Travelling to Solaris
WHO: Excellen Browning, Roy Fokker, Vincent Thompson, var. radio
WHERE: Sci-Fi Sector: Solaris VII - Bracken Swamp
WHEN: 19 May
WHAT: While doing some recon on locating a missing Veritech, Excellen and Roy run into some not so nice people...
The swamplands outside Burgton have always been a sparsley populated region of Solaris. During the Star League era, the swamp contained a massive sewage-treatment plant, capable of meeting the needs of nearby Solaris City/Xolara and the environs. The plant was one of the most sophisticated ever constructed in the Inner Sphere at the time and served as a model for later plants. The tunnels connecting the plant to the cities were a technological feat at the time and were a stunning step forward in engineering and took decades to complete. When operational, the facility could purify more than four million gallons of waste water daily.
The loss of technological expertise during the Succession Wars spelled the end of the waste treatment facility, as Solaran engineers lost the knowledge needed to maintain the technological marvel. Eventually the plant fell into disrepair. About 80 years ago the facility was rescued from oblivion when its owners were converted into an underwater arena.
Today Bracken Swamp supports only the arena and a few small communities of fugities who make a meager living farming or selling "appropriated" goods. Aside from those visiting the arena, very few outsiders venture into Bracken Swamp.
"Welcome to Solaris VII, armpit of the universe that Vincent Thompson is from." Roy says in a transmission from Skull One to the Weissy. "About three months ago, his team hit the training facilities at Cheyenne Mountain, where our Veritech training units are kept and got away with a Valkyrie. Ranpha and I took a look here and found that he was using it in pit arena fighting on this world."
Roy lifts his helmet visor as they cruise through the atmosphere, looking for the landing fields. "And if he's got here, he's probably getting it repaired here - or trying to find a place to get it taken apart to find out how it works." the Commander continues. "Not something we're too keen on happening. So, we need to find out where Vincent is taking it for repairs and maintenance."
"Aww, you take me to the nicest places, Commander Handsome," teases the blonde as the Weissritter keeps pace with Roy's Veritech unit, one eyes on the system console. Extensive maintanence was finally completed the day before on the white mech's engines in order to resolve the gespenst custom's issues with the Tesla drive, and it's a relief to have it back in working order. Being white (with blue accects), of course, it's not precisely inconspicuous.
But it's not a gundam. That's surely a point in her favour.
Her own visored helmet remains locked in place, even as fingers dance over the console to bring up the sensor readings on the area below, from the colonies and beyond. "Do we have the registration details for the missing unit to hand? And we going to take it back, or handle some literal damage control on this one?"
"Aww schucks, Excellen, only the best for you. Anyway, on the markings - I'm sure Vincent's done made changes to the registration codes - but our mecha is one of a kind here - even though I have seen some imitations that are incapable of transformation." Roy responds. "We're heading to a bar called The Gallows in Beal City. We can get information from there on what's going down in the larger arenas, and hopefully catch a lead on the missing mecha."
As they fly over the old and massive water purification plant, Roy points it out. "This place used to be more vibrant, from what I read, it got aerial nuked in a war, and went down from there. Just now getting back on it's feet. Keep your eyes and ears open, it's a lot like the old west down there."
The Veritech's legs flare out as the Guardian comes in for a landing, scrapping along the old landing pad and comes to a halt near the mecha stables. "I paid for a day's rental. From here, we're on foot."
"Understood," confirms the second lieutenant as the Weissritter banks to one side, waiting on Roy to clear the landing pad before beginning her own approach. A part of her is vaguely amused to be hearing they're going bar hopping as part of this mission (Boss can't have approved that), but she'll not be raising any objections!
Once grounded, the mech is moved across to the second rental bay earmarked for Roy's use, Excellen running through a longer power down sequence before ensuring all controls are locked. Just a mite protective of her mech, and since they are chasing down leads on a missing one.. Removing her helmet, she leaves it behind as the cockpit block yawns open, quick to make use of the ramp provided to ground level. Sure, she could /jump/, but now's not the time for dramatics.
Her standard red ATX outfit does enough of that for her, Excellen breezing obliviously past a few gawkers as she catches up with Roy. "After you, then? I take it you're buying the first round?"
Not that Roy couldn't do it enough at seven feet tall with that shock of blonde hair of his. But with the drop dead gorgeous mecha pilot with him? They are definetly attracting attention. After climbing down the ladder from his cockpit, the pilot tosses his 'thinking cap' into the open area, then nods. "Sure, why wouldn't I buy?" he says with a smirk.
As the two start to walk, they cross over a rickety wooden bridge that gives a view of the pool, the local combat arena. "I'm not a fan of fighting in muck myself." the Commander admits. "Oh, I almost forgot - Vincent mimics my command's markings - the Jolly Roger, that is, not the Sheep markings."
Crossing into the city proper, there's a wooden building standing on pier and beam. On the wall facing them, there is three large hangman nooses painted in red on the side of the building. Opening the door, the inside is dark with some candles and neon providing ambience. Behind the bar is a comely woman who looks towards the two and nods towards Roy. Nodding back, he makes his way over towards one of the tables near the middle of the place. On the walls is a diverse collection of hats and helmets, some of them cracked, some of them in good shape.
Yeah, well, there's always a shady crew in such a bar. I mean, it's full of ne'er-do-wells, washed up pilots, the occasional slumming rookie pilot, that sorta thing. Frankly, a lot of them look about as good as the bar's collection of hats. Some of 'em are nice, and some of 'em are cracked up. Still, there IS a little knot towards one of the back tables zat is a bit out of place, seeing as how they're a bit more...neat...than some of the other patrons! I mean, those black uniforms are SNAZZY, especially with the white trim! And someone's in the middle of telling a STORY, other patrons listening in as well.
"-and then, get this, they let the entire force inside their perimeter! Never even tried to verify the pilots, just accepted us as being part of their own forces because the 'Mechs looked the same! Heck, they didn't even think to check how old the IFF code was! And that's when the Cap'n just opened up on 'em! Man, you shoulda seen it!"
The story-teller, a lanky sort with a ponytail and a number of scars, is the center of attention at his table as he regales the rookies!
Falling into step to the left and two paces behind Roy, Excellen maintains an expression of vague interest as the two make their way along. Of particular interest is the pool, and a brow lifts slightly at Roy's comment on fighting without earning one in return.
Yet, anyway. "Well, those will be hard to miss. I'll keep an eye out," she murmurs, before the pair enter the dimly lit building. It takes a blink or three to adjust to the change in light, and there's a deliberate lag to her step as she makes a point to check out the location. And her fellow patrons, blue eyes sizing up and passing over the many mottley crewfolk scattered here abouts.
Excellen is still following Roy, mind you, what with his table choice not being all that far from that rather loud set of patrons at the back. Head tilts to one side a moment, brows furrowing slightly, before the blonde runs fingers along the back of a chair and appropriates it for her own use. One ear still listening to the story teller curiously.
"So," Excellen smiles at Roy. "What house special do you recommend?"
Taking a seat across from Excellen after she's seated, Roy frowns, back to the storytellers in the corner. The Veritech pilot listens for a moment - it's starting to found familiar, and his hand tightens on the corner of the table, but for the moment, he keeps it steady.
The bar maid wanders over, just as Excellen is asking what the specials are. "..well, I don't recommend the water, sweetie." she says with a wink, "There's the rusty screw, the swamp gas, and the wings are a dime each, served with a frosty beer."
