(No more titles, cause filta's gonna filt)
You are Gerald DeFlynn. After taking on a job to clear a Sleeper Nest, you take Eri and Audrey to a remote mountain, where you are assualted by a rare Molga Sleeper. It wasn't a fair battle. I mean, there was 1 of you, and only 9 of them. Oh, and Eri and Audrey helped, I guess.

After hauling back some pretty good salvage, and selling off a lot of excess loot, you and your team is now rolling in cash, by D-class standards.

Finaly taking Eri out to her promised dinner, and briefly chatting with the team members of Stone Age, you make your way back to Sidewinder base.

Vince greets you both, after you've entered the hanger.
"You kids behave?" he asks, earning a glare from Eri. "Once you're both sorted, get to the conference room for a meeting." He gives you a satisfied smirk. "Our battle with the Sand Striker team has been approved."

(Pasta before thread gets going)
Shelling: 6
Maneuver: 3
CRC: 2
Affinity: 3
Traits:
Sandwise
Bandit Hater

Personal Assets:
13,600 credits(+1,000 incoming)
One side arm
One heavy Anti-Zoid Rifle.
800 credits worth of ammo

Team Assets:
One Demantis
One Hound Soldier
One Cannon Tortoise
100,000 credits
1,200 credits worth of ammo

Others:
Gordos, main cannon missing.
Red Horn, Heavily Damaged, Sub weapons missing.

Helcat, Disassembled, no weapons, Stealth shield unknown.
1 Molga's worth of parts
Single Barrel 20mm Beam cannon, unequipped.

>>18834867
Man, we're rolling in the dosh, at least for a D class team. That giant pile of Molga got us some serious dosh.

Get a shower, go to the meeting.

>>18834894
Sidewinder base:

Storage-Lv. 1 =6 Squares(1medium zoid per square)
Fortifications-Lv.2
Security-Lv.1

To upgrade to the next level:
Storage-35,000
Fortification-28,000
Security-5,000

Relations:
Team members
Eri Lowe-Totaly digs you tier.
George Lowe-Grumpy old man tier.
Vince Mcman- Might be cool tier.
Audrey- Little sister tier.

Others
Rob Hatchman-Bro tier.
Sarah Paler-I-it's not like I like you or anything tier.
Vlad Paler-Come at me boy! tier.

>>18834913
Okay, let's increase storage and security, and get a railgun for the Gordos. How much will all that cost? If there's enough left, see if we can maybe repair le Redhorn. Maybe get one off those massive gatling guns for it? How much are those? Also, asked last time, but how much are the missile pods that launch into the sky, and explode into spears that pierce the earth?

>>18834913
Storage, we make most of our money from obtaining zoids and having a bigger chop shop is a damn good thing, also another level of security is pretty cheap and given that there are people after our new little sister we should get that pumped.

>>18835034
>>18834983
Will cost 60,000 to upgrade storage, security, and outfit Gordos with cannons
an additional 30,000 needed to fully repair Red Horn.

Is this acceptable?

>>18835083
As the proposer of that plan, I agree with it. Probably best to get another 1-2 people's idea on this.

>>18835083
Yes, but were not touching the horn, its our personnel project. Lets upgrade base, strip that last hell cat, and sell the parts.

>>18835121
Sure. So what you're saying is, we'd only fix up the Red Horn with personal funds?

>>18835135
Correct, that's are baby, we do it part by part, And ideally each part is taken from a kill. Its a trophy zoid. We use it for fun, not business.

>>18835083
Keep the Red Horn on hold, as much as I like more options to use, I like more than 10k for float. We'll upgrade it at our leisure.

>>18835151
Fair nuff.

>>18835109
>>18835121
very well
>-60,000 to team funds.

You take a quick shower, and Eri follows your example, teasing about taking the next one together.

Making your way to the meeting room, Vince and Audrey are waiting for you. He starts a video, even though Eri hasn't arrived yet.
"This is a video of the Sand Striker's last battle." he informs you. The opponents is a team of 3 Guysacks. The 2 Heldigunners fire a volley at them, while the Sinker fly's around to the flank. You notice it has 2 rocket pods under it's wings, which it begins firing with. The Guysacks are forced to scatter, and the Heldigunners continue to pressure them.

"Their main strategy is to pin the enemy down with fire, and strafe them with the Sinker to disrupt their formation. They keep maneuvering around the enemy until they can single one out and pick it off. It served them well in their first match, but..."
At this point, the Sinker is struck solidly by an enemy shot. It crashes, and the Guysacks quickly surround the remaining Heldigunners, who are quickly felled, despite their best efforts.
"The slower Heldigunners rely too much on the Sinker to disrupt the enemy. If it goes down, their entire strategy falls apart." He cuts the video. "What do you think is the best approach for this?
>Strategies?

>>18835289
The Demantis and Hound Soldier need to keep moving and not get pinned down. Strafing tactis, don't get pinned down or near there Heldigunners tails. the other one we need to hit with a good shelling or two, can we get the Sinker's stats?
The Sinker should be our primary target. with it out our team mates can run circles around the lizards.

>>18835289
Hope to hell the battlefield isn't a desert by a large pond or something.

We'll go Gordos, Railgun the Sinker out of the sky if we can, or at least keep it busy. The Demantis can also keep on pressuring it. Audrey should stay very mobile and if she gets an opportunity to free herself from suppressing fire chase down the slow Heldis.

If I don't have a shot at the Sinker I'll shell the Heldigunners to keep them in cover, Vince if I do that can you use your Hound Soldier, which is pretty fucking fast, to run them down like the toads they are.

Don't get pinned down, don't get separated, and if you see a shot to take down the sinker take it, it's their lynchpin.

We should use the gordos and houndsoldier and just take out the heldigunners while the demantis forces the sinker to focus on evasion since we have much heavier firepower and can just place the hound and gordos over any bedrock.

>>18835391
"The Sinker can reach speeds even higher than the Demantis. However, it has little articulation in its frame, and no breaking system, so it's maneuveribility takes a huge dive at speeds higher than 200 mph. It's armor is just as light as the Demantis' as well."

>>18835289

1.Buy the canon for Gordos
2. nickname it Shasha
3.Field it against sand striker team
4.become reincarnation of Heavy Weapons guy 5. ???
6. profit

I believe we can all agree on this plan

>>18835391
>>18835440
The battlefield is in a rocky prairie, about 6 miles wide. The Heldigunners can burrow into the dirt, but not the Sinker. Rocks will provide cover, and there is little to no sand on sight.

Does this change your strategy?

>>18835604
how much do the rocks affect burrowing?

>>18835604
Nope, it just makes me happier. We get cover to hide behind, they can't burrow quite as well, we can still shoot the sinker out of the sky and the Heldigunners can't abuse their amphibious nature.

We're going to look like utter brutes with this, just big guns and fast guys smashing into them.

>>18835553
you know what, we can, we are now heavy weapons guy.
>http://youtu.be/mY5qJHZCz2I

>>18835289

We should try to keep the Heldigunners occupied with Molga shenanigans while the Hound Hound Soldier and Demantis try to lure the Sinker away from it's allies and neutralize it. I doubt our alpha strike will be very useful against a highly mobile target, and I'd prefer if our glass cannons stay out of a ranged firefight with the Heldigunners.

We should be MolgaStrong.
but in this.
that'll fuck that sinker right good

Getting a lot of votes for switching out for the Gordos.

Eri comes in and you get her up to speed. You bring up using the Gordos for this battle.
"It's not a bad idea, but you'd need the cannons shipped in time. When's the battle, V?"
"Day after tomorrow, at noon. I could have gotten it for tomorrow, but I wanted to give us some breathing space, so I requested an extra day to prepare."
The amber haired girl thinks for a bit. "We may need to call in a favor from Rob, but I should be able to get things ready."
"Alright then, that brings the meeting to an end." Vince informs you all. "Everyone get some sleep. Hold off on taking any jobs tomorrow, and be sure to keep yourself healthy."

You tell everyone good night, and head for bed. The nigh goes quickly, and, as usual, you find yourself wide awake at dawn.

>What do?

>>18835861
Head into town, window shop zoids and parts for the horn, Goldos, and Molga.

>>18835861
>[x] Shower with Eri

>>18835861
Get up, check in on how repairs and everything is going in the hanger, stretch, jog, exercise. Take a shower make breakfast.

You stretch, and make your way to the hangar. Everything looks in tip top shape. The Gordos looks good as new, sans the main guns, and that goes double for the Hound, finally restored to its former glory. Eri already repaired what little damage the Cannon Tortoise sustain, as well.

Satisfied, you head to the kitchen, and start making something for yourself. You notice Eri come into the room, who wears a look of disappointment.
"You suck." she pouts. "How am I suppose to make breakfast for you if you're always getting up so damn early?"
>What say?

>>18835982
Distract me, I'm a sucker for when a beautiful woman like you does pretty much anything in front of me or to me.

>>18835982
Suggest we make breakfast for her to make up for it.

