[Longshot appears on camera, walking through what appears to be the many, many, many large, defensive installations of Stane's Wall. His hair is slightly longer, there are large bags under his eyes, and five o'clock shadow has turned into the beginnings of a truly dogshit beard. He looks like absolute shit.]
Alright. So. Update time from the Bowshocks.
I think we know where she is, so we're planning a rescue. That's something. We're only doing one more push before the DOJ gets involved because there's some real wild shit going on behind these big fuckoff walls. But that's not what I wanna talk to you about today. Nor would I want to bring up how much of a fucking anxiety inducing nightmare flying on this planet is at all times, nor the sleep I am losing over this.
What I want to focus on is this.
[He turns the camera. In frame is, fairly adjacent to a number of pillboxes...should be a fairly familiar storefront for Tommy's Pizza; a massive chain that seems omnipresent no matter where one goes in the Orion Arm. He turns the camera back to himself, clearly perturbed.]
How.
[Whatever his camera is appears to vibrate a bit from the feeling of exasperation radiating from his face.]
Fucking how.
[He turns the camera back. There is a very clear "OPEN" neon sign visible.]
This is an active. Warzone. Weapons are expected to be hot at all times. There will be firefights today. And they are OPEN. I am going there to get fucking lunch!
People inside didn't even seem that bothered!
What the smoking hell is wrong with the people who run that company, man.
We're sending a couple of our team members Cradleward for a very short trip soon, and they're looking to get good recommendations for food at stations along the way.
Anybody have any recommends? They don't have any diet restrictions as far as I know.
://Longshot
///:Addendum from User:Ironshot: If you suggest italian, it'd better be good.
[The image is from what must be an external camera aboard VIOLET COMET, it zips through illuminations of color and florets of colorful gunpowder. Colors of blue and green dominate, with some red. VIOLET COMET charges through what must be over six miles of these illuminations, spinning, gaining altitude, diving at a preposterous rate, only to hard course correct before hitting water or land fall. it Climbs, and climbs, and turns; a cruising speed as illumination after illumination below goes off between the many smaller landmasses. Some even go up over the ocean; much larger and probably not entirely all that safer. A planetwide party from beyond the eyes of birds.]
<<<USER_LONGSHOT HAS ESTABLISHED CONNECTION>>>
The best part of the job by far is this.
The joy, the excitement, the parties, the drinks, the solstice outfits.
Never forget that part. Above all else. Never forget you live and breathe and eat like shit and drink like fish. Just like any good person.
The Bowshocks wish you a very merry solstice, and a realtime new year.
We'll be right here ready to help if you need us.
[The image cuts to a still photograph; the Bowshocks in various formal beach attire holding up hollowed out gourdes to the camera on the tarmac of their base' launchpad. Some; namely Sureshot and Longshot, are clearly more raucous in comparison to others like Moonshot and Glamourshot. But all are happy and lucky to be alive.]
Briefing: Full deployment of VMRT-37 to planet <<<STANE'S WALL>>>. <<<STANE'S WALL>>> was a major staging point and location of major battle in distant past in the transition between SecComm and ThirdComm. Siege of <<<STANE'S WALL>>>; already a significantly fortified world due to previous inter-polity relations within the system being frosty at best, lasted 45 weeks and resulted in over 30,000 dead, including 1200 confirmed civilian casualties, although independent research into this matter has been spotty at best.
Political response in aftermath was extraordinarily negative due to deep-rooted sympathies to anthrochauvinist govt throughout class lines being shaken due to various overreaches of force to enforce "security" during the actions. SecComm sympathetic representation became anathema for years in the most affected areas which coincidentally were major population centers; effectively splitting the planet between Union-adjacent and SecComm remnant powers in parliament.
Over the course of [<XXX?] years, Remnant powers isolation created increasingly paranoid and apocalyptic mindsets, changing their immediate philosophy to something referred to as "The True Sons", which appears to be a logical if extremely violent and paranoid endpoint of this ideology. True Sons territory became increasingly difficult to pass through until precisely five weeks prior, when all borders and checkpoints controlled by True Sons were made impassable due to what they deemed "a weakness in the hearts of the wall and a taint of the flesh" and fortified rapidly.
