RP: YSS Resurgence Resurgence of Yamatai - Mission 2: Lost But Never Forgotten

Armory

Sanda just raised another eyebrow at the suggestion of Thaddaeus going without his shirt. Boy this guys is full of himself. Thought Sanda. Is he trying to impress me or does he just not stop talking? Sanda felt the same way Thaddaeus did. She too would do whatever was necessary to save her squad mates in a life or death situation. But she didn't go around talking about it. When he mentioned having a bad feeling and became serious Sanda studied him closely. She saw the swag and brag disappear for a moment and clearly saw someone who genuinely wanted to help people. That she could grow to like.

I agree we should know each others strengths. What do you say to a friendly duel? Loser has to buy a few rounds of drinks? That is if you think you can take me. And now it's gone. Sanda snorted again and rolled her eyes. She had no problem with having confidence in your own ability's. Personally she preferred a man who was so confidence in his own abilities that he didn't need to go telling other people what he could do. Sanda was like that, most of the time. Even she had a tendency to brag now and then. In other settings, Sanda would have risen to the bait. Say something like, 'I'd gut you like a fish pretty boy' or 'Are you sure your ego will handle being beat by a girl?' But Sanda's mind was on the mission ahead. And once she started thinking about the mission she became very quite and would start analyzing every piece of intel and constantly scanning her surroundings for ways of possible attack and retreat. "Maybe after the mission is over we can go a few rounds. If you're not to tired. but we've got..." She checked her time piece, "Less than 3 hours till we arrive. We should finish prepping for the mission." She glanced around the armory. "Since the other's haven't arrived yet, I suggest we head over to the science lab and see what the science boys have figured out about us locating our targets?"

Armory

Thaddeaus always did have a certain level of arrogance, more so for those who he just met. Though he truly means no harm and isn't trying to grand stand by any means. Though it can come off like this to those who are unfamiliar with him. For him these are just him being purely himself. The reactions that come from it is purely coincidental. Which tends to lead him into situations that sort of just happen and not by any design of his own.

He thought for sure Sanda would want to assert some dominance given her Nepleslian background. It was to his surprise she side stepped the offer and instead put focus back on the mission. One of his eye brows lifted at this as it caught him completely off guard. He reached up and rubbed his chin a few times as this intrigued him greatly. He always did a very through job of reading up on those he would be working with. Could this be part of a bigger plan of hers?

"Kind of you to consider how tied I am but there is no way I'd miss the chance to have a celebration drink. More so after slapping around some kuvvies." He gave a quick shrug, followed by picking up his stuff. "Lead the way, sure the science boys have a plan in mind." He took a step back and motioned with his hand a gesture of going first out the door. "Shall we?"

Sanda led the way towards the science lab. She hadn't missed Thaddaeus' surprise at her not rising to the fight. Sanda smiled to herself. That suited her just fine. You never show your hand to the enemy until you are ready to go for the kill. Sanda had grown a lot since she joined the Star Army. She had been a headstrong hothead girl who just didn't seem to fit in anywhere, running with a gang on a sure path to destruction. Now she was a soldier. A Ranger in the Star Army. She had been taught and understood the value of discipline. Of waiting for the right time to strike when your enemy isn't ready.

It didn't take them long to reach the science wing of the ship. Sanda entered the nodded to the scientists busy on something. "Hello 'Greens'." Said Sanda referring to the green uniform color of the science division. "Us 'Cornflowers' are preparing to head down once we reach Hanako's World. What can you tell us about what's going on down there? Have you figured out a way to contact any underground resistance cells or locate VIPs? I've got a list of people here that I'm told are worth double points if we extract them."

"Well, we have a vague plan to launch drones and ID the assets and the Star Army has a list of locations of all the H-bunkers they installed," Euikoshi. "In and around them could be good places to look. Anything they did to make it hard for Kuvexians to find them also makes it harder for us to find them, though, so some may be hidden. It's also possible some people got shipped back to Kuvexia to be used as trophies or worse, unfortunately. They are into slavery."

After a short trip, the Resurgence began to cautiously enter the former Ketsurui Military Sector via the North Gate.

"We're now entering null security space. Action stations. Set condition 2 throughout the ship," captain Kuranosuke's voice came over the intercom.

