Zero

Zero had some understanding of philosophy. 'The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, according to her databanks. She had some interest in such things, considering she was struggling to determine her own existence and fulfil her desire to know as much as possible.

But there was something about the way Basil said it that irked her. In fact, everything he said irked her. It wasn't merely what he said, but how he said it. As though he hadn't a care in the world. She was... angry? Was that it? But upon checking her records, yes. Yes it was. Of all emotions, 'anger' was the most likely candidate.

"You are mistaken." Her voice was monotone as ever, but it was louder than before. Almost containing a hint of aggression.

"If we are discussing philosophy, then I was also questioning humanity in the philosophical sense. Becoming flesh and blood does... concern me. But I also do not feel it is necessary to define oneself as 'human' in order to be more. According to government records that I hacked into last week, we have a sapient komodo dragon on this base. I imagine they do not define themselves as 'human', but that does not mean they are any lesser for it. Perhaps if I continue to be more, I will wish to be more human. It is possible I will wish for my body to reflect whatever I become. But until then, is it not enough to want to be more without restricting myself to arbitrary labels?"

She only noticed Val at the last minute, stiffly turning her head in a jerky fashion. "My systems are capable of thinking at 27 petaflops a second. In layman's terms, that is 27,000 trillion calculations per second. Is there a reason you are asking me something so obvious?"

Edited by kkhohoho on Mar 16th 2021 at 1:36:09 PM

"I'm yer fairy godmom, come from on high to grant yer deepestht dessthiresth," the lizard said to the red human without missing a beat. "...Whaddya think I am? Ain't it obviousth? Sshiva."

Squirming their way out of the crawlspace, they tried to stand up, though between the still-unfamiliar feeling of doing so and their sluggish state, they had to stop and balance themselves. Turning to the other lady, who for once was more concerned with what the lizard was doing rather than what they are, they dusted themselves off and offered a nonchalant expression - or as best they could manage.

"I wasth lookin' fer the canteen, actually. 'Causthe they wouldn't let me outta my box. Thsorry, 'room'. ...You are familiar with my whole, what'sth the word... 'deal', right? ...Right?" they asked. They'd assumed that there was some kind of announcement on base, if they really were the first ever non-human member of staff. ...Then again, maybe it was all an elaborate set-up and they were just being kept as a glorified pet. Would not surprise them.

"An' what'sth up with the mask?" they felt the need to ask, turning back to the red lady and pointing from the hip at the mask in question. "Looksth like that Darth Vader guy. Just without the... the, the... thing. The low thing. The breathy thing. Yanno what I mean."

Edited by PresidentStalkeyes on Mar 16th 2021 at 7:31:12 PM

"If you think like a child, you will do a child's work."

Commander Eskin - Lounge

“I certainly hope we’re having just a very intense conversation in here.”

Eskin’s voice and tone had a certain bring to it that demanded respect when he made himself known. Not that he ever expected it out the gate. Respect was something you earned in life and no title, no rough barking orders ever got respect. Only mild fear and growing resentment. He knew that better than anyone.

Stepping into the room with his arms behind his back, his left foot notably heavier than the right, his good eye looking between everyone and giving firm nods to each pilot, new and old.

“I trust we know when not to escalate a fight, especially when we’re meant to be on the same team?” He asked calmly.

...

Doctor Stein - Hallway

“Then I have that meeting with the other technicians and then we’re going to go into the facility to-“

The mumbling drone of Doctor Stein could be heard even among the chaos of the ceiling lizard, holding a clip board and repeating her schedule for the day before the presence of other people in the hall made her stop.

Glancing up with a tired look she got an eye full of them.

Catherine Akayama , recent new comer, pilot of Prince Jion.

Magdalena Danaillva, blind pilot of Nova Coppélia, one of her earlier designs that she really needed to have a discussion with in the near future.

And the sentient Komodo Dragon that despite its evident intelligence they continue to ask basic questions like colors and pilot of Wheely Clever.

And the Komodo Dragon was out of its room.

“Pilots.” She stated calmly, scanning between them.

...

Doctor Hawkins - Singers Lounge

“Woo! Tear it up Everett!”

At the front of the, well, singing lounge, carrying several blue prints and looking very, well, manic, was Hawkins, a big grin on his face as he quickly moved through the chairs and stopped just short of the stage.

