Army of the Southern Cross

[Psychie]

Moira gives a smile at the thought of going up on some high peak to look over the city. "Sure! Sounds great. We can pack some food and make it a picnic. We'll take some pictures and save them for our memories of this great time."

 

[Sherwood]

With the idea of a picnic offered up, you head off to gather up supplies, rent a hovercar and head for a scenic overlook of the city. The view is spectacular as you look down on the bustling metropolis. Just the thing to do as you wrap up your time in the tropical paradise. Eric almost looks sad as he gazes out. "Too bad this trip is almost over. I've really enjoyed myself here. I guess that there will be fun things to do in Monument City as our illustrious leader is getting his officer's training, but it just won't be the same. I like sunny sand and bikinis more than snow and parkas."

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

"Yeah as shame that this vacation's about to end. But maybe there might be a few fun things we can do in there; though I think I need to polish up on my shooting once we get there. I don't want to lose to my old man when I meet up with him on leave soon. He'll never let me live it down if he beats me by a landslide. Maybe after that, find a dance studio and get back to the motions of things. Oh there are so much to do and I don't know what to do." Adrian said as he took in the picturesque surroundings of New Rio. He brought out his phone and quickly sets up its built in camera feature. "So, let's catch a couple of photos before the light leaves us, yeah?" He said as he turned to the others with a grin.

 

[Sherwood]

In the afternoon light, the photos of the city and shimmering ocean are spectacular. The perfect end to an awesome vacation. It is a sad fact that in the morning, you will have to pack up your souvenirs and clothes and head back to the airport for your sad return to Anton-17. Perhaps not so sad, since you are all pretty worn out from your vacation, almost enough to look forward to going back to the simple routine of daily military life.

The wake up calls come far too early for you, drawing you all out of bed and into the world of the awake and aware. Already back in the military mindset, it doesn't take you long to pack your gear and swag. A short taxi ride later and you find yourselves back at the airport, waiting for your transport to be ready to load and take off. Looking out the windows, you have your last chance to say farewell to New Rio before you go.

Being the old campaigner that he is, Eric promptly falls asleep in his seat of the transport, trying to get some shut eye to recover from the rigors of the vacation. Landing at Brazilia Base is uneventful, and you transfer your gear from one aircraft to a waiting transport helicopter for the last leg of your return flight back to the BSURB.

It is now time to pack the rest of your gear, prep your tanks, and get ready to escort a handful of trucks to an airfield large enough to handle a pair of Tunny heavy lift aircraft to carry your mecha up north to the headquarters of the Army of the Southern Cross; Monument City.

Orikanyo Psychie AldarisLordOfLight Silanon ViciousVip3R

 

[Psychie]

As much fun as the vacation was, it felt good to be back in her uniform once more. Upon their return to Anton-17, she checks the clock to see how much time there was before having to be on the road, and decided that there was enough time to take a few laps around the athletic field before a quick shower and getting to her packing.

As her body moves in the simple motions of her run, her mind keeps going back to the time she spent with Adrian, wondering how this will affect them now that they are back in the mix of the Green Machine. She likes to think that she's professional enough to be able to separate herself from the emotional attachments when needed to be able to focus on the mission, but for the first time in her life, she has someone else's feelings and needs to think about.

With her short workout done, the Zentraedi soldier grabs her PT gear and heads for the showers.

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

With the conclusion of that wonderful vacation, the gang returned to Anton-17 in preparation for their transfer to Monument City. After a quick shower and donning a fresh uniform, Adrian took his time in preparing his equipment and things from checking his guns and packing his stuff.

Slowly losing himself to the routine of disassembling and assembling his guns as well as packing them alongside his things, his mind wandered on the future involving himself and his beloved. Now that they're all back in active duty, their would come a time that they will need to act professionally; although, he would try his best to show his affection through little things here and there until they could have a proper alone time together in the future.

As he was almost done packing, he suddenly remembered this one quote his mother loved, a mantra of sorts to her and to him at times, "There is a time for everything." At the moment, he didn't want to fully remember her convoluted tale about his mother's fascination to that quote but it involved a harrowing battle, a Glaug Officer Pod, and a Rocket Launcher. He just had to admit, his mother has a pair of huge brass balls from that story alone; but needless to say, he knew patience when things need it. He also made a promise anyway to take things slow and enjoy the journey than rush to the destination.

Realizing that he was done with his preparations, he made his way to his Chimera to deposit his stuff.

