RP: 188604 [Star Wasp] 1: Meet The Team, Again.

Palace Exterior

A large bald man in black fatigues and matching black beret stood up next to the green haired neppy.

"To that end gents, I was brought on to this little fleet of yours." The man said. His face was blank and void of emotion.Each word he spoke was articulate. "The name is Ulysses Werner, Captain of a refurbished E2 Escort Carrier. The Necromancer has been upgraded with new weaponry, shields, sensor suites, among other things. The Necromancer will play the role of assault carrier, delivering you Ragnarok boys over hot zones and launching you in drop pods or shuttles, as well as providing limited fire support and aerospace support." He said.

Before sitting down he looked over at Hazel. "Also, so I don't have to keep repeating myself to everyone I meet here, Hazel is my little sister." He said before sitting down next to her. He was here to do his job, and do it well. Nothing more, nothing less...

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

Raphael stood off to Uso's side. He remained silent as watched everyone talked amongst each other. He was still weighting all his options. 'To stay, or to go...' He thought as he half payed attention to everyone. He looked up and scanned the crowd. He frowned. "Where is Cyrus...?" He wondered aloud.

"Unlike my cousins in the Ee'ith family,", Gut-Stripe spoke up abruptly as she finished another rounds of the area and stopped near Uso, appearing ignorant if she happened to speak over anyone. "I have no proper name, as such. However, I am known by the... 'nick-name' of Gut-Stripe. I am the leader of the I'ee presence here with you today. If you wish to speak with us, refer yourselves to the Ee'ith ambassadors or to myself." The I'ee pointed to the Ee'ith lazing on and around the bleachers, some listening, some sleeping. Gut-Stripe then stood by Uso's side, apparently done speaking.

"I do not know. Having bits of neither." It was a little hard for the oversized golem to find a point of comparison with what the fellow spacer was talking about. The 'doctor' part of Truffleclub's abilities was, in fact, the self-taught part. "Nobody telling how feels to be, is..."

If they were being honest, looking at the larger newcomers like this big green-haired girly houndy person, the nepleslians in the crowd just made the automata feel like they had a lot more to learn.

An incomprehensible grumble and a glare into the dirt later, they just went back to what Uso had been saying. Having no wireless communications meant that they also had no idea what Arccos was saying to the 'empress'.

"Lament is made to work by self. Breeder reactor." They wern't looking them in the eye again, but at least they were being helpful. "Use much u-ran-um two three eight. Two-three keelo-gram 'least."

"Gotta clean trans-myu-ted elements, ac-tin-ium. Wastey wastey. Summin like eight tons. Bad working. No chance to fix." Holding onto their own horns made them feel safer about looking the nekovalkyrja in the eye, but they were still bundled up in a squatting position at Arccos' back. "Silcon useful. Fix syntelligunce. Fix own prisum sheild sayuls... When power, then factory has own grav. Build any-whure."

A sideways eye-port caught the small I'ee engineers middling around them now, to which the giant just offered an open palm to climb on. They could only wonder what the petite vespids wanted.

Ace returned to the group. "Umm I forgot I can't contact anyone to come over here so I'm useless other than as muscle and an inventor until then. Anyways I am kind of bored with this so if you need me I'll be working on a song at the pub." With that Ace left again to where the pub the group had gone the first day they got on the planet. "Hey miss could I get something alcoholic I haven't had booze in weeks."

Leaning lazily against one of the bleachers in the back was an average-ish height man in a flight suit who clearly worked out. Okay, maybe he was on the shorter side, but anyone to point that out would rue the day. Five foot eight really isn't that short! he'd claim. Anyways, this average-ish man had his arms folded across his chest and eyes lazily glancing to those who spoke up through majority of the meeting. There was simply too much going on for him to really feel the need to engage others at the moment. So busy that he flet the need for a smoke.

8-Ball was just hit open his zippo lighter when he spied a tall woman who called herself Hazel. She claimed her squadron, the Hounds, was hired to provide additional craft in the fight ahead. He took a long drag on his freshly lit cigar. He had to admit, she piqued his interest and would have to look deeper into her squadron's flight records.

