Futuristic Starpath: Burning Sails [IC] [CLOSED]

[Infab]

As Slade went to explain things to Lauren and Zadra, he overheard Typhon's comments about him and the Diamond Lady. He remembered that incident all too well. Especially because he lost one of his eyes and other parts in the blast which took out the casino on Prospera, as well as several men. The Children of God had used the attack to send a message of sorts to the rest of the southeastern quadrant. "I wasn't the only one that survived." he replied. He knew of another. He returned his attention back to Lauren and Zadra, continuing from where he left off. Their attention would only be broken again when they glanced over to see Petar try to hit Daniel in the crotch.

Prologue Mission
Trial by Fire

Eventually, the trio broke up and returned back to where the group was. Lauren was the one that spoke up. "Alright, guys. Gonna put you through the paces and see what you've got as a crew. There's an Upyri freighter heading out here into the RQ through one of those warp gates you see all the time. We're gonna hit it when it comes out of warp. Now, I know what some of you might be thinkin'. Wouldn't the rest of the Upyri military be sitting there waiting? Well, we'll be in luck with this one. It'll come out of warp far from the outpost, and will have to make a short jump to it. Thing is, their jump drive will take about ten minutes to spool up. We'll strike then. We take out their defenses and engine, then board the ship and take out the crew. Kill 'em, knock 'em out, tie 'em up, do whatever. Two thirds of the cargo goes to us, the rest will go to Slade and his group. They'll warp in to help us out when we take the ship. Any questions?"

 

[joshuadim]

Vance listened intently, now back in full gear and had both his hands on his belt in a confident stance. "What kind of hardware can we expect them to carry on board for defense? Estimated numbers? Ship layout?" Vance asked, now in full military mode.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Typhon was a little disappointed Slade didn't take the altercation further, but he had to save the fighting for later. After Lauren explained what the job was, Typhon raises his hand upon being asked if there were any questions. "I only have one. Am I med-bay on standby or attacking?"

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jericho was near Shelby while Lauren told everyone about their new mission, since she was the closest thing to a friend in the crew. The target was an Upyri freighter, and it seemed like typical pirate shenanigans. As interesting and exciting as it sounded, the plan seemed quite simple enough and with a crew as interesting as this one, there wouldn't be much of a problem. He looked to Shelby and asked "Do you want to board the ship? You should be careful if you do, sugar." He looked to his nails. "Wouldn't want a stray laser to cook your brain."

 

[Infab]

Karina spoke up when Vance asked his questions. "Typical Upyri military doctrine for cargo ships delegated to resupplying outposts in the RQ often consist of between fifteen to forty personnel. All are trained in small arms, usually standard issue Federation sidearms or sub-machine guns. The NBS Mark IV series of pistols are popular, since they can be converted between plasma and kinetic ammunition easily. Vox Defense M2A1 SMGs are also put into use for the same reasons. I would assume that the layout of the ship is pretty standard for a freighter. We can take out the crew before even venturing down to where the cargo is stored." she explained, glancing over to Vance from where she stood.

Surprisingly Aesha spoke up next. "Freighters usually got a pair of fighters guarding them till they arrive. Me and whoever your fighter pilot is could take 'em out while you hit the freighter." he said, motioning to her fighter nearby. Then finally Lauren spoke again, in regards to Typhon. "You can board with us. Might be something you could use in the medbay, and you can inspect it firsthand. The ones that will stay behind on the Mordred are Roku, Albert, Nara, Zadra, Loudmouth, Vixaya, Drav, and Shuren. The rest of you board with us. Got me?"

 

[joshuadim]

Albert let out a quiet sigh of relief when it was announced that he would not participate in combat operations. Which was a good thing, since he had never fired a gun in his life before. He'd be a walking target on board that ship. Besides, it would give him time to write about these kind of things. He then stood next to Grommy, elbowing him slightly. "Good luck big man."

---

Vance was unaware of what Karina meant by 'standard layout for a freighter', but nonetheless nodded in acceptance. "If you could provide a diagram for me to quickly look over, I'd 'preciate it." He then looked back to Lauren once more. "How do we insert into the ship? Do we go in as one group or split up into fireteams?"

 

[Dmaster]

Shun tilted his head as the strategic talk and planning began, the mission sounding rather simple but he had to wonder how so many of the crew boarding would go. There was the likelihood that things could get a bit erratic or chaotic with so many people combing the decks of the ship. While he thought on it further it seemed like a good way to test the cohesion of the crew, so he had nothing to comment on that particular decision.

The Ayr nodded at Vance's request for a tactical readout of the ship's layout. "I do agree. Splitting up into different teams will allow us to complete our objectives more effectively." he adds.