“You busy buddy no good Great I’ve got WEAPON IDEAS!” He held them out with that wild grin on his face. “And I think Blue Sparrow would be the perfect mech to try them out with!”

Edited by MichaelDj54 on Mar 16th 2021 at 2:59:59 PM

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Magdalena Danailova

Shiva? The Hindu god of dance (and presumably something else)?

The music in the background finally came to an end, the old-fashioned boombox in the corner falling silent. Mags took this as a sign that things were quickly growing entirely out of hand. The other pilot's reaction puzzled her, but she was disinclined to express her confusion. Besides, there were more important matters at hand.

"I am not sure what your 'deal' is, but if you are going to destroy my studio, you will help to clean it up. Yes?"

Something niggled at her, though, breaking through her indignance. Whoever this was, they had been kept trapped in a room and had just escaped. That sounded like doctor behavior, and doctors were not to be trusted. She leaned toward the figure, almost conspiratorially.

"However, if doctors or medical staff have been holding you against your will, you should tell me. I will help."

Just as she said this, a new voice came from the open door. This one, at least, Mags recognized. She straightened hastily, nodding politely at the Doctor (luckily, not a doctor of the medical variety).

"Doctor Stein."

Edited by furnacedoor on Mar 16th 2021 at 1:19:05 AM

Sam just gave a quick bow as his song was over, but the arrival of the eccentric scientist raised an eyebrow from him.

"Thank you, doc," He said, honestly, as he tried to figure out what to say.

Ah, a new weapon? Sounds interesting, but he has some apprehension about it.

"I see," He started "You are sure about this, right? Wouldn't want people to start glowing in the dark or for it to blow up on my hands" There might be an again in there, somewhere

Edited by Blueace on Mar 16th 2021 at 1:10:57 PM

Wake me up at your own risk.

Jayce simply dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand. The point still stood as far as he cared, if they wanted to fight and using violence as an excuse to have fun, they could clear off. Especially considering people their age should know better.

...Whatever. I don't care.

Of course, with the commander showing up, Jayce gave another silent sigh and shrug.

"...If they want to bicker and brawl like children, good luck talking them out of it. A few bruises and they might think twice in the future. Better to get it out of their system now rather then fighting in giant mechanical machines of death."

Hope you weren't expecting anything witty here. Maybe some day.

Taskill

"Don't worry commander I'm sure they know how far they can push themselves 'fore they get injured badly" Taskill says looking over at where the commander was standing "So want brings you down here? Got a kaiju or something for us to fight?"

Basil

"Hm." Basil tapped his chin in response to Zero's query. "I'd hesitate to call 'human' an 'arbitrary label' given that 'human' and 'person' have been fairly interchangeable for most of civilization, but I suppose you have a point."

He wasn't actually surprised at the mention of the sapient komodo dragon. Weird shit had been happening a lot lately. Instead he took it in stride as he walked over to the TV setup.

Before the philosophy talk could continue, however, the commander walked in. Basil rolled his eyes. "Yes yes, just a heated conversation. I was interested in a... friendly sparring match, with Zero here."

He leaned against one of the couches by the TV, a bemused smirk on his face. "So, to what do we owe the honor of your presence, commander?"

What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?

Val

“Yes, Commander. Just a small disagreement about philosophy and where to spar,” Val sighed, somewhat relieved at Eskin's appearance and instinctively straightening up a little. “What Basil said. Do you need us for something?”

Eskin she was on the fence about, but only because she didn't know him much. She admired the presence he exuded, however, and he seemed to draw immediate attention whenever he was in the room. She was no expert, but she assumed those were excellent traits for a commander to have.

Edited by Enirboreh on Mar 18th 2021 at 5:55:49 PM

bork

Zero

As soon as the commander strolled in, Zero spun around her head and torso, giving a firm salute. She had never met the Commander before, but she knew of him. An experienced general, carrying a core in his stomach the same way she was. She supposed that made them similar in some ways. But he was also her commanding officer. Her programming told her that guaranteed respect, no matter his credentials.

But part of her did wonder if he deserved it.

"Greeting, sir. I apologise for causing a stir. However, the fleshy meatbag with a knife challenged me to a duel before confusing my circuit boards. As such, I felt it necessary to address the issue."

