Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Xenolord on 31-03-2012, 08:19:55</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>31-03-2012, 08:19:55</strong>
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				Outreach: 3070<br><br>A woman in her mid forties sat at a desk in a dismal office, shuffling papers and patiently awaiting the arrival of her newest Mercenary Unit. After paying one of them a retainer (Which she hesitated to do) she hoped they lived up to their reports. There came a knock at the door, the heavy steel blockade the only thing giving the woman any solace. "Come in. It's open." The woman spoke, the heavy steel door sliding open, revealing a blond-haired woman on the other side, who stepped in.<br><br>"Are you... the financial adviser for the God Eater Mercenary Unit?" The woman asked, the first at the desk nodded.<br><br>"I am. My name is Tsubaki Amamiya (http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/characters/6/122207.jpg)..." She looked over her notes. "And you must be..."<br><br>"Mami Tomoe (http://images.wikia.com/madoka/images/f/fd/Mami_Tomoe.jpg)." She answered with a voice full of confidence. Tsubaki nodded and offered Mami a seat.<br><br>"Have a seat, Ms. Tomoe. You and I have a lot to discuss. Since you're the first person here, let me tell you why you're here. I read over your record. You have a farily spotless record with ComStar, but you were expelled out of your last unit... why?" Mami looked to her side and gave a little cough.<br><br>"There was a... slight... friendly fire incident. They kicked me out for it."<br><br>"Yes, you single-handedly destroyed an entire lance of Assault 'Mechs. Your own Assault 'Mechs... I might add. How..."<br><br>"A stray PPC blast... hit one of their Fusion Cores... there 'Mech went critical."<br><br>"Yes, of course." She shuffled her papers and smiled. "Well, Ms. Tomoe, you'll be happy to know we've been looking for someone with your calibre of skill, as unrefined as it is. If you'll stay here a moment, I'd like to meet the rest of the unit... but unofficially, I think you'll do fine."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>31-03-2012, 09:08:31</strong>
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				A second knock came at the door. When it slid open it would reveal a dark-haired young man with serious brown eyes clad in a mechwarrior's jump suit and light combat armor.<br><br>"MechWarrior Jil (http://i.animecrazy.net/druaga00_07.jpg) reporting! Is this the office of Tsubaki Amamiya of the God Eater Mercenary Unit? I was directed here to sign in."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>31-03-2012, 13:19:08</strong>
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				A silver haired young man came in with a duffel bag slung against his bag. His gait and steps reminded people of a boxer, but the Mechwarrior outfit that he wore suggested his true calling. He then approached and bowed politely to the woman who sent him and then said. <em>Ano,</em>may I speak with Amamiya Tsubaki-<em>dono</em>? My name is Sanada Akihiko... I am here to report to her for details about me being able to be part of a unit once more."<br><br>His tone was polite, and semi-formal as he waited for a reply.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>31-03-2012, 17:19:18</strong>
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				A sleek racing motorcycle stopped outside the offices for the God Eater Mercenary Company. The black dressed rider’s helmeted head pivoted over surveying the building and the street. The petite female riding the bike moved the kickstand down with her left leg even as she killed the bikes whirring turbine. She pulled out a small data pad as she remained sitting on the bike her sleek form clad in an expensive Black leather motorcycle racing suit. The figure checked the data pad before returning the data pad to her thigh pocket and gracefully slipping off the bike. Her hands reached up as she pulled her helmet off, revealing her short black hair and grey eyes. She had two long braids wrapped in white cloth with gold rings at the ends, pinned up to keep them out of the way as she rode. As she made her way into the building she reached up and unpinned them letting them sway behind her as she walked.<br><br>Suì-Fēng (http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/4779/soifon223.jpg) entered the office her grey eyes flicking to the three others before settling on the older woman sitting behind the desk. <br><br>“ohayou gozaimasu. My name is Suì-Fēng; I’m here to meet with Tsubaki Amamiya.” She said simply her tone and demeanor formal and distant even as she spared a glance back to the others as she waited for the woman behind the desk to respond.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>01-04-2012, 06:04:01</strong>
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				Mami stood when the three new MechWarriors shuffled into the small office. Tsubaki followed suit, her hand still on her desk as she looked over the group of newcomers. "I am Tsubaki Amamiya." She droned, her one visible eye (The other hidden behind her hair) hardened as she scrutinized the batch of newcomers. "I'm glad you managed to make it, please, have a seat." She shuffled some papers on her desk and organized them into little piles.<br><br>"As my letter probably told you all, I hand-picked you for the leading roster of a new Mercenary Unit. We'll be dealing with more then just your run-of-the-mill combat operations though. Each of you is specialized in a specific role. Sui-Feng, your aggression has lead to more then one completed contract others would deem 'impossible'. Jil, your overbearing protectivity of your squad has ensured the victory of many missions. Mami, your wanton destructive habits has made you a prime candidate for this particular operation. Suffice to say, each of you are experts in your fields. My job in this unit is strictly financial. I will oversee the available contracts and pick out ones that fit with a certain group of individuals. I will also see to it that your 'Mechs are repaired and retrofitted between contracts, funds and supplies willing." She paused, stood and bowed.<br><br>"In the meantime, I must see that your personal 'Mechs are registered as official God Eaters. In the meantime, I would request that you all get to know each other, and make friends. You'll be working together, after all." She gave a salute and picked up a clipboard from her desk, tucking it under her right arm. "Until we meet again, good bye for now." Tsubaki walked out of the office through the door everyone came through, the door shutting behind her. Mami spoke first, giving a quiet little smile.<br><br>"Hello everyone. My name is Mami Tomoe... it's a pleasure to meet you all."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>01-04-2012, 06:44:07</strong>
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				Jil nodded when first acknowledged. Once the financial officer left he turned to the others. When Mami introduced herself he strode up to her and thrust out a hand with a smile of his own.<br><br>"I'm Jil, the pleasure's mine I assure you."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>01-04-2012, 07:14:20</strong>
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				Sui-Feng remained standing as she listened to the mercenary company’s representative as she introduced herself and gave a rather…vague explanation as to why she and the others had been recruited. Her role was apparently finical and logistical. Of course who was the real leader of this mercenary company was still unknown.<br>She returned Tsubaki’s bow, her grey eyes once again returning to the other mercenary pilots that had been recruited. <br><br>The dark-haired young man dressed in a mechwarrior's jump suit and light combat armor. A serious looking silver haired young man also dressed in a mechwarrior's outfit. And a petite blond woman; she seemed out of place in her dress and appearance.<br>She couldn’t help but smirk as the spring curled blond girl spoke up greeting everyone and announcing her name; Mami Tomoe.<br>The dark-haired young man, Jil was first to respond to Mami’s welcome.<br><br>“My name is Sui-Feng.” She said to the group bowing to them in general.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>04-04-2012, 06:50:15</strong>
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				Suddenly the door opened, and a man in a slate gray suit appeared, leaning casually on the door frame with a glass of alcohol.&nbsp; He smelled like it wasn't his first drink, but there was no sign he wasn't in perfect physical shape.&nbsp; As for his emotional state... well, Mother was just having an episode, he was sure; he'd be back in the Federated Sun Intelligence Service in no time.<br><br>"Sterling Archer, secret agent."&nbsp; His baby blue eyes scanned the room as he spoke.&nbsp; "This is the God Eater mercenary office, right?&nbsp; Which of you is Amamiya?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>04-04-2012, 08:12:43</strong>
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				Mami jumped as the slate-suited man crashed through the door, a glass of some kind of off-world alcohol in his hand. His words were slow and practiced, like he was used to talking at least buzzed. Mami took it upon herself to speak up, since Tsubaki wasn't around. "Ms. Amamiya just left, actually... you're in the right place, Mr. Archer..." Mami walked up to the man slowly and held her hand out. "Tomoe Mami, it's a pleasure to meet you." Her habit of using her last name first came out more when she was nervous, and this man made her very nervous.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>05-04-2012, 05:36:31</strong>
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				Sui-Feng looked over to the door as it opened the newcomer leaning against the doorframe. Despite the man’s expensive dress he was clearly drunk, or very nearly so as he asked for Tsubaki and the office for the God Eater mercenaries in a faintly slurred voice.<br><br>Her grey eyes flicked over to the others in the room in an effort to gauge their response to the unexpected arrival before returning to Sterling Archer.<br>She would be interested in hearing his response to Mami; the petite blond woman was the first to address his initial questions.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>05-04-2012, 06:05:12</strong>