Koyama had begun to form a response before the tall half-breed 'SOL took off. Biting her tongue, the young woman's eyes seemed to glaze for a second as messages began to ping her through the ship's MEGAMI. With a slow blink, she returned to her senses as a lumbering Kodian stomped by pausing long enough to stare down its smoke-grey snout at her. His brown eyes regarded her a moment. With a salute, and nod of assent from her he moved on. With an apologetic smile to Pidole and her... friend? She called to the Kodian, asking him to gather another to assist in the fabrication of a few more of the VCMAD-A drones and fit them with tracker modules.

The towering bear-like humanoid's voice came out in a rumble of her mother tongue as he went about his assigned task. With a claw raised above his head, he began to rumble again at his new 'partner' a dainty little Neko who bobbed her head and following in his wake.



To: Science Personnel, Captain
From: Executive Officer / Chief Engineer
CC: VCMAD-A Drone Deployment and Fabrication

'More drones can be fabricated and prepped as needed. However, it will take some time in this regard. With those we already have, I do agree, and think it is a good idea to use the lifeform detection module. Moreover however with H-Bunkers due to their usual construction standard life signs detection equipment may not be sufficient. I would put forward that in addition to your suggestion it be either paired with the standard Sky-Eye, or Whisper Modules for further visual, or electronic scanning enhancements. Whichever choice for a secondary mission module Science chooses, we can easily have set up in a reasonable amount of time as all systems appear green on our end as well to free up personnel.

With regards to pilots, if needed, I am certain the Shosa and I can come to an agreement on whom would do so. If you need anything further, I am a simple ping away.'

Sent, Koyama glanced around the engineering bay. There were others besides the beetle-loving tech and herself of course. Quite frankly she'd been relieved to not have to man and run engineering by herself again as she had on the Sakura II. Yet that brief moment of reflection was interrupted as the captain's voice was piped into engineering. With that, she closed her eyes briefly, sighed, and nodded to herself.

"We're set to condition two!" her voice raised over the generator's noise. Looking around her, she'd also sent this along wirelessly to those capable and were out of earshot. Nodding to the tech, the still dress uniform-clad Neko retreated toward the staircase toward the mid-deck and finally ladder to the upper deck. Having tied herself into the MEGAMI remotely, Koyama took to the control tower of engineering. As the security doors clicked shut behind her a hand brushed across the main control panel causing it to illuminate and come to life.

Lifting an eyebrow she muttered to herself. Scrapyard. Again of all places. The closeness had unsettled her. Three years have gone and the place had changed hands again and again between Yamatai and Kuvexia. Drumming her fingers against a thigh, her eyes lifted from the panel to the people scurrying around the catwalks below. Her first jaunt along the edges of the military sector had ended on a bittersweet note. And now they were plunging into its depths.

'Sir? All systems have reported green across the board. Cooling systems are active decreasing any thermal footprint.' Koyama sent, 'Will we be engaging the stealth systems via the Combined Field or the Resurgence's coatings?' she queried, clearly wanting to adopt as cautious an approach as could be had and simply fade and blend in as they passed further into the interior. Both systems frankly had their ups and downs and hopefully, the pilots in Ops could tackle and overcome those difficulties.

They were in known waters. Yet didn't know what was lurking within them now and that simple fact made her palms itch.

Thaddeaus followed behind Sanda like a good solder. Partly because the view was nice but mostly to see how she carried herself. They walked into the communication room and before he could get a word out she had already started in. This was a little off putting since he tended to be the one to kick down a door and start blasting out words. This was starting to turn into a welcome treat for him none the less. Allowing him to be just a bystander and take in the view. Though now was not the time to be day dreaming. They had a mission about to begin and this would require all his focus.

He was about to speak up to say a witty comment about her being green. Though talk of these H-bunkers caught his attention. He had heard this term before and truthfully thought this wouldn't be all that bad. Like a love hotel were they could get some R&R after the fight. Then his normal smile turned into a deep frown. The word "slavery" hit his ears like the waves crashing into the shore. It was deafening to hear. His fist clinched shut tightly. "I'd say it is time for some liberation." He said in a monotone, almost lifeless voice. A small trail of blood run through his fingers and dripped to the floor.