>>18835982
"Well I could go back to sleep for an hour and you could make breakfast for me." We tease.

>>18836018
>>18836019
"Shuddap and make my food." she shoots back, though her smile soon returns. You make enough for two and have a nice meal with smalltalk.
"Going to give Rob a call soon as I finish." she remarks. "We'll need those cannons in as soon as possible if we want to use the Gordos."
You tell her that he'd probably jump at the chance to do her a favor. "Why? You're the one who saved him."

Ah, poor, poor Rob. Maybe you should help set him up with someone?

"Anyway, anything you want me to work on today?" the girl asks between bites. "New weapons, maintenance, anything?"

>What do?

>>18836095
double check the 3 combatants, and strip our other hellcat. Its cluttering the hanger.

>>18836095
Hmm, what else do we need. We should get used to the Goldos's dakka before we fiddle with it, make sure it's ranged tracking systems are optimized, we'll want to blast the Sinker out of the air ASAP.

Ask if she wants to spend some hobby time on the Red Horn, not serious repairs, more like fixing up a classic car.

>>18836095
Maybe buy another cloaking device? We dont want to keep switching it from the molga and back.

>>18836189
Can anything from the helcat on the other zoids? I read that the helcat has noise dampners. Could those be put on the command wolf?

>>18836189
>>18836226
"You sure about the Helcat? Can't really use it for anything, so we might as well sell it put together. Should bring in about 10,000 if you do."
She tells you she already checked the Gordos' weapons, and they all function fine. She's ok with double checking them though. She asks for a rain check on fiddling with the Red Horn till she's done.

It is now 7AM. Who would you like to spend time with?
>Eri
>Audrey
>Vince
>Others

Bogart cloaking device (Even from Pimp My Molga if we must)
Put on Demantis.
Can't out maneuver what you can't see. Suck it Sinker.

Crap, I'm late.

What the hell's with all the calls to switch to the Gordos? If we're going to switch out it should be to the Redhorn, which only costs 10000 more to get combat ready and is a superior zoid. Not that I think we should switch out seeing as we only just got that sucker punch cannon installed.

>>18836296
(double checking the 3 zoids, I mean)

>>18836309
Too be fair, you would also need an extra day to fix it. That's time you don't have to spare for the upcoming battle.

>>18836309
Last thread it was agreed that we should get the gordos working first thanks to it's superior firepower. Also I think after this battle we should get Eri trained on the gordos and have each member of the team trained in a different role (eri as long range heavy weapons, Audrey as fast airborne damage, vince as agile land with powerful weapons and us as the heavily armored heavy punching zoid/situationally adaptable zoids)

>>18836347
That reminds me, are we going to be able to make the match Stone Age invited us to watch?

>>18836347
Needs more epic Redhorn pic

>>18836296
See if Audrey is good for the match.

>>18836377
Yeah, but what's up with using the Gordos in this match? It's like all of you forgot that our Molga also has stealth camo. We could fake a burrow and then roll right up to one of the Heldigunners and alpha strike them no problem.

>>18836402
She tells you the debunk SS can't give the Demantis a proper cloak, but she thinks she could rework it to 'blink' the way a Lightning Saix can, if you want her to try that.
>>18836306
Battle will be on TV, at noon. You could watch it if your not occupied at the moment.

>>18836296
I say Audrey too
And we may have to consider getting her a different zoid, because how long until the bad guy sees her? Pro-tip, The First Zoid Battle that'll be aired for free?!
She came over to us at no pushing or force, we want to protect her, and keeping that demantis? Isnt going to keep her safe.

>>18836480
Any advantage will work.

>>18836504
pfft, we all know the BBEG will find things out at exactly the speed of plot, Demantis away!

>>18836504
We did make sure to do a full analysis on the demantis right? No bombs rigged or remote kill switch?

>>18836557
Crap.
Didnt think of that either.
I mean sure though, if we take a side job and she's comfortable with her Demantis, take it, but a televised Zoids battle?
Sure we know the Big Bad evil organization is going to find her, but we want to delay that as long as possible.
>Buy The Security Upgrade.

>>18836480
Yes to blink, with someone like Audrey at the helm she only needs a small window to smash something open.

Check in with Audrey, make sure she's comfortable fighting with us.

Get security upgraded, I have a feeling we'll have visitors after the fight.

>>18836504
We have to consider getting Audrey an new zoid because the Demantis is fragile as heck. Remember, we one shotted the thing with just our underground rifle.

>>18836591
If you're so worried about security maybe we could hold off on the hanger expansion and buy multiple security upgrades?

>>18836681
Redler?
Raynos?
Fuck the Ptera because, seriously.

>>18836681
Maybe see how she does with a flying zoid?

How effective would the stealth system be in the Gordos?

>>18836591
(was already purchased here)>>18835083

You decide to spend some time with Audrey. You go to her room and knock, however it seems she's not there. You check the bathroom, the kitchen again, and finally make you way into the hanger. You go to the Demantis, and find that she isn't there either. You gaze at it a moment. Vince told you earlier that he'd inspected it for any 'surprises'. Thankfuly there weren't any. You consider disguising it, maybe a different paint color?

You go around the hanger blocks, asking Eri if she's seen the other girl. She tells you she hasn't seen her that morning. You're starting to feel a little nervous, and make for the outside entrance, picking up speed. You can't help think something could have happened in the night, and if you don't see her outside, you determine to raise the alarm. You find yourself running, making a beeline for the down and
*thwump
You pick yourself up and try to see what you ran into. You don't see anything. You raise up and stretch out your hand. You feel a familiar metallic sensation. You tap it a few times, then slowly make your way around the unseen object.
"Audrey? Are you in there?"
"Yes." comes a muffled reply through the canopy.
"What are you doing in my Molga?"
"Hiding..." she responds.
>What do?

>>18836762
>Small class stealth system
>Large class zoid
Yeap, it might make you sparkle!

>>18836772
We might have two.

>>18836770
Hiding from what?

>>18836770
Audrey, I know that MOLGA STRONG, and it is a damn nice ride, that baby always had made me feel safe from whatever is out there, but what are you hiding from? You don't have to come out just yet, just talk to me.

>>18836770
"Great, now my cockpit will lose that man smell, Ive been working on. Nervous about the match?"

>>18836826
"I broke it." you hear her say.
"Broke what?"
"The tape." you think she sniffles a bit. "The picture got fuzzy, and I tried to take it out and it got stuck and I pulled it, and, and..." she sniffs agian. "Ms Eri said to be really careful with them when she let me have them, cause they were really, really important, and she's gonna be mad at me. So I'm hiding."
Poor girl probably thinks she'll get punished badly for something so trivial.

>What do?

>>18836900
Fall over laughing. seriously, just Rofl.

>>18836900
"What tape?"

Climb into the cockpit with her.

>>18836900
"Oh. Audrey, no honey she won't be angry, it was an accident. Come on, why don't we go tell her together."

>>18836900
Try to suppress our laughter, fail miserably and roll on the floor.

That's what you were worried about, that of all things. Audrey dear, you don't have to be worried about this at all, it's a tape, not a big deal.

I thought it was something serious for a second there.

Why don't we get you out of the cockpit, go see Ari, own up and apologize. It was an accident, she isn't going to be mad.

>>18836718
Battle Cougar Battle Cougar Battle Cougar.
Thats all im hearing from this post

>>18837007
Fuck that ugly thing.
I'd sooner a Storm Sworder.
Plus, no way we can afford one of those, I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to exist any more.

>>18837028
>>18837007
I say Gravity Saix....

It was my first zoid toy.

>>18836941
>>18836951
"Here, let me have a look at it, maybe I can fix it." you try to reassure her.
"...okay." she finally says meekly.
....
"Audrey?"
"Yes?"
"I can't get in unless you turn of the cloak."
"Oh!" she replies, flustered. A few seconds later, the shield drops, and you locate the canopy hitch. You peer inside and the dark skinned girl hands you the old VHS. The film isn't brojen, but its pulled out and tangled a great deal, probably gonna mess it up if anyone ever watches it again, but you think it might still work.
"See, Audrey, it's not ruined, Eri won't be mad. Even if it was torn, she wouldn't get mad."
"Are you sure?" she sounds uncertain.
"Yeah, look if you're scarred, I'll go with you."
"Really?"
"Yeah."

You both go to Eri, who's sitting at a console punching in some data. She notices you. "Hey, there you are, sweety. Where you been hiding under?"
Audrey shuffles over and hands her the tape. "I'm sorry, it-it messed up." she says with a lowered head. Eri eyes it, then raises the other girls face.
"Is that all?" Eri gives a warm smile. "You don't have to worry about something like this. I'll fix it in a jiffy. And if anything like that happens, just come get me, ok?"

Audrey brightens, and nods. The two of them seem to be bonding well.

>What do?

>>18837089
Tell Eri she'd make a good mom.

>>18837089
Now that we got that resolved we should invite everyone to check out the stone match.