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				Jil returned Sui-Feng's bow when she introduced herself but was interrupted before he could speak by the new arrival.<br><br>Taking in the man's state Jil gave him a puzzled look.<br><br>"If you're a secret agent shouldn't you be keeping the fact... secret?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>05-04-2012, 07:32:47</strong>
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				"Yes, I'm sure it is, a pleasure."&nbsp; Archer gave a small but confident smile as he took Tomoe's hand, though he merely held it.&nbsp; He was not sure, from her appearance, how old she was or what she was doing here, and he'd already had to deal with misunderstandings like that around co-workers.&nbsp; The last thing he wanted was for... whatever they have here to show up making unfounded accusations.<br><br>At Jil's comment, Archer pointed a finger with the hand holding the glass; despite the sudden jabbing motion, the liquor and ice barely moved in the glass.&nbsp; "And <em>that</em>, guy, is exactly what they would expect!&nbsp; Rule number one of this job is to never do what they expect you to do.&nbsp; But, maybe I just want you to <em>think</em> I'm a secret agent; after all, that sort of 'sarcastic confession' is hardly new.&nbsp; So you have to ask yourself, are you one step ahead of me, or am I three steps ahead of you?<br><br>"For example," he continued, gesturing again with the glass, "maybe I showed up here late and drunk.&nbsp; Or <em>maybe</em> I'm just drinking, and not late at all.&nbsp; After all, if Amamiya just left and I just got here, how could I have not crossed paths with her?&nbsp; Then again, maybe we just took different elevators.&nbsp; Do you remember how many elevators are in this building?&nbsp; That kind of detail can be the difference between life and death in the field."<br><br>Archer paused - or maybe just stopped talking - to finish off his drink.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>05-04-2012, 07:59:37</strong>
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				Jil looked at him a moment in slight distain.<br><br>"Not doing what they expect is no reason to simply <em>hand</em> the enemy the advantage before they can take it! And there are normally six personal elevators and two cargo elevators to this floor in standard designs for prefab bases of this series. Not having examined it yet myself, what with wanting to be here on time and all, I can't say whether or not <em>this</em> base might have custom modifications to the elevators. And it doesn't matter how many steps ahead of me your thinking, if you're going in the wrong direction!"<br><br>Jil took a few breaths to calm himself after his outburst. He was normally the peace maker in a group but something about this man rubbed him the wrong way.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>05-04-2012, 13:03:19</strong>
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				Mami watched the exchange between the two men with a frown. "Uh... boys? Can we not argue before we even get in our 'Mechs? If we're going to be working together, we should probably get along... or at least pretend to." She agreed with Jil that half of what this Archer fellow didn't make sense... but the other half made more sense then it really should. "So... uh... like I was about to say... I have something I need to tell you all before we begin. I've been... discharged from three previous units due to... uh... 'friendly fire' incidents that weren't exactly completely not avoidable..." She quickly corrected herself. "But I've been practicing! I should be alright!" She rubbed the back of her head, sighed, and sat back down.<br><br>"Maybe I should stop talking...?" She turned a small silver ring on her finger, a small amber gem set in. "Or change the subject... So!" She smiled a little and bowed. "What 'Mechs does everyone fly? I'm in a 55-Ton Hollander-TF Model... the <em>Tiro Finale</em>..." She found talking to these people nerve wracking, but she tried to be friendly.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>06-04-2012, 01:30:34</strong>
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				Suì-Fēng’s eyes shifted from Archer to Jil as he expressed his opinion of Archer’s seemingly nonsensical ramblings; the irritation that young dark-haired man had with the newcomer was evident in his stance and tone.<br>She was also beginning to think that she should ask for more money from Tsubaki.<br>She turned to look back to Mami as she began confessing her …prior liabilities. So was she trigger happy? Friendly fire happens particularly in close combat, she had on more than one occasion fired into close combat without regard for her lance mates potentially being hit. If they were doing their job they wouldn’t be in her way, and they would be ready to do the same if she was in the way to eliminate the enemy.<br><br>The blond girl was clearly nervous as she spoke, fiddling with a ring on her finger. Still she had a point if they were supposed to work together, at least once, then they had better get along or at a minimum tolerate one another.<br>"Mami makes a good point we were all hired for the same job in the God Eater’s Mercenary company so let’s at least pretend to be… professional.” Suì-Fēng said, her grey eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she looked between the others.<br>“As Tsubaki said we all have our specific talents, however unlikely outward appearances might make that seem,” Her eyes fixing on Archer, “I pilot a Custom Marauder BattleMech the <em>Black Cat</em>." Suì-Fēng said as she looked to Mami and gave her a faint smile before she looked back to the others.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>06-04-2012, 06:37:09</strong>
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				Jil turned to face Mami and&nbsp; Sui-Feng. He smiled at them, much more at ease once he was no longer talking to Archer directly.<br><br>"I pilot the <em>Aegis of War</em> it's the heavily modified Cudgel, the one with the shield or sword and the jump jets. Needless to say I'll be out in front."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>07-04-2012, 01:16:27</strong>
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				Akihiko nodded as he listened to the banter between the females and the two males and then said. "I do agree with what what Mami-san has said as well as Sui-feng -dono's words. We are after all part of a mercenary unit and it would not do have some sort of in-fighting between us even before we begin."<br><br>He then looked at Archer and then said to him in a calm but cool manner. "I would advise you to clean up your act, Archer-dono... I do not like to chastise my future team mate... but it seems that you really need to try and blend in with us. I do not know how you managed to blend in your old unit, but I think you should consider blending in with us... we are a team now, like it or not... and we are all each of us got. I think you still understand that... do you not?"<br><br>He then turned to the girls as well as Gil before saying. "I currently pilot a modified <em>No-dachi</em> that i dub as <em>Polydeuces</em>. Needless to say, I will be right behind you, Mr. Gil... I am only the other Mech pilot who has a melee weapon equipped to his Mech, after all."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>09-04-2012, 08:11:12</strong>
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				Before anyone else could reply, the door swung open again, Tsubaki returning quickly. "Most of you are here. That's good. It seems you'll have plenty of time to get to know each other on the dropship over to Gravenhauge. DC's got a contract for us... it's a babysitting mission, but it's money in your pockets. Get your 'Mechs over to Launch Pad Eight, packed up on the <em>Arda Nova</em> as soon as possible, and be ready for take off within the hour. Dismissed." She spoke so fast, few had a chance to react, Mami the first to flee the office to the 'Mech Bay the <em>Tiro Finale</em> was waiting for her at.<br><br>The 'Mech itself closely resembled a typical Hollander BattleMech, with the added effect of it's yellow-and-dark brown paint scheme and it's shoulder cannon, which had a cute yellow ribbon tied into a bow around the end. Under the cockpit, in fancy hand writing, was the words '<em>Tiro Finale</em>', labeling the 'Mech. Climbing the ladder, she powered the 'Mech up, spying a few more 'Mechs in the bay, a No-Dachi, a Cudgel and a strange four-legged BattleMech she had never seen. They must have belonged to the rest of the God Eater Mercenaries. Closing the cockpit, she started to walk her 'Mech out of the Mech Bay. <em>Alright, Tomoe. New unit, new beginnings. Don't kill anyone else, kay?</em> She gave herself a pep talk. <br><br>((Forgot not everyone's a 'MechWarrior Nerd like I am. DC stands for the Draconis Combine, also known as House Kurita. I'll put all the Acronyms in the OOC thread, so if there are any more, you'll find them there. Sorry Raven))
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>09-04-2012, 09:19:20</strong>
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				Suì-Fēng’s grey eyes flicked over to the door before it opened. She looked to Tsubaki as she returned and ordered them to the space port, launch pad eight. The dropship was the <em>Arda Nova</em>. The mission is on Gravenhauge.<br>The dropship was launching in the hour. Suì-Fēng smirked, she was beginningng to like Tsubaki she had a knack it seemed for bringing together a muddled band of pilots.<br>“Understood Tsubaki-san; pad eight, one hour.” Suì-Fēng said as she tossed her helmet up, catching it and setting it back in place on her head as she headed out of the office. She hadn't been back in Kurita space for quite some time. <br><br>A black Maurader battlemech strode across the ferrocrete towards the God Eater's mech hanger bay. The heavy battlemech slowed and finally came to a stop at the entrance of the hanger. The mech’s cockpit servos whirred, opening the armored canopy of the machine. The simple white painted Kanji for <em>"Kuro neko"</em> was on the mech’s canopy. <br>The machines pilot shifted up through the opening her hands disconnecting the fully enclosed nuro-helmet, before lifting it off her head. <br>Suì-Fēng looked over to Mami and her machine as she nodded to the blond girl before she looked over to the other battle mechs of her new lance mates.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>09-04-2012, 19:52:47</strong>