Roy looks over at Excellen and shrugs. Then turns his attention to the barmaid. "Got anything in the way of mutton?" he asks.
The waitress blinks, and then nods. "Of course, sugar. But let me start y'all off with a beer and some wings. The mutton takes time and credits to prepare."
And then the storyteller keeps on talking!
"Anyways, they had a bunch of, what was their damn stupid designator for 'em? Excalibur...no, no, wait...I'll get it...Oh! Right! Spartans or something? Yeah, whatever. Anyways. They had a couple of mechs on defensive duty to try and keep out intruders, but that doesn't do much good when someone's already, y'know, inside the perimeter. Guess they never expected anyone to try and hit that base. Anyways, some guy was trying to get his mech started up and to slow us down, and then the Cap just goes BAM! Gauss round through his mech's head! Perfect shot! Mind, I hear that the pilot probably survived. Cockpit in the torso or something."
There's a few catcalls and snickers from the listeners, one of the older 'native' mercenaries glancing over at them and pulling his chair over.
"So, how much did you boys make off that raid, anyways?"
The Storyteller just shrugs, leaning back. "Not much, I hear. Cap said something about it being personal. Y'know, like Waco and the Dragoons."
The listeners all nod sagely, as if that makes PERFECT sense. Because it does, for them! And that is when the Storyteller pauses for BEER.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker mutters beneath his breath, "Keep it together, Fokker."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Take it easy, Commander Handsome. Beer won't be long! ..What's getting you so edgy, anyway?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "That story at the other table?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "...that's about an attack on my Earth."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Yeah?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "...Oh."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Good news. This makes our job easier."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "These are the same folks that hit Chyenne."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning tilting chair noise. "/That/ sort of personal, huh?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Mmmhmm."
"Sounds good to me," the red-clad blonde replies, leaning back with easy grace in her chair as Roy and the Waitress settle on credits and food specifics. One leg folds over the other, and chair is tilted back slightly so the front legs are off the floor.
Everyone's able to hear the story telling session going on, so there's little point in pretending otherwise. However, Roy's nerves are noted and the blonde woman tilts a brow. 'Personal'. Well, that explains a thing or two. Even if Excellen has no idea about these 'dragoons'. Perhaps she can bother Kyosuke later, see if he knows anything..
In the meantime, Excellen starts eyeing up passing 'mercencaries' in lieu of causing trouble. (...ugly. ..uglier. ..Hello, /nice/ butt----ugh! That one over THERE could do with a serious shower.)
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "..Who they shoot, anyway?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "A training center."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "No, no. The headshot he mentioned..? Anyone we know?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Not in the Sheep, no, it was one of the training center sentries."
Roy doesn't turn his head. His hands continue to clutch the table, right until Excellen gets him back under control for a moment. The pilot puts on his best sound, and leans back in the chair. As the beer and wings arrive, the waitress winks. "Your mutton will be delivered in a few minutes."
"No problem." Roy says, taking a swig of his beer. "Hey!" he calls out to the table behind him, not bothering to turn around. "Why don't you get to the part where Mister Thompson got his ass handed to him. That's the only real good part of the story."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "..."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "...You sure like living dangerously, Commander Handsome."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "It's one of my better traits, hon."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Hey /Vinny/."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning sounds vaguely amused. "But couldn't it wait till the second round of drinks?"
[Citizen's Band] Baiken says, "...'Vinny'?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Sorry, Excellen. You know how it is,"
The merc storyteller glances at GIGANTOR and pfffts.
"Whatever. Cap ain't dead, so that means it's a win, jackass! Who the hell do you think you are, anyhoo?"
One of the other mercs glances over, and blinks. And stands up, pointing an ACCUSING FINGER at Fokker.
"HEY! I know this guy! He's....A HOUSE LIAO OFFICER!"
The other Vanguards let out a growl at that. Annnnd, well, most of the other patrons prolly aren't favoring Fokker with a happyglance, either! House Liao, not so popular in bars that Vincent and his crew hang out in.
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Yeah? What do you want, Fokker?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning si~ighs. "Well, it's not like it's very good beer anyway."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "I'm about to school some of your kids."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Just thought you'd want to know~"
[Citizen's Band] Donatello says, "... Roy? You're a teacher, too?"
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Oh, for the love of..."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Roy, quit picking on the rookies."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "At least until I waited until they are done with training, jackass."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Payback's a witch, ain't it?"
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "...That first sentence isn't even proper English."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Knock off the booze."
[Citizen's Band] Donatello munch. Porkrinds.
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Sides, you're the one chucking Tacnukes or whatever dumbass name you have for 'em around in a mech fight."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Good god, you big baby. GET OVER IT."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Same to you!"
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "You dumbasses are in a war and you had /such/ crappy security."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "So I raided your unguarded training center. GET OVER IT."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Sure. In just about two minutes."
Beer's up, and barely a single swig (ugh, it's warm) has been taken before Roy decides to change the status quo.
It's hard to say whether her expression's due to the taste or the catcall to the gaggle of youths behind him. Still, it changes immediately to one of blissful amusement as merc counters. And then Wise Guy stands up and starts pointing. "..Now, now, boys," she calls, arching fine brow at her commander and the crowd behind, "pointing isn't very polite." Her arms move to drape over the back of her chair, and blue eyes flick to Roy again. 'House Liao'? ...That doesn't sound good.
Or like they pay well.
They really don't.
Tsk tsk~
Indeed~
The beer sucks. That's part of what has Roy pissed off. The other part is.. yeah, that House Liao thing. "God, Vincent hires /morons/. No, you aye dee ten tee error, I'm Commander Roy Fokker, Black Sheep Squadron." the pilot says, picking up one of the chicken wings. "Oh man, these damn things are /dry/."
But before either side can really make a move, a half a dozen rifles are pointed in their general direction. The barmaids, the bartender, and even the bar manager are out. "Listen up, you can take it outside!" he yells, "You can take it to the arena, but you ain't taking it here, mech jockies!" the clicking of half a dozen safeties being clicked off backs this up.
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Tell you what, Vinny. You let Excellen walk out of here, and I'll mop the floor with the rest of these losers."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "I believe Lady Browning is more than capable of taking care of herself."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning tsk saaaaaadly. Only, not. "And I was so looking forward to having a dr--Ugh! ..What's IN this beer?"
[Citizen's Band] Donatello says, "This is better than Ricki Lake!"
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "..Oh, hey. You're that friend of Boss, right?"
[Citizen's Band] Donatello munchmunch.
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Indeed I am. I knew Sanger back when we were both in the Aggressors."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "He is a very old friend of mine."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Yeah, but she really don't need to really make a mess, Elzam."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "And lord help us if she spills her beer."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "I'm not even sure this -is- beer."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "And..huh. Well, here's hoping I'll get to meet you sometime.. 'Elzam', isnt it?"
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein smirks. "I am certain we will meet in the future, Lady Browning. Elzam von Branstein, Major, UCC and Divine Crusaders, at your service. I hope, however, that I will be able to make the aquaintance of a lady as lovely as yourself over dinner, as opposed to on the battlefield."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "The pilot of your partner unit, Mr. Nanbu I believe, would also be welcome."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "...sounds like a join us pitch."
Before the rifles pop up, the Rookie pauses...and then POINTS.
"HOUSE LIAO IS WORKING FOR THE BLACK SHEEP! I KNEW THEY WERE EVIL!"