>>18837028
>>18837007
>>18837056
Whatever zoid we get her has to be agile. She has a special ability that relies on the agility of her zoid.

>>18837089
Thank Eri for dealing with this well, give her a nice hug.

Sit down on the couch, invite the others, get some popcorn, watch the Stone Match.

>>18837132
We could get her a souped up zabat with the stealth attached

>>18837132
Battle Cougar IS agile, and also one of the fastest zoids, can fly, AND fight on land, and has an absurd amount of weapons.
And it is not "ugly". It probably is too expensive if we could even buy one though, I just keep hoping that bringing it up will let us find a wild one someday.

For more immidiate upgrade, Im thinking maybe one of the Raptor type zoids? theyre all pretty agile and have a good mix of melee and dakka. base flyign zoids all tend to be pretty fragile(expect crazier stuff like BC, Orudios or Gungyarados), and I dont know if wed want to switch her over to a flight primary or not.

>>18837287
I figure we already have a lot of land only zoids and flying types tend to be the most agile plus we need a way of locating our opponents early in the battle to take advantage of our heavy guns.

>>18837110
>>18837126
Eri coughs a bit and looks away. Audrey giggles. When you bring up Stone Age, Eri looks interested.
"There battle was also at noon, right? It's still only 8 now. We can kill some time till then."

>What do?

>>18837314
Damn, we've got some time to burn, get into the Gordos, get a feel for it, how it moves, how it shoots get a few test shots of some of the weaponry. Just try to understand her. We're using her tomorrow and I'd rather than not be our first time inside the Gordos.

>>18837314
If we're really going to use the Gordos then we should take it for a test drive and get a feel for how it handles.

>>18837334
seconding we should also set up a firing range to find if the guns are precise or if we need to adjust anything.

>>18837304
Actually, the Flying types are usually the FASTEST, not the most agile. I think the Cats(tigers, jaguars etc) hold that honor. The Flying types ALSO have even less armor then whats shes using now.
I was actually going to suggest just fixing up the Helcat and giving that to her, but I guess were selling that...
http://zoids.wikia.com/wiki/Evo_Flyer
compromise?

>>18837334
>>18837345
"Zizus Christ, it's a Liger! Get in the Gordos!"
...
..
.
"What?" Eri says, dumfounded.
"Just bring the Gordos around, woman. I need you to copilot."
"Didn't you hijack it before?" she responds coyly
"Details. Besides, that was improvised. I want to know everything there is to know about the thing."
"Alright."

You both exit the bay doors, the Gordos' sluggish pace offsetting to the usual smooth ride of your Molga. It's got plenty of girth, you can tell that much.
"So what all I got available?" you inquire. "I got the beam canons on the tail working last time, but what else is there?"
"Well," she instructs, leaning over from the back seat, "you got your point defense guns on both flanks, your rear anti air beam batteries, and lets not forget the tail spikes. These controls will be for the Rail guns when we get them installed."

>Fire away!
>Ask for further instructions on systems
>Tag out

>>18837455
Ask for further instructions, we're a hotshot pilot but we're not a kid anymore, we read the instruction manual and ask for directions. Make sure everything is hunky dory on our end before we mash buttons.

>>18837455
Tempted to tag out and give Eri her crack at it, but we should try it out first, take a couple of shots with the point defense guns, first standing still, then while moving, and do a few experimental swipes with the tail. then give Eri a shot.

>>18837397
That would work if we could find one but for now we need to get something that can operate as a scout (still wanting a zabat for now) but for later thinking something along the lines of
http://zoids.wikia.com/wiki/Storm_Sworder

to clarify, I don't go for the first post whenever a decision needs to be made, so some tie breaking votes are always possible

>>18837611
>>18837517
This because it would be a shame if we broke something.

>>18837611
Lets go through them instructions!

>>18837517
"What about the targeting radar and range finders? I hear that was this thing's bread and butter."
"Oh, the boy can study!" Eri says in mock amazement. She goes over the details of the system with you. The radar is very good at what it does, extending a whole 360 degrees around you, and even able to pick out targets behind obstacles.
"Just remember, the radar relies on the spikes on your back, if those take a hit, you'll loose a lot of accuracy."
"Noted." you say, feeling rather comfortable with the controls and range finder. Even though you don't have them equipped right now, you feel like you could use the main guns effectively.
You have some more time till the Battle on TV.

>Practice
>Coach Eri in Maneuvers
>Coach Eri in CRC

>>18837785
Coach Eri on manuevers.

>>18837785
Coach her in Manuevers, if she's ever in melee there is something very wrong with what is going on.

Get it so she doesn't handle the Zoid like a beached whale, don't tell her that's our official diagnosis.

After that get some practice in to keep sharp and understand the Gordos more.

Coach her in maneuvers.

>>18837802
>>18837822
"Your turn!" you declare whimsicaly.
"Huh?"
Punching in some commands, you switch control to the back seat. "Show me what you got."
"O-okay." Eri says nervously. "...don't laugh, ok?"
"I'll consider it." She kicks the back of your seat.

She brings the Gordos around and takes a few pratice shots and swings from the tail weapons. You find that she's a good shot if she has time to take steady aim, though her techniques a bit rough on the move. Passable otherwise, you chalk that up to the Cannon Tortoise she's been using. As well as everything else.
She ran run and make gentle turns fine, but when she tries for something more adventures her weight shifting is wrong and poorly timed, and it makes the already clumsy Gordos just sort of lurch side to side. It actually manages to make you feel a little sick.
"Lean in a half second earlier there." you instruct.
"L-like this?"
"Yes, good. Now take a deeper step here."
"I think I got it."
Over an hour goes by, and while she doesn't improve leeps and bounds, her technique is much less abysmal than before.
>Stat up! Manuev. +1

"Phew, I'm tired!" Eri breathes. "Lets take a break. It's almost time for the battle anyway."
You concur, and take the Gordos back to the hanger bay.
There's some one waiting for you. It's Eri's dad.
"Young man." he states gruffly. "We need to have a talk."
>What do?

>>18838009
Go with him, talk.
I don't see how this can possibly go wrong!

>>18838009
Hello Mr. Lowe, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about? Before you ask I'm not planning on having Eri fight in any dangerous situations.

>>18838009
"Oh why Im flattered but we would never wor-oh this is serious. Right. Shutting up now."

>>18838116
>>18838179
You open the canopy and hop out.
"Go inside, Eri." he addresses his duaghter.
"Daddy, just hold on a-"
"Go. Inside." he orders. She looks at you, worried, but you nod, and she obeys.

The air is still between you. He takes out a flask and takes a draft, before eying you.
"Just what do you think you're doing?"
You tell him everything, deciding its best to be truthful.
"So it's not enough I already buried one child already, now you want to take my only one left?" he says bitterly. You try to explain that you wouldn't put her in danger, only for him to cut you off.
"Danger!?" he spits. "What was that joyride you took her on yesterday? Was that not a 'dangerous situation' to you?"
"That was differen-"
"What's different?!" he shouts. He takes another draft, but simply spits it out on the ground. "What if you didn't protect her? What if a stray shot got her? What then?"
You stand silent for now. He grips his hands tightly.
"Don't you understand, she's all I got left!" he declares, his frustration audible in his voice, visible in the tears that begin to flow from his eyes. "My wife, my son, I lost everything else. Do you not understand boy? What it means to loose everything?"

>What say?

>>18838324
Not everything, you don't work as a mercenary for long without losing friends, loved ones, I almost lost my eye. But I've never lost everything.

I am teaching her because I don't want to lose her, she will eventually end up in the cockpit of a Zoid when it's life or death, there is no question of that, no matter what either of us do one day it will happen. The only thing I can do is make sure she knows what to do at that point. I am trying to keep her safe as I can't always be there for her no matter how hard I try.

>>18838324
"No, I don't. I can't know that, because I've been fortunate enough to not have to experience it. But I'll tell you what I do know, sir... You can't keep her locked up forever. You want to keep Eri safe. You want to protect your little girl. But that can't end well. From what I've seen in the past week, Eri's a strong girl, a willful girl, and if you keep her locked away from the world where it's safe, even if it's for her own good, she won't be happy. She'll come to see her own home as a gilded cage, and she'll take off on her own and do something dumb, and probably get herself killed. And I know for damn sure that isn't what you want. I promise you, I'll keep her safe when we're out there. I won't let her get hurt. I give you my word as a man, she won't come to harm.

>>18838324
We loss someone to bandits right?

"I'm sorry I didn't mean too. I lost someone as well. Bandits."

>>18838413
Oh yeah.
Modifying my (>>18838406) to:
No, I don't. I can't know what it's like, not everything. But I know what it's like to lose someone you care about. And I'll tell you what else I know sir... You can't keep her locked up forever. You want to keep Eri safe. You want to protect your little girl. But that can't end well. From what I've seen in the past week, Eri's a strong girl, a willful girl, and if you keep her locked away from the world where it's safe, even if it's for her own good, she won't be happy. She'll come to see her own home as a gilded cage, and she'll take off on her own and do something dumb, and probably get herself killed. And I know for damn sure that isn't what you want. I promise you, I'll keep her safe when we're out there. I won't let her get hurt. I give you my word as a man, she won't come to harm. I swore to myself I'd never lose someone again, and I won't lose Eri.

