RP: YSS Miharu Mission 5, Part 2: The Fight For The Lost

Nyton studied his choices carefully but he had to come to a decision quickly. The original PHALANX was completely useless here. This narrowed it down to the pirated version and the M8 model, Arethusa, version. The pirated version Hoshi managed to create was indeed interesting, compensating for revamped plasma emitters with torches. The expanded energy grid meant that it would more efficiently manage it's power core than before. Along with this was his now faithful combat AI, Telemachus. Under normal circumstances Nyton would have favored this model for use as it would be familiar with his combat style. However, something in his mind nagged him regarding this choice. It was a lingering doubt; a notion that familiarity was not a good thing.

Then Nyton put together why his gut told him not to choose Telemachus. Melisson already knows me and my combat style. Whether she picked it apart recently or from her previous infection, she could likely predict my movements within the PHALANX. Not just Telemachus but my abilities in an M6 as well. Everything except-! With a quick drawing of breath Nyton then reached out and selected the Arethusa.

Time to see if I'm as good at learning to pilot as I believe myself to be. Nyton thought to himself as the pad began to process his decision.

Seeing her older sister's determination served to bolster Rin's own drive. She was not about to go and sit around and wait for the enemy here. No, that would seem cowardly. There was honor at stake; to take vengeance upon the vile squids and whatever other monstrosities that took her mother's life was the only course of action conceivable, even if it meant her own death.

As Rin's armor moved to equip itself, the sprite within sent a message to the one in charge of the assault: Yukari. "Shosa, may I make a request? I wish to accompany the Black Knights. I would never forgive myself if I didn't even try to...." Rin paused to stifle any tears, before she exhaled slowly.

Regardless of what the lavender-haired sprite was doing, she was not about to go down without a fight, so she chose accordingly as she waited for a reply.

"Wakaru."

It was a reflexive reply, more than a cognizant one, but somewhere in the back of her mind it registered. If she had been insane, she would probably have wondered at it - at how the words sounded a bell in a dark place. But that was not the case - she was aware, and sober, if still a little jarred from the shock of everything. It was determination that focused her rage. But she did consider it, even if she wanted to dismiss it; the Shosa held some sway, even over a berserker.

"Hai," she replied to Nakamura, moving in alongside him with the APR raised for cover. There were few things in infantry combat that the Technician-Heisho completely understood, but that was alright - there were programs in place for this sort of thing. Squads moved in groups. Groups needed wingmen. It was only natural, therefore, that she attach herself - as a Heisho - to the other Heisho. The fact they were so close, anyway, was probably just a fluke of fate.

Even the man's presence did not quiet the shadowy voice that whispered vengance in her ear, however; really -were- going to die.

Boy, did her trigger finger itch.

Miyoko paused for a moment when Kotori stopped, then gave a brief nod. "... I understand." Still supporting her, Miyoko led her back to her seat in the elevated area of the bridge--there was no way she was going to try negotiating stairs like this.

No guards posted outside the bridge... and as far as she could tell, the rest of the crew left on the ship were working autonomously, with no central coordination. If there were a counterattack... well, if they reached the bridge, Miyoko didn't count on herself to hold them off. And with Yukari, Nyton, and Tom off the ship, Kotori out of commission, and Hinoto supervising the team in the Shlarvasseroth, there wasn't much of a chain of command to fall back on.

If anybody who was left on the ship and still unbusy and able would be able to command the defenders, it would be Masako. The fact that she hadn't been sent on the away team didn't make Miyoko hopeful, but she wasn't about to commandeer the defenders if the much more able power armor leader were available.

Fred said:

The flesh in this chamber was charred, with some parts of it roasting as small fires still burned all around. The lone Daisy armor was joined by a few others whom also inspected the area, and then came Yukari's request for a situation update. The lead one answered.

"This is Mara-Shoi. The way into the enemy vessel has been opened. I have Yoroko, Takuma and Tsuya with me presently guarding what looks like a defensible bottleneck to Hoshi's rear hatch. Given some time, I think we could fortify this position. No enemy is present for the moment."

