Act 1, A Bright Beginning

Meta · August 23, 2014, 09:21:23 AM

Nadiya had her eyes on Aria and Zephyr. She was burning up at the sight...what was that jerk doing? They were here for a war...not hugs and that kind of jerkish things. Yeah. How dare he. The ifrit cleared her throat and was about to give the two a piece of her mind, when she heard the shot being fired. Oh well...briefing time...she could wait. She crossed her arms and muttered under her breath while she listened.

Captain sure sounded like a pit fight manager. She liked that. That kind of tough guy talk had its place here. Not...jerks hugging girls randomly and making an ifrit like her feel strange and inadequate and burning up with an odd kind of anger. That made her look at Zephyr again. Who the hell did he think he was...

The mecha pilot was about to say something again when suddenly Hyacinth pulled her little stunt. She growled. These guys sucked. She couldn't get one word in without someone else doing something big and attention grabbing. And now she was just getting pissed off.

She looked at Hyacinth. "Oh, just cram it, will ya? Just because you're part of a stupid hive mind that doesn't make you speak for all of us. Not everyone is scared of a tiny gun, like that stupid thing you're waving around, shrub."

Erynn · August 23, 2014, 10:11:31 AM

Hyacinth meets the captain's gaze with a look halfway between that he had seen previous, and an implacable will that would see her carve straight to the heart of the empire, or pave the way in blood for those that would come after.

"I find it hard to believe that there is anyone left here that has not come to grips with the reality of their situation.", Hyacinth responds, holstering her weapon, "The empire has made sure of that quite well without your help. Taking a page out of their playbook and firing into the air to silence dissent is more likely to get your own people shot than to be successful here. I may not speak for everyone, but blanks or not a great many of us here are done tolerating that shit. You can ask us to behave like machines and to throw our past out the airlock all you want, but it's not going to happen. Without our identities and our motivations for being here, we have no will to fight. Rather than try to render us less like the people we are, as the empire would, the common ground among us ought to be used to cement us together into one whole, with one purpose. The empire gets its strength from its sheer size and quantity. The only way we're going to win is by turning our differences into a greater quality."

While Hyacinth's assertion of the value of individuality was in stark contrast to the traditional Collective standpoint, the idea of bringing all involved together upon common ground and turning the parts into something more than their sum was a wholly familiar concept. To a careful observer, it could be noticed that Hyacinth was not your average Blooming Collective. It was as if she had begun to assimilate concepts and ideas according to her own whim, in addition to bouncing them off the collective as a whole through the mind link that they all shared.

Burdenking · August 24, 2014, 02:09:55 PM

The captain looked at Hyacinth for a short while, his false face seeming to never change or move with his thoughts. A couple of the lieutenants were beginning to get antsy, even reaching for the own guns. All of them, being career void miners, were very accustomed to rigid command structures, and also knew exactly why the captain was doing what he did, so there seemed to be not a single one of the present command structure willing to side with Hyacinth on the matter.

That is, except for the Collective that currently stared down the barrel of said recruits pistol, the smallest hint of a smile on his face as he looked right at Hyacinth. He seemed around her age, maybe older, and his coloring was much duller then Hyacinth's, to the point where he seemed gray all over, with small dull blues to break up the monotony. To other races, his silence was just that, silence. But to a collective, their mind could feel the subtle changes in the air, the invisible and mysterious language of the collective hive mind. coming out beneath the waves of blunt communication and ambiguous intentions.

The captain, his stare not even changing, smirked at the Collective girl in front of him "...Then do what you think is right." The man said, turning around and beginning to walk away, the collective male doing so as well "From this point forward, Recruit Hyacinth is the official representative on this ship for the recruits. If you have grievances, complaints, or suggestions, give them the Hyacinth and she'll give them to me in what ever manner she see fit." He said, not even looking back as he spoke over his shoulder.

The other Lieutenants appeared surprised, but didn't do much except begin calling out for their Squademates. Hyacinth, Nadiya, Ion, Aria, and Zephyr were placed under a youthful looking Awakened's squad.

A couple of the recruit hoped the tense situation was over with, giving the Collective girl a wide berth. Anyone who really seemed to want to look at her directly in the crowd was the other collective, who glanced back at her as he wandered off.

Mysticsage · August 24, 2014, 04:04:56 PM

Zephyr did not break his gaze from the female collective who had stormed the stage. A look of quite intrigue crossed his face with a deepening frown of distaste. While he agreed completely with her sentiment and words her methods left a far to bitter taste in his mouth. To fly off the handle like that was not the way that situation should have been handled. And if she had some how gathered support and commandeered the ship she would not only have gotten her self killed but most likely everyone else on board as well. That kind of blindness to the situation as a whole was something he thought wholly impossible for a member of a hive mind, but he was just shown how mistaken he could be. He would make a note of that for the future.

