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RP: NSS Sledge Mama [NSS Sledge Mama] Ep. 1 - Pig Iron

CadetNewb

Well-Known Member
Everything started from somewhere.

A ship was more than just the sum of its various parts, but the most basic, important part, was the massive slabs of metal. These were to be shaped, melded and welded together to form the ship. Though these varied a lot depending on the faction or nation that was doing the building, ranging from self-repairing meta-metals to even something as simple as a rudimentary titanium alloy, the idea was unchanged. It was the backbone of it all. For the Marine Corps, its most basic and important part was the people in it. Recruits were taken, smelted and forged into newly minted marines to be sent out, or veterans were taken and reassigned to new groups, most often for ships.

Their new ship, the NSS Sledge Mama, needed her marines. But right now? They weren't even due to arrive yet.

Instead, they were either shipped fresh out of their training or previous assignment, and told to report to the Stanton Shipyard before being plopped down in the middle of the city. In a way, it was command's way of saying, "Take a break, you earned it," or alternatively, that it just didn't give a rat's ass so long as everyone showed up on time, and in uniform for the ship's maiden voyage. The city was grungy and dirty from being in the constant shadow of the massive shipyards, with everything looking like it had an unhealthy coat of black dust. All the buildings seemed to be dark and well worn, with dark alleyways in between them all. And yet, at the same time, it was all brightly lit - neon lights mixed with shadow to form sharp shapes, while the almost cheery hustle and bustle of this city went on

The shipyards were in view of this shuttle station, but so was the nearby strip - with all the military traffic, it only made sense there was plenty for them to do.

Several clubs were garishly lit with bright flashing lights, with some bars either following the same example, or choosing to be more quiet and discreet. Weapon stores, ever present in Nepleslia, showed off their goods through barred poly-glass windows; they were just as often normal firearms as they were something 'heavier'. Origin - an ever present megacorporation - was even selling tanks, just a few aisles over from the groceries and toilet paper. At the same time, there were also various restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries around, either dressed to impressed or more down to Nepleslia. What was here didn't stop with just these though of course.

There was more to be had of course, always. And, the marines were free to it - provided they simply made it to their ship in time.
 
Clad in standard marine uniform, Corporal Lisa Simmons was windows browsing. She stood in front of Styrling shop, looking at the .45 pistols they had there. She felt a bit silly that after all these years she did not have her own personal gun, just her standart issue HHG and IAW kit she "forgot" to return to quartermaster. Not that she liked IAW, but hey, rifle is a rifle. HHG on the other hand, she liked. Revolvers were always nice. But her dad always said that ever through nepleslian should own a forty-fiver. Which meant two best choice. Zen-arms .45 or Silver Special from Styrling. Lisa herself fancied the Styrling a bit more, but this was important thing to decide.

She wished there was someone with her. Some old buddy. Which also reminded her of Matteo Witt. She did not see that shorty since her early days at 4th fleet and wondered what he is up to. It would not hurt to see him again, maybe get him in bed. He might have been short, but Lisa hoped that he packed more in his trunks. And if not, well they could still have fun in some other way. Alas, who knew where Matteo was and for Lisa there was new ship, new people and possibly some new and exciting sex.
 
Emerging from an alley and partially illuminated by the faint neon-lights, a marine made his way towards the Stanton Spaceport. With an unshaven face and bloodshot eyes from a homeric hangover, P2C Thomas Mort stood with a face that not even a mother would love. The marine had a green duffel bag slung over his shoulder as On the bright side, at least he was early, and with any luck he could find a nice bunk on the new ship that he had been assigned to and sleep it out.

Rubbing the bridge of his nose due to the pounding headache, Thomas walked past the stores, barely sparing a glance at the goods being shown as he neared the spaceport. Whatever possessions of personal value that he had that the NSMC hadn't already provided were in his duffel bag anyway, so there was no need for him to spend any more on what was being offered; He just wanted to get to the ship early and sleep the hangover out.
 
Though Mort was lucky the hangover was nowhere near the levels of a suicide headache, it still made focusing harder.

That the young man bumped into someone, wasn't too much of a surprise. What was a surprise though, was what happened next. In an instant, a powerful hand grabbed him by the arm, firmly pulling him out of the crowd before placing him smack dab in front of a store's window. It was just a foot or two right by Lisa that Mort found himself looking at a woman that was half a head taller than he was. Despite the tall blonde's looks, the last thing that most men would be thinking of was that she was pretty. Instead, most would be worried about whether or not they were going to be hurt; the stare she gave him was utterly venomous.

"Hey," she flatly started. "Did you just try to grab my wallet?" the woman asked him with utter seriousness.
 
