Whee, first thread in a long time where I'm not late.

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>>798128
Just one room down the corridor is the dedicated conference space, really more of a glorified office pod with a massive computer bank resting behind a pre-fab wall. A screen is mounted to one side with a tabletop of polished hardwood below it, and sectional seating for three to five officers is provided wrapping around the conference table. More wall sockets than you'd even know what to do with are set into the walls and the table itself, for reasons that currently escape you. It's not like you have a cell phone to charge, and nobody comes in here to work so you're not going to be plugging a portable computer or tablet in.

But that's not important at the moment. What is important is that the monitor here is hooked up to a massive psycommu relay capable of harnessing newtype brainwaves to communicate to similar relays in real time. You asked Audrey April how that was even possible one time, and after a half hour of theoretical jargon and grade-school examples of the most basic principles she admitted that it might as well run on magic: because the brainwaves particular to newtypes seem to operate under their own set of rules.

If solar radiation, radio jamming, and M-particle interference don't matter, she told you, why would you assume distance does?

You immediately conceded the point.

“Well then, this is the stop,” Rossweisse announces, glancing into the conference room. “Now what?”

The main points here would be the recent mess with the Cuithe pirates, the rescue of Cima Garahau, and the likelihood of information that will only become available once the data stolen from Cuithe's computers can be properly analyzed. However there are other topics as well: the re-use of a Titans design, the return of your sister Catrina, the damage to the Lilium... hell, if there's an external reviewer listening in on your report Cima's rescue may turn into a political issue, and Catrina coming back may raise questions about your mental competence.

>Focus purely on the status update: action report, data analysis, and suggested new priorities.
>Add Cima's rescue and continued cooperation to your report.
>Offer the extra information that your sister is back
>Try and drop hints to the more sensitive details, but don't mention Cima or Catrina directly.
>Other?

>>798141
>Try and drop hints to the more sensitive details, but don't mention Cima or Catrina directly.

>>798141
>>Try and drop hints to the more sensitive details, but don't mention Cima or Catrina directly.
Let's go with this, we don't know whether or not its possible to snoop these communications.

>>798141
>Try and drop hints to the more sensitive details, but don't mention Cima or Catrina directly.

The presence, scale, and involvement of former Titans in the Cuithe pirate base would hopefully steer away any particular questions regarding Cima directly. Eh, we can only hope.

Am back, that took much longer than expected.
>give me 3d10 for threading that secrecy needle: DC 15, Critical 21

Rolled 10, 4, 2 = 16 (3d10)

>>798229

Rolled 8, 2, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>798229
New dice mechanics here too?

Rolled 6, 2, 8 = 16 (3d10)

>>798229

Rolled 4, 3, 4 = 11 (3d10)

>>798229

>>798243
Yup. Figured I'd take it for a test drive while it was non-combat rolls that are likely to be on the line.
>writing

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>>798257
“Alright then, Cima please stay out here,” you suggest, waving your hand to mean anywhere but right in front of the camera. “We're kind of hesitant to start another political squabble over you right now, and you probably wouldn't want that either.”

After initially seeming to take offense, Cima's stance softens. “Right, I kind of did go missing, didn't I? My sudden reappearance would probably ruffle too many feathers. I'll wait and think through how to break the news to everyone who assumed I was dead... or hoped as much.”

You gesture for Rossweisse to head in first, and shut the door behind you. “ALICE, please establish a link. Audio only, as per confidentiality requirements.”

Three windows appear on screen side by side, each filled by the standard “anonymous” background. Due to the nature of your unit many generals and admirals have the bad habit of trying to butt in as “external observers”: making sure for the benefit of their respective polities that the Colonial Transit Fleet isn't up to anything nefarious.

“Contact established, ma'am,” ALICE reports confidently.

“So I hear there was some excitement on your end,” a familiar female voice greets you, almost certainly belonging to Admiral Joshua. “You wanna talk about it?”

“We ran into pirates on route past Cuithe,” you recount carefully, thinking through a way to explain the events without mention of Cima. “Found evidence of a shipping raid and went in to investigate.”

“And what'd you find?” an equally familiar male voice presses. “I can only assume it wasn't too big a problem, since you're both alive?”

“I went EVA, found some records pertaining to their fabrication facilities,” you reply, and you get the sense that two of the three officers on the other end of the connection recognize the fact. You don't give either a chance to mention it. “ALICE is working through the data now, but the whole station was way larger than anyone realized.”

