[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Storm Owl transmits, "All hands, this is the Captain. Begin transfering power from all non-essential systems and rerouting it into the engines. Release moorings with any docked vessels and secure the docking bay. Bring the shields up to 10 percent strength and ensure any cargo in the hold is tied down. Departure from the Space Elevator in 30 minutes."

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Shield Shellfish transmits, "We're leaving the Elevator, sir?"

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Rush Raccoon transmits, "Apprently so, Corporal."

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] The Fortress V has begun its journey. As such, Owl finally gives an update to the crew, "Our current heading has us heading towards New Mexico, where we will refuel, restock, and prepare to join the war effort against Neo-Arcadia. I remind you all that Neo-Arcadia may choose now, while we're not in a fortified defensive position, to strike."

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Shield Shellfish transmits, "... 'may' choose?"

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Storm Owl doesn't bother answering what's probably a rhetorical question.

 

Fortress V - Bridge

 

        The true brains of the Repliforce Fortress, the bridge is always bustling with activity as reploids move in and out, the crew here always watching out for the systems, subsystems, and weapons of the might Fortress V. Comfortable couches with long panels allow the bridge crew to sit while commanding the vessel, while other stations allow people to stand as they work at them. A combination transparisteel window/viewscreen rests at the front of the room, and a large steering wheel, seemingly taken from a pirate's vessel, rests in the back of the room, its purpose seemingly decorative. Doors here lead to the offices of Colonel and General, as well as the ready room.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Fractal Dragonfly [RF]                  Solder [Temp_Armor] [RF]              

 Gareth [Armor] [RF]                     Rush Raccoon [Formal_Major] [RF]      

 Harmony [RF]

 Control Panel - Fortress V

 

 Starboard <S>:            Fortress V - General's Office

 Port <P>:                 Fortress V - Colonel's Office

 Aft <A>:                  Fortress V - Ready Room

 Turbolift <TL>:           Fortress V - Turbolifts

 

Rush Raccoon turns to look at Solder and points to Station #4A! "Yes, Solder. This Sensor panel is 16.7 Microns off. This will not do. I'am sure Commander Owl would agree it'll need to be adjusted before we reach the refuel point in New Mexico" he states.

 

Southwest United States

 

        While in the past the States of the Southwest began to grow and thrive with metro areas after decades of dessert life, they now have once again reverted back to the ways of the old west of the mid 1800s. Small towns lie here and there scattered across the sand like ants. The buildings within these towns, unable to afford the newer technologies, have resorted to using good old fashioned wood for the most part. Each town tries to be fairly self sufficient, each having it's own 'Sheriff' as a form of law and a leader. They only import what they cannot grow themselves. Keep in mind though, these are a hearty people as traveling between towns takes much strength and endurance for the desert sands are hot and unforgiving. So are the vultures.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Harmony [RF]                            Gareth [Armor] [RF]                   

 Rush Raccoon [Formal_Major] [RF]

 Repliforce Mobile Fortress V <F5> [RF]  Bonne Airship <Gesellschaft> [C]

 

 East <E>:                 Texas

 South <S>:                Mojave Desert

 West <W>:                 California

 North <N>:                Rocky Mountains

 Up <U>:                   Sky Above Western United States

 

Fractal Dragonfly has arrived.

 

Teisel Bonne has arrived.

 

Bon Bonne has arrived.

 

Fractal Dragonfly is a roadblock in front of the turbolifts, gawking at the bridge of the V5. He's a new recruit.

 

Harmony nods, "I agree, it's a very good thing." Resting her chin in a hand, she uses the other to continue to inspect inside and outside the Fortress 5. Screens flicker and move, change angle.. very enthralling! Humming to herself, she thinks about the ice cream she left in the freezer. That probably won't be there later.

 

Tron Bonne arrives from the California.

Tron Bonne has arrived.

 

Shield Shellfish has arrived.

 

Solder has arrived.

 

Rush Raccoon is here, guidng Solder to a broken Sensor pod and speak to Harmony..on Gareth is staring at a Monitor. He is also looking over Security, he tip toes to the front now and looks out the "View Screen" as the Might ship Moooooves!

 

Solder gives Rush a little browquirk, smirking in response, "Well, Sixteen microns. We'll have to take care of that, then, won't we?" he pulls a tool out of his bag, sparking it up, "Magnetic calibrator. Don't leave home without it." He says as he gets down on one knee, prying open the access pannel and working to recalibrate it, "So, what're we leaving at the Elevator?" he asks, by way of making small talk, "I mean, we're not planning on leaving the place alone, are we?"

 

It's been some time since the Fortress V departed the Space Elevator. The trip has been unheralded and unannounced. No reason to advertise your military maneuvers to the world. But it doesn't particularly matter. A ship as visible as the Fortress V cannot twitch without GNN and POX being all over it. Which is to say nothing of the military spies out there. Any tourist looking upwards can see the action. Regardless, the trip has, thus far, been uneventful, and it shouldn't be too long until the mighty warship is in its position in New Mexico for refueling and restocking. From there? It's destination is the Neo-Arcadian border.

        Storm Owl, meanwhile, is on the bridge of the ship. For smaller vessels, a trip like this would be simple and hardly a thing to worry about. But for something a mile long and nearly as wide, it takes a lot of crew, a lot of planning, and a lot of work. Storm Owl calmly keeps watch on some sensor readouts while he also keeps tabs on the various patrols and picket fliers that the ship has deployed.

 

Fractal Dragonfly slowly remembers how to function and steps more out of the turbolift, wide eyed and open mawed, looking at all the equipment on the bridge, impressed by it all. He again feels the exhileration of being assigned to work on board such an impressive vessal.

 

Gareth does not move...he's like a statue or something...

        ...it's kinda creepy, when you think about it...he's just.../there/ y'know?

 

============================ Players in your Area ============================

 Name                Alias   Siz Idl Short Description

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Storm Owl           Butterba5    1s Gold/red/green. Wings. Big Gut. Glasses.

 Fractal Dragonfly           5    3s                                        

 Rush Raccoon        CoonHat 4    3m The Raccoon with the Machine Gun Arm.  

 Teisel Bonne        Teisel  4    2m Green-armored.  White-haired.  All man.

 Tron Bonne          Tron    3    1m The Cute Pirate Princess, Tron Bonne!  

 Bon Bonne           Bon     6    5m Big yellow robobaby. Think construction.

 Harmony             Harm    3   11m                                        

 Shield Shellfish    Shell   5    3m Big. Pink. Bodyguard.                  

 Gareth              Gar     5   18s The Classic Knight in Shining Armor    

 Solder              Doc     4    1m                                        

========================== Sat Oct 01 20:59:06 2005 ==========================

 

Rush Raccoon turns to Owl. and he decides to walk up to the Fortress Commander. He clears his throat. He says in a low voice that might indicate he doesn't want at least the whole bridge hearing it. "Commander Owl, do you have a moment to speak about something, possibly a bit ...." he tries to think of the word... only one comes to mind. "Personal?" he asks.

 

"Master Teisel!" ... "Master Teeeeeeeisel!" ... "MASTER TEISEL!" Startled out of his daydream, the great green cyborg sputters and coughs - durnit, he could almost touch...that action figure. Oh, well. "WHAT?!" "Approaching target, Master Teisel!" Hey, now there's some good news. "Eh? Great! Stay on course, and keep us in the cloudcover! Are the strike teams ready?" "Yes, Master Teisel!" "Goooooooood." Pressing the intercom button on his captain's chair (all original Star Trek style - go Kirk!), Teisel checks on the rest of his team. "Tron! Bon! You guys ready to go?"

Shield Shellfish lurks by Storm Owl.

 

        Much like Gareth, she is also /there/. Her position involves marginally more movement, as Repliforce officers moving back and forth on the bridge are eyed with suspicion. One might even call it paranoia if they were so inclined. Shell would call it 'good sense'. The fact that she is fully-armed indicates exactly what she thinks will happen as the Fortress V continues to move.

 

If Storm Owl had a sense of humour, he'd make a joke about Shield and Gareth being separated at construction. But Storm Owl most definitely does /not/ have a sense of humour (Face it, Teisel - Picard's superior to Kirk), and thus he doesn't comment on having the living statues on the bridge. Storm Owl looks up from his sensor read out as Rush addresses him. This better not be a waste of time. "We're in the middle of something here, Major. If it's something that can be dealt with here, so be it." Storm does not want to leave the bridge during a time like this.

 

        Tron Bonne is not present in the Bridge with Teisel. She is below in the Launch Bay, and beside her stands a gorilla-like mountain of mecha. Repaired from its recent fight with the Mecha Russian the Gustav stands ready to go beside Tron as she is giving orders to a small group of Servbots and an even larger group of Bonne Joes.

        "Now remember, we're counting on you all. This is the Fortress V we're going to be dealing with. Its not the Dreadskull... this thing means business!"

        The Servbots salute, calling out in their cheerful falsettos, "Rooogeeer!"

        The Bonne Joes, in Teisel Bonne Colors, salute smartly as well. Then they all disperse moving back to the back of the Hangar Bay and the racks upon racks of what lurks there...

        ...The Bonne Fleet. The Drache.

        As Teisel's voice reaches her ears from the intercom, Tron looks up and responds, "All set down here, Teisel. The Drache are ready to fly! Gustav and Bruno are in full capacity, ready to fight. How are things on your end, Bon, Teise?"

 

Harmony isn't that far away from Gareth, she allows her eyes to wander. "Relax there, soldier." she teases, buttons clicking underneath her fingers. "Screws too tight?" At least someone on this bridge has a sense of humor! Shaking her head with a slight smile, she continues to inspect the barely changing security screens.

 

Gareth turns to regard Harmony...

            "I am relaxed, Corporal, and my screws are tightened properly. Thank you, however, for your concern."

            Gareth goes back to watching the monitor.

 

Fractal Dragonfly is very much one of the things that would make a bodyguard or secuity officer paranoid. He's just a little to eager looking to be where he is, which at he moment, involve casually getting closer to Storm Owl. Not because he seems to know who the reploid is, but because he's curious what sort of information is on the display screen. Sure, such behavior should have been beaten out of him during Boot camp, but he's still young and exuberant about his new life in the Repliforce and wants to see everything.

 

Solder finishes caliberating the console, also taking the time to replace an isolinear chip or two, "Alright, Major, Commander. Should be good as new." Getting back to his feet and stowing the caliberater, he turns and surveys the bridge, "Any other segments giving you trouble?" he asks, clearly a bit bored.

 

Rush Raccoon nods. "of course Commander. I understand, and I intend to speak about it here." he says in a low voice. Shield Shellfish may hear. "However, I have missed at least two chances to speak about this issue due to .. pressing matters." he states. "Commander, I apologize for this assumption, but I'am assuming you have experience in dealing with being told this based on what we have spoken about in the past." he states.

            "How do you... deal..or respond to Soilders who call you.... 'cold'.. because you are doing the job assigned to you?...."

 

            Where would Bon be at this time? OH! Simple. He would be in the main room, playing with the four servbots... one just happened to be involved with Demolition Man. He was sure he was having fun wherever he was! And then over the speaker comes the voices of Tron and Teisel. "Baaabuuu!" < Oh... I almost forgot! > Bon gets up, the servbots following him into the launch bay. He needed to get there, and arrives right before Tron finishes speaking.

         He would be the one who would made landfall in the condition he was in as is and probably would have alot more things to deal with as well. Still, he was the strongest of the Bonnes, and the youngest, more than willing to help out however he can for Tron and Teisel! "Baaabbbu!" < Hey Tron! I'm ready! What am I supposed to do again? Just to make sure! I don't want to make a mistake. Nope! > Bon seems more than willing, the servbots following him. They were really useful also, one having a bazooka, another some bombs, another .. a slingshot? And MOST FEARSOME OF THEM ALL, Curry.

         Walking nearby Tron, Bon looks for the hatch that lowers and rises. He'd probably be using that to get on the ground if he had to, but if not he could always fly! Hopefully he wouldn't be beaten up that badly.

         Looking to the servbots following him, he begins his 'imitation' of Teisel. "BabbuuU!" < Okay! Everyone do their best! We're going to help Tron and Teisel! Probably something big! > They all salute in order, "O-kay!"

 

Samech arrives from the Texas.

Samech has arrived.

 

Storm Owl glances away from Rush towards Solder. "Good." He doesn't bother mentioning how important the sensors are. Everyone on the bridge should know this by now. Looking back at Rush, Storm Owl takes a mechanical breath. /This/ was the big important question? "I do not care whether individuals believe me to be cold. I do not require them to be my friend. I only require their obedience."

        One of the crewmen at the weapons control station suddenly snickers, having overheard that. Storm Owl's crew has heard statements like that long enough that it's pretty funny for them now.