"Do I look like I have it?" Thomas replied bluntly. Normally he would've been more tact in his approach, but due to his present state, he didn't bother or feel like bothering to do so. He gave the woman that had grabbed him a quick glance before jabbing a finger right at her face, whether he would actually be scared about her appearance or not was out of the question, the pounding headache just made him more irritated and volatile to care about getting into a fight before his new assignment even started.

He matched the venomous stare given to him with his own indignation, "I would be surprised if I did, seeing I was really busy fighting the Squids up until I got here." The marine said.
 
A crisp 'clap' of teeth against teeth could be heard as the woman's jaws made to snap at his finger in half-seriousness.

"Watch where that finger goes - I do bite, Devil Dog," she remarked with wry endearment. Moving back to give him some space, he could see that she was wearing a green jumpsuit that was unzipped and tied around her waist, while sporting a gray, ribbed tank top. Though the jumpsuit itself had grease stains on it, marking use, her tank top was clean. The only other thing that seemed to stand out though, was the large gash-like burn on her forearm. Reaching back with her right hand, the woman felt for her wallet. "Well, it's not the first time someone tried, though, you don't look the sort who'd try and cop a feel either," she offhandedly remarked. Her eyes shifting away from his face and to his chest, she read aloud, "Mort, huh? You look like a mess." Finally easing up on him a little bit, she then noticed Lisa.

"Hey, you two wouldn't be off to the same ship or anything, would you?" she asked them both.
 
"Hell if I know," Lisa replied. By this moment, she was leaning against the front window of the shop, watching the exchange of the due with amusement, she did not bother hiding. "I was reassigned, just killing some time before time to board the Sledge Mama. Though I have to say, the guy would be either blind or gay if he would not thing about copping a feel," She giggled.

Straightening up, she walked to the duo. Unlike these two, Lisa did not look scruffy at all. Her uniform was all fine, sporting the beret and her corporal rank bars. Well except for the sleeve on her left arm, which she rolled up for some feeling of coolness. Her right arm was still covered, because she hated to show scars that covered it from surgery, that made it work again. One of these days, she should go and get a skin-graft for it.

"I am Lisa Simmons," Lisa nodded to lady and mr. Mort. "You two know about anything fun to do around here while waiting? Buying a gun takes only so much time."
 
"I've been better." Mort replied, straightening himself to make the duffel bag's strap on his shoulder more comfortable after putting his hand down. The marine seemed to 'deflate' once he saw that there was no more threat, and took a more casual stance. He casually scratched the stubble on his face as he heard the other female marine talk, ignoring most of it as he contemplated a warm bed. He hadn't even noticed her until she was mentioned, and his eyes widened in surprised and he smiled in disbelief once she told what her posting was.

"No shit? That's the same ship I'm posted on," he said, "I just wanna get to the ship, though." He added.
 
"Yeah, chap, that is a bad idea." Lisa said bad to the man. "Once you report to the ship they will reign you in. Better use as much of your free time as you can. You said you fought squids, this mean you know that it can take months before you get next shore leave. Better enjoy these last few hours while you still can." She grinned and looked back at the window of the gun store.
 
Considering what Lisa said, she nodded sagely. "Mmm. You're right about that, and since he's not bliiiiind..." her voice trailed off, glancing at Mort from the corner of her eye. The toothy smirk she had said it all however - she was just teasing him.

Despite her looks however, it was obvious that the woman was a little bit older than either of them. It was especially so by the way she reached into the small pack she had with her. Reaching in, she drew out a small med bottle and popped the cap. "You can thank The God of Science for hangover pills instead of me," the woman remarked, offering Mort one of the fast acting gel capsules. "Don't wuss out and say you can't dry swallow it though." Despite the motherly gesture, what she said seemed to directly butt heads with it. Especially what she said afterwards to him. "Yeah, you can definitely listen to Lisa here. The squids are bad enough, especially with how hard they try to fuck pretty ladies like us. So why be in a rush to get the big green weenie from the corps too?" she turned her hands up into the air with a shrug.

Somehow, the words sounded almost philosophical with how she said it all. Like it was some big gem of wisdom. Though, if anyone said that it did sound like wisdom, the woman would likely just say they were dumb-asses for not realizing it was just common sense.

Looking off into the distance, she answered Lisa. "If you're looking for stuff to do, I know there's a few sports attractions - skiing or snowboarding is the most popular one since this shitty city is always really hot," she pointed to herself, her jumpsuit having been tied around her waist. "There's always plenty of bars and clubs and shit where you can watch Mort get hammered again too." Turning her attention away from Lisa and onto the young man in question however, the woman went on, "But you're not interested in that, right? I know you just want three hots and a cot every day and night, but they might just get you ready for parade like Lisa mentioned. Polish up your assigned armor, put on some gold bling - that kind of shit. Maybe something to wake you up would be better, hmmmm?" she hummed sweetly.