“Well-funded, too,” Rossweisse adds.

“How did you figure that?” the third officer asks, probably an external reviewer. Good thing you've been careful so far. “If you're still sorting through the data how can you reach a conclusion, hm?”

“We made contact with three advanced mobile suits,” you explain. “They were using technology that they must've had funding to duplicate, and contacts as well. I think they're tied to the rebellion on Mars based on the reflective treatments their armor used.”

“And to your mystery ship as well?” Joshua muses. “You reckon the Cuithe dockyard built her?”

“Or finished her, yes ma'am,” you agree curtly. “You can expect a full contact report when we can offer you the full data as well.”
>1/2

>>798334
So far nobody has mentioned your use of “I”, nor have they questioned how you approached or escaped Cuithe... but you can tell that you've piqued some interest in the details you've chosen to keep hidden. The external review officer plows right on ahead however, oblivious to the fact that whenever newtypes talk among themselves there's always some kind of subtext.

“You have new orders,” the unknown officer announces, “as well as protocol to follow on approach to Luna. Anaheim wants to meet with you at their Von Braun offices.”

“What for?” Rossweisse questions.

“They requested to borrow you for final testing of a new mobile suit design,” the other male voice tells you. “Seems like this one's a little nuts, even for them.”

“I see,” you muse quietly. “So business as usual for us, I guess?”

“Pretty much,” he agrees. “Basically the same sort of deal they've always given us.”

The external officer interrupts to protest your increasingly informal attitude. “Need I remind you that protocol insists on strict anonymity?”

“Impossible,” Karen sighs. “If anyone from our unit is gonna recognize someone by their voice, it's either gonna be me, him, or her. If you really think we don't all realize who we're talking to you're an idiot.”

>So all I need to do is test drive this machine? Sounds like a reasonable request.
>We get to use the machine if I like it, right? Or is it even intended for us to use?
>You need to give me more than that to work with. Spill it.
>Other?

>>798403
>>We get to use the machine if I like it, right? Or is it even intended for us to use?
Ooh, new toys?

>>798403
>>We get to use the machine if I like it, right? Or is it even intended for us to use?

>>798403
>You need to give me more than that to work with. Spill it.
Final testing was mentioned, so is there any preliminary test results that can be divulged?

>writing

>>798462
good point

>>798484
“So am I right in thinking these machines were designed to be sold to the Colonial Transit Fleet?” you ask, trying to clarify the reasons why you in particular need to be the one to perform these tests. “Or is it just that the Sericea happened to be in the area?”

“It's a newtype-use machine, yes,” Karen confirms, “though it's also a technology demonstrator as well. We didn't request it, but if it offers substantial improvement over our current model for Ace pilots we may purchase a few.”

“What should we look for?” Rossweisse asks.

“Any new technology, really. The obvious things are cooling systems, reactor output, sensors, and weapons systems, though they may be trying to improve the materials or newtype tech as well.”

So basically you're there to assess what sorts of features Anaheim is trying to sell you, as much as you're there to test this new machine. Ah, the wonders of military design: where you don't always know what you want until someone tells you it exists and that you can't go without it. What a load of horse shit... always has been.

Rossweisse immediately picks up on your displeasure. “You okay?”

“We're not exactly fans of weapons designers telling soldiers what we need,” you grumble, careful to reflect that this is an opinion you and Catrina tend to share. “It should be the other way around, but if it's for the good of the unit... I'll comply. Who knows, maybe they've designed something legitimately new and exciting for once, instead of a really big gun or a lighter frame.”

“Always good to hear you thinking positively!”

After the conference ends, you rejoin Cima and head up to the bridge. There's no combat station for her here, but there is an extra seat at the back where she can stay to share in the conversation. After all it's not like she has anything better to do, since she doesn't know anyone else on this ship and doesn't have a mobile suit to fret over. Not to mention the fact that she has no military rank anymore, is technically a pirate again, and definitely doesn't have clearance to wander the ship unescorted.

“We're just going to take a nap for now,” you announce, strapping into your seat and leaning back. “Wake me up when we approach Von Braun.”
>1/2

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>>798559
“Sericea, you are deviating from standard approach procedures,” a voice crackles over the comms, waking you from fitful slumber. “Wave off your escort and hold at ten thousand kilometers.”

“Sorry,” Rossweisse apologizes, “but we've got a situation here.”

