Robotech - Expedition Under Fire

[WlfSamurai]

The Haydonite betrayal has struck a blow to the UEEF. Inter-species relations have become strained, at best. Some of the men and women of Earth have fallen into blaming their alien allies for their problems. The aliens have followed suit. To contain the issues, the UEEF Admiralty has launched a plan to intermix species within squadrons, teams, and command structures.

Aboard the UES Vanguard, an Ikazuchi class cruiser, the situation is the similar. You all sit in XO Thorton’s office. The tall man stands on the opposite side of his desk from you. He’s staring at the wall monitor displaying space outside the sip.

“The UEEF has enough problems without having to baby-sit special projects,” the XO says. He turns toward you all with a dangerous glint in his eye. Thorton’s sharp jaw, long face, and permanent frown only adds to the effect. “I have no time for games. But, leadership insists. I want you to understand the situation very clearly. You have all been chosen to form a new special tactics combat squadron aboard this ship. The hope is that by working together, you will serve as role-models to the rest of crew. You’ll be assigned special missions and tasks as the need arises. From where I sit, it's a disaster waiting to happen. A lot of people will be watching your every move. Keep that in mind as you make your decisions."

XO Thorton sits down at his desk and steeples his fingers. "My hand has been forced. Otherwise you'd have different assignments. Lieutenant Alyxis, I expect a squadron name on my desk by 18:00. You're to meet with Chief Daniels in Hangar three at 14:30. Dismissed."

You filter into the hall outside the XO’s office. Other than the three of you, two humans and another Zentraedi have been assigned to your new squadron.

Lieutenant Gavin Dorsky is a dusky youth who makes up for his short stature with an Labrador-level of excitement. His dossier amounts to a mediocre pilot with stellar eletronic warfare skills.

"Why is he always so crabby?" Dorsky says. "This could be that start of something really cool!"

“Shut up, Dorsky,” says Lieutenant Fisk. She folds her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes. Tyra Fisk has been described as severe, even in her official dossier. She takes her work seriously and always has. Even as a young child, she was doing her part for the UEEF working any job that would have her help out. Her knowledge of ordnance, demolitions, and heavy weapons is deep. She’s always used the right explosive for the right job.

Nodren, the second Zentraedi on the team other than Alyxis, scoffs, but keeps to himself.

The wall clock says 14:00. You’re standing in the hall as a squadron.


Sherwood , Psychie , Silanon

 

[Psychie]

L'n joins the rest of her new squad out in the hallway of the XO, wondering if this new squadron was a good or bad idea to get tossed into the middle of. She glances up at her new commanding officer, a dark skinned, light haired Zentraedi soldier. I have seen a few of these others in training, but I don't know much about any of them. How well will we be able to work together?

With that, the orange and black striped Garudan waits quietly for her new boss to say something.

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis feels a bit put out by the words of Commander Thorton. What should have been one of the best days of her career in the UEEF as she takes the reins of her own squadron command was now leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. With my luck, I have nothing but malcontents and screwups. Great. She glances about the team as they walk out of the office together. This could be bad, especially being stuck with a male Zentraedi. I hope that he has managed to overcome the inherent disgust at being around females.

Out in the hallway, she looks at her new team members. "It is good to have this chance to work with all of you. I am Lt. Alyxis. Right now, I don't know any of you except as names on a file. Over time, we shall change that. Working together, we shall forge a strong alliance between us and become the best team in the fleet." Alyxis turns to walk towards the nearby bank of elevators, motioning the rest to join her. "We represent a wide range of races: Human, Zentraedi, Garudan, and Paraxian, with as wide a range of skill specialties. I hope to take our differences and use them to make us even stronger than any one of us by ourselves."

Once the six of them reach the elevators, she presses the call button, and as they wait for the lift car to arrive, the Zentraedi warrior turns to face her team. "My door is always open to you to come to me with any issues you might have. Just keep in mind that I suspect that there will not be any transfers out from this team for any of us, so be prepared to have to stick it out and make it work. Now, I can spend some time reading up on all of you in these files, or you can just tell me a bit about yourselves. Lets start with what mecha you prefer to fly. It will be important to me to know how I will pair you off. Personally, I have a fondness for the Beta, but I am fully rated on the Alpha."

