RP: 5th XF Mission 004-01: Training Games (17th PA Wing)

As Red Squadron fell into line, White Squadron did so as well. The Mindy's fanning out to different points along the green starting wall. They seemed to shift from spot to spot each looking into the belt for possible routes.

Then a burst transmission echoed in both groups communications network. "I hope you like looking at our rear, because that's all you're going to see." A distinctly feminine voice echoed in the each of the member's ear-pieces.

"Cut that chatter!" Corro's voice boomed as soon as the other voice finished. He thought about eliminating that pilot from the race, but decided against it. Maybe this will give them some incentive to try and out do White Squadron. Corro's Super Phalanx started to disappear into the asteroid belt.

"Pilots set!" Corro announced again. White Squadron's suits seemed to tense up at his words. Beyond the group a group of asteroids collided and broke apart sending fragments of each in multiple directions. There was a small opening from the collision, but it would require tough maneuvering through the fragmented debris.

"GO!" Corro boomed into the communication network. A loud buzzer also echoed in time with his voice. White Squadron already began to accelerate, splitting off in a multitude of directions.

At the sound of Corro's Command, Cao joined his comrads in punching their engines and exploading from the green line and into the Asteriod belt. It was cluttered with the debres as Cao had expected but he adjusted accordingly. He was dodging, darting swooping and weaving around the ancient peaces of rock and metal. He eventually found him self doing very well in this little race. But he knew it was prudent for him to stay in formation with his fellow squad members. Cao was smiling smugly from in his armor. "I wonder when this is going to get hard.." he muttered to him self. But he hushed his thoughts realizing over confidence gets pilots killed on the line. He knew he must humble him self in order to come out ahead in this test.

Hikomaru´s armor swiftly scrambled into the designed course, applying full acceleration. The path was not an easy one, the asteroids were tightly positioned, but despite this, Hikomaru was ready to use his power armor potential for it, which was not small feat.

He was aware that an error could be the end at that speed, however, he was taking the chances as they came, swirling over any inminent danger of a collision, or slipping between asteriods that any other would think the distance was too narrow amidst them. The adrenaline was rushing, and so was him.

>ON Kasairyuu Wing, Training Exercise section 1

As the buzzer sounded, White Squadron's Mindy's dashed away in a multitude of directions. Some of their movements hasty and abrupt, while others seemed more in control. The asteroids enveloped the group as the bore into the Demesis belt. Suddenly it became apparent why this portion of the belt was chosen. The sheer number of asteroids making up the section was awe-inspiring. They ranged from fingernail sized up to rocks that would put a decent sized hole in the Akuro. Slowly things became more and more cramped on the pilots.

Dana made good use of the Phalanx's maneuverability as he navigated the asteroids. He followed Corro's lead as best as he was able to but it was obviously falling behind just a bit.

It was getting intense in this race. Cao barely missed a large asteroid when another appeared in his course correction. His thrusters on the left side of the armor suddenly fired and his armor spun around the new asteroid. This put him a little behind, but he was back in the rest, rejoining red squadron. But the tension was growing as he watched his scanners. The asteroids were forcing the formations to break. But Cao was resolute in his efforts to maintain his position and speed. Which worked well enough he decided not to stress his armor until the end of this little game.

Corro's armor stood stationary on one of the rocks as it spun slowly on its axis. He watched his scanners carefully, identifying aspects of each group and making notes for grades. Well the White squadron is going for quick efficiency so far. 17th has yet to try and break formation. A keyed a few marks down on another program. The White Squadron Mindy's had a slight lead on the rest of Kasairyuu Wing. Well they'll probably do much better on the second test, but they're not even halfway through. Corro frowned at his statement. He didn't enjoy thinking like that, but he needed to be an impartial judge in these tests.

Dana gritted his teeth as he wobbled a bit. "That was too close...Those Neko's are insane..." He shifted and nearly had to spin around in a 180 to avoid another asteroid. "We can't match their speed anyway... Phalanxes aren't as fast as Mindy's...." He continued to grumble to himself off-comms.

Cao continued to bob and weave through asteroids when Cao seemed to come to the same conclusion every one else had. The Mindy's were faster, but they were struggling to hold formation, which was slowing them down. Then Cao had a bright idea. "Ok I know I'm still a Santo Hei, but if we form up in a single file formation and follow the pointman we can speed through this with ease!" He said making a suggestion. "So if you all wanna win this get on my ass and stick close!" Cao then punched his engines to the max and began speeding through the asteroid belt making narrow dodges, and even scraping his armor once or twice. All he could hope was that his squad mates saw the wisdom in this.

As Cao attempted to accelerate his armor to its maximum speed a warning light in red flash twice across his HUD. "Protocol 0112 active. Speed has been capped at 0.8c.â€

Hikomaru kept avoing the asterioids as they came, pairs, trios, singles; any small chance to keep the course straight was good. He began to take deep breathings, to keep himself focused on the path. Even though the Mindys were ahead, it was just matter of time for the phalanx to catch up, since the phalanx is faster than the Mindy. A small portion of clear path would be enough for it, and Hikomaru was aware of that.