When fire was traded against Civilians attempting to extricate their loved ones, VMRT-37 was sent in to intervene and enforce a crossing.
Mission Goals: Breach defensive perimeter "Rise of Hampton Brook" to allow for emergency response units/DOJ Units to establish safe havens for crossing.
Mission Materials:
Frames
1x ASV PEREGRINE-class Frame piloted by Longshot - "VIOLET COMET"
1x IMI ZEPHYROS-class Frame piloted by Sureshot - "BENEATH THE EYE"
1x GMC SAGARMATHA-class Frame piloted by Ironshot - "DUETTO GUTPUNCH"
1x IPS-N VLAD-class Frame piloted by Glamourshot - "BATHORY OBLIGE"
1x HA KUZUTOV-class Frame piloted by Trickshot - "JUMPSCARE"
1x HOR-Pattern LYCAN Frame piloted by Buckshot - "WARHOUND"
All frames provided by VMRT-37 at cost.
Support Materials
x2 Support pods for ammunition, spare internals/externals that are most often targeted.
x1 complete custom print of WARHOUND external shell due to previous concerns of re-integrating the carapace.
Mission Events TIMELINE:
All events are recorded from the commlink and the Bowshocks' Frames (that were recovered at the scene for review)
14:00: Initial strike begins. All units deployed.
14:10: VIOLET COMET commits to typical maneuvers of it's frame's capabilities; tying up faster units in CQC and attempting to draw AA fire. These engagements also serve as on-site scouting for additional information during dive procedure. BENEATH THE EYE provides cover fire and attempts to pick off defensive installations near edge of combat zone. Further chaos is sowed via BENEATH THE EYE's unusual drone capabilities and JUMPSCARE's electronic warfare, as well as shock attacks designed to eliminate or impair priority support targets. Typical engagement will force True Sons to funnel into the path of BATHORY OBLIGE and WARHOUND, whose front-line capacities are utilized to devastating effect, augmented back-line fire support provided by HIS PROMISED RETURN. Main tactic is to draw fire towards VIOLET COMET, BATHORY OBLIGE and WARHOUND, eliminate priority targets via BENEATH THE EYE/HIS PROMISED RETURN backline fire as well as JUMPSCARE's communications and e-warfare shock tactics; all in order to allow DUETTO GUTPUNCH path of least resistance to begin fortification breach procedures as outlined by pilot Bruno Dellarossa on page 5 of briefing.
14:18: True Sons loyalists adjust tactics abruptly upon initial engagement from anticipated and observed tactics in similar situations. Drones launched by BENEATH THE EYE are singled out and terminated; allowing bottleneck to be broken. This forces BENEATH THE EYE to find cover; a difficult prospect due to relative slow speed of the frame, it's default locomotion, and disadvantageous terrain. This allows True Sons fire support to focus on frontline frames. WARHOUND/BATHORY OBLIGE's armor is able to withstand, but sustained fire forces HIS PROMISED RETURN back. DUETTO GUTPUNCH is also focused down as it makes it's way onto the battlefield. It too is armored, but combined forces effort quickly force it into cover. Mortar fire from DUETTO GUTPUNCH is only effective at scattering infantry and low level grunt frames, damage to the fortification is negligible.
14:21: To the repeated dismay/aggravation of pilots, they must engage the plan as intended, however must now fight their way through without issue. It is determined that use of Support pods are not advisable due to enemy prioritizing support elements in combat operations. Though it is not a popular decision, Support Pods are determined to not be worth investment in this engagement and held. At no point during the battle are they called for.
14:25: Fire support targeting is disabled by JUMPSCARE, forcing manual control of most turrets on the wall. Due to delays in manpower and clever use of Assassin Drones, about half of the arrays are not usable. This does however still pose considerable risk to VIOLET COMET, who must now "hug" the fortification in order to avoid further fire.