Click to expand...

Yukari did not try to suppress her smile. "Roger, Shoi-san. A pleasure to hear your voice. Begin your fortifications."

Yukari looked around at the armors who were readied, but had not headed to the front as Westwood had. However, Rin spoke to her first. She took a deep breath before answering.

"Hei-san. ... Rin-san." Yuzuki was much easier. "Support Mara-Shoi the others. Hoshi must be here for us when we return. The best justice we can deliver in Miharu's memory is surviving this battle. Survive for her. Understand?"

She paused for a moment, then nodded. "Armored personnel, let us go."

Lifting a few centimeters from the ground, Yukari floated out of the armor bay and into the joining corridor between what remained of Miharu and the whole Hoshi. She wrinkled her nose at the insides of the Mishhu starship, but at least the passage was empty. She nodded to Mara on the way out, taking point for the moment.

"We stay together," she said to her team. "Do not break off. Separation will end with us perished." Her tachyon sensor activated with a brief mental command and pulsed three times to gather a layout on the ship. She did not want to veer off course and have to correct later.

Thermoptic camouflage was not an option with Nyton in the experimental M8 armor. Not that the enemy did not know where they were ...

@Nyton:

The repurposed PHALANX pad whirred as a volume of thick slime materialized over it. The mass - boasting a mirror-like finish - amorphously moved over the confines of the platform, vertically thickening a bit as foot-shaped depression revealed themselves for Nyton to step through.

"Please step into the depressions and hold upright with your arms perpendicular to the body until the liquid nodal armor has set. Activation of your helmet's HUD will confirm the process' completion," his new AIES, 'Arethusa' instructed.

@Bridge:

Kotori seemed content to sit on her seat, elbows on her knees, forearms drooping from there with her head hanging.

Hinoto then briskly made her own entry, her pale hair fluttering behind her, and Miyoko was struck with how much Hinoto seemed to fill the room. That she was the ship's avatar was much more believable and something in the sprite's intensity seemed to hint as to the responsability Miharu's absense had burdened her with. Hinoto did not appear to sag under it.

The silver-haired nekovalkyrja barely spared the two others a glance as she sat down at the Operations station and set up her sensor, communication and mission control interface, volumetric displays materializing around her.

"Shosa, I will refer to your group as the Black Knights," Hinoto announced over the comm. "I am making direct CIES interlink with your unit and Freeman-Juni's. This Mishhuvurthyar vessel has heavy anti-scalar radiation plating as precaution for its abundance of aether weaponry so this will greatly hinder perception of your surroundings beyond line of sight."

"Fortunately, we have plans Ketsurui Hanako obtained on the interior layout of this vessel so I should be able to direct you," the mission operator continued. "The strongest psionic readings I am getting come from a large chamber deeply recessed between the ship's two upper arrays. That's very close to the observation room within which Melisson received the Lorath royalty back at the Battle of Lor so I will be directing you there first."

"Estimates rate the active mishhuvurthyar complement of this ship at around three-thousand," Hinoto continued. "You won't be able to fight all of them so when possible I'll have you skirt around or evade them. With any luck, they'll focus most of their attention on the defenders here. Transport platforms - elevators, really - may speed your way but they are also much more likely to require combat and electronic warfare to access them."

@Defense Line:

While Hinoto talked to Yukari's Black Knights, Mara was ordering people around, having them move debris and wreckage to use as cover. Technicians were to come to seed the front of the fortifications with live ammunition which would be covered with volumetric camouflage as boobytraps. Mounting frames and spare parts for what served as internal forcefields would be set up for added protection. Improvised artillery made up from modified weapon pods were also being set up as impromptu gun emplacements.

Masako grimaced and pat Ayumu on the shoulder. "Be strong," she encouraged with a small smile. "Just do your best and honor their memory by helping the survivors." the Warrant Officer said before the sounding of collision alarms. As the nurse pulled herself together, Masako did what she could to aid the medical staff. Then it happened, the mother of all collisions as two warships impacted each other. Though one of them was quite small compared to the other. While she finished bracing one of the more critical patients, Masako had no time to brace herself and was thrown to the wall with jarring force.