 

[ViciousVip3R]

For Marcus, the end of the vacation comes with a bittersweet and wistful feeling. Yes, it was fun, but all things must come to an end eventually; now was the time for action. It felt odd to be back in military garb after weeks(?) in loose civilian clothing, and Marcus unconsciously itched at the stiff, starched collar of his uniform. It would probably be helpful to get back in the right mindset, and with that in mind, Marcus decided to head to his room for some quiet meditating. There was lots of packing to be done, but that could wait.

 

[Silanon]

Action-packed days, and long nights - a peaceful time in a beautiful city. But in the end, those things still cannot be taken for granted; and as long as that's the case, duty will call for Fia at some point. She'll happily remember the moments spent in New Rio when she's back in the cockpit, as an extra motivation when the flames of war surround her once more - but for now, the memories will have to stay in the back of her mind as usual routines take over. With her luggage stowed away, and back in her uniform once more, she takes a few moments to climb into her mecha, leaning back in the cozy seat that has carried her weight through dozens of dangers. At this moment, it almost feels like returning home, or meeting a very old friend - as strange as that might seem. Finally, she starts the engines, and moves to take her place behind the trucks. For now, it looks as if she'd be early for once - if only to take a picture or two as the other Hussars gather once more for their travel to Monument City.

 

[Orikanyo]

Heinrich seemed to be the happiest to return to work, not only did the man have quite a bit waiting for him, he also felt rather relieved he didn't need to worry about those strange people or anything!

He was back where he was best, the military, and being the good soldier be was. And an ever better one soon!

He was also content he managed to get through the vacation with nobody getting into a brawl. Though his first night was fuzzy and... confusing, he didn't wake up to any shiners, so that's good enough for him! Ignoring the large tattoo that he has managed to keep a secret...

Dark shirts while swimming helped keep prying eyes away... though... he is going to need to report the tattoo...

Later though, it was time for them to make their ways to monument city, and he was more than happy to drive abit before another ride.

Hell, he damn well nearly broke a few tears as he saw his tank again. "So beautiful... I missed my darling so much... They better not had messed with anything in there..."

 

[Sherwood]

As you inspect your mecha, it appears that they have not been tampered with while you were gone. Eric is busy in his role as team technician, looking over each one of the tanks to make sure that all the maintenance work has been done correctly on 'his' mecha units. With a satisfied nod, he reports to Lt. Heinrich that all the vehicles have passed inspection with flying colors and as such, they are ready to move out. He then runs off to finish packing up his own gear to get ready for the transfer.

The upcoming plan is fairly simple. Escort a convoy of fifteen empty trucks to the rear assembly area where there is a large enough airstrip to accommodate the massive Tunny transports. Total distance to the assembly area is just over 100 miles, and with the top safe speed of the trucks being in the 50mph range, you are expected to be there in just about two hours. Since this is convoy is made up of mostly empty trucks and the fact that you are heading away from the Control Zone, you will not be provided with any dedicated air support. If there is trouble, there are always fast moving aircraft in the skies of the Zone looking for trouble that you can call in to provide support if needed.

As luck would have it, this time around the intel people are right in their estimate that you would not be harassed on your way to the assembly point. Once you arrive, you are immediately hustled over to the airstrip where a pair of the heavy lift aircraft are waiting for you. Aircraft crews split the team up between the two transports and begin to lock the tanks into place for the long trip up north. Even with the long range of the Tunnys, you will be making a landing at Eglin AFB in Florida to refuel, then you'll be moving on the rest of the way to your final destination of Monument City.

Sixty minutes after your arrival, you find yourselves strapped into your seats as the transport jets taxi around for takeoff. The large jets lumber their way down the strip and finally begin to claw their way into the air. Once you hit your traveling altitude, everyone settles down for the long flight north.

 

[Psychie]

Moira is almost disappointed in the fact that there was no combat for her to get into on their way to the airfield, but there is nothing to do about that, other than be glad that there are not any casualties. Those trucks are not hard targets, and an ambush could have really caused a lot of harm. But now, it is time to get Bianca tucked in nice and snug into the belly of the Tunny for their trip to Monument City. She wipes her hand across her brow to remove a layer of sweat. At least going north will put us into some cooler weather. Compared to the humidity of Brazil, I'll probably end up freezing my ass off once we get off the transport.

As they take off, Moira leans back and closes her eyes to take a nap, showing her status as a old campaigner. Soon enough, she is snoring lightly, recovering from the wild pace of their vacation.

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

Adrian sighed in relief at the peaceful journey. With the previous offensive that had happened, it seems the enemy has taken to hiding instead of causing a fuss today.