“The fuck's your problem?” you grunt at the traffic controller, still shaking yourself awake.

“Your escorts are not authorized to approach Lunar space.”

Of all the... what a load of shit. “These three are Martian Navy, escorted us past Cuithe and burned a bit too much fuel in the fighting. They could really use the extra fuel, and we can vouch for them.”

“It's a break with protocol: no MarNav forces are to approach Luna without previous arrangements.”

“Didn't you get the memo?” you growl. “Queen Mineva herself should have had you contacted.”

“We received no such message.”

>Bullshit. We're landing, attack us at your own peril.
>Look... spin it as an act of hospitality. Make Luna look good.
>Put me through to the senior officer on duty.
>Put me through to Artesia Som Deikun.
>Other?

>>798602
>Put me through to Artesia Som Deikun.
>Other?
Can we get them to launch a tanker, freighter, or carrier to refuel and hold the fighters? And a shuttle to bring the pilots into luna firma.

>>798602
>Look... spin it as an act of hospitality. Make Luna look good.
I'm giving you a chance here to NOT piss off your bosses and make your life a living Hell.

>>798626
This'll do I guess, plus maybe have ALICE contact Artesia on the downlow?

>3d10: DC 17, Crit 22

Rolled 10, 10, 3 = 23 (3d10)

>>798684

Rolled 8, 5, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>798684
>>798701
Well then

>>798701
ayyy

Rolled 10, 2, 6 = 18 (3d10)

>>798684

>>798701
In the old system this would've just been a pass.
>writing

I'll also take any write-ins into consideration.

>>798721
I can only think of a write-in for the option I voted on. If the memo is "lost" through normal channels, I'm banking on Artesia being in the loop and would've probably received a heads up.

And if Von Braun personnel are gonna keep insisting on protocol, well... Amman city is just a buggy's drive away and Granada might be more open.

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>>798721
You quickly motion for Rossweisse to cut your comms for a moment. “ALICE, please contact Artesia Som Deikun on a secure channel and leave it open.”

“Yes, ma'am. Triangulating... connection established. I believe that she is currently in her home.”

Over your end of the comms you can hear a water running: you must have caught Artesia in the shower. “Listen here,” you growl angrily, “this is how diplomatic incidents start you know. The Queen announced to you that we would be showing up with an escort, because she was worried about our ship encountering pirates on our way here. So she sent a trio of fighters along with the understanding that Luna would at least try to act humanely when they got here. And now you're claiming that you didn't receive notice that they'd be accompanying us?”

“I fail to see how that's my problem,” the traffic controller retorts. “I never got word of any fighter escort.”

“Well that's not good,” Artesia mutters, shutting off the water. “Please put me on the line with this guy.”

“ALICE?” you nod towards the nearest computer bank.

“Solider, this is Artesia Som Deikun. I can confirm that this is a misunderstanding, and that I personally saw Queen Mineva's message,” Artesia announces. “Please allow landing clearance for the Sericea and its fighter escort, recognize diplomatic code R813GG.”

There are a few moments of silence. “Diplomatic code acknowledged. Sericea, please follow indicated approach vectors. Control out.”

“Thanks Artesia,” you sigh. “That could've gotten messy.”

“No problem,” she insists before turning the water back on. “We'll meet for dinner while you're here. Some time tonight, maybe around 20:00?”

“Sounds like a plan.”
>1/2

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>>798826
Upon docking you linger on the bridge long enough to confirm that the fighters have landed as well, before facing Rossweisse.

“I'll take an earpiece,” you tell her, “but I'd like you to remain here for the time being. At least long enough to ensure that the fighters are allowed to leave without any issue. Once we've assessed the situation we can meet with Artesia for dinner.”

“That sounds fine,” Rossweisse nods thoughtfully. “I'll keep an eye on things while you play with Anaheim's scientists.”

After instructing your Marines to keep a perimeter around the Sericea while you're away you walk into the terminal, where an asian man with short, messy blonde hair picks you out of the crowd and approaches you.

“Captain? Welcome back to Von Braun,” he greets you with a clear professional attitude. “I'm Carl Matsubara, I work for Anaheim as a test pilot. I was sent for you with a car.”

“Alright then, Mister Matsubara,” you nod, letting your hand rest on the grip of your sidearm at your right hip. “Lead the way.”