Her pupils briefly whirred and expended before shrinking back to their usual shape, almost like the gears in her head were turning. "Additionally, did you earn your credentials, or were they exaggerated or falsified for the sake of a promotion? I am 90% sure they are accurate, but am 10% doubtful they are true. Sir."

Edited by kkhohoho on Mar 18th 2021 at 1:22:16 PM

Commander Eskin - Breakroom.

“Make no mistake people I’m not here to chastise, beat down or browbeat anyone into submission. I’m simply taking my time in this particular quadrant to make sure people’s needs, wants, problems and what have you to make sure everyone is in tip top condition.”

“Though future reference kids.” He sat on a nearby chair and sighed as he did, shaking his head. “I know first and foremost that this job is stressful and you’re gonna be on edge the whole time. Things weren’t too hunky dory with my squad back in the day but we had a few rules to get shit done.”

He held up a few fingers for them. “If you’re gonna fight anyone on your time, remember these basic rules: no mech usage, no lasting damage like broken bones, and get your problems out in the main fight. I don’t have time for petty squabbles and broken pilots.”

His eye snapped over to Zero and he watched her for a moment, his expression unreadable before he sighed snd closed his eye.

“Look, I ain’t gonna go around flashing my medals like they’re an answer to your question. If you want to be technical, yes, I earned my credentials through grit and a whole fuck load of loss. I didn’t magically get to be commander because the higher ups felt bad I lost about 56% of my body and my brothers in fights with walking tectonic plates and giant wolf salamanders. I earned everything square. But if you don’t like me then I ain’t gonna bend over backwards to make you. I’ll keep you safe regardless no matter the opinion.”

He was silent for a moment and then sighed a bit, downing the rest of his coffee before discarding the cup. “Now, who wants to play me in a game of pool? Only damn break room in the place to have it, everything else has air hockey and I fucking hate Air Hockey.”

Dr. Stein - Hallway.

“Pilot Danailova. Still expressing fright and jitteriness in my company. Despite knowing I have no intent on harming her.” She wrote down the information in her clipboard before she turned to the other two.

Having overheard a bit of the conversation she knew the newcomer wasn’t entirely versed in English. So she nodded to her.

“私の名前はステイン博士です。光栄です. (my name is Doctor Stein, I’m honored.”)

And then her gaze turned to the Lizard. “I see you found a break out spot.” She said in a tone that was almost enough to be considered Playful.

Doctor Hawkins-Singers Lounge.

“Nope! Totally safe! I think.” He added that part a bit more rushed and hurriedly before he sifted through his blueprints and slammed one down.

“I’ve managed to take the weird Bio-make up of tbe Kaiju and managed to reverse engineer it into something akin to heat seeking missiles, but it only locks in on a Kaijus genetic make up! Now what I’m thinking is it’d be perfect because Blue Sparrow has good range and has height, so tree could test it from the ground AND the sky!”

Berlin, Germany.

Life in Germany had changed very little in the time of the Kaiju. People went about their lives, refusing to give up their way of life over something as silly as giant monster attacks.

Otto Becker was a Health Care worker running in fumes at this stage in his life. A bit on the portly side but with a kind fatherly disposition, Otto was a welcome sight among the ill. As he rubbed his face with a hand kerchief as the day seemed unseasonably hot, he shook his head as his car sputtered down the road.

He had a lot to do today. Needed to pick up groceries for dinner that night and prepare for his anniversary coming up next week. He had reservations for that nice little place tvat just opened up that Anna had been clamoring about.

The heat was almost unbearable and he rolled his windows down, but nothing seemed to work. Panting, he looked for his water, hands shaking as it grew hotter and hotter. Otto watched in silent horror as his arm began to bulge-

And Otto Becker knew no more, as a titanic form erupted out of the little car puttering down the road.

Portland, Oregon.

Damien Jones was the ultimate deadbeat dad to deadbeat dads.

He repeatedly stated he wanted nothing to do with his kids, clamoring that he had better stuff to do with the child support funds he was forced to pay. He tolerated their existence just to keep up appearances but never truly actually grew up enough to understand responsibility.

So as he walked out of the gas station with a pile of scratch offs he began to etch away at them with a quarter.

Nope.

Nope.

Nope.

With a scowl he tucked a cigarette into his mouth and threw the bum cards wantonly over his shoulder, pausing when he felt a buzz. Reaching down into his pocket he looked at the caller ID.