"Finally, lets start to consider a squadron name. I would like to suggest a name from human myth, a fierce creature called a hydra. It is a massive serpent-thing with many heads connected to a singe body. I think it would be a good symbol for the mixed nature of our squad."

 

[Psychie]

L'n raises up an eyebrow as her tail lashes back and forth. This new commander certainly has nice words. I wonder just how well we will be able to blend together, with as diverse we are and the pressures being placed on the non-humans of the fleet. Lets hope we will succeed. With a quick glance at the others of this team, L'n finally speaks up. "I am L'n, with the callsign of Tigger. I have been trained as an Intelligence and Communications specialist, and my preferred Veritech is the Alpha. I feel that I fit better in the smaller mecha and have not qualified on the Beta."

She stands quietly for a moment as she thinks about the name that Alyxis has offered forth for the squadron. "This hydra? it is a fearsome predator from human lore? Perhaps. Yes, I like it. I would be happy to be a member of Hydra Squadron if that is what you wish."

 

[Silanon]

Thus far, the Praxian woman has been quiet, more on Fisk's end of the excitement spectrum. The way she musters those who shall be her companion for a while - it's not hard to read the scepticism in those green eyes of hers, looking down at them one at a time. Both of the Zentraedi seem to get more of her attention than the others, Nodren in particular. "If we are Hydra, then I am to make sure that none of the heads get chopped off." As a Praxian on a human vessel, one is predestined to hear about Greek mythology at one point or another.

"Nora, callsign 'Ostrich', Hospital Corpswoman Third class. I'd like to meet all of you in private before the first mission, just so that I know about possible health issues before I need to patch someone up. You in particular, 2nd Lieutenant L'n, since I haven't had the chance to work with many of your kind." For a moment, she tries to not appear like a tall, reserved doubter, her otherwise compressed lips even show the hint of a smile. It certainly lets her appear less like a block of ice.

"Safe for one hour in the morning, you can come find me whenever and I will see if I can help. If I'm not in my room, then likely somewhere in the training grounds." With the last words, her head turns towards Alyxis, mustering the one in charge. If her skills as a commander are in line with her speech, then Nora's medical skills might not be needed as much as she had feared. Her left hand pulls back a strand of dark brown hair, the vembrace reflects the artificial lights - she wears her battle armor over the plain overall of her profession, only the helmet is missing for now.

"As for the mecha: Cyclone for me, preferably the saber variant. I have clearance for the Beta as well, though I came in second during my classes." She sounds as if she admits a crushing defeat. "I got better since then, but I still feel better with both feet on the ground. Call it genetics if you must."

 

[Sherwood]

The new commander nods in agreement. "Excellent idea, Nora. Lets do that. Everyone, make yourselves available to Nora for a quick exam before our first mission, time permitting." A quick glance shows that the elevator has arrived, so she steps into the empty car and presses the proper button for the hangar. "I don't doubt that the Cyclone will be a useful choice to work with on a planetary surface, but for now, I am thinking we'll be sticking to the Veritechs, so be ready to take out a Beta." Alyxis pauses for a moment, then says, "Depending on what we are walking into down on the hangar with our meeting with Chief Daniels, I want to schedule some training time for all of us as a team to see how I will be pairing you off. Ideally I would like actual flight time, but if that is not an option, we can hit the simulators. I need to know how you will react in a live fire situation, so there are no surprises."

 

[Psychie]

L'n gets into the elevator and moves off to one side to keep from getting trampled by the larger members of team. It stinks being so short compared to everyone else. On Garuda, I was at least average sized, not like the shorty that I am compared to even the humans. She lets her gaze to waaaay up to the top of Nora's head. Damn. Up close, those Paraxians are even taller than I thought. At least I already have a callsign, so I don't get called Tiny or something like that. Speaking of callsigns, I still need to find out what a Tigger is.