Then there was that other pilot who was supposed to be 8-Ball's partner who strictly refused to participate in the suicide mission. What was Errowyn's code name again? Hawk-Girl, Hawk-Eye...? He'd have to go through his notes and check once more. He had been through several scores of dossiers since he started this job and they were all blurring together.

The man was surprised to see the I'ee that he had saved from the palace was at the meeting. He shouldn't be really, but he never really was properly introduced. Would she even recognize him without his all-black suit? He couldn't help but wonder what kind of a personality lay behind that mask. A sentient bug was a rarity in his personal experience after all.

Then there was the fact that a half ID-SOL was among the many occupant here. That was quite a sight indeed. 8-Ball never expected to find one of those so far out. His shock as this was only matched at the massive, spacer-created automation that placed itself in the meeting. A massive automation that seemed to have a few quirks with its logic circuit.

That was when Ace began to be a little bit disruptive. 8-Ball encountered this man before and was unsure of what to make of him at this point in time. There clearly was some history between him and Uso, but what specifically remained to be seen.

"Ahem," Tiberius grunted aloud as he cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention. His blue eyes looked up at Uso. "It seems like you've already taken to heart my original idea of launching unguided anti-capital ship weapons at the NMX. Do you still need someone to train the I'ee pilots? I will if you need me to, but if not, I'd rather pull reconnaissance duty to identify and destroy those NMX dogs." The last part of his statement was chilling compared to the rest. "My fighter is fast, has extended sensor range, and an excellent countermeasure suite. I just need someone who specializes in electronic warfare and has no fear of death." 8-Ball took a moment to take a drag from his cigar. "Oh, and since you are wanted to bulk up your fleet, I have a light freighter at my disposal. But access will cost you extra, up front."

Peaked Interest
Aries immediately blipped onto Tiberius's HUD. "No fear of death and great at electronic warfare right here! Aries at your service!"

:: Queen's Slave Top ::

Errowyn listened in on the conversation going on at the meeting through the ship's external pick-up mics. She was wasn't being paid for fighting NMX as she lay there on the deck chair soaking up the sun and enjoying the warmth. If anyone came up on top of the Queen's Slave, they would see Nekovalkyrja female enjoying what nature provided; an earbud in one ear; dark reflective sunglasses and a pad near her right hand on the deck char arm rest propped up to be read and respond if needed.

She sent a text to 8-Ball and Uso pad.

:: I'll assist in combat piloting training to help these Wasp like beings in upgrading their skills -E 'Hellcat' - ::

Then cut 8-Ball out of the loop and directly sent to Uso.

:: Your Emperious Uso. Looks like we need to sit down and re-negotiate our contract if you want me to fight the NMX. The price will be higher and several full compliment of munition for '5' will be on hand in advance. Otherwise I'll be here soaking up the sun and the fine hospitality of your hopefully pacified subjects. And keeping the porchlight on and bed warm. - YE - ::

She reached down next to her and picked up her cold, but fast warming drink up and took a noisy slurp of her slushies' which was turning to more liquid than ice.

Palace, Exterior>

“Sounds like we have a plan then.” Uso said, returning to her outdoor voice,

“8-BALL, RONIN, RAPHAEL,” Uso barked, “Go with Hazel and Werner. Take one of the Veir bodies with you too,” Uso would point over at the rather quiet group of four identical girls, as she hadn't bothered introducing herself. “Go engage the NMX in the I'ee home system, Harass them, determine strength and location but don't get any of your stuff destroyed. We need to know where they are and not commit to a fight until we can win.”

“CYRUS, CORGAN RUBI, You're stuck here planetside. Keep things peaceful and make sure Arccos and Truffleclub get what they need to repair their ship. One of the Veirs will assist with converting this planet's raw materials to the materials that they need to get their reactor going.”

“If I haven't called your name, pick one of the groups and go help out.”

Uso would then turn her attention to Gut-Stripe, “We still have a lot to discuss regarding the I'ee fleet. Namely how many ships you have, how reliably we can arm them with combat drones, and how to co-ordinate our fleet actions. If you have time right now I would like to discuss it on board the ship. Also, if you have the people to spare, I'd like it if you sent someone with Raphael's group just to make sure there is no friendly fire.”

