit. He can be trusted.

>>3881769
>>Nobody else needs to know.
What's the point when it's already broken...

>>3881769
>Nobody else needs to know.

>>3881769
>>Princess Cossette. She has a right to know what was beneath her feet.

>>3881769
>Nobody else needs to know.
That was way too sad man, I feel like the AI could be cool.
Rolling if the AI will be evil.

>>3881769
>Bandit. He can be trusted.

>>3881769
>>Bandit. He can be trusted.

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>3881777
Fucked up, hang on...

>>3881769
>Nobody else needs to know.

>>3881769
>>Nobody else needs to know.

Ah crap, we could've totally made a sword out of the shot down Raven!

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>>3881769
Nobody else needed to know what had happened in the depths below the Lighthouse. Just the mere knowledge of what had happened was dangerous, even if the drone data was already destroyed. Who could say others wouldn't come and try to find more of it?

By the time you return to the surface, it's already well past dark. Karla goes on to put Ellisa to bed, so you don't have a chance to link up with her. Ellisa, of course, is in no mood to see you right now.

So you hitch a ride back to the base to prepare for your departure tomorrow.

>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.
>Better focus on getting rest.
>Other

>>3881787
>Go find Grun in the bar.

>>3881787
backing >>3881789
>Go find Grun in the bar.

>>3881787
>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.

>>3881787
>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.

God only knows what they're all up to.

>>3881787
>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.

>>3881787
>>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.

>>3881787
>>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.

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>>3881787
>>You should try getting into contact with the squadron.

>>3881792
>inb4 Vicky is now the hotshot main character she deserves to be with Milly out of the way, and pulling off all sorts of crazy stunts.

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Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>3881787
...

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>>3881798
The moment you get back to base, you get your phone and dial up Bandit's number. Given the time zone difference between the opposite ends of the Usean continent, the only one out of your squadron you were sure to be awake would be Bandit. You weren't totally sure if he was human, after all.

"Milly." Bandit answers, still calm as ever, as if he wasn't even surprised you'd call now of all times. "I hope you had a nice leave?"

"More or less." You respond. "I was just calling in to see what's been going on with the squadron while I've been gone."

"Just a few patrols and raids, so far." Bandit replies. "These Osean penal pilots are desperate and resourceful, which is a rather dangerous combination."

"And what about Vicky and Misono? How are they doing?" You wonder.

"They're both holding their own. Eager to see your return." Bandit replies, just as frustratingly simple and blunt as ever. "They've certainly been racking up the kills in your absence. You'll have your work cut out for you when you get back."

"Heh, I'm sure Vicky's become a proper monster now, huh?" You chuckle.

"She's certainly been stepping up." Bandit agrees. "She's still taking that last engagement with e Raven pretty hard, so she's working on improving."

"That's great to hear." You grin. "Anyways, I hope we meet soon. There's a buncha stuff I gotta tell you in person."

"I'm sure you do." Bandit says coolly. "You know the plan to for us to link up over Usea, correct?"

"Yeah, Karla already told me." You grin in anticipation. "Don't worry, I know what's up."

"Good. Get some rest and be prepared, then." Bandit says before hanging up.

Jeez didn't even wait for you to say goodbye.

Oh well, Bandit was gonna be Bandit. Better follow his advice this time an get some rest...

>And that's it for tonight! As always, next thread will be on Friday, so don't miss it!

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>>3881803
See you next week, boss.

>>3881803
Thanks for running Merc!

>>3881803
Thanks for running, Merc!

FUCK
I fall asleep and wake up to see we could have gotten a pet Wardrone?
God damnit.

>>3881843
I mean, there's always the hope that the A.I. co-pilot in the Wyvern is still salvageable. Although we may need a special pilot helmet so it can properly analyze Milly's brain.

if the scrap queen can repair a smashed X-02s, could she repair the 2 wrecks of the Ravens at the bottom of the space elevator?

>>3883583

Probably, so long as the full Raven fuselages haven't been blown to bits and scattered across the surrounding ocean floor.

At the very best, we have the ADF-11 drone wreck at the transmission tower we could possible salvage for a pulse laser drone provided we give it a new brain, or set up a remote control cockpit somewhere.

>>3884949
>provided we give it a new brain
too late

>>3885007
>>3884949
We can still make a badass sword from the wreckage if that's any consolation.

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>>3881803
You had to admit, flying alone over Usea was not exactly an ideal situation for you. The continent's security situation was still in flux, and there was no telling if you'd be jumped by aerial pirates, rogue drones, or Eruseans looking to flex some rapidly dwindling muscle. Unfortunately, Grun Squadron was in no position to provide any escort or backup, being responsible for guiding the relief convoy back to Belka, now carrying Belkan refugees who wanted to be repatriated back to the fatherland.

Plus having a squadron of Belkan fighters flying around so close to Erusea's conflict zones was not exactly the best idea.

Meanwhile, Karla had advised you to fly low to avoid being picked up by radar. The last thing you needed was the Eruseans tracking your movements, even if they didn't necessarily know it was you.

Then again, flying low put you at a disadvantage if your were spotted by aerial foes. They'd start out with a huge altitude advantage over you...

>Go low to avoid detection.
>Go high so you can see who's coming for you.
>Other

>>3889538
>Go low to avoid detection.

>>3889538
>>Go high so you can see who's coming for you.

>>3889538
>>Go low to avoid detection.