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				Jil saluted before breaking into a run for the 'Mech bay, it seemed he hadn't yet settled into the less formal setting that apparently ruled in the God Eater's. He dashed into the 'Mech bay and waved at a man in a God Eater's uniform who was driving a heavy lift 'Mech and carrying a large 'Mech sized shield. Then he was climbing into his own cockpit, putting on the combat helmet in the seat, and powering up.<br><br>Moments later a black and grey painted Cudgel with a sword where the mace should be was stomping out of the hanger, jump jets flaring a little once he had cleared their safe zone as he made sure they were all working properly before loading. He flexed the claw then noted the other 'Mechs and lifted his sword in salute. His voice crackled over the com.<br><br>"They certainly move fast around here don't they? Here less then five minutes and already a job, life's not going to be boring as a God Eater!"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>09-04-2012, 23:16:37</strong>
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				Akihiko turned to his employer and heard who is it that gave them their job. <em>The Combine...it seems that I cannot escape my former life, no matter how hard I try... oh well... I suppose its inevitable. We have to work for them sometime... I guess this is a good time as any.</em> He thought to himself before replying. "Understood, Amamiya-dono."<br><br>He then briskly made his way to the 'Mech bay and noted the few 'Mechs that he and his comrades piloted before he approached his <em>No-dachi</em>, which was painted sky blue on most parts of the body, though its fists and feet were red in color, and parts of the chest armor were painted silver. On its right leg was a personal <em>mon</em> that consists of six coins... and on its left was the name <em>Polydeuces</em> painted on. The Mech's right hand held a deadly looking katana.<br><br>He soon clambered up into the cockpit and put on his helmet, and he heard the comm crackle into life. He smiled as he heard Gil's comments and said. "Indeed... Gil-dono. I wonder what kind of babysitting mission will be get on our first run as a team?" 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>10-04-2012, 21:06:55</strong>
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				Archer was the last to leave the room, annoyance covering his face.&nbsp; "Oh come on, we have a job <em>now?</em>&nbsp; How am I supposed to pilot a 'Mech without a turtleneck?&nbsp; This is a brand new suit..."<br><br>The quad 'Mech - standing out like a sore thumb in the hanger - proved to belong to the pilot who stood out likewise.&nbsp; The assault-class Xanthos had been stripped of its normal weapons, replaced by a trio of PPCs, and the armor replaced with stealth armor.&nbsp; Seated in the cockpit with his helmet, seat restraints, and the impeccably tailored suit, Archer definitely looked... unique.&nbsp; "Maybe some sort of working vacation.&nbsp; Patrol around some token fortification for a token show of force to impress some powerful but lazy people.&nbsp; We've got an expense allowance in the contract, right?&nbsp; Think we'll get meal comps?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>10-04-2012, 21:43:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jil booted up and checked his HUD, using it to find launch pad 8. As he began to move toward it he kept up the chatter, since they would be fighting together in their 'Mechs it only made sense to build their sense of camaraderie there.<br><br>He addressed Akihiko firsts but left the channel open to all.<br><br>"I'm guessing ether an escort mission, goods or VIP most likely, or a guard mission of some kind. Unlikely to be a military base or science lab though, those would be to valuable a target for it to be a babysitting mission and they'd likely use their own forces anyway. We might end up guarding some new pilots going out for the first time or some test pilots in new 'Mechs, both would be vulnerable enough to need guards and valuable enough to be hit but not something you'd want to tie up troops for. Hopefully we'll be briefed more fully on the dropship."<br><br>Then he turned his attention to Archer, annoyed at his complaints but trying not to show it for the sake of the unit.<br><br>"Unlikely Archer, if they cover meals at all they'll probably just give us e-rats or the credit equivalent, it's cheaper and easier then fooling around with compensation paperwork. That's why I tend to pack my own food when there's room in the weight allowance, I can get it cheaper here at base then out on deployment and it's guaranteed to be better tasting then whatever they're handing out. After all, e-rats usually taste so bad their own solders won't eat them, that's why their willing to give them to mercs like us!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>10-04-2012, 23:23:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko listened to what Jil had to say and tuned out whatever complaints that Archer had made. He then rolled his eyes at what Archer had said about meals and he agreed about what Jil said. Normally, even mercenaries get good food from the employers that they work with... especially from the Davions, Steiners and the Mariks... for the Combine though was a totally different case.<br><br>Sell-swords were looked down upon by the Combine military and he had witnessed once that normal meals were not allowed to be rationed to the sell-swords and instead were given foul-tasting e-rats instead. Frowning at that memory, he made his two cents known. "Indeed, Gil-dono... though we have to behave on this one. Sell-swords like us are not particularly liked by some elements of the Combine... and it would do well not to ruffle any feathers when we are on this mission."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>11-04-2012, 00:16:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"<em>Listen up, God Eaters.</em>" Everyone's radios crackled as Mami started towards the <em>Arda Nova</em>, the garish rose and black colored Dropship looming on the docking pad, it's launch ramp down. "<em>The Draconis have us playing babysitter to a couple of newbie pilots.</em>" The owner of the voice was Tsubaki, her purpose to give more information. "<em>They're own forces on planet are in short supply, so they've swallowed their pride and called us. Since we're new, we're low-profile, so we fit into the DC's favorite clause, Plausible Deniability.</em>" She said these words with a hint of anger.<br><br>"<em>Details are as follows. Mission Op is on the planet Gravenhauge, it's a hot dustball, so your heat sinks will be working overtime. We're to watch six pilots as they go through their own training routines. Mission time is about a week, taking travel time into account. Base of operations will be the</em> Arda Nova<em>, so we'll be camping out of our own dropship. No salvage rights, no assistance, and no ammunition compensation, watch your shots, God Eaters.</em>" These were the kind of missions Mami loved. Her 'Mech had no projectiles, and she tended to <em>completely</em> destroy her targets. At least she won't be a rage point with her team.<br><br>"<em>Oh... one more thing, God Eaters. Some Big-Shot pilot of House Kurita will be there, someone named Kaname. Watch out, she doesn't like mercenaries...</em>"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>11-04-2012, 07:31:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Suì-Fēng listened to the others on the open channel as she on the top edge of her mech’s open canopy. The black Mech looking more alien then even the rare Quad Mech piloted by Archer. With its reverse legs and hunched body form it looked more like an insect than the other machines that were basically human shaped, save Archer’s quad Mech which reminded Suì-Fēng of a frog or maybe a turtle. <br>The pilots all seemed to be pulling together well enough now that they had an assignment, a contract.<br>She half smiled as they bantered about food rations and the mission. <br><br>She dropped back into her mech’s cockpit, pulling her nuro-helmet back on as she heard Tsubaki-san’s voice come over the comm channel. She listened as she related the details of their contract. <br>Suì-Fēng keyed her mike.<br><br>“Tsubaki-san; are the 10th Pesht Regulars still the garrison for Gravenhage?” and what is the command structure for our little..band?” She asked as her Marauder started forward towards the loading ramp for the <em> Arda Nova</em>.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>11-04-2012, 07:54:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"<em>Yes, the 10th Pesht Regulars are still garrisoned on Garvenhauge, but that's not the unit you'll be assisting. The unit you're looking for is the 15th Assault Recon Division. Your contact on planet will be a Ryoko Masaki, so keep your ears and eyes peeled. As for command structure... I am temporarily assigning Sui-Feng as Command. That is not permanent, so don't think you're the permanent leader.</em>" Tsubaki responded as the <em>Arda Nova</em> fired it's engines, ready for take off once everyone was aboard.<br><br>Mami, her cockpit glass tinted, calibrated her screen. Her school uniform-like clothes she wore previously were replaced with a most queer Nueral-Suit, looking more like something out of a magical girl anime (http://obdpictures1.wikispaces.com/file/view/Mami.jpg/298465490/Mami.jpg) from the twentieth century. Her beret had a small HUD display that could flip over her right eye, the system an experimental type of Neural interface. "What about resistance? What kind of hostiles are we expecting?" Mami asked.<br><br>"<em>None at the moment. DC doesn't think there will be any resistance, but you know what they say.</em>" Mami nodded, opening a small compartment under the console to her right, producing a tea cup and a tea pot, pouring tea into the cup. Pulling a section of the control panel out, she produced a magnetic cup holder, placing the saucer on the plate, the metal ring around the bottom of the saucer keeping it still as the cup was, also magnetized. "<em>Word of advice, though God Eaters. Don't piss off Kaname. You may be on the same side, but she's got a record of 'Induced Friendly Fire' longer then Tomoe's.