"There's gambling nearby, as close as you can get to the best kind, without it being illegal of course - full immersion gladiator stuff," a glint shone in her eyes. "Make a bet, or go in yourself, it doesn't matter. Or...we could get some coffee." As sincere as that last bit sounded, it seemed to somehow tease.
 
Still taken aback by the sudden change in attitude, Thomas too took the pill and swallowed it. Maybe the woman wasn't so bad, after all she had just given him free pills, and that was always a good sign to determine that someone was of a good-nature, at least for him. The marine kept listening as she called out the attractions that the place offered, he had his fair share of shitty cities, having grown up in Funky City, so just passing by through another shitty one was no big deal for him; he had joined the NSMC to get out of them after all, although making some money on the way was also a nice addition to it.

Still, having someone just come and act nice all of sudden was still suspicious to him, least of all from a complete stranger. "Well, how about you chose it, since you're so familiar with the town anyway." The marine said, "Speaking of which, who are you, anyway?" He added, in a more serious tone.
 
He had just been transferred from the 4th Fleet. Something to do with a new expeditionary force being organized and them needing all the "experienced" troops they could get their hands on. Since Aleksei had been apart of the Nepleslian Marine Corps most mismatched unit, he was given a choice given the wind down of the war against the squids. Take a cushy gig back at Funky City training future demolitions specialists or transfer to the new unit being organized by the higher ups. Since he wasn't one to just sit back getting fat and lazy wiping noses, he signed his papers for transfer to a possible combat unit.

Hefting his duffle bag higher onto his shoulder with ease due to his ID-SOL heritage, the marine private wandered down the street toward his new assignment. His intention was as clear as day. Find the ship, report to his CO, and rack out until the others arrived. At least that was the plan until he saw a shock of blond hair adorning an impressive figure staring into a gunshop's window. He couldn't shake the feeling he knew the woman as he focused on the reflection in the window, zooming in with his cybernetic eye, finally getting a clear view of the woman's face. The towering hulk thundered his way toward Lisa, stopping next to her in front of the shop. He barely looked the part of marine private given his mostly civilian attire. Marine issue fatigue pants bloused in his NSMC boots along with a plain white T shirt and leather jacket. Finally ending with his mohawk shocked straight up with the sides and back freshly shaved.

"Afternoon, Corporal. Small fucking universe it would seem." said the man as he gave her a small salute. He wouldn't be offended if she didn't remember him from their time in the 4th Fleet as they were attached to different fire teams along with his isolationist attitude, keeping to himself after missions and rarely gumming up the squad channels with anything other than mission critical reports.
 
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Before Lisa could jump into the conversation, saying that coffee would not be way too bad, another person walked up to the group. Her eyes went looking at the ID-SOL that stood before him. There was quite a lot of him, but that was okay. There was supposed to be a lot of an ID-SOL after all. Lisa grinned as she looked him at him, scanning him head to heels.

"Tiny universe indeed. I remember your face from the bloody 4th. Lucky you getting out of there and from that fuck of a chief." Corporal Lisa Simmons said. "What is your name marine? Me and the lovebirds over here are about to go do something for fun so how about you join us. At least the numbers will be all right. Two boys and two girls. That said, please do note that I am still a fucking corporal."
 
Aleksei returned a small grin as she spoke of the ballbuster Chief Santiago. "The chief wasn't a bad leader. But it was either join up with this outfit or head back to FC to train a bunch of snot nosed cherries how to do my job." spoke the man as he pointed to the demolitions specialist tab he had stitched on his leather jackets sleeve. Reaching into his pocket for a cigar, he popped the large roll of chopped tobacco between his teeth before lighting it as Lisa asked his name. She obviously remembered him from the 4th though as he suspected, his name escaped her.

Puffing out a cloud of the heavily scented smoke, he glanced back down at her. "Aleksei Voronov. Ordinance placement and disposal. At your service." replied the ID-SOL with a wink. Turning his gaze to the two others standing there with them, he nodded to the marine obviously suffering from a hangover. P2C Mort stated the rank insignia and nameplate. He then turned his attention to the woman wearing the grease covered overalls, offering a monstrous hand. "Pleasure to meet you both."

Hearing Lisa remind him that she was indeed a corporal and his superior, he turned back to her with a large grin. "Roger that, ma'am. I'll file that away as a helpful suggestion." answered the man with a larger grin and cloud of smoke. If these two marines were attached to his unit on the Sledge Mama, he had no doubt his isolationist mentality would no longer apply. At least in regards to the troops present.
 
"Hmmmm," the tall woman playfully pondered her reply to the young man. "Mayyyybe. But if I did, then things just wouldn't be the same, would they?" Before more could be said, it was all cut short as old friends met.