Mind, by now the rest of the Vanguards are all sweatdropping a little bit. Yeah, some people's children...
The Storyteller just sweatdrops as the guns pop up. "Hooooo boy."
Still, all this chaos is halted as...A VANGUARD OFFICER RUNS INTO THE BAR!
She's very blonde.
"GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUYS, MISTER MASTERSON, CAPTAIN SAID WE SHOULDN'T FIGHT FOKKER HERRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!"
See, she tripped on something. And went stumbling. And landed on Roy's lap.
Katrina just grins and peers down at Gigantor.
"Hi! You're cute! Wanna buy me dinner?"
...Yeah, the rest of the Vanguards are just sweatdropping as they watch the whole thing.
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning starts to chuckle. "Ooo, we /are/ charming! I hope we'll have a chance to take you--" Pause. "..von Branstein? As in, /the/ von Bransteins?"
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "Man, Boss knows everybody."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "Hm."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Oh for crying out loud.."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning heeheehees. "She's cute~ But not your type, I think."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Lamia Loveless says, "What is it?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "She's totally not."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Yes, the von Bransteins. My younger brother is currently estranged from the family, and serving on board the Hagane."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning whistles slightly. "I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him, either.. No doubt we'll have ample chance to change that sooner or later."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Indeed, I hope we do."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "Rai von Bronstein from what I've seen of him is rather serious."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "A direct contrast to you I would say, Excellen-oneesama."
And then there are guns. Lots of guns.
Excellen's eyes widen slightly as she finds herself at ground zero, and Fokker gets a rather dirty look when he starts instructing that she be allowed to walk free without hassle. Jeeze, hog /all/ the fun?
How's this meant to find him the missing veritech, anyway? The blonde doesn't cease her lean however, taking another swig of drink. Then making a face and sliding it away, across the table. /Eww/. That's even worse than the American beer served on her world!
Then. INCOMING! The flight of the Katrina is watched with raised brows and ample amusement as Excellen taps a foot against the leg of the table, gaze shifting form Katrina to Roy, then back again. "..You're such an attention magnet, Commander Handsome," she teases, before stretching her arms up over her head. Hmmmmm, distracting pose are go!
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "You say that like I'm never~ serious, Lamia."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "I would never say that. I've ---seen video footage of you in past skirmishes. What I meant was more in a social context."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning mmmhmmms. "I can too be serious! It's not a lot of fun, though. That's what Boss and Kyosuke are for."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein smirks. "Yes, my old friend has made dourness and seriousness into an artform."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "The major has... his own way of doing things."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "Hey, Boss has a pretty good sense of humour." ...Pause. "...Somewhere. I'm pretty sure he took it with him when he left Langley."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "We all have different ways - making sure it all works is the important part."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "Indeed. Cohesion is important in a unit."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Something about that guy.. just doesn't seem right, and I can't put my finger on it."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Actually, I reccomend checking behind his bottle of sandalwood oil he uses for his katana - there is a good chance he stashes it there."
[Citizen's Band] Baiken says, "Units... Hmph"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Which guy?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Lamia Loveless says nothing. NOTHING.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Elzam?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Yeah."
[Citizen's Band] Nono giggles.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono says, "You think so?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning makes a faint noise in her throat. "Well...He /is/ part of the UCC. And they are aligned with the DC.." Pause. "..But Boss knows him. And if he was part of the Aggressors.."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning whistles quietly.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono says, "He's very intense! But...Nono doesn't think just because he's on the other side that has to make him bad..."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono says, "People are people."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono, space hippy.
The Commander was just about to kick his chair into the crowd of troops, and go bowling for Vinny Troops, but then the worst thing that can happen comes running in. Roy lets out a breath, pushing the girl out of his lap and looks up at Katrina, and smirks back. "You'd have to defect first." he points out.
Looking around at the guns, the Veritech pilot raises his hands. "Hey hey, just making sure the story's finished." he offers with a little grin before he looks towards Excellen. "What do you think, wanna get drinks somewhere else?"
Katrina blinks and then looks at Excellen. ANd goes shiny-eyed, cheerfully shoving away from Fokker (And possibly knocking him and his chair over. She's disturbingly blonde and strong) and then just SMILES at Excellen.
"Ooooooooooooh! Nevermind Captain Scruffy there, do YOU wanna get some drinks somewhere?"
At this point, the other Vanguards are just kinda going '...' at the whole scene, before they just shake their heads, pay up, and start leaving, ignoring Fokker.
They have learned to never get involved with Katrina when her eyes are all shiny like that. It just causes trouble.
Looks like trouble is winding itself down before it begins. Or, perhaps, waiting in the wings..? Either way: "A drink somewhere else sounds like a plan to--"
And then Katina is turning SHINY EYES OF SHINY on Excellen, who stares back at her in faint startlement. Weren't you leering like that at Roy less than a minute ago? It takes less than a few seconds for her to blink, process, then smile charmingly at Katrina, a hand reaching to lightly pat her arm. "That's so sweet. I'm flattered, but I'm sorry. I'm not interested in women chasing me." Smile turns conspiratorial. "Besides, I have enough chasing of my own to do, you know how it is."
Somewhere, in some little part of Roy's mind, he would not complain one bit if Excellen and Katrina were to get down and dirty right here and now. That part of him is bound, chained, and thrown into the dark recesses of his mind again. "...yeah. I think that's our cue to go, Excellen." the pilot offers with a shake of his head. Putting down a C-Note to pay for the 'meal', Roy rises to his feet, and nods his head to Excellen. "Let's go." he mutters and heads that way.
Katrina's SHINY EYED LOOK goes from happy to 'awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww snifflesnifflesniffle' in about .3 seconds when Excellen says that, and the Vanguard Ditz just siiiighs, kicking the ground slightly. "Awwwwwww, foo! Are you suuuuure? I mean, I'm more fun than he is! He's all scruffy looking!" Still, as Excellen gets all conspiratorial, Katrina nods sagely. "Oooooooooooh, I get it! Mweeheeheee! Lucky guy! Still, if you aren't careful, I'll steal both of you!~ Hmmmmm, I might do that anyways!~~" Oh dear.
Annnnd, as Fokker leaves the bar, the moment he steps outside, there's a very tall sort there. He's made of muscle. No, really. He's taller than Gigantor and made of pure muscle. Annnnnd he just made to slug Fokker in the guts with a fist that might appear to be the size of a small ham, trying to double him over, with another, more familiar person, attempting to blackjack Fokker in the back of the head with a sap, h'assumin' he is, y'know, gutpunched. Vincent, sap still in hand, waves into the bar, grinning.
"It's outside!"
Annnnd, with that, Vincent cheerfully starts sauntering off, leaving HUEG ELEMENTAL to cover his back. He's not really planning on a fight at the moment. He's just trying to make sure Fokker has a headache WORSE than the one he'd get from drinking the beer here!
Just as the Commander's eyes start to adjust from the dark of the bar to the outside light, Roy seems the shade of a huge object heading for him. The pilot barks out, "Sonuva!" just as he's tagged in the side, and sent doubling over. The whistling behind him gets his attention. His mind is still blurred, but his mind is already barking out warning orders and he manages to move just enough to get nailed in the shoulder by the blackjack. "Thompson, you bastard!" he yells, trying to get twisted around, but Wallmeat is in front of him. "...you're a big one, aren't you?" he asks. And throws a right cross. To no avail.