>>18838413
>>18838406
The man breathes out heavily.
"You overestimate her. That girl smiles when everyone's watching. It's when she thinks no one can see her that she cries. She's cried a lot these past few years." he covers his eyes with one hand. "I could do anything for her. I'm just a weak old man..."
You decide to interrupt his self loathing.
"Her name was Molly." you begin somberly. He looks up in your direction. "We grew up in the same town, we were about the same age. When I was 17 we started dating. I was really happy for a while."

Your face falls. "One day when my dad and his men were away, there was a raid. I couldn't find her. I was running around in the streets, getting shot at and shooting others, I was desperate to find her. I wish I hadn't."
The image is still burned in your mind from that time.
"She'd been shot in the head. When I picked her up from the floor, I knew right away. She was already dead. I've never know despair like before, or ever since."

You look George in the eye, determined. "I wasn't there to protect her. Maybe I couldn't have even if I was. But I don't want to go through that ever again."

He's silent for a moment. "Then what will you do for her, boy? What will you do for Eri?"
"Whatever I can."
You both stare at each other a little longer. He turns and head back inside.
"You better make good on that, boy. I won't forgive you if you fail."

You breath out air you feel like you've been holding in for years. That's another bullet avoided.
>What do?

>>18838576
We could avoid the old man, but we should talk s'more.

"What where they like?"

>>18838576
Wander inside, we've worked up an appetite, get some lunch. Find Vince and nerd out over Zoids, talk shop and get a handle on how his mind works in a fight.

>>18838626
Nevermind, he walked away already.

We should probably go see that match.

>>18838656
>>18838647
You go inside, and meet up with Vince, who's giving the hound a once over.
"How bout it, boy? You ready to go at it?" he says. To your surprise, the Zoid responds growl. "Ata' boy! Just wait, you'll get to run as much as you want to."
You call out to him, and he waves at you. "Hey, Gerald, what's with the serious face?"
You cough and tell him you just had sun glare in your eyes, still. You ask how the Hound is, and he tells you it's more then ready to go.
"Eri said something about watching a battle soon. Should I be interested?" You tell him about meeting Stone Age earlier. "Yeah, that's definitely worth looking into."
"You guys! Hurry up, its starting!" Eri's voice comes out from the hall. You both quicken you pace. You can already hear the judge with its usual routine.

<Battlefield, set up. The Stone Age Team VS The Coyote Team. Battlemode 0982. Ready? Fight!>

(cont)

>>18838803
"Hah!" one of the Coyote's jeer. "What are you gonna do with those old pieces of junk?"
Morgan brings his zoid closer, it's trunk raising as it bellows.
"Old doesn't mean useless, boyo. And new certainly mean better."
"Try this one and tell if its better!" The Command wolf fire's its Beam Cannon at the larger, sluggish zoid. However, Morgan's teamate intercepts it with his zoid, the armor easily tanking the shot.
"What was that, brat, it barely tickled!" Lode taunts.

"Hmm, interesting." Eri comments. "At first glance their zoids don't seem to have much synergy, but the way they're using them compliments each other very well."
You have to agree, the Zaber guards the out circle, intercepting anyone who tries to move in close. The Mammoth uses its impressive weapons array to cover the Zaber, and Geruder uses its thick armor to deflcet fire aimed at the Mammoth. They constantly shift their formation, but the Command Wolves on the other team can't ever push through the defensive line.
A defense oriented team, huh? That's veterans, for you.
The last Wolf gets taken out by the Geruder's cannons, and the judge declares the battle is over. Only the Geruder and Zaber took some damage, the enemy never got close enough to the leader.
"I thought so." Vince states. "Morgan the Mammoth. They say he beat a group of 12 by himself. He's a tough one."
"Surely that's an exaggeration." Eri says.
Maybe, but you can tell for sure they aren't push overs.
It's now the afternoon.
>What do?

>>18838881
We should head to the town and check out the shops now that we have dosh and to find another job to do in the molga before our next match.

>>18838881
Vince manged to somehow communicate with his zoid.

Maybe we should try to speak with the molga..

>>18838905
You decide to head to town, and spend some of your dosh. Maybe get a hat or three. Eri says she can't go, and Vince wants to give the Hound a shakedown before you have the battle tomorrow. Audrey sort of disappeared again, and you decide that she can use some me time too. Grabbing your jacket, you hop into your Molga, turn on some good ol rock and roll, and ride out the door.
A few minutes out, you see something in the distance, and momentarily you are hailed.
["Gerald, bro, what's up man?"]
"Hey, Rob, you bring me delicious guns?"
["I most certainly did. Volunteered to take it on my day off, hope you appreciate it."]
His Merda quickly passes you, and you bid farewell.
["Hey, let's meet up at Pteras Pizza later. I'll treat you."]
You thank him and drive another 30 minutes to reach the walled town surrounding the region's ZBC terminal.
You park and exit, and see if you can spot Cody. He seems to be elsewhere today.
What to do.
>Zoids
>Arcade
>Aquire 'Fighting Trousers'
>Others

>>18839062
Zoida

>>18839062
Zoids got priority fun can be had later

>>18839062
FIGHTING TROUSERS!

>>18839092
Zoids before roids. Or something. You make your way through the various vendors, seeing a few Iguans and Godoses, nothing particularly catching you eye.
Then you come to a halt.
[GUSTAV-USED]
[22,000]
This is cheaper than dirt for a Gustav. Your team could do with one, too, especialy if your going to be using the Gordos or Red Horn regularly.

Your first instinct is 'What's wrong with it?' Closer inspection reveals just that. One of the metal plates in the front is missing, leaving the vunerable inner works completely exposes. You're not sure what caused it, but you can imagine it did a number on the internals as well. It's shape certainly reflects its price tag, but this could be a good opportunity for you.

>What do?

>>18839219
Buy it, we need one and can fix it later.

>>18839243
Also if space is a concern (I'm pretty sure we just upgraded our storage) we can simply store other zoids on it.

>>18839219
Buy it we can use it for bringing sleepers/salvage back in good condition to quickly cover cost.

>>18839250
Having a huge-ass zoid transport sitting outside with more priceless zoids loaded on it might be a bad idea.

>>18839287
I meant that we could store them on it inside. As in, they would sit on the transport sections inside the hanger where they'd usually go. Difference is they are slightly off the ground.

>>18839306
Ah, well. If all that could fit inside the place, vertically, it would probably be fine.

>>18839284
>>18839243
You call the vender over. "Sir, I don't suppose you could take it for a little less? An even 20,000?"
He shakes his head. "Sorry kid. If I don't sell it for at least that much, I'll end up in the red. Damn bandits took one of my zoids, and left this guy like this. I'm trying to cut my losses and head back home."
"Aw, that sucks." you say sympathetically. However that gives you an idea. "Say, how much would a new zoid's worth of parts be worth to you?"
"Depends on the zoid. I want something that'll get me back to my home town quickly."
"I got a whole Helcat eating up space in my hanger." You inform. "It's not loaded with a cloak or any weapons, though I might could get a beam cannon attached to it."

He thinks it over a minute. "2 thousand, and the Helcat, and this Gustav's yours."
It just so happens that you have that much burning a hole in you pocket as you speak. You swipe your card, and he tells you to come see him tomorow afternoon to make the trade.
Gustav get!
-2000 from personal assets.(they'll split the difference with you later)
>What do?

>>18839389
See if we cant find the part for the gustav..or weld some guns to it.

>>18839389
How long until Rob gets here?

>>18839438
Agreeing with this

>>18839439
depends on how long he flirts with Eri(ineffectually)
anywhere from a half our to 55 minutes. Merda's da fastast zoid evah
(on the ground)

>>18839438

We might be able to scavenge some armor plates from the spare Molga back at the garage.

Would a cloak for the gustav be expensive? Cloaky gustav, best gustav.

>>18839438
>>18839450
You search, somewhat futilely, for parts. There are Gustav parts for sale, but the prices are absurd, costing more than what you bought yours for.
An idea strikes you though, plug the hole with a gun turret. Yeah, that'll definitely work! If you get the right turret, anyway.
Ypu look around for something that can both be mounted on your new(heh) Gustav, as well as block the gap in the armor sufficiently.

This proves imposible, though. Oh well, you got time to figure something out. That's about all the zoid shopping you can do for now.
>Arcade
>Fightin trousas
>Wait for Rob
>Others

>>18839553

Fightin Trousas, whatever that means. Then wait for Rob.

Also, when are we looking at seeing a Blade and/or Shield Liger and how much do they cost? A stealthed Blade Liger would be hilarious. And I think we agreed that it or the shield liger is what we eventually wanted anyway.

