Super Robot Wars ∀: Deep Space IC Thread - Part 1: The Culmination

[scorri]

"Yeah, seems like a good idea..." Astin followed after Thorvald, hoping the captain would react in a similar way to the squad leader.

[Dandragon]

Elaine looked at Kim for a bit before responding. "Heh... <You know what I think these 'standards' are?>" She took her arm off of Kim as she spoke. "<They're from guys who don't know a god damn thing about how real people work. Guys who have a stick way too far up their ass to enjoy anything in life. You can't let people like that decide how you act. It's fucking bullshit, is what it is. You gotta take life by the collar and say 'fuck you, this is who I am'. S'what I did, and I turned out fine!>" The irony of that statement was not immediately obvious to Elaine. "<Anyways, I was thinking maybe we could do one of those cool combination attacks. I take the front and you get em while they're focused on me!>" Despite being an incredibly simple idea to begin with, Elaine was somewhat proud of having come up with it herself. "<Or, maybe we try something more complex. Like, you pin them down with your little spinning discs to the ground, or disable their movement systems, and I blast em apart while they can't move!>" She said, while slamming her fist on the palm of her other hand. The more she thought about it, the more ideas she came up with. I gotta write this shit down, somewhere! She thought to herself.

[Nanami Touko]

Well, most all the pilots were out of the mechs. Jess couldn't spy Bruno, giving a look around the hangar, but his robot was there, so he would at least be able to hear her over his mech's speakers. "I-If... If I could have your attention, pilots!" Jess said, raising her voice to get it to echo to all of them in the hangar. That would at least get them walking over. Speaking loudly was difficult for her, but she had to address everything, and have a presence while doing it. Just act like Roxanna. She's loud...

"I am here for three things! I wish to congratulate all of you on your performance today during the test. While some of you lack polish, the skills are there, and they shone bright. I would especially like to commend Specialist Eriksson, Sergeant Doyle, and Lieutenant Kim, for taking control of the situation and providing tactical advice for the squad! As well, Sergeant Hedrick, Lieutenant Kim, your quick reaction to the unknown brought them down swiftly, and saved us from anything they may or may not have been planning. But..."

"There are two people I have to address." She focused on Elaine first, not managing to hold a steely gaze, but managing to not shrink. "When dealing with an unknown, we keep audio to our comms only. Do not address an enemy in that fashion again, or you will receive worse than a verbal warning. If they had been someone more dangerous, that sort of rash action following your taunt could have put the rest of us in big trouble." She sighed, quietly, hoping she hadn't come across to harsh-- but that had to be said. While it was impressive that Elaine and Seung-Min had dealt with the intruder so quickly, it was incredibly dangerous to open comms and fall for a taunt like that.

"The other person... Is me." Now she shrunk, if only slightly. "I performed far from adequately in the face of an ambush. This is no longer a simulation, and I have to be ready to face that, if something similar were to happen in the future. I extend my apologies, and I hope that I won't fail you all in the future. If I'm... Still here, after I send the report to central." That was a depressing thought. Roxanna would surely send in some choice words, and whether or not Dwight and Juria had given her some reinforcement, Dwight still had to report in as well, with exactly what had happened.

"If... I-If there's any questions, or anything anyone has to say! You're free to say it now. I... Have to write that report. If there's nothing to be said, you're all dismissed until further notice. I'll be in the mess hall," seeing if there's anything to drink.

Edited June 20, 2016 by Melissa

[Dandragon]

Elaine scratched her head in embarrassment. I was just doing what the police usually do. Least, s'what they did when they tried to catch me. She thought to herself. Well, it was a learning experience after all. Jess had said she was gonna be in the mess hall, so Elaine decided to go there after she had changed back into her clothes. She was feeling a bit hungry, and driving a robot and yelling can take a lot out of a girl.

[Ether]

"<They're standards that I expect of myself. They aren't imposed by anyone else... as for combinations, it's probably best to allow them to form organically as they're needed... different opponents will favour different approaches, after all.>" Seung-Min replied, cracking a slight grin at Elaine's antics and enthusiasm for it all. It seems she had been right about the general area, stopping not too far from the Captain as she gave her speech. The address was far more... positive than expected. Perhaps the more in-depth analysis would come later, but Seung-Min found the lack of reprimand for her dismal display rather odd, compared to the Academy. The Captain seemed more at worry for her own position, which seemed an over-reaction. Captains were difficult to adequately replace, and Jessica herself hadn't any real stake in the exercise.