Sanda quickly took notes on the locations of the H-bunkers. It could prove invaluable later on. Two places stood out to her. The first was a group of three H-bunkers all within a few klicks of one of the major city centers on the largest Island, Western Embrace. 3 H-bunkers in fairly close proximity, the odds of at least one base being operational were good. The other one that caught Sanda's eye was the one on Dragon's Island, in the northern hemisphere. That was the only one on that island and the island didn't have many large cities. Less likely the Kuvs would have bothered to look around there. She was about to comment of that when Euikoshi mentioned slavery and then Thaddaeus said I'd say it is time for some liberation. In such a voice that Sanda looked up in surprise. The man looked like he was barely keeping his rage in check. Sanda's eyes dropped down to his clenched fists where she noticed blood starting to flow. This surprised Sanda. Again she was catching a glimpse of deep emotion that wasn't bragging and bluster. Sanda walked over to Thaddaeus, touched his shoulder and turned him so that they were face to face. "Thaddaeus." She said firmly yet kindly. Just like her older sister use to do to her. "Unclench your fists. You'll be no good to me if you can't grip a weapon." Just then the Captain came over the intercom. We're now entering null security space. Action stations. Set condition 2 throughout the ship. Sanda allowed herself to smile, a little cocky Nepleslian smile. "Come on big guy." She said as she punched his arm, not to gently. "We're up."

Thad was drowning in a sea of all the past horrors he had seen over the years. Yet even the most storm ridden seas can have a light house, a beacon to follow. His eyes came back into focus and his mind calmed. He seen the kind face of Sanda looking at him, one of confidence yet also of concern. It took him a moment to fully understand what just had come over him. His fist released and he smiled back at her. "Kuvvy got nothing on me. Even with a handicap I'd whip them real good."

His head turned slightly as the message came over the intercom. Going to condition 2 which means it was go time. As he turned back towards Sanda her punch connected and he flinched from the good hit. This got him to smile but what really warmed his heart was seeing her have a cocky smile. That was the icing on the cake and a good reason to keep on pushing forwarded. He reached out a hand and placed it on her shoulder. "Thanks, friend. You are good people." He flexed his hand to squeeze her shoulder as a sign of endearment. "Lead on boss." Thad said as he removed his hand from her shoulder. He'd make sure no one would ever take away her smile.

Sanda practically ran to the armory to suit up for the mission. There was a level of excitement that she hadn't felt before. This would mission was all about her strengths. Stealth, tracking, finding intel and all against a stronger enemy. It was why Sanda had specialized as a Ranger.

Although Sanda's Daisy Mk II was a dedicated stealth Power Armor, for this mission Power Armor would attract unnecessary attention. To find the H-bunkers, they may have to go to the populated towns and try to blend in and you can't do that with power armor. So instead Sanda was going with a simple Type 40 Plate Vest and dark fatigues. In addition, she had a cloak sown together from Multi-Net Camouflage. She had read some materials from both Star Army Rangers and Nepleslian Recons of the benefits of using something as simple as a cloak in the field. For one thing a cloak could be simply used as an extra blanket or bedding when in the field, as well as keep the rain off. For stealth work, anything that distorted the humanoid shape help one to stay hidden. For this mission, if they had to enter a town and mix with others, a cloak could conceal the fact that she was wearing armor or could hide a weapon underneath. Sanda had been dying to try one in the field and now she was going to get her chance. She rolled the cloak up into a tight bedroll and tied to her butt pack. She didn't yet know how they were going to be deployed, whether they were going to be set down by shuttle or repel out or even parachute out, Sanda really hoped it wasn't parachute, there was too big a risk of a cloak getting snagged or caught on something. But once her boots hit the ground she would bring it out.