Amelia.

Rolling his eyes he ignored it and went back to scratching. Then it buzzed again. And again. And again. And finally his limit was reached as he reached down and pulled the phone out of his pocket. Preparing to holler into it about getting off his back, He then felt an uncomfortable heat building in his chest. Eyes wide and heart hammering, he thought it was a heart attack.

It would be much, much worse.

Edited by MichaelDj54 on Apr 2nd 2021 at 3:27:53 AM

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Sam crossed his arms, thoughtfully.

"Well, I could use more accuracy" He noted "Sometimes, going point-blank gets really dangerous"

He shrugged. "Sure, I'll try them out"

Improving weaponry is a never-ending project and as things keep going, they need every advantage they can get.

And life is brief anyway. What's so bad about running some risks?

Wake me up at your own risk.

Taskill

Taskill leans back on the sofa he's sitting on before saying, "If no one else is going to take you up on your offer then I will"

With that said Taskill gets up and grabs a pool cue and stands by the pool table to wait for the commander to join him.

Mags Danailova

Mags crossed her arms tightly over her chest, discomfited at the Doctor's frank appraisal. True, Mags had been relatively stiff with Doctor Stein, but jittery was a bit of an exaggeration. It wasn't Mags' fault that their last encounter had been just after that wretched "mandatory physical," when Mags had still been edgy at the sound of pencils on clipboards. She took a step back, only to step on a loose piece of rubble and stumble slightly to the side. Her dancer's reflexes allowed her to recover quickly, but her face burned in embarrassment which quickly became anger.

"Well," she began harshly (though her voice remained quiet), "regardless of what tortures your medical staff have been dabbling in with whoever this is, I am glad you are here, Doctor Stein. I was promised that this room would be available for my use as a practice space, and I was happy with this despite the dangers of rehearsing without a proper studio. But, as you can clearly see, it is no longer at all usable for this or any other purpose. How long will I be required to wait before this damage can be repaired?"

Mags was normally not inclined to be so talkative nor to express so much emotion, but the idea of going for a week or more without a private practice space was provoking in her a steadily rising panic. When combined with her moment of embarrassing weakness, it was as if somebody had struck a match within her, and she suddenly needed to know, right this second, that this obstacle would be removed. Still, though she wanted to move to emphasize her point, her feet remained rooted firmly to the ground. She would not risk failing to navigate the debris once again, not in view of others.

GAKDS Headquarters - On the Way To Break Room

Steven was late. He knew that much. It wasn't by much, but it was lateness. And he knew his dad would cover for him, but he ALSO knew his dad wouldn't be very happy about it. Not long behind Steven was his brother Brandon, who would be fulfilling the job of an analyst, data technician and tech expert here.

Brandon was pretty faced, thin enough to be mistaken for a woman (several times in fact even very recently), and his shiny blue eyes were covered glasses. An opposite to the tall, athletic and dark haired Steven in many ways.

Brandon was quite visibly disappointed in Steven. As if he could guess why he was late like this.

Dressed in his military body armor, some of the highest grade stuff available, it fit tight and let Steven move dynamically. His hair was short but disheveled, and his icy blue eyes had a glimmer of mischief today. His flight suit was on its way over as well - just in case anything happened today of all days.

His dad was "handling" the mech and some last minute tests just to make sure Steven was safe. Thus accounting for some of the delays.

Brandon tapped his shoulder, and then tapped it again when Steven ignored the first tap, "Did...did you have to do...whatever it was you were doing that early? We needed to prepare a lot for our arrival here."

"I needed to have some time. I didn't think it'd take as long as it did, and I...didn't take account of the delays. Sorry." Steven said with a coy grin. A dating app in his pocket buzzed, several angry private messages being sent his way. He thought back to early this morning...

---

A brief mental step back, Steven's wide, muscled back visible, he was otherwise left covered by sheets. The legs of a woman curled around him. Cries of passion...

---

Steven shrugged, his brother sighed, and they kept moving.

Steven walked by some open workout and practice rooms, followed by entering the break room. The American pilot took note of everyone he saw who seemed to him to be people he might be working with. He immediately saluted, staying quite confident looking as he reported in, "Steven Skylar reporting in. Unaccounted for delays and necessary preparations caused a less than fortuitous arrival schedule, Sir."