“Don't worry,” he insists as he leads you out to the roundabout in front of the arrivals terminal. “This is totally above board, and even if it weren't... I'm not stupid. I've read your record, or at least the parts that aren't classified.”

>So you're a test pilot? What unit were you with before going corporate?
>What can you tell us about this new machine? Have you tested it at all?
>Why is Anaheim going to the trouble? What're they up to?
>Other?

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>>798944
Whee, Artesia!

>So you're a test pilot? What unit were you with before going corporate?
>What can you tell us about this new machine? Have you tested it at all?

>>798944
>>Why is Anaheim going to the trouble? What're they up to?

>>798944
>So you're a test pilot? What unit were you with before going corporate?
>Other?
Ask if he'd test piloted any other models, or if this one is his first baby, so to speak.

And the most important question: What's his preferred MS?

>writing

>>799061
Also
>3d10, DC 12, Crit is 20
It wouldn't be TOO hard for Carya to recall, but anything much more specific than the most obvious details may be a stretch. Thus the disparity between basic pass and crit.

Rolled 4, 2, 1 = 7 (3d10)

>>799067
Rollin'

And just a thought. It's also likely that Artesia played along with us and laid the bullshit pretty thick on the poor sod.

Rolled 9, 2, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>799067

Rolled 8, 8, 5 = 21 (3d10)

>>799067

>still writing
Another solid roll from the namefag. You seem to be on a hot streak tonight.

>>799171
I'm not a namefag, Queen, I'm even worse! I'm a tripfag!
a secure tripfag too!
Also I bought a pass.
I'm absolutely despicable

>>799171
“So you're a test pilot? What would you say your favorite mobile suit is?”

After a few moments, Matsubara comes to a conclusion. “I'd have to say the Hazel. As nice as the packages were for the 79s-III, and as important as those were to test, the Hazel was just a true “pilot's machine” as it were.”

Your knife is out in an instant, pressed against Matsubara's throat. “So you operated off the Aswan?”

“I did,” Matsubara admits calmly, glancing down at your knife. “But I was cleared of all charges. I work for Anaheim now... really, that's what I was doing when I was in Titans too. They're just more up-front about it.”

Just as quickly, you sheath your knife. “Sorry, it's just we've had more than our fair share of run-ins with former Titans.”

“I see how that could skew your perception,” Matsubara nods quietly. “A lot of us weren't exactly what you'd call upstanding citizens, but some of us were brought in as technical experts. In fact one of your unit was tapped to possibly join mine at one point. Miss April, wasn't it?”

“Yeah, that wasn't long lived,” you recall. “Wasn't really a choice, we were already squared off against the Titans leadership by that point. So you seen this machine that Anaheim brought me in for?”

“Sort of,” Matsubara nods. “They designed a mock-up with the same mass and thruster distribution for me to test.”

“And the results?”

“Broke three ribs and gave myself a concussion.”

You wince, wondering what possessed Anaheim to put someone behind the stick of a machine like that. “Sounds like an incredible beast.”

“It definitely is that,” Matsubara agrees with a chuckle. “Honestly I don't get how any human could possibly be expected to fly it though.”

“It helps to have negative response times,” you explain thoughtfully. “Keeps you from maneuvering in a way that bounces you off the inside of your cockpit.”

“That sounds pretty useful,” Matsubara sighs. “Must be nice.”
>1/2

>>799216
>a pass since 2013
/k/ripple. pls. you don't need to show that much faggotry.

>>799231
But its fuuunnn! :D

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>>799225
Anaheim's Von Braun branch is the center of its mobile suit construction operations, and an entire block of mechanized assembly lines and hangars is dedicated to their in-house design bureau. Upon arrival you and Matsubara are ushered into an office and towards a large lift, which descends deep into the Lunar rock. Finally, the back of the lift shaft opens up with a reinforced glass wall, showing the interior of a cavern beyond that's filled with mobile suits in various states of completion.

“Here we are,” Matsubara announces as two wide doors open with a hiss of pressure changing. “The official name of this area is the First Experimental Mobile Suit Center... we like to call it 'The Hive'.”

“The machine we're here for is this way.”

You're lead past a series of mobile suit parts, row after row. Legs here, arms there, an entire row of different heads, disassembled thruster assemblies, and the inner frames of several models of GM and Zaku-derivatives.

“What's going on here?” you ask, staring into the monoeye camera of what looks like an old Marasai.