For weapons, Sanda went with the Type 41 Rifle, along with a silencer. For a side-arm, Sanda pulled from her weapon locker a wooden box. Inside was a gift her brother-in-law had given her after the Battle of Glimmergold during the Victory Day celebration. "The perfect side arm for a Ranger. Powerful, yet versatile and so much fun to shoot." Sanda smiled as she pulled out the large Plasma revolver. She wore it in a holster on the left side of her waist for a cross-draw but still in a position where she could also draw it with her left hand. During Ranger training, Sanda had been taught to use her non-dominant hand just as much as her dominate one. Though not completely ambidextrous, she was confident that she could use her left arm just as well as her right. Sanda fitted the powerful revolver and then practiced drawing it out fast, like in those old westerns movies she watched as a kid. First with her right hand, then with her left. She was only slightly slower with her left hand. Finally Sanda grabbed her truly favorite weapon, her Straight Silver. She had taken to carrying two after Glimmergold, one strapped to the front of her left shoulder strap upside down so to be easily grabbed with either hand and the other strapped to the outside of her left leg, the blade tucked down into her left boot with just the handle sticking out. For this mission, Sanda also was packing a standard Type 40 survival knife strapped to her left forearm under her sleeves. Just a little added insurance.

Bridge

"Yamataian vessel, this is a sovereign independent territory, any attempt to enter our space will be considered an act of aggression. We will defend ourselves if necessary," a Kuvexian on the main viewscreen threatened. "Yamatai gave up any claim to this space when it was deliberately abandoned."

"We acknowledge and understand your message," Captain Aoba replied. "However, this territory was stolen from Yamatai and Yamatai does not recognize your government. Anyone interferes with my mission will be considered hostile pirates and fired on. End transmission."

"Channel closed, sir." Kalena said.

"Proceed on course towards Hanako's star," Aoba ordered.

"Aye sir, proceeding," Gabriela replied. "Two ships detected on an intercept course. Mass and sensor signatures indicate Kuvexian military types."

"Bridge to engineering, stealth sounds great...but we'll need to take care of these patrol ships before we can drop shields and get stealthy, unless we can just lose them."

Moments later a small space battle broke out as the two former Kuvexian Navy ships opened fire on the Resurgence, which began taking jerky evasive maneuvers, some of which gave the crew a taste of G-forces as the aether engines fired in bursts.

Power Armor Bay

"Looks like we're getting a classy Kuvexian welcome," Cassie said, grabbing on to a power armor rack to avold sliding across the power armor bay's slick gloss black deck.

Power Armor Bay

The average-sized Neko held on right beside Cassie. "So It's time for us to make a 'first impression?'" Cheilith asked, eyeing the suits of armor.

Power Armor Bay

When she was very young, Sanda had learned a dialect of Nepleslian from her family. The older she got, the less she spoke it. For whatever reason, when she was cooking or drunk or afraid, it would come out. She was afraid now and that Nepleslian dialect came flowing out of her. "Santa Mierda! Qué demonios? Estamos golpeados?!" Sanda exclaimed. "Esto es lo que obtengo por unirme a un barco. Debería haberme unido al Rikugun!" She grabbed ahold of a power armor stand and looked around like a scared dog during a fireworks show. She usually didn't mind flying or ships but the sudden turbulence had unsettled her. She had been in a ship fight before, at Glimmergold. But then she had been in power armor fighting off borders to pay much attention to how the ship was rocking and bucking. Sanda closed her eyes and took several calming breaths before she was able to loosen her grip on the hand hold. "The sooner I get my boots on the ground the better." She muttered.

Power Armor Bay

Thaddeaus had followed behind the crew as they all moved to the power armor bay. Once there he did his best to roll with the jerking motion of the star ship which had come under fire. His years of chasing elves in the trees, which felt like ages ago, seemed to come into play here. While not as graceful as a cat, he did well not to tumble around the power armor bay like a rag doll. He was about to speak up when he overheard Sanda talking in tongues. She was either casting a spell or cursing, which caused him to chuckle for a moment. Though he could tell she was distressed about the situation. He made his way over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Time to go greet the locals." The words left his mouth in a soft tone mixed with excitement. As he went to pull his hand away from her shoulder, the ship jerked once more causing him to fall dangerously close to Sanda. He put on his cool sexy man face instantly. "If I didn't have some kuvvy to slap around, this might have turned romantic." He flashed a smile and put distance between the two of them, giving off a light laugh as he did so.

Bridge

"Shields holding, not sure how long we can hold them up," Kalena advised. "Kuvexians love their aether weapons as much as we do.."

"We'll use the main weapon array. Let me know when you get a clear shot," Aoba ordered.

"Acknowledged," Gabriela said, as the ships continued shooting at each other. A moment later Kalena reported, "Shields down to minimum."