"A-And I'm B-B-Brandon Skylar, reporting in, Sir. I-I'm like...supposed to be t-taking the job of a tech guy, Sir...?" You could almost hear Brandon shivering.

Okay, so. Evaluation time. Pretty boy, dyed blond cutie...is that a robot chick...? And mm, a gal who really needs to let the body breathe, another pretty boy and...OOOH BABY, EURO BOMBSHELL! And...is that a lizard person? One eye guy, and another pretty boy.

Well, I think I'm gonna have some fun working here. Not that many threats on the romantic front.

Edited by NickTheSwing on Mar 31st 2021 at 11:09:53 AM

Austin, Texas.

Maddie Clayman was a simple woman who lived a simple life. She got up in the morning, she made breakfast for her family, she went out to get groceries, she came home and painted her two paintings she promised she would start working on as the start of New Years resolution.

To say she was proud of herself for keeping it up was an understatement. She was happy to have a hobby again.

Dapping her brush into a blue she brought it near the bottom of the page. Maybe a beach, maybe a vase? The possibilities were endless. She was truly at peace here, alone with something she was happy to do.

At least until the kids came home and started asking for things, like help with her homework and suddenly her free time was shot. Suddenly the few hours of “her” she had were gone. Suddenly she stopped being Maddie the Painter but Maddie the Mother.

She loved her family don’t get her wrong but she just had so much she wanted to do and she couldn’t do that here like this, she needed peace, calm, an escape!

Well wishes had this nasty habit of working but never in ones favor. Because as she began to move down the paper again her stomach twisted. Frowning, and trying to ignore it, she tried to brush downward and was met with another crippling wave of pain-

Then she fell to the floor, and her groans of pain became growls of bestial rage...

GAKDS headquarters.

Stein was prepared to offer sone level of Solace to Mags.Eskin was preparing to have fun and maybe make some bets, as well as greet the two new comers. Hawkins was already making a plan for the weapons-

And then the klaxon alarms went off, filling each room with bright red lights and intense sirens.

Stein looked up and sighed. Her tone went a bit higher to be heard over the siren. “ILL MAKE SURE YOUR ROOM IS FIXED BY THE TIME YOU GET BACK.” She loudly proclaimed.

Hawkins sighed and grinned. “When you get back?” He grinned, snapping finger guns at him.

“Eskin here.” Eskin said, his tone now serious snd intense as he approached a screen. “What’s the status?”

“Three cases sprouted up sir. Berlin, Austin and Portland.”

Separate screens appeared before them. A massive bipedal boar line creature crushed a building in Berlin, bellowing loudly over the screams of the people below.

In Portland, a massive, ebony skinned creature with magma filmed cracks stomped through the streets, training magma where it’s massive lizard line tail dragged behind it. It opened its long, crocodilian mouth and rather than roar, belched out a billow of lava into the streets below.

In Austin, a vaguely feminine looking insect rose from the rubble of a destroyed house. It’s form lithe but it’s massive wings unfurled and as they did, a wave of pollen erupted out as well, coating the air and several blocks around it.

Eskin nodded and he grabbed a walkie talkie, and pressed the button. “This is Commander Eskin alerting all active Mecha Pilots, we have three running rampant. Split up among them, follow your GPS, make your judgement calls and bring these things down, located in Berlin, one in Austin and one in Portland.”

“I need an air borne one minimum in Austin, it looks like we got a flier.”

“Suit up folks, it’s time to earn that paycheck.”

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Steven and Brandon

The US Military escort with Steven stepped forward and informed him in a weary voice, "Sir, the Strike Zone Impact is ready to go whenever you are. We have your suit prepared."

Steven observed all the cases popping up, thinking about which route he wanted to go first. Well, considering they needed an airborne mech pilot in Austin, he figured that was where he'd go first. Steven grinned with audacious confidence, "Well, looks like it didn't take very long for me to get my first chance at glory. My mech's capable of flight, so I am down to swat that bug outta the air. Then I'll head on over once I'm all done and go boar hunting...like I always did back home with Dad."

Steven eagerly grabbed a suitcase up, and didn't even wait till he was in a side room - he stripped out of his military fatigues down to his white undershirt and boxer shorts, and easily got his flight suit on. Then, he headed down posthaste to the hangars to get into Strike Zone Impact.