14:30: Fire support targeting for the fortification comes back online. VIOLET COMET/JUMPSCARE hypothesize support frame is responsible. Both resolve to focus on AA/Fire support positions in order to flush out support apparatus. This allows both to be able to support each other and force these backline elements to defend themselves, but effectively cuts them off from providing support to the rest of the team.
14:42: DUETTO GUTPUNCH, WARHOUND, HIS PROMISED RETURN, BATHORY OBLIGE, and BENEATH THE EYE are effectively pinned in place by heavy gunners. They are able to trade blows, but due to the failure of e-warfare and increased drone interdiction by True Sons; effective fighting capacity for at least two frames is lessened greatly. BENEATH THE EYE and HIS PROMISED RETURN are able to link up and begin focusing on taking out firing line. JUMPSCARE attempts to fall back to provide linebreaking capacity only to find herself being fired upon; enemy fortifications have Locked On to her and her alone, forcing use of hacking to either break Lock Ons or to do the same as VIOLET COMET. Due to JUMPSCARE's limited range capacity, it can do little but spit out drones that will be destroyed near instantly and provide support for VIOLET COMET, who has redoubled efforts.
14:45: WARHOUND requests GO LOUD. Request is denied due to no significant break in firing line ahead of team. HIS PROMISED RETURN suggests that line can be broken by use of going LOUD and capacity of HIS PROMISED RETURN; asks for trust and support as they perform their work. VMRT-37 opts to send both WARHOUND and BATHORY OBLIGE to maximize chances of line-breaking.
14:50 - 15:25: WARHOUND and BATHORY OBLIGE charge position. HIS PROMISED RETURN designates position between two ARCHER-class frames for Āyah of the Syzygy. BATHORY OBLIGE is patched into enemies comms, wherein pilot Glamourshot begins actively threatening the combatants. Intimidation tactics appear successful as enemy fire focuses down on BATHORY OBLIGE almost exclusively for approximately 4 minutes. BATHORY OBLIGE's armor fails, structure damage is reported. WARHOUND is given clearance for GO LOUD protocol; sheds outer carapace. Successful initial melee attack creates hole in firing line and surprise of LYCAN-pattern frame causes major confusion. BATHORY OBLIGE continues at significantly reduced speed. Enemy combatants attempt to surround BATHORY OBLIGE. DUETTO GUTPUNCH has begun advancing.
15:29: BATHORY OBLIGE is engaged in combat with three frames. Through careful positioning, their close quarters weapon is able to clear initial positions. WARHOUND is given carte blanche to begin attacking any . BENEATH THE EYE and HIS PROMISED RETURN advance, laying supporting fire. It is at this point that DUETTO GUTPUNCH has entered the edge of effective cannon range.
15:34: BATHORY OBLIGE abruptly ceases function. Current theory is broken coolant line caused runaway heat gain. BATHORY OBLIGE's escape pod abruptly fires out behind defensive fortification. All remaining forces now focus DUETTO GUTPUNCH. VIOLET COMET reports shredded status trying to interdict fortifications. JUMPSCARE reports structural damage in similar straits. All available units attempt to defend DUETTO GUTPUNCH. DUETTO GUTPUNCH for it's part fires a barrage, and does significant damage to the fortification.
15:45: Second volley from DUETTO GUTPUNCH lands. <> falls entirely, creating 41 yard wide hole in fortification. Successful breach calls for DOJ/Union forces to appear overhead. <> forces are routed.
16:20: Final stragglers are apprehended or retreat from <>. Total control established. VMRT-37 are posted at abandoned docking bay for repair.
Mission ANALYSIS: Mixed success. Perimeter established. Whereabouts of Glamourshot unknown.
VMRT Team Comments:
<<<USER_LONGSHOT>>> Those shitheels knew we were coming and knew what we were gonna do. Those motherfuckers just knew.
We'll get Glamourshot back. You can quote me on that. We're getting that crazy bitch back.