</em>"<br><br>"Thank you for reminding me..." Mami muttered to herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>11-04-2012, 08:47:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Jil's 'Mech moved closer to the dropship he listened to Tsubaki's briefing. He put his sword through a simple work out designed to test out all the joints, including the reenforced rotator at the 'wrist'. He'd done that so many times he was able to run through it with part of his mind on autopilot, counting on years of experience and instinct to warn him if anything was wrong, while he addressed himself to the briefing.<br><br>"Do we have any idea what the terrain will be like? Other then hot? And do we know if the newbies will have live weapons or armor? Or are they going to be in straight up training 'Mechs?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>11-04-2012, 16:36:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he piloted the <em>Polydeuces</em> into the dropship, he listened to the chatter between his team mates and the financial advisor of the mercenary unit. The 10th Pesht Regulars were somewhat familiar with him, since he used to be part of them as a fresh Mechwarrior before he was rotated to the Benjamin districts as part of the Benjamin Regulars.<br><br>He had heard of this Kaname though, and as Tsubaki had said, she positively dislikes mercenaries and he knew he had to keep an eye out to make sure that there were no 'friendly fire accidents' involving her and his team ever took place. He then thought for a moment and said in the comm. "<em>I have never been to Gravenhage before, but I do know this...&nbsp; I have some experience in being a new cadet myself, so I will be brief. Usually new cadets are given training 'Mechs and most of them would be Combine design or maybe of Davion made, since the Davions and Kuritas are pretty close. The first few weeks will usually use simulated rounds and powered down energy weapons, and only in the second month of their training will they use live weapons and armor."</em><br><br>He paused for a moment before saying to Sui-feng over the comm. <em>"And may I say a word of congratulations to you, Sui-feng - taichou. I hope that we will have an honorable battle company with you in charge."</em> His tone was respectful, but it also held a bit of mirth in them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>11-04-2012, 16:48:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tsubaki continued to wait for the comm to clear before continuing. "<em>Terrain is fairly simple. A few hills and possible dust storms, nothing too bad.</em>" Tsubaki paused for a moment before continuing. "<em>You should all know that our JumpShip, the </em>Hannibal <em>is equipped with an experimental engine. We don't need a week to recharge between jumps, only a day. Travel time should be cut pretty deep.</em>"<br><br>"<em>Usually, you'd be right about 'Mechs and weapons, but not right now. DC is using Live 'Mechs and Live Weapons. Those trainees are as lethal as you lot, and don't forget it. Intel reports a total of five recruits, one in a Commando, one in an UrbanMech, another in a Dragon, one in an Awesome, and the last in an Atlas. Try to be careful around them, more then one of them outclass all of you.</em>"<br><br>"An Atlas 'Mech. Great." The Combine was going outside of their usual needs... why?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 02:42:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>“You honor me Tsubaki-san. I will lead with honor and skill." Sui-Feng replied to Tsubaki as she placed her in temporary command for this mission. <br>She wondered if the Ryoko Masaki that Tsubaki had indicated as the commander of the 15th ARD was the same Ryoko that had been reportedly, a periphery pirate. She managed to somehow associate herself with one of the Combine's noble families gaining her a position in the DCMS.<br><br>Sui-Feng’s Marauder proceeded up the Dropships loading ramp then to the storage hanger on-board the ship. <br><br>"Domo arigatou gozaimasu Akihiko-san." She said in response. She waited for Tsubaki to finish her information on Gravenhage's environment as she powered down her battle mech and made sure that it was secured for transit and the pending jump. She had never been to Gravenhage either, nor had she operated with the 10th Pesht Regulars.<br><br>"Akihiko-san I would ask that you serve as my second in command for this mission. I know that you honor and skill will serve our company well." Sui-Feng said over the comms as she finished completing the shutdown and trasist checklist.<br><br>While she waited for Akihiko to&nbsp; the She thought about the mech's that the rookies were piloting, it seemed an group selected for a very specific strike.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 04:02:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				-Gravenhauge-<br><br>The <em>Hannibal</em> JumpShip exited jump over Gravenhauge and landed with all haste, a face coming over everyone's MFD, her soft pink hair pulled into two tails off the side of her head, a strange pink uniform as a neural suit. She wore a scary grin as she surveyed everyone. "Mercenaries... why do we continue to soil our honor with these... vermin..." She scoffed a little, a shadow covering her eyes slightly, only adding to the eerie factor. "My name is Madoka Kaname (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t297/XenoGuy/ScaryKaname.jpg), MechWarrior in service to the Draconis Combine. Know this, your presence on Gravenhauge is unwelcome, and I for one will not stand as you worms crawl-" Her face vanishes, replaced by another.<br><br>"Kaname! If you'll remember, they are here by orders higher then your own. Go back to tending the rookies. Let me handle this." The woman on the other line sighed. "I'm sorry about that, God Eaters. Madoka's a good pilot, but a little jaded to mercenaries. My name is Ryoko Masaki (http://obsidianrainbow.net/TenchiRyoko3.jpg), second-in-command of this training excercise. I'm uploading a nav point to your computers, follow it so we can meet 'Mech to 'Mech."<br><br>Following the Nav Point, the group would come across two 'Mechs, standing in front of five others. All seven 'Mechs were powered up and active, torsos twisting and pitching. The first was a gunmetal gray Vindicator (http://www.sarna.net/wiki/images/d/d9/3025_Vindicator1.jpg) with the words '<em>The Cabbat</em>' painted on it's chest. The second was a queer 'Mech, a pink and white Catapult (http://www.sarna.net/wiki/images/7/76/3025_Catapult1.jpg) with the words '<em>Maho Shoujo</em>' painted in frilly letters under the cockpit glass. Ryoko appeared back on your MFD.<br><br>"Ah, welcome." Ryoko spoke, smiling. "Tsubaki spoke highly of you all, I hope you can live up to her expectations. I have a simple job for you all. Simply follow us and keep an eye open. We have reason to believe the FRR will try to disrupt our training excercise. If they do try something, break off and engage the enemies. Understood?" She asked everyone.<br><br>"Yes, ma'am." Mami responded with a nod.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 04:48:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jil offered a salute to Masaki's 'Mech with his sword.<br><br>"Affirmative. We strive to please, Madam."<br><br>He switched to a private channel to Sui-Feng.<br><br>"Commander, should we ask if there's a 'go to hell' plan in event of overwhelming force? And do you want one of us to scout ahead for possible ambushes?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 12:09:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko nodded and was surprised that his lance leader actually wanted him to be second in command for this mission. He took a moment to compose himself before replying. "Arigato, Sui-feng - <em>taichou</em>. I am honored that you chose me and I hope to live up to your expectations." He soon made the necessary checks to his 'Mech as they made the trip to Gravenhage.<br><br>Upon arrival, he soon was treated with the first sight of the one called Kaname and he had already disliked her with her attitude. <em>An arrogant, stuck-up bitch, that is for sure. She wouldn't last a second against Mitsuru or Yukari though.</em> He then paid attention to the woman that faced them and grinned. She was familiar with him, since he had served or at least fought with her husband before to defend the borders of the Combine close to the Draconis March.<br><br>He then saluted formally, giving a respectful, intricate movement with his sword as a sign of respect to Ryoko and said on the comm. "Indeed... and may I say it is a pleasure to meet you again, Masaki-dono... or was it Hakubi-dono in the past? I trust that Tenchi-dono is well? I have not met him since we served together briefly on Colchester after the Fedcom Civil War."<br><br>While he awaited the answer to his greeting, he turned to his private comm channel and spoke to Sui-feng. "<em>Taichou... something is not right with this, if this is just a training mission... why are these rookies armed with real Mechs and ammo? As for Ryoko-san's concerns about the FRR wanting to disrupt this exercise... we just have to prepare for the worst. I just hope that if they do want to crash the party, they would not be the 3rd Drakons. Trust me, it will be a nightmare if that is what they are bringing against us."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 16:43:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Akihiko?" Ryoko asked, looking over the young man. "Well I'll be... it IS you! How the hell have you been? Why it's been-" She was cut off.<br><br>"Ma'am!" One of the trainees shouted, the Commando turning to face the <em>Cabbit</em>. "I've picked up something on sensors! Moving fast!"<br><br>"Can you give me an ID, Mamoru?" Ryoko asked, something appearing in the distance. Mami zoomed in on it, a DropShip flying in.<br><br>"It's a DropShip... Bearing Federated Commonwealth insignea!" She responded.<br><br>"About damn time!" Came Madoka over the radio. "I was thinking I would be bored!" Her Catapult powered up and started to turn towards the DropShip. "Ryoko, you get your and your little pets out of here. Let ME handle this."<br><br>"Dammit, Kaname, this is not what we agreed on! Alright, trainees, you're all ready for this. This is why you're here. Break and attack!" She turned to the Mercenaries. "That goes for you lot, as well." Mami sat up in her seat and got real serious.