 

"Target on screen, sir!" "Thank you, Mr. #1." And there it is, chugging along just like something out of an old Western movie (well, assuming it's an old Western using 23rd century tech) - the train carrying the Smithsonian travelling exhibit of military artifacts, the crown jewel of which is one of the cannons from the Fortress I. "Oh, man, I can almost taste the AWESOMENESS of owning this stuff!" Er, okay, it's pretty bad when you can make Servbots, of all people, look at you a little funny. Getting back to business, Teisel taps his internal radio unit as he reveiws the plan with his siblings, but returns to the intercom for the final order. "All assault crews, prepare to launch on my mark...MARK!" Time to get BIZ-ZAY.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Jet Stingray transmits, "Jet here, what's going on?"

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Storm Owl transmits, "We are en route to New Mexico, Captain."

 

Solder shrugs and runs a quick diagnostic on the targeting scanners. Need those in tip top condition, now don't we? As he does so, he notes Rush whispering to Storm, then Storm answering at full volume, "Oh boy..." he mutters, shaking his head, . o O (Missed the point of a private conversation, did we, boss?) Finishing up the diagnostic, he wanders in their general direction, quirking a brow, "The rank and file hassling you, Major?" He murmers, having at least partially figured out the conversation and trying to at least be a bit discrete about it.

 

Shield Shellfish glances over at Rush momentarily, then to Storm Owl, then back to Rush. Poor guy. Not that she has much of a better answer to offer, really. Her answers involve 1) ignoring them, or 2) unsportsmanlike conduct involving lasers.

        All things considered, Storm actually might have the best answer.

 

 

Rush Raccoon nods a bit..and hrmphs. Very well. "Yes, Commander." he states. Well....it was important. At least, it's the reason why a certain Shrike decided to bail.... apprently! he states. "I'am sorry if it seems a bit, too.. trivial, Sir, however, it was noted this is why the former XO of the IAD decided to.. resign from his position. Because he could not handle orders given to him and belived them "cold of me"...." he states. "Thank you for your Input Commander.... I will try to keep it in mind if this issue rears itself again." he looks back to the sensors away and quirks a brow. "Hrm...."

 

        Tron turns and swings up and into the Gustav. She harnesses herself in, and then smiles to Bon, "Teisel's got the plan this time, Bon. Lets rock." Tron reaches forward, keys a control, and the Gustav seals around her with a hiss. The Gustav then poses mightily, throwing massive punches even as a pair of Draches approach Tron and Bon.

        "Saddle up, Bonbon! Lets RIDE!"

        The Gustav springs up and onto the back of the Drache, the Gustav's feet clamping down magnetically to the surface. The Gustav raises its right arm, its hand sinking into its forearm and its massive blaster extending. Tron has come to party.

        The Gustav launches out on the back of the Drache, the ships ion engines roaring to life.

        Tron's team, including the wing of Drache that follow her lead, is a simple one. Take out the defenders and secure the cargo.

            The Gesellschaft is jamming radar and currently in its cloud cover, FYI. It'll be emerging momentarily. ^_~

 

Shield Shellfish suddenly notices a giant, purple dragonfly flitting about the bridge.

        Idly she watches him and wonders how long it will take for the little punk to turn Maverick. And where the best spot to shoot him would be. Going for the wings is so overdone... maybe the thorax?

        Then Shell spends a few seconds wondering what a thorax /is/.

 

The Fortress V, meanwhile, is continuing its trek over the impressive, yet monotone New Mexico landscape. The ship is relatively far away from the train, and Storm Owl hasn't even given the Smithsonian tour a second thought since hearing about it.

        Storm Owl gives a curt nod to Rush, hoping that he understands. He doesn't bother saying 'you're welcome'. Singularity quit over something like that? The war bird shakes his head and looks down at the sensor readouts. Out of the corner of his optic, Storm Owl takes note of someone who isn't normally on his bridge. Swiveling his command chair around, Storm Owl faces Fractal. "Is there something you require, Private?" Storm Owl asks, only paying half attention to the newcomer.

 

        Being rather interested on the data of a console, it takes Fractal a moment to realize Storm Owl is talking to him. He turns to face the reploid and stands a little taller, "I'm a Corporal, sir. Corporal Fractal Dragonfly. I wanted to watch as the ship moved." Honest to a fault.

 

Harmony snickers, "I was kidding, Lieuteant. It's ok to have a little fun on the job, know it's gotten me through a lot of routine things." She can't expect everybody to be laid back yet attentive, and there's no reason people shouldn't be serious on the job. Leaning back in her chair, she spends a few moments on a particular screen before switching it back and forth between another. "Everything looks set outside and inside, good good.." she says, half to herself.

Rush Raccoon looks to Solder and answers him. "No, not currently, Lieuteant." he states.

         As the orders were transmitted, Bon went near the Draches and nodded. "Baabbuu! < Okay Tron! I'll do my best!! Come on guys! >" The servbots followed, one the pilot of the Drache and the rest riding with Bon. He holds them close as the Drache powers up, gripping him to the bottom with magnetics and then holding.

 

         Waving slightly, making sure no servbots fall. "Babbbu! < Away we gooo! > The Drache then makes its way out of the front < mouth > of Gesellschaft , flying in the same direction towards the forward traincars. Well the front to be precise. That is where he was told to go! And oh what things he will do! Like make sure backup is unable to be called for and also to stop it! How fast can the Fortress V brake? Well. Maybe it doesn't even need to.

         Bon Bonne follows his sisters lead, the large yellow robo-bay clinging to the servbots while hanging from a magnet. AH Yes. Family time!

 

        Samech had opted to come along, contacted by the Bonnes previously. He was hanging onto one of the Draches that had flown out, heading toward the train, and he was a large adornment to be sure on that vehicle. As it came closer to the train he would subsequently attempt to leap off of it and onto the train, though goodness only knows when that might be...like in two seconds or so.

 

Tron Bonne takes Servbot Scout.

 

Storm Owl nods and says, "Very well," with his normal tiny hint of disapproval in his voice. As if wanting to look around was a foolish reason. Ah well, perhaps the Corporal'll learn something being on the bridge. Doesn't hurt to have engineers familiarize themselves with the Fortress V. Especially given how often the ship winds up taking damage. "If you have any questions, Lt. Solder will be happy to assist you." Hear that, Solder? You'll be happy.

 

As Tron's force (and Bon's smaller squad) emerge from the Gesellschaft, the massive green airship (well, massive compared to anything except the accursed Fortress V!) descends from its cloudcover to give them a clear route out. Hopefully, nobody on the train has noticed anything is amiss yet - if they're lucky, nobody will be alerted until after Bon has reached the control room.

            "Report!" "Everything proceeding to plan, Master Teisel!" "Good, good...man, this is gonna be so SWEET! Not only do I get some awesome stuff, but this'll be one heck of a bug in those goody-goody Repliforce's ear! I am just TOO cool!"

 

Solder gives Rush a little smirk, "Well, if they do, just keep in mind: You are the boss, now. The Commander's right on one level, you don't HAVE to be their friend. You're their commander. Now, that doesn't mean you've got to be an ass about it, mind, but... Well, everyone should pretty much keep in mind that it's your JOB to be paranoid and overprotective..." he looks to Shield, who he's pretty sure is sizing the new kid up for death as we speak, "Up to a point." He adds, after a moment. Finally, Solder turns back to Storm Owl as he's volunteered for the job of guidance counsellor, "Eh? What now?" he looks the new kid over, "Ah, right, Fractal, right?" He pulls out his PDA and flips through it, pulling up his Personnel file, "I heard you came on board recently." He holds out a hand, "Lieutenant Solder. I'm sure we'll be working together a lot. Have you met our boss, yet?"

 

         Drawing himself away from a console again, he looks at Solder and shakes his hand firmly, "Yes, sir. I've met Shining Firefly." His voice lends the impression that the dragonfly doesn't know wiether to be proud or worried about having met his senile superior. Glancing around quickly, he looks back at Solder, "Anything that needs my attention, sir?"

Southwest United States

 

Solder rubs his chin for a moment, considering, "Not just yet, I think. Let's chat, Corporal." he says, indicating that they should walk off and leave the big-bads to take care of big-bad things. "I'm to understand that you're only recently activated. How much experience do you have? What have you worked with, and so on?"

 

        Tron leads her strike force low and fast. She frowns, hearing how hyper the Servbots are. Oh well. Let them have their fun.

        She is holding back, however, letting Bon's group take the lead to get to the front of the train and smash into the locomotive. The basic idea is for Bon to cut off communications then for Tron to deal with defenders and begin the loading process.

        The Gustav's massive blaster rises, and begins to charge. The Drache roll out missile launchers as they launch down after the faster moving, smaller force of Bon's Drache and Servbot forces.

        Tron quickly uses the Gustav's scanners to get reading on the compliment of guards. She smiles. Small... the Repliforce are slipping up. And, it wasn't as she feared... no Fortress V in evidence.

        Oh yes. The fun is about to begin.

        Tron calls out over the radio, "Hit 'em hard, Bonbon!"

 

Rush Raccoon sits down at the station Quickly. "We are picking up something VISUALLY... Sir.." he states, reading a Patrol Crafts readings. He slips the controls. and Makes the Trainsteel View Screen LIGHT up into it's Zoom Mode. He goes about moving the systems around and trying to get a good lock because..... the sensors are not reading a thing. But theres MOTION out there... soon enough... there it is..

            Rush looks back to the Commander. "Sir, it appears to be... well.... " he motions to the now Zommed up Draches. "The Bonnes?"

 

Gareth is already moving for the turbo lift when the visuals come up...some has to stop them, and it might as well be him...

 

Harmony blinks, perking as Rush mentions some action going on outside. Slowly getting up from her chair, she makes her way over to look over the raccoon's shoulder. "Are they doing anything suspicious? What else is out there?"

 

Rush Raccoon erfs. "Unsure..." he states as he begins to widen out the view and... there it is, the Train!

 

Letting Solder lead him somewhere away from Storm Owl, the reploid seems only too happy to talk about himself. "Yes, sir. I was part of a batch requisitioned by Repliforce. Since my creation, I've been hard at work, studying. I have general engineering knowledge but I specialize in ride armor technology. I've also attended Boot Camp where I became certified to pilot a Ride Armor."

        He notices the conversation going on and picks up the word, 'Bonnes'. Looking at Solder he remakrs, "I think I'm about to get some more experience."

 

Storm Owl swivels back towards the front viewscreen, which is currently in its window mode, showing a view of the New Mexico terrain in front of them. The upper section of the Fortress V's hull can be seen. Storm Owl hears Rush's report and taps a few buttons on his own armrest mounted computer.

        The Bonnes. Well, as if Storm Owl hasn't tangled with those thieves enough. "All hands to battlestations. Helm, hard about. Intercept course towards the Gesellschaft. All emergency response teams, prepare for immediate launch. Shields and weapons to full power."

        Sirens begin wailing on the bridge and in the rest of the ship. Outside, the huge laser and ion cannons begin to swivel about, humming as they begin charging. Suddenly the bridge, which was so peaceful before, is suddenly awash in a controlled chaos as crewmembers run this way and that.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "All hands to battlestations. Helm, hard about. Intercept course towards the Gesellschaft. All emergency response teams, prepare for immediate launch. Shields and weapons to full power."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "Outbound in 10 seconds, sir..."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Shield Shellfish grunt.

 

Solder nods in response to Fractal's answer, taking all the information in and filing it away for later, "Alright, then, I'll give you a quick rundown on brid..." he starts, then snaps his head up, "The BONNES? You're joking? You HAVE to be joking." he says, bewildered, "Why would they try anything with us so clo..." then he remembers, this wasn't advertized to anyone. Chuckling, "Well, that's gonna cost 'em." He says, turning and heading for one of the unoccupied battlestations. Firing up the control pannel, he looks it over, flitting through sensor logs at a breakneck pace, "Alrighty, Corporal, it's time for a quick lesson in bridge battle procedure. If you're rated for one of the stations, get to it. Otherwise, stick close to me and try to learn something."

 

         The Drache, the lone one, with Bon attached flies down towards the front of the train. He doesn't know anything really about the FV, except that it's big or the security or anything of that, being attached and flown closer towards the front train. Over the radio, after hearing Tron, Bon responds. "Baaaabbu!!!" < Okay Tron! Here I go! >

         For a few brief seconds Bon will fly, falling down, down and then landing heavily on the train, probably causing a few rather shaky motions and frighten the people under him. That won't frighten him as much though as he walks over towards the head train... and then grips the top half, ripping part of the front train off as the servbots clamor down into the remains, probably harassing and doing what is needed.