Uso would then take out her datapad and type up a quick message to Hellcat

Lets talk when you're ready, I just paid out your share of the planet's profit today + 30%. I'll make it rain missiles if it'll get you to help out our green squadron.

Click to expand...

Ronin had to admit, while he was interested in discussing some more potential around the various aspects of using their facilities and the planet's resources, it was sadly more proper for him to head off-world. The NMX doubtful expected a mecha like his own to show up.

"I'll head to the Tengu and join up with everyone before we get off-world. Make sure you guys don't get too crazy down here... I wouldn't mind getting to put some of this shit to use if I'm going to be fighting the NMX."

The native who had chosen to stay planetside was certainly interested, a woman by the name of Rubi, but Uso had made it clear who was doing what for now. He'd pester the native later, perhaps, and try to find out what sorts of technology this world's people could suggest. While a world falling behind is certainly an indicator that they wouldn't understand the science of something like his craft, it didn't mean that their perspective on certain aspects of technology were undeniable. The wasp-like allies, for example, likely could be useful for producing weapons and attachments of their own design that might be impractical with other means of technology and materials. The man took his cigarette from his mouth, letting out a small spray of smoke as he'd turn and start off to his Tengu. Linking up with the communications of everyone could be done once he was inside. There seemed to be someone else with experience dealing with the NMX, which seemed to possibly be the one heading out with him, but he wasn't here to socialize. He was here to fight it out and whoever he was working with could be purely professional. After all, they were all mercenaries by what he gathered. Bringing his hand back and through his mohawk, he'd grumble as he walked.

"Fuckin' never understand why people are so scared of space... not like fighting the NMX isn't possible... and staying on world one's entire life isn't going to be possible for much longer by the time this gal's done with it..."

The I'ee trailing behind Truffleclub seemed delighted by the automaton's silent offer, though only a couple of them were brave enough to climb atop its palm, curiously examining the mechanism of its wrist.

"I have time to speak with you, Uso.", Gut-Stripe replied to Uso. "And I can provide some of the Ee'ith ambassadors to accompany Raphael. They would be glad to prevent bloodshed, I am sure."

:: Queen's Slave Top ::

Errowyn gave a soft laugh and checked her account after receiving the message from Uso. At least she was paid and confirmed. It was nice to have working capitol of the amount she had available. She figured at least with the current amount from Uso. She could retire a wealthy woman and pay off her contract with SAoY and become independent.

"Looks like we'll be sitting pretty, my sisters.." Errowyn muttered as she stood up from her lounge chair, exposing her bikini clad body to those below that dared to look up.

~~ "ooooh how much?" ~~ One piped up.

"Quite a bit to go independent," Errowyn spoke softly, looking down at the group that beginning to separate from the meeting. She took her time and looked at the newcomers. Truffleclub, The I'ee... What drew her attention was the Tengu Battle Mech. She had read in the history books on the development of Robots and Power Armor. The Tengu was mentioned a few times.

~~ Oh no! Power armor and you don't mix very well. You spend most of your time ending up to be rescued. ~~ Another sister spoke

"With you guys hanging around. I'm surprise I'm still alive." Errowyn folded up her deck lounge chair. She muttered with a smile.

~~ <rude raspberry> "We've been your eyes and alert system that your precious Kawarime missed." Another more serious one spoke up.

Errowyn just nodded her defeat. She would be lonely without them along on them long jumps between stars and planets. "I guess I can tolerate having you around."

~~ "Deary.. you have no choice. You got lucky when you became our batch sister." ~~ Another spoke up. The 4th one.

"You're lucky I survived and allowed you guys to be part of me." Errowyn spoke with hidden warmth. "5 will always be my lucky number..."

Errowyn leaned the folded up deckchair against her leg. and responded back to Uso via text.