He looked around for it and said, "Alright folks, time for the best pilot in the best military in the world to show what he's got!"

Zero

Zero didn't care much about where she was sent. All that mattered now was returning to the hanger and rejoining her other self. And then she could do as she was told. Not that she always agreed with her orders. At times, she felt they were nonsensical. Or believed there were better things to be doing with her time.

But what choice did she have?

She rushed over, marching towards her better half. Its chest already open, she fell back, slotting herself in and hooking herself up to its systems. Her lesser self went limp, consciousness expanding through every gear and circuit she was connected to.

Zero was gone. Kaiju Buster Zero was.

She flexed her fingers, giving herself a quick once over. But she could already tell everything was in working order. "UNIT ZERO REPORTING FOR DUTY. AWAITING DEPLOYMENT."

And perhaps battling the kaiju, she'd get a chance to air her many, many frustrations on those who could take it.

Edited by kkhohoho on Apr 1st 2021 at 10:32:07 AM

Taskill

Taskill hearing the commander saying that three cases had emerged sighed and put the pool cue back where he'd taken it from and headed for the hangar where Leviathan Rho was located. Pushing on a section of the mech's chest a hatch opened allowing the man access to the cockpit therein.

As he jumped into the cockpit of the mech he removed his shirt and pants to reveal that he had his pilot suit on and placed his hands into the special yokes that allowed him to channel his power throughout the massive machine. Anyone looking at the mech would see the dimmed lines over its body filling with a crimson light starting from the chest and going outwards from there. Once they are completely lit up the mech's eyes would flash.

"Leviathan Rho heading out for Berlin" Taskill said over the commlink as Leviathan Rho began to slowly move out of the hangar, and once clear of it would quickly build up speed.

Steven

The Strike Zone Impact was already ready to go by the time Steven got to it, and seeing someone already heading out, he quickly got his machine's cockpit opened up. Step one, head to Austin and step on a bug. Step two, head over to Berlin for a pig hunt.

Once inside, Steven started flicking on a number of switches, and the inside of the mech started to light up. The cockpit closing up behind him.

He leaned back into his seat as what looked like a pair of mechanical gauntlets and boots locked into place. Followed by a helmet and armor on his torso. Each showed some light blue circuitry, followed by the machine starting up.

"Alright, Steven Skylar, Strike Zone Impact, heading out! I'm gonna plant a red white and blue flag on that monster's carcass!" And with that his mech flew up and out of the base as its flight pack engaged. Before long it was moving along off to Austin to fight the insectoid.

Val

Val found herself grinning with uncontrolled excitement as the klaxon blared, and after overhearing their options she outright giggled and ran straight towards the hangar towards Púkakönguló. Through use of a rather rudimentary ladder system built into the spider-mech's legs, she clambered up towards the cabin with surprising speed; hauling herself up onto a platform jutting out to the side of it and opening the door into the one cozy space of the entire cavernous machine.

“Valþrúður Ísaksdóttir at the ready. Púkakönguló is headed for Portland,” she informed over the intercom, making her decision quickly as she snuggled herself up in the pilot's seat and readied herself for a battle. She let out a long breath to calm her nerves, before ushering the mecha forwards at its typical slow pace—sighing in slight relief as the temperature rose a fraction due to the machine's movements beginning to heat it up.

Off we go, then...!

Kicking its movements into overdrive, Val let out an excited whoop as the machine began to rapidly scuttle off to match the pace of the others.

Edited by Enirboreh on Apr 2nd 2021 at 11:23:43 AM

bork

Magdalena Danailova

Mags was surprisingly sanguine as she made the journey to the Nova Coppélia's hangar, despite the discomfort of the sirens. She'd been relieved to hear that her room would soon be intact once again, and it was that knowledge which bolstered her even as she prepared to enter combat with alien beasts. Her white cane swept wide arcs as she walked, efficiently but not hastily, through the hallways. She'd thought to stop at a data screen for more information, but GAKDS hadn't exactly designed the things with thought to the needs of the visually impaired, so that was more likely to be an exercise in frustration than anything actually useful. Instead, she relied on Eskin's broadcasted words; Austin needed fliers, and the Nova Coppélia could certainly fly.