<br><br>"Good." She mused, back peddling to a safe range. She was more of a ranged 'Mech then melee. She'd let the <em>Polyduece</em> and <em>Aegis of War</em> take the hits. With a flick of a few switches, her PPCs hummed to life.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 17:16:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko smiled and was about to reminisce with his old comrade when the sensors on his <em>No-dachi</em> also picked up something... and it was indeed moving fast. Sure enough, after zooming in, the insignia of the Federated Commonwealth appeared on the side and he felt curious. <em>I wonder what the FedCom are doing in this place? I thought that Civil War ended three years ago... and why appear in the Combine of all places? Don't they know that they are risking another war after just achieving peace?</em><br><br>As he powered up his 'Mech and activated his weapon systems, he opened a channel to his Captain. "<em>Sui-feng-taichou... I think you should contact Tsubaki-san and ask her what she knows of this. A FedCom dropship dropping in on a training mission by rookies from the DCMS doesn't seem right to me unless its a live-firing training exercise. But before we know what's really going on, I would prefer us not to engage with the enemy too deeply, just in case this is some sort of trap to provoke the Combine to go to war with the FedComs or something."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>12-04-2012, 18:11:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"<em>I don't have any Intel on why the FC might be in the area, Akihiko, no...</em>" Tsubaki answered over the radio. "<em>Orders remain unchanged. If the DC engage, you are to do the same. Your 'Mechs are flying DC colors, so fallout will fall upon the Combine, not you.</em>" Tsubaki went silent for a moment before responding again. "<em>Why are you so concerned about a war sparking between FC and DC forces? War, regardless of it's start, is always good for Mercenaries like us.</em>" She paused again, invisibly shaking her head on the other side of the comm link. "<em>I forgot you're former DC... sorry.</em>"<br><br>"Yea, and I'm former DC too and I don't give a shit." Mami answered, targeting the dropship as several small targets dropped out of the underside. BattleMechs. "Contacts. Confirmed seven. Seven FC BattleMechs." Mami targeted the first, a LineBacker. Cycling through several of the targets, she found something distrubing. "Clan 'Mechs! Repeat, enemy forces are Clan 'Mechs!" She called the targets as she cycled through them. "I've got a LineBacker, Mad Cat, Vulture, Black Hawk, Daishi, Dasher and Masakiri!" Things... just got better.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>13-04-2012, 16:33:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;<strong>-Outreach-</strong><br>“I know that you will not dishonor me or the unit Akihiko-san.” Sui-feng said back in response. Given that they were contracted to the Draconis Combine Akihiko would be the best to ensure that there were no…etiquette related problems.<br><br><strong>-Gravenhauge-</strong><br>Sui-feng made sure that their reinforced lance was deployed from the <em>Arda Nova</em> in good order. She had also made sure to instruct all the pilots to make sure that they had a desert survival kit and additional potable water with them.<br>She also reminded them to be on their best behavior. This was their first mission and given Tsubaki’s warning about Madoka Kaname it would be imperative to make sure that things went smoothly. Not that she held any illusion that things would actually go as planned…<br><br>She watched impassively as true to Tsubaki’s warning Madoka Kaname welcomed them in a less than polite and honorable manner. Ryoko Masaki however showed that she had a better understanding of correctness and Honor than her superior.<br>“Arigato, Masaki-sama. We are honored to be here in your temporary service.” Sui-feng replied to Ryoko over the vid comm. Sui-feng keyed the lance’s private comm channel.<br>“All units form up proceed to Nav point Alpha.” She said as she sent over the formation to the unit. She placed Jil and Akihiko’s mech’s&nbsp; out front with the remaining three machines trailing a short distance behind Archer’s mech on her left and&nbsp; Mami’s on the right, with her Marauder in the center.<br><br><strong>-Gravenhauge: Nav Point Alpha-</strong><br>Sui-feng made a note of the two groups of battlemechs arrayed out before them as they approached the five rookies and the two commanders machines, Ryoko’s Vindicator and Madoka’s Catapult.<br><br>“Arigato, Masaki-sama.” Sui-feng replied back to Ryoko’s image on the vid comm. she listened as she related the simple escorting duties she expected them to perform.<br><br>Sui-feng keyed the private channel back to Jil. "I will see what information about the training the Dragon wished to share, and will make plans accordingly." She briefly thought about the Lance, they lacked a scout mech and didn't have a dedicated scouting unit to cover that deficit.<br><br>“Understood Masaki-sama. What is the planned training route and are any other additional units participating the training? I assume as well that it will be a ‘live fire’ exercise?”&nbsp; Sui-feng asked once Ryoko finished and after Akihiko’s greeting. She smirked at her good fortune of having Akihiko as her Ku-Taichou since he apparently knew Ryoko at least indirectly. But their association however fragile could prove to be beneficial in dealing with Kaname.<br><br>“Hai…Agreed I think that this training mission is a cover for something else, I suspect also that were here to play the baka for whatever the Dragon has planned.” She said back to Akihiko over the private comm channel. She paused briefly before continuing her thoughts; “Engaging the 3rd Drakons would be…troubling, I think thought that we have already had the misfortune to meet our true threat.” Sui-feng linked her Mech’s targeting feed to her vice-captain; the Marauders’ targeting reticule sitting on Madoka Kaname’s Catapult…<br><br>Sui-feng's black Maurader whirled about as the other pilots began to report an unidentified dropship her mech's own sensors relaying back what the others were reporting.&nbsp; A FedCom dropship here, raiding the DCMS and a supposed group of trainees as well? Something, everything didn't make sense; There was something bigger going on.<br>Sui-feng nodded in agreement with Akihiko as he suggested contacting Tsubaki, she had already opened a channel back to the Arda Nova for that very purpose.<br>She half listened to Tsubaki as she responded to Akihiko's question, what struck her as more important was Madoka-sama's and Masaki-sama's brief exchange.<br><br>"Just what was agreed on Masaki-sama?" Sui-feng asked Ryoko even as her marauder started after the trainees towards the invading FedCom units.<br><br>"God Eaters! Move to cover the DCMS force;&nbsp; Archer, Mami form up in a gun line with me. Akihiko-san, Jil secure the flanks." Sui-feng called over the the Lances private channel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>13-04-2012, 20:06:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Acknowledged Commander."<br><br>Jil ran his 'Mech out to cover the right flank while he scanned the enemy 'Mechs. He frowned and switched to talk to Sui-Feng again.<br><br>"Commander, not even Clanner's engage 7 to 12 odds without a lot more of a tonnage advantage then I see here. Do we have some way to blunt the nose of that drop ship before it flanks us with more units?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>13-04-2012, 23:45:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko's eyes narrowed as he gazed at the seven Clan 'Mechs with a bit of distaste. He didn't hate the 'Mechs themselves... oh no, but some of them reminded him of what these machines used to do in the Invasion twenty years ago. The Clans, more specifically Smoke Jaguar torched Turtle Bay to the ground, and some of his relatives died in the Invasion.<br><br>He then said. "Acknowledged, taichou." He then maneuvered his <em>No-dachi</em> towards the left flank as he paid attention to the comm chatter over the lance's private channel. <em>"I concur with what Jil-dono has said, taichou... we really need to do what he suggests while taking out the Clan Mechs to insure that no reinforcements will be forthcoming from the dropship."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>14-04-2012, 06:40:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Roger!" Mami shouted, slipping in beside Archer's quad 'Mech, the combined power of the the six PPCs more then a match for any one 'Mech.<br><br>"Ryoko, you and the worms handle these fools. I'll take out the DropShip!" Madoka shouted, her 'Mech turning and giving chase to the DropShip. "Hold still!" She shouted, her 'Mech keeping up with it. The Clan 'Mechs all came within about two hundred meters of everyone, stopping dead.<br><br>"Inner Sphere Freeborn scum." A voice droned, a scowling face (http://www.absoluteanime.com/dragon_ball/vegeta.jpg) appearing in everyone's MFD. "I am Galaxy Commander Vegeta, of Clan Phantom Helix. I bid you all... welcome." Zooming in once more, Mami spied the insignea on the side of their 'Mechs, resembling a crossed double helix (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2b/Double_Helix_Games_logo.jpg)((Ignore the 'Double Helix Games' bit.)). Whoever these 'Clan Phantom Helix' people where, they meant business.<br><br>"Galaxy Commander!" Another voice came over your radio, followed by a second, fanged face (http://images.paraorkut.com/img/animepics/images/a/alucard_from_hellsing-13406.jpg). "What should we do with the Mercenaries? They were not in our Intel reports." The face of Galaxy Commander Vegeta reappeared as he nodded.<br><br>"Yes, Nova Captain... what DO we do with the Mercenaries..." The Daishi turned to the Masakiri. "Nova Commander..." He continued. "See to it the Mercenaries are taken care of.