"Oh.. well.. hmm.." And kicks straight up into the jackin port. Elementals don't really use them for anything else after all~
That's because you're a bad, bad man, Roy Fokker.
"I wasn't talkiing about Commander Handsome," winks the older woman, smile still wide, but hey, if girls on opposite teams can't at least break some neutral ground via the discussion of hunting. Hurhurhur.
There's a very amused look at her comment on theft, but Excellen won't hold her to that. Instead, she moves off, fair rolling out of her chair and to her feet to saunter after Roy with her confident stride. And a very quick sidestep to avoid getting plowed into upon exit of the building, fast feet pivoting the red-clad pilot out of the way of Wallmeat and Vincent.
The former gets a whistle, before Vincent is eyed; she's not packing heat, (her own level of hotness aside) but that doesn't mean she can't defend herself if required. "Not even a hello? Honestly, whatever happened to manners nowadays?"
AND they wear cups. Wallmeat, erm, Wolf, lets out an annoyed grunt, both at the right cross and the kick-to-the-jack-in-port, but, really, you don't get to survive and prosper as an Elemental if you don't learn to defend against at least SOME of the dirty tricks!
Vincent just cheerfully flips Fokker the bird, turning and glancing at Excellen, raising an eyebrow.
"Hello, Fokker."
The Merc grins, then bows politely to Excellen.
"Nice to meet you. Name's Captain Vincent Thompson, Vincent's Vanguard. Pleasure to meet you! As for Fokker there, well, this is a polite hello! I mean, he's nosing around my neck of the woods and threatening to pummel on my rookies, and he didn't even say hello before dropping by! It's really quite rude!"
Katrina, for her part, is still trailing after Excellen, looking at her with puppydog eyes. Fangirl alert, fangirl alert!
Wolf just looks down at Excellen, raising a hand slightly, eyes still on Fokker.
"Yeah.. well.." Roy huffs, rubbing at his shoulder as he continues to consider his options, "..you didn't bother to say hello in Cheyenne either. And it's funny how your rookies spin that story." he grunts. "He's in the Crusaders, Excellen." the Veritech pilot points out. "But that's probably obvious."
"Now that the pleasentries are out of the way, Thompson. Where the hell's the Veritech you stole?"
See, Excellen, they are doing some snooping for the missing VT!
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "..."
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "You're still on about that?!"
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Damn straight I am! But we'll talk later, fightig wallmeat at the moment!"
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "Right right. This better be good."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "We'll discuss it over buffet."
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "Oh reaaaaally."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Yes really."
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "Great!"
"Uh huh." Spoken with a decent level of dryness, even as Vincent and Roy both dispense with the pleasantries. "Lieutenant Excellen Browning, ATX Team, also in the Black Sheep." As if being here with Roy didn't make that obvious enough. She doesn't seem too bothered by Katrina's worshipful stance (if anything, it only seems to encourage the laconic stance, Excellen folding both arms under her breasts and hips canting to one side).
"I can't say it's if it's been pleasant; the drink here really sucks, you know?" Siiiiiigh.
And it's not snooping when you're outright asking, Roy! A small sweatdrop forms, and Excellen shakes her head. Honestly.
Katrina lets out a noise that sounds vaguely like 'SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE' as Excellen poses laconically. And, if Excellen isn't careful, might not notice the STEALTH GOOSE that Katrina employs on her butt. Mwhahahahahahahha.
As for Vincent, he shrugs, grinning toothily at Roy.
"What Veritech? I don't have any silly Veritech in my stable of mechs. Did you lose one, Fokker?"
"Ha, ha, let's have Wallmeat here step aside, and I'll see if I can pull it out of your.." the pilot pauses and Roy steps back and returns the smile. "Well, not in front of the ladies I won't use that language." he says tongue-in-cheek. "But that's so like you. Can't find your manhood with a flashlight and a GPS, Thompson. Come on, Excellen, we ain't getting anything from Captain Vacant and his Jolly Jerks."
Unfortunately for Katrina, she was broadcasting that move long before she made that pose. Sharp reflexes move Excellen out of range with a single half step, hand reaching to neatly snag Katrina by the wrist, the blonde intending on using the momentum of the other's movement to spin her back the way she came, with a nudge towards Wolf for good measure.
"We already discussed that," she singsongs regardless, before eyes roll at Vincent and Roy both. The picture of maturity, you two are. Nonetheless, she wiggles fingers in farewell at Katrina, then nods at Roy. "Coming, coming.. Guess I'll be seeing you later, Vinnie." She winks at the Captain as she walks on by, ponytail swishing across her shoulders.
Vincent Thompson grins, tossing a casual salute to Excellen. "Hey, next time YOU're in the area, drinks are on me. Fokker can buy his own though. I mean, sheeeeesh, is it any wonder I prefer not to be helpful to 'em, with an attitude like that? He accuses me of havin' somethin' I don't have, then starts insultin' me when I tell 'em so."
As for Wolf, he calmly catches Katrina, hoisting her up by the scruff of the collar, keeping her from trying to tackle Excellen. Katrina just sniffles as she struggles a bit, and then watches Excellen saunter off.
Vincent just steps aside, flipping Roy off again, and then leans against the wall of the bar, whistling idly. Not watching Excellen either, nope, not at all!
Roy blows off Vincent, which is probably worse. Instead, he leans over to Excellen. "...how did you know she was going for that?" he asks, arching an eyebrow, and glancing up at a poster. One hand deftly snags the flier for the upcoming 'mech tournament, and he gets a little smile. "Come on, we'll head back home for some real alcohol, not some watered down toilet water in some backwater hole only fit for Vanguarders."
Vincent wonders if he should mention this bar tends to serve the /really/ bad beer as a prank to outsiders...Nah.
Most 'out of the way' bars usually do. It should go without saying.. Still, when you're offering to put a credit or three on a bit of mutton? Something less than vinegar would be nice, you know.
The squirming doesn't get a glance. But hey, look if you want to look~ Excellen would. "Trade secret, Commander Handsome," the blonde quips easily, smile smirking at the edges, before a look is cast over her shoulder at Vincent. "Don't think I won't take you up on that~!"
She should start making a list of people who make her offers like this.
Vincent Thompson shrugs lazily, waving off Excellen.
"Right, right, see you around, LT."
And, with that, and cheerfully ignoring Fokker, the Vanguards wander off, with Katrina complaining, loudly, about how it's fine to put her down now, really, she won't try and pounce the new girl, nope, not this time.
Vincent and Wolf ignore her, sauntering off! Vanguards, AWAAAAAAAY!
As soon as they are out of earshot, Roy's shoulder's slump slightly, and he gives Excellen a weakened version of that usually self-confident smile. "Sorry about that, Excellen. Sometimes I let the short fuse get a hold of me - especially when people are bragging on victories at the cost of people that aren't really ready for war.." the Commander shrugs. "We're not too far from the stables."
Going...Going...
Gone. Hand reaches out to lightly nudge Roy's shoulder in a conciliatory sort of gesture. "It's okay, Commander Handsome. Everyone has their offdays." Especially when faced with rivals. Still.. Excellen juggles a few thoughts in her mind before shrugging a bit. "Lets head back. There'll be a next time."
Roy gives a small wince at the shoulder nudge. "I think the bastard bruised it." the pilot mutters as he walks along with Excellen to the flight stables and back to the SDF-1.
WHERE: Sci-Fi Sector: Solaris VII - Bracken Swamp
WHEN: 19 May
WHAT: While doing some recon on locating a missing Veritech, Excellen and Roy run into some not so nice people...