She came to once more with the sound of Ayumu's voice over her. "Ugh..." the Raven-haired Neko groaned and pat Ayumu on the shoulder once more. "I should...get to the Armor Bay. I'll need weapons if I'm to protect you all from whatever they send against us," the Warrant Officer mumbled, still stunned from the impact. Then Akiko's voice reached her ears. "Ah...you're all right," she mumbled to the sisters before shaking her head and using Ayumu to stand up once more. "Hoshi," she sent telepathically. "I need to know what armors we have left as well as weaponry. We need to arm whoever is capable of moving to defend the you from intrusion."

"A'course I can't do this alone!" said Asher aloud as he proceeded forth, answering Kyou's question a little late. He looked on ahead, keeping his Plasma Gun active and his 50mm Gauss aimed forward. It was time to melt into a cohesive squad formation and kill things with murderous and bloody efficiency. "Y'see, Gunny, I'm pretty g'damn awesome. In fact, I'm probably tha' best thing since salt! But, I ain't shit wit'out you n'my buddies."

He looked back at the rest of armor fighters that had joined them for combat, and then back out into their destination. This iss' gunna' be great!

After making a few final checks to make sure the link between his unit and the CIES was sound, Tom finalized his Daisy modifications and stepped out.

He brought up unit data on the other members of the squad, their layouts and physical condition, and put it into a corner on his HUD. It was the first time the engineer had the opportunity to use a leadership module and he was pleasantly impressed with the results.

He smiled as he thought of how he would be there to support Yukari in case she needed it. The fact that their two armors were 'connected' seemed fitting to the engineer as well, given their obvious bonds.

Confidence swelled up in him, and his smile turned into a big grin when he found out that Mara had, indeed, survived Miharu's death.

Hah! I knew you were tougher than some stupid torpedo!

Somehow, deep inside this pulsating cyst of evil, they would find a way out.

"Acknowledged, Shosa."

Silently, Nyton stepped his feet into the depressions with his arms held as instructed. He hoped it would not take long to generate the suit as the team was getting ready to advance into the enemy ship. The slime began to coalesce and flow up and over Nyton's body, much like the nanomachines would form a PHALANX. The sensation was different however, more wet than the almost faint dusty like feeling of the PHALANX nanites. The slime glowed a bit as it worked to form the new M8 NADIA suit around him. After a few moments the suit settled in and the HUD activated allowing Nyton see out and around him. Data screens and displays alerted him to data and patched him into the communication net being used by the Black Knights.

Letting out a breath, Nyton looked around at himself for a second to assure himself that the suit had finished forming. The suit was not as mechanical as the PHALANX, more organic rather, with a smooth streamlined appearance. It was mostly deep blue in color with various streaks of dull gray and light blue. The suit was contoured to his body, augmenting his strength and abilities. Bringing the generators online he prepped it to activate and bring the barrier to full power. Once it was done and there were no further instructions he darted over to the armory that had been established. He needed to arm himself quickly for this conflict. "Arethusa, give me a rundown on your parameters while I arm us."

Nyton would listen and read what Arethusa explained while he snapped on weapons. Since the NADIA had no storage points he had to resort to strapping weapons and magazines via slings and belts. Nyton chose to tightly sling a Ke-M2-W2909 Accelerated Plasma Rifle with a Ke-M2-W2909-RGL 50mm Rapid Grenade Launcher attachment to his back. It would be slung on his back with the sling running across his chest but secured so that it would not swing around while he moved. The grip would be set near his left shoulder so that he could easily reach over his shoulder to draw the weapon. The quick release of the sling would be activated by the nodal appendage of his arm to allow for extra reach to allow a smooth draw of the weapon. The Grenade Launcher was loaded with high explosive incendiary rounds. A small bandoleer got wrapped around the upper right arm to store three extra magazines of HEI rounds for the grenade launcher. This he established to be his 'heavy' weapon of his array.