>>18839572
Hopefully not for a while. That sounds like endgame stuff and this story still has a lot to provide.

>>18839553
Pants for the pants god
belts for the belt throne

>>18839553
>[x] Fightan Trousas

>>18839572
A lot
>>18839583
You've been wearing the same old rags since forever ago. Time to remedy that!

You enthusiastically make your way down to the clothing stores, stopping at one with a pretty wide variety. Time to pick something out.
>What is your Battle Outfit?

>>18839607
Engage skinny white-man boxing mode? With pipe?

>>18839626
Just pick out what clothes we'll be wearing when we go zoid foightan, man

>>18839607
Could we wear a long coat? I know people say their over hyped and cliche but c'mon there cool..

I say we pick out colors that match the molga.

>>18839666
Should wear something like this, in the correct matching color. Except with a smoking pipe. I mean, if I saw someone like that I'd be at least puzzled. It'll give us the shock advantage.

We need to bring class so I say a simple suit with a vest.

>>18839666
classic Imperial then? its where you were born and raised afterall

>>18839683
I say ditch the jacket and tie, but keep the waistcoat, trousers, shirt, and shoes.

>>18839698
Like pic related?

>>18839698

Seconded. Get some class up in here.

>>18839715
Indeed, although I doubt we'll ever put somebody in the Million Dollar Dream and choke their ass out in zero-g.

>>18839722
Dark khaki pants. Ash grey shirt. Red vest. And hell, top it off with a silver fedora with a red line. You spin around to the clerk.
"On a scale of ten, how awesome do I look?" you ask.
He rubs his chin for a bit. "I give it an 7."
"Fuck you."
"Hey, give me a break, you're not even smoking a cigar!"
"Fair enough."
You pay for your new threads, and buy a few extra articles while your at it.
-200 credits.
You're stylin, and you got dosh to spare.
>What do?

>>18839770

Acquire cigars and a pocket watch with chain for self, and flowers for Eri. Oh and maybe one of those anime tapes Audrey likes. Class it up in this bitch.

>>18839770
Classy as fuck.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wInHktd7hU
And seconding this: >>18839791

>>18839770

Also, just wanted to say Zoid Mother, this is my favorite quest on /tg/ by far. Great universe, great characters, great action, all of it is top notch. I appreciate what you do and you've revived my love of a series I haven't seen in over a decade. I DLed New Century Zero and Chaotic Century because of this quest. Keep up the good work and try to do threads more often eh?

>>18839801
mfw I'm now picturing us as a Zoid Piloting Firo Prochainezo.

>>18839791
You never really smoked much, but what the hell. You get a box a cigars, and a fancy pocket watch while your at it. Flowers are a bit more difficult, but you find some cactus roses that match Eri's hair. You even find a Danlaiga plush for Audrey. Must be popular.

Having proven that you are not poor and irish, whatever that means, you are left with little option but to make your way to the pizza parlor that Rob mentioned earlier.
Getting a seat in the smoking section, you light one of the cigars up and have a puff. It nearly overwhelms your lungs, but you manage to handle it, and find the brand quite good.

After a few minutes later, Rob finaly shows up.
"Hey, bro. N-i-c-e digs!" he sits down beside you. "So I hear you got a battle tomorrow. You psyched for it?"
You are feeling rather psyched. The battle royal was exciting, but you feel like it was missing something, that you'd probably find in a actual team battle.
"So who were you up against?" he asks.
"The Sand Strikers." you inform.
"Oh!" he responds with surprise. "Oh..." his face falls a bit.
>What do?

>>18839876
"Is there something I should know?"

>>18839868
apreciate it. I'd also recomend Maverick Hunter quest and AC quest. Really great writing from both questers.

I wish I could get posts done faster. Sadly both my prose and key fu are still a bit weak.
Hopefully I get faster as time goes on

>>18839876

"Thanks for the compliment Rob. You wanna have a drink and tell me what's up? I'm buying."

We're a bad ass classy former mercenary. Support our friend. Also, give flowers to Eri if she's around.

>>18839890

Already follow AC Quest, Zombie & Witch, Mahou, and the two Witches quest, but you still top them except for maybe Strike Witch Quest, IMO. It might be the subject matter. Keep up the good work and you'll get better man. I'll have to check our Maverick Hunter Quest though..

>>18839891
>>18839886
"Ah, no no," he insists. "It's not that big a deal, it'll just get you down if I tell you now."
"You sure?" you ask, trying to be a good friend.
"Yeah, man, I'll tel you all about it later. Just give it your best shot."
"If you say so."

You go on talking about recent events. You tell him about hijacking that Gordos, which nearly makes him fall out of his chair. He tells you his companies set up new security measures, such as clearance codes and Xray scans for cargo holds.
"The boss and everyone's been real good to me," he says light heartedly, "they're all like family, you know. I can't think of what I do if something ever happened to any of them." You give a knowing nod, company kept long enough is as much family as anything else. He frowns a bit. "Which makes me really mad, bro. I think there was an insider in that whole mess from before. Someone gave those guys my route, either a plant or someone who took a bribe. Can't really do anything about either."

>What do?

>>18839943
Well if you figure out who did it, I can see about arranging for them to experience... an untimely accident.

>>18839943

"Hm.. Well if you ever need any back up Rob, you know where to find me." Now let's go find Eri, she's around here somewhere right? Give her the flowers and talk to her about our new acquisitions.

>>18839983
Nah, Eri's back at the hanger, outfitting the Gordos with delicious daka.
You get the check, which Rob pays for, as promised. You offer him a cigar, but he says he doesn't smoke. Bidding him farewell, you head back to the hanger with your swag. The sun's already set, but its not that late yet.

You make your way inside, and park. Audrey comes to greet you, seems she's in a good mood since you last saw her. It only improves when you give her your present.
"Thank you, Mr Gerald!" she beams, actually giving you a hug on her own, it surprises you, honestly. She heads off, leaving you by yourself in the hanger.

>What do?

>>18840021
Deliver dem flowers in the classiest way imaginable.

>>18840021

Go see Eri of course. Maybe after we could have a shot at making a sweet dinner for the group before our first match and in appreciation of our welcoming and Eri's hard work? A man with class shows his thanks and I refuse to believe that after years as a mercenary we don't know how to cook at least passably. Perhaps a nice pasta dish or some steaks.

>>18840029
>>18840038
You make your may to and fro, knowing Eri, she's most likely still in the hanger. You eventually find her, nestled in some cords by the Gordos, looking a touch disheveled.
"How fairest thee, young maiden?" you inquire.
"Blegh." she murmers back. She looks up and notices your new threads. "The fuck are you suppose to be?"
"Classy."
She laughs. "I'd do without the hat, makes you look like your trying to hard."
"You just don't have the appreciation needed to enjoy my level of class." You hand her the roses, which she sniffs, and gently sets aside.
"Careful, hotshot, you might get me thinking you like me or something."
"What are you doing anyway?"
"Lazing." she answers simply. "It's like resting, but instead of energy, I'm trying to get back motivation."
You could probably help with that.

>Quit mucking about
>Muck about

>>18840086

>So tempted to muck about.

[x] Don't muck about.

"Only thinking huh? Guess that means i'll have to work harder. Tell you what, why don't you take a break for dinner? I promise i'll make something you won't forget. After that, i'll help you out for as long as you like. Doing whatever you want. What. Ever. You. Want."

>Off-topic sage.

Did Zoids have gunnery crew as well as pilots? Just asking because I remember that I had a Zoid (I think it was a four legged pterodactyl with red wings) that had a pilot seat in its main gun as well as the standard pod.

>>18840129
the toys did, but I'm ruling that as unnecessary with current tech, to make things easier to keep track of

>>18834787
Pardon me but the archived threads are very confusing. Would some one be so kind to explain how to find all the previous threads?

>>18840170
just select the 'zoids' keyword
all the threads will come up, in order
sorry about that, I'd fix it if I knew how

seems to be slowing down, so I'll break for about 6 hours. if its still up I'll finish things up before i go in to work

>>18840180
Archive only goes up to thread number 6 but I believe I saw a thread number 7 being played in last night.

>>18840205

D'aawww. Shenanigans. Hopefully the thread is alive by then. When will you be doing the next thread? Am I going to have to wait all week?

>>18840229
The quest seems to be popping up at least twice a week, so if at all you won't have to wait long.

Also agree with >>18840125

Are the Heldigunners (and other Dark Zoids) dark boosted or do they use regular reactors?

>>18840170
Just click through the archived tags. The tag "zoid" should get what you miss under "zoids"

>>18840213
I dont think so because ops description of recent events matches the last thread in the archive so i am going to save this one as number 7 in a couple of minutes if no one argues.

Bump for the bump god.

Bump. Also, since when are the model Molgas so fucking cool?

>>18841949
Forgot my pic-related.

Huzzah, I'm not too late! Just wanted to say OP, love this quest. See you in ~20 minutes or so.

