RP: YSS Resurgence Resurgence of Yamatai - Mission 4: The Hand That Feeds

Mech Bay

Sanda was very happy to hear that she didn't have to wear power armor again. She loved her Daisy and all, but given the choice she'd always go without it. But she had listened to what Cassie had been saying about Halna being a moon but mined out and full of tunnels. That meant it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a body suit that could seal up in case of loss of atmosphere. Sighing, and looking a little bit annoyed, Sanda stepped behind some power armor and quickly undressed out of her duty uniform. "Escucho tanto como un silbido y no me importará si me hacen corte marcial. Mataré a los bastardos." She muttered mostly to herself as she quickly put on a type 42 body suit. Over the body suit she put on a dark type 37 field uniform. As she tightened her belt and adjusted her side arms she called out to Norita. "Hey Norita. Can you check me out a GP-12 if we have any? If we don't a Type 41 Rifle will be fine. 6 Mags will do for either one I think." If she needed more than that they'd have to call in the big boys because that would mean they had a proper firefight on their hands.

While she waited for Norita bring her her weapons Sanda finished getting ready with her other gear. Her plasma revolver and Straight Silver were always on her belt and her backup blade and Dark Type 33 were secured in her boots. That just left her camo cloak. Her camo cloak was something she had read about from Nepleslian recon who forwent high tech gadgets for far more basic items. The camo cloak was made from a special light absorbing material that would blend in with almost any terrain. She had worn it with great success on Hanako's World and was ready to put it to the test again. Finally, she tied her hair back into a pony tail. She didn't put her helmet on just yet, rather letting it dangle by the straps over her knife as she watched the rest of her team suiting up.

Power Armor Bay

Akira looked at the personnel she was now in charge of and had to hold sighing loud enough to be heard. The Rangers seemed perfectly fine. It was the soldiers and infantry that she had a feeling she was going to have a problem with. She could tell Cassie was not happy from their body language. The android was an unknown variable and Delmira just completely ignored the gathering of her peers to go to her armor in a bad mood.

Needing something to focus on, she looked through the inventory of the YSS Resurgence and was shocked that with the Rangers on board that there were no Type 41 Hard Suits. She frowned a bit and made a mental note to do a full inventory check of what the ship is carrying. Then go through the headache that was requisition. Hopefully the Unit Supply Specialist is friendly. Akira mentally changed the color scheme of her Type 42 Bodysuit to Rikupat. The Rikugun really needed to finally decide on their pattern for the Type 42 Bodysuit.

She then went over to her Keiko Thought Armor and climbed up. Patting it on the shoulder and smiling when it turned its head towards her, she reached into the pilot pod and pulled out a Type 40 Plate Carrier in Rikupat. Not wanting to carry it in her duffel bags, she had let her armor's KIES AI, Carolina-45, keep watch over it and a number of other components in bags within the pilot pod.

"I was hoping to do a maintenance check with you today, but duty already calls." Akira said as she placed the durandium plates into their pouches. "Play nice with the technicians while I am gone."

"Always Taii." the AI responded digitally to Akira. Smiling again, she hoped back down and headed towards the armory to check out a Type-41 Star Army Rifle.

"Cassie-hei, let me know when everyone is prepped and ready."

~'If you prefer going, be my guest.'~ Koyama's terse reply to Mochi came and went. To fill that momentary vacuum of silence she sent another message, ~'If you do go, mind Maximus-hei. We were coming to see you. Likely so he could speak to you on some matters.'~

"Apologies for putting you on the spot so soon, Taii." the XO's voice echoed in the bay as she approached the group. With a pad tucked under an arm, Koyama stopped short of them all. Though she did glance in the direction of the Nepleslian speaking one of their many foreign tongues.

The Neko stood just inside of the Armory, staying away from the racks of weapons, explosives, and other assorted ordinance and keeping the entrance/exit clear. "For transport, I'll have a shuttle prepped momentarily. As for your pilot, we have the cargo techs or our Nodachi flyboy. I've sent a message to the Shosa on the latter matter." gripping the pad in her hands, she stood there eyeing the other Neko, "If you have any thoughts, requests or suggestions now would be the time to bend my ear, Taii."