A teal pulse appeared in the lower center of the screen and expanded outwards. A moment later an explosive detonation accompanied the end of the pulse. "Target one destroyed," Gabriela said with a coolness in her voice. She was in the zone, focused. "It was them or us," she added.

G-forces were beginning to build in the bridge as Resurgence took increasingly wild evasive maneuvers, while the aether engines continued to accelerate the ship. Kalena tried to keep her stomach where it belonged and not where her breakfast was. "Good hit, Gabriela, another like that, and they'll be down for good."

"We've got this," Gabriela said through a clenched mouth as she concentrated. "Target two destroyed, captain,"

Aoba didn't waste time on idle chat. "Let's haul ass, Gabriela. Take the Resurgence towards the planet and start the drop. Kalena, start laying in a plan to get the shields back up again."

"Aye. Stealth systems at now 100%," Kalena reported. "We are ready to go. I'd like to get into some low profile maneuvers. There are a lot of ships out there as we get closer to Hanako's Star."

"I would also like to take a closer look at those ships," Aoba responded. "Get us over to that star system."

The YSS Resurgence approached the Hanako's Star system without anyone else attacking her. Either they didn't detect her or no one else wanted to be the aether shock array's next victim. With stealth systems at full capacity, the Resurgence was not a very noticeable object, but with a sudden increase in acceleration and a change of course, the ship's shields could pop out and suddenly be visible to the Kuvexians' weapons.

"I think those battleships are following us," Kalena noted, looking at the tactical plot on the ship's bridge.

"Take us into the shadow of the main moon and disengage all shields and weapons," Aoba ordered. "Engage ECM and volumetric disguise. Let's try to lose them in the mass field and blend in to the masses of cargo ships around here. We also have a lot of debris fields from the war to work with."

"Yes, captain," Gabriela nodded. It worked. Soon they were just another Kuvexian cargo ship loitering in orbit over Hanako's World.

Aoba got on the ship's intercom. "This is the captain. I hope you enjoyed the ride. We are now in a position for planetary missions."

Power Armor Bay

Before Sanda had time to either laugh, stab or maybe both, Thad was launched across the armor bay like a rag doll. The unexpended G force finally got the better of him. He did his best to land with whatever grace he could come up with. Back against the wall with the wind slightly knocked out of him. "Ahhh, hell...can't those pilots fly this ship without all the rocking. People were not joking about Yam ships rocking but this is not what I had expected." He pushed himself back upright and steadied by holding onto a power armor he was standing next too.

The message came over the intercom, the word he had been waiting for. It was go time and he already had packed his bags. "So with this being stealth, I take it we are not taking the armors...so looks like we will be taking the space bus to planet side."

Power Armor Bay

Had Sanda a moment to think she probably would have kneed Thaddaeus between the legs for trying to hit on her in the middle of a fight. Even if they weren't directly involved with the space battle going on around them. She did get some satisfaction at seeing Thaddaeus go flying through the air like a rag doll. Hard to look seductive when you're staggering like a drunk coming out of a bar.

Sanda, with some difficulty, was finally able to release her grip on the bar she had been holding. The bar was partly bent out of shape. After Glimmergold, Sanda had gotten a cybernetic right arm. Seems in her brief panic her enhanced grip had bent the holding. She looked at her hand in amazement before shrugging and moving on with collecting her gear. She hooked her leg around a power armor to keep herself in place and to free up both hands as she shook out her hair before tying it into a tight pony tail. She then grabbed a helmet and strapped it under her chin before picking up her rifle. She was ready to go.

Sanda glanced around the armory, just four of them suiting up to head down. Where was Music Bug? Guess she was going to sit this one out. Well, Kwabba-an had had her fun without Sanda on the last mission. Now it was her turn to miss all the fun. "Alright ladies," Sanda purposefully didn't add Thaddaeus, "Finish getting your gear and double time to the shuttle bay. The bridge bunnies did their job, now it's time for us to do our. Vamos Chicas!"

Seinosuke clutched tightly to one of the main console in the Science Lab as the Fuji-class ship rocked this way and that. Clearly, something rather dicey was happening. Condition 2 had been set, so they had to be vigilant and expect the worst. The officer looked over the message he had received from the XO. It looked like they probably didn't have time to fabricate more drones given the hostile action they had already encountered. The suggestion for adding secondary mission modules like Sky-Eye and Whisper were definitely of interest.