Bump, we seek the one called Zoid Mother!

Bump the third. Zoid Mother, return to us!

I am risen! And I overslept, shit.
>>18840125
Eri grins wryly. "Anything?" You nod. She giggles. "No take backs."
You take her hand and help her up. You both go over the Gordos once more, making sure the Railguns are secured. You didn't get much ammo, but it should be enough for the match tomorrow, at least.

"I already ate, so I'll save what I want for later." she has an evil smile on her face. "Make sure you win tomorrow, though."
You promise, and give her a hug, her nestling against you for a moment. You kiss her goodnight, and you go to your room.

Morning comes, and your awake and well rested. You have to make it to the Battlefield by noon, but you still have some time.
>What do?

Bump one last time, for emphasis

>>18844008

Riiiight as Zoid Mother shows up. Of course. And get ourselves some breakfast and check on the rest of the team, see how they're feeling about the battle. Especially Audrey. Fear can be just as bad as bullets.

>>18844008
Breakfast time, and team meeting. Now, the Gordos is a slow, lumbering thing. If we're going to keep ourselves from getting nickled and dimed to death from the heldigunners and sinker, we;ll have to get Audry and Vince to run interference. We're the big gun that's slightly more mobile than a cannon tortoise, and we do have those AA guns on our tail that could maybe deflect some of the incoming rockets from the Sinker? But yeah, ideally, we sit back at range and shell the Sinker or Heldigunners, whichever gives us the best shot, while Audry goes after the Sinker up close and stealth'd. Vince.... I really don't know much about the Hound Soldier, but it seems like a wolf type zoid with primarily close range potential. I'd say have him keep on the lookout for the heldigunners and keep them occupied, since we'll be the biggest target.

>>18844058
Missiles can be jammed with right equipment and I'd say that is far safer than trying to shoot them down one by one.

The big guns can be aimed manually so if we get massive ECM going we will be at advantage due to heavy armor and heavy artillery.

>>18844028
>>18844058

You make you way into the kitchen, only to see Eri already making breakfest.
"Beat you~." she taunts, sticking out her tongue. You shake your head.
You sit down and let her serve you another omelet, they're really good for something so simple. You bring up a meeting, and she tells you Vince wanted to have one as well.

You both finish and clean up, and then head to the meeting room. You make smalltalk till Audrey and Vince show up.
"Ok, here's the battle plan I've cooked up." Vince says as he brings up some figures on the screen. "Audrey and I will circle around the enemy, while Gerald uses long range fire to hold them off. The Hound will act as a screen for the Mantis. Once we get into a good position to flank them, we'll break away from one another. I'll charge down the Heldigunners, and Audrey will strafe the Sinker. You'll continue giving us support from a distance. You out range them, so there shouldn't be a problem with close range combat."

The plan sounds solid enough.
>Add anything?

>>18844218

Not that I can think of. Did we retrieve our new? We should if we haven't yet. We should bring Eri with us. Also, will she be able to provide sensor support like Jamie did in the show?

>>18844321

Our new acquisition. Deeerp. The Gustav.

>>18844329

Still have to put the Helcat together first. You wont have time till after the battle

>>18844350

Shenanigans. Okay then, see how everyone is feeling about the battle, and then go prepare ourselves I suppose. No time like go time.

>>18844403
Vince seems pretty calm. He hasn't done a lot these past 5 days, and you figure he's feeling antsy about going out, but he's keeping cool.

Audrey's gone to her mantis, she seems a bit nervous, but otherwise fine. You ask if she's really ok with this.
"I'm fine, if its to help you, Mr Gerald." she says sweetly. "I like helping people, remember?"
You smile a bit, and look at the Demantis. The battle will likely be televise, and although neither teams are well known, it could be trouble if its seen. You wonder how you could disguise it.

>Paint the Demantis?

>>18844471

Ask her if she's okay with it first. If she says yes, we can paint it a black or grey that will help throw off suspicion. Also, when will the next Zoids Quest be run?

>>18844471
God dammit this is just like choosing a characters name! I don't know what to pick!

>>18844533
Friday.
I may take a break next week from doing 2 threads, to give myself some me time.
I'm considering focusing on monday, since there are fewer quest threads going, usualy.

>>18844471
See if it could match the molga's color scheme. Hell if we have time we should see if everyone wants to match with MOLGASTRONGCOLORS

>>18844604
>>18844533
You ask her if you can paint her zoid a different color. She doesn't mind. You both get to work, and in about an hour, you have finished repainting it ash gray and black. It looks rather prestigious.
Vince calls eveyone to attention. "Alright people, time to head out. We got a lot of ground to cover to get to the battle ground southwest of here. Pack some lunch and load up."

Eri gives everyone some packed food, and you and your team mates hop into you zoids. The Gordos heads out first, and the others quickly follow, matching the sluggish stegosaurus zoid's pace.

>Converese
>Enough talking, battle time!

>>18844877
Gear up and get ready to throw down,
...
....
.....
Next thread probably.

>>18844877

Enough talking. Go time!

damn, glad I found this thread was still going in the archives.

>>18844877
Try to be the strong silent type.

>>18844877
>Enough talking, battle time!

>>18844877
But enough talk, have at you!

You make it to the battlefield with out complications. You set up on the edge of the prairie, and wait. You don't have a visual, but the Gordos' target radar informs you the Sand Strikers have indeed arrived.
The Judge lands and makes his declarations.
<The area within a 4 mile radius is now a designated battlefield. All noncombatants must leave the battefield. Area scanned. Battlefield set up. The Sand Strikers team VS the Sandw-Sidewinders Team.> Audrey snickers. <Battle Mode 0982. Ready? Fight!>

>What do?

>>18845109
Get ourself to a more covered position, we get nothing out of charging them, once they're closer Audrey and Vince can charge the schmucks, until ten make them come to us and have to deal with our Gordos's range trumping theirs by an awful lot. Prepare the Railgun!

rolled 10 = 10

>>18845149
(everyone remember to roll d10)
You wish your team luck and back away a bit, placing yourself behind a low ridge. The enemy team is on the move, and will soon be in a direct firing zone.

>Fire at Sinker
>Fire at Heldigunner
>Fire everything

rolled 5 = 5

>>18845264
Fire at the Sinker, if it goes down then their team falls apart. Focus our efforts on that.

rolled 10 = 10

>>18845264
Fire at the sinker.

rolled 3 = 3

>>18845264
Fire all everything at everything. Don't let them get any closer.

rolled 6 = 6

>>18845312
(Well, shit, son)
You bring up the Targeting system and line up where the Sinker is, and as soon as it peeks out over the hill, you fire.
Directed hit.
Huh.
The Sinker tumbles about, though the pilot manages to right it and not crash into the hill side. The Command system didn't freeze, but you really messed up its mobility.
["Woohoo!"] Vince cheers. ["Nice work, G. We'll finish this in record time at this rate."]

>Continue firing.
>Cover your team

rolled 6 = 6

>>18845376
Continue firing, the sinker goes down their team with it.

rolled 8 = 8

>>18845376
Its mobility was its biggest strength. It's not nearly as big a threat anymore. Cover our team, those heldigunners are still a thread, especially if they've learned from their last battle and aren't going to be such easy prey now that the Sinker's down.

rolled 8 = 8

>>18845376
Boom for the boom god! drop them!

rolled 7, 5 = 12

>>18845417
The Sinker isn't going anywhere, you decide. Opting to instead cover your teammates, you aim the Railguns upward and open up on the nearest Heldigunner. You actualy score a hit, though not a big one. The other zoid continues on. The other Heldigunner moves to cover the ally Sinker from atop the hill.
["Audrey, get ready to break. I'll make a run at the first one, then move past to the one in the rear. You take out the Heldi closest to us."]
["Roger!"]

>What do?

rolled 3 = 3

>>18845523
If we have any more time to shoot at the Heldis before those two get to them do so, we want them to be unable to make any stable shots at them, and getting shot at by a Gordos does just that.

If we can't make any more shots without risking hitting our team take some shots at the Sinker.

>>18845560
This.

rolled 10, 3 = 13

>>18845560
You give them a bit more covering fire, which is infective as anything but cover. Both Heldigunners open fire, trying to nail Vince before he closes in. One beam hits his shoulder, but its more a glancing blow, as the armor manages to hold.
["Heh."] Vince chuckles, one of the Force lance's lowering. ["Not good enough."] He spears the turret of the first Heldigunner and charges past. Audrey lands on top and grapples it with her claws.

Your hub gives you a warning. The Sinker has manage to target you with its missiles and just now fired them from a about a mile away.
>What do?

rolled 10, 5 = 15

ok, guys, heres the deal.
I got to go to work. like now.
I'll be back about 10-11 tonight, and I'll finish this up.
Try to be patient till then.

rolled 7 = 7

>>18845645
If we have any anti-missile fire use it. If it's at all practical an idea shoot the missiles out of the air before they hit us.

