[LP CYOA] Epic

[Baltika9]

edit: They are all Shulgi, actually. He split himself into a shit load of old men for the lulz.

Good, then he should have scotch onboard. And be willing to share it with us. Since Shulgi doesn't give a fuck.

 

[Smashing Axe]

My prediction: B1 wins, treave tells us that once again we've pussied out of the optimal outcome, much to our chagrin and humiliation.

Still, I ain't going against Captain's orders.

 

[Bloodshifter]

Quick and Dirty Vote count is
B1-Leading by 2(thus has 4)
A1- with 2
B2- with 2
A2-One I believe
Undecided Bros-too many to track

I'll give a Proprah Tally in the Morning when I can sink my claws into a Real Typing Machine.

 

[Baltika9]

Vote B2 guys, we can doo eet. We're gangsta enough. Steroids will come in handy when the enemy calls in for reinforcements two updates later (which is something no one is considering thus far).

And I just had a terrible thought... were rock and heavy metal discovered by now (and if they were, was Shulgi the one who did it)?

 

[TOME]

Have Yua scan the Scarlet Lightning too. This could yield valuable information if we survive and don't manage to destroy it.

We still haven't figured a way to get the effect from the Inanna flowers without hard-to-get drug components? Would using a dose help the analyzing and synthesizing process?

 

[Azira]

Would using a dose help the analyzing and synthesizing process?

That's probably a good idea, but we only have one dose right now. We need to get back to earth before we start thinking more of these matters.

I've given it some thought. My vote goes for obeying orders, and doing it without feeding our addiction.

B2

 

[Smashing Axe]

I don't think you could really call it an "addiction" in its current form, honestly. I'm not a neuroscientist, but I think for most addictions to form you need to have regular, consistent intake.

 

[treave]

Somehow, you know how it works, but not why. As I've said before, though, you'll grow into your powers with time and the drugs will no longer be necessary after a certain point. Especially if you keep pushing yourself past your limits. Smashing Axe is right in that you're not addicted at the moment, having taken it less than five times thus far and not feeling any cravings for more. Doesn't mean you can't get addicted to it.

Also, updated the armed forces intermission with mock-ups of some of the frames I did with Armored Core. It's not exactly what I have in mind, given the lack of parts available, but it's close enough.

 

[Zwist]

So. The entire battlefield is flooded with radar jamming particles?
That could actually be rather usefull. This is a test after all, so nobody is used to this after all.
Of course, they are going to try to ignore us, going for our ships instead.
If not, we are in a asteroid field? Lets play billiard, shoot some asteroids, lets see how the Read Herring fares when there are rocks flying fucking everywhere and he/she/it has no radar coverage.
B probably would require the serum, just on grounds of us trying to run away for a prolonged time, A could negate that *if* we take out the Read Herring fast enough. It *is* all about propaganda, the enemy is going to run if we manage that.
I do not think that the serum would be crucial here. If we do not survive the first three minutes against missus super-fast-melee-fetishist, we are going to be toast anyway.
Another pro of this: Killing the ace now prevents her from re-appearing.
Con: Insubordinance. And this is a big one. Do the fucking Kotau, even if it works.

So: A2

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

Lets play billiard, shoot some asteroids, lets see how the Read Herring fares when there are rocks flying fucking everywhere and he/she/it has no radar coverage.

:/ Given that Captain Grimrock personally saw he/she/it solo kill 5 battleships and 16 fighters in 15 minutes a month and a half ago, I'd say he/she/it will fare pretty well. A2 is suicide. edit: Also, I believe A1&2 take place outside of the radar jamming field.

 

[Bloodshifter]

Lets play billiard, shoot some asteroids, lets see how the Read Herring fares when there are rocks flying fucking everywhere and he/she/it has no radar coverage.

:/ Given that Captain Grimrock personally saw he/she/it solo kill 5 battleships and 16 fighters in 15 minutes a month and a half ago, I'd say he/she/it will fare pretty well. A2 is suicide. edit: Also, I believe A1&2 take place outside of the radar jamming field.

depends on your Battle Plan...

RAMIREZ I NEED A TALLY​

A-2 Bloodshifter , Zwist ,
B-6 M4davis , TOME , Kipeci , Baltika9 , Lambchop19 , Azira ,
1-4 M4davis , Kipeci , Bloodshifter , Lambchop19 ,
2-4 TOME , Baltika9 , Azira , Zwist ,

You bring shame to the Imperium Ramirez! TALLY​

A1-1 Bloodshifter ,
B1-3 M4davis , Kipeci , Lambchop19 ,
A2-1 Zwist ,
B2-3 TOME , Baltika9 , Azira ,
Edit: odd I have him in Note Notepad... oh well

 

[TOME]

treave, are the votes counted in blocks or separately?