The swamplands outside Burgton have always been a sparsley populated region of Solaris. During the Star League era, the swamp contained a massive sewage-treatment plant, capable of meeting the needs of nearby Solaris City/Xolara and the environs. The plant was one of the most sophisticated ever constructed in the Inner Sphere at the time and served as a model for later plants. The tunnels connecting the plant to the cities were a technological feat at the time and were a stunning step forward in engineering and took decades to complete. When operational, the facility could purify more than four million gallons of waste water daily.
The loss of technological expertise during the Succession Wars spelled the end of the waste treatment facility, as Solaran engineers lost the knowledge needed to maintain the technological marvel. Eventually the plant fell into disrepair. About 80 years ago the facility was rescued from oblivion when its owners were converted into an underwater arena.
Today Bracken Swamp supports only the arena and a few small communities of fugities who make a meager living farming or selling "appropriated" goods. Aside from those visiting the arena, very few outsiders venture into Bracken Swamp.
"Welcome to Solaris VII, armpit of the universe that Vincent Thompson is from." Roy says in a transmission from Skull One to the Weissy. "About three months ago, his team hit the training facilities at Cheyenne Mountain, where our Veritech training units are kept and got away with a Valkyrie. Ranpha and I took a look here and found that he was using it in pit arena fighting on this world."
Roy lifts his helmet visor as they cruise through the atmosphere, looking for the landing fields. "And if he's got here, he's probably getting it repaired here - or trying to find a place to get it taken apart to find out how it works." the Commander continues. "Not something we're too keen on happening. So, we need to find out where Vincent is taking it for repairs and maintenance."
"Aww, you take me to the nicest places, Commander Handsome," teases the blonde as the Weissritter keeps pace with Roy's Veritech unit, one eyes on the system console. Extensive maintanence was finally completed the day before on the white mech's engines in order to resolve the gespenst custom's issues with the Tesla drive, and it's a relief to have it back in working order. Being white (with blue accects), of course, it's not precisely inconspicuous.
But it's not a gundam. That's surely a point in her favour.
Her own visored helmet remains locked in place, even as fingers dance over the console to bring up the sensor readings on the area below, from the colonies and beyond. "Do we have the registration details for the missing unit to hand? And we going to take it back, or handle some literal damage control on this one?"
"Aww schucks, Excellen, only the best for you. Anyway, on the markings - I'm sure Vincent's done made changes to the registration codes - but our mecha is one of a kind here - even though I have seen some imitations that are incapable of transformation." Roy responds. "We're heading to a bar called The Gallows in Beal City. We can get information from there on what's going down in the larger arenas, and hopefully catch a lead on the missing mecha."
As they fly over the old and massive water purification plant, Roy points it out. "This place used to be more vibrant, from what I read, it got aerial nuked in a war, and went down from there. Just now getting back on it's feet. Keep your eyes and ears open, it's a lot like the old west down there."
The Veritech's legs flare out as the Guardian comes in for a landing, scrapping along the old landing pad and comes to a halt near the mecha stables. "I paid for a day's rental. From here, we're on foot."
"Understood," confirms the second lieutenant as the Weissritter banks to one side, waiting on Roy to clear the landing pad before beginning her own approach. A part of her is vaguely amused to be hearing they're going bar hopping as part of this mission (Boss can't have approved that), but she'll not be raising any objections!
Once grounded, the mech is moved across to the second rental bay earmarked for Roy's use, Excellen running through a longer power down sequence before ensuring all controls are locked. Just a mite protective of her mech, and since they are chasing down leads on a missing one.. Removing her helmet, she leaves it behind as the cockpit block yawns open, quick to make use of the ramp provided to ground level. Sure, she could /jump/, but now's not the time for dramatics.
Her standard red ATX outfit does enough of that for her, Excellen breezing obliviously past a few gawkers as she catches up with Roy. "After you, then? I take it you're buying the first round?"
Not that Roy couldn't do it enough at seven feet tall with that shock of blonde hair of his. But with the drop dead gorgeous mecha pilot with him? They are definetly attracting attention. After climbing down the ladder from his cockpit, the pilot tosses his 'thinking cap' into the open area, then nods. "Sure, why wouldn't I buy?" he says with a smirk.
As the two start to walk, they cross over a rickety wooden bridge that gives a view of the pool, the local combat arena. "I'm not a fan of fighting in muck myself." the Commander admits. "Oh, I almost forgot - Vincent mimics my command's markings - the Jolly Roger, that is, not the Sheep markings."
Crossing into the city proper, there's a wooden building standing on pier and beam. On the wall facing them, there is three large hangman nooses painted in red on the side of the building. Opening the door, the inside is dark with some candles and neon providing ambience. Behind the bar is a comely woman who looks towards the two and nods towards Roy. Nodding back, he makes his way over towards one of the tables near the middle of the place. On the walls is a diverse collection of hats and helmets, some of them cracked, some of them in good shape.
Yeah, well, there's always a shady crew in such a bar. I mean, it's full of ne'er-do-wells, washed up pilots, the occasional slumming rookie pilot, that sorta thing. Frankly, a lot of them look about as good as the bar's collection of hats. Some of 'em are nice, and some of 'em are cracked up. Still, there IS a little knot towards one of the back tables zat is a bit out of place, seeing as how they're a bit more...neat...than some of the other patrons! I mean, those black uniforms are SNAZZY, especially with the white trim! And someone's in the middle of telling a STORY, other patrons listening in as well.
"-and then, get this, they let the entire force inside their perimeter! Never even tried to verify the pilots, just accepted us as being part of their own forces because the 'Mechs looked the same! Heck, they didn't even think to check how old the IFF code was! And that's when the Cap'n just opened up on 'em! Man, you shoulda seen it!"
The story-teller, a lanky sort with a ponytail and a number of scars, is the center of attention at his table as he regales the rookies!
Falling into step to the left and two paces behind Roy, Excellen maintains an expression of vague interest as the two make their way along. Of particular interest is the pool, and a brow lifts slightly at Roy's comment on fighting without earning one in return.
Yet, anyway. "Well, those will be hard to miss. I'll keep an eye out," she murmurs, before the pair enter the dimly lit building. It takes a blink or three to adjust to the change in light, and there's a deliberate lag to her step as she makes a point to check out the location. And her fellow patrons, blue eyes sizing up and passing over the many mottley crewfolk scattered here abouts.
Excellen is still following Roy, mind you, what with his table choice not being all that far from that rather loud set of patrons at the back. Head tilts to one side a moment, brows furrowing slightly, before the blonde runs fingers along the back of a chair and appropriates it for her own use. One ear still listening to the story teller curiously.
"So," Excellen smiles at Roy. "What house special do you recommend?"
Taking a seat across from Excellen after she's seated, Roy frowns, back to the storytellers in the corner. The Veritech pilot listens for a moment - it's starting to found familiar, and his hand tightens on the corner of the table, but for the moment, he keeps it steady.
The bar maid wanders over, just as Excellen is asking what the specials are. "..well, I don't recommend the water, sweetie." she says with a wink, "There's the rusty screw, the swamp gas, and the wings are a dime each, served with a frosty beer."
Roy looks over at Excellen and shrugs. Then turns his attention to the barmaid. "Got anything in the way of mutton?" he asks.
The waitress blinks, and then nods. "Of course, sugar. But let me start y'all off with a beer and some wings. The mutton takes time and credits to prepare."