<br><br>"Yes, Galaxy Commander." The face of a young brunette girl with messy hair (http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100705200954/harrypotter/images/thumb/9/95/DeathlyPromo_Hermione.PNG/250px-DeathlyPromo_Hermione.PNG) appeared in everyone's MFD's. "Inner Sphere Mercenaries. I am Nova Captain Hermione of Clan Phantom Helix. I would challange one of you to a duel, if you are enough to accept, the winner will receive the loser's 'Mech, as well as rights to this planet. As for the rest of you..." The DC recruits, who were facing the Mercenaries the whole time, suddenly turned red on Mami's radar. "If you five so wish to join the might of Clan Phantom Helix, kill all who oppose you! Leave none alive! None must know what really happened here! Except you, pretty Hollander..." The Masakiri lumbered up to Mami, it's weight and height far outclassing her. "You and I shall fight for this planet." Mami swallowed hard. The 85 ton Masakiri had called out the 55 ton Hollander IIIC to a duel... this wouldn't end well.<br><br>For the Masakiri.<br><br>"<em>God Eaters! Break and attack!</em>" Tsubaki shouted over the radio. "<em>Tomoe! Try to hold you own against that Assault 'Mech!</em>" Mami rolled her neck and smiled.<br><br>"I'll do more then that..." Returning to her controls, she did the suicidal. "This Masakiri's mine! No one attack it! You've got bigger problems!"<br><br>"Kaname!" Ryoko shouted over the radio. "Get your pretty-in-pink butt back here! We're in over our heads!"<br><br>"Copy. Goddess moving to assist." Madoka responded over the radio. "ETA: Two minutes."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>14-04-2012, 18:35:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jil's voice crackled over the Com to Akihiko.<br><br>"The FNG's are closer and I can move faster. You take the FNG's, I'll move to engage the Clanner's!"<br><br>His Cudgel began to move forward at increasing speed, Targeting computer already working out firing solutions. As soon as the target firmed up he began firing his lasers, in alternating fire groups of 3, at the Mad Cat, hoping to at least lure it's missile barrage to himself if he couldn't take them out. Then he was struck by an idea, opening a Com line to all clan 'Mechs he prepared to guaranty that he was the target of all fire.<br><br>"This is the honor of the Clans? You are so feeble that you must challenge outsiders to a Trial of Possession? And then you require a 30 ton advantage to feel safe in your victory? You are so impotent that you require Unbloodied warriors to fight for you? You dishonor not just yourselves and your Clan but all Clans! When this is over I shall see to it that everyone of you who fights this day faces the Trial of Annihilation! Your names and your bloodlines shall both be erased and forgotten for all time!"<br><br>He cut the Com secure in the knowledge that, if that didn't bring down their wrath of his head, nothing would. Then he engaged the Supercharger and warmed up the JumpJets, he was going to need all the maneuverability he could get soon, and even in Gravenhauge's heat it would take time for the TSM to kick in. In an effort to draw their fire, and attention, as far from his allies as possible, as well as to get them to interfere with each other's lines of fire, he was looping around the side of their formation to take them in the flank.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>15-04-2012, 07:47:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>-Gravenhauge: Nav Point Alpha-</strong><br>“The Atlas is mine, Akihiko-san engage the Awesome, Archer engage the reaming three rookies.” Suì-Fēng called over the lance’s tactical channel. Her machine shifting over to the right as she targeted the 100 ton assault mech with her weapons. She keyed the com channel back to Tsubaki and Royko.<br><br>“Masaki-sama… Tsubaki-san we need aerospace support to interdict the clan dropship ASAP.” Suì-Fēng said her grey eyed fixing on the targeting reticule resting on the Atlas as she opened up with her ER-PPC’s, the Ultra AC10 cycling rapidly as she waited for the Atlas to commit to attacking her then she would make her move. If Jil could keep the clan mech’s occupied they could deal with the rookies quickly enough, and then focus on the clan.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>15-04-2012, 08:10:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Insect! You dare question the honor of Clan Phantom Helix! You know nothing!" Galaxy Commander Vegeta barked over the radio. Hit a nerve. "Hicks! Show this insolent fool the might of Phantom Helix!" As he spoke, another face appeared in everyone's MFD, this one of a young man with serious features (http://s4.hubimg.com/u/1384947_f520.jpg).<br><br>"Yes, Galaxy Commander!" The Vulture broke off and began to give chase to Jil, keeping right on his heels.<br><br>"<em>The </em>Arda Nova <em>is equipped with two Aerospace Fighters, but at the time we have no pilots...</em>" Tsubaki responded, an answer she wasn't looking for.<br><br>"Don't worry. We've got Aerospace Support!" Came a third voice over the radio, three Aerospace Fighters streaking overhead.<br><br>"Ryo-Ohki! About damn time you got here!" Ryoko shouted over her radio.<br><br>"Sorry, sis, got tangled up in a fueling line!" She paused for a moment as the fighters honed in on the DropShip. "Engaging FedCom DropShip."<br><br>"Negative, sis, Hostiles are Clan, not FedCom." The Aerospace Fighter, Ryo-Ohki, gave a little meow at this news.<br><br>"Even better! Now I don't have to hold back! Jennifer! Samus! Open fire!"<br><br>"Roger!" The other two Aerospace Pilots acknowledged, beginning their attack run.<br><br>Mami, in the meantime, was neck-deep in Masakiri, the pair circle-strafing about each other, PPC blasts landing on dirt and mountain alike, doing no damage. "I grow tired of this charade! You think you're some hot-shot 'Mech Pilot? Eat this!" The LRM rack atop the Masakiri opened up into ten missiles, all flying towards the <em>Tiro Finale</em>.<br><br>"Lame." Mami responded, firing another PPC down the middle of the LRMs, detonating them all harmlessly. "That all you got, kid?"<br><br>"Kid?!" Granger shouted, firing another PPC, this one striking her 'Mech's shoulder.<br><br>"<em>Critical Hit: Shoulder Actuator.</em>" Her computer groaned at her.<br><br>"Lucky shot." Mami muttered, recovering from the hit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>15-04-2012, 10:15:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Trial of Possession, huh?"&nbsp; Archer kept close to Mami as ordered, though he didn't interfere with the duel going on.&nbsp; "Maybe you'd stand a better chance at a Trial of Giving a Crap."<br><br>The Xanthos's first linked PPC shot tore a nice big hole in the light Commando's torso, dropping it before it could even join battle.<br><br>"Because I don't give a crap."&nbsp; He was only half paying attention to all the names and voices coming over the comm; the allies who mattered he would meet face-to-face, and if any of the bad guys survived, well, that's what dossiers are for.<br><br>As soon as his cannons recharged, Archer's next shot hit the Dragon in the right leg, neatly shearing it off at the knee.&nbsp; "Man, that brings back memories..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>15-04-2012, 14:28:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko narrowed his eyes as this new Clan arrogantly challenged them to a Trial of Possesion of this planet. What was most galling is how the five DC rookies suddenly turned traitor just because they were scared of the Clans. <em>Cowards... if they were in my old unit, I would take care of them personally for being such a lily livered lot. Time to show how a warrior of the Combine fights.</em><br><br>He cycled through his weapons and fired a salvo from both his MRM racks, twenty missiles flying towards the <em>Awesome</em>, surprising the pilot with it and he fired his PPCs in a hurry to harm Akihiko's <em>No-dachi</em>. The three streaks of energy tore through the missiles, removing half of them, leaving the other half to impact with the <em>Awesome</em>'s arms and legs, one hitting its torso, rocking it back. He then let fly with another blast from his ER PPC, searing a hole on its left leg and his ER Medium laser did its damage, melting a furrow on its right flank.<br><br>He took the opportunity to move forward before the Assault 'Mech could retaliate and moved up close and personal and with swift and deadly moves, removed the arms from the Assault 'Mech, rendering it harmless for the remainder of the battle before he said moved back and fired a salvo of laser and PPC at its leg joints, melting them which led to the Assault Mech to crash to the ground.<br><br>He then said to the pilot. <em>Stew in your dishonor, rookie... I do not know who you are or which family you came from... but know this... your family and ancestors and family will be rolling in their graves knowing that you have brought dishonor to them. I won't waste any time with you... spend time reflecting on your mistakes... and pray that the judicial arm of the Combine does not demand you to commit seppuku for your dishonor and cowardice on this day.</em><br><br>He then moved his <em>No-dachi</em> away and said over the lance's comm. "<em>Sui-feng - taichou, I have taken care of my target, do you need assistance in taking down that Atlas?</em>"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>16-04-2012, 15:03:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>-Gravenhauge: Nav Point Alpha-</strong><br>Suì-Fēng’s initial shots did little real damage to the Atlas, but served their purpose in getting the rookie pilot to focus on her. The assault mech locked on to the black Marauder that seemed to be simply standing still daring the heaver machine to attack.<br>The crisp crimson bolts of the medium lasers and the thunderous class 20 autocannon rounds ripped through empty space where the unmoving Marauder should have been. The Atlas’ targeting computer momentary losing the mech that was right in front of it a moment ago; only to report to the confused pilot that it was now directly behind him!?<br>The Maurader seemed to slide to the right as Suì-Fēng spoke over the com apparently to no one in particular. "Sting all Enemies to Death!" she called out just before her mech punched the back of larger battlemech, the hit threatening to spin the Atlas back the other way even as Suì-Fēng’s machine shifted back letting the desperately turning Atlas face her. The assault mech’s back armor where she had struck was marred only by an odd black blast mark that almost looked like a butterfly…<br>She smirked faintly as her second punch struck the front of the Atlas as it finished turning about, directly opposite of her first strike. The 100 ton Atlas staggering back at the hit; a second black blast mark marking its armor before the huge machine shuddered and simply seemed to die; the Atlas toppling over backwards with a tremendous crash.