 

[treave]

Votes in blocks. Bloodshifter missed out on Smashing Axe's B1.

B1 wins with 4 total votes, update coming soon.

 

[Azira]

Ooo, serum taken. Now we need to be careful when travelling back to Earth. No more big risks, only smaller, calculated ones.

I hope we at least take out this Scarlet lady..

 

[treave]

The Scarlet Lightning


track: fullfrontal

“Acknowledged, Captain Grimrock. Anhur will intercept the enemy frames in coordination with the fire support team.” I gently ease the hypodermic syringe into my neck, allowing the concoction to travel into my carotid artery. This will make it take effect in seconds. I blink as the drug begins to pass into my brain. My control over my ability increases, and I shut it off. I'll be able to turn it on again as needed.

Naim and Jean set up position near the Kaguya-hime and the other two cruisers, which launch ten of their fighters. In the debris of the asteroid field, none of them are flying at full speed. Smaller stones are deflected by their armour, but going nose-first into a large rock would really cramp their style. They stick close to the cruisers, guarding them.

“Ensign, don't stray too far.” Naim reminds me. I respond with an acknowledgement and move forward, making sure to keep within range of the Kaguya-hime's guns as it retreats.

There's a slight flash in the distance, and two beams shoot past me, missing both my frame and the warships by a comfortable margin. The carrier must have started firing.

“Master, I'm picking up ten heat signatures moving towards us. It must be the enemy frames.” I lean backwards in the pilot seat and equip the rifle. At this distance, they're mere blips, darting in and around the rocks as they close in towards us. Our warships begin firing, sending a salvo back towards the Indus carrier. The sheer amount of firepower vaporizes much of the smaller rocks in its way, while breaking the larger ones into fragments. Even so, there's too much debris in the way for the attack to be effective. The enemy squad moves with trained coordination. They must be experienced in fighting against warships. I cut all power to my thrusters and back up against a massive rock. With practiced ease, I allow my mind to slip back into its cold state.

I can feel them. I lean out from behind the rock, taking careful aim. Once I am certain, I fire. The beam from my rifle lances through a Vizala II, taking it unawares. Immediately I move from my rock, darting behind another one as the enemy opens fire in reply. I'm still within range of the Kaguya-hime – if I draw their fire I can lure them out where they can be hit. Backing away carefully, I begin to retreat. The enemy frames are moving faster now, attempting to get to me. Still, in the debris field, they are unable to maneuver as freely as they'd like. All of them are slowed down by the floating rocks obscuring their path and vision. I prepare to take another shot while they are still heading towards me.

“There's a Vizala II coming in at full speed, Master!” warns Yua.

All but one, it seems.

A scarlet Vizala II approaches me at lightning speed, spinning around and evading the rocks as lightly as if it is merely dancing through falling leaves.

“That's the enemy ace. Be careful!”

“You don't need to tell me twice. Let's do this!” He who strikes first wins – I aim my rifle at the incoming frame, attempting to predict its erratic movement. This should hit. I can do this. I pull the trigger, but the beam misses its mark. The Scarlet Lightning had somehow known where I would fire, and changed his course at the very last possible second.

“How...” This has never happened before, but I have no time to be in shock. I fire another shot that I think would hit, but it does not. He's not firing back on me – he must be confident he can take me in close combat. I aim again. This time, I realize that every time my barrel falls in line with the enemy frame, it begins to move ever so slightly, swaying out of the line of fire. How is he seeing my aim from such a distance?

No matter.

“Covering fire incoming!” Jean calls out. Beams and missiles rain down upon the Vizala II from both the frames and the warships. With a series of deft movements almost impossible for even me to follow, it weaves its way through the concentrated fire, still heading towards me – but I've got it now. The particle beam from my rifle flies right at the Scarlet Lightning head on. There's a bright flash and an explosion.

I did it!

“He's coming from your flank, Senya!” shouts Naim.

“What?” The red Vizala II drives its foot into Anhur in a forceful kick, sending my frame flying backwards. That explosion was a decoy – he must have detached one of the Vizala II's spare propellant tanks. In the confusion I failed to sense his approach. I'm going to have to up my game – this pilot is no joke. I fly upwards as the red Vizala II cuts at where I was with its mono-molecular sword. Naim and Jean lay down more covering fire, forcing the Scarlet Lightning to dodge, swerving away from their beams. If I fire at him right now, he'll be backed against that rock – I do so immediately. The red frame moves as I have predicted... for the most part. It flips around, bracing its legs against the rock behind it. Then, it pushes off, firing its thrusters as it heads for me again. I dodge just in the nick of time, the sword taking a chunk of armour from my shoulder. Damn. If it's going to start bouncing off the asteroid fragments this is going to be trouble.