"Speaking of Cyclones, I regret to say that I cannot operate one; my race's physiology prevents us from being able to have the cycle on us. Too short. But I do know how to use the Silverback, both as a pilot operator and as a gunner. So hopefully, when we get ground assignments, I'll be able to get one of those Veritech ATVs. But I can't wait to get into the Alpha again. I just love those nimble fighters." L'n looks at the others, wondering which one she would be paired up with.

"The idea of getting some training time in as a squad sound good to me. I want to get an idea of what to expect with this group."

 

[Sherwood]

"The Silverback? Sounds like a good idea." Alyxis nods. "I haven't gotten my own combat certification on the Cyclone either, so if we can get a Silverback, I can ride tandem with you. Hmmm. There is a certification class for that transformable ATV; perhaps I should sign up for it. Let us now see what we have going on at the hangar. We may be getting our mecha assignments."

 

[WlfSamurai]

Dorsky pumps his fist. “I wonder what machines they’re going to assign us! This is so exciting!”

Lt. Fisk sighs and shakes her head. “You don’t even know why we’re reporting to the Chief. Cool it, Dorsky.” She leans against the lift wall. “2nd Lieutenant Tyra Fisk reporting for duty. Heavy weapons are my game, though I made second in flight school. Not sure how I got here, but I’ll give you my all, Ma’am.”

Dorsky scoffs. “You’re so serious, Tyra. They’re people, not robots.” He turns to the rest of you with a big grin and waves. “Hi! I’m Gavin Dorsky. Just like my file says, I’m a decent pilot. But, what it doesn’t say is how awesome I am with tech. I can take it apart and put it together again better. In the cockpit, I’ll be jamming signals or using my own custom EW suite to stop ‘em dead in their tracks!”

The male Zentraedi folds his arms and won’t meet your eyes, Alyxis. “Nodren. I’m here to fight. Point me at ‘em.” Before anyone can say anything else the lift doors open.

The Hangar deck is abuzz with activity. Crew move over Veritechs, doing repairs and servicing them. Carts hauling Protoculture fuel cells, parts , or scrap wind their way through the repair bays. Some Alphas stand surrounded by scaffold in battloid mode. Men hang from harnesses welding and cutting.

You all move through the thoroughfare to cross the massive hangar. On the far end, you enter the Engineering office. Chief Daniels is staring at a data pad shaking his head. He looks up all as you enter. His face is a mass of scar tissue on one side. Perhaps half-melted in some accident.

He studies the six of you a moment, then nods. “Ah, our merry band of misfits. I’m Flight Crew Chief Rick Daniels. But down here, I’m Chief.” He tosses the data pad down. “I like to be blunt. Straightforward. So believe me when I say the brass isn’t doing you any favors. It’s clear this ‘squadron’ of yours is a PR stunt. They requisitioned near-garbage for you. The order I got was for some decades old Alphas and Betas from the scrap pile. Thing is, I don’t do shit work. And I don’t put pilots in trash. I take pride in our work down here. My crew deck, my rules. So, what I got for you is still older, but at least whole and flyable. I got my guys working on piecing together better from parts so it doesn’t hit the bottom line and it goes unnoticed. That way your people will be flying right, Commander. But, nothing’s free. And here’s the catch. You better earn that shit. You get me? I’m sticking my neck out for your outcast outfit. Give ‘em hell. You think you all can do that?”

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis nods. "Straightforward indeed. I don't mind being in older mecha. Back in my old assignment, my power armor was older than the lot of us put together. So long as it all works the way its supposed to, that's all that I'm concerned with. I fully intend on getting past the reputation of being a 'bunch of misfits' and forge this team into a deadly weapon to be used against the Haydonites." She looks out at the swarming activity on the hangar bay floor for a moment, then once more turns to Daniels. "Chief, thank you for your candor. Just keep doing what you do best, and we will deliver the results. Being labeled a misfit was not what I had in mind for my first Squad lead assignment, and I plan on making everyone see that we are not to be trifled with. Show us to our mecha, please. Lets take a look at what we're dealing with."