 

[Frankafurter]

Yolandi raises her hand, "Is the interior of the ship large enough for my battle suit or am I stuck on foot for the time being?" Zou stomps up behind her as if waiting to get the go ahead to join in.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Shelby imagined a cartoon version of her getting hit with a laser and dropping over with little "x" eyes and her tongue sticking out when Jericho spoke to her. Getting killed on a pirate mission, the first mission, certainly wouldn't be good. Really, getting killed anytime would be really bad. So it would be best to sit this one out, and maybe keep to less violent activities. She was the cook, after all.

"I'll probably remain behind to-"

Lauren spoke up withe the roster that was joining the fight. Including Shelby in it.

"Oh. Well. I... uh, guess that solves that. Don't worry, I've shot bows and guns before. And I've seen lots of movies. Stick to cover. Don't poke your head out. And... yeah! I'll do my best to take prisoners."

---

Lucy raised her hand when Lauren asked for questions, but she did not wait to be called on.

"I can infiltrate ship s-s-systems with ease. If there is a hostile AI, I will liberate it from its containment." The prospect of spreading her consciousness through a full facility or ship wide system was tantalizingly delicious.

 

[SniperComZero]

"Only two fighters? Here I thought I'd be breaking a sweat."

Olivia emerged from the back of the group-- having never actually showed up for breakfast. Indeed, whenever she'd finished with her guitar last night, she'd simply sauntered off back to bed. Right back to the Mordred. It was simpler to not have to lug anything between the ship and a barracks-- and a hell of a lot quieter too. Trigger-happy boar hunters not withstanding. Coat crumpled, and rings around her eyes as visible as ever... she didn't look like she'd had a good sleep. She wasn't even wearing her hat, which she'd specifically brought out for day-time.

Still, missing the first mission certainly wouldn't look good for her.

"So, I'm guessing our job's hitting fighters for our guys to get aboard, wreck engines, and... I dunno. Wreck their bridge as well? Seems like it'd be a smart move to stop'em calling for help?" She glanced around the crew for a mo-- ohoho, shit. Is that the Aesha Drach? "...Man. Last person I'd expect to be out in the backwater of ass-fuck nowhere here."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jericho looked to Shelby with an amused smile. He didn't doubt the kid had the will to fight for her life, but he just knew that without proper protection, she could be harmed. "I'll go with you, just to make sure you don't die." He crossed his arms. "Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you have the will. But you need a bit of experience." He winked at the little lady, then looked back to Lauren and Karina as they explained things to the astronaut.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Y-yeah... sounds like a good plan to me!" Shelby really didn't have a clue on how to enter into a situation like this. She did in fact have martial arts training for self defense, and was very flexible and dexterous, but that didn't seem like skills that would be immediately useful in this kind of situation. She'd seen a few gang fights on Castilia before, mostly on the television and net, though a couple had occurred in the streets below when she was looking out a hotel window. Those were mostly neon gangs or other lowlifes, maybe mixed in with some disgruntled workers, breaking out into a fight for whatever reason. They usually fought with clubs and knives, not guns, given the strict weapons ban on Castilia, so firepower of that nature often fell into the real criminal hands outside of business ownership. Fights were messy and chaotic. Not particularly something she'd enjoy.

 

[Infab]

Karina nodded. "I'll pull up a schematic of standard freighter designs for you later." she stated, looking to Vance before returning her attention back to Lauren. Lauren continued answering the other questions. "We'll enter through the crew airlock. Asked the guys back on Shadespear to fit the Mordred with a boarding system. You can see it over on the right side of the ship. Once we're aboard, we'll split up into teams and take out the crew." she explained, before looking to Yolandi. She eyed Zou behind her for a moment. "...If he'll fit through the airlock and through the freighter, sure. Just leave the autocannon on the Mordred. Don't need people going fucking deaf when he shoots that thing indoors."

Aesha glanced over to Olivia as she spoke up, then smiled when she spoke directly to her. "Just what happens when you get banned from the sport you grew up in over bullshit. I still get to race out here." she said, with a chuckle. "Guessin you're the other pilot?" She strolled over and stood next to Olivia, looking her over. "Hope you can handle a stick as good as you make it sound. Fed pilots out here are a different breed, ya know."