Otherwise return fire on the sod.

rolled 5 = 5

>>18845560
backing this with a new better role if possible

rolled 2 = 2

>>18845745
>>18845701
We've got point defence on both flanks and anti-air beams on the rear and those rockets can't be that accurate at this range. Should be able to take the majority of the ones that will hit us and our armor can handle the rest.

rolled 2 = 2

>>18846427
Seconding this

>>18845645
>>18846427

makes sense, than rain hell on the sinker for daring to attack you.

rolled 3, 1 = 4

>>18846427
>>18845745
>>18845701
(He didn't fire rockets, he fired his 2 SSM. big ones)

Because of the angle, you are unable to bring the AA lasers to bare. You do however, fire the 2 point defence machine guns. You successfully take out one, but the second slips past your fire, and slams into your flank. Armor is destroyed, and your hub beeps warnings for internal damage even as your heavily rocked in your seat. However, this is what the zoid was designed for, and while damaged, the Gordos is still completely functional. Still, repairs cost money. That rustles your jimmies.

>Mean while
["Hold still, damn it!"] the Heldigunner pilot barks as he tries to shoot down the hound. Vince chuckles.
["Sorry, I just got my buddy here fixed up, so I must decline."]
The Hound dances around the other zoids, and fires its chest cannon, knocking it over. He brings the zoid in close, and delivers a bite to the enemy's neck. He has the hound jump, and poised perpendicular to the ground, before twisting around and dropping to the other side. The teeth rend through the Heldigunner, and it falls silent.
<Red, Number 2, out of the battle!> the Judge decrees.

The other Heldigunner, after failing to shake off the Demantis, attempts to burrow into the ground. Audrey brings up her zoids chest vulcans and fires into its backside, knocking it off balance.
>Back to you, what do?

rolled 1 = 1

>>18850396
We've got a railgun, a giant pile of assorted Dakka and a Sinker that is seriously pissing us off.

Bring it out of the sky, with extreme prejudice.

rolled 5 = 5

>>18850421
I also approve of this action, therefore another roll should be done for it.

rolled 23 = 23

>>18850396
Time to test out the railgun on the Sinker, lead the bastard since he can't dodge well anymore and fire them off.

rolled 82 = 82

>>18850477
Also, I never really will roll in this quest most likely, since I'm noko'd a 1d100, but if you want you can always take the last digit off and take that as the number

rolled 9, 6 = 15

>>18850493
You are very lucky I'm not one of those guys who punish nat 1's
>>18850421
>>18850469
You level your guns, and open fire. However, even with the damage sustained from your first attack, he manages to evade your shots by a hair's breath. The pilot must be really adapt in evasion. Not the luckiest guy, though, if the battles start was any indication.

Vince and Audrey seem to have things well in hand on their end.

>Take more shots from a distance.
>An honorable dual between honorable men

rolled 5, 8 = 13

>>18850493
that's quite alright. I'll just divide by ten or something

rolled 6 = 6

more shots from distance

rolled 7 = 7

>>18850665
An honorable dual between honorable men is out of the question, we're a pragmatist in combat, why in hell would we be honorable about anything in a fight. We drop buildings on people, hide underground and spend time being invisible. Honor is for people who can't utilize tactics.

Take more shots from a distance.

rolled 59 = 59

>>18850665
Wait, I don't think you meant to link my post there......did you?
Take more shots from a distance, open a comm channel, make him focus us. Taunt him.
"C'mon, I thought it was, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, not just float like a butterfly!"

rolled 7, 2 = 9

>>18850773
I did, actualy. I'm not all 'oh, he didn't roll a d10, what impudence!' if you roll something else, you roll something else. I just prefer d10 cause I can keep track of it better.
>>18850720
>>18850707
You fire a few more shots. He evades some more, but you finally peg him with the Railguns, and the Sinker drops to the ground.
<Red, Number 1, out of the battle!>
It's official. Now there's just that last Heldigunner...

<Cease battle, repeat, cease battle!> The Judge declares abruptly. You wonder what he's going on about.

<The battle is over, the battle is over. Team Sand Striker has surrendered.>

["Rick, what the hell!?"] one of the enemy pilots bellows in frustration.
["Sorry, guys, I blew it. At least save your zoids any further damage."] You suppose it's the Sinker pilot. The cannopy of it stirs, and he stands up, looking over his zoid. He looks a bit familiar, somehow.

<The winner is; the Sa-Sidewinders Team!>
You level your guns at the Judge.
<Guh! I'msorryI'msorry! It won't happen again!>
"It better not." you warn.

>What do?

take a closer look and the sinker pilot

>>18851034
See if the other team needs any help, be sportsmanlike about all of it. They need a lift we can help and so on. Try to see where we recognize the Sinker from.

Thank them for an excellent battle.

>>18851090
>>18851096
You Bring the Gordos down to the canal the other pilot is in.
"You all right?" you call over the speakers. He waves as you get closer.
"I'm fine, dude. Nice shooting back there." You open the canopy and hop down. "How'd you tag me so easily the first time?"

You explain that the radar system on the Gordos let you track his position, even though you couldn't see him yourself. "Aw, I didn't know you could do that. Just my luck..." he sighs a bit. "First the racing circuit, now this." He stares at the sky a moment, then quickly gets back to you. "Oh, hey listen to me, being all gloomy! Nice battle, man, I'm Rick, by the way."
"Gerald." you say, shaking his hand. He pauses.
"Gerald? Gerald DeFlynn?" he inquires. You nod in confirmation. His face lights up. "Hey! What a coincidence, meeting you here. Thanks for helping my cousin out the other day, dude. I know he's kinda clumsy, but he's a good guy."
The realization hits you. No wonder he seems familiar, he looks like Rob, squinty eyes and all. His hairs a bit darker and shorter though.

>What do?

>>18851287
Huh, I thought I recognized your face. Yeah Rob is a good guy, sometimes hard to deal with but a damn kind fellow.

I'm just lucky to have acquired this fine Gordos recently, it would have been a much more difficult fight in my standard Molga, a lot more difficult to hit you.

>>18851338
"Heh, yeah, people always say we could pass for brothers." he remarks. He glances back at his Sinker. "Actualy, could you give me a hand, dude? I'm gonna need a tow, preferably to a shop that can patch my ride up."

You nod, and get some cables attached to the both his zoid and your Gordos. You offer him a ride, which he gladly accepts.

["Gerald, you there?"] Vince calls you over the com. You give him a ten four, and he asks what you're doing right now.
"Just giving this guy a lift." you say.
["Tried that with the others, they said to go fuck myself with my lance."]
Rick sighs. "My team mates aren't the best sportsman. We'll probably have to disband after this." He seems rather down. You heard that over half the teams formed don't make it past their second battle. It's a harsh competition.

>What do?

>>18851543

Talk to Vince. Does he think we could use a new team mate? This guy seems pretty good and would be able to swap out with Audrey depending on what we're facing. Also, message Audrey and compliment her on her performance this match. And ask Eri about what she thought of the battle.

>>18851543
Roster Padding?
Roster Padding.

>>18851543
Sorry to hear that man, from what I could see you were the lynchpin of the team and pretty good in that flyer, you ought to be able to make it ok.

Call into Eri, see if she minds helping him patch up his Zoid.

Assuming she says yes, tell him that we have a good mechanic and that she probably wouldn't mind helping patch you up.

>>18851633
>>18851624
>>18851627
Eri didn't come with, she was minding the base. She probably saw the battle, but you don't have the equipment for messaging her.

"Hey, Vince? How many can be on a team at any given time?"
["Hm? A team can have up to 6 pilots registered. Why?"]
"How about having Rick here join up?"
Rick gives a start in his seat. "Whoa, hey dude, what are you going on about?"
["I don't mind. If he can pull his weigt, he's more than welcome."]
["I think it's a good idea!"] Audrey adds enthusistically. ["..I'd like another friend."]
You chuckle a bit. "Well, there you have it, Rick. How about it?"
He looks dumbfounded, but abruptly shakes his head. "Du-Gerald, look, I'm flattered really. But..." he pauses, and leans back in his seat. "You don't want me man. When I tried to join the racing circuit, my sponsors went bankrupt. When I tried again with a zoid team, we quickly fell apart. I'm a jinx, dude. I don't want to bring that to any of you, you seem like nice people."

He seems to have some confidence issues. Not that you could blame him.
>What say?

>>18851773
You don't have to if you don't want to. Not going to force you, but the seat is open. At least let us take your Zoid back to our hanger and fix her up.

>>18851786

Seconding this.

>>18851786
He looks a bit relieved. "Thanks, man. I'll...I'll think about it."

You make your way back to Sidewinders base, heads held high. Audrey didn't take any damage, and the damage the Houndsoldier took could likely be fixed with a spit shine. Your Gordos is probably the worst off. Going to cost some money, which reminds you. You ask Vince how much money you made from winning the battle.
["D-class one on one battles have a 3,000 credit purse. However, Team Battles pay 5,000, and gradualy increases as we go up in rank. I'd guess our ranks somewhere in the 90's, since this was our first battle. We can get more money if we challenge someone ten or more ranks above us."]