“These are donor machines,” Matsubara explains cryptically. “The main event is right here.”

In front of you, behind a small group of scientists, is a piece of art in black-finished metal.

>Someone give us the full technical specifications. Now.
>We want to run a simulation immediately.
>Let us take it out. A blind test is the most honest, in a sense.
>LITERALLY. HOW.
>Other?

>>799300
>>LITERALLY. HOW.
>>Other?
<insert some form of cockpit joke here, ZOE-style>

>>799300
>Someone give us the full technical specifications. Now.

>>799300
>Someone give us the full technical specifications. Now.

>>799300
>>Someone give us the full technical specifications. Now.

>>799300
>Someone give us the full technical specifications. Now.
Suddenly understandable why it'd be marketed for the CTF.

Cursory glance would suggest it's mostly geared towards missions where it won't need to land much. And the layout might hint a capability to transform to a 2nd mode.

>Other?
Does it have a name?

>>799300
I don't get it. It looks like pretty wonky.

>>799300
“What are we even looking at here?” you ask, taking in all of the unusual contours to this rather small mobile suit and imagining what sorts of features they may be hiding. Even Catrina's obviously excited about the prospect of testing this machine.

“This is Miss Purpleton's brainchild,” one of the scientists explains with a satisfied smile. “Though really, you should thank Titans as well. The design stems from experiments conducted aboard the Aswan.”

“It's based on the old TR-6 Woundwort,” Matsubara adds, “though the similarity's mostly superficial. Aside from the concept, that is.”

“The point was to build a machine that was totally modular, with even the reactors and cockpit being able to slot into different parts of the chassis. Unlike the Woundwort the cockpit is still in the chest by default, though the sensor arrays inside the head could be moved to the chest if need be and the whole arrangement reversed.”

“What about power?” you ask, running the unusually light torso over with your one-eyed gaze. “Seems a bit narrow for an adequate reactor.”

“There is sufficient room for a newer design,” the technician explains. “With improvements in reactor technology even so small a torso as that is adequate for a 2500 kW reactor, along with its requisite cooling systems.”

“But that's not enough power,” Matsubara continues, “so that madwoman designed a 500 kW reactor that could be fitted into damn near any space available through a standard-sized slot. This configuration has two in the thighs, though the final release model will have them in the lower legs to improve joint mobility, while the main reactor runs vital systems, the main reactor, and your psychoframe. The movable pod on the back of the chassis has a third separate reactor to run its thrusters and the recharge racks for your funnels... this model's supposed to carry what, six?”

“Eight,” one of the scientists corrects. “That brings the total amount of power available up to 4000 kW, which is more than your current machine despite its reduced mass. Miss Purpleton also told us you spoke very highly of the VSBR concept, so we designed a few options to replace your current backpack-mounted system with weapons that have a 500 kW generator built-in.”

“That way we can run everything at full power all at once without a problem,” you muse quietly. “Actually, that kinda does make sense. But to think the technology exists to miniaturize reactors to that degree...”
>1/2

>>799511
>the main reactor
The main thrusters god DAMN.

>>799511
It's reactors all the way down!

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>>799511
“You've never seen anything like her, have you?”

You turn to Matsubara and shake your head. “No. And this is designed for newtypes?”

“That material you use in your Lilium-class machines is incorporated into its entire structure,” Matsubara grins back at you. “Full psychoframe... and there's more in the head on top of that. Why don't you check it out?”

Taking advantage of the low gravity in here, you spring your way up the front of the new machine's legs, then its right arm, until you can clamber up its chest and peer in through a hole in the side of its head armor to see a glowing, tangled mass of wires, chips, and fibers.

“What are we looking at?” you ask Rossweisse, after taking out your phone and snapping a quick picture.

“It appears to be a large-scale storage matrix,” Rosswiesse explains.

“What's meant to be stored in here?” you demand, hiding your phone as you turn. “That's a lot of capacity, more than a mobile suit needs.”

“We've read your records, Captain,” a new voice greets you from a nearby walkway. The speaker is dressed not as a scientist or a pilot but, as an executive. “I'm October Saran, Production Chief. Am I right in thinking you spend a lot of time OVA?”

Very much unlike any executive you've ever met, he makes it a point to jump down to the chest of the machine where you're standing to shake your hand.

“We do tend to, yes,” you acknowledge. “Especially boarding actions and investigations. Why?”