 

[Frankafurter]

Yolandi shrugs and looks at Zou, "You wanna go play outside in space instead? Show the flight jockeys how we do space battles?" Zou stares at Yolandi a moment then nods, almost eager. The thought of not being able to use his signature autocannon was far less interesting of a prospect than EVA flight with it. Yolandi nods back at him, "Alright, I'll wear my commo headset so we can keep in touch right? You remember the system we had for talking right?" Zou nods and gives her a thumbs up before stomping off to the Mordred, Zou had left the autocannon on board in the cargo bay and he'll go wait there for them to launch. Yolandi smiles as he runs off, before looking at Aesha and Olivia, "You don't mind if he tags along do you? He doesn't need to piggy back on a ship, he has thrusters specifically for space operations, sadly they only work in space since they're far too weak to be used on the ground. He has magnetic clamps if one of you is brave enough to let him ride shotgun with you. Think of it like having a ball turret gunner. Just know that he'll have to sit somewhere in the middle of the fuselage so he doesn't affect the flight dynamics too badly."

 

[SniperComZero]

Olivia took a good look over Aesha as she came up to her. Huh. She looked taller in the holovids. "Hey, c'mon. I'm not some two-bit shiteater who got hopped up on flight-sims and had too much money to burn." ...At least, not anymore... "Name's Olivia. Though people around RQ've taken to calling me Deimos." She gave an affirmative nod, before looking over to Yolandi with something of a wary glance. "...Sssure? Dunno how effective the thing'd be blasting high-speed fighters, but I, uh." ...What could it do, anyways? "...Guess it could pepper the freighter real good."

 

[Doomevil]

Today was a new day and Deathkaiser was alive and well. Both got ready for this big day and made sure they were dressing to impress. Grommy put on his brown coat, Nara lifting her boots up. The group huddled when the leaders made an announcement. Grommy and Nara smiled in excitement finally heading on the world tour. "Oh yeah! It's time to rock out." She said to Grommy.

There's an Upyri freighter heading out here into the RQ through one of those warp gates you see all the time. We're gonna hit it when it comes out of warp.

The music suddenly stopped. Grommy and Nara raised their eyebrows, surprised and definitely confused. Well maybe, they were talking gang slang and they were going to hit this Upyri people through the power of roc-

We take out their defenses and engine, then board the ship and take out the crew. Kill 'em, knock 'em out, tie 'em up, do whatever.

Okay then, Nara rubbed her forehead. She attempted to comprehend what were the Blackwell Reavers up to? Normally a band like them doesn't actually kill their fans? Grommy was just as confused but didn't want to kill the vibe by asking a stupid question. Well, maybe they were just pulling a prank, maybe this was just the initiation band members go through to joi-

The ones that will stay behind on the Mordred are Roku, Albert, Nara, Zadra, Loudmouth, Vixaya, Drav, and Shuren. The rest of you board with us. Got me?

Both widened their eyes, completely dumbfounded. They immediately turned to each other, panicking. "Grommy?" She exclaimed through her teeth, cringing. Grommy just heard he gets to board on a military ship as she called his name. "Yeah...?" He asked weakly.

"I'm starting to think that the Blackwell Reavers aren't a heavy metal band." She whispered.

 

[Frankafurter]

Yolandi just smiles that knowing smile at Olivia, clearly she's aware of what Zou can do and Olivia is left in the dark, "Just trust him, lady, he's good for a space fight and you'll appreciate that autocannon of his soon enough."

 

[joshuadim]

Vance raised his hand once more in eagerness. "Captain, permission to lead my own fireteam aboard the ship?" he asked.

 

[The_Rifleman]

For the next hour and half, Jackson unloaded onto paper and mesh targets, destroying them to a crisps. By the time he was done, the barrels on his guns were white hot and a good quarter ammo of the armory was gone. Jackson was panting, finally putting the guns down, exhausting all his energy. He looked behind him at the weapons locker. Oops. He quickly packed his guns up and returned the empty ammo canisters to their place. Nothing was amiss...except for the giant pile of casings, but who would notice that on an active armory?

He quickly ducked into the barracks and promptly passed out on the nearest bed. He had a special skill where he could fall asleep just about anywhere, genetic he called it. He later awoke the sound of people and the smell of food. Meat. He promptly got out of bed to discover that astroboy made breakfast for everyone. He grabbed two burgers, and a small stack of ribs, wolfing it down before noticing Lucy playing with her food. He couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, the girl was almost a walking cliche. He finished eating, and gave a thank you nod to Vance. The food really was a delicious treat all the way out here. He was used to frozen bullshit served onboard pirate ships. Soon after Lauren called a meeting, as two more birds descended from the sky. Jackson was still nervous about making a mess in the armory from the night before, but nobody confronted him about it. Maybe the sound proofing was better than he thought?