To his hip Nyton attached a belt with a holster for a Ke-M6-W2901 ASP Mk.I Type 29 Armor Service Pistol. It was loaded with a 50 round magazine of HESH ammunition. To the belt he rigged three magazine pouches to carry three more 50 round magazines of HESH ammo. This was his backup weapon and it was designated for use by Arethusa. By using the nodal system to grab and manipulate the pistol it could fire upon the enemy while Nyton focused on other targets.

Nyton quickly strung a bandoleer to each the calves of his legs. Each bandoleer held three grenades consisting of 1 Concussion, Fragmentation, and Incendiary grenade.

Finally to complete his armament, Nyton picked up a Ke-M4-W2901 Light Armor Service Rifle sniper variant. Loaded with HE rounds in a 200 round large magazine, he attached two more 100 round magazines of HE ammunition using the the nodal system itself to his left arm and three more to the pistol belt. This would be his main weapon and he held it in his hands. There was a sling attached to allow him to stash it when he switched weapons.

Quickly adjusting for comfort and ease of movement, Nyton tested the stealth systems of his suit to ensure that he would be adequately hidden even with the multitude of weapons and ammo he carried. Once satisfied he activated the camouflage system before stepping out to follow the team's advance.

As Nyton emerged and gathered data over the AIES from other units he began to realize that he had been here before. This was the same ship Melisson had used back at Lor. He only had limited data confined to one path that was taken to the observation room. It did however give him a sense of direction in this maze while relying on Hinoto's guidance. Over the comm he contacted Yukari. "By your lead Shosa. Might I suggest allowing myself and one other member to remain stealthed and provide fire support to the main force. I found this tactic to be very effectively when used by our enemy earlier."

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Both Shizuka and Akiko moved over to steady Masako. "Please, allow us to help you." Shizuka offered, moving to take hold of the neko's right side while Akiko went to support the left.

"Thank you Juni. I will continue to do my best. Good luck to you too." Ayumu telepathically messaged.

Doshii Jun said:

Yukari looked around at the armors who were readied, but had not headed to the front as Westwood had. However, Rin spoke to her first. She took a deep breath before answering.

"Hei-san. ... Rin-san." Yuzuki was much easier. "Support Mara-Shoi the others. Hoshi must be here for us when we return. The best justice we can deliver in Miharu's memory is surviving this battle. Survive for her. Understand?"

Click to expand...

The response grabbed Rin's heart a firm tug. The sprite's whole posture just seemed to droop as her arms hung loosely to her sides and her head bowed. "Hai..." she whispered, though no one else could hear it. Even if she was still doing it in Miharu's memory, it just wasn't the same. Still, orders were orders and she knew what Yukari said was true. It just wasn't what she had wanted to hear.

After a bow to those leaving, Rin joined Mara and the others on the defense. "Where do you need me?"

Rin's plight wasn't unseen by the Chief Engineer.

Kyou grinned. "Well, we have to be there to pull you off of the dead bodies at least, right? Plus, I'm not half bad in a fight myself." She glanced towards their entry point onto the ship where it would all be decided, one way or another. "Though, I really think we should just get going. If anyone really wants to, let them come, if not? Well, we need defenders anyway. I mean, our goal is fairly obvious, not much explanation needed."

Already, Yukari had a lot to think about.

She absorbed Hinoto's information and waited for the layout to appear. In the meantime, she had to weigh Nyton's request and Tom's.

The number "3,000" compressed her thinking time to barely a second. They could not afford any sloth.

"I am unsure how useful stealth will be, but it cannot hurt. Gunshin! Stealth yourself and assist Claymere with fire support. Westwood, you are pointman." Infantry tactics were not Yukari's strong suit, but Westwood seemed born for the job.

Yukari did not enjoy her judgment being questioned in a field in which she already had low self-confidence. She also felt the idea of stopping for repairs meant stopping to die. ... Yet ...