And then the storyteller keeps on talking!
"Anyways, they had a bunch of, what was their damn stupid designator for 'em? Excalibur...no, no, wait...I'll get it...Oh! Right! Spartans or something? Yeah, whatever. Anyways. They had a couple of mechs on defensive duty to try and keep out intruders, but that doesn't do much good when someone's already, y'know, inside the perimeter. Guess they never expected anyone to try and hit that base. Anyways, some guy was trying to get his mech started up and to slow us down, and then the Cap just goes BAM! Gauss round through his mech's head! Perfect shot! Mind, I hear that the pilot probably survived. Cockpit in the torso or something."
There's a few catcalls and snickers from the listeners, one of the older 'native' mercenaries glancing over at them and pulling his chair over.
"So, how much did you boys make off that raid, anyways?"
The Storyteller just shrugs, leaning back. "Not much, I hear. Cap said something about it being personal. Y'know, like Waco and the Dragoons."
The listeners all nod sagely, as if that makes PERFECT sense. Because it does, for them! And that is when the Storyteller pauses for BEER.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker mutters beneath his breath, "Keep it together, Fokker."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Take it easy, Commander Handsome. Beer won't be long! ..What's getting you so edgy, anyway?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "That story at the other table?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "...that's about an attack on my Earth."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Yeah?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "...Oh."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Good news. This makes our job easier."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "These are the same folks that hit Chyenne."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning tilting chair noise. "/That/ sort of personal, huh?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Mmmhmm."
"Sounds good to me," the red-clad blonde replies, leaning back with easy grace in her chair as Roy and the Waitress settle on credits and food specifics. One leg folds over the other, and chair is tilted back slightly so the front legs are off the floor.
Everyone's able to hear the story telling session going on, so there's little point in pretending otherwise. However, Roy's nerves are noted and the blonde woman tilts a brow. 'Personal'. Well, that explains a thing or two. Even if Excellen has no idea about these 'dragoons'. Perhaps she can bother Kyosuke later, see if he knows anything..
In the meantime, Excellen starts eyeing up passing 'mercencaries' in lieu of causing trouble. (...ugly. ..uglier. ..Hello, /nice/ butt----ugh! That one over THERE could do with a serious shower.)
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "..Who they shoot, anyway?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "A training center."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "No, no. The headshot he mentioned..? Anyone we know?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Not in the Sheep, no, it was one of the training center sentries."
Roy doesn't turn his head. His hands continue to clutch the table, right until Excellen gets him back under control for a moment. The pilot puts on his best sound, and leans back in the chair. As the beer and wings arrive, the waitress winks. "Your mutton will be delivered in a few minutes."
"No problem." Roy says, taking a swig of his beer. "Hey!" he calls out to the table behind him, not bothering to turn around. "Why don't you get to the part where Mister Thompson got his ass handed to him. That's the only real good part of the story."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "..."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "...You sure like living dangerously, Commander Handsome."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "It's one of my better traits, hon."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Hey /Vinny/."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning sounds vaguely amused. "But couldn't it wait till the second round of drinks?"
[Citizen's Band] Baiken says, "...'Vinny'?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Sorry, Excellen. You know how it is,"
The merc storyteller glances at GIGANTOR and pfffts.
"Whatever. Cap ain't dead, so that means it's a win, jackass! Who the hell do you think you are, anyhoo?"
One of the other mercs glances over, and blinks. And stands up, pointing an ACCUSING FINGER at Fokker.
"HEY! I know this guy! He's....A HOUSE LIAO OFFICER!"
The other Vanguards let out a growl at that. Annnnd, well, most of the other patrons prolly aren't favoring Fokker with a happyglance, either! House Liao, not so popular in bars that Vincent and his crew hang out in.
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Yeah? What do you want, Fokker?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning si~ighs. "Well, it's not like it's very good beer anyway."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "I'm about to school some of your kids."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Just thought you'd want to know~"
[Citizen's Band] Donatello says, "... Roy? You're a teacher, too?"
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Oh, for the love of..."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Roy, quit picking on the rookies."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "At least until I waited until they are done with training, jackass."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Payback's a witch, ain't it?"
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "...That first sentence isn't even proper English."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Knock off the booze."
[Citizen's Band] Donatello munch. Porkrinds.
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Sides, you're the one chucking Tacnukes or whatever dumbass name you have for 'em around in a mech fight."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Good god, you big baby. GET OVER IT."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "Same to you!"
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "You dumbasses are in a war and you had /such/ crappy security."
[Citizen's Band] Vincent Thompson says, "So I raided your unguarded training center. GET OVER IT."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Sure. In just about two minutes."
Beer's up, and barely a single swig (ugh, it's warm) has been taken before Roy decides to change the status quo.
It's hard to say whether her expression's due to the taste or the catcall to the gaggle of youths behind him. Still, it changes immediately to one of blissful amusement as merc counters. And then Wise Guy stands up and starts pointing. "..Now, now, boys," she calls, arching fine brow at her commander and the crowd behind, "pointing isn't very polite." Her arms move to drape over the back of her chair, and blue eyes flick to Roy again. 'House Liao'? ...That doesn't sound good.
Or like they pay well.
They really don't.
Tsk tsk~
Indeed~
The beer sucks. That's part of what has Roy pissed off. The other part is.. yeah, that House Liao thing. "God, Vincent hires /morons/. No, you aye dee ten tee error, I'm Commander Roy Fokker, Black Sheep Squadron." the pilot says, picking up one of the chicken wings. "Oh man, these damn things are /dry/."
But before either side can really make a move, a half a dozen rifles are pointed in their general direction. The barmaids, the bartender, and even the bar manager are out. "Listen up, you can take it outside!" he yells, "You can take it to the arena, but you ain't taking it here, mech jockies!" the clicking of half a dozen safeties being clicked off backs this up.
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Tell you what, Vinny. You let Excellen walk out of here, and I'll mop the floor with the rest of these losers."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "I believe Lady Browning is more than capable of taking care of herself."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning tsk saaaaaadly. Only, not. "And I was so looking forward to having a dr--Ugh! ..What's IN this beer?"
[Citizen's Band] Donatello says, "This is better than Ricki Lake!"
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "..Oh, hey. You're that friend of Boss, right?"
[Citizen's Band] Donatello munchmunch.
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Indeed I am. I knew Sanger back when we were both in the Aggressors."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "He is a very old friend of mine."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Yeah, but she really don't need to really make a mess, Elzam."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "And lord help us if she spills her beer."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "I'm not even sure this -is- beer."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "And..huh. Well, here's hoping I'll get to meet you sometime.. 'Elzam', isnt it?"
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein smirks. "I am certain we will meet in the future, Lady Browning. Elzam von Branstein, Major, UCC and Divine Crusaders, at your service. I hope, however, that I will be able to make the aquaintance of a lady as lovely as yourself over dinner, as opposed to on the battlefield."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "The pilot of your partner unit, Mr. Nanbu I believe, would also be welcome."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "...sounds like a join us pitch."
Before the rifles pop up, the Rookie pauses...and then POINTS.
"HOUSE LIAO IS WORKING FOR THE BLACK SHEEP! I KNEW THEY WERE EVIL!"
Mind, by now the rest of the Vanguards are all sweatdropping a little bit. Yeah, some people's children...
The Storyteller just sweatdrops as the guns pop up. "Hooooo boy."