[scorri]

Astin took a slight step forward and saluted the captain. "Ma'am, I have something to report. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch up with the man who attacked us. Upon finding his mech, it was clear that he had abandoned it and given the lack of footprints, I suspect he used pats from it to build some sort of bike to escape." They stopped, hesitated, and then continued. "I understand that my behavior was not ideal and will accept any punishment that you determine is fitting."

[riariadne]

As soon as Dwight saw Roxanna waiting, trouble seemed imminent- indeed, it was fairly immediate. While Jess was fairly quick to leave, he had his own questions for the XO. "But Roxanna, the Captain asks a perfectly fair question. It's your own responsibility to make it to the ship's departure in a timely manner, especially as Executive Officer. This was our training for all the new recruits, and it was an event scheduled well ahead of time- that makes tardiness on your part a personal issue, not the Captain's for leaving at the designated point of time. If you have room to criticize her leaving ground- a perfectly sound maneuver due to the unforeseen circumstances around it- then you should be more receptive about your own moves at fault. And there's no need to be rude to Juria here for her trying to be friendly. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some recruits to introduce myself to."

Dwight made his way towards the pilots' hangar, where the Captain had already done much of the work assembling them all, though he missed most of her address. "Attention!" he spoke rather suddenly, before relaxing his expression to a smile. "An old habit, though one that still amuses me to an extent. I am pleased to meet you all. Performance in the training scenario was generally adequate. I am Dwight Turner, ex-Vice Admiral in the Allied Nations Federation, but I retired years ago. It is by request that I returned here, and I will be serving as your navigator in the Heion Riese. I look forward to working with you each as a team and individually. While I expect the best of you on the field of battle, I'm not so old-fashioned as to keep you all too serious when not. Trusting in your allies is important, and from there best blossoms a true understanding rather than overly harsh orders. I have little else to add for now, but am willing to answer any questions you may have."

[Shin]

Tarquin hadn't been mentioned in the speech at all, that normally meant that he'd done his part. He hadn't necessarily been expecting praise, the lack of criticism was enough for his nerves. No breakdown of his performance, no beratement for his shortcomings, this was good enough for him.

He didn't really have much reason to stay in the hangar, the training exercise was done and they had been given their leave. As he head towards the exit door, he spotted Elaine, quite possibly his least favourite person on the squad. Elaine was a bother, she didn't follow protocol at all, she was loud, obnoxious and generally annoying. Acting like she did was a death sentence, falling for such obvious ploys. Either her luck was good or she'd had people cover her rear for her. He let out a small chuckle of laughter as he stepped past her, giving her another dismissive glance.

Being proud was one thing, but boastful was something else entirely. He hadn't understood very much of her conversation with Kim, but there was no doubt about its purpose. The sooner someone knocked some sense into her, the better.

[Dandragon]

Once again, she found herself receiving a look from a certain child, but this time he had gone a step further and actually laughed at her! No...This was not going to stand. "Something funny about me, kid? I'm dying to hear what you got to say." She said, turning towards him. "If you got a problem with me, then say it." Elaine wasn't going to stand by and let this kid make faces at her.

[Shin]

Tarquin looked back at Elaine, he hadn't been particularly expecting a response, nor did he really want one. Some of the other trainees had given him a hard time during training, and this was no different. It wasn't that it mattered though, he didn't need to like anyone to get his job done, just tolerating their presence in battle was enough - and this one was pushing his tolerance already.

"I don't have anything to say to you." he replied, his gaze still rather dismissive. "If someone looking at you makes you angry, you might want to consider your own problems. If you get any louder, you won't need to broadcast messages for people to hear them."

[Dandragon]

"You know, I don't need to take this kind of shit from you. And I know a dirty look when I see one. I've gotten plenty. Now if you got a problem, I'm willing to settle it with a good ol' chat. But if you're just gonna insult me, give me looks, and act like you're better than me all the god damn time," She said, slowly approaching Tarquin, her voice lowering as she talked, her face getting angrier and angrier. By now, she was practically in his face. "Then we are gonna have a fuckin' problem." She got this kind of shit back in prison, and it had pissed her off to no end. Oh you're just a thief, they said. A pussy, they called her. Well, she wasn't gonna take it from a fucking kid.

[Shin]

Tarquin looked up at Elaine, who'd very much gotten into his face - almost threateningly so. He'd seen some of his supervisors rather disgruntled with him, but none of them ever tried to get physical about it. Tarquin maintained his composure, only an ape would get angry so easily. Staring back at her with disinterested eyes, he stood his ground - he didn't have time to play silly games.