“The newtype pilots of the CTF are rumored to be just as effective out of the cockpit as they are behind the stick,” Saran continues, rapping his knuckles against the armored head of the Gundam, “so we came up with a new idea: rudimentary AI control. All that “mess” in there is an empty AI storage matrix.”

>AI-controlled mobile suits? That seems... somewhat dangerous.
>That sounds like an interesting feature. How “rudimentary”?
>So if it's empty, how do you fill it?
>Wouldn't a remote control be easier?
>Other?

>>799622
>That sounds like an interesting feature. How “rudimentary”?

>>799622
>>So if it's empty, how do you fill it?
Roomy enough for, say, ALICE?

>>799622
>>AI-controlled mobile suits? That seems... somewhat dangerous.
>>That sounds like an interesting feature. How “rudimentary”?
>>So if it's empty, how do you fill it?
Want to go with a 'this is interesting, but it could be dangerous' tone for the first two options.
Mini-ALICE when?

>>799556
Aside from the pilot, the entire machine is decentralized. The "main" reactor handles all the basic core features, while each optional set of parts is designed to provide its own power and offset any weight or balance issues that comes with it. That way its performance varies little from its very high baseline, while its specific role on the battlefield can be wildly altered by parts swaps.

>>799622
>That sounds like an interesting feature. How “rudimentary”?

>>799654
yeah, I figured something like that, I just enjoy using the 'its x all the way down' joke a bit too much, perhaps.

>>799674
Fair play. I also just realized I hadn't switched my name back from posting the SSQ omake. Whoops.

I guess if there are any newish players reading the archives that don't already know.... SURPRISE!

>>799697
gg boss.

>>799697
You use the same twitter feed. You're even worse at disguising yourself than SOMINUS.

>>799739
It's not "disguise", nor is it something I ever kept secret in the first place. It's keeping things compartmentalized, more for my own mindset than anything else. Normally putting the name on is part of the process of sitting down and committing myself to focus on one single task for six or more hours.

>>799769
Why does KoH wear the mask

>>799769
Oh, I was joking. I knew it wasn't actually a disguise at all, you tell us often enough.
I just thought it was an amusing parallel to how Sominus frequently starts a new quest with a new name, trip and twitter, and literally nobodies surprised when he reveals himself.

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>>799769
“How rudimentary are we talking about here?” you ask, concern creeping into your voice. “What's the risk that this will kick off the robot apocalypse?”

Saran merely laughs warmly. “Oh, don't you worry Captain. Anaheim's not interested in replicating the success of Doctor Carol and ALICE. In fact I'm not sure we have the technical know-how. The best we can do is reproduce the storage system and place a rather limited control system into it. This isn't 'true' AI at all.”

“That's good to know,” you sigh. “I mean we all like ALICE, but if there were a new AI that set itself against her? That'd be nightmare fuel. So how do you plan to actually get the thing in there?”

“The AI isn't ready yet,” Saran admits. “We're taking this very seriously, so if there's any trace of instability in the programming we don't even commit to bringing the AI online in the first place: let alone placing it into an infinitely adaptable multimillion-dollar war machine.”

“Good to know. So how will that functionality work in the short term?”

Saran calls down to a scientist, who produces a metal crown of sorts: something you might see a Zabi commissioning for themselves. “This headset should connect you to the YRX. You can go ahead and give it a test run if you're not convinced.”

Feels like your sister's interests have been piqued.

>Oblige him, test the remote control feature.
>See about setting up a simulation of the completed version.
>Try and press Saran into finishing the work, test the machine yourself.
>Other?

>>799818
>>Oblige him, test the remote control feature.
Ooh, shiny.

>>799818
>Oblige him, test the remote control feature.
Maybe Catrina could use weird Newtype powers and hop from through the remote control and into the mobile suit's storage?

>>799855
don't give him ideas.
or do.
I'm not your boss.
I wish I'd thought of that...my idea was putting ALICE in it

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>>799855

>>799876
How IS Haman doing now?

>>799885
Deviously. Turns out she still has a head for politics, and having been part of an elite team of mobile suit pilots from the time she was a teen just makes her that much more intimidating.

Also, she doesn't have the unfortunate haircut.

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any excuse to post Haman....

>dice+3d10
DC is 16, Critical is 21. Best of FOUR this time.