Still, all this chaos is halted as...A VANGUARD OFFICER RUNS INTO THE BAR!
She's very blonde.
"GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUYS, MISTER MASTERSON, CAPTAIN SAID WE SHOULDN'T FIGHT FOKKER HERRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!"
See, she tripped on something. And went stumbling. And landed on Roy's lap.
Katrina just grins and peers down at Gigantor.
"Hi! You're cute! Wanna buy me dinner?"
...Yeah, the rest of the Vanguards are just sweatdropping as they watch the whole thing.
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning starts to chuckle. "Ooo, we /are/ charming! I hope we'll have a chance to take you--" Pause. "..von Branstein? As in, /the/ von Bransteins?"
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "Man, Boss knows everybody."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "Hm."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Oh for crying out loud.."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning heeheehees. "She's cute~ But not your type, I think."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Lamia Loveless says, "What is it?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "She's totally not."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Yes, the von Bransteins. My younger brother is currently estranged from the family, and serving on board the Hagane."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning whistles slightly. "I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him, either.. No doubt we'll have ample chance to change that sooner or later."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Indeed, I hope we do."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "Rai von Bronstein from what I've seen of him is rather serious."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "A direct contrast to you I would say, Excellen-oneesama."
And then there are guns. Lots of guns.
Excellen's eyes widen slightly as she finds herself at ground zero, and Fokker gets a rather dirty look when he starts instructing that she be allowed to walk free without hassle. Jeeze, hog /all/ the fun?
How's this meant to find him the missing veritech, anyway? The blonde doesn't cease her lean however, taking another swig of drink. Then making a face and sliding it away, across the table. /Eww/. That's even worse than the American beer served on her world!
Then. INCOMING! The flight of the Katrina is watched with raised brows and ample amusement as Excellen taps a foot against the leg of the table, gaze shifting form Katrina to Roy, then back again. "..You're such an attention magnet, Commander Handsome," she teases, before stretching her arms up over her head. Hmmmmm, distracting pose are go!
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "You say that like I'm never~ serious, Lamia."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "I would never say that. I've ---seen video footage of you in past skirmishes. What I meant was more in a social context."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning mmmhmmms. "I can too be serious! It's not a lot of fun, though. That's what Boss and Kyosuke are for."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein smirks. "Yes, my old friend has made dourness and seriousness into an artform."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "The major has... his own way of doing things."
[Citizen's Band] Excellen Browning says, "Hey, Boss has a pretty good sense of humour." ...Pause. "...Somewhere. I'm pretty sure he took it with him when he left Langley."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "We all have different ways - making sure it all works is the important part."
[Citizen's Band] Lamia Loveless says, "Indeed. Cohesion is important in a unit."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Something about that guy.. just doesn't seem right, and I can't put my finger on it."
[Citizen's Band] Elzam von Branstein says, "Actually, I reccomend checking behind his bottle of sandalwood oil he uses for his katana - there is a good chance he stashes it there."
[Citizen's Band] Baiken says, "Units... Hmph"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Which guy?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Lamia Loveless says nothing. NOTHING.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning says, "Elzam?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Roy Fokker says, "Yeah."
[Citizen's Band] Nono giggles.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono says, "You think so?"
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning makes a faint noise in her throat. "Well...He /is/ part of the UCC. And they are aligned with the DC.." Pause. "..But Boss knows him. And if he was part of the Aggressors.."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Excellen Browning whistles quietly.
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono says, "He's very intense! But...Nono doesn't think just because he's on the other side that has to make him bad..."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono says, "People are people."
[Y-Black Sheep Squadron] Nono, space hippy.
The Commander was just about to kick his chair into the crowd of troops, and go bowling for Vinny Troops, but then the worst thing that can happen comes running in. Roy lets out a breath, pushing the girl out of his lap and looks up at Katrina, and smirks back. "You'd have to defect first." he points out.
Looking around at the guns, the Veritech pilot raises his hands. "Hey hey, just making sure the story's finished." he offers with a little grin before he looks towards Excellen. "What do you think, wanna get drinks somewhere else?"
Katrina blinks and then looks at Excellen. ANd goes shiny-eyed, cheerfully shoving away from Fokker (And possibly knocking him and his chair over. She's disturbingly blonde and strong) and then just SMILES at Excellen.
"Ooooooooooooh! Nevermind Captain Scruffy there, do YOU wanna get some drinks somewhere?"
At this point, the other Vanguards are just kinda going '...' at the whole scene, before they just shake their heads, pay up, and start leaving, ignoring Fokker.
They have learned to never get involved with Katrina when her eyes are all shiny like that. It just causes trouble.
Looks like trouble is winding itself down before it begins. Or, perhaps, waiting in the wings..? Either way: "A drink somewhere else sounds like a plan to--"
And then Katina is turning SHINY EYES OF SHINY on Excellen, who stares back at her in faint startlement. Weren't you leering like that at Roy less than a minute ago? It takes less than a few seconds for her to blink, process, then smile charmingly at Katrina, a hand reaching to lightly pat her arm. "That's so sweet. I'm flattered, but I'm sorry. I'm not interested in women chasing me." Smile turns conspiratorial. "Besides, I have enough chasing of my own to do, you know how it is."
Somewhere, in some little part of Roy's mind, he would not complain one bit if Excellen and Katrina were to get down and dirty right here and now. That part of him is bound, chained, and thrown into the dark recesses of his mind again. "...yeah. I think that's our cue to go, Excellen." the pilot offers with a shake of his head. Putting down a C-Note to pay for the 'meal', Roy rises to his feet, and nods his head to Excellen. "Let's go." he mutters and heads that way.
Katrina's SHINY EYED LOOK goes from happy to 'awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww snifflesnifflesniffle' in about .3 seconds when Excellen says that, and the Vanguard Ditz just siiiighs, kicking the ground slightly. "Awwwwwww, foo! Are you suuuuure? I mean, I'm more fun than he is! He's all scruffy looking!" Still, as Excellen gets all conspiratorial, Katrina nods sagely. "Oooooooooooh, I get it! Mweeheeheee! Lucky guy! Still, if you aren't careful, I'll steal both of you!~ Hmmmmm, I might do that anyways!~~" Oh dear.
Annnnd, as Fokker leaves the bar, the moment he steps outside, there's a very tall sort there. He's made of muscle. No, really. He's taller than Gigantor and made of pure muscle. Annnnnd he just made to slug Fokker in the guts with a fist that might appear to be the size of a small ham, trying to double him over, with another, more familiar person, attempting to blackjack Fokker in the back of the head with a sap, h'assumin' he is, y'know, gutpunched. Vincent, sap still in hand, waves into the bar, grinning.
"It's outside!"
Annnnd, with that, Vincent cheerfully starts sauntering off, leaving HUEG ELEMENTAL to cover his back. He's not really planning on a fight at the moment. He's just trying to make sure Fokker has a headache WORSE than the one he'd get from drinking the beer here!
Just as the Commander's eyes start to adjust from the dark of the bar to the outside light, Roy seems the shade of a huge object heading for him. The pilot barks out, "Sonuva!" just as he's tagged in the side, and sent doubling over. The whistling behind him gets his attention. His mind is still blurred, but his mind is already barking out warning orders and he manages to move just enough to get nailed in the shoulder by the blackjack. "Thompson, you bastard!" he yells, trying to get twisted around, but Wallmeat is in front of him. "...you're a big one, aren't you?" he asks. And throws a right cross. To no avail.