<br><br>Suì-Fēng’s mech turned to face the clan machines as she keyed her com back to Akihiko.<br>“No.” was all she replied to her vice-captain’s question.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>16-04-2012, 17:50:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"<em>Critical Hit: Engine. Critical Hit: Engine. Critical Hit: Arm Actuator. Critical Hit: Arm Actuator. Arm: Destroyed. Critical Hit: Leg Actuator.</em>" Mami's left arm exploded off her 'Mech, tumbling uselessly to the ground around her. The heavier 'Mech Pilot cackled maniacally as her victory was assured.<br><br>"Give up, little girl. You're nothing to us. A gnat. And now... you'll die like one." Mami managed to keep her 'Mech stationary during the assault, a trail of blood rolling down her face. She laughed at the Clan Pilot's jeering.<br><br>"You think you've won, huh? How about one last shot before you finish it." The Clan Pilot, in her hubris, nodded.<br><br>"Sure thing, little girl. One." Mami closed her eyes and planted one hand on the command console of her 'Mech.<br><br>"One is all I need!" Her console glowed with a beautiful amber light as the ribbon on the end of her Hollander untied from the bow, turning into a muzzle on the gun. "See how you like this! TIRO FINALE!" A powerful yellow beam belched from the Hollander's gun, shredding through the heavier 'Mech like it was paper.<br><br>-<br><br>"<em>Critical Hit: Engine. Critical Hit: Engine. Critical Hit: Engine. Critical Hit: Fusion Core. Critical Hit: Fusion Core. Critical Hit: Arm Actuator.-</em>" Granger's computer wailed, her HTAL display everything turning from green to bright red as her left arm and left leg exploded into a shower of sparks and wires, armor panels and internal struts fusing and melting.<br><br>"What the <em>FUCK!?</em>" Granger shouted, her 'Mech falling over on it's face. "What whas <em>THAT?!</em>"<br><br>"<em>-ion Core. Critical Hit: Leg Actuator. Critical Hit: Leg Actuator. Critical Hit: Leg Actuator. Critical Hit: Life Support. Critical Hit: Sensors. Critical Hit: Communications. Critical Hit: Sensors. Critical Hit: Sensors. Critical Hit: Sensors.-</em>" Her computer continued to shout, damn near everything on her 'Mech ruined. "<em>Critical Hit: Fusion Core. Fusion Core Breach detected. Detonation Emminent.</em>" Granger growled at this, gripping the handle at the front of her seat.<br><br>-<br><br>"Mark my words! This isn't over! I won't stand this dishonor long! You have made an enemy of me this day, Inner Sphere!" Yanking the handle, the back of the Masakiri exploded into a shower of armor and sparks, the Pilot's ejection pod rocketed into the sky, the 'Mech exploding under it, pieces raining over hundreds of meters.<br><br>"Nova Commander!" Vegeta shouted as he watched the pod rocket up towards the sky above Gravenhauge. "He turned towards the heavily damaged Hollander. "Who are you, Inner Sphere, to command such power?"<br><br>"My name is Tomoe Mami. Don't forget it."<br><br>"I won't. It will make a fine addition to my kill board!" The LineBacker turned to the damage Hollander. From far left field came a massive missile, an ArrowIV Artillery, striking the LineBacker at it's broad side.<br><br>"Picking on a damaged 'Mech? Poor taste." Kaname muttered over her radio. "I've got another fifteen missiles on this thing. More then enough to cripple your entire strike group. I suggest you leave." The LineBacker recovered from the hit, but not unscathed. Sparks arced from it's leg, and the hobble showed it was damaged.<br><br>"It would appear as though we are outmatched." Vegeta muttered. "Even I know when to quit. Phantom Helix, retreat to Nav Delta. We're finished here." The surviving Clan 'Mechs began their retreat. Mami hobbled over to rejoin the rest of her group.<br><br>"We should go after them..." Mami muttered, her leg sparking and arcing as she stopped next to Archer. "Er... <em>you</em> should go chase them... I'm in no condition to move at the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>16-04-2012, 23:21:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The clan 'Mechs had all launched at least one long range volley at Jil. This resulted in an incoming volley of 95 LRM's, 2 ER PPC blasts, 8 ER large laser shots, and 2 bursts of Ultra Autocannon/5 ammo. His 6 ER medium lasers went to continuous fire in response and his jump jets began firing short bursts to jink him around as he attempted to dodge or thin out the incoming holocaust. This increased heat generation quickly activated his TSM, bringing his speed up to 108 Km/h and throwing off many of the targeting solutions. As a result he was only hit by 17 missiles, one PPC blast which struck his shoulder before deflecting up into the air to disperse, 2 large laser shots, and 3 rounds of autocannon ammo. Other then temporarily bringing his 'Mech to a halt and badly scorching the paint scheme they appeared to do no damage.<br><br>It was at this point that Mami played her hole card and wiped out the Masakiri, distracted by this and the timely arrival of Kaname back on the field the clan 'Mechs failed to notice Jil, not only drawling even with them, but arcing around behind them. Chased the whole way by the slower Black Hawk.<br><br>As the clans began to retreat the first to turn was the quick Dasher. No sooner had it done so then it faced a massive claw which reached out and proceeded to rip the head, and cockpit, clean off. Jil dropped it without crushing it the rest of the way, mentally giving the pilot a 50/50 chance of living. As the first of the medium laser bolts from the Back Hawk began streaking past him or impacting on his rear armor he faced the next 'Mech in line, the powerful but slow Daishi was still turning as he moved to pass it on the right, a timely jet charge left it down a leg and when he then reversed his jets to slam into it from the other side the larger 'Mech began to ponderously fall. Even before it struck the ground he was on his way once more but he had lost valuable time knocking it over. The Mad Cat had turned to face him and he took it's entire loadout, save the missiles as he was within their minimum range, at close to the face. It cost him 3 of his lasers, badly damaged his his right arm's actuators, and striped almost all the remaining armor from the front of his 'Mech. It then managed to block his sword thrust with one of it's arms, costing it a large laser but preventing him from even striking it's torso, however it was unable to avoid the alpha strike from his 3 remaining lasers at point blank range. A punch from it's, now weaponless, damaged arm forced his 'Mech to stumble backward and he found himself trapped between an undamaged Black Hawk and a damaged, but by no means dead, Mat Cat at close range.<br><br>Turning side on to both of them they all froze, neither of the clan 'Mechs could fire at him without risking hitting the other and he could not close with ether of them without opening himself to heavy fire from the other at ranges they could not miss. To make matters worse the, so far untouched, Vulture and the, damaged but still dangerous, Linebacker were nearby. If they got involved at this point he was doomed.<br><br>Jil opened a whisker laser com to Kaname's Catapult where it had just crested a hill top.<br><br>"Commander Kaname, how do you feel about a little 'friendly fire' on a Merc just now? If you would I'd like you to lock onto my beacon and go to your maximum rate of fire. Who knows, you might bag a few Clanner's while your at it?"<br><br>Assuming she did as asked he intended to run for the Mad Cat but, instead of engaging it, jump over it before heading for the Vulture and Linebacker. He didn't have a hope of fighting suck foes in his currant state but, trailing area saturation Arrow IV missile explosions in his wake would keep the Black Hawk of his back and might take out the others before they could catch up with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 07:36:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko nodded at his Lance Commander's words and pushed the throttle of his 'Mech, seeing that the enemy was retreating and he moved in position beside Jil's 'Mech and said. <em>"I am here to assist you, Jil-san... and I also know about Clan etiquette so I think I will help you take one more Clan Mech out of the fight this day."</em><br><br>He then turned to the <em>Black Hawk</em> and opened his comm before saying. "<em>Mechwarrior of the</em>Black Hawk, <em>my name is Akihiko Sanada, formerly of the Combine. The 'Mech that you are riding right now has been an honorable one, enough to make my former home to develop a version of their own. As my sign of respect towards it and yourself, I challenge you to a duel of honor, a Trial of Possesion over you and your Nova. Whoever wins will claim either one of us as bondsman or bondswoman, and their particular 'Mech as isorla. Do you accept my challenge, honorable warrior of Clan Phantom Helix?</em><br><br>He then waited for the pilot of the <em>Black Hawk</em> to answer while he prepped his ER PPC and his MRMs. This was not going to be easy, since this was an energy heavy opponent he was facing. At least if he or she accepts, it would take one more Mech away from the main fight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 08:12:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Kaname:</strong><br><br>"I'd love to, kid, but this thing's got a hell of a reload! Gimme like... a minute..."<br><br><strong>Akihiko:</strong><br><br>The Nova stopped it's retreat. Slowly, it turned towards Akihiko and stared. Written under the Nova's cockpit were the words 'Love is War' on one side, and 'The World is Mine' on the other. Akihiko's radio, along with everyone else's crackled to life as his MFD displayed the pilot's face, a cute, teal-haired girl with innocent eyes (http://sgcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/hatsunemiki.jpg). She spoke little, just smiled.<br><br>"Accepted. Galaxy Commander. Retreat... I fear I shall not be joining you."<br><br>"MechWarrior Hatsune..."<br><br>"Galaxy Commander, I sacrifice myself and my 'Mech so you may retreat. Do not sully my sacrifice with mundane chat." Vegeta nodded.<br><br>"I understand. Kerensky be with you, MechWarrior." MechWarrior Hatsune turned to Akihiko.