:: Yur Highness, Uso; Same pay, plus the missiles. Hellfires, Anti-Armor (hull busters), Anti-fighter missiles. Have the missiles sent to the Iceberg.
- E - ::

Tiberius smirked as he saw Aries appear before him. "A pleasure to finally meet you Aries. I believe you and Alastair are already acquainted." He made more of a statement than a question. "That is good, because Alastair will be flying with us to assist in piloting and targeting. I know the two of you will work well together."

The Semi-Magnificent-Space-Empress then began barking orders like they were attack dogs. 8-Ball wasn't sure about everyone else, but he didn't care to be treated like a dog. He would've stayed in the navy if he did. Fortunately, the minor annoyance was fleeting as he had more pressing matters at hand. Like how to begin harassing the NMX in I'ee space. The man took another long draw of his cigar as he mulled over the best way to begin tackling that daunting task.

"Alastair," 8-Ball said before a tiny, blue-humanoid figure projected himself before him. "Gather all of the information you can on the I'ee space territory. I am sure Uso already has established an interface for communication with the I'ee. Use that to figure out all of the NMX incursions into I'ee territory to date by space and time so we can plot a rough course of their fleets. That'll give us a baseline of where to start looking when we compare that to estimated composition of their fleet based off of the reports. Which reminds me, pull up the specs of all known NMX ships. We'll need that to narrow down our search radius among other things." He paused for the AI to respond. "Is that all sir?" The pilot shook his head. "No," He allowed for a brief pause before saying a bit more dramatically. "Ready the Ebony Peregrine and Junket-Three for war."

The holographic projection faded away and 8-Ball put out his cigar on the stand he was leaning on. Everyone was starting to move and he wanted to link up with some of the mercenaries he was going to be working with. "Ronin, Raphael," He called out. "I'd like to discuss our strategy if you gentlemen have time."

Artificial Meeting
Aries looked at her monochromatic friend. "Hmm...what version are you? I forgot to ask earlier." Aries was confused as she thought that since she was in full color that Alastair would be as well. "You can't be more than a few years old judging by what model I think you are and with you showing no signs of decay."

Despite being surrounded by giant wasps, a sub-mental sounding mushroom killbot, several human looking people made to kill by the dozens even on a bad day, several more human looking people that could still kill a deal of people in a heartbeat, a man who seemed to grow in a place without everything trying to kill him, and the train wreck of man formally known Aaron Grant, Rubi tried to make of what she was given. At least she got to keep most of one of the offworlder's equipment even though he seemed desperate for it at the begging of the meeting. Plus she could keep the list of things trying to murder her to a local level by staying planetside so another win there.

The native decided to take a seat on the bleacher fiddle around with the tablet device she had given with the armor some more. She had already grasped the basic concepts of it and even found out about this wonderful InterNEP system (And the subsequent terrifying content it held). Still, some of the icons had been unexplored on the main home of the tablet. She continued to tap away at the screen, eventually finding something about a bank account and a 690 DA which seemed like quite a bit of money for whatever a DA is. She looked around, wondering if the bank in the city had been modernized yet.

Feeling of Forget
As Ace downed his tenth straight bottle of booze he finally remembered that his bank account was on his tablet. "Well shit. I should probably take that back at the least I'll be able to contact the guys to bring me some of my replacement gear. "Hey miss I'll be right back to pay I have something I need to grab." Ace then sprinted out the door and went back to the meeting. "Hey Rubi right I need to talk to you for a minute can you come to the bar with me I still need to pay my bill. I need to use my tablet really quickly I'll teach you whatever you want to know about my gear if you let me use it. I need to contact my boys and delete some of the stuff off of that like my bank account."

Rubi looked up at the man who already left, came back, left again, and is now back a bit more pickled than last time. She looked at the brand new tablet then back to him. "Last I remember, you said I could have everything and you had a spare for everything. Therefore this is mine now I'd rather keep it the way it you left at the time of your arrest. Now, I will gladly go to the bar and pay for your bill if the bar accepts your... 'DA' or whatever this currency is. As for your way off planet, you'll have to contact your 'boys' some other way." She said in the manner of partially condescending secretary who also happened to more armed than him.

"I'm sure communications have been modernized to your standards at the now electronic post office... also, how much have you had to drink?" smelling the alcohol from her position on the bleachers.