         The train will probably be seen slowing down, as the people in the front of the train will be dealt with by Bon afterwards. Probably bashing or at least moving them out of the way. He doesn't want to hurt them!

         Hey is that a radio? ..., SMASH. Not anymore!

 

Sol Wyrm has arrived.

 

Rush Raccoon remains at his sensor stating, going about wondering why he can't get direct locks on those ships.... hrmph. jamming no Doubt. "Commander Owl. They are Jamming Sensors. I cannot get locks on them for weapon fire at this range quite yet. we will need to be closer if we are to attack without firing blindly." he states. Knowing Firing blindly is .... stupid. Yes. He hrmphs.

 

        Staying close to Solder, the new recruit shakes his head, "No, sir. I have no experience with bridge operations. My transfer here was to be part of my continued training, including such procedures." He stands near, watching Solder like he is told to do.

 

Harmony seems to move quicker now, almost sprinting to a different station she was at before. Taking a quick seat, she hits some buttons and brings up some stats on the screen. "Shields and weapons at 100." Her eyes keep wandering to sensory stations next to her, trying to keep an eye on the situation.

 

"...Master Teisel!" Laughing and howling in his command chair, the eldest Bonne scowls as he's disturbed in his moment of victory. "WHAT?!" "There's something out there! Something biiiiiiig!" "What 'something'? How big?!" "BIIIIIIIG!" "On screen!" Ack! That can't be what he thinks it is. "Butbutbut!...HOW?!" The pirate king reels for a moment, but he didn't get to be the world's greatest rogue by being unable to roll with the punches. "Helm! Take us back up! Alert all teams! We're going to have to keep that thing busy until Tron and Bon can finish!" Under command from Teisel, the Bonne airship once more ascends into its artificial cloudcover - if Storm and the Fortress V want a fight, they're going to have to FIND him first!

 

Solder, hearing that, slows his screen hopping to a more sedate pace, allowing those WITHOUT nearly instantaneous recall to grasp what is he's looking at, "This is the computer-driven targeting sequence," he says, indicating the screen he's in right now, "As you can see it's nearly completely useless at this range, due to the Bonne's Sensor Jammers. We're going to have to get in closer and use manual targeting if we're going to take them on without decimating the scenery along with them." He flits to another screen, "This here is the diagnostic screen, it tells you the power-up status of the ion cannon battery you're assigned to as well as its state of repair. As you can see it's at 100%..." he looks up at Fractal, "That is going to change very soon." And he flips to another screen, trying to impart the information to his new recruit as he attempts to do something useful at the same time.

 

        Suddenly, one of the bazillion side hatches of the Fortress V opens up, loosing a small (comparatively speaking) grey object...when descends upon Bon in a manner similar to a ton of bricks!

        Gareth charges in with his shield, looking more for a reaction than any kind of damage.

        "Stand down."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "Engaging Bon now, sir."

 

Storm Owl adapts quickly to Solder, Harmony, and Fractal having become sudden bridge crew. "Corporal," Storm Owl says in Harmony's direction, "The Bonnes' vessel employs unique stealth capabilities, however the Fortress V was designed to nullify such tactics. I want you to keep in close contact with Major Raccoon. Feel free to let them believe that we have been fooled by any stealth tactics they initiate."

        To Rush, he says, "That is acceptable, Major. Harmony, Solder, Fractal, hold your fire until we are at an optimal range. I wish to see how they react upon our arrival."

        And indeed, the mighty, lumbering Fortress V has finally turned about and is now speeding (ho ho ho) to intercept the Gesellschaft and the Smithsonian train carrying sentimental cargo. Storm Owl announces to everyone, "The Fortress V's ability to deal with the raiders attacking the train is minimal at best. We shall persue the Gesellschaft and keep it away from the fray. Gareth, Shield, and any other response personnel - see to it that the raiders are stopped."

 

Shield Shellfish listens to the Commander for a little while. Then, quietly, she starts humming a little tune to herself; pulling out one of her laser rifles and giving it a good cloth polish.

        "Corporal Shield Shellfish, deploying, sir," she adds almost as an afterthought, once that's done. The bodyguard disappears with a soft *fzztPOP*, to the underside of the Fortress V. She falls for several dozen yards before her flight systems kick in, slamming her descent to a sharp halt; then she begins cruising forward, locking optics on the slowing train. She'll land somewhere around the middle, and hopefully get everyone moved to the back of the train before they can get hurt.

        Flying fish, anyone?

 

Rainbow Devil arrives from the Rocky Mountains.

Rainbow Devil has arrived.

 

Harmony nods curtly, "Yes, sir!" Quickly checking a few more things on the screen, she looks over her shoulder to see where Rush Raccoon is at the moment. "Just yell whatever you need to yell sweetie, I'll hear you." Only Harmony could get away with calling higher ranks sweetie, but y'know. Pursing her lips, she nudges a few levers. The ion cannon that's hooked up to her controls swivels a little, albiet a little randomly. She points it in a direction that the Bonnes aren't, attempting to make it look like she's fairly confused or at the very least not paying attention.

 

        Watching the information blinking across Solder's console, the dragonfly learns what he can. He tries to see what is happening on the ground and makes a bold decision, based on Storm's new order. Not being proficient in bridge systems, he stays to Solder, "Excuse me, sir." and walks over to Storm Owl. "Permission to deploy in a ride armor, Sir!" Now that, he can do something with.

 

        Tron notices the approaching behemoth herself. She frowns, then curses quietly to herself. Rapidly she keys her controls, calling out to both her brothers and Samech, who has joined them in this excursion.

        "Teisel. Bon. Sammy. We got trouble. Teisel. We got the full compliment of thirty Drache onboard. They're piloted and ready to launch. I thought we might have an encounter... ...they can't blow them ALL out of the sky, and we can do some heavy damage in the meantime."

        The Gustav levels its weapons, then Tron grins evily. "Drache. FIRE!"

        From the wings of the Drache launch flights of missiles that fly down to either side of the train. They explode in long columns... more providing shock and awe for the simple guards within then anything else. They know it could easily have happened to them. Tron reviews her scans of the train, then keys for her Pilot to take the wing back down along the Train to the car with the cannon from the Fortress I.

        They might as well get the greatest prize first.

        "Okay, Repliforce. Time to add insult to injury." Tron knows the Gesellschaft, piloted by Teisel, will be able to deal with the Fortress V long enough for the Bonnes to get at least SOME of the cargo.

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Jet Stingray transmits, "So, how's the situation?"

 

Solder continues showing the various functions of the bridge to Fractal, expecting him to absorb it as quickly as he can dish it out, "Acknowledged, Commander." he says as he returns to his instruction... only to note that his student has taken the initiative. He likes that. "Ride?" he says, flipping about, "You're Ride Armor certified?" he inquires. That wasn't mentioned in his personnel file.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl is too busy to answer. Someone else can.

 

[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Harmony transmits, "Nominal. The Bonnes are attempting to do some stealthing techniques, but I imagine they will engage soon enough."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Scare tactics..."

 

        The Drache carrying Samech swept in behind Tron's own vehicle, settling in near the train as it burst ahead, and off Samech slid, landing atop the already battered vehicle, large form obvious to the most simplistic of glances. He stood up to his full height, adjusting his weights placement so as not to lose his footing from the air pushing against him, and waited for the Gustav to land on the train. He was there to guard it, and guard it he would...there would be no falling over for Tron today. We can't have Quiet go insane again, after all.

 

Quiet can't even walk, much less go boom.

 

"Helm! Evasive pattern Alpha Five! And don't spare the whip!" Despite the desperate situation, this is where Teisel is truly in his element. Rising from his command chair to stand like a beacon of leadership and hair, he commands his mainly-Servbot bridge crew, who in turn execute his orders (with a little help fom CORWIN for the trickier stuff). "Keep them guessing where we really are, and once they get it wrong...BOOM! Aha! Ahaha! AhahahaHAHAHAAAAAA!"

 

         Bon was making sure the servbots do what they needed too.. and it must be working! The train was slowing down! As Bon watches, standing there... he is nearly flattened by a shield, being squished against the train, impacting it lightly and then turning to face Gareth. "Baabuuu!" He effectively throws him off to the side, and then keeps in the way of the trains more important parts compared to where Gareth was. He will keep him there.

         How? The Bon is full of strength! He had been upgraded by Tron and Lady Bonne, and at this point was a mammothly strong being... and he will find that out.

         Unless, of course, the giant shield can do more than just squish people. Heavy Damage?

         Bon was all about heavy damage.

 

Bon Bonne strikes Gareth with his Smash attack.

 

Gareth takes the blow in the midsection, grunting slightly. A small dent shows in the chestplate, as Gareth pulls a spear out of subspace as he charges...

        "Very well, then..."

Gareth brings the spear to bear, striking from many different angles, and using both ends of the spear in the process!

 

Gareth misses Bon Bonne with his Spear Combo 1 attack.

 

Suddenly, the ground near the train shakes slightly. Then it shakes again. And finally, the Rainbow Devil comes bursting forth in a shower of earth and stone. But despite being nearby the front of the train, it does not engage the vehicle. Instead, it stretches and leaps, going from Drache to Drache, before making a final, impressive lunge at one of the fringe Repliforce Escort craft.

            And tearing it apart so fast it still has time to use the shattered remains as a leaping point for moving on to another. The vicious process continues, one escort craft after another, slaughtered as the Rainbow Devil goes tearing through their ranks.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "Things have just become...complicated, sir. Rainbow Devil on deck."

 

The Fortress V, slow but unstoppable as always, continues to lumber towards the Smithsonian train carrying a score of military artifacts. The biggest prize of these artifacts being a gun that was once housed on the original massive military airship, the Fortress I. Tron Bonne in the Gustav, along with various Draches is now assaulting the train. The transport train, meanwhile has slammed on its breaks to avoid having a massive accident should it wind up jumping the rails.

        Storm Owl, meanwhile, first replies to Fractal, "Granted." To Harmony, Rush, and Solder, he says, "Have ventral laser batteries target the Draches. If they get a clear line of fire without risk of hitting the train itself, take the shot. The heavier ion cannons, meanwhile, I want ready for the moment we have a lock on the Gesellschaft. Major Raccoon, how are we doing on that?"

        Meanwhile, from the Fortress V's docking bay, scores of Repliforce aerial troops are being deployed. Some break off to head towards the train. Others begin streaking upwards to harass the Gesellschaft. Others still, meanwhile, have to worry about the new threat in the form of the Rainbow Devil.

 

Tron Bonne changes into her Gustav armor.

 

Sol Wyrm changes into his Luna armor.

 

        With permission, the Dragonfly has a little spring in his step. Before he rushes off to get himself into a ride armor, he looks to Solder, "Yes, sir. I just told you I was certified at boot camp." However, he doesn't wait for a responce before rushing towards the turbolift.

 

Solder nods once, "Understood, Commander. Switching over to Manual... Targeting Starboard Ventral Batteries... I've got as solid a lock as I can, but we're still a little far to permit a clear shot."

 

Rush Raccoon States loudly. "Sir, I'am ready to achive lock, and Weapons are online and ready to fire the MOMENT we have a lock..." he says. "I'am also getting vectors and firing paths for the Draches that will not endgange the craft, the computer is about to give these to the systems to open fire." he states. and soon enough, yes. the laser battiers are ready to fire and begin they do! Lasers away at the draches. Power probably drains slightly from any reserves as seen on Enginner Consoles as laser charges are shot recharged and shot again.

 

Harmony furrows her brows, the Rainbow Devil again? "Roger that, sir." she replies simply, executing her orders by accessing the ventral batteries and ignoring the ion cannons for a moment. Watching them unleash, she nods a bit. "Ventrals firing.. let's hope we hit something." Switching between a few screens, she enters some variables and other things that are deemed important at the time. Returning to the ion cannons, she continues to make sure they are fully charged and ready to fire at any moment.

 

Soaring from the high skies is Private Wyrm, a nine-winged dragon that plummets down to defend the hull and Repliforce's property. His body twirls at a fairly good clip as he clicks on his radio and moves in.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "Private Wyrm here. Was mid construction for Luna when the call went out. What can I do?"

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> has arrived.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "Deal with the thieves, Private. Unless Command has something specific for you."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Begin trying to locate the Gesellschaft, Sol Wyrm. If you get its exact coordinates, transmit them to the bridge."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "I'll go up and get a bird's eye. Will report momentarily."

 

         After Bon punches towards the figure, he then gets out of the way. How? He moves to the side.. or steps back.. one of the many things. Maybe, instead, it is the the fact he uses the large train top half as a shield, effectively rivaling Gareths. Bon watches as the Draches go boom. Noooo! Poor Draches! Well they don't go boom, but they are fired at.