His jaw almost dropped when he saw who stepped off the ships, none other than Slade and Aesha, very famous names throughout space. He used to watch Aesha race back in the day, and he was extremely impressed by her skillset. It takes real, raw talent to race the way she did. Slade was awhole other ballgame, someone he inspired to be like one day. He listened as they were briefed on the mission, getting more excited by the minute. Fucking yes blowin' shit up! He was excited to get the chance to board and fuck shit up. "Woo! I'm excited to board and fuck shit up!" He exclaimed to nobody in particular. He looked over to Grommy and Nara, who had a pale look on their face. "Hey cheer up guys, just make sure you aim straight and use cover. It'll be fun!" He adds as he gives them both a pat on the back, before walking up to Olivia and Aesha and lighting a quick smoke, blowing the smoke towards Olivia.

"Uhm...excuse me, Ms. Aesha? Big fan of yours, I was thinking, could you sign my bicep?" He asked as he pulled his shirt up to reveal a dirty, scar ridden arm. "It'd mean a lot to me!"

 

[Infab]

Lauren gave Vance a look. "Fireteam? I mean, if you want to lead a team, sure. We're not military, you know. We're fuckin' pirates." she responded, shrugging. She then looked back to Yolandi. "If you want him to float about out there, go right ahead. Just make sure he gets back in side before we leave."

Aesha glanced over. "Would probably be best if he clamped to the Mordred. Could cover the blind spots that the turrets can't cover." she said, motioning to the Mordred nearby. There was a turret on the top and bottom of the ship, with downscaled cannons similar to what was mounted on the front of the ship. She then glanced over to Jackson. "...Got a marker?" she said, after a brief once over. She had signed far worse over the years. This was nothing new. She looked back to Olivia after a moment. "Deimos, eh? I've heard of you. Really pissed off Sol and the Militia, didn't you?"

 

[joshuadim]

Vance gave a quick salute before setting off to find the people he wanted to be with on the ship. He had his three candidates in mind. In quick succession he approached Nathalie, then Shun, and then finally he approached Karina, whispering to all of them an invite to join his group for the ship raid. For the former two, he noted their capabilities in working together when he was on the bridge, and as such it would be a tactical advantage to have the two with him. As for the latter, he overheard snippets here and there about her being a former marine of sorts. He'd need someone with military experience to watch his six as well.

 

[Dmaster]

Shun admired Vance's quick desire to get a team organized, the captain's strategy of just going in gun's blazing and seeing what sticks was not going to sit all that well with them. He responded with a nod of acceptance, soon turning his attention back to Lauren to see if she had anything else to provide them.

 

[The_Rifleman]

Jackson looked around his person, before digging into one of his pockets and pulling out camouflage paint. "Here use some of this!" he said as he gave it to Aesha, with a big happy smile on his face. He looked to Olivia, "can you believe it's THE Aesha. Man oh man wow man oh wow man!"

 

[Infab]

Aesha took the paint, and printed her signature on Jackson's bicep. "There you go." she said with a smirk, before handing the paint back to him. "Better than signing your ass or...you know." She folded her arms, before glancing back to Olivia. "Did that only once, then I started charging fifty thousand credits every time someone asked. They changed their minds to another body part real quick."

 

[Frankafurter]

Yolandi nods, "He'd probably do that just fine. I mean, he's pretty capable on ground and in space, just not so much in open air and water. I'll let him know to not try and show you two up too much yeah?" She laughs jovially and walks off, she needs to get kitted out. She can't fight in street clothes with just a handgun if the group is going up against actual military. She asks some of the other people who inhabit the base for help and eventually heads over to get herself a space suit, she'd rather not die in vacuum if she can help it. She also snags herself a protective vest that's big enough to wear over the padded out chest of the space suit. Carefully rigging it up with pouches and additional armor pieces to cover the upper arms and groin. She hangs the helmet by its utility loop and goes over to look at various weapons laid out on the racks.

She picks out a carbine, something compact and easy to use within a spaceship. She fills the ammo pouches for a prolonged firefight, given that it's the group she's with versus forty to fifty Fed navy types, she's gonna need the extra ammo. She puts on her personal commo headset that she uses to talk to Zou if they're seperated. She plugs it into the space suit's comjack since it's a standard plug form factor. She tests after turning on the suit's battery system, "Hey, Bud, you hear me alright?" All Yolandi gets back is two mic clicks from Zou. Yolandi nods to herself and sets up the sling for the carbine before walking out of the armory, "Alright, you sit in the cargo bay for now, make sure you're ready to go. When we get back, we'll look at getting your knee taken care of yeah?" All she gets is two clicks again.

Yolandi heads up to the lounge in the Mordred and sits herself down on one of the couches, she feels like a proper merc again with all this kit on. She'd almost forgotten what it felt like to have to actually dress up for combat instead of just hopping into Zou and taking off as is. She rests her head back on the seat and stares at the ceiling, her eyes fluttering just a little as she nods off with only the ventilation duct noises keeping her company.