~'Shosa? The team is being put together as we speak, I've assigned our new Taii to the task and she has thus far gotten things in hand. They will be setting up for survey operations. They will need a pilot, do you require Brax-hei for anything? If not, he might be ideal.'~

Armory

Delmira turned to face Akira. "What are our limits on weapons?." She asked and gestured to her gating gun, while she checked her LATR, and a aether beam saber rifle which she holstered to her armors thigh mounting. She synced her rifle to her armors systems and checked the scope on her sniper rifle. Delmira looked around and didnt see Thad and she hoped he wouldn't show. In fact she hoped he was cuffed and shoved into a cargo container. She looked between Sanda and Cassie wondering who she should talk to for advice.

Frank sighed getting undressed to put on his body suit. Modesty was something he no longer had multiple years in as a hired killer made that clear to him before his death. "Warum müssen Blinde immer Blinde führen?" Frank said under his breath as he began climbing into the Infantry Daisy suit. When everything was locked into place frank went to the armorer and requested his Light Armor Service Rifle. Upon being fully equip He made his way back to Cassie, "Ready and waiting for deployment Joto Hei" Frank added with a salute.

Power Armor Bay

Sanda was ready to go, but it seemed everyone else wasn't. She took a moment to check her sidearm. She drew the big revolver and spun the cylinder before pushing the release with her thumb so that she cylinder slotted to the side and she could see what rounds were loaded. It was her standard 3 2 1 loadout. 3 light rounds, 2 medium and 1 heavy. Smiling Sanda spun the cylinder again then with a flick of her wrist locked the cylinder in place before holstering the weapon again.

Sanda saw Frank suiting up in a huge Daisy. She didn't know they made Daisys that big. When he was finished and reported to Cassie, Sanda winced as he saluted. Damn it Frank, not again. She thought to herself. She really hoped none of the officers saw that. Guess Frank hadn't had a chance to read the etiquette manual yet. Sanda moved over towards him, seemingly checking out the huge Daisy armor. The shield on the thing was almost as big as she was. When she was standing next to him Sanda said quietly, "Hey big guy. You only salute officers. Even if Cassie was a Heisho, you don't salute them. I don't want to see you get in trouble again." She tapped the side of his shield with a fist then moved on. She walked over to Del and nodded towards her LATR. "You get that thing sighted in, right?"

Power Armor Bay

Mochi hummed gently at Koyama's mental message. It sounded like Aoba hadn't given a mission specification yet. Mochi wondered if maybe it was worth him coming along in case this wound up being a survey mission of some kind, which usually required science officers. It seemed like they were putting a good emphasis on not appearing like a hostile force. Only one or two of the team looked to be using PAs. However, some others were armed to the teeth or wearing body armour.

The Elysian scratched his chin from where he leaned against the wall. If the Resurgence was attacked, they'd be down a fair number, and they weren't in Yamatai anymore. Still, Fuji-class were resilient and well-armed in his fairly extensive experience aboard them. If the ship was jumped, the team could get back quickly. If nothing else, a Ranger Mobile Strike Force might be nearby to assist given they were close to border systems. Those guys were always keeping their ears out.

Mochi was certainly of two minds. He didn't want to go down in his Mindy because that would just draw further attention - one more 'invader'. It looked like there were enough rifles and body armour amongst those not in Mindies that he didn't feel comfortable suiting up like that either, for the same reasons as the Mindy. Between going down there with just his uniform and sidearm, and being here in reserve for in case things went wrong, it was a one for thought.

After a moment, Mochi decided that sending a science drone down along with them, while he stayed aboard, would be the choice. Once they were away, he'd get to the science station on the Bridge and launch a drone from a torpedo tube to follow the team. A good plan. The little egg-shaped device was hardly threatening by any standards. With that in mind, the blonde Elysian simply spoke to anyone who was nearby, "Good luck out there. Let us know if you need any help. Act like you belong, don't rub people the wrong way and you'll be fine."