         Looking to Gareth rather angry now.. The servbots are his friends! Bon moves the shield out of the way of his head and then the tongue comes uncurling out towards him!

         Power Raspberry! Or, to some extent. Bon is really just trying to make sure that he doesn't stop the slowing train. He almost has it done for Tron and Teisel!

 

Bon Bonne strikes Gareth with his Tongue Whip attack.

 

From out of the cloudcover swarm half-a-dozen five-unit wings of Draches, piloted by the ever-intrepid, eminently disposable Bonne Joes, and the ridiculously un-aerodynamic aircraft prove surprisingly nimble - well, until the Fortress V begins mercilessly cutting them down. Even as the first few fall, Teisel reacts. "Ack! CORWIN! Take direct control of Drache wings Four through Eight! Concentrate on evasion!" Having the Bonne supercomputer help ought to cut back the losses a little, but now Teisel's steamed. "Helm! Status!" "Instruments show no weapons lock from the Fortress V, sir!" "What about us?" "Weapons lock achieved and at optimal range for anti-air plasma cannons!" "Then let's give them what they came for! All batteries, fire a five-second barrage! Helm, prepare to take evasive action!"

 

        When the Rainbow Devil arrives, Tron stares at her monitor. She blinks once. Twice. She then shrugs. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

        On her frequency to Teisel, Bon, and Samech, Tron calls out, "I'm not discounting your friends again, Teise. Thank Psyche for me!"

        As the Fortress V is unleashed, the Gustav LAUNCHES from the Drache to land beside the train. A crater forms as it impacts. Turning, it raises one massive hand. From the palm of its hand extends a large metal length. The length unfolds into a MASSIVE sawblade. The Gustav winds up and flicks the sawblade like a giant Yoyo. The Blade WHINES as it digs across the side of the Train, cutting a massive hole inside of it. Tron nods, liking the Sawblade Yoyos more and more as she watches them work.

        Tron, meanwhile, takes care to pay attention to the forces arrayed against them. She waits for a Repliforcer to come close enough for her to fight.

        Her voice rises, calling out to Samech, "Sammy! Fight any people on the ground. Protect the Load Drache!"

        And, indeed, the four Drache that are with Tron rapidly move down to beside the train. They take cover from the Fortress V via the Train.

        The Gustav then reaches forward and RIPS OPEN the side of the train and hurls it away. The Gustav then steps up and inside. The few hired guards take one look at the Gustav and run for it as The Gustav rapidly approaches the crate that holds the Fortress I's main cannon.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Jet Stingray transmits, "Need my help?"

 

Gareth take the tongue whip square in the visor, causing Gareth to stagger back, when he sees the Rainbow Devil...

        The black eye of the Repliforce...

The rage grows, untill he can contain it no longer, as he blinks in front of the Devil's control orb, bringing the spear back over his shoulder and down at it with a roar of fury!

Who knew he had it in him?

 

Gareth strikes Rainbow Devil with his Phalanx Fury attack.

 

With the Draches concentrating on evasion rather than smiting, the Fortress V will have greater difficulty drawing beads on them. The ship is designed for taking out other airships. Not for sniping. It has its plethora of troops for that job. Heh... any day you get to use the word 'plethora' is a pretty good day.

        Regardless, the Fortress V is still trailing behind the Gesellschaft, trying to locate the ship through its stealth capabilities. The behemoth's pursuit, however, suddenly faces a setback as the Gesellschaft unloads on the ship with all of its weapons. The Repliforce flagship shudders, and its shields flare into visibility, straining to keep the hull protected. After the five second barrage, the forward shields on the ship have been maimed, and will not stop the next assault.

        "Gunners, target the location of that barrage and fire. Helm, hard about, shift our forward shield away from the ship." The FV is slow, however, and if Teisel is quick he can probably get in another shot. Meanwhile, Owl is all too well aware that Gareth is going to be needing help.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Any available forces, the Fortress V can deal with the Gesellschaft. Concentrate on the raiders. They're the ones attacking the transport train."

 

Sol Wyrm floats up higher through the cloud cover to follow orders, getting hazy in his recon through the clouds. Sol kicks in the boosters, and shoots right through the clouds, and hopefully not into anyone else.

 

        Samech looked toward the Gustav as it ripped into the train, having heard the order to protect the Draches...he could easily ignore that order and protect the /person/...but either course was fine for the time being, so Samech hopped off of the train and walked to the Draches, arms crossing before his chest.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "Sir, you still need me to find the ship?"

 

The Rainbow Devil was actually mid-crush of a poor aerial 'forcer when it's suddenly stabbed by a spear. In the orb. Now /that/ gets it's attention. Psyche, in his SECRET BASE, chuckles. " How very brave of you, Gareth. It's almost touching. " A few keystrokes, " Almost. "

            The Rainbow Devil allows itself to fall, though a fist comes rushing forwards, stretching out at Gareth in retaliation.

Rainbow Devil strikes Gareth with its Stretch Fist attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Negative. It appears to have found us."

 

Solder growls as the targeting scanners are still largely useless, "To hell with this." he says, popping open the red cross on his helmet and linking a cable from it to the control pannel itself, accessing the firing controls directly. "Going to full manual control." he says, by way of explanation as he links directly to his pannel's systems, the direct interface making it easier to control, for him at least. Scanning... I've got 'em...!" he says as he activates the firing sequence, beams from the several laser banks under his control lashing toward the ships that last assaulted them.

 

Fractal shifts from foot to foot impatiently in the turbolift as he waits for it to descend all the way to the dock. No sooner do the doors open and he leaps up, flitting overhead before picking his prize. Landing in the cockpit, his four hands go to work starting up the behemoth machine and stapping himself in. Another moment later and he's zooming out of the dock, engines burning hot as he lets out a joyful, "Wa-hoo!!" before getting down to buisiness. He checks his systems for any raiders that need stopping.

 

Harmony quickly enters some commands. "Forward shield shifted." she calls out as she does so, switching to different screens and entering different things. As for targeting, she tries to do it quickly, looking intensely. Soon after Solder finds his target, as does she. "Firing.." she says idly, sending another bout of laser shots towards the ships responsible for the attacks.

 

Rush Raccoon grrrssss and targets the senors where the Blast of fire from the Might Bonne Airship came from. Soon enough, Ion Cannons Rip through the sky at that position, as he was ordered to fire. Most likely the Bonne Airship has already begun to move however, so if any hit, it'll be a "Tip of the nose" affair... he grrrrsss and goes back trying to "De Jam" sensors in some way. Eventually they'll have a lock....

 

"HaHA! Take THAT, you overgrown...THING, you! Yes! Eat it-WHOAAA!" Teisel's gloating over the first barrage's success is cut short as the return fire catches one of the airship's wings despite taking immediate evasive action following it's own attack. The bridge of the mighty Gesellschaft shakes ominously, while somewhere, a console explodes in its operator's face for no adequately explained reason. "Damage report!" "Minimal! Ion stabilizers compensating for the loss of the wingtip!" "Cloud production, increase to one-hundred and fifty percent! Helm, rise by one-hundred feet and advance on the Fortress V! Let's see if we can blind them before we fire again!"

 

        The Gustav's sensors pick up the emergence of the Eagle from the docking bay of the Fortress V. The pilor frowns, then narrows her eyes.

        The gorilla-like Gustav flexes its massive arms, and reaching down, lifts the massive crate containing the Fortress I's main cannon. It carries it with ease as it turns, walking out and hopping down from the craft. It moves over to a Drache, and quickly secures the cannon in a cargo container under the Drache's wing. The Gustav then looks to Samech, "Ride Armor incoming. Lets play, shall we."

        Tron then lets out a whistle!

        Six Servbots pour from hatches all over the Gustav, then salute Tron. The Gustav points into the train, "Start loading up! Take what you can!"

        The Servbots, as one, chorus, "Give nothing back!"

        They all dash inside. Then the Gustav turns and LEAPS up to land ontop of the train. It tracks the Eagle rapidly. Raising its right hand, a sphere of energy forms and hums above it. Electricity and energy crackle to what is the size of a soft ball.

        "Say hello to the Bonne Sphere, whoever you are."

        The Gustav hurls the sphere like a ball... and as soon as it leaves its hand it moves... surprising slowness. But, it tracks relentlessly for the Eagle. So it might catch it by surprise!

 

Tron Bonne strikes Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with her Bonne Sphere Tracer attack.

 

Gareth regards the damage done to the Rainbow Devil...

            This is going to be a tough nut to crack...

            Gareth starts to accumulate more power...

 

Gareth forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

The Rainbow Devil continues to freefall for the momentbefore it locates an...ample target. Another poor Repliforce flier. Stretching into reach, it tears the craft up, before using it as a leaping point. Speeding towards Gareth, it unleashes a blast of goop while in it's blue phase of color shift.

            A rather chilling attack, indeed.

 

Rainbow Devil strikes Gareth with its Goo Cannon Blue attack.

 

Storm Owl watches the readouts on his armrest mounted computer panel. It's clear that they hit -something- in there, but from the way that we haven't seen the flaming hulk of the Gesellschaft falling from the clouds, it seems that the Bonne vessel managed to weather it alright. So be it. Nothing that happens up here is important beyond that they keep each other busy. Those on the ground near the train is what's important. "If we're unable to get a solid lock, feel free to take chances," Storm Owl tells his gunners. Might as well, since it's not like they can miss and shoot some innocent structure. Not while the Gesellschaft is above the FV, anyway.

        Speaking of below, Storm Owl begins tapping in commands for the Repliforce aerials. Most of them are now advancing on the train itself. Seeing the Gustav on top, the soldiers begin peppering the Bonne Power Armour with a variety of colourful shots. The Repliforce troopers are quite determined to stop Tron, no matter how good looking she may be!

 

         As the large rainbow jello monster takes care of Gareth. He looks up at the Eagle. Wow! What is it doing.. Oh no! Look at that ... nevermind. Bon nods as Tron takes the shot towards the flying thing. He was going to help but then Tron and Teisel said a large Jello person needed help with a spear guy... HEY! He's standing infront of him.

         And then Bon asks if it's okay to continue to punch him. They said enthusiastically yes. As such, Bon looks to Gareth, at his back, and pulls back a hand. Well, an arm. Raising it, Bon plans to bring it down upon the back of Gareth. He wouldn't let him ruin Tron and Teisel's plan! He would make sure the train is protected!

         Or well, anti protected!

 

Bon Bonne strikes Gareth with his Bash attack.

 

        Samech turned from his duty of guarding the Draches and looked toward the Gustav, regarding the invite from Tron to assist her in combating the Ride Armor. His hands opened, and then he calmly walked toward the direction of the Gustav, his body slightly interposing itself between the vehicle of destruction, the Repliforce troopers and the Eagle. His hands lifted up, and a release of energy was caused, one that would sweep up toward the Repliforce soldiers rather than the Ride Armor and attempt to compress them, squeeze them, constrict them.

 

Samech begins covering Tron Bonne.

 

Shining Firefly has arrived.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "I could use back up..."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "On it, Sir!"

 

        The pilot inside the Eagle tries to avoid the incoming attack but yeeps as it hits him, the ride armor shaking a little from the hit. He doesn't need to worry about who to engage now, his target made itself none. Shifting course to fly near the enemy machine, he aims a arm at it, letitng loose a mild pulse, hoping to temporairly stun it.

 

Samech fails his attempt to cover Tron Bonne.

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> strikes Tron Bonne with its Flat Charge Pulse Inducer attack.

 

Solder cycles through screens in his own head at hyperspeed, absorbing the information as quickly as his memory packets can copy, sort and store the information... Which is pretty bleeding fast. "Primary laser power at 95%," he reports, deciding that someone has to keep track of all this sort of thing, "Shields at 90%... Targeting Batteries one, five, six and three at target A25, battieries seven, eight, two and four at target C32... Firing..." Solder seems to enter a trance as his eyes stop focusing on anything in the room, his world retreating into one of information, "Batteries recharging... Targeting secondary ion cannon batteries..."

 

Sol Wyrm soars down from the heavens, upon Gareth calling for help. The dragon stays soaring, and opens roars at Bon Bonne, sending a streak of energy cutting through the earth and into Bon, luck willing.

 

Sol Wyrm strikes Bon Bonne with his Sol Sphere attack.

 

Samech begins covering Tron Bonne.

 

Gareth takes a glob of goo to the front, and a /bell ringer/ of a punch to the back of the head...

        Enough of that jive...

Gareth powers up his forcefields, in order to buy him so breathing room...

 

Gareth projects a forcefield around himself.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "1st Lieutenant, I've got your back, you're free to deal with the Jello mold."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "Thank you, Private. I shall require a moment to gather my energies..."