Thankfully everything ended as well as could have been expected he had not wanted to intervene, Even though he could still feel the tension in his body telling him he was ready to break her arm if he had to. He had taken a step forward slightly blocking Aria in the process in case he had to sprint at the girl before she ended up pulling the trigger. To make matters worse he now was in a team with her. "Why does the universe hate me sometimes?" He said to himself as he began walking to where they had ordered him. Though the whole situation could work to his advantage. There was now one additional bottleneck up the chain of command where he could further fade into the background whenever he chose. He was looking forward to when we would finally get a look at his station. Hopefully they had already moved everything up from the cargo hold already. He was also curious who they thought it was a good idea to have oversee this interesting group from who he noticed gathering. It looked like an awakened but he could not make much detail yet.

Moving fowad quickly he let his gate carry him closer to the android. "How's it going Captain? Zeyphr reporting I suppose." He was waiting for a response while looking him over trying to figure out his make and original purpose. He was always curious about the Awakened.

Throndir · August 27, 2014, 06:11:26 PM

Aria Blanchette

There was nothing but trepidation as Aria watched the events unfold all around her. After the speaker concluded his speech, Hyacinth had placed her gun, straight at the lieutenant who had fired the blank. There were no shots fired, though she could feel the tensity in the air as a few sharp words were tossed between them and the others who she had just briefly met. In the end Hyacinth had been promoted, becoming a bridge between the regular recruits to the officers above them.

There would be fighting, but not between comrades. At least, this was running through Aria's head as they were assigned into their new groups. They were already being cornered and suppressed by the empire, having infighting amongst themselves wouldn't be productive. But choosing who to fight with against the empire wasn't a choice at all. There was only one rebellion; only one way to make the empire pay. This rebellion was the only thing they have against all the atrocities.

The young mechanic thought about it no longer however, if this was how the rebellion was going to be, then she had better adapt.

kai927 · August 28, 2014, 12:49:44 AM

Ion smirked as he watched all that transpired. After Hyacinth comes down, and they start meandering to their group, he comments, "Hah, you're more fun than I thought." He hadn't been particularly bothered by the gunshot, though Hyacinth's actions amused him to no end.

He turned to their emo looking commander, "So, 'Boss', what do we get to do?"

Burdenking · August 28, 2014, 12:22:38 PM

The awakened stared at the group that he had been dumped with, a passionless glare forming his face as he seemed to cruelly analyze the team, his glare especially placed onto the Collective girl who had the roots to threaten his friends and his captain. He looked to the man named Zephyr, who spoke to him and was obviously wondering what he did before awakening. "Before you hurt your head trying to figure it out, I'll just say to stop wondering, you'll never know, and i'll never let you know." He said, his voice surprisingly strict.

He then looked to Kai as he spoke, but then decided to address the whole team for the answer "What you get to do is prepare your cores. We'll be dropping planetside as soon as we drop from warp. Our little crew has the glamorous job of taking on the planetary cannons." The Awakened said, pulling out a small device and pressing a button, causing a flash of light to form and create a planet "We'll be enjoying the lovely scenery of Praxis Kor, the largest empire military foundry planet this far out into the outer rim, while we do so." He said, allowing everyone to look at the planet.

Praxis Kor was one of the more renown planets of the outer rim, being instrumental in wiping out an alien scourge that had plagued many system ahead of it around fifty years ago. Since the extermination however, its mostly laid dormant as a rest and refueling station for military ships on patrol in the outer colonies. It would take no serious master of deduction to figure out that taking the planet would not only effectively cripple Empire naval operations in the sector, but also allow the Rebellion to more effectively arm their ships, and maybe even steal technology to further their own capabilities.

"Now, hurry it up. I don't want to inconvenience the captain anymore just because we're stuck with the Miss recruit rep here." He said, barely gesturing to Hyacinth before turning and walking away to prepare his Core. "You all have two hours, don't waste time!" he yelled back as he left, obviously expecting them to be fully prepared for the assault.

Meta · August 28, 2014, 01:53:46 PM

Nadiya had mostly been on her own, quietly observing things as she couldn't decide whether it was Zephyr, Hyacinth or her Lieutenant. Well, he did put it best tho. They were stuck with the 'rebel'. That was troubling at best. The ifrit got closer to the awakened. "Well, sir...I'll get right to preparations and all, 2 hours is plenty for that. But...just a little question of logistics here..." She looked over at Hyacinth. "If we're going to be a unit, taking out artillery, no less...how can we trust that she won't 'rebel' on us because she decided the empire was cuddlier?"

Then, she tilted her head. "No offense, shrub. If I was in your spot, I'd have expected you to think the same."

Erynn · August 28, 2014, 05:35:52 PM

"My name is Hyacinth.", stated simply, the headstrong collective imparts a select bit of knowledge that would no doubt make clear her actions earlier, "Despite what you may believe, I have no sympathies for a leadership who've taken all those I hold dear. I will see the Empire fall, and to that end I will do whatever becomes necessary, whether that be confronting a superior officer over flawed reasoning and motivations, or carrying out their orders to the letter."

Hyacinth makes and maintains eye contact with Nadiya throughout her brief monologue, her intent conveyed in her gaze.

"Does that satisfy you, Nadiya?"