"Me? And this kid?" the marine asked, grabbing Thomas by the shoulder to draw him closer and point a finger at his chest, just to double-check and make sure that this was the same person that Lisa was referring to. She snerked, the idea absolutely absurd to her. "Geeze, I had no idea you were into shipping Lisa - you aren't into that Yammie stuff too, that Shoto-Shoti-Shotawhatever stuff it is too, are you?" she halfheartedly accused her. However, she was asked again. There was no avoiding it. "Well, I can't dodge around it forever anyways. Ylfa Diadottr. Just call me Dia. Or Sarge. Either-or, I'm pretty used to," she admitted, tossing her hands up as though she were caught by the cops.

"Anyways, I'm not sure where to go myself, and I'm really familiar with this place either - I just know how to use the net," she explained again, sticking her tongue out at Thomas.
 
Thomas would've reply to Lisa, having readied up his own witty remark, had he not been pulled around as he was about to shoot it back, and any further once he knew there was a corporal and a sergeant less than ten feet away from him. It was probably a good idea to get out of there with that many NCOs compressed into such a small space, and once they reached critical mass it would be more than a hazard to any privates around.

"I'll be sure to trust your good judgement, ma'am." He said, in a tone that was formal but still sarcastic at the same time.
 
"I know," Lisa hopped back into the conversation. She did not seem to care a little bit that Dia was a sergeant. Aleksei might have heard stories about Lisa and her general disregard for higher ranks and open mouth. That was probably, why towards end of her career she ended up under Henry Morris. "Let's go buy guns. We are in front of Styrling store, it would be very non-nepleslia if we would just walk away. Besides I need a forty-fiver. What do you guys send? Then we can go shoot some gangster or have a coffee or something." Lisa joked with a fox-like grin on her face.
 
The marine's eyes lit up at the thought of buying another weapon to add to his still growing collection. "It's a shame they don't sell anything with a bigger kick. Nothing like watching something go up from 10 pounds of 33." spoke Aleksei as he mentioned the NSMC's standard issue explosive compound RX33. The newly discovered knowledge that Dia was a sergeant did little to slow the man as they weren't on duty just yet. The added benefit that they weren't entirely in uniform meant he didn't need to snap to and provide the required greeting.

"Shooting gangsters. I'll take that action. We can finish the night off with some whiskey and killing more gangsters." spoke Aleksei with an enormous grin.
 
"Hey, not everyone sells or needs high-ex," she remarked matter-of-factly. "Alright, let's go finger F* some guns then."

At that, she moved and opened the door in. "Ladies first," she teased them. Inside however, was a small gun shop, and though it was devoted to mostly Styrling products, had a few other items from other manufactures to balance out its selection. The store owner was nowhere to be seen at first, but the distinct clacking of metal and servos announced the arrival of an automaton. A large, mechanical spider popped up from behind the counter, its forelegs clacking against the hard glass. "Hello," came a man's voice. "I'm the owner, and welcome to the shop - tell me if there's anything you'd like, yeah?" Its red eye simply glowed as the machine held still. For some odd reason, Ylfa couldn't help but think of the small, little jumping spiders she used to see in her home - she stood still and mute.

Meanwhile, the store itself boasted several supplies and goods, as well as ammunition for guns in the shelves. The sets of Everyday and Murr armors were proudly on display in particular. Behind the counter was a good selection of long arms. These ranged from the polymer based Tactical Assault Rifle, all the way to more mundane and even classic looking weapons from the company's inventory such as the wood stocked Longbow. The glass counter itself housed various submachine guns, as well as handguns.

And of course, the Silver Special.
 
Lisa liked this sergeant more and more, she liked the way she talked and joked about stuff. It was nice to see one that is more easy-goin. Well at least more easy-going outside the duty, which was enough for Lisa. Even daredevil, like Lisa understood that you need some bloody respect in army and you do not get that out of tough, manly and angry marines by being nice all the time. NCO's just have to be a bit of an arsehole every now and then. Lisa was an NCO too as well, but she still had a lot to learn in this field. For pilots it was a lot different, but the blonde bombshell was more of a marine now, then she ever was a space-jockey. Not that she ever started missing the cockpit.

So Lisa just laughed and followed Dia into the shop. The shopkeeper, made Lisa raise an eyebrow, but she saw a lot of shit in her days and back when she still ran on her fathers ship, they saw freespacers every now and then and those had even weirder automatons then a talking spider. "Uhh hello there," Lisa greeted the spider-shopkeeper back. Then it was time to look around, she went right for Silver Special, determined to check other stock after.

She picked up two, one gun-metal black and a two-tone one. She raised them and looked at each. Then she turned to Thomas and Aleks. "So boys, which one do you think suits me more?" She asked, grinning at the two soldiers.
 
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