>Prize Money: 5,000
>Ammo Consumption: 500
>Repair Costs: 750
>Projected profits: 3,750 credits

Arriving at the base, you pull in the Gordos and park in a maintenance block. You and Rick exit, and are greeted shortly by Eri.
"Nice shooting, hotshot." she compliments. She looks at your companion. "Have I seen you before?"
He stands still for a moment, and takes her hand. "Rick Seeker." This scene seems familiar. He's Rob's cousin, alright.

>What do?

>>18852086
Eri, this is Rob's cousin, he was on the other team. Given that we hurt his zoid and he's family of a good friend of ours, I was wondering if I could convince you to help him fix her up. I'll owe you one.

>>18852086
Question, was the fight recorded? We should go over it with the team. We can discover weaknesses in hindsight and cover them in the future.

Also lets get that helcat fixed up so we can go get that transport.

>>18852179
>>18852219
You can, but nothing will really come up in that one. You basically swept the other team.

Eri's more than happy to help. She looks up at the Gordos and pouts a little. "And I just fixed that up."
"If you think that's bad, wait till you see then Hound."
"WHAT?!" she jerks her head around. "What happened to the Hound?!" she says histericaly.
"Nothing." you say smugly.
Silence. The amber haired girl straitens up, and walks up to you. Then kicks you in the shin. You now know she wears steel toe boots. She turns away with a huff, leaving you gripping you leg in pain.
"Dude," Rick comments, "you totally deserved that."
"I know."

Rick follows you over to the Helcat, which Eri had already started putting back together. You have the knowledge and skill needed to finish the process, and Rick gives you a hand.
You actually finish before Eri can get the Sinker patched up.
You could take it now, but you have plenty of daylight.

>What do?

>>18852327
Say goodbye to the team, let them know that you're going out and bringing back a Gustav, figured that with all the salvage we've been pulling in we need one. Give Eri the details of the hole in it, see if she can think up anything clever to fill it with.

>>18852368
I say we patch it up with more guns.

Also while in town we should see if there is any good parts for sale for the Red Horn. We earned it.

>>18852327

Let's see if we can't bring Eri with us as well. Also, see above decisions for what we should do

>>18852368
>>18852426
>>18852476
You bring the cat around, and over to the bay door.
"Going to get that Gustav?" Eri yells up to you.
"Yeah, you think you'd be able to fix the hole in the armor?"
She grins a bit. "Oh, I think I got an idea or two." She seems to know something you don't.

You exit the base and make your way toward the base town south of you. The Helcat handles pretty good, you play around a bit with maneuvers you haven't been able to try in other zoids. Hopping around, you soon find your way to the hanger walls you've become familiar with.
And then the shooting starts. You aren't sure where its coming from, but several guns open up on you. You evade instinctively, just barely avoiding dangerous shots to the zoids vital area. It's when you determine the origin that the real surprise comes. The ones firing on you is the Garrison.

>What do?

>>18852567
Open coms to them while dodging incoming fire to find out why they're firing on you.

>>18852588

This, also shout an SOS to the team. If this is going to turn into a real battle-realistically, we have to assume these are dirty cops in the pocket of the shady organization Audrey was from-we'll want backup.

>>18852567
If they don't respond to communications, use the helcat's speed to get in close. Then we jump on them and knock them on their ass.

Im assuming we stripped the weapons right?

>>18852588
"This is Gerald DeFlynn, Garrison disengage!" You dodge again as fire rakes the ground. You repeat your request, even giving your registration number.
["Gerald?"] comes a familiar voice.
"Cody! It's me out here, get them to stop!"
["Oh sh-ALL UNITS, CEASE FIRE! I SAID STOP SHOOTING, GODAMIT!"]
After a tense few seconds, the shelling lets up.
["Damnit, Gerald, do you know what your sitting in?"] Cody says in a exasperated tone.
"A Helcat?"
["Yes. Did you ever stop to think what color that Helcat is?"]
You think. It's colored red and sand brown. Both of them were when you oh crap. Those bandits must be well known to cause such a fuss.
["Next time, think about what it looks like to the people on the wall before you come strolling up with some random zoid you looted."]
Noted. You SLOWLY bring the zoid into the hanger, and exit onto the walkway. Some armed guards eye you suspiciously, but Cody comes by and shoos them away. "I'm sorry, man, you okay?"
"I'm fine. Are those guys that famous?"
"Pretty much." he shrugs. "They started popping up all over the place a few years back, the brass don't know what to think about them."
You shrug. Now's not the time to be worried about it.
>What do?

>>18852718
I should probably have thought about that before I came to trade it in. I'll let the guy I'm selling it to know.

How's life at the Garrison been lately? Anything big happen recently?

>>18852753
>>18852718
Ask em. Also inspect damage on the zoid.

>>18852718
throw a paint job in for the guy we're selling this to then head to the zoids office to find some more loot filled work (offer to have rick join us to get a feeling for working with us before denying our offer).

>>18852718
See if we can help with the bandit problem.

We really don't like bandits.

MOLGA SMASH PUNY BANDITS.

>>18852795
>>18852794
>>18852753
"Nah, other then 2 minutes ago, we haven't had an incident since I came hear, 6 months ago." He grins. "You should have seen the face my captain had when he saw you come running towards the city. It's like he saw the boogeyman."
You explain how you came to trade the zoid in for another. "Ah, we'll handle that paint job for you. Blue and white garrison colors, I doubt anyone will bother him then. Consider it an apology for before." He give him a handshake, and make your way to the area the merchant had been. You find the Gustav where you left it. The man comes and talks with you, and he tells you he'll take it to the hanger for you.

Going to the market, you take out a list of components and armor plates Eri made for you before. You can't afford everything, but you can at least get the armor and sensor equipment.
>-4,000 from personal assets.
You swing by the ZBC building, and find the bulletin board. Seeing no one you know, you go over the jobs listed.

Sleeper Nest Clearing (there really is another one)
Underwater Sleeper nest located near coast.
Pays 1,000 plus rights to all salvage.

Underwater, huh? You don't really have the Zoid for that. The Molga can't operate underwater, or any zoid you have, really. There's Ricks Sinker, but that wouldn't be enough, you suspect. Maybe if you could rent one.

There aren't any other jobs that pay much, some land clearing and dirt tilling.
>What do?

>>18852910
Hm, sure why not. And maybe we can get some underwater zoids from it. Plus we can convince Rick to join the team.

Gotta boost that boy's confidence. We make our own luck.

>>18852910
Well the Underwater one isn't a good plan, we don't have the zoids for it and acquiring them just for one job is silly.

Hmm, well the only thing I can think of is finding good tournament match ups or seeing if there are private parties that need work done that don't use the job board.

That or we find bandits and hunt them down like the scum they are.

>>18852910

See if we can rent one of course. Underwater investigation is what we must do. The Backdraft Organization found the Berserk Fury, and three Genosaurers in one dig, who knows what we might find!

One (admittedly time consuming) strategy that might work-get Rick to head out there with us, have him lure a few out of the water where we promptly disable them in the molga. Drag them back, have Eri work her magic, then have the team head back out in our newly acquired aquatic zoids.

>>18852982
My bet is on warsharks. Those can also be used in sand.

>>18852959
>>18852982
What the heck, you can probably manage something. You accept the job.
You exit the building and make your way back to the hanger block. Cody greets you, and directs you to the Gustav. You ask him to let you know about any bandit activity, and he promises to keep an ear open.

The Gustav is a bit slower than the one you rode in before, but you expected that much. It takes much longer to reach the base, and you radio them as soon as you are in range.
["Hey Gerald."] Eri's voice comes in. ["Got the Gustav?"]
"Yep, might be a bit before I get back."
["That's okay, I got dinner on for you. Ricks still sticking around too. And get this, we just got a notice in. Our next battle's been lined up."]
"Really? Already?" you say with surprise. You just fought a battle today.
["Yeah, another team sent in the challenge. We haven't accepted just yet."]
"Who challenged us?" There's a pause before she answers.

["The Stone Age team."]

To Be Continued

>>18853063
>End Credits Roll
>Gerald narrates
"Next time on Zoid Quest, we go into the waters and fin-"
>Rick interupts
"Don't tell them yet!"
"What? Why not?"
"Its a surprise, besides we gotta prepare for Stone Age."
"Wait, whattya mean, we?"
"Uh. Nevermind, oh look out!"
"Crap! Well there goes the deposit."

>>18853063
This is going to be a tough fight, they have tough zoids and work together. Fun times.

>>18851543
I'm probably way too late with this, but why doesn't he try becoming a messenger like Rob? His zoid's hella fast, if not very maneuverable. Which, on long, mostly flat and straight journeys, shouldn't be any problem.

rolled 38 = 38

>>18853063
when?