Hyacinth had been sorely tempted to respond in kind to the constant references to a shrubbery, but had thought better of it. Having already prodded her soon to be squad mate once today, she decided to take the least offensive path and simply assert that she too had a name. Perhaps the Ifrit would recognize that the need for further conflict did not exist. Whatever the case, Hyacinth knew that doing something that could seem like a challenge would likely lead to problems given the pride displayed by her counterpart.

Mysticsage · August 28, 2014, 06:46:57 PM

Zephyr quickly followed the lieutenant his tall frame carrying him quickly to his side and out of ear shot, "Sir, I'm one of the ship's computer specialists as I'm sure you're aware, and my Mech does not require much prep time do to it's reflex systems but my computers do. If you could point me in the direction to my lab area due to the fact i don't yet know my way around the ship and I'd like to be ready as soon as possible."

He tried his best to remain as formal as possible as well as being as kind as possible. Hopefully the lieutenant would cave quickly and lead him to where he need to be. He would have asked for the other man's name but based off their encounter and the short time frame he figured he'd save the formalities for later and keep an eye out for him on the battle field. He was not looking to see any more death for the time being he had his fill as it was.

kai927 · August 29, 2014, 05:03:52 PM

Ion grins, "This sounds like it'll be fun." He sizes up the others that are to be on his squad. He wondered how many of them had actually fought in their mechs before. How many of them had taken a life. His grin falters for a moment, perhaps he shouldn't judge them too harshly. He had only killed one man so far. His grin soon returns, as he knew that number was going to change soon. He looks over his squadmates again, perhaps they'll be useful, or perhaps they'll do nothing but get in his way. Whatever the case, this was bound to be interesting.

Burdenking · August 29, 2014, 05:14:16 PM

The Lieutenant looked back to Zephyr, and sighed "Damn, just what i need, a data miner. Your stuff was tossed somewhere in engineering wing D, i think in a pretty empty space so you're out of everyone's way." He said coldly, approaching a rather large looking core, though from the looks of its amount of thrusters it was built for quick maneuvers.

"Now, before you go off to waste your time, get you core ready." He said, before hoping onto the sid eof his Core and climbing up to begin his own work.

Meta · August 29, 2014, 06:11:02 PM

Nadiya crossed her arms and walked next to Hyacinth, looking over at her. A grin crept up on her face. "Well..." She placed a hand briefly over the Collective's shoulder. "...it's a start. But a good one, shrub..." She walked away. "Or should I say, Hyacinth.", the ifrit added, stopping for a moment before walking further into the hangar, and vaulting over to land on top of a combat core's arm, then jumping up to its shoulders and opening up a hatch.

She looked back at the collective. "But don't expect me to 'warm up' to you just like that." And with that, she slid in, the hatch falling shut behind her.

The mecha's engine roared up like an old car starting up, a black puff of smoke coming off its back as it started up. But as fast as it lit up, it started sparking and there was a bursting noise, followed by the combat core shutting down.

"Oh, this is just great...of all the things to blow up, it had to be the gear shift...." Nadiya muttered from inside her combat core as more smoke left the war machine.

Erynn · August 30, 2014, 03:41:29 PM

Hyacinth briefly breathed a sigh of relief, having managed to rectify the situation with her Ifrit squadmate, before cringing at the sound of metal on metal, followed by a loud bang. The thought went through her mind that Nadiya had been putting up a front when she expressed concern about getting dents in her core. From the looks of things, she actually didn't seem to mind a bit of damage here and there from lack of maintenance.

Hyacinth on the other hand had a newly minted tank of the homemade variety. Climbing up the side, she lowered herself into the turret through its one hatch, turning the machine on and checking the turret's function by working it left and right. The guns elevated and depressed correctly, and the small sensors and CIWS cupola was operational too. Hyacinth then put the machine through a 360 degree hull rotation in both directions to confirm that everything was in order, then shut the machine off again to begin fueling it for the coming mission.

The Battle Dragon sat lower in the hangar than the rest of the assembled machines, but perhaps looked all the more menacing for it.

kai927 · August 30, 2014, 09:39:35 PM

Ion followed the others to the CC Bay, eager to get this operation started. As he entered, he looked over his squadmates Cores, appraising the Cores much like he had appraised their pilots. The Ifrit's Core looked like it hadn't seen the business end of a mechanic since it was cobbled together from a random assortment of junk, scrap metal and who knows what else. The Collective's Core on the other hand couldn't really even be called a Combat Core. It was a fucking tank for crying out loud. The Commander's Core was a proper one. Hell, it looked like an Imperial model, which spoke a bit on the Commander's origins. He finally got to his own core, easily climbing into the chest embedded cockpit.

He flipped switched and pressed buttons, warming up the engine of his Core, The Pugilist. He had done this a million times before, and he'll likely do it a million times more. He relaxes into the seat as he goes through the startup procedure, everything going smoothly. Closing his eyes, Ion listens to the whirs, beeps and clangs as The Pugilist came to life, the Core itself feeling like a second skin to the man.