After the Chimera was loaded in the transport with the rest of the tanks and depositing his things, Adrian took a seat beside the sleeping Moira and followed her lead. 'Better to grab as much sleep as much as possible. It's gonna be a busy time at Monument...' He thought as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

 

[Orikanyo]

"A nice and easy bit of travelling, couldn't hope for more." the lieutenant stated, sounding a slight bit disappointed... it seems he was itching to get back to work. Once upon the plane he followed suit with the others,but with decidedly less sleeping, as it seems his nerves upon being sent back to schooling caught up with him again.

Nontheless, he was quite excited.

 

[Silanon]

A peaceful journey, and decent recon - by now, Fia expected that to be one of those things that only happen in books. Quite a pleasant surprise, though, certainly one she won't complain about. After getting her hover tank loaded into the transport machine, she joins the others of the squad, immediately doing the obvious thing: Checking for on-board W-Lan. No better time to get informed; if there's no access to the internet, the few articles she saved on her tablet will have to do. (Would like to get any kind of news about both Florida and Monument City that might somehow be relevant for us...)

Flights like these can feel rather lengthly - and seeing the two lovebirds, there won't be too many conversations. "Any ideas how things will look there for us, sarge?" Still feels weird to call him by any other rank... "Got a double bedroom for those two, or will they have to sneak into each others' rooms until you're done with your reading and stuff?"

 

[Orikanyo]

"For you, likely normal duty. Possibly light as it is monument City. I'll be slaving away with classes and such as they try to rewire my brain." he sighed, glancing towards Adriana and Moria. "The rooming situation likely will end up with the later, unless we get lucky enough." the man leaned back in his seat. "The city itself should be plenty when it comes to finding something to do on the free time, if any."

 

[Sherwood]

After spending what seems to be an eternity on the transport, you finally find yourselves making your final approach to the massive airfield and space port at Monument City. Once you've landed, you are directed by the load masters on the Tunnys to carefully slip out of the cavernous belly and into the dark of the night, lit up by bright floodlights to make it as bright as day on the tarmac.

You are met by a Zentraedi lieutenant named Zyorna; a blue skinned beauty that is the executive officer of your new company, the 15th Tactical Armor Corps. Before letting you get too far afield, she hunts down Heinrich and extends to him a friendly salute followed by a hearty handshake. "Welcome to Monument City. I am Lt. Zyorna. Capt. Krueger and I have heard many good things about your team, and I look forward to getting to know them all a bit better. But first, lets get your tanks tucked away in the bunker, get you some decent hot food and a room assignment so you can get some sack time in a real bed. You can have the grand tour of the company area tomorrow after PT and breakfast." With that, she turns you over to the ground guides that are directing you into a below ground armored bunker designed to protect both the tanks and the crews operating and maintaining them.

Everyone is given a bunk assignment, and once you have hauled your gear up to the rooms, you are allowed to stow your stuff without having to unpack all of it right away and you can go get some better food than the MREs you had on the Tunny. With food in your bellies and a soft bed beckoning to you, it doesn't take long for you all to pass out with the warning that the morning alarm will be sounded at 0630 to get you out of your racks to go to PT. With a parting wave, Zyorna tells you all, "Get some rest, and tomorrow you will get your chance to look around."

 

[Psychie]

Moira is happy to see that there is a fellow Zentraedi in the company. It is a good sign to her that her people and the humans have a real chance to merge into one culture and eventually be accepted here as true equals. But for now, it is something for the future to look into. Right now, it is time to stow her gear well enough to be able to go get some chow, then some rack time. Even with trying to sleep on the flight up, it was not a deep sleep, having to hear the drone of the engines the whole time.

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

After meeting with the base CO who happened to be a Zentraedi, which didn't surprise him one bit due to their prowess in the military field; and grabbing a quick bite to eat instead of the cardboard that they called MREs, Adrian hauled his stuff to his assigned bunk and room. It wasn't much but he passed the time by fixing his things and making himself at home. With that done, he began to personally inspect his gear for anything he might need to bring up to Eric or the base's supply officer before hitting the hay.

 

[Orikanyo]

To be greeted with a bout of friendliness was a rather welcome change from the monotony of the flight in. "A pleasure to be here Lt. Zyorna." he mirrored her salute and handshake. "A real bed, we've just gotten back and you're spoiling us already." He was more than happy to be here, he could already feel the buzz of action and activity all around him. it didn't take long to get everything sorted, from their bunks to where their tanks are staying, the efficiency was enough to make the man more than at home already.

But with jet lag and a hot meal, it of coruse didn't take him long to fall asleep, dreams of more work filling his head... Now if this was a nightmare, or a good dream, is up to perspective.

 

[Sherwood]

Over the course of the next several weeks, everyone settles into a fairly simple routine on the military base. Being stationed here is a cushy gig compared to the near field conditions of Anton-17. It is late spring, and as such, it is still a bit cool in the mornings as you head out for daily PT, but it quickly warms up to be very pleasant in the mid-morning time.