 

[Silanon]

"You have my word, Chief - and I broke it once ever since I learnt a promise's worth. Technology alone won't win this war, but it is good to know that our veritechs are in the best hands, regardless of orders." She too eyes the activity, with less enthusiasm than many show, but a determined look across her features. "If this endeavour has any hope of success, some people will turn their heads at some point - and the Haydonites will be amongst them. And Lieutenant" - her eyes search for the squad leader - "be certain that I will do my best, no matter which tools I get or what tasks they throw at us. You either go all the way, or not at all, and the latter was never an option."

 

[Psychie]

L'n takes a moment to adjust her breathing mask on her face, using the time to think of just what to say. I wonder, what did I do in my training to get lumped into the 'misfit' squadron? Well, if Lt. Alyxis is right, and from what the Chief is saying is true, it looks like I'm stuck here for the duration. Time to buck up and do my best to excel. "Well, Lieutenant, I will pledge to you my very best. We will beat the odds and make Hydra a name to be respected."

 

[WlfSamurai]

The Chief walks you all out of the office to a small parked cart. A short trip across the hangar deck brings you to Hangar Bay 14. Four Alphas and four betas stand as battloids in their repair alcoves and catwalks. Three of the Alphas are standard “green” VF/A-6I models. The fourth is a “blue” VF/A-6H “Command Alpha”. The betas are all standard VF/B-9’s.

“Just put a fresh coat of paint on ‘em,” the Chief says. “Cyclone armor is in the armory. You’ll all get standard issue CVR-3. You can request something else, if you’d like. Just let me know and I can put that order through.”

 

[Silanon]

"They certainly look better than you made things sound like, Chief - but then again, you are the expert." The Praxian takes a look at each of the different warmachines, her face shows neither excitement nor worry. "Are they all the same, apart from the command vessel, or are there any adjustments inside, given the different physique of the pilots?" She nods at the Garudanian pilot at her side, though the question likely matters just as much to her. "If the lieutenant deems it worth the paperwork, I would prefer one of the newer cyclones. There are models that were made with first aid in mind, and I did quite well with them during training. Of course, I will do just fine without one, there are likely other, more urgent requests."

 

[Psychie]

L'n smiles under her rebreather. "Yes, thank you, Chief. Your hard work will not be forgotten by any of us. I am looking forward to putting my Alpha through its paces, either against the Invid or the Haydonites. Lets go check out our new rides!" The tiny Garudan is quite excited to get her claws on her very own Alpha. "Lt. Alyxis? Are we still going to try for some live flight time in our mecha? Assuming that the CAG approves, of course."

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis nods, then looks to the others. "No need to be so formal right now. Just call me Alyxis. And to answer L'n's question, yes, I do hope to get some actual throttle and stick time in. The simulators are nice, but they just don't have the same feel as an actual Veritech." She looks over at the Chief and gives him a handshake. "Thanks, Chief. Just like L'n said, we all owe you one. I'll have to find a good way to repay the favor you've done for us. In the meantime, lets take a look at our birds and see if we can take them out to get familiar with the idiosyncrasies of our rides."

 

[Epiphany]

In the midst of all that buzzing hanger activity, Aymeline strides across the deck. She's wearing a UEEF flight uniform like most of the pilots here. That impossible shade of blue in her hair is a telltale sign that she's not especially human, though. After all, uniform regulation codes require natural hair colors so for her hair to be that shade, it has to be natural.

The blue-haired pilot has a computer pad in her hand and she checks it occasionally as she walks by Veritech after Veritech, clearly looking for the right squad assignment. The sight of a group of non-human pilots doesn't exactly brighten her somber expression but it does end her confusion and she promptly aims to intersect their cart.