Power Armor Bay

Thad for the most part stayed near Koyama's side. Since as far as he knew he had not been relieved of being her charge, so made it a point to always be near her at any given time. Though he did not mind the task, since he did not have the rank to lead anything. He could at least be of use keeping watchful eye over someone he admired. Granted this was not in a romantic way since an officer hooking up with enlisted he knew would draw fire. That said should the need arise his personality would not permit him to say no. As far as he was concerned, people are social and a night away can go a long way to keeping sane.

He looked to Koyama, "So, am I to stay or should I go with the team? I am normally all for jumping head first into a mission, but not knowing when Mia might wake, leaves me to want to hold back." Koyama could tell from the expression on his face he was completely at a lose as to what to do in this moment.

Power Armor Bay

Akira looked over to Delmira and raised an eyebrow at all of the weaponry she had managed to attach to such a small power armor. "Ditch the aeth-saber and the gatling gun. We aren't attacking an NMX escort here. The LATR or LASR is enough from what I know of the mission." she sent a digital message to Delmira. She then looked back over towards Koyama and decided to speak point to point telepathically so the enlisted did not hear officer talk.

"It is alright XO, gives me a chance to see what I am working with and yeah... The Rangers thankfully maintaining the standard. But the rest have me worried a bit. Since I need one of the enlisted to act as my 2nd, I am going to see how the Joto Hei lead. I will wait to submit the assessment report until after this mission and I handle the inital counseling on what I expect out of them all." Akira said before pausing. She tried to figure how to phrase the next without sounding insulting. "What is the mission objective? Any intel gathered on this Area of Operation?"

Akira glanced over towards Frank, but did not say anything.

Zaven's Bunk

Zanven honestly chuckled as he was pushed down against his bed, one quip away from being just another lonely flyboy he felt his shoulders being rubbed and he closed his eyes and just remained still. Her hands worked wonders on his muscles, she was strong and, well in this day and age a small frame or gentle demeanor meant nothing in terms of strength physically or mentally. She answered him though, saying she did not have any issue in settling in. Not aspiring to be the center of attention, stating she worked best out of sight and out of mind and is always ready when she is needed. Zanven knew logistical support was ever helpful on any mission and he wanted to speak up some more, but she struck a nerve when she said the crew of the Resurgence is still coming together made him nod subtly in agreement. She spoke about promotions and how the next year will bring changes. Then about how at their next stop the ship will be getting an upgrade to allow him to get to and from his ship in a better manner. Then she hit him with why she was really there, and while it felt like pity…Zanven sighed as he thought about his missions and then as he was pointed out to be the sole dedicated pilot on the ship and he had less groups to socialize with. He understood it completely and when she pointed out she was also a licensed pilot she wanted him to know they at least had that in common. Then she asked him what more he wanted to see and that she was a good listener. Zanven did not quite turn around, but he twisted his upper body enough to look up at her. And he had a smile.

“You know what…I want to hear more about you. I am thankful that you came here and that you want me to feel less isolated, however…being the only non drone ship out in that expanse with no co-pilot…it can make things…tedious, but I do not mind it. I was not exactly the most popular or the most sociable. However, I can see that you have a good heart and that your motives and work ethic are all right. Eventually the ship will settle in, I get that…but I am interested in finding that one place where I can make a difference like my dad did when he was serving on a ship.” Then he turned around, switching the position up a bit as he looked at her. “How about I return the favor, I am pretty good with my hands after all, I performed all the maintenance on the Nodachi when I had to take it apart and put it back together.” He looked a bit better in spirit now, and he had an honest smile on his face as he waited for her answer. “Besides Sakuko, Logistics support needs to let loose once in a while as well.” He chimed in as he waited for her to answer, his body was just inches from her own at the moment.