 

The Rainbow Devil suddenly alters it's course, at least for the moment, and bounces itself harmlessly off the forcefield for the Eagle.

            " HEY! "

            Psyche screams via speaker, " I'M THE CENTER OF ATTENTION, DAMNIT! And didn't your mother ever tell you it's not polite to hit a lady? Unless that's what you're paying her for? " The Devil shifts yellow, before lashing out with a giant fist, crackling with electricity...

 

Rainbow Devil misses Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with its Transmutation Strike Yellow attack.

 

        The Gustav glares up at the Eagle even as the MIGHT SAMECH moves to shield the Gustav from attack. from the Repliforce Goons who have decided to rush at Tron and the Gustav. The power of Samech is watched with interest by Tron, and she smiles, watching him deal with the Soldiers. These are the Rank and File of the Repliforce. The ones who serve as the Ground Pounders of the RF. The 'Privates'. So many jokes there.

        The Servbots begin to offload everything they can get their grubby little claws on.

        The Gustav is caught by the blast of the Eagle, shuddering from the impact. It wasn't a stunning attack, no. Someone must have hit the wrong button. Samech was busy messing with the Privates.

        The Gustav slams its arm up then, taking aim at the Eagle. Its blaster responds with a roar!

        "You Repliforce are GOING DOWN!"

 

Rush Raccoon frowns a bit as Rush Mans the Ion Cannons then, begining to scan the area with sensors and taking best guesses as to where the Bonne Airship is. He fires a quick, controlled burst of three Ion Cannon shots in a controler fashion into the air, each just a little off in a radial pattern where the orignal hit came from, in a attempt to Psuedo Probe the area and see if anything is hit, or if they come into contact with anything. In the meantime.... there has to be SOMETHING they can do to get a lock on this thing. He muses and wonders if the F5 is capable of of firing something PHYSICAL out at the Bonne Airship and attach itself to it in order to transmit a signal so they can see them... he questions this.

            "Commander Owl. is the Fortress 5 Capable of shooting a Solid Object of some type? Perhaps along the lines of a tracking beacon?..." he asks. He hopes Storm Owl knows what he's shooting for here.

 

Tron Bonne strikes Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with her Bonne Blaster attack.

 

Insidiously, the cloud cover surrounding the Gesellschaft expands, spreading further outward and creeping towards the Fortress V as the Big G's cloud production units kick into overdrive. The intent - to blind the FV not only to the Gesellschaft's location, but also to everything else, a gamble at best, since the great flying green fish much advance on the larger ship to accomplish it.

 

The gamble seems rather pointless, however, once the FV starts firing blind. "Whoaaa, watch it! That one almost hit us! What do they think they're doing, anyway?!" "Er, it seems they're hoping to get lucky, sir..." "They can't do THAT! That's CHEATING! What do they think this IS, a BOARDGAME?!" "Master Teisel, orders?!" "Grrrrrr, that's it, fire EVERYTHING we've got! Plasma cannons, anti-air missiles, Bonne Bombs! TEN-second barrage! AND!" Uh-oh. "Begin charging...the MAIN CANNON!" Dun dun dun!

 

        Samech was in the process of attempting to guard the Gustav from the soldiers fire, when the Ride Armor launched an attack, and his body moved...and failed to get in the way of the sonic attack in time. His left hand lifted up quickly thereafter, a single burst of energy sweeping out toward the direction of the Eagle. "I apologize for that failure to guard you, Tron. I have no excuse."

 

Samech strikes Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with his Barrier Burst attack.

 

Harmony shakes her head, not really coming up with anything either. "They won't hide forever. If we end up hitting them with a test blast they're going to retaliate," she says, inspecting some screens. "They'll come up for air.."

 

Storm Owl listens to Solder rattle off the damage and battle reports. He doesn't reply to them, but he's definitely listening and absorbing all of the information nonetheless. Instead, Storm Owl is momentarily focused on making sure that the battle below is being taken care of. Good, it seems that another Repliforce officer has joined the fray. That'll hopefully even things up and make sure that the Bonnes down there don't have a clear escape route. Storm is unaware of how much the Bonnes may or may not have gotten thus far. Replying to Rush swiftly, Storm Owl drones, "The grappling lines, Major. You can try attaching a homing beacon to one of them. At any rate, prepare to deploy them nonetheless. If we're able to snag them then we can either slow them down or at least get a confirmed lock on their position."

        The viewscreen is now white with the fog and cloud produced by the Gesellschaft. The Fortress V is enveloped by the clouds, but is unharmed by this. The next volley, howeer, is indeed quite painful. The entire ship rocks, and those on the bridge will have to grab onto something to avoid being thrown out of their chair. (seatbelts are for losers). "Damage report!" Storm Owl calls out.

        The Repliforce soldiers, meanwhile, are suddennly ambushed from behind by Samech! As per their training, they split off in all directions, confident that Samech cannot nail all of them. "You just made the worst mistake of your life, bucko," one of the Repliforce aerials, a hulking behemoth of a robot, mutters back in Samech's direction. The Repliforce troopers - of which there are many - split up once more. Half of them go after Samech, while the others begin tracking the Servbots. When they get clear shots on those Lego rip-offs, they take 'em.

 

         Bon bashes into the back of Gareth and then is shot from the air by Sol. Oh well! He'll have to deal with him anyhow eventually. As such, Bon doesn't exactly have a choice to do much... the forcefield probably strong enough to stay up. What he sees though is just a wall, a wall that will take time to break down. While that person keeps shooting at him!

         Oh well. He'll deal with it, changing the volume somehow and then crying out loudly! The many functions of the cyborg body also have this for an effect, focusing the high pitched sound on the flying assaulter.

         He'll then begin to get help from the servbots afterwards! Must do his best for Tron!

 

Bon Bonne strikes Sol Wyrm with his Piercing Cry attack.

 

Fractal finds it easy to futher ignore the loud mouthed Rainbow Devil, it's attack bouncing harmlessly off the armor of his ride armor. However, it's the Gustav and now Samech that have more of his attention, feeling both of their attacks as he experiences turblance inside the cockpit. Swooping around, he remains with his primary target, flying straight towards the Gustav. He waits till after the left second to pull up, aimming to kick the Gustav in the head with his RA's leg.

 

Samech successfully covers Tron Bonne.

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> strikes Samech with its Boink attack.

 

Gareth ponders for a moment...everyone seems to have left off of him...

 

All the better, as the blades on the Crystal Spear brighten in their glow...

 

Gareth forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

Solder, not missing a beat, replies to Storm's command instantly, "Reports coming back from damage control in five, four, three... Forward shields are at 50%... Redirecting power as we speak... we're back to 75%, but the overall integrity is down to 80% after the shift... A couple volleys got through, in addition. Reporting minor structural damage to forward sections Six, Thirteen, Five... And TEN, sir!" He continues reviewing, "No hull breaches as yet. Minor electrical fires have been contained..." He pauses a moment, "Firing ion batteries Beta Five, Six and Ten... Targeting Ventral lasers again... Firing..."

 

Rush Raccoon speaks.."The grappling lines. Yes sir." he states as he ready the lines. He fires off a Ion Burst upwards again, a single one however, as the others are still recharging from his attempt to hit them before. He readies all the lines he can on top of the ship in that direction and he fires them. one at a time into the clould cover. Talk about...... FISHING! muhahahahahhaha! off goes the "Fishing lines" into the sea of clouds....

 

Psyche chuckles as he's ignored. " What a wholly stupid creature..." He murmers, before reaching over to another set of keys. The Devil withdraws for the moment, and begins to flash a bit more rapidly in it's color change, as it charges.

Rainbow Devil forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

        The Gustav turns its head to look towards the combat between Samech and the Soldiers. The Soldiers also turning to go for Tron's Kobun. Tron's eyes go wide at this.

        "Oh no you did not!"

        Thankfully for her, the attack of the Eagle is intercepted by Samech. The Gustav barely notices besides turning seconds too late if Samech wasn't there. Samech interposing himself earns a brillian smile from Tron inside the Gustav. She's starting to like Samech more and more now.

        As for the Soldiers, The Gustav Hulk Leaps to the end of the train... and reaches for the kaboose. WRENCHING it off the end of the train with its massive, gorilla like arms, the Gustav turns and HURLS the kaboose for the Repliforce Soldiers who are trying to pick on her Servbots.

        The Servbots try to take cover inside the Train and behind the Load Drache, but one of them manages to get shot by the Repliforce Privates and goes sprawling with eyes swirling as its internals are jarred by the impact.

        The Servbots cheer, however, when the kaboose of the train flies over their heads for the Repliforce contingent.

        "STOP TRYING TO PICK ON MY KOBUN," ROARS the Pirate Princess!

 

        Samech found the attack from the Eagle to be overall a tad lacking in power, and with a slight shrug the boink was dismissed by the gargantuan Android, who then crossed his arms before his chest and /glared/ toward the soldiers. "Don't," Samech said to them, not bothering to say more. Aside from that...well, a forcefield went up around him. Exciting, no?

Samech projects a forcefield around himself.

 

Samech begins covering Tron Bonne.

 

Sol Wyrm is rocked around a bit by the sonic strike, but quickly regains his flight path, wings stretching to give himself some air. The dragon flips back, bringing Bon back into his impact plan, except Sol slows himself down with his graviton accelerator. The beam comes straight from Sol's chest to keep him aloft, but the beam heads toward Bon, full of compressing strength.

 

Sol Wyrm strikes Bon Bonne with his Luna Sphere Mk. 3 attack.

 

         Bon is rather hurt from the last assault, falling back slightly. As such, Bon raises a hand towards the dragonish thing. " Babbuu! < Aiiee! That actually hurts! > " As such, Bon He might be pointing at it too. For now though, Bon mainly keeps his sights on the thing. Oh he really really wants to do good for Tron and Teisel. What to do. What to do? .... OH!

         Well the servbots are almost done ransacking the from of the train. He'll have to use what he has!

         The little sense is true also, the fingers going from a pointing, to a fist form.. and from there the arm blasts off. "Babbuu! " < For Teisel! > Yeah. That's where he got this attack from! Definitely!

 

Bon Bonne strikes Sol Wyrm with his Flying Fist attack.

 

        THERE! The time has come...

Gareth drops the forcefield and charges the Rainbow Devil, bringing the brightly glowing Crystal Spear back over his left shoulder, bringing it down in a /brutal/ arc that crashes toward the control orb, severing several of the railroad ties next to and behind his feet...

 

Gareth lowers his forcefield.

 

Gareth strikes Rainbow Devil with his Crystal Spear attack.

 

[Radio: (C) Propaganda] Pirate Princess Tron Bonne transmits, "So, what did Ska do? What Mavericks were accounted for?"

 

[Radio: (C) Propaganda] Serges transmits, "<text> They are irritating. That is what they are."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "..."

 

Meanwhile, Psyche yawns. Even as the attck hits. " Oh, what sad, sad display of power. " He adjusts the controls, and the Devil looms upwards over Gareth. It's shifting speeds up until it's at an almost blinding pace, before lunging upon the Repliforcer. Encompassing him, it's hundreds of pseudopods tear and rip, rend and ravage. They work their way into cracks and break out. Literally, the Devil is moving so fast and changing so quickly, it's but a blur of motion and color.

            Like a Rainbow, only, you know, it kills things.

 

Rainbow Devil misses Gareth with its Flux Frenzy attack.

 

[Radio: (C) Propaganda] Sewa transmits, "Oh, is the fight over?"

 

Once again, the Gesellschaft moves immediately after unleashing its fury. Going over the top into a ten-second barrage, however, leaves it far more vulnerable when the FV responds. Great holes are blasted in the fore of the pirate ship as several of Repliforce's attacks connect. "Dive! Descend! WHOAOAOAOA!" Picking himself up from under a pile of Servbots, Teisel tries to ignore the shaking of his ship. "Status of the main cannon?!" "Still charging, sir! Now at eighty-five percent!" "Damage report!" "Hull breaches on decks three and five in the fore, sir! Forward plasma cannon battery out of commission!" "Prepare to fire again! Turn to face with our port side! We're gonna hit their underside ACKNOWWHAT!" Again the great ship lurches as several of the FV's grapples latch on. "Master Teisel, we're caught in something!" "WHAT?!" "Forward observation reports grapples, sir!" "They're pulling us in?! No way! We've gotta get free! We've gotta...wait a minute...direct all power to the main cannon! They want us close? We'll hit 'em point blank!"

            Meanwhile, on the outer deck, heedless of the high-pitched combat going on, Servbot #27 performs his daily duty of sweeping the deck. CLINK. "Eh? What's this? That's weeeeird. Oh, hey, it's kinda neat! Whoa, it's sticky! AND grabby! Hey, owwww, I don't think I LIKE this! Now it's pulling! Whoaaa...WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

 

[Radio: (C) Propaganda] Pirate Princess Tron Bonne transmits, "So... have fun with the IO, Serges?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "This is going to require a larger weapon system..."