"The only problem here right now if your attitude, you're not exactly making a good impression." he responded, wondering how far the mad woman would go. Surely she wouldn't go as far as violence? He was starting to doubt that she'd keep her restraint, especially after what he'd seen in the battle. "You should probably move along, it would be poor form to start a fight on your first day."

[Nanami Touko]

"That's fine, Sergeant," Jess quickly responded, waving them off. "I gave my response towards that to Brant; it would be foolish to reprimand your actions under the same circumstances. I should have given better orders. It's unfortunate that they managed to get away, but I doubt they'll be trying it again any time soon. I'm glad you're alright." Jess had been meaning to find Astin later and let them know things were fine, but it was good that they'd spoken up themselves; they were responsible, and other than some hot headed moments, Jess felt she could trust them.

Dwight had spoken up, introducing himself. That was good. Having some seniority in the room would help things... Especially things like this. Tarquin and Elaine were getting into some form of... Dispute. Jess could only assume Elaine had instigated it; Tarquin was a child, after all, and she was definitely pushing personal space boundaries. "Sergeant Hedrick! What are you doing?" Jess singled in on them, trying once again to seem like she had authority. "I hope nothing's going to start after your actions on the field today. I wanted to leave you with just a verbal warning, but if you're keen on scraping the dirt off the mechs, please, continue." Without much force behind her threat, it sounded rather weak, but it would be implemented if Elaine furthered this.

Edited June 20, 2016 by Melissa

[Dandragon]

Elaine backed her face away and looked up at Captain Jess. Of course they were on the kid's side. It's how it had always been with her, authority giving her shit for what something someone else started. Tarquin had laid out a trap right in front of her, and like a dumb animal she fell for it anyway. She felt her teeth gritting fiercely behind her lips, and if she clenched her fists any harder she would pierce her skin and bleed all over the floor. Angrily, she backed away and walked off to the changing rooms. There was nothing more to discuss. Right now, she needed something to eat and some music to listen to.

[Shin]

Tarquin was relieved when the Captain intervened, he wasn't sure if Elaine would have thrown a punch or not but he was glad he hadn't found out. She definitely had a size advantage, and he had a feeling it would have gotten rather ugly. Stepping back from Elaine, he gave Jess space to lecture the rogue pilot. Perhaps she was more of a captain than he thought? It wasn't exactly a commanding tone, but she'd at least confronted Elaine's antics. He let out a sigh of relief when Elaine left, that was more than enough stress for one day.

"Thank you, Captain." he pitched in, saluting quickly. "I think Sergeant Hedrick was still worked up from the training exercise... or at least I hope that what was the problem... because it really felt like she was going to hit me." Elaine had been right about one thing, there certainly was a problem. How could someone be that vicious to one of their own allies? He'd never had any friends, but at least he didn't have any enemies... for the time being. He'd have to watch out for her, he didn't want someone like that covering him on the battlefield.

[scorri]

Astin frowned watching the scene unfold in front of them, and quickly ducked into the changing rooms area after Elaine. It looked like the girl had gone into one of the individual changing rooms, so Astin quietly called out, "Are you ok? You fought really well today even if you let your excitement get the better of you. I didn't exactly follow the best plan of action either, so you weren't alone in that at least. I don't know what happened just now but... are you ok?"

[Ether]

Well, if that was all the debriefing was going to end up as, then so be it. Seung-Min had little interest in sticking around to listen to the ensuing argument, or worse, risk being dragged into it for whatever reason. Opting to clear her head and do something productive, the Lieutenant moved over to the change rooms, slipping out of her S.K.I.N. suit, placing it with the belongings she had left there, and into something not only more comfortable, but better suited for her upcoming task. Selecting a small pair of shorts and thin top, both of a breathable fabric, Kim stretched for a few moments within the change room before exiting out the opposite side to the hangar.

There it was, her destination. The inbuilt physical training facilities of the base. A good workout should help clear her mind at any rate, and hopefully by the time that she had finished, tensions elsewhere would have calmed to a degree. Really there was no downside to be had, so with all that in mind, Kim donned one of the pairs of gloves within the facility, and began to lay it on one of the heavy practice bags.

What? Punching is the fastest way to clear the head.