In the mean time, I detect the remaining eight Vizalas approaching the cruisers from another direction. The Scarlet Lightning will demand my full attention, but can Naim and Jean take on four times their number in experienced pilots? If that's the case...

I disengage immediately, rushing for the other Vizala IIs at full speed. As expected, the Scarlet Lightning follows me. This time, he uses his rifle – he must realize what I'm trying to do. I dodge the beams that he fires; all by a hair. I'm helped by Naim and Jean rushing after us, trying to hit the Scarlet Lightning. Their attacks keep him from fully concentrating on hitting me. The distance between us begins to grow – Anhur is still faster than any Vizala II, no matter if it is painted red or not. I hear a scream from Jean. “He took my legs! I knew we shouldn't have gone up against him!” Well, at least he's still alive. I draw my beam saber. The Kaguya-hime fires, scattering the enemy Vizala formation... this is my chance. I swoop down on the nearest Vizala II, which is handily distracted by the Kaguya-hime's salvo, and bring my beam saber down on it, cutting it clean in half from head to crotch. Seven left; I turn my head up. Anhur's gaze follows mine. There's another Vizala I can hit – I fire my vulcans, punching countless holes into its torso.

“Naim! Jean! Take care of the remaining Vizalas!” I yell. Three times their number should be manageable... I hope. We've entered the jamming field.

“I'm on it! All fighters come in for support!” shouts Naim in return as he heads to defend the warships against the incoming frames, a crippled Jean following behind him.

“Master!”

The Scarlet Lightning is upon me, sword raised. As he swings it down, I bring up my beam saber to block with time to spare. Anhur is more responsive than the enemy frame; in close combat I'm not at as much of a disadvantage as he thinks. It melts through the mono-molecular sword. I move my arm to cleave through the enemy with the saber, but the Vizala II grabs Anhur's sword hand in a steel grip, stopping it mid-swing. I can't help but be taken aback. How is a mere Vizala overpowering the Anhur? I hear a cracking noise as the Anhur's fingers are crushed in the Vizala's grip. It rips the hand away and steals the saber from it. I immediately dash back, my verniers firing at full blast. The vulcans whir to life and spit lead at the Scarlet Lightning as I do so. He dodges to the side, trying to circle around me.

That's just what I wanted – the next salvo from the warships come at him from behind. The red frame is pinned down by the covering fire, being forced to halt its movement or risk getting melted into slag. I charge towards it, drawing my mono-molecular dagger as I do so. With Anhur's one good hand, I make an overhand swing down at the enemy... leaving my side exposed. The Scarlet Lightning takes the opportunity, as if on instinct. I was counting on that too. I fire my thrusters up to full throttle, using my verniers to accelerate my swing. This time, finally, I take him by surprise. Even then, he tries to dodge – my dagger cuts through his arm as he does so, sending the beam saber whirling off as he loses his grip on it. Shooting from an impossible position, the Scarlet Lightning fires his beam rifle, taking off my right leg before I can follow up on my attack. This is not good – it's taking all I have just to keep up with him. I'm out a hand and a leg, while I've only managed to land one good hit for all my efforts.

“They're retreating!” shouts Jean joyously. The Scarlet Lightning remains still and unmoving, as if in conference with someone. I can sense four remaining Vizala IIs retreating. In the confusion of entering the jamming field for the first time, my allies had managed to take down two more of them, though at the cost of almost all of our fighters. They must have over-extended themselves, pursuing beyond the range of their carrier's support.

The Scarlet Lightning lingers in front of me for a while, as if pondering what to do.

“Master... the Scarlet Lightning is hailing you on the comm.” gulps Yua nervously. Well, why not take it? “Patch him through.”

“Thank you,” came a friendly voice. It appears to be a woman but I can't be sure – could be a high-pitched guy. I decide to consider her a woman. I wouldn't be surprised, though, given that the Scarlet Lightning is known to have a penchant for wearing masks in public. Could be anyone under those, especially in the ornately adorned military uniforms that obscured her figure.

“I commend you on a well executed battle. I am Major Rei Wakayama, of the Indus Confederation. May I have your name, pilot of the black frame?”

I remain silent. I'm not sure whether it's in protocol to reveal my name to the enemy. There's a puzzled silence from the comm.

“May I have your name?” she repeats politely.

“I'm sorry, but I am just a civilian. I'm not sure about all this military protocol.” I lie.