 

Rush Raccoon now has the BIGGEST Fish Story ever to tell.

 

[Radio: (C) Propaganda] Sewa transmits, "Guess they're not on here, Tron."

 

[Radio: (C) Propaganda] Pirate Princess Tron Bonne transmits, "Not at present, no."

 

        Fractal quickly examines the data he has, noticing the forcefield now around Samech, who is still protecting the Gustav. He looks at the battle between the Rainbow thing and Gareth and decides to stay out of that mess. Knowing it'll probably be useless, he flies over Samech and Gustav, aimming his right cannon arm at the pair before releasing a plasma caster.

 

Samech successfully covers Tron Bonne.

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> strikes Samech with its Microblast Plasma Caster attack.

 

Samech's forcefield withstands the attack.

 

"What's the status of the Draches?" Storm Owl asks Solder. Sure it's not all that important right now, but those transports will be a great boon to the Bonnes once they start trying to make their getaway with their cargo. Storm Owl inputs several commands into his computer, having repair teams on standby for the eventual time where the Gesellschaft manages to breach the FV's thick hull. At least by that point the Gesellschaft should have taken lots of damage, and hopefully won't be able to keep up its stealth tricks. The Fortress V lurches even as it manages to grab onto the Gesellschaft. The bridge crew are suddenly quite eager. Oh they got the crazy pirate bastard now...

        Meanwhile, below, the Repliforce soldiers that had been closing in on the servbots are all knocked aside and sent sprawling in all directions by a flying caboose. Oh no! If Tron wants to make a bowling joke, now's the time. But they'll be back! Just you wait!

 

Sol Wyrm takes the fist in the gut, and this time, comes down between Bon, Gareth and the Devil. Sol looks around, and panics, sending his wings out. The solar blankets start to glow as he sucks in the nearby energy to pump his systems. He disperses the solar energy out through his talons, snarling as the beams try to lance the enemy. "Sir, I'll buy you some time, but you need to pull out the stops to take this thing out. The command says its seriously strong!"

 

Sol Wyrm strikes Bon Bonne with his Sunspot Splash attack.

 

Sol Wyrm strikes Rainbow Devil with his Sunspot Splash attack.

 

Sol Wyrm begins covering Gareth.

 

Solder switches over to primary scanners, focusing them, ever so briefly, on the Draches, "Reporting one... two... No, FOUR full wings still remaining. We've managed to down ten of them, but they've still got twenty operating at mostly full capacity, Commander. They're primarily holding back, drawing fire and taking attacks of opportunity..." He switches over to the damage reports, "Shields recharging slightly, but..." he gets a warning sensor, "COMMANDER! I'm detecting a massive power surge on the part of the Gesellschaft!" His eyes go wide, despite the lack of ambient sensory information, "I don't know what they're planning, sir, but they're spiking like crazy! It's nearly off the chart!"

 

Rush Raccoon grrrrsssssss and begins to lock on the freaking Fish ship they've manage to hog tie finally. He begins to REEL This sucker in and it's putting the systems to strain. and...they are preparing an attack it seems according to sensors and Solder calls it out. He just begins LOCKING on the craft now, now that they finally KNOW Where the sucker is. Perfect locks for the F5 to just TEAR this sucker apart with it's Ion Cannons hopefully!...

 

        The Gustav looks up at the Eagle as it unleashes its blast... only to have Samech once more stand between the Gustav and the blast.

        The fact that Samech is two sizes TALLER then the Gustav makes this easy. Tron LIKES this Shadow Hunter. His abilities are incredible.

        Tron turns then to focus on the soldiers... only to cheer as they go sprawling, "STRIKE!" She had to make the Bowling Joke. Oh yes, she did.

        The Servbots have finished loading up the cargo containers of two of the four Drache. They radio this to Tron. "All right. Get them out. Fly low and fast. Get them OUT OF SIGHT as fast as possible! Use the other two Drache for cover. We've got what we came for. Now its break time."

        The Pilots of the Load Drache accept the orders, spinning their Drache and LAUNCHING away at ground level at full speed. The two remaining Drache launch after them to provide aerial cover. They will take the first hits for the Cargo Drache.

        Tron narrows her eyes at the Eagle, Gareth, and Sol Wyrm. Time to begin to unleash the Gatling Gun. From the Gustav's shoulder extends a large gatling gun, rising upward and clicking into place. Tron smiles even as she takes a bead on all three targets, even taken the time to key in the nearby Repliforce Soldiers.

        Energy Gatling Pellets are unleashed in a flurry for the Repliforce!

 

 

Sol Wyrm fails his attempt to cover Gareth.

 

Tron Bonne strikes Sol Wyrm with her Gustav Gatling Flurry attack.

Tron Bonne misses Gareth with her Gustav Gatling Flurry attack.

Tron Bonne strikes Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with her Gustav Gatling Flurry attack.

 

        Samech's forcefield was struck by the energy-based attack from the Eagle, and then he gave a slight rolling of his shoulders, a glance toward the Gustav and he stepped aside while Tron released her own attack. He pondered pulling out a mace or two and bashing aside random individuals...but that wouldn't be too polite. Nor energy efficient. Instead...Samech rested.

 

Samech forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

        Gareth blinks out of the way of the Gatlin Flurry, as he turns to regard the situation...

The knight was /hoping/ the Crystal Spear would do the job, but he underestimated the resilience of the Rainbow Devil. It's a shame that Repliforce could not have this machine; it's truely a mighty weapon...

 

He's going to need more power to do the job...

 

Gareth forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

The Devil, however, has no such mercy as Gareth. It knows no rest, no pain. Only the instructions of it's master, which, for the moment are simple: Kill that little freak that evaded the Devil's ultimate technique. Psyche leans on the edge of his seat, waiting for a satisfying 'squish' sound as the Devil, currently red, expands both it's hands and arms wide, before bringing them crashing together upon Gareth in a crushing smash.

 

Rainbow Devil strikes Gareth with its Transmutation Strike Red attack.

 

        Not surprised that his attack was ineffective, Fractal tries to avoid the Gustav's attack, without luck. A light starts blinking at him as the ride armor's health continues to deplete. He goes into a higher altitude, keeping a close watch over the battle as he starts charing his own weapon systems up.

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

         As Bon goes to bash the head in of the dragon who was irritating him, Bon gets .. yelled at over the radio. The energy flooded about him , wounding him slightly but still causing him to look over from attention. It was starting to hurt! But then again, the weird doctor person told him to get the bird. So he would, because Tron said he should also.

         The arm re-attaching after being fired, Bon looks up at the birdy and fires off a few missiles.. they home in too, heading to explode upon it's outside! Hopefully that will help the odd doctor from yelling at him again!

         Just Maybe!

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "...damage critical..."

 

Bon Bonne strikes Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with his Bombastic attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "Fairchild, checking in. Requesting status reports on whatever the hell I'm probably missing."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "Clear out, sir! I'll take on the Jello!"

 

Samech begins covering Tron Bonne.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Solder transmits, "Get out of there, Lieutenant. We don't get paid extra to be heroes. Let someone fresh take over!"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fractal Dragonfly transmits, "Corporal Fractal requesting any backup!"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "Assault on Fortress Five and its requisite properties by what appears to be petty criminals."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "Petty Criminals nothing. We've got the Bonnes on our asses!"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "I think Lieutenant Gareth is about to head out....which means its up to me to take down the Devil."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Gareth transmits, "And the Rainbow Devil, Director..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Gareth transmits, "And yes, I regret to say I must retreat."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Sarah Fairchild mutter mutter. "Kill it! Do I need to get my tank?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "Perhaps. But right now....its my turn."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "At this point, Director, I think any assistance you could provide would be appreciated."

 

Gareth gets squished...

        Gareth is a /wreck./ Mechfluid runs flreely from several places, and his armor is dented and banged up all over the place...

            He whips his cape around, cranking the power on his blink systems as far as they can go, and attempts to warp himself back to the docks of the Fortress V...

 

Gareth retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Rainbow Devil, Tron Bonne, and Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>.

 

Teisel Bonne stands tall and proud on his bridge, even after the Fortress V begins to rip into his ship with their ion cannons, tearing holes in its fishy sides and sending the crew scurrying to keep the thing afloat. Heedless, Teisel simply asks, "Main cannon status?" "Er, one-hundred-and-fourty-eight percent, sir!" "Good..." Calmly, the Pirate King presses his intercom button and speaks to his crew. "Everyone, we're going to give them one more good shot, and either we'll send them running, or it won't matter. We're fighting for not just the prize, but the pride of the Bonne pirates, and I know you're all with me one-hundred percent. You're the finest pirate crew in the world, and I have faith that together, we'll pull this off." Flicking the intercom off for a second, Teisel starts as he remembers something. "Oh, yeah, brace for impact!" That done, he sits carefully in his command chair. "Helm...RAMMING SPEED! Weapons, on my mark..."

            The Bonne airship suddenly leaps forward as surprising speed, its Bonne-invented, Bonne-designed, and Bonne-built ion propulsion engines being top-notch performers. Closing what little distance remains between the two ships, the Gesellschaft impacts even as on its bridge Teisel yells grimly "Fire!", and the Bonne Skull emblem on the front of the ship suddenly discharges a Bonne plasma sphere a quarter the size of the Gesellschaft itself, which explodes forwards into the FV on impact.

 

Harmony has been keeping herself busy for certain, manning seperate cannons and lasers and checking stats and generally being useful. "Hold onto your imaginary socks, kids.."

 

Sol Wyrm looks as Gareth gets creamed, and Sol leaps up. His gravity beam takes him to the air, as all nine wings stretch to their max wingspan, filling with solar energy, while his inertial servos start to feed him controlled Gs. "Leave the Lieutenant a-LONE!" roars the draconian. As he does, a mixture of white light and black holes streak from his mouth, sending a wide beam of force straight for the machine looking to crush his officer.

 

Sol Wyrm misses Rainbow Devil with his Sol Collapse attack.

 

The soldiers who just got 'bowled over' (heh... heh heh) are starting to recover. They'd been made to look like morons by these common ruffians, and this besmirches their Repliforce honour. "Get her, men!" The Repliforce soldiers charge towards the Gustav even as the energy pellets tear into their ranks. It's a tribute to the courage of the soldiers. But also a bit to their stupidity, as some of them are blown away by the weaponry. Still, many soldiers are able to fire back at both the Gustav and at the retreating Load Drache and its escorts.

        Meanwhile, Storm Owl can guess what they're planning. A massive power spike? This reminds Storm Owl of when Hector Kaussman used the Yamamoto Cannon on the Fortress V. "Laser batteries, target the source of the power build up and fire. Solder, we're going to need maximum shield output -very shortly-.

        "Sir, they're coming in on an attack run!" comes the frantic shouts from a random Repliforce crewmember. Storm Owl stares at the viewscreen. Out of the fog comes the dark, unmistakable shape of the Gesellschaft. There's a bright flash from the Bonne Skull emblem, and then the viewscreen suddenly goes to static.

 

Rainbow Devil misses Gareth with its Body Split attack.

 

Rainbow Devil strikes Sol Wyrm with its Body Split attack.

 

Gareth runs. And then, Sol Wyrm throws a big blast of something gravitational and not nice at all.

            Psyche hrms, if only he could have two Rainbow Devils. But wait, he CAN! Pressing a button, the Devil suddenly splits into MULTIPLE PARTS. One mass goes after Sol, the other mass Gareth. And they are not nearly as nice as their central form. Psyche just laughs his ass off, in the meanwhile.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "....Hurt. Bad."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "Orders?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Gareth transmits, "Retreat, Private. As Solder said, we are not paid to be heroes."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fractal Dragonfly transmits, "Requesting assistence, teammates down, remaining survivor against four hostile targets."

 

Sol Wyrm is crushed, but his momentary distraction seemed to be enough to let Gareth get out. A burst of rocket fire, and Sol peels out before he gets filleted, heading for the nearby port in the F5. Mommy, he hits hard!

 

Sol Wyrm retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Rainbow Devil, Rush Raccoon, Tron Bonne, and Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>.

 

Interpol Sub <UNS Pathfinder> arrives from the Sky Above Western United States.

Interpol Sub <UNS Pathfinder> has arrived.

 

Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> has arrived.