Opening the question to the room, Mochi asked, "What do we think about adding other modules onto the drones before launching? Any thoughts?" With that, the Elysian scanned the rest of the message - they'd offered to be pilots. However, it was his understanding that the drones could fly unmanned if programmed to do so. It really depended whether the drone was likely to be chased by dogfighters or such. Even then, the drone would likely sound a warning that would allow any SPINE-equipped crewmembers to patch in should such a scenario present itself.

"Condition 2 now - Make sure you're ready for combat in case things go sideways." In reality, this didn't mean much for the Science Team unless the more senior officers said they should kit up at the armory. They had emergency suits in the Science Lab for various reasons and should already each be carrying their service pistol and other gear. Once the all clear came in for planetary missions, Seinosuke spoke up - "Who wants the honour of launching the drones?" Pulling up a volumetric of the planet's surface, the Elysian overlaid the H-Bunkers and other points of interest. The drone's AI immediately began planning routes between the various points. While that was working, Mochi went to look over how they were doing with patching into any existing communications systems that may be down there.

Power Armor Bay




"No power armor?!" Cassie hissed. She (she was giving female pronouns a try) stomped around the power armor bay making exaggerated 'WTF' poses. "This sounds dangerous! This whole war, my suit of armor was often what kept me alive," she explained. In truth, the idea really terrified her, but she held back the worst of her fear because she was obsessed with bravery. Steeling herself, she said, "Well, I will do whatever the captain thinks is best...but I think we should keep them nearby in case circumstances change."

Science Lab

"Is there time?" Kawa Euikoshi asked. Iemochi. "I mean, I think we have arrived and might be on bit of a time crunch because eventually the Kuvexians ships might figure out we're not one of them. Maybe we can send out some of the drones now and keep a couple in reserve for the upgrades...if they are permitted. Also...why don't we get the technicians to fire up the ship's fabrication bay and create some newer custom drones as well?"

Koyama's ears slanted backward as she felt the deck plating beneath her shudder ever so slightly. Incoming reports from her crew and the MEGAMI causing her to shake her head. Had they gone dark sooner... Biting her bottom lip, the XO had been keeping apprised of the goings-on with those on the bridge. Peering down into the bay itself, she noted that the red-uniformed crew was going about their tasks. With that in mind, her voice filtered over and into the bridge. Neither too loud nor quiet, as if she were just simply there.

"Captain? We should have care if we use that debris for cover. Sudden drift changes could alert them should we come into contact with anything of sufficient size for our mass shadow alone to give us away. Direct impacts may even cause slight energetic discharges from the Xiulurium coating or even scratch it." letting the very last of that sink in she fidgeted a little while running a finger along the panel. Ambient power output decreased as Aoba's orders came through and she redirected it toward other necessities at the moment.

Why did no one bother with simple RCS systems anymore?

"Perhaps we could use our MEGAMI to help plot a course to make simply 'go with the flow' of the moon's gravitational field as it were? Kuvexian sensor technology is on par with our own so even slight artificial variations to the ambient field might be telling."

She watched as the plodding Kodian raised both of its claw-tipped hands while speaking to someone. Her pause was long enough for a frown to begin to form.

"What if we were to also try to passively intercept and sample any incoming and or outgoing data traffic? Communications for example. To possibly phreak their system? If we are to hide. We may need the information to remain so and to stay on mission target or adjust accordingly. "

Power Armor Bay

Thad took notice of Cassie stomping around after learning they would not be taking down power armors. While Thad has gotten use to using his armor, he preferred to just suite in some standard armor and go into battle this way. Was something freeing when you smite foes with your own power.

He pulled his arm in front of himself to get a better look at the data screen strapped to his arm. He was going down the list of possible outfits they would use as stealth on this mission. Given the nature of this world, a pizza delivery sounded like a best bet. He was sure someone in the H bunker would want a pizza. "So, I brought some outfits I have picked up over the years from my adventures. I got a pizza delivery, baby doll, something that barely counts as clothing and a hunter outfit. I am sure the ship could make more to assist with our stealth mission." He also checked the log to see if there might be a shuttle nearby they could use for a delivery.