"Lieutenant...Alyxis?" Her pronunciation is good, suggesting she's met Zentraedi before, and her eyes fix on the senior lieutenant with little hesitation. To the untrained human eye, she might look Zentraedi herself with her distinctly unnatural tint, but a Zentraedi knows better. She's Tirolian, though obviously not one of the Robotech Masters herself if she's here. "Lieutenant Aymeline. I've been assigned to your squadron as a pilot as well as your technical and scientific resource, sir. Here are my orders." She hands over her computer pad and stands at attention. If the notion of reporting to a race that had served hers for millennia bothers her, no sign of it shows on her face.

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis turn to look at the woman addressing her with a curious gaze. "Hmm? Yes, Lt. Aymeline? Assigned to us, you say?" She reaches out to take the tablet offered by the other woman and scans the data on the screen. After a moment, she nods. "Everything seems to be in order here, lieutenant. Welcome to the newly formed Hydra Squadron. This may not be a plum assignment for any of us - yet. As I have told the others, I plan on making this squadron one of the elite of the UEEF, showing everyone that we are more than a bunch of misfits that have been stuck together. As I said to the others, my door is always open, but just remember, we are most likely stuck with one another for some time to come, so don't bother asking for a transfer out because you can't get along with someone. Any other issue that I can address, I will."

She looks back up at the mecha standing tall in front of them, then motions for the team to follow her. "The Chief says that all of our Veritechs are in good order, but I want everyone to give the checklist the proper amount of diligence. Remember, your lives and the lives of your squadmates depends on these mecha performing properly, and if there is any quirks to your equipment, best to learn about it now. Lets see if we can get some flight time to work out the kinks in these beauties."

 

[Silanon]

The Praxian musters the blue-haired newcomer for several, long seconds; then, a slight, almost careful smile appears on her lips. Newcomer - as if we'd be a real team already, just by sharing a few meaningless words. "Nora, entrusted with the medical assistance within Hydra. If time permits, I'd like to revise your personal files before we end up in a serious battle - won't allow some typo to endanger your life." Fo now, however, some practise time seems to take priority, understandably so - medical assistance will be needed less likely if the individual pilots know what to expect from their new comrades.

"Alyxis" - although she does not say the rank loud , you can hear the silence where the word 'lieutenant' usually should have been - "if we get time to practise, it might be beneficial to form teams of two, with one Aplha - and Beta pilot each; it's easier to adjust to one potential partner in case we need to combine the two, rather than try to prepare for all possibilities. Obviously, seven is an odd number, but you likely get the idea."

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis looks at the odd number of squad members, then back up at the Veritechs. "Well, unless we get another late arrival, I will have Dorsky with me in my Beta, working your magic on the radar. L'n, I want you in my lead Alpha. Nora and Aymeline will be the second element, with Fisk and Nodren as our third element. Lets get into our mecha and give them a once-over, and I'll call the Tower to see if we can do some live throttle and stick time." With her decision made, Alyxis steps out to go to the blue Beta.

 

[WlfSamurai]

You’re request for flight time is approved and, after a long first-time flight check, you launch. You take some time to orient yourselves with your Veritechs and each other.

The next few weeks find you all flying together for training and practice. Several training scenarios are played out with other squadrons in the group. They’re organized by the CAG, Captain Thomas Hudson. During various training missions, one squadron goes out of their way to be antagonistic toward you. Rivals at best and dangerous at worst, the Cerberus squadron has become a thorn in your side. Several incidents have almost come to blows, especially with Nodren. Despite brewing conflict with Cerberus, you all have grown accustom to each other and working together.

One morning, you wake to find new orders transmitted. You are all to report to a mission briefing at 1100. The mission has been code-named Operation Saber and will involved several squadrons.

It’s still early. You have a few hours until then.

 

[Psychie]

When dealing with the rivals from Cerberus, L'n will do her best to be as meek and timid as she can, all the while she will spend some of her spare time using her computer skills to slowly crack into the personnel files to get some info on the assholes that are bothering her team. We may be a bunch of dysfunctional misfits, be we are a team now, and no one will mess with one of us without retaliation. We will stick together.

L'n keeps her plans secret; no need in getting anyone else in trouble if things don't work out.