Koyama let her gaze flick to Thad, "If you would rather remain, to be there for Mia, you may do so. Take some time, to process your feelings and think things through." was the only advice she could offer. Even going so far as to pat him on the arm.

~' The Black Moon, I am sure you've heard of it. Laced with criminal elements. Black Syndicate, Reds to name a few. Petty crime lords another. Plenty of weapons and armor, and all-black market, and likely quite a bit of it military-grade. Earlier generation if anything. Still dangerous, however.'~

She hadn't taken her gaze from the SOL-hybrid while continuing to speak to Akira, ~' Gather intelligence on the criminal elements. Anything that may be valuable to us. Rumors, ident on the flow of goods and services, legitimate or otherwise. The state of any of the unfortunate civilian elements.'~

With a look, Koyama now eyed Frank in his Daisy. Silently and unknowingly echoing Sanda's thought on having not known they made them in that size.

~' I believe any supplies we deliver will be bullied out of civilian hands and into those of the criminals. And resold at exorbitant prices... or other means. I would like to know how quickly it happens and who does it if possible,'~ she sent to the Taii with a sour expression as she translated Frank's words through the MEGAMI. She wanted to know who the major players were, who would make a go on the cargo, and just how fast it would all end up in the hands of thieves and cutthroats.

~' Whatever you can gather however little will be of help,'~ she forwarded what she knew of the Moon itself, not much given the timeframe. A number of establishments, some maps (points of interest), and the warning of no known centralized authority currently in place.

~' And I will run support as necessary from the bridge and likely our Science Officer will as well knowing him.'~

Power Armor Bay

"Ahhh, human terrain survey. Here I was thinking we were going to make maps. Then I will need to change the tentative plan I have. The power armor will function as force protection and the distributors of the bait supplies. Should hopefully lessen the fear factor.

Hopefully one of the Rangers is guerilla regiment, that will certainly help with tracking who is the biggest bully here and seeking individuals most willing to talk discreetly. I will give the specific order in the shuttle when have their undivided attention.

I can assume SAINT has no presence here if they are tasking us." Akira said to the XO in a very even tone of voice one would expect from an annoyed professional. She was not happy, but the job would still be done since she is Giretsu. There is a reputation to maintain.

"Yayoi-hei, Hoshi-hei come here please.” she said, looking in their direction. She looked to see what the rest were up to. Despite everyone else's response to the new Daisy customization, she was not.

“What regimental training do you both have?" she asked when they got close enough for her not to speak loudly.

Delmira looked herself over and then to Sanda before handing the aether blade rifle over. "Didn't know I had my gatling gun equipped but thanks for letting me know not to bring it." If this new officer was that oblivious Del wasn't sure how long either of them would last. Given recent events she was convinced that she was more likely to get killed by someone else on the crew rather than an enemy. She resolved to find a perch somewhere far away from her team mates for this mission and provide overwatch.

"Dont stand still this time but i think i got it." she called after the ranger.

Power Armor Bay

Sanda smirked at Del's comment but didn't respond. She had been summoned. Sanda moved forward to the new Taii and stood at attention. "Yes Ma'am."

Sanda had been eyeing the new infantry officer since she had stepped into the Armor Bay. She liked what she say. A woman who moved with a purpose and carried herself in a very professional manner. Sanda had also noticed the cherry blossom pin below her rank insignia. She had seen the cherry blossoms before on other soldiers, but she had never really thought much about it. However recently she had been learning more about the Giretsu and now that cherry blossom looked a lot more impressive.

When asked what regimental training she had had, Sanda replied: "Well, I started off in the Vanguards. But my instructor at the time thought I'd also do very well in the Commandos so I switched over."

Thaddeaus allowed a smile to once more cross his face. He was happy to be given the freedom to pick the path he felt fit best. Things had grown more complicated though in other fronts, things would be more simple. When Mia came back into being, he'd have already done his homework to find out when her last backup was. This would lay the ground work of where to begin picking up the pieces. The only difference would be not allowing others to try and guide the poor lost soul. They did a great job of giving her options, enough rope to hang herself with. Thad let out a small chuckle, seeing how he got bad vibes from Poppy to have her be the one to lay the ground work for this. Though he did not fault her in the slightly. She was only doing what Yam programmed her to do.