“A civilian? That explains your unorthodox movements.” she says in an admiring manner. Where does she get off talking about unorthodox movements after those moves she pulled on me? “Are you sure I can't have your name?”

“I'm no one worth knowing.”

“Well, if you insist... I'm sure we will be seeing each other soon. I hope to get your name then, if you survive.”

Thankfully, she leaves it at that, turning away and joining the rest of her comrades in retreat.

My ability finally wears off, and I slump into the pilot's seat, dazed and exhausted.

***

The mood on the Kaguya-hime is almost festive, dampened only by the deaths of a few dozen crew members and fighter pilots. The Vizala IIs had managed to get past the screen on occasion – the Sarmatia is now too damaged to keep up with us. It looks like the Kalai has requested to be allowed to escort it to Marduk's Navel, an ISC asteroid base at Sun L1. If we go on that path, it will not put us much closer to Earth, but it should be safer... as long as the base hasn't been attacked. It is also probably the more predictable route to take.

The Kaguya-hime has also received a call for help from a refugee Higashi shuttle seeking safe passage to Moon L4. That would put us much closer to Earth, but on the downside we would have to pass through the front-lines to get there, and do so without the two cruisers that have been with us thus far.

***

A. Head to Marduk's Navel

B. Escort the refugee ship to Moon L4.

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

Just as I thought. We narrowly avoided defeat, bros.

I'm going to wait before picking anything for right now.

 

[Bloodshifter]

B-Charge through the Front there should be no Special Units left...

Just as I thought. We narrowly avoided defeat, bros.

I'm going to wait before picking anything for right now.

If we had Focused on the Carrier and the Viz-II like I said we would have crushed them only Leave Miss 15 Minutes. Conference my ass she was getting her Bearing back from the Power Timer going out.

Edit: Also Fire Based 3rd Hierarch Confirmed

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

In the mean time, I detect the remaining eight Vizalas approaching the cruisers from another direction. The Scarlet Lightning will demand my full attention, but can Naim and Jean take on four times their number in experienced pilots? If that's the case...
...
This time, he uses his rifle – he must realize what I'm trying to do. I dodge the beams that he fires; all by a hair. I'm helped by Naim and Jean rushing after us, trying to hit the Scarlet Lightning. Their attacks keep him from fully concentrating on hitting me.

Had we gone with A, we'd have been on our own with the Scarlet Lightning, and the Vizala 2s, and the warship. Maybe I'm missing something here, but I don't see how we could have pulled a win when the odds would have been far more against us. The surprise factor?

 

[Azira]

Next time we go up against that ace, it won't be in the old Anhur. It'll be upgraded with a barrier... Armor or sniper rifle would've been more useful. Sniper rifle due to being effective beyond visual range, armor to shake off the hits. Seeing as Scarlet here prefers melee, the barrier will not be as useful as we'd hoped against her.
Now, the drones might've been more useful, if for nothing else, to make it more difficult for her to get close and/or attack at leisure.

 

[TOME]

As I've said before, though, you'll grow into your powers with time and the drugs will no longer be necessary after a certain point. Especially if you keep pushing yourself past your limits.

Would our powers grow faster if we decide grind XP inside Kagua-hime destroying practice dummies?

Time to take the more predictable route. The enemy doesn't predict that. A.

 

[m4davis]

A I dont want to be in to dangerous of a situation using a damaged Anhur

 

[Azira]

Anhur will probably be repaired and upgraded with the barrier before the next engagement. I believe treave said as much.

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

Yep.

Also, Bloodshifter may be right about one thing: 15 minutes may be her max. Maybe...

Baltika9, I tend to agree with your reasoning here, but has anyone considered who might be on the shuttle? Could be someone we know. Could be that they might help us boost our powers. Just a theory.

Leaning toward A, but B has it's merits.

Edit: Also Fire Based 3rd Hierarch Confirmed

Indeed.
Makes me wish we'd have picked it - though the weeaboo is already strong enough with Senya...

 

[TOME]

Don't we know who the shuttle passenger is? Seems a bit odd to ask a ride without introducing oneself.

 

[Baltika9]

Going for B, we need to get Kyrie's crazy ass home for one, and that shuttle gives me an odd vibe. Gut instinct, really. Edit: it's Shulgi!
Rei Wakayama is confirmed to be Dante with tits.

Had we gone with A, we'd have been on our own with the Scarlet Lightning, and the Vizala 2s, and the warship. Maybe I'm missing something here, but I don't see how we could have pulled a win when the odds would have been far more against us. The surprise factor?

We'd probably die in the uncaring vacuum of space. Bad End and all.