Ace wanted to punch Rubi due to her cocky attitude but that would probably get him into even deeper trouble with Uso. "The bill I can pay myself without the tablet I have cash on hand. I've had ten drinks. Also I don't think your 'post-office' was it has the frequency I need to contact my buds. Finally lose the attitude just cause you have weapons and armor and I don't doesn't put you in a superior position to me I've killed men much stronger than you with my bare hands. I've even wrestled with Vekimen! That DA is more valuable then your native currency but its the least valuable currency in the trade." Ace looked about ready to hit someone but soon calmed himself. "Shit I blew my top." Ace then leaned against a tree watching to see if anyone was brave enough to try and pick a fight with him.

Arccos just smiled as Truffleclub came to a decision, that was about all there was to it she guessed. No problem with someone who didn't know.

And then she looked around to watch the sorry state of the people who had been left with her to get the Lament off the ground, and keep the planet alive... Cyrus would be busy rebuilding Gleipnir in all probability. Corgan was useful in a pinch, but no engineering type so he was more useful cracking skulls. Rubi was... Useful? Ace was running around like a headless chicken, and had apparently just pulled a dine and dash. The woman who could refine uranium was... Unremarkable, but the most useful asset here.

Problematic. Annoying.

"DA is electronic only. The bar doesn't accept it since barely anyone here has datapads to transfer the stuff." Arccos stood up, sweeping up Sammy to keep the big bug close in her arms, but also causing a small waspalanche of those leaning against her. "You'll have to pay in local coin or barter, unless you get your hands on the scrip I pay my Brigadiers. Money's gone haywire, which is something Grant there will have to deal with."

The 'spacer adjusted her hat, and stepped down from the bleachers into the dirt. Just... Taking charge willy nilly. She'd gotten her hands on a promotion out of Ragnarok somehow, and for the most part no one had stopped her to date. Ad hoc leadership at its finest.

"We'll need three groups. Ace, you'll get anyone willing to volunteer and go to that signal you found. Then start digging. I'm sure you can find a shovel somewhere around here. Once you find something, radio us for a salvage crew."

"The rest of you, we need one group to track down this General Lewis guy so we can string him up. And we need one more group to go prospecting and locate the best spots for salvage and mining. That means Cyrus' stuff buried in the mountains, uranium deposits, any sort of metal veins we can find."

Sammy let out a soft, sleepy squeak as he was swept up into the air, scrabbling against Arccos for a moment until he felt snug and secure again, after which he slumped back into a quiet, exhausted nap. The other I'ee clustered around Arccos made little squeaks and squeals of surprise when the tall 'spacer got to her feet, tumbling over one another and buzzing their wings in protest. Finally, most of them simply resolved to cling onto one another in a loose ball of sleepy wasps perched precariously upon the bleachers.

After a few minutes, Errowyn appeared. Her hair tied back into a bun, wearing her flight suit, minus a lot of the accessories that goes with it. With the exception of her service energy pistol at her side in its usual position. And of course, her sunglasses. The ear bud was still in her ear to keep informed via the Queen's Slave external audio pick-up. It seamed that Arccos was fast becoming part of Uso's Inner Circle and changing her allegiance from Ragnorak to becoming Second to Uso, along with Raphael.

She had a few precious metal coins in her pocket for a few hours on the town. At the remark of money, Errowyn looked over to Arccos. "Probably keep it the same as it is currently. Precious metals. We've disrupted their live enough by showing up here. And all this warfare that's been going on."

Giving Arccos a simple smile that could mean anything. Errowyn continued on her way. "And to get the locals to help us. Put out a Bounty on the man. Just enough to get cooperation, and not to bankrupt Uso new provisional reign when it comes to the pay-off."

She looked over the assembled still and took notice that Uso was watching her. She lifted her sunglasses up, long enough to send a wink her way, before dropping them back in place as she turned and moved to what remained of the Palace. Ships were nice for the modern facilities, but nothing beat a soft bed these locals could make. She would have to find a Mattress Maker to replace the one in her cabin aboard the Queen's Slave.