Mags ran her hand lightly over one of the rings which made up the Nova Coppélia's chassis as she entered the cockpit. She collapsed her cane and shed her jacket, leaving both in a small lockbox secured to one wall in exchange for a flight suit which she zipped up over the leotard and shorts she'd been rehearsing in earlier.

With only a few steps forward she was in position at the console, a testament to how cramped the cockpit was. This suited her just fine: every gauge, lever, and button was within easy reach, and it made the craft feel like an extension of her own senses. As she settled her customized helmet and earpiece into place, she idly thought that she might be one of the few people in the world who could see more in the Nova Coppélia, rather than less.

"Nova Coppélia beginning launch sequence. All hangar occupants, please secure protective gear. Or...close your eyes."

With a flicker, then a flash, the Nova Coppélia erupted into a sphere of light. At the same moment, its interlocking wheels began to spin, all orbiting the supernova-bright core. As the rings picked up speed, the Nova Coppelia retracted its landing gear, leaving it suspended for a moment in midair as wider shield panels filled in some of the gaps left by the spinning rings, dimming the light slightly.

Within the cockpit, unnoticed by Mags, light had washed out all detail. To an ordinary pilot, standing in the cockpit of the Nova Coppélia would feel like the moment after a flashbang was detonated, stretched on indefinitely. But within Mags' helmet, something altogether different was occurring. Her ears were filled with an orchestra of sound, each note conveying a discrete piece of information about her surroundings. It was cacophony, and it was music to her ears. It wasn't sight; it was something better.

With no further fanfare, the Nova Coppélia rose toward the top of the hangar, and then darted through the open bay doors.

"Pilot Magdalena Danailova checking in. Nova Coppélia is en route to Austin."

Edited by furnacedoor on Apr 2nd 2021 at 12:11:14 PM

Basil

"Eh, sure." Basil said, strolling over to the pool cues. "I could go for a game. Anything to kill this boredom."

Then, as if on cue, the klaxons went off. "Or not." Basil grinned. "Showtime it is, then."

Basil followed the others to the hangar, where his Angel awaited. As he entered, he shed his clothes, revealing his pilot suit underneath, a thin bodysuit that allowed for freedom of movement.

Swinging forth a wire like a grappling hook, he clambered onto Maria's back, where the entrance to the cockpit lay. As he entered, the machine automatically responded to his presence, sealing the cockpit back up and rising from its slumped position as it confirmed his biometrics.

There was no seat; unlike most other mechs, Basil preferred to pilot Angel Maria while standing. Brushing his hair out of his face, Basil gestured, and Maria responded to his will. Though her wings did not beat, she lifted from the ground nonetheless, departing the hanger in a smooth glide.

"Pilot Basil Adami, checking in. Angel Maria is heading for Portland."

And then the Angel shot off into the distance, in the same direction as the Púkakönguló. The Angel settled into position above the Spider, her body horizontal as she flew. An internal anti-grav field kept Basil in place as he casually reclined in mid-air.

Edited by kagescorpionakki on Apr 2nd 2021 at 3:40:40 PM

What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?

Zero

With the others heading off without receiving specific orders, Zero was at a loss. Most of the other pilots had already sortoed, and they had all chosen their destinations in the space it took to breath. She could not breath. But even so, was she capable of making her own decisions as they did?

"UNIT ZERO HEADING FOR PORTLAND."

Apparently so.

She zipped towards Basil and Val, using a sliver of Zero Point Energy to pop in ahead of the group. Part of her chided herself for wasting energy, but what was the saying? Oh, yes.

'Totally worth it.'

Edited by kkhohoho on Apr 2nd 2021 at 4:55:48 AM

"I see" Sam said, looking at the dangerous situation. "Going to Austin"

On his white and blue pilot suit gave him a ghostly image, as he looked at the cockpit of his machine, currently resembling more a fighter jet than anything else. Only the laser cannon in the bottom seemed out of place, but the blue machine had made its power known. Sam ran a hand over the wing decals before climbing up with a steady pace.

The cockpit had a seat and several switches, screens and a few odd joysticks popping around surrounding the seat. Getting to his seat, he prepared everything for take-off.

"Power, ammo, thrusters..." He quickly gave all the systems a check just for safety, as a wilder look seemed to take over.

"Blue Sparrow, launch! Destination, Austin" The machine sprung to life, its engines roaring as it accelerated before starting to lift from the ground. He followed the path left by the others.

Wake me up at your own risk.