Lt. Schneider starts his training in the Officer Program, and while he does his classes, the rest of the squad begin to cross-train in the new Ajax mecha. Also, from your time in service, Cpl. Marcus Krueger is given his promotion up to full Sergeant, and Heinrich is informed that he can award one member of his team a promotion up to Staff Sergeant and into the position of second in command of the squad. It is up to you to decide as to which one you'd like to have in that position.

In your particular company, there are three other squads that make up the 15th Tactical Armor Corps. You have the Black Widow squad, the Wild Cards, Tiger squad, and your own Winged Hussars. There is a bit of a friendly rivalry going on between squads, with each one trying to out-do one another in various areas, from having the best PT scores to the highest level of accuracy in mecha gunnery. Capt. Cullen does his best to reward the winning squad with various light duty assignments and time off base away from the company area. As a new Captain, he is still learning his role with the help of his command staff, but so far, he seems to be doing well as the CO of the 15th. But, he still has much to learn.

On one Saturday afternoon, everyone is in the middle of a company wide baseball game; one of the team building exercises that Capt. Cullen has arranged. Right now, the Hussars are teamed up with the Black Widows against Tiger and Wild Card squads. Your team is currently up by two runs when there is a flurry of cell phone calls to the officers, warning you that the 15th is getting put on an alert status, and you need to return to your company barracks and stand by.

 

[ViciousVip3R]

It was a pity that the game had to end before we won, but duty came first. Tossing his equipment into a bin, Marcus proceeded with the rest of the company back to the barracks. Falling in step beside Heinrich, Marcus turns and asks, "Hey Sarge, sorry, I meant lieutenant, haven't gotten used to your new rank yet. Anyways, do you have any idea what is going on? Is this a drill or the real deal? Seems odd that we have action here, so far from the front lines."

 

[Psychie]

Moira gives a chuckle. "Its probably a drill. After all, what kind of trouble can there be here, in the heart of North America in the headquarters of the ASC?" She shrugs. "Who knows? I'm still betting on some sort of civil defense drill. Lets go suit up and make our LT look good." Before she goes to her room, she gives Adrian a smile and wink. "See you guys out there."

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

"It probably is a drill; although, I feel a bit paranoid when things like this comes up now. Surprises can be extremely nasty for all of us. Let's just be on our toes for now and suit up." Adrian said with a hint of finality before he made his way to his quarters to suit up. He caught Moira's smile and wink before returning the gesture with a smirk and a wink of his own. "Be careful now, we don't want to disappoint our LT on our first run here. Let's show them how we Hussars get things done."

 

[Sherwood]

It is clear from the actions of the other companies on the base that there is a general alert going on. As everyone suits up in their mega damage armor and reports into the ready room to wait for orders, you do receive an update on just exactly why the alert has been called. Details are scarce, but you are hearing that a alien ship or ships (exact number is unknown) has emerged from fold space and is rapidly approaching the Earth.

This sort of thing has happened before as stragglers of the Zentraedi fleet have come to the system, but usually, when that happens, the identity and classification of the ship is known quickly, and from what you are starting to gather is that High Command is uncertain as to exactly what they are dealing with.

If it is just a isolated Zentraedi ship, it is unlikely that it will make it past the defenses in place to make a direct attack against ground targets, but the base as a whole is on alert, taking no chances.

During the briefing from Lt. Karla Edison, she briefly shows a static-covered image taken by one of the early warning defense satellites, and both Moira and Lt Zyorna both shake their heads. Zyorna says, "That is definitely not Zentraedi; but instead, it looks like a Robotech Master Mothership. If that is the case, we are in for one hell of a fight. Captain, you might want to report that to the High Command. Its likely that there are a few Zentraedi on staff there, but lets not take any chances, shall we?"

 

[Orikanyo]

it had been a rather eventful day, he was able to join on the baseball game but nonetheless he was performing some rather important work, such as getting everything in line for his new Staff sergeant, ie, his new personal underling. Looking over files, seeing what was best and who had proven themselves, his choice was relatively easy.

Moira, of course, would be his second in command.

Everyone had pulled their part immensely, but she had been a key player in these missions, as such he felt he should have her be rewarded accordingly.

However, they were now on route to figuring out what shit was hitting the fan.

And one hell of a big load seems is heading directly for it.

"A... Robotech Master Fleetship..?" the man repeated, pushing up his glasses as he examined the ship that was being shown to them again. "Just what would they be doing here? And why now?' he asked, looking over the immense ship. "What do we know about their firepower? troops? Are we getting any contact from them?"