[Xinnidy]

"What--" Roxanna didn't expect yet another person to interrupt her, and she didn't take well to Dwight's words. "Hmph." She stared the man out of the room, hoping he'd never look back to see her glare. Oh, perfectly sound, and I'm the one at fault. I'm the one being rude, even! I didn't say anything rude! Roxanna rolled her eyes as the man left her sight. Great, this crew is going to be biased against me, better off asking uncle to reassign me.

The engineering girl was still there, so maybe she wasn't as biased as the old man, at least. "Say, did you make this bot on your own? It doesn't seem like something you can get at the market." It had some... 'homebrew' look to it, but if it was fully functional, that probably spoke for Juria's ability.

[Dandragon]

"I'M FINE-Gah...No, I'm just, I...*sigh* I'm fine." She was quickly getting back into her clothes, slamming her locker shut as she carried her leather jacket in one hand, letting it hang on her back. In her other hand was her personal music device, fumbling with her wireless headphones as she hanged them around her neck. "It's just that fucking...no good...piece of shit, little CUNT of a kid that looks at me like I'm...like I'm..." She kicked the wall, hard. Then she sighed, heavily. She walked out of the changing rooms. "I just...need something...to eat is all." Trying to sound as calm as possible, she turned on her music and quickly walked off to the mess hall, too angry to even acknowledge Astin, try as he might to help. Hopefully they had some burger or pasta or something.

[scorri]

Astin was not overly surprised at the response, but was slightly surprised at being completely blown by on the girl's way out. They quickly changed, and started to head out after the girl but then hesitated. She'd seemed like she'd needed time alone so maybe just... Not now? Astin hummed quietly to themselves as they wandered, considering the situation. Food did sound kind of good right now. Maybe food would be nice. Continuing to hum, they wandered towards the cafeteria. But what if she doesn't want me around... Well food is nice... Yeah, I should get food.

[Dandragon]

Elaine didn't notice Astin was following her, too focused on her music, but it wasn't helping. She still kept seeing that damn, smug little face that Tarquin had given her. And it reminded her of every time some stuck up person gave it to her. Someone who never gave her the time of day. Someone who just looked at her with such disdain, saying that she should have stayed in prison. Someone who cared little for what she learned during her time in school, only focusing on the fact that she had dropped out. Someone who knew nothing, yet acted like they knew everything about her.

She was at the mess hall in no time, quickly taking a few pieces of chicken and some fries, before quickly trying to find a table to sit at where she would be alone. It often took her no time at all to eat, another relic of her days during training, to quickly get up and eat so that she was in the robot, messing about. But here, she took her time, trying to savor the flavor of whatever this place served. ...It wasn't that great... She slowly chewed, still focusing on that face. That god damned face... But she could no longer get angry... All she got was depressed. She let her face hit the table, her arms going around her head. That's the only look she ever got, ever since the incident... Only on Colony 2 did she ever get recognized as a hero. But from anyone else, aside from her parents and her uncle...

[scorri]

Astin arrived at the mess hall not long after Elaine did, making up a quick salad and then heading over towards where Elaine was sitting, face down on the table. Hesitating, Astin decided to just sit down. Considering their options, they quietly said, "You know, it's usually easier to eat food when your face isn't on the table you know..."

[Juliette]

Juria's expression became immediately distressed when Roxanna only said Reo looked sort of like a cat. "Reo is very cat! Not being appreciative of 'I guess' naming!" Fortunately, the navigator spoke up for her before the engineer could get too upset, and miss XO had more positive questions. "I make when eleven from stuffed toy. Small cat Reo made to kind friend to everyone! Purrs and nyas like real Earth-kitten. Give pats and see!" She held him out once again. Hopefully this time she would be nicer.

[Terrador]

Bruno watches the scene between Tarquin and Elaine with patient interest, trusting Captain Gefalscht's proximity to break the fight up before it became physical; sure enough, it did. He documents his mech's damage with the attending mechanics, retrieves a robust bowl of rice and beans, and soon discovers Elaine and... Astin, it was. Seated together, in the mess hall. Bruno finds a seat beside Elaine, eating his meal in silence. His presence would be inquired of soon enough, and then he could address her behavior.

[Dandragon]

Elaine lifted her head slightly, her face showing her unenthusiastic mood about anything right now. "I'm not that hungry..." She said, muffled by her arms covering her mouth. Her food was unfinished, but the more she thought about everything, the less hungry she got. It wasn't like her to be so mopey, but she couldn't help it. She had no real way to get rid of that feeling, as she would have usually worked on the Marionne, but that was no where near here. She had nothing to tinker with...

Edited June 21, 2016 by Dandragon