"Oh.. well.. hmm.." And kicks straight up into the jackin port. Elementals don't really use them for anything else after all~
That's because you're a bad, bad man, Roy Fokker.
"I wasn't talkiing about Commander Handsome," winks the older woman, smile still wide, but hey, if girls on opposite teams can't at least break some neutral ground via the discussion of hunting. Hurhurhur.
There's a very amused look at her comment on theft, but Excellen won't hold her to that. Instead, she moves off, fair rolling out of her chair and to her feet to saunter after Roy with her confident stride. And a very quick sidestep to avoid getting plowed into upon exit of the building, fast feet pivoting the red-clad pilot out of the way of Wallmeat and Vincent.
The former gets a whistle, before Vincent is eyed; she's not packing heat, (her own level of hotness aside) but that doesn't mean she can't defend herself if required. "Not even a hello? Honestly, whatever happened to manners nowadays?"
AND they wear cups. Wallmeat, erm, Wolf, lets out an annoyed grunt, both at the right cross and the kick-to-the-jack-in-port, but, really, you don't get to survive and prosper as an Elemental if you don't learn to defend against at least SOME of the dirty tricks!
Vincent just cheerfully flips Fokker the bird, turning and glancing at Excellen, raising an eyebrow.
"Hello, Fokker."
The Merc grins, then bows politely to Excellen.
"Nice to meet you. Name's Captain Vincent Thompson, Vincent's Vanguard. Pleasure to meet you! As for Fokker there, well, this is a polite hello! I mean, he's nosing around my neck of the woods and threatening to pummel on my rookies, and he didn't even say hello before dropping by! It's really quite rude!"
Katrina, for her part, is still trailing after Excellen, looking at her with puppydog eyes. Fangirl alert, fangirl alert!
Wolf just looks down at Excellen, raising a hand slightly, eyes still on Fokker.
"Yeah.. well.." Roy huffs, rubbing at his shoulder as he continues to consider his options, "..you didn't bother to say hello in Cheyenne either. And it's funny how your rookies spin that story." he grunts. "He's in the Crusaders, Excellen." the Veritech pilot points out. "But that's probably obvious."
"Now that the pleasentries are out of the way, Thompson. Where the hell's the Veritech you stole?"
See, Excellen, they are doing some snooping for the missing VT!
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "..."
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "You're still on about that?!"
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Damn straight I am! But we'll talk later, fightig wallmeat at the moment!"
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "Right right. This better be good."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "We'll discuss it over buffet."
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "Oh reaaaaally."
[Citizen's Band] Roy Fokker says, "Yes really."
[Citizen's Band] Lina Inverse says, "Great!"
"Uh huh." Spoken with a decent level of dryness, even as Vincent and Roy both dispense with the pleasantries. "Lieutenant Excellen Browning, ATX Team, also in the Black Sheep." As if being here with Roy didn't make that obvious enough. She doesn't seem too bothered by Katrina's worshipful stance (if anything, it only seems to encourage the laconic stance, Excellen folding both arms under her breasts and hips canting to one side).
"I can't say it's if it's been pleasant; the drink here really sucks, you know?" Siiiiiigh.
And it's not snooping when you're outright asking, Roy! A small sweatdrop forms, and Excellen shakes her head. Honestly.
Katrina lets out a noise that sounds vaguely like 'SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE' as Excellen poses laconically. And, if Excellen isn't careful, might not notice the STEALTH GOOSE that Katrina employs on her butt. Mwhahahahahahahha.
As for Vincent, he shrugs, grinning toothily at Roy.
"What Veritech? I don't have any silly Veritech in my stable of mechs. Did you lose one, Fokker?"
"Ha, ha, let's have Wallmeat here step aside, and I'll see if I can pull it out of your.." the pilot pauses and Roy steps back and returns the smile. "Well, not in front of the ladies I won't use that language." he says tongue-in-cheek. "But that's so like you. Can't find your manhood with a flashlight and a GPS, Thompson. Come on, Excellen, we ain't getting anything from Captain Vacant and his Jolly Jerks."
Unfortunately for Katrina, she was broadcasting that move long before she made that pose. Sharp reflexes move Excellen out of range with a single half step, hand reaching to neatly snag Katrina by the wrist, the blonde intending on using the momentum of the other's movement to spin her back the way she came, with a nudge towards Wolf for good measure.
"We already discussed that," she singsongs regardless, before eyes roll at Vincent and Roy both. The picture of maturity, you two are. Nonetheless, she wiggles fingers in farewell at Katrina, then nods at Roy. "Coming, coming.. Guess I'll be seeing you later, Vinnie." She winks at the Captain as she walks on by, ponytail swishing across her shoulders.
Vincent Thompson grins, tossing a casual salute to Excellen. "Hey, next time YOU're in the area, drinks are on me. Fokker can buy his own though. I mean, sheeeeesh, is it any wonder I prefer not to be helpful to 'em, with an attitude like that? He accuses me of havin' somethin' I don't have, then starts insultin' me when I tell 'em so."
As for Wolf, he calmly catches Katrina, hoisting her up by the scruff of the collar, keeping her from trying to tackle Excellen. Katrina just sniffles as she struggles a bit, and then watches Excellen saunter off.
Vincent just steps aside, flipping Roy off again, and then leans against the wall of the bar, whistling idly. Not watching Excellen either, nope, not at all!
Roy blows off Vincent, which is probably worse. Instead, he leans over to Excellen. "...how did you know she was going for that?" he asks, arching an eyebrow, and glancing up at a poster. One hand deftly snags the flier for the upcoming 'mech tournament, and he gets a little smile. "Come on, we'll head back home for some real alcohol, not some watered down toilet water in some backwater hole only fit for Vanguarders."
Vincent wonders if he should mention this bar tends to serve the /really/ bad beer as a prank to outsiders...Nah.
Most 'out of the way' bars usually do. It should go without saying.. Still, when you're offering to put a credit or three on a bit of mutton? Something less than vinegar would be nice, you know.
The squirming doesn't get a glance. But hey, look if you want to look~ Excellen would. "Trade secret, Commander Handsome," the blonde quips easily, smile smirking at the edges, before a look is cast over her shoulder at Vincent. "Don't think I won't take you up on that~!"
She should start making a list of people who make her offers like this.
Vincent Thompson shrugs lazily, waving off Excellen.
"Right, right, see you around, LT."
And, with that, and cheerfully ignoring Fokker, the Vanguards wander off, with Katrina complaining, loudly, about how it's fine to put her down now, really, she won't try and pounce the new girl, nope, not this time.
Vincent and Wolf ignore her, sauntering off! Vanguards, AWAAAAAAAY!
As soon as they are out of earshot, Roy's shoulder's slump slightly, and he gives Excellen a weakened version of that usually self-confident smile. "Sorry about that, Excellen. Sometimes I let the short fuse get a hold of me - especially when people are bragging on victories at the cost of people that aren't really ready for war.." the Commander shrugs. "We're not too far from the stables."
Going...Going...
Gone. Hand reaches out to lightly nudge Roy's shoulder in a conciliatory sort of gesture. "It's okay, Commander Handsome. Everyone has their offdays." Especially when faced with rivals. Still.. Excellen juggles a few thoughts in her mind before shrugging a bit. "Lets head back. There'll be a next time."
Roy gives a small wince at the shoulder nudge. "I think the bastard bruised it." the pilot mutters as he walks along with Excellen to the flight stables and back to the SDF-1.