<<<USER_SURESHOT>>> <OPTED OUT FOR SECURITY CONCERNS>
<<<USER_BUCKSHOT>>> im sorr y tha t <<<USER_Glamourshot>>> d i dnt come b a ck
i w ill do w h at i can to h elp fin d h er
<<<USER_MOONSHOT>>> The trials of Him on High are many and great. When they leave, we know they must return. She will return to us. I am relieved and indeed overjoyed that we have ensured freedom of movement among the populace!
<<<USER_IRONSHOT>>> Seconding Moonie. Princess crazyface will turn up sooner or later. We got the mission done and nobody else had to get hurt in the process. I'd rather focus on keeping the pathway we just built out of bullets from further action, y'know what I mean?
<<<USER_Tr1cksh0t>>> If you're reading this, and you seemed to be pretty clever at figuring out what we were doing, I'll just let you know this:
If you're smart, you killed her before she hit the ground. If you're insane, you took her prisoner.
:///Longshot: I'm sitting here sifting through the husk of a pirate's outpost, just cataloging stuff they stole so it can get picked up. Great stuff, definitely don't want to just blast it all out an airlock, absolutely not trying to find a reason to get back out into Zero-G, cannot begin to describe how much I don't need to get back to the adrenaline of that. I think Sureshot and Trickshot are on the report of how I got to this point. We'll post it later.
///Longshot: Anyway, you know this image, right?
[An image flashes on the screen. It is a wire-frame silhouette of an Everest. This well-known image has a number of red dots all over the Everest's legs, head, around the cockpit, and several large dots in the head. The image is a common example of the concept of Survivorship bias.]
///Longshot: A good friend showed me it during our first few weeks of knowing each other, and I've never stopped thinking about it ever since. I think most of us know that this is a major point about survivorship and all that, but do you want to know where that dataset came from? It's crazy. I found out that it wasn't even from an actual battle. It was from a failed licensing test using paintballs before the virtual tests. Total simulation stuff. The person who attempted it never got in a Lancer-grade Frame again. They didn't even bother giving them a graded score.
:///Longshot: I just thought that was interesting.
:///Longshot: Anyway can you tell I'm tired of cataloging replacement coolant tank parts and tablet glass yet or what-
Got festive with it and I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that any of you that put scarves and cloth all over your mechs are either missing your callings in the fashion industry or out of your mind.
///:Longshot
[IMAGE: A Bisexual Pride flag is haphazardly sprawled across the neck and chassis of a mech; entirely offcenter and at an awkward angle, tied at several different points and yet still loose. It looks like it's going to fall off if it moves even slightly.]
Okay there is one major thing that we learned on that boondoggle of a last mission:
Buckshot does not pilot an Everest.
I don't know how the fuck we missed that, especially given what that became when the going got rough, but uh...I need to do some reading up on what that is. Probably need to have a conversation with Trickshot about how the hell she even got that license at some point.
When I was a kid, somebody told about this guy who had a saying about speed. It was a gift from god, he said. You can't teach it like you can everything else.
I think about it a lot.
Where I lived, the world I lived on, perfect for going fast. Temperate zones had all these winding roads that connected to grasslands that were straight shots. Racing was big, aeronautics manufacture as well. You either got a white collar job, or you made it in putting your own dumb ass in a big machine that goes fast or making the big machine that goes fast that your dumb ass friends jumped into.
A lot of people tried, anyway.
That moment of adrenaline, where you're being crushed into the seat and trying to keep control of it all...So many people either get their first trip to the hospital or swear off it entirely when they manage to pull themselves out of it; shaking like leaves.
I never really had it. I always had that feeling of "it's over already? It was just getting good!".
It's still like that now. Even after everything.
I'm still trying to see more of that gift from god.
And I think I'm gonna keep looking for it.
<<<USER_LONGSHOT HAS LOGGED OUT>>>
<<<USER_LONGSHOT HAS REQUESTED: TAKEOFF TIME TRIAL CLEARANCE. CLEARANCE GRANTED. CLEARING RUNWAY T-1 FOR TRIALS.>>>