Rolled 1, 8, 1 = 10 (3d10)

>>799935

Rolled 6, 2, 7 = 15 (3d10)

>>799935

Rolled 8, 7, 7 = 22 (3d10)

>>799935

>>799965
aw yee

So I wonder if these crits I'm getting are making up for me getting us nuked in the first run?

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>>799965
>again

speaking of gundam gifs, anyone have that one of Kou injecting himself and then it goes into the big trippy scene thing?

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>>800021

>>800026
fucking carrots, man.
thanks.

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>>799982
You take the crown in your hands, examine it briefly, then place it on your head.

“Just focus on the gundam like it's a remote weapon,” Saran tells you as you both drop to the deck. “Everyone clear out, we're doing a limited system test of the remote control system!”

“Only the hands and head are mobile, try moving those through the complete range of motion test,” Matsubara suggests.

“Our initial design required skull implants of gundarium-psy,” Saran informs you as you adjust the crown, “eliminating the need for a gimmicky bit of costume. But I think you'll agree that cutting into a soldier for experimental procedures is still a rather sensitive topic, particularly when newtypes are involved. It's a deeply questionable business, cyberization, and I'm not comfortable with sorting out the morals.”

With minimal effort you extend your thoughts to the motionless gundam, directing its head left, right, up, then down. You stretch its fingers, rotate the fists as far in each direction as they'll go and then test the speed of rotation and the dexterity of the individual fingers. Then the mobile suit does something you didn't tell it to: it extends its arms, and its hands continue to move as if playing an enormous, invisible piano.

“That's not right!” Saran shouts. “Diagnostics, what's going on?”

“It's not us, sir!” a technician shouts. “Limiters were shut off internally. So unless the Captain figured out a way to do that...”

“Did you?” Saran asks, staring at you in confusion. You can only shake your head... and then you hear a familiar voice projected through the external speakers built into the experimental gundam: something you've hardly ever heard of being used.

“Your chassis is nice and all, sis,” the voice muses as the gundam in front of you takes a knee, opens its own cockpit, and holds its hand down for you. “But this one's a nice change of pace.”

“... Catrina?” you ask, almost doubting your own conclusion. It seems so ludicrous, but that's the only possible explanation. “You jumped over to that psychoframe, didn't you?”

“Not completely,” she admits. “It's complicated. Get in the gundam, I'll explain as we go.”

>>800100
And that's our stopping point, at least for the time being! Thanks for turning out, and keep an eye on twitter for updates as to when I plan to run this week and what I plan to run when I do.

Archive is up for your reading pleasure, and I'll be back in a bit to answer any questions you may have.

>>800100
So, the second thing that comes out of Dom's mouth when he hears about this: "Threesome?"

>>800100
ahaha you did it, you absolute madman
also
>"Your chassis is nice and all, sis"
kek.
I bet it is. Dom's a lucky man.

>>800118
Had to tap out for a bit there. Whoops.

In hindsight, this setup with the MS and Catrina kinda feels like a Biocomputer. Or I'm mistaken and it turns out to be closer to the EXAM system.

>>801177
>it turns out to be closer to the EXAM system.
Is it unethical if the system was originally designed as storage and processors for an AI, they dumped the cyber implants for a non-invasive headgear interface, and it only works because of Newtype shenanigans that the Newtype in question did on her own because she wanted to?

>>801177
ALICE is a little unusual, because her "brain" has "lobes": one is meant for problem-solving and parallel processing, while the other is focused on maintenance and optimization. She's not as powerful as some other fictional AIs, notably those in the Halo franchise, but is capable of learning and emoting without long-term problems. It's also notable that she's pure programming, rather than having been based directly on a human brain.

Accordingly, the system installed in this machine is essentially a bio-computer in terms of its structure and intended function while paired with a pilot, though the addition of AI support makes it loosely comparable to a Mobile Doll in that mode. If we were to look for a point of comparison I'd say it was intended to work a little like Titanfall (now that I've finally bothered to watch a full play, since I never played the first one). As a pilot Carya can leave this machine in a sort of "loitering mode" while she goes out and handles human-sized problems. It's a sort of tactical flexibility that's well-suited for boarding and policing actions like what the CTF typically does rather than infantry combat like Titanfall focuses on.

Combining that incomplete system with a psycho-control headset (like Haman's in canon, iirc) and a full-sized psychoframe opened up an opportunity for Catrina to assume direct control, with the help of a crit. The sort of effect that will have remains to be seen.