 

Solder grips his console HARD as the ship shudders with the impact, focusing still on the reports coming in throughout the ship, "I managed to route a bit of power, sir, but that burst TORE our shields away. I'm reporting Hull breaches on decks One through five as well as seven through fifteen. Emergency fields are in place, and fire control is working to contain it... We've lost a half dozen forward laser batteries and a good chunk of our shield generating capacity... Shields down to... 25% overall... Attempting to route power... I've got 30%, and I think I can get us back to 50% IF we don't take another hit... Fat chance... More reports, we've lost two ion cannons, too. Power surge toasted them... Ten dead, a hundred wounded, and more reports coming in. They got us good, sir!"

 

        The Gustav has unleashed the pain on the Repliforce Lines, and Tron's emerald eyes scan the battle above and around her. Oh yes, things are going wonderfully well.

        The Four Load Drache; two flying low to maintain a hold on their cargo and the others flying cover, rush low over the landscape. They intend to get as far away from the Fortress V as fast as possible.

        Tron then hears every word from Teisel's lips as he speaks them to the crew of the Gesellschaft... his words relayed to her. Her emerald eyes well up for a moment, then they close tightly. Tron nods, once.

        That's her brother all right.

        "Kick their ass, Teisel Bonne. FOR THE BONNE FAMILY!"

        When the Soldiers then turn for the Gustav and begin to unleash, the Gustav is struck again and again by their blasts. Armor dented and scored. The Gustav turns then, its yellow eyes locking on the Repliforce Soldiers. The Load Drache are blasted by the Repliforce Troops, and one of them, thanks to a very lucky shot by a grenade launcher, is blasted down. It happens to have been one of the cover Drache, and the Servbot who was piloting it is seen after the explosion... parachuting down towards the ground.

        The Gustav's arm's come up, its massive forearms flexing... then splitting open. It reveals massive lines of energy generators. They begin to glow even as Tron silently begins to chant under her breath. The Gustav advances, blasted again and again, but drawing the fire of the Repliforce Soldiers.

        "...Let the fools who stand before me be destroyed... by the power you and I possess."

        The Gustav brings its arms back to its side, energy focusing before its hands that are held as if holding a ball. Then the Gustav LEAPS upward, its arms going over its head and a RADIANT BALL of energy illuminates the world.

        "BOFFO!"

        "BONNE"

        "BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAST!"

        The Gustav throws its arms forward, a WALL of energy heading for the Repliforce Troops.

        Motivated by Teisel's speech, Tron's goal is a simple one. Wipe these 'forcers from the face of the world. For her family. For Freedom. For everything they ever wanted. For the Honor of the Bonne Family Pirates!

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fractal Dragonfly transmits, "Requesting Orders. Engage targets or escape?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Solder transmits, "What's your status, Corporal?"

 

Rush Raccoon is holdoing tight as the ship liteary shakes, and... guess what? Thats right. the Panel EXPLODES! but since he is obviously not wearing a Red Uniform he pushes himself up from the blast with a nice scorched and sparking arm, he grrrsssssss and pays no mind to it, though obviously in pain as he gets back to the controls. Fried..... he gets up and quickly tries and finds a working console... he finds it. He stands up as he works it.

 

        Samech watched as the soldiers were about to meet the ultimate in Gustavian destruction, and he then peered up toward the Eagle. It was odd...it had backed away. Perhaps the driver was admitting defeat, realizing they were out done by the capabilities of Samech in the area of being a bodyguard?

 

Samech forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

Psyche adjusts the orb to see Sol Wyrm turning tail to run. " Awww, but we just got started. Can't you stay and /play/? " he muses, keystrokes clackity-clacking loudly. The Devil, though run down on it's energy reserves, is still raring to go. Reforming after it's split, it locks upon Sol. Spinning quickly, a large pseudopod extends and forms into a hammer of sorts, looking to smack the Repliforcer down.

 

Rainbow Devil strikes Sol Wyrm with its Generic Melee attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fractal Dragonfly transmits, "Eagle is at 50 and facing four hostiles."

 

Sol Wyrm is hit, but stands up out of the muck to take one last look at the Devil. "We'll play again sometime." he says, before rocketing back off.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Solder transmits, "Go to long range. Pull back behind Director Fairchild and give her cover fire. Can anyone support?"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "Defiant en route. ETA, uhm, now."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Solder transmits, "Thank you, Director."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fractal Dragonfly transmits, "Acknowledged."

 

Harmony tries not to get too jostled, but she does almost fall out of her chair. "Doesn't matter how 'good' they got us, they don't got us." Stubborn, she quickly checks some stats before she sighs. "Don't over work yourself Solder, I'll take care of the shields and you just take care of the weaponry." Shields make the most sense to her, so she does her best to try and get them back up at least /close/ to 50.

 

        The Eagle RA darts off towards the Land Sub, taking a protective position over it, or perhaps hoping it'll protect him from the still standing hostile force. Before it gets very far from it's previous targets, it figres off a gift for them. It looks like a plasma caster but soon fragments, hitting the area around the Gustav and Samech.

 

Samech fails his attempt to cover Tron Bonne.

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> strikes Tron Bonne with its Plasma Caster Spreadfire attack.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> strikes Samech with its Plasma Caster Spreadfire attack.

Samech's forcefield withstands the attack.

 

The Devil settles for now, and charges it's reserves...

 

Rainbow Devil forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

                        INSERT COIN TO PLAY!

                 ANOTHER CHALLENGER HAS ENTERED!!

Careening through the air is the Interpol Deployment Craft, the flying submarine, Pathfinder. It halts a good distance outside of the Devil's range, and then drops its payload down to the earth below: The Defiant Defense Tank. Inside...Sarah Fairchild, frantically adjusting the controls, as handled mostly by her drones. "I am SO SICK of this idiot," she mutters, drawing the tank closer to the devil - and as it moves, she jams a button on a console, marked in large, friendly letters, DRAMATIC ENTRANCE. The treads emit a low rumble through the earth, rocketing forward - specifically and acutely at the Rainbow Devil.

            "PSYCHE!" Sarah calls through the intercom. "GET THE HELL OUT OF MY CITY!"

 

Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> strikes Rainbow Devil with its Treadquake attack.

 

Cough. Wheeze. "Er, did someone get the number of that donkey cart?" Oh, yeah, massive battle in the sky! "Ack! Er, I mean, report!" Lots of groaning. No reporting. "GRRRRR, REPORT YOU LAZY SWABS! I've NEVER seen such a useless collection of walking slugs in my life! GET! TO! WORK!" Shocked back into the here and now, the members of the Gesellschaft bridge crew able to do so jump into a flurry of activity. "Main cannon offline! The backfire blew it completely to pieces!" "Fore hull breached on every deck! The whole thing has nearly caved in!" "Structural damage throughout the ship! Repair crews are trying to keep the ship infastructure from collapsing in on itself!" Hmmmm... "Sounds like a good day's work, boys. Let's get Tron and Bon and get out of here." "Aye aye, sir!" If there's one piece of the Gesellschaft that still works properly, it's the engines. Roaring in full reverse, the pirate ship tries to free itself from its wounded opponent. Time for the moment of truth - did they hurt the FV bad enough, or will it unleash all holy hell upon the weakened Gesellschaft?

 

Storm Owl grabs onto his armrest with his sole hand as the bridge shakes, rattles, and rolls. He can barely hear what Solder is saying over the sounds of explosions and other such trouble. Nevertheless, Storm Owl, coughing, stands up from his command chair and makes it over to one of the now-unmanned consoles. "Indeed they did, Corporal, however they have made a critical error. By coming in this close to us, the ball is now in -our- court, so to speak. All ion and laser batteries, target the Gesellschaft and blow it out of the sky. Get any remaining grappling lines hooked onto it and keep it from escaping. Damage control teams to the affected areas." There's a few gasps at the news of ten being dead, but Storm Owl doesn't skip a beat. As soon as the crewmen and women do their thing, the Fortress V's teeth are brought fully to bare against the Gesellschaft at an extremely close range. As Teisel noted, the question is now just how sharp those teeth are after Teisel's gutsy (read: psychotic) maneuver.

        Down on the ground, things are almost as bad. The Repliforce troops are utterly scattered by the blast. Some of them fall to the ground, switching and sparking. Others, having had the warning thanks to Tron shouting out what she was going to do (mwah ;-)) escaped the Boffo Bonne Blast relatively unscathed, but nonetheless are sent fleeing before the Gustav.

 

         Bon sees the flashes, looking up as Tron gets blasted. OH NO! Tron! He has to help her! Bon looks up, the horns at the top of the metool like hat actually changing their position, aiming towards the Eagle! Yes indeed.

         Bon looks up, the horns being fired off, into the air and spinning around each other like side winder missiles!

         There are two things that irritate and anger Bon! One would probably be attacking the servbots, but those are his family too! The most important though is his family! Attacking them is really a bad thing.. and if he was able to, he'd probably have beaten it harder!

         Then again, Bon isn't the smartest. He still saw it as an assault. He'd still try and punch if he's be able to. He's too far away though!

 

Solder jumps to target the weaponry even as Storm gives the order, "Already on it, Commander. Ventral lasers targeting... starboard lasers targeting... secondary ion cannons targeting... Locking ALL available weaponry on the Gesellschaft... FIRING!" he cries the last as he punches the firing sequence, loosing a furious volley of energy at point blank range.

 

Bon Bonne misses Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with his Horn Missiles attack.

 

Rush Raccoon works the sensors...or..whats left of them anyways on keeping a dead eye lock on the Might Bonne Airship... however, this would be his last act for the moment because his wound finally got to him it seems, he seems to collpase to his feet and kinda slumps over. Seeming unconcious, left to Medical to take care of.

 

Rush Raccoon has disconnected.

 

        The Gustav is caught by the blast of the Eagle, knocked from the air and sent sprawling to the ground below. It impacts the earth and digs up a long furrow along the ground. Tron shudders inside the Gustav... then grins to herself. Oh yes. Very worth it.

        And yes, her drama saved some Repliforce Soldiers lives... but that was mostly the intent.

        Tron calls for the remaining flight crews of Drache. Three to come pick her, Samech, and Bon up. They will do so with great rapidity, so all three can escape. All the Drache converge for the three remaining Bonnes on the ground. They will provide for one another and for Bon, Tron, and Samech so all can get away.

        The Gustav rolls to its feet, its arms clamping closed, hiding the emiters for the Boffo Bonne Blast once more as it looks up at the F5 and the Gesellschaft. Tron winces, "Come on, Teisel. Get out of there!"

        The Gustav turns then, springing up to leap onto the top of a passing Drache. However, she isn't through with the Eagle even as she latches the Gustav's feet to the top of the Drache's hull with magnetic clamps.

        The Gustav's arm goes back, and the skull on its back opens to reveal the handle of something. The Gustav pulls it free like unsheathing a massive sword. However, it is not a sword. It is a bazooka.

        A VERY. BIG. BAZOOKA.

        The Gustav slaps it onto its shoulder and takes aim for the Eagle, "Say goodnight, Gracie." She then hits the fire trigger and the homing missile launches from the Gustav Bazooka for the Eagle.

 

        Samech was behind the shield, and the attack from the Eagle came, ripping into the barrier and managing to so utterly saturate the area that he failed once more at protecting Tron from harm, though this time he felt it was due to the way the attack had been designed more so than his own ineptitude. Samech swung his hands out to his sides, the barrier vanishing as the palms thrust toward the direction of the Ride Armor, and a broiling mass of energy cut toward the vehicle.

 

Samech lowers his forcefield.

 

Samech misses Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with his Dual Barrier Burst attack.

 

Tron Bonne strikes Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> with her Gustav Bazooka attack.

 

Samech begins covering Tron Bonne.

 

The Rainbow Devil takes the hit, hard, and goes reeling back, before adjusting itself and re-anchoring intot he ground. Turning, it looks to the tank.

            " Why, hello Dr. Fairchild. I take it the attempt on your life wasn't to your liking? " Psyche's voice calls out via a speaker. " Pity. " The Devil reforms into a giant head, with fearsome looking teeth, and goes flying first upwards, and then straight down upon the Defiant.

 

Rainbow Devil strikes Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> with its Death From Above attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fractal Dragonfly transmits, "Ride Armor in critical condition. Retreating from combat."

 

Teisel Bonne is nearly thrown forward as the Gesellschaft hurls itself backwards - the few grapples that weren't blown off in his Most Awesome Manuever (and not psychotic at all!) either being forcibly disconnected, or simply tearing pieces of damaged hull away with them. The sudden jump away from the FV causes quite a few of its shots to whiff, but those that do connect tear at the Gesellschaft so that its entire fore quarter is now almost entirely in ruins. Retreating into the cloudcover, the pirate ship doesn't fire back, fully intent now upon escape rather than ruination - well, at least it gave as good as it got.