Eight explosions ahead were about to make some changes, but for advantage of the red squadron. "Maybe these cute ladies can stop instantly, but we, the phalanxes will get through it!" - he grinned "Since we´re bigger... yosha!"

"Well, the straight line formation is a good idea, but alas, this will make things slower and dangerous, because the one leading the way is the only person that has a clear vision of the path ahead. The others will have to avoid the asteroids AND the person ahead him. And since it is a race, slowing things down is bad..." - the geshrin said off communication, taking a deep sigh at the end of his monologue. "This is Red 9, breaking current formation from single line to follow group leader by his 3. Over"

Cao then proceeded to breakformation. "ok nothing fancey just this time just get through the field" he said to him self. As he broke the sudden thickness the the resulting explosions created made it more difficult to preform risky and quick manuvers. Cao changed things up abit, adapted to a new situation. He dropped his speed to o.5c and continued on through the asteriod belt. He manuvered conservativly now, pulling up, and down to avoide the rocks that would cause any damaged to his armor. There was no flipping or energetic moving he just kept his calm and continued to negotiate his way through the demasisbelt. The race seemed to be almost over but it wasent finished yet.

Dana dropped his speed to 0.5c when the explosions went off and began to manuever about the debris. He wasn't going for anything fancy, reckless or difficult. He went for the largest openings, "You know what...fancy flying and trying to be the first to finish is nice and all, but I'd rather live to see tomorrow." he muttered out.

>ON Kasairyuu Wing, Training exams

As soon as the rocks in front of them broke apart and the signs of explosions were received, White Squadron scattered in all directions, just attempting to avoid possible collisions. Their Mindy armors danced back and forth between shattered asteroids, but they were not gain ground at all. Corro was already marking down his notes for each pilot's reactions. His own Super Phalanx was standing on an asteroid overlooking the new mess he had created. Ever forward it seems. He grinned as he made more notes.

Cao had broken formation, and was still continuing on through the asteroid belt. Earlier in the race he was performing risky turns, and maneuvers. This cost him time in the race but now he realized that flying conservatively was the way to be. The asteroids flew in all directions but Cao did what he could, he bobbed, dove and carefully avoided any possible collision.

Just as Cao rounded one of the larger asteroids, a flash of red could be spied in the distance and beyond it looked like open space. Behind him a White Squadron member began to tail him, not following his direct path but trying to use his planned course as an estimate for her own course. The Mindy was pushing its own engines to the max, trying to stay up with the Red Squadron member.

Cao merely looked at his radar "Not good enough to find your own path." he said in a calm tone as he finished rounding the Asteroid. Cao continued on not even reacting to the mind. This wasn't a shooting gallery, this was a race, and Cao was winning. But Cao very well didn't want some lousy fur-ball following in his footsteps. He didn't punch is engines to the max, he merely increased his speed to 0.6c and began rounding a larger asteroid. He moved past the asteroid calmly and coolly as another asteroid collided into the one he just rounded blocking the Mindy's path. "Nobody likes a copy cat..." He said slyly as he pushed on.

Suddenly three more White Squadron members dropped in from all sides on Cao's position. Taking in the opportunity of the clear path he had found. All of them were pushing their machines to the max output and rapidly losing the Red Squadron pilot. The pilot Cao had just dusted was now rapidly approaching from below. It was apparent Cao was now the only Red Squadron member this far ahead after the explosions.

"Intense" he said as he gunned his to the maximum of 0.8c moving rapidly through the asteroid field. He continued on gaining ground as he skillfully and carefully dodged around the asteroids. He studied his scanners, and continued pushing on after the white squadron members. "Rats in a maze." He said as he pushed through some more of the shattered stone gaining more ground. Suddenly Cao juked to his left locating an even clearer path towards the finish line, giving him somewhat of an advantage now.

Out of no where, a rogue asteroid appeared from behind another, much larger asteroid. The torso sized ball of rock and metal slammed into Cao's chest armor as he attempted to move around the larger asteroid. The impact was enough to knock his propulsion systems off for a good few seconds. He had gained enough ground that he would spin out of control across the finish line and come in first. But a warning light flickered across his HUD. "Warning, body plating and fore thruster array have take damage. Simulated affects now activating.â€

Hikomaru successfully passed through the explosion´s mess, but that lead to a consequent speed reduction, to 0.4c. Some white squadron members passed him, but the danger was over, and he was ready to make his move.

"Har har! these babes... so funny! im half my speed, there´s nothing that can stop me now! See you later cuties!" - the pilot punched his engines to 0.8c, having now a clearer path to go.