He paused and put thought into his own actions. He was no less innocent than any of those around him. The dream of living on the farm clashed quickly with the brutal truth of reality. The high class that Mia called from was a hard match to the backwater peasant class Thad came from. Yet here he stood, trying to bend fate to a better outcome. If only he knew what that better outcome could truly be.

His eyes landed on Koyama once more. "Then I shall take my leave and tend to Mia. Though we will need to finish our conversation on how to handle when she wakes. I'd prefer to wipe the slate and chart a new path." A grin formed across his face. "And lets try and keep antagonist Poppy from having a loaded weapon this time please." He gave pause to see if she or anyone had anything to say prior to him leaving.

Medical Lab

Mia looked around the medical lab, then at Poppy. She reached up and felt her head. "What happened?" she groaned. She could feel a patch missing in her long periwinkle hair. The air smelled like hemosynth nekovalkyrja blood and antiseptic cleaners.

"You suffered a serious head injury," Poppy told Mia. "Try to relax."

Mia struggled to concentrate. "Ugh...you know what I mean! I remember everything. And I know what I told you! You know this is illegal, bringing me back against my wishes. I said no respawns. Did you make a new body and copy me into it?" Mia scowled and sat up one the exam table, causing her blanket to fall down. She covered her chest with her arms reflexively.

"No. And I don't think it was clear what you said," Poppy lied. "You weren't of sound mind at the time anyway," she added. "Besides, you didn't technically die. I was able to save you and your fetus."

"Who pronounces people dead on this ship? "

"I do," Poppy answered.

"How convenient," Mia scoffed. "Can I borrow your pistol?" she chuckled.

"No, and don't joke about it. You could get kicked out of the Star Army for mental illness. I'm going to give you a choice, you can either behave and move on or I'll write a psyche eval up for you and send it to Star Army personnel command to get you discharged. But I'm giving you the choice. If you can get it together I'm going to go easy on you."

"Not for me, for Thad," Mia told Poppy, starting to relax a little. "But yeah, I'll try to get it together." She sighed loudly and made a baby face and got up from the table, wrapping her blanket around her as impromptu clothing. "You didn't tell my parents did you?"

"No. because you didn't technically die. Look Mia, keep it on your terms with Thad and if you can't make it work, just go on your own. Just because he's the genetic donor doesn't mean you need to make him husband and dad," Poppy reminded Mia. "Don't marry someone you don't love just because of a pregnancy."

"But I do love him, that's why it hurts so much when he doesn't...pay attention to me," Mia huffed. "And Poppy...thanks," she said, slipping out of the medical lab. She went back to her cabin and wrote a brief electronic mail to Captain Aoba and First Officer Koyama that she was sorry for the disruption and that she was returning to duty. After getting in a fresh uniform, including her pistol belt and sidearm, she went to find Thad.

Zanven's Room

"Oh, you'd like to know more about me?" Sakuko blinked, sounding slightly surprised. "Oh? What do you want to know?" she asked him as she firmly pressed him back down into the memory foam mattress pad. She was rather strong! She continued rubbing his back, releasing the tension of all his muscles. "I am alright with you returning the favor," she told him, shimmying down the back of his legs and moving her hands to his lumbar area. "But you don't get to do the technique where you walk on me," she smirked.

Power Armor Bay

Cassie shrugged. "I mean, it's just another tourism mission, I expect us to be fairly low risk because we're friends here to help them protect themselves. And we're in Yamataian space and we're the Star Army so only the nuttiest people have the balls to attack us so close to Yamatai. We're literally delivering gifts and aid, and doing space tourism, I mean surveying. What are they gonna do, bite the hand that feeds? The only problem that could arise is thieves trying to boost the package or Kuvexians trying to intercept. But in general think tight asset security not assault team. Anyone NOT ready?"