Finally, word comes that the Hydras finally have a real assignment before them. She goes up to Alyxis and asks, "Hey boss lady! I hear tell that we are going on a real op. Hear anything about this that you can share with the rest of us?"

 

[Silanon]

"I certainly wouldn't mind to know more about it, either, Lieutenant. Saber sounds promising, but you never know - think the doggies are with us as well?"

By now, you know that she wouldn't mind that - rather the opposite, in fact. There are some who dodge conflict and provocations; thus far, Nora has proven to not be one of them. Rivalries are certainly a good way to get the Praxian started - anything more than that lets her keep at it with doubled efforts. Thus, the numerous occasions that ended one step away from a Cerberus throat have perhaps even been beneficial - she's certainly been focused on her tasks. Of course that might just be her work ethics in general; You haven't seen her do much besides practice and duties, except for daily prayers that she likely finished just before she entered the room.

"If so, don't let them scare you off, L'n." The pilot from Garuda has been one of the dodgers thus far - rarely there when Nodren or she herself would have appreciated her pair of swift, clawed fists at their side. At least, that means less hesitation when it comes to omitting her rank; time will tell if that's a good thing.

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis is not one to back down from a fight, so it is very difficult for her to keep from getting into the faces of the pilots of Cerberus squad as they do their best to antagonize her team. She has a good understanding on just why it is so difficult for Nodren to keep from going off on them; they share much of the same culture with one another, even if he is a male. She is somewhat disappointed in L'n's reluctance to stand up for herself, but there is still much about the small Garudan that is still a mystery to her. Perhaps it is a racial issue, and not something that she is even aware of doing, she muses to herself. Who knows. With luck, she will come out of her shell as she gains more combat time with the rest of us.

While she does not officially endorse any confrontations with Cerberus, if she is required to step in and issue any disciplinary action, it is all kept to the bare minimum of punishments compared to any issues that might arise in other areas where she is much more strict. Unofficially, she is glad to see her squad stand up for themselves, especially when they come to the defense of each other.

But now, there is a different issue on the table. A real assignment, as opposed to just flying Combat Air Patrol or running drills to get used to one another in the cockpit. The other issue that might present itself is she doesn't know if one of the other teams involved might be her dear 'friends' from Cerberus. Time to call the team together and have a heart to heart.

"Listen up, Hydra! We have a mission deployment coming up. This is a multi-squad event, and there is a chance that we may be required to deploy along side of the pilots of Cerberus squadron. If this does happen, I fully expect all of you to maintain the highest level of discipline and professionalism at all times! Be the better team and don't let them provoke you into doing something stupid that you'll regret." She lowers her voice a bit, leaning in to make her next words be more significant. "That does not mean that you cannot defend yourselves if you are the target of 'friendly' fire. Just do your best to not put yourselves in a position where you might be that target. Remember that I will always do my part to back you up, but when the gun camera footage is reviewed, I can only do so much if one of you pulled the trigger on them first. Hydra is a team, and we stand together!"

"But that is assuming that we are stuck dealing with those darling pilots. In the meantime, we will be finding out the details on the mission together, so no need to pester me for info that I don't have. The briefing is at 1100, so don't be late."

 

[Silanon]

"Understood, Lieutenant - I came here to fight the Invids, not to gun down doggies. Trust me when I say that these little skirmishes here and there will remain parts of the practise routines only; unless they snap at us, that is. Just for the record: Whoever happens to fire first can search for their own medic; the supplies are meant for soldiers, not for traitors." Her expression leaves little doubt that she means it. "When Praxis still existed, we used to challenge those who lost sight of what it meant to wear armor, and they rarely saw another day. Everyone here is better than that." If Nodren followed Alyxis' call, he'll earn a meaningful glare.

"If someone's not feeling well or needs specific medicine, you'll be able to find me in my room - avoid pills that you don't take regularly, even if you're nervous - or you might not be on point when you're needed the most. Not that that's news for you at this point, just a reminder since this is different from practise. And check your personal med kits before the meeting - I'll have everything you'll ever need, but I might not be close enough when you need it."