<br><br>"I shall not go down without a fight... Let's see who is the better 'MechWarrior!" She opened up with firing a salvo of medium lasers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 15:58:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko nodded, smiling slightly at the show of courage that the Clan Mechwarrior had just shown. <em>At least these Clanners have some honor and dignity, unlike those lily livered rookies...</em> He thought darkly as he remembered their cowardice and them changing sides just to save their own skin.<br><br>"You are indeed honorable, Mechwarrior Hatsune... let us commence this battle." He said as he pulled at his control stick, moving back and towards the side to avoid the salvo of six Medium ER Lasers that was gunning for his Mech. Three of them missed, but two of them dug against his Mech's left leg, melting some of the armor there and the third singed the base of his <em>No-dachi</em>'s foot.<br><br>He grinned as he took aim, and fired his ER Medium Laser in reply, before moving back slightly to fire his ER PPC and a salvo of MRMs from one of his launchers, the heat spiking in the cockpit making him feel as if he was in a sauna right now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 16:07:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>The rest of the clan must retreat... I may loose this day... but I will not loose in vein!</em> The girl in the Nova thought to herself as the lasers and the PPC slammed into her 'Mech, using her jumpjets to dodge the MRMs.<br><br>"<em>Critical Hit: Jump Jet.</em>" Her computer blared at her. <em>Galaxy Commander... when I am captured... will you come for me?</em> She continued to think, firing more lasers out of 'Mech towards the superior 'Mech. <em>Or will you let me rot with these Inner Sphere scum?</em> As she landed with her jets, they exploded. "<em>Critical Hit: Leg.</em>" Her computer continued. Her HTAL flashed red, most of her internals shot to hell.<br><br>"We have boarded the DropShip, we are coming to get you." Galaxy Commander Vegeta spoke over the radio.<br><br>"It is too late for me... return home... I shall see you when I can..." With an explosion, she opened her communications array to the Mercenary. Powering her 'Mech down, she did the only thing she thought to preserve herself.<br><br>"I surrender."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 16:17:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko had to admit to himself, the Clanner wasn't like any that he fought before. He did fight for a short time during the Invasion, but he was part of the cleanup crew and most of the Clanners that he fought were in the Clanners terms, <em>solahma</em> and they were eager to die for the honor of their Clan. It is why he respected the Clanners, even though one Clan was responsible for decimating Turtle Bay.<br><br>He did his best to dodge her shots, while firing his weapons to disable her 'Mech. He was surprised when she suddenly powered down and when she said that she surrendered, he nodded and said to her. "Very well... Mechwarrior Hatsune... in according to your customs I, Sanada Akihiko do hereby claim you as my bondswoman and your Mech as <em>isorla</em>. You will come with me to the God Eaters dropship with me, and we can see our financial controller to decide what I will do with you there."<br><br>He then waited for her to power up her Mech again and he slowly brought his Mech to a gentle trot towards the Dropship and said to the COmm. "Amamiya-san... this is Akihiko. Please prepare two Mech brackets, one for my <em>No-dachi</em> and for a Clan Mech that I have gained as <em>isorla</em>. Also its pilot is also my bondswoman... I shall see you in the office of the dropship with her. Please tag the Clan Black Hawk as friendly, and please advise the staff that the Clan Mechwarrior is under my protection. Akihiko out."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 16:21:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"<em>Confirmed, Akihiko. Enemy Black Hawk now tagged as friendly on your IFFs. Bring her home, God Eaters.</em>"<br><br>"That still doesn't answer the biggest questions, though..." Ryoko mused as everyone started towards the dropship, Kaname falling in tow.<br><br>"Why those Clan 'Mechs were in an FC dropship?" Mami asked, her 'Mech limping behind the group at a pathetic pace. "Uh... guys, can you slow down? I'm a little on the crippled side here..." She wiped the blood from her eyes, trying to keep pace with everyone.<br><br>"Exactly." Ryoko nodded, rubbing her chin. "It doesn't sound good."<br><br>((MechWarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall ISN Thread Unlocked.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 16:32:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko listened to the comm chatter and then said. "I concur with your analysis of the situation, Mami-san, Ryoko-san... whatever it is going on with the Clan Mechs in the FC Dropship does not sound good." He then settled his <em>No-dachi</em> into its bracket and waited until Mechwarrior Hatsune's <em>Nova</em> to settle into the bracket. <br><br>He soon exited the Mech and he saw her exit her Mech and he walked towards her and took a plastic red colored band and strapped it around her wrist, the <em>mon</em> of the Sanada family emblazoned there. He then faced her and said. "Mechwarrior Hatsune, from now on I am your bondsmaster and you my bondswoman. Unlike your clan however, I will not make you act like you are my Tech... I will allow you a bit of freedom, but I do not tolerate any form of cowardice or betrayal. Do I make myself clear?" The last part was said in a firm tone as he fixed a half-steely look on her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xenolord</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 16:37:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miku looked at the band around her arm and nodded grimly. "I shall do as you ask." Her teal hair hung low behind her, almost like a kicked dog's ears might. "What would you have me do first?" She asked with a bit of a sigh in her voice.<br><br>-<br><br>Mami pulled her 'Mech behind everyone else, inside the dropship. <em>Poor, poor Tiro Finale...</em> She thought, petting her 'Mech. <em>Sorry I got you into that mess.</em><br><br>((Clan Bondswoman Hatsune Miku is now available as an NPC to anyone who wishes to play her.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 16:46:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akihiko nodded and said, his stance relaxing and his face had a friendly smile on his face. "First things first... I want you to follow me. We need to see our coordinator for the missions so that I know what to do with you. I may be a Spheroid... freebirth scum to you people from the Clan. But I am from the proud Draconis Combine, even though I do not serve them any longer in an official capacity. Honor, pride and courage has always been a trait and motto of the Sanada clan, and you Mechwarrior have them in spades. I do believe we shall get along just fine."<br><br>"But enough of this... follow me." He then turned and walked towards the interior of the dropship, where Tsubaki's makeshift office was. He then knocked on the door and said. "Amamiya-san... this is Akihiko Sanada. I wish to see you, and I am bringing our guest with us." He then waited for them to be allowed entry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saric</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 17:59:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mami was the last to arrive at the dropship. Unfortunately the key word there was <em>arrive</em>. As soon as the Clanner's had withdrawn Jil's Cudgel showed it's true damage, the right arm fell off at the shoulder, the sword broke loose from it's mount, one of his remaining lasers exploded and destroyed another, his entire 'Mech seemed to slump as the reactor shut down and black smoke began venting from every hole on it, and finally one of his jump jets exploded, it was unclear how with the reactor off but it did.<br><br>By some miracle his Com systems and emergency power were both still on line. Jil opened a general Com signal.<br><br>"*cough* Can anyone read me? I think I'm going to need some help... *cough* I can probably restart in a few minutes but I seem to have lost my arm...and my sword... Please tell me we have a heavy lift 'Mech available..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Mechwarrior: Mercenaries of the Fourth Wall (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>17-04-2012, 18:09:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>-Gravenhauge: Nav Point Alpha-</strong><br>Suì-Fēng watched as Jil ran the clan mech’s around in circles before Arrow 4 missiles started raining down on them. She smirked as the clan Galaxy Commander and the few surviving mech’s withdrew…ran was probably more accurate. She was somewhat surprised when Akihiko challenged the Nova Pilot to an honor duel, a Trial of Possession.<br>Her Marauder casually turned as the UrbanMech tried to make its getaway in the chaos of the clan mech battle.<br><br>Suì-Fēng’s mech moved after the slower egg shaped machine. It was almost comical to to see the walking egg trying to sneak away.<br>She targeted the fleeing machine and fired. The bright blue PPC bolts flashed across the short distance to the 30 ton machine. The charged particles slaging armor and internal structure on the left torso and then the center. Black smoke pouring from the crippled machine even as the ER Medium Lasers cut into the smoking mech burning through the left leg armor even as the second crimson beam finished gutting the UrbanMech center torso; the machine simply stopping the egg shaped body just sort of dropping collapsing over its legs. A moment later the pilot ejected as the mech toppled onto its front.<br><br>Suì-Fēng turned back to the others just as Jils’s Cudgel seemed to realize its damage the mech belching smoke and loosing an arm. Akihiko’s mech was already leading the defeated Nova mech back towards their Dropship.<br><br>“Tsubaki-san we will require a salvage team for Jil’s mech.” She relayed back to the dropship. <br><br>“Jil-san do you require any medical assistance?” she asked her Marauder making it’s way over towards his shutdown machine.<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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