Koyama's eyes narrowed slightly at Akira's tone. It hadn't been lost on her. ~' I do not know if SAINT has any presence here, unfortunately, '~ and she didn't beyond herself. But that was a different story for a different day. ~' But I am sure you can succeed where SAINT may have failed had they been here.'~ ruefully stated wirelessly to the Taii managing to even sound tired as she said this. And the woman looked a little haggard despite the stoic expression used by the royal family's protectors.

"I believe Mia is coming to find you," Koyama murmured to Thad, arching a brow. "How you handle this is in your hands, Thad," using his name for once, "I need to get back to the bridge and prep,"

Leaving the armory, Koyama took a moment to sigh sullenly, running a hand over her face, then both against her cheeks before moving on.

~' Shosa, I am returning to the bridge. The team has their task,'~ she explained what that was along the way.

Power Armor Bay

Thad looked to Koyama for a moment as his brain started to process what she just said. Mia, was coming for me. Oh no, I thought I had more time to prepare. "Thank you for the heads up. Sure did not take long to bring her back." He reached up and rubbed the back of his head. "I got no clue how to handle this but I will give it my best."

So many things were racing through his mind and not many of them were good. He knew based on how things went down last time, that his expectations were pretty low. If he had to take his guess, he'd picture she would be armed and unescorted. Since clearly she did not have a moment of insane just an hour ago. Though maybe her close call with death she'd turn a new leaf. Least he was hoping as much.

After gathering his thoughts he decided to head out and meet destiny head on. He made the call along with Poppy to bring back Mia. He'd have to live with the fact she is back. Thad connected with the ship AI to locate Mia so he could get the drop on her. Best to get a feel how this might play out. It did not take long before he came across Mia. He made it a point to intercept her in an area that had more than one escape route.

"Oh my gosh, Mia, my goodness it is great to see you." He yelled out to her as he put one hand on his sidearm. Though to her it would look like he just put his hand on his hip.

Zaven's Bunk

"Well, how you got here, what has the service been like for you since you enlisted, and maybe...what are some of your hobbies?" He asked as he felt his turn be rejected and he gave a light hearted chuckle. He noticed her strength and well, he did not know from fucking where she gathered that, but it was a bit hot he had to admit that. Then as she shimmied down and agreed to Zanven's massage she reached his lumbar and he let out a satisfied sigh out of gratitude. When Sakuko told him that he did not get to do the technique where he would walk on her back Zanven honestly laughed for once. "I wouldn't dream of it, you might flip me and make me land on the desk, then I won't be any good to fly now would I?" He teased as he at least could enjoy some down time in this assignment. That is when his mind wandered back to the medical room... "Sakuko, before we do move along with you telling me more about yourself...what do you make of what happened earlier...Thad and Mia were a...well known couple on the ship were they not? Also...I know that being stationed on the ship has its...perks, but this seemed like it went too far...or that it was not handled with the care that it should have been. What if more instances like this pop up? What makes this different than not being in the service and just being a some random person on the home world?" He was inquisitive...which was...in this atmosphere, a bit odd...but his head often worked on problems in the most disadvantageous of times.

Power armor bay. "Thanks I forgot" frank whispered to Sanda. as everyone was getting ready. Frank looked back at the small women and asked. "So How do you like the custom fitted Daisy?" He said rather proud of it. Compared to the Mindy it was a lot more spacious for him to wear and just something way more comfortable to wear. Thinking for a moment he decided to ask. "Forgive me if this is in a manual some wear but are we allowed to add accents to our power armor like distinguishing marks like thunderbolts or a shark mouth?" Frank was legitimately curious as he had something he wanted to add to the helmet.

while everyone was mulling about waiting to get this show on the road Frank decided to ask Cassie something. "Hey Cassie, when we get our next shore leave I'm going to go get repaired with Sanda. but I wanted to know if you wanted to later maybe go to a local bar i frequented with me Thad and mochi? you know to unwind and get to know each other better?"