Not much time passed after Hikomaru passed the white squadron, but there was still one person ahead. "Hrmm, that´s a phalanx. Wonder who´s it... doing well. but actually... bah, doesn´t matters, here i come!"

The geshrin didn´t bother of following the leading phalanx´s path, Hikomaru had one for himself. "Doh... At this speed the maneuvering is being difficult, if what you want is to survive. But who gives a damn about survival, imma show this puppy what a Izusuhara is made of! yosha!" he chuckled.

An inminent crash made Hikomaru to slow down. "See! that´s what i call hugging the rocks" - he grinned. Hikomaru had to avoid the asteroids that hit the leading phalanx; but he didn´t want to crash too, so he dodged them by the safe, slow way. That gave the leading PA to recover and get the finish line, and Hikomaru got a few seconds behind him.

"Red 7 reporting in sir. Race completed.... Now I'm going to go have a heart attack."

Click to expand...

"So it was the Cao guy." he mumbled. "Hey! that was pretty good, i´m impressed. But gotta watch out those mean rocks out there when rushing, pal, they hurt like... well, u´know!" he smiled to Cao, as the other pilots were finishing the race as well.

Dana growled and released a long sad sigh as he trudged in near last, "Sento Hei Conley reporting in." he shut off his comms out and gave out a long, sad sigh.

Great, well...hey, I survived and didn't destroy the Phalanx... he thought to himself as he floated there in space with the others. Silently he watched the stars, asteroids and other Power Armors as they moved about and waited for the next leg of thier training.

As both Red and White Squadrons came to rest outside of Demesis Belt, the lone form of Corro's Super Phalanx appeared from the debris.

"Very interesting pilots." Corro started over the communication network. "I think I've got enough information on this one. Unfortunately you all have a very long way to go."

Inside his own armor he keyed his HUD to display the next part of the exam he had been order to conduct. I hope they are ready for this. He thought to himself about either party.

"Now then, if you pilots remember the briefing then you all can start to form up with your respective squadrons." Corro order them, his own suitfloating with its arms crossed above the two teams. "Get yourselves situated and I will start this as soon as the first team appears ready."

White squadron instantly began to form up, but they were unsure of what to form up into. They continuewd moving about for certain ideal postions for several moments.

Cao formed up amoung the rest of his squadron, awaiting his next test. He did not respond to the friendly ribbing of Klarth, but simply mouthed sarcastic laughing. But he had to admit he was proud. He won the race, hopefully he would get brownie points for that little feat. Cao then silently awaited his next orders. His Phalanx sat in the back section of an arrow formation of 7 other Armors, ready for the next leg of this competition. He beat White squadron once, he could do it again. His armor had suffered only minor damage from the asteriod, but it was enough to shake him up to be more careful.

His fellowd reported in untill it was his turn. "Red 7 in formation and awaiting orders sir.." He said in a rather drab tone. THe first test was rough, this next one would be even worst, and he felt it in his bones.

"So ladies, i hope you enjoyed watching our backs, because that´s everything you saw, ha ha ha" Hikomaru said over the comm, replying the earlier sarcasm that one of the white squadron´s member said. He was not satisfied of his result, however, he finished the first leg flawless, and that was enough for him.

The geshrin lined up with his teammates, and privately said to Dana "Yo bud, glad that you made it safe, but we gotta stick togheter man, no way these pussy cats can win if we work as a team. Red 9 over. Yosh!"

"Izusuhara on formation. Standing by" he said in a deep voice, confident that the next stage could be even more exciting.

"Izusuhara, if I hear another outburst like that you're flying back to the Akuro and are grounded for a week! What part of 'cut the chatter' earlier did you not understand." The low growl of the Nepleslian boomed in the communications network. This did not please him at all, he could tolerate cocky pilots, but sore winners were another matter entirely.

Eyeing both squadrons pensively he let the weight behind his words soak in as he hoped it would motivate them some. Hikomaru and his words seemed to motivate White Squadron even more. Within seconds the team had conducted themselves into a near perfect pyramid formation, while some of Red Squadron had yet to form up.

"Alright pilots stay within arms reach of your teammates' shoulders and follow my lead." Corro announced as he flew his suit in-between the two teams and began accelerating away. As he did so he began to twist his suit in a corkscrew fashion, guided somewhat by his nav computer.

The teams did not have the nav computer to help guide them and keep track of their teammates. Only their reflexes and armor sensors could do that.

White Squadron took off after the examiner, following his example as best they could, which was rather well, considering their training together. Their pyramid seemed to twist like an oddly shaped polygon as they moved.

From the mass of asteroids behind the groups, a pair of recon drones drifted lazily into view. One followed after White Squadron, while the other stopped and stared at Red Squadron.

(Ok guys, if at least two members do not attend tomorrow's JP I'm going to have to step in and GM this as we are currently far behind the position we need to be. Post an SP if you can, but attend tonight's JP at all costs. That is all.)