 

        Skillfully, the Eagle avoids the two sidewinder horns. Feeling a moment of peace, the reploid pilot is suddenly shaken back to reality as his systems start blaring at him from the impact of a rocket. His sudden loss in altitude thankfully saves him from the other attack as well. With the armor starting to get sluggish from the suddenly massive damage, Fractal makes the only logical move.. he retreats, post haste, towards the Fortress V's docking bay.

 

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> retreats from the area swiftly, outdistancing all pursuit and parting shots.

 

Sarah growls as the BIG BAD RAINBOW BORG attempts to rip the tank apart in one shot. And fails. Indeed, it makes the fatal mistake of getting very, very close...

            "And now I'm gonna return the favor, Psyche. Get your toy OUT OF MY JURISDICTION!" she snarls, and then pushes another button on the console, which is clearly labeled as FUN TIME.

            And that's when the tank's main gun goes off right in the big ugly thing's mouth.

 

Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> misses Rainbow Devil with its Sabot Depleted Uranium attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Director Fairchild, be warned. Ventral laser batteries will be targetting the Rainbow Devil shortly."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "With EXTREME Prejudice."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "It'd be greatly appreciated. That thing packs a hell of a punch."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Solder, Harmony, you heard the order."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "Already targeting."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "I shall attempt to bring down the Gesellschaft with the ion cannons, but I calculate only a 12.3% chance of success."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Harmony transmits, "Sir, yes sir!"

 

        The Pirate Princess, having unleashed the Bazooka Blast, orders her Drache to get the hell out of dodge.

        Oh yes. Time to run away. Especialy as the Gesellschaft is retreating. Hopefully the Fortress V is too crippled to be able to follow very closely.

        "Come on, baby... hold together..." Tron softly whispers, thinking of her poor, poor Gesellschaft.

 

Tron Bonne retreats from the area swiftly, leaving her open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Rainbow Devil, and Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>.

 

Solder begins to direct the ventral laser batteries at the Rainbow Devil. ALL of them. Targeting sensors no longer being jammed, they all focus on a single enemy, targeting lasers activating and putting dozens of tiny leads on the Rainbow Devil's body, "Charging Ventral laser batteries." he says simply.

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "I'll draw its fire for as long as possible."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "Destroy it quickly!"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "If I have to, i'll get out and kill it on foot. I'm sick of people messing with the people I'm supposed to protect."

 

Harmony wiggles her fingers, pushing a button as soon as the Ventrals are done charging. "Firing Ventral lasers! Bing bang boom, baby." And so it's done, every laser that the F5 has got operating is fired at the devilish Rainbow Devil.

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Maiko Kamiya transmits, "Do you require assistance Director?"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Solder transmits, "ALL Ventral lasers targeted on the Rainbow Devil. Charging..."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "Stay away, Maiko, we'll handle this."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Maiko Kamiya transmits, "Very well."

 

        Samech watched as Tron departed as did the Ride Armor, and he turned toward the remaining people at this place. Bon, the giant blob of multiple colors, the tank...which hadn't been there at the start. Samech pondered leaping on top of the tank and poking it, asking why it was being mean...but no. No, that'd be a waste of time. Instead, Samech merely strolled over in the direction of the Devil...though he wasn't about to leap in and take a shot yet.

 

         There was a tank. There was a mound of jello and there was a large robo-baby. As such, Bon asked the yelling Doctor from before about the tank. The reply? To break it. Probably not the best idea, but the other person way right! It hurt Tron.. so maybe the Tank will hurt Tron too!

         Then Tron's escaping! Hmm, maybe he should too? Probably a good idea! Following in Tron's path, he walks towards the tank menacingly! Then next to the tank menacingly! Then away from the tank! Well. Menacingly is a natural state with arms that large, but the eyes had just said that he wants to make sure his sister and brother would be alright!

Bon Bonne retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Rainbow Devil, Samech, Teisel Bonne, Tron Bonne, Harmony, Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant>, Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>, Gareth, Solder, and Sol Wyrm.

 

The Devil no more than blinks at the slug. Spreading it's goo, the core opens to reveal a green glow that washes over it. The Force Metal energy neutralizes the uranium entirely, allowing the Devil to bat it away safely like any normal shell. That's when the laser battery fire get's Psyche's notice. " Well, spank me and call me Sally. They've doen the Darwin Shuffle! " Keystroking, the Devil springs into action in the small amount of time it has left. Wrapping itself rather crushingly around the tank, or at least trying. It will flip the Tank upwards...and use it as a shield...

 

Rainbow Devil strikes Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> with its Twisting Crush attack.

 

Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> is temporarily disoriented by Rainbow Devil's Twisting Crush attack.

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild has arrived.

 

Storm Owl has given the order to Solder and Harmy to take down the Rainbow Devil, and they begin doing so. Storm Owl, now at one of the fire control consoles, is more than willing to shoot Teisel in the back. The heavy ion cannons - of which only two of the four are in any position and condition to fire on the Gesellschaft - swivel upwards. With a loud *THOOM, THOOM, THOOM, THOOM* massive bolts of blue crackling energy fly from the pumping turrets, careening aftering the fleeing Bonne ship. The FV can't keep up with the Gesellschaft, and has to stay here with the train anyhow, but it can sure punch the Bonne ship in the back in the head with brass knuckles.

 

Harmony squints, watching the lasers fire upon the Rainbow Devil. But.. wait.. wait! "Oh, shoot! He's using the tank as a shield, stop firing! Cease fire!" Slamming commands into the machine, she's afraid there's already going to be too much damage done..

 

Solder gasps as he sees the Rainbow Devil grasp the Tank, "DIRECTOR FAIRCHILD!" He cries as he moves to cease activity, "Cease fire! Director Fairchild's directly in the line!"

 

The tank is grabbed. And used as a shield.

            And inside, Sarah Fairchild...sighs.

            And opens the hatch.

            And gets out.

            "Psyche," she announces, loudly. "I have had it about up to HERE with you. SIT. YOUR. ASS. /DOWN/."

            And at that point the drones, which have been until now swooping out of the tank to circle above the Devil's head...flash, and a massive subspace wormhole opens above the devil.

            And drops a massive bucket over the entire Devil, immobilizing it. Hopefully, that should buy her the time she needs to get the tank out.

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild strikes Rainbow Devil with her The Bucket attack.

 

Rainbow Devil is temporarily disoriented by Dr. Sarah Fairchild's The Bucket attack.

 

The Gesellschaft begin a zig-zag the moment it cleared visual range of the Fortress V within the mist - luckily, none of its speed or manueverability is dependant on aerodynamics (not that it starts with any, anyway), so the damage its suffered doesn't affect its ability to not be where the FV is shooting right now. Eventually, the cloud itself pulls away from the FV, the center of the cloud following its source, while the rest dissipates in the wind.

 

And suddenly, Psyche's entire camera view goes black.

            " Huh. "

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild hmphs. "That's BETTER," she says. Then she crawls back inside the tank and works to shake it free of the Devil's hold.

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild has left.

 

Fractal Dragonfly has arrived.

 

        The Bonnes have escaped!

        Barely.

 

But! With PHAT LEWT!

 

        Samech poked a rock with his foot...looked around...and then pondered. "So...uh....jello monster. Are you going to need my help?"

 

Teisel Bonne has left.

 

Tron Bonne has left.

 

The Defiant, after finally wriggling free of the Devil, moves back juuust a bit...and as the Devil itself finally breaks free, Sarah pushes a button clearly labeled PISS IT OFF. "Now," Sarah says. "As I was saying. LEAVE, BUBBLEHEAD."

            A missile launches from a rack on the tank, careening toward the devil - shrieking all the way, before erupting into a blast of concussive force and sound on contact.

 

Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant> strikes Rainbow Devil with its Shockwave Missile attack.

 

The missile strikes, sending nasty ripple through the Devil's very core. It sparks slightly. It's time to leave. " Well, I know when I'm not wanted. Toodles! " The Devil goes rushing off at a disturbing fast pace, leaping over rubble and twisting around obstacles...

 

Rainbow Devil retreats from the area swiftly, leaving it open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Fractal Dragonfly, and Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>.

 

        Samech shrugged...and strolled away. Yup...just your average fifteen foot tall Android, nothing to see here.

 

Samech retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Fractal Dragonfly, Rainbow Devil, Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>, and Sol Wyrm.

 

Storm Owl watches as the Gesellschaft makes its exit. Hopefully Teisel learned a few things about preying on targets when the Fortress V is nearby. But for now, he needs to help out Director Fairchild. Storm stumbles back to his command chair and plops down in it, "Any final locks on the Rainbow Devil, go ahead and take them. Solder, I need a damage report and information on our repairs are proceeding. Harmony, assemble a team to head down to the train to assist with the wounded and to investigate what was stolen."

 

Gareth has left.

Gareth makes his way into Repliforce Mobile Fortress V <F5>.

 

Rainbow Devil enters the Texas.

Rainbow Devil has left.

 

Harmony nods, standing up quickly. "Yes, sir. I'll notify you as soon as we find out what's missing." Saluting quickly, she ducks out of the bridge, though still slightly hobbly. Stepping into the Turbolifts, she soon disappears, some radio chatter confirming that she's getting a team together to go down to the train.

 

Bon Bonne has left.

 

Sol Wyrm has left.

 

Bonne Airship <Gesellschaft> enters the Sky Above Western United States.

Bonne Airship <Gesellschaft> has left.

 

The Defiant tries to track the fast-moving monstrosity, but it's just TOO fast. With a final sigh of irritation, Sarah again emerges from the smoking tank, opens up the rear hatch, pulls out a tool kit, and sets to work. "Let's see, the axel shaft connects to the...thigh bone? No, that's not it..."

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild has arrived.

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild effects some minor repair work on Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant>.

Dr. Sarah Fairchild takes out a medical scanner and scans Interpol Defense Tank <Defiant>.

 

Solder shakes his head as he disconnects, "It's too far out of range, sir..." he replies even as he disconnects from the console, sight returning to his eyes. Gazing upon the physical console, he gives Storm the damage assessment, "Final assessment in... Hull integrity compromised accross 45% of the forward sections. Shield generators are damaged, but not critically so. Down to 80% of capacity. We can repair those relatively quickly. We also lost three Ion Cannon batteries as well as a dozen laser batteries. All in all, it was a fairly nasty little encounter, Commander. This is going to set us back at least a week, by my estimates."

 

Solder shakes his head as he disconnects, "It's too far out of range, sir..." he replies even as he disconnects from the console, sight returning to his eyes. Gazing upon the physical console, he gives Storm the damage assessment, "Final assessment in... Hull integrity compromised accross 45% of the forward sections. Shield generators are damaged, but not critically so. Down to 80% of capacity. We can repair those relatively quickly. We also lost one of the Ion Cannons as well as two laser batteries. All in all, it was a fairly nasty little encounter, Commander. This is going to set us back at least a week, by my estimates."

 

Harmony has disconnected.

 

Storm Owl listens to the report in silence. He doesn't appear upset or annoyed or anything at the damage taken, even if this is a setback for the invasion plans. "Very well. I shall be down in engineering aiding with the repair work. Satisfactory job, everyone." Normally a comment like this would make the crew chuckle to themselves, but with 10 dead so far, they aren't in a laughing mood.

 

Solder hauls himself to his feet, walking over to the console where Rush Raccoon is slumped, unconscious, "I'll get the Major down to Medbay, Commander. I'll see to his care personally."

            Solder hauls himself to his feet, walking over to the console where Rush Raccoon is slumped, unconscious, "I'll get the Major down to Medbay, Commander. I'll see to his care personally." he says as he slips Rush's arm over his shoulder and hauls him off toward the bay.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Berkana transmits, "I can not, for the life of me, figure out what the /deuce/ Psyche did to this thing."

 

Dr. Sarah Fairchild, finally satisfied that her repairs are sufficient, signals the Pathfinder to come pick up her tank and herself, and haul her home.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "Repliforce, good job today."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "To which thing is this, Captain?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "Thank you, Director. And thank you for the assist. That Rainbow Devil is a very large pain in our collective ass."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Berkana transmits, "The Rainbow Devil. I'm conducting an analysis on the sample that was brought to me, but..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Sarah Fairchild transmits, "I consider it my personal responsibility, so I'm happy to kick its ass at every opportunity."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Ah, I see."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Berkana tsks. "Well, enough of that for one night... how is everyone?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Unsatisfactory. The Fortress V has suffered damage. However I will not go into detail over an unsecure line. A report shall be forthcoming."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "Fortunately for us."

 

Sol Wyrm has arrived.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Sol Wyrm transmits, "I got hurt kinda bad...but I think Lieutenant Gareth got away okay."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "I tire of Psyche's games. If someone can locate him for me, I will end this."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Berkana sighs. "That is good to hear. I hope he isn't taking any undue risks."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Solder transmits, "I'll get the hackers on it. Yesterday."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Excellent."