"So sorry, Mara-san. Rin! You are with Freeman-Juni. Keep up!"

Different tactical points bubbled to the surface of her head as she turned toward the upper tunnel, the proposed route displaying itself inside everyone's helmets. "Maintain spacing of no less than five meters. Let us go!"

"Gotcha, Yuka-boss! Switchin' t'close encounta' weapon." relayed Asher back to the most superior officer amongst them. The Malifarian unlocked his Flamethrower, allowing it to fall into a ready hand as he locked his other weapon onto the hanger.

It was on odd feeling, receiving orders directly from Yukari. Most of the time, from his memory of two years lacking, the Shosa was a logistics officer, and an overhead spotter for teams. Despite the one time he had actually seen her in armor, this was the first time he had ever seen her put her boots down in battle. The same went for the engineers joining the forward combat squadron. It was slightly discomforting going into battle with people he knew had spent most of their time in the depths of friendly ships, rather than enemy ones. Though, the Hei trusted his superior's command, and thus, trusted these new additions to the field of battle.

The Santo-Hei of recent birth, but of experienced mind activated his thermo-optic camoflauge and faded out of physical perception as he led the tip of the spear into the depths that were the heart of Melisson's lair.

Kyou nodded to Asher as he stepped away, and activated her own camouflage, moving up towards the entrance as well, though keeping a bit of her distance. "Hai, Shosa. Moving up." She kept her LASR handy, though she kept her SLAG out of the equation for the moment. No need to risk friendly fire with Asher leading the way. Despite her own youth, she was slightly relieved that she was being grouped with the people she had already been working with, regardless of the relative skill of the engineers. She was just more comfortable this way.

"Roger Shosa." Nyton replied. Hovering to avoid disturbing his surroundings the man flew to just slightly behind and to the left of the team. Raising his rifle to aim down range, he began sweeping the terrain ahead. Nyton set his LASR to full auto and readied himself. "Gunshin, I'll cover the left, you cover the right. We protect the main body so stay out of sight and reserve your shot to assist with opportunity fire." he comm'd over.

There was still much to learn about the abilities of the new M8. He double checked to make sure the barriers could function during stealth. If not then they would have to be on standby to immediately activate.

"Knight Leader, there are three passages in the chamber ahead. Lead your team through the upper one," Hinoto instructed Yukari over a new encrypted channel. "The next hub point will be 75 meters beyond."

"Be adviced: we've recovered from the collision and got organized, so, I expect the same from the Mishhuvurthyar soldiers. You are likely to run into areas where the enemy soldiers will gather to strike at Hoshi. Use stealth and do not engage. Also, the larger Type 1 Mishhu is not your only worry; there are smaller bug and worm types whom will be harder to notice in the muck. Be sure not to touch walls or otherwise draw attention to yourselves. If even one of them locates you, their bigger cousins are likely to converge on you."

As the Black Knights made their departure, Mara turned from her preparations and stared at them. "If Miharu were still here, she would tell you: You are my pride and my joy. I believe in you," Mara telepathically transmitted to them. "We will keep the candle burning for you, Black Knights. Farewell."

Kai rolled with the higher-ups taking command of the black knights away from him, it wasn't like he was especially interested in being in charge anyway. Like the rest of the group, the Yamataian activated his own and his armors' antigravity, and floated a few meters off the ground, following the group, his Thermoptic stealth activated as well, keeping him concealed as best as possible.

"Yuzuki-Heisho, Stick with me, I will help you through the battle" Kai sent telepathically, knowing that the sprite may have been a top-notch engineer, but was not necessarily the best combatant, mostly from lack of experience.

With Mara's parting words providing another shot of confidence, Tom also turned on his active camouflage and antigravity. He noticed Rin approaching him. Yukari had placed the sprite under his wing, it seemed. He was just about to wave Yuzuki over to him too (it seemed appropriate for the engineer to lead his direct subordinates), but Kai had turned his attention to the Heisho.

He decided to let things develop naturally.